Chapter Text
Late March, 2014.
I want to go home. I miss my family. Mia thought, as she stared at the slow turning ceiling fan above her.
It’s been 8 months since she’s had to sleep alone again. It’s been 8 months since she’s felt such heavy grief and pain. And today she was faced with a decision.
Somehow, she pulled herself to get up, get dressed, and make breakfast. Mia stared at the train ticket held to her fridge as she poured her morning tea. She had decided, if by 6pm tonight there was no reason for her to stay, she’d go back to Kurain.
If she failed Diego, how could she ever stop Redd White? If every time she tried her hardest, put her heart into a fight, and she got hurt, what was even the point?
Mia put the lid on the travel cup, and walked through the apartment they once shared to get her coat and shoes. She felt his overwhelming presence at every step, from his sneakers still neatly placed on the shoe rack, to his pristine mug collection, to the cat he had that rubbed her legs and slept in his spots. The cat, Catimor, clung to whatever remained of Diego’s scent. It hurt her heart.
“I know, Catimor,” She murmured, kneeling down to scratch his chin. The cat purred softly. “I‘ll bring you with me… if I go.”
Catimor would like Kurain. The garden was enclosed, so he could run around there if he’d like, and Maya would adore him. She already did, from when she’d seen him.
”I’ll be back at 8, bud, I’ve got to visit your dad first.” Mia smiled weakly.
Her commute to work was the same; the dull gray of the city skies that she woke up to frequently. Kurain had nicer skies. They were bright blue and had hundreds of stars at night. That was another reason to go back home. The scenery was better.
Work was the same story. Mia showed up, she filed papers for Grossberg and Hammond, she checked Diego’s desk, still untouched from the last time he sat at it, and then she reviewed their old work. The 6 months they’d worked on this case had been the best and worst of her life, if only Mia had known it would end so tragically.
She talked with Lana later on.. She was supposed to come with her tonight, but unfortunately she had called to cancel. Mia was disappointed, especially since she hadn’t gotten to talk to Lana about her ‘going back home’ plan yet. There was always later.
Then, Mia was given a case file to drop off the Grossberg. The photo of the witness stuck out just enough. She saw it, the bright red hair of Dahlia Hawthorne. Curiosity took over, so Mia took a peak at the rest.
The defendant was a starry-eyed young man, Phoenix Wright. He was only 21 and Dahlia’s boyfriend. Would she really date someone? Mia thought. How long had they really been dating?
The more Mia flipped through the case, the more determination she felt. This could be the final piece of the puzzle, the last push to avenge Diego and close this forsaken chapter of her life.
For the first time in a long time, Mia felt hope. She felt confident in her ability to stop corruption. Mia stored the case file in her own desk. She would tell Grossberg her plan later, but now she had to get to the hospital.
Mia sat down next to Diego. She’d gotten used to the sound of the heart monitor, and it oddly comforted her now.
“I’m going to do it, Diego. I have my ace card now.” She whispered, holding his limp hand. Mia remembered when he’d press his hand against her face, or put it on the small of her back when they’d kiss. It was still warm, but the warmth was hollow. “I’ll stop Dahlia for us, for you. The defendant- he’s just a college kid, y’know? He’s the kind of client you'd take on…”
Diego’s heart monitor stayed steady. From what she understood, his brain was still fully active, but his body was shut down. Mia liked to say he was dreaming, but she had no idea what was going on in his head.
There was a knock at the door. “Ms. Fey..?”
“Come in,”
The doctor and a team of nurses stepped in. “I remember on the phone a couple weeks ago… you wished to talk about… withdrawal of care?”
She’d almost forgotten about that. Mia didn’t think he had a chance to wake up; nobody did. It broke her heart, but she worried about keeping him alive when he didn’t say he wanted extraordinary measures. Diego never specified anything. And of course he wouldn’t. He didn’t know how cruel death was like she did.
He used to tease her, with love and concern of course, about how Mia had a will at the age of 22. She tried to explain the Fey Curse (as she calls it) to him, but she didn’t know if he truly understood it.
So, with the only thing he had legally, Mia was his power of attorney. Mia decided if he lived or died. She was the angel of death looming over him at his bedside, debating whether or not to take his poor soul.
When she mentioned withdrawal of care, she was at her lowest point. It was two weeks after the anniversary of the trial that started this whole mess. The trial that ultimately killed Diego.
Yet now, she had hope. One final, flickering flame of hope in her chest. She knew Dahlia killed that college student the moment she got that case. This was it.
“… I changed my mind.” She squeezed his hand, knowing he wouldn’t squeeze back. “It could be any day now. Right?”
And it was all thanks to that case, his case, Phoenix Wright.
Fey n Co. Law Offices, 2016
Phoenix made sure the office was absolutely spotless for Mia’s first day back. After the crime scene did most of the cleaning, Phoenix stepped up and arranged the office in a way that would be easier for Mia to come back to.
Easy pathway to her desk, the desk has been moved to the other side of the room (away from the window), and he stored away some ibuprofen and water bottles in her desk.
It was the least he could do, Mia would do the same for him.
“Nervous?” Maya asked, propping herself onto Mia’s desk.
“Don’t sit on that! I just cleaned it!” Phoenix scolded.
The chief’s sister giggled. “Don’t be so uptight! Mia won’t care, I promise.”
