Phoenix Wright: Tides of Fate
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Disclaimer: I do not own Phoenix Wright characters or the anything along those lines.
Original Characters created for cases are owned by me because I created them.
This is my first Phoenix Wright story, so I hope you all enjoy, the setting is after the Phantom has been captured.
This first chapter is a little less serious than many chapters will be, for the most part. This is to introduce the scene and the backstory behind the Serenade Turnabout.
Unlike my other stories, there will be chapters (of course) but instead of each new entry being its own chapter, rather they will be episodes for each Turnabout. How many Episodes are in each Turnabout depends on how long the case takes to complete.
With each case, I will prepare a full list of things before I even start writing the trial. This case, I already have planned fully.
Also I just noticed how the title "Phoenix Wright: Tides of Fate" is pushed more to the left than the rest of the centered dividers. This is unintentional as has to make room for the "Chapter Box". Please give that a grain of salt, that is all I ask.
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First Turnabout: Serenade Turnabout
Episode One: Darkness Beginnings
A phone rang in a dark room. It pierced the very night and a hand closed over the phone. The owner of the hand pressed the answer call button and said, "Yes? Phoenix Wright speaking."
A female voice spoke to him, "Hi there Nick!"
Phoenix groaned then looked at the alarm clock. He hissed, "Maya, it is two in the morning, why in the world are you calling me so early?"
Maya answered, "I'm sorry, I just had to speak to you. I heard something amazing today and I don't know if you are aware of it."
Phoenix yawned then asked, "Alright, what is it? I'm all ears Maya."
Maya grinned on the end of her phone and said, "I'm coming into the city. There is a place I have to visit and you're going to take me."
Phoenix blinked and asked, "Where is this place Maya?'
Her voice answered, "You'll just have to wait and see won't you Nick?"
Phoenix asked, "This isn't just because you are lonely is it Maya?"
There was silence for a moment before she answered, "Maybe a little Nick. I haven't seen you in two years after all. I also haven't met those two new lawyers in your office, but Pearly has told me all about them. Apparently she thinks they are just great."
Phoenix said, "Well, I guess you could say I feel like they are kids to me."
Maya laughed and said, "That is just like you Nick. First Trucy, now Athena and Apollo? Whats next Nick?"
Phoenix smiled and whispered, "You know I treat Pearls like my own daughter. You have no idea just how helpful you were a week ago. Just the fact you sent me that letter set in motion a location for the court case that changed everything about the legal world. How did you know to send that letter anyways?'
Maya said, "That's something I shall have to speak to you about when I come there. I can't wait for it Nick." She hung up the phone.
Phoenix sighed and looked at his phone. It still had the same key-chain that Maya had attached to it a full decade ago. He chuckled and thought, "I really have known her for a full decade, where has the time gone?" He placed the phone back on the nightstand and laid down to get some more rest before the morning hit.
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A few hours later, in a distant house across the city, curtains shot open. A young woman looked out at the world before her. She opened the window and took some deep breaths. Her thoughts turned to everything that had happened over the past couple of weeks. She had gone from being worried about her friends and courtrooms to becoming fully confident in herself. She punched one of her hands into her left palm and said, "Even the air feels clearer and fresher than it did two weeks ago. Thank you boss, you really did save us all, just like you promised you would."
Her phone lit up and she saw there was a message. She walked over to it and picked it up and checked it. It was from Simon Blackquill, a prosecuting attorney. She read the contents and it said, "I shall be coming to the Wright Anything Agency, some girl named Maya left me a message, apparently she wants us all to meet there this afternoon."
The young woman chuckled and said, "I should have known, always to the point aren't you old friend." She placed the phone in her pocket and tapped a device on her chest and said, "Widget, can you tell me what the weather will be like today?"
Widget spoke in a soft feminine voice, "It will be sunny all day, but bring an umbrella because you know I am sometimes wrong."
The young woman picked her up an umbrella which was blue and red and walked out the door. She was in her regular yellow outfit and stretched in the early morning light.
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Across town...
An alarm clock said seven am before it began to blare annoyingly. A hand smacked it, causing it to turn off. The man's voice mumbled, "Stupid alarm clock, it is too early for this." He rolled over and saw that on his couch was a young woman. He sat up in surprise before he realized who she was. He sighed and walked over and placed a blanket over her and whispered, "Trucy, why are you here?"
Trucy murmured in her sleep, "Didn't feel safe in my place, not without Daddy there." She slowly opened her eyes and said, "I'm sorry Apollo, I know I should have knocked."
Apollo sighed and said, "What would Mr. Wright say? You're sixteen, he could get on my ass for this one."
Trucy yawned, then asked, "So what if he does? Its not like you ever do anything to me."
Apollo said, "I just wouldn't feel right with it. You are my boss' daughter after all."
Trucy said, "I know that, but I have to ask something."
Apollo asked, "What is it Trucy?"
She thought about it for a moment before she said, "Its nothing, never-mind" She went into his bathroom to have a shower. She laughed and called, "Hey Apollo, thanks for leaving my shampoo here, but how did you know?"
Apollo said, "I figured you'd probably stop by. I never get rid of the shampoo in case you do."
Trucy finished her shower about fifteen minutes later and Apollo went in for his shower before the two of them headed towards the office. Apollo was dressed in his red suit and had his hair styled in the typical double bang style that had earned him the nickname "Red Demon" from one of Trucy's friends.
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Phoenix saw Apollo and Trucy together as they entered the office. He bit his lip and thought, "I really hope those two are keeping themselves in check."
Trucy smiled and raced over to her father and gave him a hug. She kissed him on the cheek and said, "Morning Daddy, and don't worry Apollo didn't take advantage of me."
Apollo's jaw dropped and he said, "Gee, thanks Trucy, that's real nice of you. Way to make me seem like a red demon."
Trucy laughed and said, "Sorry Apollo, he is always a gentleman when I stay over."
Phoenix said, "I know he is, I trust him with you. For some reason, I know he won't do anything to you."
Apollo glared and said, "Of course I won't Mr. Wright, you're my boss for one thing, for another thing, she is too young for me."
Phoenix's thoughts turned to the truth he had learned a year ago and said, "At least I know she is safe around you, that's all that matters." He heard the door open and saw Athena walk in with Simon Blackquill right behind her. He thought, "Those two on the other hand, I don't know. I mean they did have a lot of history."
The young woman smiled and said, "Morning Boss, Simon wanted to visit you."
Phoenix turned to Blackquill and said, "Good to see you finally up and about Simon."
The young man with black and white said, "Can the pleasantries Wright-Dono, I am here because a girl named Maya Fey requested it."
Trucy's eyes widened and she whispered, "Maya? Is she really coming? I haven't seen her in two years."
Apollo and Athena looked at each other, then back to Phoenix for an explanation."
Phoenix went over to his desk and pulled out a picture from the drawer. He stared at the picture inside the frame and said, "Long before I met you Apollo, there was a girl who worked in this very office. She was my assistant and her name is Maya Fey."
Apollo asked, "What happened to her?"
Phoenix said, "Happened you ask? Nothing really happened to her per-say, but she had to return to her village. You will understand when you meet her precisely what she is."
Athena blinked in confusion then looked over to Simon who shrugged his shoulders.
Apollo said, "Wait a minute Fey? Why does that name ring a bell in my head." He placed a finger on his forehead and began to think. He then gasped, "Wait a minute, that isn't the same Fey that was involved in the DL-6 incident is it?"
