Happy New Year! I found the inspiration and decided to update! This is the last chapter of Turnabout Goodbyes, meaning we are one case away from finishing AA, which is about 6 more chapters I think? Woo hoo! Also, have you guys heard about Ace Attorney 6? That's right, Capcom is making AA6 and it will be westernized, meaning we get to play it in English! Yes! And Capcom is making an Ace Attorney anime, showing the stories of AA and JFA in it! Can you tell how excited I am? My only requests is that Maya is in AA6 and that Apollo and Trucy at least acknowledge that they're half-siblings! For Pete's sake, AA6's setting for Phoenix is the Kingdom of KURAIN! How can Maya not be involved?! And besides, it's been 2 years, by this game, since AJ and if they don't know by then, then Capcom might as well just say "Yeah, we're never bringing Thalassa back or having Apollo and Trucy know the truth, sorry!" Whew, okay that's everything. Also, with the new game, this story has been extended to another game, though I may have to play with the timeline considering how the crossover Layton sequel to this story and its next generation sequel rely on a specific timeline, or a close enough one at least! Anyways, thanks to hellspam (Well, the Layton crossover I have planned will have Jasmine in danger, though she won't be a defendant. Also, Jasmine already has a voice now but thanks for the suggestions!), elektroboot98 (Aw, thanks! I think you'll like this chapter a lot then!), ShadowPhoenix34 (Here! (Hands baseball bat over) Go ahead, I hate him too, besides who can say he can't go to jail with a giant bruise? I'm glad you liked the trigger! I'll elaborate on it more in several chapters' time.), EQGallade, HikariTatami, Supernatural Aurora, animermine, nko1228, Akilos the Ice Walker, White Coy and Shadow-DJ for reviewing/following/favoring along with all 10,263 readers! Now, before we begin at last, how do you guys want me to do chapters where Jasmine is simply watching a trial? Do you want me to copy everything or just summarize it and include Jasmine's thoughts or simply skip it all until she becomes involved or has a thought or something. I need to know for future reference, thanks! Okay, now on to the chapter!
von Karma didn't let me out of that room until the next morning, the day of the trial. Not once did I speak as I sat in the witness chamber, not even when von Karma repeated his threat to me. I simply sat there, feeling despair and hopelessness. There was nothing I could do, I had to commit perjury. If I didn't, Nick and Miles would both be ruined…I couldn't let that happen. But I also knew Nick…he would see through any lie I told and would save Miles and me from this nightmare that has lasted for 15 awful years. I listened to the trial as it went on, from the moment Nick cross-examined Yogi to the moment he called Polly the parrot to the stand. I was shocked at first but it made sense. Polly is the only being that can't lie, after all. I listened as Yogi confessed, feeling tears build up as I waited for the verdict. It came, alright. Miles was declared Not Guilty and I knew my fate was sealed. Before the judge could close the case, his voice rang out. Miles objected and claimed he was guilty of DL-6. The world grew dark to me in that moment and I could barely hear the words being spoken until the gavel rang down signaling a recess. von Karma came in then and repeated my instructions. I refused to speak and to let my tears fall. This monster would not see me cry, that I was certain of. I held my head high as I entered the courtroom. Whatever happened in here would decide the fate of four individuals: Nick, Miles, von Karma and me. In a way, we were all on trial. No matter what happens, I have to believe in Nick. He's my last hope that the truth can be found and justice served to the monster manipulating me.
December 28th, 2:30 PM
District Court
Courtroom No. 3
"Then I would like to resume our trial." The judge stated as he silenced the court with his gavel.
"Judge! Miles Edgeworth has admitted his own guilt. He has confessed his crime." von Karma proclaimed, "Let us begin by hearing the testimony of the final witness of DL-6."
"The final witness?" The judge repeated, eyes wide.
"Yes." von Karma nodded before he snapped his fingers, causing me to flinch. "The witness was a young girl at the time, a child. Yet she witnessed this crime and forced herself to forget for 15 long years. Now she comes forth to put the true criminal, Miles Edgeworth, where he belongs! Then, though pointless, let the defense do their cross-examining. The statute of limitations on the DL-6 Incident runs out today. Though it's unconventional for me, I'd like to run this one by the book."
"I see. Does the defense have any objections?" The judge asked.
"No, Your Honor." Phoenix shook his head.
"Very well. Will this final witness take the stand?" The judge requested. Jasmine took a deep breath and made her way to the witness stand.
"Will the witness state her name and profession." von Karma stated. The aide had her head bowed, unwilling to face her older brother with what she was about to do.
"Jasmine Wright. I'm a legal aide, defense specifically. I am also an artist on the side at a local museum." Her voice was soft but the audience could hear the strength she carried within as her voice resonated through the courtroom.
"Now hold on!" The judge cut in. "Am I to understand that this young woman…is the final witness to DL-6?!"
"Yes, Your Honor. I was only 9 but I did witness the incident." Jasmine answered, looking up slightly.
"How did we not know this?!" The judge cried, shocked.
"As I said, I was only 9. Seeing somebody close to me murdered…it traumatized me, to say the least. I ran all the way home from the court but I tripped and hit my head. I suffered amnesia afterwards, I couldn't remember anything I had done prior to waking up in my home." Jasmine explained.
"Mr. Wright, did you know about this?" The judge asked.
"Yes, Your Honor." Phoenix nodded, "My sister remembered that day three days ago, though her memory was incomplete. But it appears her memory has now fully returned."
"It has." Jasmine confirmed looking down again.
