A/N: Here's another chapter. This one will be short! Or… it was supposed to be, before I decided to have Miles do Logic Chess on Robin… heh… Robin's attempt at a staring match is where the session starts. Remember, the chess pieces are in Edgeworth's imagination, so Robin wont see them.

Sorry for how long it took to post up. I had a REALLY hard time writing this.

It doesn't help that I REALLY want to write Professor Layton (*coughLukecough*) fanfiction. Doesn't help that I'm replaying the series in chronological order, and just finished playing Last Specter and watching Eternal Diva

Anyways, onto the chapter!

Chapter Seven: Checkmate

Robin's POV

The woman who was over me when I woke up came out of the kitchen, carrying a plate of toast with jam on it.

Thanks to the medicine that doctor gave me, I felt wrapped up in warm fuzz and like I was floating. However, that didn't stop my stomach from grumbling when I spotted the food.

"Here you go, Robin," she said, putting the plate in front of me, along with a glass of orange juice. I quickly reached forward, picking up the toast.

"Eat slowly," another person, the man who followed her into the kitchen, said as he leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed. I hesitated before nodded, taking small bites. After I finished the first piece, I realized something.

That woman's eyes had seemed familiar. I had seen them before.

I recognized them because they were the same as the thief – the Yatagarasu – I had met last night at Exxan.

"My name is Kay," she said, sitting on the couch next to me. "And that's Mr. Edgeworth." I looked up at the man before getting another surprise.

It was his car I had fallen asleep against the other night.

"Uh… sorry if I dirtied up your nice car," I apologized lamely. Mr. Edgeworth chuckled.

"It wouldn't be the first time I've had blood in my car."

"B-blood? I meant when I fell asleep against it…" I clarified. Kay snickered from next to me while Mr. Edgeworth jerked back slightly, looking surprise for a moment, before quickly recovering, adjusting his glasses.

"Right. Of course," he said. Kay snickered again while Mr. Edgeworth collected himself, and I ate the second piece of toast and sipped on the juice. Mr. Edgeworth sighed and came over, sitting in the chair across from the couch.

"Robin—"

"How do you know my name?" I demanded, just now realizing Kay had said my name as well.

"I am a prosecutor. While I wasn't on your parents' case, I have access to the files. After seeing you the other night, I looked into it again because of how familiar you looked," he explained. I froze, my brain trying to process that through the drug-induced fuzz. "Robin, you have to know your parent's killer is still at large. You were a witness. Your testimony would be vital to putting him or her away," Mr. Edgeworth explained. I continued to stare at him while my fuzzy brain caught up.

Snitch

The word floated up through the fog, and I tried to jump up. Pain flared through the left side of my body, and the world spun, most likely due to the drug. I stumbled, and would have fallen, if it wasn't for Kay catching me, I would have hit the ground.

"Whoa! Easy!" Kay chided, lowering me back onto the couch. I closed my eyes, trying to breath through the pain. Mr. Edgeworth was watching me closely when I opened them again.

"Why did you try to run?" he asked. I clammed up, the drug, pain, and fear making it hard to think. If anything, though, I knew I couldn't tell him the truth. Instead, I attempted to have a staring match with him. He smirked and shook his head, studying me for a few minutes as though collecting his thoughts. He then locked his eyes on me.

"Why did you break into Exxan last night?" he asked. I felt like I was being interrogated, but ignored the feeling. I was still trying to keep my fear in check.

"I... I wanted information. I needed to know—" I cut myself off. If I told him what I needed to know, someone as smart as him would put the pieces together easily. That would be snitching, wouldn't it?

"Needed to know what?" Mr. Edgeworth asked, latching onto my half a sentence. I panicked.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. What would a sixteen year old homeless kid like me have to do with a company like that?" Even as I spoke, I was mentally yelling at myself to stop, to shut up. Mr. Edgeworth shook his head.

"You had something to do with that company before you became homeless, Robin. Your father worked there before he passed away," he pointed out.

"W-well… I was six! That still has nothing to do with me… Dad never talked about work with me. I know nothing," I replied. It was the truth, after all. Mr. Edgeworth simply nodded, staying quiet. Waiting for me to make the next move, I'd imagine. I grasped at it.

