madimpossibledreamer

Abandoned this because it kept going and going and I couldn't find a good spot to end, let alone figure out a "next chapter".

Main Points:
Ace Attorney AU (Edgeworth is a Superhero Thing)
Summary: A vigilante starts operating in (LA?). (And by starts...he's occasionally shown up before, but activity really started up recently.) Maya's fangirling, Wright's confused, Edgeworth's annoyed, and the true identity of the 'superhero' or 'criminal' may be closer than they all think...
Phoenix goes to see Edgeworth fence. (how it starts)
Word Count: 3814
Rating: Teen

           Wright could tell immediately that Edgeworth was in a better mood than usual. He headed over toward the defense attorney after the match instead of pretending he hadn't seen the man or that he was in too much of a hurry to talk to a rival and old friend.
           "Wright. I'm surprised you didn't bring Miss Fey."
           Phoenix rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed. "Yeah, I kind of do take her everywhere, don't I?"
           It seemed the prosecutor had no intention of responding to such a ridiculous question, as he focused on checking over his equipment instead.
           "Well, uh...how does it feel?" One raised eyebrow was the only reaction Wright was getting, so he felt he had to elaborate. Either that, or Edgeworth thought he was being stupid again. It was kind of hard to tell which, but Phoenix plowed on anyway. "I mean, watching you fence kind of reminded me of our faceoffs in court."
           A small smirk appeared on his rival's face, the smirk that said 'you're being an idiot, but it amuses me'. "I'm afraid you find the courtroom far more dramatic than it's meant to be. But I suppose there are similarities, if one looks at it from your unusual point of view."
           "Hey, it's not as if I keep choosing the witnesses." He thought further. "Or the cases. Most of that stuff just kind of...chooses me."
           The smirk remained. "Yes, but you choose to encourage it. I remember someone cross-examining a parrot." Most wouldn't notice Edgeworth was uncomfortable with the subject, but Nick had been friends with him for a while now and had begun to pick up on the tell-tale signs. At least he wasn't grasping his left arm. Probably he hadn't meant to say it, but Phoenix had to agree that was the most ridiculous example he could think of, too.
           Treat it casually and maybe he'll stay okay instead of fluttering off like a frightened bird. "Hey, if it finds the truth..." He shrugged matter-of-factly. "You get to keep the dignity here."
           The smirk twitched, and the life returned to Edgeworth's eyes. "That assumes you had any in the first place, Wright." Before Phoenix could decide exactly how offended he should really be about the comment, the prosecutor continued. "I do admit, I find a certain satisfaction in winning something, even if it isn't a case against you."
           Ouch. Nick scuffed his shoe. "...Sorry about that, Edgey."
           A light of anger entered the 'demon prosecutor's' eyes, and the defense lawyer had no doubt that if this was a courtroom, they'd be pointing fingers at each other by now. Edgeworth was glaring again. "I don't ever want to hear you apologize about that again, Wright," he managed gruffly.
           "Huh?" How wide were his eyes at the moment, anyway?
           "Clueless as ever, Wright. Let me make this clear to you. You were merely doing your job. You shouldn't regret that, and if you do, every sacrifice has been in vain. I will not tolerate that." He looked away, and the right arm twitched. Oops.
           "Uh...right, sorry. Oh. Um, I did it again..." How was one supposed to apologize for apologizing when the person involved had made it clear that he didn't want to hear anything like that...?
           Edgeworth turned away and began walking. Phoenix hurried to catch up-the stride was pretty long. It turned out they were heading for the locker room. The prosecutor opened the lock-a nice magenta, too-and began placing his fencing equipment inside. "Well, Wright?"
           "I'm not sorry about saving any of my clients, or finding the truth. It's just...Edgeworth, I care about your feelings. It can't be easy. Losing must feel..." He trailed off. He didn't know how to phrase it.
