AN: Well ya'll be sure to hold your hats today. I warn you it's a rollercoaster. And it will continue to be one for some time...
I've updated my companion fic Mischievous Turnabout for those of you interested in the Milyn ship, dumb adventures, and characters you haven't seen much of or perhaps at all in the main story.
Additionally, if you like to suffer, for those of you who died reading the last chapter, I dare you to read my one shot Turnabout Modeling. If you have the courage...heheh.
It's still hard to believe that I started writing this while I was still in school and now I'm finally getting to the part I've planned of for sooooo long. Thanks for sticking with me for all these years. As usual, thanks for reading, reviewing, following, and faving! Hope you enjoy!
DJJ680: Hehe. I think cliffhangers are my favorite thing ever. But sorry about the length of time between updates. I'm pretty anal about the direction of writing. I honestly rewrote this chapter 4 times until I got it right. It shouldn't be so long before the next few updates.
OBSERVER01: Indeed. Probably xD. I doubt he had many options at the time for another bargain though lol.
GlaresThatKill: Party is getting started now lol! Glad you enjoyed it and the approach. Took some inspiration from a great book called the 7 and 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. It's absolutely brilliant if you love mysteries, time travel, and body swapping! NOPE. Believe me, they probably will fight. Sooner rather than later. Alonzy! Hope you like this chapter!
Crimson's AXZ: LOL XD. Glad you think so, because it was fun to write. It gets to places I never thought it would when it comes to them honestly lol. Yep, other Lyn will just have to watch for now haha. Ah, Klema. I enjoy it here and there myself xD. In my head, Ema is a fangirl and into the teen idol sensation, but whenever they meet she'll be brought down to earth about him. Yet, crush on him anyway as much as she tries to act annoyed by him. Campaign to save Vera~ Haha, I think for me in the future once DD stuff happens he'd refer to Edgeworth as dono. Justine is hottie and Oldbag ruins everything! Because I'm an evil author nyehehehe. Oh, we'll see what happened to Klavier...This chapter was a big mood swing and honestly, it'll probably get worse as we continue xD.
TrilbyBard: Hmm, let's find out, shall we?
bwburke94: That's a pretty appropriate reaction. You'd really vomit at my oneshot featuring Oldbag if that's the case XD.
Jack54311: Lol glad you enjoyed! I feel like Oldbag must have a reason to keep being employed as a guard and well, if that's not the case HER LOVE FOR EDGEWORTH CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS.
H. Emerson: Muhahahaha! Evil deeds are down. Oh, yeah, you'll see a whole lot more Lyn vs Lyn, don't worry. Welcome back, Klavier indeed...can't wait to see the reactions to this one. Thanks for the support!
JordanPhoenix: Hahaha, I bet Oldbag has them in her shrine of all things related to Edgeworth. I couldn't walk away and not add Hotti at some point lol. In hindsight, adding so many crusty characters should have spelled doom. Best part is Armstrong doesn't even have to be physically present to remain a blight xD. Hard not to be jealous of the beauty that is Justine and well, we all know the stint in the closet was gonna end one way xD. Hoho stay tuned to find out...if Klema will sink or swim? We'll see what Klavier is guilty of soon enough ;).
He wrote:
Hey fraulein...I'm sorry I haven't spoken with you sooner. It's just...there's a lot on my mind after what happened in court. And after the news I've heard about that girl gone missing I...don't know what to think anymore. I know it's last minute, but would you mind meeting with me in person tomorrow? There's a lot I want to talk about… and ask you about as well.
Her eyes scrolled over the text in nervous excitement, scanning the words over and over. Mr. Edgeworth noticed her sudden silence and how her position had changed from sitting upright to hunched over.
"What's going on?" he asked noticing her sudden silence.
"It's Klavier!" I said. "He just texted me!"
"Mm. Well, I suppose that is a bit of good news," the prosecutor remarked as he made a turn into a familiar intersection. We were only a few minutes away from his home.
My head bobbed up and down in agreement. I started my reply back, telling him that I had been worried and how I'd definitely want to see him tomorrow.
Danke. That means a lot to me, especially on such short notice. How about we meet at The Oceanic around 8?
Sounds good to me, I replied. See ya soon.
I closed my phone and put it back inside my purse.
"So, what did he want at this hour?" Miles asked. "It's a bit late."
"Well, it's not a booty call if that's what you're thinking," I joked. "He wanted to meet with me tomorrow to talk...I'm guessing about that trial."
And Kristoph. There was no doubt in her mind that he was the source of Klavier's anxiety.
"You're going to meet with him?"
"Is that even a real question? Of course, I am! Why on earth wouldn't I?"
"...It's a foolish question, I know. But I can't help but wonder why now all of a sudden did he reach out? It's right after Vera's kidnapping."
"Obviously, he remembers the trial," I said impatiently. "He realizes his brother was up to no good, nearly poisoning Vera to death, buying forged evidence, and nearly using him to get Phoenix disbarred. I mean, it's enough to make anyone feel sick...him probably more so because the wool was almost pulled over his eyes."
"And you're absolutely sure he's trustworthy? He's still Kristoph's brother and although he may have good intentions, there's a possibility Kristoph might be manipulating him somehow."
"Well, it happened before in the original timeline, but I don't think so now. At least now, that he's seen his true colors."
"I already know I won't be able to stop you from going. But I think you should be wary."
"Oh, come on-"
"Let's talk more about it inside," Miles said as he pulled into the driveway next to his home.
I sighed as I unbuckled my seat belt and removed the trash from the food wrappers as I exited the car. Miles had already gotten out and was walking to the front door. Taking my time, I lagged behind. I should have known he'd be skeptical of Klavier, all things considered. I mean, I couldn't fault him, but I knew Klavier. He really was a good person and would always do the right thing for the truth. It was just unfortunate that he had to be related to someone so...abysmal.
May 18th, 11:56 PM
Miles Edgeworth's Residence, living room
By the time I had shuffled over to the front door, he had unlocked it and was waiting inside for me on the living room couch. I shut the door behind me and plopped down beside him. That was the annoying part about Miles- he wanted to get to the heart matters immediately. I couldn't really catch a break with his impatience.
