My Daughter

An Apollo Justice ficlet

My daughter- who would have thought of it? Seven years ago I could not even think of a future beyond the courtroom, defending my clients from the injustices they may come up against.

That was at least until I met Zak Gramarye and you, Trucy.

You were eight years old, dressed in your magician outfit and wanting to be like your father in every way. I couldn't help but admire and envy both your determination and your devotion to your father.

In the end you were used for revenge against me - an innocent young girl caught up in the arguments and battles of adults, intent on declaring guilt or innocence. Your father disappeared in the aftermath as I got caught in the jealousy and hate.

I paid the ultimate price with the loss of my badge, but he had no right to do this you.

"Trucy?"

"Yes, Mr. Wright?"

"Since you have no surviving family, how about you stay with me for a while? I may not be anything like your real father, but I promise to take good care of you and protect you. You can even call me 'daddy' if you like."

"OK...daddy."

I remember the times where you cried out in the night for your real father. How my heart broke when I sat up with you on those nights, stroking your hair and singing you lullabies until you fell asleep again. It was then that I promised that I would never let anything hurt you ever again.

Those seven years were some of the darkest times of my life, but I held onto my beliefs throughout it all. You helped by bringing joy into my life and showing me that there was more to life than what went on in that courtroom that I practiced my trade in.

And despite it all, as you grew up you somehow knew what was going on behind it all: You knew that your true father Zak Gramarye was alive. I never got the chance to tell you that he had disappeared to protect you and to protect the family legacy. All that is left of that is this purple envelope with your father's signature, willing the magical secrets of the Gramarye troupe to you.

Now that your father is dead, I passed it onto you because I knew it was time for the truth to be revealed. It was time for you to find out what happened to your true family, Trucy. It is finally time for events to march forward, but know this: I promise that I will always love you and will protect you from the darkness.

You deserve that much and more.