Zeth Gant,

Street light filtered into the half lit office of Wright and Co. Law offices, banding stripes of darkness through the lowered venetian blinds. The room, a little disorganised, but still functional despite its jumble of random shelves and the stench of stale hamburger buns and boil in the bag noodles. It had merely a brush of female influence, a delicate plant by the main desk- Charley, an old heirloom from when his mentor still commanded her presence in the court room.

Seated in front of a laptop screen at his desk, Phoenix Wright strummed the scroll wheel on his mouse, sifting through the Lawyer Register for anyone starting with a Z. A week ago, he suddenly started getting masses of clientele through a business card addressed under his company name, with a large ‘Z’ at the top. The work load he was taking on started to become almost unbearable very quickly, and for the first time in his career, he was turning down work because he couldn’t possibly fit the work in his schedule. It was only then, that a fancy dinner invite appeared in his mail. His mysterious hand shaker was finally going to announce who he was. He was still uneasy about the meeting.

Rubbing his eyes, Phoenix smiled tiredly at his screen. He had been searching for the last hour for no avail. It looked like he was going to rely on luck to help him through this dinner. Turning off his laptop, his door knocked firmly a few times.
Darting his eyes to the door, Phoenix blinked to awake. “Come in, Miles. The door is unlocked.”

Desperate for a second opinion on this ‘Z’’s intentions, his childhood friend, and active prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth offered to tag along to help size up the greenhorn. He had been in the industry a lot longer than himself, and had made it a hard point that he wasn’t impressed by ‘Z’’s method of gaining attention. Phoenix decided it was only fair to let him have an opinion on the new recruit, since it mattered so much. Grabbing his dress jacket from his armrest in one hand, and brief case in the other, Phoenix’s office suddenly flooded with light as Miles opened the door. Phoenix widened his eyes at the light, startled for a moment.

“Wright, you bat. What on earth are you doing with your lights off?” Miles smirked. Phoenix blinked a few times, adjusting to the light. Slapping a grin onto his face, he strode over to his friend.

“Last minute research on ‘Z’.” Phoenix replied, locking the door closed when he passed through. “I just checked the register- I couldn’t find any practicing lawyers he could be.”

“Seems he likes to play games,” Miles replied bitterly, chauffeuring Phoenix to his bright red sports car parked ominously on the street. Phoenix sighed deeply, leaning on the hand rail as he rolled his eyes for a moment. Miles was right though- ‘Z’ was playing the field. He was obviously sweetening the option of hiring a newbie, and giving himself a good name in the mean time. Phoenix would have been impressed by Mr Mysterious’ diplomatic way of weaselling into his company if it wasn’t completely against the law in so many ways. Phoenix almost wondered a few times if ‘Z’ intended it to be seen this way as a subtle tease of his resourcefulness. Was he that smart?

“He wants to meet at Trés Bien, that French restaurant by the park, didn’t he?” Miles questioned, starting his car with a thundering roar. Phoenix’s face flushed pale, remembering the last time he ate at that restaurant.

“Actually, Miles. We might want to grab a burger on the way home, so don’t worry about having a large meal.” Miles’ expression widened in horror, before turning into a grimace as they drove off.

“I knew I shouldn’t have agreed to come...”

Trés Bien was a scene for many mixed memories for Phoenix Wright in his most recent months. The lacy pink curtains, and delicately fashioned partitions seemed to sparkle that night, as Jean Armstrong, the owner of the restaurant almost pirouetted the two of them to their table. Fluttering about with neatening the immediate decor and lighting special candles for his guests, Phoenix and Miles exchanged glances across the table from each other. Checking his watch for a moment, Phoenix realised that he was still a little early for the meeting. After placing a glass of champagne in front of both the guests, the frivolous cook finally pranced off, leaving the two to chat finally. Phoenix pulled out `Z''s business card, and looked at it intensely.

“So, what do you suppose he's like? What he did before he suddenly decided to become a lawyer? Is he even a male?” Phoenix questioned, holding the card up to the light. Miles laughed politely, leaning heavily on his chair.

“'Z' couldn't be a female,” Miles grinned, taking a sip of champagne. “Firstly, if `her' motive was to become well known fast, based on the fact that `she' is excessively forward about joining your firm, `she'd' have a feminist approach. That, and would be very unlikely to want to play on equal terms with a male- based on the level of self sureness our Greenhorn is showing, of course. I hardly see `her' wanting to be walking in your shadow,”

“Secondly, if `she' was really a she, and `her' motive wasn't to become well known, but to get close to you specifically, she's going about it poorly.” Placing the wine flute carefully onto the table, Miles' expression darkened, as he drew closer to Phoenix, “To become qualified with a law degree is no laughing matter. To be as confident as `Z' is leading us to believe that he or she is, then they'd need to be talented at law.”

“Maybe I studied Law with `her' then, smart aleck.” Phoenix grinned, pointing the card at Miles accusingly, “I'll let you know that I had all the ladies after me in High school.”

Miles Edgeworth's brow rose coyly.

“Look, Phoenix” Miles started, diverting his attention to fingering the pattern of the table cloth, “whoever this person is, they've broken the law getting your attention, and I... I don't trust them. I'll let you use any of my resources you need to research this person. I don't like the level of mystery this person has. We don't even have their name yet.”

“Zed is my name, Prosecutor Edgeworth,” Turning to the voice, a man in his mid 20s stood behind Phoenix, poised proudly with a glass of champagne in his hand. He was dressed formally for the occasion with a simple dark blue shirt, a blood red tie, with black pants, and pair of trendy green tinted glasses. His hair was black with an odd bleached white stripe down the middle, and a neatly trimmed goatee on his chin. Something about the bold lawyer struck as familiar to Phoenix though. He wasn't sure why.

Bending over so he was head level with the conversation, Zed took a sip of wine, still concentrating his attention to Miles, “Now, would you kindly move over a seat so I can speak to Mr Wright face to face?”

Widening his eyes in curiosity, Miles shuffled over a seat, letting Zed sit in front of Phoenix. Zed sat there with a serious look for a moment longer, watching Phoenix's shocked expression distort into a washed out look. Suddenly, he burst out into laughter. “You both are so serious! Look at you!” Pointing his glass at Phoenix, Zed's whole face beamed happily, “I've waited for so long to finally get to meet you, Mr Wright! I've read up on all your cases over the last few months- you're a living breathing genius, I tell you!”

Phoenix's face dropped as Miles suddenly burst out into muffled laughter in the corner. Ignoring Miles' uncharacteristic laughter beside him, Zed offered his CV to Phoenix grinning from ear to ear. Phoenix accepted the documentation, handing it straight over to Miles. Zed's expression became serious all of a sudden, as Phoenix took in a deep breath, releasing it again slowly to calm himself. Miles accepted the CV, and slipped it under his resting arm safely. Phoenix's eyes narrowed analytically at Zed, tapping his wine glass lip. It was time to find out his truth.

“As of this second, I don't believe a word in that CV.” Phoenix started, moving his wine flute aside, “You faked association with me. What you did was against the law. That act could've stolen clients off me, or worse, damaged my firm's reputation. Explain your intentions.” Phoenix watched Zed's expression for a while, trying to find any sign of uncertainty. Zed's eyes remained cool for a minute, before he adopted a smile again.

“I knew it!” He grinned, cupping his head in the palm of his hands, “You like to gamble, don't you Mr Wright? I can see it in your eyes- You've figured out why I made such an effort to impress you,” Leaning back in his chair, Phoenix hid the slight smile appearing on his face with his hand.

“Supply and demand, Mr Wright. I am the supply that you will soon demand. It's simple economics,” Shrugging confidently, Zed shook his head, “But for you to demand the work I now supply you, I have to make the deal even better. Like, working for a month for free just so you can see just how much Wright & Co. Law Offices needs my assistance,” Phoenix's eyes widened as he leaned forward to hear more. Even Miles edged closer in interest. Zed smiled secretly, pushing his glasses back up his nose again.

