Apollo sighed for what felt like the millionth time that day. As soon as the court proceedings were over, he went straight back home. Or at least, the dingy room above the noodle shop he rented out and was lodging in.
The environment should have been safe and familiar; bed, desk, minifridge. His alarm clock read 9:37 p.m. on its face. But he could not keep his mind off what was undoubtedly the most trying day of his life.
His client, Phoenix Wright, was free. His mentor, Kristoph Gavin, was in detention under the supervision of the Prosecutor's Office.
For what it was worth, most of the facts were laid bare.
Kristoph had been stalking both Phoenix Wright and the reclusive artist Drew Misham for at least a few years. One day, he had learned that the two of them were going to meet at the Borscht Bowl Club and buy it out temporarily. He had come to the restaurant before the allotted day and concealed himself in the basement. A blueprint would have indicated that the kitchen was right next to the other room, and a few minutes were all he needed to slip in and out.
A search of Drew Misham's ramshackle home would turn up a cookbook with every recipe involving sesame seeds cut out. The late Misham, as revealed by his past medical reports, had an allergy to them dating back to the third grade. If left unattended for more than thirty minutes, anaphylaxis would take his breath away, and for good.
And that is exactly what had happened. Kristoph had seeded the meals for the night with all the contaminants needed to finish off Misham. And when Phoenix and Franziska had briefly left, Kristoph had gone back into action and clubbed Misham over the head as soon as the heaving began to start.
Apollo shook his head, marveling at each step of the calculated murder. Everything was planned in advance, and with two different methods of murder to boot. The only thing Kristoph did not account for was his vial falling out of his pocket when he rushed back downstairs to avoid being caught by Franziska and Phoenix as they returned.
What amazed Apollo even more was that Phoenix and Franziska were able to turn the plan back around on Kristoph on such short notice. Had they anticipated him? Had Phoenix caught on to Kristoph shadowing him? If so, how and when?
But he knew for sure he had just been a chess piece in the game. At his most generous, he would call himself a pawn.
Apollo sighed again. A million and one. He kicked absently at the magazines he had brought in with him and left on the floor. He already knew how things were going to go. Gavin Law Offices would be dissolved with their leader in prison. The attorneys would claim their measly pensions, if they were that lucky, and go elsewhere to look for jobs.
The young lawyer paused, then fished around in his pocket. He pulled out the white business card.
"Gotta hand it to you, kid, you stood your ground pretty good for a rookie. You remind me of me."
"I'm...glad I was of service, sir."
Phoenix slapped him on the back. "I look forward to seeing you in action soon."
Apollo kept walking as he and Phoenix went together towards the end of the lobby, but his shoulders fell.
"Well, I'm kind of...back on the market, as it were."
Phoenix had pressed the card into Apollo's hand.
"If you ever need anything, feel free to call."
Apollo perked up.
"You mean...at your firm?"
"Well, kinda...take another look."
Apollo blinked.
The card read:
Phoenix Wright, Associate.
Wright Anything Agency
"It's not...a law office?"
Phoenix grinned.
"We do a bit of everything there." He stopped suddenly. "Excuse me, but I have to get going...I promised to bring everyone at the usual joint!"
As Phoenix rushed ahead. Apollo finally focused on the opened door at the far end. Franziska was standing at it, still standing proud and beaming at Phoenix. The girl from before, the one with the blue cape and hat, was twirling a cane with one hand and beckoning with the other. And there were two other children, younger than the magician, one boy and one girl. When Phoenix took hold of Franziska and pulled her into a kiss, each of them hugged at his legs.
"Daddy!"
Phoenix Wright had amassed quite the family for himself.
Apollo bit his lip. Speaking of family, how was Klaire?
It was she who had put her brother in cuffs and led him away. His calls to her were unanswered, and she had not tried to call him.
Lost in thought, Apollo absentmindedly dropped the card. He cursed, and bent over to grab it. Then something caught his eye. It was one of the magazines; he had unconciously kicked the cover open. The first page showed a stern-looking man in profile, one with grey hair and a red suit. More strangely, he had a black cravat hanging off his neck.
Miles Edgeworth...On the Move Again?
-A multi-chapter story; Chapter 6; story idea by CRed1988 and writing by Jerviss.
