Well... I wrote a fanfiction. I never thought I'd EVER do such a thing. But I found myself bored in Spanish class today and began writing, so... here's chapter one. Phoenix Wright belongs to Capcom and not me.

"C'mon Nick, I just need a few dollars!"

"Larry, get out of here."

I grabbed my friend by the back of his stupid orange jacket and threw him into the hallway, locking the office door behind him. Loud thumps could be heard from the other side as he made the futile effort to get back inside. I sighed.

"That Larry," came an exasperated voice, "he's just no good, is he?"

I turned to see my assistant, Maya, settled into the couch with the TV on. A bowl of chips rested on her lap. I had forgotten about her during Larry's tirade of a few minutes ago.

"He's no good?!" I snapped, towering over her. "You've been sitting on that couch all day!" Of course, so had I, but...

With eyes lingering on the TV, Maya shrugged. "It's the Steel Samurai marathon, Nick!" As though that were any excuse.

My name is Phoenix Wright, attorney at law. Friends call me Nick. One particular friend, who I've known since grade school, came to my office today. He wanted money for a date with some girl; Tina or Nina or Rita of whatever this one's name is. He only wanted ten bucks, but I wouldn't give it to him. Thus followed the biggest argument we've ever had. Actually, it was more like the biggest temper tantrum he's ever thrown. The guy was twenty-six, but acted like a two-year-old.

A few minutes after Larry left, I realized something that made my eyebrows furrow with anger. My wallet was gone!

"Are you sure it's gone?" Maya asked from her perch on the couch.

"It was sitting on my desk early this morning, but now it's gone!" I flipped over papers on my desk, as if my wallet were hiding beneath them. "Larry! He must've stolen it!" I raced to the door and yanked it wide open. Larry was no longer outside, but someone else was.

"Pearl!" I exclaimed. Maya's adorable little cousin was walking towards the door.

"Mr. Nick," the young girl chirped, "look at what I got at the store!" As she came closer, I could see a colorful string of plastic beads hanging from her neck. Her magatama was attached to the end, bouncing slightly with each step she took.

"That's very nice!" I said, forcing a weak smile. "Listen, have you seen Larry?"

"Yes! I met Mr. Laurice in the parking lot," she replied sweetly. "He looked sad though. I wonder if he is okay."

"He's fine, Pearls. Wait here." I ushered her into my office, where she was enthusiastically greeted by Maya. I could hear their voices talking happily as I charged down the hallway.

The parking lot was deserted. A cool wind blew dead leaves and a fast-food bag across the lot with a hollow rattling sound. Larry was nowhere in sight. "Damn him," I muttered under my breath. He'd gotten away. Defeated, I went back to my office to properly greet Pearls. I guessed Maya would have told her the story of my wallet, and I snickered at the thought of Pearl's reaction. She could certainly take care of the thief with a powerful Pearly-punch. She was really strong for a little girl. However, much to my surprise, Pearls was in tears when I arrived at my office.

"Mr. Nick, I didn't do it!" she wailed as I stepped through the door. She threw her arms around my waist and sobbed into my stomach.

I looked around the room in confusion. Maya had left the couch and was now seated at my desk. "What happened?!" I asked her.

Maya carefully folded her arms and began to explain. "This morning, after coming here with me, Pearly went to the convenience store down the street." I nodded. This was old news to me. Maya continued. "She was going to buy some milk, which I gave her money for. However, she came back with something extra." With a dramatic flourish, Maya pointed accusingly at Pearls. "That plastic necklace!"

"No Mystic Maya! You've made a mistake!"

"Pearly, just be honest with us! You took Nick's wallet, didn't you?" Poor Pearls cried harder. "It's okay Pearly, Nick will forgive you. Just confess already!"

"Hold it, Maya," I interjected. "Who's to say Pearls took my wallet? Where's the proof?"

"Where else would a little girl get that kind of money? The necklace had to cost at least ten dollars."

She raised a good point. "Pearls, where did you get the money?"

Sniffling, Pearls pulled her face from my stomach. "I-I've been s-saving it up," she said.

"You see?" I said to Maya. She looked away. "C'mere Pearls." I lead her into the other room of the office and sat her down on a chair.

"I didn't do it, Mr. Nick!" she cried. "I can't believe Mystic Maya would accuse me of such a thing!"

"I know, Pearls." I said. The Steel Samurai theme song played in the other room. For great justice! His motto ran through my head. "And I'll prove it."