September 7
8:07 a.m. Gatewater Hotel
The elevator way down wasn't as long as he intended. In fact, everything was moving quite fast, even the way the divided doors let him out. The tanned carpeted floor cushioned light on his feet and the populace occupying the foyer of the hotel was also light. For the scarcity in quantity came with quality. Most occupants besides the receptionist of the very decent hotel were people of business by the way how they dressed. One even had a small plushy, which Apollo found odd. The plush was blue with a roundish body, big distant looking eyes and with a head shaped as a crown. The body fitted with a sort of holster, a red baton in one hand and a yellow flag in the other. It was the Blue Badger. He could recognize it scarcely by the way how Junie used to carry around some of her plushies. The lawyer even remembered her discussing one time on how popular these weird plushes came to be.
'The person who created the plush started with the Blue Badger. He's practically the grandpa of all the new plushes now. People eventually invested into the new toy and made them collectables. They became so lovable, they even had the Gatewater Theme Park have a theme of these guys. The Blue Badger was supposed to be correlated to the law. The original was just a run down machine mascot for the police department. I guess some people really loved these things… Me too! Now there are all sorts of plushes. I have Bum Rap Rhiny and Phony Phanty, but there are so many more! They're brothers, but they're purpose was supposed to stop propaganda and this dark age of the law… Well that's what the sales sticker said anyway. So, it's one reason why I like them… besides being so cute and all!'
'If that is supposed to stop the dark age, we're going to be waiting for a long time on a countertop.' Apollo figured. 'She did want to become a judge anyway…'
'These anthropomorphic animal plushies,' he jested, '...are lawyers, prosecutors, judges and perhaps more along the line of law enforcements were supposed to represent us…? Play things doesn't sound too good… I wonder what I would look like. Actually no… nevermind. I don't want to figure it out. Knowing Trucy and Athena they might put me as a bird or anteater!'
Upon gaining a better view of the ambience, he came to realization. This was definitely not the same hotel as was the few nights before. This locale was just a branch. It wasn't as grandiose and large, but smaller though not lacking in quality either. He could only confirm it if he were to step out. The large sliding glass doors led the attorney to the outside.
As soon as he stepped out, he saw the street, extremely familiar. One glance to the tall hospitable building only establish that he was correct. He was indeed at Gatewater Hotel. The large letters occupying the front entrance, with windows stretching to the sky, quite close to the street. The other hotel where the party was had its own drive in and drop off with a curve entrance appeal and an archway. The one of the party was Gatewater Imperial Hotel.
'Looks like the Ms. Fate dropped me off near work. She wastes no time, I bet.' Apollo bobbed his neck back, the sun giving him an eyeful while trying to estimate what floor she was in. Speaking of work, turning the corner, squinting from his temporary blindness, could see the building just across the street, where the office was located. From the height of the room, to the floor the office was located, it was a great look out. It's one heck of a can even stare right through the window into the office at a relatively good angle, if the curtains were open.
His brows furrowed upon noticing, the curtains were closed. 'Why are the curtains closed?' Apollo questioned. 'It's not like the office is closed… it's never closed… even if everyone had a day off.'
He just had to cross the street to find out. No big deal. Waiting at the stoplight would just be a minute. It was early morning traffic, the car mercilessly rushing to their destination challenging the traffic light before it could beat them. Finally, after changing from green to yellow to red, Apollo made his venture to the office. As tar made it to concrete, the attorney in red was about ready for work.
"Polly?!"
Justice turned to see a blue bullet heading towards him. He barely had enough time to flinch before getting collided chest first. The sudden blunt force recoiled him backwards slightly. A heavy grip threatened to crush his ribs as soon as he realized who it was, but it didn't happen. It was but a small squeeze. "Are you okay?"
The clad in red could see the sympathetic blue orbs of the magician reflected in them. "Daddy said you weren't feeling well and that you were on temporary sick leave. By the way you took that hit, you seem fine." Trucy chirped, releasing him. "He must've exaggerated. You know how he can get."
'She cares?' Apollo sniffed. "I'm fine! I had a bug I guess."
"One of those forty eight hour things then." Trucy crossed her arms, "I hate those. But they go away quickly."
'By the way I can only remember how I felt, it was a VERY big bug!' Apollo cringed. 'I'm glad it went away.'
"It's good to see that you're in one peace, Polly," said the magician crossing her arms. "It seems like everyone is getting sick nowadays."
'Everyone? I thought it was just me and Mr. Wright?' Apollo thought.
"Anyway, I have to go." Trucy tilted on her heels, swaying the small backpack.
"Why?" Apollo asked.
"You may have a job, but I still go to school." Her hands on her hips. "I took one day off and that other day I came home early to check on Daddy. I can't have anymore days off this early in the year."
'Oh right! I forgot about that!' Apollo thought. "That means this is your senior year. Hah! You're just about to finish!" He flashed her a wide toothy grin.
"Yep!" She jumped on her heels, "This is my last year and I have to end it strong."
"Have you thought about what you were going to do after you graduate?" Apollo asked.
"It's like a broken record player with that question buzzing around everyone this year. By time I think of that, I'm going to have Senioritis!" She tipped her hat, "I know what I want to do already."
'Let me guess… it relates all to magic?' Apollo smirked.
"Besides a full time magician, I'm going to be figuring all out of sorts of things for broadcasting magic and signing contracts all around the world. With my grandfather's inheritance, the whole world will know of Trucy's magic and my panties."
'The last part… please replace that with something else.' The sweat dripped nervously from his brow.
"My recent gig was but a warm up." She sighed. "Daddy wants me to at least get a high school diploma, and I don't blame him. He wants me to have a formal education first. As soon as that comes, it's going to be all about the setup, stage and neat tricks."
