A.N: This is the beginning of a series called "Romances of Justice", in which our favorite characters will undergo love, drama, mourning, hate and friendship. The idea for this series came to me when I read the piece of art called the Turnabout Lawful Love Trilogy from JordanPhoenix. I strongly recommend you to do read his amazing work since he was such a source of inspiration for me. Heck, he was even the one who made me ship Phaya in the first place! So, a huge shoutout to him! This oneshot here is the first part of the introduction to the series, and could be regarded as the equivalent of Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman from JP's trilogy. Please note that while a vast majority of this story is suitable for all ages, the final scene is smut! If you're not comfortable with it, then it might be wise to stop before that scene. Anyway, I hope you enjoy!
March 13, 2019, 9:32 AM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
Living Room
It was another peaceful day at the Wright & Co. Law Offices. It had been a little over a month since their last trial and everyone agreed that a little break couldn't do any harm to anyone. Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney and the owner of the agency, was reading a newspaper on the sofa.
Nothing of interest today, apparently. It might be for the better though, recent times have been troubled enough already. The downside is: I'm bored. I'm sure the girls are too. Might ask them if they want to go out a little.
"Maya, Pearls, want to have a day out?", the young man proposed, "I'm wasting my time doing nothing, might as well have a breather outside."
"Yeah, sure. I thought I'd die of boredom in there…", Maya answered first. The oldest of the two Fey cousins, Maya Fey, was always up for some fun, especially with the two people closest to her. Life had not always treated her kindly but she had learned to take on the challenge and keep going. A day outside could be a good way to entertain herself.
"Yay! Of course, Mr. Nick!", the smallest cousin added as cheerily as Maya. Pearl Fey, Maya's cousin, was still only a kid and like every kid, she liked to go out and have a little bit of fun. This was heavily due to her mother's education, which had forbidden her to leave her native village for the eight first years of her life.
"Then let's go, girls! I know somewhere we could go that you'd enjoy.", Phoenix said with a plan in mind. He himself was quite fond of these days him and the Fey cousins could spend together outside of the office, even if it often emptied his wallet…
The three of them got going, going down the flight of stairs to get outside. The oldest cousin was, as always, the first one out, thanks to her running start, followed by Phoenix and Pearl, who were way more cautious not to trip and fall.
I'm not paying for Maya's surgery when she breaks her leg going down these stairs! Not that I could if that ever happened anyway…
March 13, 2019, 9:36 AM
Downtown Los Angeles
Outside the Office
Once the three were outside, Phoenix took the lead in order to show the direction they were headed to. He very well knew that Maya would sooner or later get in front of him, but for now, he was ahead of the two cousins.
"So where are we headed, Nick?", Maya asked curiously.
"Somewhere nice. At least, I hope you'll find it nice.", he replied, "We'll have to go through People Park to get there."
"I love parks!", Pearl added, "The trees, the flowers and the couples kissing… Ah, it's so romantic!"
"S-Sure Pearly…" It's true that she loves parks though: every time we go out, she always wants to go through one. We might be lacking parks in Kurain now that I think about it… Yeah! I found the first thing I'll do when I'm Master!
"Following me, girls?", the lawyer said as he walked towards the park entrance, approximately thirty meters away from the office building.
"Right behind you, Nick.", the future Master of the Kurain Channeling Technique confirmed and her cousin simply nodded.
As Phoenix thought though, Maya couldn't stop herself from getting in front of them and entered the park even before they could make half the way there. Maya… That girl won't ever change.
Mystic Maya seems really happy about going outside! Little Pearl thought. It's gonna be great!
March 13, 2019, 9:38 AM
Downtown Los Angeles
People Park
They entered the park that went across most of the city center and walked along the paths for a little over fifteen minutes. Spring was set to begin soon, a week later in fact, and the trees had already bloomed and the sun was shining beautifully on the flowers. Truly, it could have been summer no one would have noticed.
It's nice to have such good weather this early into the year. It definitely changes from Hazakura Temple!
"Mr. Nick?", the loop-haired spirit medium called out, "When are you and Mystic Maya going to get together?"
Having heard the question, even though it wasn't for her, Maya replied before the defense attorney could even utter a word.
"Pearly!", she said grumpily, "You need to stop with this! I've already told you; Nick is a friend. C'mon, he's too much of a grumpy old man for a young woman like me!"
"But isn't he your special someone, Mystic Maya? You are so made for one another!", Pearl argued while Phoenix simply smiled and continued walking.
Pearls won't ever change either… It's probably for the best though. Her youthful innocence truly is a breather when you see and hear so many tragic stories in my line of work. Though she went through a lot too. It was true that when it came to childhoods, Pearl didn't have it easy either: her father had disappeared even before she was born and her mother was so obsessed with power and prestige that she had tried to get her niece dead twice. And since her niece was Pearl's beloved cousin Maya, she found herself stuck in an internal conflict. I'm glad Pearl managed to get out of Morgan Fey's influence. Now she might be able to live a stable life. And frankly, I doubt anyone would rather live with Morgan Fey than with Maya! Even me!
"Grr, Pearly! How come you can be so wrong?!", her cousin wondered as they continued to walk, "I'm not a… a…"
"A what, Maya?", Phoenix asked her grinningly, "Go on, what was the word you were looking for?"
The medium in purple was rumbling something under her breath but the lawyer simply kept going, smilingly.
"No, don't fight…! Special someones must not fight among themselves!", Pearl told the two of them worryingly.
Ah, Pearly… You'll always be a cutie.
"Don't worry, Pearls, Maya and I are just playing.", he reassured her by running his hand through her hair, "You know that we never fight, right? Okay, we might have some disagreements sometimes…" Always, in fact. "But we're only pulling your leg. Right, Maya?"
"Are we now, Nick?", the dark-haired young woman asked him playfully, "Couldn't I just be acting like I'm playing along?"
"No. I know you wouldn't plan this far."
"Hmm, touché… I probably wouldn't.", she admitted and her cousin let out a sigh of relief.
Phew… They had me worried there. They need to stop playing with me like that!
"See, Pearls, you don't need to worry about Maya and I.", the spiky-haired attorney told the spirit channeler, "It's up to us to worry about you, not the opposite. Although your concern is appreciated!"
Nick truly is the best fatherly figure I could've asked for Pearly… He accepted her so quickly, and it seemed so natural to him too! He'd really make an awesome father!
"But I just want you too to get together! I know you love each other; I just know it!"
"Hehe, you know you'll make her blush if you say that, Pearls.", Phoenix told her and sent a funny look to Maya, whose cheeks were indeed getting redder and redder by the second.
"M-Mystic Maya?"
"Oh, leave me alone, you two…! Two on one is not fair!", the oldest of the two cousins argued and both Pearl and Phoenix began to laugh. She joined soon after.
They already seem to be having a good time and we didn't even get there! I guess that's good?
"Ah, we must exit the park there.", the man in blue said, "It's this way.", he added while pointing his finger in front of him.
"You're not in court, Nick, you know that? No need to point so aggressively.", Maya told him and Phoenix retracted his extended arm.
"Hmm… Y-Yeah, probably. Or perhaps this tree is hiding something?!", he said and the two girls looked at him funnily, "Am I wrong, Mr. Tree?! Spit it out!"
"Hahaha, stop that Nick!", she added and couldn't stop laughing while her cousin was only holding a laugher of her own, "You're dumb, you know that?"
Am I now? Grr, it won't end like this, Mr. Tree! "But at least I made Pearls laugh!"
"Hey! That is rude Mr. Nick!", the little girl objected, "You make it sound like I never laugh!" Does he think I do not laugh enough? But wouldn't it be odd if I laughed every time one of them said something?
"Yeah, you're right. It's just that compared to your cousin who literally laughs every three seconds, well… you laugh less…", he said quite straightforwardly as they exited the park.
March 13, 2019, 10:03 AM
Downtown Los Angeles
City Center Boat Rental Shop
The three of them had entered a boat rental shop that provided boats to ride in the heart of Los Angeles. The place was quite good-looking and very traditional. Paddles were hanging from the wooden walls and some water equipment was showcased in display cases.
"You know that the last time we entered a boat rental shop, we had to pretend to be an old man's children, right Nick?", Maya asked him.
"How could I forget?! That's quite the memory, huh Meg?", Phoenix replied grinningly.
"You're right it is… Keith!", she answered with the same grin as the defense attorney.
"Argh, you remembered!"
"Hmm… What are you two talking about?", the little medium asked.
"Ah, nothing important, just a memory from one of our first cases.", her cousin explained, "You know, when we defended Mr. Edgeworth?"
"Ah yes, I remember this story! There was a boat rental shop involved?"
How are we gonna explain this? I mean, how do you explain an old man who was acting crazy just to cover for the fact that he had been accused of murder fifteen years prior and had had a defense attorney who pleaded insanity just to get him a not guilty when he was in fact truly not guilty but his girlfriend committed suicide shortly afterwards because he had become a pariah to society and thenceforth named his pet parrot after her and we had to act as if we were his children to get some info out of him but instead got it from the parrot before the prosecutor retrained the parrot so that he could trap us in court?!
"I'll tell you later.", Phoenix simply said and Maya nodded.
"Oh, all right…", she seemed a little disappointed but it went away as the owner of the shop directed them to come forward.
"Hello sir, we'd like to rent a boat for a couple of hours.", the lawyer told the middle-aged man running the shop.
"Of course, please follow me.", he said politely and Phoenix and the two Fey cousins obliged.
At least this one is not playing crazy! My faith in boat rental shops is going back up. The future Master of Kurain joked to herself.
March 13, 2019, 10:08 AM
Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles Rivers
"There you go, sir. Do you know how to paddle efficiently?", the man asked Phoenix as they sat inside the wooden boat.
"Yes, thank you sir. I've had the occasion of paddling plenty of times in my youth, it should come back. Hopefully…", the defense attorney replied. Yeah, it better come back or we're gonna be stuck!
"In my youth"? C'mon Nick, I know I often say that you're an old man, but you're not that old! Not that I'd say that out loud, though…!
"Alright then, have a nice ride, ladies and gentlemen!", he said politely.
"Thank you!", the three of them said as one and the oldest of them started his paddling.
"Hey, this is coming back nicely!", he commented as they got moving. Furthermore, they got moving in the right direction!
Mr. Nick is truly amazing! He excels in many fields, even paddling!
"It seems like the days of 'your youth' weren't that far, huh Nick?", Maya commented kindly.
"Yeah, fortunately…", he sighed, "I may still have some time in front of me with chance!"
"Oh come on! You survived a fall from a burning bridge, of course you still have a lot of time!", the oldest of the spirit mediums said while her cousin was sightseeing with eyes full of joy. In a tone akin to a whisper, she added, "Fortunately… What would I do without you…?"
"You say something, Maya?" If you think I didn't hear you, Maya, you are awfully wrong. And this comment warms my heart.
"Uh? O-Oh, no, nothing. P-Probably just the wind, hehe…", she said awkwardly and fiddled with her hair.
Of course, Phoenix knew it was a lie and the loud noise only he heard was a proof of that. Ah, psyche-locks… I had almost forgotten about them! I-I guess that's a good sign though… Means I'm not surrounded by liars…!
