Yanmegaman: Ah, feels like forever since I've posted anything on my own profile. Well, here's something completely new, guys! This is actually my second collab with another author. I'm sure many of you have been keeping up with my collaborative work with JordanPhoenix, Crossfire, but this time, I'm working with my mate from down under, and proclaimed 'Violent little freak' himself, thepudz! If you guys haven't checked out his work before, by all means, do so. He's an amazing author who puts alot of hearts into his stories.
As for this story, it is VERY different than what I normally right. Truth be told, this started out as a drabble that I came up with while playing Skyrim, and from there, it grew into it's own fantasy AU fic. Hopefully this being an AU won't deter any of you from reading, as we plan to put all our blood sweat and tears into this story!

thepudz: Hoo, boy! I'm excited for this one! Some of you may have seen my stories roaming around this site. I'm extremely happy to be working on my first collaboration with someone I once, and still do, consider an inspiration! Hope you enjoy this great first chapter from him, guys.

Terminology notes

Septer: The ninth month of the year in this world.

Thalmun: Traitors to the Kingdom of Japanfornia. Defecting from the kingdom, they live their lives as bandits and murderers, seeking to overthrow the empire.

High Order: The King's personal guard, who swear to protect him with their lives.

Illusionist: Though mostly seen as nothing but mere entertainers, powerful illusionists are capable of bring their apparitions to our plain of existence.

Septer 5, 53rd year of the rule of King Ayu'ul
Luthan, Castle Attornia Courtyard

Clang!
Smash!
Clang clang!

The sounds of sword against sword rang through the morning air in the courtyard of Castle Attornia. The silhouettes of two warriors, one clad in black armor, the other in blue, could be seen battling it out. The two combatants locked blades with each other.

"Not bad, Wright. You're definitely improving." The female warrior in black commended her opponent as the two battled to gain the upper hand.

The blue clad knight with spikey black hair gritted his teeth. "Th-Thanks. That means a lot from you, Captain."

The captain smirked at her protégé. "But…" Suddenly, she pushed the man back, causing him to stumble before she rushed forward, her shield held before her, and charged into the blue knight, sending him sprawling to the ground on his back. She placed a foot on his chest. "You still have a ways to go."

This woman was Mia Fey. At 27 years old, she was youngest Captain of Royal Guard to date. Her deadliness with a blade was matched only by her beauty, which captivated all who looked upon her. She had led her army to victory many times over, securing peace across the kingdom.

Holding out a hand, she helped the younger knight to his feet.

"Somehow, you never cease to amaze me, Captain."

This young man was Phoenix Wright. At 24, he was well on his way to being his mentor's successor. Though he was a member of the Royal Guard, he had yet to see real combat, Mia telling him he still had much to learn, but that he had the greatest potential of any warrior she had ever known.

"That's good. The more surprises I throw at you, the more chances you have to learn and improve." The Captain explained, placing a hand on her underling's back. "Now c'mon. I think you've earned yourself a nice meal." She said, leading the man from the courtyard.

"A good meal, huh? You better not be taking me to Armstrong's Kitchen. My blacksmith friend, Larry, ate there the other day and hasn't managed to leave his own house in days."

"Gods no!" Mia exclaimed. "I'm rewarding you, not executing you! We're going to Rogue's Tavern. Word is they have a new item on the menu that's really gaining popularity."

"A new menu item, huh?" Phoenix inquired as the two wandered the streets of Luthan, the grand capitol city of the Kingdom. "Have you actually heard what it is?"

Mia shook her head. "No, actually. I hear they've been calling it a 'burger' but I haven't the faintest idea what in the world it is."

"A burger?" Phoenix asked as the two entered the tavern, which was filled to the brim with customers of all kinds. Knights, merchants, bounty hunters, and general citizenry packed the building, making it nearly standing room only.

"By the Gods! We'll never get our food in this mess!" Mia cried as she looked around the crowded building.

"Oi! Captain! Over here!" A voice cried from across the building. Both knights followed the voice and saw a beautiful woman with short red-orange hair underneath a tied bandanna waving them toward the bar. They slowly made their way over, weaving through the crowd.

