DECEMBER 26 5:23 PM
DETENTION CENTER

After looking at the flying object that supposedly was carrying my son, I made my way to the Detention Center to check up on Manfred. Considering that my son barely managed to escape out of Blaise's hands, something told me that Manfred was going to be interrogated. As Chief Prosecutor, Blaise had the power to interrogate outside of the Visitor's Room. Normally, only Detectives were allowed to interrogate the defendant in the Interrogation Room, while Prosecutors were only allowed to talk or interrogate the defendant inside the Visitor's Room.

As I waited in the Waiting Room, I saw Dick with who looked to be like an older woman. He saw me and gasped.

"Mr. Edgeworth!" Dick almost cried.

"Ah Dick," I subtly greeted, then cleared my throat. It was a signal for asking about my son. I know Miles can't be seen everywhere with him, but I need to know if he's at least with someone trusted.

"Huh? Oh, yeah it's fine!" Dick replied. Since we were in a public area, we couldn't speak of Miles aloud. He had to subtly tell me that my son was alright and I will have to accept that as my answer.

"Thank you," I thanked Dick, then turned to the young woman. From her face and hair, she seemed familiar. "And, who might you be?"

"Hmph, I'm Serena Hamilton, the top Fashion Designer in the country," Serena bragged. That's when Recognized her face, Serena V. K. Hamilton. It was easy to know her designs with her logo VK.

"Ah, I believe I've seen you in the Fashion Statement magazine, Mrs. Hamilton. A pleasure to meet you, Maim," I greeted as she offered her hand and I kissed it politely. (1) "What brings you here?"

"I came to check up on Papa and update him," Serena replied, arms crossed and seemingly serious. Papa?

"Yeah, get this, she's Manfred Von Karma's daughter," Dick informed me. Wow, that is a shock. Wait, is that what V. K. stands for? Von Karma? ... Huh. That's when I remembered the picture.

"Oh yes, you're his eldest daughter. I saw your picture on his desk," I said, showing a smile.

"I'm surprised he allowed you into his office. He normally never does this, unless it's family strictly," Serena stated factually with crossed arms. She then smirked. "Then again, he normally never trusts or hires Defense Attorneys."

"Any updates?" I asked.

"We just got done checking the evidence. So far, Debeste hasn't touched the clothes, though he did try to get to the step ladder," Dick announced.

"More like he tried to manipulate the blood on the ladder. Such a desperate foolishly foolish act, if you ask me!" Serena stated.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Well... I should probably explain in detail. You see, Bonnie Young is the head of the Forensics Department and she was just arrested for Obstruction of Justice by Detective Gant," Dick explained. I was afraid of this. Of course he would use the Head of Forensics. Poor Young was probably another one of Blaise's puppets.

"What a foolish woman, allowing herself to be controlled like some sort of doll," Serena glared.

"I'm afraid your father is no different to that," I said factually as Serena stared at me in disbelief. "Blaise is the Chief Prosecutor, he controls your father's salary and has deep connections with the P.I.C, who are in charge of who gains or loses their Prosecution's Badge. I've seen firsthand of your father allowing that man to manipulate him into firing me. He only changed his mind once he saw Debeste attempt to kidnap the child." (2)

Serena put her fingers to her lips in shock as Dick stated, "Von Karma being a puppet? Actually, I think he (3) said something like that. I didn't think he'd be right, though. Smart kid."

"I was once no different. More than likely, Manfred's controlling and scary persona is no more than facade. He may have not known how much he was being manipulated. At the very least, he has something to live for. When I was under Debeste, I had nothing else to live for and believed with all my heart that I couldn't live or succeed without him. I depended on him for my livelihood. It was codependency in its extreme."

"That's insane! So, you were like... a puppet?"

"I was... that's why I had to leave as Chief Detective. I couldn't live under someone that could control me and make me bark. I've already lost the love of my life. I couldn't lose Miles too or allow Debeste to use him as much as he used me. He'd certainly not hesitate to use my child against me and already has tried since yesterday."

"... what is Debeste using against Papa to make him so dependent?" Serena asked. It surprised me that, for a Fashion Designer, she was very skeptical. I've always been amazed how smart those with artistic or entertainment talent can be on a different level.

"I still haven't completely figured out that one yet. I doubt if it's his family, since Debeste doesn't even know his family or the gender and age of his youngest," I replied, not holding a smirk during the last seven words. (4)

"... I see."

"Manfred Von Karma is ready! You may visit with him!" One of the officers announced.

"Would you like to join?" I offered Serena.

"Sure. It might be better, if we both visited together," Serena agreed.

https://youtu.be/NXV3kaY9eZE

Serena and I entered inside the Visitor's Room. It was a good thing I brought Serena, because by the time I saw Manfred, he looked worse than terrible. Blaise must've interrogated him pretty badly. I've seen Jeff Master, after being interrogated cruelly by this same man, but this made Jeff Master's cruel interrogation look like a bee sting. Sure, Jeff had bags under his eyes and lost his spirits, but Manfred was pale, sick and looked like he hadn't had time to eat all day. I don't think even Manfred himself would've done this to Jeff no matter how desperate he was. Serena's eyes turned to worry and concern as soon as she saw her father. Just like before, Manfred was no longer crossing his arms or closing his eyes. At this point, he seemed too exhausted and sick to do so.

"Serena?" Manfred said with mild surprise as Serena ran to him.

"Papa, you look terrible! What is going on!? I want answers!" Serena cried, rightfully upset.

"She came while I was waiting for you to arrive. I figured your so called boss would be interrogating you very brutally to find Miles. It seems he has... and.... more," I explained as Manfred nodded sleepishly.

"As you've guessed, Debeste was pulling every interrogation trick in the book to get me to spill Miles' whereabouts. I didn't give in, of course, but... I missed dinner," Manfred said, though it looked more than just one meal he missed.

