[SCENE] von Karma and Edgeworth in: "The Visitation"
von Karma: *patience is not so much a virtue as it is an acquired skill, and Manfred von Karma has spent years in the perfection of it. Still, he cannot help but scowl as he waits-- the incompetent guards have kept him sitting in place for well over an hour, and he is... it's hard to pin down the emotion for a man who has devoted a lifetime into eliminating the expression of the frivolous ones--but this meeting is significant, must be carefully carried out, and he has been awaiting it... for years*
von Karma: *a guard finally scampers up to him, murmuring in reverent, fearful tones that the room is prepared and that the man he is meeting will be along shortly. von Karma nods a curt nod, rising and following the guard --the only one, he mentally notes, who will not be receiving a salary cut come next assessment day-- into the next room. There, he sits on the single chair on his side of the glass wall, sets his hands on the table and waits, again*
Edgeworth: *he's escorted, bleary-eyed, into the bright visiting room. He has no idea how long they'd allowed him to sleep, except that it wasn't even long enough for him to fall prey to the nightmare again. All he wants to do is tell them to leave him alone and have them listen, but it's far too late for that now. He blinks in confusion, closing one eye as the other adjusts to the light, and the familiar face of Manfred von Karma falls into focus behind the glass*
Edgeworth: *both eyes widen immediately as he sees him, and he straightens his shoulders and runs fingers through his hair to get it in order, wondering what would prompt this highly irregular-* ...
Edgeworth: *his thoughts stop completely as it hits him - the only reason his mentor would be here to see him at this lowest point in his life: to prosecute him. His hands fall to his side. His expression is carefully neutral save for the faintest flicker of displeasure, but inside he feels as if a thousand pound weight has dropped through his chest*
Edgeworth: *in a voice devoid of inflection or emotion* Prosecutor von Karma... sir.
von Karma: *his face is similarly neutral, or as neutral as its craggy, imposing features allow* You know why I am here, boy. *he raises his briefcase, setting it down on the table and opening it for a sheaf of papers--files, folders which he sets out in front of him*
Edgeworth: *low and soft, but still guarded* I do. There could be no other reason.
von Karma: *nods a completely unsentimental nod* And you are well aware of the procedure. *his voice immediately shifts, to a commanding but no less removed tone* Where were you at the night of the crime?
Edgeworth: *a weary sigh* I was at Gourd Lake.
von Karma: *a frown, though not one of irritation, merely disapproval* The nature park spans several acres. Where in the park were you?
Edgeworth: *measured* That depends on what time of night it was.
von Karma: *laughs curtly* Don't try to worm out of it, boy. You are aware this will go on for as long as it is necessary. Detail your actions that night-- now!
Edgeworth: *flatly, practiced* From 11:45 to 11:50 I was in transition from the entrance of the lake to the boat house. At 11:55 I met with a man at the boat house. At approximately midnight we took a boat out onto the lake, and at 12:05 we were at the center of the lake. At approximately 12:20, I rowed the boat back to shore and disembarked, at which point I was immediately arrested on suspicion of murder.
von Karma: *glances down at his papers, though there's no pause to indicate he's even referring to them* And there were shots fired upon the lake, at which point this other man fell into the water.
Edgeworth: Two shots rang out while we were on the boat, and then he pitched backward into the water. *his blank expression falters* I suppose it hardly matters that I'm innocent.
von Karma: *ignores the comment, turning the page* Your fingerprints are on the gun. Did you fire it?
Edgeworth: I did not.
von Karma: Did you shoot at the victim?
Edgeworth: I did not.
von Karma: Did you kill him?
Edgeworth: ...I did not.
Edgeworth: *a brief pause* ...After the shots were fired, I picked up the gun in shock. That's how my fingerprints got on.
von Karma: Hmph.
von Karma: *there's no smile, but there is a malicious note in his voice* Clumsy.
Edgeworth: *no visible reaction, though his voice is low and slightly defensive* It's one thing to read about crime scenes on paper, and quite another to experience one yourself. My thoughts were scattered, I had no idea what I was seeing.
von Karma: Hn. *turns the paper, unsympathetic* Who was the victim, and why did you meet with him?
