— So, ready to go? — Sae called. Phoenix looked at her and he promptly changed his expression, keeping a wide smile on his face.
— Yes, I'm ready. — Phoenix replied.
Sae frowned.
— Something's wrong?
— Kind of, but I can't let this worry me now. I'm going to solve it, so don't worry about me.
Sae eyes flicked in a worry bright.
— Are you sure?
— I'm sure. Don't worry about it, that's not related to our case, but...
Sae followed Phoenix gaze and saw Pearl.
— Worried about Pearl?
— Yeah.
Sae touched Phoenix shoulder and looked straight into his eyes.
— No matter what, you can count on me. Just... Be careful, okay?
Phoenix nodded his head and Sae smiled.
— Shall we go? Ms. Fey has already woken up and I'm fairly sure she's hungry by I've heard her begging for food...
Phoenix laughed.
— Okay, but we need to stop at the burger joint to buy something for Maya to eat.
— You really spoil her... — Sae and Miles said in dismay.
— Blame Mia for that.
Pearls giggled.
— I wonder what Mystic Mia will say if she hears that, Mr. Nick...
— Maybe she'll agree with me and don't channel her right now, Pearls. I don't want to scare Ms. Niijima.
— Afraid I might faint? — Sae teased
— Knowing how your sister has reacted according to you, I'm more worried about you screaming in frightening seeing Pearls changing to a mid-twenties' adult woman in a blink of the eye. — Phoenix replied annoyed.
— Geez, you really have no faith in me sometimes...
— I do have faith, but I do know you way too well...
— Right...
— Wanna bet?
Sae smirked.
— Are you sure, Wright?
— I'm sure Niijima. Besides, your lack of faith one me is truly disturbing...
— Okay, Darth Vader. Let's go.
— Who's Dart-y Va-ter? — Pearl asked confused.
— Darth Vader. — Phoenix gently corrected. — He's a character of a film called Star Wars. We can watch the movie later.
— Okay!
—
Public Prosecutor's Office. Room 1202.
Miles Edgeworth Office. Entrance.
Afternoon.
—
— So, we're here... — Phoenix said worriedly.
— I know you're worried but relax, Wright. I'm sure Maya will not hold a grudge against you and Ms. Niijima.
— I hope so...
Phoenix knocked on the door and both him and Miles waited for Maya to answer. Seconds later, Maya opened the door, and she was surprised when Phoenix extended to her a paper bag from the usual burger joint. He was smiling at her.
— Thought you were hungry, so I came to bring this to you. I was... Thinking about our fight...
Maya stood quiet as she picked the paper bag reluctantly and opened it.
— My favorite...
— Yeah. Guess you wanted something to relieve your stress as well.
— Yeah...
Maya kicked slightly the air and sighed.
— Nick, I...
— It's okay. We were. No, we still stressed out about all of that... And I let myself leash my anger on you. Sorry.
— No, I'm the one who should apologize. I was rude with you. And you are worried about this. And I was unfair not only with you, but with Ms. Niijima as well. I knew it's selfish, but...
Maya went quiet and Phoenix smiled.
— Hey, relax. I'm not mad anymore. I'm more worried about your well-being to get mad at you.
— Geez, thanks a lot, Dad.
Phoenix chuckled.
— Well, someone has to be the adult here, you know?
Sae, Miles and Pearl managed to hold their laugh.
— So, where...
— Ms. Niijima went after Pearl. She said I should go after you.
Maya looked at Sae and the black suited woman only smiled at her.
— I thought you might want to solve things with Wright-san, and I was truly worried about Pearl-chan whereabouts, so I went after her.
— Thanks... And I sorry...
— I should apologize too.
— What...?
— I... I came out of nowhere and acted...
Maya smiled and touched Sae forearm.
— It's okay. And thank you.
Sae smiled and looked at them.
— I'm happy we've solved our differences.
Maya smiled. Then they heard a growl.
— Sorry...
Phoenix chuckled.
— You should eat your burger. I... Need to solve something first. And for that I need Pearls help.
— Pearl's... Help? — Maya asked confused.
— My help? — Pearl asked confused as well.
— Yes. I want to do something and only you can help me... — Phoenix said slightly embarrassed.
— Mr. Nick, you can't count on the help of a little girl like me.
Sae and Maya giggled.
— Well... Only a little cute, sweet girl like you can help me to find something special for me, right?