Grr, there's absolutely no way he bought that lie, Maya! Especially not with the magatama! She was waiting for her friend to object to her like he was used to in court, but he didn't and simply showed Maya a smile.
"Hey, look over there!", Pearl suddenly spoke up, "Isn't that Hazakura Temple in the mountains?"
"Indeed. You're right Pearly.", her cousin confirmed, "We've got to go back there to train soon, too! You're coming with us again, right Nick?", she added with another grin. A mischievous one this time, however.
"Ugh, no thanks!", he refused right away and without hiding his disgust, "I thought I was going to die in there!"
"But you made it in the end, right?", the girl with the loop said, "That was quite impressive, Mr. Nick! All this for you special someone, too!"
"Eheh, guess it was, uh…", he said uncomfortably while scratching the back of his spikes, "Still, if it weren't for you girls, I would never have stepped in there." I went from the burning bridge to the freezing cave in two days, you bet that wasn't pleasant!
"Oh, the power of love…", the kid was daydreaming with her hand on her cheeks. She was really the most adorable thing you'd find, and both Phoenix and Maya agreed on that.
Argh, I'd admonish her but she seems to really enjoy shipping me with Nick, guess I can cut her some slack.
"So you didn't answer my question earlier…", she continued, "When are you going to get together?"
Well, maybe not anymore… All this for letting her dream… "Pearly… I told you earlier, Nick's a friend. It's not that I don't want your dream to come true, it's just… You know…"
"But why?! Can't you see that you are made for each other?", she protested, "Just ask Mr. Edgeworth, the whip-lady or the scruffy detective, they'll agree with me! Please, I just want you to have more good moments together. I know adults call that 'daits' and it would be great for the two of you!"
"Pearly…" She really is well-intentioned… Pearly, you're too kind…
"You know, Maya…", Phoenix spoke up, "She might be right. Spending some time together could be nice, like when we first met. And Pearls, it's 'date', by the way.". The defense attorney told her lightly and she seemed surprised.
"Yay, thanks Mr. Nick! That's a great idea!", she was all smiles now, much to the two others pleasure.
"Fine, then. If it pleases Pearly so much, I guess I can't refuse…", Maya said cheerily.
"R-Really?!", little Pearl couldn't believe it and was even tearing up a little.
"Yeah, really! Oh don't cry, Pearly!", she said sympathetically, "Come here, dearie.". She hugged her and whispered something in her ear, but Phoenix couldn't hear it this time.
Maya, you've truly matured. It may only be me, but I definitely consider you to be Pearls' mother. And you might still be really young but you are doing great. Amazing, even.
After an hour of paddling for Phoenix and of sightseeing for the two girls, they eventually did a complete turn of the river and found themselves back at the shop. The oldest cousin stood up first and helped Pearl get out of the boat. Phoenix put the paddles back at the bottom of the boat and headed out too.
"Well, that was fun. And physical I guess…", he said then realized that his arms were a little numb.
"Sure was! Thanks Nick!", Maya said sincerely.
"You're welcome Maya. It changes from the office, doesn't it?", Phoenix told the brunette and while looking at her cousin who was visibly focused on something in the near distance.
Woah! This place looks so dreamy! I wonder if Mr. Nick would agree to let us go there…? She thought as she stared at the Ferris wheel in the horizon.
"Heh, seems like Gatewater Land caught your interest, Pearls?", the lawyer asked her, "We'll go later if you want."
"R-Really?! Thank you Mr. Nick!", Pearl replied happily and jumped in Phoenix's arms.
"Eheh, you're welcome Pearls.", he patted her back lightly, "I guess you never went to the amusement park?"
"A-muse-mant-parque?", the tween wondered.
"Hmm, not exactly. The 'amusement park', Pearls. In two words."
"Oh, I see… It seems so fun!", she added and the two of them nodded, "Did you already go to the amusement park, Mystic Maya?"
"Yes, with Sis back when she became a lawyer.", the oldest cousin narrated, "It wasn't this one though, but it sure was loads of fun!" It's true that I never brought Pearly to the amusement park… Guess I didn't think of that. She sent a discreet look to her spiky-haired friend and told him in a low voice, "You had all this planned out, didn't you Nick?". He didn't answer and simply looked in direction of the great wheel. You knew then Nick. You knew that by coming here, Pearly would see the wheel and it would catch her attention. Heh, that is really kind of you.
"Should we get going, girls?", he suggested, "My stomach is beginning to ask for refilling so Maya must be starving…"
"Indeed I am! All this physical activity made me completely empty!", she proclaimed proudly to which Phoenix responded with a doubtful look.
"Hmm… I don't recall you doing much, Maya…"
"Oh, thanks for reminding me, old man! Grr…", she growled before her stomach did the same thing.
"Yeah, we really need to eat something, it seems like.", the defense attorney commented, "A preference?"
"Burgers!", Maya immediately exclaimed. I could very well do with a burger. Or multiple ones, actually…!
"Fine. No objections, Pearls?"
"Hmm, no. These burgers you eat here are pretty sweet, so why not.", the little medium said.
"Burgers then.", Phoenix ended the discussion with everyone agreeing, "I'll go pay for the ride, you can wait for me outside, okay?"
"Got it. You're following me, Pearly?", Maya asked her cousin as the man in blue reentered the shop.
March 13, 2019, 11:16 AM
Downtown Los Angeles
City Center
Once the lawyer had paid for the ride, and partially ruined himself, he joined the two spirit mediums who were waiting patiently outside.
"I'm back, girls.", he said bittersweetly.
"Ah, Nick! Hmm, is something wrong?", Maya asked as she noticed her friend was, not down, but quite shaken up.
"No, no, nothing. Should we get going?" Nothing wrong, apart from $300 that were in my wallet and that are not there anymore… I really need to take a case again soon! "Do you know of a burger joint around here?"
"Yeah, Pearly and I were discussing that… I think there's one down the street here. If I remember correctly they even had kids' meals.", the older medium told her friend.
"That's great! Pearly won't have to eat like a glutton, unlike you, Ms. Fey!"
"Hey, that's not nice, Mr. Nick! Mystic Maya is a growing girl, she needs to eat a lot to be healthy!", Pearl contested.
"OBJECTION!", Phoenix objected, courtroom-style, "That, Pearls, would be true in most cases! However… eating burgers goes against a healthy lifestyle! My statement stands!"
"Ack! Y-You're right…!" Mr. Nick is so quick to find counter-arguments! He is so Mystic Maya's knight in shining armor!
"With this matter now settled, I propose that we get going, posthaste!", the lawyer said in a faux-British accent.
"You're right, Mr. Edge-, uh Nick.", Maya joked, "Posthaste indeed!" That imitation wasn't half-bad! The medium in purple thought, quite oblivious to what their prosecutor friend was doing at the moment…
March 13, 2019, 11:27 AM
Downtown Los Angeles
"At John's" Restaurant
"This place seems nice!", Maya noted as the three of them entered, "Their burgers must be good!"
She's right: this place doesn't seem half-bad for a burger joint. It's at least better than the one around the office's street… "Did you find a ta-… Hmm, never mind.", before he could even finish his question, he saw the two Fey cousins already seated at a nearby table and sat next to Pearl, "You could have waited for me, you know!"
"Sorry, I'm just so hungry, I couldn't wait any longer…", Maya said and her belly growled.
"I… can see that…" Don't I feed her enough?! Come on, we had breakfast three hours ago!
"And a good morning to you!", someone exclaimed from behind them.
"Aaaaah!", Maya shouted while both Phoenix and Pearl jumped in place, "Y-You scared me!" Gosh, we entered a restaurant, not a ghost house!
"I am very sorry, please pardon me, ma'am.", the man who had approached apologized, "I am John, and I'm here to give you our menu card."
John, huh? Guess he's the manager then? He should know that scaring clients is the WORST way to make clientele…!
"All right. Thank you sir.", the future Master said as the waiter handed a card to the three of them. The two others simply nodded in thankfulness. It didn't take more than twenty seconds for Maya to decide on her order and she spoke up again.
"I'll take a triple chilicheese with a glass of coke, please!", she said smilingly which made both Phoenix and her cousin drop the jaw in noticing the speed at which she had ordered. Even the waiter seemed surprised!
"Then I'll take one John Burger with a glass of grape juice, please.", the lawyer said.
"Very well, I see that the gentleman here is less… gourmand, shall I say…", the middle-aged man stated, "Has the miss made up her mind?", he added gently, facing Pearl who was reading through the list of burger names and what was in them.
Kiddo Burger? Hmm, I may be too much of a grown-up for this, no?
"I recommend the miss orders a Kiddo Burger: it is quite light and can be finished easily. Contrary to the triple chilicheese…", John said and sighed.
So much for being a grown-up… Sniff… "Okay… A kiddo burger then.", she said lowly.
"Okaaaay! I'll be back as soon as possible!", he exclaimed and slipped away.
Pearls seems a little down by the name of the burger she ordered… Hmm, it's true that it's a pretty insulting name now that I think about it!
"Hey Pearls, it's alright. It's only a name.", Phoenix told her, "I doubt he'd like to be punched by Pearls, huh Maya?"
"Yeah, probably not.", her older cousin agreed, "You should show him what the kiddo's got, Pearly!"
Woah, woah…! Hold on, we'll get in trouble if we start a fight… I haven't fought since that time in college so… I'll pass! Still, this seems to have gotten her all pumped up again.
"Hey, I was thinking Maya: what kind of training do you have left to do?", Phoenix questioned, "I think you've proven your ability to channel spirits by now."
"Yeah, well… it's a little more complicated than that.", she replied, "You see, there's a special course I need to go through before I can become Master. Pearly agreed to help me by doing it with me."
"Yes, I do not want Mystic Maya to be all alone while she trains!", the youngest of the three added, "I've read a little about the Master Course and it's tough!"
"That's very considerate of you, Pearls. But I had no idea you weren't done with training, Maya.", he said, truly surprised.
"It never ends, huh Nick?", she said lightly but her face dropped a little, something on which Phoenix caught on.
Poor girl, everyone can see that she wants it to be over. She's under an unbearable amount of pressure, more than a young woman like her should ever be under; and still she manages to hold up and smile. That's quite the trait you have, Maya.
"I guess so.", he replied, "But I'm sure you'll pull through. And after that, you'll be done and finally everyone will recognize your efforts.", he added a comforting smile and that cheered her up.
"You bet! I'll do my best! For you, for Pearly, for Sis and for Mom!", Maya told them, "This'll be a piece of cake!"
"Yes, well, you must still take it seriously. Pearls said it is tough, I don't want you to get into danger, all right?", Phoenix said warningly, "I've had my intense moments to be fair…"
"Yeah, probably. But don't worry, Nick: Pearly will make sure I stay safe!"
"Yes, Mr. Nick, don't worry about Mystic Maya!", little Pearl stated reassuringly, "There's nothing she can't handle!"
"Eheh, I know. Far better than anyone, I'd even say!" I literally saw the girl jump in front of a stun gun to protect evidence! I'd have trouble worrying… "But there was something I was thinking about, Pearls…", he continued, "I never saw you attend any kind of school since we met. Would you like to take some classes at the office?"
