AN: Hello all! I hope you've been well. It's been a while I know, but I had to graduate college so...the past few months were trying at times. Not kidding. Honestly one of the most stressful years of my life thus far. I'm in the middle of the just trying to figure out the what comes next after you leave college part of life, so my updates will probably remain sporadic, but at least a little bit more consistent than a few months at a time.

That said I'll add a few important notes: 1) This story is a slight AU in which AAI games have happened already in the timeline, meaning that even though Trials and Tribulations is going to start, we already know the AAI characters. 2) I honestly have only played the crossover PLvPW and that's about as much as I know about Professor Layton, so I'm not writing a crossover. 3) The next chapters are taking a break from trials so they're a bit more light hearted. But one can anticipate investigations and arrivals of some familiar faces ;). 4) This period is the calm before the storm...muhahaha.

This one is silly and the next one will be...silly AND exciting. But hope you enjoy! Oh and Happy 4th of July too!

Mechblade007: I don't really know Professor Layton well enough to write him.

T501: Well, you never know.

Marisandini: It would be interesting if either of those things happened. Glad you got a laugh haha. And yes, it is that timeline though it'll be a while before that happens...Franziska will pop up somewhere haha.

OBSERVER01: Haha it very well could be ;). And I think it'll be amusing for the time being.

urs-v: Some just gotta go fast. And yep, it sucks. Can't say that there is one.

sailor winx: Bridge to Turnabout isn't happening for a while, so this is pretty much that trip. Well, I can guarantee craziness for when that case happens, though I can't say what type quite yet. This story is a bit of an AU, where the AAI games have already happened so if anything there could be some new adventures that happen.

Chaos Lord Roscoso: This story is a bit of an AU, but to mainly answer, yes we are set before the events of Trials and Tribulations currently. However, the events of T&T will be happening soon, it's just more likely that we won't see any of it until case 3-5.

Hero Of The Hazardchapter: Yeah, it sucks what happened, but so the story goes.

PrinceDoebler: Glad you dig the banter. I'm not sure if it is, I'd have to play the AAI games to see. It's a strong possibility, but it's not fully decided yet.

Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: I can confirm Kay. As for Viola, I make no promises.

Mei Lee: I'm glad you are enjoying it. Please heal your brain before reading the next chapter haha.

Time ?

Location ?

The sky is clear. No clouds. No sun. Nothing, but endless blue. The air is as crisp as taking a bite out of a fresh apple. It's pretty to look at, but I have to admit it's kinda cold. The wind nips at the heels of my feet. I feel a bit damp despite nothing on my person being wet. I start thinking it would be great if the sun came out. But there's nothing I can do, so I walk the dirt path I'm on with a bounce in my step, passing by some trees, an open field, and some benches all with the accompaniment of little birds chirping away. I'm not really sure where I'm going, but I keep walking knowing I'll get to wherever at some point. There's not a soul in sight. That is- until eventually my eyes were drawn to a wooden bench a few feet away, one with a beautiful woman sitting upon it. She looks up and smiles at me. I can't help but smile back. I change my pace and jog down to her, plopping down beside her on the bench.

"So, you finally made it," Mia says. "I was getting worried you'd never make it."

I turn to face her for a moment and then look directly in front of me. I stretch my arms out and leave them hanging on the back of the bench. A cool breeze rolls in.

"I didn't think I'd make it either. I thought I was dead."

She jumps at the word died, I see from my peripherals.

"Almost died? What happened?" Mia asks frowning.

I tell her what's been going on for the past few months right up until now. That stupid stripper case, my attack, and the resolution of the TL-5 case. I try keeping it as to the point as possible because even I grow tired thinking of it all.

"...I see. I'm glad you're alright and hanging in there," she says arms folded. "I have to agree with Mr. Edgeworth with this being a good idea. The fact that I was able to contact you is proof enough."

"What do you mean?" I ask cocking my head to the side.

"When you're energy is low, our connection is dampened. It's very hard to reach you, if you aren't high on the vibrational wavelength," she says matter of factly.

"Um...can you say that again in words I get?"

