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"Because I am in love with Miles Edgeworth, that's why!"
I could feel every single person in that courtroom staring at me. I had never felt so embarrassed in my whole life. But first things first. Let me tell you how I got involved in this mess.
Everything started on that morning of July. A woman came into our office. She was really desperate. She said her son was accused of murder but he was innocent. She could guarantee that. We discussed the topic quickly. Apparently her son was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend. We went straight to the precinct.
As soon as I saw that man on the other side of the glass, I had a terrible feeling. His name was Smith Weakhart.
- I don't want him to represent me! - that was the first thing he said.
- Don't say that, Angel - said Mrs. Weakhart - Phoenix is one of the best attorneys out there. If there's a person that can help us, it's him.
- Please, don't hire anyone from that agency.
I was relieved he didn't want me because I didn't want to represent him.
- Things aren't looking good for you, Angel - she continued - All the evidences are leading to you, it's an impossible case. Mr. Wright is the only one who can help us. I've seen him working. He can do it.
- Mr. Weakhart, I have to ask you this - I finally said - Did you kill him?
He looked at me straight into my eyes and denied.
- If what you're saying is the truth, I'll find a way. You can trust me. But if you're lying... There's nothing I can do. You'll be convic-
- He didn't do it! - Mrs. Weakhart cried out loud.
- I think he can speak for himself.
- I didn't do it - he said - Please, help me.
I reached for my magatama, but I didn't use it. I decided to trust him.
The trial only took one day. My position was very simple: Someone else commited the crime and was trying to pin the crime on my client. I held onto this argument for the first half of the trial. Halfway through it, I realized that he was actually guilty. He had lied to me. So I stopped fighting for him and sided with Edgeworth. Together, We uncovered the truth and made him confess everything. When the Judge gave the verdict, I just couldn't look at Mrs. Weakhart. I left the courtroom and went to the coffee shop across the courthouse. The shop was empty by that time, which was perfect. I sat in an isolated part, far from the other tables. I wasn't feeling well. I knew that I had done the right thing, but I still felt terrible. I shouldn't have accepted that case in the first place. While I was lost in my thoughts, I realized that I wasn't the only person in the coffee shop. Edgeworth was there too. He was drinking coffee while making notes. He seemed concentrated. I tried not to look at him, but I couldn't. It was irresistible... The way he bit his lips when he was trying to remember something. The way he tapped his fingers on the table and every now and then smiled to himself. For some reason, I was amused by those little things.
On that day, I discovered that Edgeworth was a regular there. He used to go there three times a week. And it was on that week that I developed a rather strange habit. I went to that shop just to watch him. And because of that habit, I was the prime suspect of a case.
It was two months after the Weakhart trial. Edgeworth was attacked in that same coffee shop. He was hit with a fire extinguisher. I had just left the crime scene when it all happened.
- I can't believe you're going through this again - said Apollo.
We were in the defendants' lobby.
- Does Edgeworth think I did it? - it was all I could think of at that moment.
- I don't know, but I think we have other things to worry right now. For example, who this mysterious witness is. I know they have two witnesses and one of them is the waitress who works there. But I have no idea who this other witness might be. Are you sure you didn't see anyone other than you and Edgeworth there?
- To be honest, I wasn't really paying attention. But when I left, I didn't see anyone.
- Well, then this case is more simple than we imagined.
- What do you mean?
- Whoever this mysterious witness is, he or she is probably the one who commited the crime.
The judge wasn't particularly shocked in seeing me in the defendant's seat.
- We are here to discuss the circumstances related to the physical aggression suffered by Miles Edgeworth on the 9th of September - said the judge.
- Are both sides ready?
- The defense is ready, your honor - Said Apollo.
- The prosecution is ready, your honor - Said Gaspen confidently.
- Well, let's hear the opening statement then - said the judge.
- This case is quite simple - said Payne - The victim was sitting in the coffee shop. He goes there almost every day. It's a rather deserted place, so he likes working there. Two months ago, the defendant started going there too. He went there to observe the victim. He was waiting for the perfect opportunity. And so the opportunity came. Last week, while no one else was watching, he picked up the shop's extinguisher and hit Edgeworth on the back of his head.
The people in the courtroom started a commotion.
- Order! - screamed the judge - Mr. Payne, may I ask what Mr. Edgeworth thinks about this? What did he say?
- Your honor, right after the attack, he was taken away to a hospital and is currently recovering from the blow. He isn't totally conscious.
- Is he aware of this trial?
- Yes, he wanted to convict the person who committed the crime against him.
- Is he aware this person might be... hum... Mr. Wright?
