— Phoenix Wright, you foolish fool! Open the door! I know you're in there! — Franziska von Karma said as she pressed the doorbell furiously. She knew she never was a patient person, but waiting almost twenty minutes just to being answered was clearly infuriating, especially for her in that specific moment.
The prodigy prosecutor came back to Los Angeles for an important case and after several hours investigating and gathering information, she found out some of the files related with her case were with her old rival in court and sort of friend Phoenix Wright. Okay, she needed to admit she wasn't eager to see him again, far from it but it has been a long time and she was nervous to see him again (although she will never be going to admit it, as she stated to herself demonstrating such thing as nervousness was foolish). A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing a man with messy hair only wearing a pajama pants, which makes Franziska gasp surprised. She almost didn't recognize him, but she wished she hadn't recognized Phoenix Wright, because she never could see him again as the same way before, especially after seeing him like that. She knew he had a good figure, but clearly, he had matured over the years, and he gained some muscles, to not to say he was incredibly toned. Also, his hair wasn't combed in his usual spikes, instead the messy locks were down, giving him a mature yet sleepy aspect, as he almost woke up at that instant. She felt his gaze at her and for the first time, Franziska felt embarrassed and small at Phoenix's presence.
— Ms. Von Karma? What are you doing here? — Phoenix asked, truly curious and surprised to see Franziska at his flat. She took some time to answer him, her attention at the man bare torso until she remembered why she was here and the situation she was in.
— You fool! Wear something! — She replied to totally beetroot. He looked at himself and he noticed the absence of the shirt was bothering the woman.
— Oh, I'm sorry. I've just woke up now, so I forgot to put on a shirt. So, what brings you here?
— Don't act so casual naked like that!
— Being shirtless hardly makes me naked. At best, it makes me semi-naked depending on the circumstances. — The turnabout terror rebutted, and Franziska groaned in annoyance. An argument was the last thing she wanted at that moment.
— You fool, we're not at court to argue about some trifle matters. Besides, you shouldn't answer the door like that!
— As I said, I wasn't expecting anyone, especially you at this hour. Then, I will ask you again, why are you here? If you don't mind, I'm kinda busy, y'know?
— Hmph, as if! It doesn't matter, I'm here to pick up some files in your possession.
— What files?
— The files of the WS-99 Incident.
— Oh, that files... Well, give me some time to search for the files, I put them in my personal office here and—
— It'll be faster if we look for it together. We should—
— No. You're not going to come in.
— What did you just say right now!? — Franziska exclaimed, gritting her teeth furiously.
— I said no. I'm afraid I can't let you come in.
— Why?
— Well… It's complicated to explain...
— What do you mean by that, Phoenix Wright?
— Look, you simply can't come in, got it? I'll search for the files, wait here.
Phoenix closed the door, but something blocked the way. He noticed it was Franziska who put her foot between the door and the doorframe.
— You idiot, that hurts! — She said whipping the poor attorney. To Phoenix's credit, he didn't flinch.
— That also hurts! Look, you can't come in, get it? — He replied with a furious frown.
— And what if I come in?
— Then I'll call the police for unlawful entry. I wonder what Miles will think about it.
— Don't involve my little brother into this!
— So, wait patiently here outside. I won't take much time looking for it. Now if you excuse me... Ouch!
Ignoring Phoenix, Franziska whipped him unblocking her way into the flat.
— Get out! — Phoenix ordered.
— No, I need those files and I will get them by my own, whenever you like or not.
— Look, you can't be here.
— Why not? You…
— Nicky, do you want scrambled eggs, bacon, and some toasts? I'm making some for me.
To Franziska shock and Phoenix surprise, a woman only wearing one of Phoenix shirts came from the kitchen and kissed him. She looked at Franziska and then she said:
— I heard you yelling at someone. It seems we have a visitor.
Franziska was stunned by the scene she watched. Phoenix Wright was in his flat with a woman, a woman she knew somewhere, but she couldn't tell when and where she have met her. The woman has very alike her in appearance, except for her long hair, the absence of the beauty mark under her left eye and her intense reddish-brown eyes. The whipping happy prosecutor stood quiet for a brief moment before she hit the floor with her whip.
— Phoenix Wright, what is the meaning of THIS!? Explain! NOW! — She yelled furiously, ready to attack him.
