Work Text:
February 26, 2016
My name is Ema Skye and I’m currently off on a plane to Europe! Mr. Wright gave me this notebook as a going away gift, and I plan to make any and all of my newfound scientific observations here. I’ve already read through as much of the book Lana gave me as I can without getting sick, and I can’t wait until we land and I get to use the fingerprint powder Mr. Edgeworth gave me! (And write the findings in this notebook.) I already miss Lana lots, but I'm not too worried about getting homesick. After all, I’m only going to stay in Europe to study. Yup! By the time I return, I’ll be a full-fledged forensic scientist! …
April 17, 2028 - Prosecutor’s Office - Hallway
Full-fledged Forensic Scientist my ass.
It’s been - what? 12 years since I wrote that? How young and optimistic I was. I suppose I should reintroduce myself.
Name’s Ema Skye. Four-time failure of the Japanifornia Forensic Exam and current underpaid criminal affairs detective #11037.
Guess I should look on the bright side - at least I’m not living off nothing but instant noodles like Detective Gumshoe. I’m living off nothing but 24 hour - convenience store Snackoos.
At least they taste good.
I shove some of my previously mentioned stale brand-name snack into my mouth as I walk down the halls of the prosecutor's office; apparently Sahdmandi managed to catch a last minute flight from Khura’in and is heading back here - naturally paperwork needs to be done in order to allow them to reclaim their position in the Japanifornian courts, and since I worked with them last it’s mine to fill out.
Once I arrive I knock on the door to the Chief’s office. Usually I wouldn’t have this much tact, but I owe it to Mr. Edgeworth. He did help me out, way back when, and he’s a pretty good boss from what I’ve heard.
“Come in.”
Mr. Edgeworth has got the look of a parent whose child just broke a window from playing baseball inside despite him telling them not to multiple times as he holds a phone up to his ear.
“Hey. I came to pick up the papers for Sahdma-” I start, but he holds up a finger to simultaneously silence me and ask me to wait as he goes back to listening to what whoever on the other line is saying. I can only hear the faint sound of the tinny voice through the phone for a second or two before Mr. Edgeworth sighs, tension leaving his face as he says, “I know you mean well Franziska, but the Yatagarasu case has gone unsolved for years for a reason, you- No! ‘Ziska I’m not commenting on your work ethic I just-” he sighs again. I can hear the voice from the phone start yelling as he covers the mic and turns to me.
“Sorry Ms. Skye, you’re here on behalf of Sahdmadhi, correct? The papers are right over there” he gestures toward a small pile of papers on the right side of his desk, “Top of the pile.”
I don’t bother responding as he goes back to arguing with the women on the phone. Franziska Von Karma was impatient on a good day and practically terrifying on a bad one - Mr. Edgeworth was likely the only staff member with the guts to argue with her, though that was likely due to the shared upbringing. I know Gavin has a habit of avoiding leaving his office whenever she is around. She’s a blessing.
The papers were sitting right at the top, as Mr. Edgeworth mentioned. I go to grab them when a case file sitting adjacent happens to catch my eye. It’s in one of those traditional manilla folders and only seems to contain a paper or two - a case overview at most. Despite the lack of papers within, the folder seems to have folded lines near the end, suggesting that at one point it held enough files that the bottom part of the folder needed to be flattened to hold them all. The most eye catching part, however, was the label. “Yatagarasu,” that unsolved case Mr. Edgeworth just mentioned. In the spur of the moment I find myself grabbing the Yatagarasu file and Shadmandi’s papers before rushing out of Mr. Edgeworth’s office.
April 17, 2028 - Prosecutor’s Office - Office of Sebastian Debeste
I stared down at the case file I stole from Mr. Edgeworth’s office. Like I suspected, the folder only held the case overview. The only important parts here were that the Yatagarasu was a thief. They’ve stolen a large variety of items, some of which had no value. Unfortunately, the file didn’t bother mentioning the name of every victim - though there was certainly a note of it somewhere, Edgeworth wasn’t lackadaisical enough to lose case info.
