Summary: When picking up Kay Faraday to drive to an Anime Con, Miles Edgeworth finds someone at Edgeworth Law Offices pleading for the defense of a particularly odd friend. Raymond Shields may not be able to take her defense, but the Chief Prosecutor knows someone that will.
Midquel to Why Phoenix Wright?

Miles Edgeworth wasn't one for vacations normally. One would even say that he was married to his job. Of course, that was utter nonsense. He just simply wasn't one to waste time when it came to his work. He wasn't married or had children, so Edgeworth had the most time out of his day. That wasn't to say he never took vacations or spent time with family and friends when he had the chance. This was one of those days.

Being Chief Prosecutor meant Edgeworth could be flexible with his work schedule. He promised Kay he'd bring her to the Jammin' Ninja Panel at an Anime Con. He had his cosplay inside the trunk of his car, not that he'd ever admit to having one or going to a convention for nerds. Only a few knew he went and Kay was one of them. She also had her cosplay. Last time, she went as the Warrior Princess, the love interest of Jammin' Ninja. Edgeworth wasn't sure who she was going to dress up as this year.

After parking his car, Edgeworth went up to Edgeworth Law Offices and knocked on the door. Kay had started working here as a full-fledged Defense Attorney under Raymond Shields. According to Kay, since she had established her Yatagaratsu Team with Edgeworth and Gumshoe as the Prosecutor and Detective, she decided to fill in for the Defense Attorney role. Edgeworth thought it was utterly ridiculous, but Kay insisted. She enjoyed working there and defending clients. Luckily, Edgeworth never had to Prosecute against Kay's clients, since the Prosecutor that Kay went up against was often Sebastian Debeste. It was rare that Edgeworth would go up against a District Attorney anyways.

The door opened and Kay grinned in her newly updated Yatagaratsu outfit. She wore her usual black skirt and calf boots, but now she wore a bright pink blouse under a leather half-sleeved midriff jacket with fingerless brown gloves. Her ponytail was more professional without that key in her hair, but now she had a long strapped brown purse that crossed around her neck and over her shoulder. Kay's Defense Attorney's badge shined brightly upon the lapel of her jacket.

"You came just in time, Mr. Edgeworth! I just clocked out. It's been slow over here," Kay said.

"I'm surprised Mr. Shields allows you to get off early," Edgeworth stated.

"He's very easy going. Also, as I said, it's been slow here."

"Is that so?" Edgeworth asked, raising an eyebrow as he spotted a very strange looking client dressed in a pirate outfit.

"Oh, she literally just came in. There was no one here for like ever. Mr. Shields said he'd take this one."

"What do ya mean you won't take her!?" The woman yelled.

"Or... not?" Kay said, her eyes widened in surprise. She was certain her boss would take this one. Edgeworth just furrowed his eyebrows.

"H-Hey, settle down there, Sashy-Pie. I just... you know, I'm not good with that sort of thing. I normally take in clients that I can... um..."

"You too!? Man, it's like that with all you lawyers! Orla is just as human as you and I!" The client complained.

"Hey, I thought you said you'd take Sasha. You even insisted," Kay pouted.

"It's not what you think! The client she wants me to defend is a um... a whale," Mr. Shields explained.

"A whale?"

"A killer whale to be precise."

"What is going on?" Edgeworth asked.

"Hmph, I'm trying to find an attorney to save Orla. She's my best friend and a gentle creature. She's been framed for murdering the Captain and they're going to put her down. I've been trying to get an Attorney that'd take her all day, but each and every one of them sea urchins won't take her! Not even this cod!" Sasha complained, pointing to Mr. Shields, who started sweating bullets.

"I'm pretty sure you're looking at the wrong attorney. This man is as good with animals as he is with having sharp outfits. I wouldn't trust my dog with him," Edgeworth smirked smugly.

"Ouch! Cold, but very true, I'm afraid. Your dog still freaks me out. No offense," Mr. Shields said.

"For god sakes! Pess is a purebred pomeranian! She's small enough to fit into Kay's purse! You freaked out over a bloody pooch!"

That was enough to make Sasha laugh so hard, she was bursting into tears. She said, "ah, I get it now. You're afraid of little critters like that. I thought you were just being a cod fish. Turns out you were being a scared little guppy."

"I... probably deserved that. Still, cold," Mr. Shields said.

