AN: Hey people! Sorry for the wait. My life is still a clusterfuck, but here' s the new chapter 40! I wanted to fill in some gaps since there was plenty I didn't mention from before. It just wasn't my intention to do a rehash of case 3-5. I mainly want to focus on Magnifi's case, but who knows, maybe I could do a what if scenario on changing the outcome of 3-5, one day. But...shits gonna be going down soon and I wanna get to it hehehe...But as usual thank you for your love and support in your reviews, favorites, and follows. It's always encouraging, especially when I am in slumps like right now. ALSO, I really love your fanart/works when you send to me, so thank you!

Lily Fey: Thanks a bunch for your kind reviews! Glad to hear you like the development! And well, we'll see about that ;).

DJJ680: Hopefully! I agree, I really liked Kristoph as a villain. I really wish we could use him more often...

OBSERVER01: Yep, I thought it was crazy when I first played Apollo Justice. Gotta love the standards for defense attorneys versus standards for prosecutors who actually forge evidence. We shall see!

Cataquack Warrior: Again, thanks for your review! Thinking of how to add more depth to that with your suggestions for chapter 40.

TheWriteGuy: Maybe I already had something like that planned ;).

Jack54311: Thanks! Well, it was the best possible option as unsavory as it was lol. Perhaps, and oh yeah those locks are coming off sooner or later. Actually, Simon is arrested for killing Athena's mom a year after Phoenix's disbarment in October 2020.

NNinja: Oh, my. Lol, I tried to be interesting with the HOW it was gonna happen. Not only for you guys, but for me too ;). Glad you liked it.

March 8th, 12:00PM

Prosecutor's Office, Room 404

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Trust me, I'll be fine," Maya said forcing a brief smile. "The more I put it off...the more...I don't want to return."

I frowned. It had been about a month after the incident at the temple. Of course, Maya needed a whole lot of time to process everything that had happened...to me, it was amazing that she was here in my office hanging out at all. It was more amazing how she kept a happy front up to Pearl without showing her sadness to her, only letting her guard down fully in front of Phoenix and sometimes me. I honestly was not sure how I would be feeling in her shoes.

"Why can't you do something else? Do you really want to become master?"

Maya shook her head. "I can't turn my back on my training. I've been working so hard at becoming better at channeling...I can't stop now. And now, without a doubt the responsibilities of the Fey clan fall upon my shoulders."

She paused, putting a hand on her chin for a moment.

"To be honest, it never really was an option to do anything else, when I think about it. When Mia left to be a lawyer...I was next in line to be master. She left so we wouldn't have to fight over the next in line."

"That must be difficult," I began adjusting my glasses at my desk. "being expected to do so much in your family so young. I couldn't even imagine what that's like. I don't think I'd handle it well."

The spirit medium gave a weak laugh as she crossed her legs on the couch. "But Lyn, you're the responsible one. You'd probably being doing a better job at it then me."

I shook my head. "Not really. At 19...I wanted to see so much. I never wanted to go home...for the times I was responsible as a kid, the older I got the more I wanted to throw my responsibilities away. To live selfishly. If that were me, I'd be running. I wouldn't be looking back at the temple..."

Her eyes widened briefly, as the bottom of her lip started to tremble.

"...I don't think you realize how strong and responsible you really are. You're still following your duties even after all of that. Still being brave for Pearl. It takes a lot of courage to do what you're doing."

She said nothing, though I see a hint of tear welling up in her eye. She quickly wiped it away. "T-thanks…I should go."

Maya stood up and headed towards my door.

"Are you sure you don't want to hang for a bit longer? We can get burgers or something," I said.

The spirit medium shook her head. "It's okay. Right now, I just want to go back to my place and sleep."

I frowned slightly. I hated seeing her so down, but what could I do? I knew she would be going back to Kurain sooner than later… I only hoped that every time we met up, that it wouldn't be the last time before the moment came.

I left my desk and gave her a tight squeeze. "Just let me know if you need anything, okay?"

"Thanks, Lyn," Maya said forcing a smile as she opened my door and left. "I'll see you around."

I was left in my empty office all by my lonesome again. I sighed. I knew she'd be able to manage because that was the amazing part about Maya, but knowing her as a person and not just a character made it more difficult to stomach.