"Rogue, what in the world is going on? I've only ever seen the tavern this packed during the Festival of Kings." Mia inquired as they reached the bar.

Rogue, the redheaded proprietor of the tavern smiled as she leaned on the bar top. "It's the new item. Folks can't get enough of it."

"Really? Your 'burgers' are this popular?" Phoenix asked as he placed an arm on the bar.

"Sure are! That new cook's a genius. But, I doubt two high ranking Royal Guards are here for idle chit chat. I take it you'll be wanting a couple burgers?"

"Yes, please. And if you could hurry, that would be great. I only have a little bit of time before I have to go to the King's chambers." Mia explained.

"The King's chambers? Why's that, Captain?" Phoenix asked as he managed to find a seat at the bar.

Mia took a seat next to him. "A famous entertainer will be arriving soon to put on a show for the king. Even though it should be fairly safe, High Order Captain Skye requested I be there as security. You never know when those Thalmun bastards could try something."

"True enough." Phoenix replied. "I'm sure you heard about that famous merchant caravan they attacked the other day, right?"

"The Faraday caravan? Of course I heard. It's appalling. Only a little girl survived the attack. And I think they kept her alive to serve as a message."

"A sick message. They want her to tell everyone about the horrors she witnessed. Put the people in a state of panic." Phoenix added, his hands clenching into fists.

"It won't work. We Royal Guards will ensure that. No matter the horrors the Thalmun may throw at us, we will stand ready to fend them off and serve as a beacon of hope for the people."

"Here ya go, you two." Rogue suddenly arrived, delivering two mugs full of ale. "A couple of ales on the house."

Mia smiled at the woman. "Thank you, Rogue." She snatched up a mug and held it high. "A toast, Wright. To the Royal Guard!"

Phoenix smirked as he held his mug in the air. "To the Royal Guard!"

The clinked their mugs together and took a large drink just as Rogue returned, delivering their food. "And here's your burgers!"

The two knight's looked down at their plates, their faces registering utter confusion.

"Rogue, what in the world is this?" Mia asked bluntly as she examined what appeared to be a loaf of bread with a slab of beef between it topped with lettuce and tomato.

"Oh right, guess ya haven't had one yet. Well, as the cook tells me, it's exactly what it looks like. He cuts a piece of bread in half and puts a piece of beef between it. I did ya both a favor and had him dress it up real nice. Ya got lettuce and a sliced tomato, and also some fresh cheese on it. Just give it a taste already!"

"Alright. We did come here for it anyway." Mia grabbed her burger with both hands and took a big bite of it, chewing and savoring the flavor of it before swallowing. "This… Is pretty damn good. Give it a taste, Wright."

Phoenix grabbed his burger, examining it a moment longer before finally taking a bite. "It's… Not bad, I suppose."

This caused Mia to groan. "I swear, Wright, you're the pickiest person I've ever met. You'd die of dehydration if it wasn't for grape juice."

"So I'm not the easiest person to feed. Big deal. Just means more rations for the other knights."

Mia simply let out a sigh as she pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "Fair enough, I suppose. Hey Rogue, do you have the time?"

Rogue held up a finger and walked to a nearby window, looking at a sundial outside. "Looks like it's nearly 3."

"Crap! I gotta get moving." The chocolate haired warrior stood from her seat and grab her burger. "Good thing this is a portable lunch." She looked to her subordinate. "Wright, go train with some of the other knights for another hour, then call it a day."

"You got it, Captain. Enjoy the show!"

The woman smiled. "You know as well as I do that I'm not going to watch a show. I'm on duty. I'll see you tomorrow, Wright." With that and another bite of her burger, the Captain rushed out of the tavern.

"I swear, I ain't ever seen a guard so dedicated to her work." Rogue said as she absentmindedly wiped the bar with a rag.

"Or as strong. I'm lucky to have been chosen as her protégé." Phoenix said as he took another bite of his sandwich.