He wasn’t so sure about that. She’d been particularly sensitive lately, not that he could blame her. “How is she, by the way?”
“Oh, she’s better,” Maya answered, although he wasn’t sure if she believed it. “She’s just, moodier, that’s all. I’ve been staying with her. I think she’s trying to not be obvious about it so DON’T point it out!” She jabbed his shoulder.
“Me? You’re the loudmouth!” Phoenix chuckled. Over the weeks the two spent visiting and caring for Mia, he’d grown to really care about her. Someone had to look after her while Mia was out.
“Seriously though, she only just got cleared for driving again. I know she felt embarrassed having me drive her around.” Maya admitted.
He raised a brow. “You can drive?”
“Not legally,” She replied. “I have a learner’s permit.”
“So you could drive the entire four weeks I’ve known you?” Phoenix asked. “And you let me call a cab for every trip we made?”
Maya smirked. “What, can’t you drive?”
“No,”
She laughed at him.
Phoenix rolled his eyes. “It doesn’t matter now, I made sure everything in the office was perfect for her return, so hopefully she’ll like it,” He always wanted to impress Mia, even now. “When does she get here?”
“Half an hour, she’s finishing up at a doctor’s visit.” Maya replied, taking a seat on the couch. “So cool it a little,”
He sighed, sitting down next to her on the couch. “I can’t help it… She’s just been so… distant? I guess? I don’t know.” Phoenix stared up at the ceiling. “We used to joke about stuff. I’m trying to give her space and listen to her but… I don’t know. I think I’m just sensitive.”
Maya laughed, punching his arm. “Dude, don’t take it personally. She’s ALWAYS been like that. Something bad happens, and she gets distant ‘cuz she thinks she’s being strong. Mia will come around.” She smiled, and Phoenix believed her.
“I guess you know her better than I do,” He smiled back. He felt a twinge of jealousy at their closeness; Phoenix was an only child. He’d always wanted a baby brother or sister to spoil and dote on. Mia kinda felt like a big sister, sometimes. Other times she felt like a kind and wise older classmate helping the poor new kid.
Guess he had Larry. Larry was kind of like a brother.
At some point, Maya turned on the TV. She was kind of like a little kid the way she hogged the remote and covered the sensor if Phoenix even dared to touch the remote.
He closed his eyes, deciding to doze until Mia got here. What else could he do to make the office better for Mia? Maybe ask if he could move his desk into the office, for safety reasons. Or… postpone asking? Depends on her mood, Phoenix noted.
Security cameras? Maybe if they’d had security cameras that night… Redd White wouldn’t have gotten away. Speaking of which, he should probably do some research on that guy. He didn’t know much about him besides he’s a millionaire CEO, but Phoenix trusted Mia’s word more than any rich guy anyway.
His thoughts began to dim as he dozed off until…
“NICK! Wake up!” Maya shouted, shaking him. “It’s important!”
“Whuh?” Phoenix blinked.
She looked like she might cry. “It’s… it’s…!”
“Is it Mia?! Is she okay?” He assumed the worst. Did he fail his friend again?
“It’s the Steel Samurai!” Maya wailed. “He’s been arrested!”
Phoenix frowned. “What?” He asked, exasperated.
Maya matched his frown. “They’re saying he killed the bad guy!”
“… Isn’t that what he’s supposed to do?”
“Yeah, on TV!”
“Yeah, on TV.”
She looked exasperated now. “No! They’re saying he did it in real life! With a spear!”
“Oh,” So she meant the actor. “Why didn’t you just say the actor’s name?”
“I don’t know his name,” Maya shrugged.
“You’ve watched the Steel Samurai since you were 13 and you don’t know the main guy’s name?” Phoenix asked.
“I’m here for the illusion, not the reality!” She crossed her arms with a huff. “Oh, hey when did Mia get here?”
“WHAT?” He snapped his head around. She picked up the ringing phone, still wearing her jacket and key on her wrist. “Oh, hiya Mia!” Phoenix grinned.
Mia was on the landline, twisting her finger around the cord as she spoke into the line. “Well yes, we are accepting new clients right now,” She smiled. “Alright, me and my apprentice will be there soon.” The phone clicked. “It’s rude to interrupt someone on the phone, y’know,”
“Sorry, boss,” He pouted. “Glad to see you, though! I moved some stuff around for ya,”
“Already starting a new case on your first day back?” Maya sounded concerned. “You promised you’d take it easy!“
Mia shrugged. “It sounds like an easy case. And a fun one. Guess who our client is, Phoenix,”
“Uhmm, I don’t know,” He paused. “Someone famous?”
“Will Powers!” She beamed. Unfortunately, it was met with silence. Mia scowled. “Oh, you two are so not fun! He’s the Steel Samurai,”
Maya squealed with joy. “No way! Seriously!? Can I PLEASE tag along?”
“Of course!”
Phoenix stood up. “Wait, we actually have a new client?” He grinned. “And it’s my first investigation as a real lawyer!”
“Well, let’s go meet Mr. Powers! Maybe we can get his autograph,” Mia zipped her coat back up, heading for the door.
He glanced at Maya. “She seems good!”
Maya nodded. “I guess I was just a little worried,” She smiled. “Let's go!“
The person you are trying to reach is unavailable.
She tried again.
The person you are trying to reach is unav—
Mia tried one more time.
