Hey guys, I'm back! Sorry for taking so long but I've been on vacation and school has started for me again. But I have some very exciting news! I am now the proud owner of Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright and let me tell you, it's an awesome game! I'm also very excited to write that game three times, once for this story, another for my Layton story Sunshine and finally a crossover of that game with both of my Ocs in it. And of course, all the special episodes! And Jasmine's themes are now decided on! Jasmine's theme from AA1-Trials and Tribulations is In Flight from PL vs. PW, it's a different version of Turnabout Sisters and fits Jazz well in my opinion, since she is a Turnabout Sister herself. Her theme for AJ is Turnabout Sisters-Music Box Melody, also from PL vs. PW because it's a sadder music box version of Maya's theme. And her DD theme is In Flight again. Go look those songs up, they're amazing! Okay, thanks to pyrosaurus X (Yay! (grins like an idiot) I'm so happy and you weren't too strict in your last review, it convinced me to make Jazz Nick's attorney in the first place. I hope I meet your expectations.), basecannon, Panther J and reapersocks for reviewing/following/favoring along with all 959 readers! Okay, that's a mouth full. Phew, hope you guys enjoy!

You have disgraced me for the last time, Steel Samurai! The pale moon in the sky cries for your blood!

The moon? No, it is you who should gaze upon the moon...For it will be the last moon you ever see! See you in hell, Evil Magistrate!

Whoooooooaaaaaaa!

Grrrrrraaaaaaaah!

The warriors' swords gleam and strike in the moonlight! One has fallen...but who? Only the moon knows! Don't miss next week's exciting episode: 'The Dark Messenger Returns'!

October 14th, 5:31 PM

Wright and Co. Law Offices

Jasmine and Maya sat on the couch, watching the TV eagerly. Maya was grinning, her hands clasped and she nodded as she cried,

"That rocked!"

"Amazing!" Jasmine agreed with a nod.

""See you in hell, Evil Magistrate!"" The girls repeated in unison, Jasmine laughing as Maya grabbed a broom and swung it around. Jasmine laughed even more when she saw her older twin staring at them.

"Whoa!" Phoenix cried, "Stop waving that broom around!"

"Oh, Nick!" Maya smiled, setting the broom aside. "I didn't know you were here!"

"Of course I'm here!" Phoenix cried.

"But you were quieter than a mouse, how were we supposed to know!" Jasmine quipped with a smile as she stood up and walked to where an instrument case rested near the wall. It was a violin case, which the younger Wright had been playing since she was a little girl. Lately, she had been trying to teach herself to play a specific song, by request of Maya. Phoenix shook his head at his sister and asked,

"What was that surreal show you two were watching?"

"What!?" Maya cried, "Nick, you mean, you don't know the Steel Samurai!?" She rounded on Jasmine, who was taking her beautiful violin out of its case, and cried, "You didn't tell him about it!?"

"Nick never watches or is interested in what I am, save for law." Jasmine explained calmly, radiating a peacefulness and maturity that only came when she held her instrument. "He wouldn't have bothered, even if I bribed him." Maya rounded back on Phoenix and cried,

"He's only the most popular TV hero for young people!"

"Young...?" Phoenix asked, "Like, how young?"

"Umm...10 years old?" Maya guessed.

"Then what the heck are YOU TWO doing getting all excited!?" Phoenix cried.

"Hey! I'm only 17!" Maya cried, "That's seven-'teen'. See? I'm a teen! Not like you, Nick."

"Be careful with those insults, Maya." Jasmine warned as she stood up. "I'm his younger sister."

"Exactly, younger sister." Maya smirked.

"Hey! Don't talk to me like I'm your grandpa or something." Phoenix stated, "I'm only 24 myself."

"Then watch it with us!" Maya grinned, clasping her hands. "He's really cool! And...it's really popular! When they asked grade school kids what they wanted to be, 'Steel Samurai' was no. 1!"

"I really worry about kids these days." Phoenix stated bluntly.

"Gramps!" Maya and Jasmine cried in unison before Jasmine lifted the violin and began to play. Smooth, beautiful notes filled the office with the Steel Samurai's theme song. Maya was grinning proudly at Jasmine, who had her eyes closed peacefully as she played the fast paced, action filled song. When the song finished, Maya clapped excitedly with a big grin on her face while Phoenix clapped at a normal pace, though he was still smiling widely. Jasmine grinned modestly and put her beloved instrument away.

"That was amazing, Jazz!" Maya grinned, "I knew you could do it."

"Thanks, Maya." Jasmine smiled as she stood up.

"Well, the Steel Samurai's over and Jazz's done playing." Maya said, "I guess it's time to close up the office."

"I guess..." Phoenix agreed sadly, "Wish we had some clients!"

It's been a month since Nick's trial. Mia's murder was the talk of the town for a while but nobody's paid any attention to the new Wright and Co. Law Offices and Nick's getting really nervous. But neither us nor Maya knew what would be coming next. But Nick's more worried about paying the rent this month.

"It'll be okay." Maya smiled optimistically, "I'm sure some big client is just around the corner!"

"Hmph." Phoenix grunted.

