A/N: The trial begins in earnest! As with many final cases, this one begins with a trip into the past. But what will Juniper discover when delving into the past? Enjoy, my readers!

Klavier and Ema take the witness stand. Klavier wore an easygoing smile, while Ema had a frustrated scowl on her face.

"Please state your name and occupations to the court," Diana said pleasantly.

"Achtung! I am Klavier Gavin, and usually I'm a prosecutor," Klavier said, snapping his fingers. "But I will be giving a special performance, as a witness in this case."

"My name is Ema Skye, forensic investigator. I'd really rather be anywhere except next to the glimmerous fop," Ema said, still scowling. "Still, I was asked to help with this testimony, so here I am."

"What do you plan to testify about?" The Judge asked.

"The Chief Prosecutor foresaw that the sealed case file might become a focal point of the trial," Klavier said. "So he briefed me and Fraulein Skye on the contents of the file. We're going to present the facts as impartially as possible."

"I hope that is the case," Mr. Newman said, his gaze bearing down on the witnesses. "Because if you lie, we'll know."

"After all, both me and my husband have read the case file front to back," Diana added. "So testify everything you know, please."

"Hey, don't accuse us of lying before we've even said anything!" Ema snapped.

"Calm down, Fraulein Skye. I understand Fraulein Newman's skepticism," Klavier said softly. "We are in a court of law, after all. So I expect both lawyers to go over the testimony very carefully."

"Chances are, we're going to need to press carefully for more information," Juniper said, thinking out loud. "Because we need to find what Professor Courte hinted we'd find."

"The deeper truth that goes beyond this case," Robin said, her eyes intense. "Okay, let's dig as deep as we can!"

Witness Testimony

The Sealed Case File: Summarized

"This is a simple case. A businessman was accused of illegal business dealings, and Mrs. Newman was prosecuting," Klavier explained. "However, the case ended in a Not Guilty verdict, for unclear reasons."

"There were claims that someone intimidated the prosecution's witness, but no proof was ever provided," Ema said clinically. "And I did review the evidence myself."

"Fraulein Courte was investigating this same matter herself." Klavier's face took on a sad expression. "She did not finish her investigation before her death."

"As for connections to the current case, that's not clear either," Ema shook her head. "Aside from sharing a prosecutor, there seems to be nothing in common."

"If you have any questions, you are free to ask," Klavier put his hands on his hips, and smiled. "I'll answer as best as I can, ja?"

End Testimony

"So far, the assessment seems to be that this older case is not connected to the case on trial." The Judge's gaze fell on Juniper. "I hope you remembered the previous warning."

"I do, Your Honor," Juniper said, even as she felt herself break out in cold sweat. "The defense still believes we'll uncover crucial information."

"Especially because there are vague points to the testimony! We are going to clarify those first!" Robin added.

"I only hope you're ready for what you learn once you clarify those points, dear," Mrs. Newman said, smiling at her daughter.

Juniper immediately saw something that bothered her, and focused on it. "HOLD IT! You say that the only thing the cases share is the prosecutor?"

"You heard me, Miss Woods. I swear I read the case file front to back several times, and I didn't see any other connection," Ema said, pouting. "Makes it feel like I'm wasting my time."

I think Detective Skye really doesn't see the contradiction in her own testimony. "OBJECTION! There is at least one more connection between the cases."

"What other connection could there be that I didn't find?" Ema asked, glaring.

"Because the lead detective in the previous case and this case are the same person." Juniper slammed her hands on her bench. "And that person is the victim, Detective Tony Smokes!"

Ema clapped her hand to her face. "Wait, he is? The file didn't say that!"

"So Detective Smokes worked with Prosecutor Newman on a previous case," The Judge said. "But is this just a coincidence?"

"Ah, now I believe I see the issue. My apologies," Klavier said, looking unruffled. "It's true, the case file itself does not list Detective Smokes as the lead detective."

"Huh?" Ema put a finger on her chin, swaying back and forth. "But if he was the lead detective, then why didn't the official case file say that?"

"If you'll remember, Fraulein Detective, we're talking about a file that's been sealed," Klavier explained. "We were only briefed on information deemed necessary for the case on trial."

"Don't call me that," Ema said sharply. "But I guess learning that didn't change anything."

"Wait a moment, Prosecutor Gavin! Are you saying that this similarity is nothing but a coincidence, then?" Robin asked, her clenched fists shaking.

"It is unusual that the victim is the same detective that investigated a prior case. But that has nothing to do with his suicide," Klavier pointed out. "At least, there's no evidence that it's related."

As much as I wish otherwise, Prosecutor Gavin is right. I need to at least prove there's a connection. "Then could you at least add that statement to your formal testimony?"

"I certainly don't want to disappoint a pretty Fraulein like you," Klavier said pleasantly. "Consider my statement added."

