When History Repeats Itself

by Musical_Attorney

Summary:

Phoenix Wright, defense attorney at law, has made some fierce enemies over the years but no one has been worse than Dahlia Hawthorne and Kristoph Gavin. But they're long gone.

...Right?

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

November 15, 2013

Heart rate monitors.

Sweating.

Screaming.

Crying.

Testing.

Talking.

Then... Silence.

Kristoph Gavin sat anxiously beside his lover’s hospital bed. Her breathing was much more gentle than compared to earlier, finally receiving the rest she deserved. This was too much. Way too much. He should be in college, scoring the top of his class in every subject, starting a successful law firm, receiving unfathomable praise and power—because he was Kristoph Gavin, and he was perfect. And yet, his situation was everything but.

When he first found out about the news, he almost threw up. Those children inside of her weren’t his. They couldn’t be his. She said she was on birth control- but there’s always a chance, isn’t there? God, of course, there’s a chance. Why wouldn’t there be? Truthfully, it was partly his fault as well (the burden will always rest on the father). They didn’t usually… they were just… The thoughts rapidly swam around in Kristoph’s mind, punching and kicking his skull relentlessly.

He needed to focus. Focus! The children; focus on the children, Kristoph. You wanted to keep them! Ah yes, that. He mentally cursed at himself for that last sliver of humanity in him. She, of course, thought he was crazy and wanted an abortion immediately, but he told her otherwise- well, begged her otherwise.

“Look at it this way,” he told her, “they’ll be less like our… children and more like our proteges. Made directly in our image, no less.” He took her hand and guided her to the mirror, standing patiently at her side. “We’ll be the ones raising them into model citizens. We’ll be the ones making them perfect. We’ll be the ones making sure they’re too cute to witness any atrocities or otherwise.” She was quickly on board after that.

Now, the true paranoia was kicking in when the nurses walked in with the children. After a couple of hours of being exposed to the horrid earth, the children became much more calm. Swaddled and peaceful.

As the nurse gently placed the newborns in his arms, he caught a glance of pity on her face. He was only 19, after all. Having children, much less twins at this age, is absolutely horrendous. He thought so too. Not only that, but his family might as well have disappeared from the face of the earth with how absent they were from this situation. No one called, texted, or even sent a message to the hospital in their place. Not that he cared (“They never did anything for me anyway. Why would that change today?”), but saying all of this was going to cost a lot of money would be an understatement.

Kristoph looked down at the twins with a strange fondness. One boy and one girl; almost identical. The doctors explained they were perfectly fine and not one thing was out of the ordinary. He thanked them before they left for the next hour.

Luckily, as soon as they were all out of the room, she woke up. Her red, messy hair framed her face as she shifted and her eyes cracked open.

“Good evening, darling. Are you feeling better?”

“I just gave birth.” She rasped, her voice dripping with a weird mix of venom and tiredness. “Don’t ‘darling’ me.”

Kristoph rolled his eyes. “I’m overjoyed to hear you’re okay.”

She lifted herself up slowly, despite the button on her bed to do that for her. “My apologies. My pain and agony aren’t worth the snippy response. After all, we had planned this so far in advance-“

“Please, don’t start.”

“What am I starting, Kristoph? If anything, you started this.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Do I?” The red head challenged. Her brownish-red eyes scanned over every feature of his face as though she were trying to find weakness. “...You’re too calm about this.”

The future defense attorney shook his head and laughed–well, it came out as more of a scoff. “I couldn’t put into words how I’m feeling even if I tried.”

A thick silence sat in the air. Kristoph looked down at the infants before him. “Would you like to hold them?”

“What?”

“The son and daughter you just gave birth to. Would you like to hold them?” He stood up and got closer to her hospital bed, giving her a better view.

She inspected them for a moment."Hm… Good genes. Thank goodness, I don’t think I could live if I produced two unfortunate looking children. Here." she held out her arms, letting Kristoph present the boy to her. She rocked him gently.

“Do you think we’d be exemplary parents?”

“I couldn’t know for certain, but hopefully.” He couldn’t tell if that was the truth or if a simple ‘no’ would have sufficed, but to her, it was a good enough answer.

She smirked. “You’re not going to abandon them, are you?”

“If I was to abandon anybody, I would’ve done so already.”

“True…” The redhead’s eyes flickered between Kristoph and his new son currently in her arms. Something about him… though he had just been born, she saw herself in him… Kristoph, too. Perhaps it was shallow genetic similarities. “Have you ever wanted to be a father?”

The blonde took a moment to think, looking at the child in his hands. It didn't matter whether or not he wanted to be a father, for now he was one. Granted, there was more to being a father than just a word–he knew that all too well. A man had to be there for his kids, support his family until death lapped at his soul. Did that sound appealing to him, Kristoph wasn't sure.

“To put it simply, I never thought I was quite the family man.” Kristoph explained calmly, gently swaying the newborn back and forth. “Though, anything for you, mon amour.” A hint of irony was heard.

She hummed contently in response, “And I you, Krissy.” A hint of irony back. In the silence, there seemed to be a question floating around: What do they do now? They can’t just simply move on with their lives- not now or ever again. They were parents now. Parents that were going to take care of their perfect little proteges or scapegoats or even stable family members.

Suddenly, she harshly grabbed Kristoph by his collar.

“B-Be-“

“No you be careful, Gavin.” Her reddish brown eyes sunk deeper and deeper into his soul word. “If these children aren’t of use,” she let out a strained, disturbing laugh, “I’ll kill you.”

“I promise, Dahlia. These children will be perfect.”

April 27, 2021

“Good Morning, Mr. Wright!” Two small children beamed.

About 2 and a half years into their “friendship,” Kristoph decided to take his kids over to Phoenix’s for a little playdate without his knowledge. This came as a gigantic shock to Phoenix because 1) THE Kristoph Gavin, coolest and coldest defense attorney in the west, having kids? That was basically the equivalent of telling and proving Santa Claus was real. 2) He had been to Gavin’s before and it was so fancy and spotless, it could put museums to shame. How in the world do two children thrive in that environment? Was he hiding them? How the hell do you hide two kids to begin with?!

“Oh, hey there you two,” Phoenix chuckled awkwardly, “Come in.”

As they came in, Phoenix pulled gently at Kristoph’s sleeve. He looked at him inquisitively.

“Kris, where did- how did-” The ex-lawyer was at a loss for words.

“Wright, please, I have a life of my own, you know. Do you seriously think that I live in my office? Doing nothing but work?” Kristoph half-joked with a raised eyebrow.

“Obviously not but–”

“So there are no questions to be asked. Besides,” he continued, “I swear that I told you this about a year ago.”

“O-Okay?”

Phoenix thought as he slowly shut the door behind them. I swear you didn’t.. Did you? He walked over to the couch with Kristoph to find the children waiting patiently until the adults’ conversation was over. Well behaved, they were. Not only that, but they were actually dressed quite nicely for their age- in fact, everything about screamed perfection; the perfect son and daughter who could do absolutely no wrong, even if they tried. Welp, like father, like son and daughter.

Another thing that Phoenix noticed was when they were greeting him: their voices had traces of an accent. French, maybe? But Kristoph wasn’t French. Was he? He could’ve adopted—but that was unlikely. Maybe they needed to do a DNA test…

“Wright, this is Ivylene Hawthorne and Arsenic Gavin.” Kristoph introduced. Wait, wait, wait- Arsenic? Hawthorne? Phoenix forced his face not to waver but he could still feel a worried and or concerned expression creeping onto his face.

“Sup guys, cool little names you got there,” Phoenix sat down on the couch next to them, “ya know, I have a cool name too.”

The twins perked up. “Really?”

“Yeah, Phoenix. As in the fictional bird and the city in Arizona.”

“Phoenix Wright, right?” Arsenic put together while pushing up his glasses like his father.

“That’s me. Speaking of names, Arsenic, do you know what your name means–”

“That’s enough, Wright.” Kristoph suddenly interrupted. “His mother aptly chose the name because she liked it although not exactly fitting for a child, I caved.” So there was a mother–well, no shit but like, ya’know. Phoenix glanced back at Arsenic, who had a cute little pout sitting on his face.

Before Phoenix could properly respond, a sleepy, 10-year-old, Trucy Wright slugged out of her room. “Hey Daddy, who’re you-“ Pausing, she took a second to look around the room before her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. To add more salt to the wound, Ivylene gave her a shy wave while Arsenic glanced at Kristoph, then back at her.

“Good Morning, Truce! Have a nice nap?” Phoenix smiled anyway. Trucy quickly nodded, then scurried away to go get dressed.

Ivylene muttered something in French (Yeah, they are French!) to no one in particular whilst Arsenic answered wistfully.

Phoenix, going off of context clues alone, decided to soothe their worries. “That bed head was my adoptive daughter-“

“Trucy Wright! Magician in–well, basically an expert by now!” Trucy sprung out from around the corner in her usual magician outfit at record speed.

“That’s my girl!”

She bounced over to the twins. “Oooooo, you two are so pretty! Who are you?”

“Thank you so much, Ms. Wright,” they giggled.

“I’m Ivylene!”

“I’m Arsenic!”

“We’re twins!”

She gasped loudly. “That’s. So. COOL! I’ve always wanted my own twin! What’s it like? Is it weird sharing a birthday? Do people get you mixed up? Do you really have twin telepathy-“

“Okay now, Truce. You don’t have to interview the poor children.” Phoenix laughed as Kristoph rolled his eyes.

“O-Oh, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine!” Ivylene countered.

Arsenic added, “We actually get it a lot.”

They went back and forth like that for a while, Phoenix getting more and more tempted to record it all, but opting not to when Kristoph decided to interrupt.

“Well,” he piped up, “maybe you three can get acquainted elsewhere? So there're no apologies to be made?”

As though she had been waiting for this her whole life, Trucy’s eyes immediately lit up before pulling Ivylene and Arsenic straight into her room. Then a loud “TADA!” could be heard. Phoenix smiled fondly at the sound. Goodness, his daughter meant the world to him. It had only been 2 and a half years but he would do anything and everything for her–she deserves it after everything she’s been through.

“That’s a nice way to say shut up, Kris.” He snorted.

Kristoph scoffed and sat down next to him. “Don’t put words into my mouth, Wright. We both know that wasn’t my intention.”

“It wasn’t? I’m just playin’ with ya.” Phoenix said while leaning on the blonde’s shoulder, “Sooooooo, you wanna answer some questions for me?”

“What questions are there to be asked?”

He gave him a knowing look.

Kristoph let out one of his signature dissatisfied sighs. “Wright, I had already told you about them just a year prior.”

“Give your ole’ pal Nix a refresher. My memory hasn’t been working too well these past years.” More like since I discovered the amazing taste of grape juice.

“I suppose I can enlighten you.” Kristoph settled.

Phoenix smirked and thought for a moment. “Let’s start off easy for now. The accents?”

“I’ve decided it would be a great learning opportunity to learn French instead of English first.” Kristoph put a hand to his chin. “Though what I did not anticipate was how strongly the accents would pull through. You’d think that being raised in America and being taught French would even it out a tad, but one could only hope.”

Phoenix nodded, but in actuality he had no idea why Kristoph would do that. I guess that could be said for most of Kristoph’s actions, he thought before moving on.

“Does your brother know about them?”

“No.” The lawyer stated rather quickly.

Phoenix took an awkward pause to let him continue talking, but he stayed silent. “No? That’s it?”

Kristoph glanced at him with a suave expression. “I wasn’t aware you wanted specifics.”

“No, no, it’s fine. I just didn’t expect it- I mean, you usually over-explain your points and-“ Phoenix cut himself off when he realized who he was talking to. “Anyway, you are going to tell him eventually, right? You can’t hide two whole children forever.”

“I suppose you’re correct. Though, not now.”

“Hey whenever you’re ready. I’m not gonna rush you or anything. After all, they’re your kids, not mine, and I can really be one to judge since-“ Kristoph cleared his throat.

Phoenix quickly moved on with a huff. “How old are they?”

“Eight.”

“Kristopher Gavin! You mean to tell me that they’ve been sitting at your house for eight years as a little secret?!”

Kristoph deeply inhaled while gently massaging his temples. Anyone calling him Kristopher- even if they’re joking- had always annoyed him to his cold, nail-polish loving core. Phoenix doesn’t know why that isn’t his full name. It makes more sense in his (correct) opinion. “That isn’t my name and you know it, Wright, and to answer your question, no, they haven’t been just sitting at home. They’ve been busy with their studies. They’re genuine prodigies and that’s saying quite a lot, considering how loosely the word is just thrown around these days.”

Phoenix hummed in agreement before getting up to grab a glass of grape juice. “Really? That’s cool, that’s cool. Next question, why are you hiding them to begin with? Oh, and follow up question- it actually has nothing to do with what I just said- Arsenic? Hawthorne? What’s with that?”

“I’ve already answered the ladder, so I’ll start with that one. As I said earlier, all from their mother. She liked the name. Of course, I disapproved at first, but after much negotiating and arguing, I couldn’t sway her. The same applied to their last names, a stubborn one she was...” Kristoph uncharacteristically trailed off at the end of his sentence as though he needed to figure something out.

The ex-attorney returned to the couch, grape juice in hand. “She sounds like an absolute jewel. Ya’know, I knew a Hawthorne.”

“Yes, Wright, you’ve told, reminisced, and complained about that story one-hundred times over by now.” Kristoph sighed.

“What can I say? It was a big part of my character development.” Phoenix scoffed, “Though I do wonder if we happen to share the same Hawthorne.”

As always, he responded calmly. “Really? You think I knew Iris?”

“Wrong Hawthorne, Gavin.” He took one last swig of his juice and secretly hoped he’d be wrong. “Dahlia Hawthorne, right?”

Unfortunately, Kristoph hesitated- something he never did- before nodding his head. “Ah.. yes. Dahlia Hawthorne. That’s her name.” Phoenix’s heart dropped deep, deep into his stomach. He tried to not let the answer faze him, but it was almost impossible when he saw a hint of admiration lingering in Kristoph’s eyes.

“Hm…W-Wow Kris,” Phoenix muttered, “I didn’t know you had a type.”

“I didn’t- I don’t.” Kristoph corrected himself. “We were close friends before… They happened.”

“Well, did you know?”

“Hm?”

“Did you know what she was doing? What she was planning?” Phoenix spoke carefully.

A tense pause dragged between them like an undead corpse. “No.” Stated Kristoph at last, “I didn’t think she’d ever hurt someone, much less pull off the plans she did. Dahlia was always so kind.”

Phoenix fiddled with the glass bottle and sighed. “Emphasis on was.” He let himself sink deeper into the couch in turn, letting reality sink in too. Dahlia Hawthorne’s children and past lover in his apartment. So, so close to him. She’s closer to him than ever before. Slowly clawing her bloodied fingers back into his life. He couldn’t let that happen. Not again.

“Though,” Kristoph’s even tone broke through his thoughts. “I still wonder why she never tried to kill me as she did you.”

“Well, you said you were her friend. Why would she want to hurt you? And it’s not like you had something she wanted like I did.”

“Before that. You’d think someone as cruel as her wouldn’t need friends, much less a partner.”

Phoenix shrugged and put the now empty bottle down on the cluttered coffee table. “Right. But you didn’t answer my first question.”

“Oh, yes. I must’ve gotten too caught up in the moment. My apologies, continue.” Kristoph said, finally looking up at him.

“You’re good. Anyway, why are you hiding Ivylene and Arsenic?”

“I don’t recall ever saying I was.”

Phoenix didn’t quite believe that. “I know, but you make it seem like you are. I’ve been to your house, Kris, and I’ve never seen anything that resembles a child. Do they go to school? Meet other children? Or is that why you’re here?”

“First and foremost, why would I want kids that make a mess wherever they step? Even as newborns, they didn’t really cry often, so I expect just as much when it comes to their tidiness.” Not how kids work but okay. “Second: What do you suggest they’re studying for, Wright? I did say they were prodigies, correct? And third: they aren’t lonely. They’ve taken up hobbies of their own. Such as chemistry and mechanisms of sorts.” Kristoph finished with a slight tilt of his glasses.

He was avoiding the question. It didn’t take a rocket scientist for that thought to plague Phoenix’s mind. The ex-lawyer debated on pressing further, magatama in the pocket of his jacket, however… he heard faint laughter coming from Trucy’s room. Was now really the time? Phoenix quickly had his answer. “As in doodads and potion making?” He joked dryly.

The blonde rolled his eyes once more. “A bit on the nose there, Wright.”

“It was funny!”

“Not exactly.”

“4 words: stick in the mud.” He poked Kristoph with every syllable.

“Whatever the case,” the other said, swatting Phoenix’s hand away. “The reason for my visit, and I pray you don’t mind me asking, is for you to be a babysitter of sorts. You see, I’ve started working later and waking up earlier. As you can see, I can’t really be there for them as much, so I was hoping you could fill in for me.”

Phoenix smiled at him. “Why didn’t ya say so? Of course I could–it’s not like I have anything better to do. Bring ‘em over anytime.”

Kristoph grinned. He could tell that he was already stressed enough, and these were his children, his prized possessions. Why not help a friend out?

“Thank you, Wright.”

“No problem, Kris. They’ll be in good hands.”

And in good hands, they were. Ivylene Hawthorne and Arsenic Gavin were in good hands until their father hired a new apprentice, until the death of Shadi Enigmar, until said apprentice became a traitor, until the death of Drew Misham, and until the arrest of Kristoph Gavin.

In good hands they were.

September 1, 2030

It was an oddly sunny day in Japanifornia. As of late, there had only been cold weather and mild winds, but supposedly today would be an exception. Trucy Wright was walking to the Sunshine Coliseum to practice her next performance. Although she had done it practically 100 times over, there were always improvements to be made, right? This had to be the most relaxing part of her day: just walking, getting her morning smoothie, and sometimes even meeting fans. It was lovely.

As she walked, she hummed a little tune and started spacing out a bit. Trucy walked to the beat of the mental song with her footsteps.

1 2 1 2

Speed increasing when a particularly fast part was thought of.

123123123

Before she knew it, the magician was on the ground with an unknown woman profusely apologizing for the fiasco. Trucy immediately began retorting these apologies. “No, no! It’s fine! I wasn’t looking where I was going.” And took the hand held out in front of her.

“Are you okay?” The woman cried, “I’d hate for your outfit to be ruined..”

“I’m okay, and so is the outfit,” Trucy joked weakly. Speaking of outfits–rather appearances in general, the woman in front of her was beyond gorgeous. Her hip length, strawberry blonde hair pulled up into French braids sheened, and her skin glowed in the sunlight. In addition, her outfit–a white dress shirt, a black cropped jacket, a waist high, black skirt, a lavender ribbon tie, and matching black and white wedges–looked more expensive than Trucy could ever hope to afford.

Snapping Trucy out of her analysis, the woman smiled in response, “Perfect-“ but her smile soon wavered as she paused, staring somewhat intensely at Trucy’s face. Should she say something or…?

“Welp, best be heading off–” The woman’s eyes suddenly widened as she came to a conclusion. “Trucy! Trucy Wright, right?!”

“Right! A-Are you a fan?”

“No, it’s me silly,” she giggled, “Ivylene Hawthorne!”

That’s when it all clicked. Trucy looked closer and saw the little 8-year-old that had popped into and out of her memory for years. So much has changed about her since then… especially and specifically her voice.

“Ivylene?! You look so...” Beautiful, tall, perfect, much better than my magician ass, “Amazing! God, It’s been so long since I’ve seen you!” She pursed her lips. “Jeez, I feel like a bad friend not keeping in contact for so long.”

“I just go by Ivy now,” she brushed her swoopy bangs out of her eye, “and unfortunately, the blame falls both ways. What are you, nineteen?”

“Yeah, I’m surprised you remembered. And you are... ssseeeevvveennteen?” She guessed awkwardly.

“Right on the money, Truce!” That came as a shock and not only because that was a complete shot in the dark. Quickly after, Ivy started pulling out her phone. “Let’s exchange phone numbers so that we keep in touch.”

“Oh, of course. Where were you going?”

“To my job at Wogue magazine.”

“Wogue? I’ve heard of that place before! They helped me get my show more publicly.” She handed Ivy her phone back, careful not to drop it despite her shaky hand (Saying that it was expensive would be an understatement). “Do you work as a producer or something?”

Ivy quipped, “I’m actually one of their head models.” Well, that explains the fancy clothes and pretty face. “I also do commercials.. If that matters- “ Out of nowhere, Trucy’s ringtone, the Gramarye Land theme song, started playing.

The brunette cringed. “I’m so sorry,” but Ivy just smiled and waved it off. She checked her phone to see Betty calling her. She answered, “Hey Betty..... It hasn’t even been-.......Okay. I’ll be there in a moment.” Then slipped her phone back into her pouch.

“I have to get going now. I’m sorry, again.”

“Oh, it’s fine! I should get going myself. We should hang out sometime.”

“Yeah! What about tomorrow at 3? We could meet up back here?”

“Sure! Goodbye now, Truce.” Ivy gave her one last angelic smile before walking off.

“Bye Ivy!”

Trucy might’ve only taken 5 steps before the sky became dark with clouds, casting shadows onto the world below. Suddenly, she heard a loud crash of lightning. Her head shot to the sky, wasn’t it just sunny? All she could do was shake her head and run off to the job she was apparently late for.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Summary:

Trucy's running late and everyone wonders why.

“Okay, okay! I'm sorry!” Trucy held her hands up in defense of Betty's relentless lecturing. She tried explaining herself, but obviously that didn't work.

“Betty, let's just get practicing already.” Bonny softly interrupted.

“Hmph!” Her twin stuck up her nose and crossed her arms. “Whatever! Just don't be late tomorrow, alright?”

“Yes, ma'am!” Trucy saluted her before turning on her heel and walking backstage, slightly exhausted from bickering for so long. Their newest show, Suspiria Kenja and the Opalescence Staff, was going to be airing 3 weeks from now, so she could slightly understand where some of her assistant's anger was coming from. However, sometimes she still finds herself wishing Betty wasn't so… Betty.

Backstage, Trucy saw the lighting crew and some actors getting the props set up. She continued her morning routine by waving and saying something positive. One day, someone actually asked about this and Trucy–being one of the nicest people in the world–said, “Well, saying something positive could positively brighten someone's day, right?” Most returned her wave or gave a quick hello, then went back to what they were doing.

“Oh, hello, Ms. Wright.” Spoke Whitney, the actor for the main villain. She handed Trucy her wand. “I heard Ms. De Famme was totally giving you a hard time.”

“Yeah, you know her. She's just being picky, as always. I know she just wants the best for the show.”
Whitney shrugged in doubt.

“You always see the best in people, Ruce.” Carlos, another performer, chimed in, his bold Brooklyn accent automatically grabbing the girls' attention. “I were you, I wouldn't take that level of disrespect.”
Trucy laughed at the actor, then flew into her dressing room before poking her head out of the doorway, having one last thing to say.
"Oh, and before I forget, did you guys hear about any storms today?"
Whitney and Carlos looked at each other in confusion, then looked back at her.

"Um, no. Not at all."

"Right, stupid thing to even mention. Ok, see you in a minute!" Trucy swung back into her dressing room, leaving them to their activities.
She dropped her small bag on her vanity, pulled on her beginning outfit, grabbed Mr. Hat, and went back on stage. Her new director, Dohn Joe, was giving some stage directions to the others.

“So, I just need you to move a little more to the right when doing the eternal spell of… what was it?” His face instantly lit up when he saw her. “Ms. Wright! I-I thought you weren't gonna make it. Good you did, though.”

“Okay, seriously, how long was I gone for?” She sighed.

“Um, not long b-but still! Now, we can finally run the first act.”

Trucy giggled and shook her head. “Okay! You heard the man! Places people!”

—---------------------------------------------------------

After hours of yelling, sweating, and special effects, the day was done. Everyone was packing up when Betty and Bonny approached her, one twin looking more annoyed than the other.

“Great practice, as always, Trucy!” Bonny beamed, bumping her sister with her hip.

“Thanks girls! You two did great too!” Trucy said as she shoved her water bottle into her bag.

“Um…” Betty started, heat rising to her cheeks, “I apologize for snapping at you this morning–but that doesn’t mean that you get to show up at any time you like! Even if you are our boss!”

Trucy nodded and grabbed the last of her items. “I know, I know. I’ll be on time for next practice, promise. You’re forgiven–not that you had to apologize, anyway.” At that, Betty stuck her tongue out at her sister.

“Before you leave, if it’s not a bother, why were you late?” Said sister questioned. “It isn’t like you, after all.” Well, that explains the overexaggeration of the rest of the crew.

“Really? I didn’t know I was that punctual.” Trucy jokes. “Anyway, I just ran into an old friend, and we had a little chat. That’s about it.”

Betty scoffed, then pushed a curly lock of hair out of her eyes. “Oh really? Who? Obviously, they must’ve been someone pretty important.”

“Betty, please–”

“It’s cool, it’s cool. After all, I am still the guilty party. So, as she was saying, the person I was talking to was my old friend, Ivylene-”

“THE MODEL!?!” The twins screamed out of nowhere and making Trucy jump back.

“Y-Yeah. She’s a model-”

“At Wogue magazine! We know!” Betty shook her employer violently, “You were old friends with THE Ivylene Belladonna, forgot about her for a few years, then bumped into her like it was nothing!?!”

"I wouldn't say that-"

“Ms. Belladonna is known to make some of the most beautiful women look like hairless moles in comparison.” Bonny raved, her eyes star-struck. Trucy, somehow managing to pry Betty's finger off her shoulders, gave the two a surprised but worried look.

