When it came to anyone asking for Phoenix Wright to represent them, sometimes it wasn't always the client themselves. Sometimes it was a loved one, who believed strongly in their loved one's innocence. Ema was one such example, but there were many others as well. This was expected. Though, what never happened, was when someone, that Phoenix had indict and used evidence to prove their guilt, wrote to him a request to defend their loved one accused of murder. That was unexpected. What's even more unexpected was WHO it was that was asking Phoenix for his Defense. This was not the kind of man that would trust any Defense Attorney, let alone Phoenix Wright. At least, that's what he had assumed.

'Could this be a trick?' Phoenix asked himself as he looked over the letter again and again.

Maya came into the office, carrying a to-go back of her meal she ordered from a burger place, most likely Burger King. She ate a French fry, looking over at Phoenix, who was too focused on the letter he just received to notice her presence. A smirk creeped up Maya's lips as she tip-toed behind Phoenix. She stuck her finger in her mouth, getting it all juicy with saliva, then stuck it in Phoenix's ear.

"EEEEEH!" Phoenix almost squealed in a high-pitch voice with his eyes bulging out and his hair more spiked and everywhere from shock. Maya burst out laughing. Groaning, he wiped the wetness from his ear. "Maya, what the hell?"

"You were so still and focused that I wasn't sure if you were dead or alive, so I had to check, just to make sure," Maya grinned, clasping her hands together.

"So, you gave me a wet willy?" Phoenix asking, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Oh co'mon, you gotta admit it was funny."

Phoenix sighed, rolling his eyes as Maya continued laughing before asking, "so, what cha reading that's got you so occupied that you couldn't even say 'hello' to me?"

"Just a letter of request, the usual," Phoenix replied dumbly. In the back of his mind, he knew this letter was anything, but usual. Perhaps he should think about calling Edgeworth, just to be sure this isn't just a trap.

"From who?" Maya asked, looking over the letter, then her eyes bulged in one quick second. "MANFRED VON KARMA!?!"

"Ow! Is it your call in life to damage my ears?" Phoenix complained, covering his ear that was right next to Maya.

"Sorry, but what is that jerk trying to pull?"

"That's what I'd like to know! He says his wife was just arrested for murdering a reporter when she came to visit the states. Unfortunately, since Edgeworth is studying abroad and Franziska is in Germany, neither one of them could come to drop the charges. I can't say if he can do a 180 this quickly or if this is some kind of trap. I mean, why go to the person that placed him behind bars for help? I can't make sense of this."

"Hm..." Maya hummed, then began reading the letter herself. "Wow, you're not kidding. If I didn't know him as the Prosecutor against Mr. Edgeworth, I'd say he was a desperate man trying to save his wife. Talk about giving up your entire pride, not that he didn't have it stripped from him as it is."

"I'm thinking of calling Edgeworth, but the time zones are a mess. He's likely asleep right now."

"Good point. Maybe we should visit Mrs. Von Karma; at least meet her in person to see what kind of person you maybe defending in court. If she's lying, you have the magatama."

"But, what if she bypasses it like Matt Enguarde?"

"That was different, Nick."

"Different? How?"

"Hehe you didn't have me," Maya smirked.

"... that's refreshing," Phoenix replied with drip of sarcasm in his voice.

"Seriously though, how many times has the Magatama been bypassed by anyone?"

"... one time."

"And, if you're really not sure, just keep asking questions. One time maybe possible, but three or four more times is unlikely to be bypassed, unless you're a wizard or something."

Phoenix sighed, "I guess. It wouldn't hurt to pay one visit. I mean, just because I've met two Von Karma's that were awful, does that mean the rest of the bunch are awful?"

"Hm... good question," Maya wondered, looking up in ponder.

"Oh well. Might as well get this over with. Want to pay a visit to Von Karma's wife?" Phoenix asked with a sleepish smirk.

"You bet cha!" Maya replied, her fists pumped.

Phoenix made sure to send a reply letter to Manfred Von Karma in his prison. He sent it to the Police Department before waiting at the Detention Center Lobby to pay a visit to Manfred Von Karma's wife, Martha Von Karma. He wasn't sure what to expect. So far, Phoenix had met two Von Karma's, both were anything but nice. One was ruthless and the other one carried a whip. What kind of person was he going to meet that would be the wife of Manfred Von Karma? There was no telling.

"It's okay, Phoenix," Phoenix heard a voice that was definitely not Maya. He looked around for anyone that was talking to him, but found non. "Grandmama will be alright. You don't have to cry."

