AN: Welcome to the latest installment of FT! You've been wondering how this trial is gonna pan out...and well, here's your answer. I doubt it will be what you expect, but I still hope it's enjoyable anyway. I've been thinking about this part for a really long time. Even if FT ends soon, it's more like an ending of part 1 and the beginning of part 2. Thank you as usual for reading, faving, following, and reviewing! I'm really excited for this because it's gonna kick off the next phase...There are other characters and things I wanted to examine further. So soon things are gonna heat up for real!
NNinja: By the way I was wrong! I forgot that I wrote using AAI2 characters earlier on, aka Ray. So, Lyn probably knows about the mechanics of Edgeworth's "powers" but wouldn't know when they were being used on her.
bwburke94: Lol, we'll see.
Gilgamesh The King of Heroes: Now, that's the real question. Thanks so much for the compliment. Even if Fated Turnabout ends, it's not really the end of the story, that much I can say. I have quite a few more ideas...
FSOA: Perhaps, perhaps...
trilbybard: You might be on to something there ;).
DJJ680: Hope you enjoy!
Aster's Descendants: Hahaha I haven't heard that in such a long time. Hope you enjoy lol
MuhammadGamingS: Thanks so much, that means a lot! I always enjoyed self-inserts when they were creative and had interesting concepts, so I drew on those and other great stories as my influences. Thanks again!
OBSERVER01: That you're right about! :) Enjoy!
Juz a reader: No problem! Thanks for reviewing at all! Glad you enjoyed :). By the time I wrote the last chapter, I had no real certainty. But after I finished the chapter, I figured out exactly where I wanted to go! Thanks so much, that's a huge compliment to me as I've tried to make her feel like a part of the AA world!
Jack54311: Yep! I, personally don't consider this over. I have more ideas, so if anything this is like part one is coming to a close. Thanks!
April 20th, 11:08 AM
Defendant Lobby No. 4
There in the empty lobby, I saw Phoenix sitting on one of the sofas in the room. He was sending a text message before he took notice of me.
"Well, we're almost there," I said taking a seat next to him.
"Are we?" he asked as he put his phone in his pants pocket. "This is just the beginning if everything I've heard about this guy is true."
"You have a point. He's slipped out of the grasp of the law a few times simply because he knows those loopholes."
"You wouldn't know anything more about how this plays out?"
I shook my head. "Everything is already so different now. Before you lost your badge and had to start investigating him, he acted as one of your biggest supporters afterward. It took 7 years to nab him, and even then it was only because of his own slip-ups, honestly. I really don't know how it'll turn out now. But I can guarantee you, he'll try to slither away like the snake he is."
The attorney sighed.
"Well, don't worry. Two heads are better than one, right?" I asked with a hopeful smile. "We just need to be alert. I know he's going to hammer in how 'evidence is everything' in court."
"With a mentality like that, he sounds like Manfred von Karma," Phoenix sort of grumbled out as though he were remembering those old times.
"Without the fear and bulldozing his way through issues. Gavin is a charmer, he'll talk his way out," I paused. "Though, I think ultimately you're badge is safe. I don't think he'd anticipate actually being pulled into court today. He might be more concerned about defending himself than blaming you."
"We'll find out soon enough," he said stroking his chin. "Though, I do feel bad for that prosecutor."
I wondered if Klavier was still standing there on his side of the courtroom, feeling sick.
"He's not a bad person, but his brother has been a large influence in his life," I said remembering all the times we talked in his office.
He loved his music, he loved law, but most of all he loved his family. Kristoph was really the only family he had; their parents had long since passed on. Essentially, he functioned as parent and brother to Klavier all at once. And to think Klavier admired him when he was nothing more than a shell of a human being.
"Without a doubt, he doesn't want to believe this is true."
"But he's not denying it either," Phoenix pointed out. "I know plenty out there who would outwardly be denying it without bothering to learn more. Even I might hesitate in this situation."
I removed my glasses, observing a smudge. I wiped it on my shirt. "I'm not sure if it's my place to say, but I think that's because you're thinking of it like an attorney."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you attorneys seek to defend your clients. You choose not to believe in the doubts. You put your faith in your client," I said placing the glasses back on my face. "Yet, as prosecutors, we don't function the same way. We have to be skeptical. We have to doubt. We have to question. Question until those answers are found. Only then can we properly ascertain someone's guilt or innocence."
The attorney's mouth turned into a hard line as the blue eyes were searching for something. Then upon recognition of whatever answer he found, he smiled at me. "You know, you sounded just like Edgeworth right now."
I flushed. I didn't know why I was embarrassed. But I was. My eyes darted away from him, choosing to look at the ground instead. "W-well, I have learned a lot from him. It's only natural."
"Of course." Phoenix was clearly amused, even if it was in a completely subtle way. "But I suppose you have a point. Belief and doubt are two sides of the same coin when you think about it. That kid could have hindered us from going after his brother. But it's clear he has his own doubts. Would you say that's on the right path to being a prosecutor?"
"I think so," I nodded. "Klavier may have a bit of an ego, but he believes in finding the truth. You can count on that much. It's just too bad it's his first trial."
"Yeah."
Phoenix's expression became cloudy and hard to read as he didn't speak for a few minutes. Myself feeling too sad on Klavier's behalf felt no need to say anything else.
"But maybe it's better this way," he abruptly spoke.
"Huh? How?" I asked.
"Well, imagine if everything went according to Kristoph's plan originally," the attorney scratched his head, still somehow leaving the spikes perfectly intact. "If Mr. Gramarye, had kept him as the attorney, fake evidence would have been used in trial to get a not guilty verdict. Beyond that, he would have done this against his own brother, in his first trial. Shows how much he cares, huh?"
He had a point. To do something like this in general, and then against your own brother who had been looking forward to this day for so long...he wasn't even giving Klavier the time of day. He was just focused on upholding his own reputation and bolstering it. He didn't care about the integrity of the law, just his own image. He cared not for his brother, just his own image…
I gripped my fist. I felt this fire burning up inside me. Ready to burn everything to bits.
Klavier didn't deserve that.
"Let's kick his ass, okay!?" I said jumping up.
"Woah! Let's do that...in the most legal way possible," Phoenix said with his hands raised.
I folded my arms. "What? You don't think we won't?"
"I'm afraid you might do this the illegal way...which wouldn't be good in front of the judge."
