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The sun goddess peeked out from the horizon, bathing the snow laden world in a warm pink hue. With her light, it was time for the hunters to set out–crossbows and other equipment in hand. They traveled into the forest which surrounded the small kingdom like a protective wall, footsteps hardly making a sound. At the front of the party, atop a fine mare, was a man with gray hair that seemed to turn silver in the morning’s light. His name was Miles Edgeworth, and he was the ruler of that small kingdom. His eyes were steely and focused as he looked about. There were no rustlings or calls of animals to be heard, and this worried the young monarch greatly. He blew on his frosty hands and looked down at the captain of the huntsmen.
“Have your men checked all the traps in this area?” he asked.
The captain sighed and bowed his head. “Yes, Your Majesty. But they’ve found nothing–except for a few clumps of fur.”
“Fur won’t feed the people, Captain. We should move on to the next area.”
“Of course.”
As the hunters packed up their tools and reset the traps, Miles let his gaze travel upward, towards the sky. Sucking in a breath, he closed his eyes and folded his hands together in silent prayer.
(‘Please…send us a miracle.’)
An ear-piercing screech suddenly cut through the air, like a blade slashing across stone. Miles’ eyes snapped open. A streak of fire entered his vision and quickly hurtled towards the earth below. Compelled to follow, he urged his horse after it. Over and across the banks of pure white, they traveled. They left the forest behind, and into the valley ahead. A few paces before they reached its furthest edge, the fire crashed down in front of man and horse in a bright burst of color and light. The frightened mare reared back, nearly knocking the king from his saddle. When the fire at last disappeared, a large crater remained.
“Shhh, easy girl,” he soothed, tangling his gloved fingers in her frostbitten mane.
She calmed down, allowing Miles to dismount safely. He gave her a few reassuring pats before finally turning his full attention to the mysterious crater in front of them. With a hand ready on the hilt of his sword, the young monarch began his approach towards it.
In the center of the crater, surrounded by quickly melting snow, was the shape of something distinctly avian. It glowed like a dying ember, faint and flickering. Cautiously, Miles drew even closer. Mournful cries filled his ears, then a blue flame enveloped the creature. When it at last dissipated, a man with feathery black hair had taken the creature's place. Wet ashes clung to his body, and he shuddered violently. Without even sparing a moment to hesitate, Miles unclasped his cloak and leapt forward. He lifted the stranger into his arms, wrapping the thick fur around him carefully. His shuddering lessened considerably. Lids slowly fluttering open, he gazed up at Miles. The stranger’s eyes were a deep, dark blue and shimmered with an unusual golden hue.
The calm lasted for but a moment before he let out a shriek and tried to pry himself from Miles’ hold. The king was faster, however, and he held the man with dark hair closer, but gentle enough as to not injure him further.
He continued to shriek, and Miles realized that the mysterious stranger was crying out in another language–one he'd never heard before. He ripped a glove off with his teeth, wincing at the cold biting at his exposed skin. Taking in a deep breath, he reached out to the other man and brushed his fingers through his surprisingly downy hair. The shrieking stopped, and sapphire met silver.
“I mean you no harm, I swear,” Miles murmured, while continuing to stroke the soft black strands.
The stranger relaxed a little. He said something that sounded like a question, with a hoarse, yet melodic and sweet sounding tone. Miles tilted his head. The other man frowned a little, and tried asking again.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Miles said carefully.
The young monarch could see many emotions flicker through the stranger’s eyes. He broke into a small coughing fit and shuddered again.
“… F-Friend…?” he wheezed, trying a third time.
“Yes,” Miles whispered, understanding flooding through him at last. “Friend.”
The smallest of smiles formed on the other man’s lips before his lids fluttered shut, and he lost consciousness once more.
*****
With reassurance that the hunters could continue their route without him, Miles was free to bring the stranger back to his kingdom for care. His mare didn't seem to mind the extra weight, and they quickly returned to the palace.
Upon his arrival, The staff hadn't been the least bit surprised when they saw the injured man in his arms. After all, their former king and Miles’ father, Gregory, insisted that his son be willing to help all in need no matter what. It was a principle the young monarch followed every second he breathed–and it was the reason he’d lived so modestly compared to other royals in neighboring kingdoms. He didn't have a large palace, many fancy clothes, or even a large group of servants to aid him. Most taxes collected went back to education and other important facilities. In fact, the people would've been completely content…had the accursed winter not ever come.
Once through the doors, he’d immediately summoned one of his most trusted servants to his side.
