DECEMBER 28, 8:15 PM
DISTRICT COURTHOUSE
DEFENDANT LOBBY #7

I returned to the Defendant Lobby, pouring myself some tea. Misty sat herself down on the couch, looking tired and slightly off. I noticed this earlier during my trial. It was like one moment she was pushing me to defend myself in court, then the next moment, she seems worn out. I began worrying that she might've caught a bug.

"Is everything alright? Would you like some tea?" I offered.

"Huh? Oh, I'm perfectly fine. Sure, some tea would be lovely," Misty agreed. I smiled, pouring some tea before hearing the door open.

https://youtu.be/eHuBXAAB0gU

There, behind the door, was what looked to be like a young girl, perhaps ten years old, carrying a small toddler on her back. She had long brown hair and wore exotic clothing like Misty. She ran to Misty with dream-like eyes.

"Mommy, I saw you at the trial. You were amazing!" The girl said. Oh, this must be Misty's daughter.

"Mia, aren't you supposed to be with Mr. Hammond?" Misty asked.

"I was, but he told me Maya and I should support you from the gallery. I also felt the spirit's distress and wanted to help," Mia explained. I'm not going to even ask what she's talking about.

"Oh... I see."

"Also, Mr. Hammond's been acting really strange, Mommy. I'm really worried about him."

"What's going on with Mr. Hammond?" I asked. I knew Robert was protective of me in his own way when I'm in deep trouble, but hearing a child say this worries me.

"I don't know. He told Mommy to help you in your trial and me to be in the gallery instead of assisting him. He's never been someone to do things alone, especially without a spirit medium. He usually has me with him, at least, just in case he needs the extra help," Mia replied, seemingly troubled.

"Twouble. Twouble," the little girl on Mia's back, whom I'm guessing is Maya, babbled.

"This... is bad," Misty said, then placed her hand on her forehead.

"Misty..." I said helplessly.

"It's the summoning. It's very taxing," Mia explained.

"Summoning?" I asked, feeling confused. Then, I began remembering how Misty acted before she started acting tired and dizzy. Now, that I think about it, her presence did feel familiar. Even her voice didn't sound like Misty's, now looking back. It sounded like...

"Yeah, it's hard to tell, but unless you see her full face, you can never tell if it's a summoning or not. I can, because I'm a young spirit medium like Mommy. I can't summon yet, but I can feel the presence of other spirits, especially if they're in distress. Even now, I can feel her."

"Rachael..." I whispered, then feeling myself sitting on the couch. So... that was Misty summoning? I've never been one to believe in the paranormal, but... this one felt far too real. Rachael, if she was summoned she... she would conceal herself for my sake. I would too, if our roles were reversed. (1)

"I'm so sorry, I..." Misty muttered before I shook my head.

"No. Back there, I really was ready to give up, but... by doing that, I was making Rachael's spirit worry. Even though she is no longer here, her spirit still lives. With or without knowing anything about spirit summoning, I've always believed that there is a life after death. She still is here looking after me," I said, reaching inside my breast pocket to retrieve a picture of Rachael. "I've been worrying you, haven't I?"

"Mister, it doesn't have to end here. I saw you there. You were just as amazing as Mommy. Right now, the issue here is the date between the day that cassette tape was recorded and the date you gave the copy of the documents to the sister. Even if there's proof that you were siding against the victim , it doesn't prove you weren't on her side  either," Mia stated. She seems smart for her age. I have to say, I'm impressed.

"You're right, but Jennifer knows little about when I sided with the victim and, as far as she'd be concerned, I was siding with the Prosecution until the day her sister would be executed."

"Is there anyone you know that would know the date you began changing sides?"

"... Robert Hammond."

"Mr. Hammond?" Misty asked, her eyes widened.

"Yes, he was Rachael's Defense Attorney at the time and someone I worked very close with after I decided to save Rachael."

"He never told me anything about that."

"Really?"

"No. He just said he took you in as his student, because you were a special case and he figured that there was more to the story of Rachael Newslayday's false accusations. But... you're saying he knew everything about the case?"

"From head to toe."

"Then... why is he defending Blaise Debeste then?"

https://youtu.be/ymmJo8b3rmQ

"Hold it! Robert is Blaise's Defense Attorney?" I asked. I did not like this at all. Sure, Robert Hammond defended guilty clients before, but he is also the master of holding grudges. He'd hold the biggest grudge over Blaise than Manfred. If it were up to him, he'd side with Manfred just to get his hands on Blaise Debeste and make him pay for what he did to Rachael and Miles. Not only that, but he could keep a good eye on my son on the Prosecution's side, if he had trust issues with Manfred over my son.

