Unison Of The Turnabout - Part 2

Unfortunately, Edgeworth's cell phone didn't get much reception out in the village, so he had to use a phone booth in order to contact the police. Once he did that he assured Phoenix, Lotta and Ema that the police were on their way, which seemed to ease them slightly but not all that much. Although, he can't say that he really blames them, given what they just witnessed. He's scared to death by the whole ordeal. He's thankful Ema didn't have to see what he saw. Maya was escorted out after the whole ordeal to ensure her safety.

"Hey, Mister..." Lotta said, getting Edgeworth's attention. "That gal... Iris, was it? She weren't the one who pulled the trigger, right?" Oh, yes. Lotta doesn't know that when a medium channels a spirit, their physical appearance changes to reflect the person that they're channeling. "Then again, it were only the two of them in there... I reckon she musta done it then." Lotta stated. Edgeworth agreed slightly, he remembers clearly that they were that Iris and Dr. Grey were the only two that went inside. Phoenix however, shook his head incredulously.

"That's not true. I know Iris. She wouldn't hurt a fly." Phoenix spoke up.

"She did seem like a nice lady, very graceful and polite." Ema commented. "Hard to believe such a lovely lady could commit murder..." She mused. Edgeworth on the other hand didn't know what to think. If Iris really was related to... Her... Then, what if...?

No, that's silly. He shouldn't judge people based on the actions of their family. Still though, he couldn't shake that feeling in his stomach.

Edgeworth turned to Lotta. "Ms. Hart, is there anything you know about Dr. Grey?" He inquired. Lotta scratched her head in thought.

"Well, not a whole lot but I did some digging." She responded. "That's one gent with a bad reputation. He's good at surgery and stuff, but his personality stinks like a wet sheep."

"Is that so...?" Edgeworth said thoughtfully. "(I did seem to get an impression like that when we interacted...)"

"He's real controllin'." Lotta continued. "Soon as his nurse and patients don't do what he says, he starts a-hollerin'. Musta been real rough to work with him."

"Yeah, the guy... Didn't seem all that well." Phoenix agreed. He then turned to Maya who looked impatient. "Maya? What's wrong?"

"I can't take this, Nick! I need to go see Iris! I have to make sure she's okay!" Maya exclaimed before rushing off into the manor.

"H-Hey! Maya!" Phoenix called before chasing after her. Edgeworth followed along with Ema in tow.

March 17

Fey Manor

Meditation Room

Edgeworth, Ema, Phoenix and Maya entered the manor, to greeted by Morgan Fey. "Ah, the master and co." She said whilst bowing to Maya. Maya however, impatiently said.

"Aunt Morgan! How's Iris?! Is she okay?!" Maya exclaimed with worry. Morgan simply shook her head.

"She has returned to 'this world'." Morgan replied. "I utilized the spirit severing technique and it was a success."

"Thank goodness..." Maya said with a hand to her heart.

"Can we see her?" Phoenix asked. Morgan shook her head in disagreement.

"I'm afraid she is unconscious at the moment. I humbly request that you wait outside for her recovery." Phoenix sighed. They would just have to wait, it seems. He didn't like this feeling of being useless right now. And he can't imagine what Iris has been through.

Suddenly, a door opening was heard and a detective wearing a big green overcoat and a bandage on his cheek and a pencil on his left ear entered. "Sorry for the delay! The police are here!" Wait... That voice... Could it be?

"Detective Gumshoe?" Edgeworth said. Gumshoe look confused before giving Edgeworth a look of surprise.

"M-Mr. Edgeworth! What are you doing here, sir?" Well, Edgeworth was surprised. It really was Dick Gumshoe. The two have encountered each other in the past, although the last time Edgeworth had seen him was 4 years ago, at his trial. He hadn't seen too much of him since then, which led Edgeworth to believe he had been transferred or something of the like.

Despite him being a defense attorney, Gumshoe held a lot of respect for Edgeworth. He always helped him even when he was technically not supposed to. Edgeworth can't imagine the amount of times he would've lost a case were it not for this man right here.

"I could ask you the same question, detective. What brings you all the way out here?" Edgeworth inquired. Gumshoe gave him a sheepish grin and scratched the back of his head.

"It's actually kinda funny, sir. I was out here for a business trip." Gumshoe explained.

"(That is quite funny...)" Edgeworth thought.

"Anyway, I'll be heading to the crime scene now." Gumshoe declared. "I'll be questioning all of you later on, so you guys just sit tight now, alright?" He stated. Morgan Fey turned to him and said...

"Follow me. I'll show you to the scene of the crime, Detective Gymshoe." Morgan said. Gumshoe nodded and responded.

"Thanks. Oh, and it's Gumshoe." He corrected before following Morgan into the channeling chamber.

"Hey, Miles. Can I ask you a favour?" Maya asked, turning to Miles. Edgeworth nodded.

"Of course. What can I do for you?"

"I remember there being a girl sleeping in the side room. The police may want to question her, so would you mind go getting her?" Maya requested. Edgeworth bowed and said.

"Yes, of course. I'll do that right away." Edgeworth responded.

March 17

Side Room

Edgeworth traveled to the Side Room in order to look for the girl Maya had mentioned. He slid the door open and then noticed a young woman about the age of 21 sat up on a bed cover.