“Lene, this man needs a bath, clothes, and medical care. Please see to it that he receives them.”
She nodded. “It shall be done, Your Majesty. And what about food for him?”
Miles thought for a moment. “… Perhaps later, when we can be sure he’s recovering. Have the chef on standby, just in case.”
“Of course.”
Miles carried the man to the bathroom, and left Lene to her work. He prayed that he wasn't too late in bringing him home for care, and went to start preparing a room for the man–who was now officially deemed his guest. As he fluffed the downy pillows and laid out blankets and furs on the bed, a loud sound interrupted the calm silence in the air. He darted out into the hallway to see what was the matter. A loud scream from the bathroom followed a slapping of wet feet on stone. Miles rushed over to find his mysterious guest standing entirely naked in the hallway. The poor servant girl behind him looked scandalized. Her tear-filled eyes snapped up to meet Miles' own.
“I-I tried to get him to dry off and dress, Your Majesty! But–”
The spiky haired man said something in that same language from before. However, Miles couldn’t even begin to decipher it. It almost sounded like a melody. He glanced anxiously at Lene, then at the young monarch. Repeating himself, he started to tremble.
“We mean you no harm, I swear,” Miles said calmly. “… Friend, remember?”
To further prove his point, he put his hands in plain view for the stranger to see. The man relaxed a little. He said something else in his language, glancing warily at Lene again.
“… W-Water. C-Cold.” the stranger stuttered in broken words. “D-Don’t…don’t like. Cold water…means d-death. F-For us.”
“Oh…!” the servant girl gasped. “I… I apologize. I didn’t know…” She turned to Miles. “He isn’t human, is he, Your Majesty?”
“No, he is not. But what exactly he is, I cannot tell.”
There was a clatter behind them and a scream. The young monarch sighed.
“… Please help me get him into his chambers. It wouldn't do to scandalize any more of the staff like this.”
*****
The doctor had determined that nothing was broken or permanently damaged–some kind of miracle, they'd insisted. Now the pair were alone, and sat on the guest bed’s edge together while the young monarch bandaged some of the other man’s lighter scuffs. He was clothed now. Partially, at least–and he didn’t seem to like the stifling fabric one bit. He twitched and grunted like a young child, but was held firmly in place with a secure grip.
“It will keep you warm,” Miles stated. “Goddesses know you’ll need that around here.”
The spiky haired man tilted his head. “… Goddesses?”
Miles finished bandaging a bicep, and gestured out the window. “The sun goddess and the moon goddess. They watch over us. Protect us.”
Recognition sparkled in those deep blue eyes. “Ah-! Mother Sun and Mother Moon!”
“Is that what your people call them?”
He tilted his head. “T-Those are their names, yes.”
Miles nodded. “And what is yours?”
“I-I can’t say. Secret. Our names have…power.”
“… I see. Well, perhaps you can tell me a bit more about where you come from, at the very least? My people will be very curious about you.”
“Where I…come from?”
“That's right. The place you lived before arriving here.”
“I was with…my clan. Many phoenixes–all living together in the sky. M-Most of my kind…they don't want anything to do with you Earth People.”
“… Earth People?”
“I'm sorry…h-humans? That's what your kind call themselves, right?”
“That is correct,” Miles replied. “So you're truly a phoenix? My father said once that your kind vanished long ago. And yet, here you are. Fascinating…”
The other man nodded. “Here, allow me to show s-something…to you.”
The air in the room grew warmer, and the surroundings brighter. Miles squeezed his eyes shut. After a few heartbeats, he opened them, revealing to him a dazzling sight unlike any other he'd witnessed in his life.
Arcing out from the phoenix's back were large wings that glistened with the colors of flames. Miles took note of how different spots sparkled like a rainbow from the light that flickered from the candle and streamed through the window. He marveled at the different shapes and curves on display before him. Without thinking, he reached out, fingertips brushing tentatively over the feathers. They were as soft as silk–no, even softer than silk could ever be. Miles found himself entranced, and he continued to run his hand down the surface of the wing. The phoenix eyed him with a stunned look, his face quickly turning a deep scarlet.
“Um…please don't touch them…” he mumbled, looking away. “Only… a s-soulmate is allowed to do that…”
Miles drew his hand back immediately. “M-My apologies. I should have asked for your permission first.” He grasped his elbow and looked away.
“It's okay,” the other man murmured. “I'm not…angry. I just…wasn't e-expecting that.”
He shuddered, and the wings vanished, leaving the room cold and darkened. Miles finished wrapping up the last of the injuries and looked at the spiky haired stranger, who kept playing with his fingers.
