Chapter Text
A pistol laid at my feet. I knew then... it was destiny. I picked up the pistol, aimed it at the man, who ruined my perfect record, who dared placed a penalty upon it, and then.
BANG!
"AH! FATHER!"
"What's the meaning of this!?"
"THAT'S MY SON, DON'T TOUCH HIM!"
That scream. I...
"FATHER! HELP ME! I'M SCARED!"
Those tears. I... I can't. Heh, I really am a fool.
DECEMBER 25 8:07 PM
HOTTI CLINIC
My eyes felt heavy. The last I remember, I believe Yanni Yogi was choking me, and then...
"FATHER! LEAVE FATHER ALONE!"
BANG!
Oh no! Miles! Where is he!? Is he okay!? Did he get shot! I could feel myself shooting straight up as the two nurses turned towards me, then rushed to my aid.
"Sir...!" The nurse on the left said. I read his name tag, (1) Dr. Savanna.
"My son. Where... Where's my son?" I asked, my voice hurting.
"I'm sorry, but you were the only one taken in. The other one was already dead from the gunshot," Dr. Savanna said. I felt myself turn white. No...
"Dead," I whispered in shock.
"As for your son, we haven't heard anything about a son, but I'm sure he's alright. The courthouse made a thorough evacuation," the other nurse, Dr. Daisy, said. Wait,what?
"Wait, the one who died, was it a boy, (2)albino...?"
"What? No. It was Yanni Yogi, the bailiff. You and him were the only two people found in the elevator during the blackout. While you had passed out, a third party came and shot the bailiff," Dr. Daisy replied. Something wasn't right. A third party?
"Third party?"
"Yes, Manfred Von Karma. He was arrested, the moment you were taken here, for the murder of Yanni Yogi. It's on the News and I heard it from the detective himself. The jerk confessed. Can you believe it!?"
I could feel it. Something was wrong, horribly wrong. For one, why would Von Karma want to kill the bailiff? It's possible it was a misfire in attempt on my life, since he'd certainly have a motive to kill me, but the bailiff? More importantly, what about my son? Where is he? Why wasn't he seen with me?
"My son, Miles Edgeworth, was with me in the elevator. We were trapped for five hours. He's 8 years old. Are you telling me he was not found with me in the elevator?" I asked, trying to keep my composure.
"I... I'm sorry. I'm sure the detective knows something. I'll inform him right away, sir," Dr. Savanna assured, rushing out of the room and leaving Dr. Daisy with me.
Miles... please be alright. Where are you? Why did Von Karma turn himself in? What's going on? I wasn't too sure of the situation, but my gut feeling told me Von Karma wasn't the real murderer. He's too much of a perfectionist to murder someone without cleaning the evidence and considering the events, he had every opportunity to do so and pin the blame on me. Von Karma would also not just simply turn himself in, even if he did murder the bailiff. If he is turning himself in willingly, something must have happened. Then, there's my son's whereabouts. Could Von Karma's willingness to turn himself in for this murder have something to do with my missing son and, if so, why?
While thinking on these things, placing each logic together, I heard the door open. Detective Badd. He seemed serious as usual. I could see there was a bit of distrust in his eyes. Unfortunately, I can't erase history, but considering the trials of Jeff Masters, he had gained some respect and perhaps some trust to work with me again. It's nice to work with him once more. I knew I was going to need his help again.
"Badd..." I muttered.
"Nurse Savanna says you were asking about your son," Detective Badd said, his sucker in his mouth.
"Miles was with me during the blackout. We were stuck in the elevator for five hours. According to the nurses, they said that the bailiff was shot by Manfred Von Karma. He's not someone that would just willingly turn himself in without a reason."
"... no, he's not."
"He also doesn't have a motive, unless it might've been to murder me and ended up shooting the bailiff instead, but then why turn himself in? There's also my missing son that concerns me."
"... I haven't heard," Detective Badd said. He took out his mirror he always kept with him. It seems my old teachings haven't completely left him. He placed it towards his blind spot behind him before continuing, "I had assumed he was with your assistant Mr. Shields, but I asked him and he claims the boy was with you."
".... I see. Do you know when they will be releasing me?" I asked.
"Why?"
"I'm going to the Detention Center."
Detective Badd's eyes bulged out, then asked, "you're going to defend Von Karma?"
