AN: Hey all! It's spooky month! The best month of the year imo! Anyway, welcome back to the next installment! This one is a long one, but I think it's well deserved after the time that's passed without an update.
As always, thank you for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting! It's been a wild ride and it's about to get crazier :)! It's a bit heavy, so if you're looking for something more lighthearted, check out the latest Mischievous Turnabout chapter! I already have some of the next FT chapter written and well...deeper down the rabbit hole we go!
bwburke94: It's not a typo if it's her perception of events :).
GlaresThatKill: Yup! And it ain't over yet. Indeed, to unravel one thread sometimes lead to other things unraveling...I'm glad you enjoyed that part! I had been wondering how to write her in this one for some time, but I opted for a more hyper mindset hoping it'd be the best fit. Get your engines ready for this one!
DJJ680: Maybe sort of redeemed lol. Let's see how it pans out for her! And yup. I can find worse if you want lol.
OBSERVER01: Hm I wonder if it's a good idea...
JordanPhoenix: Of course, that brain damage is something :P! Lol well Maya is someone important to him after all, if 2-4 and 3-5 didn't tell us anything about the lengths Nick is willing to go for her! I always think we need more Wrightworth whenever possible. Lol he'd probably be shocked to see all the fanfiction about him screwing numerous characters including both his best friends. And LOL if he read Void my lord, he'd die, he couldn't comprehend himself being portrayed sexy like that xDDDD. Hmm, we probably won't see it unless something as messed up as a disbarment happens~
TheWriteGuy: I think maybe your brain just dies trying to comprehend it lol.
Rikkiemerson: Thanks for your continued support :). It means a lot that you've been reading for a while since I've been writing this for like forever xD. And thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying the story and how it continues to unravel haha. Good, I thought it would be a typical conversation they might have at some point haha xD.
Jack54311: Yep! Thanks, I had it planned for a while.
bloopercritic: Lol, fair point. A case of the pot calling the kettle black, I suppose xD.
Van: Thank you! Um, I'd say watch people a lot. A whole lot. My life has been people watching since I was a kid. And with watching, listening. How people talk and what they talk about you can always use. I wouldn't write conversations word for word, I guess since normal speech in the real world is riddled with um, uhs, and other boring topics. Every piece of dialogue/action is either: moving the story forward or showing us more about who a character is. Everyone has a different voice, your characters shouldn't sound the same, in fact how they speak should highlight their background. For example, Lyn swears quite a bit. To some, it could mean she's uneducated, crass, or honest. Whereas, it's pretty rare for Edgeworth to swear and his vocabulary tends to be more formal in most cases. Just look at your favorite stories and look for what makes these characters stand out.
Cinderfall201: Cool! Thanks so much for reading I'm happy to here it's one of your favorites! Yes, it's fortunate for our fop, but the show must go on. You could be right, we shall see! Thanks, hope you enjoy what I have in store next!
hunter81095: First off thanks for reading! For me, I think Lyn pushed too hard in that scenario. It wasn't right for Phoebe to hide the info, but it was kinda savage Lyn's response haha. Then again Lyn got the results she was looking for so...well, it's always interesting to see what you guys think of that particular chapter haha. As for the manor arc, it was my favorite arc to write. Glad you enjoyed it, I drew a lot of my inspiration from The Clue movie, Danganronpa, And Then There Were None. I'm glad you enjoy the pairing too! I was really on the fence about it for some time, so I'm really happy it's not an eyesore haha. That's a huge compliment to me so thank you so much :). As for the confession, it didn't make sense for them to freak out since they live in a world with magical truth detectors and spirit channeling.
"What...? What the hell was that?!"
"I...I don't know," I replied to OG. It was unfathomable really. Was Kristoph really dead? When did that happen? Was he just being paranoid? Klavier had said Kristoph was acting strange. Furthermore, he wanted me to chase revenge on his behalf?
This was a bit too much to take in at once.
OG furrowed her brows as she looked over my shoulder. "Not like I would ever want to work for Gavin," she said with disdain. "But I am curious about the rest of contents of this journal."
Swallowing hard, I nodded as I flipped to the next page of the journal.
I just wished to make one thing clear:
I work for no one. NO ONE. I was always a free agent.
I did not work for Seeker, willingly, in any case. It seems when this organization sees someone or something they want, they will have it at all costs. As such they found my work prolific enough to be used to their benefit, believing we were seeing eye to eye. It was a foolish prospect; I always stood alone and worked alone. They forced my hand. If I did not comply with their wishes to get a "proper" verdict in particular trials, they would eliminate me, considering they had already given me valuable insight to what their little organization was about, believing I would be on board with their mission.
A mistake, considering I had been prepared to backstab them for some time.
I never needed a forgery to win. I honestly, didn't care if the defendant was guilty or innocent. I only selected cases for the sake of elevating my status.
However, the more high profile a trial or case was the more Seeker benefits. Perhaps, that is why TL-5 turned out as it did.
It was a win-win situation. I represented a celebrity and won, and in turn the organization gets a more distrustful public. Not like I truly cared about their mission, but to bolster my career and live another day was cause for celebration. A cause for relief.
Did I want to use a forgery? Not in particular. But I believed in self preservation as Seeker sought guaranteed results. I was quite frankly insulted further by them, having to expend funds on these forgeries when I could win on sheer ability and exploitation of fundamental laws alone.
But not like it matters much now.
As much as I would have loved to ignore Seeker and disregard them entirely, they would destroy me. I had already seen it first hand with an acquaintance, I dare say.
If you don't believe this, go search the mysterious circumstances revolving around a fellow named Maxwell Miller. It was oh so clearly a murder, yet the authorities had the gall to label this as a suicide.
That's why you CANNOT trust the police. Many of those authoritarian pigs have been bought by Seeker.
OG folded her arms. "He forged evidence because of them? Bah...I don't believe it. He was too arrogant back then."
"Perhaps it was a ruse?"
She clicked her tongue in annoyance.
I guessed I understood. Kristoph always appeared pompous and prestigious. And well, if the games were accurate it seemed like he thought himself above everyone else and was out for number one. This could all be a lie to get me to believe in him and his goals. Even if his hand was forced, it didn't change the fact that an innocent man was killed years later because of it.
If he indeed was being honest, then they made an innocent person look guilty leading up to the tragedy to come...after all, I wouldn't want to die. And if the police weren't going to help, I suppose my hands would be tied...
Beyond that, Maxwell Miller...the name sounded familiar. I couldn't remember the details, though. I would ask Miles whenever he showed up, since he was such a nerd and usually reading the daily paper being more in the know than me.
Moving on, I turned the page, fingers twitching in excitement:
They were fools to believe I could be trusted. Rule of thumb: Don't trust someone who doesn't trust others. You'll be betrayed, I guarantee it. Regardless, by placing their misguided trust in me, they kept me in the loop regarding certain missions.
I heard all about your involvement in the mansion massacre. How nearly every single one of those murdered was in reality a member of Seeker. Well, turncoats anyway. They tried to sell out the organization, tried to escape, or had defected at some point. They weren't killed for "being bad people" as what was fed to the authorities. Seeker even had the nerve to give such nonsense to the man they contracted to murder them. They laughed about it behind his back, called him a naive moron.
