#Lana Skye would protect Ema with everything she had

[megaphonegirlk]

The Contradiction of the Unbreakable Shield

Lana Skye’s lungs burned with acrid and toxic smoke, her head swam as she forced herself to stay awake and conscious. She couldn’t lose focus for a second, or surrender to sleep or the flames around her.

Even when she heard her mother scream and beg her father to wake up, she didn’t move. Even when she heard her last desperate breath and the weak thump of a fist hitting the fracturing glass, she stayed still and resolute.

Her flesh burned in the fires of the wreck, but Lana refused to yield to the pain and the destruction of her own body. She was a shield, a bulwark against the flames. She stared down at her sister’s crying form curled below her with eyes that refused to cry even with the sting of the smoke. She held the image of Ema tight as the world faded to a narrow pinprick and the searing pain of the flames roaring around her.

She promised , with all the breath she had in her, that Ema would be okay. Nothing would ever hurt her as long as she stood strong.

The firefighters had pulled them out of the wreck that killed their parents. Lana had sustained burns that would later become scars, but Ema had emerged without a scratch save for some minor damage in her lungs from the billowing smoke.

The shield stood tall.

—- Detective Lana Skye stood over the scene in horror. The world seemed to be crashing down all at once, and for a moment she couldn’t do much more than balk. Neil Marshall impaled on Damon Gant’s suit of armor, a life snuffed violently out in an instant, and at his feet the crumpled forms of Joe Darke and Ema Skye.

She couldn’t breathe, her lungs burned from lack of air as she fell to her knees by Ema’s side. She held her tight to her chest, cradling her just as she did in the flames of their parent’s wreck when her sister was scarcely a toddler.

She’d begun to cry, she didn’t know when…and she didn’t know how long when Gant arrived with an offer she couldn’t refuse.

Ema had killed Neil Marshall. That’s what the facts pointed to, a tragic accident that would ruin her sister’s life forever. She was enough of a detective to see that, to see the bloodied writing before she scrubbed it away and to see the look of the scene.

Damon, her longstanding partner, a man she then thought of as a friend…he offered to twist the arm of justice to get the verdict Darke deserved and spare Ema. Forgery and manipulation of evidence now, for Ema’s safety and happiness later.

It went against everything she stood for, it was an affront to people she loved and cared for. Jake…Angel…Mia…she’d be turning her back on them. But she had no other choice.

Ema’s safety came before all else.

As she helped Gant arrange the crime scene…she couldn’t help but remember the trophy that Marshall had won that very night.

The Unbreakable Shield stood tall.

–

Lana’s hand hurt, throbbing with pain even through the painkillers and the bandages. Her heart hurt worse.

Ema’s desperation to save her from the darkness she’d put herself in , and the guilty verdict she was all but ordered to take…and the hurt in which glared at her from behind the glass.

She said she hated her. Lana couldn’t blame her for that. To survive Damon Gant, Lana allowed herself to become cold. She walled off her feelings and severed both friends and lovers from her life…and her sister most of all.

In the interest of protecting her, Lana had hurt her more than anyone else…Ironic, really. But when the truth came out, that it was all because Lana failed in that one critical moment to trust in her sister’s innocence, and that she’d burned her bridges for nothing…it was freeing as much as it shattered her armor and pierced her flame-scarred heart. . To see Ema smile when she hugged her tight and told her how proud she was of how far she’d come…it was a balm on the pain, at the very least. It carried her through the trial, the plea deal, the revelation of every little corruption she’d been part and parcel to under Gant’s command.

Guilty, she’d plead guilty of course…and now she was here, for her sister’s sake as well as her own atonement, laying upon the uncomfortable cot within in the cool and quiet cell upon and staring at the cement ceiling.

Edgeworth had promised he’d help her spruce it up…give her something to do, and whatever comforts could be allowed. She’d only denied him twice before giving in, and allowing her former protege his kindness no matter how little she deserved it.

For now however, it was a concrete block and cold steel bars. No privacy. No comfort. The cold reminder of what she had done to wind up here for the next 12….11 with good behavior…years of her life.

The shield was chipped, the spear was broken. Ema Skye was free to become the forensic investigator of her dreams, free of the accusation of ‘murderer’. Lana Skye was a symbol of the dark age of the law, laying in a prison cell with a smile.

A contradiction. Joy and Despair mingled into one within captivity. Innocence mingled with guilt. What would Mia say about her now? Would she still care for the flawed truth of Lana Skye? What would Jake feel when he got out for his own dalliances against the law?

How short would the rest of Gant’s life be? And would the world feel lighter once he was well and truly gone?

She smiled wider and closed her eyes.

The shield lay still, shattered even after being forged in fire, having served its purpose of keeping Ema Skye safe from harm.

It didn’t have to stand tall any longer.

The Broken Shield could finally be allowed to rest.

