((Sorry- Zeth kind of bolted there ^^; If you want Zeth to stick around a little longer and it makes sense for him to, just but in with convo for a little longer. It's hard to know where to stop and carry on.))

((Now, I've sent notes to everyone asking what's up, so I'd like a post or some sort of responce in a week so I know if I need to axe characters or move on from certain storylines. It's no good only having 2 people RPing :( Specially when everyone actually is involved in the plot right now.))

---

Chris shook his head. "Nah, I'm just messing with you dude." He realized only too late that Darren could easily call him out for his lie, so he decided to play it off like it was nothing. Instead, he chose to change the subject. "So, we were gonna go check on the lovebirds, right? Come on, let's go, or we'll miss it!" he said, pointing down the hall.

---

((Oh- I just needed a yes or no to if you were ok with it hon ^^; She wouldn't have hated him for it at all. He just would've got caught out instantly. You didn't need to chuck the RP side of it away :( Oh well. Lets not hold this up any further then :( ))

Confused, Alex blinked a few times in shock, not noticing Darren get up off the ground and stand beside him, then sling an arm over his shoulder.

"Heh, nice try Chris," Darren smirked, "But Cara was right. Bryan did spin Leann and you, Alex. You should rush over to him and grab your kiss right now, right Cara?"

"I hope an otter makes an armrest out of your nose, you Jerk," Cara replied, letting go of Alex and Vera, and grabbing Chris's arm defensively. Giving the back of Cara's head a surprised look, Darren finally turned back to Alex. Alex continued to watch Cara leave in surprise before turning to look back at Darren.

"Are you jerking me around, Jones?" Alex asked, giving him a lopsided look, "If Cara is calling you out then she's either REALLY annoyed at you, or you're actually lying."

"She was telling you the same thing," Darren retort, crossing his arms, "I think she's just sulking."

"Cara doesn't sulk," Alex replied, glancing away, "I would believe she'd hold a grudge against you though." Alex sighed, turning to Vera, "Do you want to come along? You don't need to if you don't want to."

"Of course she should," Darren said, grabbing her arm, "Come on, Chick. Lets join the rest of the party."


Cara still clang to Chris with a pout on her lip as they walked down the hall to find Bryan and Leann. It was a fun game till that jerk butt in. That fun hog. She wished that Darren would just leave her alone.

((Sorry if I was confusing Chase T.T WNo1Fan- this enough to RP off for you? PM me if I need to give you a bit more ))

---

Vera was listening to the conversation that was going on, however, she still didn't really understand what was going on.

So... from what I can tell, Darren says that some guy spun Leann and Alex, but according to Cara and Alex, Darren is being a big jerk and lying? What's going on here?

Then she heard Alex ask her if she wanted to follow, Vera opened her mouth to say something but before any form of sound came out of her throat, Darren had grabbed onto her and dragged her off, she decided that it'd be best to just keep her mouth shut for a little while.

"Tell me about it. And... perhaps I can make you something? An OJ? Water? Soft drink?" Tiffany was just about to open her mouth to reply- the answer was, of course, orange juice- when Zeth bolted back from whatever it was he'd been doing in the hallway and thrust a glass into her hand.

"One cold drink, holding the grape juice."

Tiffany smiled at the reference to her earlier stated preference and took a sip from the glass. "Grazie mille. There certainly is an... interesting array of guests tonight," she commented, observing the entrance of Claves Cadaverini. She hadn't expected there to be such high representation of the criminal underground at the Wright's house.

Recalling Phoenix's request to hear more about the Carini, she switched her gaze back to him.

"It is fairly unusual for such a large family as mine to detach itself from the criminal underground- the only other I can recall that have done it in the past ten years are the Kitaki. But we were losing money from my mother's banking business so I began the proceeding after my father died. We encountered some... resistance from another related family, the Mazzei, which my second cousin currently heads. Not long after the legalising process was completed, my sister Laurette, who had always refused to be involved in Carini family business, was killed by a Mazzei car bomb."

Tiffany paused for a moment, taking a sip of her drink and continued. "She was not the first Carini associate to come to a bad end. The information I finance so many crime syndicates for is the information that will allow me to eventually wipe the Mazzei out. Legally, if possible. It would be safest to detach myself from these people entirely, of course, but they currently offer me a high level of security."

She did not want to incur Phoenix's pity, but it was essential that he understand the history behind her family if he was to understand why she couldn't yet leave the criminal world behind.

((Not sure what to do with Tascha and Trucy atm, so I'll PM you if you're up for brainstorming some possible drama, Arkillian? ;)

Klavier RP to come soon as this post is already too long as it is DX))

---

"HEY!" Alex snapped, snatching Vera's hand back, "Quit pushing her around! She doesn't have to watch if she doesn't want to. Sheesh." Putting himself inbetween her and Darren, Alex narrowed his eyes, "She's got nothing to do with this kiss so why should she hang around if she doesn't want to?"

"Woah," Darren said, raising his hands, "Prince Charming sure has a grump on about him today. Fine. She can follow if she wants. What evs, you know? You're not escaping though." Grabbing Alex's arm instead, Alex glanced at Vera and gave an 'I'm sorry' shrug.

