Before the chapter begins, I would like to thank all of you who have read my stories up until now! I apologize for the very, very, very long wait for updates. But know that ever since I started writing for the Ace Attorney series, I never left any piece unfinished, no matter than number of years that may pass. My passion for their games and especially the MilesxFran pairing always has a special place in my heart, and I will continue to write as I wish in the future.
Also, I shall advise you in advance that I will likely be changing my pen name since I might have outgrown it haha. I've used it since my high school days and I simply wish to change it now. Nevertheless hopefully my growth as an author will remain as is. Please feel free to review, comment, give suggestions or criticize my work. I'll try my best to do the appropriate and due research for all of them to present my best.
Medical procedures mentioned may not be entirely adequate and conclusive to diagnose and evaluate retrograde amnesia, and I claim no absolute knowledge in this field. When I do study neuroscience in detail, I shall make the necessary amends. For now, I hope the events that transpire will not be too medically erroneous, as I try my best to fit in with whatever helps with story progression. If you have knowledge about these matters dear reader, I would love feedback so I would be guided and would create a better environment for the AA characters. I apologize in advance if I had made any errors or discrepancies.
Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I will continue to write. You guys certainly made my days in school less stressful.
Standard Disclaimer Applies
Recap:
The plot thickens as Franziska von Karma recovers her memories of the plane crash incident through a hypnotic exercise with Detective Ema Skye and Miles Edgeworth. She discovered Captain Zachary Kiegel aided her in Konfu Shing, or Edward Florence's capture and arrest, but the results were unexpected- he took a gunshot to the leg and was pushed out of the plane with a parachute, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Franziska had secured evidence and placed it in a bag in the cockpit of the plane, which Miles Edgeworth had obtained in one of his investigations in the crash site- all except the gun which had Shing's fingerprints on them.
Franziska had another ace up her sleeve- the audio transmitter she placed in her handbag placed on her seat during the flight. If she could have a way to recover it, she could take its memory with its special recorder function and submit it as an incriminating piece of evidence- they may have a chance to find Florence and win the case against him with the charges of assault, and attempted murder.
TEN
-English Guesthouse, Stockbridge, Hanpshire-
April 4 10:06 AM
"Will that be all the files you need, Mr. Edgeworth?" Ema wrote noted Miles's instructions on her tiny planner notebook.
"Yes. For now, I need the flight records forensics obtained, and the info R&D has from the plane's red box. Also, I need the record to confirm Franziska's call to the authorities as well. I need BALPA's sworn testament of Captain Shing's inaction and lack of communication for the past weeks since the crash as well." Miles repeated his orders to be sure. He suddenly saw Franziska stir on the guest bed.
"Are you alright?" Miles looked at her with concern.
"Yes... I'm fine Miles Edgeworth. I just... We need to get my handbag. My audio transmitter and recorder are in there. It could be used as evidence."
"Do you know where it is?" He asked.
"After the accident, I wasn't able to claim whatever belongings I had. They might be still at the plane."
"There isn't any other bag in that plane except your evidence bag. I searched every nook and cranny there last time." Miles said.
"Then..." a look of disappointment crossed her face.
"What if the hospital you were brought to has it? Did you have it on you when you collapsed?" Ema asked.
"I was going to go back to the cockpit, but I collapsed on my chair, so likely yes, I had it near me." Franziska remembered.
"Let's check the hospital then." Miles stood. Franziska was about to stand as well when Miles squeezed her shoulder.
"Can you get up?" he sighed.
"Yes Miles Edgeworth, I am not the invalid you think I am. I am perfectly able to conduct an investigation now, physically, and mentally." She stood and buttoned on her waistcoat.
"I can't assure myself of your health, Maybe you should rest." He crossed his arms, tapping his index finger or one of his upper arms.
"Ergo, I accompany you to the hospital, so that I can also see a doctor there!" she walked out of the door. Ema giggled.
"I think she means, you accompany her, not the other way around, Mr. Edgeworth." Ema commented.
"I don't even want to dissect the workings of her mind, Ema." He shook his head.