"That's right! He told me he would help you out from Blaise's end, since you wouldn't agree to let him defend you."

"... I don't like this," I stated, turning my head toward the young girl with the toddler. "Mia, right? I need you to watch from the gallery at Blaise's end. (2) Before you do, I need you to go to the Lobby on the 3rd Floor. Unfortunately, I can't leave this lobby, since I'm a defendant. I need to speak with Manfred Von Karma. Tell him I need to talk with him."

"Yes sir!" Mia replied, hurrying out the lobby door.

"What do you think is going on?" Misty asked worriedly.

"I don't know. Blaise has always been a cheat. Unfortunately, he has no way of touching the evidence, being that Manfred is taking charge and trusts no one with evidence outside of his family. Knowing him, he would've taken precautions to make sure it was with him at all costs under lock and key. So, if Blaise can't get a Not Guilty verdict by destroying evidence, he will do so through other desperate means," I explained.

"What kind of desperate means?"

"In Robert Hammond's case, I can only assume manipulation or blackmail."

"B-Blackmail!?"

"To get a Not Guilty verdict by whatever means necessary. Robert Hammond is a good mentor and I respect him for all he's done, but he's not a very orthodox Defense Attorney. If he believes his clients are guilty, he will prove they are unfit, unstable or too sick in some form. They're proven Not Guilty, but their reputations are destroyed. He believes their destroyed reputation is a more fitting punishment, since he is against imprisonment or death as a form of justice."

"... and he was your mentor?"

"At the time, I agreed with him and he was one of the few friends I had in my life. It took some time of being my own person to recognize his methods were wrong. I did it to one of my past clients and, because of it, that client committed suicide."

"..."

"That's why I can't follow my mentor's methods. I had to follow my own. Non of us have the right to decide someone's fate. I don't agree with some of the punishments for criminals, but I don't believe humiliating the guilty should be a form of punishment. I'd rather them be given the death penalty than be tortured in that manner."

"... you both seem to get along very well."

"That doesn't mean I agree with him. Believe it or not, I tend to fight with those I agree with the most."

"Does that mean you and Mr. Von Karma agree with each other the most?" Misty asked with a teasy smirk.

"Scarily so... yeah," I replied with my own smirk before hearing the door open.

"The young girl says that you called for me?" Manfred asked, Mia joining with her mother on the couch.

"Yes. I heard my mentor is defending Blaise. I suspect there is dirty play going on," I explained. "I know my mentor and he hates Blaise more than anyone else, because of what he did to Rachael and Miles, especially recently."

"Miles and I suspected as much. He tried silencing your son and prevent him from testifying, using his trauma as an excuse."

"What!?" Misty gasped.

"I knew it," I said, furrowing my eyebrows. Now, I'm certain Blaise is using something against Robert. "Blaise can't touch the evidence, so he's silencing witnesses."

"... he would do that," Manfred stated, folding his arms and squeezing his sleeve.

"Choosing my mentor as his Defense Attorney was a good choice. It prevents him from being a decisive witness at my trial. Without his testimony to confirm when I began helping Rachael..."

"You cannot use the lack of knowledge to defend your case as against being an accomplice." (3)

"But, why would Mr. Hammond agree to this? He's helping the enemy! Doesn't he know Gregory is going to be sentenced for being an accomplice!?" Misty asked, her tone in disbelief.

"He knows, but Blaise has him on a leash. Blaise's known for being able to manipulate and persuade anyone. My guess is that he somehow was able to convince Mr. Hammond that he could only save Gregory and Miles by giving Blaise a Not Guilty verdict," Manfred theorized.

"Miles?" I questioned.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but your mentor does not trust me. Miles also warned me about that earlier in court. If Hammond considers me a threat to your son..."

"... Blaise would use Miles," I muttered. Then I looked up at Manfred. "Did you ever use forged or withheld evidence during your trial with Robert Hammond?"

"No."

"But...?" I added, knowing that there was always a but to follow afterwards.

"... I did have an inside man blackmail his client," Manfred admitted. He cannot be serious.

"Are you kidding me?" I asked, almost in a complaining tone. (4)

"Bah, don't start with me on that, Gregory. You have your skeletons and I have mine."

"My line of fraud had gone passed the stature of limitation."

