On the train ride to Kurain Village, Nick and Maya didn’t have too much to say. Maya was thinking about her sister’s diary. The love between Mia and Diego seemed to be extremely passionate and strong. Maya didn’t know what she’d do if she lost Nick. Pearly and Nick were the only ones she had at the moment.

“Hey, Maya?”

“Yes, Nick?”

“A penny for your thoughts?”

Maya said nothing. She bit her lip.

“It has to do with Mia’s diary, doesn’t it?”

“… Y-yeah…”

“I thought so.”

“Nick… I-I… I don’t want you to… to…”

Tears started to fall once again. Nick stood up and went over to Maya’s side. He held onto her as she cried. He kissed the top of her head.

“I’m not going anywhere, my love.”

* * *

“MYSTIC MAYA! MR. NICK!”

“Hey, Pearly!”

“Hiya, Pearls!”

“I’m so glad you two are here!”

“Pearly, I have a meeting to attend to first, and then we are going to go. We’ll have a good time. I promise.”

“Okay! I’ll play with my ball during the meeting!”

“Sounds good, Pearly.”

Little Pearl Fey ran to her room. Nick held Maya’s hand.

“Would you like me at the meeting?”

“… Yes.”

“Okay.”

“Ah, Mystic Maya!” Mystic Meredith greeted.

“Good afternoon, Mystic Meredith.”

“I see you brought Mr. Wright again. It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Wright.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Mystic Meredith.”

“We shall start the meeting in a few moments, Mystic Maya. You can bring Mr. Wright along. The meeting will be short, though. All we are really doing is replacing Mystic Marsha.”

“Okay. Thank you, Mystic Meredith.”

She nodded her head and walked away.

“Ready, Nick?”

“Ready when you are.”

They walked into the Meditation Hall. The elders sat in a circle. Maya and Nick took their seats.

“I would like to call this meeting into order!” Maya shouted.

“Today’s meeting is mainly to fill the empty position which was once Mystic Marsha’s,” Mystic Meredith announced, “The time has come for open deliberation. Mystic Mandy has the floor.”

“If it pleases the Court of Kurain, I would like to suggest the admission of Mystic Maria Fey into the Court of Elders.”

“Okay. Anymore suggestions?”

An elder raised her hand.

“Mystic Monica has the floor.”

“If it pleases the Court of Kurain, I would like to suggest the admission of Mystic Melissa Fey into the Court of Elders.”

“Are those all the suggestions?”

No one else raised their hands.

“It is time to vote. All in favor of Mystic Maria clutch your magatamas.”

Only a few elders clutched their magatamas.

“And those in favor of Mystic Melissa?”

The majority clutched their magatamas, including Maya. Nick just looked around, feeling out of place, so he clutched his tie. Maya gave a small laugh. The elders smiled, knowing what she was laughing about. It was Maya’s turn to speak.

“The court hereby admits Mystic Melissa Fey into the Court of Kurain.”

Everyone clapped. Maya had to adjourn the meeting.

“Before I adjourn this meeting, I would like to assure the court that I am working out the issue of running this village whilst living in the city.”

“We understand, Mystic Maya,” Mystic Meredith informed, “We believe in you.”

“I just don’t want anyone to feel like I am abandoning this village. Mystic Meredith, would you be so kind as to inform Mystic Melissa about her new position?”

“Certainly, Mystic Maya.”

“This meeting is adjourned.”

Everyone exited the hall.

“Um, Mr. Wright?” Mystic Meredith called out.

“Yes, Mystic Meredith?”

“I would like to speak with you in private.”

Maya looked at Nick and nodded. The two stayed in the Meditation Hall.

“Mr. Wright, I would like to talk to you about Mystic Maya.”

“What about her?”

“I see the way you two are together. You both seem to love each other very much. You do love her, right, Mr. Wright?”

“Yes, of course. I love her more than anything, Mystic Meredith. I give you my word. She’s the love of my life. Coping with everything she’s going through has been tough for her. It’s been tough seeing her going through so much pain.”

“I suspected as much. Mr. Wright, I know you mean the world to her. When I called her to tell her about the meeting, we discussed you for a short time.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. She told me you completed her. Mystic Maya loves you, Mr. Wright. She can’t comprehend not living with you. I just wanted to let you know about that. She needs you right now.”

