Phoenix froze stunned, as the crowd keep gossiping about Masahiro probable motive to murder Hanamura.
— Nick, you need to do something! — Maya yelled on his ear.
But Phoenix didn't listen to her. That make him back to the past, facing a cocky, arrogant, cold-heart younger Sae Niijima. He couldn't help but to give a wry smirk.
"Dammit! She have cornered me good. I should've seen that coming sooner." Phoenix closed his eyes and breathed calmly as ever, trying to organize his thoughts.
"She got a valid point thought. Masahiro had a loyal professional relationship with Mr. Hanamura. A betrayal should be enough to cause bad blood between them. The real question is: Does the victim betrayed Mr. Hanamura? No. Instead of asking that, I need to ask: If a fight happened there, it was due to bad blood, or due to something else?"
— Nick, why aren't you objecting?
To Phoenix's relief, Sae stood quiet, as Phoenix went deeper in thought, trying to figure it out the answer for that question.
"A fight happened there, but only the wine bottle was found intact. An unknown substance was found mixed in the wine, and last, but not less important, the crime scene was in disarray, corroborating with the prosecution's logic. So, why all of that doesn't fit? Okay, Phoenix, let's remade all the events of that day. First the ambassador arrived at the Marche Hotel with the victim, Mr. Hanamura. Both went straight to Hanamura's room and started to talk, until dinner. During that time, they have eaten their food until Mr. Hanamura started to pass out, suffocated. He struggled to find something, knocking several things over the ground. Then Mr. Masahiro called 911... Wait, that it!"
— Objection! — Phoenix shouted with all the air in his lungs. He pounded the bench, then he pointed at Sae. — Nice move, Ms. Niijima. You almost have me cornered for real for a moment.
— Funny you say that, since I had, in fact, cornered you.
Phoenix smirked with Sae comment. Still, he continued.
— But the same logic you brought has a flaw. A flaw we have brought up before.
Sae smirked.
— Interesting. Care to tell me how that flaw brought before breaks my logic?
— With pleasure.
— I'm confused. What are two are talking about?
Sae tsked in disappointment.
— Of all the people, you should be the first one to catch up things here, your Honor. — Sae said calmly, as she was scolding a child. — Obviously, the defense is talking about the defendant sudden act to call 911 and his attempt to resurrect the victim with fail. I thought you have understood that at this point, Mr. Wright.
— And you're going to say, "I guess I was mistaken." correct.
Sae smirked as she fixed her hair.
— Never let anyone to slide, do you?
— Sorry about it. Now, back to the main issue here. If that is the case, then…
— Then you're going to say, "Why Mr. Masahiro called 911?" The answer should be obvious at this point, wouldn't you agree?
Phoenix smirked, then he shook us head.
— As much as we could say it was to establish an ability for himself, there is one thing that doesn't fit. The victim struggled, trying to find something, correct? What was he looking for?
— !
— Not only that, but there is also another factor. Some spumes were found on the floor, that could be might from the victim.
— A spume coming from the victim. Ha, that's rich from you, Trite. — Godot said.
— That's a valid point though. — Sae said ignoring Godot. — Of course, biological reactions like spume doesn't last that much, but for some reason it was preserved for enough time.
— And I do believe that substance still needs to be analyzed. Right? — Phoenix asked.
— Actually, that unknown substance and the wine is being analyzed as we speak…
— If that is the case, how long to have the results? — The Judge asked.
— Detective. — Sae said.
— Let me check it, pal!
Gumshoe fished his phone from his coat pocket and make a call to the police department. After several minutes speaking, he put the call on the speakers.
— Hello, can anyone hear me?
— Yes, sir! We can hear you clearly. — Gumshoe said. — Can you tell what you have told me?
— Of course. As I have said to you Gumshoe, the sample you guys have found is a biological reaction of the victim. He died due to asphyxiation, right? That spume was the result of an allergic reaction. The victim probably has died due to that.
"Probably?" Phoenix thought annoyed by Gumshoe deduction.
— In other words, the autopsy report in our possession is faulty. — Sae said.
— Correct, prosecutor Niijima. Not only that, but we have also found what it was mixed in the wine. It was peanuts. More specifically, some type of powder composed by peanut.
— Peanut powder? — The Judge asked.
— Ha. How's that relevant to the case? — Godot asked.
— Objection! — Sae shouted.
All the court attention went to Sae who started to bite her thumb fingernail nervously.
— Did you said traces of peanut powder were being found mixed in the wine? Are you certain?
— Yes. I'm sure of it. I even asked to remake the test twice to confirm it.
Phoenix felt a bubble in his throat. An emotion he hasn't felt in years. Anger. Maya saw him struggling with that and she felt angry as well. She pounded the bench and yelled:
— Objection! Your Honor! The prosecution has been faulty!
— How?! — The Judge asked surprised and confused.
— Isn't that obvious? She said to this court the wine wasn't important!
— Oh my! You are absolutely right!
The court exploded into chaos, talking about to the prosecution claim.
— Objection!
Everyone except for Sae jumped in surprise to hear Phoenix sudden objecting, as he pounded furiously the bench with both hands, silencing everyone.
— Maya…
Maya shrugged by Phoenix tone of voice. She looked at him and saw he was silent, but with a fury glance in his eyes that makes her shrunk.
— Don't jump into conclusions.
