[Closed] The Merry Ace Attorney

[professorbestie]

Who: The Great Ace Attorney cast
Which: Closed log
Where: Mikotoba house
What: The Mikotobas invite Kazuma over for Christmas on the 25th, and all their friends from home on the 26th
Warnings: Nothing here but Christmas cheer!

[25th, closed to Kazuma]

[It's Christmas day in the Mikotoba household, and no such celebration would be complete without their adoptive family member. For that reason, presents have not yet been opened and instead lie ready in a corner of the living area, the wrapping paper almost beckoning the curious gaze. The decorations in the house are minimal in number, though Yujin did learn a thing or two from the most recent dreamscape about crafting a strong Christmas aesthetic with bare essentials. Food has already been prepared for the most part by Susato; roast duck and an apple spiced tea. It only requires those few easy finishing touches, but it's not dinner time yet!

At the moment, they're still waiting for Kazuma to arrive.]


[26th, Cast Party]

[For today, the Mikotobas made sure to invite everyone they know from home to spend Christmas at their home. They have to stick together! While those who hail from London may have their own traditions regarding Christmas, they'll just have to make do with what's been set up! Yujin dragged in a small tree, there's hot cocoa for everyone and dinner will be later. After that, perhaps some drinks of the alcoholic variety for the adults? (Which means everyone except Susato, sorry!) The choices are between apple cider or wine, because we all know Van Zieks has a problem.]

Comments

[discourtesies]

[Van Zieks simply lets out a brief hum to acknowledge the response. It's only to be expected Vigil would feel that way, after he spent so long lying to try to keep his family from suffering the shame of the truth. Not that he endorses such behavior, but he understands it.

... he doesn't understand where this next part is coming from, though. His eyes go to Vigil, curiosity barely detectable in his expression.]

Of what sort?

[buriedvigil]

[There's probably a lot to explain, especially since that apology probably came so suddenly for Barok, but he can't help think about his conversation with Miss Mikotoba and he doesn't want to leave this unaddressed. Vigil keeps his hand to his chest as he slowly sighs, mostly trying to gather his thoughts about what he wants to say to the prosecutor.]

I've recently learned that you dislike the title of 'Reaper'-- Reaper of the Bailey.

[Thinking upon it now, he's not sure anyone would actually enjoy such a name, but Lord van Zieks always appeared so imposing, it was difficult to consider otherwise at the time.]

And I've been addressing you as such for the past couple of months. [...] At the very least, only seeing you as that.

[discourtesies]

[Who told him that, Barok has to wonder. He certainly doesn't enjoy it, especially now that he has the truth of the matter in hand, but for how long it's been he mostly feels numb to hear the word. He wouldn't think to object to it, even if it managed to get past all that and sting again. For a few moments, he remains silent, his furrowed brow thoughtful as he considers his response.]

You could not have been expected to know. Rather than reject the title, I embraced it for its usefulness: to intimidate those who would commit crimes in our city.

[And indeed, he made it part of his identity. That's... going to take a while to unpack, huh.]

I endeavored to embody the spirit of that Reaper in the public eye. ... You owe me no apology for believing the performance.

[buriedvigil]

[While it's definitely true that he couldn't have possibly known such a thing, it still doesn't entirely set right with him. Offering an apology is the least he can do, even if Lord van Zieks wields no ill will towards him for that.]

Criminal activity has certainly lowered since you've taken the mantle of Reaper, but... such a thing shouldn't be forced upon you. It was nearly the only topic of discussion made when your name was mentioned.

[Although, thinking about some things, he wonders if Lord Stronghart is also responsible in some way. Miss Mikotoba has shown nothing but contempt for that man, which still stands sharply in his mind.]

...Of course, we all take sometimes difficult tasks for queen and country. [Being the former chief warder, he doesn't quite count that to be a pleasant job, even though it paid well.]

[discourtesies]

As you say.

[Though for Stronghart it was never so difficult, he imagines, however much work he may have put in. That man's ambition was the fuel for so much tragedy... how many had to suffer to suit his plans, van Zieks wonders.

He shakes his head.]

Though I appreciate your concern, Mr. Vigil, it is not needed. This is the path I have chosen, and I am aware of the consequences.