[SCENE] Phoenix and Edgeworth in: Defense Attorneys Can't Walk Properly
Edgeworth: *it's early evening in late April, just a bit chilly, with still enough light in the sky to see by. With Pess at his side, Edgeworth starts off his usual after-dinner stroll. It's a route both master and dog are intimately familiar with, taken like clockwork every day--the usual path down a block of wide city streets, and into the small urban park nearby*
Edgeworth: *they haven't quite made it to their halfway point when Pess perks up his head, letting out a brief whine of recognition. At the sound, Edgeworth glances ahead and spots what his dog must have caught--a figure in the distance, in blue* Recognize him, do you?
Phoenix: *is crouched on the edge of the path ahead, doing battle with his bike as it stands propped against a public trash can. His sleeves are rolled roughly up and his hands are greasy, but at least his hair is immaculate! He's so absorbed in what he's doing he doesn't notice a familiar man in magenta approaching*
Edgeworth: *walks up to the spikey-haired lawyer, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips once understands the struggle that the other man is engaged in. Without clearing his throat, he speaks up* I take it you haven't spent your time off from court investing in some driving lessons.
Edgeworth: Taking up shop as a bike repairman instead, Wright?
Phoenix: Huh? *blinks up at Edgeworth in surprise* Oh, ha ha, very funny. If driving's so great why are you out hoofing it?
Edgeworth: *crosses his arms* The proper term for the activity is "walking your dog," not "driving him."
Edgeworth: *at leg level, Pess looks expectantly up at Phoenix, tail wagging, but stays dutifully at his master's side*
Phoenix: *notices Pess for the first time.* Ah...riiight. *starts to offer his hand but then remembers it's covered in grease* Sorry little guy. Don't want this in your fur. *goes back to operating on the bike, but it doesn't seem to be going well* Some kind of wire got caught in the chain. You don't happen to have pliers on you or something, huh?
Edgeworth: *tap, tap* They're right in my wallet, beside my nail clippers. ...Don't be absurd, Wright. *frowns, trying to scrutinize some sort of solution to the bike jam but definitely not willing to grease up his hands in the process* How long have you been here trying to work on it?
Phoenix: About twenty minutes. It's an awful long walk back to my apartment if I can't get this to-- *gives it a good yank, and the rusty bike chain abruptly snaps, sending him tumbling onto his back. And, of course, the bike falls on top of him*
Edgeworth: *Pess starts up at the ruckus--and while Edgeworth doesn't laugh at the pitiful scene... he doesn't get out of his way to help the man up, either* ... Looks like your options have just been considerably narrowed. *and after a pause and a frown, in a slightly more concerned tone* Are you alright?
Phoenix: *shoves the bike off him and rubs the spot on his cheek that the handlebar jabbed into--getting grease on his face* Yeah, I'm all right. Piece of crap. *gives it a half-hearted kick* Guess I'm walking home after all. *wipes his hands off on the grass as best he can and climbs to his feet*
Edgeworth: *takes out a handkerchief from his pocket, offering it forward* So long as you don't mind, Pess and I can accompany you at least partway there. We still have a ways to go on our walk yet. *a small smile* And it's been a while since you and I have talked face to face, without an investigation looming at our backs.
Phoenix: Yeah, it really has. *accepts the handkerchief and cleans his hands--and face--as best he can. Rather than try to hand it back, he ties it around his handlebar* Thanks. I'll have it cleaned for you. *hoists his bike upright*
Edgeworth: *frowns* ...No, keep it. *whistles to Pess and starts forward--gradually, so as not to outpace Phoenix and his broken bike*
Phoenix: Yeah? Sure you don't need it for your neck? *smirks*
Edgeworth: *the frown morphs into a scowl as he straightens out his cravat with his free hand* If that was a joke, I suggest you not quit your day job.
Phoenix: Okay, sorry. I'm grateful, really. *chuckles* Actually, I'm just glad to catch you when you're not running around saving the world or something. You promised to fill me in on your last couple of cases.
Edgeworth: Did I? ....There's not much to say that hasn't been said already. *steps away from some spilled trash on the sidewalk, Pess moving in tandem*
Edgeworth: The only trial I prosecuted worth mentioning would be the stateside case of Mr. Quercus Alba, the corrupt ambassador. *a pause* Bringing him and his smuggling ring to justice was done almost entirely out of court, however. I haven't had a noteworthy courtroom experience since I faced Franziska from behind the defense's bench. *and yes, he sounds rather irritated at that*
Phoenix: Yeah... *frowns with the reminder.* Can't say I've done much since then, either. It's hard to believe it's been two months.