"Hi there, like, what can I do for you?" The girl said. "Ooh, I know. It's, like, time to start, isn't it? The channeling, I mean?"

"(I'm supposing this girl really had no idea what was going on...)" Edgeworth thought. He shook his said. "I'm sorry ma'am, but no. There's been a terrible tragedy." He stated. The girl looked at him for a brief moment, with a look of confusion of some sort and then said...

"Oh, tragedy? That's, like, a total bummer." Edgeworth raised an eyebrow. That's... not how most people would respond when being told that there's been a tragedy.

"Um, yes... A murder has taken place. I'll need you to come with me, since the police might need to question you." Edgeworth said. Then, a question popped into his mind and he decided to ask it before he forgets. "Oh, and may I ask who you are, Miss?"

"Oh, I'm like, Ini Miney. I, like, research parapsychology and stuff at the college. Although, most people like, call it 'occult studies'." She explained.

"(Occult studies, eh? I suppose that would explain why she's in a place like this. Actually, come to think of it...)" Edgeworth searched his memories for where he heard the phrase 'occult studies' or something of the like before. Then, it struck him. Grey had mentioned that he came to Kurain Village on a recommendation from an acquaintance of his. "Pardon me... But you wouldn't happen to be the one who told Dr. Grey to visit Kurain Village by any chance?" The girl nodded at Edgeworth absentmindedly.

"Yep, I think this is just what he needed." She stated.

"(Well, clearly not since the man ended up dead.)" Edgeworth deadpanned in his head. "In any case Miss, I would like to ask you to come with me. The police have a few questions for you."

Ini nodded and obliged Edgeworth's request, and followed him.

March 17

Fey Manor

Meditation Room

Edgeworth brought Ini along with him to the Meditation Room. There, Detective Gumshoe started asking her some questions. It appears she was completely unaware of the events that transpired, due to the fact that she was in the side room when the incident occurred. Gumshoe took her statement and everyone else's. He then turned to everyone to make an announcement. "Alright pals, I need to give you all an update. Looking at the way things are going now, it doesn't look like the investigation will finish until real late."

"Oh, that's a shame." Maya stated. Then suddenly, she got a gleeful look on her face and then said... "Hey, I know! Why don't we have everyone sleep under the roof of the Fey Manor tonight! It'll be fun!" Maya suggested. Ema seemed to love the idea, which Edgeworth was thankful for as he didn't want her thinking about the murder all too much.

But that night, Edgeworth couldn't sleep. The day had been a mess, not to mention the fact that Iris was arrested for the murder of Dr. Turner Grey. But the thing that was bothering Edgeworth the most was something that has been bothering him ever since he set eyes on Iris.

"(What is her connection with Dahlia Hawthorne?)"

March 18

Detention Center

Visitor's Room

Edgeworth woke up early that morning to get prepared to come visit Iris at the detention center. He decided to let Ema stay at Kurain Village for a little while longer, planning to pick her up later. He had informed Phoenix that he was going to visit Iris before he had left. Phoenix appreciated that.

Edgeworth, for whatever reason, didn't believe Iris was the killer. Which was saying something considering that he for a brief moment did suspect her due to her possible connection with... That woman...

Suddenly, a door is heard opening and Iris enters the room. She looked tired, and she wasn't wearing the hood that she wore yesterday. He can only imagine the endless questioning the woman had to endure. When Iris sat down, and looked at her visitor, she looked surprised. "Y-You are... You're Phoenix's brother, aren't you...?" She asked quietly.

"Yes, I'm Miles Edgeworth. It's nice to meet you properly." Edgeworth said.

"I'm Iris. It's nice to meet you as well..." The woman said quietly, not keeping eye contact with him. They sat there for a half a second before Iris broke the silence.

"W-What am I going to do...?"

"Iris?" Edgeworth said. Iris stared up at him, with tears filling her eyes.

"I... I never wanted things to turn out like this...!" She whimpered. Edgeworth gave her a sympathetic look, and said...

"Easy now, Iris. Just take deep breaths." The woman did as he suggested, and it seemed to help her calm down a bit. She still seemed shaken though, which was only natural given what just happened.

"W-Why... are you here...?" She inquired.

"I am here because... I wanted to ask you to let me represent you in your trial." Edgeworth stated. Iris looked at him with surprise, and then she gave him a sad look.

"B-But... Why...? You hardly know me..." Iris inquired. Edgeworth sat there for a moment. Why DID he want to represent her? Sure, representing people he didn't know was commonplace for him, but that's because to him they always seemed innocent, or at the very least there was reason to suspect that they were innocent.

And yet... He wanted to represent this woman who looked so much like the first criminal he ever caught. Why? Was it because he knows that it can't be Dahlia Hawthorne? Was it because he wanted answers about Dahlia Hawthorne? He wasn't sure.

"(No... I can't let those types of thoughts cloud my judgement! Phoenix says Iris is innocent, and I believe that. As an officer of the court, it is my duty to find the truth at all costs.)" Edgeworth looked up at Iris again. "Iris... I don't believe you're the perpetrator of this crime. So please, let me represent you in court." Suddenly, tears spilled out of Iris's eyes and she began sobbing. Edgeworth felt a pang of guilt hit his heart. "D-Did I say something wrong? I'm so sorry!" Iris however, just shook her head and said.

