[SCENE] [Backdated] Samuraicon in Five Parts
Edgeworth: *It's the first day of the Attorney's Nation Conference, and the atmosphere at the main entrance of the convention hall is bustling. Individuals in formal suits mill about--chatting with one another, shaking hands, exchanging cards and heading off to various discussion panels in groups. However, a heavy cluster of people stick out amongst the suited crowd-a group distinctly uninvolved with the AN Conference, or indeed, with matters of the law whatsoever. Giggling children run helter-skelter about the place; older teens and adults sporting t-shirts with perplexing phrases dig through their giant bags of comics, toys and other freshly purchased merchandise; a few people in strange costumes-some well made, but most not-parade by, eliciting stares from everyone else. Occasionally, both Samuraicon attendants and AN Conference-goers alike stare at members of the other group with some measure of disdain and apprehension*
Edgeworth: *making his way through the middle of the crowd is Miles Edgeworth, dressed as ever in magenta suit and cravat, but holding a larger than usual briefcase in hand. On occasion, he nods to a few attorneys in passing, and more than once, he stops to shake hands. When required, he even stops for a brief chat-with a distinguished judge, a notable lawyer or an old acquaintance, for instance-but every time he does so, he appears somewhat preoccupied and keeps conversations short. Through this method, Edgeworth makes his way deeper into the convention hall with fairly little difficulty. And as he moves towards the rear of the building, the ratio of suited individuals to casually-dressed fans seems to reverse...*
Adrian: *It is at this point that Adrian Andrews runs into Edgeworth; she is mingling casually with people at Samuraicon, and has taken no particular interest in mingling with attorneys so far. Still, when she is taking pictures of some con-goers in costume, she can't help taking notice of Edgeworth, though she doesn't immediately approach*
Edgeworth: *he is mingling, somewhat discreetly, as well-but after asking for a photo of a particularly stunning Pink Princess, Edgeworth turns around and spots the petite blonde woman from the corner of his eye. His reaction on seeing her is rather obvious--and though he initially turns away from her, he stops midway--then gives her a brief nod in greeting*
Adrian: *there's a moment's hesitation, but then she walks up to him* Hello, Mr. Edgeworth. I trust you've been well.
Edgeworth: Ah... Ms. Andrews, isn't it? ...Yes, I'm quite well. *a pause* I didn't expect to see you here--it's been a couple of years since you cut ties with Global Studios, hasn't it?
Adrian: *looks off thoughtfully, idling spinning her camera in her fingers* Yes, it has. I didn't expect to come back myself, but I still have friends in the studio. And one can't really deny loving a franchise, regardless of its target audience.
Edgeworth: You enjoy the Samuraiverse, then? *a slight smile* Hn, it doesn't quite... fit your image.
Adrian: Well, not all of it, obviously. Some of it is schlock. But the parts that are good are worth watching, and it's fun seeing fans come together.
Edgeworth: ...I suppose it is, though I can't exactly comment first hand on it. *a slightly awkward pause--he glances about* I came over here because I noticed some of the more... colorful costumes. Some of them are quite well constructed.
Adrian: *snaps out of her thoughtful pose, nodding her agreement* That's why I was taking pictures. Some of it is high-quality enough to be used by the studios. *points to one particular version of the Evil Magistrate* See him? He's from the second season - they've gotten down every detail, even the three ribbons at the end of his weapon.
Edgeworth: Is that one really so accurate? *frowns, tapping a finger against his other arm* There are three ribbons, yes, but the color... they should be navy blue, to match his pauldrons. Also, they should be criss-crossed instead of looped in that sloppy manner-- *gestures to a giant hanging wall scroll at the far side of the room* if that poster there is any indication.
Adrian: *doesn't notice that the scroll is on the far wall behind Edgeworth, instead looking back and forth between it and the costume* I suppose you're right. You have the eye of a true fan, Mr. Edgeworth. I don't even notice these things, and I like the show.
Edgeworth: Well. *clears his throat* It's a prosecutor's gift, shall we say. I've had time enough to study the character, having dealt with two trials involving the franchise.
Adrian: That makes sense. Well, you certainly live up t- *as she's speaking, somebody walks by in a Mr. Monkey costume and she lights up visibly* Excuse me, Mr. Edgeworth, I need to get some pictures of this! It was nice speaking to you again! *hurries off*
Edgeworth: *to her quickly disappearing form* ...A pleasure, Ms. Andrews. *and then, after a few furtive glances around to ensure that no one else he knows is nearby, he carefully slips off into the crowd, heading deeper into Samuraicon territory...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *finally in the dealer's room, Edgeworth makes his way down the rows of tables, examining the merchandise at great length. He purchases one or two small trinkets, followed by a 1:6 scale Evil Magistrate figure after haggling down its price to nearly two thirds the original cost. Coming upon a fully detailed Steel Samurai suit, he's temporarily transfixed in the appreciation of its fine craftsmanship...*
Klavier: *in between panels, Klavier has decided to sneak into the dealer's room of the other con, and try to find a suitable gift for Ema. Thankfully, he already knows he will not run into her, because she is sitting in a panel of her own that is reportedly HIGHLY scientific-- probably the mechanics of two metal warriors having a baby, he figures. He has just laid aside a life-sized plush of the Iron Infant when he spies a familiar shade of pink circling a life-sized Steel Daddy* Herr Edgeworth? Oh, I'm so glad you're here, too...
Edgeworth: *jolts back to alertness in record time* Gavin--?! ..W-what the devil are you-- Who... Where did you... What are you doing here?
Klavier: *grins* You don't sound happy to see me. You invited me to Attorney's Nation, remember? *snaps his fingers* I made a vacation of it, brought the girlfriend. She's into Pink Princess, ja?
Edgeworth: *scowls, crossing his arms* ... Yes, I knew you would be here, but why here, at the Samuraicon dealer's room? I don't see this "girlfriend" of yours anywhere.
Klavier: Oh, are you Herr Grumpyface today? Das tut mir Leid. *still grinning* Of course Ema is not here. It would be difficult to surprise her with a gift if I brought her with me to buy it. You are also buying a present for somebody, or...?
Edgeworth: ........Yes, of course. The ambassador of Cohdopia wanted some cultural souvenirs, and some examples of promotional items. *shakes his head, shrugging* The Attorney's Nation conference possesses little of either, unfortunately-- and so I came here.
Klavier: *eyes the doll under Edgeworth's arm, and then casts his gaze over the life-sized Steel Samurai Daddy* Ja, ja. I suppose the promotional pens just don't compare. But you are zehr generous if you are thinking of buying the Herr Ambassador this model.
Edgeworth: It doesn't strike me as a very suitable gift for that girlfriend of yours either, unless she is of a particular... inclination. *a rather... bulky woman in what appears to be a femme bikini version of the Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo happens to stride by at that very moment*
Klavier: *openly gawps at the jiggly "Steel" Samurai passing them* ...Was? Oh, ja, ja. I only noticed this behemoth because your suit caught my eye, ja? I am thinking something a little more... pink for my girl. *eyes Edgeworth hopefully* What would you suggest?
Edgeworth: *raises an eyebrow* Pink? I'm not at all familiar with... with the shows and their memorabilia. I'm hardly the person to ask. *nods towards a dealer's table awash in pink items* Why not try looking there for your... Ema, was it?
Klavier: Of course you aren't, Herr Edgeworth. Of course. *casts his eye over the nearby dealer tables* I just wonder how you were planning to keep it a secret while smuggling out a life-sized superhero-- ja, ja. Ema Skye. She is a fan of yours, I gather. Like me.