The person—
And she gave up. Mia snapped her phone shut with a hard sigh as she waited out the detention center. If Lana was going to stick her pretty little nose in her life and meddle with her case, she might as well unblock her number. It was the kind thing to do when you start shit.
She thought back to the prosecutor’s letter, realizing Lana was a step ahead of her. Mia would have to make this case big if it even had a chance of flying towards the Chief Prosecutor’s radar. Surely a celebrity warranted some interest?
Soon enough, Maya and Phoenix walked out the detention center, a look of uncertainty on their faces. Mia smiled as she saw them approach. “Hey, how’d it go, you two?”
“He’s… different than I thought,” Phoenix admitted.
“He’s not hot, Mia!” Maya wailed. “He’s so not hot!”
She tried to hold in her laughter. “Well, You grew up fast! There, there, sis,” Mia patted her sister’s back. “Say, do you still speak to Ema?”
Maya shook her head. “Not really, she’s busy with school so I don’t get to text her that often. Why?”
“No reason,” Well, there goes her ‘Get Ema to Pester Her Sister’ plan. “All right! Let’s go! … Where are we going?”
Phoenix gave Mia a map. “Mr. Powers drew us a map,”
“Oh, and where’s the letter of request?” She asked, studying the map. No offense to Mr. Powers, but it was pretty shotty.
“I, uhm, forgot,” He replied sheepishly.
Mia rolled her eyes. “Go get the letter of request, Wright,”
“Yes, Chief,” Phoenix scampered back into the detention center.
Chief. That was the first time he’d call her that since… well, since he learned a lot more about her than Mia would’ve liked. She smiled.
“I wonder who the prosecutor will be for this case,” Maya thought aloud. “Apparently, a ‘Mr. Edgeworth’, was going to be the prosecutor for my trial but then it was canceled. Lucky me, ‘cuz I looked him up and he seems scary.”
“Hm.” Was the only response Mia could give. Edgeworth wasn’t exactly her favorite person.
“… Are you sure you’re okay?” Her sister asked. “You know, I’m sure Nick and I could handle this if you want to rest…”
She nodded. “I’m just fine, Maya, I’ve been out long enough.” Mia replied.
“Still… I just.. worry, y’know?”
Mia smiled, pulling her into a side hug. “I know. But you don’t need to worry about me.”
Maya rested her head against her sister’s shoulder, and for just a moment, Mia felt as if they were both kids again. It was always just her and her baby sister against the world.
Before she could get too wrapped up in her emotions though, Phoenix came back out with a letter. “Okay, I got them, Mia!” He presented them proudly.
“Good! Now let’s go visit the Steel Samurai’s home,” Mia chimed, Maya nodding beside her.
“You mean Global Studios set. It’s important to me that you guys know the Steel Samurai is not real.” Phoenix corrected.
Without acknowledging him, Mia made her way to the car and hoped that her ducklings (Phoenix and Maya) followed her.
After trespassing thanks to that mean old security guard, the three of them had found themselves in Global Studios.
Although Mia had lived in the city for almost a decade now, she still found herself anxious and out of place next to large, modern settings like this. Maya must’ve felt the same, as she held onto her jacket the same way she’d hold onto her haori when she was a kid.
Phoenix whistled as he glanced around. “So this is where TV happens…”
“Mhm,” Mia responded. “Quiet, isn’t it?”
“Hey! Aren’t you that murderer from “last month?” A loud yet familiar voice boomed through the studio. Mia turned her head to see Detective Gumshoe storming towards them.
“Eek! It’s that confused detective!” Maya cried, hiding behind her sister.
Gumshoe was red in the face with emotion. “Listen you! Mr. Edgeworth is all upset because the evidence CLEARLY said YOU killed-“
“What’s this about me being dead?” Mia crossed her arms. “And stand up straight! Leave my sister alone, if Chief Skye said she didn’t do it, then she didn’t do it. Don’t you have work to do?”
“Yikes!” The detective stiffened, lifting his hand up in a salute. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry, Ms. Fey! It’s good to see you alive and well!”
She frowned. “Yes, well… run along now, okay? And you better pray the Chief Prosecutor doesn’t hear about this…”
“S-Sorry Ms. Fey… uhm, don’t tell anyone, but here’s the autopsy report, a-and knock yourself out investigating the crime scene! We’ve already sweeped this place!” Gumshoe smiled, handing her the file before running off.
Phoenix stood there, slack-jawed. “H-How did you do that?! Do you two KNOW each other?”
“He listened to everything you said! He seemed… actually nice!” Maya added.
Mia giggled, sifting through the autopsy report. “Let’s just say… we have a thing,”
“A thing…?” Phoenix looked horrified.
“Get your mind out of the gutters!” She smacked his head with the report. “I have blackmail on him. No biggie. Christmas Party 2014.”
Her sister blinked. “You have GOT to tell me later!”
“Hey, I wanna know to—“
“There’s no time,” Mia cut him off. “I want to investigate the crime scene before it gets dark.”
Phoenix pouted, but nodded. “Right… let’s go. You can tell us around Christmas. For the holiday season.