— B-But Nick…
— Just don't.
Maya knew that wasn't a request, so she stood quiet.
— Your Honor. That also applies to you.
— B-But Mr. Wright, Ms. Fey…
— Your Honor, as much, as the defense assistant raised a good point, the prosecution needs to remind you of the logic I had built with several pieces of evidence that corroborate the defendant's guilty. And I do believe at this point that specific evidence's nature wasn't being brought into question until now. — Sae said interrupting the Judge. — The real question now is why that wasn't related to the autopsy report we received.
— That's true, Ms. Niijima. — The Judge said.
Maya saw Phoenix looking at Sae with worry, something she wasn't expecting from him. Looking at Sae, Maya noticed she was clenching her fists despite her calm behavior.
— So, do you have an explanation for that?
— Don't ask me Prosecutor Niijima, I was just following orders.
The forensic scientist on the other side of the call stood quiet, as everyone waited for an answer.
— That orders are not relevant at this point now. So, will you answer us truthfully? — Sae asked.
— I'm sorry Prosecutor Niijima, but I'm not at liberty to say that.
— As I said, you don't have a choice. — Sae said.
— But the evidence submitted by the prosecution hasn't relevant, correct? That…
— That was the case until now. The autopsy report is faulty.
— Besides, that evidence has been submitted by me. — Phoenix explained.
— Wait, the evidence was been submitted by the defense? That explains why we had the liberty to analyze the bottle and its contents.
That statement called Phoenix and Sae attention.
— What did you just have said? — The Judge asked.
— Well…
— I should remind you concealing evidence and withholding information is a serious crime, especially in a murder trial. — Sae warned.
— And to remind you, if this has any involvement with external influence, that is also a serious crime. — Phoenix reminded.
They could hear the forensic scientist struggle on the other side until he sighed and said:
— The reason the autopsy report is faulty is because the full analysis of the body is incomplete.
— Come again? — Phoenix said surprised.
— I said, the autopsy report is incomplete.
— Can you tell the reason why the police mortuary has submitted as evidence an incomplete autopsy report? — Sae asked.
— Well, there was pressure on the Chief of Police to send the autopsy report soon as possible, as well as to ignore any new findings. I do believe it was some politician from your country Prosecutor Niijima, but I'm not sure.
Sae clenched her fist harder, feeling her nails digging into her skin. Phoenix gritted his jaw in anger as well.
— Not only that, but there were also specific orders for that, especially to not let you know.
— Thank you for clarifying the situation. — Sae said, then she snapped her attention towards Gumshoe. — Detective, do you have the contact of the Chief of Police?
— Yes, sir. I'll call him right away. — Gumshoe said ending the call and calling the Chief of Police. There was a tense silence as the only sound was the beep from the line.
— Hello, Chief of Police Robert Patrick speaking.
— Chief of L.A.P.D Patrick, it's me, Prosecutor Niijima.
— Oh, Ms. Niijima, what can I do for you?
— I and the court were informed you were pressured to conceal information for Mr. Ken Masahiro trial, especially concealing the knowledge of that information from me. Can you explain that?
Patrick swallowed hard. Phoenix noticed he was in a tight situation.
— Ms. Niijima…
— Chief Patrick, I need to remind you we're dealing with a trial with international repercussion. If anyone is pulling the strings to achieve the guilty verdict of Mr. Masahiro, there will be not only consequences in your own legal system, but also will be a precedent to an international crisis. — Sae explained calmly as ever.
— Please, Chief of Police, if you know anything, please tell us. This is vital for our case. — Phoenix said.
— *sigh* Let me guess, you were the one who found about the autopsy report, correct, Mr. Wright?
— It was me and Ms. Niijima.
Silence took the entire court for an entire minute until Chief Patrick answered:
— Very well. I was called yesterday during the investigation, not only me, but also the Chief Prosecutor and the Chief Detective of L.A.P.D. We were forced to conceal the full analysis of the autopsy report due to the pressure of the Japanese embassy.
— Ha. As I thought, there the involvement of the defendant. — Godot said.
— Before we jump into conclusions, let's hear what Chief Patrick has to say first . — Phoenix said.
— Thank you, Mr. Wright. As you may know, the defendant was exonerated from his position when he was arrested. The temporary ambassador come to my office with the orders to conceal the evidence.
— Please proceed. — Sae said.
— At first, we refused, but there's the pressure from the embassy, specifically a politician who had named the new ambassador. His name is Noburo Honda.
Sae pounded the bench with her fist and locked her jaw in anger.
— As I thought… — Sae said. — Perhaps Mr. Honda had said for you to keep quiet for the sake of the political relationship with Japan.
— Yes. He said, the country needed to assure a verdict soon as possible.
— Thank you.
Phoenix pounded his bench and shook his head.
— Before you end the call, there one thing I need to ask you Chief of L.A.P.D. — Phoenix said.
— Yes, Mr. Wright?
— Did Mr. Honda asked for a specific file?
The Chief of Police stood quiet as he tried to remember.
— Yes, I believe he did. However, we couldn't find it. He said if we found we should give immediately to the ambassador, or to him.
— Thank you.
The Chief of Police ended the call and the court exploded into whispers, talking about the situation. The Judge hit the gavel silencing everyone.
— Prosecutor Niijima, may I ask you a question.
— Yes, your Honor?