Edgeworth: Don't misunderstand-you and I have different definitions of "doing much." *walks forward for a few paces without speaking*
Edgeworth: I take it Maya and Pearl are handling things reasonably well in the aftermath?
Phoenix: Surprisingly well. *shakes his head incredulously* I don't know how those Feys do it, but they always pick themselves right back up. I think Maya's a little worried about becoming the Master, but she's a good girl. She'll be fine.
Edgeworth: I have full faith in that, yes. Nothing has caused her to lose steam yet.
Edgeworth: *glances over to Phoenix, raising an eyebrow* And how about you? I take it you've been to visit Ms. Iris in prison. *a slightly mocking smile tugs at the corner of his lips* Don't tell me she's the reason you haven't shown head or heel in court since February, Wright.
Phoenix: O-Of course not! *blushes darkly and scratches the back of his neck* But yeah, I've been to see her a few times. She should be out by the end of next month--I promised to pick her up. *glances away awkwardly*
Edgeworth: Have you. Hmph, you're shaping into a gentleman yet. *that amused tone is still present in his voice of course... and with Pess panting up at Phoenix from his side, it seems Edgeworth's dog is laughing at him as well*
Edgeworth: Well, don't dilly-dally. Any more time out of the courtroom, and they'll revoke your badge.
Phoenix: *shoots him a look* Oh come on, even I know it doesn't work that way. You're just anxious for me to get in court so you can have a rematch, huh?
Edgeworth: ......I said no such thing. *his eyes wander over to a passing game shop's window, where two models are engaging in an eternal duel at a chessboard* Hmph. Well, things are considerably less dull with you there, and your luck in your choice of clients is bound to falter again one of these days.
Phoenix: You'd better hope so, because that's the only way you're ever going to beat me. *grimaces sheepishly* Um, not that I assume you'd want to beat me even if my client was innocent, you know...?
Edgeworth: Indeed; I'm glad you've come to understand that. *but although his words are still quite light, the topic seems to remind him of some other subject. His countenance darkens*
Phoenix: Come to? I'm the one that reminded you, aren't I? *When he notices Edgeworth's expression, he sobers a bit* Something else on your mind?
Edgeworth: Somewhat. *frowns, eyes downcast* I haven't spoken of this with anyone else. Wright. You. You of all people I can ask this question.
Edgeworth: *looks at Phoenix levelly... severely* ...To hold the then-current ambassador in place, to have him admit to his crimes, I used evidence acquired through illegal means. I sullied my hands in illegality.*by his expression, the words themselves taste foul in his mouth* If it weren't for that, I fully believe Quercus Alba would have gotten away.
Phoenix: *immediately understands the seriousness of Edgeworth's admission, and his brow furrows* What illegal means?
Edgeworth: Does it matter? A card hidden away in secret by a former prosecutor, obtained by him through forced entry and subterfuge. A tape stolen from the files of a prosecutor's offices and hand-delivered by its thief. Neither had even a chance of admissibility in court. *hesitates, gripping his left arm with his right hand*
Edgeworth: ... What would you have done, in my place?
Phoenix: *Though clearly uncomfortable with the thought of Edgeworth going anywhere near his old "methods," it doesn't take Phoenix long to come up with an answer* If I believed it was the truth... I probably would have presented it.
Edgeworth: *he's quiet for a moment longer--and then he nods, finally* So we agree. *a small half-smile when he re-meets Phoenix's eyes* I didn't think you would answer otherwise... and yet I'm relieved.
Phoenix: *smiles back* You were the one that reminded me--everything we do is for the truth. As long as we remember that, I think we can be forgiven a few risky moves or a bluff or two.
Edgeworth: ...If you ever pull something like that in court, Wright, I'm having you thrown out. *but he's smirking now, the former gravity of the situation having faded away*
Phoenix: Hey, I've made it this long, haven't I? I'm not about to start making rookie mis--*his shoe catches abruptly on an uneven block of sidewalk and he pitches forward, almost falling over the handlebars. He stumbles but manages to right himself without an embarrassing faceplant*
Edgeworth: *Pess starts in surprise at the sudden movement--Edgeworth halts in his steps smoothly, shrugs and shakes his head in a condescending manner as he looks down at the attorney* Really, Wright. It's like you've never taken a single step on your own all these years.