"No. I'm sorry Mr. Edgeworth. You shouldn't waste your time with someone like me." She sobbed lightly. Edgeworth looked at her again with a sympathetic look.

"But I can't let you take the fall for this..."

"N-No... I have to pay for my sins..." She whimpered.

"But it wasn't your fault..."

"N-No... It was... I did it. I killed that person."

"But that wasn't you." Edgeworth replied.

"It... doesn't matter. It may as well have been me. I couldn't control the spirit's power, and I..." She continued to cry lightly. Edgeworth felt bad. He didn't want to bring up the case so soon, but...

Iris looked at him, seemingly reading his thoughts, and wiped her eyes. "It's okay. You don't have to be nice to me. I understand." Edgeworth was still reluctant, but he had to solve the case one way or the other, so...

"What exactly happened in the channeling chamber?" Edgeworth asked.

"..." Iris was silent for a moment before saying... "I went into the room with Dr. Grey, locked the door, and sat down across from him. We then closed our eyes, and I began the channeling."

"Okay..." Edgeworth felt slightly uneasy. He felt like he was being told some sort of horror story.

Iris continued, "...That's where my memory stops, I'm afraid."

Edgeworth blinked, "Your memory, 'stopped'?"

"When a medium is channeling a spirit, they lose themselves, and their consciousness." Iris explained.

"So you don't remember a single thing?" Edgeworth inquired. Iris shook her head in denial.

"When I came to, I was being held in my mother's arms... A-And..." Iris shivered and said... "T-There was blood... all over my clothes..."

"(Hm... I see...)"

"Oh! Although..." Iris continued again, "I do remember having a dream?"

"A dream?" Edgeworth said, his interest being peaked.

"Yes... I was... dead. And... buried in the ground. Suffocating... Unbearable..."

"O-Oh... I see..." Edgeworth had... no idea what to say to that.

"I seem to remember it having a very familiar scent as well..."

..."(Well... I suppose that's all I'm going to get for now)." Edgeworth stood up. "Well then... Iris. I have one more question for you. When is your trial?" Iris looked at him curiously but answered...

"U-Um, I believe it is tomorrow... Why?" Edgeworth nodded at her.

"Then there's still time. I'm still willing to represent you in court tomorrow. Will you accept me as your defense attorney?" Iris looked away from a brief moment but then looked back.

"B-But why? Like I said, you don't even know me."

"Because I don't believe you did this. Phoenix trusts you. I don't see why I can't." Edgeworth responded.

"B-But... I'm guilty! I'm a murderer!"

"No one has decided that yet."

"B-But... I did it...! I killed that person...! With these two hands...!" Iris said, trembling with her hands shaking.

"That's enough, Iris." Edgeworth said in a stern voice.

"B-But it's hopeless! If you defend me, you'll lose-"

"Stop it!" Edgeworth shouted, startling Iris. She sat there, shaking for a few seconds before tears started slipping out of her eyes again.

"H-Help me..." She murmured. "P-Please help me, Mr. Edgeworth... I'm scared..." She lightly sobbed. Edgeworth looked at her with a warm smile.

"Don't worry, I will." Edgeworth said. "I'm going to investigate. I'll be back soon." Edgeworth stood up, but before he could leave, Iris called for him.

"W-Wait."

"Yes?" Edgeworth said, stopping. Iris took out a strange shaped jewel out from her pocket, and gave it to Edgeworth.

"That jewel... It's called a Magatama. It's a magical charm and it's always protected me." Iris explained. Edgeworth looked confused, but then she said... "Show this to my sister... and I'm sure she'll help you."

Edgeworth simply nodded and stuffed the Magatama into his pocket. "I will return soon." Edgeworth said. Iris nodded and with that, Edgeworth left the detention center.

March 18

Kurain Village

Edgeworth parked his car near the manor and got out. He looked at it and took a deep breath. "(I must find the truth behind this case. I don't believe Iris committed this crime. It's her life on the line, and I intend to prove her innocent!)" He thought determinedly. He proceeded to the Fey Manor and that's where he saw Maya and Phoenix. Maya turned and rushed to Miles.

"Miles, you're back!" She exclaimed. "How's Iris?! Is she okay?!"

"Well..." Edgeworth hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I'd say physically, she's doing alright. Emotionally, though... She's shaken by this whole incident."

"Poor Iris..." Maya muttered.

"Iris didn't kill anyone. We need to prove that to the court!" Phoenix stated. Edgeworth nodded at that.

"Worry not, I've already taken her case." Edgeworth replied. Phoenix raised any eyebrow.

"You have? That's interesting. I was going to do it myself but I suppose there's no need I guess." Phoenix commented.

"(Because I have to, Phoenix...)" Edgeworth trailed off in thought. He was snapped back to reality by the sound of his daughter's voice.

"Daddy, you're back!" She said, giving him a big hug. He returned the embrace and said...

"Ah, good morning Ema. My apologies for not telling you I was leaving."

"Ah, it's okay. I'm sure it was important. Like 'taking-Ms. Iris's-case' important." Edgeworth blinked at that.

"How did you-?!"

"Well, it was only natural. With the way you weren't able to sleep last night, and the fact that you told Uncle Phoenix you were going to the detention center, there wasn't much to deduce." Ema explained. Edgeworth just sort of looked at her dumbfounded. Phoenix laughed and said...