((Vera can follow if she wants :) She may as well find a reason to follow- she's going to be needed very soon anyway.))

********************

((Oh, crap! I forgot that Phoenix had offered T.T This is what happens when there's gaps in RPs :( ))

"Grazie mille. There certainly is an... interesting array of guests tonight,"

"There is," Zeth glanced about cautiously. So far there didn't look like there was going to be a war breaking out, but anything could happen with some of the members in the crowd here. He was best to keep vigilant. Speaking of vigilance, what the heck was Kraus, Sarah, and Klavier doing that took so long? He didn't want to pry, but he was REALLY getting curious about it. Noticing Tifanny beginning to talk again though, Zeth listened in. Any new insight on why Tiffany broke out solo was interesting to hear.

After listening to her story, Zeth's eyes softened their steel gaze. It was a real shame that she was in the same boat as him. He wondered what all the information trafficking was all in aid of, but now she had said it, it all made sense. He knew everything she was doing, but the reason... He was so caught up with his own problems that he never considered what others were past information gathering and surface drama. It was a hard road to walk down the one she was walking. It seemed that she hadn't tripped over as much as he had.

"Hmmm..." Phoenix hummed, rubbing his chin contemplatively, "That can be a little tricky. They're not a small family. It's not an impossible task for one woman, but it's certainly a difficult one. If you're not careful, the Carini will have more problems than the Mazzei to worry about. How are you financing this?"

"Information isn't always purchased, Wrighto," Zeth butt in, crossing his arms, "Information is worth a price, but so is deeds and services. Trading information for information is also tender." Glancing at Tiffany's outfit, she still looked as well dressed as she did back when her family traded in darker deeds. Zeth was lucky, he could trade with his detective services, information and cash. It couldn't be easy dealing with cash and information alone. We do what we can to survive this world though... Zeth thought. He traded most creature comforts in his life to free himself from his family. Ironically, he was doing what his family wanted him to do. It was a vicious cycle.

---

Chris raised an eyebrow at Alex's sudden defensiveness. "Huh. I think Darren might be right about the whole, "lover boy" thing," he whispered to Cara as they continued down the hall. He may have been thinking too far ahead, but at the same time, he wouldn't be surprised. Parties like this usually resulted in hookups that would never have happened without a situation like this.

---

((Hey! Sorry it's been so long since I've written. Its been crazy lately. But I'm back!! (:))

Audrey was drawn out of the trance she had been in when she was introduced by Artemis to Claves. She didn't really know who Claves was, but she was glad that Artemis was being polite enough to help her make friends. She happily accepted the hand shake."It's very nice to meet you Claves. So, what brings you to this little party? I see you guys are pretty good friends." Audrey smiled, and her thoughts began to drift to her niece Leann. She wondered if Leann was having an interesting night, and she almost wanted to go check on her. But, she decided to let teenagers do what teenagers do. She was proud of them both for branching out and talking to new people. She had the sense that this had the makings of being an important night for the both of them.

---

"I heard about this party from Artemis." said Claves. "I figured I needed some R&R, so I decided to drop in and set a spell."

"Claves and I have been best friends ever since we were little." said Artemis. "We bonded over our love of magic."

"Speaking of which, I have to ask." said Claves. "Did you manage to talk to Trucy yet?"

Artemis blushed, and twiddled her fingers. "No, not yet. I actually came at a bad time. She's entertaining her friends right now, and I'd hate to embarrass her."

Claves smirked and shook her head. "That's what I like about you, Artemis. You're too selfless for your own good."

"Please, Claves. There's no such thing as being too selfless."

"Whatever you say." said Claves with a shrug as she turned back to Audrey. "So, what's your story, Ms. Lincolns? What brings you to this little get-together?"

---

"I actually ended up here because my niece, Leann, was invited by Trucy. But I don't actually think they're friends. I'm surprised that you haven't talked to Trucy if you are such a big fan. I'm sure she would be happy to hear you guys are fans of troupe Gramarye." Audrey then started thinking where Trucy was and maybe she could convince Artemis to go say hi. It was the least she could do for someone that had been so polite and friendly towards her. And it would also give her an excuse to see what Leann was up to. Over all, it seemed to her like a good decision.

---

Artemis' face turned bright crimson as she cast her eyes downward. "W-well, I always wanted to but..." She bit her lip. She couldn't bring herself to say any more than that. "It's a long story."

"Artemis, there's no need to get all mopey." said Claves. "Stop being such a worrywart and enjoy yourself for once."

"I-I'm not worried about that." said Artemis. "I just don't want to..."

"Embarrass her, yes we heard you before." said Claves, rolling her eyes. "Listen, if I dared you to go talk to Trucy, would you do it?"

Artemis looked up, raising an eyebrow. "How'd you know we were playing Truth or Dare?"

"The Skunk told me when I got here. I figured there had to be some reason he was dressed in drag." said Claves.

"The Skunk? You mean Mr. Gant?" said Artemis, getting confused. "How do you know him?"

"He went out with Viola for a month or so. He's an alright guy if you don't mind hanging out with high-stakes gamblers." said Claves. "Don't worry, he got the nickname Skunk from his hair color, not his personality."