'I see her priorities are straight!' He grinned, knowing he wasn't that far from her either. He remembered very well what he was going to be even before he graduated high school. His mind was set around middle school actually. He wanted to become a defense attorney. Whenever he had time to read the news or hear on television about a sudden rookie attorney with an incredible winning streak for his clients, his eyes were transfixed and his mind mesmerized. Stumbling upon even the most absurd and doomed cases to crossexaming a parrot, this lawyer spared no victims and took them all head on. It was amazing, inspiring, heroic! Whoever this lawyer was, allowed Apollo's fascination with the law to rival the energetic vibe of his closest friend Clay in astrology. Eventually, law school allowed much exposure to the trials taking place and see video samples of this famous exemplar, the blue attorney. Years later, he now works under him. Who would have expected that? The very person to inspire him, work together at the same firm. The thrumming in his chest upon meeting the very man in person, even with all his past pride stripped from him, was still a moment he savored.
"The only part I worry about now is, Daddy." She pursed her lips.
"You're worried about Mr. Wright?" Apollo asked confused. "Why?"
"Well…" She thought. "Once I get myself all set up, I'm going to be like the original Troupe Gramarye, living their dream at least."
"Isn't that a good thing? How does it relate to Mr. Wright?" Apollo uttered.
"How quickly you forget, Polly. Remember," she wagged her finger playfully. "Once I have contracts and set up, the Troupe were known worldwide by their broadcasts, but they also traveled… A lot! So I'm going to be away from home for certain amounts of time."
'I see it now…' Apollo notioned. 'Her performances can even be outside of the country!'
She put her head down, a shred of sadness clearly visible. "Maybe that's why Daddy is dragging me to stay in school much longer… He'll miss me. I don't blame him."
'I will miss you too, Trucy. I'm pretty sure Athena and Maya will too…' The red attorney sniffled quietly to himself.
"But…" Her tiny smile returning, "I don't have anything to worry about."
"What makes you say that?" He asked, her sudden perkiness getting to him.
"Besides you and Athena, there's not many people who watch over Daddy, besides me." Trucy noted out loud.
"Mr. Wright has us to watch him and the office." Apollo commented.
"You're not always there at the office besides working or looking for clients," she tipped her hat happily. "I was worried because no one will be there to watch over him while I am gone. Don't tell him I told you this, he might get upset." She cupped the side of her mouth with the gloved hand, beckoning Apollo closer, whispering, "...he can get a little lonely sometimes. He can't stay alone for too long. He gets all mopey."
Besides her tiny breath tickling his ear, it made him reflect. 'I remember when I first met Mr. Wright, personally at least, he was a bit cold and distant. I didn't know he was actually angsty. He always smiles, even during his disbarment. I guess he was putting up a strong face. Now I see Trucy doesn't land that far.'
"You keep that to yourself now." She retreated boastfully. "I know how loud you can get sometimes…"
"Hey! I'm not always loud!" The yell managed to get some attention from pedestrians. He winced and blushed by their stares, before turning back to Trucy. 'Okay! Okay! I could be a bit loud… sometimes…I can't help it!'
"I don't exactly have to worry anymore," she spoke with a knowing grin. "Someone else will watch him for me while I'm gone."
'Someone else…?' He paused, 'Is she talking about…Maya?'
"You're killing me here, Polly Ester." She giggled, "I'm off to school. It's good to see you're doing well. Bye!"
"Thanks!" He yelled, "I'll be fine. Bye!"
Her jog turned into a sprint. He could tell she was going to run late if she didn't skedaddle. Her cape waved in her sprint, shrinking by the distance. As she disappeared, he narrowed his eyes back at the building entrance of the office. He wasn't going to be late per se, but he was later than his usual arrival. Then again, his schedule wasn't normally interrupted by crippling fevers and abrupt awakenings in a hotel. The sudden screech of burning tires veered him from his thoughts. The smoke and scorched onyx marks that now tattooed the road came to a halt at the end of a vehicle. It was a brand new dark pearlescent four door sport, landing in front of the hotel parking. Some man in a brown chocolate suit exited the car along with another man. The valet parking worker approached the taller dark man furious. Apollo could barely hear from his eavesdropping, but he can tell they were arguing. The tall man pulled something small and shiny from his pocket. With the best of his ability, he couldn't exactly distinguish what the object was. The worker petrified over before backing off. The two men then entered the glass doors of the hotel.
'That was weird…' He thought. The office was definitely calling his name by now.
The small flight of stairs up and his shimmy to the office door, he wasn't going to knock. He was going to surprise them. As soon as the surface obstructing was displaced, he came face to face with the two mediums, Maya and Pearl. Pearl had this fright in her eyes that he can sense. The mediums and lawyer gave each other deer in the headlight stares before breaking the tension. "Apollo?"
"Apollo?" Athena and Mr. Wright said simultaneously. Their necks craned to the attention searching the door.
"You look so much better!" Maya clasped her hands together, "that's great!"
"Thanks, Miss Fey." He answered. Upon entering the office, the expression the other legal partner gave him was perplexed and astounded. Athena was in complete disbelief. 'Did I grow another head? Is my hair okay?'
Mr. Wright's wide eyed surprise was minimal in comparison to Athena's. Her hair even flipped back from her jump. He could even see WIdget's yellow face brightly.
"Apollo?!" Athena stammered, "weren't you sick? You should be in bed!"
The horned attorney looked himself up and down, shooting her a shrug, "I'm fine now."
"But you were a hot mess yesterday! You could barely stand up on your own!" She approached him, placing a hand on his forehead.
'Ack!' He stilled.
In actuality, her hands were very warm as they touched his skin. "I'm fine. I'm telling you."
"Something like that just doesn't go away overnight!" Her hands on her hips, "I think you should go to the hospital for that. Tremors like that aren't that short."
'I thought you had a degree on analytical psychology not medical…' He slumped.
"I don't feel anything now." He crossed his arms, "I'm pretty sure the hospital won't find anything either."