That was when Phoenix found the owner of the voice, a small little girl petting her small pet dog on her lap. She wore a light pink dressed with a white collar and had dark brown hair in French braids. Her eyes were a beautiful turquoise, but seemed to be watering. She looked like she was about to cry. An older man, assumed to be the girl's father, had a fancy navy blue coat with a long tail reaching to his knees, matching dress pants, a black waistcoat and a notable cravat. His face was stoned, but eyes were filled with uncertainty. His eyes softened as soon as he looked at the small girl, showing a smile for her sake.

"Let's go, SuBling," the man said, a voice that did not sound threatening, but rather soft and understanding. Was that the son? Franziska's older brother and Von Karma's daughter? That's right! During Edgeworth's trial, Manfred Von Karma mentioned having a seven-year-old granddaughter with a dog named Phoenix. The little dog must've been what he was talking about. At this time, she must be... oh wow, close to Pearl's age at least. Poor thing.

Seeing this sight made Phoenix have second thoughts about the Von Karma's. They were human like anyone else. They were a family that loved and cared for each other. Manfred Von Karma wasn't just a prosecutor, but a father and a grandfather. This little girl had lost her grandfather and now was about to lose her grandmother too.

'I shouldn't be judging the whole bunch based off of two bad apples,' Phoenix concluded.

"Phoenix Wright!" Phoenix heard his name being called by the guard.

"That's us," Phoenix said as he grabbed his briefcase, then headed over to the door to the Detention Room. For a brief moment, he noticed eyes on him, specifically from the older man and little girl. The man's eyes were filled with curiosity, while the girl's seemed more of shock.

"Papa, that man has the same name as my dog!" The little girl shouted excitedly.

"He does," the man replied as Phoenix closed the door behind him.

There, behind the glass, was someone Phoenix would consider the last person he would expect to be the wife of Manfred Von Karma. She seemed so... simple. She wore a black dress with white polka dots and a white collar. There was hardly a spec of makeup on her with some winkles on the side of her eyes and dimples. There were obvious dark circles around her eyes, showing how exhausted she truly was, but held a gracious and sweet smile to hide the stress. This was Mrs. Von Karma?

"Hello there, you must be Mr. Phoenix Wright," Martha replied with a light voice.

Phoenix cleared his throat, feeling very awkward and surprised. He was expecting someone at least close to Franziska, not plain and simple. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, replying, "y-yes. Please to meet your acquaintance."

"This is Von Karma's wife!?" Maya asked, her jaw dropping. She certainly didn't hide her shock.

"Hehehe were you expecting someone else?" Martha asked, her hand partly covering her mouth to hide the small giggle.

"No offense, but you look so... plain. I thought all the Von Karma's dressed more fancy like they came out of the 18th century."

"Hahaha oh! My darling Serena loves to take inspiration of her designs from old style clothing. I like things more simpler. Of course, I will accept any clothes Serena gives me. I know how much she loves tailoring clothes for us."

"Serena? That's your daughter, right? She designs clothes?" Phoenix asked, both shocked and interested. So, not all the children are prosecutors or went into law.

"Absolutely! You heard of Serena VK Hamilton? That's her."

"No way! You mean the famous fashion designer in L.A?" Maya gasped in shock. "She's you and Von Karma's child?"

"That's right! Her and, of course, Fredrick and Franziska. Fredrick is the detective of the Karma Agency and I think you've met my youngest."

"Oh wow! I never would've thought."

"I received a letter from your husband to request for your Defense," Phoenix said, deciding to focus on the topic at hand.

"Yes, I'm surprised he did that. Fred isn't someone to trust Defense Attorney's, no offense," Martha said, placing a finger on her cheek.

"I know! That's what I was thinking. No offense, but your husband is kind of a jerk," Maya blurted, which made Phoenix go red and feel embarrassed. Oh boy!

Martha sighed, not taking offense, but feeling saddened. She said, "my apologies. If it means anything, it isn't your fault. Fred has never liked or trusted Defense Attorney's since his father's murder."

"His father was murdered?" Phoenix asked, blinking.

"Right in front of him. Freddy was only 13 at the time and was called to testify for that murder, but the Defense Attorney considered him unfit and threw his testimony right out the window. From there, the Defendant was given a Not Guilty verdict. The next day, his father's team was murdered by the very mafia the Defendant was a part of that killed his father. They were all prosecuted and sentenced to death, but the damage had already been done."

Phoenix and Maya grew speechless. Is this why Manfred Von Karma hated Defense Attorneys so much? It didn't justify him murdering Gregory Edgeworth, but this explains why he would stoop to murder a Defense Attorney, if he was given the right push. Even becoming a Prosecutor would, no doubt, have been the perfect result of that incident. His intention to wipe the world of criminals by whatever means and believing only perfect Guilty verdicts were probably out of fear of another injustice like what happened to his father and his team.

