I agree with Edgeworth. Next chapter, so there will also be more suspence ^^

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Next chapter :D

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Again, I am SO FREAKING SORRY this is taking so long. I want to reach the ending too, but there is alot of stuff I have to deal with. But, within that, it gives me the time to really think about this story, and you guys clearly enjoy it enough to keep on waiting.

Here we go!

The Death of Manfred von Karma
Chapter Ten

The room was silent once more. The Von Karma family absorbed what was just said, trying to understand everything. Miles was the first to speak up. “Infected your very being?” Manfred regained his focus, ready to explain what he said. “Yes Miles.” Manfred sat back more in the gurney. “That case was everything to me. McCoy’s idea of perfection was flawed, but that Mr. Damon… the way he controlled the judge…” Manfred sported a slightly devilish smirk. “That kind of power was appealing.” Manfred started to practically glow. “To think, that kind of control of the court... I would be the greatest prosecutor there ever was. By being so forceful…”

“You monster.” Though it was only a whisper, it was heard loud and clear.

Franziska spoke up. “You are a monster, papa! Why would you idolize the man that… that…” Franziska stood up in anger and frustration. In pure fury, Franziska shouted, “You… you… coward!” Franziska was so full of fury, could find no more words. Streams appeared under her eyes as she stormed out of the hospital room. Miles stood, but before Miles could say anything, Manfred spoke in his normal, rough tone. “Let her go. She has every right to be angry.” Miles, although concerned for Franziska, was did not particularly care about what she said. He turned to Manfred, and said, “I still don’t understand. That trial, your obsession, what does that have to do with my father?” Manfred responded, “You will understand in due time, Miles.” He settled into the gurney and closed his eyes. “For now, I need to rest.” Miles, although still wanting an answer, respected his surrogate father’s wishes, and promptly left the room. Mile, after closing the door, checked his watch. Four in the afternoon. What felt like minutes were indeed hours and Miles knew that the day had only really begun. He paced down the hallway as to find his upset sister.

Derek Stiles sat at his desk in silence, just staring at the charts, x-rays, and medical documents me looked up on the internet. Every time he looked, things didn’t seem as right as it was before. The organ failures, the coma, the seizures, every time Derek thought about these conditions, things never added up. Derek was caught in a maelstrom of confusion, racking his brain for an answer, ANY answer. This storm could have swallowed him had Angie not entered the room, the creak of the door diverting Derek’s attention. Derek, not waiting for anything, quickly said, “Yes, Nurse Thompson?” Angie entered the room and started to speak. “Well, Dr. Stiles, I know I am technically on my break now, but is there anything I can do to help you?” here was a brief silence, and Derek answered “Well, could you check on Mr. Von Karma and his children? It would help a lot.” Angie nodded in confirmation, and left the room. Stiles sighed heavily, and leaned into his chair. Removing his glasses, he messaged his temples, clearing his headache some. Then, Derek thought of the one person that could help him with this problem. Derek replaced his glasses and picked up his cell phone from his desk, not wanting to risk the life of the woman he must call.

In a far off European hospital, a tall, purple haired woman sat at her desk, twirling her long, stylish hair betwixt her right fingers, pen placed perfectly in her left hand writing notes on her charts when her cell phone buzzed in her pocket. Placing the pen down, she removed it from her pocket with a slender hand, glancing at the caller identification on the front of the small device. Derek Stiles, friend and colleague in the GUILT breakouts nary two years prior. She clicked the green button and elegantly held the device to her left ear. With a soothing voice and a pleased smile, she answered, “It’s been a long time, Derek.” Derek rested his cell under on his shoulder and responded, “Hello, Dr. Kimishima.” Nozomi Kimishima, otherwise known as Dr. Weaver to the rest of the world, leaned back in her chair and got right to the point. “Is there something wrong, Derek?” Derek answered, “Yeah. I have a problem with a patient. I am sending you some things to look at” Derek clicked on his computer and emailed a series of images and texts to Nozomi. He briefly explained the scenario as Nozomi looked through the sent items. Derek finished, and asked, “Second opinion, Doctor?” Kimishima was silent, and said the one possibility she could think of. Derek knew of this possibility from the beginning, but after the whole ordeal two years ago, he did not want to think of such an answer.

“Derek, this might be a new strain of GUILT.”