Phoenix looked up at his protege and said, "That's correct Apollo. Misty Fey was the person that the police asked to investigate the DL-6 case, twenty six years ago. It was a false conviction and she disappeared from sight. Her daughters Mia and Maya Fey were left behind. The reason behind this was because someone leaked the information to the press. Mia left her village and took the bar exam and became a lawyer to track down the man responsible for ruining her mother. She was my mentor and a good friend. Maya became my assistant after her sister was killed in this very office. I had to prove her innocence in court and she and I became inseparable."
Athena asked, "If you two are so close, where is she now?"
Phoenix said, "Why don't I let Pearls and Maya fill you in on that one." He began to brew a cup of black coffee. He hadn't used to enjoy it, but he had developed a taste for it nine years ago and never really stopped having one cup every morning.
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Meanwhile...
A woman with long black hair was sitting on a train. She growled out in frustration, "Darn it, why do these stupid things take so long? I am bored Pearly!"
A young woman with brown hair said, "Now now, Mystic Maya, you know better than to get all excitable."
Maya turned to the younger woman with brown hair. The girl's name was Pearl, but her friends called her Pearls or Pearly. She hadn't changed her hairstyle much in over a decade. The hair style was tied almost like a bow behind her head and the rest of her hair fell down to her shoulders, tied in a ponytail. She said, "I know, but I haven't seen him in two years Pearly."
Pearl held her hands to her face, hiding a cute blush and said, "I know, I just saw him a few weeks ago and helped them all through a terrible case."
Maya smiled and rubbed the younger woman's head softly and said, "I know, thank you for that."
Pearl grinned and said, "You helped too Maya, if you hadn't written that letter, the trial wouldn't have even happened."
Maya laughed and said ,"Well when we get there, I will treat everyone."
Pearl smirked and said, "Your second stomach is rumbling for hamburgers isn't it Maya?"
Maya flushed for a moment and said, "What? I can't help it if I can eat as much as I want and not gain an ounce."
Pearl pouted and said, "Lucky girl." She looked forward then said, "Isn't that Franziska up ahead?"
Maya frowned for a moment, remembering the case from ten years ago when she was accused of murder. She stood up and walked over to her, "Franziska, are you ever going to apologize to me?"
The woman glanced up and said, "Well if it isn't the spirit medium from ten years ago. I doubt I will ever apologize to you. I did my job, nothing more, nothing less."
Maya glared and said, "You put Nick and I through hell you know!"
She laughed for a moment and said, "That much is true. Still, I won't apologize for doing my job. Miles Edgeworth told me to come to the Anything Agency, apparently there are some people he wants me to meet."
Maya gasped and said, "That's where Pearl and I are going. I wonder why Mr. Edgeworth wants us all the gather."
Franziska said, "Apparently he wants us to go to an event that is happening later tonight."
The train began to slow and Maya sighed, "Finally! It's about time, jeez this thing takes so long."
Franziska whispered, "Eager to meet Phoenix Wright are we?"
Maya said, "That, dear prosecutor, is none of your business." She turned on her heel and gathered her luggage and said, "Come along Pearly, we're leaving."
Pearl said, "But Mystic Maya...I wanted to travel with her as well, we're going to the same place."
Maya said, "Don't argue with me Pearly, you are still seventeen and under my care."
Pearl nodded sadly and said, "See you when we arrive."
Franziska said, "How do you plan to arrive at his office? Were you planning on walking?"
Maya froze and said, "You know, I never thought of that, I guess we can always take a taxi."
Franziska said, "I won't apologize, but I can at least do something to help." She pulled out her phone and made a call. She said, "That's right, you know where to meet us. Don't you dare be late Scruffy or you will regret it." She hung up the phone and smiled before she said, "My boyfriend will be here shortly."
Pearl nearly tripped on her luggage and said, "You're dating Mr. Gumshoe? Really?"
Franziska said, "You could say that, he may have been annoying, but he is always reliable in a pinch. I fell for him when he saved me from being shot again."
Maya said, "Well isn't that sweet. I never would have thought you'd have ended up with him. I always thought you were after Mr. Edgeworth."
Franziska started laughing and then shook her head and said, "He is married to his work...or that's what I'd like to say."
Maya blinked and asked, "What do you mean?'
The prosecutor smirked and said, "He is actually in a relationship with Lana Skye."
Pearl asked, "Who is she?'
Franziska said, "Ask Phoenix Wright when you see him, let's go." She shouldered her whip and pulled her bag ahead of her and stepped out in the waiting area.
A man in a brown trench-coat came up to them and said ,"Sorry I'm late pals, I had to get my extra coat."
Franziska asked, "What happened to the new green one I bought you?'
He rubbed the back of his head then said, "It's embarrassing to admit, but it disappeared from my house. It is strange, I never misplace that coat."
He opened the door to his sedan and said, "Everyone in, we're going to see Mr. Wright, you wouldn't believe some of the crazy things he has been a part of the past few years."
The girls got in and Gumshoe floored it. He drove through the streets and stopped at a cafe then said, "Hang on a minute, I have to pick up a few things." He parked and got out to get coffee for the entire group. He didn't buy the actual drinks though, he paid for a large bag of beans and a grinder as well as a coffee maker. He got into the car and stopped by a flower shop next and picked up some things there as well.
Finally they arrived and he said, "Everyone go in, I will meet you inside in a few minutes."
The girls got out and Maya took off like a rocket towards the agency doors. She threw the door open and shouted, "Nick, where ARE you!"
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While all of this was happening, the group were going over their last case, one of the biggest undertakings the office had ever went through. The only thing that came close was the clearing of the SL-9 and the DL-6 incidents. Phoenix went over some of the photos and saw Athena was looking at a picture quite intently.
Apollo sat down next to Athena and said, "I don't need to have your special hearing to know you are still upset by that case."
Athena wiped her eyes and said, "I know, I am glad it is all over, but still, I can't help but feel it isn't truly finished. Something was left unsolved."
Phoenix asked, "What are you talking about Athena? We solved that case fairly well."
Athena shook her head and said, "I don't know Boss, I just get a funny feeling that it that case isn't fully over yet. Sure we put away my mother's true killer, but who was he really? Do you know Simon?"
Blackquill shook his head and said, "Even with Mr. Edgeworth's connections, we still couldn't figure out who the man was. He also isn't talking at all. We even called in an expert."
Athena asked, "Who might that be?"
Phoenix said, "That person could only be the Cough Up Queen."
Apollo spat out his tea and said, "C-Cough up? Excuse me?"
Trucy laughed and said, "Apollo, you are so silly! The Cough Up Queen is Angel Starr. She was a very good detective back when Mia Fey was a defense attorney right in this very office."
Blackquill said, "According to rumors, her blades are quite sharp indeed. Even Mr. Edgeworth is afraid to go toe to toe with her in a fight."
Apollo stared at him and said, "I keep telling you Blackquill, this isn't a samurai flick."
They jumped as the door to the office flew opened and a girl's voice cut through the office, "Nick where ARE you!"
Phoenix stood up and saw Maya standing in the doorway. He shook slightly on the spot as he hadn't realized just much he missed having her around. He strode over to her and held her in a hug.
Maya smiled and relaxed into the hug for a moment before another female cleared her throat.
