A.N: This story is a crossover between the Ace Attorney and the Zero Escape series. It takes place during Dual Destinies on the Ace Attorney side, and right after the events of 999 on the Zero Escape side. I tried to fit in the canon of both series as much as I could, but please note that some elements could possibly be a little strange, especially on the 999 side. Of course, major spoilers for both series (especially ZE), as the story revolves around the True Ending of 999. Enjoy!
November 5, 2027, 10:14 AM
Prosecutor's Office
Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth's Office
It was a calm beginning to the day for the Chief Prosecutor. In fact, it had been a while since Miles Edgeworth had had free time to enjoy a cup of tea in his comfy office. So now, he was sitting on one of the red sofas near his desk, relaxing a bit.
Ah, it truly is pleasant to be able to take a small break for once. He thought. I may even have enough time to start reading the new Steel Samurai book Maya sent me. But for now, let me enjoy this beauty…
In fact, the tea Miles was currently drinking was from an expensive set sent from England by a famous gentleman, who had even been made Knight of the Crown not long ago.
I'll have to thank Professor Layton for this magnificent gift the next time I go to England. He may be more of Wright's friend; it was very kind of him to offer me this package.
Suddenly, the prosecutor's laptop emitted a sound, signaling that he had received an email on his professional account.
Hmm? Well, so much for a break then… Miles laughed while going over to his fancy desk. Let's see… My password… Ah yes, "PWAceIdiot". Ah, there… "Official request"? That's an odd name for an email. Wh-What?! That seal…! He spaced out for a bit, wondering if what he had seen was correct and if his eyes were not deceiving him. What does the President of the United States want?!
When he heard the notification, Miles thought it would be another invitation for a reunion of California's Chief Prosecutors or a demand from a State Representative to give them his public support; however, it was nothing of the sort since the email had come from the President himself. Curious to what all this meant, he opened it.
Mr. Miles Edgeworth, Chief Prosecutor of the Los Angeles District
Public Prosecutor's Office, Los Angeles, California
Dear Chief Prosecutor,
Please see that you prosecute the case of Mr. Gentarou Hongou, Chief Executive Officer of Cradle Pharmaceuticals, on the charge of kidnapping on the 14th of October 2018. I request that you take on this case personally, being of national importance for reasons I cannot reveal. I ask for the trial to be held as soon as possible, if possible even tomorrow in your District Court. Mr. Hongou was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department, fully under your authority, so see that you interrogate and conduct your prosecution according to the powers given to you by your higher instances.
While I believe that Mr. Hongou is responsible of the charges he was arrested for, I ask you to hold a fair trial where both sides can expose their case. I trust that your good reputation will satisfy this demand. The Senators from the State of California were warned of this request, and I personally ask that you resolve this matter according to the usual processes, the importance of this specific case not justifying any change in protocol.
I look forward to seeing the results of your prosecution, hoping that the Federal Government and the State of California's Chief Justice will manage to get information regarding national matters.
Sincerely, President John Terry
Well, that was unexpected! A request to take a case from the President himself… that must be a rare occurrence. However, I'd like to know why I was specifically requested to take the case… It's not as if the Prosecutor's Office was full of incompetents! Edgeworth thought for a while, then decided to try and learn more about this case. I'll give a call to the Senator: she should be able to tell me more about all this.
Miles sat down on his fancy chair and picked up his phone. He dialed the number of Lynda James, one of the Senators from the State of California. He was lucky enough to have her professional number registered in his office, and while he disliked calling his superiors, there, he had no other choice.
The phone rung for a while until someone picked up on the other end of the line.
"Good morning, Senator Lynda James speaking.", she said as she answered the call.
"Good morning Senator, it's Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth.", Miles told her, knowing that even though he had her number, it was unlikely she knew his…
"Oh, Mr. Edgeworth! Hello, how are you doing?"
"Just fine, thank you madam."
"Very good. May I inquire for the reason of your call?", the Senator asked the prosecutor.
"I'm calling you regarding the matter of the trial of Mr. Gentarou Hongou.", he said, "I received an email from the President of the United States himself requesting that I prosecute this case personally and said that you could deliver more information to me. To be honest, I'm surprised that a Chief Prosecutor is asked to take on a case, at a moment's notice."
"Ah, I see. Well, I received an email probably similar to yours actually: the President told me that Mr. Hongou was arrested by your police on the charges of kidnapping and that the case was really important to the Federal Government for reasons he didn't divulge. I guess that since Mr. Hongou is the CEO of an important company, the case got national importance."
"Yes, that could be an explanation; however, I don't recall the federal instances making such a request for the case against some other important people, like Ms. Skye or Mr. Debeste for instance."
"Good point…", she noted, "Hmm, I don't know why you were asked personally, but the orders I received were quite clear: 'Put Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth on Hongou's case for important matters.'. Maybe the President is trusting enough of you to have you take a case of national importance? It may also be linked to the 'reasons' President Terry couldn't divulge."
"I see. I doubt that you can enlighten me any more than that?", the Chief Prosecutor wondered.
"You're right. You'll have to contact the Presidency if you want any more information. Sorry, Mr. Edgeworth."
"That is fine, thank you Madam Senator. I won't take any more of your time, have a nice day, madam."
"You too, Mr. Edgeworth. I trust you'll do well. Farewell."
And with that, she ended the call and Miles set his phone down.
Well, it seems like I won't have any other choice but to investigate this matter by myself. Hmm, I should probably call someone to assist me though. I doubt the Idiot will be available, so I'll just call Gumshoe, I guess…
And without further ado, the magenta-wearing attorney grabbed his phone once more and dialed Dick Gumshoe's professional number. Once again, it ringed for a bit… and went to voicemail…
Hmpf… Some things will never change… Miles sighed. He tried again though.
This time, someone picked up quickly.
"Hello? Dick Gumshoe on the line."
"Hmm, I thought you wouldn't answer… It's Edgeworth."
"Ah, Mr. Edgeworth, sir! Sorry, for that, I was just speaking with Detective Fulbright… Sorry…"
"It's fine, don't worry.", he reassured him, "I'd like to know if you are busy right now."
Gumshoe seemed to think for a bit then answered: "Not particularly, no. Why?"
"I'd like you to come and investigate something with me. You see, I've been asked to work on a case by the President himself, and I believe that some help wouldn't hurt."
"WHAAAT?! The President, sir?! Like, President Terry?!"
"The very same. I see that I piqued your interest, Gumshoe."
"Yeah… Okay, where may I meet you, sir?"
"I believe that the suspect was brought to the detention center. You didn't hear about it?", Miles asked suspiciously.
"N-No… I don't recall an important suspect being brought here…"
"Gumshoe… You are the Chief of Police, I believe you should know these things…", another sigh, "No matter, I'll see you there."
"Very well sir! See you.", the former Detective said before hanging up.
Alright, I should get going; Gumshoe's closer to the detention center than I am. Sigh, this guy… He won't ever change… Give him the keys to the White House and he'll still be as goofy as ever… Still, he's a great investigator and his assistance will probably be useful. The Chief Prosecutor thought as he left his office. He closed behind him and headed for the stairs. Two minutes later, he had gone down the twenty (!) flights of stairs and was exiting the building on his way to the parking. His red sports car was still parked there and he took off immediately in direction of the detention center, in the heart of the city.
November 5, 2027, 11:23 AM
Detention Center
Entrance
It took Miles about twenty minutes to get to the detention center from back in the Prosecutor's Office building; a great time when you consider the distance and the traffic.
I probably should stop running off red lights… He told himself. Well, I was in a hurry, but still…
As he entered, he heard someone calling him in the distance. Surprised, he turned around and saw Gumshoe running towards him.
End my suffering… This man is the Chief of Police!
The large man finally caught up to Edgeworth and he stopped next to him, trying to catch his breath.
"Huff… Puff… Huff… I-I'm here… sir!", he managed to say between his huffing and puffing.
"Good. There was no need to run though.", the prosecutor told him the two of them shook hands.
"So… What is the case you've been asked to work on?"
"Well… there are still a lot of mysteries, but it seems like we're talking about a kidnapping case. There's one issue though: it happened nine years ago."
"Nine years ago, you say?", Gumshoe was visibly intrigued, "But why would it only pop up now?"
"Your guess is as good as mine… Still, I believe we haven't seen each other in a while, how is the family doing?"
"Yeah, that's true… Now that you're the Chief Prosecutor and I'm the Chief of Police, we haven't been able to work together…", Gumshoe sighed, "But the family's doing great, thanks! Maggey enjoys her new job as a part-time teacher and the kids are growing well."
"That's good to hear.", the silver-haired prosecutor said honestly, a rare smile on his face.
"And have you heard, sir? About Phoenix Wright?", he asked his former boss.
"I did, yes. He's back with his shenanigans and weird cases…", Miles faked a sigh but let out a small chuckle, "No, more seriously, I'm happy for him. It's nice to see that all his efforts weren't for naught."
"Yeah, Maggey was really happy to learn that, too. Who knows, perhaps you'll even be facing each other in court soon?", the Chief of Police said enthusiastically.
"Well, I'll have to take on some cases before that can happen… I haven't prosecuted in a little while now and I think Wright would beat me quite easily right now."
"Oh, stop underestimating yourself, sir! You didn't become Chief Prosecutor perchance!"
"Hmpf. Thanks for the compliment, Gumshoe.", he told him, "Should we get going?"
"Yep, let's go.", Gumshoe replied and they approached the front desk.
There was an agent sitting at the post, facing a computer.
"Good morning, officer.", Edgeworth said, "Could we take a bit of your time?"
That got the young officer to react and look up and he immediately saluted as he realized who was talking to him.
"M-Mr. Edgeworth, sir! Chief! O-Of course, whatever do you need?", he asked.
"Hey, relax pal!", the oldest of the two told him, "We would just like to see someone in detention. What was his name, Mr. Edgeworth?"
"Hongou. Gentarou Hongou.", the prosecutor said.
"Hmm… Yeah, he arrived here about three hours ago. He was being carried by the Nevada State Police and we arrested him on superior orders. I'll call him to an interrogation room."
"Good, thanks pal!", the Police Chief said and Edgeworth simply nodded.
Gumshoe quickly went ahead to the interrogation rooms and the Chief Prosecutor followed closely. Finally, they arrived and saw the same officer as before standing in front of one of the doors.
"He's inside, sirs! I called one of my colleagues to guard the room while you're in there."
"That won't be necessary, officer.", Miles informed him, "I believe Mr. Gumshoe should be able to guard the room himself."
"Oh…? A-Alright. I'll call him back.", he said and called the other police agent. Soon after, the two of them left the room only for the two investigators to enter in their stead.
November 5, 2027, 11:36 AM
Detention Center
Interrogation Room No. 3
"Hi there!", Gumshoe said as he entered first.
"Good morning, Mr. Hongou.", Edgeworth added, "I'm Miles Edgeworth, the Chief Prosecutor of this district. My colleague here is Mr. Gumshoe, the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department."
"Hmm, good morning.", Hongou said, "I see that I've got quite the company."
"Indeed.", Miles confirmed.
Who is this guy…? I feel like I've seen him somewhere before… but where?
What the prosecutor was asking himself was soon answered by the former detective.
"Y-You!", he exclaimed, "I know who you are! You're the CEO of that medicine company! What was the name again?"
"Cradle Pharmaceuticals, perhaps?", the suspect replied, "I see that my reputation precedes me."
"Yeah, that!"
"Hmm, you seem to know something I don't, Gumshoe.", Edgeworth said, "Mr. Hongou, I feel like I've heard of you before, but I can't remember where exactly."
"Well, maybe you've heard of the company I run? Perhaps you've even been a patient in one of my clinics before?"
"Probably not, but that doesn't matter. Let's begin.", the classy man in red said as he sat down on the opposite side of the suspect. He took out his organizer and a pen and started asking questions: "For the record, name and occupation, please."
"Gentarou Hongou, CEO of Cradle Pharmaceuticals."
"Alright.", he said as he wrote that down, "Please describe the incident you're being charged with to the best of your abilities."
"Hmm…", Hongou thought, "I'm sorry, Mr. Edgeworth, but I'd rather have an attorney with me before I answer your questions."