Edgeworth: He was a... *brief pause, he winces as he realizes how telling that pause will be* ...stranger. I received a letter asking to meet him at the boat house at Gourd Lake.
von Karma: *a cruel smile forms on his lips* A stranger sent you a letter, and you agreed to meet him. In the middle of the night, upon the middle of a lake, on Christmas Eve.
Edgeworth: *quietly* ...It's not as if I had anywhere else to be.
von Karma: *snaps his hand near the glass-- despite the barrier, it's still strikingly loud* I did not raise you to wallow, boy.
Edgeworth: *even so many years later, it still causes him to jump and snap to attention* It hardly matters now, does it? *bitterly*
von Karma: Accept your fate with some dignity.
Edgeworth: *brings his eyes up to meet von Karma's, and part of him - the part that's still fifteen years old - wants nothing more than to die right here in the hopes that his death would somehow redeem him in his mentor's eyes*
Edgeworth: *Edgeworth is an adult now, however, and he understands that even death wouldn't free him from this shame. Despite the fact that he knows von Karma is right, he can't quite help but refuse to follow his order. With self-loathing* I could hardly shame you any more than this, so why would you bother to care?
von Karma: You have indeed failed--you are no better than the common man. Soon to be no better than the common criminal. *a scowl* Do not push yourself lower than that, to the status of a simpering dog.
Edgeworth: *presses his fingertips to his forehead with a groan, then squares his shoulders again. Sounding defeated:* Of course. My sincerest apologies. Do you have another question for me, or will that be all?
von Karma: *carefully replaces all the papers back into his briefcase, speaking again only when he is finished* You know I will not be showing you any leniency. You are a defendant. You are now my obligation to prosecute--to convict.
Edgeworth: I wouldn't have expected any less of you. *his voice is blase, his expression distant*
von Karma: *stands, taking hold of his briefcase and tucking in the chair neatly* One last thing, boy.
Edgeworth: *refocuses* Yes, sir?
von Karma: *there's a hint of amusement in his tone* Have you found an attorney yet?
Edgeworth: I have someone looking into it... But no. I've had no responses that are in any way positive.
von Karma: *straightening his jacket* I would not put my faith in finding one in time. But don't let it concern you-- *that cruel smile shows again* It will make no difference in the end.
von Karma: *and without waiting for a response, he turns and leaves the room, snapping for the guard to escort the defendant out*
Edgeworth: *covers his face with his hand and leans on the counter, almost dizzy with hopelessness*
Edgeworth: *the guard nudges him on the shoulder - not roughly but firmly - and then grabs him under the arm without ceremony, leading him out of the visitor's room and back to his cell*
~~~
Edgeworth: *three and a half years later, this time at the penitentiary instead of the detention center, and Edgeworth is the one waiting. He glances at the clock on the wall, if only to give his eyes something to do. His hand rests in his vest pocket, and he's turning the magatama over and over as he waits*
von Karma: *it's three and a half years later, and this time it is Manfred von Karma in the cell, notified by an approaching guard about the arrival of a visitor who wishes to speak to him. The guard still addresses the former prosecutor in nervous, reverent tones, but he does not take no for an answer when von Karma refuses to budge. And he refuses to move for good reason--there are only three people who would ever need to visit Manfred von Karma, and he is aware that of the three, the sole one he is willing to meet with is occupied for the month*
von Karma: *the guard's requests grow insistent and finally von Karma stands, reaching for his cane with a scowl. Then, slowly, heavily--but allowing no weakness to show in his features or his demeanor, he walks under escort to the visitation room*
Edgeworth: *watches the door open with a distant, cool, half-lidded gaze. As von Karma enters, he draws his hand out of his pocket and places it on his lap*
von Karma: *scowls when he sees who it is--his hand clenches white-knuckled on his cane--and for a moment, it seems as though he is about to march out of the room. Finally, though, he heads to the chair on his side of the glass, setting down the cane, crossing his arms, and glaring*
Edgeworth: *returns his gaze calmly* So here I am, Manfred von Karma. I'm sure you've divined my reason for coming.
von Karma: Hmph. I see nothing fruitful coming from this, boy. Do you really think you can find any answers you are looking for from me?
