The Dark Phoenix

A/N: Ok. Here's the thing... I've been thinking about this crazy idea of turning the Ace Attorney cast into Batman characters. The first few chapters will be kinda long to build up the story, then I'll switch to shorter ones. If you want me to reveal my character transformation ideas or want me to keep you in suspense, leave a review or PM me. With that out of the way, onto the story. Oh, by the way. Someone mentioned my use of - instead of "" for dialogue, so I might as well clear that one out before we begin: the reason for using lines is mostly out of habit. Most of the books I've read throughout my life use them, and I prefer to keep quotation thingies to actually quote stuff. That's pretty much it, so let's move on.

Chapter 1: The Dark Phoenix Begins.

The night... Mysterious, dangerous, so many secrets hidden within its veil. And yet so inviting. Maybe that's why I'm here, hiding, becoming one with it, becoming another secret of the night, waiting for something to happen...

-HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!

And then it happens. Another petty criminal stealing God knows what from a helpless woman. That is my signal to detach myself from the darkness and make sure justice is done. I jumped from the fifth floor of the building I was using to monitor the city, and glided towards this common burglar. I landed on top of him, knocking him out almost instantly. I like when things are easy, but I can't help feeling disappointed of how weak these guys tend to be. Once I tie him up to a water pipe to make sure he won't get away with this, I shoot my grapple gun to propel myself back to my usual spot... And then the cycle repeats itself: wait for something to happen, and do something about it.

By now, you might be wondering things like "Who is this guy?" or "Why is he doing this?". Well... I am a shadow... I am the night... I... am The Dark Phoenix. And this is my story...

7 years ago.

Before Dark Phoenix, I used to go by the name of Phoenix Wright. I still do to keep a somewhat normal life and turn the attention of everyone away from me, but I think my old self vanished after that case... I used to be a defense attorney. "Legend-killer", some people used to call me. Solved plenty of cases, got many clients a Not Guilty verdict, and most of all, I made sure justice was done. And then it happened: a magician charged for murder, a rival and possible murderer, and a little girl brought me what I thought would be decisive evidence to save my client. Decisive, alright, but not in the way I had expected. Turns out that paper was a product of forgery, and presenting forged evidence in court resulted in instant suspension and a scheduled audience. My client? Well, he did what every magician does: vanished in a smoke cloud without leaving a trace.

There were many things that bothered me about that case: first of all, that jerk of a client left his daughter behind. Even if she was the one who gave me what ended up being my doom, I couldn't just leave her on her own, so I adopted her once her dad vanished long enough for adoption to be allowed.

But what bothered me the most was how fast that rookie prosecutor/rockstar figured out my evidence was forged AND he even had the man who did it ready to testify... And then I remembered. Trucy, my client's daughter (well, now MY daughter), said a stranger had given it to her. How could I be such a foolish fool, as miss von Karma says? It was a trap! Someone wanted me to use that paper so the prosecutor could call his witness, sit back and watch me sink... And worst of all, being arrogant made me fall right into it. I should have double-checked that paper, but I went with the idea that it was an easy victory. And that made me feel sick. Maybe I didn't forge that thing, but using it to get a free win made me just as bad as Manfred von Karma. That idea kept haunting me for many days, turning my sleep nights into nightmares.

I was desperate, not knowing what to do anymore, and the only thing that kept me going was my new family, Trucy Gramarye-er, Trucy Wright (took me a while getting used to it). That, however, changed the night I was visited in my dreams by her... My deceased mentor, Mia Fey.

-Phoenix...

Her voice was soft at first, almost as if she was many miles away.

-Phoenix Wright...

Her voice became more clear the closer she came to me, and I couldn't believe my eyes. Was I dead? Was this my mind falling apart and making me hallucinate? I mean, it's not like I didn't believe in spirits. You don't become the best friend of a spirit medium without seeing some weird stuff, after all.

-No, you're not dead yet. This is really me, talking to you from the spirit world through the dream realm.

*Is she reading my mind?* I thought.

-In the dream realm, there are no secrets. Your thoughts can be heard by anyone capable enough to hear them.