"I had no idea," Phoenix muttered aloud.

"I'm sure, if there was any reason my husband turned to you for my defense, you must have given him some reason to trust you or consider you undefeatable. Perhaps, you were the first one that left him too little room to doubt of your victory? Perhaps some inmates he's met?" Martha though, showing a small smile.

The first person Phoenix had thought was Matt Engarde. The News of that case, no doubt, had spread all throughout California and was still being talked about. He remembered the response from Franziska, how dumbfounded she was when she realized that Phoenix was happy and rejoicing, even though he lost. Did Manfred Von Karma hear about that too? What could he have thought? Did knowing that Phoenix would not allow a criminal to escape punishment, even if he was a client, make Manfred Von Karma think differently of Phoenix?

"I'll admit, I didn't know what to expect when meeting you, but now I have little doubt of your guilt," Phoenix stated.

"Hm... go to Fredrick. He insisted that he would investigate the crime scene. He doesn't work for the police, so you can trust him. I'll answer any questions you have for me."

"Alright. First, did you kill the victim?" Phoenix asked.

"No. The reporter trespassed into my hotel room that day. I can only assume he must've stolen one of my hotel keys. I'm not certain at the moment. I hid inside the closet and heard a lot of commotion. I was so frightened that I passed out. When I woke up, the police were searching the place and arrested me."

"So, you don't know who killed the reporter?"

"No. At the time I was awake, there was only me and the trespasser. He had no friends with him. I did hear a loud bang that sounded like wood breaking. That's what made me pass out. I thought he was breaking into the closet I was hiding in and trying to kill me."

"I'm very sorry for your distress."

"Don't blame yourself. I've been having reporters harass me, since my husband's arrest. It's becoming normal for me these days."

"Still, no one should treat you like that just because your husband's a killer!" Maya shouted. "It's not your fault he's a criminal."

"That is it, though. It's easy for you to say, but what if all your friends kept pressuring you to divorce the man you love, then turn you away as soon as you refuse?" Martha asked. Her face seemed bold and devoted. Maya was speechless.

"You stayed with Manfred Von Karma, despite his crime?" Phoenix asked, his voice gentle and understanding.

"Always. I love him. I know it is a hard concept to understand, but I cannot not love Freddy. He's my Freddy, the man I married. I cannot call myself his perfect wife, if I am not so devoted as to keep my vows I made on our wedding day," Martha said, gazing at the wedding ring worn around her ring finger.

"Believe me, I understand how you feel. I'd do the same," Phoenix admitted, his voice cracking.

"... I can see it," Martha replied, showing a soft, sympathetic smile. "I will leave it in your hands, Mr. Phoenix Wright. Have my kids help you too and send me documentation. This way, my children will know I'm having you represent my Defense."

"I'll do that, Mrs. Von Karma. I'm sure your family will be thrilled."

"Thank you. Also, when you get the chance, please tell Miles and Franziska that I love them dearly," Martha said with her soft smile.

"I will. You're very welcome," Phoenix replied, then brought up the documentation for Martha to sign him as her lawyer.

Phoenix had to admit, investigating the crime scene came much easier with having a Private Detective with him that didn't take sides. That was often the disadvantage with Police Detectives, not to say that Dick Gumshoe wasn't a good detective. It was more often that the Detective would always take the Prosecution's side over the Defense's. Of course, Gumshoe seemed to have grown a soft side for Phoenix over the years, knowing his friendship with Miles Edgeworth and having saved him. Regardless, he was still expected to side with the Prosecution. That was where Fredrick Von Kama was different.

Phoenix figured this out as soon as he arrived at the crime scene: the hotel room where his client was staying in. Fredrick had already arrived, having been given allowance into the crime scene. Since he wasn't part of the police, he wasn't allowed at the crime scene, unless he had documentation proving to be working for the defense or defendant. Of course, Phoenix did have the documentation and paperwork signed, via request of his client. It was only fair, since that was his client's son. He had every right to do his part to prove his mother innocent.

"It's strange. There seems to be no traces of hair on the ground. What's more is that the location of the blood seems far too little for it to be called a murder," Fredrick said, squatting down with a lent roller as he rolled it from one side of the room to the other, then showing that, aside from rug hairs, there was no other traces of someone living there.

"Oh wow! I didn't even notice. And, you say that there's too little blood?" Phoenix asked.

"Yes. There is a small trace over on the bed, but nowhere else," Fredrick said, pointing to around the king sized bed.

"Maybe the murder took place somewhere else?"

"Negative," Fredrick replied, snapping his finger, much like a certain Von Karma Phoenix knew. "That only means the murder could only have been committed in areas where it was easy to clean up or keep hidden. I'm 100% certain the blood on the bed was not where the murder happened and 90% certain the location is somewhere else in this suite."