AO3 Link

[secondsineternity]

Ace Attorney Masterlist

Series

All In The Game (co-writen with lizziehearts229) - One last wild weekend. One more fling. One more reckless bad boy. This was Apollo Justice’s last chance for a little fun. After this trip, he’s going to settle down and get serious. No last names. No strings. Just one last night with some roadie he met backstage at the Gavinners concert. [Rockstar!Klavier Gavin/Apollo Justice, Rockstar AU]

The Avengers Go To Court - You, the daughter of a famous defense attorney and chief prosecutor, decide to take Loki’s case as you’ve been growing closer since he’s been back on Earth. With tensions rising, friendships forming and breaking, and surprise co-counseling guests, who will win the trial of a lifetime? [Loki Laufeyson/Reader, Ace Attorney Crossover]

Grasping For Air - When Franziska von Karma is shot and rushed to the Hotti Clinic, she meets a nurse that she can’t stop thinking- or dreaming about. You’re a nurse at the Hotti Clinic, and you’re unexplainably drawn to your new patient, a German prosecutor. [Franziska von Karma/Nurse!Reader]

Justice - My life had always been a series of blurs. I’m a runner. One of my fathers had told me to hit the ground running and never stop for anyone or anything, because if I did there would be too much of a risk that I would never run again. So that’s what I’m doing now. Running. In truth, I’m running for reasons I don’t know yet.What I do know is who I am. My name is Kellarie Justice, and I will never stop running. [Simon Blackquill/SHIELD Agent!Reader, Marvel Crossover]

Lethal Secrecy - A prosecutor and a defense attorney engaging in romantic affairs is not unheard off, but is looked down upon. That’s why Phoenix Wright and Miles Edgeworth must keep their relationship secret. When it all becomes too much, when their hidden affair is on the verge of being exposed, a note left behind will change everything. [Phoenix Wright/Miles Edgeworth, Romeo & Juliet AU, 18+]

Little Songbird - Kristoph Gavin was planning to hang himself in the early morning, after the songbirds wake and before the guards bring his breakfast. If it wasn’t for the erratic girl next door whose only moments not screaming were spent singing, he would’ve gone through with his plan. [Kristoph Gavin/Reader, 16+]

My Kingdom Come Undone - Life changes swiftly for Princess Maya Fey of the kingdom of Kurain when she tells Crown Princess Mia that she volunteers to take the throne, freeing her sister of her unwanted royal duties to elope. Meanwhile in the kingdom of Angeles, Princess Franziska von Karma heads off to Kurain alongside her brother to the pre-engagement ball. Discovering a secret or two that her brother has kept from her, she comes to a realization… She has to become a prince and marry the princess. [Franziska von Karma/Maya Fey, Royalty AU]

Rhysand Knight: Ace Attorney - Rookie defense attorney Rhysand Knight strives to protect his clients in various murder trials, including the death of his mentor, Nesta Archeron. Rhysand’s greatest- and only- ally is Nesta’s youngest sister Feyre, a spirit medium whose body can be possessed by Nesta to communicate with him from beyond the grave. [Rhysand/Feyre Archeron, A Court of Thorns and Roses Crossover]

The Single-Dads-In-Law-Enforcement Club - The Single-Dads-In-Law-Enforcement Club sounded like a bad idea to begin with for Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, father of one Kay Faraday, but when Detective Dick Gumshoe convinces him to come to one meeting he unexpectedly rekindles an old flame with an old friend. As they grow closer, one of their fellow club members grows more distant- and dangerous, causing a rupture in the club’s families that will change their lives forever. [Father!Phoenix Wright/Father!Miles Edgeworth]

Skye: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. - When Lana Skye receives a not guilty verdict for forging evidence of the SL-9 case, she knows that there is more to it than what it seems. She leaves the country to find that reason with Ema in tow, and it starts a whole new life for the both of them- as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. [Marvel Crossover]

Speak - Miles Edgeworth, a famed demon prosecutor, decides to take a case when he meets last-living victim, a young, newly-mute girl named Elena. As their friendship grows, Elena’s bravery blooms and she prepares to testify in court- against her own mother. [General, 16+]

Turnabout Café - Seven years ago, Phoenix Wright opened a café with the hope of being able to support his daughter and giving her a steady future. Nowadays, the Turnabout Café is booming with business and is unarguably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles, California. When three investors want to buy the café (which is absolutely not for sale) from Phoenix, his family and employees must fight to keep their café- their home- out of dangerous hands. [Phoenix Wright/Miles Edgeworth]

Whisper - Being a spirit medium brings unwanted guests tagging along wherever you go. What happens when a spirit helps you forge a new friendship- or something more? [Loki Laufeyson/Fey!Reader, Marvel Crossover]

You, Me, and the Concept of Relative Time - A story in ten parts, the story of Phoenix Wright and Miles Edgeworth over the course of their lives, told through a series of slightly or largely connected oneshots. [Phoenix Wright/Miles Edgeworth]

Oneshots

The Right Way To Eat Oreos - After Trucy finds her dad hiding from her papa and eating a pack of Double Stuff Oreos, Phoenix teaches her the “Wright” way to eat the family’s favorite cookie (which, apparently, is not to stuff them all in your mouth at once). [Phoenix Wright/Miles Edgeworth]

Ficlets

Clean - After taking a shower together, Klavier Gavin and Apollo Justice keep distracting each other from talking about their wedding plans. [Apollo Justice/Klavier Gavin]

Comfort - Phoenix Wright comforts Miles Edgeworth after he has another nightmare about DL-6. [Phoenix Wright/Miles Edgeworth]

Insomnia - Apollo Justice gets a phone call in the middle of the night from a restless Klavier Gavin. [Apollo Justice/Klavier Gavin]

Sing - Mia Fey finds her girlfriend Lana Skye singing to herself as she makes them both homemade hot chocolate. [Mia Fey/Lana Skye]

Stargazing - Kay Faraday takes a very reluctant Ema Skye to a stargazing event. [Kay Faraday/Ema Skye]

Thermometer - Klavier Gavin is sick, and Apollo Justice is tired of playing games with his boyfriend. [Apollo Justice/Klavier Gavin]

All works listed above © secondsineternity/glassandroses.

