The afternoon sun hovered between two buildings across from the hotel, its light blasting through the small window of Phoenix and Maya's room. Maya and Layton were seated at a round table where a porcelain tea set had been placed-the brew itself was fresh, delivered moments ago by the hotel staff.

Phoenix politely declined to join the two and instead stood at the window, watching the city's residents below. Arms folded, he was listening to the conversation currently playing out.

"...so Mr. Sycamore had you take his place when you were adopted by the Laytons?" asked Maya, looping her fingers through the handle of her teacup.

Layton nodded. "Yes, Ms. Fey. He wanted to concentrate on the organization that tore our family apart, but he couldn't bear to have me on my own at such a young age." Using a spoon, he gave his cup a stir as the near-black liquid became clouded. He then set the utensil aside.

"But..." Maya's expression morphed into one of empathy, the reality of the situation sinking in. "He was young, too, probably no older than my cousin is now."

"That is true, but given the circumstances, there was no one to look out for the one left behind. He unfortunately had to mature faster than his peers, and spend the remainder of his childhood pursuing the matter of Targent. I do take comfort in the fact that the Sycamore family eventually took him in." He paused, taking a sip of tea. "However, that is an experience he has not discussed much with me."

"Hmm." Phoenix finally turned away from the window, lowering his arms. "But you two were originally of the Bronev family, right? It must have been awful learning that your biological father became the leader of Targent."

Layton looked up at the man, but could only offer him a sad smile. "It came as a shock, but I remained unaware for thirty years. It was Desmond who suffered though this news on his own, who discovered our mother had died, and then...lost the family he had created to the same organization that ruined his family of origin nearly two decades before."

"That's...just horrible," Maya said.

"I still don't get why he didn't just reach out to you," said Phoenix. "Maybe he didn't want you to get caught up in the mess when you were younger, but once you were an adult, you would've been able to help him."

"Yes, he realized his folly only too late," Layton replied. "It may be that he didn't trust my strength or ability, or that he feared Targent would set their sights on me. I will not dwell on the reason, but rather, I will do what I can to be there for him now."

"I understand. Anything else?"

Layton mumbled something at first, an unusual event for the man. He quickly took another sip of tea, collecting his thoughts. "Well...there is something you should know. It concerns our names. Since the prosecution has already investigated Desmond's past as well as mine, they know our connection to Bronev, as well as our original names. Roland Layton and Lucille Layton were interested in adopting a boy named Hershel Bronev. Since I took Hershel's place, I also took his name. The boy who was originally Hershel found a new name for himself when he was adopted by the Sycamores."

"Wow," Maya remarked. "To think that you weren't even born Hershel Layton...I can't even think of you as anyone else!"

Layton chuckled, setting his cup and saucer down on the table. "Honestly, Ms. Fey, I don't think I can either. I am grateful to Desmond for what he did for me."

I can't even imagine how weird that must be for Mr. Sycamore, thought Phoenix. He was about to inquire about the man when there was a knock at the door.

"Hello?" came the voice. "Mr. Wright? Maya? Are you in there?"

"That sounds like..." Phoenix turned his head. "Luke?"

Layton pushed his chair back and stood up. He walked over to the door, opening it for the young teen. "Good evening, Luke."

"Professor, hello!" Luke greeted him. "I'm so glad I got the right room."

"Yup, you've come to the Wright room!" said Maya with a cheerful smile. "How've you been, Luke?"

"Maya! It's good to see you again...well, outside of the courtroom. And you too, Mr. Wright! I hope I'm not imposing..."

"Not at all, Luke," Phoenix said. "Good to see you, too. Won't you come in?"

"Thank you, Mr. Wright." Luke stepped into the room as Layton closed the door behind him.

"So were you just in the neighborhood?" asked Phoenix.

"Actually, the professor spoke with me earlier and told me what you all were doing, so I thought I could help too. At least...I could help more than I did that first day."

"Sure. Anything you think is relevant to this case. We are past the Misthallery and Ambrosia incidents...and technically Monte d'Or, but if there's anything you can tell us about Sycamore's plot after that, then that would be great."

Luke nodded. "All right." He took a seat at the table, where Maya was pouring him a cup of tea. "Thank you," he said, reaching for a small jug. "Well, yesterday, I mentioned that Professor Layton and I traveled with Professor Sycamore..."

"Yeah," said Phoenix. "You said that you and several others took a trip for several months, if I recall."

