Chapter 11 ~ Bringing up the past ~
"Tickets please!"
A sharp female voice resounded through the train carriage. Maya Fey rooted round her small sachet for her set of tickets.
Where are they.. Aha! Found them.
The spirit medium flashed a set of tickets in front of the train conductor's eyes. She nodded briefly before moving onto the family sat behind her. Maya sat back on her seat, relaxing, and turned to watch the trees fly past her window at hurtling speeds.
It's a shame Nick couldn't see me off.. Well, the request from the village was on short notice after all. I just wish he picked up this morning.
Sighing, she flipped open her phone to send a short text to Phoenix, to summarise the situation.
x|x|x|x
"Wright."
"…Uuhh…"
"Wright."
"..Uuuuuh.."
"WRIGHT!"
Phoenix woke with a jolt. The light coming from the living room blinds blinded him temporarily. He rubbed his eyes, in shock.
Where am I? …Oh of course, I'm in Edgeworth's apartment aren't I?
"I'm over here," Miles said, clearing his throat, impatiently.
Miles was sat on his sofa, with a mug of Earl Grey and a raised eyebrow.
"H-huh? Edgeworth! Oh!" Phoenix sat up quickly, trying to pat down his suit and hair in an attempt to be presentable. Nonetheless, he still felt a sinking feeling when Miles gave him a mocking smirk.
He totally has the upper hand with me right now.
"I was trying to wake you to inform you that your phone has gone off multiple times while you were sleeping," Miles stated, airily. "It slipped out of your pocket last night so I put it on the table over there." He gestured to the coffee table. "You might want to check your missed calls sometime soon."
Oh crap..!
Stumbling a bit, he rushed over to the phone and checked his Call Log. He felt a crushing feeling in his chest.
5 Missed Calls and 1 text, all from Maya Fey. I hope this is nothing serious.
Phoenix quickly navigated to his inbox and skimmed the text.
Hi Nick, yr not picking your phone up so this is a quick text about my situation right now. I'm heading to Kurain for a few days to take care of some business. I wish you could see me off, but I see that's not possible because someone isn't picking their phone up! Hahaha, well anyway, I'll text you when I know the train I'm taking back to Los Angeles. I'll see you then, take care! x Love, Maya (:
Phoenix blinked a couple of times.
..Damnit all. I wish I had been there to see her off, the least I could've done. Some friend I am!
Sighing, he slipped his phone back into his pocket, and tried to gather his thoughts. His hands cupped his nose.
Well spending time away from her will do me some good anyway.
He quickly turned round to look at Miles, who jumped when he was caught in the act of ogling him. Miles exhaled sharply, slightly flustered.
"W-what Edgeworth?" Phoenix scowled back. He ran a hand through his flyaway spikes, grimacing at him.
Trust Edgeworth to mock me when I'm in an obvious moment of complete despair..
"Nothing. You're just amusing to watch that's all. You looked like you were on the verge of punching yourself in the stomach, that was something I didn't want to miss.." Miles replied, smirking.
Yeah yeah smartass.
"It was Maya Fey isn't it?" Miles concluded, stiffly.
Phoenix raised his eyebrows, surprised at Miles' spot on intuition.
"Indeed it was. She's going to be out of town for a couple of days," Phoenix replied, curtly.
The words clung onto the air. Miles was sipping his tea, deep in thought.
"Are you feeling alright?" he asked, uncertainly.
Phoenix was now taken aback by Miles' sudden concern for him.
This is a bit unnerving actually..!
"I'm completely fine Edgeworth," Phoenix replied, shaking his head in dismay.
"Well then, I have somewhere to take you Wright. Get yourself ready - we're going out."
…WHAT? Did I wake up on the wrong planet today?
x|x|x|x
"Edgeworth, I really appreciate your thoughts, but this place really does not hold good memories for me."
"I presume you're referring to this milkshake bar?"