"Phew." I took off the shoes that were making my feet cramp like no tomorrow. "Alright, what's the problem?"
"Besides the obvious? You going out to meet him by yourself. Especially with the timing of events and the amount of times you tend to land in trouble," Miles said arms folded.
"...I can't really argue with the last part," I resign.
"If you're going, which you will, you should go directly with a guard."
I wasn't in love with going with one of those guys directly simply because it felt so strange. I didn't consider myself anyone special to have body guards like that. I liked to come and go as I pleased. We had been using them to tail us when we went out, so that wasn't foreign to me really. Just hanging out with one and being followed in close proximity...meh. I appreciated that he cared, but I found that his nagging and worries would suffocate me often. But if it got Miles off my back and made me a little safer, I'd suck it up.
"Alright."
"What time are you going? And where are you going?"
"We're meeting at the Oceanic at 8pm."
The man nodded as he whipped out his phone and made a call, I assumed to the people he had employed for tomorrow night's assignment. It didn't last long.
"And promise me one thing," Miles said looking at me in a more serious fashion than usual.
"Yes?"
"If anything happens get in touch with me immediately."
I held back my initial urge to make a joke. For me, he was too anxious about his views on Klavier, but I knew he cared so that would be terrible of me to mock. "I will."
He returned my promise with a nod of acknowledgement. If there was anything I learned about him, it was that he didn't like leaving much of anything to chance, so indeed, he was putting a lot of trust in me at the moment.
"I don't know about you, but I'm getting ready for bed," I yawned, changing the topic. I picked up my shoes and dragged my sore feet upstairs. "I'll save some hot water for you."
"Don't worry about it," he replied somewhat absentmindedly. "I'll do it later."
I frowned, but continued upstairs. I guessed he really was concerned. He normally berated me about using the hot water in the shower amongst other things when it came to the usage of the bathroom. There wasn't much I could do about it, though. Sore, I undressed and hopped in the shower, letting the hot water run down my back that Oldbag damaged. Hopefully, I'd be less stiff and sore by tomorrow night.
Tomorrow night...
(We should, for the most part be catching up. But I wonder what exactly he wanted to ask me?)
I figured he probably wanted to express his frustrations about Kristoph and perhaps where his loyalty should be considering he was family. And who wants to believe a family member would do something so horrid? I understood that. The real question was what other things he wanted to talk to me about. I was curious, but maybe a bit more curious as to what he had been doing for all this time. Had he been alone? Had he seen anyone? Had he left the country or anything?
After ruminating for about 10 minutes, I stepped out and did the other mundane self care routines. By the time I entered the bedroom, the lights were out and Miles was already in bed- though he wasn't so much lying down and trying to sleep as he was clearly thinking.
"Don't worry so much," I said as I crawled under the covers.
He snorted. "I think that's impossible when it comes to you."
"Well... you have my back, don't you? Mr. Hero?" I jibe slightly, poking him. "If you're around I shouldn't have much to worry about."
Miles flushed slightly at the suggestion. "Don't say things like that. I just do my best."
"Huuuuuuuuh?" I grinned. "You're embarrassed by that? But it's true. Miles Egdeworth is a knight in shining armor-"
I'm promptly stopped by a pillow slapping me in the face. "Ow!"
"I told you to stop."
"Why can't you take a compliment?" I ask spitting out a feather. "You're always saving the day when you can."
He grumbled something incoherent under his breath. I noticed he liked to downplay this aspect of himself, although it's clear as day. It was pretty easy to exploit, honestly. Guess that was why AAII turned out the way it did.
But despite my mild teasing, I really meant it. He was by far the most reliable person I knew. Not to say that the other people I met here, weren't but...he has risked his life for me. He didn't have to, but he promised me he would and kept his word. And well...it was pretty badass. That was probably the thing I liked most about him, as much as I picked on him for being a stick in the mud. A lot of people don't follow through on their words, but he was dedicated. I used to think that type of thing was boring, but I know so much better now. Besides, I got to be the fun one. Not sure if that would really work with someone else who wasn't as stiff as Edgeworth. I could very well see the horrors of me tagging along with someone just as crazy or possibly worse...and well it'd be exhausting.
"I only say it, cause I trust you the most out of anyone here I know," she said, actually feeling herself get slightly taken by emotion. "I hope I'll be able to pay you back for what you constantly do for me.
I could feel the other Lyn strongly agreeing with me...as well as gushing too much for my taste.
But the prosecutor didn't say anything at that notion. In my head, I groaned. Though, I was getting better at understanding him, I couldn't fully figure out what he was feeling or thinking sometimes. But it was late and I figured it was time to go to sleep.
I turned over on my right side, with my back facing him. Not too long after, I felt an arm wrap around me. "Hm?"
"...Don't worry about it."
I chuckled. "Only if you stop worrying first."
"Not going to happen," Miles quickly responded.
"Then we've reached a stalemate."
"For now, but you'll cave first."
"And why is that?"
"Because you never beat me," I heard the cockiness in his voice.
I rolled my eyes. I had to hold back what I really wanted to say to avoid debate, since I wanted to be well rested for tomorrow. "...Goodnight, Miles."
"Goodnight."
Being enveloped by his warmth, I drifted off.
May 19th, 7:30 PM
Miles Edgeworth's Residence, living room
Work had moved a lot slower today because all day I had been thinking of meeting Klavier. Enjoying my fixed car, I decided to leave the prosecutor's office on time at 5. I checked on Pess, and then went to go change into something more casual, throwing on a tshirt, a sweatshirt, sneakers, and a pair of jeans. I didn't feel like going to a bar looking like I was at work. Lucky for Klavier his outfit functions as a (somehow) workout and party outfit all at once.
Miles had come in about an hour later, going over things with me for the umpteenth time as we waited for the guard to show up. It was akin to having an overprotective mother giving her child a curfew and huffing over minute details, I swear.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come?" he asked.
"It's fine. A guard will be around," I reassured. "And besides, I don't think it'd work out."
"And why not?" he tapped on his arm.
"I know you're going to want to intrude on a private conversation," I pointed out.
The man answered with a non committal grunt, as he and I both knew it was true. Of course, I didn't mind Miles being around, but I wouldn't want someone I barely knew to come into such a loaded conversation, no matter their intention. And I was willing to bet the guard would give me some more breathing room and a lower profile...hovering around subtly as opposed to Miles who would come in guns blazing.