- I don't see how this is relevant. We have two witnesses who can testify about this. And one of them is sure Wright was the responsible.
- Is Edgeworth giving his testimony today?
- Well, no. We didn't think it was-
- Of course it's necessary. He is the victim. He probably knows about this more than anyone else. I demand his presence here.
Payne didn't look so well.
- Your honor, Mr. Edgeworth has been in a lot of trouble lately and we're just trying to spare him. He's a bit confused. I'm sure you can understand my worries.
- I'm sorry, but I still think he should be here. Please, call Mr. Edgeworth immediately.
- That won't be necessary - a cold and collected voice could be heard in the courtroom. It was Edgeworth himself. By the time, I didn't know how a person with bandages around the head could look so gracious.
- Mr. Edgeworth?! - exclaimed Payne.
- This is ridiculous. Wright isn't the responsible.
- Do you have any idea of who this person might be? - asked the judge.
- Well, no. But I'm sure it wasn't him.
- I'm sorry but this isn't enough. I think we have to find out the truth today and the only way to find the answers is through testimony. I would like to hear from Wright first. Is that possible?
- Of course, your honor - said Gaspen - The prosecution calls Phoenix Wright to the stand.
I was really, really nervous. But at the same time, there was a part of me who was relaxed. Edgeworth didn't think it was me. And somehow, that was all that mattered for a moment.
- Mr. Wright, what were you doing at that coffee shop?
- I'm a costumer there. Just like Edgeworth. I go there almost everyday. But I didn't do it. I don't have reasons to attack Edgeworth.
- Well, I find this hard to believe - said Gaspen - According to the waitress, you started going to that specific coffee shop in the beginning of July.
I knew exactly where he was going.
- I don't understand, Mr. Payne - said the judge - Please just go straight to the facts.
- I want to remind everyone what happened two months ago in this very courtroom. Phoenix had a humiliating loss against Edgeworth. And on that specific day he followed his rival to a coffee shop and waited for his opportunity.
- Is this true, Wright? Did you start going there on the day of that trial?
- Well, yes.
- Hum... Very suspicious.
- Did you know Edgeworth was a costumer of that coffee shop? - asked Payne.
- No. I found out that day.
- And why did you go there?
- I wasn't feeling well and I needed to be alone. That place looked perfect.
- Do you confirm that you started going there every day because of Edgeworth?
That was the question. I just froze for a second. What should I say? The answer is yes. I started going there because of him. But it is quite suspicious and that would lead to more questions and...
- Yes, I started to go there because of him.
More commotion started in the courtroom. Payne was as confident as ever.
- Mr. Wright! - exclaimed the judge - You're saying that you started going there to observe the victim!
- It's the truth, your honor.
- And why is that? Please, give us a convincing reason. You have to admit this is strange.
- I know! And I'm sorry but I don't think I can explain my reasons.
- This isn't looking good for you, Mr. Wright. You have a motive and apparently the prosecution has two witnesses. Well, I think you can go back to your place.
- Hold it! - exclaimed Apollo - Mr. Wright, I think you should explain your reasons.
I couldn't help but wonder if Apollo knew.
- No... no, I can't. Please, don't make me.
- It will be easier if you just say it.
- I know, but... ugh... Okay, here I go - I simply closed my eyes and started saying it as quickly as possible - So when I lost that case I went to the coffee shop because I wanted to be alone. That's when I saw Edgeworth... He was working. I couldn't help myself. I just... ugh... He just looked so good. It was so... What's the word? Adorable? It was adorable watching him working.
- Mr. Wright... What are you saying? - asked the judge.
- The reason why I started going to that coffee shop is because I am in love with Miles Edgeworth, that's why!
So there I was. I had just confessed my feelings... in front of the whole courtroom. I wasn't looking up but I could feel the discomfort of everyone. For a few moments people just kept silent. I don't really know how much time passed.
- Hum... Let's continue with the procedures, right? The... hum... Prosecution may call its first witness.
I went back to my seat. I simply couldn't look at anyone. I noticed that Apollo was making an effort to keep a straight face.
The first witness was the waitress, as we thought. She was there simply to state that I was there on the day of the crime. She didn't see the crime happening because at the time, she had to go to the kitchen. And the counter was empty for 5 minutes.
The crime happened during those 5 minutes. The cross-examination didn't take long. Apollo just asked her if she knew us and how long she had been working for that coffee shop. She didn't lie. She was precise and her testimony was very accurate, even though she didn't give much information. When she finished I risked a quick look at Edgeworth, but he had his eyes focused on the trial. People were very curious about this next witness. The mysterious witness that somehow saw the crime. When she entered the courtroom I couldn't believe it. It was Mrs. Weakhart.
