Turnabout Spring Break

Disclaimer: All Phoenix Wright characters belong to Capcom. Also, this takes place before Phoenix Wright: Spirit of Justice. It takes place in March. Also, a bit of spoilers in this part for Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney and maybe Dual Destinies if you squint hard enough.

Part 1: It's Spring Break, Guys!

"Spring Break!" Trucy exclaimed excitedly when she ran inside the Wright Anything Agency. It was Friday. The last day of school for Trucy before Spring Break starts. She was excited to stay at home with her daddy and her two friends, Apollo and Athena. Apollo may be like a big brother to her (and still is technically), but he is also like her best friend that she loved to mess with. Athena had been a good edition to the Agency since she needed an older girl companion that wasn't Pearl. Nevertheless, Trucy was excited that she gets to spend time with her family during the break. Although she wonders what they should do to celebrate her week and a half off from school. True, they could go out to eat like at Eldoons Noodles for example, but they mostly do that in like in some weeks in between. So, it isn't that special. However, they could take a trip somewhere, but she knows that her dad is really picky when it comes to expensive trips. What is she going to do for the week? Hmmm...

"Eh? Trucy? Are you okay? You've been spacing out ever since you got back home, sweetie," Phoenix said while putting his paper down. He was sitting on the sofa while relaxing with his newspaper.

"Hmm? Oh! Sorry to worry you, Daddy! I'm just thinking what we can do during my break from school. You know that it's spring break now. A time where the weather is nice, and all the kids and teens have fun in their little vacation from school. It's also the perfect time for me to spend quality time with my family! Including you, Daddy!" Trucy explained happily with her hands behind her back and bopping up and down on her heels.

"Hahahahaha, of coarse, it is, Trucy. Also, that is really sweet that you want us to spend time together. It can be a nice change of pace. Unfortunately, Trucy, we have an Agency to run. So, I'm not sure how we can spend the week together without having any cases getting into our way," Phoenix replied as he chuckled.

Trucy walked up to him and looked annoyed at him. She had her hands onto her hips as she then replied, "Dad! You know that you can't say that as the truth. There were plenty of months where we didn't have a case, and I think that it's one of those times where we're having a drought in the business. So, what if our business is closed for a while during the break? It's not like we're going to lose our agency in a matter of a week since we have no cases. Besides, even I'm not going to perform any magic events at the Wonder Bar because I want a break! I think we can manage this week! Don't be such a scaredy-cat, Daddy!".

Phoenix just laughed out loud. He found it really humorous that her daughter would be so defensive about not having time to spend together. He found it touching that she would care about their relationship. He couldn't be any more proud of her daughter. However, Trucy didn't see that her father was agreeing with her. She thought that her Dad was making fun of her. She meekly said, "Dad? Are you making fun of me?".

"Hahahaha, no, no, sweetheart! I'm not laughing because I'm making fun of you. I'm laughing because I found it very sweet that you would go at lengths to provide me enough evidence that it's okay to spend the week off together. Okay, I'll admit that you have a point. Besides, even back in my hayday, I managed to survive with months with no cases to take. I guess I'll take you up on your offer and figure out what we can do together, sweetie. Hey, even better, we can bring Apollo, Athena, and if we're lucky, maybe Edgeworth to our little vacation plan," Phoenix replied with a grin.

Trucy gasped a bit out of shock. She then beamed at her daddy. She then exclaimed, "Oh, thank you, Daddy! You're the best dad ever!".

"Hey, it's not even Father's Day, and yet you're saying that this early? Do I have to try to not guess what you're planning on that day?" Phoenix joked a bit with a playful smile.

Trucy giggled as she said, "Hehehehehe, oh Daddy! You're always the best dad 24/7! You don't need to hear me say that only on Father's Day silly!".

Phoenix then leaned back with a playful smirk. "Oh really? 24/7? Do I need to remind you of the times that I got you grounded in the past for breaking the rules? Am I still the "The Best Dad" you claimed me to be?" Phoenix teased.

Trucy then looked awkward as she said, "Umm...well...".

"Or how about that time I declined your request to go to a party because I feared that there might be drugs or alcohol laced in the drinks there?" Phoenix continued to tease with a smirk.

"Well...I mean...you were just...you thought..." Trucy said as she tried to think of a good counter-argument.

Phoenix then felt a little mean as he then brought up, "Or how about that I drove a boy away when he looked like he was flirting with you?".

"Dad!" Trucy yelled in embarrassment when her dad brought up that humiliating memory.

Phoenix just laughed as hard as he could after that. Hahahaha, I don't care if she got upset at me that day. It was hilarious that I had managed to do that! Phoenix thought as he laughed.