Right as they began walking, Mia’s cell phone began to ring. She looked down. It was Lana. She held her phone close to her heart. “You two go ahead, I need to take this,”
When she was alone, much to the confusion of her companions, she picked up the call. “Lana—“
“Mia, please stop trying to contact me. It’s for your own good. Goodbye-“
“Don’t hang up yet!” She shouted. “You… you can’t do this to me. You can’t swoop into my life and- and-“
“I’m sorry.” Lana hung up.
Mia tried to call back, but she was blocked again. The frustration drove her crazy. She slammed her cell phone shut and nearly tossed it to the ground in a rage.
She wished she’d known the last time they’d talk would be. Mia wished she knew when the last time she’d hugged Lana and felt her hands against her would’ve been. They used to tell each other everything about anything. Even when their relationship ended, Mia always counted on Lana to confide in and get her opinion.
They’d always been together, as a pair, birds of a feather if you will. Mia thought their love for each other was unwavering.
It was harder to make friends as an adult, a real adult with a law office and bills and therapy appointments. She needed Lana more than ever and yet Mia was so pissed with her she couldn’t even fathom seeing her face.
There was a point of anger for Mia these days, where all she could do is cry. Maybe it was the emotional side effects of the attack, or maybe she was immature, but when she felt herself start to cry she preemptively buried her face into her scarf.
“You did well with the trial today,” Mia said as they walked out to the lobby together. “I’m very proud!”
Phoenix smiled sheepishly. “T-Thanks Mia…” He stared at her face. “So, uhm, what’s with the sunglasses?”
“Hm? Oh these? Yeah, the courtroom is a little brighter than I remember,”
“And the giant bottle of ibuprofen sticking out of your belt like a gun holster?“
Mia scowled. “Mind your business will you? Yeesh, a girl can’t do anything these days…”
Phoenix shifted his eyes. “Ah, my bad,” The tension was so thick, he could cut it with the huge lenses of Mia’s shades. Were those… prescription sunglasses? Did she wear real glasses?
“You two were great out there!” Maya chimed as she ran over to them. “Mostly Mia, but you did okay too, Nick!”
“Wow, thanks for your love and support, Maya.” He mocked sarcastically.
She smiled wide. “Aww no problem!” Now he felt bad, the poor girl didn’t get sarcasm.
Mia ruffled her sister’s hair. “You’re a gem, Maya,”
“So are we going to the crime scene next to do some more investigating? We should probably check out that ‘fanboy’ Oldbag was talking about,” Phoenix asked.
“Hey! Don’t talk about a woman like that, Phoenix!”
“No, sis, her name is Oldbag. Wendy Oldbag.”
Mia blinked. “Really? That’s awful.”
“.. Yes.. are you sure you’re okay Mia?” He murmured.
“Yeah, we got this if you wanna go home!”
“No, no, I’m fine. Just forgetful. Come on, we all know this about me.” She took off her sunglasses, but Phoenix didn’t miss how she squinted and struggled to adjust to the light. “Let’s go.”
Maya frowned. “Mia…”
“I’m fine!” Mia snapped. “… I’ll meet you two in the car.”
Watching as she left, Phoenix reached for Maya’s hand, wrapping his pinky round hers. “Are you okay? You know she didn’t mean to yell.”
Maya nodded, sighing softly. “We’re finally living under the same roof again for the first time in years and… I feel so much more distant from her than ever,” She muttered.
“… I know how you feel,” He patted her back. “She’ll come around, right?”
“… R-Right.”
They got to the crime scene with relative ease, considering the security lady was currently in lock up. Mia had her shades back on and her coat wrapped tightly around herself. It was odd to not see her in her usual black blazer and skirt. He decided not to comment about it, lest he face her stink eye.
The Studio was a ghost town. Not even Detective Gumshoe and the others were here, which Mia found unnerving. Phoenix was just glad he could do some extra snooping.
After stopping Mia from getting into the fight with the director, the three decided to regroup outside the dressing room.
“Miaaa I wanted a character based on me in the Steel Samurai!” Maya whined.
Mia crossed her arms. “Trust me it’s for the best. That guy was a weirdo. And I don’t want our family involved with the media any time soon…”
Phoenix tuned out the two’s back and forth while he scanned the cafeteria. This is where everyone ate yesterday. He took a picture of the steaks strung all about.
Then, there was a sudden metallic noise. All three turned their head to a little boy sneaking in from an open drain.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” Maya huffed, hands on her hips.
He glanced around frantically.
“Maya, be nice, he’s a kid,” Mia crouched down to his level, smiling sweetly. “Hi, I’m Mia. What’s your name?”
The boy took a step towards Mia. “… Cody.”
“That’s a nice name. Say, did you see anything at all, Cody?” She asked.
Cody shook his head. “No…”
“Don’t lie to me, Cody, lying is a bad character trait,” Mia looked at him sternly.
He started to shake under the stern stare of Mia, something Phoenix could relate too. “I didn’t see anything! Okay?! Leave me alone!” Cody pushed past Mia to run away.
“Hey! Watch it, brat!” Phoenix shouted after him, going to help Mia up. She’d just lost her balance.
Mia didn’t take his help, getting to her feet with seemingly no trouble. “Be nice to children, Phoenix, it’s unflattering in a man at your age.”
“B-But he started it!”
She narrowed her eyes at him. Now he was getting her stern stare. “He definitely saw something. Whatever he saw could either benefit our case, or harm it.”
“Hey! This kid dropped this trading card!” Maya smirked. “Now he’ll have to tell us what he saw!”
