Chapter 4.

~Evening, The Wonder Bar~

Luke had decided to meet back up with the Wrights and found himself standing in front of a kinda seedy place. At least that's where the directions had taken him. In neon letters at the top read 'The Wonder Bar.' This was the venue Mr. Wright had informed Luke that they would be performing at tonight, as they did every Wednesday.

Phoenix also admitted that they were only invited because of Trucy's talents.

The teen hovered around the entrance upon noticing a burly man guarding the door. He pulled out his cell, dialing the number Mr. Wright had given him earlier that day.

It rang several times, but nothing.

"Ugh…" Luke mumbled. His pacing increased as he dialed once more.

No reply.

Luke glanced at the burly gentleman and gulped loudly. He approached the man with small steps.

"Hallo there, sir," the teen began.

The man's eyes narrowed.

"I'm a friend of Mr. Wright's. They invited me to see the magic show tonight…" Luke tested the waters. He hoped the man would understand the situation.

"ID, please," he simply stated.

Luke begrudgingly pulled out his school ID and handed it to the man.

"14? Get out of here kid," the man chuckled. He thrusted the boy's ID card back at him.

"But," the former apprentice argued, "I was invited."

"Well, call them to come get you, and I'll let you in."

Luke had just tried that.

"There's a little girl who's definitely younger than me in there, and you can't let me in?" he pointed out raising his voice.

The man grew impatient with Luke. He shifted angrily in his seat. The guy was surely going to yell if another person had not approached.

"What seems to be the problem, Bill?" a male voice, intervened.

Luke turned to the stranger. He was dressed very snazzily for such a place as this and his hair was done up in a neatly combed fro.

"Mr. Aldun, this boy's saying he was invited, but he's too young," Bill explained.

"It's true though. Mr. Wright and Trucy invited me," Luke argued.

Aldun peeked over at Luke momentarily, then focused on Bill.

"Oh, that's right. Mr. Wright told me about you. He's invited," the snazzily dressed man enthused, slapping Luke on the shoulder. The teen stumbled forward.

"Really Aldun? Ms. Elaine knows about it as well?" the bouncer checked but lightened up a tad.

"Yeah, Ma knows," Aldun replied. He scratched the back of his afro, then moved for the door before the bouncer could ask anymore questions. The young man motioned for Luke to follow.

"C'mon…what's your name?"

"It's Luke," he replied with a tip of his hat. He followed the friendly guy into the bar.

Once they were inside Aldun turned to Luke and shook his hand.

"Nice ta meet ya, Luke. Like your accent."

"Uh, thanks…and thanks for helping me out back there," the teen replied, studying his surroundings.

"No problem. My ma's the owner. Gonna be the manager here, hopefully…once I get my business degree."

"Oh wow, I lucked out then. So, Mr. Wright did tell you I was coming? Where are they then?" Luke asked.

Aldun shook his head.

"Nope. Just had a feeling you were telling the truth. Plus, the Wrights have a track record of doing that. Like, not too long ago, this strangely dressed girl was crying outside the bar. Sure enough, it was a friend of Mr. Wright."

"Huh," Luke replied wondering if he could be referring to Maya. Although, he didn't think Maya would be described as a 'girl.'

"As for where they are," Aldun searched his surroundings. "They might still be backstage. Lemme lead you there."

The owner's son took off on a path to the backstage, leaving Luke scrambling to catch up. The former apprentice couldn't help but notice he was getting amused glances from the patrons.

They hopped up the small set of stairs and peeked behind the curtain.

"Aldun…and Luke!" Mr. Wright greeted. "Glad you could make it."

Phoenix had been standing around, inspecting the scenery, while Trucy practiced one of her tricks.

"Almost didn't. I tried phoning…" Luke complained.

"Oh! Sorry about that. I left my phone at home, I think," Phoenix grumbled.

The former apprentice gave him a look that read, 'Really?'

"It's a good thing I ran into him then," Aldun laughed.

"Yeah, thanks. I owe you Aldun," Phoenix expressed.

"No need. Gonna go see where Ma is," the young man related, then took his leave.

"Daddy!" Trucy called out.

"Yes dear," the man turned to his daughter. Luke followed closely behind.

"I have one more trick to show you!" she informed him with a goofy smile.

"Let's see it then," Phoenix smiled back.

"Luke, could you call Daddy's phone?" Trucy instructed.

"Huh?" Luke bumbled. "Alright."

He pulled his phone out from his pocket.

The older man scowled.

"Trucy…"

Once Luke dialed the number, a tinny rendition of the Steel Samurai theme came from Trucy's upturned hat.

"W-what? I didn't know you could sing Mr. Hat!" she chirped.

"Trucy…" Phoenix's voice took on a more warning tone.

