Author's note: Although no one left any reviews on the last chapter, I was incredibly shocked to see someone actually favorited the story. Hopefully you all enjoy this chapter as well. I'll try to keep putting chapters up as consistently as I can.
Also, for anyone who doesn't get the pun in the first paragraph: Otto Yaleeg=Outta your league.


June 7
9:07 AM
Fey Manor

Maya awoke that morning to a smell that brought back memories. The smell of blueberry pancakes. She immediately ran to the kitchen to see several stacks of Phoenix Wright's Famous Blueberry Pancakes, along with her best friend, still clad in his pajamas, sitting at the table, sipping on a cup of coffee while doing some puzzles from a book.

"That's weird," she said. "I don't remember inviting the professor here."

Phoenix glanced at her and smiled. "Please, like I'll ever get on that man's level when it comes to puzzles."

Maya wandered over to the fridge and poured herself some orange juice, before stacking her plate high with the delicious fluffy discs. Upon her first bite, she let out a contented sigh.

"I'm telling you, Nick. If this lawyer thing falls through again, you could always open a breakfast diner."

He shot her a glare before returning to his puzzles. "So, what did you girls do last night after I went to bed?"

Maya blushed, remembering what she confessed to everyone last night. "Oh, you know, just talked about clothes and boys…"

"Boys? Oh man, please don't tell me Trucy's talking about dating now?"

Maya giggled. "Yep. If I remember right, his name was… Otto Yaleeg? It was something weird like that."

Phoenix began to sweat. I am not prepared for this. I am the opposite of prepared.

"And not just Trucy, either. Apparently, Athena has a thing for Apollo."

"And Pearls hits the nail on the head again. Speaking of those two, I wonder what's got them still in bed. Athena's usually at the office earlier than this. And we don't open till 10."

"They're on vacation, Nick. Probably just sleeping in." Said Maya, shoving another forkful of syrupy goodness in her mouth.

Athena began to stir and immediately felt like something was odd, even before she opened her eyes. It feels like something's on me. Maybe I'm just imagining it. She opened her eyes and immediately realized how wrong she was.

Apollo's face loomed just inches from hers, and his arm was around her waist. Athena immediately wanted to spring up from the bed, but decided against it, to avoid waking Apollo. Ohcrapohcrapohcrapohcrap! I must have climbed into his bed by accident last night. Okay, stay calm, Athena. If you're careful, you can get out of this and no one will ever know.

She slowly reached for his arm and very lightly grabbed his wrist. Sadly, she was shaking so much she lost her grip and dropped his hand. Athena tensed up as Apollo stirred slightly and pulled her closer unconsciously. As much as I'd love to cuddle with you, Apollo, I'd rather we were actually TOGETHER first. He was holding her too close to move without waking him. She decided on her last resort. As Athena braced herself, preparing to roll out of the bed and onto the floor, Apollo finally stirred and awoke. Welp, this is where I die of embarrassment. I lived a good life.

Apollo opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was Athena smiling a nervous smile at him. He smiled back calmly…

"GAH!" He jumped quickly out of the bed, having finally fully grasped the situation. Unfortunately, when he did, he scared Athena, who fell off the bed and onto the floor. "A-Athena! Are you okay?" He said rushing over to her and pulled her off the floor. She took a seat back on the bed.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine, Apollo." She said, smiling a very nervous smile. Apollo was still having a mini-freakout, but managed to stutter out.

"Uh, w-why, were you i-in my bed?"

Athena opened her mouth to explain when a small knock came at their door.

"Athena, Apollo?" The voice belonged to Maya. "I heard something hit the ground in there. Everything okay?"

Apollo unintentionally let loose his Chords of Steel "W-WE'RE FINE MISS FEY!" Wanna try that a little louder, Apollo? Not sure you woke up everyone else in the village! Athena thought.

Maya's voice came out shakily "O-ok. W-well when you guys are ready, Nick made blueberry pancakes!" Her footsteps were heard making their way back to the kitchen.

