Thankyou kindly, Luna! Good to hear you're having fun, I do love Wonderland so. ^^ Ahh, and you gotta love the Nick/Miles.

But how 'bout some love for an Ace/Hatter pairing, guys? XD I love them anyway, but even more as a couple, squeeee. <3 So cute. Even though I know I'm going to get the inevitable questions. What does everyone think?

---

Considering Phoenix/Edgeworth is probably one of the only slash pairings I like...
Ace/Hatter seems reallly cuuute

Plus, Edgeworth's awesomeness was already added to when you gave him the ability to pull out tea from Hammerspace

Ladies and Gentlemen! Tonight, I present to you...CHAPTER FOURTEEN. ...But first, I'd like to apologise for court not starting yet. Guess I jumped the gun a little by saying it would on the last Chapter. Not sure if this is counted as filler, but...it's somewhat experimental, I suppose.

This whole thing is VERY open to interpretation...dreams always represent thoughts, feelings, memories, or combinations thereof. Some of us are lucky enough to be able to twist them to suit our fantasies, but even then, they're very dependant on our state of mind. I await your interpretations with great anticipation, dear readers. *takes a bow*

Oh...and Wonderland Question Time is still open for anyone who gives a damn. XD Feel free to ask anyone anything. Including characters who just appeared. And my 'mood music' for this Chapter, especially when and after they start walking, is Susumu Hirasawa - Meditational Field, aka the full-length opening theme from 'Paprika'. ^^ Enjoy!

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

Chapter 14 –Technicolor Metaphor

Phoenix stepped inside the room, and resisted the urge to give Captain DeLite a salute in return as he shut the door, leaving him and the dark-cloaked figure alone.

“…Who are you?” he asked, looking quizzically at the small, simple table laid out for both of them. “And why are you still disguising your voice?” He sat down.

Everywhere else, there was nothing but white…featureless, like the person in front of him. Plain as a blank canvas. Nothing but mist, full of infinite possibility. All it needed was someone’s imagination to mold it, to create with it, make nothing into something. And this ‘Broken Sword’, whoever it was, had chosen this?

Even though he couldn’t see their face, he could swear they were raising an eyebrow at him.

“…You may call me Broken Sword. That is all you need to know, if only for your safety, Mr. Wright.”

[Point taken…] he thought, drumming his fingers on the tabletop boredly. “So, what’s this about? I mean, I appreciate you having Mask*DeMasque save me from that nightmare…but what do you want with me?”

The mysterious figure simply made a sweeping gesture in return. “At least let us discuss things over a meal. I hear that Wonderland’s food can affect you strangely…but this is not Wonderland.”

Though he knew business should come first, it was very tempting…there were a lot of things he missed back home. Eating real food without changing size wasn’t what he missed the most, by a long shot…imagination could only go so far.

Luckily it did go far enough for him to find himself digging into a plate of spaghetti and meatballs. A generous slice of warm chocolate fudge cake was waiting for him, too. Why he didn’t think of something fancier, he wasn’t sure…but it was damn good spaghetti, nonetheless.

It was weird, how Broken Sword’s eyes seemed to crinkle in amusement, as Nick slurped up a large forkful, getting tomato sauce on his nose. The gesture was something that was felt, rather than seen.

“…A lot of Wonderlanders feel like we have had something…taken from us.”

They looked deep into the distant mists, as if considering them. “The Queen has just managed to keep this world on the brink of the old ways. The ways of war, and segregation, and absolute power.”

“So, what does this mean?” Phoenix retorted, glaring as he wiped his face with a napkin. Getting no answer, he stood up, slamming his hand on the table frustatedly.

“I don’t do politics, Broken Sword. Yours or the Queen’s. I’m just here to get an innocent verdict for Ace, and if you or your group had something to do with the murder…”

“No.” they answered silently, folding their hands.

A statement devoid of explanation…just, simply, ‘no’. Were they telling the truth? He could sense sincerity…like the look in an innocent client’s eyes, silently saying ‘please, you have to trust me’.

But he’d been fooled once before…

The air hung, deadlocked between the two…the mists of dreams swirled silently in a non-existent breeze. Broken Sword sighed, and got up, footsteps echoing around the open, empty space.

“Let us take a walk, Mr. Wright. We have much to discuss.”

Reluctantly, the lawyer followed…the white-clothed table and the remains of his meal vanished behind them.

And almost immediately, their surroundings sprang into life, filled with light and shadow and the cries of animals. Towering trees appeared like something from a children’s pop-up picture book, a flock of rainbow parakeets erupting from the new canopy and out into open dreamspace.

Phoenix soon found himself struggling through a dense undergrowth of thick vines, and delicate flowers in psychedelic colours. The sudden tropical heat and humidity were nearly unbearable…and yet his cloaked companion still soldiered on, as if the obstacles weren’t even there.

“HYAH!” seemed like an appropriate sound effect as his machete cut though the jungle foliage. Now dressed appropriately, in khaki shorts and shirt and – just to get in character – a crocodile tooth necklace and a hat, he ran to catch up with the faceless robe.

Finally slowing to a walking pace, he was finally able to take in his rich surroundings. “Hah, wow…talk about your active imagination…whoever you are, you’ve got to have a boring desk job.”