Mia's eyes widen, most likely surprised that I didn't understand it. I wonder if it's common knowledge for her. The woman quickly regains composure and laughs.

"Sorry, in layman's terms it simply means, that your emotions are key. If you are feeling very low and negative, I can't break through. But if you're high and positive, it's easy for me to get to you. Think of it like an internet connection. I need a certain access point."

"Oh...I think I understand," I nod. "But yeah, I guess you're right. I have been enjoying my time here so far. I don't feel as tense now."

"Good. I think you've earned it. You have quite a few months before the trial, so best to recharge in order to prepare for it," she pauses. "Because when that time approaches...you'll have to be on guard and ready for anything."

"Yeah, I know."

I don't bother saying anything else for a while. The sun never comes out, but just sitting by Mia makes me feel warm. It's like coming in from a winter storm and taking a hot bath. There was just something calming and inviting about it.

"Well, it's time for me to go," she says standing up.

I wish I could bask in the feeling longer.

"Don't worry. We'll meet again soon, I guarantee it," she says as though she's reading my mind.

"Alright," I say accepting the inevitable.

"Bye, Lyn."

I watch her continue on the same path I had been walking on and vanish into the air, as if she had never been here. It feels a bit colder. I lean my head back, looking up into the sky before closing my eyes.

September 7th, 10:05 AM

Monolith Hotel

I lazily cracked open my eyes and yawned. I lied in bed as an unwilling participant of movement. I didn't move for maybe about ten minutes until I decided to sit up and reach for my phone on the nightstand next to me. It was a little past ten and I only had about an hour before I was going to hang with Edgeworth. With a sigh, I set my phone down and grabbed my glasses nearby on the stand, putting them on. Begrudgingly, I removed the light blue sheets covering my being and climbed out of bed.

It had been about a month since we had arrived in London. At first I had been filled with this nervous excitement of stepping foot out of the US into another country. Most trips I had ever gone on were with my family or on school trips with a chaperone. Here I was almost by myself as an adult no less, so I had to admit it was new to me. But definitely not new to Edgeworth as he had spent much of his time growing up in Europe. As it turned out, that accent he had originated from here. He and his father moved to America from here, and stayed in the states until his murder. And after staying here, I could see it. For me, I found the people here nice, but a bit reserved with an emphasis on politeness. Not that it bothered me too much.

The only real issue I had sometimes was understanding what people were saying. Of course, I had already known about the differences in terminology, but just listening to people talk could strain me because of their accents. Not like they were really heavy, but my ears hadn't entirely adjusted to it yet. But I was getting used to it, and the locals were patient and nice enough to deal with me being a foreigner.

Regardless, it had been pleasant thus far. I even had that dream a little less often. I had seen plenty of the big attractions like Big Ben and the Globe Theater. Some days I joined tour groups or wandered around by myself; other days when he wasn't busy, I went with Edgeworth to do some exploring. Unfortunately, for me it wasn't as often as I would have liked. Edgeworth wasn't kidding when he said he came to do work. I'm certain that almost everyday he was doing research or heading over to a courthouse to meet with other folks who worked in the legal system. I mostly saw him when we met up to get dinner some nights.

And I have to admit that was weird. In a good way. I had grown accustomed to working in the prosecutor's office and court. So, it was kind of strange to be away from that. And I guess it was equally as strange to hang out with Edgeworth outside of it. But to my surprise it was actually fun. Even if he was kind of a snob about things. Like...getting up early, being on time, and exercising. I hadn't expected the exercising part, but apparently he'd do running in the morning or at night depending on his schedule. I supposed the excitement of Ace Attorney Investigations, hadn't been unfounded in that sense. Miles Edgeworth could run.

He once tried to convince me to go running with him, to which I immediately declined because I loathed running on its own. I only ran with a purpose, as I decided in high school. It was fine in particular sports, like baseball, but otherwise I hated it. I prefered moving my feet with dance, as I considered myself a dancer at heart. By no means was I skilled, but I had done dance school when I was a kid. It was fun; I really liked the way you had to manipulate your body to make some kind of narrative in a dance. Or hell, sometimes you just did it if you felt rhythm or a beat. And you didn't need to be good at dance to enjoy it. It was just something you did cause you felt it.

