20XX

October 11, 2026

10:05 A.M

Wright Anything Agency

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Trucy ?"

"Of course, it is Polly, After all, it's going to be fun."

This is the conversation I was greeted with after I was roped into doing a stupid idea. Again. But this stupid idea was not me mumbling nonsense at a trial and the judge giving me a penalty, no it was the Magician known as Trucy Wright, Daughter of the legendary Phoenix Wright.

And what's my place in all of this? Well, it's simple, I had just had one of the wildest journeys I think anyone has ever had. From my first trial this year (in which my old mentor was the criminal!), to my helping in figuring out the truth behind Mr. Wright's disbarment and me facing off in this so-called "dark time" of the law. I'm Apollo Justice, and I'm fine. Oh, and I'm a lawyer employed here at the Wright Anything Agency. While it's not the Law Offices it used to be, after figuring out the truth of the disbarment this place was being bombarded with questions about the man of the hour, Phoenix Wright.

He was a legend, a legendary attorney with more famous cases and one of the most impressive records, and the one loss that I know of, he Pleaded guilty for his Client. He was known as an Ace Attorney, someone who would always find the truth, no matter how ridiculous he looked while doing it, or how convoluted the whole case was. A shining pillar of Justice.

But that was knocked right off after his apparent use of forgeries. And then he was disbarred and ridiculed for 7 years, until with his and his daughters' help. We were able to show to the world the truth and now after all of that, he was welcomed back with open arms. While I do understand having his name cleared is pretty great. And I'm happy he can do whatever now, even come back to law.

But…

EVERYONE SEEMS TO FORGET THAT I DEFENDED IN THAT TRIAL!

My name is barely mentioned. This is so big apparently that all the press this week is all about Mr Wright. I've even seen him get offers to come to interviews about this. I couldn't believe this, I know better than anyone how much of a legend he is. I know almost all of the famous cases he's ever participated in. But this is just ridiculous.

I guess this is just the life of me, I'm a newbie lawyer who's just gotten done with his fourth case. Phoenix Wright must've done hundreds and he has a near-perfect defense record. Sure I also have a streak myself but it is nothing compared to the legendary Ace Attorney. And while yes, you may have only heard about all the famous trials, you forget that he worked at least 3 years as a Lawyer. He's done more than just those trials.

But back to reality, I'm being dragged by that legendary Daughter, Trucy Wright, Magician extraordinaire, to pull a prank on her sleeping father simply because it's going to be funny, but also that there was a secret surprise in for me too. So what did I do?

Yes, I followed her.

C'mon what did you expect me to say no to her, I mean I could usually do it. But these past few days were not only taxing for her father. They took a toll on everyone involved in the case. The Klaviers are facing big changes, the elder brother facing more time, and in fact, more humiliation after that display shown on the stand 2 days ago. And the younger one is taking a small break to sort some stuff out.

But the Wrights had it the worst, All this rough treatment for years, yet Mr Wright stood strong, then suddenly everyone wanted to be his friend again, he's simply back to being the Ace Attorney again. That one's gotta give someone some whiplash.

Then there is Truce.

Listen, I'm not saying she's had it the worst, but she has gotten pretty close. You find out that your actual father is dead, the guy on that stand killed him, you also figure out the truth behind your family's past and the jambore of magicians and they have a dark and deep history. And you almost watched an innocent child who was led to make forgeries nearly die.

Phoenix and even I could tell something was wrong.

So what do I do but follow Trucy around for a bit? I went to a couple of her shows and even escorted her from school from time to time. I would never admit it but I was getting used to the antics here at the Wright Anything Agency, and most importantly I was getting used to the people.

This place was starting to feel like home, and I know how that sentence goes.

It's all going to go wrong if I start thinking like that. They don't know about what happened. And they don't know how long I've been waiting for someone to find me, someone to bring me to a place called home. I don't even have a home necessarily.

NO! No no no, I promised that I would stay calm and positive, today is a Trucy day. Today is a good day. Today is… what is today? I know that I should be cleaning the office right now, like I normally do, (seriously am I the only one putting effort into this place!). But Trucy said it would be fine, and Phoenix would appreciate my presence.

And so we reach the destination, the final destination. I suddenly realized that the person behind this door was technically my boss, and he could TECHNICALLY fire me.

But even with the fleeting thoughts of my sudden departure from the Agency, Trucy just pulls me along with a smile, and as bright as ever leads the way with a huge box of things she brought along, (that I am carrying by the way).

How?

After all of that, all the pain and all the grief she must have felt, and all the pain she's feeling right now. How does she smile? How does she say she's ok? How is she fine?

I don't understand, I could never understand it, Even while talking with Clay, and after all of my problems seem to float away with him. I still had the pain of my past life. I still had no family to call my own. I was still Apollo. A no-one.

"Polly!"

I snap out of my daze, my pseudo gaze melting away and returning to a curious look that I so often give to people, especially in court.