"What's that you say Mr. Hat? There's something ringing in your belly? Let me fish that out for you!"

Phoenix put on his best angry Mr. Edgeworth expression and gave no reply.

"I suppose that's where your phone went Mr. Wright," Luke commented, not helping the situation.

"Eh heh heh," Trucy giggled, then pulled a flip phone out.

"Is this yours Daddy?"

"Give me the phone, Trucy," his tone was clipped and his smile was now a dream of the past.

"O-of course that's not yours," she replied, digging through her hat. Trucy then pulled out an ages old, Nokia-like phone. It had stopped ringing by then and read three missed calls.

"Here you go Daddy. Thanks for participating," she announced trying to hang on to her showman's attitude.

Luke only stared wide-eyed at the two, already cringing as he expected Mr. Wright to blow up.

"Trucy, let me remind you, that theft is a crime. Please, return the other phones as well."

"I-I was going—" she tried to argue.

"We'll talk after the show," Phoenix responded more calmly than Luke expected.

The girl grabbed her hat, sniffing back crocodile tears.

"O-ok. I'll return them, first thing," she apologized running to her place on stage behind the curtain.

Once she was away from them backstage, Phoenix let out a sigh and his expression loosened.

"Whew. It's tough work being a parent," he expressed to Luke.

"What was all that about?" the teen asked, confused.

Phoenix smirked, drawing himself up to his full height.

"A naughty magician's trick. At least I know where my phone was now," he replied.

"She steals stuff for her magic tricks?" Luke put together.

"Yeah…it's a bad habit I've been trying to get her out of. Apparently her real family, magicians, were okay with it. All for the sake of magic, of course," Phoenix explained, adjusting his beanie.

The show was set to start. Trucy jumped out from behind the curtains to greet the small crowd. She was still sniffling despite the cheers she got. Phoenix shook his head.

"Now she's gonna have them thinking I did something to her. Then Ms. Elaine's gonna take her side…" the unfortunate father grumbled.

"Hold on, Mr. Wright," Luke pointed out. "You just admitted Trucy isn't actually your daughter."

Phoenix's voice caught in his throat.

"D-did I? Uh…well, keep it under your hat for now. I haven't even scratched the surface on the adoption process," the man revealed.

"Mr. Wright!" Luke exclaimed. He looked at his friend incredulously.

"Shh!" Phoenix replied. "For all intents and purposes, Trucy is my daughter for now."

Luke didn't have much of a reply to that. The odd situations surrounding one Phoenix Wright were becoming more numerous. The teen was unsure of what he'd gotten himself into.

"Let's head to the front. We can sit on the bar stools," the man suggested.

Phoenix led the way with Luke following. The two took a seat, getting there just in time to see Trucy hand the last phone to someone in the crowd.

The audience clapped.

Well, at least they were being good sports about it. Trucy had brightened up as well.

"Oh Luke, I have good news for you," Phoenix started.

Luke's eyebrows rose. He hoped it would actually be good news.

"What's that Mr. Wright?"

"Well, while you could still visit us sometimes, I don't think your school would qualify working for our Agency as an actual internship," the man explained.

Luke agreed.

"So, I called up a friend of mine who's a practicing attorney. He said he'd be glad to give you an internship. Well…he has to meet you first," Phoenix explained.

Luke perked up. He couldn't believe his ears.

"Really? Thank you, Mr. Wright! Who is it?" the teen rambled.

"His name is Kristoph Gavin."

Phoenix pulled a business card from his pocket with the lawyer's name, address, and number in gold print. He handed the card to Luke.

"Wow!" Luke enthused. The clapping of the audience timed perfectly with his acceptance of the card.

"He asked if you could meet with him anytime tomorrow in the morning for the interview. Just tell the person in the front your name is Luke Triton," Phoenix explained.

"That's perfect," Luke related. "Thank you so much, Mr. Wright!"

The former apprentice shook the other man's hand vigorously.

"Yeah. Hope it works out," Phoenix replied. He smiled upon seeing Luke the happiest he'd been since arriving in Los Angeles. The poor boy either had a look of confusion, surprise, or sadness on his face.

"See Phoenix, you can still help people out," he told himself.

Everyone in the bar applauded at the end of Trucy's performance. Her curtsy was grandiose as she soaked up the last bit of praise from the crowd.

"Guess it's my turn to play a little," Phoenix informed Luke.

A woman was pushing a piano with wheels to center stage, confirming his statement. The hoodie-wearing man sauntered up to the stage and greeted the elderly woman who hugged him, then smacked him on the head. She had a few words to say to the crowd before Phoenix began playing.

"That's my mom," a voice remarked from behind Luke.

