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tiredetective · 1 month ago

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Conjunction Wright & Left!

Miles Edgeworth, after five months abroad dealing with secrets, tragedies, and many kinds of new justice systems under his belt, settles down back in Japanifornia in time for fall. The cold air that follows himself, the newly employed private investigator Kay and recently promoted Sergeant Gumshoe leads them all back together to be wrapped up in another conspiracy of a smuggling ring surrounding stolen evidence, full of betrayal and corruption! But everything feels strange. Our newly promoted Gumshoe seems antsy about anything, new witnesses of wild proportions throwing out accusations and lies, and a new mysterious man seems to be everywhere and nowhere. Kay and Miles find out more than they ever bargained for, especially about the new revelations of a long time dear friend of Edgeworth.

Fic based between AA3 -- AA4 of my own making!

This story is a case fic with....

canon-typical violence, Narumitsu + Trucy + Kay, dadworth, Gumshoe Lore, Phoenix Lore, fluff, angst, arguing, injuries, found family shenanigans, and original characters as well!

Here's the whole of chapter one before my edits and I publish it on AO3!

word count 13.6k (someone please tell me this isn't a lot for a FIRST chapter uegh)

edgeworth pov

Chapter 1 → What is your name?

Edgeworth would care to just have one week where he isn’t pulled from his prosecutorial duties or studies to do some ridiculous case. Even if cases lasted a day or two, to be distracted with nonsense like this is unproductive. He has had a few weeks where he wasn’t immediately given some absurd news about an attempted presidential assassination or having to use his own new knowledge to solve convoluted mysteries or some other complicated matter. Thankfully. He certainly needed those weeks to recuperate from traveling and settle back in Japanifornia. But he knew this week would certainly be the end of carefreeness, when he stumbled upon a body laying on the street. No rest for the wicked as they say.

September 21th, 2019

Edgeworth’s Office Room 1202, Prosecutor’s Office

There, Edgeworth was sitting at his desk before misfortune struck. Pen in hand and a cup of tea in another, it was rather calm today and the prosecutor was rather relieved of that. Himself just working away on papers before he’d call it a day at four in the afternoon or finish a good stack before the day ended. He was certain he could do more, even with the many stacks of papers of towering heights waiting for him. With that much, you’d think he was the chief prosecutor, instead of a current sabbatical attorney. But he was trying to pace himself, understanding the notion that work couldn’t be akin to a sprint, but rather a marathon. It was the only way he wouldn't overwork himself for the millionth time. He did promise several people about taking his time with less urgent matters.

Edgeworth would think that’d be silly (and he does still think so), but then he winced a little. He grumbled, setting down his cup to grasp his hand holding the fountain pen. He gently rubbed against his wrist and felt a sharp pain strike his whole entire arm. Sucking a breath in, the pen drops to the table and Edgeworth leans back in his chair. He could only think, ‘Not again.’ This would be the third time his hand was strained from all the writing he’s done for the last four hours. He sighed. He’s only twenty seven! How could he be straining his body already? Aren’t I a perfectly healthy man?! These setbacks shouldn’t be happening!

Then, he scowled. This is actually expected, very much in denial and very aware of said denial. Doesn’t make it any less frustrating. He has been studying and taking rigorous notes overseas. But after around two years of studying abroad and prosecuting with very little breaks, it has finally started taking a toll on him. So he conceded to everyone’s concerns. Less rigorous writing and more patience around the setbacks he may come across. Sure, it was a little annoying, but Edgeworth knew they meant well. Especially coming from one Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey.

When he started doing his weekly video calls with Wright and Ms. Fey on occasion, they had immediately noticed him straining his wrist and called him out of it. Edgeworth could recall it being like…

“Edgeworth, what’s up with your hand?” Wright was taking a bite from his sandwich as he looked through the prosecutor’s eyes from the screen.

“What do you mean, Wright?” The prosecutor paused his writing and raised his eyebrow. He wasn’t doing anything remarkable, just scribbling notes in a book.

Wright looked at Edgeworth with a shrug. “I mean I don’t think anyone holds their wrist or arm straight like that when they write. Unless you happen to act like those electronic hands with those stiff movements, further proving that I can rightfully say that you’re a robot?”

“EDGEWORTH’S A ROBOT?” A very loud Maya Fey scream echoed from the speaker of his laptop, though she was nowhere to be found on the screen.

“URK–” The prosecutor felt his ears heat up. It had been ten minutes since the video call had started and Wright was getting another jab at him with that robot nonsense with Ms. Fey joined in on his carnage. “Absolutely not, you cannot say that!” He scoffed, and shook his head in annoyance. He saw that man’s mouth curl up in response, forcing Miles to quickly dart his gaze away. Wright couldn’t see any blushing exuding from the prosecutor’s face, though he had no idea if he already failed miserably.

“Well, you’re not really proving your point well with your polished angry cat speech either, Edgeworth~” Wright sounded so smug already, damn him.

The prosecutor sneered as he leaned against the table and crossed his arms. “So if I’m a robot, what makes you? A hedgehog? One of those anti-bird spikes? Icicles attached to a human body? I was unaware Sonic was even real, but here we are.” He mused to the defense attorney. That man bursted out with a joyful laughter, and Edgeworth’s heart soared into the sky. Ms. Fey’s cackle followed as she came into frame and landed her arm against Wright’s shoulder, jabbering and pointing about how the prosecutor got him good with that remark. The defense attorney, in response, swatted the girl’s arm away from the screen with a lovely grin across his face.

This was what he needed today. Just these people on video call. A little obnoxious and sometimes snarky, but they made him feel less alone about his journey around Europe to discover more about the legal codex and justice systems. He no longer felt like he was stuck on this rocky planet without anyone, he was with people who care about him and wanted to know his days traveling.

They were his… friends. Not acquaintances, not peers. Friends.

“Ooooouuuuch. Edgeworth, y’know Nick has a point about your hand! I mean– look at how you’re grasping your arm!” Ms. Fey grimaced as she looked at Miles, who was still evidently trying to write to be efficient with his time. “What’s up with that? Did you get hurt or something? Hopefully nothing as bad as that bonk on the head when you returned to the states a few weeks ago.”

Miles sighed and shook his head, looking to the side at his mountain tall stack of books. “I’ve simply been trying to avoid straining my hand, that is all. Learning abroad means journaling more, but my hand’s taking the blunt blow of all my working.” He looked back to the screen to unexpectedly alarmed Wright and Maya. They looked at each other with unsure expressions, which made Miles raise an eye. “What is it?” He inquired, their expressions making his stomach feel empty in comparison to a minute ago.

“Er… Edgeworth… Maybe you should be more careful about your hands and arms.” Maya crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders as she sat down in the open chair next to Wright. “Y’know, rest ‘em?” She looked hesitant, why?

“I understand that, but also understand that I must get as much writing in as possible if I were to return–”

“It’s not that. You are aware you tend to overwork yourself, especially if no one’s there to stop you, right?” Wright’s frown deepened.

“Wh–” Miles shook his head rapidly in surprise. “What?” What were they trying to say? “Please, I think I can check up on myself. I can stop myself whenever I can.”

“We just don’t want you to overwork yourself, ok?” Maya smiled at Edgeworth, but it didn’t quite reach the same winning grin as before. “No need to hurt yourself to do your job.” Maya tilted her head towards Phoenix and darted her eyes. Miles could only guess that she was taking a jab at that man next to her.

“Yeah. Maybe, if you’re doing interviews with legal people, record them rather than take notes. Might take some strain off your wrist.” Wright nodded, not noticing Maya’s odd gesturing towards him.

“Surely you two aren’t trying to parent me in things I am already aware of–”

Wright’s earnest grin immediately flashed back at Miles, that man raising his hand out to the screen and his other on his heart. “Absolutely not, my dear Edgeworth!” Blinking, Miles realized his face felt hot to the touch at that cringey dramatism from Wright. Goodness, I’m becoming more pathetic than imaginable.

“Then, what are you trying to do?” He dropped his pen and crossed his arms, leaning into the dark office chair.

“We obviously care about you! So do us a favor and take care of yourself!” The Fey girl pouted. “It does no one good if your wrists are going to get carpal tunnel at twenty-seven!”

“I’m not going to get carpal tunnel, I’ve taken enough breaks!” The prosecutor spat back, though it lacked any heat to really make a dent into the two’s infallible spirits.

“And how many is ‘enough’, Edgeworth?” Wright raised an eyebrow, settling his arms down.

Miles took a moment to remember the last time he rested his hand. He was doing it right now, as he massaged his wrist. His eyes darted to the side, almost like he was caught stealing. He heard a sigh from his laptop and turned back. “Edgeworth… that’s not a good sign.” Wright’s face downward but his eyes into Edgeworth’s.

“I–” Miles scoffed. “It’s nothing to be worried about. It was way worse when I was younger.”

“That’s even more concerning!” Wright smacked his hand down against the table with a rather distraught face. “Edgeworth, don’t do that to yourself. Please…” Wright’s expression morphed into something more somber, with his lowered eyelids and rather unhappy frown.

