Archive of Our Own

My name is Phoenix Wright. Actually, that's only a pen name people call me. Ever since I was an infant, I was given the name Nicolas Douglas, but that name was only forged to protect me. I don't know how long I've known this. I guess all my life. Dad tells me that when I'm fifteen, I can choose whether I can take a name of my choice or take on my birth name.

Originally, I wanted to be called Phoenix Wright. I love creating plays and theatrical art. Though, lately, I've been thinking a lot about my life. The truth is, my life is nothing more than a theatrical play. I know non of it is real, but I guess I was always too scared to confront it. If I was to follow my dream to become Phoenix Wright, the Playwrighter, then I'd only believing in a theatrical play I made up myself to avoid my own reality.

The truth is...

my name...

is Nicolas De Killer.

APRIL 02, 11:37 AM
MAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
SCHOOL COURTYARD

I can't believe it's been five years since Miles, Larry and I became friends. We've become inseparable and always seen together in and out of school. Miles has become very popular ever since joining the Debate Club, Student Council and Track. Actually, I've heard from Miles that his father suggested that, since he had been talking to him about joining a sports team. He's not a sportsman type of guy, so he joined Track. Larry had been trying out for Football, Soccer, Swimming, Basketball and others in order to get a date, but failed in all of them. He finally settled for Ping-Pong with me. Though, that didn't earn him a date. I'm also in Drama Club and Art Club on top of Ping-Pong.

Middle School had made me feel like a fish-out-of-water. I barely know anyone here, outside of Larry and Miles. Though, it's alright. I only need those two. Larry can be trouble, but he has a good heart. Miles can be a stick-in-the-mud, but I know he cares about us. He kinda feels like the leader sometimes. He's always looking out for us.

We were having lunch, sitting at our usual spot at the picnic table that is between the fence that leads to the parking lot and the restrooms. Larry was attempting to find a date as usual. He's always trying. I admire his spirit. Miles doesn't seem to thrilled, but that is so like him. He's always been work oriented.

"Hey Miles, how's studying been going?" I asked. I know Miles has been busy with final exams coming next month.

Closing his text book, Miles replied, "I should be asking you and Larry that. I've been studying since last month."

"I know! It's like we never hang out anymore. You shouldn't be overworking yourself, you know."

"Tell me that when you get grades higher than a B average."

"Ouch. You know, you don't have to be so critical. I don't always get B's."

"My mistake. Three B's, one C and one A in PE, which is an insult that they should consider wearing gym clothes a grade."

"HEY! Mr. Grade A Student, you don't always get A's either. Didn't you get an F in- OUCH!!" I complained before feeling the bonk on the head from the textbook in Miles' hand.

"That was one time when someone stole my gym clothes! Honestly, who came up with the idea to grade PE based on wearing gym clothes?"

"Don't tell me you're still mad at Larry for that!"

"He refuses to apologize and continues to act like a catty bimbo."

"I HEARD THAT, YOU JERK! I'LL GET MORE DATES THAN YOU, YOU'LL SEE!!" Larry shouted from afar, while Miles rolled his eyes.

"I've never had a date. I just happened to get a ton of Valentines Day Cards in my locker and chocolates, and all of a sudden, I'm competition."

"Hahaha yeah, he's been pretty jealous of the cards I got too. I kinda feel bad for him. All he wants is a girlfriend," I said.

"A girlfriend to spend the rest of his life with or to shack up with?"

"... okay, good point," I responded, sighing. Larry really does have a good heart, but he... he can be a Johnny Bravo.

"Pffft," Larry responded, acting very sour and cranky.

"I'm going to take a wild guess and say that your attempts have failed miserably," Miles stated bluntly.

"SHADUP!" Larry shouted as Miles returned back to his book. "Seriously, how did you guys do it?"

"I-I don't know! I just know a lot of girls from Drama and Art Club! They like my plays and stuff, but that's all," I replied.

"Pfft, sure. That's what they all say," Larry grumbled with crossed arms.

"Grumbling about it is not going to give you a date and honestly, since when did getting a girlfriend become the utmost importance? Shouldn't you be more worried about graduating or studying for the Final Exams? It counts half of your overall grade," Miles asked pointedly.

"Relax, it's only a month away!"

"Yes, and this is why you can never get higher than a C, except in PE."

"SHADUP!"

"Will you guys please stop fighting? You've been acting grouchy lately. We hardly hang out anymore, outside of lunch," I said sadly.

"I've been busy, Nick. You should be studying too, you and Larry," Miles said as Larry humphed.

"You've been busy  since last month! And Larry, you've been acting like a jerk since Valentines Day! Why can't we just hang out like we did when we were kids? I mean... are girls and studying much more important than our friendship?"

Larry shot up with widened eyes, saying, " Nick..."

"It's not that, Nick. I'm just...ugh... of course you both are more important to me," Miles said, looking guilty and hurt after closing his textbook. I kinda feel bad for putting a guilt trip like that on him, but... I miss my friends.

I said nothing, sadly looking down at my food as we all stood quiet. I guess there's been a lot of tension between us lately. Puberty sucks and I've noticed that it's effecting Miles especially. Pops has been especially much more strict on him lately. He never grounds Miles, but he's been checking up on every book we're required to read in class. I still remember how livid he was when he found out English Class was making us read Lord of the Flies. (1)

"HEY!" Larry suddenly screamed out, startling both Miles and me.

"L-Larry, what in the-?" Miles asked, eyes widened.

"Listen, it's lunchtime and there's not as many teachers out  here today. Let's ditch school and take a bus downtown to Ocean Park. We can swim, eat hot dogs and hangout like old times," Larry whispered to us.

"Larry, are you trying to get us arrested or have you never heard of treason?" Miles asked rhetorically. 

"I KNOW WHAT TREES ARE!!" Larry shouted as Miles facepalmed.

"It's treason. It means we'll be arrested on the spot for leaving school," I corrected.

"Oh, wha- I KNEW THAT!"

"Sure you did," Miles said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Besides, the last time you and Nick skipped school, you both became suspects of crime."

"He's got a point," I said. I remember showing up in court with Larry five years ago. We snuck into the courthouse to give Miles chicken for Christmas. We ended up being witnesses of Miles' kidnapping. We gave Pops a lot of trouble that day. (2)

"Listen, we're not gonna be arrested. Just leave it to me," Larry promised as we both stared at him with a look, Miles shooting him a glare. "Co'mon guys! When have I ever failed you?"

"Should I list it in alphabetical order, by date or top 100?" Miles asked rhetorically.

"I'd go for top 100 just to shorten the list," I replied with a sarcastic smirk.

"Very funny, guys! Listen, I think our friendship is much more important than dumb school and if you agree, you'd come with me, right?" Larry asked.

Larry has a point. I don't want us to get in trouble, but I did bring it up. Maybe it'll be okay just this one time. I mean, it's not like we're committing any crimes or anything. I sighed, nodding before hearing a beep from Miles' phone. Larry and I turned towards Miles, who was on the phone. Wait, who is he calling and why now?

