Chapter Text
Miles carefully inspects himself in the ornate mirror as his father fusses over his clothes. He's adorned in regal reds and golds, just like his father is. He looks back at him, curious.
"Do I get to wear the crown today, father?"
Gregory smiles down at him, amused. He gently brushes Miles' silver locks, styling them with precision. "Yes, you do. We have some very important guests visiting us today... They'll be staying with us for a few days."
"What kind of guests?" Miles narrows his eyes at Gregory, giving him a suspicious glare. "More boring political people?"
Gregory laughs, setting the comb aside. He retrieves the gilded case that holds Miles' crown. "Something like that... but there's someone coming along that I think will keep you entertained while I'm working." He places the crown atop Miles’ head, to which Miles shivers, the cold metal sending a chill down his spine.
“What sort of person?” Miles tilts his head carefully, as to not throw the crown off balance. Gregory reaches down and gently adjusts it, still preening Miles’ hair.
“Someone very special. Someone I hope to see you get along with…”
Miles pouts, swatting at his father’s hands. “That’s not very helpful, father.” He steps away, looking in the mirror again. He thinks he looks very… regal. He likes when he gets to dress up like this. He’s less fond of the events that tend to follow… The monthly royal banquets seem to Miles like an excellent opportunity to prove how refined and mature he is, but the adults all seem amused by him. He doesn’t appreciate being condescended to, and tells them as much, but they seem content to laugh and continue talking about him like a pet. At least his father treats him as the very capable and responsible prince he is.
“Ah, I know. I’m quite the pain, aren’t I?” Gregory places his hands on Miles’ shoulders, beaming down at him with pride.
“Ready?”
“Of course.”
Miles walks with pristine posture, at his father’s side as they exit to the courtyard. Spring has begun to thaw the winter frost, finally. Miles is eager for the gardens to be in full bloom again. Though he loves to sit inside and read by the fireplace, or tucked away deep in the library with a cup of tea, he misses the gentle breeze sweeping his hair. He longs to sit under the trellises and reach into the cool water of the fountain when the air grows hot.
Miles shakes the thoughts from his head, his crown going crooked. Gregory chuckles, righting it.
“Easy, Miles. They’re almost here.”
As if on cue, Miles hears the distinct rattling of an approaching carriage traveling down the paved roads. Gradually, it comes to a stop at the end of the path. Miles checks his posture once more right as the door to the carriage swings open and a strange looking man steps out. He’s tall, with long horns and a swishing tail.
Oh. A monster. Miles is always curious to meet more monsters… While he’s met quite a few, there aren’t any living in the castle right now. He’s fascinated by them, always wanting to better understand their strange powers and funny looking features.
Behind the man, a child steps out. A young boy… he looks Miles’ age. Miles mustn’t get too excited. He has to show these new guests how refined he is!
“Welcome. I hope the journey was without too much difficulty?” Gregory greets, shaking the man’s hand. Meanwhile, the child stares at Miles with wide, mismatched eyes. Gregory smiles down at him in amusement, kneeling down to his height.
“And you must be Phoenix. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Hello, Your Majesty…” Phoenix’s voice is but a whisper.
“Speak up!” Miles speaks in a firm, commanding tone. He’s practiced it often. One day, he'll need to command the entire kingdom, and he'll need to be bold and assertive. “You must never mumble in the presence of royalty!"
“It’s quite alright, Miles. Phoenix, I assure you there’s nothing to be worried about here. I want you to relax for the duration of your stay.” He places a gentle hand on Phoenix’s shoulder, earning a slight flinch. “And don’t worry about Miles… he’s just a stickler for rules. I promise you two will get along.”
Phoenix looks uncertain, but nods nonetheless. Gregory stands, looking back at the odd man.
“We can begin negotiations at once, if you like. Lunch will be served in an hour.” Gregory motions for the man to follow him. “Miles, please show Phoenix around. I’ll see you boys for lunch?”
Miles nods, watching his father go off with that strange man. He turns back to the monster boy.
“Your name is Phoenix?”
He nods. “And you’re… Miles. Er, Prince Edgeworth...”
“Obviously.”
Miles observes Phoenix closely, taking in all the strange little details.
