Chapter 3: Boot To The Head
These character designs I posted the link to last chapter are still relevant for this chapter (as we still have Franziska's new look, Phoenix's, as well as Mia, Maya, and Miles, but we're gonna get some Apollo and Athena too) so here is the link, I wanted you guys to see some basic character design ideas I have for this fic. http [:][/][/] [angelrin89.] [tumblr] .com [/]post/169489975418/the-great-dual-substitute-turnabout
And a couple characters here will also be appearing in this chapter, http[:][/][/] [angelrin89.] [tumblr] .com [/]post/169713182978/the-great-dual-substitute-turnabout-more-designs
And here is another however these last designs not have anyone featured until later chapters, http[:][/][/] [angelrin89.] [tumblr] .com [/]post/169828407023/the-great-dual-substitute-turnabout-even-more
Just remove the brackets and spaces and you can see the inspirations for some of the character designs I have planned for this fic. I'll get around to sketching some more of my inspirations eventually but here is something to use as a point of reference. You know some day maybe fanficnet will let me post links to my fanart so I don't have to deal with this stupid way of adding it. When I find time to start sketching everyone I'll just submit links to the actual sketches instead.
I want to thank one of my betas and personal friends, coolman229, for helping me edit this chapter. Enjoy guys!
"Mia, this isn't exactly stirring confidence. Why won't you tell me what's going on? What did Wright say to you?" Miles asked firmly.
He wished he knew what she was thinking. But it was important she communicate with him. Especially on suspicious matters like this.
"Miles...I understand I'm asking a lot but trust me. It's best if we wait and see how this plays out." Mia said with rather vague encouragement.
"And why the devil would I be okay with waiting to see how this plays out? I'm not going to let this rest until you give me something a little more concrete Mia." Miles said.
Mia gave him a sigh as she rubbed the right side of her neck.
"I don't know Miles. I don't know if I should. A part of me wants to believe—" She trailed off for a second, appearing lost in thought.
"Sis? What's wrong?" Maya asked next to him.
"A part of me is really hopeful what he told me was the truth and that he's being sincere...but...I don't want to get your hopes up Miles. Just in case it's some kind of trick. I'd rather it be just me bamboozled than both of us. I want you to focus on the trial and keeping your guard up. Let me worry about what Mr. Wright said, okay?" She gave him one of her tender smiles.
It was his turn to sigh. She was far more stubborn than he was unfortunately. But he did trust Mia. Whatever Wright said apparently made her more optimistic but she was still trying to protect Miles in case whatever the prosecutor said was some kind of trap. He wished she wouldn't do that. Mia should learn to worry more about herself than everyone else.
"Very well, I'll let it go...for now." Miles relented much to his displeasure.
Mia smiled another tender smile at him much to his annoyance. He hated when she did that. She always seemed to know how to win an argument between them anytime she started smiling like that. Curse her for it.
"How is Hayden? Oh—and Charley?" Mia asked with concern.
"You don't have to worry about either. Apollo and Athena promised to take turns on making sure Charley is well taken care of. And Miley immediately went to your place after this whole mess and got Hayden." Maya said cheerfully.
"Yes, I brought him straight to my apartment soon as I was called about your arrest." Miles nodded.
"Yep! Miley was on top of it because he knew you'd be worried." Maya clapped her hands together and nodded.
"You're so sweet Miles, I can always count on you. I hope he's on his best behavior for you, I know Hayden can be a bit of a wild animal." Mia teased.
"Your pup has shown he's capable of manners thankfully," Miles lightly jested, then added, "Besides, Pess is quite enjoying having a new friend around the apartment while I'm working."
Suddenly Mia was frowning, her mood became more downcast. That caused Miles to drop his smile instantly.
"Miles, how is Apollo doing? Oh and Athena too of course?" Mia asked.
He could read the guilt all over Mia's expression. Apollo and Athena both decided they wanted to take on their recent case together, it was personal for them as both of them had close friends involved in their case. But normally Apollo always goes over every finding of his investigations with Mia—his mentor. Even if he isn't doing a case with Mia, Apollo always felt more confident in his cases after getting a second opinion from Mia. Likewise, Miles would do the same for Athena who he had mentored. The last trial day of their case was tomorrow, Apollo and Athena sadly were both too busy at the time to help with his father's case.
"I know what you're thinking Mia, and you can quit that train of thought while you're ahead. Apollo has been an attorney for almost eighteen months now, you've prepared him well enough. He will be fine, I know it's tradition he asks for your opinion after every investigation but he will do fine. Athena too. We've prepared both of our students for the tasks ahead of them. They make a good team and will win their case, that I'm sure of." He stated matter-of-factly.
He could have phrased that a bit more gently, but that wasn't exactly his strong suit. He dealt with facts. And the facts were simple, they both had gifted students who would be fine without always having to turn to their mentors. Not that Apollo was dependent on Mia, but he knew it was important to her to be there for her protégé.
"Yes, I know but—"
"No buts Sis! Miley is right! You have nothing to feel guilty about! You're just as bad as Apollo and Athena. They were feeling all down and out because they couldn't aid with our case because they were so busy with theirs, Apollo especially was taking it hard. But it can't be helped. Stop worrying! They got this! And we got this! Everything is going to work out, I just know it! So you all can stop being a bunch of worry-warts!" Maya exclaimed.
"Very well, I'll try to stop worrying over Apollo and Athena, but only if you tell them both to not feel guilty about being busy with another case. I'm in good hands after all." Mia said.
Maya nodded and gave her sister a thumbs up.
"Maya...how—is mom alright?" Mia asked hesitantly.
Maya's smile immediately faltered. She looked down at the ground, crestfallen. Miles closed his eyes and crossed his arms, taking in a deep breath.
"She is deeply upset by everything that has happened, that is understandable considering the circumstances. However, she shoulders these burdens well. Misty Fey is a strong woman, just like her daughters." Miles said with a small smile.
He was glad he was able to get the two Fey sisters to smile, even if only slightly. But he frowned again when he noticed such heavy concern in Mia's eyes.
"Miles...are you going to be alright?" Mia asked gently.
He pressed his lips into a thin line and felt the muscles in his jaw tighten as he clenched his teeth. He closed his eyes again to take a deep breath through his nose. He promised he wouldn't lose control. It was even more important after that earlier outburst that he did not lose control. He's of no use like that.
"We're not here for me, we're here for you. Mia, please tell me everything that happened on the night of the murder." He deflected instead.
It was best not to dwell on such things. Focusing on himself would not help his father or Mia.
Franziska was driving and dialed some number, putting in a Bluetooth in her ear. She looked...extremely unhappy. She couldn't still be sore about what happened at the detention center, could she?
"Is everything alright?" Phoenix asked nervously.
"I need quiet brother...I have to call...her." Franziska said with disgust.
It seemed it was whoever she was calling then. He wondered what kind of person it was that was putting her in such a foul mood.
"Chief Prosecutor, this is Franziska von Karma."
Phoenix felt his eyes widen. So, the Chief Prosecutor was a woman here? Was it still Lana? He certainly hoped not for Lana's sake, he'd hate to think she was still being blackmailed for years on end here too, worse if it was here it would be much longer than back home.
"No, Ms. Mite. I have an urgent request! I need you to put me in command of the Gregory Edgeworth case."
Okay so not Lana, at least he hoped, not unless she changed her name from Lana Skye to Lana Mite, but he doubted it. Something in his gut told him that Franziska probably wouldn't be nearly so angry if it was Lana who was the Chief Prosecutor...or at least he assumed.
"Yes, I have Phoenix's permission that he is stepping down as prosecutor for this case! Did you honestly think I would ask this without my own brother's permission?!"