Rogue simply smirked. "Ain't no such thing as luck in the world, kid. Just the will of the Gods."

Mia rushed up the stairs to the throne room, her armor clanking all the while as she choke down the last bite of her burger. It figures I would be late. Not looking forward to facing Skye for this one!

Finally, she reached the top of the stairs and burst through the door. She was greeted with the site of several High Order knights standing at their posts, with Captain Lana Skye standing before his Majesty, King Ayu'ul.

Skye kept her back turned as she spoke. "Late as usual, I see, Fey. What about 'at exactly 3' did you not understand?"

"Forgive me, Captain. It was not my intention to be late." Mia said as she saluted her superior.

"Hmph." Skye finally turned to face the woman, her chocolate brown hair spinning behind her. "It is not I you should apologize to, Miss Fey. But rather, his Majesty."

"Y-You're right, Captain." Mia said through gritted teeth before stepping before the king and kneel. "Forgive me for my tardiness, my King. It will not happen again."

However, a jubilant laugh was what Mia was met with.

"Worry not, Captain Fey. You've nothing to apologize for." The wise old king responded, his hand stroking his long beard. "Nothing transpired in your absence. And I doubt anything will in your presence."

"Y-Your Majesty…" Mia stood at her feet again before bowing to her King. "Thank you."

"Think nothing of it, dear. Please, take your post and get ready for the show. Our guest today is a world renowned illusionist."

"Of course, sir." Mia said with a smile.

King Ayu'ul had been the ruling King for the last 53 years. He was a very peaceful King who loved his people greatly, going out of his way to ensure they were happy. He was once a renowned warrior in his own right, but at this point in life, he had long since laid down his blade.

"Your Majesty! The guest approaches!" One High Order knight announced from the entrance to the throne room.

"Excellent! Let them in." The king ordered.

Two knights grabbed the massive wooden doors and pulled them open, beyond the doors, two figures, both clad in purple robes walked forward, entering the throne room as the knights closed the doors behind them.

"Your Majesty," The larger figure started as he pulled his hood down to reveal a dark skinned man with a moustache beneath. "It is a great pleasure to finally be performing for you. It has been a dream of mine for many years."

"The pleasure is all mine, Zak Gramarye. Word of your skills in illusions have spread far and wide. I needed to see them for myself." The old king smiled at his guests. "Now, if you don't mind my asking, who is this you have brought with you?"

"Oh! My apologizes, your Majesty!" Zak pulled the hood from the his smaller companion, revealing an adorable little girl, perhaps around age 13, with chocolate brown hair and a bright smile. "This is my daughter, Trucy. I apologize for not informing anyone, but I do not go anywhere without her. Not only is he my pride and joy, she is also a part of my performance."

"That's right!" Trucy exclaimed. "I've been helping my daddy with his illusions since I was 8! He'd be lost without me!"

Mia barely stifled a laugh at this. This girl is adorable. I can't wait to see was she and her father are capable of.

The King simply laughed. "No problems at all, Mr. Gramarye. Now, please feel free to start whenever you are ready."

"Of course, your Majesty!" With that, both Zak and Trucy shed their robes, two knights politely taking them. Underneath the robes, the two illusionists wore black garb with black fingerless gloves. "Prepare to be amazed, your Majesty, as the great Gramaryes perform just for you!"

Phoenix sighed as he took a seat by the walls of the courtyard as he took a long drink from his canteen. The knight was absolutely swamped at this point, having sparred with nearly every other knight around him.

Well, save for one.

One other knight still remained whom he hadn't challenged, for he knew better.

This other knight was Miles Edgeworth. Though the same age as Phoenix himself, Miles carried himself with the attitude of a seasoned warrior. And with good reason. He had seen him go toe to toe with Mia and actually push the Captain to her limits. Though also a knight in training, Edgeworth was well on a different course than Phoenix, having been handpicked by Lana Skye to join the High Order.

Edgeworth noticed Phoenix taking a break and strode over to him, his red armor rattling with each step.