“I know, Mystic Meredith.”

“… Mystic Mia…”

“E-excuse me?”

“Mystic Mia had some of the sweetest ideas about love that I have ever seen in my life. She lost her father when she was a preteen. I remember her mother, Mystic Misty, was devastated by the loss. Mystic Mia still kept a connection with the village despite the fact she left. We met her boyfriend, Diego Armando, when they visited the village. Mystic Mia was distraught when he was poisoned.”

“I know.”

“She was truly a beautiful woman physically and mentally. I remember her saying she found “the one” when we talked about Mr. Armando. It is my belief she was right about her views on love. Mystic Maya seems to feel the same way. I know the truth.”

“What is the truth, Mystic Meredith?”

“You are her one.”

“She is my one… my only one.”

“You two make one of the cutest couples I’ve ever seen. I’ll tell you what I told her. I think you should hold onto this one.”

“… Thank you, Mystic Meredith.”

“Now go on, Mr. Wright. Go after her.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

He walked off and found Maya. He crept up behind her and slowly slid his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on her shoulder.

“Hey,” he said, kissing her neck.

“Hey, Nick…”

She closed her eyes. Her heart was racing. What was he doing? Whatever he was up to, she didn’t mind. Actually, she was enjoying the feeling.

“Where’d Pearls go?”

“She went to the bathroom. I told her to go before we left.”

“Ah, I see.”

He continued to kiss her neck. She turned her head and lifted his head so he was looking into her eyes. She ran her fingers through his hair. Then, they went into an everlasting kiss. When they broke, there was a pause. Their eyes were closed.

“Nick…”

“I love you…”

“I love you, too.”

They kissed again.

“Well, well. Having a go with my sister, are we, Phoenix?”

They broke the kiss. Nick turned his head towards the channeled Mia. It seems Pearl channeled her before she left the bathroom. Nick didn’t remove his arms from Maya’s waist.

“Ah, Mia.”

She laughed.

“I’ll admit. You two make a lovely couple. It puts a smile on my face.”

Maya smiled. Nick did as well.

“Word is, Mia, that you have very sweet views on the subject of love.”

“Do I now?”

“Yes. We found your diary?”

“Oh really? Ha… funny. I remember pouring out my emotions into that little book. It was actually a pretty good release for pain.”

“We read these views on love in there. They are lovely, Mia.”

“Why, thank you, Phoenix.”

“Mia,” Maya finally said, “I’m sorry.”

“Whatever for, Maya?”

“For not reaching out to you enough when Mr. Armando was poisoned.”

“Maya, don’t worry about it. It’s okay. To tell you the truth, you really cheered me up. Talking to you was another great release, and you were always there for me. Thank you, Maya. I’m glad you were there. You still are.”

“Thank you, sis. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Mia walked over to Maya and kissed her forehead so Maya wouldn’t have to walk out of Nick’s grip. She loved seeing the two of them together like that. They were so sweet together.

“I’ll grab Pearly’s things and I can ride on the train with the two of you.”

“Are you sure, Mia?”

“Sure I am.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

The ride on the train wasn’t nearly as quiet as the previous one. Mia knew how to shake things up.

“You two are sitting together,” Mia informed them when they arrived on the train. Slowly, Nick and Maya took their seats next to each other. He put his arm around Maya. She leaned her head on his shoulder. The train departed.

“So, what did you guys do for your first big date?”

“Nick took me on a lovely ferry ride the whole day. It was so romantic!”

“Aww, that’s so sweet of you, Phoenix.”

“Well, erm, thank you, Mia.”

Nick was blushing. Consequently, Mia began to giggle. Then, she stopped, noticing a certain item.

“Maya, what is that around your neck?”

“It’s a locket Nick bought me.”

Mia raised her eyebrows and gave Nick a smirk. He shot her a dirty look.

“May I see it?”

“Of course, sis!”

Mia didn’t take the locket off, but she held the heart in her hand. She grinned. Then, she opened the locket. The picture of her sister and her apprentice kissing was displayed. She giggled again.

“You two are adorable together.”

This time, both of them were blushing. Mia gave back the heart locket.