“You have a tail.”
“You don’t.”
“Well of course not!” Miles crosses his arms. “Humans don’t have tails.”
Phoenix smiles, just slightly. “That’s why humans have bad balance, y'know.”
“We do not!” Miles huffs. Where did he get such an idea from?
“Yes you do. Humans are always falling over and getting themselves hurt!”
Miles grumbles. That’s true, actually… Just yesterday he tumbled over after slipping on one of those God forsaken rugs in the hallway leading to his bedroom. But he’s not going to tell Phoenix that!
“Come on. I’m supposed to show you the castle…” He turns, waving for Phoenix to follow him. Of course, he will be showing Phoenix all the best spots. Like the library, and the fountain in the garden, and his own room. Oh, and his favorite bathroom, with the ivory and gold clawfoot tub. And perhaps the gallery… Oh, and perhaps-
Miles walks face first into one of the trellises. He steps back, stumbling and sputtering, until Phoenix places a hand on his shoulder to steady him. Miles’ cheeks flare, and he holds a hand up in front of Phoenix’s face when he sees him smile.
“Don’t speak.”
“I wasn’t going to!” Phoenix says, giggling. He covers his mouth with both hands to push down the laughter.
“Not a word!”
“I’m being quiet! I promise! C’mon, show me the castle already!”
Miles huffs, walking forward with haste, not bothering to check if Phoenix is following.
Phoenix gasps, eyes widening as he steps into the ornate foyer. Everything shimmers as the morning sunlight shines in through the arching windows, aurelian rays painting over mahogany and ivory. It’s the most beautiful thing he thinks he’s ever seen… But Miles keeps walking through, as if the room is of no interest to him.
“W-Wait!” Phoenix chases after him. Miles doesn’t stop until they reach a tall, arching doorway. With some difficulty, Miles pulls open the double doors and reveals to Phoenix a magnificent library. Phoenix stares in awe at the towering shelves, bathed in dim firelight from the lanterns lining the massive room.
“This is the library. It’s the most important room in the castle.” Miles informs him, leading him inside.
“Really?” Phoenix looks around. It definitely feels special… He’s never seen a library like this before. “That makes sense… There must be a lot of important books here, huh?”
“Only the most important…” Miles wanders the labyrinth of shelves, before plucking a fairly small tome from the shelves, located with precision. He presents the book to Phoenix with a haughty expression, his free hand resting on his hip.
The Nickel Knight. Phoenix gasps, taking the book and examining the cover with reverence. There’s an illustration of a knight on the cover, holding his sword to the gloomy sky as a storm brews overhead. This seems like incredibly serious literature.
“Woah… This looks so cool!” He holds the book up high, not unlike the knight with his sword. “Can I read this?”
“Of course… I have the full series.”
“There’s more?”
Miles grins. “There’s six of them… I’ve read all of them, of course. Multiple times.”
“Wow…” Phoenix doesn’t get to read very often… He should read all of these books while he’s got the chance!
“They’re the greatest books ever written… They’re about the great Nickel Knight and his quest to defeat the Cobalt King!”
“Woah… What are they like?”
“Well…” Miles smiles widely. “The Nickel Knight is the most amazing and powerful knight ever! And the Cobalt King is the ruler of a huge kingdom. He used to be good, but now he’s trying to destroy the kingdom, so the Nickel Knight has to stop him.”
That does sound really good… now Phoenix has to read them, he has to know how the Cobalt King gets defeated! He spots a very beautiful chair, cushioned with a crimson floral fabric. He sits down and cracks open the book. Miles gives him an odd look, his eyebrow raised incredulously.
“Don’t you want to see the rest of the castle.”
“”Well… Maybe later! But this book sounds really good.”
Miles tilts his head at him, his crown slipping. He reaches up for it, taking it off and setting it upon the side table beside Phoenix’s chair. He seems to consider this for a moment, and then smiles. Miles perches himself on the arm of the chair and peers over Phoenix’s shoulder.
“Well, go on then! Let’s read it.”
“O-Oh, right!”
Phoenix opens the book, and Miles clears his throat from behind him.