“Somebody has to do the dirty work. Like the prosecutor you are facing…Miles Edgeworth. He faced many of the defence attorneys, who now stand in the Statue Garden…”

Broken Sword stopped in front of a clear pool of water. The surface was so still, it was like a highly polished mirror…their own featureless reflection gazed back.

“I can assure you, he is not proud of what he has done. Many of us have a cross to bear, under the Queen’s rule. If you are not with her-”

“Then you’re against her, right?” Phoenix finished, still trying to fight off a large invasion of tiny, brightly-coloured frogs. Much to his annoyance, they appeared to have a taste for lawyer sweat, and/or traces of tomato sauce.

“You learn fast. Understandable, then, how you have survived for so long in Wonderland…unless you share your alternate’s talent for pulling off miracles.”

Picking the rest of the pesky amphibians off his arm, he too stepped over to the shallow pool …and took a step back, for a minute. It wasn’t his reflection looking back, but an image of Ace…the Card he was gradually coming to think of as the brother he’d never had.

Nick scratched his head, his twin in the water imitating the gesture. “I don’t know. For a while, I thought we were exactly the same…but now…”

There was a quiet ‘splish’. One of the little frogs had jumped into the shallow pool, shattering the stillness, and the two reflections along with it.

The pair watched in silence as the images re-formed…this time, both of them were there. A nameless phantom, and a human dressed like a cross between Indiana Jones and Crocodile Dundee.

“Now, it’s complicated. I just wish things were more simple.”

“Some may call the Waking World simple, with only one sentient race. Some even choose to model themselves after its supposed ideals. It is, indeed, we ourselves who make things complicated.”

Talking in riddles again…but Phoenix was fairly sure he understood. He kicked a small pebble into the water.

“Just another drop in the ocean…just one more than there’s supposed to be. And it could flood an entire world, couldn’t it?”

“Some may herald such an event as a chance to rebuild. To start anew.”

Broken Sword’s tone sounded understanding…maybe even slightly amused, again. Perhaps exchanging riddles was how Red Spade members communicated, with potential spies lurking on every corner.

Perhaps…it held a familiar comfort for Broken Sword. It made him wonder, did he or she have friends they missed? Friends that had died, or been transformed, or turned to stone, for their cause?

But the question still remained, was it a just cause…? Were they not only willing to die for it, but also to kill for it?

“Perhaps we should move along. It is rather…stifling, standing around like this.”

Phoenix grinned sheepishly…all that time, he’d been pulling at his collar, fanning himself. He’s never been outside his own state before, even in the summer, but it seemed excessive sweating could be a problem out of court as well.

“So where to?” His spikes were drooping in the humidity, and the frogs had started to regroup.

“Hm.” The hooded figure stepped into the shallows…and sank below the surface with barely a ripple, like a platform was slowly descending.

The lawyer stared into the water…was the bottom just an illusion? It had seemed solid before, but…this was a dream. A metaphor in living, breathing colour. If he wanted to see how deep this mystery went, he’d have to dive in, head-first, regardless of consequences.

In the water, the sheer deepness of it seemed to absorb the sudden impact. It was ice against his skin, and the cold fire from when he’d dropped into that puddle was threatening to return…until he quickly dreamed up a solution.

[Who needs diving gear?] Phoenix thought, laughing - he hadn’t been able to help himself…even the decorative necklace from before was transformed, into white shells and a single shark’s tooth.

His strong tail, patterned with the blue and black scales of a Regal Tang, made light work of diving deeper. He recalled seen that fish in the school’s aquarium, many years ago, and daydreamed. Now, a gulp of water seemed as natural as a breath of air, thanks to the gill slits on either side of his neck.

Scouring the intricate coral reef below him, with the dappled sunlight up above…Broken Sword had to be somewhere, unless it was his own fantasies which had sculpted this landscape. For all he knew, he could have dreams like this all the time…but sleep was always too fleeting, and his mind had other things to focus on in the mornings…

He turned a somersault, just for the hell of it, flipping the underwater world upside-down.

“Adaptability is a necessity, in a fast-changing world…we have to keep moving forward.”

“AAH!” Phoenix yelped in a flurry of bubbles, suddenly face-to-hood with the mysterious stranger. The spiny fins on his forearms helped to turn himself right-side-up again.

But…looking at the cloak billowing in the water, he was almost disappointed…nothing to indicate age, gender….even favourite colours. Still no clues.

“And yet sometimes to go forward, we must first re-trace our steps.”

The merman crossed his arms, looking away…he was sure he was being stared at. And he wasn’t wearing a shirt. “Could you be a little more specific, maybe? I’ve already been everywhere today, and it’s turned up nothing.” He flicked his tail indignantly.

“…I was meaning to contact you in this manner sooner, to direct you towards the Palace…but one cannot dream, if one does not sleep.”

“The Palace?” Nick followed them as they moved silently through the water, scattering a shoal of silver fishes. “I already got that letter you sent to the Duchess…it seems incriminating enough, to me.”

Broken Sword stopped in their tracks. “…I know not of any letter, Mr. Wright.”

“You don’t…?” Showing the right evidence to the wrong people…it was an experience he really didn’t want to repeat. Even the memory was painful. But this was a dream…you couldn’t get hurt or die here, and a memory of evidence couldn’t be stolen.

“We should move to somewhere…more suitable.” They had a point. With the amount of real-world logic that still persisted in Dreamland, if only because of his own mind…the letter’s ink would probably run underwater.