The teen jumped. Aldun was sitting behind him.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," Aldun apologized but chuckled.

"No, you didn't scare me," Luke assured. "So, she's the owner?"

"Yup. This bar's her life…"

"And she lets Mr. Wright play piano?" Luke questioned.

Although he had not heard the man play yet, Phoenix had admitted that he 'sucked.'

Aldun chuckled once more.

"He's really awful, but Ma's a free spirit like that. Says his playing is like experimental music. So, she's fine with it…well only on Wednesdays…"

Ms. Elaine ended her speech giving the stage to Phoenix. He spoke into the mic looking at the crowd.

"This first one, is a tune you all might know. But, before I start, another round for my daughter, Trucy," he announced.

The crowd cheered.

"Wasn't she great?"

He seemed to sigh, internally dreading his own performance.

"And now, I will play Chopsticks."

Then Phoenix began, then restarted.

Then began again, then restarted.

"Well…" Luke tried to find something good to say.

"It could be seen as experimental," Aldun provided.

"Yes, it could," Luke agreed, squinting his eyes.

There was no rhyme or rhythm to his playing. Luke dearly wished he knew how to play piano so he could help Mr. Wright out. Sadly, his expertise was in violin.

Luke took out the card that Phoenix had given him prior to getting on stage. He was grateful, but he could not help thinking that Mr. Wright was more suited to the courtroom.

~California, Kurain Village, Earlier that Afternoon~

Pearl disliked having to keep secrets. They wore on her mind, and she was the type of person who would never tell a soul. Unless, Mystic Maya or Phoenix aka Mr. Nick directly asked…

She could always trust them.

The young spirit medium worried her lip and nibbled on her short thumbnail.

As of late, Pearl had been tasked with keeping multiple secrets. Most recently was Mystic Maya's 'secret mission,' which she hoped would be resolved today. Maya had just called a meeting to be held in the Inner room.

Then, before that, Mr. Nick asked her to keep a secret, which only occurred because of her mother.

Pearl had been given the allowance of going to the city once a month, if she could prove she'd been progressing with her training. That was never a problem due to her being the most powerful in the village. But, Pearl was humble and respectful to her elders and superior, Mystic Maya. The girl was adamant about following rule and tradition.

The event happened several months ago, on the day she was allowed to travel into the city. Pearl had decided that she should visit her mother, who currently resided in the penitentiary.

When she and Mystic Maya had lived with Mr. Nick, either one of them would make the trip with her. Those times, her mother would remain silent or speak very formally, but at least Pearl got to see her.

On this occasion, Pearl went alone. She had prepared for this visit a month prior, by scheduling a date and time. She greeted some of the guards she recognized from the past and was led to a seat where her mother would appear behind the glass. The girl began playing with her beads and bracelets to pass the time.

Then suddenly, "Pearl?"

She looked up. Despite the plain white garb her mother wore, the woman still held her head high, and her hair was done up as it would have been in the past.

"Hi Mom," Pearl mumbled.

Her mother's eyes haphazardly checked around, then fell back on Pearl.

"Oh! My dear sweet girl!" the woman gushed, falling into her seat near the window.

"I've missed you so much, my little Pearl."

The girl gasped. She was surprised by the emotion her mom exuded. She hadn't acted so lovingly since before the arrest. Pearl's little heart leapt into her throat.

"Mama," she cried.

"How have you been my dear?" her mother purred.

"I've been well, Mama. I'm living back at the Kurain Village. Everyone's very nice and I get to visit here once a month," the girl explained.

"That's wonderful, my Pearl, and your training?"

"It's going well. I'm able to keep the spirit's form for longer, without getting tired."

"Wonderful, and the others? How do they compare?" the woman pressed.

"Some have gotten better…" Pearl explained. "Cousin Euna says she can see human spirits now."

"Well, that's some improvement from the dog spirits she claimed to have been talking to."

"And Cousin Jade has been able to channel Great Aunt May. At least, that's who Mystic Maya told me it was."

"Oh…Aunt May…she's chatty, isn't she?"

Pearl giggled, "Yes, she was."

"But you still have the most spiritual power of all of them, correct?"

"Um," Pearl mumbled.

Of course she did, everyone knew that. Though, it made her worried whenever her mom got on the topic of who had the most spiritual power. That was the reason Ms. Morgan Fey was locked up in the first place.

"Yes, Mama, but everyone is doing their best; especially Mystic Maya and Rei."

Her mother's brows furrowed.

"Rei? I've never heard of a family member with that name."

"She's very nice. Her parents are from Japan. They moved here when she was just a baby. Rei found out about us just a year ago. She knew that she had spiritual energy since she was a child, but she didn't know about our school 'til recently."