Pearls bounced on her feet happily.
— Of course, I can! Count on me, Mr. Nick!
Phoenix chuckled.
— Okay.
— Mr. Edgeworth, where can I eat? I don't want to mess your office, and...
Miles smirked as he waved his finger in negative.
— Don't worry about that, Ms. Fey. I have reserved the whole Prosecutor Office cafeteria for us. Honestly, I don't want to deal with Mr. Payne and any of the other prosecutors now. Besides, I want to avoid any type of harasses towards us. Especially Ms. Niijima, since Godot has put a target on her.
Phoenix and Sae groaned.
— Talk about a hassle in our work. He doesn't know when to quit... — Sae said.
— Tell me about it... — Phoenix said.
— That said, I think we should go now. We only have an hour.
— What about Pearls?
— I bought for us lunch. I don't want to bring Pearls hungry.
Maya smiled.
— Thank you. And sorry once again. You're a nice lady.
Sae giggled.
— Thanks. Now then, can I accompany you to the cafeteria? I think we need to know eat other better.
— Are you sure? I mean...
Sae smiled.
— I know you were jealous for an outsider like me to come out of nowhere and act like I was there all the time. And were not that close to call each other friends... So, to solve that, I want to know you better.
— Really?
Maya was unsure. She felt like she was betraying herself, opening herself to the enemy, but at the same time, she saw Sae genuinely trying to become friends with her. Sae was right. She is jealous, but she can blame herself. Phoenix was her man. Right?
— Well...
— It's okay if you want to talk to me... I...
— Mystic Maya.
— Yes, Pearly? — Maya asked.
— Can you... try to become friends with Ms. Mii-gi-na? I don't want to you to fight with her, okay?
Maya was taken aback. She never expected that.
"Did Pearly ger brainwashed by her!?" Maya thought, feeling a sudden rage taken her, but seeing Pearl worried semblant, she hold herself.
— I mean... I don't want to you and Mr. Nick to fight again... And I don't want to fight with the nice lady Ms. Mii-gi-na, okay? I don't want to you to fight with anyone!
Maya smiled and looked at Pearl in the eyes.
— Alright, I'm not to fight with Ms. Niijima, okay?
— Okay!
— Alright everyone, I need Pearls help now. You guys can go on the front. We'll catch you later.
— Okay! Just try to not to stay away for so long, alright?
— Got that ma'am.
Sae and Miles chuckled as they exited the office, followed by Maya. Phoenix closed the door and turned at Pearl.
— So, Mr. Nick, what can I help you? — Pearl asked happily.
Phoenix took a deep breath before kneeling, getting closer to Pearl.
— Pearl, I want to ask you something. And I need you to being earnest about it.
— Okay! What is it?
Phoenix took the letter inside from his pocket and showed to Pearl.
— That's yours, correct? — Phoenix asked.
— ! When you... — Pearl asked, gasping in surprise.
— I found at the seat on that Meiji Shore Restaurant. It fell off from your pocket, at least, it seems like it, since you didn't miss it, I think you thought it was with you until now...
— Mr. Nick... have you... Have you... read it?
Phoenix nodded and Pearl started sobbing.
— Mr. Nick, you jerk!
— Pearl.
Pearl has taken aback after hearing the worried tone of the adult, almost like if he knew something she didn't.
— Y-Yes...?
— First, I want to apologize for reading something so private, but when I found it, I noticed that wasn't something you've received and showed to us, which isn't usual from you. When I read it, my worries got confirmed.
Phoenix looked at Pearl with worry and pleading with his eyes.
— Pearl, I'll make a few questions, and I want you to be earnest with me. Please, don't try to hide anything from me. I will know. Okay?
Pearl nodded slightly, feeling worried about that.
— Pearl... Did you mother write this letter?
— Yes...
Phoenix carefully has discretely held his Magatama, waiting for any moment Pearl might will keep a secret. Fortunately, she took his worry and words to her heart, so he felt she wasn't trying to keep the secret or even lie to her.
— Okay. Now then, next question: Did you... Did you understand the letter...?
— Most of the things... But there are a few things I don't know... Some words...
Phoenix nodded and he took another deep breath.
— Pearls: Do you... Why do you keep this hidden from us?
Pearl shirked and Phoenix noticed the girl was trembling.
— Pearls.
The girl didn't listen, and he knew she was close to try to hide the truth. He knew he needed do to something and fast. Patting her head, she looked at him surprised.
