Chapter Thirteen

Shouts in the Quiet

It's time you begin to repay your dues in earnest. This case is mine.

The feeling drained out of Athena's fingers as she waved goodbye to Payne. Within the second, she had no feeling in her hands at all. Before she registered what was happening, the sensation had traversed her forearms, catching all four limbs in a net of numbness.

He was doing it again. Possessing her. But how had he done it so quickly? Last time, it felt like a full minute had passed before she lost all control. Why was this time so different?

As the door closed behind Payne, Gavin walked back to Apollo's desk. He pulled open the drawer Athena had closed to rearrange its case files. Unlike her, he was careful to place every folder back in chronological order. Unless Apollo thought fit to comment on the disturbed state of dust, there was no reason for him to suspect that she had been snooping through his belongings. The drawer closed with a slam and a furtive look.

"Clean your desk, Justice. I taught you better." His comment harbored an edge of bitterness, bringing the whole tangle of emotions back to the surface. For all his talk of certainty, it was clear that Gavin still didn't know how he felt about his former apprentice. Sometimes, his emotions tended more towards sadness, other times anger, and, in a few instances, a trace of happiness. A pride Gavin wanted to feel for something he couldn't take credit for.

But that wasn't what Athena was concerned with right now. How... how did you get me so quickly?

"Actually, Miss Cykes, overtaking you at this speed is much easier for me. Our trial run earlier was extended for your comfort."

Athena would have argued that it hadn't felt comfortable either time, but she didn't feel like pressing the issue. Not when she couldn't feel a leg to stand on. What are you going to do now? We can't investigate until we talk to Apollo and Mr. Wright. That's not going to happen until their day in court ends.

"No, I suppose not." He sighed, settling down on the couch while snatching up a law book. Once again, he cringed at the level of dust contained within. The cover had been dusted off, but it was clear the book had not been opened within the decade. "In the meantime, I'm going to work on a plausible explanation for your defending abilities to jump to my previous level. I've seen how you defend, and I don't want to feign inexperience any more than necessary." Sensing her desire to object, Gavin added, "and besides: it's been twenty months since I did my job in a courtroom. I can hardly claim to still be in my prime. A short review of trial procedure can only serve to assist me."

The next two hours could not have passed more slowly for Athena. The section of the book Gavin was reading covered exceptions to trial procedure and obscure precedents for legal maneuvers. All of it was stuff Athena either already knew or never expected to use in an actual trial. If she could groan, or even roll her eyes, she would have done so a thousand times already.

She hated not being able to physically express her emotions. Or speak. Or move.

At first, she tried to read along. When that became too dull, she prodded Gavin with questions, seeking to provoke him into conversing with her. Unfortunately, he didn't take the bait. It was though Gavin had set up a wall between them and left Athena trapped behind it.

His narrowed eyes, his single-minded focus... he was serious about this. Gavin had been a prideful man in life, and his work had been the main source of it. All of his time and effort had been focused on building a career and reputation for himself, and he wasn't about to let something as small as death and discreditation end his line of achievements. It was his work, and it would be a success. No matter what he had to do to make it so. Athena was starting to get that about him.

Not that it got the clocks to tick any faster.

It was half past noon when Apollo, Trucy, and Mr. Wright returned from the courthouse. The jubilant expressions on everyone but Mr. Wright's face told Athena all she needed to know about the outcome of the second day's trial.

Gavin, for his part, was careful to greet them warmly. He tossed the law book aside and jumped up with only a minor sense of awkwardness. "Apollo! Mr. Wright! You're back early. Did you win the case?"

"Prosecutor Gavin never accepted my version of the charges list, but the judge sided with us. The verdict was a guilty for twelve charges of hostage-taking on the condition that each sentence is served cocurrently. Actual sentencing will wait until after the federal trial has rendered their own verdict."

A pause. Fleeting, but noticeable all the same. What had Gavin heard that made him-

Oh. Heard. That must have been it. He wasn't used to Athena's way of hearing, after all. Why would he be? If his hesitation stemmed from what Athena thought it did... that confirmed their suspicions, alright. For better or worse.

To his credit, the demon recovered quickly. "That's great news!" Gavin put their hands together in a way that hid Widget from view. "Ms. Blackquill must be so relieved."

"She's in the minority on that." Apollo's hair spikes drooped as he spoke. "The press outside was not pleased to hear that the courts would be going easy on their 'terrorist'. We got pushed around a few times on the way back here. That, and... well. Gavin laughed it off in court, but he'd looked devastated when he realized he'd basically lost the case. Worse than any of the other times I'd faced him, save one."