“If it pleases you…you may choose the next location.”

[The next place…?]

It should be a simple decision…in some way, he felt like he’d been making decisions all that time, in a way he didn’t quite understand. And there was one place he wanted to go more than anything…

But did he really want to see true illusions of familiar things? People created from his own memories, who would say what he wanted to hear, do what he wanted them to do?

He didn't need to hurt like that. And surely, he could let go...rise above self-pity…understand that there would be someone to catch him if he fell. And that his old friends would be waiting for him back on Waking World soil.

And he hadn’t quite realised, but all the time he’d been thinking, he’d led Broken Sword into an underwater cave. The walls were lit up in places, with sky-blue patches, which covered more and more black as they went further in. And, as they travelled, the water felt less restrictive, less heavy…a gradual shift in their surroundings, and he was back in those familiar jeans and T-shirt again.

Phoenix spread his arms into open sky, spiralling down though the clouds. Water droplets caught on his eyelashes as he shut his eyes, and there was nothing but the rush of wind against his face, through his hair.

Then he opened his wings, and soared upward as he caught a thermal, slender flight feathers adjusting and re-adjusting with perfect precision. He was in his element. Joy rose into laughter, and then exploded into ecstatic whooping and hollering.

A quick turn, a loop-the-loop, fluffy cloud turning to tiny droplets on his outstretched fingers. The air was refreshing, changing with each movement, each moment. Harsh and bracingly cold as he dived, then warm and gentle, tickling his soft down as another updraft lifted him.

Letting go of what was dragging him down, living for every moment in ‘now’…until he had a reason to land, the endless sky was his.

But still, he couldn’t lose himself in his own fantasy just yet...a taste of freedom, and another reason to be here, a person waiting. The cloud, made solid, was like a soft bed against his bare feet as he touched down gracefully. Wings folded and tucked close to his back, he half-sat, half-crouched, heart pounding.

“You have quite the imagination yourself.”

“Heh…thanks. But this is what I was talking about.” Nick said, handing over a scroll of parchment. “I found it in the Duchess’s Room…something about you wanting to meet her at noon, just before she was murdered.”

Broken Sword looked thoughtful, unseen eyes scanning the page. “…This is valuable information. However, it may not yet be enough, considering the suspicions now circulating around the Palace.”

“So…you’re saying you think this was an inside job? Someone working under the Queen was a key witness, or even the murderer themselves…and she’s covering it up?”

“…So to speak, yes.” The figure leaned in a little closer. “Beware, Mr. Wright. If your wings of wax are too flimsy…fly to close to the Sun, and you will fall.”

Phoenix looked over his shoulder, his hand briefly contacting feathered wings…then remembered it was a riddle. Or…a metaphor. Either way, it was a warning: build a strong defence, enough to make a case even Franziska von Karma wouldn’t argue with, or face losing everything.

It seemed like impossible odds…but, surely…?

“…I will let the relevant people know, about this evidence.” They must have caught the look in his eyes. “Time passes differently here in Dreamland…so I suggest you make the most of it, for tomorrow.”

“Hey, hey wait-!!” he reached out desperately, but found himself grabbing at smoke as the cloaked form faded. “How do I know I can trust you!?”

“…Keep hold of that Spade Card, Mr. Wright…and sleep well, for tomorrow…”

Then, nothing…just the rose-tinted light of the sunset, turning his wings delicate hues of pink and orange, a rare flower unfolding in the soft light.

The sky loomed before him, huge, with no end in sight. With a little luck, and a lot of courage…this fledgling could still make it his own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“…Surprised to see me, are you?” Nick smiled, adjusting his tie, as he walked into the living area of Ace’s apartment.

“Well…yes!” Maya said, pouting. Her meditation session was over for that morning, though Pearl was still sitting cross-legged, her eyes closed. Maybe that was why she seemed to have the stronger powers, sometimes…her older cousin’s attention span wasn’t exactly suited to meditation.

“I mean, I had to kick you out of bed yesterday, like I do with our Nick…or were you just jetlagged? Or…um…world-lagged…dimension-lagged?” the White Rabbit followed him into the kitchen as he grabbed a cereal bowl.

“Whatever it is, you shouldn’t be in such a good mood! Or even dressed! Not this early in the morning, and not on a Court day…unless you’re another Nick from Bizarro-world…”

“You made that up, didn’t you?” Phoenix laughed. “Let’s just say a good night’s sleep can work miracles…we’re going to need one in court, if we’re going to get anywhere…but…well, you know.”

Muscles that existed only in his imagination tensed, with a fleeting memory of sturdy feathers, priming themselves to seize the next gust of wind. If it didn’t blow in his favour, he’d just buy time until it did.

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Last edited by ExImplode07 on Thu Nov 29, 2007 11:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.

<3
and that's all I have to say about that.

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-flails-
Man, I can hear Search music playin' in the background...
This usually means court's in session in the morning, isn't it?

@Nick number 2

Does being a fish make you want to start singing Disney-esque style?

You were right, this is one very nifty chapter. [and also a fabulous excuse to draw Nick with wings again. YAY~!] I don't really think it's fair to call that filler, it was too pretty to be filler. Besides, I'm sure everything in it was very important to the plot in a maddeningly vague and ambiguous way. XP

I liked the descriptions of swimming underwater and flying a lot. They were fun to read, you put so much emotion in them. I think the ending was my main favorite part though. [Demension-lagged. Oh Maya.] I think I have an idea of who I think Broken Sword might be...but I'm waiting until after the next chapter to decide. To gather more evidence, you know. XD And hmmm... questions for the characters... Ooh.