“Perhaps after I finish my duties tomorrow, I can take you out into the town and show you my people and home?” he offered gently, rising to his feet.
The phoenix's eyes went wide. “… Y-Yes! I would like that very much!”
“All right, then it's settled. But in return, I only ask that you wear your clothes. It's what is proper, after all.”
“O-Of course! A real human t-town! I can't w-wait to see it with you…er…”
“Most refer to me as 'Your Majesty' or 'King Miles', but when we're alone like this, you may simply call me 'Miles'.”
“Miles…”
The young monarch ignored the little flutter in his heart at the sound of his name being said by the other man. Instead, he walked over to a bookshelf and pulled out a dusty volume from the top. He flipped through it absently and turned back to the bed.
“So do you have a name I may use for you then?” he asked. “Since I can't know your real one?”
“Not sure…” he murmured. “I do like the way 'phoenix' sounds in your language, though.”
“Then we'll call you Phoenix. Is that agreeable to you?”
Phoenix let out a series of happy words and sounds foreign to Miles' ears, his eyes gleaming as bright as the sun as he would say something in his language, then reply to it with his new name. Almost like a 'hello, pleased to make your acquaintance…' 'Phoenix! I'm Phoenix!'
“Yes, I love it!” Phoenix replied at last. “T-Thank you for giving it to me…and for…s-saving my life.”
Miles smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Of course. Sleep well now, Phoenix.”
He blew out the candle and left the room.
*****
The town was bustling with activity the next day, and Phoenix was entranced with every sight and sound. Though they couldn't truly sample everything human life had to offer with the winter still digging in deep, the friendly townspeople did all they could to make their king's guest feel absolutely welcome.
First, they sampled some food and drinks at a local tavern for lunch. Phoenix seemed particularly fond of an old grape beverage that even the tavern owners couldn't tell if it was juice or wine. Either way, Miles had to cut him off after the second glass, just to be certain. Then they stopped at different shops, the stables, and more. Phoenix was awed by it all, taking in every bit of knowledge he could from this new, exciting place. The young monarch watched him with an intense feeling that he swore felt like… adoration. Though Phoenix was a stranger in such a different land from the one he called home, he found joy in it all anyway. It was truly something wonderful.
Their last stop for the day was the school–Miles prided himself in it, as he made education such a high priority in the land. He ushered Phoenix inside and brought him over to a set of ornate doors.
“Phoenix, I saved this for last. It's my favorite place in the whole kingdom.”
He swung the doors open to reveal a massive library. Rows and rows of books and scrolls lined the shelves along the walls, and all were grouped by subject for easy accessibility–a new and modern concept that Miles had insisted be used in place of the old way.
They sat in a corner together, and after pulling some books out, they settled down and Miles began teaching Phoenix how to read. Some children came by and offered to help the king's guest with the effort, and Phoenix excitedly accepted it. He even told them stories about his home, and how different it was in return. All the while, Miles just watched on fondly.
Upon leaving the library, Phoenix could read most of the books in the so-called “youth” section with some help. It was impressive just how much he picked up in a few short hours.
“I helped to raise a child back at home like the ones in there,” Phoenix explained as they finished up. “She's so smart. And she's only half phoenix, actually. I learned your words–your language –from her mother.”
“If you helped raise her, why isn't she with you now?”
“… That's not something I wish to…er, talk about, if that’s okay…”
“Very well.”
*****
Time passed in a comfortable rhythm from then on. The king and phoenix found themselves drawn closer together, and became confidants in one another in all things. Phoenix's wounds also healed, and with that came new power and strength in the man. A radiance seemed to spill from him that Miles just couldn't stop thinking about.
The winter stretched on, however, bitter and unrelenting. But Miles noticed that fewer people were falling ill. That the hunters were returning with more meat in their traps. Considering how involved Phoenix had become in these affairs, the young monarch suspected that he was creating miracles somehow. But not wanting to upset their precious friendship, he said nothing about it. They could all get through this season, just like always.
Then one day, everything seemed to crash down around him.
It was late in the night, and Miles was summoned to the town square. He'd smelled the thick smoke before he even reached the source.
“Your Majesty, the storehouse is on fire!” one of the townspeople wailed as they ran past him with a bucket.
