Summary: After being disbarred, Phoenix begins his journey into fatherhood.The journey is exciting, but also exhausting. Despite the restless nights and low energy, Phoenix finds comfort in his friends, knowing they would always be there to help him support the most important person in his life.

It was not that long ago that Phoenix had decided to adopt Trucy as his daughter. He was very surprised at her enthusiasm about being apart of his family. Phoenix never had a family, a mother, father, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin or distant relative of the sort. By the time he was old enough to search for any relative, it didn't turn out to be the heartwarming reunion he hoped. It was for this reason why he began searching for Miles Edgeworth, and then eventually hung around with Mia Fey after she became his lawyer. Phoenix Wright had no other family he knew, besides his friends.

Trucy Wright would be the first official family member to share Phoenix's name. He felt a great deal of pride and joy that the young girl accepted this, and did so just as joyfully. Most children her age would be stubborn and never accept this. Accepting a new parent wasn't something a child could just do on a whim, unless they were like Phoenix who never had parents. Though, Trucy seemed different. Phoenix couldn't be sure why.

The more Phoenix thought about it, he began wondering if maybe Trucy only accepted this, because she could read his feelings. He did suspect Trucy harboring a mysterious power that gave her the ability to read people's secrets by their nervous habits. It made it hard for Phoenix to lie to her. Could this young girl read his deep loneliness? Phoenix felt selfish for allowing his feelings to blind him from Trucy's feelings. The girl was only 8 and her father literally disappeared in the courtroom, only to never be seen again. True, she caused her father's disappearance, but could she really accept a new father, even if it was by her biological father's request?

Thinking on these things, after turning in the adoption papers, made it hard for the ex lawyer to sleep at night. This was only scratching the surface of what Phoenix had to worry about. Now, that he was no longer a lawyer, he had to find an alternative job. He couldn't just allow Trucy to work on her own. She was only a child. Phoenix was responsible for her now. Besides, Trucy doing her magic would not be enough to provide for the both of them anyways. Phoenix figured that he would have to sell his apartment and live in the office with just the two of them. It would be until he found a job that provided enough money to support the both of them.

"Can't sleep?" Phoenix heard a small voice, making him flinch.

Phoenix quickly turned, finding the small child still in her nightgown. She showed a glowing smile beyond the darkness of the room. Phoenix sighed in relief, replying, "you scared me. Aren't you supposed to be in bed?"

"I figured you couldn't sleep, after what happened. I wanted to make sure you didn't have any nightmares," Trucy said.

"Oh um... I'm fine," Phoenix assured, yawning from the tiredness. "But, you should get to bed, Trucy."

"Hee hee your eyes are twitching again," Trucy grinned. Phoenix sighed. He'd have to find a way to hide his eyes from her. He didn't want to worry her. "How about I sleep with you? Daddy always lets me sleep with him when he has nightmares about Mommy."

Phoenix really couldn't win with this child. He nodded, then scooted over to give the young girl some room to sleep. Trucy crawled into bed with Phoenix, then laid her head on the pillow she brought with her before closing her eyes.

"Night," Trucy said, yawning before going to sleep.

Watching the young girl sleep, Phoenix began feeling the weight of responsibility thrusted upon him. He needed, he HAD to provide for this abandoned girl in any way he could. It was one thing for a client to abandon their lawyer. Sometimes it happened, if the client wasn't satisfied. It was why Phoenix worked so hard as a lawyer and did his best. This time, however, his client not only abandoned his lawyer, but his daughter as well. Phoenix didn't know what to think of this. Considering the trap of forged evidence that was laid upon him, perhaps Zak suspected that trap ahead of time before it was set. Even so... Phoenix knew he couldn't just leave Trucy alone. She was his responsibility now.

