Chapter Twelve

Miles

Franziska and I move through the house until we reach the study. It seems so much smaller now that I'm older. Even though we spent so many long years at the table studying and working on different things, both with tutors and from the school itself.

"It feels like it's been so long since we've been here, huh?" Franziska asks looking over at me from the bookshelf.

Yeah, I still remember. We had so many lessons here how could I forget?"

She sticks her tongue out at me allowing her careful guard to slip since we're alone (and will always be alone in this house, unless you count the people she's been paying to clean it).

"Well, you asked."

"I'll whip you," she says brandishing her tool.

"What was your favourite lesson?"

She thinks about the question. It seems so random I know, but why wouldn't I ask her when we're at our old house.

"That's a hard question. I mean I loved studying law with Papa, but I liked when you taught me English."

"Really, I could swear you liked it better before I was teaching you English."

"I wouldn't mind being taught by someone other than my little brother if my tutor was actually competent."

I smile a bit at her.

(Past)

About a year after I'd moved into the von Karma household things had finally calmed down for me. I'd gotten into the routine quickly, and my German lessons were progressing well. I could hold a few conversations in German and write a few things as well, but I was no where near the standard Mr. von Karma expected, and honestly I knew I could be better as well.

This was true also for my "sister". She's been progressing in her studies. We needed Edda less and less to translate from English and back again. She was getting then hang of a second language.

I sit at the table working on some German work while Franziska was having her English lesson. We usually did that. She'd sit in when I learned German since she was still learning, and so she'd demanded I listen to her English lessons even though I spent more time doing homework.

Mr. von Karam didn't mind the arrangement as long as I kept up my studies after all.

Despite her young age, Franziska was attentive to her tutor. She swung her legs a bit, but she paid as much attention as could be expected from a girl her age.

"Yet I'd become increasingly aware that while her tutor had a basic understanding in English she was missing a few of the finer points. I didn't want to speak up, but maybe I could subtly guide Franziska towards a greater understanding.

She might be a bit of a brat at times, but I didn't want her to fail because she wasn't being taught the best she could. Apparently not very many people around here were fluent in English.

"Now Fräulein, your answer to question twenty has some errors," her tutor Mrs. Arbeit, tells her.

I frown to myself, what was the question. Again? I tried to think back. Of course, that had been the one she'd struggled with in the exercise she'd been given.

I close my eyes thinking about the questions she had to ask. The question pops into my mind vividly.

What would you like to do when you're older?

She had gone through many answers scribbling them.

She finally settled on one that she thought would make her seem the smartest. When I'd shown her where I came from on the globe in the library she'd been very interested in how it was possible to travel so far across the ocean.

I showed her a picture of a plane once and showed her how to spell it in English when she asked.

She had decided to incorporate that into her answers to show how much she'd learned.

When I'm big I want to ride in a plane with my little brother and Papa.

There hadn't really been anything wrong with that sentence. Unless…

"But Little Brother said…" she looks at me confused.

I clear my throat a bit. I'm not sure exactly how to word this. "Well there are two types of the word "plane" there's the one your ride in and-"

She clears her throat and I stop talking.

"This is my lesson," she tells me. I have trouble understanding some of it, but I get the idea.

"I was just…"

"Little brother is better!" the young girl declares. "He is good at English!"

"Well, I have studied English for years and-"

"Miles!"

I close my eyes. I knew I shouldn't have opened my mouth to protest. "I'm sorry, I'll just go study somewhere else."

"No!"

She looked at the paper again and seems to notice her error. "Well, you're right, but I don't appreciate you interrupting my lesson."

I stand up bowing. "Again I apologize. It wasn't my intention."

"I'm the teacher here," she continues. "I only agreed to let you stay in here because I thought you'd leave me to teach my student."

"Miles is better!" Franziska declared again hitting the desk with her crop and grabbing my shirt with her free hand.

This is a fight I would rather avoid. After all, I did talk out of turn. "I was just trying to help as best I could. I mean since I grew up with English as my first language."