[demonprosecutor]

TURNABOUT HEROES AU! A COMPREHENSIVE POST

BASIC PREMISE:

Miles Edgeworth is a big-shot prosecutor who, much like his mentor, specialized in the prosecution of super-powered individuals, more specifically, heroes and villains. He doesn’t have any powers; however, it does not dissuade from the fact that he has considerable influence to ensure that retribution is often a rarity in his line of work 

(far too often he’s heard stories about his colleagues being offed by a vengeful loved one or a villain who managed to smuggle in a weapon)

However, his luck was bound to run out anyways. After sending too many of their colleagues’ into high-security prison, Miles finds himself the unfortunate target to many villains and unfortunately takes up a new role of ‘Damsel-in-Distress’ if he wanted to play with cliches.

But even with his string of bad luck, the mysterious Firebird is someone who always seems to know when and if he’s in trouble. At the same time, Phoenix Wright had somehow reappeared in his life and now? He’s being SAVED on both ends, what does a man have to do in order to get a semblance of peace around these parts.

Or, as I like to call it, the “oh no, i fell in love with a superhero AND their secret identity unknowingly and i am in a crisis 24/7 about it” au

WORLDBUILDING:

The world is composed of individuals who have powers and who don’t. Generally, there is peaceful co-existence between these two groups - however, there are spots of tension between the two that culminates in trouble. Sometimes, powered individuals use their abilities for evil and others use their powers for good. Non-powered individuals are usually stuck in the middle LMAO

ROUGH TIMELINE:

Gregory Edgeworth is a non-powered defense attorney that specializes in crimes that are committed by powered individuals because they have the tendency to be indicted more harshly than non-powered individuals. He, while not too famous like his enemy, has steadily been growing in fame in terms of his willingness to help anyone no matter what, something that Miles, as a child, cherished.

As a kid, Miles, who is non-powered as well, is someone who grew up in a very loving environment. In spite of the fact that his father was a single father and sometimes came home late, he was always surrounded with a wealth of love and care from his father and his uncle. During this time, Phoenix and Larry, both powered individuals (and whose powers I will explain further downwards), were his tentative friends at the beginning - that is until the dreaded class trial. Phoenix was accused of stealing Miles’ money and the teacher + class was unfairly going against him, citing his powers as being evidence towards motivation for crime. But Miles stood up for him, his dad as inspiration, and told everyone off because you can’t accuse people without proof. From that moment on, these three were inseparable. 

They would always go to each other’s houses, always pair together for group projects, and always hang out - they were thick as thieves.

But tragedy struck around Christmas. Miles does not know exactly what happens, but all he knows is that when he woke up from fading consciousness, a moment of time seared in his mind for eternity is throwing the gun, the ear-splitting gunshot and a blink later, his father slumped dead on against the elevator wall.

From that moment on, it just goes downhill for Miles. He gets taken under Manfred’s wing and has the ideals of always getting a guilty verdict and people with powers are bad. For years and years, he grew up with this poisonous mindset with his adopted sister, Franziska, and together, they grew up to be the second-most feared prosecutors (the first being Manfred).

Meanwhile, Phoenix is desperately trying to find miles, trying to see if he could reconnect with him, but he never does. So in college, he ends up with Dahlia and gets subsequently accused of murder of Doug Swallow. He gets poisoned in the trial, a gift from Dahlia’s powers, but miraculously heals - figuring out another facet of his powers.

It is then when Phoenix meets up with Mia, determined after seeing that newspaper with Miles in it, she takes him under her wing and teaches him everything she knows about being both a defense attorney and a hero. Together, they make the dynamic duo of Firebird and Spirit! They fight crime on both sides of the law for years, while Phoenix thinks about his goal of reaching Miles.

Years later, Mia gets murdered by Redd White after obtaining information that could stop him and his company.

The trail for Mia’s murder is the first time Phoenix and Miles meet again. Instead of Winston taking the role of prosecution, it’s Miles!

Miles completely ignores Phoenix initially and focuses on the investigation and having the perfect trial. He does a lot more hands on investigations because sometimes, the police have a tendency to misplace evidence or not find things that he needs, so he’s at the crime scenes frequently. The night before the first trial, Miles goes to the crime scene where he first meets the hero Firebird. He is a bit of a jerk to Firebird before Miles writes him down as a potential suspect.

After his first loss, Miles is completely stunned. Before chalking it up to beginner’s luck. It doesn’t help that Manfred reprimands him very harshly for losing to a green attorney.

But for some reason, after that first trial, Miles ends up seeing more of Phoenix and Firebird around. Phoenix has the tendency to take cases that Miles is prosecuting for chances to talk to him and Firebird is always around the crime scene - he’s sure that they’re in cahoots with each other.