Apollo turned back to Athena to ask what was going on again, only to realize she was gone, having rushed to the bathroom and turned on the shower. What in the world is going on here?

"APOLLO!" Suddenly, Trucy's voice rang throughout the house and his door slid open. She walked right up to him and gave him a hard punch in the shoulder. "You agreed, no Chords of Steel workouts in the morning while we're here. You nearly gave Pearls a heart attack!"

Apollo rubbed his shoulder. "Uh, sorry, Truce. I didn't mean to. I just-"

"I don't care." One wouldn't guess it, but Trucy is NOT a morning person. "Do it again and I'll make your tie burst into flame at your next trial."

Apollo believed her 100 percent, and nodded. "Sorry." Trucy stormed out of the room. This vacation may very well be the death of me.


Apollo finally made his way to the kitchen and saw that everyone had already piled in for breakfast. Well, everyone, that is, except for Athena, who was still showering when he left the room. He quietly walked by Trucy, who seemed to be chugging down something from a mug that he could only assume to be coffee. When did she become a coffee drinker? Wait, probably 5 minutes ago. He stacked a few blueberry pancakes onto his plate and poured himself some coffee. He felt he was gonna need it today. He ate away at his pancakes (which he had to admit were some of the best he'd ever had) when Athena finally made her way into the kitchen. Her hair was wet and she still wore her pajamas. She glanced at Apollo, who noticed a blush stain her cheeks, and looked away, moving towards the counter to get her breakfast. When she had pancakes and coffee, she took a seat next to Maya… Which just so happened to be the farthest seat from him. Everyone sat in uncomfortable silence for a while. Well, except for Phoenix and Maya, who whispered to each other, laughing every so often. Finally Maya stood up and slammed her hands on the table, scaring everyone. Pearl almost fell out of her chair. Poor girl. She's gonna have a heart attack before we even leave the house at this rate.

"Ok guys, me and Nick discussed it, and today, we're going on a hike in the woods!"

Everyone seemed pretty unenthusiastic. Probably due to them all being given a rude awakening.

"Please, hold your applause everyone!" Phoenix said, earning a tiny giggle from Athena.

"Alright, everyone finish your breakfast and get dressed, then meet up in the main room in 20 minutes." Maya said, placing her dishes in the sink and running off to her room.

Phoenix did the same, but walked by Apollo and whispered in his ear. "You seem a bit out of it. Come see me in my room in a few minutes." Apollo nodded and took another bite of his pancakes. The rest of breakfast was spent in complete silence before everyone went back to their rooms.


Apollo stood outside Phoenix's room, dressed in his self-proclaimed "Stylin' Street Clothes." He knocked on the door, which slid open shortly after to reveal Phoenix dressed in his hobo outfit. Minus the beanie.

"Ah, Apollo, glad you came. Come on in."

Apollo stepped inside and Phoenix slid the door shut. "Alright, what's troubling you, Apollo?"

Apollo considered lying, and saying nothing was bothering him, but he knew about Phoenix's Magatama, which showed when someone was lying.

"..Promise not to tell any of the others, alright." Apollo demanded

"You have my word."
Apollo sighed. "Ok, this morning I woke up and found Athena sleeping in my bed with me."

He expected to hear Phoenix laughing, but the man looked completely calm. "And I guess that was kind of a shock, huh?" Questioned Phoenix.

"Oh, you have no idea. I jumped out of bed when I realized what was going on, which I guess scared her. That's what you guys heard hit the floor. Athena."

Phoenix did let out a small chuckle there before continuing. "But I think there's more to it than that."

Apollo stared at him. "What are you getting at, Mr. Wright?"

"Well, I can understand you being freaked out when you woke up. But I saw you at breakfast. You kept glancing at her and blushing."

I thought I was the one with super eyesight.

"Apollo, is there something you maybe wanna tell me about?"

Apollo felt a lump in his throat, but managed to choke out "I think I like Athena. As more than a friend, Mr. Wright."

The first thing Apollo expected was a scolding and being told about a workplace policy about dating co-workers. Instead, his ears were greeted with "Damn, now I owe Pearls ten bucks."

