The Last Dance IC II

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael sighs. "I wanted us to reconnect, so I started watching you. Just a bit, to see if I could figure out things we had in common. By the time you started doing stuff as Sanguine, it was too late. I figured I could help you take care of that, but...it just felt wrong to try and talk to you when I knew all this personal stuff about you. Stuff you kept secret from everyone else. Stuff you wouldn't trust me with."

[Diachronos]

She grabs his hand. "Well, regardless of what's happened in the past, we have a chance to reconnect now."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael looks up at her. "Ah...Okay. You don't know very much about me, but I think I'm ready to share it with you. If you want."

[NeoSeraphi]

Mikael escorts her out and Selene understands that he intends for her to still return that evening for their date. She gets the feeling that things will become more serious if she shows up, but...maybe she wants to be serious with Mikael?

For now, she could probably go see her friends at the Guild. Though Apollo is probably anticipating a follow up. And what Logan said last night is still bothering her. What did he mean by 'advertising'?

[Diachronos]

Selene heads to Apollo's shop to check in with him, figuring she can inform him of what she'd learned and then go see her friends with Fairy Tail.

[NeoSeraphi]

When Selene enters the bookstore, she's surprised to find it empty. No one is standing behind the desk, and she doesn't see Apollo or Trucy anywhere.

That's odd...the store isn't locked and the open sign is in the window.

She's about to leave, when Selene hears the sound of music coming from the room behind the counter.

[Diachronos]

Selene approaches the counter and leans over it. "Apollo? Trucy?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Spoiler

Show

The piano stops and the man stands up. "Well, well. If it isn't Selene Icewood. What would a lady be doing in the merchant district, let alone a run down shop like this?"

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. "I was looking for the shop owner. Do you know where Apollo is?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The man laughs out loud. "Do you know where you are, young lady? This is the Wright Anything Agency. What makes you think Apollo Justice is the owner?"

That...that's a good point, actually.

"Now, if you're looking for Apollo, I'm afraid he's with a client. But, if you're looking for the shop owner, you've found him. Phoenix Wright, at your service."

Spoiler

Show

The man in front of her is about ten years older than Apollo, closer to Leonardo. And though his dress is lazy, his face shows signs of experience and wisdom. He said his name is Wright...he's probably Trucy's father.

[Diachronos]

Selene blinks. She should've guessed that Apollo wasn't the one in charge. "I was looking for Apollo to talk with him about something. Could you let him know I stopped by when he gets back?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Phoenix crosses his arms. "You must be distracted. I said he's with a client. He's going to be defending someone accused of murder. He has to meet with the client, investigate the crime scene, interview witnesses...the trial is next week, you know."

[Diachronos]

"I didn't expect him to be available right away, I just don't know when I'll be available to speak with him, that's all. If it's that much of an issue, I'll just stop by after the trial's over to talk with him." She turns to leave.

[NeoSeraphi]

Phoenix sighs. "Hold on. Okay, look. If you head down to the Detention Center, you'll probably catch him coming out. If you want to talk to him, today is probably the only day you can do it. The Detention Center is the building behind the dottari barracks."

[Diachronos]

Selene nods. "Thanks. Sorry for troubling you, Mr. Wright." She heads out for the Detention Center.

[NeoSeraphi]

When Selene approaches the Detention Center, she sees something that shocks her. A poster on the door. "WANTED: Sanguine - Assault with a deadly weapon and impersonating a high prosecutor."

There's a picture of Sanguine on there, hand drawn but with many details of her outfit and figure.

[Diachronos]

Selene stares at the poster. Logan, you son of a bitch... Granted, the charges are true, but to think he'd go this far...

[NeoSeraphi]

The door opens. A dottari frowns as he looks down at the half-elf. "Ma'am, there's no loitering allowed on the premises. Either come inside or move along, please."

[Diachronos]

"R-right. Sorry." She walks inside.

[NeoSeraphi]

The man sits behind the desk. "How can I help you?"

[Diachronos]

"Yes, I was told that Apollo Justice was here. Do you know if he's left yet?"

[NeoSeraphi]

THE dottari points. "Sixth call on the left."

[Diachronos]

"Thank you, sir." She heads to the cell he had pointed her to.

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo is frowning at the wall. Hitori sits in the cell, manacles on his wrists. "I told you to leave."

"No. I can't just abandon you. This doesn't make sense! Why would you kill her?" Apollo demands.

Hitori closes his eyes. "Believe what you want. I said, I don't want your help."

"If an innocent man is convicted of murder..."

"I have already died once, Mr. Justice. I am not afraid."

[Diachronos]

Selene's jaw drops. Hitori is the one accused of murder?!

[NeoSeraphi]

Apollo turns around. "Selene?"

Hitori stands up. "I have nothing left to say to you."

He turns away and walks to the back of his cell.

Apollo is helpless.

Selene feels this is a critical moment. Apollo might be able to help Hitori, but not if Hitori isn't willing to fight this charge. If Selene can't convince Hitori to accept Apollo as his attorney, Hitori will be executed.

[Diachronos]

Selene crosses her arms. "So that's it, then? You're just going to roll over and let them kill you for something you didn't do, Hitori?"

[NeoSeraphi]

The knight stands up. "How do you know I didn't do it? Because this kid says so?"

[Diachronos]

"No. I know because you don't strike me as the kind of person who'd end someone's life without a very good reason."

[NeoSeraphi]

Hitori frowns. "Well, I'm sorry, but your feelings don't mean anything in court."

Apollo frowns. He turns to Selene. "...Maybe we should leave him be for now. If we can find some clues at the crime scene that might point to another suspect, we can be surer about his innocence."