It’s difficult for Miles to talk to Phoenix because it brings up too many memories that he had repressed for his own mental health. But for some reason, Firebird is much easier to talk to.

It’s like Miles has a target at his back because he cannot go a few days without being kidnapped, being held at gunpoint, being used as hostage, and being rescued by Firebird, that insufferable flirt. However, Miles is reassured that he has someone out there who is willing to save him because not many would, especially since he would judiciously prosecute them without much guilt.

Firebird; however, is another story. 

He talks to Firebird and Phoenix about each other and it’s clear over the years that he’s slowly being less cold and more warm -- and it’s hard to not fall in love! Firebird is the one who falls in love first because if Phoenix is being honest, he’s been in love with Miles since forever, but it’s easier to confess behind a mask. And this was during a time where Miles hated powered people, so it was always left with taunts. But Phoenix never let that deter him, he had always cared for Miles, no matter what.

Eventually, Miles ends up falling for both Firebird and Phoenix and he spends many sleepless nights thinking about the hero who saves his life literally and his rival/best friend who saves his life emotionally.

NOTABLE CHARACTERS:

Phoenix Wright AKA Firebird:

His powers are pyrokinesis, healing, flight, and regeneration

Body is the same fragility of humans, but if he dies, he crumples to ashes and comes back to life brand new and without injuries!

Miles Edgeworth, non-powered:

A prosecutor trained under Manfred von Karma, specializing in powered crime

Terribly unlucky to the point where people wondered if bad luck was his superpower

Franziska von Karma, powered, but repressing her abilities:

A prosecutor trained under Manfred von Karma, specializing in powered crime - eventually upgrades to international prosecutor

Her abilities, once found out, are ice powers!

Dating Maya

Maya Fey, non-powered:

A journalist charged with protecting the secret of the Kurain Village - which is a place for resting heroes or villains who wish to reform!

Dating Franziska

Pearl Fey, powered:

Her powers are super-strength, extreme durability, and extreme endurance

Literally the strongest AA character

Iris Fey, non-powered:

The twin of Dahlia and aided her charade with Phoenix back at college

Now she works at Kurain Village with Dahlia in the reformation of villains.

Dahlia Hawthorne AKA Sweet Tooth, powered:

Her powers are poison control!

She used to be a villain, but reformed

Works at Kurain Village with Iris in helping villains reform

Morgan Fey, powered:

Her powers are the same as Pearl’s; however, they are a LOT weaker than her daughter’s

Very scary

Larry Butz AKA Toy Soldier, powered:

Powers: brings inanimate objects to life

But he prefers to bring toys to life as puppets, not really an effective fighter, but he’s trying and that’s what counts!

The Phantom, powered:

Powers: can shapeshift perfectly down to their voices. They can also steal memories

They are the perfect assassin

Gumshoe, non-powered or is he? huehuehue

The detective partner of Edgeworth’s 

Very loyal and energetic! He is such a sweetheart

Manfred von Karma, non-powered

One of the best prosecutors for powered crime

An asshole jerk

Trucy Wright, powered:

Powers: teleportation

She uses her teleportation for her magic tricks, but shhh, don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret!

Apollo Justice AKA Chords of Steel, powered:

Powers: sound manipulation

His chords of steel are sometimes A BIT MUCH!

But he could manipulate sound to make his footsteps quieter, his ability is really versatile

He can only SCREAM

Klavier Gavin AKA Piano Man, powered:

Powers: sound manipulation

BUT HE CAN ONLY SING IT!!!

Can charm/mind control people, but NEVER EVER does it because he knows how bad it can get!

Kristoph Gavin, powered:

Powers: charm

Can charm/mind control people hehehe

Ema Skye, powered:

Powers: perception

She can see the gross nasty fluids from a crime that can be seen with the human eye, she loves it

Lana Skye, non-powered:

Once the Chief Prosecutor, but now jailed

Currently, she is on parole and is going to be soon let out for good behaviour

Athena, powered:

Powers: She has the capability of knowing someone’s TRUE emotions and their deepest desires

It’s honestly a curse because she frequently gets overstimulated by crowds

Blackquill, non-powered:

A fearsome prosecutor that was jailed for crimes not of his own making

He seeks the phantom and wishes to either put them in jail or kill them, whichever comes first.

Mia Fey AKA Spirit, powered:

Powers: psychokinesis + phasing

LIKE A GHOST

Phoenix’s mentor as both a defense attorney and as a hero

[velasnyx]

Emaziska Naruto AU Chapter 7

I was searching for Lana's sister. It was difficult considering I know nothing about her, let alone where she would be on her days off. She seriously asked the wrong person to do this. I came across Scruffy again. Maybe he'll know where she is. “Hey Scruffy”. He jumped. “Yes sir, what can I do for you?!”. I rolled my eyes. “Have you seen Lana's sister?” I asked. “Oh, Ema?” he answered. “Uh, yeah, whatever”. “I think she went to train with Maya at the training grounds by the memorial,” Scruffy said. “You think or you know?”. He became uneasy. “Uh… Well, I'm not sure if they're still there. But they were there,” he said. I groaned in annoyance. “Nevermind then. I'll just keep a lookout for them on my way to the training grounds,” I said. “Okay,” he said with a nervous chuckle. I leaped onto the rooftops and headed for the training grounds.

