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Phoenix Wright has had a very long day.
He sits at his desk, head buried in his hands as thoughts of the upcoming final day of the trial race through his mind.
I wish Mia was here. She would know what to do. Hell, even Edgeworth would be some help, even if only to tell me to get my head out of my ass.
But Edgeworth wasn’t there. And he wouldn’t be until Phoenix could figure out how to prove his innocence.
If I even can.
He shook his head.
No. I can’t afford to doubt myself now. Von Karma has enough of an advantage as it is, I can’t let him get to me. I have all the pieces I just need to put them together. But how?
It wasn’t helping that Edgeworth was hardly even on his own side. It had been near impossible to convince him to let Phoenix defend him in the first place, and even now he seems hesitant to tell the whole story.
I understand not wanting to tell me, but surely he understands his life is on the line, right?
Phoenix squeezes his eyes shut.
I can’t believe I let von Karma take my best evidence. I knew he would be hard to beat but I wasn’t anticipating getting tazed over it. I shouldn’t have even shown him the letter. What was I thinking?
Without thinking he had brought a hand up to his still sensitive chest. Ow. He anticipated being very sore tomorrow.
He groaned and put his head on his desk, fingers absently drumming on his knees.
I can only imagine how Edgeworth is feeling right now. It’s a miracle he’s holding up as well as he is, he’s dealing with a lot.
Phoenix sat up and looked out the window at the already darkened sky. It was getting late. Maya had probably already hit the hay by now. He sighed and began packing up his things.
Might as well go home for the night. I want to get at least a little sleep before tomorrow’s trial.
It was an optimistic thought. He tossed and turned all night .
•••
When his alarm went off the next morning he briefly considered throwing it out the window. He settled for knocking it off the bedside table. It didn’t make him feel any better. His entire body ached from his run in with electricity the previous day. He got up anyway.
This is it. Judgement day.
Phoenix is completely lost in thought as he entered the courthouse, hardly remembering how he got there. As he was gathering his distressingly sparse evidence for the trial he was interrupted by a static shock.
“OW, Jesus Maya, what the hell!”
Maya, looking just as startled as he was, was quick to apologize. “Sorry Nick! I guess the shock from yesterday hasn’t worn off yet…”
Oof, I was so distracted I’d almost forgotten about that.
“Don’t worry about it, I’m just a little on edge.” He rubbed his temples, praying that his headache wouldn’t linger.
Maya nods, face suddenly serious. “Today’s the last day of the trial. Good luck, Nick.”
“Yeah… thanks Maya.”
It’s then that Phoenix noticed Edgeworth approaching, looking glum as always. His eyes had dark circles like he’d never seen on him before. He seemed distracted, understandably.
I hope von Karma doesn’t push him too hard today.
He knows it’s too much to ask for, but he hopes nonetheless. For Edgeworth’s sake.
Edgeworth’s grim demeanor was momentarily interrupted when he suddenly jumped, letting out a startled yelp.
“Good Lord, what are you doing??” He glared accusingly at Maya while straightening his jacket, attempting to regain his composure.
Maya threw her hands up with a nervous smile. “Sorry! I’m sorry!! I was just trying to cheer you up with a pat on the back!”
“Maya! Maybe you should go outside before you electrocute anyone else. Hopefully this will wear off soon.” Phoenix could hear the stress in his own voice.
Maya, clearly embarrassed, agreed. “Right, good idea. Sorry Mr. Edgeworth.”
On her way out, she must have immediately forgotten the point of her exit, as she offered a high five to Gumshoe. He of course accepted, but not without consequence.
“YOWCH! Watch it there, pal!” He exclaimed.
Maya shouted another apology before running out the door.
Gumshoe walked over, still pouting. “What’s gotten into that girl?”
It’s a long story.
They exchanged tense pleasantries. Phoenix only half paid attention to Gumshoe’s ramblings. Edgeworth was also clearly anxious for the conversation to end, his fingers digging into his elbow with so much force that his hand was trembling.
At least Gumshoe found the caretaker, but I still have the tall order of proving his testimony is bullshit ahead of me.
•••
To say the trial was going smoothly would not be so much an exaggeration as it was an outright lie. Phoenix felt himself quickly descend into frantic questioning of every detail, trying desperately to find anything to hold onto as proof of what he already knows. Von Karma’s composure might have been the most frustrating part of it all. His smug demeanor made Phoenix’s stomach churn.
