A/N: This is the final chapter of "The source of my strength". I...I really don't have the words to describe what I feel right now. Just that I'm proud to have been this story's author. Well, there's also an epilogue going up, so check that out next. For the final time: It's time for femslash!
Final chapter: Proof of love
May 8, 2031
Dressing room 1
10:00 a.m.
"It might be good for you to keep your hair down. Oh, and if you want I'll put some foundation on your face. Just to really make Robin's jaw drop when she sees you!"
Juniper couldn't help but giggle warmly at Athena's words, then said, "Put on as much makeup as you think I need, Thena."
"You really don't need that much, Junie," Athena said, carefully applying the foundation to her best friend's face. "Just a little to bring out how pretty you are."
Athena continued to touch up her childhood friend's appearance: adding a little bit of pale lipstick, combing Juniper's long hair, then clipping on the pair of sunflower earrings that Juniper had worn during her third anniversary date with Robin.
As this happened, Juniper tried to remain still but found she couldn't keep from fidgeting. Her heart was fluttering rapidly in her chest, and she felt short of breath. Joy and anxiety swirled around in her head in a confusing mix.
"This is it. I'm really getting married today," Juniper whispered to herself. The words resonated deep into the core of her being, amplifying the emotions she was feeling. Unfortunately, Juniper's already shallow breathing grew more rapid, and she started feeling light-headed.
"Calm down, Junie. Here, breathe into these," Athena said, handing Juniper a bouquet of colorful roses. Juniper took a few minutes to inhale the scent of the flowers, calming down with each breath she took.
Just a couple of hours ago, she had woken up in her bed with Robin. Robin herself had already gotten up, pacing around their room while sweating profusely. Juniper managed to calm down her fiancee long enough for them to eat breakfast. But before long the two of them had to part ways, with Juniper being driven to where the wedding was being held by Athena and Robin by Hugh. After arriving the two brides were then led to separate dressing rooms, and hadn't seen each other since then. The next time they would lay eyes on each other would be during the wedding ceremony.
The moment Juniper stepped into her designated dressing room Athena sprung into action, getting Juniper into her wedding dress and then doing her makeup. The defense attorney took her role as a bridesmaid very seriously, and in fact took it upon herself arrive at the venue several hours ago to make sure the ceremony was on track before going to pick up Juniper.
Athena was dressed in a bright-yellow, sleeveless dress, allowing for Juniper to see the proof of friendship on Athena's right bicep. This in turn caused Juniper to look at her own proof of friendship, still on her right wrist after all this time. Being that it was made over six years ago, the color of the band had dulled, and the design of the two clasped hands was a little faded.
Looking at it, however, helped Juniper calm down completely. The anxiety melted away, to be replaced by the flame of deep, enduring love. Everything was going smoothly for once, and all that was left was for Juniper to step out of this dressing room. Outside of the room, the altar would be waiting. That's where she would meet Robin, at long last.
"Looks like you're feeling a lot better, Junie," Athena said gently. "This is such a big day, and I can't blame you for being nervous. I'm sure Robin's just as anxious as you, and probably already raring to go. You know how she gets."
Suddenly a high-pitched scream tore through the air, then tapered off. Athena sighed and shot Juniper a knowing look. Juniper, for her part, hoped that the people attending to Robin were going to be okay.
"As I said, Robin's just as anxious as you, Junie," Athena said, laughing a little.
"Robin is totally freaking out!" Widget chirped.
The reaction was so familiar Juniper couldn't help but see, just for a split second, the Athena Cykes she had first met: so shy, but at the same time so friendly. That friendliness remained, while Athena herself grew up so strong. Even during the seven years that they were apart, their bond always remained true.
"...Thank you, Thena," Juniper said softly. "For being here for me today."
"I'll always be there for you, Junie," Athena said, smiling at her childhood friend.
May 8, 2031
Dressing room 2
10:15 a.m.
"Okay. So it seems like your nerves are a little worse than we originally thought," Hugh said, doing his best to pretend that his ears weren't currently ringing. Hugh was dressed in a dark blue tuxedo, but no tie. Robin didn't say anything, but instead kept huffing and groaning.
