Back in the defendant's lobby, Phoenix tried to conceal his dread, but with one fewer person in the room, he was losing that battle.

"...Mr. Wright?"

"Crap!" came the unintentional reply.

Sycamore was stunned by the outburst. "Are... are you all right, Mr. Wright?"

"Uh..." Phoenix briefly glanced at Maya, whose raised eyebrow only confirmed his error. Realizing he had once again forgotten his mentor's rule, he put a hand to his head, laughing off his "response." "Sorry, it's just... Edgeworth drives me nuts sometimes. He likes pulling this kind of thing every now and then. You'd think I'd be used to it by now...haha..."

Sycamore offered a look of sympathy. "It sounds as though you two have a complicated relationship."

"I guess so. I mean, he's actually very dependable and I would trust him with my life, but sometimes, he's just not an approachable guy, you know. Sorry, I guess that sounds weird."

"No. I understand. One might say I have my own complicated relationship, but in my case...I've been the unapproachable one..."

Seeing the man so downhearted, Phoenix felt his nervousness start to wane. "So, you and Professor Layton have been both friends and enemies."

"That is simplifying things, but I wouldn't say it was wrong."

Complicated. "I guess that makes this upcoming testimony difficult, especially for you."

"It does, but I also anticipated this happening," Sycamore said. "He is, after all, a witness to all my crimes."

"It's enough to make one ask, why hasn't he testified earlier?" came the voice from the door.

Sycamore's mouth fell open as Oswald Whistler entered the room. "M-Mr. Whistler."

"Looking at you now, I can hardly believe you were the one beneath the mask," the older man said as he approached. "I must know... why? Why did you choose me? And...why did you allow me to pursue the dream of bringing back my daughter?"

Sycamore brought his gaze down, but met Oswald's eyes from time to time. "Those...questions are...not...without complicated answers. It's true I chose you for your talents. I needed to be successful, and I needed your cooperation."

"But...back at the castle, with Nina..."

Sycamore only closed his eyes, expelling a deep sigh. "I...don't wish to discuss that. Not here. Not now."

Oswald backed off then. "I see. So, even after everything, you..." With a look of disappointment, he started to walk away.

"Mr. Whistler," Sycamore suddenly said. "I never told you then...but it was an exquisite opera."

Oswald stopped in his tracks for a moment, and then shuffled out of the room.

All was silent in the courtroom as the man with the top hat made his way to the witness stand.

"Witness," Edgeworth said, "please state your name and occupation for the court."

"My name is Hershel Layton," the man replied. "I am a professor at Gressenheller University."

"Professor Layton," Edgeworth continued, with a hint of smugness, "I can't help but notice your name has come up a few times in this trial. You know the defendant, do you not?"

Layton nodded. "I do."

"What is your relation to him?"

"That is...rather complicated, I'm afraid. We are colleagues, but we have also been friends as well as enemies."

"I see," Edgeworth said, then launched his next attack. "And what is your true relation to him?"

Ugh, thought Phoenix, flinching. Oh well, I guess it was going to come out eventually.

Layton expressed his discomfort with a soft groan, touching the brim of his hat as he lowered his eyes.

"Why, Professor Layton, whatever is the matter?" asked Edgeworth with a chuckle. "You are well aware that by now, the prosecution already has the details concerning your true relationship. But not everyone is granted the privilege of being the first to tell his story."

The professor seemed to relax, though slightly. He brought his arm down, not changing the direction of his gaze. "Biologically, we share parents. He is my elder brother."

At those words, the audience erupted, expressions of shock being voiced all around.

"Order!" shouted the judge, slamming his gavel repeatedly. "Order! Order! Professor! Professor Layton...did you just say that the defendant is your brother?!"

"Biologically," Edgeworth told him, amused. "I must say, I am impressed with how you deemed it necessary to add that detail. How...scientific of you, even."

"Is he making fun of the professor?" Maya fumed. "Jerk."

