"All We Are"

by KeiG

A Phoenix Wright Fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own them. Capcom does. However, I do own the original characters here, so if you don't want me to sic Franziska and her whip on you (I have her on speed dial), please ask permission first before you use them. Thanks.

The italicized part of this chapter denotes a flashback.

Author's Notes - at the end of each chapter.

Chapter 5: Channel

January 14
5:30 PM
Parking Lot, Grossberg Law Offices

Mondays were always supposed to be manic, just like how that song went. Alex Parker wasn't a stranger to these kinds of days with all the meetings and inspections and budgeting a chief executive officer was expected to do, but today had been the most ridiculous Manic Monday he had ever experienced. He was so stressed out that he had to get out of the office and away from the pressure before he popped an artery.

Now he was sitting in his car and parked in front of Mia's office. He had no intention of barging in on her today, knowing that hectic Mondays were quite common for her, but he didn't have a choice. He was ordered to go see her, and he wasn't about to disobey those orders. Plus the information he had just received was something he'd want to see for himself.

Twisting the ignition key, the car's soft rumbling immediately stopped, but instead of getting out of the car he leaned back on his chair and let out a deep breath, thinking about the day's events that led him where he was right now.

As he set a small blanket down the grass in front of his father's headstone, Alex absently thought about the last time he seriously meditated. Back in college during a particularly hellish week, he would find the most peaceful place in campus and sit on a small blanket while he kept his breathing controlled and his mind blank. It was usually therapeutic, but when that didn't work, his next resort would be talking to his father.

He was hoping to hit two birds with one stone today.

This part of the cemetery was fenced off, reserved for the Parkers. Not another living soul was in sight; even the caretakers seemed to be absent at that moment, not that he complained. It was perfect.

Taking off his shoes, he ignored the cold winter breeze that sliced through his hair, face and layers of clothing and sat in a lotus position, kept his back straight, and started to purge his mind of any kind of thought. He imagined a single blue flame in the midst of blackness and forced anything and everything into it - a simple technique his father had taught him. It was easy enough at first, but when he got to thinking about work, his concentration started to waver. Anger slowly seeped into his heart and it took him a lot of effort to calm himself.

Suddenly he felt a familiar tug, and it was as if his spirit was being pulled somewhere else.

"It's about time," an amused voice said. "I was beginning to think you weren't gonna calm down."

Alex opened his eyes, slightly surprised at his new surroundings. He was now sitting on a chair on the porch of their ancestral house a glass of pink lemonade in his hand. He looked over his shoulder just in time to see a man in a white dress shirt and slacks take a seat on the other chair. His silver hair was combed back, his beard trimmed perfectly, his light blue eyes filled with wisdom and a certain playfulness that can be seen even from behind his glasses. Alex had always been described as a splitting image of Johann Parker, and it was only now that he saw how much they looked alike. "Did you really have to take me out all the way here?" Alex asked, a little annoyed at his father's choice of venue.

The older man shrugged. "Your mother's here. What do you expect?"

"Mom's here? Right now?"

Johann shook his head. "I meant she lives here in the physical plane, not that she's here 'with us'."

The younger Parker nodded and took a sip from his glass. The lemonade tasted real, but he knew it was not. "You do know that if something happens to my body back there, I'm as good as dead, right?"

"Relax, son," Johann chided. "I checked, you're safe there. And I sent my legion of ants to protect you, just in case."

"Very funny, Dad," Alex smirked, but it slowly faded into a frown. The older man saw this and faced him, his expression becoming serious. "I'm sure you didn't come here for small talk, Alex," Johann said.

Alex glanced at his father and then looked down on his glass, avoiding his gaze. The last thing he wanted was for his father to think that he couldn't handle the job, but being there with him right now was proof enough that he was having a hell of a hard time. "Shouldn't you know already?"

"I want to hear it from you."

It was then when Alex looked at his father, into his stern yet gentle gaze, and he realized how much he missed just talking to the old man. Taking a deep breath, he set his glass on top of the table and told him everything that has happened, particularly that morning's meeting with the board of directors. Johann just sat there and listened intently, never interrupting the young CEO until he finished. "I can't believe they'd even suggest something like that!" Alex exclaimed in exasperation. "I thought Gohda was all for sincerity and truth. I know they're your directors, Dad, but some of them are just horrible."