Dread dropped into Miles’ stomach like an iron weight, heavy and painful. He broke into a run, Phoenix following in close pursuit. When they arrived at the scene, everything was in a state of utter chaos. A wide circle of people with shovels were tossing loads of snow onto the building with the hope it would douse the blaze. Others chipped frantically at the frozen over well for water. The young monarch sprung into action, directing his people to the places that needed to be extinguished quickly and also helping the ice breaking effort. The smell of burning foods and medicines filled the cold winter air–and with it, the people’s hopes of survival. Miles paused for a moment and turned to where Phoenix had been staring at the events in complete shock.
“Phoenix, would you please–”
Before he could finish, the other man charged in the direction of the blazing storehouse. He leapt over a small gap in the wood and headed inside. The weight in Miles’ stomach only grew heavier.
“Phoenix!” he cried desperately over the roaring flames.
He made to run in after his friend. To snatch him back and scream at him about what a fool he was being by attempting a stunt of that level. Instead, he was snatched back–reeled in by the collar of his vest by one Sir Gumshoe, his most loyal knight.
“Your Majesty, wait!” he shouted. “It’s far too dangerous, sire!”
“Let go of me!” Miles screamed.
“I can’t allow that, sire!”
As Miles thrashed and pulled to no avail, the townspeople began to gather around the gap in the storehouse, murmuring amongst themselves,
“Sir Gumshoe, just what is going on over there?”
“I’m not s–my word! Sire! Look over there!”
The young monarch fell from his knight’s grip. He scrambled to his feet and weaved his way up through the masses of people, until he saw him. Phoenix came out from the flames, his clothes singed and torn, but he was otherwise unaffected. He carried armloads of recovered supplies–which he passed off into the hands of the waiting townspeople. King and phoenix locked eyes for a moment, and Miles felt his heart stutter from the determined intensity in the other’s gaze. With a nod, Phoenix turned about and ducked back into the storehouse.
He was immune to the flames–of course.
He redirected everyone to grab everything they could from what Phoenix brought out. After several trips, he'd managed to save most of the medicine and quite a bit of the food, but the storehouse was gone despite everything. The building wasn't the only thing reduced to ash–the morale of the townsfolk seemed to as well.
*****
“Your Majesty,” Miles' closest advisor addressed him the next morning. “Perhaps you should consider Emperor Lang's proposal again? The empire of Zheng Fa is doing remarkably well. A marriage would ensure that our people could get more medicine. More food. Need I remind you that the storehouse fire last night has spread our already strained resources dreadfully thinner? If sickness breaks out again, then–”
Miles put a hand up to his temple. He was losing his patience quickly. “I am well aware of the benefits of such a union,” he stated. “However, I am not ready to leap into a commitment like that with a man I hardly–”
“Sire, this isn't about if you're ready! This is about the greater good of Chrysanthemum!” interjected another. “We need Zheng Fa's support, and a marriage is the best way–no, the only way to do that.”
The young monarch sighed. “So however it is chosen to be worded, the one constant of it all is that… I have no choice in the matter.”
“Unless you have plans to marry someone else with enough available resources to save our people– or come up with some way to stop this winter, thus allowing crops to grow and animals to return–then no, you don’t.”
“… Very well,” he sighed. “Send…send word to Emperor Lang. Tell him… I will accept his proposal.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Miles didn't miss the slight movement near the doorway as Phoenix departed the room.
*****
“You weren't meant to hear that,” Miles said as they tucked into their usual corner of the library.
“They're forcing you to be with a man you don't want to be with! How…how is that fair?!” Phoenix nearly screeched, tossing his unread book aside.
“It's for the good of Chrysanthemum.”
“You sound like those…those idiots in the stuffy suits!”
“My advisors?”
“Yes, them. Miles, pretend, for just a moment, that you aren't a king. What do you want?”
('You.')
“Phoenix…” he trailed off, struggling to find the right words. “My life is, and always has been, for my people. And yet…” he swallowed down the thick lump in his throat, “…and yet I've found that my heart belongs solely to one. This isn't easy, but…”
The young monarch sucked in a shaking breath. He stared straight into the sapphire-gold eyes in front of him.
“I love you, Phoenix. It may be my duty as the king of this land to marry Emperor Lang, but I… I know what my heart is telling me.”
He took Phoenix’s hand.
“It can only be you. I'd sooner perish than be in a man's arms that are not yours.”
Silence cut through the air like a blade. Panic set deep in Miles' belly. He wondered if he'd said too much.
“Please, Phoenix. Say something– anything. If my feelings are unrequited, then I will accept that without quest–”
“I…didn’t really understand all of your words–but I felt the meaning behind them, Miles,” Phoenix admitted, a shy blush tinging his cheeks. “I’ve lived for hundreds of human lifetimes–maybe thousands–but…there’s never been anyone quite like you.”