"Hahahahahahaha, I'm sorry, Trucy! But I'm finding it hard to believe that you would say that I'm the "Best Dad" when there were plenty of evidence to the contrary to the fact! Hahahahahahaha! I know that you meant well, Trucy, but even I know that I'm not the perfect dad you wanted me to be!" Phoenix said as he laughed.

Trucy tried to stay mad at her father but gave up as she began giggling too. "Hehehehehe, it's okay, Daddy! Even if you're not actually the best dad 24/7, you still did your best to take care of me. I still love you despite your flaws," Trucy replied happily with a giggle.

"Aww, thanks Trucy. That means a lot. Hey, come here," Phoenix replied with a fond smile at her. He then reached for her and pulled her in for a hug. Trucy hugged her dad in a warm hug.

"I love you too, sweetheart," Phoenix said gently while hugging her daughter.

"I know Dad," Trucy replied calmly.

After having a little hugging session, they soon pulled apart. Phoenix then stood up as he then said, "So, what is it that you want to do for the break, Trucy?".

"Hmmm...I don't know. I'm having trouble of coming up with plans on that," Trucy said with a contemplative look on her face.

Phoenix too put on his thinking face as he scratched his chin. Hmm...what will be a great way to spend the week on a relatively low budget? Hmmm...think. Think...Wait! That's it!

"I've got it! We'll go camping!" Phoenix exclaimed with a wide smile on his face.

Trucy gasped again. She beamed as she exclaimed, "Oh, Daddy! That's perfect! The weather is perfect for camping! Oooooh! This is so exciting! I can't wait for Apollo, Athena, and Edgeworth to join us on our little vacation! They can't possibly say 'no'!".

-A little while later-

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Apollo yelled in his "Objection!" pose.

"Oh, come on, Polly! It can't that bad!" Trucy exclaimed while looking annoyed.

"I...I hate camping," Apollo muttered as he started to sweat.

"Huh? Why is that?" Trucy asked with curiosity.

"You don't want to know," Apollo muttered feeling embarrassed. He doesn't even want to recall the horror stories of his camping trips with Clay during their summer breaks together. The humiliating stories that happened during his teen years are way too many to count.

Athena was smiling deviously as she heard some discord in Apollo's heart. "Ooooh, it must be pretty bad if your heart is giving off some embarrassment and a little bit of sadness. It sounds very interesting to me. Are you sure you don't want to tell us?" Athena said with a cheeky smile.

"NO!" Apollo yelled feeling even more embarrassed that Athena had heard him. Curse her and her high hearing powers for detecting the utter humiliation in his voice.

Athena and Trucy giggled a lot after that. Phoenix laughed as well. "Hahahaha, okay, fine, Apollo. Don't tell us. However, you are going with us. Boss's orders," Phoenix said to Apollo with his usual snarky look that Apollo was used to by now.

"Oh, come on!" Apollo yelled in exasperation with his hands in the air. Phoenix laughed again. He'll never stop tormenting Apollo with his sass. He may be a lawyer again, but it was still so much fun teasing Apollo. Sometimes things never change.

"Aw, don't be such a spoil sport, Apollo! I want to go camping! Unlike you, I love camping! I remember going camping with my Mom when I was little. I didn't always stay at the Space Center all the time as a kid you know. I even remember that one time that I was on a trip with Junie and Prosecutor Blackquill. It was a blast!" Athena replied while putting a hand on Apollo's shoulder for comfort.

"Oh, good for you. You had such a great time, unlike a certain teenaged boy who was forced to sleep outside in the rain because there wasn't much room left in the tent," Apollo replied sarcastically with an annoyed look on his face.

Athena, Trucy, and Phoenix all laughed at that. Something tells them that Apollo's stories are such comedic gold by that remark alone. If only they could get him to talk about them, then they could all laugh together as a family. Well, a weird, adopted family of some kind.

"Well then, that settles it. We got two lawyers coming to the great outdoors beyond us. All we need is a certain prosecutor, and then it is time to get packing!" Phoenix said with a smile.

"A...A prosecutor? What do mean by tha-! Oh, please don't tell me that you're bringing Prosecutor Gavin, aren't you?!" Apollo asked in frustration. He does NOT want to spend the week with THAT prosecutor of all people. He would easily be another addition to his never-ending-list of embarrassing camping stories because of how he behaves when he's around him.

"Um, no. I'm not calling Gavin in case you're wondering," Phoenix said with a shake of his head and with a knowing smile.

"Oh, well, okay then. If it's not him then...! OH NO! NO! NO! NO! PLEASE LET IT BE ANYTHING BUT HIM!" Apollo replied until he shouted. If it is Prosecutor Blackquill, then he is going to quit the Agency. He had done that once before, and he could do again, except this time he had a legitimate reason to. Camping with Blackquill will be an absolute nightmare considering how he acts. He can't tell which prosecutor would be worse being with in a camping trip. Gavin or Blackquill.