"This isn't really a good look for your wedding day, sss sss sss," Myriam said, trying to be reassuring in the best way she knew how. Myriam was in a light purple dress, and not wearing anything to conceal herself for once. "And it wouldn't look good for the cameras either. So try to pull yourself together, Robin."
Robin appreciated her friends trying to get her to settle down, she really did. But ever since entering the dressing room her nerves kept her increasingly high-strung. Everything seemed to be going well, but in Robin's experience it was never that simple, and oh what could possibly happen-
Hugh started chuckling, which managed to shock Robin back to her senses. Myriam joined in, much to Robin's confusion. But the laughter was one of familiarity, and warmth.
"Sorry for suddenly laughing, Robin," Hugh exclaimed. "It's just that- I almost don't remember when was the last time you were so wound up. Seeing you like this feels like we're Themis students all over again."
It was true, wasn't it? The Robin Newman that first started going to Themis Legal Academy was one that didn't so much talk as shouted everything "he" ever said, and was basically a bundle of walking nerves always ready to go off.
"I was so bad back then. I've always wondered how you and Juniper could bear to be around me for more than a few minutes," An embarrassed Robin said to Hugh.
"Because even back then, you were our best friend, as you are now," Hugh said, smirking as if what it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"And don't think I don't have a lot of data on how you used to be, Robin," Myriam added. "You used blow out at least three of my hidden microphones every day, Kahk-khak. You've actually learned some restraint since then."
"I have, haven't I?" Robin said, squirming from how flustered the words from her friends left her.
"I'm not entirely sure why I've been allowed to be in this dressing room," Hugh said, clearly still flustered about this himself. "But I know you, Robin. You've come a really long way."
"You're in this dressing room because you're my b-e-s-t friend, Hugh! Why else would you be here?" Robin answered sincerely. Sure, Hugh had some trouble helping Myriam dress up Robin, but he had managed it in the end. "But seriously, thank you so much, both of you! I'm so glad you're here!"
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Hugh said simply.
"I'll say! Even with how sugary you two can be, you and Juniper have been one of the greatest stories I've ever followed," Myriam said, her eyes taking on the hungry shine they did whenever she went into journalist mode. "And I'm looking forward to seeing what develops after this."
Hugh and Myriam went back to work, making sure Robin was a presentable as possible: Hugh touching up the curls of Robin's hair, Myriam applying red lipstick, and so on. After the preparations were complete, Myriam handed Robin a bouquet of sunflowers. Perhaps not quite what one would usually expect at a wedding, but then this wasn't just any wedding.
Hugh held out his left hand. "I- I'm so honored you asked me to be here today, Robin. Especially given what I'm here for. Let's go. Juniper will be waiting for us."
Robin linked arms with Hugh, and as the three of them left the dressing room it occurred to Robin: she only met Hugh and Juniper by mere chance. Robin had picked Hugh to challenge on a whim, and they just happened to spot Juniper all on her lonesome. From that day onward, she spent many wonderful days with both of them. It was because of them that Robin strived as hard as she did.
In all honestly, never in her wildest dreams did Robin think that it would all lead to a day like this. Here, with her best friends on her wedding day, getting ready to marry her dearest friend of all- Juniper Woods. Her nerves started jumping again, but this time from the sheer excitement.
The last thoughts on Robin's mind were of her self portraits back home. Hugh and Myriam were right- she had come a long way over the course of her life. To describe her as a prosecutor, as an artist, as woman- none of these were really enough to describe who she was today, on their own or even together.
Every stage of her life contributed to Robin Newman as she was now. Which was why today was such a pivotal event- the day when one chapter would end, and a whole new one would begin.
May 8, 2031
Forest outside Woods household
10:40 a.m.
A few locations had been considered for the wedding ceremony: a church as was tradition, a simple trip down to the district courthouse, even holding it at Themis Legal Academy was considered at one point. In the end, it was Juniper musing how nice it would be to hold it outdoors that got the ball rolling.
The base of operations for the wedding was Juniper's childhood home- as it turned out, it was never bought after Juniper and her grandma vacated it because of it's remote location. The house had to be fixed up a week prior, but since the beginning of the day people were rushing in and out on various tasks.