“Why would my hand be so of utmost importance to you all?” Miles rolled his eyes. “I doubt these reactions are required for such an obstacle.”

“Because Mia also had the same issue when she was alive.”

Miles’ eyes widened and took a look back at the screen. Maya’s eyes became rather sobered with a weak smile and her head tilted down. “I remember she used to complain about having to write a lot when she was at her first attorney’s office, and she started getting aches on her arms as a result.” Miles flinched at remembering the young girl’s oldest sister. Mia Fey. He’d remember her being the dearly departed for both of them, as well as a tenacious lawyer up until her death. Maya did mention times before how much she studied to beat the odds of her difficult upbringing. ‘There’s a price to pay for that,’ he supposed.

“Ah.” That was all he could muster.

Miles heard a sniffle, and then Maya exclaimed. “S-so! You have to take care of yourself! Promise us, my Steel Samurai ranter!!”

He chuckled contentedly, feeling his ears blessed by the following snicker of that man, making his cheeks feel a little warmer. “Yeah, we care about you, Edgeworth. We understand that your work is important. Buuuut~” Wright smirked and leaned his head on his arm, his lovingly endearing expression making Edgeworth feel even more pathetic to the defense attorney. “Can’t do much to fix a legal system when your hands are broken, right? It’d be a shame if you weren’t able to point in a courtroom anymore,”

While Wright was joking, he did have a point. Edgeworth could tell from how he felt his usually straight face start twisting the mouth into a smile. He does want to try and follow their advice. Least he can do for all they’ve done for him. “I’ll…” He conceded with a warm feeling marring his face. “I shall try and incorporate your advice into my life. I promise that, at least.”

“Not just that! Make sure to enjoy wherever the hell you’re going to! Take pictures, walk around, shop! Actually–” Maya slammed her hands down onto the table as she pushed herself up from her seat. She walked away from the screen, with Wright looking towards her. Seconds later, Maya comes back with a paper list. “If you’re in Europe… you can get all kinds of Steel Samurai merch…”

“Maya, don’t make Edgeworth your way to tour cities through exclusive merchandise.” Wright gave a flat unimpressed stare to his assistant, to which Maya scoffed in his face.

“Well, he’s in Munich, right?! So he might as well get something!” Maya rolled her eyes back at the defense attorney and grinned back to Edgeworth.

Miles was certainly as blase as Wright, but these two on his screen paired always with a feeling of sweetness he isn’t used to. They were like a duo of annoying familial raccoons, nagging each other and others, all the while being a troublesome kind of disturbances to the normal. Not like he minded. “I’ll take that into consideration whenever I am out and about, Ms. Fey.”

Before Maya could utter a word in her agape mouth, a bunch of clutter could be heard in the distance. “MYSTIC MAYAAAAAAA–”

“Coming, Pearly!” Before he knew it, Maya dashed off the camera.

Wright sighed and smiled bashfully at Edgeworth. “Think Pearls toppled her wardrobe again.”

Edgeworth raised an eyebrow. “Surely, it must be time to bolt those wardrobes down? Lest you get into another one of those incidents, or an earthquake comes and shakes everything in your apartment, Wright.”

To which, Wright shrugged nonchalantly. “Would if I could, but that’d take at least a few days. Days I don’t have, unfortunately.” He pouted, and crossed his arms. “Besides, there hasn't been any bad disturbances lately, and the girls will be going back to Kurain next week.”

“Procrastination at its finest, hm?” Miles smirked at that man, whose soft chuckles escaped from that always made Miles turn any smugness into a soft smile. It’d been awhile Edgeworth felt this content, having been so busy with conferences and working as a prosecutor at once. Splitting headaches somehow subsided when he was able to see his friends again (no matter how antisocial he was). Then, that man turned his head toward Edgeworth, his eyes of dark oak shining at the screen, along with a tinge of a sky in each of his eyes. Tantalizing pupils that made Miles so much to be there in person to just see them closer. But studies came first. Then, soon, he could return home. So close to seeing him in person again–

The prosecutor quickly realized he was staring and cleared his throat. “W-w-with that in mind, Phoenix–!” He coughed a bit, hoping to have the anxious stumbling leave his throat, “I will take yours and Maya’s thoughts into consideration. In fact, once I return to Japanifornia, I’ll be having my optometrist appointment.”

Phoenix grinned, flinging his arms out in a wide stretch. “Finally~! How long have I been bugging you to get those!”

Miles rolled his eyes, closing his notebook and setting them aside. “Yes, yes. Point taken. I’ve just been apprehensive about it. That is all…” He conceded. Despite the admittedly calm feeling in his head, it was paired with half the parts of

Wright looked off for a minute, his expression unreadable until it turned utterly soft towards Miles.“Is it— because they remind you of your dad, right?” Phoenix’s voice was cautious and curious, though his face was entirely filled with a worry that Miles could only wish didn’t have to appear after such a pleasant conversation. But off course, nothing escaped the defense attorney

“....Was that more of a simple conclusion than anything?”

“Yes.” Immediately?!

“Nrgk…” A brash groan left from Edgeworth’s mouth, “I suppose it was part of the reason… Another was just this baseless need to be perfect. Glasses mean less than perfect eyesight,” He rubbed the bridge of his nose, a burning feeling behind his face that he wished to freeze. “But fortunately, I’ve left that mindset years ago.”

“OBJECTION!”

That nearly takes the prosecutor off his chair, knocking over everything on his desk with him. He clutched back and settled the chair down, his head marred with a confused expression. “W-what was that about, Phoenix?!”

“I believe the prosecution is ly~ing!” Phoenix’s sing-songy end tone with his pointed finger at the screen with much entirely unnecessary gravitas as in court, with a cheeky grin lacing his face.

Miles sat straight in his seat, pushing his arm against the chair in need to steady himself with these theatrics. “That’s your opening statement?!”

“Well~ I believe you inherently still have that perfectionist mindset! After all, who’s the currently overworking prosecutor to the point of carpal tunnel?”

“NRGK–! PHOENIX! I don’t have a carpal tunnel!”

“But does that mean you admit to being an overworked prosecutor?!”

“N-NGHOO–! ABSOLUTELY NOT, THAT IS NOT ADMISSION OF-”

That man. That damnable man! His voice, laughter and smile all rang with hysterics and absolute joy. His body had leaned all the way back in the dining chair as much as likely it could before it tipped. Miles bit his lips, but immediately scoffed with a smile he couldn’t stop spreading across his face. Phoenix was that damnable man, yes he was. But he couldn’t really help leave some of the irritation from his expression, not when he laughed like that.

“Ahah…” Phoenix wheezed a little, clearing a stray tear from his eye. “Sorry, Miles. That was not meant to be a jab at you. Not intentional!”

Miles shook his head and sighed. “What was that supposed to be?”

That man’s smile momentarily seemed to go rigid, before smoothing out into a natural smirk Miles’ would recognize any time during court. In that context, it’d be irritatingly charming of that man to do, seeing that he’d be insufferably correct about something or pointing out an inconsistency. This time around, however, it clutches Edgeworth’s chest with insurmountable impulses. Maybe because he’s being looked at with such… such…

What was it exactly?

“It’s a sign that you have to take care of yourself more.” Phoenix finally spoke. “We- umm… y’know…” That man waved his hand around to conjure the idea, though he himself looked a little lost on what to say.

Miles smirked. “I don’t know, actually. Maybe you could try and create a more compelling argument for me, Phoenix.” He rolled his eyes, unable to keep this feeling of smugness surging from his face. “Though, I understand that it can be difficult sometimes for your calibur.”

“HAH!” Phoenix smacked the table, and leaned far back into his chair with a graciously handsome grin and an undeniably addictive laughter, even if Miles has heard it so often already in this one conversation. He’d never admit it, but it utmostly made his heart race significantly, like time rushing forward. Miles felt his smile grow wider, a chuckle escaping his mouth. “We care about you, Miles!” The man leaned way closer towards the camera, his face filled with an odd determination that surprised the prosecutor. Phoenix continues, his eyes softening but continuing the very excitation that the prosecutor could feel emanating from the screen. “You are a good friend, y’know? It’s natural we worry about you, especially with youuur less than healthy work habits.”

Then, the expression Phoenix gave. Miles remembers it so well. His blue and brown eyes twinkled at him, while still showing a kind of compassion that is so reminiscent of the past and continues to be his present. That man’s smile grew to be something quiet however. Unseen. Almost invisible. But Miles remembered it, along with what Phoenix said to him, even after the many weeks since this conversation had ended.

“So if you care for us, make sure to take care of yourself too.”

“Of course, Phoenix.”