"I should look this up…" Athena slammed her fists excitedly together before she grabbed Widget, "You never know. Plus, it might help me learn something knew."
'Don't use the Internet! They might say I have a terminal and incurable illness…' He squirmed. 'I believe consulting a professional will be better…!'
Athena whipped around, her red hair flying back, to the reception couch and sat herself comfortably. A quick click and swipe and with Widget, and the hologram was back and available. Apollo looked over, 'she's actually going to try it…'
'Wow… fast recovery…I had to see it for myself to believe it,' Phoenix thought as he watched. 'I can't say much myself… I took those antibiotics. They seem to be doing me good.'
Wright approached the red attorney, he was definitely in much better condition than the day before. He had a certain boast about his demeanor, but it lacked in luster as of now. His lips were twisted, shoulder sagged, staring at Athena scouring the Internet for answers, helplessly.
"Apollo." Mr. Wright managed to get the attention of the red attorney when he twisted in his direction. "Are you alright?"
Daftly standing tall and clenching his fists, he answered, "yes, Mr. Wright."
'That tone of voice seems to have answered that. I guess he wasn't putting on a strong tone forcefully,' Mr. Wright thought. "You sure you're okay being back at work so soon?"
'That sudden outburst yesterday definitely contradicted that…' the blue clad attorney reminisced. He remembered well. Everything about him was in disarray. From his clothing to his behavior.
"You have nothing to worry about. I took my Cold Killer X that day." Apollo reassured.
'That old stuff. Guess it still works like a charm. I'm pretty sure they have better versions of it now, I'd wager.' He groped his chin.
"Mr. Wright…" Phoenix could hear the tone, extremely low for even him. 'Woah…'
"I wasn't exactly in the best of health… or professionalism as I was yesterday." The younger attorney approached.
'Ah… I know where this is going.' Phoenix saw it coming, "you don't have to apologize. It's understandable. You weren't feeling well. Tempers inflame just like fevers. You don't have to worry about it." He stated calmly.
"There's still no excuse for it." He asserted, brown eyes flaming.
'Seems everyone is apologetic lately. We're not in Canada are we? I'm not complaining… It's just offputting.' Wright mused. "But, if you feel that bad about it, you can clean the toilet today."
'Should've seen that one coming…' The horns teetering downward onto his forehead, a certain dull compliance clicked into his head, 'Either way, he would expect me and Athena to clean it… each… twice!'
"Sure..." Apollo crossed his arms over, contemplating. "There's only one thing I haven't done that I missed."
"What's that?" Wright's full attention regained.
Apollo smirked, "I forgot my morning practice!"
'Let me get the earplugs out then.' He grinned, staring over at Maya, currently talking to Pearl. 'I'm used to the raised volume, it's Maya I'm worried about. Her meditations are normally quiet. I don't think she's used to all the loudness yet… Maybe she is.'
"You do that then." He acknowledged, "it might make Athena convinced that you're actually in good health."
'She's pretty straightforward and determined… I don't think it will…' Justice fixed his tie, "Chords of Steel! Rains from above!" He yelled. 'But I guess the toilet takes priority. If I multitask, everyone here will think I'm yelling at the toilet.'
"On it…" The attorney in red made his way towards the bathroom. On his way, he could see the yellow attorney truly searching the web. He could see all the visible pages through the transparent blue hologram. Maya amused herself by watching Athena. Her brownish blues eyes following along the sways and swipes of Athena's nimble fingers and flashing programs currently in use. 'She's really is searching for an answer.'
Hanging onto the corner, he gave in and headed towards his target, the bathroom. Simple. He's done this numerous time before ever since he worked in the office, today is no different. Yet it did. The sluggish feeling in his shoulders wasn't present. The reluctance currently absent. The think tank task didn't seem like a bad idea. As soon as he saw the porcelain bowl, instinctively he knew he had to get the supplies. The latex gloves, toilet scrubber, the detergent, and the small apron underneath the sink. After putting on his toilet cleaning uniform, he knelt down, heading straight to work. Familiar ambience of scrubbing occupied his ears as the bristles worked their magic as the smell of soap respectfully intruded his nostrils.
As the dull chore lingered on, his mind wicked backwards. As much as he wanted to, he tried to reminisce what happened the night before. Perhaps it was the fever taking its toll on his body and mind so badly, he couldn't remember too much. Only the sensations registered faintly. There was heat, then there was ice, then warm again. Burned then froze. It felt more like a poison that his body meticulously tried to desperately rid of immediately. Then as the night progressed, it was silent, muffled, draining. Then the morning came. Everything was better. It was all better. From his health, to his clothing, it was so much better.
Then you have Ms. Spectre. She claimed to have found me. Later bringing me to a doctor and now I feel completely fine. Actually, a bit better than fine. Even the breaths he took were much deeper and fulfilling, cooling. I know it's not good to exactly question a good thing, but I can't help it. Her reason isn't exactly following up, now that I think about it… She's an investor. She takes her time to study people. Let me guess, she wants to see if people are worth investing into? She was so curious about my ability. She had that, esurient look in her eye. If she decides to invest in the office because of me, I might actually get a little more respect around here. Expand the place, make things a little bigger, I won't have to clean this toilet as much anymore! … I think I'm flattering myself too much here. Let me hurry up with this thing.'
He scrubbed a bit quicker and harder. Speaking of not following up… I don't remember what happened that night of the party either. If I did remember, I could probably know who got me sick! Then again… the only person close to me was Athena. But if that were true, wouldn't she have gotten sick too? I'm overthinking this. The toilet was practically sparkling by now. That dance was something else. Why did Athena have to grab me and drag me to the dancefloor anyway? I think it had to deal with the boss and Maya… His face began to heat up. The way she grabbed his hands, forcibly! And then laid them on her, just a little over her hips, but below the frilly yellow ribbon across her midriff. He was shaking to go any lower, worriedly wondering if she could feel the sweat from his hands wick into her dress. He froze over when he felt the same demanding hands cuff right over his shoulders eagerly and grazed his collar. It sent nervous tingles up and down his spine and made his back wet of sweat.
