October 3
Wright and Co. Law Offices

("Who would have thought that Prosecutor Angelique would be in that box of all places?")

The office was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the busy streets and the early evening flourish outside. When Phoenix and Apollo returned to the law office after a tense investigation, Mercury and Athena were immediately updated on the situation. Athena looked shocked but Mercury seemed almost devastated.

"At this moment, she's in intensive care," said Apollo. "Detective Gumshoe will keep us posted."

Phoenix gazed out the window, fixing on nothing in particular. "I wonder what Edgeworth thinks about this."

("We immediately called for emergency services. Prosecutor Angelique was rushed to the hospital and brought under intensive care. She may have been locked there for hours, given the sweltering heat and the lack of air. I'm glad we found her… otherwise, the case would have taken an ugly, complicated turn.")

The few minutes of silence following Phoenix's remark was broken when a cellphone rang. It was Apollo's.

Apollo took out his phone and flinched when he saw the caller ID. When he pressed the answer key, he immediately put on the speakerphone.

"Hallo, Herr Justice. I heard you returned from Khura'in, ja?"

Phoenix blinked. "K-Klavier?"

"Ah, I hear Herr Wright as well," said Klavier over the phone, quite smugly as well. "Anyway, I do not have time for pleasantries, given the situation." He paused for a few seconds. "Naturally, Herr Thinker should be with you, right?"

Mercury and Klavier have never met. Phoenix wondered how Klavier would know about Mercury.

"Y-Yes, sir," said Mercury, his voice a little shaky.

"Don't worry, Mercury," Apollo told him reassuringly. "Klavier is a prosecutor, but he's dependent."

Klavier laughed. "That's a compliment from you, Herr Justice. But again, back to the serious stuff." Over the phone, Klavier explained that he was sent by the high prosecutor, namely Miles Edgeworth, to guard over Prosecutor Angelique. He also mentioned that Blackquill was preparing for the trial, confirming Phoenix's opponent come court time.

"How's she?" Mercury asked.

Klavier paused. "She's asleep. I was briefed by the detective. Herr Wright and Herr Justice were there as well when they found her. However, she might not wake for a few hours." Klavier clarified based on Detective Gumshoe's findings that Prosecutor Angelique may have suffocated, amplified by the intense weather that afternoon. "It may be worrying, but she may suffer some short-term memory loss, given the shortage of oxygen."

("That's a new mystery for us. A simple case at face value will always complicate itself the more I investigate.") However, Phoenix had to interrogate Prosecutor Angelique as soon as possible.

"I thought she was still abroad," Mercury said in a confusing manner.

"I thought so, too," responded Klavier, his voice somewhat grim. "We all thought so."

"Prosecutor Angelique and Devine Lopper were also joint-investigating the goings-on in Khura'in," relayed Apollo. "Logically, Prosecutor Angelique may have returned home first." This reminded Apollo of something. "Speaking of which, how did you get my number? I just returned from Khura'in after all."

Klavier laughed heartily. "Just remember that you're not the only one not a prosecutor or a defense attorney traveling abroad."

It took a while for Apollo to figure out, but he knew the answer – a certain detective. "Right… her."

"I understand that you'll be stopping by," continued Klavier. "If I were a defense attorney, I would be rushing towards here in the moment. Besides… there's something that was in her possession."

Phoenix became alert. "What is it?"

"I can't really say what it is, but it looks to be a watch."

"A watch?"

"It was in her pocket, strangely enough," clarified Klavier. "It's sitting on the bedside table at this moment."

("It could be evidence. I'll have to look into that.")

"If you'll be coming, I suggest only two of you come," said Klavier.

Phoenix and Apollo looked at each other and nodded.

"We'll be there," said Phoenix.

"Alright," finished Klavier, "I'll be waiting, ja? She's woken up, by the way." He hung up.

Phoenix rubbed his chin and surveyed the other attorneys in the office. "Apollo, you're with me."

Apollo nodded. "Got it, boss!"