"Well… My mother educated me for most of my life and there is of course all the spiritual training I underwent. But an elder in Kurain Village offered me to finish my education.", the girl explained to the lawyer, "Mystic Mathilda has been really kind to me, ever since my birth."
"It's true that she's a kind woman.", Maya agreed, "She also helped me a lot after Sis started taking her law classes."
"Mathilda you say? Is she a part of the Fey clan?" Never heard about her. Seems nice from what they are telling me though.
"Well, not directly.", the young woman clarified, "She's a bit like Sister Bikini back in Hazakura Temple: she's not a member of either the Main or Branch families but comes from a family which vowed to help us."
"I see… Well, it seems like she's a good person, I'll leave your education in her hands then, Pearls.", Phoenix said, "But now that you two told me what you'll be doing in the future, I'm starting to realize that I'll be quite alone at the office…"
Nick is truly afraid of us letting him be alone. I won't let it happen, of course, but I need to convince him somehow… The oldest spirit medium thought. After all, there's nothing she feared more than having her best friend feeling lonely, especially when she could do something about it.
"We won't leave you alone, Nick.", she assured him, "My training will only take place during certain times and for limited spans of time. And Pearly won't always be in Kurain, you know. Heck, like we'd ever let you alone!"
"Heh, thanks Maya. Guess I needed to hear that.", the lawyer flashed a little smile, "Still, I'll need to be more careful in court from now on: without the two of you to assist me or channel the Chief, I'll have to be thorough in analyzing every piece of evidence and cross-examining every witness!"
"I'm sure you can do it, Mr. Nick! Mystic Mia and Mystic Mia's special someone put their faith in you, so it will go fine!", the pre-teen told the young man.
"Mia's special someone…? Ah, Diego Armando…", he chuckled a little, "Yes, I must make sure I can carry on their legacy from now on. And this goes by making sure I can work a little more on my own. Like during Hazakurain…" It's true that Iris' trial was the first time I ever battled off in court alone… There was always someone with me before: the Chief, Maya, Ema, Pearls… Many of these cases I would have lost alone, for sure. But Mia told me I was up to the task now… Better hope she was right!
While Phoenix was deep in thought with the two spirit mediums looking at him, John, the supposed owner of the restaurant, came back with their burgers ready.
"Hey folks! Here are your burgers!", he said cheerfully and scared the three customers once again…
"Ack!", Maya gasped in surprise once more, "Hey! You need to stop that! I'm too young to have a heart attack!"
"S-Sorry Miss… It's just that I'm always glad that our clients get to eat our marvelous food!", he said, truly apologetically, "There you go.", he added as he handed them their plate with a burger… or a triple one for Maya.
"It's fine, don't worry. As long as the burger is as good as you claim, I won't bite.", she assured the waiter/probable manager, "At least, not too hard." But there's something I'm gonna bite though! This thing seems delicious!
"Thank you John. It was indeed quick.", the defense attorney noted.
"My pleasure, enjoy your meal!"
"Thanks!", the lawyer and the two spiritualist said in unison as the man with the apron turned back towards the kitchens.
The three of them looked at the burger they had ordered and seemed satisfied with the amount of food it represented. Especially Maya…
"A-Are you really going to eat all of this food, Mystic Maya?", Pearl said as she realized that the triple chilicheese was a real behemoth.
"Didn't I tell you, Pearls? She has infinite appetite!", Phoenix protested, "You'll see that she will be done before we even ate half of our burger!"
"Y-You think so…?"
"Definitely. I mean, look, she already has her mouth completely full…", he noted and sighed.
Indeed, Maya had taken a huge bite on her burger and her cheeks were filled and she was chewing almost in a caricaturist way. She swallowed it all, visibly proud of herself.
"This burger is excellent! I luv it!", neither Phoenix nor Pearl responded, since they had learnt not to talk with their mouth full. Manners had never truly been Maya's forte, even though she knew how to behave when it really mattered. There, she knew the defense attorney and her cousin wouldn't really care if she acted a little dumb. She also took great delight in annoying the former. I know Nick hates my shenanigans when we're eating. That's all the more reason to continue!
Suddenly, as the trio was eating, everyone in the restaurant heard an announcement in the distance. It was coming from maybe a few hundred meters away, not more.
"We are sorry to announce that due to a police investigation, Gatewater Land will now be closed until further notice. To everyone who had preordered a ticket, please check our website to get a refund. We ask that you do not disturb the investigation. From the Gatewater Land team, have a nice day, and see you soon!", it said.
"Gatewater Land closed?", Phoenix was surprised and a little dubious, "A police investigation?"
Meanwhile, Pearl had gone from initial shock to sadness. Some tears were even dropping from her grey eyes. Her cousin hugged her lovingly while the defense attorney was still thinking.
So much for my plans to go smoothly, I see. The spiky-haired lawyer thought ironically. Still, I wonder what kind of incident could possibly have happened that they needed to close the park entirely…? I mean, it can't be a murder, can it?
"It's all right, Pearly, there will be other occasions for us to go…", Maya did her best to console her little cousin, "Right Nick?"
"Of course, no need to worry Pearls.", he agreed, although he had only listened with half an ear, "We'll try again next week, whatever's taking place should be resolved by then."
"R-Really, Mr. Nick…?"
"Really, Pearls. I'm sorry it can't be today, but I promise I'll bring you there, okay?", he said in his best fatherly tone, which slowed the child's sobbing. When she stopped entirely, he dried her cheeks with his fingers, cautiously and gently. Poor Pearls, she really isn't lucky…
There's only one person in the world who can recomfort Pearly like this, and it's Nick. I might be her legal guardian but Nick's the true hero she needs to grow up well. Ah, how lucky are we to have him with us…?!
"Thank you… Thank you, Mr. Nick…", she said slowly, perhaps a little more enthusiastic than right before. Mr. Nick… You are more than just Mystic Maya's special someone to me… You are also special to me, as the best father I could hope to ever have…
"Well, now that this is settled…", Maya said and gave Phoenix a small wink, "I'll go back to my burger, if you don't mind."
"No, no, go ahead.", the defense attorney said in a way too serious tone which made Maya lose it.
"Nick! Oh, you're such an idiot! Hahaha, geez…", she laughed uncontrollably.
"Well, I see I made progress ever since the Berry Big Circus incident, if you know what I mean?"
"You mean when you bargained with a monkey?", she asked grinningly.
"Maya! Not out loud!", he whispered, "Th-That is embarrassing enough as it is!"
"What did you say, Mystic Maya?", Pearl asked, "Mr. Nick was talking to a monkey?"
"Hey, t-that's enough now! You needn't tell her that!", the defense attorney was now clearly embarrassed and looked around to see if anyone had caught onto their conversation. Luckily, it seems like no one heard that… Argh, I can't even imagine the embarrassment if say, Edgeworth caught wind of this! My imitation wasn't that bad too!
"Nick, were you, by total chance, thinking 'I can't even imagine the embarrassment if say, Edgeworth caught wind of this'?", the future Master now had a sick grin all over her face, "I could arrange that…"
"No! You wouldn't!", he protested, "And how did you even guess that?!"
"Didn't I tell you? I'm psychic."
"No you're not. You are a spirit channeler and that's already weird enough as it is.", Phoenix said very straightforwardly.
"Yeah, guess it's just that you are readable like an open book, Nick! You need to work on your poker face!", she commented.
"My poker face, you say? Ha, I'd love to play a game of poker with you! You wouldn't stand a chance!", he told her confidently.
"A game of 'poke-her'?", Pearl wondered, "What game is this, Mystic Maya?"
"Poker is a game of cards where you bet chips based on how confident you are that your cards are better than your opponent's.", she explained, "I can't claim to be an expert, but that's the gist of it. It's a game where you need to be able to bluff extremely well."
"Oh, so that's why Mr. Nick thinks he would beat you! Because he's so good at bluffing, like he does in court!"
"Hey!", he interjected, "You make it sound like bluffing is all I do in court!"
"Isn't that the truth though, Nick?", Maya asked, her ever-present grin still there.
"No! Definitely not! I do plenty of other things!" Don't ask me to name them; don't ask me to name them; don't ask me to na-
"Like what for example?"
Damn. She saw right through me again… "Well, there's a lot of thinking involved!"
"C'mon Nick, you wouldn't need to bluff so often if you were really thinking about the facts of the case!", she said, which visibly hurt Phoenix's ego, "Well, that saved me from the death penalty twice, so I'm not gonna complain, but I really do believe that you let the thinking to the prosecutors."
"Hmm… Maybe?", he admitted shyly, "No, but more seriously, I only bluff when I'm desperate… except I'm often desperate… But that's because almost all the cases I take seem hopeless so I have to turn things around by a bit of bluff and sometimes even a little luck!"
"You sound like Sis there, Nick.", the oldest spirit medium said, "That makes sense though, since she was your mentor and all… It's true that many of the office's cases are, let's say… tough at first…" And that's the understatement of the millennium. "But still, you pulled through every time, didn't you now Nick?"
"We pulled through.", the defense attorney replied and empathized on the 'we', "It's a collective effort, and while it's my name that appears on the 'defense attorney' line in the files, without you, the bottom of the page would read 'guilty'. So, thank you, to the two of you, and to Mia."
"Nick…" That was a good line Nick…! C-C'mon, you almost got me crying with that!
Mr. Nick and Mystic Maya are so adorable when they chat like that… They are both so gentle with one another, it seems like nothing could separate them!
"And if it happens that all the cases we take seem impossible to win at first, I'll gladly continue to take them! As long as there are innocent people on this Earth, we'll make it our mission to save them, right?!", he continued, all pumped up.
"Yeaaaah!", Maya replied, jumping in excitement and giving Phoenix and her cousin her high-five.
"Glad to know this is not a fight I'll be fighting alone.", he said, truly glad. As long as I have these two with me, nothing can resist us! And even if I have to take some cases alone in the near future, I'll win them for the three of us! Yeah!
"Mr. Nick?", Pearl asked, "What would you have done it you had not become a lawyer?"
"Good question, Pearls… I'm afraid I cannot give you an answer though.", he replied, "I was majoring art in college, you know, when I met the Chief? Well, maybe I could have become an artist?"
"An artist? Really?!", she did seem to like the idea.
"Well… I remember being pretty good when it came to reproduce existing paintings… That's not much is it?", the artist in another lifetime said.
"That's already really good!", little Pearl stated, "I wish I was better at painting…"
"Well, I could give you some beginner tips, if you want.", Phoenix offered, "I won't turn you into da Vinci, but that may get you on the right track."
"Yay! Thanks Mr. Nick!" I can't wait to learn how to paint!
"Hey Nick, that thing about being really good at reproducing paintings…", Maya spoke up again, "Some people make stupidly enormous amounts of money with that, you know?"
"Yeah… The main problem with this is that the original artists do not get anything in the end. No acknowledgement, nothing. A bit like forgers, see?"
"I agree… It's truly cowardly to make a living off of the work of someone else!"
Phoenix simply raised his eyebrows in agreement. And while they chatted, the three of them had finished their burger. The fun thing was that, while Maya's burger had been around six to seven times bigger than her cousin's, they had both finished it at approximately the same time, proving the defense attorney's point earlier that his long-time assistant had infinite appetite.