I was about to protest that I was alright, but was cut short by a rather dignified looking prosecutor who had entered the room.
"Lyn, you look about ready to explode," he remarked. "You're almost as red as my suit."
"I'm fine."
Miles did nothing but stare. His eyes basically said, yeah, sure. You keep telling yourself that. Go calm yourself.
After a pathetic glaring contest, I begrudgingly took a moment to recollect myself. I walked away for a moment and took a few deep breaths on the count of 3. He had me start doing deep breathing exercises for when I was about to blow my lid after the whole incident with me slapping him across the face. I haven't really been that mad since then, but it did prove helpful.
Ugh. I'd been keeping it in for awhile, but I really wanted to watch Kristoph get his just deserts. If it didn't happen now, then what? We'd be screwed. And potentially in more trouble. He needed to be ground into the dirt now.
"They let you in here?" asked Phoenix.
"I pulled a few strings, in order to act as...a delivery boy of sorts," the demon prosecutor said in mild amusement.
Having calmed down some, I re-entered the conversation. "If that's the case, you should have brought a pizza back with you."
"So you could throw it at Gavin? I think not."
(...That's actually not a half bad idea. Would the judge be cool with me ordering a pizza in the middle of trial?)
"So, what did you bring?"
In his hand, Miles held two manilla envelopes. He passed them both to Phoenix. "The letter from the client, handwriting sample, and handwriting analysis."
Without any hesitation, Phoenix opened those contents. He skimmed the letter and sample, being more interested in the other document, reading more slowly. "...It's a match."
"So you mean…?" I don't know why I was still asking. It had to be his handwriting.
"This is Gavin's writing alright," said Phoenix. "We definitely have some proof now."
"HA! So, we have him! He's gonna fry like Kentucky Fried Chicken!"
"...Lyn."
"Sorry…" I took a breath, puffing my cheeks out.
"Anyway, I wouldn't be too sure," remarked Edgeworth. "You and I both remember your case against him...and the lasting impact it had. You'll have to stay vigilant against any dirty tricks he might bring out."
"I'm aware," said Phoenix.
"Court is ready to reconvene," said the bailiff popping out from behind one of the heavy doors leading into the courtroom.
I felt a knot in my throat.
It was time.
"Understood," nodded the attorney. "Well, here goes nothing…"
"Good luck in there," said Edgeworth walking away.
"You're not coming?" I asked.
"I'm not authorized. The most I could do was deliver the evidence. Until the special portion of this trial ends, I'm like any other spectator."
"Aw…" It would have been awesome. We could have had like a cool tag team thing happening in there.
"I'll be taking my leave," he said looking off to the side for a moment. "Though a word of advice: Don't let Gavin rile you. The second you let your emotions cloud your judgment, he'll jump on the opportunity."
"Right..."
With that Edgeworth walked out of the defense lobby and most likely back to where all the other spectators were gathered.
Well, that was easier said than done. Kristoph was just...that guy. For the Lyn of this world and for me. Just a person you couldn't stand. But I'd do my best.
"Let's go."
April 20th, 11:41 AM
Courtroom No. 7
Phoenix and I returned to the defense bench. I saw Klavier, who had regained some of the composure lost but still looking a bit sickly. At least he was standing upright again. Misham was currently nowhere in sight. But with everyone else back in their positions, the judge wasted no time slamming the gavel down with a harsh thud.
"Court is back in session," the old man said. "Is our next witness ready?"
"...Yes, Herr Judge."
The teen slightly bowed his head, as though he were in physical pain. Hopefully, the pain wouldn't last long.
The bailiffs exited the courtroom and reemerged this time with a towering blond menace. He stood at the witness stand, arms folded looking demure as always.
I could barely move, as my body seemed to have locked itself in place. I could only stare.
"Witness," began the judge. "You know why you are here. And thus, must understand that this is a grave accusation. This court demands an explanation at once."
"Not one to beat around the bush today, Your Honor?" Kristoph smiled. "While this is quite hasty, I do understand the implications. But I assure, I'll adequately explain my position and clear the fog on the whole matter, as it seems my younger brother could not."
Klavier said nothing. He just looked at Kristoph, mouth slightly parted and trembling, unsure of what the whole testimony would bring. Perhaps, hopeful that this was a misunderstanding.
"Allow me to explain," he said as he pressed up his glasses upon his face.
-Witness Testimony-
Why I Couldn't Have Ordered The Forgery
-I didn't order a forgery.
-I have no reason to.
-I'm not involved with this case.
-And because I'm not involved with this case, it's bizarre to think I'd have a hand in a forgery.
-What would I gain from it?
"Does this satisfy you?" the devil asked with a slight smirk.
Of course, he would make his statements as vague as possible. I turned to Phoenix. "This...is going to be so much fun."
He was already sweating. "Oh, oodles."
"Ms. Doom, quite funny seeing you here," Kristoph said, as the glasses suddenly hid his eyes, as though a white film masked the lenses. "Did you decide to become an attorney since the last time we spoke?"
"It's quite funny seeing you here," I retorted. "I'm only here by circumstance."
(Circumstances of my own design, unlike you. You must be caught off guard, Kristoph. I bet you didn't expect to get pulled in like this.)
"...And you, Mr. Wright. A pity we had to meet under such drastic conditions," Kristoph remarked. "But I am curious to see if what they say about you is true. Are you a so-called 'ace' attorney or simply nothing more than a sham?"
Phoenix stared back without saying a word.
"Mr. Wright. You may begin the cross-examination," said the judge.
"Thank you, Your Honor."
-Cross-Examination-
Why I Couldn't Have Ordered The Forgery
-I didn't order a forgery.
HOLD IT!
"You didn't order a forgery?"
HOLD IT!
"I won't repeat myself," Kristoph said with a disapproving frown. "Unless, you have proof that I did indeed order a forgery, might I suggest moving on to a more interesting point?"
"Well, you sure got shut down," I said sweating.
Phoenix hunched over. "Urk...let's just forget I asked such an obvious question."
-I have no reason to.
HOLD IT!
"Are you sure about that?" I asked.
He chuckled. "I have no need for a forgery. I'm competent on my own without such distasteful tools."
"And yet, that didn't stop you from tampering with evidence in TL-5, did it?"
OBJECTION!