Miles clutched the pen as the memory engulfed his thoughts, letting that hand sit on his waistcoat. His face felt a strange warmth emanating from those thoughts, changing from intricate plans for the upcoming weeks to all the times he’s had a chance to have normal conversations where his friends aren’t just lawyers and criminal-justice good-doers. They were people he could rely on in many if not all circumstances, even if their methods are…unorthodox at worst. There was Kay with her absolute optimism and unshakable jokes. Franziska with her somewhat caring demeanor under her strict attitude. Gumshoe with his resilient vigilance and thoughtfulness. Phoenix and Maya with their can-do attitude in ever-present damning circumstances. It was unfamiliar, a different language he was getting used to. People he’s known for several years that he didn’t dislike their presence in his life? Unheard of!

He grasped his teacup, the smell of sweetness even after an hour of being poured. He sipped from the cup slowly and sighed. Maybe he should call it a day. His wrist would absolutely join in on this assertion, and to credit its pain, he’d been working since 9AM. He checked his watch.

12:03pm.

Remembering what the defense had to say as he took another sip, it’d be crucial to turn in all the work he had currently and have his lunch. If his wrist felt better afterwards, he could certainly get a few more files sorted in time. Excellent, that’d be crucial and productive to do–

“HI, MR. EDGEWORTH!”

Miles nearly spat out his tea onto his papers, but instead, the tea seemingly had a hiccup through his throat. He hacked into arm, turning away from his desk, before looking ahead to the door of his office. One Kay Faraday had the door open with jade eyes pointedly staring at the prosecutor. “Urk–! Kay, what did I say about knocking?!”

“Oop-!” Kay covered her mouth as if she regretted her choice of loudness. She usually never did, but this case was an exception. Her cheeky little smile did twitch downwards some as she twiddled her thumbs to Miles’ recognition. “Sorry, Mr. Edgeworth! That was a-my-bad! Did ya spill your tea?” Kay replied sheepishly.

“...No,” he shook his head. “I am fine. Nothing’s been affected. Please… knock next time however. I’d rather avoid choking as my cause of death.”

“That’s a little morbid. I thought it would be getting carpal tunnel square!”

He lowered his eyes with an unimpressed glare, though it seems very ineffective against Kay given she grinned her trademark cheeky smile. “You’re all absurd and nothing else.” Miles scoffs before taking another sip of his tea, while looking around for spills.

“Of course! Only the best kind of absurdity from the Yatagarasu!” Kay raised her arms out and bowed, before straightening back up with a confident cheer. “I could never be anything else!”

Miles rolled his eyes, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Is there a particular reason explaining why you’re here today, Kay?” If Miles had to guess, she just wanted to drag him somewhere, which would inevitably lead to some mess. That had happened more than he was comfortable having in the given year so far.

“Wanted to ask you if you wanted to join me and Gummy for lunch! It’s been toooooo long since we all got to hang out!” The young Yatagarasu looked at Edgeworth with eager eyes.

His brain paused for a moment before replying with, “Kay, I saw you two a week ago.”

“EXACTLY! How could it be a week since we last saw each other? That. Is. Criminal!” She huffed and shook her fists, punctuating those last three words.

Miles raised an eyebrow. “If that were a crime, how long would the sentence be for not seeing each other since April?”

“Hmmmm….” She tapped her finger on her arm, eyes closed and a jutted lip, before immediately shifting to something more mischievous.” “Dunno! Only thing I want to know is whether you’re coming with us!”

“Oh? I’m given a choice now? What an honor.”

“Pshhh– please.” She waved her hand away. “If you don’t come this time around, I’ll drag you out of your office for another reason. Easy peasy! After all, what did we say about your carpal tunnel?”

Miles’ flat stare, again, did no wonders on Kay, who had her diligent smirk on her face. He sighed and replied, “Well, I had decided to take a break now anyways. So I’ll take you up on your offer. Where to?”

Kay’s smile widened in victory and she immediately propelled herself up in a cheer. “Hip-hip! Hooray!” Miles was very glad he had his tea cup in his hand, seeing his pen rolled away that he swiftly placed back into his drawer. “Gummy wants to go to the sandwich and soup place near Fern St.”

Miles stiffened. That street of all things? If Fern St. was any indicator of something bad, he’d certainly be the one to know it. Since he was quite literally given a report on suspicious activity in that area. “May I please suggest something else? Somewhere less likely to cause trouble. ” He groused at what he remembered.

“Oh, do you know the place?” She tilted her head, her long hair following suit.

“Be it as you may, but that area has been on the constant radar of the police department due to unwanted activity, I hear. I’m even surprised Gumshoe wants to be around there, seeing it increases our chances of being dragged along to some kind of investigation.”

“Like what? Can’t be worse than what we’ve all been through, riiiight?” She smiles, which to the edges of her mouth slowly curls downwards as Miles looks on with a very dead-eye stare. She started to look a little more concerned at the suggestion being true, though Miles can’t really fault her (being as everything that transpired months ago).

“Surprisingly, it isn’t the worst experience as far as I’m hearing. But I’d really rather not get involved unless it’s urgent.” Miles relented the stare, and finished his tea. He set the cup on a tray by his window and lifted himself up from his chair. “However, if Gumshoe would certainly like to eat at that establishment, I won’t argue as long as the food there is satisfactory. Can he at least confirm that?” The prosecutor raised an eyebrow, collecting his files and papers with careful consideration of their placement.

“He said he likes the food! I don’t know how that’d really factor things in for you, considering you probably eat at really fancy places.”

“I don’t always dine at high-end restaurants, Kay. Especially with how busy I am.” He scoffed, walking to the shelf to his left and taking out a file folder to place some papers in.

“But You have incredibly high standards!”

“Kay, does it not occur to you that I may have my own standards because I also cook to survive?” He turned to her with sensible eyes. “That’s something you have to learn as well, at least basic kitchen needs.”

“Ugh– yes, dad. As if you hadn’t reminded me twenty thousand times after you left for Europe.” Kay rolled her eyes and raspberries in the general direction of Edgeworth. “Y’know how busy I was for the last three months? So busy! It’s not easy being a private investigator and a detective at once!”

Edgeworth shook his head with a sigh. The prosecutor was fully aware of Kay’s rather ridiculously difficult task she’d want to accomplish. While Kay is an astonishingly observant and determined person, Edgeworth had a little worry cooking on the back burner. That’d she do something reckless again, get into danger or find herself injured. It has happened way more times than anyone should be comfortable with, and Edgeworth was very much hoping a streak of his loved ones being in danger would find its end eventually. “I told you to take your time with these kinds of studies, Kay.” He said with a firm tone.

“Why?!” Kay huffed, gritting her teeth in annoyance.“Can’t I try to get along a liiiiiittle faster? Can’t hurt to get in the field now, right?”

“I understand your excitement to start working,” He stepped forward to be in front of Kay, and placed his hand on her shoulder. “But please, take your time. There is no rush, and there’s a possibility you may change your mind on career choices later on.”

“I haven’t felt this sure about what I wanted to do in my life, Mr. Edgeworth.” She quickly spoke with a serious expression, though the attitude she was likely trying to emanate fell short with her wide eye stare. Miles smirked and promptly dropped his hands to cross his arms. “Of course you are, but a word of advice is mayhaps look a little less like you had too many cups of caffeine, Kay.” He shifted and headed to the door, opening it wide open. “We’ll talk more about this while we get Lieutenant Gumshoe. Let’s go,”

Kay paused, looking at Edgeworth with an intense thought under those brimming eyes. It was a little long for a stare, but before Edgeworth could mention anything, she grinned and nodded, following Edgeworth’s lead. “Does this meal have Edgeworth insurance?”

“Absolutely not, pay for your own meal, Kay.”

“Aww…”

–

“So this is the place, huh Gummy?” Kay and Miles looked up at the bistro that was quite… cozy in where it sat on the street. “Looks nice! ‘Rendezvous’ is a cool name for a restaurant!” Kay glanced around, more information about what the bistro had to offer with her zipping eyes zipping looking at all the small details. She seems to have a habit of doing that quite often.

Though, that’s probably due to her need to survey the area from her training. Miles did have to admit, the place looked welcoming. A rather pastel green that stood out in the gray, while having an even darker summer-y green on the awning and roof. It both stood out and did not. On one hand, Japanifornia is known for their incredibly diverse palette for houses. He’s seen his fair share of interesting color combinations alongside that fact. On the other hand, many of the buildings down the road were certainly not as appealing, especially with the “interesting” circumstances with the area. He was also quite glad that they didn’t come across anything horrible.

Like finding a body on the street.

Miles grimaced at his morbid thoughts. Better not let that unfortunate thought take over me, especially not to spoil my appetite. Don’t need to have another go-around with finding corpses.

Gumshoe smiled as he beckoned his friends towards the small entrance, opening the door for them. “Yup! It’s a good spot! Been here with some friends, and the chef is quite nice! C’mon, let's head inside.”

As they entered, Edgeworth’s ears were filled with chatter from patrons, staff clicking their heels on the ceramic plated floor. Dark wooden paneling surrounded the walls with warm light filled the room. Edgeworth adjusted his glasses a little to see the wide amount of plants hanging on the ceiling with greenery flowing outwards that had quite a glow in the light. The outside may have looked quaint but it definitely looked quite clean inside. Which was a happy surprise for Miles, although he thinks to himself to maybe act a little less surprised at the detective’s expense. The Lieutenant’s expense, actually.