Wait, what? Was he seriously saying that all the people killed at the mansion were Seeker members?! In other words, the people there weren't just simply "bad" people. Just traitors to Seeker. And J was just a pawn? I mean, the dude was nuts, but he was incredibly clever. And if someone like that was used...just what are these people like? I turned to the next pages.
It's not a very good idea to lie to an assassin, I'd say. Especially not one so unpredictable. Besides, most assassins have their own moral codes. And I imagine if he discovers he's been lied to, it won't be a good day for someone in this organization. They seemed to be satisfied with how he ended up in prison...they didn't lift a finger to get him out or anything. Heh...it would have been better for them to have him killed, in my opinion. But my assumption is that Seeker themselves is most likely too afraid to go after him directly.
His true identity and his past are virtually unknown, but he is known for hits that are considered to be works of art on the blackmarket. Because there isn't much info on him, there's not much Seeker can do to blackmail or threaten him with.
His hits are ferocious and if he were to strike against Seeker, they would deserve every inch of his wrath, nothing more nothing less. They deserve the same dirty treatment they impose on others. If possible, I would try to exploit him and use him to your advantage if you ever cross paths again. He could be a valuable tool in tearing them down.
Now, that had got me sweating. The night of the mansion party was rife with all sorts of madness. I can still barely believe it all happened and that I managed to pull that out of my ass to save the rest of us. I know J surely would have killed all of us without hesitation if we failed the game. But he kept his word and didn't kill us on the spot after my explanation. So maybe he was crazy, but within his own limitations. ...I still wouldn't want to test that again if I didn't have to.
Seeker might be dangerous, but messing with a man like that might as well been playing with fire. Or no, rather a volcano waiting to erupt. He did seem to not like the idea of bad people getting away with their crimes back then. I couldn't imagine him being happy about being misled.
Honestly, how could I use someone like that? I wouldn't want to be anywhere near him after that ordeal! But...maybe I could get his attention with more games or something. That's if I even met that nutter again. If I could even find him. Or if I even wanted to meet again. I really didn't want to have anything to do with a killer. I hoped Kristoph hadn't implied me causing him to murder members of the organization. I sure as hell wouldn't do that. I'd like to stay out of jail and be as blood free as possible.
Unfortunately, I can't say I know too much about mass quantity of operatives under Seeker. Identities are well concealed for the most part. Everyone has been vetted and a good sum manipulated.
I flipped to the next pages.
What I do know, is about the Big Five. The leaders of the organization. Though, their true identities are concealed, they are often referred to by an alias. Here they are as follows:
1. The Iron Noble
2. The Shadow
3. The Bronze Baron
4. The Fortuna
5. The Dynamo
Stupid titles, as you can see. But I digress. I know only a little about them as a whole. Together, I'm fairly certain some of them, if not all of them must have positions of power. They have far too much funding and reach to suggest otherwise. Secondly, their reach extends beyond law- going even into entertainment, business, and medicine. How do I know? I've managed to overhear a few things about the organizations lovely donors who have had their hands tied. Or those willing to pay for a certain result. I couldn't catch any names besides Meraktis, however.
Now, I believe I was "chosen" by the Iron Noble to play a role in this little organization. I've never met or seen them; they make all of their contact through other members. The Iron Noble seems to have the most power and control over others. Everyone succumbs to their wishes. Even the other 4 of the big 5. They're called the Iron Noble simply because they are malicious and rule with an iron fist. From some smack talk I've heard, it's also because they like to pretend to be of some nobility as well. It's laughable. Those with class and pedigree status never flaunt. I can say with assuredness, that this Iron Noble is only a petty commoner. Perhaps, someone who came to power through luck or connections. And the odds are, quite a bit of blackmail.
As for the shadow...I loathe them. Many don't even believe that they're real, but it's no myth. I've encountered them twice and somehow lived to tell the tale. But if you're reading this, the odds are I was caught by the shadow. Whoever it is. It's unexplainable...they're just like some sort of specter or phantom...they've appeared in places where I've locked and hidden myself away and I've no clue as to how. I'll have to admit it is a chilling experience, because there's a feeling that you're always watched. You're never safe. And you constantly must keep an eye over your shoulder. It doesn't matter if you're around people. They're watching. Always. If you so much as dare imply that you're with Seeker, or are being blackmailed or threatened overtly... rest assured they'll find you. And end you. It's rumored that once you've seen The Shadow, your time is coming to a close...and it's in part why I decided to write. Whatever you do, you must absolutely keep a low profile to avoid being hunted by The Shadow.
For the few lower end operatives I managed to wrangle any words out of, The Bronze Baron is a thug. Plain and simple. They were not employed for their brains, just sheer brutality. It seems that if someone is a lower level threat, the Baron will give them a rousing "pep talk" which may include leveling your property, threatening to expose you to the tabloids, harming your friends and family... to encourage them to do their job. If that fails...let's just say you won't be seen anymore. Vanished away by some freak accident. They're an enforcer type.
Now, The Fortuna...I did acquire a delectable piece of information about them. They apparently are a remnant of the Borginian smuggling ring, who managed to slip away from Interpol's inquiries. I can only imagine that they know quite a deal about how dirty organizations are run. I wouldn't be surprised if this person was a finance manager of sorts for Seeker.
The Dynamo from my impression of them, they seemed to be respected the least out of the big 5. I was told that they would fit the description of "loser" pretty well. Doesn't seem to make any large decisions, and succumbs easily to The Fortuna and Brozen Baron. The other top two are a given. But The Dynamo seems like a dog who's been kicked many times. If this is truly the case, I couldn't fathom why they would employ someone so useless to lead the organization. My best guess, is that the loser motif is an act and perhaps they have some hidden abilities the rest of us aren't aware of. Or perhaps, they're a source of funding.
"What...the hell?" asked OG, sweating bullets. "What is this shit? Are we in some comic book or something? This is unbelievable!"
"Actually, we're in a game," I replied matter of fact. "But..." I couldn't disagree. This was crazy. We were being told about some organization with 5 leaders with weird code names with different roles who...wanted to collapse the law...
"But wait...why would this shadow thing go for him and not the Baron? Baron seems like a HULK SMASH type," I mused aloud.
"This can't be real, it's just too absurd."
It did sound nutso. How far gone was Kristoph when he was writing this? But then again, this was Ace Attorney where the weird stuff was very real and possible. This would be a waste of his time to lie to me about it. I felt like the crazier something was here, the more real it was so...I changed my mind and flipped to the next pages.
That's as much as I can say about those five. As for other operatives, they're spread out all over the world, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were plenty in Los Angeles more than I know of at the moment.
You may be wondering why the Shadow came for me instead of the Baron... I wasn't just a regular mook to the organization. And that type of intimidation didn't work on me. I would decimate any uncultured swine in a heartbeat. When the organization learned I failed with getting Wright's badge...you can take a guess at what happened. They weren't pleased. And they thought I wasn't pulling my weight...and they were right. Not like I was an actively willing participant...and then the shadow came.
One day at home, I had turned around to see a figure immersed in black standing before me...telling me to die before vanishing in front of me. I don't know how it was done. But they were there. I saw them.