Edgeworth: *flippantly* Not really. However, I felt I could do you the favor of giving you a chance to explain yourself. Time is running short, after all.
von Karma: *quite simply--the visible rage is diminishing by the second; he's transitioning back to his familiar cold and curt self* I have no need to explain myself to you, boy.
Edgeworth: *stares placidly at his former mentor, a bit surprised perhaps at how calm he is. He can find nothing inside him that fears this man at the moment, seeing him as small, pale, and decrepit as he is* Perhaps, perhaps not. Quite honestly you gave me all the explanation I would have ever needed for your actions on that day in that elevator over those years you were teaching me the trade. I could think of no questions I'd have about it that I couldn't answer myself.
von Karma: *dismissively* And...?
Edgeworth: *there's a sudden intensity in his voice* There is one question I'm unable to answer myself. I think I understand as well as I'd like to why you murdered my father, but why then adopt me? Was it for vengeance? Or...*lowers his eyelids, and then lifts them, not even sure himself whether he's being sarcastic or not* for penance?
von Karma: *the question gives him pause* You come here to ask me this, boy? Penance? *and he laughs out boomingly, reaching out to grip the desk in support* Penance!?
von Karma: *with a hiss* You snivelling romanticist fool.
Edgeworth: *successfully represses a wince at the derisive laughter - he'd expected the answer to be something like that, anyway. He folds his hands* Vengeance, then... You certainly expended a lot of effort on me to that end, Manfred. Not quite enough, though.
von Karma: *doesn't respond in any manner, save for crossing his arms*
Edgeworth: *continues thoughtfully* I think I'd go so far as to say that taking me in was the one flaw in your plan. Did the possible benefits outweigh the risks, when you assessed the situation at the time?
von Karma: Are you going to continue with this all day, boy? *a smirk* Why would I have acted, if the benefits did not outweigh the risks? There is no gain without risk. Has your mind gone soft along with your 'heart'?
Edgeworth: *a faint smile* Only trying to assess what confidence you may have had in your strategy. *distantly* You must have been utterly convinced that I would conform, then.
Edgeworth: *rests his hand upon the counter and gazes at von Karma with a focused intensity* I failed to do that, though. I wonder... What if I had? Could you have seen me as a son then? *a pause* Was there ever a moment when you saw me as something other than a tool for revenge?
von Karma: *there is absolutely no change in his demeanour--he laughs sharply again* Fool of a child. Were you hoping there was? Would it have been some validation of your youth?
von Karma: You have always been groomed merely for the sake of your inevitable, pathetic fall.
von Karma: *there is a familiar whirring of chains, and five locks slam down*
Edgeworth: *gives a blank stare for a few seconds. Then, he gives a faint, dark, bitter laugh. He responds as if the locks are what speak to him and not the old man's lies* It would certainly have been easier to swallow that way. I was a charming boy back then, wasn't I? I'm not surprised that even you were swayed, as hard as I tried to sway you.
von Karma: *raises a craggy eyebrow* Are you daft, boy? Or merely deaf?
Edgeworth: *an enigmatic smile and a shake of the head* I have my answer. Never you mind how I got it. However, I would have you know that if you had shown me any sort of affection, whether real or feigned, I would have been more than happy to murder my father in my heart for you. But you could be no replacement for him, and so I never did.
von Karma: Clearly you have forgotten the past, boy-- or you refuse to accept it. *a cruel smile* In behaviour--in action, conviction, belief--you have already killed Gregory Edgeworth countless times.
Edgeworth: *at that, his facade falters and he gives a visible wince. For a brief moment, he pinches the bridge of his nose, a tell he knows von Karma can read from him. Then he releases it with a long sigh* I haven't forgotten. I refuse to allow myself forget, and I don't think I need to. My father believed that everyone deserved a chance, a day in court. He believed that even the guilty should be permitted their chance to atone. *with the peace of true conviction* He would have forgiven me.
von Karma: Whatever helps you sleep better at night, boy.
Edgeworth: *with a triumphant cock of his head* All that matters now is moving forward and becoming the kind of man my father could be proud of. I have the tools to do so at my disposal... and they were passed to me by you.
von Karma: *scowls with irritation* And so you are tossing aside your career, and come to me to gloat--is that it?