There was dead silence on the line. “Dammit” Derek cursed under his breath. Derek immediately responded, “I thought that was done with. I thought we beat it.” Dr. Kimishima switched to a solid tone, saying “You cannot discount the possibility of rogue agents, Derek. After Delphi was disbanded, there was no guarantee that some cells may still be around. Terrorists rarely give up, even after their leaders are is killed.” Derek rubbed his temples again, and said back, “Is there another possibility of outbreak? Could we have another crisis?” Nozomi sighed and answered calmly, “Do not think worst case scenario just yet Derek. Do what you can, and keep him alive. This may all be one big misdiagnosis.” Derek closed his eyes and calmed himself. Stiles muttered, “Thank you, Nozomi.” She smiled again. “Take care of yourself, Derek” and ended the transmission.

Angie, Miles, and Franziska sat at a small table in the hospital’s cafeteria. Angie had to convince the two to finally come with her to eat. She had to remind the two that it had been hours since the two pseudo-siblings had not eaten. The three were in silence as they ate their respective meals, Franziska barely eating anything at all. Franziska was still very upset at her father and herself for her outburst. After some time, she decided that she would speak to Miles, but she didn’t want Angie to hear. Franziska, like her father, never cared for doctors or nurses, especially blonde ones that told her what to do. Deciding to speak in German, she focused on Miles. “Miles, can we talk? Speak in German, so that this blonde girl doesn’t understand us.” Before Miles could respond, Angie interjected in a cool tone, “I heard that.” in a perfect German accent. Franziska grunted in anger, and decided to just let out what she was feeling.

“I can’t believe my father. He admired the man that protected the man who killed his sister. And then, he passed those teachings down to us. His own children, born to be prosecutors, we were just following the techniques of some slimy defense attorney.” Franziska put her fingers to her forehead, looking away from the two, trying her best not to cry in front of them. “But, I don’t think that’s reason I am so upset. All I wanted was truth. I just wanted the truth and he gives me a story of why he is so corrupt.” Miles sat back in his chair and put on a face of disgust. He said, “He explained nothing to me. His story doesn’t tell a damn thing about why he killed my father. Trust me Franziska, you are not the only one who didn’t get any answers. Only reasons to hate that despicable man even more.” Angie, sensing the tension, decided to throw in her two cents. She may not have known all the details, but she thought her words could still help. “Maybe what he said was truth, but in a way you didn’t want.” The two stopped, and looked right at the blonde nurse in silence. She continued. “One thing our jobs have in common is the truth. I have had to deliver ugly news to patients and families. Doesn’t your job involve finding the truth?” Angie paused, and spoke again. “Look, it seems to me that your father had to tell you an ugly truth about himself, in order to help you find the answers you need.” There was a silence at the table, as the two let Angie’s words sink in. Maybe this girl was right. But, there was little time to think about it. Angie felt her pager buzz, and looked at the screen in shock. She looked up, and delivered some ugly news.

“Your father is in emergency surgery. He’s dieing faster then we thought.” The three rose, and Miles and Franziska followed as Angie started her dash to the operating room.

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CURSE YOU GUILT!!!!

I loved this new chapter. It seems to explain a lot about Manfred, in a way that I think nobody expected. I wish that this didn't have to end...

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It's not over yet, mate. We still have alot of ground to cover. But right now, Derek has a bit of a surgical problem. What is this GUILT? What does it do? What can Derek to to fight?

Next chapter, it's one hell of a fight for life for Manfred, and his time is starting to run out.

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how long is the next chapter going to take?
the suspense is killing me! fantastic story so far though!

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Awseome stuff!

Meow

GTFO out of my post , Shoe.

Meow

Anyway, the rape wasn't what i expected I expected MANYY RAEPS SISSY!

I'll get back to my hole in the ground.

Meow. Meow. Meow/

Urgh...

Meow.

F*** UP SHOE!

I have but one word for all of this:




Oh, and it's AWESOME. The EBA Cameo pulled me the falk in :D

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This is very compelling and interesting. Well done!

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I'm actually struggling a bit. I'm about to go off to college. That magical and pretty fuckin' scary place of further education.

I'll just have to motivate myself to finish this story up. If you know any agents or male Japanese cheerleaders, could you guys send them my way?

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Good job so far. Hope you finish it up!

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Me too. :P

Sorry this took so freaking long. Ironically enough, alot of stress in my days would be relived if I would just finish this story already. I really thank all of you for your patience. This is the second to last chapter, and I hope you all enjoy it.