"Not at all," Edgeworth told her. "I assure the defense that I am taking this matter very seriously. You see, Professor Layton here is currently under suspicion of harboring a fugitive, but due to his ties to the Yard, as well as all the favors he did for Inspectors Grosky and Chelmey, the charge will likely never manifest itself. So I'm not interested in that."

Really, Edgeworth? thought Phoenix, feeling himself breaking into a sweat.

"As soon as I caught wind of this potential charge, naturally, I became curious. After all, what would give the good professor reason to harbor a fugitive in the first place? The fugitive being the defendant, by the way. And so, I looked further into the matter, and came across an interesting detail about both men's pasts. As in, the fact that they were related!"

"Hershel Layton and Desmond Sycamore," murmured the judge. "Well, I doubt most would connect the two straightaway. They don't share a last name."

"Not at this point in time. But we'll get more into that later." Edgeworth turned back toward the witness chair. "Professor Layton, you were present during the events in Misthallery and Ambrosia, and encountered the defendant there. Did you recognize him at all then?"

Layton shook his head. "No. There was a familiar feeling when he showed himself in Misthallery, but even if I had seen him without the costume, I would not have recognized him. After all, it had been thirty years since our last meeting."

"How did you interact with the defendant then?"

"I met him several times when he was disguised as Doland Noble, and then, when I exposed him and his plot, we fought one another."

"In what way?"

"He was trying to destroy the town with the excavation machines...until I launched a boat full of large rocks at him using a makeshift catapult. He responded by reassembling the machines and throwing concrete blocks from a toppled landmark."

"My goodness!" exclaimed the judge. "That sounds...incredibly dangerous."

Edgeworth gave a small laugh. "Yes, one can see just how unbalanced the defendant was back then. I can hardly blame the witness for trying to defend the town. Professor, thank you for that additional detail about the defendant in Misthallery. It seems to follow a pattern that the defendant becomes destructive when he is unable to get what he wants."

Phoenix looked annoyed. Yes, Edgeworth, you've made that point clear...

"Moving on, Professor Layton, you were also in attendance for the opera 'The Eternal Kingdom.' Please testify about these events, starting from the beginning."

Layton nodded. "I received an invitation from Janice Quatlane, one of my former students, and the star performer of the opera. I did not know about the game or its prize. I did participate, however, and was in fact one of the few to advance to the end. Once we reached the castle, I decided to conduct my own investigation of the area."

"I see," said the judge. "Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine the witness."

"Professor Layton," Phoenix started, "you said you didn't know about the game. What drew you to the opera, aside from being invited by a former student?"

"Well, Mr. Wright, I do have a fondness for opera," Layton explained. "But truthfully, I also attended because something seemed to be troubling my student...or the woman I had thought to be my student. "

"'Thought to be'?" asked the judge. "Well, was she your student, or wasn't she?"

"Yes and no. Janice Quatlane was my student. However, at the time, her mind was possessed...by the memories of Melina Whistler. As was revealed earlier, the initial experiment of transferring memories had been a success. Melina's spirit was strong...and Janice wanted nothing more than for her closest friend to return."

The judge shook his head. "I can scarcely wrap my mind around that."

Don't worry, Your Honor, I think that's most of us right now, Phoenix thought. "Professor, you said you decided to investigate the castle. Why?"

"When I first saw the castle on the island, I knew that Descole was behind everything," said Layton. "I wanted to seek him out, but first, I found Nina, the girl who had been missing for months."

"Mr. Whistler testified that you were the one to 'coax her out of her trance.' Can you go into detail about that?"

"I'm not entirely sure that can be credited to me. During the game, she presented herself as a girl named Melina, though Mr. Whistler pretended there was no relation to his daughter. As for 'coaxing her,' I was simply present when Melina's influence lost its hold on Nina's mind. When that happened, instead of returning her to the machine, I spoke with her about her true name and her life at home."

"What happened after that?" asked Phoenix.

