Chapter Text
September 18th, 2:34pm
Wright and Co. Law Offices
“Niiiiick! I’m so boooored!” Maya Fey drawled dramatically as she draped her entire body along the office couch. Phoenix sighed quietly where he sat at his desk, perusing the recent mail that had just been sent in. “I don’t see why I have to do anything about that” he replied, not even looking up from the stack of bills and company advertisement fliers that had been piling up at the office.
Maya groaned from her spot on the couch.
“C’mon Nick!” She rolled her body off the couch and onto the floor with a small ‘oof’ before popping right back up to mope all the way to Phoenix’s desk. “Is there anything to do?” She knelt down in front the desk resting her head on the desk.
“Well you can always clean up the office like you always say you will” Phoenix stated taking a leisurely sip of his coffee. Maya huffed.
“That’s not what I mean. I meant like a case” she grumbled, “we haven’t had one in like, forever” Phoenix spared her a glance before his eyes reached the bill in his hand and blanched.
“Look no one wants a case more than me” he mumbled, a bead of sweat rolling down his face as he slammed the bill into his desk. It’s true though, no cases had surfaced lately, at least, none that Phoenix could get his hands on.
‘I guess we should be grateful’ he thought tiredly, ‘no cases does imply that no ones being murdered, at the very least.’ He sighed again, sliding down his chair in exhaustion. Even so they had made quite a name for themselves in the past 3 years, you think they’d get something. Suddenly bursting with energy Maya stood up, fists clenched and face radiating determination.
“Don’t fret, Nick!” She exclaimed “I’m sure we’ll get a case soon! Our next client could come knocking at any minute!” She smiled triumphantly. In that moment there was, in fact, a knock on the office door which simultaneously startled Phoenix and delighted Maya. She turned and gave him “what did I tell you” look before practically running to the door.
“Coming!” She practically threw the door open revealing a well dressed man who looked no older than forty or so, looking a confusing mix of confident and nervous.
‘Not that I can blame him, I’m sure having someone you know being tried for murder can do that to you.’
“Welcome to Wright and Co. law office how can we help you?” Maya asked, hundred-watt smile in place as she ushered the gentleman to the sitting area, Phoenix grabbed his notebook and followed suit.
“Phoenix Wright, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He reached his hand out, expecting the other to shake it but instead he just stared at it like it was some sort of weapon, then he cleared his throat.
“Uh, yes. My name is Richard Wealth.” He took Phoenix’s hand then immediately drew back and wiped it on his blazer. Phoenix’s polite smile turned strained.‘Ah, great. What a fun case this’ll be.’ He tried not to roll his eyes as he uncapped his pen and hovered it over his notepad.
“So, you’re here for a case, right? Please give us the details.” Maya nodded along next to him, hands folded politely “Yes, please! And spare no details, we’ll get you a ‘Not Guilty’ verdict in no time!” She added, a spark of determination in her eye. However, instead of details, Wealth let out a harsh and, in Phoenix’s opinion, over dramatic “Hah!”
“No, no, no,” he waved his hand in a posh manner, “you misunderstand. I am not here for a lawyer, and even if I did I wouldn’t come here.” He let out another laugh as though laughing at his own joke. Phoenix, let his smile, and his hope for rent money this month, drop at the mans exclamation. Maya let out a huff of her own, “Um, then what are you here for…?” She asked, smile wavering. Wealth’s body language shifted, armed folding against his chest and amused glint fading from his eyes.
“Well, you see.” He looked around, as though some secret person was lurking around the agency, “I have been having trouble in my home as of late. I fear that it may be…” he paused for a moment, trying to think of how to put his words before finally gasping out,“…a poltergeist”
“…”
“…”
Phoenix talked first, “I-I’m sorry? But…huh?” Wealth waved his hands again, this time more frantic. “No please, I know it sounds ridiculous, but it’s true” his face paled and beads of sweat started appearing on his forehead, “vases and dinner plates floating….doors opening and closing at will…there is no other explanation…”. Maya looked startled by the man’s description.