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree." He snickered. Edgeworth glared at him and said...

"I'm going to investigate now." Edgeworth said before walking off with Ema following behind. He walked through the winding way, which caused him to notice that young Pearl was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, he heard a very high pitched feminine voice from behind him.

"Oh, heyyyy!" Edgeworth turned to see Ini Miney standing behind him.

"(Where on earth did she come from?!)" Edgeworth thought.

"You're like uh... That, dentist guy, right?" She said in an absent-minded tone. Edgeworth crossed his arms and said...

"Actually, I'm a lawyer." Edgeworth corrected. Ini blinked and shook her head, looking at him with a dumbfounded face.

"Ohhhhhh, right. It was like... Uh... Mr. Smith, esquire." She responded. Edgeworth frowned at that, and now he suddenly understands the frustration of the many people whose names he got wrong.

"It's 'Edgeworth'. Miles Edgeworth." He corrected again. "Anyway, may I ask why you're still here?"

"Well, you see... I study this thing called 'Parapsychology' at college, and-"

"Yes, you told me that already. What I really wish to know is why you're still here today."

"Ooooh." She said in realization. "Like, you should've been more like, clear about it."

Edgeworth rolled his eyes and said... "My apologies.

"No, it's okay, like, it's really..." Ini trailed off. Edgeworth and Ema looked at her for a few seconds.

"That's it? Why did you stop mid-sentence?!" Ema exclaimed.

Ini looked confused and said... "Did I? So, like... What was I talking about again...?" Edgeworth sighed in exasperation.

"(If Ms. Hart wanted another 'genuine mysterious phenomenon', this girl would be a perfect candidate.)" Edgeworth thought sarcastically. "So? Why are you still here then?"

"Like, there's so much for me to like, study here! I want to learn about how like, the Feys inherit spirits into their bodies, and like, such." She explained.

"(I suppose that's no surprise. Kurain Village is quite famous for spirit channeling.)" Edgeworth thought. "(Actually, come to think of it... This girl said she was the one who told Dr. Grey to come here, was she not...?)" Ema, seemingly reading his mind, asks...

"Say, Ms. Miney! What do you know about the victim, Dr. Grey?" Ini looks her confused and responds with...

"I don't know who you're talking about." Ema blinked at that. Didn't she confirm the other that she was the one who suggested that Dr. Grey to come here?

"Is that so...? That's not what Dr. Grey said." Edgeworth replied. Suddenly, Ini grabbed her beret and started chewing on it.

"H-Huh?!" She exclaimed. Then she quickly pulled back the surprise and said... "Uh, well... I was a patient at his client a few months ago, but... That's pretty much it."

"(...Now I'm quite certain that she is hiding something from me.)" Edgeworth thought. "(Unfortunately, it's not like I can force her to say anything...)" Edgeworth turned to Ema. "Come Ema. Let's look elsewhere."

"Huh? B-But, this lady is still hiding something!" Ema said. Edgeworth shook his head.

"Even so, it's not like we can force her to say anything. There's nothing we can do about it right now." Edgeworth responded. Ema sighed and relented, and she followed Edgeworth out of the winding way.

He enters the meditation room to and notices Morgan Fey. "Excuse me, Ms. Fey."

"Ah, Mr. Edgeworth. I heard you have chosen to represent my daughter in court tomorrow."

"That is correct." Edgeworth confirmed.

"I was just on my way to meet her at the detention center, and I thought about bring some items to make her feel more at home." She explained.

"I'm sure she'll be very grateful for that." Edgeworth replied while adjusting his glasses.

"Oh, my dear sweet daughter..." Morgan lamented. "Pearl wept for you constantly that night, as I did I..." Edgeworth couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy at that. As a fellow parent, he can understand his concern for Iris. If Ema was in Iris's situation, he'd be breaking down the door to have her acquitted.

"Rest assured Miss, I will see to it that your daughter is proven innocent of this crime." Edgeworth said.

"Thank you, good sir." She replied.

"If you don't mind, may I ask a few questions?"

"About the terrible tragedy I assume?" She asked. Edgeworth nodded in confirmation. Morgan ascertained a frown but nodded.

"What exactly happened here after my brother and I left?"

"Well... First I struck Iris on the head in order to render her unconscious. Next, I performed the spirit severing technique to remove the spirit from her body."

"(I wonder if such testimony would be permissible in a court of law...)" Edgeworth mused. Ema piped up and said...

"By the way Ms. Morgan, how is Pearl today?" Ema inquired. Morgan gave the girl a look and then said...

"Young lady. In this world, Pearl is my most treasured possession. When compared to my other daughter Iris, Pearl's ability would make her fit to be the next master of Kurain Village." Edgeworth felt slightly irked that he compared her two daughters like that. In his opinion, she should be holding them both in equal regard. Still, he responded...

"That's... very impressive."

"Up until now, the women of the branch family have thought themselves to be inferior." Morgan gained a serious look. "However! Pearl is different! She is the pride of the Branch family, her ability even surpasses that of the main family! She is the perfect heir to the village of Kurain!"

"But I thought Branch family members weren't able to become the master of Kurain...?" Ema asked.

"Yes, but... Mystic Maya is the last of the main family's bloodline. Mystic Mia hasn't been seen for a long time, so once Mystic Maya is unable to be the village leader, the title will pass onto Iris, whom she has chosen to be her heir."

