The Dark Phoenix.
Chapter 13: Cat Fight.
Location: von Karma residence.
Many years ago.
Manfred von Karma had gathered his family, including the adopted Miles Edgeworth, in the living room of their house in L.A. A few years had already passed since the incident that took Gregory Edgeworth's life, and Miles was already acquainted with Manfred's "family reunions".
-I have summoned you here for one single reason. - The head of the von Karma family started. - Four apples that were meant to be used for tonight's dinner are missing.
-Oh, Manfred. Is this all because of that? We can always buy more. - His wife said.
-Do not interrupt me, Selma. - Manfred protested. - If this was a case of simple thievery I would leave it to the authorities, but I investigated the house myself and there is no sign of forced entry. This leads me to the conclusion that someone in this house took them, and I explicitly told the kids that they were off limits.
-Only you would make a scene over apples, Manfred. - Selma von Karma said.
-You don't get it, do you? I will not tolerate any criminal activity in our family, no matter how small it may seem. Now... - Manfred stared at Miles and Franziska. - Which one of you was it? Should the guilty part confess I might be merciful in the punishment.
Both children were staring at the ground beneath them, too scared of Manfred to even consider looking at him. Either of them could crack at any second...
-Papa, I...
-I did it.
All members of the family turned their attention towards Miles Edgeworth.
-I noticed a family outside the entrance of this house. They were obviously living on the streets based on their dirty clothes and poor hygiene and I felt bad for them, so I took those four apples and gave one to each of them.
Manfred stared at Edgeworth looking for any sign of doubt, weakness or anything that could demonstrate he was covering for Franziska or was somehow lying. He found none.
-Very well, Miles Edgeworth. Your punishment...
-Manfred. - Selma said. - You promised to go easy if the "culprit" confessed.
Manfred closed his eyes in an effort to remain calm and not lash out against his own wife.
-To your room with no dinner, Miles Edgeworth. And I expect a five-page essay about the consequences of stealing by tomorrow morning. - Manfred passed judgement after a full minute of silence.
Later that day.
Miles was occupied with the task forced upon him by his adoptive father. He had been like that for at least two hours, only taking small breaks every so often to rest or use the bathroom. Right now he was halfway through the third page when he heard a knock on his door.
-Come in.
The door was opened by the youngest of the von Karma family, Franziska.
-Why did you do that, Miles Edgeworth?
-Because I was told to write an essay. - Miles replied nonchalantly.
-You know well what I mean! - Franziska said and closed the door, quietly to keep her father out of this. - I'm the one who took that food and gave it to someone else. Why doing something so foolish like blaming yourself for something I did?
-Well, why doing something so "foolish" like taking something you weren't supposed to touch and give it to others? - Miles countered with his own question, catching Franziska off-guard.
-I, uh... I-I did it because it seemed like the right thing to do! Yes, that is why. - Franziska answered with renewed confidence.
-Well, there's your answer. Now, if you excuse me... - Miles said and went back to his impromptu homework.
-Explain yourself, Miles Edgeworth! - She demanded from him.
Resigned to the fact that his adoptive sister wouldn't leave without a thorough explanation, Miles turned around to look her in the eye.
-You took the fruit because you knew we could afford more of them, whereas that family was struggling to live by. Questionable methods, but your intentions were noble and your heart was in the right place and I didn't think it would be fair if I let you be punished for helping those in need.
Franziska remained quiet, for once not having any sort of sharp comment or reply to someone's words.
-Will you tell Papa about this? - She eventually asked.
-And face the wrath of Mr. von Karma if he finds out I was protecting a "criminal"? Or worse, find out I lied to him? Your secret is safe with me, but don't expect me to cover up for you if this happens again.
Normal siblings, adoptive or not, would have shared a good laugh after this moment. But those living under von Karma knew better than making him suspect and they simply shared a handshake before Franziska opened the door again.
-Umm... Thanks. - Franziska said barely audibly.