On the night of February 7th, Miles was woken up by a phone call from Larry in the middle of the night. At first, Miles didn't believe it, thinking it was just some twisted joke between Larry and I. Yet, the incredibly frantic nature of the call convinced him to book the private jet and return home anyway.

He didn't want to believe I was psychic, but because I had predicted only the phone call and nothing else, he had little to argue with. Even if I had somehow heard about Morgan Fey's plan and Godot's response with his own plan...knowing that Larry would call about Phoenix falling into the river, in his mind, wasn't scripted.

To sum: I was right. And it bothered him. But with nothing to go on, he dropped it. At least back then. I knew now, that had to be more careful around him and thus was avoiding him as much as I could.

Everything had happened as it was supposed to, minus my presence there. Even though I knew everything would turn out as best as it could in the end, it was more anxiety inducing to be present for it all. Especially, when it came to Maya's well being.

I wish I could have said something to her to not go, but I remembered what Mia told me. So gritting my teeth, when the time came, I just watched it unfold. It sucked, but it was really cool to see everyone coming together to help.

Godot was every bit awesome in person as he was in the games. I'm pretty sure he had a coffee machine while he was at the bench. And Dahalia Hawthorne was terrifying. I was glad when that bitch got her just desserts...but it was so eerie watching her being expelled from Maya's body in real time. I kind of want to do my best to forget that sight. By the end, I was just amazed at the hell Maya had gone through. More amazed that she was putting on a brave front for Pearl.

Not being good at comforting people, I was doing what I could to at least make Maya laugh after the whole thing or just listen to whatever she had to say anyhow. I knew that soon she and Pearl would be returning to Kurain...

(Mia...was this really the right choice? Is this really okay…?)

Two months ago

Location?

It's a bit colder here today that it usually is. There is no fog, but no sun. No warmth. Just gray. Nothing but gray skies. I wait around, my back against a pine tree. One of the numerous pine trees in this forest. I can't stop drumming my fingers on it.

We've already talked about my plan. Mia has corrected some faults within it, so it most likely should be alright. Even though I know I'll still be nervous about it. But that wasn't why I wanted to talk…

She told me not to interfere a while ago when I once asked.

But would that really be okay?

Is that what she really wanted?

I wouldn't have to keep wondering for too long. A feminine figure walks with poise through the wooded area.

"Lyn," she smiles. "I'm surprised you wanted to see me again so soon."

"I had a kinda personal question," I say rubbing the back of my neck.

Mia looks like mildly surprised, but I can tell she's interested. "I'm all ears."

"You know that...event is coming up. The one with your mother getting killed," I swallow, feeling the knot in my throat growing. "I know you said I should leave it alone, but...why?"

Mia folds her arms and closes her eyes. She strokes her chin. She doesn't answer for a moment or two.

"I-I'm sorry," I stutter. "I shouldn't have asked-"

"No, it's alright. I suppose I do owe you an explanation..." she covers her mouth for a second. "You must think I'm heartless for not wanting to interfere with that."

"No...I'm just surprised. Isn't what I'm supposed to do kinda in the similar vein?"

Mia shakes her head. "What you're doing is very different. What you're doing has the potential to help many more people. But even that isn't necessarily guaranteed."

I lean off of the tree. "What do you mean by that?"

"You are aware that even if we DO end up preventing Phoenix from losing his badge, we have no way of knowing what will happen next. For better or for worse. Both options are equally as valid."

...That was true. There really was no way of knowing what could happen even if my plan was successful. It could be everything that we thought should have happened...or something…

"Besides that, we're already trying to change one main circumstance. I'm fairly certain your presence here as altered some things already...another change and I'm not sure what would come. You've already experience a significant amount of danger...and I fear for others to experience further danger."

"Others?"

Mia didn't answer me.

It's then I start to get an idea of why she's reluctant...

"You're worried about Maya, aren't you?"

A chuckle escapes from her mouth. "Has all that time around Mr. Edgeworth, rubbed off on you?"

"Hey…"

"I won't avoid the subject any longer," she starts. " It's complicated...but yes, that is the main reason for my concern."