"Ms. Wright…Fifteen years ago, Miles Edgeworth mistakenly killed his father, Gregory Edgeworth. Is this correct?" von Karma asked.
I'm sorry Nick. Jasmine thought before she spoke. "…It is correct."
"Then testify about this matter to the court." von Karma ordered.
"Okay…" Jasmine whispered. "That day, I went to the courtroom because Miles had invited me to watch his father's trial with him. Afterwards, we were separated and I was lost in the court. The earthquake struck and I was thrown off my feet by the force of it. I believe I lost consciousness after that. Before I came to, I heard voices arguing and then a single gunshot and a scream that I will never forget. I woke up to that scream still ringing in my ears and I found myself in front of an opening elevator. When it opened, I saw Miles, Mr. Yogi and Mr. Edgeworth. Miles and Mr. Yogi were unconscious and Mr. Edgeworth was…gone."
"Hmm…and until now you couldn't remember this?" The judge asked.
"I was so traumatized and I hit my head twice during that day." Jasmine explained, looking down as she gripped her arms tightly. "I…I couldn't remember it at all until I visited Mr. Edgeworth's client at the time."
"Very well." The judge nodded. "Mr. Wright? Your cross-examination, please."
"Yes, Your Honor." Phoenix said.
Nick, please, I'm begging you. Find a contradiction, any contradiction. Save us all… Jasmine thought before she repeated, "That day, I went to the courtroom because Miles had invited me to watch his father's trial with him. Afterwards, we were separated and I was lost in the court. The earthquake struck and I was thrown off my feet by the force of it. I believe I lost consciousness after that. Before I came to, I heard voices arguing and then a single gunshot and a scream that I will never forget."
"OBJECTION!" Phoenix yelled, pointing at his sister. "Are you sure you only heard one gunshot?"
"Yes." Jasmine answered simply, her fingers twitching just the slightest bit on her arm as she lied. "I remember the scream after that gunshot well and then I woke up. The elevator opened and I saw everything but I was so scared I ran after that."
"I see…" The judge nodded but Phoenix shook his head.
"But that doesn't make sense!" He said, smirking. "Look at this file one more time. This plainly contradicts the witness' testimony."
"OBJECTION!" von Karma cut in and Jasmine flinched at the sound. "You do enjoy dragging out that file, don't you? I don't accept this evidence! Unless…you can tell us what page it's on! Which page contradicts Jasmine Wright's testimony?"
"Look at the 'Victim Data' in this file! It says it quite plainly: "the murder weapon was fired twice"!" Phoenix pointed out. The crowd murmured until the gavel went down. "Jasmine Wright only heard one gunshot! Yet, the murder weapon was fired twice! The first shot was the accidental firing when the pistol was thrown. So…who fired the remaining shot!?" The crowd mumbled their thoughts.
Nick…you did it! This could save us! You did it!
The gavel went down, silencing the court.
"Hmm...Was there, perhaps, another shooter who fired that second shot?" The judge asked.
"OBJECTION! Your Honor. As I'm sure you're aware... This incident occurred fifteen years ago. The evidence is dated...The pistol did fire twice. However, we do not know WHEN that second shot was fired. It might have been fired the day before the incident! There is no proof that the second shot had anything to do with this incident!" von Karma cried.
No…No!
"Hmm... I see, I see. You do have a point. Mr. Wright? The murder weapon was fired twice, as we have heard. One of those shots was fired by the defendant, a boy at the time. Do you have any proof that the other shot fired had something to do with the case?" The judge asked.
"Your Honor. I think I will be able to show you proof." Phoenix confirmed.
Wh-what!? Impossible!" von Karma cried, shocked.
Looks like there is proof, von Karma. Nick, show it!
"Now, now, Mr. von Karma. Save your surprise for after you've seen the evidence. Very well, Mr. Wright. Show us your proof. Do you have evidence that the second firing of the pistol is related to this incident?" The judge asked.
"TAKE THAT! Look at this photograph." Phoenix said.
This is a photograph of the scene of the crime, fifteen years ago. I can see that the victim lying there is Gregory Edgeworth..." The judge noted.
"This proves the murder weapon was fired twice, at the time of the incident! This photo proves it!" Phoenix cried.
"..." von Karma was silent.
"...So, let me get this straight. This photo proves two shots were fired? Where?" The judge asked.
Your Honor, please, get a clue and stop being so dumb!
"TAKE THAT! As should be obvious, the contradiction is here." Phoenix pointed out.
"I see...a bullet hole in the door..." The judge said.
"Your Honor! Gregory Edgeworth was killed by a shot from the pistol! Yet, there is also a bullet hole in the elevator door! We also know that the murder weapon was fired twice! Thus...Someone other than Edgeworth fired that second shot!" Phoenix cried. The people spoke amongst themselves as Jasmine stared at the photo in shock.
He did it…he did it!
"O-order! Order! Mr. Wright! What are you driving at?" The judge cried.
"It's simple, Your Honor. At the time of the incident, two shots were fired. One went into Gregory Edgeworth's heart. The other hit the elevator door. Remember that the defendant lost consciousness after the shot he fired rang out and the witness outside was barely conscious herself. In conclusion…We must agree that the second shot was fired by someone else!" Phoenix explained.
"M-Mr. Wright! But who could that someone else be!?" The judge cried.
"The murderer, of course!" Phoenix answered.
"OBJECTION! ... I knew I should have stepped in before your wild fantasies got out of hand. Mr. Wright...Look once more at the DL-6 Incident case file. Look closely. Try the "Case Summary" page." von Karma instructed. "Look what is written there! "Not a single clue was found on the scene.""
