With a smile on his face, Klavier casually pulled out his phone, making a quick call. All around him, police tape was being placed and the crime scene was being investigated. There had been a murder outside of a cafe. A man had died mere hours ago after enjoying coffee and a cake. There were several suspects being questioned by the detective in charge, but regarding the crime scene itself, the prosecutor trusted only the best.

“I hope you're on your way, Fräulein. This crime won't solve itself.”

“Traffic is terrible today,” the feminine voice replied, her tone serious. “I'll be there shortly. You can hold down the fort until then. I'm sure I don't need to remind you, but have the basic information on those involved along with any obvious evidence ready.”

“Already on it.”

After he hung up, Klavier oversaw the investigation, making sure suspects and witnesses alike were thoroughly questioned and the scene remained untouched. One suspect in particular was arrested based on the evidence and information they had thus far - the waitress.

Finally, a rose pink car pulled up to the cafe. Klavier waved a hand with that friendly, handsome smile of his that girls fawned over. A young woman climbed out of the car. She was dressed in a white button up blouse with short, frilly sleeves. A small pink tie around her neck and black leather gloves gave her a professional look. She wore a pair of black, high-waisted shorts. Black ankle boots with small heels and pink tights covered her legs and feet. The most striking thing about her apparel though was the helmet on her head. It was similar to a motorcyclist’s helmet, but it was designed to look like a fox with pointed ears. It was white with a dark pink visor that allowed the wearer to see, but concealed their eyes from everyone else. The inside of the ears and the small markings above and under the visor glowed softly in a pink color. There was a set of four buttons on the right side of the helmet, just under the fox ear, the size and shape of fingerprints. There was also a small but noticeable lens on the forehead of the helmet, like that of a camera.

“Do you have everything filed?” the woman asked in a calm, collected voice, approaching the prosecutor.

“Business as usual, eh, Fräulein?” Klavier handed her a file. “It's all there.”

Upon opening the file, she clicked the furthest of the four buttons with her index finger. “All right. Thank you. Everyone involved in the case has been logged in my database.” She handed the file back to him and turned toward the detective in charge. “I'll take over the investigation from here. If you find any other location or people connected to the case, let me know.”

“Yes, Miss Inari.”

The police moved out, some staying to guard the perimeter while others, like the detective, left. Klavier remained behind, eager to be the first to get his hands on decisive evidence.

“So, what's the story here?” Inari asked, clicking that button again, while looking over the scene. “What happened? The victim simply keeled over while dining?”

“Ja. There weren't any signs of injury on his body. We suspect poisoning.”

“My thoughts exactly.” She went over to the table where the body was. A half-eaten slice of cake and an empty cup were still present. “My scan is detecting something. I'll analyze it further.” She carefully picked up the cup, pressing the button again. “Fingerprints belonging to the victim. Nothing unusual there. But also…” She hummed. “Traces of cyanide.”

Klavier nodded. “As suspected. Could you check for traces of cyanide in this as well?” He took a bag from his pocket that held a small but empty vial. “It was confiscated from the waitress.”

Inari took it from the bag to scan it as well. “There are, in fact, traces of cyanide in here.” She sealed it up again and handed it back to him.

“And could you do a background search on the victim and the waitress? This case is fairly cut and dry, but knowing the motive would greatly help.”

“Hang on.” The woman pressed another button, the first one with her pinky. From the lens on her forehead, what looked like a holographic keyboard and monitor were displayed in front of her. She typed in the names of the victim and suspect, scrolling through the information that came up. Klavier had seen it all before, but even still, he moved to lean over her shoulder for a clear view of what the pages read. “It seems up until five months ago, the waitress was married to the victim. Seems a messy divorce left her bitter and hungry for revenge. At least, that's the likely conclusion given the evidence.”

“Excellent work, Fräulein. That should be all I need to make my case.” The holographic display shut off at the press of a button. With his hands on his hips, Klavier gave that handsome smile of his once she turned to face him. “You're one in a million, baby. Now if only you'd let me see your face. I'm sure you're as pretty as you are smart.”

