Notes: Okay, this is my first attempt at writing something longer than… well, about 2,000 words so I suppose it's kind of [First time] onto the breach. Even if none of those lot read this, thanks to those people who reviewed/followed/liked my previous stuff- and please, if you're reading this, and I'm doing something wrong, tell me – rather know I've mucked this up, you know? (Not that I'm going to stop.) Anyway, onwards (with only one further delay)!
DISCLAIMER(S):
The characters and events in this story are solely property of Capcom, under the Ace Attorney series. I claim no ownership over any of the story.
Also, this is a work of fiction. Any Characters, Events or Places are in no way supposed to resemble real life, and any similarities are purely coincidental.
Part I:
Prior the Fall
Prologue: Beyond Hazakura
It's common knowledge that one particular Defence Attorney: To be precise, one Phoenix Wright was not oft paid for that occupation. So, when it was forcibly removed from him for 7 years, how did he survive; with a daughter, no less. Well, there was naturally one… evident method. Not that Wright chose it. But I am in digression. I think, in this case, I best start before the beginning… the end of the trial of Iris Hawthorne, and, to an extent, Maya Fey. Naturally, that trial paid its toll on everyone. Godot, or, as is now revealed, Diego Armando, was having his wounds treated, and, in a way, his psychological wounds were healing as well, Maya and Pearl were supporting each other, and Phoenix Wright…
Well, it was a bit of a strange case. He never expected to see him again, much less have him actually accept his request to cover Iris's defence. So, naturally, when discussing his next case with Edgeworth, he felt… compelled to bring the subject up.
"Edgeworth… about that last case…" Edgeworth obviously tensed at the statement. Well, to be honest, I don't think Wright could have found a better starting point.
"Wright, must you bring that up!" It was a rather angry snap, and was a clear and obvious sign – one that Wright had learned- that meant he did not at all want to be reminded of it right now. But, naturally, with Edgeworth, given a chance, he would just conveniently forget all the details; not that that ability was a complete detriment.
Phoenix sighed. "I just want to know why you actually took my badge. You didn't have to, and we're forgetting how much you hate Defence Attorneys in the first place!" Edgeworth's fist promptly met the desk. But yet, it would be hard to say that he was angry.
"I… understand your concern Wright." His voice was… unstable to say the least. "But it was the least I could do, considering the circumstances."
Naturally, the next question spoke for itself. "How long?" Wright's face was… sad. Naturally, Edgeworth was… baffled, to say the least.
"Why do you care, Wright?" The only response he got was a pair of raised eyebrows. "I would say I need to go back to Germany but... I suppose I could stay awhile. The office has already forced my position back onto me, anyway."
The conversation actually continued quite smoothly. It was strange… there were no interruptions and neither… arguments. Eventually, Edgeworth had to ask.
"Are you defending him… Wright?" Phoenix simply nodded. Even though they knew he was in no way innocent, he wasn't exactly guilty either. The situation was rather… bizarre. Even though his victory was guaranteed, he took the case anyway. There were many reasons for Edgeworth taking the case. He was already involved, the fact he needed a slight break, and Wright. Edgeworth internally sighed. The most important reason for him taking a case… was Phoenix Wright. Of course. That grinning, immature… well, I suppose that analogy should have disappeared last year. He was in no way immature then. I keep forgetting about Maya...
"Well to be fair, he hasn't accepted yet. I still have to ask." Edgeworth didn't have to look up to tell that he was doing that trademark of his; scratching his hair, whilst grinning like, in Franziska words, a fool. Nevertheless he did.
"Well then, Wright… do you want me to get you to the detention centre?" Phoenix almost jumped up with, to be frank, pleasant surprise. He nodded enthusiastically, with only one comeback.
"Oh, and Edgeworth?"
"What, Wright?"
"It's called a Lift." And, at this point, I must admit… it's a good thing Edgeworth actually isn't British. (It gave both of them a chance to smile at each other.)
The absence of Godot's mask was… disconcerting, to say the least. Just seeing that long wound across his eyes brought a heavy shroud of silence amongst those present. Even without words, Phoenix's Magatama was going crazy within his pocket. The detention centre was pitch black, and in his ears, there was a continuous metal clanging, smashing, shimmering.
"Just let me leave for a moment… Edgeworth." Edgeworth opened his mouth to respond, but quickly resealed it once the item was presented. Just to make it very clear, Wright tapped his head. He knew what the… thing sounded like; to hear it continuously must be hellish. In fact, those sounds must have been-
All of a sudden, silence well and truly filled the cell. The clanging that both of them were hearing had stopped, and Edgeworth felt ready to get started.
"Mister Armando… you know why he's here. So?" He simply responded- with silence. "Do you actually want to face life imprisonment? I am not an expert on human emotions, but I am sure at the very least Miss Fey wants to see you again." The mere mention of Maya brought a tear to the usually stoic man's eye. Of course, Edgeworth had got to a point where he shows his emotions quite frequently.
Just as Edgeworth pondered this fact, Wright re-entered, much more determined than before. He didn't slow for a second; he just sat down, and tensed himself up. Edgeworth, in some distant faction of his mind may have been slightly scared of the man. Shoulders raised, leaning over the desk, on which he rested his elbows, and interlocked his fingers in front of his face. He raised his head over said hands when he wanted to speak; in one sense, he was ever so slightly more professional than Edgeworth. Only when interviewing witnesses though.
"Let me defend you." He would have tried to use a name, but after that trial, names were… a sticky topic.
"Ha! Trite- Why are you, the person who I technically, truly wronged asking to come to my defence- especially when I killed the most important person in Ki-… Miss Fey's life?"
All of a sudden, a new voice protruded through the darkness. "Why do you think?"
Diego seized up. Wright signalled to Edgeworth- it was time to leave. As the two men left, Wright spoke to Mia.
"Thanks Mia."
"Anytime… Nick."