"Cheer up, Nick." Jasmine smiled as she picked up her violin case and slung it over her right shoulder. "You're too pessimistic sometimes. We'll be fine."

October 16, 8:18 AM

Jasmine Wright's Bedroom

Jasmine finished combing her midnight black hair when her phone rang. An instrumental piece began to play from the younger Wright's cell phone. Quickly, the aide walked over to her bed and picked up her dark purple cell phone before she answered it.

"Hello?" She greeted.

"J-Jazz!" Maya's voice cried on the other side.

"Maya! What's wrong!?" Jasmine cried, picking up the panic lacing the spirit medium in training's voice.

"It's the Steel Samurai! The Steel Samurai got arrested!" Maya cried.

"Wait, you mean the real Steel Samurai!?" Jasmine asked, standing up from her bed.

"Yes! They're saying that the Steel Samurai killed a villian!" Maya explained.

"Wait, in real life!?" Jasmine cried.

"Yes! He actually did it! In real life!" Maya confirmed, "He skewered a villian with his Samurai Spear!"

"Whaaaaaaat!?" Jasmine cried.

"Just come to the office, quick!" Maya cried.

"I'm on my way." Jasmine stated before she hung up. Quickly, the aide grabbed her dark purple leather jacket and her boots and ran out of the apartment.

October 16th, 9:22 AM

Wright and Co. Law Offices

Jasmine and Maya sat on the couch, watching the TV intensely.

Now for the morning news. The actor Will Powers was arrested yesterday. Powers plays the lead role in the popular kid's show The Steel Samurai: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo. He was arrested on suspicion of murder. The victim was Jack Hammer, who plays the villian known as the 'Evil Magistrate'. His body was found still inside the Evil Magistrate costume. The 'Samurai Spear' was also found stuck through the body. Police believe this was the murder weapon, and are investigating further.

"...This has to be a joke." Phoenix said, drawing the girls' attention to him.

"No, no, no!" Maya cried sadly, "It's a nightmare! The Steel Samurai is over! The world is over!" Jasmine wrapped her arms around the younger Fey and held her tightly, her hand stroaking her hair. Just then, Maya's cell phone rang. The spirit medium left the female Wright's arms and answered it. "Yes...Wright and Co. Law Offices. ...What!? Nick! Jazz! I-it's the Steel Samurai!"

"What!?" The twins cried in unison, though Phoenix stuttered when he did.

"Yes...yes, of course!" Maya continued, "We'll be right there!" With that, Maya hung up. "Let's go, Nick, Jazz!" She said.

"Go? Go where?" Phoenix asked.

"They have the Steel Samurai down in detention!" Maya explained.

"So what!?" Phoenix cried.

"So, I've decided this will be our first case!" Maya answered.

"Let's go!" Jasmine agreed. Phoenix sighed and the trio headed out.

October 16th

Detention Center

Visitor's Room

When the trio entered, they found a man with wild brown hair and brown eyes wearing an orange jumpsuit. Maya was staring at him silently, eyes wide while Jasmine was staring at her curiously.

"What's wrong, Maya?" Phoenix asked, "It's him! In the flesh!"

"Umm...Is that guy really him?" Maya asked.

"Whaddya mean 'that guy'?" Phoenix asked, "Of course it's him! Will Powers, our client! That's him."

"Um, maybe I shouldn't be saying this..." Maya said, "But he definitely did it. Murder. At least once. Maybe twice."

"Maya!" Jasmine cried, scolding the girl.

"Whoa whoa whoa!" Phoenix cried, "What are you saying!?"

"Umm..." Will suddenly said.

"Y-yes!?" Maya stuttered.

"Something wrong...?" Will asked.

"N-no! No!" Maya cried.

"I know, I know." Will said, "You're disappointed, aren't you?"

"What are you talking about?" Jasmine asked.

"D-disappointed!?" Maya asked, "Oh no. Oh no."

"No, it's okay." Will said, "This is the real me. When I got the part of the Steel Samurai, with that mask...I decided I would never show my face in public until the job was over. It's the kids, you know. I didn't want to wreck their dreams."

"Oh..." Maya said.

"I see." Jasmine nodded, though she found it slightly strange.

"I guess it didn't matter." Will said, slouching slightly. "So much for dreams. I wonder what they think of the Steel Samurai now." Will sniffed and cried, "Uwaaah!"

"Nick!" Maya said.

"What?" Phoenix asked.

"He's a good guy!" Maya and Jasmine cried in unison, "We mean, he's good!"

"Yeah." Phoenix stated.

"He didn't do it!" The girls smiled in unison. Phoenix had no words, earning a laugh from Jasmine. Turning to Will, he said,

"Maybe you could start by telling us what happened."

"Y-yes. Of course." Will agreed.

"No need to be so nervous, Will." Jasmine said reassuringly, "We're here to help you after all." Will smiled nervously in thanks and continued,

"It seems like it was only yesterday. Actually, it was only yesterday. The cast had come down to Global Studios for a run-through. We went through a few action sequences at 10:00 that morning. There was a rehearsal scheduled for 5:00 in the afternoon. But when 5:00 came around, and the staff gathered at the studio...The Evil Magistrate was found lying in a crumpled heap near the set. They took off his mask...And discovered that it was Jack Hammer...dead! He had been expertly skewered with the Samurai Spear."