It was silly anyway.
"Come on, it'll be fine. And besides, I might get a little dirt on Kristoph, who knows?"
"I suppose," he admitted with reluctance.
I reached up and grabbed his face. I gave him a small peck on the cheek. "I thank you for the concern, but ease up or try to?"
"...Very well," Miles sighed.
"Good!"
Although he was not jumping for joy, he stopped nagging me for the time being. In a few minutes, the door bell rang. Miles answered the door, to reveal a man of about average height, clad in sunglasses, an earpiece and a black suit. I noticed he was pretty well built, with an olive complexion. He flashed his badge and shook Miles' hand.
"Kevin Hutchinson, sir," he said in scratchy sounding voice.
They shared a typical exchange, before Miles introduced us and revisited what the assignment was. Mr. Hutchinson was supposed to accompany me to the Oceanic and look out for any unusual activity. And when once the night was over he'd come back with me here. The guard gave me a transmitter device so if anything went wrong he'd come in a flash.
"If you're in any kind of trouble, just press the button on this transmitter. I'll get the beep and come running in!"
"Alright, just click the button, right?" I asked holding the tiny black switch in my hand pointing to the bright red button on top.
"Yep!"
I shoved it in my sweatshirt pocket. It sounded easy enough. Even I couldn't screw up something as simple as pressing a button.
"You should go before you're late," Miles remarked checking the time on his watch.
"Understood, sir," the man said as he adjusted his ear piece. "I'll protect you from any harm, ma'am!"
"Thanks," I nodded. "But no need for the formalities, with me at least."
"Understood, ma'am!" he replied as he saluted. "...Ah, sorry, ma'am."
I sighed to myself. I should just give up now. It was just killing me to be called ma'am when I was nowhere near ma'am age...
"But right, let's go," I said.
The guard ran a hand through his gelled up hair, spiking the brown strands up in the front. "I am ready when you are, ma'am!"
"Just be safe," the prosecutor said as I walked out with the guard following behind me. It lacked the conviction his words usually held, but I nodded in acknowledgement in the very least.
With the door shut, we made our way to the driveway to my green Honda cube. Mr. Hutchinson offered to drive, but I declined wanting to get a feel for my car once again since I hadn't been driving it very often lately. He strode over to the passengers side and climbed in.
Not bothering to heat up the car, I stuck the keys in the ignition and backed out of the driveway, starting the trek to the Oceanic down the street. We had about a 30 minute drive ahead of us, and it turns out the guard wasn't all that talkative. But, I figured to pass the time more quickly and to be less awkward, it'd be best to start a conversation.
"So, how long have you been a guard?" I asked keeping my eyes on the road.
"Well, ma'am, I believe it's been approximately 2 years, 3 days, 17 hours, and 72 seconds since I've been employed as a guard," he proudly proclaimed, his chest pushed out dramatically for emphasis.
I found myself dripping beads of sweat at the ridiculousness of the response. "Uh...wow. Amazing."
"You bet, ma'am! I take pride in my work!" Hutchinson said as he flexed his muscular arms.
"So, what do you normally do for assignments?"
"Sometimes it's simply tailing a target, other times it's essentially being a meat shield for an important individual...protecting them with MY LIFE!"
"Doesn't that scare you?"
"Haha, don't worry about me, ma'am! It comes with the territory. You must be willing to lay down your life for the sake of another. It's a risk obviously. But that's what makes the job thrilling..." he said adjusting his earpiece. "I've always wanted an exciting job. If I couldn't make it as a stuntman, I may as well be a body guard! "
(Erm, I guess I can see how they're both heart stopping?)
I didn't say anything else, focusing on surviving annoying roundabouts and intersections with a good amount of cars on the road since it was a Friday night with all the hustle and bustle going on.
"But it seems, you've encountered a fair share of dangerous situations, ma'am," the guard began.
"Ah...yeah. That would be why Mr. Edgeworth thought to request assistance," I said making a turn onto a one way street.
"Good man! I'll make sure that his requests go fully answered! Mark my words!" Hutchinson said as he flexed once again.
(I don't know if you can protect me by flexing your muscles...maybe your hair could deflect some bullets with all the mousse in it...)
We had some more idle conversation until we reached the Oceanic. I had to park in the back where the parking spots were, and boy was it difficult to find an empty spot. Of course, Klavier had to pick somewhere so popular to go to. But none the less we had made it. If the outside of the bar were telling, it gave a kind of extravagant feeling, with it's size and flashing blue neon signs shining from the outside.
May 19th, 8:01 PM
The Oceanic
Holy crap. The place was flooded with people. People at the bar, people in seats eating, people on the dance floor kicking it to the beats of a DJ. The place was darkly lit with that filtered light I found to be annoying to tolerate. How the hell were we gonna meet, let alone talk under this noise and excitement?
Seeing us linger by the door's entrance, a blond waitress in a white shirt, black pants, and blue get up with sharks, dolphins, and octopi appeared.
"Table for two?" she yelled to make herself audible.
I shook my head. "Actually, I'm here to see Klavier Gavin," I also yelled under the boom of the bass.
Her green eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah, he's in a private room."
Hutchinson cut in. He didn't have to strain to use his voice whatsoever, considering I felt like the guy had no filter. "Do you have any more private rooms available?"
The waitress nodded. "I'll handle your request in a minute sir," she turned her attention back to me. "First, let me take you to Mr. Gavin."
The petite and tall figure gestured for me to follow with her hands before taking off naturally on her heels. I started walking to follow, but Hutchinson placed a firm hand on my shoulder.
"I'll be in a private room close by. So just holler if ya need me, ma'am," the guard said. "All you have to do is hit the switch."
I nodded. Though, I doubted I would even use the switch in my pocket. "Thanks."
He let go of my shoulder and quickened my pace to catch up with the waitress, bumping past a few bar goers in the process. She was headed off of the main hall with all the dancing and down a corridor. When I finally managed to catch up with her, she was standing in front of a nicely polished wooden door. She knocked and entered the room.
