Author's note - I apologise sincerely for how late this is! I've been so busy recently, and then before I knew it, 2 weeks had passed and I had still written nothing! Well anyway, here it is, hope it was worth the wait!

Heart pounding…palms sweaty…

Phoenix sat down on the nearby bench. He was currently in the changing room. The match was going to begin in around ten minutes. To say he was nervous would be an understatement.

Augh! I can't believe anyone went along with this! I mean, a tennis 'tournament' between only attorneys? And who would enter a competition where you only have one opponent! I mean, if anyone defeats me, the whole thing will be over!

He put his head in his hands and let out a long sigh. He was already exhausted, and he hadn't even touched his tennis racket yet.

When was the last time I felt like this...it must've been around three years ago. My first trial…

Date – August 3rd

Time – 9:47am

Location – District Court, Defendant Lobby No.2

I'm alone in the Lobby, well basically alone; the guards by the doors kind of just meld into the background. Arrgh! I've never been this nervous in my life. I'm sweating all over, my hands are clammy, and I can hardly breathe. Why did I choose to be a Defence Attorney again? I think my tie is too tight…

"Wright!" A voice exclaimed behind me, causing me to completely undo my tie. I turned around quickly to the face of my trusted mentor and friend, Mia Fey.

"Oh, h-hiya, Chief." I stammered. Apparently my mouth couldn't keep any calmer than the rest of my body.

"Whew! I'm glad I made it on time." Chief said. I instantly hid my crumpled tie behind my back.

"Well, I have to say Phoenix, I'm impressed, not everyone takes on a murder trial right off the bat like this!"

Believe me. I wouldn't have if I could help it.

"It says a lot about you…and your client as well."

"Um…thanks…" I replied. I wish she wouldn't praise me like this. Not when I'm holding a sweaty rag behind my back and wishing I could back out now. "Actually, it's because I owe him a favour."

"A favour? You mean, you knew the client before this case?" Chief asked in surprise.

"Yeah, in fact, I kind of owe my current job to him. He's one of the reasons I became an attorney." I replied.

"Well that's news to me!" Chief said, smiling.

"I just…really want to help him. I owe him that much." I added.

"It's over! My life, everything, it's all over!" A man, of sorts, shouted.

"…Isn't that your client screaming over there?" Chief asked as I was gathering my energy to turn around and talk to him.

"Yeah…that's him." I sighed in reply.

"DEATH! DESPAIR! OHHHHH!" The semi-adult continued all too loudly, "I'M GONNA DO IT, I'M GONNA DIE!"

"It sounds like he wants to die…" Chief added worriedly. All I can do to respond is sigh wearily. I look round and come face to face with my client, Larry Butz.

"Nick!" Larry cried as he dropped his head onto my shoulder. Apparently my shoulder is the only one he can cry on.

"Hey. Hey there, Larry." I said as I tried to comfort him and move him off my new suit.

Larry continued to cry, "Dude, I'm so guilty! Tell them I'm guilty! Gimme the death sentence! I ain't afraid to die!

"What! What's wrong Larry?" Oh god, please don't honestly be telling me you're actually guilty. I don't want to lose my first case like this.

"Oh it's all over…I…I'm finished. Finished! I can't live in a world without her! I can't!" Larry snivelled, "Who…who took her away from me Nick? Who did this! Aww, Nick, ya gotta tell me! Who took my baby away!"

My heart began to beat again, but I continued to sweat profusely. The person responsible for Larry's girlfriend's death? Well the newspapers say it was Larry…

The doors to the court opened, making me jump. I guess it's time to go in now…I walked towards the court slowly.

"Oh Phoenix?" Chief said.

"W-what?" I just managed to ask in reply.

"Put your tie back on."

"Mr. Nick?"

Phoenix was jolted back into reality. He looked up and before him stood the small figure of Pearl Fey looking worriedly at him.

"Mr Nick, are you feeling okay? You don't look very well." Pearl asked concernedly.

I got through that alright. Even if it was thanks to the Chief, I still got through it.

"Yeah, I'm alright Pearls." Phoenix replied as he put his hand on her head, smiling weakly. "Is the match about to start?" Pearl nodded. He removed his hand and pushed himself up off the bench.

It's too late to back out now anyway. No matter what I do, Maya will find a way to get me back if I quit now. Not to mention all the angry prosecutors who would help her.

Phoenix picked up his tennis racket and followed Pearl out of the changing room and along the corridor leading to the court.

"I don't suppose you can tell me who I'm up against?" Phoenix asked, knowing the answer.

"I'm sorry Mr. Nick, Mystic Maya told me not to tell you." Pearl replied quietly.

Figured as much. I really don't get how me not knowing who I'm up against is supposed to help anyone, but y'know, whatever.

They arrived at the corridor split.

"Well Mr. Nick, I need to go this way so…good luck." Pearl said smiling gently.

"Later Pearls." Phoenix replied. She skipped off in the opposite direction as he turned towards the court entrance. He took a deep breath in.

It all begins here.