"The 'Samurai Spear'...?" Phoenix asked.

"Yes, it's a long spear that I...that the Steel Samurai uses as a weapon." Will explained.

"Maybe you could explain to me just what the 'Steel Samurai' is." Phoenix requested.

"Nick!" Jasmine cried, slapping the back of her brother's spikey head.

"How could you say such a thing?" Maya cried, "I-I'm sorry, sir, I apologize for my partner! He's new to this, and a bit OUT OF TOUCH with the world."

"You can say that again." Jasmine smirked at her brother as he glared at her and Maya, crying,

"Hey! Who's 'new to this'!?"

"No, it's alright, really." Will said, "The Steel Samurai is the lead character in a popular kid's show. He walks the streets of Neo Olde Tokyo...Fighting battle after battle against the Evil Magistrate and his minions. Of course, he never really defeats the Evil Magistrate. Although...I guess he did defeat him this time..." Will sniffed again and cried, "Uwaaah!"

"I-I see." Phoenix stuttered.

"Oh, Will." Jasmine whispered sadly, feeling pity for the actor in front of her.

"Now, where were you on the day of the murder?" Phoenix asked.

"Well, that morning I came to the studios at 9:00." Will explained, "We worked through some action scenes until noon. Rehearsal was to begin at 5:00, but I was a little tired. So after lunch, I took a nap in my dressing room. When I woke up, it was after 5:00! I was late for the rehearsal! I hurried to the studio...and found everyone looking shocked. They arrested me on the spot, and brought me here."

He was sleeping? Well, I'm not sure how good of an alibi that is. Jasmine thought, crossing her arms.

"What will the kids think?" Will sniffed.

"I think I should probably check out the scene of the murder..." Phoenix said.

"Right...Global Studios. I'll draw you a map." Will said.

"Wow! Nick! Let's go!" Maya grinned.

"Come on, hurry!" Jasmine added with a grin as the two girls literally dragged the attorney out, with Maya grabbing his hand, which Jasmine noted slyly, and Jasmine pulling his other arm.

October 16th

Global Studios

Main Gate

"Wow! So this is where they make the Steel Samurai show!" Maya grinned as the trio reached the main gate.

"This is so exciting!" Jasmine squealed like a little kid, a side of her that only came out when anything concerned the Steel Samurai.

"Awesome!" Maya agreed, "Aren't you excited, Nick!?"

"Hey! You there!" A voice cried. The trio turned to see an old woman wearing a security guard uniform. "You want in, you gotta go through me!" She cried.

"O-oh...s-sorry!" Maya stuttered, "W-we're, um, lawyers."

"Oh yeah?" The lady smirked, "Well that's great. I'm security! And it's my job to make sure that gawkers like you stay OUT."

"G-gawkers?" Maya asked.

"Gawkers! Sightseers! Tourists!" Security Lady cried, "I know the type. You heard about the incident and came to snoop around. Youths today! Something horrible happens and all you can think of is sightseeing. Wasting your time at a place like this. Don't you have jobs you should be doing? Or do lawyers not work like the rest of us? Maybe I should become a lawyer too. Sounds like a life of ease to me no work just loafing around all day as you please. Well when I was young things were a mite different, mind you we didn't prance around in strange hippie clothes. What are the youths coming to these days my own son hasn't called in..." The old windbag continued rambling.

"Umm...Nick?" Maya asked hesitantly, "Will I grow up to be like her? Please say no."

"I dunno! It's possible." Phoenix said. In response, Jasmine whacked him upside the head. "Stop doing that!" The older Wright cried.

"No way!" Jasmine smirked, placing her right hand on her right hip. "It's the only way I can knock sense into you." Phoenix rolled his eyes in irritation as Maya giggled slightly.

"Hey!" Oldbag, as Jasmine had started to refer to the security guard, cried, "Listen when you're being spoken to! Youths today!"

"So, what do you do here at the studios?" Phoenix asked politely.

"At Global Studios, we make children's dreams come true!" Oldbag said, "In fact, in my younger days..."

"No! You were a star!?" Maya cried, shocked.

"Only a little twinkle between the stars here, I'm afraid, dearie." Oldbag said.

"Wo...wow." Maya said. Jasmine, however, had no words.

"This place has really gone downhill, you know?" Oldbag said, "But 10 years ago, now that was a studio of dreams! Hammer was a big star back then too, he was..."

"Hammer...?" Phoenix asked.

"The victim, dummy!" Oldbag cried, "The Evil Magistrate! He's been reduced to playing villians now. Not exactly the best material to work with..."

"I remember how surprised I was when I learned what happened to him." Jasmine muttered under her breath, with only Maya hearing her. The spirit medium nodded in agreement. They had both been fans of Hammer back when they first met, it was one of the ways they first bonded.

"Can you tell me about Mr. Will Powers?" Phoenix asked, not noticing the exchange between the girls.

"He's not a bad kid, but don't be fooled by his mask!" Oldbag said, "You wouldn't want him on the silver screen without it, believe me. Little old ladies watching would lose their lunch!"

