Chapter Text
Martin: I was looking for a job, when a position in the post office opened up overnight! Apparently, one of their employees quit and it's not even hard to manage. Sure, people are quite rude, but I mostly sort out mail in the storing room anyway... It's like I'm my own boss: king of the packages! Hey, that does not sound bad at all!
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Eric: I wasn't expecting a visit from you, Mr. Wright. I've heard that the trial actually went like you said.
He bowed, smiling.
Eric: My sincerest congratulations. I don't know in which wing of the prison Byron was dragged into, but I sure hope it's as far as possible from mine. Sounds like my worries were all for nothing... Soon, I will leave this place, and start living again. I have no regrets... Or, very little regrets, anyway.
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Gumshoe: Another raise! Can you believe it, pal? An actual raise! I have not seen a number this large on my paycheck in... ages! Mr. Edgeworth wasn't just saying things, he actually managed to convince my superiors! I heard he told them about me catching Tudor and Sales and that I needed money for my wounds, but we all know he did it to ensure I'd get this! I'm so happy, I could literally cry right now...
In fact, his eyes did look a bit damp.
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Maya: Looks like I don't need the extra training after all! What cases should we take on next, Nick? I'm all pumped after the trial last week! Oh, and we should go say hi to Mr. Armando more often. He must feel lonely in his cell... What do you say? Are you as pumped as I am?!
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Naomi: I went back to my parents' house, which sucks... I'm going to have to move all of these boxes on my own now. Eric really couldn't have waited to get arrested, huh?
She crossed her arms, clearly upset.
Naomi: It's ok, I don't need him! My draft for the new musical I'm writing will get me a deal to get out of my job. Listen to the prompt: "A world renowned pizzeria starts using singing robot animals to attract more public"! What do you think? You'd go see that, wouldn't you?
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Jake: Billy is in perfect conditions. Here, you said you wanted a friend for your plant, huh?
He took a small cactus out of his poncho and handed it over.
Jake: Its name is Camille. I'm sure they can drink together at the bar, like you and me should too. Well, Phoenix, it felt great being involved in another case with you after so long. To many more like this one.
After taking his bottle out, he drank from it, smiling afterwards.
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Larry: Yeah, I quit my day job. Angie said I should focus on something more artistic. Plus, I'm pretty sure my boss figured out that I gave the mail to that one officer and it's... Illegal, apparently. Anyway, I can now focus full-time on my artistic career! Be ready, Nick, look!
Grabbing his sketchbook, he flipped through it until he showed a page covered in coloured pencil sketches showing Prosecutor Azalea in various poses.
Larry: Isn't she just beautiful? Maybe I can make another book for her. How's this for a title: "Vonny's Variety of Violets"! I think it could be a best-seller, don't you?
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Kay: I'm still pretty torn on what to do... P.I. sounds tempting, but then I would have to go through Gummy judging me for it. I thought police training would be too much trouble, but if that pink-haired creep passed the tests, it can't be that hard. Regardless, I will continue to be a hero in my own merits and helping Mr. Edgeworth and Gummy whenever they need me! I owe them my life. Oh, and I'm in debt with you too, Mr. Wright! Plus, I'll keep contact with Maya: she sounds fun to be around!
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Azalea: It's very thoughtful of you to come pay me a visit, Wright, but you need not to worry. I was operating under duress, I confessed on the records and helped get Valentine convicted. It's all thanks to you and Mr. Armando, though... I would've never been strong enough to do all of this alone.
She smiled, patiently and relaxed.
Azalea: But it's ok, because I don't have to do things alone anymore. Oh: what's that? Am I defending myself? No, I could never. But you can relax: Edgeworth came to visit me earlier this week and gave me a business card, telling me to call the number on it. It's a certain... Raymond Shields from... Edgeworth's Law Offices. No clue who that is, but I trust Prosecutor Edgeworth: if it's someone that represents his name, he's sure to be amazing!
-
Date: 10/08 Time: 8:02 pm
Restaurant
The bell on the door clinged melodiously, greeting who was going in. Kay led the group, with an eager smile.
Kay: Is this the place? It's... Weirdly quiet.
She sized her surroundings: it looked like a spacious place, with red silk covering the table chairs. There was a big counter in the middle of the room, maybe for drinks, and leathery seats surrounding it. Despite the refined design, it really did look like a common pub, which hyped up Gumshoe, the second person to walk in.
Gumshoe: Oh yeah, this is my kind of restaurant!
Miles: Detective, the volume. It's bothersome...
Said the prosecutor, following them inside, his face scrunching up a bit.
