Justice and Spirit: A Phoenix and Maya Collection

A Narumayo fanzine! || Our FAQ

[narumayo-zine]

Zine Release!!!

The Zine Team is proud to finally present Justice and Spirit: A Phoenix and Maya Collection! 

Thank you to all our hardworking and talented Mods and Ziners who made this possible, teamwork truly makes the dream work!

Please click >>here<< to download the zine pdf!

[tori-rae-art]

For the 2024 Narumayo zine :)

Thanks to the @narumayo-zine team!

[narumayo-zine]

Will there be a volume 3? I missed out on volume 2 and wanted to see if theres any interest for the next one

At the moment there are no plans for making a volume 3.

We'll update this blog if that changes, though! We hope you can stay tuned.

[narumayo-zine]

Hello, I'm so sorry if this wildly early or something, but are you all planning on hosting another narumayo zine event next year? ;_; I wasn't even aware of a zine being hosted this year, I wish I could've participated!!!

Ah... we're sorry you missed this round, Anon.

At the moment we have no plans for a third zine issue, but we'll post updates on this blog if that changes!

[kobayashi-tommy]

My contribution to 2024's Narumayo Zine. Thank you so much for having me. You can download and enjoy all the other amazing works here.

@narumayo-zine

[mexicandetective]

My submission for the Narumayo 2024 fanzine which can be found here. Title is "Falling for You". I wonder why?

@narumayo-zine

[benasabrina]

I can share this piece now!

I participated in @narumayo-zine for this year! My piece is collabed with @faerieyuri ‘s fic that’s also in the zine! It was so much fun participating in this collection of fabulous works! Be sure to check the zine in its entirety, here!

[tact-and-impulse]

Narumayo Zine 2024

Thanks @narumayo-zine for another fun and successful event! My fic's also on the AO3 collection. Everyone's amazing work can be found here!

A Cute Voice

Phoenix stamped the snow off his shoes. The wreaths on the lobby’s walls were a duller green, a few decorative pinecones had fallen on the linoleum. Holiday cheer had given way to a regular morning at work, back to business as usual. He checked the Wright & Co. mailbox, grabbed the stack of envelopes, and headed to the upper floor.

Hm? It’s not totally quiet. Music blared from behind the door, and a muffled voice joined in.

“Go, go! Steel Samurai…”

It sounded like Maya, especially because of the theme song, although he’d never heard her sing before. Curious, he turned the door handle as quietly as possible. The office was much tidier, the desk and table cleared of stray papers. But his attention landed on Maya, pulling up the blinds with her back to him.

“That brave hero will save the town, fly high!” A clear, sweet soprano left her lips. Effortlessly, she reached the high note, perfectly on pitch. She spun around and froze. “Ack, Nick! Uh, hi?”

“Hey, Maya. Having fun?”

She blushed, scrambling to turn off the music. “I came early to help clean, I thought you’d be here later.”

“Early bird catches the worm. Anyway, you don’t have to stop. You sing really well.” He insisted.

She let out a nervous laugh. “Oh, I don’t know. Aunt Morgan once heard me trying a lullaby on Pearl when she was a baby, and she told me to never do it again, so…”

A spark of righteous fury flared within Phoenix. “That’s-”

“New year, new stuff, right? What have you got there?” She dove for the mail, and then, they were occupied with sorting through the requests.

One potential client was at a ski lodge, and when Pearl returned from Medium Valley, they decided to make it a weekend trip. Of course, they were inevitably stuck in traffic. As Phoenix tapped the rental car’s steering wheel, Maya punched the radio button. A pop song poured through the speakers and from the backseat, Pearl screamed in delight, adding her own slightly off-key but animated enthusiasm.

Maya turned to grin at her. “You like this band, don’t you, Pearly?”

“I really do! Mystic Maya, won’t you sing along?”

“It’s okay, I don’t know all the lyrics.”

She pouted. “What about you, Mr. Nick?”

“Same here. But I’ll try if there’s something I’ve heard before.” And as if on cue, the next song was familiar. Just his luck. He could carry a tune, he wasn’t going to win any awards though. He sang the chorus and the bridge, glancing at Maya. She was smiling wide, her eyes lit up like shooting stars.

“Wow, you’re awesome.”

“I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic.”

“Totally serious, Nick!”

“Well, you can take a turn. You’re probably better than us and we won’t judge you at all.” He said, holding her gaze. Her lips trembled.