Phoenix sighed and looked at the woman who was hugging him.
— Honey, can you wear something aside my shirt, please? I need to talk with Ms. von Karma.
— Okay.
The woman went to another room and Phoenix scratched the back of his neck nervously.
— I'm sorry for you seeing Sae like that… She usually wears only my clothes when she's here alone with me at home...
It took some time for the prodigy prosecutor to process the name and she immediately reacted when she recognized the name.
— Sae? You mean Prosecutor Sae Niijima? — Franziska asked surprised.
— Yes. We… together for a long time. — Phoenix answered while scratching his chin nervously.
— I… I see…
— We were not presentable, so that's why I wanted for you to wait outside. I didn't want to cause a scene like now.
— O-Okay…
— I will pick up the files. Please have a seat.
Franziska did as Phoenix said and sat on one of the chairs in the living room. Then Sae come, wearing a train gear she usually uses on her kickboxing sessions. Franziska cradled her chin before ask:
— Sae Niijima, correct? When did I have met you before?
Sae looked at Franziska, raising an eyebrow.
— Do you still remember me?
— Yes, I do remember, but I forgot when we met...
— We've met several years ago, during a case in Japan.
— I do remember now. It was a case I was working with the Interpol. You were one of the prosecutors assigned to the case as well. — Franziska said, crossing her arms and clenching her hand on her arm, her usual habit when she was irritated or thoughtful.
— Yes, I do remember you said you don't need my help, because "the foolish prosecutor will only be a nuisance for me", according with your own words...
Franziska remembered that moment. It was during her young and immature period of her life, when she thought everyone was mere fools standing on her way.
— My deepest apologies about that.
— It doesn't matter. It was a long time ago... — Sae replied, but it was clear that was something she could never forget that easily. — I'm glad to know you was able to convict the real criminal behind that case.
— It was nothing. Honestly, he was only a fool with foolish megalomaniacal ideas. It was a matter of time he'll be caught.
— I see… It seems you haven't change too much.
— You could say some old habits never die. — Franziska replied calmly as ever, then she extended her hand towards Sae. — As could say the same of you. You haven't change too much as well.
— I don't think that's a bad thing in some aspects of my life, but I have changed a lot over the years, you could say I have become too stubborn and prideful over the years.
— I don't think that. As far as I know, your performance in court is impeccable, and your career as a prosecutor was great.
— And what at the cost? I managed to have a great career, but my personal life over the years couldn't be the same. I almost ruined my relationship with my sister, and well, my relationship with Phoenix almost…
Sae went silent and Franziska looked at her, only saying:
— I see…
— But luckily, Phoenix was patient with me, and even helped me with my sister. You could say both saved me, as well a friend of mine.
— They saved you, huh? — Franziska said thoughtfully. — That's something Phoenix will do. We always manage to save people.
— Although he risks himself too much sometimes. He doesn't have much self-preservation instincts, at least it seems like it.
Franziska nodded in agreement, waving her finger.
— That because he's a foolish fool without any notion of danger. He could've died for any of his friends if that needs.
— When you say that, it's almost true… But that show how much he cares about the others.
— He cares, huh… That sounds like him. — Franziska become silent for a moment, then she said: — So, since when?
— Since when what? — Sae asked.
— Since when you started dating Phoenix?
— During the period of his disbarment. More specifically, two years after his disbarment. A year after he lost his attorney's badge, I came back to States for a case, I think you've heard of the IK-8 Incident.
Franziska remembered that case.
— Yes, I do hear about it. I heard you were assaulted by the suspect. A serial killer.
— Yes, I was. The suspect of the case came after me and tried to get rid of me. Fortunately, Phoenix saw me and saw him pursing me.
— That's a call a coincidence.
— Yeah. If it wasn't for him, I might be dead now. I was cornered and bleeding after a long fight. Despite being a Kickboxer and an Aikido practitioner, I was at disadvantage, especially after being cut and stabbed several times. I was close to die.
— What do you mean? Wait, the witness who saved you…
— It was him. — Sae affirmed. — Phoenix saw him pursuing me, and he followed me. He saw that man cutting me and ready to stab me when he stepped in and attacked him. He saved me that day.
— And let me guess, he almost died for you?