“See, here's where the gamble is, Wright. Here I am, the man that stole your identity to give you work. I could have the worst intentions installed for you, or I could be your company's biggest asset, second to yourself. In one corner, you lose face. In the other, you gain a lot of money. After the month, you even have the luxury of telling me to take a hike,” Intensifying his look, Zed offered his hand to Phoenix, “It's up to you, Wright. I guarantee you I have the necessary qualifications to do this job. Trust in my intentions, and you'll be greatly rewarded.”

Glancing over to Miles in the corner, he noticed him scanning through Zed's CV. Phoenix sighed, and turned back to Zed, slipping his hand off the table, and into his jacket pocket to where the magatama, a stone that allowed him to see the truth in someone's heart, lay. Clasping on it tightly, he bit his bottom lip.

“What is your real name, Zed? First and last name in full.” Zed's eyes narrowed, before his expression turned into one of challenge. All of a sudden, Phoenix sensed Psyche locks- spiritual locks that humans makes to protect hidden secrets from being exposed. Lots of them.

“It's all part of the gamble, Mr Wright,” Zed replied darkly, “If you're not willing to put your reputation on the line for me, then you aren't the man I thought you were. So what'll it be?”

Phoenix looked down at his pocket for a moment, sighing deeply. The magatama has been wrong before. Maybe Zed is hiding his name for a justified reason? What if not knowing his name is another test of my faith? Hah, everything is a test with this guy. I can see him and Miles Edgeworth getting along famously.

Glancing at Miles quickly, a smile managed to sneak onto his lips as he pictured Zed driving all the prosecutors this crazy in court. Even if he wasn't that great of a lawyer, he could handle the comic relief for the next month at least. Grabbing Zed's hand, Phoenix gave it a firm shake. Zed's eyes lit up happily.

“I hope you have no aversion to hamburgers, and instant noodles, cause there's a lot where you're going.” Phoenix grinned, ignoring Miles' objectionable look, “Welcome to Wright & Co Law offices.”

Life relaxed for Phoenix, with Zed taking up alot of the slack around the place. Through Miles' resources, he found out a few interesting things about his new partner. They learned from his CV that he had studied law at Harvard Law, and had some degrees in forensics and psychology from Auckland University from his last 3 years in New Zealand- Miles managed to have a chat with a few of the lecturers at the Universities, and found that they did recall him attending, they didn't remember his name though. He had also worked up quite a good reputation with the investigations team in Auckland. After a couple of reference phone calls, Phoenix found he had even earned the nick name `The Skunk' cause of his uncanny ability to sniff out evidence, and his unique skunk coloured hair. He didn't seem to mind the nick name much at least, despite being compared to a notoriously bad selling creature. He was very relaxed about alot of things in his life.

Sometimes a little too relaxed.

All of his degrees and employment details were under the name Zed. No last name, just Zed. He seemed to hold no shame in covering up that he didn't want people to know his true name. Phoenix tried not to think about it too much. He knew from his first court case, against Prosecutor Payne, that Zed was going to make an excellent lawyer with a bit of experience in his belt. He seemed gifted at being able to read into the truth and was very thorough in his cross examinations. He also had a very daring way of exposing the truths alot of the time. Phoenix wondered sometimes if he had any run in with the Von Karma family.

“You know what I think, Nick?”

Phoenix's eyes flashed open in fright, to find Maya, his 19 year old assistant grinning from behind his laptop screen. Blinking his eyes shut firmly a few times before he re-orientated himself to his location again, he suddenly realised that he was at his office for once, and had drifted off to sleep.

“You think I need to buy you a burger?” Phoenix joked, closing his laptop screen, “We can both have something to eat if you're hungry.”

“Wha... No!” Maya cried, suddenly putting on a cute expression, “Although... I wouldn't say no now that you offered...” Phoenix leaned back on his chair, and snuffled a laugh for a moment. Good ol Maya- always has food on her mind. “I have a theory on Zed.” Phoenix raised his brows, straightening back to an upright in interest.

“All right. Let's hear it!”

“Zed is a Secret agent.” Maya grinned, suddenly forming her hands into a gun and swinging them about the place like her life was in danger. “Wouldn't it be so cool if he was here on a mission to like...” Swooping around to face the other direction, she glanced about jokingly for a moment, “get back some government documents, or something?”

“I don't think Zed is a Spy, Maya,” Phoenix laughed, picking up a lonely pen on his desk, using it to motion with, “He's got a real qualification in law, and had real experience with forensics. Besides, what could I have that he could possibly want?”

“Yeah yeah, I know, but secret motives are much more dramatic, don't you think?” Maya eyes almost sparkled at whatever scenario was playing in her mind. Noticing Maya's bag nearby with a flier on the latest action cartoon, Phoenix snuffed another laugh. `Double 0 Ninja', an action cartoon about a ninja that worked for a secret government agency. I'm behind with the trends. Phoenix thought with a smile, getting out of his chair, and walking towards his window.

“I have a meeting in 10 with our next client, Maya,” Phoenix asked, opening up the blinds to let more light in, “Do you mind boiling some water for some tea for me?”

“Sure thing, Nick!” Maya smiled happily, giving Phoenix a cheeky wink, “Watch out for the whoopee cushion under the guest seat though- Zed planted it there this morning as an April Fool's prank.” Phoenix's face drained in colour for a moment then, making a mad dash for the guest seat to save his client the embarrassment of Zed's humour. Maya quickly scuttled out of the door towards the kitchen area with a giggle, cheering herself in triumph at Zed's defeat as Phoenix pulled the offending cushion out and chucked it behind the curtain quickly. Phoenix face turned into a grimace for a moment, as he straightened his blood red tie.

“The company is finally starting to really take off and make a big name for its self at least,” Phoenix mumbled to himself, attempting to cheer himself up, “We've got plenty of work, my rent is paid, and we now have two lawyers. The cases have all been interesting too- a couple of cases without murders even.” Stopping for a moment, he laughed to himself, remembering a few of the cases. A smile returning to his face finally, Phoenix brushed down his dark blue jacket, looking out his window proudly. “Zed could end up being a great asset to the company- I just wish he wasn't so… interesting.” Suddenly, the door knocked. Phoenix's eyes lit up. “That'd be the next client now.”

Opening the door from their lobby, a lady in her early 20s stood, dressed in a wonderfully pink summer dress and a delicate shell necklace. Tucking a lock of bright pink hair behind her ear cutely, she walked in and waited in the middle of the room, looking at Phoenix.

“My, my,” Shelly giggled, eyeing Phoenix shyly, “if I knew my lawyer was going to look so adorable, I would've dressed up for the occasion.” Freezing in his tracks, Phoenix's face turned bright red, as he turned to his client.

“Eh...” Phoenix stammered, brushing his hair back shyly, “Thanks, but I'd rather keep this relationship professional if you don't mind. Can you tell me a bit about what you need me to defend you for?” Shelly looked surprised for a moment, giving a half smile as she started to fiddle with her purse.

“It's easier if I show you what the case is about. Could you come over here to the light please, Mr Wright?”

“Sure,” Phoenix smiled, approaching his client. She pulled out from her purse what looked like a handkerchief. Her face flushed for a moment, as she gripped her hand as hard as she could. Suddenly, her foot bolted out and kicked Phoenix's feet out from under him, making him land flat on his back. Starting to flail his hands to defend himself, the handkerchief was forced over his mouth and nose and clamped down tightly. Wait! This can't be happening- why is she doing this?