The next day, Phoenix made it his mission to go job searching. He also had to make sure there was enough to eat for two people and Trucy was registered to the district school. There was also calling up his landlord to inform him about moving out of the apartment. Hopefully, that should provide Phoenix enough money to buy a car. He couldn't rely on his bike alone anymore. Now, that he was a parent, he needed a car in order for them to move places. That would mean obtaining a driver's license as well.

If Phoenix was going to get everything done, he had to take things one step at a time. He had enough for him and Trucy to eat for the week, so he can put grocery shopping at the back burner. Trucy didn't have to register for school for another three months, so Phoenix would have to wait until the middle of July before he had to worry about school for Trucy. While Phoenix did have several weeks to inform his landlord about moving before his rent was due, it is still important to inform him as soon as possible so that there would be time to move his belongings to the office or sell them and use the money to provide for him and Trucy. Phoenix also needed to start job searching as soon as possible, especially if he expected to provide money to buy a car, which cost an arm and a leg.

As Phoenix began writing down what would take first priority and what could wait for later, he began realizing the biggest issue out of all of this. Who would take care of Trucy, while Phoenix was gone? He couldn't just drag the poor child all over the place just so he could search for a job. He could probably take Trucy along for shopping or school related activities, but job searching and obtaining a driver's license would be too hard on the child. The DNV line could take the entire day to go through. Trucy would need a babysitter.

Phoenix sighed, who would agree to take care of Trucy, while he was away? Kristoph was out, since he was busy with his job as a Defense Attorney. There was no way Phoenix was going to call Larry for this job, that was just asking for trouble. There was always Maya, but she was at the Kurain Village busy with her job as the Master of the Kurain School. Phoenix could always drop off Trucy there. She'd be welcome there with open arms, especially with her mysterious powers. Pearl would also have a playmate. Though, the Kurain Village was two hours away by train and that would drain money from Phoenix's paycheck he was barely depending on. Maybe on the times when he needed Trucy away for the week or something, but not now. Phoenix needed these three months for him and Trucy to bond before deciding to send her out somewhere for a long period of time. There wasn't a lot of people for Phoenix to turn to, being everyone was pretty much against him after losing his Attorney's Badge.

There was one person, though as far as Phoenix knew, there was no way he'd be available for this. It was possible he could send someone to look after Trucy. Still, the idea of calling him up felt like a chore. Phoenix really didn't want to face HIM of all people. Surely he must've caught on about what happened and was about to give him an ear full, or that signature cold-hard glare when he doesn't approve of something, or was livid. Regardless, Phoenix was in a bind and at this point, there was no one else he could turn to. Even if he was angry about what happened, Phoenix knew he would never turn down a friend in need.

"Hey Daddy, are you alright? I made tea!" Trucy asked, handing Phoenix a mug of tea with her glowing smile.

"Huh? Oh, thank you," Phoenix said with a smile of his own as he ruffled the child's hair, making her giggle. "Daddy was just thinking of what to do today."

"Hm... well, how about we have breakfast? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is a sure way of firing your brain."

"Hehe you sure are smart. Okay then, I'll make us breakfast. How does that sound?"

"Tee hee I'll help! I can clean up and set the table. We can't eat on a cluttered table."

"You're right. You can help set the table and I'll cook us some eggs and toast."

Phoenix cooked breakfast for the two of them. Before doing this however, he decided to call the only person that he knew would help him find Trucy a babysitter. He had the man on speed dial, so he pressed the number, then waited for the phone to pick up, knowing he wouldn't pick up. He was at work right now.

"This is Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth. I apologize for not answering your call, but if you please leave a message, I shall return your call as soon as possible. Thank you," Phoenix heard on the other line, knowing it was an answering machine. He waited for the beep before delivering his message.

"Hey Edgeworth, it's me. I don't know if you heard about what happened last month, but I need your help with something. I know I have a lot to answer for, but... I need your help right now more than ever... please... as a friend. Um... sorry, if it sounds needy. I promise I'll explain everything. Anyways, if you can, please call me back. Thanks," Phoenix said, hanging up before letting out a sigh. Maybe that sounded too needy, but... Phoenix was desperate. He would be willing to take an earful from the cold-hearted prosecutor himself, if it would help Trucy in any way.

