Oh. My. God. Guys, I cannot belive this is done. And you would not belive how many different versions of this story I made. In the first version, it was Edgeworth who got kidnapped at the end and Ms. Lawes really was the true criminal. There was also a version which featured Kristoph as a main character which unfortunally didn't work out in the end - there's plenty of stuff I wanted to put in here but didn't get to.

But hey - not like I won't get a chance to use all these leftover ideas in... the next sequel! Some of you already know this, but this series is meant to have four parts in total, so stay prepared for the third part!

I'd like to thank you all for reading and commenting this story. I really love it when people start making theories about what will happen or voice their opinion on how I treat the characters. There's few things better in life than seeing how people react to the things I made and I'm so grateful I got to experience that with you. Please enjoy this epilouge!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

January 28, 08:09 AM

Prison

Dining Hall

x

„...ând thùs my nâmé wâs cléâréd. Wéll, from thé mùrdér chârgés, ât léâst. I féâr my forgérîés shâll contînùé to hâùnt mé."

Arco smiled to the best of his ability. He had asked Mr. Monet about his current situation mostly out of politeness and was slowly staring to regret it. He couldn't understand a single word.

„It's good to know that you will be all right", he said. That was not a lie. He wasn't necessarily fond of the artist, but it was still nice not to see him framed for murder.

„Thé sâmé to yoù, my frîénd. Âh, ând whât a shock ît wâs, stândîng în thé coùrtroom âs théy félléd théîr fâlsé vérdict..."

„You missed an 'i' there."

„Whât?"

He shook his head. „Nothing. But I agree. Being blamed for a crime you didn't commit is...", a shudder, „...definitely not enjoyable."

Mister Monet nodded, petting his pet mouse. Then he suddenly leaned in and whispered, dropping his accent: „You know, I saw them lead that dastardly Phantom through here earlier. Didn't seem bothered by it at all. Freaky creep..."

Now that was interesting... „Really?"

„Yes, I did! I but hope they will keep him locked up tighter this time."

„Yes, I ag..."

He was interrupted by the dining bell.

„Ah. Well, I suppose we should return to our cells now."

„Jùst âs wéll. Î sîmply âché to pùt thîs dréâdfùl éxpérîéncé on cânvâs..."

Deep beneath them, chained up in a small cell, a world-famous criminal had absolutely zero problems with the whole scenario.

Oh, sure, he'd been locked up. But that had happened before, plenty of times in fact, and he'd always gotten out. Of course, there were probably several very angry people waiting outside with some very final plans regarding his existence and the end of it... but that, too, was not unusual. And even if it all failed...

Death was probably very interesting. He was curious about it as well.

How fitting, though, that yet again, he had been beaten by the same group of people, especially the stubborn prosecutor and his darling little girl...

x

January 28, 09:01 AM

Prosecutor's Building

Blackquill's office.

x

„Thank you for your help, Cykes-dono. It's a bloody mess around here."

„No problem", she answered as she punched holes into a thick stack of documents. „Mr. Wright never does his paperwork, either, so I've got experience."

Blackquill nodded, putting yet another signature down. „I am quite experienced with this as well, normally. But the sheer flood of it is too much for even the strongest of men. After all, the only one of us who was at all capable of doing paperwork during these past dark few days was Gavin-dono."

„He's done well, though. So far, everything he's done seems to be in order."

A barking laugh. „He has plenty of unexpected talents, our dear shining star. Fetch me the autopsy file, Taka."

The bird took to the air with a screech, circled the room for a moment and dove down to snatch up a bright blue file.

„Good bird. Here you go."

He held out a piece of jerky and Athena snickered. „Did you check that for poison?"

„...Do not even joke about that, Cykes. Knowing that my dear companion was in danger was worse than the sting of Atroquinine in my stomach."

She winced, sobering up instantly.

„Right. Sorry. How are you holding up?"

„Well enough, considering the circumstances. Hand me the red pen, yes? Thank you. I still can't eat properly. Which is not all that bad, as the doctors have forbidden it anyway. No solid food for three more days, they say. Ugh. I'd sell my soul for a bowl of Soba."

„Please don't. That's unhealthy."

Her phone beeped. She gave it a quick glance, ready to ignore the call.

And froze.