“There's no need to struggle, Mr Wright. Or may I call you Phoenix?” Shelly said silkily, finger combing his hair back with a hand gun as if to comfort him, “I promise you won't feel a thing ” She bent down to his ear then, brushing him with her lips, “Sweet dreams.” Suddenly, there was a loud, shattering noise. Overwhelmed by the fumes entering his lungs, the noise kept bouncing through his ear drums like a monkey hammering a band of pots in his brain. Desperate to scream, he slammed his eyes shut, and begged the noise to stop in his mind. Shelly's grip finally relaxed off his mouth then, as he heard Maya scream his name from nearby, and run off in a panic. Phoenix heart sunk, as paralysis took over, greying his mind off his surroundings. I'm sorry, Maya... So sorry...

Rubbing his tired eyes, Phoenix felt like he had just had a hard night drinking. The room seemed to waver around for a few moments before he gave up and closed them again. Grumbling to himself he went to rub his eyes, his hand bumped a flannel on his forehead. Phoenix's eyes flashed open in curiosity, being welcomed by an unfamiliar ceiling. Widening his eyes in panic as he finally remembered the attack, he went to sit up.

“Maya! Where are you? I...” Suddenly, a hand clamped over his mouth again, forcing his head to look to his left. Wide eyed in panic, Phoenix nearly started to struggle before he spotted the owner of the hand, Zed.

“You're delirious from a fever, Wright. Now lie back down, and talk. We don't have much time.” Zed's attitude dropped instantly, as Phoenix leant back onto his hospital bed, escaping Zed's grip. Zed's adopted a sympathetic smirk, grabbing the flannel on Phoenix's forehead, giving it a rinse out. “Sorry about that. I had to pull a few strings to visit you at this hour. You haven't been conscious to decide on who your lawyer is, and no one knows who your next of kin is… Lucky me though, your doctor is a bit of a pervert. I managed to distract him long enough to get in.” Zed glanced aside cautiously, as if to expect security to come running in any minute.

A perverted doctor- I must be in Hotti Clinic... Phoenix's inner monologue grumbled to himself quietly, Out of all the clinics in the local area, why do they all use this one?

“So, I have a fever? What from I wonder...” Phoenix asked dopily, as Zed placed the cloth back onto his forehead carefully. “That's kind of a relief after having your client try to gas you to death. I assume someone caught her in the act or something?” Zed covered his own mouth to muffle off a laugh before giving Phoenix a huge grin.

“Don't be crazy! You're being accused of murder, Wright.”

Phoenix's jaw dropped.

His eyes glazed over for a moment, as he examined Zed's expression for any signs of a joke. A prank. Anything to say he was pulling his leg. Zed would do that… right? If he'd put a whoopee cushion under the client's chair, surely this was just a case of Zed's twisted sense of humour? After all, if she was gassing him unconscious, how could he murder someone... unless he was framed?

Framed…

“Yes, you were framed for murder,” Zed smiled sympathetically, reading Phoenix's very obvious expression, “Your mate, Edgeworth got pretty upset at me when he arrived on the scene,” Zed's free hand tapped his neck sensitively, glancing aside, “I understand why though. You were found less than a meter away from the vic, bathed chest up in a pool of her blood. He thinks I set you up.” Phoenix sniffled a laugh, feeling slightly light headed.

“That's Edgeworth for you. So, what's the damage?”

“Bullet to the skull,” Zed started, forming his hand into a `gun' shape, pretending to fire it off at Phoenix's forehead, “Fired by an Astra Constable pistol with .380 cal bullets. The gun has both you and the late Miss Beech's finger prints on it. You were also lying there in a pool of her blood with a bullet wound in your shoulder. The police are fighting for murder in self defense case. They think that you fought her for the gun, got shot and then managed to get the gun from her somehow.” Pausing for a moment, Zed looked thoughtful as he seemed to be imagining the scenario in his mind's eye. “You know, it's kinda ironic that one of your clients trips out on you on April Fool's day…”

“What? So that's it?” Phoenix stammered, going to sit upright again before Zed's hand stopped him once more. “I'm guilty for a crime I can't commit? Killing a woman I don't even know? I can't defend myself for an incident I barely remember.”

“I never said that I couldn't prove you innocent.” Zed grinned, pretending to snap on a pair of surgical gloves onto each of his hands, “Make me your lawyer, and I'll clear your name, Wright. Heck- I'd do it for free even if I wasn't already! What do you have to lose?”

“Don't trust that man!”

Zed leapt off the bed at the harsh voice, pulling out a small hand held gun from under some folds in the bed sheets. Phoenix barely had time to think, as Zed pointed the gun to the surrounding curtain, flicking off the safety in one fluid motion. Thrusting the gun to a solid stop, Zed's eyes looked vaguely surprised for a moment, before he started to laugh loudly. Zed flicked the safety back on his gun then, holstering his gun in his belt, giving the intruder a broad smirk.

“The knight in pink armour appears!” Zed laughed, opening his arms as if he was in a Broadway show. Armed with one of the coldest glares Phoenix had ever seen in his life, Miles Edgeworth stormed up to Zed, grabbing the top of his tie. Yanking him closer, Miles' eyes squeezed into slithers of vision, as he pulled a large folder of information out of his magenta jacket.

“Seven years in the future and you still leave a bad smell that you can't clean up, Skunk,” Miles growled, holding up the files, shaking them in mock. “Why? Is this all for revenge on Wright and myself? Or do you think you think that being an attorney would be another entertaining little venture to watch unravel?”

“You trying to say that you know my real name?” Zed asked calmly, resting his hands behind his head coolly. Miles postured in a proud fashion, a smile forming on his face. He nodded slightly, as he started shaking his finger in his cocky manner.

“You can change the digital records all you like, Zeth. In the end, you can't erase the memories of all the students and lecturers that saw you at Harvard all those years ago.” Zed's eyes widened in delight, as he removed his green tinted glasses and gave them a wipe with his shirt. Replacing them back onto his face, Zed broke into a loud cackle, clapping loudly at Miles.

“HA! To be honest, I thought Wright would find out first. You impress me for once, Worthy.” Zeth grinned, wiping happy tears from his eyes. “Yes, my name is Zeth.” Giving Miles' cheek a few pats with an odd smile, Zeth's expression turned into one of intrigue, “So, Worthy, are you challenging my employer's trust in me any further? Cause if you are, I hope you're up to battling the prosecuting attorney for his case. I believe you two... know each other?”

Pointing towards the break in the curtain Miles had stormed through only minutes before, a tall, German looking, blond haired man in his mid twenties stood casually in a tailored to fit cream coloured suit with a bold purple shirt underneath it. Casually slipping out a packet of cigarettes from his inside jacket pocket, the German grinned mysteriously, slipping one of the cigarettes out with poise. Miles took a few steps away from the new comer, bumping into Phoenix's bed. Not seeming to notice Phoenix's dopey, yet confused look on his face as the German casually strode towards him, Miles grabbed Phoenix's wrist, and squeezed it tightly.

“Miles....?” Phoenix stammered, feeling Miles' hand start the shake slightly. Glancing upwards to Miles' face, the prosecutor was almost as red as his jacket.

“Alexander Kraus,“ Miles stated coolly, “I thought your services were bought out by the mob years ago. A case like this is far above your standards.” Alexander's eyes lit up in interest, as his pace slowed down to a stop, just of Miles' arm reach.

“It seems that my little rabbit still bears a set of ugly fangs. I wouldn't expect any less from a work of art done by Manfred Von Karma.” Taking a final stride up to Miles, Alexander drew his face closer to his ear, cradling his opposite jaw delicately. Miles' face lost all colour. “Now, how about you let this mystery slide till after Herr Wright is proclaimed innocent?”

Blinking away his need for sleep as best as he could, Phoenix barely noticed Zeth happily striding around his bed, as Miles' shaking hand left his own. Giving Alexander the stack of papers he had accumulated, his face hardened in expression. Miles' eyes narrowed as Alexander quickly scanned through all the pages in the pile, before pulling out an antique cigarette lighter from his other jacket pocket.

