AN: Hey guys, we're back! I know it's been a while, but I wouldn't straight up abandon the story. I was planning out how I wanted to write this chapter and also, I've been trying to survive school. Writing chapters with detail takes a lot of thought and time especially, if I want chapters to turn out decent. I also need to maintain my grades, so I hope you all understand. I try to update as much as I can. I wanted to say I really appreciate that people give feedback, however, please don't make any attempts to dictate how and what I am going to write. I appreciate suggestions, but I'm really writing what I feel suits the direction of the story and what's fun. Besides that, I like surprising people with what I have planned out!
On a similar note because I've been asked a few times (and I've made up my mind about it), there will be pairings in this story. If you have an issue with pairings in stories such as these, feel free to stop reading. However, it will not be or become the main purpose of this story. This is first and foremost an adventure and that's not gonna change. So, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thanks for your support!
Note that this chapter has a flashback portion, which switches POVs. I'll be switching between them in the chapters coming up, but in any case hope you guys enjoy this chapter!
TetraOfTheInternet: Thanks! It's always surprising to me how long they often turn out to be honest haha.
THE real assistant: Haha, well we'll see if you're correct in due time. Yep, Gumshoe is a badass haha. Well, depending on how it goes down, Lyn probably won't be prosecuting considering what happened to her. I've been thinking about it, and I most likely will reference DD at some point though, it won't be happening any time soon. Thanks!
OBSERVER01: Yep! Edgeworth and Gumshoe are fighting for her.
The Forgotten Reader: Haha, I doubt she'd die (at least this early on kukuku). Well, we're with his point of view for that little bit anyway. Haha, we'll see if you're correct later.
Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: There's a good chance she might encounter Kay at some point down the line.
HiroNinja: Indeed he is. Thank you so much! I'll do my best to continue coming out with interesting chapters!
Lilac Winters21 : Thanks, I'm glad you think so! And I'm glad people didn't mind the brief point of view change! Thank you, again!
Blackquill Grainbows: It's possible he might return haha.
IAmBehindYou123: Thank you, I glad you like it. It's going to be long, I'm not going by episodes or anything like that.
The Sparrow Messenger: Thank you very much! I'm aware of typos, and I do try to go back and fix them when I can spot them, but I don't catch everything. I might try to find a beta reader. I like really bad puns and with Ace Attorney being how it is, I couldn't ignore that XD. And thanks; she needed something distinctive after all for a skill haha. Why Edgeworth is a part of it is what you make of it. Haha, yep, I'd prefer being a defense attorney, butttttt the salary is better on the other side so, pick your battles I suppose lol. Thank you! Well, I don't think the reaction would be very good if it came down to it haha.
BladeXFire: Nope. Have no fear, we're back. I just had a lot things going on. I wouldn't leave the story, especially at this point. Thanks.
Spacegoodra: Haha, thanks. Nope, I haven't given up on this. Just busy and tired. I wouldn't leave at that point, that's just cruel lol. Thanks for the support!
FanWithGlasses: Thank you so much! It's always been a dream of mine to have this story mentioned on TvTropes! I'm grateful you enjoy this story and decided to give it a shot because I'm well aware of the reputation self inserts get, and wanted to show that any type of story can be pulled off- if you put in the thought and effort. Thank you, I do my best to come up with interesting cases (compliment taken, Turnabout Big Top was by far my least favorite case in the main series.) I'm glad I'm doing a job with keeping everyone in character, because it's not realistic at all to have a fanfic where everyone is ooc. Thank you again for the support :)!
May 23rd, 6:34 AM
Hickfield Clinic, Waiting room
The police nor myself couldn't find anymore clues in Lyn's office that would point out who was responsible for the assault that night. Though, there was one thing that continued to bother me. After a day had passed I had returned, and noticed (after another long examination of case files) that one case file that should be around, wasn't there. The TL-5 case. The one I knew Lyn still obsessed over. How it was not with any other files, didn't seem right. Besides that, there was nothing more that could be done at the crime scene.
Detective Gumshoe managed to hear that surgery went okay; the only issue would be when Lyn would wake up, which could range anywhere from today or some point at the end of the week. It wasn't necessarily the best news, but it could have always been worse. After investigating I decided to return to the clinic and wait with the detective in hopes that Lyn would awake soon.
