Well, given how he dumped Iris at the Hazakurain temple and how Dahlia was growing up, I do feel that there would have been abuse or serious neglect in her family. Now, let's break down Dahlia's tendencies first.

Dahlia has almost no moral qualms about those around here, possibly even Iris herself. This is definitely an Electra complex. If you don't know, an Electra complex or the Bernfield complex is where the female feels inadequate during the upbringing due to various issues but it stems from a lack of motherly figure or abuse in being female. This usually happens in turbulence, abuse, or negligence in the relationship with one's father or a troubled and insecure relationship with all men during adulthood. So in essence, Dahlia may have had an abusive or negligent family with her father before he got remarried to Valerie's mother.

The tragic side of how this comes to be is that he married out of the chance that he'll inherit the Kurain family traditions but we know that only females can do so, not males. So after Misty inherited the title, he divorces or even leaves her because of the lack of material security. If I had to guess between that time to the time where Dahlia masterminds her plan, I have to say that the father would have been very depressant and as well as abusive to Dahlia. There is also another side where it'll been very stressful as he is a single parent and having a daughter does complicate a lot of things.

I don't know if we'll ever know if the creators intend on presenting that view but that was how I view it when I played it again...

Rush
Prompt: Adrenaline

As the door to the roller coaster car was closed, Phoenix took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. He knew he shouldn't have been so nervous considering he had just been on this ride with his daughter, but he had never been fond of roller coasters. Heights had always scared him and adding speed to that only made things worse. Despite that, here he was again, but this time he was accompanied by a different person.

Turning to his companion, he laid his hand on top of her own and smiled at her. “Are you ready for this, Iris?”

After a moment of hesitation, Iris nodded and smiled shyly, her face a little whiter then it had been at the start of this. “Yes, Feenie. This should be fun. I... I've never been on a roller coaster before this.”

Concerned by her reaction, Phoenix squeezed her hand gently. “... Are you sure you want to do this? You don't have to, Iris. I can signal the attendant and we can get off if you'd prefer.”

Even as he was making the offer, Iris started shaking her head. “Everyone seems to have so much fun on this ride. Besides, Trucy would be disappointed if I backed out now.”

Phoenix nodded, knowing that this might well be true. Once he and Trucy had gotten off the ride, his daughter had insisted that he and Iris also go on the roller coaster together. Considering how excited Trucy had gotten when they had agreed to her suggestion, he couldn't help but wonder if, on some level, she was trying to further his and Iris's developing relationship. “Still, I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to do and neither does Trucy. She only wants what's best for you and she'll understand if we explain the situation.”

Smiling shyly at him, Iris blushed a bit as she spoke. “I think this'll be fun... especially if I'm with you.”

Phoenix could feel his own face redden at Iris's words, a rush of excitement running through him as she rested her head against his shoulder. Falling silent, Phoenix tried to quell his own fears quickly, determined to go through with this for Iris's sake. If she wanted to do this, then he wanted to be there with her.

Noticing Phoenix's own hesitation, Iris asked, “You want to do this too, right?”

“Of course,” Phoenix responded quickly, forcing a strained smile as he turned his head to face her. As he stared deeply into her beautiful eyes, Phoenix found himself smiling more broadly, no longer needing to force it. The unease he'd been feeling fled as he answered whole-heartedly, “Anything for you, Rissy.”

The roller coaster began to move after he said those words and as they reached the top of the first drop, Iris wrapped her arms around him tightly. As the roller coaster started down and Phoenix felt Iris pull herself even closer to him while laughing happily, a pleasant rush of adrenaline ran through him that had nothing to do with the ride.

Cure
Prompt: Addiction

As Phoenix and Iris exited Trucy's bedroom, having just finished getting the eleven year old girl into bed, Iris smiled at Phoenix, just happy to be standing there with the man of her dreams by her side and the little girl that she had come to think of as her own daughter sleeping just a short distance away. Softly closing the door behind them, she sighed contently.

Taking a step behind her, Phoenix slid his arms around her waste and kissed her neck tenderly. “So Mommy, what do you want to do now that our daughter is finally asleep?”

Iris giggled softly at the feel of his lips against her neck, blushing lightly at his touch. Pulling away from him for a moment, Iris put one finger to her lips and said, “Not here. We might wake Trucy.” Taking his hand gently, Iris led him down the hallway to the apartment's family room. Releasing his hand, she walked over to the couch and sat down, expecting him to follow, only to be surprised when he chose to go into the kitchen instead. Confused, Iris shot him a quizzical look and asked, “Feenie, where are you going?”

Hearing her question, Phoenix turned to meet her gaze for a moment as he opened the refrigerator. “I'll be right there, Rissy. I just want to get a bottle of grape juice before sitting down.” After saying this, he resumed his search.

Groaning softly, Iris got up off the couch and walked into the kitchen. “You're clearly addicted to the stuff. It isn't healthy.”

“There is nothing wrong with grape juice. It is a fine drink,” Phoenix responded, his voice muffled by the refrigerator as he leaned further inside to search the back of the container.

“If I can taste it on your lips when we kiss, it's too much,” Iris countered, her hands on her hips. “Please come out of there, so we can actually talk.”