— Pearls. It's okay.
— It is!?
— Yes. I understand. But you don't need to worry, I, Maya, Edgeworth, Detective Gumshoe and Sae will protect you, okay? You're my sister and I love you, as well maya, that's why no matter why, I will protect you, until the very end.
— You promise?
— That is, I promise for you.
Pearl sobbed and hugged him. Phoenix embraced the little girl back and held her tight.
— Pearl, no matter what happens to me, I will protect you and Maya. You're my family.
— Family? But... We're not related...
Phoenix smiled and loosened the embrace, looking at Pearl.
— Pearls. You saw Ms. Von Karma and Edgeworth. They're siblings, even though they don't have the same parents. Despite... their circumstances, they still being siblings, because they share a bond that goes beyond the blood.
— A bond...?
— Yes. They are bonded my heart and spirit, not in a romantic way, but they love and care for each other as they are family, because they are. That bond will also important than the blood, but they go beyond, because those bonds not only are forged from the love, but they will last forever, even after their deaths.
— You and Mr. Edgeworth... Are like brothers, right?
Phoenix was taken aback, but he smiled, seeing how quickly the girl had understand.
— Yes. Despite our differences, we are brothers, in a certain way. — Seeing the confusion on Pearl's face, he chuckled. — We have a complicated relationship, and you know he's not the type of get emotional...
— I see...
— But Pearls, no matter what, we have a bond no one can break, and I will do my all to protect you.
Pearl smiled and then she looked away.
— Mr. Nick...
— Yes?
— I... Kept hidden the letter... Because mother has told me to do...
— I see...
Pearl broke the embrace and she looked away.
— Mr. Nick, can I ask you something?
Phoenix was taken aback, seeing the distress of the girl, but he knew he needed to go forward.
— Yes.
— I... You... You may know why... But can you tell me... Why you get worried about the contents of the letter...?
Phoenix sighed and sat at the sofa. He truly wished he could don't need to tell Pearls, but he remembered Sae words echoing inside his head.
— Pearl. I want to ask you something. It's about the name of the person in the letter.
Pearl nodded and she looked at him.
— Pearl, do you know anything about the person named in the letter? About Dahlia Hawthorne?
Pearl shook in negative and looked worried at Phoenix.
— Mr. Nick... Do you know the person...?
Phoenix sighed and nodded.
— Yes, I do.
Pearl stood quiet, waiting for Phoenix to explain.
— Pearls. Before I even have met Mia...
— Mystic Mia!?
Phoenix smiled.
— Yes. Before even I met her, I was a student at the Ivy University. It's a big school for young adults to learn to do their jobs. It's more than that but I don't want to confuse you right now...
Pearl nodded in understanding.
— At the time, I was studying to become a lawyer and to become an art specialist.
— You studied art?! — Pearl asked shocked. Phoenix chuckled.
— Yes. That's a long story and that's not the point. Back to the story: At the time I was studying at the University, years ago, I was studying law when I met Dahlia. She... was stunning, that I need to admit.
Phoenix gave a dry chuckle.
— She came at me and I first I thought it wasn't with me... We talked and she praised me a lot and gave me a gift. A necklace...
Pearl listened quietly, staring at Phoenix and waiting for him to continue.
— I didn't know that day, but she was trying to get rid of a piece of evidence. A necklace with a bottle of poison. She poisoned a person that day, and she was trying to hide the evidence. And I didn't care about it, since I was in trance with her beauty.
— She tricked you...
— Yes. And she spent eight months trying to retrieve the evidence back, but fortunately, I was too naïve at that time, and things didn't go as she wished. I took the present she gave and took care of it. She tried several times to convince me to give back the necklace, until she got tired of trying. One day, someone came to warn about her, and how she was dangerous. Blinked by my feelings and enraged with his warnings, I shoved him. He fainted, but Dahlia took the opportunity to kill him.
Pearl gasped in shock and Phoenix sighed.
— She manipulated the scene to pin his death on me. At that time, I was arrested. Then Mia took my case.
— Mystic Mia...
— They had a past. If I recall correctly, Dahlia was a witness at Mia first case. The defendant of the case died.
— I see...
— At Mia second trial, my trial, I testified about my relationship with her. Then she appeared. When Mia revealed the truth about the necklace, I tried to get rid of it. Unfortunately, I managed to did it. I ate the necklace.
Pearl gasped again.