"Calling it quits already, Wright? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised." The silver haired knight mocked his compatriot.

"Hey, not all of us can be endless supplies of energy, Edgeworth."

"Hmph." Edgeworth folded his arms across his chest. "I suppose not. With that laid back Captain of yours, it's no wonder her warriors are so soft."

Phoenix immediately shot up from his seat. "You take that back! Captain Fey is a shining example of what we should all strive for as knights! Not like that heartless Ice Queen of a Captain that heads your High Order."

Edgeworth scowled at this comment, his hand already reaching for the sword at his waist. "I will not take back the truth. However, you would do well to go back on your comments about Captain Skye."

Phoenix, not even thinking about who his opponent was at this point, reached for his own sword. "I don't plan to go back on the truth either."

Both warriors stared the other down for a moment, waiting for one to make the first move. However, this showdown was not meant to be.

BOOM!

The sound of a massive explosion rang through the courtyard. Everyone quickly scanned the area before finally locating the source.

A massive cloud of smoke billowed from the top of the main tower.

"T-That's the throne room!" One person cried out.

"The King! The king is in danger!"

Phoenix stared wide-eyed at the scene for a moment before looking to Edgeworth. "Edgeworth!"

"Let's move!" The red knight cried as he began to rush to the tower, Phoenix not far behind.

"D-Damn it." Mia looked around her at the horrific scene. Everyone was dead. Captain Skye, the High Order Knights, and worst of all, the King. Only one other living soul remained in the room besides herself.

But that was precisely the problem. If she was to survive, she needed to kill this last person before they killed her.

Zak Gramarye stood in the center of the room, a dark, sinister purple aura surrounding his body as he breathed heavily.

It had all happened so suddenly. One moment, Zak and his daughter had created the illusion of a dragon dancing in flower petals. The next, the dragon was no longer a mere illusion and attacked, killing everyone in the room. Even Zak's own daughter lay still at the other end of the room. Mia prayed that there was a chance some life remained in her. If only so she could save one life this day.

Zak, his eyes glowing a demonic red and his teeth gritted stepped slowly forward as Mia held her blade in front of her. She had one advantage. Her sword was enchanted. Enchanted by the Royal Enchantress herself, this blade could be used to deflect magic attacks, as it could not be used as a conduit for magic. In the hands of a spellsword, it was useless. Wielded against one, it was deadly.

"G-Gurk!" Zak stopped suddenly, seeming to be in pain. He collapsed to the floor. "G-Get out of… My head. Get out!"

"What are you talking about!?" Mia demanded as she cautiously stepped closer to her foe.

"Get…. GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Zak cried louder before looking at Mia, his eyes seemingly returned to normal, and tears streaming from them. "P-Please… Madame Knight… K-Kill me." He pleaded. "Kill me… Get it… Out."

"What do you mean? Get what out!?"

"I-I… I do not… Know. Just… KILL ME. KILL ME NOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!" Suddenly, Zak rose to his feet again, reaching out to Mia. However, the knight stopped back before he could touch her and Zak stopped in his place. "N-now… Do it… Now. I-I can't…Can't hold on. Stab… Stab me! The heart. NOW!"

Mia had no idea what was going on, but she knew this man's death would end it. So she obliged his request, driving her blade deep into his chest, the sword piercing clean through his body and poking through his back.

At that moment, Phoenix and Edgeworth, accompanied by many other knights burst through the main entrance and were horrified at the scene.

"Captain! What's happened!?" Phoenix cried out.

Mia, still holding her sword in Zak's chest, turned to face the knights. "Knights… T-The king-" However, Mia would never finish her sentence.

In that moment, Zak's supposedly lifeless corpse sprung back to life and reached a hand out, clamping a hand around the knight's throat.

"CAPTAIN!" Phoenix cried out and rushed forward, his sword already unsheathed. Several other knights followed behind him.

Mia had genuine fear in her eyes as Zak's glowing red orbs stared into her soul. She had no time to react before Zak cast a lightning spell.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Mia's bloodcurdling scream echoed through the throne room as electricity coursed through her body. Phoenix ran with all the energy he could muster and swung his blade down at Zak's arm, cutting through the appendage like butter.