"I'll go pay for our burgers.", he told them, "You can wait for me just outside, if you want."
"I need to go to the bathroom, so nope.", Maya said, "You should follow Nick while I'm gone, Pearly."
"Okay. I'm with you Mr. Nick.", the loop-haired medium said and followed Phoenix while her cousin went to the bathroom in the back of the restaurant.
The two of them approached the counter where an employee was dealing with both the drive-in orders and the customers' payments. The poor young man, probably a trainee, was visibly struggling and Phoenix waited for him to be done with what he was doing before speaking up.
Our little beginner here seems to have trouble with his job! Looks like me when I began at Mia's office…!
"G-Good afternoon, sir…!", the employee finally stuttered, "S-Sorry for the wait…"
"No matter, it's fine.", the defense attorney told him reassuringly.
"So… It was the John Burger with the triple chilicheese and the kiddo, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, I may only be a trainee, but I know how tough it can be to finish a triple chilicheese. Congratulations, sir!", the young man said.
"N-No…! I wasn't the one eating it!", the spiky-haired lawyer immediately protested, "I-It was my friend, I could never eat something this big!" Who does this guy think I am?! An ogre?! T-Think about it, that wasn't very kind to Maya… Meanwhile, Pearl was sending a threatening look to him, a look which said, 'Dare say another word.' Uh-oh…! I know that stare means I'm getting slapped soon! Better go quiet!
"$53 please, sir.", the young employee asked as he finished typing the meals Phoenix, Maya and Pearl had eaten.
A sixth of the boat ride from earlier… This shows something about our economic system… Phoenix thought. He was not one to divulge his opinion on every subject (and neither was Maya actually) but it didn't mean he didn't have one. To the contrary, he was quite convinced in many ways, actually.
"There you go.", he said as he handed him a $50 bill and three $1, "Have a nice day, and good luck in your professional future."
"Thank you sir!", the waiter was visibly moved by the compliment, "Have a nice day too!"
"Shall we get going, Pearls? I'm pretty sure Maya is waiting for us outside."
"Yes, I'm following you, Mr. Nick.", Pearl told him and they exited the burger joint together, their stomach refilled for at least another seven to eight hours.
March 13, 2019, 1:25 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
City Center
"Well, that was a nice treat!", Maya said as the three of them started walking, "Thanks Nick!"
"You're welcome, Maya. It was indeed pretty good.", he agreed, "Don't you think so too, Pearls?"
"O-Oh, yes, it was quite tasty. Not that I am an expert…"
"Eheh, it's fine Pearls, you'll get used to more urban food with time.", Phoenix told her playfully, "Your cousin did, so there's no reason why you wouldn't."
"Nick's right, Pearly: compared to the food in Kurain, L.A is food heavens!", the oldest cousin commented, which might have been a little exaggerated.
Well, it's true that eating in Kurain for years must be something else, but I trust that their meals are healthier than what the two of us are eating on a daily basis! But I must admit that I'd have trouble not eating in a good restaurant or burger joint every once in a while…
They walked for a few minutes on the sidewalk and eventually passed in front of the entrance to Gatewater Land. The defense attorney noticed Pearl's face dropping as they passed by and thought of a backup plan.
"Girls, care for another boat ride?", he proposed out of the blue.
"Huh? Um, yeah, why not?", Maya was the first one to respond.
"Yes, that would be fun, Mr. Nick! Great idea!", Phoenix's plan had worked: Pearl's smile was back, and that was greatly relieving for him.
"Okay then." Sorry wallet, it was a pleasure knowing you… "Let's do this."
March 13, 2019, 1:35 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
City Center Boat Rental Shop
"Hello again!", the shop's owner said as he saw the three customers from earlier reentering, "Did you forget something this morning?"
"Good afternoon, sir. N-No, we didn't forget anything.", Phoenix told him before explaining, "We would just like to have another ride. I didn't think of it this morning, but we can rent a camera during the ride, right?"
"Ah, yes, you can indeed. Guess you'd like one?"
"Yes, please. It would be a little silly not to keep memories of a ride like this."
"Very well then, we didn't put the boat away since this morning, so you can already sit in.", the owner told them, "I'm bringing you a camera."
"Thank you, sir.", they said and took the door to the little dock.
They sat in and Phoenix took hold of the two paddles. Two minutes after, the owner was back with a camera which he handed to the defense attorney.
"There you go, sir! It's waterproof, so no need to worry about dropping it!"
"Okay. We'll still be careful, you never know."
"Eheh, I guess so! Now then, have a nice ride, ladies and gentlemen!"
"Thanks!", they once again said in one common voice as the man went back inside the shop.
Phoenix started to paddle and the boat began advancing. These paddles are humid… And it's more likely to be my sweat from this morning than water… I really need to do more sports from now on…
March 13, 2019, 1:39 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles Rivers
Since there was only one way to go, which was forward, the three of them had the same ride as a few hours before. However, one big difference was Pearl snapping pictures of everything she deemed interesting to keep in a picture book. There was no bad intent, of course, but Phoenix was getting worried… Hmm, I hope they do not facture the camera by the number of photos taken… This might be her sixtieth already… and we're only half-way through!
Yay! Los Angeles is such a beautiful city! The little girl thought, quite oblivious to the lawyer's worries a meter away. We'll have so many great pictures for the future!
Other than Pearl's sudden passion for taking pictures, the ride was quite similar to the first one. They had been lucky, too, since the weather was still amazing for a spring start. And while Phoenix was still busy paddling and exercising and Pearl was taking pictures, Maya was on the edge of the boat, the little wind in the air blowing on her long dark hair. On the way back, the brand-new photographer spoke up again after a long time enjoying herself.
"Mystic Maya, Mr. Nick, I'll take a picture of us!", she announced and the two others turned towards her, "Say cheeeeese!"
The little channeler was cheerily holding the camera and the two others were smiling. Maya was also waving at the device until it flashed. The scene was peaceful and the picture, lovely.
"That was a good call, Pearls!", Phoenix told her as she sat back inside the boat.
"Yeah, I bet this one will be beautiful, Pearly!", her cousin added which brought a proud smile on Pearl's face.
Pearly actually got pretty good at technology in no time! I do not think I'd have known how to use a digital camera at her age… Heh, that's my girl!
After a few more minutes riding the rivers of Los Angeles, the three of them eventually made it back to the dock. They left the boat and the defense attorney let the paddles in, even more sweaty than before…
March 13, 2019, 2:48 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
City Center Boat Rental Shop
"We're back!", Maya exclaimed as they entered the shop.
"Oh! Did you snap pictures then?", the owner asked them.
"You bet! Well, it's actually Pearls here who acted as our photographer, but we got lots of shots.", Phoenix replied.
"Great! Now, you just need to give me an email address and I'll send them to you."
"Okay." What is the office's email address? Crap, how did I even forget that? I can't ask Maya: she'll just make fun of me… Ah! I remember! "Please send it to 'wrightandco '.", Phoenix said after a lot of thinking.
"Okay. Missy, can I have the camera back?", the owner wondered, looking gently at Pearls.
"Oh, yes, of course! There you go, mister.", the spirit medium handed the little device.
"Thanks. Well, normally, we charge $30 for the camera, but since you came twice today, I won't charge you this."
"Thank you, sir. That is really kind of you." Yeah it's kind, sure… but THIRTY FREAKING DOLLARS FOR THE CAMERA?! Phoenix freaked out mentally.
I ain't no expert in economics… but charging people $30 for a camera they can just bring from home; isn't that called swindling them? The future Master shared the thought, even though she wasn't the greatest spender. Well, since Phoenix covered almost all of her expenses, it made sense…
"$300 please, sir.", the owner informed him.
"Yes, there you go.", the man in blue replied as he took out his credit card. Like I'd forget that! You swindler!
What the hell?! She cursed, a rare occurrence for her. T-Three hundred d-dollars…? L-Like, three times a hundred dollars…? Thirty times ten dollars…? T-Three hundred times a dollar…?
"Thank you, sir! I'll send you the pics in a few minutes. Have a nice day and see you soon!"
"Yeah, soon… crook…", Phoenix said lowly and they got out of the boat rental shop. At least Yogi wasn't charging people a third of the minimum wage for an hour!
March 13, 2019, 2:54 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
City Center
As soon as they had gotten out of the shop's owner's auditing range, Maya spoke up: "Nick… did this guy just charge you $300 right there?"
"Seems like it.", Phoenix faked being unfazed but Maya would have none of that.
"And you paid that this morning too?"
"Yeah."
"And how much did Iris pay you last time?"
"Nothing. I didn't charge her anything." That would have been pretty sick. I became a lawyer to help people, not ruin them! Especially when we dated in college…!
"Hmm, yeah, true.", she said, "Had forgotten about that. Well, how much did you charge Maggey?"
"$2000, like everyone else.", he sighed, "California's average, I heard."
"So, to summarize… You spent more than a quarter of your last earnings so we could have a day out?! Not counting the restaurant?! Y-You're crazy Nick! You shouldn't have!", Maya exclaimed.
I don't know the worth of the bills Mr. Nick and Mystic Maya use every day but from what I hear, it seems to be a lot!
"Well… Not gonna lie, it's a lot of money, but we've gotta have fun, you know.", the spiky-haired attorney said, "And don't forget the Legal League of Attorneys Exchange: I didn't get to slack off like I expected, but at least it paid well." The twenty grand were pretty welcome indeed! Well, I almost lost Maya in a fire, and had to defend in three witch trials to get them, but at least I can pay for these things. Phoenix and Maya had indeed been chosen by the state to represent California in the Legal League of Attorneys. And while the trip had not been restful, it had been worth it economically.
"Thanks anyway, Nick.", Maya said sincerely, "By the way, could we make a detour by the clothing store on the way back? I'd like to see if I can find anything for the upcoming summer."
"Hmm? Yeah sure. As long as Pearly doesn't mind.", he told her.
"No, it's fine. If Mystic Maya needs new clothes, I'd love to be with her!", little Pearl said cheerily.
"Then we're following you, Maya."
"Thanks. There's this shop at the end of the street over there that has a new collection.", the medium in purple pointed at a building in the distance. I'll have plenty of occasion to wear my acolyte clothes during the Master Course, so better get suited up for the sunny months! Maya had never cared too much for clothes: she wore her spirit medium robes most of the time, like her cousin, and only wore 'classic' clothes otherwise. Still, a little change couldn't hurt, she thought.
Thus, the three of them got going towards the clothing shop. On the way, Phoenix's phone buzzed in his pocket. Hmm… Ah, these are the photos Pearls took! He looked through them as he walked forward - while making sure he'd not get ran over by a car - until he found the picture Pearl took of them. This picture is really nice! We are all smiling, Pearls seems to be having an awesome time too! W-Wait… This guy in the distance… No way. In fact, there was a man in red in the background, on the bridge that led up to Gatewater Land. I see Prosecutor Edgeworth never takes vacations! I should've known it'd be him. And it's with a smile on his face that Phoenix reached the clothing shop.
March 13, 2019, 3:04 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
The Halle
My God, this place is huge! Phoenix thought as they got in. And while he was quite surprised by the size of the shop, it was nothing compared to Pearl's bewilderment.