Though, it seems like they were being ignored with how many waiters walking around attending to customers and delivering. A blonde waiter, who was about to walk by Gumshoe, pauses before turning in surprise. Gumshoe gives his old wide grin. “Hey, Fotoi! Is there a table for three?”

The waiter’s surprise morphs into a broad smile that shines back at the lieutenant. The boy clasped his hands together with excitement. “Hey, Mr. Gumshoe! Absolutely! Seating’s a few feet away from the window with the potted plant. I’ll be right with you!” The waiter continues his general direction to attend to other customers. Gumshoe nodded his head back to the other two to follow him and seat themselves at a wooden table with already set cutlery.

Just as Edgeworth sat down, Kay already had her hands on a menu and looked back curiously before turning to Gumshoe. “You know the people who work here, Gummy?”

Gumshoe’s eyes wince, which immediately leads to him sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. “Ah, I know some of the staff. Someone introduced me to them when I first came here.”

Ah, that certainly explains this choice. I’m certain he would’ve simply asked to go to a ramen place.

Miles shook the thought out of his head and grabbed a menu, at which he looked at the options. “Do you have any recommendations, lieutenant?”

Gumshoe paused, sighing softly and chuckled. “Augh, never going to get used to you saying that, sir… lieutenant Gumshoe sounds so…odd!”

“Well, it is a fairly new title, so understandably so.” Miles agreed, raising his gaze back to the lieutenant. It is a strange feeling to remember that he's known Gumshoe since Miles was twenty. Once a nervous detective now turned into a lieutenant seven years from then on. So much had happened in the meantime.

“But a well-deserved title!” Kay grinned as she leaned on to the table with her elbows. “Hope ya don’t mind if I still call you a detective by accident though..”

“No troubles, pal. I’m your Uncle Gummy after all!” He smiled and gave a light pat on Kay’s shoulder. “

“Ah! Gumshoe! Good sir!” The three of them turned to the new voice in their conversation, which was an older chef with grey lavender hair, who was waving at the counter. “Blessed to see you, good sir!”

“O-oh! Good to see you too, Mr. Ward!” Gumshoe laughed sheepishly before turning away to look at the others.

Miles raised an eyebrow. “They seem oddly friendly to you, Gumshoe.”

“A-ah, they’re always like that.” Gumshoe chuckled as he took a look at the menu. “It feels a little odd, since I’ve been here only like– four times.”

I suppose this is just a look into Gumshoe’s life in that sense, a man able to attract friendliness..

“They do seem really friendly!” Kay grinned and took a look at the menu as well. ”By the way, Gummy. Who brought ya here? Seems out of your usual way to come here.”

Is that your round-about way of saying that this looks like it’s out of his normal budget? Miles rolled his eyes but straightened in his seat anyways. He was curious about how Gumshoe inquired about this place. That should be an easy question to answer.

That’s what Edgeworth thought.

Except Gumshoe froze in place. His eyes wide and his back hunched over the menu he clutched. Miles caught Gumshoe gripping the edges of his menu, his fingers twitching and doggy-earring the side of the paper. The table had suddenly become wildly awkward.

“Are you ready to take your order?” Everyone stiffened and turned to see the same waiter Gumshoe knew. Standing by the table with paper and pen in hand.

“Ah- I-I am! Are you two ready?” Gumshoe grinned.

That…was odd. Perhaps he’s unsure? Edgeworth sighed and nodded. “Sure.”

“Hold it! I need to double check!” Kay yelped as she scrambled through the options on the menu.

–

Lunch was quite good all things considered. Not only being able to talk with his companions but also the food. Gumshoe did have a reasonable feeling to be pleased with the place, Miles surmised. The food was satisfying, the staff was kind and patient with many of the customers that came and went, and finally, nothing odd was happening. Well, except for Gumshoe’s odd pause. That felt very unlike him, but Miles didn’t push the question once their orders were taken and the conversation directed itself to matters about Kay’s new adventures. Though, he shared a knowing glance with the girl. Kay shifted her eyebrows and shrugged before returning back to the conversation. Something was up, but they wouldn’t want to stress the lieutenant. He was already bombarded with work hours that were difficult to catch up with. No need to add to that.

“So, how is work treating you, lieutenant?” Miles inquired as he took a sip of his tea. “Hopefully it’s fulfilling?”

The older man’s face lit up and nodded. “Ah, you bet, sir! It’s a little difficult to get used to having to direct a lot more people. Weird to have to command my fellow detectives,” Gumshoe huffs a little, before his frown turns into a small chuckle. “Can’t complain more though. Some of the newbies are funny.”

Kay grins as she wipes her mouth with a napkin. “Of course, I am really funny. Absolute comedian!”

“I hope you’re also doing your work adequately along with your jokes, Kay.” Miles lowered his cup and eyes towards the young Yatagarasu.

“Absolutely! Why would I let anyone else do my favorite job in the world, Mr. Edgeworth?!” She glared darts at the prosecutor, though ineffective at intimidating the prosecutor. That was usually Edgeworth’s job after all.

“Of course, apologies.” Miles allowed a small smile to slip through. This lunch really had done a number on the weight Edgeworth felt on his shoulders. He could feel the muscles relax a little. He supposed that was thanks to these…

He stopped anything wider than a smirk from escaping from his mouth. Smiling about his companions. The friends that were there with him in these scuffed periods for him, allowing him to heal from strains and bruises. He looked up to see Kay and Gumshoe talking about detective work and what they’d be doing that afternoon. It seemed a little amusing, with how baffled Gumshoe was with Kay’s eagerness. He tapped the cup down back on the wooden table.”That was a fairly adequate meal, Gumshoe. Thank you for showing us this place.”

The detective turned and grinned. “Aw, ain’t nothing much sir! It’s a good little old shop. Very well known to the locals and the chef basically knows everybody!” Gumshoe surmised and shrugged.

“Ah, that explains why the chef’s so welcoming!” Kay grinned, and Miles hummed in agreement.

“Yeah! He’s a sweet old guy. My sister said he’s bee–”

Sirens blare loudly blare into the trio’s ears. The screeching horns introduce themselves into the once quiet cafe. Most of the patrons seem to find the random presence of law enforcement jarring, with Edgeworth noticing some patrons flinching and making surprised faces. Though others pay very little attention to the new introduction of noise and return to their business.

The waiter (Fotoi, was it?) seemed to have rushed out the door in a hurry, while the other staff simply sighed, followed by the detective’s muttering. “Kid’s gonna get in trouble one day when he keeps doing that.. Maybe we should take a look outside to see what’s the commotion about, Mr. Edgeworth?”

“An investigation?! Hell yeah!” Kay jumped out of seat, to the dismay of Edgeworth’s relaxation. And just when I was just starting to think about how beneficial it was to take breaks with friends.

“If we must.” Miles stood up and placed money for his meal, before looking out the window to see the waiter sprinting down the street. “Does that waiter seem to dive head first into danger? Seems reckless of him.”

“That’s Fotoi for ya!” Gumshoe chuckled, adjusting his dark green coat to take out his wallet. “He seems to be interested in being a photographer when he heads off to college. Weird kiddo, but I like him when he doesn’t find a way to endanger himself.”

Kay giggles, placing down her own payment of the meal, “But that sense of seeking danger and excitement is quite admirable, you gotta admit that.”

“It is not, it's simply foolish in nature.” Edgeworth shook his head and started his way out of the bistro. It’s not like I had my fair share of foolish people in my life, seeking danger or always in a collision with an experience of a lifetime over and over. If only that wasn’t the case, especially with that man and Kay. Miles could only sigh as he heard Kay whine behind him.

“Boooo~! Just let people have their fun with it, Mr. Edgeworth!” Kay pouted as she and Gumshoe followed him out.

Oh, certainly. If only it didn’t happen constantly with the people I cared about. Miles shuddered with the windy breeze hitting his face, and turned to glance around. Seeing a flash of blue followed by red in his peripheral vision, he turned right and followed the blinking lights. His two investigation partners followed suit.

–

Edgeworth knew he ate his words the moment that they found a crime scene being secured by police officers roaming the area. Truly wishing he’d never ever even thought of the briefest idea of a body the moment he stepped into the area, but alas. He was given a light rundown by one hurrying officer. Information about an assassin’s guild being in the area, two of its members being the victims. That was quite a lackluster of info for the three investigators, so they all approached another officer who seemed to be on standby.

Once they started heading closer, Miles glanced at Kay briefly to see her eyes had perked up. “Oh! Officer Saber!” Kay started to grin and sprint to the officer, who looked up from his papers and smiled at Kay.

“Hi, Kay, Did you get a memo from the department about assassination guild alerts?” The officer sighed as he lowered his clipboard.

“Nah, we heard sirens from our lunch spot and decided to check it out!”

“We-?” The officer was about to tilt their head in confusion before they spotted the other two and reeled backwards in a panic yelped.