Edgeworth: You're dating Ema Skye? *whirls around, as if expecting the girl to appear right at his shoulder*
Klavier: ...Ahahaha. Relax, Herr Edgeworth. I told you, I am buying her a surprise. She's sitting in on one of the Samuraicon panels right now. *another furtive glance around* Of course, the present is still a surprise to me, too. I don't know what would win the heart of a Samurai fan. But I do know that a gift for Ema could mean a gift for you as well, ja?
Klavier: ...Just, not this mannequin. It probably costs a fortune, and you would only embarrass yourself carrying him around.
Edgeworth: *clenches his teeth* I will help you find a present if--and only if-- those baseless allegations never leave your mouth again. *crosses his arms* Agreed?
Klavier: *a knowing smirk* Agreed. So you do not want a present? Plausible deniability?
Edgeworth: *a glare* Purchasing gifts for your superiors would ruin your plausible deniability, Gavin--not mine. Now. You mentioned she was into this "Pink Princess" character?
Klavier: *beams unrepentantly* Ja, the Pink Princess. Girl power and all that jazz, I suppose. She is a big fan, but it seems she does not have any of the memorabilia.
Edgeworth: Any? *frowns* I recall seeing a particularly pink phone strap of hers... though that would be over two years ago. At any rate, you shouldn't be looking over here--there's only first season Samurai merchandise in this area. *strides across the way, to a table awash with items in various shades of pink*
Klavier: ...Her phone? If that's Pink Princess ware, you're more knowledgeable about it than I am. *but he restrains any further comment, and follows Edgeworth to the Pink Princess dealer* Ja, ja, this is it. So many choices, but I want to pick out something special. She brought a little money of her own for trinkets...
Edgeworth: Something special... well, what catches your eye? Knowing her tastes... hm. *taps his temple thoughtfully as he surveys the table*
Klavier: Well... clearly I have not known her as long as you have, but... Well. *he fingers a Pink Princess doll: an heirloom quality porcelain doll painted and dressed like the heroine* She does not seem the cutesy sort, but she did not seem the Princess sort, either, ja?
Edgeworth: Indeed. *eyes the doll Klavier is examining* I would advise against anything large and overtly from the series, just as you would do well not to purchase anything fan-made-- unless it's particularly well crafted.
Klavier: *tunes out the protests of the merchant Edgeworth had just insulted, looking past the doll at the other merchandise. Pins-- too banal, and in Ema's own price range besides. Except...*
Klavier: Achtung! This looks more like fine jewellery than a souvenir. *he lifts a pin with two linked rings: a shiny metal on one side, and varnished pink on the other*
Edgeworth: Not a bad choice--but still... lacking in a little something. *finally, he holds up a slim box with a clear front* Here. Limited edition hair sticks, replicas of the ones the Pink Princess wears. *glances at the package* Hn, and only two hundred and fifty were ever produced. The price will reflect that.
Klavier: *whistles appreciatively* I like your taste, Herr Edgeworth. I'm sure Ema will like it, too-- don't worry, I won't tell her it was from you. *grins, and pulls out his wallet to pay the dealer* Danke schoen.
Edgeworth: The less said on my involvement in the matter, the better. *taps a finger on his arm impatiently* Well. I need to browse a little longer for the ambassador; I'll let you get on with your day.
Klavier: Danke schoen. *pockets his change, which isn't much, and salutes cheerfully* I will see you back at the office-- or at the next panel.
Edgeworth: *nods a brief nod, walking off towards the direction of the pre-made costumes. Once he passes out of Klavier's view, he gives a short sigh of relief. Two encounters and the day having just begun--he's going to have to employ some sort of disguise, it seems...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *an hour later, a not at all suspicious gentleman in kimono, hakama pants, and ronin-gasa obscuring his face strides confidently by the Samuraicon panel rooms. He is now toting a large bag of goods in addition to his briefcase, not letting the weight of either deter him from examining the panel timetable on display in the hall*
Ema: *after a few panels and a not-so-quick tour of the dealer's hall, Ema meanders about the convention for once devoid of her typical lab coat- happily wearing a new, brightly colored Pink Princess t-shirt. The guy in the kimono doesn't particularly attract her attention, there's just so many of those cosplayers around, but it's the timetable posted up that gives her a reason to wander over*
Edgeworth: *doesn't even notice the presence of the girl beside him, so immersed is he in studying the extensive list. Noting a particularly eye-catching panel topic, he scoffs aloud* "Homoerotic subtext in the Samuraiverse," indeed.
Ema: *That gives her reason to look over, mid-grimace before her expression suddenly falters. It's hard to see his face with the weird hat, but, for Ema to mistake THAT voice would be so totally and completely inconceivable--* .... Excuse me?
Edgeworth: *glances over-- and startled by who he finds beside him, he staggers a full step back* Ah-- uh... ahem! *clears his throat, looking around for some expedient way to disappear--he's painfully aware that any explanation would only serve to tip off the scientist further*
Ema: *By then her eyes have grown wide, and she takes two steps forward to his single back* I-Is that... Mr. Edgeworth are you cosplaying? *asks with some wonder in her tone, covering her mouth with her fingertips*
Edgeworth: NGHOOH! *as if his identity needs any more confirming* It's... it's not what you think!
Ema: Oh, Mr. Edgeworth it IS you! *the teen practically sparkles with joy, clapping her hands together with a happy gasp* I heard you were going to be doing research here, but I didn't think I'd find you this easily!
Edgeworth: Research... research, yes. For Ambassador Palaeno--hence the souvenirs as well. That's why I'm here. *holds onto the brim of his hat, as though fearing he may be exposed to the open at any moment* It's... good to see you again, Ema.
Ema: *leaaaans in, trying to catch a glimpse of him from under the hat* Ohh, can I see what you got for him? I bought myself a shirt, but everything else was so expensive! You can chat for a while, right? It's been awhile since Spring Break, after all~
Edgeworth: ... *warily offers forward his bag.. but not his briefcase* Just some figure from the show, and a few shirts and other items commemorating the convention itself. And, er... yes. How have you been since then? *a momentary pause of discomfort* I heard you're... dating Klavier Gavin?
Ema: *She doesn't take the bag from him, but rather she uses it as an excuse to stand even closer while looking curiously into it. At the mention of Klavier, she cringes and looks up sharply* W-Who told you that!? *a bit of color rises on her cheeks*
Ema: I-I already said I prefer to think of it in more scientific terms, just so you know, Mr. Edgeworth!
Edgeworth: Gavin did himself--did you mean to keep it a secret? *a slight smile, hidden somewhat by his hat* If there's a more scientific term for monogamous dating, I would love to hear of it.
Ema: *takes a step back* I wasn't keeping it a secret...! And, I... already very clearly explained it in my livejournal. You... you could consider it a social... ecological experiment!
Edgeworth: *the smirk widens* You certainly chose quite the test subject, then.
Ema: *twists the strap of her purse, and furrows her brows* A very... persistent one, I'll give him that. *glances up* He... doesn't give you much trouble at the office, does he?
Edgeworth: Gavin? *a chuckle* I'd hardly be where I am today if a cocky teenage "protégée" gave me trouble. *casually removes his ronin-gasa, tucking it covertly under an arm* Come now. Where are you headed? Have you had lunch as of yet?