"That's impossible! The forensics did a sweep through this place to search for traces of blood! If any blood was cleaned, it should have been picked up by luminol!" Detective Gumshoe stated, getting wild up. Phoenix could see competition in his eyes, not that he could blame the poor Detective. He was going up against another one that did not work for the police department that was already showing him up. Though, Fredrick didn't seem to find Detective Gumshoe that big of a competitor. 

"You are naïve, if you believe luminol can pick up every single trace of hidden blood or that matter cannot be erased. Luminol only picked up traces of blood you cannot see with a naked eye. That doesn't mean it can't be disposed off. If luminol can pick up any blood that has been wiped clean, it only means the criminal did a lousy job at disposing the evidence. That is all," Fredrick stated, taking a small safety pin. "I shall demonstrate. First, I shall leave a stain of my blood, then attempt to wipe it off."

"Wait, is that really necessary?" Phoenix asked, his face sweating.

"It is only, but a small prick. No different than when testing blood sugar," Fredrick replied, showing that small smirk before pricking his thumb, then wiping it on the table. He then washed the blood off his thumb, and pressed it with a paper towel. "Now, watch as I clean the blood like you would expect a lousy criminal to do so." He took a paper towel, mixed it with bar soap, then washed the blood clean. "Let us luminol test it."

"HAH! You got it!" Gumshoe grinned, then got out the luminol spray, sprayed the area, then put on the glasses, along with Phoenix. "Yep, can see it clear as day."

"Same," Phoenix agreed.

"Good, now watch what happens when I actually clean it perfectly," Fredrick said, getting out what looked to be like Oxy Clean with bleach spray, then sprayed it on the area where he wiped his blood on. Then, he took clean paper towels, then wiped the spot really good before rinsing it. "Now, test it again."

Detective Gumshoe sprayed that spot again and, once more, him and Phoenix put on the specialized glasses. He gasped as Phoenix's eyes widened. The spot that once showed traces of blood disappeared.

"Wow," Phoenix muttered.

"I found this stuff in the Cleaning Supply Closet of this hotel room. It's also the same stuff my wife uses to clean the bedsheets. I 99% guarantee you that it wipes all matter of blood," Fredrick smirked proudly, handing over the Oxy Clean spray. "I suggest you enter this as evidence and search for any traces of this stuff with a black light."

"Geez, no one can hold a candle to a Von Karma, huh?" Detective Gumshoe asked, looking sad and defeated.

"I remain neutral, until the investigation is completed. I do not work for any state. I hold no bias, until I have inspected every inch of the area. My papa has nothing to do with it. If it did, I would not be working with a low brow Defense Attorney."

"You do realize I'm defending your mother in court," Phoenix said, his face sweating.

"And, I am grateful. I respect those that work for individual clients and not for the state. It means your work is much harder and, when you win victories, they are from hard-earned work. Do not take my comment as an offense, Mr. Wright," Fredrick stated, his face remaining neutral.

Phoenix then began understanding what Fredrick was meaning. It was because Phoenix was a lowly Defense Attorney that Fredrick could see he didn't work for anyone, other than his clients. It was the reason he called Detective Gumshoe naïve. He still worked with the Prosecutors and thus had more bias theories and opinions. A common citizen only held bias opinions as much as how they live their lives and what they know. Because of this, each person thought and held different opinions and values. They didn't work for a state or government paychecks, but for the common citizen, whether it would be as a retailer or fast food worker.

It seemed like the Von Karma's were no longer this rich and pompous bunch of jerks that thought themselves mightier than thou. Fredrick was certainly anything, but that. He remained neutral in all things, unless the evidence proved otherwise. He worked for only his clients, not the higher ups. He owned his own agency. He respected and valued the common citizens that worked hard for their hard work and hard-earned cash to put food on the table. That was a far cry from what Phoenix had seen in Manfred Von Karma and Franziska Von Karma combined.

After the investigation, Phoenix and Fredrick made their way out of the hotel and to the parking lot.

"I thank you for your time, Mr. Wright," Fredrick said, shaking Phoenix's hand.

"You're very welcome. You're a great Detective. I didn't know what I was expecting meeting you, but you certainly took me by surprise. No offense, but you don't act anything like your father I saw in court," Phoenix said.

"... that is because you never saw Papa when I was growing up with him," Fredrick replied simply and saddened.

"Huh?"

"Everything you see in me was the Papa I grew up with as a child. He taught me to value those lower than myself and work hard to achieve perfection. He was someone I once called a hero. I suppose taking a life had changed him," Fredrick said with saddened eyes. "At least, that's what I think."