Yeah, I thought so. Miles sent a look to Gumshoe, who simply laughed in return.
"I see. Well, you probably do not know, but as the Chief Prosecutor for this district, I've got the right to interrogate you even without your lawyer present.", he informed him.
"Is that so?"
"It is. However, you've at least made your intentions to have a lawyer with you clear from the get-go. Thence, I'll allow you to have one. Consider that my nice side."
"That's really kind of you. However, my former attorney is no longer in business, so could you please give me a list of lawyers I could meet?"
"Sure. Gumshoe, could you please take an attorney listing out?"
"Okay sir.", the large man opened a drawer of the cupboard in the room and took out a list of names. He handed it to Miles who then gave it to the suspect.
"There you go. Please make your choice quickly."
"Very well, thank you."
Hmm, I wonder… Let me ask, it could be good to know.
"Hmm, just out of curiosity, Mr. Hongou… who was your previous attorney?", the Chief Prosecutor asked.
"Mr. Kristoph Gavin.", he replied, "He was actually the attorney of my company too. Heard he's not on the market anymore, though."
Miles laughed, "You could say that.", then took out his phone.
Let's see, were there any witnesses in the attachment file that came with the President's email? Ah, there… Ms. Clover Field, Mr. Light Field, Mr. Kozumaro Minku and Mr. Junpei Tenmyouji… That's pretty good for a case this old! We have a student… a pianist… a police detective… and another student… I'll have to ask if any of them are here presently.
"Gumshoe, do you know of any Detective Minku in this district?"
"Hmm… 'Minku' you say…? Let me think…", Gumshoe crossed his arms in thought then came up with an answer, "It seems vaguely familiar. I don't think he's been working with us recently though."
"Alright. Well, I'll go interrogate one of the witnesses now. Can I leave you here, Gumshoe?"
"Yeah, no problem sir. Go ahead."
"Okay. I'll try to be back as soon as possible. Please choose your attorney in that time, Mr. Hongou."
He said that, then left the room back to the entrance.
November 5, 2027, 11:49 AM
Detention Center
Entrance
Back in front of the front desk, Edgeworth called the same officer as earlier.
"Sorry to disturb you again officer, but may I ask you a question?"
"Argh!", he exclaimed in surprise, "O-Oh… It's you again, sir… Yeah, of course."
"Are any of these people currently here?", the prosecutor inquired as he showed the agent the list of witness he had received.
"Hmm… I believe that Mr. Minku is here… That's it."
"Then I'll interrogate him. In the meantime, please summon the other three here. I probably won't be able to interrogate them all, but I want the three of them here.", he commanded.
"Yes sir!", the young officer saluted.
"Thank you.", Miles said then left and headed for the witness interrogation rooms.
Time to have a little chat with Mr. Minku!
November 5, 2027, 11:52 AM
Detention Center
Witness Interrogation Room No. 12
He stepped inside and noticed a tall and large man sitting on one of the chairs, probably Minku. He looked quite intimidating and his body was quite comparable to Gumshoe's. This would have made sense actually, since he was supposedly a detective in this department.
"Good morning, Mr. Minku.", the prosecutorial attorney greeted his future witness.
"Oh, good mornin' Mr. Edgeworth."
"You know me?"
"Of course I know you. You're the Chief Prosecutor!"
"W-Well, you're right…", Edgeworth was embarrassed, having asked a pretty pointless question, "Right, now that that is settled, I'd like to get into the heart of the matter.", he added, regaining his serious composure.
"Yep. I doubt you know much about the case, do you?"
"Hmm… That's quite right.", Miles told him, "I hope you'll be able to tell me more about all this."
"I'll try.", Minku simply said.
He seems to be a man of few words… Hmm, that could actually be a good thing: I only need facts, not useless chatter.
"Very well; first, for the record, name and occupation, please?", the magenta-suited man asked while taking out his organizer again. He opened it to a new page a few pages after the one where he had written Hongou's name and occupation.
"Kozumaro Minku. Police Detective for the LAPD."
"Alright. Now, I'd like to know the basic facts of the case, since even though the case was assigned to me, no relevant facts were given in the package…", a sigh.
"Well, I'll try to make it clear. Basically, nine years ago now, eighteen children were kidnapped by a group of people and were put, half of them in a building in the middle of the Nevada Desert, and the other half on the Gigantic, the twin-boat of the Titanic. They were kidnapped in groups of two, each group composed of two brothers and sisters. The pattern was to have one of the two in Nevada, and the other on the Gigantic. That's the short version of it."
Miles, who had been taking notes during the whole narration, thought of some points he had found interesting.
So the eighteen children were all kidnapped in groups of two brothers and sisters, huh. That may be an important fact. He also says that nine were put in a building in Nevada and the other nine on a replica of the Titanic… These are odd facts.
Seeing that Edgeworth was listening, Minku continued: "And now, a certain event caused Hongou's arrest. He had it coming though."
The Chief Prosecutor's mind triggered immediately at that statement, the experience he had interrogating witnesses and suspects allowing him to spot every important detail.
"A certain event"? That's most interesting. However, I doubt that just asking what he is talking about right now would be a good strategy: I'll try to learn more first.
"About the arrest…", he spoke up, "You were present when it happened?"
"Yeah, I was. I was not alone though. Let's say that we apprehended him, before handing him to the Nevada Police. From what I see, he was sent here afterward.", Minku replied.
"Hmm… and why did you 'apprehend' him?"
"Well, he's the one responsible for the kidnapping nine years ago, that's why."
"I see. Still, you know that such a claim doesn't hold water in court, don't you? Did you have any evidence of what you're telling me?"
"Well… It'd be kinda hard to give you evidence like that… Guess a certain girl's testimony could prove it without the shadow of a doubt, but other than that, no. You just have my word and the other witnesses'."
He did it again… "A certain girl"? I'll press on that now.
"Mr. Minku, could you please clarify? Earlier you mentioned 'a certain event' and now you just talked about 'a certain girl'. That's rather vague.", he said in a tone that suggested he wanted more detail.
"I'm sorry Mr. Edgeworth, but I can't answer that. I'd need her to allow me to first."
"She'd have to allow you first?", he repeated, "What does that even mean?"
"I can't tell you. Sorry."
Miles let out a sigh. Well, so much for a cooperative witness…
"Well, if you won't answer on this matter, then we'll talk about something else. I'd like to know how you are a witness to the kidnapping, Mr. Minku. I doubt you were one of the kidnapped children…"
"No I wasn't. However, I was the one who rescued the nine children on the Gigantic."
"Is that so? How come?", this had piqued the prosecutor's interest.
"Well, I had been sent by the State's intel to spy on an illegal group. You see, my superiors were almost certain that Cradle Pharmaceuticals was up to no good and they asked me to go after them. As they were bringing the nine children in bags to the Gigantic, I tried to sneak up to stop them but I was attacked by one of them. Next, I woke up on the boat, I took the kids with me and we escaped using a lifeboat as the Gigantic sunk."
"I see. May I wonder why you didn't say anything ever before?"
"Well, first the nine children I had saved all told me that they didn't want any more trouble concerning their kidnapping, and second, well… I tried, but I was pressured off. You see, Cradle is an important group, and some police members seemed to have been corrupted at the time. Makes sense when you see who was the Chief of Police at the time…"
I completely agree with you on this point. Miles noted, the end of the 2010's having been a tough period for the Prosecutor's Office and the Police Department. Fortunately, things had gotten better, before they went sour again with the Dark Age of the Law, which was not over yet. Phoenix Wright had gotten his badge back, but there was still a prosecutor on death row, and even though Miles was certain of his innocence, he'd still have to prove it if he wanted the people to believe him.
"Anything else?", the youngest of the two questioned.
"Hmm… Ah, yeah, I had forgotten that…", the witness-to-be said after a bit of thinking, "I learned why the children were kidnapped in the first place not too long ago."
"And what may the reason be?"
"Well, Cradle Pharmaceuticals, and especially Hongou, needed pairs of brothers and sisters to experiment on. Some scientific stuff, you see."
"That's…", Edgeworth tried to find a term to explain how disgusted he was at the thought but didn't find anything.
"Horrible? Inhuman? Demonic? Yeah, something of the sort.", Minku finished for him.
"If what you are saying is true, then yes. I believe these qualificatives could apply to the situation."
"It's the truth, Mr. Edgeworth."
"My investigation will tell me that soon enough. Right now, I believe I asked everything I needed. Thank you for your time, Mr. Minku. You may go home, just stay joinable before tomorrow's trial, in case I needed to talk with you again."
"Gotcha Mr. Edgeworth. Have a nice day.", he said then left the room, only for Edgeworth to leave a few seconds after.
I learned a lot of things during this interrogation. There are still details that need enlightening, but at least I got the basic facts. I should try to talk to Hongou again, perhaps his attorney arrived… Please, just not someone from the Wright Anything Agency! This case seems to be already weird enough for them to show up…!
The veteran prosecutor went back in direction of the interrogation room he had been in half an hour before, passing by the other witness interrogation rooms and seeing familiar faces.
It seems like Prosecutors Gavin and Blackquill are working on a case at the moment. It's true that I assigned them both to multiple cases, but I've been quite busy myself recently, so I didn't check up on them. I'll have to do that soon.
November 5, 2027, 12:16 AM
Detention Center
Interrogation Room No. 3
Miles knocked on the interrogation room door and entered immediately after. He noticed Hongou still sitting in the same chair as before, as well as Gumshoe and another man chatting with him. He recognized him soon enough, and it brought a smile on his face.
"Hello, Mr. Shields. It's been a while.", he said.
"Oh! Miles! It's nice to see you again! How've you been?", Raymond Shields, attorney at law greeted him back, his usual big smile still there.
"Well, it's been a lot of work, but overall, I'm fine. I trust the Edgeworth Law Offices are still doing well?"
"Yep! Uncle Ray's been quite busy at the moment, and I've got a new case right now. From what Gummy told me, you're working on this case too?"
"G-Gummy…? Huh? Hmpf, never mind…", the prosecutor sighed, having forgotten how keen of nicknames Shields had always been.
If he starts using the nicknames Kay gives to people…
"Yes, I've been assigned to this case by higher instances. To be honest, I didn't expect you of all people to show up right now. Still, that's a good thing: I know you're as eager as I am to find the truth.", he continued.
"And I'm happy to be able to work with you again too, Miles!"
"That's nice to hear.", Edgeworth said genuinely, "Still, I believe we should begin the interrogation."
"Okay, Uncle Ray will sit next to Mr. Hongou so that you can begin asking your terrifying questions."
"Mr. Shields…", the Chief Prosecutor sighed.
This guy will always be a child, that's amazing…!
They both sat down, Miles now facing the suspect and his attorney. Gumshoe was still standing in the corner of the room, his gun in his pocket just in case Hongou tried to do something funny. As soon as they sat, the atmosphere changed a bit, a sort of tension filling the room. Edgeworth was used to it, as was Shields, both being veterans, but still, the change was remarkable.
"So, Mr. Hongou…", Miles began with, his voice still gentle, "What does Cradle Pharmaceuticals do?"
Let's begin calmly. There's no need to harass him yet. However, I need more information about what his company does to solve this "experiment" stuff…
"Well, we do multiple things.", the CEO replied, "We create cures and vaccines, we sell them, we operate surgeries among other things. Overall, we're here to help people."
"Alright. Another question then: in your opinion, what made you fall under suspicion for these kidnappings?"
"Good question, Mr. Edgeworth…", he answered, seemingly puzzled, "Your guess is as good as mine. It must be linked to this event though…", he said in a lower tone, but Edgeworth managed to hear it still.
We're back to this "event" Minku was already talking about. Not that this is information I can really divulge with the defense right next to me though.
"What kind of 'event' are we talking about here, Mr. Hongou?", the prosecutor asked for more details, playing dumb.
"I'm sorry to intervene, Miles, but I doubt that's relevant.", Shields stepped in before his client could answer, his face more serious than usual.
"I disagree, Mr. Shields. I believe that an event that could explain Mr. Hongou's arrest is important enough to be talked about."
"Then you know the drill: do you have any evidence to support this claim?"
He got me there. I do not have any evidence about the case, so of course I can't prove that. Well, I'll just change approach.