Ema: *with the conversation seeming to take a different direction, Ema perks again* O-Oh, well, I was just going to wander around for a bit to be honest... *a smile* Is that an offer, sir~?
Edgeworth: *a half-bow* Of course. Though, regretfully, I don't believe they're serving anything in the vincinity save for snacks and samurai dogs...
Ema: Oh, that's kind of a shame... Do you mind that kind of food? I mean, if you don't then I don't really care either.
Edgeworth: It'll have to do for now. *nods at a table some feet away, where there are some boxed Samurai Dogs, some totally American onigiri, various bagged snacks, and bottled water and pop* ...but you'll forgive me if I insist on a proper meal with you in the future.
Ema: Oh..! Mr. Edgeworth, I would absolutely love that~ *she's all smiles once again as they head to the snacks, a tiny spring in her step even*
Edgeworth: Good. *heads to the table, selecting two Samurai dogs and a drink for himself, letting Ema choose her own in that regard. The items seem to come bundled in a combo--but when it comes to the snacks he frowns at a bag of chips and some "Snackoo" biscuit... seeming rather unsatisfied with either option*
Ema: *pokes about the different snack options- and though she's not really interested in the generic flavors for crisps they offer, those... Snackoo things look kind of gross in comparison. So she settles on a bag of BBQ Lays* Do you want to find a real table to sit at? *casting a sideways glance to a few con-goers seated around on the floor*
Edgeworth: Let's. *gestures forward with a hand* I believe there may be a few towards the dealer's room. *and, as though the phrase triggers a reminder for him, he holds his bags of merchandise further out of view, somewhat relieved that the girl scientist did not take it upon herself to pursue that route of investigation...* So, tell me about those new techniques you studied in Europe...
~~~
Maya: *standing in front of the video game booths, waiting for her turn on the latest Steel Samurai fighting game (GX-4 this time), Maya once again laments having both of her Attorney's Nation panels in one day. Of course that meant her Friday was free and her Sunday will be, but Saturday's the best day anyway! Stupid Attorney's Nation... Of course they are paying her way so she can't really complain all that much...With that in mind, she gets up to the front of the line and settles in for a round of lightning-fast samurai fights!!*
Edgeworth: *already standing at the front, with a controller in hand, is a ronin who is on quite the winning streak today. When the character selection screen loads up again, he chooses what seems to be his usual character-- some sort of ridiculously ponytailed muscleman in pink--and reaches for his hat's rim to ensure that it's tilted allllllll the way down*
Maya: *picks her main, the Pink Princess of course, and waits for the screen to load, screwing up her brow in concentration* I'll show you what the wife of the Steel Samurai can do!!! *there's scattered laughs from the gathered crowd*
Edgeworth: *to that, the mysterious stranger offers nothing in reply. After the countdown ends, he directs his character back a few steps and then forward swiftly into a combo. The reason he'd been winning all of those prior matches becomes clear--he's quite an exceptional player*
Maya: *her eyes widen and she does a double-step back, beaning the opposite player in the head with a pram and jumping back into a guard position at the opposite end of the stage*
Edgeworth: *the speed with which he attacks is unreal - he sweeps across the floor of the stage, taking his opponent's feet out from under them and rising into a midair combo*
Maya: Ahhh, cheap!! *her fingers fly across the buttons, and she jerks the controller side to side, trying and failing to perform a recovery. Pink Princess lands on her back and then rolls back to a standing position, calling up the strongest special attack she can summon at the time, Sakura Kyoretsu Tetsuzoku. Sakura blossoms float onstage and form themselves into arrows, heading straight for the other fighter*
Edgeworth: *when the first arrow is tech blocked, the crowd gasps; when the second is, there is silence. With the third, a cheer swells, and with the fourth through the thirteenth the sound shakes the room. During the lag frames at the end of the Sakura Kyoretsu Tetsuzoku, the character's ultimate attack is launched in return, filling the screen with flashing lights and POW boxes*
Maya: *the cartoonish effects are quite real to the Pink Princess' power gauge, which empties quickly* Aah--! *gapes in shock at the screen, but she has no opportunity to block any longer. Pink Princess falls prone and the screen proclaims her loss. She looks a bit crestfallen -- she only got one round to prove her worth and it remains unproven* Now I have to wait in line all over again...?
Edgeworth: *apparently not so--with a tip of his hat, the ronin places down his controller and walks off. The crowd of onlookers part for him respectfully, bursting into excited talk once he is out of view*
---
Edgeworth: *an hour later in Convention Room 14, the Pink Princess: Feminist Icon or Patriarchal Patsy? panel is wrapping up, with people at the door--waiting for Samurai Moves 101--peering in impatiently and gesturing towards the clock. When the speakers finish their closing comments, a good portion of the room clears out-- but a handful remain... revealing the solitary ronin at the back of the room, arms folded and leaning against the wall*
Maya: *pushes through the crowd, squinting at the clock. She has just enough time to hit this panel and then the dealer's room before she has to go do her final panel at the OTHER con. Even then she'll have to run. Still, she's been wanting to show off her moves all day. She glances at the room and then to the panelists* I signed up to demonstrate! *waves* I'm here, so direct me! *she's directed to stand against the wall behind the panelists, giving her a good view of the ronin from the exact opposite of the room*
Man: *a demanding fan in the crowd shouts out* Do the Petals in the Burning Morning Sun!
Maya: *looks around, and seeing no disagreement, performs the Pink Princess move, fluttering her hands above her head and miming snapping out twin rising star fans, ending in a pose with leg swept outright*
Same Man: No, no, you've got the pose all wrong! And she sweeps with her other foot!
Some Other Fan: Hey, I think she did it right!
First man: *straightening up to his full height in his chair* Look, I'm the assistant admin of the PP Fan Forums, and I'm positive that-- *a loud squabble starts to take place in the crowd*
Edgeworth: *amidst the squabbling, the mysterious ronin at the back of the room raises his hand in the air*
Panelist: *sweeps his hand for silence* You, in the back.
Edgeworth: *strides down the aisle to the front of the room, where he moves to Maya's side. There, he makes the move's beginning fluttering motions and then stops, as if indicating for her to follow along*
Maya: *she looks at him suspiciously, not having forgotten her humiliating defeat at his hands. In the spirit of fannish forgiveness, though, she mimics him*
Edgeworth: *keeping his head carefully tilted down and hidden, he places a hand on Maya's shoulder, turning her a quarter way to the left before tilting her entire body to the side--his other hand holds her steady at that impossible angle* *in a gruff, almost inaudible mutter* Your leg.
Maya: What- this one? *starts to move the same leg as before, then catches herself and thinks for a minute* Oh wait, it was the other one. I was trying to mirror it.
Edgeworth: *there are a few murmurs of agreement as he helps hold Maya in that pose for a few moments longer--and then he places her back upright, steps away, and heads back to his spot at the back of the room. He stays in place, unmoving, for the duration of the panel*
Maya: *her poses are impeccable for the rest of the panel. When it's over, she tries to push through the crowd to get to the back and say thanks, but...*
Edgeworth: *...the ronin has long since disappeared, under cover of the shoving masses...*
---
Maya: *an hour later, after returning to her room to drop off her spoils and getting through with most of her hardest panel of the day 'Spirituality and the Law,' she finds herself confronted with a difficult question* N-no way! I mean, legally speaking my sister is dead, so she can't be on the roster of assistants for the defense! ...I think Anyway, uh... *looks up to see convention staffer waving at her* Looks like time is up! Thanks for all your questions, or at least most of them! *she bows as the people start to filter out, some giving her frustrated looks*
Edgeworth: *stands at the back of the room, waiting for the crowd to clear somewhat--he'd been tapping a finger absentmindedly against his arm for most of the talk. When the crush of people headed for the doors finally diminishes, he picks up his briefcase and makes to leave*
Maya: *vaults the table as she sees him move* Hey, Mr. Edgeworth, wait up!