“One, she's pretty, sure, but I highly doubt she puts other women to shame. Two, I didn't know she was so popular. I mean- I thought it was mostly actors who got all the publicity, and models were just some people who you heard about from time to time.”

Bonny let out a small gasp before grabbing the brunette's hands and exclaiming, "That's the thing: they say that she single-handedly made modelling relevant. Not to mention, she's starred alongside some top celebrities in Hollywood! You couldn't find one imperfect thing about her, even if you tried!” That alone made Trucy wonder why someone like her was taking a casual stroll through the town, especially without attracting a large crowd.

“So,” Betty piped up. “How did you meet her?”

“Ya see, my dad used to babysit her because her-” Trucy froze. Ivy's father…

“Trucy?” She heard one of the twins say, but she couldn't comprehend it. Her mind wouldn't let her. His name felt like a crime to say, much less think about. She didn't want to think about him. She didn't want to think…

“H-Hey girls,” Trucy breathed, suddenly regaining the ability to speak. “I'll… see you tomorrow, okay?”

In her peripheral vision she saw them both pause, nod, then walk away. Trucy gripped her bag tightly. How's Daddy going to take this?

—---------------------------------------------------------

“Heya, Truce!” She heard Daddy greet from the kitchen as she entered their apartment. Miles Edgeworth, Papa, was sitting on the couch, reading through yet another case file while the news was playing in the background. “How'd rehearsals go?”

“Good, as always.” She sighed, slipping off her white boots. Pess, papa’s dog, skittered to her feet, eager for pets of which she obviously gave. No matter how bummed she was, she couldn't deny him attention. Edgeworth looked up from his book. “Really? If that sigh was anything to go by, I'd say it went a little less good than you're letting on."

Hanging her cape on the coat hanger and dropping her bag onto the marble island, she let out a loooooong exhale. “The rehearsal itself went fine. It's just…” She bit her lip.

Phoenix, the constantly caring parent he is, instantly stopped straining spaghetti noodles and gave Trucy all his attention. “Just?”
“I met someone…”

He let out an over dramatic gasp, “A potential lover - no. Enemy? Miles, drop that goddamn case file because this is important!” Surprisingly, Miles actually dropped everything and immediately walked into the kitchen to join the conversation. “Continue.”

Trucy let out little giggles between her words, “No, no! Not like that! As in, a friend.” Her smile slowly fell when mentioning that last part.

“Then why be so cryptic?” Edgeworth questioned.
“It's, um, complicated…”

“Whoever it is, we won't judge.” Phoenix reassured, giving her a pat on the back.

“I know you won't. It's just a lot.” Trucy took a deep breath and spoke very slowly and carefully. “Daddy… You remember when I was 10, right?”

“Yeah?”

"And you remember the friends I had at that age?"

"Where are you going with this?"

“Well…” She wanted to put this as delicately as humanly possible. “This morning, on my way to work, I kinda, sorta, maybe, probably, definitely ran into Ivylene Hawthorne aka the model… aka Kristoph Gavin's daughter.” She winced as she slipped out the last part, knowing she had one more thing to add. “Not to mention that I kinda, sorta, maybe, probably, definitely made plans to meet with her tomorrow at 3.” Trucy's face scrunched up even more, looking at the reaction on theirs.

It looked like they had just smelled the worst smell of their lives while simultaneously being stunned into silence. Speaking of silence, it was piercing (save for the T. V which no one had paused).

At last, Phoenix muttered, “Oh." Then got back to the spaghetti. “Gavin's daughter, huh? I-I totally forgot about her…” He sounded almost guilty. Papa, however, wasn't having any of it. “I wasn't aware that he even had a child. He never struck me as the family type.”

“Yeah-um, the reason I even told you this is just so you don't ask later. You know, when I'm gone-"

"You're still going?" Phoenix asked in the spur of the moment.

The magician tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Well duh. I'm not just going to cancel out of nowhere, especially since we haven't seen each other since we were kids. I want to know what she's been up to." Phoenix then glanced at Edgeworth as a silent help me out here.

“Trucy, we fully understand that,” Miles started. “But a lot's happened between then and now. Let it be known, we aren't implying that she's dangerous or anything like her father-”

“But at the same time, that's exactly what we're implying.”

“Wright.” Edgeworth snapped.

“I'm just saying!” Phoenix countered. “Gavin was a very dangerous and clever guy. Who knows what he taught them to think? How to act?”

Trucy bit her lip softly, still processing the words coming out of her dads' mouths. “Technically… that wouldn't make sense if she was any sort of dangerous. If Gavin really had a façade for those past years, then why would he show his kids any different? I mean- I highly doubt he'd stop faking for them; being the type of man that he is.”

The lawyer, mixing the pasta sauce rhythmically, pursed his lips. “The risk is still there.”

“Daddy, when have I ever been known to say no to a risk?” She smirked. Seeing Trucy smile made Phoenix smile in return, albeit a nervous one.

“Miles, you're okay with this?”

“Of course.”

“Well,” he sighed. “You can go- it's not like we were going to stop you, but! You have our consent as long as you keep us updated.”

“Yes, sir!” Trucy saluted her father before skipping off into her room, feeling a little better now that the truth was out. She took her hair down and brushed it in quick strokes. After a minute or two, her phone buzzed.

Pulling it out of her pocket, Trucy saw that she received a text from Ivy. Speak of the devil.

Ivy: Hi, Truce! Are we still on for tomorrow?

A small smile crept onto Trucy's face.

Trucy: Of course!

Notes:

I made it my goal to post this chapter on Ivylene & Arsenic's birthday! So Happy Birthday to them!😁🎉🎊🎉

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Summary:

The aforementioned hang out happens and tears are shead.

September 2nd

"Hey, guys? Is it okay if we end rehearsals early today?" Is what Trucy asked the cast earlier that day. Understanding, everyone decided to head out at 1 o'clock, 3 hours earlier than usual. That left her with time to get back home, make herself presentable, and even clean up a little.

Now, in 30 minutes, Trucy Wright was going to rekindle with her childhood friend and daughter of her biological father's killer, Ivylene Hawthorne. God, she was nervous. First impressions were long out of the way at this point, yet the magician still had hope. Screwing it up a second time wasn't an option.

Heading out the door, she thought about Daddy's warning: Be careful and keep them updated. Simple enough–well, she didn't want to be rude by pulling out her phone constantly. Maybe there was a plot hole she could wiggle through to prevent that?

Walking to the agreed meeting spot–Octavia's Café & Sweets–was way more tedious than Trucy remembered. People lined the streets, almost frantic, as if they were trying to get away from something–or more fittingly–get to someone. There were whispering and excited news reporters clicking their cameras with such vigor that Trucy was afraid she was going to go blind before actually getting there.

Getting closer, she soon realized that the crowd was surrounding precisely where she needed to be. Ivy must be in there already, Trucy mentally sighed. She did her best to squeeze through and get to the front, only to find two bodyguards blocking the door. The brunette winced as they both looked down at her, the paparazzi ready to take pictures of her beaten up body to add to their collection of many others who've probably met the same fate.

“Hiya! Um, I need to get in there–” Some twisted luck must've been on her side at that moment because the men suddenly grabbed Trucy by her upper arms and threw her in the cafe, quickly closing the door behind her to not let anyone else inside.

Trucy landed on her stomach with a hefty, "Oof!" The quiet chatter of the cafe coming to an alert halt. With her cheeks flushed, she awkwardly got herself together and shuffled to the counter to go mumble her way through a conversation with the barista.

The barista stopped what she was doing and asked, "Hey? You okay?"

"Yeah…H-Hey, umm, do you know where-"

"Ivylene Belladonna is? That's what everyone's wanted to know since they stepped foot in here. It's gotten so bad that those two bodyguards had to take action for safety precautions or whatever. But why'd they you in, of all people, is the question on my mind?" Sighed the barista.

Trucy rubbed the back of her neck, a habit she picked up from one certain defense attorney. "I wonder that too, but I really need to see her because we had this little meetup planned and–"

"Good evening, Truce!" A voice like silk greeted from behind. The shorter girl quickly spun around to be greeted by the woman herself.

"Ivy! Good evening to you too!" Trucy said, relieved that she didn't have to go find Ivy herself.

"I'm so very sorry for the crowd." Ivy grimaced and gestured towards the ever-growing parade of people. "I should've expected this when planning. Please forgive me–"

"No, no! It's fine! You didn't know! Let's enjoy our time together, 'kay?" Trucy internally cringed at that- what? Reassurance? But, by a miracle, as if it had never left, Ivy's natural glow was back. Her cringiness worked! "Come." Was the last thing she said before leading Trucy over to their table in the back, her long, strawberry blonde braids following close behind.

Trucy realized not so long after they sat down that she was quite underdressed compared to the model in front of her. She'd just thrown on a sweater, some shorts, a pair of hiking boots and called it a day. While her counterpart was wearing a cute black dress with white, puffy sleeves, silver jewelry, and matching black wedges. Is this how she embarrasses herself? Through outfit choice alone?

"Truce?" Ivy tilted her head. "Are you okay?"

Crap, she spaced out! "Ah-! Uh, it's just that… you look great in black. That's all."

“Really? You think so?” She asked, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Of course! You're probably gorgeous in literally everything. I couldn't compete!” Trucy agreed.

“Oh please, you give me more credit than I deserve.” Ivy giggled politely behind the back of her hand. “Black has never been my forte. I much prefer wearing whites, pinks, golds, the occasional shade of red if I really feel adventurous.”

“Are you serious?!” Trucy gasped, “That's so many options! And you're telling me that black isn't one of your main options?!”

“Of course not.” The model shakes her head. “Black is an amazing color with extraordinary possibilities for everyone, fashion wise, but the only reason I'm wearing it now is because… black tends to make people unapproachable.” She admits, her voice softening.

Trucy took a pause, her head tilting to the side in confusion. “What? Why would you want to be unapproachable? I bet everyone would want to approach someone like you.”

“You don't have to bet on anything,” Ivy sighed bitterly. “Your evidence is practically trying to knock down the door and blind my bodyguards.”

Trucy looked towards the cafe entrance, and sure enough, the crowd was still there, loud and proud. A disturbed feeling spiked in Trucy's heart, her brows furrowing at them. All Ivy was doing was meeting up with a friend and she had to deal with this? It was horrible and somewhat horrifying how far people will go.

"Once again, I profusely apologize for the crowd and the treatment of my bodyguards. I assure you, they weren't supposed to be here. It's just," She paused, head resting on her palm. "When fans started coming in, unfortunately, I had to call them."

Trucy pursed her lips, "Oh, well, does this happen often or…?"

"Not usually, no. Though, I might've dropped the name of where I was going in my latest post..." Ivy trailed off as she pulled out her phone, quickly scrolling to her post on Instagram. Once found, she scanned over the caption and hummed. "I suppose I did imply I was going to a cafe, but I never outright said I was, nor did I specify which…" She trailed off.

"What do you mean?" Trucy pondered aloud. The celebrity spun her phone around, showing her the pic of her earlier this morning. The caption read, "Going to get coffee and rekindle with my old friend! Wish me luck!💖" with her in the picture holding up a peace sign and slightly showing off her outfit.

"Some crazy fans." The magician muttered.

"I know." Ivy pulled her phone back. "I wish it weren't like this. Even after seven years of modeling full time, it's still so unorthodox to me that I have this big of a following; willing to do anything just to see me. Even for the tiniest of seconds." A dense silence followed after, Trucy not quite knowing what to say since she's had her fair share of crazy fans, but she could never imagine amassing the following Ivy had.

At last, Trucy slowly questioned, "You started modeling when you were only ten?"

Ivy's eyes were back on the brunette. "Oh, yes. A recruiter happened to be walking by that fateful day and told my older cousin–who was with my brother and I at the time–that we would make astounding models at his company." Oh, yeah! Her brother! What was his name again?

"That's… a more than questionable business tactic." Trucy pondered before Ivy giggled.

"My cousin and father thought so too but, surprisingly enough, the recruiter wasn't trying to steal us or whatever. He was serious."

"And now you're a big time model at the age of 17! Congrats!" The brunette finished, successfully cheering up the girl in front of her.

"Thank you, thank you," she laughed, "but that's enough about me. Tell me, how have you been these past few years?"

"Great, actually! I've been practicing a show I wrote called Suspiria Kenja and the Opalescence staff! I'm trying something new this time around rather than have me playing– well, me. Trust me, it was NOT easy coming up with all the characters and the main story was the bane of my existence for a while—”

3 minutes later

“Apollo is the one with spiky hair and his favorite color is red, so he wears a bunch of it all the time! His sibling, Nahyuta, says he looks like a pepper–”

5 minutes later

“Athena is so cool! She's like a sister or an aunt to me! Sometimes, she lets me put on Widget and we go back and forth, telling each other lies. Sometimes we even go out in public and–”

As Trucy talked on, Ivy listened attentively to each word. The model made her feel like everything she said was important, even if it was just ramblings, and Trucy really appreciated that. "And that's about it! That was a lot, sorry–"

"It's fine." Ivy quickly countered, "What you've been doing– It's all so interesting that I didn't even notice. You're so cool!" Trucy felt her cheeks heat up at the compliment. "Aw, thanks! But you're Ivylene Haw–”

“No! Please don't!” She squeaked out before Trucy could finish that statement.

“Wait, I– what?” Trucy was taken aback at Ivy's random objection.

“Truce… Surely you've recognized how people say my last name, right?”

Trucy thought back to all the times Ivy’s name had been brought up. Ivylene Hawthorne… Ivylene Belladonna… “You go by… Belladonna?”

“In public, yes,” Ivy admitted. “It's actually my middle name. However, using my actual last name might cause some… problems.”

Trucy opened her mouth to ask about it but quickly shut it for it wasn't her place. What Ivy wanted to and didn't want to elaborate on was none of her business, especially if it would cause her problems. Instead, she nodded in understanding, shoving her curiosity down her own throat.

“... You're allowed to ask.”

Trucy's eyes widened, “O-Oh, uh, you don't have to explain anything if you don't want to–”

“No, no. I brought it up. I owe you an explanation at the very least.” Ivy took a breath before continuing, “Hawthorne is my mother’s last name. While it may be a popular last name worldwide and mean essentially nothing to most, if we're speaking from the world of law, another Hawthorne cannot happen.”

Trucy was stunned into silence at her explanation, processing this information very slowly. In the world of law? What could she mean by that? Like her mother has been in cases? Or was her mother just a bad attorney? “Who… Who’s your mother?” She forced out.

“The same woman who gave me these gorgeous rings.” Ivy stuck both her hands out to show Trucy the silver rings with an obsidian-like stone in the middle of each, sitting on both her middle fingers. Something about the two black rings… Something about them drew Trucy in. Her nerves were spiking, her eye was twitching, her bones felt heavy, her heart was throbbing, her throat was closing– what the actual hell was up with those rings?!

"Oh, and I forgot to ask," she pulled out her credit card, "are you hungry?"

Trucy made a surprised noise, snapping out of whatever trance she found herself in. "Oh, no! I can pay! I mean- I'm not usually one for turning down free food, but I brought money for myself."

"I insist, truly! I-It's for the crowd. Sorry, again."

"Again, it's fine! You can't control anyone but yourself after all!"

They went back and forth like this for almost two minutes, but eventually Ivy won this kindness war by threatening to buy Trucy's entire magic show. Now she couldn't refuse!

They both walked up to the counter, still laughing at the hilarity that had just ensued. They had both noticed the lack of flashing lights and excited yelling when walking up to the counter. It had seemed like the crowd had lessened greatly with the exception of a few hopeless photographers just waiting for the 17-year-old to walk out. Creepy, Trucy thought as she turned to the barista from earlier.

"Oh, hey. You're back." She greeted, washing out a cup of some sort.

Trucy rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah. This time I'm actually here for food!"

"Okie dokie," the worker gave the two girls her full attention, "what can I get for ya'?"

"I'd just like a cookies and cream ice cream cup and a small cup of matcha tea, please," Ivy ordered politely. "And you'd like?"

"Wait, that's it?" Surely that couldn't be her whole order.

"I don't have the biggest sugar tooth, so something simple and light will suffice. Also, I just really love the dessert."

"One cookies and cream ice cream cup and a small matcha tea." The barista recited. "And you?"

"Two chocolate filled croissants and a medium iced tea, please!"

She nodded, jotting down the last details of their order and receiving Ivy's payment, then waved the two off as she got to work. Trucy and Ivy moved to the window over and patiently waited for their food.

"Something's been on my mind," Trucy started.

"Ask away."

"Your voice. It's changed since we last saw each other. And I don't mean like naturally, ya'know? I thought you had an accent."

Ivy stared at her for a second, her eyes narrowed, then a flash of recognition was seen. "Oh! My "accent."" She paused to laugh to herself, "the truth is, my father actually taught me and my brother French instead of English as our first language. Whatever accent you were hearing back then was just a by-product of our teachings. We didn't start learning English until we were five years-old."

"You were just walking around, not knowing what anyone was saying?"

"Funny enough, we could understand English. We just couldn't speak it."

"Ooooohhhhhhhh!" Ivy smiled warmly at Trucy as she bounced on her heels, responding accordingly to whatever Ivy had said. Ivy loved how bubbly she was. Even at 19 years old, she still acted like that 10-year-old from all those years ago.

After about a minute of talking, their food and drinks had been handed to them. As they walked back to their seats, the off-blonde nudged the magician softly with the side of her elbow.

She muttered something along the lines of "I could've dropped my croissant" then hummed in response.

"I was wondering, since the crowd looks like it's gone, would you like to go eat in the nearby park?" Ivy asked.

Trucy peeked out the window and sure enough, everyone was gone, save for the bodyguards, who were standing stiffly in front of the door. "Yeah, but what will happen when you step out there? What if they all come running back?"

"Chadston and Bradston don't leave my side until I give the word, so we should be good. Besides," Ivy continued with a playful smirk, "you'll protect me, too. Won't you?"

"Of course! Anything for her majesty!" Trucy laughed and bowed the best she could while holding her food.

"Perfect, my insatiable subject. Let's be off then, shall we?"

"We shall!"

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"--Croissant?"

"Truce, you don't need to say it with that thick of an accent. It should just roll off the tongue: croissant." Ivy spoke through giggles.

"Croissant?" Trucy butchered for the billionth time with a huge smile on her face.

The model jokingly sighed. "Close enough." The two girls laughed, Trucy almost rolling down the hill they sat atop. They'd finished their treats and were now talking and joking like they'd been in contact with each other all this time. It had been so long since she could just joke and talk to someone that wasn't a coworker or family or just someone who had time for her and who she had time for in return. Saying she missed this would be a disgusting understatement.

Finally regaining her breath, Truce sighed. "Ya'know, we should do this again sometime."

"I know." Ivy took a deep breath, gazing off into the fading sunset. Trucy followed her eyes, making sure to take in the way they looked so at ease compared to a few hours ago.

"Maybe this Saturday when I don't have rehearsals? Or maybe–" She noticed Ivylene looked worried again. Could you go one sentence without ruining her damn mood, Wright?!

"O-Or we could just work out the details later! It's fine–"

"No, no," Ivy interrupted. "I'd love to plan now rather than later, it's just…"

"It's just…?" Trucy repeated carefully.

She hid her face in her hands, seemingly trying to figure out what to say. "It's just… you and me… being friends…"

"What about me and you–... Oh." Trucy's throat suddenly became dry, and she curled herself into a ball, placing her head on her knees.

"Tell me. Trucy, how did he react when you told him about me?" She whimpered, voice barely above a whisper. Trucy craned her neck towards the model in shame.

"He… He saw you as your dad… thought you were dangerous…"

Ivy nodded sadly. "That's what I assumed."

They sat in silence, trying to figure out what to say whilst wishing the other would say something first. It was terrible that even if they were ever going to hang out like this, they'll still never be able to escape the fact that their dads' downfalls were caused by the other. In a cheesy movie, they were destined to be arch enemies, but why? Why did it have to be that way? Light sniffling disrupted the silence.

"Ivy?" Trucy turned to look at the younger girl.

"I-I'm so, s-so sorry, T-Trucy." Ivy attempted to wipe the quickly flowing tears from her eyes, to no avail. "I-I must look so p-pathetic–"

"No! God, no!" Trucy moved closer to her. "You aren't pathetic! Nothing close to it! Look, my dad allowed me to come here s-so–"

"It's not about that! I'm sorry about what my father did to yours, and I'm sorry that yours will never trust me. I don't nor can't blame him in the slightest." Not being able to hold it in anymore, Ivy shook as sobs wracked throughout her being. Trucy pulled her into a warm embrace and tried her best to calm her down, feeling a sharp sense of guilt run up her spine.

"Hey, hey. We can't control the actions of other people." Trucy whispered.

Ivy pushed her head deeper into the crook of Trucy's neck while she tried to pull herself together. "I-I'm so," a hoarse breath, "s-so sorry, Trucy. It wasn't supposed to be like t-this."

"I'm telling you, it's okay! You did nothing wrong! If daddy thinks that someone like you is dangerous, then he's dead wrong!" Surprised, Ivy lifted her head slowly off Trucy's neck. "Hanging out with you again has been nothing but amazing. And I want to again!" Trucy took Ivy's hands into her own and gave them a soft squeeze. "Please, Ivy. I know what it's like to have some less than great family relations and we shouldn't let them define us. Especially not who we hang out with."

Watery eyes gazed at the hopeful blue ones. Ivy's lip quivered as she figured out something to say.

"...S-Sunday," she muttered at last.

"Wha-"

"Sunday, my brother, Arsenic- you remember him, right?"

Arsenic! That's his name! "Oh, yeah! How could I forget that name?" Trucy chuckled awkwardly.

Ivy smiled softly and pulled out a silk cloth to dab her rosy cheeks with. "Yeah, I swear he's been brainstorming about what to change his name to since he was born. Anyway, if all goes well, he should be coming back from France at approximately 2:45pm. Would you like to accompany me to go pick him up from the airport?"

The magician winced, "Ya'see, coincidentally I have to go pick Apollo, the red one, up from the airport too. He and his sibling are coming back from his homeland to stay with us until March."

The off-blonde thought for a second, putting a finger up to her lips. "Hmm… which airport would you be picking him up from?"

Now, it was Trucy's turn to think, "I think it was Star Row Airlines?"

"You mean Marot Airlines?" She giggled.

"Same difference!"

Ivy laughed and shook her head. "You won't be saying that when you're the one getting picked up from the airport. You're going to get left all by your lonesome while everyone wonders where you are."

Trucy let out a loud laugh. "That would happen to me! But why do you ask?"

"Well, that's precisely where my brother is getting picked up." Ivy smiled, seeing Trucy's eyes light up.

"We're knocking out two birds with one stone!"

"Three, technically, but that's exactly what I'm getting at." Suddenly, Ivy was tackled in a tight hug.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Trucy exclaimed, "Best day ever! You can even ride with us to the airport!" The two girls laughed as Trucy pulled them both down into the grass. After a while, a pleasant silence fell over them.

"Not that I don't want to," the younger girl started, "But I still don't know about re-introducing myself to-"

"Ah, ah, ah! Remember what I said, and there's no time like the present, right?" Trucy reassured.

Her counterpart let out a long sigh and smiled at the ever dimming sky. "You're impossible."

"All in a day's work, madam." Trucy jumped up and offered her hand to Ivy, reminiscent of when they first ran into each other just yesterday. Her soft hand slipped into her own.

"Text me your address. I'll walk over there."

"Will do." Wait… I forgot to keep them updated!

Notes:

Currently 2:42am. I'll look at my (9 times out of 10) terrible writing once I've slept then decided if I hate it or not.
🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Summary:

We're expanding the universe guys! New characters come into play at an airport!

Notes:

Hi! Uh, yeah I'm alive and well and whatnot. I don't even have a tragic backstory (unless you count school as a tragic event of its own) I just got so lazy, I didn't post for roughly two years. Sad ik😔 BUT I come back with treasures! I've been writing new chapters to actually continue the story and edited my bad writing from the previous chapters so I suggest you start from the beginning if you're starting from chapter 4! Anyways, thank you so so much if you were waiting for this long, your nice words have practically been my prime motivation lol. Anyways, happy reading, counselor!

September 7th

Knock, Knock, Knock

Three sharp knocks at the door.

Trucy let out a tiny gasp before scampering to the door. That must be her! She had been anticipating Ivy's visit all day; thinking about anything else was almost impossible. From cleaning the house to obsessing about her outfit, she made sure that Ivy only saw the best of her and her dads. This had to go as close to perfect as she could get it.

Trucy cleared her throat and smoothed out her jumpsuit. She made sure that her outfit would match Ivy's persistent air of professionalism that followed her around like a dog trying to follow a scent (Miles was proud that she finally learned how to use a steamer). Putting her hand on the handle of the door, Trucy turned to look at her well-dressed dads.

"Please," she begged, "please, don't be rude or treat her like she's some kind of unpredictable weapon of mass destruction or anything like that." Since Tuesday, when Ivy showed a side of herself that Trucy didn't think was possible for an immaculate girl like her, she's been reminding Phoenix and herself that Ivy is a teenager. She lost her dad at a young age and was just trying to pick up all the pieces of all the destruction caused. Sounds familiar, huh?

Phoenix and Miles nodded and smiled in response. With one last breath, Trucy pulled open the door to come face to face(ish) with a dressed down Ivylene Hawthorne– I mean, Belladonna.

"Ivy!" Trucy engulfed her in a big, big hug. So big, in fact, Ivy almost toppled over. "H-Hey, Truce!" Ivy sputtered, trying to regain her balance. She quickly backed off to actually let the other inside.

