Phoenix Wright: Tides of Fate

by TaintedWisdom2014

New cases, set after Dual Destinies in the PW Timeline. Warning Spoilers within for those who have not played Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies (spoilers for most of the games are in here actually come to think of it). The first case is set one week after the final case of Dual Destinies, however is that case truly over? All cases thoroughly planned in advance (with Episode System)

3. Serenade Turnabout: Examination

Phoenix Wright: Tides of Fate

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Disclaimer: I do not own Phoenix Wright characters or the anything along those lines.

Original Characters created for cases are owned by me because I created them.

Let's continue where we left off, what a situation they are in. Apollo agreed to remain with Athena in the Detention center and his badge is on the line. Phoenix and Robin are going to be investigating together, what a pair this will make. Who was the woman who purchased the gun? How did the victim die and why were their leaves. Those were issues left unresolved in the case so far, not to mention the true killer of the victim.

Sorry about the length of this chapter, it's a bit longer than the first two, but it was a necessary evil (for explanation purposes later in the chapter).

Also, as a side note, the Phoenix Wright Anime has finally been started (episode three comes out on April 16th. That said, I have noticed a way in which they did the first trial that actually fits really well for a fanfiction. When the second trial date in this story begins, it will be done in the style used of the anime. Please do review and tell me which of the two styles you like better. If you like the first style used in the previous chapter, that one will be used in future courtroom battles. If the new one is more preferable by a vote, I will use that one. Your votes will directly impact how the courtroom proceeds from this point forward. As such, wait for chapter four to be released (which will spark the end of Turnabout Serenade) and then you can start your votes by either PM or Review (preferably Review though).

This is to give you the readers a more interactive experience with this story's development. It is merely a gift from me to you the fans of Phoenix Wright. It may be a modest gift, but it is the least I can do for this wonderful series and is done in honor of all the fans as well as the new anime that is being created.

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First Turnabout: Serenade Turnabout

Episode Three: Examination

Phoenix entered the Detention center with Robin, Maya and Trucy first. He saw Apollo and Athena talking and tapped on the glass.

Athena came running up and asked, "Find anything new Boss?"

Phoenix laughed for a moment then said, "Not yet Athena, I actually came to talk to you and Apollo about something. This case is nagging on me a lot, something isn't adding up."

Apollo said, "You mean the fact there were leaves on the victim's body as well as that disturbed pile of leaves with the gunpowder residue on it? That's been bothering me as well. Why would there be residue on leaves when it was a full ten feet away from the victim. It doesn't add up."

Athena said, "Maybe one of those four shots was into that pile of leaves. I have a theory, but it sounds crazy even to me."

Robin asked, "Well don't keep us in suspense Athena! Spill it!"

Athena crossed her arms and said, "Why would I tell you Robin? You're the prosecutor."

Phoenix said, "It's fine, she is joining me on the expedition. At least this way she will see all the evidence as it comes to light. Please go ahead."

Athena said, "Well, the gun was fired four times. This may sound crazy, but what if the first shot we all heard was someone firing a bullet into the leaves."

Phoenix asked, "What about the bullet in the tree then?"

Athena said, "Well that could have been shot there earlier before I arrived. Remember I didn't arrive until after that gun was purchased. It could very well have been shot in advance. It would also explain where one of the missing bullets went."

Phoenix thought then said, "I'm pretty sure Miss Skye would have found it, but I'll take another look at that pile of leaves to be safe, anything else?" He updated the map and waited.

Athena said ,"The second shot wasn't what killed the victim, otherwise I would be the culprit. My thoughts are that the final shot was fired somewhere nearby, a place that someone could take it from the scene before the police arrived."

Robin asked, "Then when did the victim die?"

Athena said, "Before I arrived in the park, it's the only explanation that would make me innocent and solve the mystery of the four bullets."

Robin thought for a moment then said, "R-e-a-l-l-y? How do you intend to prove that Athena?"

She sighed and said, "I don't know, but I am hoping you will find something Boss, you're my only hope here."

Phoenix placed his hand on the glass and said, "You know I will never give up on you Athena. I know you aren't the killer, and I intend to prove it tomorrow in court."

Apollo said, "There is something else that troubles me Phoenix."

Phoenix looked to him and said, "Oh? What may that be?"

Apollo said, "I overheard Gumshoe talking to the witnesses, yet their statements are a little different than what Simon and Trucy have said. Apparently one of them heard three shots."

Phoenix thought for a moment then said, "How can that be? They arrived when Simon and Trucy did."

Apollo said, "Unless one of them is lying about the third bullet. We had best be careful, for if they have an explanation towards one of those bullets, then our case could fall apart."

Phoenix looked at Athena who was biting her lip apprehensively. He asked, "Athena, you've been nervous ever since Apollo mentioned that, feel like sharing?"

Athena said, "Just as I was entering the park, I think I remembered hearing a gunshot go off, but I thought it was just a car backfiring. What if it was the bullet that went into the tree?"

Phoenix said, "It's possible, but the timing of your arrival and the gun's purchase is so close. Assuming that whoever is responsible started just after the gun was purchased, they had at most half an hour before you arrived. Perhaps they had already killed the victim and was planting the bullet in the tree just as you arrived."

Athena nodded and said, "Yes, but what I still don't understand is, why go through all the trouble of setting up this elaborate crime? If they wanted me out of the way, they could have just shot me then and there. Another thing is, why this particular man? What did they have against him?"

Phoenix shook his head and said, "That, I don't know Athena. Maybe they had nothing against him, but knew that you did somehow. You did say your place was broken into, but nothing was disturbed. Perhaps they knew of your dislike of the victim and decided to use that as an advantage. You did say that you believed he was working with the Phantom, perhaps they felt he was a risk and decided to kill him and frame you so that you'd take the fall. If I were a spy, that's what I'd do."

Apollo said, "That would make sense. Kill someone who knows too much and take down one of the few people who can identify spies by the voice in their heart. Of course we have no proof of this yet."

Phoenix said, "Regardless of the circumstances involved her, I do not believe the killer is working alone. Someone knew Athena well and helped whoever it is commit this crime. There was not enough time for one person to set this whole thing up alone. Not to mention the fact that the victim's body was on the scene." He thought hard then said, "I may have a theory, but I don't know how valid it is yet."

Athena gasped then said, "Do tell me Boss, come on!"

Phoenix said, "This is just a theory mind you, but what if Athena is right? The victim was already dead when Athena arrived. The true killer must have found some way to make it seem like Athena killed him, hence the bullet in the tree. That was likely the shot you heard when you entered the park Athena. What I don't get is where the killer hid the body and how the blood was made to pool where it did. It should have come out when he was shot, not after the final shot was fired."

Athena said, "I think the only way to know that for certain is to examine the scene more carefully and search around the vicinity."

Robin nodded and said, "I agree with you there Athena."

Athena said, "I can't wait for this to be resolved and the issue of the phantom to finally be behind me."

Apollo held his wrist and said, "Athena, my bracelet just reacted, what are you hiding from me?"

Athena gasped then said, "N-Nothing Apollo."

Phoenix said, "Athena, if you know anything, no matter how slight, tell us, it may help put together some of these riddles."

Athena sighed and said, "Damn it Apollo, I didn't want to tell him."

Apollo said, "Sorry Athena, but he's doing the investigating for me, if anyone needs to know, its him."

Athena said, "Do you remember how my mother mentioned there were more Phantoms out there?"

Phoenix nodded and said, "I recall her mentioning that when she was talking to you, what about it Athena?"

Athena held out her phone and said, "I got a strange call two nights ago, this was right after my place had been broken into."

Phoenix said, "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner? Did you record it?"

Athena grinned and said, "I always record my phone calls, especially the ones from Apollo."

Apollo paled and asked, "Why would you record my phone call in particular Athena?"

Athena said, "None of your business Apollo, I have my reasons, or did you forget the fact that you turned on me because of Clay Terran's death."

Apollo groaned and held his head then said, "Not fair Athena, you said it was very touching what I did."

Athena said, "Oh it was, but it doesn't change the fact that it happened. Ever since my mother's passing, I have recorded all my phone calls, so I listen back on them sometimes, however the ones from you always cheer me up when I am depressed."

Apollo blinked then thought, "I wonder why that is?"

Phoenix cleared his throat and said, "When you two are done, I'd like to know what was said in that call Athena."

Athena said, "Hang on, I'll send it to your phone." She pressed some buttons and a beep appeared on Phoenix's phone.

He flipped through the messages and found one that had a sound file. He played it out loud.

"Miss Cykes, you have only one option available to you at this time. Leave this city and never look back, or the consequences will be dire."