("Well...this is getting to be more awkward, I'd definitely love to be anywhere that isn't here. Any takers on waking up and this all is just a dream? Yes? No? Please? Ugh...it was worth a shot.") He mentally grumbled.
"No Phoenix is not feeling that well. However, the case is still rather personal to him so he's offering to step down for the sake of his health, but on the condition he still gets to act as my co-council. You can easily switch it so I'm the acting prosecutor, I know you've done it before last minute on other trials." Franziska glared daggers at the road ahead of her.
Phoenix decided to look out the window and ponder over everything that happened so far while Franziska did her best to not raise her voice and chew the ear off the woman on the other line, which was a remarkable feat in itself considering Franziska was still arguing with this woman but was quite clearly holding back. Just who was this Chief Prosecutor that she causes Franziska to hold back on being...well Franziska?
"Tch...fine, you may ask him yourself, but keep it quick! Phoenix has been having dreadful headaches all morning and your loud voice would probably upset him." Franziska kept her voice crisp yet neutral while her eyes were anything but.
Those were the eyes of a woman about to erupt.
Phoenix felt himself gulp. Now he was feeling nervous again, especially seeing how much Franziska was on the edge. He just hoped she didn't explode at him. Franziska stopped at a red light and quickly switched off the Bluetooth, switching it back to her normal cellphone.
"Hold on one second Ms. Mite, I'm getting an incoming call. Let me see who it is and tell them to call back later." Franziska lied as she put the woman on hold.
She then handed Phoenix over the sleek smartphone as the light turned green. Franziska resumed driving but continued to scowl at the road ahead.
"She wishes to speak with you. Her name is Ms. Dinah Mite, she is our boss here when we prosecute in California. I warn you brother...that woman is a lazy tart but is extremely crafty. Do not drop your guard. Keep it simple and vague but do not let her control the conversation. Her favorite past time is to use any and all men that she can get to bow to her every whim. Turn up the phone volume all the way so I can hear her, if you feel lost just look over and I'll mouth what to respond. She is the last person you want knowing about your amnesia, she'd jump at the chance to use you like some pack mule at her every beck and call if she so much as smells a hint that you're so vulnerable right now." Franziska warned sternly.
That made Phoenix gulp again. He wasn't sure he wanted to talk to his supposed boss of this universe now after hearing that. He swallowed his nerves and just nodded at her. He turned the volume all the way up like Ms. von Karma instructed, then hit the button to take the woman off hold.
"Hello? Ms. Mite?" Phoenix spoke up.
"Oh, Nixie Nix! There you are!" A woman with a sultry voice spoke on the other end of the line, in a rather chipper tone, "Franziska tells me you aren't feeling well. What's going on?"
("Did...did she just call me...Nixie Nix?") Phoenix thought utterly nonplused.
Phoenix looked over at Franziska who wasn't looking at him, thankfully at the road ahead, but her face was scrunched into complete displeasure.
"What are you waiting for? Tell her something at least." Franziska whispered with vexation.
"I uh...I'm not feeling very well Ms. Mite." Phoenix tried to not to sound clueless.
"Your lil sis didn't put you up to this I hope? I'd hate to think she is making you step off the case if—"
"No!" Phoenix quickly interjected.
While technically Franziska was trying to get him to step down, that was for the fact that she was concerned about his health. And at the very least he got an extremely stubborn Franziska to budge enough to let him assist her in the case. He wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth, or a gift Franziska von Karma in this case. He also didn't want to get Franziska in trouble, while he could easily argue that he should be in charge instead...that would have consequences. It would be undermining Franziska and getting on her bad side most definitely; but right now, as much as he hated to admit it, it seemed Franziska is his only ally currently. She was the only one who knows about the "amnesia". He did want to help Mia but he had to go about it extremely carefully as the last thing he needed was to burn any bridge that had Franziska von Karma attached to it, that was a death wish.
"No, I...I fainted this morning." Phoenix finally admitted.
"Oh...oh my! Nixie! You poor thing! Are you okay?!" To the woman's credit she did sound like she was actually worried.
"I'm doing better, Franziska is seeing to that. She wanted me off the case completely but I insisted, I needed to be still on this case. It's very important." Phoenix said, surprised how used to he had become to addressing Franziska a bit more casually.
"Well maybe you should listen to her in that case, what's going on?" Ms. Mite asked.
"No, I'll come in as Franziska's assistant and co-council. This case is...it's personal to me. I don't want to be booted off. Please grant our request, Ms. Mite." He tried not to sound like he was begging.
"Oh, yeah I did remember hearing once you had history with the Edgeworth family, very well I suppose I'll allow your lil sis to take over. I'll get my aid to file the paperwork and have one of the detectives bring it over to lil Fran tonight. But what's going on with you? Why did you faint?" She asked.
Franziska sighed then whispered quietly, "Just tell her what Dr. Payne assumed what was going on."
What Gaspen Payne said? Yes that's right, he was ignoring what Phoenix was trying to say this morning and insisted on an alternative explanation.
"I uh...well I sort of have been over-working myself I suppose. Haven't been getting too much sleep either." He said.
"Oh Nixie-Nix! I told you that you work too hard! You need to take it easy! Use this case as an opportunity to do so, I understand it's personal but we don't need you fainting in the courtroom. Don't stay up too late, you go home early tonight and get some sleep. That's an order Nixie, okay?" She ordered in a rather sweet tone.
"Yes of course ma'am." He held back a sigh.
"Ma'am? I haven't heard you call me that in a long time. You need to take a break from your overly professional family, how many times do I have to keep telling you it's okay to call me Dinah." She said with a giggle, but suddenly her voice became more silky and soft, "If you need some help taking a load off Nixie then I recommend a nice dinner and spa. I know this great spa that actually cooks you amazing food as well, different types of cuisine from all across the globe. They have salt water therapeutic hot tubs, saunas, massages, the works! Oh, and the wine there is so wonderful! I could set you up, just you and me! It'd be a nice getaway, you could use a vacation darling!"
He had no idea what she looked like but he just imagined probably a supermodel looking woman winking as she said this. He could practically feel as if a hand reached through the phone and started to caress his face which made him shiver involuntarily.
Phoenix felt heat rise to his cheeks as his voice-box became frozen. This woman who apparently was his boss just asked him out on a date, and a rather...interesting choice of a date. Franziska did warn him about that fact but he never considered she'd be that forward! Not that he wasn't flattered, but he hardly knew the woman. Yes the other Phoenix obviously would have known her better but the fact that she just told him that she always had to keep insisting that the other Phoenix call her by her first name told him he usually would address her professionally. Meaning that he was probably used to this and still never took her up on it, probably because it would be considered extremely inappropriate to be philandering with your superior...not that she had any qualms about that obviously.
Before he could stutter out a polite denial of the "generous" invitation, Franziska immediately yanked the phone away from him.
"Phoenix and I are grateful for your assistance in this very important matter Ms. Mite, was there anything else we can do for you?" Franziska kept her tone polite but her eyes were broiling with rage.
Phoenix didn't hear what the woman said but it sounded like she was whining on the other line. Franziska must have turned down the volume so he couldn't hear the Chief Prosecutor.
"No, he does not have time for something so trivial. I appreciate your concern, but I am quite capable of taking care of my brother myself, thank you." Ms. von Karma still kept a polite tone but her expression was getting scarier by the second, "Good day, Ms. Mite."
He wisely chose to not say anything for the entire car ride after she hung up. The short woman in the driver's seat was just radiating pure raw anger. Sometimes silence was golden. Especially when you're scared of the person you're sitting next to.
They finally made it to the office building, Edgeworth & Fey Law Offices. He remembered hearing that Edgeworth's father was a very respected attorney, but the amount of police cars pulled up at the office was insane. Interestingly there was a collection of officers just standing outside.
"What are those fools doing now?" Franziska asked with narrowed eyes.