Trucy closed the door behind Ivy then rushed beside her parents. "So! These are my dads! But, of course, you already know one of them!"

Ivy's eyes danced and forth between Trucy and Phoenix in nervousness. Phoenix wasn't too much better with his left hand in his pocket and his right hand intertwined tightly with Miles'. Oh… After all these years… Ivy looks so much like her mother… but, of course, not too much, for Kristoph was taunting him too in her clever blue eyes. He knows he shouldn't judge from outside circumstances– Trucy told him as much– but that was much easier said than done. His fingers twitched to grab a pocketed magatama that wasn't there as a heavy beat of silence radiated the air.

Eventually, Phoenix swallowed his anxiety and was the first to say something.

"It's nice to see you again, Ivylene. Why, haven't you gotten big! You're as tall as me!" Phoenix chuckled lightly.

Ivy smiled at him, thankful that she didn't have to break the ice. "Thank you, Mr. Wright. It's nice to see you again, too. And you're Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, aren't you?"

"It seems you already know me then." Miles put his hand out. Ivy shook it gracefully. "Thank you for coming with us."

"It's my pleasure, Mr. Edgeworth. For me, this trip is taking out two birds with one stone, so it would be a missed opportunity to decline." Ivy spoke smoothly as always. “And what a beautiful apartment you reside in. Completely different from what I remember.”

Phoenix glanced around, “Oh it's nothing, really. The most that’s changed is that I have a proper job.” He chuckled.

Miles nodded then turned to Trucy and Phoenix. "Well now, we should get going before we are late."

"Yeah!" Trucy chimed in, "We've got to beat the others there!" The group was soon on the road, driving to pick up Apollo, Nahyuta, and a new friend.

---------------------------------------------------

"-And so, pretzels are much better than peanuts despite their higher salt level. Especially, on a plane full of other passengers who may be allergic to peanuts. You must be more considerate of others in that regard-"

"OKAY! Okay." Apollo ran his fingers through his hair, exasperated from the whole lecture Nahyuta was giving him about some dumb peanuts and pretzels. "I get it. Pretzels are better or whatever. J-Just," a long sigh, "stop talking for a second."

"Rude," Nahyuta huffed as they popped a pretzel into their mouth. Apollo rolled his eyes at his sibling then used the silence as a way to think. They were in section A on the 2nd floor but their stuff was in section B on the 1st floor. According to the sign hanging from the ceiling, if they take the escalator down, they would be in section C on the first floor. This was starting to sound like a math problem the more that Apollo thought about it.

"Ok," He concluded, "all we have to do is-"

"Don't you dare say we have to take the escalator then walk from there."

"Do you know a quicker route because I'm happy to hear you out." The lawyer says, glaring at his sibling.

Nahyuta briefly looked around then made their way to a map, Apollo following behind in exasperation. Their emerald eyes scanned it thoroughly, "Hm… It seems you are correct."

"Thank you!" The shorter man sighed

"But-"

"Oh holy mother, Nahyuta!"

Nahyuta rolled their eyes, "But, that doesn't negate the fact that the architecture in this airport is ridiculous.”

Apollo pinched the bridge of his nose, “And what do you want me to do about that? Sue the airport?”

“I don't need your sass, Pepper. Now, come on.” The regent continued to walk, “They've most likely already put all our luggage where any heathen could steal it.”

Exhausted, Apollo followed Nahyuta to the escalator and out of Zone A. “Anyways, how is Rayfa’s spirit channeling going? I heard you and Amara had your work cut out for you.”

Nahyuta groaned, beginning to rub their temples. “We do indeed… All things considered, she's progressing wonderfully and will one day be fit to summon any lost soul there is.”

Apollo raised an eyebrow, “... But?”

“But… I fear that she might not be mentally ready.”

“What do you mean?”

“Apollo, she's going to be a queen when her twenty-first birthday arrives.” They sighed, “That's a mere four years to get acquainted with every aspect of being a queen and with what happened a few years ago, I feel as though she may not be emotionally prepared.”

“Well…” Apollo didn't quite know where to begin. He gets where Nahyuta is coming from, but Dhurke’s death was years ago. “Are you sure? I mean, Dhurke's death was so long ago-”

“I know but the wound he left is still fresh.” That's something Apollo couldn't deny even if he wanted to. “It's complicated to say the very least.” Nahyuta finished, their fingers pressed up against his beads anxiously.

“Yuta.” The defense attorney placed his hand on his sibling's shoulder, “If I learned anything from 2 years ago, it's that having faith in the ones you care for will always work out in the end… that is if you trust that they're a good person and that they know what they're doing.” He tacked on the last part nervously.

Nahyuta smiled softly at their brother. “You've such a way with words, Pepper.”

“Ay, what’re brothers for?”

---------------------------------------------------

Ivy was slowly starting to realize what she had gotten herself into. Music borderline blasted from the speakers while Trucy and Phoenix jammed out to a variety of music while she and Miles listened, stifling giggles and chuckles. Is this what they were normally like on long trips, Ivy had no clue. A few minutes later, they were back to a comfortable silence.

"If I may ask," she piped up, "who are the others we're trying to beat?"

Trucy quickly turned to Ivy, almost cracking her neck in the process, "I didn't tell you?! I'm a terrible host! Okay, so the others are Athena, the one I told you about on Tuesday, Simon, Athena's scary bruncle," Ivy made a face," brother/uncle, and Klavier, you should be excited to meet him!"

Ivy twisted a piece of curly hair around her finger. "Klavier? Klavi…er…" After about 30 seconds of thinking she hummed. "Oh, the former rockstar! Right, I've never listened to any of his music but there was no doubt he had talent."

Phoenix twisted in his seat with a confused expression, Miles letting out a subtle sigh.
"Is that… all you know about him?"

"I- Well, I heard his bandmate got arrested-"

"Yes, that did happen, but I mean did-"

"Wright." Miles narrowed his eyes at Phoenix as if to give him a silent warning. Phoenix glanced at Trucy who mirrored him perfectly.

"Nevermind, Ms. Hawthorne," The lawyer cleared his throat. "How have you been recently?"

Ivy made a confused sound but decided not to ask. "Oh, um, in public I go by Ivylene Belladonna– it's really just a stage name, so you can just call me Ivy. We've known each other long enough for that to be acceptable. I've been great over these past few years." She continued on about her modeling career.

Trucy stared out the window while listening to Ivy patiently but not with too much focus. She watched clouds, trees, other cars, anything to distract herself from what just happened. Trucy wasn't stupid. She knew that Daddy was just speaking impulsively, and he didn't mean to almost expose Ivy's whole family history in a car to meet up with said family. But still!

Kris– Mr. Gavin was a horrible man but his daughter is technically the first real friend Trucy ever had. Trust has always been a big deal for the Wrights and everyone else who affiliated with them. They all knew, by heart, that if you don't have trust, you have nothing. Trucy trusts Ivy. There's no reason why she shouldn't.

However, she had to admit: Why didn't Ivy know Klavier was her uncle? Did Klavier know she even existed? Surely he did. It wasn't like Mr. Gavin could keep him from his own niece and nephew. It's impossible… right?

---------------------------------------------------

"Apollo, text the others to find out if they're almost here, please. I can't help but feel a little bored of walking from place to place." Nahyuta sighed, still tampering with their prayer beads.

Apollo felt a light squeeze on his wrist. He had to dig his nails into his palm to stop himself from outright laughing. "For someone who's 6 feet tall and lives in a gigantic palace, you sure get tired of walking. Are you sure you just don't want to see Mr. Blackquill faster?"

Nahyuta's cheeks grew a funny shade of pink. The defense attorney slapped a hand over his mouth, trying not to make a scene. "Nahyuta Sahdmadhi! You're more concerned about your boyfriend than getting home safely at a reasonable hour?"

"Be quiet, you pohlkunan!" Nahyuta slapped his arm, "You have no right to speak anyway. Dare I comment on the massive amounts of PDA you and Mr. Gavin exhibit every other day?” Apollo stuck out his tongue then went digging in his pockets for his phone–

Oh…

A feeling of utter terror crept deep into his gut as he rapidly patted down all his pockets– or any place on his body that could hold a phone for that matter. "Oh. No. No, no, no, no!" He snapped his neck in Nahyuta's direction, "d-did I give you my phone at any point in time?"

Their eyes widened. "You lost your phone?"

"No, I-I didn't lose my phone," Apollo let out a nervous chuckle, "I just had it. It has to be in one of these pockets." The defense attorney dug and dug and dug but to no avail. His phone was gone.

"Oh dear," said Nahyuta, gently pressing their fingertips against their mouth. "This is precisely why we keep up with our belongings, red pepper. We can attempt to retrace our steps, but that may take a while." Apollo sighed, shoulders slumped, and begrudgingly agreed. How the hell Apollo could lose a bright red phone with a bunch of nerdy charms hanging off of it, he nor Nahyuta hadn't had a clue.

"Excuse me, sir?"

Just as the two attorneys were about to go back the way they came, they heard a light yet pointed voice call out. Turning around, they spotted a man who looked vaguely familiar to Apollo (maybe it was his blue– glasses shielded– eyes that reminded him of his boyfriend's). He was very well dressed, wearing a black button up under a white cropped jacket with a white tie and black gloves. His white pants reached his waist, outlining his figure. However, the thing that caught Apollo's eye immediately was the pastel purple jem on the knot of his tie. It made his head hurt and his eyes twitch, his bracelet beginning to loosen awkwardly around his wrist. Regardless, he forced himself to look the stranger in the eyes.

"Yes?" The defense attorney asked.

"If it's not a bother," the man held up a phone with a bright red phone case and nerdy charms, "I'd like to ask if this belongs to you?" Apollo's eyes damn near popped out of his skull. His phone!

"Oh my goodness, yes! Thank you so much!" The stranger flinched at Apollo's Chords of steel. Apollo then, unintentionally, swiped his phone out of the stranger's hand and quickly texted Athena and Klavier.

"Oh… well, it's nothing much. Have a nice day." The stranger spoke as he looked at the defense attorney with amusement.

"Before you go!" He shouted, using his chords of steel once more. "Can I pay you back in some way?"

"It's fine, sir, really. I was just reuniting the phone to its rightful owner."

"I know, but I owe you a ton." The little lawyer skimmed his surroundings before settling on a coffee shop. "What about coffee– o-or tea! Whatever you want, it's on me!"

The stranger thought for a moment, "Are you sure?” Apollo nodded. “Then I suppose I'll indulge in your offer."

•••

"Again, seriously can't thank you enough for finding my phone, sir." Apollo thanked once more, sitting down at a table at the aforementioned coffee shop.

Nahyuta nodded in agreement, "You truly did save us a lot of time and heartache. We will forever be in your debt." The man chuckled.

"You two are so humble. I promise, it's nothing." He gently swept his bangs out of his face before taking a sip of his drink. "Hm, for an overpriced airport drink, this is splendid."

Apollo takes a sip of his drink, "I know! It's like they actually pay people here- oh and before I forget to ask, what's your name? I know it's a little personal since we just met and there's really no reason I have to know that since the chances of us meeting again are low and–"

"Arsenic Venus, though everyone calls me Arsen." He interrupted Apollo's rambles with a humorous smile. A small amount of blush crawled onto the lawyer's face, Nahyuta's teasing expression not making it any better.

"R-Right. My name's Apollo Justice, attorney at law."

"Nahyuta Sahdmadhi, prosecutor at law and regent of the Kingdom of Khura'in." They followed up.

"Oh my! I didn't know I was in the presence of royalty. If I had known, I would've dressed nicer." Arsen laughed, adjusting his glasses.

"Dressed nicer?" Apollo repeated in shock, "Not to be rude or anything but I think you're the only person I've ever seen who's worn something this nice to an airport. Hell, even Mx. Regent over here dresses down for flights- ach!"

Nahyuta nudged their brother with their elbow, "Excuse my brother, he knows not what he says." They glare. "But yes, I am indeed the regent of Khura'in. I assure you, you are adequately dressed, Mr. Venus." Their eyes scanned his outfit once more time, their eyes falling on the purple jem. “Especially that beautiful amulet on your tie. I must ask, where'd you get it?”

The blue eyed man smiled, "Thank you, Mx. Sahdmadhi. This jem was a gift from my mother before she passed." He tapped it gently with his gloved finger, “I like to keep it close to my heart so I'll never lose it nor her memory.”

While Nahyuta didn't mean to bring up the topic of Arsen's dead mother, they were glad that he took it so well. “What a beautiful gesture.”

“You two spoil me with compliments!” Arsen takes a sip of his drink, "So, why are you two traveling to Japanifornia? You mentioned that you were a lawyer. Perhaps a case of some sort?"

"Nah, not this time. Every six months I go back to visit family and friends, so I won't get home sick and I get to see everyone again. Six months later, I go back to Khura'in.” Apollo explained, “What about you?"

"Oh yes, I work as a model at Wogue magazine and I was offered to do a photoshoot in France. Now that business has been taken care of, I'm returning to home sweet home." Arsen explains, playing with his bangs.

"Wogue, huh? I've heard of them though I've never looked through any of their magazines. Next time I see one, I'll look for you."

"Oh, I happily encourage you to try. Although, the newer magazines are in France…" The model explained. They all continued to talk for a while, Apollo figuring out that Arsen became a model at the ripe age of 10 and was now 17 (that definitely didn't make him and Nahyuta feel old at all). Not wanting to talk about himself the entire time, Arsen let the conversation begin to drift to Apollo being a lawyer.

“So, how’s it like being some hot-shot lawyer, Mr. Justice?” Arsen teased.

“H-Hot shot? Me?!” Apollo sputtered at the other's remark, “No, never! I just do what lawyers do and… do… law.”

Arsen raised an eyebrow, obviously entertained by his embarrassment. “You do law?”

“Not do, per say, I just-” he sighed in embarrassment, “I'm just a defense attorney.” This was obviously taking a toll on Apollo’s mental health.

"You know, my father was a lawyer." Arsen quipped, finally deciding to stop teasing him. The attorneys took a quick glance at each other. At least they have something in common.

"Ours was as well." Nahyuta spoke.

"Was?" The strawberry blonde's head tilted in curiosity, but as soon as he saw the mournful expressions on their faces, he understood. "Oh, please forgive me, I had no idea."

Apollo quickly countered Arsen's apology, "No, it's fine! We barely know each other! Continue about your father, was he a good lawyer?"

Arsen flinched once more at Apollo's outburst, Nahyuta shaking their head. "O-Oh goodness, Mr. Justice. You truly are a loud one, hm?" Arsen chuckled at Apollo's expense, "But yes, father was an astounding lawyer. Well known, too. Unfortunately, he… made some mistakes that lead to his downfall. I'm no longer sure where he is now, whether it be in prison or the afterlife. Regardless, I'd prefer if my name were not traced back to him. Perhaps that's why I strive to be successful now."

Throughout his entire explanation, Arsen's eyes hardly ever left Apollo. It was slightly unnerving and left Apollo twiddling his thumbs under the table. His stare reminded him of when Rayfa was going on and on about the Plumed Punisher as though Apollo was supposed to know what she was talking about. Or even more accurately, his stare was accusatory. Was he supposed to know Arsen's dad because obviously he didn't! Why would he?

Nahyuta nodded as they listened to Arsen, "I understand that all too well."

"Hey, if you don't mind me asking," Apollo took his chance, “Your father, defense attorney Venus, I'm guessing… What did he do to land him in his position…?

Arsen tensed. Borderline froze. His glasses turned completely white because of the airport lights like frost covering a window in winter. If only Apollo had Athena's mood matrix because the model's emotions were illegible. A second of silence passed before the 17 year-old let out a gentle sigh.

“That's… a tad bit personal. Don't you think, Mr. Justice?” Arsen says with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

“I'd say so.” Nahyuta said, looking to their brother with a surprised expression.

“I- You're right. I'm so sorry.” Apollo apologized as his fingertips traced the engravings of his bracelet in nervousness.

"No, it's fine. Everyone is infected with curiosity now and again.” He then glanced at the time on his phone, “My sister says she and some of her friends are picking me up at 2:45pm, and it's almost time." Arsen got up, taking his empty cup with him with a smile. "You two were absolutely pleasant to talk to. I'm glad I found your phone, Mr. Justice."

Apollo stared at him blankly before snapping out of his haze caused by a nudge from Nahyuta. "O-Oh yeah! Uh, I'm glad you did too! Thanks again, by the way. Get home safe!" He waved.

"Safe travels." Nahyuta added in with a gentle smile.

Arsen grinned and waved them goodbye, his hip length, strawberry blonde braid following behind as he walked off. As soon as Arsen was out of range, Apollo let out a deep sigh.

"Fuuuccckkk!" He groaned as Nahyuta rolled their eyes.

"Way to go, Justice."

"Sorry! I-I didn't know he'd react like that!"

"No matter." Nahyuta shrugged, "It was about time we met up with Ms. Cykes anyways."

"Right, right, fine." The lawyer sighed, wearily.

---------------------------------------------------

"Trucy!"

"Thena!"

The two girls hugged each other tight as soon as they met eyes, their respective groups following behind.

"Did you see each other, like, two days ago?" Phoenix chuckled at them.

"My thoughts exactly." Simon spoke gruffly, Klavier following close behind.

"The hug was still warranted regardless!" Athena shrugged playfully before giving Phoenix a hug as well. "See?"

Phoenix smiled, "Fine, fine, hugs all around."

"Greetings, Here Edgeworth, Herr Wright." Klavier greeted politely. The former rockstar had changed a lot through these past few years. He cut his hair shorter, resembling his hair when he was seventeen, he wears more casual clothing, and he started to wear his glasses (very heavily encouraged by Apollo, of course).

"Mr. Gavin." Miles nodded to him. "Have you texted Apollo?"

Klavier nodded, "Ja but he hasn't responded."

"That's weird." Phoenix said, scratching his chin.

Trucy glanced back at Ivy. She had a patient smile on her face as she gripped the fabric of her sleeve tightly, watching everyone talk happily like a wallflower. The magician mentally facepalmed at her own actions. Trucy really needed to be next to her at all times so she wouldn't get bored.

"Oh, oh! Guys!" Trucy stood beside Ivy, "I'd like to introduce you to–"

Athena sucked in a huge gasp, slapping her hands to the side of her face. "I-I-I-IVYLENE BELLADONNA?!?" She screamed before immediately being shushed by Simon.

"Bloody fucking hell, Athena! Are you trying to alert the entire airport of her presence?"

"Sorry, sorry sorry! It's just," Athena squealed, "I've heard about you, like, everywhere!"

Why was Trucy the only one who hadn't heard of Ivy in advance? Ivy smiled softly, "Thank you so much, Athena, was it?"

Athena nodded eagerly, Simon rolling his eyes at her. "My name is Simon Blackquill, Belladonna-dono." He greeted, "I beg you to ignore her hyperactive gestures."

"Hey!"

"And I'm Klavier Gavin," Klavier introduces himself with a wink. "Charmed, fraulein."

"Ah yes, you're the former rockstar Mr. Wright and Trucy mentioned earlier." The strawberry blonde admitted to Trucy's dismay. She looked at Klavier who's smile faltered for only a second but Trucy could easily catch it. "Ah, I didn't know I was such a household name." He laughed.

"Oh no!" Trucy quickly saved, "We were just telling her about all of you on the way here!"

They all nodded in understanding before Athena smiled widely. "I just can't believe you're just… here!" She exclaimed before pausing to process, "Wait, why are you just here?"

The model took a glance in Trucy's direction then properly answered, "Trucy and I were childhood friends, and we just bumped into each other out of the blue."

"Literally." The magician added.

“It was an accident,” Ivy giggled, “but after that, she invited me to come with her to pick up her brother and I can pick up mine.”

“Knocking out two birds with one stone, huh?” Klavier said.

Trucy nodded, “That's the goal!”

“Speaking of goals, we should find Mr. Justice now.” Miles spoke, checking his watch. “It's nearly 2:30.”

The group nodded in agreement before a soft buzzing noise came from Athena’s pocket. She pulled out her phone and saw a text from Apollo. “Oh! Apollo texted back!” Athena read the message, “Apparently he lost his phone and is now in Zone B3.”

“Gods know where that is…” Simon grumbled.

“Leave this to me.” Klavier ran his hand through his hair, “I know my way around airports.”

•••

“You sure you know where you're going, Klavier?” Phoenix asked as he cracked his back.

“Ugh! We've been walking for 10 years!” Athena groaned, completely slouched over.

“You two are such drama queens,” Miles said. “It's only been 10 minutes.”

“Danke, Here Edgeworth! We're almost there, I can feel it deep in mein herz.”

Trucy giggled at their antics. She was so happy she had such amazing people to spend her time with. Speaking of which, Trucy looked at Ivy. “So? How ya feeling?”

Ivy, who seemed lost in thought before, looked at Trucy. “Oh, I feel wonderful, Truce. Your friends and family, they're all so charming and lovely.” Just the sight of Ivy's smile made Trucy want to smile herself.

“They are something else, aren't they?” She giggled, messing with the strap of her jumpsuit. “I can't wait for you to get to know them better!”

“Really?”

“Yeah! After all, you practically are already family,” the magician shyly looked at the ground, “at least to me you are…”

Ivy playfully bumped Trucy's hip with her own, “Then consider me honored to be part of the family, Truce.” The other girl grinned and resisted the deep urge inside her to give the model a tight hug.

“Why don't we just call him?” Simon suggested in an exasperated tone. While the two girls were talking, the others were debating whether to keep walking or give up and go find Ivy's brother instead.

“Okay but if he doesn't answer, we're leaving him here.” Athena says skeptically. She then dialed Apollo’s number and held the phone up to her ear. “... Hello?... Hey Apollo! Where are you? We texted you earlier–... Oh yeah! How do you lose your phone?! You really gotta be more careful–... Umm, at this very point in time, we're in Zone B2… Really?... Oh okay! See ya in a little bit, Pollo!” She then hung up the phone.

“So?” Klavier questioned.

“Turns out he was just over here, so he told us to stay here and he'd just walk to us.” Athena chimed happily, everyone else sighing in relief.

“Thank God because my back could NOT take anymore walking.” Phoenix said.

“You're so old, Daddy!” Trucy laughed.

“That's the problem.” He sighed before going to sit down on a nearby bench.

Miles rolled his eyes, “You act like you're in your eighties, Wright.”

“You act like we're not 3 years away from being halfway there.”

The group sat and talked to each other for a little bit, a slight impatientence rising in all of them. Fortunately, before they could properly start complaining, a loud “Guys!” Came from the left of where they were. They turned and saw Apollo and Nahyuta, luggage in hand. 3 seconds later, they were engulfed in hugs.

“Jesus Christ, you two! I'm not gonna disappear into thin air!” Apollo coughed as Trucy and Athena squeezed him tightly. Nahyuta laughed at the three as they were gently embraced by their boyfriend.

“Glad to have you back, my darling monk.” Simon purred before he planted a gentle kiss on Nahyuta’s forehead. “Glad to be back.”

“Get a room!” Apollo joked, Klavier holding onto his waist.

“Says you!”

“Yeah! Says me!” The lawyer stuck his tongue out at Nahyuta.

“Okay, we get it. You're both gay.” Phoenix chuckled, walking up to Apollo to properly greet him.

“Hello, to you too, Mr. Wright.” Apollo greeted him. “And Mr. Edgeworth.” Miles simply nodded at him as a form of respect as opposed to saying anything.

As he was smothered with all this attention, Apollo's eyes wandered to the newest person in the group, Nahyuta obviously noticing the same thing telling by their expression.

"Oh, Polly, Prosecutor Sahdmadhi!" Trucy piped up, "This is Ivy!" She gestured towards her, but her brother's eyebrows only seemed to furrow together tighter.

"Hello, Mr. Justice, Prosecutor Sahdmadhi. Is… something wrong?" As soon as Ivy noticed their expressions, they straightened themselves out so as to not be rude.

"No, nothing's wrong, sorry!" Apollo immediately apologized, "It's just, interestingly enough, we saw a man who looked exactly like you. Like, down to a tee."

"I wonder," Nahyuta thought aloud, "are you his sister he was trying to meet up with? His name was-"

"Ivy!"

Everyone turned to where the extra voice came from and saw the man himself–

"Arsen!"

Ivy practically ran into her brother's arms as he laughed at her excitement. Nahyuta and Apollo watched the scene, mouths slightly agape, not expecting them to be twins. After their exchange, Ivy led Arsen over to the group.

"Arsen, surely you remember Trucy and Mr. Phoenix Wright?" Ivy asked as she gestured to the two. Safe to say, Trucy's mouth damn near dropped to the floor at the sight of Arsen. These two would be the death of me, she swore!

"Trucy and Mr. Wright," Arsen repeated with a pleasant smile, "It's been years! It seems you two are doing well for yourselves."

Phoenix chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "We could say the same to you, right, Truce?"

“Definitely! Like, holy crap! You've gotten so tall and your hair is super duper long! You look like a prince, Arsen!” Trucy gushed.

"It's nice to see you too, Ms. Wright." Arsen chuckled.

"You can just call me Trucy!"

"Trucy, it is!" He said before turning his attention to the others. "Oh, Mr. Justice, Mx. Sahdmadhi! I didn't know you two were friends of Trucy's. Then again, I didn't know this was happening in the first place."

"Yeah, I'm actually her half-brother.” The attorney corrected, “This blondie over here is my fiancee, Klavier Gavin.”

“Blondie? Ach, you hurt me Herr Forehead! We both know it platinum blonde.” Klavier laughed, pulling Apollo close to him and causing him to blush. “But yes, yes, I am Klavier. Nice to meet the person who found this forgetful man’s phone.”

