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[Phoenix's death had been an agonizing ordeal, both mentally and physically. He died with utmost fear and confusion, his head feeling as though it had split open. (Well, it technically had.)

When he revived a few days later, it was actually quite surprising. Did he not die? His head still hurt, but rubbing his hands over it, it didn't feel as though his skull was missing. But he had wordlessly returned to Merrain to process his feelings, going over what happened and more or less staying in some kind of numbness phase. Sure, he can just move on and pretend that it didn't happen, right? He's fine now. He clearly didn't die. Or, he did but he's back now and there are no residual injuries. So he doesn't have to think about it.

When he opens the door and sees Maya, he forces a smile.]

Oh, hey! Thanks! I was getting kind of hungry!

[He steps out, knowing that Maya probably wants to eat with him.]

Do you want to eat outside? I think I could use some fresh air.

[Maya's glowing, spot-shaped brows make it tougher to keep her expressions subtle; the way they knit together for a moment when she sees Phoenix's smile makes her concern apparent, even if she forces a smile of her own as well.]

Thought so! Yeah, we can sit out on the veranda.

[The Japanese-style (yet flood-ready) raised houses make eating outside fairly easy. Maya turns to lead the way, talking to Phoenix over her shoulder as they walk.]

It's good for you to get out after stressful stuff happens, y'know? And it feels like it's been forever since it's been just us eating lunch.

[Trying to force that good vibe in, Maya lifts her chin and declares—]

And you get the privilege of me actually cooking for once. That's pretty special, you know!

[Phoenix isn't the best at hiding his own emotions either, wearing them on his sleeve most of the time. Try as he might to hide it, his fake smile wilts when he sees that momentary look of concern in Maya's face. Great, he's going to have to talk about it.]

You cooking? [He cracks another smile, hoping to distract with some jokes.]

I don't know... I'm sure there's a reason you don't cook too often.

Hey, at least it's not microwave noodle cups!

[Teases Maya in response.

It feels... so easy, falling into the same old habits with Phoenix. They always end up talking like the distance time put between them doesn't exist. It's one of the few things that makes Maya feel like she hasn't changed much at all, or perhaps like being a mermaid was only ever an extension of who she really was.

Is it the same for him, she wonders? Has the Fog only made Phoenix a harpy so he can, as always, rise from the ashes like his namesake?]

Without you around, I had to make my own dinner, y'know.

I should really have you cook, instead.

[It is easy indeed. Phoenix can just pretend that nothing has happened, that they're the same old duo from home, never tainted by all of... this.]

Well, at least microwave noodle cups are hard to mess up! [But he is impressed with the dish that Maya has created. At least, it looks good. He hasn't tasted it yet.

But it is a cold reminder of how long she's been here. In a way it's nice to know how well Maya functions on her own. But he holds out his hand, waving.]

Hey, I'm not that much better than cup noodles. But the lack of instant meals here has made me practice a bit more.

[If Maya was a more open person, she might voice that she has similar fears; the idea that Phoenix might not need her around, especially in a place like this, makes her feel like he in turn has no reason to stick around. And yet, the two of them meet again and again out of their own desire to remain friends. Maybe if either of them were more open, that would be said aloud.

But they're similar types of withdrawn, too, and most of what's between them remains unsaid.]

It's annoying, right? You know, it's weird, I guess other parts of the states don't have as much international food as we do in Los Angeles. There's a lot of stuff I couldn't get at all until Makoto opened her store.

[Yeah... yeah, that's the problem.

Anyway, she leads him out to the porch to sit on that veranda as she mentioned, tail flippers patting the floor when she's all settled as if the tail itself needs to find balance.

It's... the same sort of energy they always have together, for sure, but their physical appearances being so different definitely isn't something unnoticeable. Maya looks up at Phoenix to watch him sit, too, realizing suddenly that she's getting used to seeing him with all those feathers.]

