I think I've figured out the problem with me not-updating: I have pretty much no awareness of how much time passes. I'm getting better though, I mean, this one is only like a week or two after the last one right? ...A month? Really? Are you sure it's been almost a month? It hasn't felt like a month. ...Well I'll be damned, it's been about a month.

I promise, I'll get better. The first step to solving a problem is admitting you have one. The next step is figuring out why, so I think I'm like halfway there? Maybe?

Enjoy.

March 17, 1:00 PM. Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, Rm 204.

"That was a weird trial," Maya said when we got back to the room.

"I have a feeling it's just going to get weirder from here on out."

"Hm, I guess. But that's what makes these things fun!"

(You say fun, I say a headache.)

"So, what do you think we should do now?" I asked.

"Arthur was lying about the 911 call, right? We need to find out who really made that call."

"That shouldn't be difficult. I mean, we only have nothing to go on."

"Gilbert was with whoever it was all night. Francis was as well!"

"And they were too drunk to remember anything."

"Maybe we can bribe them into remembering? Gilbert seems to like beer a lot."

"Somehow I think that's just going to make things worse," I sighed, "We still need to know what Gilbert did last night. Whether he remembers it or not, he and his friends probably did witness the murder."

"Yeah, and Alfred and Feliciano still had some psyche locks that needed cracking, right? You should get on that."

(Aren't you supposed to be the spirit medium?)

"You know," she went on, pacing the room, "I'm wondering why Arthur lied in the first place."

"People lie for a number of reasons; it could be any of them."

"If you really want to know," a British voice said from the other side of the room, "you could always just ask him."

Maya and I jumped, "Have you been here the whole time?"

"Yes, Matt and I had tea after the trial ended."

"Matt's here too?"

"Not anymore, he was leaving as you walked in. He greeted you on the way out," Arthur said, stirring his tea.

(I didn't even notice.)

"Oh good, now we don't have to wander around this hotel in order to find him," Maya whispered in my ear before turning to Arthur, "So, why did you lie about making the phone call?"

"As I've already said, I don't want to tell you."

"HOLD IT! You said you didn't want to tell the court, well, we're not the court. This can be off the record."

"Stop doing that!" He took a sip of his tea and looked out the window, "What I'm about to say, just, don't repeat it to anyone, especially Alfred or that frog."

"Our lips are sealed!" Maya nodded in excitement.

"Hm," he sat there for a long moment tracing the rim of his teacup with his finger, "I, Alfred and I, how should I put this, I practically raised him. I've known him ever since he was small and I've protected him and kept him safe in the past; he's like a brother to me. I suppose old habits just die hard."

"You lied, to protect Alfred?"

Arthur nodded, "Even after all this time Alfred is one of my closest friends, and I'm not very good at making friends, so to say that," he turned and looked me right in the eye, "I didn't want to risk him going to jail for the rest of his life just because some nutcase thought he saw something he didn't."

"You don't know if the caller was a nutcase."

"You've seen the call transcript. Humans have a tendency to see what they want to see and believe it wholeheartedly despite what actually occurred. I wasn't about to risk Alfred's safety on the slim chance that the real caller hadn't been influenced by the media's ranting and actually did remember what they saw."

"And if the real caller ever did show up?"

"I was prepared to deal with that," Arthur sighed, glanced out the window, and took a sip of his tea before continuing, "Going through with this, he really is a fool."

(There it is again. Lovino mentioned the same thing yesterday.) "Is Alfred really so high up that he could not have a trial if he wanted to?"

"Of course he is. Why do you think that the death penalty was never even put on the table?"

"I thought they didn't have the death penalty here."

"The District of Columbia doesn't, but this involves government officials, and the US government still allows it, although not very frequently. The press has been calling for its consideration, but no one in their right mind would even think about killing Alfred."

"You just said-"

"The media is certainly not in their right mind, but that's not really the point."

"Do you know why Alfred wanted to go through with the trial if he could have made this whole thing vanish?"

"He's an idiot. An idealistic, idiotic fool."

"Can you be a little more specific?"

"As in does he have an actual reason? Yes, he does. Yes, I know what it is, although it really is ridiculous; I think even you would agree with me on that, Mr. Wright. No, I won't tell you what it is if he hasn't yet."