"...!" Phoenix gasped.
"If the pistol had indeed been fired two times...Then the other bullet would have been discovered on the scene!" von Karma pointed out.
"He does have a point." The judge agreed.
"That second bullet has never been found! Why? Because the second bullet does not exist! The bullet that claimed Gregory Edgeworth's life was the one fired by his own son! That is the truth of this matter. The whole truth. It was undoubtedly something else that made that bullet hole in the door." von Karma stated. The crowd whispered amongst itself as Jasmine felt her hope breaking.
"No…"
"Order! I will have order! ...Mr. Wright has proven one thing to us quite clearly...That the murder weapon was fired twice at the time of the incident. However! As Mr. von Karma says, the second bullet was not found. It is highly unlikely that the police merely overlooked this second bullet. So, all we have is the single bullet fired. I'm afraid I have to discount the defense's claim." The judge stated.
"Tsk tsk tsk...I praise the judge for his wisdom in his matter." von Karma grinned evilly. Jasmine felt as if everything was turning dark. The verdict loomed over her head, her verdict as much as it was Edgeworth's. She saw nothing, heard nothing. She was alone in the darkness.
I vowed…to never be like him, the monster from my childhood. Now…now I'm his pawn, no better then him. Mia…I am undeserving of being your living legacy. I'm sorry…please punish me, I deserve it.
Suddenly, a presence settled over Jasmine, one she never felt before. Her eyes widened and her head shot up, her eyes meeting her brother's. Suddenly, she heard a voice, one she hadn't heard for several months now. Of their own accord, her lips moved to match the words, as if she were saying them.
"…it must exist…"
Phoenix's head shot up and his eyes widened as he saw his sister. However, for a brief second, when her lips moved, he saw Mia standing where Jasmine was only for the image to flicker away as the words did. On top of that, Jasmine's dark blue eyes were now brown, Mia's eyes.
"…the second bullet…"
Jasmine wasn't sure what was going on. She couldn't hear anything but Mia's voice, couldn't see anything. But at the same time, she wasn't scared. In fact, for the first time since she was tasered, she felt safe, like nobody could hurt her.
"…Someone took it…"
As Phoenix bluffed to the court, Maya noticed something. Jasmine was standing tall, not slouched over like she had been since she stepped up to the witness stand. Her head was held high and her eyes were staring directly at Phoenix, as if, if he needed her help, she would help. Maya knew Jasmine would do anything to help her brother but this was different. Her stance and her eyes made her seem almost like…a different person.
"…had to take it…"
Edgeworth didn't understand what was going on. One minute, he was confessing, the next, Jasmine took the stand. Now, as he had stood to face his verdict, Jasmine had stood up straight at the witness stand beside him and faced her brother. Edgeworth had always believed the Wright twins had a bond like no other, despite being fraternal twins. And now, he thought he was seeing this bond come to life. What Edgeworth didn't know was that another bond at play as well. The bond between a living legacy and the one she represents.
"…you're thinking too normal…think crazy…don't think why the bullet was taken…think why the bullet HAD to be taken…"
Mia continued to watch for several more minutes, making sure Jasmine was calm and Phoenix was on the right track. There was nothing else for her to do now. With these final words to Jasmine, Mia left.
"The end is near. Stay strong and everything will be fine. Trust in yourself, trust in your client. And remember: a defense attorney can only cry when it's all over."
"Only cry when it's all over…" Jasmine whispered as she returned to court. Just as she opened her eyes, Phoenix cried,
"von Karma!"
"von Karma!?" Edgeworth cried.
He's accusing von Karma? Jasmine thought. "von Karma…" She repeated softly as her memories raced back, the sight of his face standing out.
"..." von Karma was silent.
"...You mean, THE von Karma? The prosecutor? Sitting right there?" The judge asked.
"Bah." von Karma spat.
"You... don't object?" The judge asked, confused.
"Hmph. I see no need. Why honor this ridiculous outburst with my objection?" von Karma asked.
"Because you took a vacation for several months starting the day after the incident! Yet you pride yourself on a perfect record! Why would you take such a long vacation without any reason!?" Phoenix demanded.
"So you're claiming that I took a vacation to heal my "injury" from the incident? Fascinating! Prove it. I would have needed surgery, no? Where did I go under the knife at, Mr. Wright!? Bring the doctor that operated on me! Have him testify!" von Karma demanded
"Urk..." Phoenix grunted.
"Nick! Let's find out who his doctor is!" Maya encouraged.
"It's no use." Edgeworth stated.
"E-Edgeworth!?" Phoenix stuttered.
"Miles?" Jasmine whispered.
"I know von Karma. Perhaps too well. He's perfect. He wouldn't leave clues. He probably didn't undergo surgery. That would leave a doctor as a witness." Edgeworth explained.
"He is obsessed with being perfect in every way." Jasmine agreed.
"Tsk tsk tsk...Well, Mr. Wright! Can you produce evidence to prove that I was shot?" von Karma challenged.
"Alright, von Karma. I'll prove it. And I'll even use evidence... I know how you like it so much." Phoenix smirked.
"Wh-what!?" von Karma cried, shocked.
"The evidence that proves von Karma was shot is...! TAKE THAT! von Karma is perfect... He wouldn't risk surgery, leaving an evidence trail. So then, I ask, where is that bullet now? I think it unlikely that von Karma performed surgery on himself!" Phoenix said.
"..! You... you don't mean!" The judge gasped.
"I do. There is the possibility that the bullet is still inside von Karma!" Phoenix cried. The crowd began to talk and Jasmine herself gasped, eyes wide.