As I leaped from rooftop to rooftop, I kept my eyes open for her. Lana shouldn't act like this is all my fault. Her sister was the one who jumped in front of me. I didn't ask her to protect me; she did it on her own accord. I noticed her sister and another girl walking below me. I jumped down. “Hey, Skye,” I called out. They stopped and turned to me. “Hey, you're that Karuma girl that kicked Ema's ass,” the blacked haired girl said. “Oi! Don't say that so loud,” Ema said. The black haired girl scratched the back of her head nervously and chuckled. “So, what do you want?” Ema asked me. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't appreciate Lana sending me to babysit her; I should come up with something else. “I uh… I want to… apologize for my behavior at the hospital”. I was only partially sorry for that so it wasn't a complete lie. “Uh huh”. She didn't sound convinced. “So, it's that all you came to me for?” she asked. “Well, I also wanted to make sure you were doing okay”. She nodded. “Well, I'm doing alright so thank you,” Ema said. “Okay,” I said. “Okay”. This is awkward. “So, you went on the mission with Ema,” the other girl asked. I nodded. “I bet you were saving her ass the entire mission,” she joked. “Uh, actually she was the one who saved me”. She looked surprised. “She was? It's unlike her to act recklessly like that. Usually, she's able to figure out a way to keep her comrades and herself safe”. “Yes. The Skye clan was strategically gifted,” I said. We fell silent again. “You should join us. We were just about to get burgers down the block”. Ema shot her a look. “No, I don't want to interrupt your day together. Besides, I already ate,” I said. “Well, I guess some other time,” Ema said. She started walking away. The other girl pulled her back. “Don't be rude, Ema! You can still come with us. You can just hang out,” she said. Ema groaned.

We sat at the table. The black haired girl, who's named I learned was Maya, was eating a burger. Ema didn't order anything. I just had a cup of water. Ema was staring out the window, resting her chin on her palm. “So, you're from the Karuma clan. I heard you guys are really skilled,” Maya said. I nodded. “It's cuz of that Sharingan, right?”. I nodded again. “I heard it has to be unlocked or something. Aren't you born with it though?” Maya asked. “We are but it's true that we have to unlock it,” I replied. Ema glanced over at me then back out the window. I could tell she didn't want me here. I didn't want to be here either but I don't want what happened to bite me in the ass down the road. “How?”. “Usually when we become overwhelmed by a strong emotion, our brains release a special chakra. Then the Sharingan would be unlocked,” I said. “I heard the Karuma's have powerful emotions. More powerful than the average person,” Ema said, looking over with only her eyes. “Yes. We are subjected to more powerful emotions. That is what helps awaken our Sharingan,” I replied. “Wow. So, I guess when you love someone, you really REALLY love them,” Maya said. She gets it. “Or when you hate someone, you really hate them. Like that old geezer,” Ema said. “Yeah,” I said, shooting a glare at her.

Maya had finished her burger. “Oh man, I forgot I have to meet Mia at village gate! Hey Ema, do me a solid and cover this for me. I owe you,” she said. She got up and ran out. “Hey, wait a second!” Ema exclaimed. Maya was already out the door. Ema groaned and placed the money on the table. She walked out and I followed her. “So, tell me the real reason you came looking for me,” Ema said. “What do you mean?”. I played dumb. I can't let her know Lana sent me. She kept her eyes on me. “I'm not stupid, Franziska. You said you wanted to see how I was doing. I know that's bullshit. Now tell me the truth”. Ah shit. I guess there's no fooling this one. “Alright. Lana sent me to keep an eye on you. She was worried about you,” I said. Ema groaned. “Geez, out of all the people she asked you? Go home. I don't need someone to look after me. I'm capable of taking care of myself,” she said. I would but I know that if something were to happen, it would be my fault. I can't have that on my conscious. She started walking away. I left some distance and began to follow her.

I knew she was following me. This is such a pain. I don't need someone to look after me. Especially her. Whatever. I just need to get home and rest. I still felt fatigued from the training. I placed my hand over the mark. It's is affecting me in more ways than one and I have no idea what it's doing to me. Honestly, I'm scared to find out. Maybe I shouldn't have bothered taking the hit for her. She didn't even appreciate me putting my life on the line for her. Not that I need her to but she acted as if I did something bad. I did what any honorable ninja would. I can't help but wonder if she would do the same for her comrades.

I got home and made my way to my bed. I plopped down and got into a comfortable position to sleep. Hopefully, when I wake up I would have regained some energy.

I stood there frozen. Those red glowing eyes stared me down from the shadows behind my parents bodies. I clenched my teeth and fist. I felt scared but at the same time a burning rage. I felt the want of revenge, the thirst for blood. The stinging pain in my neck flared up. I could barely stand the pain. They took the chance when my guard was down and charged at me. The attack never came though. They stood paralyzed. My shadow had connected to their. I didn't weaved the sign. It was as if my shadow acted on its own. I looked down at my hands. A black, flame like pattern had spread across them and the rest of my body. I felt an overwhelming power surge through me. I walked over to the man who killed my ckan. I couldn't see his face as it still hidden by the shadows. I never knew who it was. Even though I couldn't see his face, I knew he was scared. I stared into his eyes. I could see the fear in his eyes. My shadow formed multiple needles around him. He begged for his life. The needles pierced into him. Blood covered the floor. I felt nothing. No remorse. A hand placed itself on my shoulder. “Very good. You're better at using your hate than my dear daughter,” a voice said. I looked back. No one was there. I looked back at the body. This time I could see the face. I was horrified to see Lana. She was dead. I killed her. I killed my sister.

