Summary: After being barged into his office by a frantic Gumshoe, Phoenix decides to talk with Edgeworth about his problem. This one confrontation that started as an issue for Edgeworth turns into an unforgettable story about making a cancer child's dream come true.

There was a loud, banging knock on Phoenix's door. Answering the door, Phoenix saw the frantic detective, who started speaking before the blue-suited lawyer could get a word in.

"We've got a problem, Pal! You better come quick!" Detective Gumshoe spoke. Well, technically he wasn't a detective anymore, but...

"W-What is it?" Phoenix asked, acting calm.

"It's Mr. Edgeworth! He's not looking so good. He's been in a major bad mood and won't say anything. You gotta come help, Pal! This is serious!"

"I will! I will! But, next time, could you not scare my students? I mean you are the Chief Detective now and... your knocking is very terrifying," Phoenix said, looking back at his office filled with Magic stuff as Apollo and Athena slowly appeared from behind the couch, both trembling in fear.

Trucy popped from inside a small suitcase, asking, "oh, we're not playing Knock-and-Hide? Bummer."

"Sorry, Pals," Gumshoe replied, looking glum.

"No. No. It's alright, Chief," Apollo replied, flushed and nervous.

"Yeah, no biggie!" Athena grinned, holding out her peace sign.

"What a scare!"  Widget spoke.

"Anyways, what's going on with Edgeworth?" Phoenix asked.

"You got me, Pal. At least I don't have to worry about him lowering my salary during his moods. Though, I can't say the same for the other Prosecutors," Gumshoe said.

"Geez, poor Gavin," Apollo said almost sarcastically.

"Poor Gavin? What about Simon? If he's not happy, nobody is," Athena said, seemingly nervous about the thought.

"Huh? Those two? Na, they're fine. I was actually talking about the Payne brothers and Debeste. I know they're not the most favorable – well, you don't know Debeste actually – but with how many Prosecutors he's fired to end the Dark Age of Law, it's not going to look good if he keeps cutting everyone's salaries. Believe me, it can get you down after a while," Gumshoe said. I've heard about Prosecutor Debeste. He focuses mostly on Kidnapping and Abuse cases.

"I'll go talk to him," Phoenix promised.

"Thanks a lot, Pal! I would, but... he's already cut Sebastian's salary and Ema's in a bad mood. I don't wanna get anyone else in trouble."

"Great. Looks like I'm going to need to keep some Snackoos on hand," Apollo sighed, his face beginning to show some sweat.

"Noted. Thanks, Chief Detective and um..." Phoenix said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sorry, Pals. I'll try not to knock so loudly. Anyways, I better get back to work. Believe it or not, even though Mr. Edgeworth isn't my boss, that doesn't mean I never get salary cuts."

"Wish you luck!"

"You too, Pal!"

After Gumshoe left, Apollo and Athena collected pieces of paper they dropped on the floor from the loud knocking. Trucy began zipping back the suitcase she was hiding inside previously. Phoenix decided to check on Charley to see if he needed any watering.

"You certainly have friends in high places. The Chief Detective of all people. What do you think is wrong with Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth that he'd have to go to you?" Athena asked curiously.

"I'm not sure. If Chief Detective Gumshoe is coming to me, then it must be serious. He hasn't been so desperate to come to me about Edgeworth since the Lana Skye case," Phoenix said, rubbing his chin.

"Lana Skye?" Apollo questioned.

"Ema's sister. It was a complicated situation. Either way, this must be pretty bad."

"How bad are we talking, Daddy?" Trucy asked, folding her arms and looking to the side.

"Well, last time, Edgeworth was avoiding cases and I had to steal one of his past case files to get him to talk to me. Afterwards, he left a single note left behind that read 'Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth Chooses Death.'" Everyone froze, looking deathly pale before Phoenix assured, "don't worry, nothing happened. He just left to study in Germany for three years." Everyone sighed in relief. "Either way, it was pretty serious."

"I'd say! I mean, who leaves a suicide note before taking off abroad without at least calling his friends?" Athena asked.

"This is Mr. Edgeworth we're talking. Still, I can't say I've had anyone disappear on me before...  not in form of taking off without saying goodbye. At least he left a note," Apollo said. He had to pause for a second there.

"Either way, I'm going to have to talk with him before he disappears suddenly again," Phoenix said, grabbing his keys. "Could you guys hold down the fort, while I'm gone?"

"Sure thing, Boss!" Athena replied excitedly.