Edgeworth: *straightens and comes to a stop when his name is called. He turns to her* Ah... Maya. That wasn't a bad talk.
Maya: Yeah, I think it went pretty well. Some of those questions were pretty harsh, though. *beams* Thanks for watching me!
Edgeworth: *shakes his head with something of a smirk* There's no need for thanks. It was an important discussion. I expect to encounter an increasing amount of situations like this in future trials.
Maya: You think so? That would be good for the family business...! *shrugs* Well, even if you weren't there for moral support, it sure has been a while since I saw you. You're lookin' good!
Edgeworth: Hmph. *resumes walking, making his way into the hall* It has been a good conference so far, shall we say.
Maya: *follows along, clacking her tongue* Such a workaholic. You gotta get out and have some real fun someday, Mr. Edgeworth!
Edgeworth: Fun? *raises an eyebrow as he walks by various business suit-wearing individuals* I'd say that these panels have been rather enjoyable.
Maya: Oh come on! That's work. *frowns* Even Pearly knows the difference between fun and work.
Edgeworth: Nonsense. *and he continues down the hall in silence*
Maya: *shrugs and gives a little sigh* Well, all right then. I'll go have fun, see ya later. *walks back towards samuraicon in silence, leaving Edgeworth behind...or so she thinks? She glances over to see that he's still nearby and that he happens to be going the same direction she is* Huh? Where are you going, Mr. Edgeworth?
Edgeworth: *seeming somewhat surprised by the question, his hand clenches around the handle of his briefcase* ......To the washrooms. *and indeed... there is a men's bathroom just a few feet ahead*
Maya: *looks back* Didn't we just pass one right outside the panel room? *she points* Oh, yep, there's one right over there.
Edgeworth: ...I didn't see it. *stops in place*
Maya: I guess I was distracting you. Still, usually when you go to the bathroom you're on your way to someplace, and the only place that this bathroom is on the way to... *gives him a suspicious look* ...is the other convention hall...
Edgeworth: *scowls* ...... Just what are you trying to say?
Maya: I don't know... *she frowns in thought* That would be pretty weird. Though... *she sticks her tongue out a little as she concentrates, feeling like there's something here that's eluding her* Uhhh... Actually I feel like this guy I kept seeing sort of...
Edgeworth: *visibly tenses, his scowl increasing further* Maya, I don't have time to listen to your ambling. I'll talk to you later. *and he makes for the washroom*
Maya: *clearly can't follow him in there, and though she's tempted to wait and get to the bottom of this, the samurai attack pose dance-off is starting in five minutes and she wants to get limbered up beforehand* Well... Okay then. Catch you later, Mr. Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *disappears into the washroom, breathing a sigh of relief once he's safely hidden from view. There are still plenty of things he'd like to attend at Samuraicon... but that was one brush too close for his comfort*
~~~
Franziska: *it's night and around the time conference and convention-goers begin to retreat to their rooms to rest their feet -- the perfect time, an irritated Franziska figures, for her to find Miles in his. She walks up to his door and knocks*
Edgeworth: *there's sounds of laughter and animated conversation from Edgeworth's room. At Franziska's knock, the talking halts almost immediately. A good minute or so later, Edgeworth appears at the door... opening it only a crack so he can peer through. When he sees who it is, his eyes narrow* ...Franziska. What is it?
Franziska: *prim* I thought I'd see for myself what you're up to, considering I could not get a hold of you for dinner.
Edgeworth: As I've said before: I've been busy. I met with a few former acquaintances tonight. I will most likely do the same tomorrow. *as he speaks, he peers briefly down the hall in both directions*
Franziska: *tilts her head* ...Why are you making me speak to you through a crack? Come out of there.
Edgeworth: *an altogether too long pause* ...No.
Franziska: *wags a finger at the door in an Edgeworth-like manner* What was that I heard from your room that stopped so suddenly as soon as I came knocking?
Edgeworth: *scowls* It was...it was nothing. I had the television on. *the phone from within the room rings, and with a quiet curse Edgeworth turns from the door. As he does, the door opens a crack further and reveals the reason he'd probably been so reluctant to stand out in the hall in the first place-he's in a magenta coloured silk bath robe, and likely not much else*
Franziska: Ah -- you aren't dressed properly. *crosses her arms impatiently* You could have said as such instead of answering in a most foolishly suspicious manner. What has gotten into you, Miles? This whole conference I've been unable to pin you down for more than five seconds. I scarcely see you anywhere, and now you're on the edge of paranoia as you stand before me. I demand answers!
Edgeworth: I've given you answers already! I doubt that any further explanation of mine would satisfy you. That's all I have to say. *makes to shut the door*
Franziska: *narrows her eyes and holds the door with one hand, though with not much force* Hold it! I need to use your restroom!
Edgeworth: *whatever restraint he'd been exercising seems to evaporate with her demand for entry* What? In here? Go to your own room!
Franziska: *glares* Do you wish to find out what happened to the last man who refused a von Karma restroom privileges?
Edgeworth: I've heard the story. *grimaces* ...Alright. Here. Hold on and hold it. *and the door shuts in her face*
Edgeworth: *within the room, there are sounds of items being hastily shuffled and tossed about. The voices, distinctly male, momentarily flare up again. Then, after a few more moments, a slightly more dishevelled Edgeworth opens up the door wide for Franziska to enter*
Franziska: *walks in without a word, glancing around the room with her eyes. When she goes into the bathroom, she looks around there for a moment before flushing the toilet after a convincing enough amount of time has passed*
Edgeworth: *makes a beeline to the bed and seats himself there, legs off the edge and arms crossed defensively, disapprovingly. He stares straight ahead, and definitely does not glance behind him, where there's a bump under the sheets about the size of a small person*
Franziska: *leaves the bathroom after turning the sink on and off. As soon as she steps out, she glances over to Miles -- and stares*
Edgeworth: *with a glare as severe as any he's given in the courtroom* Now that you're done with your business, will you finally leave me to my privacy?
Franziska: *raises an eyebrow* ...Very well. *walks out of the hotel room and shuts the door*
Bellhop: Oh! *just arriving at the door of Edgeworth's hotel room is a bellhop-he's nearly sent wheeling back into the food cart he'd been pulling along behind him by Franziska's departure* E-excuse me, miss! I don't suppose this is your room?
Franziska: *stepping out of the bellhop's way* No; it belongs to an... acquaintance of mine.
Bellhop: Ah, I see, I see! *and stepping towards the door again, he raps at it twice* Room service--your champagne, sir! *readies a tray on his cart, where a bottle of fine champagne and two glasses sit at the ready*
Franziska: *right before she begins down the hallway, she sees the tray -- and then the pieces all fall into place in her head. She stops dead in her tracks* Could...could it be?!
Edgeworth: *the door opens once more, and a furtive-looking Edgeworth takes the tray, glances down the hall, and shuts the door again with a speedy slam*
Franziska: *quietly, to herself* I should have known. The signs were all there. The conference... the private room...! Attending the conference isn't the only thing he's doing here -- he's also indulging in lewd hedonism with his cohort of male admirers!