"We went to rejoin the group. By that time, Inspector Clamp Grosky had arrived, so I thought it safe to let him look after the girl. Then we all rushed to the room containing the Detragan in order to save Amelia."

"It was at this point that the defendant attempted to summon the ancient kingdom?" Edgeworth asked.

"Yes," replied Layton.

"The court will hear your account of these events."

"Yes, Mr. Prosecutor. Descole revealed he had deciphered markings from the crest found on the island shore. They were compositions of music that, when played together, would cause the city of Ambrosia to rise from the waters: The Song of the Sea, and the Song of the Stars. But Descole soon found that these two songs would not perform the task. It fell on me to solve the puzzle...but before that could happen, Descole grew angry and transformed the Detragan into a weapon of destruction-the Detra-Gigant."

"This matches the testimony of previous witnesses, Your Honor," Edgeworth stated. "Even someone close to the defendant has given an eyewitness account of the man's crimes and violent nature. With all of this in mind, I believe we have sufficient evidence to convict the defendant and give him a sentence he so rightly deserves."

"Objection!" shouted Phoenix. "Mr. Edgeworth, I'm surprised at you! Are you not always preaching about the importance of finding the truth? If you end this trial now, then so does the chance for the truth to be known."

Edgeworth simply looked bored. "And what truth is that, Mr. Wright?"

"The truth you were so intent on pushing aside until a later time, remember? The truth surrounding my client's motives."

The statement did nothing to rattle the man. "Hmm...yes, I seem to recall you saying something to that effect, earlier. Then, I assume, you intend to cross-examine the witness again?"

Uh-oh...this isn't another trap, is it? Despite this, Phoenix stood poised. "Well, of course! How else do you expect to uncover this truth?"

Edgeworth only showed a smirk. "Very well. What are you waiting for, Mr. Wright?"

For you to stop talking, would be a start, Phoenix thought. "Professor Layton, Amelia stated that Descole converted the machine to excavate the ruins themselves."

"That is true. His attempt to summon the city failed, and he tore at the ground as a last resort."

"What happened after that?"

"Janice, or rather Melina, tried to stop him. He pushed her aside, putting her in danger. My apprentice, Luke Triton, attempted to save her, but this, too, caught Descole's attention. In response, he..." With a pair of sad eyes, Layton trailed off.

This must be what Edgeworth wanted me to draw out, Phoenix thought. Well, guess I have no choice but to press on, no matter how bad it makes my case look. "It's okay, Professor. My client has already entered a guilty plea. I've anticipated an unpleasant revelation or two." Or twenty, sheesh. "I've sworn to represent Mr. Sycamore and defend him to the best of my ability, and I never go back on my oaths. Please...even if things look dire and hopeless...I need the truth. This court needs the truth."

"...Very well, Mr. Wright," Layton said. "When Luke went to rescue Melina, Descole launched a weapon at him, in the hopes that it would kill him. I intercepted the attack with my own...contraption, so it hit me instead, but I was able to get away unharmed."

While dozens of conversations triggered among the audience, the judge was looking in the direction of the witness stand in shock. "The defendant...tried to kill that boy?!"

"Yes, he tried," Layton told him, this time making no effort to hide his despair. "That much is true. Descole...had a tendency to emotionally react in the moment. I am grateful I was able to prevent...something irreversible. Now, more than ever..."

This is really hard on the Professor, Phoenix observed. "Once you thwarted this attempt, what happened?"

"Luke was able to save Melina, while Descole and I dueled. Eventually, I found my way to the Detragan, showing Descole a detail he had overlooked while deciphering the songs. I revealed there was in fact a third song hidden among the writings, and with this, and Melina's voice, we made the ruins of Ambrosia rise from the sea."

"It was said that Descole became furious when this happened."

"Yes. It was difficult for him, I imagine, after so many months of work, seeing someone like me succeed where he could not. I am not excusing his reaction, mind you, but I see how frustrating that might have been."