"You think you're better at English than me because you learned it as a first language?"

To be honest, yes. I heard it was better to learn a language from a native speaker, but I'm not about to say something like that to her because that would be rude.

Franziska didn't have such qualms though. "Miles is better!"

She looks at her student. "I have a degree in teaching, all he has is nine years."

"Ten!" Franziska declared happy she remembered the number after nine. She'd been very convinced she'd remember it when my birthday came around.

"That's still not the point."

"I want Miles! Miles Edge-Edge-" she glares hitting her crop on the table as if it was its fault that she was unable to properly pronounce my last name. Then she settles for something she has a lot easier of time saying. "Little brozer, teach me English!"

"Franziska, you have an English teacher already."

"Don't want her! Want Miles!"

I close my eyes. Yup, shouldn't have said anything. I doubt Mr. von Karma would be happy about this waste of time.

To avoid any more conflict I try to leave. "Umm… I'll go do something else. There was a book I wanted to look at after all…"

"No!" Franziska says jumping out of her chair and grabbing me. "You stay!"

I'm surprised she was still trying to use English despite the fact she was getting upset now. I swear this girl…

Sometimes she can be really bratty.

But I guess she is only a three-year-old.

"Listen, I'm not going to leave you. I'm just going to not interrupt your lesson anymore."

"But you teach me better later anyway!"

I can't tell if her tutor looks angry or indignant by the implication. I suppose I did cause this. I may have to explain the situation to Mr. von Karma about why I caused trouble.

I was only trying to help…

"Franziska!"

The little girl jumps a bit untangling herself from me as she looks up to see her father in the doorway. "Papa!"

"What are you doing exactly?"

"I want Miles to teach me English!" She declares.

"I'm sorry, sir," I say bowing a little bit. "I'm afraid it's kind of my fault. I was trying to correct a mistake that Mrs. Arbeit made on one of Franziska's questions. It's a small mistake, but it's a common one and I thought I'd just lend a hand. I know I'm not supposed to interfere, but I just didn't want Franziska to learn the wrong thing I can study elsewhere if I'm being too much of a trouble."

"She gets upset because Miles helps me, but Miles is just better at English because he comes from an English place!"

"But I'm still your tutor, Fräulein."

"I don't care! Miles!"

"Enough, Franziska; you know better than to behave like this."

The girl straightens slightly knowing she'd crossed a line with her father. "Sorry, Papa."

"That being said I can see no issue with her getting some assistance from Miles. I have found that it is always easier to learn a language from a native speaker. Despite his age, he's highly skilled."

"Well then he might as well teach her," she declares grabbing her bag and leaving the room.

I bow again. "I'm really sorry, sir. I didn't mean to cause any problems."

He closes his eyes. "To be honest I Would have preferred a different tutor. The one I had in mind decided to move to England so I had to make a pick someone else. While her skills with English are good I did hear she was not the best with children, but I had thought with Franziska's intelligence that would not be a problem."

"Oh I see…" I have a feeling she was alright with my sister until I decided to speak up about her mistake. Guess I can't help it now.

"Edgeworth, I'm putting you in charge of teaching her English. I was planning on doing it eventually anyway, but as it's clear I'm not going to find a good tutor I see no reason not to have you do this."

I wonder if in some ways this is "punishment" for pretty much making her quit.

"Yay!" Franziska cheers.

"I hope you both realize this will not be a time to goof off, and because you aren't being supervised with this I will read your things myself so don't think you can just goof off in here."

"Yes sir."

"Yes Papa."

Franziska

After finally getting rid of that annoying tutor I head towards the stable for my riding lesson.

I mean really, Miles was right, but she got all mad because Miles as right!

I'm glad Papa finally let Miles teach me English instead. I'll learn so much more from Miles anyway!

I head indoors having already changed into my pants and shirt instead of my usual dress.

When I get into the stables I see Herr Forst waiting for me.

