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Phoenix Wright is a fantastic lawyer. He can turn a seemingly impossible case upside down, and he can see through testimonies like no one else. It almost seems like he’s made for the courtroom.
So then why, pray tell, is he being dragged to the middle of absolutely nowhere on his day off?
“Because there’s supposed to be shooting stars, Nick!” Maya bounces excitedly next to him. God, where does she get that energy? It’s - he checks his watch - almost midnight. He wants to go to sleep so badly.
Oh geez, he sounds so old.
From the tent next to them, laughter erupts as Trucy probably shows Athena her new magic trick. The sound makes Nick soften slightly. He’s so glad his little Trucy - all grown up now - can be so happy, can laugh like that. His chest swells three times larger (ha, suck on that, Maya, he is not the Grinch). On the other side, a snore cuts through the dense mountain air. Apollo snores as loudly as he yells.
Maya peeks out of the tent again, vibrating through her skin. “Oh, I’m so excited! The stars are supposed to come soon!” She smiles brightly, a nostalgic look. It almost makes Nick feel agreeable. “Hey, hey, do you think your creaky bones can stay up until then?”
Okay, never mind. Honestly, why does he even try? “Maya, that was so unnecessary,” Phoenix complains.
She raises an eyebrow. “I’m right though, aren’t I?”
Nick rolls his eyes (a habit he’s picked up from 13 year old Trucy). “You’re old now too, you know.”
“Psssshaw,” she waves her hand. “I’m one of those people that’s young forever.” Nick just stares at her. “Oh, shut up.”
“Honestly, Maya, it’s-”
“Hey Daddy!”
“Argh!” Nick startles, jerking his head towards the little window in the back. Trucy giggles.
“Tee-hee, sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you!” She totally did.
Nick sighs slightly, putting a hand on his racing heart. “What’s up, Truce?”
Trucy mimes knocking on the net. “Just came by to remind you and Aunt Maya the shooting stars should appear in a few minutes so we should sit outside.” Maya gasps.
“Come on, come on Nick! You better not make me miss the stars!” She nearly shoves him out of the flap, and Phoenix winces as his back turns slightly. Athena is staring down at Apollo’s tent contemplatively. She glances at Nick and shrugs. Then she kicks the tent.
Nick winces in sympathy.
“bbbb-lARGH! WHat? HUH? WHERE? OUCH!” Apollo screeches at the top of his lungs. Nick winces again.
Athena grins, squatting down to the net window. “Hey Apollo! Good morning! The stars will appear soon!”
Apollo gasps. “Oh good, it hasn’t started yet. Coming, give me a second!” There’s some ominous rustling from the tent.
Nick turns back to Maya and Trucy who have finished laying out the blanket, scattered with various pillows. He half crawls over and collapses onto a comfortable corner.
Maya snickers. Nick sighs.
A few seconds later, Athena and Apollo join them on the blanket, nudging people out of the way for a comfortable seat.
“Polly, can you move over a little -” “I’m literally not even on the blanket -”
Out of the corner of his eye, Phoenix spots a flash of light. “Guys! I think it’s starting!” Everyone quiets immediately, turning their heads up to the sky.
Within seconds, the sky lights up, streaks of white painting the view. Athena shakes Apollo violently, asking him about the stars. Trucy cuddles closer to Nick, ducking under his arm. On his other side, Maya grabs his leg as a balance beam, turning to grin at him.
“Nick! Isn’t this amazing?”
Blinking at his family, Phoenix laughs slightly. “It is.”