Athena's voice came from the message, "Who is this? Were you the one that broke into my place?"

The voice spoke, "Maybe, maybe not, that is hardly your concern now is it? Know that we have the knowledge of all that is precious to you, and you will lose it all soon enough if you fail to heed my warning." The message ended there.

Athena shook slightly and said, "I didn't want to bring it up to you Boss, I really didn't. It was only under intense stares from Apollo that I told him."

Phoenix said, "You're afraid for us, aren't you Athena?"

She nodded and said, "I don't want to see anyone else get hurt. Boss, do you know where Simon is?"

Phoenix said, "I'll give him a call and tell him to come down to the detention center, I take it you want to warn him about the message?"

She said, "That's right I do, he is like an older brother to me. Could you warn Juniper for me Robin?"

Robin said, "I am already on that, I was about to press send on the message, so she could hear it for herself. As the judge of the case, I want her to be especially careful if someone is out for blood Athena."

Phoenix's phone suddenly started ringing. He said, "Excuse me everyone, I have to take this, its from my daughter." He exited the detention center and answered the phone, "Yes Trucy, what is it?"

Pearl said, "Mr. Nick, it's terrible! I just found Trucy, she's...she's been shot!"

Phoenix clenched the phone tightly and said, "What do you mean shot? Where is she now Pearls? Answer me!"

Pearl said, "She was rushed to Hickfield Medical Clinic. I was just on my way over there, I saw her phone and knew I had to let you know."

Phoenix said, "Don't let them get rid of that bullet, do you hear me Pearls? It could be a vital clue."

Pearl said, "I understand Mr. Nick, is Mystic Maya there? Is she alright?"

Phoenix said, "She's with me in the detention center, I will have her remain with Athena and Apollo for the time being. Ironically the safest place for anyone right now may very well be in police custody. I am coming over there right now." He hung up the phone and entered the center.

Athena studied him and asked, "What happened Boss? You look so shaken."

Apollo said, "Yeah, I've never seen you like this."

Phoenix sat down on a bench and said, "It's Trucy, she was shot not too long ago."

Athena's hand went to her mouth in horror and whispered, "Is it because I didn't leave town? Maybe the killer is after more close to me. Boss I-"

Phoenix stood up and slammed his hand on the counter and said, "Don't you dare apologize Athena, you did nothing wrong. I will catch this bastard if it is the last thing I do! No one hurts my friends and family, especially not my team! I need to make some calls, Maya I want you to remain here with the police."

Maya shook her head and said, "I'm coming with you."

Phoenix stared at her with a look that made her freeze in her tracks. He said, "Absolutely not Maya! I am going to pick up Pearls and bring her here as well. As far as I am concerned, anyone connected to Athena and myself is to remain here in the Detention Center. I will have Edgeworth bring a protection detail here immediately. Trucy has already been shot, probably because she knew too much. I will not put anyone else in danger."

Maya said, "What about you Nick? I don't want to see anything happen to you, please don't go out there alone, I couldn't bear it if you got hurt as well."

Phoenix drew Maya into a hug and whispered, "I will be fine, don't worry about me." He said, "Robin, let's go, we have investigating to do, and I need to check on Pearls and my daughter, do you have a car?"

Robin said, "Of course I do, we will swing by where your daughter is first and check on her. I met Trucy once before the trial and she was so nice to me."

The two left, leaving Maya, Athena and Apollo behind.

Maya whispered, "Be careful Nick..."

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Robin drove quickly through the streets and came across Pearl who was racing for the bus station. She stopped and said, "Hi there, need a lift Pearl?"

Pearl looked at her then saw Phoenix in the front seat with her and said, "Yes please, I want to check on Trucy."

Phoenix said, "The only place you are going Pearls is to the detention center with Maya. I don't want anyone else I care about in danger because of this case. If you want to know why I am doing that, ask Athena when you arrive." He helped her in then they returned to the detention center and once Pearl was inside, they drove to the clinic.

Robin and Phoenix hurried inside to find that a nurse was waiting for them.

The nurse said, "Mr. Phoenix Wright and Miss Newman I presume? A bit of an age gap for a couple, wouldn't you say?"

Phoenix said, "She's not my girlfriend, never-mind that, where is my daughter?"

The nurse said, "She is in room 22-B, come along now."

The two followed the nurse, but Phoenix was wary of this. He thought, "How did she know I was coming?"

When they entered, Phoenix saw that Trucy was hooked up to a machine. The nurse whispered, "She hasn't woken up since she was shot, the bullet didn't hit any vital organs, so we were about to remove the bullet."

Phoenix said, "Do it, I want to see this bullet for myself."

The doctor came in and about ten minutes later, they returned with a bullet in a bag.

Phoenix took the bag and compared it to the bullets on the scene and said, "This isn't from the same gun, however...it looks familiar to me for some reason." He thought back then gasped, "It's the same bullet type that hit the oxygen canister in the case of Clay Terran. This is a ten caliber bullet."

The nurse said, "That's what it appears to be, do you want to see her?"

Phoenix nodded and entered the room. He sat down in a chair and took his daughter's hand and said, "I'm sorry Trucy, I should have had you wait in the detention center with Athena and Apollo."

Trucy's voice came out of her mouth, "It's alright Daddy, I will be just fine. I just am tired is all."

Phoenix gasped and saw that his daughter had woken up and sighed in relief and asked, "What happened?"

Trucy softly said, "When I came out of the courtroom, I started to head back to the office. Then, I heard someone coming up from behind me. I turned and just as I did so, I heard a bang. I fell to the ground, then woke up with you here."

Phoenix held her hand tighter and said, "Did you manage to get a look at who shot you?"

Trucy said, "All I could tell for certain was that it was a man. I didn't get a good look though because he reacted so fast."

Phoenix kissed her on top of her forehead and said, "I will get to the bottom of all of this." He looked at the nurse.

She said, "Your daughter will be fine now that she has woken up. We want to keep her here overnight to make certain there is nothing else wrong with her, after that she can be returned to your custody."

Phoenix pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and wrote down a number. He handed it to her and said, "When she is ready ,call my cell and I will have her picked up."

The nurse nodded then left the room with the phone number.

Trucy held her father's hand and said, "Focus on the case Daddy, I will be just fine. Athena needs you."

Phoenix asked, "What about you?"

Trucy said, "No killer would be stupid enough to attempt to get me in this hospital, there are cameras everywhere. Anyone suspicious would be stopped by security. When I am ready, you will be called and we can find a place for me to be safe."

Phoenix smiled and stroked his daughter's cheek with his spare hand and said, "What did I do to deserve such a wonderful girl for a daughter?"

Trucy said, "I don't know, maybe lose the case my father was the defendant on and have your badge revoked for falsified evidence? Does that ring any bells?"

Phoenix laughed and said, "If you are talking back, then you will be fine soon enough Trucy. I will see you soon." He looked to Robin who was staring at Trucy.

Robin asked, "Miss Wright, I have one question for you, this man who attacked you, what did he look like?"

Trucy said, "I said that I don't know, I didn't get a good look at him."

Robin said, "I studied law for a number of years and graduated top of the class. Do you really think I can't spot someone lying when they are?"

Phoenix gasped and asked, "She's lying?"

Robin nodded and said, "I can't prove it, mind you but notice the fact that she gripped your hand tighter when I called her out on lying? She just proved to me that she was."

Phoenix turned to Trucy and asked, "Is that true Trucy?"

Trucy said, "I don't know who he was, but I did see him hanging around Athena's apartment the night before we went to the opera. I didn't see what he was up to, I was going to visit Apollo at the time. I was worried about something and couldn't sleep. He said his door was always open, so I didn't hesitate to visit."

Phoenix asked, "So the man who attacked you is the same one that you saw outside Athena's apartment, you're certain?"

Trucy said, "I'm positive it was him, he was wearing the exact same outfit, the exact same green trench-coat."

Phoenix thought, "Wait a moment, that sounds familiar." He pulled out his phone and made a call. He said, "Hey Gumshoe, I have a question for you, or rather my daughter does." He handed Trucy the phone.

Trucy asked, "Detective, didn't you say that your trench-coat was missing from your house?"

Gumshoe said, "Yeah pal, did you find it?"

Trucy answered, "I might have actually. Were you aware I was shot earlier today after I left the courtroom?"

Gumshoe said, "No I did not know that pal, are you alright?"

Trucy said, "I'm fine, just a little tired. However something strange about the person who shot me, he was wearing a green trench-coat, it looked almost brand new. The same man is someone I spotted outside Athena's apartment a few nights ago."

Gumshoe said, "Wait, so he's wearing an almost brand new green trench-coat, tell me did it have a G on the front of it?"

