DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the installments of Ace Attorney or any of the characters.

A/N: This prompt was suggested by AceAttorneyFantic. Thanks for the prompt and I hope you enjoy it! *Virtual hugs*

ACE ATTORNEY SCRAPBOOK
Chapter 16: Paying a Debt

Case Tag: Post 5-5 (Turnabout for Tomorrow)
Quote: User Suggested Prompt!

February 26, 2028, 11:35am
Cosmos Space Center, Courtyard

Sitting on the grassy fields just beyond the Cosmos Space Center, Apollo Justice had his focus on the sky above, a small smile on his face. They did it; Solomon Starbuck and his team made it back into space. It was a surreal moment to see the rocket lift off and fly up and away, sparks shooting every which way as the rocket was propelled up and out of the atmosphere. It also was a triumphant moment because all of the obstacles that had to be overcome in order for the space mission to go on. Specifically, dealing with the death of Clay Terran and the UR-1 murder case dealing with the death of Athena Cykes' mother, Metis. The trials for both cases had been long and arduous, as well as very emotionally taxing. Looking up at the sky, Apollo took it as a reminder that even the darkest of times could be overcome.

There was a soft padding of footsteps coming up behind him and, moments later, Apollo felt a hand gently come to rest on his shoulder. Glancing up, he found Athena smiling down at him.

"Can I join you?" she asked cheerily.

Apollo nodded in affirmation, so Athena took a seat next to him on the grass. They sat quietly for a few moments, their eyes turned to the sky, until Athena spoke.

"Wasn't the rocket launch just awesome?!"

"Absolutely!" Apollo agreed, smiling brightly.

"I know Clay would have been proud," Athena said with a small smile.

Apollo gave his fellow lawyer a single nod of agreement before turning his attention back up to the aquamarine skies above.

"Your mom would have been proud too," he added quietly.

"She would have, wouldn't she?"

Both young attorneys had been through a great deal over the past few months, both having to face tremendous losses that were both connected to the Cosmos Space Center. Perhaps, however, with the success of the new mission that Starbuck and his crew achieved, it was also possible for the two of them to put these past problems behind them and blaze a new path forward.

"You know, Athena," Apollo cleared his throat, trying to find the words to say to his friend and coworker. "I'm sorry I had to put you through the trial and everything. I mean, you wouldn't intentionally hurt anyone like that, especially someone as important to you like your mom and-"

Athena placed a hand gently on his arm.

"I get it," she assured him. "You had doubt. I have extra sensitive hearing, you know. I could sense the discord in your heart, Apollo."

Apollo let out a laugh and rubbed the back of his head nervously, just as he would as if he was in court and Prosecutor Gavin managed to point out a flaw in his argument.

"Guess you can't keep secrets around a lawyer with extra sensitive hearing!" he commented.

Athena grinned.

"Nope!" she agreed.

"Well, how about now? There's no discord in my heart because I know the truth," Apollo continued.

The attorney in yellow paused and cocked her head slightly to the side.

"There's no discord, Apollo, but there is a small hint of sadness I'm picking up," Athena informed him.

Apollo ran his fingers over his bracelet.

"Like I said, I feel bad about putting you through that whole trial and everything," he explained.

Athena did not immediately reply.

"I know a way you can make it up to me," she eventually said, a smile forming on her lips.

February 28, 2028, 12:20pm
Wright Anything Agency

With a big bowl of popcorn on her lap, Athena sat on the couch in the office of the Wright Anything Agency, excitedly awaiting the entrance of Trucy, who was going to do a run through of the first draft of her upcoming magic show for her.

"Okay, Athena!" the young magician called out to her from the private office. "Are you ready for the run through?!"

"I'm sooooo ready, Trucy!" Athena proclaimed with much enthusiasm. "Let's do this!"

Trucy happily skipped out, holding the script she was working off of. She stopped in front of the couch and, clearing her throat, she imitated a fancy announcer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you the fabulous show that will amaze and astound you: Trucy in Gramarye-land!"

Athena clapped as Trucy bowed and then began the run through of the act. A few minutes into the performance, the villain was supposed to make a debut after hearing a certain line of dialogue but no one appeared.

"I said," Trucy placed her hands on her hips and frowned, her tone increasing in volume. "There is no way that you will defeat the magical power of Troupe Gramarye!"

Dragging his feet, Apollo finally made his way out into the main office. The sight of him instantly caused Athena to burst into laughter.

"What do you think of the costume, Athena?" Trucy bounced up and down, her hands clapped together in delight.

The costume for the actress that would eventually play the role of the villain in the stage show, Apollo was dressed in a black and purple bunny costume, complete with a fuzzy cottontail, rabbit ears and fishnet stockings. The expression on his face clearly displayed his displeasure, which made it all the more comical to the two ladies.

"You're such a cute little bunny, Polly!" Trucy giggled.

Apollo sighed. He definitely paid his debt to Athena by wearing this costume and helping Trucy with her magic show, but at what price? His dignity. Goodbye, dignity. It was nice knowing you...Apollo just hoped that Mr. Wright didn't return to the office at this moment or else he would never live this down.