"If he does place another suicide note, let me know, so I can snap him out of it with my new canon," Trucy grinned.

"I don't think that'd be legal, Trucy," Apollo said.

"Sure thing, Sweetheart, but I don't think he'll be doing that again. Anyways, I'll see you when I get back!" Phoenix greeted before closing the office door.

***********************************************

It had been a long week for Edgeworth. Age had given him a bit of wisdom and perhaps some humility. It felt like only ten years ago, he would never think of giving himself a day off for any reason. After all, he had a duty to fulfill as a Prosecutor and personal problems should always come second. Though, having studied for three years, return back, help out an old friend, lose his badge, gain back his badge, watch his best friend lose his own badge, watch his colleague jailed under false charges, help a lost prosecutor pave his own path, then become Chief Prosecutor to end the Dark Age of Law, Miles Edgeworth had learned that sometimes it's impossible to continue on his duties. He is still just as human as everyone else and cannot be expected to always perform his duties normally when his own personal problems effect his work.

The moment the Chief Detective called him and told him that he was worried, Edgeworth knew he couldn't continue working like this. His employees can continue on without him for today. Right now, Edgeworth needed some time to himself to fix his own personal problems. He made his way to his apartment, then walked to a shelf in his living room where a lone vase stood. He took the vase, then held it to his chest before hearing a knock on the door.

"Miles, are you in there!? It's me!" Edgeworth heard. Of course the detective would go to this man of all people!

"Door's unlocked!" Edgeworth replied.

Phoenix opened the door, then said, "I called the office, but they said you left, so I thought you'd be here..." He looked around the apartment as if looking for something. "Say, where's Pess?"

Edgeworth couldn't find it in his voice to say it. He only could stare at the vase he was holding as Phoenix's eyebrows rose, then it finally clicked. The reason for Edgeworth's moodiness at work. Phoenix walked up to his friend, giving him a comforting hug.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize," Phoenix apologized.

"He was an old dog, Phoenix. I-It was only a matter of time," Edgeworth replied, his voice hoarse.

"You've had Pess since you were 13. I'd cry too."

"Oh shush, you. He's just an old dog," Edgeworth stated, but his emotions said otherwise. He found himself crying on Phoenix's shoulder.

"Shhh, no he wasn't.... No, he wasn't," Phoenix whispered, patting Edgeworth's back. "When was it? You know? His passing?"

"Two weeks ago. I-I had him cremated," Edgeworth replied, wiping his tears. "I thought by cremating him in a vase, he could still be with me somehow. I know. Foolishness. That's what Franziska would say, if she knew. It isn't the same. They're just ashes. Nothing more." He helplessly stared at the vase.

"Have you been feeling lonely?" Phoenix asked as Edgeworth gazed his eyes away sadly. "I see. If you want, you can always come over. Heck, Trucy and I can always visit, if you're needing company."

"Ah... uh.... Phoenix, it's appreciated, but you don't have to."

"No, it's alright! It won't be a problem for us. Really, if you ever feel the need for company, call me. Don't hurt yourself, okay."

"Phoenix..."

"I mean it. Don't. Everyone's worried about you. Gumshoe came knocking on my door and he hasn't done that, since the Lana Skye incident."

Edgeworth chuckled a bit, replying, "yes, I remember... I never did apologize for that suicide note... I'm sorry. I know I can be a bit hardheaded."

"A bit?" Phoenix teased, receiving a glare in response. "Sorry."

"Perhaps it's from being under Von Karma. Even though I don't believe in perfection, I'm always trying to be perfect in my abilities. When I try, sometimes I succeed, but at times like these, I... I just can't."

"It's alright. No one faults you for that."

"The worst part is that it's not even over losing a family member, friend or colleague. It's over a dog."

"That doesn't matter! Dog, cat, chinchilla, rabbit, tiger or snake, Pess was family to you. He lived under your home since he was a pup. No one faulted you when you mourned for Von Karma, even though most of us hated his guts, "Phoenix stated, the last part bringing a smile to Edgeworth's face. "No one faulted you for not participating in any Christmas festivities or refusing to take the elevator. In fact, I'm hearing that a majority of your employees choose to take the stairs for your sake, since you became Chief Prosecutor. No one is faulting you for being human. If you need to take a break, take a break. Take a week off. You deserve it."

Edgeworth let out a chuckle, then replied, "thank you, Wright." He sighed, then walked to the window in his kitchen, opening it up and the screen before removing the lid to the vase. He allowed the ashes to be carried out by the wind before it completely emptied. "Goodbye, old boy."