"I don't think he killed the bailiff and if Miles was with me and hasn't been found, that can only mean one thing..."
"You think he's been taken."
"I think Von Karma knows what happened to my son. If I have to defend that man to find him and bring him home safe, then I'll do it with my life."
"Don't be... rash. I will interrogate him personally. If he knows something, I'll get it out of him. You shouldn't have to defend him, unless you truly believe without a shadow of a doubt he didn't murder Yanni Yogi."
"I'll find out and defend him. Unless you can find a defense attorney that will be willing to defend that man, then give me one name."
".... you're still recovering."
"Then, ask when I'll be released or else I will."
Detective Badd seemed frustrated, but said, "fine. Have it your way." He walked out the door to find my doctor.
Miles... where are you?
DECEMBER 25
? ? ? ? ?
I felt my eyes open. It was dark and I felt cramped. I tried moving, but my hands and feet were bound. I tried screaming, but nothing came out. My mouth was gagged like in those spy movies Larry forces me to watch. I tried moving around and found there wasn't a lot of room in this cramped box I was trapped in. When lifting my legs up, it hit some sort of top. I was tied up, gagged, and trapped in some sort of box. How did I get here!?
That was when everything came back tome. I have to get out of here. Father! That prosecutor! I have to...
"Stop struggling! You're making a lot of racket!" I heard a scary voice shout.
I was scared. I was crying. Father, help me! I couldn't scream, only make muffled sounds as I was shaking in my little confined space.
"Don't worry, you'll get out... maybe. That depends on if your daddy gets that guilty verdict or not."
That prosecutor. He's going to...
"Hey, what is...?"
"Ugh! He just wet himself! Gross!"
I didn't care that my pants were soaked at this point, but I was scared and I wanted to go home. Father! Mr. Prosecutor man!
"Move the crate in that room. Hopefully, that should take care of that."
"I'm not touching that!"
"Get some gloves, you ninny!"
"Fine!"
I felt the box I was confined in being lifted before carrying and moving me somewhere. I could feel myself swinging back and forth. I was crying and trying to scream through my muffles.
"Shut up, you stupid kid!" I heard one of the men shouted, kicking the box from below me as my body went to and fro. It only made me cry more as I kicked and pushed my head against the top of the box. "I SAID SHUT UP!" I heard a sound of something large bang against something.
"AHUGH!" I heard one of the men scream as the box I was inside dropped to one side with a bang. From there, I heard a large crack and a sharp pain upon my head.
Father... Mr. Prosecutor man... help me.
DECEMBER 25 10:27 PM
DETENTION CENTER
After several hours of the detective interrogating Von Karma and getting nothing out of him, he finally decided to allow me to talk to him. Of course, he had to place in the paperwork to allow me into the Detention Center after hours. I waited outside with Raymond Shields, who was both saddened and angry at the same time. When he heard my son was missing, he became frantic, then angry at Von Karma when finding out he may know something.
I felt my hands shaking. (3)Rachel, I need you right now. Our son, he... I don't know where he is. I failed to protect you and now I'm about to lose our son. What should I do?
"Don't worry, we'll get him to talk, you'll see!" Raymond said in full spirit. I sighed.
"There's no telling. He doesn't trust Defense Attorneys," I mentioned.
"True. You still think you can get him to spill?"
"What choice do I have? If he knows something about my son's whereabouts, then I'll have to dig it out of him... somehow."
"Ugh! What a jerk! He just turns himself in, then hides where Miles is at!"
"We don't know that yet."
"What do you mean?"
"One question that kept bothering me is why my son's kidnapping would make Von Karma turn himself in willingly? We both have seen how prideful he is about perfection."
"Well, yeah! He's a horrible, horrible man!"
"Yet, he is willing to tarnish his so called perfect record in the worst way possible, because of my son?"
"Hm... you make a good point. But, what does it mean?"
"I have a theory. Is it possible that Von Karma is trying to protect my son somehow?" I said, placing my hand on my chin.
"WHAT!?! Manfred Von Karma, the most scary and corrupt prosecutor on the planet with a 30 year win streak that faked that autopsy report, protecting Miles!? The son of his enemy!? B-But... he's... he's Manfred Von Karma!"
