April 18, 12:02 PM

High Prosecutor's Office - Room 1202

Miles Edgeworth sat at his desk, pondering his next move. Kristoph's latest correspondence had arrived earlier that morning, meaning he had decided on his own move in their chess game. They were in the midgame, and neither side had gained an obvious advantage. Miles had lost to Kristoph before, so he knew it was wise not underestimate the man.

It had been a busy month; arguably the busiest of his career. Nine cases solved in that timeframe, along with his decision to remain a prosecutor. Miles realised this was the best way to change the corrupt legal system, but also understood that rest was important, so he was taking a short break until the next case.

There was a knock at his door.

'Come in.' he said.

The door opened slowly. Miles expected it was Detective Gumshoe coming to thank him again for the raise.

Instead, it was a young woman; her small head poked inside, scanning the room. She entered and closed the door behind her. She wore an oversized fedora and trenchcoat, which dragged across the floor. Miles almost didn't recognise her without her spirit channeling costume.

'Maya? What a pleasant surprise.' he said, as he stood up to greet her.

'Hi, Mr Edgeworth!' Maya Fey said cheerily. 'Do you like the outfit?' she spun in place to show it off.

'It's certainly... unique.' he replied.

Maya performed a curtsey, as if she had just been complimented. Miles glanced at the door.

'I suppose Wright isn't with you?'

'Nah, Nick's busy, got a big case coming up. Something about magicians, I think? I wasn't really paying attention.'

'I see. Well then, how may I be of assistance?'

'Right... well, first I need to confess something.'

Miles raised an eyebrow. 'Don't tell me you've been accused of murder again?'

'Hey, those were all baseless accusations!' she said, puffing her cheeks out in annoyance.

He chuckled. 'I'm well aware. Anyway, please go on.'

She took a deep breath. 'The truth is... during Nick's trial against Manfred von Karma, I felt really bad about what happened during your childhood. So I've been trying to channel a certain someone ever since.'

Miles' eyes widened.

'The problem is, it never worked.' Maya continued. 'I don't know if it was because of my lack of power, or if the spirit just didn't want to come back. But I failed every time... until a few days ago. So something must have changed.'

Miles' mind went into overdrive. He couldn't help it; making logical deductions was his job. The hat, the coat, DL-6, IS-7. It all led to one obvious conclusion as to who Maya was trying to channel.

'It was your father, Mr Edgeworth.' Maya said, confirming his theory. 'Apparently he gave Nick a real fright when he appeared in my place suddenly. I wish I could've seen that!'

She laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

'W-what, um-' Miles stammered. He cleared his throat. 'What did my father have to say?'

'He asked all about you, of course. Nick filled him in on everything that's happened. Then they looked up his name online, and found out that you solved his final case recently. I think that's what made him want to come back.'

For the first time in a long time, it was very difficult for Miles Edgeworth to speak. He placed a hand on the desk to steady himself.

'And I can only assume you're here now, dressed as you are, because...' he couldn't complete the sentence.

Maya smiled. 'Miles, your father would like to speak with you, if you like.'

Miles didn't respond, not until he could fully regain his composure. He was well aware of Maya's... abilities, but had never considered requesting them for his own needs.

'I understand if it's too overwhelming you.' she added. 'But the thing is, I'm leaving for Khura'in soon to continue my training, and I don't know when I'll be back, so-'

'Maya.' Miles cut in. 'What you've offering me is... something I never could've imagined. I would very much like to speak with my father, yes. I'm truly in your debt.'

Miles bowed to the girl; the most sincere bow of his life.

'Hey, hey, no need for that!' Maya cried. 'Ok, I'll just get started now. You ready?'

'I am.'

Maya closed her eyes and brought her hands together. Miles had never seen the process up close before, didn't know how long it would take. There was a bright flash of light, forcing Miles to avert his eyes. When his vision cleared up, he looked back and saw his father, Gregory Edgeworth, standing before him. The fedora and trenchcoat fit him perfectly, of course.

'Hello, son.' Gregory said, smiling.