“Has Mystic Marsha been giving you two trouble?”

“Actually, she is behind bars now.”

“What?! This is news to me. Do tell.”

So, Nick and Maya told the whole story. They even told how Nick was shot while buying the necklace and how Mystic Marsha plotted with Mystic Mallory Fey. They told how Mallory Fey was really the defense attorney Tori Vick.

“Well, well. Nick, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“Well, I couldn’t have done it without Maya.”

He squeezed Maya closer to him. She gave him a peck on the check. Nick blushed. Unfortunately for him, Mia noticed.

“Phoenix, surely you’re used to kissing your girlfriend in front of people at this stage in your relationship.”

“No, no. It’s just that it never happened in front of you.”

“True enough.”

Nick suspected Maya didn’t know about Mia’s eavesdropping on their first kiss. So, he covered up for her.

“Well, I’m going to see what they have in the snack cart.”

“Okay, Phoenix.”

He stood up and walked out of the car. Mia smiled at her sister.

“So, the relationship seems to be going well.”

“Mia… it’s better than that. It feels like a dream. He takes my mind off of things.”

Maya was smiling to herself.

“I’m glad, Maya. You guys are so sweet. Have you two been…?”

“Mia!!!”

“Well, it’s a valid question!”

“That’s a pretty personal question.”

“I know… I’m sorry for asking… You’re right. It is a personal question.”

“It’s okay, Mia.”

“Do you think he’s the one?”

“… Honestly?”

“Of course, Maya. You can tell me anything.”

“… Yes. He’s the one.”

Mia nodded her head with a smile.

“I think he feels the same way.”

“R-really?!”

“Yes.”

Maya put her hand over her heart. She closed her eyes and sighed. Mia stood up and hugged her sister.

“I’m so happy for you, Maya.”

“Thanks, sis.”

“You’re welcome.”

Nick came back with two small boxes of fries and a rose.

“I’m back.”

He handed Mia and Maya their fries.

“… And for you, my dear…”

Nick kneeled down and gave Maya the rose.

“Nick…! Thank you! It’s beautiful.”

“You’re very welcome.”

He took his seat again. For the rest of the ride, the three of them just made small talk. Nick was no longer uncomfortable about kissing Maya in front of her sister. When they arrived at the office, Mia gave Pearl her body back.

“Mystic Maya, are we going out to dinner?”

“Yes, Pearly.”

“Pearls, we’re going to our usual burger joint.”

“Okay! Sounds good!”

“Pearly, why don’t you go wash up?”

“Okay, Mystic Maya.”

She ran off to the restroom. Maya wrapped her arms around his neck, looking into his sapphire eyes.

“I love you, Nick.”

“I love you, too, Maya.”

“I-I…”

“Yes?”

“I want to thank you. I’ve been going through a lot lately. You’ve helped me so much. Seeing you in the meeting today… like when you clutched your tie…”

Nick gave a small laugh. Maya did as well.

“Things like that make me realize how supportive you are. I’m sure you felt out of place in that meeting, yet you participated anyway. Thank you, Nick.”

“It’s not a problem, Maya.”

They kissed. Little did they know that one Pearl Fey was watching and smiling. They broke and saw her. That night, they went to their burger joint. Maya slept with Pearl. Before they fell asleep, the two girls had a very brief conversation.

“Mystic Maya?”

“Hmm? Yes Pearly?”

“Do you think you and Mr. Nick are going to get married?”

Maya paused before speaking.

“… I hope so.”

Nick left that morning to shop again. However, this time, Maya made Gumshoe accompany him. Pearly was in the kitchen, eating waffles.

“Yum! These are great, Mystic Maya!”

“I’m glad you like them, Pearly.”

“When is Mr. Nick coming back?”

“He said no later than this afternoon.”

Suddenly, the phone rang. Maya picked it up.

“Wright and Co. Law Offices. This is Maya speaking.”

“Ah, Ms. Fey. Yes, I am calling to tell you your presence is requested at the courthouse.”

It was the judge.

“What? Why?”

“Just please get down here as soon as you can, please. We will commence in courtroom number five. I will see you then, Ms. Fey.”

He hung up. Maya slammed the phone down.