"That's correct. We were chasing something called 'aura stones,' which would form the key to the Azran Sanctuary. Professor Sycamore told us about them, and...well..." His eyes fell as he finished pouring the milk into his tea. "...he took us with him all over the world. At first, it was exciting. We got to make new friends, and explore so many areas. Even with Targent all over the place, I enjoyed myself...but..."

Luke's tale took up the next two hours, with Layton interjecting from time to time. Though Phoenix and Maya greatly sympathized with their new friends, the deep betrayal depicted would only add another layer of difficulty to their case...

"Mr. Wright."

Surprised by the man's calm but firm tone, Phoenix turned toward his client. "Uh, yes, Mr. Sycamore?" It was the following morning, and once more, they were gathered in the defense lobby, awaiting the start of the trial.

"Why am I getting a feeling of déjà vu this morning?"

"What do you mean?"

"He means your face, Nick," Maya said bluntly. "You're getting that weird look again, like you're gonna barf at any second."

Phoenix made an uncomfortable sound but kept his thoughts to himself. Maybe because every new piece of info I learn about this case manages to find my nausea button?!

"Ms. Fey makes a good point," Sycamore said. "Although, I might not have been as...forthright. Mr. Wright, it has been half a day since we have spoken. If something has happened during that time, I want you to tell me."

Phoenix let out a sigh. "Yeah, um...the thing is, Luke paid us a visit last night. He talked about the trip he and the professor took with you last year."

"Ah." Sycamore simply nodded.

I guess nothing shocks him anymore. "Well, basically, Luke is having trouble reconciling the two roles that you played, despite knowing what he does about your life as Sycamore. He knows about Targent and some vague details about the family you lost, but..."

"...he still can't believe how kindly I treated him and his companions, while being cruel and callous once I put on the mask," Sycamore finished.

"Yeah."

To Phoenix's surprise, the man smiled. To any passerby, it might have been perceived as warm, but given the circumstances, Phoenix knew it was an expression of resignation. "Don't worry, Mr. Wright. Luke isn't the only one struggling with this, and I expect that even more today will share in his bewilderment."

"Yeah, I bet," Phoenix replied. "Mr. Sycamore, I admire you keeping your head up in all of this, but you don't have to constantly put on a brave face for me. I know the predicament you're in. This is major. There is a real possibility you could spend the next several decades in jail. No matter what you've been through, I can't see how anyone could steel themselves for that..."

"Mr. Wright, it isn't a matter of one steeling himself. The truth is...I deserve to be there. I know that I will be miserable every day of every year that I'm there, but a part of me can rest knowing I finally did the right thing."

But after all you've been through, to throw away the rest of your life...is that truly justice? Phoenix wanted to ask, but was interrupted by the door opening.

"The court is now in session for the trial of Desmond Sycamore," the judge stated.

"The defense is ready, Your Honor," said Phoenix.

"The prosecution is ready, Your Honor," Edgeworth added.

"Mr. Edgeworth," said the judge, "I understand there is something you wish to present this morning."

"That is correct, Your Honor. Last night, the forensics team completed analysis of the costume Mr. Sycamore wore during his crimes."

"Splendid! Then I trust the costume is here in the courtroom today?"

"Yes. At the moment, it is with the man in charge of the Azran incidents, Inspector Clamp Grosky. I will call him in shortly." Edgeworth then turned to the defense, a serious expression on his face. "Mr. Wright... now is the time for you to decide... what sort of defender do you want to be?"

Maya rolled her eyes. "Is it just me, or does he feel the need to school you every time you face off in court?"

"I'm sure that's part of it," Phoenix whispered. "But whenever he delivers these kinds of cryptic messages, he's usually trying to tell me something... in the hopes that I'll bring about the end he desires...where the truth prevails." I just pray it's the best end for everyone...

"Honestly, it'd be more effective if he'd just deliver the message without that giant stick up his butt."

Well, I can't argue with that...

A mustached man dressed in a tan jacket and dark olive slacks approached the witness' bench, emitting great confidence. He took his place behind the bench and faced forward, his coiffure and chest hair standing nearly as proudly as the rest of him.

"Inspector Clamp Grosky," Edgeworth addressed him, "You were present when the defendant committed the majority of his crimes, is that correct?"

"Yes, Mr. Prosecutor!" the man exclaimed. "I'd been chasing Targent henchmen for a year, but this man has eluded me for three. He's always managed to get away before I could place handcuffs on him."