“Lieutenant Gumshoe?! Prosecutor Edgeworth?!! What are you two doing here?!” The officer looked baffled at the two men. Though, they really shouldn’t be. Regarding this situation happening in the middle of the more “high activity” areas, where apparently a brawl between amateur assassins took place. The fact that a lieutenant and a star prosecutor are in his presence should be the least of his surprise, but Edgeworth simply digresses and sighs, pinching his nose bridge.

“Officer, can we get a run down of what transpired? We were only briefed that two known assassins were fighting and both were taken down, correct?”

“O-oh! Y-yyes!” The officer cleared his throat and looked at the clipboard he was holding. “The incident took place here on Fern St., where apparently there were two victims who were fighting in disagreement. Many residents in the area could hear angry yelling from two voices. Apparently, it got angrier and angrier, so residents decided to try and ignore it to avoid conflict with them.”

Edgeworth looked beyond the yellow tape, seeing two outlines on the asphalt ground. White chalk outlines overlapping with each other.

“Then, a passerby saw the two people on the ground in the middle of the road, and called in. He said no one was nearby, which was around 1:10pm. Police arrived at 1:20pm, and took over the scene” The officer continued, pointing to where the outlines are. “The bodies were overlapping each other, both holding a knife in their hand. But what killed them was a bullet that pierced one of them in the stomach and another in the neck. Same bullet.”

“But no one heard that, pal?!” Gumshoe agape in shock, himself wobbled back in shock.

“Nope. We asked the residents around here, and they didn’t hear anything. But they did notice that the yelling had died down and thought nothing of it.” They sighed. “We’ll try to get a timeline of everything that’s happened to fully connect the series of events, sirs!”

“Alright, good summary, officer Saber! Get back to us when you can!” Gumshoe grinned, while the officer nodded, waved, and walked away to talk to another police member.

Kay turned around with a sparkle in her eyes. “That must mean the weapon had a silencer, right? How else could the perp have gotten two kills without anyone noticing?”

“It’s a likely conclusion, though, without further investigation, that is just a theory.” Miles glanced around the scene, getting a fuller clue into what transpired, though seemingly to much of Kay’s dismay.

“That’s fair.” She pouted, crossing her arms. “But finally, investigation work! And with you two! This will be great!” She punched her arm into the air and turned around to slide under the tape with a mischievous but determined look into the scene. Miles recalled when this shouldn’t be the case, when she wasn’t able to directly examine crime scenes (although, it was never going to happen with Kay around, was it?)

Before, Miles would begrudgingly go along with the young Yatagarasu, who definitely shouldn’t have been allowed on crime scenes, not to mention at this level of confidentiality in terms of the public view. But she did typically nudge her way into these things, insisting that she was Edgeworth’s assistant until she did become his assistant many months ago. But now, she was a fledgling detective and aspiring investigator, scrutinizing each detail of the crime scene at the same grueling intensity as they did before earlier this spring.

He wasn’t going to exactly say it aloud, but he was proud of her. Though he thought she was breezing through her studies a little too fast, Miles knew she was going to make a great detective. Even if she likely shouldn’t be here at this level of a crime with a dangerous organization likely falls into a category of wildly unsafe and top secret for the thief. But Edgeworth would argue this investigation simply makes good practice for her.

Though, I doubt that I’d want to argue with Kay about semantics about someone so early in training being on a very important investigation…

“Well, what’s the first thing on the list, sir? This one’s a little hard to decide whether it has credence to that assassination guild’s whereabouts.”

Miles’ train of thought derailed as he heard Gumshoe’s voice, startled by the sudden voice in his mind. The prosecutor turned to Gumshoe and cleared his throat. “That’s true, but I’d still like to assist in this investigation. Do we know who was the one who found the scene?”

“Oh, yeah! Uhh… let’s see.” Gumshoe turned his head around, over and over until his eyes perked up. “It’s that guy over there with the winter coat and long hair, sir! Didn’t get a name, but I’ve been briefed that he’s a journalist and writer well known around the area.”

“I see…” I don’t exactly feel like dealing with journalists, especially after the last two were incredibly difficult to deal with, but I must progress with this investigation. “Very well. I will go speak with him. Please brief with the rest of the officers here and find any other clues in the vicinity, Lieutenant Gumshoe.”

The detective beamed and saluted with quick energy. “Yessir!” Then, he quickly headed in the opposite direction to a group of law enforcement,

Edgeworth sighed as he walked towards the witness. Those two. He doesn’t want to think they’re foolish. Maybe the foolish one is a good fit for the lieutenant, but really, he has been past that terminology for them. Silly was quite appropriate for both of them, especially with their radically upbeat personalities around Edgeworth. But that didn’t sound right with how serious they took any investigation. What was the right word? Miles briefly smirked at the question. Objectively right word was amiss to him, but he did know what the Wright word would be for the two of them.

Genuine.

That sounds about right for those two.

By the time Edgeworth waltzed over to the mystery man, said man was with a notebook open and a pen clutched in his teeth. “Good afternoon. I am prosecutor Miles Edgeworth. I am here to inquire about what you saw earlier today. How may I address you?” Edgeworth had thought that a first witness should be a casual way to transition from lunch to work (even if annoyingly so.) This guy didn’t seem like trouble.

Should be… Miles thought.

Miles would think quite the opposite after he saw the journalist in a puzzling expression under his eyes as he stood up. His pupils twitched around, as if instead of his head taking glances, it was his eyes. The way the journalist looked at Edgeworth was with quick ups and side to side. Gazing upon the prosecutor with careful precision. His appearance seemed to have matched that probing look, him looking to be in his late thirties, with long dark brown hair and eyes with a winter’s coat, stubble combined with eyebags gracing his face. Although unassuming, the journalist’s appearance paired in a strange essence to knowing eyes, each with intricate intentions behind every expression. Quite literally the opposite of someone like Lotta or The journalist smiled with low eyes. “Ah, good afternoon, Mr. Edgeworth. I am Derek Mist. Address me as you please for a man such as yourself.”

Edgeworth crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. That statement certainly did not put the prosecutor in ease.“Mr. Mist, you were the one who found the bodies, correct?”

“Correct.”

“When would that have been?”

“Around 1:08. I had spent a minute or two looking around before calling the police.”

“You thought to look around for the perpetrator?” Miles started his notes down in his organizer that he’d removed from his coat pocket.

“Well, I heard a little bit of scuffle and noise before I came across the bodies. I figured that I could catch a glimpse of whoever may have been around the bodies before I was.” Mist looked back and forth between Edgeworth and the crime scene behind him.

“What is this said noise?”

“Hmm…” Mr. Mist placed his hand on his chin, with his pointer finger scratching the stubble under it. “It sounded sort of- bang. Something loud and sudden, like y’know- a gunshot?”

“You heard a shot?”

“I guess so.” Mist shrugged. “It was a little quiet, but I wasn’t exactly close from where I first spotted the bodies,”

Edgeworth felt his face scrunch up in that perplexing detail, one where he’d have to deal with once he collected the full story. “Where were you when you spotted the victims?”

The journalist covered his mouth and closed his eyes with a rather sleepy expression. “Hmmm… I must've been turning around the corner at Heathers St.”

His pen scratched onto the surface of the paper. “Was there any particular reason for your appearance in this area?”

Mist’s eyes open, blinking surprised as his hand drops to gravity. His mouth turned downward as his eyes searched for something far. “I quite forgot what I was doing here, actually. My mind’s been racing about a new article to write.”

Head in the sky? Edgeworth’s eyes squint. “Presumably about this case?”

“Pfft–” Mr. Mist looked up and covered his remorseful smile and chuckle. “Of course

not.”

Miles narrowed his eyes. Below crimes as journalist topics? He thought before crossing his arms. “Can you elaborate?”

“I already am aware that this investigation is of the highest level. Why else would a lieutenant be on scene? Or maybe why is there a rather well known star and international prosecutor taking testimonies, hm?”

Edgeworth momentarily paused for a moment before setting the pen into a pocket and closing the organizer. “I suppose it makes some level of sense you would be aware of my identity. Though, that doesn’t explain your lack of interest in such a case.”

“Simple. I don’t deal with that bullshit,” The man clicks his tongue, hiding his hands and notebook under his winter coat. “I would rather not get wrapped up in this. I can gauge a quick idea of what’s happening and leave it at that. Going any further, well, that’s simply ASKING for trouble, Mr. Edgeworth.”

Fair enough. No one should be allowing this much danger in anyone’s life really. “I see. I presumed otherwise with how other reporters and journalists deal with these sorts of matters.”

“It’s only natural. Fellow journalists are always looking for the next scoop, the newest headline to make a quick buck. Like that kid over there,” He tilts his head backwards, and Edgeworth spots the waiter that ran out in the distance, clicking his camera in rapid succession. He seemed rather full of energy about all the photos he was taking, though Edgeworth wondered when he’d start running out of film with how often the young man was snapping the button. “Though, I’m sure that kid is simply a photographer. He’s a little too eager to get photos of everything.”

“You seem to have a good eye for everything, Mr. Mist.” Edgeworth tapped his finger on his suit slowly.