Once I knew my privacy was gone, my brain recovered what little logic it had left. Then I decided to ask a few questions:

-Dream realm? Why here? And how do I know you are the real Mia Fey?

-Yes, dream realm, Phoenix. What? Haven't you heard about Freddy Krueger?

It was her, alright. Chief always liked those old movies.

-And I'm visiting you here because it's easier for a spirit to contact the living through it. I didn't ask Maya to do it because the elders won't let her get out of Kurain right now.

That's right. Maya wasn't with me during the trial because she just recently became the master of The Kurain Channeling Technique. The elders said she had to stay in the village for a whole month so the people living there could get used to their new master and to complete a few rituals. I was planning to visit her since visits from outsiders are ok, but... You know what happened.

-Why are you here, Mia? I let you down. I allowed my confidence and arrogance to get the best of me... Or the worst, I should say. Are you here to tell me how bad I did it? How much of a disappointment I am to you!? Go ahead. I deserve it. It's the truth, anyway.

The scolding I expected to get from her, however, never showed up. Her words were much different than I expected:

-That's not why I'm here, Phoenix. And it's not the truth. Yes, you got overconfident in court, but mistakes happen all the time. We are humans, not gods! We're not perfect, so all we can do is learn from our mistakes, move on and try not to make them one more time.

-What's the point now? - I said to her. - I lost my badge, Zak Gramarye is gone and I'll probably never know what happened...

-Ha! And this is the guy that exposed me in more than one way?

That laugh, that voice. There was no way I'd ever forget about that man. The man that saved Maya back in Hazakura... The man that had a personal vendetta against me for no apparent reason... The man with the greatest amount of caffeine in his system I've ever faced in court...

-Diego Armando. - I said to confirm my theory.

-Look at you! I leave you alone for a few months, and you're falling apart, Trite. - He then took a sip from his mug. - Disappointing, indeed, but not for the reason you think.

Mr. Armando died shortly after the events at Hazakura. The injury on his face caused a critical infection. Usually, modern medicine would have fixed that, but his immune system had been weakened by the poison Dahlia used on him.

-What are you talking about? - I was officially confused by now.

-What Diego is trying to not-so-subtly imply is that you shouldn't give up yet. Right now, you have to turn things around and fix this disaster. - Mia told me.

-She's Wright, Trite... Ha! See what I did there, Mia? - If she did, the prize was an elbow to the ribs. - Jokes aside, this is the perfect moment to rise from the ashes of your failure. Your name is Phoenix, after all, and once you've reached the bottom of the mug, you have to refill the it, along with your life... That's one of my rules.

-What can I do? - That was all I could think of.

-Didn't I teach you anything? The only time a lawyer can cry, is when it's all over. - He said to me.

-Phoenix, look. If there's something the afterlife taught me is that our legal system is powerful, but not almighty. Look at what happened with Dahlia. - Mr. Armando tightened his grip on the mug when he heard that name. - I caught her, but she still managed to hurt many people after her execution through channeling. The only reason why the judge was ok with this whole spirit concept is because it happened in front of him. Otherwise, who knows what could have happened. - Mia said, and I started to get the idea.

-You want ME to investigate this under the radar?

-You catch up quickly... Wright. - Mr. Armando said.

-How am I gonna do that?

-That one is up to you to figure out. - Mia said. - I can tell you this, though: we have been told you have a fate that is greater than anything I could think of. You can and WILL make a difference not only for the legal system, but for the whole world.

-W-What? B-But how!?

-Atata! No spoilers, Wright. Knowing the flavor of your coffee before actually trying it ruins the thrill of drinking it. - Mr. Armando said, using one his coffee metaphors.

-Our time is running out, Phoenix. We must return to our place, and you need to wake up to a new day. And keep this in mind: even if you're no longer a lawyer, keep on smiling, no matter how bad it gets...