— Almost went to jail for me. He immobilized the assailant and punch him until he knocked him out. When I knew it, he was almost punching him to the death.
Franziska gasped surprised. She didn't know that part of the case. All she knew was Sae was attacked and she was saved by someone.
— What…? Then...
— Yes, I know. It is high improbable for someone like Phoenix do that, but her did. He almost killed him. The lucky was I convinced him to stop before that became a homicide. You could say that day I escaped from the hands of the death by luck.
— I… I see…
— After that in incident, we started to talk back with each other.
— Talk back? You mean you two were close?
— Before he got disbarred, yes. We worked on a case, and we become friends. We talked by phone almost every single day, when we're not occupied with a case, or when we need legal advice from each other. We talked for hours. But, when he got disbarred, he cut any contact with everyone, that includes me. You knew what happens next.
— Maybe I know. You went after him.
— Yes. I demanded for answers, but he didn't give me a single one. You could say he's a stubborn person when he needs to.
— And what happened after the incident?
— We started to talk with each other again. He explained to me his situation and I decided to aid him in any way possible. We went into some shady places together, went after witnesses, all to prove his innocence.
— So, you were the one behind the case too…
— Yeah, aside Edgeworth who aided with the implementation of the Jurist System. I was the one making the investigation as well.
— I see… So, you were also responsible…
The silence filled the room. Franziska analyzed Sae from the top to the bottom. Sae was gorgeous, she needed to admit, not only that she was very successful in her career, and a strong and independent woman. All of that make her wonder what she saw in Phoenix as well. "As well? Perhaps…"
Franziska hated that line of thought. What does that mean? What was she thinking? Perhaps she liked the man as well, like Sae, but… Some thought ran in her mind. Was she jealous of them? She shivered with that. Jealous, of them? Of Sae? Why she was jealous of her? She pushed that thought away, but her mind insisted of keep that.
— So… You two are an item for some time, correct?
— Actually for a few years… — Sae replied. — I think we're together for five, six years...
— I see… And who else knows about you two…?
— Everyone knows… Well, the only person who doesn't know it is Larry Butz. Phoenix said it was a bad idea to meet or even tell him.
It was obvious fact and Franziska couldn't agree more with Phoenix. That project of man was… Infuriating in every single way He bothered Franziska until she gave up and decided to model for him. Not only that, but he also tried to hit on her several times. He was so annoying to a point she whipped him even after he fainted, driven into a brim rage. She felt satisfaction in that, even more than whipping the poor Phoenix. That made the prodigy prosecutor chuckle.
— What's so funny…? — Sae asked with an inquiry stare.
— Nothing. I just remembered something related to that person.
— I see…
— Well, back to my questions… Did you two live together for how long?
— Actually, I'm here for work. Since I've become an international prosecutor, I've been working here for two years. That is, until I have to stop taking cases due to the psychotic breakdown's incident.
— I have heard about that. I heard there was a group who was behind some of them.
— The Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Yes, I personally went after them, until they uncovered the truth about the true responsible.
— Masayoshi Shido…
— Yes. He was the one responsible for several deaths… Including my father's death.
Franziska felt pity for Sae. She also lost her father, but she knew her father was a ruthless and cold killer and the one for destroying her foster brother life. She could only imagine how was her life after that.
— How he was?
— My father…? He was an incredible officer. He managed to make arrests everyone considered impossible. He supported me when I decided to become a prosecutor. He always had a proud smile on his face, especially when he became a detective from homicide. But then… — Sae said with a faint smile.
— I see…
— After his death I've become bitterly, but when I had to keep my perfect win trial streak to get promoted and made a reputation, that made me become even worse. I had the thought the court was a cassino, which only the ones who can win are the one who will do anything. I did horrible things, obviously nothing illegal, but I've went too far on that, to a point I even hurt my own family and the person I do love.
— Oh…
— Then I become one of targets of the Phantom Thieves. I was being on their way, and they need to do something.
— So… What happened?
— Do you really want to know the full story?
That was an interesting question from Sae. Does she truly wanted to know that? Her logical mind was saying no, but she was curious about what she was to say.
— If there is no problem in telling me…
— Very well… But there's something I need to tell. I do expect secrecy and especially an open mind. My story is… a spectacularly absurd, in a manner of speaking.