The lead prosecutor on the case has been Sebastian Debeste for about a year apparently, never met ‘em, but if there’s anyone to get information about the Yatagarasu from, it’s this guy. I tucked the file under my arm as I let myself into his office. (From my knowledge - only Gavin and Edgeworth were even able to install their offices with a locking mechanism. Who knows why the others never did.)
If there was a way to define something as organized while also looking like a tornado blew through - Debeste’s office would be it. Papers were scattered on the floor haphazardly- none of which seemed to be prosecuting related (or even important, if the way Debeste had no issue walking all over them was any clue), yet the rest of the office was organized and clean as Edgeworth’s, albeit with less red and more purples and blues.
Debeste himself was pacing back and forth in the center of the room. He looks about the same height as myself, possibly a little shorter with a fluffed mop of brown hair. A stick -like object moves to an imaginary beat as he flicks it around in concentration. Looks about my age (pretty sure Gavin once mentioned offhandedly that he had Debeste had been in the same highschool graduating class, so if the fop is to be believed then Debeste would be a year younger than me.) He jumps a little when he notices me, looking surprised but not upset before pointing what is now identifiable as a conductor's baton at me. I can't tell if he’s trying to be intimidating or not, but if so it’s not working.
“Um, hello. Did you need something?” He asks.
“Sure, you’re the guy on the Yatagarasu case right? Mind telling me what you know about it?”
He blinks in surprise and flinches back a bit, “Ma’am, I’m not sure who you are, but case information is private. It’s just for me and Kay.”
“Yeah I get that. Thing is, I bet I could solve this case. Using my own scientific investigation as well.” I feel myself smirk, “usually I wouldn’t mind working together with you kids but I have a point to prove to the higher ups. And I think I work better with more info on hand, y’know?"
Sebastian, to his credit, looks only slightly angry and off-put. More confused than anything else though. He opens his mouth to speak before a femenine voice calls out from the doorway behind me, “Hey, now I happen to take offense to that.”
I turn by head around to see our new arrival. She’s tall. Taller than both Debeste and I, but likely shorter than Gavin were he to stand next to her. She’s got a high ponytail in the back of her head, which allows her long, black hair to cascade down her back. Her eyes are possibly the brightest shade of green I’ve even seen on an actual human, and they seem to shine with mischief even as her words suggest anger. She smirks at me and I keep my face as neutral as possible. Physical appearance had never mattered much to me, but I could admit she was pretty. (If I were more of a romantic like Gavin, who has every romance cliché memorized and organized by which ones rhyme, I could likely say more about her, but I was never one for the sappy stuff.)
I raise a single eyebrow as a silent question and she chuckles while grinning cheekily before sticking her hand out. “Kay Faraday. Lead detective on the Yatagarasu case. I don’t appreciate some no-name coming in here telling me I can’t do my job.” I give a small smirk of my own and shake her hand. “Ema Skye. Criminal Affairs Dick. And you don’t look like someone who’s upset about someone saying you can’t do your job.”
A small giggle. “I suppose not. So what’s your story? Thievery isn’t really the home ground of Criminal Affairs is it? And before you ask this case is mine and I don’t plan on giving it up.”
“Unlucky for you Criminal Affairs isn’t my real cup of tea. I’m a forensics expert, but havent gotten a chance to show the stuck - up bigwigs what I’m worth yet. Figured nothin’ would show my ability better than an experiential exam.”
She laughed. “Alright, y’know what Emmy, you’re funny, so I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give you the info you wanted and give you the right to investigate any future crime scenes that may come up…”
We both ignored Debeste’s protests from the other side of the room. Kay and I keep our eyes locked on eachother, I tilt my head to the side slightly and raise an eyebrow. “If?...” I prompt. Kay grinned and laughed into her fist. “Oh, it’s no biggie!”, she says, “Just try to solve the case! I’ve always been competitive anyway, so I’ll give you the information, that way we have an even ‘starting line’ in our race, kay?”
