The Dark Phoenix
Chapter 3: Zombieland
-Man, this sucks. - This poor guy watching over the LA graveyard said.
It was a regular night: the dead were dead, and he was alive, but bored to death. The only difference being a few lightings up in the sky.
-I've said this once, and I'll say it again: nothing ever happens here.
As he was strolling across the tombs, he felt a small tremor coming from the ground.
-Well, this is new... Still nothing inter-Woah!
Suddenly, a stronger one was felt all over the ground. While he was distracted, a green light covered the whole area and gathered over a single tomb. Out of nowhere, a green lighting came from above and struck that same tomb. The guard only saw a lighting touching the ground, so he went to check out the surrounding area. When he was sure no one had been injured (as if dead people could get hurt) and nothing was broken, he went to his station to report this incident... But if he was expecting an interesting night, he was going to miss the best part.
From that very resting place that had been disturbed, a hand rose high into the air and out of the cold dirt, followed by the body connected to it. With the night as its cover, this entity kept struggling to free itself from its burial until it was finally out and free to move as it pleased. Before it could escape, though, the security guard came back to secure the area for whatever reason his superiors had.
-Hey, sir! Are you ok? - The guard asked, unaware of the entity's condition due to the darkness hiding most physical characteristics.
The creature didn't stop or turned to see him. It just kept walking, prompting the man to call for it again.
-Excuse me? Are you deaf, or something? Just wait there for a second.
For unknown reasons, it reacted this time. The man approached carefully. Boring job or not, he wasn't dumb enough to expose himself for a surprise attack.
-Are you ok? Have you been injured? A lighting touched the ground just a while ago, and you're pretty close to the place where it landed.
The creature wouldn't answer, or talk at all, and this man was getting impatient.
-Can you at least tell me something about you? Anything?
He saw the creature trying to move its lips, until he finally got an answer...
-Me... Born... Monday...
-Born on a Monday? That's it? Well, that doesn't help. - The guard said. - Hey! That reminded me of that old rhyme my mom used to sing. Now, what was it again?
He didn't get much time to think about it because the creature started to walk again.
-Hey! Hold it, big guy. What's the hurry? - He said. - Hurry? Hurry... Grundy! That's right. It was "Solomon Grundy. Born on a Monday. Christened on Tuesday. Married on Wednesday.", and the rest I forgot.
The entity stopped moving, apparently interested in the rhyme.
-Me... Grundy? - It said.
-Huh? You don't even know who you are? - He didn't get any answer. - Well, sure. Let's call you like that, Solomon Grundy. The police should be able to help you figure out who you are.
The creature reacted to this. He backed away from the guard until it hit the tomb it came from.
-No... Police... They... Bad with Grundy.
-What do you mean? If you have identity issues, they will help you. They can...
He was interrupted as another lightning illuminated the area, and he saw the creature in its undead glory... A hulking zombie with gray skin, standing with a height over the 7 feet mark and wearing what appeared to be a striped inmate outfit and handcuffs without chains covering his wrists and ankles. The poor man could only take a quick look at the tomb the thing came from before it lifted its humongous hands above his head, ready to smash everything on its way.
-Grundy no like police!
The clash of fists and floor caused a considerable shock wave and sent the man flying through the air, hitting the wall of a mausoleum and leaving him K.O. instantly. Grundy ran away as fast as he could, breaking everything on his way out of that graveyard and into the night...
The next morning.
The LAPD was gathered around the Detention Center. During the night, an incident involving what witnesses could only identify as "a clown" resulted in the death of a night janitor and a medical examiner...
-This nutcase did the same to both victims?
-It seems like it, Mr. Edgeworth, sir.
Dick Gumshoe, detective at the main precinct, and Miles Edgeworth, chief prosecutor, were both at the crime scene.
-Why would anyone do something like this? - Gumshoe asked to no one in particular.
-I don't know, detective. But be sure that I will do anything in my power to discover it and prevent more unnecessary bloodshed... Now, if you excuse me, I require some time alone to perform my investigation. - Edgeworth said.
