Ema flicked a Snackoo at the man's head. 'What did you say?'

'I'm s-sorry, Miss Skye,' said the officer. 'But the coroner is still analysing the body - the autopsy report won't be ready until tomorrow.'

The sound of perturbed chewing filled the air. 'Hmph. It better be. The prosecution is already behind as it is - I don't care if it's her day off, or if she has that device.' Then, from behind her Ema could hear the sound of hastily moving feet. She turned around and spotted the source. 'Ah, speaking of which. Apollo, I forgot to ask you earlier: what's with you asking out...?'

The attorney stomped right past her, fuming.

The brunette puffed out a cheek with a pout. 'What's with you?'

Apollo continued to ignore the detective, walking across the fountain area and out the other side - Ema placed a hand on her hip and flared her nostrils with a huff.

'Well, somebody's parade has been rained on.'

'I'm afraid that that was me.' Phoenix stepped up behind her. 'Don't take it personally - he hasn't spoken since we left the Detention Centre.'

'Oh, I see,' mused Ema, dipping her hand back into the packet of Snackoos. 'Acre being a tough client?'

He shook his head. 'Not quite. The interview went well, except...' His hand fiddled with something in his pocket. '...let's just say that, I didn't approve of his method.'

'Huh. I didn't think Apollo would be the one to be the bad cop.'

Phoenix chuckled, genuine. 'An interesting thought, but that wasn't the issue.' He withdrew a familiar, gold bracelet. 'It was this.'

Ema shifted her gaze towards the object. 'Isn't that his lie detector thingy?'

'For the lack of a better term, yes.'

The detective turned towards Phoenix, a frown plastered across her face. 'That can't be the only thing he's mad about. What did you two say to each other?'

The attorney sighed, turning the bracelet around in his fingers - he looked almost disappointed. 'Well... It was some point after I accused him of lacking interrogational skills...'

'What are you talking about?' asked Apollo, his voice hitching.

'I'm talking about your dependence on your talent.' Phoenix looked at him, like a teacher to a misbehaving student.

'I don't-'

'Back there with Mr Acre, you referenced it twice and used it once.' He made a motion with his hand. 'I want you to give it to me now.'

Apollo, knowing it was wrong to oppose the one who pays you, still argued. 'But... But it helps! We can find out the truth much quicker this way...'

Phoenix shook his head. 'Not when it neuters your basic instincts. You may have a good sense of logic, Apollo, but your experience with witnesses and clients is crummy, at best.'

'...that isn't true,' said the attorney through partially-bared teeth. 'Prove it, Mr Wright. I've won every case you've given me so far - shouldn't that be a testament to my skills as a lawyer?' Apollo found his question answered with another:

'How did you know Mr Acre was innocent?'

He fell silent - Phoenix lowered his gaze.

'Was it because you listened to what he had to say? Analysed him? Or was it because your bracelet didn't react?'

The attorney folded his arms, a scowl twitching at his eyebrows.

'That's the issue I want to address,' Phoenix sighed. 'The first thing you should have noticed about Mr Acre was his lack of motive.'

Apollo raised his eyebrows. I guess... I guess that's true...

'And,' said Phoenix, 'a little birdy told me about your...last cross examination - you only performed one against Edward Chuckpeck.'

The younger man was quick to cut in. 'Wait, who told you that?'

'It doesn't matter. The point is: you didn't use your witness.' He flicked his wrist at Apollo's own. 'The only reason why you came to those conclusions, although great, was because of your bracelet's reaction: to both Mr Chuckpeck and Mr Slater.'

'But I got to the same conclusion... Mr Slater didn't lie to me.'

Phoenix flashed him a look of mirth. 'Are you sure? If you ask me, there was more evidence to point to his guilt than...'

Apollo jumped in suddenly. 'What's your point, Mr Wright?'

'People's motives aren't black and white, Apollo.' Phoenix grew sullen. 'They do stupid things, we do stupid things... If someone truly believes that what they are doing is correct, then why shouldn't they believe in their own lies and innocence? What about your power then?'

The attorney in red fell silent for a second time.

Phoenix continued. 'That's why I want you to learn how to work without your talent. If an occasion comes up where you can't rely on it... Well, I don't exactly want to put you in that position.' He straightened up, unfurling an arm once more. 'So, could you please give me your bracelet?'

Silence reigned. Both attorneys stood rock-still, staring each other down. Phoenix swallowed, hopeful that his protege would understand his logic, but judging from the lack of movement he was beginning to doubt that possibility.

Eventually, however, Apollo moved first. A methodical arm slid up his arm and hooked around his trademark accessory. Then, without a word, he slid it off and placed it in Phoenix's palm.

The older man smiled. 'Thank you.' He dropped it into his pocket. 'You may dislike it now, but you'll be grateful for...' He trailed off once he spotted Apollo's back moving away from him. The attorney could only slump his shoulders. Good job, Phoenix. You're never gonna hear the end of this...