— I've dealt with flying magicians, spirit channeling and even an international smuggling ring. I'd believe one more story will not change my perception of you.
— Okay, but you have been warned. To make a long story short, I interrogated the leader of the Phantom Thieves.
— Wh-What!? — Franziska exclaimed surprised. — A-And what happened…?
— Well, I discovered he was a victim of Masayoshi Shido as well. He framed him for assault. Not only that, but he also become a phantom thief by accident. He was sent to Tokyo to probation.
— What…?
— It seems there was a parallel dimension, called Metaverse, or the cognitive world as we named it.
— We…?
— Me and the others who knows about it. To resume, we went after the ones who was a threat to him and the others. There were some people with strong distorted desires, so strong they have their own place in the Metaverse, called Palaces.
— Wait… people have Palaces…? And what about who doesn't have.
— They shared one major Palace, called Mementos. The Phantom Thieves managed to change people's hearts, especially the ones with a Palace. Including me.
— WHAT!? That means…
— My Palace was a casino. The Casino of Envy.
— So, you do have a Palace… But there's one thing I don't understand, how they know that.
— They had a suspicion. And they needed all the information to went there.
— And how they get that information.
— My sister. She was a Phantom Thief.
— WHAT!?
— Yes. Ironic, isn't it? Well… My sister and him tried to "steal" my heart, but it was all part of their plan.
— Plan? Wait, are you saying they didn't in fact steal your heart!?
— No. And even the arrest and "suicide" of him was a plan to catch up the real one behind the psychotic breakdowns and mental shutdowns.
— Masayoshi Shido. But how he did…?
— He had an accomplice. Goro Akechi.
— What!? The second Detective Prince!? So…
— Yes. They managed to steal Shido's heart, at the cost of Akechi's life. Shido killed him.
— Oh…
— After that, they faced a fake God.
— What…? How did you…?!
— Well, let's just say you may know him. You face faced him before in Japan, remember?
Franziska processed that information, then something come in her mind.
— Wait… Amamiya!? Then…
— NO, he didn't use that to win the trials. He faced it fair and square. I can attest that. I was the prosecutor in his cases, after all.
— But… How then...
— He was used by the fake God. I know, I was there.
— How…
— My Palace.
— Then…
— Yes. In the end, they prevailed against him. And, well… There was the real one behind that. Maruki.
— Who?
— Takumi Maruki. He sends the fake God and not only that, but he also managed to bring the Metaverse.
— Oh… So, Ren and the Phantom Thieves…
— Yes. They defeated him.
Franziska was taken aback. She didn't expect such story from Sae. She knew spirit mediums and ridiculous situations in cases was one thing, but that? That was completely madness. A fake God? And that Maruki supposedly was the one behind it? That was something so absurd, she could only think Sae was crazy. But seeing the seriousness in her eyes and knowing what happened during that time and after that, she knew that hardly was a lie.
— I know... I thought the same thing. But when I saw my Palace and the Metaverse I knew it was real.
— Does… Does Phoenix Wright know about this?
— He was there as well. He talked with my Shadow. I mean my cognitive version of myself.
— I see... Well, I don't know what to say about it…
— It's okay. I don't expect you to comprehend it.
Franziska clenched her hand in her arm nervously. That was an interesting and madding fairytale, but only that, right? Then she remembered she saw Maya channeling her sister and even the case of Iris and she knew Sae wasn't lying.
— Sometimes life is weirder than fiction.
— Yeah… You can say that… So, Ren surrendered himself.
— He testified against Shido. Not only that, but he was also vital to show the corruption in my country.
— Oh. If I recall well, he was found innocent of all the incidents.
— Well, the court and even I knew he was a victim as well, so he's only spent some time in the Juvenile as a punishment. And his record was cleared, since he hasn't committed any crime.
— I see...
— Not only that, but there also wasn't any evidence relating him to the cases before, since he was a Phantom Thief only during his probation.
— Oh. So, what happened to him, by the way?
— Oh, Ren? He's at the university of Tokyo, pursing law. He decided to become a public defender. Not if he needed to go to university, but he wants to specialize himself.
— I see… That's something someone like him will do.
— What can I say? He's been fighting for the ones who can't fought for themselves. I think that's something he inherited somehow from Phoenix.
— That's true. He totally looks like that fool.
— You really like to call Nicky a fool, huh?