Franziska: Once this foolishness is over, I will make him confess. *storms down the hallway*
Edgeworth: *from within the hotel room, Miles Edgeworth lets out a loud sigh of relief. Setting down the champagne tray by the bed, he lifts the covers from his newly purchased stash of Samurai merchandise, switches on the limited collector's edition DVD again, and tries, tries to unwind after one too many close calls that day...*
Edgeworth: *making his way through the middle of the crowd is Miles Edgeworth, dressed as ever in magenta suit and cravat, but holding a larger than usual briefcase in hand. On occasion, he nods to a few attorneys in passing, and more than once, he stops to shake hands. When required, he even stops for a brief chat-with a distinguished judge, a notable lawyer or an old acquaintance, for instance-but every time he does so, he appears somewhat preoccupied and keeps conversations short. Through this method, Edgeworth makes his way deeper into the convention hall with fairly little difficulty. And as he moves towards the rear of the building, the ratio of suited individuals to casually-dressed fans seems to reverse...*
Adrian: *It is at this point that Adrian Andrews runs into Edgeworth; she is mingling casually with people at Samuraicon, and has taken no particular interest in mingling with attorneys so far. Still, when she is taking pictures of some con-goers in costume, she can't help taking notice of Edgeworth, though she doesn't immediately approach*
Edgeworth: *he is mingling, somewhat discreetly, as well-but after asking for a photo of a particularly stunning Pink Princess, Edgeworth turns around and spots the petite blonde woman from the corner of his eye. His reaction on seeing her is rather obvious--and though he initially turns away from her, he stops midway--then gives her a brief nod in greeting*
Adrian: *there's a moment's hesitation, but then she walks up to him* Hello, Mr. Edgeworth. I trust you've been well.
Edgeworth: Ah... Ms. Andrews, isn't it? ...Yes, I'm quite well. *a pause* I didn't expect to see you here--it's been a couple of years since you cut ties with Global Studios, hasn't it?
Adrian: *looks off thoughtfully, idling spinning her camera in her fingers* Yes, it has. I didn't expect to come back myself, but I still have friends in the studio. And one can't really deny loving a franchise, regardless of its target audience.
Edgeworth: You enjoy the Samuraiverse, then? *a slight smile* Hn, it doesn't quite... fit your image.
Adrian: Well, not all of it, obviously. Some of it is schlock. But the parts that are good are worth watching, and it's fun seeing fans come together.
Edgeworth: ...I suppose it is, though I can't exactly comment first hand on it. *a slightly awkward pause--he glances about* I came over here because I noticed some of the more... colorful costumes. Some of them are quite well constructed.
Adrian: *snaps out of her thoughtful pose, nodding her agreement* That's why I was taking pictures. Some of it is high-quality enough to be used by the studios. *points to one particular version of the Evil Magistrate* See him? He's from the second season - they've gotten down every detail, even the three ribbons at the end of his weapon.
Edgeworth: Is that one really so accurate? *frowns, tapping a finger against his other arm* There are three ribbons, yes, but the color... they should be navy blue, to match his pauldrons. Also, they should be criss-crossed instead of looped in that sloppy manner-- *gestures to a giant hanging wall scroll at the far side of the room* if that poster there is any indication.
Adrian: *doesn't notice that the scroll is on the far wall behind Edgeworth, instead looking back and forth between it and the costume* I suppose you're right. You have the eye of a true fan, Mr. Edgeworth. I don't even notice these things, and I like the show.
Edgeworth: Well. *clears his throat* It's a prosecutor's gift, shall we say. I've had time enough to study the character, having dealt with two trials involving the franchise.
Adrian: That makes sense. Well, you certainly live up t- *as she's speaking, somebody walks by in a Mr. Monkey costume and she lights up visibly* Excuse me, Mr. Edgeworth, I need to get some pictures of this! It was nice speaking to you again! *hurries off*
Edgeworth: *to her quickly disappearing form* ...A pleasure, Ms. Andrews. *and then, after a few furtive glances around to ensure that no one else he knows is nearby, he carefully slips off into the crowd, heading deeper into Samuraicon territory...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *finally in the dealer's room, Edgeworth makes his way down the rows of tables, examining the merchandise at great length. He purchases one or two small trinkets, followed by a 1:6 scale Evil Magistrate figure after haggling down its price to nearly two thirds the original cost. Coming upon a fully detailed Steel Samurai suit, he's temporarily transfixed in the appreciation of its fine craftsmanship...*
Klavier: *in between panels, Klavier has decided to sneak into the dealer's room of the other con, and try to find a suitable gift for Ema. Thankfully, he already knows he will not run into her, because she is sitting in a panel of her own that is reportedly HIGHLY scientific-- probably the mechanics of two metal warriors having a baby, he figures. He has just laid aside a life-sized plush of the Iron Infant when he spies a familiar shade of pink circling a life-sized Steel Daddy* Herr Edgeworth? Oh, I'm so glad you're here, too...
Edgeworth: *jolts back to alertness in record time* Gavin--?! ..W-what the devil are you-- Who... Where did you... What are you doing here?
Klavier: *grins* You don't sound happy to see me. You invited me to Attorney's Nation, remember? *snaps his fingers* I made a vacation of it, brought the girlfriend. She's into Pink Princess, ja?
Edgeworth: *scowls, crossing his arms* ... Yes, I knew you would be here, but why here, at the Samuraicon dealer's room? I don't see this "girlfriend" of yours anywhere.
Klavier: Oh, are you Herr Grumpyface today? Das tut mir Leid. *still grinning* Of course Ema is not here. It would be difficult to surprise her with a gift if I brought her with me to buy it. You are also buying a present for somebody, or...?
Edgeworth: ........Yes, of course. The ambassador of Cohdopia wanted some cultural souvenirs, and some examples of promotional items. *shakes his head, shrugging* The Attorney's Nation conference possesses little of either, unfortunately-- and so I came here.
Klavier: *eyes the doll under Edgeworth's arm, and then casts his gaze over the life-sized Steel Samurai Daddy* Ja, ja. I suppose the promotional pens just don't compare. But you are zehr generous if you are thinking of buying the Herr Ambassador this model.
Edgeworth: It doesn't strike me as a very suitable gift for that girlfriend of yours either, unless she is of a particular... inclination. *a rather... bulky woman in what appears to be a femme bikini version of the Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo happens to stride by at that very moment*
Klavier: *openly gawps at the jiggly "Steel" Samurai passing them* ...Was? Oh, ja, ja. I only noticed this behemoth because your suit caught my eye, ja? I am thinking something a little more... pink for my girl. *eyes Edgeworth hopefully* What would you suggest?
Edgeworth: *raises an eyebrow* Pink? I'm not at all familiar with... with the shows and their memorabilia. I'm hardly the person to ask. *nods towards a dealer's table awash in pink items* Why not try looking there for your... Ema, was it?
Klavier: Of course you aren't, Herr Edgeworth. Of course. *casts his eye over the nearby dealer tables* I just wonder how you were planning to keep it a secret while smuggling out a life-sized superhero-- ja, ja. Ema Skye. She is a fan of yours, I gather. Like me.
Edgeworth: You're dating Ema Skye? *whirls around, as if expecting the girl to appear right at his shoulder*
Klavier: ...Ahahaha. Relax, Herr Edgeworth. I told you, I am buying her a surprise. She's sitting in on one of the Samuraicon panels right now. *another furtive glance around* Of course, the present is still a surprise to me, too. I don't know what would win the heart of a Samurai fan. But I do know that a gift for Ema could mean a gift for you as well, ja?