-Beg your pardon? - Miles said confused.
-I said... Thank you, Miles... Little brother. - She said a bit louder and left before Miles could say anything.
-But I'm older... Oh, well. - He said to no one in particular before returning to his duties.
Location: L.A. Rooftops.
The present.
The Dark Phoenix stood in front of five armed goons and their boss after his latest confrontation with Catwoman. While the situation looked bad, there was still a chance that this was all a misunderstanding and he might be able to talk his way out of it without unnecessary violence.
-Look, I am not here to cause trouble. Someone was trying to break into your house and I came to stop her but she ran away when you showed up.
-I know, and I appreciate what you've done. - The boss of the armed crew said.
Thinking that his point had been established, The Dark Phoenix turned to leave but a gunshot aimed at the floor next to him told the hero this was far from over.
-I didn't say you could go... Thanks for sparing me a visit from that thief that's been hanging around the city, but I was told there was good money for your head. - The man in a coat said before pointing his handgun at the vigilante's head. - Nothing personal. It's just business.
With skills honed throughout the years, the Dark Phoenix threw a Phoenix Feather with one hand and smoke bombs with the other. The sharp projectile found its way to the handgun and made the man miss his shot, while the smoke bombs landed in front of the thugs and obstructed their vision. This gave the hero the chance he needed to move out of their line of fire but didn't stop them from firing wildly in an attempt to stop him from escaping. While the majority of shots missed their target, one lucky - for them - bullet found its way to Phoenix' ankle. His armor protected him from any piercing damage but the force of the impact in a relatively weak area was enough to injure him as well as disrupt his escape, leading to him falling down the luxurious residence's structure and land on the front yard. This happened too fast for him to react in any way but it was fairly easy to handle and he tried getting up after mere seconds, but his now bad ankle wouldn't allow any escape by foot. And to make matters worse, two armed guards were now standing in front of him with guns aiming at his face.
-Sir, we found him. He's not going anywhere. - One of them reported using a shoulder radio.
-For your own sake, he better not. We'll be there in a few minutes. - Their boss responded and the radio went silent.
*I could use a miracle right about now.* It was all Phoenix could think in a situation like this. Meanwhile, in a different location as this was happening...
Catwoman was already a safe distance away from that house. A failed hit was disappointing and losing her whip was a problem, but there were more frauds to visit in this city and a whip was easy to replace. She decided to take it easy on the way back to her hotel room, but...
BANG
The sound of gunfire from the place where she left the Dark Phoenix resonated inside her head, making her feel bad about leaving a guy looking for justice with a man she knew was a criminal. *And what am I supposed to do? Go back there and risk my own neck to save him before he drags me to jail just to feel like I did good? The bird probably knows how to deal with armed thugs, anyway.*
BANG
Another gunshot was heard, making the cat thief shiver. *You guys aren't gonna make this easy for me, are you?*
Cursing her justice-seeking nature as a prosecutor, Catwoman turned around and ran as fast as she could back to that damned place. On her way there she heard the sound of multiple guns being fired and arrived just in time to see the vigilante halfway through his falling down the structure. As much as she wanted to help, she needed her trusty whip to at least stand a chance so she climbed her way back to the rooftop where this whole mess started. Luckily for her the tool she needed was in plain sight and picked it up fast but she also noticed two small spheres next to it, spheres she recognized as the smoke bombs used by the one guy she was trying to save even if he got her arrested afterwards. *Oh, well. I don't think he'll mind if I borrow a few to save his sorry posterior.*
With her main tool and some extras in her possession, Catwoman carefully climbed down the expensive residence to get a good view of what was going on, eventually finding herself right above the Dark Phoenix surrounded by seven guys and their boss, all of them heavily armed.
-Let's try this again, and there better be no surprises this time... Kill him. - The boss said, and that was Catwoman's cue.