"Look, Mr. Edgeworth, I'm... really tired. Can I go to sleep?" I asked. Mr. Edgeworth shook his head, and my heart dropped into my stomach.

"I'm sorry, Robin, but breaking and entering is a crime. If you wish to not go to jail, then I need to know what you were doing there."

"W-wait… jail? But I'm only sixteen… you can't try me as an adult… besides, it's not like I hurt anyone. I'm the one who got shot by—" I cut myself off, horror rolling through me as I realized what I was just about to do. These drugs were making it hard to focus… or was that my fear?

"Who did you get shot by, Robin? It's almost as though you know your attacker," Mr. Edgeworth demanded.

I jerked back, shivering hard. "I…" I nearly broke, but a fresh wave of horror rolled over me at the thought. "No! I… I don't know him! I've never seen him before in my life!" I took a few deep breaths, forcing myself to calm down. "I've never met the man who shot me until last night…"

Mr. Edgeworth nodded and seemed to collect his thoughts before smiling slightly at me.

"How about a change of topic? Why were you in that parking garage the other night? I know there are plenty of other warm places for someone in your position to sleep at night," Mr. Edgeworth said.

"Oh. Um. Well… I wasn't… that close to my usually places that night… and it was getting late…" I explained rather lamely. It was the truth, but…

"Why weren't you near your usual spots?"

I knew he was going to question that…

"Well, I was hungry… and I wanted something other then dumpster scraps, so… I went to the grocery store that night…" I explained. Again, truth.

"The grocery store is quite far from that specific parking garage. How did you end up there?"

"A cop chased me out of the store. I lost him in a condemned building," I explained. Mr. Edgeworth crossed his arms in thought, considering this information. He then looked at me again.

"There is only one condemned building in that area, and it's still quite the hike from there to that garage. So tell me, Robin, what happened after you lost him?" he asked. I bit my lip. This was the part I didn't want to talk about. Not now, not ever. I gripped my pant legs.

"W-well… I… um… hung out for a bit… ate one of my apples… and then found that parking garage," I explained, skipping over the chase. "I just wanted somewhere to sleep, and it seemed the most secure."

"Why did you pick somewhere so hard to get into to sleep, Robin? After all, unless you're skinny enough, and athletic enough, to jump the gate, one would need an ID card to get in there that time of night." He asked. I shrugged.

"I don't know. I just picked it. There was no specific reason…"

"You just said that you 'just wanted somewhere to sleep' and that it seemed 'the most secure.' Ergo, that tells me you looked specifically for a place to hide that not just anyone could get into!" he said, pointing at me.

"Huh!? No!" Damn it, I did just say that! "I just… why wouldn't I want somewhere secure to sleep?"

"That just seemed like a very specific way to word it. After all, I know most people in your position would prefer warmth and comfort rather then security. That parking garage offers neither warmth or comfort!" he pointed out.

I was in full panic mode at this point.

"I… I… I just picked a stupid place, okay!?" I snapped. Mr. Edgeworth, crossed his arms, watching me while he seemed to collect his thoughts. I fell quiet as well, taking a few deep breaths before looking away. "It was just a place to sleep. I'm sorry if I dirtied up your car in the process," I added with a hint of bitterness. Mr. Edgeworth seemed to ignore the tone.

"There wasn't even a speck of dirt on it, Robin. Do not worry about that. I just want to understand what's going on with you," he replied. I sighed.

"I was in the area, and I just wanted somewhere to sleep, that's all. I just happened to run by that building and decided it would be the best place.

"Run?" Mr. Edgeworth asked, and I realized my mistake a moment too late. "Why would you be running?"

"Um…" my brain stalled. "Exercise?"

"At that time of night, when you were looking for somewhere to sleep, with only an apple in your stomach? Robin, your story is falling apart," he pointed out, although his look showed more pity then anything else.

"Wha!? I… I just… you just can't…" I could feel my body shaking once more, but I was powerless to stop it. "I just needed somewhere safe to hide." The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.

"Why did you need somewhere safe to hide?" Mr. Edgeworth asked – no, demanded.

"I…" I cast my mind around for the most believable like I could think of, until finally, I found one and seized it. "There are all kinds of creeps out there, and I'm just a young kid. Why wouldn't I need somewhere safe to hide?" I shot the question back at him. His eyebrows rose as he listened to my answer.