In the mean time, I decided to look back on the past on a simple hunch. I had no solid proof that whoever attacked Lyn was after the TL-5 case files, but it didn't seem right to ignore this detail of the file being missing. Through, Criminal Affairs, I managed to find information on the case via my laptop and was reading more about it. Though, I did witness some of the trial, I didn't fully have a grasp on what had transpired.
-Two years ago-
January 13th, 10:02 AM
District Courtroom No. 6
The judge banged his gavel firmly. The murmur and buzz in the courtroom ceased as quickly as it had began.
"Court is now in session for the trial of Slim Chance," said the judge. "This is the last day, so I hope the defense and prosecution are well prepared."
Kristoph Gavin shook his head smugly. "Of course, Your Honor. It would be unfitting to expect anything less of the defense. Though, I cannot speak for the prosecution."
I wanted to spit on him. So called gentleman, my ass! He was so slimy and smug, it was disgusting me.
"That is not your concern. The prosecution is ready without a doubt," I said determinedly.
The judge nodded.
"The purpose of this trial is to determine the guilt of the defendant, however, as it currently stands, there isn't much decisive evidence presented to the court to establish this. So, unless the prosecution can prove its case, I will pass my verdict. Is that understood, Ms. Doom?"
"I…understand, Your Honor." I said feeling sick to my stomach. I knew that man did it. There was no way he wasn't involved with Bunke's death somehow. There was just something—something too peculiar about this. But all throughout this trial, there just wasn't anything to stick him with. The car crash was so devastating the police could barely find anything trace of evidence. And that was the genius of a car crash, especially one that bad. It would be difficult to collect anything useful.
"However, the prosecution stands by its initial notion. The defendant, Slim Chance during the Fast and Free competition sabotaged the victim's vehicle—causing him to lose control and to crash. Today's witness should be able to show this with their testimony. "
The judge closed his eyes for a moment.
"I see. I don't want to waste anymore time, so let's hear this testimony."
I nodded as the judge proceeded to tell the bailiff to fetch our witness. Kristoph Gavin stood erect and pristine looking as ever. He made no attempts to hid his confident, yet calm demeanor from me or the rest of court. He never once during this whole three day trial broke a single sweat. I was starting to believe he wasn't human at all.
In a few moments, the bailiff returned with our witness, who was now standing in front of the entire court. She was a cute, bubbly girl. Blonde hair, wide green eyes, wearing some crazy rainbow striped knee high socks, short shorts, suspenders, and a tank top with a bunch of pins and buttons attached to her.
(Here we go. It's now or never. This testimony, is going to make or break this case. But we should be okay, hopefully.)
I took a breath. "Witness, please state your name and occupation for the court."
The girl smiled widely. "I'm Marsha Collins! Student! But professional fan girl!"
"Right...Could you testify about what you witnessed?"
"Totally!"
Witness Testimony
-That day was crazy!
-I had been waiting all year to see this event.
-But more importantly the drivers!
-I really wanted to meet them, so I took the initiative and snuck back to where mechanics work on cars.
-I knew I would have to see someone...and I was right!
-I saw John Bunke and Slim Chance talking! Well...not talking more like arguing.
-I think Slim gave something to Bunke, but I couldn't see what it is.
-Bunke got really mad after that and snatched whatever it is and stormed out.
-Then the race happened and...
The gallery in the courtroom was aroused. There was a huge grumbling of people probably speculating on what happened.
"Order in the court!" the judge banged his gavel. "Why this sounds very suspicious! What could have transpired between the defendant and the victim before that race?"
I remained silent, just watching. Kristoph merely pressed his glasses to his face and folded his arms.
The judge shook his head. "Well, Mr. Gavin, you may begin the cross examination."
"Thank you, Your Honor," Gavin nodded.
Cross Examination
-That day was crazy!
-I had been waiting all year to see this event.
-But more importantly the drivers!
-I really wanted to meet them, so I took the initiative and snuck back to where mechanics work on cars.
HOLD IT!
"Though, I do not condone that action, which side were you on?"
Marsha cocked her head to the right side. "Side...?"