"Hey Daddy, I'm done setting the table!" Trucy called out, hopping up and down as Phoenix laughed.

"Okay, Trucy. Daddy's coming," Phoenix grinned. Wow, being called Daddy sure felt weird. He didn't know what to think. It wasn't like Phoenix ever had a father before. How was a father supposed to act? Maybe he needed to buy a book called Parenting For Dummies.

Phoenix began job searching online, since he currently didn't have a sitter for Trucy. He took the young girl, and they walked to now Wright Talent Agency. Trucy wanted to start decorating the place to make it more like an agency for talents, while Phoenix focused on searching for a job. Thinking upon the idea of talent,maybe he could finally follow his old dream in becoming an actor. Though, he never finished his degree in Performing Arts. He did take some classes, so maybe that would be enough to find a job in that department. Rather that or he would work at some local fast food joint, while finishing obtaining his degree in Performing Arts. Though, the local college here didn't provide that kind of thing. Phoenix had a Bachelor's Degree, so maybe he could be a college professor of law or something.

"Hey Daddy, what cha doing?" Trucy asked, her puppy eyes peeking from behind the computer.

"Hm? Oh, um... Daddy is searching for a job," Phoenix replied.

"A job? Oh, are you trying to find a talent?"

"You could say that," Phoenix replied, feeling awkward having to explain this to a child, who was raised in a magician's circle all of her life.

"Hm... didn't you and my other Daddy play cards before you defended him in court?"

"W-Well... yes..."

"Then, there's your talent. You beat my other Daddy in that card game. That counts in the Wright Talent Agency."

Phoenix chuckled. It was cute, but.... how was playing a game of Poker going to help him earn cash? He explained, "that's nice, but.... um.... playing Poker isn't something that would earn you any money, unless you're a gambler. But, this state has strict policies on gambling, if I was to work at that sort of thing."

"I'm sure you can do it!"

"Hm... I guess I could. I'll think about it, okay," Phoenix replied, showing a bright smile that made Trucy's smile glow brighter.

Phoenix heard his phone ring. He saw the caller ID, reading EDGEWORTH. He sighed, preparing for an earful before answering the phone.

"Hello, Phoenix Wright speaking," Phoenix replied, not wanting to reveal yet that his office had turned to the Wright Talent Agency yet.

"Wright, I got your message and yes, I did hear about what happened about several weeks ago. Unfortunately, I was loaded with work and I just finished a trial," Edgeworth replied.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother yo-"

"Don't. Are you at your office?"

"Yes."

"Very well, I'm on the road right now. You can explain to me what happened when I get there."

"Thanks, but don't you have work to do?"

"As I said, I just finished up a trial. I'm on my lunch break right now."

"Thanks, but I'm surprised you're not angry with me right now. I mean... I just lost my-"

"Wright!"

"...."

"Were you at a meeting with the Bar Association when your badge was taken last month?"

"Yeah, where else?"

"The P.I.C. was the committee I had exposed just last month of a black market auction with its members being members of the P.I.C. These same people tried to rip my own badge from me for merely exposing their corruption and I was forced to do an illegal investigation. They also have connections with the Bar Association to degrees that are so bizarre that my father's most trusted former assistant and now head of the Edgeworth Law Offices almost lost his badge for helping me expose the corruption in the P.I.C. Had it not been for the one member that was on our side, both of us would have been in the same boat as you. I have no doubt that someone in the Bar Association Review was the one responsible for your disbarment and perhaps deliberately set you up for it as well."

"Wait WHAT!?!"

"It was a setup Wright and booting you from your job is proof of the corruption of the P.I.C. and the Bar Association. I've been fighting against the P.I.C. all of last month, both me and Mr. Shields. You just happened to fall as one of the victims caught in their trap at the wrong place at the wrong time. Honestly, I wish you could've called me about this earlier before your meeting with the Bar Association. I've been in hot water too many times to not know what they're capable of."