Anonymous Caller. Could be a scam, could be a wrong number. Could be a certain assassin.

„I've got to take this. Hang on", she stammered and great, way to be suspicious, Athena. Even worse, she took the hole punch with her as she stepped into the hallway. Hopefully Blackquill wouldn't follow her to get it, else he'd potentially walk into a very interesting dialouge...

„Athena Cykes here?", she answered the call. For a few moments, everything was quiet. Then the voice of Shelly de Killer sounded, slightly distorted.

„Excellent job, if I may say so. I could not have done it better."

„Uhm... t-thanks?"

„No need for niceties. You have done me quite the favour. This so-called Phantom is a disgrace to my line of business."

„I-is he?"

„Most obviously. The man has no standards. I ask you, how is a good, honest assassin like me meant to keep a proper image with men like him around?" A silent sigh, almost impossible to hear „I suppose it hardly matters now. I am very grateful, Ms. Cykes. Now, normally I would only do this for a client. You are not a client, although I would not be opposed to that, but I am willing to extend my trust to you. Sharing this information with the police would be unwise, as I am sure you are aware of."

Her heartbeat was pounding. This could go very, very badly for her... but so could refusing it. Refusing the trust of Shelly de Killer? Perhaps even implying that said trust was... questionable?

Oh, hell no. She'd rather stick her leg in a meat grinder.

„I won't share it."

„Good. I will give you a phone number. Use this to contact me, should the need arise. In turn, please know that I, too, will contact you if I am in need of assistance. Of course I do not expect you to aid me in illegal business. No fear, Ms. Cykes."

She nodded, which was a rather dumb thing to do on the phone - but it wasn't needed anyway. In awe, she listened as he dictated a string of numbers.

„There. That should be the first step to a mutually beneficial connection. I trust you will use it with care. Greet Mr. Wright from me."

Click.

Ended the call and left her standing there in the hallway, with a heartbeat strong enough to register on the Richter scale and nothing to do but go back to Blackquill.

The prosecuter gave her a grin when she opened the door.

„You kidnapped my hole punch, Cykes-dono. Was that call truly so important?"

„Just Juniper", she lied, knowing fully well that Blackquill would see right through her. „She can't find her passport and was asking if I knew something about it."

He looked at her, straight into her eyes. She felt his doubt and, on a weaker level, his amusement at such an obvious lie.

„...Tell her to fill out a lost item report."

Athena blinked. „That reminds me", she changed the topic as quickly as she could, „did Sebastian ever get his wallet back?"

x

January 28, 09:28 AM

Apollo's house

Living Room

x

Apollo felt incredibly soft and warm inside, incredibly good for some reason. There was something very comforting about having Klavier and Sebastian around at the same time, both of them safe and sound. Sebastian was cradling his baton, his twitches tightening Apollo's bracelet just the way they should. Klavier had leaned back, wearing proper clothing for the first time ever since his house had burned down. An issue which, if his words were anything to go by, was about to be solved.

„Really, the insurance payment is more than enough to rebuild. The walls are mostly okay. I need new doors and windows and, well, furniture. But it should all work out. After all, I'm not exactly short on cash."

Sebastian coughed. „Say, Klavier?"

„What is it, Herr Erster?"

„I'm still a bit... out of the loop", and he smiled apologetically. „Did the judge have anything to say regarding your, uh... o-outburst in court?"

Oh yes, that...

Apollo had forgotten all about that and felt a sharp pang in his chest. That would be a rough ending to it, if Klavier were to lose his job after all. The courtroom would feel rather empty without his favourite rival inside it...

He gave Klavier a questioning look and suspected that it looked quite a bit like he was making puppy dog eyes.

„Oh please, Herr Forehead, no need for this pleading expression. The judge has let me off the hook, so to speak. He said that...", and he leaned back, staring up at the ceiling as he spoke, „...while he does not endorse swearing, no matter the laguage, he understands that I was under a lot of pressure at that moment and is willing to let it slide, provided that it does not happen again."

Apollo dared to breathe again.

„That was nice of him", Sebastian stated absentmindetly, twisting the baton around his fingers. „You should send him a fruit basket or something."

„Perhaps I will. Oh, Herr Forehead. I have a present for you. Or rather, I'd like for you to keep something away from me."

Keep something away from Klavier? „What is it?"