I couldn't sleep after that. I spent many days and nights awake, with the lights on, wondering when they'd be back.
With every creak.
With every thud.
With every bump.
I locked myself in. I could not go to the police for who would believe me? Not like the police could be trusted anyway. And who would even want to help me after that trial? Not even my brother trusted me at this point. But I had no other choice. Someone needed to know about them. The shadow. I called him over.
He thought me mad when I answered my door. But it didn't matter. I told him how it was watching everything. And to be wary of it.
...Ah, and he spoke of that girl. Misham. I didn't have any role to play in her mysterious disappearance. Though, maybe that's what the police like to think and want others to think.
I will be blunt: she's better dead to me than alive. But seeing as how Wright didn't lose his badge it's rather pointless now. I have no need for her or her father. It's more likely that The Shadow or one of their henchmen took her. Probably to make public opinion of me sink even further. A smart move on their part. That said, I have no idea where she could be or what they plan on doing with her. If she's even alive.
Vera...if he really didn't do anything with her, just where was she? What was the organization doing with her if she was taken to make him look bad? There's no way they would kill her right? Would they sink so low to kill a child?
If Kristoph indeed was dead, why not just tell where Vera was? I totally believed him when he said she was better for him dead. Especially if the plot worked out, because that is what he wanted at first in the main story line. It would make no sense for him at this point to kidnap her. There's nothing to gain. Public opinion of his person was dropping as well.
On top of that, this shadow ...sounds awful. It almost doesn't sound real, minus the fact I thought maybe I saw something like it out of the corner of my eye that night at the Oceanic. Could he really have been watched by this shadow so much that it drove him crazy?
Though, if she is alive, I can't imagine the organization wants her for any good.
Moving on, I do know there is a headquarters for Seeker, but I don't know where it's hidden. However, meetings will often take place in various bars and clubs for us lower ranks when the organization wills us to do something. I've never met any of the big names in person, minus that awful shadow. But they'll send messengers to us if they don't wish to communicate directly for whatever reason.
If you're feeling risky, perhaps frequent some of the clubs and bars in LA at night. Maybe you'll see something worth while.
...But my time is short. This is all I can write before my final gambit.
His final gambit? What did he mean by that? He had something planned?
Their next hits will be in LA, that I'm sure of.
Again, guard this book with your life. And if something happens to it, memorize it front to back. Watch who you trust. AND DO NOT GO TO THE POLICE. Sure, there are "good" officers. But, there are just as many wolves in sheep clothing over there. When you start investigating the organization, you'll need blackmarket information. Obtaining it through the police, what little they have, is just idiotically marking a giant target on your back.
As much as I hate to recommend this, there is one person you can pump for information. He smells disgustingly of mint, wearing a hideous smile. Spark Brushel.
He may be an annoying reporter, but he has accumulated knowledge on a few things Seeker related. Contact him and ask about Atrarix Pharmaceuticals. It was the one lead I managed to discover. Use it to your advantage.
I'm afraid this is all I can provide. This will be no easy task. Seeker is well wired and well funded. Its frightened and blackmailed a good majority of its members into submission...and it's a large network. To chase them is to put yourself at risk...but by not acting you'll be at greater risk. You and everyone you know. And I imagine if you want to find that girl again, the answer lies with Seeker.
The only way their reign will end is if the law remains supreme. They don't look for loopholes like I do, but want to break it apart to a simplistic system to put any agenda through that is desired. People like that must be shown, what true power is. They don't respect the law, so you must make them respect it. Show them that there will be consequences. But it might require a reworking of the current frame work in which our courts are active. Perhaps more European in nature.
However, even after that, you'd have to dismantle the organization, through taking down its leaders. It won't rest until the Iron Noble is put to rest.
You must not succumb to them and their threats. DON'T. You'll end up like me and the others and if you want to play this game to win...watch your back. Use your head. And use others to your advantage. For me the only thing that could defeat a large network of dedicated followers would be another large network of dedicated followers...
Do what you must.
...And tell Klavier it was for his own good and I stand by my choice.
Watch your back. Don't disappoint me.
-Kristoph Gavin
With that, the journal seemed to run out of words midway through. I flipped beyond where the words stopped, but there was nothing but blank pages.
"Bah! The nerve of him telling you not to disappoint him! What a lowlife! He's asking US for a favor, doing his bidding of chasing this...this..." OG was red in the face as she balled up her hands into fists. "Madness!"
That's exactly what it sounded like. I was supposed to bring down an evil organization to fight the dark age of the law? ...I mean, could I even dream of doing something like that? Something that authorities hadn't done yet? Well, if what Kristoph was saying was true, it sounded like people in the police department were working with Seeker, and maybe were muddling the investigations into the organization. . . Would this be the only way to find Vera?
On top of that, I'd have to ask Spark Brushel, a guy I didn't want to meet in a million years cause of how annoying he looked in the games...and get information on some pharmaceutical that was a lead. What would that have to do with Seeker? He wasn't just grasping for straws was he? Being desperate?
Yet, I couldn't call it madness entirely...I swore I saw something that night at the Oceanic. A glimpse in the corner my eye of black. And the sounds to accompany it...
And furthermore, what did he mean by 'tell Klavier it was for his own good and I stand by my choice'? Not like I could tell Klavier all things considered but...what could he have meant by that? That at least sounded Kristoph like. Distant and unreachable. It was amazing how those two were from the same family.
I closed the book. My head was spinning with all the information thrown my way.
"So what are you planning to do with this thing?" she asked once she had finally cooled off.
"I think for now...I'm going to just hold on to it for me."
"You're not going to show it anyone?"
"Hmm. That doesn't strike me as smart right now. We got it illegally for starters. Using a teenager, again," I said, adjusting my glasses sweating. I couldn't imagine Miles taking her 2nd illegal act so well. And I would prefer he'd continue to be nice to me at the moment. "I'll think on it. But I don't plan on showing this until the time is right. If we are going to be suspected of murder like you think, we might as well use it as an ace in the hole."
Plus, Kristoph wrote to not trust the police and I might want to take that into consideration.
"Fair enough," she shrugged. "Miles would probably kill you when he figured out where it came from."
Just imagining that reaction was enough to make me keep my mouth shut. "We already died once. Who wants to die again anytime soon?"
"Well, you do know I'm just a hallucination, right?"
"Huh?" But we made the deal. I knew what she wanted. We talked about it in the Twilight Inn place and everything.
She sighed as she placed her hands on her hips. "Why else does no one else see me, moron?"
"...Oh." Crap. I really was losing mind, wasn't I?
"I might have taken the back seat again, but I'm really residing on the inside. In your head. You're feeling my inclinations, but at the end of the day you're just imagining everything you'd think I'd say," OG said as she took a moment to press her glasses up further on her nose. "So if Miles does kill you, you're honestly on your own there, bucko."
How encouraging. "Gee. Thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Not counting my conversation with OG, all was quiet. Nurses and doctors popped in here and there, but I had no visitors at the moment. I figured Miles would come sooner than later, but until then I was a cross of bored and anxious. There was nothing to do in the dumb hospital besides watch TV, which had nothing but crap on it. Annoyed, and out of the mind numbing boredom I gave into the calls of the limited selection of television channels that did not have Catfish. At least at Miles' house there was cable. Not just this soap opera daytime TV.