Klavier: ...Just, not this mannequin. It probably costs a fortune, and you would only embarrass yourself carrying him around.
Edgeworth: *clenches his teeth* I will help you find a present if--and only if-- those baseless allegations never leave your mouth again. *crosses his arms* Agreed?
Klavier: *a knowing smirk* Agreed. So you do not want a present? Plausible deniability?
Edgeworth: *a glare* Purchasing gifts for your superiors would ruin your plausible deniability, Gavin--not mine. Now. You mentioned she was into this "Pink Princess" character?
Klavier: *beams unrepentantly* Ja, the Pink Princess. Girl power and all that jazz, I suppose. She is a big fan, but it seems she does not have any of the memorabilia.
Edgeworth: Any? *frowns* I recall seeing a particularly pink phone strap of hers... though that would be over two years ago. At any rate, you shouldn't be looking over here--there's only first season Samurai merchandise in this area. *strides across the way, to a table awash with items in various shades of pink*
Klavier: ...Her phone? If that's Pink Princess ware, you're more knowledgeable about it than I am. *but he restrains any further comment, and follows Edgeworth to the Pink Princess dealer* Ja, ja, this is it. So many choices, but I want to pick out something special. She brought a little money of her own for trinkets...
Edgeworth: Something special... well, what catches your eye? Knowing her tastes... hm. *taps his temple thoughtfully as he surveys the table*
Klavier: Well... clearly I have not known her as long as you have, but... Well. *he fingers a Pink Princess doll: an heirloom quality porcelain doll painted and dressed like the heroine* She does not seem the cutesy sort, but she did not seem the Princess sort, either, ja?
Edgeworth: Indeed. *eyes the doll Klavier is examining* I would advise against anything large and overtly from the series, just as you would do well not to purchase anything fan-made-- unless it's particularly well crafted.
Klavier: *tunes out the protests of the merchant Edgeworth had just insulted, looking past the doll at the other merchandise. Pins-- too banal, and in Ema's own price range besides. Except...*
Klavier: Achtung! This looks more like fine jewellery than a souvenir. *he lifts a pin with two linked rings: a shiny metal on one side, and varnished pink on the other*
Edgeworth: Not a bad choice--but still... lacking in a little something. *finally, he holds up a slim box with a clear front* Here. Limited edition hair sticks, replicas of the ones the Pink Princess wears. *glances at the package* Hn, and only two hundred and fifty were ever produced. The price will reflect that.
Klavier: *whistles appreciatively* I like your taste, Herr Edgeworth. I'm sure Ema will like it, too-- don't worry, I won't tell her it was from you. *grins, and pulls out his wallet to pay the dealer* Danke schoen.
Edgeworth: The less said on my involvement in the matter, the better. *taps a finger on his arm impatiently* Well. I need to browse a little longer for the ambassador; I'll let you get on with your day.
Klavier: Danke schoen. *pockets his change, which isn't much, and salutes cheerfully* I will see you back at the office-- or at the next panel.
Edgeworth: *nods a brief nod, walking off towards the direction of the pre-made costumes. Once he passes out of Klavier's view, he gives a short sigh of relief. Two encounters and the day having just begun--he's going to have to employ some sort of disguise, it seems...*
~~~
Edgeworth: *an hour later, a not at all suspicious gentleman in kimono, hakama pants, and ronin-gasa obscuring his face strides confidently by the Samuraicon panel rooms. He is now toting a large bag of goods in addition to his briefcase, not letting the weight of either deter him from examining the panel timetable on display in the hall*
Ema: *after a few panels and a not-so-quick tour of the dealer's hall, Ema meanders about the convention for once devoid of her typical lab coat- happily wearing a new, brightly colored Pink Princess t-shirt. The guy in the kimono doesn't particularly attract her attention, there's just so many of those cosplayers around, but it's the timetable posted up that gives her a reason to wander over*
Edgeworth: *doesn't even notice the presence of the girl beside him, so immersed is he in studying the extensive list. Noting a particularly eye-catching panel topic, he scoffs aloud* "Homoerotic subtext in the Samuraiverse," indeed.
Ema: *That gives her reason to look over, mid-grimace before her expression suddenly falters. It's hard to see his face with the weird hat, but, for Ema to mistake THAT voice would be so totally and completely inconceivable--* .... Excuse me?
Edgeworth: *glances over-- and startled by who he finds beside him, he staggers a full step back* Ah-- uh... ahem! *clears his throat, looking around for some expedient way to disappear--he's painfully aware that any explanation would only serve to tip off the scientist further*
Ema: *By then her eyes have grown wide, and she takes two steps forward to his single back* I-Is that... Mr. Edgeworth are you cosplaying? *asks with some wonder in her tone, covering her mouth with her fingertips*
Edgeworth: NGHOOH! *as if his identity needs any more confirming* It's... it's not what you think!
Ema: Oh, Mr. Edgeworth it IS you! *the teen practically sparkles with joy, clapping her hands together with a happy gasp* I heard you were going to be doing research here, but I didn't think I'd find you this easily!
Edgeworth: Research... research, yes. For Ambassador Palaeno--hence the souvenirs as well. That's why I'm here. *holds onto the brim of his hat, as though fearing he may be exposed to the open at any moment* It's... good to see you again, Ema.
Ema: *leaaaans in, trying to catch a glimpse of him from under the hat* Ohh, can I see what you got for him? I bought myself a shirt, but everything else was so expensive! You can chat for a while, right? It's been awhile since Spring Break, after all~
Edgeworth: ... *warily offers forward his bag.. but not his briefcase* Just some figure from the show, and a few shirts and other items commemorating the convention itself. And, er... yes. How have you been since then? *a momentary pause of discomfort* I heard you're... dating Klavier Gavin?
Ema: *She doesn't take the bag from him, but rather she uses it as an excuse to stand even closer while looking curiously into it. At the mention of Klavier, she cringes and looks up sharply* W-Who told you that!? *a bit of color rises on her cheeks*
Ema: I-I already said I prefer to think of it in more scientific terms, just so you know, Mr. Edgeworth!
Edgeworth: Gavin did himself--did you mean to keep it a secret? *a slight smile, hidden somewhat by his hat* If there's a more scientific term for monogamous dating, I would love to hear of it.
Ema: *takes a step back* I wasn't keeping it a secret...! And, I... already very clearly explained it in my livejournal. You... you could consider it a social... ecological experiment!
Edgeworth: *the smirk widens* You certainly chose quite the test subject, then.
Ema: *twists the strap of her purse, and furrows her brows* A very... persistent one, I'll give him that. *glances up* He... doesn't give you much trouble at the office, does he?
Edgeworth: Gavin? *a chuckle* I'd hardly be where I am today if a cocky teenage "protégée" gave me trouble. *casually removes his ronin-gasa, tucking it covertly under an arm* Come now. Where are you headed? Have you had lunch as of yet?
Ema: *with the conversation seeming to take a different direction, Ema perks again* O-Oh, well, I was just going to wander around for a bit to be honest... *a smile* Is that an offer, sir~?
Edgeworth: *a half-bow* Of course. Though, regretfully, I don't believe they're serving anything in the vincinity save for snacks and samurai dogs...
Ema: Oh, that's kind of a shame... Do you mind that kind of food? I mean, if you don't then I don't really care either.