Phoenix took a step back and saw that Pearl was there as well and gave her a hug too. He said, "I missed you two, I knew you were coming, but I am always happy to have you around."
Pearl grinned and said, "Mystic Maya wouldn't stop talking about seeing you Mr. Nick! You sure you're not her special someone?"
Phoenix turned red and said, "You know we have discussed that over a hundred times Pearls."
Pearl laughed for a moment then said, "I know, I just love to tease you two."
Athena groaned and said, "Boss, are you going to introduce us or stand there like a statue?"
Phoenix said, "Considering what happened at Themis Academy, that isn't a funny joke Athena."
Athena rolled her eyes and said, "I apologized to you enough times about re-creating your bust in pink, we couldn't find blue."
Phoenix said, "You couldn't pick any other color?"
Apollo said, "It was the only cloth around the law offices, I blame the Judge."
A third woman walked into the office and said, "You never change much, do you Phoenix Wright?"
Phoenix froze for a moment before he went over to her and rubbed the top of her head and said, "Neither do you Franziska. Are you well?"
She said, "As well as can be expected. Scruffy is coming in shortly. Why I was asked to come in, I don't know."
Phoenix said, "You know, I never really apologized for getting your father locked away."
Franziska scoffed and said, "My father was a foolish fool. He committed a very serious crime and tried to pin the blame on someone else just before the statute of limitations was expired. Had he just left it alone, he'd have gotten away with it. As far as I am concerned, he got what was coming to him."
Apollo said, "Well Mr. Wright? You going to introduce us to these people, or do I have to figure it out for myself?"
Phoenix laughed and said, "I guess I really should explain. Apollo, Athena, this is Maya Fey." He placed his hand on Maya's head and said, "She is one of my oldest and dearest friends. She joined this office when she was Trucy's age now, eleven years ago to be precise. Her sister is the one who taught me what it truly meant to be a Lawyer. Unfortunately, she passed away just before Maya joined the office. You already know Pearls, her cousin. This other woman is Franziska von Karma. She is the daughter to the legendary Manfred von Karma, a man who never lost a case in forty years, until the time he went up against me in court. It was then that I not only defeated him in court, but exposed his past to the world and got him sent away. Apparently they still have him use his skills even to this day."
Franziska said, "Well he's an old man now, I actually pulled some strings and he is no longer in jail. He is under the watchful eye of myself and Chief Detective Gumshoe."
Phoenix smiled and said, "As cruel a man as he is, I am glad he will at least spend the few remaining years of his life with his family." He turned to them and said, "Maya, Franziska, I'd like you to meet Apollo Justice, my understudy and a brilliant Lawyer."
Franziska nodded and asked, "Who is the girl in the strange outfit?'
Trucy glared and said, "It is NOT a strange outfit. I will have you know this is a genuine magical artifact from my birth family's treasury."
Phoenix laughed for a moment and said, "She is my daughter. I adopted her eight years ago, kind of how I unofficially adopted Pearls here. Finally we have the newest member of the agency, Athena Cykes. She steadfast and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth."
Athena grinned and said, "No matter what anyone says, I will prove that emotions can be just as valid as evidence in a court of law. After all, it is how I helped Boss expose the Phantom who had killed my mother."
Franziska blinked and then took a step back, "She is THAT Athena? I have heard of her, she helped put away a number of criminals through an unorthodox method."
Phoenix took a look at Pearl for a moment then said, "Would you excuse me for a moment? I need to speak to Pearls alone." He took the girl's hand and ignored Athena's comment from behind him.
Athena called after him, "Keep the door open you two!"
Phoenix entered the side room and showed her a picture, "I want you to channel this woman."
Pearl took a look and said, "I know who this is, give me five minutes to prepare."
Phoenix smiled then re-entered the main room. He said, "Simon, Athena, you two may want to sit down. I should probably explain a bit more about Pearls and Maya. They are of a very special family after all. The Fey clan has a very unique gift, much like you two have. It is from them that I got my Megatama and the ability to see directly into a person's soul."
Apollo's jaw dropped and he said, "Y-you got it from them? I know Pearls charged it up, but I had no idea that was what it did. Isn't it dangerous?"
Phoenix said, "It can be deadly Apollo. Do you remember during the Clay Terran case when we had to find out the truth about seven years ago? Well if I had pushed Athena too hard and forced her mind to open, it would have permanently caused damage to her soul. She would have been a broken woman. She was the one who broke something called a Black Psyche Lock. It is the same as red ones save it is a secret that even the very person does not know it is there. It is wrapped directly around the mind and heart of the person. If they are ripped by force..."
Athena whispered, "A secret of that magnitude must be discovered by the person involved, or else it would emotionally shatter them forever. I had those?"
Phoenix said, "Five of them to be precise. It meant that your mind sealed that memory of the Phantom from you to protect you. If you hadn't recalled it yourself and I had forced the existence of the man through the video recording prior, you wouldn't be yourself anymore Athena. That is one power of the Fey Clan. This is why I am the only one connected with the family to have a Megatama that has been infused with Pearl's power. Pearl doesn't trust anyone else with it, not even you Maya."
Maya said, "There's a reason why Pearly is my closest friend in the clan. She is far more clever than her innocent appearance would lead you to believe."
Apollo said, "Wait, if these two are spirit mediums, what does that really entail?"
Phoenix smiled and said, "You will see very shortly Apollo."
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About ten minutes later...
A woman walked out from the back room. She was dressed exactly like Pearl, but it was definitely not her.
Athena looked over and she froze almost in shock. She whispered, "It can't be, you're dead!"
The woman smiled and said, "I guess it has been a long time little Athena. You've grown into a beautiful young woman."
Athena whispered, "Mom? But, how?"
Maya smiled and said, "I guess you could say it is a gift from Phoenix to you Athena. You see Pearl and I have the ability to channel the spirit of the deceased into our very bodies. That is the second gift to the Fey clan."
Athena said, "So that's really my mother?"
Phoenix said, "Indeed, Pearls has channeled your mother's spirit into her body so the three of you could have some words from beyond the grave."
Metis (in Pearl's body) walked over and held Athena in a close hug. She whispered, "I am so happy right now. Not only did you overcome your fears, but you saved Simon as well."
Blackquill looked at her then he took her hand and kissed the back of it and said, "I am sorry Metis, I was unable to arrive in time to save you."
Metis smiled and said, "It is alright Simon. Granted, I wish I were still alive to spend time and be with my daughter and you, but the fact that you looked out for her even at the risk of your own future means everything to me. This isn't just a social visit though."
Phoenix said, "I confess, I had Pearl channel her a few days ago before she returned to her village to pick up Maya. There was something still bothering me about the case."
Metis said, "The Phantom was not working alone. There are more of them out there and they are just as dangerous as he was. Athena my dear, I really want you to be careful most of all. You see, our family line is extremely dangerous to the Phantoms and other spies. We have the ability to detect emotions in people's tones and words. In otherwords..."
Apollo finished, "They will stop at nothing to eliminate Athena or to at least get her no longer able to help detect them."
Metis turned to Apollo and said, "A wise one you are, aren't you Apollo?"
Apollo frowned then asked, "How do you know who I am?"
Metis laughed and said, "You really have grown into a handsome young man. I guess it would slip your mind wouldn't it? Remember how you and Clay always used to spend time at the lab when you weren't spending time with Solomon? Maybe you have forgotten it in the years, but you and Athena played together when she was a little girl."