Edgeworth: *frowns in confusion briefly, and then his eyes light up* You think I would - I could...? *a pause, he shakes his head with an almost imperceptible bemusement* No. I made my choice long ago. If I had been inclined to cease being a prosecutor, I would have already done it. *his forehead wrinkles* I suppose I should have realized how little you understand.
von Karma: Humph. *crosses his arms, sits back and looks disinclined to speak further*
Edgeworth: *leans back in the chair, his expression unreadable, but there's no trace of anxiety in it. He gives a fluting sigh* I suppose I must be the teacher this time. You see, Manfred von Karma... A gun can kill a man, but it can also save his life. *a brief pause and a half-smile* A knife can wound a man, but it can also set him free. Teaching me to use these tools was the greatest gift you could have ever given my father, even if that was the furthest thing from your intention.
von Karma: *there is a growl and the quite visible clench of clawed fingers*
Edgeworth: *lifts his head, regarding his former mentor through passive, half-lidded grey eyes. It's not clear whether he's noticed the reaction* And so, on his behalf, I thank you. *looks away* And for my part?
Edgeworth: *there's a clear conflicted pause here, and when the words come out, they're a bit strained* For that, at least, I forgive you. And in so doing forgive the part of you that I will always carry with me. *stands and turns toward the door* Farewell.
von Karma: *there is a loud THUD as the desk behind Miles is pounded upon. And then comes the thundering, enraged voice* I do NOT want your forgiveness, and I DO NOT WISH FOR HIS!
Edgeworth: *turns back halfway* Well, you have it. *more strength enters his voice, and perhaps it's a trick of the light or the mind, but he resembles his father almost uncannily in that moment* Though I suspect it will be wasted on you.
Edgeworth: *he turns away once more, taking two long strides to the door, which opens obligingly. He nods to the guard behind it, who shuts the door behind him as he walks out*
von Karma: *stands, the cheap folding chair he'd been sitting on falling to the ground with a loud clatter. He is inches away from losing total composure, and fractions away from letting out a scream; but no, he can bottle it--he will--and he will finish his revenge, prison cell walls be damned. The guard by the door attempts to approach to escort him to his cell, but at a glare the officer immediately backs away again. Standing there, gripping the edge of the desk so hard it lets out a crack, he glowers, unmoving. It is hours later, and only on his own terms, that he leaves the visitation room*
von Karma: *a guard finally scampers up to him, murmuring in reverent, fearful tones that the room is prepared and that the man he is meeting will be along shortly. von Karma nods a curt nod, rising and following the guard --the only one, he mentally notes, who will not be receiving a salary cut come next assessment day-- into the next room. There, he sits on the single chair on his side of the glass wall, sets his hands on the table and waits, again*
Edgeworth: *he's escorted, bleary-eyed, into the bright visiting room. He has no idea how long they'd allowed him to sleep, except that it wasn't even long enough for him to fall prey to the nightmare again. All he wants to do is tell them to leave him alone and have them listen, but it's far too late for that now. He blinks in confusion, closing one eye as the other adjusts to the light, and the familiar face of Manfred von Karma falls into focus behind the glass*
Edgeworth: *both eyes widen immediately as he sees him, and he straightens his shoulders and runs fingers through his hair to get it in order, wondering what would prompt this highly irregular-* ...
Edgeworth: *his thoughts stop completely as it hits him - the only reason his mentor would be here to see him at this lowest point in his life: to prosecute him. His hands fall to his side. His expression is carefully neutral save for the faintest flicker of displeasure, but inside he feels as if a thousand pound weight has dropped through his chest*
Edgeworth: *in a voice devoid of inflection or emotion* Prosecutor von Karma... sir.
von Karma: *his face is similarly neutral, or as neutral as its craggy, imposing features allow* You know why I am here, boy. *he raises his briefcase, setting it down on the table and opening it for a sheaf of papers--files, folders which he sets out in front of him*
Edgeworth: *low and soft, but still guarded* I do. There could be no other reason.
von Karma: *nods a completely unsentimental nod* And you are well aware of the procedure. *his voice immediately shifts, to a commanding but no less removed tone* Where were you at the night of the crime?