The house was where Virginia Woods, Athena, and Trucy made all the food that was going to be served later. It was also where Juniper and Robin were being prepped, with Juniper being in her old room and Robin talking up Virginia's room. It wasn't, however, where the ceremony itself was being held. That honor went to a large clearing deep in the forest, where a makeshift aisle and altar were waiting for the brides. The clearing itself was ringed with lavender trees in full bloom, which meant that flower petals fluttered about on the occasional spring breeze.
Several video cameras were set up in the trees at different angles, filming the entire set up. The aisle and altar were simple enough, a length of white carpet leading to a wooden podium, where Judge Courtney was waiting. On both sides of the aisle plastic chairs were set up, where the various guests were currently seated, all dressed in their best clothing. Athena, now done helping Juniper get ready, arrived at the clearing to check in on everyone.
Virginia Woods was still back at the house, as was Hugh. They were currently escorting the brides to this clearing. Myriam rushed ahead to check on her video cameras, as well as set up some other cameras on timers to take plenty of pictures. Trucy Wright, now finished making food, was currently seated with Apollo and Ema on the left side of the aisle. On the right side of the aisle, Klavier, Simon, and John all sat together, with Klavier trying to make conversation with John and Simon.
The wedding was meant to be a small, intimate affair. Yet the various preparations had the unexpected side-effect of letting people know that the wedding was happening, and as such there were other guests mingling about. From the WAA, Pearl Fey was seated by Trucy, talking with her friend. Seated with the other prosecutors was none other than Chief Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth himself, who wasn't making an effort to socialize with anyone.
From Themis Legal Academy, there was a small group of people that showed up because they heard the wedding was happening: On the left side of the aisle sat members of Juniper's student council, and on the right side of the aisle sat members of the Fine Art Club.
"So remind me again what all these people are doing here?" Athena asked a nervous Myriam.
"It turns out that I forgot to retrieve all the microphones that I've planted during my time attending Themis," Myriam mumbled. "Other students found them and I think half the student body found out about this wedding because of it. They contacted our graduating class and told them, and that's how these guests wound up here."
"Merde. That's just great," Athena said, groaning. The last thing she wanted was for everything to derail now, of all times.
"Hey, we weren't expecting more people but I think we can still manage," Apollo called out from where he was seated. "We had enough chairs, and I'm pretty sure we have enough food."
"Can we really afford that kind of attitude? We've only barely managed to keep this area clean!" Athena shouted.
"If it really comes down to it John and I could just ask some people to leave," Ema said reassuringly. "So take a breath, and sit down with me. So at least you won't be scowling like that when the brides finally arrive."
"I'm not scowling!" Nonetheless, Athena seated herself by Ema, taking a few deep breaths until she had completely calmed herself down.
On the other side of the aisle, John Marsh noticed something odd about Klavier.
"Hey, I remember you going on and on about the performance you were going to give today," John said. "So why don't you have your guitar with you?"
"Because the frauleins decided to let Mother Nature herself serenade them on this day," Klavier said, gesturing to the trees around them. John listened closely, and he could hear that all around them was-
"The song of the local robins," Simon said, spotting small birds in the trees. "It is that time of year, if I'm not mistaken. At least that answers why this was the only date Woods-dono and Robin-dono would accept for this wedding."
On his shoulder, Taka fidgeted about, clearly wanting to go after the smaller birds, only to be stopped by Simon. After a while the hawk gave up, then started sulking on his master's shoulder.
"I know, I know. When we get back home, I shall make this up to you," Simon said to his companion.
"So you're not going to be channeling Professor Courte today?" Trucy asked Pearl.
"I did offer to do so for Juniper and Robin, but in the end they refused," Pearl answered. "I decided to respect their decision."
"I can understand that. But then why are you here?" Trucy asked, now really curious.
"Well….because I've always wanted to see two special somebodies get married," Pearl said, clapping her hands to her cheeks and blushing right up to her ears.
The casual conversation amongst the guests for a little while longer. Every so often Athena looked over her shoulder, only to not say anything. No one commented on this, because they knew what she was waiting for.
Suddenly, the robins seemed to spot something off in the distance, briefly going into a frenzy before starting up their singing again, expect louder. Just below the singing, everyone could faintly hear the sound of approaching footsteps.
Everyone fell into a hush, steadfastly facing forward. The temptation to look back was strong, but there'd be no point. After all, they were almost here.
