Miles stepped out of the old, gray church and took a deep breath. The winter air in Germany was crisp and the sun shone brightly in the light blue sky. The church was a relic left over from the Eighteenth century that survived all the wars and devastating weather that was thrown at it. Neither his own father, nor Manfred had ever taken him to church; religion was never a strong subject in either household. So, when Miles was young, he never understood what the adults were saying when they said “Your father is in a better place,” or “You are in our prayers.” Prayers to whom? Was there an entity that decided every ones fate? Needless to say, Miles grew up without any sort of spiritual direction. Of course, he educated himself in all religions, and found the same ridiculous theme in each; that there is a power greater than us out there and they control our fates and destinies.

As Miles circled the church tower, he let his fingers trail over the rough stone, that, if it could talk, would tell a thousand tales. He wondered which one these would talk about. His thoughts drifted back to...him...as they always did. The one whose perseverance and strength shone through everything else, despite the circumstances. Miles chuckled softly to himself as he thought about how appropriate Phoenix's name was. Did his parents realize this when they named him, he wondered.

He looked over the horizon, over the fields blanketed in white, over the little farm houses with their grain towers, and realized he had traveled further outside of Berlin than he thought or had planned. Planned...ha! He scorned himself for not facing his fears, or his own destiny. He ran away, again. But this time, it was from Phoenix, or the memory of that man. Miles thought that if he drove long enough, fast enough, far away enough, he could escape the feelings that consumed him whenever he was still. When he had spied this church tower on the horizon, it seemed to call to him and he answered. Miles found it ironic that a church had caused him to contemplate his future. He shook his head and for the second time that day chuckled at himself.

“Sir, may I ask what you are laughing at?”

Miles straightened up and whipped around at the beautiful German dialect. It belonged to an older woman, who was bent and silver-haired, but gave off an aura of vitality. She was dressed warmly in a wool pea-coat, similar to Miles's charcoal coat that he was wearing, and a bright colorful scarf that was wrapped tightly around her neck. Miles cleared his throat and blinked at her.

“I apologize, Madam,” Miles answered in German. “I didn't mean to offend. I was just recollecting a memory...” Was he blushing? He felt his cheeks warm.

“Oh, a pleasant memory, of a dear loved one, I see.” She smiled warmly. “You did not offend young man. I thought I had heard someone crying and when I came around the tower, I found you, chuckling to yourself.” Miles saw a look of confusion fly across the woman's pale face as she spoke. Her eyes were wise to the ways of the world, and he knew that she couldn't and wouldn't be fooled.

“I...yes,” He paused to gather his thoughts. “It was a pleasant memory of an old...friend that I need to touch base with.”

“Hmm...” The woman looked up at the sturdy church tower for a moment, as if plucking some wisdom from a distant place, then turned her attention back to Miles. “You need not to need,” She started as she gently took his gloved hands in hers. “Or else a love with intuition, someone who reaches out to your weaknesses and won't let go. You've always been the tower, now it's time to let someone else hold you up, and guide your inner strength.” She paused to take a breath. Letting go of Miles's hands she unwrapped her scarf and before wrapping it around Miles, she asked permission. Ducking his head in response, she gently wrapped it around his neck. “You will need this on your long journey to find...whatever it is you came here to find.”

Miles furrowed his brow. “Pardon me, Madam but you will be co-”

“No, I will be fine. This church and it's citizens keep me warm.”

Miles contemplated that for a second, then pulled his coat closer to himself. “Then I thank you, for everything.”

“Don't worry young man, things will fall into place. The one that you think about loves you just as much as you love them. The wounds of love are cured by love itself.” The woman smiled one more time before turning and walking away.

Miles blinked at the spot where she had stood, mulling over everything she said. He trotted around the tower to thank her again, but found no one there. Walking up to the large wooden door, he found that it was locked. He stared at it incredulously.

Miles was not a spiritual man, but he was starting to believe in his own inner strength.

Trucy sighed as she took off her top hat and dipped her plastic spoon into the rainbow sherbet. It was her favorite of all the desert treats because she was always amazed that the rainbow could be captured in such a small cup. It also made her think of her Papa, Phoenix Wright. Ever since he took her in one year ago, they made it a tradition to walk down to the beach and buy ice cream and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean at least once a week. She sucked on her spoon thoughtfully, as she watched the 'twilight surfers', (her own made up term) floating peacefully, waiting for the next wave. The ocean seemed particularly calm that evening, as if it was also waiting for the sun to descend into its great depths. Her little tanned legs swung carelessly and she watched Phoenix slowly make his way over to were she was sitting.

“Look at you, my little Trucy,” He smiled as he ran the hand that wasn't holding a small Styrofoam cup, through his hair. “Sitting here, not a care in the world, eating your favorite ice cream, watching the world around you through nine year old eyes...”

“Ten, Papa!” Trucy mumbled with a mouth full of sherbet. “I am ten now. Don't forget, 'K?” She winked and gestured at him with her spoon.

“Yes, honey,” He chuckled at her. “Ten. My little Trucy is ten years old.” He sighed as he sat down next to the tenacious little girl. He wondered what the world looked like nowadays through a ten year old's eyes. He remembered what his own world looked like; the first year after Miles had moved away was hard for him. Phoenix shuddered as he pushed the ridiculous thoughts out of his head.