Meals were scheduled in the prisons and Detention Centers. Normally, interrogations would be scheduled to where the defendant would be able to eat three meals a day. Prosecutors were held on visiting hour schedules that were made around interrogations or mealtimes... normally. A Chief Prosecutor could set up interrogations at their own time, even outside of mealtimes. He could even set one up for another Prosecutor, if a request was submitted, and Manfred did submit an interrogation request when interrogating Jeff Master. Even so...

"This is an outrage and an abuse of authority!" Serena shouted angrily. She was right. Manfred's interrogation of Jeff Master was too, but... (5)

"Don't... I deserve it. I did the same to another certain defendant, only I also rendered him of any sweets that were brought to him. I was trying to force a confession out of him and in my desperate attempt, I gained that godforsaken penalty, but even that wasn't a punishment. This is my punishment. I was so desperate to keep my perfect record that I lost sight of what was most important and became the very man I swore I would avenge my father against." (6)

"Ugh snap out of it! This isn't like you, Papa! You're perfect in every way!" Serena shouted angrily, punching the glass wall. "Now... you're just a shriveling old fool." She was right, yet again. Seeing Manfred like this pained me as well. He didn't deserve this no matter what he did to Jeff Master! He never rendered Jeff of food; only sweets. (7)

Manfred looked to the side in defeat. He couldn't object to his daughter. It was heartbreaking seeing him like this. I approached the glass, then slid something under the glass window where visitors were allowed to exchange papers and other things. Manfred's eyes slightly widened as he took into his hands a small picture frame of his family I got off his desk. I smiled.

"Whenever I'm cornered or feel weak, I always keep a picture of the most important people in my life. They're always pinned under the collar of my badge," I said, moving my collar where my Attorney's Badge was pinned to, then showed two small pictures under it. I removed them, showing one of Miles and the other of Rachael. Manfred glanced at them.

"So, that's your old lover?" Manfred asked, showing a small smile before looking at the picture frame in his hands. "This picture has always been on my desk. I always stared at it every day when I worked... I miss seeing the real thing."

"Papa," Serena muttered sorrowfully.

"How's your mother?"

"I told her you were being framed as soon as Miles came to the house. She's taking a private jet all the way here from Germany. She'll be watching from the gallery with Franzy tomorrow."

"I see."

"Papa, promise me you'll get out of this!"

"Of course," Manfred replied with a forced smile. I could tell he was lying for her sake. He still attempted to murder me, so he could still get the Guilty verdict. There was still a chance he could be in prison for Attempted Murder on my life, even if he didn't murder Yanni Yogi. "Daughter, I want you to look after Miles. Gregory also has... a few skeletons in his closet Debeste will no doubt bring up. I want you to take care of Miles, if it does happen and Gregory is declared Guilty."

"What!?" Serena exclaimed.

"Manfred?" I said in shock. He must have suspected this would happen too.

"Gregory has no living relatives that would provide Miles the care he needs. I intend to care for Miles, once I get out, but... if the worst does happen, I want you to be the one that raises him," Manfred decided with order. I knew what he was doing, but it still surprised me. He was giving Miles a place to go, if anything were to happen to me and him or one of us. This is beyond what I expected from him. I never thought I'd ever find anyone else I'd owe my life to. (8)

"Papa... you... you never ask us to do anything for you. I-If you do... you're always... in... charge," Serena croaked, her eyes were starting to water. (9)

"Please."

"I-I promise," Serena wept. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it is to see her father, who normally is in control, strong and collective become so desperate and fragile in her eyes. I gently patted her back.

"I'll save your father, I promise," I said with sureness as Serena looked at me with pleading eyes. I have to. It's no longer about Miles anymore. This man, the man I once called my enemy, I now owe my life to save him. (10)

"Please, Mr. Edgeworth! I can't lose Papa! Not like this! I've already lost him 20 years ago!" Serena wept, crying on my shoulder as I patted her back.

Looking back at Manfred, I could see hurt and regret in his eyes. 20 years? I know Manfred holds a 30 year win streak of Guilty Verdicts. Did something happen that made him the terrifying and corrupt man I faced against only two days ago? It reminded me of my own father. I remember a time when my dad used to take me to the carnival with Mom and my older sister. He always came home from work, read me stories and kiss me goodnight. At some point, the divorce happened and, before I knew it, I found my father on the floor drugged in heroine.

It certainly wasn't the same, not even close, but seeing your father you looked up to all throughout your life turn into a poor, pathetic loser is heartbreaking. Even now, I've never paid him a visit in prison, because I know the sight of him hurts. It must hurt Serena to see her father in this state just like it hurts to see him turn into a criminal. I can only imagine the pain Serena must feel.

I must take down Blaise. He is the Chief Prosecutor. Prosecutors are lawyers to the state, who represent and defend the people of that state. Prosecutors are supposed to defend people like Serena, people that hardly have a voice to stand, while witnessing or experiencing a terrible tragedy. Serena is a victim of her father's criminality and Blaise has done nothing to defend her or give her a voice. Even though Prosecutors are suppose to prove the defendant Guilty, they do so to save those the defendant has brought suffering to, even their families. Just like the defendant's only ally is their attorney, the Prosecutor is the people's most trusted ally or at least should be. Manfred may've been corrupt, but he is a true Prosecutor that always stood with the people.

"Despite your harsh interrogation methods, I don't believe you would have done anything to Ms. Hall," I said aloud.

"What?" Manfred said in a flabbergasted voice.