"Father, it's me. I'd like to go with Larry to Ocean Park, is that alright?" Miles asked as Larry's eyes widened with sweat pouring from his face. Oh dear. "Yes..." He placed the phone to his chest, then turned to Larry. "How long will we be gone?"

"Hm... I guess a few hours?" Larry replied.

"A few hours," Miles replied, then nodded his head. "Alright. Bye." He hung up. "Dick will be picking us up from school, so we can go in. The school office will be calling us there, once he arrives."

"Dude, why can't your dad be mine? I mean, to allow us to skip school?" Larry asked.

"That's because I have straight A's, unlike you blokes," Miles bragged smugly.

"Harsh," I muttered.

"He's also been worried about me too. Says I'm overworking myself."

"Well, you are!" I cried, showing my puffy face.

"You have been. Seriously, you need to get your nose out of the books once in a while and smell the flowers," Larry smirked with his hands on his hips.

"Would, but I'm allergic to the stink of the Butz," Miles stated.

"Dude, that's a low blow," Larry said sadly.

"You'll live."

12:05 PM
PARKING LOT
DICK GUMSHOE'S CAR

After we were called to the office, we met with Dick and he led us to the car. I'm glad that Miles called Pops when he did. It would have been a really bad idea to sneak out of school and I don't want to get in trouble again. Miles always knows how to keep us out of trouble. I don't know where we'd be if he wasn't around. Larry, though, seems to be too excited about not going to school. I can't say I blame him. Miles doesn't seem to care much, though.

The best part is that, since Dick is a police officer, the school officials allow him to take us out of school without question about our parents. Pops was smart to bring Dick and I know how much he loves to wear the uniform and drive in his own police car.

"You kids buckled in?" Dick asked.

"Yes!" I replied excitedly, buckling my seat belt.

"We're not kids, you know!" Larry cried out.

"You certainly yell like one," Miles responded, scratching his ear.

"I am not!" Larry shouted, giving Miles a foot to the head across from me before he used the hard-covered book in his hand to block it as if he expected the attack.

"You also act like one too."

"No fighting, please," I whined.

"You know, it's been a while since I've seen you three together. Is there a big test coming?" Dick asked.

"Final Exams," Miles replied.

"Ugh, I've always hated those. Teachers jumping down your throat and telling you to study, study, study. Not to mention the grade counts as half of your overall grade," Dick said.

"You're telling me! Edgey has been doing nothing, but gluing himself to the books and hitting me with them. Let me tell ya, they hurt," Larry complained.

"Only because you deserve it and you should be studying like the rest of us. All you've been studying are those with double X Chromosomes," Miles stated.

"Double X Cromo what?"

"If you had studied, you would know."

"Uh..."

"That's what you call a DNA code of a female, I think," Dick replied.

"Ah! But wait... HEY!" Larry asked Miles, glaring at him, who rolled his eyes.

"Guys," I muttered helplessly.

"You know, if you need any help with getting girls, I can give you a few pointers," Dick offered excitedly.

"You're not going to suggest he shack up a girl in one of your secret abandoned areas, are you?" Miles asked as Dick pouted.

"That was only five years ago, pal. You know, you were much cuter back then, now you're just Mr. Cranky Pants."

"HAHAHAHA! He is! He doesn't even play games anymore and the only shows he watches are Documentaries and- OW!" Larry laughed before getting hit by Miles' book. "You suck, you know."

"Keep driving, Officer," Miles said.

"Yes sir!" Dick replied, grinning apologetically.

I sighed quietly. Miles has been acting very cranky and moody lately. We used to play together  and laugh a lot. I hardly hear him laugh anymore and Larry is now all about girls, girls, girls. It's like we don't even matter anymore. The worst part is that I'm not going to be here for very much longer. Pat Roland is supposed to be filing the paperwork to adopt me in just a few months. After that, I won't ever see my friends again for along time or ever.

At the moment, Pops is trying to undo illegally changing my identity. Very soon, I will have my birth name on file. By the time that happens, I will be adopted. I don't want to leave my friends like this. Pops says it's likely, because of puberty. He says that it hit Miles like a ton of bricks at some point after his 12th birthday. Even his voice is starting to change.

I want to use what little time I have left to make sure we'll always be friends until the end no matter what happens. Middle School is only one obstacle. I've watched a lot of good friends I knew in Elementary School fall away from friendship over romance, popularity and studies. I don't want that to happen to Larry or Miles. Larry is now chasing after girls and getting angry at us over getting more Valentines Day cards or because a few girls have a crush on us. Miles is neglecting us over his studies. If I move away, will they fall apart as well?

12:17 PM
OCEAN PARK
TICKET AREA

Everyone got out of the car and we made our way to the back of the line where we were to pay for our stay. Larry and Miles were fighting as usual. I stood behind Dick, trying to decide how to get them to stop fighting. No matter what I did, it seemed like I was watching my friends fall apart.

"Hey, something wrong, Pal?" Dick asked me.

"Huh? Oh... nothing," I replied, trying to avoid looking at my friends. "I just wish they'd stop fighting."

"Ah, they'll get over it. They usually do."

"But, what if they fall apart? I've seen a lot of friends do that at my school."

"Is that what you're worried about?"

"Yes! It's stupid! Everyone at school is all worried about girls, popularity and studies. I don't want us to fall apart, especially over those."

"Yeah... I was that age one time. You know, Mr. Edgeworth  went through the same things with his friends too and look where they are." (3)

"..."

"Okay, bad example. Point is, true friends will eventually come back no matter how many fallout's they have. I mean, look at me, I was going through that stage when I first met Edgey. Deep inside, they care about each other and they care about you. You guys are here, aren't you? Your friends could've stayed back in school."

"I guess."

"Just stay with them. It might be work, but it's worth it."

I nodded, sighing. I walked up to Larry and Miles, who were in front of Dick.

"Man, I just don't get what your problem is," Larry complained.

"My problem is the amount of salt your carry over me giving a simple hello to-" Miles responded before him and Larry turned towards me.

"Please... no fighting," I finally said.

"Hey, lighten up, buddy. We were just talking about trying out the new wavy pool they just added," Larry replied, showing his signature smirk. "Being all doom and gloom is Edgey's job."

"Hmph, not funny, but he's right. It's not the same without someone to lighten up the mood," Miles agreed, showing his smug smirk. I laughed. "Ah, there's our mood lighter."

Maybe Dick is right. Maybe I'm just worrying too much. It was Larry's idea to come here and Miles' idea to make sure we did it safely. There really isn't anything wrong with Larry wanting a girlfriend or Miles wanting to focus more on his studies. I just don't want that to ruin what we have now. I guess I should trust my friends.

12:30 PM
OCEAN PARK
LOCKER ROOM

After we got our paid tickets, we headed to the Boy's Locker Room to change into our bathing suits. Luckily, we brought ours from school that were normally used for swimming (4). Dick had to get his own from home. The lockers here weren't as nice as the indoor pools or bath houses, but they were still good. As long as you had a padlock, you could claim any locker. I brought my own padlock with me. Dick, on the other hand, was given free membership as a police officer, so his locker didn't need a padlock and was located on the other side of the locker room. We decided to change and meet in the pool area.