I jolted awake, in a cold sweat. I felt the pain from the mark flare up. I winced and placed my hand over it. I tried to catch my breath. Another nightmare. Ever since I got this, they've become more frequent. But they're different. Usually they're about that night. These days, they would be about me killing the people I'm supposed to be protecting. What is this doing to me?

I walked onto my doorstep and looked around. “I know you followed me. Come out,” I said. Franziska jumped down from the rooftop. She just stared at me. “What do you know about this mark?” I asked her. She grimaced. “Not a lot. I've been reading whatever notes they had at the library and what Lord Third have me,” Franziska replied. “Come in. I want you to tell me what you know,” I said.

We sat at my table in the kitchen. “I want to know everything. I want to know what it's doing to me,” I told her. She nodded. “I can bring you the notes another time. For now, I'll tell you what I remember. My father is the only one who can give someone that mark. You're one of the lucky ones. Only ten percent survive after they've received the curse mark. I could tell early that you were fatigued and you were probably wondering why. It feeds off your chakra,” Franziska explained. No wonder I was so drained after training. If only ten percent survive and this mark was really meant for her, then I had a huge chance on dying. I really am one of the lucky ones. “But it can also replace your depleted chakra. The problem is that the chakra that replaces yours is my father's senjutsu chakra. It increases your chakra levels ten times. This is why a lot of the people who receive his curse marks use it. It's an effective power up. But it has a major drawback. The more it's used the more it corrodes the user's mind, this making them more susceptible to my father's influence. That's why you have to make sure you don't depend on it,” she explained further. I nodded. “Is that why he wanted to give it to you? He wants you on his side?” I asked. She shrugged. “I doubt it. I think he only wanted to use me. Just like he did with Miles”. So, she knew him too. Maybe I could ask her about him. “What happened with Miles? All I know is that he went rogue thirteen years ago,” I said. Franziska grimaced. “I told you I'd tell you about the mark. I didn't say anything about Miles,” she said. Ugh, c'mon. Don't be difficult. “I just want to know what we're dealing with here”. She got up and headed toward the door. “And I don't want to talk about it. You want answers? Go ask someone who cares,” she said before exiting. I sighed in annoyance. What a pain in the ass. I'll have to ask Gumshoe. He seemed to know him.

[sage-nebula]

also, ace attorney for the meme?

My favorite parent-child relationship

Phoenix and Trucy are the obvious winners here, but with that said I have a true soft spot for Byrne and Kay Faraday as well. We only see a tiny bit of them, and we don’t actually get to see them interact at all, but it’s obvious how much Byrne loved and cared for Kay, and how much she continues to take everything he said to heart and do her best to carry on his legacy after his death as well. Phoenix and Trucy are definitely sweet, particularly with the way he adopted her when she had nowhere else to go despite how his own life was falling apart (and how he keeps a locket with her picture in it with him always!), but I also appreciate what little we got to see of Byrne and Kay as well.

My favorite sibling relationship

Apollo and Trucy, hands down. My favorite part of their relationship is how much Apollo acts like her big brother even though, due to circumstances beyond our control, neither of them actually know that they’re related yet. (Going on ten years now, Capcom. This is unforgivable.) He’s so protective of her, and so tolerant of the shenanigans, and she teases him even though she very clearly looks up to and believes in him as well. They’re precious and I adore them, wholeheartedly. ♥

Runners-up are the Skye sisters, though. Every time I replay 1-5 I fall a little bit more in love with their sisterly bond, and I hope that Lana can make a comeback in AA7. Come on, bring her back, Capcom. You know you want to!

My favorite family relationship (other)

Maya and Pearl as best cousins, + Maya as best Promoted to Parent. Maya had to be like Pearl’s cousin, big sister, and mother after everything with Morgan went down (er, both times it went down), and I think she did a wonderful job stepping up where needed. At the very least, it didn’t seem like Pearl wanted for anything, and it was clear that Maya was making a concentrated effort to take care of her. Credit where credit is due, their relationship is truly sweet and special. (And that said, I don’t think we actually got to see the two of them interact in AA6, did we? A shame, that is.)

My favorite friendship between two people

If I’m excluding ones that I also ship romantically, then Phoenix and Maya---at least, in the original trilogy. Their banter was always wonderful and it’s obvious how much they care for one another. I do cherish that about their relationship. That said, AA6 exhausted me and has made it so that I don’t want to see Maya in the main series at all anymore, so my opinion on this one is a bit soured now. Thanks, AA6. Thanks so much.

My favorite friendship between a group

The Wright Anything Agency as a whole has a wonderful dynamic (and, tbh, is better than the original trilogy’s Wright & Co. Law Offices). I especially love the power trio of Apollo, Athena, and Trucy, but Phoenix as the Team Dad is wonderful as well, A+++.