"Alright, you got me, Mr. Shields. I'll ask another question.", he conceded for the time being, "Mr. Hongou, do you think any of your employees could be linked to this kidnapping?"
Minku told me that Cradle Pharmaceuticals had sent multiple people to organize these kidnappings, this must be important.
"I have no idea, Mr. Edgeworth.", the middle-aged man said, "Still, I doubt that any of my workers would be cruel enough to kidnap children, but you know… That's just my take on the subject."
"I see. Gumshoe, would you please run a background check on every Cradle Pharmaceuticals employee, present and past?", the Chief Prosecutor asked the head of the Police.
"M-Mr. Edgeworth! Cradle employs more than 5,000 people! Not counting the ones who are not working with us anymore!", the company's owner exclaimed at the demand Miles had made to Gumshoe.
"Do not concern yourself with that, Mr. Hongou. Mr. Gumshoe has an entire police force working for him. This will be a simple formality. Right, Gumshoe?", Edgeworth said as he turned to the former detective.
"R-Right… Y-Yeah, you're right… A formality…", the large man sighed, "Is it alright that I leave though, sir? Do you want me to bring a guard here?"
"No, it's alright.", the classy attorney answered, "Mr. Hongou has been behaving since the start of this interrogation, it should be alright."
"Very well sir. I'll be gone then.", Gumshoe said then left the room.
I should be safe, don't worry about that Gumshoe… First, the room is watched via video surveillance; second, Hongou is handcuffed; and third, my position as Chief Prosecutor came with a stun gun… Hmpf, I should be fine. Edgeworth thought ironically as he listed the reasons.
"Well, I have one more question for you Mr. Hongou. You see, I have here a report with the list of the witnesses of these kidnappings.", Miles said as he took out the sheet from his breast pocket, "Please tell me if you know any of them."
"Fine. Go ahead."
That could be decisive: if he knows any of the witnesses, then it means that he's probably connected to the case. It's a shame I don't have any superpowers like Wright and his employees… The reference to Phoenix Wright's magatama - which Miles had used once -, Apollo Justice's bracelet, and Athena Cykes' Mood Matrix put a rare smile on the prosecutor's face. His job would definitely be easier if he was able to detect lies, to perceive nervous habits or to hear emotions!
"Mr. Light Field.", he began then paused, waiting for any obvious facial reaction. He got nothing big enough to be spotted by the naked eye. "Mr. Kozumaro Minku.", once again, nothing suspicious. "Ms. Clover Field.", still no reaction, at least none that Edgeworth could decipher. "Mr. Junpei Tenmyouji."
It didn't take more than this name to get Hongou to react, as he raised his head in a clear motion.
Well, I don't need superpowers to tell that he at least knows Mr. Tenmyouji…
"Sorry, Mr. Edgeworth but I don't know any of these people.", Hongou said.
"Hmpf.", the Chief Prosecutor sneered, "I doubt that, Mr. Hongou."
"Wh-What do you mean?!"
"Hmm… Well, you see, when I left the room earlier, I interrogated Mr. Minku. And if you don't know him, he certainly knows you."
"H-He does? W-Well…"
"The truth now, Mr. Hongou!", Miles' voice got higher as he set the witness list on the table, "How do you explain that?! Why does Mr. Minku know you?!"
For a moment, the experienced prosecutor was fully in control, the interrogation going at the pace he wanted, with the pressure going up increasingly. However, he had forgotten that he wasn't alone in the room and that any harsh question wouldn't be easy to ask.
"HOLD IT!", Raymond Shields interjected, "Woah, woah, Miles…! Let's just cool down a bit, alright? There's no need to get so worked up. Whether you ask it loudly or normally, the answer should not change, no?"
Curses! I had put the right amount of pressure, but now…
"Very well.", Edgeworth agreed - at least he said so - and rephrased his question, "Do you have any explanation as to why Mr. Minku knows you, Mr. Hongou?"
"I don't, Mr. Edgeworth. I certainly don't know Mr. Minku. Actually, he could simply be lying about knowing me…"
"That is for me to judge. For now, however, I have no reason not to trust Mr. Minku."
"But isn't your job not to trust people, Mr. Edgeworth? If I recall, a prosecutor works to convict people, not to trust them."
Edgeworth did his signature finger waving before answering, "That is not the path I chose, Mr. Hongou. You'll see what being a prosecutor means during your trial. Just remember one thing: if you're innocent, you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise…", he didn't finish his sentence, his expression saying the words he didn't phrase.
"Right. I doubt I can lecture you on your job!", Hongou said then laughed.
"That's going to be it for my interrogation, Mr. Hongou.", Miles spoke up again, "A guard will come pick you up in a few minutes."
And with that, the prosecutor left the room back to the entrance.
November 5, 2027, 12:37 AM
Detention Center
Entrance
Hmm… I didn't get a lot of information; I just know that he was lying about not knowing Minku. There is no reason for Minku to know him but not the opposite, especially if he was involved. He also seems to know Mr. Tenmyouji quite well, judging by his reaction.
"So, Miles…", someone called him out from behind, "What did you think of this little interrogation?"
"Ah, Mr. Shields. Well, don't expect me to reveal anything about my case, but I'll just say that it went well."
"Good, good. I'm glad to know that Uncle Ray'll be having fun tomorrow!", the ace attorney said.
"I don't know if 'fun' is the word I would choose…"
The fedora-wearing lawyer instantly got more serious before speaking up once more: "You're right. It's true that the kidnapping of eighteen children is a serious charge. I doubt that any of us will be able to find much evidence, since it's so old, too."
"You've got a point. Still, I've got some ideas.", Miles told his future opponent.
"Hmm?"
"No, I'm not telling you, Mr. Shields.", he added with a grin.
"Rooooh… Not even for your Uncle Ray?"
"No.", the prosecutor stated firmly, "Actually, I'll have to bid you adieu, since my other witnesses are up for interrogation as well."
"Okay! I'll see you tomorrow then Miles!"
"See you tomorrow, Mr. Shields. Good luck on your investigation."
As they shook hands, the oldest attorney left the detention center as Miles thought of his next move.
Let's see… I've already interrogated Mr. Minku, so remain Mr. and Ms. Field, as well as Mr. Tenmyouji. I'm quite intrigued by the latter's link to Hongou, however, I think I'll start by Ms. Field. I can always listen to his story later.
November 5, 2027, 12:44 AM
Detention Center
Witness Interrogation Room No. 5
After asking for Clover Field to be brought to an interrogation room, Miles got going and now faced the fifth room. As he opened the door, he noticed his future witness already seated.
It's been a while since I've had a young witness like that. At first glance, I'd say she's maybe a little older than Pearls and Trucy. Not by much though.
In fact, Clover was eighteen. She could easily be mistaken for someone younger though: she wore girlish clothes, mainly pink and black, had long and thick pink/reddish hair held in place by some headband. But what made her seem young was her petite stature, as Miles thought she might be about five feet tall, or about 153 centimeters tall.
"Good morning, Miss Field.", he greeted her, "I'm Miles Edgeworth, Chief Prosecutor for this district. I'm here to interrogate you about the kidnapping incident you've apparently been a witness of."
He sat down in order to be facing her, then, for the third time of the day, took out his organizer.
"Hello, Mr. Prosecutor. It's a pleasure to meet you.", she replied, all smiles.
"The pleasure's all mine. Very well, let's begin. First, for the record, your name and occupation, please?"
"The name's Clover Field, and I'm a high school student."
"Alright. Well, I do not have any specific questions for the moment, so feel free to tell me anything you know about the incident.", the silver-haired prosecutor said.
"Okay! Well, I don't know where to begin… It's a long story…"
"Is it? Does that mean you witnessed a lot?"
"You could say that.", she said and her smile got even bigger, "Actually, I witnessed the whole thing, not that I was given the choice…"
"W-Wait… Does that mean…?"
"Yep! I was one of the kidnapped children nine years ago.", Clover told the prosecutor. That got him to react actually, as he literally jumped in place.
"WHAAAAT?!", he exclaimed, "I-Is that the truth, Ms. Field?!"
"Of course it's true. I wouldn't make it up.", she said sincerely.
"W-Well… I certainly didn't expect that."
"Would you be even more surprised if I told you that my brother was also kidnapped nine years ago?"
"Is that so? Well, I'm sorry."
It makes sense though: Mr. Minku told me that Cradle Pharmaceuticals kidnapped pairs of brothers and sisters, so there was no reason for Ms. Field to be any different.
"However, my brother and I weren't taken to the same places: I went to Nevada while he went in the Gigantic. Still, we were forced to undergo the same experiments."
"Could you please give me more details about what happened?", Edgeworth asked, ready to take notes.
"Well… It all began in October of 2018. Me, my brother and the other sixteen who were kidnapped were taken away in bags. We were drugged so I don't know what happened on our respective ways, however, when I woke up I immediately realized that I was not with my brother anymore. Instead, I was with eight other children inside what we thought to be the Gigantic. Actually, we were in Nevada, but we didn't know that at the time. Once inside, a recorded message told us that we would remain trapped as long as we didn't satisfy Cradle's experiments. To make it simple, we had to solve different puzzles. Don't ask me why though. In the end, we remained inside for multiple hours until we were drugged again. When I next woke up, I was reunited with my brother in the desert. I know Seven saved them, but I don't know how we got out."
"Seven? Who is Seven?", Miles asked, curious about what she had just said.
"The detective who saved my brother and the other eight participants.", she explained.
"You mean Mr. Minku?"
"Y-Yeah. Seven's just a nickname he got."
"Alright…", the prosecutor said suspiciously.
That is an odd nickname. I should write that down, just in case.
As Edgeworth finished writing down his summary of Clover's story, someone entered the room rapidly and noisily. Sure enough, it was the Chief of Police.
"Mr. Edgeworth sir! I've got the evidence you asked for!", he announced.
"Really? Well, you've outdone yourself. Can I see it?"
"Sure, there you go sir! You'll see, it's great for your case!", the large man said as he handed multiple sheets of paper to his former boss. On them were names and many lines of text along some profiles.
As Miles began reading, he understood that he had basically won the trial already.
These are private files from Cradle Pharmaceuticals… And these are clearly orders given by Hongou to kidnap the children, dated October 2018. Hmpf, that was easy enough. I've got the list of the kidnapped children as well as all the participating members of the kidnappings… Well, I'll make sure to have them prosecuted soon enough. These seem to match what Ms. Field told me. Still, nothing about the reasons of the "experiments"…
"Great job, Gumshoe. That's exactly what I needed.", he thanked him, "Where exactly did you obtain these documents?"
"Well, the boys at the software department hacked Cradle's computers and we found all that there. They're the best in the business!"
"So it would seem like. I'll keep that if you don't mind. I'll see you in my office, if that's alright with you, Gumshoe.", the Chief Prosecutor said, "As for you, Ms. Field, you're free to go. You can tell your brother to go home too. I ask you to be present in the courthouse an hour and a half before the beginning of the trial, at 8:30 AM. Now, good day to you, Ms. Field."
Edgeworth left the room and exited the detention center on his way back to his office. He assumed the two others did the same soon after since he heard the door closing behind him.
November 5, 2027, 1:08 PM
Prosecutor's Office
Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth's Office
Approximately twenty minutes after exiting the detention center, a few violations of the road safety laws and a long way upstairs, the Chief Prosecutor entered his office. Everything was still in place, and the phone wasn't flashing, so no one had tried to call him. His personal phone had well ringed on the way, but Miles didn't feel like talking with his "big sister" right now. He'd call her later, if he had time.
Right. Now, let's see, I've got my notes here as well as the documents Gumshoe gave me. Now, I just have to wait for him. He should be there soon enough.
Sure enough, the highest member of the Los Angeles Police knocked a second after.
Well, I may have left a little earlier and have driven faster, but he took the elevator. Hmpf, it's true that going up twenty flights of stairs takes some time, even after all these years…
"Come in.", he said and Gumshoe obliged.
"I'm here, sir!", Gumshoe said, as enthusiastic as ever.
"Good; I wanted to review the case with you before the trial tomorrow, as well as preparing your testimony."
"Alright. Well, if you want my view on the case, Hongou's guilty as charged!"
"Thanks for stating the obvious…", Edgeworth replied with a sigh, "Still, it's true that the evidence you brought me is as decisive as we could get."