Inari took a step back, her hands up defensively. “Not a chance. You'll have to use your imagination. And please don't call me ‘baby’.”

Klavier chuckled. “As aloof as ever. Always quick to shut me down. Come on, at least let me treat you to dinner.”

“No thanks. I'm flattered, but I'm not interested in a glamorous rock star that's constantly hounded by adoring women. That just sounds like a headache. You'll have no problem finding someone else.” The glowing accents on Inari’s helmet started flashing and the Steel Samurai tune played from it. She held a hand up to Klavier. “Hold on. I've got a call.” She stepped away, the caller ID that popped up in her visor surprising her. She pressed the second button to answer the call. “Need something, sir? Yes… No, I just finished up. Prosecutor Gavin has everything… Very well, I'll be there.” She pressed the same button to end the call, then turned back toward the man. “Sorry, but I must get going. Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth wishes to see me.”

“More work for our best CSI? I'm not surprised.” Klavier laughed. “Go on then, Fräulein. I'll give you a call if I happen to need anything else.”

Inari nodded. “Good luck in court, Prosecutor Gavin.”

She walked to her car and got inside. Since the windows were tinted, Inari removed her helmet with a sigh. Her blonde hair was held up in a bun to keep from getting in the way. Her blue eyes looked weary, and she reached into her glove compartment to retrieve her silver glasses, then started up the car.

“Detecting fatigue,” Vada's chipper voice said. “Are you all right, Minerva?”

“I'm fine. Just…keeping up this facade is tiring.” She took a moment to touch her fingers to the fox pendant hidden from view under her shirt. “Take me to the Prosecutor’s Building.”

“As you wish.”

A lot has happened since the events of seven years ago. “The UR-1 Incident” they named it. Minerva had suffered through a lot to get where she was now. Paralyzed, she'd gotten to work straight away on a remedy to her situation, and with Aura's help, she'd regained her mobility. On top of that, she began a new course of study in law and forensics. Ultimately, with her specially made helmet and her alias, she began working as a crime scene investigator. And the prosecutors adored her and her excellent work. However, her true identity was known only to a select few, namely Aura and a few higher ups. That's the way she wanted it to stay, for she didn't want her true goal to be discovered - to find and capture whoever it was that ruined her life, and the lives of those around her.

Vada parked in the underground parking lot. Minerva put away her glasses and put her helmet back on, then got out. She went inside and took the elevator up to the top floor, seeking out the chief prosecutors office. When she approached the door, she politely knocked.

“Come in,” the suave voice inside called.

Inari opened the door and stepped in, clicking the door shut behind her. “You wish to speak with me, Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth?”

Miles Edgeworth, the refined and elegant man, had only been chief prosecutor for a few months. He'd been diligent in cleaning out the corrupted prosecutors and setting things straight. It was a lot of work, and it could take more years to come. But good progress was being made under his authority. Bottom line - he was a great man that many looked up to, although Minerva had only met him a few times in person.

Upon looking up from the papers on his desk, Miles gave a polite smile. “I do indeed. There's something I'd like to discuss with you, Miss Inari…or should I say Miss Cyber.”

Minerva jolted in alarm. “Wh-What? How did you…?!”

“I did some digging, you could say.” Slowly, Minerva slid off her helmet. Miles remained composed, his eyes locking with hers. “So I was correct. Minerva Cyber, the sole survivor of the UR-1 Incident.”

Minerva's lips turned down in a slight frown. “Why did you summon me? Planning to expose my little secret?”

Miles chuckled. “No. I merely needed to know if you were who I thought you were. Though I must admit, I'm curious to know how you're walking. Your file said you'd sustained a spinal injury that left you paralyzed.”

Untucking her blouse, the woman turned and lifted her shirt enough to show him. Down her back was what appeared to be a spinal cord made of metal embedded in her flesh. Around the edges of it there was obvious scarring on the skin. An audible gasp escaped the man.

“Since my spine was damaged, I made a new one,” she explained. “My former mentor, Aura Blackquill, and I designed it, and I had it surgically attached to my real spine. It acts in the same way by sending the necessary nerve signals between the brain and the rest of the body.”