"I'm very sorry."

"Thank you, but that is unnecessary. You only know Papa from the Defense's bench and Papa was never friendly towards the opposition. People will like or dislike an individual based on how that person makes them feel. It's hard to not hate someone that has hurt someone you deeply care about. Not to say I don't hold anger for what Papa had done to Miles, but they are conflicting feelings. I never thought he'd ever hurt Miles the way he did."

"I don't know what do say."

"Hm," Fredrick responded, showing a small smile. "I suppose I can consider it self reflection. I could easily stray from perfection, if I so much as take a life. We all have someone or something to hate, but it is only when we cross that line that we become the monsters we once hated. I hope to never stray from the path of perfection, as so my sisters. They have that streak in them."

"I don't believe anyone is perfect. We all make mistakes."

"Heh, it just goes to show how little you know our motto. It doesn't mean we have no capability of error," Fredrick replied, showing a sleepish smile as Phoenix rose his eyebrows in confusion. "Papa once said long ago, 'to never error is to never achieve perfection.' That should tell you what kind of a person he once was." He waved goodbye before making his way to his car, while Phoenix stood there. It seems there really was more to the Von Karma's than what he knew, including their motto to be perfect in all matter of things.

Phoenix returned back to his office, via bike, to work on the paperwork for the trial tomorrow. Maya entered into the office, having brought someone with her. While Phoenix was investigating the crime scene, he had Maya stop by at Hamilton Designs with a scheduled appointment with Serena VK Hamilton. He already predicted that Maya would eventually arrive back at his office with the woman in question.

"You must be the famous Phoenix Wright, I presume," Serena said, holding documented paperwork in one hand.

Phoenix still found it hard to believe this woman was Manfred Von Karma's eldest daughter. She had auburn brown hair with sparkly green eyes and a perfectly pale complexion. Her outfit was that of a mix of every fashionable look in the times. Her hair was done like it came out from the 1950's with the short, curly hair that was pinned back, along with the makeup. The top was a black blouse with puffed sleeves and a polka dotted cravat. The skirt reached to her knees with the color of turquoise and white stripes. She wore panty hose and black high heels. She was certainly a china doll come to life.

"Yes. Your father says that you have a talent for knowing the latest gossip and knowledge, including one of your mother as far as her reputation is concerned. As her lawyer, I must know if there is anyone that may have a reason to want to damage your mother," Phoenix requested.

"Oh, most certainly. Mama lost so many of her friends from the know, because of her choice to stay faithful to Papa. Of course, I kept myself out of it. I hate being the target of drama, if you know what I mean," Serena replied, her red lips smirking with interest. Her voice carried a natural sultry voice that Phoenix was certain carried a certain attractive air to her.

"That's awful! What kind of jerk just leaves their friends over staying true to your husband!?" Maya asked with her puffy face.

"Oh come now, May-ah. Papa murdered someone, perhaps in cold blood. As far as the public's concerned, he's as bad as the devil himself. You can't say you never thought of that, little Miss Fey," Serena replied offhandedly, waving her hand back and forth.

"Well... yeah, but..."

"Is there any particular person that has been after your mother?" Phoenix asked, wanting to focus on the subject.

"Yes, the victim she assumed to have murdered. Why do you think she was arrested straight away? The reporter broke into her hotel room, then was found dead on her bed, while Mama was hiding in the closet. If that's not suspicious, I can't say what is."

"But, that's your mother! Do you really believe she'd kill someone out of cold blood?" Maya asked, almost glaring.

"Who can say? Papa murdered Miles' father, then took him in as his ward to make up for the guilt of having murdered someone's father in the same way the mafia had taken away his father."

"HOLD IT! How do you know your father took in Miles to cover up his guilt? If I remember correctly, most people believed he took Miles in to farther his revenge on his father for giving him that penalty," Phoenix stated, showing a small glare. There, Serena hesitated, showing a disapproving glare. "Mrs. Hamilton, I understand you're hurting. I know you want to act indestructible. Franziska and Miles act the same way. I'm trying to help your mother. It's natural, if you're hurting. Your brother is hurting to."

"Is he? Hmph, the neutrality Detective that shows no emotion or takes sides."

"I wouldn't say that. Much like your father, he has his own ways of showing his true feelings. Your father had written to me to defend your mother. I suspected it was a trap, but I can see now he was showing his true feelings. He believes his wife is innocent. I'm certain you feel the same way."

"... Mama was perfect in every way. She always knew the right words to say. But, she is just that, a housewife. She has no power or success, aside from Papa. She was a simpleton. My husband is the same way. I love him for it, because so much chaos goes on: rumors, tabloids, corrupt politicians, the rich taking from the poor... all of it is so much to take in. To come home to someone so simple that loves you for the chaos you are is... refreshing."

