AN: Hey everyone! It's been a while, I know! But I hope you all are well! I'm taking a break from revisions for now; I'll probably end up revising more things in the future, but it's sorta tiring. I went back and added some more things to older chapters-personally I think they're more interesting and somewhat more developed (but it's me having fun writing more character interactions like the nerd I am). In any case I decided I would rather have fun pushing the story forward in the mean time. So, thank you for being patient with the process! This chapter is a bit short, but the follow up is a bit longer and is half way completed. So in any case, thanks for reading, reviewing, faving, and following! Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: Don't we all... she may have a chance in the future.

OBSERVER01: It was pretty fishy and you're probably right!

Cranky Kong: Yes, it's very personal. As for the conflict...it's going to be a lot more fun than poison. That's all I'll say about that for now haha.

May 23rd, 7:41 AM

Hickfield Clinic, Patient's room

I was a bit dazed, but excited of the news that people were going to come and see me. Actually, it was more incredible to me that I was still alive.

(To think I didn't have a chance...! And yet, here I am in the hospital. I can't believe it.)

When I had woken up, I honestly didn't know how long I had been out for, or if I was dreaming or in heaven or hell or something. The room was white and sterile looking, with a window to my left and a TV high up on the wall in front of me. I was laying in bed in a hospital gown. I tried to move, but every inch of me was aching and I noticed that I had quite a few bandages over my arms. I probably had more in other spots and I honestly didn't want to think of it because those would probably be some nasty scars.

A couple of nurses saw me awake when they reentered the room and started talking about...some procedural stuff the surgeons did and about my stay here. I was only half paying attention, though, because I figured they'd be telling me again and again as time passed.

But in any case, I was alive! Breathing! Seeing! Feeling! Hearing! Not tasting yet, unfortunately...but woo I made it!

"Lyn? People are here to see you," said one of my nurses from outside.

I shifted as best as I could on my bed to sit upright. "Really?"

The three of them walked into my room and I was really happy at the sight. It was Mr. Edgeworth and Gumshoe. I smiled. She told the pair that she would be back later so that we could talk, but when she returned they would have to leave temporarily. They nodded and she left the room with a smile.

Then it was just the three of us.

"Ms. Doom! You're okay!" Gumshoe said hopping up and down for a moment. "I really thought...I thought that you were..."

"Hey, I'm okay because of you! You saved my life! I would have been a goner, if you hadn't come. So for that, thank you because I owe you my life."

"Awww, it wasn't anything really..." he said rubbing the back of his head.

I looked at Mr. Edgeworth. For once, his expression wasn't as cold looking. If anything he seemed relieved. He wasn't saying anything though, so I figured I should.

"Hi, Mr. Edgeworth."

"...I'm glad to see you awake," he said.

On second glance he really did seem at a loss for words, and that wasn't very often. He also seemed to be tired and it probably was on my behalf. I felt a bit guilty.

"I'll say." I looked down for a moment. "I was really afraid I wasn't going to make it...I really believed I was dead."

There was a heavy silence.

"Lyn, I know it's a lot to ask of you as you've just woken up, but...what exactly happened that night?"

"It's okay. I know the police will be asking when they show up," I sighed. "Let's see...I had finished at the office for the day, but then I made it all the way home and realized I forgot to put something away. I called Detective Gumshoe to help me with it and I was about to go back out. Then-"

I shuddered, remembering what happened next.

"-then someone came up behind with a knife pointed at me, saying I was going to take them to the office so they could take my files, specifically my TL-5 ones. He said he'd let me go once he got the files, but he threatened to kill me if I tried to escape, since we walked all the way to my office like that. Him with a knife pointed into my back. Then we got to my office, I gave him what he wanted, and though he said he'd leave quietly, he stabbed me...over and over and left the damn thing in my neck."

I slowly put a hand to the back of neck, trailing down it as gingerly as possible. It was bandaged up very well unsurprisingly.

Edgeworth looked visibly disgusted. "I'm sorry you had to experience something so traumatic."

"Me too..." I sighed. "He left me to die, saying something about how I deserved it because I didn't do something right I think, but I have no idea who it was. But it sounded like he knew me. After that, it was just me trying to stay alive."

"I can't wait to find the guy who did this and give them a piece of my mind!" huffed Gumshoe.