"The Fey family, to be frank isn't much of a family. When you have separations between what is the branch and main families, eldest vs. youngest, and fights between who has more spiritual power...it distorts people. It becomes more about power, jealousy, and who is truly deserving of some special treatment. It's difficult to find love anywhere in a background like that. I never wanted that... So, when my mother disappeared, I decided I would look into the matter and become a lawyer so I wouldn't have to fight Maya for the position of master."

"I love my aunt. But she's always held a bitterness towards my mother, for being chosen to be master. And due to that, she'd do anything to secure that position for her side of the family. Even if it means framing Maya for murder or killing her..."

"...When that case ended, it was all over. It was my aunt's last ditch effort to have her bloodline become master at the expense of Maya's life. Not even Dahlia was interested in her scheme...only interested in trying to get revenge upon me. But even that was ended…

"...so who's to say that if a third party enters the situation to attempt to stop it now...that it won't happen later? Or have something worse happen? Or get caught up in our family ties? My aunt is not a woman to be trifled with. When she failed this the second time, it was it for her. Death row was waiting."

I frowned. "I'm sorry."

"You've nothing to be sorry for, Lyn. It's just...not that simple," she said with a wince.

"But...what about Mr. Armando? What about Maya possibly getting to know your mom?"

"I never wanted it to come down to it, but...it's better that way. Even if we stopped him before, he'd be wishing for vengeance and doing something out of bitterness one way or another...some people need a wake up call. And I suppose that was his….and there's no guarantee of that happening. My mother...I can only imagine not only held the shame of the DL-6 case, but also abandoning us. There's a strong possibility any relationship would be made under a false pretense. And I'm not sure if that would be fair to Maya."

All I can do is sigh. Their family was more fucked than my own. It's a damn shame that it only comes down to titles and ages with people...instead of just a bond. The older I get, the more I see that blood means so little in the grand scheme of things. I have friends who are better than family than family.

"... I understand. I'm sorry for pressing the issue. It's just that...you and Maya you guys deserve to be happy, you know?"

Mia pulls me into a warm embrace, that catches me completely off guard. "Thank you. But you don't have to worry about me. Or Maya either. Things will hurt, but she'll be back on her feet again. In life we often get knocked down, to come back even stronger...much like a phoenix."

I manage to laugh a little at that terrible joke.

"And it's not like she's alone either. She has people like Phoenix in her life, and she knows she can call on me whenever she needs help...so don't worry," the woman says she lets go of me.

"Alright…" I say understanding, but mildly reluctant.

"Just focus on what you came here to do, alright?" she asks with a smile and tilted head.

"Got it," I nodded. "I'll see you around."

"Bye, Lyn."

I sighed.

Mia was probably right. I just had to trust in her decision. And believe in Maya.

I just had to...believe.

That was going to be difficult. But it wouldn't be as difficult if I did it on a full stomach as opposed to an empty one. Maya turned down my offer and I actually hadn't eaten anything.

Truthfully I didn't want to go out alone, didn't pack my own lunch either...which led to one semi dreadful option that I usually didn't like to explore. The cafeteria...

March 8th, 12:16 PM

Prosecutor's Office, Cafeteria

Not looking for anything fancy, I grabbed a pre-made chicken salad sandwich and an apple juice. Right now, was peak time for lunch so just about everyone was here. That was partly why I didn't like going here, way too many people. Sometimes to the point where you felt like a sardine in a tin can.

I took a seat by myself at the edge of a most vacant table, unwrapping the plastic and shoving the ciabatta bread into my mouth. Boy, was it hard. I hadn't tasted the chicken part yet being consumed by the thick, heavy bread.

But I couldn't focus on that seeing as a certain blond took a seat beside me.

"Hey fraulein," he said with a wink and smile.

"Hey Klav, what's up?" I asked, chomping another piece of bread. I swear, I'd find the meat eventually. On his tray the boy had nothing but a garden salad and bottle of water.

"Not much," he said. "Though it is to be expected not being assigned any case."

After we returned from that fiasco, I did my best to avoid Edgeworth. He was asking too many questions, further complicating everything. And as a result, I ended up spending a lot of time with Klavier instead. That way I could try to dig for information on Kristoph...while staying away from Edgeworth at the same time. It was the perfect escape plan.

"What are they having you do in the meantime?"

"As for actual work, nothing besides organizing files in my room, and running things back to the police station. Lately, they've been giving us newbies orientation sessions," he snorted.