— Do you know Mr. Honda? — The Judge asked.
— Unfortunately, I know. He is an influent politician of my country, and the choice as the new Minister of International Relationships of Masayoshi Shido.
The court mumbled again, and the Judge pounded his gavel to stop the chattering of the audience.
— Then why they haven't him investigated?
— There's no concrete proof of corruption in his career, also Masayoshi Shido made the circumstances towards him favorable to his political career.
— So, in other words, he was under the radar. — Phoenix said.
— Until now. The SIU was investigating his past twenty years activities and his recent ones. There's only circumstantial evidence, but with that new information we have proof to exonerate, arrest and press legal charges against him. Not only him, but the new ambassador as well. — Sae said.
— In this case, the winds went to your favor as well.
— I believe so.
Suddenly, they heard a laugh. A laugh Phoenix knew it well.
— Well, well… It seems the situation is rather like brew coffee using any beans without care. The taste will depend on how good the person is skillfully in brew the beans.
— Come again? — The Judge said confused.
— If you don't understand it your Honor, you may leave.
— Why should I leave?! I'm the Judge presiding this trial.
— Explain already. — Phoenix said annoyed.
— The prosecutor presiding this case has no control of the surroundings. She's incompetent to the point she couldn't see the strings being pulled in front of her eyes.
That caught Phoenix's attention as his tried to keep his calm behavior.
— Then tell me what you would do in this situation, Godot?
The sudden question of Sae caught Maya attention. Sae was calm. Awfully calm for her situation, although she could see the flames of fury in her eyes burning intensely, ready to consume anyone at her sight. She looked at Godot, with a stoic face but wearing a deadly glance.
— Ha. And what should I answer you that? To humor you?
— Since you're so wise and knowledgeable, you should know how to proceed in that situation, as you insisted to know the answer for every single issue that appeared in this trial.
Godot smirked as he poured coffee in his mug.
— I simply will take the control of the situation and tell that Honda to crawl back to his place. And I will make sure to get the evidence fully.
— Then care to enlighten me how will you do that without causing an international incident, and a scandal? Especially considering you didn't saw the strings being pulled as well.
— !
— Not only that, but we also only found the importance of this wine bottle recently, and I concede the fact the victim might have died due to an allergic reaction. Knowing you, you will find the findings of the defense irrelevant as well the defense submission of the wine bottle into the court report.
— You…
— Godot. You were not only disturbing the proceedings of this court, as well you're disturbing the investigations and especially disrespecting the legal representatives of this trial, specially the prosecution. — Phoenix said, his tone of voice was cold, but Maya felt his restrained anger in his words.
— I don't need to have any respect towards the Kitten over the prosecution bench, and I'm not afraid of you Trite.
Sae flicked her tongue as she glanced at Godot.
— You not only need to respect me, you had to, not only me, but this court as well. — Sae said.
— And what are you gonna do?
Sae gave a defiant smirk; a smirk Phoenix knew it well and made Maya tremble.
— Perhaps I should make the voice of prison for contempt of the court. That enough should be enough for you to learn to shut up and know your place.
Godot gritted his teeth as Sae smirk widened into an evil grin.
— I'm willing to forgive you though. If you apologize to me and especially to Mr. Wright for all the disturb you've caused to us.
— That's a joke, right?
— Far from it. That's my terms. If you're not content with those terms you can simply follow Detective Gumshoe to the Detention Center. Needless to say, Mr. Godot, the only people who will be embarrassing it will be only yourself. Either way it's your choice, not if I care though.
— As if you care for the trial.
— I could say the same thing about you, since you only taking cases due your grudge towards Mr. Wright. This court is not a place for dealing with private matters and personal vendetta, only to find the truth and make justice prevail. If you can't do that, then I suggest to you to leave.
Godot struggled for a moment until he stood up and left the courtroom followed by Gumshoe.
The public commented about the turn of events until the Judge hit the gavel, making everyone to get silent.
— It seems we had reached into a mystery. — The Judge said.
— More than that, your Honor. We reached into a rabbit hole. A rabbit hole I'm into for years. — Sae said.
— Moreover, this rabbit hole is directing the path of this trial. — Phoenix said.
— I do agree. The phantoms of the past are haunting us. Masayoshi Shido's influence had extended far enough.
— And on top of that, there is similarities with the previous case he had worked on previously Prosecutor Niijima.
— Correct, Mr. Wright. No wonder this case is so tangled up as that case. — Sae said.
— I do agree with both defense and prosecution. — The Judge said. — This case is far from over and unfortunately as the prosecution stated, the influence of a devious man had affected this case as well. It seems we had to start over from stage one.
— If the prosecution agrees, I suggest investigating again the crime scene. — Phoenix said.
— The prosecution acknowledges the defense proposal. Also, the prosecution requests the reexamination of the evidence found and submitted into the court records by both defense and prosecution.
— I acknowledge your request Prosecutor Niijima. Also, I want to the police to perform a new autopsy report. — The Judge said. — Knowing the actual situation is unstable, I will ask to both defense and prosecution to be careful. Ms. Niijima.
— Yes, your Honor?
— I know the delicate situation you're in, so if you think it is necessary to request extra precautions, I will accept your requests in no time.
— If I may, your Honor, I want to request a search on the new ambassador residence and workplace. We need all the information about this sudden change.
— Request accepted.