Placing the empty vase on the counter, Phoenix hugged him, then asked, "how about we go visit Mr. Eldoon's?"

"Th-That sounds... lovely," Edgeworth replied, nodding.

Spending time with friends did help Edgeworth a little. He joined with Phoenix in eating at Eldoon Noodle and eating noodles with Larry. After that, he finally decided to take two more days off, having announced his circumstances. Much to Edgeworth's surprise, as Phoenix had said, all of his colleagues understood and handed him cards, flowers and money for Pess' passing. Klavier wrote a song in memory of Pess, Ema gave him a bag of Snackoos and the Paynes gave him their condolences. Non of the Prosecutors, whose salary Edgeworth cut, ever asked or complained about it, even behind his back.

Moving on from losing Pess was still hard. Now, Edgeworth no longer had walks to give anyone, a companion to talk to about his woes, someone to come home to, someone to play with publicly without being embarrassed or someone he could enjoy spoiling. He had to use the extra time he often used on Pess to do other things and sell out all his stuff, aside from the cravat. Edgeworth couldn't bring it in himself to sell or give away the cravat and instead decided to frame it on the wall of his room.

Since Edgeworth no longer had a dog to walk, he decided to talk long walks by himself. He would explore different neighborhoods in the uptown square. He'd sometimes checkout new places he's never been before, using the extra time and money he often used on Pess. He still missed the dog, but it wasn't to say he wasn't going to try enjoying himself. He even walked around pet shops and Dog Cafes just to pet, hold and spend time with the dogs. Neither of them were Pess, but it was better than being alone without a companion to talk to.

It was during one of those trips to a Dog Cafe that he noticed a bunch of children visiting the cafe. It was a small group that Edgeworth thought were school children. Though, they didn't seem to be in uniform and school was already over. They were all petting and checking out the dogs. There seemed to be three teachers watching them, being there were so many kids. It was certainly a strange and rare sight.

"You like Putal?" A boy asked.

"Pardon?" Edgeworth asked, staring right at the small boy, who took a seat next to him.

"Putal. That's his name," the boy replied, pointing at the name tag around the collar of the white fluffy dog Edgeworth was holding on his lap.

"Oh."

"It's alright. A lot of people don't notice that," the boy said, kicking his legs in the seat. He was certainly a strange fellow. He seemed to barely have any hair growing on his head to tell what color of hair he had. He also wore a loose brown shirt, white shorts and white tennis shoes. He wouldn't have been any older than 7.

"Are you with that group?" Edgeworth asked.

"Yeah. The teachers take us here from time to time. It's the only place I'm allowed to go."

"And, why is that?"

"I guess just in case I start acting up again. Cancer sucks."

"Oh, my apologies, I didn't realize."

"Na, it's fine. It's been with me for as long as I can remember. I've just learned to live with it. At least I'll get to see my parents soon."

It took a while for Edgeworth to realize what the boy meant. "You're an orphan?" Edgeworth asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yep, actually all of us are," the boy said, looking over at the other kids playing with their dogs." This is kinda like our animal therapy type of thing, since we're not allowed to have pets. We just come here." The boy shrugged. "You lost someone?"

"... my dog, Pess. He..."

"Oh, sorry about that. Cheerio died last year. It was a hard year for us. He always loved playing with us."

"What's your name?" Edgeworth asked.

"Kale Enaple," Kale replied.

"Please to meet you, Kale. My name is Miles Edgeworth."

"That's cool. By the way, why do you wear an apron?"

"Apr- no, this is a cravat. It's a type of neck ware," Edgeworth corrected, showing his cravat.

"Is that what it's called? I've never seen one before. I like how ruffly it feels," Kale grinned, touching the cravat as Edgeworth chuckled a bit.

"Kale, what have I told you about talking to strangers?" One of the teachers scolded Kale.

"Sorry, Mrs. Scrowl!" Kale apologized, taking a bow before turning to Edgeworth. "Sorry, Mr. Edgeworth."

Edgeworth almost laughed. Kale was still not listening. Mrs. Scrowl sighed, shaking her head before walking up to Edgeworth.

"I apologize. Kale just loves to talk with everyone. He can get a bit excited sometimes."

"It's not a problem, I assure you."

"He doesn't get his chance to talk with people. Not since two years ago."

"How bad is it?" Edgeworth asked curiously.