"Oh, boy that sounds like fun," I laughed. "Are they showing you how to trust fall?"

"It would be more entertaining that's for sure," he said, snapping his fingers. "Instead we get lectured by senior prosecutors in the morning in groups."

"Really?" I asked. That could be interesting, but it sounded like Klavier didn't enjoy it. "How is it?"

"I am not one for complaining, but…" he did a brief air guitar session. "...it makes me a pop punk crooner, wanting to move into the screamo genre. It is usually unbelievably dull."

"Who's leading the groups?" I asked curiously.

"It is Herr Payne, Herr Edgeworth, and Herr Williamson."

I cocked my head. I had heard of Williamson- she had at least 5 years of experience from my knowledge.

But Edgeworth hadn't mentioned doing anything like this to me.

(Seeing as he still is trying to question me, I'm surprised he didn't mention it.)

"Because we rotate, and thank the heavens for that, we do hear interesting insights," Klavier said. "But I hate Herr Payne's sessions. I cannot listen to his screech for the life of me!"

I choked on my apple juice. I couldn't imagine listening to him for anymore than 30 minutes, let alone an hour.

"What about the other sessions?"

"Herr Williamson is alright, though she scares me," he said. "And while I like Herr Edgeworth's focus...I'm sure he hates me for some reason."

"Huh...why would he hate you?"

"I don't know," the boy shrugged. "But he's sometimes difficult with me in sessions. If I was not friends with Sebastian, it'd probably be worse."

Why would he not like Klavier? If anything Klavier shared a similar like of truth seeking.

"I wouldn't take it personally," I said. "He can be kinda weird like that. He's smart and all, but I'm not sure if he's used to handling emotions much."

"Sounds like you know quite well," he remarked with a playful smile.

I found myself flushing under that scrutiny. I hadn't told him about what happened after new years...and who I had been thinking about back then.

"Maybe," I grumbled.

Klavier seeing how it got me riled, picked on me. "Ah, so you and Herr Edgeworth have something going on."

"No, there's nothing going on besides the fact that he hates me-"

"Ah," he smirked. "Hate makes it better."

"...What better?"

"Sex. What else?"

"Shut up," I shoved him lightly, still feeling warm in the face.

"I am merely stating facts, fraulein. No need to be embarrassed."

(I should leave. He's totally distracting me from my silent lunch brooding.)

Though as I looked up, I sighed seeing yet another problem I needed to deal with.

"Lyn san," began Simon. "Long time no see."

"Hi," I said, averting my eyes.

"Ah, it is...Herr Blackquill, correct?" Klavier asked.

"I am surprised you know of me," Simon said. "I thought you rockstar types focused on other things, Gavin san."

"I have to be charming, you know," Klavier winked.

"Anyway, you owe 20 pounds," Simon said, directed at me.

"Gah…" annoyed, I dug into my pockets and tossed him 30 bucks. "Is that good enough for you?"

"Close enough," he smirked.

"Oo, what's this about?" Klavier asked, snapping his fingers. "Did you lose a bet, fraulein?"

I opened my mouth, but Simon answered all too happily. "She certainly did. We argued about Edgeworth sama's unusual behavior while we were in London. I believed it was due to him having feelings, Lyn san, did not. To test my theory, we had a 'date' which I had her recount to Edgeworth Sama...with interesting results."

Klavier whistled. "Oooo. I must know, what happened to confirm Herr Blackquill's theory?"

"The only thing that happened is that he confused the hell out of me and told me to leave him alone," I folded my arms.

"More like they shared a passionate kiss," laughed Simon slapping his hand on the table. "Before he decided to throw her out."

"H-hey! That's not true! Stop making stuff up," I protested, with the embarrassment never fading from my face.

Simon smirked. "Fair enough. But you came pretty close to it, regardless. Which means I was right."

"Woah," Klavier blinked. "Seriously? Him?"

I said nothing, but my face i'm sure was revealing all my secrets as I felt incredibly warm.

"Why did he throw you out after?"

"Hell if I know," I said throwing my arms up in the air. "It was...a mess. After I mentioned I spent the whole day with Simon, he got pissed."

"Wait. You said London?" he asked Simon. "Fraulein...you had confessed on New Year's Eve about someone catching your eye."