Like you? Jasmine thought.

"That's probably why he thought the Steel Samurai was his 'big chance'." Oldbag continued, "No one thought he was capable of doing what he did to poor Jack Hammer..."

"We don't know for certain that Will Powers is guilty!" Maya cried angrily.

"Yeah! Someone could be framing him!" Jasmine added.

"Powers? Of course he's guilty!" Oldbag smirked, "How do I know? I know everything! That's my job."

"What kind of person was Jack Hammer?" Phoenix asked, changing the subject and avoiding the fight he knew was coming.

"What 'kind of person'?" Oldbag asked, "Oh...if you only knew! Jack Hammer will live on in many hearts as the ultimate action hero! He was simply dashing in the Dynamite Samurai series! But...there was an accident during filming five years ago. He got an unlucky break after that. Reduced to playing the villian on a children's program! What's more, I heard they were paying him peanuts. It's enough to make you cry."

"Why are you so certain Mr. Powers is the killer?" Phoenix asked.

"I was standing right here yesterday, I was." Oldbag smirked, "I was here from 1:00 in the afternoon, to 5:00, when they found the body! Now the studio where the murder took place is to the left here. So if you want to go to the studio, you have to pass by me! Only one person went by here between 1:00 and 2:30, when the murder took place!"

"And...that person was Mr. Powers?" Phoenix asked.

"Yes." Oldbag confirmed, "I saw him!"

"But Will says he was sleeping in his dressing room." Jasmine said.

"Oh, I'm sure he would say that. He's no fool!" Oldbag said, "But he was the only one that walked by. He's the killer, you can bet your biscuits on it. Isn't it about time for you to be heading home? There's nothing to see here. Move along."

"Um, actually, we're here at Mr. Powers' request." Phoenix said.

"Hmph! I thought you were suspicious lookin'!" Oldbag cried, "Show me a 'letter of request'. And maybe I'll just let you in."

"This lady here thinks she owns this place, obviously." Maya said, crossing her arms.

"No kidding." Jasmine agreed, taking a similar stance to the spirit medium. Standing side by side like that, a stranger would think they were sisters. Heck, even Phoenix thought that and had to remind himself that Jasmine was his sister and Maya was Mia's, though the two girls acted like they were really sisters.

"Hello! How was the studio?" Will asked as soon as Phoenix sat down, Jasmine and Maya behind him. "They all think I did it, don't they?"

"No!" Jasmine cried, her left hand grabbing her bracelet with her jasmine charm like she always did when she was lying.

"Not at all!" Maya added, lying as well. "Isn't that right, Nick?"

"Right, not at all." Phoenix agreed, "At worst, you're a suspect." That comment earned the attorney another hit to the head from his younger sister, who in turn received a glare. Will sniffed though he smiled slightly at the twins' antics. "Mr. Powers, you aren't hiding anything from me, are you?" Phoenix asked.

"W-what? No!" Will cried, "I'd never do that!"

"Just now you said that you were sleeping in your dressing room after lunch." Phoenix said.

"Yes. Like a baby." Will confirmed.

"But...the oldbag security lady said she saw you that day." Jasmine said sadly, holding her pendant in her hand.

"She says she saw you heading towards the scene of the crime!" Phoenix added.

"W-what!?" Will cried, "That's not possible! I...I really don't know what to say! I was sleeping, I promise!"

"I think he's telling the truth, Nick." Jasmine whispered to her twin and Maya nodded in agreement.

"Mr. Powers, if you want me to help you, you have to tell me the truth." Phoenix said seriously, "I'm new to this lawyer business, and I need every advantage I can get."

"I know...I-I'm sorry." Will sniffed, "But, I swear to you on my momma's grave, I was sleeping. Maybe the security lady only thought she saw me?"

"Maybe..." Jasmine said thoughtfully.

"Umm...about the security guard at the main gate to the studio..." Phoenix said.

"Oh, the security lady?" Will asked.

"She's terrible!" Maya cried angrily, "She called me 'suspicious lookin''!"

"Y-yes...actually, she's said the same thing to me before." Will said sheepishly, "'Take off that mask!' were her words, I believe. She sucks up to all the bigwigs at the studio...But let her see you stumble once and she'll never let up on you."

"That's awful!" Jasmine cried, disliking Oldbag even more then she already did.

"Grr! She's got some nerve!" Maya said.

"Do you think you could write up a letter formally requesting my representation?" Phoenix requested.

"Of c-course." Will nodded. The actor quickly wrote the note and gave it to the trio.

"Thanks Will." Jasmine grinned as they got up to leave.

When they returned to the studios, the trio found Oldbag right where they left her. Taking out the request, Phoenix said,

"Ma'am, have a look at this. It's a letter of request from Mr. Powers."

"Hmm...?" Oldbag said as she read it over. "Yes, yes. I recognize the bold, childish scrawl. To think he would entrust his fate to youths of such unreliable appearance...Really!"

"Hey!" Jasmine cried, her hands clenched into fists.

"Really?" Phoenix asked.

"Anyway, you may pass." Oldbag said, "But only left from here, toward the studios! No going to the right. That's the Employee Area. 'No one allowed inside, pal' were my instructions."