"What did my client do then?"

"He dueled with me once more. Unfortunately, during our fight, the Detragan became a dangerous vehicle, stumbling about. Descole fell and was presumed dead, while the rest of us escaped."

Edgeworth only laughed. "Well? Are you satisfied, Mr. Wright? Another account of your client losing his patience, and behaving atrociously in great detail."

He certainly knows how to put on a show. "Are you on that again?" Phoenix asked. "Maybe you're the one who should learn patience."

"I'm a very patient man, Mr. Wright," Edgeworth retorted. "But it is also my duty to hold the attention of this court. For example, at this point, I could call five more witnesses to recount the events at Ambrosia, but I won't. They would add nothing new to this case."

"So what now, Mr. Edgeworth?" the judge asked. "Are you saying you have nothing more to add regarding the opera and game?"

"That is correct, Your Honor."

"Then..."

"I hope this is not too much of am imposition, Your Honor, but I would like to call for another recess. This time, thirty minutes."

"Thirty minutes?" the older man asked. "Whatever for?"

"I will proceed to the third part of this case...the third Azran site, and the location of the defendant's next scheme," Edgeworth told him. "However, I received news this morning and need to confirm the source. When we reconvene, I will share my findings with the court."

The judge nodded. "Very well. Let us reconvene in thirty minutes."

Back in the defendant's lobby, it was Sycamore's turn to be anxious. He started to pace back and forth, a worried expression on his face.

"You okay, Mr. Sycamore?" Maya asked. "You seem...unsettled about something. In fact, now more than before."

"Ah, well..." The man came to a stop, but his stare remained fixed to the floor. "When Mr. Edgeworth spoke of my next scheme, he was referring to something on a larger scale. Just ever so slightly."

"Really? Even bigger than the Ambrosia thing? Wait, does it have something to do with the hoaxes mentioned yesterday? You didn't make up a bunch of stuff to scare people, did you?"

"In a sense, Ms. Fey. The next part of my plot took place in Monte d'Or – a city deliberately built on Azran ruins. In a short eighteen years, it became a thriving site for tourism, full of casinos, museums, racetracks and other venues. I...decided to add to the city's entertainment in style. I created a character known as the Masked Gentleman...different from my own disguise, but not by much, in retrospect. This Masked Gentleman would perform feats of magic, which I called 'Dark Miracles'... acts meant to equally frighten and enthrall an audience."

Maya grinned at that. "Actually, that sounds pretty cool! I'm almost sorry I missed that...well, maybe not so much the scary parts. Unless they weren't too scary."

Sycamore gave a small chuckle in response. "Well, not to boast, but the dark miracles did draw a large crowd night after night. The truth is, however, I required this distraction while I operated in the shadows."

"Then someone else was playing the role of this 'Masked Gentleman'?" Phoenix asked.

"Not...just...someone else," Sycamore responded with great remorse. "A man who was important to the city, and in fact, was the very reason the city existed. Someone important to Layton...and a person who was easily exploited due to his amnesia."

"...Oh." That instantly brought down Maya's spirits. "Wow. That's...really mean...and kind of crazy, honestly. No offense. But why traumatize the guy? I mean, more than he probably already was?"

"I could give a dozen reasons, none of which are satisfactory. I'd managed to hold on to a few of my henchmen after the events at Ambrosia, but it was easy to convince that man to come to Monte d'Or. I fed him half-truths about his past, told him of a great betrayal, and awaited his response. He was all too eager to be my pawn. It was...too perfect. When I think back, I can't believe I used someone like that so easily, so callously..."

"Yeah..." said Phoenix. "I'm...having a hard time believing you did."

"That's because you didn't know him then."

All three turned toward the source of the male voice, which came from the direction of the exit. The doors slowly opened, revealing three people-Hershel Layton, and two strangers. The unknown man wore a plum colored vest over a white dress shirt and khakis; he had red hair, and eyes that appeared determined behind black framed glasses. The blonde woman wore a pale blue dress under a long fashionable coat, an unusual pendant at her neck. Her expression mirrored the man's.