Please tell me I heard that wrong. "W-what the hell are you talking about?"

"Huh, oh nothing. Don't worry about it. But, anyway, you're probably expecting me to be mad and threaten your job."

Apollo looked at his boss, with a look of near defeat on his face. "Yeah, kinda."

"Well…" Here it comes… "Good luck to you."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wright, I- Wait, what?" He looked at the man with utter surprise.

"I said good luck. I think you two would be great together."

What was in those pancakes?

"Wait, are you saying you'd be ok with it if me and Athena got together?" Apollo questioned.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be? You two work great on cases together and I know about your professionalism. I know you two won't let a little romance get in the way of your work."

Did I hit my head recently? "Uh, wow, Mr. Wright. Kinda surprised you're so lenient about this. But I don't think anything will come of this."

Phoenix looked at the man. "And why do you say that?"

"I really don't think she feels the same way."

I could tell him. Phoenix thought. But I think this is something he should figure out himself.

"Well," said Phoenix "I think that's something you should figure out. Maybe you should talk to her about it. Chances are she'll pull it out of you anyway when she hears the discord in your voice."

Gulp. That's something I'd like to avoid. "Maybe. I'll think about it Mr. Wright. Thanks for the talk. I feel a lot better now."

Phoenix smiled and patted his employee on the back. "We should probably get to the main room. We're a little late."

The two started to walk out of the room when Apollo stopped. "Mr. Wright?"

"Hm? What is it?"

"You and Miss Fey," Apollo started. "Are you two-"

"No." Phoenix snapped.

Yikes. Note to self: Don't go there again.

Phoenix sighed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you. I get asked that a lot. The truth is, I do care for Maya. But even if she felt the same, I'm not sure I could go that far with her. Her older sister was my mentor, and she asked me to take care of Maya. I'm not sure she would approve."

"Oh, I guess I see your logic there." Too bad. If you're gonna push me and Athena together, I'll be doing some pushing myself.


"Geez, Nick, we were about to leave without you! Your hip start acting up?" Maya poked fun at the lawyer as the two made their way into the room.

"Oh, haha. You're not fooling me. I know exactly how long it takes you to style your hair."

Maya was taken back and everyone laughed, having finally pulled themselves out of their slump. "So, is everyone all set to go?" Asked Maya.

"Oh yeah!" said Athena, punching her hand into her open palm. "I haven't been hiking in years!"

Maya smiled at her. "Well, let's not keep her waiting. Let's move out!" Maya led the group out of the house and to the entrance of the woods.


"Ah, I just love nature." Athena said, near the back of the group.

At least one of us is enjoying themselves. Thought Apollo, as he swatted at another mosquito. The thought didn't last long as his eyes once again drifted to the yellow clad redhead next to him. Mr. Wright has a point. I'm never gonna know if she likes me or not unless I talk to her. But how do you even start a conversation like that? "Hey, Athena, I was just wondering if you had any romantic feelings for me." Not gonna happen.

Athena snuck a glance at Apollo, who had his finger to his head, thinking. I can't avoid talking to him forever. He's gotta still be wondering what I was doing in his bed this morning. I could just tell him it was an accident, but even though that's the truth, is he gonna buy it?

Phoenix couldn't help but notice his two employees stealing glances at each other. I may need to give these two a nudge towards happiness. "Hey Trucy," he said "Did you bring your medication with you? Or your EpiPen?"

Maya was confused. "EpiPen? For what?"

Trucy chimed in. "I'm allergic to bee stings. I don't usually keep it with me. But I brought it with us since I knew this was a more rural area. But… I forgot it at the house, daddy."

Perfect. "Well, we should go back and get it. Maya, you wanna come with?"

Maya thought for a second. C'mon, Maya, please catch on. I know Trucy has. "Alright, sure."

Apollo spoke up. "You want us to come with, Mr. Wright?"

"Nah, don't worry about it. I need Maya to lead us back. You and Athena stick with Pearls so you don't get lost and we'll catch back up later."

Damn it, Mr. Wright, I know what you're doing.

