Here is a bonus chapter- sort of a prologue of a Phoenix/Iris story I've been working on along the year. After playing DD I figured, that this ship won't sink that easily, and that there is a story about them waiting to be told. I'd love to explore more into mature Phoenix and I think it's one good idea to start here.

So far, I began writing the prologue chapter. I originally intended it to be a romance drama, but it ended up being another mystery-suspense thing, like my other stories haha. I have no idea how it might turn out, but I'd love another round of excitement and Gyakuten dry humor.

Another semester will start for me on the morrow, so I can't update until late December, or worse, April. *groan* Hopefully though I can finish editing and publishing quickly.

Thank you so much for the support on my stories. I wish you well, reader.

-L

Capcom owns Phoenix Wright and related articles. Brands mentioned are not my own unless stated otherwise.

Standard Disclaimer Applies

-Wright Anything Agency-

February 24, 6:00PM

"Daddy, Polly and I are going to see the Anna Banana Show now!" Trucy placed the show tickets inside her heart-shaped blue purse and straightened her cape.

"Okay, both of you take care." Phoenix looked up from a pile of old case files he was sorting out on his desk.

"Remember what I asked you about the old stuff we're cleaning out today. We have to be ready by New Year's eve, okay, Daddy?"

"Yes Trucy. I'll look at the old stuff you found haha." He found his daughter's control-freak tendencies quite endearing.

Phoenix had to clean up in time for New Year's eve. The clutter in the living room was unacceptable, now that he has two more lawyers at the firm. Trucy began sorting and organizing her magic props and placed them in the spare room. Then, she continued to pack some old things in big boxes.

She said something about important looking objects that she chose not to throw away. Maybe he ought to sort some of them as well.

It was six o'clock on a Saturday night, yet he was alone at the office. Apollo and Trucy were out, and Athena was at the Supermarine Aquarium visiting the dolphins again. He absentmindedly made a pot of coffee, and remembered that tonight was the first in many nights lately that he would not be pulling another all-nighter working, and studying for a case. He poured himself a cup anyway. Black coffee- ironically how he preferred it nowadays.

He slipped off his blue coat and placed it on his office chair. He rolled up his sleeves and loosened his tie. He sat next to a big box that Trucy told him about and began to look at what she had uncovered from that mess in the spare room.

"Let's see here... Wow, turns out Maya left these Steel Samurai trading cards... Will Powers's autograph, a flyer from that old exhibit, yeesh! That assassin's name card... Ah." Phoenix paused as he unearthed an ancient wool piece of wardrobe. It was bright pink, and just as warm as he remembered, albeit a tad more dusty.

"Never thought I'd see you again." He wished he could say this to the sweater's maker.

He remembered at first how he received this sweater. It was when their relationship was four months old- his relationship with her.

She was beautiful to him in every way- her brown doe eyes, the tinge of pink on her cheeks when the weather got too cold, how her voice would sound funny when she sneezed, her morning ritual of making his cup of cappucino and her cafe au lait, that timid chuckle and even rarer, her throaty laughter.

Such sweet memories filled him, but pain as well. The fact that even her true hair color baffled him. He knew she didn't mean to lie to hurt him, but hurt him she still did. Somehow even if he made his peace with Iris, even after all these years, what happened between them was a chapter in his life he still could not accept, nor let go of.

Don't just let her go. I did, and look where it got me.

He remembered the words he spoke to Miles Edgeworth around five years ago. That was rich. He gave advice but he could barely face his own emotional issues.

He continued to clean and sort, after folding the sweater and setting it aside. He finished cleaning by seven-thirty and decided to do the laundry. Wash and dryer. That was pretty much it. Ironing was not his best chore, so he folded the clothes so Trucy or Apollo could do it later. He was putting the lasagna inside the oven when he heard his daughter's voice.

"Daddy, is what's that pink thing you have there on the counter?" They must be back from the show.

"Oh this old thing? I found it while I was cleaning up." Phoenix handed it to his daughter.

"Wow. This is huge on me." Trucy tried it on. It still smelled like her papa indeed.

"Actually looks good on you Trucy. But, did you really wear this in public, Mr. Wright?" Apollo asked innocently.

"Yes I did, back in university." He answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Sure looks warm." Apollo tried to hold in laughter but he couldn't help but smile at that mental image.

"Wanna have it?" Phoenix offered, raising an eyebrow.

"No, I can't. It must be very important to you. It's like you bought it from a store, but I can tell it's handmade." Apollo examined a sleeve.

"Ohhh judging from this pink color, can it be from a lady?" Trucy's eyes lit up.

"Well, yes." Phoenix nodded, which immediately caught the siblings' interest.

"Who is she Daddy? And do you still see each other? Is she going to be my new mommy?" Trucy barraged him with questions.

"Trucy, don't badger him like that." Apollo cleared his throat. "I admit, we are curious too Mr. Wright." Apollo laughed.

"Okay, how about we talk over dinner? You kids must be starving. The lasagna is almost ready." Phoenix inspected the oven and the timer.

"Great. I'll be checking some emails and I'll join you in a few minutes." Apollo checked his watch.

"I'll go set the table!" Trucy beamed.

Phoenix and Apollo exchanged university stories. Phoenix brought up really interesting stories about how he was an art major that could barely draw. Luckily he wasn't a bad sculptor, and he was good at history. Apollo spoke of his philosophy and swimming classes, and even psychology classes where he and his late friend, Clay met up often. Ever since the big trial ended, Apollo was slowly healing and he became more comfortable talking about his deceased best friend around other people. Phoenix told them about the sweater, and some stories about his relationship with Iris.

The two noticed his feelings of unease and discomfort, so they hesitated to ask how it ended. Phoenix was being generous by sharing this much.

"Thanks for dinner. I had a great time, Mr. Wright, Trucy." Apollo slipped on his long coat and walked towards the front door.

"You're welcome. And don't be a stranger. Drop by even if we're not working on anything, okay?" Phoenix tapped his shoulder.

"See you around Apollo!" Trucy waved.

Phoenix put Trucy to bed and slipped into his own in the room across. The sweater was on his night stand. It took him a long time to fall asleep, and so he decided to do some studying in his office. Edgeworth was right. He was getting rusty on labor laws.

-Wright Anything Agency-

February 25 7:00 AM

*Steel Samurai ring tone beeps*

"...Hello, this is Phoenix Wright." It was so early in the morning. He probably fell asleep on his desk again. But who would make a call at this hour?

Little did he know that that phone call would start another turnabout in his life.