I walked in, surprised by the large size of the room hidden by the average sized door. The walls were painted a dark blue color, while the floor was wooden. Inside was a window to the far right, a couple of potted plants on the left and right handed corners of the room, matching arm chairs, a fire place, and pool table. I found the lighting in the room to be a bit dimmer than I would have liked, but still it was pretty cool for a bar/restaurant.
Klavier was standing by the window, looking outside wearing his usual punkish purple suit and boots.
"I'll be back with a menu for you," the lady said to me she left and shut the door behind her.
Once she was gone, Klavier turned around. "Fraulein Lyn! Glad you could make it," he smiled warmly.
The first thing I noticed that despite his happiness at seeing me was how it appeared as though he had dark circles under his eyes and how he was a bit pale.
"Klav, good to see you too...though I hope you're not sick, are you?" I asked with concern.
"Nein, if there's a sickness, it's only one of nerves and a lack of sleep," he replied playing in his hair.
I frowned in response. "What have you been up to?"
"Well," he said sweating somewhat. "Not much to be honest. After that trial, I felt so...betrayed. And I didn't want to see a courtroom for some time. And to best honest, I still don't."
"I don't blame you," I said. "With my trial against him a few years ago, I was absolutely devastated. But I imagine it's far different an experience for you."
"...Jah," he finger snapped. "In the mean time, I've locked myself up in my home, playing music and writing some songs."
"I know I've asked you about it before, but...were you and Kristoph close?"
Klavier sighed. "I'd like to think we were, since he's practically raised me. And I idolized him. But now I'm wondering if I should reconsider everything..."
Poor guy. He deserve to be put through this kind of pain...
As I dwelled on his predicament, the waitress returned with a menu. The item options were pretty basic considering it was still a bar even if it was one of the nicer ones. Not feeling particularly adventurous, I ordered a steak and potato. Klavier followed my lead and ordered the same. She said she'd return in about 30 minutes with our food.
After she left, I decided to get to the heart of the matter. "So Klavier... about tonight. You wanted to talk. Is it about Vera's disappearance?"
"...That's part of it. But there's more," he said with a serious expression that I didn't find fitting to his demeanor at all. To be fair, it kinda freaked me out playing the games when he made his serious face. He looked so mad and stern, which is a far cry from his playful disposition. Not saying he can't be serious or take things seriously, as he's pretty competent...it's just...unsettling at times.
"What else is bothering you?"
"Fraulein, I don't wish to drag the atmosphere totally down yet. And also, I've no desire for the waitress to overhear our talk...so let's have a little fun before she returns with our orders."
"Huh?"
It's then, he played a riff on his invisible air guitar and pointed at me dramatically. "Let us play hard ball!"
"Hard ball...?" I blinked. "Oh, you mean pool?"
"Jah."
"Ah, I'm not all that good. Haven't played since college...and even then I was bad," I said adjusting my glasses.
He bent over with his hands on his hips, grinning. "No worries, I won't crush you. It's all for fun."
"Well, fair enough," I smiled.
We picked up our own cue sticks and set the balls, except for the white one in the triangular holder to begin. Being rusty, I decided to let Klavier go first so I could watch. We took turns trying to hit all of the balls, except the 8 ball into the pockets. Even though, it was just for fun, Klavier was good at pinpointing the right angles at which to hit the white ball into the others. I wasn't all that great. I'd hit the white ball and 8 ball into pockets a few times. If it were a real match I'd lose big time. And of course, he teased me relentlessly during the whole ordeal.
We played until the waitress returned with our food. Klavier asked her to take the tab early on so to not disturb our talk, paying her a hefty amount for the food and the tip. When she left, his jovial nature remained and we chatted over dinner about silly and somewhat irrelevant topics.
After dinner, was when Klavier's mood took a turn. Setting down his fork and knife on a nearly barren plate he spoke gravely. "I hate to end the good times, but I did ask you to come here for a reason."
"It looks very much like my brother...order a forgery and poisoned that girl. And now...she's missing," he said, blue eyes losing some of their usual sharpness. "Something about it all...it's not adding up."
"What do you mean? I know it's hard to deny the truth about Kristoph but-"
Beads of sweat were rolling down from his forehead. Violently he shook his head. "Nein! Think about it, fraulein. He was nearly caught in court. Why bring more attention to himself? A kidnapping doesn't solve anything for him. It simply makes him look like a more viable suspect."
He continued on. "I asked him myself if he had anything to do with it and he simply asked why would I? ...It's lucky he's not being charged with attempted murder due to a lack of evidence, so why would he make the risk on a kidnapping? When everyone would be watching him more intently?"
As I listened to the feverish rant, I found myself thinking more about it. Kristoph was only doing these things for himself. And I couldn't deny Klavier had a point, it'd be a huge risk to kidnap Vera knowing that everyone would turn their attention to him.
"Besides...as awful as it is to say...my brother has always been...thorough. He's always strived to be the embodiment of perfection. If the poison had worked as he probably wanted, it'd be incredibly challenging to pin anything back to him. He wouldn't be so risky, it's not like him at all."
"...So in other words, you're saying he'd probably just stick to murder as opposed to kidnapping," I said pushing my glasses up closer to my eyes. The boy frowned in response. "You don't believe he did it, but if he didn't then who did...?"
He clenched his fists, with a slight tremble. For a second he had the expression of intense hatred in his eyes. "...I may have an idea."
I nearly hopped out of my chair. "W-who?! Who could of-"
Klavier leaned forward with a tiny smile. "Hold on, fraulein. I only said it was an idea, not gospel. And to be honest...it sounds bizarre."
I took a breath to relax myself. When I centered myself I started. "Alright. So what's the bizarre idea?"
"...The other day, Kristoph invited me over to his house. I thought it was strange, since that rarely ever happens. So, I decided to go with some questions...that I barely even had the chance to ask."
"Huh? What happened?"
"He...looked so crazy," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I'd never seen anything like it. It looked as though he hadn't bathed in a few days, his clothes were tatters...just everything in the state of his house was a mess. Before I could even open my mouth he kept asking if I had seen anyone outside his house, talking in circles about the 'shadows'. "
It sounded like he totally lost his shit. "Shadows?"