Throwing the small bombs at the center of the armed crew and putting on her night vision goggles, Catwoman managed to confuse them before leaping into battle. Using two of them to make her fall safe (while at the same time knocking them down), she then pushed one of the remaining ones into another, stunning them long enough to approach and bash their heads against each other. Grabbing her whip from its usual spot she then wrapped it around a guy's leg and tripped him with a strong pull but the man remained conscious. The smoke and their confusion was starting to fade away so she had to hurry. With great acrobatic prowess, she leapt behind the two that were still standing by using one of them as support and used the momentum of her fall to bring him down. The other one turned to look at what was beating them into oblivion but all he could see was his unconscious partner on the ground before Catwoman used one of her favorite moves: a kick to the weak spot of every male. She casually walked past him as the poor (and possibly castrated) man fell to his knees with both hands covering the damaged area, and she tapped the back of his head to "help" with the process of falling down.
-I think I'm forgetting something... Oh, right. - Catwoman said before giving the one who was getting up after being tripped a kick that would make many soccer players jealous.
Putting her goggles back on their resting spot, Catwoman admired her work for a brief moment. She was going to help the Dark Phoenix back on his feet when...
-I wouldn't move if I were you.
The man she intended to steal from had his gun on her back, having used her moment of self-gratification to sneak up behind her.
-I knew I was forgetting something. - She said in an attempt to hide the fear that was building up inside her... Fear that didn't last long. - But you know what? I'm not the only one.
-What the hell does that...
Before hecould finish that sentence, the Dark Phoenix had him in a chokehold while swatting the gun off his hand with his gloved, free hand.
-Remember me? - The Dark Phoenix said before doing an improvised version of a DDT.
*And Maya said that watching wrestling was a waste of time.* He joked to himself. The soft grass of the front yard they were standing on as well as his awkward positioning for the move made the damage minimal but still enough to incapacitate the guy. The Dark Phoenix tried to get up and he saw a hand extended to him for support.
-What's the point of coming to save your neck if you end up saving mine? - The cat thief said and he accepted her help.
-At least we're even now. - He replied when he was back on his feet.
A grunt of pain reminded the vigilante that he needed some answers. Grabbing the man by the collar of his coat, the Dark Phoenix then pushed him against a wall to begin his interrogation.
-Ok. You said something about a boss and a reward for my head. Who is he?
-Go to hell. - The man talked back.
-Still fighting after I took out your boys and he handed you your bum on a silver platter? What an idiot. - Catwoman said.
*Idiot? Why does that sound so... familiar?* The Dark Phoenix thought feeling that the way she said the word was familiar.
BANG
His thinking was interrupted by the sound of a gun - a large one, based on the ear-breaking volume - being fired. He and Catwoman turned around thinking that more thugs were after them, but the hero knew who the target was when he felt the man he was holding going limp.
-Dammit. - He turned back to confirm his suspicion, and true enough the man had a bullet hole next to his ear and an exit wound on the opposite side.
-Well, that was disappointing. - Catwoman commented.
The Dark Phoenix carefully put the man down. No subsequent shots meant the killer was gone or had no interest in whatever reward was on his head, so he felt safe enough to turn his focus to his savior of questionable profession.
-Seems like the sniper's gone.
-Good.I like being the center of attention but not when there's a killer involved. - Catwoman replied half-jokingly.
-Why did you do that? Why coming back to help me? - He asked but the sound of police sirens interrupted his time with the cat... Again.
-Can we have this conversation somewhere else? I'm allergic to cops and their cheap uniforms. - She said while picking up her whip.
Deciding to give her the benefit of the doubt, he held Catwoman in one of his arms while firing his grapple gun with the other.
-I like where this is going. - She teasingly said.
-Don't get the wrong idea. - He casually replied before they ascended to the top of a nearby building.
Once they were out of sight (and Catwoman calmed down after the quick ascension), their conversation began once again.
-I could get used to that. Definitely faster and more fun than relying on a whip and my own skills. - She said.