Trucy said, "Yes it did, I'm guessing that stands for Gumshoe."

Gumshoe said, "Whoever that guy is, he has my trench-coat pal."

Trucy said, "I don't know why he has it, but he does, and he was seen near the defendant's house the night before we all went to the opera."

Gumshoe said, "I will do some investigating pal, I am just questioning the witnesses to the park crime at the moment."

Trucy said, "No rush, I will be doing my magic act soon enough." She hung up and handed the phone back to her father.

Phoenix looked at his daughter and asked, "Are you certain you're going to be alright?"

Trucy laughed and said, "I'll be up and using my tricks in no time Daddy, now get out there and save Athena. Apollo would be depressed if she were put away for murder after all."

Phoenix smiled and rubbed the top of her head then said, "I will return as soon as I can." He turned to Robin and said, "What could be possibly be missing in this case? Something is off and I need to figure out what it is."

Robin said, "Currently, the only thing stopping Athena from being locked away until she gets executed is a lack of e-v-i-d-e-n-c-e to prove her innocence. All you have is some gunpowder burn on leaves and extra shots fired from a gun. I can already tell you that we have a solution for that problem."

Phoenix said, "Oh? What may that solution be?"

Robin wagged her finger and said, "It's a s-e-c-r-e-t!" She laughed softly until she saw Trucy staring at her. She froze and said, "Don't look at me that way Miss Wright, I am only doing my job as prosecutor."

Trucy glared harder and said, "So long as your goal is the truth and only that, I will not hold anything against you. If, for whatever reason, you stray from that path, I will never forgive you!"

Phoenix said, "That will do Trucy, we are leaving now." He took Robin out of the room and headed off to investigate further. Their first stop, the Prosecutor's office to speak to the witnesses in the case.

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Meanwhile back at the Detention center...

Pearl was sitting on the bench and checking out the pamphlet of the park. She was staring at the map in particular. It was a copy of the same one Phoenix had in his possession, with the locations of things marked on it as well. She looked over at Maya who was waiting for Phoenix to return. She said, "You should try to relax Mystic Maya, after all it's Mr. Nick."

Maya said, "That's precisely why I am so worried. He has a habit of rushing into things, like he did when he tried to make it to the other side of that burning bridge to save me. He nearly died back then Pearly, how can I not be worried/ How am I supposed to remain calm?"

Pearl said, "By believing in him, that he knows what he is doing."

Maya sighed and rubbed the younger woman's head softly and said, "You always know just what to say, don't you Pearly?"

Pearl smiled and said, "Maybe, but then again, I know Mr. Nick almost as well as you do. I've known him since I was a little girl. He opened my eyes to just how cruel this world can be and yet he still fights to try and protect people who cannot save themselves."

Apollo, from behind the glass, said, "Pearls is right Maya. Mr. Wright has never let us down before and I doubt he is about to start now."

The door opened and Phoenix walked in with Robin beside him. He said, "Well Trucy is going to be alright, the bullet was not a large one. To top that off, it missed anything vital. She will be coming to the Detention center once her wound heals. However this is something that disturbs me. Do you remember that bullet we found during Clay Terran's case? The one that eventually cracked the case for us I mean."

Athena said, "You mean that ten caliber bullet? Yes I remember it, what about it?"

Phoenix held up a bag and said, "This bullet was removed from Trucy, the same caliber as the one used in the Clay Terran case."

Apollo's eyes widened as he saw it then said, "Are you telling me someone with a spy gun shot her?"

Phoenix said, "That's what I currently believe, yes. It seems that Athena and Metis weren't wrong. That incident isn't over yet, but currently I don't have enough evidence to prove a spy was behind it."

A female voice spoke up, "Now Phoenix, you should know better than to just give up when a new lead rears its head."

Phoenix froze in spot. A tear slowly slid down his cheek as he recognized the voice. He hadn't heard it in over nine years, but he could never forget her voice. Another tear slid down his other cheek.

Athena asked, "What's wrong Boss?"

Phoenix whispered, "That voice...Mia..." He turned to look at Maya, to find she had channeled her older sister.

Mia said, "Come now Phoenix, don't sound so shocked, did you really think that I would abandon you at this critical moment?"

Phoenix wiped his eyes and said, "Chief...I haven't seen you in over nine years, of course I'd get emotional. I mean I-"

Mia held up her hand and said, "Don't you dare go on about that again Phoenix. You saved Maya, exposed that scumbag White's misdeeds with your own hands and even tracked down the true killer of DL-6, thus saving my mother's reputation. In my eyes you are a hero, and Maya thinks the same way."

Phoenix slammed his fist onto the counter, causing everyone to jump. He said, "I am no hero and you know it." He turned and said, "I am leaving for the crime scene right away, if you wish to join me, then come along later Chief." He walked out of the detention center.

Mia turned to Pearl and asked, "Something happen I am unaware of?"

Pearl softly said, "His daughter was shot while he was investigating this case and he has been a bit moody ever since. It seems he is afraid that anyone connected to this case and himself is in grave danger. He even dragged us all here in an effort to protect us."

Mia sighed and said, "Vintage Phoenix right there. He loves everyone he is connected with, even his idiot of a friend Harry Butz."

Athena started to giggle and said, "Really? That's his name?"

Pearl grinned and said, "Actually, his name is Larry. You always did get his name wrong."

Mia said, "Either way, Phoenix always was a little emotional, sometimes too much for his own good. No matter what Maya and I say, he has always blamed himself for my death."

Pearl said, "He spoke with me at length in private about that when I turned fourteen as I pressured him to talk about it. He had distanced himself somewhat from Mystic Maya at that point."

Mia said, "Oh? What was his reason?"

Pearl said, "He said it was because of all the things he had done during his career. The presentation of forged evidence eight years ago, the events he went through ten years ago during the Nickel Samurai case, and of course your death Mystic Mia. He felt like he hadn't handled it properly, like he had failed to protect Maya and you."

Mia shook her head and said, "Sometimes he can be an idiot. He really doesn't realize just what he did for Maya and myself, not to mention you. He's more a Fey than he realizes."

Pearl whispered, "Then of course there is Dahlia and Iris. He felt like an idiot when he found out about the switch between the two of them and how they were nothing alike, yet he couldn't see it when she was on the stand. I think that was the start of it, then your death and Maya's repeated false convictions, and even the death of Mystic Misty herself. He has blamed himself for it all, but I think the final straw involved no one from the Fey Clan."

Mia whispered, "Diego...that really tore him up didn't it."

Pearl nodded then heard a voice clearing sound.

Athena placed her hands on her hips, "Mind filling US in? Jeez, you two have been doing nothing but whispering to each other for the past five minutes! Come on already, like what the hell Mia?"

Mia turned to look at her and said, "Maya did tell me you were a fiery one Miss Cykes, I see she wasn't exaggerating." Her look turned to a warm one and said, "You remind me of myself when I was your age. Very well, but it will take a while, I will let Pearl fill you in. Miss Newman and I will head to the crime scene and meet up with Phoenix."

Apollo grinned and said, "Bet those two were lovers."

Mia froze at the door and said, "Never happened Mr. Justice. Phoenix and I were colleagues, nothing more."

Apollo said, "Really, because you're lying to me. You can't fool me, you instinctively held onto your collar when you said nothing more. That was where your lawyer badge once resided if I'm not mistaken."

Mia turned and said, "Cheeky, aren't you Mr. Justice. You want the truth, fine I'll tell you. I had a huge crush on him when we worked together. He was handsome and an enthusiastic young man. He also loved all those around him and protected everyone as best he could. Hell, he even protected his rival Miles Edgeworth. This turned into a true friendship and the two have worked together to protect the world of law ever since. This is why they were able to bring a resolution to not only DL-6, but SL-9 and UR-1 together. They even took on the case that led to Diego's incarceration. If you want to know what happened there, ask Pearl."

Athena asked, "Only one other question, why didn't you two pursue a relationship?"

Mia softly said, "I wanted to, more than you could possibly know, however my life was cut short. You see the very night I had invited Maya to the office, I was going to tell her about my feelings for Phoenix, as well as give her evidence that would put away Redd White for good. On top of that, I was going to treat both of them to dinner and tell Phoenix about my feelings. Unfortunately, White got wind of my plans, minus the feelings for Phoenix of course, thanks to placing a wire tap on my phone. He showed up about three minutes before Maya and killed me then and there. When Maya came onto the scene, my body was already starting to grow cold, so excuse me if I didn't want to dwell on feelings that can never be reciprocated now." She spun and left the Detention Center with Robin beside her.

Apollo whispered, "Guess we touched on a nerve of hers. I didn't think that Miss Cool as a cucumber Mia Fey had a hot button topic, but I guess that would be her sister and Phoenix."

