Author's Note: This was my submission for the Narumayo Zine, and I'm happy to finally share it! Hope you enjoy reading!
"So…the bazaar is still busy at this time, huh?" Phoenix remarked. Even though they'd woken at the crack of dawn to get ready, there was already a sizable number of people milling about the vibrant area. The azure sky was cloudless, a spring breeze rustling the flags under the eaves of brightly painted roofs.
"Of course, Nick. It actually peaks after morning prayers." Maya said nonchalantly, as if it was obvious.
"And before afternoon prayers start, I'm guessing?"
"You're catching on quickly." She grinned, and taking his hand, she confidently led him down the main avenue. "What did Trucy want? A painted mask?"
"Yeah, she heard from Apollo that Khura'in is known for them. And she's not the only one who asked for a souvenir." He rummaged in his pocket for the folded list. Snapping the paper open, he read aloud. "Athena requested a 'singing bowl', that Blackquill likes them, and I might as well buy him the same. Larry is being his usual self and said 'anything exotic'. Detective Gumshoe originally was fine with whatever, but Maggey convinced him that the cashmere goods are amazing from this part of the world."
"Ooh, she has great taste." Maya nodded. "During my first winter, I swapped all my undergarments out."
He lowered the list, eyeing the back of her head. Have I ever seen Maya wearing…? Well, now's not the time to think about that. It's only been two days since her trial ended.
"And Pearly told me that she could use more incense."
"For training?" He lengthened his stride to match her pace.
"Yup, it helps in focusing, plus she likes the fragrances." She pointed to a nearby stall. "Ah, here's the cashmere stuff! Let's take a look, Nick."
Colorful yarns and clothing items were spread out invitingly; wooden stands displayed tapestries of various sizes. He casually lifted a hat, noticing that it was woven by hand. The purveyor was an elderly woman, folding scarves in her lap, and Maya began to converse with her in Khura'inese.
Phoenix was impressed. Wow, she could pass for fluent. My vocabulary's still restricted to greetings and the 'most useful phrases' page from the pocket dictionary I bought at the airport.
Her voice was softer in the foreign language, and he found it endearing. Content to listen, he stood aside, searching for options in the detective's size. Then, in his periphery, Maya held up her hands, furiously blushing. The old lady said something with a big smile. Maya must have told her to repeat it, because she did, emphasizing and gesturing.
There was a gleam in Maya's eye that made him swallow. He recognized that look.
"…What is it?" He ventured.
"Niiick…" She practically sang, grabbing his arm and pulling him into an affectionate snuggle. As friends did. "Apparently, there's a couples discount of twenty percent. Isn't that great?"
"Uh-huh. I can see where this is going."
"Come on, my wallet's hurting from the legal fees." Maya was laying on the charm, and admittedly, it was working. Blinking up at him with her long lashes, her pink lips curving into her familiar mischievous smile. His arm was still pressed against her warm body, and he tried not to guess where exactly he was touching.
Sighing, he caved. "Alright, honey. Can we make it quick?"
"Pet names won't work unless you say them in Khura'inese." She pointed out to his embarrassment. "But I'm glad you'll play along."
She didn't let go of him while they perused the available stock. They settled on two sets of hats, scarves, and mittens; dark green was certainly Gumshoe's color and vermillion red suited Maggey. The patterns were subtly different, but they were clearly matching sets.
"They'll look really cute together." Maya had a lift to her step as they walked away. "Oh, if you see anything you want, tell me so I can haggle."
"Sure, I will." However, what he desired could only be bought with time. A couple more days, in fact. He cleared his throat, changing the subject. "Hey, what does a singing bowl look like?"
Maya began to describe, but she had to raise her voice. The noise of the bazaar was louder, the crowds denser. His hand fell to the small of her back, to ensure they'd stick together, and while she glanced over at him, she didn't seem to mind the contact.
Singing bowls were popular with tourists, and they entered a large shop that had a pretty display section. An herbal scent wafted out of the door, leading to an aisle entirely devoted to incense. Maya immediately made a beeline for her cousin's preferred fragrances, while Phoenix scanned the rest of the place. A worn shelf had what he was searching for; a dozen round metallic bowls were paired with wooden strikers. When he tested one, a long melodious note rang through the air.
