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 Autumn leaves blew through the cold air. Hands in her pockets, Franziska slowly made her way through the graveyard. She hadn’t been back to Germany in several years, and upon her return, she was walking through a field of dead people.

For the first time since she’d arrived, Franziska felt lonely. Miles Edgeworth was off giving a tour of the town to Phoenix Wright, and Adrian Andrews. Franziska wished she’d gone with them now, as the frosted graveyard just felt like a nightmare.

The frosty grass crunched beneath her feet, as the prosecutor made her way over to a medium sized headstone, near the middle of the garden.

Manfred Klaus von Karma. 1951 - 2017

‘The only goals should be of perfection.’

The headstone next to it was smaller.

Nadine Else von Karma. 1957 - 2003

‘Love is more powerful than hatred.'

Seeing the two graves together, it was obvious to tell how each of her parents thought. Franziska left the bouquet of flowers on her mother’s grave, and kicked a rock at her father’s.

The pain of all this was too much.

It had been 16 years since her mother’s death, and Franziska still knew nothing about it. When her parents had split up, Anika went with her mother. Shortly after that, it was revealed that Nadine was dead.

It had always been labelled an accident, but Franziska was scared the open the topic. Bringing up her mother’s death led to the reason they divorced. And the reason they divorced led back to 11 year old Miles Edgeworth… and that opened memories Franziska had spent forever trying to forget.

As long as I don’t think about it…

Franziska left the family plot, closing the iron gate behind her. Just as she did, three figures emerged from the fog. Adrian had spotted Franziska, and was already running towards her.

The two women met in an embrace, and Franziska had never been so happy to be Adrian’s wife. Even when things were dark, Adrian had always been able to let the sun shine out again.

“Are you feeling any better, Frannie?”

Franziska nodded, even though she was lying. There was no need to foolishly burden Adrian with her troubles.

Besides… I am no longer a von Karma. I am Franziska Andrews, and I am proud.

Still, her heart weighed down heavily in her chest.

Trying to ignore the pain, Franziska joined everyone for dinner that night, at some lavish restaurant of Miles’ choosing. But she couldn’t eat. She’d been here before, when the family was still held together.

Now, Franziska’s memories of this place were full of darkness.

She ate, of course. If Adrian or Miles had noticed her lack of appetite, they’d be onto her in a moment. Franziska didn’t need this kind of foolishness.

They’re just worried about you. A little voice inside her head whispered.

Franziska just felt hollow.

~

That night, they all returned to the von Karma manor, where the couples split into separate rooms. Adrian passed out almost instantly, but Franziska remained awake, her thoughts scattering in the darkness.

At around 2am, Franziska got out of bed. She clearly wasn’t falling asleep anytime soon. Carefully, she bundled up in a thick coat, and decended into the night air.

It was chilly, and as Franziska made her way across the garden, she wished she’d dressed warmer. At the end of the garden, she opened the gate into the family plot.

Franziska could hardly see the graves in the darkness, and tripped over a few of the smaller ones. She cursed slightly, angry at her own foolishness. She hadn’t brought a flashlight, and the mist surrounding her was making everything worse. She could hardly make out the moonlight above her.

Suddenly, there was a crack behind her. Franziska whipped around, startled, “Who’s there?”

A flashlight clicked on, and the shadow of Phoenix Wright’s face came into view. Franziska scowled.

“What is a foolish fool like yourself doing out here, Phoenix Wright? It’s 2am!”

Phoenix lowered the flashlight onto the ground, “I could ask you the same question.”

Franziska said, “My parents are buried here. Is it unnatural to visit them?”

“It is when it’s 2 o’clock in the morning!”

“Fool. I have an excuse. You are the one without an alibi.”

Phoenix sighed, “I heard the door open. Couldn’t sleep. It’s October 3rd. …I think.”

Franziska rolled her eyes, and grabbed the flashlight out of his hands, “Come with me, Phoenix Wright. There’s a bench at the side.”

The two walked over the frosted ground, and sat down on a white wood bench, on the left side of the graveyard. Franziska clicked it off, and then said, “Alright, Phoenix Wright. You brought this upon yourself. Why are you out here?”

Phoenix shifted, “You wouldn’t understand.”

Franziska snorted, “Such a fool you are, Phoenix Wright. Why my brother loves you, I will never understand.”

“We’re both in a graveyard at 2am. It says a lot about both of us.”