“Ice cream making you cold Papa?” Trucy looked up at him with her big doe eyes.

“A little, honey.” He said as he put his arm around her. “Mostly just brain freeze.”

Trucy regarded him through narrowed eyes for a moment, a look that Phoenix was very familiar with. “You should get a hat.” She said matter-of-factly.

“Um, Trucy, this is L.A.” Phoenix chortled despite himself. He also unconsciously ran his hand through his hair, again. “It's very warm right now and I don't think...”

“Papa,” The brown-haired girl exclaimed between bites of sherbet. “Have you seen your hair lately? Eww!”

Phoenix opened his mouth to say something, but shut it immediately. He honestly hadn't made the conscientious decision to look in a mirror. Why should he? He had no one to impress, no where to go that required him to dress up. Hence the sweatshirt, that was unzipped at the moment, and his favorite pair of jeans, that were starting to wear at the seams and were tattered at the bottom.

“Oh, oh! I know what to get you for Papa's day, now!” Trucy broke into his self-reflection as he blinked at her. A large grin came across her face as she spoke.

“Okay, sweetheart, but I have everything I could ever want right here.” He was lying, but he would never admit that to this beautiful nine...nope, ten year-old little girl who looked up to him for the most basic human needs, amongst other things; Trucy had taught him to love and accept the things in life that were out of his hands. Like Miles leaving his life permanently the night he went to play a hand of Poker with Trucy's father. He had never known heartbreak as much as that night, and the several weeks that followed. Until he saw the sunshine of Trucy's smile, the real sun had meant nothing to him. There was still a hole in his heart that Miles had left; but Trucy was like a band-aid, and made life bearable and almost worth living.

They sat in silence, finishing their ice cream, when the tide started to come in and only the soft sounds of the waves on the beach could be heard. Phoenix stole a quick look around, thinking that maybe they were the only ones there, but was surprised when he had seen a small crowd had gathered to watch tonight's sunset. His brow knit together in confusion, as he tried to think if there was a special occasion, or something going on at this particular beach to draw such an unusually diverse and as he watched, a growing crowd as well. A crowd that was unusually quiet and calm.

“What's wrong, Papa?” Trucy whispered. Even she had noticed the quiet that had suddenly descended.

“It's nothing sweetie,” He said slowly. “Is there something going on this particular evening that we missed?”

“I read online that its supposed to be the biggest, and most beautiful sun set and that only the res-i-dents of Los Angeles will be able to witness it because of the combi- combination of the ocean and the dw-dwindling smoke from the fires that have been burning around the city lately.”

Trucy nodded her head once in satisfaction as her papa looked at her incredulously. He made a mental note of her brilliant pronunciation of the larger words, and how she reminded him of Pearl.

“Did you memorize all of that?”

“Yup!” Trucy practically beamed.

Phoenix shook his head and gave his 'daughter' a loving squeeze. He leaned his head on the top of hers.

“If you listen closely, you can hear the sun setting into the ocean.” He whispered a few moments later. Trucy cocked one ear toward the sun as she listened hard. Phoenix gazed at the brilliant oranges and yellows and reds that the sun produced as it passed through the haze of smoke and smog and down into the ocean and he thought of his mother and what she had told him about the sunset. Trucy's eyes became wide as saucers as she turned to Phoenix.

“Papa!” She said breathlessly. A low murmur seemed to wave through the crowd as the sun made its way down slowly. “Papa, I heard it!” Her smile suddenly made all his cares fly away and he kissed her on the top of her head.

"You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
you make me happy
when skies are grey.
You'll never know dear,
how much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away."
Jimmie Davis

The pain and emptiness of losing someone, especially your best friend, never really goes away. As children we are told that death is final and we will never see those who have passed, ever again. That being said, I had to reevaluate my life at age five when my grandfather passed away. I told my mom that I wanted a cat and that it would live forever. She smiled her beautiful smile and two days later I had a small gray kitten that I was to take care of. All of this,however, did not prepare me for what happened later in my life. But I'll get to that. My name is Phoenix Wright and this is how I dealt with the 'death' of a very good friend...and lover.

It all started when I turned eight in late March of 2000. My parents bought me a bike, and because I was a fast learner, the training wheels came off a month later. There were no limits after that and my good friend, Larry Butz and I were constantly testing any limits that came our way. Occasionally our antics included one Miles Edgeworth. He was an unusual boy, kept to himself at school, but after school he would run around with us, causing quiet havoc throughout the neighborhood. We would walk to school together and most of the time the three of us were a force to be reckoned with.

That summer marked the first of many lessons of losing someone precious in my life. I knew my mother and father were not happy; they hadn't been happy in several years. It started with the occasional fights, but I remember there used to be more happy times than down times. Somehow it escalated and my brother, Chandler, and I noticed that we weren't seeing our father as often as we used to. Our weekends stopped being the fun filled family outings, and started filling up with chores that we picked up where our father wasn't there to do. Finally, towards the end of summer, our mother sat us down and told us that our father wouldn't be around anymore and that Chandler would have to be the man of the house. He was twelve at the time and he was proud and sad at the same time. I, on the other hand was indifferent. I was a mama's boy, however I did love my father and I did miss our occasional moments where we would sit and read classic novels like Animal Farm and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. But I was resigned to the fact that I would only see him under special circumstances. Plus I had Miles and Larry and that was enough for me. Chandler, wasn't so resigned and in the middle of the the fall semester, he moved on with father.