— Luckly, the wasn't any poison there, but that somewhat was used by the prosecution to prove Mia was "wrong". But she was always clever and figured out Dahlia was trying to poison me, by putting poison at my cold medicine. Dahlia at time said something. "I'll let you win, for the time being." I guess she knew may a chance my appear for her to get revenge on Mia and me.
— So...
— Yes. Thanks for that, I met Mia, and she became my mentor, and you know the rest.
Pearl stood quiet and looked at Phoenix. He saw her eyes tearing up.
— Mr. Nick... Please tell me my mother wasn't trying to kill Mystic Maya...
Phoenix heart broke to see Pearl getting an emotional breakdown. He was tempted to not tell her the truth, to lie to her, but even him was tired of letting Pearl get blind in ignorance for her own mother and for himself.
— Yes. She was. Pearl, remember that day I asked for you to channel Mia? At Maya trial?
The little girl nodded in affirmation.
— I was trying to not let you to know the truth about your mother. She tried to pin the death of an innocent man on her, just to get rid of her.
— Then the letter...
— It's a letter of an assassination plan to kill Maya.
— But why?
Phoenix sighed.
— She wants you to become the Master of the Kurain Channeling Technique. She wants you to take control of the Kurain Village.
Pearl was crying at the point, making Phoenix heart break even more. He hugged the little girl and she cried on his chest, hugging him tightly. She cried for several minutes, sobbing against his chest, letting all her sadness, disappointment and anger leave her body. After thirty minutes Phoenix loosened the hug and looked at Pearl.
— Pearls, are you... are you feeling better?
— Yes...
— Pearl, I... I'm sorry for telling you that. I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want your heart to break.
— No, Mr. Nick. I want to thank you.
— !
— I... I almost ended doing something bad. Something I...
— You will feel sorry for the rest of your life. Something you will regret. Yeah, I know that.
Pearl looked at Phoenix and she smiled at him.
— I know my mother... Don't love Mystic Maya. But that doesn't justify the fact of doing that for me.
Phoenix face wavered, becoming sad, then changing to a stoic one.
— Pearls... If your mother truly loved you, she would never have done anything she done in your name. She would have taken care of you and Maya equally, loving you both without discrimination, without depriving you of the real world, without not showing the real life. Without telling you the world is only limited by the Kurain Village.
— Mr. Nick...
— If she loved you, she would never have treated you strictly and never had treated Maya the way the treated. She would never have lied to you to do something terrible. She would never have done everything she had done in your name just to compensate her situation.
— Mr. Nick...
— If she truly loved you, Pearls. She truly never had use you to take control of the Kurain Village.
Pearl looked at Phoenix shocked. She knew he was angry, but he wasn't angry at her, but at her mother instead.
— Mr. Nick...
— Pearls. You are an incredible girl, and Maya loves you. She would never do anything against you. She would even risk her life for you, because she loves you as you are her own sister. And I can't see something like that happening without doing something about that. No matter what happens, I will protect you two.
Pearl smiled and hugged me again.
— Thank you, Mr. Nick. Thank you.
— I'm always here for you and Maya.
Both broke the embrace and Pearl stared at Phoenix.
— Mr. Nick, can you promise one thing?
— Of course.
— Can you... Can you don't get killed saving us, please? As I cannot endure losing Mystic Maya, I can't bear losing you as well.
Phoenix smiled.
— I promise I can try. I... I can't promise something I know I can't do without one hundred percent of success, but I promise to you I will fight with my all.
— Okay.
— Now then, I want to know how you got that letter?
Pearl looked away, as she bit her nails.
— My mother told me the place the letter has hidden under our-my room at the Kurain Manor. It seems she hid there if...
Pearl became silent and Phoenix just nodded.
— I see... But that makes me wonder... How she knew about Dahlia? If I recall correctly, she doesn't have any relationship or any type of relation at all with her...
— I don't know that too, Mr. Nick. I'm sorry.
Phoenix smiled, as he gently caressed Pearl's hair.
— It's okay, Pearl. Don't worry about it.
— But there was only one thing strange at it.
Phoenix was taken aback by Pearl statement. He knew something was up, and as soon he discovers what is it, it will better deal with.
— What is it?
— When I found the letter, the envelope was already open.
Phoenix stood quiet, thinking about it. Then an idea crossed his mind.
— Pearls, by any chance, do you still have that envelope?