"I saw how you defended Ms. Scones. When I interrogated her, you protected and defended her, because she was a victim to being framed for a murder she never committed," I said as Manfred blinked wordlessly. "You also defended the other contestants, one being the best friend of the victim, whose sons grew up together closely. Any person I doubted, you defended and countered any proof held against them. Sure, Jeff might have been just one person, but you are a lawyer that defends the real victims of IS-7, those that had been used, framed and traumatized by the death of someone they were close to. You were able to meet with each and every one of their needs. I know, I've talked with all of them. It's why even with your ruthless interrogations, even Ms. Hall will have a chance of recovering from losing someone she considered a father figure and that cared for her all her life. You've never neglected the needs of others, Manfred Von Karma. I wouldn't even compare Interrogation, because you never kidnapped Ms. Hall, held her hostage, neglected her of food or bathroom breaks or even threatened to hurt her. You are a prosecutor, a true prosecutor. You're not JUST a ruthless man, who only looks for Guilty verdicts. You protect the needs of the real victims of every case and give them a voice to speak. Don't believe for a second that you're not!" (11)

Manfred stared at me with blinking eyes as Serena wiped her tears, staring sadly at her father. Manfred's face then gained some composure. He then crossed his arms and closed his eyes. He must be thinking.

"It's been nine years since I've seen Debeste and I can tell you that he hasn't changed in these past nine years. You, I have watched change and grow in a matter of two days, whether it'd be for the better or for worse. I've also changed. Nine years ago, I would have gladly and willingly do anything Blaise told me without a beat or question. He no longer has a hold on me and as long as I hold this badge, he won't have a hold on you either. The moment I placed my Detective's Badge on his desk was the moment I was free. Even if I find myself behind bars tomorrow, at least I know I'm more free than I ever was back then."

"... you really are a fool, claiming to be free even when behind bars. Bah! I'll admit, having him screaming down my neck is quite annoying," Manfred smirked confidently. He looked up at Serena and me. "Did you get the law book I told you about?"

"I did."

https://youtu.be/1nmmE17fq2A

"Good. I want you to know that I've never prided myself in forcing others to do anything for me, but..."Manfred stated before snapping his finger. "I will NOT allow myself to be a servant to others. Debeste is not my master and I am not his slave. If he thinks I'm going to bark when he says, then I will make sure he regrets it."

"Papa, Fredrick wants to send his team out to search for the corpse of Issac Dover, after this is over," Serena stated, arms crossed.

"Good. Tell him he better prepare for when my trial is over."

"Thank you, Manfred," I said, showing a smile.

"Bah! I'm a prosecutor! I can't call myself perfect, unless I bring all my best cards forward, a mistake I will NOT repeat again."

"Papa!" Serena cried gleefully.

"Perfect huh?" I asked with a small smirk.

"It's as my father once said, 'to reach true perfection, one must reach to their highest potential. To succeed without work is the work of a fool,'" Manfred smirked, wagging his finger. Even though he still looks sick, I am overjoyed that he was back in spirits again.

"Touché," I smirked back, tapping the side of my finger to my temple.

"What is that?"

"Huh, oh, force of habit," I replied, slightly embarrassed. I used to tap my finger on the side of my head when I felt confident during my days as a Chief Detective, being that was where I kept my pen. I've been trying to break it, since it looks like I'm wiggling my finger and it makes me look stuck-up. I hope my son doesn't pick up that habit. (12)

"Heh interesting."

"Visiting time is up!" The officer announced.

"I should get going," I replied. My eyes slightly narrowed. "Don't let Blaise get to you."

"Hmph fool, do you think I'm going to let that cowardly fool intimidate me? I'm Manfred Von Karma!" Manfred stated proudly, snapping his finger. "I will not allow that insulting, cowardly, unfashionable, bearded fool turn me into a jittery old coward!"

"You better not! I won't allow it, Papa!" Serena stated sternly.

"Then, I look forward to seeing you in the gallery, Siren," Manfred smirked proudly as his daughter hummed proudly. Siren must be his pet name for her. Cute. "I'll be seeing you both tomorrow."

"Same," I replied, waving him goodbye before the both of us left the Visitor's Room.

"Interesting," Serena said.

"Hm?"

"Miles said that Papa might be trying to protect you as well. I found it hard to believe, considering his distrust and hatred towards Defense Attorneys, but I see the way he looks and speaks to you. He admires you a lot. If he is trying to protect you, as well as the child, then I can believe it now." (13)

"I did suspect that too. Though, I think he's going to need our protection more than ever."

"Very true. My brother and him are using the darkroom to find any object carrying the child in the air in the article. You should get the results by tomorrow in court."

"Thank you," I thanked Serena before both of us went our separate ways.

I made my way to my car and drove over to the last person I need to see before I end my investigation. Sighing, I drove over to the address where she lived. Though, if I'm going to speak with her, I'm going to need backup. I called Damon's number.

"Hello, this is Detective Damon Gant speaking," Damon greeted.

"Damon, I'm going to need some backup to bring in one more witness," I said.

"Ah, Gregs, you need my help? I will give you the swat team."

"Na, just you is enough."

"So, who are we bringing in?"

"... an old friend of ours."

"Oh? You mean...?"

"That's right, Wendy Oldbag." (14)

5:30 PM
POLICE DEPARTMENT
FORENSICS LAB (15)

Fredrick drove me to the Police Department as soon as we got a call from Dick about the head of the Forensics committing Obstruction of Justice. Debeste had tried to get one of his puppets to falsify evidence and this one was the head of the Forensics. Something told me Debeste had something on her. Either way, we had to get back to the lab, so we can find accurate results.

As soon as we entered the lab, me still wearing my coat that was covering me from head to toe, we met with Mr. Gant and one of the Junior Detectives. She looked to be the same age as Dick or younger. Both her and Mr. Gant were wearing lab coats, since they were in the Forensics Lab. Mr. Gant had a hold of what looked to be like an older woman with light brown hair that was wrapped in a bun and lab glasses. She looked very defeated with her hands cuffed behind her back. She must be the woman that tried to manipulate the evidence.

"Why haven't you taken her to the Detention Center?" Fredrick asked Mr. Gant.