“Long ago, in a distant kingdom, the great King Cobalt ruled…”
Phoenix smiles, passing the book to Miles and curling up in the chair as he reads out to him. He pulls his knees to his chest, his tail wrapping around his ankles, turned sideways as to look up at Miles. He can’t help but smile up at him as he takes in the story.
Miles manages to get them through the first three chapters before they’re retrieved for lunch. Miles sits between his father and Phoenix, while the other man sits across from them.
“How are you liking things here so far, Phoenix?” Gregory asks. Phoenix is a bit preoccupied with shoveling food into his mouth.
“It’s great! You have lots of cool books here, Your Majesty!”
Gregory leans down to Miles with a grin, whispering in his ear. “Did the two of you manage to make it any further than the library, or was your tour put on hold?”
“Phoenix has already seen the best part of the castle!” Miles huffs. “I’ll show him more later…”
Gregory chuckles, clearly tickled by how single-minded Miles can be at times.
“And how are the two of you getting along?” The other man asks. Miles isn’t too sure what his name is.
“Well…” Phoenix looks at Miles sheepishly, smiling softly. “I think Miles is pretty cool.”
“And I think you do a good voice for the Nickel Knight.” Miles couldn’t possibly give higher praise. Phoenix gasps, eyes twinkling.
“You really think so?”
“You clearly understand that he is bold and fearsome, but also kind. You play him very well…”
Phoenix giggles, and the two adults glance at each other. Gregory grins unapologetically, while the other man is more subtle in his amusement. The two boys seem oblivious, rambling on about the Nickel Knight as they eat. They both scarf down their food as quickly as possible, before excusing themselves and dashing out of the room, no doubt returning to the library.
“I think he's going to be a great fit for Miles…” Gregory tells the other man. “He's never made a friend this quickly before.”
“Yes…” The man agrees. “They do seem well suited for one another...”
“'That’s enough!' Shouts the Cobalt King. 'No one can stop me now, not even you!' The Nickel Knight glares up at him, a furious look on his face. 'Soon, this will all be over, and the Nickel Knight will be no more…'”
Miles shuts the book with a satisfying clap. Phoenix frowns, bouncing eagerly in his chair.
“C’mooon, aren't we gonna read the last chapter now?”
Miles yawns, his hand hovering over his mouth. “Mm, maybe tomorrow.” He says. Right on cue, Gregory peeks into the library, smiling fondly at the sight of the two boys.
“That's right, there will be plenty of time to read in the morning. Right now, a certain little prince needs his rest.” Gregory strides over, ruffling Miles' hair, to which Miles swats at his hand.
“Father!” He whines, giving Gregory a firm glare. His efforts in intimidation are lackluster though, and earn him little more than a mirthful chuckle from his father.
“And I'm sure you're tired too, Phoenix. You made quite the journey today, you must be exhausted.”
“I don't sleep, Your Majesty.”
“...ah. Well, regardless, I'm sure some time to relax will be good for you.” He helps Miles up, who's a little wobbly on his feet. “Come along, it's time you both get ready for bed.”
Gregory takes them both to Miles' room, picking out two nightgowns from the large wardrobe. He passes a pink one to Miles, and a blue one to Phoenix.
“Phoenix, would you like your own room tonight, or would you like to stay with Miles.”
“Um…” Phone looks at Miles, somewhat sheepish, but Miles just rubs at his eyes sleepily. “I'll stay with Miles.”
“Alright. Don't stay up all night then, okay?” He presses a quick kiss to Miles' forehead. “You two get changed, I'll be back in a moment to put out the lights.”
The two change, backs facing each other. Phoenix runs his fingers over the smooth, silky fabric. It's cool against his skin, rippling soothingly as his fingers go up and down, side to side. His only complaint is that it lacks any space for his wings.
Miles climbs right into bed, promptly falling asleep before Phoenix is even done appreciating the fabric. Phoenix climbs in too, with volume one of The Nickel Knight clutched to his chest. A minute later, Gregory slips back in, smiling.
“Is Miles already out?” He whispers, coming over to snuff out the candles on Miles' bedside table. Phoenix nods wordlessly, watching as Gregory extinguishes all the flames one by one. He gets to Phoenix’s side of the bed, and gently places a hand atop his head, smoothing back the spikes that have grown disheveled through the day.