There was a lot I could've said to that. One of which simply being “no.” I didn’t come here looking to compete with the people assigned, nor was I a particularly competitive person. Another could’ve been a question about why I was “Emmy” or even why she felt the need to end a sentence with her own name, but instead I said: “If you like things being unfair in my favor, then go ahead Faraday.”
Kay gave me one last smirk, “It’s on.” , she said, before her face shifted into something more professional. “First off, Sebby and I were only put on this case about a year ago, since prior to then the Yatagarasu was in a seemingly endless hiatus. The last time there was a reported thriefery by them, prior to 2026, was in 2012. They had many victims before the hiatus, but only three were of extreme importance. Not telling who though, that’s for you to find out on your own. No one is ever injured, nor is anything at the crime scene even touched. The only evidence that they’ve even been there is the missing item, and a calling card.”
Kay moves over to Debeste’s desk and takes a small evidence bag with a card inside, holding it up for me to see. It’s around the size of a business card, and while I can’t touch it, the material looks similar as well. It’s completely black on either side except for one white symbol on the front. It has two wings coming from a circle shape, which has three points coming off of it.
“They don’t seem to be your common petty thief either”, Kay continues, “Some items stolen have no value at all. They’re stolen lots of random things from notebooks to diamonds. The things that are of high value are never given in for money either.”
I nod, having noticed the same myself. I didn’t get a good look at all the things stolen but I saw some weird ones on there. If you’re gonna break the law you may as well steal something with more value than a goddamn calendar, but it definitely shouted that there’s an ulterior motive there. “Is that all then?” I ask,
“Well obviously not all,” Kay responds, “But it is all I’ll tell you. I look forward to hearing from you again Emmy. After all, it’ll be either when you give up or when I solve the case!” Her words combined with her grin would be manic if it weren’t for her excited yet competitive tone. Seeing no need to stay here I simply shrug in response before smirking at her over my shoulder in place of a goodbye. As I close the office door I can hear Debeste complaining about how if they get in trouble for sharing information he’s throwing Kay under the bus.
April 17, 2028 - Police Station - Record’s Room
Kay wasn’t lying when she said she’d give me the basics, her information helped, but all and all the only thing I likely wouldn't be able to find on my own was the calling card. So the next stop was the record’s room. Had to get more information from somewhere - and the best lead right now are the Yatagarasu's past cases.
If one wasn't careful they could probably die in the record’s room, whether from being crushed under a teetering pile of unsorted papers or from boredom. Looking for files certainly wasn’t a task any sane person would go at alone, so I called the only person who I knew would keep my involvement on the down - low but also help me out: Klavier Gavin.
Gavin was the first prosecutor I ever worked under, and while being probably the most chill boss any person could ask for, he’s also annoying as all hell with his diva-este personality and stupid shiny jewelery. I’d call him egotistical if it weren’t for the fact that I’m pretty sure being an ex-rockstar with five platinum albums while also balancing a second full time job as a prosecutor gives him the right to have a bit of an ego. I have called him “Glimmerous Fop” since the moment I met the guy two years ago, however, and he’s dubbed me “Fraülein Detective'' or just “Fraülein” despite his German ass knowing it’s incorrect.
Yeah, I guess you can say we’re pretty close friends, though I’d never say it aloud.
I was looking around the the files where the “Y” section was supposed to be with very little success, (somehow a case from the “T” section was in the “Y” cabinet, but considering that Panye was listed as the prosecutor who signed it I’m not surprised he didn’t bother putting it away correctly.) When Gavin walked in.
“It's not everyday I receive a request from you, fraülein, miss me?” He says with the same stupid smile he always has on his face as he waks toward me.
“Course not, I’d argue any moment any from you is a personal heaven. Now get over here, I need you to help me find past Yatagarasu cases.”
Accustomed to my insults, Gavin simply ignores it as he raises an eyebrow “Yatagarasu? Can’t say I’ve heard of it.” He starts sorting through the files in front of him before continuing. “Does Nahyuta have another case already? I thought they were still getting situated.”