“It was an accident!”

“You still lost it, Polly!”

“But I got it back!”

“After Arsen found it.” Klavier added.

“You both suck!”

Miles sighed at their antics, opting to continue to introduce everyone. “Moving on, Arsen, I'm Miles Edgeworth. The other two are Simon Blackquill and Athena Cykes.” Arsen nodded at the two, making Athena fangirl again.

“Oh my god! Arsen! I'm such a big fan of your work! I can't believe you're friends with so many celebrities, Trucy!”

The magician nodded, “Me neither honestly!”

“But Truce,” Ivy says, “you're just as- if not more- famous than us!”

“If anything we should be lucky to be friends with you.” Arsen added.

Ivy: “That is to say, fame isn't why we're friends with you.”

Arsen: “Then again, I just met you again for the first time in over a decade, so in my case I don't have much to go off of.”

Ivy: “Don't be rude!”

Arsen: “I'm kidding! Kinda…”

“Arsen!”

“Ivy!”

Yup, they're twins, everyone thought, watching them go back and forth. Seeing the two properly together made Trucy realize that this whole time she was talking to one half of a whole; it was Ivy and Arsen, not just Ivy. She seemed much more relaxed and comfortable around her brother, and Arsen was definitely happy to see her. Before they could go back to bickering, Trucy laughed nervously, now feeling out of place in their little duo.

“Thank you both!”

They turned their attention back to Trucy, “Oh, you're welcome!” They said simultaneously.

Miles cleared his throat, “With this all being said and done, I believe this is where we part ways.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Oh, and you can ride with us, Arsen.” Phoenix said, “We can just tuck your luggage into the car.”

“Oh really?”

“Of course!” He grinned, “We wouldn't come here just to make you get home on your own terms.”

“You're so hospitable, Mr. Wright.” Arsen chuckled.

“Eh, I do what I can.” Phoenix smirked. Despite his actions earlier today, Trucy loved that her dad was getting compliments on something so basic. She just hoped that he- and frankly, everyone else- was realizing that Ivy and Arsen weren't like their father at all.

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Summary:

Trucy goes out with her friends but her mind is definitely wandering elsewhere.

September 8th

“Your rain of terror is over, evildoer!”

The witch let out a loud cackle, “We'll see about that, Suspiria Kenja!” A blast of “magic” was aimed at Trucy, the magician quickly dodged it with stylistic agility. Trucy aimed a blast of magic of her own, sending the entire stage into flashes of special effects and light.

As scripted, the witch screams in agony and is lifted off stage and as she ascends, she says: “This isn't the end, Suspiria Kenja!! I will have my revenge!! That is a promise!!” She's then up in the raptors where the audience can't see her. Trucy huffs triumphantly, her character successfully defeating the villain. Finally, she moves center stage to deliver her final speech of the show. “People of Meztli Ananta! The witch won't terrorize you any longer! No longer shall you live in fear! No longer shall you hide in your house! No longer will you cast suspicious glares at your neighbors! Your freedom has been restored!” She shouted with conviction, her wand waving in the air as she spoke.

Slowly, the townspeople emerged from their wooden houses as Trucy beckoned them out. “Suspiria!” One cheered. Then another. Then another. Then another until everyone was cheering her name on stage. The magician gave the audience one last grin before casting the last “trick” of the show: Confetti! The colorful paper rained down on the audience, signaling for the lights to be turned down and the show to end.

“Great job everyone!” Dohn whistled from the otherwise empty seating area. “Take 15, okay?” He called out, hoping everyone could hear him from on and backstage. Luckily, one massive “Thank you 15!” soothed his worries.

Trucy let out a sigh that she had been holding back for the longest time. That was the fifth time she had practiced the entire show in the past two days and yet she didn't feel like it was… finished. All the flaws in her performance stick out like thorns on an otherwise perfect rose that needed to be trimmed. Trucy pressed her palms onto her face, the sweat presenting itself in a wet, sticky residue. Maybe it was just her. Maybe she needed to practice more. Yeah! She just needed to practice more! The magician pushed her doubts down and made her way backstage with the rest of the cast. Everybody was all sweaty and tuckered out but their veins were rushing with adrenaline.

“That was one hell of a practice right, Ruce?” Carlos asked with a friendly smile, patting Trucy on the back.

“Sure was! But it will be an even better performance!” She added hurriedly. This made Carlos raise an eyebrow.

“Ruuuuuccceee?”

“Yeeeeeeessssss?”

“You're not thinkin’ of trying to practice this all again, are you?” The actor asked suspiciously, his eyes scanning her face.

“Well, what else are we here for if not to practice?” Trucy laughed off her friend's worries.

“You know what I mean, magic girl.”

Trucy rolled her eyes playfully before taking a quick swig of her ice water. “Sure, I might- emphasis on might, practice some moves here and there outside of work, but it's nothing extreme.”

“Ah hah!” Carlos exclaimed, pointing at his boss. “You are goin’ to overwork yourself! Whitney!”

“Isn't the exact opposite of what I just said-”

Whitney, who had just gotten down from the raptors, floating harness removed, marched over to the two. “What’re you screaming my name for?” The other actor continued to point at Trucy.

“She's- you'll never guess it- tryin’ to overwork herself!” Whitney let out an exaggerated groan to Trucy’s dismay and confusion.

“Trucy, we talked about this.” The villain slapped her hands together, “You can't work yourself to the bone for perfection that doesn't even exist. You're totally gonna give yourself a headache and burnout.”

The magician sighed, “All I'm gonna do is practice a little bit more. Is that so bad?”

“It's bad when finding a stopping point is harder than calculus.” Whitney put a supportive hand on her shoulder. “Soooo instead of working yourself to get bone, we should totally go out for dinner! All…” she counts in her head.

“...Three?” Trucy suggested.

“No, no… Plus Betty and Bonny…”

“Five?”

“Five! All five of us need to go out and chill!” Whitney giggled as she figured it out.

“Aye, I second that!” Carlos agreed, slinging his arm over Trucy's shoulder.

Trucy groaned dramatically, deciding to relent to her friends’ plans. “Fine, fine, but we're going to Spaghetti Joe's!”

“Done and done!”

---------------------------------------------------

“See? Isn't it nice to take a break once in a while instead of practicing the same tricks over and over?” Carlos asked as he sipped his lemonade. Trucy nodded somewhat bitterly. She loved her friends, she really did, but this time could be spent perfecting the show! Maybe she could-

“Trucy, please.” Bonny's soft British accent spoke next to her, “Stop thinking about work and relax. We have two whole weeks left to practice this-”

“Not to mention we've been working for months on end.” Betty chimed in, mindlessly stirring her drink with her straw.

Trucy sighed, “I know, I know, I'm sorry. I just… can't shake the feeling of dread, you know?”

“It's okay, Ms. Wright.” Whitney reassured, “If I'm being totally honest, I'm a bit nervous about the show as well.”

Carlos nearly choked on his drink when he heard Whitney say that. He turned to her in shock. “The hell do you mean?! You're literally amazin’ at playing the wicked witch! Without you we'd have no show and…” He trailed off as he realized everyone was looking at him. Carlos blushed in embarrassment. “I mean… you're great, Whitney.”

“Thanks, Carlos.” She responds with an appreciative smile.

Trucy and Bonny give each other a look, however the display made Betty scoff. “When’s the wedding, hm?” She asked, slouched with her arms crossed over her chest.

Carlos shot her a glare, “When you get a girlfriend.”

“Suck a dick.”

“Betty!” Bonny interjected.

“Suck one thousand dicks!”

“Carlos!”

“I don't like dick, dumbass!” Betty yelled back defensively.

“Ok, guys. We're in public.” Trucy deadpanned, holding back laughter.

“Literally!” Whitney snorted loudly as her hand flew to her mouth to keep from being too obnoxious.

“Bloody hell…” Betty muttered to herself. She sat back in her chair and looked elsewhere, slightly embarrassed at the scene they had just caused, her sister's hand on her shoulder the only stability she had at the moment.

“Anyways, we have more important matters to discuss!” Trucy proclaimed, making everyone at the table turn to look in her direction. She paused for dramatic effect, “Which My Little Pony character would you be? I call Pinkie Pie!”

“What the hell…?” Betty followed up in confusion.

“Then I call bein’ Rainbow Dash!” The male actor volunteered himself.

“Ooh! Can I be Applejack? I've always adored Applejack!” Whitney asked excitedly.

“Really? I've always saw you as more of a Rarity-”

“Hell no!” She interrupted Trucy, “Don't get me wrong, I love Rarity too, but I totally like to tell it how it is and I'm a hard worker. Therefore Applejack is me and I totally am her. Fight me.” Whitney smirked.

“But we're all in agreement that Bonny is Fluttershy, right?” Carlos followed up, everyone nodding their heads in agreement save for Betty.

“What about me?” Betty asked.

“Uhh… you can be Spike!” Carlos suggested, gaining a slap on the shoulder from Whitney.

“Who?”

“Have you ever watched My Little Pony, Betty?” Trucy questioned.

“No! She liked that.” The twin scoffed as she bumped the other one with her shoulder.

“Y-Yeah, Betty was more into the Powerpuff Girls.”

“Ohhhh.” The rest nodded in understanding.

“Yeah, you're totally a Buttercup.” Whitney added, taking a sip of her drink. “Though, we still don't have a Rarity or a Twilight.”

“Surely you're not implyin’ that Betty is either of ‘em.” Carlos asked, his eyebrow raised.

“No, No, I'm just saying. There has to be someone we know though…”

They all thought for a few seconds (save for Betty who didn't give a shit about anything they were talking about) before Bonny snapped her fingers. “Oh! Trucy! What about Ms. Belladonna?”

“Ms. Belladonna?” Both Carlos and Whitney questioned at the same time.

“Who is Belladonna?” He asked.

“She's, uh, a friend of mine.”

“She's the model Trucy snuck off with last week.” Betty scoffed, picking at her nails.

“Snuck off is a bold statement.” Trucy laughed shyly, “More like… rekindled with.”

Whitney crossed her arms over her chest, looking at her friend suspiciously. “Wright. If you have a girlfriend, you should totally tell us-”

“She's not! I don't!” Trucy defended.

“Are you suuuurrreeee~?” Carlos teased.

“Yes! She's just a friend!”

“But… would you kiss her?”

“Carlos!” Bonny gasped.

“Changing the subject,” Trucy interrupted before things could get worse, “after our show, I should have enough money to move into my own place!”

“Oh, Congrats!”

“Yeah! Cheers to that!” Everyone raised their glasses to clink joyfully in the middle.

“So what type of place are you thinking of buying?” Bonny asked.

Trucy took a swig of her drink before responding. “More like renting. A small apartment will do me good. Especially when we're all traveling and touring and stuff like that.”

“Well when you start to move in, you totally need to invite us over!” Whitney grins.

“Hell yeah, Ruce!” Carlos agreed, “You should have a housewarming party! With music and snacks and movies and whatnot. It's gonna be rad!”

“Rad? Who the hell says rad anymore?” Betty scoffed with a smirk.

“Who the hell's British anymore?” Carlos snapped back, “No offense, Bonny. All offense to you!”

“How does that work-”

“All of England, London, and the United Kingdom!” Betty glared at Carlos, her accent somehow getting thicker.

“Okay, bottle of water.” He taunted.

Betty opened her mouth to say something but the smell of pasta interrupted her. They all looked to their right to see the waiter serving them their awaited pasta and spaghetti, hot and ready.

“Aye! Spaghetti!” Trucy cheered as their food was set in front of them.

“Mmh, spaghetti indeed!” Whitney agreed, digging into her food as soon as it was placed in front of her.

The rest of the group followed suit and chowed down on their various Italian foods. As Trucy ate, she thought back to what Carlos said about Ivy and immediately dismissed it. She'd never kiss Ivy! Well, not because she was gross or disgusting or anything, but because of their relationship.

Apollo and Klavier would get married soon, right? With quick critical thinking, Ivy would be her- what? Step-niece by marriage? Wait- does that mean that I'm Ivy’s step-aunt?! How exciting! She wondered if Ivy and Arsen would be invited to Apollo and Klavier’s wedding. For all she knows, they just met for the first time yesterday with how… non-familial Ivy and Arsen were acting towards Klavier and vice versa. Hell, it was like they never knew that the other existed which was kinda disturbing.

“What’re you thinking about, Trucy?” Bonnie questioned, carefully spinning her pasta around her fork.

“Ivy! Turns out we’ll be related once Polly married her uncle!” She smiled.

“What? Really?!” Bonnie gasped, “Not only are you friends but you're also related to her? Goodness, you're so lucky, Trucy. I'd give anything to be related to Ivylene Belladonna herself.”

“Okay, can we at least see a picture of this girl?” Whitney asked, Carlos slurping up his fettuccine before nodding along.

“Yeah, I wanna see the model of the hour!”

“Okay, okay! Give me a second!” Trucy says, finishing up her text.

Quickly pushing those thoughts aside, Trucy pulled up a random picture of Ivy on the internet then presented it to the group. “This is her!”

All eyes fell onto the picture, the reaction being somewhat expected this time around. Carlos’ jaw hung wide open at the sight. “Consider me her newest fan! I didn't even know someone could look like that!”

“I know right…” Whitney muttered, her eyes wide with amazement.

“See, Trucy! She's magical!” Bonnie gushed.

“She's perfect!” Betty added.

“She’s also a human, guys.” Trucy playfully sighed, putting her phone away to the group’s dismay. “Like, Ivy's pretty and all but I've seen her audience and trust me, some people like to forget that looking how she looks in pictures or on the internet is only her job. I'm sure she spends hours trying to speak her very best and trains her back to be straight at all times, you know the whole celebrity mask stuff.” She says, moving her hand in a nonchalant manner to soothe her friends in a subtle way.

Whitney nodded in understanding, “I totally get that.”

“I say my point still stands.” Betty countered, sticking her nose in the air, her arms crossed. “Belladonna may put on a performance but it's a damn good one. Unless you've seen her looking any less that perfect, which I doubt.”

Trucy opened her mouth to respond before shutting it. Betty had a point. How would she know what Ivy's “less than perfect” would be? She's never heard her raise her voice, or spill something on herself. The most Trucy had seen were tears and that's just a normal human emotion! Even if Ivy wasn't perfect (which Trucy doubted she was), she'd seemed to create the perfect reputation; An impenetrable adoration that had her fans kissing the ground she walked on… Maybe getting to know Ivy should be her top priority.

She smiled, “Huh! I guess you're right, Betty.”

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Summary:

Fun fact: Exhaustion will only lead to deep and emotional conversations about dead beat dads.

September 9th

"Trucy? Trucy, wake up, please." A hazy voice spoke. The voice's hand shook Trucy lightly, her eyes cracked open.

"W-Wha..." Trucy blinked as her vision started to straighten. A blurry face was looking down at her… it was familiar… Ivy? She looked at her, relieved that Trucy was just asleep rather than something more dire.

"Oh, Truce." She said so, so gently, "You've been working so hard, haven't you?" Her hand, as gentle as silk, rubbed circles on her arm.

The soothing gesture made Trucy want to close her eyes and drift back into a deep sleep, but she forced herself not to. Instead, she opened her mouth to ask, "How did you know I was here? Did someone tell you I was staying late?" But all that came out was a yawn that made Trucy realize how hoarse her voice was.

During dinner last night, Trucy was kinda lost in thought about… well, everything.

“Hey, Ruce! You comin’?” Carlos called out behind him as the group loaded into Whitney’s car.

“Uh,” Trucy looked in the direction of the Sunshine Coliseum. It wasn't too far from the restaurant, in fact it wasn't far from many restaurants and booths. “I think I left something back at the coliseum.”

“Oh, we could totally drive back there.” Whitney suggested with a shrug, however, Trucy shook her head.

“No, it's fine! I can just walk over there.”

“But the sun’s going to set soon.” Bonnie spoke, a worried expression on her face.

“It's fine! I promise you, it’ll be quick and I'll text you guys when I get home. Now go and get some rest for tomorrow! ‘Kay?” Trucy smiled softly, trying to reassure them, trying to get them off her case as her smile has done for her in the past.

It worked.

So, yes, she went to the coliseum to, you know, practice a bit. Unfortunately, a bit turned into a lot in a few hours. It's not like she noticed though. She had a show to put on and she wanted the best for her actors; the best for herself. So she practiced, practiced, practiced, and practiced until merely sitting down had her out like a light.

But now Ivy was in front of her, flashing one of her sickly sweet smiles, her eyes softening. "You don't have to talk now. Your throat must hurt terribly. Here," She stopped rubbing Trucy's arm and grabbed something out of a bag of some sort. "I brought you some tea with honey and pan-fried salmon and broccoli, just in case you were hungry from all that practicing."

At last, the once tired girl lifted herself up and with wide eyes, and rasped, "No! I mean-- you don't need to do this. Really--"

"Shh! You're going to damage your voice even more. Drink." Ivy pushed the warm drink into Trucy's hands then eagerly waited for her to take a sip. The magician looked down at the beverage then back up at Ivy.

"Ivy, I–"

"Trucy, I promise I haven't poisoned it. I only have your best interests in mind. Now, drink it before it gets cold," she sighed.

She knew the other wasn't lying, because she'd obviously pick up on it, but she still couldn't ignore the slight prick at the back of her neck. Maybe it's just the air conditioner. For now though, Trucy pushed that aside and took a sip out of the canister. She could taste the sweetness of the honey and sugar on her tongue, making her hum with delight.

"I already feel so much better."

Ivy clapped her hands together. "Good! Although, you still should go on vocal rest for the rest of the day." She carefully plucked the tea canister out of Trucy's hand and replaced it with a plastic container tied with a pastel purple ribbon. "This is pan-fried salmon. I'm not sure if you've had it before nor if you actually like salmon, but I'd like to think that it's quite good."

"Did you make it yourself?" Trucy asked while gently pulling the ribbon off, quickly forgetting she was supposed to be on vocal rest.

"No questions and I didn't. Arsen made it for dinner tonight. He's great at cooking savory foods like this, so I hope you enjoy it.”

The magician opened her mouth to say something else but stopped herself and nodded instead. Trucy looked down at the salmon and broccoli, still in shock that Ivy would do so much for her. She picked up the fork in the box and took her first bite.

“Wow, this is really–” Ivy's hand slapped over Trucy's mouth, almost making her choke on her food.

“Were you always this forgetful, Truce?” Ivy smiled at her playfully but it was easy to pick up on the hints of annoyance.

Trucy muttered an apology before Ivy put her hand back down. “It's alright, we're all a little forgetful sometimes. For example, how I assume you forgot to stop practicing.” She asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

Trucy nodded.

Ivy clicked her tongue and looked at the stage at the front of the Sunshine Coliseum. “And last Tuesday, you said you've been working on this show for about 5 months now?”

Trucy nodded again.

“Hm…” Ivy closes her eyes to think, her right hand subtly squeezing her bicep repeatedly. Trucy stared at her in confusion about what the other could possibly be pondering about. “...Has anyone ever told you to take a break?” She asked at last.

The magician’s lips parted as she was about to answer, however, she quickly closed them. While she wished she could've asked more questions, she didn't want to annoy Ivy. She nodded her head, taking a split second longer to respond.

The model noticed the small difference and furrowed her eyebrows in concern. “Truce… You're overworking yourself, aren't you?”

“No!” Trucy jumped to defend herself, “I-I mean, I'm fine… and sorry about talking.”

Ivy rolled her eyes, making Trucy internally flinch in guilt. “If you're going to ruin your voice, at least do it whilst telling the truth. Overworking is a very unhealthy habit, you know.”

The magician looked away from Ivy in shame. It's not that simple… The model noticed her dejection and allowed her features to soften. She took a careful seat next to Trucy then put her hand on her shoulder, making Trucy turn to her with a tiny gasp.

“I'm not mad.” Ivy says, “just concerned. I meant it when I said that I only have your best interests in mind.” Another tiny prick prodded at the back of Trucy's neck.

“... Really?” She mouthed. This time, Trucy tried to pick up on any tell tale signs of lying– not that she thought Ivy was guilty of lying. Perhaps her abilities were simply getting out of whack because of her exhaustion. It took less than a millisecond to assess every part of Ivy's body and nerves. As she suspected (and hoped), there wasn't a tiny itch, twitch, or drop of sweat on her.

“Of course, Truce.” Furthermore, the sincere look on Ivy's face was enough to make Trucy hang on her every word. “I'd never lie to you… as long as you never lie to me, that is.”

Trucy nodded confidently before mouthing the words thank you. Ivy giggled at this and squeezed her shoulder. “Oh, Truce. Don't mention it! What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help you when no one else will?”

•••

The car ride to Trucy's apartment was silent, save for the classical music playing from the radio. When Trucy asked about it (she pointed to it repeatedly), Ivy said, “I grew up on it. Don't get me wrong, I've heard other music– I didn't enjoy it as much but that's neither here nor there– the point is, I still prefer what I'm familiar with.” Trucy nodded and stayed silent in respect.

Without her ability to speak, it put a tiny barrier between them, with Trucy stealing subtle glances at Ivy and her counterpart focusing on the road. It's not like they had anything particularly interesting to talk about even if the other responded. But also they kinda did? This entire situation had bizarre written all over it, but Trucy's not inclined to think about it in that light. If Daddy’s right about Ivy then he's right. If he's wrong about Ivy then that means she's perfect… How? How? How? How? How–

“Trucy!” Ivy’s voice pierced through her thoughts, making Trucy jump in her seat.

“How?!”

“What?”

Trucy nervously chuckled, “You wanted something?”

“Yes, you've been bouncing your leg quite vigorously over there. Are you okay? Do you need more tea?” Ivy asked as she stopped at a red light. Without waiting for an answer, she began to reach into the back seat to grab the canister of tea but Trucy stopped her.

“No! I'm fine.” Trucy assured.

“Really? Because you sound like Mr. Justice.” Ivy retorts, leaning back into her seat.

“Oh, I- wait, how do you know that?”

“Arsen told me all about it. Turns out Mx. Sahdmadhi is also a regent?”

“Yeah, um… yeah.” Trucy cleared her throat, “Anyways, I was just thinking about something.”

“About what?” Ivy's voice picked up a concerned tone, the brunette already starting to mentally punch herself. Damnit, now she's worried!

“It's nothing–”

“No, it's something. You just got done with hours of extra practice. The mind and body are notorious for shutting down after such intense exertion, yet yours is running like a well-oiled machine.” Ivy retorted.

“I just had a lot of caffeine this morning-”

“You said you didn't like coffee.”

“Smoothies have caffeine.”

“You’ve never once ordered a smoothie with caffeine in it.”

“You don't know that and you can't prove that.”

Ivy simply raised an eyebrow, and Trucy folded instantly.

“Okay, I haven't but that has nothing to do–”

“Then you wouldn't have lied to begin with.” Out of nowhere, the model then tightly grabbed Trucy's hands. “Tell me the truth, Truce. Please.”

“... I-I…” She briefly glanced away from Ivy, scared how this would affect them– her. Scared how this would affect Ivy. Nothing more. “... I want to get to know you better.” Trucy muttered.

Ivy took a pause as her eyes began to scan Trucy's face. “What do you mean?” She drew out, her grip on Trucy's hands loosening.

“L-Like we should hang out and talk more! You know about your job and life and childhood and your friends–”

“My… Childhood?” Ivy’s voice dropped to somewhat of a whisper as she let go of Trucy's hands and stepped on the gas right as the light turned green. Perfect.

Trucy hesitantly continued, “Yeah… if that's okay with you.”

“You want to learn more about Father. Don't you?” Her grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel.

Trucy had no idea how to proceed. She didn't want to say yes because, well, touchy. But at the same time, she'd be lying if she said no, and that'd be the third time she had lied to Ivy to make sure she hid how pathetic she actually was. Considering these options, Trucy answered with a heavy sigh: “Yes.”

Ivy's eyes glanced downwards for a split second but it was long enough for Trucy. She placed a delicate hand on Ivy's shoulder, “I'm not gonna force you… I get that it's a sensitive subject and we're not all that close but… whenever you decide you want to talk about it– whether it be right now or in 89 years– I'll gladly listen.”

Silence. Just silence.

Neither knew what to say. They weren't even sure they wanted to say anything more. They had dove deep into the cesspool of the past and they couldn't swim back up, or at least Trucy couldn't, her hand still firmly placed on Ivy's shoulder. Should she take it off now or– no. She had to stay by Ivy. Her friend.

“He was busy.”

Trucy suppressed a tiny gasp at the model's voice; it was soft but reassuring. “...Busy?”

“Yes, busy, but not neglectful.” Ivy breathed in deeply, “We understood- Arsen and I. We understood that he was a busy lawyer and he had to travel, visit crime scenes, look over case files, run a law firm, etcetera. No matter how busy he got, though, he still managed to make us breakfast in the morning, dinner every night, and show a vague interest in our hobbies.”

“Oh, That's sweet.”

“It was the bare minimum.” Ivy scoffed with a bittersweet smirk that didn't reach her eyes. “Don’t get me wrong, I could never thank Father enough for raising Arsen and I how he did, nevertheless, I wish I knew more about him rather than his various teachings.”

“...I see.” Trucy nodded as she finally took her hand off Ivy's shoulder and pressed it back into her lap. “You know… sometimes I wish the same about my old daddy.”

“Really?”

“Yup… but instead, he decided to perform the world's worst disappearing act before I truly could.” Trucy shrugged, gazing out the window and at the starry sky. Years ago, it'd be hard to mention what he did to her, how he abandoned her and never bothered to say hello when he was finally back.