"Yeah, I get why Athena asked." He said aloud, deciding on an alloy that was mostly gold for her souvenir. He wasn't as acquainted with Blackquill, though black and white was the prosecutor's color scheme.
"Ooh, what'd you find?" At the sound of her voice, he instinctively turned. A sweet, earthy aroma surrounded her; it was reminiscent of rows of candles in a dark room, pain in his shoulder from breaking down the door. To reach her, to protect her. It had been ten years since that case, he realized, and Maya was no longer the uncertain novice. She was poised and eloquent, ready to become the Master of the Fey channeling technique.
He was immensely proud of her.
Her fingers danced in front of his eyes, drawing his attention. "Hello? Earth to Nick?"
He startled. "Huh? Are we going to check out now?"
"Yeah, if you're done contemplating the universe."
"Sorry. I was just thinking about how much time's gone by." He rubbed the nape of his neck in embarrassment. "The incense brought back memories of when I first visited Kurain Village."
Her expression became melancholy. "Oh. Right, it's similar to the channeling room."
"It's fine. Pearls likes this smell, it must be nostalgic for her. And as long as she's happy, that's what matters most. I got the bowls, so we can head out." Remembering their charade, he offered his arm and she accepted with a tentative smile.
Behind the register, there was an array of Plumed Punisher merchandise. Small figurines, boxes of snacks, card decks. By the way Maya's face lit up and her grip squeezed in excitement, Phoenix gave a knowing look. And it could have been the act, or the couples' discount was more widespread than they thought. The teenaged employee offered a price markdown and motioned to the red and gold merch. "Have your pick, one free item!"
"Nick, you choose."
"Why me? You're the fangirl."
"It's more fun if you do. Besides, I trust you to have good taste." She dramatically clasped her free hand over her eyes. "Go on, dear, I won't look."
Seriously? This is a lot of pressure…well, here goes.
Phoenix squared his shoulders, inhaled deeply, and pointed…to a folding fan modeled after the Punisher's design. The yellow thread was a little too flashy for his liking, but the warbaa'd feathers sewn in between were a nice touch. And it wasn't obvious that the accessory was from a television show.
Once he accepted the freebie, he tapped Maya's shoulder with it. Sardonically, he intoned. "Your prize, my lady."
Her hand dropped, and a moment later, her jaw did as well. "Those feathers are real, you have a good eye!"
"So, do I pass?"
"With flying colors. Thank you." Then, she quickly pecked Phoenix's cheek. A light pressure, the soft brush of her mouth leaving an impression on his skin.
Heat shot through him like a lightning bolt. His mind struggled to form a coherent thought. "Uh…you're welcome."
She was already making use of the fan, flapping it quickly, but her face was pinker than before. They strode back onto the main street and continued to meander. Neither of them mentioned what had just occurred.
It wasn't as if they were outwardly proclaiming they were a couple, although they weren't exactly protesting that they were just friends. They didn't have to correct people's assumptions anyway. Friends kissed each other's cheeks all the time, right? That was a platonic gesture, nothing more…
"Hey, Nick." Her voice was subdued. "Should we stop?"
He didn't answer immediately. He purposefully placed his hand on her lower back again. She whipped her head towards him, and he steered her closer to the edge of the street, avoiding a rickshaw approaching from behind. As the speeding vehicle passed by, the driver sneered at them. A reminder of the hostility towards lawyers. "I think we should stay close. It would be safer that way, if that's alright with you." Phoenix carefully said.
"…Yeah." And this time, her warm hand rested between his shoulder blades. "It definitely is."
They were at the heart of the bazaar now, and a banner indicated where the painted masks were displayed. The organization was by expression, ranging from happy to lamenting to furious. Maya explained the relevant myths in casual retellings. Spirits of divine retribution, legendary heroes renowned for fending off invading forces, famous mediums who guided the fate of Khura'in.
A pale blue mask stood out to Phoenix. It was the same shade as Trucy's hat and cape, and the gentle smile was like hers too. He held it over his face. "What do you think?"
"It's perfect for Trucy! That's a spirit who rescues people lost in blizzards." She mimicked him with an amber one, and he made out tufts of animal hair, thick eyebrows, and a fanged lower jaw. "What about this for Apollo? A lion-like creature, roaring to scare off evildoers."
"Yeah, definitely. I'm sure he'll love it." He lowered his mask at the same time she did, and they exchanged smiles.