Athena gasped and said, "I remember that now, I dragged the two of you to play house. Of course Ponco was there and joined in."
Apollo thought back and then said, "Now that you mention it, I kind of do remember that."
Metis smiled and said, "I cannot stay too much longer, it taxes Pearl's body to hold my form for too long, but I promise you that this is not the last time we shall speak. Apollo, Simon, Phoenix, I trust you to help Athena." She closed her eyes and knelt in front of them.
Athena went over to her and took her hand and whispered, "Mom? Are you going back now?"
Metis softly said, "That's right Athena, I have to. I love you so much. I am glad you kept the earring all these years, in the Space Center, speak to Yuri. He has the matching earring. I left a letter in the control center with the earring two days before the launch. I wanted there to be a backup in case you lost yours." She looked up and shook slightly on the spot.
Phoenix said, "You'd best let Pearls come back Metis, we shall speak another time."
Metis nodded and her body began to change until it reverted to Pearl's form. She opened her eyes and it was Pearl in front of them.
Pearl smiled and said, "I hope that was a nice gift for you, Phoenix arranged it a few days ago with Metis and I."
Athena hugged Phoenix sand said ,"Boss, you're the best, thanks!"
Phoenix flushed slightly and said, "You're more than welcome Athena."
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The door to the office opened shortly after that. Simon bowed to the man who walked in, but said nothing. The man stopped in front of Phoenix and said, "I have tickets to an event that starts at six in the evening tonight for everyone. It is an opera."
Phoenix said, "I take it you want us to go isn't that right Edgeworth?"
Edgeworth smiled and said, "Quick on the uptake as usual Mr. Wright. We are all going, it has been a long time since Maya has been in town, same with Franziska."
Franziska scoffed and said, "Speak for yourself Miles Edgeworth, I come into town fairly often to see Scruffy over there."
Edgeworth tipped his glasses back closer to his forehead and said, "I suppose that is true isn't it? Guess you caught me in a contradiction for once."
Franziska glared and said, "Don't you patronize me Miles!"
Edgeworth said, "I will see you tonight at the Opera, I have to look into a few things, namely the crew of the Opera. Oh and Mr. Wright, I invited Ema and Lana Skye to join us."
Phoenix chuckled and said, "Apollo will love that."
Apollo glared and said, "Speak for yourself, she always drives me crazy!"
The group began to laugh ad Apollo's frustration, then after Edgeworth had left, Maya spoke up, "Well, I think we are all hungry, I want to go to the regular burger joint. It is my treat, I am so happy to be back!" She took Phoenix's hand and said, "Come on Nick, we have so much to catch up on!" She dragged him out of the office, much to his cries of protest.
Athena blinked then said, "Guess she has him wrapped around her finger pretty tight."
Pearl laughed and said, "I still think Mystic Maya has a thing for Mr. Nick."
Athena grinned and said, "You might be right on that one." She moved close and hugged Pearl and whispered, "Thank you, I never actually did say that. You granted me a chance to speak to my mother, I haven't talked to her in seven years."
Pearl hugged her back and whispered, "Kind of hard when the other person is dead. Maya knows precisely what you're going through. Her mother and sister are both gone. Phoenix and I are the closest thing to family she has left."
Trucy placed her hands on her hips and said, "What about me Pearls huh? What am I, chopped liver?"
Pearl flushed and said, "You know what I meant Trucy!"
Trucy grinned and said, "I forgive you, you've been like an older sister to me ever since you started visiting Daddy again."
Apollo said, "Let's go everyone, we don't want to keep those two waiting. From what Pearls here has told me, Maya can get quite impatient."
Franziska said, "That's stating the obvious demon boy."
Apollo glared and said, "No wonder Mr. Wright has trouble handling you."
Gumshoe said, "Enough pals, let's get going. I have called for cars for everyone."
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Phoenix and Maya had already arrived at their usual burger joint. Maya raced up to the counter and the cook saw her and laughed.
Maya grinned and said, "You know what I'm here for old man."
Phoenix thought, "Old man? Dear lord, is she trying to pick a fight?"
The man laughed in amusement and called, "I'll be with you in a second little lady, just let me finish garnishing this steak." He sliced a lemon then used the skin to zest some onto the steak and slid the plate down the line and called up, "Steak, order up!" He washed his hands then went out and gave Maya a hug. He said, "It has been two years you silly girl where have you been?"
Maya yawned and said, "Oh here and there, where are my burgers?"
The man rubbed the top of her head and said ,"Mr. Wright gave me a call to warn me you'd be coming, they are being made by my sous chef right now."
Maya pouted and said, "I wanted them made by you."
He smiled and said, "Now Maya, you know I have to cook for more than just you."
Maya pouted some more then sat down at a table to wait for her meal.
Phoenix said, "I'm sorry about her, she's new to being in town."
Maya called, "Who is new to being here Nick?"
Phoenix swallowed hard and said, "N-No one Maya, no one at all!"
The chef laughed and said, "You two haven't changed at all. You still make me laugh every time you come in here. The meal for Maya is on the house, you on the other hand I will charge."
Phoenix groaned and ordered a burger for himself. He also ordered a meal for each of the people arriving just as their cars pulled up.
The door opened and Dick Gumshoe, Franziska, Pearl, Apollo, Athena and Simon Blackquil walked in. The group sat down next to near Maya and Phoenix. Trucy came in last by appearing next to them and sat down next to Apollo and stared at Athena as if saying, "Got a problem with em sitting next to him?"
Athena glared right back as if to say, "Dman right I do girl!"
Apollo nudged Athena and jerked his head in their direction. He was trying to cut out their stares before Phoenix noticed.
Maya stared at Phoenix and said, "I really missed you Nick. You're really a great guy."
Phoenix coughed on his coffee and said ,"I missed you too Maya, but where did that come from?"
Maya said, "I don't know, I just know that you've been on my mind a lot lately. I miss our cases together."
Phoenix grinned and asked, "Did you tell Pearls about the time you were a waitress?"
Maya flushed and said, "Don't talk about that, it was embarrassing."
Athena grinned and said, "Really? You were in a waitress outfit? I bet you looked great in it."
Maya turned even more red and said, "W-well I g-guess so. I never really thought of wearing outfits like that before I met that chef."
Phoenix said, "Well you certainly caught me off guard wearing it."
Pearl said, "Here comes the food everyone." The sous chef brought out the burgers and fries for everyone.
Maya grinned and said, "Thank god, I'm starving!"
Phoenix said, "What, your meal before you left home wasn't enough? I'm guessing you have another stomach ready just for the burgers alone."
Maya's grin lit up the room and said, "You know it."
Blackquill took a bite of his burger and his eyes widened. He chewed and swallowed then said, "I haven't had a meal this good in years."
Athena softly said, "I guess they don't give you good food in prison."
He turned to her and said, "You definitely have that right Cykes-Dono."
Athena said, "Call me Athena, I've told you that before."
Franziska said, "I have to admit, Miss Fey really did a good choice in picking this place."
Maya said, "It was the place my sister ate for years before she died. It holds a special place in my heart."
Apollo smiled and said, "Well it is definitely a nice place."
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It took them about an hour to eat their meals, then they had to wait for Maya who had ordered three burgers and a couple of plates of fries.
Athena was still watching her in horror and thought, "Where does she put all that food away? If she eats like that regularly, she should be no longer a slim girl."