I…I didn't even think of that! That means, the evidence it-The judge slammed his gavel three times, cutting off all sound.
"I-is that even possible? For all these years!?" The judge cried.
"Well, there's one way to find out. We could use this metal detector! Well, von Karma? I'm going to run this over you, and see what we find." Phoenix said.
"OBJECTION! ...I...refuse!" von Karma cried. He was clutching his right shoulder tightly and sweating profusely.
If he refuses…then!
"Y-you refuse...!? But, refusing this means...You acknowledge that the bullet is still inside you?" The judge cried, shocked. The crowd talked, all of them shocked at what this could mean. Jasmine's eyes found Edgeworth's and she stared into his wide eyed gaze that matched her own. This was their past, their darkness and it was being brought into light, exposing things neither knew. The gavel slammed three times.
"Order! Order! Order!" The judge demanded.
"Your Honor! The defense requests that we be allowed to use the metal detector!" Phoenix requested.
"OBJECTION! Judge! I call for a suspension of this trial! This is an invasion of privacy!" von Karma demanded.
"OBJECTION! The statute of limitations runs out on this case today! It was you who said we had to end it right here, right now!" Phoenix pointed out.
"Mm... mmmph!" von Karma grunted, having no response.
"Enough! I permit the use of the metal detector. Mr. von Karma, you will submit yourself for testing!" The judge said. The metal detector was moved over von Karma and once it was over his right shoulder, it reacted. Jasmine's eyes widened and her head shot towards Edgeworth, an unheard message shooting between them.
"…Mr. von Karma…?" Phoenix asked.
"…You! It was you!" Edgeworth cried. Jasmine began to tremble violently and sweat began to run down her face as she clutched her pendent with her right hand tightly and her left arm with her left hand even tighter.
"It was him…" She whispered softly, trying to control herself as the memories began to overwhelm her.
"…I was afraid this would happen. And so, I remained silent." von Karma stated. Phoenix was obviously confused and the whole court was focused on the veteran prosecutor's words and therefore, didn't notice as Edgeworth, standing beside Jasmine, reached out and tried to steady the shaking aide. "Indeed, there is a bullet in my shoulder. However…it has nothing to do with this incident!"
"What!?" Phoenix cried.
"I was shot in the shoulder long before the DL-6 Incident!" von Karma insisted. "I claim the bullet in my shoulder has no relation to DL-6!"
"No!" Jasmine cried, "Your Honor! He's lying! He was there, he shot Mr. Edgeworth! He blackmailed me to lie and I'm sorry but you have to believe me! He's lying!"
"Judge! She is lying to save her brother's case!" von Karma cried. The crowd talked until the gavel slammed down.
"B-but, Mr. von Karma! Can you prove that?" The judge asked, looking from the aide to the veteran prosecutor. While Jasmine's eyes were wide and desperate, von Karma was completely calm.
"'Prove'?" von Karma repeated before he shook his head, wagging his finger, causing Jasmine to flinch openly. It seemed with each passing minute, she was sinking further into her desperation. Phoenix was growing increasingly concerned, knowing this case was pushing her to her very limits. "I have no obligation to prove anything! It is you who must prove something here, Mr. Wright! Not I."
"M-Mr. Wright?" The judge asked. "Well? Can you prove it? Can you prove that the bullet in von Karma's shoulder was from DL-6?"
"Of course he can't! You don't have any of the DL-6 evidence!" von Karma smirked.
"Nick!" Jasmine screamed, her voice cracking in her desperation. Only Edgeworth's hand on her arm kept her in place.
"With no proof, you cannot convict me of any crime!" von Karma smirked as he shook his head and wagged his finger mockingly at the defense attorney. "So sorry, Mr. Wright." Phoenix shook his head.
"No…I'm the one who's sorry, Mr. von Karma." He said. His words alone cause his sister to calm down slightly.
"Wh-what!?" von Karma cried.
"You were close…one day away from freedom." Phoenix smirked, hands on his hips. He pointed at the prosecutor and cried, "You see…I have proof!"
"Wh-what!?" von Karma cried, his eyes widening the slightest bit. Jasmine's eyes darted over to Maya, who stared at Phoenix in shock.
"Who would have thought you would have dug your own grave trying to convict Edgeworth and using my sister to help you!" Phoenix smirked, "I can link that bullet in your shoulder to the DL-6 Incident…" The older Wright twin slammed his hands on the bench and pointed at the now sweating prosecutor who clutched his right shoulder tightly. "And here's my final proof! TAKE THAT!"
"Th-that's…a bullet?" The judge asked.
"Where did you get that!?" von Karma cried angrily.
"This is the bullet used in the DL-6 Incident." Phoenix explained, "This was taken from the heart of the victim, Mr. Gregory Edgeworth. The bullet is preserved quite nicely, with all the ballistic markings intact."
"Ballistic markings…" Edgeworth repeated.
"That means-!" Jasmine cried.
"You may recall the term." Phoenix continued, "It came up in the first trial, two days ago."
"Ballistic markings are like the "fingerprints" of a gun. The barrel leaves distinctive marks on each bullet it fires. You can examine these "ballistic fingerprints" to see which gun fired the shot. It's quite accurate."
"We have two bullets in our possession. One, the bullet removed from Gregory Edgeworth's heart. The other, Mr. von Karma, is the bullet buried in your shoulder. We could analyze both bullets…Then, if the markings matched…We would know that both bullets had been fired from the same gun!" Phoenix said, "The very same pistol…in other words, the murder weapon that killed Gregory Edgeworth!"
"Mmmph…mmmph!" von Karma grunted.