"Only of this case," Manfred mentioned, showing his usual smirk as I felt myself go quiet. How did he...? "As I said, I have an inside man that is very good at research. No worries, it will not go outside these walls." I nodded, wondering if Blaise knows as well, but I don't think he does. They would've been killed by now. (5)

"Though, knowing that... It is possible, but... he might believe you are blackmailing me, if he knows you have an inside man that's good with knowing that much about me. Do you think it's possible Robert believes this?" I asked.

"It's possible. It's also possible that Blaise has convinced him that you being placed Guilty might be safer, due to your connections with the smuggling ring. After all, if you were to leave this court, with everything you have just revealed, Blaise can always contact some men from the outside to take your life from inside the prison using mail or visitations. He's already tried using me to murder you and... now that I understand your history to the smuggling ring, I'm not surprised why he did so." (6)

"..."

"Either way. I have no doubt he will try to prevent my witnesses from testifying or their testimonies from holding any water."

"You said you have an inside man?"

"Yes."

I smirked slightly, "then, should we use him to our advantage?"

"... what are you planning?" Manfred asked me with slightly widened eyes.

"I'll need to find something to drag my mentor to the Witness Stand. Even though he is currently defending Blaise Debeste, if I can prove that he was involved with me, then he will have to testify whether he wants to or not." (7)

"Can't you use the case information? He was Rachael Newslayday's Defense Attorney," Misty asked.

"Yes, but a Defense Attorney is generally not allowed to collude with the Detective of the case. Detectives naturally side with the Prosecution. Unless there is proof that Gregory colluded with Rachael's Defense Attorney, he cannot step forward."

"He's right. Not even testimony from me can hold water, unless there is evidence to prove otherwise," I said. Then, I smirked a bit. "But... if there is proof..."

"Hm... I suppose I could make one quick call," Manfred spoke, picking up the phone and dialing a number. He waited before speaking. "Ah, Redd White. I have a request. I need you to look up some information regarding the case of Rachael Newslayday.... yes, I want you to find any information regarding a collusion between the Chief Detective and Rachael's Defense Attorney."

8:23 PM
DISTRICT COURTROOM
3RD FLOOR LOBBY

During recess, Mr. Von Karma was preparing Uncle Ray to be the next witness, while Mr. Faraday was preparing Aunt Jenny. While this was going on, something began troubling me. What is going on with Mr. Hammond? I know he sometimes throws his clients under the bus, but I've never heard him speak to me like that before. Not to say I've never faced any lawyer giving me lip, but it was rare coming from Mr. Hammond.  He never shuts me up or prevents me from testifying.

I never doubted that Mr. Hammond was stubborn and sometimes unreasonable, but something smelled rotten. It felt frustrating that I couldn't just speak to him. I know Debeste is down there and I don't want to face him alone, especially if my gut feeling is correct. Mr. Von Karma could feel it too. I kept thinking this over in my head until I heard the door burst open.

A brown-haired girl, carrying a little toddler on her back, entered inside. The prosecutors turned toward her direction.

"Is Mr. Von Karma here?" The girl asked.

"This is he. What do you want? Who are you?" Mr. Von Karma asked bluntly.

"My name is Mia Fey. Mommy is assisting the defendant, Gregory Edgeworth. He says he needs to talk to you. It seemed really important," Mia replied.

"I see. Miles, I need you to stay here until I get back."

"Yes, sir," I replied before Mr. Von Karma left, following Mia.

"I wonder what he needs the prosecution on the other end for? Sounds scandalous," Mr. Faraday teased a bit.

"It's probably nothing too serious," I partly lied. I know Father and I know he wouldn't just talk to the opposition, unless it was important. At the very least, it wasn't the prosecution for his trial, so it didn't effect Conflict of Interest.

"You don't sound too convinced."

I stayed quiet. I'm worried about Father. What if he's in trouble? If he truly believes he was an accomplice, this could look bad on him. I trust Mr. Faraday to not allow a verdict until there's no or little room for doubt. Still, I don't want to lose Father and I can't be with him during his trial. I'm scared.

https://youtu.be/39nQ3ki4u5s

"Hey, Miles," I heard Uncle Ray as I looked up. "Your father will be alright. He'll make it out of it. He is your father, after all."

"I know," I muttered, staring at my twiddling fingers on my lap.

"He's right," Mr. Faraday assured me as well. "Admittedly, I cornered your father pretty good, but he's not fighting alone."

"I know. He has that assistant Mr. Hammond gave Father."

"Yes, but it's not just her. Miles, do you have any idea what kind of woman that assistant is?"

"Hm... she did dress very odd. In fact, that Mia girl dressed the same too."

"That's because they're spirit mediums."