"Uh... Nick, can we share a locker?" Larry asked, who was already stripped to his boxers.

"You left your padlock at home again, didn't you?" Miles asked critically.

"Yeeeeeeeeeah~ Sorry," Larry replied embarrassingly as Miles sighed in annoyance.

"It's okay. I don't mind you sharing my locker," I assured Larry.

"Thanks, Nick. You're the best!" Larry grinned.

"You're too soft on him, Nick," Miles commented, while putting on his swim shorts.

"It's no big deal. It's just a padlock and we can't have his stuff stolen. You know how it is in LA," I said as Miles shook his head.

I don't know why Miles has to be such a grouch about it. It's just a locker. Larry seemed bummed out, but I cheered him up with my assuring smile. Larry continued on changing out of his underwear and into his swim shorts. I began putting on some sunscreen, then went over to Miles to cheer him up.

"How about I put some sunscreen on your back?" I offered.

"Sure," Miles replied, handing me his specialized sunscreen. Since he's albino, his skin was more sensitive to the sun, so he gets a special kind of sunscreen for him. "Just on my back, I already placed some on my arms and face before lunch."

I nodded, squirting his sunscreen on my hands before rubbing it on his back, asking, "is everything alright?"

"I'm perfectly alright, thanks," Miles replied, acting annoyed. I nodded again. It's hard getting through to Miles. I heard him sigh. "I am fine, really. I hope you know I don't mean to come across rude."

"I know, but you've been getting more grumpy."

"I know! You don't have to tell me!" Miles snapped, then sighed. "I don't know why I'm acting like this. I thought maybe it was the exams, but Father says I've been acting moody since I turned 12. He thinks it's puberty."

"You have been getting stronger, your voice is changing and you're growing some armpit hair," I grinned happily.

"Yes, but... Nick, do you think I'm a bad person?" Miles asked.

"What!? Of course not! I mean... yeah, you're a bit moody, but I think you'll get through it."

"Hm..."

"Is there something else bothering you?"

"... I talked back to Father yesterday."

"Oh... well... Larry does that to his sister sometimes. I mean, it happens."

"It's not the same!" Miles snapped, his fists shaking. "Father... I hurt him. I didn't mean to. It just... happened. It wasn't even anything out of the ordinary. He only asked me to watch a movie with him. I wanted to tell him 'no, thank you,' since  I was studying, but instead it came out as, 'can't you see I'm busy?' I apologized afterwards, but the damage was done."

"It's okay. I'm sure he didn't take it personally."

"But, he did. Even after apologized, he never talked to me for the rest of the day."

"Maybe he's just giving you space. Have you two talked about it?"

"No. I'd only be hurting him again." (5)

"I think you're being too hard on yourself. What you told him is nothing different from every other teenager in the world and you did apologize, didn't you?"

"Y-Yes, but-"

"And, he didn't punish you for it, did he? And, he's still talking to you, isn't he?"

"No and... yes, now he is, but-"

"Then, what's the big deal?"

"That's just it! He never punished me for it or brushed it under the rug! He normally punishes me for speaking out of line, but now... he probably thinks I hate him."

"Miles, are you for real?" I asked him, giving him a look.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do you remember during Mr. Von Karma's case when you were hiding from the two kidnappers?"

"Yes."

"Remember what you told Pops? You told him that if he had to turn himself in for his crimes against your Mom that it was alright; that you wouldn't hate him for it. Do you really believe the child that said that to him would suddenly hate him over a comment? What kind of a shallow person do you think he takes you for?" I asked with my own puffy face as Miles began narrowing his eyes, then smiled a tiny bit. "Hey, is that a smile I'm seeing? Where have you been all this time?"

"Oh, shut it!" Miles smirked, then turned it into a small frown, thinking it over. "Maybe I am being too hard on myself. I just don't want Father to think I hate him."

"He doesn't. You're going to be alright," I promised as Miles nodded.

"Thank you. Here," Miles said, squirting some of my sunscreen to put on my back.

"Hey Nick, can you put some on my back? I already put some everywhere else," Larry asked.

Hehehe sure," I replied, squirting some sunscreen to spread on Larry's back.

"And Nick, don't think for a moment that I hate you or Larry. I might get anxious about the upcoming exam, but that doesn't mean it's more important than either of you," Miles said. Have I been worrying him? How did he know I was thinking that?

"I know," I replied to Miles, giving him my biggest smile.

"You guys worry far too often. Nothing's gonna happen to us. We're the three Caballeros. We're friends till the end!" Larry sang cockily as I sighed, forming a small smile.

12: 35 PM
OCEAN PARK
POOL AREA

After getting changed, we headed to the pool. Larry was the first one to cannonball into the deep end. I  followed after him, laughing, before jumping into the pool. I swam up, popping my head out of the water next to Larry before looking behind me to see Miles climbing down the ladder into the pool. Larry snorted.

"Wimp," Larry teased before Miles splashed water on him.

"I suggest you take that back," Miles threatened.

"I suggest you try, Limey."

Miles immediately tackled Larry head on, dunking him into the pool. This kind of fighting I can handle. I joined in the fun, swimming under, then pulling both Miles and Larry underwater. While I wasn't very athletic, that didn't mean I wasn't a good swimmer. I was average, as was Miles and Larry. Though, I suppose Miles is technically more athletic than Larry and I combined, since participating in Track had trained him to run a whole mile without getting worn out. At some point, the amount of distance he runs could truly fit his name.

Larry began lightly kicking me, while I was pulling him down. Eventually, I swam back up, then dunked him in before Miles gave me a surprise attack from behind. I let out a scream before finding myself underwater. Just then, all of us got splashed as we turned to the location of the splash. Of course, it was from Dick. He laughed and grinned. All three of us glanced at each other, gave a nod, then shared smirks as we swam after him.

"Oh no. Ah!" Dick cried out as we all tackled him, laughing.

"Serves you right, Dinkey!" I grinned, trying to pull him down. I had his right arm, Larry had his left shoulder and Miles had his arms around his chokehold.

"No fair, Pals!" Dick cried before we all dunked him in.

"You're an officer of the law that's trained in performing arrests and boot camp. Furthermore, you're 19 years old, while we are... well, two of us are 12," Miles replied.

"HA! That's right, I'm 13! That makes me you're Seni- BAH!" Larry bragged before Miles splashed him.

"Nobody cares!"

"Fine, fine, in that case... I'm coming after you kids!" Dick smirked playfully as Larry and I screamed, the three of us swimming away.

"Retreat! Retreat!" Larry cried playfully.

I swam as fast as I good, separating myself from my friends, so that I would less likely get caught. Miles seemed to share the same idea as me as he swam to the left away from the both of us. Larry was the first to get caught.

"No! No! Mayday! Mayday! He-" Larry cried dramatically as Dick grabbed a firm hold on him with one arm, then sank him underwater. In one swift move, he was able to grab a hold of me by the arm, then dunk me under. Miles was the one Dick had a much harder time catching, but he did get him, swimming after him before sinking him under by catching his foot.

