The blocky figure that was Metis collapsed, and the stranger's silhouette retracted the katana. Minerva ran for the door, covered in blood, but the attacker caught up and stabbed her in the back. Minerva calmed her shaky breaths, watching the events unfold in the simulation her data provided. The holographic display in front of her was showing a very basic version of the UR-1 Incident based on the evidence and known details of the case. Little blocky figures represented people within the miniature version of the robotics lab. The simulation could be altered based on new information, to which Minerva had none currently, so it only showed what had been inputted.

“Now, the next part is where things become unclear,” she mumbled to herself. “Based purely on speculation and the evidence that followed…”

The unknown culprit in the simulation dropped everything and fled the room. Minerva tapped the image and typed in some names, adding two people to the scenario. The next part showed Athena come in, followed by Simon. Simon picked up the katana in confusion before moving the body onto the repair table. He then smuggled Athena out. The video came to an end, freezing on the image of Simon escaping with Athena. Minerva stared hard at the block figure colored to be Simon.

“Despite the evidence and known information, his actions just…don't add up. I know it wasn't him, so why did he touch the katana and move the body? And why confess? Was it all just to…cover for Athena? Was Aura not the only one who thought she did it?” Switching off the hologram, she removed her helmet with a frustrated groan. “Ugh, why is there so little knowledge on this case?!”

She fell back across her bed to stare up at the ceiling. Her room had been designed and decorated to be more to her tastes once she'd claimed the Cykes residence as her own. The walls were white with pink sakura blossom patterns, and the hardwood floor was gray. All the furniture had some type of ornate, Japanese design to it. Even the bed posts had little wooden foxes atop them, and the headboard was fashioned like a Torii Gate. Of course, there was fittingly room for a large, plain work desk, and tons of trinkets and mechanical parts littered the floor.

A screech sounded, and Minerva sat up to see Taka perched on the half-opened window. He had some things clutched in one of his talons. “What's that you've got there, Taka?”

The hawk flew over to her, dropping the items beside her before perching on the nearest bed post to preen. There was an envelope and a flower. Minerva gasped and stared at the blossom. It was a Nine-Tails flower. They grew exclusively in Nine-Tails Vale, the location of the case from a week ago.

“No… He couldn't have.”

The blonde was quick to tear open the envelope, finding a letter inside. Simon's signature was on it, confirming her hunch. A giddy little grin appeared on her face, and she hugged the paper to her chest. She didn't even care if the contents were purely platonic or formal, just the fact that he finally wrote her back made her happy. After the incident seven years ago, Minerva had sent Simon quite a few letters letting him know she was recovering and that she believed in him…and that she missed him a lot. But he'd never responded to them. Eventually, she'd stopped sending them, thinking that perhaps he didn't care as much about her as she did him. But at last, he sent her one in return. Minerva was swift in reading the letter.

Dear Minerva

I hope you're faring well. I want to apologize for never sending any responses to your letters. I merely thought it best to break off contact given the circumstances. You shouldn't trust me, or take pity on me. I've chosen my path. Since you've likely been moving forward these past seven years, I wish you all the best in life. I'm certain we won't get the chance to meet again, so I thought I'd send you this letter as a final farewell. I'm pleased to have met you.

P.S. The flower is a souvenir from Nine-Tails Vale. I had a recent case take place there. (Yes, they've got me prosecuting from behind bars. Ridiculous, I know.)

Yours truly
Simon

Minerva’s smile turned down to show the sorrow that swiftly replaced her joy. “Simon, you stubborn man…” She was a little frustrated by his lack of explanation. He truly wanted to keep her at bay, it seemed. “Good boy, Taka.”

She reached over to stroke the bird’s chest, then got up, taking the flower over to her computer desk. She had a cute cup there that held some pens. It had little koi pictures on it. Removing the pens, she placed the flower in the cup instead. Just seeing it there made her smile. Simon might've wanted to push her away, but the fact was that he still went to the effort to send her a letter and a flower. That had to mean something.

The sudden ringing of her helmet made her jump. “Now what?” She went back over to put her helmet on, seeing the caller ID in her visor. “Wonder what he wants?” She clicked the button to answer it. “Need something, Detective Fulbright?”

“Miss Inari, I do hope I'm not bothering you. I have a favor to ask of you if you're not busy at the moment. It's of utmost importance!”