           His rival froze for a long second, then turned to look at him. "I remember telling you that the feelings were unnecessary. It's not easy, but it shouldn't be, in matters of life and death. For a long time I forgot that. Don't expect another word of thanks on the subject. Just do your job, as I'll do mine, and together we can find the truth. That is all that truly matters. Now, do you need me to remind you of anything else obvious you've forgotten, or did you actually have a reason for coming here?"
           For a few moments, Phoenix stared blankly. Edgeworth sighed. "I assume you know the way out, Wright."
           "Oh, yeah, sorry!" He suddenly remembered what he'd come all this way for, on several buses and a bit of walking. Must be much easier to have a car. Maybe he could ask Edgeworth for a ride once this was all over. "I thought I'd go over the Fallen information with you."
           If Edgeworth was the type to roll his eyes, he would be now. "And you only just now remembered this, Wright? Now I understand why your cases are always won last minute. You simply don't operate on any other type of schedule." He paused. "I do hope they've caught the oaf by now."
           "N-no, they haven't. You wouldn't know, because you haven't had a case in a couple days-"
           "If you were anyone else, I would be concerned that you know that fact."
           "...but they're having everyone in the police force and court system look over these documents. I'm not sure exactly what's inside...I haven't exactly had a lot of time to take a glance..." He trailed off, replaying their conversation. "What do you mean, by now?"
           "I don't suppose your client paid you enough to actually eat." Edgeworth had managed to get the rest of the fencing gear off and quickly began changing into his usual suit, which had been neatly folded inside the locker.
           Phoenix scrubbed at the back of his head again, trying to interpret the last statement. "No offense, but...probably not enough to eat the kind of place you'd be used to."
           The quickest of smiles flashed across the prosecutor's face. Edgeworth quickly, slyly, glanced at Wright, then looked back at what he was doing. Nick was used to the fact, of course-any sign of happiness fleeting, quickly gone-except for the fact that this was a true smile, not a smirk or anything else of the sort. "I suppose not. Very well, then. I shall have to treat you."
           Nick opened his mouth to object (and his finger twitched to point on its own...habit by now, he guessed) but as usual High Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth beat him to it. And seemed to read his mind, but that, too, wasn't altogether unusual. I have to stop being so transparent, I guess. I wonder if I can take lessons on being opaque?
           "Consider it charity. We must consider the less fortunate."
           This time, he could tell it was the smirk without even looking. He did it anyway. I also need to stop being a glutton for punishment, but somehow I have the feeling that'll never stop. Edgeworth ironed out a few stray wrinkles with his hands, and he might as well have been in court, completely... I'd use the word 'perfect' but that brings back too many bad memories for the both of us. The smirk he expected was, in fact, there, though it wasn't as disdainful as normal.
           "Come on, Wright. I don't have all day, you know." The good mood was back, although Phoenix suspected it was only because he was around to be used as a punching bag. Well, at least, as a target for sarcasm. I'm glad I'm useful, even if it's not the most glamorous of ways to help someone.
           "Actually, I don't. You haven't had a case in a while. How can you be busy?"
           Edgeworth bristled and was about to retort, but realized that Nick wasn't really looking for a fight. He was genuinely curious. "I'd be uncertain as to how you manage to be so lax with your use of time if I didn't realize you only take about five cases a year."
           This time, Phoenix really couldn't hold it in. The pointing finger swung up, and he yelled "OBJECTION!"
           The prosecutor chuckled slightly. "Overruled."
           But Phoenix Wright wasn't one to be silenced. "I usually have at least one case a month, sometimes three. If I had any less, I wouldn't even have an office anymore!"
           "The point still stands, even if it's a bit larger than previously stated. I'm aware I'm required to complete more paperwork for the prosecutor's office, but what you do with yours is a mystery it'll take more than logic to solve." Edgeworth's car was still the flashy red sports car. Either the prosecutor was overly attached to this particular model, or he was still driving the old one. Phoenix shivered a little and hoped his old friend didn't notice. He couldn't imagine still driving around a car that had been used to stage a murder.