“Awe, come on Kraus, don't be a spoil sport,” Zeth grinned as Alexander went to ignite the lighter. Alexander paused, and gave Zeth a curious smile. Zeth leaned over Phoenix, grabbing the lighter out of Alexander's hand, and tucked it into one of Phoenix's hands, “This is Mr Wright's gamble. Not yours. Let him decide for himself if he trusts me or not.” Grabbing the pages out of Alexander's hands, and presenting it to Phoenix, Zeth's expression turned serious for the first time. “So, what'll it be, boss? Do you trust me?”

Glancing up to Zeth, Phoenix saw concern on his face for the first time. Phoenix knew that Zeth could pull a lie without a thought, and make him think that he was the good guy when he wasn't. There were plenty enough people in the world that would want to harm his reputation with accusing him of murder, kidnap or frame someone that meant a lot to him, or even manipulate him to defend a criminal. There was one constant in the world that could never be hidden by any amount of deception, trickery, or lies. One thing that Phoenix never needed his Magatama to see.

The face of an innocent man.

Looking down to the lighter in his hand, he examined the lighter carefully- an odd embossing of a pyramid with an ornate eye in the middle caught his eye, with what looked like German inscriptions engraved around the edges. The lighter seemed even more antique up close, or at least it seemed so to Phoenix. Flicking off the cap of the lighter, he considered what he was doing for a moment more. Miles Edgeworth doesn't get worked up over something small like a last name. Was it really something he should be concerned with?

Glancing back up to Zeth, he found him sitting nervously on the bed beside him, watching his feet swing backwards and forwards for his decision. He's trying really hard not to influence my decision. Phoenix analysed, his thumbs stroking the paperwork unconsciously. He knows that this paperwork will make me second guess his intentions. So that's why he so desperately wants me to trust him. Cause of his surname. He deserves to not be judged by his family at least. Smiling to himself, Phoenix closed his eyes for a moment as he made his decision. Faith. The biggest gamble of life. To take the good and the bad, and know that in the end, you they will always be there for you- that you trust in them. And then, there's that other thing about faith...

Igniting the lighter, Phoenix held the paperwork over the flame, watching the bottom of the paperwork begin to smoulder.

“What are you doing, Phoenix?” Zeth turned to the commotion of the burning pages and watched in surprise as Miles' mouth hung open- his research all burning into ash. Letting out his breath in relief, Zeth removed the pages from Phoenix's hands, and gave him a grateful smile as the fire devoured through the information hungrily.

“I know you're going to have your doubts about me by the end of this court case, Mr Wright, but I promise you that I will tell you my full secret when the verdict is called at the end of this trial.”

...that other thing about faith, is that it's always two way. Looking up towards Miles, his angry expression quickly turned away as he pushed Alexander aside and stormed off. Widening his eyes in panic, Phoenix tried call out to Miles to apologise, but the sinking feeling in his chest held off his voice, making only a squeak of noise escape. He had always put his full faith in Miles Edgeworth. Miles had gone out of his way to show Phoenix exactly who Zeth really was, and now he desecrated that passion for a man he barely knew. Phoenix's face turned white as he realised how much his trust would sacrifice.

“Miles, I'm so sorry,” Phoenix whispered, burying his face into his hands, “Please understand me...”

“Order in the court!”

The thud of the gavel slammed onto its sound block, quieting the grand hall. Phoenix's trial for the murder of Shelly Beech was already in full force, with the audience above them already excited.

To the Judge's left, Alexander Kraus proudly stood behind the prosecutor's stand, resting his hand gently on the chair beside himself, stroking the wood work with a coy smile. Beside the prosecutor, Phoenix's nemesis, Miles Edgeworth sat, bright red in his face with an expression that seem to plead to be anywhere in the world but there. It had been merely hours after Alexander had left his hospital room the day before that Zeth got an urgent message from Gumshoe telling him that Miles had convinced Alexander to take him on as his Paralegal for the case. Between Alexander and Miles' combined research, their surprising partnership had left Zeth in a bad mood. Phoenix couldn't tell if Zeth's foul mood had been ignited due to Miles joining Alexander's team, or if he didn't expect Miles' to bite back at his remarks. Phoenix might have found the situation Zeth was in just as hilarious as Gumshoe did when he conveyed it over that phone call... if he wasn't accused of murder. The case was starting to look a little down for a gun sure lawyer. Two top class prosecutors, versus a greenhorn lawyer, with a doped up mentor. That was never going to be good odds.

It was Miles' and Zeth's first trial against each other, and it seemed that Zeth's popularity had sent the investigations department into a gambling frenzy. Bets on who would win the case, and how long it would take were already flying about. Phoenix wasn't sure when the Investigations department had gotten so interested in Zeth, but he had a feeling that he had left a negative impression with his proactive involvement in their job during the cases he was involved in. Everyone wanted to see Alexander, and the Demon Prosecutor drag down the Skunk in court finally.

Too bad it's at my expense... Phoenix thought ironically, as he watched Zeth sift through his scrawly notes. His health had started to pick up a considerable amount since the two prosecutors visit that previous day. His mind was mostly cleared up, and he felt alot stronger. He still had to be carted around in a wheel chair for safety, but to be out of Hotti Clinic and away from that dodgy doctor, breathing in fresh air... Phoenix had never felt so alive.

Phoenix had alot of faith in Zeth's abilities as a lawyer. He had mentored Zeth through all the trials he had up till now, and had always been surprised at his calm and analytical mind. He seemed to piece together the court case in his head before he even entered the room, unlike himself, who always seemed to be under prepared and relying on blind luck to drag his imagination into gear. Zeth tried explaining to Phoenix once why he knew he was going to win the case that day with diagrams, reports and data. Phoenix didn't have a clue where he found out all the information he did for those cases, but they were always decisive, and they always found his client not guilty.

Until today. Phoenix thought almost happily to himself. He'll have a challenge with Kraus and Edgeworth, and the Police department all know this. Both of them are well known prosecutors in their own countries, not to mention experience in court. All Zeth really has is the evidence he's managed to find himself, and what ever gets presented today in court. Glancing towards the prosecuting stand, watching Miles finally brush the stress away from his expression as the audience quietened down their cheering, Phoenix smiled, feeling an amount of excitement for the first time since the murder. He hoped that Miles wasn't going to outdo his two toned lawyer today, but he couldn't help a tingle of excitement. Zeth had never been in a court case where he hadn't bragged his way into court about how he was going to win. This was going to be an interesting case to watch unfold.

Looking to the stand, Dick Gumshoe the head of the homicides department stood in his token dark green trench coat and tie. Surprisingly confident looking at the stand for once, he gave his work mates a wave. Finally turning to the heavy bearded judge, Gumshoe grinned “Dick Gumshoe from the homicides department, your honour!”

“It's good to see you in positive spirit today, Gumshoe,” The Judge commented, slamming his gavel down once more, “You will however, refrain from coaxing the audience.”

“Awe,” Gumshoe pouted, reverting back to his sombre pout as he lowered his arms bashfully, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Sorry, your honour,” Gumshoe shuffled on the spot for a moment, as Alexander cleared his throat, stirring up the audience slightly. Miles adopted a sour look as he tried to ignore the underpaid detectives trying to cheer Alexander on as he sifted through his notes for the trial.

“Could you describe the scene of the crime for us?” Alexander requested, glancing his finger down his jaw line as he turned to Zeth, “Remembering, of course the rules of presenting evidence.”

Phoenix smiled impressively. You sneaky Prosecutor. Anything Zeth could have found out on his own is void unless they proven relevant in court. Glancing sideways a little to where Miles sat, he noticed his eyes narrow at Alexander just slightly. Phoenix face relaxed in gratification of his old friend. So that's why Edgeworth became Kraus' Paralegal- so he can make sure that he gives me a fair trial. Him and Zeth probably.

