![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
The overall calm and tranquility of the personal home to the Metal Clan Matriarch is shattered by the clomping of UF regulation boots.
But Sir. You have to be announced first!
"Announced?" the familiar voice says before dissolving into a barking full-belly laugh. "Since when did Zao Fu become Ba Sing Se? I don't need announcing, I'm family..."
But Sir. You have to be announced first!
"Announced?" the familiar voice says before dissolving into a barking full-belly laugh. "Since when did Zao Fu become Ba Sing Se? I don't need announcing, I'm family..."
Honestly, I don't know why you keep calling me out here. Shouldn't you be able to handle whatever thing thing it is this time on your own by now?
[ These days, however, Lin was starting to suspect that the "urgent summons" she received once every other month or so was simply an excuse to get together and have dinner. Bah. It was all a waste of time!
... says the woman who was currently digging into her food with gusto. Being as cynical as Lin Beifong was took a lot of energy you know. She had to keep her strength up somehow! ]
[ These days, however, Lin was starting to suspect that the "urgent summons" she received once every other month or so was simply an excuse to get together and have dinner. Bah. It was all a waste of time!
... says the woman who was currently digging into her food with gusto. Being as cynical as Lin Beifong was took a lot of energy you know. She had to keep her strength up somehow! ]
"Family should know better than to interrupt lunch with the children." The mock-stern voice comes from Bumi's right, where Suyin's standing there with a smile on her face. Behind her, several dark heads peek out from behind the door, shamelessly listening in.
Ignoring her eavesdropping children, Suyin walks closer, her slippers making little noise as they tread the ground. "Bumi, this is a surprise. I can't remember the last time you visited. Why didn't you say anything?"
Ignoring her eavesdropping children, Suyin walks closer, her slippers making little noise as they tread the ground. "Bumi, this is a surprise. I can't remember the last time you visited. Why didn't you say anything?"
It's a crisis only you can handle, Lin.
[Probably a good thing Lin's paying so much attention to her food, considering she's hit the nail on the head. Though the sisters have only been getting along recently--what's a few years to decades of unhappy separation?--Suyin has no doubt that Lin would be instantly suspicious of the small smile on her face.
She sips at her soup delicately, by all appearances engrossed in her food like Lin currently is.]
Won't you stay a little longer, Lin? I already had your usual room cleaned up, and Opal will be happy to see you again.
[Probably a good thing Lin's paying so much attention to her food, considering she's hit the nail on the head. Though the sisters have only been getting along recently--what's a few years to decades of unhappy separation?--Suyin has no doubt that Lin would be instantly suspicious of the small smile on her face.
She sips at her soup delicately, by all appearances engrossed in her food like Lin currently is.]
Won't you stay a little longer, Lin? I already had your usual room cleaned up, and Opal will be happy to see you again.
[In the offices of the Wright Anything Agency, Phoenix Wright was currently tinkering with a toy piano when Apollo walked in. There was no case to work on at the moment; but Phoenix thinks he knows what's on Apollo's mind.
After all, a certain old friend had called out of the blue to talk to Apollo and Trucy. There was no mistaking what it was about. Phoenix gave a knowing smirk as he heard Apollo enter, while keeping his gaze fixed on the tiny pink piano.]
So, Apollo.
How did it go, seeing Lamiroir again?
[Or should I say, Thalassa?]
After all, a certain old friend had called out of the blue to talk to Apollo and Trucy. There was no mistaking what it was about. Phoenix gave a knowing smirk as he heard Apollo enter, while keeping his gaze fixed on the tiny pink piano.]
So, Apollo.
How did it go, seeing Lamiroir again?
[Or should I say, Thalassa?]
You mean Thalassa. [Apollo shoots Phoenix an inscrutable look as he shuts the door behind him. Considering how the attorney usually wears his heart on his sleeve, the closed-off expression on his face is probably warning enough for Phoenix.
He takes a seat on the couch, leaning forward as he studies his mentor. The intense focus, the way Apollo's hand touches the gold bracelet--it all must look familiar to anyone who's seen Apollo grilling the witnesses in court. And now that sharpness is directed at Phoenix.]
How long have you known?
He takes a seat on the couch, leaning forward as he studies his mentor. The intense focus, the way Apollo's hand touches the gold bracelet--it all must look familiar to anyone who's seen Apollo grilling the witnesses in court. And now that sharpness is directed at Phoenix.]
How long have you known?
[Now Apollo has his attention. He turns to face the younger attorney with a thoughtful frown.
I should have expected this. It looks like it did not go so well for him.
But Phoenix faces him with a calm expression as he stands up. He can tell that Apollo is trying to perceive him. But even without that, Phoenix does not want to lie any more to him. It's time to be truthful.]
I found out when I spoke with Zak Gramayre - Shadi Enigmar - shortly before he was killed.