"It doesn't make him inhuman. From what I've researched, he's a father of three children, one is close to my son's age. It wouldn't be far fetch to say he is trying to protect my son, even out of pity towards children alone," I said. It was far fetch, but it is possible that Manfred Von Karma might be humane enough to at least care about the life of small children to ruin his perfect record. I can't say that it isn't possible. I certainly have a few skeletons in my closet, but was still human enough to fall in love and try to save her.
"I still find it hard to believe."
"If all the corrupt people in the legal world that forge evidence were cruel and inhuman monsters, then how am I any different?" (4)
"B... But... you changed from what you used to be."
"So? If my son had been the one to pull the trigger, I too would give a false testimony and forge evidence to save him. The only thing that's changed about me is my aim. I no longer care about my job alone. I became a defense attorney to protect Rachael's only blessing she entrusted me with. If I can't save Miles, then I have no reason to wear this badge."
"DON'T SAY THAT!"
"It's true. People don't change that easily. Everything I taught you came from Rachael Newslayday, not Gregory Edgeworth. I want Miles to be given what I couldn't give Rachael and be more like his mother. She was strong and full of courage. She gave her life to find the truth of the corruption in the legal system. If I can't save Miles, then the only thing left for me is to take down the man, who took away the love of my life."
"... Mr. Edgeworth."
The door opened, revealing Detective Badd. He seemed slightly exhausted, perhaps from interrogating Von Karma. He removed the sucker from his mouth, turning to us.
"Von Karma is ready when you're ready to see him," the detective said.
"Thank you, detective," I thanked Detective Badd.
"I must also mention something... you should listen to your subordinates. You've changed more than you realize."
"Badd.... you heard?"
"I didn't realize it until I saw how you defended Master. You're not the same man you were nine years ago."
"..."
"I believe.... you can find the truth about this case."
"Thank you."
"Just to warn you though, if you defend Von Karma, you will be going up against his boss."
"Blaise Debeste."
"Wait, Blaise Debeste, isn't he...?" Raymond asked, looking frightened.
"The Chief Prosecutor and someone Chief knows well," Detective Badd said.
"Chief, I haven't heard you call me that in years," I jokingly smirked.
"Don't! That was a slip of the tongue. That is all... Edgeworth. I still haven't forgiven you for stabbing us in the back."
"Point taken. But, you know, despite the circumstances, I never meant to bring hurt to any of you. I only did what I thought was right."
"I know...."
"Thank you, detective," I thanked the detective as he humphed, then left. After leaving, Raymond turned to me.
"You should tell him the truth. You know, the real reason why you left," Raymond said with serious eyes.
I knew what he was talking about. Nine years ago, I worked as a Chief Detective before quitting my job, and leaving the detectives under me hanging dry. Detective Badd was my student much like Raymond Shields, who looked up to me very highly. He forgave me, after finding out about my sins, but not for leaving him and the rest of Criminal Affairs. He only found out a year or two later that I became a Defense Attorney.
"... not right now. When the time is right," I replied, entering inside the Detention Center.
Entering into the Detention Center, I saw Manfred Von Karma with his folded arms, clutching at his sleeve. That glare, the furrow between his brows, I'm certain it had deepened since the last I saw him. I've faced him in enough trials to know that he does this when he's planning ways to counter my arguments. I'm certain he's going to attempt to chase me from the Detention Center as soon as possible.
"Von Karma..."
"Leave," Von Karma stated, just as I had predicted.
"I have some questions," I said, showing demand in my voice. I wasn't going to let this man intimidate me. I've faced glares worse than his.
"You have nothing to gain from me. I had tried to shoot you and my misfire took the bailiffs life. That is all," the prosecutor said, snapping his finger.
"If that is all, then-"
"The boy hit my arm."
"WHAT!?" I exclaimed. Was he talking about Miles?
"A small boy hit me and the misfire caused the death of the bailiff. He was scared and ran away. He's probably dead in the sea by now," Von Karma said, showing a smirk.
"H-How dare-" Raymond glared before I cut him off.
".... you're lying," I dared. I knew what Von Karma was trying to do. He did know about my son, but now is using him to arouse me. It may work on Raymond, but it won't work on me. "Miles isn't someone that runs off. He naturally goes to me when he's scared."