"The truth is...I've been sleeping with Loretta."
"What?!" The olive skinned man barked. "Y..you couldn't have! You lowlife bastard!"
On the screen appeared a lavish office, with large book collection, fancy artwork hanging on the wall, and a giant fortress of a desk polished to perfection. One man was standing behind the desk, his hands pressing into it with such force I wouldn't be surprised if he left an indentation. He was had a little bit of a tan, and a bulky, muscular frame.
The blond man, stood on the opposite side of the desk, rubbing his neck uncomfortably.
"Sorry, but maybe if you treated her better we wouldn't be here."
"Ha! Well, you're one to talk because I got something to tell you too if we're clearing the air!" the man behind the desk snapped, laughing in spite. "I've been sleeping with your wife!"
The blond's jaw dropped. "No!"
"And your Gabriel? He's not even your son! He's mine! In fact, both your boys are!" the man behind the desk pointed.
"That's...that's..."
"Ask her, Johnny boy! Ask her whose boys they are!" he closed in the man with menace that the blond started to cower. "And on top of that it was me who framed your sister!"
The screen faded to black, as the narrator spoke. "Stayed tuned to find out what happens next time on...The Good, The Bad, and The Dirtiest."
I sighed, slipping the book behind my pillow. (Well, he one upped you there, buddy. He was the real daddy.)
"Do people actually like this?" asked OG.
"I might watch this ironically. But some people would watch this all seriousness," I yawned.
I closed my eyes. Like I thought, TV wasn't going to keep my attention. I was tired anyway and was still thinking about everything Kristoph had left. I'd at first needed to see if he was crazier than me and confirm some things before following through with...whatever insane revenge mission. For now, I would try to get some more rest so I could get out of here fast.
May 21st, 12:45 PM
Hicksfield Clinic, Patient Room 201
"You need to eat," Miles said.
I folded my arms as I coughed. "Dude, look at that stuff. It looks like a strange substance from an extraterrestrial world!"
By the time Miles had come over, I had been awake for an hour. Well, I had been asleep off and on. Technicians kept waking me up to do it was around lunchtime the nurses had brought me this substance, that could barely be called food. A bowl of soup, and some weird brown sticky thing I poked with a fork and green jello sat on the tray in front of me. Besides, taking tentative sips of the funny tasting soup, the only thing I touched was the jello and my apple juice.
Even though the food sucked, the good news was I got more info beyond the journal. Before he showed up I did reach out to Spark Brushel, inquiring about the Atrarix pharmaceutical company. I was grateful it wasn't in person. Who knew that you could smell cloying mint through the phone? Gross.
Anyway, he mentioned that a pristine and fabulous looking man had approached him on the same topic. He said that Atrarix was an average pharmaceutical. Nothing special. Not doing poorly. Not doing amazingly. But lately, they had come into a lot of money. Though, the mystery is where it all came from. Nobody knows where, but the money would definitely help advance their research into viruses and creating cures for them. It would put them ahead of their competitors. Of course, the guy wouldn't get off my back, so I had to give him a scoop in exchange. Not wanting to call out Seeker directly, I just dropped that something called the Dark Age was in the works.
So, a financial trail...since they had suddenly received a large sum of money, I would assume that Seeker gave it to them. They must have had some sort of exchange. Join our organization and we'll give you cash you need to run your competition to the ground or something. Or we give you money and you...give us loyalty? Give us...
Hm. What would they want with it, if they were providing them money? ...I'd have to try to look into it on a computer when I got the chance.
"You're so spoiled," the demon prosecutor sighed.
"Spoiled? What's so bad about wanting food that doesn't look like someone threw up on my plate?" I retorted. Then I got an idea. I picked up my spoon and shoveled the brown stuff on and offered it to Miles. "Here, if I'm gonna eat this stuff I want to know what it tastes like."
"Using me to check for poison?"
"I mean, if you want me to eat it, I think it's only fair."
"It can't be that bad." Gray eyes viewed the food in mild curiosity. He walked over to the spoon and tried his luck. Within in seconds, he backed up and coughed. "What...is this?!"
I laughed, grateful that I didn't try it. "What's it taste like?"
Face scrunched in disgust, he folded his arms. "It's as though someone took gravel, and to mask how it it was rocky they threw expired gravy over it."
"Ew..." I said placing the spoon down the tray.
"Don't even try it," he said. "I take it back. Maybe you should ask for fruit or cereal or instead."
"Heheh, thank you lord guinea pig."
Miles only scowled at that, complaining about the rank taste destroying his delicate senses. If I was spoiled, he was most definitely a diva. I was about to make fun of him for it, but that's when I remembered that thing in the journal about the dead guy Kristoph knew.
"Hey, did you see the news about that guy? I think, Maxwell Miller, the other day?"
"Yes," he said, strumming his finger on his arm. "It was rather unpleasant just hearing the details."
"So, you don't think it was really a suicide?" I pressed. If anyone could see past any paranoia or madness, it would be Miles. He was pretty the sane man in basically every situation known to man. And if Kristoph was full of shit in his writing, this would help point it out.
"Absolutely not," he huffed looking at me with a look that screamed you're nuts to think otherwise. "It'd would be quite the feat to shoot yourself point blank in the head when your arms have been torn from your body, don't you think?"
(Holy shit! A headshot sure, but his arms?! Torn from his body?!)
I started to sweat bullets. How awful. That was one of the worst things I'd heard in a while. "What?! I missed all the details, but seriously that was labeled a suicide?"
"I don't know what they were thinking during that investigation, but it's madness to label that anything besides murder," he paused. "But they claimed the gun had his prints all over it. Additionally, the room was locked from the inside."
"Uh...where were his arms?"
"Across the room," Miles said. "If he wasn't going to die from the bullet, the blood loss alone would have done him in."
Damn. Kristoph wasn't kidding. He wasn't lying...Seeker had shot a guy and ripped his arms off? Wouldn't a bullet have sufficed? And they got the police to mark it as a suicide? What did this guy do to incite that type of wrath? Or perhaps what didn't he do was the better question...
"Why the sudden curiosity? You're normally not interested in most cases on the news."
"Ah," I began to lie. "I'm bored, man. The TV I've had on for a while and they mentioned it on the news. It was more interesting than the dumb soap opera I had been forced to witness."
"Those soap operas are draining," he complained. "Who is having so and so's baby or who's sleeping with who or who's laundering the company's money..."
"You've seemed to watch a great deal of them, huh?"
"Don't get any ideas," he said arms folded. "I hate them."
(Suuuuuuuuuuureeeeeeeeeee. But I mean, isn't The Steel Samurai one big soap opera at the end of the day?)
"But not the Steel Samurai?"
There was a sudden sharpness to his glance. "The Steel Samurai is a work of art with masterful writing, unlike the trash seen on soap operas. Don't you dare compare it to that nonsense."
I snickered. He was SO defensive over anything Steel Samurai related, it was amusing. "Okay, but what about the episode where the Evil Magistrate kidnaps the Pink Princess and then it's revealed the Magistrate was really her long lost brother?"