While they slowly pushed their way out of the bustling center, his stomach began to turn inward. He checked his watch; they had an hour before noon prayers brought everything to a standstill. "After this, why don't we stop for lunch?"
"Sounds like a plan. I'll show you my favorite restaurant!"
The cozy establishment was reminiscent of a café or an izakaya, and according to Maya, it was helmed by a husband-and-wife team. The wife doubled as hostess and looked to be around Phoenix's age. Upon recognizing Maya, she beamed. "Miss Maya, so good to see you! And who is this, your boyfriend?"
She was visibly flustered. "Oh, well, he came to pick me up…how are the kids?"
"Good, good! In school, but they miss you. Visit later again, okay?" Grabbing two menus, she briskly led them further in and called out in Khura'inese, presumably to her husband. He was cooking in the back and gave a holler, peeking out of the kitchen. He looked some years older, with laugh lines and graying temples. He waved a spatula in greeting, then returned to whatever was sizzling.
Every wall was decorated with square frames of paintings, calligraphy, and photographs. A handful of other patrons were in the midst of eating, but their table was far enough away to grant a degree of privacy. The chairs were topped with plush cushions, and once Phoenix settled in, relief bloomed in his sore feet and arms. Their souvenir load was becoming hefty.
Maya sighed too, flipping the menu over. "I was just going to ask for my usual. If you'd like a translation, I can tell you about the specialties."
"No need, I'll have what you're having. I believe in your palate."
"Thanks. I'll warn you though, my spice tolerance has gotten pretty high."
Tea was served, a peachy scent wafting from the cups. From Maya's startled reaction, it wasn't in their order. Their hostess insisted. "On the house."
The chef yelled from the kitchen. "Don't worry, Miss Maya! You deserve it!"
That only flustered her more. "You two are so generous. I'll have to send gifts from our home…"
A peaceful lull descended upon them, and Phoenix nodded to the couple. "They seem nice."
"They're a sweet family. The kids are adorable. Some of the paintings are their little scribbles."
"I'm guessing you eat here often?"
"I like to, when I'm in the city. It's a hidden gem. Fast, cheap, delicious."
She was right on all three counts. The first dish was steaming hot, and the rest arrived in rapid succession. Fried dumplings, vegetable curries, and "soul buns", which really were delicious, covered the table's surface. Because of all that walking, Phoenix found he was ravenous. He could almost have competed with Maya. She still had extra room for dessert, savoring the larger half of a buttery, crumbly sweet.
Phoenix had wrapped his section in a few napkins, and he fondly watched her enjoy the treat. "I bet you'll miss the food."
"Probably…I do miss burgers though, and miso ramen and crepes. I've learned a lot and I appreciate the time I've spent. But I want to go home, Nick." She firmly said. "Home is my village, Pearly, the Wright Office. And you."
"…Remember you said I could point out anything I liked in the bazaar? The only thing I want is for you to be back too. I've missed working together, eating together, spending time together. It's really great to see you again, but I'm impatient for you to be home for good."
Her gaze was steady, and her words were in that soft cadence. "Me too. I can't wait."
"Then, let's see who we have left." He unfolded the list, tilting it towards her.
She ran a tapered finger down the names. "We still have quite a few to go, huh? Edgeworth, Kay, Franziska, Ema, even Klavier who you've mentioned before…that reminds me, I'd like to pick up something for Godot. Oh, you even thought of the judge!" She laughed upon recognition.
"Sometimes, he asks where you are." The old man usually gave Nick a sympathetic pat on the back and the sentiment that he missed his wife when she was on her business trips too.
"That's so sweet. Well, we'd better get him a knickknack."
"I came up with an idea for Larry while we were eating. A spice blend. He's actually not a bad cook."
She agreed, and upon inquiry, the chef provided directions to the best store. Just before they departed, Phoenix added a generous tip to their check, enough for the owners' eyes widen in shock.
"Whoa, Nick." Maya raised her eyebrows. However, her pleased smile rivaled the midday sunshine.
"Not exactly our plan, but it's the least I could do for your friends."
"I'm sure they'll appreciate it. That was really nice of you."
"Hey, you know I'm nice." And for good measure, he kissed the top of her head. A bold move, but he didn't care. Her blush was absolutely worth it.
Just a couple days, and then, we'll be home.