           "Actually, I'm not entirely certain how any of it gets done either. Heh heh..." But as long as it keeps working, it's not like I'm going to be asking too many questions, either. Just going to be grateful that it does work. "But I do manage to keep sort of busy. When I'm not bored out of my skull. I water Charlie, and often there's Maya dragging me around. Or Larry." This time, it was Edgeworth's turn to shiver. Phoenix didn't disagree with that particular sentiment. When something smells... "I've picked up a few things. Oh, and I clean the toilet."
           Edgeworth snorted. "Well, I'm glad something in your office is clean."
           "H-hey!" Nick weakly objected, and then realized he had no evidence to make a solid case. Then he noticed that Edgeworth was turning again, but this time off a road.
           They'd reached their destination-a fancy Italian place. "At least you're still wearing your suit, however shabby. They at least won't throw you out immediately."
           "...Are you implying that it's still inevitable?" If he was less persistent, he might think that Edgeworth really didn't like him. Hated him in fact. And there was a period of time where he'd been convinced of that fact. Before DL-6, before he'd saved Edgeworth, before the Engarde case where he'd realized that something of his friend was still inside, and even the changes weren't all bad.
           "I don't know that I'd say it was 'inevitable'. More like...highly probable." Then the prosecutor was addressing the headwaiter or...whatever they were called in Italian. At least, Phoenix guessed it was Italian. He did get a very calculating stare from the guy, but as predicted he wasn't kicked out on the curb. Hopefully, he'd manage to squeeze by against the odds. He didn't want to reflect badly on his friend or anything. Soon, they were seated at a table out of the way.
           "I don't have the time to spend a few hours looking over files, but if I can multitask...I assume you don't mind." The banter seemed to thaw him a little.
           "Not at all!" Nick grinned cheerfully. "I mean, I like burgers enough, but even I'm beginning to get sick of them. A change is always nice. I'm not sure how Maya does it."
           "I'm not certain anyone will ever fathom the mystery of Miss Fey." A waiter came along, and Edgeworth rattled off something else in Italian, while Phoenix decided to stick to a grape soda. Luckily they even had it. He wasn't sure if he could even read the menu. "So, why are they making information on Fallen required reading? I understand its importance within the police department, particularly since our law enforcement have begun collaborating with the criminal, but I'm not quite certain why it's important to the courtroom unless they've caught the vigilante."
           "So, Fallen is a person, then? I kind of thought it was a new law or something with a weird name."
           The prosecutor stared for a long time, and Nick thought he could see the headache forming in his rival's eyes. "Sometimes, Wright, I'm not entirely certain how you function as a human being, let alone a defense lawyer." It took trust for him to say something like that, and Phoenix didn't think he could find the words to actually thank him for something like that. I'm not certain how you work either, Edgeworth, but I'm still glad to know you.
           It took another minute, and then a younger waiter ran over, barely breathing. "I'm so sorry! Here are your menus..."
           Edgeworth's eyes closed. Please don't yell at him, Edgey... He pointed a finger, but he didn't yell Objection! or anything...just kind of...waggled his hand, as if he was about to critique the man. "Please, calm yourself and act with the dignity of your position. You're more likely to stay on and do well if you at least can act the part, even in disaster." That was a lot more compassionate than I was expecting.
           "Y-yes, sir. Sorry, sir." The man wiped away the sweat and straightened his suit, executing a quick bow before walking quickly (not running) back to the kitchen.
           "At least he can follow advice and learn from his mistakes." Edgeworth studied the menu as carefully as he'd look over evidence for a case.
           "Uh, do they have spaghetti and meatballs?" Nick asked, rubbing at his spikes as he tried to make educated guesses at what the dishes were. Ugh, who am I kidding, I don't know any of this stuff...and Edgeworth literally flinched at that question. I'm guessing that's a 'no'...