"She's still being interrogated. We need to know... how much damage she's done," Mr. Gant replied with a deep smirk. He then smiled happily as soon as he turned to the young teenage girl. "This is my student, Lana Skye. She's one of the Junior Detectives and the one, who caught the woman red-handed."

"You did good, Miss Skye," Fredrick complimented Lana.

"Thank you, Detective Karma," Lana replied with pride. Then, she frowned. "Ms. Young won't say anything. Detective Gant believes the prosecution is responsible, but there is no proof and the culprit refuses to speak." (16)

"It's because she's scared," I said. I walked up to Ms. Young, then took off my hood of my coat before the entire coat. (17) She looked at me with great surprise. "How much did Debeste tell you about me?"

https://youtu.be/PyssiY0lfRE

"... H-He said... you were still..."Ms. Young replied in a stutter before showing a glare. "He lied to me."

"Are you ready to talk?"

"... it doesn't matter. Even if he did lie to me, I wouldn't have had this position without Chief Prosecutor Debeste. This job, this is all I have. He promised me I would get a Not Guilty verdict, if I end up on trial for this."

"A Not Guilty verdict?" I asked with widened eyes.

"Chief Prosecutor and your father did that kind of thing too. If one was caught, the other would always manipulate the evidence to bust the other one out. It is the reason why your mother was such a big threat, once she found proof of the forging. She'd have killed two birds with one stone," Mr. Gant replied as I stared back at Ms. Young, who smiled bitterly.

"I remember that scoundrel. Back then, I was just an assistant. Your father had control over everything. As Chief Detective, he had the keys to every part of the Police Department, Detention Center and Prison. This is the place he'd come to, once Debeste sent him on one of his errands," Ms. Young explained.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked with narrowed eyes, though it wasn't a glare.

"If Debeste goes down in this trial, he'll be taking your father with him. I guarantee that, Sonny. Also, call me whatever I am to the Chief Prosecutor, I don't wish for you to be more hurt than you already are." (18)

"Thank you," I replied kindly.

"Greg isn't going down without a fight, you know," Mr. Gant warned Ms. Young with a frown.

"Oh, I don't doubt that. That man is more stubborn than my girls combined. It's not to say the Chief Prosecutor doesn't have a hand. He will take Edgeworth down and that boy will be in the middle of all of this. I'd be focusing on giving that boy a new home and family. Perhaps, it's for his own good. At the very least, he won't be raised by a scoundrel." (19)

"My father is not like that!" I shouted in defense. I know my father did horrible things, but he's changed. People change! They don't always stay the same!

"Says who? Sonny, your father has been a scoundrel since the day he joined the force. The only thing that's changed of him is his career, ability and a child in his life. You can clamp your mouth for the sake of your children, but once they get older, that clamp eventually pops out. That's how it is, Sonny. My ex promised me he'd quite drinking, but he still is drinking away."

"Don't tell me no one can change when you haven't even tried, lady! People change all the time and if they're not getting better, they're only getting worse!"

"Hm... if you say, but I'm sure you will understand when you get older," Ms. Young replied with a small smile before Mr. Gant took her out of the lab.

I made sure she felt my anger as I stared directly at her, while she was guided out. Fredrick then said, "you can be quite terrifying, Miles."

"Hm?" I asked, looking up at Fredrick.

"Nothing. Anyways, don't listen to her. It's people like her that refuse to open their hearts," Fredrick stated, his facial expression remaining neutral.

"What do you mean?"

"There are people that hate change. They want things to remain the same. In fact, a majority of people hate the idea of change. It effects them negatively more often than not."

"But, Father's changed."

"Perhaps, but I think many of us would agree it was for your sake, just like he changed his career for the sake of you and your mother."

"..."

https://youtu.be/TrlJes96fG8

"What he means is that change is hard for many of us. I'm sure falling in love, having you, losing Chief Debeste as a colleague and quitting his job was the biggest change in his life. He had to adapt to the change. It's because of that, that many of us refused to believe he's really a changed man from what he once was nine years ago. He hasn't forged evidence, but that's a given, because he only did so for Chief Prosecutor Debeste as his Detective. He also had you, who is now more important to him than his job. I wasn't here when he was in charge, but I also understand where they're coming from. You must ask yourself: if you had been the one that shot Yanni Yogi and your father was to be your Defense Attorney, would your father forge evidence to save you?" Lana asked factually. (20)

"O... Of course he wouldn't!" I replied surely, but for some reason, I felt a tiny bit of doubt in my mind. I've learned so much about Father. Sure, I still love and admire him for all he's done, but I know now that he's not perfect. He's made horrible mistakes that he can't take back. There was still a tiny chance he would forge evidence for my sake, because he loves me and would do anything to protect me. I wish it weren't true, but... "H-He wouldn't!"

"Perhaps, according to you, who has never seen your father actually forge or manipulate evidence, but what about to someone who has? Chief Debeste doesn't believe your father has changed and neither does a majority of the Police Department. In fact, many that have watched him forge evidence have begun copying his actions from his illegal past. Your father has yet to pay for his crimes, including being an accomplice of a murder. Until he faces his own trial, there will continue to be unrest in the Police Department. Your father will be forever known as the most corrupt Detective in the district that has gotten away with his crimes unpunished and untried. That will include Manfred Von Karma as well, unless he pays for his crimes." (21)

"Papa is being tried right now," Fredrick reminded Lana.

"For a crime he didn't commit, not for his actual crimes. In fact, he should be tried for every fraudulent crime he's ever committed in his 30 year career. If you love him, you would want that for him too... no matter how painful it is," Lana said, her eyes showing a hint of pity. "If not... it will only make others he's hurt suffer much more."

"Are there people still suffering because of Father? Is that why Ms. Young...?" I asked in a mutter.