“My parents are buried here.”

“It’s 2 in the bloody morning.“

“And you have no family here. Why are you out here, Phoenix Wright? Is this display of foolishness to make fun of me?”

Phoenix recoiled, “No!”

Silence befell them for several minutes. Then Phoenix spoke again.

“My mother is dead. I was 12, and dumb. My father… I haven’t seen him in years, and I don’t want to see him. I don’t know how they got married. He hit her, and never contributed anything. It hurt her so much.

“One day, it killed her. He hanged her, in the garage. And I watched.

“I was afraid. I’d always ignored the abuse, because she told me it was nothing. I should have spoken up. Instead, I got to see her die, in front of my very eyes.

“I thought I’d be next. I ran, and I ran. I just had to get away. If I didn’t have Larry, I don’t know what I would have done. His parents called the cops, and they found her.

“But they never found my father. He’d scrammed before the police even knew. I don’t know what happened to him, and I don’t care. I just hope he’s miserable.

“It happened on October 3rd. That’s today.

“That is why I’m in your graveyard at 2am.”

Franziska didn’t say anything for a while. When she found her voice, she whispered, “Oh…”

Phoenix kept his eyes on the ground, “You are now the only living person who knows this story.”

“I… I’m sorry, Phoenix Wright.”

“Don’t be.”

“I know how it feels to lose everyone you care about.”

Phoenix looked up, “It’s too common a theme. I don’t think anyone I know has a normal family anymore.”

Franziska’s voice was quiet, “When I was four years old… my parents got divorced. It was over something awful. My mother had always let Papa’s imperfections slip, but this was too much. She lost it, and left, taking Anika with her.

“When they finalized the divorce, I went to her new house, and I got to see my older sister again. It seemed alright. Papa was being gentle, and Mother polite. I thought everything was fine.

“Anika found her dead in the kitchen.

“And… and… I remember… I saw her… lying on the floor. S-she wouldn’t move.”

Phoenix was quiet for a moment. Then, he pulled something out of his pocket. A glowing green rock, in the shape of a nine. Franziska recognized it. The Fey girls all wore them on necklaces.

So what is that fool doing with one?

“This is called a Magatama.” Phoenix said, as if he was reading her thoughts, “It was a gift from Maya. It… It can detect secrets.”

“What foolishness is this?”

“I’m serious.” Phoenix replied, “When someone tries to keep a secret, a red ‘Psyche-Lock’ covers their heart. The more precious the secret, the more locks there are.”

Franziska scoffed, “As if such a thing exists.”

“Miles can vouch for me. He’s seen them.”

“My little brother is your boyfriend. Of course he’ll vouch for you!”

Phoenix pretended he didn’t hear her, “But there are also black Psyche-Locks. Black locks only appear when the secret is so deep, and so engraved in their psyche, that the person doesn’t know it exists. Red locks represent secrets people are trying to hide. But black locks… they are signs of a horrid, traumatic event.”

Franziska was quiet, before saying, “Why are you telling me such foolish drivel?”

“When you talk about when your parents got divorced, one lock appears, right over your heart.”

“…”

“But when you mention your mother’s death… Five black Psyche-Locks surround you.”

 