Phoenix rolled his eyes. “We’re not gonna hold it hostage, Maya-“
“That’s a good idea, actually,” Mia took the trading card. “I used to get Maya to brush her teeth by holding her teddy bear hostage,”
Maya nodded. “It always worked! Ahh, memories,”
Note to self; do whatever Mia says to avoid a hostage situation. “Well, I guess we’ll just hold onto it for now.” He slipped it into his pocket.
“We should go speak to the producer, Ms. Vasquez.” Mia prompted, dusting off her jacket. “We should see if she could’ve possibly seen anything…”
“I hope she’s super cool. I mean she’s gotta be, right? She’s the producer of Steel Samurai.” Maya commented, beginning to walk off.
Phoenix shot a glance to Mia, before following Maya.
May, 2014.
The high of winning her first real trial was beginning to fade as Mia settled back into the same routine as before. Now, she was willing to take open cases, and now she could stomach standing in the courthouse, but it was beginning to feel hollow. She still couldn't understand why she felt like this, even after winning.
She won, she avenged Diego, and he was still asleep. She won, she successfully put Dahlia behind bars, and she still had a bigger, more threatening mission to accomplish.
Mia pulled back from her desk, stretching. She may have gotten a bit overzealous, agreeing to take on the workload of Grossberg and Hammond just a few short weeks after being back to the courts. She just needed to prove to them that she was just as capable as they were.
… But now she has 10 open cases, hospital bills to pay, rent to pay, a sister to take care of, and of course, the Redd White case.
It was fine. She was doing fine. She was a real lawyer now.
“Mia Fey,” A voice came over the intercom. “There’s a young man here to see you.”
She jumped out of her skin, she forgot Diego’s office had the intercom connected to it. He was a real lawyer with his own office space. Mia kinda hijacked his space after his coma. It meant a lot to her.
“Uhm… go ahead and send him up!” She pressed the button as she talked. It must be one of her witnesses from the new cases.
Aaanndd she looked like crap. Her suit jacket was hanging off the chair and her hair was held up with a claw clip. Mia looked like the average sleep deprived college student. Great first impression.
“Uhm, Miss Fey?”
Mia jumped. “Eek! M-Mr. Bright… you got here fast,” She smiled, strained.
She got a good look at him. This wasn’t Mr. Bright. This was Phoenix Wright! The college boy from the trial! “Uhm… it’s ‘Wright’, but I came to see you!”
“Ah! Are you okay…?” She asked, concerned.
“I’m great!” He beamed. “I’ve switched my major, and I start my law classes next semester. It’s all thanks to you!”
Mia was flattered. She smiled up at him sincerely. “Well, I’m glad. I was worried for you after the trial.”
“I tried to visit Dollie after but… she didn’t want to see me.” Phoenix sighed. “I don’t want to be held up in the past, though, I want to work with you! I want you to guide me to my future!”
She blinked. “Uhm, excuse me?”
“The way you were in court… your confidence… your ability… I was inspired.” He sheepishly admitted, fidgeting with the mask on his face. “You… believed in me. You actually believed in me.”
“Of course, it’s my job as a lawyer,” Mia said. “L-Look, I’m really flattered but… maybe you should look for someone more… experienced? Ah, that was only my .. f-first trial.” She didn’t want to think of the other trial. She couldn’t spiral again.
Phoenix’s eyes shined with admiration. “Only you’re first? Only you’re first?! Miss Fey! Now you have to let me study under you! You’d make a great mentor!”
This kid doesn’t let up. “…Wright, well…”
“So you agree?!”
“P-Phoenix….” Mia sighed. “I’m… kind of swamped? I have 10 open cases right now…”
“Wow! So others are seeing your success and want you! This would be a great learning opportunity for me! And you could delegate the easy stuff to me!”
She paused. “Delegate, hmm?”
“I want to be a great lawyer,” Phoenix met her gaze, sincere and serious. “I need to be a great lawyer. I don’t want anyone else to teach me! You’re already a great lawyer, even if you’re a rookie. Besides, isn't it better to learn together? Isn’t it better to have a friend?”
Mia had to make a choice. Does she take on a pupil, an annoying, wide-eyed one at that, or does she continue in this career path alone?
“Let’s… see where the friend’s part takes us.” She put her hand out. “But, I’m intrigued by you, Wright.”
Phoenix gasped, excitement pouring out of him. He took Mia’s hand, shaking it with determination. He had a good handshake. That was important. “I won’t let you down!”
“You better be a quick note taker, because I don’t slow down for anyone!” Mia put her hands on her hips. “I have 3 rules. Don’t ask me personal questions. Always carry a pen, must be black or blue. And lastly, a lawyer doesn’t cry until it’s all over. Got it?”
Already, her new student was furiously writing this all down. He came prepared. Mia couldn’t help but smile.
“Miss Fey!” Phoenix raised his hand.
“Yes, Wright?”
“W-What do I do if I really want to cry…?”
Mia rolled her eyes, exasperated. “L-Let’s just get started on some cases, okay?” She looked at her cramped desk. “Yeesh, we’re gonna need more room if it’s going to be the two of us…”
“I know an office space for rent!”
She would hate to leave this place. Diego’s office was one of the last places that still had everything he did, had, and loved intact. The desk had his photos, his case files were on the book case, his coffee was still stored away in the drawers.
