Chapter 1

Phoenix hurried as quickly as he could to the police station to meet his cousin Mai. She'd called to tell him that she'd be starting as a detective that day, and he wanted to get down there to congratulate her. He was so happy that she'd been able to get a job in his city, since he rarely got see her when they grew up since they lived so far apart.

I wish I had a car...that would make these things much easier...Phoenix thought, running as quickly as he could.

Phoenix finally got inside the police department, feeling slightly out of breath. Mai had mentioned that her desk was to the left of the door, and down the hall, so Phoenix made his way there quickly. When he got to the desk, he found her just finishing unpacking her stuff and arranging it.

"Mai!" Phoenix said with a smile.

"Phoenix!" she replied as she looked up and noticed him, "It sure took you a while to get here."

"Things are a whole lot slower on foot." Phoenix replied with a little sarcasm, but the smile didn't leave his face, "Oh, by the way...Congrats on your new job!"

Mai seemed absolutely pleased as she replied, "Thanks! I was glad I could get transferred here...now we can hang out more, right?"

"You know it." Phoenix said, glad that his favorite cousin was now much closer than she used to be.

Mai glanced at the clock and suddenly realized that it was getting late, and she already had work to do.

"Well, I guess we'll have to talk more later...I have a lot of other stuff I have to get done today. But I'm really glad you came to welcome me here!" Mai said happily.

"Yeah, I actually have some case work to get to myself, so I should get going anyway." Phoenix said, slowly making his way to the door outside.

"I'll walk you outside. I can do that at least." Mai said with a smile.

Mai and Phoenix finally reached the doors of the police department, so he knew it was time for them to say good bye.

Phoenix just suddenly reached out and gave her a hug, saying, "Hey, I'm really happy for you."

After a moment she pulled back and said, "Thanks. Well, I guess I better get to work."

"See you later!" Phoenix said happily.

After a long year without contacting anyone, Miles Edgeworth was back, permanently. He decided to head to the police station first, to thank Gumshoe for helping him settle back in, and Pess was in need of a walk. If getting his shirt sleeve tugged at constantly was not a sign, nothing was.

After he'd almost arrived at the police station, as he pondered on what he would say to Gumshoe and everyone on his sudden leave, his grip on Pess's leash loosened enough for it to get tugged out of his hand. In those few seconds, Pess was rushing down the street, the leash hanging and Edgeworth on his tail. He groaned as he realized how much faster a dog was than a human. Pess continued on, heading for the police station excitedly.

Afraid that Pess might run into the street, Edgeworth continued his chase, although he was starting to feel worn out.

I wonder where dogs get all their energy...Edgeworth thought.

He knew that Pess wouldn't slow down if he stopped, the familiar shops and buildings must have gotten his dog happy, especially since Gumshoe had loved playing with Pess whenever he was too busy with work to do so.

"Pess! Come back here!" he yelled as loud as he could to his dog, but to no avail.

As Edgeworth rounded the corner he saw that Pess' target was Gumshoe, who was now kneeling over petting him. He stopped to get a proper amount of air into his lungs. Pess barked happily running back to him and pulling at his pant leg.

"Giving you some trouble?" Gumshoe scratches the back of his head walking over.

"Nothing...I can't handle." Talking was proving to be difficult while trying to catch his breath. "He needed a walk and I had an errand."

Feeling much better, Edgeworth and Gumshoe entered a very light conversation, Pess running around them happily.

Although Gumshoe was in front of him, he had a clear view of the front of the police department. It was one shock to see Phoenix come out of those very same doors, it was a bigger shock to see him come out with a girl and hug her. A sudden feeling pierced through his heart and he couldn't quite place what it was. He didn't like the feeling at all.

Why is Phoenix hugging someone bothering me so much? I shouldn't care who he's with...Edgeworth thought in confusion and annoyance at himself.

"Well, I still have some work to get done, Mr. Edgeworth, so I'd better get back inside."

Gumshoe gave the dog a final pet on the head before heading back inside, after saying a quick hello to Phoenix.

Edgeworth immediately would have left before Phoenix saw him, but upon noticing Phoenix, Pess shot straight for him, barking at his heels, and tugging at his pants. He mentally kicked himself for not grabbing the leach earlier.

Phoenix returned the quick hello with Gumshoe when he was suddenly shocked to find a very happy and excited dog at his feet. He looked down and was surprised to see that it was none other than Pess, Miles Edgeworth's dog. He gave it a few pets as he realized something.

If Pess is here than Miles musn't be far behind...Phoenix thought, so many conflicting emotions bubbling up inside of him at once.

Phoenix looked up from the dog, and sure enough, there he was...and he was looking straight at both of them.