Hey guys, it's been a while! Sorry for the long wait, I've just been busy with school. I didn't even plan on updating this story today but I've been listening to all Pursuit, Objection and Confess the Truth themes from every AA game, along with In Flight, Turnabout Sisters Music Box Melody (Jazz's two themes in case you forgot), Turnabout Sisters, Turnabout Sisters Ballad and The Great Truth Burglar (Kay's theme in case you didn't know). They influenced me and, well, here I am. Okay, thanks to Guest (I brought in kid Apollo just for fun and as a small AU moment. And besides, when I finally get to AJ, Jazz and Apollo will already have a connection that will help form the bond I have planned for them . SPOILER SKIP TO NEXT PARANTHESIS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW:...Jazz takes on Mia's role.), pyrosaurus X (Alright, I'll try doing a little more here, though it'll be a moment where Jazz is seperated from Phoenix and Maya so I hope you approve!), MissKillerfuzzel and Jazzy Amythest for reviewing/following/favoring along with all 2,261 readers! Whew, that's a lot. Also, if you are a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, please check out my new story Snowflakes and Shadows. Alright, I think that's everything. Now, we're finally getting close to the end of case 3 and I decided to throw a bone to those of you who want a Jasmine/Miles moment. It's not much but it should satisfy you until I reach case 4, right? Alright, now sit back, relax, put on any Ace Attorney song you like (Song lyric suggestions are still being accepted FYI!) and enjoy the show!
October 19th, 3:27 PM
Wright and Co. Law Offices
"That was a close one, huh, Mia?" Phoenix asked as the three entered the office.
"Really? Too bad, I'm sorry I missed it." Maya stated, not even concerned with the fact that both Wright twins still thought she was channeling Mia. Phoenix was confused while Jasmine turned and smiled at the girl. In unison, the twins said,
"Maya!"
"So, what happened?" Maya asked eagerly.
"Well, I think I've got a pretty good idea who did it." Phoenix said.
"Now all we need is a motive...and proof." Jasmine stated, crossing her arms thoughtfully. When she took that position, it usually meant something was bothering her. It was one thing about her that never changed as she grew up.
"Wow! Good going, Nick!" Maya grinned, "You too, Jazz."
"Under the 'initial trial' system, tomorrow is the last day we have." Phoenix continued.
"'Initial trial'...? What's that?" Maya asked, curious.
"That's the new court system they introduced two or three years ago." Jasmine explained, "They had so many cases in the system, they decided to speed the whole process up."
"So, under that system, trials have to end in three days?" Maya asked, surprised.
"Yeah, pretty much." Phoenix nodded, "Well, we've no time to waste!"
"I don't get it though." Jasmine interjected, "Why would Mr. Hammer steal the Steel Samurai costume?"
"What!? You mean Mr. Hammer was wearing the costume!?" Maya cried, shocked.
"Yeah!" Phoenix confirmed.
"But Mr. Hammer was the victim, Nick!" Maya cried, "Why would he go through the trouble of stealing it?"
"That's what we have to find out." Phoenix stated.
"What happened with the director's testimony?" Maya asked.
"Well, it's pretty clear that the producer and the director were both in the trailer." Phoenix said.
"Huh..." Maya whispered.
"Which means the killer has to be one of them!" Jasmine added.
"Really!? Why!?" Maya asked, confused.
"Because the real scene of the crime was Studio Two...where that trailer is!" The twins answered in unison.
"Whaaaat!?" Maya cried before she added, "You know, it's weird how you two can talk in unison like that so easily."
"Our mom called it our twin telepathy." Jasmine explained, "I actually believe in it some times."
"I can see why." Maya nodded. As the three left the office, Jasmine spoke up.
"You guys go check on Will alone, I'm gonna investigate something that's been bothering me for a while now." She explained. The remaining duo nodded, wished her luck and were off.
October 19th
Studio One Entrance
Jasmine sighed as she reached the gate without alerting Oldbag, which was the reason for her sigh. When she looked up, the younger Wright was surprised to see a young cravat wearing prosecutor walking towards her. She felt her heart speed up almost irrationally but she just smiled a small smile and met Edgeworth halfway.
