Disclaimer: I do not own the Ace Attorney series or characters.


7:41 PM

-Burger Shop-

Maya was chowing down on her burger as Phoenix took a couple bites of French fries. He surprisingly wasn't all that hungry, even though he hadn't eaten all day.

"Nick, you gotta eat more! That can't be healthy." Maya then looked at his French fries. "…Well, unless you're really not that hungry, I can eat it for you!"

Phoenix let out a sigh as he pushed his tray over to her, "Go ahead, Maya. Go ahead."

I already explained to Maya why we're staying here longer than expected, and why I even accepted what Miles had 'offered'. This whole situation is going to be a pain, I can feel it...

While Phoenix was gazing out the window lost in his thoughts, Maya threw her burger's wrapper at his head. "Earth to Nick! You've been so out of it all day, lighten up!"

"Wh-what? I'm perfectly fine, thank you."

"Yeah, right!" Maya crossed her arms. Her expression soon changed to a tiny smirk, "Oh, I know what's bothering you. You're hurt because Mr. Edgeworth doesn't remember you!"

Phoenix stared back at the girl with a look of complete irritation. "…Why would that bother me?"

"Weell… I bet you looked up to him, and—"

Before she could finish what she was saying, phoenix abruptly stood up. "Whatever you think. I'm going to the restroom."

He left to do just that, leaving Maya a tad confused. As he went in there, he stared in the mirror. How did she guess that!? I'm not hurt, it's not that. Just the part of 'looking up to him'… I did, before. But that was when we were kids. He was the reason I became a knight, so I could defend innocent people.

After sighing, an idea popped into his head. Maybe… I'll pay Edgeworth a visit, later tonight.

Walking back to his seat, Maya had completely finished off her meal now. "There you are! Well, let's go Nick. Where's the hotel?"

"Hm? Oh, it's this location here." As much as he wanted rest, there was still something to be done this night. He didn't tell Maya, though.


9:37 PM

-Prosecution Castle, Edgeworth's room-

Miles was beginning to doze off in his seat while looking at a book, until someone suddenly burst into his room. That person was none other than Dick Gumshoe, a knight at the castle, on top of being a detective.

"Detective, haven't you heard of 'knocking'?" Miles whined as he got up from his chair.

Gumshoe scratched the back of his head and laughed lightly, "Sorry, sir! I had something to ask, though…"

Perking up after hearing that, that Miles' dulled expression remained despite that. "Oh? And what would that be?"

"Manfred von Karma, sir, he's aware of those two guests you had here earlier." Gumshoe took out a note, one Miles assumed was from von Karma, and glanced back at Miles. "He was… concerned if they were up to anything, since it's highly unusual for anyone to visit you. N-no offense though, sir!"

Hah, 'concerned'? That's laughable. Miles silently snickered to himself, and then retained his usual demeanor. "They didn't do anything, that's all he needs to know."

"Okay, then!" Gumshoe jotted something down on the note, as he was about to leave. "Did you know them maybe?"

Miles turned to look at the window, deliberately looking away from Gumshoe."…No, I don't."


10:14 PM

-Outside of Prosecution Castle-

"I hope Maya doesn't wake up and realize I came here without telling her. She can be pretty scary when mad." He mumbled to himself while sneaking around the castle.

As he crept around to find Miles' room, outside of course, he realized he encountered… a problem. How would he even get inside? It seemed easy in movies, but here and now, Phoenix realized how clueless he really was. He couldn't just throw a rock at his window to get Miles' attention. He sure as hell couldn't just climb up either.

Aw, damn… I don't wanna just go back after coming all this way! Think Phoenix, think…

While trying to brainstorm any ideas, Phoenix saw a light flash on him, even though it was pitch black out. Turning around, Phoenix saw a flashlight pointed at him; it was a guard pointing it.

"Trespasser!' The guard called out while walking over to the man in blue. "What are you doing lurking out around here…?"

"I'm not lurking! …Okay, I am, but—"

That was all it took for the guard to grab Phoenix by the hand and handcuff him. "You're coming with me."

Oh, great… I should have figured their castle would have good security. Phoenix thought, rolling his eyes. There wasn't much he could do. If he made a fuss, that would only make him more suspicious… and it's not like he wasn't a trespasser; he knew he was, but would lying do any good?

Phoenix walked beside the guard as they entered the castle. It was quieter than earlier, which made sense, since it was pretty late. He gulped, as he was brought further and further into the castle. If only Maya was here, he probably wouldn't be feeling this… well, alone.

As they continued to walk, they were suddenly put to a stop by some bigger, scruffy looking guy.

"Hey, you're that guy in blue from earlier, aren't you?" He asked, making Phoenix look confused. He was sure he hadn't seen or met this man before.

Even though he wasn't sure if he saw this person earlier, he nodded. "Uh, yeah. Phoenix. I'm Phoenix Wright." Shortly after saying so, Phoenix mentally punched himself. Dammit, why'd I tell him my name!? Force of habit, I guess.