The Death of Manfred von Karma
Chapter Eleven

Angie rushed into the prep room to find Derek scrubbing his hands furiously. Before Angie could say a word, Derek turned and asked, “Where are Franziska and Miles?” Angie closed the door behind her and said, “They’re in the observation booth.” As Angie scrubbed her hands and prepared the operation tray, she asked calmly, “What is going on, Doctor?” Derek wiped his hands dry, and held them up. “I am not sure.” Derek snapped the latex gloves onto his hands, to insure sterility. Derek continued. “I went to check on his condition, and he was out cold. After lifting the blankets, I saw that a pool of silver liquid was on the bed. It must have come from the rectum. His vital signs were dropping quickly, so we have to go in there and figure out what the heck is going on.” Angie finished applying her gloves. She was extremely confused at the notion of a pool of silver, but decided to move onto a different question. “What are you planning, Doctor?” Angie queried as the two started for the operation room. Derek responded, “Well, I didn’t have time for an MRI, so I am going to try the stomach, and go from there.” If this was Derek’s first surgery, Angie would have objected to the notion of Derek cutting into a body blind, but she knew Derek had the skills. She could trust him. Derek donned his surgical gear, and turned to Angie. “Let’s begin the operation.”

On a cold surgical table, Manfred laid unconscious, breathing heavy gas to keep him knocked out, unknowing of what was to be done to his body. Miles and Franziska watched from the booth in silence, praying that Manfred could make it through. There were still many unanswered questions that only Manfred could answer. Derek knew only a life was on the line. But Miles and Franziska, even Angie, knew so much more was at stake. Derek wiped Manfred’s midsection with the antibiotic, and without breaking concentration on the body, Derek held his left hand up towards Angie. She had worked as a operation assistant long enough to know exactly what Derek needed. She placed the sterile scalpel gently into his hand, and Derek slowly cut the body across where the lightly colored antibiotic had left a streak for Derek to follow. After the cut, he carefully placed the clamps to hold the skin open. Before Derek was the stomach, although it was no bigger then his two fists side by side, it was as big as a continent for Derek, for Manfred’s body had become Derek’s world in that operation room. At first, there seemed to be no problem. The stomach seemed healthy enough. But Manfred’s vital signs were still low. Puzzled, Derek decided to make a slight incision into the stomach. Right then, a small puddle of silver liquid oozed from the stomach. It was an odd sight, but Derek had seen weirder, and much worse. Derek, focus still on the stomach, said, “Angie, get me the stomach pump. If we can rid of the liquid now, while he’s open, then we should have to time to…” but Angie’s sudden gasp and shocked eyes interpreted Derek’s planning. The puddle of silver disappeared, as it seemed to go back into the stomach. Derek was equally shocked when his incision sealed itself.

This was a new GUILT strain. No doubt about it.

Derek’s worst fears were true after all. Derek shouted, “Angie, the pump! Now!” Angie dashed from the table to retrieve the small device. Derek focused back onto the stomach, which was beginning to inflate at an alarming rate. This GUILT had a mind of its own, and it was set to blow Manfred’s stomach like an overly inflated balloon. Derek wasn’t going to risk bursting the stomach by slicing it open again, so he quickly grabbed his syringe, to try and get any of the viscous fluid out. Derek got the needle in, but before Derek could pull the plunger back, the liquid pushed the needle back and out of the stomach. Angie got the machine set up, ready to move the tube into the stomach. Derek instructed, “Cut the blinds to the observation window!” Angie knew the only thing that could mean. “Yes Doctor.” She replied, and triggered the switch to block the observation window. Miles and Franziska were taken back, confused as to why they couldn’t watch their father’s operation. But ultimately, they did nothing, for the door to the room was locked, and there were no controls to open the window. A tear trickled down Franziska’s eye, praying that everything was alright.

Derek had very little time. He knew using his ability was dangerous, and if anyone knew, the ramifications would be great. But Derek had no choice. By closing his eyes, he imagined the star. He had learned how to pull off the technique without drawing in the air, but his glowing right index and middle fingers and the fact he was the only thing moving indicated full well that he triggered the Healing Touch. He quickly got to work, moving the elongated tube through Manfred’s nose, and down into the stomach. The near living silver fluid wouldn’t stand a chance against Derek’s speed. He deactivated the Touch, and started the machine. Immediately, the stomach deflated to a normal size as silver liquid poured into the pump’s reservoir. Derek sighed in slight relief that Manfred’s vitals started to stabilize. He closed Manfred up, but Derek had the feeling that this GUILT hasn’t been defeated. Angie monitored the pump as she wheeled him back to his room. Derek opened the curtain, and clicked the intercom. “Your father’s stable, you can see him soon. Sorry we had to close the curtain on you guys.” he said with a serious tone. Franziska had long held her composure. Equally stern, she responded, “Well, thank you. Keeping him stable is all we can really ask for.” After some silent nods and thanks, they parted.