He wanted to let go. That was not his gig. He couldn't dance, yet she led him. As soon as her fingers interlocked behind his neck, it was a leash that he was trapped and ensnared in. The dance was a slow one, he remembered, but how hot he felt on the collar and wobbled, it lasted several lifetimes. Yet he couldn't let himself go. What she would do just to get the boss moving, huh? I guess it wasn't me. He moped quietly. He couldn't even look at her. If she did, he would only embarrass himself by the matching red of his suit trims to the embers of his glazed expression. Then as the torture ended from the swaying tune, it felt quiet and faded. Not entirely gone, as she brought him back to the table. As the facade shattered, reality came back and he was sitting next to her again on the table. It was abuse but convivial, bittersweet. He just couldn't put his finger on it.
With the bristle now done with their job, he rinsed it off and flushed the now glistening porcelain white oval office. All he needed to do now was wipe down the lid and he was just about done. 'Now where is the sponge?'
Attention around the office returned back to Athena. Phoenix watched as the other girls were searching through the holographic computer. Their eyes in sync as the pages flipped and dialogues were read up and down.
"How about this one?" Maya pointed out, forgetting her finger phased through again.
"Hmm…" Athena hummed, "no, I don't think so, this one is gradual with its symptoms."
"Oh yeah, you're right." Maya cupped her cheek, "plus another ailment was seizures. He's not having that."
"What about this one?" the smaller medium caught their attention as she directed.
Maya laughed, "I see why this one got your attention, Pearly."
Athena snickered before bringing up the page, "It's worth a read."
As the seconds became moments, Pearl's attention seemed to become lost, Maya's facade wasn't cracking, but Athena's eyes grew even wider. 'Wow! Apollo, you've been bad!'
The yellow attorney folded her arms triumphantly, "Pearl, I think you may have cracked this case." She stated proudly.
"I did?" Pearl squirmed giddily.
'They actually found something?' Phoenix mused, 'Hopefully it isn't fatal. Knowing how the Web loves to exaggerate, it most likely will be.'
"Don't worry, Pearl. It's contracted by the same nickname it's given." Athena winked.
"Oh!" The medium gasped hard before cupping her face.
"Let's go tell him the news." Athena arose as the two mediums followed behind.
'They're going to corner him worse than a lying witness,' Phoenix chuckled inwardly.
"Apollo, I think I got it!" The booming voice coming from the archway of the door, startled him. Maya, Pearl and Athena stood under it with the hologram just in front of them. Apollo had forgotten to lock the door. The girls started laughing, particularly the mediums had their hands over their mouths snickering, spectating the kneeling attorney over his ceramic altar.
"Did BrowseMD say it was Incuritis?" He deadpanned before continuing to rinse, "sorry to inform you, but that was debunked some time ago."
As Apollo went back to work on the Johnny on the spot, Athena had a smirk and painfully obvious devious glint in her eye about ready to put him on the spot. "No… this is even better!"
'I'm cornered in a bathroom by three girls and a portable computer…' He sighed, "Sure, Dr. Cykes… Diagnose me." He sassed, 'name it after me while you're at it!"
"Dr. Cykes actually sounds pretty good!" Athena perked up excitedly. The newfound energy making itself much more visible, scaring the attorney across from her. 'Just like Mom!'
"And as any good doctor, I need assistance…" The knowing glance exchanged to the mediums, "or perhaps… assistances!"
The plural abbreviation had Pearl and Maya rallied. Maya yelled out, her hands smacking the air, "I just had a catheter!"
Athena cleared her throat before clarifying, "...catharsis, Nurse Maya."
"Can I help too, Athena?" Pearl asked sheepishly, "I mean, Dr. Cykes!"
"Sure you can, Pearl." She smiled.
'I was being sarcastic!' He dropped his head, almost in the wide white bowl, 'I just opened Pandora's Box…'
"We're going to have to examine you thoroughly, Mr. Justice." Athena winked.
"Isn't impersonating a doctor a crime?" Justice added to his last line of defense before this crazed attorney and possibly hack happy mediums had any chance of touching him.
"I have a degree in Analytical Psychology." She let out juiced with impulsion. "So you're good."
'I don't think that constitutes for a medical degree…' He flopped, almost considering to use the toilet scrubber as a defensive weapon if it came down to it.
"No one will know or get hurt," She let out slowly, almost menacingly. "Not if there are any witnesses..."
Apollo Justice, Attorney at Law, swallowed hard, to the point that the sound emitted was audible even to the girls. "Can I get a second opinion...?" He let out frightened. '...with a logical person around here?!'
"I'm just fooling with you, Apollo." She waved, "but we did find something… quite interesting."
Tension alleviated from his strain shoulders upon hearing those words, but the anxiety did not die yet. Her voice had that deviant undertone, as if she found the motherload of dirty secrets. "You were very fatigued and had fever like symptoms." She listed diligently, "it ended relatively quick and no one else around here has it yet."
'Sounds like she's on track so far…' He arose from the floor slowly, as if not to provoke the females currently blocking his only escape. "And?"
"And… I've done some research," She flicked the hologram, "it's a common sickness, nothing out of the ordinary, but I have to ask you…"
The pause was uncomforting, as if a bomb was about to explode in front of his face. Her eyes rolling from the screen's attention, fully on him. "What…?"
"Are you seeing anyone?" She stated nonchalantly, "specifically around these past several weeks?"
"Are you serious?!" He roared. "Are you actually asking if I am… active!?"
Maya was about ready to burst, her hand cupping her mouth and laugh withheld in puffed cheeks.
"No!" Athena asserted back, "get that mind of yours out of the gutter, even if that is a professional question."