"Hi Miles." She smiled.
"Jasmine." Edgeworth greeted, as cold as ever. But Jasmine saw past his facade in the only way she knew how. His eyes. Those deep gray eyes of his were his only weakness, especially when she was around. Through them, she could read every single one of his emotions, though he never knew that. And it was by looking through those eyes that she knew that he hadn't completely changed.
"What're you doing here?" She asked.
"Investigating." Edgeworth stated. Jasmine almost felt stupid in that moment.
Of course he's investigating! He's the damn prosecutor! She thought to herself. However, all she said out loud was, "Do you still truly believe Will's guilty?" Edgeworth remained silent and, surprisingly, it was hard for the aide to read his emotions. Because of that, she leaned in closer to his face and he looked down. "Miles, answer me." She insisted.
"Every defendant is guilty." Edgeworth whispered.
"Now, I know you don't truly believe that." Jasmine shook her head, glaring slightly at the prosecutor. Edgeworth remained silent and Jasmine continued, "I know the Miles I remember is still in you, I know because he's standing right in front of me. You can try and bury your past and make yourself into someone else all you want, but the fact remains that you are an Edgeworth. Not just any Edgeworth, but Miles Edgeworth. Nobody else. And I know that the boy who was my best friend and my role model is still here. Why else would I be talking to you?" Edgeworth remained silent, still not meeting Jasmine's eyes. In response to this, Jasmine stepped even closer to him, close enough that there was absolutely no space between them, and lifted his chin with her hand so that his gray eyes met her piercing dark blue ones. Her face was completely serious as she whispered, "I know you're still here, Miles. I just wish you would let me in and choose to follow your heart and not some dumb creed or policy or whatever that says you must get every defendant declared 'guilty'. It's your choice, Miles...and I know you'll make the right one." The two stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity. Jasmine noticed something she had never seen before shining in Edgeworth's eyes. It was small and layered upon to try and hide it from her but she could see it. Slowly, Edgeworth reached out a hand and put it upon Jasmine's cheek. The young Wright closed her eyes and leaned into his touch but forced herself to pull away after a minute. She had work to do, after all. She smiled up at the prosecutor, quickly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek before she ran off, not looking back to see the surprised look on Edgeworth's face, something he would let nobody else see.
October 19th
Studio Two Entrance
Jasmine looked around as she reached Studio Two. There were some things here that bothered her so much, she just had to investigate alone.
First, the incinerator. Jasmine thought as she walked over to it. The aide bent down and looked at the ground around the incinerator, trying to find any sign of it being used recently. She grinned when she noticed something dark on the ground. She picked some of it up, rubbed it between her fingers and brought it up to her nose to smell it. "Soot." She nodded, having come across the substance before. She then noticed that the incinerator looked very new and was covered in the substance. Hmm...The aide brushed her hands against each other as she stood up. Jasmine looked over at the fence near the trailer and made her way towards it. She bent down so she could see it better. She examined one spike in particular that looked odd. Jasmine's eyes widened as she realized it was bent as if...something fell on it. "No way..." She whispered when she suddenly heard a voice in her head.
I better call Jazz and tell her what's going on. Knowing what it was, Jasmine took out her dark purple phone and dialed her brother's number. He answered on the first ring. "Hello?"
"Hey Nick, you were gonna call me?" Jasmine greeted.
"Yeah." Phoenix answered. After years of incidents similar to this one, the twins were used to it. "Maya and I got a bunch of information you might want to know about. We'll meet you at the studio."
"Alright, I'm heading for the Employee Area now." Jasmine agreed, "See you soon." With that, the twins hung up and Jasmine began to walk towards the Employee Area.
October 19th
Global Studios
Employee Area
The entire walk to the Employee Area, Jasmine kept an eye out for Edgeworth. She was both pleased and sad that she didn't see him. When she arrived, she found her twin and her best friend talking to none other than Detective Gumshoe.
"Hey guys, what'd I miss?" Jasmine asked as she approached.
"Detective Gumshoe proved there were sleeping pills on the plate!" Maya grinned, "And Mr. Hammer's prints were on the bottle!"