“Sure thing, sir!” Gumshoe grinned, getting a small cheer from his work mates, “We entered the scene just after the meds. Mr Wright was lying in the middle of the room with Miss Beech's blood all over him.” Passing some photos over to the Bailiff, Gumshoe continued, “she was killed by a gun shot wound to the head by a gun with Mr Wright's finger prints on it. Miss Beech was moved about half a meter away from Mr Wright some time after the murder.” Gumshoes face drooped for a moment, giving Phoenix an `I'm sorry' look, “I know it looks bad, but Mr Wright wouldn't kill anyone!”

“The court isn't interested in your opinions, Detective,” Alexander sighed, twirling his pen around nonchalantly, “it is safe to assume that Miss Beech was leaning over Mr Wright at the time of the incident?”

“Well, yes,” Gumshoe responded, scratching his head thoughtfully, “he had blood splatter all over his face- you can tell in the photo of the crime scene...”

“Let me see that photo,” Zeth suddenly interrupted. A chorus of boos followed the bailiff, as he brought the small pile of photos to the defence table, and carefully place them in front of Zeth. Zeth immediately grabbed one of the photos and examined it quickly. Giving it a quick flick with his index finger, he grinned, “Well, that's funny. He doesn't seem to have blood all over his face in this picture.”

Quickly glancing at the photo in Zeth's hand before the bailiff collected it, Phoenix noticed that it was a photo of himself on the ground, unconscious. A dainty woman's handkerchief rested over his mouth, with a silhouette of a hand with blood around it. Narrowing his eyes in thought, Phoenix quickly grabbed a page of note paper from Zeth's pad and scratched down his memories. That's right, Phoenix thought, Shelly tried to gas me with chloroform. If Zeth can prove that she was shot after I went unconscious, then I'll be ok. Can it really as simple as that?

The judge inspected the photograph with interest for a moment, “It seems Mr Wright has wonderful taste in women's accessories. Why, just last week I purchased my wife a handkerchief....”.

“Objection, your honour,” Zeth interrupted just before Phoenix's face turned completely red, pointing to his mouth, “that `wonderful' accessory is not my client's. That handkerchief was owned by none other than Miss Beech herself, and she was forcing it over Mr Wright's mouth and nose at the time of the murder.” Pausing for a moment, Zeth gave a cheeky shrug, “You know, cause every lawyer gets the odd customer that wants to introduce their handkerchief to them.” The judge glanced back blankly at Zeth, trying to see through his humour. Phoenix grinned, remembering the Judge's naivety.

“Your honour, his sarcasm is a bit dry, but he makes a good point.” Phoenix supplied, raising some quiet chatter from the stands, “Did you investigate the handkerchief at all, Gumshoe?”

“Oh, yeah,” Gumshoe replied, giving Phoenix a positive grin, “It was soaked in chloroform. The blood splatter marks on it also show that her hand was over it at the time of the murder too. We found one thing curious though…” Glancing aside in wonder, Gumshoe crossed his arms, and gave a facial shrug. “The gun only fired one bullet, and that bullet was found in your shoulder, pal. We've gone over the evidence over and over again, but we keep coming to the same conclusion. Miss Beech was murdered by a bullet wound to her skull according to her autopsy, but there's no way you could have…”

“Objection!” Alexander growled, slamming his fist down angrily, “Your evidence is weak. Did you check the walls? The ceiling? The floor? Who is to say that lawyer didn't murder her with another weapon? What evidence do you have that she was shot point blank? The only thing you have proven is that Wright is an incompetent shot!”

“Or that he had an accomplice!”

Phoenix's eyes widened in surprise, as Miles Edgeworth suddenly roared into life, forcing his chair backwards as he stood so violently that it was forced hard into the wall behind him. Miles' eyes were narrowed to venomous slits of vision as he glared down the German prosecutor. Alexander's eyes widened for a moment as Miles caught him off guard. Considering Miles' suggestion for a moment, Alexander's attitude cooled off to a smirk, giving Miles' hair an affectionate stroke.

“You are very correct, Herr Rabbit,” Alexander purred, giving his ears a quick caress before Miles pushed his hand away. Turning to the wide eyed Judge, Alexander gave a brilliant smile, closing his eyes in content. “A third person it is! Perhaps there was someone on the scene before the medics. Who called the ambulance?”

“I did,” Zeth replied, halting Gumshoe's response with his hand as his face morphed into a silly grin, “I couldn't help it! It was April Fool's day that day! I wanted to see Phoenix's reaction when his client... let it off.”

“You hung around, waiting for my client to sit on a whoopee cushion?” Phoenix stammered, “What on Earth is up with you? That's a pretty lame prank by your standards.”

“Do you really want me to testify, Wright?” Zeth suddenly hissed, giving Phoenix an icy glare, “Testify on who the real murderer is?” Phoenix's heart stopped for a moment, as his mind raced back to that interview.

Who was there that night besides Shelly and himself? What did he remember? Grabbing his pad of paper again, he thought about it for a moment. Gunshot. A smashing noise. And a scream.

Phoenix's mouth opened in shock, as he glazed off the pad of paper, dropping his pen to the floor. That scream. He couldn't remember clearly whether that scream came before or after the gun shot was made. All he knew, was that it came from Maya Fey.

“No don't,” Phoenix's voice quivered for a moment as he rolled his wheel chair around to leave the table. “I'll testify instead. About how I am guilty of murder in self defence.”

“My name is Phoenix Wright, and I killed Shelly Beech,” Phoenix scratched the tip of his finger across the harsh grain of the witness stand. He was lying, of course, but taking a gamble with his freedom was the only way he knew of to bleed a bit of truth out of his lawyer.

Zeth had something to do with this murder, Phoenix narrowed his eyes seriously, glancing up towards the two toned lawyer, He knew right from the beginning. That’s why he was so confident in defending me even though he wasn’t as prepared as he normally is. Well, its time I turned this case around. Zeth is going to help me remember what happened that interview- I bet my freedom on it.

“This is rather unusual, Wright,” The Judge stated in surprise, poising his gavel in a ready position to continue the trial. “Even for you. You’ve always been known for turning a trail around in the most unusual ways, but even this seems extreme to me.” Phoenix glanced aside with a sweat drop crawling down the side of his head

“Eliminate the impossible, and whatever remains however improbable, must be the truth... right?” Phoenix asked, shrugging off his nerves, “I’ve thought about this long and hard over this whole case, and it’s the only piece of unaccounted evidence. My memory.”

“Very well, Wright,” The Judge nodded affirmatively. “What do you remember?” Phoenix nodded, looking at his list of things he remembered that night in front of him. Giving the prosecution stand a quick glance, he noticed both prosecutors at a stand, with Miles half leaning over the desk already as if ready to yell objection at any second. Phoenix closed his eyes for a moment trying to visualise the crime scene in his mind.

“Glass breaking, a gun shot, and a scream,” Opening his eyes once more Phoenix adopted a serious face, “I don’t know what order that was all in, but I vividly remember them happening. Especially the scream.”

“The scream?” Zeth laughed, leaning over his desk casually, “That sounds rather too generic to me. Couldn’t you tell who was screaming? Or are you hiding who the screamer was, Wright?” Pausing for a moment, Zeth pushed his glasses back up his nose with a grin, “Or were you so gassed out already that you couldn’t figure out who the owner was when they were right in front of your face?”

“Objection!” Alexander roared, slamming his fist down on the table, “Herr Skunk, you fool. You admitted yourself that you were at the crime scene before the detectives. Are you trying to force words into the defendant’s mouth? The prosecution requests that the defence refrain from badgering his client any further on the matter without any actual proof.”

“Objection sustained,” The Judge nodded slamming his gavel down, “Mr Wright was exposed to a large dose of anaesthetic. Even in small doses, his senses would be unreliable at best. A scream alone is enough to know that Mr Wright was conscious at the time of the murder... Unless you have a reason for this line of discussion Mr Zed?”