Phoenix: *straights awkwardly, red with embarrassment* It's not my fault! The sidewalk is cracked! *He glares down at it, only to realize it's not that big of a dip. He scratches the back of his neck and keeps going* Maybe I'll end up filing suit against the city after all!
Edgeworth: *scoffs, following him and falling back alongside the attorney* You're not turning into some sort of ambulance chaser, are you? Focus on cases for your job first--then sue, if you must.
Phoenix: I could probably stand to do a little more chasing, actually. It wouldn't be such a bad idea, would it? Adding a civil practice? *rubs his chin thoughtfully* If you're back in the district solving cases that's less clients for me. Gotta pay the bills somehow.
Edgeworth: *glances over, raising an eyebrow* You're that hard up? *doesn't wait for the man to respond* I've never enjoyed the thought of civil practices. Cases will be far less clear cut, far less decisive... ...Well. Perhaps with your selective nature it would be alright.
Phoenix: I didn't say I'd do it, I said it wasn't a bad idea. Or maybe I should just hire an associate that'll handle it, and become "Wright & Co." for real. What do you think? *laughs, but he almost looks wistful* Think I'm ready to become a mentor?
Edgeworth: ...I'd give it another five years. *considers this as he steps up to a street corner and stops at the light* ... Actually, play it safe and give it ten.
Phoenix: Thanks for the vote of confidence. *takes note of the street signs* Well I guess this is where we part. I'll catch up with you after your "vacation" huh?
Edgeworth: *his countenance darkens once again* Provided I'm able to shake everyone else off my trail. I've had to rule out four locations because they were too obvious.
Edgeworth: *leans down to check on Pess* If this keeps up, I'm holing up in your office for the next few days. They'll never find me there.
Phoenix: *chuckles* Last place they'd look for sure. But then you'd have to put up with Feys, and they're a handful themselves. *bends down to give Pess a scratch behind the ears* Well, good luck. I'll see you later.
Edgeworth: *smirks* Hn, a good point. Take care, Wright. *and so he whistles lightly to Pess, crossing the street with his dog when the light turns*
Phoenix: *glares at his bike, wishing it were as obedient as Pess as he waits for the light to turn in his favor*
Edgeworth: *they haven't quite made it to their halfway point when Pess perks up his head, letting out a brief whine of recognition. At the sound, Edgeworth glances ahead and spots what his dog must have caught--a figure in the distance, in blue* Recognize him, do you?
Phoenix: *is crouched on the edge of the path ahead, doing battle with his bike as it stands propped against a public trash can. His sleeves are rolled roughly up and his hands are greasy, but at least his hair is immaculate! He's so absorbed in what he's doing he doesn't notice a familiar man in magenta approaching*
Edgeworth: *walks up to the spikey-haired lawyer, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips once understands the struggle that the other man is engaged in. Without clearing his throat, he speaks up* I take it you haven't spent your time off from court investing in some driving lessons.
Edgeworth: Taking up shop as a bike repairman instead, Wright?
Phoenix: Huh? *blinks up at Edgeworth in surprise* Oh, ha ha, very funny. If driving's so great why are you out hoofing it?
Edgeworth: *crosses his arms* The proper term for the activity is "walking your dog," not "driving him."
Edgeworth: *at leg level, Pess looks expectantly up at Phoenix, tail wagging, but stays dutifully at his master's side*
Phoenix: *notices Pess for the first time.* Ah...riiight. *starts to offer his hand but then remembers it's covered in grease* Sorry little guy. Don't want this in your fur. *goes back to operating on the bike, but it doesn't seem to be going well* Some kind of wire got caught in the chain. You don't happen to have pliers on you or something, huh?
Edgeworth: *tap, tap* They're right in my wallet, beside my nail clippers. ...Don't be absurd, Wright. *frowns, trying to scrutinize some sort of solution to the bike jam but definitely not willing to grease up his hands in the process* How long have you been here trying to work on it?