Zak and Mia both fell to the ground. The other knights surrounded Zak, readying themselves for battle should he rise again. Phoenix, however, dropped his sword and rushed to Mia's side.

"Captain! Speak to me! Are you alright!? Speak, say something!" Phoenix pleaded as he cradled his mentor in his arms.

"W-Wright." Mia choked out weakly.

"Captain! You're gonna be alright. I'm sure healers are on their way right now!" Phoenix assured the woman.

"N-No. T-This is… The end… f-for me, Wright."

"Don't say that! You can't die!"

"I-I have no… Choice. I… I have no more… Strength." Mia's eyes were slowly drifting closed.

"I won't let you die!" Phoenix quickly looked around at his compatriots. "Quick! Does anyone have a healing potion? I need one, now!"

"W-Wright." Mia said once more, catching the man's attention. "Please… Stop. A knight… A knight faces death… With honor."

"C-Captain." Phoenix could feel tears welling up in his eyes.

"N-Not… Captain. Y-y-you… Are the… Captain. Now."

"Mia, no. I-I can't! I'm not ready!"

Mia's eyes finally closed, and with her final breath, she said one last thing. "Yes… You… Are."

Phoenix stared at his mentor and friend in utter shock. No, this can't be happening! "Mia! Mia, wake up! Please Mia!"

The other knights stared on sadly; moments ago ascertained that Zak Gramarye was no more. Even Edgeworth felt a pang of sadness for this warrior weeping over his mentor's body.

A few minutes passed before Phoenix gently laid the woman back on the ground and stood to face the knights. "Men… Captain Mia Fey has passed. But with her last breath… She appointed me Captain of the Royal Guard." He looked over the men, expecting one person or another to raise an objection to this. No one did. "Though it cannot be made official until a ruling King makes it so, I will lead you until that decision is made. My first order as Captain; Fan out and search for any survivors!"

The knights all nodded and spread across the room, looking for any signs of life. Phoenix joined in, wandering to the far end of the room and looking at the bodies of the fallen knights. He recognized some of them. Each and every one was a good man who would have fought to their last breath to defend the great Kingdom of Japanafornia. Phoenix finally noticed a person who seemed out of placed. A young girl garbed in black. He knelt down and removed his gauntlet, pressing two fingers to the girl's neck, check for signs of life. He found one, but it was weak. "I found one! I need a healer, immediately!"

At that moment, the healers finally rushed in, one running to Phoenix's side and immediately beginning to cast a healing spell on the girl. Within moments, the girl's eyes fluttered open and she looked directly at Phoenix.

"W-Who are you?" She asked.

"I'm Phoenix. Don't worry, I'm here to help you."

The girl's eyes, however, began to close again. Before she fell back into unconsciousness, she said one final word. "D-Daddy."

Septer 11
Carthos, Market

News had spread quickly of the death of King Ayu'ul. The entire Kingdom was in a state of mourning for the late King. However, one woman, although still troubled by His Majesty's passing, was in greater despair.

This woman was Maya Fey. She was the sister of Captain Mia Fey, and at 18, she was a powerful user of dark magic. Though the usage of dark magic was not heavily practiced, it was not taboo to do so. Some would look at its users with fear, thinking them witches who speak to demons. But this was not so. Dark magic's roots dabbled in the destructive side of nature. Other forms of magic touched upon it, but never delved deep into the true destructive force of magic. Only those with a strong mind could wield dark magic safely. And though Maya was inexperienced, she held more power in herself than any other mage.

"That will be 10 gold, miss." The market vendor said.

Maya counted out the gold and handed it to the merchant. "Here you are."

"Thank you. You have a nice day miss, and may the Gods watch over you."

"And also over you." Maya replied in the customary fashion. Though, she wished for the Gods to watch over only one person right now.

Her sister.