Athena said, "Yeah, I'm surprised Boss hasn't found himself a wife yet."

Pearl said, "Oh I don't know about that either, maybe he's just waiting for the right one to come along."

Athena caught Pearl's blush and said, "Oh you are NOT thinking of that are you Pearls?"

Pearl's blush turned darker and said, "Of course not! He's like a father to me, that's sick Athena!"

Athena chuckled and said, "Couldn't resist Pearls, sorry."

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Upon entering the park, Phoenix noticed that the leaves had been sectioned off and Ema was standing there looking at them intently. He knew he had to wait for Robin to show up, so he figured he'd tease Ema a little. He sneaked up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Ema jumped nearly a foot in the air and spun around ready to attack whoever it was who was touching her, then saw it was Phoenix. She frowned and shouted, "Don't DO that Phoenix, you know how jumpy I can get."

Phoenix laughed softly and said, "Sorry Ema, I couldn't resist. You alright?"

Ema took a chip out of her bag and said, "Yeah, but you scared me you big jackass!"

Phoenix gave her a hug and said, "Yes, but you know I mean no real harm by it."

Ema hugged him back and said, "I know, but still, its mean Phoenix!"

Phoenix chuckled then said, "I guess it doesn't matter if I do a little investigating, you're here after all. Is something troubling you Ema?"

Ema sighed and popped the chip in her mouth, then after she had finished it she said, "I don't know, something isn't adding up compared to my original investigation."

Mia called out, "Phoenix, you just couldn't resist running ahead of us, could you?"

Phoenix spun and saw that Robin and Mia had arrived. He hung his head and found he didn't have the words to convey anything to Mia.

She smiled and said, "It's fine Phoenix, I know how much pressure you're under right now. I missed you as well."

Phoenix said, "We will discuss it later, what did you find out Ema?"

Ema said, "No matter how hard I try, I can't find the forth bullet that was fired, however I did find the third one finally."

Phoenix blinked and said, "You did? Where was it?"

Ema said, "It was actually hidden in the leaves. I had checked it at first and didn't find it, but a more thorough check with my x-ray glasses found them."

Phoenix chuckled and said, "You always did love your scientific gadgets didn't you? Let me guess, you built them yourself?"

Ema gasped and asked, "How did you know that?"

Phoenix smiled and said, "Remember I have known you since you were Trucy's age currently. Even back then you loved Science with a passion and were determined to prove things through scientific means."

Ema grinned and said, "You always were a shrewd observation expert, weren't you? Yeah I wanted to ensure I'd never miss a thing, unlike that fool Bobby Fulbright or Dick Gumshoe."

Phoenix blinked then said, "I thought you and Detective Gumshoe were friends?"

Ema scoffed and said, "Him? Not a chance in hell! I'd never trust him to investigate a crime scene alone, yet he got promoted to Chief Detective, why I ask you? He isn't half the investigator I am."

Phoenix chuckled then admonished her, "Now now Ema, you know that isn't nice."

Ema pouted and said, "Fine, but I will have my rant about that guy later. It's weird that the third bullet is in the leaves though, I mean it was like the bullet was fired right up close, but the only time Miss Cykes was near those leaves was after she was close to the victim's body. The problem lies with the timing. The witnesses came right as she was near the body, and no third shot was heard."

Phoenix said, "You have the gun on you right now right?"

Ema nodded and said, "Mr. Edgeworth brought it over, said the defense may need it for an examination. That man is such a mystery to me sometimes."

Phoenix put on a pair of gloves and took the gun from her. He checked the chamber and said, "Definitely four bullets missing, let me test something." He placed the safety on and walked over to where the victim stood. He said, "Mia, would you stand where Athena was supposedly standing according to her statement that is on record?"

Mia said, "The safety had BETTER be on that thing Phoenix, I'm in Maya's body after all!"

Phoenix said, "Don't worry it is, my finger won't even touch the trigger just in case though."

Mia frowned then walked over and stood in position.

Phoenix raised the gun to point at her then said, "Interesting...I see something down the line of the sight." He looked past Mia and saw a sign that was near the entrance of the park that said, "Yield". He walked over to there with Robin following him.

Robin gasped as she looked at the sign, "Ema, come here right now!"

Ema ran over and took a look then said, "The forth bullet, it's right there in the Yield Sign." She put on a glove and removed it from the sign then marked it on the map.

Phoenix walked back to where the victim stood and pointed the gun at Mia, then moved his aim slightly to the left so that the bullet would miss her if it had been fired. It was dead in line with the bullet in the yield sign. He said, "Just as I thought, I think I just about have this riddle solved, save for one thing, where the victim really was."

Robin blinked then asked, "What do you mean Mr. Wright?"

Phoenix pulled out the map with his spare hand and opened it. He said, "Take a close look at where the four bullets were found. One was in the heart of Edgar Ora Chest, one was in the leaves, one was in that sign and the final one was in a tree behind the victim. Now assuming there was only one gun on the scene and seeing as all the bullets match in size and caliber as well as the ballistics would likely prove that to be true as well, how did the one behind the victim get there."

Mia said, "That would be an impossible feat, unless both the victim and Miss Cykes fired the gun that day."

Phoenix said, "Precisely, yet the witnesses only heard two shots go off. Presumably they were both fired by the defendant which would explain the tree and the bullet in the victim, but what about the other two bullets, when were they fired?" He went over to the leaves and picked up a leaf and stared at it, almost hoping it would supply him with answers. He whispered, "What if the killer in this case acted the same as the killer in the lake murder during the case where we solved DL-6." He turned to Mia and asked, "What do you think?"

Mia looked at him and said, "I think you are onto something Phoenix with this line of thought. Those two bullets were fired at some point, and one is a direct contradiction to Miss Cykes holding that gun. According to the evidence, it would appear that a shot was fired from the gun at Miss Cykes and she disarmed the victim, then shot him. However that doesn't fit the autopsy report. There is no evidence of disarming being done on the victim prior to his death."

Phoenix said, "Then what the hell is going on? This bullet in the yield sign directly contradicts the prosecution's claim that Athena brought the gun and used it with two shots to kill the victim."

Mia knelt on the ground and said, "Hang on a minute, the dragging from the leaves, maybe, just maybe..." She slowly stood and said, "I think I may have the answer, but I want to see if you can come to it yourself."

Phoenix sighed and said, "Always were hard boss, weren't you Chief?"

Mia laughed and said, "Maybe so, but you know all too well why."

Phoenix chuckled then looked at Robin who was taking a close look at the scene and asked, "Something on your mind Robin?"

Robin said, "It just occurred to me, we now have the four bullets, and yet they contradict each other as you said. The real question we should be asking ourselves is why do the bullet locations contradict one another."

Mia said, "Actually, we shouldn't ask ourselves that, rather we should be asking ourselves, "Why do the second two bullets exist in the first place.""

Phoenix said, "I see where you're going with this. Let's say for argument's sake that it was Athena who fired the gun. There should only be one, maybe two bullets on the scene. Yet there is one in the leaves and the one in the sign. These two, especially the sign, contradict each other." He gasped then asked, "Robin, no one checked the offices around here right? What if one of those offices were the true murder scene?"

Robin shook her head and said, "That would be impossible, how do you explain the blood of the victim at the scene? It was under the body, so if a killer were to stage that, it would take time. That is something they did not have as they had less than a minute to set up the scene. They didn't have time."

Phoenix said, "Maybe, or maybe not. I am going to investigate some offices around here. I have a hunch behind this case and I think it is right." He turned and walked off to enter the nearest office.

Ema stayed behind to keep the crime scene secured as Robin and Mia followed Phoenix.

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Meanwhile, across town...

Edgeworth was sitting in a chair at his office. He sipped on a cup of tea until the phone rang. He picked up the receiver and answered, "Edgeworth speaking."

A voice said, "Mr. Edgeworth, I highly suggest you call off the crime scene investigation, lest something final were to befall a few of the members."

Edgeworth froze then asked, "Who is this?"

The line went dead. He bit his lip then he called Phoenix's number.

Phoenix was about to enter an office when his phone rang. He answered it and said, "What is it Edgeworth? We are onto something."

Edgeworth said, "Wright, you have to get out of there right now! I just got a threatening phone call."

Phoenix moved slightly away from the door and motioned for the two girls to hide themselves in the bushes. When they were in position he said, "What did the person say?"

Edgeworth said, "That something final was about to befall members of the investigation team."

Phoenix said, "I can't stop now Edgeworth, you know me!"

Edgeworth said, "At least send the others back to the detention center."