"To rephrase, for who's team were you spying on?" he asked arm raised, hand pressed against his forehead.
"Oh! Um, I'm pretty sure I was watching the mechanics for Bunke's side!"
"Thank you for clarifying. You may continue."
-I knew I would have to see someone...and I was right!
-I saw John Bunke and Slim Chance talking! Well...not talking more like arguing.
HOLD IT!
"What were they arguing about ?"
"Well, it was sort of hard to hear, but it sounded... personal? I think I heard Bunke asking how could he have done what he had done, and Chance saying he didn't do anything wrong."
"Hmm...that's not very clear, though." remarked Gavin.
"It's not the important part, though it does help illustrate the rough relationship the pair had."
"...I see." he said thoughtfully.
-I think Slim gave something to Bunke, but I couldn't see exactly what it is.
HOLD IT!
"Could you describe it a bit more? About maybe what you saw?"
"Actually," she said throwing up a peace sign. "I can do better! I can show you what I saw?"
"Show me?"
"Here!" She reached into her pocket and presented a photograph to the court.
On the screen appeared an image of two men standing across from each other, with one passing the other a small cylindrical object.
"Now, just what is this?" questioned the judge.
"We believe it is a pill bottle," I started removing my glasses, twirling them. "And I believe this is part of the reason why that crash happened."
The judge blinked. "How would a bottle of pills do that?"
"I believe the victim was drugged."
The gallery roared up almost as soon as I finished my sentence. The judge had to bang his gavel a few times to quiet them.
"If that's true..."
"Then it would explain why the crash ended like it did," I said putting my glasses back on my face. "Even though the brakes were out, he still could have escaped. There were times prior where the victim had to jump out of his car in the past, but didn't this time. That's why I believe those pills were laced with something."
From the other side of court, there was a snide laugh. Kristoph Gavin shook his head and laughed.
I glared at him. "And what is so funny?"
"I'm aware that you are new to the courts, so I shall explain something to you, Ms. Doom." he placed his arms behind his back. "In court evidence is everything. What you have said is nothing more than a suspicion without any evidence to substantiate your claim."
I felt myself getting hot. He was right.
"However, I do have evidence I'd like to present to the court unlike the prosecution."
Uhoh. That couldn't be good.
"What is it you would like to show the court, Mr. Gavin?" asked the judge curiously.
"This." Gavin said snapping his fingers.
"That's...!"
I had my glasses off and was now squeezing the life out of them. "...the bottle."
"Indeed, I found it during my investigation of the crime scene, and it's nothing more than your average bottle of aspirin."
"And you had this tested?" I asked.
"Of course, no traces of anything were found."
(I don't buy that...Not for a second. He thought too far ahead, it's too perfect. But I have nothing to counter it with.)
"Well, the court accepts this into evidence."
Damn... This wasn't good.
"The defense has no more questions."
"Then I shall call an end to this cross examination," said the judge banging his gavel. My witness was then immediately escorted off the stand by the bailiff. Could Gavin really be that cocky?
"All things considered, I don't think there is enough evidence to convict here. From what has been shown over the past few days, it is clear there was an intense rivalry between the defendant and the victim, but it isn't necessarily imply murder."
No! It couldn't be over like this! I know something isn't right here! We are missing important pieces...
"Because of this I am prepared to hand down my verdict," he started. "I declare the defendant..."
OBJECTION!
"I...refuse! There are too many suspicious things not adding up here! How do you explain the car report that claims everything in the victim's car was operational, but the brakes were faulty? How did the brakes get to that condition to begin with? Why are certain car parts bought in the defendants name, that were also some of the same messed up in the victim's car? And the aspirin... I found that too convenient! How did you even know I was going to bring up that theory?" I said slamming a hand on my bench, while clutching glasses in my other hand.
Gavin did that annoying pose were he shook his head, with his hand touching his forehead, while one arm supported with raised hand.
"It was all circumstantial evidence, Ms. Doom. There was nothing definitive presented other than the autopsy report. You don't have anything to convict my client with unfortunately. As I said before, evidence is key."
And I don't have it. I don't have it.
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... Screw you! You don't even care about the truth! Something's not right...it's not right! And I...won't stand for this!"