           "They have lasagna, if you must." Now he's glaring at the menu. And I haven't seen him glare at anything all day. Well, besides me, once, but I kinda deserved it. Good going, Nick. Also, I wonder if it really is possible to burn a hole through something by staring at it, like Maya was going on about. If anyone can do it, it's Edgey.
           The young waiter was back, but at least he was walking this time, and Edgeworth seemed more pleased by his demeanor this time. He ordered in Italian...again. The only thing I caught of that was 'ravioli'. Sheesh.
           The waiter turned to Phoenix. "Um...lasagna?"
           The waiter bit his lips in an effort not to laugh. "Si, signore." He took their menus and left again at a more reasonable pace.
           He's really tense. I am annoying him. Well, hopefully I make up for it in other ways, right? Or should I say, Wright?
           "I'm not certain I want to know why you're smiling, Wright." No, you're probably better off not knowing I'm making puns based on my name. Edgeworth sighed and pulled himself together. "All right, should we have a look at the documents you find so important?"
           Phoenix smiled sheepishly. "Um, yeah. Probably."
           It didn't take long for the prosecutor to determine exactly what was wrong. "You forgot them out in the car, didn't you?"
           Nick rubbed the back of his neck. "S-sorry."
           "Sometimes, Wright..." He sighed. "Well, I suppose you'd like to hear what I know about the vigilante."
           "Sorry about that..." He still looked sheepish.
           "It can't be helped, so stop apologizing." He paused to gather his thoughts. "So you really have no idea about anything to do with the Fallen case?"
           "It's a case, too?" Wow, I really am behind on things.
           "Not exactly. Force of habit. I believe that Gumshoe discovered an case file opened by Gant, if I can decipher anything that man said." More bad memories. As if they hadn't stirred up enough. "Gant was very enthusiastic about the man's capture, and several times stated that such criminals who took the law into their own hands should be caught and adequately punished. Given his own illegal, not to mention immoral, actions, that was a rather ironic statement to make. Though I can't say I disagreed with him on this particular occasion. Matters should be settled inside the courts."
           "So why do you think that Gant was so enthusiastic about capturing the guy?"
           "I can only speculate. I'm not sure I understood former chief Damon Gant, besides his obvious hunger for power. It may have been about appearances. Perhaps, to some extent, he still cared about justice, or a very twisted set of principles that resembled it. Most likely, however, Gant regarded the man as a threat and wished to eliminate that threat using any method available."
           Phoenix frowned. "A threat. You mean, he might have acted against Gant?"
           "Precisely that. If we wish to use the common terminology, Gant served as a 'kingpin' of crime, as it were. It's obvious he was corrupt, but it's very difficult to tell what crimes he may have committed, as well as what other schemes he may have covered up. A few things have been found, as the entire police force has been re-examining everything Gant had a hand in, but it may take decades before we know exactly how far his extent reached."
           Nick winced. "It's not often I feel sorry for Gumshoe, but I'll make an exception in this case."
           The prosecutor nodded. "Given the actions of this vigilante, it's not difficult to believe he was not searching for corrupt officials as well as your average criminal. Whether for the good of the people or for the reputation it would bring, I'm glad that we were, instead, the instruments of the man's downfall."
           Wright's hands slammed down on the table before he could help himself. I really need to get out of the courtroom more often. Or at least...I need to get my head out of the courtroom, even when I'm not physically there. "If he ever goes after you, I'll do my best to help. You're not a 'corrupt official'!"
           Edgeworth whitened and stared down at the table. "Please refrain from making a disturbance, Wright. Even if it's what you're good at."
           His voice sounded smaller. Nick quickly sat down, feeling horrible. Edgey, I wish you weren't on edge all of the time. I hoped I could help. But am I really doing any good at all?