"He said that the shadows were following him. Everywhere he went. Even when he stayed inside, the shadows followed him room by room watching his every move. He would hear the footsteps when they were coming, although he apparently never saw anything. Just heard," Klavier sighed. He seemed fatigued just remembering the ordeal. "Anyway, I tried to snap him out of it, but it wasn't much use."
"I was going to leave, but he demanded to know if I had seen the police. They had accused him earlier of kidnapping the little girl. I asked if he was involved in anyway, and as I mentioned earlier he asked why would he? He started muttering over and over about the shadows being the one to take her and how they were coming from him next."
I started to sweat myself. What the hell did that even mean? What or who was the shadows? It didn't seem like Kristoph to break down so easily. Perhaps it was the pressure of being unable to practice law? But no, I recalled he went on as normal even in the first prison cell he had. If he could be normal then, there was no way he couldn't be normal just being suspended. But why on earth would these shadows...take Vera? Why would they take him?
"Jeez. This sounds so..."
Klavier was clenching both of his fists. "I know it sounds strange, and maybe he's lost his mind...but nothing rattles my brother. I can't shake the feeling that he's been mixed up in something."
"Hm? Mixed up in what?" A gang perhaps?
"I'm unsure. But remember the time we spent together on New Year's Eve? That phone call he had that was the reason he left?" he asked. "When I came over, he was getting a lot of calls and he was panicked. He wouldn't tell me anything besides the shadows coming. I offered to call the police, but he told me that the police couldn't be trusted and they'd never help anyway."
"He's so paranoid that he wouldn't even bother with the police, huh? Maybe he's in a crime ring?"
"...I don't know," he folded his arms. "To me, he's too stubborn to be a part of something that he couldn't lead."
"The shadows, huh," I mused aloud. Not like I'd ever heard of anything like that before.
"I know it seems like a stretch, but you wouldn't know anything about it? Encountered a case like it? Or noticed anything strange happening around you lately?"
"Never had any cases like that before." I shook my head. "Hm, well someone broke into my car and apartment some time ago, but there was no clue as to why."
(Though, I'm pretty sure it was Kristoph fucking with me out of spite.)
"Is that, so?" he closed his eyes for a moment. "...You seem to have a penchant for troubling situations. Don't get hurt, okay?"
"Ha...yeah. I'm aware. Thanks," I said flushing slightly.
"Even though it sounds like hogwash, I'm starting to feel like I'm being watched now."
"S-seriously? Well, for you it couldn't just be like, I don't know a crazy fan?"
"Nein," he said adamantly. "My fans are girls and they usually make a big fuss when I'm around. Even when they try to follow me around, so I'd know it was one of them. This definitely doesn't feel good."
This was very weird...I felt bad for Klavier having to deal with this and try to figure out more of that complicated messed up in the head dude. Genetics could be a bitch. I still remember the day I saw the two of them together, and it was like they were from two different realities that probably should have never collided.
"Don't worry about me," he tried to smile. "If there's one thing Kristoph has done right, it's teach me how to look after myself."
Seeing my grimace, he reached to grab my arm. In the process my wine in the glass tilted backward and onto my shirt.
"Ach! My apologies, fraulein Lyn," he said standing up to come over to help me clean up. He grabbed a handkerchief on his side of the table.
"It's okay," I said wiping my shirt as much as I could. Klavier wiped the side of my shirt gently, as I protested. But as he pulled away, he slipped something to me under the handkerchief in my hand. Before I could question it, he patted me on the back.
"I can't believe I was so clumsy, fraulein. It's unbefitting of a rock star like myself," he shook his head. "But I think some water from the bathroom would help get that stain out."
I slipped the paper into my jacket. "Yeah, I'm going to soak it for a bit. But should be fine, so don't worry," I said as casually as I could before walking out of the room.
I closed the door behind me and went down the hallway past 1 other private room till I reached the very last door on the right which was the ladies room. I didn't know what Klavier wanted me to know, but he didn't feel safe saying it aloud. Hence whatever note I got.
I opened the door to the bathroom which had four stalls, a hand dryer, and a window raised a little higher than I was accustomed to. To keep the illusion going, I walked over to one of the two sinks, placing my stained shirt under the facet. It took a second for the automatic sensors to catch on, but soon I felt the splash of cold water seeping through my shirt mixed with the scent of red wine. After that, I pumped soap from the dispenser and started to scrub my shirt out in the sink. It was really the only thing I could do to keep my nerves in check before I read that note.
I grabbed some hand towels and dried off. In case anyone else came in, I decided to read it in an empty stall. Walking into the first available one, I entered and latched it closed behind me. Taking a breath, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the note.
It read:
Remember: 117691
What?
Remember 117691? What the hell did that mean? This was something he couldn't tell me out loud, but chose to give me along with the other thing. But how was I supposed to use this? It was definitely important, but I didn't understand it.
I tried to mull it over, but nothing was coming to mind. I figured in the very least, I could subtly ask the meaning behind it and get some type of hint. I shoved the note into my pocket and unlocked the stall door, headed out into the hall. On the way back I could hear the distant thumping of the music from the main room. Electro stuff was just something I was never gonna get.
As I was thinking of what to say, I stopped in front of the door back to our room. Turning the knob, I pushed the door open and walked in.
"Sorry that took so long. Turns out wine is annoying to get out-"
I gasped.
Klavier had been sitting across from me when I left. But now...now he was sprawled on the pool table.
I ran to the table. "Kl-Klavier! Klavier what's wrong?!"
My hands reached to touch his back, but stopped. I could see what was wrong. There was a hole through his suit jacket. Red liquid had poured out onto the green pool table, looking like some sort of Christmas nightmare. A bloodied white ball laid close to his unmoving body.
A cue stick was on the ground a few inches away from the table. It had some blood on its tip.
...A cold surge swept my body.
We were just talking a few minutes ago and now...
and now...
I couldn't move, though I wanted to grab hold of him. Shake him awake. Tell him to stop playing such an awful joke on me.
But I...
...He couldn't be...
He couldn't be!
The other Lyn, stopped me from touching him for she understood the reality of the situation:
Klavier was no more.
Klavier could not be saved.
Klavier was...dead.
And there was nothing I could do about it.
Dizzy, I left the room. I couldn't stay in there and look at him, like that.