("I could say that I'm not his boss anymore, but oh well…")

"Before we go to the hospital, we'll drop by the detention center," suggested Phoenix. "I have a few more questions for Vincent."

October 3
Detention Center; Visitor's Room

Phoenix sat down on the folding chair facing the glass while Apollo stood guard outside. The guard brought Vincent into the room. Vincent looked drained, but Phoenix knew his client would become agitated at a moment's notice. Strangely for Phoenix, Vincent did not bring his packet of sunflower seeds.

"So, uh, whaddya got for me, sonny?"

"A few questions," answered Phoenix, leaning back on the chair. He took out the compartment key from his pocket and showed it. "This compartment key… it opens more than just the compartment."

Vincent grumbled. "Ah, crap. I shoulda known."

The attorney's eyes furrowed. Swiftly, he clutched the Magatama in his pocket in case his client was hiding something else.

"No, no, no, it's not whaddya think!"

"Tell me then," said Phoenix, trying to remain calm. "What else does your compartment key do?"

Vincent backed up Phoenix's investigation results by admitting that the compartment key could also open the marked boxes. He then clarified that it was actually a master key. It was also used to start the truck and open the doors to the driver's seat.

"Why would Summerbridge have one key for multiple purposes?"

Vincent shrugged. "Not sure, ya hear? I'm just drivin' that big rig around and followin' orders. Nuthin' suspicious, really."

"Do you always keep this with you?" Phoenix asked.

"Not all the time," answered Vincent. "In fact, I only use it when I have to deliver, ya hear?"

When asked if he had the key on him on the night before the delivery, Vincent answered that he kept the key in his personal locker. He added that the master key cannot open lockers and that drivers had to use their own padlocks.

Compartment Key updated in the Court Record.

Phoenix took a deep breath. "I apologize for letting you go through this."

"Ah, it's nuthin', sonny."

("This reminds me. I need to know if he had knowledge of Prosecutor Angelique being placed in the marked box.")

Phoenix pocketed the compartment key. "During our investigation, we discovered something… incredibly unusual."

Vincent raised an eyebrow.

Phoenix presented the evidence: the large, unmarked box. "First, we determined that the victim was stabbed to death in that box. Do you know anything from this?"

Vincent seemed unfazed. "Sorry, I got nuthin', ya hear?"

("Strange, he seems unfazed… but it doesn't seem that he's lying either.")

"Did you have knowledge of the unmarked box being loaded into the truck before you started your delivery?"

This struck a nerve in his client. "I'm tellin' ya, I got no involvement in that," grunted Vincent as he shook a trembling fist. "I was slightly over the edge, ya hear?"

("Ah right… he was drunk. Again, regardless of the outcome of this case, he'll be out of a job.")

After calming his client, Phoenix returned to the issue. He confirmed that Vincent did not know about the unmarked box being loaded into the truck. Phoenix detailed that the back of the truck contained ten boxes as stated in the delivery, but only nine of them were marked. He then concluded his findings for the tenth box being loaded into the driver's compartment.

"Now, is that something that you remember being loaded into the truck?"

Vincent shook his head. "Nuthin' at all."

("This is getting weirder by the second.")

"But you were found at the back of the container," said Phoenix.

Vincent paused. "Ya see, sonny? I ain't really sure. I mightta been knocked out. My memory's slightly blank on that one."

Phoenix looked down. He tried to digest everything so far. ("Let me get this straight. The truck had an accident in the middle of the highway. When police arrived in the scene, Vincent was found at the back container, presumably unconscious. However, if that was the case… how did he move from the driver's seat to the container without knowing the other box being in the driver's compartment?") He sensed a migraine going on, but he had to get to the bottom of the mystery.

"Listen, Mr. Kudo, I still firmly believe in your innocence," told Phoenix. "If there's anything that you remember that evening, now is the best time to give the details."

Vincent closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Phoenix waited, hoping his client would remember something. When he opened his eyes, he looked at his attorney. "Sorry, sonny. Nuthin' coming up, ya hear?"