'F-father.' Miles replied quietly. There was a brief silence. Both men understood the weight of this reunion, but neither could find the proper way to begin.

'I hope you properly thanked young Ms. Fey for her generous offer.' Gregory said. He seemed far more composed than Miles, which made sense, since he'd planned this visit in advance. It was an unfair advantage, Miles thought.

'I'm quite certain I did.' he replied. He was suddenly a child again, desperately hoping for his father's approval in everything he did.

'I'm glad to hear it. I haven't spoken to her directly, but we've been... exchanging notes. I must say, it's been a bizarre experience.'

'I can hardly imagine. So... what it is like, on the other side?' Miles asked. Part of him couldn't help but wonder.

Gregory stroked his chin. 'I can't say for certain. The only memories I have right now are from when I was alive, or when Ms. Fey channeled me. It's possible I lose all memories of any afterlife when I'm here. Or perhaps there is simply nothingness on the other side, and thus no memories to retain. Or perhaps-'

He stopped, shaking his head. 'Sorry, I'm rambling. I'm just very happy to see you, Miles. From what young Mr. Wright told me, you seem to be doing well for yourself.'

Gregory looked around the office, clearly noting the title of 'Prosecutor' on the desk.

'I know it's not the path you wanted for me.' Miles replied, suddenly ashamed.

His father sighed. 'All I wanted was for you to be happy, Miles. And to make some friends in school, I suppose.'

'I was focused only on following in your footsteps, father. I didn't have time for friends.'

'Friends are important, no matter which path you choose to walk in life, Miles. But it seems I didn't need to worry about that. You had Mr. Wright and... a Mr. Butz, I believe?'

'Larry hardly qualifies as a friend.' Miles scoffed. 'But Wright... yes, I suppose he is my friend. I would still be on the wrong path, if not for him.'

'The von Karma path.' Gregory said gravely. 'My biggest regret is leaving you in the hands of that monster.'

'It wasn't your fault, father. But you should know... I considered becoming a defense attorney recently.'

'Oh?'

'But I've learned that some people cannot be saved by an attorney. I've also learned that the law itself is contradictory, which can make it difficult to pursue the truth. If I am to change it for the better, the most effective path to do so is the prosecutor's path!'

Miles found himself pointing dramatically at his father, as if they were in the courtroon. He put his finger down, red-faced and embarrassed.

Gregory chuckled. 'That's quite the goal, son. I hope you achieve it.'

'Really? I assumed you wouldn't approve.' said Miles.

'Why? I have nothing against prosecutors. They are a vital part of our legal system. Mr. Wright has told me all you have accomplished in your career. It is obvious that you bring honor to your profession.'

Once again, it became difficult for Miles to speak.

'I also heard that you solved my final case. That was another great regret of mine. You gave Samson his much-deserved freedom, and for that, I will always be grateful.'

Gregory Edgeworth removed his hat and bowed to his son, in much the same way as Miles had done for Maya earlier.

'Father, please!' Miles cried, grabbing Gregory's shoulders to raise him up. Their first physical contact. His father was making it nearly impossible for him to keep his emotions in check.

'I'm not worthy of your respect, father. I strive for the truth now, but there's no doubt that I've sent countless innocents to prison, all for my desire for a perfect record. I've used forged evidence to win a case. I've even watched a defendant die on the witness stand, while I was powerless to save him. There's no atoning for any of that. I-'

Gregory cut him off with a strong hug.

'We all make mistakes, son. What matters is understanding your mistakes and learning from them. The most important step you take is always the next one. I am so proud of you.'

It was too much. The unconditional love he hadn't felt for over eighteen years. Even the most logical man couldn't stay calm. Miles burst into tears in the middle of his office, burying his face into his father's shoulder.

Gregory simply smiled and hugged his son even tighter, as if to make up for all the time they had lost.

'Can we stay like this for a little longer, father?' Miles asked, his voice muffled by Gregory's coat.

'Of course, son.'

They stayed like that for a long time, but to Miles Edgeworth, it would never be long enough.