"Miles... so, that's his name. I suppose it's acceptable." (5)
"You saw him. You saw my son. You know what's happened to him."
"OBJECTION! I don't know where that brat is! He could be dead for all I know!"
"If you don't know where he is, why did you turn yourself in? You are far too stubborn and obsessed with your so called perfect record to tarnish it with a criminal record, let alone one that involves murder."
"Leave. Now! I don't want you here!" Von Karma threatened with his signature glare.
I slammed my hands on the counter in front of the glass, making the prosecutor flinch, as I replied, "no." If Von Karma wanted to play dirty, then I'll make him regret it. "You are at the mercy of the law, Manfred Von Karma. You have no authority or power to get rid of me. In fact, the law requires you to have a defense attorney and if I must have the state choose me, then so be it. You can't keep me from the truth!"
"What is it going to prove? Are you going to interrogate me like that foolish detective?" Von Karma asked, gaining back his composure. I remembered a trick Rachael taught me. (6) I backed up, calming myself.
"....."
"Hmph, what's the point of being here and being my defense attorney. It won't do well for you. You will only defend a murderer."
"Except, it wasn't you, was it? I fit was, what's your motive?"
"Isn't it obvious? There were too many evidence and no one I could pin the blame on," Von Karma said.
"Except your confession is what prevented the crime scene from becoming a locked room case," I attacked as Von Karma glared at me, sweat pouring from his face. "Had you not confessed, my son would've been the defendant, due to his fingerprints on the weapon. He shot a misfire before we passed out. I thought he accidentally killed Yanni Yogi before hearing you confessed."
"Tech, I think you're overlooking some evidence that should have been obvious," Von Karma smirked, unbuttoning the right side of his coat and revealing what looked to be a patched up wound. My eyes widened. It was from Miles' misfire! "That's right, your clumsy son shot me before I shot the bailiff. That proves I was at the scene of the crime and therefore..." He snapped his finger. "killed the bailiff. The end!"
"Is that so? Then, this brings out another contradiction," I pointed out, slamming my hand on the counter. "Particularly the gunshot wound. If my son woke up, as you said, he would not have noticed the gun. He'd have noticed something much more noticeable... YOUR BLOODY WOUND!"
"Wh-What...?" Von Karma started hesitating.
"Really?" Raymond asked, scrunching his lips as he was deep in thought.
"If I was to see someone holding a gun and a gunshot wound on his shoulder, I would've assumed he was being shot at by someone else. Even though Miles was the one that shot you, his mind would still be confused from being oxygen deprived to remember after waking up. He'd also be too tired and weak to attack you."
"THAT'S TRUE!"
"Meaning, the moment Miles woke up, he saw the gunshot wound and believed you were protecting from a killer when seeing you holding a gun. There's no way he could've attacked you or assumed you were trying to shoot me, even if the gun was pointed at me. Miles would've assumed it was pointed at me because of the pain from the wound keeping you from holding it properly."
"..." Manfred was quiet, thinking some more.
"Something happened to Miles that day. I'm certain the gunshot wasn't intended on being fired at Yanni Yogi."
"Then, who do you believe this so called gunshot was aiming for?"
"It was aiming for you," I replied as Manfred glared at me. "My guess is that whoever took my son must've intended on shooting you, perhaps to cover something or revenge. When he missed and killed the wrong man, my son witnessed it. Knowing my son, he must've screamed, gaining the killer's attention. The killer, not wanting any witnesses, took Miles, then used him against you to cover his own crimes."
"You're forgetting two things. One, why would this so called killer use some brat I don't know against me and why would I want to turn myself in for that brat?"
"... I have a theory. It's possible the killer thought he was your son," I said as sweat appeared on Von Karma, glaring at me. It seems I'm on the right track. "When Miles is scared, he always screams 'Father!' even if I'm not there. If you were the only person awake in the room, besides Miles, then it's easy to mistaken you for his father. Almost everyone knows you have three children, so it wouldn't be that far fetch for anyone to make that mistake, if they've never met your children."
"... ngh."
"Seeing this, the killer took Miles, then used him against you. As for why you're willing to turn yourself in for Miles' sake, it's clear you want to save him. As a father, I can only imagine how painful it was to see a child screaming in pain for his father, while being taken away from him. Saving Miles isn't just something you want to do, it's an obligation. The thought of not doing so would kill you on the inside, imagining if one of your own was in the same situation as he. Say what you want about your perfect record, you are still human like everyone else. You feel pain and love. You love your children just like I love my son and you would do anything to save them." (7)
"..." Von Karma was silent.