Instead of pressing that statement, Juniper focused on another one that was bugging her. "HOLD IT! You say that there were no clear reasons that a Not Guilty verdict was passed?"

Klavier began snapping his fingers. "The prosecution's main witness recanted their testimony abruptly. However, despite questioning them several times, the witness never revealed their reason for this change of heart."

"Hey, that information is new to me!" Robin exclaimed in surprise. "You told me about the case before, but never that detail!"

Mrs. Newman tutted under her breath. "You have to remember, Robin: Evidence in everything. I couldn't very well share something that I had no evidence to prove."

The Judge nodded. "This is the foundation of our legal system. The prosecution had a job to prove the defendant's guilt, and did not have the means to do so."

"So, um, to be clear… are you saying that only Mrs. Newman questioned the witness's behavior?" Juniper asked nervously.

"That would be correct, Fraulein Woods," Klavier said, still snapping his fingers. "Which is why this case from the past is unrelated to the case on trial."

Now it's Klavier's testimony that has a contradiction, and I have to pursue it. I only wish I knew where it was going. "OBJECTION! What you are saying doesn't quite match with the evidence, Prosecutor Gavin."

"I see your creativity has improved since we last met," Klavier said. "But leave the fanciful thoughts to songwriting, ja?"

"This is no fantasy song. In the case file, there's a newspaper that covers the immediate aftermath of the trial. One of the articles is an interview with Detective Smokes, which states the following: 'I suspect that there was sabotage within the prosecutor's office'. Given this information…" Juniper pointed at Klavier. "Can you really say this is unrelated to the case at hand?"

Klavier leaned against the witness stand, cold sweat running down his face. "Newspaper article? So you remember that?"

"Of course we did, Prosecutor Gavin! You're the one that first showed us the newspaper!" Robin pointed out.

"Wait, what's this about a newspaper article?" Ema asked, sounding genuinely confused.

"You weren't there, Fraulein Skye. I allowed the defense to see the physical newspaper that was with the case file," Klavier explained casually. "It's how they are able to question us on it now."

"I believe I told you not to share that case file with anyone." Diana's expression was distinctly strained. "Yet, you shared it with the defense."

"I do not believe in obstructing the defense," Klavier said, unconcerned. "So I try to level the playing field whenever possible. But I will accept any anger you have after the trial, Fraulein Newman."

At this point, Juniper noticed a pattern, and felt a need to bring it up. "Detective Skye, what kind of briefing did you receive? Because this is twice that you haven't known something that you would have known if you'd seen the physical case file."

"I was told everything that would be relevant to the case," Ema said defensively. "So that newspaper article must be unrelated!"

Klavier played air guitar. "Exactly, Fraulein Detective. That's why I decided not to mention the newspaper article."

"With all due respect, Prosecutor Gavin, how on earth is a case that involved both my mother and Detective Smokes not related to this?!" Robin asked.

"It's true, Herr Smokes did speculate about a 'traitor'. No proof was ever provided that such a person ever existed," Klavier explained. "As such, there is no need to discuss it."

The Judge had a thoughtful expression. "It does not sit right with me that this is a pattern. From what I've understood, there are three different people that share this theory of a 'saboteur' for this past case. It cannot be a coincidence."

"My mother, Detective Smokes, and Constance Courte! So I don't believe it's meaningless!" Robin shouted. "There has to be something more to it!"

"Well said, Robin. It is for that reason that I agreed to unseal this case file," Diana said, her fingers drumming against her bench. "Because I don't think it's a coincidence either."

"Ah, so this is why I was asked to be the one to deliver the information," Klavier said, running his fingers through his hair. "Herr Judge, may I please give another testimony?"

"I don't see why not, Prosecutor Gavin. You are here to clarify the contents of the case file to the court," The Judge said. "Give your testimony on the theory that has been presented."

Witness Testimony

On the "traitor" theory

"I suppose it cannot be denied that several people believed that there could have been a 'traitor'. However, no such person was ever uncovered," Klavier said.

"According to my own research, there were no investigations into this claim either," Ema said, reading something off her phone. "Likely, there was no basis for one."

"Besides which, there is something else this theory is missing: a motive." Klavier flipped his hair again. "Why would a prosecutor want to sabotage Prosecutor Newman?"

"The glimmerous fop actually makes a good point there. Prosecutors taking each other down doesn't make sense," Ema said. "So I suppose there's not much more to it."

"And this is why I can say with confidence that the sealed case has no relation to Herr Smokes' death." Klavier drew his arm back and pointed at Juniper. "Well, Fraulein Woods? What is your next move?"

End Testimony

"Ah… that is pretty clear testimony…" Without her usual pigtails, Juniper nervously clenched the hem of her dress instead.

"Glad you are seeing it my way. Perhaps we can get to the proper trial now?" Klavier asked affably.

"You are jumping the gun," Mr. Newman said suddenly. "Isn't a lot of what you are saying speculation as well?"