"First of all, that plot twist was executed well, unlike soap operas who are running out of ideas, deciding to throw spaghetti at the wall with shocks. Secondly, the Steel Samurai is an action/adventure and it's realistically not going to limit itself to fight scenes, as we need background and reasons to emotionally connect with characters. Thirdly-"
Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.
Oh thank goodness! It was my phone. If not for the interruption, Miles would have lectured me about the various plot points in the Steel Samurai that made it superior to other shows for who knows how long! I had covered my mouth to prevent myself from laughing. I was just kidding around, but he took my prodding seriously sometimes when it came to particular issues. That was one of them. Though, I did have to admit to myself it was kinda cute, even if it sometimes drove me up a wall.
The demon prosecutor went to the stand and passed it over since the tray of strange food was in my way. Answering, I pressed the somewhat chilly device to my ear. "Hello?"
"Lyn! Nick told me what happened and are you alright?!"
Yikes! She was about to bust my eardrum out! "Hey Maya. I'm guido. No needo to worryo."
The girly voice on the other end exhaled. "Thank god! What happened sounds awful...I'm sorry, I can't be over to see you. Right now, I'm watching Trucy and Pearls."
"That's alright, thanks for the call anyway," I said smiling. It was always nice to hear from her. "What are they up to?"
"Trucy is showing Pearls a magic trick involving balloons, a rubber duck and mayonnaise...I honestly have no idea what's happening."
"Sounds exciting?" I wondered what on earth that could be.
"Something like that," she sighed. "But it's nice having her over. It's like Pearls has a sister she can relate to now."
"Aww," I could see that considering I doubt Pearl knew Iris and well she sure as hell wouldn't want to know her other crazy deceased half sister. It must have been nice for the two of them to connect.
"Guys, no, no knives!" She seemed to be away from the phone. "Err, sorry Lyn. I gotta go. Trucy wants to take this trick to the next level. But get well soon! I'll talk to you later!"
"Thanks, don't have too much fun over there," I chuckled. "See ya."
As I was hanging up, I could hear a lot of commotion in the background...hopefully everything was alright over there. Miles took the phone and returned to the stand. "What's going on?"
"Not much, Maya was just checking up on me in addition to dealing with two mischievous children."
"After dinner with those two, I can only imagine."
Oh yeah. And they were with Maya? Without a doubt it was a mess at this very instant...
There was a knock on the door. Looking over, I could see it was the doc coming in. "How are you doing, Lyn?"
"Good. Good," I said as pleasantly as I could. I was really tired of hospitals at this point, but I was appreciative of their efforts for helping me not die.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Like a log." I slept as well as anyone could being woken up to do blood tests and exercises at random hours.
"I can see Mr. Edgeworth is here. Has anyone else visited today?"
This was a trick question. The real truth was no, I had seen OG earlier. She seemed to take a break after my nap. But being the genius I was, I decided to keep my mouth shut. I think the sleep helped me feel slightly less off the wall.
"Naw. Just him and his grandpa like ways," I grinned. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see he was glaring at me. Hehe.
The doc, stroked his chin. "Well, always good to have company."
"Yes, even if they nag you like your mom," I said.
The snow white haired man chuckled. "That so?"
"Yeah! Even when I'm not sick, he's always like go to sleep, go get something to eat, stop bothering me! Hehe."
I looked at Miles who was a combination of flustered and annoyed with me. Seriously, who needs TV when you can watch his gold reactions?
"Glad to see you better today," Attric, took a quick note on a pad he pulled from his jacket. "How's your breathing?"
"Um. Better, but still kinda rough." This morning after running some tests, they decided to take out the tubes which was nice. They were uncomfortable and I had started breathing better by myself. Somewhat labored at times, but my body could manage by itself maybe once my brain kicked back on. And I did my best to ignore it, but I was pretty stuffy. I could go a decent period without hacking up my lungs, but when it started up it was difficult to stop. The annoying part was that even though it sorta hurt, I had to cough up the yucky stuff so my lungs wouldn't end up infected. It was really nothing new, minus the whole death part. I've had pneumonia before and it wasn't fun.
"I see, nothing to worry about, as it's normal," he paused, taking another note. "If it's alright with you, I think it's safe to let you go home Tuesday."
"Really?"
"We'll see how the rest of the day goes, but after viewing your charts, I think some rest will help clear the major issues of your lungs. We'll give you some more antibiotics that will assist in recovery as well."
"Woo!" I coughed, having shouted too hard.
"Mr. Edgeworth, may I get a word with you outside?"
He nodded as he followed the doctor out into the hall, giving me a dirty look on the way out. I stuck my tongue out in jest.
But yes! I was glad to be outta here soon! I could eat regularly food and sleep...and watch TV that didn't suck! And well, think more of what to do for this Seeker situation. Sitting in this hospital room sorta made me anxious. I never liked feeling trapped anywhere or by anyone and that was the nature of hospitals. Sitting you down to make you get better, but usually not in comfort nor familiarity. It was pretty noisy with the machines and nurses, cleaning crew, doctors and all sorts of people coming in at random times to draw blood, do tests, exercises...and frankly it was just annoying. You couldn't rest fully like that. But I never knew anyone who ever would choose to stay in the hospital as opposed to their house. I wasn't any exception.
When Miles came back, he was alone. "So what they say?"
He paused before answering, as though he were deliberately choosing his words. He took a seat. "That you'll need a lot of rest and that I'll have to make sure you get it."
Hm. That was too obvious. What they really said, he didn't seem to want to tell me. I mean, of course, I needed sleep and rest and all that good shit. Meh. Whatever it was it just meant that he'd be watching me more closely when we got home. And I couldn't do too much stupidity like I usually did. Tch. I'd have to review the contents of the journal after he left today. It was gonna be a bit more difficult to hide at his place.
But no matter, it would be good to be back where I felt like I belonged.
Date?, Time ?
Location?
I'm at this...pool party. It's at this indoor pool. The tiles on the ground are white and blue, with the walls having this weird blue tint to them. The pool itself is a pretty decent size. I'm not entirely sure why I came. I don't like water...But it's crowded. There's a lot of people here. I feel a little out of place, to be honest. I mosey around for a bit, unsure of what to do with myself.
"Lyn! Over here!" a familiar voice calls to me. I turn my head towards the opposite end of the pool. It's Maya excitedly waving me down from across the way. She's with Phoenix, Miles, Larry, Pearls, and Trucy. A wave of relief washes over me. I do know people here after all!
I walk over to the group of them, with a smile.
"You made it!" cheered Maya, giving me a warm hug.
"Yeah, kinda got lost on the way here," I laugh.
"It took you long enough," snarks Miles.
"Yes, I'm sorry Mr. Punctual. I like being fashionably late," I quip back.
"Don't mind him," says Phoenix. "He's just upset me and Larry outclass him when it comes to swimming."
"Totally, Lyny! We gotta show you our moves!" Larry says giving the thumbs up, with a drink in hand.
Miles looks at him with suspicion. "What moves?" It looks like he's ready to have Larry's head on a stick at a moments notice.
"Hi auntie Lyn!" says Trucy.