Phoenix said, "Very well..." He looked to Mia and Robin and said, "Orders from Edgeworth, you two are to return to the detention center immediately."

Mia said, "Now hold on just a min-"

Phoenix stared at Mia with a look that harbored no arguments and said, "Mia, you may be dead, but never forget whose body you are in. I failed to protect you, I WILL NOT fail to protect Maya! Is that clear Mia?"

Mia swallowed hard then sighed and said, "Fine, but promise me you will be alright."

Phoenix said, "I will have Edgeworth on the line while I examine this scene. Whatever is going on, we are being watched, hence the call to his office. Edgeworth, I am not setting foot in there until a police detail shows up. I just know that this office is the true crime scene and I am making the killer a bit nervous."

Edgeworth said, "I already signaled for them to arrive. They should be there within five minutes, one is arriving to take Miss Newman and your partner back to the Detention center."

Phoenix said, "I take it Franziska is heading this force."

Edgeworth said, "Yes, she is one of the few people I know that has taken a bullet and still been more than willing to fight. Stay on the line until their arrival."

Phoenix heard sirens in the distance and said, "I can hear them coming, still something isn't right. There are no birds around here."

Edgeworth said, "Get down Wright, if there are no birds, then the killer could very well be nearby."

Phoenix dove to the ground and a second later a gunshot went off. It buried itself into his shoulder and he cried out in pain. A man walked up who was wearing a mask and holding a tiny gun, very similar to the Earth Emblem Gun from the Clay Terran case. He pointed it at Phoenix's head and said, "Your investigation...is over..."

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Another gunshot rang out and a bullet buried itself in the ground between the two of them. Franziska was standing behind a smoking gun. She smirked and said, "Foolish coming out into the open like that. Drop the gun and prepare for your punishment."

Phoenix, who had been holding his shoulder since he was shot, slowly got to his feet and said, "You're finished! You won't escape from us."

The man laughed and said, "Won't escape? Fools, you are nothing before my organization." He held up his wrist and fired above him. A wire shot out and wrapped around a lamp post overhead and he swung away, getting one hundred feet away in a second then he took off.

Franziska called out, "The suspect is fleeing the park via the west pathways, track him down." She knelt and looked at Phoenix's injury and said, "Looks like it didn't shatter the bone, you should be fine. Keep pressure on it Phoenix Wright."

Phoenix chuckled and said, "You never did kick that bad habit of calling people by their full names, did you Franziska?" He saw she was about to leave then said, "Thanks, I owe you one."

Franziska said, "Don't mention it, ever."

Phoenix laughed and said, "Never change do you?" He went towards the office again and heard a gun click behind him. He turned and saw that she had a gun pointed at him. He asked, "Something wrong?"

Franziska said, "The only place you are going is the hospital, I will enter the office and investigate on your behalf Phoenix Wright."

Phoenix said, "Sorry, can't do that Franziska. That man wanted me to stay out of this office for a reason and I am not about to-"

A soft hand went on his uninjured shoulder. He saw it was Mia who said, "Enough, let Franziska and I take it from here, I agree with her on this one. Go with Miss Newman to the hospital."

Phoenix said, "But Chief I-"

Mia said, "NOW Phoenix! I already know how Maya would react, she'd drag you there kicking and screaming to that hospital. Go or I will let her out and see what has happened to you. Do you want Maya to see you like this?"

Phoenix sighed and said, "You always drove a hard bargain, but I am taking the defense bench tomorrow."

Mia said, "Maybe, maybe not. Either way, you are going there now."

Phoenix asked, "Just be careful Mia, I don't want to see anything happen."

Mia said, "Something has already happened Phoenix, you got shot! Maya would be frantic right now if she knew and you KNOW it!" She found something placed in her hand by Phoenix. She asked, "Wait, isn't this a Megatama?"

Phoenix smiled and said, "If you're taking over the investigation on my behalf, it only is fitting that you have this item on you. It is Maya's originally anyway. Not to mention Pearl herself channeled her spiritual energy into it."

Mia softly said, "I haven't seen one of these in years. I used to carry one with me before I left my village to become a lawyer."

Phoenix said, "I know, Maya told me. Be careful Mia, I don't want anything to happen to your spirit or Maya's body." He went into the police escort car with Robin beside him.

Robin said, "Don't worry, your friend there may seem different, but she's experienced."

Phoenix said, "Yes, but while investigating someone probably less dangerous, she was killed before. She's now in Maya's body, so if she dies in that body-"

Robin finished, "Then Maya dies with her, I know you're concerned, but she will have Franziska with her. The two of them together will be safe, after all she has training."

Phoenix rested his head on the window as the car drove off.

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Inside the office...

Mia held the Megatama close to her chest as she began to investigate. It looked like a run of the mill office, and very little was disturbed. That alone made her wonder why the killer was so intent on protecting this place. She put on a glove and turned on the light while Franziska watched the door and windows.

Franziska pulled out her radio and said, "Have you caught him yet?"

An officer said, "No, he seems to have vanished completely."

Franziska said, "Get back to the office at my location immediately then. If you cannot find him, he may return to attack. I'd rather not fight this guy alone."

The officer said, "Will do Boss." The line clicked off and the officer began ordering the police to halt the search and to protect the office. Within a few minutes, there were thirty officers guarding the place. Three more went inside to stay near Franziska.

Mia blinked as she saw something on the ground and said, "Interesting..." She knelt and picked it up with her glove and said, "It is a letter, addressed to the victim no less." She put on her second glove and began to read.

"Come to the office in the park alone, lest you wish your secret involving Miss Cykes to become public knowledge. Come at precisely three am."

Franziska asked, "What secret may that be?"

Mia said, "Something he did to her when she was eleven years old."

Franziska paled and said, "He didn't, what a sick freak!"

Mia nodded and said, "I think we just found out that the victim was in this very office the morning of the murder, he must have been desperate to protect that from getting out, so he must have followed it completely."

Franziska said, "Wait, it said we? That means there's an accomplice. Could Miss Cykes be the accomplice? After all someone who looked very similar to her purchased the gun."

Mia said, "I don't know, but one thing I do know is that this clue is huge. It may be the break we are looking for." She looked over and saw a drawer was slightly ajar. She pulled it open and looked inside and said, "Interesting little item to be sitting in here." She picked up a rubber cork that had a bit of dried blood on the end. Her response was to place it in a bag and hand it to an officer and said, "Get that examined right away, I want to know if that is the victim's blood or not. I think I may have this whole case figured out now."

Franziska blinked and asked, "What do you mean?"

Mia said, "I won't know for certain until the results from the tests are done on that cork, but I think that was the item he didn't want us to find, the reason he shot Miss Wright and Phoenix as well. He was determined to get that cork back at all costs. What I don't understand is why he didn't just pick it up while the trial was going on this morning."

Franziska said, "Maybe he forgot about it?"

Mia shook her head and said, "Impossible, there is no way he forgot or he wouldn't have shot Miss Wright earlier this afternoon. He was up to something beforehand. The fact we don't know what it is concerns me greater than anything else right now."

Franziska said, "You don't think he plans to bomb something do you?"

Mia said, "It's a possibility, I need to get Apollo out of Detention right away. I may need his power to figure out a few things about this case.

An officer from outside called out, "Hey, you can't go in there, it's an investigation."

A female voice said, "Bite me, I'm going in anyways."

Mia went to the door and nodded to Franziska before she opened it and said, "Who is she officer?"

The officer said, "No idea Miss Fey, but she seemed insistent to come inside."

Mia took a good look at the girl, she looked exactly like Athena, but she wasn't Athena. The lookalike was in a dark blue outfit that looked similar to Athena's and she had an earring in her left ear. Mia said, "Come inside then, but touch nothing. Search her first though officers, and by officers I mean a female one if you would."

A female officer had stand up and began to check her all over and said, "She's clean."

Mia said, "Run a metal detector on her."

She blinked then asked, "Any reason why?"

Franziska said, "Do it officer!"

She nodded and pulled out a mini metal detector and ran it over every inch of the young woman then said, "Nothing metal on her, save the ring on her finger."

Mia said, "Young lady, if you wish to enter here, hand the ring to Franziska here. Do so and we will let you in."

The young woman pulled the ring off her finger and handed it over to Franziska before she stepped inside. She asked, "What in the world are you doing in this office?"

Mia crossed her arms and said, "I could ask you the same question, rather why you purchased a gun that ended up as a murder weapon."

The girl paled and said, "But I-"

Mia said, "Well?"

The girl said, "I-I don't know what you're talking about, I never purchased any weapon."

Mia frowned as she saw three psyche locks appear on the young woman and thought, "Well she's lying, there's no question about that, I will have to break those locks right now." She asked, "What is your name young lady?"