Edgeworth: *a weary sigh* I was at Gourd Lake.
von Karma: *a frown, though not one of irritation, merely disapproval* The nature park spans several acres. Where in the park were you?
Edgeworth: *measured* That depends on what time of night it was.
von Karma: *laughs curtly* Don't try to worm out of it, boy. You are aware this will go on for as long as it is necessary. Detail your actions that night-- now!
Edgeworth: *flatly, practiced* From 11:45 to 11:50 I was in transition from the entrance of the lake to the boat house. At 11:55 I met with a man at the boat house. At approximately midnight we took a boat out onto the lake, and at 12:05 we were at the center of the lake. At approximately 12:20, I rowed the boat back to shore and disembarked, at which point I was immediately arrested on suspicion of murder.
von Karma: *glances down at his papers, though there's no pause to indicate he's even referring to them* And there were shots fired upon the lake, at which point this other man fell into the water.
Edgeworth: Two shots rang out while we were on the boat, and then he pitched backward into the water. *his blank expression falters* I suppose it hardly matters that I'm innocent.
von Karma: *ignores the comment, turning the page* Your fingerprints are on the gun. Did you fire it?
Edgeworth: I did not.
von Karma: Did you shoot at the victim?
Edgeworth: I did not.
von Karma: Did you kill him?
Edgeworth: ...I did not.
Edgeworth: *a brief pause* ...After the shots were fired, I picked up the gun in shock. That's how my fingerprints got on.
von Karma: Hmph.
von Karma: *there's no smile, but there is a malicious note in his voice* Clumsy.
Edgeworth: *no visible reaction, though his voice is low and slightly defensive* It's one thing to read about crime scenes on paper, and quite another to experience one yourself. My thoughts were scattered, I had no idea what I was seeing.
von Karma: Hn. *turns the paper, unsympathetic* Who was the victim, and why did you meet with him?
Edgeworth: He was a... *brief pause, he winces as he realizes how telling that pause will be* ...stranger. I received a letter asking to meet him at the boat house at Gourd Lake.
von Karma: *a cruel smile forms on his lips* A stranger sent you a letter, and you agreed to meet him. In the middle of the night, upon the middle of a lake, on Christmas Eve.
Edgeworth: *quietly* ...It's not as if I had anywhere else to be.
von Karma: *snaps his hand near the glass-- despite the barrier, it's still strikingly loud* I did not raise you to wallow, boy.
Edgeworth: *even so many years later, it still causes him to jump and snap to attention* It hardly matters now, does it? *bitterly*
von Karma: Accept your fate with some dignity.
Edgeworth: *brings his eyes up to meet von Karma's, and part of him - the part that's still fifteen years old - wants nothing more than to die right here in the hopes that his death would somehow redeem him in his mentor's eyes*
Edgeworth: *Edgeworth is an adult now, however, and he understands that even death wouldn't free him from this shame. Despite the fact that he knows von Karma is right, he can't quite help but refuse to follow his order. With self-loathing* I could hardly shame you any more than this, so why would you bother to care?
von Karma: You have indeed failed--you are no better than the common man. Soon to be no better than the common criminal. *a scowl* Do not push yourself lower than that, to the status of a simpering dog.
Edgeworth: *presses his fingertips to his forehead with a groan, then squares his shoulders again. Sounding defeated:* Of course. My sincerest apologies. Do you have another question for me, or will that be all?
von Karma: *carefully replaces all the papers back into his briefcase, speaking again only when he is finished* You know I will not be showing you any leniency. You are a defendant. You are now my obligation to prosecute--to convict.
Edgeworth: I wouldn't have expected any less of you. *his voice is blase, his expression distant*
von Karma: *stands, taking hold of his briefcase and tucking in the chair neatly* One last thing, boy.
Edgeworth: *refocuses* Yes, sir?
von Karma: *there's a hint of amusement in his tone* Have you found an attorney yet?