Johann chuckled. "They may be my people, Lex, but that doesn't mean it's all fine and dandy." He looked pensive for a moment, scratching his white beard. "Bribery and larceny, huh? I take it you're worried about Fred Sanchez?"

"The man is an arrogant prick," Alex could hardly contain his contempt.

"Yes, he's been a problem for a while now."

"Why didn't you fire him?"

"It's not that easy, my boy."

"Why?"

Johann paused, his brow furrowed in thought. Alex just stared at him, waiting for his response. It was obvious something else was going on in the company, and though it annoyed him that his father had kept something potentially important from him, he figured he did it to protect him. "I guess it's time you know some things," his father finally said. "But I can't tell you here. I'm keeping you for way too long already, and since you haven't been training, your spiritual powers have weakened."

"I can always come back--"

The older man shook his head. "I don't think this can wait any longer."

"Then what do you propose we do?" Alex asked, starting to feel the effects of his spirit's prolonged absence from his body. It was true, he hadn't done any kind of training since gaining office, and he had forgotten how exhausting this was.

Johann looked distracted for a moment before looking at Alex and rubbing his chin. "A spirit medium."

"A what?"

"You better have your ears checked, Lex. I don't want you going deaf."

Alex chose to ignore that quip. "What in the world is a spirit medium?"

The older Parker looked confused for a moment. "I could've sworn I told you about them. Anyway," he cleared his throat. "Spirit mediums are women who can channel spirits into their bodies. Once they call upon a spirit, their consciousness steps aside to let it take over momentarily. Their physical appearance changes into that of the spirit, except for the hair."

"Why the hair?"

"I don't know, ask them," Johann frowned slightly at being interrupted. "There's a place two hours from the city called Kurain Village. Spirit channeling has been their tradition for years, and only the women of this village have this kind of power. The Feys are the masters of this tradition, so you will have to look for them and ask if..." he stopped when he noticed his son's gawking expression. "Alex?"

The moment he heard "Kurain Village" and "Fey", Alex's jaw almost hit the ground. He tried to think it was all a part of some elaborate joke his father had up his sleeve, but one look at the old Parker told him that he was dead serious. Never in his entire life did Alex think Mia could..."I...I'm fine, Dad," he stuttered, his trail of thought cut short.

"Something you want to tell me, boy?"

This time it was Alex who seemed hesitant. "I've heard of Kurain," he started. "But I don't think I have to go there."

"Oh? Why is that?"

Alex breathed deeply, trying to get over his shock. "I know someone in the city. A Fey. She's a defense attorney."

"How do you know she's a spirit medium?"

"She mentioned that she was from Kurain Village."

Johann nodded, processing the information. "And can you ask her to perform the channeling?"

Alex suddenly felt very apprehensive. "I don't know..."

"Then you're going to ask her, Alexander," Johann ordered, making Alex sit in attention. Whenever his father used his full name and took on that tone, he really meant business. "We have a lot to talk about, and like I said, this can't wait any longer. I had hoped you had come to me sooner, to be honest."

"Alright," the young CEO conceded. "I'll go straight to her office."

The older man's authoritative demeanor suddenly disappeared and he was now smiling at his son. "Good," he said. "And don't worry. I'm going to help you through this." He reached out his hand.

The young man smiled and took his father's hand, gripping it firmly. "Thanks, Dad," he said, and the world seemed to fade away.

"By the way," his father's voice echoed through the mist. "Darius says he loves you."

He was gone before he could reply, and Alex found himself in front of his father's grave again. He reached out and touched the cold tombstone. "I miss you so much, Dad," he whispered, and his eyes widened when he felt the stone go warm on his palm. Even after death, his father still looked out for him. He had always been Alex's best friend, his confidante when it came to "guy stuff", and his ever patient mentor. He knew that no matter what he did, Johann Parker was there to support him. The pain of his father's death came back in full force and threatened to overwhelm him, and he would've been successful in keeping his composure if he didn't remember what his father said before they parted.