“I'll leave this one for you.” Gregory tilts his head towards the candle on Phoenix's bedside table. “I'm sure you want to finish up your book.”
Phoenix’s eyes shine, nodding silently. Gregory chuckles.
“I'll leave you to it then… Goodnight, Phoenix.”
“Goodnight, Your Majesty…”
Phoenix cracks open the book to its final chapter, and begins…
Miles grumbles as he's awoken by a firm hand on his shoulder, shaking insistently. He peers up at the rather pointy silhouette, barely illuminated by the dim glow of a single candle.
“Mmph… Phoenix?” Miles mumbles, rubbing his eyes sleepily as he sits upright. “What is it?”
“I need the next book.”
“What?”
“You didn’t tell me it ends like that!” Phoenix holds out the book, looking rather upset. “I need to know what happens to the Nickel Knight now that the Cobalt King has captured him!”
Miles quietly groans. “Okay… Fine…” He crawls out of bed and pads through the halls, taking Phoenix to the library. Miles plucks the next volume from the shelf, swapping it out with the one in Phoenix’s hands. “There… Now, I’m going back to sleep…”
While Miles exhaustedly trudges back to his room, Phoenix darts back, excited to begin the next book. He crawls back into bed and cracks it open. Miles rejoins him a minute later…
By the next morning, Phoenix had completed the second volume too. He can barely sit still through breakfast as he discusses the story with Miles and theorizes on what might happen next. The moment their plates are cleared, the two race to the library, and Miles plucks the next book from the shelf. They get cozy in their chair, and Miles begins to read aloud.
“The great kingdom was not always shrouded in darkness…”
Phoenix listens carefully. He's attentive, taking in every last word that flows from Miles' lips, letting the words swirl in his mind and take shape, until the grand castle of the Cobalt King is as clear as day. Until he can see the eternal darkness churning above the great kingdom, and until he can hear the wind as it blows through the towering trees and the flowing hair of the Nickel Knight. Each word pulls Phoenix deeper and deeper into this world…
The two of them complete a handful of chapters before Phoenix gasps, interrupting the flow of Miles' words.
“The Cobalt King and the Nickel Knight used to be friends?!”
“I know!” Miles leans back heavily in the chair, sighing. “They were best friends.”
“Well then… Why does the Cobalt King hate the Nickel Knight so much?” Phoenix looks down at the book sadly. “It sounds like they were really close as kids.”
“Well that’s because-” Miles frowns, shaking his head. “I can’t tell you that! We just have to keep reading if you wanna find out…”
“Keep going then!”
And like that, they're back in that world with ease…
“He really seems to like Phoenix…”
“The two definitely have bonded well… if you approve of him, then we can finalize the deal tonight. We'll be heading out tomorrow morning, and Phoenix will formally begin his training.”
“And you're confident… he'll be good at this?”
“He'll be sent to the best training camp we have. His training will take a minimum of 10 years, and he should still have more than enough time until the Prince takes the throne to ensure that he's ready…”
“Alright. I trust that he'll do everything he can for Miles…” Gregory picks up a quill, and signs the parchment before him.
“Um…”
The two men whip their heads over to see Miles in the doorway.
“Yes Miles?” Gregory speaks somewhat nervously. He sure hopes Miles didn't hear any of that...
“Phoenix and I were just wondering if we could go out to the back garden. He says he needs some air…”
Gregory sighs, nodding. “Yes, just be careful. No playing in the fountain, okay?”
“Okay, thank you!” And with that, Miles is off. Gregory sighs once more.
“Have you not told him?”
Gregory shakes his head. “He doesn't need to know that his life is going to be in enough danger that he'll need a personal guard. Not yet…” He stares where Miles had been standing a moment ago.
“I'll tell him when he's older.”
Miles and Phoenix complete two books that day. Prepared this time, Miles retrieves the fifth volume before they get ready for bed.
“This…” Miles yawns. “Is a big one.” Indeed, the book is thicker than the ones before it.