"... yes. Everyone in this department that has worked here nine years ago suffered greatly by the hands of your father. I've seen it in Mr. Gant as well. He's beginning to believe that illegality might be necessary, if only to catch the real criminals and protect other victims from being hurt. I suppose, in away, you're just as much as victim too," Lana said, smiling sadly.

"I don't want Father to go. I'll be all alone. I want Father to face his past crimes, but..." I admitted quietly and sadly, holding my right arm and looking down to my left. "I can't lose Father."

My vision grew blurry as I envisioned my father slowly fading away, while I reached out to him. I was in a dark void with no one else but myself. My tears were falling into the dark void as I felt myself getting colder and more alone. When I looked up, I saw what looked to be like me, only I was taller and older. He was in front of a crossroad of many paths.

There was one path among the many that read Defense Attorney, but the path became darker, dirtier and full of despair the farther it went. My eyes widened as I watched my older self choose a different path that was unknown. The sign to that one was unreadable. The other signs I could read, which were different lawyer careers such as Taxing, Child Law, Ticketing and many others that seem easy to cross, but seem to also lead to become darker, dirtier and more despair the farther it went. I found myself running after my older self that followed the unreadable path that wasn't growing darker or full of despair. The path I was on slowly grew more narrow until it became harder for me to keep my balance. Where should I go? What should I do? Father!

Falling, I found myself on the ground on my hands and knees. I realized only now that I don't know where to go. Father was always my guide and if I lose him, I lose my one and only guide. I will follow a path I will never know the end of. But, I want to reach new heights. It was at that moment I realized something I didn't think would be possible.

I no longer want to be a Defense Attorney.

I don't want to be like Father. He grew up to be a corrupt cop before he found his own path. He found love from a reporter, who was about to expose him. He had sex with her to save her, even though that was a reckless and stupid idea. Father never thought outside the box like he does now. Now, he wants to defend a man that tried to murder him, because he is innocent. He's teaching me to be better than he ever was growing up. It's only now that I finally realize that Father wants me to be better than he was. (22)

It's true that there are many defendants that are arrested under false charges or because they've committed crimes and need an attorney to pave a path of mercy to prevent a much worse and harsh punishment. But then, what about the other victims that are suffering from the offense? Am I not just as much a victim as Yanni Yogi or Manfred Von Karma? I am scared, more scared than I've ever been in my life. I can't go inside an elevator or closed spaces without panicking. I can't see Father without fearing that my kidnapper will find me. I need a lawyer, a lawyer who can provide me protection from the Police Department and defend me from becoming a targeted defendant under false accusations. I need....

"Miles?" Fredrick asked as I looked up.

"I need a lawyer," I realized, standing on my feet. "I'm not a Defendant, but I'm just as much a victim as Mr. Von Karma. I need a lawyer that will protect me and defend my rights as a witness to this case and my father's case."

"Sounds like you need a Prosecuting Attorney," Fredrick replied with a smiling smirk.

"Actually, there is one such Attorney that's been investigating your father's case on Rachael Newslayday," Lana said.

"What's his name?" I asked.

"Prosecutor Byrne Faraday. Though, that will mean, if your Father's Case is brought up, you will be siding with the opposition."

"I know Mr. Faraday... Father would want me to. If I was to side with the Defense, that will place me in more danger. I will not be given protection services from the Police Department. I'll forever be a victim to Debeste."

"I agree and you are right. Right now, for you, your father's defense is not the most important, but your safety."

"Thank you, Miss Lana."

Lana smiled, then nodded as Fredrick took my hand, then guided me out of the lab. This was very hard, but I knew it was right. Father wants me to be safe. If it meant being on the opposing side, then that's where I'll have to be. I can see it now. 

This is the path I choose.

6:44 PM
WENDY OLDBAG'S APARTMENT
FRONT PORCH

I made sure to stop by the Police Department for Damon before we drove to Wendy's house. Ugh, I really don't want to come here. I mean, she means well, but... neigh. This woman just doesn't know how to take no for an answer. If that weren't enough, she nags and never gets along with children. It's the reason why I've been avoiding her since having Miles. Wendy would be like a mix between a cat and a woodpecker that will not. stop. pecking.

Damon smirked slightly as I approached the door, saying, "it's funny that you're having me as your backup to face your old high school sweetheart."

I blushed, almost screaming, "she is not and that was only ONE date, because she would not stop asking me to be her boyfriend!"

"HAHAHA! I miss the old times of our youth. Sad we had to grow so far apart after all these years."

"It was only because of Miles. You know how she is towards kids and... how obsessed she is of me... since we were 10, apparently," I said sadly, sighing. "Why can't I have normal childhood friends?" (23)

"Gregory..." I heard Damon speak in a serious tone. I knew that meant he wanted to have a real talk with me. He stared at me as if staring into my soul. "Our colleagues weren't the only ones you've abandoned nine years ago and, if we were to be technical, you abandoned two people the moment you entered that Academy overseas."

I listened, then began feeling a soreness in my stomach I hadn't felt since finding out Blaise was using me from the lips of Rachael Newslayday. I knew he was right. The moment I moved to Germany was the day I left Damon and Wendy. I left them behind and chose to focus on having a better life than with my drug addict father. I wanted to prove my sister and mother wrong. To do that, I had to focus on my job and leave my two best friends behind. In return, Damon worked hard and became a Detective in order to save me, (24) but... now look where I am now.

"Wendy maybe trouble, but she is still your friend and you have two friends that have never left your side when you became a selfish ass and abandoned the force. She will still not leave you, if she found out you shacked up with a hot looking reporter and boomed a baby with her. She might get angry, maybe give you a good... lip service, but she will stay by your side when you're in trouble. You know that and if you didn't, you should know that."

"..."

Smirking, Damon asked, "are you going to knock?"