Since the day the king died, she had heard nothing of her sister, and it was beginning to worry her. She had expected to hear from someone within a few days. But nearly a week had passed and no word. She tried to justify this, telling herself that with the death of the King, all the Royal knights were busy with other more important duties. And besides, the death of the Captain of the Royal Guard would have been nearly as big as the death of the king, right?

"Mystic Maya!" A voice called out behind Maya. The raven haired woman turned around to see her young cousin, Pearl Fey running towards her.

"Oh, Pearly. It's good to see you. What do you need?" Maya asked, a smile plastered on her face.

Pearl finally reached the woman and returned her forced smile with a genuine one. "I just wanted to accompany you. You're going home now, right?"

Maya couldn't help but giggle at the little girl. "Yes, I am. I was just about to go cook some dinner. Would you like to help me?"

Before Pearl could reply, another voice cut into their conversation. "I'm afraid she is much too busy, Mystic Maya."

Both girls turned around to see Maya's aunt and Pearl's mother, Morgan Fey, garbed in her trademark black robes.

"B-but mommy, I finished all my training today. Can't I please go with Mystic Maya." Peal pleaded.

Morgan simply shook her head. "No, I am sorry, Pearl. We've much we must do at our own home." She grabbed her daughter's hand and looked at Maya, an almost angry look on her face. "Good day to you, Mystic Maya." With that, the mother and daughter walked away.

Maya sighed as she stepped forward on the cobblestone road, continuing to her home. The trip took nearly 10 minutes, but she finally reached her door. Just as she was about to open it and step inside, someone called out to her.

"Miss! Hold on just a moment, miss!"

Maya froze in her tracks and turned around to see a man in a set of silver Royal Guard armor rushing toward her.

She breathed a quick sigh of relief. Surely her sister had sent this man to assure her of her safety.

"What is it, sir knight?" She asked as the man reached her.

The man quickly saluted Maya before speaking. "I was sent by the Captain to deliver something to you." He said as he dug into his massive bag of supplies strapped to his back.

"Deliver something? Whatever would my sister be sending me at such a time?"

The knight finally pulled something wrapped in cloth out of his pack. "That's just it, miss. I come baring news not from Captain Fey, but from Captain Wright." He held the object out to her. "I'm sorry."

The purple clad mage looked at the object for a moment. Surely this wasn't what she thought it was. She quickly took it from the knight, unravelling the cloth to see what lay beneath.

She immediately wished she hadn't.

She fell to the ground on her knees, cradling her sister's sword.

"No… No, this can't be! She can't be dead!" Maya cried out, not caring how loud she was being.

"I'm sorry miss, but it's true. Captain Mia Fey was slain by the same assailant who took the life of King Ayu'ul. She is to put to rest in two days' time. I was sent to take you to the capitol. I realize this is a lot to take in. So please take your time."

"A lot to take in!? Are you kidding!?" Maya suddenly screamed at the knight. "My sister is dead! She was all I had left in this world, and now she's gone!"

"Miss, I –"

"Just go away!" The girl screamed, her voice growing louder still.

"Miss, please…" The knight placed a hand on the girl's shoulder.

'DON'T TOUCH ME!" The mage screamed at the top of her lungs, and suddenly, the knight was thrown backwards into a nearby building. Maya sat there on her knees, weeping and breathing heavily as a dark aura surrounded her. "Sis… Sis… Sis…" Suddenly, she raised the sword into the air. "SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!" With one mighty thrust, she plunged the blade deep into the ground, sending out shockwaves of purple energy.

The citizens of the city saw this and began to panic. They'd always feared this girl's powers, as she was not in full control of them, but now it seemed she had lost control entirely. The town guard began quickly trying to evacuate the city as Maya channed more of her power into the ground through the sword. With each pulse of her power, the aura surrounding her grew darker, and the fissures being created by the shockwaves from the blade grew larger.

"SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!" With one final pulse of her immense powers, one massive shockwave spread across the entire city, destroying everything in its path. Maya continued to scream as her powers were pushed to their absolute limit. Finally, she released her hold on the blade and fell to the ground, unconscious.