“What’s wrong, Mystic Maya?”

“We have to go down to the courthouse now.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, honestly. Come on. Let’s go.”

With that, they rushed down to the courthouse. Maya found the courtroom and walked in. Pearl sat where an audience would normally sit. There was no audience today. Maya stood on the witness stand. She was nervous.

“Court is in session,” the judge announced.

“Um, Your Honor?”

“Yes, Ms. Fey?”

“Why am I here?”

“This is about you, Ms. Fey.”

“Are there charges?”

“You have a D.U.I., Ms. Fey.”

“A D.U.I.? But, I don’t drink or drive.”

“You are ‘dating under the influence of love’.”

“… Huh?!”

Then, the bailiff walked up to the judge and whispered something in his ear. The judge sighed.

“Very well. Ms. Fey, it seems there’s an attorney who would like to meet with you. He wants to take your case.”

“What?! What’s happening?!”

“Bailiff, bring him in.”

The bailiff exited for a brief moment. Then, he returned with Nick. He strutted in, wearing his sharp blue suit. He had his hand in his pocket.

“Nick! What’s happening?”

Nick said nothing. He simply gazed into her eyes. Simply, he took his hand out of his pocket, seemingly holding something. He got down on one knee, still not revealing what was in his hand.

“Maya Fey… these past three years with you have been the best of my life. Your sister’s death was a great loss, but in the end, I gained a soul mate. I am dedicated to making every day a happy one for you because you deserve it. I never want to lose you. This is all to say one thing.”

He revealed a small box in his hand, and then he opened it. Inside was a sparkling diamond ring.

“I love you. Will you marry me?”

Maya’s eyes grew wide. They filled up with tears, though she did not let them go.

“Nick…”

He gave a nervous smile.

“… I would love nothing more than to be your wife. My answer… is yes!”

He put the box with the ring in it on the stand. Then, he threw his arms around her waist. Maya flung her arms around his neck. Her knees went weak. They locked lips into a very passionate kiss. The judge sniffled, and the bailiff was grinning next to him. Pearl was jumping up and down in utter joy. Finally, they broke the kiss. Maya put on the ring.

“It’s beautiful, Nick!”

He still had his arms around her waist. She once again wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Unfortunately, nothing on this Earth can match your beauty, so I tried to find the next best thing.”

She gave a warm smile. As sappy as his comments may be, she liked them. She loved it when he was romantic. It was so cute in her eyes.

“Where is this wedding going to be?”

“I thought, as the bride, you should decide. However, I think it’s appropriate for the judge to carry out the wedding.”

“I agree. Hmm… you know what? I think I know just the place.”

“Really?”

“Yes. C’mon, let’s go! I’ll show you.”

“Okay!”

Maya pulled him by the hand. She took Nick to a beautiful dock on the beach. It was the dock they went to for the ferry boat on their first date.

“Maya, it’s beautiful and has significance. I think it’s a fantastic idea to get married here.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“So, what date? I picked the place, so you pick the date.”

“Hmm… I’ve got it!”

“Yes?”

“It has to be September 5th since that’s the day we met.”

“Nick, that’s a wonderful idea! That HAS to be the date.”

She gave him a peck on the cheek.

“How about the honeymoon?”

“I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii. It’s so beautiful there.”

“Your wish is my command, my dear.”

Maya grinned.

“Oh, Nick. I knew it all along.”

“What did you know?”

“You’re the one.”

At the office, Nick and Maya were discussing their wedding plans while Pearl was watching television.

“Nick… there is only one problem.”

“What’s that, Maya?”

“My sister… how will she see the wedding?”

She had a point. They both wanted Mia to attend, but they couldn’t just have Pearl channel her. That would mean Pearl wouldn’t see the wedding. Either way, someone was going to miss it.

“We’ll figure something out, Maya. Mia HAS to come.”

“You’re right, Nick.”

He kissed her on the cheek. He was so excited for the wedding. Nick was planning something special for the wedding song.

I want this to be the best day of Maya’s life.

* * *

“See what happens when you don’t follow instructions?”

“Draconian instructions…”

“Not as draconian as killing a man.”

“You want to know the truth, Mother?”

“What is the truth, Mystic Mallory?”