"Ugh..."

"So, it was Herr Edgeworth back then," he said to himself, snapping his fingers.

"Yes, yes, it was!" I said folding my arms. "But both times, the situation has gotten worse! I should have never listened to either of you morons!"

"Hehe," laughed Simon. "That's what you think for now. Since he had a strong reaction to suggesting I was stealing you from under him, I'm sure he'll move soon."

"Yeah sure-"

"Guys," whispered Klavier, as he looked at us and then motioned his head to the left. "Herr Edgeworth is over there and he's glaring this way!"

Simon and I whipped our heads over in the opposite direction. Sure enough Miles was staring the three of us down, tray in hand.

Simon smirked and waved a hand at the demon prosecutor. "Good day, Edgeworth sama!"

"Oh shit," said Klavier, focusing his glance at the table.

I wanted to sink into my seat, but I couldn't turn away seeing what happened next.

Miles grimaced as he set his tray to the table. He had a look that could turn Medusa to stone.

"Would you stop that?" I snapped trying to grab Simon's sleeve from across the table.

In a few seconds the 20 year old sat down, chuckling to himself. Miles had sat down across from some kid with a poofy haircut, engaging in some sort of chat with him.

"Oh boy," Simon slapped on the table laughing. "Maybe I will get that fight I've been hoping for after all."

"Simon…" I started.

"Lyn san," he replied. "Look over there right now."

"Huh?"

"Look that way and tell me what you see."

I didn't get it, since I'm sure Miles would be angrily staring a hole into Simon's head, but I did as suggested. Across the room he was talking to that boy, dressed in blue and red coat drapped over his shoulders. But on occasion, his glance was shifting away from him and back to our table.

Soon, I caught his gaze serious...but somewhat disappointed? I flinched, nervously turning my attention back to our table.

What was that about?

"What did you see?"

"Well he was looking here every so often...specifically me."

"Aha."

"Man, he's going to hate seeing me in class tomorrow for sure, thanks to you," Klavier sighed looking at Simon. "But...something's clearly going on heh."

Yeah, things I didn't get. I mean I was keeping secrets from him. He made it clear he didn't like that. That he didn't believe me...and as much as it sucked, I understood that.

So why…? Why had he looked sad?

I shook my head, taking my tray in my hands. The boys looked at each other and followed suit.

"What are you doing? You're not my entourage…"

"We're helping," Simon said.

"Yes," Klavier said. "Besides there are more power in numbers."

We dumped our scraps in the trash barrel in the middle of the room. Simon had looked back. "So, I guess we'll see you later, right, Lyn san?" he asked rather loudly.

"What are you-"

It was loud enough for Miles to look over past the kid.

"Yeah, you'll have to tell me more about filing" Klavier said, grinning.

(You bastards...)

"...Fine. I guess we'll go over that later." Which was more like never since I would opt to beat the two of them to death for torturing me like this first.

"Great! See ya soon, fraulein," Klavier said patting me on the shoulder as he walked off.

Simon nodded, looking at me with devilish intent. "Looking forward to it...so don't keep us waiting too long."

(Simon Blackquill... you evil troll! I shouldn't tell you a damn thing about what happens because of this farce.)

Satisfied with my look of anger, he smirked at me as he strolled away. Leaving chaos in his wake.

I knew because when I took a brief glance behind me, Miles was still watching. Who knows what he was thinking? I could just tell, he wasn't pleased, since he was just scowling at me. The gray eyes cutting me into pieces.

Swallowing, I turned my eyes away and returned to my office. I couldn't do it. There was no way I was going anywhere near the demon prosecutor now. Nope. Never again.

Besides, after the whole Kurain incident… things between me and Miles were not in the best condition. He wanted to talk about 'things'. As to what things he was referring, I was not sure, but hearing those words was rarely a good sign.

I knew he'd most likely be trying to get to the bottom of my prediction about bridge to turnabout but, other than that I wasn't sure. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that he was wary of me. And I couldn't fault him. Only damn him for his truth. That said...I'd been neglecting it. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was struggling to come up with a decent excuse because there was no way in hell I'd give up the truth. As for any of the other stuff...I'd rather just act like it didn't happen to be honest. This was already complicated enough as it was...