 

~~~

Franziska tightened her jaw, “Don’t be ridiculous, Phoenix Wright. This is nothing more than foolish whispers.”

“I can really see them.” Phoenix said softly, “Besides, you believe in spirit channelling. Why not this?”

Franziska muttered, “Because I cannot see them myself.”

“I’ll show you one day. The thing is… These locks can’t be broken. If they are broken by force, it will shatter the person’s soul.”

“Nonsense.”

Phoenix nodded, “It’s true. The only way to break them… would be for you to break them yourself.”

Franziska scoffed, “I will not be privy to such foolishness.” But as she said it, things rushed through her mind. Gripping her head in her hands, Franziska began to hear things. Things she wished to forget.

Four year old Franziska von Karma sat at her desk in the drawing room. Her test on German law sat in front of her, and she went over it again, desperate to correct any and all mistakes she may have had. She’d misspelled 'pharmaceutical’ on her last exam, and it had worsened her score considerably.

She had to master German law before her fifth birthday, so she could move onto Western law, for when she visited the Americas. She also had to learn English fluently in that time period. At the moment, she could only strong rough sentences together.

As she went over Question #497 again, there was a sudden commotion from her father’s study. It was a loud sound, and a very sudden, *BANG*.

Nervous, Franziska put down her pen, and ran out of the room, as fast as she could. As she dashed through the echoing corridors, her mind was only on finding this distraction, and ending it.

She burst into the study, out of breath. But the scene in front of her caused Franziska to pale considerably.

Eleven year old Miles Edgeworth was kneeling on the carpet in front of the fireplace, clutching his shoulder in pain. Her Papa stood in front of him, a smoking gun hanging from his hands.

In a moment of shock, Franziska darted forward, towards her little brother, “Miles! Miles Edgeworth! Miles!” She shook him, but he screamed, and slumped over, his fingers turning white as they dug into his right shoulder.

Manfred von Karma loomed over both of them, grinning evilly.

Franziska held onto her brother, her voice shaking, “Miles… Please…”

The doors burst open again, and Nadine von Karma stepped in, her face aflame.

“Manfred! What in the holy hell is going on here?” Her voice shook, but with anger, instead of fear.

Manfred glared, and folded his arms, “Hmph. I was teaching Miles. He will need to learn to survive in the field, if he will ever become a prosecutor.”

“You shot him!” Nadine replied, “Look at him! He’s eleven years old! Were you trying to kill him?”

Manfred laughed, “Kill him? Oh no… Then it wouldn’t be interesting.”

Nadine raised her fist, “I have put up with this ever since Anika was born. I have put up with your abuse since the day we met! But this has gone too far! You have shot our son!”

“He is no son of mine.” Manfred said darkly, “He is my student, and I am his mentor. There is nothing beyond that.”

Nadine slapped Manfred.

As he turned around, fifteen year old Anika von Karma darted in front of Franziska’s view, “Come with me, quickly. Let Mama and Papa fight.”

She picked up Miles, who had fainted, and the three left the study out the opposite door. As Franziska locked the door, they heard a crash, and a horrid scream. Franziska shivered, and Miles stirred slightly.

Anika desperately guided them back into the drawing room, and sat them all down. Miles slumped over, still out of it, while Franziska gripped the chair rigidly.

While Franziska tried to go over her exam, the words began to swim in front of her, and she couldn’t read. All she could think about, was why her Papa had just shot Miles in the shoulder.

“I… I can’t focus on this.”

Anika looked up, and walked over to where her little sister sat, “It’s alright Franziska. I have the answer key. Do you want me to mark it?”

Franziska nodded, and curled up in a ball. Her eyes went out of focus, as she heard Anika’s pen scratching her paper.

After a while, Anika broke the silence, “498 out of 500. That’s very good.”

Franziska’s voice caught, “What? No, that’s not good enough! It needs to be perfect!”

“You need to calm down.” Anika said, “You’re four years old. You don’t need to be surrounded by this madness.”

“I must be perfect, in every way, Anika.”

Anika put down the exam paper, “Franziska. Papa doesn’t control you. You don’t have to become a prosecutor, and you don’t need to overwork yourself by trying to find perfection. It’s an abstract concept that doesn’t exist.”

Franziska scoffed, “Do not try to fool me. I will be a prosecutor, and I will be perfect. You will too, Anika. Do not deny it.”