Pearl smiled and said, "Mystic Maya never gains an ounce, no matter how much she eats. I'm jealous of that."
Athena growled and said, "Lucky! I wish I could pull that off."
Apollo said, "What are you two girls talking about? You two look like you could gain a few pounds, never-mind actually have to lose weight."
Athena sighed and said, "You just don't understand women Apollo."
Apollo glared and said, "Oh really now? I don't do I? Who was the one who let you cry on his shoulder after the Phantom case huh Athena?"
Athena blushed and said, "W-well that was you but..."
Apollo continued, "And who was the one who always has his door open for you if you ever need someone to talk to."
Athena said, "Alright I get it, I take it back already, sheesh!"
Apollo grinned and said, "That's better."
Maya finished the last of her meal and wiped her mouth then paid for everyone's meal and said, "Let's go, it is almost six and I don't want to miss the opening act."
Phoenix looked at his watch and said, "What the, is it really five thirty? We have to go now!"
Franziska scoffed and said ,"It's a good thing I planned for Miss Fey taking forever to eat. I already have the cars ready to go." She held out her whip and said ,"We done here or do I have to start getting angry?" She cracked the whip on the table as if to prove her point.
Gumshoe quickly took her by the hand away so that she wouldn't go on a rampage while the others filed out to the cars. He said, "Now Franziska, what have I told you about threatening people pal."
She glared and said, "You know how I am Dick, I won't change that about myself."
He smiled and drew her into a hug and whispered, "I don't want you to change pal, I just don't want you to do that in public. I don't want to see you arrested for threats of violence."
Franziska sighed and said, "Yeah I know, still..."
Phoenix laughed behind them and said, "You never change Franziska, do you?"
Maya glowered and said, "How dare you say I'm a slow eater? I was finished my firsts in half the time it took everyone else to eat."
Phoenix placed a hand on Maya's shoulder and said, "It is fine Maya, its just how she is."
Maya shook her head and said, "Lets get going, if I miss the opening act, I will not be happy."
Pearl said, "Then let's move out already, Trucy is already waiting in the car."
Apollo asked, "How did she do that?"
Trucy stuck her head out the window and said, "Magic, how else dear Apollo!" She stuck her tongue out teasingly.
Apollo groaned and said, "I will never understand that girl."
The group got into the cars, with Apollo between Trucy and Athena in the back of one, Phoenix and Maya were in the car.
Gumshoe, Franziska and Pearl were in the second car with Blackquill.
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They arrived at 6:05 to find that Edgeworth was standing there with Ema and Lana. The three did not look pleased that the group was late. Edgeworth said, "You're late Wright."
Phoenix said, "Sorry, we had some complications."
Franziska said, "Why don't you just admit that Miss Fey held us up."
Maya glared and said, "Ooh that's it, let me at her Nick!"
Phoenix held her back and said, "No Maya, this is hardly the time or place for you two to argue out your details, we are late as it is. Let's just get inside."
Maya huffed and said, "Fine, but one of these days Franziska I will outdo you, then rub your nose right in it." She stalked into the Opera house.
Pearl sighed and said, "Mystic Maya, come on calm down already." She ran after Maya much to Phoenix's dismay.
He groaned and said, "Those two never change." Everyone filed in and sat down to watch the Opera.
As the curtain opened, Athena gasped and shrank in her seat.
Apollo asked, "What is it Athena?"
Athena whispered, "That man, he was at the space center frequently. He tried to date my mother and ridiculed me on every chance he got. I hate him Apollo!"
Apollo put an arm around Athena comfortingly and Trucy glared for a moment then settled for resting her head on Apollo's shoulder. She had always been bored by Operas, much like Phoenix.
As they watched the rendition of Phantom of the Opera, even Phoenix noticed how uncomfortable Athena was. He whispered, "I think I'm going to take Athena out for a while. I am bored out of my mind by the Opera anyways, and..."
Maya finished, "You want to try to help her relax with a drink or something right?"
Phoenix nodded and whispered, "She is very uncomfortable being here, I can tell." He took Athena's hand and slipped out of the Opera.
The man on stage saw Athena leaving and continued his performance, but his eyes never left Athena's back. He remembered her very well after all.
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Athena shook slightly as they stood in the parking lot. She said, "That man, he was horrible to me when I was a child Boss. I didn't trust him then and I hate him for what he put me through."
Phoenix asked, "What exactly did he do to you Athena?"
Athena shook and said, "N-nothing at all."
Phoenix saw chains appear in front of her and five red psyche locks appear. He knew it was something bad if she was hiding it from him, but he didn't have the evidence to attempt to break those locks yet. He instead said, "Come on, lets get a drink Athena."
Athena said, "But I'm only eighteen Boss."
Phoenix said, "I didn't say we were going to a bar Athena, I'm picking up some beers and we will drink them back at the office. Only one for you though, alright?"
Athena nodded as he took her hand and walked with her to the liquor store. He had her wait outside while he purchased a twelve pack. He had been meaning to stock up the office anyways so that guests could have a single beer if they needed to relax before telling him about a case. This seemed as good a time as any. When he came out, he found two guys near Athena. One said, "Now what is a beautiful young thing such as you doing out here alone."
Phoenix cleared his throat and said, "What do you think you are doing to my partner?"
The men stared at him then paled. One said, "It's Phoenix Wright, lets get out of here!" They took off running as fast as they could go.
Phoenix said, "You alright Athena?"
Athena nodded and said, "I guess seeing him made me a little weaker inside."
Phoenix sighed and walked with her back to the office. He handed her a beer and took one for himself, then put the other ten in the mini fridge. The two cracked them and each took a sip.
Athena made a face as she had that sip and said, "Ugh, it doesn't taste very good does it?"
Phoenix laughed and said, "It is an acquired taste Athena."
Athena took another sip and said, "I don't even know where to begin."
Phoenix said, "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to Athena, but I have a pretty good idea what he might have done to you. You have five psyche locks on you when I asked you about it."
Athena's eyes widened and then she sighed then said, "I guess you would know I'm hiding things from you, wouldn't you soul watcher Boss."
Phoenix sat down on the couch and had Athena sit next to him. The younger woman took another sip of her beer and looked at him.
Athena whispered, "Boss, you helped save Simon and myself from hating ourselves for what happened to my mother. You even granted me a chance to talk to her after death. The least I can tell you is what happened back then.
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Flashback begins...
An eleven year old girl raced into her mother's study. She saw a man and her mother break apart, both of them were flushed. She was gripping a piece of paper tightly and asked, "What were you two doing?"
Metis said, "Nothing sweetie, what is it?"
Athena said, "I just wanted to show you a picture, why is HE here?"
The man said, "I'm here to spend time with your mother, why else?"
Metis said, "Now Edgar, I don't want you to be mean to Athena."
Edgar said, "I'm sorry Metis, she and I just haven't gotten along since the first time we met."
Athena shouted, "That's because you were mean to me about my special hearing!" She stuck her tongue out and ran into her room where Ponco was waiting for her. She hugged the robot and said, "My mommy is spending time with him again."
Ponco said, "That makes Mommy Metis happy, we can't do anything about it."
Athena sobbed and said, "I hate him so much."
A knock came at the door and Metis asked, "May I come in Athena?"
Athena sniffled then wiped her eyes to make herself more presentable and said, "Sure Mom, come in."