“It’s not theirs, in fact that prosecutor you mentioned you knew - Debeste? He’s on the case, with his own detective too. Mr. Edgeworth doesn’t know I’m investigating it, but I figured solving an unsolved case with my own scientific investigation would prove how I should have a position in forensics. And since when were you on a first-name basis with Sadhmandi?”
“Since Herr Forehead and I got together - he introduced us. And personally I don’t think your idea is a good one, and I know Herr Maestro wouldn’t approve, but I know I won't convince you.”
“Smart of you.”
‘Herr Forehead’ AKA, Apollo Justice, had only recently gotten together with Gavin, but it was probably the worst thing to happen in my short life. Not that I’m not happy for them, I am, but if I have to hear Gavin ramble about how amazing it was that Apollo brought him a doughnut while he was at work and they were probably destined by the stars and heavens, I’d rather go deaf. It was somehow even worse than having to listen to Gavin pine like a teenanger, and I was pretty sure nothing would top that. Oh how wrong I was. At least Apollo’s pretty normal all things considered. He’d probably be the most sane person I know if he hadn’t fallen for Gavin of all people.
“I think I found it, fraülein.” Gavin’s voice cuts me out of my thoughts. I walk over and glance at the pile of papers he has in his hands. Each one has a “Yatagarasu” label on it. I hum in replacement of a thank you as I grab the papers and look over them.
Each one details a different case: listing the date, victim, item stolen, and any other important case information (which was usually nothing). As Kay mentioned, there is a very clear gap in time between 2012 and 2026 where there is absolutely no Yatagarasu involvement. While it’s certainly possible the same thief came back after 14 years, it’s more likely that it’s two different people using the same name. However, there’s no explicit change in how the thieferies are operated in either time frame, so the “new” Yatagarasu is likely mimicking the old one.
What’s most interesting is the victims. A lot of easily recognizable names: Demon Gant - an ex-police chief who get arrested for murder and evidence forgery, Manfred Von Karma - an ex-prosecutor arrested for the same reason, Pal Meraktis - surgeon arrested for malpratice, Dahila Hawthrone - arrested for murder and assult, Blaise Debeste - an ex-chief prosecutor and head of the PIC who was arrested for murder, kidnapping, and concealing evidence, Calisto Yew - an interpol spy arrested for murder and arson, Kristoph Gavin - arrested for murder, attempted murder, and evidence forgery, Lana Skye-
Well. I think that’s enough. I’m glad I took this before Gavin read it either, I’m sure he doesn’t need a reminder of his brother’s incarceration.
All victims had been arrested for something or other. And while I don’t know much about a lot of the earlier cases other than what the news broadcasted, I knew enough of the specifics of Lana and the elder Gavin’s arrests that I recognize what was stolen from them.
Lana had a broken knife stolen - what proved her a forger.
Gavin had a letter stolen - what proved his murder of Drew Misham.
If all the other cases followed in the same vein, it’s pretty obvious what our “Yatagarasu” is actually stealing: evidence, conclusive evidence.
I only learned two things in that record room: that this thief is some kind of modern day robin hood, and that finding the truth is now personal.
April 17, 2028 - People Park
I left Gavin in the record’s room to sort through the rest of the mess, with demands to let me know if he finds anything else.
Despite how he seems, Gavin’s no idiot, and I know he’d rather read his brother’s name on that list in his lonesome - there’s no one to need to force a smile for that way.
Lana and Gavin’s brother weren’t the only names that caught my eye however, one other really stood out. “Blaise Debeste” huh? Judging by the date arrested and age listed it’s likely his father. Guess Gavin and I aren’t the only ones who are personally invested, doesn’t explain Faraday though.
While discovering the Yatagarasu’s motive for thievery was certainly helpful in understanding their movements, it doesn't help much in finding their identity, nor do I have many leads. The best I could think of was trying to encounter them during a thiefery - but considering their M.O, that wouldn’t be easy. It’s obvious they must have at least one or two assistants, and at least one of them must be involved in the law somehow - meaning I couldn't ask my regular contacts. I also wouldn’t be informed if a calling card were found anywhere since I’m not the real detective assigned to this case. My only ally at this time is Gavin, and he won’t be able to give me much outside file information or random facts about the current celebrity gossip.