"Darius says he loves you."

And with that, Alex Parker broke down and cried.

January 14
7:02 PM
Mia Fey's Apartment

It was bad enough that Alex was willing to wait until she got out of the office, but the whole ride from the firm to her apartment was done in silence that Mia wished she could crawl into a hole and die. She had never felt this awkward in his presence before, but now that he knew who and what she was, it was hard not to be insecure.

What if he doesn't talk to me again? What if he thinks I'm a freak? What if he doesn't want anything to do with me? These were questions that ran through her head the entire time until they reached her front door. She was about to put in her key when a hand on her shoulder stopped her, and she turned to see Alex looking at her worriedly. "You okay, Mia?" he asked. "You've been awfully quiet."

She wanted to say she was okay but words seemed to fail her at the moment. She was starting to buckle under his intense, patient gaze, and if she didn't say something she'd probably make things worse. "You've been quiet too," was the best response she could think of, and held her breath for the disaster she thought was coming.

Alex simply blinked in surprise. "That's because ever since I went to your office and asked you that...favor, you've been acting like you don't want me around." When she didn't answer, Alex shook his head and then put both hands on her shoulders, forcing her to face him. "Mia," she said in a stern tone. "If you think I'm going to stop being your friend just because you have some kind of supernatural ability, then you don't know me as well as you think."

Mia lifted her head and looked at him, realizing how foolish it was of her to think that he'd leave her hanging in the air; he was always open-minded about a lot of things, and that was what made him interesting and fun to be with. "I'm sorry," she apologized, her voice quiet. "I'm just not used to talking about that part of my life."

"I can see that you're uncomfortable," he let go of her shoulders, looking apologetic. "I wouldn't ask this of you if it wasn't important..."

She shook her head and smiled softly. "It's okay, I don't mind. Just don't make a big deal about it. Remember, I'm a lawyer first."

The young CEO simply nodded. Satisfied, Mia turned to open her door while hoping she would not disappoint him.

January 14
7:30 PM
Living Room, Mia Fey's Apartment

"Uh, Mia?"

"Yes?"

"Uh...shouldn't you be wearing bigger clothes or something?"

The pair were sitting on the floor facing each other in the center of the living room, where the chairs and coffee tables were obviously pushed aside to make room for the ritual. Alex had loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves and looking very unsettled as he stared at Mia, who had changed into a light yellow shirt and a brown skirt underneath a white bathrobe. "What's wrong with this?" she asked her friend, thoroughly confused at his reaction.

"Well," Alex started, scratching his head. "Don't you take on the form of the spirit you're channeling?"

Mia stared at him for a moment, and she realized what he was trying to say. "You're worried that your dad might rip my clothes?"

A faint blush appeared on his cheeks. "Yeah, kind of."

"Kind of?"

"I also have no desire to see my father in skimpy clothing."

"My clothes are not skimpy," she retorted.

"They will be once you start channeling him," he explained. "I mean, my father and I have the same built. Can you imagine me wearing that?"

She opened her mouth to answer and then stopped as a mental image of her friend wearing her clothes flashed in her mind, and she suddenly broke down in gales of laughter. Alex, in the meantime, was staring at her ruefully. "Remind me not to give you any more ideas next time."

It took a while for the defense attorney to compose herself - she'd snicker uncontrollably every time she looked at him - but when she finally did, she took a deep breath. "It'll be alright," she reassured him. "That's why I'm wearing a bathrobe. This is big enough, don't you think?" Usually, the women of Kurain would wear traditional acolyte clothes when performing the ceremony, but she had decided not to bring hers when she left the village. She went into the city to become the best defense lawyer, not everyone's hot line to the dead.

"I guess it is," Alex sighed, defeated. If what his father said was true, then he hoped he could get through with his sanity intact. "We should probably start. Do you need me to do anything?"

The spirit medium-turned-lawyer shook her head. "Just tell me the name of your father."

"Johann Parker."