"Just cut to the chase, Athena." He threw off the latex gloves, "what did your 'research' find out?"
"I asked the question first!" She commanded pointedly. She leaned in closer, her brows wiggling at him deviously, "are you?"
"..." Apollo offered a dead stare to the quirky yellow attorney probing him for answers. "No."
"Are you sure?" She swiped again, "You probably aren't anyway. You don't have to active sexually to gain it. However, the way this sickness is transferred is mostly by saliva. You kissed anyone as of late?"
'Probably aren't active? What are you trying to say?!' The smirks and devious smiles around him were extremely unpleasant. The mediums reflective gawks of instigation festering the anxiety of the red attorney. "I didn't know you had a special someone, Apollo."
'Please… Pearl… don't add me on there…' He grimaced painfully. The soft thin fingers glided to the cheeks of the tiny medium, shaking her head amused.
"So who is it, Apollo?" Maya winked, her head basking to the side. "Is it someone we know."
The red attorney felt his back press against the cool wall of the enclosed space, trapped at the mercy of two Feys and a Cykes.
"You know in this firm. We always find out the truth." Athena added. They gathered the poor attorney in a corner, probing him for answers. His teeth gritted in complete fear. A twinge in his chest almost caused him to hiccup.
"I'm not seeing anyone!"
The screech was barbaric. They all flinched backwards in shock. A sudden silence streamed the air, enough to hear footsteps approach. "What's going on in here?"
Phoenix could see the red faced attorney match perfectly with his suit, his teeth gritted and fists clenched in a corner. 'In a way, I'm afraid to ask…'
'At least the toilet is clean…' Phoenix dragged his hand across his face before sighing, "Athena, did Apollo figure out what he has yet? You said it was a common cold?"
Athena recuperated from her stunned state, "Not a common cold, Mr. Wright. It seems he has been met with the Epstein-Barr virus. Mononucleosis, or Mono for short…" She sassed out the last bit, "followed by a sick temper."
"The kissing disease?" Phoenix questioned. "Then I guess he doesn't have to worry about much. That goes away with time. Just don't use silverware here."
'It's not even confirmed that Athena is right!' Apollo yelled inwardly, desperately folded into a corner.
"Hold it, Nick!" Maya stopped the senior attorney from getting away scot-free, causing him to stop at a dime. "How do you know that? I've never heard of this before, but you do?"
He stilled, throwing his hands up, "it's a common thing, isn't it? I knew about it, I just never had it."
"Uhuh…" She slithered to the door. Mr. Wright backed up as her approach became closer.
"What? I've been a hospital a few times. I hear things!" He justified. "Conditions like Prosopagnosia!"
"Don't worry…" She let out blatantly, walking out of the bathroom, "I believe you."
'Then why does it seem like you don't?' He winced nervously, following behind her.
"You listen to the boss's advice, Apollo. Though you might feel well now, it takes some time to get it completely out of your system," Athena announced walking a little closer. Apollo blinked before removing himself from his sudden courtly corner. "Spick and span!"
Gaining a good view of the toilet, she complimented, "Muy bien!" She continued throwing a peace sign forward before leaving him be.
The log cabin chair was now clean. That duty was done for him as well as the overwhelming tempest that had just punished him in the bathroom. All puns intended. Now that the girls were no longer barraging him, he could work on his daily practice. After rinsing his hands, he left the lavatory. By the way how Maya was offering her boss a mocking glance, he can feel all the weight rise from him and unto Mr. Wright's shoulders. He wasn't upset by it at all.
Now it's the actual time where his day started. With Maya now opening the once shuttered blinds and the sun shining in, the energy felt just right. Stamp your feet, puff your chest, deep breath! As the first intake of breath happened, he felt a slap on the back.
"You're going to start without me?!" Athena interrupted. "You're so rude."
He stumbled forward before Athena playfully crossed his path. "You're not going to do these without me."
"Fine!" He conceded, 'It's better than being examined…or probed.'
"I'm going to add another victory to this record." Her hands triumphantly stamped on her hips, "just watch me!"
The yelp did not go unnoticed by the eldest attorney. The inevitable was about to cause an interruption on the ears with the attorneys face to face.
"Maya…" Phoenix gained the attention for the medium who was currently ogling at the other attorneys, sitting on his desk as her porcelain legs dangled down.
"Yes, Nick?" Her wandering eyes landing on him, seated grandly at his desk.
"It's going to get a bit loud in here…" He warned. Retreating to the small shelf cupboard on the side, his fingers pulled out two small buds in his large palm. He held them to her, delicately, offering it in front of her. "You might need these…" He advised.
The Master saw her kind offering and took the two small ear gauzes from his hands, "thank you, Sir Blue Knight." She placed one in each ear before whispering, "caring for the fair maiden…"
"Ready!?" Apollo yelped, his enthusiasm showing no restraint.
"Ready!" Athena reflected, trying to match his enthusiasm.
"I'M ATHENA CYKES AND I'M FINE!"
"I'M APOLLO JUSTICE AND I'M FINE!"
If the office integrity could be broken by sound itself, the aftershocks of Apollo's shout would've shattered the windows. Maya slid off the desk, behind Phoenix. Her chin resting on his cool blue shoulder close enough to not get abraded by his pointy spikes as her hands draped over each one. The beads in her hair draped over his arm as the onyx drowned it with her inky hair. Apparently, she caught him by surprise. Her voice just loud enough to overcome the screaming, "are they always like this?"
"Every. Single. Day." He proclaimed sheepishly. "You get used to it after the first several months of exposure."
"I'm glad I got these things on." She poked one of the buds a little more securely. By the maximum volume they screeched in the tiny space, she was surprised the attorney below her could survive as well as the possible raspy damage of the other lawyers' vocal chords.