"Unfortunately, he's still having issues, with his medication being the only thing keeping him alive. There's no telling how long that will last. Today might be his last."

"Is there any way of getting him better treatment."

"Not any we can afford. Unfortunately, because he's a cancer kid, the possibility of getting adopted has decreased. Parenting him would include medical expenses that we barely can afford with government help and assistance. Even so, no one wants to adopt a child they could lose the moment of adoption."

"Understandable. You seem to be doing well with the children," Edgeworth said, smiling at the children playing with the dogs.

"Thank you. Though, every bit of help counts. If you're interested, here's my business card," Mrs. Scrowl offered, handing her business card to the orphanage. "You can come,  if you're interested in adopting a child, donating or if you want to provide voluntary services. Every little bit helps."

"I appreciate the offer. I work most of the week, but I will see to it that I come at least once every week," Edgeworth promised.

"Thank you. It's much appreciated."

Edgeworth took a bow, then replied, "you're very welcome, Madam."

It wasn't much, but it was something to take some time off Edgeworth's hands. Also, looking at Kale, Edgeworth wanted to help the poor boy and give him whatever bit of hope he could. If he could help this cancer boy be well enough to where there wouldn't be any need for medical expenses, maybe Edgeworth could give him a chance to find new parents and a home to go to. This bright young boy certainly deserved that much. Edgeworth knew the feeling of living a life without parents. It was a horrible feeling.

Edgeworth was able to find the orphanage called Find Hope Orphanage. It may not seem much, but perhaps this can be something he can do during his spare time. It was certainly better than playing with a bunch of puppies in hope that Pess had been reborn in one of them. The orphanage also seemed like it needed all the help it could receive. He went inside the office and signed up for volunteer work. As a volunteer, he was required to wear an apron, so no one would mistaken him for a parent wishing to adopt a child. He also decided to dress down a bit to not stand out from the other volunteers. This included getting rid of the cravat.

A majority of Edgeworth's job was putting toys away, shelving books, putting away food, stacking trays, placing away clean dishes, taking out the trash, unloading boxes and reloading boxes. Of course, he didn't do all of this in a single day, just whatever was needed to be done. He also would keep an eye on what was going on with the children. There were at least 200 or so children living in this orphanage, all of them split into smaller groups based on age and gender. Kale was in the B-15 group.

Edgeworth never watched Kale 24/7, but he did memorize how the system worked. The children were each given a chore list they were responsible of and were placed on a schedule to finish that chore list by the end of the hour. They were also given a time to eat, sleep, do their homework and playtime. This was the children's daily routine living in a place like this. It was no haven, but it was the best these kids could have. Most of them had living families that could not care for them for one reason or another.

It was a rarity that a child would return back to their family or be adopted, but if they were, there was always a hopeful or tearful farewell. Much of these children had formed bonds. Having to leave a place they considered home all their lives wasn't always pleasant. For some, though, it was filled with hope.

While putting the toys away, Kale appeared in the room and greatly surprised. He said, "I know you! You're that one guy with the fluffy cravat!"

"Oh, hello Kale. What brings you here? Shouldn't you be with your group?" Edgeworth asked, still proceeding to put away the toys.

"Na. I can't go outside that much. I try finding things to do, while I'm stuck in here," Kale replied, helping put the toys away. "I'm gonna miss Kenny. He's finally reuniting with his Uncle. I'm sure things will go well."

"If you don't mind me asking, why couldn't he stay with his uncle before?"

"Alcohol Addiction. He's had to go through some serious rehab for that."

"I see," Edgeworth replied. He noticed Kale was wearing a red cap this time. "That's a nice cap. I didn't see you wear it at the cafe."

"Oh this?" Kale asked, pointing to his cap. "The dogs keep taking it and using it like a chew toy."

"Dogs will do that."

"Yeah. It's alright. They're just too cute for me to say no."

"Hm..."

"What made you decide to volunteer here?"

"Just... something to do, I suppose."

"Still miss your dog?"

"... you could say that."

"It's alright. All of us have lost someone in our lives."

"I... suppose you're not wrong."

"Hee hee. By the way, have you ever thought about adopting?"

"Not... really. Parenthood isn't something I'm thinking about," Edgeworth replied honestly.

"You should think about it. You'd make a great father and there are a ton of kids here looking for a new Mommy and Daddy."

"I'm not married or have a lover,"Edgeworth stated bluntly, picking up each children's book one by one.