"How was your day so far, Fräulein?"

"I don't like my English tutor," I say crossing my arms. "But she went away so I get to learn from Miles!"

"I see, well I hope you are behaving well," he says.

I frown, but I don't say anything.

Herr Forst is good. He always lets me work with my horse and never gets mad at me. Even if my horse isn't the best. Though I'm getting a new one today because my old one was getting too old.

They were his horses, but he brought them here for me to ride. I still can't wait to get my own horse!

This new horse is a bit more energetic which I'm happy about.

"Can I take her out?" I ask looking up at him.

He gives me the lead-rope. "Her halter is already on, if you have trouble reaching then just ask and I'll lend you a hand."

I nod walking over to the stall."So where is your brother anyway?"

"Apparently he wanted to play chess instead of ride horseys. I don't really get it."

He chuckles. "Well everyone has hobbies. His just aren't horses."

"I pout. "How can he not? Horses are amazing!"

"I can agree with you there, kid."

He's one of the few people who can call me that.

I go into the stall and look up at the horse. She isn't much bigger than my old one, but she's so cute anyway.

She lowers her head to me so I can attach the lead-rope to her halter and lead her out into the stable.

Forst grabs the cross ties attaching them to the halter and unclipping the head rope for now.

"Well, do you know what kind of horse she is?"

I look at her thinking hard. "Palomino!"

"Very goo, you've been studying."

"Of course," I say grabbing the brusshes. I start to do all I can with him helping with the other areas.

"Oh, and by the way, her name is Schimmer."

"Hello," I say stroking her nose.

"She might be a bit more energetic than Mond was."

I did like Mond, but I'm happy I could finally have a horse who wasn't going to drag his feet all the time. How am I supposed to learn like that?"

He helps me put the saddle and bridle on before we head outside so I can mount. One day I won't need a stupid mounting block to get on.

I climb on her and he leads her into the ring. I tell her to walk and we move around. I close my eyes feeling the air against my face.

I can feel the horse under me as well.

This is the kind of feeling I like. Not sitting around indoors learning things but riding.

I mean I want to be a prosecutor like Papa, but there's nothing like riding the wind.

Though I haven't gone very fast yet. I can't wait for that day.

Though Papa says I should learn Dressage rather than show jumping.

Dressage is apparently way more elegant and refined.

Apparently Forst was a dressage rider until an accident causes him to not be able to do it anymore. He could still ride a little bit, but he has a limp, and the movements hurt his leg.

So instead he's just teaching me.

I ride Schimmer around the ring for a bit.

"Do you want to go for a trail ride? I was going to start your trotting lessons, but I think you'll need to get used to Schimmer before you start those."

ButI was so close to getting to trot!

"Hey, don't pout at me, little kid, you can't start something before you're ready, you could get hurt, and then you won't be able to ride, you know?"

I think about that for a while. The thing about riding a horse was that it was important to have a bond with your horse.

But still…

"I know you were looking forward to starting to trot, but I want you to get used to her first. How about we try a trot next week?'

"Okay," I say with a bit of a smile.

"So a trail ride?" he asks.

"Yeah!"

After all, I don't want to push my horse too hard either. Papa said if he finds out I ever hurt one of the horses then I'm never allowed to not even have my own horse, but ride them again, so I have to be a really good girl around them.

Besides I would anyway, horses are the best animal ever.

I really don't get why Miles would rather play some strange game than ride with me, but that's okay, more horses for me anyway!

I pull the reins as I move her through the well ridden path.

Forst holds the lead rope, but really I'm doing all the work. Schimmer is a very good horse and listens to me very well.

"How are you liking her so far?"

"I really like her."

"I'm glad to hear it. I was a bit nervous when I realized Mond was a bit too old to keep going, but I thought you'd like this girl."

"That's okay, I hope that he has a nice retirement."

"Of course."

I close my eyes again for a bit as we continue my lesson. I know when I'm bigger things are going to get harder, but also more fun. Maybe I'll hvae to drag Miles out to see one day. Especially the day I get my own.