"Spirit Mediums? Are those like one of those fairy tale stuff, because I don't believe in that kind of stuff like Nick and Larry do." (8)

"They're women known for channeling spirits of the dead. Sounds unbelievable, but while I was prosecuting, I saw that woman channeling the spirit of your mother."

"WHAT!?!"

"Hey, don't joke about stuff like that at a time like this!" Uncle Ray rebuked Mr. Faraday.

"It's no joke. I've prosecuted against Robert Hammond enough times to know he's willing to have weapons up his sleeve, including a woman that can channel spirits and detect lies. I found that to be nothing but hogwash, until I saw that assistant change body shape into the spirits of the victims. Won't lie, gave me the willies when I first saw it," Mr. Faraday stated.

"He's telling the truth. Misty's powers are not like anything you've seen. Even sis was amazed by what she could do. But... you say Misty summoned my sister to defend Mr. Edgeworth?" Aunt Jenny asked. (9)

"Yep. Honestly, I thought it was sweet how she was willing to protect Edgeworth. Love through death. Reminds me of my wife."

"Mother," I muttered. I think I understand this spirit medium thing. It made me smile a bit. "Do you think Mother's spirit can hear me now?"

"Hm... who knows? I'm not sure how this whole spirit channeling thing works. I'm sure she's looking after you right now in some form."

"Then... if Mother can hear me, I hope she hears that I want her to stay with Father. I don't want to lose Father."

"Miles..." Uncle Ray muttered.

"... you really love your father, don't you?" Aunt Jenny asked.

"I know he's done some awful things, but he's always been with me. He's always smiling at me. He feeds me, clothes me, takes me out places, watches Saturday Morning Cartoons with me, sets up sleepovers and kisses me goodnight before tucking me in and giving me a glass of water. When I'm sick, he lets me sleep on the couch in his office; even turns the couch backwards for me, so I don't roll onto the floor," I said, hugging my legs. I felt two arms wrapped around me as I leaned toward the person holding me. I already recognized it was Aunt Jenny.

"It sounds like he takes good care of you." (10)

"He does. Even when I'm mad, he's always smiling. I want to see him smile again."

"I'm sure you will, Miles. Your father always smiles, because of you. He always tells me how you are the spitting image of your mother. After she was gone, it was like apart of her was imprinted in you," Uncle Ray said as I felt myself turn bashful. "If he could, your father would give you the whole world."

"... I just want Father."

"It's amazing, isn't it Ms. Newslayday, the bond between a parent and their child? That man is lucky," Mr. Faraday exclaimed.

"He is," Aunt Jenny agreed, forming a bittersweet smile. (11)

https://youtu.be/F1ut-eTUMrc

The door opened again, me thinking it was Mr. Von Karma. Much to my misfortune, it was the last two idiots I wanted to see today.

"There you are! Do you know how long it took to find ya!?" Larry cried.

"Have you learned nothing from a few days ago about sneaking into places you don't belong!?" I asked with glare. "You and Nick have caused me lots of trouble!"

"We're sorry, Miles," Phoenix pouted with those stupid puppy dogs.

"Co'mon Edgey, don't tell me you're still mad about that! Look, we even brought you the chicken this time!" Larry said gleefully, handing me a 30 piece chicken bucket from KFC.

"Y-You didn't... have to do this," I stuttered, looking away bashfully.

"Of course we do. We're The Three Caballeros. We even brought the whole school here!"

"Y-YOU BROUGHT THE WHOLE SCHOOL!?!" I almost screamed. I don't know whether I should hide in a corner or blink in surprise. Maybe a bit of both.

"Y-Yeah, we were so worried, after giving our testimonies. We told the class everything the day after we testified and convinced the teacher to send us on a class field trip to cheer for you in court. Everyone was amazed by what you did," Phoenix explained.

"Yeah. Not only did you fly or should I say falling with style, (12) but even when you were hiding from your kidnapper, you were still helping investigate and prove that scary Von Karma guy innocent. Apparently, there's rumor that he does some pretty nasty stuff in court, so even the teachers were surprised. It made us realize that you've been going through it rough. I don't know what I'd do, if it were me. I'd probably be shitting my pants," Larry stated. (13)

"I did... well, pissed would be the right word," I muttered with my arms crossed and face flushed.

"Still, you kept soldiering on. I don't think any of us would've done that."

"Yeah. I'd be crying mostly. You truly are amazing, Miles. You're probably the bravest person I know. I'm lucky to have you as my best friend," Phoenix said with glittering eyes.