-If you steal mine, I'll reconsider being friendly with you. Now answer my question. - He pushed the topic of her doing good.
-Party pooper... I missed my little friend. Simple as that.
Even through his mask Catwoman could noticed the cold, unamused stare he was giving her.
-Fine. You win... Like I said, I don't do this for myself. I'm doing it for others, and no way I'm letting someone else clean up my mess. - *Never again.* The disguised von Karma thought to herself.
-Why make a mess in the first place? If you know these guys have dirty money, let the police handle it.
-Says the guy who beats the hell out of scum in the streets.
-I don't break into private property.
-And the reward for playing by the book is almost getting killed?
-I do what's necessary to protect those who can't defend themselves.
-So do I, but under my terms.
He wanted to argue. He wanted to use his own arguments to counter hers, but then he realized something... None of her "victims" were exactly innocent. That, and they were now too close to each other, giving the hero flashbacks of what happened last time he got this close to her.
-You're cute, but only the first one is free in case you're thinking about that. - Catwoman teased.
The Dark Phoenix stepped back slowly, if only to mantain a stoic facade. *Ok... Where did that come from!?*
-I don't expect you to understand, but someone told me once this...
Many years ago.
Location: von Karma residence.
It was the day after Manfred punished Edgeworth for "stealing" and both of them were outside working on Edgeworth's studies, leaving the von Karma girls alone at home. Franziska, even if still too young to be outside on her own, was studying in her room when a knock on her door interrupted her.
-Come in. - The youngest of the von Karma said.
As expected, it was her mother Selma.
-Am I interrupting something?
-Nothing important. How can I help you, Mama?
-I wanted to talk to you but I had to wait until your father was gone. It's about something I heard last night.
Franziska got tense when her mother mentioned the previous night.
-I didn't mean to spy, but I heard your conversation with Miles last night.
The little von Karma looked down at the ground, too ashamed to meet her mother's eyes with her own.
-I... I didn't want to...
But she had to stop when she felt a hand on her chin lifting her face. Her mother's warm, caring hand.
-You don't have to explain anything to me. I understand why you felt you had to it.
Franziska was tearing slightly when she heard her mother's words.
-You do? Y-You won't tell Papa about this?
-No, I will not. Your father might be... stubborn, but I believe that helping others is sometimes more important than doing what you're told.
-But I took that fruit against Papa's rules!
-Listen, Franziska. There's something you have to keep in mind, even if your father will disagree with it...
The Present.
-"Sometimes, doing the right thing and following the rules are not the same thing."
Catwoman left this phrase hanging in the air, letting the Dark Phoenix digest the words once given to her by her mother.
-Well... I think it's about time we go back to our little game of Cat & Mouse. Or is it Cat & Bird? Either way, I'm not gonna make this easy for you.
Catwoman stretched in preparation for another dance with the vigilante, but when she turned her full attention to him he walked past her.
-Hey! I'm the one who's supposed to leave you hanging.
-Consider this a courtesy for helping me down there. - He replied almost emotionlessly. - But I'm curious... Where did you get the smoke bombs?
-Well, I doubt you left them in hopes I would return to save your neck. They probably fell from that belt of yours or something.
-Unlikely. They would have exploded upon hitting the floor.
-Then I got nothing. Maybe you have a guardian angel other than me... But enough about that! I thought you were going to put me behind bars or something.
Catwoman then hugged the Dark Phoenix from behind.
-Don't make me reconsider letting you go.
-Huh. Really, now? Why the sudden change?
The Dark Phoenix turned his face slightly to look at her, a smile barely visible on his features.
-I feel like it's the right thing to do. - He said and the smile disappeared before he continued. - Don't make me regret it.
He then dropped from the building and glided all the way back to his vehicle, with Catwoman watching him until he was out of sight.
-Can't make any promises, cutie. - Catwoman then turned around and prepared for her own departure from that place. - But I'll try.