"Still, single parent is better than no parent at all. Stan is a good choice. He's excellent in his studies, very nice and is good with talking with people. There's also Bernie. He's childish, but he's a good listener and is always quiet. Tray is a stick-in-the-mud, but he's a good fighter and very loyal."

"Why are you so focused on getting me to adopt? Surly, you'd want to be the one being adopted," Edgeworth asked curiously, but also to get Kale's mind off of the idea of him adopting anyone.

"Na, that's not gonna happen and there are other kids that need parents more than me. Many of them come from abusive homes or have never seen their parents."

"I have to disagree, Kale. No child deserves to be without his parent. The idea is just ludicrous."

"... I guess, but... you know, it... can't be helped," Kale said, rubbing the back of his neck with saddened eyes.

Edgeworth sighed quietly before gently patting Kale's capped head, then shelving the books. Kale looked up at the man with such awe. Even having just met this man, Kale knew already that he was a perfect parent to father any of the kids. There was no way he was going to allow this chance to pass. If there was a chance someone could get adopted, Kale wanted to jump to that chance. This man was super rich, super nice and held the persona of a typical stern father. He was perfect!

"You can try Gerald. He's kind of the leader of the group, so he's bossy, but he's protective over everyone and everything," Kale grinned as Edgeworth found himself rolling his eyes, but seemed to not hold back a smile. Kale... was being adorable.

Since finding out about Edgeworth's volunteer work, Kale would take time out of his day to help him out and talk to him. He couldn't understand Kale's eagerness, but he was willing to play along. He figured he might as well get to know the young lad, if he intended on getting him the best medical treatment money could buy. Of course, that was easier said than done.

Deciding to talk to the Head of the orphanage about this, Edgeworth decided to ask more about Kale's cancer.

"Lymphoma?" Edgeworth asked.

"I'm afraid so. Poor kid has been through Chemotherapy already. I'm sure you notice his hair is starting to grow back. Didn't work and it's unpredictable when he starts having coughing fits. Once they start, his breath shortens and he breaks in sweat. So far, the medicine is able to help with his coughing fits, but... with his medical expenses, it will take a miracle to get him money for the next type of therapy that could help," the Head stated.

"Perhaps I can help pay for another type of therapy. I hear that Immunotherapy works wonders."

"We've actually thought about that, but as I have stated, we've already tried Chemotherapy and have spent more than we could afford. We have over 200 mouths to feed. We do accept donations. Though, I do have one question, why do you want to spend it on Kale?"

"I want to give him an equal chance in the possibility of finding new parents like all the other kids."

"We appreciate the concern, but there are no promises. Even if this does work, it will take up to five years before Kale will be considered cure from cancer and it can still return back at anytime."

"It's something."

"Perhaps. If you want my suggestion, since you already offered to pay for Kale's Immunotherapy, you could also adopt him. Even though Kale has cancer, that doesn't make him unadoptable."

"Adopt Kale? That's nice for you to offer, but parenting is such a huge responsibility and I already have enough of it on my plate. Besides, wouldn't that cost extra than just simply paying for his therapy?"

"It would, responsibility and medical expenses come with any sort of adoption, but it's also worth it for many."

"Pardon me, sir, but I'd hardly compare adopting a dog to adopting a child. Children... are much more valuable and vulnerable than pets. You can talk to a dog or a cat about anything and they will rather ignore you or shake their tail. With children, you can't be as open with, because of how fragile their young minds are. Many of these children have already been torn from their previous families from abuse or passing. Even Kale, I cannot even imagine the heartache he suffers from losing his parents to knowing he could die the next day. Even knowing the possibility of me adopting him might be too much for his heart to take."

"I understand your concerns. It was a suggestion after all. It's something to think about. You know, a sign of a good parent often starts from the heart. It's pretty clear you care about Kale. Not just his health, but his emotional state. Think about what I've said."

Edgeworth couldn't say that the idea was impossible or seemed unappealing. Considering how uninterested he was in finding a woman to marry, adoption would be the best way of passing down the Edgeworth name. Financially, Edgeworth would do fine with supporting one or two children and there was no doubt Trucy, Kay or Ema would enjoy taking turns babysitting. Kale would also look absolutely adorable in a cravat. Perhaps in a green suit, shorts, some dress shoes and... no, Edgeworth shook the idea out of his head. He couldn't.

"I'm sorry sir, but I can't do that to Kale. Just... please understand."