Anika shrugged, “I don’t know how to convince you. But I can assure you that I am not following in Papa’s footsteps. I have no interest in what he preaches.”

“Foolish fool.”

The von Karma sisters became quiet. Over the next hour or so, Miles woke up, and quietly sat in her chair, constantly clutching his shoulder.

Finally, Nadine opened the door to the drawing room, “There you are. Manfred, they’re in here. Come.”

Manfred von Karma entered, his largest legal book under his arm. Before staring the conversation, he placed the book on one of the tables.

Nadine said, “Manfred and I are getting a divorce.”

Anika gasped, “W-what? Mama, you can’t be serious!”

“I am.” Nadine nodded, “I have put up with this for too long. I will leave, and you will come with me, so we can live good lives.”

Anika lept to her feet, “I will accompany you. Franziska? Miles?”

Franziska shook her head defiantly, “Papa knows what he is doing. I will achieve perfection, and be the world’s most brilliant prosecutor.”

Miles nodded. It was the first time he had spoken since the shooting, “Franziska is correct. Sir, you are correct in your teachings, and I have never doubted you. I will stay, and learn to be a prosecutor.”

Nadine paled, “Miles, he just shot you! You can’t seriously still want to live with this!”

Miles was silent.

In a matter of days, Anika and Nadine had packed up, leaving Franziska and Miles alone with Manfred von Karma.

Franziska drove herself even further into her essence of perfection, desperate to be the child her Papa wanted.

Miles on the other hand… well, Franziska ended up treating his knife wounds in the middle of the night. He claimed he was fine, and it was all a part of his training, but Franziska knew better. Papa had never hurt her like this.

For months, the two siblings grew together, their minds being twisted by Manfred’s ways. Slowly but surely, Franziska became more ruthless, and demanding, often violently attacking others.

And then… it happened.

~

Six months after the divorce, the von Karma family met up one last time, this time in Nadine and Anika’s new house.

Franziska rested in the library, while Miles dug deep into a foreign law book, that he’d brought with him.

Anika joined them after a while, and they waited, while Manfred and Nadine finalized the divorce papers.

“Franziska?”

The young girl looked up at her sister, “Yes?”

Anika paused, then said, “Are you sure that you and Miles don’t want to live with Mama and I? If you say no… then Papa will have permanent custody over you forever.”

Franziska sniffed, “There is nothing wrong with that. I am a von Karma, and perfection is the only option. You should be begging to return to us, Anika.”

Anika turned away, “I was just trying to protect you…”

The siblings fell back into silence. Anika left the room shortly after, as if she was trying to hide her tears from her sister.

The clock ticked by, and Franziska soon became bored. Miles was still immersed in his book, and Anika had yet to return. The young girl stood up, and walked out of the library, leaving her brother behind.

As she wandered through the new house, Franziska heard a crash from the kitchen. Her legs pulled her in different directions, as she ran through hallway after hallway, in pursuit of the commotion.

When she finally pushed open the door, a horrible scene was in front of her. Manfred had his hands around Nadine’s throat, his eyes menacing.

“Any last words?”

Nadine’s gaze was defiant, as she croaked, “Your cowardice will destroy you.”

This was the last straw, and Manfred threw her on the floor, cracking her skull against the hard ceramic. Heart beating, Franziska hid behind the door, as Manfred burst through it, likely going for Anika.

Franziska dived into the space between the door and the doorframe, and entered the kitchen. It was a complete disasters. Pots and pans lay about, many bashed in places. A shattered vase was on the counter, coated in blood.

Nadine’s body was broken in places, and her limbs were twisted in unnatural angles. Franziska ran over to her, knocking her father’s legal book over in the process.

“Mama! Mama wake up! Mama!”

Franziska’s screams echoed through the house, as her voice became more an more panicked. She held her mother’s dead body, while sobbing.

Anika burst into the room shortly after that. When she saw the scene in front of her, she paled, and quickly grabbed Franziska.

“H-help me…” Franziska whispered. Anika hugged her tightly, as she carried the little girl out of the room. Franziska fell asleep shortly after that, as her brain shut the memory away so tightly, she could never find it.

For the next 16 years, Franziska pretended it never happened. She pretended that the horror had been a dream. Somehow she convinced herself of it, and lost herself in her studies.