Sighing, Phoenix did as he was told. “Sure. We appear to be out of grape juice anyway,” he said with a clear ring of disappoint in his voice as he closed the door. Turning back to her, he smiled weakly. “I'm sorry, Rissy. Where were we?”

Taking a step forward, Iris tilted her head up and caught his lips in a long, tender kiss. When they finally parted, Iris smiled at him coyly, blushing a bit. “Better then grape juice?”

Unable to resist a short laugh, he responded, “Much. You know, I think you've found the perfect cure for my grape juice addiction.” As he wrapped his arms around her gently and pulled her close, he leaned near her ear and whispered, “Because when I'm with you, I don't need anything else.”

It never occurred to her until now.

Iris loved wearing her hair in that braided style too much. The same style as her sister's. No, it wasn't a twin thing; she hadn't even started pinning her hair up that way up until her reunion with Dahlia and her first meeting with Phoenix. Since then, she continued to keep her hair looking that way. Why? What for? For her sister? For Feenie?

...Maybe even for herself.

It made her obsessed, was her idea. Obsession, addiction...to understand who she really was, what place she had in the world. But Iris felt just the slightest bit guilty. She wasn't naive; she knew that her appearance betrayed Phoenix's feelings whenever he looked at her. And she was sure that it wasn't Sister Iris that he could easily see. Maybe she was just a terrible person, to have her hair done up this way in front of him. Her hair...the only thing in the world that she had left to remind her of her dear sister. To think she had to choose between two people she loved...

"Time to let go of the past."

Phoenix whispered one night to her, as he wrapped his arms around her small frame, shielding her from the cold as they stood by the window. His words caught Iris's attention, and unbidden, asked, "Why?"

He gave her that look; a classic Phoenix look that she had a hundred reasons to love, his face full of nothing but understanding and contentment. "That was then. This is now."

Iris stared at him for a long while, before breaking out into a smile that Phoenix himself fell in love with so long ago.

And that was his addiction.

___________________________________________

She found herself standing near the entrance to the Bridge, the Bridge that'd made such a difference in her life. She stood there, black hair rustling softly in the wind, staring out without seeing anything.

The "How"s and "When"s of the situation don't matter right now; "How" she got to the Bridge seems trivial and unimportant. Something about a taxi, about lying to Phoenix, about saying something useless...That she was buying groceries, perhaps? Something unimportant, anyway.

What's important, now, is that she's here, again, at thie Bridge.

She can't stop staring at the Eagle River below her. The rushing current...It carried away and nearly killed the two most important people in her life:

Phoenix Wright, of course, and Dahlia Hawthorne.

Iris finally gave into her feet's angry moans of pain and sat down near the entrance of the Bridge, letting her feet dangle softly over its edge. She still can't stop staring at it, wondering how in the world one piece of simple architecture could make such an impact in one's life.

She'd been fourteen, originally, when her sister had proposed the Plan. She'd been sitting, idly passing time at Hazakurain Temple, when Dahlia had casually stopped by, walking in, a total stranger, acting like she'd owned the Temple itself.

* * * * *

Iris ran up to Dahlia, her fourteen-year-old arms opened wide for a hug. "Dahlia!" She'd said, looking at her sister in surprise. "It's great to see you, again."

Dahlia had said nothing, done nothing. She let Iris hug her, but it was a stiff, awkward hug. There was something obviously more important than the cookies Iris was about to offer her sister.

"Iris," Dahlia had said, her fourteen-year-old voice slightly business-like, but still with some degree of warmth. "We need to talk."

Iris paused, slightly surprised. Visits from her sister were a rare thing, indeed--their father did not support their quasi-meetings. Before, Dahlia had only come once a month, or so, though more and more often as their years of separation grew.

"Of course," Iris said to her sister, bringing Dahlia out of the cold air into her heated bedroom. She sat on her bed, legs crossed, waiting for her sister to talk.

Dahlia, however, remained standing, stiffly staring down at Iris. "I have a plan," were her first words, and the next thousand were about said Plan. Iris listened, nodding, not taking in much--something about a diamond, and their father, and a man named Terry Fawles.

"I don't understand," she said, looking at her sister, puzzled. "Why are you telling me this, Dahlia?"

"Because," her sister had replied, looking a bit impatient. "I'm running away from home, with two million dollars." She'd paused here, looking a bit embarassed. "And I'll need your help."

Iris nodded, eagerly, earnestly. These begs for help were so rare from her sister, Iris was more than willing to do whatever it took for her sister, and said as much.

Dahlia's face broke into a genuine grin. "Wonderful," she said, smiling. "I'll need you to meet me at the base of the Eagle River, then. I'll need you to help me out, and have a spare change of clothes, and the like."

Dahlia had paused here, too. "Oh," she added, almost as an after-thought. "And I'd bring a backpack of clothes, or something, for you, too."

"Me?" Iris had asked. "Why me, Dahlia?"

"Because," Dahlia had said, walking over to the bed. She'd sat down and mirrored her sister's leg-crossing style. "You're coming with me."

Dahlia laced their two hands together, her smile growing wider yet. "I'm running away from home...and we're going together."