In the early spring, Larry, Miles and I were a force again and our bond strengthened one fateful day. Larry was skipping school, and I stayed out of P.E because I was coming down with a cold. Miles's lunch money was stolen and when he asked around, the other kids accused me because I wasn't there and I was poor etc. In our forth grade class, nothing escaped the ears of gossipy little girls who all had crushes on my big brother. When he wasn't at school that semester, the rumors flew about how our father had cheated or our father was in jail, or something ridiculous like that. I tried to blow the rumors off, but they hurt. Miles simply brushed the kids off, telling them they were simpletons, etc. He always used bigger words than we understood, and most of the time ended up the butt of a joke or two. This time however, it was my turn to be the receiving end of a very bad joke; at least that's what I thought it was, until the class turned against me. The teacher decided that the only way to settle everything was to have a mock trial, since we were studying the American Judicial system it seemed fitting. It was an ugly scene, and the first time I ever cried in front of my peers. Why they felt as strongly as they did, I'll never know. It hurt, and left me disillusioned. That is, until Miles stood up and yelled an objection and stated his case plainly and clearly. Larry stood up for me as well. Miles and Larry argued with the teacher and I believe that she got so fed up that she decided to pay Miles the missing money and ended the trial. That was when I realized, I didn't know Miles as well as I thought.

The three of us spent a lot of time at each others houses, doing homework talking about movies and each others families over the summer and fall months. We spent the most time at Miles's fathers because he had the largest house. That and the fact that my mom swooned every time she came to pick me up. She was constantly reminding me that he looked like an actor that her mother used to swoon over. I would only shake my head at her, but secretly I would admit that he was very pleasant to look at. It got to the point to where my mom was baking pies and cakes for Miles's father and he would accept them graciously in exchange for small repairs and odd jobs around our house. But as much as my mom turned on the charm, Miles's father was always polite and never made advances. My mom finally resigned to having him as a male friend and a sort of father figure in my life.

Then came the fateful day that would turn everyone's lives around.

Chapter 2

I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked into Miles's hospital room. I was pretty sure that Miles wasn't dying, but when I saw him, he looked so small, so fragile, and as pale as the tangle of white sheets and blankets he was lying amongst. I was confused, however, as to why he was in the hospital in the first place, since I couldn't get a straight answer from anyone. All I knew, was he had been trapped in an elevator after an earthquake and someone had shot his father.

Miles was sleeping as I pulled a chair to his bedside. I watched as a pained look came over his pale face and he started to mumble. I rested my hand lightly on his arm as he became restless.

“Miles,” I said his name softly so I wouldn't frighten him, when his eyes finally flew open. He stared at me blankly and opened his mouth as if he were going to say something, then closed it again. “Miles, you're in the hospital. Do you... remember anything that happened to you?” I wasn't sure if he was completely aware of the death of his father, and I definitely wasn't going to mention it.

“I remember...” He started, his brow furrowed in concentration. “I-I remember a lot of yelling...a-and a loud noise...” He took a deep breath and raised his hand to run his hand through his hair. His concentration was suddenly focused on his hand and the IV that was stuck in it. “Why...why am I in a hospital?”

“I dunno, Miles.” I answered him, honestly. “You've been in here for a couple of days. I've asked around and nobody will tell me anything.” I paused and sighed. “I had to practically beg my mom to bring me here. She hates hospitals so much, and I can't say that I'm a big fan either, but we've all been worr-” Miles's cold hand on my arm startled me. I looked up at him with wide eyes.

“You're babbling Phoenix. You do that a lot when you are nervous.”

I blinked at him. “I...uh... what is babbling? What do you mean?”

A small smile came across his pallid features as he started to tell me what babbling meant. We talked for a while about whatever nine year olds can chat about, until my mother came in and gave her condolences to Miles and the kind of stuff that adults do. I said good-bye to Miles and promised him that I would visit the next day.

“Phoenix,” His quiet voice made me pause at the door, wondering if I actually heard him. I turned and looked at him expectantly as he waved me back over.

“Thank you.” He said simply when I approached.

“For what?” I asked, tentatively as he rested his hand on mine.

“For being by my side when I awoke. I-I don't think I would've been okay if I had woke alone.” That was the first time I had seen that pain in Miles's eyes... the very pain that would haunt him for the next eleven years.


* * * * * * * * *


I begged my mom to go back again the next day, and she eventually agreed, saying that she wanted to talk to somebody about what was going to happen to Miles. I thought about that as I rode in silence to the hospital. As far as I knew, Miles had no other relatives other than his father...I tried to imagine what it would be like... not having anyone to fall back on... no mother or father there to take care of me. I shuddered at the thought. Somehow it became one of my biggest fears.