— Mr. Wright, do you have any requests as well? — Sae asked.
— Actually yes. If I may, I want access to Mr. Ahiko Hanamura files, also access and the submitting of Masayoshi Shido and his associates' files.
— Very well.
— Now, the questions about this case are: What's Mr. Shido involvement in this case? Where are the missing files? What is the extent of this corruption scheme? And most of all: How deep is this case into all of this? With that, I have a few requests for both sides. For you Ms. Niijima, I want a special attention in the investigation, as well the details of Mr. Shido case.
— Yes, your Honor.
— For you Mr. Wright, I leave you to find a new perspective for this case, as well a thorough examination into the case related to the actual case.
— Yes, your Honor.
— And nonetheless, I want to both sides to work together into finding those missing files. There are one of our most important priorities now.
— Yes, your Honor.
— The court will postpone to tomorrow 11 AM. Until then, court will adjourn.
—
District Court. Defendant's Lobby Nº2
14:00 PM. Afternoon.
—
— Phew, that was a tough one! — Maya exclaimed tiredly.
— Sorry for asking, but does it always your cases go in oddly directions? — Masahiro asked.
— Usually, yes. — The medium replied.
Phoenix stood quiet as his mind tried to process all the latest events that succeeded.
— Nick…?
Phoenix snapped out of his thoughts as he turns at Maya's direction.
— Yes, Maya?
— Why are you so quiet?
— Sorry about that. I was processing what happened in court.
— I see.
— I can see why. Honestly, I was surprised as well with the turn the trial took. I mean even I didn't have any idea of my sudden replacement.
— Considering how things went, I'm not that surprised, especially considering our actual situation. — Phoenix said.
— Expecting the worst, huh? — Masahiro asked.
— Usually, I only expect to find the truth and set my client free. Not to discover an international scheme of corruption over the globe and try to solve it while I'm trying to get my client off the hook. So, yes. I'm expecting the worst scenario in this case.
— Hey, Nick, cheer up. It's not that bad.
— You're right Maya. It's worst. We're dealing with a case with no resolution, worse, we're dealing with the damn influence of a demon of the past.
Maya was shocked. She never saw Phoenix cursing in the two, almost three years they met each other. Clearly something was wrong.
— I believe dealing with the remaining influence of Masayoshi Shido is not the only thing isn't the only thing you were worried about it. — Masahiro said.
— Clearly not. I'm worried with your situation and your sudden replacement from Japan embassy. Things are moving too fast. As almost if…
— If they've planned from the very beginning.
Sae came from the corridor and walked towards Masahiro and Phoenix. Maya watched her stood in the place with the same elegance when she met her, making the medium feeling intimidated with the prosecutor presence.
— Ms. Niijima… — Phoenix said.
— Niijima-san. I'm quite surprised for you being here.
— Why that? — Sae asked.
— I mean, it isn't troublesome for you to been saw discussing the case with the defense and the defendant. — Masahiro asked.
— It is, but since our dear fellow Masayoshi Shido and his remaining minions decided to bend and even break the rules, I decided to balance the game a little.
— Fair enough. — Phoenix said. — By the way, you're not only here just to discussing the case, aren't you?
— Smart as always. You'll need the files of Masayoshi Shido and his associates, but since we don't have enough time to request the physical files, I need you to come to my office here in L.A to pick up the files personally from my computer.
— Okay. I will be there later. — Phoenix said.
— Not only that, but we'll also need to go to the police department to check the evidence we submitted yesterday.
— Of course. Something's more?
— Actually, yes. I want to investigate the crime scene with you again. I think it will be better if we do that together to avoid any suspicion from the public and from the police.
— I do agrees. As much as I hate to deal with the pressure here, we don't much have a choice here.
Phoenix sighed tiredly as he looked at Sae.
— Why our cases can't be that easily? Is it too much to ask just for a simple case?
Sae giggled.
— Well, I can only agree with you. Usually, my cases ended in murder.
— True… Same to me... But is nothing like that, you know? — Phoenix said bitterly.
— Relax Phoenix, you're too tense. You need to stay calm for this trial.
Maya and Masahiro noticed that simple slip from Sae and Phoenix cleaned his throat nervously.
— I know it's obvious for you Mr. Wright, we're dealing with obscure but well-known forces here. The question is, how deep are they involved in this case. — Sae said.
— I wonder… If we'll be able to solve this case in one piece. — Phoenix said worriedly.
— Jeez Nick, you're so pessimist nowadays… — Maya said with her bored face.
— Like I said to you before Maya, that's not our average murder case. We're dealing with obscure forces here as Ms. Niijima stated. — Phoenix said calmly as ever. — We need to be even more careful than before...
— I do agree, Mr. Wright. As much I hate to say, there's a chance we're being manipulated behind the scenes. That said, you two need to be careful. — Sae said.
— We will, Ms. Niijima. — Phoenix replied.
Maya looked at both lawyers talking and she felt an edge of mixed emotions. Anger, jealously and deception were raging in her chest as her mind was the only thought: "Why she called Nick by his first name and since when she became so intimate to came to Nick with the first name basis?" Maya didn't care to deal with Sae but seeing her apparently so close to Phoenix make her blood boil.
— Maya? — Phoenix called.
— Yes?
— I was calling you for a while. Did you hear what I said to you?