* * * * *

She hadn't gone, of course. She'd been in her room the entire time, her fingers still tingling at her sister's touch. She'd been too afraid to leave Sister Bikini, too afraid she'd be lost in the real world, even with her sister's guidance.

Iris looked out at the bridge, trying to imagine her sister's thoughts before jumping off. Dahlia had probably felt safe, Iris decided. She'd probably felt secure, knowing that her sister--Iris herself--would be at the end of the tunnel, waiting for Dahlia to show up so that the two Hawthorne sisters could be, at last, reuinted.

What a surprise it must've been, Iris thought bitterly. Dahlia had probably stepped out of the river, soaking wet, terrified, and now, all alone.

Iris had been a terrified failure, then, too afraid to leave the bubble that was the Temple. Her sin was that she'd left her sister; she'd abandoned Dahlia when her sister had needed her the most. Dahlia had done everything for Iris, and Iris couldn't even show up to bring her a change of clothes and run off, together. She was such a--

"Hello, Iris." A warm hand on her shoulder startled Iris out of her daydream. She turned around, then smiled, softly.

"Feenie," she said, a warm sense of relief flooding her body. "What are you doing here?"

Phoenix Wright smiled, and helped Iris to her feet. "No one can buy groceries for that long, 'Rissy. I figured you'd be here."

She nodded sadly, softly, still staring at the Bridge. "It's an addiction," she said, her words only part in jest.

"You're addicted to the past, Iris." His words were simple, quiet, but firm.

She nodded again, still seemingly unable to talk.

"What's the matter with the present? The future?" He pulled Iris towards him, taking his hand in hers, his voice filling with concern. "Our future?"

She looked up at Phoenix, sensing his need to be reassured, that nothing was wrong, again. She'd been good at reading people and their needs, and catering to them.

"Nothing's the matter, Feenie," she'd lied, quietly, giving Phoenix a half-smile. "This bridge is of importance to me, of course, but not as much as you."

Her Phoenix had let out a long laugh, eager not to press deeper into Iris's lie. "Phew," he said, grinning. "For a moment, there, I was afraid I'd have to compete with a bridge for your affection."

She'd smiled, again, the guilt mounting, but hiding it with a smile. "Of course not."

Phoenix took his arms and wrapped them softly around Iris's waist. He pulled her towards him so the two were leaning, her back against his chest, staring out at the Bridge. The two stood there for a while, saying nothing, his head peaceful and calm, and her head still filled with shame and guilt, now growing with her lies.

He leaned softly into her, his mouth whispering in her ear. "Do you want to leave, now? I think we can stop for lunch, if you'd like."

Iris nodded, needing a distraction from this Bridge. "Let's leave, then."

The two walked, hand in hand, back to where the taxi Phoenix had taken was still running. As she left, Iris took one last look at the Bridge, her free hand reaching into her pocket and looking for the item inside.

The Necklace. Dahlia's necklace. She kept it in her pocket constantly, now, waiting for the right moment to throw it over the edge of the Bridge. She'd been waiting until she was rid of Dahlia's spirit, until she could finally be her own person, instead of simply her sister's shadow.

As Iris climbed into the taxi after Phoenix, she chattered miscellaneously, not listening to what she was saying, the Necklace still held firmly in her pocket.

She knew, therefore, that she'd be back at the Bridge, torturing herself with memories of a long-distant past.

It was an addiction, after all.

Silent night

Category: Chemistry

A stillness. The slightly chilly air. The stars softly simmering against the velvet black of the sky. This was why Phoenix loved walks in the night. But nothing can compare to the woman standing to his right. Her soft steps was a stark contrast to the harsh but manlier steps. 'How long has it been since we last stepped out like this.' Given his responsibility with Trucy, he couldn't do walks as often as he could but she didn't mind not the least. His mind slowly wandered back to the past.

- The past -
Phoenix sighed as he walked towards the convenience store. After all, no student can survive without the 'bloody effects'. Namely instant noodles and bottles of various caffeinate drinks. Skidding round to the corner, Phoenix looked at the various drinks and wondered what would be best for him. Of course, being Phoenix isn't easy so he promptly chose all the drinks and paid for them. Anyone who did decent Chemistry would tell otherwise.

With a swish, the slider doors opened into the slightly chilly night. He made his way into the night as he stared at the stars above. 'I want to be like them. To shine so bright that no one will be alone.' His lack of attention managed to make him bumble into another person and taking her down with him.

"I'm sorry....Dollie?" Iris looked at her Fennie's eyes. Those puppy dog eyes and his long eye lashes were a stark contrast to his sharp face. She also noted his handsome features and the like. Subconsciously, she knew what was waiting her or him but she ignored that fact and let herself lie to her just this once.

"Hello, Fennie. Um, would you mind getting off?" Phoenix looked at his predicament before jumping off in complete shock. His reaction was too priceless to Iris as she began to laugh at it. Phoenix gave a lopsided smile before joining in the addictive laughing.

"Well, Feenie. I'll see you tomorrow." As she turned to leave, Phoenix felt his body moving. He didn't know why but he felt it was right. He didn't care of the consequences but he was prepared that his girl was there and she wanted something of him.

Iris felt Phoenix's arms wrapped around her lilith waist. Her surprise gave to shock before she wrapped her arms around his as if savouring this moment. Time just stood still as the two lovers just basked in the quietness of the moment.