Larry and I swam to Miles' rescue, then pushed Dick under from behind. Just then, Miles grabbed Larry and I by our wrists, then dunked us under.

"Friendly fi-!" Larry cried before we both sunk under.

It was the three of us play-fighting again. I would switch between tackling Miles and Larry. Larry was often the easiest, being he was the least athletic out of the three of us. Miles was the most tactical and often conjured different methods to take Larry and I down in one blow. For me, I often attacked first and made up the rest as I went. Larry often went for defense every single time, which is why he was the easiest to take down.

Dick would go for a full on attack on the three of us, but it was easy to take him down once all three of us full on attacked him. Though, eventually, Larry became worn out.

"Time out! I'm pooped," Larry called out, panting as he held himself up by the side of the pool.

"I win!" Miles declared, who was also panting.

"No, you don't! Larry was the one who gave up!" I argued with my puffy cheeks before Miles instantly took me by the chokehold with his arm. "HEY! No fair!" I struggled to fight back.

"I thought you still wanted to continue with this charade," Miles said in his most smug voice.

"Grrrrrr," I responded before showing my own smirk and tickling Miles from under his arm pits.

"Fahaha Nick, you-!" Miles cried, laughing at my tickling, as he released his grip. This gave me time to turn myself around, then dunk him underwater with a good grip on his shoulders.

"Geez, where do you kids get all that energy?" Dick asked.

"Heh, don't tell me you're tired already, Dinkey," Larry smirked, still panting.

"You Pales take more energy out of me than a common criminal. I'll say that much," Dick replied.

We suddenly hear a small beep from outside the pool. It was from Miles' watch he left outside the pool area. We both stopped our play-fight, freezing with my right hand on Miles' shoulder, my left hand grabbing a hold of his hair and both his hands on my arms. He sighed.

"Time out. I'll be right back," Miles replied, swimming to the edge of the pool, climbing up the ladder, turning off the timer on his watch, then applying more sunscreen.

"You need me to apply some on your back?" I asked, also climbing up the ladder.

"Thanks."

"Ugh! It's already ten minutes!? I'm ready for a rematch and, this time, I will make sure you guys are taken  down!" Larry challenged us.

"Alright, but if you call it a time out before my watch goes off again, you have to admit defeat and I will not allow another rematch, you poor thing," Miles mocked as Larry put on a game face.

"It's on, limey boy!"

"Hmph," Miles responded, finishing applying sunscreen before handing me his sunscreen bottle, so that I could squirt some in my hands, then apply it to his back.

"Try not to stay out too long," Dick warned Miles.

"I'll be fine. I intend on staying in the pool for at least half an hour before break," Miles promised.

Due to Miles' Albinism, Miles is much more sensitive to the sun than the rest of us. He literally cannot stay in the sun for a long period of time. I still remember a long time ago when Dick forgot to add sunscreen to Miles when taking us to the park. I think we were 10 at the time. Miles was so badly burnt that he had to stay out of school for an entire week. His body swelled up with blisters, he was in so much pain and he got sick with nausea. Dick never forgot again, but his babysitting wages were lowered for the rest of the year. Pops isn't relentless with Dick's pay like Prosecutors are  with their Detective's pay, but  he does expect Dick to follow instructions given to him   concerning Miles.  (6)

It's also because of that incident that Larry and I never complain when Miles needed to add on sunscreen. It can't be helped and I don't want to see Miles in pain like that again. Even Larry, who teased him at first for looking like a lobster when he got burnt that day, got scared the next day when we saw Miles swell up on the couch. Of course, Pops comforted us and assured that Miles would be alright, but seeing him like that scared us. At the time, I thought Miles was going to die. Looking back, it was silly, but I never knew sunburn could do that to you. I was used to red splotches that go away the next day or peel off in a few days.

Miles entered back into the pool, then attacked Larry, who screeched. His entire body dunked into the pool.

"Hey, no fair, I wasn't ready!"  Larry complained, splashing water at Miles. "Jerk!"

"Really?" Miles smirked, grabbing a fist full of Larry's hair before dunking him down. "I got the impression you were the moment you said and I quote, 'It's on, limey boy!'"

"Grrrrr!" Larry growled before attacking head first.

I dived into the pool, then swam up to my friends before tackling both of them into the pool. Just like last time, Larry ran out of breath and gave up. It was just Miles and me. The both of us tried to take the other one down underwater. I had never had so much fun in a long time. I think I may've even got some water in my ear.

"Edgey! Your timer's going off!" Dick called out to us before we stopped and Miles swam back to reapply his sunscreen.

"Geez Nick, how are you able to keep up with that guy?" Larry complained. I just shrugged.

"I guess I'm building up some muscle myself. It's not my fault you can't keep up," I replied with a smirk up my lips and my hands on my hips.

"Pffft I'm building muscle too, you know!" Larry shouted, pumping up his arm.

"Yeah, as much as a deer," I smirked, sticking out my tongue.

"You take that back!"

"Make me!"

Larry swam up to me and tackled me underwater. Dick, meanwhile, was applying sunscreen to Miles' back. Miles would later on join in on the fun.

1:05 PM
OCEAN PARK
SNACK AREA

We were eventually tuckered out from all the activity and playing around. Also, Miles was ready for a break from the sun. There was a shade at the snack area. Miles made sure to dry himself off enough to put on a top to provide his skin more protection from the sun. Miles waited in the shade, while the rest of us waited in line.

"We'll take four corn dogs, a medium Sprite, a Dr. Pepper and, what would you guys like?" Dick ordered.

"I'll want a Pepsi," Larry said.

"I'll take Orange Soda!" I cried excitedly.

"That will be $13.00," the man behind the snack bar said as Dick gave him the total amount, then got the goodies before sitting us down.

"I still say I could've won," Larry claimed pridefully.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Miles replied, rolling his eyes.

"You know, it's actually kinda nice. There's not a lot of people here," Larry stated.

"That's because school is going on or else there'd be lifeguards on duty."

"Really? Dangit, I was hoping to meet Beth."

"Is that really all you can think about? Girls?"

"Hey! I've got my quirks and you've got yours, Mr. Smarty Pants."

"I'd hardly call being a bother to every single girl a quirk."

"Who says I'm being a bother!?" Larry shouted, sweat showing on his face.

"Cheerleaders, Girl's Basketball, Girls Soccer, Softball, Dancers, must I go on? No wait, let me. Nick, what's Larry's reputation among the Drama Club ladies?" Miles asked me. I felt like I was being placed on the spot. Though, he is right, non of the girls at my clubs really like Larry that much. They usually consider  him annoying and a creep.

"Um..." I muttered.

"Pfft, you're just jealous!" Larry snorted.

"Of what? I don't recall being the least bit interested in dating, even when the entire squad of cheerleaders asked me to be their Valentines," Miles mentioned. Great, not this again!

"SHADUP! Just because you got a lot  of Valentines Day cards and I didn't that doesn't mean there isn't a girl that likes me! I bet they were just prank cards and the moment you met those girls, they just straight up left you," Larry smirked savagely.

"Guys... please stop...." I muttered helplessly before Miles stood up, his hands on the table and towering over Larry.