Miles had taken Phoenix to "Milkshake Mania", the very Milkshake Bar Phoenix and Maya had been in just the day before. The flashing neon pink lights decorating the interior brick wall seemed uglier than ever.
Of all the places he had to take me, it had to be this place didn't it? And I thought Miles wasn't much of a milkshake person! How wrong I was…!
It was early hours, so the two lawyers were one of the only groups inside the bar. Miles was sat across from Phoenix with a large glass of banana milkshake, unashamed at how damaging being seen with a milkshake was to his "classy" reputation.
Actually the man himself doesn't look like he gives a dime.
Phoenix himself had ordered a strawberry milkshake unconsciously. He had cursed his entire being for it afterwards - bad memories began to surface every time he even thought of drinking it. So as a result, yet again he was left fiddling with the straw absentmindedly.
"Yes. I do mean this milkshake bar Edgeworth, I was here with Maya just the day before," Phoenix replied, curtly.
"Can't you forget about your experiences yesterday and focus on now Wright?" Miles muttered, stiffly.
"Hardly Edgeworth," Phoenix shot back. "An example being.."
He made a scene of stroking the part of his cheek that Miles had slapped. Miles rolled his eyes.
"..You hardly bruised at all," Miles replied, rolling his eyes.
Whateverrrrr.
"If you're not so bothered, then caress it better Edgeworth. I'm all yours."
"Deal with it Wright, you're such a child. Do you need a plaster as well?"
Phoenix rolled his eyes in reply. The ice at the bottom of Phoenix's glass tinkled as he gingerly sipped from his straw. The cold liquid hit his tongue. Phoenix had to admit, it had more depth in flavour and wasn't as overpowering as chocolate.
This flavour is really hella better than chocolate.
"My father used to take me here."
Phoenix looked up in surprise, surprised at the sudden change in conversation. Miles' eyes were glazed, reminiscing.
"He always used to take me here when I was particularly upset about something," he continued. "I'd always cheer up right after it as well. It was a good cure - this milkshake."
Ah, I see what he's trying to say. He's not being explicit about it though. Same old prideful Edgeworth.
Phoenix allowed a comfortable smile to settle on his lips and replied. "I see." His eyes flashed with more meaning and understanding though.
Miles nodded, pleased that Phoenix understood the underlying meaning behind his statement. He was embarrassed though, because he refused to meet Phoenix's searching gaze afterwards.
He was simply trying to cheer me up by taking me to this place. He won't say it outright though. As always, he's looking out for me..
Phoenix felt an incredible amount of warmth hug his heart.
Edgeworth..
After a couple more minutes of content slurping, Miles put his empty glass to the side and patted his mouth with a small white napkin.
"Almost done there?"
"H-huh? Oh yes, I'm almost done," Phoenix replied back, absentmindedly. "Uhh.."
Miles sighed. "No. Objection. You haven't even finished half yet Wright."
He crossed his arms and tapped his finger against his arm in impatience, nodding at Phoenix's virtually full milkshake glass. Phoenix grinned, nervously, however his thoughts were nothing short of expressing irritation.
Hold it! I thought this was supposed to be my treat? Why the rush?
"Why the rush Edgeworth?" Phoenix asked, curiously. "It'll be a shame to rush this milkshake, it'smy cheer-up treat after all." Phoenix smiled innocently. Miles looked away, exasperated.
"Have a look at the man near the window on the left hand side, and then try to give me a valid reason as to why we shouldn't leave post haste," the Prosecutor muttered under his breath.
Eyebrows raised, Phoenix complied. He spluttered when he saw who it was, then ducked in an act of defence.
Why him? Why now? Not that I have any issues with talking to Larry on a normal day. But at times like these, times that aren't normal, I'd rather avoid the Butz.
"Even with ducking you're still in plain view Wright," Miles pointed out, smirking.
Yeah? Well even in a massive crowd you'd stand out with that pink suit Edgeworth. You're not one to talk at all.
Larry was sitting with a woman. She was a giggling airhead with peroxide blond curls, bright orange nails, and a fake tan to boot.