- Witness! State your name and occupation - said the judge.
- I'm Dolly Weakhart. I'm a housewife.
- Please, give your testimony on the circumstances of the crime.
- Okay. I was protesting in front of the courthouse, as I always do. At two in the afternoon, I went to the coffee shop, I love their donuts. Just as I was entering, I saw the victim reading. He was concentrated on his book. I watched another man getting close to him with a fire extinguisher in his hands. It was all very quick. He hit him in the head, then escaped. I called the police right away.
- She's lying - I said to myself.
- I know - said Apollo - My bracelet reacted.
- Hum... Witness, do you remember this man's face? - asked Payne.
- Yes, it was him. Mr. Phoenix Wright.
More commotion in the courtroom.
- The defense may begin its cross-examination.
- You mentioned you were protesting, what were you protesting for? - asked Apollo.
- They arrested my angel on that trial. It was an unfair decision. Everyone knows that - She said with tears in her eyes.
- Thank you very much, Mrs. Weakhart. You just made my job a 100% easier.
- What do you mean?!
- You just gave me the reason you're doing this. You wanted revenge on Edgeworth, you feel like it's his fault that your son was arrested.
- Look, child. I know how justice works. Edgeworth was just doing his job and I understand that. I don't have a motive to attack him, if I were to attack someone-
- I think that's enough, witness - interrupted Payne - We all understand you didn't have a motive to attack the chief prosecutor.
- Objection! The defense claims that whatever the witness was about to say is important for this trial.
- Sustained - said the judge - Very well, you may continue Mrs. Weakhart.
- As I was saying, if I were to attack someone, that person would be Mr. Wright himself. He was the one who didn't do his job properly. Imagine that! A defense attorney siding with the prosecution! That's ridiculous.
- So you attacked Edgeworth and put the blame on Phoenix.
- Your honor...- started Payne.
- I know - said the judge - Mr. Justice, you know you can't do this.
- Alright, then I'll have to prove you were lying in another way. So, Mrs. Weakhart, you mentioned you saw the crime from the outside?
- Yes.
- You're lying.
- What?
- The restaurant doesn't have any windows. You couldn't see the crime from the outside.
- My dear, you didn't listen to a word I just said, did you? I was opening the door, I saw the crime happening from the door.
- Well, that's another lie. In order to this being the truth the crime would have to take place at the table in the center and Edgeworth's table was in the right corner.
Apollo showed the diagram of the crime scene.
- Well, Mr. Justice has a point - said the judge - She couldn't see the crime from the door. So, Mrs. Weakhart, what's your explanation?
She couldn't take anymore. You see... The old lady wasn't really a criminal. She was just an angry woman. She didn't plan the crime. She just attacked Edgeworth and pinned the crime on me. That way, she would avenge her son. Edgeworth would literally suffer a blow and I would get arrested for it. It was perfect. When the court was adjourned I left as fast as I could. I just wanted to put my face inside a hole and never remove it. I went to the restroom and locked myself in one of the toilets.
After a few minutes, I heard soft footsteps in the room.
- Wright? Are you here? - It was Edgeworth. I stayed silent - I know you're here, Wright. I saw you coming this way.
- Just... leave me alone - that's what I said - I'm embarrassed.
- Can we just talk for a second?
At this point, he was standing in front of the toilet I was. Reluctantly, I opened the door. He looked into my eyes. Gosh, it was so damn difficult to maintain eye contact with him.
- Wright, how old are you? Fifteen?
- You know how awkward I've always been. I just... never know what to say.
- And what about me? Haven't you considered... I don't know... talking? We're adults, after all.
- Are you insane? I couldn't do it. I love interacting with you in the courtroom. I love our battles and I love our casual conversations. I wouldn't want to risk it.
- Wright... You really have to be the dumbest person I've ever met. It never crossed your mind that your feelings for me are reciprocal?
- What? What do you mean?
Edgeworth sighed. He gave one step closer and gave me a quick kiss. I was stunned for a moment.
- Can we please do that again? - I asked.
Again, Miles touched my lips with his own, but this time, I deepened the kiss. Like it was something I was desperate for. And truth is, I was. When we moved away, we were both breathing heavily.
- You have no idea how long I've been waiting this - I said.
- Okay, Wright. Now can we please leave this place? I'm not a teenager. Snuggling in a toilet doesn't excite me.
- Okay, let's go talk somewhere else.
- Who said anything about talking? We've been talking for many years, Wright. I have other plans for this afternoon.