"That's right, dear," Diana said, taking Richard's hand into her own. "This is only Prosecutor Gavin's interpretation of the facts. It's not solid evidence."

"Then after the cross-examination, we can get a clearer picture," Juniper said hopefully. "And that way, we can prove once and for all if the cases are connected."

"Of course, we can't forget about Bailey, either! This should also prove her innocence!" Robin added.

Still, Prosecutor Gavin and Detective Skye are professionals. They wouldn't lie on purpose… so instead, I need to see if they missed something.

Instead of going in order, there was a statement that caught Juniper's attention. "HOLD IT! You likely weren't a detective when all this happened. So how are you so sure that no investigation was made?"

"I was still in middle school at the time, so you're right that I didn't know about it firsthand." Ema took out a file from her carrier bag. "However, I was allowed a look into the records of the time. So I can say that there were no investigations into the claim."

"I would take this chance to say that I did submit a request," Diana said, her expression cold. "But it was completely ignored."

"You have my sympathies, Fraulein Newman. But you know as well as I do the core rule of the legal system: evidence is everything," Klavier said. "If you had none when you made the request, nothing would have come of it."

In other words, Detective Skye did not make the claim without backing. I suppose I can't press any further.

"HOLD IT! This part is definitely speculation. How can you claim to know what the prosecutors that worked with Mrs. Newman were thinking?" Juniper asked. "You didn't work there at the time."

"I suppose you are correct there, Fraulein Woods. But consider this." Klavier put his hands on his hips. "Diana Newman was but one of many prosecutors working at the office. She was not the Chief Prosecutor. So what would a hypothetical 'traitor' have to gain by going after her?"

"I believe there's evidence that could indicate a possible motive!" Robin declared. "All that you need to do is look more carefully!"

"I think the defense is the one that needs to show us where to look," Ema said dryly. "So get on with it."

I guess that's my job, then. What evidence would show why someone would want to ruin Mrs. Newman? Juniper considered Robin's advice to "look more carefully". Oh! Here's something that could point to a motive.

"TAKE THAT! What Robin meant is the aforementioned newspaper. Prosecutor Gavin claims that Mrs. Newman was only 'a prosecutor'. But this article contradicts that." Juniper pointed to the relevant article in the newspaper. "It claims that she was considered a 'rising star' in the office."

"So if you want a motive for a fellow prosecutor to betray my mother, that's the one- they were jealous of her prestige!" Robin exclaimed.

"I remember those days. There were other articles talking about my rise in the ranks of the prosecutor's office." Diana closed her eyes, raising her hands to her chest. "Funny, how those same papers forgot about me when that 'star' fell."

Mr. Newman put his hand on Diana's shoulder. "Yet you are standing here in court now, despite all that."

Klavier played another riff on his air guitar. "What a heart wrenching story! If it was a novel, stores everywhere would run out of tissue paper. However, as far as 'proof' goes, I'm afraid it's lacking."

"What else could the theory possibly be missing?" Juniper asked.

"Fraulein Robin indicated a motive that could drive 'a prosecutor' to betray their coworker. That's not the same as proving it was a specific prosecutor," Klavier pointed out. "And it's not as if we could ask anyone else from back then."

*munch munch munch*

Juniper suddenly heard a soft munching noise. There's only one person I know that would eat in the middle of court.

"HANG ON! Did you think of something, Detective Skye?"

Ema stopped eating the Snackoos she had in her hand. "What I'm thinking is that I want to get off this witness stand."

"I'm afraid that's not going to happen if you're not honest with us." Diana took out a file, and slammed it against her bench. "You clearly reacted to Prosecutor Gavin's testimony."

So what if I did?" Ema asked defensively. "Hearing this glimmerous fop talk does that to me."

"No, it's what you reacted to that's the issue. 'It's not as if you could ask anyone else from back then'. There's a reason that statement resonated with you," Diana continued. "You are the younger sister of Lana Skye, a previous Chief Prosecutor. I worked under her, as it happens."

"Now that is a name I have not heard of in a long time. I believe Lana Skye served her prison sentence, and retired from the legal system when she was released," The Judge said. "I do not believe she could be summoned to testify without adjourning the trial."

"There will be no need to adjourn the trial, as Detective Skye knows full well," Diana said, smiling mysteriously. "Someone else could be called to testify, from that time."

"Ah!" Ema clapped her hand to the side of her face.

Mrs. Newman is onto something- but it seems as if Ema isn't willing to say it. Juniper slammed her hands on her bench. "The prosecution is right. The identity of this other person can also be seen in the newspaper article, because they gave a statement on what happened."

Juniper took a deep breath, drew her arm back, and pointed at Ema before saying: "It's none other than the current Chief Prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth!"

To be continued.

A/N: This case is calling all sorts of people to the witness stand. But what will Edgeworth testify about? How will it advance the case? I am looking forward to what the audience thinks. See you next time! Please review.