Broken Sword: Why is your name Broken Sword ANYWAY~?
Ron: What exactly does being Captain of the Dream Armada entail~?
Phoenix: And how does that make you feel...? [Yes. Just that. Not related to anything. Making Phoenix happy is fun, but so is confusing him~!]

...Feolys's question is better then mine... XD

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^^ still stand by my suspicions. But it was a very nice, very poetic chapter. Experiment sucessful :D

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I LOVE YOU GUYS. <3 And your comments. And your hilarious questions. Love for you all!

I suppose the purpose of this 'pretty' Chapter is to see inside Phoenix's head...the dream worlds each represent a part of his emotional turmoil/working out problems. It's not just pretty. :3 Explanation for the different parts is HERE, even though I know Mercs can't resist spoiler tags. Check if your interpretation of the dreams was right! Or...if it just went right over your head. *fails*



And now, the moment you've been waiting for...another Super Special Awesome Wonderland Question Time! Let's see what they think of your questions...XD

: *reading letter* Does being a fish make me want to...okay, that's just crazy.
(Ace) : That is crazy. But I'd pay to see it, 'bro'. X3 *is wearing a sign with his name on around his neck* ...And Implode figured out a better way to tell us apart. It's a little messy but now you can see my face better! =D
(Broken Sword) : *broadcasting on TV* ...You are awfully happy for someone in detention...
(Ace) : ...The author likes to bend the rules. And don't you have a question to answer?
(Broken Sword) : *looks at letter* Very well...my name is Broken Sword because-*TV suddenly loses signal*
: ...So much for that, then.
(Ace) : And you have another question. "How does it make you feel?"
: That letter was for me! ...But how does WHAT make me feel? And I was supposed to be LESS confused after this chapter...@_@
(Ace) : Ooh, ouch, there went a lot of hard work. Hey, Captain DeLite! Question for you, too! *throws envelope to Ron:
: Um...okay... *reads* Well...it's up to me, when I'm Mask*DeMasque...to lead Dreamland's forces into battle against invasions of nightmares...but really I wish I had a desk job like Dessie...
(Broken Sword) : *back on screen suddenly* ...And that's how I became a hobo.
: PLEEEEEASE DON'T USE THAT JOKE! I don't want to fight a time paradox, too~!
: Wait, time paradox? What's this abou-
*signal cuts out*

---

Since questions appear to be in high demand here...

Ace: Where do baby cards come from? ;D
On an unrelated note, are you single? XD

Nick: Have you always wanted to have wings for a long time? You seemed really happy to have them. and you will soon enough, I suppose *shot for inside joke*

And yeah. I shall think of more.

---

...Okay...looks like we're getting the signal back. *messes with TV antenna, picture flickers back on*

: ...And that was how I solved the case of the Yodelling Cowboy and the Accordian.
(Ace) : And I thought my cases were weird...what, we're back? Already?
: *opens a letter* ...This had better be just fanmail...Dear Nick...wings...um...*squints at tiny writing* ...who wrote this, Ron DeLite?
: Well, if it's too small for you to read, Nick, you could always try eating something? *look of anticipation*
: AHEM. ANYWAY...I'm usually too tired to dream, but flying was amazing. I'll have to try and get more sleep or something.
(Ace) : For me, it's a nightmare. Updrafts seem a lot scarier when you're made of paper.
: Watching you flinch at a slight breeze never gets old.
(Ace) : *didn't hear Maya, is reading a letter* ...Dear Ace...where do...!?
: Where do what? *grabs letter and reads it* ...Actually, I was sort of wondering...
: Yeah...I mean, do you...split in half or something? Or is it something really weird like...it's the male cards that have the babies!?
(Ace) : ...Where did THAT come from!?
: The Discovery Channel.
(Ace) : That was a rhertorical...look, Cards are magical creatures, okay? We have kids the same way. Magically. *mutters* And yes, I am single...
: So...that means you CAN get pregnant?
(Ace) : ...I am NOT related to you.

---

but you said he would love me forever if I asked that ;_;

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I didn't get any of the deeper dream meaning except the swimming one. XD Oh well. I didn't think too much on it, I'll admit. [cold and all] Also: OMG BROKEN SWORD YOU'RE A HOBO~?!

Um...anyway.

Franzy: Do you like using the Heart Scepter or your whip more to hurt foolish defense attorneys? And how many statues are in the Palaces statue garden?
Maya: ...You get discovery channel in Wonderland? And how can you be a rabbit, Mia a cat, and Pearls a mouse?
Mad Hatter: ...are you single? [in a way completely unrelated to Ace being single *coughnotreallycough*] And will we ever find out how a raven is like a writing desk?!
Ace: What's the design on the back of Cards? Does it vary?

Yessss...random. Yay random~!