— It's because he's still one, even after all those years.
Sae snapped her stare towards the ceiling thoughtful.
— Even after those years, huh… Ms. Von Karma, can I ask you something?
— What is it?
— Do you have any feelings towards Phoenix…?
Franziska gasped and she stared at Sae incredulously. She never expected that question from her and she was struggling to find a proper answer.
— W-W-W-Why a-are you asking me that…?
— I don't know how I should put it... but I can't help but feel you are bothered with us.
— Well, I am bothered with you. I never heard Phoenix had a girlfriend. Still, that enough isn't enough reason to…
— I do think that was enough. But if you insist, I can point a few more points for you.
— Is that so? Then point it.
— Your career has taken a major change after you faced him. Not only that you stopped to care about your perfect win trial record. It's all in the records of the prosecutor's offices you've worked. Not only that, but you also started to work with the Interpol during that period, correct?
— Correct, but how is that related for what do I feel for Phoenix?
— Well, before you met him, only your perfect win streak matters for you. But after you have faced him, you've changed in a way it can only be him the catalyzer.
— I concede that point for you. Yes, I'd have changed because of him, but that itself it's not enough.
— I know and I haven't finished yet. I had an interesting talk with your surrogate brother. He told me once you had the impression you lived under his shadow.
Franziska clenched her hand a little too deeper into her arm. She knew she never have made him swear secrecy about that, but she never expected for him to tell something so personal to someone like Sae.
— And what more?
— The only one who have treated you like equal was Phoenix. As much he despised your former antics…
— With all his rights to do so.
— …He never had compared you to… You know who.
— My father. It's okay, I… don't have any problem to hear about him or his name.
— Still, Phoenix always had the consideration about you.
— True…
— And… You've been calling him only by his name and not his full name for a while.
Franziska gasped aback. Did she have made such slip up? No… It can't be. However, she was in fact calling Phoenix by his first name for a while. Perhaps she was too relaxed and… Relaxed? Franziska von Karma don't relax, neither let herself ease with such thing as… love? Does she love Phoenix?
"No, no, no, no! That can't be happening!? I love that fool!?" She thought frightened. But yet, everything was starting to make sense. She'd never changed for anyone, but at the Engarde case, she does help him, as much it was for herself, deep inside she knew it was for him. Not only that, but she also helped him with the Hazakura case, when Iris was been judged as the killer of Misty Fey, and as much she hated to admit, his presence was… tolerable. Actually, when she thinks about it, Phoenix stared her for a brief moment before answering her. After that he tried to be the most formal possible, but she could feel him looking at her. At that time…
— Ms. Von Karma? Are you alright?
— Yes… Yes, I am… I just… might've realized something.
— I see… What is it?
— Actually, I… I… *sigh* I think I've fallen in love. Fallen in love for Phoenix.
Sae was silent, trying to find a proper answer for the woman in front of her. She fidgeted her hair nervously, as she tried to come with an answer.
— It's okay. You don't need to say anything to me. — Franziska replied, surprising Sae.
—!
— I mean, I'm too late to confess my feelings for him, and… It's only my fault on that. I need no sympathy, especially from you. Perhaps… No. I should have told him.
Sae stood silent for a brief moment before only say:
— I see…
— I think… He doesn't care…
— That's not true.
— Huh?
— Remember the Engarde trial?
— How could I forget? That was his first loss.
— True. But it was the moment he got truly worried about everyone involved. He told me he hated the fact you got wounded because of him.
— Really? I mean, he was coerced by DeKiller.
— But he felt guilty. He knew you will do anything at your power to prove Engarde guilt. Not only that, when you helped him, he almost went after you. He wanted to give you something.
— My whip.
— He gave to Edgeworth. It was his way to thank you for what you've done to him.
— Even when I help him for my own selfish reasons…
— He trusts you. Even when… You know, had whipped him several times. He simply respects you as an attorney, and as a person as well. — Sae said with a genuine smile on her face. Franziska could only look at the woman and smile back at her.
— Thank you.
— I found the files.
Phoenix went back from his office with the file in hands. Going towards Franziska he extended his hand with the file.
— Here, the WS-99 Incident files. I hope that will be useful for you.
— Thank you. Well, I should be going… I need to go back to the prosecutor's office. I need to prepare myself for the trial tomorrow.