Now, it was like explaining what a square is. Perhaps she'd gotten over it, perhaps she no longer mourns her Zak Gramarye, the magician who didn't truly care about his daughter's livelihood; or perhaps it’s because she knew Ivy would listen. They were in the same, hectic, boat, after all. A young girl forced to grow up because their fathers couldn't bear to think about them before carrying out their own agendas. That's how everyone bonds, right?

Ivy pressed her hand against her chest and let out a soft gasp. “Oh, I'm so sorry.”

“No, it's fine. I have a better family now. One that would never, ever abandon me.” Trucy allowed herself to smile at Ivy as she was reminded of her family, Ivy warmly smiling back.

“Now you get to go see them.” The model said as the car came to a stop. Trucy then looked out the window and saw that they were just outside their apartment building.

“That was quick.”

“I know… It felt quick.” Ivy giggled to herself softly, Trucy turning back to her with a smile.

“Thanks for finding me, driving me home, bringing me food and tea– Oh, and I'm sorry for not… vocal resting.”

Ivy sighed and shook her head. “It's fine. You're simply talkative.”

“Uh, thanks–”

“I mean, like, in a good way.” Ivy took a quick breath, “I like it. You're endearing, Truce.”

Trucy almost felt lightheaded as blood rushed into her cheeks from Ivy's words. “You think so?” Seeing the model smile was as much confirmation she needed. “Thanks again for the ride! Bye, Ivy!” And with that, Trucy stumbled out of the vehicle, boxed salmon in hand, and skipped into the apartment complex, hearing the others goodbyes behind her.

With a sigh, Trucy groaned and grabbed her chest. Thank gods that went well. That was one of the riskiest things Trucy has pulled of in a while, and she a fucking magician for the Holy Mother’s sake. But it was time to push that aside for she was home now, at… Trucy pulled out her phone.

6:48am?!

“Shit.”

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Summary:

Our two favorite A names are back in the mix! Now the question is, do they like each other?

September 15th

“Okay, Trucy! First case back! Let's do this!” Apollo fixed his two brown spikes atop his head, walking through the apartment complex.

“You better believe it!” Trucy skipped alongside him. She had chosen to accompany him on his first case since she had nothing better to do… well, technically she did but it wasn’t like she was allowed to do it. Ever since she passed out at the Sunshine Colosseum, both her dads demand that she take a break. Of course, that was after she got a mouthful of stern, relentless words that she could barely comprehend. Attorneys and their fancy attorney terms…

Anyways, back to the case.

The two made their way to the apartment listed on the case file. Room 354 was where the crime took place, and where police were swarming like gnats.

“Oh hey, Pollo! Welcome back!” A familiar voice called out.

“Ema! Good to see you!” Apollo greeted her with a wide grin.

Ema couldn’t help but grin back at him, “How long have you been back for?”

“Shouldn’t you know that? Surely Nahyuta has shown up at the prosecutors office or at least Klavier’s been in higher spirits.”

“Hey! Don’t you get an attitude with me, mister.” She huffed, “I don’t track what either of them do on a daily basis.”

Apollo laughed and shook his head, “I've been in town for almost a week, actually.”

“You went that long without taking a case? Damn, Justice, you've changed.” Ema jokes, popping her signature Snackoos in her mouth.

“Unpacking takes time!”

“A week?” Trucy questioned.

“Yeah, that seems a little excessive.” Ema agreed.

“Well, I was packing for a 6 month long stay. Like, I know that Klavier already has some of my clothes, but he doesn't have all of them and even if he did, there's no guarantee that– Wait! Why the hell am I explaining this to you?!” Apollo shouts, making Trucy and Ema burst into laughter.

“Okay, okay, Mr. Unpacks-a-lot!” Ema snorts, “We can talk about your clothing later. There's a crime scene that would love you to examine it.”

“Right!” Apollo turned to Trucy, “Are ya’ ready, Wright?”

“Let’s go, Justice!” The magician pumped her fist in the air, signaling the start of their first case after 6 months.

It all happened at the victim’s apartment building. His apartment wasn't the biggest though he definitely made something out of it with posters of various T.V shows and movies hanging on the walls. His room was also very, very messy, but the police kept what they could intact along with a few air fresheners. For the most part, the evidence was easy to find; A knife, a sock, a plastic flute, some bar soap, and a empty bag of chips; all with blood on them… wait–

“Okay, um, what in the world?” Apollo commented as he looked over all the evidence.

“I know right.” Trucy muttered, her hands on her hips in confusion. “What do any of these things have to do with each other?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.” He shrugged, “The case file said the victim was a collector turned hoarder. So this is probably just some of the items he collected?”

“Polly, do you really think anyone would hoard an empty bag of chips?”

“Hey, if the packaging is nice enough.” This response earned him a slap on the arm, and a snort from a nearby Ema.

“Hardly,” she said. “According to the victim’s family members, he had severe depression and didn't eat much. Whatever food he did save would go untouched to preserve the packaging or the sentimental value to him.”

“So I guess there's no reason for these chips to be eaten then, huh…” Apollo hummed, pressing his finger to his forehead in thought.

Trucy glanced around the room then back at the evidence she and Apollo had collected. “But, if he was a collector… then where’s all his stuff? This room seems pretty empty.”

“Crime scene cleaners did their job.” Ema spoke, “Though, they did make sure to leave the stuff with blood on it for police investigation.”

“Oh… So does that mean there might be more stuff here that they could've missed?” Trucy asked.

“Most likely, though the scene seems pretty clear to us.”

“Well, it's still worth trying to look for!” Apollo then presented Ema with their evidence. “Could you spray this blood while we search?”

“Psh! What am I? Your crime scene hand maid?” Ema scoffed.

“N-No! I thought it was–”

“Fine, I'll do it.” Ema grins, luminol already in hand.

Apollo simply stared at her before shaking his head with a defeated smile on his face. “That's it, I'm going back to Khura’in early this year.”

“What?! No!!” Ema and Trucy objected, making Apollo laugh even more.

“Okay, fine! I won't!” Apollo chuckled.

“Good! Because I’d hate to have to trap you in my magic box again.” Trucy pouted.

“Trust me, I'd hate to be in there again–”

~Grumble~

Trucy held her stomach in embarrassment. “Man, I knew skipping out on my morning smoothie was a bad idea.”

“Oh, well if you're hungry, Eldoon’s set up shop in People Park. It's, like, fifteen blocks from here.” Ema suggested, making Trucy's eyes light up.

“Ooh~! Thanks, Ema!” Trucy turns to Apollo, “Wanna take a lunch break with me?”

“Nah, I'm good for right now, but I'll catch up with you once I'm done here.” Apollo offers.

“Okie dokie! I'll see you guys later!” And with that, Trucy skipped out of the apartment and made her way to People Park.

--------------------------------------------

Walking into People Park, Trucy immediately spotted Eldoon's noodle cart. She quickly made her way over.

"Hiya, noodle boy!" Trucy called out as she approached the cart.

The black haired teen scoffed at the name. "Trucy Wright..." Due to old age and the recent rise in customers, Eldoon had hired his nephew, Nemar, to help out around the cart. Trucy liked the little guy and teased him a bunch albeit to Nemar's dismay since he was still trying to be cool and angsty.

"How's your day been so far?" The magician asked like she always did.

"Fine" was the answer she always got in return. However a distinct tingle could be felt at the back of her neck.

"And how's-"

"Fine. Everything's fine." Nemar snapped, confirming Trucy's suspicions. Usually, he'd let her get through at least 5 questions before he interrupted her.

The brunette allowed a curious sound to emerge from her throat, "You know... My brother, Polly, says that a lot too. Sometimes he doesn't mean it-"

"So?"

"Soooooooooo, I was wondering if something happened to make you snappier than usual." Trucy questions.

Nemar folded his arms tighter as he looked away from her. "Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Are you here to buy some noodles or just make fun of me?!"

Trucy relented with a soft sigh. She'd simply have to get to the bottom of his worries another day. "Okay, okay, you win." She played off, "I'd like the usual- actually, two the usuals. Polly's gonna come in a few."

Nemar grumbled and walked to the back of the cart to prepare the food. A small smile appeared on the magician's face before she pulled out her phone to text Apollo one of her numerous and random memes she sends spontaneously whenever she's looking for a chuckle. About a minute later was a confused text sent back, making her laugh.

"What's so funny?" Nemar asked her with a glare.

Trucy's eyes snapped to him at the speed of light. "Oh, that was quick."

"It takes the same amount of time, everytime."

"My point still stands!" Trucy laughed as she slipped her phone back into her pocket. She took the two bowls into her hands, "Thanks for the food! Oh and I hope your day gets better!"

Her eyes scanned over the various benches at the park. Today had been a good day for picnicking apparently because all the tables and benches were filled with at least one person. Trucy sighed then walked up to a random table. Someone was sitting there, reading a book, and by the looks of it, were pretty invested. She felt bad for interrupting, so she hoped she didn't bother them too much.

"Um, excuse me?"

The stranger put down the book covering their face and almost made Trucy drop the noodles right there and then. "Yes–"

"Arsen?! What are you doing here?!" Trucy gasped loudly.

Arsen's eyes briefly widened at Trucy's uncalled for reaction. "Reading...?"

"Yeah, but why at the park all by yourself?" She questioned.

"It's a nice day, is it not? And it's not like I entirely need company anyways." He shrugged as he placed the bookmark back into his book. His movements were graceful yet calculated as though he was going to be photographed at any second. His outfit reflected this with him wearing a fashionable mix of a red sweater and a sleeveless, white turtleneck, and black pants and shoes.

Trucy hummed thoughtfully. "Ohh okay, um, can I sit here?"

"Of course."

She took a seat on the bench in front of Arsen who noticed the two bowls of noodles in her hands.

“You're eating both of those?” He questioned, his eyebrow lifting.

“Oh, I'd love to but no.” She laughed, “Polly’s coming to join me- us soon.”

A small smile appeared on Arsen's face, “Ah, Mr. Justice. What were you two doing today?”

“Nothin’ but investigating and debating!” Trucy said before slurping down her first fork full of noodles.

“Investigating and debating?” Arsen asked.

“Yup! It's Apollo’s first case back–”

“Trucy, Trucy.” Arsen put his hand up, “Please, chew then talk.”

Trucy's eyes widened, forcing the food in her mouth to go down faster. “A-Ah, sorry.”

“No, it's fine. Continue.”

“It's Apollo's first case back since returning to Japanifornia so we're both just really pumped right now!”

“I didn't know solving cases was so exciting.”

“Yeah! Though, we haven't figured out too much so far. We're still in the early stages of the case.” Trucy spoke before eating the noodles once more.

“Is it murder?” Arsen asked, tilting his head slightly.

The brunette nodded. “Unfortunately, that's our specialty.”

“Oh, I'm so sorry.” He spoke, his eyes soft and understanding. Even though Trucy wasn't the one who deserved sympathy because of the way Arsen looked at her, something in her couldn't help but feel like she was.

“I'm not the one who deserves sympathy! Me and Polly are just trying to help!” Trucy smiled shyly, rubbing the back of her neck.

“Even then, seeing dead bodies so often… it must be terrifying for you guys. No wonder you needed to take a break.” He sighed and shook his head.

Usually Trucy would object to assumptions like that but Arsen was right. Seeing blood splatter and murder weapons doesn't do well on the psyche. Hell, it took Trucy months before she could hire a new producer, thoroughly testing every applicant to make sure they were one-hundred percent trustworthy; and more importantly: making sure they had no personal beef with Troupe Gramarye. Don't get her started on her relationship with bottles, cards, and male authority figures.

“Yeah, I guess so.” She responded with a noncommittal smile. “But at least everyone gets justice in the end, ya know?”

Arsen raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Justice in the end, hm? You're very altruistic for someone who enjoys investigating gruesome murders.”

“Well, enjoy is a strong word–”

“So! Ivy told me what happened at your… late rehearsal.” Arsen spoke like it was nothing, like he was ready to bring it up. Trucy's eyes widened at this revaluation, falling silent, not knowing how to respond because of the whiplash.

“She did…?” Trucy sucked in a quick breath, “You and Ivy sure do tell each other everything, huh?”

Arsen nodded with a candid smile. “Hard not to when we've spent every important moment of our lives together.”

“I get that.” Trucy shrugged. It was to be expected anyways, especially after what she had asked of Ivy. What would Arsen think? Hopefully he didn't hate her… “But what did you wanna know– that is if you wanted to know something.”

“If anything, I'd say it was you who wanted to know something.” He teased.

“Oh God– I'm so sorry–”

“Don't apologize.” Arsen objects, “After all, anyone would be curious about our story. It's not exactly the usual type.”

“I guess so…” Trucy awkwardly kicked her legs under the table, pressing more noodles into her mouth. Somehow they tasted more bitter than before.

“...Well, did you want a specific answer?”

She looked up from her bowl. Arsen was twirling a piece of his hair around his finger, more focused on that than looking at Trucy. “What do you mean?” She asked.

“From how Ivy described your little convo, it sounded like you were expecting a sob story.” Suddenly, Arsen's eyes focused back on Trucy. “Is that true?”

“No, not really.” She insisted, “I mean- I'll admit I expected something worse but… I'm glad that Mr. Gavin tried to be good for you two.” Regardless of how mediocre that “good” was.

A mix of confusion and amusement passed through Arsen's eyes before a grin was plastered on his face.

“What?…” Put off by the change in attitude, Trucy raised an eyebrow. “Why are you smiling like that?”

“Pft–! Ahahahahaha!!” Now it was Trucy's turn to be confused as the model laughed in her face. What was Arsen laughing about and why did his laugh sound like everything good in the world? “O-Oh goodness! Please forgive me, Trucy, but you were asking the wrong person about father! Ivy, as much as I love and cherish her, is the dictionary definition of a Daddy's Girl. What she told you probably was spoken with rose tinted glasses.”

Safe to say this was unexpected. Looking back on what Ivy had said, it wasn't impossible to tell that she loved Mr. Gavin, but a full blown Daddy's Girl? Just thinking about a little 5 year-old Ivy cuddling up to him on a rainy day or crying to him when she scraped her knee made Trucy’s head spin. All things considered, it was a cute image but simultaneously too domestic for either of them.

“Really? Because as sweet as Ivy is, she doesn't seem the type.”

Arsen shook his head. “Well, guess again, magic girl. Ivy could barely go ten hours without seeing her Father.”

“Ten hours is a long time…” She muttered. “B-But anyways! Ivy said that Mr. Gavin provided for you guys, he just was–”

“Busy. Yes. Ivy told me and I lived it…” Arsen let out a sigh, crossing his arms over his chest. “To be frank, Father was occupied most of the time and whatever moments he spent with us were schooling and or modeling based… or that's what I recall.”

Trucy's head tilted to the side in question. “Hm… that lines up with what Ivy said… kinda? I don't know, you put him in more of a negative light– no offense.”

“None taken. It's just…” Something changed in Arsen's eyes. It was like in the sea of blue, a shark came up and ripped a fish to shreds. It didn't frighten Trucy, no, it simply made her wish that Athena was here so she could understand who Arsenic Gavin was.

“It's just…?”

Just like that, the ocean’s waters were calm all over again. “Nothing– Well at least nothing we should be speaking of now! Go on, enjoy your salt soup!”

The change in attitude was so sudden that Trucy borderline gasped out loud. “S-Soup? You mean my–”

“Trucy! Who are you ta– ahhh! Arsen!” Trucy heard Apollo gasp from behind.

She quickly turned around, “Apollo!”

“Hello, Mr. Justice.” He greeted with a chuckle, “It seems your loudness knows no bounds.”

“Hello to you too, Mr. Venus.” Apollo greeted, taking a nervous seat next to Trucy. He didn't know why he was shaken up about Arsen's presence– actually, no. He did. The last time the two of them properly talked, Apollo just had to pry his grubby fingers into his personal life. Now, he was pretty sure he was on the guy’s teasing list forever… Psh, like that's exactly new for him.

“Here, Polly!” Trucy slid his bowl of noodles to him, “You're lucky you got here in time so your noodles aren't cold.” Apollo accepted the oversized bowl, taking an eager sip.

“Mmh~ That hits the spot!”

“Are those sodium filled noodles really that good?” Arsen took another peek at the bowl, his pupils expanding at the sight.

Trucy nodded, “I could totally go buy you some–”

“Oh no!” He shuts down, “I'm perfectly capable of buying my own food, thank you.”

“Really? Because you look pretty hungry.” Apollo comments, a chopsticks full of noodles already halfway to his mouth.

Something flickered in Arsen's eyes. “How observant. But no, I'm fine. Ivy and I are going to have lunch together later.”

Trucy nodded, still thinking back to their conversation earlier. “Okie dokie, but if you end up passing out, I'll shove all this salty goodness down your throat!” She joked.

This made Arsen laugh and shake his head, pushing up the edge of his glasses, just like his father– “Oh please, I'm the absolute last person to be passing out on a random Sunday afternoon; I'm hardly anemic.”

“We'll see…” Trucy took another slurp of her noodles with a smile.

All throughout Trucy and Arsen's mini conversation, Apollo just couldn't take his eyes off of the purple amulet decorating Arsen's tie. His eyes began to itch again… Why was he so drawn to it? Maybe it was just… expensive? Is that what it was? He was so poor that just looking at something expensive made his senses go wacky? If that was the case, he should've exploded around Nahyuta a long time ago.

Suddenly, a black glove covered up the amulet, snapping him out of it. “I see you're taken a liking to my mother's gift, Mr. Justice.”

Trucy, who was somehow out of the mix, tilted her head in confusion. “Your mother's gift?” She repeated.

He nodded, “This beautiful lavender amulet was a gift from my mother before her unfortunate passing.” Arsen then turned back to Apollo with curious eyes, “It seems your brother likes it enough for his eyes to linger.”

’Top ten ways to get thrown under the bus,’ Apollo thought bitterly as an embarrassed blush pelted his checks. Trucy gasped beside him, jabbing her elbow into his side. “Apollo! You know it's rude to stare! Especially at family heirlooms!”

“I know, I know. I'm so, so sorry, Mr. Venus! It's just… something about it–”

“Well, it's quite gorgeous.” The model finished for him. “Just like Trucy's broach on her magician outfit.”

“Aw, really?” She blushed, a sappy smile contorting her features. Apollo, however, couldn't help but pout internally. He felt frustrated at himself and that broach (obviously leaning towards one side more than the other). Why was he being so rude around Arsen? He was never usually like this, and it just felt so… out of character.

“But don't worry, Mr. Justice.” Arsen pulled him out of his thoughts once again, “I forgive you wholeheartedly. If I was in your position, I wouldn't be able to tear my eyes away from this beauty myself.”

The defense attorney, of course, nodded in gratitude before trying to finish his noodles as fast as his cholesterol could allow him. Once done, he turned to Trucy. “Are you almost finished? We have a crime scene to investigate!” He urged.

Trucy paused, taking a big gulp. “I thought you said you'd finish it off when I left.”

“W-Well, yeah, but my stomach got the better of me.” That wasn't entirely a lie– he may have skipped out on breakfast because of his excitement– but really, he was just looking for a way out of the other man’s gaze.

“What? Apollo, what if the police swiped up all the evidence!” She pouts.

“Trucy, the police don't just swipe up evidence like some conniving fox. And even if that was the case, I'm sure Ema will fill us in on everything.” Apollo stood up with his empty bowl in hand, “Now come on–”

“Wait!” Trucy huffed before turning to Arsen, “Do you wanna come with?”

“Trucy, you can't just invite bystanders–”

“I’d love to.” Arsen spoke with a soft smile.

His sharp blue eyes stared pointedly at Apollo, making him feel the need to shrink away. Somehow his glare felt so familiar… like everytime he used to misfile something or write a mediocre report back when he was just starting out… Weird.

He shook his head. “Um, are you sure? Because we're investigating a murder case, I'm sure Trucy must've told you by now–”

“Oh, I know good and well.” The model insists, standing up from the table. “I'm no stranger to crime scenes, Mr. Justice.”

“Really?” Trucy asked as she finished up the last of her noodles. “Did your father take you to crime scenes… I-I mean! You don't have to tell me if you don't want to! I'm sorry for asking about that stuff!”

Arsen eyes seemed to soften when looking at Trucy. “No, it's okay, Trucy. Besides, my father would never take a child to a brutal crime scene. My grandfather, however, didn't care as much.”

“Your grandfather was a lawyer too?”

“Nope, famous prosecutor.” Arsen corrected, making Apollo wonder what part of his family wasn't famous.

“Is everyone in your family famous?” Trucy playfully questioned.

“Do you really want to know the answer to that?” He teased.

“No way!!”

“Yes way!”

“Okay!” Apollo interjected. “Trucy, let's go give Mr. Eldoon… ‘s nephew his bowl back so we can go.” The magician then stuck her tongue out at him before doing as told.

As expected, the crime scene hadn't changed in the slightest. As a matter of fact, the only difference was that he had a second AND third opinion this time around. Not to say Arsen was a bother or anything– he mostly stayed out of the way– but to some extent Apollo couldn't help but feel like… well, for lack of better words, they brought a model to a crime scene! He doubts his famous prosecutor Grandpa or famous step-cousin twice removed or whatever taught him how to examine and collect evidence!

“Find anything else?” Ema’s voice asked, pulling the three out of their “investigation.”

“Ah. Uh, no. We were hoping you'd come back with something new.” Apollo spoke, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck.

Ema could only roll her eyes. “Well, the hair DNA tests have yet to get back to us, but they should get back to you and the prosecutor’s office later this afternoon. Other than that, we're looking at the–” She cut herself off as soon as it clicked that the head count was one above the norm. “...Who’s the pretty boy and why is he here?”

“He’s Trucy's–”

“He's my friend! He's super cool and famous!” Trucy boasted.

“Arsenic Venus, though you may call me Arsen.” He introduced himself with his signature, unassumingly charming, smile.

Ema looked him up and down suspiciously, “Riiiigghhhttt… Are you a witness to the murder because the police are over there if you need to put something on the record.”

“I'm afraid not, Ms. Ema? I assume? I'm simply here to accompany my good friend.”

“Yeah! He won't touch any evidence, if that's what you're afraid of! Arsen has fancy smancy gloves on all the time!” Trucy insisted, the model nodding in agreement.

The detective’s eyes trailed over Arsen's hands; black gloves covered them. “Okay but I'm pretty sure you can't just allow a bystander to the scene of the crime. Especially a murder! Like, there's blood and everything…” She then popped a Snackoo into her mouth, munching loudly.

“Well, that's what I told– Ack!!”

Trucy had stomped on Apollo's foot and sent a glare his way before looking back at Ema with puppy dog eyes. “Pleeaassseee Ema! He won't do anything bad! Right, Arsen?”

“I swear it on the moon itself!” Arsen gasped dramatically, adding onto Trucy's sympathy show.

“Save the baby blues you two! I've got blood to spray and–”

“Wait, I'm sorry–” Arsen interrupted, his eyes sparkling with an eagerness Trucy's never seen in a man. “By chance: Are you spraying said blood with Luminol or Fluorescein?”

Ema raised an eyebrow, her curiosity peaked. “Luminol… Why?”

“Really? I find Fluorescein much faster in detecting blood. But other than that, it was pure curiosity.” He shrugged.

“Wait a damn minute, you've detected blood before?”

“Mostly by accident. I occasionally get hurt in my lab when dealing with glass test tubes.” That's when Ema jaw dropped to the floor.

“You have your own lab?! I-I mean–” She crossed her arms over her chest, “I have a lab too, hotshot!”

“Really? Where?”

“It’s at my place of work! They gave me the keys to all the toxic chemicals and everything!” Ema grinned proudly.

“Even methanol?” Arsen gushed.

“Specifically methanol!” She nodded before smiling at Arsen. “Mr. Venus, was it? Say, why don't you come help me spray this blood?”

“I thought you'd never ask!” And like two excited school girls, the two went off to spray the blood and gush about science.

Apollo, who watched the whole interaction with way too many emotions swimming in his mind, simply blinked. “...What the hell just happened?”

“Aw! Look at those science nerds! They're getting along just fine! Ugh, I feel like a proud mother!” Trucy chimed, a big ol’ grin on her face.

“I… ugh, whatever.” The lawyer pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. It was far too late to stop them anyways. “So, what were you and Arsen talking about earlier?”

“What do you mean?” Trucy questioned, slightly taken aback at the abrupt topic switch.

“Like before I showed up at the park.”

“Oh, nothing important!” The magician wouldn't hear the end of it from Arsen nor Apollo if she told the truth. However, with one simple show of his tightening bracelet, Apollo ran her lie into the dirt. “Okay, fine, it was something important, but I can't tell you.”

“Why?”

“Because it's not my secret to tell, okay?”

Under normal circumstances, Apollo would've bugged Trucy about this like she bugs him, but just by glancing at Arsen from afar made him drop it. He barely knew the guy and he was ten years younger than him, what business did Apollo have to pry? Though, there was one thing he was curious about:

“Okay but… did you notice that amulet?”

“You sure did– which was very rude by the way.” Trucy huffed.

“Again, my bad, but seriously. Didn't you notice something off about it? I mean with your–” Apollo’s voice dropped a tad, “Ability?”

Trucy's head tilted to the side in confusion. “My– You mean our–? No… Not with Arsen.” That's when she couldn't help but think back to Ivy's rings. They definitely messed with her mind when presented to her, but unless she was looking directly at them, she was fine. That must've happened with Apollo too but with Arsen's amulet… both of which given to them by their mother.

“Not with Arsen?” Apollo repeated.

Trucy nodded, “Ivy has these two obsidian rings that her mother gave her. They make my head go all wacky. It was like my senses were being played with.”