“What if you both sing a duet?!” Pearl exclaimed. “That would be so romantic-”

Then, the cars ahead moved, and the rest of the drive smoothly sent Pearl into a nap. Dense trees lined the road, glittering with salt, and signposts pointed to the main resort. In a promising sight, snowy slopes emerged from cloud cover, tiny dots of skiers creating downward trails. Phoenix spoke first.

“I’m sorry, Maya, I didn’t mean to pressure you.”

“You weren’t!” She countered. “It’s only…I don’t know. I guess I’m nervous?”

“That’s alright. Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be cheering you on.”

“…Thank you.” Her soft whisper rose and fell, a caress sliding around his neck.

Within minutes, they rolled into the parking lot. Maya tumbled out, her face flushed as she coaxed Pearl to wake up. It had to be the brisk wind. Nevertheless, the cold wasn’t quite touching Phoenix, his ears still hot.

***

Cards flipped, fabric rustled, applause resounded again and again. Trucy had pleaded to attend this magic convention, and by her unwavering expression of wonder, Phoenix didn’t regret it. She watched the other magicians with rapt attention, happily relaying to him what she learned. While she practiced some new maneuvers with Mr. Hat, he went to grab drinks. Apple juice for her, cider for him.

As he picked up the glasses, murmurs rippled from the entrance. Some rich patroness, apparently. However, his breath caught at the figure assisting the newcomer. Long dark hair, cascading over purple robes. A touch of mascara and lip gloss, highlighting more mature features.

Maya.

There had been furtive phone calls and tearstained letters, but this was the first time he’d seen her in person since his badge was taken. He almost wanted to hide. However, any escape was rendered impossible, when he found Trucy chatting with Pearl, who had a growth spurt. He felt Maya’s gaze on him, unable to meet hers, until the convention ended and the girls declared they wanted to get dinner together. So, they ended up at a ramen shop, receiving generous bowls. Trucy and Pearl held an excitable conversation, Maya offering small compliments about the food.

In the dark blue evening, they returned to the hotel. Phoenix carried Trucy, as he walked alongside Maya and a staggering Pearl. Their room was because of Maya’s employer, she explained, who liked the occult. It was certainly a far cry from the Wright Talent Agency; Pearl crashed onto a large silk-covered bed, while Maya insisted on giving them some of the goodies. He couldn’t bring himself to walk away. In his arms, Trucy stirred, her brows creasing in internal turmoil. Pearl rolled onto one side, then the other. Maya started to hum, that became a verse under her breath, in a low, soothing song. The girls grew calmer, and Phoenix felt like breathing was a little easier.

“This is my happiness, I want you to know. I’ll turn to the sky, and keep singing by the window.” She handed over the bag, with a brave smile. “Here you are, Nick.”

He managed to choke out. “Thank you, Maya. For this, and the singing.”

“Not a lot else to do under a waterfall, so vocal training must have paid off.” She deflected. “I’m getting stronger, so I can help you. Just…please, wait. You’ll have your badge back, I know you will.”

He could only nod and pull his beanie further down. More than ever, he wanted to believe in her words.

***

The thought didn’t occur to Phoenix until they were stateside again. Outside the airport, it was pitch black. Bleary-eyed with jet lag and adjusting his watch out of Khura’in time, he asked Maya. “Where are you staying?”

“I guess I can find a hotel room.” She yawned.

After everything that had happened? “Or, you can stay over with me.”

Her eyes widened.

He quickly corrected. “And Trucy! I think she invited Pearl too, I’ll call…” Embarrassed, he brought out his phone and let the girls know, who said they’d have hot drinks and their bedding ready.

“Separate rooms, Daddy?” Trucy innocently asked.

“Y-yes, of course!”

“Aw, okaaay. See you soon.”

As they waited for the cab, they sat in an empty area. Maya gave a bemused look at his suitcase but instead, she said. “You know, I don’t think I’ve said it enough times, but thank you, Nick.”

“I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. And now, you’re home again.”

“Yes, it’s so good to be back.” She ran her fingers through her sleek dark hair, closing one eye.

“If you want to rest, you can use my shoulder.”

“I’ll take you up on that.” And she promptly did.

Phoenix dropped his gaze; their hands were an inch apart, and carefully, his moved closer, just enough for the slightest touch. She shifted, but didn’t speak. Still, he recognized that she was awake. It just felt right to summon his voice, into a tune from one of his daughter’s shows. A closing, and an invitation to see another magic act soon.