"I understand you brought something for the court today."

"Oh ho! Yes, I did. It's the costume the defendant wore during that time. He also wore it when he gave himself up."

"Is that so, Inspector?" asked the judge. "So his arrest wasn't a result of the pursuit."

"No, Your Honor," said Grosky. "It was Mr. Sycamore's decision to turn himself in. For once, I didn't have to drag anyone in, kicking and screaming. Gyahahaha!"

"Wow," said Maya.

"Yeah," Phoenix said in agreement. "I get the feeling Detective Gumshoe would get along with this guy."

"I get the feeling that would be a dangerous combination...and not exactly in a good way."

Edgeworth stepped out from behind the bench and approached a table containing evidence - pieces of a costume carefully arranged, a pair of swords, and a shovel. "Your Honor," he said, putting on a pair of disposable gloves, "may I present the costume the defendant wore as he committed these crimes." He reached out and picked up a hat with white bordering the brim. A pair of large, soft ear flaps hung loose from the item.

"Hmph." The judge scanned the table. "Is that a cape I see? Not to my taste, but no matter. Mr. Edgeworth, regarding the analysis..."

"I was just getting to that, Your Honor. Multiple people were questioned about their experiences in Misthallery, Ambrosia, and Monte d'Or, and all described something resembling this costume. Also, the culprit wielded a sword at times, with which he used to duel others. I should mention that the defendant's fingerprints were found on the handles of both swords here, so it appears one was a spare. Combined with Luke Triton's testimony from the other day, we can say with confidence that the defendant was wearing this costume during those incidents. However... I've never been satisfied with words alone."

Here we go, thought Phoenix.

"I think that, for the court to accept Mr. Sycamore as the true perpetrator of these crimes, Mr. Sycamore himself will need to temporarily step back into the shoes of his alter ego...literally speaking."

The judge nodded. "I see. So you are requesting the defendant change into this costume?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Very well. Mr. Sycamore shall be escorted to a room where he can change." He looked across the room, giving a nod.

Expressionless, Sycamore stood up as a uniformed man approached, taking him by the upper arm. Another man collected the costume, and as the three quietly left the courtroom, the judge turned back to Edgeworth. "While he's doing that, does the prosecution have other evidence or witnesses to present today?"

Edgeworth nodded. "Yes, Your Honor. I have a special witness today, but before that, I would like to call back to the stand the young man who first verified that Desmond Sycamore was Jean Descole... Luke Triton!"

"I guess we'd better brace ourselves," Maya murmured.

"It won't be too bad," Phoenix told her as Luke appeared, making his way to the witness stand. "I doubt Luke will add something we don't already know. Besides, I'm more concerned about the 'special witness' Edgeworth cooked up."

"Oh yeah...what is he thinking?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"Welcome back, Mr. Triton," Edgeworth said. "By now, you are aware that you have been called back due to the unique position you found yourself in last year. Before, you mentioned traveling with Mr. Sycamore, is that correct?"

"Yes, Mr. Edgeworth," Luke replied.

"Please testify about this trip you took with him."

"Professor Sycamore...contacted Professor Layton about an ancient discovery...a mysterious girl who would reveal the path to the secrets of the Azran. We traveled with him around the world in order to collect relics...which would lead us to the truth behind that discovery. But toward the end, once Professor Sycamore got what he wanted, he changed. To be honest, he is the last person I would have suspected was Descole. Descole was a cruel and calculating person, and sometimes had fits of rage. Professor Sycamore...was one of the kindest, gentlest individuals I had ever met. To this day, it baffles me."

Phoenix snuck a glance at Layton, and then turned back to Luke. Yeah...I guess it would baffle me, too. Even I'm having a hard time believing a nice guy like him could be the one responsible for all this misery. I can't imagine bearing the brunt of his rage, the way Luke and the professor did...

"So they were essentially two different personalities," Edgeworth said. "A Jekyll and Hyde, if you will."

Luke nodded. "Yes. Even I couldn't believe it at first, but it's true. He was able to switch that part of himself on and off, like a lamp."

"How did he reveal himself to you?"

"After we assembled a key from the relics, he tricked the girl into giving him the key. He gloated about it...and then transformed into that horrible man. He was, after all, a master of disguise."