"I bet he's just acting that way so the public won't think he's the bad guy. He has to at least make it look like his actions reflects the public interest, or they'll blame him. Klavier hates seeing dirt thrown on his name, regardless of the reason."

Now Trucy was looking at them strange. "Were you a fan of his too, Athena?"

Gavin seemed to realize his mistake when she said that. He backtracked slightly. "It's just the impression I get. K-Prosecutor Gavin and I... we talked about this case last night at the Christmas party."

Mr. Wright chuckled, then changed the subject. "You've always been perceptive. So, Athena. What's this I hear about Mr. Payne visiting the office?"

"He came in here not long after I arrived. He asked for you first, Mr. Wright, but I told him you had another case at the moment, so he asked me to defend his son instead."

"I... didn't realize Mr. Payne had a son. This is Winston Payne, right? The retired prosecutor?"

"Yes. I don't think his brother would have come in here. He... probably doesn't like us much after the bombing trial." Nor would he ever ask Athena to defend someone. Not after the performance she'd put up for him in court.

Yes, I froze. Can you let go of that any time soon?

Apollo snorted. "That's probably true. So what do you say, Mr. Wright? Can Athena and I head up this case while you debut in federal court?"

"You two are going to leave me alone in an unfamiliar courtroom? Ms. Blackquill will be disappointed in you for ditching her, Apollo," Mr. Wright teased.

"Don't worry, Daddy. I'll come with you!" Trucy promised. "I'll even stand by you at the bench."

The thought made him smile. "Sure thing, Trucy. As long as the court doesn't mind, you can join me anytime you like." Mr. Wright turned back to his underlings for one last comment. "Go ahead and visit your client in the Detention Center, Athena. Take Apollo's advice while investigating and keep me posted."

"Will do, boss!" Sure, Athena knew Gavin meant it sarcastically, but it didn't look like anyone else had caught on. "We won't let you down."

Gavin raced out the door, eager for the conversation to be over. They heard Apollo screaming for Athena to wait and Phoenix wishing them luck as he sprinted towards the Detention Center.

"So... Athena." Apollo was panting. It'd taken him five blocks to catch up with Gavin, even though Gavin had only run for four. The demon seemed to like his new speed and endurance, giving Athena the impression he hadn't been as physically active in his own life. "What do you know about this case?"

"Not a lot." Their voice was only slightly winded, and mostly pleasant. It was also the only one Athena could still somewhat detect emotion in without access to her ears, and that was more due to their mental connection than the sound of anything. "Mr. Payne told me the incident happened yesterday. His son, Piercen Payne, was taking a taxi home from the airport when the car got into an accident. The police found the driver dead. For some reason, they seem to be trying the case as a homicide."

"Sounds like a terrible Christmas at the Payne residence. But if what you say is true, then why murder? Why don't they think the death was an accident?"

"I don't know yet. There must be something Mr. Payne didn't tell us. I was hoping the defendant would have more information."

There was one thing that still bothered Athena about this situation: why did Gavin want the case? Was he really that eager to stand in court as himself again? Or was it about his connection to Winston Payne? It's not like they had faced each other that often, but- no.

You... you don't want to intentionally lose this case to get back at Payne for convicting you, right? Because you promised not to use me to take any revenge.

Gavin didn't answer right away, focused as he was on what Apollo was saying. "-hope they ran an actual investigation before arresting somebody. For all I know, they just put someone behind bars so they could go home early on Christmas. Seems like something this place would do."

"Of course not. Don't be ridiculous." Gavin addressed both concerns at once. "The police wouldn't do that. Right, Apollo?"

Apollo shrugged. "The phantom in the police force kinda shook my faith in their ability to do their jobs. It's not like the detective I worked with before Fulbright had any interest in her job."

"And who was that?"

"Detective Skye. She was at the party last night, if you remember her."

"Hm... I don't think we talked."

The walk was silent after that. Apollo kept glancing their way, as if he expected "Athena" to say something more. But since Gavin didn't have the slightest interest in continuing a conversation, whatever he was waiting for never came to pass. Athena wished she could talk to Apollo herself. Or at least assess how he was feeling.

After a few minutes, Apollo gave up waiting. "Did you eat lunch, Athena?"

Gavin flicked his (her!) earring as they walked. "I don't think so. Did you eat after your trial?"

"No. I'm kinda hungry, though. Did you want to stop somewhere on the way to the Detention Center?"

"I'd rather meet our client first. We've kept Payne waiting long enough. We can eat after. Then I want to visit the crime scene. Or at least, whatever's left of it." Considering the circumstances, they had to consider the possibility that emergency services had already cleaned up the site of the wreck. Here's to hoping there was still evidence to be found.