"Ms. Doom! Another outburst and I will have to hold you in contempt of court. It is time to pass my verdict."
"But..." I glared incredibly hard at the smug bastard across from me. Gloating. "I...lost. I lost... damn you, Gavin!"
CRACK. My felt the shattered pieces of my glasses in my hand and warm liquid flowing from my palm on to the bench. I didn't bother looking down, knowing it was my blood flowing everywhere. It stung, but it didn't matter. I supposed I deserved it. I lost. When people were depending on me. I lost just like...how they lost when Dad...
And I let him get away! All because of that smug bastard, Gavin. He did something...those results were too perfect, too right...something may have been forged.
"This court declares the defendant, Slim Chance..."
NOT GUILTY
"Court is adjourned!" he said slamming his gavel down for the final time today. I watched as the gallery cleared out, talking excitedly, the judge stepped down from his bench and returned to his chambers, while Kristoph gave me one last triumphant look as he walked out to the defense's lobby. That sucker- if I knew better I would have walked over there myself to sock him in the face. Picking up my documents, I decided to leave and go to the hallway because there was nothing else to do.
January 13th, 11:00 AM
Courtroom hallway No. 6
I couldn't believe this. How could I have lost so disgracefully? That was the worst last day of a trial I'd ever had. I had never felt so incompetent. That man had mocked and ridiculed me throughout the whole case, simply because he was trying to make a name for himself. If only we had more man power at our disposal, or perhaps if this system wasn't under a flawed 3 day trial system we could have uncovered more! But now...we'd never figure out what really happened. In my heart I knew it wasn't a simple accident that could be gotten rid of with just a simple hand wave. Always had to trust instincts, but those weren't any good in that room. So be it. I wouldn't step in there the same way again. I'd make sure...I'd make sure no one would screw me over like that again.
I found myself sitting in the empty hallway on one of the sofas. It was lonely, which further emphasized the loss. I just had a very cold and empty feeling surging through my body. I didn't know what to do. I knew what I was supposed to, but not what I should. I looked at the cuts and scratches on my hands. Pathetic. It was more pathetic because shortly after my hands were covered in tear droplets too.
"What use am I...? Why did I even choose this job anyway?"
"I'm sure you had your reasons," said someone quietly from quite a distance behind.
I sniffed and decided to turn around to see who said that.
"Ah!" It was... "Miles Edgeworth..." That prosecutor. The one they had been calling the demon prosecutor. Despite all of those names and allegations, I still respected him. He was someone I aspired to be like. And yet, here I was crying in front of him.
"How can this day get any worse?" I sobbed, trying to hold back my tears. "A-actually, why are you here?"
He walked toward me. "I was curious about the person leading the prosecution, and why they never left the building."
"I don't want your pity, if that's why you decided to stick around." I said attempting to gain some composure.
"It's not my intention," he remarked reaching into his pocket passing me a white handkerchief.
Having nothing to clean up the disgusting mess I was making of myself, I took it.
"I have to agree with you, in terms of something wasn't quite right in that trial. There isn't much you can do now that it's over, but the way the defense conducted itself was something that should be looked into."
"That bastard...! I can't stand him and the whole lot of them! If I could, I'd...I'd...crush them into submission! This is the second time, I'll never know what really happened because of them! How is this even a proper verdict?"
"Ms. Doom..."
"I mean it! I'm going to get better one day, and show them what justice means...!"
He quietly tapped his finger on one of his folded arms. "We may not know the guilt or innocence of someone on trial, but in an ideal situation both sides would work toward finding the truth. And in this case...the defense neglected that duty."
"The truth...?"
(But that was all lost today. More so, it sounds different from the Miles Edgeworth I'm used to hearing about. What about the man who strived for a perfect record of guilty verdicts?)
"In any case, Ms. Doom... I can only advise you not to become too discouraged. Perhaps, the way you think of prosecuting is actually different from how it really is."
Different from how it really is?
Without warning, Miles Edgeworth turned around and started to walk right out of the hallway without so much as a goodbye.
I realized I was still holding on to his handkerchief. "Wait! I have your handky."
"You work in the prosecutor's office, do you not? If you feel so inclined you can return it to me there."