"Also, have you tried searching for an Animal Attorney? No offense, but searching for a Criminal Defense Attorney to defend the rights of your orca is probably not right type of attorney to search," Edgeworth asked, now being serious.

"They got non of 'em here. The Dark Age of Law really whipped them off the face of the earth. It's a miracle anyone can get a Real Estate Lawyer," Sasha said, placing one hand on her hip. She wasn't lying and that made Edgeworth feel all the more pity for this poor woman. No one can find a good Attorney anymore, thanks to the Dark Age of the Law. All the good ones eventually went bankrupt or went out of business, because no one trusted Attorneys anymore. Criminal Defense Attorneys were the only ones barely staying afloat, due to desperation from the accused.

"Wow, sounds like you got it rough," Kay said.

"You're telling me! If... If I don't find someone or... something... Orla will be put down. No trial or nothin'. The Center for Dangerous Animal Control is demanding us to put her down. I don't know what to do."

"I'm really sorry, Sasha-Pie. Even if I agreed, I don't know how I can bring this to trial. If they believe your whale friend killed your Captain, it won't be treated as a homicide."

"I... I know. But please, even if it's just a little. Is there anything, anyone that can help Orla?"

"Hm..." Edgeworth hummed. He felt his heart rip apart over the poor girl. If it were Pess, he'd certainly feel helpless, especially with the Center for Dangerous Animal Control being involved. Killer Whales would certainly not be off their radar. The Dark Age of Law had certainly made it impossible for anyone to trust any lawyer or gain help. He couldn't leave the poor girl on a boat without a paddle. If only... wait... "You say you need a lawyer that can help save... Orla the Orca? I think I might know someone that can help."

"YOU DO!?!" Sasha cried joyfully.

"You do?" Mr. Shields asked, eyes full of shock.

"Yes. He's a dear friend of mine that saved me long ago by calling an animal as a Witness. I'm certain he can help you," Edgeworth said.

"He called an animal as a Witness? Cross-examine and all? I know this is you we're talking, but that sounds bizarre."

"This bizarre man also happened to be the one that defeated my mentor's 40 year win streak."

"Wait, you're not talking about HIM are you!? Wow, you weren't kidding when you said he was one for the ridiculous."

"Wow, calling an animal on the Witness Stand!? Now, that's my kind of guy! Okay, I'll bite. Where can I find him?" Sasha asked happily.

"Here, I'll give you his business card. He's just returned back from passing the Bar Exam. I've been meaning him to take on a case with an employee I just brought into the Prosecution's Office. If there's any proof that your friend is innocent, he'll find it," Edgeworth promised, handing Sasha a business card with the title Wright Anything Agency. It was decorated with magic props, hats and rabbits with a 'We also include Law' written on the bottom right-hand corner in small print.

"Thanks a bunch! What's yer name?"

"Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth. I'll be watching from the gallery. Also, when you see Wright, be sure to... surprise him."

"Haha, I will! Thanks again!"

Sasha left excitedly, making her way to the Wright Anything Agency. Mr. Shields blinked, then turned to Edgeworth, asking, "you say he cross-examined an animal on stand when he went up against Von Karma?"

"That's right. A parrot to be precise. I owe it to that man. He was able to find the culprit through that parrot. It's not much to go by, but I didn't want the poor girl to be left with nothing. Wright has pulled through tougher cases than this. If that whale is innocent, he'll find it."

"Still, a killer whale is far different from a parrot. At least a parrot can talk somewhat. Are you sure he can do this?" Mr. Shields asked.

"He's been involved in more ridiculous cases than this. Taking an orca as his client should be a cakewalk. I dare say he may turn this case over its head."

"Hehe if you say so, though I'm curious to see how he'll defend this particular client. Mind if I join in the gallery?"

"I wanna join too! I wanna see Orla win this case!" Kay grinned.

"Hmph, good grief. Fine. I suppose we can all watch together. I need to evaluate my subordinate's performance anyways," Edgeworth replied. "But, you are not to bother me when I'm working. I have to keep an eye on my subordinates and this case may involve one that isn't the most orthodox."

"Ah, that inmate prosecutor. Gotcha! Anyways, I got my cosplay ready. Ready to head out?"

"Yes. Same rules still apply."

"I know. I know. No food or drinks in the car and no complaining about your Edgelord music."

"It's not Edgelord music! It's called Techno."

"Victorian Edgelord Music."

"Kay!"

You kiddos have fun. Bring me some souvenirs," Mr. Shields grinned, clapping his hands.