“G-ghosts! Sounds scary…” she visibly shivered. Phoenix gave her a blank look ‘and what are you scared about, Ms. Spirit Medium…?’ Phoenix looked back over to the man, “so, why come to us?” And just like that the man sat up straight and crossed his legs, back to his old, confident self.
“Well you see, I already hired someone to take care of the ghost for me, he reached into his blazer and pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Phoenix, “that is a flier I received recently. I looked them up and they seem like they can help me out.”
The lawyer unfolded the piece of paper to reveal a gaudy looking flier for some type of psychic. “Spirits and Such Consultant office?” Phoenix read aloud, he raised a skeptical eyebrow. ‘Real exorcisms and channelings for an affordable price…C’mon’ he rolled his eyes. Wealth just nodded his head along. Phoenix folded it back up and offered it back to Wealth, but pushed his hand away, “no please, keep it! I insist.”
‘Yeah sure, saddle me with your trash’ Phoenix thought, but still placed the folded paper in his pocket.
“yes, yes. Now, as I said I already hired them to take care of this matter, however you can’t blame me for being a little skeptic.” He grinned before pointing his finger at Maya, “see this is where you come in!” Maya blinked and then point at herself.
“M-Me? What about me?” His grinned only widened.
“You are the Master of the Kurain Channeling technique, no? Head of the Fey Family?” Maya nodded slowly, eyes as large as saucers. “That must mean you would know a fake if you saw it!” He leaned forward in his chair just a bit, “if you wouldn’t mind Ms. Fey, I would deeply appreciate it if you would supervise this affair. The last thing I want to do is waste my time with some hacks just trying to make a quick buck.” Maya glanced at Nick then back to the gentleman.
“W-well…I mean it’s not like I can really be much he-“ Wealth interrupted her, lacing his finger together and turning back into that pale mess he was before. “Oh please, Ms. Fey!” He begged, “My home has turned into a nightmare! I need your help!”Phoenix and Maya both flinched at the mans pleas before looking at each other. Maya leaned towards here partner.
“What do you think, Nick?” She whispered. Phoenix glanced at the man, who was now holding his face in his hands. “Honestly Maya, I think this is ridiculous. I mean…” he leaned in a little more, “Can you even sense spirits like he assumes you can…?” Maya looked up thoughtfully.
“Well…not really but,” she glanced over to the poor man, a sympathetic frown placed on her face, “If it makes him feel safer, I don’t see why we cant be there.” Phoenix sighed but sat up to look at her straight on.
“Well, it is your call. He came asking for you, after all.” Maya smiled widely and turned to the weeping man and offered her hand. “You got a deal, Mr. Wealth! I will happily offer my assistan-Aah!” Maya was interrupted by Wealth bolting out of his seat and rapidly shaking Maya’s hand.
“Oh thank you ! Thank you so much, Ms. Fey!” He let go of her hand and Phoenix placed his on her shoulder to keep her steady. “I feel much better about my decision now! Here,” he reached into his pocket and handed her a business card, ‘my address is on there, the exorcism will take place tomorrow at 6pm!” He readjusted his blazer and made his way to the door.
“Don’t be late! Ta-ta, Ms. Fey! Mr. Wright!” And then rushed out the door. Leaving a tired looking Phoenix and Maya.
“Well,” Maya started, “he seemed happy…” Phoenix sighed before heading towards the coffee machine. “I just hope we don’t end up wasting our time” he said refilling his mug and restarting the machine. Maya blanched.
“‘Our?’ You mean you’re gonna come with me!?” Phoenix looked confused by her surprise and then shrugged. “I mean yeah, I don’t want you stuck in some creepy old house with some random psychic.” He placed his coffee down on his desk and sat in his chair, “besides, its not like I have anything else to do anyway.” Maya gave him a smug look.
“Aw Nick! You’re such a softy!” Phoenix gave her an unimpressed look.
“Don’t make me change my mind.” Maya laughed.