There it is, thought Phoenix, studying Edgeworth's reaction. That look of satisfaction, as though Luke just handed him the key to this whole trial. Maybe I should look on the bright side...once Edgeworth unleashes whatever ammunition he's collecting here, then maybe... Suddenly it clicked. Wait. Maybe that's it. He'll be attacking Mr. Sycamore's character by writing off his good qualities as something else...maybe residual effects of whatever acting he had to pull off while in disguise. "Heh...heh heh..."

Unamused, Edgeworth coldly turned his gaze toward the defense. "Is something the matter, Mr. Wright? Is this trial running a little long for you?"

"Just the opposite," Phoenix said. "It's just...interesting to see what you're leading up to."

Edgeworth only showed a smirk. "Fine. Then as long as I have your attention..." He turned toward the witness' stand. "Mr. Triton, how many times did Mr. Sycamore make an attempt on your life, again?"

"Geez," Maya murmured as voices multiplied in the crowd around them. "How many times is the audience going to react in shock to everything he says?"

"No more than me," Phoenix said sheepishly. I really need to stop tempting fate here...

"At least once," came the soft response. "Maybe twice through the actions of another-"

"Whoa, whoa!" Phoenix shouted. "Objection!" Please, Luke, just stop talking. NOW. "Mr. Edgeworth, this testimony is to confirm the identity of the man in the costume, not to repeat a list of my client's crimes!"

Edgeworth chuckled in response. "My apologies. I just thought that, since you were enjoying yourself, you might appreciate a preview of things to come. That said...Your Honor, I withdraw my previous question."

"Hmph..." The judge shook his head. "I'm not sure I care for your tactics, Mr. Edgeworth. Now, please continue."

"Witness," said Edgeworth, "when Mr. Sycamore revealed himself, was he wearing the same costume from Misthallery?"

Luke nodded. "Yes."

"Can you verify the costume presented today is that costume?"

"Yes, Mr. Edgeworth. Without a doubt, it is the same costume."

"I see." Edgeworth looked over at Phoenix. "Well then, Mr. Wright, I believe you have a cross-examination to do."

Not exactly sure what is there left to say, after that crap Edgeworth pulled. "Mr. Triton," Phoenix started, "could you go into more detail about Mr. Sycamore's behavior during the trip you took?"

"All right," said Luke. "He really was a nice gentleman, someone who could rival even Professor Layton. Professor Sycamore was always so giving, helpful, encouraging, and he was so considerate of the rest of us. Whenever one of us was sad or struggling, he would say something uplifting. He was a truly compassionate individual, which is...which is why I couldn't understand why he could do those terrible things."

"I wonder if it was really a surprise, though."

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Wright?"

"That is...were there no signs? Over the course of a year, did his moods change drastically?"

"Well..." Luke started. "...usually, he was calm, but he would grow flustered if someone teased him too much. Also, whenever he was in the presence of Targent agents, his temper would flare."

Targent...so that term rears its ugly head again. "So he got angry whenever he saw these Targent agents..." said Phoenix. "Would you be able to enlighten us as to why? Could you tell the court what Targent is?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wright, but you and I both know only Professor Sycamore can answer that first question properly. As for Targent, they were a cult-like organization focused on attaining the secrets of the Azran."

"The Azran...the same civilization that Professor Sycamore specialized in?"

Luke nodded. "Yes."

"In other words," Edgeworth cut in, "the defendant resented his competition. Seeing them reminded him of his goal to discover the secrets of the Azran, and he couldn't bear the thought of someone else achieving that fame."

Almost instinctively, Phoenix jumped in with an objection. "Mr. Edgeworth, there is no proof that my client's objective was fame!"

"Oh? Then tell me, Mr. Wright, what was his objective, if not fame? If you know, then I suggest you find evidence to the contrary...and swiftly."

"Rrrrrrrggghh..." He knows exactly what Mr. Sycamore's objective was...somehow, he knows. Phoenix did his best to reel in his frustration as he turned back to the witness stand. "...Anyway, Luke...er, Mr. Triton...you described Descole as sometimes having fits of rage. Was Mr. Sycamore's anger comparable in any way?"

"Hmm..." Luke thought a moment. "Now that you've said it like that, he was angriest around the leader of Targent. It was the type of rage that could have rivaled Descole's."

"Heh, heh, heh." Edgeworth looked unsurprisingly smug. "I thank you, Mr. Wright. You've saved me the trouble of definitively linking your client to this masked man."

Phoenix snorted. "Please. You think I'm doing your work? Only two things will definitively link the two... that costume, and my client's behavior while he wears it. The only thing I'm doing is showing that my client is human, a man who experiences a wide range of human emotions...unlike someone I know."