Franziska parked her car and they both unbuckled their seatbelts then stepped out of the car. Franziska stomped over to someone who Phoenix eventually realized was Angel Starr.
She wasn't dressed like in her lunch-lady attire like he remembered. She had on a nice looking white business blouse that she of course unbuttoned to be low enough to show off her cleavage. She also had on a choker necklace around her neck that had a single silver star charm that was dangling from it. Her bangs were still long and swept to cover one side of her face, but her hair was cut very short. With the black beret on her head combined with the short bob style haircut it reminded him of a movie star from the 1920s. She had on form fitting black pants, and black designer boots that actually were low heel boots.
"Detective Starr, what is the meaning of this foolishly foolish foolery?" Franziska demanded.
("Wait, she just called her Detective. Is it possible that the SL-9 incident never happened in this universe? I hope so for the sake of all the lives that case ruined, especially Lana and Ema.") Phoenix thought.
"I wish I could tell you Ms. von Karma. I just barely got here myself. All I can gather is that there seems to be a bit of a...situation. Perhaps Detective Gumshoe can fill you in."
Franziska scowled and Phoenix immediately felt sorry for the unlucky detective. The gaggle of police that were crowded near the entrance instantly cleared a path as they noticed an irate Franziska von Karma stomping up. Phoenix just sighed and followed after her. Gumshoe had his back turned to them, he stared at the door and was scratching his head...the poor clueless man had no idea the storm that zeroed in on him.
"Scruffy, you doddling fool! What is the meaning of this?!" Franziska barked as she whipped the back of the unsuspecting detective.
"YEOWCH! Oh...Ms. von Karma! Mr. Wright! You're here!" Gumshoe shrugged off the pain as he saluted them both.
"Scruffy answer my question while I still have my patience!" Franziska practically hissed.
("Gee—I'd hate to see her when she's impatient then.") Phoenix thought sarcastically.
"You see Sir, there is a bit of a situation." Gumshoe said as he twiddled his thumbs.
"So we heard, what is going on?" Franziska asked rather impatiently for someone who supposedly hadn't lost her patience yet.
Gumshoe then explained something rather unexpected. Apparently, there was a young girl that locked herself in there and was throwing boots at anyone that entered. Franziska of course was in disbelief and her temper rose. She berated all the officers there for not being grown men and women and just storming in the place and subduing one little girl.
"Well I mean we did try to storm in but that girl kept pelting us with boots...I don't even know how she got a collection so huge, we figured we'd wait until she either ran out of ammo or tired herself out." A young male officer tried to come to Gumshoe's defense.
"You pathetic foolish fools! Are you not adults?! Are you not officers of the law?! Fools! Fools of the highest caliber! Grow a backbone you foolish fools who foolishly whine and foolishly tremble at foolhardy threats from a foolish little girl you foolishly foolish cowards!"
"But—that stuff really smarts Ms. von Karma! I mean she kept throwing those boots at our heads!" A middle aged female officer chimed in.
"Oh? So it was painful you say? You want pain?! Then all of you fools line up! I'll teach all of you foolhardy foolish fools the meaning of pain and humiliation! I'll truly give you fools something to be afraid of!"
"But Sir, she's just a kid! It's obvious she's taking the news of all this hard and doesn't really understand what she's doing." Gumshoe pleaded.
A kid? Taking this hard? Suddenly Phoenix was interested to know who this kid was. He asked the detective and it was as he suspected, the cousin of the defendant, Pearl Fey. Of course, Pearl looked up to Maya growing up in his world. Since Mia never died here it would make sense she would get just as attached to Mia as well. Franziska then pulled a folder out of her purse that had profiles of several individuals. She pulled up an image of what he assumed was Pearl to the detective. She asked the detective if this was who they were referring to and Gumshoe nodded. Franziska then grew irate again and berated all the detectives because despite her young-looking appearance the girl was actually seventeen years old. Phoenix did pause as he had to admit that there was definitely a lot of "older than they look" in the Fey family, maybe spirit channeling kept one more youthful in appearance?
"You fools will fix this immediately! That TEENAGER, not CHILD, should be arrested! She is obstructing justice and assaulting officers! Get to it at once!" Franziska shouted.
The cops all looked uncomfortable with that order. And Phoenix felt his heart drop. Pearl probably didn't understand what she was doing was illegal, at least the Pearl he knew was very sheltered. He had to come to her defense, she was probably going through enough stress as it is and didn't need more added to it. Plus, the last thing Edgeworth needed was another Fey arrested. Just as Phoenix was about to speak up a new voice interjected instead.
"Wait! Please wait!"
Everyone turned to see the source of the feminine voice and...it was Iris. She was older now but it was definitely Iris.
Her spirit medium garb reminded him of the one Maya used to wear, but the dress was much longer, down to her ankles. The jacket she was wearing with her spirit medium garb was colored magenta, and the sash tied around her waist was purple. She wore a magatama around her neck with a single white bead on each side of the magatama. Her hair was longer than the Iris he remembered. She had it pulled up in a large braided bun, with a single braid that tailed out of the bun that was long, like a couple inches past her shoulders. It was tied off with a magenta colored bead at the end of the single braid. She was also wearing a soft pink colored lipstick.
On the one hand he was happy to see her again as this Iris wasn't wrapped up in some plot that ended up getting her thrown into jail because she tried to cover for Godot. But on the other hand, he also felt conflicted seeing her again too. Once upon a time he was head over heels for her...or at least "Dollie". But then that case happened. And he did his best to get over "Dollie". Only to find out years later that he was right. "Dollie" and Dahlia were actually two different people. Even back then after the fact, a part of him still was confident saying he loved her. But there was still so much that happened back then that made him feel conflicted about still loving her. The whole situation was a mess.
And now so many years had passed. A lot had changed. He had changed. He wasn't the same crybaby college boy who would have jumped into a cage of monkeys if only to see her laugh. He could not love her the same way he once did. Maya even asked him in a letter years ago if he did still love her...and he honestly couldn't answer because he wasn't even sure anymore. He wished it would have been easy like it was long ago. But it wasn't, too much had happened and so much time had passed. He still cared about her, he still thought she was a very kind-hearted soul who deserved happiness...but he was no longer sure about his feelings.
He however pushed those complicated thoughts away, they weren't necessary for the moment.
"I heard you all talking about my little sister, please don't arrest her! She's a very sheltered girl! I know she didn't mean any harm, she's just very protective of the main family! I'm sure she is only doing what she thinks is right to protect our cousins and because she's grieving! Please forgive her!" Iris begged, her eyes became glassy as she fought back tears.
That caught Phoenix's immediate attention. Iris called Pearl her little sister. Meaning that unlike in his world the two actually know each other, he wondered if Pearl and Iris actually grew up together. A part of him hoped that was the case. They both were dealt a bad lot thanks to their terrible mother and the other sister. Though that made him wonder about the alternate Dahlia and Morgan of this world. How much of their fates were different here?
"Your sister has done some very serious crimes Ms. Fey, this cannot be ignored." Franziska said with a glare.
Iris's eyes grew wetter, she blinked them rapidly to force the tears to not spill out.
"Please, please don't take her away! She doesn't understand, please! She's a good kid and means well!" Iris desperately tried to implore with the female prosecutor.
"Wait Franziska please!" Phoenix finally interjected as he couldn't take anymore of this.
"What now brother?" Franziska sounded exasperated.
"Let me go in with Ms...uh...Ms. Fey here. I'm certain she can talk to her sister to calm her down and I can explain to the girl the situation so that way she doesn't repeat this mistake." Phoenix suggested.
It was mostly to help Iris and especially Pearl, but a tiny selfish part of him did also just want to see a familiar friendly face again. But it was still mostly to protect the young teenage girl.