I refused.
So I went outside the room and closed the door behind me, leaning against the wall for support. With a shaky had, I reached into my pocket pressed the button on the transmitter a shitton of times. Then with what was left of my sensibilities, I made a call to 911 reporting what I saw...
...the awful thing I saw.
Klavier didn't deserve that. Klavier could be hammy, bullheaded, and kinda of diva, but he was by no means a bad person. Flawed, but with a good heart...and now he didn't have the chance to develop. He was still 17. Just 17 and his life had been robbed from him. He'd never get the chance to become the awesome guy we saw in Apollo Justice. He'd never meet Apollo and call him Herr Forehead or tease Ema relentlessly. Never go to court again. Never make anymore Gavinners music again.
In the hallway, I waited listening to the sounds of the obnoxious music, chatter, oblivious carefree ignorance from the main hall... Somehow, it further unsettled me. Why was no one coming? It felt like no one cared. I felt sick. Just where was Hutchinson...? He might have been a dim bulb, but didn't strike me as the type to flake out of his duty. He definitely would have sprung into action by now... a couple of minutes had passed but no one came and he said he'd be nearby.
Foggy, I dragged my feet down the corridor. I needed help. There were only 4 private rooms over here. We were in the 3rd one if one were to work their way down. I knocked on the door opposite, but nothing. I went ahead up further to the door to the left, door 2.
It was slightly ajar.
I didn't like that.
The other doors I had passed had been shut.
Thump. Thump. Thump...
I turned around. Footsteps were in the hallway coming from behind me. But nothing was there. Not a thing was there. My heart was pounding so fast, I didn't know if it would ever stop.
(Am I going crazy...? I didn't hear a door open or close...)
And whoever was in the hallway, I'd notice them. It didn't have any turns...my knees knocked together.
Thump.
I looked behind me once again. This time, I thought I saw a trace of black fluttering. But there was no person to accompany it.
Maybe I was seeing things, but at the same time I didn't take any chances. Not wanting to deal with a phantom in the hall, I reluctantly pushed the door further open and stepped in closing the door behind me.
I sighed what was going to be a sigh of relief until I saw it.
Hutchinson.
He was sitting in an arm chair similar to the ones in our room. The red liquid dripping from his neck redecorated it, though. I didn't know how much blood a slit throat had, but believe me, it was far more than anticipated. The beeper he had was going crazy.
I resisted the urge to vomit. It was horrendous.
Trying to regain clarity and understanding of what was happening, I reached for my phone. I dialed the number already in my contacts and trembled as I waited. It rang twice before the other person picked up.
I pressed the device to my ear, feeling the sides of it drenched in sweat. The phone rang twice.
"Miles Edgeworth, speaking-"
"Miles! Klavier...the guard...they're...they're..." I had to get these words out as much as I didn't want to acknowledge it.
"Lyn? What's wrong? What happened?"
"Klav...ier….is...is... dead! He's dead! And..and the guard is-is dead too! Everyone's dead!"
"What?! What happened?!"
"I- I don't know! I don't know what's going on! I just left the room and he was dead! They were killed...and I…"
"Did you call the police?"
"Y-yes."
"You need to-"
THUMP... THUMP... THUMP.
I dropped the phone, its battery popping right out. The footsteps, seemed to be coming up the hall and loudly echoed directly outside the door. Whoever it was, they stopped here.
Had they been listening? Had they been watching me? My heart rattled against my chest like a zoo animal trying to escape its prison. It rained sweat all over my body.
The shadow moved from the little crack under the door. I didn't move. I didn't breathe. Whoever it was, seemed to be waiting for something. Perhaps me to come out? See if someone was there?
If they opened the door, it'd be the end of me. I'd be brutally killed like the others. The arm chairs were too far to shove up to the door for a line of defense. But no, that was stupid. There was a window. I could climb out and escape from the window!
I waited a few more seconds, holding my breath. As quietly, as I could I tiptoed to the back of the room up to the window. It was heavy as hell, but adrenaline can do amazing things. I heard the creak of the door opening, but by then I had already hopped out of the window. Luckily, this place only had one story. My landing wasn't all that graceful, but that didn't stop me from jumping up and running towards the back into the parking lot. I didn't look back.
I ran and ran under the dim light of the moon, till I found my car. Fumbling with my keys, I managed to unlock the front door, hop in and back out asap.
Once I switched gears, I hit the accelerator as hard as I could. I turned out of the lot, forcing my way down the road to make my turn and was moving at least 40mph at this point. Anything to get away from the death and whoever...I heard...or maybe imagined...I didn't know. I had no idea at this point. Maybe I was losing it? Tired? Or maybe...
...Was it that shadow thing? That Kristoph had been rambling about?
Klavier mentioned he felt like he was being stalked. Could it been by that thing?
It sounded crazy. I doubted anyone would believe that. Perhaps that why Kristoph didn't bother with the police because of how ridiculous it sounded. I just needed to get as far away from this place as soon as possible.
My heart rate had dropped significantly on the roads. They didn't seem to be very crowded, I guessed because people were out partying. Because of that, I felt alright driving a bit faster than usual.
It was smooth sailing for a while until I noticed a car behind me- a couple of cars behind me in the rear view mirror. Every turn I made and lane I switched they were right behind me.
Was I being followed...?
I decided to test it out, by switching lanes 3 times. Once into the right lane, back into the middle, and then to the left. I did that, and from my mirror I could see them doing the same maneuvers at more of a distance.
What...what was going? Why was I being followed?
...They might be the same people who did Klavier and Hutchinson in. Maybe they wanted to do me in. It was starting to look that way.
Shit.
If that was the case, then I definitely needed to get away from them. Good thing I played video games. I was gonna give these creeps a run for their money. Or at least try my damned hardest too.
I remained in the left lane, starting to speed up, passing any cars I could get in front of. From what I could see, one of the cars was a beige Toyota Corolla one that looked like it was from the 80s. This one was not too far behind in the left lane. While the other was white...Hyundai car I thought keeping to the middle lane. Indeed, this was trouble. They weren't the cars that normally tailed us for protection, I knew.