"And what is that supposed to mean?!"

"It means I have a case to present, and I'm not interested in half-truths. Maybe the prosecution wants to believe only a monster could have committed these crimes, because it would be sooo simple, wouldn't it? Mr. Sycamore must be a wolf in sheep's skin...that's what you would have the court believe."

"You wound me, Mr. Wright," Edgeworth said, though his smirk suggested just the opposite. "And you know me better than that, so dispense with the act. I'm not interested in half-truths, either. If you have anything else to ask the witness, I suggest you do it now, before I'm out of patience."

"Fine," said Phoenix, then turned back to the witness. "Mr. Triton, what happened after my client stole this key you spoke of?"

"He escaped to the site where we met the Azran girl," Luke replied. "The Azran Sanctuary-that was where everything I knew about Descole would be thrown into a new light."

"What do you mean?"

"An unfortunate set of circumstances...err..." Luke's testimony was briefly interrupted by a sad expression. "Sorry. The group became separated, and the professor and I found ourselves working with Descole to get around the Sanctuary. But then...um..." He trailed off.

"It's all right, Luke. Just tell the court what happened."

Luke nodded. "Yes, Mr. Wright. We had to solve several puzzles to get to the next area. Descole solved a dangerous puzzle in particular...so dangerous, in fact, that one of the Sanctuary's guardians attempted to blast me with a burning beam. That's when...that's when Descole...he leapt in front of me and shielded me from the attack. As a result, he almost died."

There we go, Phoenix thought, but was careful to not let his feelings of satisfaction show. "And what happened after that?"

"We had to leave him behind due to a more urgent matter, but by some miracle, he found the strength to catch up with us. The leader of Targent had made it to end of the Sanctuary, and unleashed a horrible thing on the people of this world. Descole...wished to help us stop it."

"The horrible thing," the judge repeated. "You aren't, by any chance, referring to the disaster in Froenborg, where an army of flying golems destroyed over half the town?"

"The very same," Luke confirmed. "Together, we managed to disable the golems."

"So not only did my client protect you in a dangerous situation, but he also helped save the townspeople from a very real threat?" asked Phoenix.

"Yes. It was a rather painful experience...for all of us-" Luke nearly choked on his words, his face becoming red. There were tears in his eyes. "Ooh. Forgive me. What I'm trying to say is...nothing about it was easy, and even Professor Sycamore...Descole...he knew it wouldn't be."

Phoenix recalled the conversation with Luke from the previous night. He mentioned befriending that girl from the Sanctuary, and then losing her. That must have been hard on him. "Thank you, Mr. Triton. I appreciate you coming up here to tell your story-" He was interrupted by sound of the double doors opening. In walked a man in full costume, flanked by two guards. As expected, the audience reacted with great surprise.

"Your Honor, it appears that the defendant has returned," Edgeworth said as 'Descole' was escorted to the defendant's chair. "At this time, I would like to ask the witness one more time: Was this the man responsible for the incidents at Misthallery, Ambrosia, and Monte d'Or? Did this man blackmail, kidnap, and impersonate other people? Is he the one who deceived you and Professor Layton during your travels?"

Yeesh, don't go acknowledging any of the good things Luke just said about my client or anything, Phoenix thought, when Maya gave him a nudge.

"Nick," she whispered. "Have you seen the professor? He looks absolutely miserable."

Phoenix took a brief glance into the audience and nodded. "Yeah. Can't really blame him. He's this close to losing the brother that just walked back into his life after so many months...well, technically thirty years. It's got to be killing him."

"Yes," Luke replied after a pause. "This is the way he appeared at that time. This is Jean Descole, the scientist who plotted to unearth the three Azran sites...no matter the cost."

"Thank you, Mr. Triton," Edgeworth said, looking pleased. "That is all. You may step down now."

"Mr. Edgeworth," the judge said as Luke left the stand, "I appreciate all that you have done thus far in connecting the defendant to the culprit of those crimes. However, I confess I am unclear on what you intend to do to prove that the man currently in the costume is the same man present during those incidents."

"I'm glad you said so, Your Honor," Edgeworth replied, his smile only growing wider. "There is something the witness mentioned during his testimony that I will now verify."

"Really? And how will you do that?"

"By calling my next witness, the former leader of the organization known as Targent: Leon Bronev!"