"Not even the pocketknife?"

"I use that all the time," said Vincent. "It's part of my work and it's kept in the toolbox."

("Oh… I did not see a toolbox there during the investigation.")

When Phoenix asked one more time if Vincent stabbed the victim, Vincent asserted that he did not do anything. However, Phoenix had to doubt his client's memories of what happened during that evening. He would have to establish the version of events during court time. "You might be called to testify," Phoenix told Vincent in parting. "Whatever happens and whatever questions you may be asked by the prosecutor, always tell the truth."

"Yeah, yeah," said Vincent gruffly. "I know what ya young'un lawyers know. Pops tol' me everythin' about that trial."

Phoenix's insides churned lightly. ("Please don't bring it up.")

With the interrogation done, Phoenix nodded and stood up from his seat, while the security guard standing on Vincent's doorway escorted him out from the visitor's room. Phoenix stood there alone, with Apollo guarding outside, as he stared at his faded reflection on the glass. He was dealing with a case where details didn't seem to add up and where outside factors such as the presence of cyber-terrorists complicated matters. All Phoenix knew about the case was that the trial tomorrow would not be the end of it.

"All set, boss?" Apollo asked when Phoenix exited the cubicle.

Phoenix nodded. "Let's pay Prosecutor Angelique a visit. I think this is still far from over."

October 3; 8:45 PM
Los Angeles General Hospital; Intensive Care Unit

After some ten minutes asking for directions for the intensive care unit, Phoenix and Apollo found Klavier Gavin standing outside the double-doors to the ICU. He was fiddling with his phone. Detective Gumshoe, however, was nowhere to be found. Phoenix thought that he must have gone home.

"Prosecutor Gavin?" Apollo started, making Klavier nearly jump in the almost-complete silence.

"Herr Justice, do bring down your volume, bitte?"

"Sorry," responded Apollo, his voice lowered.

The three lawyers shook hands.

"I hear you're the top gun in Khura'in," Klavier told Apollo with a steely smile. "Many congratulations."

Apollo scratched the back of his head in nervous flattery. "Ah, uh… yeah, hehe. Th-Thanks."

"When all this is said and done, I'll try fancy dropping by," said Klavier, pocketing his phone. "I heard it's a spiritual haven for those who want to cleanse their soul. Maybe it'll give me some inspiration for a singles gig."

Phoenix blinked. "You're still into music?"

Klavier snapped his fingers as he would usually do. "The Gavinners is planning a comeback. Of course, our previous lead guitarist is… no longer affiliated with the band."

Apollo's hair horns drooped slightly. "Uh… aren't you a little too seasoned for that?"

Klavier laughed heartily. "Anything's possible. Remember the boy band One Direction returning after almost fifteen years? They're still looking and sounding good as ever, you know."

("The earsplitting screams of ladies would render an unaware person deaf during their first concert back.")

Apollo folded his arms. "Alright, alright, I get the point."

Klavier turned around to face the window to the ICU. "Anyway, that's beside myself now. Perhaps I should update you on Prosecutor Angelique's situation."

"Please do," said Phoenix.

Klavier stated that Seraph was still unconscious when she was rushed to the emergency room. She may have suffocated in the box when she was discovered. After being subjected to the intense heat throughout the day and within a cramped space, Seraph was almost completely deprived of oxygen to the point where carbon dioxide was building up on the box she was confined. "That box was almost her coffin," he said grimly. "If you hadn't discovered her, we would be facing with a messy situation."

"Thank goodness we decided to open it," said Apollo, relieved.

Klavier then mentioned that Seraph had woken up a few moments ago. He observed that she still seemed dazed but could make out her surroundings but could be slightly traumatized. "But then again, she could also put on a brave face for the people who matter to her the most," continued Klavier, smiling slightly. "If you're going to question her, please do it gently."

Phoenix nodded.

"How long will it take?" Klavier asked.

"It depends on the information," responded Phoenix.

"She was in Khura'in for the past few days," said Klavier. "Maybe you'll find something. I'll stay guard here and just absorb the melancholy."