— I see... Well, I wish you good luck. Seeing how things are nowadays, you're going to need it.
— Thank you.
— Let me accompany you.
Franziska stood up and bowed to Sae, who gave a slight bow as well. On the way towards the door, Franziska glanced at Phoenix, looking at the man she faced and hated for a long time. She could only admire and respect the man now, seeing how much he has matured and helped her over the years.
— Well, we here are. I'm sorry for making you wait longer, and for… You know, seeing Sae like that. We had a tough case these last few days and we decided to take a day off.
— It's okay. I wasn't expecting to come here as well. I… Understand.
— Okay...
— Phoenix.
— Yes? — Phoenix said surprised. Franziska never called him only by his name.
— Can I ask you how… No. Why. Why her?
Phoenix become silent for a long time before answer the short-silver haired woman.
— At first, I thought it was only physical attraction, you know… Like… Dahlia. But when I met her better, I knew it was for all of her I've become in love. Her virtues and flaws, her attitude, her charms… Everything…
— And what about Maya…?
— Well… I had a crush on Maya… But I discovered later it was admiration I have for her. And love, but not the love of a man for a woman, more like the love of a brother for a sister.
— I see… And what about Iris?
— I told her first. I thought she should know. She… was heartbroken, but as much we do have some affinity, I know we couldn't be the same as before.
— Oh… May I ask, when you realized you do love Sae?
Phoenix closed his eyes and smiled, as he remembered the moment. He looked at Franziska with a small, but genuine and bright smile.
— It was when we talked about several things in a night. We're talking about life and other things. Honestly, I know Sae's gorgeous. If she wanted to, she could wrap anyone at her finger as if was nothing. But at that night, when I look at her eyes… I could see her true self. And I saw a wonderful person. The same beauty she possesses on her appearance it's only a reflection of her beauty inside. It was when I realized I love her.
— I see… Well, I think… I think you two makes a great couple. Just… make her happy.
— She already is. I just make her happier than she is now.
Franziska couldn't avoid herself to smile. Picking her purse, she opens it and searched for something until she found.
— Do you remember the Engarde case? About how you've solved it?
— How could I forget? It was thanks to you and the evidence you brought we could save Maya.
— Remember what Scruffy said about a forth piece of evidence? In fact I concealed one evidence. That wasn't revelant to the case and I never couldn't find a good moment to give it to you. I think now it's time for you to have it.
Franziska gave to Phoenix a card, a card Phoenix immediately recognized. It was the calling card of Shelly DeKiller. But he noticed something was different on that card. There was a draw of him, following the shell, and his nickname signed on it.
— That's Maya handwriting… Why'd…
— I thought you will end up with her one day… I was wrong… She truly admires you; you know?
— Yes… Yes, I know…
— And she's not the only one...
— What are you…
Then Franziska stand on her tiptoes and kissed Phoenix on her cheek. He was dumbstruck with her suddenly behavior. It was when he realized she also loves him.
— I'm sorry about it. I…
— Franziska…
— I need to go… — She said as she exits the flat.
— Wait.
Phoenix grabbed gently her wrist and looked at Franziska. His cobalt eyes were showing a glint of worry and a slight shine of sorrow.
— Why didn't you have told me? — He asked.
— I was scared. Scared of you reject me... But in the end, when I realized my feelings for you, I discovered it's too late.
— Franziska…
— I will be okay. I will survive. It wasn't your fault.
The silent filled the place and Phoenix gave a gentle smile towards Franziska.
— I'm sorry I can't reciprocate your feelings. But… I still want to be your friend.
— Even after all had happened…?
— You're a good woman Franziska. Not only that, but you're also an excellent lawyer, and my rival. You have all my respect. Thank you. For everything.
Franziska smiled. A genuine smile she only reserved for the ones closer of her. Phoenix smiled back.
— Well, the trial will be tomorrow. I think you might want to see it.
— We will be there.
— Good. After the trial we could have dinner. I want to hear more about how you two have made over the years.
Phoenix chuckled.
— Well, I can tell you over drinks. That'll be on me.
Franziska left the flat with a renewed confidence. She felt no longer the pressure over her shoulders. As long she has friends like Phoenix, she knew she could do anything. May her love will fade one day, but her admiration towards him will never fades.