„I do sincerily hope that I shan't need it anymore. If I ever ask for you to give it back... well, I suppose it would be best for everyone if you refused, ja?"

Reached out and pressed a smooth, weirdly-shaped object into Apollo's hand. The defense attorney peeked at it.

A bottle of Ariadoney clear nail polish.

„Klavier..."

„I hope that I won't have to use this again. I... I want to quit. My life's hard enough without nonsense like this." He chuckled, rolling his eyes. „Besides, what sort of cliched story is that? The rockstar ends his career and gets addicted to drugs? I like to think that I'm more unique than that."

The bottle was cold against Apollo's palm. He closed his hand around it and, unsure of what to say, said: „You know, you can stay here until your house is rebuild."

There was, perhaps, if one had the perception necessary to see it... a faint blush on Klavier's face.

„Danke, Apollo. I owe you one. Well, several, to be honest."

For a moment, Apollo hesitated. Then he thought back to the past few days, thought back to the case before that.

Ah, why not...

He took Klavier's hand and the prosecutor allowed it.

And Apollo spared a glance at Sebastian. He looked fine, perfectly happy, not a tear in sight. He'd hoped this would happen - that he'd forget his experiences over a cup of tea and a small chat or would at least be able to deal with them. So far... a full success.

„Mr. Edgeworth will be very glad to hear that you're stopping.", he said and if he had noticed their entwined fingers, he wasn't showing it. „He was upset about your addiction."

„I know. He gave me the adress of a therapist which I, ah, have not actually visited yet. Perhaps I should."

Apollo and Sebastian nodded simultainously. „You should."

„Achtung, baby, that's what I call a clear order. I will, don't worry, ja? Mr. Edgeworth was very sure she'd help me. And..."

He took a deep breath. His hand tightened around Apollo's and Apollo felt a rush of warmth.

„I do need help."

X

January 28, 10:18 AM

Prosecutor's Building

Franziska's Office.

X

„You kept it?"

Edgeworth eyed the little music box like it was just about ready to explode. He tapped it gently. Nothing happened.

„Do you still have the key?"

„Of course I do, Miles Edgeworth. What sort of fool displays a broken music box on her desk? It's in a box on the windowsill."

He nodded and tried to pretend that he was walking towards the window by complete accident. The box there was small and filled with different keys. He knew - if only because Franziska had told him - that most of these keys no longer had a use. He'd never dared to ask why she bothered to keep them.

In there, he found a small silver wind-up key. He turned it, checking it from all sides.

„Looks like new."

„I take good care of my belongings."

Franziska was sitting at her laptop, typing vigorously. She barely spared him a glance when he took the music box and wound it up.

Music filled the room, a simple, melodious tune that calmed them both down. Franziska slowed down, slower, slower still, stopped typing.

„Papa was so upset about it", she mumbled. „That you would dare to gift me something so useless."

„He looked just about ready to put me in the next train away from Germany and pretend that I never existed. He ordered you to throw it away", Edgeworth reminded her, „but you didn't. You hid it under your bed and every time he went away, we'd take it out and play it."

„Ah, yes. We felt so very rebellious every time, like it was on par with stealing his credit card. Sitting there huddled up together listening to this, this... box."

The melody kept playing as they both listened. Edgeworth couldn't bear to look her in the eyes. His expression was pained, vulnerable. „Franziska..."

„You know, Papa would be very upset about this as well. The two of us working together like this. He always tried to make us into rivals."

She crossed her arms. The music box became silent and as if in trance, Franziska reached out to wind it up again. „What was the next present you gave me?"

„A notepad. He didn't mind that."

„Hm. Can't remember ever using it."

He shrugged. „No wonder. You were only five." A pause. „Franziska?"

„Yes?"

Okay. Here went nothing. He had a hard enough time saying things like this to people he was open with, which included Phoenix, Gumshoe and maybe Sebastian, sometimes. And literally nobody else. Trucy, perhaps. But this was his sister. And this was hard.

„I... am glad you did not get hurt. I was worried about you and when he shot you, I... was worried even more."

A disaster put into words because the chief prosecutor, for all his logic and education, could not express feelings in a way that was even remotely satisfactory. „I don't... I felt like that needed to be said."

Franziska resumed typing.