"You're saying you were afraid of a creep?" he asked, and I almost laughed at hearing a man of his stature using a word like 'creep.' His next words expelled that amusement though. "So you are actually admitting that you were hiding? If that were the case though, why don't you hide every night!?"

"I… uh… that… Sometimes it just… can't be helped!" I replied, knowing how weak an argument it sounded. Mr. Edgeworth didn't even respond, but that gave me time to collect my thoughts. I took a deep breath in another futile attempt to calm myself.

He was getting too close to the truth.

"I'm not always near a safe place once it gets late," I explained.

"Why don't you just stick to the safe places you find?" he asked. I shook my head.

"Well, I'm always moving to stay hidden."

"That seems a little odd," he mused.

It does?

"I would think someone would stay somewhere safe if they were scared of creeps, rather then trying to stay hidden. It wasn't creeps you were hiding from, was it!?" he demanded, pointing once more at me. I hesitated, biting my lip.

"W-well… I… creeps are a real threat, you know…" I muttered, trying to stall for time to think of something. He didn't give me a chance.

"Robin, who were you hiding from that night?"

"I was hiding from creeps who would try to take advantage of me, that's all," I asserted. I knew now would be a dangerous time to change my story, even if I was freaking out like crazy on the inside.

It didn't help that my arm was throbbing again.

"Robin, someone in your position would want to stay somewhere safe if it was from an everyday said you want to stay hidden, which one wouldn't do from a threat like that," he pointed out.

"Wha!?" I gasped, realizing he was right. I dug myself a hole. I had to claw my way out. I just can't be a snitch!

I need to know the truth, Robin. I want to help you and bring your parent's killer to justice. You need to tell me everything!"

"I… I can't. I just… I can't snitch on him…"

"Robin, it's not snitching," Mr. Edgeworth said, and I flinched. Did I say that out loud? "It's telling the truth to bring justice about." He slammed his hand down on the coffee table between us, making my cop and plate rattle together. "I need the truth!"

"I… I…" I was desperate. I was shaking harder. My breathing felt short. My head spun. "Who said anything about snitching?"

"You just did! Who is it, Robin? Who are you protecting!?"

"Protecting…?" That was a strange way of putting it. "I'm not—"

"Allow me to answer you. You're protecting the killer of your parents. He threatened you, causing you to stay hidden all these years. Then, he saw you chased you the other night, prompting you to climb into the parking garage, where we first met. He works for Exxan, where your father worked, and you wanted to know why he killed your parents, so you broke into Exxan last night. Unfortunately, an alarm was triggered, and he found you and shot you in the arm," he explained.

He was right. He knew everything. He managed to pull all of that out of me, without my ever saying a word. But if I said yes now… if I admitted the truth…

Fear rolled over me. My head snapped up, tears clouding my eyes, as I stared at the man in front of me.

"No…" It was a weak denial. He didn't even blink. Suddenly, I found the words tumbling out of my mouth before I could stop them. "No! I can't snitch on him! He'll kill me!"

"Hmph. Checkmate." Mr. Edgeworth stood, walking away across the room for a box of tissues. Kay's arms suddenly wrapped around me, pulling my head close to her chest. I buried my face into her shirt, letting out ten long years worth of tears full of sadness and fear. I could vaguely hear Kay yelling at Mr. Edgeworth, but I couldn't tell what they were saying. Soon, the two fell quiet. I tried to stop crying, I really did, but I just couldn't help it.

I don't know how long it took before I finally pulled back slightly from Kay. She had a tissue ready and waiting in her hand, and wiped my eyes gently with it.

"It'll be okay," she muttered soothingly. I blinked up in surprise at her. This was the first time… in ten years… that I've felt and heard such a soothing… almost motherly touch.

"Robin…" Mr. Edgeworth said, and I was surprised at the softness of his voice.

"Hm?" I asked, turning back to the man.

"Do you know the name of the man who… shot you?" he asked, going for the lesser of two evils. I shivered again.

"I…" I hesitated.

"Please. He wont be able to kill you now," Mr. Edgeworth said. I stared at him for a few moments before something clicked in me.