— Sorry, I was distracted. Can you repeat it?
— Yes, I can. I said if it's okay for you to stay with me for a while. We need to be sure if there's no threats for us, so I need you to stay with me for your safety.
— Okay… — Maya said shyly.
— Do you need something more, Ms. Niijima?
— No, I don't.
— Okay, with that we'll be leaving now. Come Maya, we need to get back to our office to check if we need anything.
— Got it.
— Mr. Masahiro. Ms. Niijima.
— Mr. Wright.
Phoenix and Maya left the place, and the medium couldn't be more grateful for that. All she wanted now is to spend some time with her beloved lawyer alone. She enjoyed their way back to the office as she looked the city and watch Phoenix enjoying their way back.
—
Wright and Co. Law Office.
Afternoon.
—
— Phew, that was a tiring trial. — Phoenix said once he arrived at the office and sat on his chair tiredly.
— I do agree. Honestly, I never expected Ms. Niijima to give you some trouble.
— She was worse before. She's taking easy now, at least, that is what I am feeling.
— Really? Why?
— Why, what?
— Why do you say that? — Maya asked.
— Well… Remember I have faced her before, right?
— Oh, right… — Maya said remembering that.
— When I faced her in the first time, we had… Issues.
— Issues…?
— That was a long time ago. We solved our issues after the trial, but I remember well her modus operandi back then. She was worse, like Edgeworth before all of that. Perhaps even worse than him.
Maya shivered when she heard that. Edgeworth back then were ruthless, merciless. To have someone like the Edgeworth from the past to deal with in court it makes her tremble in anger and fear.
— Maya? Are you all right? — Phoenix asked.
— Yes, yes, I am. What are you saying again?
— I was saying despite that, she is now is way better nowadays. I'm glad she hasn't lost her fierceness and becoming dull.
— Yeah…
Maya wondered why Phoenix was so happy for Prosecutor Niijima. It seemed like they friends, but the spirit medium wasn't so sure about it. "Maybe they are just friends… Nothing more than friends…" Maya thought as she heard someone knocking on the door.
— Who is it at this hour? — Phoenix asked as he went to answer the door. To his surprise it was little Pearl who came all the way to the office.
— Hi Mr. Nick! Where is Mystic Maya? — Pearl asked.
— Hi Pearls! Maya is in the office.
— Okay!
Pearl went inside the office and Maya was taken by surprise when the little medium suddenly jumped and hugged her. Maya laughed as she hugged the girl back.
— Pearly! Why are you here? Is everything all right? — Maya asked worriedly.
— I was asking myself the same thing. It's not usual for you to come here without a good reason. — Phoenix said.
— It just… I was just bored to stay there, and I wanted to spend some time with you two! — Little Pearl said bouncing on her feet.
— I see… Well, sorry Pearls, but we're kinda busy now… — Phoenix said.
— Do you have a case, Mr. Nick? — Pearl asked.
— Yes, I have. Actually, I was thinking it's a good idea for you two to stay in the Kurain Village for now. I have a bad feeling about this case…
— What are you talking about?! You're in danger as well. We should stay together! — Maya said puffing her cheeks in annoyance.
— Yeah! You're Mystic Maya special someone! You two need to stay together no matter what! — Pearl said.
— Pearly! — Maya exclaimed embarrassed.
— Pearl… — Phoenix said, slightly embarrassed as well.
— What? I'm only telling the truth, isn't that right, Mr. Nick? — Pearl asked raising the sleeves of her robe.
— Pearl, that's not the time for that. — Phoenix said, gently admonished the little medium.
— B-But… Mr. Nick… — Pearl said, her eyes tearing up.
— Pearl, like I said, that's not the time for that. Furthermore, I need to assure your and Maya safety for the time being.
— Right… — Pearl said crestfallen.
— Now then… We need to go to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutor Niijima is waiting for us. — Phoenix said lifting from his chair.
— Who is Nii-ji-ma? — Pearl asked confused.
— The prosecutor on the case. We need to go to her office to take her files.
— She's a woman?
— Yes, why…
Phoenix saw Pearl raising her arm, pulling up her sleeves.
— Pearl…
— You're going to see another woman who isn't is Mystic Maya…
— She has the evidence of this case and I need it! — Phoenix stood in front of Pearl. — And it's nothing of what you are thinking now.
Pearl grunted and stared at Phoenix, looking straight into his eyes. Phoenix gaze didn't waver with the threatening look of little Pearl. Phoenix smiled, kneeling to Pearl height and smiling to her, saying:
— Don't worry, okay? We'll just go to her office and get the files, alright?
Then she sighed in defeat, bowing her head, glancing at the floor.
— Okay, if you say so…
— Why with that long face? The Pearls I know always has a smile on her face.
Maya watched at the scene surprised. She never expected to Phoenix to calm her down, since Pearl wasn't much patient with Phoenix and started to slap him right away, especially when that involves any women he must talk. For him to manage to calm her down it was a huge improvement from his part. Maya smiled seeing the scene, seeing Phoenix cheering Pearl up. The girl went back to her cheerful attitude and started to wander around the office.
— I just hope Prosecutor Niijima doesn't get bothered to have Pearls around… — Phoenix said, looking at little Pearl.
— I'm sure she won't be bothered to have her around. — Maya said assuring Phoenix. — And if she gets bothered… I deal with her!