"Oh." said Artemis. "Well, Ms. Lincolns and I were actually a bit curious about Mr. Gant ourselves. He seems to know something about me, even though we just met."

"You don't say." mused Claves. "Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it." She then snickered. "But knowing you, you're going to anyway."

"Was that a shot?" said Artemis, putting her hands on her hips indignantly.

"Maybe." said Claves mischievously. She then turned to Audrey. "So, what got you interested in the Skunk, Ms. Lincolns?"

((Yes, I know Claves can't spin Artemis in the Truth or Dare game according to the spin rolls sheet on the first page. But she doesn't know that. ))

---

((Lol- it's funny looking at two characters run by the same person natter for some reason XD ))

"Huh. I think Darren might be right about the whole, "lover boy" thing," Chris wispered to Cara. Cara glanced at him for a moment, contemplating his words.

"Hmm..." Cara looked forward thoughtfully, "Lex is pretty clueless about women though. I almost had to ask him out caveman styles when we dated a year ago. I can see what 'The Jerk' is trying to do, but there's alot of layers of cluelessness to get through to get him to look at you." Smirking, Cara squeezed Chris' arm, "Wasn't any need to get primal on you though." Giving Chris a big grin, the two of them made it to Trucy's room and stopped by the door to enter.

***************************

((I'm going to assume that Vera isn't going to interact with these guys till she decides to for now. She can follow if she wants. IF she doesn't, one of them will have to come and get her.))

Dragging Alex along with him, Darren adopted a huff, as he tried to figure out what made that guy tick. He tried forcing Alex to hang out with women, and he seemed to be rejecting that forcefulness of spin the bottle, but perhaps a friendly dose of man on man would excite the girls and perhaps that would get his attention. Better Bryan than him if that's the case. It'll either get the girls excited, or atleast something fun to talk about at school.

Catching up to Cara and Chris, Darren gave Chris a nod.

"Lets bust this party," Darren grinned, opening the door to Trucy's room.

************************

Leaning over Leann, Bryan took a few breaths to psyche himself up. Darren was involved with this game, and any game he was part off was going to be sure to hurt him somehow, and he had a feeling that it was going to be during this kiss. Darren was an ass like that. He didn't know why that guy hated himself so much either. It was a real dampener to the mood of the party for him.

"I really hope that Darren doesn't bust in on us..." Bryan sighed softly before leaning in and pressing his lips to Leann's

((Hey guys- give me a poke if I've missed people out for a while. I have a few characters and may forget. I'll get back to Phoenix and Zeth)

---

Vera was surprised at Alex's sudden defensiveness as well. Sure, she hasn't known him for long, but from what she's seen so farm, she had concluded that what he did would be pretty rare. She silently thanked him before he was dragged off by Darren.

Well then, might as well get back to what I was doing before. She thought to herself.

And began to walk back to where the game was going on.

Chris chuckled at Cara. "Yeah, I kinda regret that." The group arrived at the door and he looked over at Darren, who gave him the signal to enter the room. He grinned and burst into the room, performing an awesome action roll and got one one knee, holding his hand out as if it were a gun.

"Everybody freeze! This is the CB patrol! Hands off the dame!" he yelled, while all the while 'F*ck the Police" was playing loudly through his headphones.

---

((Sorry, was Vera staying in the lounge? Or following. She sounds like she's staying in the lounge abut the game has sorta temporarily moved to Trucy's room.))

((Chase- what was Chris 'regretting'? Was he regretting that Cara didn't have to go primal on him? It sorta sounded like he regretted her hitting on him ^^; Obviously no accenting or hand motioning or joking expressions are involved so I'll do my RP when I know this :) Cheers))

---

((The first one. I wasn't very clear on that. My bad.))

---

"Yeah, I kinda regret that."

Cara raised her brow at Chris' response to her caveman comment. Cheeky Puppy. It brought a giggle expression to her face though so it did it's job. Noticing Darren come up to the door and give Chris the signal to barge in, she took a step back, and into Alex. Giving him a quick glance, she wasn't surprised that that gullible flop of hair thought she was lying. He only spotted Darren's lies when he wanted Alex to see them. Not the sharpest tool in the shed that guy. He was very sweet and gentleman like to date, but his incredible lack in interest in being more than 'just that girl he kisses once in a while' was REALLY off putting. His head was in the clouds of competition. She hoped that Jerk would know more about his best friend and how to get him to look at girls. Perhaps he was going for shock treatment with Bryan. It'd certainly be hilarious to watch. Sad, since Darren was the cause of it and not his stupidity, but still funny.

"Are you going to kiss Bryan?" Cara asked innocently. Alex gave her a quick glance before turning a flush red colour. He was obviously trying to take this task like a man, but she understood his extreme conflict of panic and the need to be brave. His pride meant so much to him, and this was just another competition. He did dares like this all the time at hockey trips. Usually the dares didn't involve girls unless they went to the bar, where Darren and himself were practically the only ones NOT drinking. Alex usually got away with Darren gladly doing all his women based dares then. She heard ALL sorts of stories about what him and the team got up to on their trips. Darren the maverick, smooth talker Bob, Daniel the daring dater, Grant the performer, Carl and his constant need to display his testosterone... It's a wonder with such a mix of man that an adrenaline junkie like Alex could get lost in the crowd. Alex never said no to a dare though. If that guy had one good trait that she admired, it was always his honour. Stupid knight in shinning armour...

