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AN: I swore off author notes but I wanna say that as of now I am computerless and so won't be updating anything until I get it replaced at the end of the month. So here's a story I'm working on to stave off boredom.

Edgeworth idly pressed the speaker button on his desk phone. "Edgeworth speaking."

"Hey," that jovial tone could only be Wright's. He sighed and shuffled the papers on his desk before answering.

"Yes, Wright?"

"So, Edgeworth," he talked like he was bringing the conversation back round to an earlier point. Typical. "Athena and I are going on the Legal League of Attorney's exchange. Need someone to look out for Trucy."

In the background, Edgeworth heard Trucy make a comment about being fine on her own. Edgeworth quite agreed and as such frowned at the phone like he was going to scold it.

"Isn't she old enough not to need me? Isn't Trucy old enough to live on her own-?"

"Shh," Wright cut him off. "Don't remind me. She's still eight in my eyes."

Edgeworth rolled his eyes. "Can't you grow up?"

"I can, but she's not allowed to."

Again, Edgeworth sighed. "She should be f-"

"I don't want her alone," the geniality was gone from Wright's voice, replaced with a rare sternness then becoming twinged with sadness. "Your sister is still missing."

Edgeworth froze, his body tensing at those words.

"... And so is her brother," Wright spoke quietly, so Trucy couldn't hear him. "I don't want to lose her, too."

Edgeworth took off his glasses, setting them on his desk and burying his face in his hands. It was true they were still missing with no trace at all as to where they were. There wasn't a day that has passed that he hadn't thought about it. Every day these past five years he'd worried about Franziska, more so than he ever had. He knew it was unlikely she was alive, but he hoped. He pressed his hands into his eyes, his fingers curling over his brow. Tiny lights popped up in front of his eyes. He knew Wright was just as concerned as he was about both Franziska and of Apollo, the young man who worked for him who was likewise missing.

Edgeworth straightened up. He of course was worried for Trucy now that Wright put it that way. Wright had explained to him about Apollo being Trucy's older brother some time ago, admitting he had a feeling Trucy already knew. Trucy was rather like a niece to him or a daughter. While he doubted Trucy would be in danger, he doubted he could stand it if she was taken the way Franziska was.

"I suppose I could look out for her" he said in an even, patient tone. "I don't mind."

There was a rush of static as Wright gave a relieved sigh. "Thank you, Edgeworth."

"When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow. Pretty early. I wanted to make sure someone could look out for Trucy. If you said no, I'd have to ask Larry, since Maya and Pearls are both pretty busy with training-"

"I'll do it," Edgeworth cut across him smoothly. Maya was one thing, but Larry? Larry would draw the trouble right to her, being Larry.

Wright chuckled. "Great... Thanks... Edgeworth are you doing something today?"

"I'm not officially working, so I've planned on visiting a retired co-worker," said Edgeworth. "Why?"

"Can you look out for her today? I need to pack and Trucy does not make that an easy task. I'd like to get done today."

"I suppose..." he folded his arms, tapping his forearm with his index finger. "I don't see why not... I'll come get her in an hour."

"Fantastic. Sounds like a plan," said Wright. "See you then."

Edgeworth hung up, returning to his paperwork. He'd leave when he was done catching up with his paperwork and after he'd enjoyed a nice cup of tea fitting of the beautiful spring day outside his office window.

Trucy was as excited as ever to see him. Wright gave her a hug and told her to be a good guest before adding in a stage whisper that she could feel free to drive Edgeworth up a wall if she so chose to.

"He's fair game. He's so uptight a little poking fun at him can't hurt him."

Trucy giggled. "Okay, Daddy."

Edgeworth stood there, frowning. Something that did not go uncommented on as Wright called him scary.

"Come on, Trucy," Edgeworth said patiently. "I don't want to be late."

"Okay," she kissed Wright on the cheek. "Bye, Daddy!"

"Bye, Trucy!"

Edgeworth let Trucy out ahead of him, closing the office door as he exited and followed her down the hall. Trucy was as upbeat as ever, smiling brightly and bouncing as she walked. Once outside, she gave Edgeworth a brief hug.

"Thanks for looking out for me," she smiled. "I know Daddy worries."

She tucked a lock of her auburn hair back and sat in the car, her hat on her lap.

