Chapter Text
11:43 AM | 28th October
The active attorney, clad in red, was making his way back to the Wright Anything Agency, the half put-together office he sat in on a daily basis. The mechanical whirring of his bicycle-chain only added to the bustling chimes of the city. He pedalled at a brisk pace, eager to get back and share his thoughts on the information he had acquired. He had spent his morning discussing the details of a crime with a witness to his current case, although his boss was leading it.
Locking his bike to the fences outside the building, he grabbed his bag strap and walked up the concrete steps.
He opened the door to the office, while concurrently trying to get his notes out of his bag, and explain the situation to the man he assumed would be at the desk.
“Mr. Wright, I spoke to the–”
Frozen.
The room was dark. Why was it dark? But Apollo could just barely make out the shape at the desk. The figure was undoubtedly Phoenix Wright, but he wasn’t moving or making a sound.
Apollo dropped the papers and went for the light switch in less than a second.
“Oh my God, Mr. Wright?!”
A bullet had punctured the man’s chest, which hurdled straight through the locket he was wearing around his neck. Apollo’s eyes travelled to the puddle of blood that was steadily advancing towards him.
His hand clapped to his mouth from shock as he attempted to understand the senselessness before him. The smell of fresh blood tinged his nostrils. Sweat formed on his brow as he felt a nauseous feeling wash over him.
“Apollo? Is that you?” Athena called from midway down the stairs, concern resonating in her voice.
Catching his senses again, Apollo held a hand on the doorway to level himself. He needed to signal to Athena, something that would get her to come over.
The only sound that escaped him was a cry of despair. He didn’t dare look again at the awful truth before him, and kept his eyes squeezed shut. He only heard the footsteps of his coworker dashing up at impressive speed.
A scream escaped her lips before she held onto Apollo. However, quickly feeling more grounded than he did, she pulled out her cell phone. Likewise, she didn’t dare enter the room.
“Hello? I need an ambulance- it’s an emergency.”
While Athena’s voice drained out of his mind, Apollo dropped onto the staircase near her, unsure of what to do with himself. He tried to get the gross taste out of his mouth, but had no means to do so. He sat in silence.
Before he knew it, Athena was down beside him.
“Don’t worry, I-I called an ambulance.” -was all she could get out, but her voice clearly sounded devastated, despite the attempt to mask it. The tug at his sleeve was all that was required for all his strength to deplete.
They softly weeped in the cold staircase, barely understanding what the corpse in their office truly meant for them. Something like this happening to Phoenix Wright was so unexpected. He’d fallen off bridges and been electrocuted, but it didn’t mean he’d actually…? The man had made it through so many hardships and beaten so many odds, it didn’t seem real that someone could have beaten him like this. The man certainly had enemies, but surely none that were capable of this…?
Thoughts and memories formed in Apollo’s head before the sound of the ambulance whirring could be heard outside. The two got up, only to meet the paramedic workers halfway at the stairs, and took them to their office.
The medical specialists mainly asked questions of Athena, understanding that Apollo was in too much of a shock to fully respond. They were led downstairs to the ambulance, with a white, lumpy stretcher following not long after.
They sat silently together in the anything but silent ambulance, before Athena took Apollo’s shaking hand in hers, and squeezed it.
“I’m here, Apollo.” she said, assuring him she would be there no matter what, although she continued to play with her hair in anxious anticipation.
Apollo just felt useless. Unable to keep himself, or Athena together. It felt like his mind was leaving his body and he would just become hollow soon enough. He felt like he just wanted to stop, whatever that truly meant.
What does this mean now? Was all his mind produced. What does it mean for him, or Athena? What does this mean for Trucy? Or Edgeworth? The Wright Anything Agency had so many friends and loved ones. Phoenix Wright was essentially the man who had started it all, the one keeping them all together.
His weightless body being led off the vehicle and to the hospital waiting room, he slumped into the cushioned chair he was offered. He was glad someone sat beside him, someone who shared his grief right next to him. He felt the pain of his coworker next to him, he knew she was going through the same thing as him. And yet, what could they do? Mr. Wright would have been the one to keep them together.