"To be honest, I didn't expect Hongou to be the culprit. He didn't look like a kidnapper…"
"You're right. However, you know how we came to disregard criminals by the looks. Remember Simon Keyes?", Miles asked his former subordinate.
"Don't tell me! Of course I remember sir! This guy was truly mad!"
"We seem to be in the same case here. Except that we're dealing with kidnapping rather than murder."
"And there's also the matter of these 'experiments'. Did you figure anything out about that, sir?"
"Unfortunately, I didn't.", the veteran attorney said, "It could be important though. This could be one more charge against Hongou; however, I'll need strong evidence to be able to make it go through. Especially against Mr. Shields."
"That's true… Hey, what do you say we prepare my testimony?", the former detective suggested, "Perhaps you won't even need your other witnesses to prove your case."
"It's indeed possible, however, I plan to call all of my witnesses, except perhaps for Mr. Field, since his sister's testimony should be quite close to hers.", Edgeworth told him, "We need the most elements we can get. But you're right: actually, I don't ask you for much for your testimony."
"I'm all ears sir!", Gumshoe said.
"Well, I'll need a quick description of the events in question, then I'd like a presentation of Cradle Pharmaceuticals. Luckily, Hongou told us plenty of things, so we'll be able to make a good summary of what they do. Next, I need you to testify about the present events: the arrest, the request to take the case and our investigation."
"Okay, that seems simple enough.", the oldest of the two said confidently.
"Then don't disappoint. I may not be able to cut your salary anymore, but it'd be a bad look is the Chief of Police was to deliver poor testimony."
"Yeah, you're right…", that cooled him down, and now Gumshoe was less confident…
"Do not misunderstand me, Gumshoe. You are fully able to testify properly; I just want you to remain humble."
"Right sir! But then, do you know who will be testifying in what order?"
"That's a good question…", Miles said as he thought about it, "It probably would be a good idea to start with Minku and then Ms. Field… however, I couldn't interrogate Mr. Tenmyouji and I didn't receive his deposition yet, so it could change."
"Okay, sir. I'll try to get his deposition. Maybe I can get Field's too."
"Thank you, Gumshoe, that would be most useful.", Miles said sincerely.
"No problem sir! Well, I'll get going then! I'll send you the documents by email, so don't forget to take a look!"
"I will. Thanks again."
"You're welcome, sir! See you tomorrow!", Gumshoe finished with, before he left the office, closing the fancy door behind.
Now all alone in his office, Miles poured himself some tea from his teacup and sat down his fancy chair. He always thought that sitting down and sipping his expensive beverage calmly made him think more rationally and allowed him to review what he knew about any given case. No reason to change the method, he thought.
Well, this case is pretty complicated… The evidence Gumshoe gave me proves that Hongou orchestrated the kidnapping, and maybe even more. I've got a list of the kidnapped children in here, actually. Better take a look… Edgeworth wondered and read the names in the last page of the documents the Police Chief had given him. Well, this document mentions Mr. and Ms. Field… However, no trace of Mr. Tenmyouji, so that must mean he wasn't kidnapped. The other names are unknown to me, and I doubt that any of them will pop up.
The file he was reading was quite complete, mentioning how the eighteen children who were kidnapped had been admitted to a hospital affiliated with Cradle Pharmaceuticals only a little while before the events, and how the experiments were ready on the Gigantic and in Nevada. I'm also quite curious as to the "event" Mr. Minku and Ms. Field told me about… And there's also the matter of this "certain girl"… Hmm… There are still a lot of dark spots on this case; and I strongly doubt that I'll be able to clear them all before tomorrow's trial. Let's just hope for the best. The verdict will be easy to get, but getting to the truth… I'm not so sure.
After rereading the documents one last time, the Chief Prosecutor got back to some other work he had put on hold. This included paperwork, paperwork, case assignments, paperwork and paperwork. It took him a few hours, but he eventually got it done.
November 5, 2027, 5:23 PM
Prosecutor's Office
Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth's Office
Multiple beeps interrupted the legal genius during his reading of the Steel Samurai. He looked up to see a notification on his email account.
This must be Gumshoe and the depositions. Let's take a look.
Mr. Light Field - Witness' Deposition (given in the absence of an official prosecutor)
"We were kidnapped nine years ago by some Cradle Pharmaceuticals members. We were taken in bags and sent to two different locations: my sister and eight other children were sent in a building in the Nevada Desert while I, along with eight more children were sent inside the Gigantic. We were drugged on the way, so I do not recall anything that happened before we got on the Gigantic. Once there, we were informed of our 'task' which was to serve in an experiment. Gentarou Hongou addressed us through a speaker and told us that we only had nine hours to escape, otherwise we'd die. To get out, we had to solve different puzzles, which I think were the way Cradle Pharmaceuticals experimented on us. After quite some time, we found ourselves in an incinerator where the Police Detective rescued us. We all managed to escape with a lifeboat and regained the coasts in a quick time. After that, we heard that the other nine had been located in the middle of the Nevada Desert, so we went to their location and found them eventually. I was so happy to be reunited with my sister again. However, we decided to remain silent about what happened to us: we so desperately wanted to forget… Well, all this was until not long ago…"
Deposition taken in the Los Angeles Detention Center by Officer John
11/05/2027 - 2:58 PM
Well, that's pretty much the same story as Ms. Field's, except for the location. I'd bet that when he talks about "not long ago" he is in fact talking about the "certain event"…
Mr. Junpei Tenmyouji - Witness' Deposition (given in the absence of an official prosecutor)
"Hongou did it. He kidnapped the eighteen children nine years ago and got them either in the building in Nevada or on the Gigantic. He experimented on them to learn more about the morphogenetic field. It's actually quite surprising they all made it out okay, seeing what they went through. Cradle Pharmaceuticals wanted so desperately to know more about the field, they pushed them to great lengths. And to say that is was only so that Hongou could cure his prosopagnosia… It's a good thing we caught him. Recent events have been quite troubled, to say the least. *sigh* I'm not the girl who masterminded the game though, I can't tell you more than that."
Deposition taken in the Los Angeles Detention Center by Officer Meekins
11/05/2027 - 3:14 PM
It's short… Still, there are some interesting things in there such as this "morphogenetic field": according to him, it was the reason for the experiments. However, I don't know what the "morphogenetic field" is… The Chief Prosecutor sighed. He also talks about "recent events" and "the girl who masterminded the game"… The wording is quite funny actually, but it doesn't tell me what he's talking about at all. She's probably the one Minku told me about, but this is no clue to her identity. I'll have to ask him directly tomorrow. I will not get to the truth otherwise.
Miles printed the two depositions and put them in his breast pocket before turning off his computer and standing up.
Well, I'll get going. I can always work a bit at home.
And with that, he got going in direction of the door, closed behind him, took the stairs down and drove his car all the way to his penthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
November 6, 2027, 8:34 AM
District Court
Prosecutor Lobby No. 2
The next day, the prosecutor arrived in the courthouse earlier than he would normally do, since he had a lot of people to prepare. As he entered, he hoped that everyone was already here; fortunately, his doubts were quickly lifted since in fact, everybody was present. Gumshoe was the first one to notice him.
"Oh, there you are Mr. Edgeworth, sir! Good morning.", he greeted his former superior.
"Yes, there I am. Good morning, Gumshoe.", he replied, "I see that everyone is already here."
"Yeah, when I arrived, the four of them were already here. Guess they came early."
"Well, I'll go and see."
Miles fully entered the room and approached his four future witnesses. He noticed Minku and Clover Field, who he had interrogated the day before, as well as two new faces, which he deduced to be Tenmyouji's and Light Field's. He made a guess as to who was who and thought that the fancy young man was Light whereas the other was Junpei. One thing he also noticed was that the one he thought to be Light was probably blind, since he had his eyes closed.
"Good morning to the four of you.", Edgeworth said as he bowed classily, "For those I didn't meet yesterday, my name is Miles Edgeworth. I'll be the prosecutor in charge of this case. A pleasure to meet you, or to see you again."
"Hello, Mr. Edgeworth. My name is Light Field. A pleasure to meet you too. As you probably already know, I am Clover's older brother.", said the blind man. It seemed like he had gotten it right.
"Hello. The name's Junpei Tenmyouji. A pleasure to meet you.", added the other young man, in a tone that was neither really gentle, nor really annoyed.
"Very well. We'll now proceed with preparing your respective testimonies. I will begin with Mr. Gumshoe. In the meantime, I ask you to organize your thoughts as to what you deem important to testify about."
The four of them nodded while the long-time duo isolated themselves from the rest of the group.
"So, do we go with what we planned yesterday, sir?", the tall man asked.
"Yes. It should work out fine. Are you ready, Gumshoe?"
"Ready as ever! I studied the case again this morning just to make sure I had all the facts remembered."
"Good, I'll let you wait until the beginning of the trial.", the Chief Prosecutor told him.
Now, I should probably start with Minku since he'll be my first witness after Gumshoe.
"Mr. Minku, if you please."
The other large guy rose up from his seated position on the couch and joined the attorney.
"Well, from what I learned during my investigation, what you told me yesterday was the truth. So I ask you to just stick to this during your testimony.", Miles stated, "But just so that we are on the same page, could you please tell me your version of the events of nine years ago?"
"Sure… I had been sent by the State to spy on an illegal group. After some investigation, I linked them to Cradle Pharmaceuticals and began to follow their every move. And then one day, I saw them carrying bags with unusual shapes. That's how I assumed that they had kidnapped children. I tried to sneak up on them but I was caught and knocked out. When I woke up, I was aboard the Gigantic, the Titanic's sister, in a cabin. I managed to find a way out and found the nine children in the same room. I saved them from Hongou and we fled the sinking boat using a lifeboat. After that, I tried to report my findings to the Police, however, some corrupt officers threatened me to remain silent. The case only popped up again a little while ago."
"Alright, I see. That should be good for the trial. Just some tips for the cross-examination… I know the defense attorney on the case: he won't be asking pointless questions, so I ask you to answer truthfully and to the best of your abilities. And in case a question would either be useless or unrelated to the matter at hand, I ask that you let me handle things and only proceed when me or the Judge ask you to."
"Got it.", Minku simply said.
"Then we are good. You may do what you please until the trial begins.", the fancy-looking prosecutor told the Police Detective.
Minku went back to the couch and Miles called Light and Clover at the same time. They went to him quickly to the corner of the room where the prosecutor was.
"I'm calling the two of you at the same time since your stories are basically the same, just from a different point of view. That is actually why I may not call the two of you to the stand. Mr. Field, given your condition, I won't bother you with testifying, if possible. So, Ms. Field, you'll probably be called after Mr. Minku.", he informed her, "As to the contents of your testimony, I just want you to tell the truth. The defense won't be asking pointless questions, so just answer clearly and truthfully. If the cross-examination was to go sour, I ask that you let me handle the situation and don't step in."
"Okay, Mr. Prosecutor!", Clover said cheerily.
"Mr. Field; even though you probably won't be called to the stand, I ask you to remain ready. Any attention span could cost us the conviction of the defendant, which in this case would go against the truth."
"I see Mr. Edgeworth. No need to concern yourself with me, I'll remain ready."
"Very well. Ms. Field, it's probable the Judge asks you to testify about what you witnessed. I will mention that you know of your brother's story and that you may not have been witness of everything yourself. Try to be as detailed as possible in the testimony period: it will make the cross-examination easier for everyone."
"Okay! I'll do my best!"
"That is good to hear.", Edgeworth said with a small smile, "I believe I'm finished; you may wait until the trial begins."
And with that, the two young adults went back to where they had come from. Deducing that it must have been his turn, Junpei walked to the veteran prosecutorial attorney.
"I guess it's my turn now?", he said.
"You're right. Mr. Tenmyouji, I read the transcript of your deposition yesterday, and some elements remained unclear.", he took out the deposition from his magenta suit, "You said, I quote: 'He experimented on them to learn more about the morphogenetic field.' and 'I'm not the girl who masterminded the game though, I can't tell you more than that.'. I believe that you are hiding something from me, Mr. Tenmyouji. I doubt that just asking you will make you cooperative, however, let me warn you: I'll get to the bottom of this case. There are multiple elements that are odd. For example, the identity of the woman you mentioned. Let me say this straight: if this person did anything unlawful, I'll find out what."