- The present -
Phoenix opened his eyes to find himself doing the same thing as he did back then even down to the same hold he did. Iris was slightly surprised as it was a long time since he held her like this. With that, she giggled from it.

"What?" She looked into his confused face but his eyes was different though.

"It's funny as the last time we did this, we had to lie to one another. I lied about myself, you lied about your course." Phoenix had to blush with that. It's adorable when he blushes, Iris mused. With that, she let herself fall into the same serene happiness in enjoying the hug. Phoenix looked at the stars and felt as if maybe it was fate. But he shrugged it off as he'll never get to do this again with Trucy round. The silence was starting to make Iris worry given he was starting to be a bit fidgety.

"What is it, Feenie?" Phoenix looked into her gentle face before gathering his thoughts together.

"Would you like to stay over at my place tonight?" Her face just grew softer as she buried her face into his sweater. He felt her nod through the fabric. He smiled as he managed to screw the question he so wanted to ask back then. But now, he felt it was right to ask it now.

The two just stood there as the skies silently observed the two lovers that managed to take one great step together in their chemistry together.

Reevaluation
Prompt: Chemistry

Nibbling on the end of her pencil, Iris reread the question on the paper in front of her yet again only to find herself no closer to understanding it then she had been a moment ago. Sighing heavily, she sat back in her chair and closed her eyes, her frustration building.

Iris's eyes flew open at the sound of the front door opening. Standing quickly, she walked to the door to great the newcomer, dressed in a heavy sweats with black spiky hair, her frustrating fleeing as she saw him standing in the doorway. “Feenie!” she cried, throwing her arms around his neck as she stretched up to kiss his lips. “I'm so happy you're home.”

Phoenix smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waste and pulled her closer. After gently kissing her lips again, he responded, “I'm thrilled to see you too, Iris. I missed you.”

As Phoenix moved a few loose strands of her long black hair away from her lovely face, his hand brushed against Iris's face causing her cheeks to flush as a pleasant warmth spread through her. As they stood there in each other's arms, both of them could feel the sparks flying between them and were momentarily stunned by the power of this shared chemistry.

Phoenix was the first to break the silence that had fallen over them after giving her one last kiss. Glancing around the apartment, he gave Iris a quizzical look and asked, “So, how was Trucy tonight? I hope she wasn't too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all,” Iris answered happily. “You know I love taking care of her. We had a lot of fun earlier and she went to bed pretty easily after I read her a few books.”

Phoenix perked up again at hearing this news. His daughter could often be very difficult, but she and Iris had really hit it off right at the beginning which had made things quite a bit easier. “You really are wonderful with her. I can never thank you enough for watching her for me when I go to work. This way I can do my job without having to worry about her.”

“It's no problem at all,” Iris responding, forcing herself to smile despite the unease she felt at the mention of Phoenix's line of work. Although in her heart she had trouble dealing with the fact that Phoenix made a living through poker, she did understand that it was for the best and had managed to accept his decision even if she couldn't quite bring herself to like it. Falling silent, Iris carefully approached the other issue that had been bothering her. “I thought you might want to know that Trucy was upset tonight. You... promised to be back in time for her bedtime...” Iris's voice trailed off as her eyes darted to the ground.

Placing his fingers on the bottom of her chin, Phoenix gently lifted her head so that he could look into her dark, hauntingly beautiful eyes. He felt a wave of sadness when Iris continued to divert her gaze. “I'm sorry, Iris. I really am and I'll be more careful in the future. I'll have to remember to talk to Trucy tomorrow as well, so that I can make sure that she's okay.”

After hesitating for a moment as she considered his words, Iris finally returned his steady gaze with one of her own. “Really?” she whispered, recalling the difficult period that had followed when Phoenix had first lost his badge. For several months, he became more and more distant until finally Iris had confronted him about his behavior, no longer able to take the pain that his attitude had caused for both herself and Trucy. After realizing his mistake, Phoenix had apologized vehemently and promised never to shut either of them out again. “I thought maybe...”

“Iris,” Phoenix interrupted softly, but with a surprising amount of force. As if reading her mind, he continued, “I haven't forgotten my promise. This was a last minute thing. A customer came in not long before I was supposed to leave and wanted a match. Since he had already cleared it with the club owner and had paid up front, I had to go through with the match. I got out of there as soon as I could.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Iris's face brightened and a genuine smile crossed her face. Taking his hand, she pulled him into the kitchen. “You must be starved. I saved some food from dinner for you. It'll just take a moment to warm.” Releasing his hand, Iris walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out the leftovers to start unwrapping them.

“Nonsense. I can manage to warm up my own food,” Phoenix said with a laugh, walking over to the counter where the food sat. “Go sit down. Is there anything you need?”

“No, Feenie,” Iris responded. Glancing over at him, she asked, “Are you sure that you don't want me to do it? I really don't mind.”

“I'm sure. Go sit down,” Phoenix said firmly. As Iris went to sit down, he asked, “So what have you been up to since Trucy went to sleep. Anything exciting?”

Her eyes darting in the direction of where her books were sitting, Iris shook her head. “Nothing really. I've been trying to get some my homework done.”

