Chapter Text
Being a Defense Attorney in a place like Japanifornia could get troubling, almost stressful one could say. One of the city's most infamous defense attorneys was of course Phoenix Wright. Case after case, he'd gain more traction. That's just how things were, even if it had been a troublesome career to truly flourish in. Some cases would always stick with him really. Call him sentimental but some of his clients really were memorable. He sipped from his mug of coffee, looking over when Trucy came over. It was nice that she was still around in the office a lot of the time, certainly brightened up his day. He remembered very well the fateful day that brought her to him and he was glad he changed her life for the better if he was honest. He gave her a little pat to the head before smiling and looking over to Athena who appeared to be hard at work, sorting out some files with a focused look on her face. It seemed that nothing could really break the tranquility the office was having at the moment.
Phoenix couldn't help but stretch after a bit. Damn, if there's one thing that's changed over the years it's his damn joints. They shouldn't be getting so stiff..or is he just getting too old? God he didn't have a clue. Long days were certainly the ones where he felt this more. Maya was still in Khura'in so that's probably a good reason it was so quiet in the office. No offense to her of course but she could be quite rowdy. She was due back soon at least. Was it the weekend? He'd have to check his calendar. He definitely made a note of it. His attention was caught when he heard the door be knocked. A guest? Now that wasn't what he expected. Athena rose to her feet, intending to get it, only to be met by someone she didn't recognise. The lady at the door largely wore red, and was rather beautiful, her brown hair well kept as it flowed past her shoulders, a pair of what appeared to be motorcycle goggles on her head too. She looked to be in her early thirties, a ring on one of her hands. This lady was married? What did a married woman need with the Agency? Upon being let in, the mystery woman grinned, waving over to Phoenix. "Nicky Boy! Been years hasn't it?"
Of course, his interest was obviously caught by that rather unique nickname. Only one person's ever called him that so when he looked up, he did indeed gasp. Desirée? He hasn't seen her since that case..about 8 years ago. Why would she be here? Had her husband done something again? Phoenix hadn't a clue. Braving it, he decided to speak. "Desirée? What are you doing back here? Oh god, don't tell me Ron's done something again--" Now he's worried, standing up. Athena just stared at the scene in confusion, asking multiple questions in her head. Who was this lady? Who was Ron? She hadn't a damn clue. The mystery woman just chuckled, flashing a grin over to Phoenix."Don't worry, Nicky Boy. We came here with news. Good news actually." 'We?' Gosh, Athena is getting more confused by the moment. This lady wasn't alone. A second pair of booted footsteps were heard just outside, a bit slower than that of the woman's, showing that Athena's confusion was to soon be clarified. A rather peculiar looking man entered the office, dressed in a rather unique outfit, his hair curled into two bun like shapes at each side of his head. He looked up and over to Phoenix and just smiled, moving to bow slightly to show his respect.
"Whaa...? I still don't get what's going on. Why are you two here? If it isn't for some legal help, then what is it?" Athena finally spoke up, her hands on her hips as she was now on her feet. She needed her questions answered, that's one thing for sure. That's when the mystery man spoke, fishing into his pocket for something. Once the hand was out of his pocket there was something in it. Something that Phoenix and Athena could absolutely recognise immediately: an attorney's badge. That's..something that definitely wasn't expected. Was it fake? Probably not. It definitely looked legitimate. Trucy just watched on, fascinated. She could tell her father knew these two quite well, but knew nothing else regarding the circumstances. Ron finally spoke again, a faint smile on his face as he did. It wasn't one of malice but was genuine. "Mr Wright, my wife and I wanted to offer our services to you. I'd like to work as an attorney in your agency." The words came out calm, but were sincere, showing he absolutely meant them. Phoenix couldn't help but stare at the former thief in disbelief, frankly trying to piece together what was going on. He was so..puzzled. Had Ron DeLite really changed that much in 8 years? To go from being a reknown thief to wanting to dedicate yourself to law was certainly quite the shift..
Ron nodded, somewhat sensing Phoenix's thoughts. Of course such a shift would shock anyone. Especially since he was THE Mask☆DeMasque all those years ago. He completely understood it really. Not many knew about his shift to law at all, until now that was. He recalled the aftermath of that trial vividly. The entire situation was terrifying. It almost felt like a hand was around his neck whenever he made his statements on the stand. Atmey could definitely harm him if he really wanted. Ron was just glad such times were over for him. His idea to start a career in law were possibly made out of admiration but now he felt absolutely sure regarding it, especially when faced with the man who kickstarted such a dream for him: his defense attorney all those years ago, The infamous Phoenix Wright. "I know it's a shock to you..but I want you to know I'm absolutely sure about this. I've decided firmly, taken classes and am qualified. I want to..ensure justice prevails and it would be an honour to work alongside you." Such touching words, and Ron meant every single one. Looking into the former thief's eyes Phoenix recognised something: a faint determined glint. He had the same look in his eyes years ago. He remembers Mia telling him that. That's not a look he ever expected to see in someone like Ron's eyes. But from that glance, he could tell that he was absolutely serious about this. It was odd but it felt right.
After a few moments of silent of weighing things out in his head, Phoenix finally responded and flashed the two a signature smile. "You two seem determined. You're in. I'm glad you've changed, Ron. Welcome to the Agency, we're more than happy to have you." He was sincere in his words, offering his former client a hand to shake. This was certainly a shift but Phoenix could possibly get used to this, honestly. And he was sure Maya would be equally as delighted to see the two of them, and stunned of course. It isn't everyday things like this happen after all. Ron appeared to look like he was about to tear up at such a response. Now..he could fully kick-start his new career, he shook the other's hand in delight, nodding as he did. "You won't regret it, I promise! I..I'm not going to call it quits once it gets difficult!" The scene playing out was certainly heartwarming to watch. Athena even felt herself smile at it. She may not know who their guests are but..she supposes they must be good people considering how her boss was speaking to them. Phoenix eventually turned to face both Trucy and Athena again, flashing them a smile. "You two, this guy is an old client of mine. Be nice with him, he's changed a lot since then. I'd like you both to meet Ron DeLite, and his wife Desirée." Former client? Now that absolutely made sense on why Phoenix was being so familiar with them! That smile on Athena's face only grew and she finally braved it, offering her hand to Ron who shook it immediately.
Time passed and the DeLites happened to still be in the Agency, mostly discussing details about everything with Phoenix. Trucy was also introduced to them, whom they got along with very quickly. The decision was made that Desirée would act as her husband's co-counsel, which had been her idea to begin with really. Goodness, words really couldn't describe how proud she was of Ron for this shift and she knew he'd do brilliantly. She recalled how even when it got difficult in those outreach classes in Themis, he hadn't given up. Things had really changed in 8 years and she was certainly glad for how things had turned out for him. That trial was..certainly something, yet here Ronnie was, doing what even the most seasoned pursuer of the law would be astounded by. Maya would certainly get a nice surprise when she returned from K'hurain. Now that Phoenix thought about it..wasn't Apollo coming back for a visit too? That was probably likely. It would be nice getting him introduced to Ron. Sipping from a mug of coffee, Ron couldn't help but smile, knowing that this was a new beginning for him.
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This is the start of the story of how the infamous thief Mask☆DeMasque became a legend in the courts, as a man determined to chase the turnabout with every ounce he had, learning in the talents of his mentor, The Turnabout Terror himself, Phoenix Wright. This is the tale of Attorney Ron DeLite of the Wright Anything Agency.