I'm willing to bet that that girl will dump Larry in the next 48 hours. I don't want to be in the vicinity when that happens..
"I can't say that taking a girl to a milkshake bar is the best way to attract or impress a female," muttered Phoenix, an amused expression plastering his face. Miles clicked his tongue in irritation.
"He's coming this way now. No avoiding him."
As Larry was heading towards the counter, he turned to look in Miles and Phoenix's direction - and gaped when he saw the two men. Phoenix could literally hear the penny drop in his brain.
"Edgey! Nick!" Larry ambled towards them after shouting their names at the top of his lungs. He earned a few curious looks.
Miles put his head in his hands while Phoenix just laughed, putting his own over his mouth in an attempt to subdue his giggles.
"Morning Larry. What brings you here?" Miles asked, stiffly, but trying to be friendly all the time.
He probably thinks that the sooner idle chatter is over the sooner we escape.
"I'm here with my Charlotte-baby!" Larry answered, joyfully. His face held a face of content, as he reached out to his side, only to clutch the air pathetically. "W-wait where'd she go?"
Larry turned around, looking everywhere in surprise. "E-eh, Charlotte-baby where'd you go?"
Miles continued to put his head in his hands, shaking his head in utter dismay. Phoenix laughed even more at the situation.
I.. know I shouldn't but I can't help it!
"OH! There you are!" Larry headed over to the head of peroxide blond curls in the far corner of the bar. She was chatting and openly flirting with a man in a business suit. Larry was not at all pleased about this.
"W-whaaaa! Charlotte-baby I thought I was the only one for you!" Larry whined loudly, attempting to wrap his arm round her waist, only to get slapped by the girl. She was saying something that wasn't within earshot for Miles and Phoenix.
Miles rose quickly. "Lets leave before the situation gets far more uglier," he proposed.
"Agreed..!"
The lawyers quickly slipped through the door that exited onto the back alley.
After all, when something smells, it's usually the Butz.
x|x|x|x
"We made it out unscathed!" Phoenix announced, to no one in particular.
"..Why did you feel the need to declare that?"
"I just did, Edgeworth. The moment presented itself."
Miles shook his head disapprovingly at Phoenix, but allowed a ghost of a smile to linger on his lips. They both headed down to the end of the alley which from what Phoenix could remember, led out to an open park.
"Ah, thanks for the treat, by the way Edgeworth," Phoenix said, grinning. "I know how awkward you are with these things, and you really went out of your way this time. You must have thought that drinking milkshake was endangering your reputation as the "Demon Prosecutor" Phoenix chuckled. "..No Demon Prosecutor drinks itty bitty milkshakes.."
Miles flinched and sighed. "I'd rather not try to keep up that pretence of "Demon Prosecutor", anyway! But yes, in terms of my professionalism, being in there probably ruined it." He smirked. "Though I don't think anyone of any importance saw me. Though it is odd, but I'm starting to care less about my image - especially when I'm with you." He glanced at Phoenix, who was looking at Miles like he announced he was flying to the moon.
E-Edgeworth.. Not caring. About his appearance. I never thought I'd live to see the day.
"I say your habits are rubbing off on me Wright," Miles finished, conclusively.
And he had to finish with an almighty insult. I'm so honoured. Really.
Phoenix smirked and gave him a short Edgeworth-like bow. "No need to give me so much credit Edgeworth."
"Oh no, you really do deserve it all this time."
Jerk.
An open park presented itself when they reached the end of the alley. A small climbing frame, a single sandbox and a swing was present in the old playground area. Upon moving closer, they both noticed a small figure by the swing.
"B-bullies.. Stole it, they stole it." The small figure was a little girl, crying. Phoenix immediately felt heartfelt sympathy for her.
Poor thing..
Phoenix couldn't help thinking that the girl resembled Pearls a little. This made Phoenix even more determined to help the girl.
Maybe we should go over to her and try to find out what exactly was taken from her. And try to apprehend the bullies too..