That was the last thing I heard from Mia before a light blinded me, and I had to close my eyes to protect them. When I opened them again, I was back in my room at the former Wright & Co. Law Office. I got out of bed, sweating endlessly and I went to check up on Trucy. She was deep in sleep, which was no surprise since that visit made me wake up at 7 in the morning. It was still too early to wake her up, so I just went to my couch and let my body drop on it, allowing my mind to wander in thought for about half an hour...

-Under the radar, huh? - I whispered before getting lost in thought...

2 Days Later

The next major change in my life happened during a regular day after I managed to settle things and balance small jobs and raising Trucy. I was going back home from the supermarket, enjoying the view of people coming and going, when I noticed a little girl the same age of Trucy crossing the street. Before my mind could drift into imagining the things I could teach to my new daughter, however, I noticed a car coming in at high speed... On its way to run over that poor little kid! On reaction, I dropped the plastic bag I was carrying and ran as fast as humanly possible, AND even faster, to save her. I grabbed the girl and kept running until I reached the sidewalk, which was probably a bad idea since I ended up crashing to a wall. Since it was obvious I wouldn't brake in time, I turned my back to the wall so the girl wouldn't get hurt and allowed physics to do their magic. Considering the hits life has given me (literally, in my case), this was nothing to me. All I cared about was saving an innocent life.

People came out of God knows where to cheer me on for what I did and the mother picked up her daughter and hugged her really tight, but my mind was somewhere else... "Saving an innocent life". That thought was ringing loudly in my head, and then I realized something: maybe the law can stop evil men and women like Matt Engarde and Dahlia Hawthorne, but only AFTER they wronged someone. What about stopping them before they do anything? And what about incidents like this? Things happen. That is a fact. What is the law supposed to do during an earthquake? Arrest the ground we're stepping on? Hell! An earthquake was responsible for DL-6! That earthquake gave Manfred a chance to kill.

Mia was right! Sometimes, our legal system is insufficient. We need something to cover the gaps the law has, something to make sure things that this legal system can't protect us from won't happen, something... Or someone who can make a difference. "You can and WILL make a difference". Her words echoed in my brain. Was this the fate she was talking about? Maybe it was the adrenaline in my blood after such a suicide mission, but I made up my mind right there. I don't know how, but I was going to make a difference... How I was going to make a difference was decided the next day.

The following morning.

-Four votes on favor. One votes against it... I'm sorry, Mr. Wright, but I have no choice but to remove your license to practice.

The judge from my last case was the one to deliver the final blow to my career. The votes favoring my disbarment were from him and three other people I had never seen before. Apparently, he took the use of forged evidence during one of his trials rather personal. One would think I'd be grateful to the person who voted on my favor, and at first I was... Until it was his turn to talk.

-I believe that Phoenix Wright is telling the truth. His story might sound absolutely crazy, but I highly doubt a man like him would knowingly resort to forgery.

His name was Kristoph Gavin, which I first thought would be a problem since the name of the prosecutor that "exposed the fraud", as they say, is Klavier Gavin. Whatever bond they share, I assumed it would just be another anchor sinking the S.S. Wright, but he was actually on my side.

-What makes you think that, Mr. Gavin? - The judge asked.

-I just have a hunch telling me he didn't do it. - He said, but his next words were what made me doubt him. - I'm not sure why, though.

That last comment made my Magatama react. The jewel, given to me by Maya, got colder when Kristoph said he wasn't sure about his hunch. I didn't see any Psyche-Lock, probably because I was too far from him, but I knew he was hiding something.

The meeting went like a flash after that. I was too busy planning what to do about Kristoph to acknowledge what anyone in that room was saying, but I had nothing. Luckily, the man himself gave me a chance on a silver platter. He approached me outside the courthouse with an offer:

-Excuse me, Mr. Wright. I'm really sorry about what happened, so I'd like to make it up to you.

And then it happened. One Psyche-Lock appeared in front of him, indicating that he didn't mean any of that... Funny. It usually takes me longer to find Locks in a person's heart. Considering I had nothing to prove he was a liar and this was a good chance to see what he was hiding, I decided to tag along with his plans.

-It's ok, Mr. Gavin...

-Call me Kristoph.