"I do. I'm only asking for you to at least think it over."

Edgeworth sighed, "fine. I... I'll think about it... maybe."

Edgeworth made haste to leave. He quickly took off his apron to hang it on the hanging rack. He needed to leave right now. There was just too much on his mind right now. The idea of adopting Kale. Bizarre! Yet, for those few seconds, Edgeworth did think about it. He couldn't deny it to himself that he thought about it.

"Leaving already?" Kale asked, having randomly appeared from behind as Edgeworth was making his way out the entryway.

"Oh, Kale, ah yes. It's time for me to leave. I'll be back by next week," Edgeworth promised.

"Did you think about what I said? I can give you a whole list of kids here that would love to be adopted!"

"Ah right, um... Kale, that is nice Dear, but... I'm not interested in adopting."

"But, you thought about it, didn't you?" Kale grinned unapologetically with his hands behind his back. Edgeworth couldn't deny the fact he did, but not in the way the child was thinking.

"Kale..."

"Hee hee don't think I'm giving up that easily. I promised my friends I'd get them adopted before I died."

"You... Kale, you shouldn't make promises like that," Edgeworth replied, chuckling at the silly boy.

"But, I did, and I intend on keeping that promise no matter what! Danny and Rich have already been adopted and now I've got 23 more to go!"

"Kale, that's the same number of kids in your group."

"Exactly! I wanna make sure they all get adopted, so that way they have someone to go to when I'm gone."

"... Kale."

"I don't want my friends to be sad and alone when I'm gone. That's why I'm working so hard. No matter how many times you say no, I'm going to keep persisting. You're perfect, you know! Everyone here would kill to have someone like you for a Daddy."

Edgeworth would never admit it, but hearing Kale say that only made him want to adopt him more than the rest of the kids. He was such a tenderhearted young boy full of sunshine in the darkest of places. He had to turn around, so that he would not see Kale's face.

"I'll be going now, you... be good now and... no running off," Edgeworth said, trying to keep his composure. Kale, on the other hand, seemed very confused.

Edgeworth had come to the conclusion for the rest of the week that he would absolutely NOT be adopting anyone. He couldn't think about himself, but for Kale. If he knew Edgeworth would be adopting him and not his friends, he would be distraught and feel selfish. He would likely try to distance himself from Edgeworth. Thus, it was better to not adopt or think about adopting anyone. That didn't stop Kale from trying.

"Jeremy is hilarious. He will make you laugh about just about anything. He once made a piece of grass into something funny," Kale said.

"Is that so?" Edgeworth asked, smiling a little. He stopped trying to stop Kale and just listened to his speeches.

"Yep. You'd love him. He does get a little out-of-hand with the pranks, but it's not too bad."

"Hm..."

"Oh, but you know who you'd also like? Henry. He acts all shy and scared, but once you get him to warm up to you, he's like a social bird. He loves parties and gatherings. He especially loves food."

"Doesn't everyone love food?"

"Yes, but he loves anything you give him. Oh, but not as much as Sam. Though, that's probably because he's the athlete of the group. I wish I was like him."

"You like sports?" Edgeworth asked curiously as he began sorting food cans in small cardboard boxes.

"Well... not really. I used to like swimming," Kale said, looking down at his feet with a small smile upon his lips.

"Used to?"

"... I can't swim as much as I used to. I get really fatigued easily," Kale explained. 

"Oh... I'm very sorry about that," Edgeworth replied. He figured this might be due to the cancer.

"It's alright. I've always wondered what happens when people die. Do they become ghosts or go to heaven? Either way, maybe then my cancer will be gone and I can swim across Gourd Lake."

"I'd like to see you swim across Gourd Lake, while you're still here. You seem like you could be an excellent swimmer."

"You think so?"

"I can see it. Don't give up on your dream Kale or you will regret it."

"Hm..." Kale said, scrunching his lips to the right and thinking.

Edgeworth proceeded to continue with packaging the food. Kale was quietly thinking about something, then his eyes popped open once he thought of something. He grinned widely.

"William! I almost forgot about him. He's a complete bookworm and..." Kale said before unleashing a heavy, dry cough. He covered his mouth with both his hands as his eyes widened in panic, while continuing to cough. After the third cough, Edgeworth grew panicked and turned to Kale.

"Kale, are you alright?" Edgeworth asked as Kale shook his head, his coughing not stopping before dropping to his knees.

In a quick second, the kitchen worker came running with some sort of breathing machine in one hand and a mask on the other. She knelt down next to Kale, then turned to Edgeworth.