"God... ugh it's too late now, I suppose."

"Unfortunately, unless you can prove your innocence. Knowing you, I'm sure you'll find something. By the way, I'm here."

"Thanks, Edgeworth. I'm sorry for dragging you over here."

"Don't. This is personal for me, after what the P.I.C. did to my assistant. In this matter, you will need more than my help, if you wish to get out of the hole you've fallen into," Edgeworth said as Phoenix heard a knock on his office door, and he opened the door.

Edgeworth walked inside, his eyes widened as soon as he saw Trucy decorating the office with all sorts of magic stuff. Trucy turned, then smiled, wrapping her hands around her back, while hopping up and down.

"Hello, welcome to Wright Talent Agency!" Trucy grinned.

"Um... I'm afraid to ask, but... who is this?" Edgeworth asked, blinking.

"This is my client's daughter, my daughter now, Trucy Wright. Trucy, this is Miles Edgeworth," Phoenix introduced.

"Daughter!?" Edgeworth cried out, awestruck. He was in so much shock that he became unresponsive.

"Tee hee nice to meet you. May I call you Uncle Miles?" Trucy asked, grinning widely, shaking Edgeworth's hand.

"Uh... sure, I suppose," Edgeworth replied awkwardly. He then turned to Phoenix, glaring before whispering, "have you lost your mind?"

"I couldn't just leave her. She has no family outside her father and there is no way I'm placing her under the care of a suspected murderer," Phoenix replied in a whisper.

"Can I make you some tea?" Trucy offered.

"Oh, sure. Be my guest," Edgeworth replied as the young girl ran to the other room to brew the tea. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "So, that's what you meant. Let me guess, you need a babysitter, while you... do your errands."

"Yeah," Phoenix replied awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Ema is still studying abroad, but I suppose I could see if Kay is up for the job," Edgeworth sighed.

"Kay?"

"She's the newly self proclaimed Yatagarasu that's been helping me expose the international smuggling ring and the corrupt dealings within our courts."

"The Yatagarasu? That name sounds familiar."

"It should. The Yatagarasu is the so called modern day Robin Hood, who steals evidence or information of corrupt organizations or companies, then exposes them to the media."

"Haha I didn't think you were the kind to team up with criminals, Edgeworth," Phoenix teased as Edgeworth was taken aback, then tried to compose himself.

"I-It's not like that at all! Kay has not stolen a single thing or committed any crimes under my watch. Self proclaiming you're a thief doesn't make you one and considering she was the offspring of the previous Yatagarasu, she knew of the smuggling ring and the corruption going on in the legal world more than I do. I only did what was necessary to bring the criminals to justice. Nothing more."

"I'm kidding. But seriously, I really appreciate you helping me. I don't know how I'm going to be able to provide for Trucy and me. She's really holding up strong, despite all that's happened to her. Now, that I'm not a lawyer anymore, I'm going to have to find some other work in order to provide for us."

"Why are you taking her in? You're not in a good position to be caring for a child. It's a great responsibility."

"I know. The police have tried contacting any distant family and even searched for any foster families willing to take her in. Nothing."

"Can't you send her to a Children's Home?"

"Absolutely not, Edgeworth! She'd be alone with no one to love or care for her. She needs a parent, a family, someone that would provide her with love and care. I may not have a lot financially, but if I can provide her with a family, then..."

Edgeworth's eyes widened slightly, having come to the realization of Phoenix's motive for taking the child in. That's right. This child, she'd be the first real family Phoenix would have in his life, something he never had. Edgeworth remembered his sleepovers with Phoenix and Larry. Phoenix always talked about what his parents were probably like and how he would find them someday. That was Phoenix's dream as a child, to find his real parents, have a family. Phoenix never brought that up and only now did Edgeworth remember that, having tried to forget his childhood memories.