Sounds like someone we know. Jasmine thought, remembering Gushoe.

"The good detective told me himself." Oldbag added.

Yep, Gumshoe. Jasmine thought with a smile.

"Hey, hey, Nick." Maya suddenly said.

"Huh?" Phoenix asked.

"There were maps in the security guard station." Maya smiled showing the twins the map she grabbed.

"Hey! Not bad!" Phoenix smiled at the spirit medium.

"Good job, Maya." Jasmine smiled.

"Those are 50 cents a piece, thank you!" Oldbag cried angrily.

"Well, time to go, Nick, Jazz." Maya smiled, nodding and clasping her hands in front of her.

"50 cents!" Oldbag cried.

October 16th

Studio One Entrance

"Hey!" Gumshoe cried upon seeing the trio. "Aren't you that murderer from the other day!"

"Aah!"Maya cried, "It's that confused detective!"

"Hey pal, you know Prosecutor Edgeworth is all upset and it's your fault!" Gumshoe cried.

Is he really that upset about losing or...could it be something else? Jasmine wondered as she looked down, her hand clutching her pendant tightly.

"I saw him sipping tea and staring gloomily out the window!" Gumshoe continued.

"Umm...so?" Phoenix asked. Just as Jasmine was about to zone out, Maya brought her back by crying,

"Hey! If he's depressed, it's all your fault for doing sloppy detective work!"

"!" Gumshoe was silent, looking down sadly. He had no words.

"Um, Detective?" Maya asked, confused.

"I think you hurt his feelings." Phoenix said. Jasmine blinked several times as she came back fully, though she still clutched her pendant very tightly.

"Oh no!" Maya cried, "I...I'm sorry!"

"Well, I think his feelings are easily hurt." Phoenix quipped, expecting to feel his sister hit him again. However, she didn't. The attorney looked to see the aide looking at the ground, her hand holding her pendant tightly. She may have been back but she still felt the same sadness she did every time Edgeworth was brought up.

"You're right, pal." Gumshoe said sadly, "It's all my fault. I can blame other people all I want, but I know the truth in my heart!"

"Detective, that's not true!" Jasmine cried, finally coming back. "You do your best and that's all Miles could and should ask of you. You make mistakes, so what? That only makes you human, and besides, our job is to prove if you're right or wrong."

"Jazz's right!" Maya agreed with a smile and her hands clasped again, "Don't take it so hard! There's always the next case!"

"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Gumshoe smiled, "Hey! What exactly are you three doing here?"

"Um, well...We're on this case too, pal!" Maya smiled.

"Huh!? Hey! You can't just go around saying 'pal' like that!" Gumshoe cried, "That's MY endearing character trait!" Jasmine started laughing as Maya commented,

"I'd say he's a character alright..." But her eyes told Jasmine she would have to explain her little 'episode' later.

"So how is your investigation going, Detective?" Phoenix asked.

"Well, it's...Hey! I can't tell you that, pal." Gumshoe said.

"Nick...Maybe you need to be a little more indirect with your questions?" Maya suggested.

"Right." Phoenix nodded, "So, Detective, mind if I take a look at what you got?"

"What I got?" Gumshoe asked.

"The autopsy report! The latest version, if you please..." Phoenix requested.

"Hmm...right, right." Gumshoe said, "Sorry about what happened last time, pal." As he finished, the detective handed over the autopsy report which Jasmine looked over. Hammer was killed by being stabbed at 2:30.

"Why was Mr. Powers arrested?" Phoenix asked.

"Simple, pal!" Gumshoe smiled, "The murder took place right over there in Studio One. Now, the victim entered Studio One at approximately 1:00 PM. At that time, there was one other than the victim in the studio. According to the autopsy report, the time of death was 2:30 PM. Only one person went to the studio between 1:00 and 2:30! And that person was none other than Will Powers! No one else, pal! If you think I'm lying, ask the security lady at the main gate."

"Nick! If that's true...!" Maya said, "Anyone would think Powers did it with that kind of evidence!"

"We haven't even started and we're already doomed!" Jasmine groaned.

"Thanks for cheering me up..." Phoenix said sarcastically. "About the security lady..."

"Oh, that sweet old lady. What a charmer!" Gumshoe said.

"Huh?" Phoenix asked, "A-are we talking about the same person?"

"When I showed her my badge she gave me a donut and some coffee!" Gumshoe chuckled.

"Remember what Powers said." Maya reminded, "She's a sucker for authority."

"Oh yeah, that's right." Jasmine nodded.

"She even gave me a piece of valuable evidence!" Gumshoe added.

"Whaat!?" The girls cried in unison.

"What kind of evidence!?" Phoenix cried.

"Well, that, er, photo." Gumshoe answered, looking to the side before he cried, "The photo of the Steel Samurai heading toward the scene of the crime!"

"What! Who took that!?" The girls demanded in unison.

"See the camera up on that gate, pal?" Gumshoe asked.

"The gate?" Maya asked, "You mean the one with the welcome sign?"

"Yeah." Gumshoe nodded, "Whenever someone walks by, that camera automatically snaps a photo of them!"