-But, sir...
-Now, detective!
-Alright, sir. I'll go and double-check the story of every witness.
-Thank you.
And Gumshoe left the morgue without asking any questions, closing the door behind him.
-What do you think? - Edgeworth asked to someone hiding in a dark corner...
-Something doesn't fit. - A rough voice said.
The Dark Phoenix came out of nowhere to assist the prosecutor.
-Tell me something I don't know, Wright. - Edgeworth stated. - And drop the voice act, would you? It's annoying.
-Why did I tell you about this, again? - Phoenix Wright said, switching back to his normal voice.
-Because you knew I would eventually figure out everything, so you wanted to justify yourself beforehand.
-Touché. - Wright joked.
Shortly after he and Cody were done building everything and The Dark Phoenix was gaining popularity, Wright decided to reveal everything to his friend and rival in court, hoping he would understand and prevent a pointless hunt for the vigilante. It took a lot of convincing, but the gifted prosecutor agreed to let The Dark Phoenix do his work, but...
-I still don't approve of this, Wright.
-Tell me, with all your heart, that this is wrong, and I'll stop. - Phoenix challenged.
Edgeworth remained silent.
-You can't, right? You know, as well as me, that this is necessary. Someone has to do what the law can't.
-Let the police handle it, then. - Edgeworth countered.
-While they ask for permission to do anything, something bad already happened. And if they act without it, the system turns against them... I don't have time for that, Edgeworth. The people doesn't have time for that, and criminals won't stop just because everyone needs to do paperwork.
Edgeworth just stood there, thinking about that argument. An argument that always made him surrender to his friend and his "mission".
-A single man cannot decide what is justice, Wright. However, the crime rate has decreased ever since you started doing this, and you technically haven't broken any law...
-But? - Wright asked.
-But listen to me carefully: if you cross the line, I will personally cuff you and drag you into jail. I don't care if your daughter or your girlfriend end up hating me forever, but I can't let a criminal walk free if I can stop him.
-I know you won't, and I'm glad you think that. I'd like to think I'll never do that, but if I do, I want someone to let me know and stop me before I hurt someone... Or worst. - Wright admitted.
-Good. Now let's focus back on this new threat.
They turned their attention to the corpse lying in front of them: the medical examiner.
-Cause of death seems to be obvious, but I'm still requesting a full autopsy on both bodies. - Edgeworth said.
-A Glasgow smile? It is different from the usual bullet wound or stabbing, but... God! - Phoenix said.
The victims died from blood loss caused by a wound on their faces. A Glasgow smile, known for the scars it leaves around the mouth and resembling a wide grin.
-No signs of forced entry, and the cameras were off due to a lightning hitting the generator of the building, so we have no footage of whoever did this. - Edgeworth informed his friend.
-I thought this place had an emergency supply. - Phoenix inquired.
-It does, but it only works for the basic functions such as light and, for the morgue, the cooling system. The bodies would decompose during an all-night blackout, otherwise.
-There's also the fact that all footprints are heading outside. Nothing indicates anyone breaking into the building. - Phoenix added.
-How did you... - He saw Phoenix tapping his mask. - Right. You and your high-tech devices.
-I call this "Detective vision". It allows me to analyze a crime scene using different modes like X-ray and infrared vision, among other things.
-Showoff... What else?
-Only one set of prints, other than the shoes of the victims. Custom-made, therefore untraceable. Other than that, I don't have much... Unless, of course, you're willing to let me get a few samples from the scene.
-Not gonna happen, Wright. One thing is letting you operate outside of the law, but I can't let a vigilante tamper with a crime scene.
-Meh. At least I tried. - He turned to leave. - Oh, by the way. It doesn't seem like anything is missing. Documents and supplies are still in their place. This person didn't even look at the drugs they have here, apparently.
-Not quite, Wright. Something is missing... Or someone would be more accurate. - Edgeworth said.