"I... guess," Alex replied, glancing past Cara, "It could be worse. Bryan is unlikely to make a big deal about it. He is gay after all."

"NO WAY," Cara replied in shock, "You're kidding? He chooses boy bits over boobies?! I don't think I could do that if I were a guy." Glancing down at her chest, Cara pulled a face, "Nope! The Llama must be insane," Alex chuckled slightly, looking back at Cara,

"Well, OK... I don't KNOW he's gay, but he makes even me look like a player. He only pays attention to guys too. I don't believe for one second that a guy has that much study to do when he gets home that he doesn't even give the head prefect girl a second glance." Cara was stunned,

"Did my sweet little knight in shinning armour just acknowledge a female as... PRETTY?" Letting out a loud squeal, Cara leapt up and gave Alex a big hug, "I'm so proud of you! You're growing up SO FAST!" Alex clammed up at Cara's reaction, his eyes widening in horror. What the hell was up with this girl?! As soon as he showed ANY sign of interest in a female she just went completely overboard! Her and Darren- they were chronic! Who said that he didn't find women attractive? He just didn't want to date a hand bag- that's all! He wanted to date a girl he could relate to, not someone that considered him a trophy. Was that such an unreasonable thing to want?!

***********************

"Everybody freeze! This is the CB patrol! Hands off the dame!" Darren grinned as Chris blasted his DJ voice into the completely silent room. Watching Bryan bolt to an upright and turn, Darren laughed, strutting up to Chris' side and pulling a 'cool' pose, blowing the 'smoke' off his gun.

"Yeah," Darren said, "Yar be sneaking off and having a naughty kiss behind our backs, are ya? We'll have NONE of that!" Throwing his hand around to point the 'gun at Bryan, Darren smirked, "Now do it again, this time with style."

"This wasn't a secret kiss, you moron," Bryan replied with a scowl, "Everyone saw us walk off and no one followed. Now, if you don't mind," Turning back to Leann, he couldn't imagine how humiliating this turn of events were. He knew his nerves were failing with Darren gawking at his every move now. Letting out a weak laugh, Bryan took a deep breath in, and let it out with a sigh. Well, he'lll only get worse the longer he waits.

Leaning in for try two, Bryan closed his eyes, and pressed his lips to hers once more...

---

((Sorry, I wasn't really clear, but yes, Vera is staying in the lounge.))

((Apologies for the distance since my last post- I've had mock exams in three foreign languages this week and my head is scrambled :P))

"If you're not careful, the Carini will have more problems than the Mazzei to worry about. How are you financing this?"

Tiffany considered a moment before replying. "As Zeth put it, information can be a valuable currency, however it does not hurt to be very rich too. I make my money from the Belleville banks and a great amount of that money goes towards buying the information I want. It is a slow way to go about it but the only other option is to de-legalise the family again and I will not have that happen. I have immunity from prosecution for events which took place under my leadership before we went straight only for as long as we remain legal."

She broke off, taking a sip of her drink. Her eye fell upon the bottle resting on the table and a small smile played around the corners of her mouth.

"I believe a game of Truth or Dare was proposed... Would anyone object if I were to take a spin?"

***********************************************

Klavier Gavin, all I request is that you treat her better than I can. If you can manage that, then behind this closed door you may make her feel like a princess.

Klavier was, to say the least, uncertain about how to interpret this phrase. Was it an open invitation to continue his flirtation with Sarah, on the condition he took it entirely seriously? True, Sarah herself hadn't shown any signs of wishing him to stop, but she clearly had a great deal of love for Kraus. That kind of feeling would be difficult to replace.

"Any decision rests entirely in your hands, lovely Fräulein," he settled for, turning to Sarah. "I'm sure that you, with your knowledge of Herr Kraus, will be able to grasp his meaning far better than I am able to. In all honesty, I can't say I'm certain what it is he is proposing."

It was a suitably, if uncharacteristically cautious, reply. Though Klavier was beginning to form a vague idea of Kraus's intentions, he wasn't about to embarrass himself by making an erroneous guess.

*************************************************

"C'mon, Tasch, let's go see the daaaaare!" Trucy trilled in Tascha's ear, firmly linking her arm into that of her friend. Tascha liked Alex, that much was clear. And from what she could judge, he'd shown more genuine interest in her than he had pretty much any girl so far.

So it is my solemn duty as hostess to matchmake!

Remembering her appointment with Tiffany, Trucy saw her chance. With Tascha anchored to her side, she skipped after the rest of the teens headed to her room and dragged her up next to Alex, shooting a surreptitious wink at Cara- the only other person present who was close enough friends with Tascha to play along with what Trucy was about to do.