"Pearls," Phoenix said to the girl. "Think you can keep them from getting lost?"

The girl smiled and nodded. "Of course, Mr. Nick!"

He ruffled the girl's hair and headed the other direction. "C'mon guys, let's go."

Maya, Phoenix, and Trucy all started heading back to Fey Manor. "Truce," said Maya "You didn't really forget your EpiPen, did you?"

Trucy responded by reaching into her pocket and pulling out the injector. Maya sighed. "You're buying us a round of noodles when we get back, Nick."

Phoenix simply smiled and followed behind her.


I could use a silencer while wearing gloves. Wait, no, they'd be able to match my footprint. Plus it wouldn't be hard to place my motive. Apollo thought to himself of the many ways he could get away with murdering Phoenix for forcing him into this situation. He sighed to himself. Well, he went out of his way to get us alone. I may as well try and work with it. Maybe I should try to break the ice somehow… I can't believe I'm actually trying to figure out how to flirt with Athena. His thoughts were cut short by Pearl.

"Mr. Polly, Miss Thena! C'mere, you gotta see this!"

The two rushed to catch up with the girl and found her on her knees in front of a flower.

"Wow!" said Athena. "That's such a beautiful flower." She bent down to take a closer look.

The petals were mostly purple, with small splotches of black all over, and the stems in the center were a bright green.

"It's called a Kurain lily. Legends dating back to Mystic Ami herself say that it has the power to bind two people's futures together." Pearl explained.

"Awwww, that's so romantic, isn't it Apollo?" I hope that wasn't too obvious Athena thought.

"Huh, oh, yeah. Real beautiful stuff." He said, almost uninterested. Well, there's an idea he thought to himself.

Athena reached out to pick the flower, but Pearl stopped her. "No, don't! The legends also say that if the flower is picked without the intention of being given to someone, the one who picked it will be cursed forever."

Athena gasped and withdrew her hand. "Well, I definitely don't need any curses hanging over my head." She reached into her pocket and took out her phone, snapping a picture of the flower.

"Alright," Pearl said standing up. "Let's keep going. There's a small rest area just up ahead."

The two girls began walking along the trail again, while Apollo hung back for a moment. He knelt down and plucked the flower. I hope I'm not making a huge mistake right now.

Kurain Lily was added to the court record.

"Hey Apollo! Don't hang back or we'll leave you!" cried Athena. "I'll be right there!" With that, Apollo jolted on ahead to catch up with the two girls. And now I formulate my revenge.


Phoenix watched in amazement as Maya slurped down her third bowl of noodles. "How can you still be hungry? We had breakfast two hours ago!"

Maya set down her bowl and grinned at the lawyer. "Nick, you should know by now that my noodle stomach and my breakfast stomach are two completely different things! Hey, waiter! Two more bowls!" And there goes that new watch I was looking at.


As Pearl, Athena, and Apollo sat down at the bench, Athena's thoughts drifted back to the flower. That really is such a beautiful story. I wonder if Apollo likes flowers. Oh, who am I kidding? He'd laugh in my face if I gave him a flower.

"Hey, Athena?" Apollo interrupted her train of thought. She turned to look at him.

"Yeah?"

Apollo looked at the ground momentarily before looking back at her.

"Look, I know you're probably still embarrassed about this morning." That is understatement, Mr. Justice. Athena thought "But, this is bugging me, so I gotta know. Why were you in my bed?"

Damn it, nowhere to hide. Athena sighed. "It was really nothing weird or anything. After the movies last night, I went to bed and didn't even realize you were there." Her cheeks were burning hot at this point.

Apollo thought for a moment. "So, it was just an accident?"

"Of course it was. I wasn't being creepy and trying to sleep with you. You're my friend, Apollo. I don't wanna make things weird." Maybe denying things a LITTLE too much there, Athena she chastised herself.


"You're my friend, Apollo. I don't wanna make things weird."

BADUMP There it is. My bracelet just reacted when she said "friend." He wanted to press further, but decided to wait. Instead he responded to her

"Oh, alright then. Thanks for finally clearing that up. It was driving me crazy." Athena smiled at him, and he turned towards Pearl. "Hey, Pearls, can I ask you something?"