-A hostage situation? - Phoenix asked.
-Not unless there's someone out there who would like to give Kristoph Gavin a proper burial.
Phoenix didn't say anything.
-Are you ok, Wright? After what happened between you and him...
-For all I care, they could have stolen his body for the organs to sell them at the black market.
-Look. I helped you with all of this Jurist System scheme because you were action rationally, but if you still hold a grudge against him, I'm gonna have to ask you to stay out of this case. - Edgeworth told the hero.
-I'm not biased... I'll do everything I can to stop whoever killed these people, but don't expect me to do much to find an empty shell of a man.
Before the prosecutor could say anything, the door opened instantly to reveal detective Gumshoe. Edgeworth took a step back from the scare.
-What the hell, detective!? Knock the door before breaking in like that... On second thought, don't break in anywhere. Knock the door.
-Sorry about that, sir, but we just got a report about an incident at the graveyard. You might want to hear it by yourself, sir. - Gumshoe said.
Edgeworth turned to look at the place where he last saw his friend before being interrupted, only to find an empty space. *Showoff* He thought before leaving the room.
Outside of the building, a vehicle that resembled a combination of tank and a military Jeep was waiting behind the building for its owner. The Dark Phoenix got inside of it and started the engine to leave the area. As he was moving through the streets, a call came in and he answered his earset.
-I heard everything. Are you really ok, Mr. Wright? - Cody said from the other side.
-Kristoph is dead. There's nothing else to discuss, and I won't let a corpse affect my judgement.
-If you say so...
-You didn't call me just to check up on me. What else do you have? - Phoenix asked, trying to move on from that topic.
-Right. I'm listening to the police transmissions, and I kinda got a transcription of the report about the graveyard.
-So?
-You're not gonna believe this.
-Try me. If I exorcised my ex out of my best friend's body, anything is possible. - Phoenix taunted.
-Don't say I didn't warn you... The security guard of the night shift claims he was attacked by, and I quote: "a huge zombie".
He didn't stop, but he did thought about doing it. *First a Glasgow smile, and now a zombie? Well, damn! This city is really going crazy.* Phoenix thought.
-Give me the address. I'll go talk to him myself.
-I'll send it to the computer of the Dark Wing... Still liking the new name, by the way. - Cody said with an arrogant tone.
-Maybe it has something to do with the fact that you invented it. Or the fact that your previous idea sucked. I mean, "The Darkness"? Sounds like a videogame title, if you ask me. - Phoenix mocked his tech genius.
-Yeah, yeah. I told you it was a temporary name because you kept shooting down my hero codename ideas. I'd like to remind you that you also have a date later today with your... Pfft. "Special someone" - Cody said before laughing uncontrollably.
*Note to self: "Don't let him hang around Kurain and Pearls anymore."* Phoenix thought.
-When?
-What? You actually forgot about the time of your date? - He laughed more and harder.
-Don't push it, kid, or I'm using you for target practice tonight. - Phoenix threatened.
-Hahahaha... Ah, that was fun. Anyway. It's half an hour from now. - Cody finally answered.
The information on the graveyard finally arrived at the car's computer, and when Phoenix did the calculations...
-Uh oh!
-Let me guess: you're not gonna make it to the burger place in time if you interrogate the guard? - Cody guessed.
-Er...
-Then let the bib-wearing prosecutor handle that. - Cody suggested.
-Can't do. I respect Edgeworth and his methods, but I prefer to have my information as fresh as possible. - Phoenix answered.
-Then you're a dead man... Hey, if this zombie story turns out to be true, we can bring you back once miss Fey is done with you.
-And yours will be the first brain I eat. - Phoenix countered before cutting off the communications...
Later that day.
The man at the graveyard was still in shock, so Phoenix didn't get much out of him besides a description of a classic zombie wearing a prison outfit. The area only reinforced the theory of an undead walking through the streets of LA: a crater with the shape of fists and one of the tombs had been disturbed. Unfortunately, the name on the tombstone was too blurry from years under the elements, so it was all, ironically, a dead-end. Without much left to do, he decided to leave the authorities handle it and take care of his date with Maya, but...