“That man was vile. Killing people for a living… I planned to have him killed from the get-go. Whether he’d do the job or not, I wanted him dead. Killing him was also my way out of having Phoenix Wright and Maya Fey murdered. Those two love each other. How could you come between them like that, Mother?! It’s cruel!”

Mystic Marsha sat back in her cell. Mystic Mallory Fey sat across from her in the cell, crossing her arms.

“Mystic Mallory… you know so little. To not realize how badly I wanted the position of Master was just foolish on your part. I can get the job done without you.”

“How are you going to be Master in a jail cell?”

“I have my ways.”

“It’s impossible. Even if you could, I wouldn’t let you.”

“Another foolish move on your part.”

“Mother, I know you too well. I call your bluff.”

Mystic Marsha was staring holes into her daughter. Mystic Mallory began to speak again.

“I’ll never understand you, Mother. I don’t think I ever will. Luckily, I have spiritual power of my own.”

Her mother didn’t speak. The guard walked up.

“Ms. Marsha Fey?”

“Yes?”

“A letter from the court.”

He handed her an envelope. She snatched it and opened it. Her hands shook in anger.

“What is it, Mother?”

“I’m… not… I’m not allowed to send letters. Visitors are also not allowed to talk to me or even see me. Basically, the only form of communication I’m allowed is talking to my insubordinate daughter!”

She threw the letter on the ground, stomping and grinding it with her left foot. Mystic Mallory smiled to herself. It made her happy to see her malicious mother so miserable.

Justice was served.

* * *

“Hello, Wright.”

Nick visited Edgeworth’s house.

“Hey, Edgeworth. May I come in?”

“Certainly.”

Nick wiped his shoes on the welcome mat and closed the door. Edgeworth closed it.

“Congratulations on the engagement, Wright!”

“Thanks, Edgeworth. I want to keep this brief. That is actually why I’m here.”

Edgeworth gave a puzzled look.

“I was wondering if you wanted to be best man.”

His eyes went wide. Nick laughed.

“Wright, it would be an honor. I accept your offer.”

Nick smiled.

“Good. So… you and Franziska…”

“Wh-what about us?!”

“Don’t play dumb, Edgeworth. You’re dating, right?”

“Well… yes…”

“Tell her about the engagement for me, please?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I must go. I have a lot to get done.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you, Wright.”

“Thank you, Edgeworth. See you later!”

* * *

Maya had Pearl channel Mia for her. Pearl was happy to do it, of course. After all, she wanted Mia to know the news.

“Hi, Sis!”

“Maya! Hello!”

They hugged. Mia then took her seat at the opposite end of the table where Maya was sitting.

“Maya…”

“Yes?”

“What is that around your finger?” Mia asked, pointing at the ring.

“Oh… yes… that’s why I had Pearly channel you…”

“I have a good guess as to what you want to tell me.”

Mia was beaming. She put her elbows on the table and intertwined her fingers together. She rested her chin where the fingers met. Mia was giggling at this point. This made Maya blush. She had butterflies in her stomach whenever her sister teased her about boys.

“M-Mia! It’s not a laughing matter…”

“Oh, go on, and just tell me already. I know you want to.”

“Fine. I’m engaged.”

“I thought so. Nick finally proposed, huh?”

“Y-yeah…”

Maya told her sister about the whole courtroom proposal. Mia was smiling the entire time.

“That was very clever. Congratulations, Maya.”

“Thanks, Sis.”

“When is the wedding?”

“September 5th since that’s the day we met.”

“Oh, and my death anniversary.”

“Yeah… Mia, will you be my maid of honor?”

“I’d love to… that is, if I could be channeled.”

“Nick and I are working out the arrangements for that. We’re making it so you can attend the wedding and everything.”

“In that case, I accept.”

“Thank you, Sis. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Maya.”

Both of them knew Nick would find a way to cross this obstacle. He always knows how to overcome these challenges. For Nick, where there was a will, there was a way.

Nick went to the practice space for a band called ‘Manumit’. Originally, he was thinking about hiring a band called ‘The Gavinners’, but they didn’t have the sophistication he wanted. Manumit was more sophisticated. They were on a stage in a local theater. The guitar was playing a melody while the vocalist sang his heart out.