"Tsk, tsk," he started as he waved his hand in the air. "While I admit, the results of evidence were a bit messy in some areas, to say the least, there is a difference between making unintentional mistakes and purposefully creating a forgery. I made mistakes, unfortunately."
Internally, I growled. (How slippery could this guy be?)
-I'm not involved with this case.
HOLD IT!
"But you were the attorney on this case before me!" protested Phoenix as he slammed the bench with both hands.
"Mr. Wright," Kristoph shook his head. "I want you to listen carefully to my words, when I say I am not involved with this case. Currently, speaking. While I was the previous attorney a matter of days ago, I am no longer. The duty falls to you. So when I say, I'm not involved, it means right now."
While Phoenix maintained a calm looking exterior, I could feel him subtly bubbling with anger underneath it. People like this must be so annoying to cross-examine.
-And because I'm not involved with this case, it's bizarre to think I'd have a hand in a forgery.
-What would I gain from it?
Phoenix took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"So, what are you thinking now?" I asked quietly. "He's aiming for the angle that because he's not currently involved, that he has no part in the forging process. If you let that stand..."
"I'm done for, I know," he said stroking his chin. "We do have some evidence, I just need to figure out which piece to present first."
I nodded. Phoenix knew what he was doing. I just hoped we could wriggle free from this guy and then turn the tables on him.
-I didn't order a forgery.
OBJECTION!
"I beg to differ, Mr. Gavin," pointed Phoenix. "I'd like to present this letter to the court."
On the screen appeared and obnoxiously colored yellow envelope with the letter side by side.
"What exactly is this, Mr. Wright?" asked the judge.
"This is the request the client made to Mr. Misham."
Kristoph shook his head, doing that condescending smirk. "Mr. Wright, I fail to see the relevance. This is a letter written by the client, not me."
"Then let me enlighten you, Mr. Gavin." The spiky-haired lawyer responded by placing his hands on his hips smirking. "I'm not finished yet."
"What…?" Kristoph uttered, as the light hid his eyes behind the glasses yet again.
TAKE THAT!
"I'd also like to present a handwriting analysis to the court," Phoenix said looking down at his notes. "This compares the contents of the letter to handwriting samples of Mr. Gavin."
He slammed both hands on the bench, so hard I could feel the air move. "When comparing Mr. Gavin's known writing samples and the contents of the letter...they happen to be a complete match!"
"I'll be!" cried the judge.
Klavier's expression darkened as he looked at his brother. Kristoph actually appeared to have been shaken up. He held on tightly to his arms with a scowl. His blue eyes were noticeably twitching. I had to admit it was a bit disturbing to look at.
"How do you explain this?" asked Phoenix pointing.
"Ha! I bet he can't!" I said with both my fists balled up. I mean, honestly, I know he's good, but seriously, we have scientific proof. How could he get out of this?
"Klavier," started the devil. "Why aren't you doing your job? Are you really that inadequate?"
The boy had a fist on the bench, sweating. "...I want to know the truth…."
Kristoph sighed. He was starting to regain his composure once again. "Don't allow bluffs to divert your attention from what's really happening."
The judge cocked his head. "Do you have an explanation, Mr. Gavin? I find it very hard to believe that anyone else besides you could be the client considering the handwriting matches."
The slimy attorney smiled a haughty smile while adjusting his glasses. "While it may be true that the handwriting matches that letter, it's not much evidence to go on."
"What?" Phoenix was gaping.
(What? What bullshit is he about to pull out of his ass now?)
"From what I've heard, the forger couldn't properly ID the client as he did not see the client's face. Who's to say, I didn't just write this letter on the behalf of someone else who wanted what was best for Mr. Gramarye?"
I slammed the bench with my fist. "What? That's complete and utter bu-"
"While the handwriting analysis is damning...I do agree that the issue with the masked identity of the client is an issue," spoke the judge gravely.
(No way…!)
"Unless we can more clearly ascertain the truth behind the client's identity, I'm afraid I'll have to ignore this matter in regards to this case. The evidence will be indefinitely disposed of, and Mr. Gavin's involvement on cases completely scrutinized from here on out, but without a clear ID I can't subject him to further punishment."
"And you don't have any way of proving it," smirked Kristoph.
"...Phoenix," I said. "Tell me, we can prove this. Somehow. Some way. Because if he walks out now, that's it."
(That can't happen. I won't let it happen…)
Phoenix said nothing for some time as he dared to look at me, in my pent-up rage. The blue eyes, reminding me of being out by the water. Sometimes calm waters. Sometimes a crashing wave. The calm waters came first.
"...It's a bit of a long run. And I don't know if he'd do it. But, there is one person we could ask testimony from."
I was about to ask who, but it hit me. "You're kidding me. What would you even ask him? You know he's gonna deny any and everything…" I said slowly.
"It's not about what he knows," Phoenix remarked. "But rather, what she knows."
My eyes widened. He meant...Vera. He was going to try to get Vera to talk. After all, she was the only one who saw the client's face.
"But how would you go about that?" There was no way, Misham would let on to his dirty secret so easily.
"I'd just have to drag it out of him," he shrugged, probably not knowing the answer himself. "As of right now, she's our only chance of nailing him. We get her to talk or he walks away."
And if he walks now...no knowing what he'll do next. Either to me, Phoenix, or maybe even an upgraded attack on the Mishams…
"Mr. Wright, do you have anything else to present to show the true client?"
Phoenix shook his head. "I don't, Your Honor. However, I would like to call a witness to the stand."
"Oh?" asked Kristoph. "And who would that be? There's no one out there who could identify me as the client."
"..." Phoenix paused, his hands were just resting now on the bench face down. What was he doing? Was he going back on calling Misham back to the stand?
"There's one person...in fact, the only person who could identify you," Phoenix said.
"Well, Mr. Wright, don't keep this court waiting. Who is this person?"
TAKE THAT!
Phoenix presented the profile of a blue-haired girl.
He...went straight for the kill. My mouth felt dry. It was hard to swallow, if not downright impossible.
Kristoph seemed to freeze at the appearance of Vera's photo. The eyes behind the glasses vanished, but I knew underneath he was pissed.
"Er, who is this?" blinked the old man.
"This is Vera Misham. Drew Misham's daughter," said the spiky-haired attorney. "Mr. Misham reported that he never saw the client's face...but seeing as he lives with his daughter, there's a possibility that she did!"
HOLD IT!