Phoenix: About twenty minutes. It's an awful long walk back to my apartment if I can't get this to-- *gives it a good yank, and the rusty bike chain abruptly snaps, sending him tumbling onto his back. And, of course, the bike falls on top of him*
Edgeworth: *Pess starts up at the ruckus--and while Edgeworth doesn't laugh at the pitiful scene... he doesn't get out of his way to help the man up, either* ... Looks like your options have just been considerably narrowed. *and after a pause and a frown, in a slightly more concerned tone* Are you alright?
Phoenix: *shoves the bike off him and rubs the spot on his cheek that the handlebar jabbed into--getting grease on his face* Yeah, I'm all right. Piece of crap. *gives it a half-hearted kick* Guess I'm walking home after all. *wipes his hands off on the grass as best he can and climbs to his feet*
Edgeworth: *takes out a handkerchief from his pocket, offering it forward* So long as you don't mind, Pess and I can accompany you at least partway there. We still have a ways to go on our walk yet. *a small smile* And it's been a while since you and I have talked face to face, without an investigation looming at our backs.
Phoenix: Yeah, it really has. *accepts the handkerchief and cleans his hands--and face--as best he can. Rather than try to hand it back, he ties it around his handlebar* Thanks. I'll have it cleaned for you. *hoists his bike upright*
Edgeworth: *frowns* ...No, keep it. *whistles to Pess and starts forward--gradually, so as not to outpace Phoenix and his broken bike*
Phoenix: Yeah? Sure you don't need it for your neck? *smirks*
Edgeworth: *the frown morphs into a scowl as he straightens out his cravat with his free hand* If that was a joke, I suggest you not quit your day job.
Phoenix: Okay, sorry. I'm grateful, really. *chuckles* Actually, I'm just glad to catch you when you're not running around saving the world or something. You promised to fill me in on your last couple of cases.
Edgeworth: Did I? ....There's not much to say that hasn't been said already. *steps away from some spilled trash on the sidewalk, Pess moving in tandem*
Edgeworth: The only trial I prosecuted worth mentioning would be the stateside case of Mr. Quercus Alba, the corrupt ambassador. *a pause* Bringing him and his smuggling ring to justice was done almost entirely out of court, however. I haven't had a noteworthy courtroom experience since I faced Franziska from behind the defense's bench. *and yes, he sounds rather irritated at that*
Phoenix: Yeah... *frowns with the reminder.* Can't say I've done much since then, either. It's hard to believe it's been two months.
Edgeworth: Don't misunderstand-you and I have different definitions of "doing much." *walks forward for a few paces without speaking*
Edgeworth: I take it Maya and Pearl are handling things reasonably well in the aftermath?
Phoenix: Surprisingly well. *shakes his head incredulously* I don't know how those Feys do it, but they always pick themselves right back up. I think Maya's a little worried about becoming the Master, but she's a good girl. She'll be fine.
Edgeworth: I have full faith in that, yes. Nothing has caused her to lose steam yet.
Edgeworth: *glances over to Phoenix, raising an eyebrow* And how about you? I take it you've been to visit Ms. Iris in prison. *a slightly mocking smile tugs at the corner of his lips* Don't tell me she's the reason you haven't shown head or heel in court since February, Wright.
Phoenix: O-Of course not! *blushes darkly and scratches the back of his neck* But yeah, I've been to see her a few times. She should be out by the end of next month--I promised to pick her up. *glances away awkwardly*
Edgeworth: Have you. Hmph, you're shaping into a gentleman yet. *that amused tone is still present in his voice of course... and with Pess panting up at Phoenix from his side, it seems Edgeworth's dog is laughing at him as well*
Edgeworth: Well, don't dilly-dally. Any more time out of the courtroom, and they'll revoke your badge.
Phoenix: *shoots him a look* Oh come on, even I know it doesn't work that way. You're just anxious for me to get in court so you can have a rematch, huh?
Edgeworth: ......I said no such thing. *his eyes wander over to a passing game shop's window, where two models are engaging in an eternal duel at a chessboard* Hmph. Well, things are considerably less dull with you there, and your luck in your choice of clients is bound to falter again one of these days.
Phoenix: You'd better hope so, because that's the only way you're ever going to beat me. *grimaces sheepishly* Um, not that I assume you'd want to beat me even if my client was innocent, you know...?
Edgeworth: Indeed; I'm glad you've come to understand that. *but although his words are still quite light, the topic seems to remind him of some other subject. His countenance darkens*
Phoenix: Come to? I'm the one that reminded you, aren't I? *When he notices Edgeworth's expression, he sobers a bit* Something else on your mind?