The two get ready for bed just like the night before. Which is to say, Miles gets ready for bed, and Phoenix gets ready to get lost in the yellowed pages that slowly morph into the swirling dark sky of the great kingdom in which the Nickel Knight dwells…
Gregory leaves a candle lit for him once more, and Phoenix dives deep into the next story…
Phoenix gets lost in the story for hours... He can hear the Nickel Knight and the Cobalt King speaking clearly. He can see the dusty battle fields and the wreckage of the Cobalt Castle. He can feel the chill of the heavy rain and roaring wind as the dark storm grows stronger, as the Cobalt King becomes more powerful. How will the Nickel Knight ever stop him now...?
Not long after Phoenix finishes the book, the sun begins to rise, and there's a knock on the door.
“Phoenix?” Gregory leans in, a lantern in hand. “Good morning. I hate to rush you this more morning, but your carriage back home is supposed to arrive soon. You should probably get ready and make sure you have all your things.”
“Oh…” Phoenix glances at Miles' sleeping form sadly. Gregory gives him a sympathetic look, walking over and sitting beside Phoenix on the edge of the bed. He sets a comforting hand on Phoenix's shoulder.
“I'll make sure he's up before you have to go, so you two can say goodbye.”
Phoenix nods wordlessly. He hasn't got many friends back at home… and now that he's finally got someone he really likes, he has to leave?
Gregory sighs. “I know. It doesn't feel fair, does it?”
Phoenix shakes his head.
“Well… Don't worry. It might be a little while, but I promise you and Miles will see each other again.”
“Really? You promise.”
Gregory nods, holding his pinky out to Phoenix. Phoenix wraps his own pinky around it with a small, bittersweet smile.
“Go on, then… You get ready to head out, and I'll handle Miles.”
Phoenix sets his book aside, and rises for the day. He's not excited, but he knows he has to leave… He hadn't expected to like it here so much. He didn't know it would sting so ,uch to leave...
At least the king assured him this wasn't the end.
“Wait!”
Phoenix looks to the source of the call. He's standing outside, in the front courtyard just as his carriage arrives
Miles stands at the top of the stairs. He rushes down, a book in hand. He skids to a stop in front of Phoenix, stumbling slightly. He holds out the book. “Here. Take this.”
Phoenix takes the book, examining the cover…
The Nickel Knight vol. 6... Phoenix frowns.
“But… this is yours. You love The Nickel Knight!”
“I’ve read it a million times… but you haven’t gotten to read it yet. So take it.” Miles looks away, a bit embarrassed. He keeps a neutral expression, but the reddening of his cheeks gives him away. “You can give it back next time I see you.”
Phoenix surges forward, pulling Miles into a tight hug. “I’ll bring it back. I promise.” Miles gulps, wrapping his arms around Phoenix in return. He buries his face into the junction between Phoenix’s shoulder and neck.
“You better…” Miles chokes.
Phoenix doesn't break away for a full minute. When the two finally part, Phoenix turns quickly, climbing into the carriage. He peeks out the window, giving Miles a sad smile and a wave.
Miles stands there, watching the carriage depart and wanting desperately to chase after it. To hoist himself up and run away with Phoenix. But that was a silly fantasy… He wouldn't want to leave his father behind. And besides, he has responsibilities here…
A hand softly squeezes his shoulder. He glances back at his father, who's giving him a pitying look. Miles puts on a neutral expression, looking straight ahead.”
“You know, Miles…” Gregory moves to stand before him, kneeling down to his height. “You don't have to be strong.”
Miles looks away, his gaze locked onto the stone path below. Gregory keeps speaking.
“You can be sad. Even if you know you'll see him again, you're allowed to miss him in the meantime.”
Miles blinks rapidly, fidgeting with his fingers. He hates crying, even if he's always been prone to it… even now, with as hard as he's trying, his eyes well up, vision blurring. He sniffles quietly, and Gregory pulls him into a hug. With ease, he hoists his little boy up and carries him back inside as he clings to him.
He lays Miles back in bed. It's still early, and Miles' emotions are raw. He sits on the edge, petting Miles until the tears stop and he drifts back to sleep.
“It'll all be okay, Miles…” Gregory whispers, hoping the sentiment reaches his son even in slumber. “I promise.”