Kay: Aw, come on, Mr. Edgeworth: there's no one here.
Miles: I know. I was talking about me.
He reiterated, putting his car keys on the nearest table. The thief was already hunching over the counter, calling out
Kay: Anyone here? Cocktail maker?
Miles: Kay!
Kay: Analcolic ones, obviously...
She added, chuckling. The detective made a full turn around the island counter.
Gumshoe: This place is deserted, sir. Are you sure it's the right address?
Miles: Certain. I talked to Wright before choosing a restaurant and then to Mr. Shields because he's the one who likes to come to places like these...
Kay: Where is he, by the way?
Miles: He told me he wouldn't be taking a cab or the bus. Apparently... Larry's driving them here.
His tone perfectly reflected the exasperation and also subtle apprehension at that thought and Kay giggled a bit.
Kay: Well then, we might as well start ordering. Is there a waiter around here?
Miles: It's common courtesy to wait for others, Kay. You'd do good to remember that...
Kay: Uff... But I'm hungry now! That trial left my stomach twisting...
Gumshoe: Yeah, I wouldn't mind an entre either.
Miles: Entrée.
Gumshoe: Whatever... The French... Thing...
He sat down on one of the leathered seats close to Kay, who was still hunched over the counter. Miles, instead, sat on the silk chair and looked outside the window on his right, trying to spot any car that looked beat up and about to fall apart.
Kay: You weren't kidding when you were saying how good Mr. Wright is, huh, Mr. Edgeworth? I thought you were exhaggerating...
Gumshoe: Oh no, pal! Mr. Edgeworth and Wright are rivals, but also friends!
Kay: Is that so? How long have they known each other?
Gumshoe: I'm given to understand since third grade or something like that, pal!
Miles: Fourth grade.
The two turned to look at him and saw his cheeks glow red for a fraction of a second, before he covered his face.
Kay: I get it. So you're... Best friends?
Gumshoe: What?! No way! I'm Mr. Edgeworth's best friend, aren't I, sir?
Miles: We're partners at work, Detective Gumshoe, keep this professional.
A slight pause of silence, then the detective whispered at the girl's ear
Gumshoe: He brought me out to eat spaghetti and paid for it in February.
Edgeworth sprung up, grabbing his phone and walking towards the door with a faster pace than normal.
Miles: I'm gonna call him!
Kay definitely saw him getting flustered there, but he didn't have time to type the number...
Larry: Here we are! Sorry we took a bit too long... My girlfriend called and I had to answer!
Miles: While driving?!
Larry: Ye-ah! I'm not gonna leave her hanging like that...
Phoenix: He spent two minutes looking for the phone and fifteen to take the right turn after that...
Larry: Hey, no one got hurt: I call that a certified success!
He said, spinning his car keys on his index finger with a snarky smirk.
Miles: I was about to call the military.
Phoenix: Melodramatic as always, aren't we?
Maya waved to Kay and Gumshoe and Diego walked from behind her, looking around the place.
Godot: I've never seen this place before... I like it. Very serene...
Kay: Oh, it's mask guy!
Godot: Diego Armando, actually.
Kay: They let you come with?
Gumshoe scratched the back of his head, a bit embarassed.
Gumshoe: Well... It's not like the department... Knows...
Maya: It's fine! I'll vouch for him.
She announced, with a big voice and putting a hand on his head, having to stand tiptoeing.
Maya: You are free until tomorrow! The Master commands it!
He made it easier for her by bending his knees a bit, as the medium fake-kighted him with her arm.
Godot: I accept your command, Master.
Phoenix snickered: he liked seeing those two talk so lightheartedly, considering everything they had been through that year, even because of him.
Larry: Where are all the babes, Edgey?! This place is boring!
Godot: Moment over.
Commented Godot with a very irritated tone. Judging by his heavy breathing, he had probably scouted the entire restaurant to look for other customers.
Miles: It's only natural, Larry. The place is ours for the whole night.
Maya: Dibs on the bar!
Phoenix: Maya!
Maya: Oh come on, Nick! Just for tonight...
Phoenix: No! You are not old enough yet!
Maya: I will be in about a yeaaaaar...
Phoenix: We'll come back here then!
Kay and Gumshoe looked at each other and giggled.
Maya: What's funny?
Kay: Nothing! Reminded me of something...
Godot: The whole place for us?
Miles delicately pulled a flyer out of his jacket and showed it to the masked prosecutor.
Miles: They offer a self-service bar and kitchen. I've reserved for us for the whole night and that means we won't be bothered by anyone that isn't in this group...