[It is strange that Phoenix has grown accustomed to Maya's new appearance and he himself has actually gotten used to these weird bird feet. They're still awkward now and then and he can't even wear shoes for the most part. But he effortlessly heads to the veranda like they're still at home.]

Yeah, I guess that's one of the nice things about here. There's a lot more... [He waves his hand around, trying to think of the word...] ...Stuff. I guess.

But then again, I kind of miss color TV... and DVD players. And cell phones.

[But the main thing he misses is what he won't mention. They both know what it is and it's best not to dwell on it.]

And even microwave noodles! [He chuckles as he sits down to his meal.] I mean, I miss their convenience. Not their taste.

I miss my old ringtone.

[Maya smiles and rolls her eyes, setting the tray of food down between them when he's sat down well enough for it. It's funny, thinking of all the things they miss. Grabbing a chunk of fish with the chopsticks she's brought along, Maya looks out at the water while she eats, and smirks just a little.]

And Charlie, too.

[Charlie, the office, Mia...

Maya looks to Phoenix again, not wanting to press into questioning him too early before he's gotten the chance to eat.]

Edited 2021-11-09 05:22 (UTC)

[Phoenix smiles somewhat sadly at the mention of these little things - the ringtone, Charley... Well, at least one of those things can be replaced.]

I miss Charley too. But at least I have Charley II here. [He is of course referring to a much smaller rubber plant, not even close to the same species as the actual Charley. He's not sure he could find a slender palm lily here anyway.

But he is more or less in an okay mood so far, even if they're talking about things they miss. The little things do add up, of course, but in a way, talking about them is easier than the obvious. He takes a bite of the food, pleased to find that it actually tastes pretty good. His eyes light up with the taste.]

Hey, not bad! [It's better than what he can do, at least.]

Would I put food or your plate that didn't taste good?

[They both probably know damn well she absolutely would and has even tried to. The memory of Armstrong's tasteless Lobster waves over Maya ~~like the scent of fresh lemon.~~

She moves on quickly, as to discourage any rightful accusations from Phoenix.]

Hurry and eat up! You need to get your strength back.

[All things told, real food probably doesn't do as much for them as monsters anymore, but good food always does well for the heart.]

[Phoenix is about to name at least one time Maya has done just that, but she quickly tells him to eat, as if she knows exactly what he was going to say.

So he does eat up, finding that Maya's cooking has vastly improved. He actually enjoys this.]

Hey, hey, calm down! I don't wanna choke!

[He says that with his mouth partially full, remembering all the times his mother had told him to chew with his mouth closed, and other various parental tidbits. It hurts to think of that, in fact, knowing that his mother is in a different world. He may never see her again.

He has to shove that out of his mind, then! He can't think about that. He can use it to fuel his need to get out of here, though!

He takes a few more hasty bites to try and quash those memories, even as they are interspersed with flashes of remembering himself collapsing to the ground, his head splitting open. Aunamee in his crystalline helmet, standing over him with that gun...]

[Maya grins wide, watching Phoenix for a moment before adjusting so she can hug her knees, resting her chin on them as she gives her friend a moment to eat.

She waits for Phoenix to have had a few bites, and then, despite knowing just how uncomfortable it is, decides to broach the subject.]

So.

[And, she hesitates. Maya wants to be able to tell him that she understands, that he must be going through hell and she knows that hell, she can help him through it, if he lets her— but these two and all their friends would have a lot fewer problems if open communication about their own feelings wasn't so tough for them.

Maya takes another breath and tries again.]

How...

[no, that's not right either. How are you? Awful, Maya, thanks! I died! What do you need? To not have died! How do you feel? Like crap, probably! Maya just ends up frustrating herself, and after a moment, blurts—]

I'm— so sorry that happened to you.

[Phoenix continues eating as though everything is fine, although it's a little weird that Maya is just staring at him. Normally she's all over any kind of food, after all.

And then she finally says it.

Oh.