But today was my lucky day. It was one of those days when Edgeworth said he could free up some time to do something, meaning I didn't like a loner sitting on my computer waiting for Maya to respond to messages online. I pulled the sheets back up on the bed, which was kinda big for one person. That's how the whole room felt to me, to be honest. The desk, a good few feet away from the bed was a pretty decent size, with this huge flatscreen tv next to it. The windows to the far right of the bed were massive, being hidden by long blueish gray curtains that blocked out the sun. It was offset by the little table and chair to the side. Then again, I could be wrong. Maybe the room wasn't that big, but seemed like it because it was just me in here. I had been so used to have been sharing a room with at least one other person, so that could be it.

I shrugged it off and decided to grab some clothes from my closet. Since I was here, I decided to do major shopping for clothes as the other Lyn only had formal attire. I had already showered the previous night, and didn't feel like I had time to do it before leaving. I pulled out a pair of navy blue shorts, sneakers, and my Blue Badger t-shirt. It was cute, in this creepy I'm looking into your soul kinda way.

I hadn't really expected to see Blue Badgers here, but apparently the Gavinners used this as a mascot. In the games Klavier had boasted about how awesome and popular his band was and, well, he wasn't bluffing. It turned out, they were pretty popular here. You couldn't go anywhere without hearing music or seeing posters of them. I heard their debut single "13 Years Hard Time For Love" playing in a lot of stores I was at. Surprisingly, it wasn't all that bad. The lyrics were kinda cheesy and ridiculous, but the melody was infectious. Klavier's voice was intense. It seemed so eager, energetic...and earnest. Even I had to admit was appealing. It demanded attention; it just kinda pulled you in. Plus, all the members of the band were kind of cute... So… I got a cd. And a shirt. And maybe some other things...but not like I considered myself a real fan or anything.

I threw on my clothes and slid open the bathroom door to do what normal people do in preparation to enter the outside world. Once that was finished, I left, hit the nightstand and grabbed my phone and wallet. I shoved my wallet in my pocket and checked my phone for the time. It was 10:30 now. I shoved the phone in my pocket. I only had 30 minutes for some food, so I walked out of my room, making sure the door was shut behind me. I was only on the second floor, so getting food on the first floor was a short trip. I went down the right end of the hall and to down the stairs to the lobby.

After I got my bowl of cereal, I returned upstairs to the second floor. I went towards the opposite end of the hall to room 222, where Edgeworth was. I walked up to the door and knocked a few times. I tapped my foot. I didn't know why, but it always seemed like waiting for a door to open took an eternity even if it only took a second. I then heard a click sound from the other side of the door. In a moment, the door swung open revealing a mildly annoyed Edgeworth.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Didn't I tell you to be here by 11?"

"Yeah," I said scratching my head. "And…?"

"It's 11:09," he said looking down at his watch. "You're late."

I rolled my eyes. He could be so bossy, especially when it came to scheduling. Edgeworth was always on my case about time, even if I was a couple of minutes late. I mean it wasn't anything big happening, like a trial. It was just an outing. And it's not like I didn't try to be on time, I just normally miscalculated how much time I had to complete something.

"Okay, sir," I started. "I am so sorry I have disrupted your life by being ten minutes late."

He was about to say something, but stopped short and stared at me looking somewhat dismayed.

"Why are you donning...that hideous piece of plywood?"

I had almost forgotten Edgeworth's feelings on the Blue Badger. I grinned.

"You jealous? I can get you one if you want. I'd bet it look great on you," I teased.

"Absolutely not," he said with a disgusted face. I couldn't stop laughing.

(Lyn: 1, Edgeworth: 0.)

He huffed as he shut the door behind him, thoroughly displeased. I looked at him closely. I noticed he wasn't wearing his usual red suit and frills today. He was doing I guess, a business casual thing with some khakis, a white dress shirt and red cardigan sweater carrying a gray canvas backpack on his shoulder. Ever since I got here, I was shocked to see that Edgeworth actually had other clothes. Every time he wore something different, it threw me off. He turned around, noticed I was staring and threw me a 'what are you looking at' look. I was getting better at reading his expressions.