— Yes, I do! Why?
— I think we might find who opened it before you do. And if my hunch is correct, is someone who knows about it, although...
Phoenix stood quiet, thinking about the situation.
"Odd. If someone knew, it must be someone powerful, someone with connections. Someone who might have known in advance what happened..."
— Mr. Nick?
— Sorry Pearls, I was lost in my thoughts. Can you give me the envelope, please?
— Of course!
Phoenix wore a pair of disposable gloves, and he picked up an evidence bag. Pearl gave the envelope and Phoenix put inside the evidence bag.
— I will send this to analysis to find out who open it.
— Okay... Mr. Nick.
— Yes, Pearls?
— How can you find out who opened the letter?
Phoenix scratched the back of his neck.
— Well, everyone has a unique mark called fingerprints, and with science we can found out who is the person.
— But if you can't find that person by his or her fin-ger-tips?
— In that case, we can find a strand of hair and check his or her DNA.
— DNA?
— DNA is a unique trait we have as well. That tell we are us. We can see who open it, if we were lucky to find a strand of hair, or any fingerprints.
— Mr. Nick. Honestly, I'm confused.
Phoenix laughed.
— It's okay. I'll explain to you with more calm, okay?
— Okay!
— Now then, let's go to the cafeteria. Maya is waiting for us.
— Lets!
Phoenix saw Pearl leaving the office. He sighed as he took his phone and called Miles.
— Miles, it's me. I need your help.
—
Public Prosecutor's Office. Cafeteria.
Afternoon.
—
— This burger is soooo delicious! — Maya exclaimed happily. Miles chuckled.
— I'm glad to hear that. Wright had a long time choosing and seeing your situation I decided to pay for it. I admit that's not my usual behavior, and since I don't have a taste for burgers, but considering your situation, and since you are a dear friend to me, I decide to buy it for you.
— Aww... Thanks, Mr. Edgeworth. You are so nice!
Sae giggled.
— I'm glad you have great friends, Maya-san. — Sae said gently.
— Yeah? — Maya asked surprised.
— Yeah. Good friends like Wright-san and Edgeworth-san are hard to find. Trust me, I know that well.
— You... Don't have too many friends, do you? — Maya asked slightly unsure.
— Yeah, but I have trustworthy friends, and that's the most important. — Sae replied with a smile.
— Yeah.
— I've heard you had an interesting bunch of friends. One of them is a famous doctor who's a drug developer.
— Yes. Ms. Takemi is a great friend of mine, especially after her fiancé helped me.
— Fiancé?
— Ren Amamiya. He's a great friend of mine.
— Isn't him the one who was the main suspect of the Phantom Thief Case? — Miles asked.
— He was found innocent, and if I recall correctly, people are innocent until its proven otherwise, isn't that right, Edgeworth-san?
— Yes, it is, Ms. Niijima.
— And he was found innocent. The only crime was to unfortunately to cross his path with Masayoshi Shido. That criminal tried to ruin his life. That man deserved what he has done.
Maya gulped as she saw Sae with a furious glance as she talked about that.
— It seems you don't have fond memories about it. — Miles commented.
— Thank Shido for killing my father. He was the one...
Silence. Maya breathed heavily as she saw Sae looking at Miles with fury until her features soothed and she sighed tiredly.
— Sorry. Remembering that... Infuriates me.
— I can relate. Honestly... That man ruined my life.
— Manfred von Karma.
Maya looked worried at Miles which expressions hardened after hearing that man name. She knew the story behind the former Demon Prosecutor. She knew what he felt, because sometimes she felt the same indignation since her own mother has lost her faith and her life was destroyed.
— Sorry for ruining the mood. That moment was supposed to be relaxing and fun, and not something dark and distasteful...
— It seems you have some common sense inside your head, Kitten.
Godot appeared and Sae sighed in annoyance.
— What do you want? — Sae asked.
— I heard Mr. Fancy over there was asked to reserve the entire cafeteria and now I know why. Perhaps that fish is too big for you to bite Kitten. — Godot replied with an annoying smirk, his voice dripped in venom.
Sae stood up, as she tapped on the ground the tip of her heels.
— Perhaps I should show you one of the reasons why people are afraid of me.
— Oh, the Kitten is trying to intimidate me... Well, try me.
Sae gave Godot a dangerous smirk as she took a fighting stance. Miles didn't lose time and stood between them.