"Let's hope the crime scene isn't too messy, then." Apollo made a face, but didn't protest further. Once again, it felt as though time couldn't be passing slower than it already was, and the pregnant silences didn't help. The feeling was made worse by the fact that they appeared to be present on both sides.

"If you're so idle, focus on preparing arguments for the case," Gavin muttered under his breath.

"What did you say, Athena?"

"Just thinking about what our client will be like." He (she?) flashed Apollo a smile, but the brunet still looked confused. He was probably about to ask when Gavin called out, "here we are!" Gavin skipped through the open doors of the Detention Center. Because the visiting area had been closed yesterday, a bunch of family and friends of prisoners were crowded in the waiting room, hoping to wish their dearest criminal a Merry Christmas. Some even had gifts that would have to be inspected for delivery.

On the opposite side of the room was Mr. Payne, who saw them first. "Miss Cykes! Mr. Justice! Over here, please."

The two lawyers made their way through the crowd and towards the sound of Payne's voice. "Miss Cykes, I'm glad to see you came after all! I was starting to get concerned." He turned to Apollo, beaming. "And you brought Mr. Justice! Fine young lawyers, the both of you. I hear you've come a long way since your first case. Isn't that right, Mr. Justice?"

"Well, I guess you can say that." Apollo put a hand to his hair, looking a tad... bashful? "It's certainly been a strange couple years."

That got Payne to laugh. "With Phoenix Wright as a boss? Always, I'm sure."

"Speaking of Mr. Wright, I have his permission to take your son's case. Can we talk to him now, Mr. Payne?" Gavin got right to business. "Is your wife still with him?"

"No, she went out to order lunch for ourselves. She'd been with Piercen all morning." Payne pat his forehead, trying to think. "Last I knew, the police were still questioning him. You two can visit him when they're done, I imagine."

"Mr. Payne, I was hoping you could explain a few things about the case to me." Apollo didn't waste any time either. "Athena was telling me about the incident on the way over. Do you know why the police are calling this case a homicide? Why not consider the car wreck a cause of accidental death?"

The forehead patting was back. "That's the rub, isn't it? Best I can pick up from my former contacts in the police force, the details of the death don't match up with the report filed on the accident. While the taxi cab was indeed sideswiped by another car, the damage was too mild to have killed anyone by itself. And because Piercen was the only other person in the car-"

"The police think he must have caused the driver's death in some other way," Gavin finished. "But that still doesn't rule out accidental death! What if the victim had a serious medical condition and the accident triggered it?"

Oh, like the case Mr. Wright and I took at the aquarium! I remember that.

"I-I wouldn't know," Payne confessed, becoming flustered. "I would love for the answer to be as simple as that. My Piercen would never kill anyone, let alone a stranger! He has no motive."

"We're going to try and speak with your son now," Apollo piped up. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Payne."

"It's nothing. Thank you for coming to Piercen's aide. Tell him his father is waiting for his lunch and will come in when you two are finished."

When the lawyers walked up to the front desk, Apollo went to ask the guard about visitation when Gavin cut him off. As it turned out, the police had been interviewing the young Mr. Payne but had finished just recently. They could walk back and speak with him now, if they wished.

"So, what kind of person do you think Mr. Payne has for a son?" Apollo's eyebrows suggested a teasing undertone, but Gavin answered the question seriously.

"Hm... I imagine a younger version of Mr. Payne, honestly. Straight-laced and acting confident, but nervous all the same. Someone who's easily rattled and currently has every reason to be." Gavin seemed to forget Athena had never met Winston Payne before today. Nor did he appreciate the reminder.

Apollo considered it, then shrugged. "I guess we'll just have to see for ourselves, huh?"

"I guess so."

Well. This was different.

In contrast to his father's balding grey, Piercen Payne had a full cap of dyed green locks. Hairs stuck to the sweat on his neck while other strands hid his facial features. Thick rims guarded his saggy eyes as he read to himself from... a medical textbook?

Gavin cleared his throat, doing his best to mute the surprise they both felt. "Excuse me. Are you Mr. Piercen Payne?"

"Wha-?" His head flew upwards as his chair went backward. He stopped himself from falling over just in time. When his eyes landed on Gavin and Apollo, he straightened his glasses and nodded. "Yeah, I'm him. ...Thought you were the police again for a minute, there."

"That's alright. My name is Apollo Justice, and this is my coworker, Athena Cykes. She's the lawyer your dad asked to take your case."