May 8, 2031
Forest Altar
11:00 a.m.
Four people walked down a path together, one with a clear end destination. Slowly, the path transitioned from dirt to the carpet that was set up ahead of time. Which unfortunately meant that the carpet was now being tread on with dirt, but nothing could be done about that at this point.
From left to right, Virginia Woods managed to keep up with Juniper, guiding her granddaughter towards the clearing where the altar waited. Next to Juniper walked Robin, who was in turn being guided by Hugh. The eyes of all four were focused entirely on looking forward, and eventually they finally entered the clearing. To the continued singing of the robins in the trees, the brides and their guides made their way towards Judge Courtney, and the altar. As they walked, many of the guests got a look at the brides in their wedding dresses for the first time.
Both dresses were carefully designed, then sewn by Juniper. The idea behind them was "showcasing the beauty within", and with that in mind she made the dresses in a way that she felt suited them the best. Robin's dress glimmered brightly from the light red satin fabric it was made of, though the embedded sequins also helped. Observant eyes could see that the dress, in fact, was the exact same shade of red as the proof of friendship. The dress was also very big, with lace sticking out from all over, including the veil obscuring Robin's face. Overall it was like something one would expect a princess from a fairytale to wear.
Juniper's grass-green silk dress, on the other hand, shimmered softly in comparison. The much slimmer design accentuated Juniper, while the leaf pattern made her almost blend in with the trees around her. On the back of the dress Juniper traced a wing design. Along with her veil, it gave Juniper the image of being a fairy from these very woods.
The brides clasped bouquets of flowers in front of them. Juniper held a bouquet of roses, with red, yellow, and orange roses all together. It was as if she held a small flame in her hands. Robin, meanwhile, held a bouquet of sunflowers. The most notable thing was that one sunflower was missing, though one only had to look at Juniper's hair to see where it went.
When the two brides and their guides reached the altar, Virginia took Juniper's bouquet, while Hugh took Robin's, and the two of them sat down in chairs near the brides, Virginia seated on the left side of the aisle and Hugh on the right. Meanwhile, Juniper and Robin clasped their hands, standing in front of Judge Courtney.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Juniper Woods and Robin Newman," Judge Courtney began, her voice carrying across the quiet forest clearing. "They are two bright hopes in our legal system, and they are also so much more than that. They are fine, upstanding young ladies that have built a truly wonderful life together. I have been privileged enough to catch a glimpse of this life in my encounters with them."
"I've often seen Miss Robin in court, burning with a heart of fire as she strikes down whatever lies she finds in a case. I've personally had Miss Juniper under my wing, and I find her to be a sharp, thoughtful individual. On their own, I am glad to know them."
"Yet seeing them here now, I can see the depth of the devotion, and the affection that they hold for each other. Their relationship has survived many harsh trials, some of which inflicted horrible anguish on them. Despite this, Miss Woods and Miss Newman have been able to surpass all of them, and the years they have spent by each other's sides has lead them here. On this day, I have been blessed with the role of binding their lives together forever."
"There is of course, a question I must ask the both of you," Judge Courtney said to Juniper and Robin. First Judge Courtney turned her head towards Juniper….
"Do you, Juniper Woods, take Robin Newman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, the be with her in sickness and in health, through the best of times and through the worst of times, until death do you part?"
Juniper could hear what Judge Courtney was saying, but all her attention was focused on the radiant woman before her: Robin, with her soft, chesnut-brown hair, her light-brown eyes bright with bottomless amounts of joy and affection, the wide, sincere grin- taking all of this before her, Juniper answered,
"Robin, how many days have I spent soaking the vivacious, wonderful light you emit from every fiber of your being? Even when you were forced to hide yourself from the world, I could see the sparkling heart that burned deep inside you. Every day I've spent with you, I've found myself drawn to you. Drawn in by your smile, your laughter, the way you only need words to make me feel like I can do anything. I've seen the very best of you, and the very worst of you. And I love every bit of it, from the bottom of my heart. So I do take you, Robin Newman, to be my lawfully wife, to have and to hold, to be with you in sickness and in health, through the best of times and through the worst of times, until death do us part."
Now that Juniper had recited her vows, Judge Courtney next turned to Robin and asked….