-North Hampshire Hospital, G/F Lobby-
April 4 10:40 AM
"Good morning, what can I do for you?" a cheerful nurse greeted Miles, Franziska, and Ema upon entering the hospital lobby.
"Hi, we're here to see her physician, Dr. Andrew Wallburg." Miles said.
"It seems, you don't have an appointment, but I'll ring his office for a spell and check if he's available. Please take your seat." The nurse politely directed them to a waiting area.
After a while, the nurse guided them to Dr. Wallburg's office. They took an elevator to the 7th floor where the doctor was waiting for them.
"Oh, it's you Alyssa, I'm glad to see you well. Are these your friends?" a cheerful wise-looking man in his sixties, with gray hair and gold-rimmed oval eyeglasses greeted them when they entered his classy, well-maintained office. There was a smell of lavender in the room and it calmed them nicely.
"Yes doctor. Also, my name is not Alyssa, but Franziska. I have regained my memories you see." She took her seat in front of Dr. Wallburg. Miles and Ema seated themselves on the couch at the side of the office.
"Curious. You're one of the very few under my care who recovers from your kind of case in my entire years of practice." He reviewed her records. Her MRI scans, EEG, and physical exams diagnosed amnesia, but the damage to her central nervous system was not extensive that it damaged her judgement, thought process, ability to feel, senses, and motor function- it was only her store of memory. Now, he wanted to make sure of her recovery.
"A few events triggered my memories to recover little by little." She shared. The doctor nodded.
"I suggest we run a few tests to make sure your brain and other related structures are normal." Dr. Wallburg closed her folder.
"I believe so too doctor. But, if you don't mind me asking, did I have any belongings with me when I was brought to this hospital?" she asked.
"I think you did indeed. Did you not claim them?"
"No, I didn't. How can I get them back?" she asked.
"It has been quite some time since you were here; maybe they have disposed of the items. However, you can always ask the head nurse in the Emergency Department. She might know how to go about that." Dr. Wallburg suggested.
"Thank you, doctor." Franziska nodded.
"I will see you later at noon at examination room 4." Dr. Wallburg typed some entries in his computer setting his appointment with her in the diagnostics department.
"Alright." She stood and exited his office along with Miles and Ema. They walked together to the Emergency Department.
"He seems like a good doctor." Ema observed.
"He is. He's a talented neurologist. I only hope my test results will turn out fine." Franziska had a worried look on her face. She knew what it meant for her to be a patient recovering from amnesia. Her credibility as a witness in court to this case may be compromised.
"If you are worried about the credibility of your testimony Franziska, remember that the evidence will not lie. IF what happened truly happened, it will take more than just your account of the events to put Konfu Shing behind bars." Miles said.
"You're right Miles Edgeworth. The evidence should be able to do its work." She smiled confidently.
Miles remembered he had an appointment with Konfu Shing later at 3 in the afternoon. Meeting with their suspect would be quite a risk. It would also be the perfect time to arrest him. He only had to report to Interpol that he was the missing Edward Florence and he could get him arrested. If they could recover that transmitter and recorder, they would have evidence that Shing was on that plane and shot Capt. Kiegel. What Konfu Shing thankfully did not know was that his cover was already blown. Proving he was Edward Florence will be the challenge though, since even if they had evidence such as the red earring and rose and crown tattoo, they lacked conclusive evidence that it definitely was Edward Florence on that plane, and not a 'false identity' such as Konfu Shing. Franziska's memory may not be enough to confirm his identity as Edward Florence.
"I'll be out for a while. I'll take care of things." Miles took the ladies to the hospital cafeteria.
"Where are you going?" Franziska asked, suspicious.
"I left some things in the guesthouse. I'll be back to pick you up after the tests. Anything you want me to bring?" he was scanning his contacts for the one person he had to get in touch with.
"No. I will be okay. Be on your way now." She dismissed him. She had no clue on what to feel, but her priority now, she thought, should be obtaining medical clearance, and to claim her belongings.
"Take care of her Ema." He looked to her.
"Of course, Mr. Edgeworth, though I doubt she will need much use of me." Ema replied with a smile.