"T-thanks..."
And with that he was gone. I started to think that maybe I should go to. I still felt horrible about the trial, but slightly better after talking with him. But I knew I needed to file this case and speak to Mr. Bunke's widow about everything. Honestly, I just needed to leave this evil courtroom for a while.
(This was the day that changed me. I left that courthouse, a completely different person. I made it an oath to leave no stone unturned and to crush my competition at every and any opportunity earning me the title of attorney breaker. They called me cold and harsh, but I didn't care so long as I got criminals arrested and delivered justice to the families and victims who deserved it.)
Evidence:
Prosecutor's badge: With this, I can prove I'm a prosecutor. Dunno why we don't wear them on our lapels like defense attorneys though.
Autopsy report: Cause of death: Blunt force trauma to head, due to direct collision with concrete at high speed. Time of death: 2:21 PM.
Crime scene photo: Depicts the flaming wreck, with Bunke's body sprawled out bruised and bleeding.
Car report: Reports that the car was in perfect condition, despite the faulty brakes and other parts of the car in less than stellar condition.
Brakes: Broken, not much brake fluid available.
Online receipts: Receipts show car part purchases in Slim Chance's name.
Pill bottle: Bottle of aspirin.
Profiles:
Detective Gumshoe: Age 30. Lead detective of this case. He honestly, seems spacey to me.
Judge: Age ?. The judge. No one know his real name.
John Bunke: Deceased. Number one racer in NRDA.
Slim Chance: Age 32. Number two racer in NRDA. Suspected in sabotaging the victim's vehicle.
Alina Bunke: Age 29. Deceased's widow, with a son.
Marsha Collins: Age 15. Nosy witness who saw interaction with the rivals.
Zip Carrey: Age 24. Mechanic on victim's team.
May 23rd, 7:36 AM
Hickfield Clinic, Waiting room
That day was a rough one for all those involved, except for Kristoph Gavin who walked out with yet another win in his up and coming career, earning that ridiculous title of the 'Coolest Defense Attorney in the West' or some nonsense. Lyn, was more or less broken by the whole thing. Reflecting upon it, it was actually the first day I met Lyn. Sad and defeated, with crushed pride in a way no person would ever want to meet another. I'm unsure of why I decided to approach her; perhaps because I, myself had been trying to understand what it meant to prosecute after being saved by that man.
I didn't expect to meet her again later on with the desire to be taught. After the TL-5 case was a different person. It took a period of time before she returned to the courts, but she was no longer meek about prosecuting. No, rather on the contrary, she was harsh and willing to destroy anyone or anything that stood in her way in order to get the result she wanted- methods I was all too familiar with. I am unsure of what caused the change of heart, but one day she approached me at my office asking, nearly pleading for my assistance. And after enough coercing, I gave in. While I didn't consider myself the most knowledgeable, I could show what I did know to be most important, which was seeking the truth.
(And I suppose that has been working, thus far.)
Obviously, there was still plenty of work that needed to be done, but from where she was before it was a big improvement. The less aggression, the better. Gradually she went to being harsh to more chipper, though I'm not sure what caused that.
I sighed to myself quietly. I looked over at the detective who was fast asleep snoring quite loudly. I was doing anything I could to distract myself from his noise. I wouldn't wake him considering he had been here for long periods of time waiting for results, which was quite kind of him. More importantly, if it wasn't for him finding Lyn when he did, I have a bad feeling of what could have transpired. Perhaps, I'd look into his salary soon.
"Mr. Edgeworth?" called a voice.
I looked up. It was one of the nurses.
"Yes? Is there news?"
She nodded. "Ms. Doom has just woken up. You may see her, but only for a little while because she's going to need a lot of rest especially for today."
I felt a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. It felt as though all the tension in my body melted away in that one moment. I began to shake the detective awake.
"Detective," I shook.
"Hmm...? Ah, um, yes, sir?" he yawned confusedly.
"Lyn just woke up," I said. "Let's go and see her."
With that, Gumshoe bolted upright. "Ah! Ms. Doom! She's okay!"
He hopped up from his seat like spring. I put my items away in my briefcase and stood up too.
"Right this way," the nurse said walking ahead of us leading the way.