"As would I," remarked Edgeworth coldly. "You didn't see this man's face or any distinguishing features?"

"I didn't really see his face. Said if I turned around to look, he'd slit my throat." I shook my head. "My memory's sorta hazy, but I think...he had dark hair. And he was definitely taller than me. At least, I think I'd probably recognize his voice again if I heard it."

"I see...In the mean time, I started investigating your office. He didn't much of anything behind except a pair of glasses and I suppose that knife."

"A pair of glasses?" I asked.

(Could that be... him? But that's pretty bold, even for a guy like that.)

"It's the only real evidence we have right now that can lead us to the criminal, unfortunately."

"Well, that is better than nothing."

"We're going to catch him, don't you worry about that, Ms. Doom!"

"Thank you, detective."

Gumshoe was about to say something else, but suddenly his cell phone started ringing. He picked up.

"Gumshoe here...what? ...I'll be right over, sir! Leave it to me," he hung up with a sigh.

"What's happened?" asked Edgeworth.

"Sounds like there's been a murder at a park," he frowned. He looked at me and then the door, a few times.

"You have a job a to do, detective," remarked Edgeworth.

"I know, but..."

"Don't worry about me. I'm pretty sure I won't be going anywhere for a while, so just visit me later, okay?"

"Alright," Gumshoe said reluctantly. "Get better!"

With that he scurried out of the room, trench coat blowing in the wind.

I couldn't help but smile. Gumshoe was the best.

But now it was just me and Edgeworth alone. He was still standing around awkwardly in the middle of the room.

"Mr. Edgeworth? If you're going to stay a while, why don't you pull up that chair over there?" I asked tilting my head in the direction of a chair by the window.

"Ah," he said taking a seat. "I didn't even notice it."

We stared at each other. What did people normally say in these situations? I didn't know. It's not very often I ended up in hospitals, after all.

"Um, maybe you should go home, sir. You look really tired. And I know you've probably been working a lot because of me and-"

"I'm fine."

"You don't look fine. How long have you been awake?"

"Lyn, worry about yourself. You've been through a lot and you don't need to be concerned about me. Think of yourself." he replied stifly.

"Jeez, alright, fine. Am I not allowed to have concerns for you then?" I asked.

"Not right now."

I sighed.

"Say what you want about me, but you can be just as childish as me at times."

Edgeworth scoffed at the idea. "You don't know what you're talking about."

I chuckled lightly, so not to hurt my wounds. "Of course, because Miles Edgeworth is never wrong."

"Typically not."

Though I was irritated by his blatant refusal to go home and sleep, it was nice to have company after being alone like that left to die.

"Thanks for staying around," I said quietly.

"Hm? That's nothing to thank me for."

"That night was really lonely and scary. Yet, whenever I was losing track, there was someone there who was keeping me focused...funnily enough it was you. I didn't know what to make of it, but I lived until Detective Gumshoe arrived."

Edgeworth seemed perplexed. "You were probably hallucinating."

"I wouldn't call it that, but something like it. I had lost a lot of blood by that point. You saw that office."

"But it was me you saw?"

"Yes. In a way you helped me too," I laughed. "It's weird I know."

He didn't say anything to it, but was thinking with his legs crossed and arms folded. I decided not to say anymore for the time being. Eventually, it appeared that Edgeworth stopped dwelling on that topic and went back to staring.

"Why don't you get some rest?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I don't want to right now. To be honest... closing my eyes and sinking into darkness is kinda scary after that."

"Lyn, it won't happen again. You're in the hospital and away from danger. You're safe."

I looked once more at the man. He said he didn't want to go to sleep, but the bags under his eyes were a clear contradiction to the fact. Just how long had he been up? Worrying about this? I wondered if Edgeworth would realize at some point that he was a man and not a machine. Actually, I wondered if that was suggestion was a ploy to get me to sleep so that he could without me knowing...

"Alright. But if you're going, tell me when you're leaving." I requested.

"Very well."

I closed my eyes for a while and submitted to the darkness. I focused on my hearing, listening to the hum of the machinery and the sound of people wandering out in the hall. After what I felt was a good deal of time, I sneakily cracked open my eyes.

My suspicions were confirmed. Edgeworth had leaned back against the chair, with his eyes shut.