As we were walking to Miles's room, a nurse stopped my mom. She wasn't much taller than her. She had soft golden hair and worried brown eyes. I had recognized her as one of the nurses that had come into Miles's room yesterday, to check on him and his IV and everything. She was very sweet, talking with us briefly. She flashed a small smile at me but I noticed there was something in her expression that wasn't right.

“Mrs. Wright,” She spoke softly.

“Ms. Wright.” My mom corrected her.

“Sorry,” The nurse penned something on the paperwork that was held on a clipboard in her hands. “Ms. Wright, I my name is Mariah Miney, I am Miles's nurse, er...I need to speak with you, please, if you don't mind.”

“What's wrong with Miles?” I interjected. “Is he alright?”

“Um, yes...” She paused as she lightly touched my hair. “He is alright, I just need to talk to your mom for a moment, okay sweetie?”

I nodded, as she and my mom walked a few feet away. I listened in as best I could as I peered into Miles's room. He was asleep. Three phrases caught my attention as I turned and leaned against the wall to listen closer.

“...doesn't know...father's death.” My mom put her hand to her mouth thoughtfully. “...ask that you tell him...good friends...no relatives.”

“I'm not so sure...”

I couldn't catch their entire conversation and I wasn't sure if my mom was willing to bear that kind of responsibility. I love my mother, but she was never emotionally strong. To my surprise however, she agreed.

“Do you understand that Miles will be...well, I'm not sure how he will take the news.” My mom continued after she explained to me the conversation she had with Mariah, who was standing in front of Miles's door. Mom was kneeling in front of me, plucking invisible lint and straightening my shirt. I saw that her hands were shaking and I rested a hand on her shoulder.

“I think... as long as we are there and he knows that we will always be there for him, I think it'll all be fine in the end.”

“Oh Phoenix,” Her hand was warm on my cheek as I saw tears form at the corners of her eyes. “You were always so wise and strong.” She took a deep breath and stood up. Closing her eyes briefly, she finally said, “Okay, let's go.”


* * * * * * * * *

But it wasn't right, and I should have known that. Miles spent the next day and a half in his hospital room curled in a ball, not talking to anyone, numb to everything around him. No one would let me in to see him, afraid that he would injure me, or worse, himself, somehow. I found that completely silly, but I was ten what was I supposed to know.

In the end, however, they decided to let me see him, being I was his best friend and all. I overheard the sweet blond nurse tell my mom that perhaps my voice would pull him out of his stupor in some way. I walked into Miles's room and hesitated, standing completely motionless, by the door, not knowing what to do or say.

“Go away,” His rough voice startled me. I took a step forward.

“Miles I...”

“Go away.” He said with a little more force as he sniffed.

“Miles, please, it's me Phoenix.” I wasn't sure if he had heard me as the silence lingered heavy in the air for a moment. I opened my mouth to say something else when I saw him slowly roll over. His tiny brow was knitted together in concentration.

“What are you doing here?” He asked. “You should be in school. You shouldn't be here, you shouldn't see me like this.” Everything he said came out in a rushed mess of words and I had to strain to hear him as I took another step forward. He suddenly threw the covers over his head. “No! Go away Phoenix, I don't want to see you right now.”

“But Miles, please...I-I'm your friend. I want to help you. I want...” I paused. I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. “I miss you. I miss your help in math, I miss sitting with you at recess. I want you back, Miles...please.”

“Phoenix,” He said from under the blanket. “You have plenty of friends. You don't need me. What about Larry? Go sit with him at recess.”

I ran to his bedside and pulled the blanket back. “NO, Miles! I want to sit with you. I like talking to YOU! I like studying with YOU!” He blinked at me and took a deep breath. “Please?” I added quietly.

Suddenly, Miles's whole demeanor changed. His bottom lip started trembling and I saw his eyes start to fill with crystal-like tears. “Phoenix, he's dead.” Was all he said as he suddenly sat up and grabbed me in a tight hug. I wrapped my arms around him, hesitantly. I wasn't sure what to do as his little body, which seemed so frail and fragile, shook with violent sobs. He didn't cry when we told him, about his father and I wondered if he had cried at all during the last couple days. He just stared straight ahead, then curled into the ball that I had walked in on.

I spent the next couple hours laying beside him as he mumbled nonsense between sobs. Every time I tried to move, he would just hold onto me tighter, until I explained to him that I had to use the bathroom, and that he should too. He sniffed and looked up at me for a second, then nodded.

I stayed the weekend in Miles's room. Slowly but surely, color came back to his face and so did the smile that I remembered, albeit not entirely, but at least he was smiling. Mariah would come in and talk and laugh with us. My mother, as hesitant as she was to let me spend the night, would tuck us both in and kiss us goodnight.


* * * * * * *


“NO! You cannot go in there...” The pretty blonds voice woke Miles and I on Sunday morning as a strange man burst into Miles's room. I blinked as my sleepy brain tried to comprehend if I knew this man or not.