No answer came and Edgeworth felt the need to slam his head against the nearest flat surface, preferably a hard one. Then, her nimble fingers stopped for a moment.

„I am also glad that your injuries were not fatal. Or permanent, for that matter."

It shouldn't be so hard to say something as obvious and clear-cut as I'm glad you didn't die, but...

„I..."

Oh?

„I was... intending to return to Germany in a few months, as you are no doubt aware. However, I feel like my presence here is... needed. There is still a lack of prosecutors which must be dealt with and Interpol has plenty of jobs which I can do while I am here. I will therefore stay a while. Perhaps a few... years. And settle down a little." Another typing pause. „If that does not cause trouble for you."

He felt himself smile, involuntarily, sincerely. „I would be more than happy if you stayed. I desperately need people I can trust."

„I will inform Lang, then", she stated and resumed typing. „Did I tell you that Phoenix Wright had a talk with him? It left a rather... unique impression."

„Oh no."

„Yes. You may be forced to answer a high amount of questions the next time you meet him."

Typing again. Edgeworth watched her, eyes half closed. He knew that he looked more relaxed than usual, but the same went for her. She sat upright, but not as stiff as normally. Her typing was quick and concentrated, but she paused every once in a while, sidetracked. And it was only now that he realized that she wasn't even carrying her whip. He spied it in her handbag, way out of her reach.

People he could trust... Franziska, he knew, could be trusted. Phoenix could be trusted. Apollo, Athena could be trusted. Gumshoe and Ema could be trusted. Sebastian, Blackquill, Klavier, they could be trusted. Heck, even Larry could be trusted on a good day.

It was, he thought, a very nice situation to be in.

x

January 28, 10:27 AM

Seabreeze Cafe

x

„Oh, Ms. Hart! What a surprise to see you here!"

It was the small cafe near the courtroom, where Sebastian had taken them a few days ago. Ms. Andrews had enjoyed the atmosphere and had decided to return. Apparently, she wasn't the only one.

„Oi there, ain't that a coincidence. Grab yerself a chair and come up here!"

She obeyed, picking a chair from an empty table as to not inconvenience anyone and sat down with Ms. Hart. „How are you doing?"

„Aw, ya know. Been checking me pictures. Me latest article was real good! And now that this here case is all over, I'm gonna get me another scoop!"

She grinned like a cheshire cat and held up her camera as if to confirm that yes, she was still a photographer. „Say, are ya up fer a interview later? Seein' how ye're a witness and all that?"

„Oh, sure. It's my day off today."

„Sweet! Say, how come ye're workin' at that there car rental anyway? Last time I saw ya, ya were a celibrity business manager, weren't ya?"

A waitress appeared and they ordered a glass of iced tea for Lotta and a coffee for Adrian.

„That was a while ago. I quit that after Mr. Engarde was declared guilty. Did you hear about his death?"

„Ay, who didn't. Pretty brutal way to go."

„Not brutal enough", she said and meant it with all her heart. „After that I started working as a director at Lordly Tailor. I was in charge of the exhibition halls. But - I am sure you have heard about this as well - the Sacred Urn of Ami Fey was stolen shortly after. My boss let it slide, but a short while ago, a statue called the Golden Girl was stolen as well. And since it was the second time something of value was stolen under my watch..."

Their drinks arrived and she silenced herself with caffeine.

„Sorry to hear it."

„No, it's all right. I wasn't really happy there, anyway. Since then I've been working at Motorental as a secretary, but honestly, that... that isn't really my calling either. I must admit, I am a bit at a loss of what to do..."

„Aw, don'tya worry, ya'll find something nice eventually."

„Thank you. What about you? Back when I last saw you, you were concentrating on celibrity gossip. I'd assume that is still the case? Mr. Gavin seemed very angry at you."

Lotta managed to stifle a laugh without spitting iced tea all over the table. „Yeah, I kinda done broke into his dressing room, ya know? Got some nice pictures of him with his..."

„...Ms. Hart, surely you do not mean to imply that you..."

A moment of silence. Then, a moment of understanding. Then, a moment of being very, very loud.

„OI, what kinda sick freak do ya take me for?! Me's a scoop hunter and no no-good peepin' tom! I got me some nice pictures of him with his hair undone. That's all. Ain't no big deal."