"Same. We'll be keeping a lookout for you. You're not going anywhere!" Larry grinned.

"Are these your friends?" Aunt Jenny asked.

"Yes. Larry, Nick, this is Aunt Jenny. She's my mother's sister," I introduced.

"Whoa! Your Ma had a sis? Guess that beats your jerky Aunty," Larry smirked.

"You seem really nice, Missy," Phoenix said brightly, showing his grin.

"Thank you," Aunt Jenny replied.

That was when Mr. Von Karma finally did show up. His eyebrows rose as soon as he saw my friends.

"Uh..." Larry started.

"You're the boys, who testified my case two days ago," Mr. Von Karma said.

"Yeah... sorry for calling you Evil George Washington," Phoenix apologized. I could see Aunt Jenny covering her mouth, while Uncle Ray snickered and Mr. Faraday grinned humorously.

https://youtu.be/ufmrv2-4Bps

"It's alright. I've been called far worse. Though, I would advise you to not make a habit of it. Many times... words hurt far worse than punches or kicks, especially if they are in the defendant's chair where they have no possibility of fighting back either by words or strength. I might be... terrifying, but in the defendant's seat, I'm no more terrifying than a caged animal. People can do harm to me by their words alone, especially from the gallery. Imagine being placed on the spot, surrounded by hundreds of people scowling at you, thinking the worst of you and calling you the worst names possible, and you cannot or are allowed to speak anything, other than 'I did it.'" (14)

"... I know that feeling. My class accused me of stealing lunch money and they had a class trial. They were accusing me, telling me I was a thief and the teacher forced me to apologize to Miles, even though I didn't steal his lunch money. Was that what happened to you?" Phoenix asked. (15)

"Yes. Everyone thought the worst of me and it couldn't be helped, given that I did confess to protect your friend here."

"You... did? You were trying to protect Miles?"

"Yes."

"Wow, now I feel like a real jerk," Larry pouted.

"You are a real jerk! You snuck into the courtroom, troubled Ms. Oldbag, then proceeded to skip school the next day!" I glared. Larry proceeded to cry crocodile tears at this point.

"Still... I was the one that insulted Mr. Von Karma. I'm really, really sorry sir. I'm no better than the teachers that accused me of stealing lunch money when I didn't,"Phoenix pouted guiltily. He always was driven by emotion. Unlike most kids, Phoenix lives his life by how he feels. It's why it's so easy for Larry to drag him to his schemes.

"I... wouldn't go that far," I stated.

"What's important is what you learn from it. Recognizing your mistake is a start, but putting it into practice is another. You can start by using what you've learned now and reflect upon it. Find ways to make sure it never happens again. Even the smallest of changes can develop into big changes," Mr. Von Karma instructed, showing a small smirk.

"Wow. That sounds pretty powerful. You know, I change my mind. You're not all bad, Mr. Von Karma sir," Phoenix replied brightly. I noticed Larry seemed quiet strangely. That was when he approached me.

"Edgey, there's something I wanna give you," Larry said, then handed me a white envelope with money in it.

"Larry, I don't need money," I stated.

"No, it's for your lunch, I... I was the one that stole your lunch money about a year ago," Larry confessed.

"Huh? Wait... that day Miles' lunch money was stolen and the whole class blamed it on me... THAT WAS YOU!?!" Phoenix asked, his face turning red and cheeks puffed.

"I'M SO SORRY! I found it on the ground and I was going to hand it in, but then I forgot! Th-Then... Nicky was getting blamed for my mistake and I felt really really bad, so I thought I'd stop the stupid class trial! Then, you guys became my friends and I was afraid you'd be mad at me and stop being my friend, if you knew!" Larry cried, bowing himself to Phoenix and I.

"Get a hold of yourself! It was just fifteen dollars! I could've gotten another fifteen, had the teachers not made it into a melodrama. Also, you forget things all the time and use the 'my dog ate my homework' excuse," I said. Honestly, that whole mess would've been solved had they just simply called Father.

"Well, I'm mad!" Phoenix said, crossing his arms. I guess that day really effected him.

"I'm sorry! I'm really really really sorry, Nick!" Larry whined with tears running down his face.

"... fine, I forgive you, but you're going to need to tell the whole classroom and teachers what you did. Deal?" (16)

"D-Deal. You guys are the best."

"And, the legend still holds. When something smells..." I said before Phoenix chimed in. "It's usually the Butz."

"What concerns me is why the teachers never bothered calling the parents about this (17) and instead go through the trouble of a classroom kangaroo court trial?" Mr. Von Karma wondered.

