Irhaboggle AN: This was written by one of my best friends, Hellis_Just_Aplace.

June 28, 9:40am

Defendant Lobby No. 4

'Ugh, I'm so nervous, my stomach doesn't feel good.' Maya Fey's brain was both frozen and going a thousand miles an hour at the same time.

Her client and lone companion, Cam Mission, was trembling and pacing back and forth, out of fear and the frigid temperature in the room from the overabundance of AC.

Normally, this would have been another standard (and short-notice) case for her and Nick. As usual, they took the case only yesterday, when they'd first heard about it and met the defendant. As usual, no other defense lawyers in Los Angeles would take the case.

The problem was, this time the Wright Anything Agency had been saddled with THREE clients at the same time. Of course, their trials would be taking place the next day all at the same time!

To make matters worse, the Agency only had two working lawyers, since Apollo lived and worked in the Kingdom of Khura'in nowadays. Nick and Athena already had their hands full with two of the three defendants. The situation became even more critical when it became clear that nobody would have the help of any assistants, since Pearl was not going to be able to make a last-minute trip from Kurain Village and Trucy was visiting Apollo in Khura'in.

So that was how Maya ended up here, minutes away from having to defend someone accused of murder in a trial all by herself. The exchange made her want to crawl under her blankets, and even just remembering it made the anxiety swell inside of her.

Phoenix had turned to Maya. "Maya, you're going to think I am a psychotic maniac for suggesting this, but maybe you could help us out and take Mr. Mission's case?"

She gasped, "Even though I didn't take the bar exam and have never taken law school? Isn't that illegal?"

Athena sighed and Widget turned a sad blue-purple color. "We have no other choice, Maya. We at least have to give it a shot. Otherwise, Cam won't make it out of this one alive… "

Maya hunched over and looked at the ground. "I-I'll try."

Now here she stood, wanting to pace like her client, running her hands through her hair. 'I don't even look like an attorney in my robes, and I can't channel my sister. Not only is the reputation of spirit mediums still poor, but what if I get thrown out of court for taking on a different identity by the judge and prosecution… Oh my god, who's going to be the prosecutor?'

"Hi there, are you Maya Fey?" It was a young lady's voice. Maya turned around warily, not in the mood for more last-minute surprises. Maya saw a woman who looked close, if not identical, to Maya's age. She had green eyes and long black hair, tied in a ponytail by a pink hair decor and a gold hair stick resembling a giant key with three smaller key-like chains hanging from it. Her bangs resembled the folded wings of a crow. She wore black knee-high boots, a dark blue skirt, a magenta shirt with rolled up sleeves, white cuffs, gold bracelets, red gloves, a brown pouch with a pink strap, and a blue scarf pinned with… something yellow with two wings. Her demeanor radiated positive energy, and her smile compelled Maya to answer.

"Y-yes?" Maya stammered. "Who are you? Am I in trouble?"

The other girl rubbed her nose. "My name's Kay. I was told to make sure you're in one piece before the trial starts."

Maya tried to put on a brave face. She couldn't show reluctance in front of her client. "I appreciate it." Then she got hopeful. "Do you know about this case? Are you here to join our defense in the trial?"

Kay giggled. "Oh no, I've heard you're an assistant at the Wright Anything Agency, so you have more years of experience and know-how at being a defense lawyer than I ever will! But I do want to help you calm your nerves. I can see both of you shaking."

Well, so much for a strong front. "I've never been the defense attorney for a trial," Maya admitted, "let alone all by myself. It's a lot of pressure to make sure I give Mr. Mission a fair trial."

"And you'll give him one," Kay responded immediately. "After all, did you carry out an investigation?"

"Yes."

"Were you able to find evidence?"

"I did."

"Do you have reason to believe your client is innocent beyond just blind faith?"

"I do."

"Then just take the trial one step at a time. As a lawyer, you just have to pay close attention, cross-examine witnesses, and point out contradictions. If Mr. Mission is innocent, the truth will come out if you try your best!"

The spirit medium took a deep breath. "You're right, Kay. Thank you so much. I'll remember what you said."

"Good! Then my job is done. I have to get going, and so do you." Kay turned and started jogging away. "I'll be watching!"

No sooner had she left than the bailiff called out, "The defendant and their attorney will make their way to the courtroom, the trial is about to start!"