"Alright," she said, her tone serious. "As soon as your father takes over my body, I won't be able to see nor hear anything that will happen so you won't have to worry about privacy. And," she paused for a moment, and Alex couldn't miss that small smile curling her lips. "Try not to laugh too much."

"I'll try," he replied dryly.

Mia nodded and closed her eyes, her breathing deep and controlled. "Close your eyes and think of your father," she sounded distant. Alex did as he was told, using his meditating techniques to help him concentrate, and a few minutes later he felt a tingling sensation. It was like something in the air was changing, and a familiar presence was suddenly there.

"Well now," a deep voice penetrated the silence. "This is certainly interesting."

Hearing his father's voice, Alex opened his eyes and his jaw immediately dropped. It was just like what his father told him - Mia was "gone" and Johann was now sitting in front of him, his white beard a sharp contrast to his long, brown hair, and his clothes almost bursting at the seams. What do you know, the bathrobe IS big enough, he thought at the back of his mind. "Oh man," he groaned, closing his eyes again and bringing his hand up his face.

"What is it, son?"

"I can't look at you, Dad. I'm sorry."

"Why not?"

"Are you seriously asking me that question?" Alex asked, mumbling in his hand. "I promised Mia I wouldn't laugh. I'm not going to laugh. I'm not going to laugh."

The older man chuckled. "Your girlfriend has a sense of humor. I like that."

At this, Alex looked up and bit back the urge to laugh. "She's not my girlfrie--what in the world are you doing?!" he exclaimed when his dad started taking off the bathrobe. "You can't take that off!"

Johann paused, looking at him questioningly. "What's wrong? We're both men, right?"

"No! I mean yes! I mean...l-look," the younger man flailed. "Just please keep that on. I don't want you stripping your...HER clothes off."

"The skirt's uncomfortable."

"Just stop, okay? It's not like you're gonna be like that--"

"I can barely move."

"Dad..."

"And this bra is definitely not my size," Johann began to reach behind him.

"DAD! Don't you dare take it off!"

"Jeezus, Lex," the old ex-CEO frowned, fumbling with the bra's clasp. "Relax. I'll put it back on before I leave so she won't think you did something funny."

It took all of his effort not to tackle his father, knowing that it was Mia's body he was using, and watched helplessly as his father successfully unclasped the offending undergarment. His cheeks grew hot, and Johann smiled knowingly. "You like this girl, don't you?"

"You are impossible," Alex glared at him, sending the other man laughing heartily.

"I knew it," Johann grinned. "Don't think you can keep things from your old man."

The younger Parker closed his eyes and started taking deep breaths in an effort to control himself. Not only was his father being childish, but he was also hitting a lot of nerves. "Didn't you want to talk about something more important than my love life?"

"Your love life's important, my boy. I want lots of beautiful grandchildren--"

"Dad," Alex gritted his teeth and spoke with an edge, making his father finally sigh in defeat.

"Alright, alright," Johann folded his arms across his chest, managing to look authoritative despite his appearance. "We were talking about Fred Sanchez, correct?"

Alex nodded. "You said there was something I needed to know, and I'm assuming it has something to do with him."

"Yes," Johann scratched his chin. "It came to my attention three years ago that Freddie Boy is up to some...interesting activities. We've been keeping an eye on him since then to try and catch him in the act, or at least gather enough evidence before we hand him to the proper authorities."

The younger man frowned. Ever since he laid eyes on the Sanchez, he had a gut feeling that the skinny old man was bad news. It looked like he was right. "What's he doing?"

"I think it's better if you spoke to Franky."

Alex's eyebrows shot up. "Uncle Francis? He knows about this?"

Johann nodded. "Only a handful of people know about this investigation and Franky's one of them. He can tell you everything you need to know."

"Why don't you just tell me now?"

"I don't want to exhaust your girlfriend too much," Johann grinned and cut him off when Alex opened his mouth to retort. "And it's just too...complicated to explain in just one sitting. It will take me a while if I told you everything."

The young CEO frowned and considered his options. Of course he didn't want to tire Mia too much, but he knew that he wouldn't be able to get a decent night's sleep if he didn't know at least a "summary" of what the prick's been doing. "You know I won't stop thinking about it if you don't give me at least something."