Ema stopped chewing. 'So, that's what happened.'

'Yep.' Phoenix took a seat on a nearby bench, running a hand or two through his spiky hair. 'I knew he wouldn't take it well, but... I never thought he'd get this annoyed.'

The detective slipped the packet of Snakoos into her satchel - a sense of understanding washed over her as she sat down next to Phoenix. 'Here's what I think: it's more than just the bracelet. Maybe Apollo thinks that you don't have faith in him?'

The attorney rested his chin on a palm. 'How so?'

'Well,' she said, slightly amused that it was now her giving the attorney advice, 'from what you've told me, it sounds as if Apollo is upset about what you think of him. Cause if I were him, what you told me would translate as: "you're not cutting it as my protege."'

This caught the attorney's attention.

'Watch this.' Ema stood up and pointed at one of the policemen scuttling around the crime scene. 'You there, Officer Dwighten.'

The man froze mid-step, his face dropping slightly as he sought to work out what he could have possibly done wrong. 'Y-yes, Detective Skye?'

'Wish your wife's best friend a happy birthday for me, would you?' The brunette reached into her satchel and tossed the man a packet of Snakoos - he caught it with a startled fumble. 'And good luck with your son's graduation.'

'O-oh! Thank you, Detective. I...' He smiled, his nervousness still evident, but reduced. 'I'll let them know.'

'Good.' A pretty smile adorned her lips. 'Now get back to work.'

He saluted almost before she finished her sentence. 'Yessir, Detective Skye.' He then bounded off, a spring in his step.

Phoenix could only stare with dubiety, scepticism, uncertainty and most of all, confusion. 'That was certainly...interesting...'

Ema sat next to him once more. 'You see, Mr Wright, I used to think that my subordinates were just butt-monkeys. But a good friend of mine taught me that you have to treat each person under you like they're your family - that means knowing all their problems too.'

'Who taught you that?'

She adjusted the glasses on her head. 'I can only tell you that he works at Interpol - he's on a need-to-know basis.'

'Well,' an understanding smile worked its way onto his face, 'I might need to get some lessons from him... I'm starting to see what the issue might be.'

Ema suddenly had a bag of Snackoos in her hand, popping a treat into her mouth. 'If you wanna know more then just look up the teachings of Lang-Zi.'

Phoenix stood up. 'I'm not entirely sure who that is, but thanks, I will.' Then, with a somewhat embarrassed look: 'thanks Ema.'

The detective frowned. 'No.'

'What?'

'Don't talk like that, it's weird. You shouldn't ever talk up to me.' She pouted. 'You have to maintain that untouchable aura that you carry.' She pivoted on a heel and walked back towards the fountain. 'Consider it some part of my repayment for saving my life...and my sister's...'

He smiled. 'I see. I'll see you in court, Detective Skye.'

'Looking forward to it.'

Apollo brushed his pants down with a grunt. Great, grass stains - just what I needed.

'Hey! I saw all that, you alright?'

He didn't bother looking towards the source of the voice. 'I'm fine.' Wanting to brood some more, the attorney went to turn but was yanked back into place by small fingers.

'Liar! You're greener than a jealous flower named Audrey.'

Apollo grimaced as the person proceeded to pat his legs down with rough strokes. 'Listen, I appreciate the help but-'

'-no buts! It's my job to make sure any and all people in this park are safe.'

The attorney finally got a good look at the boy who was physically assaulting his legs.

He was stout, small limbed and round. A button nose was smack-dab in the middle of his face, complimented by rounded features - all of which was neatly concealed under an enormous, puffy cap.

He...kinda looks like a mushroom.

Finally, the boy stood up to his full height, placing him directly underneath Apollo's sternum. 'There you go. All clean.'

The attorney frowned at his pants. If anything, he just spread the stain around. He locked eyes with the panting child. 'Er, thanks for...that. Do you mind me asking who you are?'

Suddenly, a voice called out. 'Thistle, are you being naughty?'

Apollo whipped his head over to a group of bushes. Large, distinct snips filled his ears as the bushes slowly but surely shrunk in size, eventually being trimmed into intricate patterns and shapes. Then, with a final, definitive snip, a lithe figure emerged from behind the plants: a woman.

Thick, glossy hair was neatly done up into a bun, accentuating the woman's face and showing off her exotic features. In contrast, however, she was clad in dirty, worn gloves and matching overalls, as well as sporting splodges of dirt and grime across her body, topped off with thick work boots.

Despite this, Apollo felt his heart race. She's beautiful... He shook his mental state into order. Not now, Justice - she could be a key witness. Besides, looks aren't everything-

'I'm sorry, but is this little boy bothering you?'

His heart lurched. Why...? Why does she sound like a chorus of angels? He swallowed, planning to double his mental training when he got home. 'N-no, not at all. In fact-'

'-I was helping him. Honest!' The boy known as "Thistle" bounced up and down in frustration. 'You saw it too - he fell down the hill and I helped him.'