The girl softly said, "Artemis Cykes."

Mia's eyes widened and asked, "Wait, Cykes? Any relation to Metis Cykes?"

Artemis said, "Yes, she was my mother. I was separated from her by my father before he was incarcerated two years ago."

Mia thought, "Interesting, it would seem this girl is Athena's sister, half or otherwise." She asked, "I want you to tell me why you purchased a gun Miss Cykes."

Artemis crossed her arms and said, "I will do no such thing! I never purchased any gun, I told you that already."

Mia said, "And I say you are very clearly lying." She presented her the video tape and said, "On this tape, a young woman who looks identical to you purchased a gun. On top of that, she claimed to be Athena Cykes who is my client." She watched as a lock broke.

Artemis bit her lip then said, "I knew I should have watched for a camera, however you have no proof that it isn't this Miss Cykes herself."

Mia flicked her hair out of her eyes and said, "Oh I have proof, but you won't like it Miss Cykes." She presented a picture of Athena's hands. She said, "You should have studied her a bit more carefully, you see Athena always wears a glove on her right hand. This glove was given to her by her mother to go with Widget which always remains around her neck. She was wearing it that day as well." She showed another picture of Athena that had been taken just before the Opera by a security camera outside the liquor store.

She paused then continued, "Considering what she was going through, combined with the fact that she is Phoenix Wright's understudy, the police won't bat an eye to her being outside a liquor store with him inside purchasing alcohol for the office, however this will prove that it wasn't her." She showed the tape again and pointed out the right hand and said, "There is no glove on here, also within fifteen minutes of this video, three people entered the Anything Agency. They couldn't find Athena's glove there, but it was on her at the crime scene. Ergo, she had her glove on the entire time, that was you in the store." She saw a second lock break and smirked.

Artemis shook on the spot and said, "You don't understand! Alright I'll admit it, I purchased the gun, but I never used it, I swear!"

Mia didn't see anything new so she knew that Artemis was telling the truth about that. She asked, "Why did you purchase the gun?"

Artemis said, "I c-can't tell you." She held her right arm in the exact opposite way that Athena did when she was pressured.

Mia softly said, "It has something to do with the true killer, doesn't it? He threatened you didn't he?"

Artemis froze and asked, "W-what?"

Mia said, "He just shot my understudy Phoenix Wright in the shoulder and nearly killed him Miss Cykes. Athena Cykes is being held in detention for a murder she did not commit and you know it, now please help me save everyone in this case."

Artemis shuddered then the final lock broke and said, "Fine, I'll tell you, but you have to guarantee my safety."

Mia touched Artemis's chin and made her look into her eyes, "I promise you that nothing will happen to you, now tell me what you know."

Artemis sat down in a chair and said, "It all started back when I was born, you see I am eighteen."

Mia asked, "Wait, you're the exact same age as Athena?"

Artemis nodded and said, "I'm her identical twin. Athena has no idea, probably because Metis never told her about my existence."

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Flashback – Eighteen Years ago...

A doctor said, "You have two baby girls Miss Cykes."

Metis groaned and reached up weakly to wipe sweat from her eyes. She was still breathing heavily as she looked at the two girls and sighed in relief before she said, "Welcome to the world Athena and Artemis, I am so glad to meet you."

The man beside her said, "I am so happy they are alright."

Metis smiled and said, "Let's make sure we make them happy."

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Three years later...

A male voice shouted, "I can't take this anymore! All you do is work on research and never spend time with me or the girls anymore!"

Metis said, "Have you not seen how Athena and Artemis are acting? It is like they are constantly in pain and I finally figured out why."

He glared and said, "I don't care, I'm leaving and I am not leaving alone. I am taking my daughters with me!" He picked up Artemis and then went to go get Athena, but found Metis in his way.

Aura walked up behind her and held a gun in her hand. It was a dart gun with a tranquilizer inside.

The man glared and said, "You'll regret this Metis!" He slipped out the door and ran down the hall with Artemis in his arms.

Metis called for security, but they couldn't catch the father of the two girls.

A few hours later, Athena went up to her mother and asked, "Mommy sad?"

Metis wiped her eyes dry and said, "I will be fine little one."

Athena said, "But Mommy still sad. Was Athena bad?"

Metis smiled and picked up her daughter and said, "Not at all sweetheart. You are a very good girl."

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Seven years after Athena's birth...

Athena whined, "Mommy, I don't want to wear these headphones, they hurt my head!"

Metis said, "It's important that you do, they emit sound waves that block out the voices of others hearts. Without them, you will be overwhelmed when we go out into public places."

Athena said, "But Mommy...they still hurt!"

Metis said, "I know they do sweetheart, but they are important to wear."

Athena groaned and said, "Yes Mommy, but I still hate them so much."

Metis rubbed her on top of her head and said, "I know dear. Now I'm going to say a few things that are untrue to my heart. I want to see if you can pick up on the subtle cues."

Athena listened but her mother's heart was weaker to her for some reason. She focused and said, "You are feeling sad right now, despite saying happy things."

Metis smiled and said, "Very good dear. Did you notice how you actually had to focus to hear it? That is what these headphones do. They will dull your hearing to the point where you will be able to live without them."

Athena yawned as it was already late night. She asked, "May I go to bed mommy? Ponco said she'd read me a story."

Metis smiled and said, "Go ahead dear." She turned to Ponco and said, "Take care of her tonight please, I have some more research to do."

Ponco said, "Of course Mommy Metis." She went off with Athena.

Once Athena was in bed, Aura came out of hiding and kissed Metis on the cheek once. She said, "I have noticed you haven't told her about Artemis, why is that?"

Metis sadly said, "Why hurt her like that? She doesn't even remember her twin sister. It is so painful to think of them not being together that it keeps me awake most nights."

Aura asked, "Are you ever going to tell her?"

Metis said, "When she turns twelve, I will."

Aura sighed and said, "You know I am worried for you Metis."

Metis turned to Aura and said, "I will be fine, I just need to focus on Athena right now."

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Flashback over...

Artemis said, "When I was eleven years old, I heard about what happened to Metis and was broken up inside. You see, my father told me all about Metis and how she was once a kind, caring woman. He told me about Athena and said he planned to rescue her from that fate. He left me alone for a number of hours a week later, but Athena was already gone."

Mia said, "Still, that doesn't explain why you'd agree to frame your twin for murder."

Artemis said, "My father disappeared five days ago, very shortly after the Anything Agency proved what really happened to Metis. I received a letter that had detailed instructions. They told me to purchase a weapon and to bring it to this office. The instructions also told me to co-operate with the man inside if I ever wanted to see my father alive again."

Mia looked into her eyes and asked, "Do you still have the letter?"

Artemis shook her head and said, "The final instruction was to burn the letter."

Mia said, "Of course it did. I can tell you're telling me the truth, but you do realize if this is revealed in court, Athena will know who you are."

Artemis said, "I don't care about that, I asked my father to let me see Athena so many times, but he couldn't find her."

Mia said, "That's because she was in Europe. It was there that Phoenix found her and learned about her powers. Do you have the same powers?"

Artemis nodded and said, "Yes, but I had to force myself to close my ears to it. Over time, I managed to dull my hearing of it. I spoke with Miss Blackquill in the detention center, which is how I learned about what the headphones did."

Mia smiled and said, "I was going to ask how you knew about that, but you already answered it for me. Your father's kidnapper must already know that you have co-operated with us by now, you must accept the fact that there is a good chance-"

Artemis softly finished, "That he is either dead or will be soon. I know all of this, I just wanted to save him so badly. It was just an hour ago that I realized that with the investigation going on that he would likely kill my father anyways just to cover his tracks. That's why I had to come to this office to see the police. I had to tell them what I knew. I've already lost my mother and my father, don't make me lose my sister as well."

Mia rubbed Artemis on top of her head and said, "If we have any power in it, we won't."

Franziska said, "Will you take the stand tomorrow and testify to all of this?"

Artemis said, "Yes I will, however I won't reveal one thing on the stand."

Mia blinked and said, "Oh? What may that be?"

Artemis said, "How the murder was carried out, nor how the cover-up was done. For the Anything Agency, they should be able to figure it out with the evidence on hand."

Franziska glared and said, "This is not a game little miss!"

Mia held up her hand and said, "That is fine, I know Phoenix will want to figure it out for himself anyways. It is just the way he is. Artemis, you had a hand in the cover-up didn't you?"

Artemis nodded and said, "Yes I did, but that was also one of the demands of the letter. I had no choice but to help him."

Mia said, "If that is truly the case, then we will prove that so you and your sister can both walk free tomorrow."