"Huh," Morgan replied. She didn't sound impressed.

"What's wrong, Mama?" Pearl could read her tone instantly.

Morgan Fey cleared her throat and straightened her posture. She looked her daughter dead in the eyes.

"My dear Pearl, I only want what's best for the village."

Pearl didn't like the sound of that.

"You must find a way to establish yourself as the head. Despite my situation, I can help you in any way I can…I swear to you my Pearl. We can't have the Kurain Technique go to ruin, or worse, in the hands of another family entirely," her mother chided. Her voice became more violent with each word.

The girl's eyes widened. She truly did not know what to say. What could she say to that?

"Please, Mama…" Pearl begged.

"Has the Master of Kurain been serious about her duties?"

"Everyone's doing their best, Mama. Mystic Maya is doing her best."

"You say that, but I know you're too kind for your own good. They'll start treating you like a doormat. Mark my words…" the woman warned.

"No, Mama. They're all very kind," Pearl pleaded.

"That girl, Maya…just wait until you're her age. You'll have doubly surpassed her, my dear," Morgan touted.

Pearl was on the verge of tears. She could take no more.

"That's enough, Mama!"

The girl abruptly stood from her seat.

"I came t-to talk to you. J-just to talk, like before," Pearl argued. She turned away angrily from the glass. The girl left the detention center not making eye contact with anyone.

Outside, the sun was dusky and the air, cool. Her emotions and adrenaline, however, were on a high. She needed to see someone, and there was one place she knew how to get to by heart.

Pearl arrived at Wright and Co. Law Offices with the last of the sun peaking out from the hills. She knocked on the door a couple times, but no answer.

In her haste, she had failed to notice a flyer taped to the door. Now, Pearl took notice, pulling the sheet down to her level.

Come see us perform at the Wonder Bar! Tonight! ~Wright Talent Agency

The address and phone number followed as well.

Pearl found this odd, but took the advice of the flyer and asked for directions around the city to get there. She got turned around a couple of times, but eventually, she made it to the aforementioned Wonder Bar.

She approached the man at the front door with as much gusto as she could muster. Her rush of adrenaline was nearing its end.

"Hello sir," she greeted, then thrust the flyer at him. "Is Mr. Wright here?"

The man studied the flyer, then looked down at her.

"He is, but this bar is 18 & over only after 7," he explained.

"Oh…" she said, disheartened. The girl could feel her body give out at the words. Stinging tears swelled in her eyes.

"I-I'll just wait then," she told the man, trying her best not to cry. The more she tried, however, the more the big droplets fell.

Pearl stumbled over to sit at the front of the building, bringing her knees to her chest. The air was cold and she shivered, but her mind was someplace else.

The words of her mother hurt her, and Pearl was unsure if she'd ever get the courage to see her again.

"Hey, kid…" The bouncer tentatively approached her. "Do you want my jacket?"

She shook her head no and turned from him. The cold air was like training under the waterfall. The girl wiped her tears with her sleeve, but they started afresh upon thinking of her mom.

Then, someone approached. She gazed up, hoping it was Mr. Nick. Instead it was a guy in matching black pants & vest, and a neatly combed fro topped with a charcoal fedora.

"Hey, are you alright?"

Pearl only teared up even more. She shook her head 'no.'

"Why are you sitting out here? Don't you have somewhere to go?"

"I-I just need to talk to Mr. Nic—Mr. Wright," she corrected herself. The young acolyte had a better chance of talking to him if she used his more commonly known name.

"Mr. Right? …Oh, Mr. Wright! You're a friend of his or his daughter?"

She nodded 'yes,' thinking the daughter comment was odd, but said nothing of it.

"Yeah…Mr. Wright's kind of absent-minded at times. I can get him to come out here if you like, or you could come in with me?" he asked.

Then he held his hand out to her, "Name's Aldun by the way. Yours?"

"I-It's Pearl. I can wait out here," she decided.

"It's kinda cold…are you sure?"

Pearl said nothing in response. She wiped her tears with the back of her hands.

"You could sit near the back…and its warm," he convinced her.

"…OK," she agreed, gently nodding her head.

He helped her up, finally getting a good look at her attire.

"Where are you from?"

"K-Kurain Village. It's near here."

"Never heard of it…" he answered, surprised that there was somewhere he didn't know about near his hometown.

They approached the man guarding the door.

"Yo, Mr. Bill, so, I invited Pearl. Sorry about that. I would have told you sooner, but I was in class all day," Aldun explained.

Bill gave him a look that read, 'Are you kidding me?'

"She doesn't even look like a teenager," the bouncer pointed out.

"Well, neither is Trucy and she's been performing here for years," Aldun countered.

Bill sighed.