"Mr. Edgeyworth is treating you right, Ms. Lyn?"
"Hey, guys. Good to see you too. And yes, Pearls. Don't worry about it, I've whipped him into shape," I wink.
"What was that?"
"...Nothing," I say with a sheepish grin. "Uh, actually where are the drinks? I'm gonna need one."
"Right over there. The judge is actually a great bartender!" Maya says.
I turn to the back. The judge is standing at this white clothed table with punch. Huh. It seems the judge has a knack for drinks too? Weird, but okay. Maybe this was his second job. I'm a little confused, but I shrug it off as I head over...until something grabs hold of my leg.
"H-huh?"
It's Trucy. "Trucy? What are you doing...?"
But she doesn't answer, she just keeps gripping my leg with a lifeless expression. Then Pearls grabs my other leg, holding me in place. Soon enough, I feel hands grabbing both of my arms, dragging me back towards the pool. The children had let go of me, laughing at me. Turning my head, I see it was Maya, Larry, Phoenix, and Miles. "W-what the hell? What are you doing?"
But none of them answer. They just smirk as we approach the pool. I struggle to break the hold, but the four of them clamp into me like leeches. "Let me go! Let go of me!"
"Thanks for being a good sacrifice!" Maya grins with a creepy expression.
"What? Sacrifice?" I'm being forced into the pool. Looking behind me once more, I see a few people already standing there as if they were waiting for me...
"Yep! You're the best Lyny! You're saving us all!"
"What the hell are you talking about? Let me go! I can't swim!" I flail my legs, pressing them against the floor as much as I can.
"But you've saved me before," says Phoenix. "What's one more time...?"
"Let go...!"
"You wouldn't do it? Not even for me...?" Miles asks.
"Why are you do-"
I can't complete the thought. My legs give out as they push and push until I'm in the arms and hands of the people already in the pool with a splash. I panick, flailing once more, but the monsters lying in wait take my arms and legs and force me backwards under the water. I cough and scream, but I can't get back up for air. I see the faces of them all watching in delight. Watching as I drown like it were some fantastic spectacle. They push me down farther and farther and farther...
May 29th, Time ?
Miles' Bedroom
I sat up gasping for air. I clutched my chest, as if doing so would somehow help me to recapture the air I had lost. My eyes opened to darkness, with faint outlines of the furniture nearby cast off by the dim light of the moon shining through the cracks of the blind.
I was home. I was home. I was home. I was home, I breathed adjusting to the surroundings.
I wasn't...
I continued to pant, trying to push the dread out of my mind and my body. With care not to wake up Miles who was still asleep, I shakily stood up and climbed out of bed.
Water. I needed it. With my dry mouth, I groped around to find my way out and into the bathroom, where I closed the door behind and flicked the light switch. I gripped the knob for the sink, letting cool water flow out. Without hesitation, I splashed it all over my face, as if it would purify me of these horrid dreams. My heart was still pounding, but the water made me feel a little less shaky.
At first, I was excited to be out of the hospital. I hated that sanitary smelling place. I had been at home with Miles for a bit after the hospital discharged me with some medicine. Stuff for the pneumonia and...for the hallucinations, which he hadn't mentioned to me until later. And things were fine until nighttime.
I'd have that dream over and over again. I didn't know what it was about, but it freaked me the hell out. Why was everyone I knew drowning me? Some sort of sacrifice? The hell did that mean? ...Perhaps I shouldn't have kept reading Kristoph's journal so much. It only started after I began reading and ruminating on it. But I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. It had info that I needed.
I sighed. I couldn't really catch a break, could I? Here I was in the middle of the night, running from creepy dreams and chasing crazy conspiracies...
I wished that dream would stop so I could rest...I only felt more tired after going to bed, or trying to lately. I hadn't slept well for days. It had only been very temporary, when I did rest. I'd go to bed early, only to wake up in the middle of the night from that nightmare. And it unsettled me so that I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night. I'd stay up until morning, until I saw the sunrise, that made me feel more safe that nothing could harm me.
And I don't think that was helping the hallucinations.
OG wasn't around as much. She had been replaced by a far more terrifying figure. It almost made me long for her presence, for at least she could yell at me to snap out of my funky moods.
I'm not sure how long I stood there playing with the water, but it took some time before I decided to turn it off. Directly in front of the sink was the mirror. Looking into it, I looked pretty awful. The bags under my eyes were visible and prominent. And my eyes themselves, were a burning red.
It all made me feel guilty. Because I woke up panicked, I would inadvertently wake Miles up in the process. I didn't mean to. I knew he wanted to go to work soon, but because of how I was he was worried... and he hadn't been back in a few days. I wished he would just go, so I wouldn't have to be a burden to him. Was I always going to be a source of worry? Why couldn't I just snap out of it? I knew that none of it was real...None of it was real.
"That's what you think."
In the mirror, behind me was a draped figure wrapped from head to toe in black, face completely covered by a mask and hood.
I froze. "Go away you...you thing-"
"You know exactly who I am. And soon, I'm coming for you."
"Ha...ha..." It was harder for me to breathe again. "N-no..."
"You might not have perished the last time, but this time surely you will."
"No. No. This isn't real. It's not real..." I yelled the figure. "Y..you're...not real!"
"Really?" The gloved hand reached out behind me, and wrapped around my neck, tightening little by little. "Does this feel fake to you?"
"S...sto...p!" I forced out, with my own hands trying to peel the ape like hand off of my neck, feeling the passage of air obstructed by the force. "S..stop..." I coughed.
But as I asked for mercy, the grip continued to squeeze my neck, like they were trying pop a balloon. I clawed at the hands, desperate for it to end...desperate to end it...
There was a loud knock on the door. "Lyn?"
I gasped from the abruptness of the rapping.
"I'll be back..." the shadow laughed, releasing it's hold over me. I grabbed hold of the sink, coughing as I looked into the mirror that now only held my image within it.
Slowly, the door opened. It was Miles, as I saw from the reflection. . . As if it could be anyone else. I continued to cough harshly, as I collected my bearings. "H-hey, did I wake you?" I managed to get out.
"I heard yelling," he said quietly, stepping close to me.
Closing my eyes, in a feeble attempt to collect myself. "...I'm sorry."
"Did you have that dream again?"
I nodded, turning to face him. "Yeah. I came in here to cool off, but I guess it didn't go as planned."
He frowned. "Were you seeing things?"
I couldn't answer, instead biting my lip. He must have already thought I was crazy. And I didn't want to talk about it.
Miles sighed, as he got a closer look at me, lightly touching my neck. "What happened?"
"Huh?"
"You're bleeding a little," he said, reaching for a towel.
H-had I done that? The hallucination felt so real, like I was actually choking to death. And instinctively I was fighting to protect myself...causing me to claw my own damn neck in the process.
I didn't dare move, wondering if I could trust myself in this moment, just opting to watch as he placed the white cloth under the water of the sink, lathering with a bit of soap. How I wanted my issues to be the bubbles that started to form. Just to be able to pop all the scary things with the flick of a finger.
Miles was silent as he rung out the cloth, wiping the afflicted area. I flinched, feeling the sting of my self made injury. Perhaps, I really should trim my nails soon. Just so I don't accidentally claw my own throat out. Ha. Ha. Ha...