March 8th, 3:00PM

Prosecutor's Office, Hallway

I couldn't stand this.

"That woman has the audacity..." I muttered, walking down the hallway to Lyn's room.

First she was clearly avoiding me and my attempts to speak with her, and now she was cozying up to Simon and Klavier Gavin? In fact, she had been spending an excessive amount of time with the latter. I didn't like it.

Why was she spending so much time with Gavin? Ever since we returned, word had spread about numerous prosecutors, Lyn included, flocking to Gavin. Was it an infatuation? The corner of my lip twitched.

(No, that couldn't be it. It has to be because of...)

I shook my head. I was overthinking.

It made me uncomfortable with the amount of time she spent essentially following him around like some sort of lost puppy. It wasn't like her.

Of course, it could simply be she liked his music. She and Ema did go to one of his concerts, if I recall. Or...he was the younger brother of Kristoph Gavin...perhaps that was a reason? If so, then what was she after?

From what I observed, it was clear that he, much like Blackquill, had the makings of a good prosecutor, but his big headedness might be a problem.

(Speaking from experience, I know how that can easily get in the way...especially being that young.)

Stopping in my tracks, I furrowed my brow. I was going to let it go and wait for Lyn to finally approach me...but after the show they put on today, I had no choice. The fact that she had no problem being involved in some spectacle involving those two fools, while strategically avoiding me at any given opportunity...it irritated me. The three of them had been taunting me, and I wouldn't stand for it.

Today we were going to talk one way or another.

Outside of Lyn's the door, I firmly rapped on it 3 times.

"Hm? You can come in."

I pushed the door open, shutting it behind me. Lyn was sitting at her desk, now biting her lip.

"Um, hey Miles. What brings you by?" she asked strumming her fingers atop the papers on her desk.

Folding my arms, I wasted no time getting straight to the point. "Why are you running away from me?"

The woman lifted her head up slightly, eyes wide, before looking down. "...I'm not running. I've just been busy working."

(You can at least try to make it less obvious that you're hiding something.)

I folded my arms. "Since when do you work this much?"

"What's it matter to you?" she snapped quickly. "I'm busy."

"Yes, so busy that you can't meet with me in person, yet your are not so busy to meet with Mr. Blackquill and Mr. Gavin regularly."

The dark shade of crimson upon her face was apparent. "What? Are you jealous or something? It's a work related thing."

I flinched. There was that word again. Jealous.

Glaring, I did my best to ignore that.

"...And what is that, 'work related thing'?" I asked. "Does it have to do with that little prediction you made?"

This time she raised her head and stared back, not backing down. "That's none of your business. I already gave you the explanation for how I had the prediction, so this conversation is over."

HOLD IT!

"That you're a psychic?" I scoffed. "You don't really think I'd buy such a weak excuse, do you? What's really going on, Lyn?"

Lyn frowned. "...Are you surprised that you don't know everything about me, Miles? Is it really so awful to have secrets?"

The whole thing bothered me. Just what was she keeping from me? Something that I couldn't be trusted with? ...I didn't want to believe that. I didn't want to believe she was capable of some kind of misdeed. But what else could it be?

How could she information like that, before the event even transpired? It had to be a lie. And how she knew about Rhoda and I, when I had kept that private...it was too specific. She had to have prior knowledge somehow. Was she watching? Was she some sort of spy? There had to be some kind of reasonable explanation.

"It's just..." The girl leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "You're too hard to be around right now."

"Why?"

She scowled. "You damned well know why! Look, there's plenty I'd love to tell you, but I can't, okay? I can't do it."

I shook my head, approaching the desk. "What is preventing you? Do you not trust me? Are you some sort of spy?"

"Miles, please," the woman pleaded, her eyes asking me to stop.

But I pressed on.

"You just trust those other two more than me? Have you told them the truth of you obtained this information?"

"Miles!" she slammed a hand on the desk, causing a pen to roll off the edge onto the floor. "Enough! No one knows anything! No one...but me."

A heavy silence fell between us. Lyn stared off into space, gnawing on her lip. Eventually, she spoke again, refusing to look at me directly.

"Are you done bothering me now? I have things to do."

"Lyn-"

"If you keep prying, I'll ask you to leave me alone."