Mia had to move on. Her heart would always love Diego, but it didn’t belong to him. She wanted him but she didn’t need him. She didn’t need anyone. She took care of herself for years, she took care of herself and a toddler. Mia Fey didn’t need anyone, not Diego or Lana or a mother.
“We’ll go there then.”
“If you own the office, you’ll be like an Attorney Chief!”
Mia cocked her head in thought. “I like that. Call me Chief.”
“Yes Chief!”
October, 2016
Mia felt like actual hot garbage. That nausea feeling you get in your stomach when you get car sick lingered with her all day. She almost hurled when that kid knocked into her.
The trial had been close, and although Phoenix was smart to point the finger at the security guard, Mia knew it wouldn’t stick. It was all an effort to buy time.
She was trying to keep it together for him, he needed a mentor. Yet the smell of the Studio was driving her nuts, the scent of cheap steaks and even cheaper cologne was pungent in this area.
“Let’s go inside the trailer!” Maya said, pulling Phoenix inside.
He rolled his eyes. “Ya coming, Mia?”
“Give me a moment,” Mia smiled, pained. “I’ll investigate out here.”
“… ’Ya sure you’re okay with being alone…?”
“I’m fine, Phoenix.” She insisted. “Go look inside.”
Phoenix turned on his heels and went in, but Mia could feel his concerned eyes look at her one more time.
She leaned over the railing as she heard the door click shut, pulling her hair back to keep it out of her face. Mia heaved over the banister, breathing hard as she tried to compose herself. Luckily, she wasn’t sick all over this poor lady’s flowers. Mia would’ve felt awful.
When she realized she wasn’t going to throw up, Mia let go of her hair and let it fall over her shoulders and face. I really am a mess…. She thought.
She stared at the fence that guarded the flowers. It was a lovely metal fence with large spiked posts. Mia always wanted a nice big garden. She had one back in Kurain.
One of the fence posts was bent, though. It ruined the harmony of the fencing. The bend looks recent. It surely would’ve shown signs of rust and oxidation by now if it was older than a month.
Mia leaned forward to touch the bent back spike. It was sharp, sharp enough to pierce flesh. Did the murder happen at… Studio 2?
It would explain everything! She had to tell Phoenix and Maya. Mia grabbed the door to the trailer and-
Locked. Mia pulled harder. It was locked.
What was happening there? Why was the door locked? She put her foot on the door and tried to budge it open. Nothing.
“Ms. Fey! What’s wrong?” Gumshoe asked from behind.
“The door’s locked….!” She hissed under her breath.
He tried pulling it open. “Here I got it..-“
Mia slammed her full body weight into the door, it came undone and flung open. Gumshoe stammered behind her, just before either of them saw what was happening.
Multiple men in black suits surrounded Phoenix and Maya. Gumshoe stuck his arm out in front of Mia defensively, his hand hovering above his holster. “This is the police! Ms. Vasquez, you’re coming with me for questioning!”
Vasquez stood, smoking her pipe, turned slowly to look at them. “Huh… fine.” She snapped her fingers, and the men in suits backed off.
As Gumshoe led Vasquez to the police car, Maya ran over to Mia, hugging her tightly and through tears. “Miiiaaaa!!!! She was SO mean… and SO scary…!”
Mia hugged Maya back tightly, hiding her own tears in her sister’s shoulder. “I know… it’s okay… I got you. You’re safe. I got you.”
Phoenix put his hand on Maya’s shoulder, prompting Mia to bring him in on the hug. He turned his head away, smiling. “I… Think we got our culprit, Mia.”
She nodded, but Mia didn’t care about the case right now.
“Also, hold on, was it you who broke down the door, or Detective Gumshoe?” Maya asked.
“Oh, it was me. It was really easy.”
Phoenix laughed. “Seriously?”
“It was just a metal door, Phoenix!”
He narrowed his eyes, but she saw the wide grin he failed to hide. “Right… just a metal door, my bad.”
“Can we go out to eat? All that almost being killed made me hungry,”
“One sec,” Mia ruffled Maya’s hair. “Phoenix, outside there’s a fence… one of the posts is bent. It looks recent, there’s no rust build up or anything. I’m sure if we tested it for blood, we’d find Jack Hammer’s on it.”
Phoenix blinked. “I’ll ask Gumshoe to test it on our way out, good find.”
“Hey! Do you three want a ride to the parking lot?” Gumshoe called, sending off the cop car with Vasquez inside.
Maya smiled, holding onto Mia’s arm. “Can we PLEASE ride in the cop car?“
“Didn’t you already ride in one?” Mia said through a laugh.
“That doesn’t count! I was a suspect! Now I’m… a witness! Teehee!”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re crazy, all right let’s go you two.” Mia gestured to Phoenix.
Phoenix had almost a childlike excitement to him as Gumshoe opened the door for him. “I haven’t been in one of these in years,”
“YOU got arrested once?” Maya gasped.
“Listen to your sister and you’ll be fine,” He waved her off. Mia understood why he wouldn’t want to speak about it. It was a traumatic time for him.
Maya frowned, scooting into the middle seat. Mia followed, and Gumshoe closed the door on them. He got in the driver’s side and they were off.
“Oh hey, can you have one of your guys test the bent fence post for blood?” Mia asked.