"I need to go have a look in the kitchen for a moment... will you look after Tasch for me? She's not feeling very well..." Tascha winced as she received a sharp nudge to the side, clearly intended to mean that she should produce some symptom of illness. Actually, she didn't especially need to fake it, her old skating injury had been particularly problematic of late- but she settled for a weak cough to appease Trucy.

Could you BE any more obvious, Truce? Don't scare him away again...

---

"Any decision rests entirely in your hands, lovely Fräulein," Klavier said, recapturing her attention, "I'm sure that you, with your knowledge of Herr Kraus, will be able to grasp his meaning far better than I am able to. In all honesty, I can't say I'm certain what it is he is proposing."

"I... I'm not so certain either," Sarah stuttered slightly, glancing quickly at Kraus, "Are you suggesting that if I wish to do more than just flirt, that I can? Alex?" Sarah asked, "I'm confused, I thought that it was very critical that I'm not too friendly with other men?"

"It is critical," Kraus sighed, casually smoothing back his blond hair, "but I've considered our situation before now... many times. I feel that there is room for another man in your life, as long as I can trust in his ability of discretion." Pausing, Kraus glanced about the poorly decorated room, the tacky fittings, the worn dressers, and the low class clothing about the place. This was hardly the breeding ground for romance, but she deserved it.

Turning back to Klavier, Kraus concluded, "If you can keep your relations with Sarah quiet, I can arrange it that you may be able to... how we say... provide a more physical quality to Sarahs' life. One that I..." Kraus paused his sentence once more. This time however, he stopped. The rest of the words couldn't come. Couldn't come? He was never lost for words. How could he not know what to say? Can't provide? No, that wasn't true. He was more than capable of providing it. She knew that he didn't wish to provide it, but was that the whole truth? Looking at Klavier's confusion, Kraus was struck once more at how attractive this young man was. Crude, and un refined, yet very attractive. IT was no surprise to him that Sarah couldn't take her eyes off him. He barely could himself despite how angry he made him feel every time he opened his mouth. Noticing that he was focusing on Klavier's lips, Kraus face flushed briefly, before he turned away to leave.

"Please don't be too long. The guest in this house may be concerned were we all may be. I don't wish to make them wait for too long." With that, Kraus left the room, not wishing to respond to anyone present there about his feelings.

Striding out to the dinning room once more, the room had filled suddenly with capo. Kraus took a sharp breath of air in, in surprise. What was this... gathering?! Who was this Phoenix Wright? What was this man organising? His surprise turning into anger, Kraus looked around the room for the host, spotting Zeth and Phoenix speaking with the graceful Frau, Tiffany. Discarding his distaste for the sudden discovery that work had infiltrated a mere social gathering like this, Kraus adopted a polite smile, and walked up to the group. Noticing them wrap up a conversation, Kraus stopped beside Zeth. Zeth glanced to his side, noticing the billionaire. Giving Kraus a big grin Zeth made some room for Kraus to join the conversation.

"You came up for air, Kraus," Zeth joked, motioning to Tiffany, "I'm sure that you have been introduced to Tiffany before now?"

"Of course," Kraus smiled, taking one of Tiffany's hands, and giving it a kiss, "May I ask what has graced this house with your radiance, mein Fraulein?"

*****************

Sarah watched Kraus leave. As he walked out the door, the emotion finally reached her eyes. It was uncommon for her to cry nowdays since she could not hear her tears. Burring her face into Klavier's shoulder, she didn't know what to do. This was all such a strange and new arrangement. And what did it all mean in the first place? Was he hiding something from her that she SHOULD know about?

((More to come))

---

Chris jumped in the air. "Cha-ching!" he shouted, making the appropriate hand gesture. "We have lift-off! Nice kiss, Bry, lotta feeling, good passion, minimal saliva... I guess. Can't really tell from here. Leann, what do you think, scale of 1-10?" He felt slightly bad, being such a C-block here, but this was just a party after all. This kiss probably wouldn't mean anything in the long run, he didn't think.

---

Despite the rain, Pearl Fey was in a pretty good mood. It had been a long time since she had last met Phoenix Wright, a man she considered to be a great friend. Tonight, she was going to surprise him by dropping in for a visit.

Wait until he sees how much I've grown. she thought to herself. She also wondered what Phoenix had been up to these past eight years. She heard about his disbarment, but she knew in her heart of hearts that it wouldn't last. After all, nothing stopped Phoenix Wright.

When she arrived at the address, she had to tilt her head in confusion. Standing in front of the door was a shady-looking man that she didn't recognize. Nervously, she walked up to the man, keeping a firm grip on her parasol.

"Um, excuse me. Who are you, and what are you doing standing in front of Mr. Nick's door?" she asked.

---

"I believe a game of Truth or Dare was proposed... Would anyone object if I were to take a spin?"

Phoenix readjusted his pose to a more proud, upright position as the game was re-mentioned. The business talk wasn't really what he was looking for that afternoon. He had already done many hours catching up on the legal system again for his bar exam coming up. He didn't need the stress of real life legal matters to clutter his mind just yet.

Adopting a more relaxed expression, Phoenix smiled, "That it was, Tiffany. It'd be great if you could spin next." Extending his hand out to attempt to seem 'gentlemanly' and escourt her to the table, Phoenix's motion was cut short by Kraus' arrival...