Miles Edgeworth got in his car and called the one person who would help in Edward Florence's arrest. It was already lunchtime, and lunch would be a darkly perfect time to discuss these matters with that person.
*ring ring* *ring ring* *beep*
"Wei. Shi Long Lang speaking."
"Agent Lang, this is Miles Edgeworth."
"It's about time you called. I'm in England now. I heard about what happened to the lady prosecutor." Lang sounded harsh as usual, but Miles knew he kept his professional demeanour very well, when he wasn't insulting prosecutors.
"She's alright now. It's a long story. Where are you? I have some important things to discuss about your case."
"What makes you think I'm at liberty to share Prosecutor?" Lang sounded sceptical.
"Franziska is now at the hospital for some tests. Your involvement will make things easier. She's found Florence."
There was a long pause on the other end of the line, then a sigh.
"I'm near Hampshire. I'll meet you at the local precinct now."
"Okay." They both hung up.
-Hampshire Local Police Station-
April 4 12:00 PM
Before Miles met with Lang, he took the pieces of evidence with him in a secured bag, including the files he asked Ema to pick up earlier. All the documents were in folders, and all the articles of evidence were placed in sealed clear bags. He stepped into the local precinct and met with the wolf-like man there.
Miles told Lang everything that has happened- about the plane crash, about Franziska's amnesiac state and her recovery. He also told him about the evidence they gathered, and how they would all lead for Konfu Shing to likely be Edward Florence.
Miles thought Lang would not believe his story right away, but apparently he was wrong.
"Hahaha. This has all become so easy in a span of minutes!" Lang threw his hands upward in exasperation, and in amusement.
"What do you mean?" Edgeworth asked.
"See, I found a valuable piece of evidence myself, Edgeworth." Lang grinned.
"Do tell." Miles crossed his arms.
"Zack, come on over here!" Lang called out the door. Edgeworth raised an eyebrow. Surely it couldn't be... How...
"Is this the man you said who found Florence?" A man who matched Zachary Kiegel's description limped inside with his cane. He had a bandaged leg.
"Miles Edgeworth, prosecutor. Franziska has been worried about you, Captain Zachary Kiegel." Miles stood to shake his hand.
"So Miss von Karma is alright. That is good." He smiled sadly. "It seems you have been doing some work yourself, Mr. Edgeworth."
"We need to stop Edward Florence. He's done so much damage already." Miles shook his head with a grim look.
"I hate to say this, but we all agree on this one. What say you, Cap?" Lang pat him on the back.
"Let's begin discussing how to get this man arrested." Kiegel seated himself on the conference table and began skimming through Edgeworth's files.
"Evidence that proves the presence of a pilot named Konfu Shing in that plane, and proves that he assaulted Ms. von Karma and I and nearly killed the rest of the passengers would be recordings from our radio transmitters, and our testimonies. If the court would doubt Ms. von Karma's credibility, I have my testimony as reinforcement." Zachary said.
"The same evidence likely gives away his identity as Edward Florence too if you both could identify him. He had the red earring and rose and crown tattoo on him." Miles said.
"That's right. To further prove our point, we could do more medical tests on him to prove he is indeed Edward Florence." Zachary said.
"If he refuses to be tested, that would cast suspicion on him too, so I say we should arrest him now!" Lang interjected.
"The problem Agent Lang, is that we don't know where he is." Zachary fidgeted with his cane.
"He contacted me through my cellphone. We are meeting today at 3'oclock." Miles cleared his throat.
"Try to weed out a confession from him, and then we arrest him!" Lang said.
"That could be better said than done, you know Agent Lang. I know that man. We should be on standby in case he tries anything funny, you know." Zachary narrowed his eyebrows into a grimace as he glanced at his leg. Lang personally knew the pain of a gunshot to the leg so he shrugged it off and nodded.
"I shall confront him about his involvement during the plane crash, then if he doesn't yield, we may gain new information at least. He may submit himself to court as a witness too, because if he decides to escape court, suspicion may be casted upon him as well." Miles agreed.
"Then it is decided. You will meet up with Shing, while Agent Lang and I will be on standby. Where is Franziska now?" Zachary asked.