"Really?" Jasmine grinned, "Nice! Way to go, Gumshoe!" Gumshoe smiled modestly,
"Aw, it was nothing, pal!" Jasmine giggled,
"Call me Jazz, Gumshoe." Gumshoe thought about it before he said,
"I'll give it a try, pal." Jasmine smiled, knowing it would take some time for the detective to adjust to calling her by her nickname.
"We'd better check out the dressing room." Jasmine suggested.
"Good idea, Jazz." Phoenix nodded before the three entered the room.
"Oh! Hello!" Penny smiled as they entered.
"What are you doing here?" Maya asked.
"Oh...I was just cleaning up the dressing room." Penny explained, "I guess WP won't be using it anymore, so..."
"Wait, what!?" Jasmine cried.
"Wha!? What!?" Maya cried at the same instant.
"Why!?" The girls finished in unison.
"But WP's innocent!" Maya added.
"Yes, and I'm really grateful for all you've done." Penny smiled, "But...This week is the last episode of the Steel Samurai..."
"What!? Nooooooooooooooooo!" The two girls cried in unison.
"I was wondering if I could ask you about Mr. Hammer..." Phoenix interjected before his sister could start ranting.
"Yes?" Penny prompted.
"On the day of the murder, he went to Studio Two." Phoenix continued.
"Huh? I thought he went to Studio One?" Penny asked.
"He stole the Steel Samurai costume, too!" Maya added
"What!?" Penny cried, "Why would Mr. Hammer do something like that? ...Oh...I guess the rumor must be true, then."
"The rumor?" Jasmine asked as she calmed down slightly.
"Yeah. Ms. Vasquez, that producer, had some kind of hold on Hammer. She had some dirt on him...He'd do anything she said, apparently."
"Some 'dirt'?" Maya asked.
"What dirt!" The girls asked in unison.
"...Dirt. You know, bad stuff." Penny stated.
"...Um, we know what dirt means..." Maya said.
"Give us the gossip." Jasmine stated. Penny leaned in and cupped a hand around her mouth.
"About five years ago, they were filming a movie starring Mr. Hammer." Penny gossiped, "They were using the new studio...Studio Two. Some sort of accident happened during filming. After that, they never used Studio Two again. They left the film set the way it was, too."
Interesting...Jasmine thought.
"W-what do you mean the "last Steel Samurai"!?" Maya asked.
"I know it's a shock, but nothing can be done to save it now." Penny said, "Whoever really did kill Mr. Hammer, also signed the Steel Samurai's death warrant."
"No...no!" Maya whimpered.
"This can't be happening!" Jasmine cried.
"Also, I hear that Global Studios is going to change its programming." Penny added, "They're not going to make kids' shows anymore."
"W-what!? Why!?" The girls cried in unison, though Jasmine didn't stutter.
"I don't know." Penny admitted, "It's sad, but that's what Global Studios decided."
"Why aren't they going to make kids' shows anymore?" Phoenix asked.
"The studio bigwigs don't want the Steel Samurai around anymore." Penny explained, "They want to forget all this ever happened. They want it quiet, you understand?"
"H-how can they just do that!" Maya cried before both girls cried in unison,
"What about all the kids who love the Steel Samurai!"
"It's okay. I'm sure the kids will be fine." Penny said, "They'll find a new hero to follow."
"No, that can't be true!" Maya cried.
"If the program just ends, they'll be heartbroken for sure!" Jasmine added.
"N-Nick! Say something!" Maya shouted at the older Wright.
"Umm...yeah." Phoenix said, "Here, take a look at this. TAKE THAT!"
"And this is...?" Penny asked as she looked at Cody's album.
"A fan collected all of these photographs." Phoenix explained, "The kids love the Steel Samurai! The show shouldn't be cancelled just so some adults can save face! I would think you would understand that better than anyone."
"...You're right..." Penny agreed, smiling. "Okay! But what can I do?"
"Well, for starters...You can tell me something." Phoenix said, "Tell me what it is that Global Studios is so intent on hiding? Tell me about this accident five years ago."
"...Okay!" Penny agreed.
"Can you tell us what happened five years ago?" Phoenix requested.