And thus, their latest encounter came to an end with Catwoman still at large, but the Dark Phoenix felt like their next encounter would be under friendly terms... If the card with a phone number and "Call me XOXO" he found on his suit was any hint of it.
The next morning.
Location: Prosecution's Office.
Phoenix was on his way to meet Edgeworth after the Chief Prosecutor called him unexpectedly early in the morning (and in the process robbing him of what little sleep he could have gotten after the chaos last night). As he was walking the halls to Edgeworth's private office he was also on a call with Cody.
-Nothing?
-At all. I tried to track down the phone matching the number she gave you but the signal bounces all over the city and even through the country. - Cody replied from his end.
-She sure knows how to hide.
-Near the end I thought "Screw it" and called her. She answered like it was nothing and the voice matched the footage from last night. She's letting you contact her but under her terms... Her words, not mine.
-Oh, well. That's a dead end but that phone number could be useful in the future... Ok. I'm at his door. Gotta go.
Phoenix cut the call and walked into Edgeworth's office to see what his friend wanted from a "simple hobo".
-I'm here. What did I miss?
-Close the door, Wright.
Phoenix did exactly that, having an idea of what this was about.
-I believe you know already why I asked you to come here. Since you were there last night, that is.
-Ok, look. I swear I had nothing to do with the guy's death.
-I know you didn't.
-And believe it or not, neither did Catwoman.
-I am also aware that this "Catwoman" has no blood in her hands.
Phoenix wasn't expecting Edgeworth to believe him defending a known criminal without solid evidence, but that meant only one thing.
-You already know who did it, don't you? - Phoenix asked the obvious question.
Edgeworth stood up from his chair and picked up a file from his desk.
-CSU analyzed the trajectory of the bullet used by the sniper and found the spot he shot from. A balcony three blocks away and he left the gun there. No fingerprints or any evidence except for the gun and some footprints...
-Then how...
The incomplete question was answered when Edgeworth tossed a card on the desk near Phoenix. A card both of them were very familiar with.
-And this. - Edgeworth concluded as Phoenix picked uo the calling card of the assassin Shelly De Killer.
-No. - Phoenix simply said. - But what about the sniper rifle? That doesn't match his known methods.
-There have been two rumors floating around the underworld. Either he's resorting to alternative methods due to aging or someone with different perspectives has taken the De Killer mantle, most likely some sort of heir.
Edgeworth took the card from Phoenix' hands before the hobo destroyed what was valuable evidence.
-Regardless the assassin's circumstances, the presence of De Killer here has sent every member of law enforcement into alert. I called you here to let you know about this, but I also wanted to...
-Warn me about him being dangerous? Remind me I shouldn't try to find him? Or maybe tell me not to let my feelings get in the way?
Edgeworth walked up to his friend. He had come to learn that doing this was a proper emotional response and helped him deliver a message without sounding too cold.
-I know you must hate him after what he did to Maya, but you can't reduce yourself to his level by letting that rage get the best of you.
-I know, and I'll try. - *But I can't promise I won't hurt the guy if I find him.*
-For now, there is nothing to be done. We don't yet know who hired him but I will inform you when progress is made.
At that moment the door was opened abruptly by none other than Franziska von Karma.
-Have you finished that paperwork, Miles Edgeworth? I would appreciate being allowed to perform my duties as soon as possible... Oh. It's you.
-Yes. It's me. - Phoenix joked but instead of laughs all he got was a whip to the chest. - MOTHER!
-I don't have time for your foolish chat, Phoenix Wright. Irequire Miles Edgeworth to authorize my documents so I can begin my work.
-Work? What work? - Phoenix asked confused while Edgeworth rubbed his temples in an attempt to ease the incoming migraine.
-I intended to keep this a surprise until we were finished, but Franziska approached me yesterday requesting me to authorize her to practice in this city. It is one of my functions as Chief Prosecutor and.. She left no room to debate. - Edgeworth said and then rubbed his chest during that last part.