Phoenix laughed, surprising Maya and Pearl.
— I want to see that happen. — Phoenix checked the time on his phone. — Come on, you two! We need to go to the Public Prosecutor's Office.
— Okay! — Maya and Pearl exclaimed.
—
Public Prosecutor's Office. Room 505. Sae Niijima Office.
Afternoon.
—
Arriving at the Public Prosecutor's Office, Phoenix, Maya and Pearl went to the reception and waited for Sae to allow them to go up to her office. Five minutes later, the clerk allowed them to go up to the fifth floor, where Sae office is located. Once they arrived the fifth floor, Phoenix went straight to the room 505 and knocked on the door twice and waited for her answer.
— Come in.
Phoenix opened the door and entered the office, followed by Maya and Pearl. Sae was sitting on her desk, looking at the computer screen.
— Hello, Ms. Niijima. — Phoenix said.
Sae lifted her head and smiled at Phoenix.
— Mr. Wright! You're here. — She said stood up from her chair and walked towards the defense attorney. — And hello to you too Ms. Fey.
— O-Oh, hello… — Maya said surprised.
Sae noticed little Pearl behind Maya and she kneeled, standing in the same height as her.
— And who are you little miss? — Sae asked with a gentle smile. Pearl, however, didn't answered the silver-haired beauty prosecutor. Maya thought she was intimated as well with her powerful presence.
— Ms. Niijima, that's Pearl. She's, my cousin. — Maya answered for Pearl.
— Oh, so she's the famous Pearl! — Sae said surprised and smiled at her. — I've heard you have quite the slap!
Maya and Pearl looked flabbergasted at the prosecutor.
— Do you know me!? — Pearl asked, in total surprise for hearing the woman knew about her.
— Of course, I do! Mr. Wright told me about you.
— Err… Ms. Niijima and I are good friends, Pearls. And I talked about you two in our conversations. — Phoenix explained.
— What!? — Pearl exclaimed surprised, covering her mount with her hand.
— Do you talk with each other!? — Maya exclaimed surprised at Phoenix.
— Well, yeah… I mean, she's my friend and I talk with her sometimes. Is there any problem with that? — Phoenix asked.
— No… Of course not! — Maya said.
— Of course, not? Of course not!? Mystic Maya, your special someone is talking with another woman! — Pearl exclaimed, still awestruck due the revelation.
— Pearl, it's fine for Nick to have a female friend, although, I'm disappointed to know he has been talking with her in secret.
— First of all, you never asked about it. Second, our conversation was during the night due to the difference of time zone. And at last, but not less important, I can have other friends, right? As far I can remember, I still have a personal life.
— You call that boring thing you do during your free time personal life? Doing what? Watching that 3-year-old kids show and doing some draws? — Maya asked, mocking Phoenix.
— That's rich, coming from someone who watches the Steel Samurai's show... Besides, I have an art degree, so I do some original works sometimes. Is there any problem with that? — Phoenix retorted.
Pearl covered her mouth surprised. Phoenix was mocking (in the little girl's mind) his beloved special someone?! And Maya was yelling at him furiously, as he retorted calmly and sarcastic as he is. The little medium snapped at Sae who gave a faint smile at them, as she was remembering something.
— Mr. Nick…!
Phoenix and Maya stopped to argue, and both turned their faces at Pearl. The angry face of little Pearl made the defense attorney shiver in fear.
— You're fighting with Mystic Maya in front of someone... I'll never forgive you!
— P-Pearl… P-Please wait…!
— Take this!
Little Pearl managed to grab Phoenix by his tie, despite the major difference of height between them, and make him bow in her direction, giving a powerful slap on his face. Sae was taken aback by surprise seeing that.
— I'll knock some sense into you!
— P-Pearl, wait! — Maya exclaimed.
When Pearl was ready to slap again, extending her arm in full length, however in the middle of the way someone grabbed little Pearl's arm by her wrist, surprising the young acolyte. She looked at the person who managed to stop her, surprised to see Sae who was gazing at her with a stern face, holding her arm.
— Let me go! — Pearl demanded angrily.
— No. I will not let you slap Phoenix. — Sae replied in a harsh tone.
Pearl jumped surprised.
— H-How do you call Mr. Nick…?!
— That doesn't matter. I will not let you slap him. — Sae said.
— Why do you care? He's nothing of you.
— He is my friend. Not only that I also don't want to see my friends hurt. And he's your friend as well, right?
— Yes! B-But...
— Friends don't hurt each other, no matter the reason.
— B-But...
— Pearl, you would like if Phoenix started to slap Maya if she does something wrong in his eyes?
Pearl was taken aback, gasping in shock to hear such question.
— Wh-What did you just asked?
— I asked, if you would like if Phoenix slapped Maya if she does something he sees as wrong.
— O-Of course not! Mr. Nick would never be doing something like that!
— And you would like if he slapped you if you do something wrong in his eyes? — Sae asked.
— N-No! But it is as I said, Mr. Nick would never hurt me as well...
— I see... If that's the case, then why do you hurt him?
— W-Well... Because he's being so mean with Mistic Maya! That's outrageous and I will not allow him to go any further!
— Even if that means if you must hurt him for you cousin's sake?
— I... I...
— Pearl, I will give you a gentle advise: Please don't hurt your beloved ones, because if you do that, you will break their trust on you. — Sae said with a sad smile.