"Will do," Edgeworth replied before him and Kay left to his red sports car.

The next day, Edgeworth, Kay and Mr. Shields watched the court proceedings from the gallery. Mr. Shields had heard a lot about this guy Phoenix Wright, but never watched him battle in court. He had been studying abroad for six years during Phoenix Wright's glory days. He saw how livid Edgeworth acted when News spread about this man presenting forged evidence. Mr. Shields had offered to defend Phoenix Wright, but was turned down pretty quick. The Bar Association was very relentless in stripping that man of his badge.

Seeing Edgeworth's rival battle in court was bizarre. He could see why Edgeworth thought so highly of him. This man knew his stuff and, despite who his client was, he held strong confidence when defending her. Prosecutor Blackquill was an interesting one himself. He used psychology when conducting trials, something that Mr. Shields found very unique. He certainly knew how to manipulate the judge well. Though, the way he used his fingers like a samurai sword was frightening. According to Edgeworth, blades were not allowed in court – except as evidence, so Blackquill trained his fingers to work in a similar fashion. Though, his fingers were only able to cut a piece of hair off and no more.

Another thing about Prosecutor Blackquill is that, because he was an inmate, he was not getting paid to work as a Prosecutor. This was treated as Community Service. As a result, Edgeworth couldn't cut his salary or use that as a threat like he could with all his other subordinates. Instead, he'd report Blackquill's progress and conduct to the Warden, who would either reward him or add in extra labor. Apparently, Blackquill hated the labor that came with being in prison, since he had to work with inmates he didn't get along with very well.

Fortunately, Orla was proven innocent, but now Sasha was the one accused of murder. It seemed that this case had taken a turn for the worst. Orla was free, but now her trainer will have to stand in trial for her captain's murder. Mr. Shields felt bad for the poor girl. She had worked so hard, searched everywhere to prove her whale innocent, only for the accusations to flip back on her. After the trial, he decided to pay the girl a visit.

"I can't believe that Prosecutor would accuse Sasha of murder! That... ugh! I'd like to give him a taste of my boot!" Kay glared.

"Don't Kay. Wright already took her case. Taking another Attorney's client is not ethical," Edgeworth stated.

"I know, but I feel so bad for her. She searched every lawyer out there for Orla and finally found someone that would take her case, only for it to backfire on her."

"I feel bad for poor Sashy-Pie. A part of me wishes Uncle Ray could've helped," Mr. Shields said sadly.

"Even so, I'm glad Wright took this case. It fits perfectly for him to take on bizarre cases like these. I'm just surprised he hadn't cross-examined the Orca yet. I think Mr. Blackquill was quite disappointed about that. He says he'd like to be the Prosecutor for something that comical or so he says," Edgeworth said.

"You may proceed to visit with the accused!" The guard announced as the three entered inside.

Glancing at the poor girl, it seemed all of that spirit she had when paying a visit to Edgeworth Law Offices had drained. She didn't even bother looking up.

"Hey," Sasha greeted sorrowfully.

"That was dirty what that Blackquill guy did! You didn't murder anyone!" Kay stated.

"Thanks, guys. Everything's been pretty bleak. I haven't heard from Mr. Wright or Ms. Cykes," Sasha said.

"Cykes? Oh, that assistant girl. She looked kinda cute," Mr. Shields grinned. "Cheer up. I'm sure they're just looking over the crime scene. That's what I'd be doing right now, if I were them."

"Hm... that's not what I've been hearing."

"Huh?" Kay asked.

"Defense Attorneys get paid, don't they? That's what Prosecutor Blackquill said. I didn't even think about money when I asked for someone to defend Orlar. Not that I wouldn't be willing, but... I kinda placed it on the back burner and now I'm being accused. I don't think I'm gonna have enough to pay Mr. Wright for both Orla's and my defense," Sasha said, pushing her prop sword in and out.

"Well... that is true. Have you worked out a pay?"

"Sure have! I was willing to agree to $50 an hour. This didn't include investigation. Mr. Wright was willing to lower the price, since my health insurance has increased as of late and the recession. I spent an hour and a half for testimony, ten minutes for prep time and... I guess with the trial, not counting the intermission, that would be two extra hours ta boot. That's at least $175. I hear it's more expensive with other Attorneys. Prosecutor Blackquill even told me yours that you often do on average. Mr. Wright is certainly being generous."