Unless that’s exactly what I need.
I call Gavin in a rush, quickly asking if there had been any possible scandals that may seem legit before telling him to meet me at a specific time and location. It’s time to meet this “Yatagarasu.”
April 20, 2028 - Engarde Mansion
It was a few days before I was able to put my plan into action. While it was certainly a risk that may fall flat and not lead me anywhere, it was better than nothing.
According to Gavin, Matt Engarde, star actor of the children’s TV show: “The Nickel Samurai”, had once been accused of the murder of a rival actor, Juan Corrida, yet the case was dropped under very suspious means. Lots of questions left unanswered and Engarde looked like he was about to be proven guilty before the prosecution gave up for seemingly no reason. I was abroad when the case happened, but if I remember correctly, Miles Edgeworth himself was involved in that one.
Sounds right up the Yatagarasu’s alley.
I have Gavin drive me to Engarde’s house both for convenience but also because Gavin is basically a master key for anyone’s house - especially for someone involved in the media like Engarde. Objectively speaking, Gavin is certainly a 10, and a sweet talker to boot. The guy’s more loyal to Apollo than a dog to its owner, but no one can get people to swoon like Klavier Gavin. If he wasn’t so kind it’s practically scary the guy could be a real seducer. For me to get into Engarde’s place I just need Gavin to throw them a name drop and put on the charm.
When we arrive at the place I snort at the size of the mansion. If people say big cars are compensating - what would they say about big houses? Then again, it’s certainly more of a mansion than a house. Between the landscaping and the building itself the damn thing looks like it came right out a google image stock photo. Gavin is more famous and probably richer than this guy and he lives in his boyfriend’s apartment with a cat and a dog.
As predicted, a few words from Gavin and the two of us are in and through the door. I zone out the conversation between Gavin and one of the staff as I glance around the mansion. The place is as huge on the inside as it looks from the outside, which means I need to find the room where the thievery may take place ASAP. I tell Gavin I’ll be looking around but to keep an ear open for a call from me and I start traversing the hallways. Anything hidden would likely stay in the man’s own bedroom I would gather.
It doesn’t take long for me to get interrupted. I feel the person’s hand on my shoulder before I hear them lean down and say into my ear,
“Now, what’s someone as beautiful as yourself doing around here - looking for someone?”
I turn around and face Matt Engarde himself, don’t know if he doesn't care about Gavin or just didn't get the memo, but he’s a pretty big roadblock in my ability to snoop around his house.
I brush his hand off my shoulder, “Ema Skye. Detective. There’s a possibility of a robbery at your house. Could you direct me to your bedroom?”
He laughs, “Come on now you pretty thing, no need to be so prickly. I’ve had girls with worse excuses than that get into my room. But sure, no gentlemen needs to refuse a lady.” He grabs my hand and starts walking me down the hall. I rip my hand out of his and give him the best glare I can muster. He just gives me a smirk and a look I’m sure he thinks looks attractive but honestly it just kinda looks like a deformed duck face with eyes that are either drunk or high.
He grabs my hand again as if he’s doing me some huge favor by doing so. His hand doesn’t feel any different from the usual human hand, but his inability to accept someone saying no causes me to physically recoil in disgust.
I tear my hand away again, this time slapping it away when he tries to grab on a third time. He frowns at me. Good.
I find myself breathing a sigh of relief when we finally reach Engarde’s bedroom. The less time I’m required to spend with this fucker the better.
“Welcome to my humble abode baby,” he puts his hands on my shoulders and starts rubbing down my arms sensually from behind me, “Ready for your undress rehearsal?”
I elbow him in the gut.
The sound of him having the wind knocked out of him is more satisfying than getting to be the first to peel off the protective plastic that comes in a new TV screen. I turn around and smirk at his angry and flustered face. “Sorry, but I’m not interested in fuckboys with a dick blocking their ear canal. If you want a fuck I’m sure a blow up doll wouldn’t mind, the only thing that would want your cock would have to be something without the ability to think.”