*****************************

"I need to go have a look in the kitchen for a moment... will you look after Tasch for me? She's not feeling very well..."

Turning towards the voice which he guessed to be Trucy's, Alex just missed her as he turned just in time to receive a Tascha who looked like she was going to crumble to the floor on the spot, with Trucy fleeing down the corridor.

"What?" Alex complained in confusion, glancing between Tascha and the fleeing Trucy. Why the heck did she lump her onto him for? Why didn't she take her to the adults and get them to worry about it all? Dam, that girl had her moments. Unimpressed by Trucy's actions, Alex's expression turned slightly lopsided as he gave Tascha a 'what's up with you look'. Searching her expression for a moment, he noticed the look was already wearing off.

"Those Wrights are a strange bunch," Alex concluded, glancing aside, not knowing what to say. Goodness knows that she was probably just as bewildered about this as he was, he waited for her to break the ice.

*********************************

"Um, excuse me. Who are you, and what are you doing standing in front of Mr. Nick's door?"

Sighing to himself, Vaughan had barely had time to regather his thoughts before ANOTHER visitor had arrived at the house. Was this house a hotel or something?! Atleast there was no shortage of people to keep him occupied on his door guard duties.

"I'm standing guard on Mr Wright's door until the repairman comes to fix it." Vaughan replied truthfully, ignoring her request to who he was. Giving her a quick glance over, it was either a VERY convincing disguise, or she was really just a shrine girl. A cute one at that, "He's probably in the kitchen along with everyone he knows." Motioning in with his head, Vaughan barely moved from his spot.

((See the off topic thread for my lack of post reason for the rest of this month.))

---

"Oh. Well, that's very nice of you." said Pearl, who couldn't help but wonder how the door got broken in the first place. "But should you be standing in front of the door like that? Even if you are doing Mr. Nick a favor, he's not going to appreciate you blocking the entrance to his home. It's quite rude. Besides which, I'd like to get in. I'm paying Mr. Nick a visit."

---

"I'm not stopping you from going in, young lady," Vaughan replied, narrowing his eyes slightly from behind his aviators, "Go ahead and visit... Nick."

((As I said- Vaughan isn't concerned with Pearls at all. If you want them to have conflict, then I can change him to defensive mode, but it doesn't seem in character for Vaughan to argue with a teenaged girl when she's obviously no threat. he's use to bouncing for very rich clientèle, so he's pretty good at not getting in the way untill a threat approaches. Cheers for interacting with him though :) ))

---

"Oh. Well, thank you very much." said Pearl with a polite bow. With that, she went inside and closed her umbrella. She was very confused by what she saw: A group of teenagers she didn't recognize hanging around in the hallway. Who were these people?

"Um, excuse me." she said, walking up to the group. "What are you all doing here in Mr. Nick's house?"

---

((Who is she talking to?))

---

((She's addressing the group in the hallway, meaning Alex, Tascha, and Cara all heard the question. Any one of them can respond.))

---

"Um, excuse me. What are you all doing here in Mr. Nick's house?"

Glancing to the voice, Alex spotted a girl about his age glancing about in confusion. Alex motioned into Trucy's room.

"They're just playing a game of Spin the bottle with dares." Sighing Alex was disgruntled at the thought that he'd be next. Kissing BRYAN of all people. It was bad enough kissing a stranger, but his own brother? This was SO bad.

---

"Of course. May I ask what has graced this house with your radiance, mein Fraulein?"

Tiffany smiled as the handsome German kissed her hand, appreciating the gentlemanly gesture. Chivalry was difficult to come by in her line of business, even now she was mostly law-abiding.

"The principessina wishes to put a proposal to me- knowing I find mystery difficult to resist, Trucy's condition was that I come here tonight to hear it. I believe it is likely she is looking for either advice on or backing for whatever venture she has in mind. And you, Signor Kraus, I might ask the same thing? I would be fascinated to know why Truth or Dare is suddenly your game of choice," Tiffany answered pleasantly, wondering why indeed he had showed up.

Certainly he's acquainted well enough with the Wrights. But we move in the same circles and none of them involve Spin the Bottle parties thrown by a fifteen-year old...

****************************************************

"If you can keep your relations with Sarah quiet, I can arrange it that you may be able to... how we say... provide a more physical quality to Sarahs' life. One that I..."

Klavier's eyes widened as he took in the extent of what Kraus was proposing. He, for whatever reason, did not sleep with Sarah. And he, presumably because of how much he clearly adored her, was suggesting that Klavier should fill this role.

Glancing at Sarah, he could see that she was just as confused- confused and upset, it became apparent as she buried her face into his shoulder as Kraus left to return to the party, her tears soaking into the purple fabric of his jacket.

Deciding the best course of action was to comfort her, Klavier wrapped an arm around Sarah, cradling her close for a moment as she cried. After a few minutes, he gently held her away so she would be able to lip-read.

"Tears do not become such a beautiful Fräulein. You seem to be as surprised as I am at what Herr Kraus has suggested and you clearly care for him very much... Perhaps you would fill me on your relationship?"

