Dear Nick,

There's so much I want to say.

Firstly, how're you doing? I know working at the Borscht Bowl Club, or so I heard from one certain prosecutor, isn't the perfect job. Do you even know how to play a piano, old man? That's something you never told me. Probably knocking their socks off with your blues, right?

How is Trucy doing? Is she okay? I know you can be a good father, judging by how you treated Pearly when she was younger. She was so happy when I told her you called me. She still calls you my 'special someone' even after all this time. I just don't have the heart to make her stop, you know? I just want to let the kid live a little. She should have the childhood I had, or better considering what she did to Pearly.

After hearing what you did for Trucy, Nick, I think I'll consider adopting Pearly officially. She already sees me as more of a mom than her at this point. I love Pearly to bits. Even though she's my cousin, she's more of a daughter to me at this point. I think I'll adopt her eventually. It'll make her so happy.

Anyhow, training is an absolute chore, Nick. It's so hard doing this routine over and over again, day in and day out. I don't know how long it's going to take me to be Master at this point. I hope the training ends soon. I hate having to wake up early for waterfall training. I don't even have time to eat burgers, anymore. The elders are such cranky old ladies. I wish they had to be put under the same training I was.

When I become Master, my first act is a new law saying that that they have to do the same training I did to become Master to be an Elder.

Speaking of burgers, you owe me two hundred burgers, mister. When you get your name cleared, you'd better remember to come see me. I want to talk to you again, Nick. It's so weird growing up without you near me. After spending so long near you, it's still hard to know that I won't see you for a long time.

You'd better come to see me one day. Promise me, Nick.

Yours Truly,

Maya

Phoenix reread the letter over and over, savoring every line from his closest friend. He smiled thinking Pearl was still gushing over them. He was also happy that Maya was considering formally adopting her. Pearl deserved it after everything Morgan put them through. He thought back to what Morgan did to Maya and never thought he could see a more loathsome figure. Kristoph, however, had easily surpassed even her. He wanted them both to rot forever in prison.

He got out a sheet of paper and started to write his reply. He was finally going to reply to her letters. He wouldn't let her down again. Her happiness mattered a lot to him. He wouldn't put his reply into the mailbox until he was sure Kristoph wasn't monitoring him. He also made sure to put them in different mailboxes, considering it too dangerous to put it all in his nearest one.

Dear Maya,

I'm doing okay, just so you know. I don't really know how to play the piano, though I have been playing for over three years now. I really do wish I could be better, though. Mystic Ami knows I need a raise as it is, with me having a daughter and all. Blues, huh? Don't you need a guitar or harmonica to do that? Also, I'm not depressed, so it really wouldn't make sense.

Trucy's doing fine. I'm telling her to focus more on schoolwork right now. Her grades are fine, but I want to keep it that way. No more late nights at the Wonder Bar for her. She needs her sleep. Eight PM sharp. Speaking of Pearls, Trucy's really cut out to be her sister, even though they don't know each other. She always asks me who her new mommy's going to be. I don't even know where to begin with that.

Adopting Pearls, huh? I don't have any objections. In fact, I'm happy that you're making that decision. Pearls deserves a good mother considering her less-than-stellar childhood. I know that you'd make a good mother for her, Maya, considering that she already looks up to you. She'd be so happy if you did that for her.

Lawyer studies were the same, but hey, they can't keep you from becoming Master, can they? I know you'll make a good Master, Maya. You'll shake things up from the root and I know that you're going to turn this village upside down. Just keep putting everything you have into your training and know that I am with you. Always.

I'll do my best to continue investigating my disbarment. These things take time, you know. I still don't know how to file an appeal with the Bar Association. It'll take a miracle to make this work of justice happen. But I believe in miracles. Miracles do happen, because miracles do exist. I know that from personal experience. Just have faith, Maya. I promise I'll visit you one day, Maya. I really do want to, but with him following me around, I have little choice.

Speaking of burgers, my wallet just let out a huge groan. I think it's trying to tell me something.

Sincerely,

Nick

Maya read the letter and smiled. Her first true smile in a long time. This letter from her best friend was one she would treasure. She loved him, that much was for sure. The amount of betrayal in her heart for three years was something she didn't want to think about, but these letters eased that pain.

She thought it was silly, liking a guy for that long of a time, but it was something that wouldn't rest. She wanted to see him again so much, but she knew that he had work that he couldn't abandon for her sake. She would easily sacrifice her own happiness if it meant that he could be less worried than he already was. Poor Nick worried so much nowadays about so many different things. For now, these letters were enough—more than enough.

No wonder Pearly went crazy over them.