Disclaimer: I do not own Phoenix Wright in any way. Nor do i own The Hazards of Love by The Decemberists, which is where the title of this fic has been taken.
A/n: This is a vague idea i had many months ago and decided to put up. There will be seven 'chapters' and an epilogue, probably updated one a day.
3) Anger
Iris winces as a sharp voice cuts through the cold air.
"Why are you here?"
She turns towards the river, shivering slightly. There, her sister stands, soaking wet and furious. Her angry gaze catches Iris' eyes, making her feel like a rabbit trapped in headlights.
(Looking angry seems to suit Dahlia somehow. Iris thinks she looks real. But, what did she look like before?)
"I ... saw you fall."
"I jumped."
Dahlia's gaze is filled with venom but her voice is bland. Iris doesn't like this. She can't remember the last time her sister was so angry. Or rather, she can, but she can't remember the last time this anger was directed at her. They were basically inseparable when they were younger; even when Iris really messed up a plan, Dahlia was never more than mildly annoyed at her. Time really has changed her. Vaguely, Iris wonders whether she's changed too.
"I thought I could ... help. In case you drowned," Iris replies meekly.
"Help?" Dahlia asks, her voice scornful. "I needed your help on the bridge, Iris."
The one thing you can say about Dahlia is that she definitely knows how to get to the point. Iris had thought about her answer to this several times. But she can't remember what she decided on.
"I'm sorry. I was scared," she says in the end.
"You're always scared, Iris. I thought you'd show some bravery for your only sister but you're too much of a coward."
"Let me make it up to you," Iris pleads. She realises she is holding a towel in her hand and holds it out, as though hoping it will magically solve everything.
(Sister Bikini once told her the smallest acts of kindness can mean the most.)
(Dahlia has never spoken to Sister Bikini. She doesn't know about that belief.)
"I don't think so. I don't have any use for a backstabber." She makes no move towards the towel and Iris lets it swing back by her side. She refuses to believe Dahlia's words are true. Her sister must have more feelings for her.
"Please," she says. "I'll ... I'll do anything. You trusted me and I let you down. Let me make it up to you."
"Sounds like you want to help me just to make you feel better."
"No," Iris says instantly because she knows that, were the positions reversed, Dahlia would have made it up to Iris.
(At least, she would have when they were nine. They're not nine anymore but Iris doesn't want to think the rules have changed yet)
Dahlia smiles. "You love me, don't you Iris?"
"Yes."
"Maybe I could still use you," Dahlia muses. "I could ask you to kill our father."
Iris blanches. "OK," she agrees, uncertainly, not sure she can do it.
"But you'd be far too scared." Dahlia reaches out and places a hand on Iris' shoulder. "You need more courage."
Iris is reminded of small incidents over the last few years when she has been too scared to do things in the temple. Sister Bikini would talk her through the problem and let her find out, slowly but surely, that she did have the courage to do it. But Dahlia needs a different courage. Firm resolution. Undying dedication. The sort of courage you don't need for temple life.
"I know."
Dahlia smiles her sweet smile. "You'll help me with my new life. It's the least you can do after you betrayed me."
'Betray' seems like such a harsh word but Iris knows that's what happened. If not in reality then in Dahlia's mind. And Dahlia has been through so much that this sort of betrayal would hurt her. Dahlia has been betrayed by so many family members over the years that Iris doesn't want to do the same.
(Iris has been betrayed by more people. But that's not important)
Iris simply nods.
"And with anything else I ask?" Dahlia asks, checking her sister's loyalty. Iris nods again. "I'll always have use for you, Iris," she says in a reassuring tone. It's such odd phrasing that Iris can only think to say:
"Thank you."
Dahlia caresses her cheek before turning to leave.
"I'll be in touch."
"Be safe," Iris replies. "I love you."
"I love you too," her twin replies. Then, softly, "Don't think I've forgiven you just yet."