"Sorry. It's just always weird to see you wearing something casual," I said tilting my head.

"Did you just have the impression that I just have a closet full of the same outfit?" he snarked.

(To be honest...yes. Yes, I did.)

"O-of c-course not… that's stupid. Uh, anyway, let's go. Don't want to be anymore late, right?"

Edgeworth looked at me blankly and then pressed a couple of fingers to his a temple with a smirk.

"Very well," he said with the amusement clear in his voice. He clearly knew. And I guessed it satisfied him well enough because he didn't even rub it in.

(Lyn: 1. Edgeworth: 1. )

Feeling a burst of heat flaring up on my face, I turned away from him and started walking down the hallway to the stairs. With a chuckle, he followed walking on my right side. I already knew that this was yet another thing Edgeworth wouldn't let me live down. It was like he had a database of stupid things I've done, said or even thought, that would be brought up at one point in time. Regardless, today he had invited me to tag along with him as he went to get some law books at some bookstore that specifically sold them. It wasn't like I had anything going on, so I figured I might as well. He said he could take me to a normal bookstore afterwards, so I guessed I wouldn't totally be bored.

September 7th, 1:32 PM

Highlands Books

I. Had. Been. So. Bored. I had almost regretted joining Edgeworth because the bookstore we went to first was as he said a legal one, focused on books about British law and everything that came with it. He told me he was interested in other countries legal systems as he thought of the American legal system, which was inherently flawed. It was his belief that the keys to improving the American system was studying what was done in other countries to perhaps one day utilize their methods. While listening to him explain it was interesting, the books were not. That nightmare of a legal bookstore had been called Origin Inc. It was in between some candy shop and a boutique store, and from the outside it appeared to be pretty small. But one foot set in there and you could see the place was huge. And just as it was huge, it was also old. It was full of books on tall bookcases, shelves, and pushcarts. Edgeworth knew what he had come for and said it wouldn't take any longer than 30 minutes.

Liar.

It was that thing that my mom said when we planned a trip to the grocery store. It would only take an hour, she said. Three hours later, with additional trips to the bank, post office and dollar store did we finally get home. It wasn't the end of the world and I didn't really mind it that much, but I really don't like getting my hopes up.

And boy did I get my hopes up. Edgeworth found what he been looking for within the thirty minutes, but then some book caught his attention. And another. And another. And then he was chatting with the owner of the store about law for God knows how long. I had been restless. I tried to pass the time by looking at some of these books, since it was my job and all...but I couldn't do it. I couldn't read bring myself to read the incredibly small text, with numerous definitions and dry complicated phrasings. Especially not on vacation. NO. I wandered the bookstore for a bit and then resigned myself to impatiently listening to whatever conversation Edgeworth and the owner were having until finally...finally they exchanged business cards and we left.

"I am so glad to be out of there! That was so boring!" I said feeling relieved as we stood in the bookstore for normal people.

It was amazing in here. They had at least 7 display tables of popular books and shelves and shelves of books from varying genres. Yet it didn't end there; there was a spiral staircase leading to two more floors of books above. To top it off, I saw a bunch of other people milling around looking at books, unlike the solitary atmosphere of that other place. Now, this was what I had come for.

"I thought it was quite enlightening," Edgeworth remarked satisfied from the trip.

"Well, for you!" I said placing my hands on my hips. "You're the law genius around here, not me. Reading in books like that, it's over my head. Like, if they had pictures in them, I'd be sold!"

"...Are you suggesting a picture book as a law book?" he asked incredulously.

"Why not? Kids would be more invested in the law! And then it would read like a story!"

Edgeworth folded his arms and began tapping a finger one.

"I am quite impressed. I believe you have come up with an idea that rivals the flights and fancies of Detective Gumshoe."

"Hey!" I pouted. "I'm telling you it's a good idea! It's like...in those law books, it's just information overload. So, I mean, why not make it more like a case study? It's not that much different from court!"