“We stand united forevermore,
With all the promise you so adore,
I’m not going anywhere, baby,
By your side is where I’ll always be.”

“Hey there, Brock!”

“Mr. Wright!”

“How’s the song coming?”

“You tell me from what you heard.”

“From what I heard, it sounds fantastic!”

“So far, it’s going well. We’ll have it in tip-top shape for the wedding.”

“Okay. Thank you, Brock. I just wanted to check in on it. I have to go finish some preparations.”

“Of course. Bye!”

“Good bye!”

* * *

“Mia, what about Mother? She has to attend the wedding, too.”

“… You’re right, Maya. Now we have two conundrums.”

“That has to be the most frustrating part of the wedding.”

Just then, Nick walked in.

“Hello, ladies.”

“Hello, Phoenix.”

“Hey, Nick.”

Maya stood up and greeted him with a kiss. Nick kept his arms wrapped around Maya’s waist even after they broke. She turned so her back was facing Nick’s front side. She put her hands on top of his. He started lightly playing with them.

“Hey. So, I guess you heard, Mia.”

“Yes, I have. Congratulations, Phoenix.”

“Thank you.”

The phone rang. Nick answered it.

“Wright and Co. Law Offices. Phoenix speaking.”

“Hello, Mr. Wright.”

It was none other than Mallory Fey.

“Oh, hello,” Nick said rather coldly.

“Could you put this on speaker phone?”

“Why?”

“I just want to convey my apologies to both of you.”

After much thinking, Nick finally answered.

“… Fine.”

He turned on the speaker phone.

“Um… H-hello, Maya…”

Maya recognized her voice.

“Hello, Mystic Mallory…”

“I just wanted to apologize… to you and Mr. Wright. I want to tell you the truth.”

“What is this truth?”

“Marsha Fey is not allowed to talk to anyone outside of prison using any sort of communication. Actually, the only communication allowed is to be directed to the guards or her bunk mate.”

“Really?!” Nick cut in, “How did that happen?”

“Before I left the courthouse this morning, I told the police officers… I warned them that Marsha Fey might have tried to plot an assassination again. I told them communication should be forbidden. If you don’t believe me, ask the police.”

“Mystic Mallory… thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Mystic Maya. There’s another truth I must tell you.”

Mallory told about her plan backstab Marsha. The whole time, Mia didn’t say a word. She closed her eyes and nodded. Nick and Maya saw her. Mia mouthed to them ‘believe her’. They nodded. Maya spoke at the end of the story.

“This is the truth?”

“Yes. I am forever in the debt of you and Mr. Wright. Because of you two, I was able to come out of the tyranny of my mother. If there is anything you two need, I am here. It’s my way of thanking the two of you.”

“Actually… we do have a favor.”

“Anything.”

“Do you still have spiritual power?”

“Yes, I do, actually.”

“On September 5th, we need you to channel my sister. Do you know her?”

“Mystic Mia? Of course I know of her. Such a wonderful woman.”

Mia smiled a little to herself.

“It’s extremely important. Please?”

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

“Thank you so much, Mystic Mallory.”

“No. Thank you. Well, I must go. It’s time for prison dinner.”

“Okay. Good bye.”

“Good bye.”

She hung up. Nick did as well. Mia finally spoke.

“Mystic Mallory Fey… there’s a name I haven’t heard in ages. She was a very sweet girl, but her mother got to her. Marsha made her cold and emotionally cut off.”

“That’s so sad!”

“I’m glad she found her way again,” Nick stated, “At least we now have someone to channel you, Mia.”

“Yes, Phoenix, but we need someone to channel our mother.”

“But, I’m not your brother.”

“You know what I mean!” Mia laughed.

“Ha ha ha. I do. We’ll figure something out for that, too.”

“What about your wedding song, Phoenix?”

“I’ve figured something out for that, too. Once I get a recording of it, I’ll show you guys and see what you think.”

“Okay.”

“Nick… thank you for everything. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

She went back into his arms and wrapped hers around his neck again. Maya loved going into that position. She didn’t know why. Mia was grinning. Nick moved the hair out of Maya’s eyes, and then he kissed her.

I have to carry out her every wish.