-Kristoph... Thank you for what you did back there, but you don't have to do this. - I told him. I thought giving in at the first attempt would look suspicious.

-I insist. It's the least I can do. - He said.

-*sigh* Why not? What do you have in mind? -I answered.

-Well... There's a new restaurant just a few blocks from here. Why don't we go there? My treat.

-Let's go then. - That's all I said.

If I'm right, Kristoph knows something about Klavier's surprise witness, so I had to get the most I could out of him. He took me to this new place, the Borscht Bowl Club, which was definitely different from the usual burger joint I visit with Maya. I let him order the food since I had no idea what anything on the menu was, and we talked for a while about random stuff. Since most of the case was public knowledge, I couldn't avoid mentioning things like adopting Trucy, but I decided to leave the most personal stuff like Maya or Kurain out of this in case something happened... And I'm really glad I did, because this meeting took a turn for the worst when the forgery became a topic.

-I can't believe a piece of paper destroyed me. - I said truthfully. It was still pretty hard to believe, after all.

-I know. Life is full of surprises, isn't it? - He said to me.

-It sure is. I mean, not only I get my ending handed to me by my client's daughter, but that prosecutor was ready to counter a move I got the very day of the trial. This guy, Klavier...

-Gavin. Klavier Gavin. My younger brother, which is why I feel really bad about it. - He said and more Locks appeared when he said he was sorry.

Funny. I'm learning more about him from his Psyche-Locks than from his actual words. He says he's sorry, and his Locks tell me he's not. He says he respects my methods, but they prove he despises the way I work. Now it was time to see what his Psyche-Locks had to say about the forgery.

-You know... It was really weird how prepared he was for something I got barely a few minutes before the trial. It was almost as if he knew that was coming before I even had a plan. - I told Kristoph.

-What? You think Klavier had something to do with that paper? I know my brother, and he's a good guy. - He said, and no Psyche-Locks appeared... Interesting.

-Well. Do you have any idea about what could have actually happened?

This was it. I knew this was the decisive moment of this meeting, and I was ready for anything that could happen... Or at least I thought I was.

-Sorry. I have no idea of what was the deal with that evidence or how my little brother was ready for it.

What I saw was beyond anything I had seen before. One individual Psyche-Lock appeared in front of him, but this one was completely different: a black Psyche-Lock, carrying a wicked aura all around it. I could feel it. It was dark, cold and full of despair. I came into this place expecting to get info on the person I thought was responsible for this mess, but instead I was having a conversation with the true culprit, and possibly someone even more dangerous than anyone I've met before. Engarde and Dahlia were definitely a threat, but none of them had this vibe. I felt like running away, but who knows what the result from making a wrong move next to him would be, so I kept my cool and allowed my tongue to do the work.

-Pity... Well, thanks for the food, Kristoph, but I have to get back home. I have a daughter to take care of, after all.

-I understand. It's been a pleasure, Wright.

More Locks, but by this point I couldn't care less. I left the place calmly, but I started to run back home after walking for one or two blocks. I stopped at a park to catch my breath and think things through. I don't know how, but Kristoph was behind this chaos, and he was probably dangerous. Even if I investigate him, if he knows something's up, he could go after me... Or worst of all, he could go after Trucy, or even friends like Maya or someone else! Someone had to find out the truth, but not Phoenix Wright.

I don't know how, but I reached a conclusion: any man that tries anything against Kristoph Gavin would be in danger. He had to be taken down, but no man could do it... So it wouldn't be a man that was responsible for it. As Phoenix Wright, I'm vulnerable. Phoenix Wright wouldn't be able to make a difference, so I had to become something else. I had to be something untouchable, incorruptible, something that not even he could eliminate... I had to become a symbol! Something that represented justice, hope, and the values humanity was based on, but only a few respected.