"Leon...BRONEV?!" The name was a punch to Phoenix's stomach. "Oh, sh-"

"Shhh, Nick!" Maya scolded.

"I see!" said the judge. "Well, then, please call this witness."

An older man entered the courtroom in the following moments, with unruly, ashen hair, a beak-like nose, and a beard and mustache. Dressed in a prison uniform, he was escorted in by none other than Franziska von Karma.

This must be the "favor" Edgeworth was talking about yesterday, Phoenix realized, nearly breaking into a sweat. He knew all about Mr. Sycamore's past, about his connection to Bronev. He knew everything...including how Mr. Sycamore feels about the man who led the organization that killed his wife and child. This is gonna be a minefield...

As Bronev took his place behind the stand, Franziska made her way to the gallery.

"Will the witness state his name and occupation?" Edgeworth asked.

"My name is Leon Bronev," said the man. "I am...in between occupations at the moment."

"You are currently serving out a sentence of your own, correct?"

Bronev nodded. "Yes. Unfortunately, my last occupation fell on the wrong side of the law more times than it did the right."

"Let it be known that the witness was arrested several months ago for his role as the leader of Targent."

"Ah yes, I recall," said the judge. "The organization dedicated to the discoveries of the Azran civilization. Imagine my horror when I learned they kidnapped archaeologists and sometimes maimed or killed those who resisted!"

Phoenix scanned the courtroom then; Bronev kept his gaze down, while Descole looked visibly agitated behind the mask. Even Layton appeared to be contemplating something.

"Indeed, Your Honor," said Edgeworth.

"But...what does that have to do with the case today?"

"I'm glad you asked, Your Honor. You see, not only was Mr. Bronev here a victim of Targent, but once he was on board with their plot, he attempted to make victims of his own sons-Hershel Layton, and of course, Desmond Sycamore."

"Wh-what?!" the judge exclaimed. "Then, this witness..."

Edgeworth nodded. "He is the biological father of both men."

Whispers erupted all over the audience.

"Witness," Edgeworth said, "you've no doubt told your story in your own trial, about the hellish years you were forced to endure while essentially a slave of Targent, how you lost your wife and children, and made the Azran secrets your sole purpose in life. While the court sympathizes, none of it excuses your behavior from that point forward."

Bronev nodded. "I understand."

"Now, regarding the defendant, you lost contact with him after you were abducted...when he was still a child. I would like for you to testify about the events that led to your meeting him as an adult, as well as your attempt to recruit him."

An audible scoff came from the direction of the defendant's chair.

Yep, a minefield, Phoenix thought nervously.

"Yes," said Bronev. "I had been moving through the Targent ranks after my wife Rachel died, and it was a few years before I'd heard of a talented young scientist making headway with the mysteries of the Azran. No one could rival his translation skills. The name 'Desmond Sycamore' meant nothing to me, but the idea of uncovering Azran secrets with my own son was appealing. I reached out to him with an offer but was rebuffed."

"So you heard about Mr. Sycamore's talent as a translator," the judge commented. "Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine the witness."

Do I have to? Phoenix nearly asked, dread in the pit of his stomach. "Um..." His brow furrowed. "Yeah. Okay. Mr. Bronev. You, um..." Come on, Phoenix, don't lose your nerve now! He cleared his throat. "Mr. Bronev, how exactly did you hear of my client's skill?"

"I had men all over the place, operating as my eyes and ears," Bronev replied. "If anything related to the Azran appeared in conversation anywhere, I knew about it."

"What did you mean when you said the name 'Desmond Sycamore' meant nothing to you?"

"He could have taken a thousand names, worn a thousand masks, but in my mind, he will always be Hershel Bronev."

"Hershel Bronev?" repeated the judge, confused. "You mean, he was Hershel, too?"

"No," said Bronev. "He was Hershel first. It would seem that when my children were adopted, Hershel did what he could to ensure his younger brother Theodore was adopted first. Evidently, Hershel was the child that the Laytons wished to adopt, and so, Theodore took his brother's name."

While the audience was reacting, the judge blinked, struggling to grasp what had been revealed. "So, er, this means the boy named Hershel Bronev is actually Desmond Sycamore?"

"Yes. And Theodore Bronev grew up as Hershel Layton."

"I...oh..." The judge shook his head, looking dazed. "I don't know what to say to that."

"Yes, the two brothers underwent name changes as children," Edgeworth said. "But more importantly... Mr. Wright, I would choose my next question carefully, if I were you."