A man who seemed to work at the hospital approached the two, and gently asked if there was anyone they needed to call.
Apollo’s mind moved a mile a minute, and responded almost immediately. “T-Trucy… Trucy Wright.” He heard himself say. “The number for her school is…”
“Alright, anyone else?”
“Edgeworth.” Athena sputtered out. She readjusted herself. “Sorry. Miles Edgeworth.”
“Thank you, we’ll keep you updated on Mr. Wright’s condition.”
They sat in silence for some time, the two lawyers keeping close to one another, but not daring to say a word.
“Apollo, please let me know if you need anything.”
“Athena. Thank you, but I’m barely understanding what’s going on right now. I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to think for myself.” He was staring a hole into the ground. Athena accepted his response and put her hand on his. He took it without a word and they continued their joint silence.
Soon after, however, came the footsteps of Miles Edgeworth and Trucy Wright from the entrance. The heavy, wide steps of the prosecutor contrasted with the quick, frequent taps of the young magician. They were already looking quite unnerved, but sped up when they spotted those that were familiar to them.
“Polly, Athena! Are you guys alright?!” Trucy spoke as she bounded towards them.
Prosecutor Edgeworth followed soon after her. “How is Wright doing?!”
Athena looked up at them, trying her best to be as genuine as possible. Eventually, she found the words. “I… Polly and I are fine. As for Mr. Wright….” her fist clenched. She didn’t like saying it aloud. She didn’t like admitting it was real. “It… didn’t look good to us. The paramedics didn’t give us much information either, so we’re holding out until they can tell us more.”
Trucy was gripping Apollo’s hands tightly, tears already filling her large eyes. She dropped her frail body next to Apollo, sobbing for the rest of the group, while they could only watch in pain. Edgeworth took a seat opposite the three, his hands in tight fists on his lap.
Soon, a woman slowly made her way to the group.
“Excuse me, are you the family of Mr. Wright?”
With a nod of silent assent from the group, she continued.
“Mr. Wright is dead.”
Silence.
Complete, utter silence. It was that of shock, of horror, of despair. It was so heavy on all of their shoulders, and their bodies were forced to fight against it, lest they completely shut down.
Heavy breathing escaped the young girl, and when she looked up, her face was red and her expression unlike anything any of them had seen before.
“D-Daddy…!”
Her limp body fell to the floor.
The woman took action in rehearsed movements. Is this something she has dealt with often? She placed the back of her fingers on Trucy’s forehead.
“She seems to have a fever.” She looked up at the adults to make certain of their answer. “Was she ill before coming here?”
“Y-yeah. She’s had a cold the last couple of days, but it wasn’t that bad, I guess.” Apollo was the only one who could answer. Recently, everyone had been keeping more to themselves, probably because of what Mr. Wright…
He shook his head and squeezed his eyelids again. He and Trucy would never be apart. They found out that they were half-siblings only a few months ago, and it had made them closer than they ever had been before. If anyone was aware of her condition, it was him.
“It’s probably alright then, just the shock of the news.” the nurse responded. “I’ll take her to a bed, and you are welcome to accompany me, since it’s not that serious.”
“A-Alright. Thank you.” Edgeworth took the reins, as the oldest member of their group. With a sudden sense of responsibility, he wanted to handle everything for the younger ones.
In the privacy of the hospital room, the family felt more at ease. More free to feel whatever they felt, to express it, and talk.
The room was dusty, but the air felt lighter. The sun was starting to set, and the last rays of sunlight peered into the room, bathing the resting girl in its warmth, and the colour of sunflower petals. She looked more peaceful than everyone else, although her face was still a little red and her eyes puffy. Rest was the top priority anyone needed after such an awful experience. Losing your second father must be unbearable. The man who had saved her after the loss of her biological father- an already awful event an individual could experience. Two of them in the room knew this well.