Right now I was booking 66mph headed to 70mph. There were a few more cars out ahead of me, but I didn't like pushing too fast because unlike the cars following me, this was a bulky truck like vehicle. And I'd be fucked if I lost control.
But I was in luck, there was an exit coming up soon. I could take the exit and head into an intersection. Depending on how bad they wanted me, I could lose them by a red light or hope they crashed somewhere.
With the creeps on me, I revved up as I cut in front of a couple of people and turned up the speed, driving on to the exit. As much as I wanted to keep speeding up, I had to slow down because of the sharp turns. But cutting around others had bought me some time as my pursuers took a bit longer to catch up with me. But I was realized I was in a bit of a pickle.
Well, more than that.
This road only had two lanes and although I had put a good distance between us, one person was getting close on my tail directly behind me while the other was closing in on my left side. I gripped the wheel. This wasn't good.
I had to go faster.
I took a breath and pressed on to 85mph...it was a good thing that I had put gas in here earlier this week. But I couldn't enjoy my passing thoughts for long. The two were closing in on me again. So close, that the one behind me rammed me. My Honda jolted forward. I held on to the wheel tighter, as I tried to go beyond 85. But the bastard behind me hit me again, causing me to tilt slightly to the left. I turned the wheel as best I could in the opposite way to balance the bulky car, but it didn't do much go because the Toyota began it's assault on the left side.
"Shit!"
The blow made a good dent I could feel shaking through me. My car hit the barriers up on the right side, scraping against it. If they kept it up, I wouldn't be able to get out of the driver's side. Or worse, get toppled into the water that the steel barrier was protecting me from falling into.
I knew this couldn't go on, before I toppled over. I didn't know what to do, but my foot suddenly slammed on breaks. The car behind me, slammed into me with a large amount of force, so large that if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt I would hit my head on the dash board. The rear end was totally damaged for sure. And well, the car on the left didn't anticipate that and because it was using my car as a buffer, it flying over the rails.
But I couldn't relax, despite the fucked rear end, I hit the gas as hard as I could and took off again. The other goon hesitated before chasing after me again. This time, with a smashed front, they pulled up on the side ramming into me over and over. I did my best to bump back into him, but with this Honda it was a struggle because I could feel myself losing control.
Because I could do much besides move ahead, my car was scraping against that railing. But there was a glimmer of hope again, since in the next couple of 100 feet was an intersection. If I could just squeeze through down there...
The ugly hunk of junk wouldn't back off from me, but I pressed forward going accelerating faster in the hopes of scraping by, as we reached the end of the road onto the next place to turn.
But it was stupid of me.
I had sped up too much and got my car too far out into the lane. I hit the breaks, but it was too late. A car this big wouldn't stop fast.
Before I knew it, there was a honking sound and feeling weightlessness. An SUV smashed into my already damaged side and sent me flying. I was tossed like a rag doll, banging my head on something hard. A cool liquid dripped down the side of my head as the air bag opened forcing back into my seat with a harsh force. By the time it all stopped, I heard a loud crash and splash sound.
My vision was fading fast. I was in the water. My head was throbbing and my chest ached. With the stupid air bag in the way, I could barely move. Best I could, I reached down to unbuckled my seat belt. Though my body was barely moving, I had to get out. The water was starting to enter the car. If I couldn't get out, I'd drown.
I forced my way past the airbag into the passenger side, the water filling faster by the second. I tried to push the door open, but nothing happened. I tried again and again, but it was pointless. With blacker vision, I crawled into the backseat. The water was up to my shoulders. I tried to force open the doors on both sides, but they refused to oblige. Water was at my neck. With no more options and little strength, I laid straight down. I launched my feet into the glass of the window 1, 2, 3, 4... I lost track of the number of times I tried to bust through the glass.
My head was throbbing. My vision was almost gone. It was getting harder to move with all the water drenching my clothes.
At this point the car was full of water. I held my breath as I kept trying to kick the window out, but my body was going limp. Every time I kicked, I struggled to keep my mouth shut. It was hurting to not breathe.
I smashed on the glass with my fists on the other side, knowing I was running out of energy. It had to be over 2 minutes now. I opened my mouth to breathe, but of course it was just water. I shut my mouth as quickly as I opened it.
I grabbed my throat, trying to hold my breath still. I smashed my free fist on the window one last time.
This...was worse than being stabbed. Not breathing...It just made me think of stupid kids hold their breath in contests and how now I would never take a breath of actual air for granted. Because breathing in water stung. It hurt so bad.
I flailed helplessly over and over as if someone could help. As if I could save myself somehow. But it was pointless.
If I held my breath I'd die. If I opened my mouth I'd die.
But it didn't matter anyway. I couldn't swim. Why did I even bother trying to get out of here? I was going to drown one way or another.
This was it for me.
I had to acknowledge it this time. I wasn't going to make it. No one was coming for me. I was absolutely alone.
I couldn't escape this car and I couldn't swim. Resigned to my fate, I decided to breathe more openly instead of fighting my inevitable end.
I gave up and allowed the water to enter my body as I breathed it in, probably to my lungs.
It was a shame. I couldn't figure out what happened tonight...what Klavier wanted me to know...what he died for...
(Sorry, I failed you.)
And I was sorry I wouldn't be able to avenge him, to see if that shadow thing was real or not. And sorry that I had no chance to figure out who rammed me into the cold waters...
Sorry that I couldn't figure out Kristoph...
Sorry that I robbed the other Lyn of her life...
Sorry that I wasn't going to go home...
Sorry that I wouldn't see my friends again...
Sorry that I would never see Miles again...
I am... so sorry.
My body went limp. I couldn't see anymore. There was a sense of peace I felt as it began to float up. There was a strange disconnect with my mind and body at this point.
And I didn't care. The pain had stopped. It was replaced with this feeling of peace. Sweet peace…
Date? Time?
Location?
The skies were gray probably as gray as the business man's suit on Wall Street. Snow was falling. In fact, it was everywhere. The beautiful white snow covered the barren trees and the ground which I stood. I take a step forward, feeling the coolness on my feet. I'm not wearing any shoes. In fact, I'm just wearing a plain white dress, with nothing to cover my arms.
"So, that's how it is, huh?" I asked to no one in particular. It was amusing.