"Larry, I couldn't care less if the entire school had a crush on me! I don't parade myself around about getting a girlfriend like you! I. Don't. Care! Do you really believe I want to spend my life chasing after some pretty girl that wants to parade me around like some prized trophy, let alone share bodily fluids with me while I'm still trying to maintain my virginity!? You might think it's some achievement, but I have more important things to worry about such as having passable grades and achieving the Honor Role so that I may attend Themis Legal Academy overseas! I have no time to squat around and looking to find a girl to stick my dick in!"

"Guys!" I called.

"Gross! What kind of stuff are you thinking!? I'm just looking for a hot girlfriend! What's so wrong about that!?" Larry shouted.

"Everything! You say that, but it always leads to that! There is more to life than finding someone to love! You say you want a girlfriend, but what is going to happen in five years, huh? Do you seriously believe you're gonna keep that girlfriend forever!? We're in Middle School for god sakes! In three years, we'll be in High School and, in three more years, we'll be in college, then what!? My father didn't even find his loved one until he was twice your age, whereas Dick here has had three girlfriends since the day I met him!" 

"Please... guys," I pleaded my friends, not liking the heated tension.

"Oh, so just because one guy didn't get to keep all his girls that means I won't either? At least Dinkey has you! You want to talk about where I'll be at in the next five years!? ALONE, that's what! Nick is getting adopted in the next few months to live half across the world and you're going off to Themis by the second year of High School! Me? I won't have a little Edgey in my life to babysit every other day between 3 to 7! Don't talk to me about the future when you have yours already planned out without either of us!" Larry argued helplessly, hands shaking. (7)

"You have a sister! You also have Father to visit, if you're really that desperate! I'm not going to give up my dreams for your pity party! Besides, have you even thought about the parents!? What if the girl's parents doesn't like you!?"

"Th-Then... we'll just date in secret," Larry replied with a cocky smirk.

"Right, because that goes over so well. I doubt if even Mr. Von Karma would allow some nitwit, horny teenage boy take off with his daughters."

"I am not horny!"

"WOULD YOU GUYS STOP FIGHTING!?!" I screamed furiously, slamming both my hands on the table, making it shake. This startled my friends. "You guys are supposed to be friends! Does it matter if one gets a girlfriend or achieves the honor role!? Forget losing those! What's going to happen if you lose each other!? Are you going to end up joining some playboy clique or the nerd club!? Are you going to leave me too!? I'm sick of losing everyone I love, because they think other things are more important than family!"

There it was. It just came all of a sudden. I meant to say friends, but instead it came out as something else... family. The more I began thinking about it, the deeper it began to sink in. It wasn't about my friends. Luckily, the park only had a few people, meaning aside from the employees, only a few heard me. Still, that wasn't the main issue. The problem was the one who I knew heard me and the true source of my bottled-up emotions. I couldn't stay here anymore. I had to leave.

"I'm sorry," I said before running off.

"Nick! Wait!" I heard Larry.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I screamed, still running.

1:26PM
OCEAN PARK
STORAGE CLOSET

I quickly ran inside a storage closet that was located on the other side of the second swimming pool that was specifically for swimming laps. There were cleaners and cleaning equipment for cleaning the pool area. It was meant for employees, but I didn't care at the moment. I didn't mean to say those things. It just... came out. All of my frustration and stress. Things that I could deal with were becoming harder every day.

The more I thought about it, this problem wasn't since Valentines Day. Miles and Larry have always been at each other's throats for as long as I can remember. It's probably improved, since Miles no longer kicks Larry anymore. No. It's something else, someone else. I'm going to be leaving in just a few months and it's like nobody cares. Pops is busy with being a lawyer, same with Uncle Ray, Larry is too busy trying to get a girlfriend, Miles is too busy studying to get to Themis Legal Academy, Ma is making me take care of the babies, my brothers and sisters at the orphanage are too busy with their lives and Dad... Dad.

I dug into my pocket, pulling out the calling card I made for when I take on the De Killer name. I'm not going to have anyone with me. No family, friends or anyone. I'm going to be all alone. By the time I'm 15, everyone will see me as no more than a De Killer. It will be my duty to carry on that name to save my Dad. The worst part is that Dad doesn't even talk to me as much as before. Why did he have me? Why did he send me to that orphanage? Why did he leave me all alone? It's not fair!

"Nicolas," I heard Dad speak.

I didn't look at him. I knew he heard me. He was at the Snack Stand under the name John Doe as usual. He knows how to blend himself well as the every man. It's what makes him good at what he does. He can blend in to any place before taking out his target. No one else knew that was him at the snack stand, but I did. That's why I...

I wanted to say something, at least 'I'm sorry,' but I couldn't. I was more hurt than feeling guilty. Not even my friends were worth apologizing to. They shouldn't even be fighting. Dad shouldn't be killing people. Why does he deserve my apology? Why do I bother doing so much to save him? Am I just chasing after a father I never had? I don't even know anymore.

Still, I heard Dad sitting next to me. My tears eventually poured out, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I asked, "why couldn't you be a normal Dad?" There was a pause. Silence was heard for maybe a minute or two before I continued. "A normal father takes care of his children. Normal fathers take their sons out to places. They spend time with their children. They have normal jobs that follow the law. Even Pops gave up his criminal ways for Miles sake. Why couldn't you?"

I began weeping hot and angry tears. They wouldn't stop coming. I finally said it, the one question I never meant to slip out just like I didn't mean for my words to slip out when I yelled at my friends.

"Do you hate me!?"

Just like with my friends, I surprised myself at what I asked. 'Do you hate me?' Do I really believe it? Could there be no other explanation? Most fathers would spend time with their child, take them places, protect them, love them, because they... love them. Fathers discipline their child and never give them away, because they love them. What has Dad done to prove that he loves me?

"Of course not, Nicolas," Dad finally replied. I looked up at him, before shooting him a glare.

"How? Because you got Pops to change my name, so I wouldn't be a target for all the goons after you?" I asked demandingly.

To my surprise, Dad took me in his arms, then hugged me. I bit my lip, then wept heavily in his apron he was using to work behind the snack shop. He patted my back. How long had I longed for something like this? I don't even know anymore. It was too much for me to carry and it was weighing on me. All I wanted was a Daddy. It was for that reason why I wanted to save Dad. If I took on the De Killer name, then he wouldn't have to assassinate anyone anymore. I'd be a criminal, but at least I'd have my daddy.

"I've never been a good father and I never intended on being so. I couldn't care for you, thus why I gave you up. I knew it would be a risk on your life, Nicolas," Dad replied.

"Why have me then?" I asked. I knew Dad wouldn't have had me unless he had sex with another woman. I don't even know who my mother is.

"... I had no choice."

"... what do you mean?" I asked quietly. I suppose sex can be forced, but I knew that wasn't the case for Dad. What did he mean by having no choice?

"My father... your grandfather...required of me to mate with another in order to continue the De Killer lineage. That's how it's always been throughout generations."

"So, that's it then? You just find a woman to mate with, have a baby, hide them god knows where, then wait until they're 15 to become the next assassin?"