Metis entered and Athena could see Edgar behind her. She asked, "What is it?"
Athena glared at Edgar and said, "I don't like him, I want him to leave!"
Edgar said, "I'm not going anywhere Athena. You had best get used to it!"
Metis said, "Edgar, dear would you give us a moment alone?"
Edgar said, "I'll be in the lab Metis." He turned and left.
Athena sniffed sadly and said ,"He said that my special hearing was a curse. I don't like him mom."
Metis said, "Now Athena, it has been a long time since I have been happy with a man, you don't want to get in the way of that do you?"
Athena said, "No but, I don't want him around. I don't trust him mom."
Metis said, "Athena, it will be okay. I am keeping an eye on him as well, I really like him, but I am no fool. I promise you nothing bad will happen."
Athena groaned and hugged Ponco to her and said, "Why is it that robots are the only ones that don't ever hurt me."
Metis sighed and said, "Ponco, could you watch over Athena for tonight?"
Ponco said, "I will be happy to." She spun happily and said, "If it makes you happy Mommy I will do anything."
Metis smiled and kissed Athena on the forehead, then returned to the lab.
Flashback ends...
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Athena wiped her eyes as she polished off the can and said, "One week later, the Phantom killed my mother and I blacked out the memory of seeing him. My heart closed off and I shut myself off from the world for a number of years. I went to Europe to distance myself from everyone and everything I had ever known. I guess you could say I tried to run from my past."
Phoenix said, "Running from your past never works, is that all that happened between the two of you?" He saw that the red psyche locks were still in place.
Athena said, "I'm sorry, I can't say more than that. Needless to say, I hate that man." She sighed then looked up at him and asked, "Boss, is it wrong for me to hate him?"
Phoenix said, "I don't know Athena, but whatever secret you are guarding, it must be big or there wouldn't still be five psyche locks on you."
Athena then saw something on the table. She picked it up and opened the envelope. She saw that her name was at the top, written in red.
Phoenix asked, "What is it Athena?"
Athena said, "I don't know yet, let me have a read first." She pulled it out and read it to herself then slipped it back into the envelope and said, "Nothing too important, just my cell phone bill."
Phoenix asked, "You sure? You went a little pale for a moment there."
Athena smiled and said, "It is just higher than I thought it was."
Phoenix blinked as he saw a single red psyche lock appear but figured it was just a private matter so he left it alone.
Athena asked, "May I go take a shower?"
Phoenix said, "Go ahead, you know where the shower is."
She nodded and went into the bathroom. She slipped the envelope into her dress pocket and hung the dress up then began to strip to have her shower.
Phoenix began to pace the office and thought to himself. He knew that her secret was big involving this guy, but he had no proof to affirm his suspicions. The only way he'd get proof is from Athena herself. He heard the water start up and heard her yelp. Phoenix raced over to the door and called, "Athena are you okay?"
Athena cried out, "I can't see, soap got in my eyes, Boss help!"
Phoenix said, "But...you're naked in there."
Athena shouted, "Just get in here, I don't care right now!"
Phoenix sighed and opened the door and entered. He picked up a towel and said, "Athena, I'm going to open the shower."
Athena growled, "Just do it already, my eyes are hurting so badly!"
Phoenix opened the shower door and handed her the towel then moved away but her hand shot out and caught his.
She said, "I don't want you to stand there, but stay in here, I would feel safer with you watching the door for me."
Phoenix said, "But Athena I don't think..."
Athena cut him off, "Look I already got soap in my eyes and I still am feeling shaken from that bastard Edgar, please Boss?"
Phoenix sighed and closed the door and locked it before he closed the toilet seat lid and sat down to wait for Athena. He hadn't imagined this would ever happen, that he'd be in the bathroom with his female subordinate taking a shower like this, but here he was.
Athena was in the process of cleaning herself and thought, "So now what do I do about him. I don't trust Edgar around me." She said, "Boss, I admit it, I'm scared of him. I don't want to be alone right now."
Phoenix said, "I am NOT climbing into that shower with you Athena! I draw the line there!"
Athena quickly said, "I didn't mean that. I just want to stay in the office with you or Apollo tonight."
Phoenix said, "I am not going anywhere Athena, don't worry."
Athena turned off the water and got out of the shower and picked up a towel to dry off. She saw to her slight amusement that Phoenix had his face turned away. She said, "Its fine Boss, I don't mind. I trust you would never hurt me."
Phoenix looked at her and saw she had the towel around her body. He said, "I'll just step out of the bathroom while you dry off and change." As he went by, her hand caught his again. He said, "You really want me to stay Athena?"
Athena said, "Yes, I don't want to be alone, what part of that didn't you understand Boss?"
Phoenix waited while she finished drying off and changed into her clothes. The two stepped out to find that Maya and Apollo were in the office.
Maya asked, "Um, should I ask what was going on in there?"
Athena said, "It isn't what you're thinking Maya." She took Maya's hand and brought her aside to explain the whole thing.
Apollo said, "Well, I never would have thought you'd have it in you Mr. Wright."
Phoenix gaped then said, "Nothing happened! She's two years older than my daughter Apollo!"
Apollo grinned and said, "So? She's a beautiful young woman right?"
Phoenix said, "Yes she is, but I wouldn't take advantage of her, you know that."
Apollo chuckled and said, "I know, I am just teasing you."
Phoenix rubbed the top of Apollo's head and said, "You really are a mischievous one aren't you?"
Apollo moved away and said, "Hey I just got my hair the way I like it, don't do that!"
Maya came back and said, "Athena explained the whole thing to me, sorry for being suspicious Nick."
Phoenix said, "I understand why you are, I mean Athena is attractive."
Athena blushed and said, "Oh come on, I am not Boss and you know it."
Apollo said, "If you aren't, then who is?"
Athena had nothing really to say to that, but she saw Phoenix whispering something to Maya. He then took Apollo out of the room.
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Phoenix stood by the window with Apollo. He said, "We shall watch from here, I want to see if Maya can break those Psyche Locks. If she does, we will go in and talk to them both."
Apollo nodded and turned to watch.
Maya sat down on the couch and said, "Come here Athena, I think we should have a talk."
Athena said, "If you're going to try and tell me about the birds and the bees, I already know about that."
Maya frowned then said, "That's not what I wanted to talk to you about."
Athena sat down next to her then asked, "Then what is it about?"
Maya said, "Your Psyche Locks and what you are hiding from Nick."
Athena asked, "How in the world did you know?"
Maya said, "I've known Nick for a very long time. I just need to look at his eyes to know if he's seen them or not. He saw a large number on you and you haven't told him what it is about, despite him being stuck in a bathroom with you naked and all."
Athena flushed, "W-well I was afraid to be alone so I kinda asked him to stay in there while I finished showering."
Maya said, "Don't worry, I understand completely. Nick has that effect on people. He is a calming person."
Athena said, "You like him, don't you."
Maya quickly said, "That isn't what we are talking about, what happened in the past that you are hiding, you will tell me Athena."
Athena swallowed hard and moved slightly away and said, "Maya, I can't. Its too personal."
Maya asked, "Did he force himself on you?"
Athena winced and Phoenix saw from the window outside that one psyche lock had shattered, then a second one shattered as well.
Athena said, "I don't know what you're talking about Maya, he never did that to me. Even if he did, I hardly see how it is anyone's business but my own."