"Did you... ever find your parents? You never told me," Edgeworth asked, almost scared to find out.

"I did," Phoenix replied, his eyes looking away.

"And?"

"..... let's just say they didn't want me."

"I see. I'm... sorry."

"It's fine. I kinda expected it anyways. Mia became my new family and... yeah. It's hard to explain that to Pearls, being she still thinks Maya and I are an item or something, but... It's not something I like to talk about."

"I understand. I lived with my Aunt, who was hardly family to me. After my father died, I faced the most lonely years of my life. My Aunt sent me away to a boarding school in Germany and I had no one, but myself. It wasn't long before I met Franziska. She skipped ahead to my grade and I often had to protect her from bullies. She... was more fragile back then. I worked extra hard, so that we would be in the same grade and she was... very smart, competitive too. I eventually met with the Von Karma family and... I think you can figure out the rest. I don't think Manfred Von Karma would've taken me in as his disciple, if not for Franziska and my connections with the Von Karma's."

"Really? I had no idea. I always thought Von Karma was... you know..."

"He's one of the most corrupt and demonic prosecutors I've ever met, but he's a great father that loved his daughter and family above all else. I think that's why he waited until I was grown and out of his family's eyes before he showed his true colors around me. We already had a fallout a few years before he tried framing me for murder. I... couldn't understand it at the time, but... now I feel like an utter fool. I never saw him much before becoming his disciple, but... he was a Von Karma and everyone was like my family, my mother, father, uncle, aunt, brothers, sisters... all of them. I thought he felt the same. I know now he was only nice to me, because of his family's acceptance of me."

"I'm sorry, Edgeworth. At least the rest of them still consider you family and, while it may not be much, Trucy can be our chance to have a family. She's already calling you Uncle. I'm also not very experienced with fathering a child."

"Hm... well... you do what you want. Though, if you do need help supporting Trucy, I suppose I could have Kay or the detective watch the child while you do your errands. Though, the rest will be your responsibility."

"Thanks a lot. I promise she won't be trouble at all. She's like a ball of sunshine."

"I'll keep that in mind," Edgeworth smirked. "But, fair warning, if there is one thing I've learned from you Phoenix Wright, it's that many times the loneliness people are the kindest and the happiest people hold a deep sadness within their hearts. Be aware of her feelings. She's lost her father, perhaps in the worst way possible. I find it hard to believe that she doesn't hold an ounce of sadness or has nightmares at night. She might be trying to keep a brave face for your sake."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"The tea's ready!" Trucy called out, bringing three cups of tea. "Sorry I took so long. I couldn't reach the tea."

"How did you get up?" Phoenix asked, his eyebrows rose.

"I got a chair, then climbed on the cabinets," Trucy replied, grinning as she hugged her arms behind her back.

"I-I see. Trucy, could you not do that? I don't want you to fall and hurt yourself. Next time, ask me if you need to reach something, okay," Phoenix asked, trying not to freak out.

"Okay, sorry Daddy," Trucy apologized, bowing her head sadly.

"Don't you have a ladder in the storage closet?" Edgeworth asked.

"Actually, it's a step ladder and that's a great idea. Honey, if you need to reach for something high up, try using the step ladder in the storage closet," Phoenix instructed.

"Okay, Daddy!"

"Really? Does it matter if it has the word step in it or not?" Edgeworth mumbled in a whisper.

"I'm not raising my kid to not know the difference between a ladder and a step ladder, genius prosecutor."

"And Larry says I'm a stick-in-the-mud."

Edgeworth had sent Kay and Gumshoe to take turns in looking after Trucy, while Phoenix was job searching and getting his Driver's License. Trucy had been nothing, but a ball of sunshine, since being accepted into her new family. She was hardly any trouble for Phoenix, outside of insisting on sleeping with Phoenix every night to protect him from nightmares. Though, Phoenix began realizing that, while Trucy was asleep, she sometimes trembled and showed a deep frown. Was Trucy the one having nightmares?