Despite the little time she had to prepare, and despite the unknown challenges ahead, Kay's pep talk had brought Maya's energy back. "Let's go, Mr. Mission. We have a trial to win," she said, her voice more resolute.

June 28, 10:00am

Courtroom No. 4

Maya approached the defense's counsel seat. She remembered to breathe. Cam sat in the defendant's chair, and she nodded at him encouragingly. Despite being all by herself, Maya was very familiar with the buildup to a trial. As always, the gallery was filling up with people and the chatter was growing louder. She looked upwards towards the judge, and did not see the man that presided over all of Nick's and Athena's trials. This judge's beard had a blonde hue.

'He won't be familiar with me as Nick's longtime assistant,' she thought. 'I don't know if that's good or bad.' She also looked towards the prosecutor's bench. 'I wish I knew who I'm facing. Detective Skye confirmed that Nick will go against Klavier Gavin and Athena's opponent will be Simon Blackquil, but she didn't know who mine would be. Why?'

Maya never could have predicted what happened next. The door to the Prosecutor's Lobby opened, and out stepped a young woman, who calmly and coolly sat down and began adjusting her gloves.

It was Kay!

Maya gaped! 'What is she doing there?!' Her eyes darted back to the gallery, and she could see Miles Edgeworth seated, arms crossed, watching Kay intently. 'And what's HE doing THERE?'

Her mind started racing again. 'I need a minute to process all this. Is Kay going to be the prosecutor in this trial? That was… that was…

AWESOME! But also INSANE!

She felt a flood of emotions. 'Here I was, wanting to cry that Edgeworth or Von Karma had been arguing over which of them would take this case! They're both so scary, I'd wilt under their intensity! Instead, I get to face someone who's nice and friendly!' And yet… 'But if she's my opponent, why did she encourage me so much in the lobby? Was that a tactic on her part? Is she really different in a courtroom? How much experience does she have? She must really know what she's doing. She looks so relaxed, and I'm so not!'

Kay's gaze met Maya's, and she gave Maya a smile and a wave.

The judge banged his gavel, snapping everyone to attention and startling Maya. This was it.

"Court is now in session. Are the prosecution and defense ready?" He looked at Maya first.

"The, um, defense is ready," Maya answered loudly, hands clasped, trying to show fortitude. 'As ready I can be.'

"I think I've seen someone like you, years ago," the judge responded. "I think her last name was Fey. But I have one question."

"Yes, Your Honor?"

He groaned, "Where is your attorney's badge?"

Maya clenched her fists. "I'm sorry, Your Honor. My name is Maya Fey. You may be thinking of my sister Mia. I'm not really an attorney, I'm just an assistant manager for our agency. But Nick, I mean Mr. Wright and Miss Cykes are both in other trials right now, and there aren't any lawyers who will take Mr. Mission's case."

The judge sighed. "Mr. Mission, you have the right to choose your own legal counsel at any time. Do you approve of Miss Fey as your defense attorney?"

"Yes Your Honor," replied Cam. "She's investigated the crime scene and related locations, so she's the only one who knows enough to represent me right now."

"All right," said His Honor. "I'll allow it this time." He turned his head. "What about the prosecution?"

Kay took a dramatic bow and spoke in a dry voice. "The prosecution has been ready for a while, Your Honor."

'Is she trying to copy Mr. Edgeworth?' Maya wondered. 'Why? Do the two of them know each other? He's been watching her this whole time.'

"I don't recognize your face either," the judge said wearily. "Is it too much to hope—are you a prosecutor?"

"Not to worry, Your Honor!" Kay exclaimed. "Allow me to introduce myself!" She raised a fist and cleared her throat. "Even in the depths of night, when no other bird dares to take flight, one alone soars to shine the light of righteousness on the world's blight! And that one is me! For I am the Great Thief, Yatagarasu!"

The entire courtroom seemed to freeze in disbelief. Maya did a double take. 'She's a thief? And she's never been arrested for larceny? I know Blackquill was serving time when Nick faced him, but still!' Kay reminded her of Ron Delite, except with much more confidence.

Kay continued as if there was no awkward silence, "but my real name is Kay Faraday. And as for my authentication, if you require a badge, I've got one!" She flashed the winged pin on her scarf.

The judge rubbed his head. "I was under the impression that Miles Edgeworth was leading the prosecution for this case."

"I can explain, Your Honor," Kay responded instantly.