"Really? You'll go in and calm a raging teenager down? She'd probably lob a shoe at you as well." Franziska sounded skeptical.
"That's why Ms. Fey will come with me, she'll be more manageable if she is allowed to see her sister. Cut the kid some slack Franziska. She's going through a lot of emotional stress and doesn't understand what she's doing is wrong." Phoenix said.
"Yes, that's right! It's as he says, please let me go talk to her! I'm sure I can get her to calm down and stay out of your way!" Iris continued to beg.
"Hmph...how do we know she doesn't understand? All we have is the word of this woman. And considering she is a Fey? Their family is nothing but trouble if you ask me." Franziska crossed her arms.
"Franziska please, let's not turn this into something bigger than it needs to be. Arresting her just will add more work on top of everything else, not to mention add more grief for everyone. It's unnecessary. Let me handle this. I promise we'll get her out of the way quickly so we can resume the investigation." Phoenix tried to bargain.
Franziska sighed with annoyance but thankfully she relented. She gave Phoenix the condition that they better get the girl out of their way in five minutes or else Franziska was going to do this her way.
As Phoenix walked into the building with Iris he heard Franziska bark at all the cops to line up against the wall so they could take their punishment for being stonewalled by a little teenage girl. She was still on that it seemed. Phoenix winced as he heard the sound of the whip cracking over and over as he heard the screams of pain from the cops down there...he could only feel pity for them all.
"Thank you so much for helping my sister. I'm really grateful you understand." Iris smiled warmly.
Phoenix gave her a small smile as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Don't thank me just yet, Franziska gave me a time limit. So we need to work quickly. But I'm certain you can get her to calm down, it'll all work out. No one else at this office needs to get arrested this week for things that aren't their fault." Phoenix gave a light nod.
"Things that aren't their...fault?" Suddenly Iris gasped, "Wait, are you saying you think that—"
"Yes, your sister is just extremely stressed! Let's hurry and get to her!" Phoenix interrupted quickly.
He couldn't believe he practically let it slip that he thought Mia was innocent. He needed to distract Iris from that fact. Not that he thought Iris was the type to blab but he was trying to keep a low profile and pretend to play Prosecutor Phoenix Wright. He really needed to be more careful.
"Yes of course. I don't believe I got your name. My name is Iris." She introduced.
"Phoenix Wright." He nodded with slight relief she changed the subject.
"Phoenix...Wright? Wait, I think I heard about you. You're that famous prosecutor. Why did you help me back there?" Iris asked puzzled.
"I'm sure you guys are going through enough as it is. Besides...she's a teenage girl. I didn't always act rationally when I was that age either and considering everything going on it would only be fair to cut her a break." Phoenix answered with a smile.
No need to tell her it's because he knew Pearl from another universe and understands what the young girl is like.
Iris then flashed him one of her warmest smiles he'd ever seen, "You're so kind. Thank you so much Mr. Wright."
When they made it up the stairs, opening the door to the office, Pearl popped out of her hiding spot. Her outfit was similar to the one she currently wears in his universe except the sash tied around her waist is purple and the jacket around her medium garb was pink. Pearl's hair that she tied into two loops were sitting at the bottom of her head instead of the top, and her hair loops were actually braided loops instead.
Pearl was armed with two boots in her hands. She was definitely ready to aim for the lawyer who just walked in. Phoenix flinched and immediately covered his head. Thankfully Iris stepped in front of him. The girl immediately dropped her leathery weapons and began to cry, she ran up to Iris who opened her arms and embraced the petite teenage girl. Pearl cried into her sister's chest as Iris just stroked the back of her head.
Thankfully Iris managed to get her to quiet down quickly as they both explained to her the laws of why it is bad to "obstruct justice" and "assault a police officer". Just like in his universe it seemed this Pearl was indeed very sheltered as she had no idea what they were talking about at first. Thankfully by the time Franziska and the cops were up there he and Iris got her to understand.
Phoenix however was annoyed as he was supposed to help assist Franziska with this case and she was essentially pushing him out at the moment, putting him in charge of watching over the two Fey girls and keep them out of their way.
Despite this, he escorted the girls back down the stairs while Iris introduced Phoenix to Pearl.
By the time they went outside they ran into another unexpected individual. It had been a very long time since he last saw him, and he only met him once. But there was no mistake he was staring at Doug Swallow, the man who tried to warn him about Dahlia only to be murdered by Dahlia that same day and frame Phoenix for it. He was here...alive.
Doug's hair was styled the same as he remembered but had a little bit of a goatee growing, and was wearing a simple green polo shirt with a light blue jacket, denim jeans and brown tennis shoes.
Suddenly the man had a goofy smile on his face and was waving enthusiastically.
"Hey Pearly, hey my Flower Blossom! Ready to head back?" He asked cheerfully.
("Wait...Flower Blossom? Is he...talking to Iris?") Phoenix thought perplexed.
"Dougie, thank you for coming to pick us up." Iris giggled with a light blush.
Doug and Iris then held both of each other's hands and began to rub their noses together.
"Anything for my Flower Blossom!" He practically cooed.
Phoenix felt his jaw drop in disbelief.
("What the heck? He did call her that! And she's calling him Dougie? And they're being all weird and giving eskimo kisses?")
He knew it's been a long time since he last saw Mr. Swallow, but he remembered thinking the man to be stuck up and arrogant; however still at the very least being a good person at heart because he tried to warn Phoenix about Dahlia. But perhaps his perception of the guy was distorted by the immature jealously of an ignorant love-struck college boy? He wasn't sure, but he definitely didn't picture him to be such a sickeningly mushy type.
("Wait a second—I wasn't like that with Iris...was I? Crap please tell me I wasn't like that! This is too embarrassing I know I was a bit moonstruck but please tell me I wasn't THIS bad!") Phoenix thought with horror.
"Isn't it so romantic Mr. Phoenix?" Pearl asked next to him as she swooned.
"S-Sure..." Phoenix kept himself from groaning.
When the two stopped their little...whatever that was...Doug turned to look down at Pearl and repeated his question. She however was unsure. When Iris asked her what was wrong, Pearl then admitted she wanted to wait for "Mystic Maya and Mr. Miles" to return. And that she still wanted to try to do something to help "Mystic Mia". That was when Phoenix had an idea.
"It's okay if she stays. I'll keep an eye on her until Edgeworth gets back. She can even assist me in my investigation if she wants." Phoenix suggested.
Pearl gasped loudly when he said that.
"Really?!"
Phoenix just nodded down at Pearl and she started to beam with so much joy that it was infectious. He couldn't help but smile seeing her so happy.
"Are you sure Mr. Wright?" Iris asked.
"Franziska said if either of you stayed I'd be in charge of keeping an eye on you anyway. Besides, I could always use a second pair of eyes. I tend to work better in my investigations that way." He said.
After some convincing, Doug Swallow left with Iris, who he assumed were dating in this universe. He supposed that was good news. Doug never died and got to meet the non-evil twin, and Iris found love and both of them seem happy.
He then turned to the teenage girl next to him. Perhaps it was selfish, but he already had to deal with Gumshoe calling him "Sir" and "Mr. Wright" as well as Franziska addressing him not by his full name. It felt weird and wrong. He needed something of normalcy.
"Pearl, you can help me try to find any clues, but I have two conditions."
The teenage girl just nodded.
"We can't get in the way of Ms. von Karma or her men, it's very important they do their job," It was also important to not piss Franziska off but he left that out and said instead, "Also, I want you to call me Mr. Nick instead."
"Mr. Nick? How come?" She asked with confusion.
"Well because my friends call me Nick." He answered.
"But we just met." The girl was still puzzled by him.
"Yes but, I'd like to be your friend. Besides some of my best investigation partners called me Nick or Mr. Nick. Think of it as...good luck." Phoenix explained.