"There he goes again," Maya said with a groan.

"Oh, don't worry, it's just a carefully placed mine...or ten," Phoenix told her. Unfortunately, sarcasm would not save him that day, nor would it produce the question he required to avoid turning the courtroom into the ruined landscape he feared... so to speak. "Mr. Bronev, you then reached out to my client...what made him reject what you had to say?"

Bronev sighed. "I suppose to the average person, it might have been the threat of physical harm. Of course, even without that, he was not terribly impressed with the idea of leaving his family to work for Targent."

"You...threatened harm to my client?"

"I did. We often made threats toward those who rejected offers to work for Targent. He was no exception."

Geez, that's cold, though Phoenix. I'm almost afraid to ask this next question, even though I have a pretty good idea of the answer. "Mr. Bronev, what happened after Mr. Sycamore rejected the offer?"

"We...I..." For a moment, it seemed Bronev was having just as much difficulty in answering as Phoenix had in asking the question. "I could not let it go. It was a great insult, or so I thought at the time. To become an authority on the Azran civilization, but refuse to work with others toward a common goal... I found his rejection to be utterly selfish."

"What did you do then?"

Bronev's gaze traveled to the floor as he struggled to find words. "Well, that is...I...the truth..."

"Shall I tell you what he did?" came the strained voice.

Its tone was enough to alarm Phoenix, who realized the question had come from the direction of the defendant's chair. That can't be...he sounds like an entirely different person.

Bronev made a poor attempt at eye contact with the man in the costume. "Son..."

"Don't...call me that," Descole angrily spat. "After all, you lost the right to call yourself 'father' that day. We will never be family, not after what you did."

"I understand. I am not proud of my actions-"

"Proud?!" repeated Descole through gritted teeth. "Pride is something you refrain from expressing when you have put forth minimal effort, not when you have gone above and beyond in committing a most heinous crime. No, you should feel nothing but crippling shame for what you have done, you unrepentant, execrable, murderous bastard-"

"Order!" shouted the judge, finally interrupting. "Mr. Sycamore, it is not your turn to speak! Mr. Wright, do not just stand there in shock as your client takes over your cross-examination!"

"Oh, uh...yeah," Phoenix said, looking sheepish. It's not like I meant to. Everything just got ugly real fast, and I have no idea how to defuse this...

"I don't expect you to forgive me," Bronev continued calmly. "Every day, I wish I could take back what happened. I know what it's like to lose everything that matters to you. Despite this, I forced the same end on you. Regardless of my justifications, I caused you a lot of pain. And I understand that because of this, I am much to blame for what you have become."

The words did nothing to quell Descole's fury. "You...you understand nothing," he growled, moving to his feet. "Not of the life I've lived, not of the family you took away. You don't know anything about me!" Letting loose with a rage-filled scream, he took off toward the witness' stand, collecting one of the swords along the way. Before he could reach Bronev, however, he was intercepted by none other than Hershel Layton, who stood before Bronev, wielding the other sword. The two instantly crossed blades, the clashing noise echoing throughout the courtroom.

"What the?!" Phoenix's jaw practically dropped to the floor. Where the heck did he come from?!

"Did...did the professor seriously just jump down from the balcony?" Maya asked, just as shocked.

"Desmond, no!" Layton shouted, pushing back against his brother.

"Out of my way, Layton!" Descole snarled. "He will pay for what he's done!"

"Yes, he will. But this is not the way!"

Descole grunted as he shoved Layton back, coming at him with a second swing, which was swiftly parried. The two eased into an energetic duel. "Do not interfere! The police, the courts, the entire judicial system, they allowed him to get away with murder for years!"

"Please listen!" Layton begged as Descole rained down on him with slash after slash, sending him on a backward path toward the defendant's chair. "He is no longer getting away with anything, as you say. He has already had his day in court!"

"That means nothing to me! He can rot in a cell until the end of time, and it still won't be enough!" He thrust his blade at Layton, who leapt back with an unfortunate result; as the sole of his shoe collided with the leg of the defendant's chair, Layton lost his balance and fell back into the seat. Despite this, he managed to counter Descole's next move in the nick of time.

As steel struck steel once more, Layton held his position, grunting. "Please, Desmond! You will accomplish nothing by doing this! Or do you want to add 'murder' to your list of crimes?"

"It doesn't matter at this point. When this trial concludes, I will have nothing left to live for. Nothing!" The blades separated and clashed again.