He is in the middle of swallowing, which gives him a moment to decide how to respond. He could just brush it off again and pretend that it's not a big deal. After all, he has survived other harrowing disasters with little effect on his psyche. How is this any different?

But when he's done swallowing, he doesn't take another bite. Not just yet. He closes his eyes, letting the memories of the incident resurface. It was relatively quick and yet it felt like an eternity of agony.]

Thanks. It was... Well, I guess I can't just pretend it was no big deal, can I?

You sure can't! There's plenty of evidence to the contrary, Mr. Wright!

[It's a little facetious, but she knows. She knows.

Maya rocks side to side a little, bumping Phoenix gently with her shoulder as she looks over at him.]

...I know how it feels.

It's not easy, and there's... not a lot of people you can fool here pretending otherwise.

[Phoenix smiles just a bit at that first part, exhaling through his nose in an almost-laugh.

But when Maya reveals that she knows what it's like, his smile immediate disappears and he straightens up, eyes wide with concern.]

You do? But... you never told me...

[He knows she's not talking about the deaths that have occurred in her life before now - Mia, her mother, and more.]

I'm sorry.

[You never told me.

Maya feels more than a little guilty. But she remembers Phoenix's face in Labyrinthia, the last thing she saw before the iron maiden closed; she remembers Phoenix's worry after that, after the turnabout at Hazakura temple, after the one at Kurain. Neither of them want to think about the other dead.]

...I didn't want you to worry about me.

[She admits, and then sighs;]

But I thought, somehow, I'd be able to keep it from happening to you. I should have told you when I was telling you about this whole place.

[As if maybe, maybe, that could have prepared him. Deep down she knows it wouldn't, but...]

So, you don't have to act brave for me.

[Phoenix certainly didn't intend to make Maya feel guilty. As she explains it, it makes sense, of course, because he would worry. It's still so difficult for him to remember that Maya has been here far longer, that she is in many ways far stronger and more accustomed to this land.

He smiles sadly.]

But I don't want you to have to worry about me either. Or act brave. [Except he knows Maya isn't acting. She is brave, has handled this place a lot better than Phoenix.]

How... did you die? Was it... Aunamee? [He asks hesitantly, not wanting to stir up traumatic memories for her.]

[Maya jumps— but not at all because Phoenix is right.]

No,

[She exclaims, turning to look him in the eye with her brows knit in— angry concern. There's only one reason why Phoenix would suggest that, and it's brought Maya the answers she (didn't, wasn't ready to—) wanted to hear.]

But— you, oh no, Nick, he didn't, did he?

[It wasn't an accident. It wasn't a time bubble. It wasn't a Night priest or a Day priest or some human with a well-aimed gun.

It was Aunamee. Aunamee killed her best friend.

Phoenix may be back from the dead, but it's different. He's different. And whatever pain Phoenix was put through, all of that was because of the same Aunamee that killed Makoto, that in another world killed hers and Phoenix's sister.

All for what— for trying to help? For being the Phoenix he's always been, even in the face of such horrible circumstances?

But as angry as Maya feels, she has to keep her cool— Phoenix doesn't deserve to be more stressed out than he already is. ]

I'm so sorry, Nick.

[...At least it can be deduced that, in Maya's mind, getting offed by Aunamee is worse than what happened to her.]

[Phoenix should have told Maya what happened. He almost assumed that she knew. But really, it could have been anything. Going to the past and trying to get one of the Night followers to come with him and not blast him to bits was a chore in it of itself, something that could have easily destroyed him.

He looks to the side a bit and bites his lip as Maya confronts him, as if ashamed. Embarrassed. How could he have let himself walk right into Aunamee's trap like that? Especially knowing what he's capable of, after seeing how he had killed his fake sister. No, no, he tried not to hold that against him, knowing that it was fake, that those memories were fake -- but still, Aunamee hardly acts any different.]

I-it's okay. For some reason I thought you already knew! [He waves, trying to calm the situation.]