The one word Phoenix could squeeze this whole entire bubble of an office, is happy. 'Chief… if you were here, or are watching us right now… I'm more than sure you'd be proud…'
Despite her grip being so soft, he could feel Maya's presence. It was very warm, inviting. Some of the black tendrils managed to land on his wrist on the fabric of blue and white. Twisting it, the blackness intermingled in his fingers, soft straight strands falling in between the crevices of his digits. The soft skin baring his shoulders gave off a faint beat in waves right through the layers covering him. It was calming, but exciting, like a pulse speeding up faster and faster. Despite the atmosphere being diluted from the hollers of the others, he could feel it perfectly. Shade fell onto the vision, listening quietly to this enigmatic tune. It was hollow, but audible, as air passes a cave with no whistle. The elated curl in his chest came to an end as Maya shook him.
"I honestly don't know how you can sleep through something like this. It's way too noisey." Maya shook the blue attorney.
"I can't." He commented, "I don't think anyone can unless you gave them Triple Z pill. And I still don't think that'll work."
"I think they look cute, in their own weird, loud type of way." She emphasized with her hand.
"Athena and Apollo?" He asked. "They have more energy than I did at that age."
"I know about that." Maya added. "You still act like that same old man."
'That's not…!' He sighed. 'Nevermind.'
"It's all about breathing, Athena!" Apollo yelled.
"I'M ATHENA CYKES AND I'M FINE!"
"I'M APOLLO JUSTICE AND I'M FINE!"
Pearl was down the corridor, away from the trembling noise but close enough to hear it. Her hands tucked behind her back. From her perspective, she could see it all. Her face warm in internal excitement. 'Maya and Mr. Nick are so happy!'
She bobbed her knees giddily. The lawyers now yelling their lungs out also grabbed her attention. Full blown competition of who would last the longest of being fine. A sudden idea clicking into her head. 'Is this…?'
The mediums grey orbs gained opacity and a glint of hope. 'A spark somewhere else…?! Is that why they won the dance?'
Her fingers delicately wrapped around the white ceramic, 'I think I see it now!'
Before Apollo released another bout of air, Athena looked ready to faint. 'Haha! Looks like I beat her to it this time!'
Huffing more times than a big bad wolf, Athena winded out of exhaustion. She mumbled under her breath. She was on a streak with beating Apollo for a while, now her winning streak went out the window. "Darnit!"
Unlike the red attorney, he was still juiced with scream. "Looks like your streak is broken. Chords of Steel Title belongs to me again!" He trounced.
"I can keep going...!" Athena let out angrily, "I just needed to catch my breath!"
"Athena, I normally wouldn't say this, but don't push yourself too much." He replied.
At this rate, he hated admitting, he would just be as winded as she currently stood. After a little over a year, and she caught up to him easily. Practicing alongside him, amped her further and further. She was one that did not give up easily, and he knew this well. The session actually lasted longer than he had anticipated. Yet, he was more than fine as she struggled to keep up.
"We can continue later, if you want." He adjusted the cyan blue tie smugly, "when you're ready again."
"Just you wait, Apollo Justice!" She stammered heavily, "I'll beat you again! If it's the last thing I'll do!"
"We'll see." He quipped congratulatory.
Athena stomped back over to the reception couches fuming. Her face scrunched in such a way, he snickered.
"Looks like the kids are done," Maya joked, spectating the finally quiet lawyers, as she began removing the protective earbuds shielding her from the eardrum shattering screams. "Thank you, Nick."
"Sure thing." His hand rising to give back the buds from the medium, who made herself comfortable on his working bench. Her hand cupping his palm before releasing.
Morning began to dread over as the other attorneys searched to figure out what to clean, alphabetically organize files or setting Trucy's props.
Athena finished extending her stretches, before alleviating the defeated tension. The red attorney also scoured the office, setting his side of court cases in organized folders. As the drawer clicked closed, she had an idea.
"Apollo!" Athena called out vivaciously.
"You need something?" He questioned over his shoulder.
'There's no way he can beat me on these!' She snickered deviously to herself. "Why don't you try yoga with me." She crossed her arms, a challenging vibe reverberating in her voice.
His head lolled down before twisting himself to her direction. 'She's probably bringing this up because I finally beat her at Chords of Steel.'
Knowing the face she was giving him, she was not planning on letting up. "My suit isn't exactly stretchable to certain extent of these poses." He uttered meekly, "I don't want to make a rip anywhere… then have to walk home like that."
"I'm not going to make a foot go behind your head!" Her reassurance fabled, "I didn't bring my gear either. So nothing too crazy."
Daft footsteps raced to both of them, "Let me in on this!"
Athena's glance changed to Maya. "Sure! The more, the merrier!"
"Good! Miss Fey can be your yoga partner," Apollo thanked the medium inwardly, 'I don't feel like getting sweaty right now.'
"No way!" Athena stamped her foot, "you're going to be the first one on the floor."
'Aw man!' Her moped internally. 'I can't even hold a plank for a minute!'
"Nick, you should join us!" The medium chastised over the desk, her head craning over from her already sitting position.
The flinch of reluctance on his face caught on by the medium made her smirk. "I don't think you need me. Your triangle seems enough."
"Suit yourself," Maya shrugged nonchalantly, but the smirk she gave him ushered no roving eyes consequence. He silently complied from his desk.
"Pearl?" Maya directed over to the other medium by the corridor. She gasped in response. "Would you like to join?"
The smaller medium's hands were currently behind her back. She sheepishly shook her head, "no thank you, Mystic Maya."
The Master's reply was but a nod. For once in the office, Maya agreed Phoenix was right. There was just enough center space to fit three people comfortably. There would have been more if Trucy had placed her props elsewhere, but she wasn't complaining.
"Don't we need a mat or something?" Apollo chastised.
"No." Athena cleared, "you can do it on most comfortable surfaces."