"Well, I can tell you what I've heard." Penny said, "Apparently, five years ago, someone died...and it was Hammer's fault."
"S-someone died!?" Maya cried.
"What!?" Jasmine cried at the same instant.
"It was an accident, of course!" Penny continued, "Anyway...The producer, Ms. Vasquez, managed to hush it up."
"And that's the 'dirt' she had on Mr. Hammer?" Phoenix asked.
"And that's why Mr. Hammer would do anything Ms. Vasquez asked him to do!" Jasmine concluded.
"...But, it was an accident, right?" Maya asked, "Why didn't they just make it public?"
"Well, you know Mr. Hammer was a big star back then." Penny explained, "They were afraid about what would happen to his career if word got out."
"I see..." Maya admitted as Jasmine nodded in agreement, both looking down sadly.
"You know who knows more about this? Ms. Oldbag." Penny added, "She was here at the studios back then, you know."
"Thanks, we'll try asking her." Phoenix nodded. When they returned to the Employee Area, Jasmine said,
"You guys go ahead, I've got something to do here." The duo nodded and left. Jasmine walked over to Gumshoe and said, "Hey, Gumshoe, can you do me a favor?"
"What is it, pal?" Gumshoe asked.
"Well, Nick, Maya and I have a feeling Vasquez is the killer and we're most likely going to confront her." Jasmine explained, "Do you think you could be our backup in case things go...wrong?"
"Sure thing...Jazz." Gumshoe agreed, his face completely serious. Jasmine smiled and hugged the detective, thanking him before she ran after her sibling and best friend.
When Jasmine arrived, Oldbag was staring at the duo in silence. As she stood beside them, Oldbag said,
"I see. Poor, poor Hammer. You did wrong, Hammer, rest your sould."
"Ms. Oldbag...?" Maya asked. Even Jasmine was growing concerned.
"Okay. You win. I'll talk." Oldbag said, "I'm tired, see...Tired of holding it all in."
"Ms. Oldbag..." The twins said in unison.
"You're right. Five years ago there was an accident...a fatal accident." Oldbag explained, "What's worse, a paparazzi took a photo of it. That photo, well, it caused quite a stir. And guess who made it all better? Vasquez! She has ties to the mafia...She silenced that paparazzi. That was the beginning. After that, she became a force to be reckoned with here at the studio."
"I see...!" Maya said as she and Jasmine nodded sadly.
"But, you have to understand...Poor old Hammer never meant any harm to anyone!" Oldbag continued.
"Of course..." Jasmine whispered, holding her pendant tightly and closing her eyes.
"Ms. Oldbag..." Maya whispered.
"Hold on a minute." Oldbag said before she went inside the guard station.
"Poor Ms. Oldbag..." Maya whispered as Jasmine hugged her, both feeling incredibly sorry for the security guard. Oldbag returned and gave a photo to the attorney.
"Here, take this." She said.
"...? A photograph?" Phoenix asked. The three looked at it and gasped in shock. The picture showed Jack Hammer standing on a set of stairs near the trailer in Studio Two with Vasquez standing in front of them and a body resting on...the fence.
"No way..." She whispered, realizing what that meant. The spike she had examined...was the same spike that body was resting on!
"W-wait a second!" Phoenix stuttered.
"This is the picture." Oldbag stated.
"Is...this the trailer in Studio Two?" Phoenix asked.
"Hammer was supposed to fight with a bad guy on the top of those stairs, there." Oldbag explained, "He pushed the other actor, and the man fell onto the flowerbox fence."
"But how did you get this?" Jasmine asked, her voice almost a whisper as she held the picture between her fingers.
"It...was a long time ago." Oldbag said, "I don't fell much like talking about it."
"I understand..." Phoenix nodded as Jasmine carefully pocketed the picture.
"I'm so sorry, Ms. Oldbag." Jasmine whispered as she looked down at her hands. For a reason she couldn't remember, she felt connected to Hammer in a way. He had accidentally killed a man and was forced to live with the pain. But...I've never killed anyone. So, why do I feel connected to Mr. Hammer? Jasmine wondered. She couldn't remember an answer. The trio left the old woman to herself and walked off.