I watch as his face turns a blotchy red and he glares hard at me while struggling to stand. Once he’s on his feet he grunts out “Why you little-!” Before rushing at me. I grab his fists with my own before they make contact and smirk at him.
“Wow, how neurotic of you. That time of month sweetie?” I ask as I swiftly kick him in the chest, causing him to fall back and hit his head on the flat part of his dresser - effectively knocking him out.
I leave Engarde unconscious outside of the room and close the door. Leaving myself alone to explore his bedroom. There’s one door on the side of the room with a cat door attached. After going inside I find a normal looking couch and a television, some VHS tapes are stacked and organized near the TV. (It’s 2028, who uses VHS anymore?) And one door which after opening appears to lead to a wine cellar. The window’s beautiful view of the town informs me it’s dark outside, and that I’m on the top floor of the mansion.
Curious, I look over the VHS types. A lot are movies Engarde himself has been in, and others of home movies or baseball game recordings. A few were left unlabeled- not even a sticker to possibly write a label on, but there was only one which didn’t fit in with any category. It had both a sticker for a label, yet instead of a name written, the sticker was instead used to stick a small card onto the tape. I pull it off and take a look at it. Unlike the Yatagarasu’s card, this one is slightly bigger than the average poker card. On both sides the same design repeats: a white background and a single pink seashell.
Also unlike the Yatagarasu’s card, I recognized this one - any competent police force member would. This was the calling card of Shelly De Killer, a famous assassin. The only reason anyone would have one of these and not be dead is if they were the client.
I hear the door to the main part of Engarde’s bedroom open, fearing the guy somehow woke up and would (heaven forbid) speak with me again, I turned around as fast as possible with my body ready to fight if needed. Only to be faced with not Engarde at all, but who I could only assume,
Was the Great Thief Yatagarasu themself.
They were dressed in all black with a scarf that mimicked bird feathers and a long cape behind them. They wore a black mask over the top of their face - which in the dark lighting also obscured my ability to see their eyes. Black hair was tied into a bun on the top of their head, or if their feminine body shape is to be believed - her head.
They stare at me, not looking at all put off by my presence. I school my expression into something more calm, putting my hands in my lab coat pockets and looking back at them casually.
“You’re a woman?” I ask,
They (she?) giggled before saying, “Am I?”
“Only you can answer that. I’m not the type to assume.”
They don’t respond, so I take the time to obviously glance my eyes around the room even moving my head in each direction before facing them and saying: “So where’s the rest of you? Don’t like bringing your helpers to a heist?”
“Hmm?”
“It was obvious as soon as your motive was out that you aren’t working alone. In order to use what you stole as evidence you’d need someone in the police force or the law to submit it to the court. And any prosecutor worth their weight won’t submit evidence they don’t trust.”
They quiet for a second before saying, “Is that all you’ve figured out?”
“Course not. I even have a suspect. But why would I reveal my whole hand to you?”
“Fair enough, but now I’m curious, who do you think I am? I’d love a good laugh at how far off you are.”
“I’ll tell you if you answer one simple question for me.”
“If it’s: ‘who are you?’ Then I’m afraid you're out of luck.”
“Have you ever met the prosecutor or detective on your case like this?”
They pause for a second before responding: “Nope. Neither of them have been able to track me down well enough.”
“Ok. Thanks for that.” I start, “Now I know who you are.”
I watch the smile one their face phase into a confused frown. “Well, are you going to tell me who?” They press.
“Why tell you now when I can tell you when we’re really face to face.”
They frown at that. “Cheater.” They start walking toward me, once their only a few feet away they stick out a gloved hand as if asking for something. I raise my eyebrow at them.
“The tape.” They say, “Give it up. The card too.”
It’s only then that I noticed that I’d stuck Engardes VHS and De Killer’s card in my pocket. I turn my body away from the Yatagarasu so my pocket is blocked by the rest of my body. “Why should I?” I say, “It’s practically a magnet for you. If I keep it I won’t ever have to find you again, you’ll come right to me.”
