Part I: Captivity in Freedom

Dear Iris,

We both know what a simple sap I become when I visit you at the Detention Center, so naturally I've been meaning to write you for a while. Don't get me wrong. Those visits are the happiest hours of my week and I intend to continue them until they let you out and I can hold you again. There's just so much to say and so little time to say it during those monitored visits. Here on paper I can open my innermost self to you and be sure that the only interested eyes to see me in this vulnerable state are yours. Frankly, you're the only person I can trust to handle this side of me with the necessary care. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I do believe it's time to end the formalities and begin my testimony. *wink*

Going on, I've been meaning to write you, but until recently I've lacked the opportunity. Work has kept me busy. First let me reassure you that Pearls has not dealt me any permanent nasal damage. After all, she'd never disfigure "Mr. Nick" and thus make him ugly for Mystic Maya to behold. That and Maya has been teasing me relentlessly about you ever since we met at Hazakura Temple. I begin to wonder if she's doing that partly to clue Pearls in. One way or another, Pearls will eventually get the picture. Maya has her work cut out for her learning to preside as the new Master of Kurain, but I think she's up to the task. She's strong, that one. Edgeworth continues to build his resume overseas. I just hope he doesn't get himself detained by some totalitarian power during his world tour. As for me, I have more freetime than usual, which is both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing in that it spares me the stress of down-to-the-wire courtroom showdowns and above all allows me to converse with you on a deeper level. It's a curse in that Wright & Co. Law Offices no longer makes money.

A few days ago, I lost my second and last case. As might be expected, it was another murder case. I took it on at the last minute. It turned out one of the few clues I had to work with was forged and I got roasted alive for it. I was disbarred on the grounds that I intentionally presented false evidence. The prosecutor himself seemed like a nice enough guy, but I have to ask: Why is it that the prosecution can present falsified testimony and come out relatively unscathed while the defense is only one step away from disbarment? I smell a rat but there doesn't seem to be much I can do about it. I'm free to go, but where do I go? It's alright, Iris; I don't expect an answer to those questions. I should be able to manage as long as I keep my wits about me. That's where you come in. I need you more than ever, Iris. As long as I have you, nothing can keep me down. The phoenix always comes back, after all. No matter how long and dark the tunnel, I'll keep moving forward as long as your love and companionship light the end.

But that's enough about me. My woes are a burden you shouldn't have to bear, especially since I'm sure you have woes of your own there in prison. If there's anything I can do to make your stay more bearable, please let me know. Especially now, while I scramble to find my place in the world, anything I can do to make you happy will help me feel useful. I gladly place myself entirely at your service.

Eternally Yours,

Feenie

Part II: Freedom in Captivity

Dearest Feenie,

You're always good for a laugh with your humility and sharp wit. You don't need to be eloquent when you visit me, Feenie. Your eyes say it all. In fact, I'm highly flattered that my presence has that effect on you. It's so dear that I would lean forward and hug you with all the strength I could muster if that glass wasn't in the way. Even so, that letter was precious. To think you still trust me that much after all you've been through...it's an honor beyond words and one I'll do everything in my power to earn.

Leave it to you to find a cold, practical motive for little Pearl to restrain her hand! That gave me the biggest laugh I've had for some time. Still, I hope she gets the hint soon. Seeing her hit you hurts me as much as it does you. Edgeworth...now he was an interesting fellow. Although a little stiff, he struck me as basically a kind man. Stern, but kind. I do remember, though, that he was surprisingly hostile toward the Kurain Tradition. He said its practitioners were "nothing but frauds". Since you're his friend, would you happen to know why he feels that way?

I'm glad you've managed to glean some good from your current situation, but that's a horrible chain of events! I can't help but admire your fortitude, Feenie. The world has conspired against you and you still put on a brave face for me. Oh, my poor Feenie! If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, you need only come to me. It's the least I can do after all you've done for me. I'm deeply touched that my continued affection strengthens you so, but you don't need to ask for it; you already have it. If I can absolve myself of all the wrong I've done you simply by waiting for you, then my every thought will be with you. Believe it or not, Feenie, prison hasn't been that bad. Sure it gets lonely, but you've done a lot to alleviate that already. Rumor has it that I'm "the happiest jailbird on the cellblock". It's all thanks to you. I need only remember your visits and a soft smile lights my face.

As far as what you can do for me, I have three simple requests. First, stay alive-I nearly lost you twice: once to Dahlia's malice and once to Dusky Bridge. I don't want to risk losing you again. Second, be my eyes-your last letter was an excellent example of that. Just keep doing what you're doing. I realize this last request may be a bit selfish, but please wait for me. You're the one I want to come home to when they release me. Sister Bikini has been very kind to me, but I only stayed at Hazakura Temple as long as I did to purify my soul. If you'll have me, I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life serving you as your wife. I eagerly await your next letter.

Singing in the Cage,

Iris