-Half hour, Nick. I've been waiting here for half hour. - Maya told him.
-I know I'm late, and I'm really sorry about that, but there was... An incident at work. - Phoenix apologized while hiding the nature of his "work" from unknown ears.
-Wow! What happened? Must have been important, if you're "working" during the day. - She asked.
-You don't want to know. - He simply said.
-That bad?
-Worst.
-Fine. If you don't want to talk about it, we won't. - Their burgers arrived at that moment. - So, tell me... When did you learn how to drive? - She said before her burger vanished from her plate.
-Hitchhiking. Watching people drive allowed me to get the hang of it. - Phoenix answered nonchalantly.
-Lame. Considering the stuff you can do, if you catch my drift, you should get a license already.
-And give everyone more hints? If he can drive but I can't, people will think twice before connecting the dots. - Phoenix said mysteriously.
-Makes sense. - She said before finishing her second burger.
Suddenly, his phone played the Steel Samurai ringtone.
-How come I haven't asked Trucy to change this tone? - Phoenix whined.
-Because you love me too much to do it. - Maya joked as Phoenix answered his phone.
-Phoenix Wright here.
-What do you think you're doing, Wright? - An upset Edgeworth said from the other side of the line. - One thing is fighting a few low-life criminals, but don't mess with the witnesses.
-So I assume you finally questioned the guard at the graveyard.
-Don't try to change topics! If you keep acting like we're useless, I'll tell everyone the truth about Dark Phoenix. - Edgeworth threatened.
-Oh, come on! It's not like I bullied your witness to remain silent. - Phoenix said. - And you're not upset about that! You're just mad I got to him before you did.
-You know that's not it! I could have been there in a few minutes, but unlike you, I have other cases to take care of.
Phoenix remained quiet for a few seconds.
-Ok. I'm sorry for interfering, but just like you, I prefer to get the information I need by myself rather than playing chinese whispers... If it helps, the guy was still in shock to be much help when I got there. All he told me was that...
-A gray-skinned zombie wearing a prison outfit attacked him? Then I guess we're even, because that's what he's been telling everyone.
*Either he's still in shock, or that guy needs medical attention... Then again, I've seen spirits possessing Maya, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a real zombie just yet.* Phoenix thought.
-I requested a psychiatric evaluation for him, but something really happened there. One of the graves is missing its owner.
-Another body missing? Do you think this had something to do with...
-Doubt it. This grave was in an area that hasn't been touched for years. All of them old, but the tombstone was too damaged and I'm still trying to verify the documents to identify the owner and contact his or her family. I'll call you when I have something.
-Thank you. Good luck, Edgeworth.
-You too, Wright. Try not to get beaten too much tonight.
-Wouldn't dream of it. - Phoenix said before hanging up.
-What? Leaving already? - A somewhat disappointed Maya asked.
-Huh? Oh, no. Edgeworth can handle that. A body was stolen from the morgue and another from a graveyard, but they're probably unrelated.
-Wait a second! A body missing from the morgue, you don't want to talk about it, and the recent events... Is this about Kristoph?
Phoenix didn't answer.
-Look. He's gone, you won and that's all that matters. You said we couldn't be together because that would probably put me in danger, but now he's dead, and he will stay like that. Your name was cleared, for God's sake! We can get back to how things used to be: Wright & Co. Law Offices against the whole world. And now we have a magical girl and a parrot with eagle eyes to help us. It will be awesome!
He stared at the floor as if it could turn her idea into reality, but he knew things would never be the same again.
-Thanks, Maya. I appreciate what you're saying...
-But?
-But it just won't happen. Nothing will ever be the same. You have Kurain to take care of, and I... You know.
-What!? But it's over now!