"He's really been worried since Polly went missing. But I think he's still alive."

"So do I."

She gave him a gentle smile. "I don't think Daddy is so sure. But he hasn't cried yet. It's not over until we know what happened to him. Daddy always says a lawyer can only cry when it's all over."

"He's quite right."

Trucy fell silent. She watched a bird perch itself on the open window as they sat at a stop light. A robin, Edgeworth noted. It flew off rather quickly but it's presence was nice.

"Who are we meeting?"

"The chief prosecutor before me and his wife," Edgeworth answered. "Mr Shetland North and his wife, Sarah."

"Oh, okay!" Her smile was bright once more and stayed on her face until they arrived at Shetland's estate. Her blue eyes became quite round and she looked around her in awe. The grounds were massive, full of neat emerald grass and flowers of every flowers spilling from every flower bed. The manor was quite large and old, looking incredibly exquisite. What caught Edgeworth's attention, and Trucy's too by the way she stopped and gazed at it, was the beautiful music floating out of an open set of double doors on the second floor. A man's rich voice accompanied by a piano.

"Trucy, it's rude to walk over the grass," he caught her by the collar as she walked towards the enchanting sound.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly, stepping back properly on the paved walkway. Edgeworth rang the bell when they reached the door and the music stopped. A very old man answered the door. A man so old that Trucy was amazed he was still alive. It looked as if he might blow away in the breeze, he was so frail, with wispy white hair. He had a cane in one hand though he didn't seem to be leaning on it.

"Edgeworth my boy," his voice came as a surprise; strong and commanding but filled with warmth. "It's good to see you. And who is this young lady?"

"This is Trucy Wright, the daughter of a friend of mine."

"Wright, eh?" he said, looking at Trucy with piercing blue eyes. "So you'd be Phoenix Wright's little girl?" She nodded.

"It's nice to meet you," she gave a polite bow.

"And you, little miss," he returned the gesture, stepping back to let them in. "Sarah is in the sitting room awaiting us. Come, come."

He was surprisingly fast in Trucy's opinion, obvious on her face. Edgeworth, however, was nonplussed. He knew looks were deceiving with Shetland. Sarah didn't quite seem so elderly, looking quite motherly and smiling serenely at them. Trucy introduced herself this time.

"Is she your little girl, Miles?"

"Ah, no. No," he said, "She is the daughter of a good friend of mine. She just came with me today."

"She is quite darling."

"Um," Trucy sounded nervous. "Who was playing that music earlier?"

"Music...?" Sarah paused. "Ah. That would have been Edel and Justin."

"Edel and Justin?" Edgeworth frowned.

"Our maid and our butler," Shetland said. "Though they're more than just that. They are like children to us. Children who take care of us. Edel will play piano for us; she is quite a talent, I never knew our old piano could sound so beautiful. Justin is a different case. I'm sure the man can't play a note but his singing is quite impressive as I'm sure you heard."

Edgeworth sat down and Trucy beside him, still looking slightly awkward.

"I didn't know you had a butler and a maid. But I haven't seen you since I took the post of Chief Prosecutor."

"Yes we thought in our age it was best. And they're quite good about it. A sweet pair. Ah, here they are."

The butler was hardly taller than the maid was. He was handsome with soft, honeyed brown hair and bright hazel eyes. The man was dressed in a common butler's attire, a towel over one arm and a placid, easygoing smile on his face. But he wasn't the one that drew Egdeworth's eye.

The maid beside him was extremely beautiful. Her long sheet of silvery hair fell over half of her face, cascading to her aproned waist, and her one visible eye was a clear grey-blue. Her posture was not like anything Edgeworth had ever seen on his sister; that of an intensely shy woman trying to make herself smaller than she was, half behind Justin. She unquestionably looked like her though. Like Franziska.

"Miles, I'd like you to meet Justin and- Edel dear there's no need to be so fearful."

Beside him, Trucy was looking at Justin with an expression that mirrored Edgeworth's own feelings. She looked at Edgeworth as if to ask if she was just crazy.

"H-hi," the maid spoke in a soft, high voice as lovely as the chiming of bells. She curtsied gracefully, sweeping the edge of her white skirt. Justin bowed low at the waist, one arm going behind his back and the other staying in front of him across his waist.

"How can we help Master and Mistress?" his voice was quiet and firm.