"It's time for the surprise! I'm going to set things up and make sure it's all set. Now I need you to stay out here and wait ok? NO. PEEKING. ALLOWED. Got it?"

"I get it Trucy. Now hurry up. I wanna drink and eat."

"Ok Mr Horns, and we are already going to eat soon, so you just have to wait already!"

After a short conversation, she disappears into the room of Phoenix Wright.

Now what do I do for this, you would assume I would just sit around and wait. Which don't get me wrong I was prepared to do nothing and sit around. I was still questioning everything I said before.

But another aspect is how Trucy lied to me. She said she was fine, okay in fact. But I could feel a slight twitch from my bracelet. (My bracelet has the power to sense lies and doubts from others, I and Truce found this out in my very first solo Trial). It was slight and honestly, I had my doubts, but the moment I thought about it more, especially after seeing her act today. I think she is not fine.

First off, she won't talk about it much, simply grazing over it in conversation. And the kicker, she's focusing more on the Agency right now. That is insane. Trucy never shuts up about it, yet since yesterday. She's talked about only her plans for the magic troupe and plans for the future of magic. She had never gone into detail or talked to me or Phoenix about anything else.

It's scary. And it's scaring me how she's lying to me, about being ok, about being her. She is starting to act like me and that is frightening me. It's like she is my long-lost sibling. I swear to take after me what my big mistake is.

"Hey, Polly, I thought there would be no more gloom in the room!"

Once again that voice wakes me up, looks up to me smiling, looking so hopeful. And so I straighten up once more and resolve myself.

And so after that briefest lecture I've ever heard. It now seems to unfold that I will have some part in the surprise, holding a box that Trucy had asked me to buy two weeks in advance. And the box was for Mr Wright. So now I'm starting to suspect something, was the present so that I wouldn't get fired, or was it to help me get a raise? I didn't hold the answer to those questions, so with bated breath I waited for Trucy to answer this peculiar truth.

Looking inside the room that the legendary Phoenix Wright lived in was quite telling. It was actually kind of neat in here, except the grape juice bottles littered in a corner of the room. Some books here and there, a nightstand, a shelf, a bed, and even a complimentary window. This was pretty ok all things considered.

The 3 big twists in this room however were yet to be explained. First was a picture of a younger Phoenix with a group of people, namely Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, (I mean of course you knew the guy, and a lawyer worth his salt knew about THE Miles Edgeworth).

Next was a weird dude wearing an orange jacket, what looked to be a scruffy detective. And a girl, wearing a Kimono and holding a magatama? This seems to be after a case because that girl was holding a "congratulations" sign and everyone seemed happy.

Next, a whole bunch of letters sitting on the nightstand, all of them opened and seemed to have been read.

Third, and finally, was the sign above my head, now this one I'm sure Trucy set up, with some balloons and even a small gift box. And food, well there is the real prize of today. Hell, I don't even get paid that much to be here.

Before I lost my senses and harassed the food in front of me, Trucy took a deep breath, and started a couple of vocal exercises, wait a minute… Those are the Cords of Steel exercises! Don't tell me she's gonna…

"I'M TRUCY WRIGHT, AND I'M FINE!"

"Ow."

I didn't even know she could get that loud, but she used it. Wait, somebody used the Chords of Steel, oh my gosh I'm so honored. She used my technique. I'm so proud and so happy. She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it, She used it.

"What's the big deal"

Uh, oh.

I forgot about my boss.

This is my boss.

He could fire me from my job.

And I'm here with his daughter waking him up.

Oh.

"MR WRIGHT."

"Daddy, Happy Birthday!"

What.

As I was about to plead for my life in two different languages, I turned to Trucny for the nth time today, 'Today is Phoenix Wright's birthday?' What the hell? So this was just a surprise party, huh?

I mean all the evidence was there, The Secrecy, The Presents, The Food, Hell even the Banner and the dates line up. Oh, thank god nothing bad is going to happen. Except I might get a heart attack because of Trucy soon.

Well at least for today I will not lose my entire life's work. And I get to celebrate Phoenix Wright's birthday. Wait if this is a birthday, where is everyone else? Shouldn't there be more people here?

Seemingly on cue. The doorbell rang out, and quickly Trucy approached, most likely to not spoil the surprise. Leaving me and Mr Wright a sense of suspense.

"So she dragged you into this huh?"

"Huh?"

He chats up, his voice is a little deeper as he just woke up, but he still sounds cryptic, overanalyzing, and most importantly the legend. A legend who, I must say, sounds much like he's dealt with this kind of problem before.

"Truce always does this when it's my birthday. Never is that loud or brought someone else into this fiasco before but the feeling is the same."

"Sorry for bothering Mr. Wright."

"It's ok, it's not your fault. I'm also suspecting that she's doing this because of recent events. Also because it's you."

"What?"