By time they all knew it, shoes were off and they all occupied the green carpet flooring. Athena contentedly appeased herself knowing her exercises won't exactly be on a hard surface. Forming a triangle shape of sorts, they all faced each other, a few feet apart to prevent bumping later on. Their legs crossed comfortably over one another. Maya's enthusiasm did not go unnoticed, but she did the pose perfectly, as if years of experience emanated off her. Oh wait, she technically did. The lawyer in blue was well aware that Maya can maintain a position for a long time, hours even, from her years training to become Master. Adding the immense pressure of falling natural waters possibly below freezing was an addition to the difficulty. He can tell she had somewhat of an advantage over Apollo and possibly close to Athena's level of enthusiasm and challenging attitude. This was going to be interesting. Phoenix gimmicked that the formation appeared as if they were about to summon something by their cross legged position and closed eyes.
Athena knew well enough the first step was to set the mood. She lacked candles or incense but knew they were not mandatory. The office lights were still on and the windows were wide open for the morning sun to shine right into the office space. "Mr. Wright, can you turn off the lights, for a moment. It'll set the mood."
The lights flickered off, allowing the dimness to set a serene adjusted vibe to melt into the atmosphere. "Thank you."
"Now…" Athena said calmly, matching the balanced shade and lighting to her vocals. "Eyes closed."
A tiny gust passed her side. On instinct, an eye peeked at the corner to find her boss back at his desk. Apollo still had his eyes open, completely unenthusiastic. "Close those peepers, Apollo."
He sighed reluctantly, before shutting his lids. "It's not a meditation but... find your center."
The office froze in noise save for their breaths. The audible mumbles can be of cars and tiny wind whistles. "Now breath in a full breath." She instructed, "if you feel lightheaded, it may mean you do not get enough oxygen to the brain regularly."
On a whim, almost everyone in the office took a deep breath. Apollo noticed their timing did not match his own. The medium and yellow lawyer were practically in sync while his was a tad behind in pace. He couldn't help it. She said deep breaths, but they're going a bit too fast.
"Now, open your eyes." Athena instructed clearly. Apollo and Maya greeted blue eyes of the red head. "The first one we're going to do is the upward salute. Simple."
The lawyer hand's beckoned her two students upward from the floor as she rose herself. "Feet together, back straight, hands together like you're praying and have them in the air."
'Okay… I'm not a bendy straw yet…' Apollo snapped, holding his pose awkwardly, but sturdy.
"Don't forget to breath." Athena informed, her eye glancing to the red attorney. He swallowed when he caught her looking.
After a few moments of holding the pose she proposed, "Now the forward fold. Legs straight, no bending the knees! Make your forehead touch your knees. Use your hands to touch the floor if you need support." Athena's hair flicked from her twist, "that should be easy for you, Apollo."
'What's wrong with my forehead?!' Apollo grimaced as he followed her lead. The anticipation from the stretch and pull of his leg muscles were anticipated anxiously as his descent made his way down to the knees. He scrunched his lids closed, wondering if he'll even make it past his lap. The bump of his forehead made him pause. 'What?!'
Looking up, or perhaps down, came to realization that he had in fact passed his knee slightly. Athena glanced over snickering to see his struggle. It came to a bitter halt to see him folded like a chair, without shaking. 'This cannot be!'
Despite her doing this pose numerous times, she still felt the tremble of her hands needing to hold the pose to touch her knees. He was holding onto his ankles!
"Next…" She huffed in disbelief, "is the half-lift. Keep the same pose, except your hands should rest at the area of your ankles, lifting your body. Don't forget to breath."
Maya and Apollo did as so, alleviating the tension Maya felt on her legs. Apollo smirked, 'Okay… this isn't so bad…!'
Despite keeping the rhythmic breathing, Athena couldn't help, but pump a little faster in agitation. 'This is too easy for him!'
After holding the pose, she spoke, "now we repeat the same poses again until reach back to the upward salute."
Apollo's brows went up, excited he could even manage the pose, than just hold it! As they returned back to the upward salute, Athena's lips pursed slightly, "not the mountain pose. Hands down, palm outward to your sides. The competitive lawyer searched to Apollo. Not a sweat, but a smug grin. Maya was well also, the pose seemed to be doing her finely.
"That was Sun Breath… next." Athena released herself. "We're going to start the same way again, except when we make it to the Half Lift, we're going to plank."
As the poses were repeated, Apollo's grin disappeared. 'Planking… not exactly a favorite.'
The sudden change on Apollo caused Athena's smile to beam. As their bellies reached the floor, their elbows stamped the ground and feet bent to lift them off the green surface. Athena and Maya could feel the immediate scrunch in their muscles tighten, lifting themselves from the carpet. Phoenix peered from his file to see the odd formation.
"You guys look like a giant propellor." Phoenix mocked.
"Shhh!" They simultaneously cooed. He flinched, taken aback.
Nearly a minute, and Athena snickered to herself, 'Apollo can't even hold this pose!'
A thud hit the floor. Athena exploded her inward cheer to the world. "AHA! I knew you couldn't hold it!" She cheered.
"Huh?!" Brown eyes met wide blue ones, their faces extremely close in shock, not a single bead of sweat on it.
Athena gasped, "it wasn't you?!"
He shook his head softly as they exchanged their glances to the side. It was Maya.
She cursed into the carpet, muffled. The black ink mingling in green thread. Her head shot the air to take a breath, "My foot, slipped on something…"
They all glanced back to see Phoenix picking up a piece of paper, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, "one of these fell. Sorry Maya…"
"You better be sorry, Nick!" She inflamed before rolling over. "I wanted to hold it for at least a minute!"
His answer was a playful frown before tucking the paper back in the pile, "it must've flew off earlier when you sat here."
"I'm surprised, Apollo! You normally can't hold that position longer than a minute." Athena tucked her head to the side, her body stiff, held by her elbows.
"I'm surprised myself…" He mumbled softly.