"Income based. I'm actually surprised. Usually, lawyers with his kind of talent usually demand at least $500 to the thousands."

"Wright Anything Agency includes a Talent branch that includes Magic Shows and what not. Wright is allowed to get away with lower pay for his clients. He used to have his clients pay $100 to $200 an hour when it was Wright and Co, but has changed it since the Dark Age of Law," Edgeworth explained.

"... I don't have an extra $500 or $100. Most of it was for my meds... I'm gonna have to go for a State Appointed Attorney," Sasha admitted.

"Don't say that! I'll be you-" Kay said before being cut off.

"Now, hold on one moment!" Edgeworth said with a determined look. "What makes you think Wright is going to leave you in the dust just because you don't have the money? You already paid for Orla. I'm sure he'll understand."

"But... he has a daughter and I can't be so selfish as to demand his defense just because I shot myself in the foot. He already has helped defend Orla. That's all I asked of him. I should be satisfied with that."

"Is that what Prosecutor Blackquill told you?"

"Y-Yes. How'd you know?"

"It seems that man has not learned anything from seven years ago or even last year."

"Huh?"

"Wright NEVER abandons his clients. Believe it or not, his daughter happens to be the daughter of his former client, who was murdered tragically last year. This same client was the reason he lost his badge for seven long years with everyone believing he forged evidence. This client did absolutely nothing to help him, yet Wright never left his client's daughter hanging and protected her with his life. Do you know how much he was paid by that client to defend him, strip of him of his badge and care for his daughter?"

"..."

"Nothing. Not a single dime. In fact, in terms of which defendant paid him the highest sum of money, that goes to me. It was $20,000, but what only a few know is why I specifically paid that amount for. It wasn't for my defense in of itself or even the hours he spent with me," Edgeworth explained, showing a bit of smugness in his voice.

"It wasn't?" Mr. Shields asked, looking surprised.

"It was for his assistant, Maya Fey's, bail money. That was my pay. I wanted to pay him more, but he stubbornly insisted that the bail was more than he usually gets from any of his clients. Since he wouldn't take any cent out of my pocket, I decided I would pay him other ways. It's for that reason why I had helped him reclaim his attorney's badge. Even to this day, that $20,000 dollars is not enough for his defense. He defended me for three days on two separate trials, would check up on me from time to time and sometimes had sessions with me. If I had to guess the amount of money I owe him, it would be no more than $200,000."

"Wow, he's sure is dedicated. Your father did the same thing with his clients, believe it or not," Mr. Shields grinned.

"Actually, I'm not surprised," Edgeworth said, smiling softly. "Blackquill is clever with his psychology and reading the psyche of others. I respect him for his work. But, he does not know Wright and has a history of underestimating that man. Eight years ago, Blackquill jumped on the bandwagon of Prosecutors that believed Wright had forged evidence and deserved his badge to be taken away. After he was arrested for murder, he still believed Wright to be nothing more than a crook. It wasn't until he started talking with some of the inmates that he began casting doubts on Wright's Guilt. What makes you think that Prosecutor knows how Wright operates when he can't even predict the sharpness of his blade?"

"... you... think he'll come back?" Sasha asked sadly.

"He will come back. He always does. He's believed in you and Orla when no one else could. Believe in Wright."

Sasha looked up, showing a bit more spirit in her smile. She grinned, "yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chief Prosecutor. Yeah, I'll wait for Mr. Wright to show up."

"Good. I'm sure Orla will be happy to see you, once you get out of this mess."

"Haha! Darn right! Thanks you guys. Um... I really owe you. Orla wouldn't be here, if not for you."

"I only seek the truth and to end the Dark Age of Law. It will not end, unless even the lowliest of creatures are protected. If people see the conclusion of this trial with Phoenix Wright defending an Orca and its trainer, their trust in lawyers will return. I hope the same goes for Prosecutors. Had Prosecutor Blackquill not taken this case, your whale friend certainly would've been put down without a trial."

"Yeah... I guess you're right. Even Prosecutors have to get a little dirty to save people. I guess Prosecutor Blackquill ain't so bad. Just a little rough around the edges."

"Hehe he does seem more of an Edgelord than Mr. Edgeworth," Kay teased.

"How am I an Edgelord!?" Edgeworth snapped.

"Hehe don't take it personally. Even your old man was a bit of an Edgelord himself. He just never showed it around you, because you were still a child," Mr. Shields grinned.