"Do you, Robin Newman, take Juniper Woods to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to be with her in sickness and in health, through the best of times and through the worst of times, until death do you part?"
How on earth Robin managed to keep as still as she did so far, she really didn't know. To be sure, it was most likely holding hands with Juniper. Everything about Juniper radiated a sense of calm: the sunflower perfectly perched on her long, ashen-brown hair, looking deep into her deep, dark-brown eyes filled with love and devotion, the small, gentle smile- with this pure beauty before her, Robin answered,
"Juniper, you've always been such an inspiration to me! I know sometimes you think there isn't a lot you're capable of, but I think- no, I know that you can do so much, just by being y-o-u! I've seen you do what's best for so many people as the student council president for our school, I've seen you take on so much suffering because of it. I've watched you work so hard to reach your dream of becoming a judge, so that you can help fix our legal system. I've always admired what a kind, gentle, understanding person you are, to me, and to everyone! And if you ever start to stumble, to doubt yourself, I want to help you pick yourself back up, just as you always have for me. So I do take you, Juniper Woods, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to be with you in sickness and in health, through the best of times and the worst of times, until death do us part."
"The brides will now receive their wedding bands."
Once Judge Courtney spoke those words, Myriam stood up from her seat. While she no longer wore boxes, she did still carry one with her, and so from a box in a chair next to her Myriam took out a small white pillow, atop of which sat a pair of rings. Myriam joined the two women at the altar in short order, presenting the pillow to them.
Both rings were handmade by Robin herself, and just like with Juniper designing the dresses, Robin made the rings to encapsulate them, down to the last detail. As such, Juniper took a wedding band studded with small sunflowers, and slipped it onto Robin's ring finger on her left hand. Next, Robin took a wedding band with colorful splatters etched into it and slipped it onto Juniper's ring finger on her left hand.
As Robin did this, Juniper suddenly saw something else- she saw Robin presenting to both Juniper and Hugh the proof of friendship band she made for them, so many years ago.. Six of the proof of friendship bands existed, all handmade by Robin.
Only two of these handmade wedding bands existed: one for Juniper, and one for Robin. On her right wrist still sat Juniper's proof of friendship- now on her ring finger sat the proof of love that Robin made, just for the two of them.
Will the brides please clasp their left hands together," Judge Courtney said.
Juniper and Robin did so, after which Judge Courtney took out a red sash, binding their hands together. Then Judge Courtney lay her own hands on the hands of the two women before declaring,
"And now, with the power invested in me by the Goddess of Law, I, Judge Justine Courtney, do hereby pronounce these two to be legally wed!"
There was a short silence in the clearing- before it filled with the sound of loud cheering from the guests. While Simon Blackquill and Miles Edgeworth didn't join in, they were seen smirking. Trucy Wright removed her top hat, and large amounts of confetti and streamers began bursting forth from within it. Athena grabbed Ema and Apollo, holding onto them tightly as she sobbed with happiness. Klavier could be seen furiously writing on what appeared to be a music sheet.
While all of this happened, the two brides at the altar seemed completely unaware of this, but instead still stared at each other. They drew in close to to each other slowly- until their lips met in the center, as Mrs. Juniper and Robin Woods shared their first kiss as wives.
May 8, 2031
Old Woods residence
1:00 p.m.
The post wedding reception thankfully went off without a hitch. Since the house itself wasn't big enough to fit all the guests, several table instead were set up outside the house. Seated at the table in the center was the newly married couple, both rather embarrassed from the sheer amount of attention they were getting.
Their former classmates from Themis Legal Academy were the first to swarm the table. Juniper's former student council congratulated her, then reported that the school board was impressed enough with the proposal that Juniper submitted during her last year that it was to be implemented the next school year. Meanwhile, the former members of the art club presented to Robin a collaborative painting of Robin herself, which caused Robin to blush bright pink.
After they were all shooed away by Athena, she and the rest of their friends grouped around Juniper and Robin. The first person to reach the table was a very satisfied looking Myriam.
"Wanna take a guess of just how much footage I got out of this wedding to use?" Myriam asked excitedly.
"Hmm, I don't know. I'm guessing quite a lot, but it that could change if you aren't careful," Robin answered playfully.