'She really knows what she's doing. She sounds like she knew this question was coming,' Maya thought enviously.

"You are correct. Mr. Edgeworth was originally the prosecutor assigned to this case. This trial was to be my debut as his assistant. It was meant to be a match between four. Two versus two. A lawyer and an assistant on each side. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of the case, Mr. Wright is in another trial, like Miss Fey said. Therefore, as Chief Prosecutor, Mr. Edgeworth assigned me to prosecute today's defendant all by myself. Call it an evening of the playing field. Miss Fey has never been in a trial alone before, and neither have I. This will ensure today's trial is fought on equal terms."

Maya clutched her chest as she felt a huge weight lift off of her. She let out an audible sigh, which Kay noticed immediately. "Are you all right, Miss Fey?"

"I can't tell you how grateful I am about this arrangement," Maya gushed. "I was dreading having to face Edgeworth or Von Karma. Either of them would have been absolutely merciless and pressing at every weakness I showed, and they could overwhelm me through sheer intimidation. But you…you're friendly! You helped me to believe in myself in the lobby! You understand me! I don't have to be afraid!"

Kay giggled. "Aw, Mr. Edgeworth loves his reputation as a no-nonsense prosecutor to be reckoned with, but he's actually a really sweet and caring guy once you get to know him!"

Maya had to look up at Edgeworth upon hearing that. As one might have expected, he was crossing his arms and looking away from the courtroom disdainfully.

"But really, with him as Chief Prosecutor, all prosecutors in our Office may like to use intimidation to their advantage, but at the end of the day, we are pursuing the same thing as you defense attorneys: The truth," Kay continued.

"And it's not enough to pursue the truth. We have to do it the right way."

Maya put her fist to her chin in wonder. "But what is the right way?"

Kay smiled. "You're following it, if that's what you're worried about Maya. To have an ethical trial, we must follow the four virtues of mind and character. Prudence, Temperance, Courage, and of course, Justice."

The judge took the opportunity to explain, partially because he trusted his own understanding of the four virtues over this outsider he'd never met, and partially because he enjoyed thinking about how wise he would sound. "Prudence, the ability to discern the appropriate course of action to be taken in a given situation at the appropriate time, with consideration of potential consequences; Cautiousness. Temperance, also known as restraint, the practice of self-control, abstention, discretion, and moderation tempering one's desire. And I believe courage and justice need no explanation?"

"And you've demonstrated both courage and temperance in taking this case, Miss Fey." Kay gave a thumbs-up.

"I think you're even more calm and collected Miss Faraday," Maya was quick to deflect. "You're not the least bit scared?"

"Of course I am. But like you, I feel more at ease with your presence. From what Mr. Edgeworth has told me about you, I feel confident that you will try your hardest to run a proper trial. Through that, we will both ensure prudence and justice. We both seek the one and only truth. I will use my investigation, witnesses, and evidence to prove Mr. Mission's guilt, and you will use cross-examinations to dismantle the lies and contradictions shift blame off of him. Through this process, we will arrive at the one and only truth. So even though we are rivals, in the end, we both need each other. This trial is not just without both sides. That said!" Kay winked. "Don't expect more pep talks like this going forward. I'm still the prosecution and we're still on opposite sides. I'm going to give this everything I've got, and I expect you to defend Mr. Mission with everything you've got!" She emphasized her last statement by dramatically pointing at Maya.

Maya wiped her forehead and breathed deeply. Thank you, Kay, again. I won't let my fear get the best of me. Right now, you're my opponent, and there is no one I would rather have other than you as my opponent. We'll work off each other's strengths, we'll correct each other's weaknesses and mistakes, and we'll ensure a virtuous trial. I trust you. We might even end up becoming best friends outside of the courtroom.

The judge looked satisfied. "The two of you look far more assured now. I see no reason to not proceed. Then without further ado, let the trial of Cameron Mission begin!"

Hellis_Just_Aplace AN: It is so stupid of Capcom that we've never seen Maya and Kay meet in a case in any Ace Attorney game. We see Phoenix and Edgeworth reunited so many times, so why can't Kay accompany Edgeworth? Wouldn't it make a fun trial if both attorneys had genki girl sidekicks? At the very least, Kay would make a far more enjoyable tutorial prosecutor than Gaspen Payne. And sadly, I seem to be the only one who thinks this. I can't find any fanfics on Ao3 where Maya meets Kay in a case investigation or trial.