All of them saw Phoenix as a shining figure in their life. An irreplaceable family member that filled a spot in their hearts. To probably most of them, a mentor, or a father. To others, a dear partner.
The small girl’s eyes fluttered open. She looked about her, dazed and confused. With eyes like liquid helium, she focused on her siblings.
“Polly? Athena?” she intertwined her fingers and gingerly grimaced. “I just had an awful dream.”
“Oh, Trucy.” Athena sat down and held her, unable to bear the poor child’s response. “What… did you dream about?”
She gazed back at Athena. In a low voice she whispered, “That Daddy was…” she trailed off at the looks from her company.
“I knew it.” her knees moved to her chest. “It’s silly but… I got the idea that running away would no longer make it true.”
Athena only held her tighter. The sunlight was beginning to disappear, and the room’s harsh rays began to disappear. “It’s alright, Trucy. We’re all okay. We’ll be fine together.”
It was those words that finally had Edgeworth shedding tears of his own. He really didn’t seem like the type to cry, at least not to anyone that didn’t know him at a personal level. But it also wasn’t surprising considering the long history he had with Mr. Wright.
He wasn’t afraid now to embrace the family of his partner, and see them as his own. He sat on the bed alongside Trucy and Athena, and motioned for Apollo to join them.
The feeling in the young man’s stomach simply couldn’t tell him no. In eachother’s companionship, they knew they were all going through the same experience. The blissful understanding, they let their emotions swirl, rock to and fro. From the pain and anguish of having lost someone so dear. To the joy and content of knowing that not all hope was lost.
After what seemed like an eternity, Edgeworth broke the silence.
“You’re all welcome to stay with me for however long you need to.” It was growing dark, and none of them had thought about how they were going to continue on with their lives. It felt like living in this state… was all that was there was going to be. Life without Mr. Wright just felt unimaginable, absurd.
“Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth” Apollo gratefully accepted. But it’s not like there’s any other choice in life. Together, they stood up and left the hospital. On their way out, Edgeworth made sure to thank the staff for their kindness, and held onto the others tightly on their way to his car.
They all entered without a word- Edgeworth and Athena in the front, and Trucy and Apollo in the back- but feeling slightly better than they did while in the hospital waiting room. The sound of the car’s engine was soothing, but Edgeworth didn’t want to ignore the much younger children around him. He knew what he felt like after DL-6. He knew unbearably well. He abhorred the time he was all alone. But… it reminded him of who didn’t leave him alone.
He’d have to make a phone call later.
“Is there anything specific any of you need? I know I’m taking you to my house right now but I’m happy to grab clothes or anything for you?” He spoke, not taking his eyes off the road before him.
The young magician was clearly deep in thought.
“Oh my gosh, my teddy bear!” Trucy exclaimed. “The one from… Daddy.” she quickly added. “I haven’t been able to sleep without it lately, so I…”
“Don’t worry about it. I’d be happy to retrieve it for you.” Edgeworth kindly obliged.
“T-thanks, Mr. Edgeworth.” Trucy shyly responded.
“As for us… I think we’re probably fine getting our stuff.” Athena noted. “But… Edgeworth… are you really sure you’ll be alright entering Phoenix’s apartment? I don’t know how I’d-”
“Miss. Cykes, I greatly appreciate your concern,” Edgeworth interrupted. He knew where she was going but he was already rooted in his decision. “But I am doing well enough to be able to take care of you. I don’t want to leave you to fend for yourselves.” Anything from keeping them alone.
Despite Athena’s impeccable hearing, she conceded, and allowed Edgeworth to do what he thought was necessary.
The car finally pulled up into the driveway of Edgeworth’s residence. It was a grand, two-storey house, in a quiet neighbourhood of similar looking houses. The sun had fully set at this point, although it was only 17:30.
The siblings filed through the door, keeping close to one another. “Please, take a seat wherever you’d like. I can brew some tea for you.” The man kindly offered.
“Thanks again, Mr. Edgeworth.” Athena repeated.