"I guess, we should go talk to Alfred then."

"You should. Oh and um," he blushed before he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a letter, "Because of what happened in court today, he's being a stubborn idiot and won't talk to me. Can you, uh…"

"We'll deliver your letter for you," Maya volunteered.

"Thank you, I really appreciate it."

Arthur's Letter
For Alfred. It's sealed with the British Government's Coat of Arms, so don't open it. Looks a bit official for a personal letter.

"What are you going to spend the rest of the day doing, if you don't mind me asking?"

He sipped his tea and placed the cup back in the saucer. "Actually I was planning on seeing if I could get the ballistics on that bullet we found in the alley."

"Really? How are you going to go about that?"

"I have a plan, of sorts. I'm actually just waiting for-"

As if on cue, a sharp knock was heard on the door. Maya, being the closest to it, opened it to let in Francis, a short man I hadn't met yet, and a very large one as well.

(Why does it feel like the temperature dropped ten degrees?)

"Kiku!" Arthur exclaimed, "I specifically asked for your help and your help alone!"

"I'm terribly sorry Arthur-san, but you said the bullet was high up yes? I figured neither of us could reach it, so I asked Ivan-san to help us. Francis-san overheard us talking and 'volunteered' his services."

"Say what now?"

Honda Kiku
Age: Secret
Gender: Male
Alfred and Arthur's friend. Works for the Japanese government. A quiet, serious man who likes mechas and manga. Seems to know me somehow.

Ivan Braginski
Age: Unknown
Gender: Male
Works for the Russian government. Appears childish, but gives off an intimidating aura. Always wears a scarf and seems to be surrounded by cold.

"Ah, Arthur, how could you even think about investigating Alfred's case without my help?" Francis said as he draped an arm around the Britain's shoulders.

"Easily," he elbowed him away, hard. "I'll take Ivan's help because it's easier and less conspicuous than dragging a ladder, but I want the frog out of here!"

"It should be fine, yes?" Ivan smiled.

Arthur glared, "No."

"I suppose if you don't want my help I could go out with Gilbert and Antonio."

"Are you daft!? The last time you three went out you apparently witnessed a murder and then forgot about it!"

"Which is precisely why I should go with you instead, mon cher."

"I am not your cher!"

"Is this Alfred's lawyer?" Ivan asked, looking me over. I involuntarily shivered.

"Yes, this is Phoenix Wright and his assistant."

"It's nice to meet you?"

"Hm," Ivan hummed as he stared me down, "he doesn't look like much. I couldn't go to the trial this morning, is he any good?"

"He's quite good in a pinch," Kiku answered, "and is known for winning the unwinnable cases. Ah forgive me, Wright-san, Fey-san, I haven't introduced myself yet," he bowed.

"It's quite alright," Maya answered and bowed in response, "We were just heading out anyway."

"Yes, good luck on your investigation," Kiku smiled.

"You'll need it," Ivan smiled, although his was less reassuring.

"Adieu! I would escort you, but someone has to make sure Arthur stays in line."

"It's the other way around you damned frog!"

Maya and I scrambled out of there as fast as we could. Who knew when Arthur would start chucking things.

March 17, 1:15 PM. Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, Lobby.

Loud chuckling, a lot of German, and sounds of a whip were heard as soon as Maya and I stepped off the elevator.

(Sounds like Franziska's talking to Gilbert.)

Sure enough, when we made our way around the corner we saw Gilbert sitting in one of lobby chairs, laughing while tugging at an irate Franziska's whip.

"Let go!" she squawked at him, causing the albino to laugh before releasing her whip. "You're as insufferable as ever!"

"You two know each other?" Maya asked curiously, causing Franziska to glare at us and Gilbert to laugh even louder.

"Yup! Franzi and I go way back."

"He's an annoying fool who has a habit of showing up when you least want him. I honestly don't know how your brother puts up with you!"

"He knows his life would suck without me. Anyway, lawyer guy, did you want something?"

"Just wondering if you've remembered anything yet. You're testimony today was, um, interesting."

"I always do my part to liven things up. But nope, can't recall a darn thing yet, though if someone were to stop whipping me it might speed things up."

"I only do it to jumpstart that pathetic thing between your ears."