The young girl looked at him and smiled. "Of course, Mr. Polly. What is it?"

"Well, it's about Maya-"

"MYSTIC Maya." Pearl corrected.

Apollo flinched. "Oh, uh, right, MYSTIC Maya. Well, about her, what do you know about her sister?"

"Mystic Mia? I actually don't know much. I know she was a lawyer, like Mr. Nick. And Mystic Maya told me she was even his teacher."

That's everything I already knew. "Well, what about what kind of person she was?"

Pearl began chewing on her thumb. "I really don't know. I only met her a few times, but…"

"But?" Apollo said.

Pearl hesitated a moment before speaking

"If you'd like, I could channel her so you can talk to her."

Athena chimed in. "Channel? What are you talking about?"

Why am I not surprised she was eavesdropping? "Yeah, I'm not sure what you mean, either."

Pearl rolled up her sleeve, seeming ready to punch someone. "You mean Mr. Nick hasn't told you about our spiritual powers?"

Apollo flinched slightly. "Oh, uh, n-no, he hasn't."

Pearl seemed to get angrier. "I'm gonna smack Mr. Nick good next time I see him!"

Athena and Apollo looked on in fear, before Pearl finally calmed herself. "Well, Mystic Maya and I, we both have powers. They let us channel the spirits of the dead by allowing them to use our bodies."

Apollo gave a very skeptical look. Is it just me, or is the Twilight Zone theme playing from somewhere. Maybe I should play along.

Athena also seemed shocked by what the girl had just said. Channeling the dead? Ok, this, I have to see. Apollo broke the silence.

"Is that so? Well, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you channel Mia for us?" Apollo asked.

Pearl clapped her hands together and smiled. "Of course!" she said as she took a meditative stance.


"Ah, this place gives Eldoon's a run its money." Maya said, patting her belly. "But, I think I'm done for now, Nick."

Are you sure? I think they still have some left that you missed! Phoenix called for a waiter to bring the check. His eyes nearly shot of his head when he saw the total.

"And don't forget the tip, Nick!" Forget the watch, there goes this month's rent!


Athena and Apollo looked in awe at the person before them. Pearl had slowly changed and grown and now before them sat a beautiful woman in her late 20's. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the two. She had a confused look on her face.

She crossed her arms in front of her and spoke "Who are you two?"

Apollo couldn't find his voice, but Athena finally spoke up

"Um, w-we're employees of Mr. Wright. I'm Athena Cykes."

Apollo finally found his voice and spoke. "A-and I'm Apollo Justice. Are you… Mia Fey?"

Mia thought for a moment and then smiled. "Yes, I am. And from the looks on your faces, this must be your first time witnessing a spirit channeling."

Apollo was still at a loss for words, but managed to stutter out "Y-yeah. I never thought something like this was possible."

Mia continued to smile. "So, since I'm here, I can only assume there's something you want to ask me?"

Apollo finally cleared his head. "Yeah, Apollo." Said Athena. "This is cool and all, but why were you asking Pearls about her?"

"O-oh yeah. Um, Miss Fey."

"Please, Mia is fine. I don't care much for formalities."

So in other words, cut the formal crap. "O-ok. Um, Mia. I was wanting to ask you about Mr. Wright and Maya."

Mia put on a quizzical face. "What about them?"

"Well, I spoke to Mr. Wright earlier, and he told me he had feelings for Maya." Mia smiled. "But, he told me that he doesn't want to act on them because he thinks you wouldn't approve."

Athena chimed in. "Apollo, are you telling me you called someone from the dead to play matchmaker for the boss!?"

Well, that wasn't exactly the plan, but that's how it turned out. "Uh, kinda looks that way, huh?" he said nervously, and was met with a smack to the back of the head.

"Apollo! That is so rude!"