Edgeworth: It'll have to do for now. *nods at a table some feet away, where there are some boxed Samurai Dogs, some totally American onigiri, various bagged snacks, and bottled water and pop* ...but you'll forgive me if I insist on a proper meal with you in the future.
Ema: Oh..! Mr. Edgeworth, I would absolutely love that~ *she's all smiles once again as they head to the snacks, a tiny spring in her step even*
Edgeworth: Good. *heads to the table, selecting two Samurai dogs and a drink for himself, letting Ema choose her own in that regard. The items seem to come bundled in a combo--but when it comes to the snacks he frowns at a bag of chips and some "Snackoo" biscuit... seeming rather unsatisfied with either option*
Ema: *pokes about the different snack options- and though she's not really interested in the generic flavors for crisps they offer, those... Snackoo things look kind of gross in comparison. So she settles on a bag of BBQ Lays* Do you want to find a real table to sit at? *casting a sideways glance to a few con-goers seated around on the floor*
Edgeworth: Let's. *gestures forward with a hand* I believe there may be a few towards the dealer's room. *and, as though the phrase triggers a reminder for him, he holds his bags of merchandise further out of view, somewhat relieved that the girl scientist did not take it upon herself to pursue that route of investigation...* So, tell me about those new techniques you studied in Europe...
~~~
Maya: *standing in front of the video game booths, waiting for her turn on the latest Steel Samurai fighting game (GX-4 this time), Maya once again laments having both of her Attorney's Nation panels in one day. Of course that meant her Friday was free and her Sunday will be, but Saturday's the best day anyway! Stupid Attorney's Nation... Of course they are paying her way so she can't really complain all that much...With that in mind, she gets up to the front of the line and settles in for a round of lightning-fast samurai fights!!*
Edgeworth: *already standing at the front, with a controller in hand, is a ronin who is on quite the winning streak today. When the character selection screen loads up again, he chooses what seems to be his usual character-- some sort of ridiculously ponytailed muscleman in pink--and reaches for his hat's rim to ensure that it's tilted allllllll the way down*
Maya: *picks her main, the Pink Princess of course, and waits for the screen to load, screwing up her brow in concentration* I'll show you what the wife of the Steel Samurai can do!!! *there's scattered laughs from the gathered crowd*
Edgeworth: *to that, the mysterious stranger offers nothing in reply. After the countdown ends, he directs his character back a few steps and then forward swiftly into a combo. The reason he'd been winning all of those prior matches becomes clear--he's quite an exceptional player*
Maya: *her eyes widen and she does a double-step back, beaning the opposite player in the head with a pram and jumping back into a guard position at the opposite end of the stage*
Edgeworth: *the speed with which he attacks is unreal - he sweeps across the floor of the stage, taking his opponent's feet out from under them and rising into a midair combo*
Maya: Ahhh, cheap!! *her fingers fly across the buttons, and she jerks the controller side to side, trying and failing to perform a recovery. Pink Princess lands on her back and then rolls back to a standing position, calling up the strongest special attack she can summon at the time, Sakura Kyoretsu Tetsuzoku. Sakura blossoms float onstage and form themselves into arrows, heading straight for the other fighter*
Edgeworth: *when the first arrow is tech blocked, the crowd gasps; when the second is, there is silence. With the third, a cheer swells, and with the fourth through the thirteenth the sound shakes the room. During the lag frames at the end of the Sakura Kyoretsu Tetsuzoku, the character's ultimate attack is launched in return, filling the screen with flashing lights and POW boxes*
Maya: *the cartoonish effects are quite real to the Pink Princess' power gauge, which empties quickly* Aah--! *gapes in shock at the screen, but she has no opportunity to block any longer. Pink Princess falls prone and the screen proclaims her loss. She looks a bit crestfallen -- she only got one round to prove her worth and it remains unproven* Now I have to wait in line all over again...?
Edgeworth: *apparently not so--with a tip of his hat, the ronin places down his controller and walks off. The crowd of onlookers part for him respectfully, bursting into excited talk once he is out of view*
---
Edgeworth: *an hour later in Convention Room 14, the Pink Princess: Feminist Icon or Patriarchal Patsy? panel is wrapping up, with people at the door--waiting for Samurai Moves 101--peering in impatiently and gesturing towards the clock. When the speakers finish their closing comments, a good portion of the room clears out-- but a handful remain... revealing the solitary ronin at the back of the room, arms folded and leaning against the wall*
Maya: *pushes through the crowd, squinting at the clock. She has just enough time to hit this panel and then the dealer's room before she has to go do her final panel at the OTHER con. Even then she'll have to run. Still, she's been wanting to show off her moves all day. She glances at the room and then to the panelists* I signed up to demonstrate! *waves* I'm here, so direct me! *she's directed to stand against the wall behind the panelists, giving her a good view of the ronin from the exact opposite of the room*
Man: *a demanding fan in the crowd shouts out* Do the Petals in the Burning Morning Sun!
Maya: *looks around, and seeing no disagreement, performs the Pink Princess move, fluttering her hands above her head and miming snapping out twin rising star fans, ending in a pose with leg swept outright*
Same Man: No, no, you've got the pose all wrong! And she sweeps with her other foot!
Some Other Fan: Hey, I think she did it right!
First man: *straightening up to his full height in his chair* Look, I'm the assistant admin of the PP Fan Forums, and I'm positive that-- *a loud squabble starts to take place in the crowd*
Edgeworth: *amidst the squabbling, the mysterious ronin at the back of the room raises his hand in the air*
Panelist: *sweeps his hand for silence* You, in the back.
Edgeworth: *strides down the aisle to the front of the room, where he moves to Maya's side. There, he makes the move's beginning fluttering motions and then stops, as if indicating for her to follow along*
Maya: *she looks at him suspiciously, not having forgotten her humiliating defeat at his hands. In the spirit of fannish forgiveness, though, she mimics him*
Edgeworth: *keeping his head carefully tilted down and hidden, he places a hand on Maya's shoulder, turning her a quarter way to the left before tilting her entire body to the side--his other hand holds her steady at that impossible angle* *in a gruff, almost inaudible mutter* Your leg.
Maya: What- this one? *starts to move the same leg as before, then catches herself and thinks for a minute* Oh wait, it was the other one. I was trying to mirror it.
Edgeworth: *there are a few murmurs of agreement as he helps hold Maya in that pose for a few moments longer--and then he places her back upright, steps away, and heads back to his spot at the back of the room. He stays in place, unmoving, for the duration of the panel*
Maya: *her poses are impeccable for the rest of the panel. When it's over, she tries to push through the crowd to get to the back and say thanks, but...*
Edgeworth: *...the ronin has long since disappeared, under cover of the shoving masses...*
---
Maya: *an hour later, after returning to her room to drop off her spoils and getting through with most of her hardest panel of the day 'Spirituality and the Law,' she finds herself confronted with a difficult question* N-no way! I mean, legally speaking my sister is dead, so she can't be on the roster of assistants for the defense! ...I think Anyway, uh... *looks up to see convention staffer waving at her* Looks like time is up! Thanks for all your questions, or at least most of them! *she bows as the people start to filter out, some giving her frustrated looks*
Edgeworth: *stands at the back of the room, waiting for the crowd to clear somewhat--he'd been tapping a finger absentmindedly against his arm for most of the talk. When the crush of people headed for the doors finally diminishes, he picks up his briefcase and makes to leave*
Maya: *vaults the table as she sees him move* Hey, Mr. Edgeworth, wait up!