"...Fine," I said reluctantly. "But don't think I won't figure this out."

The woman didn't respond, though her lips curled downward at my declaration. With nothing else to do, I turned on my heels and exited.

(Lyn...something definitely isn't right. I'll get to the bottom of it, one way or another.)

Secrets...our very jobs were about unearthing secrets from people, in a means to discern the truth. Everyone has them, and yet...no. Whatever this was. I'd find it. It wouldn't be right to leave this alone.

If I didn't, this divide between us would just continue to grow. I didn't want that. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I did notice the lack of her presence. It was strange to not speak to each other as we did before. And weren't friends supposed to be close? What is it she's so afraid of? I didn't like being left in the dark, especially when other things hadn't been addressed yet...

If she wasn't going to tell me, I'd drag the undeniable truth out one way or another.

March 8th, 3:24 PM

Prosecutor's Office, Room 404

Once he was gone, I sprawled out on my desk, placing my head down with yet another sigh. I hadn't expected him to approach so brazenly. But I could blame Simon and Klavier for that.

(Well that could have gone better.)

I knew he wouldn't be able to let it go.

I'd had to stay away from him more ...and not like I wanted to. I'd be around him all day if I could. I wanted things to be normal again. I didn't want to have to do this, but who in their right mind would believe the truth? Yet, I was certain he'd dig it up somehow. And I couldn't keep avoiding this forever. This couldn't go on unless I wanted to stop talking to Miles entirely...Ack. At this point it wasn't an idea I wanted to entertain. I already felt crummy enough about it.

And right now...no. I had more important things to focus on. I had to keep focusing on the plan.

In a feeble attempt to stop thinking so much about it, I went ahead with my phone call. The other end of the line rang for a few times before the voice on the other end answered.

"You're lucky I'm taking calls this late! I'll be charging an additional fee for my scientific insights," Ema teased.

"I'm already paying you for the secret weapon...you're going to run me dry, seriously..."

"My sister always tells me to know my worth. So it's only fair, scientifically speaking," I imagined her adjusting her goggles as she said that. "Anyway, what's up? I can't stay for too long. I wanted to study some more before bed."

I fiddled with papers on my desk. "I wanted to know how long it would take for those things to be finished."

"According to my calculations... in about 2 weeks, for the best quality. If not 3. Obviously, I'll ship it so it can arrive on time if not earlier."

"Alright. Thanks."

"Have you found any other assistants yet?"

I had told Ema the bare minimum of this plan. I told her I'd get her and a couple of other people for my 'task' as it was necessary in order to help Phoenix. As soon as I said anything about helping Mr. Wright, she was all in.

"Well, I have one person in mind. I'm struggling to find anyone else who's willing to take big risks though..."

"Hmmm..." Ema paused. "Do you know Kay? She seems like a person who would take risks without much thought."

Kay...she must be referring to Kay Faraday, the self proclaimed Yatagarasu...Ema was right. If I so much said we were stealing the truth, she'd be right there with us. Hell, I bet I could say treasure hunt and she'd be in too.

"No, but I've heard about her in passing."

"Tsk, tsk. That'll be an additional fee, for me passing her number along to you," I could almost hear the smirk through the phone.

I sighed.

"Well, what do you expect? I have to ace this exam and thus don't have much time to work for money as much..."

"Alright, alright. It's nothing to me anyway. Thanks for the help," I said smiling. "Have a good rest of your night."

"Okay. I'll forward you Kay's number too! See ya!" I heard the click and hung up my phone.

I could admit that I felt a bit better now, knowing that I would most likely have the third party required for my scheme. And if that were the case, utilizing everyone's skills together would make the operation go off without much of a hitch, hopefully. But only time would tell.

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. A good friend, even if he's a bit of stick in the mud sometimes.

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.

Franziska von Karma: Age 19. Whip happy prosecutor who came to our rescue.

Shi-Long Lang: Age 26. A totally badass Interpol agent.

Simon Blackquill: Age 20. A weebo prosecutor who's really nice.

Ema Skye: Age 17. The scientific fan girl who I hang with.

Klavier Gavin: Age 17. Rock star and new prosecutor. I'm totally not a fan.

Kristoph Gavin: Age 25. Called the 'Coolest Defense Attorney in the West'. He makes me uneasy.