“Hm? Oh sure, pal. I gotta clear it with Mr. Edgeworth but I’m sure he’ll say yes!” Gumshoe smiled.
She frowned at the mention of Edgeworth. She’d never forgiven him for his behavior during her first trial. Bratty, rude, disrespectful, dismissive, those were all words that came to mind when she thought of him.
The papers seemed to agree with her, too. He was known as the Demon Prosecutor, a title she’s sure he relishes in. Edgeworth was the prized pupil of Von Karma. Mia had a problem with his whole family. The names Von Karma and Edgeworth seemed to haunt her past, even if indirectly.
“Oh, she’s making the face again,” Maya said with a smug grin.
Mia was brought back to herself. “What?”
“You always make a face when Edgeworth is brought up,” Phoenix snickered. “It’s a mix between your lecture eyes and your annoyed ‘grin and bear it’ look.”
“I-I do not make a face…!” She objected.
“Nah, I totally saw it, pal. I’d hate to be your enemy.” Gumshoe added.
Mia scoffed. “You be quiet and keep your eyes on the road,” She turned to Phoenix, grinning and bearing it. “W-Well you always look like a sad widow when Edgeworth is brought up!”
“I do not!” Phoenix gasped. “I will not take your childish comebacks.”
“She’s kinda right,” Maya admitted.
“She is.” Gumshoe added.
The three glared at him. “Detective! The road!”
“Yikes!” Gumshoe swerved to avoid a trash can.
***
“Phoenix?”
“Mia! Where are you? The trial is about to begin!”
“I…. can’t make it to the trial today.”
“W-What…?”
“Maya will help you. She- she knows everything I gave her the evidence…”
“Mia…?”
“I’m okay. I’ll see you after the trial.”
Click.
They’d won. Phoenix couldn’t believe it, they’d actually won. Maya cheered beside him, shouting so loud that he swore his ears might bleed.
“We did it, Nick!” She hugged his arm. “We actually did it! That was close, huh?”
He nodded, glancing at Edgeworth at the prosecutor’s bench. He was pale in face, paler than usual, he looked tired. Exhausted, even.
“Come on, Nick! We got to tell Mia!” Maya dragged him to the lobby, already calling her cell phone.
Phoenix looked back at Edgeworth, who had now also made his way to the lobby. It had been almost 15 years since he’d last seen him. Maybe it was silly, and maybe even foolish, that he’d care this much for a boy he’d met when he was 9, but the 9 year old that was still in him always wondered what happened to the boy that left mysteriously.
“Aww Niiick! Mia’s not answering…” Maya whined. “I’ll just text her!”
He rolled his eyes with a small smile.
Their client, Will Powers, came over to talk with them. He seemed frazzled, and unsure, but after proving that Jack Hammer didn’t blame him, the man seemed to calm down and accept his victory.
“Congrats WP!” His, surprisingly helpful, assistant said.
“Heh heh, thanks to you two… I’ll be able to don the Steel Samurai costume once more,” Powers looked relieved. Phoenix could appreciate how much he loved his job, entertaining kids and making movie magic.
Maya shrieked at something, practically jumping into his arms. “Eek! Nick! It’s Edgeworth!”
He lifted his head, meeting eyes with his long lost friend. Phoenix’s heart began to race in his chest, after all these years… his old friend was really standing in front of him. He fondly remembered the days his friend would brag about his father and his job, a defense attorney. What had changed?
Edgeworth fidgeted, his glare unshaken. “S-Say something, Wright. I’m not good at… small talk.”
“H-Huh? What?” Phoenix stammered, dazed. “Uhm, too bad out there, Edgeworth!” Why did I say that?!
“You waste no time gloating.” The prosecutor scoffed.
Why DID I say that?! “No! Uhm, thank you. Vasquez would have … gotten away if yo-“
“Hey, Mr. Edgeworth! WP here wants to say hi!” Maya interrupted him, forcing Powers’s hand out to Edgeworth.
“Ah, hi, Powers.”
“… Edgeworth.. I’m actually a huge fan of your work, Mr. Powers…”
No way. Was Edgeworth a secret nerd?
“Oops! Mia is calling. Be right back, boys!” Maya ran off.
The three watched Maya leave, and Edgeworth turned back to Phoenix. “I really didn’t expect to see you again, after all these years.”
Phoenix leaned forward slightly, hoping to hear something good.
“I wish we didn’t meet at all,” His eyes narrowed at Phoenix, and had an emotion he couldn’t quite place. “Thanks to you… I’m saddled with unnecessary feelings.”
“Unnecessary feelings?”
“Yes… unease and uncertainty.”
“Aren’t those-“
Edgeworth turned his back to him. “Listen to me, Wright, and listen well. Don’t ever show your face in front of me again.” He paused, and Phoenix could see his nose crinkle. “That’s all I came to tell you.” He left.
Powers chuckled, uncomfortably. “What was that about…?”
“Uhm, Nick,” Maya sounded from behind him, concerned. “Mia needs help at the office right away. We have to go.”
“Is she okay?!”
“… she wants to talk to you.”
Oh, that was never good. “Let’s go.”
Phoenix stood in front of the office door, his hands shaking with anxiety. What could Mia want? Surely it wasn’t bad, right? She’s the one who ditched him today, after all! Was he a little miffed, maybe, but it wasn’t a big deal. She was still recovering, she should be taking it easy—
“Are you gonna open the door or just stand there?” Maya asked with a giggle.