T-This place is gigantic…! And there is so much clothing everywhere! The child almost seemed scared by the grandness of the mall.
And it didn't take more than a few seconds for Maya to be gone, as she, contrary to her two companions, knew where to go. This let Phoenix and Pearl together as they tried to follow.
"This is your first time in a clothing store, Pearls?", the lawyer asked.
"Yes… I am a little lost…", she admitted shyly.
"No need to be ashamed about that, Pearls. Clothing shops have never been my thing either. As to your cousin however… She's in her element, let's just say."
Maya had gone in direction of robe display and was looking kind of everywhere. Phoenix and Pearl finally caught up to her and looked at the display themselves.
"Looking for a dress, Maya?", Phoenix asked her. It's the first time I've seen Maya interested in such mature clothes. That's good though, she's maturing, she needs clothes that match that. I mean, she'll soon be twenty! In fact, the spirit medium would begin her third decade in June, only three months from now. And even if the defense attorney kept finding charm in her childish behavior, it was clear she was maturing. At a remarkable pace, actually. Having lost her sister and mother in a span of a few years could be one of the reasons for this.
"Yeah. There are too many to choose from!", she said, visibly lost in all the possible choices. She was not as lost as Pearl though: the little channeler was still processing everything.
Why do they put so many clothes in the same place? She wondered.
"Well, I guess I should explain to you how a clothing shop works, huh?", the man in blue told her.
"Hmm… Yes, please Mr. Nick."
"You see, there are sections for children, women, and men. In every one of these sections, you have displays with different kinds of clothes. For example, we are in the women section and Maya's looking at the robe display.", he began explaining.
"Uh-uh.", Pearl said as she listened, urging him to go on.
"Then, when your cousin will finally have been able to make a choice - which could take a thousand years knowing her - she can try them on to make sure she wants to buy them.", he continued and heard a faint complain from Maya in the background.
"B-But…! Mystic Maya won't change in front of all these people, will she?!"
That made Phoenix chuckle a bit and he explained, "No, of course not! There are changing rooms! Oh, Pearls…" It'd be the scandal of the year if a clothing store opened without changing rooms…!
"I see… This is pretty clever!"
"Well, it's pretty common for Maya and I, but yeah, it can be a foreign concept to you, sure."
While Phoenix was teaching the small spirit medium about the life in a metropole like Los Angeles, Maya was still looking through the piles of dresses and robes on the counters. She turned back towards the defense attorney and her cousin to ask for their opinion on two mini-skirts that had caught her eye.
"Nick, Pearly, which one should I choose?", she questioned as she held out a red and a black skirt.
"I'd say the red one is the best.", Phoenix said after looking at both, "Slightly better."
"Mr. Nick's right, Mystic Maya.", Pearl agreed and nodded, "I think so too."
"Okay guys! I'll go try it!", the future Master said and entered the nearest changing cabin.
A few minutes later, Maya came out with the skirt on and went back to Phoenix and Pearl.
"So?", she asked. Please like it, please like it, please like it…!
"It's nice, Maya!", he replied quickly and with genuine kindness, "You look great!" It's amazing how a change of clothes make her go from the future Master of a spirit channeling school to an urban young woman! She looks stunning though!
"You're so beautiful, Mystic Maya!", Pearl said excitedly, "You definitely need to choose this one!"
"Eheh, thanks…", she was blushing a little, "Guess I'll take this one, then!"
And with this done, they got moving towards another display, and another, and another… After a little less than an hour and multiple back and forth in the changing cabins, they got in line to pay. There were not many clients yet at this early hour in the afternoon, so it didn't take too long until it was their turn.
"Good afternoon.", said the cashier. The three of them replied the same way.
He scanned the barcodes and the price got updated on the screen each time he passed an article. He was done soon enough and announced the price to the customers. "$178, please."
Well, I better wear them often…! Maya thought and reached for her wallet in her acolyte robes. Meanwhile, someone got in front of her. "The-"
"There you go, sir."
"Nick!", she protested as the defense attorney handed his credit card to the young man behind the cash register. She tried to get back in front of him, but she didn't react quickly enough. The defense attorney entered his code number - 131251 - and a ticket came out. The cashier folded the clothes extremely well and put them in a good-looking bag, which he handed to Phoenix. He then gave him back his credit card with the ticket.
"Have a nice day.", he said and once again, they replied the same thing.
They began to leave the shop and on their way to the exit door, Maya was pouting.
"Nick, these are my clothes: you should have let me pay!", she told him, not angrily but rather frustratedly.
"Consider it a gift, then.", Phoenix replied neutrally. Pearl sent him a funny look. What is Pearls looking at me like that for…? Hmm, never mind, I got it.
Yay! Mr. Nick paid for Mystic Maya's clothes! That's so lovely of him!
March 13, 2019, 4:18 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
People Park
After a little bit of walking towards the office, Phoenix, Maya and Pearl eventually found themselves back in People Park, where they had been a few hours before. The scenery was sunnier and there were more people gathered. They walked along the paths until the youngest of the three spotted something…
"Mystic Maya, Mr. Nick, look!", she alarmed them but not too loudly.
"What is it, Pearly?", Maya asked, then noticed, "Oh… Pearly…" She'll never change…
In fact, there was a couple sitting on a bench under a tree. They were kissing romantically which put little Pearl in her dreamy state.
"Soon, it'll be the two of you under this tree… Oh, I can't wait!", she stated, "Ah, the power of true love…!"
Neither Maya nor Phoenix said anything and simply kept walking. They shared a funny look and seemed to agree that the genius channeler would never let them be until they finally got together.
March 13, 2019, 4:32 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
Outside the Office
Phoenix opened the door to the office's building. They had been gone for five hours and had spent some quality time together. This had been the lawyer's plan from the very beginning, and even if he had to improvise a little with the investigation underway at Gatewater Land, it had succeeded. Now, they were back home - if his office could even be called a "home" to begin with - with the sensation of a time well spent.
Well, that surely was a nice day! Took off some pressure from our last case and it allowed the girls to go out a little. I don't know for how long they are gonna be here for still, so better make my time count…
March 16, 2019, 11:46 AM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
Phoenix Wright's Office
It had been three days since Phoenix and the Fey cousins went on their day out. Since then, Pearl had gone back to Kurain Village and it was now only the defense attorney and his assistant at the office. The lawyer was going through some case files while the spirit medium was watching a Steel Samurai episode. Phoenix was pretty sure she had already seen them all, but there was nothing he could do about it, right?
I think I could have done better there… Maybe pressing Tigre here could have been a better option. He thought as he read through the file of Maggey Byrde's appeal case. Phoenix wasn't used to going to the courthouse when he wasn't defending, so the only thing he could do to get better was to read the transcript of his cases, over and over again. Hmpf, that was a nice bluff from me there!
"Yeaaaah! Samurai Kick!", Maya shouted in the background. She'd been doing so for the last hour or so, denying Phoenix of some well needed focus.
Hmm… It seems like Ms. Fey over there won't agree to keep it down a little. Fine, I guess I'll just deal with it by going outside… At least I won't hear her!
"I'm gonna go get some groceries, all right?", he asked.
"Oh, all right.", she said, "Want me to go with you?"
"No, no, it's fine. You seemed to be fully emerged in whatever you're watching, wouldn't want to disturb you."
"Okay! And it's the Steel Samurai, by the way!", Maya stated as she pointed to the TV screen. The episode had ended and the credits were rolling.
"Oh, yeah, something else too…", Phoenix remembered, "Want to hang out, like go drinking somewhere after I'm back?"
"Huh?", she was surprised by the proposal. Sure, they often ate together, but firstly, it was most often at her request, and secondly, it was in most cases hanging out because neither of them had the courage to make food, so they went to the burger joint, "Y-Yeah, sure. That'd be great." Is this your idea of going on a date like Pearly suggested? Hmm… Could Nick really have a crush on silly old me? Nah, he just wants to have a nice time with a friend, right?
"Great! I'll be heading out now: I need to get a lot of things, so don't expect me to be back too soon, all right?", the man in blue said as he passed the door of his office on his way out.
"Got it. See ya Nick!"
"Yeah, later Maya."
March 16, 2019, 12:08 AM
Downtown Los Angeles
Outside the Office
I'm glad Maya accepted the little rendezvous I proposed her. I don't know if that'll count as a "date" in Pearls' mind, but at least, it'll be some good time spent with Maya.
Phoenix was waiting alongside the road for a cab to arrive and pick him up. He didn't have a driver's license so that was his privileged means of transportation. After a couple of minutes, a taxi arrived and stopped to pick the lawyer up. He entered the black car and greeted the driver.
"So, where do I drive you, Mr. Wright?", he asked, visibly familiar with the defense attorney.
Does this guy know me? I don't think he ever drove me anywhere… He wondered if he had actually met the man but then realized it was more plausible the driver had seen him on a newspaper or during a trial. Because, yes, Phoenix Wright was starting to make a name for himself among one of the best defense attorneys in the West and frequently appeared in the press.
"To the shopping district, please.", Phoenix replied politely.
During the ride, the defense attorney thought back to the words of the girl he had come to accept as his daughter and how she wanted him and Maya to go on a date.
Going on a "dait" with Maya… To say that something like that would have been completely ridiculous not even a few months ago. But there's no point hiding it, I'd really like to get closer to Maya now… I mean, she's not the teenager I met three years ago anymore, and while she may not be a fully-grown adult yet, she's such a good person… Ah, Phoenix, how long has it been since you've had a crush on someone…? He wondered rather romantically until he found the answer… Hmpf, I know that actually: since that bitch Dahlia tried to kill me!
"Any new cases coming up, Mr. Wright?", the driver asked as a way to converse a little. That caught the defense attorney a little by surprise.
"N-No, not at the moment.", he replied, "I'm actually taking a little break, you see?"
"Yes, yes of course!", the old man agreed, "A man like you surely endures a lot of pressure; you'd need your rest!"
"Y-Yeah, that's pretty much it." What's with this guy?! A fanboy?!
After a few more minutes driving down the streets of Los Angeles, the driver parked in front of the shopping complex. Phoenix paid the ride and got out.
Phew, at least I'm done with this weirdo… Hope I won't get him again on the way back…
March 16, 2019, 3:39 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
Mega Mall
"Thank you, have a nice day.", the defense attorney told the middle-aged woman behind the cash register as he picked up his two bags worth of groceries. Well, that sure took longer than expected! I-I mean, I know I'm not the fastest when it comes to doing the shopping, but still… Sigh, I'm fortunate I told Maya I wouldn't be back for a couple hours…
As he was passing through the automatic door of the shop, Phoenix felt his cellphone buzz in his pocket. He set a bag down and took it out to check.
A text maybe? Hmm… Yeah, from Maya apparently… Let's see… It took him thirty good seconds to find the text, his flaw when it came to technological stuff being on full display.
Maya - 3:39 PM: Nick, please join me at Theodore's Café near the office at 7 PM sharp. You better come dressed classily or else I'll be mad! Maya.
Well, it seems like Maya took the date arrangements into her own hands! Theodore's Café, huh? That's a rather chic place, if memory serves. Well, better go back to the office quickly, time flies by fast.