"Hurry, get the medicine. It's in the top, left cabinet!" the Kitchen Worker ordered as Edgeworth nodded, then proceeded to search for the medication.

Edgeworth found a small little bottle with clear liquid inside, then ran back to the kitchen worker and gave it to her. She placed it inside the bottom part of the mask before putting it to Kale's mouth and nose. Edgeworth turned it on as the smoke from the medication started blowing into the mask. Kale kept coughing, his eyes full of panic.

Taking a hold of Kale's hand, Edgeworth calmly instructed, "Kale, look at me." Kale still coughed, but he looked at Edgeworth. "It's alright. Just breathe." He nodded and only focused on his breathing that was beginning to shorten. Edgeworth looked at the Kitchen Worker. "Does this always happen?"

"Oh yeah, especially when he talks up a storm. Most volunteers get annoyed at his antics, but he means well."

"I know. He's a good boy," Edgeworth said, smiling at Kale before gently petting his capped head. Kale turned his eyes away almost guiltily.

"I-" He started before he began coughing again.

"Don't talk, just breathe," Edgeworth whispered. Seeing Kale like this made him more determined than ever to get him Immunotherapy. This was especially painful to watch. He didn't realize how tightly he held onto Kale's hand. Kale did, though.

Unfortunately, Kale had to be taken to the ER and Edgeworth could not see him for the rest of the day. It broke his heart in many ways than one. The worst part was that there was little Edgeworth could do. He was able to get updated reports about Kale's health and he seemed to be doing fine the next morning. Unfortunately, Edgeworth worked that morning, so he couldn't check on Kale. He'd have to wait until his next day off.

When Edgeworth arrived back at the orphanage, he saw Kale was doing just fine and felt relief. Then, only after an hour or two, he began realizing that Kale wasn't visiting with him that day. He seemed healthy last he checked. He was seen playing with the other children with play blocks. Usually, he would pay Edgeworth a visit to convince him to adopt one of his little friends. Perhaps he was sick again? Edgeworth hoped not. The last coughing fit scared him.

It was when Edgeworth started with collecting dishes from the dinning room that he found Kale staring at the window in the Dining Room almost longingly. He seemed to be humming a tune. It took a minute or two to recognize what tune it was.

"You like musicals?" Edgeworth asked, making Kale jumped. "Sorry for startling you."

"N-No, it's fine... No, but I like Annie. She was always thinking big with big dreams."

"Ah. Yes, it is... a timeless classic. Which song were you humming? I can't seem to remember."

"Hee hee, it's Maybe... everyone keeps thinking that I want to be adopted just because I hum that song."

"Didn't you already state you weren't interested?"

"I-I mean... it's not that, it's just... I can't. You know?"

"Having cancer doesn't make your adoption impossible. If you want to be adopted, you shouldn't give up. I'm sure someone will want to take you in."

"... no. Not until my friends get adopted first."

"Have it your way then," Edgeworth said plainly as Kale stared at him, not being sure.

"Stan."

"Hm?" Edgeworth questioned, turning to Kale, who was staring up at the ceiling, twiddling his thumbs.

"You should meet Stan. He was my first suggestion, remember? As I said, he's very good with his studies. He's obedient and never causes any trouble. He's a good pick."

"Why are you insistent in having me adopt. I understand you want your friends to come to a nice and happy home, but you can't make someone want to adopt. They have to provide for the child. There's time and money that goes into adoption."

"All the other good parents are not always rich and being busy at work doesn't make a good or bad parent."

"W-Yes, but..."

"There are a lot of parents that claim to not want children before changing their minds once the Mom gets pregnant."

"That's different. They..."

"When you give birth to a child, you don't know what you're getting into. At least with adopting a child, you can choose whatever gender, age, ethnicity or pretty much any kind of child you want. You can get to know the child before adoption."

"I... even if I did decide to adopt a child, I might not be good for them," Edgeworth admitted, picking up a glass cup and staring at it.

"What do you mean?" Kale asked, looking flabbergasted.

"... I'm not down-to-earth or even a cool dad. I don't make jokes and hardly take one. I'm prickly, I'm stubborn, I can be hard to get along with, I can be quite intimidating when I'm annoyed or angry, sometimes I'm intimidating when I'm not trying to and... I have no father experience or a good father to go to for guidance outside from what little I remember of my own father when I was a child," Edgeworth finally admitted, his voice sounding timid. He didn't realize Kale had approached him.