Is that what happened...? The only thing I can remember is my foot slipping. Apollo cleared his throat, wanting to change the subject. 'I'm sorry, but do you mind if I ask who you are?'

The woman recoiled - mild surprise adorned her features. 'Oh, straight to the point, I see...'

Oh no... Don't you say it.

Her face descended into a sultry grin. '...I like that in a man.'

Apollo felt his heart backflip. ...I'm going to feel that tomorrow, for sure.

'Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the Head Gardener here at Tectonic Park,' she spun around, pulling a rose out from nowhere and placing it in her mouth, 'Tina Evita.' Then bending down with a smile, she rubbed the small boy affectionately on the head. 'And this little guy is my assistant, Neddy.'

Said boy bounced up and down. 'Thistle! My name is Thistle!'

'Oh, I'm sorry, tough guy. I forgot.' She cast a knowing look to Apollo. 'Anyway, are you sure he wasn't any trouble?'

The attorney shook his head. 'He was fine. Really. But, while I'm here, can I ask you a few questions?'

Tina smirked. 'Oh, you are a forward person. Go ahead then...'

Apollo started to stammer, holding his hands up as if he were warding off blows. 'S-sorry... I mean... Look... That's not what I...'

The gardener took a step forward and pushed her head closer to Apollo's, smile growing wider.

'Er...' His mind jumped to its default response. 'I'm fine...?'

'Good to hear.'

The attorney jumped at the sudden voice behind him.

'And here I thought I was going to get the cold shoulder for the rest of the week.'

Apollo exhaled greatly, turning around to face Phoenix. Oh, thank goodness. It's Mr Wright, maybe he can help me with... Then he went stiff. Wait a second, I really dislike this man at the moment. He turned back around again.

Phoenix sighed and looked at the confused Tina and Thistle. 'Excuse me,' he said, placing a hand on Apollo's shoulder with a smile. 'Could we have a moment?'

The two attorneys stood without a word and without movement behind a supply shack. The silence in the air was dreary and awkward, and Apollo just wished that the other man would hurry up and say what he wanted to say. One look at Phoenix's face, however, told him that his boss wasn't exactly having an easy time either.

Just as Apollo was about to break the silence, he was cut off.

'Listen, Apollo. I've been thinking...about what I said earlier.'

The younger man folded his arms, waiting.

Phoenix adorned his trademark smirk. 'Don't get me wrong - you're still not getting your bracelet back.'

'Oh, come on.'

'Sorry,' he chuckled. 'I still stand behind my decision. However...' He scratched the back of his head. '...I've come to a realisation. Despite all of the cases you've taken under me, I don't think I've ever, really, trained you.'

Apollo raised an eyebrow. 'Uh, I did train under Mr Gavin. Remember?'

Now it was Phoenix's turn to raise an eyebrow.

'...ah, right. The forging thing.' Then: 'wait a second. Didn't you also-'

'And I think the first lesson we should tackle is handling witnesses.' He indicated over his shoulder, towards Tina and Thistle's direction. 'Without any advantages - if you catch my drift.'

Apollo glanced from the ground to the older man's face. 'Huh, right.'

Phoenix suddenly remembered Ema's words. 'That's not to say I don't think you can do it. I mean, you handled my stint with Mr Slater very well.'

'Wait, what?'

The attorney in blue reached into his suit pocket. 'But it's important to nail the basics.'

'Hold on, can you repeat that part about-'

'Here.'

Apollo barely had enough time to catch the shiny object. 'Your... Your magatama?'

Phoenix nodded. 'I won't use any of my advantages, either. Sound fair?'

The younger man looked at the lucid, jade object - he remained silent.

Phoenix sighed. 'Listen, Apollo. Any issues you encounter from improper training rests squarely on my shoulders. I haven't exactly been fair with the pressure I've placed on you, and for that I'm sorry.'

Apollo looked at him in disbelief.

'As your boss, it's up to me to make sure you understand the correct way to handle situations. And from now on I'm going to make sure you're properly prepared.' He extended a hand towards his protege. 'So, what do you say?'

There was a brief pause in which Apollo tried to figure out whether or not his boss was lying to him.

Then he remembered where his bracelet was. ...I guess I'll have to trust him. Huh, better late than never. He grinned. 'Sounds good to me.' He slapped Phoenix's hand. 'Lead the way, Mr Wright.'

Phoenix laughed. 'Good to hear. Now then,' he straightened his tie, 'let's begin the lesson.'

And here we are: a relatively short chapter, but a needed one. Had to get the heavier stuff out of the way first. The next chapter will be the last part of the investigation (hopefully lighter, too), so look forward to some court antics!

Also, apologies for the hiatus. That's the funny thing about University, it kinda takes up time.

But since the bulk of my work is finished, I'm going to try and regulate the updates. At least one a week. At least - meaning more if I go on a bit of a splurge.

Anyway, as always, thank you for the comments! And your patience. R&R, and have a nice day!