Once he was finished, he set it aside leaving it in the tub. He looked at me with an inscrutable expression. It was...a bit scary to see now. I had grown accustomed to being able to better read him, but to not be able to figure it out, especially now was nerve-wracking, seeing as how I was acting so...perturbed.
"I'm sorry," I said once more, not knowing what else to say or do.
With a tired look, he placed a gentle hand on my head. "It's not your fault."
And yet, it felt like it was. I was being an inconvenience. And I couldn't figure out how to make it stop. I had been taking the medicine but they didn't seem to working. Was it not strong enough? Because of that I had to wonder, was it just a hallucination?
"I should just stay in the other room, so I don't wake you up."
"No, you wake up in a panic," Miles said. "...and I understand what it's like to experience nightmares."
Right. Couldn't forget the DL-6 nightmares. And I couldn't imagine what it was like to dream of murdering your dad. And to have it follow you for so many years. I hoped this wouldn't follow me...
Anxious, I played with my fingers.
"Let's go back to bed," he suggested.
I shook my head. I couldn't find the strength in me to move my legs. I didn't want to go back. If I stayed awake I could stave off the insanity for a bit longer. When I went to sleep who knows what I'd wake up to next time. I could anticipate the stupid dream. But the hallucinations...
"You can't stay up the whole night. You won't get any better without rest," Miles coaxed.
Would rest really help? Why did I feel worse with it? I knew I needed it but, it felt like it was killing me. Yet, we needed sleep to stay alive and to function. It was the worst catch 22 in my experience. One way or another I was dying on the inside.
"I don't want to." The thought of it made me sicker than I already was. "I can't."
"Lyn..." Miles said as though he were sick himself. He wrapped his arms around me. "I'm here. I'm sorry I can't do anymore than this for you, but I'm here." He was clumsy with his words when it came to things like this, but I understood what he meant. He was my lighthouse in the middle of the storm. I held on, without letting go for some time, not willing to stray from that sense of security.
"You don't have to go through it alone," he said. "I'll be there."
"Alright," I exhaled. I was still fearful of the nightmare, but when he was around I was able to go back to reality.
With great reluctance, I slowly pulled away from Miles ready to try once more. I took a step outside of the bathroom, watching him turn off the light. He placed a hand on my upper back, stroking it lightly as together we walked back to bed.
May 31st, 8:30 AM
My Living Room
"Will you be okay by yourself?" I asked her again.
"Yeah, don't worry about me. I'll be hanging with Pess," Lyn said laying her hand on her soft furry coat. Pess was lying down next to her on the couch, now starting to lick her hand.
It had been a couple of days and finally, things appeared to be getting better. Not on a massive scale, but progress was progress. I was grateful she was at least sleeping more. But while Lyn wouldn't say it, I knew she was still seeing things.
Before she was discharged, the doctor informed me that these hallucinations were more likely than not permanent. They prescribed medication for it, but besides that little could be done. She would always be seeing...whatever it was that her mind had created.
And if the other night was any indication of how extreme these visions were, then I had every right to be, in Lyn's opinion overly concerned. Even though I had had hallucinations, I couldn't remember my experience. But I heard it all felt very real. And when I saw her bleeding, I knew it was real for her.
Every night she would wake up anxious. And I felt...useless. There was so little I could do and that was the most frustrating part. On top of that, I didn't feel good about how the police decided to question Lyn again, pressing for more details about the night of the murders. To me it was idiotic to try to drag that information out of her, when they still hadn't determined who was driving those cars who forced off the road. The ones who nearly robbed her of her life.
"And you're absolutely certain."
Lyn had been insisting nonstop for me to return to the prosecutor's office. While I was falling behind in some aspects, it was only secondary. I had to make sure she was alright or in the very least comfortable. I didn't like the idea of going for whole days. But I could understand what she was trying to do. She wanted to create normalcy and not to get in my way. Of course, that wasn't the case. It would be wrong to not look after someone who needed it and as much as I was dedicated to my career, the people around me were important if not more so. I wasn't going to go at all, but she was persistent. She was already agitated so I made a compromise, I would go but not for very long.
"Yes!" she coughed. I frowned, placing a hand on her forehead. She was a little warm. Perhaps, I should stay...
With a sigh, Lyn removed my hand from her head and squeezed it gently. She looked at me, flashing a smile. "I'm fine! Really. So, get going before you're late. I know how much you hate being late."
But Looking at her, she did appear in better health than yesterday. It was with reluctance that I nodded.
"...Alright, I won't be gone for long. Just an hour. Don't open the door for anyone, remember to take your medicine, there's food in the fridge and call me if you need anything," I said. "Anything."
"Jeez, mother dearest I know, I know," she said nearly laughing. "You're only gone for a little bit, right? So relax. I promise won't blow up the house, talk to strangers, or feed Pess my medicine. I swear."
Involuntarily, I flushed at the comment. Was I going overboard? ...Maybe it sounded a tad too protective. But again, I wanted her to be well...
In my embarrassment, Lyn had taken a moment to get up and start pushing or trying to push towards the front door. "Come on, come on."
I sighed. My uncertain feet, trudged along so she wouldn't over exert herself. I opened the door, turning back. "And don't forget to-"
She cut me off by pressing her lips forcefully against mine. It was a wonder I wasn't sick by now. When she was finished, she gave me quick peck on the cheek and gave me a final shove towards the door. "Bye, Miles!"
This woman was always a handful. But there wasn't anything I could do about her excess amounts of energy, even while sick. "...I'll see you later."
I stepped out with a final glance behind me. She was nothing but smiles, though I knew better. Behind it, was a ball of anxiety that struggled to become untangled. Locking up, I headed into the driveway to my car. Maybe going in, if only for a brief period would help clear my head about what to do...if I could do anything.
May 31st, 10:00 AM
Prosecutor's Office, 12th Floor
I checked my watch. As I thought, it was time to go. Time had went by rather fast as I tidied a bit and sorted a few papers I hadn't had the time to file away. I collected all the documents I needed from my desk and stuck them into my bag. If circumstances were different, I would have taken my time to look everything over. But I only trusted Lyn to a certain extent by herself at the moment.
Turning out the light, I stepped out of my office and locked the door behind me. I was about to head towards the stairs, but I was surprised by the sudden yells coming down the hall. I whipped my head to the right. What in the blazes was going on?
"GET DOWN! NOW!"
"What are you-"
"ON YOUR KNEES!"
I ran towards the noise, but just as quickly as I moved, just as fast did I stop dead in my tracks.
There were 6 armed gunmen in the hall, forcing other prosecutors to the floor on their knees. They were rather large men dressed in green army fatigues, holding semi automatics and pointing them at the terrified people on the ground.
(What...what is going on?!)
"Please! Don't do this!" screeched an older man, in a terrible choice of green, who looked vaguely familiar, though I couldn't place him. Maybe he was the janitor? "I got a wife and kids at home! I have more rookies to crush!"
"I told you to get your ass down on the ground!" one of the gunmen, with a bandana covering half his face, aggressively whipped the old man with the butt of the gun. The frail little man was hit in the head and sent flying into the wall behind him. Off balance, he groaned as he slid to the floor.