(You really didn't need to be so stubborn about it...Is it really that terrible to admit that I'm right about things sometimes?)

I shook my head yet again. I had to admit it was funny to watch. It was sorta like watching an animal in it's habitat, though I was in a rare situation where this animal is very tricky to spot doing particular activities.

(And here is the rare species Miles Edgeworth sleeping...in its unnatural habitat?)

It turned out he was quiet sleeper; I wouldn't have known he was really knocked out if I didn't notice his chest rising and falling and the slight looseness of the position of his hands since he's normally so tense. Then again, it was really strange seeing Edgeworth not look like he was ready to look through someone's soul. The peaceful look certainly didn't suit him. I had grown accustomed to mostly blank, thinking or over confident expressions. This did not compute.

(If I could, I would definitely draw on his face with a marker about now. Imagine him with a mustache hehe.)

I chuckle at my own terrible idea, because I know if I ever did it, my life would instantly be over guaranteed. But really, he did deserve some rest...I gave the scene one last look feeling half weirded out and half very successful for seeing something most of the population doesn't get to see. I figured I should stop watching him sleep since one, it's creepy and two, makes me feel like I'm in some of the cheesy stories I've read (even written) where this type of thing happens and I'm eventually caught in the act... so, I actually decided to try to get some real sleep and shut my eyes.

May 23rd, 8:45 AM

Hickfield Clinic, Patient's room

"Nngh...What is that?" I asked to myself drowsily. Some noise had woken me up from a brief rest. Though, Lyn told me to go home and sleep, as much as I wanted to it wasn't an option. I couldn't simply leave my subordinate after they had just woken up from such a terrible experience. That would just be, for lack of a better word, wrong.

But back to that sound...Ah. It was my cell phone ringing. I reached into my pants pocket and answered. "Miles Edgeworth speaking."

"Sir! I think you need to come down to the crime scene."

"And why is that? I'm certain you can handle the situation."

(I take that back. That is hardly ever the case, unfortunately.)

"No, it's not that, sir! It's just that...the victim in the murder is the defendant from the TL-5 case!"

"What?!"

"If that file was stolen from Ms. Doom's office was about the case and now this victim is from the case, that can't be a coincidence, right?"

"No, not at all. What's the name of the park?"

"Oh, it's Exposé Park, sir."

"I'll be over as soon as possible."

"But what about Ms. Doom?"

"She'll be okay. I'm certain the nurses will look after her."

"Right... Well, see you soon, Mr. Edgeworth!"

I hung up and placed the phone in my pocket and stood up. It was best I be leaving sooner rather than later. I looked at Lyn still sleeping. I could have just left quietly, but she did ask me to tell her when I was going. Carefully, I approached the right side of her bed.

"Lyn...?"

No response.

A little louder, I called her name again to no avail.

(I suppose she's a heavy sleeper.)

I hadn't wanted to startle her or further aggravate her injuries with a shake, but I didn't have much of a choice. I'd just do it lightly. Gingerly, I placed a hand on her shoulder and shook as lightly as possible, quietly calling her name.

Finally, the brown eyes opened up.

"Huh? Mr. Edgeworth?"

"I have to go. You told me to wake you up when I was leaving."

"Oh," she yawned. "That's right. Where you going?"

"To investigate a case, that's most likely related to your assault. Or in the very least related to TL-5."

Lyn blinked. "Is that right? Damn it. I wish I wasn't in the hospital now. I'd be all over this!"

"It's unfortunate, but I'll be sure to keep you aware of the findings. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"You really don't have to come back today, really."

"At any rate, don't give the nurses or doctors a hard time by trying to leave or anything like that."

"Okay, now you're being silly. I'm not going to try to escape. And it's not like I'm Houdini." She rolled her eyes.

"I know how important that case was to you, so just in case you consider doing something that reckless, don't."

"Yeah, yeah. I got it."

"I mean it."

"Yes, I understood the first time, mom," she smiled wryly. "It's okay, just go."

Tentatively, I moved from her bedside and started to head out.

"Take care."

"I will."

On my out of the clinic, I informed the nurse of my departure and she told me that Lyn would be visited by nurses and the doctor for the next few hours. Even if she tried to consider anything rash, she wouldn't be able to in their presence, which meant one less thing to worry about for the time being. Afterwards, I left the building, returned to my car and drove to the crime scene.