"Ah, I see..." Edgeworth responded tentatively. He couldn't help but notice that there was a bit of venom in that sentence...

"Well, in any case, I must be going now." She said. Edgeworth nodded and said...

"Please give Iris my regards."

"I will do so." She said simply before leaving the building.

Edgeworth and Ema entered the channeling chamber and found Detective Gumshoe, who was still there. "Detective? What are you doing here?"

"Ah, hey Mr. Edgeworth. The prosecutor told me to come back and have another root around just in case. He wants everything to be 'perfect' or so he says." He responded.

"I see..."

"I'm guessing you're gonna be the defense for this case?" Gumshoe inquired.

"Yes, I am. I don't believe Iris was the one who did this." Edgeworth said. Gumshoe scratched the back of his head nervously, and said...

"I'm telling you sir, this is gonna be one difficult battle. And that's not even accounting the prosecutor..."

"Who's the prosecutor?" Ema asked.

"Von Karma." Gumshoe said simply. Edgeworth and Ema ascertained a shocked look.

"Von Karma...?! You don't mean...?!" Gumshoe nodded at that.

"That's right. Manfred Von Karma. The god of prosecutors."

Manfred von Karma... Known as a Prosecuting God. The man hasn't ever a lost a case in his career. 50 years, and this man hadn't lost.

Edgeworth has faced his fair share of prosecutors that have been seemingly been unbeatable, but Manfred von Karma was a different story... From what Edgeworth heard, he was perfect. Perfect witnesses. Perfect evidence. All of his cases were perfect, down to the finest detail.

One thing is for certain, if he was to Edgeworth needed to get all the evidence he could get. "Detective, would you mind if we had a look around the crime scene?" Gumshoe nodded.

"Knock yourself out pal. I've already investigated most of it anyway, so it's not like there's anything I haven't found." Edgeworth nodded and he and Ema investigated the scene. He talked to Gumshoe and asked for details on the victim, and Gumshoe provided him with the autopsy. Apparently, the victim was first stabbed with a knife, although the wound was not fatal. He was then finished off with a gunshot to the head. The evidence certainly wasn't looking to be in his favor, as the knife and gun both had Iris's fingerprints on them.

Suddenly, Ema called to her father. "Daddy, come look at this!" Edgeworth turned and walked over to where his daughter was kneeling.

"A folding screen...?" Ema pointed to a specific area.

"Look here. There's a bullet hole in this folding screen." Ema explained. Edgeworth looked at the folding screen and noticed the bullet hole.

"Huh. So there is. It appears to be about 8 inches high..." Edgeworth deduced. He turned to Ema and ruffled her hair. "Good job, dear. Your astute level of observation will be crucial once you become a forensic investigator." Ema giggled at the praise.

The two wrapped up their investigation in the channeling chamber and left it.

March 18

Meditation Room

Edgeworth and Ema entered the meditation room. "(Well, that's all I'm going to get from there, I believe. And truth be told, things are not looking too bright so far...)" Edgeworth mused. He looked up, and that's when he noticed Pearl Fey staring at him and Ema from the Winding Way door. Edgeworth walked over to her, and she got a scared look, and tried to run, but Ema called to her.

"Wait, hold on! Don't be afraid, we just want to talk!" The girl froze in place for a moment before Edgeworth walked up to her. He pulled the magatama he had received from Iris.

"Your sister told me to give this to you." Edgeworth said, recalling what Iris had told him to do. He bent down and gave Pearl the magatama. She looked at it in her hands for a brief moment before she suddenly started crying. Edgeworth was taken aback.

"(A-Ack! This is not good! If Morgan sees us like this, I'll be joining Dr. Grey in the afterlife!)" He thought panickedly. Ema attempted to calm the girl down.

"H-Hey! Don't cry, it's okay! I'm sure my Daddy wasn't trying to be mean when he-"

"T-This is... This is big sis's..." Pearl choked out. Edgeworth looked astonished.

"(She... she actually spoke!)" Edgeworth thought in surprise as Pearl wiped her eyes. She looks at Edgeworth.

"Who are you...?" She asked.

"Ah, I'm Miles Edgeworth. Perhaps, you know of me? I'm friends with Mystic Maya." Edgeworth responded. Pearl looked at him curiously.

"You're friends with Mystic Maya...? You... You're Mr. Nick's brother, aren't you?" She asked.

"(...Nick? Well, I think it's evident where she got that from...) Yes, I am. I'll be defending your sister in court."

"Y-You're defending my big sis...?"

"Yes. She seems like a very nice woman and I don't believe she's responsible for this crime." Pearl gasped and put a hand in front of her mouth.

"Y-You..." She started. A smile played on her lips. "I think I know why you're helping sis."

"Er, excuse me?" Edgeworth said, confused. Pearl placed her hands on her cheeks and blushed.

"You... You're... You're in love with my big sis, aren't you?" Edgeworth, in surprise, stood up and stepped back, blushing furiously.

"W-W-W-W-" He stammered. "WHAT?!" He exclaimed. Ema let out a feigned gasp of surprise.

"Is that true, Daddy?! Did you take Ms. Iris's case cause you like her?!" Ema asked in a very giddy tone. Edgeworth looked at her incredulously.