"No. Actually, it's... Nicolas, you are the first De Killer to live like a normal person."

"Huh?" I asked, now confused. So, giving me up and placing me in an orphanage isn't something normally done when raising a De Killer?

"My father... your grandfather... closed me from the world. I was raised inside a hidden warehouse with only the walls painted bright colors and a few toys. When I got to be a certain age, he taught me everything about assassination, our family history, everything. I learned everything from him and it was my duty to fulfill it."

"..."

"When I had you, that is how he wanted me to raise you. You probably don't remember. I had you hidden in an abandoned underground shelter turned into a nursery. I had your mother care for you, since you were only a baby that depended on your mother's milk. I had to fulfill my duty, so I hardly saw you, aside from checking in on you and your mother. Your mother was a hostage and all she did was care for you. I made sure she was fed properly and given what was needed to care for you. She was... young... very young. No older than 17. The younger the better. That was what my father, your grandfather, said. I only followed his instructions without question."

The idea that my mom was a young mother forced into a hostage situation was chilling. Though, I suppose I can't expect anything less from Dad. At least I can understand somewhat how this whole De Killer raising thing worked. I was supposed to be raised as a hostage before taken and trained to become the next De Killer. 

I asked, "Mommy? What happened to her?"

"... I killed her."

I felt myself freeze. I felt so dizzy. Is this how Miles felt when he found out about his Mom? But, that was a different situation. Dad continued.

"Your mother was attempting to escape, you see. She was desperate. She wasn't willing to spare anyone, not even you."

I felt my world turn cold. Mom... she tried to kill me?

"I never thought any mother would be capable of such, killing her own child. Not even I would think of it. But, while nursing you, she managed to find a piece of wire and wrap it around your neck. You were feeding, so you thought nothing of the wire and she was your mother. The moment I entered inside, she had both ends, ready to pull both, if I made any sudden moves. She knew that, as a De Killer, you were more valuable to the De Killer legacy. It was my failure as a father that took a mother hostage that would be so evil as to kill her own child for freedom. She no longer deserved to live. Unfortunately, it left me this scar you see before you."

I looked up, staring at the stitched scar that made a straight vertical line. Dad lightly touched it, saying, "I was leading your mother out of the house. She made sure I was at least out of your reach. I had to be quick and stealthy. She had eyes on me, you see. The moment she looked down, having her foot stuck in loose hardwood floor, I used those few seconds to snatch you from your mother's breast and remove the wire from around your neck. Because of how close the wire was to your neck, I had to dig my fingers beneath the wires quickly before she took notice. By the time she did, she pulled it and in attempt to pull the wire off you, the wire slit the back of your neck that wasn't protected by my gloved hands and half my face. To this day, there is still a scar from that incident located at the back of your neck."

"You... saved me?" I asked, slowly reaching my hand to a familiar scar I've had all my life. I began vividly imagining the feeling of a sharp, painful cut located in that area, while two strong hands were cupping my face. My tears began building up. My mom tried to kill me and Dad saved me. He allowed his own face to be cut and scarred to save my life.

"I did. After I removed the wire from your neck, I used that same wire to strangle her. I realized that day I could no longer support you. You were only a babe. My father, your grandfather, had suggested finding another woman with breast milk for you to feed from. I objected to that. I couldn't allow you to be handled by another woman like her. He was... very... very old fashioned so to speak. He attempted to kill me, but I took his life before he had the chance. Your safety was the utmost importance. I realized that at that moment.

"From there, I was desperate to find a better and more suitable  home for you. I was paid a visit by my next client, Blaise Debeste."

"That was when you were supposed to target Miles."

"Correct, but I didn't. After what I had experienced with you, I couldn't bring myself to take the life of an infant. I made Mr. Edgeworth a deal and gave you away to him. Afterwards, he handed you to the Happy Family Orphanage. He gave you the name Nicolas Douglas in order to give you a new start, at least according to him. I didn't object to it. I supposed that it was better that way. You were well cared for and loved. You were... happy. I figured... perhaps your life is better without me. The choice of you taking the De Killer name is and will always be up to you. Though, unlike my father, I want you to make the decision when you're old enough to understand the risk, but also young enough for me to teach you."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"You're growing up, Nicolas. At some point, you're going to have to choose whether or not to take the De Killer name. As a De Killer, you will be known as the son of many generations of De Killer's known for killing the targets assigned to them by their clients. Though, unlike many of us, you will also be given the choice to live a normal, everyday life. Of course, as your father, I will keep an eye on you and make sure that you are doing well. I may even have you help me on some businesses. Either way, you will have that choice, because I love you," Dad said, placing one hand on my shoulder. "If I didn't, I would have hidden you from the world like my father did with me. At the time, when I first had you, I did not understand the value of freedom. It wasn't until I saw that wire wrapped around your neck that I learned your life is more precious to me than any family legacy. It wasn't that you were a De Killer, but that you were my son, my one and only son."

I immediately leaped onto my Dad, wrapping my arms around him. I said, "I love you Dad and I'm sorry I doubted you. Everything has been hard and I'm losing everyone."

"I know and you are at the age when everything feels overwhelming. Know that I will always be watching. I'm proud of you, Nicolas."

"Thank you," I replied, smiling, before kissing Dad's cheek. "I'll try my best and I will become a De Killer, so you don't have to kill anyone."

"Son... is that why...?" Dad asked, looking at me with bewildered eyes. Seeing him surprised by anything is a rare sight.

"I made my decision four years ago. I don't want you to have to kill anyone. If that means taking on the De Killer name, then I'll do that and decide the fate as the next De Killer and generations to come."

"..."

"Wait for me, Dad. I'm not giving up that dream just yet," I promised, leaving the storage room.

It was the first time I was ever open to my dad and it felt relieving. Sighing in relief with a huge smile on my face, I turned and saw Miles. I flinched as he stared at me with concern.

"I heard. About your father and..." Miles asked.

"Please don't tell Larry," I pleaded as he nodded. "Miles..."

"I'm sorry, Nick. I never realized you were suffering."

"No, Miles. It's not your fault. I just overreacted. That's all."

Miles shook his head, then said, "I should have realized that your lack of a father and mother had repercussions. I..." He turned his face to his left, one hand grabbing his other arm. "I have no room to complain about my life. I have a father that is always there for me and a mother that gave her life for me. You've always been the glue that's keeping all three of us together and we've been taking you for granted. Nick, no matter what problems we have in our lives, you'll always matter."

"Miles..."

"I mean it, Nick. If it weren't for you and Larry, I would have not been able to save my father or Mr. Von Karma four years ago. You both gave me courage and made me realize I'm not alone. You've always kept us together. Please don't think that you hold no value to us."

"... I know. It's okay. I'm okay,"I said, giving Miles a hug. "Let's return back with everyone else."

Miles nodded before we heard the storage room open and turned. I watched as Dad walked passed us on his way to the snack shop. Miles turned his eyes to me, then showed his own smile, which made me grin. 

1:45PM
OCEAN PARK
SNAKE AREA

Miles and I both ran back to the group. Larry was at the bench where all of us were previously eating at before I blew up.