           The food arrived, and the waiter bent down to whisper to Phoenix, "Sir, I'm telling you this for your own good. Let's-neither of us-make a scene, and I'll try not to get fired, and you try not to get thrown out. Deal?"
           "Sure," Nick whispered back. He'd do his best, even if he wasn't used to this sort of thing.
           As expected, Edgeworth's manners were flawless. They ate in silence for a bit before the prosecutor's shoulders slumped. "You probably didn't deserve such an overwhelming and ultimately unwarranted reaction." The closest, Phoenix reflected, that the man would come to saying sorry-but then again, he didn't really need to say sorry. It was justified. Maybe a bit of an overreaction, yeah, but it wasn't like he himself wasn't guilty of that every now and then...
           Just like that, he was smiling sheepishly again. "Ah, don't worry about it, Edgeworth. Maya practically lives in the law offices now."
           It took the prosecutor a second to understand what he was getting at, after which he gave a brief and small smile. "While I appreciate the sentiment, I most certainly do not appreciate being compared to Miss Fey."
           Phoenix chuckled. It'd be really weird if Edgeworth was a channeling master and Maya was the 'Demon Prosecutor'. Kind of funny, but...I think I should stop thinking about that. My head hurts.
           "As you earlier surmised," Edgeworth returned to the topic at hand, "...Fallen has been operating for a while now. Fallen itself is the term used by the police to track this particular criminal. They like to give nicknames to criminals they're pursuing. I wasn't privy to the original logic in this one, although Gumshoe mentioned something about a 'fallen angel' at some point. As the name would suggest, the vigilante is highly dangerous. Fallen has wounded people before, in such a manner that it's obvious he's a master, but has not killed any, which shows restraint, a certain amount of intelligence, and also points to mastery of fighting. The more of an expert you are, the better you are able to control response, even to those who surprise you. He has not left behind any useful clues to his identity. Descriptions vary, and about all the witnesses agree on is dark eyes and a Cockney accent."
           "Sorry, a what?" Augh, I kind of remember this from drama, but we never actually bothered to do much in the way of accents because our audience wouldn't understand what was going on...
           "You're aware of what an accent is, correct?" From the tone, it didn't sound as if Edgeworth was very hopeful of that fact.
           Nick felt a flash of anger. Definitely irrational, as Edgey had no real reason to know what he'd been up to in college... Well, besides the letters, but I don't think he's ever bothered to read the things....   "Yeah, no, I know that. I was in a lot of the plays in college. We just didn't go into that part of it as much as I would've liked."
           The prosecutor blinked, mouth open slightly, and he quickly closed it. "I'm glad you're not completely ignorant. A Cockney accent is an English one, but it's lower or working class in London."
           "Whereas you have a more upper class English accent." Oh, look, I've managed to pleasantly surprise him twice now, and it's not even been a minute! Go Wright! "Just because it's very slight doesn't mean I don't notice it. You've been living in America for a while, so it's less than it used to be."
           The smile was odd, but amused. "Sometimes, Wright, I wonder how you manage to win so many cases, what with last minute turnabouts and your ridiculous shenanigans in court, not to mention your idiocies. And then I remember that this side of you exists, and wonder exactly how much of your absurd actions are used for your opponents to underestimate you."
           "Eheheh." He scratched at the back of his head again, the hair spikes bouncing a little and probably making him look even more ridiculous. "I'm not sure whether to say 'I'm not the kind that plots stuff' or go 'it's all part of some cunning plan.'"
           Edgeworth smiled and shook his head, but it was a real smile. Something about the eyes. "I'm not sure I'd believe you in either instance. It appears to be somewhere in between." He paused. "I suppose there are similarities to the Yatagarasu, though Fallen has gone farther in his work. Both are interested in stopping criminals and corruption, but the Yatagarasu is mainly just a thief, while Fallen has aided in the capture of such individuals. He's less afraid of getting his hands dirty, which obviously makes him the more dangerous and criminal one."