“I don’t shoot a gun that has no bullets, your honour,” Zeth commented darkly, picking a photo out from his pocket and waving it about teasingly. “I couldn’t bring this up till now because it wasn’t important to the case. I think the bailiff might show you that it’s very important now though.”

Letting the bailiff remove the photo from his hands, Zeth leaned over the table even further, narrowing his eyes at Phoenix. Forming the shape of a gun with his fingers, He rose the gun to a ready position, and then slowly pointed at his employer.

“This was not murder in self defence your honour. The only way for this murder to happen is by Miss Beech leaning over both of you, while she was chatting to you near your wound, and then being shot from behind. I beg you to challenge me on how one measly bullet could shoot a woman through the back half of her head and then hit Mr Wright in the shoulder in any other way.”

Handing the photo over to Alexander, the bailiff waited as he inspected the photo. A large grin appeared on Alexander’s face then, as he handed the photo back. Glancing to Zeth, he tapped the side of his jaw in interest.

“A broken tea set, and a teenaged Spirit Medium? And it’s time and date stamped.” Alexander grinned as the photo was passed to the Judge, changing his stance to a surprisingly approving one. Phoenix’s face turned an instant pale colour. Was he going to prove himself innocent by incriminating Maya? Alexander leaned casually over Miles’ chair, swirling his finger through the top of his silver head of hair, making Miles’ face twitch nervously, “You make a much better detective than you do a prank artist.” Taking a deep bow, Zeth grinned, before leaning his chin in his palms, gazing across to the Judge,

“You honour, I took this directly before the murder from beneath one of Mr Wright’s coffee tables. She proceeded to take a hand gun out of Miss Beech’s hand bag, and then shoot our lady in the back of her head to defend her good friend, Phoenix Wright.”

“Objection” Miles growled, shooing Alexander’s finger out of his hair, “That photo proves nothing except that there was another person on the crime scene. Miss Beech could have been murdered in a mall with hundreds of witnesses around her. Unless your Medium has the gun in her hand and shoots it, she is not the murderer.” Narrowing his eyes at Zeth, his expression turned into his ‘I dare you to prove it’ looks. Also adopting the same expression, Phoenix got out of his wheel chair slowly, clambering up the witness stand. Steadying himself upright, Phoenix suddenly threw out his pointer finger at Zeth, feeling the first burst of clarity he had had since the murder. It was all starting to make sense.

“And while you’re at it,” Phoenix started, glaring down his pointer finger at his lawyer in spite, “I find it highly suspicious that you just so happened to pull a prank on a woman that ended up being murdered right before your very eyes. You may have proved me innocent,” Zeth looked up towards Phoenix, shifting his green glasses back up his nose nervously, “but you have yet to justify your lack of action.”
The judge sat stunned for a moment, as Phoenix’s knees started to give way in his weakness, making him collapse back into his wheel chair. Hitting the sound block hard with his gavel, the Judge narrowed his eyes in resolve, turning to the prosecution firmly.

“Well, it seems that I can’t make a ruling on this case until we have collected the alibi of the defence lawyer, er... Zed, and this mysterious young lady...”

“Maya Fey,” Alexander supplied with a sly grin, “she is Mr Wright’s assistant.”

“Very well,” The Judge nodded, hitting his gavel once more, “We will continue this trial in two days, in which I request that Miss Fey and Zed are interviewed, and prepared for questioning in court.” The Investigations department suddenly became an uproar of cheering and joy. The judge widened his eyes as confetti gracefully fluttered down over the defence stand to Zeth’s dismay littering the table with carved up investigation forms. Sitting upright in his wheelchair again as the bailiff suddenly unlocked the wheels on his wheel chair, Phoenix’s stern expression watched Zeth as he was carted back around to the defence stand. Ignoring the pounding of the Judge with his gavel in the background trying to silence the Investigations department once more as he attempted to announce that the trail was on recess, Phoenix was wheeled up to Zeth with the brakes put back on beside him. Zeth barely acknowledged his employer’s presence, as he thoughtfully shuffled his notes into a neat pile to put back into his brief case.

“You said that you trusted me, Mr Wright,” Zeth said, barely loud enough for Phoenix to hear. Without turning to face him, Zeth pretended to fiddle with one of the latches in his case for a moment, not looking at him as he spoke. Quickly glancing towards the prosecutor’s desk and back to his case, he smiled slightly. “You can’t pull out on me after that. Not now.”

“Trust is not a loaded dice, Zeth!” Phoenix blasted, slamming his hands onto his wheel chairs armrests, “A lawyer is meant to fight the prosecution to find the absolute truth in our lies. If you can’t understand that basic concept then you can just leave my firm right now. Maya is not a murderer.”

“She’s a funny girl though, isn’t she?” Zeth grinned suddenly tuning to Phoenix leaning closer slowly, “She thinks very highly of you, Nick. Not surprising considering how much you’ve gone out of your way for her in your past.”

“Wait...” Phoenix’s eyes narrowed, as Zeth slipped off his chair and glided closer to him. Phoenix’s face flushed pale as Zeth slinked up to the ear Shelly Beech whispered in just before she was murdered. The skin of his cheek prickled of goosebumps as he felt the warmth from Zeth’s face near his.

“It’s funny how she hadn’t come to visit you while you were in hospital, isn’t it?” He stated, before pulling away with a devilish smile. Giving Phoenix’s opposite cheek a few friendly taps, he gave him a cheeky wink as he leaned back to an upright. “I’m sure she’s all right though, I mean, it’s not as if she thinks she’s guilty, right? Maybe she just thinks you need some time to yourself.” Phoenix’s eyes glazed over for a moment, as Maya’s happy smile flashed before his eyes.

Maya, his mentor’s little sister, and his cheerful assistant. In all the years he had grown to know the young lady, her passion inspired the best out of himself, and everyone around her. She brought a light to his firm that reminded him day after day that he made a difference to every client they took on. A light he couldn’t stand to ever see her lose. Even at the cost of his own freedom.

Glancing his eyes slowly towards Zeth once more, Phoenix kicked up the feet rests on his wheel chair, and planted his feet firmly on the floor. Pushing himself to a stand once more, Phoenix held onto the wheelchair for a moment, as his other hand was gasped firmly.

“You can lean on me,” Miles Edgeworth smiled from beside him appearing beside him suddenly, slipping Phoenix’s hand over his shoulder. Looking up at his childhood friend, Phoenix steadied himself with an appreciative smile, feeling a great strength return to his heart. Zeth rose to a stand in front of Phoenix, as he turned face to face.

“My name is Zeth Gant, son of Damon Gant,” Zeth stated, pushing his glasses back up his nose again, “Murmur my full name to even your dog, and you’ll find out just how carefully a detective can erase a certain spirit medium from existence.” Turning to Miles beside him, Zeth gave him a cheerful grin, ‘shooting’ him quickly with his signature ‘hand gun’. Miles’ face froze in disbelief, glazing at the hand as he withdrew he ‘gun’ carefully, “And if either of you get in my way, then I’m sure that even the caffeinated depths of hell wouldn’t be able to save you.” Giving Miles a quick wink, Zeth grabbed his briefcase, dangling a set of keys in front of Phoenix. “I do hope you don’t mind if I use your office to do a bit of research of my own while you’re in detention.”

Feeling Miles’ hand wrap around him for extra support, Phoenix’s expression dropped to a thoughtful one for a moment, as Zeth walked out the room with the keys to his office in hand.

“He’s holding Maya blackmail!” Miles growled quietly, digging his fingers into Phoenix’s side, “I can’t believe that rodent! I knew you couldn’t trust him! If only I could prove..”

“No, Edgeworth,” Phoenix breathed, clinging onto Miles’ magenta jacket tightly as members of the court scuttled past their commotion. Looking down at the lawyer, Miles carefully lowered Phoenix into the wheel chair, as his eyes danced about in excitement. “His real name was just a ruse to distract us from the real truth.” Stuffing his hand into his pocket, and fishing around the lining for a moment, his hand finally fell upon the smooth surface of the magatama, Phoenix glanced down his arm and grinned, gripping the stone tightly, “He’s calling your bluff, can’t you see?”