Doesn't anyone in this building know how to NOT eavesdrop? Phoenix thought, annoyed.

"Professor!" exclaimed Maya as the trio walked in and closed the door. "And...uh...we haven't met," she said to the two unknown visitors. "I'm Maya Fey, co-counsel to Phoenix Wright, the spiky-haired guy over here."

Really, Miss Topknot? You're going to make fun of my hair? "Just...Phoenix Wright will do. It's nice to meet you. And you are...?"

"My name is Randall Ascot," said the man, then gestured to the woman. "This is my wife, Angela Ascot."

"Mr. and Mrs. Ascot," Phoenix said, nodding. "I'm sorry, you were saying something earlier about knowing my client?"

"I knew as much as he allowed me," said Randall coldly. "Or more accurately, I was so fixated on revenge that I didn't care to know him beyond our working relationship. Incidentally, I am the man he used in his plot for Monte d'Or. I donned the costume of the Masked Gentleman and performed the acts as instructed. Having regained my memory all at once, and then fed a story of betrayal, I had little time to process how ridiculous it all was. When the truth was finally presented to me, I couldn't believe the horrible things I had done for a lie."

Sycamore said nothing, giving the man a brief glance before looking elsewhere.

"The worst part is knowing what he did to the ones I cared about..."

"What happened?" Maya asked.

This time, Angela answered. "Your client...Mr. Sycamore...he grew impatient as his plot stalled, and eventually kidnapped me. He tried to ruin one of Randall's dearest friends, Henry Ledore, a man who built the city of Monte d'Or in the hopes of finding Randall, who had gone missing...and Alphonse Dalston, a childhood friend despite his difficult nature..."

"Is it true you had amnesia?" asked Phoenix.

Randall nodded. "I did. Many years ago, Hershel here and I had gone exploring in the ruins that now lie beneath Monte d'Or. Unfortunately, we encountered a trap...and the ground collapsed beneath me. Despite Hershel's best efforts, I fell, hitting a river and eventually washing up on the shores of a nearby village. For eighteen years, I lived as one of the residents...until the man named Descole contacted me."

"Wow. All those years..."

"Yes, you can imagine how I felt when I was told those years were lost because someone close to me had betrayed me. I couldn't believe I let such a foul lie nearly destroy the relationships I am fortunate enough to still have." He shook his head. "But enough about the past. I have spoken with the police forces from both London and Monte d'Or, and with my friends' support, I was able to convince them of the charges the culprit deserves. I also relayed this to the prosecutor of this case. I'm sure none of them were prepared for what I had to say. I asked their permission to pass along the same to the defense, and they granted me this much. But before I say anything else..." Randall turned to Sycamore, taking a few steps in his direction. "Are you really that masked man, the one who used me and took advantage of the fact that I had amnesia?"

Sycamore nodded. "I am."

Randall paused a moment, closing his eyes as though to process the words. Then, as quickly as he had stopped, he came forward, arm raised, a tightened fist moving faster than the rest of him.

The blow landed squarely on Sycamore's cheekbone, knocking the glasses from his face. The man stumbled back with a grunt, the red frames landing beside his feet.

"Randall!" Angela cried out. Layton and Maya offered shocked gasps as well.

Geez, thought Phoenix, equally stunned. He's lucky no guards are posted in the room right now.

Still, Randall did not escape the consequences of the spontaneous act of violence. He quickly shook out his hand, trying to soothe his bones. "Ow, ow! Wasn't expecting that to sting so..." He briefly shuddered, then regained his composure. "Not the most mature response, but I will admit it felt satisfying. Mr. Sycamore, or Descole, or whatever name you go by, I don't know why you chose me, or why you put me through such hell and anguish for months. But when everything was revealed to me, I was met with nothing but compassion and understanding. Because of this, I was able to reflect on many things, one of which being the reason that Monte d'Or exists." He turned slightly, no longer looking at the man. "Coming here today has been...difficult, especially after learning you're related to one of my oldest friends. But regardless of how I feel right now, and in spite of what you did...ultimately, you were the one who fulfilled the conditions of the hunt as laid out by Henry, and brought back the man known as Randall." He briefly reestablished eye contact with Sycamore. "We've decided to withdraw all charges. Consider that your reward."