She no longer had morals. Her mind was solely dedicated to perfection.

Franziska even forgot her sister, in a desperate attempt to forget everything associated with her mother’s death.

It was very dark inside her heart.

~

Franziska shuddered, as the horrid flashbacks finally ended. Her mind was raw. For all this time, her mother’s death had haunted her. Now she knew why.

“Franziska? Are you okay? The locks… they’ve broken.”

“I… I… Phoenix Wright…”

Phoenix looked at Franziska nervously, “What did you see?”

“I saw… I saw…” Her voice became shakier and shakier.”

Finally, Franziska swallowed, “Papa… he shot Miles. In the right shoulder.”

Phoenix widened his eyes, but said nothing.

“My parents… my mother left… and then… months later…”

Franziska’s throat was tight.

“Papa killed her. And I saw it.”

This time, Phoenix let out an audible gasp.

Franziska shut her eyes, and began to cry, tears streaming down her face. Everything that she had bottled up inside was free, and her mind was racing.

Phoenix gently put his arm around her, “Let’s go in, Franziska. I’m sorry I made you-“

“No, Phoenix.” Franziska said softly, “Thank you. Thank you for letting me see… the truth.”

Quietly, the two made their way back into the house. Franziska slipped back into bed, next to Adrian, who stirred slightly. While Franziska still felt hollow about the whole affair, it was over.

She had her true family.

Adrian, Miles, even Phoenix and the Fey girls… they had all contributed so much to her life.

“Thank you… All of you…” Franziska murmured, before her eyes shut.

“Thank you for believing in me.”

~

A room away from Franziska, Phoenix Wright moved in the bed with Miles Edgeworth.

Miles turned, as Phoenix made himself comfortable, “What happened to you?”

Phoenix shrugged, “Couldn’t sleep. Too much happened, I guess.”

Miles nodded, “We’ve all had times like this. Each one of us. But in the end, this is what makes us brave, is it not?”

Phoenix grinned, and snuggled close to Miles.

The four occupants of the von Karma mansion were all asleep. Up in the stars, a woman stared down, and smiled at her daughter.

Nadine von Karma was finally at peace.

The End

 Trucy’s eyes always wander when her Daddy isn’t home. Sure, magic tricks are a great way to pass the time, but everything gets boring eventually.

She isn’t sure why she’s in Daddy’s study, but here she is. The room is mostly empty, save for an old desk, and some even older looking bookshelves.

The shelves are covered with old law books, and case files, that haven’t been read in almost a decade.

Trucy doesn’t recognize the names on the files, but she does remember the law books. Daddy dropped one on his foot once, and Trucy had to cover it with ice.

Eventually, Trucy finds herself moving towards the desk. The drawers have few things inside them. A couple pencils. A knife. What looks like a handkerchief.

Trucy looks on top of the desk. Among the scattered files, and piano music, there’s something that manages to catch Trucy’s attention. 

There’s a letter on Daddy’s desk. The handwriting is neat, precise, and perfect. A photo is attached to the letter by a paperclip. There’s two people in the photo. One is her Daddy, in his old blue suit. The other man is looking away from the camera, but he’s smiling too.

While her Daddy has a happy smile on his face, the other man does not. He might be smiling, but it’s a sad smile. The smile Daddy gets when he talks about his past.

The smile Trucy has, when she remembers her real daddy.

Trucy can’t quite read the writing, so she takes to staring at the photo. It’s quite a nice photo, taken in front of a courthouse.

Daddy’s still wearing his badge in the picture. This must have been taken before the last trial. I teardrop slips out of Trucy’s eye, and she puts the photo down to compose herself.

She wonders who the man in Daddy’s photo is. He’s a bit taller than Daddy, and he looks far more serious. He’s got some ruffles around his neck, that Trucy giggles at.

Suddenly, the door opens, and Trucy pales. Her Daddy is back, and he’s found her in his study, looking at his pictures.

Luckily, her Daddy breaks down into laughter, and kneels down.

“Hey Trucy. What do you have there?” 

Trucy blushes, and holds out the photograph. Daddy takes it, and he smiles. But it’s the sad smile of the other man in the photo.

A smile of regrets.

“So, you found it.” He says softly, “Do you know who this man is?”

Trucy shakes her head, “An old friend?” She guesses.

Her Daddy smiles, and puts the photo in her hand, “This man is named Miles Edgeworth. He was my best friend when I was younger.” 

Trucy squeals, “Oh! The one from your stories!”

He nods, “He’s… he’s gone now. But I’ve always had this to remind me of him.”