“What a magnificent creation!” Miles blurted out, astonished. “Your reputation as a robotics engineer precedes you!” The blonde fixed her blouse and faced him again. “But that begs the question, what made you become a CSI?” She pursed her lips together, causing him to cock his head slightly. “Perhaps it has something to do with UR-1?”

“With all due respect, Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth, I don't appreciate people sticking their noses in my business.”

“Forgive me, but I only ask because I have a special assignment for you. But to take it, I need your complete honesty on this matter. This discussion will remain private, I assure you.”

The look in his eyes was sincere, easing Minerva's instinct to remain tight lipped. “The reason I studied and became a CSI…” Her fist clenched. “...was so I could track down the one who did this to me.”

Miles hummed at her response, wondering if she already knew the truth of the matter. “You do realize the man found guilty of UR-1 was incarcerated, don't you? Simon Blackquill confessed to the murder of Metis Cykes, and to your attempted murder.”

“It wasn't him,” she argued with complete confidence. “Simon would never hurt us. I don't know why he would cover it up, but he's lying.”

“Then who attacked you?”

“I…don't know.” Minerva hung her head. “Truth is, after the incident, my memory was a blur. I couldn't describe my attacker if I wanted to. All I know is that it wasn't Simon.”

“Can you say that you fully believe in his innocence?”

She nodded without a moment's hesitation. “Yes. I believe in him completely.”

A smile crossed Miles’s face. “Good. Then allow me to explain.” He stood from his desk. “I too believe in Simon Blackquill’s innocence. There are things about his crime that don't sit right with me, including his lack of motive. I believe the true killer is still out there. As such, I'm working to get his law license back in hopes that his return as a prosecutor will draw out this mysterious murderer.”

Minerva’s jaw dropped. “You're…serious? He's going to prosecute again?”

The man nodded, moving slowly around the desk. “Yes. I've already got a detective assigned to both aid and keep a watchful eye on him. But I would like to assign you to aid in his work as well, given your reputation among police and prosecutors alike. Your superior skills could prove useful in tracking down this individual. Knowing that you desire to find your assailant as well, and that you're already familiar with Blackquill, is all the more reason you'd be perfect for the job.”

“I'll do it,” Minerva swiftly answered, watching Miles stop before her. “But on one condition - my identity stays a secret.”

“You don't want to let him know you're doing well after all these years?”

“Only when the time is right.” She looked down at her helmet held under her arm. “I'd only be a distraction. We have to focus on doing our parts to lure in that murderer.” There was a longing look in her eyes. “No, for now, I am Inari. As much as I'd like to be open with him, I can't be.”

Miles chuckled with amusement, causing her to look up at him with confusion. “Ah, so that's it. You care deeply for him, don't you?”

“So what if I do?” Minerva replied, her cheeks reddening. “The point is, he doesn't need plain old me getting in his way. He needs the best CSI I can be.”

“Well, Blackquill’s a brilliant man. Best of luck keeping the truth from him. Anyway, the paperwork on getting his license back should be through in the next few days. I'll let you know when you're able to meet with him. And if you should glean any new information relating to UR-1 or the killer behind it, let me know.”

“Yes, sir.” Minerva put her helmet back on and turned to leave. She paused at the door. “And thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

“I'm confident you won't disappoint,” Miles added.

Minerva left his office, tears welling up and sliding down her face. She paused outside in the hall, her whole body beginning to shake from the wave of emotions washing over her. “This is it…” she mumbled. “This is the chance I've been preparing for.”

After seven long years, she'd finally get to see Simon again. Even though it was strictly business, she couldn't stop the butterflies in her stomach. She so badly wanted to see him, to speak with him, to hug him. She hoped he was doing well, or at least as well as he could be in prison. Keeping her identity a secret could prove difficult, but she had to do her best. Although keeping her feelings in check - that might actually be the hardest part. Either way, she had to bury all of it, for she needed to be professional and rational. Distracting feelings and memories won't uncover the truth.

“This is it, Simon. I can finally save you.”