Summary: In the eyes of a Defense Attorney, the Prosecutors are always mean, stuck-up and only care about proving the defendant GUILTY. However, there's always more going on behind the curtains. The prosecutors will always have each other's backs in times of crisis, willing to make the sacrifice of taking their colleague's case for their sake.

"It's clear now that the defendant never stole the 50,000 dollar sacred Heart of the Heartland," the Judge said.

"Exactly, my client has said so herself; while she claims to be a noble thief, it is only to steal the truth, not jewels or items of the sort," Phoenix claimed, showing newspaper clippings of the Yatagarasu's news stories revealing a smuggling at the two embassies in The Kingdom of Allebahst's and The Republic of Babahl's Goodwill Jubilee and another one of the president of Zheng Fa's body double switch scandal. Both clippings show a picture of the Yatagarasu's calling card as white with the three-foot black bird in the middle. "She was simply trying to catch the real criminals, who were members of the black market."

"True. To think I almost declared an innocent young lady guilty for theft. Mr. Payne, do you have anything to say?"

"No, your honor," Winston said, who was standing on the prosecution's bench. 

That day, Kay Faraday was declared NOT GUILTY. Luckily, it wasn't for murder, but Phoenix took it upon himself to defend her. It was a great surprise when the high prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth, came to Phoenix's office to request a Defense Attorney for his assistant and noble thief, Kay Faraday. This wasn't the first client Phoenix took that was accused of thievery, let alone a proclaimed thief, but at least Kay wasn't Ron DeLite.

Miles Edgeworth had watched the entire trial from the gallery and sighed in relief. Of course, he knew Kay was innocent, but there was always the possibility that she could be declared GUILTY even though she was innocent. He waited in the Prosecutor's Lobby on the 3rd Floor where the Prosecutors often go to prepare their witnesses. Because of this, this Lobby was much larger than the Defendant Lobbies and commonly had other Prosecutors and Witnesses. There also were only three of them in this courthouse. Since the trial was over, there were only a few people here.

Winston Payne entered inside, then upon seeing the high prosecutor smiled happily. Miles also showed a smile of his own before shaking the man's hand.

"Thank you for taking this case in my stead," Edgeworth said. He was not one to normally refuse a case, but if he did for any reason, other prosecutors voluntarily took the case in his stead. Winston Payne often took a majority of Miles Edgeworth's cases he refused due to Conflict of Interest such as if the defendant was a childhood friend, colleague or family member. The only time he ever prosecuted against someone he knew or was close to was during the Mia Fey case, though he was blackmailed at the time and he never met Maya Fey before that case.

"It's my pleasure doing business, Mr. Edgeworth. As I said, if you ever need my help, don't hesitate to ask."

"Of course! I bid you adieu," Edgworth waved, taking a bow, before the veteran prosecutor returned it with a nod, then left.

Edgeworth would be expecting his assistant to return back tomorrow morning. For now, it was time for him to return back to work. He was certain Detective Gumshoe would be happy to hear Kay received a NOT GUILTY verdict. He would normally have asked Raymond Shields to take the case, but he was currently busy with several other clients. Phoenix was best Edgeworth could get. It was just another addition to the list of things Edgeworth owed him for.

Returning back to the office, Edgeworth began signing paperwork for past cases and investigations he was involved in. A small tea cup sat on the coaster on his desk. Tea always relaxed Edgeworth during the most stressful situations. After watching Kay's trial, he needed tea to release the rest of that unnecessary stress off his shoulders. It wasn't good for his health and he needed to be focusing on work.

Speaking of stress, it seemed that Edgeworth would face more of it as soon as he heard a knock. His eyes perked up. It didn't sound like it came from Detective Gumshoe or the Chief Prosecutor. It sounded too small and fearful.

"Come in!" Edgeworth called as the door slowly opened. He almost sighed aloud when he realized who it was. It couldn't be helped, this kid wasn't entirely liked by the other prosecutors. He was new, smug and in way over his head. Edgeworth had to keep reminding himself that he himself was once like that and had to give this kid the benefit of the doubt. He was still a prosecutor of this district like everyone else no matter his attitude or history. "Is there something you want, Mr. Debeste?"

"Ah! Y-Yes. I was meaning to see you about... something. Just a small favor from yours truly-" Sebastian said, blabbering before Edgeworth cut him off.

"If you want to say something, then say it," Edgeworth said with his icy glare. Sebastian flinched, holding onto his wand tightly before accidentally whipping it across his cheek, leaving a red mark for a single second.

"I need you to take a case for me!" Sebastian blurted out in panic before gaining back his composure. He began waving his wand as if directing a choir. "Just a simple case. A prosecutor like me doesn't need mediocre cases such as the-"

"What kind of case is it?" Edgeworth asked, trying to keep this kid from blabbing. He certainly wasn't skilled in proper speech. Then again, Edgeworth wasn't good with socializing himself. He supposed every person had their quirks.