"And, your father was the same way?"

Serena nodded, "he loves Mama. No one could understand the amount of love Papa had for Mama. She was everything to him. After he became a murderer to the public, I could no longer speak my mind on the matter. Even so, Papa tried to protect Mama by distancing himself... it never worked and she won him quickly with her baking."

"What do you mean by no longer speaking your mind?"

"You saw Papa in court. What did you think of his suit?"

"His suit? Um... it was... fancy? He kinda looked like a king of sorts from the Victorian Era."

"Georgian actually. I designed that suit. I put all my love and heart into it. I do that with all my designs, because it is how I am able to express myself."

"I never knew."

"Love is not something that disappears. I cried when I read about Papa being in prison for Voluntary Manslaughter. Now, I'm going to lose Mama too," Serena said, biting her lip, eyes watering.

Phoenix hugged Serena, saying calmly, "I don't believe your mother murdered anyone. She wouldn't do something like that. Your father... he was in a bad situation. Many bad situations. In the end, I have no doubt he did everything he could to protect all of you."

"I know. Earthquake and blackout, but Mama also put herself in a bad situation too. I'm scared of losing them."

"Not everyone reacts the same to bad situations. I will prove your mother's innocence."

"..."

"I promise."

"Yeah, you bet cha we'll prove your mother's innocence. You're going to find her home before you know it," Maya promised with a smirk.

"... it's only rumor, but the victim had an ex wife that works as a housekeeper at the hotel. The chances are far fetch, but... maybe..."

"Anything will do. Thank you," Phoenix said, showing a smile, getting out a box of tissues for Serena.

"Thank you," Serena replied, getting out a tissue to dry her eyes that were now making her eyeliner leak. "Please find the truth. Find out if it really was Mama."

"I will."

The office phone began to ring, showing the telephone number from Germany. Phoenix was about to answer when Serena stopped him.

"I know who it is. I got this," Serena said, showing a mischievous look on her face. She picked up the phone, sitting on Phoenix's desk, as the voice from the phone began spouting a bunch of yelling that Phoenix couldn't make out. Luckily, Serena didn't put the phone to her ear and let whoever was on the phone spout her rage. After some time, she placed the phone to her ear, saying, "it's good to hear from you, Horse Girl." Maya and Phoenix rose their eyebrows. They already knew who it was on the phone, but Horse Girl? "Just here to give Mr. Wright some information. I'll put you on speaker."

From there, Phoenix could clearly hear a faded, "don't you dare-!" then, the speaker was on. "PUT ME ON WITH THAT FOOLISHLY FOOLISH FOOL OF AN ATTORNEY!!"

"Good to hear from you, Franziska," Phoenix said, his voice sounding almost sarcastic.

"Hmph. I hear you are defending Mama in court?" Franziska asked, surprisingly calm.

"I'm going to prove your mother innocent. I already got some evidence with Fredrick's help. Serena's helping too. They both have been great help."

"Good. I expect the trial to go smoothly then. I won't forgive you, if you break your promise. I could accept Papa, but Mama would not murder anyone! You prove Mama innocent or I will make you regret it, got it!?"

"I know you're a Prosecutor, but you don't need to treat Phoenix like one of your horses, unless you're expecting him to give you a ride," Serena teased.

"DON'T YOU DARE! That is enough out of you!" Franziska cried.

"Awww, no need to be jealous. You have my blessing, if you ever decide to-"

"I SAID ENOUGH! UGH, I. HATE. SIBLINGS!"

Phoenix couldn't hold back a laughter. It was pretty entertaining to see sibling squabble from the Von Karma's. At least he didn't have to worry about Franziska whipping him for this. After a while, he could hear her groaning in embarrassment.

"I should get going. Interpol is calling. I meant it when I said that I wouldn't forgive you, if you didn't save Mama," Franziska finally said, more calmly this time.

"Of course. I'll let you know how the trial goes tomorrow," Phoenix said. "You have a fantastic family, Franziska."

"Of course. My family has always strived for perfection. I expect as such tomorrow."

"Of course," Serena grinned as Franziska humphed.

"I expect a call tomorrow. Call me tomorrow."

"Will do. Bye," Phoenix said, hanging up the call.

"Wow, you certainly know how to handle her, Mrs. Hamilton," Maya smirked.

"She is my little sis. She tends to bark a lot and use her whip, but she's quite the sweet angel, once you let her steam off," Serena said.

"Angel?" Phoenix asked with a voice of disbelief.