"She is in the hospital. Her physician is running some tests on her to give her a proper medical clearance for her appearance in court. I have a feeling she is also going to ask Dr. Wallburg to appear in court as an expert witness." Miles answered.
"That is if she doesn't frighten the poor man with her whip." Zachary smiled sardonically.
"She is who she is, but I doubt she would whip an honest old doctor." Miles said in defense.
The men chuckled.
"We're going to end this farce of a chase very soon." Miles shot them a serious look.
"With pleasure." Both of the men nodded.
-North Hampshire Hospital, Diagnostics Department-
April 4 2:00 PM
Franziska got up and stepped out of the MRI machine. She was guided into a separate examination room where Dr. Wallburg would explain the findings of the images.
"Are you feeling okay, Franziska?" Dr. Wallburg scanned the images.
"Yes. I'm fine, thank you. How am I doing according to the tests?" she inquired.
"Thankfully, there are no tissue abnormalities. Your physical exam and cognitive exams were within normal limits, and there is nothing wrong with your motor function. Your last EEG did support your case of amnesia. Now, I think it's best we do a re-evaluation to confirm and to support the results of your current brain function." Dr. Wallburg explained.
"So, what does that mean, doctor?" Franziska admitted she didn't understand so much of what was going on.
"Structurally, your nervous system is looking good. From the way things are, you aren't suffering extensive brain damage enough to affect your judgement, thought process, senses, feelings, and motor function. I would only like to check how your brain is running, and if your neurons are conducting normally. We'd like to make sure to rule out everything."
"So, when will I have my EEG?" She asked. She remembered having connections on her head to a machine that resembled a heart monitor. She had to sleep for a number of hours too.
"We can always do one tomorrow night. Unfortunately I have another patient at 3." Dr. Wallburg handed Franziska her results in a big brown Manila envelope.
"Alright. Thank you very much doctor." Franziska smiled and politely nodded to him.
"My best wishes to your health, my dear." He smiled gently like a father.
She stepped out of the examination room to find Ema waiting for her.
"How was it, Ms. von Karma?" Ema handed Franziska her whip.
"I'm healthy. But, doctor wishes to run another EEG on me tomorrow." Franziska spoke as they walked towards the elevator.
"That's good news. I hope it will run smoothly, and then we can have you appear in court. You are still prosecuting, aren't you?" They stepped in the elevator.
"Of course! I'm going to see this case until the end. Before we forget however, I need to drop by the emergency department."
"Right. I almost forgot myself." Ema pressed the button that led to the emergency department.
- North Hampshire Hospital, Emergency Department-
April 4 2:10 PM
"Hello, what can we do for you Miss?" a tired-looking but polite emergency room nurse attended to Franziska. The other nurses were busy attending to other cases.
"Who can I approach about my missing belongings? I was here last month and I left home without my handbag." Franziska said.
"Oh, you're Miss Alyssa! Yes, we had your handbag, but unfortunately your companion, Mr. Redwood had already claimed your belongings." The nurse replied.
"He did?" Ema looked at her with questioning eyes. "When?"
"Yesterday, around 12 noon." She answered.
"... Thank you Miss. I'll be leaving now." Franziska nodded politely.
"Okay. Have a nice day." The nurse nodded back and walked away.
Looks like I need to pay the Redwoods a visit. Franziska had an unsettled feeling over her. She shouldn't have any reason to feel it, but regaining her memories also somehow reshaped her intuition into something more potent. She feared for Joy and Eduard's lives. Shing shouldn't ever know they existed, and that the handbag was with them.
"Ms. von Karma, what are you going to do now?" Ema walked up to her.
"I need to drop by the Redwoods' house. They were the family who took me in their care after the plane crash."
"The nurse mentioned about Eduard Redwood. Is he who we're going to see?" Ema asked.
"Yes." Franziska stepped out of the hospital and hailed a taxi.
O-o-O-o-O
I decided to cut the finale into two chapters because based on experience, the entire finale is a lot to think about and swallow. But worry not, since I have decided to upload the next one immediately. Thank you very much, and I would love to hear from you.