"Oh okay, well in that case Mr. Nick it is! Let's go Mr. Nick, we gotta find some clues!" The teenage spirit medium instantly perked up.
Phoenix felt annoyed as once again Franziska was telling him to stay out of Gregory Edgeworth's office where most of the struggle occurred therefore most of the evidence would be. She told him to just relax since she was apparently under the impression he's still fragile or something because of this morning, just watch the girl and keep her out of everyone's way. His plan to try and help Mia wasn't looking so hot if she kept him from investigating. Even worse as he was basically boxed into the office that belonged to Apollo and Athena as Franziska didn't want the officers that were investigating Mia and Edgeworth to be "distracted".
Pearl however was enthusiastically checking every nook and cranny with him in their office, where no sign of struggle was seen and they apparently had already checked over that room last night and found nothing. But at least Pearl was in good spirits, not that she knew Franziska was keeping her away from anything important and that the German prosecutor wanted Phoenix to play babysitter.
Phoenix figured he may as well learn what he can about this world, so he asked Pearl a bit more about her family. She babbled about Mia and Maya for a bit, obviously the girl really admired and looked up to them the same way in his world Pearl looked up to Maya. She also talked very briefly about Edgeworth and how he and Maya are an inseparable and unstoppable team in the court.
Pearl then talked about how she grew up with the love of her Aunt Misty, her cousins, and her older sister. She seemed to have no knowledge about another older sister and said that she doesn't remember her mom very well as she died a long time ago. So Morgan was dead here, but apparently Pearl didn't know how it happened, just that she died when she was young. He supposed he should count their blessings that the Feys didn't have to deal with the likes of Dahlia or Morgan...but it still was strange how Iris was here yet Pearl never knew about her older sister's twin. He supposed he could always try to get more information out of Mia or Iris later. But he'd have to be careful when asking considering his circumstances.
But talking about Iris got Pearl back onto the subject of her and Doug. Apparently, Iris decided she wanted to go to college to learn medicine since Kurain village was at least a thirty-minute drive to the nearest hospital. They did have a doctor's office that was at least a bit closer but still, being that far away from a hospital it would make sense why Iris would consider going into nursing. They all had the choice to go to school or just devote themselves to the channeling technique. Iris still wanted to try and get stronger in her spiritual prowess to better assist the main family, being as she is part of the branch family. But Iris wanted to at least be able to know some medical knowledge in case of an emergency. She only studied in nursing but never wanted to get a job in that as she was devoted to the family.
She met Doug at Ivy University. They had dated for years but apparently Doug wanted to save up a lot of money before settling down. Eventually Iris sat him down and said she didn't care if Doug had money or not, she just wanted to be with him. Doug finally proposed to her five years ago...so they weren't dating like he assumed. They were married.
Phoenix asked more about that, Pearl explained that women in the Fey family are expected to take on the Fey family name. So legally Iris would be considered Ms. Iris Swallow outside of Kurain, but in Kurain she is Iris Fey. Likewise, that meant Doug would be considered Mr. Doug Fey when he was in Kurain. Also not only were they married, but they had a daughter. According to Pearl she has an adorable 3-year old niece named Lily who is loved and adored by practically everyone in the village.
That was when Pearl got all giddy talking about Iris and Doug, their beautiful love, and how it was so wonderful to see her sister find her special someone. Phoenix felt bad seeing this though as he remembered why the Pearl of his world was that way. This Pearl had no memory of her mother but she still had to be exposed to the rampant broken families and divorces that plagued those in Kurain Village. Pearl distracted him from that depressing thought however.
"Mr. Nick, do you have a special someone?" She asked.
"No, I don't." He said.
He then remembered that extremely forward Chief Prosecutor on the phone earlier.
("At least I hope not.") He blanched.
"You shouldn't wait on this, you need to go find your special someone while you're still young! I mean my sister found her special someone and she's so happy. And Mystic Maya found her special someone and she's so happy too...I mean they haven't gotten married yet but they're still very happy together!"
Phoenix then halted in his tracks. Maya was dating someone?! He felt sorrow for the wallet of whoever took her out to dinner. But then another thought came to his mind. Pearl did mention how...Maya and Edgeworth were an unstoppable and inseparable team.
("No...no no no, there is no way. Not in a million years would Maya and Edgeworth ever be a couple. That is way too weird to even consider. No. I'm just taking her earlier comment out of context. That's all. Maya isn't even Edgeworth's type...actually I don't even think he has a type. Does he even date? Ever?")
"Oh Mr. Nick, come over here!" Pearl exclaimed, distracting him from his thoughts.
Pearl found what she hoped was a clue. Phoenix highly doubted it. It looked like soda stains under the rug with some hairs stuck to it. But he still put on some gloves and pulled out the sticky hairs and put them in a bag, then took a picture of the stain. But he was pretty sure it was just a spilled drink and either Apollo or Athena's hair stuck to it. He doubted it would tell them anything.
"Hey Mr. Nick—how come you're letting me help you investigate? I believe Mystic Mia is innocent. And you're a prosecutor, right? Do you think she's guilty?" The young spirit medium asked.
Phoenix let out a heavy breath through his nostrils. He couldn't tell Pearl the truth. He knew he could trust her, but still...he needed to take extra precautions as this wasn't his domain. He didn't know everything about this world yet so he needed to try to stick to whatever normal status quo for the Phoenix here was...for now anyway. But at the same time, he didn't want to lie to Pearl either. It didn't feel right.
He supposed he could meet her halfway then.
"Pearl, can you keep a secret?" He asked.
The girl nodded.
"I don't know. I can't say yes or no, at least not right now. I can't argue against the evidence, it's unfortunately stacked high against your cousin. However, I also can't argue against her character, she just didn't strike me as a killer. But I do care about finding the truth. If I can find something to discover the truth of this whole case, then I can say for certain if she is guilty or not guilty." He said.
Pearl then gave him a half smile.
"Well I'm gonna help you find the truth that proves her innocent! Then you'll have to answer my question!"
He chuckled with a slight nod, and they continued their search to see if they could find anything of worth. They spent hours in that room. Pearl did help find one thing out of place in Apollo and Athena's office. She found it hiding in the corner of the room by the trashcan.
A very old looking coin. It wasn't an American coin, but if it was from another country he couldn't tell. It was very old looking however. On one side it had a plus sign with four dots in each angle of the coin and on the other side was a shield with a symbol of a bird on it. There was no distinctive lettering on the coin, all he knew was that it was extremely old looking. He placed it in a bag and thanked Pearl as he felt this could somehow be a clue. A clue to what he had no idea.
It seemed more time passed than he realized as Edgeworth and Maya eventually showed up and it was apparently 8:36 PM. His stomach growled in protest because they were so focused on trying to find something both of them missed lunch. The cops all started to pack up and head out. Phoenix bid Pearl farewell and left with Franziska, the moment he mentioned he accidentally missed out at lunch Franziska suddenly pulled up to a fancy looking seafood place. Apparently, she not only thought she was fragile but needed as she put it "a decent meal to get back his strength". Although he wouldn't lie, he preferred being taken to a fancy place to dine over being sidelined from investigating. He couldn't help but feel slightly excited as he never could afford lobster and was quite excited to find out how it tasted since his prosecutor self actually had the money to eat like this.
