Note: Yes, I know the story does seem to be jumping around quite a bit as far as the timeline goes. Throughout the course of this fic, I hope to clear up why I decided to highlight that meeting with Klavier in the last chapter. For all intents and purposes, though, the bulk of the drama will be happening…now. Enjoy. :)

Chapter Three: Pearl

September 17th, 2026 – 1:47 PM

Prosecutor Edgeworth's Office – Berlin, Germany

Seven years had passed since Edgeworth had set foot in the United States. He couldn't believe he was heading back tomorrow – and to see Wright and his friends no less. His old friends…it had been so long since he had talked with most of them. He had heard so much about Wright's new life as the head of the "Wright & Co. Talent Agency," about Wright's adopted daughter Trucy, about his new apprentice Apollo, and about the new developments taking place within the legal system. Trials were becoming much fairer, Wright assured him, and positive change was underway.

It had been a good, long discussion between them, one peppered with a surprising amount of laughter and jokes. Edgeworth had lightened up over the years. Taking on so many cases did that to you – you had to learn to laugh at yourself every once in a while, or you'd go insane. He'd lost some trials, he'd won others. He did not let it get to him, however – he simply went by on the evidence and let the trial take its own course, as Wright had taught him. Truth would out, at any rate. He was also taken to exercising more often, as well as to spending more leisure time reading up on topics that fascinated him, such as history, classical literature, and, of course, law.

Why had he decided to return? He couldn't be sure himself. He told himself it was because he wanted to study the Mason System, but he knew subconsciously that he just wanted to see everyone again. He missed them all, especially after not talking to them for years. Of course, he'd made good friends and acquaintances in Germany, but it wasn't the same. He had discovered his purpose in America. He had roots there. And while he maintained the same mellow countenance, he couldn't help but feel elation at the idea of reuniting with everyone once more.

The evening he was set to depart, Edgeworth had decided to get in one last run before driving to the airport. He had just finished up some last-minute work at the office and was almost completely dressed in t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers – a strange ensemble for him, but one that drew female attention nonetheless – when his cell phone rang. It buzzed on the table next to him, and he looked over to see who was calling. He smirked slightly when he saw that the caller ID read: "Phoenix Wright, Esquire." He hadn't felt the need to change the ID, though of course Wright did not practice law anymore. What could he want now?

"Hello, this is Miles Edgeworth," said Edgeworth with a smile in his voice. "Make it quick, Wright, I want to get a run in before I head to the airport."

"M-Mr. Edgeworth?" said a somewhat shrill female voice on the other line.

Edgeworth stood up, holding the phone with his shoulder as he pulled on his sneaker. "…Yes? Hello? This isn't…Trucy, is it?"

"N-no. It's Pearl Fey."

Edgeworth was shocked. "Oh! Hello, Pearl. I haven't talked to you in quite some time. What are you –"

"I-I-I'm so glad I got you!" she practically shrieked. "I f-found Mr. Wright's cell phone nearby, and…" She sounded frightened, and Edgeworth immediately perked up.

"Wait, Pearl, is everything alright?"

Pearl gasped, and it sounded like she was holding back tears. "N-n-no, not at all. Something…something t-t-terrible has happened!"

Edgeworth dropped everything he was holding except the cell phone. "Can you calm down and tell me what's going on, then?"

"Y-y-yes, I think so…" said Pearl with some difficulty. "I-I'm so s-sorry I had to contact you like this. I knew you were coming t-tomorrow, so I went over t-to Mr. Wright's place. And…and…I…I found...I saw…"

"What, Pearl?" The adrenaline was beginning to make Edgeworth extremely tense.

Pearl sobbed. "I saw…b-blood on the floor. And then…and then M-Ms. Von Karma. She's dead!"

Edgeworth could feel color draining from his face. For one second, everything fell out of focus, sharply becoming clearer as he blinked. His mouth somehow formed words, though he was not exactly sure what was making him move and think.

"What?" It was not one of his most eloquent responses, but considering the circumstances…

Sobbing, it did not seem as if Pearl could elaborate.

"Alright, alright," stammered Edgeworth, running his left hand through his hair, dazed. "Pearl, you need to get out of there – and once you are, you need to call the police. Who-whoever did this may be back. I will be there tomorrow. Be at Hazakura Temple…I'll drive there as soon as my flight gets in, and then we'll get this sorted out. Was anyone else there?"

It sounded as if Pearl was moving quickly, as her voice came back a bit harried. "No, I…I didn't see anyone," she managed to choke out. "I…I'm heading down the hallway."

"I'll talk to you more about it as soon as I get there," said Edgeworth briefly. "For now, try to leave without drawing too much attention to yourself."

"Y-yes. I'm going to the train station now." Her voice was still strained.

"Good. Try to stay calm and get to Hazakura Temple quickly – you should be safe there. I'll see you as soon as I'm off that plane." Flipping his phone shut, Edgeworth jammed it into his pocket, grabbed one suitcase, and ran out of the office as quickly as possible. Only one question flashed through his mind, and he mulled over it as he ran, desperate to come to some logical answer.

What the hell was going on?