"Blame it on me." Maya stuck her tongue out at Phoenix, before returning back to the lawyers, "What comes after the plank?"
Athena paused before staring back at Apollo, "ummm… oh! We do the Knees Chest Chin." She reassured, "we don't have to get up. Just as it sounds; chest on the floor, knees touch the floor and chin, so does your toes, your butt in the air! Use your hands as support to your sides, arms bent."
"I look like I'm stalking prey." Apollo quirked an eyebrow at Athena as soon as he gotten in the right position.
"You're doing it." She deadpanned.
Despite his red posterior currently fanning the air along with a purple and yellow one, it was quite exciting. She almost looked like a yellow rabbit on green grass about to pounce a red carrot. Her complexion soft, he could tell from the tiny snicker she offered when Maya face planted on green. His counterpart did not skip on this. That foreign eagerness in chocolate eyes scared her, yet enticed her to challenge him further. This Apollo was different. His animosity held back and converted into competitive compliance. Silently begging her to continue. The moments to hold the position had long since passed. By time the red and yellow attorney noticed it they were interrupted.
"What's the next pose?" Maya intervened, the small gust pushing green cushioned threads.
Athena spoke without breaking contact, "the Cobra."
Their hips touched the floor once more, "keep your legs straight and use your hands to help hold your back up. Try to keep your hips on the floor."
Their backs bent backward at command, their bellies to the world again. Hands stamped to the ground, keeping the pose steady. "just like a snake about ready to bite!"
An audible creak came from Athena around her neck. A millisecond stunned drowned to a contented sigh left her, "wow… that's been hurting me since yesterday. I'm glad it's gone!"
Journeying her view back up, she could see Apollo holding himself tall. The window casting a shadow from his stature with a glow behind. It was remarkable from her side. The mischief in his brow, the darken of his predatory orbs made him King Cobra! Wait… I'm forgetting! I have to beat him! I don't know what you're doing, but it won't work on me! You won't win that easily!
"Now… it's time for the downward dog," shooting Apollo a crazed grin. "Just like a dog stretching after a nap, have your arms support your front as your legs straighten at the back, like a triangle. Don't forget to breath." Their pyramid formations began, their bottoms in the air again, long hair flicked down to the floor up their heads, exposing neck. In this position, it was almost impossible for Athena to see what Apollo is currently up to without bending her knees and messing up the pose. I don't get it! Apollo couldn't even pass the first several poses before! And if he did, then he'd be sweating buckets right now. Maya and are sweating more than he is. Maybe he's settling himself while we're not watching!? That's gotta be it! But I saw him doing several times right! Better than me!
"Next pose, Athena?" A manly voice creeped in her ear. No way! Apollo is nagging on!
"Uhmm...uh…!" Athena stuttered several moments through shuddery breaths. Despite the aggravated heat that managed to absorb through her clothes and warm body, she froze over. Her mind was cloudy with a chance of Hell!
"We're waiting…" He teased menacingly, as if silently reveling in her visible tussle.
She can only imagine the shit eating grin on his face. Coax me all you want! No one is moving until I say so!
"We're going to return back to the Half Lift!" She finally squeaked out. Their hands returning back to their ankles, tiredly minus one. She forgot to breath in the last pose from her unnerved haste causing her breath to sound more exhaled and shuddery, "Forward Fold."
Their heads attempted to touch their knees once more like folded beach chairs. Maya and Athena can feel the pull of their muscles strings stretch from their back and hamstrings. "Upward Salute."
The moment was rather short in comparison to the previous poses as their hands clasped and reached the ceiling once more. Maya's fringed curtain of bangs appeared moderately ruffled from the constant ups and down, the same could not be said for Apollo. His hair strands were grand like his pose. The squint of her eyes now painful without blinking or breathing. "Now finish with a mountain pose. A thin layer of shine coated her flesh, the office cooling it softly as evaporation took its course. Maya was not as bad, still enthusiastic about the exercise. But Apollo was exactly the same as he began! He did not break a single sweat, not one nerve. The only tarnish on his physique was the few crinkles that made itself present from the disposition of his clothing.
Who are you?
"That was great." Maya exhaled, fixing her dark ocean wave of bangs. "It would've been better if Nick was organized a bit better."
The lawyer pretended to not notice the sly stare the medium offered him, cuffing papers together and placing them away. "You said something?" He sassed.
"Oh, I've got something to say!" She stomped over.
Athena couldn't believe it. Whatever came over Apollo, she couldn't put a finger on. He was sick for goodness sakes! Now he's better and can come out better than me in yoga and Chords of Steel! Everything about him was the same. The same red suit, the same snarky attitude, the same goofy hair. His heart even sounded the same, just a bit more mellow, calmer. As if it slowed down, but still beat rhythmically. Maybe it's me?
She thought. No! It's him.
The attorney in yellow startled to find his side glance land on her. Why did I get scared?
Before the Master was about to give their boss a piece of her mind, a knock startled them.
"Gee… everyone has been visiting in lately." Maya commented out loud.
"I'll get it." Athena mumbled before reaching the door. Pulling it back caused Athena to grow wide eyed.
Black and white covered her view from head to toe. The contrasting brown and yellow on his shoulder popped out from it all. Pale visage accompanied by a feather in his mouth. He stood solid, examining the occupants in the room. He didn't appear angered or agitated, just stoic. Their stunned expressions did not go unnoticed.
"I see that you are busy…" He croaked. "I will be leaving."
Athena craned her neck down the hall to see that he made his daft yet steady escape. "Wait! Hold it! Simon!"
The flash of yellow left the office just as swift as he came. Everyone shared expressions of confusion and bewilderment.
"Nick, who was that?" Maya asked pointing to the open office door.
"That was, Simon Blackquill." He stated slowly, to her direction. "A prosecutor."
Apollo felt his chest concave inwardly, 'I guess we're not having that rematch…'