Edgeworth: I have someone looking into it... But no. I've had no responses that are in any way positive.
von Karma: *straightening his jacket* I would not put my faith in finding one in time. But don't let it concern you-- *that cruel smile shows again* It will make no difference in the end.
von Karma: *and without waiting for a response, he turns and leaves the room, snapping for the guard to escort the defendant out*
Edgeworth: *covers his face with his hand and leans on the counter, almost dizzy with hopelessness*
Edgeworth: *the guard nudges him on the shoulder - not roughly but firmly - and then grabs him under the arm without ceremony, leading him out of the visitor's room and back to his cell*
~~~
Edgeworth: *three and a half years later, this time at the penitentiary instead of the detention center, and Edgeworth is the one waiting. He glances at the clock on the wall, if only to give his eyes something to do. His hand rests in his vest pocket, and he's turning the magatama over and over as he waits*
von Karma: *it's three and a half years later, and this time it is Manfred von Karma in the cell, notified by an approaching guard about the arrival of a visitor who wishes to speak to him. The guard still addresses the former prosecutor in nervous, reverent tones, but he does not take no for an answer when von Karma refuses to budge. And he refuses to move for good reason--there are only three people who would ever need to visit Manfred von Karma, and he is aware that of the three, the sole one he is willing to meet with is occupied for the month*
von Karma: *the guard's requests grow insistent and finally von Karma stands, reaching for his cane with a scowl. Then, slowly, heavily--but allowing no weakness to show in his features or his demeanor, he walks under escort to the visitation room*
Edgeworth: *watches the door open with a distant, cool, half-lidded gaze. As von Karma enters, he draws his hand out of his pocket and places it on his lap*
von Karma: *scowls when he sees who it is--his hand clenches white-knuckled on his cane--and for a moment, it seems as though he is about to march out of the room. Finally, though, he heads to the chair on his side of the glass, setting down the cane, crossing his arms, and glaring*
Edgeworth: *returns his gaze calmly* So here I am, Manfred von Karma. I'm sure you've divined my reason for coming.
von Karma: Hmph. I see nothing fruitful coming from this, boy. Do you really think you can find any answers you are looking for from me?
Edgeworth: *flippantly* Not really. However, I felt I could do you the favor of giving you a chance to explain yourself. Time is running short, after all.
von Karma: *quite simply--the visible rage is diminishing by the second; he's transitioning back to his familiar cold and curt self* I have no need to explain myself to you, boy.
Edgeworth: *stares placidly at his former mentor, a bit surprised perhaps at how calm he is. He can find nothing inside him that fears this man at the moment, seeing him as small, pale, and decrepit as he is* Perhaps, perhaps not. Quite honestly you gave me all the explanation I would have ever needed for your actions on that day in that elevator over those years you were teaching me the trade. I could think of no questions I'd have about it that I couldn't answer myself.
von Karma: *dismissively* And...?
Edgeworth: *there's a sudden intensity in his voice* There is one question I'm unable to answer myself. I think I understand as well as I'd like to why you murdered my father, but why then adopt me? Was it for vengeance? Or...*lowers his eyelids, and then lifts them, not even sure himself whether he's being sarcastic or not* for penance?
von Karma: *the question gives him pause* You come here to ask me this, boy? Penance? *and he laughs out boomingly, reaching out to grip the desk in support* Penance!?
von Karma: *with a hiss* You snivelling romanticist fool.
Edgeworth: *successfully represses a wince at the derisive laughter - he'd expected the answer to be something like that, anyway. He folds his hands* Vengeance, then... You certainly expended a lot of effort on me to that end, Manfred. Not quite enough, though.
von Karma: *doesn't respond in any manner, save for crossing his arms*
Edgeworth: *continues thoughtfully* I think I'd go so far as to say that taking me in was the one flaw in your plan. Did the possible benefits outweigh the risks, when you assessed the situation at the time?
von Karma: Are you going to continue with this all day, boy? *a smirk* Why would I have acted, if the benefits did not outweigh the risks? There is no gain without risk. Has your mind gone soft along with your 'heart'?
Edgeworth: *a faint smile* Only trying to assess what confidence you may have had in your strategy. *distantly* You must have been utterly convinced that I would conform, then.