Minerva winced at the loudness of his voice in her ears. “Please lower your voice, Detective. I'm free right now so what is it you need?”

“Perfect! I'd like you to meet me at the prison. I'll explain what I need you to do there.”

“All right. See you there.” With a raised brow, she ended the call. “That detective…he sure is a strange one. I'm almost positive this has to do with Simon.” Minerva looked over at Taka, holding an arm out to him. “Come on. I need you to go home now, Taka.”

The hawk hopped onto her arm, letting her take him to the window where he flew away. With a little smirk on her lips, Minerva got her things and took her leave. Simon thinks he can just break off contact, huh? she thought. Jokes on him, I'm not going anywhere. And perhaps this will give me the chance to get some answers out of him.

~~~~~

Simon sighed quietly to himself, reading the letter for possibly the hundredth time. It was the last letter he'd received from Minerva all those years ago. It helped that the cafeteria was rather quiet that day, giving him peace to read and reminisce.

The injury has finally healed up, and my doctor recommended therapy for the physical and mental trauma. I don't know if it'll help though. I really don't want constant reminders that I lost my aunt and became paraplegic. This must be hard on you too. I can only assume it's why you haven't written me back. Please know that I believe in you. You'd never do something like this.

Your friend
Minerva

Simon stared hard at the last part of the letter, feeling guilty for never responding or getting the chance to tell her the truth. Maybe it was a mistake to have written to her after all that time. The last thing he wanted was to give her false hope and drag her back into this mess. He did wish he could see her though, just once, to see how she was doing and how beautifully she'd matured.

“Simon Blackquill.” He lifted his head to the approaching guard. “You've got a visitor joining you for lunch.”

Simon was silent, looking past him to the door at the far end of the cafeteria. He was dreading the familiar white suit of Fulbright that would likely pop through that door. To his pleasant surprise, it wasn't the detective, but Inari that entered. She had a drink in her hand, and seemed to look around before heading over. The guard took his leave as soon as Inari shooed him away. She took the seat across from Simon, setting her bubble tea on the table.

“Afternoon, Prosecutor Blackquill. Apologies for disturbing your reading.”

Simon was quick to fold up the letter and tuck it away. “Hmph. Difficult to eat with that helmet, I should think.”

“Oh, I already had lunch. I'm just here to enjoy my drink in good company.” The man watched her slide the straw underneath her helmet to take a few sips. “Nothing like a good bubble tea to put a spring in your step.”

“Do you ever take that accursed thing off?”

Inari chuckled. “Curious about my identity?”

Simon turned his head away defiantly. “No, but I despise relying on a faceless fox. How on earth do you get away with it everywhere you go?”

“Well, I am the most reliable CSI they've got. If anyone wants my expertise, then they have to let me do my job, my way. Besides, my identity is on a need-to-know basis, as in, you don't need to know.”

A little smirk tugged at Simon's lips. “Surely there's someone who does know.”

“A few higher ups, sure.” She paused when she noticed his growing smirk. “Don't even think of trying to weasel information out of me or anyone else about the subject. I know of your little mind games.”

He slammed his palm on the table and laughed. “Seems I won't be playing Simon Says with you, Vixen. You clever fox.” After a few moments, his amusement faded and he straightened up. “What exactly brings you here to such a dismal place? Planning to join me in the clink?”

Inari leaned forward with her elbows on the table. “Would you like the honest truth, or would you prefer I sugarcoat it?” She took a few more sips.

It aggravated Simon to an extent that instead of reading her face, he could only stare at his reflection in her visor. “You should already know my answer.”

“The honest truth it is.” The woman pointed a thumb behind her, back to the door to the cafeteria. “Fulbright asked me to come here. Said socialization should be a part of your rehabilitation. You're not one for idle chatter, and Fulbright believes you wouldn't willingly speak with him.”

“He's correct. So why send you?”

Inari shrugged her shoulders. “I'm well-liked by the prosecutor’s office. And Fulbright saw us speaking often during the last case. Maybe he thought I was the friend you needed.” She stiffened when she saw the corners of his lips turn down. “I-I can leave if you'd prefer though. I hate to be a bother when this wasn't my idea in the first place.”

She started to get up until Simon raised a hand to halt her. “It's all right. You can stay if you like. I'd prefer your company to Fool Bright’s.”