“Then you know exactly how I feel!” He pressed his pointer finger to his forehead. “When I look at Arsen's amulet, my bracelet feels like it's loosening instead of tightening.”

“That's so freaky…” She muttered, “Do you think their mother is like us… like she had our ability but… backwards?”

Apollo huffed out a funny scoff. “If that's the case, they're our cousins or something.

Trucy let out a giggle, “Does that mean we're famous?”

“Hardly!” They both burst out into joyous laughter as they watched Ema and Arsen suit smiles of their own. Who knew blood and chemistry could bring people together?

Arsen, hearing their laughter from afar, turns to look back at Apollo and Trucy. The two siblings gave him kind waves, and only Trucy got a wave back.

“You know, Polly, I think Arsen likes you!”

“Me?!” Apollo exclaimed.

“Yeah!” She cheers, “I mean, he might be a tad closed off but when I first told him you were coming in the park, he seemed pleased!”

“Crazy because I feel like he has a vendetta against me.” Apollo muttered only to be faced with an incredulous gasp.

“He would never! Why would he be mad at you?”

Apollo looked back to where Arsen was us talking with Ema. He's all smiles with everyone except me…

“I dunno, Trucy. I don't know.”

Notes:

More chapters coming soon!

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Summary:

Ivy and Arsen visit Trucy's rehearsal. I wonder why...

Notes:

See as I've just entered my junior year of high-school (actual hell on earth according to tiktok), I've decided to do myself a favor and publish this earlier this year!

Thank you for sticking by me for so long and happy reading!🩷🩷

September 18th

Sweat dripped down Trucy's face as she waved her wand around in the air, casting the “spell” that made confetti flutter down from the sky. They'd run through the show from the top for the second time that day, and they were already at break time. Well deserved if Trucy thought so herself.

This time around, she decided to sit in the stadium seats instead of in the dressing room, mostly because it was naturally cold out there to accommodate for large crowds. As soon as her behind hit the cool, cushiony seat, Trucy was in paradise. She dug into her lunch for the afternoon, and one by one, her friends joined her auditorium relaxation session.

“Enjoyin’ the cool air conditioning, ‘Ruce?” Carlos asked, dropping into the seat next to her.

“You know it!” Trucy agreed before slurping down the Tomato and Garlic soup she had made with Daddy the other day since he’s been on a soup and stew craze as of late. It wasn't anything close to perfection, but it was edible, and honestly? That's saying something considering Phoenix’s past meals. “Do you think we could have Saturday off if we do act 1 again today?” She asked.

“Aren't you our boss?” Betty huffed.

“Well, I mean, yeah! But it's also your hours, Betty.” Trucy said, pointing her spoon at Betty. “I'm just trying to get a feel for what my employees want and need and whatnot. We all deserve a break for our hard work, after all!” As Ivy has so kindly pickaxed into my skull as of late.

“Totally, Ms. Wright!” Whitney agreed, “I think if we pump this into overdrive, tomorrow could totally be a free day!”

“I have been needing to get my hair cut as of late.” Bonny chimed in, pushing her bangs out of her eyes.

Trucy quickly swallowed down her soup, “So it's settled! Brb, I'm gonna go get Dohn to tell him to tell the crew to set up for act 1—hold my soup, Carlos!” With a playful eye roll, he gladly takes Trucy’s soup and lets her skitter off out of the audience seating.

“Dohn! Donny!” Trucy called out walking to the front of the auditorium. Usually, he'd take his lunch break outside because he wanted to be in nature which Trucy mentally applauded from a health standpoint. She walked through the curved halls of the Sunshine Colosseum until she stood at the entrance doors, looking through the glass to see if she could spot him. Maybe she'd make this into a game!

Tree, no Dohn, bench, no Dohn, Pillar, No Dohn, Blue Badger Balloons, No Dohn, Ivy and Arsen, No Dohn, very neat bushes, No Dohn but I should give my thanks to whoever cut those– IVY AND ARSEN?!?

Trucy’s eyes bugged out at the twins walking right towards the entrance, seeming to not have noticed her yet. Usually she was ultra super happy to see her friends but something about them made her wistful– not that she hated them or anything! Trucy just always wanted to look her best for them and in her silly witch outfit, her skin and hair moist with sweat, she didn't look her best.

With her magician’s handkerchief, she quickly wiped her face, arms, and hair, trying to make her look somewhat presentable. About 5 seconds into doing this, Trucy huffed and stuffed the fabric back into her costume. Ugh, this is so stupid… They won't care what I look like. They're my friends! Besides, they know my job, they know how much effort I put into it! Arsen and Ivy should expect sweat even though the two look like they've never sweat a day in their lives. Why were they here anyways? It's not like they texted me or anything? Maybe it's supposed to be a surprise?

“Truce?” Speaking of surprises. Ivy once again shocked Trucy out of her thoughts (because she was so good at that for some reason), knocking on the glass door. How they walked here so fast was beyond Trucy.

She let the two in almost immediately, “Oh my goodness, guys! I wasn't expecting you!”

“And you didn't just watch us walk over here?” Arsen asked, stepping into the building. He must've noticed what his sister didn't.

“I'm no stalker, thank you very much. I just happened to spot two solicitors trying to sneak into my rehearsal.” The magician teased, tipping her hat towards the twins. “You wanna explain yourselves?”

“Solicitors?” Ivy repeated.

“Us?” Asked Arsen.

“Never!” They spoke in unison.

“We just came to visit you on your break. Surprise!” Ivy squealed, “I didn't want what happened last time to happen again, you know?”

Arsen crossed his arms over his chest, “However, you look in good shape for the most part.”

“Aww! Thanks guys!” Trucy beamed, “That's super sweet! But unfortunately, you guys can't enter past this point.” A look of surprise, disappointment, and another emotion that Trucy couldn't quite place crossed the twins’ faces. It was like Trucy just cussed at them in a made up language.

“I-I’m sorry, what? Why?” Ivy prodded with a strained smile.

“Trucy, we drove all the way out here just to see you and now you're shooing us away like a common housefly?” Arsen tsked, “How rude.”

Something in Trucy ticked. Usually, if one of her friends told her that she was being rude, then she'd apologize but still ask that they leave but with Ivy and Arsen… Her breath hitched. “I-I mean, I'm just saying I want this show to be a surprise for you two! I haven't performed for you guys in forever so I just thought it’d be cool if this was a big surprise for you!” The words just fell from her lips frighteningly easy.

Ivy and Arsen looked at Trucy, at each other, then back at her. A smile grew on their faces, perfect and porcelain.

“Why didn't you just say that?” Ivy snorted, swatting at Trucy’s shoulder.

“Don't go scaring us like that!” Arsen chuckled.

Suddenly, both Arsen and Ivy gave Trucy a squeeze, the magician instinctively hugging back. “Don't worry, we forgive you. And we're flattered!” Ivy expressed.

“To think that you're working extra hard just for us… it's touching.” Arsen confessed.

Trucy opened her mouth but no words came out. Their combined warmth was getting to her in the best and worst way possible. She was so tired from all the practicing, changing, and tricks and she hadn’t even realized it until now. Trucy exhaled and hugged them both a bit tighter, their warmth enveloping her like a heated, weighted blanket. “You guys are the best…”

“Comfortable?” Ivy hummed.

“Try not to fall asleep, alright?” Arsen spoke.

“I won't…” Trucy murmured, closing her eyes and laying her forehead on their shoulders. “... How are you guys so damn comforting? Like you guys are genuinely the sweetest, kindest people I've ever met.”

“Aww!” The two cooed, squeezing Trucy tighter.

“How else should we treat our best friend?” Arsen’s gentle voice spoke.

“Trucy?” A completely different voice spoke from behind Trucy. The magician let go of the models almost immediately and spun around to see Bonny. She looked completely starstruck and flustered at what she just walked in on.

“Bonny! Whaaaat are you doing here?” Trucy asked, almost apprehensive.

“W-Well, I hadn't brought too much to eat for lunch t-today so I thought I-I could t-try and find you or Donny but…” Bonny’s skittish eyes glance back and forth between Ivy and Arsen. “No way…” She took a few steps forward, “I-I’m sorry if this is f-forward but are you two A-Arsenic Venus and Ivylene Belladonna…?

Like a switch, a photographic smile appeared on their faces. “Yes we are!” Ivy nodded.

“We’re assuming you’re a fan?” Arsen confirmed to Bonny’s amazement.

“Yes! A thousand times yes!” Bonny squealed, “You two are so perfect a-and legendary! I just can’t believe you’re here!”

Trucy let out a small sigh of relief. There’s no way she would’ve escaped the teasing if she’d been hugging—oh, who is she kidding—EMBRACING anyone else like that. She could already hear Carlos’ teasing “Damn, ‘Ruce! Why don’t you hug us like that? I thought we were your friends!!” Fake crying/laughing ensues. Trucy felt embarrassed at the thought alone.

Once Ivy and Arsen had given Bonny their autographs on the back of their business cards, a few more voices approached the four, two of which were already grimacing.

“Donny!! Dohn!! Mr. Joe!! D– Oi, Bonny!” Betty cried, steadily approaching the group with Whitney and Carlos close behind. “Why’re you just standing around?! You’re supposed to be finding the boss!”

“Nononono! Betty, look!” Bonny points directly at two tense twins, who wave and smile nonetheless.

Betty puts her tirade on pause, her jaw damn near dropping at Ivy and Arsen. “You’re fucking lying.”

“Well, look at what we have ‘ere?” Carlos whistled, stopping beside Betty. “You’re the model that Trucy was playin’ hooky with two weeks ago and you’re her male clone. Nice to meet ya’! By the way, ‘Ruce, I might've accidentally spilled ya soup…”

“Honestly, you two totally look better in person.” Whitney commented with a welcoming grin.

Ivy and Arsen blinked at all of them for a moment, not knowing which reaction they should even address first. Thank the gods Trucy was there.

“Amazing first impressions across the board and Carlos, I will kill you later,” Trucy joked, “But I assume you guys are trying to find Dohn too?”

Betty startled a bit, “Oh, crap! I didn’t even notice you were there, Wright.”

“Yeah, we figured that since Bonny was going to find you, we’d look for Donny.” Whitney replied, “But someone totally got distracted.” She winked.

Trucy rubbed the back of her neck, “Heh, I guess so, huh?”

“Well, models or not, I want my vacay! Let’s go, your apartment money won’t make itself!” Carlos encouraged. This, however, caught Ivy’s attention.

“Apartment money?” Ivy questioned, her hand coming up over her chest. “Truce, if you need rent money, I would’ve loaned it to you! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“No, it’s not that!” Trucy quickly reassured, “I’m just trying to move out of my dad’s house! You know, get my own place.”

“Oh. Why don’t you just move in with us?” Arsen shrugged, too nonchalant for the words that just left his mouth.

Trucy’s jaw must’ve dropped to the floor, her brain exploding behind her eyes. No way… No way! Did they just invite me to stay with them a-as roommates?! Judging by the complete silence behind her, her friends had about the same reaction.

“Oh, Arsen! That’s a fantastic idea!” Ivy beamed, hanging on her brother’s arm. “What do you say, Truce?”

“SAY YES!!” Betty and Bonny practically screamed at her, holding each other in second hand excitement.

“Are you kidding? OF COURSE IT’S A YES!!” Trucy cheered. Everyone joined in on her excitement, clapping her on the back and saying their congratulations. This was huge! At last, Trucy Wright was going to be a full blown adult and not just because she was legally an adult! She was “leaving the nest” as Daddy would say!

Wait.

Daddy.

“Wait.” Trucy paused, her brows furrowed, “It’s not that easy.”

The twins’ smiles faltered.

“Trucy, what are you doing?” Bonny asked anxiously.

“Trucy Wright, if you mess this up, I’m quitting right here, right now.” Betty threatened, receiving a weird look from Trucy.

“What–? No– It’s not that.” Trucy sighed, “My dads are bound to have questions that need answers or else we’ll never be roommates.”

Ivy waved her hand flippantly. “Oh, it’s fine. We have anything and everything Mr. Wright and Mr. Edgeworth will ever need about our house. Right, Arsen?”

“Of course.” Arsen nodded, “They should be in the safe somewhere…”

Trucy let out a sigh of relief, “Thank goodness you guys are prepared for literally everything.”

“Better than under preparing.” They said in unison.

“W-What are you guys doing here? Is it time to go home already?” An unfamiliar voice asked, Ivy and Arsen tensing up immediately. Luckily, it wasn’t another fan but a small man with circular glasses.

“Dohn! Buddy!” Carlos cheered, “We’ve been lookin’ for you all over! Where ‘ave ya been?”

“I forgot to pack my lunch this morning so I had to go to a fast food place down the street.” Dohn explained, “What did you guys need?”

“We were just going to ask you to ask the crew to set up for act 1.” Bonny explained.

Dohn crossed his arms over his chest, “Why didn’t you do it?”

The group opened their mouths then closed them again…

“... Because you do it best…?” Trucy suggested with a sappy smile that made Dohn sigh.

“You’re something else, Ms. Wright.” He then turned on his heel and walked back towards the auditorium, “Come on! Act 1 can’t set up itself apparently.” The others promptly follow behind him, waving bye to Ivy and Arsen all the while (especially Betty and Bonny). Everyone except Trucy.

“Quite the handful you’ve got there, Trucy.” Arsen smirked.

“They’re great!” Trucy teased back, “You’ll love them even more once you see them on stage!”

“Ooh! I just can’t wait! An entire magic show dedicated to us!” Ivy giggled.

“Yup!” Trucy put her hands on her hips, “by the way, when do you guys wanna break the news to my dad?”

“Hm, why not after you finish up here? Just text us and we’ll drive up to your house.” Arsen, once again, said all too calmly.

“Wow! Not wasting any time with this, are you?”

“Why delay the inevitable?” Ivy agreed before nudging Trucy away from them. “Now go! Your cast and crew needs you to make this show extra great for us!”

“Fine, fine! I’m going!” Trucy began to walk backwards, “I’ll text you guys, okay? I can’t wait to be roommates! Bye bye, roomies!” She then fully turned around and skipped away, her spirits giddier than ever! This was the beginning of something great!

“Daddy! Poppa! I'm home!” Trucy called out, Ivy and Arsen following her inside.

Phoenix looked up from the case files he was flicking through. He honestly felt like if he read another word, his eyes would fall out of his head so greeting Trucy was a more than welcome surprise. “Heya, Trucy… and Ivy and Arsen?”

“Good evening, Mr. Wright.” Ivy and Arsen greeted the defense attorney, an eye-catching leather satchel on Ivy's hip.

Phoenix stood up—mentally thanking every God above that he hadn't changed into his pajamas yet and instead took his blazer and waistcoat off—and walked towards the group. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Weeelllll, you know how I've been thinking of moving out?” Trucy hinted, bouncing on the balls of her heels.

“Riiiggghhhtttt…?”

“I’m happy to tell you my dearest Daddy that I have found a home! With Ivy and Arsen!” She made little jazz hands, “I'm gonna be their roommate!”

Phoenix’s eyes blew wide. He was always dreading the day Trucy moved out, not that he would ever tell her that. He loved his girl more than anyone else in the world. He'd move the sun itself for her if he could! But moving in with Ivy and Arsen? So soon? At least she won't be living alone (which was something he was heavily worried about) but he wondered who suggested the idea.

“Oh. I, uh, t-that’s great! Amazing news, Trucy! Congrats!” Phoenix sputtered out after a few seconds of silence. He turned to Ivy and Arsen, “But before I can give my full approval, I'd like to know where you two live, what neighborhood, the tax bracket—you know, the usual stuff.” He couldn't tell if it was the defense attorney, dad, or Kristoph hater in him that was talking.

Ivy nodded and flipped open her leather satchel, revealing multiple papers and files. “This here includes the address, deed, monthly tax summation, all bills we've paid over the past few months, and anything else more in depth that you'd like to know about.”

Of course, they came more than prepared. “How responsible.” Phoenix replied, his jaw clenching a bit. “I’ll call Miles.”

•••

“Yes… Yes, it's thorough… I already told you the address–that’s the first thing I told you!... Yes, I'm sure they live in that house, I looked it up on Google maps… I know…” Phoenix groaned, the phone pressed against the side of his face so hard that it'd leave a mark.

They'd well passed the threshold of an hour just sitting at the dining room table as Phoenix and Miles did their research aka Phoenix answering every question Miles threw at him. It was a lot. So much so that Trucy had decided to braid and un-braid Ivy's hair, Ivy was scrolling on her phone, and Arsen was full on asleep.

Granted, it was touching that Miles cared so much about where Trucy was going to live, but this might've been a bit overkill.

“Okay, okay, um, Ivy?” Phoenix asked for what felt like the billionth time.

“Hm?” She didn't even bother to look up from her phone.

“When can we—we being me and Miles—drive up to your house to see what it's like and–”

“Oh my gods! Daddy please!” Trucy whined, “Christ, we've been at this for an hour! You and Papa have all the info! You even have Ivy and Arsen’s numbers! It's not like I'm moving out of state!”

Phoenix’s eyes widened, glancing down at all the papers in front of him then at Ivy and Arsen who could not be more uninterested in this interrogation. Arsen's asleep for Christ's sake… The attorney sighed, “Hun, I think it's time we stopped. Their financial situation is honestly incredible and they've been living together no problem. Trucy will have no problem fitting in as a third.”

The other side of the line went quiet for a moment before a murmur of resignation was heard. “Fine. But I'd still like to visit.”

“He says he still wants to come over.” Daddy relayed.

Trucy nudged Ivy, catching her attention. “Hm? O-Oh, my apologies. Um, you and Mr. Edgeworth could visit after Trucy moves in? That way there's no boxes or anything crowding the space.”

Phoenix smiled at her apologetically. “That sounds perfect. Thank you, Ivy.”

Ivy bowed her head. “Anytime, Mr. Wright. Excuse me, but I believe that Arsen and I should get home before it gets too late.” She glanced at the orange glow coming from the window then at her sleeping brother. “It's certainly too late for Arsen.”

She put her hand on his shoulder, shaking him softly. “Réveillez-vous, Arsen. We're going home.”

“Mhm…” He groaned, his brows furrowing a bit, before his eyes flickered open. Arsen sat up, running his fingers through his hair and cracking his back. “Leaving already?”

“I mean, you're free to spend the night if you don't think you've been here long enough.” Trucy giggled, “It'll be like old times!”

Arsen stared at her for a few seconds before wordlessly standing up and walking towards the front door. “Message received.” Trucy snorted.

“He doesn't like being woken up. I'm just surprised he woke up so quickly.” Ivy laughed along. “Bye Truce~! Bye Mr. Wright! Thank you for allowing Trucy to live with us!”

“Oh, no problem.” Phoenix shrugged, “Sorry for keeping you guys.”

“It's okay!” Ivy smiled, “It's natural for a father to be worried about his child. I'm excited to see you at our house.” With that, she strided away, going to catch up with Arsen.

Trucy felt a warm feeling bloom in her chest, her cheeks starting to hurt at how hard she was grinning. It was official! Trucy Wright was going to live with Ivy and Arsen! She turned to Phoenix and practically jumped into his arms. “Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!”

“Gah!!” He startled, almost falling back in his seat. Once he found his grounding, he hugged her back, “Anytime kiddo. Just… When you make big decisions like this, I just need you to talk to me about it first, Kay?”

“Yeah, I maaayyyy have gotten ahead of myself!” Trucy confessed, a bashful smile on her face. But before she could fully let him go, her senses picked up on something 30 minutes ago and she didn't know how to feel quiet yet.

“By the way: I noticed how hard it was for you to not ask about any poison in their house.” Trucy admitted, immediately feeling her dad tense. He let go of the hug to look her in the eyes, his almost fearful as to what she would say.

“Trucy…” Phoenix put his hand on her cheek, caressing the skin.

“I get it.” She sighed, leaning into his touch, avoiding his eyes. “But…” Trucy looked at Phoenix. Like, really looked into his eyes. “They aren't bad people, Daddy. Ever since I bumped into Ivy, she's been like a sister to me. She's always been a sister to me. And Arsen is so witty and gentle. You should see him and Apollo out together! It's honestly hilarious.”

The magician took Phoenix’s hand into hers, her gloved hand warm against his bare one. “Please… I know what Mr. Gavin did was inexcusable but… Ivy and Arsen are trustworthy. You know that. You saw them when they were little, just like I was. They're good people. Trust them… for me?” At this point Trucy's eyes were sparkling with unshed tears, “Please…”

Phoenix gazed at his daughter. What could he say…? He wanted to trust them. He really did but… Trucy only knew one parent. Phoenix experienced both. But he didn't want to hurt his daughter. His Trucy. Besides, it's not like she was entirely wrong. Phoenix remembered those bittersweet afternoons when Kristoph was occupied with a high profile client or when he was requested in Europe for the bar association or he was going to have a high profile dinner party that Phoenix couldn't possibly show his face at (the list goes on), and he had to watch over Ivy and Arsen as though they were his kids. He always felt bad for them; that their Father was such a narcissistic snob, but they didn't seem to mind. To Phoenix, they were used to this kind of thing. Or at least, playing with Trucy seemed to cheer them up anyway.

Those times where Phoenix could take them all to the park, buy them some ice cream, and watch them work off their sugar high at the playground were pleasant. Those moments let Phoenix turn his mind away from the jurist system, the forgery, the lying, the hiding, all of it for just a moment of domestic bliss.

Looking into Trucy’s eyes now, remembering Ivy and Arsen's, Phoenix knew what he had to do. If what she needed him to do was trust, that's what he was going to do. Who cares about Kristoph? Who cares about Dahlia? Trucy was pleading and Phoenix was a damn good dad.

“I trust Ivy and Arsen.” Phoenix spoke, firm and strong. “And I trust you, Trucy.”

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Summary:

We're moving in boys!

September 25th

Lift with your back. Not with your legs. Lift with your back. Not with your legs. Trucy repeated to herself over and over with each box she moved inside. At first she had thought this would be a breeze. “I don't own too many things.” She said. “This should go quickly.” She said. “I can just keep all my magical equipment back at Daddy's house.” She said.

Almost dropping her lamp, computer, vase, and literally everything else she owned humbled her greatly to say the least. She was at least thankful for Ivy and Arsen's overwhelming and seemingly endless amount of strength which doubled the speed of moving her belongings. By 2pm, the three of them were drinking celebratory tea in their well-furnished living room.

“Cheers to our hard work and our new roommate, Trucy Wright.” Arsen raised his porcelain tea cup and clinked it against the two others.

“Ooh! I still can't believe it!” Trucy squealed, “I mean- uh, thank you. Thank you again. Thank you for existing! Thank you for literally everything!”

Ivy took a sip of her tea, fluttering her fingers dismissively. “Oh, it's nothing! We've actually been wanting new company for a while.”

“Agreed. You know how hard it is to find real friends when you aren't exactly…” Arsen took a pause as he tried to find the right words. “... Normal, for a lack of better words.”

“Yeah, I get what you mean.” The brunette nodded, “Making friends at school was hard considering that me and Daddy didn't exactly have the money to stay at one for longer than a couple of months.”

“At least you had schools to go to.” Ivy sighed.

“What do you mean?” Trucy asked, “I thought you went to school. How else did you graduate so quickly?”

“Wait, I never told you we were homeschooled?” Ivy questioned.

Trucy shook her head.

“Oh, well we were.” Arsen explained. “It wasn't until we were about 7 years old when Father enrolled us in a private elementary school uptown. Luckily, all our learning at home made us much more advanced than other kids our age.”

Ivy laughed behind her hand, “I still remember when they tried teaching us how to count beads and the teacher had to give us the entire jar just to keep us from counting too fast.”

“Ugh, that was horrible!” Arsen laughed along, “Especially when the other kids used to reach their entire hand in the jar, grab a fistful, and throw them everywhere.”

“Oh my goodness, yes!” Ivy put her hand on his shoulder, “I swear they had zero home training!”

“How'd you move up so fast?” Asked Trucy, now invested in their school anecdotes.

“We took a lot of placement tests.” They said in unison.

“It got to the point where we were skipping grades every few months.” Ivy confessed, “Not great for making friends, especially since they were all a great deal older than us, but we weren't there to make friends anyway. Graduation was our priority.”

“Yes, graduating university at the ripe age of ten is something someone outta brag about after all. Not to mention, it was in the newspaper for about… 2 weeks?” Arsen speculated.

“Really? I thought it was 3 weeks.”

“Well, I'd take my words with a grain of salt, Ivy. It's been some 7 years after all.” Arsen shrugged before taking a sip of his tea.

“I suppose…”

Trucy looked back and forth between the two. She didn't know whether to feel pity or feel… responsible in a way? She knew them when they were little however she didn't know them. Nor did she exactly know them now. She wanted to though. More than anything.

“Uh, um, if you don't mind me asking…” Trucy piped up, “How did it feel? Growing up prodigies in, well, everything?”

“Everything?” They repeated back to her.

“N-Not everything everything! Like, being good at a lot of things?”

Ivy and Arsen looked at each other for a few moments then looked back at Trucy as though they had decided on an answer. “Truce… have you ever been told you're good at something ten times?” Ivy asked.

“I'd think so.” She said back, droplets of confusion in her tone.

“What about twenty?” Arsen asked immediately after.

“Uh-huh.”

Ivy: “What about thirty?”

“I think-”

Arsen: “What about one hundred?”

“Um-”

Ivy: “What about one million?”

“Well-”

Arsen: “One trillion?”

“Wow-”

Ivy: “One quadrillion?”

“Okay, okay! I-I get it! I'm sure it was a lot… it seems like a lot… a lot…” Trucy muttered, making the other two laugh.