After their dinner (which was extremely delicious and one thing he would not complain about), she drove them over to the precinct to apparently get results on some tests she ran on some evidence. Phoenix felt his heart drop into his stomach when Franziska had a triumphant smirk as she read out loud one of the tests. There was what looked like hair that was in the fist of the deceased Gregory Edgeworth...DNA testing proved to be a perfect match to Mia Fey. The theory was he tried to defend himself and ended up ripping some of the hair out of his attacker before he died. But Mia came in after this happened, she was definitely being framed. If only he could find something to prove it. Phoenix handed the sample of hair he and Pearl found to one of the forensic analysts but he knew that one would probably not turn up anything of merit. He held onto the coin however, he didn't want to relinquish this evidence yet until he could find out what it was and where it came from. And he wasn't sure he could trust everyone right now, especially since nearly everyone was convinced Mia was guilty. Franziska didn't stay too long as she then pulled Phoenix back to her car and drove him back immediately to that house that was apparently "his". He tried to protest that he wanted to help with the investigation especially since she made him contribute so little because she was afraid he'd overdo it or whatever. But she insisted that he needed to go to bed early. When he tried to argue further he received a strike from her whip across his left arm. She berated him and said he was going to bed and that was final.
He grumbled to himself after she left to continue her investigation as he started to get ready for bed. Phoenix wasn't sure he enjoyed being coddled by Franziska if it meant he couldn't do anything to help Mia much.
He was tired though. The fatigue of everything that happened so far that day finally caught up to him. He rolled over in the ridiculously comfortable bed and prayed that he could find a way to somehow find holes in Mia's case and somehow get that information to Edgeworth without either of them realizing he's on Mia's side.
("I definitely have my work cut out for me.") He thought to himself before he fell asleep.
January 10, 8:45 AM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2
Phoenix was forced to wake up early and quickly get ready thanks to Franziska von Karma. As she put it, a von Karma is always early. The trial didn't even start until 10 AM but she wanted to make certain the witnesses were prepped for their testimony. She forced Phoenix to wait in the lobby but he was bored after sitting in there for twenty minutes so he ended up wandering from hall after hall, he found himself in a defendant lobby he'd been in several times out of instinct. He was then distracted by a very loud voice.
"Alright that was good, but maybe we should try one more time Athena. I'm Apollo Justice and I'M DOING FINE!"
"Okay! My turn! I'm Athena—"
The bailiff then interrupted them, "Mr. Justice, if you both would please return, recess has ended."
Phoenix couldn't believe it. There they were. He heard they were here in this world but it just was such a relief to see Apollo and Athena. They were dressed differently but it was still them.
They both had the same familiar hairstyles at least. But Apollo had on a red dress shirt that was fully buttoned all the way to the collar, no tie. The sleeves of the dress shirt were naturally rolled up to be just barely below his elbows, a familiar golden bracelet still worn on the young man. He had on a black vest over the red dress shirt, with his attorney badge pinned to the lapel of his vest. His suit pants were red to match his shirt, and black dress shoes. Athena's outfit was somewhat similar to the Athena from his world. She had on a jacket that was white, a very similar yellow vest and skirt, a white collared shirt underneath the yellow vest, a bright blue tie with her Widget pinned to the knot of the tie. She had on a ribbon that matched her tie and a familiar moon shaped earring. She was also wearing what he assumed were black leggings, and white boots.
"Oh man, I didn't get to finish my chant with you." Athena whined.
"Come on, we practiced plenty with our Chords of Steel, we got this Athena!" Apollo exclaimed.
"Yeah! Come on! Let's win this!" Athena pumped a fist in the air.
"You guys ready?" Apollo turned to the two individuals sitting on the couch.
That was when Phoenix noticed there was Athena's friend, Juniper Woods, dressed in a Themis Academy uniform. Next to her was, to his shock, Clay Terran. The young man had on a simple baggy navy-blue sweatshirt and dark pants with red tennis shoes. But at least he was still alive here, he smiled in small relief knowing that at least Apollo hadn't lost his best friend here.
"Well, as ready as we'll ever be. But we believe in you guys. Right Juniper?" Clay nodded.
"Yeah...I mean...I'm a bit nervous...but I believe in you Thena and Apollo." Juniper smiled shyly.
The four walked into the courtroom to take their positions it seemed. Phoenix couldn't help himself. He quickly scurried in and found an empty spot on the front row in the gallery on the defense's side. He was so excited seeing Apollo and Athena he couldn't control himself following them in. He then noticed both Juniper and Clay were sitting in two chairs where the defendant is supposed to be. So they were probably charged for a crime together, it made since then their best friends would represent them.
Athena started to lay out some of the paperwork and evidence on the table as Apollo was conversing with her below. He had his back against the defense bench so he was actually facing towards the gallery, but he had his attention mostly on Athena to whatever it is they were conversing about.
It seemed something caught Apollo's eye, as he suddenly turned away from her to look up towards the gallery. And Phoenix would have slapped himself if he realized what he was doing. But he couldn't help it. The moment Apollo made eye contact with Phoenix who was directly behind them in the gallery above, Phoenix couldn't stop himself. He smiled down at Apollo and started to wave at him.
Apollo's reaction to what Phoenix just did was just as good as any slap in the face. The young attorney's eyes widened and his mouth gaped, he looked so dumbfounded.
("You moron! You aren't their mentor here! And judging by Apollo's face you're nothing more than the jerk prosecutor that's enemies with their actual mentors!") Phoenix thought as he looked away and quickly dropped his hand onto his lap.
He then noticed Apollo whispered to Athena and was very obviously pointing at Phoenix. He slowly started to sink in his seat. Athena whipped her head around and made a face that was mix between disbelief and a scowl. He sunk even further in his seat.
("This universe stinks, my kids hate me here.") He mentally pouted.
The Judge stepped in, or at least not the usual elderly man, but his brother. He sat in his seat and swung down his gavel.
"The trial for Clay Terran and Juniper Woods will now contin—wait, I see the defense, but where is the prosecution?" The Judge's brother asked.
That was when Phoenix realized the prosecution bench was surprisingly empty. That was really weird.
"Has anyone see Prosecutor Hawstion?" The blond bearded Judge asked again.
Suddenly a human sized blue colored caterpillar popped out from behind the prosecution bench. Athena, Apollo, the Judge, bailiff, and Clay and Juniper all jumped from their chairs at the emergence of this large bug. Phoenix felt himself jump a bit in his chair.
"Oh! There you are!" The Judge's brother sighed.
"I hate it when he does that." Athena grumbled.
"I'm here, I'm up. Whaddya want?" The bug had a slight southern accent apparently and was yawning.
"Um...the trial, Prosecutor Hawstion?" Apollo groaned.
That was when Phoenix realized it wasn't a huge bug, but a man in a large sleeping bag zipped up all the way to where you could only see his face. The man had enough bags under his eyes to rival Simon Blackquill.
("This...This is the prosecutor? They're kidding right? Why is there never someone normal in this courtroom?") Phoenix thought with a groan.
The man unzipped the sleeping bag and revealed a man that Phoenix assumed was somewhere between 25-30 years of age. He had auburn hair that was really shaggy and messy, he assumed it could have been the sleeping bag but the man looked like he just crawled out of bed and didn't bother to comb his hair at least. He also had random patches of stubble on his chin, his jawline, and around his lips. He had brown eyes and olive skin tone. He had on a white dress shirt that was only half tucked into his pants. A green tie that was loose and uneven and gray colored pants. His clothes were a bit wrinkled too, giving Phoenix the impression that he probably slept in his clothes.
The prosecutor let out a yawn and stretched his arms wide.
"What were we doing again?" He scratched his chin lazily.
"The trial...for Clay Terran and Juniper Woods, they are charged with theft of the L.A. Museum as well as a double homicide of two security guards there? Did you forget?" His Honor asked completely baffled.
"Oh right...that trial." He let out another yawn, "Here I thought it was something I dreamt up. Whatever—weren't we supposed to have a recess? I'd like to get a quick nap in if you don't mind."
"I—Mr. Hawstion we just HAD a recess! Bring in your next witness if you would please!" His Honor finally lost his patience.