"O-O-Of course not! I would never take anyone's case for such a reason!" He exclaimed. Pearl giggled at Edgeworth's embarrasment.

"So then... Of course! You're going to help my big sis, right?! That's what you're going to do, aren't you?!" Pearl asked.

"U-Um... Y-Yes..." Edgeworth stuttered out. What the hell?! Why was he stuttering like this?! He's usually more composed than this!

Pearl gushed, "Oh wow... It's like a beautiful fairy tale... The damsel in distress with a brave knight rushing to her rescue!" Edgeworth's face became even more red.

"(H-How is this young child turning me into a bright red tomato?!)" Ema noticed Edgeworth's red face and giggled.

"Daddyyyyy. You're blushing like a little kid!" Ema squeaked.

"E-Ema, do not encourage this!" He exclaimed. Ema giggled and then turned to Pearl and held out her hand.

"My name's Ema. Ema Edgeworth. Nice to meet you!" Pearl took Ema's hand and shook it.

"I'm Pearl Fey. Pleasure to meet you." She said, bowing after shaking Ema's hand. "You know, Mystic Maya told me all about you."

"She did? All good things, I hope." Ema said. Pearl nodded excitedly.

"She told me about how you're really good at science, and that you help your Daddy with investigating."

"Ah, I do! And I'm pretty good, if I do say so myself." The two girls ended up getting lost in conversation, and while Edgeworth may have stopped it due to his constraints with investigation time, he couldn't help but smile at Ema having so much fun with Pearl. Pearl looked to be around Ema's age, possibly a little older so it was relieving.

After their conversation, Pearl turned to Edgeworth. "Alright Mr. Edgeworth, I can tell you're a good person. That's why I'm going to help you in anyway I can!" She declared.

"Thank you, Pearl And you don't have to call me Mr. Edgeworth. Just 'Miles' is fine." Edgeworth said with a bow.

"Oh, okay then Mr. Miles!"

"So then Pearl... You must really love your big sister, don't you?" Pearl nodded enthusiastically.

"Yep! She's the greatest big sis in the entire world! I feel so lucky. I want to be just like her when I grow up!" Pearl nodded.

"Ahhh, I'm so jealous! I wish I had some siblings..." Ema commented.

"Heehee... By the way, Mr. Miles..." Pearl said whilst reaching into her sleeve. "Is this important in any way? Could this help you? I found it yesterday." Pearl showed Edgeworth an item that resembled a key.

"Hmmm... I see." Wait... This key... He doesn't know why, but it seems to resonate with Edgeworth somewhat. "(Wait a second... Was this not the key to the channeling chamber...?)" Edgeworth thought. He doesn't give it much thought as he shoves it into his pocket.

"Um, Mr. Miles?" Pearl called again.

"Yes, Pearls? Oh, may I call you Pearls? Forgive me, but you're too adorable for me not to give you a nickname like that." Edgeworth asked.

"Sure..." Pearl said with a blush. She held out the magatama he gave her earlier. "Umm... Is it really okay for me to have this magatama?" Edgeworth nodded.

"Yes. I was told to give it you, after all." Pearl shook her head.

"I'm sorry, but I can't accept something like this." Pearl declined. "...All I can really do is charge it with spiritual energy..."

"Spiritual energy...?" Ema said curiously. Edgeworth looked on with a raised eyebrow as Pearl clasped the magatama in her hands with a focused look. When she was done, she handed it back to Edgeworth.

"Please take this. I'm sure it'll be helpful." Edgeworth observed the magatama. It was certainly different. There was a blue glow, something that had not been present before.

"What do you mean?" Edgeworth inquired.

"It'll let you see people's secrets." Pearl explained. Both Ema and Edgeworth looked dumbfounded. See people's... secrets...?

"Perhaps it would be better if I showed you..." Pearl said. "Can you think of anyone that might be hiding anything...?" Edgeworth thought for a brief moment and then remembered.

Ini Miney. He was positive that she was hiding something from him.

Edgeworth proceeded to the Winding Way with Ema and Pearl following him. Luckily for him, Ini Miney was still there. "Hello there, we seem to be seeing a lot of each other today." Ini turned to notice Ema and Pearl.

"Awww, they're both so adorable. Are they like, your daughters?" Ini asked.

"(Did she not notice Ema before...? I mean, she literally asked this girl a question...)" Edgeworth thought. "Yes. Well, no. Well, only one of them is." Edgeworth then decided to ask about the main issue. "Ms. Miney, I'd like to inquire about the victim, Dr. Grey."

"I, like, totally don't know him." She stated again. Edgeworth rolled his eyes.

"(She said that last time and I'm still not convinced.)"

Suddenly, Edgeworth heard a loud noise, and before he knew it, chains were surrounding the woman and a lock appeared at the center. Edgeworth was taken aback.

"(W-What the blazes?!)" Ema looked at him curiously.

"What's wrong Daddy?"

"You... You can't see it?" Edgeworth asked. Ema tilted her head in confusion.

"See what?" Edgeworth felt even more confused now.

"You can see it, can't you Mr. Miles?" Pearl said simply. "You can see the locks on this person's heart."

"I-I'm afraid I don't understand..."

"This is the power of the magatama. Only you can see these 'Psyche-Locks', Mr. Miles." Pearl explained.