May 23rd, 9:25 AM

Exposé Park

The police had covered the perimeter of the park. Many do not cross signs and caution tape were placed around the main entrance to the park as well as the gates that offered potential entries. Civilians were being ushered away as best they could, while those who, I assumed were already present in the park, were being held for questioning.

Suffice to say, this park was nothing special. Trees, flowers, benches, and a phone booth towards the back, were a few of its defining features. The only thing that was worth noting was its close location to the police department.

Making my way throw the swarm of police officers, I eventually spotted that green filthy coat.

(I wish he would take it to a dry cleaners.)

"And make sure no one gets near it, got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

The two police officers saluted the detective and went to perform their assigned duties.

"Detective Gumshoe."

"Ah! Mr. Edgeworth! You made it!"

"Indeed. Can you inform me of what's currently transpiring?"

He scratched his head. "Well, right now we're sweeping the park to see if we can find anymore clues. We're also looking for witnesses."

I folded my arms. "Would this mean you have someone in mind as a suspect?"

"Well, there was one suspicious person lurking around the crime scene. They're being questioned right now, sir."

(Interesting. I'd like to talk to this person soon, but first I need to look at the crime scene.)

"I see. I'd like very much to speak with them after viewing the crime scene. Can you direct me to it?"

"Yes, sir! Follow me!" with the energy of an excited child, Detective Gumshoe hurried off. Slightly irked, I broke into a light jog to catch up with him.

He stopped short, in front of the park's fountain. It was a typical circular fountain, where park goers would toss in coins to make a wish (a frivolous action, if you asked me). It was there I saw the chalk outline of where legs had been hanging out of the fountain. The water was clouded with a dark red color, which I assumed to be blood.

"It's very bold to commit a murder in a public space like this," I remarked.

Gumshoe frowned. "Yeah..."

(So this was Slim Chance, NRDA driver. Defendant in the TL-5 case. First Lyn's attack and now this. Just what is going on? There's no doubt in my mind that these incidents are connected, but how?)

"Oh, we moved the body a while ago, but here is the crime scene photo and autopsy report." said the detective reaching into his pockets and passing me the materials.

"Thank you," I said taking the evidence.

Because it was in plain sight, I decided to turn my attention to the crime scene photo first. It was the image of the same fountain, but this time with a disheveled looking man lying back in the mix of water and blood with his legs sticking out.

Moving on, I opened up the autopsy report and pulled it out from the manilla folder it was in.

Autopsy Report:

Time of death: Estimated between 2AM to 3AM.

Cause of death: Bullet wound to the heart. Died within ten minutes of the shot.

"I almost forgot," the detective pulled out a plastic evidence bag with a pistol inside. "We found this inside in the fountain. Two shots were fired."

"I see-"

I was interrupted by a loud excitable voice. Barreling down the dirt path was a girl dressed in a strange purple outfit followed by a man in a blue suit. They were all too familiar.

"Come on, Nick! Let's see what's going on!"

"Maya, this isn't a good idea, we can't leave Pearls on the swings forever."

"It'll only be for a second! I mean, if they're making us stay in this park, I'm going to get something out of it!"

At that moment, the girl backed up into the detective.

"Ow!"

"Sorry, pal- hey! It's you! What are you doing here?! You shouldn't have been able to make it through here!"

"Well, that's...classified," she grinned.

Detective Gumshoe scratched his head and sighed while slouching his shoulders.

"Sorry, detective. We'll just be on our a way-" the attorney attempt to remove the girl from the scene, by grabbing her shoulders and pushing her away.

"But, Nick! To make it this far and to leave?!"

I sighed. "Only you would somehow be present for unfortunate events, Wright."

"Ah! Edgeworth! I didn't even notice you..." Wright said.

"Hey! If Mr. Edgeworth's here, then does that mean it's a murder case?" Ms. Fey asked tilting her head, pressing a finger to her cheek thoughtfully.

"Could be..."

I said nothing. I folded my arms, tapping the left with an index finger.

"So, um, since we're here...what is going on?" asked Wright sheepishly.

"I'm under no obligation to share anything with you. If you were the attorney on this case, I might feel so inclined."

"But Edgeworth...we've been in the park for a while. Can you tell us something? Anything?"

"Pleeeeeeeaaaaaassssse? Pretty please with sugar on top?"