Mia stifled a giggle. "Athena, was it? It's fine. Any time I can spend back here is time well spent. Now, Apollo, am I correct in assuming that you just want to know my thoughts about Phoenix and my sister as a couple?" Apollo nodded. Mia sighed. "Honestly, that man comes up with the worst excuses." She muttered to herself before turning back to them. "Apollo, would you happen to have a pen and some paper?"

"Yeah, I always keep a notepad on hand." He said, reaching into his backpack and handing his notepad to Mia.

"Thank you." She said, and began writing in the notepad. She finally tore a page out and folded it up tightly, handing it to Apollo. "Please don't read this, but be sure to give it to Phoenix."

Mia's Note was added to the court record.

"Thank you, Mia. I'll be sure to give it to him."

Mia smiled. "I'm glad to help. Now, why don't you two tell me about yourselves? I'm always happy to meet friends of Maya's."

Athena smiled and sat next to Mia. Apollo looked on at the two and thought to himself. This is the weirdest friend I have ever made. Hands down. But, wait, if Pearls can channel the spirits of the dead, maybe she could channel…


"C'mon, Nick! How can you be so slow after dropping so much weight out of your wallet?" Maya called back to Phoenix who was still trailing behind her.

"How can you still be so fast with all those noodles in your gut?

"Fey family secret, Nick!"

That's one secret I'd like to learn.

"C'mon, Daddy, we gotta hurry and catch up to everyone else!"

Suddenly, Phoenix heard a voice off in the distance. "You hear that, Nick? It sounds like Apollo and Athena."

"Yeah, I think you're right."

Maya grabbed his hand. "C'mon, this way." She led him down the trail, and they eventually came out at a small rest area with a few benches scattered around. Athena, Apollo, and Pearl sat on one, laughing.

"Hey, what are you guys talking about that's so funny?" Maya cried.

The trio turned to look at the new arrivals. Athena smiled and spoke "Oh, nothing too important. But you guys sure took your sweet time."

Phoenix laughed. "Yeah, well you have Maya's noodle stomach to thank for that." Everyone laughed.

Apollo spoke up. "Well, now that we're all back together, should we head further in?"

Phoenix's legs screamed at him, but Maya spoke up. "Of course! If we keep going we'll be at the other side of the lake." Maya grabbed Phoenix's hand again and dragged him along, with everyone else following behind. Remind me why a vacation here sounded good again.


Several more hours passed and the group finally headed back to Fey Manor. Everyone adjourned to their rooms to get changed into their evening clothes. Phoenix plopped down on the couch in the living room.

"If I ever take another step in my life, it will be too soon."

Maya sat down next to him. "Oh cheer up, Nick. It wasn't that bad. Besides, I know just the thing to make you feel better." Phoenix looked at her, questioningly. In response, she held up a DVD case. The box read The Steel Samurai Meets the Jammin' Ninja.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


Athena and Apollo laid down on their own beds, ready to crash from the day's long hike. Apollo began to drift off when Athena's voice snapped him awake. "Hey, Apollo?"

Ugh, why now? I just want to sleep. "Yeah?"

Athena hesitated a moment. "Why did you call Maya's sister earlier to hook up the boss? I mean, don't get me wrong, it was cool and all, but it kinda came out of the blue."

Apollo thought for a moment, and decided to withhold the information. "I have my reasons, Athena. You'll find out soon enough."

Athena groaned. "Awww, c'mon, now I gotta know!"

Apollo laughed. "You'll find out tomorrow. I promise."

Athena sighed. "Oh, fine. But tell me, how did you know Pearls could do that? I still can't get over what happened!"

Apollo laughed again. "Honestly, I had no idea. But it was definitely pretty cool."

Athena stayed silent before speaking again. "Apollo, if she can do that for anyone who's died, do you think that means she could channel-"

"I'm not sure." Apollo said bluntly. "But, before we leave, I plan to ask."

He couldn't see it, but Athena smiled. "I hope she can. I know it will make you happy."

"Yeah." She could sense the overwhelming happiness in his heart. But also the sadness. A heavy silence stuck in the air before Athena broke it.

"Good night, Apollo."

Apollo smiled. "Good night, Athena."