"(Psycho-Locks...?)" Edgeworth wondered.

"The more a person wants to hide their secret, the more locks you will see. Since there's only on here, it should be easy to unlock it."

"Unlock...? How do I do that, exactly?" Edgeworth asked. Suddenly, the locks disappear.

"Use big sis's magatama on this person. And try and remove her lock!" Pearl stated. Edgeworth was confused. He didn't know what this 'Psycho-Lock' business was about, but he supposes he should give it a try.

"Well then..." Edgeworth gripped the Magatama tightly, and everything came into focus. The locks appeared once again. He gives Ini a serious look. "Ini Miney. I believe you do know who Dr. Grey is!"

"If you're like, so totally sure about that, then where's like, your proof?" Proof? Did he have any proof of that...? He then felt a tug at his arm.

"Daddy, look at this!" Ema gave him a newspaper that he read over.

"(This relates to the nurse's accident that occurred a year ago...)" Edgeworth looked over the newspaper, and then noticed something that caught his attention.

The name of the nurse. Mimi Miney.

"(Well... This is certainly interesting.)"

"Uncle Phoenix gave that to me this morning. He told me that it may have some relevance to the case." Ema explained. Edgeworth smiled at that. His brother was always the prepared type, despite his cocky attitude.

"So, Ms. Miney... You claim you don't know Dr. Grey. Yet... I believe I have proof suggesting otherwise."

"Like, what?" Ini responded confused.

"While it's possible you've never met him in person, there's a chance that you may have indirectly known of him." Edgeworth explained.

"What do you mean, like, indirectly?" Edgeworth presented the newspaper clipping Ema gave to him. She looked at it for a brief moment. "Like, what is this? A story about an accident?"

"Please read the victim's name, if you would."

She read, "Um... 'Mimi Miney'..." Edgeworth crossed his arms.

"'Miney' is a pretty rare last name, wouldn't you agree?" Edgeworth stated. "Ms. Mimi Miney wouldn't happen to be related to you in anyway, by any chance?" Ini look startled by that.

"S-So you noticed. She was my older sister." Edgeworth looked at her sympathetically.

"I'm sorry about your loss." Edgeworth apologized. "Your sister... Was she a nurse... perhaps at Dr. Grey's clinic?" Ini looked at him curiously as he said that. "Grey Surgical Clinic... I don't need to tell you that it was run by the victim, Dr. Turner Grey. And that's how you know Dr. Grey. Through your sister!" Edgeworth declared, which caused Ini to look nervous. Suddenly, a shattering sound was heard and the lock before him broke, which caused the chains to disappear as well. "(It... It worked...)" Edgeworth thought in awe. The power of this magatama was certainly something to behold. "...So, are you willing to tell me what you know about Dr. Grey now?"

Ini was quite for a brief moment before she said... "My... My sister's name was Mimi Miney. She was, like, a nurse at Dr. Grey's clinic."

"(That's what I thought...)"

Ini continued, "I heard that Dr. Grey was real tough on people. Like, a real slave driver. My sis, was like, always coming home wiped because she was overworked."

"Wiped out?" Ema asked. "Is that why she fell asleep at the wheel?" Ini nodded.

"That guy, like, drove my sis so hard. That's why, like, the accident happened."

"Do you mean the case in which 14 patients died due to malpractice?" Edgeworth inquired.

"Yeah, like, I think that was the doctor's fault, too." Ini replied. "My sis was like, pushed by everyone's expectations, and like, her duties and stuff."

"(Clearly, the man was no saint...)" Edgeworth thought distastefully. He already had a bad impression of the man when they had first met, and the rumors about certainly didn't help, but this just takes the cake.

"So, like, are we done? I've already, like, told my story to everyone..." Ini replied.

"Yes. Thank you for telling me your story, Ms. Miney." Edgeworth thanked. He figured there was no need to talk about it anymore, since it was clearly a sour subject and he had already learned what he wanted to know. Edgeworth, Ema and Pearl leave Ini to be alone.

"Do you understand now, Mr. Miles? This is how a Pysche-Lock works." Pearl stated simply. Edgeworth crossed his arms.

"Well, I don't really intend to pry into people's hearts unless it is absolutely necessary..."

"The lock this time was easy, but... you might meet people who may not be as willing to give in later on." Pearl explained. Edgeworth nodded in response.

March 18

Kurain Village

Outside Fey Manor

"(Well, I believe that's all I'm going to get from today...)" Edgeworth thought. Despite his investigation, he still feels as if he's not too much closer to finding the truth. He still doesn't have much of a clue of what happened in the channeling chamber.

No, that's the least of his concerns. The real question is; how will the court factor in the supernatural nature of this case? A case was solved 25 years ago thanks to spirit channeling, but that was used as an absolute last resort. The subject hasn't really been used in court, not that he knows of anyway, so how the proceedings will go is anyone's guess.

Pearl tugged at Edgeworth's jacket, "Mr. Miles?"

"Yes? What it is it Pearls?" Edgeworth asked. She looked at him shyly.

"Um... I was wondering... Are you going to visit my sis again?"

"Yes, I am. Would you like to come with us?" Edgeworth asked. Pearl looked at him with surprise.

"H-How did you know?!"

Edgeworth chuckled, "Well, it was only natural. She's your big sister, it make sense that you'd want to visit her. It was obvious when you asked that question."