I nodded, then knocked on the door. I tried not to sound like I was dreading this, but I was REALLY dreading this. I didn't want to see Wendy. It's true we're friends and I'll always consider her as such, but... what am I kidding? I'm just scared. I know I'll have to tell her the truth and she's going to flip and... probably end whatever friendship we had. I don't know!

The door opened and I saw the familiar curly blond woman in her house dress, slippers and the grumpy expression she always wore. As soon as she saw me, her cheeks turned pink and she grinned widely like a child getting a birthday present. I could see her teeth.

https://youtu.be/7-rFziRpSp8

"Edgeypoo! Y-You finally came to see me..." Wendy flirtly cooed before instantly doing a 180 and going into rant mode. "AFTER NINE WHOLE YEARS! Do-you-have-any-idea-what-it's-like-being-in-my-shoes?-Hearing-rumors-aboutyouhavinganaffairwithsomeslutreporter,whomurderedtenpeople,thengotpregnant! Peoplewereevensayingthatthewhippersnapperinsideherisyourchild! Ifthatweren'tenough,IthoughtyoudiedyesterdayandIthoughtIwasgoingtogocrazyand-"

"And... there she goes," Damon smirked. I sighed.

"Wendy," I said in my deadpan voice.

"Oh, so-now-you're-just-going-to-interrupt-me-when-I'm-talking-to-you? Ha!-Some-friend-you-are,I'vebeendefendingyoualltheseyearsandthisishowyourepayme,Edgeypoo?"

"Wendy Oldbag, will you PLEASE listen!?" I asked in my loud, stern voice.

"What?" Wendy asked, eyes looking very angry.

"You were a witness of DL-6. You saw a child fly last night after the Earthquake and chasing two small children out of the courthouse?" I asked. Wendy humphed, then sighed.

"W-Well... yes, I was chasing two whippersnappers and I saw what looked like a child flying last night. It scared the living daylights out of me. Is this one of your cases? I thought you ditched being a Detective," Wendy smirked slightly.

"I'm a Defense Attorney now, remember? You were my assistant during my first few cases," I said, showing my badge. (25) "My client is being accused of murdering Yanni Yogi. You're a reliable witness."

"That's right! Some things never change, hm Wendily?" Damon grinned widely.

"Oh, Damon, didn't see you there," Wendy smirked slightly. Then, her cheeks turned pink. "But, yes, I remember." She then glared at me angrily. "That was before you completely avoided me like some sort of stranger!"

"Gee, I wonder why?"

"Oh, shut up, you big lug," Wendy replied playfully at Damon before facing me, then sighing. "I suppose I can forgive you for not paying me visits or missing my nine birthdays and Christmases. I mean, let's be real, you did at least have me around for your first few trials."

"Don't forget Valentines Day," Damon teased.

"Please don't!" I glared at Damon, who laughed and clapped his hands. I sighed, then turned to Wendy. "Anyways, will you testify for the Defense's side, Wendy?"

"Well, even though I do forgive you, I never saw any murder and what does the assumed flying child in the sky have to do with the murder?" Wendy asked.

https://youtu.be/iW58zOIWGCw

"The child is being held hostage or... at least was," I explained.

"What!?" Wendy gasped, her eyes widened. "That whippersnapper.... has been kidnapped?"

"Was. He escaped and is in hiding at the moment, until I can prove who the real murderer is and have him arrested."

"Then, you need to report it! I mean, you're such a fine gentleman and all, but you know how whippersnappers are. They're safer with the authorities."

"That's... the problem... the murderer is... the prosecutor, who is the Chief."

"Blaise! HA! I knew that man was up to no good! Seriously, ever since he showed up, everything was all about work, work, work. It's like I don't even matter!" Wendy whined with sad eyes. "We were going to get married and have our honeymoon together at-"

"Wendy, that is not going to happen and I'd like for us to focus on the topic at hand! The child you saw is in grave danger. Blaise almost kidnapped him again and he's being forced into hiding. Please, you have to help me. I know I haven't been a good friend to you, but... I'm in really deep trouble."

"W-Well, can't you just hide that whippersnapper at your house or something? Why is he so important?" Wendy asked.

"Um..."

"That child you saw flying... that's his son, Little Worthy," Damon explained.

"W-Worthy? S-So... YOU DID HAVE AN AFFAIR WITH THAT BLOND REPORTER!?!" Wendy yelled angrily, while I was covering my ears. I knew she was going to do that.

"Please... let me explain, it's not what you think," I pleaded.

"Oh, so I'm not good enough for you, so you shack up with some hot prostitute, who-"

"She's NOT a prostitute!" I said sternly as Wendy froze, eyes widened. "She's a brave and courageous woman, who gave her life to expose the truth. She was falsely accused of ten murders with bogus evidence created by my own hands. Because of her, I realized there was more to life than success and my job, and realized the monster I became. When I became a Defense Attorney to try and saving her, Blaise used the falsified evidence I created and made it impossible for me to report him without leaving her and my child defenseless. I was desperate and we both agreed on it, so when she was given the Guilty verdict,  she blessed me with the most beautiful child I ever laid my eyes on in order to lengthen her Death Sentence. He's a genius, full of joy, courageous and is the only thing that's kept me from going into insanity or depression for all these nine years. He believes in me and looks to me like his hero. Now, he's... If Blaise finds him, I don't know what I'll do."

"... it's possible that Greg might turn himself in for Rachael Newslayday's murder in order to save his client and Little Worthy. Ever since he's been in hiding, Greg has been on edge. Wendy, I know you love him and I understand your jealousy, but you're also his friend. I've warned you that Greg might find another woman and won't pay attention to you as much as before. Well, it's happened, but not because of another woman. This time, it's the whippersnapper that has captured his heart for these past nine years. You can be his friend and give him what he wants and what he wants now is Little Worthy," Damon told Wendy, whom I realized now looked disheartened. (26)

"I... guess it can't be helped... I'll testify what I saw, but it isn't much. I only saw a child in the sky that seemed to be flying, no more," Wendy sighed, then showed a small smirk.