“Oh, we were just joking, Truce!” Ivy giggled.

Trucy cracked a shaky smile at the two before finishing off her tea and placing her tea cup on its saucer. “O-Of course!” She laughed awkwardly. Something about the intensity of their questions… Trucy didn't know for sure if they were really joking, but her senses weren't confirming that theory.

“Anyways,” Arsen also put his tea cup onto its saucer, adjusting his glasses. “I hear Ivy has promised a tour of the house, yes?”

“Oh, yes!” Ivy softly gasped, “We must show you around!”

Trucy's eyes widened, a smile already growing on her face. “Yes! Let's go!”

•••

“This place is absolutely gorgeous! You live here everyday?” Trucy ooed and ahhed over every little expensive detail. Her eyes sparkled at the many crystal chandeliers, her mouth fell agape at the spacious balcony, and her mind was blown by the large oil paintings presented in each hallway. Their house—no, mansion (Trucy wanted to call it a mansion but the twins insisted it was just a really large house. She still thinks it’s a mansion) was the very definition of elegance and Trucy hadn't even seen all of it.

While she probably should've been as amazed by everything (rich people obviously live rich lives) she couldn't help herself! As someone who's never had this much luxury, who has never even considered spoiling herself like this, Trucy was on cloud nine! It was crazy that Ivy and Arsen have grown up like this since they were born.

“Yes, we do!” Ivy responded, amused at the magician's childlike wonder.

“Now you do too!” Arsen followed up.

Trucy looked back at the twins expectantly, receiving only smiles in return. “Huh, that's it?”

“What do you mean?” Ivy asked.

“Well, you guys rhymed so I just thought you'd burst out into song or something.”

“... Well, I'm not sure why you'd assume that.” Ivy muttered.

“Quite the imagination you have, Trucy.” Arsen followed up, pushing up his glasses.

Safe to say, Trucy was successfully embarrassed. To distract from the heat rising to her cheeks, she pointed at a random oil painting. “Who made that and how did you get a hold of it? Unless you guys made it?”

Ivy knew Trucy was trying to divert their attention, and she appreciated the effort. “As amazing as that would be, no we didn't paint this. This painting was made by Aldèric Jean-Marc Lavoie, a famous French artist from his day.”

“And as to how we obtained this painting–” Arsen paused to think, his eyes concentrating on the picture in front of him. It didn't just appear out of thin air but… “I can't seem to remember. Do you know, Ivy?”

Ivy thought as well, “No, I don't… I suppose it just showed up in our house one day.”

“That's rather mysterious, don't you think?”

“Perhaps this was Grandpa’s?”

“I feel as though we'd know if it were Grandpa’s.”

“Then it probably belonged to Father’s parents–”

“Ah!” Trucy yelled out of nowhere. She had been listening to their explanations but then felt something warm and soft curl and prod at her ankles. She tried to ignore it for about 5 seconds before she gave in and glanced down and–

“Oh my! Cassie!” Ivy kneeled down and held out her arms, the yellow tabby eager to jump into her arms.

“You have a cat?!” Trucy gasped, “Why didn't you tell me?!”

“I haven't?” Ivy mindlessly scratched the cat behind the ears, “Hm, no matter. Say hello to Cassie, Truce!”

The magician timidly reached out and gave the golden cat a few head scratches. Just like its owners, Cassie the cat was something out of a fairytale novel; borderline museum worthy if not for the scar on her ear. “What happened to her ear?”

“Incident with the previous owner.” Arsen responded, “Apparently, he did everything to get rid of her and she did everything to stay with him– or so the tale goes.”

“So how do you guys have her?”

Arsen winced at the memory, still plenty fresh in his mind. “Long story short: I'm never going to Seattle again.”

“Arsen got Cassie for me for our birthday last year. She's such a good girl albeit feisty and mischievous.” Ivy gave her one last kiss on the forehead before allowing Cassie to hop out of her arms and skitter away.

“To you.” Arsen scoffed, “She hates me.”

“She adores you.”

“The scratches all over every wooden item I own says otherwise.”

“Perhaps dark Italian oak is offensive to cats?” Ivy joked before leading the tour onward, a giggling Trucy and exasperated Arsen following along.

“Or maybe you should buy her more cat toys?” Trucy suggested, “I hear flattery will get you everywhere in life!”

Arsen looked at her in utter confusion. “Was whoever told you that unemployed?”

Trucy scratched her neck bashfully. Sure, it was a rough time in his life but Daddy technically wasn't unemployed! Poker counts… Just at this gesture, Arsen shook his head. “Oh Trucy…”

“Up next is the music room!” Ivy announced, catching their attention. Trucy walked through glass double doors to be met with a sleek grand piano and a violin case right next to it. Otherwise, the room was completely empty.

“Hm, it's very… minimalist.” Trucy commented as the twins drew the curtains, lighting up the space.

“It's so the sound can expand and swell.” Ivy said, gesturing to the rest of the room with a swan-like flourish of her arms.

“Did your rockstar friend never tell you that?” Arsen questioned.

“Who? Klavier?” Trucy questioned, her hands on her hips as the two walked up to the instruments in the middle of the room.

Ivy scoffed, “No, Athena.”

“Because she seems like the type to make music.” Arsen snorted, taking a seat at the piano. “Yes, Klavier.”

Trucy tensed a bit, a needle’s prick. “Well, no. We don't talk about music and sound frequencies all that often… Obviously.”

“Then you should inquire about that. It never hurts to expand your knowledge towards subjects you're inept in.” Ivy says as she unzips and takes the violin out of its case. Unlike most violins, it was white with golden accents, waxed to perfection. “Moving on, do you have any requests?”

“Wow, Ivy.” Arsen hummed, lifting the fall board of the piano to reveal the porcelain keys. “You almost never take requests.”

Ivy shrugged in response. “Why not have a little fun for our new roommate?”

Trucy grinned, “Ooh~! How special!” The magician thought for a moment. There was this one song that Apollo showed to her about a year ago. It was a song by Jove Justice, or by the name on the album cover, Jangly. Trucy liked it enough to add it to her playlist when she first heard it, which made Apollo happier than she thought he'd be, and honestly made her want to learn Spanish so she could sing along without sounding like she didn't even know English.

“Do you guys know the song Hechizo by Jove Justice?” Trucy asked, leaning against the piano.

The two simply stared at her, expressions completely blank.

She felt a tingle in her cheeks at the silence. “Uh, okay, I can just search it up for you– I promise it's good!” She pulled out her phone and began typing away.

“Oh it's okay, Truce.” Ivy dismissed the notion. “Even if you did play the song, it's not like we could learn an entire portion of a song in a matter of seconds.”

With a slightly dejected look on her face, Trucy slipped her phone back into her pocket. “I guess you're right– I mean, you were probably expecting me to name something more your style anyways.” I guess it was pretty crazy to think that they'd actually know any songs I listen to.

Arsen pressed a few keys, making the piano stir to life. “Why not some… Chopin?”

Ivy gave an exaggerated eye roll at the suggestion as she glided rosin across her bow. “Arsen, no one wants to hear you play Winter Wind for the billionth time.”

“And what do you suggest, hm? Nocturne in C sharp minor?” Arsen huffed back.

“It's beautiful.” She warned.

“Yes, but you have all the fun.” He pushed up his glasses, “Why not… Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2?”

Ivy's eyes lit up, “Oh, Arsen… we haven't played that song together in years…”

“I know right.” Arsen chuckled bittersweetly, settling his fingertips on the keys. “But I'm sure it's in our muscle memory somewhere. We simply have to bring it back to life, yes?”

Ivy gave a firm nod before perching her violin up to the crook of her neck, resting her chin gracefully. “Are you ready for the performance of a lifetime, Truce?”

Despite her disappointment about her original idea being pushed to the side, Trucy still watched the two with baited breath. “Of course! You two got this!” She cheered.

Ivy picked up her bow, raised it over her violin, and swung it downwards, the song starting with a bold C sharp. Arsen followed her start, just as strong on his. At the beginning of the song, their music sounded like what black silk felt like. Refined, bold, daunting in the way that made a lesser person realize that they weren’t fortunate enough to touch this level of greatness quite yet. Then the song became bouncy and fast paced beyond Trucy's comprehension.

The sheer speed at which Arsen and Ivy were moving their hands was unprecedented, hitting every note hard then drawing themselves back in at every decrescendo. Trucy was hypnotized beyond belief. This was a sort of magic she'd hardly ever seen before, swearing up and down that she didn't listen to classical music; this was enough to get her hooked forever.

As the song ended, Trucy couldn't help but stare at the two in awe. No way they pulled that off… Maybe Ivy and Arsen were gods after all…

Ivy set her violin back in its case, “What? Was our performance that awful?” She giggled, “I told you it's been a while–”

“AWFUL?! IN WHAT WORLD COULD I CALL THAT PERFECTION AWFUL?!” Trucy gasped out, surprised that Ivy would ever use that word ever.

“Christ, we're glad you like it.” Arsen smiled, “No need to yell.”

“Maybe you need to be yelled at, man!” Trucy huffed, “Why aren't you guys in an orchestra?”

“Some activities are better as hobbies than an actual career, Truce.” Ivy explained as she laid her instrument back into its case.

“Okay, well why not professors?” Trucy suggested, “I mean, they make a bunch—I think—and they're super duper smart like you guys are.”

“Most of the time, that requires a doctorate.” Arsen replied. “And that would involve going back to school, and who wants that?”

Ivy shudders dramatically. “Oh gods no.”

“Then what did you guys graduate in?”

“I earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.” Arsen says first.

“And I earned my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.” Ivy then spoke.

“Holy hell! And you said you were models?!” Trucy cried, her mouth wide open. “Why aren't you guys creating the cure for cancer and making robots that help with magic tricks?!”

“Well that's why we don't tell anyone!” Ivy laughed, leading Trucy out of the music room. “You and everyone else have had the exact same reaction for the past few years.”

“Our contribution to the world comes in beauty catalogs and charity shows.” Arsen assured, “Why slave away at some white collar job when we could do good via our platform of lovely followers and critics?”

“Exactly.” Ivy nodded along. “But let's keep going for now. I have a feeling you’ll be extra interested in the upcoming rooms.”

Trucy’s began to sparkle in advance. “Wait, don’t tell me!” She shook Ivy’s arm, “Am I going to get a bedroom tour?”

“Correct! But you can’t touch anything.” Ivy warned.

“We may be your friends but we like our privacy too.” Arsen reminded.

“Oh yea, of course!” Trucy nodded then paused for a moment, “Buuuuttttt can I jump–”

“No.” She was rejected in perfect harmony.

“Damn.” She pouted.

“So which room would you like to look at first?”Ivy asked, stopping in the middle of the hall and gesturing to two doors at either side of the hall. Ivy’s room white door on the left; Arsen’s room oak door on the right.

Trucy looked back and forth from door to door. She put her hands on her hips, “Hmm… We should flip a coin!”

“We don’t carry coins on us.” Arsen said before looking at Ivy who confirmed his words with a nod.

A mischievous grin grew on Trucy’s face. “Oh yeah?” She reached out behind Arsen’s ear as though she was grabbing something and when her hand returned, there was one golden coin between her fingers. “‘Cuz there was one right behind your ear! And you didn’t even notice!”

No words could describe the incredulous look on Arsen’s face, just blinking and confused. Ivy, however, was stifling laughter behind her hand at her brother’s utter bewilderment that bordered on disgust.

“Okay,” Trucy continued on, “Heads or tails?”

“Heads.” Ivy called between giggles. Arsen chose to stay silent as he pushed up his glasses, a faint redness tinting his cheeks.

Answers locked in, Trucy flipped the coin high in the air, watching it do flips in the air, and then caught it in the palm of her hand. She smacked the coin on to the back of her other hand, and peeked at the coin, “Heads! Ivy’s room is first!”

When Trucy walked through the white door, she thought she was in a fairy’s bedroom. The room was spacious like a master bedroom, artistic carvings in the ceiling displaying the Victorian feel that complimented the small chandelier that lit up the room and the faux blush pink dahlias that sat along the corners and edges of the ceiling, walls, and bedframe. The gold accents in the walls and furniture were nothing to sneeze at either. From her dresser, to her vanity mirror, to her double window, gold contrasted the white in a way that screamed class and elegance. The main event, however, was Ivy’s bubblegum pink bed. Pink canopy curtains thinly hid the king sized bed that looked more comfortable than anything Trucy has slept in before. With all those pillows and that plush comforter, Trucy got sleepy just looking at it. Not to mention the entire walk in closet and bathroom on the other side of the room.

“...We’re sharing a bed.”

Ivy’s eyes went wide, “W-What?”

“What will it take?!” The brunette looked at Ivy with a fierce determination. “I’ll pay you actual money to sleep in this room. Not even joking.”

The model looked speechless for a moment before putting her hands on Trucy’s shoulders, “... How much are we talking?”

“Ivy, no.” Arsen immediately interjected. “You know better than to place bets… again.”

Ivy’s shoulders fell miserably, “Spoilsport…”

“What if I paid you to let me pay Ivy to let me sleep in her bed?” Trucy threw out.

Arsen gave her a stern look that made her shrink away a bit. “...My starting offer is $200.”

She was back in the game! “Oh, expensive! 150$”

“200$”

“100$”

“200$”

“50$”

“Fine, 150$” Arsen settled, holding out his hand for Trucy to shake. She gladly accepted. She then turned back to Ivy, a ready smirk on her face.

2 minutes later

“What?! Why is there a fee?!” Trucy exclaimed.

“This is a zero gravity mattress, Truce! Do you think we’re talking about an air mattress here?!”

“What? Is it one extra dollar per pillow?!”

“Ooh~ Good idea!”

“DAMN IT!”

5 minutes later

“What?! I said you couldn’t touch anything!” Ivy whined, protecting her closet with her life.

“If I’m paying that much, I AT LEAST wanna look at one outfit! Let me try on a pair of heels or something!”

“That’s an invasion of privacy!”

“What privacy?! You’re gonna wear it out anyways!”

10 minutes later

“--And another thing, your honor: I have been known to be the most considerate, neatest person ever–”

“Objection!” Ivy pointed her hairbrush at Trucy accusingly, “Do you have evidence of that or is that just conjecture?”

“You don’t think I could be neat and tidy?” Trucy questioned.

“No, I just don’t think you can PROVE to be neat and tidy!”

Trucy and Ivy locked eyes in a staring match for about 10 seconds before Trucy swore under her breath and backed down. “Okay, Hawthorne. You got me there. But as I was saying, your honor–”

Arsen–no, his honor let out a long groan of anguish.

3 minutes later

Trucy, Ivy, and Arsen walked out of that room as different people. Trucy was down 500$ to sleep in Ivy’s bed, use her bathroom, and touch ONE thing in her walk in closet. Ivy was sharing a bed with Arsen for tonight, 500$ richer. And Arsen aged 30 years. Good times.

Once they made it back downstairs (Arsen refused to let Trucy in his room after all that), Trucy noticed a door in one of the hallways. It was an oak door like Arsen’s, except it was much more… foreboding. She’d already seen the laundry room, Cassie’s room, the guest bathrooms, spare bedrooms, but not that one.

She pointed to the door. "What's in there?"

"Nothing." They immediately responded, making Trucy jump.

"O-Oh! Um, so it's just a closet?" She questioned.

"We should turn it into a closet..." Arsen muttered under his breath only to receive a nudge from Ivy.

"We will not!" She turned her attention back to Trucy, "It's... Father's old room. We rarely ever go in there for obvious reasons." The magician nodded in understanding, she didn't need to nor want to pry into that subject.

"All the more reason to turn it into a closet." Arsen huffs despite his sister's warning, making her glare at him. "What? Everything in there is simply collecting dust and you know it, Ivy."

"Dust or not, it's valuable and you should see that." Ivy argued back, "Besides, what do you suggest we do with it if we were to get rid of his belongings?"

"I'm not sure, but this house isn't his anymore-"

"Well, it's still under his name isn't it-"

"Okay and? He sure doesn't live here-"

"Arsen, tu veux vraiment faire ça devant elle?" Ivy's voice lowered into a sharp hiss. It was a new voice on her; Trucy shrank away a tad despite the fact it wasn't targeted at her.

"H-Hey, what's over there?" Trucy asked, pointing down a random hallway. The twins paused their argument and looked to where she was pointing.

"...It's just a hallway, Truce." Ivy spoke in confusion.

"Whaaatt? No! It's a... a..." She obviously didn't think this through too far, "a... long and cool hallway. Hell, my old house didn't have these hallways."

Ivy and Arsen looked down the hallway, at Trucy, at each other then back at Trucy. The female model gave the brunette a nervous smile. "That's... Good, I guess... Anyways, we should continue." She cleared her throat and continued the tour, walking down the hallway Trucy was pointing down with Arsen bitterly following behind. Trucy let out a sigh of relief as soon as they walked past her.

It was crazy how the vibe could change so quickly and even crazier how Trucy was always the cause of it. She ran her fingers through her hair as she followed along, swallowing a frustrated sigh. Now that they were in the living room, back where they started, Ivy looked at Trucy, her mood seemingly back to normal.

“And that was our house! I hope you like it because you already agreed to move in.” Ivy smiled, “And no take backs!”

“Are you kidding? I’d never want to take this back!” Trucy beamed, bouncing on her heels. “You two are my best friends!”

“Great! Because there’s one more thing I wanna show you!” Ivy grabbed Trucy's hand and pulled her through the sliding that led outside, not waiting for an answer.

“Whoa! Ivy, I'm surprised you're so…” Trucy trailed off as she got a proper look of the garden.

It was magical. Lush, green shrubs and poised grass poked neatly out of the ground in perfectly placed rows, creating a walkable path. Vibrant flowers peppered the greenery with their red, pink, and white glow, a few bumblebees and butterflies hovering over soft, healthy petals. In the very center of the garden was a white swing that was suitable for about three people.

“Guys…” Trucy gasped, “It's beautiful!”

“I know, right?” Ivy giggled, doing a twirl to look at her environment. “It took years to get it this green.”

“It’s a pity that winter is coming around.” Arsen remarked, his fingertips inspecting a slightly wilted flower.

Trucy turned to them both, “At least everything here will be nice and colorful next month! Ooh, I can’t wait to see it!”

“Ah yes, Fall colors.” Ivy smiled softly, “That’ll look gorgeous indeed.” She then took a seat on the swing, patting the spot next to her so that Trucy could join. And who was she to turn down an invitation?

She took a seat to her right, the swing rocking a bit as she sat down. “Are you going to match your makeup with the colors? You know, get in the pumpkin spice latte mood?” Trucy asked.

Ivy raised an eyebrow at Trucy, “Are YOU going to get in the pumpkin spice latte mood? Whatever that means.”

“You’ve never had a pumpkin spice latte?” Trucy gasped, her mouth falling open.

“Do we look like influencers to you?” Arsen questioned as he joined the two on the swing, sitting to Trucy’s right.

“Uh, Yeah! Did you say you had a ton of followers and critics or whatever?”

“We aren’t shallow instagram models, Truce. We’re professionally signed and professionally endorsed.” Ivy corrected, “So no, I would never put a pumpkin spice whatever into my body.”

“Ugh, you guys are so haughty!” Trucy whined, “That’s it. I’m putting 30 extra grams of sugar into the next meal you eat!”

Outraged gasped expelled from the twins, absolutely appalled.

“Do you want us to keel over dead?!” Arsen spat.

“You wouldn’t dare.” Ivy threatened.

Trucy burst out into laughter, not caring how loud she was being. “That’s like two or three tablespoons! I can wait to see you on 100 grams!”

“NOO!”

Yeah, she was gonna like it here.

Chapter 10: End of Act 1

Summary:

It's time.

September 27th

“Your rain of terror is over, evildoer!”

At last…

The witch let out a loud cackle, “We'll see about that, Suspiria Kenja!”

It was time!

“This isn't the end, Suspiria Kenja!! I will have my revenge!! That is a promise!!”

After five months of hard work and unconditional support, it was show night! The entire colosseum was filled to the brim with awestruck fans and critics.

Usually, all the lights, effects, and sounds all at once would make her a little dizzy- and she was, but in a good way. This cast, this crew, her friends and family; the thought of them all looking at her up on stage with such pride made her heart soar. So, with them in her heart, Suspiria Kenja waved her wand for the last time and sent confetti flying everywhere. As hoped, the crowd screamed and hollered with applause and admiration.

Trucy bowed with her fellow cast members, the smile on her face so wide, it hurt. She couldn't help it! Adrenaline rushing through her, she couldn't help engulfing her friends in tight, awfully sweaty hugs as soon as the curtains closed.

“Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! That was spectacular!!” She squealed.

“I know right?” Whitney grinned, “There's nothing more rewarding than the first round of applause on opening night!”

“I hope we inspire more upcoming magicians.” Bonny sighed, remembering how Trucy inspired her and Betty.

“With a performance like that? Of course we did!” Betty snorted, throwing her arm around her sister’s shoulder.

“I don't know about you girls, but I'm feeling hungry!” Carlos rooted. The girls cheered at the mention of food before rushing back into their dressing room to get out of costume.

In her dressing room, Trucy threw off her hat and cloak then looked at herself in the mirror. Jee, I'm sweating like a dog! She patted down her face with a rag and popped open her makeup wipes. Trucy’s done this what feels like a million times–from as small as mini performances at the Wonder Bar to now–yet the routine is all the same. First was the make-up, next was the hair, then was the jewelry, after was her outfit, finally was her equipment; all of which was meticulously placed just where she needed it to be at all times.

Even as she settled down, water in hand, comfy clothes hugging her body, the warm feeling of an audience was still with her. It was always with her, deep down in her heart.

Performing magic tricks have gotten Trucy through some rough patches. Her dad “disappearing,” Daddy’s seven year gap, getting arrested, when Apollo moved away… Performing to make others smile or even practicing for hours on end just to learn a new trick always filled her with a warmth not many other things could recreate. Now, she's allowing tons of people to feel that warmth with her! When she looked out into the crowd, she saw enamored faces with sparkling eyes that watched her every move with inspiration. At least, that's what Trucy hoped she was doing.

She wanted to inspire future magicians to keep the career from dying out, or even to help others realize their love of magic. If Trucy could do that, then she could die without a worry in her mind.

Knock Knock!

“Hold on a sec!” The brunette quickly tied her hair up into a ponytail, applied one extra layer of deodorant, and opened the door.

There stood Daddy, Papa, Apollo, Klavier, and everyone she cared about most!

“Daddy!”

“Aye! There's the star of the night!”

Trucy practically jumped into Phoenix’s arms, almost making him drop the giant bouquet of flowers he bought for her. The bouquet was always, always huge and thick enough to hold with two hands. According to Phoenix, it was to show how much of a super fan he was (as though it wasn't obvious already).

“Nice flowers! Are they for Papa?” Trucy teased as she let Phoenix go, and opened the door wider so the rest could file into her dressing room.

“Nah, but he wishes.”

“Like I've been a fan of blue hydrangeas.” Edgeworth responded with an eye roll, “Spectacular job as always, Trucy.”

“Just spectacular?! No offense, Mr. Edgeworth, but that show was- was- Everything and more on a silver platter!” Athena exclaimed in unbridled excitement, Juniper on her arm, Simon and Nahyuta behind them.

“Thena! Juniper! You made it!” Trucy chimed.

“We wouldn't have missed it for the world, Ms. Wright.” Juniper spoke delicately with Athena nodding in agreement. The lawyer then pushed a small, navy blue box into Trucy's hands.

“Here! Juni insisted that we buy you a proper gift this time around instead of giving you money like a wine aunt- her words, not mine.” She admitted.

Juni nudged her side, “And I was completely right, hun. I hope you like it, Trucy.”

“I concur.” Nahyuta added, “We assisted in picking out and paying for your gift. It took quite a bit to pick out the perfect one.”

“It took three hours.” Simon deadpanned.

“Three hours?!” Trucy and Apollo exclaimed.

“How do you decide on a gift for three hours?”

Nahyuta scoffed, “It's called being considerate, Pepper.”

“Ach but it is quite a shame. You'd be a great wine aunt, Frau Cykes.” Klavier sighed with a smirk.

“See, Juni?!”

“That's still no excuse.”

“Wine aunt or not, I'm happy you all came!” Trucy smiles at all her friends. She really, really, really loved them deeply. Honestly, Trucy didn't know what she'd do without them supporting her every step of the way. It almost made her feel sentimental, like her heart was exploding with pure joy and gratitude and—

“Truce!” A familiar voice called from the door.

The magician turned faster than the speed of light to see the two most important guests of the night.

“Ivy!! Arsen!! You guys!! You're here!!” Trucy forced herself to calm down and take a breath. Maybe it was a bad idea to chug a 10 hour energy drink this morning.

“We said we'd attend, but hello to you too, Truce.” She smiles, “You seem excited to see us.”

“Though I'm sure it's just the adrenaline from the phenomenal show you just put on!” Arsen grins. Ivy quickly picked up on what he was doing and nodded along. “Oh yes, your performance was absolutely astonishing! I just couldn't look away for a second!” She smiled with glee, wrapping her arms around Trucy.

Trucy tightly reciprocated the hug. “I'm so glad you think so! Honestly, throughout the entire show, I was thinking of you.”

“Really?”

“Of course! I was thinking of you and Arsen and Daddy and Papa and-”

“Yes, yes, Truce. I understand.” Ivy giggled, slipping away from the hug. “I'm so glad you hold me in such high regard.”

“Duh! How could I not? By the way, you look absolutely amazing! Both of you!”

“Thank you!” The twins said simultaneously.