Artemis sighed in relief and went over to Franziska. She said, "I'm ready to go to the Detention Center now, I should be safer there than on the streets. He would find me, I just know it."

Mia asked, "Do you know who he is?"

Artemis shook her head and said, "No, I don't. He kept his face hidden at all times."

Mia said, "Alright, let's get her to the Detention Center." She walked with Artemis and Franziska as the police covered them, making sure that no one was anywhere near them. They got into the car and it took off. Just as the car started to drive, a sniper shot landed nearby where car had just been.

Franziska drove faster and got them to the Detention center before they were sniped at again.

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Once Mia and Franziska had arrived, they had Artemis wait in the squad car outside. Franziska remained with Artemis until she got the call in. Mia entered the detention center and said, "Well Athena, we finally have a breakthrough in the case."

Athena gasped and said, "Are you sure? Wait where's Boss? What happened to him?"

Mia said, "He was shot in the shoulder while trying to investigate."

Pearl's eyes went wide with horror and asked, "Is he alright? Mystic Maya would be very angry if she heard that happened!"

Mia said, "He is fine, but if Franziska had not arrived when she did, we would have a very different situation on our hands. He was sent to the Hickfield Medical Clinic about an hour ago. Likely the bullet has been removed and he is in recovery."

Pearl sighed in relief and Apollo let out some of the breath he had been holding.

Apollo asked, "So what was the breakthrough?"

Mia said, "We found a new person to testify, I want to brace you all for it. We will bring her in, but Athena should sit for this part. It may very well be a revelation for her."

Athena sat down and said, "Very well, bring this witness in."

Mia stepped outside and said, "Alright Franziska, bring her in."

She nodded and said, "Let's go Miss Cykes, best let Miss Fey do the talking here."

Artemis softly said, "Finally I get to see her, I wish it were under better circumstances."

Mia said, "I have faith it will be fine. The few times I have spoken with her, she seems understanding enough."

Artemis got out of the car with Franziska and Mia flanking her. The three entered the Detention Center together.

Apollo stared almost in shock at the girl who walked in. He whispered, "She looks exactly like you Athena."

Athena watched as the girl sat down in front of her. It was almost like looking into a mirror and was very uncanny for her. The girl was in a different colored dress, but the appearance similarity was shocking. She asked, "Who in the world are you? Why do you look like me?"

Mia said, "I may as well do the introductions. Athena, this is your twin sister Artemis."

Athena grasped her left arm and said, "But I'm an only child, how could this be?"

Artemis answered, "Actually you aren't an only child Athena. Our father took me away from Metis and you when we were three years old. It was during the UR-1 incident that I saw in the papers there was a girl that looked exactly like me on the stand. I asked him about it and he explained that it was my twin sister Athena. He went to the Space Center a few days after the incident to find you were gone."

Athena said, "Right after that incident, I was shipped off to Europe to be with relatives there. Mother never told me about you though."

Artemis nodded and said, "According to Aura Blackquill, who I spoke with a week ago in Detention, it was because it was too painful for her to think about. Our mother Metis tried hard to not think about the girl who had been taken from her. She focused her entire heart and mind on helping you Athena."

Athena stared at her and said, "I'm a lawyer, evidence is everything. Do you have proof you are my twin sister?"

Artemis pulled out her birth certificate from her purse and showed it to her. It said on there, "Mother: Metis Cykes, Father: Andrew Cykes, Twin Sister: Athena Cykes." She said, "If that isn't enough, I will go through a blood test and I am positive the blood types will prove we are related. I wanted to see you for seven long years Athena, but I have to apologize. You are in here because of me."

Athena asked, "W-what are you talking about?"

Artemis softly answered, "Our father got captured five days before this gruesome incident occurred. I was ordered under threat of his death to co-operate with the man who killed the victim in the case at hand. By helping the police and your lawyer though, I know I have signed his death. I couldn't protect him, but I won't lose you as well."

Athena looked at her and was startled to see tears sliding down her face. She could tell that Artemis was in pain and had agonized over this decision for a very long time. She reached out and placed her hand on the glass between them. Athena whispered, "You're worried I won't forgive you for this, aren't you?"

Artemis wiped her eyes and nodded sadly.

Athena grinned and said, "Don't be ridiculous! You're my sister after all, I am actually just glad I'm not alone anymore. How did you overcome our oversensitive hearing? You surely didn't have the headphones I did."

Artemis said, "I slowly exposed myself to more emotions as time went on. I learned how to block them out, it was a long and painful ordeal. Athena I-"

Athena smiled and said, "It's fine, somehow I know what you are going to say." She looked at Mia and asked, "Are you going to ensure that both of us walk free?"

Mia nodded and said, "Well Apollo will. I won't be able to keep myself in Maya's body for too much longer. She may be the best, but she can't hold a spirit in her body forever. I am counting on you to explain things to Maya properly, especially you Artemis."

Artemis said, "I will, I promise."

Mia closed her eyes and her body reverted back to Maya's. She looked around and asked, "How long was I out?"

Artemis said, "About three or four hours total."

Maya looked between Artemis and Athena and said, "Wait a minute, TWO Athena's? What in the world?"

Athena chuckled and said, "Actually that's my twin sister Artemis you're looking at."

Artemis bowed and said, "Nice to meet you Miss Maya."

Maya said, "Oh, nice to meet you as well, so did my sister help at all?"

Artemis said, "Yes, she found a breakthrough in the case, but I will tell you about it later."

Simon came out from one of the rooms and saw two Athena's standing there and then smiled. He walked up to them and said, "So you finally returned...Artemis."

Athena's jaw dropped and she whispered, "You knew about her? You jerk! You could have told me!"

Simon laughed and said, "Sorry Athena, I promised Metis I would never breathe a word about Artemis to you. I found her crying one night and asked her why she was so upset, if it was something I had done. She told me about Artemis then and asked me not to tell you about her, especially you Athena."

Athena flicked her earring and asked, "I wonder why?"

Artemis stared in shock at the earring and asked, "Where did you get that earring? There should only be one of them in the world and I have it. It was made from real moon rock, it arrived in the mail seven years ago, two days before her death."

Athena suddenly started laughing and said, "Looks like Mom was one step ahead of that phantom all along. This earring was what finally put the nail in his coffin so to speak. They must be a matching set."

Artemis said, "So Metis sent this earring to me, I have worn it for seven years and wondered whether the second earring had just come out of the package or something, when in reality she had given it to you."

Apollo grinned and said, "It was almost like she wanted to tie the two of you together somehow. It also explains why we didn't see it in the footage."

Blackquill blinked and asked, "How so?"

Apollo crossed his arms and said, "Come now, you didn't notice? The girl's left side was not visible in the footage. The earring is hanging on her left ear, no wonder there was no earring, she must not have switched it to her right ear to mimic Athena properly. Tell me Artemis, did you do that intentionally to leave us a clue?"

Artemis softly said, "I didn't even know that Athena had the other earring, nor that she wore it on her right ear. Had I known, I still wouldn't have switched the earring location."

Apollo smiled and said, "You are a good person Artemis, I can just tell. You just have had bad luck."

Artemis turned to Simon and asked, "In the UR-1 incident, you were the main suspect and even admitted to the crime. I'd like to ask for you and Athena to tell me what really happened to my mother. Please it will give me some closure about the whole situation."

Apollo said, "Actually, I'd like to hear the details myself. I heard the facts of the case, but never how it all went down."

Athena and Simon looked to each other then Simon said, "Brace yourself, it is kind of a gruesome story."

Athena said, "Especially what Simon and I found at the crime scene. I hope you don't hurl your lunch Apollo."

Apollo said, "I will be fine, just tell me the story you two."

Simon said, "Why don't you begin Athena? My part in the story doesn't come until after the Phantom departs from the scene anyways."

Athena nodded and began to recount the events of that day.

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Seven years ago...date of the UR-1 incident...

Athena walked into the lab and said, "Mommy, I drew a nice picture for you." She froze in the doorway before she asked, "Who are you?" She looked down and saw her mother was on the ground. She couldn't see her face, but she could tell because of the lab coat. Her mother wasn't moving and Athena called out, "Mommy?"

The man who was standing over her mother's body pulled out a knife and moved towards her. He was wearing Metis' jacket and wearing her Japanese mask on his face.

Athena saw the knife and dove past him and banged her head on the table. She winced in pain and then saw he was coming for her again. She started backing up frantically to get away when her hand brushed against something hard. She looked over and saw it was the utility kit. She knew what was in there, so she reached in and picked out the knife inside and rushed at the man and slashed horizontally with the knife.

The man jumped back, just in time to his shirt get cut by the knife.