He inhaled sharply, gasping as if a difficult thought was struggling to be voiced.
“Back in my clan, I constantly wondered why I never found my soulmate. It hurt so much seeing them all pairing up. Looking so… happy . But…now I understand.”
He squeezed Miles' hand.
“It's because my soulmate…is here, and he's you.” Phoenix chirped something in his language, face burning hot. “That means 'I adore you', by the way,” he translated.
They drew in close, arms tangling in a warm embrace. They remained that way for a long time.
“I wish I could marry you, Phoenix,” he mumbled into his hair, tears threatening to spill.
“Maybe you can.”
“… What do you mean?”
“My people have what's called a partnership ceremony. It's like a wedding! We can marry in the night, with Mother Moon as our witness.”
“You're certain about going that route?”
“I am. There are some preparations that need to be made first, but it should work.”
“Then yes, Phoenix. I want to do that–without question.”
And so, the weeks seemed to blur together, until at last, the night before the wedding finally came.
That night, when the moon goddess was at her highest peak, Miles crept out of his chambers. Cloaked in shadows, he moved soundlessly down the hallway. Not a soul stirred in the other rooms–a miracle in all ways, he told himself. No one could know the king's destination–or what he intended to do while there.
He reached the last room at the end of the hall with ease. The small, flickering light of a candle could be seen through the crack at the bottom of the ancient wood door. Miles crouched down and took a slip of folded paper from his pocket. He slid it through the crack, and after a few moments passed, the door opened with nary a creak . He was met with the dark, cautious eyes of Lene, who studied him carefully.
“Were you followed, Your Majesty?” she whispered, taking a look up and down the hallway.
“No, I wasn't,” he replied.
Lene nodded, opening the door to allow Miles access. She immediately shut it again the very second he was over the threshold.
“Flower petals were particularly hard to track down, but I managed to smuggle some from the arrangements downstairs. Everything's been put in the location we discussed before,” Lene reported.
“I am forever in your debt, Lene. Thank you.”
“It was no trouble at all, Your Majesty.” She smiled. “Well, it's time for me to take my leave now. Warmest wishes to you two on your night.”
With a quick bow, the servant girl left the room. Miles locked the door and turned to face the window. In the light of the moon goddess, Phoenix looked positively radiant. He sat on the window seat, head bowed in deep prayer. Though Miles still couldn't understand much of what his beloved murmured, he supposed he was asking for blessings and protection for what was to come. Phoenix opened his eyes and glanced up at Miles shyly. His expression was soft–full of love and trust.
“You're here, Miles…” he breathed.
“Of course,” he replied. “I couldn't miss this night with you for anything.”
Phoenix blushed a sweet shade of pink that seemed to light up his whole face. He reached out and took Miles' hand, pulling the other man in to sit beside him.
“I'm still shocked this is all happening,” the phoenix murmured. “Is it real?”
“If this was a dream, I'd never want to awaken from it,” Miles replied, stroking comforting circles into the skin of Phoenix's hand. “… So, how do your people perform a 'partnership ceremony'?
“The phoenixes that are to be mates decorate a special place together. It's called…hm, what would be a good human word to use? Oh, a nest. They decorate a nest together using fabrics, flowers, and other treasures. Then they…” he trailed off, heat quickly rising to his cheeks, “…you know.”
“… I see,” Miles said, inhaling sharply through his nose. Heat was also spreading across his own face. “I mean…it was to be expected, but…”
“… Are you sure that you still want to go through with this…?”
“I've never been more certain about anything in my life. Come, my darling, let's decorate our 'nest'.”
They decorated the bed with the softest furs and throws. With sparkling fabrics and fragrant petals. When the lovers were at last satisfied with their work, Miles took out a hidden compartment of the bedside stand that had concealed fresh towels and other supplies left discreetly by Lene. He placed these things on the stand and turned back to look at Phoenix, who was fiddling with a sparkling ribbon. The young monarch's breath hitched at the very sight of him. He smiled back and passed Miles a feather that glowed like a fiery rainbow.
“What’s this for…?” Miles whispered, turning it over in his fingers.
“A nest is only finished with a feather from each partner,” Phoenix explained. “Tied to the very top so that the Sky Mothers may see them and bless the union.”
“My love, while the tradition is a beautiful one… I do not possess feathers, remember?”
“Oh…right. That may be a problem…”
Miles' brows furrowed in thought. He was silent for a while, then his bangs slipped into his vision. It was at that moment that an idea came to him. He placed Phoenix's feather on the bed and reached into a drawer for a pair of scissors. With a quick movement, he snipped a discreet lock of hair off and held it out for his beloved to take.