October 19th
Studio One Entrance
"Think back, Nick, Jazz, to the day of the murder..." Maya said as the three reached the gate. "Mr. Hammer put on the Steel Samurai costume. Then he left from here to go to Studio Two...?"
"Right." Phoenix nodded.
"But why?" Jasmine asked.
"I wonder if someone called him...?" Maya said, "Like the director, or the producer...?" Neither twin had an answer as the three headed to Studio Two.
October 19th
Studio Two Entrance
The three entered the studio to find Vasquez standing outside.
"Hey, Nick, Jazz...It's Ms. Vasquez!" Maya smiled, "Hello?" Vasquez remained silent, something she shouldn't have done since Maya then cried, "H-E-L-L-O!" Vasquez was still silent, Jasmine covered her face with her hands, knowing what was coming. Maya exploded. "H! E! L! L! O!"
"M-Maya!" Phoenix cried, "You should at least try to be polite..."
"Good luck with that, Nick." Jasmine smirked, crossing her arms.
"...I'm watching the clouds..." Vasquez finally said.
That's it? Seriously lady!? Jasmine thought, irritated beyond belief with this producer.
"Um, excuse me? Mr. Hammer came here on the day of the murder, and..." Maya started but she was interuppted by Vasquez.
"Shh." She shushed.
"?" Maya and Jasmine were confused.
"Perhaps you didn't hear me. I'm watching the clouds." Vasquez said, "I'm not interested in talking to you."
"Okay, that was rude!" Jasmine glared at the woman.
"Do something, Nick!" Maya insisted, "She's really ticking me off!"
"Ditto." Jasmine practically growled.
"Jazz, calm down." Phoenix whispered to his sister. Jasmine sucked in a deep breath and let go. Once again, images flashed behind her closed eyes.
A beautiful young woman with short brown hair wearing a light green dress and apron. She stood beside a man with white hair wearing a black suit and an apron. The two of them looked slightly hopeful.
A short woman with curly brown hair wearing a pink chef outfit. She looked extremely peppy and was spinning a bowl furiously.
A man with several scars with long black hair wearing a red chef outfit. His eyes were closed as if he was meditating.
"J! A! Z! Z!" Maya screamed in Jasmine's face as she snapped back to reality.
"Maya! Don't yell in my ear like that!" Jasmine cried as she jumped about a foot in the air.
"Sorry..." Maya apologized. Jasmine smiled,
"It's okay...What'd I miss?"
"Ms. Vasquez went into the trailer to talk to us once we showed her the photo." Maya explained. Jasmine nodded,
"Alright, let's go." Phoenix led the way inside as Jasmine felt her nerves rising. Gumshoe...please come through.
"Hmph. You came." Vasquez stated once the trio entered. Jasmine felt like snapping at the producer but knew she shouldn't, lest she wanted her brother glaring at her. "Well then, what was that you were talking about?"
"Ms. Vasquez. You were using that accident!" Phoenix said, "You were blackmailing Mr. Hammer so you could control him, weren't you? That's why he was doing kids' shows for petty change!"
"Hmph...So I'm a blackmailer now?" Vasquez asked.
"Well, that's what is was, wasn't it!" Maya cried, "I mean, sure it was an accident..."
"But you used it to drag Mr. Hammer down from his rightful place as a star!" Jasmine finished.
"Oh...? I haven't pulled anyone down from anywhere." Vasquez said, "Mr. Hammer's career went sour of its own accord."
"B-but! You were the cause! You pressured him..." Maya continued.
"And to think it was just an accident...!" Jasmine finished, feeling sorry for Hammer.
"Excuse me!" Vasquez cried, "What is this all about? You keep saying 'accident', 'accident'...How are you so sure?"
"What do you mean?" Phoenix asked carefully.
"Must I spell everything out for you?" Vasquez continued, "Think: what would it be if it wasn't an accident?"
"No...!" Jasmine whispered.
"...! No..." Phoenix said a second after his younger sister.
"No way!" The two cried in unison.
"You mean Mr. Hammer did it...on purpose?" Phoenix asked.
"That is what I mean." Vasquez smirked.