My favorite mentorship

People give a lot of flack to Phoenix for not being a good mentor to Apollo, but I honestly disagree? It’s true that, especially in AA4, Apollo had to put up with a lot of nonsense due to all of the secrecy and machinations in the background, but at the same time I think that Phoenix gives Apollo the kind of mentorship that he needs. Apollo is pretty anxious beneath his Chords of Steel smokescreen and second-guesses himself a lot; it’s clear early on in AA4 that he doesn’t really have confidence in himself to know what he’s doing, however much he tries to convince others that he does. By tossing him into the think of things and then pulling back the lifeline, it’s true that Phoenix is inciting Apollo’s anxiety---but he’s also forcing Apollo to see that he can do this, that he does know what he’s doing, that he can hit the ground running and still make it to the finish line. The Apollo that we see in AA6 is far more confident in himself in just about every way, to the point where he can tell Phoenix to his face to “stand down and be quiet” --- and I firmly believe that this is because Apollo has had to fight through the fires of his own self-doubt and insecurities, and that he had to do so because Phoenix refused to hold his hand (and thus hold him back). And it’s worth noting, too, that this is far different from Kristoph’s approach; Kristoph was the type to stand over Apollo’s shoulder, hold his hand, and critique every little thing in order to mold Apollo into a little mini Kristoph Gavin. Phoenix didn’t do that. Phoenix tossed Apollo into the fire, and as a result, Apollo came into his own, as his own person as well as his own attorney. Apollo thrived under Phoenix. He never would have under Kristoph.

So all of that said? Phoenix and Apollo are my favorite mentorship. Definitely.

My favorite rivalry

I mean, what other one is there other than Phoenix and Edgeworth? As much as I do ship them romantically, any case that they’re both working on together is guaranteed to be fantastic not only because of the content of the case, but also because of the banter that will be tossed back and forth across the courtroom. It’s only worth it to play as Phoenix if Edgeworth can be the prosecutor, full stop. (And I mean, I do love Franziska a lot, but let’s be honest: She does her best work when Edgeworth is pretending to be a defense attorney, and we all know it.)

My favorite hatred/antipathy

PHOENIX AND KRISTOPH, PHOENIX AND KRISTOPH, PHOENIX AND KRISTOPH!!

Kristoph Gavin is, in just about every way you care to name, Phoenix’s shadow archetype, and I love shadow archetypes. I love them. And that, coupled with the fact that we have unfinished business with Kristoph (we don’t know what he’s hiding behind his black psyche-locks, we know that he has to still be saltier than the Dead Sea after everything that happened, et cetera), means that I really want him to come back and I want another showdown here. We sadly didn’t get to see Phoenix truly react to Apollo emulating Kristoph in AA5, and the way that Kristoph gaslighted and manipulated Klavier was so subtle in AA4 that many people missed it, but both of those things could make a comeback. Kristoph’s hand in Trucy being abandoned could make a comeback. Kristoph could use Athena, given that she never knew him, in order to get the ball rolling (because he’s very good at coming across as classy and non-threatening, and it’s possible that he could fool even her ears), et cetera. There’s so much that could be done, and I want it to be done! BRING THIS BACK, CAPCOM!!

My favorite potential relationship between characters who never talk in canon

Aside from how they are part of rival fandoms (Steel Samurai and Jammin’ Ninja, respectively), I really would love to see how Maya and Kay get along. I think that they have similar temperaments, and that Maya would be starstruck by Kay’s chosen career path as a “phantom thief,” and that likewise Kay would be very interested in Maya’s spirit channeling. (Maya could also channel Byrne for Kay, if she wanted, which I think Kay would very much appreciate.) I would love to see the two of them meet and interact at least once; I think it would be amazing!

Likewise, I’m still waiting for Kay to come back as a prosecutor who forms a new Yatagarasu, with Athena as the defense attorney and Ema as the detective. I’m waiting, Capcom. Deliver this to me! DO THE THING, CAPCOM! Do eeeet.

[velasnyx]

Emaziska Naruto AU Chapter 3

I knocked on the door. “Come in”. “Lady Hokage”. The Skye girl was there. “Franziska. I'm glad I was able to get you before you left,” Lady Hokage said. I nodded. What could be so urgent? “There have been sightings of a man in a black coat in the area where you'll be,” he said. What? Could it be him? “We don't know if it's Manfred. But in case it is, it would be safe to have some backup. Ema Skye will be accompanying you on this mission”. I didn't like that idea. If it is him, that fight is between him and I. I don't need her getting in the way. “Lady Third, with all due respect, I believe it would be better if I went alone. That way we can only risk one casualty instead of two,” I said. She sighed. “Franziska, I know what your intentions are if he does turn out to be your father. The safest route is taking someone else with you. Ema is highly skilled in her clan's shadow techniques. If anything happens, you can count on her,” Lady Hokage said. I don't need to count on anyone but myself.