[Because he can't say in words that the MASON System is one of the most confusing plot devices of all time.]
I should have expected this. It looks like it did not go so well for him.
But Phoenix faces him with a calm expression as he stands up. He can tell that Apollo is trying to perceive him. But even without that, Phoenix does not want to lie any more to him. It's time to be truthful.]
I found out when I spoke with Zak Gramayre - Shadi Enigmar - shortly before he was killed.
[Because he can't say in words that the MASON System is one of the most confusing plot devices of all time.]
[So not that long ago... as turbulent as Apollo's feelings are at the moment, he knows he can't really blame Phoenix for this one. There are plenty of things that he's side-eyed his mentor for in the time they've known each other, but this isn't one of them. After all, most of Apollo's unease stems from something that happened a long time before this.
At least Phoenix isn't trying to break the tension with an off-colored joke, like he's done before. That's something. Apollo's shoulders slump as he realizes Phoenix is actually taking this seriously.]
I don't know how to feel about this. [It's a hard thing to admit to someone he's only known for a little while. Even if Apollo's begun to see past the "who even cares" act Phoenix was using for the last seven years, and maybe even begun to trust him because of it, he's not really in the habit of spilling information about his childhood.
Apollo presses a finger between his brows, as he usually does when he's thinking deeply.] I grew up an orphan. Suddenly I have a mom again? That's not--that's not the way it works. Maybe for Trucy it's fine, but-- [His eyes widen, noticing his slip, and he immediately clams up.]
At least Phoenix isn't trying to break the tension with an off-colored joke, like he's done before. That's something. Apollo's shoulders slump as he realizes Phoenix is actually taking this seriously.]
I don't know how to feel about this. [It's a hard thing to admit to someone he's only known for a little while. Even if Apollo's begun to see past the "who even cares" act Phoenix was using for the last seven years, and maybe even begun to trust him because of it, he's not really in the habit of spilling information about his childhood.
Apollo presses a finger between his brows, as he usually does when he's thinking deeply.] I grew up an orphan. Suddenly I have a mom again? That's not--that's not the way it works. Maybe for Trucy it's fine, but-- [His eyes widen, noticing his slip, and he immediately clams up.]
Edited 2015-08-14 01:45 (UTC)
"Family should know a lot of things," he says plainly, making sure to stand up to his full height. Even without his wild hair he's at least an inch taller than Tenzin. With his hair...it's more like three.
"But I find that ignorance is bliss, and that people usually forgive the adorable. Especially when they arrive unannounced, during lunchtime with the children."
"...and bring presents." That last bit is stage-whispered in the direction of the wee ones dropping eaves nearby.
Shameless. The man is well and truly shameless.
"But I find that ignorance is bliss, and that people usually forgive the adorable. Especially when they arrive unannounced, during lunchtime with the children."
"...and bring presents." That last bit is stage-whispered in the direction of the wee ones dropping eaves nearby.
Shameless. The man is well and truly shameless.
Opal should be far too busy with her studies to be happy to see me again.
[ she paused, fork half way to her mouth before she turned to stare suspiciously at Suyin, a lump of lead surely filling her stomach with dread ]
Don't tell me you dragged me out here just because Opal and Bolin are having another spat. You know I don't care to step into those kinds of things.
[ After all, Lin was just a bitter old woman at this point in her life while Suyin had the happy marriage. What advice could she give other than knock a few heads and lock them up in the interrogation room for a few hours. And anyway, there was already enough conflict of interests considering she had Mako on her team without mixing family into it.
But, than again, this soup could be worth knocking a few heads together for... If only bribes to the pirate would actually work; he was far too loyal for a former crook. ]
[ she paused, fork half way to her mouth before she turned to stare suspiciously at Suyin, a lump of lead surely filling her stomach with dread ]
Don't tell me you dragged me out here just because Opal and Bolin are having another spat. You know I don't care to step into those kinds of things.
[ After all, Lin was just a bitter old woman at this point in her life while Suyin had the happy marriage. What advice could she give other than knock a few heads and lock them up in the interrogation room for a few hours. And anyway, there was already enough conflict of interests considering she had Mako on her team without mixing family into it.
But, than again, this soup could be worth knocking a few heads together for... If only bribes to the pirate would actually work; he was far too loyal for a former crook. ]
[ It's probably a calm, peaceful day, in which Apollo is hopefully uninjured and the hardest part of this afternoon is cleaning the toilet.
If he's injured at all, at least he'll be in good company within the next few minutes, as someone comes politely but urgently entering. ]
Hello? Is this the Wright... something about doing anything... agency?
[ NAILED IT. ]
If he's injured at all, at least he'll be in good company within the next few minutes, as someone comes politely but urgently entering. ]
Hello? Is this the Wright... something about doing anything... agency?