---

: ACK! *buried by letters* Where do these keep COMING from!? *picks one out* ...This one's addressed to...Franzy?
: *KA-WHIPs it out of Phoenix's hand* Give me that!
(Ace) : Umm...didn't that just answer the question, you majesty? *whipped* OW!
: SILENCE! *reads letter* Hm...this must be from a Waking World fool, nobody would address their Queen as 'Franzy'...but for the sake of this foolish charade, I tend to use my whip more. The Sceptre relies on the holder's own, finite energy...using it too much can be dangerous. *points to the camera* But if I knew where you were, I'd use it readily on you!
: *quietly* ...I was wondering why she didn't turn me into a newt afterwards...
: *reads again* ...And there are many statues in the Palace Garden. All of them foolish attorneys who failed in their duties...they serve as a permanent example to others.
(Ace) : Heh...and a good example it is, your majesty. Next question is for...Maya?
: OOH! Finally some recognition for all my hard work~! *unwraps letter like a Christmas present*
: Hard work..? Like jumping on the Duchess' bed?
: Okay! Dear Maya...yeah, we get the Discovery Channel. I lost the remote and the channel got stuck on a documentary about seahorses. You will tell me if you're gonna have some babies, right Nick #1?
(Ace) : I already said...! And babies with WHO!?
: And...um... *scratches head, looking at letter* ...Yeah, that's a good question. I guess the Fey heritage is mixed...different half-animals and stuff. And maybe some other things in there, too.
: ...In other words, don't ask.
: *picks up a letter that's addressed to him* .... *opens it* ...Dear Mad Hatter...are you single!?
: Let me guess...you 'had no idea you inspired such frothing desire among the female masses'?
: *screws up the letter* ...No, I was not going to say that. -_- And for asking such a question, you will have to work the riddle out for yourself.
(Ace) : See, this is why I have more fans. *picks up letter* ...Hm. Interesting. Yeah, the design on the back of Cards varies like eye colour. Mine's red and white crosshatch...means I'm passionate, supposedly.
: *looks at the letter, then at Ace's back* ...I always thought that was a tattoo. Or some kind of accident involving a chainlink fence and a steamroller.
(Ace) : ...See, THIS is why I say I'm not related to you!

---

Question for Hatter: Do you participate in 'Free Hugs Day'? If now, how can we get you to? >D

Wow, lots of questions this time. XD Here we go again...

: *waves letter* See, Wrights, I do have fans.
(Ace) : ...I bet you 20 Wonderland dollars it's a chain letter or something...
: How much is that in Waking World dollars...?
: *opens letter* Dear Mad Hatter, do you participate in...free hugs day...? Wright...the human Wright. Is this some kind of Waking World holiday?
: Uh...yeah. Yeah, it is! And it's today! You have to hug at least one person, or else it's disrespectful to my world's culture! *folds arms*
: ...Very well then...
: ...I mean, if you don't want to, then...wait, what?
: *hugs Ace* ... *lets go quickly* ...Happy Free Hug Day, Wright.
(Ace) : ...Wow...I wasn't expecting that...
: And I hope you're expecting to pay, Nick #2! I picked a fancy restaurant for our bet..!
: ...Aren't you technically under-age for gambling, though...!? *is dragged off*
(Ace) : ...
: ...
(Ace) : *grabs Mad Hatter suddenly in a hug* Happy Free Hug Day, Edgeworth! XD
: Get off me, Wright! You're going to give me a papercut or something!

---

-shuts camcorder- Annnd we have something nice going to the Inernet today...

Happy Free Hugs day XD

Weee, dreams are fun. Great insight to Phoenix's inner brain in that chapter. It was a lot of fun. Am really, really enjoying this.

Ooh questions:
MadHatter: Where do you pull out all that lovely tea from? A separate dimension that is housed in your clothes?
What's your favorite place to go out for tea and can I come with? *giggles*

Phoenix: Merman or Phoenix(as in the mythical creature)?

Broken Sword: WHY must you be so cryptic?

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Ahhh, thankyou Luna!! X3 I'm glad you like it! And may I take this opportunity I LOVE your avatar...if I could, I'd get a poster-size version of that legendary 'Kissu Tiem Nao' picture (I'm taking that's where it came from?) and put it on my wall. <3

(Ace) : Looks like it's question time again! Three this time, so we've got my bro, Broken Sword, and The Mad Hatter!
: I don't think I'm ever going to get used to being someone's brother...
: And least you don't have a younger big sister who's also your Queen, Wright.
: ...Touché.
: *opens his letter* Finally, a nice question...yes, I do have access to a pocket dimension...for simplicity's sake let's call it Teaspace. And my favourite place for tea is anytime, any place...and you are free to join me if you find yourself in our world. *theatrical bow*
: Heh...aaaand this one's for me...*opens*...Merman or Phoenix. Hm. Well, being a merman was pretty cool, but I guess being an actual Phoenix...well...fire powers and cool wings? I'd have to say that, even if people would make even more jokes about my name.
(Ace) : Well at least you don't get people making Card jokes...'Hey look, he's up a stepladder, I guess Aces are high'!
: Touché again. And who told that joke, Moe?
(Broken Sword) : *on a TV again* The last question is mine. Being cryptic is necessary when you are the leader of a resistance organisation, but the need to maintain this façade is only because-*picture cuts out again*
: Bad Missile! You go OUTSIDE to do that, pal!!
: *at back of TV, whines*

---

-feeling distinctly evil today-

Hey, hatter, how much would we have to bribeencourage you to sing this with Ace?

And also to March hare+White rabbit : What do you do to keep your ears in tip-top shape?