“Ah, comes with the job. If only memory did as well.” Mist glanced to the side with a light head tilt, before looking up into Edgeworth’s eyes.

Miles squinted back. “Is something coming back to mind?”

The journalist smiled. “Now I remember what I was doing in the area. Sorry ‘bout that. Age is catching up to me,” He chuckled, shaking his head against his hand that laid across his forehead. “I was here to meet up with a friend working at the Borscht Bowl Club,” He snapped his fingers, recalling something else. “I called him right after I called law enforcement to tell him I wouldn’t be able to make it to our get-together because I was told to stay at the scene of the crime.”

“Borscht Bowl Club?” Miles tilted his head.

“Yep. It's the building right at the corner over there.” Mr. Mist pointed to a shabby building with dark bricks and a rusty sign out at the front hanging from the side.

“I see.” Building’s not in great condition, but does that require more investigation personally? I’ll have to ask Gumshoe for his consensus. “Alright, I have more questions to ask, then I will allow the officers to assist you in leaving the scene for the day.” Before Edgeworth opened his organizer once more, he could hear Mist again.

“It will be worth investigating there, Mr. Edgeworth.”

Miles looked up, tilting his head up and tall. Mr. Mist wasn’t quite looking at the prosecutor, but had his eyes dead set on the Borscht Bowl Club in the distance. “What makes you say that, Mr. Mist?”

“Let’s say that restaurant has eyes and ears on all corners of that building.” Mr. Mist tapped his face with a rather uninterested expression. But then, the man made a small smile and shrugged. “But anyways, is there any more I should divulge, Mr. Edgeworth?”

—

Miles had pocketed his organizer by the time he’d return back to the crime scene. Edgeworth already summarized the main points made by Mr. Mist as the prosecutor’s shoes clacked on the sidewalk.

Mr. Mist, while walking to the Borscht Bowl Club, had turned a corner and heard a muffled but loud noise that sounded like a bang. Upon hearing that, Mist had further walked down his intended path from Heathers St to Fern St, when he saw the bodies from a distance as he turned the corner. Seeing it, he would look around rapidly to see no other physical witnesses on scene, nor any suspicious people in the vicinity. He would then call the law enforcement, and then his friend at the Borscht Bowl Club.

Derek Mist was certainly an interesting character, Edgeworth thought. He seems both interested in the matter that he had almost witnessed and yet could not be anymore bored about anything else. Edgeworth clicked his pen closed and into his pocket as he sat on that idea. If he’s truly right about the club’s relation to the crime scene, he would certainly need to be on closer watch. Speaking of a closer watch, Miles notices Kay and Gumshoe were huddled together near the crime scene, and calm speech replaced their rather loud dispositions.

But approaching from behind, he realized they were talking quietly, with few shuddering shoulders and unnaturally tense agitated words. That explains why they didn’t seem to notice Miles creeping closer to them, only a few feet away. At first, Edgeworth thought it was typical office gossip with Kay’s giggles being usually the biggest indicator. But Gumshoe seemed to be guiding the conversation, with hushed bated breath and gruff words under his mouth. Although Miles wouldn’t particularly participate in gossip at this very time, he leaned a little closer and to catch some whispers.

With a rushed voice, Gumshoe spoke quietly. “Look, pal…. ‘m not kidding… a guy around here… looks really pissed… so you want to guide him away from Mr. Edg…”

Me? What are they…

“Gummy, calm down….” Kay grumbled a little loudly, sounding perturbed by Gumshoe’s insistent voice. “Why would this guy bother Mr. Edgeworth? Unless you don’t really want to deal with Edgeworth being angry as all hell, I’d understand but–”

“This is different, pal!” Gumshoe warns, his voice becoming more… panicked? Was that accurate? He certainly sounded less calm, even under his whispering. “This guy shouldn’t be NEAR Mr. Edgeworth. It’ll be… uhhh– what’s that word…”

“Would you two stop gossiping behind my back on a crime scene of all things?” The two detectives jumped and turned around to look at Miles, his eyes glaring through them. Gumshoe looked two parts anxious for every part of Kay that looked sheepish. Edgeworth sighs, wanting to make an addendum in his first statement of the detectives’ being genuine people: horribly chatty as well. “What were you two even talking about?”

“NOTHING–” “EVERYTHING–”

The two looked at each other briefly, and then turned back to Edgeworth.

“NOTHING!”

Well, at least they made up their minds together at the end…

Miles only sighed and squinted for a few moments before his head was winding around what was happening in front of him. “Who in the world said ‘everything’?”

“GUMMY!” “KAY!”

The two detectives looked at each other with grim suspicion, like they had learned of each other’s deepest dark secrets in a comical villainous way. Miles sighed again, rubbing his nose bridge in what felt like an incoming side effect of being near hyper-active detectives all afternoon. “What has gotten you both so on edge?”

“Hah! Mr. Edgeworth just used ‘on edge’--” Before Kay could even spout another word, Miles had taken upon himself to just stop the young Yatagarasu by giving a firm yet forgiving pat on Kay’s head.

“Owww! Hey! Assault!!”

Miles rolled his eyes, lowering his hand. “As much as I’d like to see you try and prosecute a case like that in a court of law, you are skirting around my question. What were you two talking about?” He crossed his arms, giving himself time to see both of his investigation partners’ reactions.

Kay looked expectantly at Gumshoe, his being now in the spotlight.�� His shoulders slumped and his lip jutted out in a pout. “Aw, c’mon pal. No help for good old Uncle Gummy?”

The young Yatagarasu simply grinned and shrugged her shoulders. “You’re gonna have to come clean. I don’t even have any idea what or who you were talking about!”

“W-well, to be fair, Mr. Edgeworth says–”

Pause.

“This guy–”

Another pause.

“It’s–” He sighed.

Gumshoe rubbed his head with this oddly frustrated look in his eyes, but every part of his being looked a little too remorseful. “I don’t know pals!” The lieutenant raised his voice, as did his face. “I dunno how to explain this!?”

Edgeworth recalled much of Gumshoe’s past habits. He had kept secrets from the prosecutor, but one where Gumshoe’s life was in the brinks figuratively has made the detective falter in his honest to good nature in protecting the innocent. Though the detective was kind and generous with his defenses, Miles was certain that he usually failed at these kinds of secret keeping if was given a little bit of a push. “Is this information vital to the case? If so, I wouldn’t appreciate you hiding something consequential to me, Lieutenant.” Edgeworth glared at Gumshoe, knowing any kind of stare might get him to exhaust any information necessary.

“N-N-NO!” Miles and Kay jumped back at how loud Gumshoe spoke, before the detective had slumped again. “Nothing like that! It’s j-just… I know some of the people who live here. T-T-that’s all!”

“...But Gummy– that could help us find witnesses?? Why would that be the cause for a secret?” Kay exclaimed, her mouth agape as Gumshoe sighed.

“W-W-well…”

“Is there a problem, detectives…?”

Miles turned around rapidly with his brows furrowed to something unfamiliar, just as that figure who spoke up. Someone started down the sidewalk, towards the trio who were starting to face this mysterious figure. Seemingly, a man became more clear into view, with his hand on his cap and the other on his waist.

Now what do we have now?

Peripherally, Edgeworth is certain he caught Gumshoe having a nervous side glance at the prosecutor, before turning his attention to the mysterious man. Said man approached the group with a lazy step, his dark eyes and half of his face covered in a light shadow made by a looming baseball hat that spelled ‘IV’. His hand from waist picked itself up to smother the yawn that escaped the man’s mouth, before he looked on at the investigating team, “You are all awfully loud… though I guess that’s expected when a murder just happened…”

“A-ah! M- Mah- Mr. Leff! S-should’ve known you were in the area! Heheheh!” Gumshoe rubbed the back of his neck with a break-neck speed scratching. Edgeworth frowned, and he caught Kay looking back at him as well. A split knowing glance at each other before turning back their focus on this new visitor to the crime scene.

This ‘Mr. Leff’ stood rather unassumingly, hair under the cap had an ebony shine to it that messily let itself go in strands that go odd directions. Along with that was a stormy blue jacket and dark jeans, with ragged sneakers and the most agonizing exhausted face Edgeworth’s seen from anyone other than himself. Even if the cap hid much of that man’s features, Miles could make out rather dark bags under the man’s eyes. This man was probably the likely definition of exhausted. Baggy clothes, sagged shoulders, all the works.

Then, Edgeworth caught that man’s raised eyebrow at him, his shifty dark eyes against his face likewise staring. Then, those eyes briefly moved onto Kay, and then Gumshoe. When his mouth opened, something deep and gravely poured out, but in a calm succession. “Lieutenant.”

“M-Mr. Leff.”

“How are you today?” The man gestured to him cordially.

Gumshoe’s eyes shot wide open, then a grin emerged for his friend. “I’m okay, pal! Well– uhh… could be better if there wasn’t a… y’know.. A crime scene to investigate.”

“Y’know, fair enough.” Mr. Leff shrugged. Then, his eyes slit back to Kay and Miles. ”And who are they?”