Edgeworth: Somewhat. *frowns, eyes downcast* I haven't spoken of this with anyone else. Wright. You. You of all people I can ask this question.
Edgeworth: *looks at Phoenix levelly... severely* ...To hold the then-current ambassador in place, to have him admit to his crimes, I used evidence acquired through illegal means. I sullied my hands in illegality.*by his expression, the words themselves taste foul in his mouth* If it weren't for that, I fully believe Quercus Alba would have gotten away.
Phoenix: *immediately understands the seriousness of Edgeworth's admission, and his brow furrows* What illegal means?
Edgeworth: Does it matter? A card hidden away in secret by a former prosecutor, obtained by him through forced entry and subterfuge. A tape stolen from the files of a prosecutor's offices and hand-delivered by its thief. Neither had even a chance of admissibility in court. *hesitates, gripping his left arm with his right hand*
Edgeworth: ... What would you have done, in my place?
Phoenix: *Though clearly uncomfortable with the thought of Edgeworth going anywhere near his old "methods," it doesn't take Phoenix long to come up with an answer* If I believed it was the truth... I probably would have presented it.
Edgeworth: *he's quiet for a moment longer--and then he nods, finally* So we agree. *a small half-smile when he re-meets Phoenix's eyes* I didn't think you would answer otherwise... and yet I'm relieved.
Phoenix: *smiles back* You were the one that reminded me--everything we do is for the truth. As long as we remember that, I think we can be forgiven a few risky moves or a bluff or two.
Edgeworth: ...If you ever pull something like that in court, Wright, I'm having you thrown out. *but he's smirking now, the former gravity of the situation having faded away*
Phoenix: Hey, I've made it this long, haven't I? I'm not about to start making rookie mis--*his shoe catches abruptly on an uneven block of sidewalk and he pitches forward, almost falling over the handlebars. He stumbles but manages to right himself without an embarrassing faceplant*
Edgeworth: *Pess starts in surprise at the sudden movement--Edgeworth halts in his steps smoothly, shrugs and shakes his head in a condescending manner as he looks down at the attorney* Really, Wright. It's like you've never taken a single step on your own all these years.
Phoenix: *straights awkwardly, red with embarrassment* It's not my fault! The sidewalk is cracked! *He glares down at it, only to realize it's not that big of a dip. He scratches the back of his neck and keeps going* Maybe I'll end up filing suit against the city after all!
Edgeworth: *scoffs, following him and falling back alongside the attorney* You're not turning into some sort of ambulance chaser, are you? Focus on cases for your job first--then sue, if you must.
Phoenix: I could probably stand to do a little more chasing, actually. It wouldn't be such a bad idea, would it? Adding a civil practice? *rubs his chin thoughtfully* If you're back in the district solving cases that's less clients for me. Gotta pay the bills somehow.
Edgeworth: *glances over, raising an eyebrow* You're that hard up? *doesn't wait for the man to respond* I've never enjoyed the thought of civil practices. Cases will be far less clear cut, far less decisive... ...Well. Perhaps with your selective nature it would be alright.
Phoenix: I didn't say I'd do it, I said it wasn't a bad idea. Or maybe I should just hire an associate that'll handle it, and become "Wright & Co." for real. What do you think? *laughs, but he almost looks wistful* Think I'm ready to become a mentor?
Edgeworth: ...I'd give it another five years. *considers this as he steps up to a street corner and stops at the light* ... Actually, play it safe and give it ten.
Phoenix: Thanks for the vote of confidence. *takes note of the street signs* Well I guess this is where we part. I'll catch up with you after your "vacation" huh?
Edgeworth: *his countenance darkens once again* Provided I'm able to shake everyone else off my trail. I've had to rule out four locations because they were too obvious.
Edgeworth: *leans down to check on Pess* If this keeps up, I'm holing up in your office for the next few days. They'll never find me there.
Phoenix: *chuckles* Last place they'd look for sure. But then you'd have to put up with Feys, and they're a handful themselves. *bends down to give Pess a scratch behind the ears* Well, good luck. I'll see you later.
Edgeworth: *smirks* Hn, a good point. Take care, Wright. *and so he whistles lightly to Pess, crossing the street with his dog when the light turns*
Phoenix: *glares at his bike, wishing it were as obedient as Pess as he waits for the light to turn in his favor*