“You’re very welcome. I’d much rather have company with me tonight, rather than stay on my own.” Edgeworth admitted. Having lost the one he was closest to, he didn’t mind being a bit more open to those that man knew.
“Now, will you be alright here on your own for a few minutes? I’ll be off to collect Trucy’s things.”
“Er- what I mean is.” Apollo jutted in. “If you’re getting Trucy’s things, and Athena and I are getting ours…” Apollo trailed off. “Trucy, you can come with me.”
“Okay, Polly.” She responded with a grateful smile.
Apollo, Trucy and Athena had no idea how close Edgeworth lived to all of them. They knew they all lived close enough to eachother, but that Edgeworth was in walking-distance as well was surprising. It turned out that they all could walk to their places and meet up again outside.
Trucy, Apollo and Athena all walked together, while Edgeworth headed in a different direction.
“I’m not sure whether he’ll be alright.” Athena commented once they were out of earshot. “His voice sounded really uneasy to me in the car.”
“Then, shall we grab our stuff and get back to him when we’re done?” Trucy suggested. “We can be quick so he doesn’t get.. stuck.”
Athena agreed, and they walked a little faster.
Trucy had been to Polly’s place a couple of times, mostly just to hang out or play video games- sibling stuff. But now it felt like they were being forced to be here. It felt unnatural. Of course, it always felt natural with her brother. But everything just felt different. Like there was just a big swooping change in her life, that she wouldn’t see her father, or that she’d be staying with Edgeworth or someone else, and that it would all go back to normal soon.
Apollo opened the door and let them both inside. “Let’s not take too long, ok?” Apollo recommended. “You can grab some stuff too if you want.” he added.
Peering around, Trucy eyed things she’d want to take with her, despite already being taken care of. Suddenly, she pointed to something on the couch. Apollo yelped in surprise. “My hoodie!” The sleeve was just poking out from a towel that was folded over the side of the pillow. “I was looking everywhere for it. Why didn’t you tell me it was here?!” she puffed.
Eyebrows still raised, Apollo responded. “I dunno. I guess I didn’t notice it.”
As she huffed out the room with the hoodie around her shoulders, Apollo felt glad he was able to forget earlier for just a second. Although, maybe he shouldn’t get too used to that. He wondered if Trucy would notice.
They left the apartment and greeted Athena back on the street. Since they couldn’t see Edgeworth at the meet-up point, they made their way to Mr. Wright’s apartment. The sky was completely dark now, a pure colour washing over it.
Trucy stopped at the door. “I’ll wait here for you guys, ‘kay?” she spoke a little anxiously.
“No, Trucy, I’ll stay with you.” Apollo insisted. She gave a small nod of thanks.
Athena was already on her way up. “Mr. Edgeworth?” concern was already audible in her voice.
Grunting arose from upstairs. Her legs sped up.
“Mr. Edgeworth!”
There he was, in Phoenix Wright’s apartment, packing a bag with his eyes shut.
Athena sighed. “Mr. Edgeworth, it’s alright. I wasn’t as close to Mr. Wright as any of you, so I’m happy to do this-”
“No, I’m fine here. I could do with some assistance, though.”
“Okay.” she relented.
They came back downstairs together, and joined with the siblings back to their… escapism.
Mr. Edgeworth’s couch was quite large seeing as it was usually only occupied by one person, but they weren’t about to complain. Athena, Apollo and Trucy were glad to be able to all sleep together, while Edgeworth was just upstairs in earshot.
“Good night, you three. Sleep well.” With an earnest smile, he ascended the stairs.
“Hold on, I’m 25.” Apollo said bleakly, deciding to take the farewell in slight offence.
“Apollo, just be glad you get to hear that right now.” Athena giggled. “Edgeworth’s really making an effort for us. I’m really grateful to him, but… I can tell it’s putting a strain on him, so let’s look out for him, as well!”
The three of them felt so comfortable with each other. The pain of that day still ached in their hearts, but they were glad to still have one another.