"Fine, fine...send in my next witness. Let's get this over—" Suddenly the man's head slumped over on the bench, a loud snore could be heard.
"Mr. Hawstion! Will you wake up please?!" Apollo shouted.
"I'm up! I'm up!" Suddenly the man's head shot up.
"Ugh...thank you Mr. Justice. The next witness if you would please." The Judge's brother ordered.
("They'll make anyone a lawyer these days it seems...") Phoenix deadpanned to himself.
They brought in two witnesses, one waiting in the seat at the side next to the defendant seat, the other on the witness stand. A young woman took up the stand, whereas the young man sat down. They both looked to be around Apollo's age. The girl had curly honey blond hair and green eyes. She was wearing a simple pink long sleeved designer blouse and a black pencil skirt. The young man had slicked back brown hair, rectangular glasses, and brown eyes. He had on a blue polo shirt and khaki pants.
"Would the witness state their name and occupation." Prosecutor Hawstion yawned.
"Hello everyone, my name is Evelyn Tent! I'm a business major student at Ivy University with my fiancé over there! We're gonna get married in the summer! Hi Gil sweetie!" The girl waved to the other witness.
"Yeah, yeah, that's peachy, who cares—just hurry with your testimony little lady so we can end this trial quickly, I need my beauty sleep ya see." Prosecutor Hawstion scratched his neck.
"How rude! Fine! I'll get on with my testimony!" Ms. Tent whined.
The girl went into her testimony about how her and her fiancé, Gil, were taking a nightly stroll. They noticed apparently a suspicious pair (Clay and Juniper according to her) walk down the alley by the museum. They didn't think anything of it until after leaving the park later when they noticed the museum, which was supposed to be closed, had its doors wide open. That was when they walked in to see what was going on, only to find the defendants standing over the dead bodies of the security guards.
Apollo pressed and pressed her every statement. Eventually Athena then pointed out to Apollo one of the witness's statements contradicts something in the evidence. That was when Apollo pointed out a security camera image of Juniper and Clay leaving the shopping mall across the street from the museum. The witness didn't see what was so important about that but Athena then pointed out the witness said that they saw the "suspicious pair" go down the alley around 10 PM, which was what the timestamp of the security camera from the mall puts the defendants leaving the mall around exactly that time, as that was when the mall closed. The witness then jumped back and let out a gasp. Then Apollo piled on saying if the front door was broken into like they found, as the door was open to the museum, then why would the "suspicious pair" go down the alley on the side only to break in through the front door later? The gallery became filled with whispers as Athena and Apollo managed to strip apart the witness's contradiction. The Judge's brother swung down his gavel to restore silence to the court.
Phoenix couldn't help but smirk seeing Athena and Apollo in top form. It wasn't his Apollo and Athena, but he couldn't help but be excited to witness this. They were both very sharp kids and made a great team. He felt another pang of jealousy and homesickness, as these weren't his proteges. They were Mia and Edgeworth's.
He was interrupted from his thoughts when Apollo slammed his right fist onto the desk and extended his left hand, pointing his index finger at the witness.
"This proves our clients were not the suspicious individuals you claim to have seen!" Apollo declared.
"Right! Therefore, they are not the guilty parties!" Athena then mimicked Apollo by jabbing her index finger out at the witness.
There was silence as Athena and Apollo were still frozen in their poses for several seconds.
His Honor cleared his throat, "Is there a reason you two are still standing like that?"
"Well it's just that..." Athena said awkwardly as she kept her pose.
"I was kind of expecting to hear the prosecution object to our argument." Apollo said flustered as he too kept his pose.
Everyone then looked over to see that Prosecutor Hawstion was back in his sleeping bag, fully zipped up, but sleeping on top of the prosecutor bench.
"It would appear Mr. Hawstion has decided he doesn't need to wait until after the trial for his beauty sleep." Athena groaned.
"Mr. Tex Hawstion! This is most unbecoming! Wake up at once!" The Judge's brother shouted.
("How the heck did this man ever pass the bar exam?!") Phoenix felt himself sweating.
The prosecutor awoke to the Judge's screaming and then provided a counter argument; apparently, he was only half-asleep so he heard what the defense was saying...or so he claims. Then the prosecutor decided to switch up witnesses and called the fiancé up instead. So the other witness took the stand, his name was Gil T. Azell. His testimony proved similar to his lover's except he fixed it to cover up for her mistake that Apollo and Athena picked apart.
"Very well, Mr. Justice you may begin your cross-examination." The Judge's brother nodded.
"Hmm—anyways, wake me when it's over." Mr. Hawstion yawned.
Prosecutor Hawstion started to zip himself back into his sleeping bag and hopped back on top of the prosecutor bench.
"You should probably be awake for this." Apollo said perturbed.
"No, it's fine, you're the defense attorney here so you are more important for this part. I can sleep during the cross-examination." The southern accented man said with a yawn and laid down.
"O-Objection! I don't think you should!" Athena shouted with annoyance.
"Hmm...nah." He shrugged then closed his eyes.
Athena slumped her shoulders along with Apollo and the Judge as they heard snoring. It seemed like most prosecutors, Mr. Hawstion just did whatever he wanted.
They continued through the cross-examination, Prosecutor Hawstion apparently would only wake up to object to some of Apollo's counter arguments before laying back down to go back to sleep. Phoenix didn't look at his watch, but several minutes definitely must have passed. He wasn't paying attention to time as Apollo, along with Athena, were definitely in top form. Eventually after what felt like forever, Apollo and Athena finally got the guy to crack. In actuality the real robbers and killers were Evelyn and Gil. They broke in and started to swipe some expensive paintings, when they got caught they killed the two security officers. They went to make a break for it when they heard someone approaching, Juniper and Clay noticed the front door being wide open when they walked by and went to check what was going on. They discovered the dead bodies. But in order to create an alibi for themselves, Ms. Tent and Mr. Azell quickly got out of their robbing outfits and back into their regular attire. They ran back in to act as if witnesses who stumbled across the two supposed killers at the scene of the crime.
"This court finds the defendants, Clay Terran and Juniper Woods: Not Guilty!" His honor declared.
Everyone cheered, Apollo and Athena hopped over the defense's bench to run over to their friends. Athena hugging Juniper and Apollo throwing an arm around Clay as the four of them celebrated.
"That's nice…I'm gonna go back to sleep now." Prosecutor Hawstion crawled back into his sleeping bag.
("He's...taking his loss well. Does he even care about the law? Why is he even a lawyer if all he wants to do is sleep?") Phoenix thought dumbfounded.
That was when Phoenix noticed his watch. It was 9:50 AM, Mia's trial was at 10 AM. He felt himself pale as he flew out of his seat and shoved his way through the crowd of people.
("Crap, crap, crap! If I'm late Franziska will kill me!") He thought in panic.
He rushed through hallway after hallway, door after door. Thankfully he made it to the prosecution's lobby of Courtroom No. 6, and he just barely made it as the time was now 9:55 AM. Franziska was pacing by the doorway and she was not happy. He gulped as she made eye contact with him and her tiny frame started to march over.
"You fool! How many times have I told you that a von Karma is supposed to be early! We were to be in that courtroom at 9:45 sharp! Foolish! So foolish!" She berated.
She then whipped him across his chest for his troubles. He yelped but chose not to argue. There was no point with her.
"What were you doing?!" She questioned with an even more frightening glare.
Phoenix opened his mouth to say something but she cut him off.
"Quiet! I don't want to hear your excuses!" She hissed as she squeezed her whip.
("If you don't want to hear excuses then why did you even ask me in the first place?! Make up your mind!") He whined internally.
She then reached up and forcefully yanked him down by his right ear.
"Owowowow! That hurts!" He complained.