Details, Klavier figured, were what he needed right now in order to be able to make any kind of decision.

**********************************************

"Those Wrights are a strange bunch."

Tascha cracked a wide smile in return, thankful that Alex had said something to diffuse the awkward silence.

"You said it... I've known Trucy for three years and I still never know when she's going to pull a stunt like that." Faking sick to get sympathy wasn't a tactic Tascha would ever have chosen herself to get the attention of a guy she liked. I'd better shake it off now... He'll think I do this all the time...

She cleared her throat, going slightly red as she did so. "In case Princess Obvious didn't already make it clear, I'm not really sick... I just have a bad kneecap." Unconsciously, she shifted her weight off her bad leg as she spoke.

"But if "looking after" entails having a conversation that doesn't get interrupted by someone spinning one of us while we weren't paying attention, I'm up for it..." she continued, remembering amusedly the poor guy who'd gotten decked by Alex when she hadn't realised she'd been spun.

In all likelihood, he'd picked up that Trucy was trying to matchmake them and he'd bolt. Still...the last time he'd kissed her, it hadn't felt like he was in any hurry to run away. There was something there, however tentative.

---

Alex's reply didn't help with Pearl's confusion. In fact, she only became more puzzled.

"Wait, who's 'they'? And furthermore, who are you? Are you a friend of Mr. Nick? Did you get permission from him to play Spin the Bottle at his house? What exactly...?"

Pearl began bombarding Alex with questions, but suddenly noticed that someone else was talking to him.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I didn't realize you were already talking to someone. I'm just, so confused." she said, continuing to look around. What exactly was going on here?

---

Just then, at the bus stop nearest the setting, a bus stopped nearby. As it opened it's doors, a nicely known, but a bit bigger woman, came out from it. The bus pulled out the moment she left, and she waved it farewell politely.

After a bit of walking, she eventually reached the house, looking happy to be there. She came near with a smile, heading for the door, bearing no heed to the man guarding it...

---

"The principessina wishes to put a proposal to me- knowing I find mystery difficult to resist, Trucy's condition was that I come here tonight to hear it. I believe it is likely she is looking for either advice on or backing for whatever venture she has in mind. And you, Signor Kraus, I might ask the same thing? I would be fascinated to know why Truth or Dare is suddenly your game of choice,"

Kraus stood back to an upright, tilting his head thoughtfully as he looked back at Tiffany.

"Young Miss Wright?" Pausing thoughtfully Kraus considered her words for a moment. He had heard stories of the young girl's antics. It didn't surprise him one bit that she had her own contacts in the big wide world. Her father certainly had a few. Kraus held her hand with both of his, and readopted a charming smile, "I am curious about the same thing myself," Kraus replied, attempting to steer the conversation away from himself, "Herr Wright felt it an appropriate game to play in conjunction to his daughter's... am I not correct, Her Wright?"

"Phoenix," Phoenix replied with a nod, "People just kept coming in so I thought 'Why not?', you know? It certainly seems to be entertaining some more than others," Giving Zeth a wink, Phoenix got a dark look in return from the apron adorning detective, "Would you like to join in, Tiffany?"

****************************

"Tears do not become such a beautiful Fräulein. You seem to be as surprised as I am at what Herr Kraus has suggested and you clearly care for him very much... Perhaps you would fill me on your relationship?"

"C.... confused..." Sarah replied, not ready to have a conversation with Klavier just yet as she looked away. Looking at the closed door behind her, she wondered what was going on in his mind. She thought that this was how he preferred it. That physical relations was just something he didn't have energy for at the end of the working day. She felt nothing short of love from him through every waking moment she spent with him, but this? Was there more to it? Was he holding back from her? And that glance he gaze Klavier before he left. She could almost see his disposition change like wild fire as he addressed him.

Turning to Klavier, she looked him in the eyes, "What am I, Klavier, if I am the world to a man, a dear friend, and the only person he fully trusts with his heart's song? I thought that meant that I was his companion. The one he loved. That look in his eyes though... He's been holding back on me... why? Did I do something wrong?"

*****************

((Oh man- this got out of order with Pearls turning up XD ))

"You said it... I've known Trucy for three years and I still never know when she's going to pull a stunt like that." She cleared her throat, going slightly red as she did so. "In case Princess Obvious didn't already make it clear, I'm not really sick... I just have a bad kneecap. But if 'looking after' entails having a conversation that doesn't get interrupted by someone spinning one of us while we weren't paying attention, I'm up for it..."

"Totally," Alex smirked. It was the first sensible thing anyone had said all day. With all the crazy antics going around with this game, he wondered if there was any room for getting to know the rest of the people in the game. These girls and boys... they were from his school, but he didn't really know many of them that well. So, his first introduction to them was kissing them for 15 seconds? He could think of MANY things he could be doing in 15 seconds that wasn't socially the most awkward thing in the world.

"Um, excuse me. What are you all doing here in Mr. Nick's house?"

Glancing to the voice, Alex spotted a girl about his age glancing about in confusion. Alex motioned into Trucy's room.