"Pleasure to meet ya, pal! The name's Dick Gumshoe, but just call me Gumshoe." Gumshoe shook Phoenix's hand, not even noticing he was handcuffed. Not until the guard next to them spoke, anyway.

"Um, sir… He's being taken away into questioning right now." The guard informed the 'detective'.

Gumshoe raised an eye, and turned his attention to Phoenix again. "Huh? You're a trespasser, pal!?"

"No, no! It's a misunderstanding, I only came to see Edge—the prince!" Phoenix protested while flailing his hands, as much as he could, being handcuffed and all.

Seeming a bit reluctant, Gumshoe gave a little chuckle. "Oh, I see! So you know Mr. Edgeworth then? Huh, though… he said earlier that he didn't know you."

"Oh, he was just being forgetful." Phoenix awkwardly laughed, trying to seem genuine with that response. Hopefully this guy would buy it…

Luckily for him, Gumshoe didn't seem like the brightest person, so he did actually believe him. "Oh, that makes sense! Hey, guard. You can go now, pal. I'll take him to see Mr. Edgeworth."

A sense of relief overcame Phoenix as the guard reluctantly slipped away, eventually out of sight. And he released him from those stuffy handcuffs, so that was another plus. Phoenix followed closely behind Gumshoe, as they made it over to Miles' room, and were soon in front of that man's door.

"Okay, pal. Guess I'll go now." Gumshoe knocked on the door firmly, and then waved as he ran off.

As glad as he was that he managed to get inside and get away from being taken into custody, Phoenix was still slightly nervous. What would he tell Miles? Sure, he had things to tell him, which was why he even came, but… to come this late at night would just be intruding.

His thoughts came to an end as Miles opened the door; an obvious look of irritation came over him, one that Phoenix knew he didn't even try to hide.

"…You. What was your name again…? Mr. Wright?"

Phoenix was almost annoyed by his words; like he wanted to him to know that he didn't remember him. Phoenix managed to fight back any snarky remarks he could have offered to that. "Yes, that's me. Is my name that hard to remember?" He laughed somewhat.

With a click of his tongue, Miles figured he may as well let the blue suit man inside, so he gestured him to come in, as he shut the door as the other did so. "It's not particularly easy to remember with someone you've just met."

Edgeworth, why do you keep doing this on purpose…!?

"I… guess so." Phoenix muttered back while taking a seat. "Sorry for coming on such short notice. Again."

Miles didn't say anything in return and instead grabbed a teapot, pouring some into two different cups. He walked over to where Phoenix was seated, and put one of the cups down in front of him.

"You didn't have to." Phoenix awkwardly grinned, "…Thanks."

Sitting down, the opposite side to Phoenix, Miles began to sip his own tea. "So, why did you come this time?"

"Well… before I get to that, can I say something?" Phoenix replied, looking into his tea. What he was about to say was nothing more than an observation, and it probably wasn't anything, but he still felt he should note it.

Merely nodding in response, Miles remained quiet while continuing to drink his unfortunately cold tea.

"Are you sure you don't actually remember me? I've noticed… you don't seem to be acting the same way toward me you would a stranger."

Silence filled the entire room; Phoenix continued to look down, not wanting to look at what expression Miles would be wearing. He'd probably look angry, or maybe just confused.

Phoenix smiled in an uncomfortable way, "But, that's just what it seems like to me! I mean, maybe I'm just hoping that, or exaggerating." He figured he'd lighten up, or maybe get the atmosphere to be less tense at least. This really is not going well.

Miles made some kind of grumble, causing Phoenix to finally look over at him again. Just as expected, he did not look happy. "Is that so? Even if you did know me… that would have been a long time ago. You have no idea how I normally act around 'strangers'."

Slamming his hands on the table while standing up, Phoenix gave Miles a determine look. "That may be so! However… I know that you wouldn't act so 'casually' around them. Just one glance at you or your room shows how prim and proper you are!"

"Do not slam on my table like that!" Miles yelled back, standing up now as well. After saying that, he noticed a smirk on Phoenix's face.

"See what I mean? Nobody else would probably be concerned over their table getting a minor slam on it." Phoenix replied back, his smirk just now forming into a smile. "Edgeworth, be honest here. You really do remember me, don't you?"

Crossing his arms, Miles turned away from Phoenix. He didn't speak for a moment; Phoenix wasn't sure why, but maybe he was trying to come up with some kind of excuse. He knew he did, even a little.

"…You said your name is Phoenix Wright? Then you're the one who used to send me letters a while back."

"Huh? Well yeah, that was me." Phoenix raised an eye, not expecting that to come from his mouth. "You never replied back to any of them though. I almost started to doubt if you got them."

Miles sighed, and grabbed the top of the chair as if for some kind of support. "You win this time, Wright."

Hearing that, Phoenix suddenly appeared more confused. Win? What did he mean? Does he… is he actually admitting it!? That would be like a victory of some sort.