“I was not expecting my mission to be with you,” she said. Neither was I. I didn't say anything. I didn't become a shinobi to make friends. Let's just get the mission done. That's what's important here. Especially if he's in the area. I can't fight him while she's here. She's too much of a liability. I need to face him alone. “So, about yesterday. Just so you know, I didn't want to fight you. My friend recognized you from the chunin exams and wanted a rematch. Must've been bored if she was so eager to see us fight”. Why is she trying to strike up a conversation? Take a hint. I don't want to talk. I glanced over at her. “You accepted the challenge after you found out I was from the Skye clan. Why is that?” she asked. She caught onto that, huh? “I wanted to see if you were as good as your sister,” I answered. “So, you know Lana?”. I nodded. “She was my Squad Leader in Anbu,” I replied. Her eyebrows raised. That must've peaked her interest. “Anbu, huh? That explains it”. “Hm?”. What did she mean by that? “You didn't use your Sharingan once. And since you know my sister, you know what the Skye clan is capable of. You thought you'd have a pretty decent challenge against me but you didn't use that precious kekkei genkai of yours. You used it during the chunin exams and I was still able to get the upper hand. You're skilled without it now. It would only make sense that someone from Anbu is like that,” she said. I stayed silent. “Besides, none of us saw much of you after the exams”. This one has an eye for detail. I'm not surprised since she was able to devise a plan to get the jump on me all those years ago. It would make sense that she'd continue to build up her tactical skills. She's a lot like Lana. “You trained under Neil, right?”. Quit sticking your nose into my personal life. “I don't want to talk. I want to get this mission done,” I said. She looked unbothered by my words. She shrugged and shoved her hands into her pockets. “Alright. Was just being friendly,” she said. We continued to walk in silence.

I heard rustling in the trees and stopped. “Skye”. “I know”. She's up to speed. Good. Makes me feel better knowing I won't have to walk her through every single thing. The rustling continued in the trees above us, becoming more sporadic. There's more than one. In the blink of an eye, we were surrounded. I looked at their headbands. Ninja from the Hidden Mist. There was a line etched across the symbol. They're rogue. “Well, what do we have here? Couple lovely lookin’ Leaf kunoichi,” one of them said. “Step aside,” I demanded. They laughed. “And why would we do that?”. I heard Skye sigh. “Listen, let's be smart about this. If you leave us alone, we can avoid a fight all together. I don't know about you but that sounds pretty nice to me,” she said. “You don't order me around, bitch,” one of them said. He must be the leader. He started walking over to Skye. I went to grab a kunai. “Not yet,” she said. I glanced at her. She looked sure of herself so I listened to her. The ninja took out a kunai and stopped. “How bout we have our way with these two and teach them a lesson,” he said, looking back at the others. As he looked back at us, a kunai whizzed by his face. The blade grazed his cheek, causing it to bleed. She's fast. I didn't even notice her reaching into her pouch. The kunai dug into the ground where the group of men stood. The leader charged at Skye and stabbed her. She fell to the floor and a cloud of smoke revealed a log in place of her body. Substitution jutsu. “Shit! A substitution! Where is she?”. She appeared in the middle of the group of men. The kunai. She must've used that trick again. The men reached for their kunais but stopped suddenly. Skye let out a sigh. Her shadow had connected with the others. The Shadow Possession Jutsu. She stood there, with her hands in her pockets and an uninterested look. “Alright, let's try this again,” she said. She reached behind her, making the ninja mimic her movements to reach for their pouches. She had them grab a kunai and aim it at their throats. “You guys gonna piss off or what?” Skye said. “Let us go, you dumb broad!”. The points of the kunais pressed against their throats, drawing a bit if blood. “Try again,” she said. “Fine! We'll leave you alone! Just don't kill us!”. “I'm glad we could finally agree on something,” Skye said. Her shadow retreated back and then men immediately ran away. “I see your fond of that trick,” I said. “It works”. “You're quicker than I thought. You held back on me yesterday?” I asked. She rubbed her neck. “A little bit. I wasn't in the mood for sparing,” she answered. “Hmph. I'll to get you on day you are then. Until then, you owe me a proper rematch,” I said. She groaned. “Whatever, let's just continue onto the Hidden Mist”. She started walking away. Maybe it isn't too bad that she was put on this mission. She's skilled. Might make the mission quicker.

We were just above the camp grounds. They didn't guard it very carefully. No one keeping watch in the trees. Only one person awake. Are these guys really such a threat? They can't even protect their camp correctly. Something isn't right. “Something's up. These guys can't be stupid enough to leave themselves so vulnerable,” I said. “They've got to have someone here. It can't just be that one guy keeping watch,” she said. She activated her Sharingan. This is the first time I've seen it. I'm surprised. It's not a complete one. I figured someone like her would have it by now. “I don't see anything. They're all down there,” Franziska said. This is weird. Something's not right. “I guess we just have to go down there then and complete the mission. We have to be careful. Something smells fishy about this”. She nodded. We dropped down to the camp. That's when we noticed they were all dead. “What the hell?”. What happened here? Was someone else after these guys? One of the bodies rolled over, revealing a paper bomb on its back. “Shit! Move!”. We retreated back up into the trees as a large explosion left off. The entire camp was destroyed. What the hell is going on here? I looked over at Franziska. She was looking out into the distance. I couldn't make out what she was focusing on. She looked disturbed. “Get back to the village,” she said. I looked at her, puzzled. “I'm not leaving you,” I said. “Go back to the village! This is my fight”. I can't just leave her here. I didn't become a shinobi to abandon my comrades. “Go! Now!”. Just then, a figure tacked her. Everything felt like it was in slow motion. That's when I noticed who it was. Manfred Karuma.