I reached a hand out to grab a snowflake. Slowly it falls into my palm, but just as quickly does it melt away into a tiny spec of water.
Just like life.
Here today, gone tomorrow.
I inhaled sharply, taking in the cold air. It was cold enough outside to see my breath.
With no destination in mind, I kept heading forward. Each step, burying my feet in snow. I hugged my arms tightly as harsh winds blew. While it was a nice show of nature, I was getting pelted with snow.
There seemed to be no end in sight. But with no destination in mind, it didn't matter much did it?
It was just so cold...
The wind pricked my skin like icy knives and my feet were becoming raw, as though they were slabs of flesh that a person moved. Not feet as I could barely feel them underneath the mounds of snow.
But I walked on. The landscape didn't change all that much. Nothing besides a frozen over lake, was of note in the distance. Or perhaps it did, and I didn't notice. The snow caught most of my attention as it slapped me in the face.
My body grew colder by the minute. Taking a second to breathe, I lean against a nearby tree rubbing my arms up and down. As I enjoy my solitude, I am approached by a man coming in direction in which I'm headed.
He's hauntingly beautiful standing in the snow, as the wild winds blow his silvery hair and black overcoat. Somehow the strong winds serve to make him appear stronger as he stands staring me down.
To be honest, I hate it.
Like a mountain, he seems unfazed by the storm we're standing in the middle of. Slowly, but surely he approaches me and does not stop until he's a few inches away.
"Lyn."
"Hm?" The name, it seems almost foreign at this point.
"Stay with me," he requests. No, rather pleads.
With a quiet smile, I shake my head. "It's over."
"Just a bit more."
"...What else can I do?" I ask him. "The water is filling up lungs. I can't swim. I can't even get out of the car. Besides, wasn't it you who told me to be realistic last time?"
Talking with him- no just seeing him, makes me tired now. I wish he hadn't come. Against the tree, I slide down right into the snow. I can't feel my feet anymore so it doesn't really bother those. My legs and ass is another story.
Sullen, the man sits beside me. His gray eyes filled me with a remembrance...of the things I lost. His complexion is almost as pure as the snow. Seeing me shiver, he removes his overcoat and hangs it over my shoulders. Reluctantly, I give him my thanks though I berate him for wasting it on me. As I've wasted him.
We said nothing for some time.
I smile looking up at the snowflakes. "They're pretty, aren't they?"
"Yes."
"It's funny how something so small can melt by itself, yet manages to collect and grow bigger with the help of others," I muse. "Haha. Nature is so cool."
He said nothing to respond to my hilarious joke. "...Why are you trying to cheer me up?"
"Well, it looked like you could use a laugh, of course," I muttered.
"I don't need one," he said blankly. "Also, that was horrendous joke. Please don't do it again."
"Of course, you need one!" I said lacking control of myself. "At least let me do something to make up for what I've done."
"You've done nothing-"
"Don't lie to me. Don't you dare," I said jabbing my finger into his chest. "I've killed. I've killed me, her, and you too!"
He said nothing.
"I know what you are. And I...am so sorry this happened. Once I end, you end too," I said struggling to hold back my tears. "It's funny. She liked you so much that she always wanted to have you around even when the reality was different... and now..." Perhaps we weren't too different in the end. Her imagination had pulled me through before and her passion of that man saved my life.
I knew it was just a projection. And yet, it still felt cruel. I couldn't stop myself from crying. Slowly, I feel his chin resting slightly on my head as he holds the back of my head and hugs me.
"...I'll never leave you." It is said with conviction as much as it's said with placidity.
"I know," I say holding onto him tightly. "...I know."
And that's the worst part of it. I wondered if this was how I creator felt, when something they made would be lost forever unable to be protected. What's more is that this projection is made in his image. And it pains me even more. It's probably the real reason why I feel miserable, to know I've left him behind.
I knew I would have to, but never like this. Never without saying goodbye.
It was selfish of me. Very selfish. I know I didn't deserve it. But I wanted to hold on this for as long as I could. For as long as we could.
I enjoyed the warmth of being close to him, but it didn't warm me. I still felt cold. Cold on the outside and just as cold on the inside. Yet, I knew with him around I could hang on just a little longer.
I don't want to admit it, but I'm scared. I don't want to let go. I don't want to leave. I don't know what's coming.
So I cling, even as I began to blink out. I listen to his heartbeat, steady like a drum. Always staying the course. Like he would. But I can't hang on. My arms are weak and my hold loses its strong intent to keep him trapped forever. It's disagreeable, but I let go. I start to cough nonstop. When my attack stops, I find it harder to breathe. I can't sit up by myself, so I lie flat on my back in the snow.
"I wish...I could do more," he says with consternation.
I laugh weakly. "You've already done so much for me. You always come when I need you most."
"...It's not enough."
I can't bring myself to not laugh even though it hurts a little. He's too real. "You never rest."
His response is to grunt.
"Rest with me," I say. "You always work too hard. Take a break."
He does not argue nor disagree. He carefully lies next to me in the snow.
With the last of my conscious physical strength, I reach for his hand. He obliges intertwining it with his own. It's funny to me, feeling the warmth of a hand mixed the cool snow. Maybe it was because I liked contradictions.
"I wish I had more time. Do you know what I would have done?" I asked looking up at the snow falling down.
"...What's that?" he asked quietly.
"I would have gotten to know you better...and had fun. Lots of it," the gray didn't seem all that gray anymore.
In fact, it looked like a bright white. And even from a distance, it felt warm...the warmth I'd been missing from my body. "Yep...I would have made fun of you... at whatever silly stuff you'd been hiding...trying to be...perfect..." I gasped for air.
"Lyn...!"
I couldn't hide from it. It felt to calming not to. The light beckoned me to surrender. And the voices were calling me...
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.
Klavier's note: It reads: remember 117691. As to what on earth this could mean, I don't know...
Profiles:
Maya Fey: Age 20. Probably my best friend at this point.
Miles Edgeworth: Age 27. My...partner in crime in a sense.
Detective Gumshoe: Age 34. The guy who's saved my hide more times than I can count.
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 27. Pretty awesome dude. We make fun of Miles together.
Klavier Gavin: ...
Kristoph Gavin: Age 26. A terrible person. Has apparently gone mad?