-The threat of Kristoph is over, sure, but I still have to do what I'm doing. Even if I get my badge back, there will be times when "he" is necessary, and I can't just walk out of a courtroom without a reason, or let someone get hurt because I'm busy defending a client... I'm sorry, Maya, but that's how it is. How it has to be.
She felt like crying right there and then, but she also knew he was right. The Dark Phoenix, or "him" as they referred to his heroic side in public, was something this city needed more than she was willing to admit. All she could do now was give him an understanding smile.
-You're right. Wanting to have you just for me is selfish. You have a duty now, so you must do it.
She felt something soft and warm touching her hands, and she noticed he was grabbing them with his own hands.
-That's not to say we can't try to make this work... You're not the only one who had to hold back for seven years, you know? - Phoenix said and kissed her on the forehead.
-Hehe. Sure. Why not? - She said while blushing. Then it was her turn to answer her ringing phone. - Oh! Hold that romantic mood.
While she was talking with Pearl (Maya called her by name), Phoenix remembered the moment they agreed to cut links with each other... Kristoph was someone who would not hesitate to hurt a political figure like the master of Kurain, so they faked a dispute about the forgery. If Kristoph thought they were done with each other, he would stay away from her. Her growing popularity and the attention from the media made sure he got the message. As soon as the case with the Jurist system was over and his reputation had been cleared, they resumed their usual friendship AND more.
-Oh you've got to be kidding me! - Maya shouted, causing everyone at the place to look at her. - Er... Sorry, everyone.
-Something wrong? - Phoenix asked.
-Pearly said I have to get back to the village. Someone requested the master of Kurain to channel a relative.
-I thought you trained others to do that. Let someone else handle it.
-Apparently, this client has enough money to pay top service and won't have anything below that. - She said with a defeated expression.
-Well, this sucks... Same time next week?
-You know it, old man. - She said before giving him a quick kiss. - But you better get rid of that hair.
-But it makes me look tougher. - He whined.
-Fine! Don't shave it... You're the one who's gonna miss this. - She said while touching her lips with the tip of a finger.
-Good point. I'll get rid of it. - He said and Maya got up. - Eventually.
-You know what, Nick? Your hobo attitude will get you nowhere with me. I'll see you later. - And she walked away.
-HOLD IT!
Everyone at the burger restaurant turned to look at the hobo.
-Say, Maya. - He said as he walked to her. - What do you know about zombies?
-Well, I have a few DVDs of "The Walking Dead". Does that count?
-Still wanna know what happened today? I'll tell you on the way to the bus station...
That night.
After telling Maya about the possibility of a zombie outbreak (which got her really excited for some reason), Phoenix asked her to check every book and every scroll at Kurain for a possible explanation to this incident. Without much to do after dropping her at the station, he went back to his office to get some rest before another sleepless night. Right now, he was on patrol...
-You actually believe we have undead people in this city? - Cody asked him through the radio.
-When you're best friends with a girl from a family of spirit mediums, you believe anything. - Phoenix said from the building he was on top of.
-I mean, I think it would be cool and I like the idea of a real-life zombie as much as anyone, but come on! You can't possibly think that...
Cody was interrupted by an alarm on his computer.
-I've got something. The silent alarm of a jewelry went off.
-Where?
-Just a few blocks from your position. I'll send the location to the computer of your mask, and the Detective vision should show you the best possible route.
-Thanks, Cody. I'll call you when I'm done. - Phoenix said before cutting the communication and gliding to the jewelry.
When he got there, he placed himself on top of a restaurant in front of the jewelry, Shortly after his arrival, three robbers came out through the front door. *This is too easy* Everyone thought. The robbers... And The Dark Phoenix. He dive-bombed his way to them, kicking the guy at the front with both legs as he reached ground level and knocking him instantly.
-It's the Dark freak! - One of the two still up said.