Maya said, "But Athena, we are all worried about you. Nick took you out of the opera shortly after seeing that man on stage. You were shaking like a leaf in your seat. That could only happen if someone had caused some sort of trauma to you."
A third lock shattered and Athena said, "I don't know alright? I can't even remember details too well from before my mother's death."
Maya said, "There's more isn't there, come on Athena talk to me. Or would you rather we talk with Apollo."
Athena shivered and a forth lock shattered. She cried out, "No, not that! Anything but that! Please don't let him find out what happened."
Apollo outside saw Athena struggling and wanted to go in to help her, but Phoenix held his shoulder and shook his head. Apollo asked, "Why not?"
Phoenix said, "Trust in Maya, she knows what she is doing."
Maya said, "Athena, I have heard a lot about Apollo from Pearly. He would never judge you for anything in your past. Please, talk to me."
Athena shook on the couch then started to cry as the fifth psyche lock broke.
Phoenix said, "They are broken, go in now Apollo, she will need us." He knew that Trucy was having a late snack with Edgeworth and the others.
The door opened and Apollo ran up to her and pulled her into a hug. Phoenix sat down on Maya's other side.
Athena sobbed against Apollo and said, "It wasn't just what he did to me, its the fact that a week after his last visit to my mother, she died at the hands of the Phantom. Ever since we found out about my mother's true killer, I keep thinking people around me are Phantoms. I don't know who to trust anymore Apollo. It scares me to no end."
Apollo rubbed her back and said, "It is alright, you know that Phoenix the rest of us are not Phantoms, so there is nothing to fear."
Athena shuddered and felt a feminine hand on her cheek wiping away her tears. She turned and saw that Maya was looking right into her eyes.
Maya whispered, "That man did something perverse to you when you were a child, didn't he."
Athena nodded and held her left arm.
Phoenix recognized that pose and said, "Maya, that pose is one she takes when she is deeply troubled. Athena, why your left arm?"
Athena said, "He tried to sleep with me when I was eleven years old. When I fought back, he broke my left arm."
Apollo clenched his fist and said, "He tried to force himself on an eleven year old girl? That's sick!"
Phoenix said, "Athena, what else happened?"
Athena thought for a moment then said, "A few days before my mother was murdered, I remember hearing about the impending launch. I saw him hanging around the space center. I stayed away from him as much as possible, but I saw him on a cell phone making a call. I didn't think too much of it back then, but maybe it is connected to my mother's murder. Maybe that's what she was talking about."
Maya said, "It is possible, now lets get you some coffee and make sure you're feeling better before Pearly and the others get back."
Athena nodded as Maya brought out the coffee beans that Gumshoe had bought earlier.
Maya then spotted the flowers in bouquets. One was for Franziska, but there were four more bouquets. One had Athena's name on it and were her favorite flowers. Maya grinned and showed them to Athena and said, "It would seem the Gumshoe knew you'd need some cheering up, he bought these for you. Mine are here too. There is even one for Trucy." She got out four vases and cut the ends of the flowers and placed them in four different vases. Pearls was a pretty pink vase, Athena's was a yellow vase, hers was a dark purple vase and Trucy's was a light blue vase.
Athena smiled and said, "He really is thoughtful, isn't he?"
Maya smiled and finished preparing the coffee, then poured them all a cup.
As soon as the coffee touched Athena's lips, she started to relax.
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Meanwhile...
Pearl and Trucy were sitting at a diner with Edgeworth, Franziska, Blackquill and Gumshoe. The two had ordered ice cream sundaes and were enjoying them for the most part. This was the case until Trucy slowly lowered her spoon and asked, "I wonder how Athena is doing? She was acting so weird at the Opera."
Pearl said, "Well if I know Athena, she will have bounced back already, besides Mystic Maya, Mr. Nick and Apollo are with her. I'm sure she is fine."
Trucy said, "Maybe, but this wasn't her normal level of upset Pearl. I have only seen her that scared on one occasion."
Edgeworth said, "The previous trial they were all involved in you mean. The one that determined her fate, Simon's fate and that of her mother's killer as well as the Dark Age of the Law."
Blackquill said, "She's a tough girl, she will be fine." He whistled and a hawk landed on his shoulder. He stroked the bird's neck softly and said, "Thank you for all your help Taka, I wouldn't have protected the evidence that took down the Phantom if it weren't for you."
Taka screeched happily then took off and landed on Trucy's shoulder.
She gasped in surprised but was even more surprised when the burd rubbed its head against her cheek as if trying to cheer her up. She slowly raised her hand and petted the bird softly and said, "He's really quite a friendly bird isn't he?"
Blackquill laughed, "Who Taka? He actually won't hurt a soul unless I ordered him to."
Pearl smiled and stroked the bird and said, "He's such a handsome bird isn't he?"
Taka screeched softly and then stared right at Pearl. He flew over in front of her and stared right at her.
Pearl froze and asked, "W-what is he doing?"
Blackquill grinned and said, "Maybe he's imagining what you would taste best like, raw or well done."
Pearl dove under the table and said, "Don't eat me!"
Blackquill chuckled in amusement then whistled. Taka flew back to his shoulder and nuzzled him. He said, "Pearl, you can come out now, I was kidding."
Pearl stuck her head out and said, "Not NICE Mr. Blackquill!"
He smiled then said, "Alright, I'm sorry okay?"
Pearl pouted then got back up to eat the rest of her sundae, only to find that the chocolate was gone. She looked around then saw Trucy looking forward trying hard not to let loose a grin. She glared and said, "Trucy, you stole my chocolate!"
Trucy said, "I call slander, that isn't fair!"
Pearl said, "Give me back my chocolate you little magic thief!" She glared and held onto something around her neck.
Trucy flinched when she started doing that and asked, "That isn't a Megatama is it?"
Pearl smiled and said, "Oh, you know what it is do you? Then you should know what happens when you lie to me Trucy. Now say it again, tell me you don't know what happened to my chocolate. Well?"
Trucy took a step back and said, "I-"
Edgeworth slammed his hand on the table, breaking the two apart and said, "So she took your chocolate, your point is? I can always buy you more Miss Fey, now please stop acting like a child."
Pearl gasped and then hung her head and said, "I'm sorry Trucy."
Trucy grinned and gave her a hug and said, "I'm sorry too, I just wanted to play a prank on you."
Pearl said, "You're getting ideas from Mr. Nick aren't you?"
Trucy said, "Is it that obvious? I thought I tried to make it less so."
Edgeworth sighed and paid for more chocolate to be added to Pearl's sundae and said, "Finish up you two, we are getting ready to leave."
Franziska rolled her eyes and said, "Well I'm done for the day, come on Scruffy, let's go home."
Gumshoe said, "We will see you later pals, Mr. Edgeworth I will get that report on the Ur-1 and Ur-2 Incidents on your desk by tomorrow afternoon."
Edgeworth said, "Morning, not the afternoon."
Gumshoe paled then said, "R-right, morning pal."
Edgeworth nodded ad Gumshoe and Franziska headed out. He turned to Blackquill and asked, "Are you going back to prosecuting now that you are a free man?"
Blackquill thought for a moment then said, "Probably so. I may not take on all cases though. Course if I can face off against the Wright team, I will probably enter their cases."
Trucy sputtered on some chocolate and said, "You aren't serious are you? I thought you were friends with Athena and Apollo."