"Hey pal, Mr. Edgeworth said no so forget it!"

I thought it over.

(They'd get the information one way or the another. Though, this is only because she asked.)

"It's alright, detective. I guess it won't hurt to say a few things, so long as it's promised that this information is kept private."

"Of course!"

"You can count on us."

"If you direct your attention to the fountain, a man was found dead in it. We're certain it was murder, but are still investigating the circumstances of the crime."

"Wow! Another murder here? This must be a popular place for it..." mused Ms. Fey.

"I would hope that that wasn't the case," I said. "But what's more interesting is the victim of the case. Slim Chance, race car driver for the NRDA."

"Wait a minute... that driver was found here?" asked Wright blinking uncontrollably.

"What's the big deal, Nick? Can't drivers relax at the park if they want to?"

Wright shook his head.

"Slim Chance was already well known, but he received further recognition because of the trial he was accused of murder in."

I nodded. "It was Lyn's case. And after that particular trial, Lyn received a lot of acknowledgement, and not in the good way either."

"Ah! Seriously?! It was Lyn's...?" Ms. Fey covered her mouth. "She never mentioned this to me before."

"I'm not surprised. I believe it's something she still harbors a deep resentment toward."

"Well, what happened with it?"

"The result was less than ideal," I began. "There were suspicions of forged evidence, considering there wasn't much evidence to use. Things about the facts of the case didn't quite line up or match, but ultimately the case was lost. It was a bad loss for the prosecution as Chance managed to walk away."

"That sounds horrible..." she frowned.

"Though, he didn't exactly get away scott free either," remarked Wright. "From what I've been hearing, things have been rough with him financially. And people want nothing to do with the guy."

"And that leads us to right now." I said.

"Actually, have you seen Lyn, Mr. Edgeworth? I haven't heard from her in a few days."

It was one of those rare moments when I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had no desire to be the bearer of bad news, but I detested lying.

"About Lyn..." I cleared my throat. "A couple of days ago she was attacked by someone who had intent to kill her at her office."

I watched as both Wright and Ms. Fey's mouthes hung agape.

"WHAT?!"

"LYN! IS SHE OKAY!"

"She's okay," I said as calmly as I could. "Detective Gumshoe found her in time and she's resting in the hospital. I'm looking into this crime scene as it might be have a connection to that attack."

She frowned, but then that frown turned into a look of determination. "Let's find who did this, Nick! Let's take this case!"

"H-huh? But Maya we don't even know who's accused!"

"I don't care! We gotta help Lyn no matter what! And if we take the case, we'll definitely find out what happened! Especially if Mr. Edgeworth's working on it, right?!"

Wright looked exasperated and I couldn't blame him; she made it very difficult to say no.

"Alright...I guess we'll take whoever's case," he sighed. "Come on, Maya let's go. We need to get Pearls and let the police do their investigation. We can run our own on the other side of the park while we wait."

Ms. Fey nodded furiously. "Yeah! Let's go! Let's do this!"

"Ah, before you go, if you want to visit Lyn, she's staying at the Hicksfield Clinic."

"Thanks, Mr. Edgeworth! I know we'll get to the bottom of this!"

I nodded. Ms. Fey took off in an air of determination. Wright did his best to keep up with her, but he certainly wasn't as nimble as the teenage girl by any stretch of the imagination. It reminded me of the moments I had trying to keep with Kay's high energy. Completely futile.

"Detective, let us continue investigating the crime scene. From there we'll be able to figure out who is culprit."

"Yes, sir!"

Evidence:

Prosecutor's badge: One of my possessions. Proof of my profession. However, I prefer to keep it in my pocket.

Crime scene photos: Victim found shot dead in park fountain. Most likely the cause of death.

Autopsy Report: Estimated time of between 2AM to 3AM from bullet wound to the heart. Died within ten minutes of the shot.

Gun: Suspected murder weapon. Two shots fired.

Profiles:

Detective Gumshoe: Age 33. Detective I've grown accustomed to working with.

Lyn Doom: Age 24. My protege of sorts.

Phoenix Wright: Age 26. Defense attorney I've faced in court on a few occasions.

Maya Fey: Age 19. Normally seen with Wright. A very energetic girl.

Slim Chance: Deceased. A race car driver who once held some renown.