Maya was surprised to see Sae behavior, although that feeling was suppressed and replaced by anger.
— Hey, what are you doing!? — Maya asked angrily.
— I'm just holding your cousin's arm.
— Leave Pearl alone!
— I'm not going to hurt her.
— Even so, leave her alone. You have no right to hold her like that!
— Maya, please calm down! — Phoenix begged.
— Even so, your cousin has no right to hurt Mr. Wright as well. — Sae said, still holding Pearl.
— Even so, I don't care what your intentions are, I don't want you to hurt my cousin! — Maya said, raising her voice even more. — So, release her arm, right now!
— I'm not hurting her. And as long she intent to slap Wright-san, I will not let her go.
— Please Maya, stop... — Phoenix said, trying to calm down everyone.
— Release Pearl, right now! — Maya yelled.
— As I said, I will not, as long she wants to slap him, I will keep holding her.
— You…
— You two, stop fighting right now!
Maya, Pearl and Sae turned at Phoenix, now recovered from the slap Pearls gave him. He was clearly irritated, and Maya shivered seeing the usual easygoing and sometimes carefree attorney face now with an annoyed expression.
— Maya, Ms. Niijima is not hurting Pearl. You're overreacting.
— B-But...
— She clearly doesn't like the fact I was being hurt by someone, especially someone close to me, nonetheless. And I know her long enough to know she's just restraining Pearl. And you know that as well, since you know how've have been assaulted though these two years.
Maya grumbled in defeat as Phoenix managed to state the facts without losing their argument.
— Now then, that said, Ms. Niijima, as your friend I deeply appreciate your gesture, but can you please release Pearl's arm? She's just a child, a very naïve child who doesn't knows what she is doing. I can deal with that by my own, so please, can you do this?
— Phoenix...
— Sae, let me deal with that, okay? You don't need to do that for me.
Sae sighed, releasing little Pearl. Pearls rubbed her wrist and started to glance at Phoenix.
— Now Pearls, Ms. Niijima has a point.
— What!? — Both Maya and Pearl exclaimed in surprise.
— Pearls, I never lifted any finger on you, right?
— R-Right...
— And you never saw me raising my hand against Maya, right?
— Y-Yes, but...
— Pearls, you should know it is wrong to attack anyone just because he or she does something you don't like.
— B-But...
— That said, did you see me attacking Ms. Von Karma? Or Mr. Edgeworth? Even when they attack or insult me?
Pearl shook her head slowly, as Phoenix smiled to her.
— You don't see it, because I don't want to do it, and most of all, because it's wrong to do that. Because we must be respectful towards the others, no matter what.
— Then... Then... Why do you accept being insulted, even when you're respectful to them? — Pearl asked exasperated.
Phoenix's smile widened as he looked at Maya.
— Because I want to show to people, I'm not like them, and they can trust me. Honestly, I have done that because I had the thought of being better than them by doing it, but I realized with that I will be like them if I had that line of thinking. So, I treat people as the way I wanted to be treated. So, I'm respectful towards everyone, even when clearly don't deserve it. But sometimes I don't hold myself and I end up throwing some insult, especially when I'm really irritated.
Pearl giggled and Phoenix hugged her.
— But Ms. Niijima has a point though. You shouldn't hurt people you do care. The only one moment you should raise your hand to attack someone it's just when you're in danger, only to defend yourself, got it?
Pearl nodded in agreement and Phoenix kissed the girl in the forehead.
— I think that settles everything, right? — Phoenix asked.
— R-Right. — Pearl answered.
— Right... — Maya answered.
Sae gave an agreeing nod with her head and Phoenix sighed in relief.
— Okay, with that, this case solved. Now then... — Phoenix turns to Sae. — The files, if you please, Prosecutor Niijima.
The prosecutor just nods as she sat in front of her computer and accessed the system to get the files. While she was looking for the files, she looked at Pearl.
— What's your age, Pearl? — Sae asked curiously.
— N-Nine...
— Nine... How the time flies... — Sae commented with a smile. — It looks like it was yesterday my sister was around your age...
— Do you have a sister? — Maya asked, curiously by the prosecutor statement.
— Yes. She's the youngest.
— What's her name? — Pearl asked.
— Makoto. Makoto Niijima.
— How old is she? — Maya asked.
— She's 21. She's at university, studying law.
— She wants to be a prosecutor, like you? — Pearl asked.
That make Sae laugh out loud.
— D-Did I say something funny...?
— No... No... It was just amusing, you know? No, Pearl. My sister wants to be a police commissioner, like my father was...
— Like your father...?
That question made Sae gave a faint smile, as she looked at the Fey cousins with amuse and some melancholy.
— Yes... My father, was a police commissioner... When he was alive, he fought against the criminals... Until he died in an "accident" ...
That make Maya and Pearl gasp aback. Both girls tried to say something, but Sae simply smiled at them.
— It's okay... I know... It just... When I become a prosecutor, I decided to do the same as my father, but in the legal area. My father acted in the streets, and I acted in the courts... When I was younger, I thought I could do that... I almost lost it...
Pearl stood quiet, giving a silent stare towards Sae, before asking:
— What make you change...?
Sae felt her smile melt a little, but she managed to keep it.