"Nevermind that and look who's here"

And out from the door comes a plethora of people a man in a scruffy coat, a woman in purple robes, a clutzy man, and many familiar faces. There was detective Ema Skye, Klavier Gavin, and… MILES EDGEWORTH!?

Ok yeah, im see that Mr, Wright has a lot more connections than I think. Reeling from the shock of the situation, I stand with a shocked core and a confused look. But Ema's voice rings out at me.

"Get yourself together, Apollo. You gotta be ready for anything right? After all, it is your boss's birthday"

"Yeah, but nothing is ever normal now, especially since my boss is Phoenix Wright!?"

A booming laugh echoes from the small group, it was Edgeworth. Smiling to himself as he and soon enough the rest of the others start laughing alongside him. To which even the man of the hour himself could not help but let out a couple of chuckles as well.

"You are right about one thing, Mr. Intern, your boss certainly has quite the reputation around these parts. And not in a good way"

"Oh, Mr Edgeworth, remember when he ran over that bridge"

"Or all those times we were a suspect for murder"

"Daddy even got hit by a car"

"OK, I get it, I'm a fat load of trouble"

A few people from the group were digging into Mr Wright. And enjoying themselves. While I feel a tad bit off. I don't know most of these people and the people I do know are people I kinda know only cause of work. But Miles Edgeworth, Ema, and everyone pulled me into the conversation and got me wrapped up in the party. I was introduced to the gang and learned their names. Like the detective Dick Gumshoe, The spirit medium Pearl Fey, the clutz, Larry Butz, and of course formally introduced to Miles Edgeworth. For real this time.

We talked about trials and cases, I was congratulated for my hard work. We had a lovely party with food and stuff prepped by the community that Phoenix made, his community of loyal and good friends. And oh the best part

The presents.

Each of the guests brought a gift that reflected themselves on him. Miles gave him a blue suit, reminiscent of the original suit he wore all those years ago, but different. This one was more clean, and elegant. Phoenix smiled widely at the prosecutor and thanked him, not only for the suit but for everything. They shared great respect for one another

Larry gave him an envelope and it contained a small letter and $30. I felt like it was kinda insensitive, but some people got a good laugh and it seems some of us are out of the loop with this one. Some inside joke?

Gumshoe gave him the tie, matching with the suit. A standard long red tie. Once again reminiscent of his old clothes. He goes into detail that Maggie Bride, his wife made a ton of homemade ties after becoming a housewife. And he gave this one specifically because this one reminded him of Phoenix, and how he helped her get the not guilty and brought them together. Phoenix smiled at that.

Ema was up next. And it being her she gave him some sciencey stuff and explained it to him. Some forensic investigative tools that I wasn't too invested in. Such is the way of the Scientific Detective. But Phoenix laughed and enjoyed it, saying it reminded him of the teen girl he met all those years ago. And both of them smile and enjoy.

Last but not least the normal gift was Pearl Fey, and oh boy it seems special. She pulled out two gifts. One was crudely wrapped and seemed rushed. And inside it contained a scarf. It was crude and rough, but it was certainly warm and fuzzy in a way. That seemed to be Pearl's gift. But the second package seemed to be much more… it was a simple envelope. No fanfare, no notes, no stamps. Just a simple envelope. But Phoenix teared up at its contents. It was a simple letter.

Now I dunno who sent it but whoever this was, they seemed pretty special. Maybe it was that girl I saw in that photo. I couldn't be so certain right now, but it was certainly a great sight for the Ace Attorney.

And moving on from the normal come the unnatural.

"Trucy Wright will now perform for you all her wonderful extraordinaire."

It was a good show, truly great magic tricks by Trucy, but the day was taking its toll on me. I'd been pushed around and talked to loads of people all morning, and I was growing tired. Not only that but it's been even harder to think cause I've been reminiscing all day.

I move to the window area of the office. And try to get some fresh air. And I was sitting thinking about some recent things. Like the news about my friend, Clay Terran. And how he was accepted into the space program and would go off for training soon. And of course about how soon I would have to go back to my special place.

While I was deep in thought I looked around as footsteps approached. It was Mr Wright, coming over to where I stood near the window.

"What are you doing out here"

"Thinking"

"And what are you thinking about"

"All of this. Meeting you and Trucy, realizing my teacher was a murderer, finding out he was much more evil than that, live through some of the most brain-raking, headache-inducing cases. Oh and of course, the cleaning."

We share a light chuckle, but the mood is not as light as the laugh we shared. There was a serious undertone around the mood. And I hated that it was about me

"Somethings up, Apollo. I've seen it, Trucy is bound to see it. What's up?"

"Well, I guess this is a better time than any. Consider this your present Mr Wright. I can trust you with this, the past of Apollo, no justice"

"Huh?"

This was the start of that night. The night that I'm pretty sure changed my life. And how I would treat this job more differently than I have ever before. This was the full story, the full backstory, the past I never wanted to share.

And it all starts with one thing.

"I was raised in a place, called Khura'in"