"Him? Do you mean, Prosecutor Blackquill? Ugh. Even I don't want to bring him along. I like my head to be attached to my body," Phoenix replied while looking annoyed at that comment.

Whew! Thank goodness! Apollo thought as he wiped his sweat from his forehead. It seems even Phoenix share similar thoughts about Prosecutor Blackquill.

"Ohh...That's a bummer. I would love it if Prosecutor Blackquill could come with us. I hadn't had a camping trip with him in a long time," Athena said with disappointment in her voice. Her pendant called Widget also turned blue to reflect her thoughts.

Then go with him on your own time! Apollo thought with slight annoyance.

"But anyway, who is this prosecutor you had in mind?" Apollo then asked with his finger on his forehead.

Phoenix smiled widely as he then said, "Boy, would you like to know".

-Meanwhile at the Chief Prosecutor's Office-

"WHAT?! ARE YOU SERIOUS, WRIGHT?! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!" Edgeworth shouted in anger. He was at his desk having some lovely tea when Phoenix called him. He nearly spilled it when Phoenix asked him to go camping with him.

"Aw come on, now, Edgeworth. It's just one little camping trip. Don't tell me that you're scared, Edgeworth," Phoenix teased over the phone.

Edgeworth pinched the bridge to his nose as he replied sternly, "Wright, it's not that I'm scared. It's more because that it's a waste of time. Besides, you know how busy I am considering that I'm the chief now. I don't have time for leisure, Wright".

"Oh, you say that all the time even as the 'High Prosecutor' back our hayday. I'm pretty sure that you can cancel your plans since you're the one in charge of the office. No one will complain if you took a break, Edgeworth. You should enjoy the spring fever too," Phoenix said with some lightheartedness in his voice. Well, the good news is that Phoenix and Edgeworth had gotten closer over the years. Their friendship is more strengthened now than it was back when they had reunited for the first time. Surely, it is much easier to convince Edgeworth to come with them now than he was as a stone, cold prosecutor he once known him as his former rival.

"I like spring, but I would rather enjoy it indoors," Edgeworth replied with some snark.

"Hahahahaha, come on buddy. Don't be like that. What could go wrong with one little camping trip?" Phoenix replied with a laugh.

"Anything," Edgeworth groaned with vehemence in his tone.

Phoenix just laughed harder. Edgeworth can be so overly dramatic at times. It's because of that reason that he also loved to torment him a bit too. Apollo may have just recently beat him in the embarrassment department, but Edgeworth is still in second place in that.

"Listen, Edgeworth. If you're worried that it will be a whole week, then don't worry. It won't. It will only be three days. We can leave on the morning of the fourth day. You can take a three day-long break, can't you?" Phoenix said with sincerity.

Edgeworth sighed. He still isn't convinced into going. Phoenix can tell that he's mulling it over, so he continued convincing him to go.

"It won't be just the two of us. Apollo and Athena are going too. At least you can join Apollo's side for being the one of the 'non-goers' of the trip. He hates camping. That could give you some assurance that you will be in good company. Heck, I could set you up to be in the same tent as him since you guys will be named 'Team Indoors' while Athena and I will be 'Team Outdoors'. What do you say? Are you in?" Phoenix said while joking a little.

"Oh good. You're planning to torment the poor boy too, do you? I feel much pity for that young lawyer as he has to deal with your usual antics everyday as your employee," Edgeworth said in a bored tone.

"So...does that mean you're in?" Phoenix asked with hope in his voice.

"No," Edgeworth said bluntly.

"...You know Trucy is going on this trip too. It's spring break for her, Edgeworth. And she said that she wanted to spend it will all of us. She said that she would love it if you came, Edgeworth. Come on, buddy. You know that you can't say 'no' to her," Phoenix said cheekily.

Edgeworth blushed in embarrassment. He had known Trucy ever since Wright called him that he got disbarred from his job as a lawyer and is looking after his last defendant's daughter. He had done his best to support Wright and Trucy when they had needed it. Whether it was for money, transport, or for babysitting, he always had Wright's back during those hard years of unemployment. Wright then got a job as a piano player and as poker player at the Borsh Bowl Club a few years back. He was able to support his own for a while and didn't need Edgeworth that much. Wright had believed that it would be wrong to keep on using him for money expenses even though they can provide for their own now. Edgeworth still insisted to keep on helping Wright with other things like babysitting as stated earlier. Wright did agree to that for a while. But until Trucy got older and got more capable, Wright had asked Edgeworth less to look after her daughter while he's away. Also, with him becoming Chief, he had even less time to spend with Wright and Trucy. He didn't mind it. It was just the way it is. However, he can say that he did miss spending some time with Trucy and as much as it pains him to admit it, even Wright.