"You're right. I do remember you." Miles finally said, with another heavy sigh. "I didn't think you'd be so persistent in getting me to admit it, though."

"Wh—What? Why did you even hide it!?" Phoenix was having mixed emotions. Yes, he was relieved and a bit glad that Miles actually remembered him, but… at the same time confusion and some anger were evident there.

"I have my reasons. That's all you need to know." Miles muttered, glancing back over at Phoenix now.

"Hey, I think I have a right to know this." Phoenix spit back, getting to be almost just mad at this point. It was late, he was hungry, and—...Speaking of, Phoenix completely forgot that he hadn't eaten practically all day. At least, not until his stomach made a loud, clearly audible grumble.

Again, there went that awkward and long quietness that consumed the room. Luckily enough, Miles moved, walking over to some cabinet. "…I'm afraid I don't have much food in here; only some tiny snacks. Will that cease that uncouth noise in your stomach?"

Phoenix saw Miles have a tiny smirk, but just laughed it off. "Ha ha… Um, anything's fine." He said while putting a hand on his stomach. Miles quickly came back over and handed him some kind of bread, which Phoenix gladly took.

"I probably should have eaten earlier." He muttered, taking a munch of the plain, buttered bread.

Miles sat down, and silently chuckled to himself. "I can't say I'm surprised. Let me guess; you were so busy thinking about how to get me to 'remember', so you just forgot to eat?"

Almost choking on his food from that, Phoenix was almost too proud to admit he was exactly right. "I wouldn't had to have, if you just said it from the beginning."

"I was going to apologize, Wright." Miles rolled his eyes. As Phoenix continued to eat, making noises while doing so, Miles looked deep in thought. He abruptly went over to look out his window, and bit his lip. "…I should say something though. Wright, I won't want to see you again after this. So I suggest you hurry on with any questions you have and leave."

"Hey, hold it!" Phoenix looked as if a bomb just dropped, hearing him say something like that so suddenly… what was up with him!? Hiding remembering him, and now never wanting to see him again?

Miles glared at Phoenix, "Listen, even if we knew each a long time ago… we're still pretty much strangers now."

"…That's a lie." Phoenix clenched his fist, "And I know that's not your reason for saying this. Edgeworth, I don't care what you think; I'm going to come back and see you again tomorrow."

A slight smug laugh escaped Miles' lips. "Hah, I think you're forgetting something. I'm the prince here in this kingdom, Wright. I can easily stop you from that."

"We'll see about that."

I don't understand, Edgeworth. I know you've changed, but why are you hiding so many things? Sure, you probably don't remember much about me, or consider me close at all to share anything, but…

Walking over to the door, Phoenix smiled once more before leaving. "Sorry for staying so late." He shouldn't be smiling, but going here in the night wasn't a waste. At least he now knew Miles remembers him after all, so that was a bright thing.

Miles said nothing back, as Phoenix closed the door behind him.


12:34 AM

-Gatewater Hotel-

Returning to his hotel room, Phoenix let out a big breath of air. Being in that castle was nerve-wracking, and Miles was in a bad moon –as usual— the entire time. It was nice to be back in his hotel room, where he'd be able to relax for the rest of the night.

…Or he hoped. Walking further inside the room, he saw an angry Maya. She puffed her cheeks, and crossed her arms. Drat, she found out that he snuck out to the castle, then…

"Niick! Where'd you go without telling me!? The castle?" She huffed, walking up to him, and pointing her finger in his face.

Phoenix explained to Maya what he went there for, and what happened, while ordering some room service for food. He only got bread, he was still pretty hungry.

"So… that's what happened." Phoenix told her while sipping some water. "It wasn't that much, but it was something, at least."

Maya looked like she calmed down considerably, but still somewhat aggravated. "Okay, so… why didn't you tell me though!?"

"I feel like Edgeworth wouldn't have talked to me, or told me the truth unless I was the only one there." Phoenix paused, and then scratched the back of his head, "I should have told you I was going though."

She sighed, "Fine, fine. I guess it makes sense? What's up with Mr. Edgeworth though?"

He wanted to know that too. Miles was hiding a lot. Not just from him, probably everyone. He didn't seem like he had any friends, and even his family seemed distant from him. Phoenix felt kind of bad, sympathizing for him. Miles seemed like the type who was so proud, he'd be livid if anyone 'pitied' him.

"I wish there was some kind of way for him to open up to me."

I know we're far from 'friends' in his eyes. As for me, despite how long it's been, I…

"Aww, Nick! You sure are worrying about him." Maya smirked, teasing him, but actually being serious.

Phoenix began to unwrap a chocolate bar he got, and gave Maya a dulled look. He wasn't as amused as she was. "Well, yeah. He's my friend after all, so it's natural."

"…Anyway, you should go back to your own room now, Maya. To get sleep and all, since we'll have things to do tomorrow."

Rubbing her eyes, Maya just now got the lack of sleep catching up to her. She said 'good night' to Phoenix, and went to her own room.

I can't bring myself sleep. I should really take my own advice and rest too, though.