I could ask the same of you, whoever you are, joining our crime scene like this. Before Edgeworth could get anything out, Gumshoe cleared his throat quickly.

“O-oh! Uhmm… well let me introduce you to them, first, pal.” He placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and grinned at his team. “This is a friend of mine, Mr. Leff! H-he’s a local around these parts. That’s how I’m familiar with him.”

Mr. Leff looked at Gumshoe with weary eyes and a rather displeased frown. “I appreciate the introduction, Gumshoe. But again, no mister. I don’t like the formalities,” Mr. Leff sighed and patted away the lieutenant’s hand. “Leff works all the same as well. I don’t even think the moniker of mister is even a thing with a name like mine.”

Gumshoe’s eyes looked downward to Mr. Leff, his face scrunched up in anxiousness. “Aww… c’mon pal. Have a little more faith in your identity.”

“You say that, but I’m pretty sure you call some fancy fellow like him–” Leff points at Edgeworth with a weak hand. “--mister. Not like y’know–” Then, the man waves his arms around himself. “..me?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Edgeworth inquired, his arms crossed.

“Whatever it means to you, Mr. Fancy Pants,” Leff rolled his eyes and faced back Gumshoe. “Just use Leff, it’s succinct.”

“So is Mr. Leff!”

The two started off in a tangent conversation of their own. A little awkward to just wait for these two to stop arguing with each other. Of course, Miles could simply use his authority to get Gumshoe on topic. But looking at the detective’s face made it seem this was a more urgent matter he’d wanted to prioritize at the time. Still, it didn't mean Miles’ other assistant would not be gossiping with himself. Kay leaned against Edgeworth’s shoulder and whispered, “Mr. Edgeworth!! This guy screams suspicious!”

His eyebrows furrowed and his eyes looked down at Kay in response. “Care to explain?”

“I dunno… uhh.. He’s being sort of rude to Gummy. Not like rude-rude, more like passive rude, y’know?”

Sure, if that’s what you’re calling it, Kay. Edgeworth nodded nonetheless. “While I don’t agree with the outward assumptions, he is certainly an interesting character.” Miles turned his head to meet the girl’s eyes, who looked rather suspiciously at Mr. Leff, then Edgeworth.

“What do you mean?! He’s so obstinate! Stubborn! Y’know, kind of like you, so maybe it isn’t that odd…”

“Excuse you, Kay. That sounds more like your indomitable spirit than anything!”

“Bah! I can compromise, Mr. Edgeworth! You have a lacking part of that in your generosity!”

“That’s an interesting way to say he’s bitchy,” The two swiftly turned back to see Mr. Leff, whose head is tilted away from his body, his eyes looking like they’d roll off his face. “Or you could say he’s an asshole as well.”

Edgeworth felt a migraine coming against his brain, which was usually a bad sign for trouble. His head pushed forward towards that man. “Excuse me, who asked you to interject into our conversation?”

Mr. Leff waved his hand slowly, scoffing. “Ahh, of course of course, Mr. Ass-cot. My mistake.”

“SNRK, Mr. Ass-cot?” Kay inquired with an odd glint in her jade eyes and along with her cattish smile, Edgeworth should’ve expected this from her honestly. Taking any chances for a jab at him is her go-to when it isn’t urgent. ‘But what is it with people in my life giving me weird nicknames… First, Mr. Fender and now this guy?’ Edgeworth’s frown deepened at the thought.

Then, the other man just gestured around his own neck area, looking into the sky with lackluster enthusiasm. “Y’know, the weird thing around his neck that makes him look like a sick Victorian chil,.” Then, Mr. Leff made a tight grin with amused eyes. “Or like a vampire.”

‘A vampire? Seriously?’ Edgeworth tapped his finger onto his arm with a flat stare at the man. “It’s a cravat, Mr. Leff.”

“Eh, semantics, shemantics, Mr. Ass-cot.”

Kay snickers as Edgeworth sighs. There is a lot Edgeworth would probably like to think about. There was an impertinent case after all. But at this present moment, he could only think as he willed his hand to not grip his arm…

This man is irritating…

“Anyways, just who are your friends, Gumshoe?” Mr. Leff shrugged back to the lieutenant, who perks up.

“O-oh! Well, this is Kay Faraday! A junior detective and upcoming private investigator!” He extended his hand to Kay, his grin wide and proud. “Sort of like a prodigy in all things investigation!”

“Good to meet you, Leff! Kay or Detective Kay works all the same.” Kay grins, putting her hands on her waist with a pep that only she could do at a crime scene.

“Nice to meet you.” Mr. Leff gave a brief smile, before instantaneously frowning at the glance of Edgeworth. Although, Edgeworth shared the same sentiment to his expression by simply keeping his stare at him.

“T-this is Mr. Edgeworth. He’s not a detective, but a star international prosecutor! He does help investigate high profile crime scenes, t-though.”

“Charming.” Mr. Leff batted his eyes away.

“Can’t certainly say the same for you, Mr. Leff.” Mr. Edgeworth replied smoothly.

“Y’know what, not charming. Mr. Ass-cot’s more like a bitch.” Mr. Leff’s eyes quickly sharpen back to Edgeworth, nearly surprising the prosecutor of his quick rebuttal. Danger in his irises, that man scowled and turned back to face Gumshoe.

“A-ah, don’t be mean-spirited. Mr. Edgeworth would probably love to–” Gumshoe paused, his eyes twitching in sudden concentration. “--get to know you…?”

“What.” Kay blinked alongside Edgeworth, allowing his head to turn its cogs a little more before he realized the awkward silence that transpired.

Leff didn’t seem bothered by that however. “Hmmmmmm... Nah. Kay’s a cool gal though. Edgeworth’s more like her lame 1800s vampire sidekick.”

Edgeworth could tell Kay’s eyes glitter with a spark as she perked up and grinned at him. “Y’know what, Mr. Edgeworth. Maybe he’s not shifty after all!”

Of course you switch that quickly. “Just because you think he’s ‘chill’ means he’s not a possible shady man?”

Kay raised her eyebrows and jutted her lip out with stubborn sass. “Just saying. People that are this funny aren’t usually bad guys, y’know.”

“Pfft. Glad to not look like a criminal.” Mr. Leff smirked.

Immediately, Gumshoe’s lips dropped into a sighed. “Awhhh… pal. Not cool.”

“...Still too soon? It’s been like– what… five months?”

“I know! But…”

Edgeworth sighed. Today, he wasn’t exactly expecting to hear from two friends bicker. If one could even call them friends. Edgeworth thought Gumshoe was being rather a pushover, which he’ll have to talk about later. “Anyways, before you all carry out any more blistering stories, do you have any testimonials that we could inquire about, Mr. Leff?”

Leff glanced back at Edgeworth, his expression carefully neutral. “Weeeell, I was told by the manager at the restaurant I work at to tell the police that he, the bartender, and I were inside and talking.”

“Did you hear anything?” Kay inquired. “Like– something loud?”

“Hmmm… no. The bar was empty, so we would’ve heard something outside.”

“Where is this bar?”

“O-oh! Mr. Leff works at the Borscht Bowl Club, right over there, sir!” Gumshoe’s hand directed Miles to a familiar building in the distance, one he was already directed to before. The prosecutor lowered his eyes and turned back to Mr. Leff.

“What is your occupation at this bar?”

Leff snapped his fingers. “Pianist.”

“You can play the piano?! Sweet!” Kay grinned cheerfully.

“Eh. Not very impressive if you ask me. It pays the bills every other day. Piano barely works half the time.” Mr. Leff chuckles as Kay snickers.

Mr. Edgeworth raises an eyebrow. “I surmise that’s probably due to the piano’s misfortune with you as its player.”

“Oh? Quipping, are we, Mr. Ass-cot?” Mr. Leff glinted a glance at the prosecutor, who simply glared at the man.

“Simply stating what seems to be in character for you, Mr. Leff.”

“Wait, if you’re a pianist, why are you at the bar with no people? Seems like a waste of time.” The young Yatagarasu looked at the building with a perturbed mystery on her face.

The man shrugged. “The bar’s usually a waste of time, but fair.”

“But you work there??” Her eyes widened in shock and mouth agaped.

“I stand by what I said.” Mr. Leff smiled.

Edgeworth sighs, but before he could do anything about his growing migraine, Mr. Leff interjected. “If you must know so I don’t get counted as a suspect, I was waiting for a friend. We were simply meeting up at the bar since he knows the place well,”

“Oh? Did he show?”

“Nope, couldn’t. Got stuck staying somewhere”

Mr. Leff is at an empty Borscht Club, waiting for someone who didn’t show.++

++ Mist was to drop by to visit a friend at the Borscht Club.