"J-Just.... a simple case. Um... the defendant was arrested for kidnapping a small poodle he named Nappy. It's original owner is the victim, Sire Studly," Sebastian explained, handing Edgeworth the files to the case.

Edgeworth took the files and looked them over. Apparently, the defendant was a college student at the Tech College in the district. He looked to be no older than Sebastian and the dog was a small black poodle. The victim looked to be like a family man, who worked for an Oil Company. Edgeworth had to admit, he had never taken a kidnapping case before, let alone one of a dog or pet of any kind. Considering the type of cases Sebastian took in, this was no surprise.

"Hm.... the defendant was arrested under the charges of stealing the owner's pet poodle. He was found with the poodle a week after the owner declared and reported the poodle missing. Witnesses state that the poodle came into the defendant's possession on the day the pet was reported missing and has no alibi on that day the owner was at work between 6AM to 12PM, the estimated time of the kidnapping," Edgeworth stated, reading over the case. "Sounds like the defendant has all the evidence against him."

"Y-Yeah.... as I said, simple easy-win case, if I do say so myself," Sebastian replied, returning back to his stuck-up self. Though Edgeworth, being a stuck-up prosecutor himself, wasn't buying any of this. There's a reason why Sebastian isn't taking this case.

"So, why not take it?"

"W-Well, I am looking for something, a bit more than just a simple case. That's all."

"Yet, you have never refused any simple case. It's expected for all prosecutors to receive simple cases."

"...."

"I will take the case. I'll admit I've never taken a kidnapping or in this case dognapping case before, but I am curious as to why you don't want to take this case. What you say won't leave this office."

Sebastian sighed, showing a more vulnerable side. He said, "Bobby, the defendant, used to come over to my house."

"Oh?" Edgeworth asked, raising an eyebrow. Conflict of Interest.

"My nurse had a son, who would always come over and play with me when I was young. Of course, I had a lot of friends, but... I only saw them at school. When I'd come home, Father would always work and I would be alone, unless Bobby came over. He's more like a brother to me, even though I don't have any."

"And, you don't want to take this case, because you don't believe he stole this dog?"

"He wouldn't! He's never stolen anything and he certainly wouldn't steal someone else's dog for the life of me! I know I'm a prosecutor and we prosecutors are supposed to doubt every defendant, but... Bobby is such a goody-tu-shoes, there's no way he'd do something like that. I mean it in a bad way, so you know! Please don't tell anyone. I'm already hated here as it is!" Sebastian pleaded, having gone back and forth from being snobby and insulting his supposed brother to defending him as if this Bobby fella was his own blood. Edgeworth could relate. He felt the same way about Phoenix and Larry, even though both of them drove him up his wall.

"Sebastian Debeste, you may not believe it, but all of us understand you more than you think. We also have family and friends we trust more than ourselves. That's why we depend on each other as prosecutors. If you can't take a case due to Conflict of Interest, all you have to do is ask any one of us and we'll gladly take it. For the record, no one hates you. You're still new and no one knows you. Give it some time and you'll gain some credibility from your colleagues based on your work. We were like you at one time, even me."

"R-Really?" Sebastian asked, his eyes watering.

"Yes. When I was a greenhorn, I was the student of Manfred Von Karma and the son of a former Defense Attorney. How do you think I was treated?"

"..... not very well, I suppose."

"Exactly," Edgeworth replied with his confident smirk. "Your actions will define your character more than your reputation. When mine was at my lowest, I was given a great amount of support from my colleagues. We are a team after all. If one falls, the rest of us fall together. That's how it is."

"Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth. I'll be watching from the gallery. I know if anyone, you will find the truth to this dognapping business."

"Of course. I'll look this over. Also, a word of advise, if you believe in Bobby's innocence, pay him a visit in the Detention Center, perhaps find a good lawyer you can trust to defend him. If you ignore a friend's cry for help, it can do serious damage to your relationship in the long run. It won't go against Conflict of Interest, if you're not taking the case."

Sebastian nodded, "I will. Thank you... again."

Sebastian left as Edgeworth shook his head. He remembered the first time he refused a case. Just like Sebastian, he too was a prideful brat. He wasn't a blabbermouth and was a genius compared to Sebastian, but he still owed his colleague and ally for looking out for him during a time when he was unsure of himself.

********

8 YEARS EARLIER

"Bah, just a pathetic murder case. Apparently, the defendant was caught murdering his girlfriend's ex boyfriend, probably out of jealousy. The Defense Attorney is also a rookie, so I thought it would be right up your ally," Edgeworth said pridefully, arms folded, to Winston Payne at his office.