“ I assure you that as Mr. Von Karma's assistant, I do not want any trouble,” The man had an accent that was similar to that of Von Karma's ( I had seen him on the evening news a couple times) and was dressed in a gray suit that had faint black pinstripes and seemed to shimmer when he moved. Miles sat up as I propped myself on my elbows. The man turned and his long blond hair was formed into a strange twist and laid on his left side. His bright blue eyes seemed to dance around the room taking in the situation and his expression suddenly turned dark. Miles and I flinched.

“What is going on here?” The man's voiced raised an octave as he pointed at me. “Who is this insolent little boy in here with Miles? This is unacceptable.”

Miles shifted and sat in front of me in a defensive position. I had to peer over his shoulder to see anything. He started to say something, when Mariah interrupted him.

“Mr Gavin, that is Miles's best friend. He spent the night to help Miles through his...grieving, sir.”

“Miles is going to have to learn to take care of himself in the Von Karma household.” The man, Mr Gavin, strode toward me and I shrunk away from him as he grabbed me harshly by the arm. Both Miles and I cried out as Mr. Gavin drug me off the bed and roughly toward the door. Miles was on his heels yelling at him when suddenly a blond boy about our age came running in and grabbed Miles, Holding him back. The Gavin guy dropped me and I landed hard on my bottom.

“Mr. Gavin you cannot just grab people like that, especially children!” The nurse knelt and asked me if I was okay and I nodded, still in a daze.

“Kristoph!” The man yelled and the blond boy stiffened. “Stand aside and let Miles gather his things so we can get out of here.”

“What!?” The look on Miles's face was a mixture of anger and fear. I scrambled to my feet.

“YOU aren't taking Miles anywhere!” I pointed my finger at the grey man and yelled when I suddenly felt myself restrained. “Hey!” I cried as I struggled against Kristoph.

“Now, Miles get dressed and...”

“Mr. Gavin, do you have paperwork stating your right to take Miles out of this hospital?” Mariah was now flanked by a man in uniform.

The gray man turned abruptly on his heel to the nurse and produced a small bundle of papers from inside his jacket pocket. He crossed his arms and we all watched tensely as she read the paperwork. It became eerily quiet and I looked over at Miles whose eyes had become watery. The pretty nurse sighed and her expression said a thousand words. I watched as she walked over to Miles and knelt in front of him. He sniffed.

“I-I'm sorry Miles,” She brushed his silvery bangs out of his face. “Mr Gavin is here t-to take to to be in Von Karma's care. You are a good kid Miles, I will miss you.”

“Enough!” Mr Gavin yelled and everyone flinched as I struggled. “This is completely unprofessional and I will make sure that the proper officials know about your behavior. You can leave.” He snapped his fingers at the officer to take her out of the room. The guard gave the nurse an apologetic look as he led her out.

*Did you catch the nurses name? Yup, It's Ini and Mini's mother. Also, with Mr. Gavin, I like to make connections between the AJ plotline and the PW series. Where did the Gavin's come from and why all of a sudden are they involved with the PW world? I have the feeling that my little fanfiction might be a little more epic than I planned for it to be. But I will try to keep it focused on Miles and Phoenix and their pain and separation. Thank you for reading*

“Well,” Dahlia said bitterly as she carefully scratched under her dark wig. “Did you get the bottle? Or did you wimp out, again?”

“No, I wasn't able to get it.” Iris sighed heavily. She pulled in the parasol as she stepped into the shade of a giant oak tree that Dahlia had been waiting under. Iris continued. “He kept talking about how interesting his law classes were, and about some boy, Miles, I think his name was. It made me think, if Feenie was a girl, he would be pining over this other boy!”

“Heh,” Dahlia's evil chuckle interrupted Iris. “Well, he's definitely not a real man. He lacks in skills, thats for sure.” She rolled her eyes when she saw her sister pout. “I also can't believe that I have such a wimp for a sister! C'mon, let's go before someone sees us!” She gestured at her pouting sister as she started to walk. A few feet later she noticed Iris wasn't following. She ducked her head and ran back under the tree.

“What is your problem?” Dahlia hissed as she grabbed Iris's wrist tightly. Iris flinched but she didn't move.

“No Dahlia.” She said firmly and a lot more louder than she meant to. “I-I don't want to do this anymore! I can't keep lying to him! I...” She paused to make sure that what she was feeling was true. Dahlia took advantage of the pause as her eyes grew large and her hand flew to her mouth.

“Iris, you've fallen in love with that simple boy, haven't you?”

Iris's eyes became watery as Dahlia shook her head and took her sister in her arms.

“Oh my poor, naïve little sister...fallen victim to love's grand scheme. Let's go get you settled down...”

Iris suddenly pulled away. “No, I can't! I told Feenie that I would take care of him. He's sick, and he's taking ColdKiller X to help him get over it. I-I told him I...”

“Fool-hearted Iris.” Dahlia took her sister in her arms again as a plan formed in her evil mind. “Fee, will be fine. You need to stay away so you don't get sick. You don't want to get sick and be away from him, do you?” She leaned away from Iris and brushed a couple strands of red hair from her face. Iris nodded and sniffed. “I thought so.” Dahlia started walking with her sister in her arms. “ Besides we need to re-color your hair. Your dark roots are showing. Did you say he was taking ColdKiller X?”