"Oh no!" Maya cried, "Nick, Jazz, he has evidence! We're finished!"

"Why does this always happen to us!?" Jasmine cried angrily, her hands covering her face.

"What's wrong, pal? You seem down." Gumshoe asked.

"Don't look so happy when you say that." Phoenix muttered.

"Oh hoh hoh hoh hoh!" Gumshoe laughed.

"Umm...We'd like to ask the employees here some questions." Maya said.

"Sure thing, pal." Gumshoe smiled, "Go wherever you like. Of course, you're not going to find any clues I haven't already found!"

"Nick, let's go!" Maya grinned, "We got a free pass to the place. Now's our chance to check things out!"

"Hey, there's a camera here." Jasmine noted.

"That's the security camera." Gumshoe explained, "It take photos of people going to the studio. All you have to do is look at the data and you can see who went where."

"There's a number plate on the camera..." Phoenix noted. Jasmine saw it and quickly took out a small notepad from her back pocket. She wrote the number down.

ST1-307

"That must be the camera ID number." Jasmine noted.

"The studio mascot." Phoenix stated, "I guess it's a monkey of some kind. But what kind of monkey has a nose like that? He's holding a sign in his hand."

"Right: To Studio One. Left: To Studio Two." Jasmine read.

"What's up with that thing!?" Maya cried, "It looks kind of...busted."

"Oh, the wind was pretty strong yesterday, and the head broke off." Gumshoe explained, "It took that tree down with it, too."

"Wow." Was all Jasmine could say.

"Nick! Jazz! Look!" Maya cried when the trio returned to the gate. "That security lady is in the guard station stuffing her face with donuts!"

"I guess all cops like their donuts." Jasmine smirked.

"Yeah, and they're soft enough she doesn't need teeth to chew them..." Phoenix commented, earning laughs from the girls.

"Hey, you!" Oldbag cried upon seeing the three. "Well? Are you satisfied Powers is guilty yet?"

"Why didn't you tell us about the security photo, ma'am?" Phoenix asked politely.

"Hmm? Oh, that?" Oldbag asked, "I just thought it would be more thrilling to talk with the detective himself! These things are important, you know. Oh, just to the left from here is the gate with the camera that took that photo. It's my job to check the photos every day, you see."

"About the security camera..." Phoenix said.

"Oh yes, the camera." Oldbag said, "It's automatic. It can tell when someone walks through that gate, see? Then it snaps a photo! Apparently, it records the time when it takes a picture too. But I don't bother myself with those details. I just view all the photos on the computer over in the security guard station. I check 'em every day before going home, I do."

October 16th

Global Studios

Employee Area

"Nick!" The two girls cried in unison. "This is where they do all the behind-the-scenes stuff!"

"Hey! Look! There's Powers' dressing room!" Maya pointed out, "No one's here this soon after the murder I guess. Let's take a look around!"

"I'm in!" Jasmine grinned excitedly.

"The remains of yesterday's lunch are scattered around." Phoenix noted, "Everyone was probably too shocked to clean up. There's a t-bone on one of the plates, minus the steak."

"Mmm! T-bone steak!" Maya smiled, "That would have hit the spot."

"You just had a burger!" Phoenix cried.

"Yeah, but I have a second stomach just for steaks." Maya stated.

"You'll learn that pretty soon, Nick." Jasmine smirked, crossing her arms smugly.

October 16th

Global Studios

Dressing Room

"No one actually saw him taking a nap here, did they?" Maya asked sadly.

"Right, and there's a picture of him near the crime scene." Phoenix reminded.

"Our ship's sunk." Jasmine sighed. Unless they found something that would turn the case around on its own, they were done.

"Hmm? This must be Powers' bag." Maya grinned, holding up the bag that had previously been on the floor.

"Hey, don't open that." Phoenix said.

"Nick, look at this." Jasmine said as she took out a card.

"An employee cardkey." Phoenix noted, "That must be Powers'. It says 'Studio One'."

"Let's take it, Nick!" Maya encouraged.

"Borrow it. You mean borrow." Phoenix said as he took the cardkey from his twin and slipped it into his pocket.

The trio walked back to the studio gate silently.

"The entrance to Studio One." Phoenix stated as they reached it. "This is the studio where they found Jack Hammer's body." Jasmine shivered at the wording.

"Let's go in and check it out, Nick!" Maya grinned.

"I wonder if this cardkey we borrowed from the dressing room will work..." Phoenix said as he tried it. "It opened!" He grinned as it did so.

"Alright! We're in!" Maya grinned.

"Let's go!" Jasmine grinned.

October 16th

Studio One

As they entered, Maya and Jasmine fell into an eerie silence.

"What is it?" Phoenix asked. The girls were still silent. "You're both real quiet all of a sudden."

"Doesn't it give you the shivers, Nick?" Maya asked, "That white tape! It's so...so real!"

"Well, the Evil Magistrate did die here. And the Steel Samurai killed him." Phoenix stated, earning himself a hit to the back of the head again.

"Don't talk like that!" Jasmine cried before she grabbed her pendant tightly.

"The murder weapon was the Samurai Spear." Phoenix continued, "Sounds pretty real to me..."