"Stop calling us that for one," Shetland frowned. "We've told you."

Justin bowed again. "Apologies."

His hazel eyes moved to look at Trucy and Edgeworth. He bowed for a third time. Trucy giggled despite herself.

"I am Justin Clayton. A pleasure to meet you."

"E-Edel," her last name came out as a faint mumble and impossible to make out.

"Edel don't be so nervous. Miles and Miss Wright are lovely people."

Edel looked at Edgeworth with her eye wide, holding Justin's sleeve gently in her fingertips. Trucy elbowed him.

"You're scaring her. Stop glaring," she whispered.

"Your name is Edel?"

She nodded. "I-It's German."

"I know it is. My family is German," his grey eyes were fixed on her. "My sister liked the name Edel."

"Oh," Trucy said faintly from beside him.

Edel said nothing, walking away. Justin bowed yet again and followed her without a word.

"Is she okay?"

"Edel is a shy young lady," Shetland said. "She doesn't do well with strangers. She's even a bit shy around Sarah and I. Not Justin, though."

"Why not?" asked Trucy.

"They are, and were when we met, already a couple," explained Shetland. "They got engaged a year ago."

"They're engaged?" repeated Edgeworth, baffled.

Trucy stared at the doorway in amazement. Edel returned with a tray of tea. She had a very pretty face even with half of it concealed. Delicate and soft features. She placed the tray down on the coffee table between the four of them, curtsied, and gave them a nervous smile.

"What kind of tea is it, Miss Edel?" Edgeworth asked politely.

"... Ceylon..."

She scurried off. A moment later, Justin re-entered and placed down a second tray of fresh cakes, pastries, and biscuits. He bowed and departed.

"Justin is a mercifully good cook and baker," Shetland selected a tea cake. "Very enjoyable."

"How long have they been with you?"

"Oh... Four years? Maybe five."

"Five years..."

Trucy picked up a cookie. "That's a while."

"Yes. It's nice to have them around."

Sarah fell silent as piano music filled the air from upstairs. Edgeworth wasn't familiar with the song, but it was lovely. Justin's voice was not distinct at this distance between the floors, not like the piano.

"This is always nice," Shetland said.

"Shouldn't they be buttling and maiding?" Trucy asked, frowning slightly.

"This is part of what we have them do," Shetland explained. "Music for our guests. Now, Edgeworth. How are things at the office?"

They left some hours later. The spring afternoon was full of warm, scented air. Edgeworth didn't like it as the pollen sent him into a slight sneezing fit.

"It was delightful getting to meet you both," Sarah said warmly. "Please feel free to return tomorrow if it suits you."

"That would be fun," Trucy beamed brightly, speaking over Edgeworth sneezing again. "We should go though, because the pollen isn't treating Uncle Edgeworth very well."

Shetland laughed. "No, it seems not. Well. Tomorrow it is. It was lovely meeting you, Miss Wright."

"It was nice meeting you, too," Trucy produced a business card out of thin air. "If you ever want to see me, I do magic at the Wonder Bar!"

"Magic, huh?" Shetland was amused. "I'd like to see that."

Trucy smiled and waved. "Bye!"

She tugged Edgeworth down the garden path. At the end she stopped and looked at him.

"About that maid and butler..."

"It must be a coincidence," Edgeworth folded his arms, frowning. "She-Edel-looks like Franziska but she acts nothing like her."

"We'll yeah..." Trucy sighed. "That butler reminds me of Polly but only a little. At a glance. But you seemed really interested in the maid."

"It's uncanny how much she resembles Franziska but... Her attitude is the exact opposite."

Trucy sat down in the car. "Maybe it's because we were just talking about them before we got here?"

"Perhaps..."

"So I am to take you home tonight?" Edgeworth asked to change the subject. "And see you in the morning?"

"Uh-huh."

"At what time?"

"Oh, um... I'm not doing anything. So I guess noon? That's not too early."

"Okay," he placed a hand on her head. "You be good, all right?"

She looked up at him innocently. "I'm always good."

Somehow he doubted it, but it made him laugh slightly. Trucy hugged him and kissed his cheek, just as she did for Wright, before leaving. "Bye, Uncle Edgeworth!"

"Goodbye, Trucy."

"Until tomorrow!" she called merrily.