This had gotten the young man all shaken up, as he was visibly intimidated by Miles' tone and cold words.
"I-I see… I-I'm not trying to hide anything from you Mr. Edgeworth…", he said lowly, "As you know, I was not a direct witness of the incident, and just pieced out the elements."
"Hmm… Well, the Judge will surely ask you to testify about the elements that have not been cleared up by the time you come to the stand. I ask that you testify truthfully and answer the defense's questions honestly. I trust the defense attorney to ask the right questions to get us closer and closer to the truth."
"V-Very well… I'll do my best."
"Good. You may wait for now. Best case scenario, you'll probably be called to the stand after Ms. Field, so you have a bit of time to spare."
Well, it's best I head in right now. I've got about an hour left before the trial begins. I'll organize my papers there.
Miles Edgeworth entered the courtroom for his two hundred and forty-fifth trial behind the prosecution bench, and the fourth as Chief Prosecutor. It probably wouldn't be the hardest of his career, but he still needed to be focused, especially now that he only took cases on rare occasions.
November 6, 2027, 9:01 AM
District Court
Courtroom No. 2
Of course, when he entered, there were only a few people in attendance, approximately one hour before the beginning of the trial. Miles got behind his bench, which he knew all too well and set all his papers down. He had the depositions of his four witnesses, the documents Gumshoe had given him the day before as well as the basic information about the case printed down. He organized all that, which took him about twenty minutes, then, he spent the rest of his remaining time reading these papers. Even though he wasn't under the influence of Manfred von Karma anymore since a long time, he had still kept the habitude to learn all his cases perfectly, to not be surprised by any question. Of course, that worked when the questions asked by the defense made sense which didn't always happen…
As the beginning of the session approached, more and more people entered the courtroom, to a point where it was absolutely full. That's when he noticed some people he knew. The first he saw was Prosecutor Klavier Gavin, who didn't have any trials at the time. Then, he noticed Detective Fulbright of the LAPD standing on the opposite side of the audience. Finally, Miles saw the figure of his childhood friend and courtroom rival Phoenix Wright, who had visibly been able to take some time off to come and see the trial. Next to him was his daughter Trucy, who the prosecutor had adopted as his niece. He sent them a warm smile and turned to the defense bench where Raymond Shields made his way. The defendant, Gentarou Hongou, had been brought to his seat by the bailiffs and the Judge soon entered from his chambers and got seated, above everyone else in the room.
"Court is now in session for the trial of Gentarou Hongou!", he announced, "Are the defense and prosecution ready?"
"The prosecution has been ready for a while, Your Honor.", Edgeworth said.
"Uncle Ray's ready, Your Honor.", the defense attorney replied, in his usual cool tone.
"It's good to see the two of you again in my courtroom! It had been a while!", the old man added, already out of the formalities. To say the truth, he had never been one to remain formal for too long, often being led by his emotions. However, he was still a very respected Judge.
"It had been, Your Honor.", Miles told him and Shields nodded, "However, I think it's best we proceed with the proceedings."
"Very well, Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth, please begin with your opening statement."
"Prosecutor Edgeworth will suffice, Your Honor. I only stand here as a member of the Prosecutor's Office. Titles are meaningless here. As for the opening statement, the prosecution will prove, without the shadow of a doubt, that the defendant is responsible for the kidnapping of the eighteen children nine years ago. Both evidence and testimonies will prove it. Actually, the prosecution hereby calls Chief of Police Gumshoe to the stand!"
As soon as the veteran prosecutor finished his sentence, the figure of the former detective appeared in the courtroom. He made his way to the witness stand, waving to Phoenix and Trucy Wright as he noticed them in the audience.
Gumshoe…
"Would the witness please state his name and occupation to the court?", Miles asked him, as per protocol.
"The name's Dick Gumshoe, sir! Chief of the Los Angeles Police!", he said proudly.
"It has also been a while, Chief Gumshoe!", His Honor said, "Congratulations on your promotion!"
"Thanks Your Honor! It's good to be here again, like in the old days!"
"Well, I do agree, however, could we proceed?", Edgeworth wondered, "Witness, please testify regarding the basic facts of the case for the court."
"Very well, sir! A testimony, coming right up!"
Witness Testimony
- The Main Facts -
"This whole affair happened nine years ago."
"Eighteen children, nine pairs of brothers and sisters were kidnapped."
"They had been reported missing by some parents and were found again the next day."
"The case went cold for nine years until the Federal Government asked for it to be investigated."
"We believe Mr. Hongou to be responsible for the kidnappings, with the assistance of his company, Cradle Pharmaceuticals."
"Mr. Hongou is the CEO of the company, which delivers cures and operate surgeries in their many hospitals."
"Thank you Chief Gumshoe.", the Judge said, "The defense may begin the cross-examination."
"Thanks Your Honor.", Shields said.
Cross Examination
- The Main Facts -
"This whole affair happened nine years ago."
"Eighteen children, nine pairs of brothers and sisters were kidnapped."
"HOLD IT!", the defense attorney shouted, "Were any reasons for them being pairs of brothers and sisters found?"
"Unfortunately not… We doubt it's a coincidence, but we weren't able to find the reason why. There must be one though.", Gumshoe answered.
"Very well, please continue, Chief Gumshoe.", His Honor demanded.
"They had been reported missing by some parents and were found again the next day."
"HOLD IT! Were they found by the Police?"
"Well, yes and no… Nine of them were rescued by one of the witnesses, and the nine others were found randomly by people who reported them. They were rescued by the Police, but only after the nine others arrived there."
"I see, please continue."
"The case went cold for nine years until the Federal Government asked for it to be investigated."
"HOLD IT!", Shields shouted again, "Why exactly did the Federal Government get involved?"
Miles spoke up to answer this question: "Well, I was asked to investigate and prosecute this case, which the President deemed of national importance. I didn't get any explications."
"Well, that's unfortunate…"
"We believe Mr. Hongou to be responsible for the kidnappings, with the assistance of his company, Cradle Pharmaceuticals."
"HOLD IT! What is the basis of this claim?"
"Well, as Mr. Edgeworth said, there were witnesses and some evidence found that incriminate the defendant."
That's true, not that Mr. Shields knows any of it though.
"We will call another witness as soon as Mr. Gumshoe is finished, Mr. Shields.", the prosecutor told him, "Please go on."
"Mr. Hongou is the CEO of the company, which delivers cures and operate surgeries in their many hospitals."
"HOLD IT! I've got a question for you, Chief Gumshoe.", Hongou's lawyer said, "Why would Mr. Hongou, who runs a company that helps people, suddenly decide to kidnap children? That seems odd."
I'll allow myself to answer that.
"The prosecution has evidence and a witness who can testify regarding the matter of a motive for the defendant. I will simply ask you to be patient, Mr. Shields."
"Okay, Uncle Ray can wait!", he said, still smiling, "I think I'm good with this testimony, Your Honor. No more questions."
"Very well. The prosecution may then call its next witness."
Alright, I'll stick to what I planned.
"The prosecution calls Mr. Kozumaro Minku to the stand! Mr. Gumshoe, thank you for your time.", Miles announced.
On these words, Gumshoe left the room only to be replaced by someone as large as him in Minku. He approached the witness stand and waited.
"Witness, please state your name and occupation for the record."
"Kozumaro Hongou. Part-time Police Detective for the LAPD.", he replied.
"Very well. You see, Your Honor, Mr. Minku here directly witnessed the events of nine years ago. I ask that he testifies about that.", the Chief Prosecutor requested.
"Alright. Witness, please testify as to what happened nine years ago!", the old man agreed and asked.
"Got it."
Witness Testimony
- The Events of Nine Years Ago -
"As a Police Detective, I was asked to spy on some illegal group."
"By tracking them, I one day found them transporting bags in shape that looked like they contained children."
"I sneaked up on them to try to stop them however…"
"… someone saw me and knocked me out."
"When I woke up, I found myself in a locked room."
"I escaped and found nine of the kidnapped children. I helped them escape."
"We fled away from the defendant, Gentarou Hongou."
That wasn't too bad, but maybe just not precise enough. That is regrettable.
"I see. This was a rather incriminating testimony. Mr. Shields, please cross-examine the witness."
Cross Examination
- The Events of Nine Years Ago -
"As a Police Detective, I was asked to spy on some illegal group."
"HOLD IT!", Shields exclaimed, "Who requested you to spy on this group?"
"The request directly came from the State's intel. They thought something was odd and needed someone to spy on them.", Minku answered.
"Was exactly did they find 'odd'?"
"OBJECTION!", Miles shouted, "I'm sorry, Mr. Shields, but I'm afraid that this is irrelevant. Why Mr. Minku was sent to spy is not the issue, what we want to determine is what he witnessed."
"Objection sustained. Please ask another question, Mr. Shields.", the Judge said.
"Okay. Was there any connection between the defendant and the illegal group you mentioned?"
"Yes. We didn't know it at the start, but they were some henchmen from Cradle Pharmaceuticals, the defendant's company."
"Can you prove that?"
"OBJECTION!", the Chief Prosecutor interjected again, "Once again, very sorry, Mr. Shields, but it's not the witness' burden to prove his claims. Thence, I ask you the question: can you disprove what he just said?"
"Good point. Not yet, no."
"Then please continue, witness.", the old man said.
"By tracking them, I one day found them transporting bags in shape that looked like they contained children."
"I sneaked up on them to try to stop them however…"
"… someone saw me and knocked me out."
"HOLD IT! Any idea on who knocked you out?"
"No. They got me from behind, so I didn't see their face. It was probably one of the group's members though."
"That would make sense.", His Honor added, "Please continue."
"When I woke up, I found myself in a locked room."
"I escaped and found nine of the kidnapped children. I helped them escape."
"HOLD IT!", the veteran defense attorney exclaimed, "Why not all of them?"
"Well, they were split between two different locations. Where I was, there were half of them, so that makes nine."
"Okay… Could you please add that to your testimony?", he asked.
"If you want."
"The eighteen children were split between two different locations. I only found nine."
"HOLD IT! You said that the kidnapped kids were sent to two different locations, could we please get more details about these locations?"
"Well, I and the nine children I found were in a replica of the famous boat the Titanic named the Gigantic. The other nine were in a building in the Nevada Desert."
"I see. You can continue your testimony."
"We fled away from the defendant, Gentarou Hongou."
"OBJECTION!", the defense attorney shouted, which surprised Miles.
A contradiction here? That's odd…
"Mr. Minku! You can't make that accusation! Here I have a police report about the incident which states the following: 'no lawsuits were filled by the children, so the case was classified as unsolved.'. There's no ground for you to accuse my client!"
"OBJECTION! I'll have to stop you there, Mr. Shields…", Edgeworth said, "This statement might have been true two days ago… however, ever since the case was reinvestigated, an official complaint was filled by the Prosecutor's Office! The testimony stands!"
"Hmm…", the Judge was thinking, "That's true. However, I'd like to know why the case was only reopened now. This intrigues me."
"Well, the President told me in his request that the defendant's arrest motivated the investigation. As to why the defendant was arrested, I believe another witness could answer that question, but at a later point of the trial.", the magenta-wearing attorney stated.
"I see. Does the defense have any objection so far?"
"No, not yet, Your Honor. The defense also has asked all the questions it had for the witness."
Well, Mr. Shields is not restrictive, that's for sure… Is he giving up?
"Well, then… will the prosecution call another witness?", His Honor asked.
"The prosecution calls Ms. Clover Field to the stand!", the prosecutor stated, "Mr. Minku, you are free to leave the stand."
"Very well…", he said, his tone quite empty.
The door opened again and the young woman entered the courtroom. Minku took his leave and Clover came to the witness stand.
"I believe you know how this works: your name and occupation, please?", Miles asked his third witness of the day.
"My name is Clover Field, I am currently studying in high school.", the young witness said.
"Thank you witness. Now, please testify as to what you witnessed nine years ago."
"Very well!"
Witness Testimony
- The Kidnapping -
"We were kidnapped in October of 2018, nine years ago."
"After being transported in bags, we arrived either in Nevada or on the Gigantic."