Suddenly, Misham appeared down by the stand, ruffling his hair repeatedly. How long had he been here? "N-now you listen here! Vera has nothing to do with this! She's not going to testify!"
Phoenix slammed his hands hard. "Mr. Misham! If she doesn't testify, a dangerous person gets to go free and remain in the courts!"
He covered his mouth with his hand. "...No. There's no way Vera can testify. It's already too much for her to be outside."
"Mr. Misham," I pointed. "You have ignorantly created a huge mess. A forgery, which came from YOUR home was almost used in a court of law. If used, this could have potentially ruined at least 2 people's lives as well as perverted the legal system. Perhaps, while you get away scot free to live your life without hassle, those others wouldn't. Their lives would be damaged. No one would care about your lame apologies after. How careless could you be to not know much about this client? Let alone not ask their intentions, when you normally do reproductions of paintings? To not even see their face?"
The forger was sweating now.
I took off my glasses. "It's up to you. But I'll let you know from the bottom of my heart, that what you have allowed was wrong. If you don't let the truth come out today, it's my hope that the guilt will weigh you down... until it suffocates you."
In the corner of my eye, I saw Phoenix looking surprised at me. I shrugged it off as best I could. We needed her testimony no matter what.
The man sighed, with his head hanging low. "I….just wanted to do my best to support her."
"...It's true I didn't see the client," he said. "But it's because the client knew the truth about how I operate."
"Which is what?" asked the judge, getting invested like a child being read a bedtime story.
"That I'm not the actual forger and that Vera is," he said as his mouth was covered. "And because she is the real forger, the client asked to speak only to her."
"Y-you mean this girl is the forger?!"
"...She's too young to understand what I have her do. I just tell her it makes me happy how she perfectly mimics pieces," he sighs. "Vera has all the talent I could never obtain."
"Unbelievable, that you'd have a child forging!" the judge shook his head furiously. "Regardless, let us hear from her."
"Yes, Your Honor…" the forger said quietly.
As it turned out, Vera was here all along in the visitor's lounge. Misham didn't know how long he'd be gone for in court today and opted to bring her so she wouldn't sit at home all alone for too long. It was now easier to get her out because of this "magic" charm this client had given her when she needed to go out. A pity that wasn't for good purposes.
Kristoph moved off the stand, moving more towards the defendant's podium in the back. The little girl was escorted in by a bailiff. She cowered behind him as she bit her nail. A sick feeling rose in my stomach. Because she was too short on her own at the witness stand, the judge had the bailiff place a crate on the ground for her to stand on.
Her view was cast downward towards the floor, as she clutched her sketchpad in one hand and bit her thumbnail with the other.
I could feel the sweat dripping from my brow. I really hoped...that this would end everything.
"Witness, can you please state your name?" asked the judge.
Vera didn't move. If not for her blinking every now and then, you'd have to wonder if she was a statue.
"Fraulein, could you answer the question?" asked the teen who hadn't spoken in a while. "We just have a few things, we'd like to know."
For a moment, Vera looked up at him. The fingertips of her hand were in her mouth.
"Huh…?" Klavier squinted in confusion.
"This is a fruitless effort. Why not just give up this wild goose chase now?" Kristoph cut in from the back.
The girl drew her attention to him, directly staring at him. This time, the hand came out of her mouth and was used to tightly clutch the sketchpad she had in arms. She was trembling.
I turned to see Kristoph, and for a second a caught a tiny glimpse of a smirk. Bastard. He knew he could manipulate her perfectly from where he was.
"Perhaps, Mr. Misham was correct in how this girl can't-"
HOLD IT!
Phoenix interrupted. "Vera, do you remember me?" he asked softly.
The girl slowly shifted her position to look at Wright. She managed to stand a little straighter, now only loosely grasping her pad. She nodded. "...Yes."
"I just need you to answer my questions, okay?" Phoenix said. "After that, you can go home."
"...Okay." Vera stuck her thumb back in her mouth. "...My name is Vera Misham."
Phew…
"Can you tell everyone about this?" the lawyer asked presenting the fake diary page.
The blank expression turned into a grin. "Yeah!"
"That was my first official job," she chatted happily. "It's different from copying paintings. This time I looked a page from the book and was told to make it look like it was a page right from it. The catch was, it had to have different words on it."
"And did you make up the words yourself?"
She shook her head. "Nope! The client gave me what I should write on the page instead. It was a lot of fun, having to make it look exactly like the real thing!"
"I see...so can you tell me more about the person who ordered it?"
Here, she started to falter. Vera looked down at the ground. "I...don't know. They told me I couldn't tell who they were."
"But, you did see them, correct?"
"...Yes."
"So you know what they look like."
"...Yes."
"And you could point them out...if they were standing in this room?"
"..." she held her notebook tightly.
(We are so damn close! Come on...)
"Vera?"
"I….could. But! I can't…." she put her hand back in her mouth.
"And why is that?"
"They gave me a lucky charm so for when I go outside, it will protect me. If I tell what it is or who they are it won't work anymore."
Phoenix paused, frowning to himself. I wonder if he was thinking what I was. We were inches away from getting an ID. But how could we get the final push?
"It's important we know who your client was," he began.
"But-"
"Vera," he said gently. "You think this person is special. But what if they are special in a way that's not good?"
"Not good…?"
"It's very possible that the client wanted to use your work for something bad. That's why we're asking you about it now."
She paled, placing the hand back in her mouth once again. "I see…"
"Besides that, you love Troupe Gramarye, right?"
Vera nodded quickly.
"By telling us the truth, you'll be helping out Troupe Gramarye a whole lot," Phoenix said sincerely.
He had Vera enchanted, hook, line, and sinker. The idea of helping the heroes she loved seemed to have motivated her.
"I won't ask you to tell me directly who they are. But I want you to answer other questions. Okay?"
"...Okay. I'll do….my best," the girl said holding onto her sketchpad tighter, though this time in less fear and rather more determination.
"Is the client a person standing in this room?"
Slowly she nodded.
"This is absurd-" started Kristoph.
"Vera," I said raising my voice, drawing my attention back to the left side of the room. "focus on Mr. Wright's questions. Don't get distracted by anything or anyone else, okay?"
The girl almost looked at Kristoph but nodded at me. I could feel a hateful glare aimed for the back of my head.
"Is the client on the left side of the room? The right side? Or the middle? "
She put her thumb in her mouth. "The…..."