I’m running out of leverage. I have to think of something.
It is then that von Karma’s mocking voice gives him a great and terrible and absolutely idiotic idea.
On any other day, cross examining a bird would have been no less than insane, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
“YOUR HONOR! I would like to take von Karma up on his suggestion. The defense requests that the caretakers parrot take the stand.”
•••
I can’t believe that worked. I must be the luckiest bastard alive.
This celebration is unfortunately short lived as one more booming “OBJECTION” rings through the courtroom.
And it doesn’t come from von Karma.
God damn it Miles.
Phoenix looks to confirm his suspicions. There he sees Miles Edgeworth, ruining his own damn case.
“EDGEWORTH! What are you doing!” Phoenix hisses.
Edgeworth is far too calm as he speaks. “I object to this judgement. I am not innocent at all.”
Maya was visibly panicking next to him. “Nick, you have to stop him! He’s going to confess to the DL-6 incident!”
I know that! Christ, Edgeworth. Can’t you just take a victory?
Phoenix tries to raise an objection of his own but he can’t keep Edgeworth from speaking. He looks on in horror as the judge calls for a recess, after which they will be holding a trial for the DL-6 case.
Shit.
Phoenix can’t keep up with his own head as he walks into the lobby for the recess. The whirlwind of information tumbling through his mind is only interrupted by a tentative hand on his arm.
“I’m sorry, Wright.” Edgeworth speaks softly, sounding… defeated. “I’ve just wasted all of your efforts.” Edgeworth won’t meet his gaze. He looks at the floor, retracting his hand to fidget with his own sleeve.
“Mr. Edgeworth, I just don’t believe it!” Gumshoe sputters. “I mean, you? Kill your dad?”
Phoenix winces at the bluntness of his words.
“I didn’t want to believe it myself, detective.” Edgeworth’s voice wavered. “But it’s the truth. I deserve to be held accountable. No matter the circumstances, murder is murder.”
Phoenix stopped listening.
No. I know I can still salvage this.
He starts putting together everything he knows about the DL-6 incident, completely lost in thought and furiously scribbling on some scrap paper while flipping through the court record.
It took a moment to register that Maya was talking to him. “Huh?” She repeats her question. “Oh, I’m rereading the court record. I’m getting my case ready.”
She looked baffled. “Your case? For what?”
“I’m going to prove that Miles Edgeworth is innocent.”
Edgeworth’s eyes snap to him, incredulous.
Gumshoe began sputtering. “What are you talking about, pal! He just admitted to it!”
Edgeworth was still staring him down with a look he couldn’t quite place.
“I’m sorry, Edgeworth. But I don’t believe your nightmare.”
“W-what??”
“It’s just a dream, it’s not real. And I’m going to prove it. The real fight starts now.”
Phoenix puts a hand on Edgeworth’s shoulder and looks him in the eyes, trying to convey as much confidence as he could muster. “I’ll prove you’re innocent. Trust me.”
Edgeworth stood in stunned silence. “Wright…” he trailed off.
Phoenix flashes him a smile before heading back towards the courtroom.
•••
So in the end it was von Karma himself. Thank god for Mia’s last minute advice. Phoenix isn’t sure what he would have done without her. He is relieved to have finally proven edgeworth’s innocence.
I wish I hadn’t had to dig up so much trauma to get there, though. This whole experience must have been truly awful for him.
“Nick, Nick! Did you see von Karma’s face? You totally crushed him!!” Maya was practically vibrating with excitement.
Phoenix gave her a proud smile.
“Couldn’t have done it without you, Maya.”
She shot back a wide grin.
Phoenix looks up to see Edgeworth walking towards them, looking pale but relieved.
“So it’s finally over, Edgeworth.”
Phoenix can’t decipher the look on Edgeworth’s face.
“Wright… I… I’m not sure how to say this…” he begins, clutching his elbow.
Maya juts in. “You could try a thank you!”
Phoenix nudges her.
“Hey Maya? How about you go order us some burgers. We’ll catch up.” He gives her a look.
Give us a minute.