He sighed again but in more in a reluctant tone than as a disapproving one.

"...Alright. You win, Wright. I'll go. Are we leaving on Monday then? The start of Spring Break?" Edgeworth said with defeat in his tone.

"Great! Yeah, that was what I was thinking! We're planning to leave on Monday morning and stay there until Thursday. See? It wouldn't be that bad, Edgeworth. Sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone once in a while," Phoenix said happily feeling glad that his friend agreed to the plan. Phoenix knew that Edgeworth couldn't let Trucy down no matter how aloof he could be to her.

Yes, but I rather be in my comfort zone than outside of it! Edgeworth thought feeling annoyed. He knew that he was doing for Trucy. He would've declined it if she wasn't involved.

"Yes, well, that's great, Wright. Now can you please leave me be? I still got work to do," Edgeworth replied in a bored tone.

"Alright, alright. You can go back being your stick-in-the-mud self, Miles. I hope you can help us with some supplies for the camping trip. I know that I got a few tents and could provide some food, but it's probably for the best if you helped out by supplying extras in case something goes wrong," Phoenix replied calmly.

"'In case something goes wrong'? Hang on. I thought that you said 'What could go wrong with one little camping trip?'. If you are so confident that the trip will go well if you had said that, then why are you telling me to bring emergency supplies? Isn't that a contradiction?" Edgeworth said with suspicion in his tone.

"I said that question rhetorically. Even I know that it would be stupid to come to the woods unprepared. Besides, you're the smart one of the group. We would need your 'Logic' superpower if we are going to survive the woods," Phoenix replied.

Edgeworth smirked. He almost laughed when Phoenix said that. Ah, so even he admits that he's an idiot. I'm definitely going to use that as evidence the next time he's so sure about something. That would be entertaining to me to mess with his head a bit. It would be enough to get back at him for tormenting me for years with his usual antics. Edgeworth pondered as he took a sip of his tea.

"Hmph. Very well then. I'll take care of the emergency supplies then as the adult in this situation while you kids have your fun packing your stuff," Edgeworth said with a smirk.

"Hey! I'm an adult too you know!" Phoenix replied childishly.

"Objection. You just proved to me that you're a child with that response, Wright. Besides, you already told me that you're an idiot. So, my point still stands," Edgeworth interjected with some snark in his tone. Yep, definitely going to be fun messing him.

"Ugh. Do you always have to best me in your arguments," Phoenix said with a groan.

"I'm not the first person to do that though. Maya does it better," Edgeworth teased with a playful smile.

He heard Phoenix groan in embarrassment. Edgeworth chuckled a bit.

"I think it's time to wrap this up, Wright. Take care of yourself this weekend. Also, do your best to get ready for the camping trip. Oh, and Wright?" Edgeworth said as he leaned into his comfy, office chair.

"What is it?" Phoenix asked.

"Please be on your best behavior. If anything goes wrong in this trip, then I'm blaming you," Edgeworth said with a teasing smile even though Wright couldn't see it.

"Uggggghhh. Yes, Dad," Phoenix groaned with sarcasm in his tone. Phoenix wasn't sure if it was a good thing to bring Edgeworth along or not if he's going to keep teasing him like this.

"Alright then. Goodbye, Wright. And say 'hi' to Trucy for me," Edgeworth said calmly with a smile.

"Alright. I will. Goodbye, Edgeworth. Take care now," Phoenix said with assuredness in his tone.

"I will. Bye," Edgeworth replied as he then hung up.

He soon finished his tea and got back to work. Well, hopefully the trip shouldn't be too troublesome. It is actually easy call some days off from work like Wright had said. I might get a few confused looks, but it wouldn't matter to me. My only hope is that Wright won't screw this up. Edgeworth pondered as he wrote in his papers with his pen. He soon stopped writing as he realized something dreadful. He put his pen down and grabbed his forehead. He took off his glasses as brooded.

Oh, what am I talking about? Of coarse, something will go wrong in this trip. It's Wright of all people who planned this. Something tells me that it will be one camping trip that I will not forget. Please let it not end in a murder investigation. Please.

Edgeworth could only pray that things will not end in disaster in this little vacation.

Thus, the beginning of this short story had started! This will definitely be a fun one to write! I might extend the days into two parts such as the daytime and nighttime segments of the camping trip. That way it could be a bit longer. Hopefully you guys will enjoy this! And please R&R this story. That goes the same for the other chapters! Get ready for the next chapter because chaos will begin!