Quietly, Phoenix snuck an arm around Trucy, holding her close before her eyes snapped open and she looked up at him while panting. Smiling, Phoenix whispered, "shhhh, it's okay. It was just a nightmare."

"I-I know. Haha I'm just fighting against your nightmares, see?" Trucy said, obviously lying, while shaken up.

"Hey Truce, I'm very proud of you and how strong you've been acting, but if you need to cry, then cry. You don't have to show a brave face, if you really are scared or sad."

"But..."

"It won't be good for you to bottle up your emotions, even as an entertainer. Even lawyers cry when it's all over, even nightmares."

Trucy shook, then buried her face in Phoenix's chest before crying her poor heart out. She cried, "Everyone I love keeps leaving. First Mommy, then Grandpa, Daddy, Uncle Valant. I'm scared, b-but, Daddy told me I have to keep smiling, b-because... that's what an entertainer always does. They always smile, b-but..."

"I'm sorry, Trucy. I've lost some people too, but you know what happened?"

"Wh-What?" Trucy asked, sniffing.

"They came back. Until death, no one is truly gone, Trucy. I'm sure your daddy will come back soon."

"Promise?"

"I promise," Phoenix said in a whisper before kissing Trucy lightly on her head. There seemed to be something rewarding in knowing that he was comforting the young girl.

The longer Phoenix had Trucy, the more she began revolving around his life. It was no longer about him anymore and many of his personal problems were thrown out the window. Phoenix remembered the times he complained about Maya milking his money in order to buy burgers. He did so, because she was like family to him and promised Mia to take care of her baby sister. Now, Maya was a grown woman and Trucy was the small person in Phoenix life. He couldn't think about anyone else anymore or complain about what Trucy wanted. Even affording clothes for himself no longer took priority. All Phoenix wore these days was a black hoody, a pair of pants and sandals.

Speaking of jobs, Phoenix found one as a pianist slash Poker player at a local bar. It gave him good pay and it was where him and Kristoph often dined during their lunch breaks. Of course, Phoenix hardly had any breaks. Once Trucy returned back from school, Phoenix no longer had breaks. It was constant work, constantly on his feet,constantly having to keep Trucy happy, which wasn't much, but she still had her wants.

It wasn't to say this kind of work wasn't enjoyable. Phoenix enjoyed his days taking Trucy to the park, climbing trees with her, helping her as her assistant in her magic acts and chasing her around at times. Though, doing so took more out of Phoenix than Edgeworth did in a single trial, which was saying a lot. Even Maya never took this much energy out of Phoenix when she and Pearls dragged him to a carnival or a Steel Samurai Live Show.

Around October, Phoenix decided that he would spend his day off from work to rest, while Trucy was at school. Because of school, Phoenix didn't have to worry about feeding Trucy, until she came home from school. After making sure that Trucy was picked up from her bus to school, Phoenix made it back to the office to get some sleep. He made sure to use all of his days off from work to get some sleep, since Trucy started going to school.

It was around noon that Phoenix heard a door knocking. He groaned,believing it was some salesman. After all, who would be visiting him at this hour? Though, the knocking never stopped. Phoenix groaned loudly, sitting up. Great! How was he supposed to get some sleep now? If he didn't get any sleep, he was never going to have the energy he needed to work or play with Trucy. Then, it occurred to Phoenix that maybe Trucy was the one knocking, but she had the key didn't she? Maybe she left it at school!

Having these thoughts in his head, Phoenix rushed to the door,putting on his pants and sandals before answering the door. To his relief, it wasn't Trucy, but a very angry Maya and Pearl. Phoenix surprised himself at how relieving this felt. Only last year, he would have panicked.

"Nick, what the heck is wrong with you!? I've called you like a dozen times and have been knocking on the door for over 15 minutes!" Maya shouted.