"I personally was in Nevada, but my brother was in the Gigantic."
"We both had to go through a series of puzzles along with the eight other children with us."
"In the end, the Police Detective saved my brother's group…"
"…while we were drugged and found ourselves in the desert."
"Early on, a recorded message told us that we would be trapped until we had satisfied Cradle's expectations."
"There's no doubt that the defendant was behind it all, being the CEO of the company."
"Well, that seems pretty decisive…", the Judge said, stroking his long beard in thought, "I just have one question. You talked about what your brother witnessed, but why isn't he on the stand to testify himself?"
"Allow me to explain, Your Honor. You see, Ms. Field's brother is unfortunately unable to see. Giving how tough a cross-examination can be for a witness, I decided to let his sister testify in his stead, given how close their stories are.", Edgeworth explained, "Sorry for the confusion, Your Honor."
"I see. Truly unfortunate indeed.", the old man agreed, "Defense, will you cross-examine the witness?"
"I will, Your Honor."
"Very well, the defense may proceed with the cross-examination!"
Cross Examination
- The Kidnapping -
"We were kidnapped in October of 2018, nine years ago."
"After being transported in bags, we arrived either in Nevada or on the Gigantic."
"I personally was in Nevada, but my brother was in the Gigantic."
"HOLD IT! Was there any reason for you to be separated?", the veteran lawyer asked.
"It was for the experiments. They needed us to be separated to see how we would react to the puzzles we were faced with.", she answered.
Is that so? Well, that is good to know.
"Okay! Please go on."
"We both had to go through a series of puzzles along with the eight other children with us."
"HOLD IT! What were these puzzles about?"
"Well, we ended up stuck in a room and often had to find a password or a code to open the escape door.", the pink-haired student explained, "All rooms were dangerous enough for us to die. But I think that was the point."
"Was that also part of the experiments?", this time Miles asked.
"Yes, I believe so."
"Alright, please continue with your testimony."
"In the end, the Police Detective saved my brother's group…"
"…while we were drugged and found ourselves in the desert."
"HOLD IT!", the fedora-wearing defense attorney said, "Why were you drugged, in your opinion?"
"Well… I can't know for sure, but I think they were done with the experiments…"
"Please listen to the rest of her testimony, Mr. Shields, it should answer your question."
"Early on, a recorded message told us that we would be trapped until we had satisfied Cradle's expectations."
"HOLD IT! What were the 'expectations' of your kidnappers?"
"They asked that we solved the puzzles. Well, we didn't have any other choice, since if we took too much time, we would have died."
"Because of the danger of the rooms?"
"Yes, but not only… You see, we were given nine hours to escape before the entire facility was flooded. Of course, it was the same in the Gigantic, except it wasn't flooded, but simply sunk."
"Nine hours? That's an odd time limit…", the Judge said.
"Y-Yeah? You think? I-I personally do not find it odd… Heh heh…", she laughed uncomfortably.
"Is something wrong, witness?", Ray Shields asked, "You didn't seem quite comfortable there."
"N-No… It's nothing, don't worry."
"Are you sure, witness?", Edgeworth doubled on her, seeing that she was hiding something.
"I'm fine. Thank you Mr. Edgeworth.", she regained her thoughts and was not disturbed anymore.
"Then please continue."
"There's no doubt that the defendant was behind it all, being the CEO of the company."
"HOLD IT! Couldn't it have been planned by someone else? They could have wanted my client to take the fall."
"That's a valid point.", His Honor agreed, "Mr. Edgeworth, did you find anything regarding this matter?"
There goes… Well, half of the job is done.
"Tsk. Tsk. Your Honor, experience made me search the background of every employee of Cradle Pharmaceuticals, past and present. Actually, Chief Gumshoe directed the search, and we found some… interesting evidence, to say the least."
"Is that so? Then please, present it!"
"By searching the company's computers, we found many documents, like this order given by the CEO of Cradle Pharmaceuticals, namely, Mr. Gentarou Hongou. I'll let His Honor read it for the court.", the prosecutor said as he handed one of his papers to the Judge.
"Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth. Allow me to take out my reading glasses first… Let's see… 'Please proceed with the kidnappings as we had planned previously. The experiments must be conducted. We must learn more about the field.' And it's signed… Gentarou Hongou! D-Defendant! Did you write this?!", the Judge exclaimed.
"He most definitely did. This paper being a scan of a handwritten letter, we ran a handwriting check on it, and it matches the defendant's handwriting.", Edgeworth said, "There's no doubt that these orders were given by Mr. Hongou. As for the motive… it seems Mr. Hongou was very interested about these experiments."
"I-I see! Well, this evidence is surely decisive enough for me to deliver a verdict! Mr. Shields, do you have anything to say?"
"I don't, Your Honor… I was unaware of this evidence.", the defense attorney said.
"Very well then! Defendant, please take the stand!"
Hongou rose up from his seat and got the witness stand where Clover was a few seconds before. He was standing still, his expression emotionless.
"Seeing the evidence that was presented, I will now deliver my verdict! This court finds the defendant, Mr. Gentarou Hongou…"
Now, time for the other half.
"OBJECTION!", a voice shouted, "I believe it is not time for a verdict yet, Your Honor!"
"Wh-Who was that?!", the old man said surprisingly, "Mr. Edgeworth, was that you?!"
"It was indeed. You see, Your Honor; the prosecution has proven the defendant's guilt when it comes to the kidnapping, however we now move to indict Mr. Hongou of torture and illegal scientific experiments on human beings!", Miles announced to the court, which got the audience into an uproar.
The Judge had to pound his gavel multiple time to regain some order.
"ORDER! ORDER! I will have order! Bailiffs, please remove any disturbing people from the gallery!", His Honor ordered, "Mr. Edgeworth! What is the meaning of this?!"
"I believe I spoke clearly enough even for His Honor to understand. The prosecution asks for a recess to prepare a witness who will, without the shadow of a doubt, prove that Mr. Hongou is responsible for torture and illegal scientific experiments, on children no less!"
"V-Very well… The court will then take a thirty minutes recess! During this time, I ask the prosecution to prepare its witness and the defense to explore these accusations! This court is in recess!", a final bang of the gavel and everyone started to leave the courtroom.
November 6, 2027, 11:08 AM
District Court
Prosecutor Lobby No. 2
Well, this was risky, but it should work. Hopefully…
"Mr. Edgeworth, sir!", Gumshoe came to the Chief Prosecutor, "Good job in there!"
"Thank you, Gumshoe. However, I must not let my guard down; one false step and we may lose the truth forever."
"Hmm, actually, there was someone who wanted to see you, Mr. Edgeworth."
"Is that so? Well, let them in."
"Okay, sir!", the large man opened the door and two figures appeared in the lobby.
"That wasn't too bad, Mr. Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth.", a man voice said, "I see that you take care of business when I'm not your opponent."
"Oh, give Uncle Miles some slack, Daddy!", another person said, this time in a girlish voice, "He must be quite occupied! Contrary to you!"
"Hmpf. I see your daughter is as sharp as ever, Wright.", Miles said, turning to the duo, "I wonder who wouldn't be able to survive without who sometimes…"
"Heh heh, if you say so, Edgeworth!", Phoenix said amusingly.
"So, how are the two of you doing? I trust the Wright Anything Agency has a lot of clients?"
"Well, I just took my first case recently, and Athena and Apollo have been quite busy, so yeah. Add Trucy's shows to the mix and it gives you some activity.", the spiky-haired lawyer said, "But that must be nothing compared to you, right?"
"It's true that I've been quite occupied recently. And as you can see, this case is odd. Actually, I could use your help on this one."
"Really? Well, I'm always ready to he-", Phoenix began.
"I wasn't talking about you, Wright.", Edgeworth cut him off, "I meant Trucy. If you don't mind, I'd like her to be with me while I speak with my next witness."
"Always so harsh…", Wright sighed, "Alright, if Trucy doesn't mind, go ahead."
"Is that alright with you, Trucy?", the prosecutor asked her gently.
"Yeah! I'm always ready to use my talents!", she said.
So, Miles went ahead to his witnesses and the teenager followed him closely. He stopped next to Junpei and engaged the conversation.
"Mr. Tenmyouji. We have to prepare once more. You'll be called to the stand after the recess, and I'd like us to go over what you know."
"A-Alright. So what do you want me to tell you?", the young man asked.
"Simply tell me your version of the events, please.", the fancy prosecutor requested.
"Well… As I told you before, I wasn't directly involved with the kidnappings. Just, a certain event recently linked me to all that."
Young Trucy Wright gave her adopted uncle a small nudge, signaling that she had picked up something.
"Stop right there, Mr. Tenmyouji. I will make myself clear: you are hiding something from me. You see, Ms. Trucy Wright here has a lot of talents. One of them being able to pick on nervous tics. And when you talked about 'a certain event', well…"
"Yeah, you fiddled with your fingers when you talked about that! I saw you Mister!", the young magician told him, pointing her finger like her father would do in court.
"I-I…", the future witness was struggling to find anything to say.
"Mr. Tenmyouji. I just want the truth. I believe you have a certain hatred for the defendant. The only way you can get him the punishment he deserves is by telling the whole truth.", Edgeworth told him, in a gentler tone.
"But Mr. Edgeworth! You aren't ready to hear the truth!", he exclaimed, which got everyone in the lobby to direct their attention to them.
"You believe I'm not 'ready to hear the truth'?", the veteran attorney repeated, "Mr. Tenmyouji, I've been a prosecutor for almost as long as you've been alive. Trust me when I say that I've seen enough shocking truth not to be shocked by anything anymore."
"S-Still… I-I can't!"
"Very well. I'll let you think for a little longer. Do your best in court, Mr. Tenmyouji; you'll change the future."
With these mysterious words, Miles went back to Phoenix to bring Trucy back to her father.
"Well, we have one complex witness here…", the Chief Prosecutor sighed, "Still, thank you, Trucy: your help was useful."
"You're welcome, Uncle Miles!", she said, all smiles.
"Do you think you'll get the truth out of him, Edgeworth?", the newly reinstalled attorney asked.
"I think that I eventually will… I hope Mr. Shields will be able to help me with that though."
"Yeah, his defense was pretty weak. Guess it makes sense when your client is guilty."
"Does it? I don't remember you being an easy opponent during the State vs Engarde case…"
"Oh come on! You know this case was special!"
"I'm kidding, Wright. Still, in hindsight, it might have been our best battle in court to this day. It's just a shame Ms. Fey wasn't there."
"Well, if she had been there, it would have taken some of the pressure off, don't you think?", Wright asked his rival.
"Good point.", Miles agreed, "Well, I'll have to get back inside. Would you be available to go to the restaurant after the trial?"
"Sure, why not.", Phoenix said, "Good luck in there, Edgeworth."
"Thanks Wright, I may need it…"
With only a few minutes remaining until the trial resumed, the Chief Prosecutor entered the room.
November 6, 2027, 11:32 AM
District Court
Courtroom No. 2
"Court is now back in session for the trial of Mr. Gentarou Hongou!", the Judge said as he pounded his gavel, "Mr. Edgeworth, is your witness ready?"
"Hmpf. I hope so.", the prosecutor told the court, "The prosecution calls Mr. Junpei Tenmyouji to the stand!"
The doors opened again and the witness entered.
"Name and occupation, please."
"My name is Junpei Tenmyouji and I am a student in college.", the witness replied.
"Very well. Then testify about the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping.", Edgeworth ordered.
Tsk, now he can't avoid the topic. Let's see what he says now…
"O-Okay…"
Witness Testimony
- What I Know of the Kidnapping -
"I know that Hongou had Clover, Light and the others kidnapped nine years ago."
"He just wanted to experiment to find a way to cure his prosopagnosia."
"The puzzles were all very dangerous, and one of the participants even had to solve a sudoku puzzle or be incinerated alive!"
"This guy is a criminal. He didn't just kidnap, but also murdered and tortured!"
"It's a good thing we stopped him."
He says Hongou committed murder?! But when exactly? And under what circumstances?
"You say the defendant also committed murder?!", the Judge exclaimed, "Does the defense have anything to say before the cross-examination?!"
Ray Shields looked somewhat puzzled. Edgeworth thought that he may have found something off in the testimony, or he may have just been wondering if his client truly was guilty of these new charges.