"Look, a ladder!" Maya grinned.

"That's a 'step'-ladder." Phoenix corrected.

"So? What's the difference?" Maya smiled.

"Yeah, Nick." Jasmine agreed, "Ladder, step-ladder, they're the same thing!"

"You need to stop judging things based on narrow-minded cultural assumptions, Nick!" Maya added.

"R-right...sorry." Phoenix stuttered. "They outlined where Jack Hammer's body lay with tape. His body was found still inside the Evil Magistrate costume. I guess that's why the head looks like a helmet. Funny, I would expect a spear stabbing would leave at least a few bloodstains. I guess the costume must have absorbed most of it..."

"Wow, look at that camera!" Maya grinned, "That must cost a ton!"

"Yeah! So don't touch it!" Phoenix warned.

"Come on, Nick. You're no fun." Jasmine whined childishly, though she was smirking at her twin. When the twins weren't paying attention, Maya had picked up the camera.

"Whoa!" She grunted, "It's heavier that I thought..."

"Hey! You! No touching that!" A girl's voice cried. The three turned to see a girl with brown hair in a pony tail wearing a striped shirt, vest, jeans and glasses.

"Ah, um, sorry, my partner is kind of, y'know..." Phoenix stuttered.

"'Y'know'!?" Maya cried angrily, "No I don't know!"

"So, who are you?" Jasmine interrupted.

"Who me?" The girl asked, "I'm an assistant here." Jasmine quickly thought over every known staff member at Global Studios and remembered once ready about an assistant named Penny Nichols. "I help with props and stuff. Moving them around, ordering new ones, et cetera." Penny explained.

"We're lawyers representing Mr. Will Powers." Maya smiled.

"Oh, you're WP's people." Penny said.

"'WP'...? Oh, Will Powers." Maya said, "W.P., I get it."

"I don't envy you guys one bit!" Penny said, "But...do what you can for WP, okay? He'd never hurt a fly! He has to be innocent." Jasmine smiled at the girl, liking her more and more.

"Don't worry, leave it to us!" Maya said determinedly.

"We'll prove he's innocent." Jasmine promised.

"Could you tell me anything about the day of the murder?" Phoenix asked.

"Yes. I was in the studio the whole day." Penny explained, "I was the only assistant on staff that day, you see."

"Only one assistant!?" The girls cried in unison.

"Yes, well, the studios aren't doing so well right now." Penny gossiped, "And yesterday was only rehearsal for our action sequences."

"I see. Neat!" Maya said as Jasmine nodded thoughtfully.

"In the morning we went through the action sequences in the employee area." Penny explained, "WP and Hammer were there, along with everyone else."

"The employee area-that's where Will's dressing room is, right?" Jasmine asked.

"Yes, that's the place." Penny nodded, "After eating lunch there, Mr. Hammer went to Studio One. Then I saw WP go into his dressing room. But I didn't see either of them after that."

"Did you know Mr. Powers was sleeping in his room?" Phoenix asked.

"No!" Penny shook her head. "I wouldn't go in there unless I had some urgent message for him...I mean, it's his private...What kind of girl do you think I am!?" Jasmine laughed behind her hand at the look on her brother's face.

"W-what kind...?" Phoenix stuttered, "No, no, I'm sure you're a fine girl. Um, sorry."

"What do we do, Nick?" Maya asked, "We haven't found anything. If WP was the only one who came to the studio...Then he has to be the killer!"

"They even have a photograph..." Jasmine stated sadly, holding her pendant.

"Hmm..." Phoenix said thoughtfully.

"Umm..." Penny interrupted, "Sorry...I know you're busy."

"Not really." The twins stated in unison.

"Actually, there's been something bothering me." The assistant stated.

"Ah hah!" Maya grinned, "That's what I'm talking about! A clue! A lead!" Jasmine brightened as well, her hand releasing her pendant.

"Well, I don't about that, but that day, just after noon, I sensed someone was here..." Penny said.

"You 'sensed'?" Phoenix asked.

"Yes, several times." Penny confirmed.

"Some other studio employees, maybe?" Phoenix suggested.

"No, I don't think so." Penny denied, "The only thing we had scheduled was an action scene run-through. I was the only assistant here that day. I have a feeling it was someone from...outside."

"R-really!?" Phoenix cried.

"But wait, if someone came in here..." Maya said.

"Wouldn't that nasty old security lady notice them?" Jasmine finished.

"Yeah, you guys're right." Phoenix agreed.

"I'm sorry I don't have any better information than that." Penny apologized.

"No, thanks!" Maya smiled, "That helps us a lot. Anything helps."

"She's right, you've been a big help." Jasmine agreed with a smile.

"Let's go put that security lady on the spot!" Maya stated.

"I'm in to that!" Jasmine grinned.

"So you sensed that someone other than the regular film crew was in the studio?" Phoenix asked instead, just to be clear.

"Yes...I think." Penny answered.

"Nick! What about that security lady!" Maya cried impatiently, "If someone else came into the studio, she must have seen them!"

"Let's go!" Jasmine whined. Phoenix shook his head at his sister as the trio left.