"Unlike Fredrick and I, Franzy was raised all of her life under Mama in Germany, while Papa was in the states. She originally wanted to be a Horse Girl, but without Papa, she eventually decided she wanted to be a Prosecutor. I suppose she wanted to see Papa so badly she was willing to give up her dream."

"Really? Franziska became a Prosecutor to meet her father?" Phoenix asked, now feeling both sympathy and sorrow. He could relate to changing his career to save someone he cared about.

"Indeed, but it wasn't easy. She was the youngest prosecutor in the country, so she had to go up against the big boys. Imagine a pretty little doll going to law school through rich Papa. No one expected her to make it and, those that did, often did things to make sure she never made it. She was so small, so it was easy to take advantage of her or bully her in some of the most devious of ways. Had it not been for Miles, I doubt if Franzy would never have made it."

"Oh wow. I mean, I knew she got her badge at 13, but... she was bullied?" Maya asked, her voice feeling sympathy for Franziska.

"More like harassed and abused. Miles protected her. Why do you think Papa took him in as his ward?" Serena asked.

"I never knew. I had assumed it was because..." Phoenix said, his voice stopping at mid sentence.

"Of Gregory Edgeworth? Nah. Papa owed Miles for what he did for Franzy. She was stubborn, very stubborn. She refused to tell her parents what was going on. Papa and the rest of us found out through Miles. Even to this day, Franziska refuses to talk about her life at law school. We saw her graduate with, first a riding crop, then it upgraded to a whip. She always used it whenever she was scared to make sure her opponents are more afraid than her. Haha I suppose like with dogs, they only seem fearful, because they are more afraid of you. It's why I decided to take the call."

"I see," Phoenix said, now beginning to understand the Von Karma's a little bit.

"For all that it's worth, Franzy seems to trust you more than she lets on. Don't let her whip fool you. She fears showing her true feelings more than the rest of us," Serena informed Phoenix.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, again, for your help," Phoenix thanked.

"Thank you, Phoenix Wright. You just might be the first acceptable Defense Lawyer in Papa's books," Serena said before leaving out the door.

"You know, the Von Karma's aren't so bad. I can see why Mr. Edgeworth likes them," Maya said, pondering.

"I suppose. I think we may have more in common than I originally thought," Phoenix said.

The trial that followed started with a lot of hearsay accusations and jumbled truths. Phoenix couldn't say he was surprised. Eventually, he was able to keep the focus back on the subject. It was only then that Martha's guilt became questioned. Phoenix called Fredrick to the stand, who revealed some damning evidence such as the huge amount of Oxy Clean that was found right outside the door. Since it was only logical that the victim, who died by a stab wound, would have lost a huge amount of blood and too little of it was found around the mattress and bed, it would only mean that the victim died near the doorway. The closet that Martha was hiding inside was across from her bed and too far from the door.

With proof, Phoenix was able to bring out another possible suspect, the ex wife of the victim, who was housekeeping the hotel. It had turned out that the housekeeper was responsible and had not been aware anyone was inside the closet. She happened to be doing some housekeeping in Martha's room, then ran into the reporter. She had assumed her ex husband was planning on doing harm to her, being that he had harassed her after their divorce. Before her ex had a chance to explain himself, she attacked and killed him, then cleaned the blood with cleaning products the hotel used before moving the body to the bed to pin the blame on whoever was staying in the hotel room. She had lied about skipping that room, risking getting in trouble by her boss, in order to save herself. Unfortunately, no cameras were watching that part of the hallway, so she had no one to see if she went inside or not.

With the Case of Martha Von Karma concluded, Phoenix paid one last visit to the Detention Center with Manfred Von Karma to talk about pay. As he had promised in the letter, Manfred had paid Phoenix the amount owed for his wife's defense.

"Don't expect me to call you for this," Manfred said, humphing.

"I don't think you will need to," Phoenix replied honestly.

"Is that so?"

"If your wife or children are in trouble, I will make sure they get a good defense whether you approve or not. You won't need to pay for my services, not that any one of them wouldn't be willing to do so. They don't seem to share the same hatred towards Defense Attorneys as you do."

"Bah! No cure for such foolishness indeed."

"Yet, you asked me to Defend your wife when Miles was studying abroad and Franziska was in Germany with Interpol. No matter what you say, you don't see me as foolish as you're claiming."

"... you're the least foolish. You have to be in order to have defeated me."

"Heh, guess that's all I'm gonna get from you," Phoenix smirked almost humorously.

"I beg to understand what's so funny about what I said. Aren't I nothing, but a cold-blooded murderer?"

"A murderer, but not cold-blooded. You were sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter. Not only that, but I refuse to believe your murder was out of malice, even framing Edgeworth for Robert Hammond's murder."