(Ace) : *just finished watching the video* ...Well, that was an interesting first e-mail attachment...
: I think it was cute!
: ...All I can say is call me something like 'chocolate bear', Wright, and I will put you through my office shredder. Slowly.
: So you would sing it if we changed that lyric?
(Ace) + : NO!
: It was worth trying, hee. At least there's the other question in the e-mail...I use a soft hair brush on my ears every morning, and moisturiser every night.
: I'm lucky if I have time to brush mine at all. That's why they look kinda scruffy...
: Yeah...you should probably do that more, Detective. You're going a little prematurely grey...
: HEY! That's just my winter coat comin' in, pal! I'm not THAT old!

---

Why thank you. I love it very much too. Thank Elriel, she's the one who took the drawing by Yamamura and made it into an avatar for me. Yeah I would make it a nice little poster size too. How cool would that be?

Ooh more questions for ze characters:
Mad Hatter: Oh great master of the Tea. Can you teach me your grand wisdom of Teaspace?

Ace: So what's it like being a card? Would you rather have been something else, like a flower?

Phoenix: So what do you think of Wonderland?

Maya: So what's it like being surrounded by many handsome guys? ;)

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Phew. I can't wait 'til the Christmas Holidays...TiW, Project Kallisti (even though it's not a collaboration between three people...^^;; ) and work for Biology are really keeping me busy. And Chapter 15 is a Court Case, so...it's going to be delayed but I'll make sure it's worth the wait.

'Til then...I'm still good for answering questions. ^.~ It only takes me a few minutes, lol.

: And the Wrights have nothing better to do with their time...>.>
: ...Yeah, I'll admit he's got us there.
(Ace) : Maybe we should start advertising more. And hey, more letters! *opens his*
: *reading over shoulder* ...Dear Ace...what's it like being a Card?
(Ace) : Hey, stop reading other people's mail! Just because I keep...I mean...heh. Yeah. I guess being a Card is...well, it can be inconvenient. Certain people don't tend to trust us...since most of us are highly magical...and being flat there are a lot of Card thieves.
: And there's the sudden updrafts, too!
(Ace) : Oh yes. Can't forget those. But I guess I'm happy being me, and I'd much rather be a Card than a flower...that's something you get cursed into. I hear an old building at Global Studios is now a Greenhouse after a spat with the Queen over a Pink Princess villainess...
: ...You mean...Will Powers is now Will Flowers!?
(Ace) : Yeah, he's quite the dandy Dandelion.
: Sounds like he got off lightly...or he could have been pushing up daisies...
: If you two are quite finished... *opens his letter* ...Teach someone about teaspace? I'm afraid it isn't something that can be taught...
(Ace) : Yeah, magical abilities of any kind are pretty rare in humans. The Queen gets her powers only from the Heart Sceptre, but King Max's magic was his. Rumour has it, though, that he's...well... ...The Royal family were Heart Cards until Max was born...
: It's scandalicious! But they don't want you to know that.
: *has opened his letter* What do I think of Wonderland? Well, this Maya's the same as mine, right down to her conspiracy theories. ...And not being able to eat anything but noodles isn't too good, either... But I guess this has been an interesting first vacation for me.
: Our Nick needs to get out more, too...ooh! Can we go to the Waking World this year!? I can't wait to meet the other me!!
(Ace) : ...I...I don't think I want to think what might happen...if-if two Mayas meet...
: ...Even if it was in a tiny, barren room, there'd probably be some kind of explosion...
: *reading her letter* What's it like being surrounded by handsome men? Well, I don't know...I don't see any around here, do you? ...Guys, I'm just kidding! Don't look at me like that-!! I was kidding! Guys...guys!!! *runs after them*

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XD Your characters are so funny in those question-answers, yet in-character at the same time...That is sheer awesomeness

-sneaks in a few dumb questions-

Ace: Would you rather be a pokemon, or Yugioh card?

Phoenix: Have your Shakespearean actor classes in college paid off in Wonderland yet? XD

General: Real Maya v. Wonderland Maya. Pie eating contest. results? :D

Um...it seems we may have come at an awkward time...>.>

(Ace) : *singing karaoke* The only thing you see, you know it's gonna be-!
: The Ace of Spades! The Ace of Spades!
: I didn't know Mr. Edgeworth was a closet Motorhead fan... *drinks some non-alcoholic drink* ...I feel like I'm the only one not having fun...-.- ...Huh? *gets handed some envelopes on a tray* Hey guys! We've got some more mail!
(Ace) : *has his arm around Phoenix, holding an empty beer glass...obviously had a bit too much* ...Nick...I...I LOVE you...you're like my brother or something...
: Well... *takes another drink of beer, not quite there yet* ...You're the younger brother, that's for sure...lightweight...
: You're both complete idiots...you really are...
: Ummm... *opens letter* Hey, Nick? Nick #1!? *still gets no attention* ACE!! >< Letter! Yu-Gi-Oh Card or Pokemon card?
(Ace) : ...Pokeyman...? Aren't they those...monster things? Kids love them or something? But they love that other thing...hm...I guess I wanna be a Charizard, cause that pokeman brings all the nerds to the yard. Or something... *falls over* ...Nice carpet you got here...
: *sighs* >> Maybe I'll be able to get a straight answer out of someone else...other Nick, have your acting classes paid off in Wonderland yet?
: What? Acting? Wright couldn't act his way out of a paper bag!
: *picking up Ace and sitting him down, so he's flopped over on the table* At least my acting is more convincing than those ridiculous bows you do in court...
: What was that...!?
: OKAY! Looks like we've had enough to drink for tonight! And that's it for the questions...well...'cept I'd come in first in any eating contest! Bring it on if you dare, other me!