"Stop your whimpering brother! You disappeared without warning and don't even tell me?! After what happened yesterday morning?! I do not enjoy fearing that you could be passed out in some random hall!" She lectured.
So her irritation wasn't that he was just late but she was worried about his health again. He wasn't sure he'd ever get used to Franziska von Karma fretting over his well-being.
"Okay, okay! I'm sorry Franziska! I'm sorry! I won't do it again!" He pleaded, then thought, ("Now please release your ironclad grip from my harmless innocent earlobe!")
Franziska von Karma seemed appeased with his begging apology and finally relinquished her merciless hold from his ear. She however moved instead to grip the uncomfortable cravat that was tied around his neck and proceeded to drag him along.
"Come Phoenix! We have a trial to win! We shall crush Miles Edgeworth where he stands!" Franziska exclaimed with a smirk.
Phew! I apologize for summarizing a lot of stuff in this chapter but I have big plans for chapter 4, and I had to cut back on A LOT of dialogue for this chapter, because I didn't want to have this chapter split into two, as then it would have to have half of it combined with what I have planned for chapter 4...and not only would that ruin the flow of what I have planned for chapter 4 (as chapter 4 is SOLELY going to be Mia's trial) but I have a very specific ending planned in mind for chapter 4 and I would have to leave that out and put it in Chapter 5 if I spilt this chapter in half…and even then that would mean my planned ending for Chapter 4 would be in the middle of 5, which that would also REALLY ruin the flow of Chapter 5 as well! So I decided I needed to cut back on some of the dialogue and just summarize a lot of what happens. This chapter was already pretty long even without it…geez.
To answer your question Phoenix…yes you were that bad and that embarrassing when you were lil ol' Feenie dating "Dollie" lol.
And yes the chapter title, along with Pearl pelting the boots at the cops...yes that is indeed a reference to the very famous youtube video, I don't think I have to explain it to you guys. For all two of you who haven't seen it, just go to youtube and type in "Ace Attorney Boot To The Head" and you'll find the famous classic meme.
I thought it'd be fun to bring back the Judge's brother, at least for this chapter because there have to be more than just that one Judge conducting trials. But our good old usual Judge (or at least an alternate version of him), will be in the next chapter for Mia's trial.
If you don't know who Pess is, Pess is the name of Edgeworth's dog. Yes he actually has one, and she is beautiful. And maybe you guys will get to see Mia's lil pup, Hayden, in the near future ;). Same with lil Lily-the daughter of Iris and Doug! Yes I have Doug Swallow alive and well in this universe and married to Iris, he definitely would have had a better life if he met the nice twin as opposed to the evil one. And yes, I do crack ship Iris and Doug. I originally didn't but as I was writing this fic the idea to have them together just randomly came to me, then as I thought about how they would work...it made me end up shipping them. And since we never really got to know Doug as a character, barring him trying to warn Phoenix about Dahlia, he's pretty much a blank slate I'm free to do with as I please. And I will admit I never really was a fan of Phoenix/Iris as a couple, now I don't hate it, don't get me wrong, it just never was something I felt invested in or interested in. But I do like Iris as a character and I do think she deserves happiness...also it drives me nuts that her and Pearl don't get to interact, THEY'RE SISTERS! AND THEY'RE BOTH SUCH SWEETHEARTS! They'd get along so well! Let them interact! Let them be happy! LET THEM BE TOGETHER CAPCOM YOU COWARDS!
...ahem...anyways...
So yeah I despite not finding myself getting into Phoenix/Iris as a ship and not finding their dynamic as a couple interesting I didn't want to be disrespectful and just ignore that it was a thing (which apparently Capcom has kinda forgotten about...unless they didn't and Iris will eventually show up again idk? I am just headcanoning the reason we don't hear about her from Phoenix is because they probably realized they don't have the same feelings like they once did.)
Speaking of ships, in this universe I actually have Clay alive too and he's dating Juniper. Because my two friends, Tim and Janie, and myself we all crackship Clay and Juniper! I mean you got Apollo's best friend and Athena's best friend and I'd like to imagine they'd complement each other's personalities nicely! I think they'd make a cute couple if Clay, you know...didn't die :(
There is a lot of differences in this Prosecutor Universe compared to the main Attorney Universe so I can't wait to reveal all the differences and changes.
One of the additions I do love however for this fic is all the new characters you'll meet. I literally have a document that is filled with all sorts of punny names I plan to use for random witnesses, idk if I will use them all but, they are there. In true Ace Attorney fun fashion. The two witnesses that Apollo and Athena questioned were Evelyn Tent and Gil T. Azell. Sound it out and you realize their names are "Evil Intent" and "Guilty as Hell" hahaha!
Also the prosecutor that Apollo and Athena go up against, well he was actually a newer addition I added later into development of my story. Mr. Tex Hawstion (get it, his name when you sound it out is Exhaustion lol). So my friend coolman229 and I were watching the first season of the Ace Attorney Anime funimation dub, we realized that the actor they got to play Miles Edgeworth also plays the teacher Aizawa aka Eraserhead from the My Hero Acadamia dub. And that got me talking how a character like Aizawa (a guy that looks so worn down tired, randomly appears in a sleeping bag, and just falls asleep from time to time) would fit RIGHT IN with Ace Attorney. I was joking saying, "Imagine if there was a prosecutor like this?! He just naps at random and brings his own sleeping bag with him during trials?!" Then I messaged coolman229 a week later after we watched the dub, about how I was totally going to find a spot for him in my fic with the most hilarious idea for a name and the concept alone is too funny to ignore. He agreed, because how could he not?! The guy would literally fit in so perfectly with Ace Attorney I wouldn't be surprised if Capcom makes a character like him! (though I wonder if I'd be allowed royalties? Lol)
I asked if I should add locations and dates like in the game last chapter and I got some of you saying I should, one suggestion saying I should just do it when it's at the court during the trials themselves. I think I'll go with this for now doing just the location and dates with just trials, I think it's a good idea. And starting next chapter I'll add court records at the end of the majority of the chapters. (Some chapters in the future won't as I feel it wouldn't fit...but I want to try to keep to the spirit of the games as much as possible.) The only reason I don't have a court record yet is A)Franziska has kind of strong armed this investigation and Phoenix is kind of new in this universe so he's clueless to some things and B) Some things in the court record would end up being a spoiler.
I apologize I know I said I'd get this chapter out much sooner, but I recently started a job that I actually have come to really hate and am miserable in. If it wasn't only for the fact that it eats up SO MUCH of my time and I come home completely exhausted that I don't want to get anything done, not even writing or drawing or even just play video games for fun! But there is the fact that I don't feel completely suited for this type of work, and my manager is an ABSOLUTE jerk who seems to enjoy making the lives of everyone around her miserable :/ Blech…anyways, it took more time than I would of liked but I hope you guys enjoyed it, idk if it's as good as chapter 1 or 2, but I like to think it has some highlights at least. Chapter 4 is definitely going to be amazing though and I'm super excited for! (Don't worry I'm on the lookout for another job and as soon as I get one I'm going to quit my current one in a heartbeat)
Also some of you asked when we will be seeing Prosecutor Phoenix in the main Attorney Universe, well I actually plan to have him finally show up in Chapter 5 actually! But stay tuned till then!
I wasn't expecting this fic to catch on so quickly though after just two chapters! You guys are just amazing! I really appreciate the support! It honestly touches me so many are getting into it! I didn't expect to see this many follows/favs/reviews until at least chapter 4 or 5, but I'm getting these numbers right at chapter 2! It's amazing! You guys are so wonderful and are the reason I kept pushing through my exhaustion trying my best to try to get this chapter out as soon as possible despite my current schedule!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a review and let me know what you think! As I already said your reviews are what keep me going and give me double the power and motivation to write faster!
Thank you everyone, have a nice day!