"Hmm… I'll ask all my questions during the cross-examination period, Your Honor.", he ultimately said.
"Very well, please begin, Mr. Shields."
Cross Examination
- What I Know of the Kidnapping -
"I know that Hongou had Clover, Light and the others kidnapped nine years ago."
"HOLD IT!", Edgeworth's father's successor immediately shouted, "You seem to know the other witnesses quite well. Why is that?"
He raises a good point. I don't actually know how he's linked to the other witnesses… Miles thought.
"W-Well, I met them recently…", he said before adding lowly, "Not that I really had a choice though…"
…! The prosecutor's mind immediately picked up on that. What does that mean?! Was he forced into meeting them somehow? Hmm, this case makes less and less sense by the minute!
"What do you mean by that?", Miles asked, "Were you forced to meet the other witnesses?"
"I-I… Yeah, you could say that…"
"But how?", Shields then added, "You can't be forced to meet someone, can you?"
The Chief Prosecutor was deep in thought. He was looking for a way you could be forced to meet someone, even multiple people.
"I may have an explanation.", he said, "It is only mere conjecture, so I ask the court not to see it as anything conclusive. Mr. Tenmyouji, is it possible that you were recently kidnapped as well? You could have met the other witnesses at that time."
"M-Mr. Edgeworth! Do you mean to say that there is another kidnapping involved?!"
"This is just a theory, Your Honor, but I believe so. The witness will be able to answer, I think."
"Witness!", the Judge called him out, "Were you kidnapped recently?!"
"…", silence from Junpei.
"Witness!", the old man insisted, banging his gavel.
"I… That's right… I was kidnapped recently. That's how I met Clover, Light and Seven."
Seven… This name again… I deduced from what Ms. Field told me yesterday that it was Minku, however, why this nickname…?
"What an amazing turn of events! Mr. Edgeworth! Do you think all these events are linked?!"
"They must be. The witness who didn't directly witness the events and knows as much as the others? Tsk. This is no coincidence." Miles said.
"Please explain yourself, witness.", the respectable Judge said, "Was this kidnapping linked to the other kidnapping case?"
"It was, Your Honor.", the college student stated.
"Unbelievable… Another kidnapping!"
I think we now know the nature of this "certain event". Now, I must find how all this fits, and what are the important elements…
"Your Honor, I ask that we go back to this matter later and that the witness continues his testimony. I think more elements are to be found.", Raymond said.
"Very well, witness, please continue your testimony!"
"He just wanted to experiment to find a way to cure his prosopagnosia."
"HOLD IT! You mean to say that my client has prosopagnosia?"
"Yes. I believe he can say so himself."
The defense attorney turned toward his client, who simply nodded.
"Alright… But how can experiments cure such a disorder?"
"I don't know.", Junpei said, "I'm no doctor."
"I don't think it's that relevant, Mr. Shields. Please continue your testimony.", the veteran attorney told his opponent.
"The puzzles were all very dangerous, and one of the participants even had to solve a sudoku puzzle or be incinerated alive!"
"HOLD IT! W-Where do I even start here…?! Well, I know… How did you know that?!"
"I-I… saw it…"
"OBJECTION!", Miles immediately shouted, "Witness! You told me yourself that you didn't witness the kidnappings nine years ago! You couldn't have 'seen it'!"
"But I did!", he defended himself, "That's the truth!"
Looking up in the gallery, the silver-haired prosecutor noticed Trucy nodding to him. He deduced that what his witness had been saying was indeed true, even if he didn't understand it.
"… Very well, continue."
"This guy is a criminal. He didn't just kidnap, but also murdered and tortured!"
"HOLD IT!", Hongou's lawyer exclaimed, "What do you mean by 'murdered and tortured'?!"
"I mean that the defendant here took lives and tortured children, as Mr. Edgeworth suggested earlier."
"Who did he take the lives of?", the old man asked.
"He killed three of his closest colleagues. Mr. Nagisa Nijisaki, Mr. Teruaki Kubota and Mr. Kagechika Musashidou. I doubt their bodies were found yet. They aren't even dead in the records, I bet."
I read these names in the documents Gumshoe gave me… But how does he know that?
"How do you know that, witness?", Edgeworth asked.
"They were kidnapped with me. However, the three of them died and after some investigation, I deduced that Hongou had killed them."
"Bailiff! Please contact the Police Department and ask for any trace of these three men!", the Judge ordered.
"Yes, Your Honor!"
"I see. Please continue."
"It's a good thing we stopped him."
"HOLD IT! How did you 'stop him'?", Shields asked.
"Well, after discovering what he had done, me and the other kidnapped people handed him to the Police. They arrested him officially.", he explained, "Well, I guess we didn't stop him… They did…"
"OBJECTION!", the Chief Prosecutor shouted, "Who did?!"
"S-She did stop him…", he simply added.
"She", so we're talking about a girl. Probably "the girl who masterminded the game"… I should ask him.
"Is this woman you're talking about the same as 'the girl who masterminded the game'? You mentioned her in your deposition to the police officer yesterday."
Before anyone could say anything, a laugh was heard in the courtroom.
"Ha! Hahaha! Oh, this is funny…!"
"Defendant! Remain silent or you will be held in contempt of court!", the Judge said threateningly.
Hongou obliged.
"Y-Yeah… It's the same girl…"
He did say "girl", so we're probably talking about someone his age, or even younger… Maybe someone who was kidnapped nine years ago?
"Your Honor!", Miles called the old man out, "The prosecution requests that the witness testifies about the 'game' this girl masterminded!"
"I agree. Witness, you will testify about that! The court wants a clear testimony!"
"O-Okay…"
Witness Testimony
- The Game -
"Not too long ago, me and eight other people were forced to play a game."
"It is a game where the participants put their life on the line."
"It's the same game the eighteen children were forced to play nine years ago."
"It is called the 'Nonary Game' and consists of many puzzles."
"The rules are quite complicated, but to make it short, you have to find a door with a '9' on it to escape."
"You get nine hours to escape before you die."
"We managed to escape, but Hongou killed three of the people present, including one player."
"The 'Nonary Game'? That's an odd name…", Shields commented.
"It was named that way since pretty much everything revolves around the number nine.", Junpei added.
"I see. I will now cross-examine the testimony, if you don't mind."
"Go ahead, Mr. Shields.", His Honor said.
Cross Examination
- The Game -
"Not too long ago, me and eight other people were forced to play a game."
"HOLD IT! Who were these eight other people?"
"Well, there was me, and people involved with the kidnapping nine years ago. Two other members of Cradle were also kidnapped but didn't play the game."
"I see, go on."
"It is a game where the participants put their life on the line."
"It's the same game the eighteen children were forced to play nine years ago."
"HOLD IT!", Raymond interjected, "So you mean to say that the experiments were this 'Nonary Game'?"
"Exactly. Hongou made them play this game as an experiment.", the young man said.
"But how does playing a game allow to make any experiments?"
"Well… You see, Hongou and his company were interested in what is called the 'morphogenetic field'. They needed to put some people under pressure to make sure they'd produce results."
"The 'morphogenetic field'? What is that?", the defense attorney continued with his questions.
"That is too complicated for me to explain… It'd take a long time."
"We have all the time in the world. Go ahead, witness.", Edgeworth told him.
"W-Well, it is a theory in which there exists a field invisible to the naked eye in which humans are able to put and gather information from. It says that the field can allow people to get information 'sent' from far away. That is actually the reason Cradle Pharmaceuticals put the children so far away from each other. The thing is, the theory says that for people to access this field, they need to be put under a lot of pressure, to a point where their very life is on the line. That is why Hongou organized the First Nonary Game, nine years ago.", Junpei explained.
"What?", Miles simply said, as everyone else in the courtroom went silent.
"That is the 'morphogenetic field theory'. It is quite close to telepathy, if you want the short version of it."
"That is absolutely ridiculous!", the prosecutor added.
"But it's the truth, Mr. Edgeworth! You wanted me to tell the truth, and there it is!"
"…", the genius prosecutor went silent too, making the entire courtroom silent.
"I'm pretty sure Mr. Hongou would admit to all that.", the young adult added.
It didn't take more than that for the defendant to stand up and come to the stand. Junpei stepped aside and sent him a cold glare.
"I've got something to say, Your Honor.", he said.
"Y-You do? Then talk!"
"Everything this kid said is the truth. The morphogenetic field theory is true. That is why I got the eighteen children kidnapped nine years ago. I made them play the Nonary Game with some distance separating them in order to have them accessing the field and helping each other. They actually succeeded and managed to escape. That helped in my researches about the field a lot; however, I never found a way to access the field myself. Unfortunately, I believe your witness would have loved if this was the whole story…", a grin appeared on his face.
"What do you mean, defendant?", Edgeworth said, "What is the rest of the story?"
"Well, I could tell you if you let me testify."
"NO! Mr. Edgeworth! You can't let him testify! He'll just spout lie after lie!", Junpei reacted immediately and begged the prosecutor not to let him proceed.
Whoa there…! He really doesn't want him to testify… This is actually why I'll have him do exactly that.
"Be quiet, witness.", he told him off, "Mr. Hongou, testify as to the rest of your story."
"Very well. You won't regret it, Mr. Edgeworth."
Witness Testimony
- The Whole Story -
"Nine years ago, I had eighteen children kidnapped in order to research the morphogenetic field."
"They played the Nonary Game and got to the last puzzle."
"Then, the first witness, the detective, arrived and got them out."
"Unfortunately for them, one of the players forgot something and came back for it."
"I grabbed her, and put her back inside the incinerator, where the last puzzle was."
"She managed to solve the puzzle and got out with the rest of them."
"A few days ago, I was drugged at my home and kidnapped."
"I found myself in a replica of the Gigantic, similar to nine years prior."
"Me, one of my employees, Junpei here, the other witnesses and three other people were forced to play the Nonary Game once more."
"After a while, we found ourselves in the incinerator. There, what I did in the past was revealed."
"Junpei played the same puzzle as the girl in the past and managed to save everyone from the flames."
"Meanwhile, I was carried out of the facility by the masterminds of the game and tied up in a car."
"I believe you know the rest of the story."
"I admit to my crimes: kidnapping, murder and torture. However, I'm not the only criminal here."
"During the game, three of my employees died. And while I killed them, I wouldn't have been able to if the mastermind of the game had not meant for me to do so."
"You see, you have another criminal to catch!"
"So you admit to everything?", the Judge asked him.
"Yes, however, I ask for my testimony to be reviewed, like all the others."
"Very well! Defense, please cross-examine the witness!"
This is it… The final cross-examination!
Cross Examination
- The Whole Story -
"Nine years ago, I had eighteen children kidnapped in order to research the morphogenetic field."
"HOLD IT! Why exactly did you do that?"
"Well, I wanted to see if I could find a way to cure my condition through the field, among other reasons."
"What other reasons?", Edgeworth asked.
"Well, imagine the power I would have had if I could access such a field of information! That's why I put so much money into researching."
"I see. Continue."
"They played the Nonary Game and got to the last puzzle."
"Then, the first witness, the detective, arrived and got them out."
"HOLD IT!", Shields exclaimed, "How did he arrive there?"
"There was a vent in the room my men locked him in. He went through there."
"Okay. Go on."
"Unfortunately for them, one of the players forgot something and came back for it."
"I grabbed her, and put her back inside the incinerator, where the last puzzle was."
"HOLD IT! Why did you do that?"
"I needed to see if she would access the field. The pressure was at its highest, so it was the best opportunity."
"And did it work?"
"She managed to solve the puzzle and got out with the rest of them."
"HOLD IT! What kind of puzzle was it?"
"It was a sudoku puzzle. However, it had been prepared in a way that you couldn't get the answer by just thinking. You needed to access the field to get the solution.", Hongou explained.
"That's horrible…"
"Say what you want, it is what happened."
"A few days ago, I was drugged at my home and kidnapped."
"I found myself in a replica of the Gigantic, similar to nine years prior."
"HOLD IT! Was it the building in the Nevada Desert, like nine years before?"
"Yes, it was. My company had sold it after the game. However, I wasn't sure at the start. I knew it couldn't have been the real ship, since it had sunk, but I couldn't know it was the same building."