„He seemed to have a different opinion."

„Aw, he was just real nervous, I reckon."

„Hey there, Ladies..."

They both glanced up to find themselves confronted with...

„I know ya! Ye're that Larry Butz guy!"

Larry waved at her. „Yeah. I was looking for you, actually. I need someone to snap some pictures for my next book so I can have a reference! Do you mind?"

„Depends. What's that book 'bout?"

He grinned. „It's glorious, you'll love it! After both Kay and Melicia refused to star in one, I was desperate", pulled a grimace of sheer despair, only to go straight back to being overly cheerful, „but now I found someone who doesn't mind at all! And I bet that Ema Skye's High Way of Science is going to be an absolute bestseller!"

x

January 28, 10:30 AM

Police Department

Evidence Room

x

„There, that's the last piece of evidence."

„Great job, pal! We've done it!

Ema placed her hands on her hips and proudly looked at the locker. They had folded, recorded and labeled every bit of evidence and they had done it in record time.

„We sure did! Anything else you need me for?"

„Got some stuff that needs to be signed by forensics, pal. Got the time for that?"

„Yeah, of course. Hang on a moment."

He led her outside and handed her a stack of paper. „Here, you gotta sign this."

„No problem. Hey, what's that?"

That looked...

...familiar.

„Gumshoe, isn't this a copy of the inmate relocation stuff?", she asked, raising the paper up to check it against the light. „It is! And the Phantom's not on it! You had it right here all along!"

The detective blushed.

„Ah, uhm... y-you know, that... can stay between the two of us, right, pal?"

She stared at him in disbelief.

„Mr. Edgeworth is going to murder you."

x

January 28, 10:50 AM

Airport

Terminal 5

x

„Thanks for the company, Mr. Wright."

Phoenix smiled politely as he handed Ms. Lawes her suitcase. „No problem, Ms. Lawes. I really owe it to you, after all that trouble you've gone through."

She laughed and her beret fell off. Phoenix picked it up for her. „Here you go."

„Thank you, Mr. Wright. But you are right. This was not exactly a cosy vacation. I'll have to take a few days off when I get home to recover from this."

„A vacation from your vacation?"

„Quite so, yes."

She peeked around the corner to look at the nearest clock. „Excellent. I've got plenty of time left. I suppose I'd like to congratulate you."

What for, he thought and voiced the thought.

„For managing to be a lawyer. I have seen you legal system, albeit closer than intended, and... how on earth do you ever get anything done?!"

What was she talking about. „Is it... different in England?", he asked and got a look of pure horror in return. Nice.

„Different?! Mr. Wright, half of what I've seen in this courtroom here would be illegal back where I am from. When I return, I will tell my friends of a world where luck and coincidence ruled the courtroom and logic was but an obstacle to be removed. And then they will laugh at me."

„Is it that different? Really?"

„Really. And please do not take this personal, Mr. Wright, but I would prefer if you never came to England. I fear that two minutes of your presence would be enough to tear our entire law system into shreds. You are the right man in the right place, Mr. Wright, and putting you anywhere else might just kickstart armageddon."

Whelp, if that wasn't a nice thing to hear. „Thank you."

„You are welcome. Do stay in contact, yes? Who knows, maybe one day I will find myself faced with a case that requires your way of thinking. Ugh, I hope not."

Wistfully, she stared into the distance and then she added, with a soft voice: „You've got a gift, Mr. Wright. Do use it."

Do use it.

Yes, he had a gift. He was the Turnabout Terror, the Devil's Advocate. He was the saviour of the lost causes. He could beat the unbeatable prosecutors and catch the uncatchable criminals. And how? Mostly just with dumb luck and the assistance of his friends, the belief in his clients innocence and also sometimes the fact that he had help from the afterlife. That was a gift, true. And it seemed that he was the personal favourite of Fortuna, blessed by the forces of Luck and Law.

He couldn't wait for his next case. How... how... had he managed to survive without a badge? Had it been the thought of revenge, the desire to uncover the truth behind his disbarment?

No. No, that hadn't been it. He knew that now, felt it from his skin to his core. It had been... it had been...

...the desire to get his badge back, the wish to defend. That, that had kept him alive.

Alive to fight, defend and win.

He couldn't have felt better.