March 16, 2019, 3:49 PM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
Living Room
As Phoenix entered the office, he noticed it was already empty. He had no idea where Maya could have possibly gone, but he knew she was probably readying herself for the evening.
I'd better put all this in the fridge quickly and get going. The young man realized as he looked at the clock hanging on the wall. Maya's going to beat me to death if I'm even one minute late, I just know it.
He took everything he'd bought at the mall and put it into the refrigerator, one by one. Thanks to the quantity of items he had needed to buy, the process took him a little while, but at least, nobody would die of malnutrition in his office!
There, that was the last carton of Pearls' favorite ice cream. Better head out now. Argh, do I go to the toilets now or can it wait until I'm home? He wondered as a was about to leave the building. Well, I already went down the stairs, it'll wait.
March 16, 2019, 4:54 PM
Phoenix's Wright Apartment
Bathroom
After a taxi course that had taken longer than he had expected, Phoenix finally found himself in his apartment. He got to the bathroom immediately and took his clothes off. He got into his shower and cleansed himself from the sweat of walking around a mall for more than two and a half hours carrying two heavy bags.
It feels good to take a shower after some effort! The water going down your body and the feeling of cleanness… I hope whoever got the idea of taking a shower first got a Nobel Prize or something! The defense attorney thought as he lathered up with his charcoal shower gel.
He got out of the shower a few minutes after and grabbed a nearby towel. He put it around his waist and faced the mirror. He took out a razor and some shaving cream and began to shave the bit of beard he had. He was quite rigorous when it came to shaving: he did it every other day to make sure he wouldn't look lazy. He still had to make sure he looked like a lawyer in the courtroom, right?
After that, he quickly got out of the room towards his bedroom and grabbed a change of clothes. He loved his usual blue suit, but these were his professional clothes and they were not fitting enough for the current situation. Plus, Maya had asked him to come dressed chicly, so casual clothes wouldn't do it either. Hence, he took out a black suit from his wardrobe, one that he had bought back in college for prom night. Phoenix went back to the bathroom and put the suit on. Hey, this still suits me quite nicely! I may not have put it on for years, but it fits me like a glove!
Next up was the hair. After the shower, his customary spikes had fallen down a little and he needed to put them back up. He took out his hair gel and ran his hands through his spikes to reshape them. After thirty seconds, they held quite nicely. He made extra sure no lock was falling and looked at himself in the mirror. Well, Phoenix, I'd argue that you aren't looking too bad! Better than usual, at least!
On his way out of the bathroom, he spayed himself some cologne and went to his room.
March 16, 2019, 5:30 PM
Phoenix's Wright Apartment
Bedroom
Phoenix sat on his bed and thought a little. I've known Maya for three years now. She was seventeen at the time and will turn twenty in June. Is it truly possible I became more than a friend to her? I mean, of course, we are both more than friends: we are colleagues, confidents and she's the closest to me with Pearls and Edgeworth. But really, is it possible that she's after something else than friendship? I don't think she ever had a boyfriend before; she would have told me… As for me, the last time was with Iris, but I've turned the page now. Well, I guess we'll see, huh…?
Still with some time to spare, the lawyer opened a drawer on his desk and took out some pictures. There were many of them, from different times and with different people, but he liked them all as much.
This one is from after Edgeworth's trial… When we finally got him back. Heh, it's funny, every time I look at this picture, I feel like I can see the Chief on it… That sure was a nice moment after a tough battle.
This picture… Hmm, that's from back in the college days. Must have been during prom, since everyone was well-dressed. Of course, I was with Iris, like almost always at the time. This too was a good moment.
He drew another picture from the stack.
Eheh, I knew this one would eventually turn up…! When the Wright & Co. Law Offices opened their doors! This is also when I started working with Maya. Once again, I feel like I can see the Chief on this picture… Probably because it has been and always will be her office in there.
This one is pretty sweet too! I haven't got news from Ema in a long time, actually, might want to call her soon. I hope her studies to become a forensic expert are going well. In fact, Phoenix was looking at a picture of him and the science fan. She had taken it after her sister's trial before setting off for Europe. Phoenix had immediately liked the girl and not only for her resemblance to his assistant.
The next one he took immediately made him tear up. It wasn't a picture actually, but a drawing. A sketch his friend Larry had drawn after the Hazakurain case. T-This picture… I-I'll never forget this moment… We ain't the Justice League for nothing, huh? A tear eventually found its way on the picture and Phoenix decided to put it away before it was completely soaked.
He stood up from the bed and dried his eyes. He looked through the window at the sunny sky. All these memories… I'll cherish them until the day my soul departs from the world of the livings. I'm sure I'll make many others in years to come, but even if my life ended right now, I wouldn't be mad: I'd bring with these with me. May God guide us all. He prayed quickly and went back to the locker. He put away the photos and took out a locket. It had a silver chain and could contain two small pictures, one on each side. He looked at it intensely and put it in his breast pocket.
With some time left before he needed to get going, Phoenix sat back down and closed his eyes. Some relaxation wouldn't hurt and he began asking himself questions.
What would I have become had I not been a lawyer? Well, Pearls asked me that the other day: probably some sort of failed artist.
Do I see myself doing anything else than defending? No, clearly not.
What was my toughest case? Probably the Matt Engarde one. Grr, that bastard! de Killer took care of him though.
In hindsight, what life decision would I make differently? I definitely would have followed Maya during her training a month ago.
Would I rather have a son or a daughter? Hmm, not counting Pearls who I love as much as I would my own child, probably a daughter.
If I could, is there someone in the past to whom I'd say something in particular? "Fuck you", to Dahlia Hawthorne.
Do I love Maya? For sure. The true question is, how?
Am I speaking to myself? Sigh… His train of thought ended as soon as he realized he'd been talking to himself and he rose up, looked at the wall clock that displayed 6:01 PM and going.
March 16, 2019, 6:57 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
Theodore's Café
As Phoenix arrived in the café after his forth taxi course of the day and a couple of minutes before the deadline Maya had imposed. He would not get beaten to death, at least, not today.
Well, this place sure looks chic. I feel like it's more of a place Edgeworth would come to than me, but I guess I can live with that. Heh, that's some social elevation right there!
He went deeper inside the place and looked around to see if he could spot his assistant. He finally noticed her in the back of the café, waving at him.
Ah, there she is. Wow, and it seems like Ms. Fey put quite the work onto her looks! The defense lawyer realized as he got closer. She put on the skirt I offered her last time… Gotta say, it fits her flawlessly. She's also put on makeup… I believe that's the first time since I've known her… And she put her hair completely down, which I think suits her better than her usual medium hairdo. It might be a tad cliché, but I really have a beautiful assistant!
"Well, hello there!", he said as he sat down in front of her, "I must admit Maya, you are truly gorgeous."
Her blush was instantaneous and absolutely incontrollable. All the makeup in the world wouldn't be able to hide that she was red like a tomato.
"T-Thank you, Nick.", she managed to say, "You're pretty handsome yourself." By 'pretty', please understand extraordinarily. That got Phoenix blushing too, although a little less than her.
"Thanks Maya.", he told her, "I was wondering, though, how did you learn of this place?"
"Oh, well… Sis and Mr. Armando used to come here often apparently.", she explained, "She brought me here once before and I thought it would be a nice place to invite you to."
"Well, you certainly didn't lie: this truly is a chic place! Great choice!"
"Eheh, thanks Nick. Knew you'd like it.", the spirit medium said and added a wink.
"Good evening, dear customers.", a classy man approached the two co-workers and greeted them, "Thank you for choosing Theodore's Café. Here is our drinks card, take your time to make a choice and I will be right back once you decided."
"Good evening, sir!", they both responded before Maya added, "Thank you. I was wondering, do you still have this awesome English tea you had in the past?"
"Of course, Miss. I guess this means you want one?", the waiter asked her.
"Yes, please." This tea was absolutely great from what I remember! I mean, it was so good that even Mr. Armando praised it apparently!
"Very well. I will give your companion some time to decide. Do not hesitate to call me if you need anything."
"Thank you sir, I'll try to make that quick.", Phoenix told him politely.
The old waiter left them to their discussion and Phoenix to his choosing.
"Pearly would love to see us there right now, right?", Maya stated. It was quite true, the little channeler would be very pleased to see the two of them together like that.
"Yeah, probably. How is she doing, actually? I couldn't call Kurain since she left."
"Hey, you know Pearly, right? She's always doing great.", she replied, "And I didn't even tell her about us spending some time together here."
"Yeah, you're quite right. She wouldn't be our light otherwise!"
"Eheh, guess not, huh? By the way, should we tell her we spent time together?", the future Master wondered.
"That is an excellent question… And a question to which I absolutely cannot give you an answer…!", Phoenix replied and chuckled, "Anyway, I'm glad you invited me there, Maya. That is very nice of you. I hope I didn't make you wait for too long?"
"No, no you didn't! Don't worry!", she told him and removed his concern, "I knew you had lots of shopping to do, hence why I invited you pretty late. Sorry I didn't help you buy groceries, Nick…"
"It's nothing, Maya. You were preparing yourself during that time, weren't you, missy?", he asked her grinningly. She blushed again and didn't answer. "Haha, it's fine Maya! We both took time to prepare, don't worry!"
March 16, 2019, 2:02 PM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
Bathroom
"Well, I'll go prepare myself now!", Maya said out loud as she got up from the couch she had been sitting in for the last five hours. She removed her clothes and headed inside the office's shower. Ten minutes and an enjoyable shower later, she got out and put a towel around her damp hair. She then took out the clothes she had hidden in the cabinet and got dressed.
My first time putting on these clothes… I hope Nick will like them… Maya thought as she put on the red mini-skirt and a purple blouse she had never wore before. She was quite nervous whether or not Phoenix would like them, and especially, if he would like her wearing them. She wasn't done preparing herself though.
And my first time putting on makeup… Guess I'll try to imitate what Sis used to do! They say that it comes naturally for girls, so who knows? She put out some stuff she had bought recently and began applying them. She wanted something soft, but that would still be enough not to look like a little girl. Let's put some lipstick! Always wanted to try out this thingy. With her lips colored in a light red, she took out some mascara which she applied cautiously on her eyelashes. I guess that looks kinda cool? Hmm, the thing is, I do not have anyone to get feedback from… The only person I know to put on makeup is Franziska, but I doubt she really has the time to give me advice right now… She finished by putting on some foundation and her first makeup session was done!
Onto my hair now… Hmm… What should I do with it though…? A ponytail? Nah, too girly. A loop like Pearly? No, that'd be stealing her style, plus I might be a little old for that… Well, guess I'll just wear it down: it'll change a bit. And so, she removed the towel above her head and let her long black hair fall down. It approximately reached her waist, making her hair pretty much as long as her sister used to wear it. She took out a hairbrush and began stroking it to straighten it. Ah, how I'd love to have Sis's hair… It looked so good!
And with all this, she was done styling herself and could finally get a good look in the mirror. Well, I think I'm less horrendous than usual… Might even be a little pretty, if I do say so myself! She smiled before getting back to nervous mode again. But what if Nick doesn't agree…? What if he thinks I did too much on the makeup? Or on the clothing? No, get a grip of yourself, Maya! I've got to be more self-confident! Yeah, you've got this! Some perfume and I'm good to go!