Her eyes widen, but her surprise is quickly overtaken by her excitement at the mention of dinner. “Okay, Nick!” She waltzes out of the courthouse, already mumbling about what she wants to order.
Phoenix looks back to Edgeworth, who still has a death grip on his elbow and is staring pointedly at the wall.
“How about we go to my office?” Phoenix offers. “There’s a lot going on here, I’m sure you could use some peace and quiet.”
Edgeworth looks surprised for a moment, before nodding. He relaxes slightly and Phoenix notices just how exhausted he looks. He leads the way.
The walk there is quiet. Edgeworth is tense, his hands balled into fists. His expression is distant. Distracted. He has a lot to think about.
When they arrive Phoenix gestures towards the couch and grabs them both a cup of water. “Make yourself at home.”
Phoenix hands Edgeworth one of the cups. He accepts it with shaking hands. After a deep breath he all but whispers, “thank you, Wright.”
“No problem, sorry I don’t have any tea or anything-“
“That’s not what I meant.”
Right.
He nods and offers a smile. “You’re welcome.”
Phoenix sits next to him on the couch. Edgeworth tenses.
“Sorry. I’m not good at this sort of thing.” Neither of them are quite sure what he’s referring to.
“Don’t worry about that right now.” Phoenix says. “These past few days have been a lot. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling.” Phoenix tries to keep his tone light, but he knows his concern seeps through.
Edgeworth’s expression hardens. “I don’t need your pity, Wright.” His posture straightens and he sets his cup down on the table in front of them.
Phoenix sighs. “You know that’s not what I meant. You don’t have to talk about it, but I know this case has been hard for you.” He pauses. “I’m here for you if you need me, Miles.”
Hearing Phoenix call him by his first name was the last straw that toppled his carefully built defense. His brow knit together and his jaw clamped shut, breathing shaky and uneven. His hands were shaking violently now. He squeezed his eyes shut.
Phoenix wasn’t sure exactly what Edgeworth needed in that moment. He tentatively put an arm loosely around Edgeworth’s shoulders. To his surprise, Edgeworth leaned into him slightly, a silent acknowledgement that this was okay.
They sat in silence like that for a while, Edgeworth trying to steady his breathing and Phoenix absently running his thumb over Edgeworth’s arm in a way he hoped was comforting.
“Thank you, Phoenix.” He said once he had steadied himself. “And I’m sorry. For dragging you into this mess.” Phoenix had never seen Edgeworth so clearly show his emotions on his face. As much as he appreciated that Edgeworth trusted him like this, he wished it wasn’t guilt plastered on the man’s face.
Phoenix shook his head. “I practically forced you to let me defend you.” He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “You can’t possibly blame that on yourself, I’m just as stubborn as you are and you know it.”
Edgeworth let out a strained laugh. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I am, it’s in the name.” Phoenix winked and straightened his tie in an exaggerated manner.
This got a full blown laugh from Edgeworth. “Hah! You are insufferable, Phoenix Wright.”
“Says you!”
Phoenix’s heart warms. It’s good to see him smile again. He doesn’t realize he is staring and smiling like an idiot until Edgeworth’s laugh turns into a nervous chuckle.
He feels his cheeks heat up, but doesn’t have time to acknowledge it before Maya bursts through the door, startling them both.
“BURGER TIME!” She shouts, holding a large bag of takeout.
Phoenix silently thanks her for the distraction. Edgeworth takes this opportunity to stand up. He clears his throat. “Well I should be going. Thank you again, Wright.” He extends a hand and Phoenix takes it. They linger for just a few seconds too long before Edgeworth clears his throat again and starts towards the door.
“Aw Mr. Edgeworth! You’re not gonna stay for dinner?” Maya all but pouts. “That’s no way to thank your favorite defense attorneys!”
Edgeworth sputters. “Wh- you- I was-“ He takes a breath before settling on “I didn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“You’re always welcome, Edgeworth.” Phoenix blurts out. And he means it. “I mean, if you have other plans you don’t have to stay, but you are invited. Maya always gets too much food anyway.” He shoots a teasing grin towards Maya.
“Hey! There’s nothing wrong with leftovers!” Maya whines.
Edgeworth relaxes a bit. “Alright.”
Maya groaned. “You two are so annoying, let’s just eat already!”
And so they do.