"Hm..." Payne hummed, looking over the court case. The Defendant was Phoenix Wright, looked to be like some dork in college wearing a pink sweater and red scarf. The witness certainly was a beauty to behold, though. "Didn't you originally take a case related to this witness? In fact, if I remember correctly, I believe it was your first case. It's certainly connected to that previous case. I'm surprised you're not taking this one."

"Um ah yes, I... was wrong and it was an utter disaster. That's why I thought you'd want to take it," Edgeworth stated, hiding his hesitation.

"It's still connected to your first case. If you failed on the first one, it would only make sense for you to finish the job. Are you sure you don't want this case? The witness sure looks like a beauty to behold," Payne asked, smirking teasingly.

"Wh- NO! Of course not and I'm not interested in her either!"

"Kid, I'm no genius, but I can tell when someone is lying, including genius prosecutors like yourself."

"GAH! How dare-"

"Let me finish, before you go calling me out. A lot of us here have gone up against your old man and Mr. Von Karma isn't the most beloved person on the face of the earth, despite what the newspapers may say. Even so, we see potential. I can see there's something you don't want to say, the real reason you don't want to take on this case and my hunch tells me it's a bit more personal than you're willing to admit."

"...."

"I'll make you a deal. Let it all out and we can keep this as our little secret. I'll even take all your cases you refuse, regardless of your reasons."

"Ugh.... hmph..... Phoenix Wright isn't exactly a friend, but... I knew him from my old school. This case is bringing me unnecessary feelings. It's making me doubt his guilt. I can't take this case with full confidence in my abilities as a prosecutor. Most likely I'll lose, because Phoenix Wright... he's a wuss. Look at what he's wearing to college for goodness sakes! I'd hardly call that a murderer! He couldn't get himself out of a wet paper bag for the life of him!"

"I wouldn't doubt it. I'm surprised he's taking a course in law. I'll take this case. I believe these feelings you deem unnecessary are called doubt. We all have that when someone we care about is arrested for charges we know for certain they'd never do. Every single one of us feels it, Mr. Edgeworth. Even I feel it. It's what makes us human. That's why you have us. Don't be ashamed of them just because you're Mr. Von Karma's puppet."

"GAH! I'M NOT-"

"Just teasing. I'd also advise you not to get too wild up or take anything we say about you personally, especially if we call you kid or pretty boy. You are kid to most of us and a gorgeous looking one that's enough to make us envious or attracted to you. Many of us also have reasons to not be in good terms with your mentor. It's nothing personal against you. If you'd like, I can help you get a good start. We'll warm up to you and I'm sure you will too. Believe me, it will save you in the long run."

".... Thank you, Mr. Payne. I won't forget this!"

"I'm sure you will, just like everyone else does," Payne teased once more as Edgeworth began chuckling.

That very day, Edgeworth learned what it means to be part of the prosecutor's office, to know that there were those that always had his back. Even though it started slow, he eventually warmed up to his colleagues like Prosecutor Payne promised. He even remembered some of their names. Lana Skye was the first Edgeworth grew close to after Winston Payne. Eventually, he knew the entire circle.

That was when Edgeworth experienced what it was like to be given support, to know that he would never be abandoned by the prosecutors he worked with.

********

2 YEARS LATER

"Give it to me!"

"I mean no disrespect, but isn't this my case, Chief?" Edgeworth asked his boss.

"Yes, but the defendant is someone you admire the most, is it not?"

"He was. He murdered my father, in case you didn't watch from the gallery."

"I watched and I say don't put this burden on your shoulders, Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth. I will get that man GUILTY and avenge your father's murder. Watch me."

"Y-Yes, Ms. Skye," Edgeworth hesitantly replied, handing the case files over to his boss, Lana Skye. The case files read the Defendant's name to be Manfred Von Karma for the murder of Gregory Edgeworth during the DL-6 Incident.

"Thank you."

********

2 MONTHS LATER

"Mr. Edgeworth, this isn't something I can't handle. I can do it!"

"No, you are about to become the new Chief of Prosecutors and you have a wife and children. I will take Lana's case. Chief Gant doesn't have anything on me. Whatever he has against me is already in the open."

"But-"

"No buts. I'm the High Prosecutor here, I will take the case and I will find the truth."

"Fine. You're a stubborn one, but then again, so was your father in his glory days."

"Thank you."

The to-be Chief Prosecutor in Lana Skye's stead smiled as he watched the High Prosecutor walk to the scene of the crime. He'd never forget what Miles Edgeworth did for him. It was for this reason he decided to write Edgeworth's name as the one to take the Chief Prosecutor's position, after the Chief stepped down or died.

********

2 YEARS LATER

"Guess I waltzed into the wrong neighborhood huh? And, look where it landed me," Godot smirked sarcastically, drinking his cup of Joe.