"Will you give Papa my first horsey?"

"Well i he did want to buy a horse from me I certainly wouldn't complain. I'd know they're going to a good home."

"Would you still be my teacher?" I ask softly. What if he wouldn't be? What if getting a horse means he won't want to see me anymore.

"Of that's what you want, I'm sure it can be arranged."

"Yay!" I say grinning. Hopefully Papa will let him.

Phoenix

I sit in my spot at school during lunch break. I focus on the paper in front of me more than the food next to it. I tap my pen on the page before starting to write something.

What should I even write anyway?

Dear Miles

I hope you and Missle are okay. Larry and I miss you a lot. I know you had to move away, but it'd be nice to hear from you. I hope you caught the last Signal Samurai special. I know the show is over, but I'm glad they're still doing things with it. I heard they're going to make a new show called Rainbow Samurai. I wonder if it'll be any good. I wish the three of us could watch it together like we used to.

Your friend,

Phoenix

It really wasn't all that great honestly. I mean, but…

"Hey Man, what are you doing?" Larry asks plopping down in front of me.

"Ahh!" I say covering the paper with my arm.

"What? Is that a love letter or something?"

"No it's not… i…"

"Then let me see!" He asks ripping the paper from under my arm before I can stop him.

"Hey! Give it back!"

"Huh? This for Edgey?"

"Yeah, I mean… we haven't seen him in a year."

"Yeah, and we haven't heard from him either. You don't even know where he lives so what's the point in writing this anyway?"

"Larry!"

"He's probably moved on from us already. I mean think about it why hasn't he sent us any letters or called or anything?"

"Maybe he's just busy."

"For a whole year?"

"Larry stop!"

"Look man, all I'm saying is that Edgey di-"

Without thinking I smack him across the face.

"Hey!"

"Miles wouldn't do that! Miles is our friend! No matter what's going on in his life he'll always be our friend! I know he will!"

"How can you say that? I mean…"

"Larry, don't forget that he lost his father. He was the only family he had."

"Yeah, I still can't believe that. I mean, Edgey's old man was so great, who'd want to kill him?"

"I don't know. But Miles has probably gone through a lot in his life so we can't really blame him for not keeping in touch."

"Yeah, guess you're right, but I still don't get how you're going to get this letter to him."

"Yeah… I hadn't thought of that…"

"'Sides I can't believe you're still into those shows," he says changing the subject. "I mean they're for kids. I bet Edgey isn't into them anymore."

"Larry, we are kids."

"Nah, I'm not a kid anymore. I mean I've reached the double digets now. I' almost a teenager!"

I shake my head. "Still three years off, man."

"I know that, but think about it, man. Once you get to the double digits it's time to start growing up, you know? No more kids stuff. The girls dig a boy who grew up early."

But Larry doesn't grow up… "How do you know what girls want?"

"I watched stuff on TV."

"Larry, you can't believe what you see on TV."

"I know that, man. So I only watch the real stuff."

I won't ask him what the real stuff is.

"Anyway I'm not really interested in that stuff."

"Aww, you're no fun, man!"

I grab the letter from him. "It may be easy for you to give up on Miles and move on, but I miss my friend, okay!"

"Hey, chill, I was just joking."

"I know I don't know where to mail this! I know it's stupid! Just…"I get up grabbing my lunch and my things heading outside and sitting under a tree to eat.

I stare down at the letter.

I know Miles will never see this, but without really thinking I draw something in the blank space at the bottom. The three of us as the Signal Samurai. It's been over a year since we played, but… I won't ever forget it.

Even if the other two might have.

Translations:

German→English:

Japanese→English:

Preview

Franziska

"Mama…" I whisper.

He pulls me close so my head is laying on his chest. He runs his fingers through my hair softly.

"Need to talk about it?"

"Mama was going, but I couldn't catch her, but I just kept going and going, but she just was…"