I got up and walked all the way back home, thinking about this new route my life was taking. The way I am right now, I can't be that symbol. I had to do something about it, and as my mind was coming up with new ideas, I remembered something Edgeworth told me before leaving in another business trip around the world: "I'm not leaving because I want to, Wright. I'm doing this because I have to develop my skills as a prosecutor". At first I thought he was back into that "Perfect Prosecutor" thing, but his answer was really admirable: "Perfection is impossible, Wright. I learned that a long time ago. However, we can be as close to it as our own determination allows. It's up to us to reach that point so we can become who we aspire to be". He was right. Just standing here would get me nowhere, so I had to learn how to fight back the injustice of this world.

Once I got home and made Trucy's lunch, I kept thinking about what I had to do: if the time comes where I need to defend myself from Kristoph or anyone else, I needed to work my body into a peak condition. I also had to train my mind, since reckless thinking is what got me into this in the first place. All I had to do was set things up at home before embarking on this journey...

2 days later.

I asked Gumshoe and Maggey to take care of Trucy while I was gone. Luckily, none of them thought I actually did it and, even if I feel bad for taking advantage of it, they're innocent enough to believe I was just going to look for a new job in another state and settle down. All it took were a few words and the promise of sending money every week (Gumshoe was reluctant at first, but his low paycheck made him agree after a second attempt). The real issue was convincing Trucy that I wouldn't leave forever like her "first daddy", as she called Zak.

-Why do you have to leave, daddy? - She said to me with that cute everything of hers.

-Because... - I couldn't come up with anything.

-Are you going to leave me like my first daddy did!? - She was about to cry.

-No! I would never leave you, Truce! - I came up with that name right there.

-Why do you call me like that? - She asked curious between sobbing.

-It's a nickname, Truce. It's what we use to call those we love and care about. I love you, Trucy, and I would never forgive myself if I left you.

-Th-Then why are you leaving?

Now I was ready to talk. This was the moment to let her know I was definitely going to come back.

-Because this world is broken, sweetie, and I have to fix it somehow. - Looking back to it, it does sound a little cheesy, but it's basically the truth.

She just stood there, looking at me for a while. Then she hugged me with those little arms of hers.

-I'll miss you, daddy.

My heart melted at that point, and I felt like dropping everything I was planning to do just so I could stay with her. Then I remembered how much of a risk Kristoph represented, and I knew many would pay the price if I left him free. I hugged Trucy back, and I told her...

-I'll miss you too, little lady.

As we separated, I saw a warm smile on her face, almost as if she had received a gift from the angels.

-Was that another nickname? "Little lady"?

She was definitely not making this easy.

-Another nickname, Truce.

Then I had an idea. I pulled out my cellphone and gave it to her.

-Take care of this for me, alright? I'll make sure to call you everyday until I'm back, ok? I promise.

She hugged me one last time.

-I will! I love you, daddy!

-Love you too, honey.

I said goodbye to her, Gumshoe and Maggey, asked them to tell Edgeworth about what happened once he came back from wherever he was, and left on foot. I already had a fairly good idea about what really happened behind this whole forgery business, but I decided to keep the details to myself and figure out the rest once my travel was done... But that was something I'd worry about when the time arrived. Right now, I had a mission, a journey to complete, and the smile of a little lady to keep me going. That smile was warm, caring, comforting, and it showed her inner strength.

Smiling during the hardest of times. That reminded me of someone else. Someone I had to see before leaving, and someone who deserved an explanation...

2 hours later.

The trip from the city to Kurain was long, but it was worth it just so I could see Maya again after all the insanity that I experienced. Once I got out of the bus, I ran all the way to the main residence. I couldn't care less about the supplies I was carrying on my back. All that mattered in that moment was telling her about what happened... And what was about to happen.

I knocked on the door the second I reached the Fey manor, and I was greeted by a little girl wearing one of the acolyte attires worn by members of the family...

-Mr. Nick!?

Pearl Fey, Maya's little cousin and someone who thought I was her "special someone", as she says.

-Hey, little Pearls. How are you?

-I'm ok. Did you come to see Master Maya? That is so romantic! - She said, putting a hand on each cheek and letting her imagination create many scenarios about me and Maya together, one way or another.

I had to begin my journey ASAP, so I had to turn down her fantasies.