"That's all I ask. I promise I will visit you as many times as you want, if you help me get my baby boy back."

"Hmph, sure. Don't expect me to babysit though," Wendy said sternly.

"Don't expect Miles not to kick you every time you call me Edgeypoo. He could make your version of the Green-Eyed Monster look like Barney the Dinosaur," I smirked in response as Damon laughed, clapping his hands.

"Yes, Little Worthy loves his Daddy. It's probably better for you not to flirt with Greg around Little Worthy. He's cute as a button and sweet as candy, but mess with his Daddy and... he'll throw you a new one."

"Hmph, you think I can't handle a young whippersnapper?" Wendy asked cockily with a smirk of her own.

"Oh, I'm sure you can, but... Miles has his father's bullheadedness and his mother's intimidation that will... send chills down your spine by just one glare," Damon smirked.

"Anyways, we should probably work on your testimony for tomorrow," I started.

"O-Of course. You can stay here as long as you'd like," Wendy said flirtatiously as I sighed. I can practically see hearts inside her eyeballs.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Don't say I didn't warn you," Damon laughed aloud as I entered inside to help Wendy out with her testimony. Luckily, since Damon was there, she didn't try pulling anything.

AFTER STORY NOTES:

1. Even though Gregory was born from poverty and grew corrupt before becoming a Defense Attorney, he is still a gentleman. The difference between him and Miles is that Gregory had to learn to be a gentleman, whereas Miles was raised to be one from childhood on up.

2. Remember that Gregory is in public, meaning he has to be careful with his words. Now, that Blaise knows that Miles is the boy he kidnapped, Gregory has to be extra careful. There are still security cameras in the Waiting Room in the Detention Center. This includes everyone else.

3. Dick is talking about Miles. Miles also mentioned about Manfred Von Karma being a puppet or controlled by Blaise earlier. 

4. It is clear to Gregory that Manfred has always placed his family  above his own, but he doesn't know what it is that Blaise is using against Manfred to make him another one of his puppets. Gregory knows it's not his family, because Blaise doesn't even know where his family is and Manfred would not gain help from his son otherwise. Gregory also knows Manfred isn't as dependent on Blaise as he once was. That means there's something much deeper that Blaise has on Manfred.

5. When Manfred interrogated Jeff Master, he only deprived him of sweets. He still ate three meals a day and was healthy. What made Manfred Von Karma cross a line was using Kathrine Hall against him. Even depriving him of sweets was not torture.

6. According to Manfred, he feels that this interrogation, even though it's worse than what he did to Jeff, is what he deserves. He was so desperate for a Guilty verdict that he had lost or forgotten what was more important, whether it would be his family that he's been neglecting or as a Prosecutor and what he stands for. It pretty much shows that Manfred Von Karma did start out as a noble Prosecutor that fell from grace.

7. Serena is freaking out, because she's never seen her father look weak and about to give up. At the same time, Gregory knows that Manfred does not deserve this no matter what kind of interrogation methods he used against Jeff Master. Two wrongs do not make a right. Even if this is making Manfred Von Karma see the error of his ways, it shouldn't have come to a point where he's beaten down and ready to give up.

8. Now that Manfred Von Karma has given Miles a place to be cared for, if anything were to happen to Gregory or himself, Gregory no longer has to hold back. He can face his past crimes without fearing for his son's safety and care. Of course, Manfred is doing this as a way to help out Gregory for everything he's done, but by doing this, he now feels indebt to Manfred, something he hasn't felt since Blaise Debeste. The difference is, however, is that with Blaise, he used his money and influence to help out Gregory, expecting him to do the same back. Manfred, on the other hand, is not expecting anything in return. 

9. Serena knows that her father is trying to keep a brave face. She knows her father isn't one that normally asks anyone for any favors or to take charge. The fact he's asking Serena to take charge to watch over Miles tells her that her father does not expect to get out of this without a years long prison sentence. 

10. Even though Gregory did promise Manfred to defend him, this time he has a stronger reason than before. When Gregory feels indebted to someone to the point where he owes them his life, he's very strong will about it. He will defend and protect them for the rest of their lives. In other words, even after this trial is over, Gregory will always be willing to defend and protect Manfred Von Karma.

11. I'm going to get on my soap box for a second. THIS is exactly why Manfred Von Karma is the grayest character in Ace Attorney and what SO many people misinterpret about him. This isn't about how Manfred Von Karma raised or treated Miles. This isn't even about how he treats his family... okay, maybe a little bit, but still. This is about who Manfred Von  Karma is as a PROSECUTOR. Answer me this: who was the one who proved to Gregory Edgeworth that Ms. Scones was being framed for murder and protected her from being the defendant? Manfred Von Karma, he did that! Who was the one that tried searching high and low for the corpse, even when he received the Autopsy Report from Blaise Debeste? Manfred Von Karma, he did that! Non of this justifies his criminal actions of murdering Gregory Edgeworth or forging evidence, but that also doesn't dismiss what he's done as a Prosecutor. He still was the one who taught Miles Edgeworth and Franziska Von Karma how to be strong and excellent prosecutors. Miles Edgeworth was able to end the Dark Age of Law WITH some of Manfred Von Karma's teachings. Didn't Miles Edgeworth once tell Phoenix that, as a greenhorn, someone once suggested to him that "when you're stumped on something, go back to the basics"? Now, who could have had the authority to suggest something like that at the time Miles Edgeworth was first starting out in Prosecution? Who could this person be that Miles would have likely listened to at the time? I think we can all agree that Manfred Von Karma wasn't just some corrupt, criminal prosecutor. He was one of the most influential people in Miles Edgeworth's life and to say he had done nothing but wrong to Miles Edgeworth would overlook the character of Manfred Von Karma. He may not have much character, but he has enough for us to see him as a character that is just as capable of being a wise and loving person as much as he was hateful and corrupt. Let us no longer see Manfred Von Karma as the worst human history since Hitler, but as a human that is capable of being good as much as he is of being evil. Isn't that what it means to be human? Let us recognize the humanity that is Manfred Von Karma!