"You lost your parents too?" Kale asked, looking up as Edgeworth nodded sadly.

"I did have a father figure of sorts, but he turned out to be my father's murderer and a backstabber. Kale, I would not make a good father. Your friends are better off finding a parent that was raised in a normal family structure. Believe me, not every adult make good parents."

"... Mr. Warbucks wasn't a perfect Daddy either," Kale stated.

"Hm?"

"Mr. Warbucks. He adopted Annie by the end of the movie. See, he started as a stuck-up rich businessman that only wanted a boy and hated dogs. But then, he eventually warms up to Annie and even tries to help her find her real parents. Don't you see? You don't have to be a rich or perfect parent that wants to adopt. You just need to love them like a parent would."

"Kale... it's not that simple."

"It doesn't have to be. I mean... isn't there a part of you that would love to hold a child in your arms, kiss you goodnight and be running to the door with bright, starry eyes?" Kale asked pleadingly.

Edgeworth found himself becoming vulnerable again. He couldn't answer that. Just looking at Kale, the answer was as clear as day. Edgeworth only shook his head, collecting the rest of the dishes.

"Adoption or not is up to the parents, but not every child wants to be adopted. Why should I force that upon the one who doesn't?" Edgeworth finally said before heading to the kitchen.

Kale stared in surprise, watching Edgeworth, while being deep in thought. It might've been only subtly, but Kale knew the meaning of those words. It just wasn't fair! Why him? Edgeworth knows he could lose Kale at any moment. Why would he want to adopt him? The only thing Kale could do was run from the dinning area and make his way to his bedroom.

The moment Edgeworth placed the last dish into the sink, he immediately regretted what he said. Kale was just a boy. He was hurting and going through pain Edgeworth could never imagine. He didn't want to leave Kale like this. Not with so much uncertainty.

After finishing the kitchen, Edgeworth went to Kale's bedroom he shared with 19 other orphans like himself. Though, the children were playing outside at the moment. Kale was seen on the bed, looking like he was asleep, but Edgeworth knew he was faking it.

"I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it," Edgeworth apologized. "I do want to adopt. I'm just scared."

"People say things they don't mean when they're scared," Kale replied before sitting up. He was on the bottom bunk with reddened eyes. "I'm sorry too. I do want to be adopted, but..."

"You're scared?" Edgeworth asked as Kale nodded, tears rolling down his cheeks. Edgeworth took the boy, laid him on his shoulder, then cradled him. "What is it that you're scared of?"

"Everything... mostly of you losing me."

"Kale..."

"If you adopt me, I could die and you'll be alone again!" Kale cried, more tears rolling. "I know what you want, but I can't give it to you! Dogs live for 20 years, but I may not ever get 20 days or 20 minutes. You're better off at adopting one of the others that can live long enough to bury you and carry out your name."

"I don't want that," Edgeworth admitted honestly, cupping Kale's face with his hands. "What I want is to see you swim across Gourd Lake, go out for picnics, ride in one of those rides in the amusement parks, eat all the cotton candy you want, come home from school and talk about all the fun activities you did... I want you to have the best moments of your life. If I end up spending my entire fortune, I will do that and much more. I want you to have experienced what it's like to have someone that loves you jealously and will protect you like my father once protected me. I can say without a doubt that every moment Pess had with me were the best and I want to give you that and much more."

"I..."

"But, I don't want to give it to you, if that isn't want you want," Edgeworth said, releasing Kale's face gently.

"... will you help my friends get adopted?"

"Of course I will and I will spend every last penny to give you the treatment you need to kill your cancer."

"Just as long as you promise to help get my friends adopted."

Edgeworth chuckled slightly, "yes," before Kale pounced into his arms. "Whoa! Hahaha! Hm... yes, you'd look very cute in a cravat."

"Ooooh, will I get to wear one? Why didn't you say so!?"

"You silly boy. Is that all you've been thinking about?"

"That's right and I want it to be extra ruffly like yours."

It was only a short time and short visits, but the moment Miles Edgeworth signed those adoption papers, then left holding the small boy with the buzz cut by the hand, he knew he made the right decision. Kale was certainly not replacing Pess, but became the bundle of joy Edgeworth needed in his life. Perhaps the Head of the Finding Hope Orphanage was right. Adopting a child comes with a lot of responsibility, but it was worth it. Now, it was time to plan the date for the Immunotherapy.