"Mr. Wiellschmidt, do you remember the third person you were with that night?"

"Not really. We called him Antonio, but that was just because he was replacing the real Antonio. I doubt it was his real name."

"It was Lovino though wasn't it?" Maya suggested, "He said he was with you and Francis that night."

Gilbert's smile fell as he honestly tried to remember. "Lovino…yes, we did drag him out with us at first, but by the time we got to the third bar, he'd split. We picked up someone else there, and he was the one that made the phone call."

(Lovino left?) "What time did Lovino leave?"

"Um, around eight or eight-thirty I think. You can check with Francis on that; he's better with times and stuff."

"Can you remember anything about the fake Antonio at all? What he looked like? If he was even a he?"

"He was definitely a he, but no, not really. I'd remember his voice if I ever heard it again. It sucks though, because I'm pretty sure he owes me money."

(Yeah, that's the greatest tragedy out of all this.) "Do you remember the bar you were at when you met him?"

"Tenth Avenue Freeze Out?"

"I'm pretty sure that's a song about New Jersey, not a bar in DC."

"Well it was on Tenth Avenue somewhere. There can't be too many bars on that street."

(Just what I love, a wild goose-chase.)

"That was your voice in the background in the 911 call right? That's what you said in the trial today anyway."

"Yeah, that's my voice making things more awesome."

"It seems whenever you 'make things more awesome,'" Franziska said, "you tend to complicate them for everyone around you."

"And it's awesome to watch. Try it sometime.

"You-"

"Why," I interrupted, "did you run away when you saw Alfred?"

Gilbert paused and took a deep breath, "For the record, I didn't kill the guy."

"I never said you did."

"I know, I just want that out there. Now, there are five sacred rules for hanging with the Bad Friends. Rule Number One, and this is probably the most important rule you will ever come across: Absolutely no cock-blocking. Ever. It's not cool."

"That's, nice, but I don't see how that-"

"Rule Number Two: Never start a land war in Asia. Seriously, bad decision."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Rule Number Three: No fruity drinks. Except wine. Or tomatoes, because really, those are more like vegetables anyway, and even then, only if you're Antonio."

"Okay…"

"Rule Number Four: If someone ends up outnumbered in a fight, you are required to help a bro out. Unless he's offended you in the last six hours, in which case feel free to help kick his ass."

(Remind me never to go drinking with you.)

"And Rule Number Five: If you see the host, get the hell out. This rule doesn't apply when we're in France or Spain, but nonetheless, it is still vital."

"It still applies when you're the host in Germany?"

"Technically West is the host when we're in Germany."

"And Germans thank god for that," Franzika said, "At least one of you has sense."

"Anyway, that's why we had to leave when Alfred showed up. It's really a buzz kill when we're busted for an international incident right off the bat; ruins the whole week. Do you want me to write those down for you?"

"No, I think we'll be fine."

"I'll write those down for you. Franzi, give me a pen."

"Get your own pen!"

Five Rules for Hanging Out with the Bad Friends Trio
The rules Gilbert, Francis, and Antonio use when out drinking. Don't know why I have this.

"Thanks, I guess. We'd better get going now."

"Oh, since you're going out, if you see Feliciano can you tell him Lovino is looking for him?"

"Sure!" Maya agreed, "See you guys later!"

(If Franziska doesn't snap and stab him first.)

March 17, 1:35 PM. Detention Center.

Outside the Detention Center we ran into, of all people, Edgeworth.

"Hello, Mr. Edgeworth!" Maya greeted, "How's your investigation coming along?"

"He's taunting me, I just know it," he glared back at the entrance to the building, "He doesn't think I'll figure it out, but Miles Edgeworth doesn't give up so easily Mr. Jones! I'll show him how real prosecutors investigate! We'll see whose laughing then won't we!"

"Edgeworth," I asked, approaching him slowly, "are you okay?"

"Ah, yes. Sorry about that. My investigation is going fine, how about yours?"

"Just peachy. What did you think about the trial this morning?"

"You have quite the cast of characters to deal with. I'm glad I'm not prosecuting this one."

(Thanks for the confidence boost.)

"Be careful Wright," he continued, "Gilbert Wiellschmidt, despite all other evidence to the contrary, is a brilliant tactician. I'm not sure what, but he's certainly planning something."