“Will this work?”
Mystified, the phoenix took hold of the silvery-gray lock offered to him. He securely fastened it onto the headboard. Miles did the same with the feather. With all preparations finally complete, they blew out the candle and climbed into their bed-nest together.
“Miles…before we start…there's one last thing I must tell you…”
“What is it, my dearest love?”
“… Ryūichi. My true name is Ryūichi.”
Miles nodded solemnly, intensely aware of the precious implications behind the reveal. He leaned back into the pillows, fully allowing himself to be lost in the captivating glow of his eyes. Phoenix–or rather–Ryūichi, followed him down, catching Miles' lips in a soft kiss. They pulled away after a moment, hearts fluttering with anticipation.
“Ryūichi… I love you with all that I am.”
“As do I Miles. I'll never want anyone else.”
… And so, in the soft silver light of the moon goddess, they were wed. Two halves, two souls–finally brought together as one complete whole.
*****
Dawn had not yet risen, and yet Miles was still greeted by a beautiful orange glow upon opening his eyes. He blinked slowly, taking in all the tiny details of his beloved's wings, which were wrapped protectively around him like a warm hug. Phoenix was sprawled out across the sheets, still comfortably asleep.
All Miles could do was watch, committing the sight to the furthest reaches of his heart and mind. The man laying next to him was the love of his life. They were married in body and soul–but never would be officially in the eyes of the law. There would be no more mornings like this. No days would be made sweeter by returning to his husband's arms after long hours of royal duties.
Miles couldn’t picture raising a family with Lang–but he could with Phoenix. Many little ones, all bouncing up and down the palace halls as they try to avoid being caught by their fathers in wild games of tag. He'd teach them the complex history of Chrysanthemum, while Phoenix would tell them fascinating tales of his clan and home in the sky.
He choked back a sob. It was a future he couldn't have–all because he was the king of a slowly dying land. One that even the sun goddess herself turned her back on.
… That wasn't true, though, right? She gave him his Phoenix–his Ryūichi . The being who seemed to bring life, light, and even hope back to his saddened people.
“… Miles? My love, why are you crying?”
The young monarch hadn't even noticed the soft hand or the tears on his cheek. He placed his hand over Phoenix's, tangling their fingers together.
“I was…thinking.”
“Seems like more than that. Please…tell me what's on your mind.”
Miles told him everything, and by the time he was done and had shed his last remaining tears, Lene had arrived to take him back to his chambers and from the embrace of the only man he'd ever love.
*****
Preparations began promptly at dawn with a cold bath.
Miles trembled like a leaf on a stormy day as yet another bucket of freezing water was dumped over his head. He grimaced through gritted teeth, trying and failing to hide the immense displeasure from his staff. His skin was scoured with sponges and cleansed with delicately scented soaps. Then the young monarch was quickly removed from the tub and dried with a flurry of fluffy towels. He was finally ushered over to the mirror and a few more servants proceeded to dress him.
Made specially for his wedding day, his suit consisted of lily whites and dark crimsons, and was accented with dazzling golds. It was meant to represent all Chrysanthemum in its simple, yet elegant beauty.
“You look wonderful, Your Majesty!” the group of servants gushed upon seeing his outfit. “Emperor Lang will be delighted! ”
Miles nodded slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips that concealed his pain. He noticed Lene wincing off to the side as well–she knew, of course, and saw what the others did not.
The box with his crown was fetched from its place in the closet, as well as a ring box that contained his father's old wedding ring. Miles popped it open to reveal the rose gold colored band inside with its tiny garnet and diamonds. He pictured it on Phoenix's finger for a brief moment before shutting the box back up and returning it to the one responsible for it until the ceremony.
The crown was placed carefully on his head at last. Along with it, the weight of the hopes and dreams of his people sunk down and settled heavily into his core. With one last turn in front of the mirror, King Miles Edgeworth was deemed ready for the wedding. But amongst the excited chatter, Miles had become distracted with another matter: all he could see staring back at him was the reflection of a man with a broken heart.
*****
At noon, Miles had been brought to the temple to meet with his betrothed before the ceremony. Emperor Lang reminded Miles a little of Phoenix–from his spiky hair to his ultimately excitable personality. The young monarch didn't say much to him, though, and avoided looking in his direction as much as he could while still managing to maintain politeness. When the ceremony was due to finally start, Lang leaned over to Miles' ear.