March 16, 2019, 3:06 PM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
Phoenix Wright's Office
Well, Nick said he'd be gone for a little while, so I still have some time left before I get moving. Well, considering that I still haven't sent him a text to invite him, even more so…! Maya thought as she entered the office and looked at the clock. The thing is, I can't let him see me like this before tonight, so I need to hide as soon as he arrives here! Ugh, that won't be fun… The only place I can think of are the toilets… if he doesn't need to go there!
For now, she sat back on the couch, careful not to sit on her hair or to wrinkle her skirt. She turned on the TV and enjoyed the rest of the Steel Samurai episodes she had been watching earlier. When the final episode ended, she took out her cellphone and sent a text to Phoenix.
Hmm, let's see now: what do I say exactly…? Should I do that graciously or in more of a natural way? Hmpf, what am I thinking?! Natural of course!
Nick, please join me at Theodore's Café near the office at 7 PM sharp. You better come dressed classily or else I'll be mad! Maya.
And sent! With this, I'm sure he will either be on time or not be here at all! Better hope for the former… Maya thought and played a little scenario in her head where Phoenix simple dismissed her invitation. It was unlikely since he had been the one to suggest going out in the first place but it would certainly hurt the medium's ego… I should probably go in hiding now, however ridiculous this may sound… Nick's been gone for three hours now and could come back any second!
March 16, 2019, 3:41 PM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
Toilets
It's funny how this room is literally the cleanest in the whole office. Maya thought. It's true that we clean it often! We've gotta have clean toilets to attract clients! … W-Well, maybe not necessarily, but still…!
She was now hiding in the toilets, ready for when the office's boss would come back. She knew that what she was doing was ridiculous and that if Phoenix caught her, he'd probably make fun of her for 13,000 years.
I hope he won't stay here too long… I mean, I don't think he has any fancy change of clothes here so he'll probably go back to his apartment quickly. Because otherwise, I'll be stuck for quite a while!
After a few minutes that seemed like hours to the future Master of Kurain, someone entered the office and from what she heard, headed towards the living room of sorts the lawyer had set up.Ah, Nick's finally back! Judging from the time he took out there, he must have bought enough for a month or two! I'd have like to help him, but hey, you can't make yourself pretty and buy groceries at the same time, right?
She waited for a little longer, still mute in the toilets until she heard some footsteps pass by and eventually come down the stairs. She preferred to wait until the door slammed to get out and once she was sure the defense attorney was gone; she exited the little room.
"Phew, I finally get a breather! Thought I'd run out of oxygen in this cramped up room!", Maya told herself as she returned to the living room and waited for the right time to get going towards Theodore's Café…
March 16, 2019, 7:04 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
Theodore's Café
"T-That's a little embarrassing to admit, but I was hiding in the toilets when you came back to the office…", Maya admitted to Phoenix who began laughing. Why did I even admit to that!?
"R-Really?!", the lawyer was amusingly surprised, "Well, it's true that the office is not the best place to play hide and seek… You're lucky I didn't need to go there!" Well, that must have been quite the scene. I'm actually grateful I didn't go earlier… It'd have lost its romantic charm, I believe.
"I guess so… Well, anyway, have you decided on what you'll order, Nick?", she asked him on what was her best way to change the subject.
"Hmm… I'll go with a cappuccino.", Phoenix replied, "By the way, you seemed pretty sure of your choice there, how come?"
"I told you that I came with Mia once, right? Well, she told me to order their English tea and since it was awesomely good, I thought I'd take another one. You should really take one too, Nick!"
"Fine. I'm more of a coffee person…" Actually, I am definitely a grape juice person, but that's not the problem. "But very well. Last time I drank a tea was in London with the Professor, Luke and Espella. It was pretty good, I admit."
"Yeah, tea is really underrated! Especially good tea!", Maya advocated, "You won't regret it, Nick!"
"If I do, I'll know who to hold accountable, right?", he told her grinningly. She sent him a smile back. "And talking about the Professor and Luke, I was wondering if you'd have any time soon to visit them? I'd like to bring Pearls too. She needs to see something else than the U.S, you know."
"That's a great idea! Yeah, I need to tell Pearly, but I'm totally down for it!", the young lady seemed to agree, "I know it's only been a few months since we met them but I can't wait to see them again!"
"Glad you like the idea. I'll try to set this up with the Professor then, if he's not too busy.", the spiky-haired young man said, "It's not because we can find some free time that everyone does…"
"Yeah, that's probably true…!", Maya chuckled, "I'm sure Pearly will get along well with Luke!"
"That's very true. You think Luke would be her type?", Phoenix wondered.
"So much! She loves cute little boys like Luke!" Now that we are talking about that, I can't wait to tell Pearly about this trip! I'm sure she'll be delighted to go abroad!
"Cute little boy", she says, huh… I'm sure our apprentice gentleman wouldn't like to be called like that! Phoenix thought mentally. They had not been together for very long, but the two Americans had made really good friends with the famous archeologist and his young assistant.
"Perhaps mister here made his choice?", the waiter wondered as he got back at the back of the café.
"Ah, yes actually, I did. Another English tea, please.", Phoenix replied after he noticed the man had come back.
"Very well. I am bringing these shortly.", and with that, the old and visibly experienced waited was gone again.
"So, how were these Steel Samu-"
"And here are the two English teas."
"W-What?", the defense attorney stuttered. He rubbed his eyes to see if they were still working properly, which they were before continuing, "W-Well… That sure was fast…"
"We take great pride in our quickness, sir.", the waiter replied, quite amused by Phoenix's reaction.
"This is another reason why this place has such a great reputation, Nick: they are the quickest of the quick!", Maya added to an impressed Phoenix.
"Well, it is truly impressive. Thank you.", he said politely. Meanwhile, Maya reached for her purse and took out a five dollar bill.
I won't let Nick pay this time! I've calculated the exact amount I needed to take out to pay two teas and to give the waiter a sufficient tip… Delightfully devilish, Maya…! "There you go sir. There's a little something for you, too."
"Maya, wait!", Phoenix said as he realized what was going on. He reached out for his wallet all panicky and took out a five dollar bill of his own, "There."
The old man was visibly confused and sent an interrogative look to the two of them. They stood their ground, until the spirit channeler spoke up.
"Nick, I'm the one who invited you, it's only natural that I pay.", she told him rationally. Phoenix sighed in concession.
"Fine. Still… What's your name, sir?", he asked out of the blue, which surprised Maya.
"I-I doubt this is relevant sir…", the waiter told him humbly, "I simply serve as a waiter here, you needn't concern yourself with my name."
"No, no, it's fine! So, c'mon, what's your name, sir?", the defense attorney insisted.
"W-Well, it's Kagami, sir.", he said while the future Master of Kurain kept looking doubtfully at her longtime friend.
"Then please keep this, Kagami sir.", Phoenix put the bill on his tray, "You are a great example for waiters. Keep it up."
"T-Thank you sir. That is really kind of you.", the old man was genuinely touched by the tip, "On behalf of this establishment, please enjoy your tea."
"Sure will!", Maya spoke up again, "Have a nice continuation, sir.". With that, the waiter turned away with a smile, and the two coworkers felt like they had done their good deed of the day. That was really kind of Nick. I'm sure this will motivate Kaniza to keep doing a great job!
"Now, shall we enjoy this tea together, Maya?", the young man proposed his assistant in a lovely manner.
"Most definitely.", she responded and took a sip of the beverage. Still as excellent as before, no doubt.
Phoenix did the same and his face looked rather surprised as he swallowed. This tea is indeed quite good! "You weren't lying! This tea is excellent!"
"Tee-hee, is lying one of my habits, Nick?"
"No, but still; I wasn't expecting that! It might even rival the Professor's tea!"
"Well, the place is probably run by someone who works with only the finest ingredients!"
Why does that line sound familiar somehow? Phoenix wondered before replying, "Probably, yes."
"Ah yes! Something else I needed to tell you Nick!", the elegant young lady exclaimed as she remembered something, "You've already done way too much for me Nick: I can't let you pay for all my expenses! I am a grown woman!" That… might be a little presumptuous now that I've said it…
"Heh, perhaps. It's true that you're not the little girl you were when I met you.", he began.
"Nick!", she was annoyed but still chuckled.
"Still, I want to take the best care of you possible, you see.", he continued, "I promised the Chief I would, and that's one promise I vow I'll keep."
"I'm so thankful for all you did for me, Nick, you cannot begin to imagine. But now, it is up to me to make sure that you're always okay. Call it payback, if you will.", she said lovingly.
"Hmm… I guess I'll take you up on the offer? Nah, just kidding, that is very thoughtful of you, Maya."
"And it's normal. Actually, you'd have ended up ruined at this pace anyway so…"
"U-Unfortunately… I can't quite refute that…", Phoenix sighed, "Well, I am exaggerating things a little.", he added before taking another sip of his tea.
They continued to chat for a little longer until they had both finished their tea. They both got up from their chair and began walking out, giving Kagami a gentle smile as they passed by him on the way out.
March 16, 2019, 7:48 PM
Downtown Los Angeles
People Park
The sun had set and the sky was starry. The scenery was quite magnificent and Phoenix and Maya were walking through People Park on their way to the office. It was not the fastest way to get there considering where they were before, but Maya had been quite adamant on going there. So now, they were walking along the lighted paths, under the trees.
Suddenly, the spirit medium stopped on her tracks and stood next to a bench. Phoenix noticed it and stopped as well, visibly surprised.
"Can I ask you a question, Nick?", she asked him.
"Y-Yeah, sure. Go ahead.", Phoenix replied, quite surprised by the sudden demand for permission.
"What exactly am I to you?"
That's a rather straightforward question she's asking me there. "Well, first of all, you're my assistant. The best I could have asked for, actually. You're also my confident, the person to who I'm able to confess my thoughts and worries. Of course, you're also my friend. Ever since we began working together, you've been my friend. My best friend even.", he replied fully and genuinely. He had been able to answer, although the spirit medium was looking at him right in the eyes. "Actually, allow me to return the question. What am I to you, Maya?"
"W-Well… A lot of things. First off, you are my boss, my first boss ever, and the best any employee could hope for. You are my savior too. I'll soon lose count of the number of times you saved me, whether it was in court or not. You are also my friend, Nick, and even if we didn't meet under the happiest of circumstances, you are best dearest friend I have. I mean it."
Hmm, that is really kind of her. Phoenix was about to speak up, but she did before he could.
"But still, this list is incomplete.", she continued, "It's missing its most beautiful element."
Before she could continue any further, Phoenix took a serious look and spoke.
"Do not say it, Maya.", the defense attorney said, "You see… The list I just gave you…" No turning back now. "It was also quite incomplete. All I said before has always held true, but now… I realize that it's quite outdated."
… So that's how it is, then. The young woman thought as she heard Phoenix's words. "Update it then.", she said, adrenaline overflowing in her entire body.
All she got was something she could only have dreamed of ever getting.
Phoenix Wright was kissing her.
Phoenix Wright was kissing her passionately.
Phoenix Wright was in love with her.
As his lips touched her, she realized it, and answered in the same way.