"I guess my teacher was scared Father would sue the school for taking my lunch money," I replied, rolling my eyes. They always seemed intimidated by Father for some reason, because he is a lawyer.

"A fifteen dollar lawsuit. Bah, the humanity," Mr. Von Karma mocked as the room burst out laughing. 

"I don't get it," Phoenix said shyly.

https://youtu.be/PyssiY0lfRE

"Anyways, is there a reason Father called you?" I asked, showing concern in my voice.

"Yes. It seems Blaise had other reasons to hire Mr. Hammond as his Defense Attorney. While this is not something that can be proven to the court, there seems to have been a collusion between the Chief Detective and the Defense during the Rachael Newslayday case," Mr. Von Karma stated.

"You're kidding me! I can't say I'm surprised. Robert Hammond did mentor the ex Chief. The issue is evidence. All I've got right now is Jennifer Newslayday," Mr. Faraday stated.

"You think Pops is innocent, but aren't you supposed to be the opposition?" Larry asked skeptically.

"Heh, I am, but that doesn't mean I don't have a mind of my own and I've known Gregory Edgeworth longer than you kids were born. Still, finding out all the lies he's been keeping from us is astounding. He's a good lawyer. He knows how to hide his actions from everyone close to him, including his own kid. I can't say if it's scandalous or Good Parenting 101."

"What's going to happen with Pops? Is he going to jail?" Phoenix asked worriedly.

"I don't know. There is a chance he may not, if there's proof he stopped helping the culprit as soon as he had knowledge of the crime against the victim. Otherwise, he will be sharing the same sentence as the culprit he was an accomplice to," Mr. Faraday replied.

"That's awful."

"There has to be something we can do! I hate just standing around and doing nothing!" Larry cried out hysterically.

"Aside from causing trouble, I think I would choose doing nothing," I said.

"HEY!"

"For right now, there will need to be some solid evidence proving the collusion between Robert Hammond and Gregory Edgeworth during Ms. Newslayday's trial. I was able to call an inside man to find any evidence regarding this, but I am not the defense. Gregory will have to show it during his trial, if you can give him an opening," Mr. Von Karma told Mr. Faraday. (18)

"But wait, can't you show the evidence, if it's relevant to the case?" I asked.

"Only if it's the Defense. The Prosecution is strictly forbidden from showing any evidence not approved by the Police."  (19)

"Oh."

"I'll still need something to work with in order to give my defendant an opening. There isn't any reason why Gregory Edgeworth would be working with the Defense. There's an obvious connection with him and Rachael Newslayday, but not her Defense Attorney. I doubt if the Defense Attorney would have any reason to want to collaborate with the Detective of the case," Mr. Faraday pointed out.

"There has to be something. I mean... Pops did become the student of this Robert Hammond guy. Isn't that enough to suspect something?" Phoenix asked.

"Yeah, I mean, if I found out that someone took in an enemy as their student, I'd be a bit suspicious too," Larry agreed. "That'd be like us suddenly tutoring that jerky Mikey in math, even though he called Edgey a Bookworm."

"Why do you have to bring that up? You got me grounded for pouring spaghetti on him!" I shouted frustrated and embarrassed.

"Actually, you bring up a good point. I may not be able to prove my defendant worked with the Defense at the time of Rachael Newslayday's trial, but I might draw in a question about their relationship afterwards. Way to turn your thinking around," Mr. Faraday smirked slightly.

"Thanks, I guess. It just... I don't know, it just came to me," Phoenix said, scratching the back of his neck.

"If you do succeed in drawing Mr. Hammond in, I will ask the Judge for a recess to give my defendant time to talk to his temporary Attorney. It will be difficult, but I have made some calls for those that are willing to take Mr. Debeste," Mr. Von Karma said.

"But, isn't he the enemy? Why do you want him to have a Defense Attorney?" Larry asked.

"Even if they're guilty, they deserve a proper Defense. Even though he is the enemy and has done a lot of cruel things, I would not wish for him to go without protection."

"Wow. Never thought I'd hear that coming out of your mouth. What's happened to Manfred Von Karma?" Mr. Faraday teased.

"... Being on the Defendant's seat has changed my prospective of things. I still don't trust Defense Attorney's in general, but... I can understand why they are needed. I also have thought over about how I've been doing my job and I can no longer call it perfect. It was nothing, but a polished torture chamber. A majority of the defendants I've proven Guilty I can say without a doubt are guilty, but... I realize now I may've acted rashly and cheated in other cases I began having doubts. In response, I had saw Gregory Edgeworth as the enemy, when in reality he was only exposing my imperfection. The other Defense Attorneys I saw as my enemy were only doing their job to protect their clients from my rashness.