[ NAILED IT. ]
[No, no jokes this time. This is the kind of tension that not even Phoenix would invite jokes to. Whatever Apollo is feeling is strong and he needs to work it out; Phoenix knows that much.
For Trucy's sake, he's tried be as neutral as he could be about Thalassa's actions, without passing judgement. But he definitely cannot deny Apollo's right to be this upset.
He sits himself on the couch nearby and steeples his fingers.]
Let's just calm down for a moment. I can understand how this can inspire a lot of mixed emotions. But... it's the truth, Apollo. This is the truth of your family - of Trucy and your family.
For Trucy's sake, he's tried be as neutral as he could be about Thalassa's actions, without passing judgement. But he definitely cannot deny Apollo's right to be this upset.
He sits himself on the couch nearby and steeples his fingers.]
Let's just calm down for a moment. I can understand how this can inspire a lot of mixed emotions. But... it's the truth, Apollo. This is the truth of your family - of Trucy and your family.
[There really isn't enough emotion in the world to convey the dismay Apollo feels once Trucy's finished dressing him up for the show. He lifts an arm and plucks at the decorated cape--matching with Trucy's, of course--that hangs down from his shoulders dubiously.]
Why do I need to wear this? I thought assistants are supposed to stay in the background and hand you props.
[Now that he thinks about it, the red of the cape and top hat matches suspiciously well with the pictures he's seen of Zak Gramarye's outfit... he regrets letting Trucy wheedle him into this now. So much regret.]
Why do I need to wear this? I thought assistants are supposed to stay in the background and hand you props.
[Now that he thinks about it, the red of the cape and top hat matches suspiciously well with the pictures he's seen of Zak Gramarye's outfit... he regrets letting Trucy wheedle him into this now. So much regret.]
Edited 2015-08-14 15:36 (UTC)
[ One of these days he'll figure out how to solidly turn her down! ...Maybe. She's remarkably persuasive, isn't she? Or maybe it's persistent...either way, he only gets a bright grin in response. ]
No way! Don't you have a sense of showmanship, Polly?! Even if you were in the background, you'd have to look the part you're playing! But a lovely assistant isn't just for handing someone props! You're part of the show!
[ AREN'T YOU GLAD?! ]
Besides, you look sharp! Don't complain so much.
No way! Don't you have a sense of showmanship, Polly?! Even if you were in the background, you'd have to look the part you're playing! But a lovely assistant isn't just for handing someone props! You're part of the show!
[ AREN'T YOU GLAD?! ]
Besides, you look sharp! Don't complain so much.
Truly shameless. As if he's said the magic words, the children all detach themselves from the doorway and surround "uncle" Bumi expectantly--and "all" it's mostly the twins who bounce up to him eagerly. Huan and Baatar approach at their own leisurely pace, while Opal in particular hangs back, preferring to stay by her mother shyly.
Suyin wraps an arm around her daughter's shoulders and smiles. "Now you've done it," she remarks with a laugh. "I hope you've brought enough for all of them, or you'll really be in a bind."
Taking pity on Bumi about then, Suyin claps her hands, getting everyone's attention. "Alright, I'm sure you'll get your presents later. Let's finish eating before our food gets cold. Bumi... would you like to join us? I'll have the chef prepare something for you."
Suyin wraps an arm around her daughter's shoulders and smiles. "Now you've done it," she remarks with a laugh. "I hope you've brought enough for all of them, or you'll really be in a bind."
Taking pity on Bumi about then, Suyin claps her hands, getting everyone's attention. "Alright, I'm sure you'll get your presents later. Let's finish eating before our food gets cold. Bumi... would you like to join us? I'll have the chef prepare something for you."
Hardly. [Suyin laughs, setting her spoon down as she smiles as Lin.]
Opal's staying with us for a couple weeks before she heads back to Republic City to meet with Tenzin. [There's a deceptively mild expression on Suyin face when she props her chin on one hand and looks at her sister.]
Her birthday is next week. Don't you think she'd want her aunt to be there with the rest of her family?
Opal's staying with us for a couple weeks before she heads back to Republic City to meet with Tenzin. [There's a deceptively mild expression on Suyin face when she props her chin on one hand and looks at her sister.]
Her birthday is next week. Don't you think she'd want her aunt to be there with the rest of her family?
I know it's the truth, Mr. Wright. [Whatever's happened before this, Apollo knows that he and Lamiroir--no, it's Thalassa, isn't it?--wouldn't lie about something this big. He sighs and lets his face drop into his hands.]
It's the other part that bothers me. Why is she telling us this? What does she want from me?
It's the other part that bothers me. Why is she telling us this? What does she want from me?