"Oh, uh, I see..."

"C'mon, Pearly! You'll get to drive in Daddy's awesome sports car!" Ema squealed as she grabbed Pearl's hand and the two ran off to Edgeworth's car. He couldn't help but chuckle as he followed them and entered his car, and started the engine.

"(Come to think of it, I did not see Phoenix or Maya on our way out of the Manor... I wonder if they're already at the Detention Center...?)"

March 18

Detention Center

Visitor's Room

His suspicions were right. As soon as Ema, Pearl, and Edgeworth arrived at the Detention Center, he found Phoenix and Maya already there, talking to Iris. Phoenix turned as soon as he heard the door open, and smiled.

"Miles, you're here. How was your investigation? Did you find anything?" He inquired.

"Well..." He trailed off. "(I'm not sure whether to smile or present the cold, hard truth...)" He thought.

"Big sis!" Pearl cried as she rushed up to the glass and pressed her hands against it. Iris looked at her little sister happily.

"Oh, Pearly..." She murmured. "I'm so sorry." Pearl shook her head.

"This isn't your fault, Big Sis! You didn't kill anyone, I know you didn't! And Mr. Miles is gonna prove it, right?"

Iris chuckled dryly, "Yes... He will..." Edgeworth sat down to talk to Iris.

"Well, in any case... I think we should go over what I've found. Is that alright with you, Iris?" Iris simply nodded.

Edgeworth went over what he had found with her and certain key pieces of information that he found. He also made sure to mention Pearl's role in his investigation and Iris seemed proud of her for that.

By the end of the conversation, everyone was silent.

Eventually, Phoenix broke the silence. "Well... It's not looking the best, that's for sure."

"That's putting it lightly." Edgeworth agreed blankly. Iris looked down with a sad face.

"Oh, this is terrible... Maybe I really did kill that man..." Maya slammed her hands down at that sentence.

"Iris, don't talk like that! I know you didn't kill anyone! And Miles is going to prove it!"

"Yeah, Big Sis! Mr. Miles is a great lawyer! He'll prove your innocence!" Pearl said, despite the fact she knew Edgeworth for only one day. It surprised him how much faith he had in him. Iris gave them both a sad look.

"Oh Mystic Maya, Pearly... Thank you, but... The truth is I've been bad luck since day one... I'm useless, I can't help anyone."

"Hey now, don't say things like that." Phoenix said sternly. Iris shook her head incredulously.

"But it's the truth! I can't even help Mr. Edgeworth with this case. My memories are fuzzy... All I can remember is that stupid dream..."

"Iris, please, try not to put yourself down so muc-" Edgeworth tried to say, before he was interrupted by Maya.

"Wait! Iris! What did you say? Did you say you had a dream?" Maya asked, her curiosity levels seemingly spiking up. Iris looked perplexed for a brief moment before answering...

"U-Um, yes... Is there something wrong with that...?" Iris responded. Maya shook her head.

"REALLY wrong! You couldn't have had a dream while you were channeling!" She exclaimed.

"Hey! Everyone have dreams at weird moments, Aunt Maya!" Ema exclaimed.

"No, I meant she LITERALLY can't dream while channeling!" Maya repeated. "When a medium is channeling a spirit, their mind ceases to exist. Meaning dreaming is literally physically impossible!" Everyone's eyes went wide at what Maya just said.

"(Wait... B-But... That's...)" But if that's true... If Iris really COULDN'T have dreamed while she was channeling...

"T-Then... That means..." Iris stammered.

"Iris, you've been set up!" Phoenix finished.

"S-Set up?!" She exclaimed. Edgeworth nodded at that.

"If what Maya is saying is the truth... Then it is quite likely you were set up to take the fall for this murder."

"B-But why?! Why would someone wanna frame Ms. Iris?!" Ema cried. Edgeworth tried to think. Why WOULD someone want to frame Iris?

No... I think the more pressing issue is HOW did they do it? He was positive that there was no one else in the channeling chamber at the time so, how...? How did they do it?

Edgeworth knew one thing. That finding the truth was going to be a lot more difficult than normal. He hasn't taken a murder case for quite some time, and his opposition was none other than Manfred von Karma, the god of prosecuting himself.

Whatever happened in the channeling chamber, Edgeworth felt an uphill battle awaiting him at Court tomorrow.

Anddddd, done with that. I'm sorry if this investigation chapter feels rushed. I had to condense certain parts due to the fact I don't want any chapter to go over 10,000 words. I probably could just split them into little chapters but uh... I dunno. I just prefer to do it this way.

So, yeah. As can be seen, Pearl isn't as sheltered as she normally was in AA Canon. Her mother was a bit more freeing with her in this universe.

In any case, I'll be listing the names and ages of the people involved in each case just so people don't get confused or so they can keep track of who's here.

People Involved:

Miles Edgeworth - Age (34)

Phoenix Wright - Age (34)

Maya Fey - Age (27)

Ema Edgeworth - Age (14)

Morgan Fey - Age (?)

Iris Fey - Age (33)

Ini Miney - Age (21)

Pearl Fey - Age (17)

Lotta Hart - Age (32)

Dick Gumshoe - Age (40)

Dr. Turner Grey - Age (Deceased)

And that's it pretty much. Leave a review, I guess.