"This time only, but be sure to tell Ms. Elaine. I'm not losing my credibility over this," he explained.

"Don't worry Bill, I'm her son. I'll take the slack if there is any," Aldun assured. He pulled Pearl in the building with him and led her to the farthest table from the stage.

"I'll go get Mr. Wright. Just stay here," the young man instructed. He bolted to the front, near the stage.

Pearl took a seat. The inside looked much nicer than the outside. There was a stage at the front, a neon lit bar area to the side, and an open area that was packed with round tables. There was also quite a crowd here cheering for the performer at the front. Aldun was right though, it was warm in here. She gnawed on her nails furiously until a familiar face appeared in front of her.

"Heya Pearls! My goodness you've grown a few inches, haven't you?"

Phoenix tilted his head a bit and gave her a light smile.

"Mr. Nick!" she plowed into his side. Tears came down once more.

"Hey, it's okay. It's okay," he soothed patting her head. "I take it you saw the flyer?"

She pulled away from his side. He was a bit more underdressed than she was used to, but that didn't matter.

"Yes, I went to the office, but no one was there," she explained.

"You weren't looking for me for too long?"

The girl didn't reply.

"I'm sorry Pearls."

"I had to talk to someone, Mr. Nick. The first person I thought of was you."

"What happened?" he asked. His face went dead serious.

Pearl recalled the events of the visit with her mother at the penitentiary. Her little face was mournful.

"She was so happy to see me, but her mind's still in the wrong place," she finished.

"That must have been difficult to see."

"I was so mad…but now it just feels sad."

Pearl looked to the man that had taken care of her. She studied his face and noticed it mirrored her own distress. Mr. Nick had always been a great listening ear. She took his hand that lay on the table in both of hers.

"It's alright, Mr. Nick. That's why I needed to talk to you. Um…I still want to visit her, so she doesn't forget that I still love her."

Phoenix's brows rose. He'd always admired Pearl's perserverance. He was happy to see she hadn't changed.

"But, I don't want to go alone anymore. So, would you come with me next time, Mr. Nick?" she begged with her hands folded.

"Yeah. Sure. Of course Pearls," he quickly responded. Though he shuddered at the thought of seeing Ms. Morgan Fey again, he would always attempt anything Pearl asked of him. Unless it was an obvious suggestion from Maya.

On that thought…

"Hey Pearls, when do you have to get back?"

She wilted a bit.

"A few hours ago…"

"It's alright. I'll walk you back to the train station and we'll get the first ticket back to Kurain."

"Okay! Thank you, Mr. Nick!"

He turned away from her and looked to the stage. His posture changed.

"Just one thing Pearls. Could you keep this meeting between us. I mean, seeing me here."

"Where will I say I've been?"

"Just say you went to Wright and Co. Law Offices and lost track of time," he smiled.

"B-But Mr. Nick…"

The man turned to face her and crouched in his seat.

"Please Pearls. Don't tell anyone, especially not Maya."

Pearl's mouth became a little frown.

"Is it because of your daughter?" she guessed.

"Ah, partially, but…more than that. So, can you please keep a secret?"

Pearl came back to the present. Thinking back on it, she realized many things had been odd about Mr. Nick that night.

The girl saved the thought for later. She had mindlessly followed Mystic Maya into the Inner room and was currently sitting behind her as the other acolytes filed in.

"This better be good. I was in deep concentration when you called," Cousin Euna, the eldest, complained.

"It is Euna. Wouldn't have said it was very important otherwise," Maya retorted.

The young women settled onto cushions in the inner room and quieted down. Maya clapped her hands together.

"Alright, so recently, I've been contacted for a very important job that requires the Kurain Village expertise. Though it will require travel, I have decided that the situation is one that I should see to as Master."

A staggered collection of gasps followed, and then came the stampede of questions.

"How far is it Mystic Maya?"

"Is it that serious?"

"How long will you be gone?"

"Why can't Pearl go?"

"Will you need assistance?"

"I could go in your stead Mystic Maya!"

"Isn't it more important that you stay here?"

Maya attempted to answer their growing list of questions, but Pearl saw nothing getting done. Even if Mystic Maya were to answer their questions, they were only talking over each other. Pearl was displeased that her fellow acolytes would disrespect the Master of Kurain so blatantly. Maya was very personable, but that was no excuse.

"Everyone, quiet down," Pearl shouted. Her tiny frame shuddered.

The volume level became silent. No one expected that Pearl had that kind of vocal range; she was always so soft-spoken. To say the least, it caught everyone by surprise.

"Mystic Maya is trying to tell us the…deets of the situation. She understands how serious her decision is, and that's why she's making an effort to tell us all. So, please, let her finish," she implored giving each a look. Most lowered their heads, embarrassed. Pearl took her seat back behind her cousin and bowed.