He spat those last few words out staring at Larry, who was already reaching for behind the counter.
Larry: So the party starts now?
Miles: If you break something, you're paying for it!
Phoenix: How come you decided to just let it be us tonight?
Miles: My head hurts, I've still got band-aids on my face...
He pointed at them with his left hand.
Miles: And I'm here with Larry. I'd sooner avoid getting spotted by anyone, if I'm honest...
Maya: That is very much understandable. Kay: let's choose some non-alcoholic options together!
Kay: Oh, yeah, come here. I'm sure there's plenty we can use...
As soon as the medium left, discreetly, Edgeworth walked closer to his two friends, who understood he was about to tell them something secret and listened carefully.
Miles: Plus, bringing a convict along in a bar full of people seems counterproductive, don't you think? Both for us, Wright, and for you, Armando.
Phoenix: Good call.
Godot: Thanks, Edgeworth.
The prosecutor immediately evaded him with his gaze.
Miles: Come now, I'm starved. Sales may not be the worst cook around, but she is not a top chef.
Phoenix: I'll cook! What's in the fridge, let's see...
Godot sat down next to the detective, who was still kind of fidgety.
Godot: Everything ok, Trenchcoat?
Gumshoe: It's just that... The thing is...
Godot: Just tell me: whatever it is, I can take it.
Gumshoe: When I said that no one knows at the Police Department... It was a lie.
Godot: Figures.
Gumshoe: But I begged them until they agreed to let you come with! There's only one... Condition...
Diego sighed.
Godot: Whatever it is, I accept.
He felt something on his right wrist and instictively pulled his hand up, discovering a cold, metal ring attached to it. Looking better, he noticed that Gumshoe had one on his left hand, linking them together.
Gumshoe: I really am sorry, I tried to tell them that it wasn't necessary, but...
Godot: I guess it was either this or the cold room. It's only fair.
Gumshoe: I feel bad...
Godot: Don't. It's your job. It just means you'll be forced to follow my every move. Literally.
The amused smirk the prosecutor was giving him reassured him bit, making him smile too. The evening proceeded smoothly; Larry offered to prepare some cocktails for whoever could drink, whilst Kay and Maya pulled every soda, juice and analcolic liquid they could find in the fridge. Phoenix cooked some standard burgers, a bit of fish, some rice and vegetables, and even managed to find some ice cream in the freezer.
Miles: You really are a good cook, Wright. Definitely a better cook than Sales...
Larry: Sales? Who's that?
Kay: The bad girl that tried to shoot Gummy!
Larry: Ooh! A girl, you say?
Godot: She's in prison. Keep it in you pants, Butz.
Larry: HEY! It's not like that at all! I was just curious, that's all!
Godot: And I believe that.
He said, before eating a bit of rice from his plate. Maya bit into her hamburger, wearing a happy smile, and Gumshoe drank a bit of beer from his glass.
Phoenix: Save room for the ice cream, everyone. We got mint-chocolate chip, blueberries, a bit of cream, chocolate...
Miles: No vanilla?
Godot: You would be the one to pick vanilla, Edgeworth.
Miles: Hilarious joke, Armando, I bet you like something fancy like... Pistachio.
Maya: Wouldn't coffee make more sense?
Godot: Hazelnut, actually.
Maya: Hey, that's...
She paused to swallow a piece of bread.
Maya: Mia's favourite flavour too!
Godot: Sure is.
Kay: Who is Mia?
Phoenix: My mentor.
Maya: My big sister.
Godot: The love of my life.
Miles: Late. Of all these things.
Kay: Oh. Sorry.
Gumshoe: It's ok, Kay! We haven't really even had the chance to miss her, with how much she popped up in our cases!
He felt a bump on his back.
Gumshoe: Ouch! What?
Miles: Think before you open your mouth, detective!
It did seem like Diego, Maya and Phoenix got a bit bluer after that sentence. Larry clapped his hands and opened the freezer.
Larry: I'll just help myself, then.
Kay: She must've been... A wonderful person.
Phoenix just nodded, with a sorrowful smile painted on his face. The night went back to normal, with ice cream being shared all around while the adults finished the bottle that were already out, switching seats quite often. Now Gumshoe, with Godot tied to him, Kay and Maya were playing poker on the first free table, while Miles was sipping down on his glass of wine sat over the counter, watching Larry empty out the ice cream box. Phoenix sat next to him, with the last of the beer.
Phoenix: I'm sorry I dragged you into another mess, Edgeworth.
Miles: Stop apologising, Wright. Everything ended up working out, so...
Phoenix: But still... You got hurt helping me.