Edgeworth: *rests his hand upon the counter and gazes at von Karma with a focused intensity* I failed to do that, though. I wonder... What if I had? Could you have seen me as a son then? *a pause* Was there ever a moment when you saw me as something other than a tool for revenge?
von Karma: *there is absolutely no change in his demeanour--he laughs sharply again* Fool of a child. Were you hoping there was? Would it have been some validation of your youth?
von Karma: You have always been groomed merely for the sake of your inevitable, pathetic fall.
von Karma: *there is a familiar whirring of chains, and five locks slam down*
Edgeworth: *gives a blank stare for a few seconds. Then, he gives a faint, dark, bitter laugh. He responds as if the locks are what speak to him and not the old man's lies* It would certainly have been easier to swallow that way. I was a charming boy back then, wasn't I? I'm not surprised that even you were swayed, as hard as I tried to sway you.
von Karma: *raises a craggy eyebrow* Are you daft, boy? Or merely deaf?
Edgeworth: *an enigmatic smile and a shake of the head* I have my answer. Never you mind how I got it. However, I would have you know that if you had shown me any sort of affection, whether real or feigned, I would have been more than happy to murder my father in my heart for you. But you could be no replacement for him, and so I never did.
von Karma: Clearly you have forgotten the past, boy-- or you refuse to accept it. *a cruel smile* In behaviour--in action, conviction, belief--you have already killed Gregory Edgeworth countless times.
Edgeworth: *at that, his facade falters and he gives a visible wince. For a brief moment, he pinches the bridge of his nose, a tell he knows von Karma can read from him. Then he releases it with a long sigh* I haven't forgotten. I refuse to allow myself forget, and I don't think I need to. My father believed that everyone deserved a chance, a day in court. He believed that even the guilty should be permitted their chance to atone. *with the peace of true conviction* He would have forgiven me.
von Karma: Whatever helps you sleep better at night, boy.
Edgeworth: *with a triumphant cock of his head* All that matters now is moving forward and becoming the kind of man my father could be proud of. I have the tools to do so at my disposal... and they were passed to me by you.
von Karma: *scowls with irritation* And so you are tossing aside your career, and come to me to gloat--is that it?
Edgeworth: *frowns in confusion briefly, and then his eyes light up* You think I would - I could...? *a pause, he shakes his head with an almost imperceptible bemusement* No. I made my choice long ago. If I had been inclined to cease being a prosecutor, I would have already done it. *his forehead wrinkles* I suppose I should have realized how little you understand.
von Karma: Humph. *crosses his arms, sits back and looks disinclined to speak further*
Edgeworth: *leans back in the chair, his expression unreadable, but there's no trace of anxiety in it. He gives a fluting sigh* I suppose I must be the teacher this time. You see, Manfred von Karma... A gun can kill a man, but it can also save his life. *a brief pause and a half-smile* A knife can wound a man, but it can also set him free. Teaching me to use these tools was the greatest gift you could have ever given my father, even if that was the furthest thing from your intention.
von Karma: *there is a growl and the quite visible clench of clawed fingers*
Edgeworth: *lifts his head, regarding his former mentor through passive, half-lidded grey eyes. It's not clear whether he's noticed the reaction* And so, on his behalf, I thank you. *looks away* And for my part?
Edgeworth: *there's a clear conflicted pause here, and when the words come out, they're a bit strained* For that, at least, I forgive you. And in so doing forgive the part of you that I will always carry with me. *stands and turns toward the door* Farewell.
von Karma: *there is a loud THUD as the desk behind Miles is pounded upon. And then comes the thundering, enraged voice* I do NOT want your forgiveness, and I DO NOT WISH FOR HIS!
Edgeworth: *turns back halfway* Well, you have it. *more strength enters his voice, and perhaps it's a trick of the light or the mind, but he resembles his father almost uncannily in that moment* Though I suspect it will be wasted on you.
Edgeworth: *he turns away once more, taking two long strides to the door, which opens obligingly. He nods to the guard behind it, who shuts the door behind him as he walks out*
von Karma: *stands, the cheap folding chair he'd been sitting on falling to the ground with a loud clatter. He is inches away from losing total composure, and fractions away from letting out a scream; but no, he can bottle it--he will--and he will finish his revenge, prison cell walls be damned. The guard by the door attempts to approach to escort him to his cell, but at a glare the officer immediately backs away again. Standing there, gripping the edge of the desk so hard it lets out a crack, he glowers, unmoving. It is hours later, and only on his own terms, that he leaves the visitation room*