-And if my little brother can stop fooling around, I will be on the bench tomorrow morning. Luckily, it will be a case against that red student of yours. - Franziska added.
*Rest in Peace, Polly. You were one of the good guys.* Phoenix thought.
-So that's why you came here. - Phoenix said.
CRACK
-YEOUCH!
-Not at first, fool. This began as a social visit but I decided that "hanging around", as they call it, would be interesting. Especially if it gives me the chance to study this "Dark Phoenix" person.
Phoenix and Edgeworth shared a look and a same idea: "That can't be good."
Meanwhile, on a different location...
-Forgive my curiosity, but I fail to understand why you asked me to eliminate that person and leave your other target alive. I could have easily taken care of both.
-That idiot failed me. He had the Dark Phoenix cornered and the guy still got out of it. I want him dead, but sending a message was more important.
-And that message is...
-I accept no failure.
-Should I take care of the widow?
-And pay your fees for something I could do myself? Pfft. As if! I'll pay for that hit, but his wife could use a more "personal touch".
-And what about the Dark Phoenix?
-Knowing that dip, he told the hero about the reward. No reason to act behind curtains now that the element of surprise is gone... Go for it when you're ready.
-I will, but I certainly hope you will not have another last-minute request. It makes my work more complicated than it has to be.
-Oh, I wouldn't want to complicate things for you or get on your bad side. Whaddaya take me for, an idiot?
Later that day.
Location: Wright Anything Agency.
-I still don't understand how Catwoman acquired smoke bombs. - Phoenix said through the phone.
-I ran tests with spare ones I have and you were right. They would have exploded if falling from your belt or falling at all from enough height. Someone had to leave them there on purpose. - Cody said from the other end of the call.
-Question is: who left them?
-I tried checking the security footage from that house but someone tampered with it. It works u until you fall from that roof, goes into static when the goons leave for two minutes and is back when Catwoman arrives back on the scene.
-No Catwoman, De Killer in town and now I have to worry about someone following and helping me behind my back for some reason... I'm done. I think I'm just gonna sleep through this day. Later, kid.
And then Phoenix cut the call before dropping his weight on the office's couch. Just when he was finally falling asleep, the door was opened by Trucy arriving from the school trip.
-I'm back!
All she got was a wave from her daddy's arm.
-Wow. You look pretty bad. Did something happen?
-You have no idea.
A/N: And with this,the Catwoman arc "Nine Lives" comes to an end. Definitely the most challenging so far due to the nature of the "villain", but I feel satisfied with the results. Your reviews and feedback are very much appreciated.
The plot thickens! Shelly De Killer has arrived and no doubt he will confront the Dark Phoenix. Does he have what it takes to eliminate our hero, orwill Justice prevail? And what's this about a reward or a boss asking for the hero's head? I know some of you might be curious, but you must be patient. Answers will come.
As of the release of this chapter, it is April 29. Why am I telling you this, you might ask? Because during the midnight transition from 29 to 30, I will be attending to a premiere of Age of Ultron! I like DC, but Marvel has my heart since I grew up with 90s cartoons of Spider-Man and X-Men. But not to worry! Once I'm done riding the Avengers high, I will continue my work in this and other projects. Who knows? Maybe I can borrow ideas from the movie and use them here. The possibilities sre endless, but until we meet again... Next time, on The Dark Phoenix!
-Sir! My mission has been compromised. - The figure hiding in the shadows said with a hand on her ear, apparently having some sort of radio.
-What happened, child?
-It's De Killer. He intercepted the Dark Phoenix before I had a chance to move in. Should I eliminate him?
Her boss remained silent for a few moments, apparently taking in this new development and choosing his next move.
-No. Leave De Killer be. He will be just as good to test the Dark Phoenix, but don't lose sight of them. I want a full report when their battle is over.
-Understood.