After a clear moment of hesitation, he put his hand on the band-aids on his face, gently. It seemed as if Miles wanted to retract, but he held still, turning to face his lawyer directly.
Miles: I still... Enjoyed working with you.
Phoenix: So did I.
The prosecutor held Phoenix's hand, intertwining with his fingers, looking right into his eyes.
Miles: Wright... I...
Larry dove behind the two of them and put his arms around them, forcing them to part with one another.
Larry: The trio is back in action, everyone!
Godot: You sure know every worst time to intervene, don't you?
He put down a two pair while shaking his head disapprovingly, whilst Kay giggled and Maya sighed.
Gumshoe: Why? What's happening?
Kay: Two pairs? Man...
She put down her cards, who had a single high card, before Maya showed her pair and Gumshoe showed his completely null hand.
Gumshoe: Man, Mr. Godot, you keep winning...
Maya: I'm happy.
Kay: I'm not. I want to check your sleeves, Mr. Armando!
Maya: I meant... I'm happy this all got resolved. There were moments in the court where I was actually scared we had lost everything... And when he pulled out that gun, well...
Her face went somber, as silence fell all around the room. The thief stopped trying to grab the prosecutor's shirt, who in turn looked worringly at the medium, and he wasn't the only one... Even Phoenix and Miles were now facing towards the table, apprehensively exchanging a gaze.
Gumshoe: It's ok, Maya.
The detective put a hand on her shoulder, forcing Diego to extend his right arm, under the confused eyes of Faraday.
Gumshoe: Together we defeated him! Our team is unstoppable! We have the Invincible Trio and the Lawyer Trio here!
Larry: Hey, what about me? I helped too!
Wright kicked on his back, making him yelp and Edgeworth snicker.
Gumshoe: Plus, we're boo-boo buddies, remember?
And he winked. Maya got her smile back.
Maya: You're right! We were amazing back there!
Kay and Godot smiled, relaxing.
Larry: I still don't really get how we won, I mean... The hat wasn't his all this time?
Phoenix: Great, you did listen to something, at least.
The thief flung herself back on the chair and asked
Kay: But I really do wonder... What was so important that the bad cop just had to wear that hat constantly?
Miles seemed to ponder on it.
Maya: Do you know, Detective Gumshoe?
Gumshoe: Oh! Yeah! I'm pretty sure the forensics team left it to me, hang on...
After shuffling around in his pockets for a good twenty seconds, he proudly presented a letter to the rest of the group.
Gumshoe: TAKE THAT! Yeah, I get to say it.
Larry grabbed it and turned it around.
Larry: Was it from a lady? I didn't know Mr. Shuffle had admirers.
Phoenix: Pass it here. Also, do you ever think about anything else?
Larry: Food. I guess.
The attorney refused to reply and just opened the envelope, which had already been ripped, and contained two sheets of paper.
Phoenix: Mh. This one... It's a series of numbers and locations. I can't make out what they're supposed to be...
With little to no hesitation, he passed it along to his friend, who started skimming through it. In the meantime, he read the contents of the letter
Phoenix: It says: "Dear Mr. Truffle, I thank you again for your gift. I really needed that, it's been one heck of a week. I'm exhausted..."
Kay: It seems this prosecutor guy was a kind heart...
Godot: Even Ms. Azalea was helped by his kind soul.
Maya: Huh? How so?
Godot smiled.
Godot: Tell you later.
Phoenix: "I'm finally in! I managed to convince a certain Tudor to pass me some data on their next heists. He's always running around with Sales, so arresting them both together seems like the best course of action!"
Maya: Tudor? Hang on...
Kay: Those two! What does this mean, exactly?
Phoenix raised his shoulders before reprising to read
Phoenix: "I still don't have a clear idea of who their boss is, but we're getting there. It's proven to be a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Truffle! See you very soon, Paige Andekover."
He flipped the page, but nothing was on the back.
Phoenix: Someone who was working with Mr. Truffle?
Godot: I thought he was a private prosecutor who often flied solo.
Miles was too busy trying to decodify his own paper to pay attention to their blabbing, but it seemed like the detective had sparked up for a second there.
Gumshoe: Wait... Say that again. That name...
Phoenix: Paige Andekover?
Gumshoe: NO WAY!
He got up so suddenly that Diego fell from his chair, yelling
Godot: What the hell, Trenchcoat?!
Maya and Kay laughed, amused, while the prosecutor managed to get back on his feet, his mask fuming a bit while Gumshoe apologised.
Phoenix: Does that name sound familiar to you?