“Yeah, why?” Iris sniffed again. Dahlia stopped and pulled a tissue out of the inside of the robes that were originally Iris's and handed it to her.

“Hmm, no reason.” She put her hands on her sister's shoulders and looked into her watery eyes. “I will take you back to Hazakura. You will feel better when we get you out of all of this...” Dahlia gestured at Iris's white dress and makeup. “...and have a long bath.”

“But, I can't go to the Temple, Fee is expecting me for lunch tomorrow.”

Dahlia's plan fell right into place after she heard those words. She put her arm around Iris and started walking towards the bus stop.

“It'll be okay, I will let him know that you won't be meeting him, that you're sick etc. That way we can spend the day together and I can take care of you!”

“But Dollie, I'm not sick-”

“You need to go back to the Temple,” Dahlia raised her voice at first, but then took a deep breath to calm herself. “Besides I think Sister Bikini is missing you.”

They were silent until they reached the bus stop when Iris spoke. “Sister Bikini will know what to do about my feelings. She's very wise.”

Dahlia bit her tongue to keep herself from laughing. “Oh, I know! We can make paper hearts and put our wishes on them, remember, Iris, like we used to do!” She gave her sister a suffocating hug before they boarded the bus that had stopped before them. “We're gonna have so much fun!”

But Dahlia never spent the day with her sister. She left early the next morning while everyone slept, and met Phoenix for the fateful lunch that accelerated her downward spiral.

She knew the date hadn't gone well, but Ema was too stubborn to acknowledge it. She hated that Klavier could play on her weaknesses, and she would just say things to spite him. Then came the comment about his brother. The look in his eyes was something she never wanted to see again. That was a pain that ran deep into the soul, and she wondered if he could be healed.

He did surprise her, however, by not making a scene in the restaurant. The glimmerous fop held it together and just walked out calmly, leaving her with the check. At that point it didn't matter though. She deserved it.

Since Klavier picked her up for their date, and he had left, Ema had to walk home. She sighed and looked up at the twilight sky. She had been too busy moping to notice that cotton-puff clouds were forming above and thunder could be heard in the distance.

“That figures.” She told herself as she looked through her bag for her umbrella. She growled when she couldn't find it and she felt a huge drop on her cheek. “Dammit!” She yelled up to the sky and it unleashed its fury. She ran to the nearest overhang and watched the passersby with their colorful umbrellas. As she watched, she realized that she had wandered into Klavier's neighborhood. 'How serendipitous.' She thought as she shook her head and laughed at herself. The person standing next to her gave her a strange look. She stuck her tongue out at them and took off running to the corner.

Ten minutes later, she was standing in the lobby of the building that Klavier's condo was in. She had only been there a couple times before and this was as far as she had gotten. He had always met her in the lobby to pick up last minute evidence from her or reports that she had stayed late to finish because he was too busy with his band...

The longer she stood there the angrier she got, and she almost turned on her heel and ran out. But she was tired of running away. As much as she hated to admit it, she liked Klavier...a lot. His teasing had grown on her, and she had gotten used to his glimmerous ways. He was human underneath all the glitz and glamour. And she had started noticing that he kept the screaming fan girls at bay in their recent cases.

“Arrgh...just do it Ema, you're not getting anywhere just standing here.” She growled at herself; the lobby was vacant and the attendant watched as she looked at the wall of names sheepishly. Of course his name wouldn't be listed...there would be hoards of fan girls here waiting to get a glimpse of the blond-haired rock god.

“He's in number 136.” The attendant stated. “Would you like me to call you up?”

Ema looked at him dumbstruck.

“You are looking for Klavier Gavin, right?” The attendant asked. “I've seen you here before. Are you his assistant or something?”

“Ah...heh, no. I feel like it some days though.” Ema answered as she played with her hair. “I'm one of the detectives that works for him down at the precinct.” An idea suddenly hit her. “Ah, you don't have to call him. He's expecting me, although I am a little early, nah, I'll just go up and surprise him with my...uh...earliness...”

“Mmm-hmmm...” The attendant mumbled as he tapped his pen. “Listen sweetie, I'd be careful if I were you. Some one broke that poor guys heart tonight. He came in here about an hour ago lookin' like a little boy that got his favorite toy stolen. My bet is that he's up there writing his next album.”

Ema gave him a worried look. “Little boy?”

“Yup, I've seen sad puppy dog eyes, but honey, his took the cake. And he had gorgeous eyes! Mmm-mmm!”

“Heh, 136 you said?” Ema was pretty sure this guy had the hots for Klavier. She wondered if the prosecutor knew, or if he was totally oblivious. She walked over to the elevator and pushed the button for Klavier's floor as the attendant went on.

“Yes,” He rested his chin on his hand. “A pretty young thing like you should be able to mend his heart. Go get'm girl!”

Ema flashed him a half smile and stepped into the waiting elevator.



Squeezing her eyes shut and taking a deep breath, she knocked on the prosecutors door. After what seemed to be an eternity, he opened the door, but only to the length of the chain, and Ema let out her breath.

“Fraulein Detectiv.” Klavier stated. His voice sounded rough from either singing or crying. Ema hoped it wasn't the latter.