"I'll make sure not to get carried away, Kahk kahk," Myriam added hurriedly. "But I will make sure to make a lot of copies of the tape and the pictures for everyone. I'll distribute them once I'm done."
Next to approach the table was Apollo, Athena and Ema. Athena was holding onto Juniper's rose bouquet and looked quite pleased with herself, Ema had Robin's sunflower bouquet and looked rather embarrassed, while Apollo looked bemusedly at both of them.
"Congratulations to the both of you," Apollo said, grinning.
"Thank you very much, Apollo," Juniper said. "I'm glad to have you here today."
"I'm glad to be here too. Maybe now that you two are finally married you can convince Robin to cut me some slack whenever we're in court," Apollo said.
"Apollo!" Athena chided.
"I'm joking, I'm joking," Apollo said quickly. "If Robin ever did start taking it easy on me I'd wonder if she was feeling well."
"Well, I can't help but agree with you there," Athena said. "A Robin that doesn't prosecute with all guns blazing just isn't Robin."
"Aw, same to you guys," Robin said. She turned to Athena and Ema. "So when's the wedding for you two?"
Ema immediately began sputtering incoherently, before saying, "I'm not going to get married just because I happened to catch some flowers. That's a very unscientific way of doing things."
"But you've considered it. I can tell," Athena said teasingly.
"Look, whether I have or haven't doesn't really matter right now," Ema said, flustered. "I'm perfectly content with where we are, for right now."
"I am too, mi amore," Athena said, cuddling up to her girlfriend.
After a little more conversation the three of them left, and next to approach the table was Miles Edgeworth.
"Congratulations on your wedding, Prosecutor Newman," Miles Edgeworth said.
"It's not Newman anymore," Robin corrected. "As of today, I'm officially Robin W-o-o-d-s!"
It was true that Robin was constantly making an effort to repair bridges with her parents, and even forgave them for everything they ever did to her. But at around the time she began painting the self portraits, Robin came to realize that the she no longer felt a real connection to the name Newman. So after getting engaged to Juniper, Robin decided to abandon the Newman name once and for all, and take on the Woods name instead. The ultimate demonstration of her love, and her resolve to become a brand new Robin.
"Is that so? Well then, make sure to update your prosecutor credentials with this new information," Mr. Edgeworth stated. "I came here to tell you that now that the ceremony has ended, I must be getting back to work."
"We understand. We appreciate that you came at all," Juniper said gently.
More people approached the table as the reception wore on- Trucy and Pearl to give both their congratulations and some on behalf of Phoenix Wright, then Simon Blackquill and Klavier Gavin, both whom joked about the fact that there would now be a Prosecutor Woods in their unique ways, and some guests even visited more than once. The last two people to visit the newlywed table ended up being Virginia Woods and Hugh O' Conner.
"I never imagined that our house would end up being the site for your wedding, my granddaughter," Virginia said. "But now that I've seen the ceremony for myself I can't imagine it taking place anywhere else."
"I did have my doubts when the planning hit more than a few rough patches," Juniper admitted. "But it was all worth it in the end."
"When you believe that something's worth fighting for, that's when you must fight the hardest," Virginia said sagely. "At least, that what I've always felt. Its how I've managed to keep myself in shape even at my age."
"Oh! Could you teach me more?" Robin asked, reverence in her voice.
While Virginia and Robin talked at length about exercise, Hugh turned to Juniper.
"To think that over three years ago, none of us really knew what was going to happen to us," Hugh said, a tinge of bittersweet in his tone. "And now the three of us are closer than ever. Not only that, but we've achieved so much of what we set out to do."
Juniper thought about what her Grandma just said. It wasn't quite as pretty as all that: the path they'd all traveled was riddled with all kinds of ugly bumps and holes. But through it all, Juniper found inside herself, little by little, the strength to pick herself back up, to lend a helping hand to those that supported her all throughout her life.
"Well, knowing that you and Robin will continue to be my side helps me keep going," Juniper said, smiling. "I think I still have a lot to learn about standing on my own two feet. Now I finally understand why Judge Courtney wanted me to wait a little longer before becoming a judge myself."
Juniper looked at her wife, who continued to chatter excitedly with Virginia.
"I promise I will get there one day. But until then, I know that I'll always have the source of my strength with me, from today and until the very end."
The End