“Nervous?” he whispered.
Miles hesitated. “… Something like that, yes.”
Lang squeezed his betrothed's arm reassuringly. Miles gasped lowly and glanced into the other man's eyes for the first time since they'd met.
“Same,” he replied. “… Just don't go telling anyone that, you hear?” he added with a wink.
The young monarch nodded, then looked away, focusing instead on the plush red carpet under their feet. There was no doubt that Emperor Lang was a charismatic man and ruler. Miles admittedly found himself becoming fascinated by him a little, but even so…
He snapped his eyes shut, instead letting his thoughts wander back to his beloved Phoenix again. How he longed to be in his warm arms and wings again!
“You sure it isn't more than nerves, Edgeworth? You look about ready to–”
There was an ear-piercing screech–not unlike the one that Miles had heard before he'd found Phoenix. He felt his heart squeeze painfully, almost like it was trapped in a vice grip. Otherworldly words followed moments later, fierce and sharp as they hit the young monarch's mind:
“Give back what you've stolen, you traitorous sparrow!”
There was another screech and the tight pain in Miles' heart intensified. His head tilted towards the door of the temple. He wobbled, legs turning to jelly underneath him. The emperor planted a firm hand on Miles' back, steadying him.
“P-Please e-excuse me…” Miles mumbled. “I…he…”
Something intense flashed in Lang's eyes. “You should go to him,” he said.
“Y-You…how do you…?”
“I don't know much about it, but I've seen this happen before. You love a phoenix, don't you, Edgeworth?”
“My apologies for you having to find out this way, Emperor Lang…”
“You love who you love,” Lang said, shrugging. “Now go to him, you hear?! I'll deal with things on this end.”
“… I'm forever in your debt, thank you.”
Without another thought, Miles took off, running away from the temple, and into the town square. Then he entered the stables and began hastily saddling up his mare. The pain in his chest grew tighter and tighter–there was little time left. He bit his lip, mounting the horse quickly.
('Please be strong. I'm on my way, Ryūichi.')
He rode in the direction of the forest.
*****
Phoenix's body trembled with effort as he tried to stand. ” I…didn't take it,” he gasped.
The wind rushed past Phoenix. He flew backwards, slamming into a large bank of snow. A biting sensation cut through his skin and he winced, biting back another agonizing cry.
“You claim you didn't steal it?!” screeched a very radiant, very furious figure–the sun goddess herself. ” You are a liar and a–”
Suddenly, Miles leapt from his horse and over to Phoenix’s side. The melted snow around him had burned some exposed skin on his arm, turning it an angry red color.
Phoenix hissed in pain. “Miles, you need to go! R-Run while you can!” he implored tearfully. “… Please!”
“I'm not leaving you,” Miles said, moving to scoop his secret husband into his arms.
A harsh laugh came from behind them. Miles swiveled around, drawing his sword in seconds and pointing it at the source. The sun goddess did nothing, merely looking him over as if appraising a fish at the market. She then looked over at Phoenix's crumpled form with a disapproving frown tugging at her features.
“You've mated with this one.” she stated, nose wrinkling slightly. ” I can sense it!”
“Leave Miles out of this!” Phoenix screamed.
“You've failed as a phoenix. You steal from me, your creator, and then you marry a human?! Despicable!”
“Humans aren't…what you think they are.”
“Oh? And tell me, just what are they, sparrow? All they do is take and take. Then they die! They're nothing!”
“If you're going to insult my people, perhaps verify first to see if the one standing here can or cannot speak the words of the sky.” Miles grunted, tightening his grip on the sword. ” You're the sun goddess we've looked up to for as long as time? If anything is despicable here, it's you!”
Miles was slammed into the ground, his sword flying down next to him with a clatter.
“… Miles?!” Phoenix shrieked.
The young monarch groaned. The world around him spun. He couldn't move or speak. He hardly felt anything as the goddess used his own blade against him–the very moment when Phoenix had transformed into his full-fledged true self: a magnificent golden bird with intense blue eyes, and springing at her with absolute fury.
The last thing Miles heard before his vision went dark was the mournful screeching of the one he loved.
*****
Everything was bathed in silver.
Miles' head pounded as he rose from a bed that seemed to be made from clouds. A soft voice filled his ears.
“Relax, young king. You must heal.”
The voice was soothing, and Miles felt compelled to listen to it. He lowered back down.
“Where…are we?”
“In the plane between dusk and dawn. My domain.”
“You're…”
“I am the one called Mother Moon, yes.”