Edgeworth: *straightens and comes to a stop when his name is called. He turns to her* Ah... Maya. That wasn't a bad talk.
Maya: Yeah, I think it went pretty well. Some of those questions were pretty harsh, though. *beams* Thanks for watching me!
Edgeworth: *shakes his head with something of a smirk* There's no need for thanks. It was an important discussion. I expect to encounter an increasing amount of situations like this in future trials.
Maya: You think so? That would be good for the family business...! *shrugs* Well, even if you weren't there for moral support, it sure has been a while since I saw you. You're lookin' good!
Edgeworth: Hmph. *resumes walking, making his way into the hall* It has been a good conference so far, shall we say.
Maya: *follows along, clacking her tongue* Such a workaholic. You gotta get out and have some real fun someday, Mr. Edgeworth!
Edgeworth: Fun? *raises an eyebrow as he walks by various business suit-wearing individuals* I'd say that these panels have been rather enjoyable.
Maya: Oh come on! That's work. *frowns* Even Pearly knows the difference between fun and work.
Edgeworth: Nonsense. *and he continues down the hall in silence*
Maya: *shrugs and gives a little sigh* Well, all right then. I'll go have fun, see ya later. *walks back towards samuraicon in silence, leaving Edgeworth behind...or so she thinks? She glances over to see that he's still nearby and that he happens to be going the same direction she is* Huh? Where are you going, Mr. Edgeworth?
Edgeworth: *seeming somewhat surprised by the question, his hand clenches around the handle of his briefcase* ......To the washrooms. *and indeed... there is a men's bathroom just a few feet ahead*
Maya: *looks back* Didn't we just pass one right outside the panel room? *she points* Oh, yep, there's one right over there.
Edgeworth: ...I didn't see it. *stops in place*
Maya: I guess I was distracting you. Still, usually when you go to the bathroom you're on your way to someplace, and the only place that this bathroom is on the way to... *gives him a suspicious look* ...is the other convention hall...
Edgeworth: *scowls* ...... Just what are you trying to say?
Maya: I don't know... *she frowns in thought* That would be pretty weird. Though... *she sticks her tongue out a little as she concentrates, feeling like there's something here that's eluding her* Uhhh... Actually I feel like this guy I kept seeing sort of...
Edgeworth: *visibly tenses, his scowl increasing further* Maya, I don't have time to listen to your ambling. I'll talk to you later. *and he makes for the washroom*
Maya: *clearly can't follow him in there, and though she's tempted to wait and get to the bottom of this, the samurai attack pose dance-off is starting in five minutes and she wants to get limbered up beforehand* Well... Okay then. Catch you later, Mr. Edgeworth.
Edgeworth: *disappears into the washroom, breathing a sigh of relief once he's safely hidden from view. There are still plenty of things he'd like to attend at Samuraicon... but that was one brush too close for his comfort*
~~~
Franziska: *it's night and around the time conference and convention-goers begin to retreat to their rooms to rest their feet -- the perfect time, an irritated Franziska figures, for her to find Miles in his. She walks up to his door and knocks*
Edgeworth: *there's sounds of laughter and animated conversation from Edgeworth's room. At Franziska's knock, the talking halts almost immediately. A good minute or so later, Edgeworth appears at the door... opening it only a crack so he can peer through. When he sees who it is, his eyes narrow* ...Franziska. What is it?
Franziska: *prim* I thought I'd see for myself what you're up to, considering I could not get a hold of you for dinner.
Edgeworth: As I've said before: I've been busy. I met with a few former acquaintances tonight. I will most likely do the same tomorrow. *as he speaks, he peers briefly down the hall in both directions*
Franziska: *tilts her head* ...Why are you making me speak to you through a crack? Come out of there.
Edgeworth: *an altogether too long pause* ...No.
Franziska: *wags a finger at the door in an Edgeworth-like manner* What was that I heard from your room that stopped so suddenly as soon as I came knocking?
Edgeworth: *scowls* It was...it was nothing. I had the television on. *the phone from within the room rings, and with a quiet curse Edgeworth turns from the door. As he does, the door opens a crack further and reveals the reason he'd probably been so reluctant to stand out in the hall in the first place-he's in a magenta coloured silk bath robe, and likely not much else*
Franziska: Ah -- you aren't dressed properly. *crosses her arms impatiently* You could have said as such instead of answering in a most foolishly suspicious manner. What has gotten into you, Miles? This whole conference I've been unable to pin you down for more than five seconds. I scarcely see you anywhere, and now you're on the edge of paranoia as you stand before me. I demand answers!
Edgeworth: I've given you answers already! I doubt that any further explanation of mine would satisfy you. That's all I have to say. *makes to shut the door*
Franziska: *narrows her eyes and holds the door with one hand, though with not much force* Hold it! I need to use your restroom!
Edgeworth: *whatever restraint he'd been exercising seems to evaporate with her demand for entry* What? In here? Go to your own room!
Franziska: *glares* Do you wish to find out what happened to the last man who refused a von Karma restroom privileges?
Edgeworth: I've heard the story. *grimaces* ...Alright. Here. Hold on and hold it. *and the door shuts in her face*
Edgeworth: *within the room, there are sounds of items being hastily shuffled and tossed about. The voices, distinctly male, momentarily flare up again. Then, after a few more moments, a slightly more dishevelled Edgeworth opens up the door wide for Franziska to enter*
Franziska: *walks in without a word, glancing around the room with her eyes. When she goes into the bathroom, she looks around there for a moment before flushing the toilet after a convincing enough amount of time has passed*
Edgeworth: *makes a beeline to the bed and seats himself there, legs off the edge and arms crossed defensively, disapprovingly. He stares straight ahead, and definitely does not glance behind him, where there's a bump under the sheets about the size of a small person*
Franziska: *leaves the bathroom after turning the sink on and off. As soon as she steps out, she glances over to Miles -- and stares*
Edgeworth: *with a glare as severe as any he's given in the courtroom* Now that you're done with your business, will you finally leave me to my privacy?
Franziska: *raises an eyebrow* ...Very well. *walks out of the hotel room and shuts the door*
Bellhop: Oh! *just arriving at the door of Edgeworth's hotel room is a bellhop-he's nearly sent wheeling back into the food cart he'd been pulling along behind him by Franziska's departure* E-excuse me, miss! I don't suppose this is your room?
Franziska: *stepping out of the bellhop's way* No; it belongs to an... acquaintance of mine.
Bellhop: Ah, I see, I see! *and stepping towards the door again, he raps at it twice* Room service--your champagne, sir! *readies a tray on his cart, where a bottle of fine champagne and two glasses sit at the ready*
Franziska: *right before she begins down the hallway, she sees the tray -- and then the pieces all fall into place in her head. She stops dead in her tracks* Could...could it be?!
Edgeworth: *the door opens once more, and a furtive-looking Edgeworth takes the tray, glances down the hall, and shuts the door again with a speedy slam*
Franziska: *quietly, to herself* I should have known. The signs were all there. The conference... the private room...! Attending the conference isn't the only thing he's doing here -- he's also indulging in lewd hedonism with his cohort of male admirers!
Franziska: Once this foolishness is over, I will make him confess. *storms down the hallway*
Edgeworth: *from within the hotel room, Miles Edgeworth lets out a loud sigh of relief. Setting down the champagne tray by the bed, he lifts the covers from his newly purchased stash of Samurai merchandise, switches on the limited collector's edition DVD again, and tries, tries to unwind after one too many close calls that day...*