This reminded Phoenix to inquire Prosecutor Angelique on the watch that was found in her pocket when they found her unconscious body in the box.

With that, Klavier let the two attorneys inside the intensive care unit.

After going through disinfection protocol from an assisting nurse, the two attorneys stepped into the specific area where Prosecutor Angelique was. The hospital smell was something Phoenix was already used to, but Apollo had to adjust.

Prosecutor Angelique was almost exactly as Mercury described. Her silky purple hair however was unkempt due to her bed rest. She was wearing an unbuttoned navy-blue coat, under which she wore a white blouse. When Phoenix and Apollo entered the ICU, she was seated up, looking tired and flustered, but maintained to keep a good spirit. Prosecutor Angelique observed the two attorneys.

"Have we met?" Prosecutor Angelique started. Her voice sounded weak but maintained a strong façade.

"Prosecutor Angelique, I am Mercury's boss," Phoenix introduced himself.

Not giving Phoenix the opportunity to introduce his name, Prosecutor Angelique cut in, "Ahh, the legendary Phoenix Wright."

("So that's my status now among lawyers? She talks as if I'll be ancient in some passing time.")

She turned to Apollo. "We've already met."

Apollo blinked. "Uhh, not to my knowledge."

"The defense attorney, Devine Lopper," clarified Prosecutor Angelique. "She told me that Khura'in's top defense attorney used to work with Attorney Wright."

"Call me Phoenix."

"And call me Seraph."

"Apollo, Apollo Justice."

("Khura'in's top defense attorney, huh. Way to go, Apollo!")

With the introductions out of the way, the two defense attorneys sat on the chairs and began their interrogation.

"Are you aware that Devine Lopper is involved in a case I'm working on?" Phoenix started.

Seraph looked away. "She… How is she?"

The two attorneys exchanged grim faces.

"Devine Lopper is… the victim," said Apollo.

This triggered a reaction, shocking Seraph. "Devine, dead?"

("Makes sense so far. After all… Prosecutor Angelique was unconscious for the majority of a day.")

"Her body was found at the back of a Summerbridge Inc. truck," said Phoenix. "Seems to be it was blood loss due to a stab wound."

Seraph was still reeling. "I… I can't believe it."

This prompted Phoenix to learn Seraph's relationship with the victim. "How are you acquainted with Devine Lopper?" He also assured Seraph not to push herself since she was still recovering.

"Attorney Lopper and I went to Khura'in to investigate something," answered Seraph, maintaining her pace to prevent exhausting herself. "After the showdown with your pupil, this prompted me to dig deeper into the presence of the cyber-terrorists."

"What did you find?" Apollo asked.

Seraph massaged her head. "N-Not much yet."

("I better start from the beginning.")

Phoenix cleared his throat. "Let's start from the top. A year ago, you and Mercury were caught in a case abroad in which his law professor suddenly died. Then a few months ago, my office handled the murder in the control tower of the international airport. Cyber-terrorists were credited to the takedown. And just a few weeks ago, you and Mercury handled the case involving the murder in WorldPrograms Inc."

"Cyber-terrorists were also present in the case's details, I've heard," said Apollo, finishing Phoenix's narration. "Is it possible that the case from a year ago also involved at aspect?"

"You were the prosecutor of that case after all."

Seraph looked tired. She stared to the side. "If it were another person seated there, it would be in my best interest to just ask them to leave. Very well, I'll indulge."

"Just don't overdo it," reminded Apollo.

Seraph smiled. "Thank you."

She paused as she closed her eyes and tried to recall the details of the multitude of cases she was involved. "As you know, Mercury's law professor died suddenly in that courtroom as he was defending a client – the case was just an ordinary one. It so happened that the professor and Devine Lopper were acquainted."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow. Apollo leaned forward from his chair.

"Devine Lopper was both a defense attorney and a computer engineer," continued Seraph. "After the trial without a conclusion, we talked for a bit."