“Klavier, I'm sorry for what I said at dinner. I shouldn't have sa-” He suddenly shut the door. “...id those hurtful things.” She continued under her breath. Her bottom lip started trembling as she turned her head to hear listen for any sign of him letting her in. She stepped closer and put her hands and ear quietly to the door when it suddenly opened. Ema yelped as she almost fell into Klavier. 'That's funny,' She thought to herself. 'I didn't hear the locks or anything...'

“You were saying you were sorry, ja?” Ema looked up at him. He looked different without his purple jacket. The sleeves of his black shirt were rolled up. His arms were resting, one on the door frame and one on the door and it made the tails of his shirt ride up just enough, that his tanned skin was peeking out from the top of his leather pants. Not that she was looking or anything, but she wondered if the hair there was soft...

“FRAULEIN!” Klavier interrupted her reverie and she felt her face become warm with a blush. He gave her a confused look that melted into a smirk. “Why are you blushing?”

“I- Uhhh...” Ema swallowed. “I came to apologize, Klavier. Those things I said at dinner were said out of spite and...” She paused, and looked around, hoping the right words would pop out of the potted plant that was at the end of the hall.

“Ja?” Klavier was looking at her expectantly. “Go on.” He was loving the fact that he had Ema on his doorstop fumbling and bumbling. Normally she was scowling and throwing snakoos at him.

“Well, I'm just apologizing, Klavier.” She realized how much he was loving the fact of her apology and scowled. He smirked at her again.


“There's the Fraulein detective that I know so well, ja!” He moved away from the door frame and invited her in.

Ema wasn't one to gawk, but walking into Klavier's condo was like walking into a modern architecture magazine article. Her own apartment could fit into the living room alone. Lots of glass and stone and angles and a sunken living room greeted Ema's view. However, what really caught her eye was the picture windows that looked out over Los Angeles. The rain had stopped in the time that she had been in the building and there was a break in the clouds where she could see the sun setting. The corals and peaches and yellows of the sunset were breathtaking and it was all Ema could do to keep from staring.

Klavier broke into her sightseeing as he draped a towel on her shoulder.

“Oh, thanks.” She said as she dried her hair.

“Nice view, ja?”

“Um...yes, it's beautiful.” She paused and glanced over at him. “So I take it I'm forgiven?”

“For now,” He looked at her and gestured for her to sit. “I will get us something to drink.”

Ema dried her hair as best she could and looked around for the best place to hang the towel. After deciding that the coat rack was the best place, she looked around the room in awe as she walked down to the couch and sat. She felt out of place in such a luxurious setting and almost contemplated running out screaming, but changed her mind when she spotted Klavier with two glasses walking toward her. He handed her one of the glasses and sat down next to her and crossed one leather clad leg over the other.

“So, you don't like my brother too much, do you?” Klavier asked after taking a drink of the iced tea.

“Not after what he did to Phoenix. That was so awful, having that evidence forged.” Ema looked down at her glass.


“Ja...awful...” Klavier's voice took on a wistful tone and Ema looked up to see him staring out the window, as if remembering something.

“Are you okay, Klavier?” The young woman said slowly as she rested her hand on his knee in a comforting gesture. He turned his head and glanced at her expectant face and then down to her hand. She started to move it, but he grabbed it before she could. Ema's breath caught in her throat as a million things crossed her mind. He carefully put his drink own on the glass coffee table that sat before them and interlaced his hand with hers. Too afraid to speak and too afraid to move, Ema sat perfectly still. She felt herself starting to shake, trying to anticipate his next move; she had never seen him so vulnerable, and she had never been so unsure of herself in her whole life.

“Do you know how much it hurt, finding out that, seven years ago, I took away the livelihood of an innocent man?” Klavier's voice was unsteady. Ema opened her mouth to try to say something. All she could get out was a squeak. What could she say? She had been so selfish, thinking about poor Phoenix, that she didn't even consider how that trial had affected Klavier. She should have known...it was him that caught Phoenix in the act of presenting evidence. But it was Kristoph that had the evidence fabricated. The more she thought about it the angrier she became. But she kept her emotions in check, for Klavier's sake.

“I-I don't know what to say.” She stuttered. “Kristoph got what he deserved. That doesn't make it right, and I'm sorry that you are hurting because of it.” She surprised herself with her own words. But the surprise was gone the instant Klavier opened his ocean-blue eyes and stared into hers. How many times was she gonna have her breath taken away tonight?

“Have you always been so...grounded in life, Ema?”

“I-I suppose,” She swallowed. Klavier was gently caressing her hand and it was sending shivers up her whole body. “I had to learn at an early age to take care of myself.”

He suddenly let go of her hand and rubbed both of his hands along her arms. “Oh, I am sorry Fraulein. Let me take that coat and dry it for you. You must be chilly from sitting in that damp material.” He stood up and held out his hand. She stood as well and took off her coat and handed it to him. Their conversation was so intense that she hadn't realized that she was chilled until he had said something. She watched him as he disappeared into a room that was off the kitchen area that was visible from the living room. Wrapping her arms around herself, she pondered their conversation. Ema now knew that Klavier had a soft side to match the glimmer that he constantly produced. She paced to the guitar that was sitting close to the cozy fireplace. He did produce beautiful music when he put his heart into it.