October 16th

Global Studios

Main Gate

"What? You're still here?" Oldbag asked as the trio returned to the main gate. "Really! You look as though you've seen a ghost! What? I saw that suspicious look on your face!"

"I wanted to ask you again about yesterday..." Phoenix said, "You came here at 1:00 PM, correct? And the estimated time of Hammer's death was 2:30. Are you sure that Powers was the only one to go through here between those times?"

"Sure as can be!" Oldbag smirked.

"But we have a witness who thinks there was 'someone from outside' here that day!" Maya cried.

"What!?" Oldbag cried.

"Are you absolutely sure you were here watching the whole time?" Jasmine demanded. At the old woman's silence, Maya asked,

"Ma'am?"

"Who was it?" Oldbag asked calmly before she exploded, crying, "Who told you that? Who dares question ME!?"

"Eek!" Maya cried.

"Yikes!" Jasmine cried. Neither girl had expected the security lady to explode like that.

"Alright you better tell me and tell me quick, you spiky-haired cretin!" Oldbag cried, "Someone's been complaining about the work I do, eh!?"

"Uh...um, we were just talking to the assistant in Studio One." Maya answered.

"Her! She's not even a full-time employee!" Oldbag cried, "All you young'uns are like that nowadays, running your mouths like there was no tomorrow saying this that and the other thing. Well when I was young let me tell you we knew a thing or two about respecting our elders. Back then we did and it's a crying shame that you youths today just say what you please about poor old ladies. Graaaaaaaaaaaawr!" With that, the old windbag ran off.

"She left..." Phoenix stated.

"Thank you, Captain Obvious!" Jasmine quipped, crossing her arms and rolling her eyes.

"Well, Nick?" Maya smiled, "This is our chance to do what we can without her looking over our shoulders!"

"Good idea, Maya." Jasmine smiled.

"The computer that runs the studio security cameras." Phoenix stated.

"Nick!" Maya cried, "Maybe we can see that photo of Powers with this computer!"

"Yeah, maybe." Phoenix said.

"Let's do it!" Jasmine grinned excitedly.

"Okay." Phoenix agreed, "Let's give it a try."

"You know how to work these things, Nick?" Maya asked. Jasmine laughed out loud at that.

"No." She finally said when her laughs died. "But I can." Jasmine walked over to the computer. "Looks like it only needs a few numbers." She mused, "First, the murder date. That's easy."

Please enter the number of the security camera.

Jasmine took out her notepad and typed in 'ST1-307'.

"Done." She smiled.

"Hey! It printed out the data for that day!" Maya grinned, her hands clasped in front of her.

"Let's see what we got..." Phoenix said as the girls gathered around him to see the picture. The picture showed...the Steel Samurai. "...Huh?" Phoenix asked, confused.

"What the heck is this!?" Jasmine cried.

"How is this a picture of Will Powers?" Maya asked.

"Well, he is the one who always wears that suit..." Phoenix said.

"That shouldn't mean anything!" Jasmine stated, "Someone could've stolen it from him or made a replica!"

"That isn't what most people here would think if they saw the Steel Samurai. They'd assume is was Powers." Phoenix said, "I guess that's why the security lady thought it was him." Jasmine crossed her arms and pouted childishly.

"Still not a good reason." She muttered.

"I don't imagine the detective was very happy with this photo as evidence." Maya said, "Hmm? Something's printed on the back!"

"Huh?" Phoenix said, "'Oct. 15, 2:00 PM, Photo #2'"

"What does that mean?" Maya asked.

"Maybe there's more photo data from that day?" Phoenix suggested. Jasmine quickly checked the computer but came back empty handed.

"Nope-that's the only one in the computer." She said, shaking her head.

"Hey, hey, Nick!" Maya said as Phoenix put the photo away. "Can't we use this photo as evidence for the trial?"

"Yeah." Phoenix nodded.

"We'll put that security lady in her place with this!" Maya smirked.

"I'm game for that!" Jasmine grinned.

"Right, we'll put her in her place..." Phoenix agreed.

"Hey, that's what I said!" Maya smiled, "Anyway...Let's show her this photo and see what she says!"

"Wait. Let's not." Phoenix said, surprising Maya.

"Why not?" Said Fey asked.

"It's never a good idea to reveal your hand to the enemy too soon." Phoenix explained

"You almost sound like a poker player, Nick." Jasmine smirked, crossing her arms.

"Nick! You're craftier than I gave you credit for." Maya grinned, "Why you could be the next..." In unison, the two girls finished,

"Evil Magistrate!"

"Hey!" Phoenix cried, "Why do I have to be the villain."

"Relax, it was just a joke!" Maya smiled as Jasmine smirked. "So, are we done for today?"

I think that photo was exactly what we needed for the trial. But, it'd be better if we had some idea as to who the real killer was. Maybe it really is that nasty old security lady...?

There's the chapter! And the step-ladder vs. ladder joke, I just had to include it! And Jasmine's gift on the violin was to give her a talent she did for fun and because she'll be playing it a lot in AJ while reminiscing. Okay, there's the chapter and I hope I didn't disappoint! Please leave a review to let me know what you think about both the story and my theme selections for Jasmine. Later!