"Wh-where's your proof! Can you prove it!?" Phoenix cried.
"Hmph! Just think!" Vasquez said, "Would he have let me run his life for five years...over a mere accident? And I ran him hard, believe me!"
"B-but, the security lady said it was an accident!" Maya cried.
"Oh. Well, she was a big fan of Hammer's, you see." Vasquez continued, "She jumped on the reporter who brought that photo into the studio. She wrenched it out of his hands, she did. Gave him a few bruises, too."
That explains how she had the photo. Jasmine thought.
"She's an old fool." Vasquez said, "Of course, all the reporter would need is the negatives. He could have made a copy. But he didn't. The only copy of that photo is the one you hold. Give it to me. Now."
"W-what? This is valuable evidence!" Maya cried. Jasmine put her hand in the pocket the photo was in, apparently Phoenix had returned it while she was still in her trance, and cried,
"There's no way you're getting that picture!"
"Boys!" Vasquez cried. Suddenly, four thugs came out and surrounded the group. Jasmine's eyes widened as fear began to grip her heart and refuse to release it.
"...U-umm..." Phoenix stuttered as both Jasmine and Maya began to hide behind him. "Who are they...?"
"Professionals." Vasquez stated, "They're good at erasing...various things. What do you think...? Would you like to be erased?"
"Wh-what!?" Phoenix cried.
"The trial ends tomorrow?" Vasquez continued, "How unfortunate. It's a shame you'll have to miss it!"
"...Tell me why." Phoenix said, "Why do you want this photograph so badly? This is Mr. Hammer's 'dirt'...no? Why should Dee Vasquez care about it at all?"
"...I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to think about that where you're going." Vasquez stated. Jasmine hid behind her twin more at that.
Gumshoe...please!
"So long, friends." Vasquez smirked, "Boys, erase away."
"Nooooooooooooo!" Maya cried.
"HELP!" Jasmine screamed.
"Hold it right there!" A voice cried. Jasmine's eyes snapped open to see Gumshoe standing in front of the trio. "I heard everything, pal!" He cried.
"Gumshoe, you made it!" Jasmine smiled as he continued,
"Dee Vasquez! You're coming down to the precinct with me, now!"
"...Hmph." Vasquez said, "Not bad...Very well. It appears this contest will be decided tomorrow then. In court. I'll be looking forward to it."
Once Vasquez was led out, Gumshoe turned to the trio.
"H-hey, you okay, pal?" Gumshoe asked, worried. Jasmine ran forward and hugged the detective tightly.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She cried happily.
"Sorry I was a little late with my entrance." Gumshoe apologized as the girl pulled away.
"Better late then never, right?" Jasmine smiled.
"I don't get many chances to practice that sorta thing." Gumshoe admitted sadly.
"Detective Gumshoe..." Maya said before she repeated Jasmine, hugging the detective and crying, "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was really scared..."
"We all were." Jasmine admitted as she stood beside Maya when the girl let Gumshoe go.
"Huh? Don't mention it, pal." Gumshoe stated, "Just doing my job."
"Detective Gumshoe?" The girls asked at his silence.
"Sorry, it's just...I've wanted to say that line ever since I became a detective." Gumshoe admitted. "Okay. I've got one more job to do today. I'm sure we'll run into each other again soon!" With that, Gumshoe left the trio in the trailer.
"Well, Nick, Jazz." Maya said, "It looks like we're getting to the bottom of this."
"And Vasquez is right there!" Jasmine smiled, high fiving the younger girl. They had one day to take Vasquez down. And they were gonna win!
There's the chapter! Whew, I hope you guys enjoyed, especially the Jasmine/Miles part, no matter how small it was. I love how conflicted Edgeworth was at the end of this case and thought, why don't I highlight that by giving him a moment with Jasmine. I figured if anyone could convince Edgeworth to have a change of heart then it would be Jasmine more than anyone else to initiate it. I hope you guys enjoyed, and you got another flashback of Jasmine's past. Are you guys starting to put the pieces together on what Jasmine's first technical appearance in the AA timeline is? And don't forget to suggest song lyrics and check out my new story Snowflakes and Shadows! Please review! Later!