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Oh, take your time on that chapter, I can't speak for anyone else but I can wait.
Larry: What were you before you got turned into a door?

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And now we join our heroes on the morning after the night before...XD

: ...You're an idiot. *has an icepack, hands Ace an icepack for his own head*
(Ace) : Speak for yourself. At least I didn't bring home a traffic cone from god-knows-where. Unless that was Edgeworth...where'd he go, anyway?
: *handcuffed to his own bed* ...How did THIS happen?? >_< I didn't even go home with anyone!!
: I'm sure he's fine, wherever he is. >.> But you two will be pleased to know there's no questions for you...yet...but there is one for Larry!
: For me?? *reads letter as Maya hold it up* Dear Larry...what were you before...finally! Someone out there who cares! ...Is this from a chick? Is she cute? C'moooon, you can tell me!
: *clutches head* Larry, just answer the question!
: ...Oh yeah...Nick! The Card Nick...you got that old photo of us?
(Ace) : *sighs* ...Here it is... *holds up photograph of the trio as kids. Miles' hat is a little too big for him, and he's lifting it up as it slips down over his eyes. Ace is waving at the camera, and Larry is behind the two, doing 'bunny ears' - he has the floppy ears and tail of a golden retriever* We were quite the oddballs, a Human, a Puppy-boy and a Card...
: See, before I ended up like this, I was top dog! All the chicks were totally digging my winning combo of junkyard toughness and please-take-me-home cuteness!
(Ace) : Yeah, just a shame about your dog breath, toilet boy...
: HEY! I did that like...once! Besides, the water fountain was broken! And I've been totally smooth since then...
(Ace) : And there was that time in highschool, when you and Felicity Klaus got your flea collars tangled somehow...took a while for those scratches to heal...
: The exact same thing happened to my Larry! Well...replacing 'flea collars' with 'braces'...
: That it, Card Nick, you're officially the evil twin! Maybe I should go hang with Human Nick in the Waking World...
: Oh dear GOD no!
: But it could be fuuuuun~! I'm a best friend and pet rolled into one! What more could you ask for?
: Some more aspirin would be nice...

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And now, because I'm bored and I have writer's block...RANDOM NON-QUESTION CRACK TIME. And double-post WTF. XD

(Ace) : ...What, so now the author is making us do these even without questions?
: I guess so. But what do we do now? *looks over at Ace* ...Actually, I have a question. If you're me...*camera pans out - there's an arrow next to Ace's head like <------> , showing the height difference of a few inches between them* ...then why are you shorter?
(Plodey) : I guess you could say it's because I keep picturing Ace as the 'little brother'. *shrugs* Though he was always shorter even before I came up with that idea.
(Ace) : Little brother!?
: Makes sense to me. XD *laughs*
(Ace) : ... *glares at Phoenix*
: ...Why are you looking at me like that?
(Ace) : Oh, nothing. Care for a piece of candy, big bro? *offers some*
: ...Well, that's really generous of you, little brother. *takes and eats* ...Wait..! *shriiiiiiink~* ...Oh, that is SO mature...
: Awww, he's so CUTE! *picks Phoenix up* I wanna keep him as a pet~!
: Maya, put me down!! Objection! OBJECTION!!!
(Ace) : Mature or not, revenge is sweet, little big brother. XD *has his eyes on Plodey* ...And since you made me the 'little brother'...
(Plodey) : ...EVIL TWIN!! *runs*

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Aha, Maya should totally play dolls with tiny! Phoenix...:XD

-sends in a question-
General: Are there any video games in Wonderland?

Ace: As a little kid on Halloween, did you just paint yourself a different color and go Trick-or-Treating? Also, what did Hatter like to dress up as?

Although, Nick, that was really all your fault. [waves finger] Questions...hmmm. Ah~!

Is there an Ema in Wonderland? [the smiley reminded me. XD]
Is there a Dahlia in Wonderland? [my sister reminded me.]
Mad Hatter; what's your favorite color?
Ace: Same question. [points above]

Also, I second the idea of playing dolls with Nick. [Sorry. Too good to pass up. MWUAHAHAHA.]

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Maya doesn't need Nick to be tiny to play dolls with Nick. XD Remember when she put makeup on him? lol, she can be surprisingly forceful. But, due to popular (2 people, ZOMG) demand...