"Yeah, that's very rude to keep Mystic Maya waiting!" Pearl cried.

"Huh? Oh... s-sorry, I didn't know you were visiting," Phoenix replied, tiredly.

"Nick, we- wait... Nick... what happened to you, you're...?" Maya asked, finally realizing that Phoenix was no longer in his usual blue suit and had a very noticeable five-o-clock shadow.

"You're what?" Phoenix asked, absentmindedly.

"Mr. Nick, are you drunk?" Pearl asked furiously, pulling her sleeve.

"Wha...? N-No, I'm just tired, Pearls. You guys kinda woke me from my nap," Phoenix asked, yawning, while stretching his arms. "Anyways, I'll make you some tea. Watch your feet. The little princess hasn't picked up her mess yet," Phoenix warned them tiredly, walking over some stuffed bunnies, a silk hat, a couple of magic trinkets and little girl's clothes.

"Uh.... Nick, what happened to the office and why are there toys and little girl's clothes on the floor?" Maya asked, freaking out.

"Oh, those are Trucy's. She.... wait, did I tell you about her yet? I know I've told mostly everyone, but I keep forgetting some people," Phoenix said, realizing that he didn't remember informing Maya. He never officially told anyone about Trucy for the first three months, having placed all of his focus on taking care of Trucy and having been afraid of everyone's responses. Though, after three months, Phoenix began caring less about what people think of him, since his dignity had been sacrificed for Trucy's sake. Everyone in the district practically knew he had a daughter at this point, so it was hard for him to keep up who knew and who didn't know yet.

"No, you haven't!" Maya said, sounding upset, mostly because of the way Phoenix was acting.

Having poured three cups of tea, Phoenix replied, "oh, well, Trucy is the newest member of the Wright family. I got her last April, after- wait, did I tell you I got disbarred? Well, it was after that happened. I'm working as a pianist these days. You just happened to stop by on my day off."

"Again, no, you didn't! Nick, are you okay? I've never seen you... like this," Maya asked, now sounding very worried.

"Mr. Nick, what do you mean by newest member of your family? You're not seeing other women, are you?" Pearl asked.

Phoenix laughed, then replied, "no Pearls. I'm not seeing other women. Would be nice, though. Trucy could have a mother."

"Huh?"

"Okay, there is definitely something wrong with you. First off, since when did you have a daughter? I mean, not that I don't see you as the father type, but why do it after you got fired? In fact, why did you get fired? What's going on with you, Nick? Please, tell me or I'm calling Mia!" Maya shouted, making Phoenix flinch.

"Sorry Maya," Phoenix apologized, sighing. "I didn't mean to scare you. I guess I have changed a bit, since we've last met. I was scared telling everyone what's been going on at first, but since Trucy came into my life, all of that no longer mattered. I've been putting my focus on Trucy and... I got scatterbrained I suppose. I completely forgot to tell you everything." He did seem genuinely guilty and tired. He gave Maya a cup of tea. "Here."

"Thanks. Well, now would be a good time to explain everything to me, Nick," Maya said as Phoenix nodded as he led everyone to the couch.

Phoenix explained the entire story to Maya and Pearl about what happened, including how he met and adopted Trucy. Maya had to explain to Pearl what adopt meant. Once it was over, Maya and Pearl looked disheartened.

"So, her father just disappeared from the courtroom and left his child without any family?" Maya asked.

"That's unforgivable! No parent should ever leave their child alone like that!" Pearl glared.

"I agree, but considering the circumstances, I'm not one to judge. At most, I consider it rewarding that Trucy stumbled into my life, even among unfortunate circumstances. I was going to call you at first regarding Trucy, but... like I said, completely slipped my mind," Phoenix replied, rubbing his neck bashfully.

"Wait, does that mean Mystic Maya is going to be a mother?" Pearl asked, looking excited.

"PEARL!" Maya cried, looking all red.