"That's not true," Layton told him. "What about me? What about Flora?"

The name was like a switch that caught Descole off guard, causing him to yield to Layton. He stumbled backward, his sword hand dropping to his side. Finally, he lowered himself to one knee, catching his breath. The sword followed, banging loudly as it hit the ground.

Up in the audience area, the commentary simply continued.

"I don't believe what I'm seeing!"

"Why, he's stark raving bonkers..."

"Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!"

All the while, Edgeworth remained silent, watching the scene before him.

Edgeworth, Phoenix thought. Don't seriously tell me this is what you expected. That would be irresponsible, even for you...

"M...my goodness!" exclaimed the judge, finally finding his voice. "I have never encountered such violence in this courtroom! Mr. Edgeworth, Mr. Wright, is this the sort of conduct you allow in your American courts?"

Phoenix only stood there, as annoyed as he was embarrassed. I wouldn't quite say "allow" as much as I would say "be bullied into accepting." "Believe me, Your Honor, this doesn't make the list of worst things I've seen in a courtroom. Though in terms of violence, it might compare to some of the abuse I've been subjected to."

"Mr. Wright," Edgeworth immediately cut in. "This is no time for one of your jokes. Your Honor, I apologize and take full responsibility for what has happened here today. It was careless of me to leave the evidence unguarded, and I did not act as quickly as I should have. But trust me when I say we do not tolerate such behavior in our courts."

Phoenix merely gave him a disapproving look. Liar!

"Anyway, it appears that Mr. Sycamore no longer intends to threaten the witness. For the sake of his health, I believe someone should take him to the infirmary to ensure he has not aggravated any old wounds from the airship crash."

The judge nodded. "I agree."

As Sycamore was led out of the courtroom by another man in uniform, Layton brought both swords back to the table where the rest of the evidence was. Turning, he gave a nod to Phoenix and then to Bronev, and also left the room.

"Mr. Edgeworth," the judge said. "Before you brought out this witness, you stated you needed to verify something. What was that, exactly, and have you accomplished this?"

Edgeworth hesitated to respond, preceding his words with a tense vocal noise. "...Yes, Your Honor. The previous witness, Luke Triton, testified that the defendant could easily undergo a change in personality, when the right conditions were presented. One condition was being in the presence of the Targent leader, a man the defendant deeply despised."

The judge nodded. "Yes...yes, I see. It didn't take much to stir the man's ire when this witness testified."

"In addition, the other witnesses claimed that the defendant had a violent temper when he felt things weren't going his way, or more accurately, when he had become desperate or experienced a great loss of control."

"And that he did, as we all saw here today."

"Mr. Sycamore's behavior demonstrates the fury his victims experienced during the Azran plot. With this, I believe I have proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that Mr. Sycamore is in fact the scientist Jean Descole, and committed his crimes while in costume. A guilty verdict is in order, would you not agree?"

"Objection!" Phoenix shouted. "Mr. Edgeworth, I will not go down this road with you again! If you end the trial here, the truth behind this whole matter will be lost forever!"

Edgeworth calmly met Phoenix's glare. "Mr. Wright, if you have any reason to believe that the verdict should not be handed down now, then by all means, tell the court."

Way to play dumb, Edgeworth, an exasperated Phoenix thought. "Mr. Edgeworth, haven't you noticed how packed the audience area has been these last few days?"

"I have. However, that isn't at all unusual when a criminal in a high profile case is being tried in court."

"But why should they care at all?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"It's clear that my client has done a lot of bad things, but why does anyone come to observe a court case, especially one like this?" asked Phoenix. "There is only one reason: closure."

Edgeworth gave an impatient sigh. "And? They will get it when the judge slams his gavel and concludes the trial."

Phoenix shook his head. "Wrong. Not everyone is satisfied with only a guilty verdict."

This caused Edgeworth to snicker. "Did you wish to add a creative form of punishment to your client's sentence, Mr. Wright?"

"No. I wish to present my client's side of things. I believe that everyone here deserves to know the truth. Only with that will they have closure. But there is only one way I can accomplish this."

"Then do enlighten us, Mr. Wright."

Phoenix cleared his throat and turned toward the judge. "Your Honor, after a brief recess, please allow me to call the next witness, the only one who can thoroughly explain my client's motive and, perhaps, help bring closure to his victims."

"And who might this witness be, Mr. Wright?" asked the judge.

"My client: Professor Desmond Sycamore himself!"