— Alright, before a fight starts, please let me remind you two we are in the middle of a public area, and Ms. Niijima, I do suggest for you to rethink your take of action before starting a fight with him. Remember you are the prosecutor in charge of Masahiro trial.
Sae scoff irritated but she relaxed, taking her normal stance.
— That said, Godot, needless to remind you once again you're not the prosecutor in charge, and trying to provoke Ms. Niijima for her to give up or being forced to concede her case, I'll file a lawsuit and denunciate you ethics for the Chief Prosecutor, and trust me, my word is far more valuable and trustful than yours.
— Course it is, considering you're the lapdog of that von Karma.
— What did you just say!?
Miles curled his hands into fists, and he gritted his teeth furiously.
— Exactly what you've heard, lapdog. The former Demon Prosecutor, who miraculously changed, becoming a better man. That's hilarious! People doesn't change out of the blue. I know that well. Especially people like you.
— What?!
— You heard me golden boy. The famous prodigy prosecutor. Young, rich, a genius. Ha! Don't make me laugh. You people are all the same, it just changes their name, sex and occupation. You all are a bunch of people who thinks you are the center of the world, but in fact you are nothing than waste of time.
— You...
— And you are way worst, lapdog. An obedient servant, willing to convict anyone who crosses your path. You and trash are the same. Something without worth and respect. To not say you are worse than trash.
— You...
— You really want to test our patience, don't you, Godot?
Phoenix approached and he gave Godot a deadly glance.
— Ohh... It seems like you can actually put a brave face. You guessed you little threat would stop me?
— Threat? — Sae asked.
— Threat? — Miles asked.
— Nothing you guys need to worry about. I just warned Godot to not mess with me and the case. The last thing WE need now is for an idiot to mess with our work.
Maya mouth went agape.
"Did Nick just...!?"
— Huh... Did the dorky idiot attorney grow a sharp tongue? Ha! I think you need to get to grow even sharper if you want to face me.
To everyone shock, Phoenix only chuckled.
— I think you didn't understand me when I warned you. Cross my path, and you'll deal with what I can truly be capable of. And try to attack my friends just for your own personal pleasure and to indirect attack, I may—
— May what? Sue me? Go ahead, see if I care.
— Godot...
— It is so cute of you trying to defend that lapdog who left a criminal go free and several as well. His master taught him well.
Phoenix curled his hands into fists. His gaze hardened as he discreetly gritted his teeth.
— What. Did. You. Just. Say?
— Exactly what you heard Trite. What? Don't you know about all his cases. What a great friend you are.
Phoenix took a deep breath trying to calm himself. Godot was infuriating, but hearing he openly insulting Miles was disgusting and infuriating.
— You better apologize, or else...
— Or else what? — Godot asked smirking.
— Don't worry about that Wright. It's not worth it.
Phoenix looked at Miles and he saw him tense like him. He sighed in annoyance, since he simply couldn't attack him, and he doesn't want to scare Pearl, or even let her watch his becoming violent.
— Ha! As I guessed. Another bluff of yours...
Phoenix tried not grit his teeth in anger, as Godot looked at him with a defiant smirk.
— What's wrong, Trite? Cat got your tongue?
— Stop that, you meanie!
To everyone surprise, Pearls came and stood at Phoenix front, lifting her sleeve ready to attack. Godot couldn't help but to laugh, a gentle laugh instead of a bitter one.
— Please little girl, this is between adults. A little kid like you shouldn't meddle your little nose between an adults talk, so please can you stay away? I think a big adult like him doesn't need the help of a kid.
Maya looked worried at Phoenix and her fears became true as she saw the defense attorney trying to hold himself up more than normal, despite the calm façade he had on his face. He noticed his anger was rose thanks his temporary inability of giving any counter for Pearl's sake. However, Pearl didn't moved, instead, she gave Godot a furious stare.
— I know your type. You're the meaning type towards others! Especially people who doesn't have done anything against you, but you have a grudge against it. I don't like you one single bit!
Godot smile widened and he take a step forward.
— And can you do, Miss? As far I can tell, you are only a small little kid who can't do anything.
Phoenix was ready to land a blow at Godot who was smirking at him, but Pearl was faster and landed a blow at his leg, making Godot yell in pain.
— Ouch! You…!
Phoenix stood between Pearl and Godot, and he gave a furious glance towards the masked prosecutor.
— Try anything funny, and she will not the only one who's going to give you a punch.