Trucy throws herself into her Daddy’s arms, “I’m sorry I was looking through your stuff.” 

Her daddy shakes his head, “It’s okay, Trucy. I was going to give you this anyway.”

Trucy grins, “Thank you, Daddy!”

~

Now that Trucy has the photo, it’s her most prized possession. It’s worth even more than Mr. Hat, the only thing she has left of her real Daddy.

Trucy keeps the photo with her everywhere she goes, no matter what. Sometimes she takes it out to just looks at it.

Her Daddy says that Miles Edgeworth is gone, but Trucy keeps an eye out everywhere. He’s bound he out there somewhere, and Trucy’s not about to give up.

But it’s not until two months after she gets the photo, that something happens.

It all starts when Trucy is at the supermarket. She only planned the pick up some milk, but her plans change quickly.

As Trucy searches through the dairy aisle, her eyes drift, until she can’t see, and then smacks directly into someone.

A hand reaches out, and she takes it, squinting.

“Terribly sorry. Are you alright, my dear?”

Trucy looks up at the man she’s run into, and gasps, "You! Are you Mr. Edgeworth?”

The man looks take aback, before saying, “Yes. Can I help you?”

Trucy nods, and reaches into her pocket, pulling out her photo, “This is you, right?”

Mr. Edgeworth pales, “Where… where did you get this photo?”

Trucy tugs on his hand, “Come with me! I’ll show you!”

And that is how a twelve year old girl managed to drag a bewildered prosecutor back to the office.

~

When Trucy gets there, she holds the door for Mr. Edgeworth. He steps inside, confusion still on his face. 

From the other room, her Daddy calls out, “Trucy? You back with the milk yet?”

“I brought something better, Daddy!” Trucy calls.

Her Daddy walks in, and then he freezes at the sight of Mr. Edgeworth.

“Trucy… How did you… No…”

Mr. Edgeworth blinks. He doesn’t appear to recognize her Daddy. He’s not wearing his old blue suit. He’s got a hoodie, and sweatpants on now. Not to mention the beanie she’d knit for him, when she was nine.

The room is quiet, before Mr. Edgeworth says, “Sorry to bother you, sir. I’m afraid your daughter has made a mistake.” 

“A mistake? Edgeworth, how stupid are you?”

Edgeworth turns to look at her Daddy again, before saying, “Wright? No… After all these years?”

Her Daddy nods, “It’s a bit of a mess. I’ve spent four years disbarred. You spent the last four years… dead.”

Mr. Edgeworth looks away, “I didn’t want to do that to you.”

“You sent me that letter.” Daddy says, “With that damn photo. Miles, I thought you were dead!”

Mr. Edgeworth blinks at the use of his first name, “It’s too late for that. I assumed you would understand-”

“Understand that you pulled another disappearing act?” Her Daddy shouts. Trucy huddles quietly on the floor. She’s never seen her Daddy angry, but now he is.

“Miles, I didn’t know what to believe. If Franziska hadn’t told me it was a suicide note…”

Trucy doesn’t know who this Franziska is, but she thinks she must be important, when Mr. Edgeworth grabs his arm. 

“I told her not to say that. I suppose she thought she could have her way.” 

“What the hell were you thinking, Miles?”

“I don’t know, Wright.”

Her Daddy sighs, “You know, I never really gave up on you.”

Mr. Edgeworth looks over at Daddy, “You… never gave up?”

“It sounds stupid, but I tried to make myself believe you were okay. I guess this is what I get for believing. My daughter runs into you at the grocery store.”

Mr. Edgeworth stutters, “You… a daughter… How old is she?”

“Trucy’s twelve.”

Mr. Edgeworth visibly backs up, and then says, “Wright, that’s insane. You’d be eighteen-”

“Calm down, Miles.” Daddy says, “She’s adopted.”

“Oh.”

That’s all Mr. Edgeworth says, before Daddy notices Trucy on the floor.

“Trucy, go to your room. I need to talk to Miles.”

Trucy nods, but she doesn’t close the door all the way, so she can still see what’s going on.

The two continue to have a conversation, that’s a mix between talking, fighting, and reminiscing.

Eventually, Mr. Edgeworth says loudly, “Oh, for God’s sake, Phoenix!” Before cupping Daddy’s face in his hands, and kissing him.

Trucy’s eyes widen. This is why he never got her a new mommy. He was waiting for Mr. Edgeworth to come back, for all these years.

She sways on the spot, and a tear fights it’s way down her face.

Her Daddy swears, and then kisses Mr. Edgeworth back. They stay like that for a long time, locked in their own little world.

Mr. Edgeworth doesn’t go away after this. He stays, and soon, he’s become her new Mommy, in more ways than one.

Soon after, Daddy gives her a new photo. This time, all three of them are in it. And this time, everyone is smiling. 

Trucy likes this photo much better.

The End