Snitch or not, there was now a hit on me. I would die either way if he caught me.

I might as well take him down with me.

With a nod, I pulled fully away from Kay, searching my pockets for the flash drive.

"His name is Patro Lium. He's head of security at Exxan. I… where is it?" My brow furrowed as I tried to think back. Did I drop it? No… I made sure it was pretty secure in my pocket—

I remember! Lium took it after he shot me. I tried to fight, but he struck me across the face…

"Damn," Mr. Edgeworth growled. I looked back up.

"What?"

"We can't try him again. Double Jeopardy," he frowned. I sighed softly, looking down. Of course.

"Well," Kay started thoughtfully. "Maybe not for Robin's parents' murders… but if they're not his only victims…" she said.

"They weren't. I had all of my evidence on my flash, but Lium took it when he shot me." I sighed. "And I can't hack into the private database from just any computer. It needs to be one on their network.

"Looks like the Yatagarasu has some work to do!" Kay said brightly, jumping to her feet. I looked after her, remembering that she was one and the same with the Great Thief. Her smile turned into a thoughtful look. "But I can't hack."

"I can," I said.

"Whoa, wait a minute," Mr. Edgeworth said, standing. Kay ignored him, turning to me, her eyes lighting up.

"That's right! And you're good, kid. I saw you lift those apples, and you got into the CEO's office without an issue…"

"Kay, no," Mr. Edgeworth said, only to be ignored again.

"Robin, this is a truth you yourself need to figure out as well. Perhaps more then anyone else. I don't extend this invitation lightly though. If you accept, it's for life."

"Kay, stop this madness!" Mr. Edgeworth snapped. My attention was riveted on the woman in front of me though.

"Invitation?"

"Robin… would you like to join the Yatagarasu?"

"Wha…?"

"OBJECTION!" Mr. Edgeworth yelled, making us both jump. I groaned slightly as it jolted my arm, making me realize the meds were wearing off. "Kay, I forbid you to pull anyone else into the foolishness! Besides, he's too young and you're too inexperienced!"

Kay's eyes narrowed, and she stood, stalking over to the Prosecutor.

"'Foolishness?' Remind me again, Mr. Edgeworth: who was it that made it possible for you to finally bring down the smuggling ring? Who bought justice to countless corrupt companies who were above the law and unable to be touched? Who bought evidence to light when the courts needed it to bring certain individuals down from their pedestals of power? If it weren't for my father and Detective Badd, there would be a LOT more corruption out there," she snapped.

"All through illegal means," Mr. Edgeworth snapped back.

"Which I know and I understand, but haven't you gone outside the bounds of a Prosecutor to bring down criminals? Wasn't it you who gave up your badge to save me, or acted as Mr. Wright's connection in changing the ENTIRE judicial system to bring down one man, simply because he framed your friend and got him disbarred, or who, and this is the best one, allowed a convict on DEATH ROW to continue practicing law in order to bring down and international spy? None of those sound exactly fully legal to me!" She shook her head. "My father wasn't perfect. He didn't have a spotless record. But you need to get off your damn high horse and stop acting like you do." She turned back to me, leaving the man speechless.

"Robin, the Yatagarasu is made up, usually, of three people. The first one was my father who was a prosecutor," she glanced over at Mr. Edgeworth, who was looking away, almost in shame, clutching his left arm. "A brilliant detective, and a defense attorney. They… well, most of them… devoted their lives to bringing about the truth and ending corruption. The second Yatagarasu is just me right now, but I wish to do the same. I can train you, and while I am a little inexperienced, I feel the two of us together could really bring an end to corruption. What do you say?" she asked, extending a hand. I looked from it, up to her face, and back.

A chance to end corporate corruption. A chance to bring not just Patro Lium, but all of Exxan to justice.

A chance to stop this from ever happening to another kid again.

I took her hand with a determined smile.

"I'm in."

A/N: So… Yeah. That argument between Edgeworth and Kay was TOTALLY unplanned, and it kind of wrote itself… but she made some really good points, don't you think?

I plan on writing a bonus chapter at the end of this tale doing the Logic Chess session in this chapter from Edgeworth's POV, so don't worry about that!

Next chapter? Training!

By the way, the shortest chapter in the outline turned out to be the longest so far in writing…