“Oh really?” Phoenix asked, coming to sit down with her after he set the leftovers in the microwave and activated it. “Which class?” It had actually been at Phoenix's suggestion that she had returned to school and he had been very supportive of her studying all along.

“Chemistry,” Iris answered, making a face as she said it. “Probably my least favorite subject. I have absolutely no interest in it.”

Chuckling softly, Phoenix reached over and gave Iris's hand a reassuring squeeze. “I was never much good at Chemistry either. Why don't you go get your books? We can try to struggle through it together.”

Glancing over at him, she asked, “You don't mind?”

“Of course I don't.”

After quickly hurrying to get her books, Iris laid them across the kitchen table while Phoenix started eating. After glancing over the questions and backtracking a bit in the book to refresh his memory on few forgotten points, he picked up the pencil Iris had brought with her. “I'll warn you ahead of time that I was an art student for a reason. I've never been much good at Chemistry, but everyone has to learn the basics to get through school and I do seem to remember some of this.”

“I understand,” Iris responded, smiling as she moved her chair next to him so that she could see better. “Thank you so much for helping me.”

“It's no problem at all, Rissy,” he smiled, kissing her cheek lightly which caused Iris to blush happily.

After a little more then an hour had passed, the pair had finally finished up the last problem. Sitting back with a sigh, Phoenix massaged his temples. “Well, that took us longer then I thought it would. My head hurts a bit.”

Glancing at Phoenix worriedly, Iris covered her mouth lightly. “I'm sorry, Feenie. I shouldn't have mentioned anything...”

“I'm glad you mentioned it,” Phoenix interrupted her. “You're always there for me when I need you and I'm happy to have the had the opportunity to help you. I love you, Rissy. That's a fact. If something is wrong, I want to be there to help.”

At a loss of words, Iris leaned over and kissed him deeply. As Phoenix took her hand and led her into the bedroom, Iris felt a pleasant tingle run through her chest and she found herself smiling as she reconsidered her opinion of chemistry. Perhaps there was more to it then she had assumed.

There was something Iris remembered Sister Bikini telling her that both frightened her and amazed her. About Death, and what it could do to people when their time came.

"We're recycled, you know?" Bikini had chuckled at the expense of seeing little Iris's large dark eyes grow wide at her words. "Our bodies are our own, but what make them up isn't ours. No, we borrow these particles called atoms from the earth in order to live. And when we die, we return them to the soil from whence they came."

"Th...that's all?" she had asked meekly, staring at the snow-covered ground underneath her snowshoes.

Bikini pondered for a little bit with eyes to the sky, dark clouds spread out and covering the earth with a white blanket of snow.

"Well...if you're lucky, some of your particles could reach up aboveground after your burial. And with the wind, they'd fly. Fly anywhere it takes them. If your particles hit a tree, they'll merge with the tree. Touch a squirrel, a bird, or a chipmunk, and your particles will merge with them as well."

The head nun had talked about this so much like she was braced to accept that this really was her fate to come in a few decades ahead of her time. Iris on the other hand, was far from settled about the idea of herself being torn apart by Death in that manner, and she furrowed her brows worriedly.

"My particles going wherever?" she repeated to herself.

Iris remembered that day like it was yesterday. Just a little girl of no more than ten years, and Bikini had to go tell her such a thing. But wisdom grew with her, maturity ripening her mind as it opened up itself to the world and its possibilities. And as she looked back on that particular memory, a thoughtful and rather hopeful emotion overcame her.

Sister...Feenie...

If everyone died and returned their particles to Mother Earth, then surely...their particles merge together too. Everyone gathered on the same tree or animal, or floating helplessly with the wind that bore them. Such was life. And so it would be. Which is what she could be happy with. If it meant her particles would join the particles of two of her most precious loved ones, then nothing could be more beautiful than that.

Together forever...riding on the same wind...

Wings of Freedom

Topic: Adrenaline

The harsh panting was just a sign of things, which Phoenix had to be honest, that wasn't going so well. The wooden barrier was all that was to protect him from them and it was getting hard enough. The cries of those hit and those fighting on was too much. With that, he felt his adrenaline running to almost Rambo levels before he sprinted for it. They kept coming until he felt something hitting his shoulder.

"Damn." With that, he signalled that he was hit.

"Darn, Daddy got hit. And I was hoping he would be the last one out. Mommy, that was a good shot!" Trucy waved at Iris who waved back as she stood up from behind her barrier. In the 'dead' area, Ema was practically strangling Klavier for that low hit on her...ahem. Phoenix wasn't surprised given how much Ema wanted to bop him senseless in the various court cases where she was on stage. Apollo and Trucy was looking after Vera after she got her hair stuck in the mask. It took quite a lot of patience on both of their behalf but it paid off. Vera was less likely to panic whenever Apollo was around. Almost like a blankie for a child, Phoenix mused.

It was hard to convince Iris that Trucy was his foster daughter but the years were kind given the enthusiasm of Trucy and as well as the gentleness of Iris. Eventually, Trucy asked Iris to become her mother indefinitely. Iris couldn't say no to that face.