The two thoughts quickly click like clattering wood pieces, Miles’ eyes drawn to a close to let his brain takeover his movements. These two thoughts weren’t difficult ideas to connect, but anything to build up such vague testimonies will have to be his weapon of choice today. Especially with how much time has been wasted on talking to this ridiculous man. Edgeworth turned his eyes open, glancing back at everyone. Then, he noticed something new that added another mystery puzzle to his stack of ideas. Mr. Leff’s eyes looked at the prosecutor ominously, his squinting eyes shifting over Miles’ entire being, under a watchful gaze that never left the prosecutor. Miles spoke his conclusion. “You must be the acquaintance Mr. Mist mentioned.”

“Hm? You know my buddy, old pal journalist?”

“Well, he was the one who found the body, pal.” Gumshoe chuckled. “He’s our primary witness.”

“Ah.” Mr. Leff hissed between his teeth before his lips made a popping sound. “That’s a yikes. Derek’s not having a lucky day huh? Though, he’s not alone I suppose.” He tapped Gumshoe’s shoulder. “You have to work with Mr. Fancypants all day.”

The lieutenant chuckled slowly, shifting his eyes away. “M-mr. Edgeworth isn’t so bad, pal…”

“He certainly doesn’t look very agreeable.”

Kay snickered, her toothy grin wide and smiley. “Well, Mr. Edgeworth’s certainly much more agreeable when I’m around. I am his handy dandy assistant!”

“I’d argue that’s because you happen to be wildly more improvisational that I have to simply be generous with my patience, Kay.” Edgeworth sighed, before retrieving his organizer from his coat pocket to write down this new conclusion.

“Semantics! I simply have a way with words!” Kay blew raspberries and grinned.

“Snrk–!” Mr. Leff chuckled, almost softly yet drowned by something tired. He smirked at Kay. “Sounds wonderful. Keep up the good work, Kay. Don’t let my favorite lieutenant get bullied around by Mr. Vamps.”

“Heh! Aye aye captain!” Kay returned the smirk with her signature grin and saluted.

He’s the captain now, huh? Edgeworth could feel his entire body mentally roll his eyes at this. “Do you have anything else to contribute to your testimony Mr. Leff? We’d like to resume the investigation if you would be so kind.”

Mr. Leff frowns and glances back to Gumshoe, then back to Edgeworth with a slithering voice under a calm demeanor. “Nothing else to contribute then, Mr. Edgeworth.” The hiss behind Leff’s voice sent an odd prickle down Edgeworth’s neck, one that he immediately shook off as he turned away from that man. “Let’s continue our investigation elsewhere, Gumshoe and Kay.”

“O-oh! Sure! Uhh… See ya, pal!”

“Adios, Leff!”

“Adios.”

And with that, they parted ways with Mr. Leff, who seems to just reenter the Borscht Club, to Miles’ relief.

“Gumshoe, do all your friends happen to act so unmannerly?” Edgeworth turned to look at the lieutenant, whose face looked a little anxious.

“Oh, no, Mr. Edgeworth! Y’know, Maggey and such. She’s a total sweetheart!” Gumshoe chuckled with a pitch higher. “It’s just that Mr. Leff is… a hard nut to crack! Yeah!”

Edgeworth’s frown deepened. “You sound unsure.”

“Well, I’ve only known him for a few months, really… But I’m determined to understand him better!” Gumshoe gave a firm thumbs up to the prosecutor and detective, which gave a little rise to Kay’s eyebrow.

“Really? He honestly sounded more used to you than you make it seem, Gummy!” She crossed her arms and closed her eyes with a pouty lip.

Gumshoe blinked and glanced back and forth between his friends with a little light in his eyes. “D-do we?”

“Yeah!” Kay’s mouth twitched into an uncontrollable grin towards Edgeworth, to which the prosecutor did not look approvingly at. “I mean, why else does he love to make jabs at your own boss?”

“Yes, because that’s completely wise to do for a friend, Kay.” Edgeworth had the urge to roll his eyes at her comment, but simply sighed at the young Yatagarasu.

Kay’s grin continued as she spoke. “Point is! He’s kind of like– chill! Absolute comedian and that’s something to appreciate about him.”

“You think that’s the case with everyone, Kay…” Edgeworth raised an eyebrow, remembering her jabs with Mr. Fender towards him consistently a few months ago.

“Psssh, please! I’ve certainly met my fair share of clowns–”

“Kay.”

“--but I’ve never seen anyone who can really get under your skin! You’re like an impenetrable rock sometimes! Stone-face and all!” Kay looked off, scratching her chin in deep thought. “Yet, quipping at him? First time witnessing Leff?”

“Hmph. I believe you’ve mistaken me for being caught off guard by his hostile demeanor, Kay.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Why else would he be calling me nicknames after two minutes of meeting me?”

“So you’re calling him bitchy as well?”

Exhale, and inhale. “May we please focus back on this case? Mr. Leff’s testimony is fairly interesting. He didn’t hear anything, and that would be attested by two other people. Mr. Mist, meanwhile, was able to hear the shot.”

“Right, so we can be sure that it had to be a silencer!”

“Silencer’s are easier to hear in a range unperturbed by objects. Since there’s sound waves and they like to bounce off objects to create echoes and all that. Mr. Leff was inside a building, and he didn’t hear it. Probably because it was simply too quiet.” Kay spins around to see all the other brick buildings, Edgeworth following where her gaze was looking to see at all the tall buildings. Buildings with dark bricks of spectrums of reds, browns, and grays. Grays that have high ledges and even taller points to look from.

Edgeworth also noticed the rather empty atmosphere, save for a bird tweet and murmur from an officer or two. “That would also explain why everyone else wouldn’t have heard the shot, except for Mist. Everyone was inside because they were afraid of the loud arguing. Which allowed the perpetrator to get the victims without as much as a glance from other potential witnesses.”

“That sucks. Imagine arguing so much that everyone ignores you and allows your murderer to get away from the crime scene, easy peasy.” Kay sighs, hands on her hips.

Tap, tap, tap on his arm as his brain adjusted itself to that comment. “Maybe it’d be advisable to argue with less disdainful speech out in the public.”

Kay’s grin grew wider with cheeky glitter under her eyes. “Mayhaps so! But maybe we can find more witnesses! C’mon! Let’s go!” And before Edgeworth could give her any warnings, she was off.

“Ugh… Kay…” Edgeworth rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Gumshoe chuckled and waved his hand. “Heheh, she’s got a lot of energy, Mr. Edgeworth. Let her get it all out now.”

“Hmph. Perhaps you’re right. Though, she’s way more capable of getting into trouble that’s way more concerning when she’s alone.” ‘But even so, she’s very capable by herself and I don’t want to limit her potential.’ Edgeworth looked off to Kay, who was jumping in place as she was giggling with an officer on duty. He smiled to himself, Kay’s gift of quite literally being the shiny sparkle in any dull moment. Quite literally with her dangly keys paired with the dark clouds above.

“Ahah… that’s.. That’s fair. Anyways! Let’s catch up with her!” Gumshoe sped forward with rapid steps trailing behind him. Leaving Edgeworth, simply watch the two detectives talk with each other and other officers.

He didn’t exactly get to inquire about Gumshoe’s behavior, and the interjecting stuttering is very unlike him. Usually brashly a friend to everyone, but that Mr. Leff had left something on that detective that clearly makes Gumshoe more uneasy than usual. Nervous, clearly on edge, and sweaty. Edgeworth won’t ignore that it was probably the most prominent piece of evidence that proved that Gumshoe was not well. However, Edgeworth thought to himself as he walked closer to the duo, it could be a continuation of Gumshoe’s rather hesitant stature today.

But Miles relented. There was no point in speculating further without simply asking the detective. He’d just have to ask him when it became convenient. Then, an idea conjoined the running train of thought.

He turned back towards the street where that bar sat on. The distance was farther than Miles would preferably like to see from, but glasses helped it go back towards it. He saw a gray silhouette exit the bar, his face covered by his hat but Miles could surmise that it was who he thought it was. Said silhouette gestured away from the door, his mouth moved unhurriedly to the receiver end of those words inside the building. It would seem that he was rather bored of whatever he was doing, his eyes rolling away towards the skies. His hands stuffed into his pocket, and his leg tapping against the ground with a smooth rhythm.

Edgeworth slowly paused his steps, his face tilting and eyes squinting closer.

This man was a bit of an enigma. Someone who made Miles rather curious. The curiosity may have been born out of disrespect to Miles, but the prosecutor was fairly unaffected by it. Irritating people always come into investigations after all. He’s dealt with people like Lotta, Fender, and so many more. Why did this feel different? Something off about the person who Gumshoe considers a friend. What was the goal of this person? Did he have anything under those dark ey–

Stop.

For a quick second, he saw that the pianist’s eyes, as it rolled away from whomever he was talking to, they landed squarely at Edgeworth. Awkwardly staring at one another from a distance of many meters away, Miles stuck squinting at him. Miles swiftly removed his gaze after a few seconds before he heard a familiar voice.

“Mr. Edgeworth! Come over here!” Edgeworth blinked and looked ahead. Kay swung her arm excitedly to beckon him, while Gumshoe was kneeling over something next to her. That thought would have to wait, it appears. Edgeworth adjusted his glasses and stride forward towards the detectives.

Bonus Drawings: