WHO SAID THIS STORY WAS DEAD?! Thank you all for the wait! It has been a year, but I'm not giving up! I'm not explaining why I took long because c'mon, really. You want a story! Well here you go! Well, one honest reason was because I want the story to pop out and surprise readers and I have anxiety over that! XD Chapter 52! Some editing will done around earlier chapters, but nothing story changing, just tiny details for emphasis and future clues.

I am giving a shout out to:

AO3 comments:

JordanPhoenix (For being you!)

Lady Von Whippingburg (For having an amazing name and interest for Layton!)

Prophet Mustache (For being awesome)

Halfangeltje (sorry for the overbearing cliffhanger)

Cjae (You too! Sorry.)

WrightLover (because I honestly gushed when you said you read all 51 chapters in a day)

Rebby (For the overwhelming unsolved mystery)

My fanfiction subscribers & other people who stayed faithful

Influenced for the actual canon timeline for Ace Attorney, September 2016! The release of Spirit of Justice (Sept 8. For 'Murica) and Narumayo Day (September 5th)! Sorry for my lateness, but better late than never! JordanPhoenix is a great influence on me and because of her, I have a favourite minor ship. Check out her story about it: Turnabout-Everlasting


Sunshine Colosseum

September 6 10:30 a.m.

The grand hall was crowded with viewers of all ages. In fact, Trucy wasn't actually surprised that the Colosseum would be packed at all. Numerous tables arranged in a giant hemisphere, draped in white cloth almost skimming the floor, color schemed in blue centerpieces and balloons for the birthday boy. They stopped right at the foot of the stage, where almost every angle can get a good shot for the magician's performance. Trucy's fame managed to even surpass the parent's decision of the birthday boy by choosing the magician herself instead of the former clown and 'woman' looking entertainer from a renowned circus. She simply looked through the giant red draped curtains that obscured her from the rest of the giant hall room. People were still being seated, picking some hor' derves off the side trays of small foods and snacks before the actually cutting of the cake. She breathed in and out before turning back towards the stage. There were numerous props as well as some assistants arranging and helping the magician for the big show.

"Let's see…" She inspected herself up and down. "Hat… Check… Wand… Check… Mr. Hat?"

Suddenly, the whirl and wind body of wood stood up before snatching the cyan blue hat from the magician's head. "Here, Madam!"

"Check! Okay, back under with you Mister!" Trucy wagged her finger playfully.

"Certainly!" The wooden spectacle retreated. "Now there is one more very important person I have to check on," The magician riddled.

She managed to rummage through the lot of boxes, props, hoops, rings, costumes, and accessories all the way to one of the main setups to one of her grand acts. A large black, but decorative table, more boxlike compared to a coffin, with two doors opened, revealing the empty innards of the crate. On her approach, she met a familiar pink figure with brown pretzel hair, nervously biting her nail. She appeared to be looking into the box, confused on perhaps the arrangement itself. Trucy could only giggle as she approached Pearl.

"Having second thoughts?" Trucy poked at the medium. She looked nervous, but mostly confused. Her attention was towards the paper thin openings on the door sides of the box where the swords would be sheathed onto.

"Oh!" Pearl gasped. "It's not that. It's just… How does the magic work with the box?"

"That's the magician's job. Pearly." Trucy teased with the tip of her hat. "Just leave that to me."

In a few more moments, Trucy knew she would be shoving a large sword into the very same box Pearl was going to be in, but she was more than aware that Pearl would not even be close to harm's way.

Trucy leaned forward to her sister figure, partially covering her mouth with her gloved hands, "can you keep a secret?"

"Oh! Yes, yes, I can!" Pearl chimed, her hands clasping together merrily. Her excitement showing from the bounce of her hair.

"Okay! ...I'm going to tell you the secret to one of my best tricks." The magician boastead. "People normally always need to bring pillows because they're jaws always hit the floor with this one!"

"Ooooh! Tell me!" Pearl reminisced. "You said it was called the Weak-Land trick?"

"Hehe, it's the Wakeling trick." Trucy corrected. "So Pearly, all you have to do is fit into the box in the position that I told you."

Pearl climbed into the box, grabbing onto the edges for better leverage and sat upright where her legs took up the bottom end of the box. She looked so small in comparison. "Are you sure I'm not supposed to be lying completely flat?"

Pearl was met with a worried look on Trucy's face,"No! No!" It faded quickly in assurance,

"I don't want to cut you in half!"

The poor medium seemed to have a hard time comprehending "Isn't that part of the act? You somehow use your magic to split the casket in two and then you use your magic to put me back together again!"

"Hee hee… That's not how it works Pearl. I told you part of the secret. I can't tell you the whole secret!"

"Aww…" Pearl bobbed her head down, minor sadness on her face. "I thought magic somehow prevented me from feeling the pain and heal me."

Trucy lightly patted Pearl's shoulder, "Sorry Pearly, it doesn't work like that."

Trucy could partially see Pearl's inner struggle. She looked a little fussy about something. "For some reason, spirit channeling sounds more simple. If I'm in this position, how are my legs going to stick out of the other side?"

"That's where half of the Magic comes in!"

"OH! Okay. I think I get it now!"

"Plus, Daddy wanted me to take extra care of you. I don't want to cut my promise or you." Trucy joked.

"Heehee…" Pearl cupped her face, her complexion saddled in pink.

"What is it, Pearly?"

The little medium slightly swooned in the box. "Have you noticed how happy Mr. Nick and Mystic Maya are now? They couldn't' wait for each other… especially Mr. Nick!"

Trucy now knew where this was going. "I know right! I haven't seen Daddy this happy in a loooong time."

Pearl could only shake her head happily. "Mr. Nick… He never wanted to admit it. I knew he was Mystic Maya's special someone! He almost trampled her from excitement!"

"Daddy always pretends be always so cool and collected, but look at him now. He couldn't even keep his hands to himself!" She stifled a giggle. "Oh my goodness, Pearly! You're turning red."

"Like yesterday how he danced how happily with Mystic Maya!" She sighed. "It was so… SO!"

"Romantic!" Trucy finished. "It was so weird though how Daddy changed so quickly! Like, he was all 'no! No!' at first, but then he just stopped and grabbed her!" She giggled. "See Pearly! That's what love does."

"You could see it in his eyes and how he held her waist…!" Pearl whimpered lightly, swooning more into the box.

"Careful Pearl! You're going to hit your head!"

"It just took him so long!" The medium sounded angry. "How could he?! Keeping Mystic Maya waiting like that! That is practically a crime! I mean, I would understand Mystic Maya in a way for taking so long because she had her training to become the Master of Kurain, but Mr. Nick!" Pearl quieted down. "Well… I guess in a way… he also had an excuse… when he lost his badge and stuff and he had to take care of you."

"Yeah… He did go through a rough time. But that was then. This is now, Pearl! Athena and Polly work together in the office, Daddy has his badge back, Maya gets to see him once in awhile…"

"The last scroll is one of the longest and challenging one's to perfect from what I've heard. That's when the acolyte finally gains the title of master." Pearl's hands found their way on her face. "But, now that it's all over, we get to visit way more often and see what blooms between them!"

"Everything is going so well after a long time now…"

"It's like a dream, isn't it?! And I don't want to wake up from it!"

"It is about time I finally have a…"

"Trucy…?" The magician's hat was lower than usual. Pearl could barely see the visage of the magician. "You okay?" She lightly shook her. "Trucy…? Why are you sad?"

"I'm not sad Pearly…" She sniffed, "I'm happy… I'm very happy."

"Me too, but why are you crying…?" The medium was slightly shaken. She never saw Trucy cry. It was foreign to her. Trucy was always so happy, so optimistic, so cheerful. Everything is going so well. 'Why would she cry?'

"Pearl… Only Daddy knew how I truly felt… Having a daddy… it's great. He was there to take me to school. He takes me to to work. Despite how reluctant he was at first hehe…" A quiet sniff interrupting her. "With an eight year old doing small acts, but it was all I can do to repay him… For taking me in when I had nobody..." She finally looked at Pearl, wincing slightly as tears rimmed her eye, on the brim of falling. "Surviving a lot like Uncle Gumshoe… hehe… hot and salty noodles sometimes or whatever we could afford. When Daddy or I would get a little extra over bills. But as much as I loved him… despite always being there for me and we always took care of each other… I always felt like there was something missing…"

"Trucy…"

"Do you think…?" Her words almost watery. "Do you think Maya can finally watch over Daddy?"

"Mystic Maya can definitely visit Mr. Nick way more often." Pearl protested. "She's finished her training!"

"No. No, Pearl. That's not what I meant."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you think Maya can be with Daddy… permanently."

"...!" With her hands flying towards her mouth, Pearl said, "Of course they can! Back when Mystic Maya was still in training, Mr. Nick and her were still together and no matter what, he was always her knight in shining armor! So there's no need to cry, Trucy. Besides her duties, Mystic Maya can always visit Mr. Nick."

"Pearl. I know that." Her lips still eclipsed between grinning and grimacing. "You told me. It's just, everything is going so well. It's almost something I'm not used to."

Her grip on the box tightened against the gloved hand, "It's almost hard to believe, huh. Maybe I can finally go around the world now."

"It's love and magic, Trucy!" Pearl finally leapt out of the box and hugged Trucy, squeezing her in reassurance. Whimpering and sniffling softly, she firmly grasped her in response. "I'm sorry, Pealy. I guess seeing everyone all happy is getting me emotional, especially Daddy." She giggled sadly, watery but gentle. "And what do you mean it's magic?"

Pearl managed to distance herself to look at the blue magician. Her face tinged pinkish as her eyes, but a very tiny smile still there. It was still odd having her cry, even there were no tears of wholly comprised of melancholy, but Pearl knew much more. She couldn't help but reflect it, "I can't tell you that secret."

Trucy could only snort, "Oh, quiet you!" She let go, relinquishing herself from Pearl's hold. She finally wiped the tears away, shuddering infinitesimal amounts, before clearing her throat. "We have a show Pearl! The tears can finish coming out later!"

"Okay. I'll be waiting right here!" Pearl waved excitedly.

"Oh, thank you! The locale is wonderful and enormous, gracious for my boy! This place is famous no less! I heard it was once homeage of a once spectacular group known as Troupe Gramarye!"

"Thank you for your invitation and there is no need to thank me, truly. I merely recommended the best performer I know."

"You recommended, not inviting you would be an insult. She is the daughter of that lawyer that defended a while back? Such an accusation is ridiculous! Clearly, they don't know you. Even the lawyer in your stead was infuriated as well!"

"He was…? Wasn't he… The news is old... What can we do really? At least it wasn't self-defense by funk dancing!"

"Hahahaha!"

"Haha!"

"But seriously, the man practically became putty. The true culprit was never captured! It's almost horrifying! Will you be alright, Ms. Fate?"

"Your concern is appreciated. But have no fear! Someone is investigating it as we speak."

"Really?"

"Yes. So if anything were to ever occur, you, your guests, and everyone else here is protected."

"Ohohoh… Thank you! But please! Please! Enjoy yourself, and… are you sure you prefer to be all the way in the back? Why not the best view in the front?"

"Come now. If I were to watch over all of you, bird's eye view would be perfect."

"Ah… tsk! You're right. Please enjoy the show. The performers are allowed first bid on all the food!"

"Sincerely noted."

The curtains were almost ready to divide. 'No shaky voice,Truce.' Everything was set, performers on the double and an audience full of excitement. There was no turning back, and she was even thinking about it as she stood at the precipice of the stage. They bent and glided away, curtains unveiling them all to her presence. Round of applause came from all

"Thank you all for coming to the Sunshine Colosseum! Today will be dedicated entirely to the birthday boy! Everyone sit back and be amazed!"

More rowdy noises came from the crowd. This was definitely one of her best days and she wouldn't wish it any other way.

"Mmmm… Hello Darkness. My old friend." The man glided the ceramic around his nose before peering upward. "I have been in the wrong profession… I must learn this magic!"

He noticed the woman walking towards before looking at him. "Age before beauty…" He gimmicked. She sat besides. He noticed she has been awfully quiet after the night before. "So… That's the magician?"

"Yes."

'That was quick.'

"Apparently she was abandoned by her father some time ago… Oof! It's quite cumbersome on the ears in here." Though being at the farthest table enjoying her palette, she knew she preferred more quiet environments.

"That's what happens when you know how to liven up a crowd. You were saying."

"Oh yes. Where was I…? A legal dispute among the Troupe Gramarye eventually led to a suspicion of murder, but its true nature was actually suicide…"

"Hmmm… Seems she has gotten herself tangled in a web she was unable to claw out of."

"Of course… being at the age of about eight, I believe, her main solace was with Mr. Wright." The magician's beginning act almost had the audience waving hysterically as confetti and sudden appearing props came from almost out of thin air, internally she admitted it was astounding. "I wonder what drives her… what makes her immune to all the tension around. I have to admire, she is innately strong."

"Perhaps she made a foundation of the very bricks thrown at her," he stared at the woman besides him, still admiring the ceramic he held. "It's an attractive quality."

"Continuing on, the trial that set out nearly a decade ago, State vs. Enigmar, I believe. Zak Enigmar was accused of murder, murdering his very tutor, Magnifi Gramarye. Strange right? You would think, why would someone want to murder someone who is already on death's row? To put them out of their misery? To usurp some sort of treasure from them? But it wouldn't add up. Even to the very end, Magnifi was a trickster, setting up a scheme, a sort of test, to prove whether his students, Zak Enigmar or Valant Gramarye, to inherit all his fortune and secrets. But…"

"This first, schemes later…" The man nuzzled.

"But… greed… greed tends to manifest in the hearts of those who have festered hatred over time… Zak indeed passed Magnifi's little riddle, thus he bestowed all his belongings onto him. Valant wasn't exactly too keen when he found out that Zak not only had made it to Magnifi before he had, but to stumble upon his body. You know, Cheshire… he said, a little demon… a voice told him to set up the scene in a way where it looked like Zak committed murder, allowing the treasury to turn to him. I should ask him if my demons sound similar…" She trailed off.

He nudged. "Right here…"

"Very funny… Where was I…? Oh, yes, I remember. That is where Mr. Wright comes in. During the trial, it was made present that the idea of suicide was the true cause of Magnifi's death, an idea. The evidence to further claim this idea at hand was given to the messenger."

"Who knew the messenger was the one who shot?" He hummed distastefully.

"Yes. That piece of evidence was a ticking time bomb, ready to go off at any moment in that court… goodness…! Reminds me of that trial quite a while back… except… metaphorically of course."

"Underhanded sabotage… That case surely raised the roof in that courthouse."

"...No one was killed directly by the blast. One positive outcome of that trial." The acts Trucy was putting out only grew more exotic and vivacious, this time pulling out a blue pair of undergarments, but what was even crazier is how the woman puzzled on the vast amount of space or perhaps an alternate dimension within the fabric. 'How on earth did all those animals come out of that?! Apparently Noah also had magic underwear.'

The dark man rested his elbow on the side before nudging her again. He waved his hand in emphasis. "The poor girl didn't know. I have to say, despite eventually being aware that the forged evidence was unintentionally given to him by Trucy, instead of channeling his energy into hating her, he loved her and accepted her…"

"Hmm… He didn't resort to attacking her, but the message. That debate was one he wasn't planning on losing." He smirked. 'I am not surprised, Wright. Chasing a riddle to the bitter end...'

"He knew… it wasn't… her… fault…"

"Are you okay?"

"Y-yes… just."

"Here…"

"Despite the strong taste, it's actually a bit relaxing…wait...did you put…?!"

"Nuh-uh! Not yet…"

"Right… right… Thank you...Cheshire..." She shook lightly. "As I was saying… when there were no 'known' living relatives to turn to after all the attempted calls, he accepted her, as his own… And look at her now. Practically oozing the talent, but pure of the taint."

"You mentioned 'known' living relatives. She doesn't know…"

"No… oddly enough. Despite her prowess, she is still oblivious or perhaps chooses to keep it quiet. I can't exactly read minds all the time. There are actually… No. No… I cannot relinquish all the details for certain beloveds out there."

"The boy is definitely one."

"Yes. And very well yet, her mother."

"The mother…?!" He turned swiftly.

"Practically exactly where my research began… before I met you. Now as much as I love you, I cannot exactly go on and tell you everything, Cheshire, there is something called patient confidentiality that I cannot break."

"Despite all you've been through, you won't break that promise…?"

"Nope!" Her chin cutting the air, "I never break my promises… that I promise you, unless I am given permission." Changing the topic, "as I mentioned earlier, Valant hated Zak for not only gaining the upperhand in legal affairs, but also in romance…"

The man rose his elbow off the table.

"Zak and Valant were not the only members of the Troupe Gramarye, but consisted of Thalassa Gramarye, the daughter of Magnifi. Zak captured the heart of Thalassa before Valant could. Thus the blue magician you see up there, the genetic cocktail, lui, exists! However, an accident had occurred and was covered up by Magnifi, but this came at a cost. With the teacher's daughter out of commission, Magnifi practically tortured Valant and Zak afterwards. Suffering from amnesia, she was eventually sent out somewhere in Europe… That is what caused a monumental amount of festering tension between the disbanded troupe. Ripe and ready as I was I found one of my greatest discoveries. My project: The very key, the very operator to this whole thing."

"So that is why you and the doctor followed around the Old Dr. Ranvier?"

"Yes… However, even now… it's still stuck in theory… even after almost twelve years... unless it is finally tested, the results are clear and there are no negative side effects, then and only then, will I be able to see if it absolutely works."

"Hypothetically speaking…" He quipped. "Once it's all set, who are you exactly going to test this on?"

"..." Her eyes grew wide. "I-I I don't know…but I won't let that stop me…! ...I'll figure out something…!"

The audience was unrelenting on letting their judgement of the showing. The magician bowed.

"Zak returned to Wright eventually on the brink of seven years on the grounds that Trucy inherit Magnifi's wonders on a principle of absence. You should be more than aware on this, Cheshire."

"A person is legally deceased if they were to be absent in seven years."

"Strange… it's particularly seven… On the sabbath year? Hmm…" Her fingers attentive on her chin. "Regardless, unrelenting like his Master, Zak pulled a nasty trick to place an ace in Wright's sleeve… in this case, his pocket… It all spirals down to one question: Why? Why do humans do these things? Must we continue to crush the already pulverized? Is that where our skills lie? To destroy? Is that how we are perceived? Is that how we perceive? The framed lawyer had everything stripped from him… why tarnish his reputation further? Especially when it comes down to being a shady poker shark who plays for 'fun'? It could be merely that Zak had nothing left to lose, forgive me, Shadi Enigmar, a nobody."

"Who is the true deceiver?" He sipped. "As long as he didn't give some crazy relic about his ancient past… it's fine."

"Despite the wrongdoings… we are not allowed to judge. We are easily capable of destroying as we are creating. Perhaps this scheme was to create something. A trusted barrier perhaps. The presenting self can be quite deceiving. The dealer went along with this elaborate plan. You would expect no bias or undersided tactics to come from a person who merely plays the cards. I have gone through such… and you would be very surprised."

"Everyone on the planet is an accomplice to something."

"A bottle to the head sufficed punishment by Enigmar to the dealer and unraveled truths show that it was a similar ploy Mr. Enigmar had previously done seven years prior to choosing Wright as a lawyer. That troupe sure did have a… unique way of settling disputes. The man returned to give up not only treasures of Magnifi to his daughter but even give Wright a testified piece of evidence that would remove all suspicion from Valant. Can you believe that, Cheshire?! There are infinite amounts of perspectives, but the most truthful ones are buried within it all. He created something others wouldn't have expected him to. His partner, Valant, who ruined Zak's life, tainted possibilities of Trucy's legacy, as well as a possibility of accusing him of murder… To have clemency upon your enemy especially one that you've known for years… Overall, his tactics could have been more straightforward with risking an innocent man's career and reputation, but in the end, he died with some pride left and indeed created something. Hmm…" She paused heavily. "I wonder… it would have been different if he told Wright the truth from the beginning…" She paused again. "Perhaps I should…"

"That was just the warm up! Now it's time for one of the greatest acts you'll ever see!"

"Look what you've done! You've made me miss part of the warm up!" She crossed her arms. "I actually wanted to thoroughly enjoy it."

"Ha…! A warm up… Why not head straight for the jugular…? It needs to be scolding hot like this beauty right here…"

"With an honorable guest and assistant... Pearl!" The curtains opened up slightly, just enough space for the medium to present herself to the entertainees. She appeared slightly shy, but kept her face stoic. Trucy's warm up had definitely made the crowd excited to see another performing face. They gestured a quick hug before turning back to the viewers.

"My my… the small medium is at large…," said the woman.

"You know My Lady, the kid doesn't really stand that different from the magic hat over there…"

"I may have some notion over it… but I'd love to be enlightened of scattered details, if you do not mind."

"The little girl there was conceived by none other than Morgan Fey; sister of Misty Fey."

"I remember Master Misty… and her sister. Carry on."

"The Fey clan had extremely hot and bitter conflicts within the family. Branched families considered and had done dirty attempts to eliminate one another to gain the political and religious stature of Master of the Fey clan. But we are more than positive that the gain was for the former."

"What people would do for power…"

"You're politically involved. So you know how powerful the master can be."

"Of course! Even without her official title, she was still well and capable of pulling strings."

"Morgan Fey harbored no difference in plotting against her sibling. She wanted to usurp the power, but not under her own will, but her daughters. Morgan Fey remained powerless, but her daughter, Pearl Fey, was the exact opposite. She was actually… 'innately' more spiritually powerful compared to the now residing Master of the time, just as Misty was in comparison to her."

"So the little medium hides a large power within… go on, Cheshire!"

"Morgan Fey wanted the little girl to gain the title."

"Usurping the title of Master by using her daughter. Especially of such an age where manipulation is easily malleable… witty."

"You catch on quick… I like that. However, Morgan Fey's first attempt didn't exactly go as planned. The attempted murder of Maya Fey ended up killing Dr. Grey instead."

"I knew Dr. Grey… he treated his staff harshly, which practically got him killed… There were many doctors I knew whose methods I did not agree on… Dr. Turner Grey was one of them. Fear is a quick way of gaining the control of others. But you'd have to understand… clemency and compassion holds loyalty much longer. Mimi Miney was a nurse who supposedly died in a car crash. There was a mourning at Grey's clinic, but only for a day. Dr. Grey was more concerned for his reputation of the rumor involving him to be the cause of Mimi's death."

"That's where the channeling took place."

"...I prefer not to talk about channeling right now…"

"I understand, Lady. The little girl wasn't exactly too keen on the idea of killing her own cousin, so, Morgan devised a plan to make the girl involuntarily commit murder without her ever knowing."

"And that was the event that took place at Hazakura many years ago. The supposed weapon, the Schi- shich- What on EARTH?!"

"It's Shichishito."

"I know that… But I just…"

"Tongues twisted?"

"... That's quite unnerving… The seven branched sword that's supposed to represent Life itself. Regardless… the poor girl… she came into a world where bloodshed comes of little to no concern for family." She sighed. "If her mother were to have succeeded, it would be as if the child were placed in acetic acid, vinegar, eventually peeling away the girl's innocent layers one at a time…"

The performance looks like it was about it commence. He peered back at the stage. "This ought to be interesting."

"Watch as I place my amazing assistant in this coffin!" Trucy basked her hands towards the black box, risen upon a table. The medium played it off until she sat in the coffin shaped box, settling herself in the position she was directed. She gave a playful concerned look towards the audience, in response, they gave a small laugh. "Now I will close the doors, keeping her trapped in this box!" Trucy gave an assuring nod to Pearl before exposing her to darkness. The medium was no longer visible. Trucy returned to her spot, standing in front of the occupied coffin, her hands playfully at her back, rocking her heels back and forth. "You all must be wondering, what could I be possibly doing with my faithful assistant? Well, I am no sadist, but I do believe that she needs to be cut down a size!" The magician whirled and revealed to the audience an enormous shimmering sword.

"PPPPPTTTTSSSCCHH!" She spitaked, seeing the weapon currently in possession at the mercy of the magician.

"That's a pretty big sword. What's the matter? Lost your faith already?" He took notice of the woman, entirely stunned. "Ha…! True feelings come out in dire situations. I thought she was a genius."

"Yes! But!" She turned to the man grinning. "There's always a probability of risk!"

"Secured!" Trucy clicked the box lock in place, emphasizing each word. "See! No chance of escape!"

"Guess the kid took it literally when a bet's only good when your life is the ante." He slyly responded.

"Remind me to ring your neck later!" She grimaced.