Then, it was as if she froze. Her mouth hung open. Her eyes suddenly looked vacant. The girl didn't respond. Her eyes began to shut as her body moved backward until she hit the ground with a solid thud.
"Vera!" Misham rushed over to her side.
"Bailiffs! Get her immediate medical attention!"
One of the bailiffs called for an ambulance, while the other ran to her and was checking her pulse.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Was that just the fear? Or was it…?
No. I knew exactly, what it was. It had to be the poison. But...it didn't go off until 7 years later before. Why was it happening now? ...Did she just bite her nails more now? Oh, what did it matter at this point?
(Please be okay. Please!)
Misham and the bailiff left the courtroom. Klavier looked worse than he did before, though now, he was looking at Kristoph in a different way than he was before. It wasn't hopeful as it was disgust. Kristoph had no expression of pity or shock or anything like it. I couldn't even decipher anything from him. My guess was that he felt safe now, however. Phoenix was grimacing, running a hand through his head.
The judge dismissed us for the time being until we were updated about Vera's status.
April 20th, 12:51 PM
Defendant Lobby No. 4
I would have liked to say that leaving the courtroom was a fresh breath of air. But walking into the lobby was more or less like taking in stale air from a room that felt as heavy as a death march.
We didn't need a full party procession. The two of us had enough despair to fill more than a room or two.
Phoenix was sitting with his head buried in his lap.
"Mr. Wright…"
"I shouldn't have called her to the stand."
"Hey, don't blame yourself," I said. "It's not your fault. You weren't the one who poisoned her after all."
His head rose. "Y-you really think that that was…"
I closed my eyes. "He poisoned the nail polish he gave her, simply because he knew she had a bad habit of biting her nails when she was under pressure. She didn't just simply collapse."
A heavy silence rolled in.
"How...malicious can you be to do that to a child?"
"Very," I said as I leaned against the closest wall. "He's lucky too...she was just about to point out where he was in the courtroom."
"...Will she be okay?"
"...I really hope so."
This was Kristoph's insurance. He knew the poisoned nail polish would kill her over time. Especially in times when she had to go outside. You couldn't stay a shut-in all the time, after all. And of course, children are trusting and easily manipulated. The stamp and good luck charm sealed the deal. To her, she thought Kristoph as some time of angel or devil. And that dumbass, Misham let him talk to Vera privately...hell I bet he could have manipulated Misham just as well, but this was foolishness.
(Damn, if only I could have pilfered the polish and stamp in secret…)
No, it wouldn't have meant anything. It would just mean I was stealing from a kid. I couldn't fully link it back to Kristoph.
Smug bastard.
For him, it would be a huge threat eliminated. But he didn't even need to go this far. Vera didn't even understand the work she was doing. And in a black market trade like this, no one's gonna go too deep unless they have a death wish honestly. It's an already secretive thing. With how paranoid he is, there's no way he didn't hire that goon to take the page off of me.
...But our problems were bigger now. We were all collectively fucked. Vera could have gotten his badge revoked, but the opportunity is gone now.
And now, I have no clue as to what Kristoph is going to do next. With Vera in the hospital, he might attempt to take out Misham. And eventually try to get me or Phoenix whether that be killing us or making our lives miserable, I was unsure.
...And of course, only two people believe me. Getting anyone else to believe Kristoph was a psycho without solid proof would get us nowhere. Without a doubt, he'd cover his tracks.
Dammit.
After this recess, the trial is going to go back as continued. And without Zak handing over the real page, his case is over.
I sighed out loud.
It doesn't matter anyway, right? The main mission was that Phoenix kept his badge. And while everything else went shit, I was certain that at least the badge was safe. Kristoph didn't get off totally free. People would look at him disdainfully in any rate.
After some time, we were told the court was reconvening.
April 20th, 1:36 PM
Courtroom No. 7
"Bailiff, what is the status of the witness?" the judge asked.
"Reports from the hospital state that the witness's condition has stabilized. However, she won't be waking up anytime soon from a medically induced coma."
"Did they figure out the cause of her passing out?"
"The doctors say it was due to the ingestion of atroquinine, a deadly poison," the man said. "She is lucky to still be alive."
"Poisoning a child…" the judge closed his eyes and shook his head furiously. "Who would do such an awful thing? Regardless of that terrible act, we must continue with proceedings."
The old man looked at the defense bench. "Mr. Wright, do you have any more evidence to present in regards to who the client of the fake page is?"
"...I don't, Your Honor," Phoenix winced.
"I see," the judge said. "This means that Mr. Gavin is free to go."
"Ah, lovely. It is a shame about that poor girl, but I've no business here like I've been saying," the devil said condescendingly.
"You may be free to go, Mr. Gavin, but expect investigations into this matter further," the judge glared. He banged the gavel. "Dismissed."
Kristoph walked out with a self-satisfied smirk as if nothing really mattered to him. His brother, nothing more than a spectator throughout, just watched leaning on the bench for support. He bared his teeth in a mixture of what seemed to be pain and disgust, both hands pressed deeply into the wooden surface of his bench. The sweat never seemed to stop rolling down his face.
"With this matter, mostly resolved, we can return the main trial," the judge announced. "Bailiff, please usher the gallery along with the defendant back in."
Within a few minutes, the gallery was let back in. I was a bit relieved and a bit sick at the same time to hear loud murmuring and noise. With just a few main players in the room prior, the atmosphere grew oppressive. It was sort of back to normal, but not really. It was like you were throwing a birthday party, but then you were called away to hear terrible news, only to return to the party where everyone else is still happy and excited.
The gavel slammed down a few times.
"Order in the court. Court is back in session for the trial of Zak Gramarye. If I remember correctly, we left off after you pointed out the ripped diary page."
"Mr. Gavin, do you have any more you wish to present?"
"No," he snapped, placing his hands over his ears.
The judge was a little taken aback. "...Mr. Wright, what about you? Is there any more you'd like to show this court? Because after this the trial is over and I'll be ready to announce my verdict."
Phoenix's shoulders slumped. "I don't have any more to present, Your Honor."
"I see...well, in that case, I'm ready to pass my verdict. I declare the defendant Zak Gramarye g-"
HOLD IT!
"Who said that?" the judge asked annoyed. "I should be used to this by now, but still."
"It was I! Zak Gramarye! You won't pass down any verdicts today either!" Zak proclaimed at the witness stand.