Iris pulled off her mask as she breathed in the fresh air before gracefully sitting back down on the bench. The last match was pretty intense with almost everyone shooting from the word 'Go'. The field wasn't very large but it was practically the slaughter field given the small size. Herself, Ema, Apollo and Vera were on one team whilst Feenie, Klavier and Trucy were on the other team. Ema went down with a shot to her groin from Klavier which netted him a close range shot to his back from the steaming detective in return. Vera managed to get both Trucy and Apollo during their charge to the flag but fainted straight after when she got painted by both and Phoenix.

"Iris, you alright?" That broke her out of her reverie. She turned to Feenie who was slightly worried that the rough and tumble of paintball wouldn't be suitable for her.

"I'm alright, Feenie. Besides, it was rather funny that I got you by chance." She pointed at the bright blue mark on his shoulder. Phoenix laughed it off.

"Ahaha, a lucky shot. Besides, I would have preferred to be hit by you." With that, he leant towards her. Iris slowly felt his soft lips on hers. The warmth from his lips was all that she needed to stop her from shaking in that adrenaline rush. Those dark but gentle eyes were so easily to get lost in. Iris was just admiring his gentle face and even after all the trials and tribulations of the past few years, he hasn't lost his gentle streak.

"OOOIIIII, DADDY! MOMMY!" Both of them jumped at the loud outburst. Looking around, they saw that the group was already moving onto the next field. Trucy waved at the two of them "Come on Daddy. You can kiss mommy later." With a darkening blush on both of their faces, Phoenix looked at Iris who was smiling gently at him. Grasping her hand with his, he began to lead them both out of the field.

Prompt: Music

Angel of Song

Twelve Years Ago...

"Dollie, why don't you sing more often?" Nick asked with pleading eyes. Iris shied away from his gaze. She had sang to him a song she had created in her mind in the privacy of her own room. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and the couple decided that it would be a perfect opportunity to have a picnic on the park that was near the campus.
"I-I'm not very good at singing," Iris replied quietly. Nick rolled his eyes, a little more dramatically than was necessary.
"Not good!? You sound like an angel, Dollie. If only I could hear your voice for the rest of my life... I would never be unhappy again..." Phoenix said, slightly dreamily. Suddenly he snapped out of his daydream. "Uh, not that I'm unhappy when I'm with you, Dollie! Your presence... always makes me happy!" Iris giggled a little. Her Feenie was always a little clumsy. But he was also always so... cute. "Please sing it again for me, Dollie!" Nick pleaded. Iris playfully tried to look away, but couldn't say no to those eyes. She took a deep breath and quietly sang again.

"When fires sweep across the plains
And oceans drown every stone
Even if we are kept in chains
And the harsh truth is finally shown"

"If deception barges through your door
Leaving a sudden gift or curse
We'll find our wings to make us soar
We'll stay as one; for better or for worse"

~*~*~*~

Present day

Phoenix felt absolutely swamped. He had a young daughter to raise, he lost his badge, and he didn't exactly have a steady income. He was lucky to get money by his poker prowess, but unfortunately, it wasn't the "cleanest" money in the world. He felt like he was going to drown in his problems; he needed a rope to help him reach the sunlight again.

"Feenie? Is something wrong?" Iris asked, her face showing great concern. It was evening; Trucy had gone to bed just a little bit ago and the couple had sat down on the couch, a word not spoken between them. Phoenix was glad for Iris's help; she was currently working at a daycare by mornings and went to classes for nursing in the afternoon only a couple of days during the week. The rest of the days, she was able to help her dear Feenie by almost acting like a second mother to Trucy: she made sure Trucy had food and supplies for school and had her homework done. Trucy even decided to call her "Mommy", even though Iris and Phoenix weren't officially married yet; Nick wouldn't be able to pay for the wedding and his inner demons had to be relinquished before such a big event could occur.

Phoenix shrugged to her question. "I'm... just stressed," he admitted. Iris narrowed her eyes.
"Would you like to tell me about them?" she asked, an undertone of begging implied in her voice.
"It's just the same old thing... Trucy... Work... Money... Poker..." Phoenix listed off his concerns. Iris put her hand on his shoulder comfortingly.
"I want to help you, Feenie... but I need to know how..." she pleaded. Phoenix refused to share her gaze and looked away.
"I don't want to burden you, Iris. You already have so much to do... I'm very thankful of all you've done for me and Trucy... but I know school is hard and so is the daycare center and Trucy can be a little monster sometimes, but I don't—" Iris put her finger to Feenie's lips to quiet him. He finally turned to look at her in the eyes. He didn't realize how concerned she looked up till now.

"Would I be right in saying that your problems aren't necessarily rooted in the worldly issues you're facing? That it's something a little deeper?" Iris asked. Phoenix avoided her gaze again.
"What... do you mean?" he asked with slight confusion.
"You know how a song may be talking about issues with the world, but in reality it's actually trying to convey a deeper meaning? A deeper truth? That's what I mean," Iris explained, stroking Feenie's cheek. Phoenix sighed.
"...Yes." Iris removed her hands from Nick's face and shoulder and sat alone on the couch.
"Are you going to... elaborate?" she asked meekly. Phoenix looked at her.
"I'm not sure I could make you understand," he mumbled. Iris went closer to him again and tapped his shoulder.
"Try."