The next day, Maya went into a cake shop. She was in charge of the wedding cake and the invitations. She chose a cake shop run by Italian bakers. They were efficient, detailed, and experienced. They had a five star rated cake shop called “Creative Cakes”. Maya walked in. The little bell above the door rang. She was greeted by the receptionist behind the counter.

“Welcome to Creative Cakes. How may I help you?”

“Yes, I am getting married on the fifth of September.”

“Congratulations!”

“Thank you. So, I obviously need a wedding cake for the occasion.”

“Okay, what would you like the design to be?”

“Well, I drew a design for you.”

Maya took out a piece of paper and slid it to the lady.”

“… I see. This is such a unique design. I like it.”

“Thank you.”

“Okay. We’ll have it for you on your wedding day.”

“Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome.”

Maya began to walk out when she heard a shout. It came from an Italian man.

“MARIA!!!! NEW CUSTOMER?!”

“YES! THIS IS A WEDDING CAKE!!!”

“WELL, BRING IT UP HERE! OH, AND WE NEED SOMEONE TO BUY SOME MORE FLOUR!!!!”

“OKAY! SOPHIA!!!!! MORE FLOUR!!!!!”

With that, Maya walked out of the shop.

* * *

Nick was listening to Manumit as they were playing the wedding song. It was being recorded. Once they were done, Brock handed Nick the recording.

“Thank you so much, Brock.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Wright.”

They shook hands, and Nick left. He walked back to the office. Pearl was there.

“Hi, Mr. Nick!”

“Hey, Pearls. Why are you here all alone?”

“I told Mystic Maya I had some things I really wanted to take care of here.”

“What would those things be?”

“Ah ah ah. I can’t tell you, Mr. Nick. It’s a surprise.”

Nick really wanted to know what Pearl was planning. But, his efforts would be useless.

“Oh, alright, Pearls.”

“Thank you, Mr. Nick!”

* * *

Maya was finished ordering the invitations when a thought hit her. In a wedding, the father of the bride gives her away by walking her down the aisle. Who would walk her down the aisle? Her father had passed away when she was very young. She wished she had more time to know him better. Tears filled in her eyes, but not enough to let them go. From what Mia had told her, he was a remarkable man. Just then, Maya ran into something very large… or was it someone? She fell down. A giant hand reached down to help her off the ground. Maya rubbed her head and looked up. She saw a dirty green sleeve. That tattered jacket could only have belonged to Detective Dick Gumshoe.

“I’m so sorry!” Gumshoe apologized, “Are you okay, pal?”

“I-I’m fine, Detective. Thank you.”

She got up with Gumshoe’s help.

“So, I heard you and Mr. Wright are engaged. Congratulations!”

“Thank you!”

“I also heard about the nature of the proposal. That was actually a great idea.”

“Yes, it was.”

Gumshoe raised his eyebrow.

“Maya… why do you seem so sad?”

“Huh?”

“Your face, the tone of your voice… you’re sad. Why?”

“Y-you don’t need to worry about it, Detective.”

“You can tell me. It’s okay, pal.”

“Well… my father died when I was very young.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. Anyway, at a wedding, the father is supposed to give the daughter away by walking her down the aisle. Who’s going to walk me? It can’t be Nick. He’s the groom. Mr. Edgeworth is best man, so he’s out.”

“Maya… what if I walk you down the aisle?”

“R-really?! That would be great! Thank you, Detective Gumshoe!”

“You’re welcome.”

Maya hugged him. She was so grateful.

I feel like the luckiest girl on the face of the Earth.

* * *

Nick and Maya were sitting on the couch.

“Gumshoe will walk you down the aisle?”

“Yeah. Isn’t that sweet of him to offer?”

“Yeah. Gotta love that Detective.”

“So, did Pearly tell you what she was doing?”

“No. Did she tell you?”

“No. She told me it was a surprise.”

“Same here!”

“I ordered the cake and sent out the invitations today.”

“That’s great. I got a recording of the song. Want to hear it?”

“Sure!”

Nick played the recording. Maya closed her eyes and bobbed her head side to side. Then, the song ended.

“Nick… it’s lovely! Who’s the band?”

“They are called ‘Manumit’. They’ll be at the wedding reception.”