“Saayyy,” Phoenix popped into the conversation, throwing his arm over Trucy's shoulder, “Are you two up to have dinner with us tonight? It's at the Wright-Edgeworth household and we're cooking up some good grub!”

“Oh, yeah! You should totally come over! All of you!” Trucy agreed.

“Oof sorry, Trucy, but me, Juni, Si, and Yuta are going on double dates.” Athena sighed, rubbing the back of her neck.

“B-But we can still come over if you want us to-”

“No, no, it's fine, Juniper.” Trucy assured, “You guys enjoy your night! I'll text you guys if anything cool happens.”

Athena’s smile grew at Trucy's positive attitude. “Ahh! Thank you! You're literally a sister to me! You're everything and more! Your performance was absolutely Magnifico! You-”

“Okay, you excitable buffoon. Let's go.” Simon grumbled, a smirk playing on his face. “Enjoy your night, Wright-dono. The same courtesy to you as well, twins.”

“Thank you, Mr. Blackquill.”

“Have fun on your date.”

The others waved them off as they walked out of the dressing room, the couples hand and hand.

“So I assume that means the rest of you are free?” Edgeworth questioned.

Klavier nodded, “Ja, the most we have going on after this is sleeping.”

“Which isn't the worst idea, truth be told.” Apollo muttered only to receive a playful glare from Trucy.

“The same thing goes for us, Mr. Edgeworth.” Ivy added.

“So it's settled! Get in your cars then we can have the celebration dinner of a lifetime!” Trucy announced.

“Boom! A home cooked feast!” Phoenix boasted as the group entered the apartment. The entire place smelled like spices and gravy, making their stomachs growl prematurely.

“Wow, Mr. Wright. It actually smells really good in here!” Apollo complimented.

“I know! You've really outdone yourself, Daddy!” Trucy agreed as she led Ivy and Arsen to the dinner table.

“Ah, it wasn't just me.” Phoenix chuckled, “Miles did his part as well.” The defense attorney turned off the stove and took the lid off the beef stew. “I just hope it tastes as good as it smells…”

As everyone settled down, he brought the pot of stew to the dinner table and placed it directly in the center like some sort of pot luck. Next, Phoenix quickly pulled his classiest champagne and apple juice and poured everyone a glass. Once done, he raised his flute.

“A toast before we eat; Congratulations to Trucy for another successful performance, and a thank you to all of you for being here.” Phoenix announced.

“Shouldn't I say that last part?” Trucy teased, raising her glass regardless.

“Huh, I guess you're right.” Phoenix chuckled, taking his seat. “Go on, give us a show stopping speech, hun.”

“I get to have the hero monologue this time, Daddy!” She promptly stood up and raised her glass of apple juice in the air. “Thank you all for coming to my show! Without all of you, I don't think I ever could've performed as well as I did. Truly, you guys are the magic behind my shows!” With a cheer, the rest of the group met their glasses together, clinks rotating through the room, and began to feast.

“Mm,” Miles hummed as he took the first bite. “You know, I was worried that you'd add too many onions considering how insistent you were in the kitchen but I'm pleased to say, Wright, you've made a masterpiece.”

“I know right.” Phoenix said with a relieved sigh then turned to the trio. “How does it taste?”

Trucy responded first. “You've really outdone yourself, Daddy! Whatever soup trend you're on, keep at it!”

Next Ivy. “The broth is so rich! How ever did you make this, Mr. Wright? You must give Arsen the recipe right away!”

Last Arsen. “Oh, definitely! I'd hate it if this recipe wasn't reserved for future use.”

Phoenix grinned, genuinely proud of himself. Not that he expected Ivy and Arsen to come over–as a matter of fact, he was expecting literally anyone but them in fear he'd be one upped by one of their fancy dishes–but Phoenix found himself putting in more effort than usual for this dinner. “I'm glad you guys liked it. Say, how's the new house treating you?”

Apollo made a noticeable choking noise before quickly swallowing. “New house? Since when did you buy a house?!”

“I didn't, Polly! So remember how I was texting you about wanting to move out and stuff?” Trucy says, “well, I did! Aaannndd in with these two! Don't worry, Daddy and Papa have my address, home phone, Ivy and Arsen’s numbers, and they visited us just yesterday!”

“Ah, okay.” Apollo muttered, thinking for a few moments. A bit soon, isn't it? Then again, I don't know how long Trucy has known them for and it's hardly like I can judge. “I just hope you know what you're doing, Trucy.”

“You make it sound like our house is uncharted land.” Ivy smiled, “I assure you, Mr. Justice, our house is always in perfect condition.”

“The place might not feel as lived in as this one, but still, Ivy and I grew up there.” Arsen added.

“Oh, I didn't mean anything by it, I swear!” Apollo reassured, “I'm just saying that I remember when I had to move out for the first time, ya’know? You three are lucky you have each other.”

“Ugh, I know!” Trucy cheered, “You guys should see their mansion—”

“Large house.” They corrected at the same time.

“It's a mansion!” The magician protested, “Literally, a mansion can be defined as a large house!”

“Ah, but there's a difference.” Ivy smirked.

Arsen pushed up his glasses, “Yes, both options are spacious but the architecture of a mansion is specific in that mansions usually include high ceilings—”

“You have high ceilings.”

“-Ornate detailing,” Ivy named.

“Like the countless carved doorframes?”

“-And high end finishes.” Arsen ended.

“I've never walked into a cleaner house in my life.” Trucy deadpanned before picking up a spoon and pointing it at the twins as though it was some kind of weapon. “You! Live! In! A! Mansion! Don't try to humble yourself for clout!”

“I don't know, Fraulein.” Klavier teased, “I've been to many, many houses, big and small, but I wouldn't call any of them a mansion.”

“Thank you!” Arsen sighed, “We don't even have that many rooms!”

“Guys, don't believe them, they have a balcony.” Trucy warned.

Phoenix’s eyes darted to Trucy, “There’s a balcony? Why didn’t we get to see it?”

Klavier grimaced, “Yeeaahhh, that's a mansion.”

“What?” Ivy and Arsen sighed, somehow disappointed at that news?

“Told ya!” Trucy gloated before slurping down a spoonful of stew. “Just for that, you’re going to tell me your favorite part of the show!”

“Just one? It was all gorgeous, Truce! All the lights, sounds, and colors,” Ivy clasped her hands together. “It was like the childhood I never had!”

“I know right?” Arsen agreed, “You've really grown from the clumsy, ten year old magician we once knew.”

“Practice, practice, practice!” Trucy says, waving her spoon around.

“Trucy, your spoon isn’t a wand.” Miles warned. She quickly put the spoon back into the bowl and looked at the twins expectantly.

“But if you just had to narrow it down to one thing? Come on! I’m curious! A performer needs her validation!” Trucy begged.

“I don't know, Truce.” Ivy insisted, “the whole thing was cute.”

“Cute?!” Trucy repeated, almost embarrassed at the critique.

“In a good way.” Ivy giggled before focusing back on her meal. The magician, however, stubbornly crossed her arms over her chest with a pout.

“Polly, was the show “cute” for you too?”

“Mm.” Apollo swallowed his food, “Not the verbiage I would use but yeah, it was cool. Do you plan to tour with the show?”

Trucy sat up from her slouch, “Yeah, kinda? Well, I don't know about that show specifically but I think it'd be cool to tour one day. 15% of the profits going to the agency, of course.”

“Oh, you don't have to keep doing that.” Phoenix insisted, “Ever since the Sprocket case, we've been getting a lot of business. Turns out being rich has its perks, including getting the agency name out there.”

“Isn't your name already out there?” Miles questioned, “The Turnabout Terror, was it?” He asked like it was a question but he knew all too well.

Phoenix rolled his eyes, “Okay, sure, but that's only because we dethroned a queen.”

“What?!” Ivy and Arsen choked out.

Phoenix’s eyes widened, “Oh yeah. Uh, crap, I forgot how crazy my cases sound to normal people.”

“Y-You're joking.” Arsen narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“Nope.” Apollo chimed in, “It's why I have a law firm in Khura’in and Nahyuta’s a regent.”

“How did that happen?” Ivy inquired then turned to Trucy. “And why did you tell me about this?”

Trucy froze mid spoonful in her mouth. “It never came up…?” She muffled. Ivy sighed and shook her head.

“I just didn't know being a lawyer was so… exciting.” She muttered.

“More like stressful.” Phoenix shrugged, poking at a piece of meat in his stew. “We were held at gun point and everything. Apollo pulled through though.”

“Thanks to your encouragement.” Apollo counters, “Man, it feels so long ago since then… three whole years. I feel old.”

“That’s because you are old, Polly! Soon you'll have back problems like Daddy!” Trucy teased.

“I rebuke that in the name of the Holy Mother.” Apollo stated almost immediately.

“My back isn't even that bad!” Phoenix protests, “I'm almost in my forties, give me a break!”

The chatter continued between small breaks to actually eat before the food went cold. Trucy felt her heart swell with each joke and word that was exchanged, it was finally starting to come together! Everyone was enjoying themselves and the buzz of a spectacular performance was still running through her veins.

She was especially happy that Daddy seemed to be opening up to Ivy and Arsen more. He mostly told them about his past cases and how intense those got while in return, they'd tell everyone else about their cool modeling stories.

At some point or another, Klavier had gotten curious. He was on the top of the celebrity scene for a while (he even got a picture with Rhianna that's now buried in his phone somewhere), and maybe it was because the twins were young when they started, but Klavier had never heard of them until Apollo's return.

So, while Ivy and Edgeworth were talking about how Ivy once met Will Powers in the original Steel Samurai suit, the blonde slipped his phone out of his pocket and typed in Arsen's name into Google first. Photos on top of photos of Arsenic Venus popped up from when he was ten to as recent as a month ago.

“Huh, I didn't know you used to advertise those kids slacks, Arsen.” Klavier remarked just loud enough for Arsen to hear.

Arsen's eyes snapped to Klavier. “Uh, yeah. How did you know that?”

The ex-rockstar was taken aback by the sudden lack of… unguard in his voice. He held up his phone, “Oh, I was just curious and looked you up…”

The air seemed to freeze.

Arsen and Ivy's eyes widened, their pupils dilating in panic as they saw Klavier's phone.

“Wait, I'm sorry… you looked me up?” Arsen's voice shook, his teeth gritting together.

“Um, Mr. Gavin, I don't think that's a good idea.” Ivy warned as her gaze flickered between her brother and Klavier.

Trucy immediately picked up on their tense expressions, her eyebrows furrowing. Something was wrong… what's so wrong with Klavier looking Arsen up? She took a quick glance at Phoenix, who wore the same mix of confusion and worry, obviously picking up on the tension as well. She whipped out her phone, googled Arsen’s name… Trucy's heart dropped.

Klavier also picked up on this panic and realized he had made a mistake. “Ach, I'm so sorry… I'll just close this up–” His body froze. It was too late. As Klavier tried to close the tab, his eyes caught Arsen's name. His full name.

Apollo peaked at Klavier's phone in worry, “What? What happened–” A hitch in his breath. “...A-Arsenic Venus… Gavin…?” Shakely, the couple both look at Arsen who is seething at them both, his glare screeching volumes.

A heavy silence hung over the table, no one knowing what to say or how to say it. Trucy and Phoenix were horrified, Klavier and Apollo were distraught, Ivy was still silently eating, Arsen was visibly furious, and Miles was wondering whether or not to move all the knives and forks off the table.

“O-Oh…” Klavier croaked, “...What a coincidence… we have the same last name…”

“I-I know right!” Trucy chimed in as quickly as she could, “I mean, I didn't know the last name Gavin was just so popular.”

“Tch, imagine if someone’s first name and last name was Gavin!” Phoenix joked along.

The blonde’s eyes fell onto Trucy and Phoenix, appreciation in their blue depths. He ran a hand through his hair, “Ach, that would be quite unfortunate, ja.”

“Quite.” Arsen agreed, voice tight.

Apollo, however, stayed silent as he tried to process the information that was just revealed. So Arsen's last name was Gavin… Call him a workaholic but there was no way that this was a coincidence, and he was going to find evidence to prove it. As the regular table talk started up again, the lawyer thought back to a conversation he and Klavier were having in the earlier stages of their relationship. Apollo had already spent a few months in Khura'in at that point and had gotten to the “rekindle with your siblings in a normal way that doesn't have to do with law or royalty” stage, and he floated like a sinking ship in that department.

“I dunno… I'm just afraid that we've grown too far apart, Klavi.” Apollo sighed into the phone, staring at the moonlight streaming through his window. “God, it's like with… Everything, really, I can’t stand being alone with Nahyuta or Rayfa for more than a few minutes. Ugh, does that make me a horrible brother? I bet it does…”

“Horrible brother?” Klavier's gentle voice repeated from the other side. “Schatz, if anyone knows about horrible brothers, it's me.” The prosecutor promptly heard the lawyer wince.

“Shit, Klav, I'm sorry. Now I sound insensitive–”

Klavier chuckled, “It's fine. But what I was trying to say was that you're an amazing brother, liebe. It's just been a while, that's all. It's like when I met up with– well, with what was left of my relatives. There wasn't much to talk about but once we found that golden that golden topic *mwah!*” He kissed, making Apollo thankful that he couldn't see his blushing face.

“Speaking of your relatives,” Apollo teased, “when do I get to meet them again?”

Now it was Klavier's turn to groan, “One of these days, Schatzi. Not that there's a lot to meet..” he muttered that last part.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Ach, we were too traditional for our own good.” He sighed, “In my family, it's typical for spouses to have a max of 3 kids. It's not like we enforced it or anything, that's just how our family tree ended up.”

Apollo listened carefully, “Ah, so not many cousins?”

“Nope.” And the conversation continued from there.

Apollo blinked, his beef stew patiently awaiting to be finished off via spoon. He glanced between Klavier and Arsen's faces. They weren't cousins, were they? No, because Klavier still kept in contact with them and, more obviously, all of them were over the age of 17. Still, Apollo didn't want to excuse this as just another incident of two non-related guys who have the same last name. Arsen was too angry for that to be the case.

“I've been trying to write one last song for my newest single but I feel like I've written enough about my greatest muse here.” Klavier swung his arm over Apollo’s shoulder with a smile.

“Ooh! What if you made it about a powerful magician girl?” Trucy suggests.

“You mean the opening of a cartoon?” Ivy pointed out.

“Yeah! I could have my own show and everything!” Trucy agreed, blissfully unaware of Ivy's sarcasm.

Klavier laughed, “A show with you as the main character and me as the music director? Fraulein, I think you hit gold!”

Trucy nodded adamantly, linking her arm with Ivy's, her eyes sparkling. “And Ivy can be my sidekick! Trucy and Ivy: Magical Sisters of Neo Olde Tokyo!”

Ivy, however, looked quite disturbed but shielded it behind a sweet smile. “I-I don't know about that, Truce. I'm not exactly an actress…” Apollo's eyes sparked; an opening!

“It's okay! I can teach you in a jiffy!” Trucy winked at Ivy who only sighed in return.

“Say, Klavi,” Apollo started. This would be going out on a limb—more than usual—but he needed to get the ball rolling somehow. “Isn't someone in your family an actor? Like, your cousin or something?”

Klavier gave Apollo a confused expression, about to deny that statement, when the defense attorney gave him a pleading look. Just go with it! With a nervous swallow and a look that said we're talking about this later, Klavier complied.

“Oh j-ja! I do have an actor cousin… Apparently.” He added under his breath.

Miles, however, caught on to the stutter in Klavier’s speech. “Oh really? You've never mentioned that around the office.”

The blonde shrugged, “You know what they say, keep your work life and your personal life separate, Herr Edgeworth.”

“I wonder when's the last time that happened.” Phoenix muttered offhandedly.

“But yeah, he could definitely coach you for more job opportunities, Ivy.” Apollo encouraged.

Ivy thought about it for a moment, twisting a piece of her hair around her finger. “Hm… maybe. Then again, that depends if Klavier could get a hold of him.”

“Right,” Klavier nodded stiffly. “But I wouldn't hold your breath. You know, actors. Always busy and booked, ja?”

A flash of something morose sparked in Ivy's eyes at Klavier’s comment, but it left before Apollo could analyze it. Speaking of analyzing things, Trucy felt more out of the loop than ever. She had sensed Klavier’s whole cousin lie yet she didn't let it show. What the hell was that? And why was Apollo encouraging it? An actor cousin is a weird thing to lie about so I can't exactly think of a motive… maybe they just wanted to show off in front of Ivy and Arsen? No, that doesn't make sense but… I can't think of anything else…

“Oh certainly.” Ivy agreed.

“Welp, I guess you're stuck with me for now!” Trucy interjected.

“That is unless you have some kind of actor cousin of your own?” Apollo teased lightly, however, Ivy seemed a bit taken aback at the jab.

“N-No... Me and Arsen didn't grow up with many cousins.” Ivy spoke, her voice unnaturally timid. That's when Trucy knew she had to stop this. She sent Apollo a stern look that screamed ixnay on the family, but what was reflected back at her was not a look of resignation but one of… excitement? Like he had cracked a case or something!

“Oh, sorry!” Apollo apologized, hardly sorry at all. “I didn't mean to offend or anything—but at least you have each other and your parents, right?”

“Apollo.” Trucy snapped before Ivy could even say anything, “Playing interrogation is only fun when you're both in character~” She sang in a sing-song voice but it was obvious that she was completely serious.

Apollo blinked, his eyes glancing around at everyone else who were looking at him like his skin had turned green. The tingling sensation of embarrassment bloomed in his chest. He should stop. He should apologize right now and excuse himself from the table. But… his eyes fell back to Arsen, the man’s gaze damn near withering. He's seen it before. Apollo knows he's seen that fucking glare before.

When they first met, Apollo knew something was familiar about Arsen. At first, he thought it was just because he had blue eyes and he missed his fiance so he subconsciously connected the two. But his glare, the way he spoke, his mannerisms, his jabs, his smile… Apollo has only seen them on one other person and he had a strong feeling he was on the money.

“No.” Apollo’s voice hardened, meeting Trucy's eyes without fear. “I’m sorry but something has been bothering me and I don't want to quit until I find out what. You see, Gavin may be a popular first name but certainly not a popular last name.”

Trucy felt her heart drop into her stomach at her half-brother’s word. This can't be happening… not tonight… “Nononono… Apollo, please don't do this…”

Apollo’s eyes flashed, “So you know?”

The magician opened her mouth but no words came out. She turned to Phoenix, helpless, hoping he'd say anything at all to stop this. But nothing. Not even a glance back, the defense attorney’s eyes trained on Arsen.

Apollo continued, “Arsen, do you understand what I'm trying to say here?”

“...What are you playing at, Justice?” Arsen's voice spat back.

His hands balled into fists as he thought of every interaction with Arsen until this very moment. He didn't want to believe it, for Klavier’s sake and his own, however that singular sentence… Gotcha. “You've even quoted him without knowing it.”

“Apollo, I'm very confused...” Klavier interjected, his voice rising in what sounded like anguish, but Apollo still didn't stop.

“Arsen, you've told all me that your father was a defense attorney–”

“Wait–” Trucy tried to interject. This wasn't supposed to be happening, this was supposed to be a good, happy night.

“And what of it?” Arsen interrupted.

“Well… if he was in a court of law or even addressed properly, he'd be known as Mr. Gavin.” A sharp gasp was heard beside him.

“Apollo, what are you talking about…?” Klavier murmured, his hands twitching to cover his ears.

“Yes, pardon me but I don't see what you're getting at.” Arsen scoffed with an eyeroll, “Coincidences happen, just like Klavier said. What? You think every person with the last name Johnson is related? What about every Smith? Don't make me laugh.”

“Point taken, but last time I checked not all Gavins have made some mistakes that led to their downfall. Those were your words, right?” Apollo stood up, towering over Arsen who had a smirk on his face that bordered on a vicious snarl.

“Oh were they now?” Arsen drawled.

“This isn't a joke.” He glared.

“Forgive me but it's getting hard to take you seriously.” Arsen rolled his eyes before centering his eyes directly on Apollo and only on Apollo. “If you have something to say, Spit. It. Out.”

The defense attorney’s jaw clenched. It was now or never. “Your father's name is Kristoph Gavin, isn't it?” Apollo looked back and forth between Arsen and Ivy, “My former mentor… and you knew this entire time from the moment you met me in the airport. Didn't you?”

Tears began to well up in Ivy's eyes as she wrapped her arms around herself as though she was in pain. “W-Why are you doing this…?” She whimpered.

“Answer the question!” Apollo demanded.

“So what if I did?!” Arsen snapped, abruptly standing up and slamming his fists on the table so hard everyone could hear an audible crack in the wood below. “You have no right to dare even speak his name after what you two did–”

“Don't you dare blame us for what Kristoph Gavin did!!” Apollo yelled back.

“Why shouldn't I?! You seemed pretty damn excited to ruin his life!! Is that all you two traitors ever do?! Ruin dinners?! Ruin lives?! Ruin everything that our family stood for?!” As Arsen's voice rose in volume, the room seemed to shake—no, not seemed. It WAS beginning to shake. The table began to tremble, the cutlery wobbled to life, the napkins began to levitate, the lights flickered anxiously, and the air felt suffocating.

Worst of all, Arsen himself was starting to… Transform. His voice filled the room like an oppressive force, impossible to block out even if you stuffed your ears; the end of his braid flicked to life like the tail of a demon, and with each blink of his eyes, his blue eyes turned whiter and whiter. “Now you have the audacity to point your ugly finger at us when you can't hold your goddamn tongue!! Maybe it's a good thing your Father died! Then he wouldn't have to see what a pathetic waste of space he abandoned!!”

Suddenly, Phoenix found the words. “GET OUT!” He demanded. All eyes flashed to him in shock and horror. Not even in court did Phoenix Wright ever raise his voice like this, like a gunshot in a lion’s savannah.

“Don't talk to Arsen like that!” Ivy defended.

A gentle hand was placed on her shoulder, “...It's. Fine.” Arsen snarled, his eyes back to their icy glory. “We've overstayed our welcome, regardless.” With that, the twins left, leaving a dense silence in their wake.

Trucy stared at their backs a few moments longer before her eyes moved slowly from an exhausted Apollo, a heartbroken Klavier, a taken aback Miles, and finally a terrified Phoenix. Tears began to sting her eyes and her throat got choked up with emotion… this wasn't how tonight was supposed to go… Why couldn't they just look past their parents? Why did Apollo have to be so adamant? Why did Klavier have to search Arsen up? Why did Trucy have to invite them to her show? Why did Phoenix have to invite them into their lives? Why did Kristoph Gavin have to be a bad person?

She felt a hand on her shoulder, “Trucy, I'm–”

Trucy shrugged his hand off her and stood up, walking towards the door. “... D-Don’t touch me. Don't call me. Don't even fucking think of me.” Her voice cracked as she left to go find Ivy.

Cold wind made her skin prick up, but she didn't care. She looked around the parking lot adamantly, hoping they didn't just leave her; hoping they didn't hate her. But trying to find people was much harder when tears were clouding her vision. Damnit, she just got them as roommates! For their downfall to happen so quickly made her heart ache. Questions, confusion, anger, betrayal, it all jackhammered at her poor skull who just wanted normal friends and normal life. It took a couple more minutes but she found them eventually. Arsen was in the car, assumingly cooling off, and Ivy was patiently pacing back and forth outside of it.

“Ivy…” She called out weakly.

The model paused, “Truce…”

Trucy stopped in front of Ivy, not knowing what to say nor how to stop the rapidly descending tears. She pushed a few strands of hair out of her face, “...I… I'm… Ivy… Please–”

“I forgive you.” Ivy finished for her.

She took a shaky sigh of relief, “Thanks… will he be okay…?”

Ivy looks towards her brother who looked like he was about to rip the steering wheel off. “Of course. He's simply annoyed, that's all.”

“Annoyed?” Trucy repeated as she took another risky glance. “He looks furious.”

“I know… the truth is: Arsen has some anger issues, for a lack of better words. It's only mild right now but… I fear for him later in life.” Ivy wiped a tear away before it could fully run down her face. “I love and care for my brother very deeply… I'm not sure where I'd be without him, but with all the yelling and mentioning of our father…” She sniffed, “I don't know… sometimes I wish people would just see beyond our family.”

Trucy allowed tears to fall down her face as well. “Me too…”

The car ride back home luckily wasn't too quiet, Ivy and Arsen talking to each other softly in French, Trucy not comprehending a word, and loud thunder crashing in the sky. Still, she was thankful. She didn't want to be alone with her thoughts right now.

As soon as the three stepped inside, they split up in their separate directions; Arsen marching upstairs, Ivy going to check-up on Cassie, and Trucy… well, she stood by the door.

She didn't know what to do but take off her boots one by one and wander back to her bedroom.

“Wait.” A voice stopped Trucy as she was halfway upstairs.

She looked down, “Hm?”

Ivy was at the bottom of the steps, Cassie in her arms. “Thank you for inviting us to the show… Even if tonight didn't go as planned.”

“Oh. Anytime, Ivy.” Trucy allowed a soft smile to appear on her face, “I'd love it if you came to see another one.”

“I'd love to as well.” She mirrored her smile, “And if you're up for it, we could have a proper dinner… just you, me, and Arsen.”

Trucy's eyes felt like they were going to well up with tears once again but not out of anguish, but out of happiness. She wants to give me a second chance “I'd love that.” This was her home. With Ivy and Arsen.

Notes:

This was the LONGEST chapter so far!! Just over 6000 of pure words.

Everything from here on out is going to be fun as hell to write!

Notes:

Tbh I've wanted to write this for a while so thx for reading it.💖

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Poison Control