"No one else likes this anymore than I or Franz," Edgeworth said, looking at Godot from behind the glass inside the Detention Center.

"Is that so?"

"You are a prosecutor and you are one of us. You are equally important to us no matter your history."

"Ha! I went up against half of you guys, including you."

"And, you have nothing but respect from us. If it were Wright, it would be no different."

"Mr. Trite, the prosecutor, now there's a good joke."

"....."

"So, you prosecuting my case?"

"The Chief is taking your case for all of us."

"I see."

"I only came here as a delivery boy," Edgeworth stated, sliding a brown box filled with coffee flavored chocolates.

"Ha, how romantic, didn't bother sending me flowers?"

"Not my idea, so you know."

"I know. You'd go for a gift basket with some flowers or something. Thanks for the free coffee by the way."

"Of course!"

"I also learned something on this little adventure," Godot smirked with mellowness. "You prosecutors aren't as evil as you look. I was welcomed with open arms when I first came in and covered for my newbie status. Even let me investigate how I wanted. It felt nice. I'm gonna miss it."

"We are a team and we only have each other. If one goes down, we all go down together. That's how it is."

"Ha! Interesting. Then, I'll be expecting hospital visits, if I ever pass into a coma again. Never remember getting that from Grossberg."

"Most definitely."

"Thank you for your time. You're a good man, despite your smugness, Pretty Boy."

"Hmph," Edgeworth smirked, wagging his finger beside his head. "This smugness comes with confidence in my skill and experience as a prosecutor."

"I wouldn't doubt it. Keep an eye on Trite for me, would ya?"

"Of course."

"Good. Someone has to. Even though I didn't like him, he's still Mia's child and the step child I never asked for in a way. If it was Mr. Trite and not Maya Fey, I'd have protected him in the same way. I'd forgive myself even less than Mia's death otherwise."

"I don't think any of us would want any less."

"Ha! Just so you know, if I hear behind these bars of anyone hurting Trite or Maya, I will hunt them down and place their head as a mantle over the little window of my cell. I might even make them my cell mate just so I could do it."

"Interesting. We might make an arrangement for that, if the time was to come," Edgeworth smirked as Godot returned a devilish one before the High Prosecutor left.

Godot sighed, "I'm gonna miss those guys."

Luckily, for Godot, his business in prison wasn't done yet. It wouldn't be long before Godot found a new target and thanks to a certain new Chief Prosecutor, he was able to get back into the courtroom as one of the two inmate prosecutors.

********

8 YEARS LATER

"Court is now in session for the trial of Kristoph Gavin for the murder of Vera Misham and forging evidence!" The Judge stated.

"The Defense is ready to represent himself!" Kristoph smirked cooly.

"HA! The prosecution is ready and back from hell to do battle with you, Gavin," Godot smirked devilishly with his cup of coffee in one hand, though wearing handcuffs this time.

"Am I sensing some hostility with you? Last I recall, I don't remember seeing you at any point in time."

"Good, because I don't recall either, but I have heard some interesting things about you from the vine," Godot said cooly, drinking his coffee. "They say coffee is stronger the more bitter it tastes. But, make it too bitter, and it will become undrinkable to swallow."

"Interesting, but I don't know or care about your drivel proverbs relating to coffee. I much rather prefer tea," Gavin replied, chuckling slightly.

 "Too bad, because this bitter coffee is the last thing you'll be tasting before your sentence. Your crimes are like this too-bitter coffee. Unfortunately for you, you have me to deal with. I may not know you, but I know Mr. Trite and you made the mistake of making his life hell. So, I'll be showing you what real hell is like with me as your tour guide. It's getting pretty lonely in my little cell. How does that sound, you handsome devil?" Godot was almost flirting by the way he said his last sentence and it was enough to make the corrupt Defense Attorney swallow whatever came up down his throat.  

A/N: This one was something I decided to write to give another perspective about the prosecutors in Ace Attorney. I always believed that the Prosecutors inside the Prosecutor's Building were like a big giant circle that have deep connections. On one hand, that can lead to corruption, but it can also have greater advantages to prevent Conflict of Interest or prevent corruption in the legal world. I believe Miles Edgeworth, as the Chief Prosecutor, used this circle to protect his district from falling into the Dark Age of Law. It was the reason he fired so many corrupt prosecutors. It was hinted in Rise From the Ashes that Miles Edgeworth prosecuted Lana Skye, so non of the others would have to send their superior to jail. On that note, I believe that Miles Edgeworth continued on as a prosecutor instead of returning back to his father's law offices, because his colleagues saw him as one of them. I think it's the same with Godot. When he woke up, he didn't have anyone looking after him. He entered the prosecution's building and was given the name as the best prosecutor in the country. I don't think he'd be given that name by his colleagues, unless they knew he was Diego Armando.