They reached for their guns, but Dark Phoenix sensed this and pulled out two of his Phoenix feathers. He threw them at each one of the armed thugs and knocked their firearms out of their hands. Without them, they went to get the crowbars they used to break the window of the jewelry and tried to hit the vigilante. The Dark Phoenix dodged by moving to his right and punching the guy closer to him in the face. While this one was disoriented, the hooded hero went after the other robber and blocked another swing with his forearm, the limb protected by the armor around it. The Dark Phoenix took the piece of metal and tried to hit his opponent with it. When the criminal covered his face, the hero tossed the bar aside and slammed his knee on the guy's stomach, leaving him without breath and lying on the floor with pain coursing through his torso.
-You're mine, hero!
Having recovered his balance, the first thug tried to catch the Dark Phoenix off-guard. *You do realize you just revealed your intentions before ACTUALLY doing it, right?* Phoenix thought before turning to catch his assailant and tossed him against the other who was just getting up. With their defeat being obvious, they ran into an alley, hoping the vigilante would let them be... It wouldn't happen, but he had to restrain the downed guy in case he recovered his consciousness. Once he was done he turned to chase after the other two, but...
-HOLY SH- He heard them scream.
The Dark Phoenix ran to check out what happened to them. As he was getting closer to the alley, he heard a new voice talking. Strong. Intimidating... And disturbing.
-Solomon Grundy...
Curiosity getting the best out of him, he moved closer.
-Born on a Monday...
One of the robbers came out flying through the air, and the hero dodged the human projectile that ended up hitting a wall... But just barely.
-Christened on Tuesday...
The second thug suffered the same fate, but the Dark Phoenix saw it coming this time, so he reacted faster. This one landed near his partner.
-Married on WEDNESDAY!
The Dark Phoenix only had a few seconds to get out of the way of two fists aiming to crush his skull. The shock wave still managed to make him loose his footing and fall to his knees. He looked up to see the behemoth in front of him, matching the exact description of the guard at the graveyard: gray skin, prison outfit and chainless cuffs... A real-life zombie.
*Cody and Maya are really going to enjoy hearing about this* Phoenix thought in the middle of the overwhelming panic ...
A/N: hello again, readers. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if you did, letting me know through reviews, favorites and stuff would be highly appreciated.
Well, now... We've seen our hero working at day while trying to live a normal life, keyword being "trying". We've seen the first moves of the new Joker and the rising of the first super-criminal. Why Grundy, you might ask? Well... You're gonna have to read the next chapter to find out (maybe ;) ). Probably even after that one. Who knows?
And just in case anyone is having trouble imagining how Dark Phoenix looks like, here's a super basic description: the armor is pretty much what you see in the Nolanverse movies, the head is covered by a hood a la Green Arrow (I'm not a big fan of the new show, but the hood part looks awesome). Now, the domino mask is something I borrowed from unused artwork of Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney. Look up "Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney evil" on Google, if you haven't seen it. It's a character design for an evil Wright.
On a side note, I has an offer: do you like dem fics? Do you want to see what happens before anyone else? Then this is your chance, because I'm putting out a request for betareaders to help me correct my many screwups! Long story short: I switched from writing on computer to a touch-screen device, and big fingers just keep getting in the way. BUUUUTTT! Before I officially hire anyone, you'll have to approve a test. The test consisting of correcting previous works. If you pass, it will be official and you'll get an early look at my future projects, additional chapters for ongoing fics and other stuff. If you're available, send me a PM with the following info:
-Pen name.
-Age.
-Schedule (when you're available).
-Method you will use.
With that said... Next time, on The Dark Phoenix:
-No way! - Phoenix said.
-I checked everything by myself, Wright. Twice! He's the one that was buried there. - Edgeworth said from the other side of the line.
-Thanks, Edgeworth. I gotta go now. - Phoenix said before finishing the call.
-What? What did I miss? And why is that name so important, Mr. Wright? - Cody said once Phoenix switched back to their encrypted frequency.
-If Edgeworth is right, I think I know where Grundy is heading to... I really hope he's wrong. - Phoenix answered before going full speed out of the city and into the mountains...