"H-hey!"
"Are you alright?!"
The people next to him tried to help the man up, as they checked on his injury.
"That's what'll happen to you if you don't obey the rules!" huffed the gunman.
"How could you harm an old man like that?" I found myself reacting in repugnance. Acts of violence were generally sickening to me, but I loathed it against those who couldn't defend themselves.
"Hm?" the bandana clad gunman turned to me. "Hey fellas, looks like we got another hero over here!"
The other 5 looked at me with sheer amusement. One with long dreadlocks smirked at me with a deadly look his eye. "That so? Well, what's a hero, without a fight?"
He approached me slowly. Dammit. I shouldn't have reacted. I should have slipped back to my room to phone the authorities. But it was too late for that. I didn't move, opting to stand my ground, though I was unsure of what was coming.
"Listen, buddy. We already had one hero earlier. It didn't work out too well for him. But since you haven't been informed...I'll go easy on you." He punched me with the strength of an ox. It was a direct blow to the face. I staggered backwards, covering my eye which was now throbbing. In pain, I had no defense nor preparation for the next blow to my stomach. I dropped to the ground, coughing.
"This was me being nice, buddy. Next time, I'm whipping Sally out," I heard him above me, gloating. "And she'll...really blow you away."
If I wasn't reeling from pain, I would have rolled my eyes. But I should be grateful they didn't do anything worse than that.
"Now, do as we say. Do that and you'll make it out of here alive. Probably," the one in the bandana spoke.
"Hey, Jacks, that one came from down the hall, and we ain't cleared it yet," said a gunman with a bad blond dye job, that seeped onto his pale white skin.
The one in the bandana, looked at the blond exasperated. "Well, what are you waiting for dumbass! We're rounding up all the flies on this floor!"
"Y-yes, Jacks!" he nodded as he and 2 other gunman marched down the hallway closer to where my office was.
Rounding people on the floor? This was clearly a hostage situation, but had they taken over the whole building? It couldn't be just this floor, could it? What was their aim? How many of these guys were there?
Jacks, the man with the bandana, and another man with giant sunglasses and a beard huddled into a small group, whispering something to themselves for a minute or so.
"Hey, Edgeworth sama," spoke a familiar voice not too far away. I looked up to be greeted with the grim expression of Simon, who was inching over to me with his hands behind his back. "Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine," I replied, ignoring my aggravated insides and what was most likely going to be a black eye. "Do you know what's going on? When did this start?"
"Besides the fact that we're being held hostage, I have little insight into the matter," he said quietly. "About 30 minutes ago, if I'm not mistaken."
They definitely started on the other end of the hall in that case. I hadn't heard a thing from my room. "But fear not, Edgeworth sama, I have a plan."
While I considered Simon a bright individual, his 'plans' tended to be outlandish. "What plan? You shouldn't try to mess around with these men, it's dangerous-"
"HEY, GORILLA!" Simon called.
"Simon!" I hissed. What the hell was he thinking, trying to provoke them?!
The three of them broke up their huddle to look at him. "Who said that?" Jacks snapped.
"It was I! This samurai challenges you to battle!" Simon said, hopping to his feet, holding his imaginary sword.
"Don't do this, Simon! Get down!" I yelled at him. But he ignored me, holding his attention solely on the man with the bandana.
"You think this is some sort of game...?" Jacks asked, turning red in the face. "Get back to the floor."
"You are simply a coward who relies upon the strength of brutes, to do his dirty work. You're a weak individual in reality, though you enjoy pretending to hold a degree of power. You won't even strike me!"
He must have hit a sore spot, because the man's face lit up like a flame as he pumped his gun. "YOU SAY THAT AGAIN!"
"COWARD!" Simon screamed.
The two men beside, Jacks tried to hold him back, but he broke free of the hold and fired off a round of his gun. I ducked, as other people around me screamed. Looking up, Simon had somehow managed to dodge the bullet, which was now lodged in the wall only a few feet away from me.
"Get a hold of yourself!" the one with the dreadlocks said, as he punched Jacks across the face. "Don't listen to that asshole, he's trying to piss you off!"
The one with the sunglasses and beard, wrestled Simon to the floor and hit him with his gun in the back of the head. "Get up again like that and I'll kill you."
"Heh...alright."
Jacks and the dreadlocks man took a walk down the hall, the only one that remained in this section with the one pointing his gun at Simon's head. Simon seemed all too amused by the prospect despite nearly dying or causing it to happen to someone else. I couldn't fathom how this plan would help us or even if it was really a plan at all as opposed to some reckless idea. Around me I could hear the hushed whispers of other captives.
"Is he trying to get killed?"
"No, he's trying to get all of us killed!"
"This is crazy..."
"What do these guys want with us?!"
The men sent down to the other end of the hallway, brought back more captives with their hands up, as guns were pointed at their backs. With complacency, they dropped to the floor like the rest of us, unsure and afraid of what was happening and what would happen next. The man with the sunglasses finally moved and forced Simon up to his knees, returning to the other end of the hall, now that other guys were covering this end of the hall pacing back and forth.
"What the hell are you thinking?!" I chastised the younger man. "Are you trying to get people hurt?"
Simon smirked. "Alas, I could take them on if only my true blade were with me. A shame, it's on the wall in my office."
(...Why does he think bringing a sword to a machine gun would have any hopes of victory?!)
"But it wasn't for naught, I assure you, Edgeworth sama. It was to gain insight into the character of our captors, or rather, the masterminds of this operation."
"How could you determine that...?"
"My manipulations," he replied proudly.
"These men are fast to act, and rather hot blooded. They don't act alone, but as a unit it appears," Simon said matter of fact. "I have little doubt that they're soldiers or at least have some military training."
I didn't like the sound of this. "If that's so, don't do anything like that again."
"I have no desire to have a body that resembles Swiss cheese," he laughed. It amazed me that even now, he could maintain his dark sense of humor.
But that left us with few options. Military trained gunmen, 6 on this floor and possibly more. Unless the police could get to us, I didn't think we could do much that wouldn't be risky. I took a glance at the old man who had been struck earlier. He was sitting up now, head bleeding slightly. He was silent and as white as a sheet of paper, sitting as though he were a statue.
"Hm. Well, it doesn't seem like they want to kill us, if they don't have to," the younger man remarked.
"So, I imagine we're a bargaining chip of some kind."
"What do you think we should do next?" Simon asked, eyes following the movement of the guards who watched us all as they continued to pace.
"...Wait it out and see," I said.
Seeing and experiencing their threat first hand, I wouldn't dare reach for my phone at this point. Too risky. Maybe there'd be an opportunity to act in a way that wouldn't put everyone in harm's way. But until then, we just had to wait.
And there was nothing I hated more than not taking action.
Especially in times like this.
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. The code to Klavier's safe in the prosecutor's office.
Kristoph's journal: Predicts his death at the hands of the Seeker organization and everything about them...
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: Deceased. A good kid who's life was taken prematurely.
Kristoph Gavin: Deceased. Apparently an operative of Seeker.
Kay Faraday: Age 17. Ninja warrior friend who's always down for an adventure.