Gumshoe: You bet it does, pal! Agent Andekover is one of the best undercover agents our police force has ever seen!
Kay: An undercover agent? That sounds fun!
Gusmhoe: They're only ever called for important missions back at the precinct! I heard they work with prosecutors sometimes, so... I guess Mr. Truffle must've hired them for his investigations!
Miles put down the sheet of paper and everyone instictively turned to him.
Miles: The numbers are probably connected to Tudor and Sales' revenue in their latest robberies. The locations most likely refer to future targets... As seen here, they differ from the ones mentioned next to the money.
Larry: Nice going, Edgey! How did you figure that one out?
Miles: It's simple logic, really... You were talking about Agent Andekover, weren't you? Yes, I have heard of them.
Phoenix: Is it possible that they were like... I don't know, partners? In the way you and Detective Gumshoe are?
Edgeworth glanced at the detective and then answered
Miles: Unlikely. They are an agent, not a detective.
Kay, getting up, bumped Gumshoe's shoulder and whispered in his ear
Kay: He didn't deny it...
Maya: If I got this correctly... This agent was infiltrating their group of conmen? That is so cool!
She said, her eyes sparkling.
Phoenix: This must be why Truffle wanted to hide this at all costs and Valentine just couldn't risk losing the hat.
Miles: Defense, your reasoning.
He said, crossing his legs with a teasing look in his eyes.
Phoenix: Think about it, prosecution. Both sides of the prosecution.
Godot nodded, to let him know he was listening.
Phoenix: One of the people working for him was an impostor. Mr. Truffle had Agent Andekover join his ranks in hopes of obtaining concrete information on members that weren't on the list you and I wrote together.
Maya: And Valentine knew?
Phoenix: One can only assume he'd have some suspicions... Especially considering he recently got more recruits.
Godot: Who to trust? Whose cup to drink? With the list out there, that officer must've been constantly suspecting his own team.
Miles: Logically, the prosecutor who was working to get them all convicted would necessarily have a source for someone like Eric Bale.
Maya: Hey, that's right, his name wasn't on the original list!
Kay: Who's Baile?
Gumshoe: Not important.
She shrugged her shoulders, willing to trust his word on this.
Phoenix: That would make sense, wouldn't you agree?
Miles: Still, risky, but it would.
The medium softly reached for Diego, who turned to look at her.
Maya: I guess we should inform them too... About Mr. Truffle's death.
Godot: I'm off to prison first thing tomorrow. Looks like you're gonna have to take care of this for me.
Maya: Right... I almost... Forgot.
It was clear she was upset after that interaction, so without thinking, he reached for her head to rest his right hand on her hair, pulling the detective a little. He was intially stunned and wanted to question it, but he saw the two sharing a moment and decided it'd be best to wait.
Godot: Hey. This isn't goodbye, you know that, right?
Maya: It's just that...
Godot: You can always come visit me. You and Wright, Edgeworth and Gumshoe... And even Kay, if she wishes to. All but Larry.
She chuckled, holding back some tears.
Godot: Once I'll be out... You will be the first to know.
Maya: I will wait.
Godot: Good.
Miles: It's getting awfully late. Maybe we should all go back home.
Phoenix: Agreed. Today has been so stressful, I just want to collapse on my bed...
But while going outside, he did turn around to say one more thing
Phoenix: On one condition: Larry, me and Maya are taking the bus and Gumshoe has to drive you.
Larry: Hey! Why?!
Phoenix: I've seen you gulp down that entire beer can. You're not driving, end of story.
Larry: Aw, man, Nick... Don't treat me like I'm a child.
Kay: Yeah, treat him like he's a baby.
Miles, who was putting his coat back on, let out a small snicker.
Larry: You're all being mean to me...
Godot: Be grateful you're even here.
And the night ended in laughters, small frivolities and with the bittersweet awareness that it would be their last night being this light-hearted and free.
Profile and art (the last one, wow, as promised I will probably continue art on this fic after I take on some other projects I wanted to work on as a break lol, keep following my Insta for it, ig):
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxfpvVssJ0C/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxa2fs7sNps/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxdbRQ3Mx4P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxXoj9nKrbB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxaNdc2KJzQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxcyE0bqm4r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CxfW-aEKfkB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Pst! Hey! Before you leave, there's something else I want to give you...
https://tiermaker.com/create/turnabout-faade-characters-15714502
It's a custom made tier list! It has all of the characters in this story. As a last request, not even a request, an idea, I invite you to fill it out and send it to me, either on Insta or Discord.
Now that we've met all the characters, I'd love to know what you thought of them.