"Wright.. Did you want to help that girl?" Miles asked, quietly.
"Y-yeah I was thinking of doing that.."
Why the scepticism Edgeworth?
Phoenix turned to look at Miles, who was staring straight ahead, eyes narrowed.
"Nothing can be done really. What's done is done. Chasing after the bullies, forcing them to apologise, it's not without point per say, but simply a pointless action. Events like these will repeat themselves over and over. It's human nature," Miles replied, curtly.
"But preventing one event surely makes a difference, I mean doing nothing won't solve anything either!" Phoenix shot back, slightly annoyed.
"Getting yourself involved into things that aren't any of your concern is certainly something you'd do Wright," Miles said, sighing. "But honestly, move on. There's a difference between being at the action and being involved, and witnessing the aftermath of an incident, and thinking you're involved, when you most certainly are not."
Phoenix merely grunted in reply, annoyed.
I don't quite remember Edgeworth being like this all the time. I feel like a memory from the past is tugging at me - actually…
"The truth never reveals itself without persistent nagging," Phoenix said, dryly.
"Hmph. And this is where we part ways, Wright," Miles said, gesturing at the crossroads.
"Ah, I see. Thanks for everything - Edgeworth," Phoenix sighed, feeling a bit lonely already.
Maya's gone for a while, Edgeworth's busy, my life's already over at 26!
"It was no problem Wright," Miles replied, letting a smile rest on his thin lips. "I'll see you in court."
"I'll see you.. When I see you. Hopefully ..not in court!" Phoenix replied, jokingly.
"As you say."
And so, Miles left Phoenix at a complete loss as to how to spend the remainder of his day.
x|x|x|x
That night, as Phoenix was drifting to sleep, the childhood memory that was tugging at Phoenix resurfaced and pulled him under, into its depths.
~ 15 years earlier ~
"Miles!"
A young Phoenix Wright was stood at the school gate waiting for a certain boy who he had become quite fond of. Upon spotting him, he made quite a scene of shouting his name and running up to him.
"Miles! You took ages today!"
The school was almost empty spare a few kids here and there. The evening sun was starting to cast long shadows, and the caretaker was starting to glare at the two boys disapprovingly.
"For your information Phoenix Wright, I was taking part in debating society," the boy replied, coldly.
"N-no way! But isn't that for the years above? You must have guts to be debating with teenagers and teachers! They can't take you seriously can they?" Phoenix replied in awe.
"Of course they do. They can't not pay attention to the opinions of the son of Gregory Edgeworth," Miles replied, his voice swelling a bit with pride.
Miles was always someone to hide his emotions, unless it was about his father, who he idolised more than anyone else. His voice swelled with pride when ether he spoke of his heroic deeds in the courtroom, and the way he defended his clients with all the belief a defence attorney could ever have.
"Well then you gotta tell me all about it! I want to walk home with you Miles," Phoenix declared, happily. He swung his small rucksack round his shoulder.
"Uuhh.. Phoenix, what? I don't recall ever making such an agreement with you," Miles protested.
"Nah, we never did. Who says we can't though?" Phoenix shot back, grinning.
Phoenix had admired Miles ever since he saved him from the attacks from his classmates last month. Gradually, he had been building up the courage to talk to the boy. After their first conversation, it was obvious Miles wasn't used to being sociable. So it was hard work, but he pushed and pushed until he finally broke the walls of isolation that surrounded the mysterious youngster. Now, he felt that finally, they were beginning to build a genuine friendship.
"So are you coming?" Phoenix called out to him, as he walked ahead.
Miles sighed. He had no choice - he ran up to join Phoenix.
o|o|o|o
"So your father is a defence attorney, right?"
"He is, and he's the greatest one out there!" Miles replied, unable to prevent pure enthusiasm from infesting his voice. "I really idolise him. Just yesterday I was in court with him, this case he was dealing with was quite solid at first, but amazingly, he managed to turn the tables and prove his client's innocence!"