.... wow, that was a long speech. I kinda half expect there to be an American flag behind me while playing the National Anthem hehehe XD

12. 

13. You probably noticed, but no one ever speaks subtly when in the Visitor's Room of the Detention Center. That is because audio is off the security cameras.

14. Oh boy! This is going to be messy.

15. Btw, originally, this part of the chapter was supposed to appear at the end. The reason I placed it between Gregory at the Detention Center and when he meets Wendy Oldbag is because I felt this was very important to Miles Edgeworth's character development.

16. Keep in mind that Lana hardly has a clue about what's going on. Damon Gant isn't going to inform his student, whom he's responsible for, on every single detail. It's even possible that Lana has only just recently been told about Miles' situation, due to Blaise already knowing Miles is Gregory's son. 

17. Miles is revealing himself in order to find the truth from Bonnie Young. Also, unlike the Holding Cells at the Detention Center, there are many eye witnesses and Miles is under the protection of a Private Detective, whom he doesn't even stay with anyways. Serena allowing Miles to stay with Fredrick was smart. It's a clever way of confusing Blaise. Now, it is possible for him to suspect Serena to be the one Miles is staying with, except he doesn't know where she lives anyways.

18. Bonnie Young doesn't want Miles to be hurt more. In her mind, it is better for Miles to know what kind of a man his father is or was. If not, then the pain of knowing his father is a criminal will hurt him much more.

19. She considers Gregory a scoundrel, because his fraudulent actions have caused pain upon Miles. Now, she isn't considering herself a better person than him, but she believes Miles deserves to know the truth. It's bad enough that Miles is kidnapped and being used to play Hot Potato, but his cluelessness about his mother and his father's actions against her are causing a lot of pain and suffering for Miles, according to Bonnie Young.

20. Lana isn't saying that Gregory hasn't changed, like with Bonnie Young, but she is saying that change is hard and if circumstances force you to change, it doesn't mean you won't go back to it once it becomes easier to. For instance, if an addict was to live on a deserted island, then of course they will go sober, because those circumstances force them to. Though, once that person returns back to their home, they will return back to their addictions. According to Bonnie Young, Gregory has not really changed, because his circumstances keep him from repeating the same fraudulent actions. That is why Lana is using the example of Miles Edgeworth having shot Yanni Yogi as an example. There is an irony, being that Miles did shoot a stray bullet and, in canon, his father did believe it was his son that shot him before giving a false testimony. She is trying to help Miles understand where Bonnie Young and someone like Detective Badd are coming from. 

21. Now, I want you to think hard and deep about this. The people like Damon Gant, Bruce Goodman and Bonnie Young all did corrupt things for good intentions, even Lana Skye, in canon. Now, neither Damon or Bruce have gone as bad as SL-9 cover-ups yet, but according to Lana Skye, those kind of people have already been influenced by Gregory's corrupt deeds of the past that have gone unpunished. Even in canon, when you really think about it, Gregory was doing the same thing. He gave a falsified testimony that resulted in ruining Yanni Yogi's, Robert Hammond's, Misty Fey's and arguably his son's lives. It's perhaps the reason why Miles Edgeworth, in canon, is continually stubborn about spirit mediums and channeling spirits being real, because that would make his father equally responsible for ruining Yanni Yogi's, Robert Hammond's and Misty Fey's life, even if it was under good intentions. So yes, even though Gregory Edgeworth did stand strongly for the truth, it wasn't to a T and not in the same way as Miles Edgeworth. Miles Edgeworth stands for revealing the truth no matter how painful it is, while his father gave a false testimony due to the pain that came with it. Unlike canon, however, Miles is having to accept that his father is a corrupt man and perhaps hasn't changed as much as he thinks or wants to believe. If given the opportunity, he may revert back to his old ways. Btw, Gregory did tell Raymond this very same fact earlier in the story.

22. What Miles is realizing is that he only wanted to become a Defense Attorney to be like his father. But, now that Miles knows how corrupt his father was, he's also realizing that his father wants him to be better than him. Now, it's not to say Miles is dismissing all that he learned from his father, but he's now recognizing his father's humanity. If Miles follows the path of a Defense Attorney, he will repeat the mistakes of his father, because he is dismissing all the other victims that suffer from the offense the defendant is accused of. Miles doesn't want to dismiss those victims in order to focus solely on his client's needs. 

23. So, Wendy Oldbag is Gregory's troublesome childhood friend that will NOT stop flirting or dating the opposite sex. Like father like son. Kinda makes you wonder if Larry would've been Miles Edgeworth's version of Oldbag if Miles was a girl. Now, there's another nightmarish thought. YOU'RE WELCOME!!

24. So, on top of having a flirty and date-hungry childhood friend that's always trouble, you also have another one that follows you to the ends of the earth and changes his career in order to save you, because you avoided him and your other best friend for 15 or so years. Gregory, you and Miles have so much in common!

25. Yes, Wendy Oldbag was Gregory's first assistant when he was starting out. He has a mentor too, but that one is a complicated one. I will explain those very soon, so hold off on the questions!

26. Wendy has sorta known that Gregory doesn't share the same feelings she has for him, but it's now sinking in. He not only had an affair with another woman, but he is now a father of a child. Wendy Oldbag has to accept that someone else has stolen Gregory's heart. Now, it's not in the same way as Rachael Newslayday, since that can be debated, but it is his son. Wendy can't compete against a child that shares Gregory's blood.