-Yes, Pearls. I came to see Maya, but not for the reasons you think.

She appeared disappointed for a while, but she was back to her usual happiness in a matter of seconds.

-Oh! Ok, Mr. Nick , but Master Maya is currently busy meditating, and the elders are very strict about her training.

Those elders were all over her 24/7, according to her phone calls, but I just had to see her no matter what... And then Pearls and her constant comments about our "relationship" gave me an idea.

-Pretty please? Would you go and see if Maya can come out? Who knows? Maybe something will happen if I surprise her with this visit. - I said with a wink to her.

She definitely got the message, because she ran as fast as she could to find Maya and "let something happen". While I waited, I thought about what I was going to do: I wasn't just going to punch a problem in the face, not even him. That wouldn't be justice, but unnecessary violence. No... And even if I did that, what if I was punching the wrong person? To an extent, this was like any of my cases. Investigate, get the truth and take down the responsible party for whatever crime was committed. So I borrowed an idea from Edgeworth: he said he was traveling around the world to "develop his skills", which included the study of investigation techniques from everywhere. That was a good start for the brain part, and the body training would be much more simple. All I had to do was learn self-defense and combat stuff.I didn't know back then, but all that was easier said than done... A lot easier.

Once I had the basic idea for my travel, Pearls came back from the back of the manor. Unfortunately, it wasn't Maya the one coming with her, but the old, cranky elders. I knew they weren't happy with my visit, and the one in front made sure I noticed:

-What do you want here? - The first old man said, his voice full of contempt towards me.

-Look. I just want to talk to Ma - I stopped and corrected. - Master Maya, and I'll be out of your village faster than you can say "Go away!".

Thank God I corrected. Outside of here, Maya would always be Maya. But within Kurain, she was the master of the Kurain Channeling Technique, and being disrespectful to her in front of them would make this twice as hard... That's not to say they gave me green light instantly, though.

-What makes you think an outsider has any right to speak with the master? - Now it was an old woman talking.

-Not at all. I'm not demanding to have an audience with the master of Kurain. All I'm ASKING is to talk to my friend. I swear I won't bother you again until this whole "new master" process is complete after this.

-Well, your request has been considered before our arrival here, and it's been decided that you can't interrupt the master's meditation. - The first one said.

-What!? But why!?

-We've heard about you and your... crimes, Phoenix Wright. - The old hag said.

I realized two things: first of all, these two must have been the voicers of Kurain. Second, and most important, they knew about my reputation. Probably because Maya talks about me a lot, according to Pearls, and they decided to do their homework on me.

-I did not do it. I swear I'm not the one responsible for the forgery!

-What is for... forg... that thing you said, Mr. Nick? - Pearls asked from the back of the room.

-Something bad, Pearls. But I didn't do any of it, I swear. - I said as I walked to her.

-Stay away from the girl! - The old man shouted at me.

All the anger, frustration and misery from the last few days that had been building up, mixed with the pressure this people were putting over me, made me snap. I walked to the old guy with my hands turned to fists, and my logic engine made me stop right in front of him before I started to beat him into unconsciousness... But only barely. The adrenaline did make me intimidate him with words, though.

-Listen... My whole life went to hell due to some piece of garbage setting me up into using false evidence, which I totally DID NOT CREATE. My client left his own daughter alone, and even if she was the one who gave me that paper, I decided to take care of her, even if I have no idea how I'm going to do it. And now that I want to just have a little conversation with my best friend, you and your dumb group of senile and annoying mummies are the only thing between me and her, so here's the thing: either you bring Maya here ASAP! - By now I was shouting louder than I ever did in court. - OR ELSE IM GOING TO VENTILATE ALL OF MY FRUSTRATION BY USING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU AS A TRAINING DUMMY AND MY PERSONAL PUNCHING BAG!

-What is going on here!?

I recognized that voice. Hell! I could be in a crowded building and I could recognize that voice amongst the whole chaos.

-Maya?