At this moment, Ponco came into the laboratory for her daily recharge. She looked at them and due to the recognition software in her circuits, she mistook the man for Metis.

Athena yelled angrily and dove once more, this time she stabbed the man in his right hand.

Ponco went over to the recharge station and began to recharge her batteries at that moment, it was precisely two am.

The man cried out in pain as he felt the blade dig in deep. He saw his blood wash onto the girl's hands and kicked her hard into the table. He pulled the blade out of his hand and bandaged up his hand with some from the first aid kit. He made certain not to get any on the kit or anything inside by using his left hand to get everything out. He then cleaned off the girl's hands so that his blood was not on her at all.

It was then that he got a sinister idea. He took blood from the victim with his left hand and began to set up the girl so she was coated in the victim's blood, in such a way that looked like blood splatter. He turned to leave when he noticed that the Moon Rock had blood on it. He cursed as he knew that the victim's blood wasn't on it. He looked around and saw the Hope capsule on the shelf. He slipped the rock inside, knowing it was scheduled to go up into space with the HAT Rocket that day. He then slipped the knife under the jacket, then put the mask onto the victim's face. Finally, he lipped out of the lab.

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About half an hour later, Athena groaned and opened her eyes. She rubbed the back of her head and then realized her hand was different. She looked at herself and saw that she was all bloody. Her mind had already blocked out the memory of the man who had been there, so when she looked over and saw her mother's bloody body and saw blood was on her, she knew she had to think fast.

Ponco came out of her recharge state and sensed only one heartbeat in the area.

Athena called out, 'Ponco, move that onto the dismantling table for me, would you?"

Ponco nodded and picked up Metis' body, who was still wearing the mask, onto the operating table.

Athena heard the door open and turned to see who it was. She saw it was Simon Blackquill, a young man whom she actually liked. He had visited her mother a number of times over the past couple of weeks. She thought he was her new boyfriend so she smiled to him and said, "Something's wrong with Mom, so I'm taking her apart to fix her."

Simon saw this whole scene and was in shock. He shook his head and thought, "It cannot be, Athena would never do something like this. I can't let her take the fall for this, no way that is going to happen." He looked at the scene then he knew what he had to do. He said, "Athena, you be a good girl, I will take care of this, just wait here." He walked over to Metis' body and pulled out the katana that had been used to impale her. He turned on Ponco, whose back was to them and slashed the robot's head off. He then began to cut apart the robot in the various limbs.

Athena didn't even bat an eye at this, because she had seen her mother take apart Ponco and put her back together many times before. Never with the sword, but she figured Simon knew what he was doing. She was still in shock from what was going on, she was only eleven years old after all.

Simon then turned to Athena and rubbed her on top of her head, "It's going to be alright Athena, I promise you that." He placed the parts of Ponco into the largest rolling case that was kept in the room. He then took the mask off the victim's body and returned it to the wall. Finally he picked up Athena in his arms and held her close to his chest and wrapped his coat around her. He used his spare hand to button his jacket up before he dropped the blade on the ground and walked out of the lab with the rolling case beside him.

He knew the security camera would catch him leaving the lab, but he continued on and threw out Ponco in the garbage chute. He knew full well that his sister would find Ponco and repair her, so he wasn't worried about that. He returned Athena to her home and said, "Athena, I need you to go into the bathroom and get ready for a very long shower. You also need to toss your clothes out the bathroom door, do you understand? I will set some new clothes there for you."

Athena nodded as Simon placed her on the floor. She ran to the bathroom and stripped the moment she got inside. She then pushed them out of the door and closed it. She began to shower and scrubbed herself fully clean.

Simon called, "Make sure to get behind your ears Athena, don't leave a single spec of dirt or anything else on you. Everything depends on it!"

Athena called, "Yes Simon, I will make sure!"

Simon picked up Athena's clothes and went to the incinerator and tossed them in. He set it to high and burnt the clothes to ashes. While they were burning, he got a fresh pair of clothes and got a pretty yellow dress out for her and then saw that the headphones she always wore had blood on them as well. He carefully washed them clean with a solvent that dissolved blood so that Luminol wouldn't find the remnants of blood. He knew he couldn't destroy the headphones as they were the only one like them in the world. He figured he wouldn't have much time left before Metis was discovered by Aura so he had to act fast. He brought the headphones and the new dress to the bathroom door and checked on the bloody clothes that had been burnt. He sighed in relief to find that literally nothing was left of them.

Athena came out of the bathroom and found the clothes in front of the door. She picked them up and changed then went over to Simon and asked, "How do I look?"

Simon turned to look at her and then picked her up gently and kissed her on the forehead, "You look wonderful Athena." He looked her over and checked every inch of her that was visible and asked, "Did you get all the blood off you? Even in the places that aren't easy to be seen?"

Athena nodded and said, "Yes Simon, I did. Is Mom okay?"

Simon said, "You will find out soon enough Athena. Here's what you need to do, I need you to stay in your room and not leave until when the police come for you alright? They will likely come to check on you after this whole incident is discovered. Whatever you do, I want you to tell them nothing of what you saw."

Athena asked, "Why Simon?"

Simon said, "Promise me Athena!"

Athena nodded and said, "I promise."

Simon said, "Now go sleep until they arrive. If they ask what you were doing today, you haven't left your room at all. They won't question Ponco, I made sure of that and yes Ponco will be fine."

Athena nodded and went to her room to have a nap.

Simon watched her door close and said, "I promise you Metis, your daughter will not be blamed for your death. I will do whatever it takes to protect her." He turned and left the room and waited for the police to find him.

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Flashback over...

Simon said, "A few hours later, Metis' body was found by the first three people on the scene. Unknown to them, the killer was among them. He replaced the jacket at the scene to put the illusion in place and placed the Hope Capsule in the shock resistant bag to send it on the rocket. Only the phantom knew that the moon rock was inside, so they thought they were sending an empty capsule to collect asteroid samples. The police were called and after looking at the security tape, they found the first person leaving the scene from the time where the three first on the scene. They questioned me immediately and I confessed to killing Metis. My reasons were to protect Athena at all costs."

Athena said, "I would have testified what I had really seen that day, but after my nap, I found I could not remember a thing about the incident. Whenever I thought about it, my head hurt a lot."

Pearl softly said, "That would be because your mind had already blocked out the memory and placed black psyche locks on the event. Generally speaking, they come into effect to protect the mind and heart of the person in question. It is as though the memory itself was too much for your young mind to maintain."

Maya sat down on the bench and said, "Who knew there was such a terrible truth behind that incident."

Simon said, "If Wright-Dono had been still working as a defense attorney, I would have called for his help, but even had I done that, it wouldn't have helped. You see the critical piece of evidence to tie the Phantom to the murder was already in space. It was only seven years later that it returned to Earth, granting us the opening we needed. I knew the Hope Capsule was set to return a few days before the second rocket was supposed to go into space, so I requested Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth to let me prosecute again. It was in hopes of luring that creature into the open. Lure him it did."

Artemis wiped her eyes and placed her hand on the glass and whispered, "Athena, I promise you that we will make it through this. I won't leave you again. It isn't like fifteen years ago, I have the ability to make my own choices and I choose to be with my sister."

Athena smiled and matched her hand on the glass and said, "Then let's get this case solved once and for all."

Apollo said, "All that is left for us to do is to prove your innocence in court Athena, that and to ensure that Artemis doesn't go to prison for falsifying the crime scene. Of course I will do my best to prove that she did so under duress. I won't allow her to be arrested in that situation and I believe the courts will back me up on this."

Athena asked, "Wait, but with Boss injured, who will be leading the defense?"

Apollo said, "I will be the lead attorney on this case. "

Maya asked, "Wait, Nick was injured?"

Pearl explained the situation to Maya and she left the detention center immediately to go to check on him.

Franziska sighed and said, "I guess I'd better keep an eye on Miss Fey." She left and went to drive Maya to the Clinic.

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What a chapter that was, a little bit on the long side even. Sorry about that, but the next chapter is the final trial in this Turnabout. It will be up to Apollo to solve the riddles of the crime scene. Is that rubber cork involved? Will Athena and Artemis' father get out of the situation alive? Will they actually catch the true killer in this case? All answers on the next chapter: Turnabout Serenade – Resolution.

Also the way the trial will run in this next chapter will mirror the way the Ace Attorney Anime does the court cases. As stated in the disclaimer at the beginning of the chapter, please review and leave a comment about which style you prefer (Chapter Two and Chapter Four are the examples). When Chapter five is released (Which will be in a few weeks), the voting shall end. I shall put in the results of the vote in the disclaimer of chapter five.

As always, read and review and let me know what you think of the story so far.