“What do you mean, Wright?”

“He wants you to find out his secret,” Phoenix grinned, pulling out the magatama, and handing it to Miles. “But he wants you to know that there’s consequences to being caught. See for yourself. He’s still hiding something.”

Glancing down at the magatama as Phoenix lowered the foot rests on his wheel chair, Miles considered Phoenix’s line of thinking for a moment, he stopping Phoenix in his tracks, before he signalled that he was ready to leave.

“But he’s been telling lies this whole time and you now know this. Why on Earth do you still believe in him?” Dipping his head down with a secret smile, Phoenix chuckled.

“Because if he’s so good at covering his tracks, then why is he so worried that we may follow them?” Glancing up at Miles, Phoenix’s expression looked content for the first time in a month, “He’s found something he’s too scared to gamble with, Edgeworth, and he wants to protect it at all costs.” Dipping his head once more as the bailiff unlocked the wheels of his chair, Miles’ expression relaxed to a surprised look. Considering Phoenix’s words, Miles laughed to himself as he lobbed the magatama into the air, catching it swiftly as it fell down.

“I don’t know how you do it, Phoenix Wright,” Miles smiled, looking at the vibrant piece of jade, “Caffeinated depths of Hell, huh? Sounds like I need to pay a certain prosecutor a visit.”

Leaning back on the cold, hard wooden chair of the investigation department’s interviewing room, Miles Edgeworth crossed his legs and glanced up with a gaunt expression. Usually, he had minions to interview criminals for him rather than get his hands dirtied by talking to the scum of the earth himself. He had far too many enemies inside and out of prison, and he usually didn’t like risking his safety, even surrounded by guards. This inmate before him however, was different.

Seeing only a red glow from behind his silver locks of hair, Miles dipped his eyes again as he considered his wording to the person before him. This inmate had only been in prison for merely months on a charge of murdering Maya Fey’s mother. The subject of the Fey family was a sensitive one to this person- not because he murdered Misty Fey, but because he sacrificed his freedom to protect the girl he now found hat was kidnapped.

Glancing upwards finally, Miles’s silver locks of hair parted away, to show a dispirited man in his late 30s, swirling a crude spoon around in a rich smelling cup of coffee. I was hoping to meet you in a good mood, Godot. Miles tweaked his tea cup around in a circle nervously, as he waited for Godot to finish stirring his coffee. This man, barely months ago was lit with the fire of revenge for his friend Phoenix Wright- a firey passion that drove him to become a prosecutor, simply to defeat Phoenix in court and avenge his love’s death. His grin, the only facial expression he had visible due to a large visor over his eyes, now drooped down into a frown, no longer radiating confidence and self righteousness. Even his slicked back white hair had been cut down to a short as if he mourned the loss of his purpose. He was barely the man Miles remembered.

Finally taking the spoon out of the mug, Godot smiled slightly as his head finally looked up.

“This coffee drips of sickly sweet sugar, Edgeworth. You aren’t here for a social chat with a washed out lawyer like me, are you?” Searching through the beams of red light from Godot’s visor for something that resembled eyes, Miles shook his head.

“I don’t make house calls, Godot. You know that.” Miles started, taking a sip of tea before he leaned closer to the conversation. “I have a Skunk problem, and I have good authority that you know how to deal with it.”

“Why should I care?” Godot laughed pointing his mug at Miles with a fake grin, “My ex employer Marvin Grossberg could tell you more about Zeth Gant than I could.” Pausing for a moment, he glanced aside with a glimpse of a real smile, “I do appreciate the coffee and company though.”

“I am not here to give good company, Godot,” Miles slammed his fist onto the table, giving Godot a shock as some of his coffee slopped out. “Zeth was never under Grossberg’s care. His attendance was only ever recorded on your court records. Damon Gant must have asked you personally to give Zeth work experience. Now cough it up.”

Wiping the dribble of coffee off his mug with his hand, Godot’s expression livened up a little, as a cheeky smile started to appear on his face. “You’ve done your research I see. I guess I’m all yours then.” Placing the mug onto the table, and crossing his arms firmly, Godot’s expression became serious. “I’ll tell you something first though, I was paid to train Zeth up as a lawyer. It’s not something either of us did by choice.” Resting his tea cup in its bowel for a moment as Godot said this, Miles’ face narrowed in confusion.

“Are you trying to say that Damon Gant forced him to be a lawyer?”

“Something like that,” Godot replied, glancing aside again. Grabbing his coffee mug again, Godot took a large swig of coffee before he dipped his head and started to chuckle lightly, “He was a wild one, that kid. The mind of an analytical genius, but his all his heart saw was grey. He’d have never amounted to anything as a lawyer. He was too dispassionate.”

“That’s funny, because he weaseled his way into Phoenix’s law firm.” Miles smirked, crossing his arms again. “I don’t know why you’re side stepping me, Godot. Someone is pulling his strings, and it can’t be Damon Gant this time. I’ve done research on him. His sentence for those murders he did was…”

“Death,” Godot bowed his head for a moment, contemplating his coffee. Paused in his moment with the coffee to his lips, he took in a deep breath of aroma, smiling happily. “Even a great cup of coffee must come to an end,” Suddenly, Godot flipped his head back with the mug to his lips, sculling his coffee down in one sitting, then swung his mug around dramatically, smashing it on the table’s edge. Miles leapt out of his seat in shock, as the ex prosecutor then took the sharded mug handle, sliced his thumb along one of the sharp edges, drawing a bead of blood. Godot frowned as he threw out his hand to a stop signal, motioning Miles to sit back down. Miles eyes relaxed to a confused expression as he slowly slipped back into his seat, watching Godot direct the blood on his hand as it dripped down. Godot’s face frowned, as he motioned Miles’ attention to his hand, “Blood is of no consequence to him. From the day he first arrived in my office, I could smell the iron taint of it on his hands, but even back then, I could not see it to prove anything.”

Turning his palm to face himself so he could ‘see’ his wound, Godot licked his index finger, and wiped the cut area of his wound clean. Pinching the skin either side of the wound then, he closed the leaking wound and held it there. Glancing up to Miles, Godot smiled.

“He was very good at squeezing up a wound so it could heal, even if it left a scar. It wasn’t until after the fire though that I began to see his gift. His gift to make evidence disappear.”

“Disappear?” Miles asked, circling his finger around the rim of his tea cup in interest. “He didn’t have training in forensics till after he got his law degree. More importantly though... a fire?”

“Grossberg Law wasn’t always in the building it is currently in,” Godot laughed, grabbing another mug from the tea table beside him, pouring another cup of coffee. “Marvin will never tell you the details himself about the fire himself, because he knows it was all staged. He got wind of Zeth’s flair for evidence and organized for replications of all his records to be made while the originals were all taken out to storage. He had Zeth staged an arson attack. Grossberg Law was then moved to its current premises and the insurance paid a hefty sum of money for his corporate losses.” Godot took a sip of coffee, and grinned. “How do you think Marvin got a hold of so much money? Marvin Grossberg became rich, and in return, they got themselves a lawyer to wrap around their finger.”

“Who are ‘they’?” Miles demanded. Pausing his train of thought for a moment however, he lifted his hand to a thoughtful position, before casually pointing his finger towards Godot, “And why did they force you specifically to do it? Marvin was quite capable at training Zeth, I'm sure.”

“Even I don’t know who ‘they’ are,” Godot frowned, taking another sip of coffee.”All I know s that ‘they’ gave Marvin alot of work that he personally took care of, and Zeth left the country very quickly after the incident.” Tightening his lips together tensely, Godot’s grip on his cup started to turn his knuckles white. “It concerns me though that Zeth is working under Phoenix now after all those years.”