Their frown deepens, but they still tease by saying, “How romantic. I’d stay with you forever, huh?”
I shrug. “I’d certainly rather date a cryptid of a thief than most of the other people I know.”
They chuckle but I can tell I have them trapped. They need the tape, but part of their M.O is that no one can get hurt. If they fight me for it, they’d be breaking their own code.
I can tell as soon as an idea has formed in their head. Easier to read than expected from a Phantom Thief, but I couldn't find myself minding. To many liars in this line of work - someone where I could tell how they felt was a blessing.
“Really?” They say, “suppose you won’t mind this then?”
Then, before I knew it, they were kissing me.
Honestly I haven’t been kissed much in my life. I was never one for one night stands and my dedication to my work came before time spent finding a partner. But I’ll admit I didn’t mind this one too much. I find my hands in their hair and pull open the bun they had tied before pulling at the root. They make a noise at that (I couldn't tell if it was a good or bad noise) and move their hands to my hips. And before I knew it, they had pushed away with a grin on their face and Engarde’s VHS in their hand - De Killer’s card still taped on, before simply turning and fleeing out the nearby window.
They had taken the evidence from my pocket during the kiss, clearly.
But it didn’t matter. I smirk to myself as I glance down at my hand - now full of black strands of hair, some clearly with the root intact. I’d won.
April 21, 2028 - Police Station - Detective Faraday’s Office
I walk into Faraday’s office without knocking and close the door behind me. “So I found out the identity of this ‘Yatagarasu’ of yours.” I say. She looks up from whatever work she was doing at her desk before smirking and saying, “That was fast, you sure you weren’t too hasty?”
“No. I’m confident I’m right.”
“Well,” she spins in her chair so she's facing me “Let's hear it then.”
I pause to take a breath (whether to build up anticipation or calm my own nerves I couldn’t tell you) before saying. “You. Kay Faraday you’re the Yatagarasu.”
Her face goes neutral, dropping the smile, but she doesn't look angry or upset. “Well,” She says, “you can't just say that without a reason can you. What’s the explanation? Why me?”
“Well,” I begin, leaning against the door behind me and looking at various things around the room that weren’t Kay’s face, “It was either you or Debeste.”
She motions for me to continue.
“It was all just simple logic really. It all sort of came together after I saw the full list of victims. All Arrested. The items the Yatagarasu had stolen was evidence used against them - not too hard to connect the dots. But then that led to questions. Where did they get their information from? How did they bring their evidence to the police without getting arrested themselves? So it was clear you had one, if not many accomplices. I suspect at least one cop and probably the chief prosecutor. Mr. Edgeworth’s goal since becoming the chief two years ago has been to eradicate all possible corruption in our court system - he’d both be a good informant and a sure-fire way to get a good prosecutor to take down the accused.
“However that leads me to you and Debeste. All the people all the Yatagarasu victim list were arrested - some of which famous arrests that made every news channel known to man, so why didn't you question why the objects being stolen in your case were being used as evidence against them? Unless you both were also in on it. Now isn't that a way to keep from being arrested, huh? Know the prosecutor who’d be accusing you.
“This was supported by the fact that I was able to solve this case at all. It's been what? Three? Four days? I even met them, yet they told me they had never met either of you in person. Kinda suspicious that I met them when I worked on a case for such a short time yet the ones who’ve been on the case for years never got that far. Meaning the Yatagarasu was either you or Debeste. However, I know now that it’s you.”
I take a second to look at Kay, she's smirking slightly, but not in a knowing way. “Oh?” She says, “Do tell. Why me and not Sebby? Sebby would even have more motive no? To out more people who had been duped like how his father had duped him. I’m sure you noticed the name on the list.”
“Yeah, I did.” I respond, “And frankly I don’t know your motive, but I know it’s you. I’m sure you remember our kiss last night.”
I take slight satisfaction in the slight surprise in her face and flush in her cheeks, I had never been one to beat around the bush. “I don’t think I saw you last night.” She responds.