Derek scrubbed his hands harder then ever. Wild thoughts were running through his head, frustrated thoughts of what felt like hopelessness. With everything going on in Manfred’s body, he knew everything was futile. Organs dead, GUILT, and Manfred’s ever worsening condition; everything was adding up to show that he had very little time left. Derek exited the washroom and saw out the window. The sun was setting. Derek looked at the sparkling sun set, and felt his stomach sink as he thought, “He’ll never see the sun rise.”

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Wow... This story is coming to a close, and yet it still has the great quality from the beginning... I can't wait until the end, and I have to say you are a fantastic writer. Major kudos!

Oh yeah, and good luck with college!

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Really? The last part felt really forced on my end. Then again, a writer's hell is enjoying their own work, so what do I know?

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I love the last line... It's angsty, and yet it delivers. And I hate angst, it usually makes me depressed post-reading. Like when you go on fanfiction.net and... "Wow! A rated M fiction about my favorite, non-canon, pairing! It's complete I can't wait to.... Angst. "

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*claps*

There was a reason I voted for you in the AA awards on the forum.

This is it!

Geinus. Geinus. Geinus. After many long, painful nights of waiting, the next chapter in your epic saga doesn't fail to impress, and really shows off your skill as a writer. Now we have to wait another 3 months for the final chapter. It feels like waiting for a Metroid game sometimes, but like a Metroid game, these chapters are amazing.

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In my opinion this was written by a true prodigy.

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this has not been finished.

This fact FILLS ME WITH SORROW

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I agree, but come on! The fact that Zetto San is delaying this so much is so that it will be as awesome as it can.

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The reason for the delay is the simple fact that college has consumed my time immensely. I've been writing, but for classes and whatnot.

But I have the ending in mind, and I think I'm going to go back and rework some details later. I just beat AA3, so there may be some discrepancies I need to address.

Believe me, I want to finish this project as badly as anyone else wants me to finish it, and I feel like some sort of ass for keeping everyone waiting. The ending, however, will be worth the wait. I guarantee it.

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We interrupt this fanfiction to increase dramatic tension! Thank you!

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A little taste to whet your appetites...

I think that's in order.

To understand the ending, there are questions that needs answers.
-Manfred was obsessed with power. Power of prosecution so perfect, no accused criminal would go free. Why would Manfred pass this power onto his own children?
-What is Manfred really covering for? The pain over the loss of his sister?
-Why did Manfred choose to raise Edgeworth as his son?
-What happened to Franziska's mother, Angelica?

His final breath approaches speedily. Will this breath be the first he tastes as a human being, with the weight of his soul lifted?

To answer these questions is my aim. And I won't miss my mark.

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I just found this, and read through the whole thing you have up so far. It is quite excellent. A few typographical errors here and there but overall a top-notch piece. (However, as the story is almost done already, I can't really use my not-really-trademarked phrase, but I'll say it anyway.) I'll be watching this one...

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WoW i thought this was done for. I was reading this a while back and got really sucked into it. Hope the ending is good.

wow! your fanfic is great, cant wait to read more ^-^

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Hey, if I wanted to submit one of these, I would have to give a demo to Ms. Croik?

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I wanted something to read and picked a random fanfic on here. Of course, yours is the one I picked. I got up to chapter 5, and I have to say, I'm hooked. I'm sleepy right now, but I will definitely finish reading what you have so far tomorrow.

By the way, bringing Gant into it was a great idea. Especially giving him such a vital role. When he told von Karma he needed to go swimming, I actually laughed really loud. I had to put my hands over my mouth to avoid waking anyone up.

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I read all the chapters in one sitting lawl.. It's nice to see you breathe some humanity into this man. Well written and props for holding respect for the characters. I can't wait to read the next part! *sits and waits patiently*

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HOSHITTHISISAMAZING
*ahem*
This is one of the most incredible things I have ever read. I say this about a lot of fiction on CR, but that's because everyone is so bleeding talented! This is amazing in more ways than I can say.

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