Phoenix thought for a moment.
"I've... I've just lost hope, I suppose. You and Trucy offer me great joy, I can't deny that... but I feel like my life has been just one problem after another, with no end, and with no hope left. I feel like I'm in a ditch... and I need something to dig me out. But yet... I'm too weak to dig myself out," Phoenix explained. Iris nodded, listening every word with great earnest. "I just don't know what to do..." he trailed. Iris suddenly stood up and left the couch for a moment. Phoenix felt a pain—he thought for a moment that Iris would leave him in this ditch for eternity. Suddenly, however...

"When fires sweep across the plains..."

Th-that song! I remember when she sang that to me...
That line... it reminds me of when that bridge burned at the temple and I went across it...

"And oceans drown every stone..."

...and I fell into Eagle River and got that cold...

"Even if we are kept in chains..."

Iris was arrested for the murder of Misty. I couldn't help her for one day because of that cold!

"And the harsh truth is finally shown..."

When she told me that it was her actually who was Dahlia...

"If deception barges through your door..."

Kristoph planted that fake evidence on me and I was forced to use it... I lost my badge because of that...

"Leaving a sudden gift or curse..."

Hah! I suppose Trucy and the Wright Talent Agency falls under that...

"We'll find our wings to make us soar
We'll stay as one; for better or for worse"

Iris was behind Phoenix and gently put her hands next to his face and shoulders, gently stroking as she sang. Nick had tears welled up in his eyes. After she ended, Iris gently kissed her Feenie on the head. Suddenly, however, Nick turned around and grabbed Iris, taking her down onto the couch. He grinned, the tears still in his eyes.

"It seems my angel has come to save me," Nick said as Iris diligently wiped his tears away. They shared a kiss, as sweet as the subtle music that passed between them.

He wasn't ready for this.

No. He really wasn't. In fact, Phoenix Wright would rather be anywhere right now than in this courtroom. Talk about humiliating. And he didn't understand how it happened. How it could've come to this!

"Court is now in session for the trial of Sister Iris of Hazakurain Temple!" a surprisingly furious Judge thundered, frightening a few(including both defendant and defense attorney). "Accusation: inappropriate conduct pertaining to sexual activity committed in my very own private room!!!!!"

Topic: Crank

The sounds of the car chase followed by the imminent sounds of something crashing against something hard echoed from the TV. It was rather odd, Phoenix noted. Not long ago, this would have been considered rather violent but Trucy and Apollo wasn't even blinking at the carnage and destruction of it. Trucy had invited Apollo over as she was rather sick of beating her daddy at the game. But given how things went, he wasn't surprised that Apollo hadn't gotten the hang of it even after 6 previous rounds. A soft feeling of something heavy on his shoulder cause him to divert his attention. Looking down, he saw Iris resting her head against his shoulder. He wasn't surprised given how much of a hassle Trucy was given her enthusiasm, even with Apollo around to help her.

"YES!" Both of them looked towards the TV where Trucy was pumping her fist into the air whilst Apollo just looked on glumly. After all, he was soundly beaten with a score of 10-0 for the past 7 games now. Iris shifted in her seat as the console shifted back to the main menu. Looking at the clock, she clapped her hands together.

"Trucy, it's time for bed and for Apollo to go back home."

"But Mommy, can't Apollo stay here?" Iris looked at Phoenix who shrugged. But Apollo beat them to the punch.

"Sorry Trucy. I have my own place so I'd better get back there. Besides, I doubt you want to here the Chords of Snoring..." With that, everyone just went quiet, so quiet you can hear the pin drop. With that, Phoenix recovered first.

"Err. Well, I'd better show you to the door." With that, both of them left leaving just the girls behind. Iris gently got up and tapped Trucy on the shoulder.

"Come on Trucy. Time for bed."

"But..." With that, Trucy got up and headed to the bathroom. Iris looked at her retreating back before she felt his arms encircle her waist. His stubble was itching her neck but she ignored it for the sheer pleasure of having Phoenix hold her. She slowly rocked on the balls of her feet with Phoenix doing the same. A presence interrupted the moment as they both looked at Trucy who was wearing her light blue pyjamas. Unlinking his arms, Phoenix watched Iris take Trucy to bed. Of course, Trucy kept asking Iris to come with them to Eldoon's noodle stand.

Sighing, Phoenix made his way to the stack of DVDs that he hadn't gotten round of watching. One movie caught his eye which was 'Crank'. Shrugging, he popped the DVD in and began to watch. He didn't mind the various mindless acts of violence on the screen.

"Feenie, what are you watching?" Iris came over and gracefully sat down on the couch. Phoenix wrapped his arm around her shoulder as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Just a movie I hadn't watched. I have to return some of these back to Apollo soon."

The movie kept going until it got to that scene. Both Phoenix and Iris just stared and blushed heavily at the scene in front of them. (If you're not sure what I'm talking about, look it up on Wikipedia or imdb.com. Hey, I'm looking after the kids here!) As the credits came up, both were still rooted in their positions. Phoenix looked at Iris who was blushing so hard that she was considered a tomato. Looking down, he made a mental note not to borrow DVDs of the like again. But something about it just fed that desire.