So, I was right, he is trying to protect my son. Then, why keep this from me, unless... Perhaps Miles is in a terrible situation. Does that mean that Von Karma is protecting me from the pain of knowing my son is hurting and being helpless to do anything about it? I've been in Von Karma's position of living my life forging evidence, but unlike him, I had not experienced building a family or having children until I left that life. Von Karma had a family, children he raised as his own. I would find it hard to believe if he never felt the fear and pain of losing one of his own like I am right now.
"Please... tell me Von- no Manfred Von Karma. Even if it hurts, even if my son is dead, I have to know. Please.... from one father to another. I know that you would want to know, if it were your own child," I pleaded, trying to blink away any tears coming. I was desperate. I bowed myself to him.
"... I was intending on taking your life."
I sighed, this wasn't going anywhere, but then...
********
"I heard a sound."
"Negh."
"W... A child?"
"H-Hey... you're that prosecutor guy, aren't you? You're hurt."
BANG!
"AH! FATHER!"
"WHAT!?"
"What's the meaning of this!?"
"Isn't it obvious? I was aiming toward you, but it seems I missed. Unfortunately, it seems we have a witness."
"THAT'S MY SON, DON'T TOUCH HIM!"
"FATHER! HELP ME! I'M SCARED!"
********
"You pretended to be his father?" I asked, hearing the story from Von Karma.
"What choice did I have? He witnessed the murder and he would've been shot otherwise," Von Karma said.
"But, you turned yourself in willingly."
"I did, because.... it is as you said, I hate seeing children in pain. It gives me memories of seeing my own children in pain, even my daughters."
"Does the killer know you're not the real father?"
"Of course not! That fool still thinks that child is my youngest, even though my youngest is a girl and is age 2!"
"Then, why are you still playing along with this?"
"Miles is being kept hostage. Knowing the man, he's probably got the child locked in a trunk or cage and left in the cold outside with no heater to keep him warm. More likely, your son isn't given any food and hardly any water. If I cooperate, there is a chance he might get something to eat or drink, but it's likely he won't be given bathroom breaks."
"I think I'm gonna be sick," Raymond said, covering his mouth.
I felt my hands shaking. It's worse than I thought. I covered my face.
"You did say to tell you, even if it's painful. Your son is not in any good condition. He's a prisoner, treated like a caged animal. His life will decide if I get a guilty verdict or not," Von Karma told me more seriously. I could see now that it was killing him on the inside, the look in his eyes.
"In other words, if you're proven Not Guilty...." I muttered.
"... there's no telling. He may kill him or... he may torture him in the worst way possible before doing so."
"..."
"The killer said that he would release the boy, if I turn myself in and get a Guilty verdict. For each day that passes, Miles will continue to stay missing. He may even decide to hurt the boy if possible. I can't say."
"... who is it? Who has my son?" I asked quietly.
"... I can't say. If I reveal his identity, I can't guarantee his safety. It's even possible that he may hurt the boy, because I told my defense attorney, if he finds out."
"This room is sound proof. What you say won't leave this room."
"..."
"Raymond, I will need to ask you to leave."
"What? But why!?" Raymond asked.
"He might trust me as a father, but you know how he is about Defense Attorneys," I said.
"Pfft fine," Raymond said, feeling annoyed as he left the Detention Center.
As soon as Raymond left, Manfred said the one name I had hoped he would never say, "Blaise Debeste. He's the one you're looking for."
"... Thank you," I said, setting the papers for Manfred.
"What's this!?"
"Paperwork to make me your defense attorney. Debeste is your boss, right? He'll be prosecuting. I want to face that man and take him down, then make him pay for what he's doing to Miles."
"You do realize that by trying to prove me innocent, you could end up seeing your son as a corpse."
"I'd like to see him try. I have something personal with that man."
"... hehehe interesting," Von Karma smirked, signing the paperwork. "Alright, Mr. Attorney, but I'll be on the bench with you. As the defendant, I have the right to assist my Attorney."
"Thank you. I'll be at the crime scene, then see you in court."