"Mr. von Karma?" Phoenix smirked, "You will let us remove that bullet from your shoulder. Then we'll compare the ballistic markings to those on this bullet…and solve this case once and for all! Well, Mr. von Karma!?"
"Mmmrrrrrrgggh!" von Karma grunted before he screamed, "Uuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! Uuaaaaarrrr...aaa...oooh. Wooooooorgh...aaa...oooooh..." As he screamed, Jasmine finally fell to the ground, screaming herself. She covered her ears, trying to block out the scream as her trembling continued. Her eyes were squeezed shut, her face one of true terror as the memories all came rushing back. She sat on the ground, unable to calm down, even when von Karma was silent. Maya instantly ran over and knelt beside the aide as did Edgeworth. Nobody said a word, knowing the young woman needed someone but her brother couldn't come to her side, despite the look on his face saying he wanted nothing more than to hold his sister in his arms and keep her safe.
"Jazz…Jazz, calm down. It's okay, he can't hurt you." Maya soothed.
"That scream…" Edgeworth suddenly said, "I've heard that scream before…Wait…I know! It's the scream I heard in the elevator! Fifteen years ago…von Karm! It was you who screamed! That's why Jasmine reacted this way!" The gallery spoke amongst themselves as Maya slowly helped the still trembling Jasmine up. Slowly, the two young women made their way to the defense bench where Phoenix hugged his sister tightly as she began to cry. The judge slammed his gavel three times to silence everyone before he asked,
"Mr. von Karma?"
"Wooorrrrrooooooggggh...Ehhh...Edgewoooooth...Ehhh...Edgewooooorth...Only...you would…dare...defy me...!" von Karma continued to scream, causing Jasmine's sobs and trembling to increase.
"So…it was you!" Edgeworth cried.
"You and your father are my curse!" von Karma screamed as he banged his head against the wall behind him. "Your father shamed me with a penalty on my record! And you…you left a scar on my shoulder that would never fade! I…I'll bury you! I'll bury you with my bare hands! Death! Death! It was a shock like none I had ever known. Me? Penalized!? It took hours for me to regain my composure. Suddenly, I found myself in the darkness...I was in the court records room. I must have wandered in there without thinking where I was going. The room was pitch black. The lights must have gone out. I went out in the hall and felt my way to the elevator. I pressed the button, and nothing happened. Then...there was a noise! I was in pain! A horrible, burning pain in my shoulder! Just then, the lights came back on. The elevator door opened before my eyes. I saw three people inside, all lying unconscious from oxygen deprivation. Much to my surprise, a pistol lay at my feet. I knew then...it was destiny. In his last moments, Gregory Edgeworth was still unconscious. He died, never knowing who had shot him. Later, he spoke through a medium, blaming Mr. Yogi. He was fooled! It was the perfect crime! Tsk tsk tsk…who would have thought another man would have come to open that elevator door? Judge!"
"Wh-what?" The judge asked, surprised.
"What are you doing!?" von Karma asked, calmer since his outburst. "Do your job! Bring an end to this miserable charade! Now! End it!" Jasmine turned her head so she was no longer facing Phoenix's chest and turned her puffy red eyes towards the judge, ignoring von Karma completely. She couldn't handle it. She probably wouldn't be able to handle any earthquakes or trials for a while.
"V-very well." The judge stuttered. He slammed the gavel down once. "It appears that we have come a very long way to the end of this maze. Fifteen years later…Mr. Miles Edgeworth?"
"Yes, Your Honor." Edgeworth replied.
"You were innocent. You are innocent." The judge stated. Edgeworth was silent. "As you said, it was all a 'nightmare'."
"Yes, Your Honor." Edgeworth agreed.
And not just for him. Several people thought, including Edgeworth himself, though his was slightly different. The gavel went down once.
"This court finds the defendant, Mr. Miles Edgeworth…"
NOT GUILTY
As the confetti fell, Jasmine managed a small smile, the first smile she had since her memory had returned completely. It was a small one but it was a smile none the less and Phoenix, Maya and Edgeworth all counted that a victory. The gavel slammed down once.
"That is all. The court is adjourned!"
December 28th, 5:38 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2
"Nick! Nick! We did it!" Maya cried joyfully as she jumped, grabbing Phoenix's arm as she did so. Phoenix had an endearing smile at her antics. "Did you see his face!? von Karma looked even paler than usual! He's pretending to be all cool, but inside you crushed him, Nick! Crushed! I gotta say, I'm impressed!"
"Heh…It was pretty close, though." Phoenix admitted, "I was sure we had it."
"I know, I was on the verge of tears the whole time, myself." Maya admitted.
"It's my fault. I-I'm sorry." Jasmine apologized, her eyes still red.
"What!? Jazz, don't apologize! von Karma kidnapped you and must've blackmailed you! It isn't your fault, you hear me!? You're a victim here! A VICTIM!" Maya insisted.
"Th-thanks Maya." Jasmine smiled slightly as she wiped her eyes.
"Besides, it's now all a good memory!" Maya grinned, taking Jasmine's hand in her own.
"So, it's finally over, Edgeworth." Phoenix said, turning to his childhood friend, Maya and Jasmine following suit.
"…Wright." Edgeworth said.
"Yeah?" Phoenix asked, confused.
"…I…I'm not sure how to say this." Edgeworth admitted as he looked away almost in embarrassment.
"I know! I know! Try 'thank you'!" Maya suggested with a grin.
"I…I see." Edgeworth said. "…Th-thank you, Wright."
"Y-you're welcome." Phoenix stuttered, unsure.
"I think you could've done better than that!" Maya criticized.
"Maya!" Jasmine cried, staring at the spirit medium-in-training in shock.
"Oof! S-sorry…I'm not good at this sort of thing." Edgeworth admitted.
"That's why you needed Nick and me in your life." Jasmine teased.
"You got a lot to learn, Edgeworth!" Maya added with a teasing grin.
"Whoooooooooooooop!" Gumshoe cried as he burst into the defendant lobby, throwing confetti every which way. "Amazing, pal! You pulled through just like I thought you would!" The detective grinned as he threw confetti at Phoenix, earning a small giggle out of Jasmine. "I'll never forget this! I owe you one, pal. And tonight, let's party! Dinner's on me! Yeah, my salary went down a bit this month…But who cares!"
I think cash-strapped Nick does.
"See, Mr. Edgeworth? You should take a lesson from Detective Gumshoe! That's how you say 'thank you'!" Maya grinned.
"Mmm. I…I see." Edgeworth nodded. He cleared his throat before cried, "Whoooooooooooooop! …I…I feel foolish."
"Don't worry. Take it a little at a time. You'll get used to it." Maya shook her head.
"Trust me, not everybody says thank you like that." Jasmine added.
"Hey, y'all!" Lotta cried as she burst through the doors.
"Lotta!" Maya cried in greeting.
"Hi, Lotta." Jasmine greeted.
"Y'all were great in there!" Lotta grinned.
"Thank you!" Phoenix smiled as Jasmine looked down, feeling guilty again.
"Stop feeling guilty!" Maya cried as she shook the aide roughly by her arms. Everyone else, however, ignored the two.
"Yo, Edgeworth! Congrats!" Lotta cried.
"Er…thank y'all very much." Edgeworth nodded, causing Jasmine to laugh at that and the prosecutor to smile slightly at the sound, though nobody noticed.
"I knew you were innocent from the start, of course." Lotta added. "Just look at you! You wouldn't stick your hand in the cookie jar even if no one was there!"
"You…were the witness on the first day of the trial, weren't you." Edgeworth stated.
"Yeah, well, let bygone be bygones, eh?" Lotta suggested as she put her hand in her hair nervously.
"Speaking of which, what are you doing now, Lotta?" Phoenix asked, changing the subject.
"Who, me? Aww, I went back to college. I gave up trying to be an investigative photographer pretty quick." Lotta answered.
"Really? That's too bad." Phoenix said.
"Huh?" Lotta suddenly said, "Isn't that the hotdog guy from the park?"
"Huh?" The twins asked. The group turned and there stood none other than Larry Butz.
"It's over, Nick! My life is over!" Larry cried, clutching Phoenix's suit as he sobbed.
"Wh-why the sad face, Larry!? What happened now!?" Phoenix asked, startled.
"Oh, Nick…I'm not long for this world." Larry said.
"Uh…you don't look sick…" Phoenix said, confused.
"And this is why Nick was best friends with Larry and I wasn't." Jasmine stated, crossing her arms with a sigh as she looked at Larry pitifully.
"It's Kiyance! Sh-she's goin' to live in Paris! Paris, Nick!" Larry cried, "She's leaving me behind!" Jasmine only sighed. "Yo, Edgey! There you are!"
"Um, yes, here I am." Edgeworth said awkwardly, causing Jasmine to giggle at how cute he looked.
"Congrats, Edgey! Here…a little gift from me in celebration!" Larry grinned as he gave the prosecutor an envelope.
"Celebration? That's unusual for you." Edgeworth repeated as he took the envelope.
"Very." Jasmine agreed, suspicious.
"Harry Butz! You come along too! My treat, pal!" Gumshoe grinned.
"Huh? Uh…thanks! Looking forward to it!" Larry agreed. The orange clad man then leaned in to whisper to Phoenix while Jasmine and Edgeworth checked out the envelope.
"No way…" Jasmine whispered as she saw what was inside and the pieces clicked together. As Edgeworth turned to Phoenix, Jasmine glared at Larry.
"Wright…" Edgeworth said.
"Yeah? What's up?" Phoenix asked, his eyes darting over to where his sister looked like she was ready to commit murder or at least beat Larry up.
"That envelope that Larry gave me. It's got money in it." Edgeworth answered, calm compared to the female Wright. Edgeworth had his hand on Jasmine's shoulder, as if to hold her back, though why Phoenix still didn't know.
"Well, yeah. That's not that strange. People give money away to celebrate sometimes." Phoenix shrugged as if it was no big deal.
"Nick! It's $38.00!" Jasmine cried, glaring at the now sheepish looking Butz.
"Huh. What a weird amount. I mean, it's not a little but it's not a lot either." Phoenix commented before it hit him. "…$38.00 exactly?"
"Exactly." Jasmine growled as her glare sharpened on Larry.
"N-N-Nick!" Maya cried in shock. "Wasn't that exactly the amount of lunch money that was stolen from Mr. Edgeworth in school!?"
"$38…!" Phoenix repeated as he joined his sister in glaring at Larry. "No…No! Larry, it was you!"
"What are you so surprised about, Wright?" Edgeworth asked.
"Huh?" Phoenix asked as he looked at the prosecutor while Jasmine took a deep breath and made a point not to look at Larry.
"Larry was absent that day from school, right?" Edgeworth said, "But that doesn't automatically rule him out as a suspect."
"Though everybody did." Jasmine muttered angrily. That trial had started her anger at injustice, after all.
"What?" Phoenix asked, eyes widened as he stiffened.
"Think back to that day, fifteen years ago." Edgeworth said, "Larry took the day off, but he was bored, he came into school anyway. Then he saw the money lying there…and the rest is history."
"I never was good at history! Heh…" Larry chuckled.
"Larry, you might die today." Jasmine stated, her eyes darting to her brother, remembering the last time he had gotten extremely mad, he had ended up being accused of murder by her. Jasmine didn't need that again, especially considering who that victim had been to her.
"…Edgeworth, Jazz…you didn't know, did you?" Phoenix asked.
"I suspected." Edgeworth admitted.
"I had a vague idea, though I knew it wasn't you." Jasmine admitted.
"I just couldn't imagine Larry protecting you like he did that day." Edgeworth added, giving the orange clad man an almost glance of awe or surprise, it was a mix of both. "Everyone else was saying you did it."
"The entire class was against you, remember?" Jasmine continued, shivering at the memory of feeling helpless.
"Yeah…too well." Phoenix nodded, shivering himself as he remembered that day again.
"Wright, you may not know this, but we used to have a saying back in school." Edgeworth said, ""When something smells, it's usually the Butz.""
"I know, I know." Phoenix snapped, causing Jasmine to giggle.
"Really, Wright. I'm surprised you didn't figure it out!" Edgeworth shook his head in disappointment.
"I think he didn't want to believe the person who stood up for him had actually accidentally framed him." Jasmine stated, smirking slightly at her brother.
"Well, this sure is an unexpected turn of events, eh?" Larry grinned as he began to laugh nervously, eyeing the growing increasingly angry Phoenix Wright, which would never be a pretty sight.
"Edgeworth, Jazz…" Phoenix said.
"Hmm?" Edgeworth asked.
"Yeah?" Jasmine looked at her brother.
"You two should have told me!" Phoenix cried.
"Now, now, Nick. It was fifteen years ago!" Maya cut in, pushing Phoenix away from his sister and rival/childhood friend. "Don't you think the 'statue of limitations' has run out, Mr. Edgeworth?"
"I'd say so, yes." Edgeworth agreed as Jasmine began to giggle, seeming more like her normal self then the crying, terrified girl she had been minutes ago.
"I agree!" Jasmine nodded.
"There you have it!" Larry grinned.
"Grr…where does that leave me!? I became a defense attorney because of what you three did!" Phoenix yelled.
"Well, I'd call you a goody-two-shoes to the extreme. Worse than Jasmine was, even." Edgeworth commented.
"Miles!" Jasmine cried, hitting the prosecutor's shoulder but the smile she wore revealed how she really felt.
"Yeah! And you get worked up too easily, too!" Larry added cheekily.
"D-death! The death sentence to all of you! Man, if only I had known, I'd have become a prosecutor!" Phoenix yelled angrily.
"The same goes for me, only the other way around…" Edgeworth said, cutting off whatever Jasmine had been about to say and causing everyone to look at him. Jasmine placed her hand on his arm softly, trying to comfort him, though only Maya noticed it. "For the longest time, I thought that I might have killed my own father. I thought I might be a criminal. I became a prosecutor in part to punish myself. If I had known the truth, I might have become a defense attorney after all."
"Edgeworth…" Phoenix said.
"Miles…" Jasmine said at the same instant.
"Want to switch, Wright?" Edgeworth asked, jokingly.
"I don't think either of you could last in the other's shoes." Jasmine stated, her tone completely serious. "Nick can't be mean and Miles would feel like he was dying at the beginning of every case."
"Gee, thanks." Phoenix said sarcastically as Edgeworth chuckled.
"Hey, y'all! Line up, I'll take a photo!" Lotta cut in suddenly, startling everyone, who forgot she was there.
"Hey, photo time! Let's go!" Maya encouraged excitedly, pulling Phoenix into line as she did so.
"And after that, dinner on me!" Gumshoe grinned as he began to throw his forgotten confetti again. The group lined up, Larry, Phoenix, Jasmine, Edgeworth and Gumshoe. Maya had run away a minute before Lotta took the picture, grabbed a victory sign and at the last minute jumped in front of Phoenix and Larry with a grin as Jasmine giggled and Edgeworth look on in amusement while Gumshoe threw his confetti. Just as the camera flashed, Jasmine felt something standing nearby. When the picture was taken, the aide turned to the side and saw nothing but she felt the same presence brush her mind as it had in the trial before it disappeared.
Shaking her head, Jasmine grabbed Edgeworth's arm and pulled him back.
"Can I…talk to you in private?" She asked softly.
"Of course." Edgeworth nodded. Jasmine smiled before she called,
"We'll catch up with you!" Gumshoe called back a confirmation before the party disappeared and Jasmine began to take deep breaths.
"Jasmine, what's wrong?" Edgeworth asked, concerned.
"Nothing, I'm just trying…to work up my nerve." She confessed.
"For what?" Edgeworth asked, his head tilting slightly. Jasmine took a deep breath and turned to the prosecutor.
"Okay, this case has taught me one thing and that's to not let any moment slip by because you never know when you might get it back. I won't let this moment slip by, I won't lose you again." Jasmine vowed.
"Jasmine?" Edgeworth asked, his voice showing his concern as his brows furrowed.
"I care about you." Jasmine blurted out. "I have since I was a kid and not in a familial way. I…I don't want to lose you again, I can't lose you again. But…if you don't feel the same way, that's okay but…I needed to tell you because I don't want to regret this later." Edgeworth stared at her in slight shock before he blinked and his hand reached out to rest on her cheek. Jasmine jumped slightly, wondering when they had become so close.
"Jasmine…I care about you too, I have always cared about you." Edgeworth admitted, staring directly into her dark blue eyes, his own gray ones filled with the same emotion Jasmine remembered seeing in his eyes at Global Studios. "But…I don't deserve you. You, despite everything you have seen in your life so far, from my father's murder to my first trial…you have remained strong, remained optimistic and believed in me. But I didn't believe in you and I'm not the boy you knew. I'm the Demon Prosecutor and I can't have your reputation ruined because of me. I don't deserve you."
"You deserve whatever makes you happy!" Jasmine insisted as she placed her own hand over Edgeworth's, keeping his hand on her cheek. "Whatever makes you happy, you deserve it. Even if that happiness isn't with me…I will be happy as long as you are." Edgeworth stared at the young woman in shock, eyes wide, before he smiled softly.
"Jasmine…" He whispered, "You can always make me happy." Slowly, he leaned in, giving her a chance to pull away if she wanted to. She didn't. His lips touched hers and the two shared a sweet, almost innocent kiss.
Sparks shot down Jasmine's spine and she couldn't stop the blush that formed on her cheeks as warmth spread throughout her body. How many nights had she spent imagining what this would be like? She knew she was in love with the prosecutor but…she couldn't tell him that yet. For now, him knowing she cared about him deeply was enough. Just the fact that he was here was enough to make her feel safe. With his arms around her, as one of his hands now rested at her waist, she felt as if nothing could ever hurt her. She never wanted to leave him, she knew that much. He was too important to her, too much of a piece of her. She wasn't sure she could handle losing him, not again.
Slowly, the two pulled apart and Jasmine smiled up at Edgeworth.
"Let's go." She whispered before the two made their way to catch up with the others.
We caught up with the others and Gumshoe treated us to a night on the town. Miles and I didn't tell anyone what had happened, we were taking things slow and keeping it a secret was easier than announcing to the world that the Demon Prosecutor was dating the slowly becoming famous Turnabout Defense Aide, as the newspaper called me. We celebrated Miles' verdict, though he had to return to the Detention Center, it was the thought that counted, after all.
December 29th, 4:30 AM
Wright and Co. Law Offices
Jasmine yawned as she woke up on the floor only to see Maya setting a note down.
"Maya?" Jasmine whispered softly. Unlike Phoenix, she hadn't gotten drunk the night before so she was perfectly okay. "What're you doing?"
"I have to go back to Kurain." Maya explained, "I need to finish my training or I'll never be of use to Nick."
"Maya, you aren't useless." Jasmine denied.
"Yes, I am." Maya shook her head. "Will you just make sure Nick sees this note please?"
"…Alright." Jasmine agreed. "But before you go, here." The aide opened her violin case and took out a piece of paper. "This is the lyrics I wrote for your song. The next time we see each other, I'll perform it for you. That'll make sure I see you again." Maya stared at the lyrics in her hand and then looked at the aide who was practically her sister before she launched herself at the woman and began to cry softly.
"I'll…I'll m-miss you s-so m-m-much!" Maya cried.
"Shh, we'll see each other again, okay?" Jasmine whispered. Maya nodded before she slowly pulled away and offered the aide a small smile before she grabbed her small suitcase and left the office. Jasmine sighed as she sat down and stared at her brother passed out on the couch. "Nick, you better change her mind about herself." She whispered.
December 29th, 5:02 AM
Wright and Co. Law Offices
"Whoa…I went a little overboard yesterday." Phoenix groaned as he finally came to. "My head hurts…"
"As much as I'd like to yell at you for drinking too much and forcing Maya and I to drag your butt up here, you need to read this." Jasmine stated as she handed her brother the letter. Phoenix read the letter, his eyes growing wider and more panicked by the word.
"G-goodbye!? What time is it?" He asked.
"5:02." Jasmine answered.
"Gah! The first trains for the mountains have already left!" Phoenix cried, panicked.
"Don't just sit there! Go and convince Maya she isn't useless! NOW!" Jasmine ordered.
"To the station!" Phoenix cried before he ran out, trying to put his suit jacket on as he ran. Jasmine sighed in relief before she collapsed on the couch, exhausted.
"Those two'll end up together someday, I know it." She sighed before she closed her eyes.
Nick changed Maya's view on herself, of course, but she still left. Now the office is a little emptier. But, this ends the first chapter of our story. Nick and I still have a long road ahead of us but with all of our friends, I'm sure we'll do fine. After all, wherever injustice is, Nick and I'll be there with one word on the tip of our tongues.
OBJECTION!
"Hey! I still haven't stepped foot in a court but I'll get there. After all, this is what I love to do, after all. Maya and I have been writing letters, she's doing pretty good. What? Miles? Um, nothing's going on, we're just friends. I'm not lying! I'm not! Anyways, I've got some time to focus on my art but I'll return to the courts soon, after all, Nick's hopeless without either me or a Fey by his side, heh."
There's the chapter! I hope you all enjoyed, man that was longer than I thought it'd be! Anyways, the thing at the end is kinda what Jasmine would say in the credits. Next chapter starts Rise From the Ashes. Don't forget to tell me how you want me to do trials where Jasmine is simply watching! Also, how'd you like Jasmine and Edgeworth's scene? Is it in character for Edgeworth, cause that's what I struggled with. Happy New Year again, let's make 2016 as good as 2015! Man, this story's getting old! I started it in July of 2014 and now it's going on its 2nd year. It took me a year to finish the original game now to add the last case of it. Okay I think that's everything. Please review to let me know what you think cause I've put a lot of thought into this chapter for a very long time! Later!