Blackquill smirked and said, "That's precisely why I will be challenging them frequently. It keeps my senses honed." He rubbed Pearl's head and said, "See you later kid."
Pearl pouted and said, "I'm not a kid!"
Blackquill waved her off and walked out, leaving the two girls and Edgeworth alone.
Edgeworth noticed that only Pearl was still eating and said, "Finish up Miss Fey, we are heading back to the Wright Anything Agency after you are done."
Pearl nodded and pouted once more as Trucy joined her in eating the sundae.
Trucy grinned then leaned in and whispered, "That chocolate is mine, no escaping it."
Pearl sighed then said, "Fine Trucy, but you owe me a private magic show, just us in your room later, deal?"
Trucy grinned and wiped some chocolate off Pearl's cheek with her finger and licked it off her own finger before she said, "Deal Pearls."
Edgeworth smiled and waited until Pearl and Trucy finished the last of the chocolate and ice cream. They then drove back towards the office.
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When they arrived, they found a disturbing sight. Pearl hesitantly pushed the door open that was ajar and saw that Apollo, Phoenix and Maya were in a deep sleep.
Edgeworth said, "Something isn't right here, why was the door ajar? Where is Athena? Miss Fey, please go check the bathroom, I shall check their conditions."
Pearl nodded as Trucy joined Edgeworth in checking the three sleeping people. She ran over to the bathroom and called, "No one in here." She then went to the second room and saw it was empty as well. She rubbed her chin and thought, "This isn't like Athena at all, she wouldn't leave Apollo or Mr. Nick's side in this situation."
Edgeworth called, "Well Maya is waking up, this is good news, maybe she can fill us in."
Maya groaned as she held her hand to her head. She slowly sat up and said, "Well that was a problem."
Edgeworth asked, "Maya, what happened?"
Maya looked over at Edgeworth and said, "Oh hello there Mr. Edgeworth."
Edgeworth tapped his foot on the floor and said, "Well?"
Maya took a look at the coffee cup that was on the table and said, "The four of us had coffee together, then one by one everyone started falling asleep. The last thing I saw was Athena holding some kind of envelope before I fell asleep. I was the last one to have coffee."
Edgeworth put on a pair of gloves and picked up Maya's cup then placed it in a bag. He called Gumshoe, "Get to the Anything Agency now Gumshoe. I need a cup examined. Never mind the reports, just get here now. Mr. Wright, Mr. Justice and Maya Fey were all put into a sleep induced state and Ms Cykes is nowhere to be seen." He hung up the phone and said, "Gumshoe should be here soon."
Pearl asked, "You don't think Athena put you all to sleep, do you?"
Maya said, "I don't know, but she was the only one that was awake when I fell asleep. She was also the first person to have any coffee. I can't think of any other explanation than she put sleeping pills in our coffee. Why, I don't know."
Edgeworth said, "It certainly appears that way. If that is all she has done, she will not be in too much trouble, I just hope she isn't doing anything stupid."
Trucy said, "I'll go look for her." She vanished from the room with a puff of smoke from one of her magic tricks and took off looking for her.
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Meanwhile...
Athena looked down at her right hand and thought, "What is up with that letter?" She pulled it out of her pocket where she had re-pocketed it after everyone had fallen asleep. She read it again and noted that the time it said on the letter was for three hours from now. Precisely at five am she was supposed to meet him at this very spot. She shuddered but then thought, "I have to finish this, I can't allow myself to be ruled by fear of that man anymore." She sat down on a bench to wait.
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Trucy raced around the town. She groaned in frustration, searching for her was yielding no results. She then remembered that Blackquill had left a piece of paper in the office. She pulled out her phone and dialed her father's number.
Edgeworth answered, "What is it Miss Wright?"
Trucy asked, "Is my father alright?"
Edgeworth said, "He is sleeping right now, Gumshoe is investigating the scene, is something going on? Did you find Athena?"
Trucy said, "Not even a trace of her. Its like she vanished, but I need a favor. On the my father's desk should be a note from Mr. Blackquill. It has his phone number on it."
Edgeworth said, "Thinking of calling in Simon and Taka for help on this one are you?"
Trucy said, "That's right, Taka is a hawk and can give us a bird's eye view and Mr. Blackquill knows Athena better than anyone."
Edgeworth said, "I'll text you his number."
Trucy smiled then said, "Thanks Mr. Edgeworth." She hung up and got a text a few moments later. She pressed the touch screen and the phone began to dial.
A voice answered, "This better be good, I was just trying to get some rest."
Trucy said, "Never-mind that now, Athena is missing."
The voice suddenly became serious and asked, "What do you mean missing? What happened Trucy?"
Trucy said, "I don't know, I was out with the others and when I came back to the office, it was terrible. Maya, Pearls and Daddy were all asleep. Apparently they were slipped sleeping pills."
Blackquill held the phone closer to his ear and said, "What has been determined?"
Trucy said, "I don't have all the details of the case yet. Athena is the only one missing and Maya saw her holding some kind of envelope before she fell asleep as well. Ever since then, we can't find her anywhere."
Blackquill asked, "Where are you?"
Trucy said, "I'm at the location where Eldoon sells his noodles generally speaking. Are you coming?"
Blackquill said, "I will be there shortly, I am sending Taka ahead of me to start searching. Wait there for my arrival."
Trucy and Blackquill both hung up and about ten minutes later, Taka landed on Trucy's shoulder. She reached up and stroked his feathery cheek and whispered, "Find her Taka, find Athena!"
Taka screeched and took off as fast as he could and began to search the skies, looking down for any sign of Athena.
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Over the next three hours, Blackquill and Simon searched the areas until they heard a gunshot ring through the crisp early morning air. A second shot was heard and they began to race towards where the shots were coming from. What they found when they arrived caused Trucy to freeze up in terror.
Two people were in the distance looking on, Trucy and Blackquill were also witnessing the same scene from the other side of the park. Trucy's hand was over her mouth as she saw that Athena was holding a pistol in her hand, staring down at a body.
Blackquill's eyes were wide in shock as he called out, "Athena, what happened here?"
Athena gasped and dropped the gun from her left hand and fell to her knees. She didn't move from that spot.
Blackquill walked up and knelt beside her and tilted her head to look at him. He asked, "What happened Athena?"
Athena said, "I don't know." That was all she said.
Blackquill turned to the body and looked at the face of the man and said, "Edgar Ora Chest. He was the lead singer in last night's opera performance. I knew you hated him, but to kill him?"
Athena shook her head and then her right hand shot to her left arm and she started to shake on the spot, "I didn't kill him."
Blackquill said, "We just found you holding the gun. I hate to do this Athena, but you're under the arrest under suspicion of murdering this man."
Athena shook more and then collapsed herself from shock.
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This ends Chapter One, I hope you all like it. Feel free to tell me what you think and give me reviews and all that jazz. Chapter Two is already being worked on and before anyone asks.
Originally I didn't have plans to have Trucy and Simon Blackquill be among the first to come across the scene, but in the end I decided to let them be witnesses of the aftermath as well. It strengthens the prosecution's case. They are also two witnesses that will be called to the stand to testify.
Let me know what you all think (and before anyone asks because I know there will be at least one, no this is not an Athena/Phoenix pairing setup. It won't turn into that, I did the bathroom scene to illustrate Phoenix's honorable characteristics (that and to have Maya question the situation).