"This sword is not your simple prop, people…" She giggled, almost menacingly. "They actually cut." Beside her was a block of wood, relatively large and one that was definitely sturdier than what the box was comprised of. "This block is about 6 inches thick, but that's no problem with this bad boy right here!" Smugly gesturing, she raised the katana and gave it a quick whirl. It happened so quickly. The crowd was quiet. The wood was perfectly fine. Small murmurs and whispers filled the room of disbelief, but Trucy shook her head. Walking towards the offending block, she nudged off the top half, sliced clean off its bottom half. The crowd went ballistic.

"Now that is one sharp sword…"

"Euuughh… nhh…!" She grumbled lowly, now gripping the fabric of his tie tightly.

"Humans are fragile beings… That blade can cut very deep… Good thing I can't see what will pour out… if she does it right."

Sword in hand, the sharp edge managed to make its way to the box. Where it would be at level to the location of Pearl's legs. Without warning, the sword cut right through a quarter way of the box, slicing through it like a hot knife through butter. Gasps and breath intakes echoed. The darkman noticed the slacken jaw of the female beside him. Regina tugged the tie fiercely in desperation, dragging the man's head along with it.

"You're! Ch-choking me…!"

The magician made another slice at the opposite pole of the casket. Knuckles almost white from her grip, his head almost hit the table as she tugged. "Guh!"

The audience stood quiet. "And…" Trucy sliced right in the middle. Even by the position and size of the box, the medium was no contortionist, there was no escape. Blood would be spilling out on the floor soon. The magician propped the sword on a holster before heading towards the coffin. Gagging, the darkman tried to release himself from the paranoid woman's clutches, but was failing miserably. Trucy glided towards the boxes, splitting them evenly apart with ease. Four pieces of the severed box now occupied the stage. "Eeep!"

Trucy tried her hardest to contain her laughter. She could clearly see all the bugged eyes and gaped mouths, 'Heheh… I knew they would need pillows!'

"Now watch as I put my assistant back together!" Approaching the boxes, she placed them all back together, resembling back its original square shape. "And with a wave," the wand in her grip gently tickled the air. She turned to the audience as she lifted the box. The audience gripped harshly onto tablecloths, forks, whatever their hands could grab, ties included. Turning her view back to the opening of the box, she gasped, gloved hands touching her mouth, audibly horrified. The whole entire crowd mimicked her cry.

"Uuuuunnnnhh!" The woman fell back in her chair.

Trucy slowly reached into the box, a depressing look upon her face, before pulling out the medium.

"TAADDAA!"

Cries and shouts stormed the room as Pearl was pulled out, completely unscathed. She climbed out of the box, cheery as ever before bowing along with her partner.

"Is it over?!" Ms. Fate peered with one eye, before releasing a sigh of relief. "Cheshire! She's okay. Wait… Where did you go?!" She noticed the tablecloth shuffling, "Hey! Why are you under there?! I know the scene was scary, but there is no need to completely hide yourself from view."

He coughed and scowled at her as he tried to catch his breath. "Just peachy. Just trying not to die!"

He coughed once more before settling himself beside her and scuffing his tie back under his waistcoat.

"Thank you! Especially to my assistant...PEARL!"

The curtains reopened just enough for the magician and medium to bring the props back in. "Pearl you were great!"

"No way, Trucy. That was all you! Thank you for not cutting me!" Pearl happily replied. "I don't want Mystic Maya to channel me back just to hear you say sorry."

"To you, Pearly. Never!" She hugged her once more, tightly. "I still have some preparations for the next act, but you're done here. You can go have some cake, they're about to cut it!"

"What about you?" Pearl asked.

"I'll be here. Don't worry. That cake is enormous. I know there will be some left for me!" Trucy gestured Pearl to go.

"Okay. I will be watching you from the tables!" Pearl rushed down the side stairs out onto the side, revealing the rest of the party tables. To her benefit, she was right next to the food table. There were lots of kids. The oldest she might say was around fifteen to sixteen years of age, but being merely four feet and six inches, she almost blended right in.

"Ah…! There she is!" Ms. Fate politely gestured.

"Shall I bring her here?"

"Yes, please do!"

Pearl could see everyone gathering around the cake, before she heard them singing 'Happy Birthday!' She smiled and brought herself to sing along as well before she heard a muffled blow and a cheer. It was a while before she could get her piece. There was an odd sensation poking around her midsection. She turned to see several kids below her age, prodding her. "Oh… Uhm…" She bit her thumb. "Can you please stop?"

"No way! How are you still alive?! You should be in pieces! Are you a ghost?"

Pearl, "No, but I can channel them…" She answered shyly. It wasn't that Pearl was annoyed by kids in general. She loved them actually, but the uncomfortable feeling of being touched by all of them felt awkward and inappropriate.

"So you are a ghost!?" One of them yelled. "That means my finger should go right through you!"

The prodding became even harder. She winced lightly. "Stop… please…"

"You kids need to learn some manners…" Pearl turned to see the tall darkman hovering over her, her eyes wide in surprise. "Upon meeting a beautiful lady, you ask for her name and profession… etiquette you all clearly lack."

Pearl gasped, "Mr…! Oh wait…! Hehe... " She cupped her face. "Ms. Regina calls you Cheshire. Hello, Mr. Cheshire…" She replied giddily. "What are you doing here?"

The dark man grinned. "I was invited here. I couldn't resist, nor could I resist meeting you again."