"You know Gilbert too, Mr. Edgeworth?" Maya asked.

"Yes, I lived with the von Karmas in Germany for quite some time. Gilbert stopped by every now and then. He looks and acts pretty much the same as he did back then."

"Well, he's only twenty-five and leeching off his brother. He's still just having fun with life I suppose."

"Twenty-five? That's impossible; he was twenty-five when I first met him."

"So, Gilbert lied about his age?"

"Why would he do that?" Maya wondered.

"What do you think Edgeworth?" He remained silent, focus on something far off. "Hello? Earth to Edgeworth, are you there?"

"Yes I agree."

"It wasn't a yes or no question."

"I need to go check something, excuse me." And with that he left.

Maya and I shrugged before going inside to meet with Alfred.

We were let through right away, and Alfred was brought out almost instantly. He was back in his street clothes, looking unusually upset.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I guess. I'm a bit upset Arthur lied like that. He almost messed everything up! I'm sorry you had to go through that."

(Don't repeat it to anyone, especially Alfred…what's up with that attitude? Surely if it means he doesn't hate him, it wouldn't be too bad.)

"Nick!" Maya hissed in my ear, "We promised we wouldn't say anything."

"Say what now?" Alfred asked.

"Uh, nothing. I'm sure Arthur has his reasons."

"I bet their stupid, like him. He's stupid." He pouted and looked away, "Anyway, is there anything I can help you with?"

"You didn't happen to see who made the 911 call did you?"

"Nope. Didn't even know Gilbert and Francis were on the roof."

"You know," Maya thought out loud, "if they were on the roof, isn't it possible that they-"

"No. They didn't. Trust me on this, Miss Maya. They can be jerks sometimes, but they wouldn't kill someone like that."

(Which brings us back too…) "One more time, did you really not see anyone else in the alley with you? Someone who could have fired the gun instead?"

The psyche locks returned. "No, not clearly. Sorry."

(I should really break those, but I don't have the right evidence yet. Something else has been bothering me.) "We've heard that it's entirely possible for you to avoid a trial."

"Uh, well, yeah, I guess so. My boss is actually very upset with me for going through with it."

"Why are you then? Wouldn't it be easier for you and the person you're protecting if you didn't have a trial at all?"

"I-I'm not protecting anyone!" he crossed his arms and pouted, "Besides justice still needs to be served, whether I have certain privileges or not."

"Is that, the only reason you're having a trial? Because you want justice served?"

"Yeah, pretty much. It sets a good example for the others."

(The other what? People at this mysterious meeting? Who are they anyway?) "Speaking of the others, Arthur wanted me to give this to you."

"I don't want it."

"Huh?"

"Arthur almost messed everything up. He knows what this means to me and he went and he still, I don't want it."

"You're not even going to hear him out?"

"I don't have to. I don't take orders from him anymore; I can do what I want."

(Anymore?)

"But, he's still really important to you isn't he?" Maya asked, "It's not an order, it's a request. He wants to tell you how he feels. Are you really going to ignore that?"

He stared at the countertop and sighed, "You really know how to pull on my heartstrings, Miss Maya. Alright, I'll read what he has to say."

I slipped him the letter. Alfred broke the seal, pulled out a piece of paper, and read it through, chuckling when he finished.

"Arthur, you really are an idiot."

"So, you're good now?"

"Yeah, we're good. Tell him, um," he drummed his fingers against the glass, "just, tell him to come see me, I guess."

"Okay!" Maya cheered.

"And, Mr. Wright, uh, thanks. For defending me and stuff. I know everyone hasn't been making it easy for you."

"I'm a defense attorney; I'd be more worried if my job was easy."

"Haha, true enough I guess. But still, thanks. Even if we lose, I'm still grateful for everything you've done."

"If you honestly didn't do anything wrong, then there is no way they can convict you."

"Franziska's good," he said, "better than I thought, and who knows who else might lie on the stand."

"Alfred, I believe you didn't do it. Just give me some time to convince everyone else."

"You're right, Mr. Wright. I believe in you too. Get me off okay?"

And with a smile like that, who could possibly have said no?

- "10th Avenue Freeze Out" is a song by the great (totally not biased here btw) Bruce Springsteen. Homestate pride.