"In what way?" he asked.

"Um, it's basically like, anyone can get facts and statics, right? It's like evidence. The defense and prosecution have evidence, but between the two of you, you both spin stories based around whatever evidence you get," I said trying to sell my point.

"I would disagree with the terminology of spinning stories as it is truth seeking," Edgeworth remarked. "But I think, I understand."

"See? I mean it always comes down to how something is interpreted. Anyone can make up a good story. I mean, you have a porno! Anyone who saw it, might think 'wow, Mr. Edgeworth is a perv', but in reality it was a gift!"

I saw the crimson spread across his cheeks.

"...And this conversation is over. You should start looking for whatever books you want. Before I return to the hotel."

"Well, that's fine. I can find my way back!" I said folding my arms.

"Says, Ms. Spacey," he remarked rolling his eyes.

"Ms...Spacey?"

"Why is it that almost every time you go out alone, I receive a call from you asking how to get back from somewhere?"

"Urk," I broke out into a cold sweat.

Okay. It was true. I was not very good with directions like, go left down this street, turn at the corner and go right. I'd always forget it or confuse it and get more lost. I wasn't entirely hopeless though. I knew landmarks. I couldn't name a street, but I could tell you about the stores on that street and what was across from it.

He smirked. He had gotten the upper hand yet again.

"Fine," I said folding my arms. I might as well save a phone call.

I started looking at the displays they had down the aisle as soon as you walked in the store with Edgeworth following along. The first display seemed to have a theme of self help and spiritual books. I was about to bypass it until I saw a book on obtaining language fluency in 3 months. I figured it might be helpful since I was in Europe. I knew enough Spanish to get by if I wanted to check out Spain. The other languages I knew a little of were essentially useless here, so I thought about trying to learn some more as I had a lot of time on my hands. I picked it up and wandered down to the next display.

"Honestly, it's still a shock that you even like to read all things considered," Edgeworth remarked amusedly watching as I browsed classics on the display.

"Hey, just because I'm not a law nerd like you, doesn't mean I don't enjoy books. I studied English in college, after all."

"Is that right?"

"Yep!" I said observing the updated cover of Frankenstein. Just had Victor, standing on a rock staring off into the distance. Probably looking emo, but since the only thing you could see was his back, who knew. Meh.

"Truthfully, I always did a lot of reading even as a kid. Course, I did other kid stuff, but my book collection was out of this world! ...Still is. But I supposed it was easy to tell a kid no to getting lots of toys, but a bit more difficult to say no to books," I grinned.

"I see. I suppose I can relate to that, though, I was more interested in law books my father had," Edgeworth said.

(Wow. How badly did he want to be like his dad, I wonder? ...Could he even understand those books back then?)

The classics table didn't really hold my interest for too long; I was only around to see if the covers were nice. There was just something about a really good book cover design that could grab your attention. I already had copies of certain books, yet if I saw the cover was far prettier than the one I owned, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase. But there was no such thing here and I moved to the next table, which had more contemporary works.

"Dare I ask, what types of books do you read?"

"Me? Hm...I think I read just about anything. Well, almost anything. I don't read much nonfiction, unless it's funny or interesting like about someone's life that I totally wanna know about. Oh and I guess certain historical moments in time, like certain wars or eras. I like gothic novels and plays a lot. Really anything that makes me feel like I'm being transported to another world! ...But if I were forced to pick a favorite genre, I'd have to pick crime and detective books. You know, those hardboiled detective books like, The Maltese Falcon or The Big Sleep! New or old, I dig it. I mean, before I got the more complicated stuff like the Agatha Christie books or Augustin Dupin stories or even the Sherlock Holmes collection, I had my Nancy Drew collection. For a while especially as a kid I really wanted to be a detective solving mysteries cause of these books...the idea of solving cases just seemed so cool, using your brains and brawn to kick some ass...ah, whoops, I'm rambling, aren't I? Sorry bout that."

"I don't mind," he said.

"So, do you read much? I mean, other than law books," I asked picking up a book called Night Film.