"Being at the Defendant's chair, I was set up, then interrogated by the Prosecution through starvation. I'm certain he did that, because he knew I did the same to a former defendant I interrogated on a less grander scale. Had Gregory Edgeworth not stepped in for Jeff Master, I'm certain I would have done far worse. I can't trust myself entirely to not let my emotions get the best of me. It almost resulted in committing first degree murder and stealing away someone's father. No matter what that man has done to me, I will never do the same to him. Revenge never makes anyone happy and it certainly will not make me satisfied." (20)

"I think my orphanage teacher said something like that. 'Two wrongs don't make a right' and 'do unto others as you would want them to do unto you,'" Phoenix said.

"You have a very good teacher. My mama also taught me the same, but I never took it to heart. I'm certain I would not have found myself in the Defendant's chair had I remembered the teachings of my family. Even teachers and older siblings are just as much parental figures as parents themselves and their teachings are equally important."

"..."

https://youtu.be/O95nnCErxFE

"You know, you're not so bad. A bit stiff, but alright. Though, there is one question that's been on my mind, why are you and Edgey wearing a neck scarf?" (21) Larry asked. I facepalmed.

"It's called a cravat, Larry," I corrected.

"Well, sorry, Mr. Dictionary! Not everyone spends their time reading books all day!"

"At least I'm not spending my time getting detention every day of the week."

"Guys," Phoenix said, stressed.

"Why do you guys even wear those things? I mean it looks like those things can choke you. Same with ties," Larry said, looking up at the ceiling.

"They are a style and Father says I look adorable in this, for your information!" I argued, folding my arms proudly.

"I don't know. I guess they are. Do you think the girls would notice me, if I start wearing those neck scarf things?"

"For the love of the law, they're called cravats!"

"Guys... can you please stop fighting?" Phoenix asked meekly.

"THE TRIAL FOR GREGORY EDGEWORTH WILL START IN FIVE MINUTES!" I heard Ms. Oldbag shout in her megaphone, literally in front of all three of us. All of us were covering our ears.

"Owy~" Larry whined.

"Hurts," Phoenix pouted.

"Was that really necessary? They're just kids," Aunt Jenny asked, unamased.

"It got them to stop. Honestly, I could hear all of that from the hallway," Ms. Oldbag complained.

"Sorry, Wendily," I pouted.

"We're sorry too," Larry apologized.

"Hmph, anyways, the trial for Blaise Debeste is about to start too. You boys better get a move on," Ms. Oldbag announced, showing a small smirk.

"Of course. Also, I want you to prepare to get Robert Hammond into Mr. Edgeworth's trial by the time he's mentioned in court. There's a chance his testimony might prove Mr. Edgeworth's innocence," Mr. Von Karma instructed Ms. Oldbag.

"Of course I will. I'll make sure to get his butt in like dragging a couple of whippersnappers out of a studio lot."

"Excellent!"

All of us made our way to our respected trials. Phoenix and Larry made their way to the gallery of my father's trial. I noticed that girl with the toddler on her back making her way to Blaise Debeste's trial. I walked alongside Mr. Von Karma, holding some documented papers in my arms. Robert Hammond, it's time you got to Father's trial and Blaise, it's time you faced your crimes.

AFTER STORY NOTES

1. When Rachael was summoned, she purposely concealed herself, because she didn't want to frighten Gregory. Gregory isn't someone that is used to being around the paranormal or  someone that naturally believes in that sort of thing. That's why it's taking a long time for him to process the fact that this kind of thing does and has happened.

2. Gregory wants someone to watch Blaise's trial to find out why  his mentor is defending someone that is the master of manipulation. Gregory, at this point, doesn't know what's going on, but he does suspect there is dirty play involved. 

3. Basically, by having Robert Hammond as his Defense Attorney, Blaise prevents him from being a witness to Gregory's trial on the Defense's Side. Since Robert was the go-to man Gregory went to in order to save Rachael, he'd know when and how Gregory changed sides. 

4. Gregory is complaining, because knowing that Manfred had an inside man blackmail Robert Hammond's client during the trial tells him that Robert isn't going to be too forgiving with Manfred. This also  makes it harder to convince Robert Hammond to appear in Gregory's trial as a witness. 

5. In other words, forging evidence nine years ago wasn't the last time Gregory committed fraud. The difference, however, is that  the more recent fraudulent actions had a much different motive.  He no longer cares about his job, so it's something else entirely. 