[The post-victory celebrations at the Wright Anything Agency have been pretty tame as far as celebrations go, and it's probably why Apollo let his guard down. He should have known better, he thinks when Athena pulls him into a dance that's all laughter and wild movements, without much skill thrown in. Not that he can blame her for being happy, when they've just cracked the case at the academy and won Juniper a not guilty verdict.
He hears a thump behind them, and figures Trucy and Mr. Wright probably bumped into something as they joined in the dancing.]
Why can't we just celebrate with ramen, like usual?
He hears a thump behind them, and figures Trucy and Mr. Wright probably bumped into something as they joined in the dancing.]
Why can't we just celebrate with ramen, like usual?
I can't really speak for her, Apollo. [That's why I left this in her hands.]
But I don't think that she really "wants" anything from you. [He strokes at his chin thoughtfully.] No, I feel that all she really wants is for you and Trucy to know the truth. Everyone deserves to know the truth about their lives... even if it isn't always pretty.
[He offers Apollo a weak smile.]
And now that truth is in your hands. You can decide what to do with it from here.
But I don't think that she really "wants" anything from you. [He strokes at his chin thoughtfully.] No, I feel that all she really wants is for you and Trucy to know the truth. Everyone deserves to know the truth about their lives... even if it isn't always pretty.
[He offers Apollo a weak smile.]
And now that truth is in your hands. You can decide what to do with it from here.
[No injuries so far, except for the blow to his pride when Trucy dressed him up in a sparkly red vest and insisted he keep it on for the rest of the day. Since Apollo can't find his normal vest anywhere (he suspects Trucy is behind that, too), there's nothing he can do but go along with it.
Just his luck that they actually get a client calling in that day.]
Yeah that's...us. [Apollo looks down at his "new and improved" outfit and sighs. There's no point arguing with Trucy and Mr. Wright about the agency name, either.] Are you looking for a lawyer?
[No, he didn't sound overly hopeful just now, it's totally your imagination.]
Just his luck that they actually get a client calling in that day.]
Yeah that's...us. [Apollo looks down at his "new and improved" outfit and sighs. There's no point arguing with Trucy and Mr. Wright about the agency name, either.] Are you looking for a lawyer?
[No, he didn't sound overly hopeful just now, it's totally your imagination.]
Not really. I'm not the performer here. [It's his usual unenthusiastic response, even as he reluctantly straightens up the cape and hat. He's already all dressed up...might as well, right?
He sighs. One day he will learn how to say no to Trucy. One day.]
Why do you need an assistant anyway? You were doing just fine solo all this time.
He sighs. One day he will learn how to say no to Trucy. One day.]
Why do you need an assistant anyway? You were doing just fine solo all this time.
[He's silent. The truth? The only truth that he knows right now is that...he has no idea what he's supposed to do with this. Part of him wonders if he'd subconsciously recognized her at the concert, feeling drawn to her and her music. Either way, he's not going to make a decision just yet.]
Trucy seemed happy. [He offers that instead, looking away.] Can you...keep this from her? I don't want her to know I'm upset about this.
[Losing Zak recently must have hit her hard (though he was missing for a good chunk of her life), and having her mom back would cheer her up. I don't want to ruin this for her.]
Trucy seemed happy. [He offers that instead, looking away.] Can you...keep this from her? I don't want her to know I'm upset about this.
[Losing Zak recently must have hit her hard (though he was missing for a good chunk of her life), and having her mom back would cheer her up. I don't want to ruin this for her.]
[Phoenix gives a solemn nod.]
I imagine that she must be. [It's a very different situation for her. Thalassa was there for Trucy until she lost her memory, after all. In the end, it really did end up being like a disappearing trick.
Phoenix definitely does not want Trucy to be burdened so soon after something so joyous. He does know it can't last forever, though, given how perceptive Trucy can be.]
Don't worry. I won't say anything to your sister about this, Apollo.
I imagine that she must be. [It's a very different situation for her. Thalassa was there for Trucy until she lost her memory, after all. In the end, it really did end up being like a disappearing trick.
Phoenix definitely does not want Trucy to be burdened so soon after something so joyous. He does know it can't last forever, though, given how perceptive Trucy can be.]
Don't worry. I won't say anything to your sister about this, Apollo.
Even lawyers need showmanship, Polly! Anyway, there are some tricks you can't do solo, you know?
[ Her lower lip juts out as she crosses her arms and looks away. Do you really want to make her (fake) cry, Polly? That would be just horrible. ]
...And I have a feeling that out of Daddy and Athena and you, you have the greatest hidden talent for magic! You're definitely the one who'll be loudest at announcing me, anyway.
[ Her lower lip juts out as she crosses her arms and looks away. Do you really want to make her (fake) cry, Polly? That would be just horrible. ]
...And I have a feeling that out of Daddy and Athena and you, you have the greatest hidden talent for magic! You're definitely the one who'll be loudest at announcing me, anyway.
Page 1 of 10