"Please continue Mystic Maya."

Maya's eyes were glowing with pride.

"Thanks Pearl," she expressed, then turned to the other acolytes.

"The reason I feel I should see this client, first of all, is that I have met this person before. So, we've already established a bond of trust. Second, this task will take me to London. I happen to still have a passport and some knowledge of the city.

"Some of you may argue that you have a passport as well…which brings me to thirdly. Thirdly, there may be another spirit medium involved. The client and I haven't figured out who they are or if they have affiliations that are friendly, hostile, or in-between. If it comes down to who has access to the spirit, I want to be sure that we are in control," the Master of Kurain listed. She took a deep breath.

"OOO-K, now questions and concerns. One at a time," Maya allowed.

Rei spoke first.

"How long will this be?"

"Thinking a month at most," Maya guessed. She really wouldn't be sure until she got there.

Euna raised her hand, but would have spoken up even if she hadn't been called on.

"I know you all see me as the old brash one, but hear me out. I am thinking of Mystic Maya's safety. If this trip is possibly dangerous, why couldn't Pearl or Rei go in your stead? We've already gone through one premature succession."

Some cousins nodded in agreement. Maya refrained from rolling her eyes.

"I've thought of that," she replied. "As I've said before, I have a passport and I've met the person before. So, I'd rather see to it myself."

Maya then added with a cheeky smile, "He also said that he'd add a donation to the village, in addition to paying my fare there and back. If I were to go…"

The women whispered to each other, the tone sounding more positive.

Another thin acolyte spoke up.

"Who will be in charge in your absence?"

Maya thought on this a minute, then replied, "On spiritual matters, Pearl or Rei. I'm placing both of you in charge since I know you both use a day in the month to travel and see family. The change won't hinder your routine and at least one of you will be here at all times. On village matters, such as upkeep and duties, Euna will be in charge.

"Don't forget it," Euna added happily.

"Anything else?" Maya posed. She only received mumbles in response.

"I'm sure you'll come up with something later. Well…until then. Everyone's dismissed," Maya related with a smile.

The acolytes filed out while Maya and Pearl stayed behind.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?" Rei questioned. Her body was already out the door.

"Nosy Rei, I got this," Maya teased.

"Uh huh, sure you do Mystic Maya."

Rei winked and closed the door behind her. The two cousins were left in the Inner room. Maya instantly slacked her posture.

"That was a doozy, wasn't it Pearly?"

"Doozy? That's a funny word…"

"Believe me, it sooooo fits the situation."

Pearl giggled.

"But we did it. I get to go back to London and help Professor Layton. Much thanks Pearly, fo' reals," Maya genuinely expressed.

"What did I do Mystic Maya?"

"Well, keeping the secret mission a secret and getting everyone to shut up!"

"Mystic Maya!" Pearl gasped.

Maya laughed. She hugged her cousin.

"I couldn't have gotten this done without you Pearl."

If being the keeper of secrets brought about such happiness from Mystic Maya, Pearl supposed it wasn't so bad. It was tough, but she could handle it.

"Yea," Pearl agreed.

~Labryinthia, The Library~

Ridelle Mystere flipped deliberately through a book on her desk. She inspected page after page, cover to cover with a magnifying glass. Labryinthian Holidays and Rituals it was called, but Ms. Mystere was more focused on integrity of the book itself. So far it checked out. No, tears, stains, dents, or fire damage. The page she was currently on looked fine until the last paragraph.

Squished under a lowercase 'p' was a gnat fly.

The woman adjusted her glasses to make sure she was seeing straight. Her face puffed out in anger at the gnat fly's carcass, defiling her lovely book.

"Dewey!" she called.

The unfortunate man was nearby, balancing a tower of books. Upon hearing her cry, he nearly dropped them all.

"In a moment, Ms. Mystere!" he assured her. He tried tried to find a place for the books to rest.

"Where are the library records?" she continued.

Dewey looked to the stack in his hands. Some of the records were definitely in this tower of books.

"From how long ago?" he asked.

Dewey attempted to navigate his way to her, all the books in hand. Ridelle flipped to the front where the library card was.

"Last year, the third month, twelfth day," she announced.

That book was definitely at the top of Dewey's stack.

"I have it. Just give me a moment," he mumbled.

"We have to find the culprit. Someone thought they could close a fly in the library's book and get away with it? Well, they have another thing coming!"

Just then the front door opened and closed.

"We'll be with you in just a moment," Ridelle offhandedly told the visitor while pulling out a tall ladder from the back of the room. She grunted with each pull of the bulky object, moving it closer to Dewey.

"Let me assist with that," the newcomer offered.