"That's amazing," Phoenix replied, in awe. "Must have been cool to witness that."
"Yes!"
"Do you want to be a lawyer when you're older?" Phoenix inquired, eager to keep the conversation rolling.
"I do, and a defence attorney, for sure. I hate criminals to the core. I'd hate to be on the Prosecutor's side. My father says there are lots of bad Prosecutor's out there," Miles paused, to shiver slightly. "There are records of bad deeds done by Prosecuting attorney's. It's completely unjustified. Justice should be delivered without the acts of cheating, or unfair judgements..."
"I can't say I understand, but you sound like you know what you're talking about.." Phoenix tried, smiling nervously. The last thing he wanted was Miles to think he was a complete idiot.
Miles smiled. "I'm sure you will in due time."
The two boys walked towards a small park with a newly constructed play area. Among the tall shadows, there were two figures behind the climbing frame. One was taller than the other, and clearly towering over the smaller one in a threatening manner. Upon spotting them, Phoenix had shrunk to the side, hoping the large figure hadn't spotted him and Miles.
"Hey Miles, let's walk down another footpath… h-hey!"
Before Phoenix knew it, Miles was striding up to the two figures, a stride that symbolised everything he had been expressing the moments before - pride and confidence.
"Let her go at once!" Miles yelled, pointing his finger at the larger figure. "You're a disgrace for using your size and age to take advantage of a younger girl!"
The girl, who was in tears, turned to look at Miles in shock. Shock quickly turned into a gaze of complete adoration. Phoenix felt oddly envious of the attention she was giving him.
"What did you say to me?" grunted the older boy, in shock that someone half his size had dared to talk to him in such a way.
"I said what I said, now leave her alone!" Miles pressed, firmly. He glared at the boy twice his size. Phoenix could only gape and how incredibly brave the young boy was.
"No one ever speaks bad of me. Not even a squat your size," growled the older boy.
He raised his fist to punch Miles in the face.
"!"
Miles' eyes snapped shut, fear suddenly ensnaring his senses. He vaguely heard the young girl scream beside him. His eyes shot open when he heard a body hit the ground.
"Phoenix?"
Phoenix had jumped in front of Miles as the boy had attempted to punch Miles. Miles felt a cold sweat as he saw the limp body of his "friend" at his feet. Slowly, he bent down to shake the body.
"P-phoenix?"
The older boy simply groaned, and muttering about "pussy boys" ambled off, no longer interested in bullying the young girl anymore.
"Is he ok?" the young girl asked, nervously fiddling with her dress.
Miles was still in a cold sweat. No one had ever done such a deed for him before. No one. It was only then he started to realise how his actions could have severe consequences on those who cared about him.
"H-hey this isn't funny Phoenix," Miles whispered, weakly, voice cracking. "Please get up."
Phoenix's eyes fluttered open in surprise. Gingerly, he sat up and cupped his bruising cheek. Noticing Miles at his side, he flashed him a cheeky grin, and a thumbs up.
"We make a great team - don't we Miles?"
Immediately a huge weight lifted from Miles' shoulders. Sighing heavily, he relaxed.
"You're fine.. I was so worried," Miles admitted, focusing on his hands.
"I'm more than fine, I'm really fine, don't worry Miles!" Phoenix said, reassuringly. "You were.. Amazing. I really admire you for what you did just now. I just wanted to do my bit y'know?"
Miles scowled and shook his head. "I don't recall asking for your help."
"Friends help each other out Miles. Don't you know that by now?"
o|o|o|o
Brrriiiiiiiiiiing.
"E-eh?"
The blinding sunlight greeted Phoenix with a flash when his eyes snapped open. Groggily, he got up to switch the blaring alarm off.
I forgot that ever happened. That dream was definitely a memory of me and Miles during elementary.
A/N: Quick reply to a reviewer..
Wolfareen: Uhh I agree actually, o_o I'll change that soon ~ xD And thank you ~ !
Long chapter, but I reckon they might get even longer ~ Hope you enjoyed it :D