This was long overdue. Way too long overdue, actually. He thought during the kiss and felt a surge of something he hadn't felt in many years. It lasted for a good thirty seconds until they needed to retake their breath and pulled away.
The future Master of Kurain was completely lost. She couldn't get a grasp of what was around her or of the background sound. The only thing she could see was the tall figure of Phoenix Wright. And thus, she clung onto him for dear life. With her arms around his neck, she finally managed to get out of her muteness.
"I love you, Phoenix Wright.", she simply said. These words were words she had wanted to say for a long time, and they almost felt unreal to her.
Instead of answering anything, Phoenix simply went to his breast pocket and took something out of it. He put it around Maya's neck before she even knew what he was doing.
"W-What is it, Nick?", she wondered, as they now held hands, "A locket? Well, it's truly beautiful! Thank you, Nick!"
"You know Maya, this locket is like you. It's beautiful on the outside, but there's something even more wonderful on the inside.", he finally spoke up and told the little brunette.
"T-Thank you, Nick…!", Maya teared up a little at the compliment and took a closer look at the pendant. T-This locket…! There's something inside! H-Hold on… "T-That's…", was all she managed to say before she fell on Phoenix, crying tears of joy.
In fact, the locket Phoenix had put around Maya's neck held two pictures. The first one showed her sister, Mia, and her mother, Misty, from when the former was really young. The second showed himself, Maya and Pearl, a few days before, riding on the rivers of Los Angeles peacefully.
Maya was still crying though, and Phoenix knew these were tears of happiness and had no intention of stopping her from getting them out. Instead, he just planted a lovely kiss on her forehead.
"I love you, Maya."
N-Nick loves me… She still had a lot of trouble believing it was real. Nick truly loves me…
"N-Nick, I… I… I'll never been able to thank you enough for the kindness you keep showing me…!", she said in between two sobs.
"M-Maya…", Phoenix looked for the right words, but couldn't find them. Instead, he pulled her back a little so that they looked at each other and kissed her again. After all, words were only one of the many ways to show love.
Although the lawyer had already been in a relationship before, he was under the impression of discovering something new. At the time, he had loved Dahlia (well, Iris, but he didn't know that) very much, but in a different way. Now, he felt pleasure discovering Maya, her lips, her hair, her skin. It was only the two of them in the park, and their embrace was lovely. After another minute of kissing, Maya pulled back and watched her new-found lover deeply.
"Nick, I love you. So, so much. Your handsome face, your classiness, your simplicity, those soft spikes of yours…", she accumulated and the last part made Phoenix chuckle.
"The spikes really did charm you, didn't they?", Phoenix asked her playfully while scratching them.
"You bet! If you ever cut them Nick, I'm leaving, okay?!", the spirit medium raised her voice to make her point clear.
"That seems like a good plan. But only if you promise to never cut that beautiful hair of yours, all right?"
"Deal. I didn't plan on cutting it anyway."
"It was a pleasure negotiating with you.", the young man joked, "There's something quite unnegotiable though, and that's me kissing you right now."
"That's also something I won't argue with…", Maya replied quite sexily before their lips joined together once more…
March 16, 2019, 8:15 PM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
"Bedroom"
After a long time in the park, the two new lovers were back in the office. They had exchanged kisses along the way and were having the best time of their life. Almost instinctively, they both went to the "bedroom" (which was more of a storage room with a bed in the middle) and just sat there.
"I love you Nick.", Maya said, completely absorbed by her boyfriend.
"My love, you have no idea how crazily I love you. Like, no idea.", he replied, barely any saner than her.
Nick just called me "my love"… I've never heard someone be so kind and so close to me… I'm simply drowning in love right now. T-This new feeling, this feeling that is wrapping me whole… I can't get enough of it.
"There's something you need to know, Nick.", she stated lowly, "For three years, even when I was only seventeen, I've always loved you. Ever since you saved me in court, I've been madly in love with you. I would think of you at night, I would dream of you, I would imagine myself in your soft arms, kissing you. But I've kept it for me. I tried to tell it to Pearly, but I couldn't go all the way. Nor could I tell it to you. I thought if I told you, you'd reject me. I thought you'd think I was crazy. I even thought at one point that you were not interested in girls, since you never made any move on one. W-Well, I sure understand why now…"
"M-Maya… I never would have, under any circumstances, rejected you. Even if your love had been one-sided, I would have continued to protect you.", he told her, wrapping his arms around her in a protective manner, "But I understand how you feel. I felt the same way. I thought that if I told you how I felt, you would think I was just some kind of old perv or that we were only friends. And you're right, I was so shocked when Dahlia tried to kill me that I told myself to never get into a relationship again. That was until I set eyes on you, Maya."
After hearing what could be considered a promise of a life-long commitment, Maya couldn't take it anymore. She was heading into unknown territory, but her primal instincts had completely taken over her sanity. She wanted Nick, and she wanted him now.
"Woah!", Phoenix exclaimed as he was grabbed by the waist and thrown to the bed. Heck, the girl's strong! That must run in the Fey blood too!
"Come here, Nick.", she said as placed him where she wanted him to be. There, she kissed him again. She was more violent, more confident in her kisses now. The free trial of gentle Maya had ended, and Phoenix was soon going to realize it.
She stripped open his fancy black suit and began caressing his abs. As she did that, they both felt a surge coursing in their body. Phoenix could very well recognize it, unlike Maya.
"Alright, I see that you've made your intentions clear enough, Ms. Fey.", he told her in his best masculine voice, "Playtime's over, though."
A second later, he turned her around and got on top. His gaze was intense, and no matter how hard she tried, Maya could simply not match it. He began to undress her, first starting with her blouse, then her bra and finally her skirt.
That body… Those refined feminine lines… Maya Fey, you have the body of a goddess.
They both knew there was no turning back in a few minutes, so Phoenix decided to ask the fateful question.
"Maya. Do you want to make love with me?", he asked her smilingly.
"Y-Yes…", she struggled to talk under his aura, "Of course. That's what I want the most right now. P-Please, Nick, make love with me!"
"I see. Well, I'll be happy to oblige. Can I?", he asked as he approached her breasts.
"I'm yours Nick. Yours and yours only.", she replied, now in complete confidence. She needn't say it twice.
He began to kiss her, everywhere on her body; he traced lines with his fingers all along her feminine curves. She was moaning in pleasure, which Phoenix took as a sign he could continue. And continue he did!
"N-Nick… I-I love you…!", she managed to say between two cries of extasy. She was lost, there was no other word to describe it.
"I love you too, Maya.", while Phoenix was showing his beloved Maya how much he loved her, she could only kiss him back when he went for her lips and pass her hands through his hair. They both could feel the sweat on each other's body, as they began to fall into a state of ultimate and infinite love.
Nick… The passion you're showing me right now… I've got to return it, at least a little. The young woman thought as she turned around so that the two of them were lying on the bed, side by side. He was caressing her nipples, she was kissing his abs. They felt like it was a win-win situation, and considering the noises they were making, they were right.
"My love… You're wet… Does that mean you want me?", he asked her.
"Yes… I want you, Nick. Please, I beg you, make me completely yours…!"
He didn't say anything else as she simply removed her panties while Phoenix removed his pants and boxer. They were now both completely naked, against each other's skin in a warm bubble that had formed around them.
Oh my… Nick really seems to be having a good time! Maya noticed with a smirk as she saw her boyfriend's manhood for the first time. However, she knew they'd have the best of times when he'd be inside of her. And thus…
"Nick, take me! I just can't stand the wait anymore!", she cried, urging him to deliver her of her erotic cage.
"Very well. But be prepared for a torrent of emotion, my love. I want to hear you cry my name.", he warned her as he got back over her. She opened her legs to him and suddenly, he began to go back and forth. Maya let out cries of extasy as Phoenix accelerated and slowed down successively. He was craving for her moans and was near orgasm also.
"N-Nick! F-Faster, Nick! I want you to take me faster!", Maya shouted.
"M-Maya, I love you!", was his reply as he did what she wanted. Every time he got deeper, Maya felt a part of her consciousness fade, until she couldn't take it anymore.
I'm coming, Nick! T-This is the proof of my love to you! She thought before she eventually released. On his hand, Phoenix, who with more experience was able to hold a little longer, eventually came too. His girlfriend felt his semen enter her body in a rapid flow.
Maya felt she was getting back to her senses as Phoenix dropped softly on her, completely worn out too. They both went back to Earth at the same time, and all the muscles in their body relaxed.
"I love you Maya.", Phoenix told her, his voice back to its normal, calm tone.
"I love you too, Nick.", she simply repeated, "What I just experienced… It was the best feeling I felt in my entire life."
"Eheh, I saw that…!", he replied playfully, "Was it your first time, my love?"
"Yeah. You're the one I lost my virginity to, Nick!", the brunette said and giggled.
"Not too bad for a virgin! You seemed rather comfortable."
"Hey, you should never underestimate Maya Fey!", Maya stated in a proud tone and planted a kiss on her boyfriend's forehead.
"Haha, I guess so!", the young man responded, "I'll be sure to never underestimate your love-making skills, then."
"You better not!", she warned him. He put his arms around her and brought her closer to him, "I'll have some surprises for you next time!"
"Well, I surely look forward to it.", he said before adding, "Maya, I'm going to promise you something else, okay?"
"Yeah, sure. What is it?", she wondered than yawned. Phew, all this stuff sure was exciting, but I'm exhausted!
"I'll do everything in my power so that we are free to love each other eternally, all right? Even after our lives are all set and done, we'll still be together. That is my promise."
"Well, I love that. But you're making it sound like we are gonna die tomorrow!"
"Well, no, obviously, but you get my point. Our love knows no boundaries, Maya. Not now, not in the future, and not in the afterlife."
"That's something else I can consent to!", she told him then yawned loudly.
"Hmpf, it looks like someone is in need of sleep. It's true that love-making is quite a tiredly activity. You should just fall asleep, Maya, we've both had a lo-", Phoenix began before hearing a sound near him.
In fact, she hadn't waited for him to retire into the arms of Morpheus and was now sleeping tightly. Phoenix found her sweet, snoring a little, which he knew would make it harder for him to fall asleep, but sweet, nonetheless.
Maya… You still are a little child, you know that…? Phoenix thought mentally as he stroked his girlfriend's long black hair softly. I promise you, Maya, that I'll never not love you. Whatever happens, you have earned a place in my heart that no one else will ever occupy. Whatever happens, it is forever and always for us two…
And with that, Phoenix Wright fell asleep with Maya Fey in his arms, on what was the best day of his life so far…
To be continued…
A.N: So there it is for the first part of the series! Hope you liked it! You perhaps even caught the few references I put in there? There was a fairly evident one from The Simpsons, one from PLvPW, one from Danganronpa and one from one of me favorite recent games, AI: The Somnium Files (you should play it!). I also challenge you to find why I chose 131251 as Phoenix's credit card code! The sequel will be coming out once it's written, but I can't give you a time frame.
Feel free to review and I'll reply in PM's! Critism is appreciated, even welcome!
As another side note, I'd like to ask you all to be prudent in these difficult times. The entire world is under the same threat with the coronavirus spreading around, so please remain safe.
Best regards, Moiloru.