"Nice to meet you!" Gavin beamed, then turned their eyes down. "What were you reading just now?"

"Oh I was just... studying. Looking up some of the questions that were on my last exam. I'm in medical school." He offered by way of explanation. "When I finish, I'll be a licensed psychiatrist."

A psychiatrist, huh? Athena had studied alongside plenty of those! While she (and most psychologists) were more focused on talking their patients through their issues, psychiatrists targeted their patients' ills through the use of medication. Usually the two worked hand in hand when handling an individual's care. Now Athena was starting to want the case, if only so she could talk to this guy.

Ooh! Ask him about where he'll be practicing. Oh, and if he's read this new article about-

Gavin completely ignored Athena, choosing instead to ask questions related to the case. "How cool! I would bet you're eager to be out of here, then. What got you into this jam, anyway? Your father didn't seem to know much."

"Until the last interrogation, I didn't either. I still can't believe they think I killed a man! I've never been in trouble like this before. Not once!"

He looked like he was getting anxious, so Gavin said "why don't we start at the beginning? You took a taxi from the airport to see your parents on Christmas. What can you tell us about the driver?"

Piercen leaned back in his chair once more, hand brushing his hair back. From this angle, he looked a lot more confident. He had eyes like his father, but the face shape was far too angular to be an exact match. With that jawline... in other circumstances, Athena would have said it made her heart flutter. "I wasn't really paying attention to him at first. I was eager to get home. He talked on his bluetooth a lot, and his voice was pretty loud. I mostly tuned him out."

"Did he act unusually at any point leading up to your car accident?"

"Well, I'd never met the guy before, so... Maybe? He didn't seem impaired in any way. Otherwise I wouldn't have trusted his driving."

"Do you know the name of your driver?" Apollo broke in, eyes curious. "Maybe we could research more about him."

Piercen pulled his glasses up from one side as he considered the question. "I know the police told me, but I don't remember what it was. Ugh!" He threw the opposite hand down on the table. "Why am I suspected of killing a guy I don't even know?

"That's what we're trying to figure out," Gavin kept their voice low, steering the conversation back under his control. "Tell us if you remember. If not, we can ask the police afterwards. Why don't we skip ahead for now? Did you notice anything in the moments before the accident?"

"...The car next to us was not staying in their lane at all. At first I was too busy reading, but the driver kept honking at them. Then, when we were at a stoplight, we turned from the left line while they came at us from the center. That's when we collided. I'm not gonna lie. It scared me."

"And which intersection was this?"

Piercen told them the two streets and Apollo recorded the information for their investigation. Then Piercen felt the need to add "that jerk! He really got the passenger side of the car."

"You were sideswiped, yes?"

"Yeah! And this idiot guy- he doesn't even accept responsibility for the accident! I bet it's his fault that the poor driver is dead. But the police are insisting the injuries aren't consistent. They told me... They told me he was struck in the neck with a large blunt object. But the crash side had no large pieces of debris." Unbidden, he clutched his textbook closer to his chest. "They only gave me my book back after checking it for forensic evidence."

Judging by the fact they'd returned it to Piercen, should Athena assume it was clean? "Do you remember the name of the man in the accident?"

"It was weird. Like... Rogen Ageire? He was questioned first when the driver was declared dead. I was sent home. Then, first thing in the morning, Dad got a knock on the door. It was such a shock when I was placed under arrest!"

That must have been when the autopsy report came back. Apollo concluded the conversation by asking, "and that's all you know? Is there anything you can tell us about this accident?"

"...Just that I didn't do it. I have no reason to hurt anyone, let alone a stranger."

"Okay. Your father told us he helped you file your letter of request, so it looks like everything is in order. Apollo and I are off to investigate for ourselves. We will come back if we have any more questions. Once your parents eat their lunch, they'll be back in here too."

"Thanks, you two. I'm counting on you!"

Hey! I have more questions. Who is the prosecutor going to be? When is our first day in court? Where did they take the wrecked ca-

Oh, it was useless. Despite the numb, Athena still thought she felt her heart sink. How was it she always ended up being ignored like this?

A/N's: I know it's been a little while since this story has received an update, and maybe this isn't the most dynamic chapter to come back with, but it took a long time to write. I debated whether or not to switch to Kristoph's POV, then I had to figure out pronouns and Piercen's character. The final scene took four tries to write.

Despite this, I hope everyone still enjoys the chapter. I have a few more fics to attend to before I update this one again, so I don't know when Chapter Fourteen will come out. Spring break, maybe? Until then, thanks for reading, please review, and I'll see you on the far side!