Inari was smiling under her helmet, settling back into her seat. “Coming from you, that sounds like a compliment. Very well. Let's keep ‘Fool Bright' at bay.” She stifled a small laugh. “I'm definitely using that one, by the way. Brilliant nickname for that loudmouth.”

Simon chuckled. “Thank you. Now, since you'll be here a while, I suppose I'll grab lunch after all. I'll be but a moment.”

He got up and went to get a tray, leaving Inari with her thoughts. She hadn't expected their meeting to feel like a little lunch date to her. It wasn't, of course, but it definitely reminded her of their date before UR-1. She still remembered it well - how sweet and gentle he was, how enjoyable time with him was, and how thoughtful his gift to her was. Instinctively, her hand rested over the pendant under her shirt. A pleased sigh left her lips, and she was so very thankful her helmet hid the growing warmth of her face. She was broken from her thoughts when Simon returned with a tray of food consisting of salad and sandwiches.

“Looks better than I expected for prison food,” Inari said.

“I've had worse,” Simon admitted, taking a quick bite. “So…will I be expecting your aid with future cases?”

“Yes. I've been assigned to whatever cases you take. Nevertheless, I may be called in to other cases as well, but all of yours take priority.”

“And why is that? I was informed that Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth chose Fool Bright to keep an eye on me, but why you?” His gaze went down to her gloved hand clenched tight against her chest.

“Because of your connection to UR-1.”

Simon's expression immediately twisted into a scowl, and he froze on the spot. “So you know of that… Hmph. And what business does a nosy little fox have with that old case?”

“I'll tell you…” Inari lowered her voice. “But it must stay between us.” The man gave a small nod. “I have reason to believe the culprit of that case…wronged me as well.”

Simon had quite a few questions in mind concerning that. Did she know of the phantom? Did she know the truth behind UR-1? Who was she to be caught up in a crime concerning a spy? He needed to be subtle in his approach lest she discover something she shouldn't.

“Balderdash. What are you babbling about? You're sitting before the culprit incarcerated for that crime.”

“You expect me to believe that?” Inari tapped the side of her helmet. “I've done extensive research, and despite the outcome of that trial, there are factors that simply don't add up. You may be masquerading as the killer, Prosecutor Blackquill, but I don't buy it.”

Simon glared at her. “You shouldn't be prying into that. Heed my warning, Vixen – leave it be or I'll have your hide.”

Inari raised her head high in defiance. “I'll do what I must, thank you.” They seemed to engage in a silent stare down before the woman sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Anyway, sorry to bring up such a depressing topic. Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth pointed me to you for that reason. We can draw out whoever’s behind both our incidents.”

Simon remained silent, no longer wishing to engage in that conversation. He didn't want anyone else getting involved in that case, not even Inari with her exceptional skills. There was a tiny sliver of hope in Athena after her courtroom debut in the previous case, but even then, Simon was prepared to lie in the bed he made himself.

The theme song of ‘The Steel Samurai’ suddenly played, and the lights on Inari’s helmet flashed. “Now of all times?” she grumbled, shoulders slumping at the caller ID. She pressed the second button on the side of her helmet with her ring finger. “Yes? Need something, Prosecutor Gavin?”

Simon ate in silence, unable to hear what was said by his fellow prosecutor. He could guess it was work related though.

“Oh… It's just, I was dealing with an important case just last week. I was hoping for a little free time… No, I understand. Send me the address and I'll be there shortly…” She clicked the button again to end the call.

“A new crime scene to investigate?” Simon asked, dismissing the previous conversation.

“Yeah.” Inari leaned forward against the table with a loud sigh. “I don't mind the work itself, but being everyone's favorite CSI gets tiring.”

“And that theme song…” The man smirked. “I didn't take you for a ‘Steel Samurai’ fan.”

She was thankful her embarrassment was hidden behind her helmet. “W-Well…I am. It's not like it's a show just for kids or anything! Nothing wrong with watching ‘The Steel Samurai’!” Simon chuckled in amusement with how defensive she got. Inari stood and took her remaining bubble tea. “Anyway, duty calls. Will it be all right to come back for your rehabilitation?”

“Hmph. Knock yourself out. Not like I really get a say in it.”

Smiling, she bowed her head slightly. “Then I'll see you soon, Prosecutor Blackquill.”

Inari took her leave, yet found herself anticipating her next visit more than she should. Keeping her identity a secret might become difficult, but she was willing to take the risk just to speak with him more, and to hopefully dig up some answers behind UR-1.