"And, why is that?"

"Because, you care about your family. You love them so much that you would give up your pride and dignity for them. Not only that, but even the situation around DL-6 seems to be filled with lack of knowledge in certain areas to be considered malice. For instance, the gunshot you received. There was no way you could've known who did it or assumed it shot by a 9-year-old child. After all, you were shot in the dark with hardly any light outside of the windows of the courthouse. That small window in the elevator would not be enough for you to see the gun being thrown. Not only that, but there was no way you could've known the elevator was airtight, meaning that you may've been unaware, even for a single second, that Gregory was unconscious. Didn't you argue about that during your trial?"

"So what if I did?"

"I doubt that was a lie. You really didn't know. In your mind, you killed Gregory out of self defense. Not only that, but the case with Robert Hammond also seemed very fuzzy. While you did have a forged letter sent to Edgeworth, there was nothing on setting up Robert Hammond to see Yanni Yogi and you never intended on DL-6 being brought up. Even finishing the DL-6 Trial seemed very fishy. You destroyed all the evidence of DL-6, even though Edgeworth would be found Not Guilty for lack of evidence, had I not held any evidence at all."

"So, what of it? Does it really matter how Robert Hammond came to Yanni Yogi or why I'd destroy evidence of DL-6?"

"The Statue of Limitation ended in three days and I can only think your motivation for wanting to get rid of Robert Hamond was because he had information on DL-6 that would expose you of your murder. I refuse to believe Edgeworth had anything to do with it. It didn't even matter if he arrived at the appointed date or not. You  needed a scapegoat or motivation to get Yanni Yogi to commit murder. I can bet my money that you had intended on throwing Yanni Yogi under the bus the moment the Statue of Limitations ended. If there's one thing I've learned from my SL-9 Case, even a verdict that declares someone Guilty can be reseen before the transferal in two years and a verdict can be overturned, if evidence can be given that the Guilty defendant was proven innocent and require launching a retrial. You never intended on Miles remaining in jail for more than a week at most. Am I wrong?"

"..."

"You were trying to save yourself, then eventually Miles when it seemed like his life would be ruined. You were trying to do everything yourself. You were trying to be the hero and you couldn't be, not with the amount of blood on your hands. But, Mr. Von Karma, you made one mistake."

"And, what is that?"

"You refuse to admit your own errors. Your son told me that you once said, 'to never error is to never achieve perfection.' You contradicted your own teachings. You refused help from anyone when you needed it the most. You're human. To say we aren't capable of criminality is foolish talk. I doubted Edgeworth's guilt, because I knew, if he did murder, he would tell me right away and explain in specific detail how the murder happened. He's like his father, he values the truth above all else. Had you been more honest, I would have been more than happy to take your Defense. It's not every day I get to defend someone Guilty. If anything, I find it a much greater challenge to defend the Guilty, because they tend to hide more and expect I'm going to save them by letting them off the hook, but that's not how justice or being an attorney works. My job is to Defend my clients, not give them a Not Guilty verdict."

That was when Phoenix noticed a change in Manfred's expression, something he never saw in him. His eyes widened in surprise. It took some time for Phoenix to realize why. Until now, Manfred had only believed a Defense Attorney's job was to get their clients off the hook. His eyes closed, crossing his arms as if thinking.

"Thank you for your request. Your family are nice people. I can see why Edgeworth looked up to you for all those years. He's no different from his father. I'm sure, had you given Gregory Edgeworth a chance, you would've liked him too," Phoenix said, smiling, as he got up to leave.

"Phoenix Wright," Manfred called as Phoenix turned around. "... thank you."

"You're welcome," Phoenix replied, showing a small smile before leaving.

Phoenix couldn't say if he liked Manfred Von Karma or not. It would take a while to truly forgive him for what he did to Miles, but at least he now understood him a little bit. Manfred wasn't a demon or the devil, but human, very human. Perhaps, meeting the Von Karma's, was just another way to think outside the box.

A/N: I forgot to put this 😅 This was a request from the mods of @askaceattorney on Tumblr. This story is based off of Manfred Von Karma's letter I wrote on @askaceattorney to Phoenix Wright and they wanted to see this done in a fan fiction where Phoenix defends Martha Von Karma in court. Of course, the canon in the letters on  @askaceattorney will be different from this, but only because one focuses on letters and the other focuses on literature. Either way, I do agree in how this makes compelling storytelling and brings out a side to Manfred Von Karma I feel is often overlooked. This doesn't make excuses for Manfred Von Karma or justify his actions, but it does provide him some humanity. I always love a Manfred Von Karma that has humanity and isn't just a one-noted villain of the day. Anyways, hope you enjoy!