"Hehe… Stop…" Pearl smiled.

The kids stopped and grimaced at the man. He saw their faces, clearly untamed, "Sorry kids… but I'm going to have to steal her from you."

"Hey! We just want to see if she is a ghost! There's no way she should be alive from that sword!" One of them threw their hands in the air for emphasis.

Pearl felt the man grab her hand softly and pull her away from the tiny squad. "I saw it too. Almost hard to believe, actually. But I can show you something even crazier than that!"

The kids perked up at the tall man, their necks almost bending backwards. He placed Pearl behind him, hiding her behind his broadness. "C'mere…" He bent down, his finger beckoning them closer. They eagerly obliged. They couldn't see his obscured face, but he was close enough to them, just enough for them to see, and them alone, getting the wide girth of his surprise. He brought his hand up to his face, right where his forehead and eyes met, he slowly pushed down the obscurity, as well as making sure the kids were watching attentively. They were greeted by his eyes. The all let out little gasps as they saw them open.

They were completely white. The reddish brown pupil stretched vertically across them. Their faces morphed into horror as they saw them blink. The lid, translucent white in color, skidded horizontally across his eye, nictitating at them. Partially satisfied with their reaction, he needed them to scurry off though, he hatched another idea. Lowering his restraint, he greeted them to a mouth, thronged with sharp-edged teeth at them.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

They all screamed. Scurrying away with their tails between their legs. Pearl looked, flabbergasted how they all ran in different directions. "What was that? What did you do?"

"Nothing you had to see…" His voice low and raspy. When he turned to her, she saw the face familiar to her, though, she eyed him oddly. "What?"

"Hmm…" She pondered. Before she asked anything, he spoke, "Ms. Fate is here to see you..."

Pearl gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, "She's here!? Where!?"

"Over there…" He gestured. The medium turned, to the direction he pointed, presenting the women in the midnight violet blazer. A soft smile on Ms. Fate's face, her fingers skidded softly against her palm, waving lightly. "I fancy you need a piece of cake… I'll get you one. You can sit tight with her."

Pearl turned, "Thank you, Mr… oh. Hehe. Mr. Cheshire!"

"Not a problem…" Pearl rushed.

Pearl ran towards the table, meeting the blonde woman. "Hi, Ms. Regina."

"Hello, Pearl." She replied softly, "How are you? Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Oh lordy, yes, Ms. Regina!" Pearl clasped her hands together. "You and Mr. Cheshire were invited here?"

The woman crossed her arms, her head tilting to the side fondly, "Yes… in fact, I recommended the birthday boy's mother to Trucy. I know you said that Trucy was an amazing magician! I just had to spread the news. Are you alright, though? I saw that stunt and I… had to admit I was quite worried… Even Cheshire ducked under the table!"

"Trucy is great! And she promised that nothing was going to happen." She smiled in her seat across from her. "Was Mr. Cheshire really that scared?"

"No… I wasn't… I was just dragged underneath…" Pearl turned her head to the dark man, bringing her a piece of that delectable cake on a small plate. "Sweet… just like you."

"Thank you!" She grabbed the nearby fork. Regina turned to the man approaching her, giving him a 'I wanted a piece too…' look, but she knew there were bigger things to fuss over. "Pearl?"

"Mmmhmm?" Pearl swallowed. "Yes, Ms. Regina?"

"I wanted to ask you something. About Mr. Wright and Master Maya."

"OH!" Pearl scuttled her cake down. The blonde woman's eyes grew wide, before she knew it, Pearl was done. "What is it?!"

The woman cleared her throat. "How are they harboring? Are they well?"

"Ooooooh…" The emphasis was close to a sneer, the same tone one would give before beginning gossip. "Mr. Nick and Mystic Maya are so happy together! Ever since they came together, they have been inseparable! It's love! So much love!"

Regina smirked, "So they have not separated ever since her arrival? Interesting… Has there been any noticeable change in behavior?"

"Well… Mr. Nick has been much more affectionate. I think he finally admitted that he was Mystic Maya's special someone, but he's also more open now. Maybe it's because Mystic Maya is there, so he is a very good mood! He even danced with her the first night!"

'A slipper was not the only thing that dropped that night.' The dark man laughed inwardly.

"It was a sight to see. We were there. What do you mean by more open…? How so?"

"Well…" Pearl thought. "He's very touchy now. But that's savory details." She giggled, blushing, she quickly got up and got another piece of cake.

"Wright is getting ever closer…"

"...He won't even notice it."

"Which is the scary part." Pearl arrived back with another piece, this time bigger and appeared quickly cut. "I'm back. Sorry!"

"Oh! And what of Master Maya? Anything?"

"Mystic Maya is also very happy!" Her mouth muffled with sweets. "Trucy is very happy that they are together too!"

"The magician… hmm… I wonder why?" He said sarcastically. The woman slapped him on the garter. After a certain amount of questioning, she whispered woman to the dark man, "have you noticed that ever since in the beginning, she's gotten up almost eight times?"

"Leave it to Fey woman… They have large appetites." He jested.