I turned around to look at my friend: she was wearing a slightly different version of her usual attire (probably the one of the master), wearing the amulet of her mother around her neck and carrying a staff similar to the one Misty Fey had in Hazakura. Other than that, same hair style, same face... And that same smile it was always good to see.

-Nick? What are you...?

I'm not entirely sure of why I did it, but I ran past the elders and hugged Maya. The only reason why I hadn't hugged her with all of my strength was because that would probably hurt her. She returned the hug, even if awkwardly (can't say I blame her).

-Back away from the master! - The old man said.

-It's ok, guys. He's a friend. - Maya told them.

-But...

I was going to turn around to scare them off a little more, but then I noticed Maya giving them the most poisonous glare I've ever seen. All I heard after that were steps leaving that room.

-Er, Nick. The hug is nice and everything, but can I have my body back?

I backed away completely embarrassed, probably even blushing. I didn't dare to say anything, so Maya broke the awkward silence:

-So... How are you?

-Well... Can't complain, I guess. - Yeah, this was definitely awkward.

-I heard about what happened... You know. Your last case. - She jumped right into it.

I thought I might as well clear things up with her.

-I didn't do it.

-I know you didn't.

-I swear, Maya! I did present false evidence, but I didn't ask anyone to create it.

-And I believe you.

-I even have an idea about what happened and... Wait, what? - I was too busy explaining myself to notice what she had been saying.

-What? You thought I was going to believe what the press says? After what the media did to my family, I only watch news when I really have to, let alone believe anything they say.

Well, that was unexpected. I mean, sure, I didn't think she would turn her back on me like most people did, but I expected her to at least ask me for an explanation. Not just outright give me her full trust.

-Well, that was easy. Even friends like Gumshoe asked me to explain myself, or clients I got off the hook like Will Powers questioned their own cases. Not much and they didn't doubt me for too long, but you're the first person that believes me without a doubt.

Her smile softened from her usual joyful attitude to one similar to a mother comforting her child after a tragic event. And I was totally ok with being the child right now.

-After you saved me when no one else would pull me out of the darkness, we shared many moments together for those three years. We laughed, we cried, we went through one threat after another, and you always kept that noble attitude and that desire to help others that was unique of you. We helped many people together, including each other, as we fought over and over to find the truth. You never cared about winning as long as justice was done, so I think... No! I KNOW you would never do something that would put you on the same level as Manfred von Karma.

Once again, I felt overwhelmed with a need to be close to her, so I hugged her one more time. This time, she returned the hug in a more natural way.

-Thank you, Maya.

-No. You don't need to thank me. It's the least I can do after you helped me so many times before.

With that out of the way, I told her everything about the case, my new daughter, Mia's visit, my journey... And him. Once I was done, we just stood there as she was taking in this new information. Like last time, she broke the silence:

-And... How long are you leaving?

-A month. I got everything I could get from the Misham family, but I'm willing to bet there's still more about this. If I'm right, the more I wait to start investigating, the more time I give him to cover his tracks.

-Probably. - Was all she said.

Don't you just hate when you have one awkward silence after another, but you just can't come up with anything? Maya probably doesn't have that trouble.

-You know... The way you describe things, it sounds like the story of a superhero. Like the Steel Samurai! That would be so awesome!

-Now that's the Maya I know. The body of an adult with the mind of a 10 year-old kid, not the super serious master of Kurain. - I said in all honesty.

-Hey! I can be serious when it's necessary.

-For example?

-Oh, I'm sorry. Were you the one who scared away the cranky elders by sheer willpower?

*Touché* I thought.

-Anyway... I can see it: the hero of this city, moving through the rooftops as he watches over it, ensuring the safety of its citizens and punishing the wicked. The hero of LA! Super Phoenix!

Her eyes were burning with the passion she usually keeps for the episodes of the Samurai cartoons. She was really excited about this idea... So I couldn't resist the urge to knock her out of her cloud for a few laughs.

-Easy, there, Medium Girl. One step at a time, shall we? At least let me go into my "Epic Journey" before you start designing me a costume.

Mission accomplished. She was pouting like every time I had no money for burgers.

-Party pooper.