The old man narrowed his eyes. "Bailiffs… make sure the defendant doesn't-"
The magician proudly placed both hands on his hips with a large smile. "Behold, my best disappearing act to date!"
Phoenix tried to call out to him. "Mr. Gramarye wait-"
But it was to no avail as the room was covered in a giant cloud of smoke. I started coughing as my eyes were tearing up. I could barely see a thing. And all I could hear was loud coughing, cries of confusion, and the judge yelling at bailiffs to catch Zak.
April 20th, 1:11 PM
Defendant Lobby No. 4
Court ended without a verdict...again.
It was too hard to see or breathe in the courtroom so the judge dismissed everyone. When people eventually got out of the courtroom, Zak was nowhere to be found. The bailiffs and the police scaled the whole building, every room, every floor, every nook and cranny they could find...and no sign of Zak. And with no defendant to be judged, there wasn't much that could be done.
I guess magicians have a plan B even if it's pretty basic.
"First stink bombs and now smoke. What can possibly come next?" Phoenix asked dryly.
"Water balloons?" I suggested.
"That would be a bit extreme…" he said sweating.
I managed to laugh a little. "Well, guess what?"
"What?"
"I know things turned out...rougher than anticipated, but you got your badge still!" I said pointing on the circular object on his suit jacket. "That should be celebrated."
"You're right. It's still here. My precious…" he said acting like Frodo.
"...Uh, don't start making out with it now. At least not in front of me, anyway."
Suddenly, Phoenix did the unthinkable. He removed the badge from his lapel and put it directly in my face.
"You're kidding me right, Wright?"
"Come on. Tell me what you think of it."
Well, I couldn't say no to this classic moment in the games. I would present my badge to everyone because...why the heck not?
"...It's nice, I guess?"
"You guess? It's perfect. Absolutely perfect."
"I'm not all that attached to inanimate objects, but I get your point."
"Good," he said giving a dorky grin as he placed it back on his chest.
(Well, at least the mood is slightly less somber now.)
"Actually, I have to thank you. Without you giving me the heads up, this would be gone for a long time."
"No problem. You've helped me in more ways than one, so I'm glad it's still in your possession."
"Congratulations," said a voice from the other side of the lobby.
"For what?" asked the attorney. "I didn't win anything, as my client made a magical escape."
"Semantics. You have your badge," Edgeworth said.
"True. Thanks," he nodded. "It's just that…"
He frowned. I knew he was still thinking about Vera.
Edgeworth raised a brow. Ah, that's right. He hadn't been there through that terrible experience earlier and I doubt anyone gave him a heads up either.
I gave Phoenix a pat on the back. "I have an idea. How bout we celebrate with dinner, and go visit Vera at the hospital later?"
"...Alright."
"Dinner is all on Miles."
The demon prosecutor glared at me. "What?"
I grinned widely."Hey, me and Mr. Wright had a long day in there. We deserve a nice expensive meal."
"Well...I'm not one to pass up a free meal. Especially if Edgeworth is the one paying for it..." Wright said putting a hand on the back of his head looking sheepish.
Miles looked at me. "You'll be paying for this in more ways than one."
"So, that's a yes, yeah?"
The perfect prosecution sighed in resignation. Phoenix chuckled.
"Thanks!" I said giving Edgeworth a slight hug.
"Hey, Lyn..."
"Hm? I looked at the spiky-haired attorney.
"Now, that this is done...I was wondering if you could explain how you knew everything would happen."
"Ah," my mouth opened a bit wide.
"Yes, you promised an explanation after this was over," Miles said arms folded.
Hm. It was that time, huh. I wasn't entirely prepared to explain it, but it seemed that I would be pestered forever until I spilled the beans. At least this mission was over, so they wouldn't be distracted by the absurdity of it all. I...just hoped they would still accept me after it was all said and done.
"Well, how about we talk over dinner tonight then?" I said putting my best foot forward with a smile.
"I'm looking forward to it," Wright said. Miles just grunted in response.
"But that's only if you guys promise to have a lot of fun tonight, alright?! Make this the best dinner of my life!" I said prodding them both in the ribs with my fingers.
"Ow!"
"Just what do you think you're doing?" complained Edgeworth grabbing his side.
"Hurry up, you wusses! I'm hungry!" I said hopping my way towards the exit of the courthouse.
Phoenix laughed as Miles muttered something smart under his breath as they followed behind me.
To be honest, I was more scared than before, but we deserved a break from the misery for a moment. I figured this would be the last carefree moment we would have for some time considering the future was now changed forever.
April 20th, 9:13 PM
Emerald View
I had actually been kidding about the expensive part, but Edgeworth being Mr. serious took me up on the offer, and we ended up at this nifty hotspot in LA. It was a modern, spaceship-looking restaurant/bar.
Phoenix and I being the plebeians that we have had no idea what was happening with most of the items on the menu. The names were too fancy and complicated to even say or attempt to say.
"You tell me to go to an expensive restaurant and you two clowns order hamburgers?"
"Shuddap, fancypants," I flushed. I couldn't tell if it was my embarrassment or beer. Probably both. "We commoners can't expect to know all these sophisticated terms."
"I mean as if I'd order caviar or something like it," scoffed Phoenix mockingly.
Edgeworth rolled his eyes into the back of his head. "Perhaps, I can sign you up for an etiquette class. It'd do the both of you a great deal of help."
"I'm wounded," remarked Phoenix. "I'm a man of refined tastes."
"Tell me that again, when you aren't wearing an old blue suit from Macy's eating a hamburger in an expensive restaurant, Wright," Edgeworth smirked, as he cut his filet mignon.
"I'll have you know this suit is decent AND affordable. It's even fire and waterproof," remarked Wright. "At least I'm of, for, and by the people, unlike you, Mr. snob."
I quietly laughed to myself enjoying the fireworks. There is honestly nothing better than listening to the two of them playfully rip into each other. I'd need to get them together more often and make and inciting comment hehe. Well, I hoped I could anyway.
After some time, we finished our food and got the tab. Foolishly, Phoenix tried to put money down, but Miles just snubbed him figuring he'd better save his money since his salary sucked. Of course, I made an offer to, but he rejected mine as well because I had asked him earlier to pay. So serious.
Sorting that out, we stepped outside. It was a bit dark out now.