With that, he looked to Angela, and the two walked out of the lobby.

"The court is now in session for the trial of...hmm?" The judge blinked, looking over in the direction of the defendant's chair. "Mr. Sycamore? Are you all right? There's something different about you, particularly the swollen area around your cheek."

A hard punch to the face tends to do that to most people, Phoenix thought anxiously.

"Ah, it's...nothing, Your Honor," Sycamore replied, smiling through a slightly discolored, noticeable bump just below his glasses. "Just repayment for a most unusual service."

"That's putting it one way," Maya remarked quietly.

The judge shook his head. "I don't exactly understand, but I won't dwell on it. As I was saying, this court is now in session. Mr. Edgeworth, did you acquire what you needed during the break?"

Edgeworth nodded. "I did, Your Honor. Originally, we were going to focus on the events at a city known as Monte d'Or, where the defendant carried out the next part of his scheme. However, this morning I received a call from, shall we say, a rather important citizen of the city. Backed by the mayor and the police force, he expressed a desire to withdraw all charges against the defendant."

"Just like that?!"

"Yes. I confirmed it when we spoke in person moments ago. It would seem this citizen has a complicated history with the defendant, but spoke of fairness and a need to move forward in his life. He thought the only way to accomplish this was to 'forgive and forget,' as they say." Edgeworth showed a smirk. "If only our justice system could reform criminals this way, every time, I would be out of a job. But this does not rule out any civil suits filed by the people present during the events at Monte d'Or. Anyway, I have nothing further to present today, but tomorrow, I expect the complete results of the defendant's costume, and will go over the rest of the defendant's plot."

"Very well. Court is adjourned until tomorrow morning."

"Layton," Sycamore said as the man walked past him in the lobby, prompting him to stop. "Why did you conceal the matter of your own investigation?"

"Forgive me," said Layton, turning toward him. "I did not wish to add to your troubles. Besides, as Mr. Edgeworth was all too eager to point out, my history of aiding the police will prove beneficial to me in this time. At least, I can only hope."

Sycamore showed a half-smile. "It appears you have inherited some of my bad habits. You can tell me anything, Layton. I have seen almost everything in this world, and have dealt with far worse than someone who simply offered asylum to a broken man with no friends."

"I..." Layton was slightly blushing at the compliment. "Of...of course. I will keep that in mind, Desmond."

The doors to the lobby opened, and several policemen walked in, trailed by Miles Edgeworth.

"Well," said Sycamore, "it's time for me to go."

"We'll try to drop in later," Maya told him.

"Actually, you won't," Edgeworth piped up after the two professors had exited. When met with confused looks from the defense team, he added, "With the new information coming to light, Mr. Sycamore will be subjected to questioning until late. I am sorry, but this is out of my hands."

Well, at this point, I don't have much to discuss with him regarding the case itself, I don't think, thought Phoenix. Still, it would be good to check in on him. "Let me know if anything changes, Edgeworth. Even if it means we only get five minutes."

Edgeworth nodded. "I will, Wright." He started to turn when Phoenix stopped him.

"Um...Edgeworth...something's been bugging me for a while."

"What is it?"

"Well...when you first brought me in on this case, I just assumed you needed someone you trusted to look after the evidence, but...considering how things turned out..." Phoenix looked up at him. "Did you know? I'm pretty sure I lost contact with the Legal League after I ended up in Labyrinthia, and the stuff about the government project wasn't exactly world news. I didn't even get a chance to tell you about the adventure itself, about Professor Layton, so...did you know it would turn out this way?"