"What did you talk about?" Phoenix asked.

"Mainly the Tech Agreement," answered Seraph, prompting Phoenix to review the document through a file in his phone. "While the case in that incident wasn't particularly interesting, the most interesting bits surrounded the Tech Agreement."

She paused. "Then I got word that Mercury was in possession of one of Devine Lopper's products."

"AidLaw," said Phoenix.

"Correct. She and Mercury's father co-developed the program," continued Seraph. "Then a few months later, we received the news that Summerbridge and WorldPrograms signed a two-billion dollar deal."

Apollo gasped. "T-T-Two billion?"

Seraph nodded slowly. "They were going to release AidLaw into the market."

("This is news to me.")

"That was when Attorney Lopper asked me to cooperate with her – a joint investigation."

"The cyber-terrorists, right?" Phoenix inquired.

"There were strange cyber-attacks in the East countries and a few in Europe as well," continued Seraph. "We thought nothing at first, but we discovered a link."

("Of course, somebody has to be responsible for these attacks after all.")

"Because of that link, I had to find more information… that's why I faced off against Mercury in that trial a few weeks ago."

Phoenix now understood Seraph's intentions of prosecuting the case for Mercury's first trial. He would let Mercury know soon.

"The victim of that case happened to be one of those cyber-terrorists," said Phoenix, remembering the details.

Seraph closed her eyes again, pausing to catch her pacing, and remembering some more details. "That… that compelled me continue investigating. A few days later, Attorney Lopper called me and said that she found a breakthrough in the Kingdom of Khura'in in all places. So, we went there."

Before Phoenix would let her continue, he had a lingering question. "Forgive me for interrupting, but there's something I'd really like to know. What compelled you to undertake this in the first place?"

Seraph sighed as she looked out the window. The lights were dimming since the hospital's visiting hours were already well past over. However, the presence of a prosecutor outside the ICU meant that Phoenix and Apollo were free to stay however long they wanted if they wanted crucial information for the trial. After all, Seraph was not their opponent.

"This is somewhat embarrassing; I am not one to share my personal life."

"You don't need to," said Phoenix gently. "However, I admit that I am curious."

("Mercury's pursuit started with that fateful trial. Where does Prosecutor Angelique's pursuit begin?")

"Why did you become a prosecutor?" Apollo asked.

Seraph sighed again. "That's… something I cannot, I don't want to share."

Phoenix said to Apollo. "Let's respect her privacy for now."

Apollo nodded.

("Someday, she'll want to open up. Mercury and Seraph have a deep connection, even on differing sides of the legal battlefield. It reminds me of Apollo and Nahyuta… and even myself and Edgeworth. We have different stories but connected destinies.")

Apollo, who had leaned forward the entire time, now leaned back. "Alright. There was a guerilla raid in Khura'in a few days ago. Were you there when it happened?"

Seraph paused. "Not yet. I think Attorney Lopper and I arrived there two days after."

"Were you compelled to investigate or called upon?"

"It was a mixture of both," answered Seraph. "Nahyuta Sahdmadhi asked me to help in the cooperation – and I did for a fellow international prosecutor."

("Makes sense to me.")

And then Apollo asked the million-dollar question. "Alright, what exactly happened in Khura'in?" Apollo remembered being busy with the relief effort. He may have glimpsed the presence of Seraph Angelique but he did not notice.

Phoenix glanced at the clock outside the ICU. It was already past nine in the evening. The first day of trial would be the next day, but Phoenix felt he still needed information. If he wanted to know whether his client was involved in the abduction or not, he would have to Seraph's story – her encounters in the kingdom of Khura'in.

"Here's the story," started Seraph. "I hope you have time for a tale."

("Prosecutor Angelique recounted the details of her trip and investigation in Khura'in. While her memory was a bit fuzzy, she was able to remember important details. It's a story that can probably shed new light into this disarrayed case.")

To be continued

Author's Notes: Yep, one investigation section for my original character coming up. I have an investigation technique ready for her - something that might be familiar for the readers.