It was 6pm, and the party was just getting started. Phoenix marvelled at how well everything had come together. Earlier that week, Maya had showed up, and insisted that a party be thrown.

She didn’t specify a reason, and Phoenix felt rather forced to go with it.

“Come on Nick! It’s been so long! Why shouldn’t we celebrate?”

Phoenix rolled his eyes, “And how do your propose we do that?”

Maya grinned, “Burgers, Nick! Burgers! We throw a burger party!”

“Not everything we do has to involve burgers.” Phoenix said, but he had already given up. If he didn’t agree with Maya, she would call Pearl. Then, Phoenix would be in for a bit of a beating.

And with that, the preparations had begun.

Now, Phoenix was smiling. It looked like everything was going to turn out fine. Maya and Pearls were having fun with the ‘Make Your Own Burger’ station, while Larry was trying to convince everyone how great his new girlfriend was. Phoenix hadn’t even met this ‘Connie’ yet, and already, he knew that they would be over in under a week.

Larry hadn’t shut up about her, and Phoenix made a mental note to keep Larry away from any and all alcohol… assuming he hadn’t gotten some before the party.

Detective Gumshoe looked more than a little frazzled, as he listened to Larry’s ramblings. Phoenix had privately admitted to himself that inviting Larry wasn’t a good idea, but Maya and Pearl had been set on bringing him along.

Maggey, on the other hand, had given up on listening to Larry, and was now chatting happily with Adrian Andrews. Phoenix wasn’t sure how Maya had gotten Adrian to come along, but Adrian was here now.

Truthfully, Phoenix thought Adrian would never forgive him, after the events of that case. Luckily, she was in brighter spirits.

Maybe Franziska knew what she was doing, when she taught Adrian to use a whip…

Franziska floated into his head, and Phoenix cringed, as he remembered the phone-call. Even though she was all the way in Germany, Maya had called her, hoping she would return for this party.

If whips could reach through phones, it would have done so, as it cracked loudly on the other end. The phone-bill for that one call would be enormous.

But Maya wasn’t thrown off, as she continued calling almost everyone Phoenix had ever met.

And now, the party looked all set in motion. But as Phoenix walked around, idly chatting, he realized how much a certain someone should be there. Iris. He’d wanted to invite her so badly, but she was still in prison, and secretly, he knew Pearl would have hated it.

It wasn’t that he was still in love with Iris… far from it in fact. But he had missed her, and kind of wanted to make up a lot to her.

Maya had called the prison, but they wouldn’t allow her out.

That reminded Phoenix of one other person, that Maya had attempted to invite. Edgeworth. This made Phoenix chuckle, as there was no way Edgeworth would show up for a dinner party. Especially one thrown by him.

Suddenly, something jolted Phoenix out of his thoughts. Larry had fallen over, and was now stuttering. A beer was in his hand, as he muttered to himself.

“Larry, you idiot.” Phoenix said, and pulled him up, yanking the beer away from him, “You’ve had too much to drink.”

Larry slurred for a moment, and Adrian quickly took the drink away from Larry. Phoenix then settled his friend into an armchair, before he could knock anything else over.

Maya sighed, as Phoenix walked over to her, “Sorry Nick. I didn’t realize how much of an issue he would be.”

It’s Larry. Get used to it.

“Not your fault.” Phoenix said, “I had no idea he’d get this intoxicated.”

Maya’s fingers drummed on the counter, “Hey, when do you think Mr. Edgeworth’s coming?”

Phoenix laughed, “Good one Maya. You should be a comedian.”

“I’m serious, Nick.” Maya said.

Phoenix sighed, and drank his glass of punch, before saying, “He’s not going to come. It’s not fancy enough for him. Nobody’s wearing a cravat.”

Maya chuckled, “He’ll be here. I know he will.”

Phoenix rolled his eyes, before directing attention to Larry again, as his friend was now shouting.

Maya groaned.

“I tell you, she’s perfect! Eyes of an angel! I love her!”

SHUT UP.

Gumshoe, looking tired, said, “Hey, pal? Maybe it’s time you changed the subject.”

Maggey nodded, looking a little relieved.

Larry thought for a moment, then said, “Okay then, what about Nick’s girlfriend?”

“You mean Mystic Maya?” Pearl chirped, “She’s right over there!”

“Pearls, stop.” Phoenix said, “Maya isn’t my girlfriend. She’s practically a little sister to me.”

Maya looked away, and Phoenix continued, “Besides Larry. I don’t have a girlfriend. I can’t go through that again.”

Pearl looked disappointed, “But Mr. Nick! You’re supposed to be Mystic Maya’s knight in shining armour!”

“Sorry Pearls.” Phoenix said.