Edgeworth stood there a moment, offering only a cryptic smirk. "Regardless of my original intentions, it all worked out in that man's favor. Would you not agree?"

Phoenix stared back, annoyed. You know that's not what I mean, Edgeworth...

"Typical," Maya murmured.

"Anyway," said Edgeworth, "there is another matter I must attend to. I'll be in touch."

So suddenly? "Wait," Phoenix said. "This is about tomorrow, isn't it?" He barely completed the sentence before a familiar crack rang out inches from his head, causing his ear to sting. "Argh!"

"Phoenix Wright," came the haughty voice, a familiar sound that dredged up most unpleasant memories. "You should know better than to expect your opponent to reveal his hand."

Dear God...it can't be... Phoenix turned around, seeing a young woman with medium length platinum hair and an outfit consisting of a long sleeved blouse, a short dark dress, and matching gloves and boots. In her hand was a whip, and on her face...that unsurprising sneer.

"M-Ms. von Karma?!" exclaimed Maya.

"But of course," replied the woman, and looked at Phoenix with a smirk. "What's the matter, Phoenix Wright? Why aren't you happier to see me?"

"Gee, I dunno," he began sarcastically. "Why can't you ever make your presence known by saying 'hello' like an ordinary person?"

"Because I am extraordinary. Perfect, even."

Perfectly insufferable, Phoenix thought, but knew better than to voice this opinion.

"Franziska," Edgeworth greeted her. "Thank you for coming. That 'thing' I asked you to do..."

The young woman rolled her eyes before turning to face him. "Yes, yes, Miles. It is done."

"Thank you."

"I didn't do it for you. The sooner this trial ends, the sooner I can get back to crushing you."

Yeesh, though Phoenix. Is she still on that?

"All the same, I appreciate it," Edgeworth told her.

Seeing that she was not going to get a rise out of him, Franziska gave a "hmph" before unleashing her whip back on Phoenix.

"Ow!" Phoenix shouted. "What was that for?!"

"Just letting you know how glad I am to see you again, Phoenix Wright," the young woman said, her amusement quickly returning. The whip cracked once more.

"Ow-ow-owww!" This time, it was Maya who reacted. "What the heck are you doing?!"

"Don't think I forgot about you, Maya Fey." Franziska returned the whip to its holster, and then gave a small curtsy. "Well, I shall take my leave."

When she was gone, Maya grumbled, "For a minute there, yeah, I was hoping she did forget."

"That makes two of us," Phoenix said.

"I don't believe in perfection, but unfortunately, Franziska's memory is one thing that comes close," Edgeworth told them. "You should always be on your guard when she's around."

"A little warning from you wouldn't hurt, either."

"Ha. Yes, I suppose I am partly to blame this time. But as I was saying, I have my own preparations to make – and no, I will not divulge the details," he added when Phoenix started to open his mouth. "Good luck tomorrow, Wright, Maya."

"Thanks. See you later."

"Bye, Mr. Edgeworth," said Maya.

Layton had just reentered the room when Edgeworth walked past him with a nod. "Professor Layton."

"Prosecutor Edgeworth," the man replied.

"Oh, hey, Professor," said Phoenix. "Um...I'm sorry about what happened today. I wanted more time to prepare before you were called to the stand, but I really dropped the ball on this one."

"I hardly think you did, Mr. Wright," Layton replied, approaching the two. "We would have eventually arrived at that point, and I believe no amount of reviewing or questioning would have prepared me for that."

"Yeah..." Maya chimed in. "It's never easy testifying about family, about loved ones..."

"Well," said Phoenix, "I still think I could have pushed for a bit of time in your schedule."

"I have some time now, if you do," Layton told him. "The trial isn't over, and I may be called back to the stand. If not, perhaps I'll recall a previously overlooked detail that you may find useful."

Phoenix nodded. "That's true. But we shouldn't talk here. Let's head back to the hotel."