We just stared at each other before starting to laugh uncontrollably. It was good to share these kind of moments with her, but I knew it couldn't last forever. Once my sanity returned, I told her I had to leave. She took it rather well, but I noticed one single tear coming out of her left eye. I used my pointer finger to clean it up and told her:

-Hey. No need to cry. I'm not leaving forever. I'd leave you my phone, but I already used that idea.

-I know you'll come back. You always do, even at the toughest of times.

-What can I say? A Phoenix will always rise from his ashes. - I joked.

-You know what? You're more witty and talkative than last time we met. Maybe losing your badge had a positive effect on you.

She was right. Ever since my disbarment, I've done stuff I never did before: white lies to Gumshoe, getting the best out of Pearls and her fantasies, and even knocking Maya out of her own fantasies about heroes and stuff.

-I guess I am. Not having to play by the book anymore is kinda releasing. I'm more open about what I think and feel.

-Feelings... Those are always nice to express, aren't they? - She said and looked away from me.

-Are you ok? Is something bothering you? - I managed to connect the dots. My departure making her cry + depressed Maya = 4, right? - Is it about me leaving?

-NO! - *My poor eardrums* I thought. - Er, I mean... No. What makes you think that?

-You do realize I have a jewel that can show me when you're hiding something, right?

And it triggers on its own, so technically it's not my fault if I see something I shouldn't.

-Well...Remember what we were saying about me being serious when it's necessary?

-Uh, yeah. - I said unsure about what was her point.

-Here's the thing: right now... - She wrapped her arms around my neck. - I think it's time... - Her face was coming closer to mine. - To get serious.

All I felt at that moment were lips pressing against my own, but my mind was going crazy with... Joy? Was I really enjoying this? I mean, kissing is supposed to feel good, but there was no shock, surprise or anything of the sort. Only happiness, almost as if I was expecting this. And then I realized that I was, in fact, expecting this. Maybe Pearls and her fantasies gave me the idea, but deep inside of me, I had considered a relationship with Maya, albeit subconsciously. Whatever the reason, I embraced this new development, along with her, and rolled with it. We separated as the urge to get oxygen appeared, and just as we did...

-YAAAAAYYY!

We turned around to find a little familiar face spying on us. Pearls really liked this show.

-I knew you were meant to be together! This is so romantic! You were right, Mr. Nick! Something did happen!

She ran all over the place screaming stuff about Master Maya and her "special someone".

-"You were right, Mr. Nick ?" What did you tell her?

Less than a minute in our relationship, and I was already in trouble? Well, that was a good way to start, and probably a record for the male of the species.

-Well, you see. The thing is...

Before I embarrassed myself even more, we heard the loud screams of the elders... All five of them. That wasn't good.

-Well, look at that! That's my cue to get away from here.

-Don't think I won't find a way to make sure you pay for this. - She said, and knowing her, she probably would.

Before I ran away for my life, she gave me a peck on the cheek, wished me luck and told me to be careful. I somehow managed to avoid the blood-thirsty elders, and I was lucky enough to reach the bus station just as the last bus was about to leave. I got in and I didn't get out until we reached the last station, which was next to the interstate road. I started to walk following the road (I wanted to keep exercising constantly, so walking was a good option), and reminded myself of my goals and motivations...

My goal? Justice. My motivations? Every innocent person out there, especially those I care about. But most important, two particularly special girls I knew. I wasn't sure what was going to happen from that point on, but I knew this: whatever happened, I would turn things around for the best of everyone. And much like those girls, I would keep on smiling, no matter how bad it could get!

A/N: So... He's a man with a mission. An outcast of society, but he will fight for it. And you have VIP seats to watch this story unfold. I know this chapter doesn't have too much action, but Batman Begins took about half hour of story and training (which I'm going to skip so we can get into dat sweet combat ASAP), and it was still pretty awesome.

You know the routine: review with your opinions, feel free to murder me and flame (I'm immortal and I can use flames to cook marshmallows :p ), and I appreciate all feedback this can get. Take care and stay awesome, people!