Larry just kept on grinning, “Well, then, how’s your boyfriend?”

Phoenix felt his hand his his forehead. Larry was persistent, “Larry, I don’t have a boyfriend either.”

Larry laughed, “You can’t lie to me Nick! So tell me… what’s his name?”

“Shut up, Larry.”

“Oooh, someone’s in denial!” Larry taunted.

“Hey pal, why don’t you lay off?” Gumshoe said, but Phoenix knew the detective was wasting his breath.

This is why Larry and alcohol do not mix.

Larry continued, not heading the warnings, “Well… If you’re not dating him… you’ve at least got a crush.”

Phoenix did all he could not the crush the plastic cup in his hand. Yes, Larry was being irritating. No, this was not the time to punch him.

Pearl gasped, “Mr. Nick! Is Larry talking about Mr. Cinnamon Bun Hair?”

…The first person she thinks of is Ron DeLite?

“No Pearls.” Phoenix said gently, “Larry’s just being an idiot.”

Larry looked genuinely offended for a second, before bouncing back, “That’s not a bad conclusion. I mean, Nick doesn’t have a lot of male friends. No offence Nick, but it’s true. I’d know if it was me, and I doubt you’d be one to fall for a suit…” He jerked his thumb towards Detective Gumshoe.

“Excuse me, pal? A WHAT?” Gumshoe yelled angrily.

Maggey put a hand on his shoulder, “Relax. I’m sure he didn’t mean it in a bad way.” However, the death glare she shot Larry told Phoenix, that she felt otherwise.

Phoenix crossed the room, and filled his glass up with punch, “Just leave it, Larry. I’d honestly rather listen to you ramble about Connie, than have this conversation.”

“Heh. So, there is somebody.” Larry taunted.

Phoenix sighed, “Grow up, Larry.”

Larry snorted, and stumbled drunkenly, “Hm… well… there is one…”

Phoenix rolled his eyes, and leaned against the table.

“Yeah! I shoulda known!” Larry yelled excitedly, “It’s Edgey, isn’t it?! Yes!”

In response, Phoenix drank his entire glass of punch in one go.

Larry looked elated, for some odd reason, “Now that I think about it… it makes perfect sense! I mean, first there were all those dang letters. You wrote ‘em for what, 15 years? Not to mention, didn’t you like, become a lawyer, for him?”

Phoenix glanced at Larry, “No.”

Pearl suddenly spoke up, “Mr. Nick, is he telling the truth?” She gasped, “You… you’re cheating on Mystic Maya!” She’d slapped Phoenix before he could even respond.

I am going to kill Larry.

Larry started laughing, “I’m right! Nick, you’re in denial! It’s totally Edgey!”

Maya had been quiet the whole time, but now, she was looking at the window, and muttering something incoherent.

Phoenix drank another glass of punch, before saying, “I do not. If you want to make an accusation, prove it, Larry.”

Larry thought for a second, before saying, “Well, after he moved away, you were acting all weird. And then, there were the letters. You studied law on the side, and then, after you met him in court, you didn’t shut up about him! How’s that for proof?”

Silence had befallen the party.

Phoenix could feel his face getting hotter, with every word Larry said.

Adrian spoke up, “Um… maybe we should drop the subject?”

But Larry looked determined, and Phoenix moved behind his desk, in case he needed to defend himself, “Stay back!”

“Aw, come on Nick!” Larry said, “But you gotta admit… you do talk about him a lot. When he went away, you acted all torn up about it. You couldn’t even bear to hear his name!”

“I thought he was dead!” Phoenix burst out, “Wouldn’t you feel the same way?”

Larry sighed, “Oh Nick… you poor thing. You’re totally smitten for Edgey!”

Phoenix picked up a heavy looking file in response.

Larry backed away, “Nick! It’s written all over your face! I wanna be the one to tell him! Can I? Please?”

Angrily, Phoenix looked at him, and shouted, “Shut up Larry! Just shut up!”

“Nick’s in looooooooove!” Larry teased.

Phoenix could feel everything inside him building up. Anger at Larry, among other things. Finally, he just threw the file down, and yelled, “Alright! I admit it! Okay? It’s Edgeworth! I’m hopelessly in love with Miles Gregory Edgeworth!”

The room fell into complete silence.

Larry looked proud of himself, while Maya had buried her face in her hands. Gumshoe looked like he’d been clubbed over the head. Maggey and Adrian were smiling.

And then, Pearl’s hand reached up from in front of the desk, and pointed towards the door.

Confused, Phoenix followed her hand, and went even redder than ever before. Standing in the doorway, was a rather dumbfounded Miles Edgeworth.

Seeing Phoenix, Edgeworth cleared his throat, and said, “I’ll just… come back later then.” Then he backed out, shutting the door behind him.

Someone began to snicker, loudly.

Phoenix punched Larry, and then ran out the door.

“Edgeworth! Wait!”

The End