“Okay. They are really good.”

“Yeah.”

Nick swung his arm around Maya. He squeezed her shoulder.

“Are you excited?”

“Of course I’m excited, Nick. Are you?”

“Yeah. I’m marrying the most wonderful girl on the planet.”

Nick walked into the jewelry shop to pick up the wedding ring he ordered. It was from the same shop where he bought Maya’s locket. The man behind the counter recognized Nick.

“Ah, Mr. Wright! Here to pick up your ring?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll get it.”

He walked back to the drawers where they kept the jewelry.

“Wright… Wright… Wright… Ah! Here we are!"

The man pulled out a ring box. He opened up the box to let Nick see it. Nick took it out and examined it. The ring had a glorious diamond. There were three words engraved in the band of the ring: Meant to be.

“Thank you.”

He put the ring back inside the box.

“You’re very welcome. That is a very lovely ring, by the way. One of the finest we’ve made here.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Nick paid and left.

* * *

Maya was staring outside her window in deep thought. She was imagining how the wedding was going to go. Gumshoe would walk her down the aisle. She would be wearing her beautiful white dress, which she still needed to pick out. At the end of the aisle, Nick would stand by a white archway with purple and blue flowers on it. He would be so handsome and she would be married. She sighed and smiled to herself.

“Knock, knock.”

Maya turned around. Her sister was standing in the doorway in the body of Pearl Fey.

“Mia…”

“You’re still wearing that grin.”

Maya giggled. She, of course, kept the smile.

“Pearly has been channeling you a lot lately.”

“She obviously knows.”

“Knows what? How much I need you right now?”

Mia nodded. She moved into the room and sat on the bed next to Maya. She threw her arm around her sister. Maya gave a small laugh and then spoke.

“She’s right… I’m getting married, and I need my big sister now more than ever.”

Mia nodded in understanding.

“I see. Maya, I love you, and I believe in you. Nick is the one for you. I know it.”

“No, no, Mia. It’s not that. It’s the same old story. I’m nineteen, I’m marrying the most wonderful man, and I have to run an entire village! How can I balance my duties and my love life? Ugh, I feel like one of those high school girls you see on TV.”

Mia laughed at the last comment. Maya did as well.

“Ah, Maya. It’s like I’ve been saying all along. You’ll work it out.”

“Yeah, but how?!”

There was a tiny hint of desperation in Maya’s voice. Mia could sense it.

“You worked out the conflict with Mystic Marsha, didn’t you? If you could work that out, you can work this out.”

“Yeah, I guess…”

“There you go.”

“… I still remember our first kiss. The magic of it… so indescribable.”

“Your first kiss with your true love always is.”

Maya smiled again. It was Mia’s cue to speak again.

“Well, we should get going.”

Maya’s pleased expression quickly changed to a confused one.

“Where are we going?”

“To buy a wedding dress, of course. You weren’t planning on walking down the aisle in your acolyte uniform, were you?”

Maya gave a grin and a laugh. Somehow in the back of her mind, she knew Mia would come to help with the dress.

* * *

Nick and Edgeworth were both being fitted for their tuxes.

“So, how are things between you and Franziska?”

“Things are going pretty well, Wright. We… well…”

“What?”

“The big third date is coming up…”

“Oh, I see. But, you kissed Franziska at the beach, already…”

"But, what if that was in the heat of the moment?"

"It wasn't, Edgeworth. Trust me."

"If you say so, Wright."

There was an awkward silence.

“Wright, how many people are attending this wedding anyway?”

“Pretty much everyone we know… well, that is, everyone we know that we get along with.”

“Didn’t Maya’s father pass away?”

“Yeah.”

“Who’s walking her down the aisle?"

“Detective Gumshoe.”

“Not a bad idea… where is your fiancée?”

“She called me. She went dress shopping with her sister."

“Mia?”

“Yep.”

“But, Mia passed away.”

“Pearl is channeling her.”

“Urk.”

“Sorry?”

“I don’t believe in all that spirit channeling nonsense. It…”

“I know, Edgeworth. I know. It’s the real thing though. I can personally assure you of that.”

There was a pause. Then, Nick spoke to the associate at the tux shop.

“This is perfect."

He made his purchase and left.