"Iris." She looked at him as he gently came in close and kissed gently on the lips.

"Feenie..." In keeping the contact, Phoenix gently lowered Iris onto the couch. Those eyes held a mixture of emotions from unyielding desire down to absolute confusion. Reaching out with his hand, he gently stroked her cheeks. With that, she relaxed as Phoenix continued to kiss her neck. Iris never felt so excited by this. Maybe it was her own desires that she kept bottling up or because of what she saw on the movie that allow this to happen, she didn't know. All she knew was that it felt right. Her arms came up to encircle her lover's broad shoulders as he kept nibbling on her smooth skin. Phoenix just couldn't stop himself from going further. His hands slowly reached for Iris' buttons on her blouse.

"Daddy? Mommy?" Phoenix nearly smashed his head on the roof with Iris quickly sitting up, both shocked at the presence of the young voice. Trucy was sitting there, slightly sleepy.

"I...what is it, Trucy?" Trucy rubbed her eyes sleepily.

"I thought something was wrong as both of you were rather loud." After a bit of silence, both of them blushed scarlet from that comment.

"Err. It's nothing, Trucy. Go back to bed." Trucy nodded at her father before making her way back to her bed. Iris and Phoenix looked at each other before Iris giggled at the expression on her Feenie's face. Phoenix joined in the giggling before getting up.

"Feenie?"

"How about we continue this somewhere private?" Iris blushed at the meaning of it before letting him take her hand. With that, he lead them into the bedroom and firmly shutting the door behind them.

Tasting/Love

Topic: Addiction

He's holding all the cards, he thought. Maybe it's my chance to kick into high gear. With that, he threw down another chip onto the growing mound of chips in the centre of the table. The other man barely blinks before throwing the same amount onto the pile. Okay, the time of truth. The cards came out barely without a sound. His, just a pair. His opponent, a triple. Damn, that son of a gun. With that, he bows his head in defeat at the man before retrieving his coat and hat.

"Come to think of it, you weren't dealt a bad hand. It's just that you couldn't use it better." The man looks at him before considering his words.

"No, you played a better hand regardless of anything. Good night." With that, he left the room. Phoenix looked at the cards and chips on the table. Life is always a game of poker. You get the cards and you let chance guide you through everything. Even tonight without Trucy's help, he managed to get a narrow win given his luck. Sighing, he wondered if this was anyway closer in getting the truth out there.

"There you are." He turned round to see Iris framed by the door. She was always spectacularly beautiful given whatever she wore seemed to fit her rather well. The beige cache coeur hugged her figure rather well with the normal skinny jeans accentuating her slim legs. Her normal shoes just fit the package. Phoenix was totally lost in the sheer amount of beauty that was radiating from her.

"Feenie?" That broke her reverie as he smiled at her.

"Sorry about that, Iris. How's Trucy?"

"She keeps complaining that you're not home so I went out to find you here."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. It's just that the last game was rather long for the both of us." With that, Iris strode over from the door over to the table.

"Feenie, you shouldn't do this. If you keep going, you'll be addicted to this." Phoenix just looked down at the floor.

"I'm sorry, Iris. I do this so that I can obtain information or ..."

"Or what?" He looked into her concerned eyes. It was the same back then and he didn't want her to have those eyes ever again. He swore that as she was taken away back then...

"I'm sorry. I can't tell you." Iris ran her hand over the table.

"I understand, Feenie. There are some things that you can't tell me, even though we've been together..." The pangs of hurt just resounded in his heart. He heard her move away from the table towards the door. He sat there shocked a bit before reaching out and grabbing her arm. With a soft yank, he pulled her into his arms. Iris felt his arms encircle around her as if he was holding onto his life support. She relaxed in his arms as her arms came up and held his arms.

"I'm sorry for keeping these secrets from you, Iris. But I have to do this alone so that you nor Trucy have to suffer." Something was wetting her eyes as she wiped her fingers across. The tears felt strange and alone on her finger. She shook her head and turned round at Phoenix.

"Feenie, I'm a part of you as is Trucy. We're suffering as you do. So please, allow us to help you as you helped us when we're alone." Phoenix looked into her eyes and gently moved down to kiss her awaiting lips. Iris felt his lips on hers and she didn't want to argue about that. As they got lost in the moment, his hands came up and gently cupped her cheeks. Hers did the same thing with her hands framing his face. Breaking for air, Phoenix only became apparent of their location. Iris seemed to understand as she got off his lap. With that, he walked to the door, closed and locked it in one smooth motion. With that done, the two lovers continued on without any interruption.

Phoenix looked at Iris as she walked silent next to her. Maybe he didn't have to shoulder everything or hide what he had to do. After all, she was more than willing to help him regardless of anything. With that, he stopped. Iris turned and looked at him.

"Feenie?" Phoenix looked into her eyes and he walked up to her.

"Iris, would you want to stay with me forever?" She smiled as if she already knew the question and the answer she'll give. Leaning in for another kiss, Phoenix felt her answer then and there. With that, he felt something falling down. Looking up, the two saw the gentle falling of snow coming down. A fitting end to a fiery life of loneliness. With that, Phoenix took Iris' hand before the two continued on, forever knowing that they'll face any challenge together.