"Hey guys, there you are! Nick, don't run off like that!" Larry shouted, crying his usual crocodile tears. "You scared us crazy, man!"

"I'm sorry, Larry," I apologized.

"You should be!"

"Isn't there something you'd like to tell him?" Miles asked.

"I'M GETTING THERE!" Larry shouted, then looked at me. "Anyways, man, Edgey and I aren't leaving you, alright. Get that out of your head. Sure, we fight a lot, but we don't burn bridges, you know? Sure, I may go around chasing after girls and I may even get jealous of Edgey stealin' all my girls."

Miles snorted, saying, "you can have them!"

"But, in the end, you're still my best buds. You know what they say about best friends. Any friend can bail you out of prison, but true friends are the ones that will stay in prison with ya," Larry smirked.

"Yes, in the Interrogation Room," Miles corrected.

"Dude!"

"But, I would do so in hopes you don't create trouble, because I know you have a good heart, even it's like pulling teeth with you."

"Awww, you're such a softy, Edgey," Larry grinned.

"Hey, there you are! No running off like that, Pal! You gave us a heart attack!" Dick rebuked, looking pretty upset.

"Sorry," I apologized, feeling guilty.

"Aww, don't look at me like that. Not with those eyes,"

"You know, I think we can all relax. I'll try to calm myself around Edgey. Speaking of which, I think you're turning a little red there," Larry stated as Miles' eyes widened, then began digging digging into his gym bag for his sunscreen. It wasn't as bad as about two or three years ago, but he was starting to look a bit pink.

"Dangit, Father is going to kill me," Miles muttered.

"I hope I don't get my pay cut again," Dick sighed.

"I think our day in the sun is over. We should head back before Miles turns into a lobster again," Larry said.

"You're not funny and you try lying in pain, while swelling up like a balloon and vomiting all night long!" Miles cried out.

"On the positive side, at least you won't have to worry about girls chasing after you."

"Don't jinx me, Larry. You're always full of trouble, you know that?"

"You know, I just realized... you look less like a lobster and more like a blushing school girl," Larry stated. That was enough for Miles to drag him by the collar of his shirt as he began trying to fight Miles off. "Hey, what are you- HEY!" As soon as Miles was close enough to the pool, he grabbed a hold of him from under his arms as Larry began trying to fight back. "Stop, Nick wants us to stop fighting!"

"I got his legs!" I cried, grabbing a hold of Larry's legs.

"HEY! WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON!?" Larry screamed.

Miles and I swung Larry from side to side as we shouted, "ONE! TWO! THREE!" We released Larry, swinging him to the pool as he screamed, flopping his arms and legs like a fish-out-of-water before landing in the pool. I half expected a K.O. in bold red letters appearing above before he rose to the top. Miles and I were laughing.

"YOU GUYS ARE JERKS!" Larry shouted. That made Miles and I laugh even louder.

"Not so distressed about our shenanigans?" Miles asked.

"Hm... a little, but some moments, it's easy to tell when to not take you guys seriously. In all seriousness, you do look pink. You should get out of the sun," I said.

"Right," Miles replied, sighing. He  seemed to be mumbling, "just what I need, a sun blush to make girls think I'm attracted to them."

3:13 PM
EDGEWORTH HOME
LIVING ROOM

The three of us had decided together to have a sleepover. We made sure to inform our guardians; for me it was Ma. Luckily, she always allowed me to spend the night with Miles. Larry called up his sister and left her a message. He would be awaiting her call for when she came back. Hopefully, she would allow it. She usually did, since Pops' rules were always much more strict than hers.

Speaking of Pops, he came over to check on Miles.

"Hello son, how was your trip?" Pops asked.

"It was fun," Miles replied. We were all sitting on the couch watching a film, or at least Larry and I were. Miles was reading a book.

"Son, you're looking pink. Did you remember to put sunscreen on?"

"It was my fault. I ran off and worried Miles. He went off looking for me and forgot to put on sunscreen," I explained.

"Oh, is everything alright? It's not like you to run off," Pops asked me, looking mildly concerned.

"I'm okay now. We worked it out," I assured, nodding.

"Alright then. Son, make sure to put on some cream for that redness."

"Yes, Father!" Miles replied. Then, he looked over, watching Pops about to enter his room. Miles leaped off the couch, putting away his book. "Wait, Father!"

"Yes, son?"

"I... I don't hate you. I know I was out of line yesterday, but I really did mean it when I said I didn't mean to say it. I'm really, really sorry."

"I know that, son," Pops replied, turning his head, smirking slightly. "Have you been worrying about that all this time?"

"Uh... y-yes. I don't know what came over me and..."

"Miles, you're talking to the man that was high on drugs at your age and said all kinds of shit to his old man. There's not a thing you've done that I haven't done worse. I know you didn't mean it."

"But... you didn't punish me like you usually do."

"You want to teach your old man how to punish his kid?" Pops asked sternly, folding his arms.

"N-No, that's not what I meant. I mean..."

"..."

"You just seemed... hurt. The look you had before you left."

"Son, what you saw was me showing concern."

"Concern?"

"You've been overworking yourself to death, since the Final Exams were announced. I was afraid of overwhelming you more than you already were, so I left. I gave you the entire day to yourself to study and focus on your  work. I know  how uptight you get when you're  working."

"...oh."

"You're hitting the stage in your life between childhood and adulthood. It's a complicated stage in life. I want to make it as easy as possible. It's why I haven't allowed you to take a part time job, outside of a summer job at the office."

"Father!" Miles replied in shock.

"There might've been a time in my life when I feared you'd hate me. Over the years I've watched you grow and I've come to learn that you're the most dedicated and loyal  young man I've come to know. Once you're close with someone, you stick with them. I can trust for you to stay dedicated to your studies and allow you to skip one day of school in the middle of lunch. So yes, when I hear you speak out of line, then catch yourself before apologizing, I know that you mean that apology. Does that mean I won't ever punish you, if you do it again? Not a chance, but I know you won't do it again. You're far too hard on yourself to repeat it. Believe me, if you needed to be punished, I would've done so without warning," Pops said with a confident smirk, tapping just right above his ear.

"... I'm sorry for doubting you. I thought that you thought I..." Miles said, muttering sadly.

"Come here," Pops said, hugging Miles before parting. "Keep a head on your shoulders. You've got a few more years to go before you're ready to leave the nest. Enjoy it while you can, because those years fly by like the wind."

"I will."

"Also, I won't say it again, put some cream on that burn. You look like a blushing bride. Are you going to introduce me to the groom?" Pops ordered as Miles made a head dash to the bathroom.

Larry chuckled, "that was good, Pops." He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Hey Edgey, can I be your best man!?"

"I'm going to kill you, if you don't stop, Butz!" Miles cried out from the other side of the door.

"I'm not going to save you, if he throws you out the window," Pops warned Larry, whose eyes widened with sweat dripping off his face. Pops closed the door.

It wasn't long before Miles arrived from the restroom with cream all over the pink spots on his skin. He joined with the rest of us to finish watching the rest of the film. I think my friends and I will be fine. Just like Pops, I'm going to trust my friends and the bond we've made.