"They're just playing a game of Spin the bottle with dares." Sighing Alex was disgruntled at the thought that he'd be next. Kissing BRYAN of all people. It was bad enough kissing a stranger, but his own brother? This was SO bad.

"Wait, who's 'they'? And furthermore, who are you? Are you a friend of Mr. Nick? Did you get permission from him to play Spin the Bottle at his house? What exactly...?"

"No," Alex narrowed his eyes in confusion, "I don't know any 'Mr Nick's. I was invited by Mr Wright's daughter, Trucy, along with everyone else here... for her party." The girl suddenly noticed Tascha.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I didn't realize you were already talking to someone. I'm just, so confused."

"Look," Alex started, rubbing his temples with his thumb and middle finger either side of his head, "At the end of the hall on the right is where all the adults are. Trucy went there. I'm sure she can help you out... who ever you are."

*************************

Noticing the bus pull out in front of the house and a girl get out and head to the house, Vaughan sighed. Was this a water hole in the sahara or something? How on earth is there so many people coming to this house. Not just teenagers either. No, he'd EXPECT them all to be teenagers. No, most were adults. Not just any adults, but some were mafia, and carrying weapons. It certainly wasn't the boring job he was expecting when Kraus called him to play door guard.

Stepping in the girl's way before she got to the door, Vaughan took up the room of the door with his staunch disposition.

"If you don't mind, M'lady, I am guarding Mr Wright's door currently until his is repaired. If I could have your name, I'd like to see if he is expecting you.

---

Maya stepped back, surprised about the man who had bopped in front of her. After hearing all he'd said, she wondered if Nick had gotten rich...

"Ah, well... I'm Maya Fey! The Master of Kurain village,former assisstant of Wright and Co. Law Offices, and Nick's best friend! He isn't expecting me, but I think he'll let me in."

---

Giving her a look up and down, she wasn't dressed like a spirit medium. Not like that other girl was, and she didn't say anything about her Master or anything. Pulling out his cellphone and flicking it open, Vaughan speed dialled that familiar number again.

"Hey Dragon. Did this party just go up a member? Who is it this time? Wooky Kitaki or something?"

"Perhaps," Vaughan replied, "Maya Fey. Name ring a bell?"

"Does it what," Vaughan could feel Zeth's grin from the other end of the line, "Is she here? In the flesh?"

"She looks pretty real to me," Vaughan replied, "Is this another one of your 'crushes' again, is it?"

"Crushes? You mean the ones I get when I'm dead curious about someone that has virtually no digital info to drag up on them? Heck yeah."

"I'll send her in then."

Nodding to the door, Vaughan stepped aside, letting the young lady in, "Keep an eye out for the Skunk. If you want to have an enjoyable afternoon, be as un interesting of a person as you can be to him alone. Your name proceeds you."

---

"Ah... thanks", Maya said, glad all that ended well, "Have a nice day."

With that, she walked in, and immediately began looking for:
A)An adorable teenage spirit medium witb her hair curled up like a pretzel
Or
B) A tall, spiky-haired man, preferably in a blue suit.

Since she wanted to surprise Nick, she decided not to call out for him, and decided to only do so for Pearly.

"Pearly! Pearly, you in here somewhere?", she called, not really considering that this wasn't exactly better for keeping herself hidden than calling Nick herself and telling him she was there...

---

((The teens are all around Trucy's door. Pearls is talking to Alex and Tascha all lost))

---

Luckily, before she could give herself away, she noticed a group of teenage children surrounding a door. But what were they all doing here? If this was a family reunion, she wanted to know why Nick had never invited her for one. After all, she was, in a sense, part of the family, even if she wasn't related. And more importantly, why she had never heard about one BEFORE Nick got disbarred...

Before she could continue considering the many possibilities, one teen stuck out, talking to two others.

Pearly.

Happy to see she'd made it alright, Maya walked over there and began waving an arm around.

"Pearly! Hey Pearly! Over here!"

---

Pearl spun around, and was completely taken by surprise.

"Mystic Maya? Wh-what are you doing here?" she asked her cousin. "I mean, I'm here to pay Mr. Nick a visit and surprise him. If you wanted to come with me, you could've asked."

She then turned back to Alex. "Perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Pearl Fey. I'm a friend of Phoenix Wright, but I call him Mr. Nick. This here is my cousin, Mystic Maya. She's Mr. Nick's special someone. We actually had no idea there was a party going on. I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."

She then bowed politely to Alex and took Maya by the hand. "C'mon, Mystic Maya. The man at the door said that Mr. Nick is in the kitchen along with his practice daughter. Let's go see them!"

((I was originally going to have Pearl know nothing about Trucy and freak out, but I figured if Maya knows about her, Pearl does too. And I think you all can gather what she means when she calls Trucy Phoenix's "practice daughter". If not, it'll all become clear soon enough. ))

---

Maya looked a bit lost. And by a bit, I mean trapped in an endless labyrinth.

"Party? This is a party?", deciding not to say anything regarding "Special someone", and "Practice daughter". Eight years of constant persistence made it easy to ignore, even when it's being said to another being.

With a simple wave to the guests her little cousin had spoken to, Maya proceeded to follow her to find Nick and his daughter.

---