“Really?” I say, “Because I remember pulling on your hair quite clearly - so hard that I pulled some strands out. And those strands just came back from DNA evaluation.”
I watch as shock appears on her face as she connects the dots. She stares at me, shocked for a few seconds before laughing and touching the back of her head - where I had pulled at her hair. “And here I thought I was a step ahead by initiating that, guess I got played.” She says, still laughing and with a pleased look on her face.
“So you admit it?” I press
“Sure. I’m not ashamed - quite proud of my work in fact. There's been way less crime around here when the perfect evidence can be easily stolen and used.”
“Kinda ironic how you’re fighting corruption by causing it.”
“Well. They do say to fight fire with fire. So are you gonna cuff me or what?”
I pause for a second before ignoring her question by asking my own. “Just curious, but was I right about all that? I’m a scientist, hard facts are my trade and most of what I claimed is circumstantial at best.” I didn’t really care for the answer, but anything to delay me having to find an answer to her question is best.
“Well, almost.” She says, “All accept the idea that the Yatagarasu isn’t Sebby.”
I can’t help but sputter in shock at that, “Wha- but you just admitted it was you! I even have hard evidence in a DNA Sample.”
She grins, “Oh sure! You weren’t wrong either. But you did make one failed assumption: that the Yatagarasu was one person.”
I blink in surprise before she continues, “both of us are the Yatagarasu. I do more heists than Sebastian, and I guess you could say I’m the ‘leader’ since I came up with the idea and all, but it really was both of us. There isn’t any ‘logical’ reason behind it actually, but there had to be multiple of us - it’s tradition.”
“Tradition?” I ask
“Sure,” she replies, “As I’m sure you guessed, the Yatagarasu from 14 years ago and the one now aren’t the same. I knew the first one personally though, my father was the ‘leader’ of it after all. Do you know that Yatagarasu translates to ‘three-legged crow’? There were three Yatagarasu back in the day, but they stopped their work after dad was murdered by another member. I started the second Yatagarasu as soon as I became a detective, and I had Sebby join me soon after. I wasn’t just covering for myself when I mentioned his father actually - that is why he’s the thief. Ever since he learned about who his father truly was he’s been really determined to stop all other corruption he can.”
“Who’s your third then?” I ask, “If you’re the ‘three-legged crow’, then who's the third leg?”
“We don’t have one yet honestly. I’ve been trying to find one but it’s not exactly the type of job you can put up advertisements for.”
“I see.”
We fall into a silence. There wasn’t anything more to say really. Even asking about what the kiss made us seemed pointless - we both knew we had ulterior motives.
“One of your father’s ‘victims’ was my sister.” I hear myself say.
Kay looks up at me in slight surprise but stays quiet as to urge me to continue.
I sigh. “It was the reason I wanted to be a forensic scientist actually - if I was able to find concrete evidence, Lana wouldn’t have to make some out of thin air. Until she had been revealed as a forger, she’d been really cold to me. It was probably the only way she felt she could live with herself. She’s still in jail, but I’ve forgiven her and we’re on good terms now, so I guess I should be saying ‘thank you’ for saving my sister.”
Kay stares at me quietly for a few seconds. Then she says, “Hey Emmy, what if … …
April 23, 2028 - Police Station - Detective Syke’s Office
I never ended up telling the cops about Kay. Figured as long as justice was being served it didn’t matter.
The only people I told the truth to were Mr. Edgeworth and Gavin. Figured Mr. Edgeworth should know considering he’s in on it, and apparently Sebastian had been looking for an excuse to tell Gavin anyway. Hadn’t known they were that close.
Gavin’s pretty righteous, so he wasn't ok with the stealing aspect, but I figured he kept his mouth shut as his way of saying thank you for showing him the truth about his brother.
I wasn’t able to use solving this case as I wanted - even if I did solve it using forensic science, so I’m still stuck as in Criminal Affairs for now, but at least Sahdmadhi said they’d mention letting me retake the test again to some higher ups.
I may be a third leg soon, however. Haven’t given Kay an answer on that one yet.