Both Parkers were quite for a few moments until the older one took a deep breath. "Alright," he conceded, shifting to a more comfortable position. "But you better sit back, my boy. This is going to take a while."

January 14
8:15 PM
Living Room, Mia Fey's Apartment

Mia opened her eyes slowly, careful not to move too fast as she checked the time. She always felt disoriented every time she regained control of her body, but as she slowly gathered herself she noticed that she wasn't too drained considering the amount of time she spent "absent". Her eyes finally focused on the younger Parker, who was glaring at the floor. She could also see his jaw clenching. "Alex?" she called out weakly.

The anger in his eyes died instantly at the sound of her voice, and relief washed over him as he crawled towards the lawyer. "Hey, you okay?" he asked. "I'm sorry it took long..."

"It's okay, I'm just a little tired," she smiled, and then noticed two folded pieces of paper beside him. "What's that?"

Alex took one of the papers and handed it to her. "It's a letter from my dad. I don't know why he had to write to you, but he said you should read it as soon as I'm gone."

"You didn't read it?"

"He told me not to."

"I see," Mia eyed the other letter. "And that one?"

"It's for Uncle Francis," he replied and didn't offer any other explanation. As much as Mia wanted to ask what was going on, the look on his face earlier was enough to tell her that it was a very sensitive subject, most probably something to do with his job. She knew he would never raise his voice at her for asking, but she also knew better than to press him when he's angry. The man tended to clam up faster than she could say 'Take that'.

So she decided to make things a little lighter. "You didn't laugh at him, did you?"

He chuckled, a faint blush coloring his cheek. "No, but it took a lot of will power not to."

"And did anything interesting happen?" she raised an eyebrow, glancing at her bathrobe. "I don't remember tying my bathrobe this way."

"Why don't we have dinner first," he suggested and stood up, effectively avoiding the question. "I'm starved. Come on, it's on me."

Mia stared at him as he held out his hand, feeling a little nervous. He was deliberately changing the subject. At least this time, she was allowed to do some pressing. "Alright," she took his hand and hoisted herself up. "Let me get changed, and then you are going to explain why I look and feel like I've been redressed." She emphasized that last statement and gave him a look before heading to her room. Once there, she shut the door and smiled widely at the deer caught in headlights look on Alex's face. She was going to enjoy dinner tonight.

A/N: My first fanfic for this fandom. It's also the first time I've posted any of my work, so yes, I'm nervous as hell. Comments are always welcome, but please be kind to a newbie. ;

I uploaded this story once before but after much deliberation, I found that I had a whole lot of inconsistencies so I decided to redo the plot and rewrite the story. I've also divided my plot into their corresponding chapters so at least now I have a better guide to finish this story. And I really do hope I finish this.

I've also started doing fanart for this, although it's taking me quite a while to finish, with real life getting in the way, LOL.

More notes!

Story – This chapter was really fun to write! Actually, this wasn't in the plot but I figured Alex should know what Mia can do and that got me thinking about what would happen if Mia were to channel his father? If my memory serves me correctly, there was never a point in the game where Maya or Pearl ever channeled a male spirit. I thought it'd be fun to write about it, considering spirit mediums take on the form of the spirit they were channeling.

The "Sanchez" situation – Every company has a bad apple, right? We will find out just how "heinous" his crimes are as the story unfolds.

Alex's family and his "gift" – If you haven't figured it out already, Darius is Alex's brother. And he's dead. When and how he died will be revealed later on. As for his "out of body experience" thing, it's just one of the things he can do. Mia will find out about him, of course. It's just fair, don't you think?

Fanart – I've already done two characters – Alex and his sister "Moiraine". I've uploaded them over at my Deviant Art account but I'm not sure if I can post the links here. Right now, I'm working on their parents Johann and Kath. I'm planning on drawing all my original characters first before I start with the PW ones, and then I will begin drawing some scenes from the story. I just hope my skills and free time are enough.

What Happens Next – It's going to be a Mia-centric chapter, and we finally get a glimpse of Edgey, the Judge, and a little bit of Gumshoe.