The visitor was none other than Professor Layton. Ridelle's glasses drooped upon seeing him, revealing her large glittering eyes. She quickly pushed her spectacles back up, effectively covering her face.

"Thank you Professor. I would appreciate that," she replied.

He jogged over to carry the back half of the ladder. Ridelle pointed in the direction they were to carry it.

"Next to Dewey. Dewey, stay still," she instructed.

"Not a move Miss Mystere," Dewey acknowledged.

The two picked up the ladder and carefully carried it to the intended area. Then the professor and the librarian each took a side of the ladder to get it standing upright. They propped it against one of the tall bookshelves near Dewey.

"Dare I ask, what have I walked in on?" the professor mused with a wry smile on his face.

Ridelle began to test her footing on the ladder before answering. She turned momentarily to look at the gentleman.

"Someone has defiled one of our precious books. I'm getting the book of records from last year to see who I contact about damages," she explained.

The flustered librarian carefully climbed the steps of the ladder.

"How bad were the damages?" Layton inquired. He put pressure on the base of the ladder to stabilize it.

"Bad enough…" she climbed up a few more steps,"for a book that's only one of its kind."

"I see," he simply replied.

"Professor…" she called down to him.

"Yes," the professor glanced up, then quickly looked down.

"I did not think you'd be gracing my presence again," she stated. The librarian stepped up a few more times, nearing the top.

"Well Miss Ridelle, I took your advice, and progress was made," the professor explained.

Ms. Mystere turned in her spot to compare where she was in relation to Dewey's stack of books. Two more steps would give her a better angle at reaching the book.

"This will be difficult…Dewey, you have books atop of it," she complained to her assistant.

"My apologies, Miss Mystere…I-I can try to set them down."

"No need, I'm already up here," she huffed.

The librarian continued her conversation with the top-hatted man, "That's good to hear Professor. Has your progress led you back here then?"

"Somewhat. I needed a listening ear and any books on spirit channeling, if you have them. I've already poured through the University's library," Layton related.

Ridelle did not reply as she was busy poking the top of the stack with a metal pointer stick.

"Professor, how good are you at catching falling objects?" Ms. Mystere posed.

His eyes widened.

"You don't mean?"

"As much as I hate to do this, five books will be coming your way Professor. Their lives rest in your hands."

"There has to be another wa—"

Down came the first leather bound book.

Layton acrobatically leapt from the ladder to catch it. He set the book down on the staircase.

"Great catch," she complimented.

"Miss Mystere, I don't think—" Layton crossly began, but down came another book.

Layton expertly caught it.

"Well done," Ridelle praised.

"I'm beginning to think this is less about getting the books down and—"

He caught the next one.

"Excellent," she cheered.

"…less about getting books down and more about getting back—"

The next book tumbled down and Professor Layton caught it once more.

"You know this is sort of a puzzle in its own way," Layton noticed. Ridelle only threw down another book in response and he caught it.

"And I'm rather enjoying it," he stated, finally completing a thought.

Down came the last book and the professor caught it with no trouble at all.

Ridelle peered down at him.

"You can think it was a puzzle all you like. I was getting back at you," she corrected. She stretched for the object of her desire, the records book.

"Now, it's my turn to fetch a book," the librarian added.

"Please, do be careful, Miss Ridelle," Layton expressed upon seeing the ladder sway.

"It's so close," she mumbled. Her hand reached a bit further. Fingertips brushed the spine of the book.

"I've got you now," she crowed.

Her fingers nudged the book to where a corner hung over the edge of the book under it. She could grab the lip of the book with her fingernails.

She pulled at it, but suddenly lost her grip. The book teetered causing the rest of stack below it to lose balance.

"Oh no!" Dewey cried. He repositioned his arms in an attempt to get control of the books. The tower was getting farther away from her.

"Dewey, you have to get them to come this way," she yelled.

"I-I'm trying," he panicked.

"This won't end well," Ridelle reasoned internally. "It's either now or never."

Pushing her weight off the ladder for a second, she flung her arms at the book, then grasped it with both hands.

"Ridelle!" the professor shouted. His voice was heavy with concern.

Knowing the book was in her hands, she clutched it to her chest and moved her weight to where she'd hopefully fall back onto the ladder. Ridelle stretched an arm out to clutch the ladder behind her. Her risk panned out successfully.

"I-I've got it. It's done," she announced with a smile. Layton breathed a sigh of relief. However, Dewey still had not regained control of the stack of books. His footing meandered from its original position.

"H-Help!" he squeaked. He bumped into the ladder.

Ill-prepared for the turn of events, Ridelle lost her footing on the ladder. She ungracefully tumbled from its supports. She wrapped one arm around the book while the other hand frantically grasped for something stable.