“Why’s that?” Miles asked nonchalantly, Godot glanced away.

“Because of Phoenix Wright's father, Ethan Wright.” Godot’s eyes narrowed, clamping his lips tightly around the mug rim, “I defended Phoenix's father in court. I couldn't prove him innocent though- the evidence was too decisive.” Glancing up at Miles with a solemn expression, Godot continued, "I investigated the murder further. That's when Damon Gant sent Zeth to me as a distraction as they destroyed my research on him. Now suddenly, Phoenix is having troubles and Zeth happens to be involved?" Miles’ face turned white, quickly placing the tea cup down on its saucer. Godot turned to an interested position as Miles’ mind raced.

“That day at court... Zeth mentioned that he has the keys to Phoenix’s office... And Maya... She....”

“What about Maya?” Godot blasted, suddenly slamming his coffee mug onto the table. “If Maya Fey is tied up in any of this, then I’ll...”

“Don’t say another word,” Miles replied darkly, pushing his chair away as he gracefully went to a stand. “I’m calling your probation officer. I don’t care what favours I have to pull, I’m not going to have Zeth or anyone else calling the shots on this case any longer. I am going to have you released on a temporary probation to help me solve this case.”

For the first time since Godot was sentenced to prison, a wild grin appeared back on his face. Taking a deep swig of the coffee, Godot got up also, finally adopting a proud posture. “Perfect, I was finally starting to get caffeine withdrawals anyway.”

Miles Edgeworth carefully closed the door to his racing red coupe, glancing up towards the building before him. The simple stairs of Wright and Co Law rose seemed to look back at him with a listless expression, as if they were just loitering there out of shear boredom. Smirking to himself, Miles strode around his car to the stairs.

“I don’t like the feel of this,” Godot murmured as he slipped out of the passenger’s side of the car, sipping on a takeaway cup of coffee. Now dressed in a smart red shirt, a knitted charcoal coloured vest and dress pants that Miles had loaned him when he was put on probation, a sparkle of determination had finally returned to his eyes. He was finally free- except for the weighty braces on his wrists, tracking his every movement. Miles glanced at the braces, biting his lip firmly. He spent over an hour chatting with the Chief of Police, trying to convince him to release him for the course of the court case. They were understandably reluctant to release him, but there were conditions. The tracking braces were one of them.

Glancing back to the door, Miles narrowed his eyes as he looked around. Nothing was out of place. You would never had known a murder had taken place in that very building less than a week ago. Even the windows even looked unusually clean. To the everyday citizen, this building looked as if it were simply closed for a day. Catching up to where Miles stood, analysing the building entrance, Godot stopped at the top of the stairs beside Miles, and took a large gulp of coffee from the cup.

“Unless Miss Beech bleeds lavender, we’re too late for answers here,” Godot commented, placing his hand on the door’s face glancing up the door. “Where did the report say the murder took place?”

“In front of Wright’s desk,” Miles replied, turning his back to the door. Sighing as he flopped backwards to lean against the frame, Miles glanced up to the setting blue sky disappointedly. “Maya saw the whole thing unfold.” Glancing towards Godot for a moment, Miles’ eyebrows tilted upwards in worry, “We have just over a day to find out more information on what Zeth’s intentions are, and why he’d stage a murder.” Pausing for a moment, Miles glanced away thoughtfully, “Poor Maya, she’s been through so much since joining Wright’s Law firm. I hope Zeth didn’t...”

“Zeth’s favourite playing card is the Ace of Spades,” Godot mentioned casually, tapping the door with a run of all his fingers, “The tarot card version of that is the Sword. The card of Judgement, and Reason. A lawyer’s sole job is to have judgement passed on a person’s actions, based their personal feeling of their client’s reasoning at the time.” Turning to Miles, Godot’s expression suddenly darkened, as he slammed his fist onto the door beside the Prosecutor, “Zeth may be a lawyer without a soul, but he is not one without reason. Don’t let your concerns for Maya and Wright cloud your judgement. Both of them have been through much worse than this and come out fine.”

“I’m not concerned about them!” Miles lied, crossing his arms as he glanced away, “He’s obviously using the law to search Wright’s office for something.” Gripping his fingers into his arms, Miles’ face contorted in frustration, “The question is, what was so important that he couldn’t’ talk to Wright about himself?”

“A good question,” Godot replied, tapping his visor with his index finger contemplatively, “Zeth gambles with a full deck of cards. I wonder if he’s pulling a Joker card out on this one. He’d find the joke a fittingly festive one at very least.”

“A jok… What do you mean? Are you trying to say this murder could have been an April Fool’s prank?” Miles eyes flashed in shock, as Godot’s attention drew to the front door, “That’s madness! Can’t you hear what you’re saying? He had a woman killed to search Wright’s office!” Watching Godot start to finger around the door, Miles face softened off to a curious look. Glancing around to see what Godot was so interested in, he found him poking his fingernail through the gap between the door and frame to Phoenix Wright’s office entrance. A smirk appeared on Mile’s face then, “Do you think Zeth is leaving you encrypted messages now?” Godot glanced at Miles for a moment, before returning his attention to the door.

“A knight guards his Princess with his sword and shield. Zeth likes to think of himself the same with evidence.” Pausing for a moment, Godot’s lips grinned, as he held up his hand, “Mind if I borrow the keys to that horrifying car behind us?”

“That horrifying car is the only thing getting you from A to B, I hope you remember,” Miles replied with a grimace as he placed the keys to his car in Godot’s hands, “Did you find something?”

“Yes,” Godot grinned wildly, pulling a small piece of card out from between the door and its frame. Opening up the clue, Godot took a quick scan of the invite and laughed. “It seems that our Skunk has finally found the courage to win over his Penelope.” Handing the card to Miles, Miles eyes dulled in disappointment as he glanced over the card himself.

“A ticket for two to see Westside story?” Miles asked coyly, holding up a red invitation to a play at the local Jazz club, ‘The Alto lounge’. “Sure, I find it odd that a downtown Jazz club would host a gang war play, but I don’t see any issues besides that.”

“Westside story is a play about two lovers from rival gangs,” Godot replied, chucking Miles back his car keys, “Zeth can’t pull a fast over the whole precinct by himself. He had to have a large group of people to assist him in case things went wrong. That large group could be considered a gang.” Miles caught the keys with a swift sweep of his hand, looking down at Godot in interest.

“It’s rather melodramatic that he would compare his love life with a tragedy. The male lead dies at the end of the play.” Offering his hand down to Godot, Miles smirked ironically, “But you’re going to suggest that he’s going to sacrifice his life for her, aren’t you?”

“If we fail, then maybe he will,” Godot’s face turned serious once more, as he turned away from the door and straightened his vest. Miles glanced back at the ticket once more, as Godot casually slinked down the stair towards Miles’ car once more. “However you want to look at it, Zeth Gant wants us to defend him in court for whatever he’s done, and our payment is Phoenix Wright’s freedom. Do you want to take the case on or not?” Slowing to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, Godot turned to glance at the prosecutor who was still distracted by the ticket, ”Remembering that defending Zeth may also lead to Maya.”

Lifting his attention from the tickets finally, Miles’ eyes narrowed as the afternoon sun glared through his hair like a spectral being, “He’ll pay in court if she’s not.”

She IS Shelly De Killer's daughter. I called her Shelly as a play on Dekiller's title (obviously, Beech was also me having a bit of fun also ), cause we don't know his real name. If it were to pop up, that would've come out, but the story has changed since that info was important. Originally, Zed was chasing the Identity of Shelly De Killer and his daughter. She wears a shell around her neck like De Killer uses the card. She's more feme fatale.

OMG did maya really kill shelly!!???

Heheh... SUSPENCE!!!

The case right before Diego was poisoned

I'm dying to know where Maya is!!!