6. Manfred is considering the fact that Robert Hammond might've been manipulated to believing that if Gregory was declared Guilty, he would be given protection from being in prison. If Gregory is declared Not Guilty, then he'd be targeted by the smuggling ring. In other words, Manfred is theorizing that Robert may intend on targeting Gregory as the culprit instead of the accomplice. Of course, that's just  Manfred's theory.

7. Gregory has to prove that Robert Hammond was working with him when the unjust crime against Rachael was happening.

8. That's not entirely true. Miles is still 8 years old, so his mind isn't completely closed to any sort of paranormal yet.  Miles is just much more observant than people take him for. For instance, Miles believes his father is literally Santa Claus, because it fits in with the myth how Santa sees you when you're sleeping, knows when you're awake and knows when you've been bad or good and the only person that fits that description is his father. Also, Miles can tell if his father is hiding presents from him. So, when Miles says he doesn't believe in that stuff, he just means that any paranormal stuff is not done by his father or natural phenomenon, which isn't wrong either.

9. This is full confirmation to Jennifer that Gregory can be trusted. Until now, she wasn't sure if she can trust him or not.

10. Jennifer is learning a little bit about Gregory she never knew about. Keep in mind that Jennifer saw Gregory as a threatening person to the point her and her mother filed a restraining order against him. She's learning now that Gregory is a very kind and loving father.

11. It's nothing toward Gregory, but Jennifer is beginning to regret ever pushing him away and filing a restraining order on him. Jennifer is realizing that she had missed watching Miles growing up from a baby, to a toddler, to learning his ABC's to his development. She's realizing now that had she listened to Gregory and took the time to see Miles, she could've shared all the moments of watching him grow up and developed a special bond with him.

12 

https://youtu.be/ORPeq8yI-wU

I'll shut up now.

13. Since Larry and Phoenix returned to school, they did hear more information about Manfred Von Karma, mostly through the teachers, and were given a better understanding about Miles' situation. They didn't understand how rough Miles had it. It's understandable, since they are 8 years old and have never been kidnapped, taken hostage or had to spend at least two days in hiding.

14. Being a defendant has given Manfred a lot of humility. He realizes that the people he prosecutes against are in the most helpless of situations and even words from the gallery can hurt. Now, Manfred was sitting at the Assistant's Seat helping Gregory, so he wasn't completely silent and alone, but he realizes the importance of having an Attorney to defend him. Even outside of the trial, Manfred had become helpless and defenseless to the point where he was forced to watch while Blaise dragged Miles away against his will and unable to do anything about it. If that weren't enough, Manfred was also stripped of food during interrogation. Of course, Blaise as abusing his authority, but Manfred realizes now that had Gregory  not been there for him, there's no telling what kind of torture his boss would've put him through.

15. Phoenix realizes that Manfred was facing the same kind of situation he faced during his classroom trial where everyone was accusing him of doing something he didn't do without proof. To Phoenix, what he faced during the classroom trial was when he realized what it truly felt like to be alone. Understanding Manfred's situation, Phoenix realizes that Manfred was alone and needed a friend, and Phoenix failed to be that friend at that moment. 

16. From how he acted toward Manfred, Phoenix realizes that if he stays mad at Larry, he will be acting no different than how his classroom and teachers treated him. Also, he's had a year to get to know Larry and knows that, despite being a lot of trouble, he wouldn't steal something out of ill intention. I don't think Larry would have either. He gets himself in trouble out of good or genuine intentions, not ill ones. Knowing Larry, he rather was was hungry and didn't have his lunch money, found the money and intended on handing it to the teacher only to forget or he thought it was his money by mistake. When I was accused of stealing lunch money, I stole it by mistake, thinking it was mine. 

17. When I was a kid, I was also accused of stealing someone else's lunch money. The teacher sent me to the office and called my parents. It was sorted out. I know Japan is different when it comes to shaming students in front of the classroom as punishment and the teachers are often the ones in charge of disciplining their students, but I think the teachers should've called the parents. I'm not a teacher, so I can't speak from experience of dealing with a classroom of 20 or so students, but I think that would've been a much better way to handle the situation. 

18. In order for the evidence to be presentable, Byrne Faraday will need to make the evidence relevant to the case.

19. This is true in Japanese Court. 

20. As I've stated before, being a defendant has given Manfred some humility. He's began experiencing what the defendants he's interrogated has suffered. Manfred doesn't want any defendant he's prosecuting against to have to suffer the way he did. 

21. NicoB reference XD