Phoenix laughed heartedly, replying, "no Pearls, it doesn't work that way. Trucy is my child, not hers. Maya would have to be married to me for that to happen."

"Oh, well then, you and Mystic Maya should marry then," Pearl said, again, looking excited.

"Pearl, no!" Maya cried again, looking all red.

"Whatever you say, Pearls," Phoenix replied, chuckling.

"Don't encourage her, Nick. I'm surprised you are. I mean..."Maya said.

"Eh, it's fine now. Trucy keeps telling me I should find her a mommy. Even tried to hook me up with one of her teachers. I've grown to find some charm in that. In a way you kinda are my special someone, like Pearls is and especially Trucy. You all are. If Pearls sees us as a couple, then it's fine. I'm not planning on hooking up with anyone anyways."

"NICK! Ugh, I miss the old Nick."

Pearl was quiet though, biting the nail on her thumb. She sadly asked, "you and Maya... aren't in love, are you?"

"Sorry, Pearls. Though, I can see why you'd think that way. Like Trucy, my parents also abandoned me. I grew up without a family. When I worked for Mia, she treated me like family, so in a way, Mia adopted me as her younger brother. In a way, I'm kinda like Maya's older brother. See?" Phoenix explained.

"Mystic Maya, is this true?" Pearl asked.

"Yes Pearlie. Why do you think I always have Nick buying us burgers or taking us places? He's like an older brother dotting on his little sister and I milk it up for all his worth like I did with Mia."

"I know," Phoenix sighed. "I'm afraid you're gonna have to wait a few more years before you can start doing that again. Trucy's my first priority now and I'm not making as much money as I used to. Though, I'll still join with you two to whatever festivities you go to as long as you're willing to split the pay."

"Fine, but just you wait. Trucy won't stay little forever," Maya smirked teasingly.

"Hee hee does this mean I get to be an older sister...? well, cousin I guess," Pearl asked.

"Sure. I'm sure Trucy would adore you, Pearls. Maybe help me get some beauty sleep," Phoenix yawned.

"Oh, that's right! I'm so sorry, Nick. You must be working hard. Don't you worry about a thing, Pearlie and I will take care of little Trucy; you get yourself some sleep, big Daddy. Oooh, I like that, I'm calling you that from now on," Maya smirked.

"Really? Thanks Maya, Pearls. Trucy's picture is on the desk. Her bus usually drops her off at the curb over there at 3:30," Phoenix said, pointing to the direction of the bus stop. "She's seen your picture before, so she knows you two. You guys can take her wherever you'd like. Make sure to tell her to pick up her toys and clothes off the floor as soon as she gets off the bus, unless she wants to meet the Daddy monster."

"Hehehe okay, Daddy Monster. Get some sleep," Maya demanded as Phoenix chuckled, then went over to the bed in the second room, then dozed off to sleep.

Being a parent was tiring, but it also had its rewards. Maya and Pearl allowed Phoenix to sleep, while they watched over Trucy. Pearl helped Trucy pick up her toys, clothes and magic stuff from the floor before her and Maya took her out for burgers. Maya, for the first time, decided to pay from her tab. She understood how big of a responsibility it was to care for a young child, being she also cared for Pearl, after her aunt was arrested. She knew having Phoenix around dotting on her and Pearl helped encourage her to be the best caretaker she could be. It was now Maya's turn to return the favor.

A/N: I did write a one shot about if Maya believed Phoenix forged evidence, but this is what I believe is the real reason she and Pearl didn't do or appear much. It wasn't that they weren't willing to help, but there was little they could do to help. Same with Edgeworth. I know that Edgeworth is a powerful prosecutor, Franziska is a big agent of Interpol, Gumshoe is a detective and all that good stuff, but that doesn't make them saviors or miracle workers. The only issue Apollo Justice had was showing us why they couldn't or how they helped in some fashion. Luckily, Capcom did fix that in the later games and while it may not seem much, it did show that they tried.