"Alright, continue your testimony.", said the prosecutor.
"Me, one of my employees, Junpei here, the other witnesses and three other people were forced to play the Nonary Game once more."
"HOLD IT!", the defense attorney yelled, "Why though? Did it matter?"
"Oh yes it did. Me and my employee were here so that the masterminds could get revenge. The others were here so that they could piece out the truth regarding the first game. Junpei was here to solve the last puzzle, I believe.", the defendant said, looking over at the young man, who said nothing.
"I see, please go on."
"After a while, we found ourselves in the incinerator. There, what I did in the past was revealed."
"HOLD IT! Who found the truth?"
"Well, Junpei mostly. I think he accessed the morphogenetic field and got some info from the past."
"Very well, continue."
"Junpei played the same puzzle as the girl in the past and managed to save everyone from the flames."
"HOLD IT!", the veteran lawyer said, "You said earlier that the puzzle couldn't be completed without resorting to the field. So how then did Mr. Tenmyouji solve it?"
"Well, he must have communicated with the girl in the past through the field. That's how the puzzle was designed actually. The answer was split in two, so that two people had to help each other through time with the help of the field.", he explained, "It may seem ridiculous, but it's the truth."
You bet it is ridiculous!
"Meanwhile, I was carried out of the facility by the masterminds of the game and tied up in a car."
"HOLD IT! What happened afterwards?"
"I believe you know the rest of the story."
"HOLD IT! So you were sent to the Nevada Police and arrested?"
"Yes. I was put in the trunk of the car by the masterminds and the other participants drove me to the Police."
"Okay. Continue your testimony.", Shields told him own client.
"I admit to my crimes: kidnapping, murder and torture. However, I'm not the only criminal here."
"During the game, three of my employees died. And while I killed them, I wouldn't have been able to if the mastermind of the game had not meant for me to do so."
"HOLD IT! What does that even mean?"
"Well, you see, the masterminds of the game had proposed to me and my three employees to admit to the kidnapping. However, I had other plans in mind, so I killed them before they could speak. And while I am the one who directly took their life, I couldn't have done it if the masterminds didn't let me. It was all planned out that way, anyway."
"R-Really?"
"Yes. Their death was part of the plan. Revenge is really something, right?", he said then let out a small chuckle.
"There's nothing funny there, defendant. Just continue.", the Judge said, not amused at all.
"You see, you have another criminal to catch!"
"HOLD IT!", Shields exclaimed again, "And who is it?"
"Well, the mastermind behind the Second Nonary Game, of course!", Hongou said then added, "Actually, they were two, but one of them really participated. They kidnapped the players and my two other employees, put a bomb inside their gut which would react if they violated the rules of the game, and finally, if I tortured people, they did as well, since the puzzles were the same."
"I-Is that the truth?!", His Honor said.
"N-No! No it's not, Your Honor!", Junpei spoke up urgently and said.
Once again, Miles looked up and localized Wright and his daughter in the audience. Like last time, she gave him a nod, so what he had said was the truth.
"The prosecution trusts the witness on this statement. However, I ask for more details."
"Very well, please amend your testimony regarding the mastermind of the game!"
"If you want."
"The girl that popped up in your investigation, Mr. Edgeworth, she's as much as a criminal as I am."
There it is: the moment of truth. I need Mr. Shields to ask for more details on this point.
"HOLD IT!", the defense attorney said after Miles nodded towards him, "More details, pretty please?"
"What kind of details?", the CEO of Cradle said, a wicked smile on his face.
"Don't play dumb, defendant, you know what kind of information we want.", the Chief Prosecutor told him.
"Well, you just needed to ask! Her name - the name of the mastermind is…"
Silence in the crowd as everyone directed their attention towards Hongou.
"… Akane Kurashiki."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!", someone screamed and attacked Hongou.
The truth.
"YOU BASTARD! DIE! DIE!", it was Junpei.
"Bailiffs! Restrain the witness!", the Judge ordered.
The courtroom agents got hold of Junpei before he could hit Hongou and set him aside, still holding him.
"Defendant. You'll have plenty of time to think about what you did where you're going.", Miles told him, his influence filling the air, "Don't think I worked to have you enjoy any kind of revenge.", then he smiled.
"…", that got him to go quiet.
"Good. Your Honor, the verdict, please."
"V-Very well… On the charges of kidnapping, murder, torture and illegal scientific experiments on human beings, this court finds the defendant, Mr. Gentarou Hongou… GUILTY. The accused will surrender to the court immediately, to be held pending trial at a higher court within a month from today's date. That is all. This court is adjourned!", the Judge said then pounded his gavel. The trial was over, and bailiffs led Hongou to the prison. Raymond Shields left, like many people in the gallery. Junpei came out, visibly angry, followed a minute later by Miles who picked up all his papers.
November 6, 2027, 2:38 PM
District Court
Prosecutor Lobby No. 2
Well, that was one tough case… The Chief Prosecutor sighed. But at least, we got the entire truth. Hongou will be sleeping in prison for the rest of his life - if he doesn't get the death penalty - and another criminal was revealed.
Edgeworth was walking toward the exit when Junpei approached him.
"Tell me one thing.", he began with, "Why?"
"Why what, Mr. Tenmyouji?"
"Why did you let Hongou testify? You had already won! There was no need to do that!"
"Tsk. Tsk.", Edgeworth chuckled, "You're wrong, Mr. Tenmyouji. You see, I don't care about winning. All I care about is the truth. Hongou was exposed for the criminal he is. Just so you know, I couldn't care less about what happens to Ms. Kurashiki. If you're able to prove to me that what she did was right somehow, then I'll argue her case when she's caught. If not…"
"That's a messed-up way to see things, Mr. Edgeworth.", he told him, "You don't know Akane. You don't know what she went through… you can't judge her."
"Mr. Tenmyouji; in a court of law, we judge facts. It was proven that Ms. Kurashiki did illegal things. If she's caught, she will probably be tried for that. There, you will be able to defend her case if you want. You're right though: I don't know Ms. Kurashiki. That is why I'm not considering her as bad as Hongou is."
"Still… You didn't need to do that!", he said and started crying.
"… … If Ms. Kurashiki ever needs a defense attorney, tell her to contact the Wright Anything Agency.", Miles added, dodging the remark, "Good luck, Mr. Tenmyouji, you went through a lot and need some rest."
Without saying anything more, Junpei left the courthouse, still saddened. He'd need to think about what the Chief Prosecutor had told him, but right now, Miles thought he needed to sit down and think about what happened to him, and to the person the prosecutor thought was his girlfriend.
He'll learn and grow up as a person. Everyone goes through difficult times, but we manage and gain life experience as a result. I'll keep an eye on him and see how this goes.
As the magenta-wearing prosecutor was done talking with his former witness, Gumshoe approached him.
"Hey sir! Congrats!", he said sympathetically.
"Thank you, Chief Gumshoe. I couldn't have done it without your help.", Edgeworth said then bowed.
"You're welcome, sir! It's been a real pleasure to work with you again!"
"I can say the same, it brings back many memories. No salary cuts this time!", he joked and they both laughed, which was rare for the attorney.
"Well, I'll get going; I have quite the paperwork to fill and duties to attend to."
"Alright, I won't take anymore of your time. See you soon Gumshoe. Say hello to Maggey and the kids for me, please."
"Got it! See you, sir!", the former detective said then left the courthouse back to his office at the Police Department.
Then, Clover and Light approached, both smiling.
"Mr. Edgeworth, thank you.", the elder of the two told him genuinely, "You put a very dangerous person where they belong. We can't thank you enough for that."
"Don't worry, Mr. Field. That is my job. I'm happy I could be of service."
"It's good to know that we can put all that behind us! Finally we can start living a happy life after so long.", Clover added.
"Right. You went through a lot too. You deserve some peace.", Miles told them.
"Thanks for the support, Mr. Edgeworth. Well, the two of us will get going, we don't want to take any more of your precious time."
"Very well. Good continuation to you two, and good luck."
They nodded and also left the room, Clover guiding her brother with her hand.
Mister and Miss Field… Their stories are truly tragic, but they managed to keep a smile. That's remarkable.
Finally, the last of the four witnesses came to Edgeworth, and the smile he saw with the two brothers and sisters was now gone.
"I allowed myself to listen to what you were saying, Mr. Edgeworth… and I think they're a bit too optimistic…", said Minku.
"Why do you think that, Mr. Minku?", the fancy man asked.
"The truth was revealed and Hongou arrested, thanks to you; however, I fear darker times are ahead.", he explained, "But that's just my take on the matter."
"That's always a way to see things, Mr. Minku. I won't blame you; I've been like you for years.", the prosecutor said, "You see, I once was the 'Demon Prosecutor', I believed that every defendant should be declared guilty… but after a while, I learned the mistakes of my ways and began to see hope and optimism. Perhaps you'll be the same."
"Heh, who knows… It's been nice meeting you, Mr. Edgeworth. I'll be gone, now. See ya'.", he said then left.
Mr. Minku is truly a complex person. He's a hero, as he saved nine children from death, so why does he see the world in such a dark way? Hmm… Well, no time to think about that, I have to get going too…
And that's how the trial of Gentarou Hongou ended, with the truth revealed and yet another criminal brought to justice. After that, Miles went to eat with Phoenix and Trucy before coming back to his office in the late afternoon.
November 6, 2027, 6:04 PM
Prosecutor's Office
Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth's Office
As he entered, Edgeworth quickly noticed the back light of his professional laptop flashing. This meant he had received an email. He sat down in his chair to take a look and opened the message.
Mr. Miles Edgeworth, Chief Prosecutor of the Los Angeles District
Public Prosecutor's Office, Los Angeles, California
Dear Chief Prosecutor,
The members of the Government as well as I took a close look at the trial of Mr. Hongou. You did a great job, both securing a guilty verdict for the criminal, as well as revealing the whole truth of this matter. Your prosecution was excellent, and your desire to find the truth admirable. I will personally make sure your good work is appreciated at its right value during the next Justice Council, next month.
Regarding the matter of the defendant, Mr. Gentarou Hongou; his defense attorney, Mr. Raymond Shields, resigned and will not represent him in the Higher Court. He will be tried in a month on the charges he was convicted for which are murder, kidnapping, torture, illegal scientific experiments on human beings.
Regarding the matter of Ms. Akane Kurashiki, a search warrant was filled by the national instances of Police in order to locate her. The Federal Government as well as the United States' intelligence are looking into her background and are searching for any trace of criminal activity in the past.
You discovered a lot during this trial, for which I am personally thankful. You may not have understood everything regarding the morphogenetic field theory or the Nonary Game, but these matters will be treated by the national instances with a lot of care. You may be solicited again in the future by myself or higher instances regarding matters in your state, since your work is of high quality.
Sincerely, President John Terry
Hmm… It seems my work was appreciated. Miles thought. Not that I work in order to satisfy anyone, but it's nice to know that all this is not for naught. I don't really care what happens to Mr. Hongou or Ms. Kurashiki from now on, though it's pretty sure Hongou will get at least a life sentence. As for Ms. Kurashiki… This girl is a true mystery. Well, that's none of my concern. This case was odd enough for me to stick to it too long! He told himself, before correcting. Actually, it was an odd case for a case not involving Wright or his employees… It's incredible how I came to accept him as a scale of oddity…
After that, Edgeworth got back to work until 8:00 in the evening, and as he was about to leave his office, he sent a final look to a picture frame on his desk.
I'm so excited to be able to see you again…! Especially after two long days like these… Justine, my beautiful wife, there's no one in the world I'd rather be with than you. I love you, forever and always.
As he closed the door of his fancy office, remained this picture. On it was a beautiful brown-haired woman in a classy dress. Her smile warmed the room even as nobody was there, as much as she had warmed the heart of her husband, Miles Edgeworth.
The End.
A.N: I just couldn't resist putting some Miles x Justine in there, could I? Well, anyway, I had a very good time writing this crossover, seeing how I could write in the canon of both series since their timelines coincide. I always thought we didn't get enough info about what happened between 999 and ZTD (chronologically, at least) on the characters who didn't make it into the sequels (Ace, Snake, Seven...) so it was a nice way to fill this void.
Please remain safe, best regards, Moiloru