The restaurant was built around a nice green area with lots of tropical flowers and palm trees. I walked over to it without hesitation and stood around admiring it, waiting for them to follow.
Together we stood, looking at nature's beauty.
"Well, gentlemen...I must thank you for the lovely evening," I grinned. "But I suppose now, you want to know more about...well just about everything."
"I warn you, it's going to sound crazy. You might not even believe me or comprehend me. But...I just want you to know that I truly don't mean any harm. And I hope you can still accept me afterward."
I took a breath and looked at them. "The truth is…actually, wait. Phoenix."
"Yeah?"
"Can you take out your magatama?"
Phoenix reached into his pocket and held it up.
"This is to make sure I'm telling you everything," I said. "Anyway. The truth is a bit strange. How I've come to gather information about the future is because I'm not from this world. I'm...an alternate reality time traveler in the bluntest of terms."
Edgeworth stared incredulously. "Wright..."
Phoenix, though surprised, spoke with ease. "She's not lying, Edgeworth."
I closed my eyes. "It's crazy, I know. But in my world...this is a video game."
"A game…?" asked Phoenix.
"Yes," I said. "In my world, this is a video game series, called Ace Attorney. You are the main character. And well, through these games, I saw and learned everything about you guys. I can tell you about how you met Maya and Mia. How you dealt with Dahlia Hawthorne, Matt Engarde, Redd White, Damon Gant, Furio Tigre. How much you like cleaning toilets. And how Miles has a fear of earthquakes, has encountered Wendy Oldbag more times than he would like, had a sidekick named Kay he met during his investigations of the smuggling ring, as well as Rhoda the nice airline assistant who had a crush on him...how there was a group trying to get him disbarred. How much Steel Samurai stuff he likes… how much he wanted to be like his father and was planning to be a defense attorney when he grew up and how it all changed...I know it because it was in the games."
"...I thought spirit mediums were crazy when I first saw it, but this is…" began Phoenix.
"And in the latest game, you were disbarred because of fake evidence Gavin planted on you. For 7 years. And well, I had the chance to stop it. So...I somehow managed to get into this world for a year, adjust, and get ready to help you."
"But...how is this even possible?" asked Miles.
"...I'm lost myself. But in my world, I had my own magatama. I was gonna use it for a costume. And one day, I went to sleep and met Mia. She knew about my desire to stop Phoenix from losing his badge, and using spirit energy sent me into your world as a prosecutor."
"Mia did this?"
"Yeah. Though I don't know if it's the Mia from my world or your world, but she's the reason why I'm here."
Edgeworth was tapping his finger on his arm. "So...just exactly who are you?"
I nodded. He still seemed to be in disbelief, but was starting to get the idea anyway. "Here, the Lyn of this world is a prosecutor. Back home? I'm just a 20-year-old college student, who loves games about video game lawyers. It's weird, but my name is also Lyn. I think maybe there are just alternate versions of everyone in different realities, but that's beside the point...one day I just woke up in her body, which basically looks a lot like mine. I was told I had to fit in and be her so I could get my job done."
"...So what happened to the other Lyn?"
"She's still...here," I said placing a hand over my heart. "It's hard to explain, but in certain moments I feel her strongly. I sometimes feel what she would want in certain situations."
"Okay. Minus the whole our world is a game thing, what were you planning on doing next now that my badge is still here?"
"Mia told me that I should stay and monitor the situation, now that it's changed. And once it was stable, I could go home. So, I guess once we find a way to nab Kristoph, I'll return to my world."
"...And it's all true?" Miles asked.
Phoenix nodded. "The magatama isn't reacting one bit."
"I'm sorry that this is so...strange," I frowned. "I hope you don't hate me for keeping this a secret...I just… I don't know. Who could I really explain that too without having them send me to a mental health ward? And when I first got here, I didn't know you yet. I couldn't just walk up to you and ask about using your magatama on me."
"No...I understand. I would have been suspicious of you since we hadn't met until recently," said Phoenix stroking his chin. "So in these games, how much do you know? I mean about us?"
"Um. well, the first 3 games focus on you and how you Mia and Maya and started your law office. It covers your life until bridge- I mean when you had the trial for Hazakura Temple. The next one covers, stuff in the future... In fact, today's trial was a part of the flashback in that 4th game."
"Huh. That's ...so weird. Why is my life the area of interest? That it's a game?"
"Well, it's not just you. Miles has a couple of spin-off games too..."
The two of them stared at me. I awkwardly laughed.
"Yeah...I can't imagine how it feels to hear that in another world, your lives are stories. It was weird for me seeing that you weren't just characters. Just real people."
Miles who was quiet for some time spoke up. "If this is so...how is your world different from ours?"
"Um. I don't think it's that much different. Except for how people normally don't have bizarre punny names, they don't break down on the stand or have extreme quirks. Also, our courts in the US have long trials. Not 3 day systems. Oh, and teens aren't lawyers. You have to be an adult who's been to school, so most people become lawyers in their late twenties."
"Hn. That is quite different."
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Well, that's it…" I said. "I'm the super freaky anomaly."
"Well, that anomaly helped secured my badge. So, I thank it."
I bowed suddenly feeling humbled. "Thank you...When I said I admired you, I really meant it. In high school, I'd play? Watch your stories? And just how you overcame everything...and it was really inspiring in hard times when I thought my life was worthless."
"R-really?"
"...Yeah."
"Ugh," he said. "That restaurant needs to stop chopping so many onions…"
"Hey, it's not over yet so, don't you dare start crying on me…" I said looking away for a moment trying not to get all emotional either.
Phoenix took a breath. He then took a glance at Miles, who seemed to be in deep thought, just strumming his fingers on his folded arms.
"...Good thing they stopped chopping. Anyway...thanks for the truth. As crazy as it is. I still have my fair share of questions, but I'll save them for later," he paused. "Let's go visit Vera tomorrow."
I nodded as normally as I could, feeling relieved and happy that Phoenix didn't hate my guts. "I'll see you later."
He nodded himself and walked off to go find his bike. I guess he knew that Miles and I needed to talk.
But what could I even say…?
I wasn't Lyn, was I? I wasn't the same girl he knew. And all this time I had pretended to be her and he doesn't like lies…
"I'm sorry," I said quietly.
"For what?" he asked.
"I wasn't the person who you thought I was. And you...don't like lies," I said head drooping. "I'll understand if you hate me."