Phoenix cracked his fists and Sae joined him.
— Trust me. Even though that might stain my career, if you try to assault her, I'll willing to do this without holding back. Trust me, I'm going to hold back if you hurt Pearls.
Maya saw Sae with admiration as Godot grunted, but he smirked anyway.
— I wasn't going to lay a finger on her, but it's curious to see the prosecutor trying to defend a little girl. Kinda hypocrite, doesn't it?
— I fight against injustice, Godot. If you want to get into a fight with me, you better gave me a good reason, otherwise I'll sue you for harassment.
Godot frowned for a moment before smirking again.
— Guess I'm trying the wrong tactic.
— That's enough.
— Huh?
Edgeworth joined Phoenix and Sae and he gave Godot his coldest stare, making even Maya and Gumshoe shiver in fear.
— I had enough of your bull, try anything more and I'll be the one suing you in their name. And trust me, when I become the prosecutor of the case, with the exception of Wright, I'm merciless and I'll become your worst nightmare if necessary to put you in your place. Unlike you think, this lapdog here can more than just bark.
Godot stared at them, and he just grunted before leaving. Miles noticed his fists was becoming white and he was almost digging his nails in his skin. He sighed and took a deep breath before letting his fist unraveling back open.
— Sorry, I lost my composure. — Miles said restraining his anger, then he forced himself to relax as he bent down to Pearl height. — Are you alright, Ms. Fey?
— Yes, I am! — Pearl replied surprised to see the adult behavior towards her. — And you Mr. Edgeworth, are you alright?
Miles smiled at her answered:
— Yes, now I am.
Edgeworth straightened himself at full height and glanced Phoenix and Sae.
— My deepest apologies about my behavior. I lost my composure.
— Likewise, although it's understandable. — Sae replied.
— Don't worry about it, Miles. I can relate with you. — Phoenix answered. — That said, I think the mood for eat was vanished, right?
— Yeah… — Maya said deflated. — Nick, I can't understand why Prosecutor Godot hates you…
— That makes two, although he does know us a lot, way too much in my opinion.
Phoenix became silent and he averted his gaze.
— Nick…? — Maya called.
— Guess I need to research more… — He mumbled to himself, before looking at Maya with a smile. — Don't worry about it, Maya. It's nothing…
Maya didn't believe and she looked at Sae who had the same expression of disbelief as her, although she concealed her worries with a serious frown.
— Guess we need to get ready for the trial tomorrow. — Was Sae reply.
— Yeah. I think we need to get ready for anything. We need to go.
Phoenix extended his arm towards Pearl, and she jumped on his lap, and the defense attorney started to carry her.
— Here we go! You deserve a ride for defending me.
Pearl, Maya and Sae giggled as Edgeworth and Gumshoe looked with amusement. Phoenix went his way towards the exit, until Sae called him:
— Phoenix.
Phoenix turns at her and Sae gave a serious glance.
— Get ready for anything. Tomorrow I'm not going to hold back as well.
Phoenix smirked.
— Likewise, Niijima-san.
Sae smirked.
— Good luck, Wright-san. We'll need it.
Phoenix left the cafeteria, towards the exit of the prosecutor public office.
"For Sae saying that… That means she'll taking this even more seriously than she was and considering our situation… Guess I need to get ready for anything. Tomorrow will be a tough fight. Perhaps it might be wise call Mia, just in case. With that, time to do some research."
With those thoughts, Phoenix went back to his office.
AUTHOR NOTES
Hello, I know it's been a long time. I'm not giving excuses, instead, it's time for some explanations:
First of all, I was working with my original project, and I'm planning to make this project a book, so I'm working twice as I wanted now and honestly, it's quite difficult to concentrate on one single project and make the arrange the schedule to write all those projects. Second, I'm studying a lot lately as well, making my time even shorter than already is and that makes me more tired to do anything. Last I was on a block on both Judgement's Love and R.A.A.A, though the last one I still need to record the gameplay on my Switch Lite and finding a way to make long recordings are cracking my head more than I expected. My deepest apologies for taking so long, but I swear I'm not giving up of my works. It just takes lot of time to arrange everything and to organize myself and that itself its driving me crazy. Thank you everyone for following, favoriting and especially reading my works and ignoring the mistakes, etc. I'm working twice to fix everything and giving the best quality towards my works. Thank you for your time and I see you in the next chapter.