: More tea, Miss Wright?
: *still tiny, and wearing that Alice dress from before* Only if it's actual tea that will actually get me back to normal size...
: Oh, you are silly, Miss Wright. *pours a cup, and realises it IS actual tea* What the-!?
: !!! *quickly grabs the tea and downs it, growing back to normal size* ...That's better... *looks down at himself* ...But I'm STILL in the dress!?
: I am sorry to abuse my Teamancery skills to interrupt this little gathering, but we have questions to answer. By the way, Wright, that dress really does bring out the colour in your face.
: ...Yeah, it sure does... *is blushing violently, and takes the dress off - his suit is still underneath*
(Ace) : Serves you right for making fun of me. *folds arms* Cards tend to be a bit smaller on average than humans, anyway.
: You could have said that before. Now what do we have this time?
: This one's for all of us. *opens it* ...Are there video games in Wonderland?
(Ace) : Well, yeah, we don't live in the dark ages...
: I like Gyakuten Saiban. It's from Japan! You play as a Card attorney...he's an Ace of Hearts too, and he looks a bit like our Nick. Freaky co-incidence, huh?
(Ace) : I still say I look nothing like him. Next question... *opens letter* ...trick-or-treating...well...one time I was really into Pokemon, so I dressed as a Charizard card...
: I was wondering where that came from when you were drinking...>.>
(Ace) : Larry's costumes were always lame. XD I think that year he just put in some fake fangs, messed up his fur a little and said he was a werewolf. And Edgey was quite the morbid little kid...he was an undertaker.
: It was just so I could wear a hat. The Mad Hatter title is passed down through families which were parts of Wonderland's nobility. Times have changed, but it is still both an honour and a duty, to be a Hatter.
: Quite a stuck-up little kid, too, from the sound of it... *opens next general letter* ...Is there an Ema in wonderland...and a Dahlia in Wonderland!?
(Ace) : ...Yeah...unfortunately, there was a Dahlia...
: That thing in college...?
(Ace) : ...Yeah. She was a human, I was a Card...and it didn't end well for you either, I take it. There is an Ema in Wonderland, though. She's a brown rabbit. I think she's in Looking-glass county doing training in forensics.
: *holds up envelope* ...This one is addressed to you and me, Wright. As if we're some...married couple...
(Ace) : ...I'm sure it's perfectly innocent... *opens letter* ...Please be perfectly innocent... ...Dear Ace and Hatter...what are your favourite colours? Oh, that's easy...I like Red.
: How very...predictable. I do not have a particular favourite...I do enjoy the way colours compliment each other, like a deep mahogany brown with gold, perhaps wine-red, or royal purple...
: Then what about those pink suits you're always wearing?
(Ace) : Yeah, you must REALLY like pink...
: What!? It's magenta not PINK, Wrights!! How many times must I tell you!?
: It is SO pink! *they look at each other* ...Did we just...stop doing that!! ...No really, cut it out!
: Well, on that creepy note, that's all for now, folks!
: MAKE IT STOP!

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Hiiiiii!!!!!!!!!! ^^ I'm so glad I've finally gotten to reply to your stories, I mean, I've been reading it since like, chapter seven was out, and I lurve it ;3 Feenie with wiiinnnggggssss....WHEEEEEE! Okay, done now. Um, yeah, I love your story, and while I'm here, lemme think of some questions....


To Maya and possibly everyone: Are there regular animals in Wonderland? Or just half-animals? And weird animal things? (Like Lotta? :x)

To Maya: I know that if you channel a half animal like Mia, you get her cat ears and such, but if you channel a human or card, do you loose your ears or....something else? o.0

To the Mad Hatter: Are you gay? If you've already answered this (I can't remember xD) Then are you sure? if not, could you consider a relationship with Ace? If not, um....you're no fun Dx


Edit- I was just being a little random with that last one. Popped into my head >>

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ARGH. College is great, it really is, but god DAMMIT why do they have to shove a bunch of work on us in the last 3 weeks? x_x I've at least made a start on Chapter 15, it's just work (and Project Kallisti!) have been keeping me really busy. I'm on Christmas Break, though, so I'll work on Chapter 15 for y'all/ XD 'Til then, here's a belated reply to the last questions.

: ...Q+A time again? It's been, what, a week? Ten days!? The author needs to stop being so lazy. And she needs to stop using me to channel her own thoughts.
(Ace) : No kidding. Looks like here in the crack-verse you'll be spending Christmas with us.
: *has decorated her ears with tinsel* DECK THE HALLS! There's letters for me! I wonder if they're from Santa!?
: ...Why would Santa send you a letter?
: Giving me the address to my warehouse full of presents, silly. *opens letter* To Maya and everyone else...are there any regular animals in wonderland? Ummm...Nick, what's a 'regular animal', exactly?
: ...Um...I plead the fifth. [Looks like we're having tofu turkey for Christmas... ]
: And another one for me! I guess Christmas starts early this year. *opens* Dear Maya...yeah. I guess if I channelled a Human, I'd guess look like them. I've never tried it, though *shrug* But being flat would be weird. I still can't work out how Nick #1 can eat stuff.
(Ace) : I also plead the fifth!
: 'Don't ask, don't tell' must be Wonderland's motto...
: This one's for Mr. Edgeworth! *waves it* I bet it's an address for his warehouse full of coal!
: *snatches it from her hand and opens it* ...Oh good GRIEF.
(Ace) : What is it? Did someone as what colour your underwear is or something? XD *tries to peek over his shoulder*
: NO! No, it's...it's a bill! For...repairs to my hat! You would be surprised how much wear and tear it gets... *shoves the letter in his pocket*
: *eyeing the letter sticking out* [Hmmm...I wonder if he's really telling the truth?]

TO BE CONTINUED?

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Ooh, I totally know what to do! Time to imitate Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone!
-starts sending masses of Owls bearing 'Are you Gay for Ace?' questions to hatter-

Last edited by Feolys on Mon Dec 31, 2007 8:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

You're really making a great fanfic!

Whoo i love this story, its amazing! xD
Am really looking forward to the next chapter.

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