JULY 14, 8:01 AM
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
GATE 150

The adoption papers had been filed and it was time for me to take off to see my new father. If I had to be honest, I'm scared. I don't know anything about him, aside his occupation and that he's supposed to be the head of the Smuggling Ring Pops used to work for. Dad really wants me to live a normal life until I'm 15. I understand now. Dad wants me to be given the life he never had.

To be a De Killer means to live your life as a trained assassin, but I'm the first to live a normal life. Dad risked his life for me and was willing to give me up, so that I would be able to choose my destiny. I know now it's because he loves me. The question is what am I going to do with that life? Am I really going to take on the De Killer name under my adopted father? Looking up at the Gate number, I knew there was no going back. (8)

"Looks like this is it," Pops said. He came, along with Miles and Larry, so I could say my last goodbye to them. "We've got about an hour before the plane takes off."

"Australia huh? Sounds like it's pretty far out there like on the other side of the world," Larry said, staring up at my destination shown on the screen.

"Yeah. I hear he runs a banking company. I'll have my own bedroom and a pet cat named Sweety," I said, trying to stay positive.

"Man, you're even gonna have your own pet cat? My sis won't even let me have a pet hamster," Larry cried.

"That's because you killed your last one by squeezing it too tight, while climbing on the monkey bars," Miles stated. (9)

"HEY! I was only 9!"

"Nine years old and you don't understand how to hold a live animal correctly? Yet, you know how to hide a toad in your closet for an entire month and care for her while she's pregnant before letting lose a bunch of tiny toads all over the place."

"But she was so cute and I didn't know toads got pregnant on their backs! ... well, that there were certain toads that did."

"Wait, what happened?" Pops asked, looking confused.

"Larry brought a pregnant toad he thought was a frog and hid her in his closet inside a tank or something for about a month before a bunch of tiny toads were set loose. Apparently, he didn't know the tiny round pockets on her back were eggs. As for how he found a toad like that, that's normally found in South America, your guess is as good as mine," Miles explained as Pops covered his mouth, laughing.

"I shouldn't be laughing, but I'm imagining how freaked out Britney must've been to see hatching toads."

"Yeah, my sis is pretty squeamish. She almost vomited when she saw tiny toads coming out of that mother toad's back. It was pretty hilarious," Larry grinned, also laughing. Ah, the legend still holds. (10)

I smiled, then stared at the window where the parking place for my plane was supposed to be. Looking back at my friends, I said, "I'm... I'm going to... miss... you."

"Same here, bud. Why do you have to leave like this?" Larry sobbed. I smiled a little bit, noticing Miles turning his face away, while holding his arm. He was never good with expressing his feelings.

"Pops, what was it like when you left for Germany? Did you ever say goodbye to Wendy and Damon?" I asked.

"No. Actually, I never spoke to them, after I dropped out of High School, until I returned back and Damon became my colleague," Pops replied, looking toward the window. "I do wish I did, though. They would've stopped me from joining the Smuggling Ring. I was much too prideful to admit I was homeless."

"We can still call and send postcards or letters," Miles pointed out.

"Yeah, but it's gonna be a mess when you move to Germany in a few years. Also, there's the time difference," I stated as Miles weakly nodded.

"Man, this isn't fair! You guys are going to all sorts of places and I'm going to be left all alone!" Larry cried.

"Unless you're lucky enough to get yourself a girlfriend," Miles humphed. Looking back, I guess I was selfish to not think about Larry's feelings. Miles and I are leaving and Larry really will be all alone. It's only natural that he'd find himself a partner to keep him company.

"Na, it won't be the same. You guys really are the best and I mean it," Larry said. (11)

I smiled at that, then hugged Larry. Miles followed after. I couldn't hold back any tears after that. I really am going to miss these two. Me leaving was beginning to sink in deep. If I do come back, I'm never going to be the same person they once new. I will be Nicolas De Killer. I will be the son of an assassin. I will take on the family legacy. I couldn't tell them. Not now. (12)

"I'm going to miss you guys and I'll miss you too, Pops," I cried, crying a few tears.

Pops smiled, then hugged me, after I parted from my group hug. He said, "I'm going to miss you too, Nick. You boys are growing up quickly. I can hardly catch up."

"Heh."

"Please call or write to us," Miles pleaded.

"Yeah bud, don't be a stranger, okay," Larry sobbed, wiping his tears.

"I will," I promised. I smiled weakly, then remembered something. "Oh, before I forget, here. TAKE THAT!" I handed my friends each a card.

(13)

"A blue phoenix?" Miles asked.

"Yeah. I made that. Call it a calling card. I've been working really hard on it and made a few changes. I want you to keep this with you to remember me by. Promise?" I asked.

"Sure, Nick," Miles replied, chuckling a bit.

"Sure! I'll be keeping it safely with me," Larry promised.

"Thank you. You guys are the best!" I grinned, hugging my friends.

"How many copies of those cards have you made?" Pops asked curiously.

"Only three. I'm keeping the original for myself."

"Ah. I see."

"Still, I like this one, especially with the bird and the blue flames," Larry smirked.

"It's called a phoenix," Miles corrected.

"Really? But, I thought that was Nick's pen name."

"It is, but I thought it would be cool to place my pen name into my calling card," I grinned.

"Well, it does look cool. Seeing blue flames out of a bird. Heh," Larry agreed.

"Ah, looks like they're lining up. Gotta go," I said, hugging my friends again. "Bye."

"Bye Nick! You better come back, you here?" Larry sobbed.

"I will. I promise," I promised, then made my way through the door and into my plane.

9:05 AM
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AUSTRALIA AIR

I entered inside the airplane, then found my seat number by the window. Smiling sadly, I dug out a photo of my adopted dad. He was with Ma, Pops and that weird blind guy with the dog. It was taken with an instant camera a long time ago. From what I could tell, he had short blond hair, a square jaw and wore a brown looking suit. It made me wonder what kind of guy he was.

"Nick, once you land, you're going to be living a completely different life. Knowing Pat, he's not going to confess to being the leader of the smuggling ring or the Phantom. He won't even know that you're aware of your... family heritage. He'll allow you to live like a normal student. How you live your life and the path you take will be up to you. Even if you take on the De Killer name, your path doesn't end there. Your path will never end by one simple choice. There will be many choices ahead. Use the time you have to get to know your surroundings, then once you decide, the rest will be up to you. Good luck."

That was what Pops told me yesterday. He's right. My choice to take my father's name will not end there. There will be many more choices ahead. I may not be a Playwriter like I wanted, but maybe I can be something more.

"What do you plan on doing now, Nicolas?" Dad asked. As an assassin, he always found a way to sneak aboard a plane. He seemed to be reading a Newspaper, while sitting right next to me.

I smiled, looking out the window, then replying, "I suppose I'll be seeing my adopted father."

"And, after you take on the De Killer name, what will you do?"

"... I suppose... I'll start meeting with my first client."

The rest will be up to me. I can either live or die as a De Killer. I can become an assassin like my forefathers or I can become something more.