— I... I faced the harsh reality of the courts... In my country, it doesn't matter for some people if you were after justice or truth, only win the trial that matters. When I was recruited in the SIU, I was forced to do that to survive.
— How horrible... — Maya said surprised.
— But... My sister... My sister and Mr. Wright managed to show me the truth. The truth matters, the justice matters. That made me become a better lawyer, and so, I quit the SIU and the prosecution office, and I became a public defender. I was successful in defending my first client.
— But, if that the case, what make you to come back to the SIU, and to become a prosecutor again?
— Well... I saw there is a lot of corruption in the system. And to wipe this corruption and to restore the integrity, they need someone with the will to do that. And I wanted to redeem not only myself, but the system I trust my faith, so I become the new director of SIU. And... someone helped me to take that choice.
— Who...? — Maya asked.
— Well, maybe I tell one day.
Sae winked to the girl and found the files, making a physical copy to be imprinted. She picked up a flash drive and plugged in the computer.
— I'll give the files to you, both physically and digitally. I'm making a copy in this flash drive. Try to not lose it, okay?
— Okay. — Phoenix, Maya and Pearl answered.
— So... How were these last few days for you, Prosecutor Niijima? — Phoenix asked.
— Good, except for this case, these days were good.
— I see... Well, these last few days wasn't that nice to me...
— Yeah, I know... Furio Tigre's case was a troublesome one...
— And as you say, Godot knew he took my place, and he had done nothing to help Ms. Bryde... That enough it makes me angry, you know?
— Yeah... How this can be, you know? How can someone impersonate you without being caught?
— People tends to be stupidly blind, especially when someone who it was nothing in common with you, except for his hair style and color and a similar suit. Seriously though, how could the Judge be fooled by someone with a poor disguise and a paperboard fake badge!? Seriously though, that made my blood boil...
Sae sighed.
— Better than the cases of corruption in my own country...
— True... By the way, how was been your work there?
— Tiresome... Honestly, I can't believe we've to deal with such a big scheme. That extended even to my sister former high school.
— You mean the Shujin Academy? Damn... And I thought things was at least coming to a resolution in your case...
— I wish that! Honestly, the Phantom Thieves may have caused a giant ruckus in my country, but without their interference, maybe now, instead of having a good man ruling the country as a Prime Minister, we may have Masayoshi Shido instead in power... And if that was the case, then...
Sae expression changed to a dark one, followed by Phoenix.
— Honestly, I may have seen the Phantom Thieves as just an annoyance, before recognizing they were a powerful threat... But because of them, I could recover something I've lost a long time ago... Well, them and someone close to me make me recover what I've lost. Honestly, they were the real heroes in the story, although their efforts will be diminished to nothing, since the government always love to use a scapegoat to solve their problems instead...
Phoenix sighed.
— At least the people who were saved by them will never forget about them...
— Agreed. I was saved by them, and I will never forget what they did for me. But that doesn't matter when that comes with a situation like that, when they're treated as a mere urban legend, you know? Besides... It's nothing like they can help anyway...
— What do you mean by that? — Maya asked.
— The Phantom Thieves of Hearts disbanded few years ago. I was the one responsible to prove the leader's innocence though the Psychotic Breakdowns and Mental Shutdowns over the country.
— What!? — Maya exclaimed surprised. — That means!?
— My first case as a public defender was to defend the leader of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Needless to say, that what a tricky case, but I managed to prove his innocence.
— That must have been tough for you... — Maya commented.
— You have no idea... — Sae replied. She heard the printer stopping and she promptly picked up the files. — Here, the files you've requested, although the digital copies are easier to read in my opinion...
— Thank you for everything, Ms. Niijima. Well, we need to investigate the crime scene once again... Maybe we can find anything we've missed...
— If that's the case, I need to accompany you... We're kind of restrained by our actual situation, remember?
— True...
— Well, we should go now, right? It'll better if we take a taxi. I'm tired of taking trains nowadays...
— Since the people flow in the stations are overbearing in Tokyo since the incidents, right?
Sae gave a wry smile, looking at the defense attorney and both mediums.
— Is that so obvious?
— I accompany the news on the internet as well, Ms. Niijima. I'm not that uninformed as you may think.
Sae chuckled.
— Very well, we're wasting time talking here. Should we go to the crime scene now?
AUTHOR NOTES:
Hello. No time no see. Almost six months if I'm not mistaken. Sorry for my disappearance, but I had a few things to solve in my personal life, and I got a new job full time, which takes most of my time. I'm not giving excuses about my disappearance, but I need to tell I have disappeared. Not only that, my faithfully friend who makes the revision of Ren Amamiya is busy as well, which I truly comprehend, since we are basically adults and we both have our lives to live with. All I can do now is to try to publish the chapters and wish luck to them go well. I understand if you guys just are tired of waiting, but I assure you I still will release the chapters. The good news are: I have made two chapters of Ren Amamiya in the meantime and finished this and a new one of Judgement's Love. The bad news are: It'll take some time for me to publish them. I still need time to revise them alone, and it'll take the entire weekend. I'm so glad to see you guys commenting and even favoriting my stories. I'm really glad. Don't worry. I'll publish the chapters in due time. Until then, see you guys in the next chapter.
THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO MY FRIEND FOXCHICK1, ONE OF MY FAITHFUL READERS AND ONE OF THE BEST FRIENDS I COULD HAVE ASKED.