"Eek!"

"Miss Mystere!"

"Ridelle!"

Instead of falling to her untimely death or into Dewey's stack of books, the petite librarian fell into the arms of Hershel Layton who had rushed to catch her fall. They both tumbled on the floor due to the force.

Dewey regained some control over the books.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Mystere. I'll go put the books down right away and fetch the doctor!" he apologized. Ridelle sluggishly waved a hand at him.

"I'm alright," she groaned. "I just can't see."

Her glasses had skidded across the floor upon impact. The book was still cradled in her arms, and if her senses were correct, she was sitting on top of Professor Layton.

"Professor, are you alright?" she spoke. Ridelle became more worried the longer it took him to answer.

"I'm fine," he replied, very near. He sat up.

So, she had been sitting on him. Ridelle turned to where she felt him move. A fuzzy blob that she assumed was his top hat and face filled her view.

"I'm glad that you are unharmed, Miss Ridelle," Layton confessed. He let out a heavy sigh.

"Quite," she replied. "Your reflexes pass the test with flying colors."

He chuckled, moving to get up.

"Ah…Wonderful," Layton replied with a groan. The fall was not graceful for him either.

"I can't see," she reminded when Layton ended up moving her in his attempt to stand.

"I know. Do not fear, I'll help," Hershel assured.

He repositioned the librarian to his right side. The professor crouched then placed an arm across her back for support.

"On three," he informed her. She nodded.

As mentioned, the two rose up on three. Ridelle's footing was still unsteady, so she grasped at his other arm, which he graciously offered.

The librarian suddenly shut her eyes.

"Are my glasses near?" she panicked.

"We'll have to walk a few steps," Layton explained.

"Y-You didn't see my eyes, did you?" Ridelle demanded, though she knew the answer. She had looked right into the professor's fuzzy face.

"Ah…" he stalled.

They slowly walked to where the glasses had landed.

"Would it be a problem if I did?"

"Yes!" she resolutely replied.

"People don't take me seriously once they see my eyes. They think a child is running the library. Humph. More often than not, I'm older than they are," she lamented obviously from previous experience.

The professor hummed.

"Well, if you're worried about me seeing your eyes, don't. I still have much respect for you as an equal, Miss Ridelle, and honestly, I think your eyes are beautiful."

The woman paused. Her mouth formed an 'o' at his statement.

The professor had stooped down to reach for the glasses. When he rose to hand them to her, the librarian's eyes were opened once more.

"Truly, Hershel?"

He placed the glasses in her hands.

"I do not say things I do not mean. I'm more skilled at avoiding the issue entirely."

Ridelle placed them back on her nose.

"That…is true," she responded with a smirk.

She took the troublesome book to her desk and opened it to the corresponding month of the damaged book. Professor Layton followed and peered over her shoulder.

"Where's the damaged book?" he asked. He was curious as to what would make Ms. Ridelle risk life and limb to acquire one book.

"Over there," she pointed to an opened book sitting to the right of her. It was held open with a magnifying glass. Professor Layton approached the book and saw nothing upon first glance.

"Which page is it?" he inquired.

The librarian huffed exasperatedly. Her rate of flipping pages increased.

"You're looking at it, and before you say anything, I'd like to remind you, that it is a one of a kind book."

Layton said nothing and hesitantly picked up the magnifying glass.

A tinkling sound rang out briefly.

Ridelle whipped her head around to look at her guest.

"What was that?"

"Oh, I found a hint coin. No trace of the damage so far…"

"Right."

The librarian went back to her own work. She was nearing the name of the person who had checked the book out. Her fingers traced the date to the book's assigned number, then to the culprit.

"Got her!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, I think I see it. This poor bug?" Layton questioned, his expression read amused.

However, Ridelle was unaware of the professor's discovery, as she reveled in her own find.

"I will be paying a visit to Miss Espella Cantabella!"

She grabbed her parasol from behind the desk and placed the 'damaged' book and records book in a canvas bag. The librarian slung it over her shoulder.

"Coming along?" she posed to her guest.

"Well…" the professor mumbled. He looked longingly at the books he intended to pour through. Ridelle glared at him from behind her spectacles.

Layton supposed that he had wanted to speak with her, and if Ridelle was leaving, siphoning through the library would take more time. He approached her with a nod.

"I suppose, I could. I haven't seen Espella in quite some time."

"Excellent," she responded with an impish grin.

"We can talk on the way there," he posed, holding the door open for her.

"Certainly. This odd affair has peaked my interest. So, what did your friend have to say?"

Layton related the events of the phone call with Maya as the two made their way to Patty's Bakery.

Longer chapter. It just turned out that way. Let me know what you think. ~Nyanora ^_^