He burned with embarrassment. He was being heckled by a 17 year old. “Don’t you have friends your own age?”
“Oh! That’s right! I promised Ema we’d hang out today.”
“Who’s Ema?”
Maya was already off, shouting; “Tell Mia I’ll be back by 4!”
He took a breath, pushing open the office doors. Last time Mia asked him to meet her here after a successful trial … well…
“Mia? Maya went to hang out with her friend… so…”
“Is that so?” Mia’s voice sounded from her desk. “Good. I’m glad she’s friends with Ema again.”
Phoenix noticed the lights were off and the blinds were shut. Her migraine must’ve been bad, then. “Did I … do something wrong?” He asked, an octave lower than normal. “Are you okay? How’s your migraine?”
“What’s your deal with Edgeworth?” She asked bluntly, leaning forward on her desk. “Ex? Friend? Both?”
“What? No, well, yes. I-It’s really… none of your business.” He blurted out.
Mia’s eyes widened slightly, surprised by his tone. “Interesting; because Maya told me he helped you guys out today, and Maya said that you two do in fact, know each other.” Her brows furrowed.
Phoenix shifted his eyes. Maya…! “We knew each other in elementary school. With all due respect, why do you even care?”
“Because this is who Edgeworth associates with!” She pulled out a file labeled ‘V.K.’. “Manfred von Karma… his mentor. Rumored to use forged evidence during a trial. There’s more rumors of it after, he was only ever publicly called out and punished for it once.”
He took the case file from her hands. Flipping through it, he found newspaper clipping from 15 years ago. The same time Edgeworth vanished from his childhood. Phoenix glanced up at Mia as she took the case file back from him.
She leaned over her desk. “Edgeworth is bad news. I don’t know what he gained from helping you today, if he even did, but don’t forget for a second who raised and tutored him.”
“You’re wrong,” Phoenix said, his throat dry. “His father was an attorney.”
“Yet, von Karma raised him,”
“Seriously, Mia, you’re overstepping!” He took a step back from her. Phoenix hardly recognized her like this. Yesterday, she was smiling and laughing with them, and now…
He knew there might be changes, that the physical and mental toll might be overwhelming, but he hadn’t expected this.
Mia did seem to relax, though. She stood next to him, their shoulders touching. “I’m just saying; forgery is a slippery slope. Winning streaks are a slippery slope. If you let that power go to your head, if you let pride go to your head, you’ll end up just like them.”
“I know,” Phoenix said. “But Edgeworth isn’t like that. I need you to trust me. As your student, as your friend. He’s the reason I became a lawyer.”
She perked up at that. “The reason… you became a lawyer?”
“It’s kind of silly, now looking back at it.” He laughed, leaning against her desk. “It was a class trial, I was accused of stealing lunch money. Like, $35. And Edgeworth… defended me. I don’t know. It stuck with me. Defending someone you don’t know… just because it’s the right thing to do.” Phoenix looked at her, her eyes were still untrusting. “Kind of like… when you defended me… but the stakes were much higher.”
“You’re reasoning is flawed AND you’re naive,” Mia turned away. “I only defended you because of Dahlia.”
Phoenix’s eyes widened, and he fell silent. His heart hurt at the mention of his old girlfriend. Dollie…
“Not that she asked me too, or anything.” Mia added quickly. “She had poisoned an attorney 8 months prior. She’d gotten away with it… she nearly killed him.” Her eyes closed with the memory.
Phoenix tried to meet her eyes. “I know that. I know that story.“
“You should know the rest.” She said, “He’s still alive. He’s been in a coma for 3 years.” Mia whispered painfully, as if she were learning for the first time again.
“Were you two close?” He asked. They both knew the answer.
She laughed. “I loved him so much, I thought I would die when he was gone.” Her hand reached for the scar on her forehead. “I guess I almost did.”
Phoenix leaned his shoulder against hers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. How could you? I never said anything.” Mia fidgeted with the magatama around her neck. “His name is Diego Armando.”
“Diego?” He glanced at her. “That’s what…- that’s the name you called me, when you were recovering your memories.”
Mia shrugged. “You remind me of him, sometimes, with the funny things you say, your smug smile, the scar on your hand…” She recalled. “Mostly though, with your natural skill.”
Phoenix felt pride at that, being compared to a man Mia clearly thought so highly of. “Thanks-“
“But he proves my point, too.” She met his eyes at last. “He was prideful. He was a good lawyer and he knew it. That’s why he’s…”
Phoenix didn’t want to upset her anymore than she already was. He decided to drop it. “All right, I see your point. I’ll be careful around Edgeworth.”
Mia smiled, weakly. “Thank yo-“
“As long as you involve me with your White case.” He smirked. “You can’t do it alone, your case file is gone, you’re starting from 0, and you’ll need a now twice successful young lawyer to handle your small fish while you fry the big ones.”
She laughed. “Oh really?”
“Really.” Phoenix stuck his hand out.
Mia shook his hand. “I guess I should promote you to a junior partner officially, then. Congratulations, Phoenix, you’ll be getting your own desk.”
He couldn’t believe it. “Yes! I won’t let you down, Mia!”
“I know you won’t.”