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.
Review Reply to Alice: Thanks for the review. I'm glad you think it's at least somewhat original :) Hope you enjoy the rest of it.
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.
7) Death
"Only family members and listed people can come through here, miss," the guard growls.
"My name is Iris Hawthorne, sir," she answers quietly. "Dahlia Hawthorne is my twin sister."
The guard checks something and opens the door, gesturing for Iris to go through. She thanks him and walks into the room. Somehow, it startles her. From the guard's gruff tone, it sounded as though many people had come to watch this. But the only occupants of the room are more armed guards.
Edgily, Iris walks to the front of the viewing section and waits. Glass separates her from the gallows. Nervously, she looks around. This is a bad place. A place where hundreds of deaths have taken place.
About ten minutes later, Dahlia enters, escorted by two men. She maintains her impassive look when she sees Iris.
"You came to watch me die, then?"
"I promised I would be with you," Iris replies.
("You can watch me die."
"I promise. I won't let you die alone."
"I don't need company, Iris."
"Still." A pause. "I love you."
"Goodbye, Iris.")
Dahlia shrugs as though it makes no difference to her. Her gaze sweeps across the empty seats. For some inexplicable reason, Iris feels guilty that no one else has come.
(But Dahlia alienated all those people. She dug her own grave)
Dahlia begins to ascend the gallows. It's the slowest walk Iris has ever seen. It's also the quickest.
This wasn't meant to happen. Iris and Dahlia worked it out when they were seven. Dahlia was supposed to die glamorously. Iris was supposed to die peacefully. They were going to grow old and die at the same time.
(But maybe Iris is dying: from guilt)
"I love you," she cries suddenly.
Dahlia smirks. "Don't love anyone, Iris. All it does is get them hurt."
(One fact which Iris knows is true)
"I'm sorry."
Dahlia opens her mouth to reply but is silenced by the nearest guard.
"For the murder of Douglas Swallow and the attempted murder of Phoenix Wright, Dahlia Hawthorne has been sentenced to death, to be carried out by hanging from the neck until she is dead. Does the prisoner have any last requests?"
For one, brief second, Dahlia looks confused. "I want to tell Iris ... I ... she ..." She shakes her head and, suddenly, the impassive Dahlia is back.
(The fake one)
(Or is the one she remembers the fake one?)
"No."
The guard shrugs and puts a hood over Dahlia's head. Iris clenches her fists. She will not cry. She will face this for Dahlia. She will be strong.
(Too fast. Where did the time go?)
"I love you, Dahlia," she says in the silence.
The noose loops around Dahlia's neck.
(So much more to say. Just one more day? Can't she have one last chance to save her sister?)
"Begin."