"I don't have a reason to hate you," Miles said. "Look at me."
I raised my head. "But I lied and hid-"
"To be honest, I'm far more confused than anything else at the moment," he said wryly. "But I trust Wright, and if he says this is the truth I'll believe it...as bizarre as it is. That seems to be how it goes in our lives in any case."
"Huh...well, I guess hearing that you're a character would be shocking for anyone."
"And if you came out and told me you were from another dimension where our lives were nothing more than entertainment for an answer, I would have never believed you."
"Right…" (I did try to tell him that one time, but he thought I was nuts.)
A silence rolled by.
"Umh. So. You don't hate me?"
He sighed. "No, I don't. I understand why you kept that to yourself as much as I dislike hiding things."
"Oh."
Um. Well, I didn't know what to do now. I was expecting me to hate my guts and stop seeing forever. This was a response I didn't really anticipate and thus had no appropriate response to.
"However, this complicates matters," he began. "If you're inhabiting another body, would the other Lyn remember? Would she even be okay with all of this?"
I closed my eyes. I held the thought at times too. Wondering if this was okay, what I was doing. If I'd be disrupting her life even more. I could only feel her sometimes when it came to things that really concerned her like her own cases and Kristoph.
"I don't know."
"Plus there's the matter, that you will eventually go home."
"Yes."
I sighed. Why could nothing in my life be simple? It seemed I was a master of living and leading a complicated or complicated lives. Agh.
"I'm sorry."
"What for now?"
"For being complicated and having an overly complicated life."
"...If only you'd apologize for things that were more in your control," he remarked snidely.
"H-hey! I do apologize for things... Eventually."
"Mhm," he said, looking up at the sky. "It's getting late. We should start heading back."
Miles started walking in the direction of the parking lot without another word. I grabbed him by the hand.
"Wait."
He stopped in his tracks. "What is it? If it's another apology I'll-"
"No, no," I said. "Listen. I know this whole thing is every combination of weird, crazy, bizarre, and abnormal. Just being here is strange enough. I'm not sure how this will go. Or how anything's gonna turn out at this point. I just know that I had been really afraid of losing you if I said that stuff. And um...I just…"
Suddenly, the words had to get caught up in my throat. It's such an obvious thing, yet a struggle to say.
The prosecutor said nothing, as he waited for me.
"...I just like you a lot. Even if I don't really know how the other me would think about it. I don't want to do something she wouldn't like, but even so...I can't really stop what I feel about you..."
(UGH. I sounded like a dumbass saying that stuff…)
Miles didn't move for some time. I thought maybe I broke him for saying something so lame, but then he started laughing as he turned to face me.
"What's so funny?!" I flushed.
"My apologies," he said still chuckling. "It's just that hearing you speak like that instead of that haughty attitude of yours...it's rather cute."
On reaction, I punched him in the arm feeling even warmer. "Shut up!"
He didn't even flinch, just responded by laughing some more. Stupid jerk…
"Why you gotta be so mean about it! I'm here spilling my guts and you're out here laughing like imma joke," I pouted, turning away.
I felt an arm pull me back. The next thing I know, I'm leaning against his chest with an arm around my waist and a hand on the back of my head.
"H-huh…?"
"Forgive me. Sometimes it's hard to resist beating you at your own game."
"You jerk."
"Anyway, I understand your sentiment. I like you a lot as well...though, I can't make any promises about this. And it's hard to say how to proceed if we should proceed at all."
I sighed, letting myself bury my head in his chest. I wrapped my arms around him. "Yeah. I figured as much…"
"For now...let's just take our time getting adjusted. You'll understand that this is a lot for me to take in with the whole you're -inhabiting- another- person's- body- and- are- from- another- universe- debacle. And I've seen my fair share of odd people and occurrences."
"...I understand."
"But that does not mean I don't care about you."
I squeezed him tighter. He stroked my head. And we stood like this for some time before he slowly released me.
Yet, I refused. The feeling was too warm. I wanted to drown myself in his scent.
"Lyn."
I looked up, staring directly into his eyes, eyes that didn't seem as harsh as they normally did. The softened glance bent me to its will. I unwound my arms carefully. We stood only centimeters apart.
"Let's go. We can't stay here all night."
I complied with a nod. He began walking, but with a slow pace for me. I walked beside him, letting a cool breeze rest upon my face.
With the sky darker, it was a little easier to view some of the stars that were out, though you'd face competition from the lights from the city. But when you could see them, they were nice. They on some level made me think of Edgeworth. Like stars, he always seemed so out of reach. Just someone you would admire from afar and praise for their natural beauty. Yet, somehow, it felt like I had lassoed a star and pulled it down to earth, like a rogue space cowboy. I could study this star up front and examine it, a privilege not many others could say they had.
But I wondered if the star would keep shining for me? Or would it go out?
"Where are you going?"
"Hm?" I broke my train of thought, entering reality again. I saw that Miles had turned left and I was still walking straight down into an area that would bring me into a street.
The man rubbed his temple. He quickly walked over to where I was and took my hand in his, almost in annoyance. The prosecutor started dragging me along, down the right path. "Must I watch you for everything? Don't get your head in the clouds while we're walking into a place with vehicles in motion. It's dangerous."
I'd barely blinked before I found my body moving on its own, feeling the firm grasp of another hand over mine. "...Sorry. I'll try to be more careful for now on."
"Are you alright?" the prosecutor asked sounding somewhat concerned, perhaps surprised I didn't snark him back.
I didn't mince my words. "Can I stay with you tonight?"
It was slight, but he jerked in surprised for a flash.
"I'm scared. I don't want to be alone tonight," I said. "When I wake up tomorrow, everything will be different for better or for worse and I don't want to face it alone."
It was with some deliberation and an inscrutable look before he spoke to me again. "Very well."
"Thank you," I said squeezing his hand.
I'd let it shine a little brighter before it'd go out. Just a bit more before I had to give it back to the sky.
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.
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 ?. Oldtimer judge. No one knows 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 weabo prosecutor who's really nice.
Ema Skye: Age 17. The scientific fangirl who I hang with.
Klavier Gavin: Age 17. Rockstar 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.
Kay Faraday: Age 17. Self-proclaimed thief.
Maggey Byrde: Age 23. Goddess of Misfortune. Works at roller derbies.
Jean Armstrong: Age 39. Frightening restaurant owner of Tres Bien.