But yeah... He... wasn't too keen on me bringing someone from the past to the Cube. At least I got a couple people there before he caught me. And at least I'm back!

[But that Night priest isn't back. Every time he thinks about that priest, it does sting, though he remembers Aunamee's words - that they were going to die anyway.

But Maya's right. He shouldn't have to act brave for her. But it's not for her... It's for himself. Because if he thinks too hard about it, he's afraid he might just fall apart.]

[The look on Phoenix's face draws her back to reality. He looks embarrassed, ashamed— like this could be his fault. She can't get too angry— if anyone needs to be brave for the other right now, it's Maya for her friend.

She draws her lips in and bites them from the inside, lifting a hand to— hesitate, then to grip Phoenix's shoulder.]

Yeah, you're right. You got more people over there than someone like him would expect!

[She is so mad. So mad. But she can't focus on that right now. Phoenix didn't deserve this. Phoenix, her hero, made to hurt by someone Maya knows, knows, knows would have reveled in Phoenix's fear. He needs to be reassured, to know that he's stronger than this/]

Aunamee's all scare tactics and crazy strategies. He could never take someone like you down forever.

He's just— mad, that you made a difference.

[At least Phoenix tried to put on a brave face before Aunamee, only showing fear just before that gun was fired. And then obviously once it disintegrated one of the plates of his skull, all bets were off the table. But he tried.

And Maya is trying. She at least is making Phoenix feel better about not saving that one priest.]

Yeah, you're right! He can't take me down forever. He's kind of a coward when you get down to it.

[A coward who would shoot someone instead of listening to them just to appease their god.]

I don't know if he ever learned good coping skills.

[Well, that at least gets a laugh out of Maya. She can't believe it]

No, no, I don't really get the impression he did.

[~~are they really ones to talk?~~]

But you can.

I know you can get stronger— well, actually, just so you know, I don't mean you should go fighting him. I mean, you're not exactly a heavyweight champion.

But when it comes to spirit—

[Despite the backhanded compliment, Maya gives Phoenix's shoulder a squeeze.]

You've got him beat tenfold!

[Hey, excuse you, Phoenix had been going to the gym! He takes offense at that-- Except not really. Having a toned physique is one thing, but fighting is another. He opens his mouth to protest but lets it go, because Maya is correct.]

I don't think it would help if I went and beat him up anyway. He'd probably get mad and hunt me down or something.

[He sighs, though, even at that compliment.] It would be nice if I could take him to court and beat him there. But... [He gestures with his hand.] I don't even know where the legal stuff begins in this place. I know Javert runs a prison, but... [He trails off. Javert is another headache in it of itself.]

Hey, what do you think you're doing trying to make plans already, Nick?

We don't have three days to figure this out, you know.

[She gives Nick a little punch to the shoulder, albeit way, way softer than Mia tended to dole those out... and is quick to continue.]

Take a break. The facts are, Aunamee's gonna be here a while and so are the rest of us. You don't have to rush to find your answer.

So let others handle the heroics for just a little while... and you focus on recovering, okay?

[Phoenix takes a deep breath in, ready to respond, but then... exhales. Maya's right. He's so used to working on a tight schedule that he's not sure he can actually spread his work out.]

You're right. I don't need to figure this out right now.

[In a way he almost feels like a weight has been lifted. He wants to figure things out not for his own sake, but for the sake of those he cares about. Even if Maya decides to stay here, this place needs to be better.]

But... It's kind of hard to recover when this place throws things at us every month. [He smirks, not entirely serious. But actually yes he is. This place is really difficult.]

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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, PHOENIX/'ACEATTORNEY' . FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 010.12.020.01 * PHOENIX/'ACEATTORNEY' has joined 010.12.020.01 <ACEATTORNEY> Hello, this is Phoenix Wright of Wright & Co. Law Offices <ACEATTORNEY>** ...Well I don't have that office here. But leave a message anyway.