The lovely, delicate shape of the moon goddess was standing over Miles now. She smiled warmly at him.
“Ryūichi chose well. You truly are a man of equal kindness and might, Miles Edgeworth.”
“Ryūichi…” Miles trailed off, before his memories struck him once more. He shot up from the bed. “… Phoenix! He…!”
The moon goddess shook her head disapprovingly and lowered him back into the fluffy surface. ” You will be able to return to your physical form and to your beloved. But you need to heal first.”
“… What did he steal from her? And why would he do such a thing? May I…know the truth?”
“What was taken…was actually given to him,” the goddess replied. ” Names have power amongst the inhabitants of the sky, as you know. In order to leave the clan, Ryūichi had to learn my sister's true name from another who had left before. He would never steal anything.”
The world around them flickered.
“His tears are healing you successfully. You may return now.”
“What about your…sister?”
“All will ultimately arrive at a favorable result. Do not worry about her. … And Miles Edgeworth?”
“Yes?”
“Take care of him for me, all right?”
“I will, my lady. I swear it.”
The silver world vanished around him.
*****
As he awakened and regained his bearings, Miles heard a sound that no creature should ever have to bear witness to: the cries of a mourning phoenix. Though they knew death, being of a mostly immortal race meant that few phoenixes ever actually felt true loss. Phoenix had laid down beside Miles and curled his own around him. Tears rimmed with radiant gold trickled down his beak. The cries continued on, softer and harder to hear, but the young monarch was able to make out a single sentence:
“… I-I don't know how I could possibly go on living if I can't be…by your side.”
Miles weakly lifted his arm. He ran his hand over the surface of Phoenix's large black beak. The fire bird's cries halted, though his tears did not. He looked down at Miles in disbelief (or as much a bird could). Then there was a shift in temperature and a warm golden light. The avian shape of Miles' soulmate was gone, and a familiar, more human-like form had taken its place.
Phoenix was still weeping even as he brought Miles into his arms and wrapped him snugly into the folds of his wings. The young monarch couldn't understand everything his beloved said in his melodic words between all the sobs, but he could make out two more sentences with absolute certainty:
“… I felt it. You were…you were lost to me.”
Miles reached up, brushing his fingertips across Phoenix's cheeks. Ignoring the wet ashes staining his skin, he instead stared straight into the sapphire-gold eyes above him. They danced and wavered like small flames as more tears threatened to fall. Though his head pounded, and his tongue felt like lead, Miles found the words –his beloved's words– singing in the back of his mind and brought a voice to them:
“But I'm here now. There is no need to cry any longer, my love.”
Phoenix sucked in a shaking breath. A small, hopeful smile spread across his face. Crooning, he nuzzled into Miles' neck and the sweetest song the young monarch had ever heard burst from his lips–a song meant for him.
The sun goddess then approached them, now calmed. Some scrapes and burns covered her skin–it seemed Phoenix had ultimately been successful in driving her back. ” I was…mistaken, you did not steal from me–my sister has told me so. You merely wanted another life for yourself. And… I have seen the love you have for this human. Healing tears only work if a phoenix feels true feelings for another, after all.”
“I…healed him?” Phoenix murmured.
“You did,” Miles replied, snuggling closer. “… You did, and I'm here. I'm here with you once again, my dearest Phoenix.”
*****
Time passed, and spring eventually came. Emperor Lang had agreed to build a favorable alliance between Chrysanthemum and Zheng Fa, no marriage to him was necessary. The people were delighted with this arrangement, as they'd seen the growing affection between their king and his beloved Phoenix. And by summer, a grand wedding for the two of them was held for all to attend.
Miles' hand trembled ever so slightly as he slipped his father's old ring onto Phoenix's finger. “ Under the light of the goddesses above, I pledge my undying love for you,” he murmured. ” Please allow this ring to be a symbol of this day–and our bond–for all time.”
“I accept it,” Phoenix said back without hesitation.
He then pulled out a golden ring that glittered like starlight from his pocket. Its tiny sapphires gleamed like the night sky, and in the center rested a perfect white moonstone–a one-of-a-kind gift from the moon goddess herself. Slipping it on Miles' finger, he took a deep breath and spoke once again:
“Mothers above, I ask for your blessings,” he first asked in his language. Then, he continued: “Miles, my light, please accept this ring as a symbol of this day and our bond for all time.”
“I accept it.”
Then, with their vows exchanged, and a kiss shared, their two worlds were united in the eyes of the law at last. A miracle had come: bringing forth a new dawn for all, and Miles couldn’t be happier with the result.
~Fin ♡