"But thank you, Ms. Regina." Pearl restored the woman's attention as she returned. "For what, Pearl?"

"For bringing Mystic Maya. You made a lot of people happy, including me."

"...!" The woman eyed her. "Well… you wished for it... And as promised, so it is said, so it shall be. So never stop wishing Pearl and all your dreams will come true!"

Pearl gave her a puzzled look, "Even the scary ones…?"

The woman laughed, "Ha ha ha ha… YESS! Forgive me. I get a little… carried away in the morning."

Pearl took another bite before asking, "How does your magic work, Ms. Regina? Is it like channeling?"

The woman softened her gaze, "No. But I can assure you, my child. My magic is no trick… But in order for it to work, there has to be an establishment, a sort of connection that is already planted within the circumstance. In other words, my work succeeded because there was something already in their hearts that allowed their contact to blossom into something. They already had feelings for one another, we just had to add gasoline to the flames! But promise me, little one. You cannot speak of your wish. Like the old tale, if spoken, the magic will vanish."

"I promise, Ms. Regina! I wouldn't want that happening!" Pearl placed her thumb and index finger to her lips and gestured a zipping motion before she got up again.

"You give great advice. What have you done with the real doctor I once knew?" Her response was a glower.

"Sweet child… bad judge in character." She mumbled.

"I'm going to have to object to that!"

"...!" She startled. "Was that necessary?"

"As it is to breath. It's necessary to teach the kid so you don't have to teach the adult. She chose right." He leaned on his elbow. "If her judgement is lacking, then you wouldn't have chosen to listen to her about Wright. I think she has the right idea about you."

"..." She stood quiet. "Perhaps her judgement of character lacks in some…"

"I don't know about that." He jested." But I do know one thing. Deep down this magic, you keep adding whatever you want, you'll convolute the brew."

"Explain…" She grumbled.

"She said Wright was someone you can trust. I told you, Wright is someone you can trust. I know how certain doctor's like second opinions, yet you're looking for a third?"

"... I trust Wright."

"Do you really?"

"My desperation to leave that courthouse was beyond reason. I was alone in there… Again…! My strategy was manipulative, but I didn't want to spend another second behind bars."

"Yet you responded when I called you 'Doctor.'

"... You didn't call me Doctor, you used it as an example."

Before they could continue, Pearl had returned. 'If this child keeps doing this, she's going to get sick!'

"Ms. Regina, how come Mr. Nick and Mystic Maya didn't win the dance prize?"

"Pearl. As I saw a spark with them. I saw a spark elsewhere. Besides… they don't need those gifts when they have each other!"

"A spark?" She looked confused. "I guess you're right."

"Pearl?"

"Yes."

She figured a change in topic may help, "Speaking of special someone's… do you have a special someone?"

Pearl's eyes lit up and her face blushed, "Uh! Well! UHM!"

"You DO, now?" She beguiled.

'This kid better be good…' The dark man inquired.

"Come now Pearl! I promise I won't tell!" She winked. Pearl pursed her lips, before giving up.

"Okay! He's very smart and cute." She giggled.

"A smart man or boy? You only get one chance at this…" The dark man placated.

"Man! For sure!" Pearl corrected. "He's talented and he has similar british accent to the doctor you know, Mr. Sully."

"He's british?" Regina leaned forward, smirking. "Go ahead."

"He can talk to animals and understand them. Almost like he can channel their thoughts, kinda like how I can channel spirits."

"Sounds more like a crackp- Ahh!" Regina slapped the dark man. "Ignore him, Pearl. Continue."

"Right now, he lives in England. He worked very close to a professor!"

"A professor, you say? He's waltzing around the right people. The long distance relationship thing is an obstacle. Is he nice to you?"

"It is… but he is nice! To me, Mr. Nick and Mystic Maya!"

"They knows him as well?! It is great to know that he is gentlemanly. Very important when looking for the right one. What is the boy's name?"

"Oh… Hum…" She sighed. "His name is Luke Triton."

"Why does that name ring some bells?"

"Well, the professor's name is Layton. Is that why?"

The man noticed the undeniable change in temperature coming from the woman beside him. Her pale complexion turned ghost white and her eyes were riddled with despair. "L-l-layton?" She stuttered.

"I can't wait to see them again." She cupped her face once more. "It'll be one happy reunion."

The dark man grimaced. Ms. Fate looked sick and stiff. "E-e-excuse me, Pearl… I-I have to go somewhere… It was a… nice to see you..."

"Okay! Don't be a stranger!" She waved.

Before he noticed it, Ms. Spectre was gone. He turned to the medium. "Here…"

Pearl eyed the ceramic "Why, Mr. Cheshire?"

"I guess, old habits die hard. I fastened it, just for you."

"Thank you! Please see Mystic Maya and Mr. Nick again!" Pearl waved before the man raced after Ms. Spectre.

At the hall of the Colosseum, he could see her hunched over, holding her back and head. She seemed pained. "What's wrong?"

"I've been reminded! Again! No! I can't! I have to go before I lose it!" She growled. "Take me home… please…"

He could only oblige. Possible at the worst time, he knew, that this was one of the last things she needed.