"I didn't need to know THAT!"

"Haha you guys are funny. I'll definitely be seeing you again, after I get out of this place. Thanks again," Sasha thanked.

"Of course," Edgeworth replied.

Mr. Shields, Kay and Edgeworth would watch Shasha's upcoming trial and proceedings. Of course, Edgeworth had to keep an eye on Blackquill, while he investigated the Aquarium under Fulbright's supervision. Though, what shocked both Mr. Shields and Kay the most was how Phoenix ended the trial by using evidence to prove that Rimes actually tried to save the Captain. The killing was accidental. He'd still be charged for attempting to kill an animal, but any charges for the Captain's death was dropped.

"I can see now why you admire this man's work," Mr. Shields said seriously as he and Kay walked down the halls with Edgeworth.

"Hm?" Edgeworth asked.

"He has your father's heart. Your father could never end a trial with full confidence until the whole truth was out."

"..."

"Until now, I didn't think I'd find anyone like your father. I guess that kind of conviction can be found in the most unlikely of people."

"He knew my father, you know."

"Hm?"

"Wright is also an old friend of mine from school. He enjoyed hearing about my father's cases. It's possible a bit of my father somehow rubbed off on him."

"Hahaha well, looks like you managed to surprise Uncle Ray once again."

"I want to see Sasha again. She must be happy for her and Orla to be declared Not Guilty," Kay grinned.

"Actually, I was lookin' for ya buckaroos!" Sasha grinned, running up to the trio. "I want to thank ya for what you said yesterday."

"So, Mr. Wright was willing to defend you without pay?" Kay asked.

"Actually, it turns out that Rimes was willing to pay for my Defense. Though, after the proceedings today, Mr. Wright told him to keep the paycheck, since he will need it to pay for his own lawyer and doesn't want to break Conflict of Interest. I recommended you guys to him. I was able to square in a deal to pay for my full Defense $50 monthly, starting next month. I didn't feel right in leaving him without pay, especially after hearing about his situation with that codfish of a client that ditched him and left him without a badge."

"Wow, what a nice guy!" Kay grinned.

"Looks like I'll be getting to work then. It looks like this guy is going to need all the help he can get," Mr. Shields said, clapping his heads.

"You'll also be facing Mr. Blackquill. He'll have more expectations on you than Wright, seeing that you run the law offices of the father of his boss," Edgeworth pointed out.

"Hey there, you're making Uncle Ray sweat here."

"No worries, the great thief Yatagaratsu will be happy to assist," Kay grinned excitedly, pumping her fist up.

"I'll be watching. I'm sure Prosecutor Blackquill will take pleasure in facing off against the both of you. Hopefully, I won't have to use the shock collar again," Edgeworth said.

"Shock collar?"

"I suggest you don't ask."

"Hahaha just make sure you make the trial swifty. I want to see Rimes return back as soon as possible," Sasha said.

"No worries, Shasy-Pie. Ray's got him covered," Raymond promised.

"Anyways, I best be going. Need to check on the two girls," Shasha grinned.

"Hmph, so the twin whale was never put down or set free. I suspected as much," Edgeworth smirked, wagging his finger by his temple.

"You're a sharp one, I'll give ya that. Though, don't tell Mr. Wright. I want to surprise him."

"Agreed."

"I can't wait," Kay grinned as the trio waved goodbye to their new friend.

It would take until the start of the show before Phoenix would find out that he was recommended by Edgeworth. Luckily, Blackquill didn't need to be told. He had already suspected the moment Raymond Shields defended Rimes as his attorney. Of course, he would never mention or admit to it. 

A/N: I thought it would be interesting if Phoenix was recommended by Miles Edgeworth during Turnabout Reclaimed, since Sasha was told to go to Phoenix Wright and that he was known for cross-examining an animal. Since Phoenix was disbarred for eight years, I figured, aside from his colleagues, he'd only be recommended by someone who knew he had his badge returned at the day he got it back and would've known about cross-examining an animal. Since Edgeworth helped Phoenix get back his badge and was the Defendant when the parrot was cross-examined, I figured it would be him. Also, Sasha did say that she tried going to other Defense Attorneys to help her, so I suspected Edgeworth Law Offices was one of those. I'd like the idea that maybe Raymond might've met some of Phoenix's other clients and perhaps Phoenix in action. This is my first time of introducing my Kay Faraday Defense Attorney headcanon. I might do more of this.