"Here and there when I make the time for it. I doubt I've read as much as you have, but I do know the classics quite well. I pick up a few historical fiction and nonfiction books on occasion."

Made sense. He pretty much struck me as a no nonsense type guy. Well, minus the interest in the Steel Samurai.

"Okay, well since we're here in England...what's your favorite Shakespeare play? You don't look like a comedy kinda guy so I doubt it's that."

"I personally prefer, the histories more than anything else. If I had to pick one, I think I would have to pick Richard II," Edgeworth said arms folding tapping his finger.

I gasped, dropping the next book I was picking up back on the display.

"Mr. Edgeworth...That's...that might be the coolest thing you ever said to me ever."

"And why is this 'cool'?" Edgeworth asked with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

"Dude, like no one talks about the histories. Even I'm guilty of loving Hamlet to death and it's a tragedy! Tragedies and comedies are just the most popular. Tempest, Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear- who the hell says 'yeah my favorite play is Richard II'? Sure you'll hear Richard III every so often that people enjoy, but to know and prefer the histories over the others… that's impressive."

"If you say so. I just have more of preference towards history in my reading material," he looked off to the side in a smug fashion. "I thought the background behind those rulers was fascinating. Wouldn't you agree?"

"That War of the Roses stuff? Yeah! Without that background, the plays would be kinda not fun to read," I said nodding.

We continued on like that for a while, just wandering through the store chatting as I picked up books to read. Edgeworth didn't bother picking anything up, just merely window shopping claiming he had finished with purchasing books for the day. We looked around each floor and I finished when I decided to grab a few books and check out.

"You call this a few books?" Edgeworth asked holding my pretty huge bag of books as we walked out of the store. "Why am I the one holding these?"

"Because you're an upstanding gentleman," I said wagging a finger at him. "You could put them in your backpack, you know."

"...Are you blind? This would never fit inside my bag."

"Ah. Well that's too bad," I said.

Edgeworth sighed and resigned himself to the duty of bag carrier. I thought I heard him muttering about how Franziska used to make him do the same thing. I just smirked to myself as we walked outside. He was gonna end up carrying my bag one way or another since I would have been dragging them on the sidewalk the entire time or just switching hands to carry it. And that just would have wasted time, so this was the only logical conclusion.

It was a pretty nice day to be outside too. So often the skies were gray here. With added bonus of rain. But the sun was out, sky was blue, and the breeze was still kinda warm for September. Plenty of people were out, doing things, going places...though I had to notice a fair amount of people staring at us. Well, not really at us per se, but at Edgeworth. And it was mainly women, occasionally men who would stare. There was always a good amount of people doing it, I noticed every time we went out somewhere. I had to admit it was quite the spectacle. People would stop what they were doing and whip their heads just to get a glance at Edgeworth. And he was none the wiser.

"Is something funny?" Edgeworth asked.

"Hm?" I didn't realize I had been chuckling to myself. "Oh, it's nothing."

He casted a suspicious glance at me, but said nothing as we walked straight before crossing the street. It was beyond me, how anyone could be that oblivious to the attention they garnered. Even in the book store while traversing the upper floors, I heard girlish giggles and whispers as we passed through the aisles...but perhaps it could be even more amusing for me if I put it to good use. It had been a while since I pulled a good prank after all. Yes. I was starting to think of all the possibilities already. The hotel wasn't too far away and when we reached it, I would definitely start doing my secret research for my ideas. And Edgeworth would be none the wiser...

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.

Magatama: Magical sacred charm that should allow me to communicate with Mia.

Profiles:

Maya Fey: Age 19. Probably my best friend at this point.

Miles Edgeworth: Age 26. My mentor. When he's not giving me a hard time, he's kind of nice.

Detective Gumshoe: Age 33. The guy who's saved my hide more times than I can count.

Larry Butz: Age 25. My favorite wannabe casanova.

Judge: Age ?. Old timer judge. No one know his real name.

Mia Fey: Deceased. My spirit guide who pops by occasionally to give advice.

Phoenix Wright: Age 26. The man I'm supposed to be saving. Pretty awesome dude.