“Here Ema,” She started as he walked up behind her and handed her a couple of articles of clothing. “Dry clothes. The pants might be too long, but you can roll them up.” He winked at her. His mood swings were gonna give her whiplash.

She thanked him as he told her where she could change. Five minutes later, she was chuckling at her self as she looked in the mirror. Klavier was right, the pants were too long, but boy were they comfortable. She rolled them up and gathered her wet clothes and headed out of the room.

Sheepishly, Ema realized she was slightly disoriented. But when she heard Klaviers voice, she went in that direction. She entered the living room slowly as she listened to his amazingly sexy voice and the guitar that had been sitting by the now lit fireplace was in his skillful hands. Making her way to the plush rug that was in front of the warm fireplace, she sat cross-legged and listened to the sad, yet sweet song Klavier was singing and playing.

“What was that?” She asked when he was finished. “It was beautiful.”

“It's a song that my mother used to sing to us before we would lay down to sleep.” Klavier's eyes seem to sparkle in the firelight. “It's called 'Edelweiss'”

“Oh, like in that movie...” Ema put a finger to her chin as she tried to think of the movie that eluded her.

Klavier chuckled softly, then an idea occurred to him. He put down his guitar and reached for one of the remotes that was laying on the coffee table. He pushed a couple of buttons and soon a soft melody that was similar to what Klavier was just singing surrounded them. He stood up and held his hand to Ema. Her eyes became huge when she realized what he was asking of her.


“Oh, no, no, no!” She shook her head vigorously. “I can't dance, trust me you don't want to dance with me...” Her rambling was interrupted by Klavier as he grabbed her and lifted her to her feet.

“Surely a beautiful Fraulein such as yourself knows how to dance, ja?” Klavier was looking at her inquisitively. “Especially spending as much time in Europe as you did?”

“I-I no, I didn't,” Ema stuttered. “As a matter of fact I went over there to study forensic science, thank you very much. Now please, let go. Seriously I can't dance.”

“Well, we know how far your studies got you!” He teased.

“Klavier!” Ema gave him a playful slap as he took her hand and wrapped his other arm slowly around her slender waist. “I really don't think-”

“Shh, relax Ema.” He put a finger to her lips and her heart fluttered. He took her hand again and counted out a rhythm to her. “Watch my feet, and follow where I go.”

She looked down at his feet and realized he had no shoes on, then started moving clumsily with him. She stepped on his foot and started to protest and pulled away. But he was stronger, and held her fast against him. A breath caught in her throat as she felt how warm he was. He repeated his instructions and she looked down again. When he started moving, she followed, this time with a little more grace. After a few moments, she giggled as she realized she was dancing.

“See, I told you you could do it, if you just let go.” Klavier remarked and she looked up at him.

“No you just told me to relax,” She was suddenly lost in his intoxicating aqua blues. 'How many colors will his eyes change into' she thought to herself. Then he smiled his heartbreakingly handsome smile and Ema would've melted into his arms right there, until he leaned forward a little and whispered into her ear: “Now you're really dancing!”

Her brown eyes became wide as saucers as she became conscious of the rest of her body and that she was indeed dancing, and very gracefully.

“Oh my god!” She exclaimed. “How'd you do that?”

“I didn't do anything, Fraulein,” Ema could feel his hot breath as he lingered at her jaw. “You made the decision to finally trust me.” He pulled back a little and watched as several emotions crossed her face. With the grace of a professional dancer, Klavier suddenly spun her and then brought her in for a very deep dip. They were nose to nose and Ema was breathing sporadically. But it was Klavier that kissed her softly as he slowly brought her to a standing position. His lips were soft, just as she had anticipated, and she wondered what took her so long to do this. She was just going to part her lips to let him in, when he pulled back.

“Stay with me, tonight.” He said breathlessly. “Please, Ema Skye?”

“I-I...yes,” And he kissed her with all the passion of two starstruck lovers.




Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the Sound of Music.

Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
Every morning you greet me,
Small and White,
Clean and bright
You look happy to meet me..

Blossoms of snow may you bloom and grow,
Bloom and grow forever

Edelweiss Edelweiss
Bless my home land forever[/color]

Phoenix and Larry burst through Miles's office door without bothering to knock and were giggling and punching each other like two frat boys on a mission. Miles sighed and gave them a look of contempt.

"Alright, gentlemen," Miles struggled with the last word. "What is it NOW?"

"Yo, Edgy, no need to get your panties in a twist, dude!" Larry snorted and elbowed Phoenix who failed to keep a straight face.

When he finally got his face under control, he leaned on Miles's desk with one arm and asked, "So, which one is it, Edgeworth? Boxers ... or Briefs?"

"FOOLS!" Franziska shouted from behind them. She deftly wielded her whip and snapped both men on the nose. They moaned and Miles smirked. Franny tapped the hard leather handle against her soft leather gloved hand and gave the boys a sneer.

"He wears neither! How foolish is the fool who foolishly wears underwear? One less foolish step in the Loo." She smiled a sinister grin and left the office with three gaping mouths in her wake.