And unexpectedly, Maya began to quietly sing. Low warm notes, climbing to that pure bright soprano. “Tides may ebb and flow, and the sun may rise and fall. Still, you’re with me through it all.”

He held his breath. He didn’t want to miss a single second.

“The shell you gave me sings a lullaby of the waves. It takes me back to that summer day.” She paused. “My mom and Mia used to sing this to me, but that’s all I remember of it.”

“It was wonderful.”

“Even in my exhausted state?”

“Not that I could tell. You’ve always had a cute voice.” He murmured.

Her hand bumped his, in protest. But she didn’t draw away. In the next instant, he captured her wrist, and she twisted around to intertwine their fingers. “Probably, no karaoke yet. At least, for now, I can sing just for you.”

He couldn’t resist smiling. “I’m glad.” And maybe, a little thrilled he was the sole exception. He did like her singing voice very much. The minutes stretched on, and he was on the verge of dozing off when his phone rang with the cab’s arrival. Their hands remained in place, as they wheeled their luggage through the airport. And they walked into the cool night, towards a well-deserved homecoming.

[neutrallyobsessed]

And here's my contribution for the @narumayo-zine ^^!

Thanks to Maya's help, Phoenix can prove that his client is innocent by showing that the murder happend during the dance and not after as the initial hypotesis suggested...

But maybe this could put to light the evidence of something else~~

>>Go check mine and everyone else's wonderful pieces here!<<

[boo2020]

The 2024 Narumayo Zine is now up! You can read my entry on AO3!

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

And download the rest of the zine here!

Zine Release!!!

The Zine Team is proud to finally present Justice and Spirit: A Phoenix and Maya Collection! Thank you to all our hardworking and talented

@narumayo-zine

[narumayo-zine]

Creator Spotlight: Azura_Marigold

Social Media:

Tumblr: @azuramarigold

X: @AzuraMarigold

Instagram: @jlandersen01

Interview under the cut!

I'm known as Azura_Marigold for writing, and I enjoy writing immensely. I've been writing off and on for about a decade, and I hope to publish my own works eventually. I also enjoy reading as many people's works as they help inspire and continue for myself to grow.

When did you start shipping Narumayo? I started shipping Narumayo around 2017 when I was playing the original trilogy in my 3DS - I was playing "Justice for All" and was on "Farewell my Turnabout" and of COURSE was seeing how much Phoenix was willing to sacrifice and fight to save Maya. I was putting my hands on my cheeks just like Pearl was!

What is your favourite narumayo scene? One of my favorite Narumayo scenes is when Phoenix was willing to run across the burning bridge in "Bridge to the Turnabout". It's very touching that he was willing to do it for her!

[narumayo-zine]

Creator Spotlight: ToriRae

Social Media:

Tumblr: @tori-rae-art

Interview under the cut!

My name is Rae and digital art is a hobby I have recently gotten back into. This is the first time I have created work for a zine. I hope to do more in the future!

When did you start shipping Narumayo? I started shipping narumayo by the end of my first playthrough of the first game on DS. I always loved their dynamic but when Maya has a teary departure and Phoenix goes into a depression from her absence made me realize they are really more than friends!

What is your favourite narumayo scene? For my fav narumayo scene, it’s a close tie! I love when Phoenix compliments Maya in a maid uniform because it was the first time he expressed attraction to her and I think that moment lived rent-free in both of their heads for a while But my fav is when Dahlia outwardly asks Phoenix if Maya is his girlfriend because (1) that proves people in-universe can suspect that from their relationship and (2) Phoenix himself knows he can’t completely reject that assumption as he only freezes in response. (Almost as if he in that moment realizes she might as well be.)

Share a headcanon? One headcanon I have would take place post-T&T. By Apollo’s game we know that Maya is no longer by Phoenix’s side and it’s unclear how long after T&T she stayed. I add a bit of angst and think their separation was not on the best terms (maybe just me but I thought Phoenix’s aura is very cynical from the get-go in Apollo’s game), maybe an argument/miscommunication/assumption caused a bit of a fallout but, of course, Maya catches word of his disbarment and they quickly make amends and strengthen their bond.

[narumayo-zine]

Creator Spotlight: Benasabrina

Social Media:

Tumblr: @benasabrina

X: @bcnasabrina

Interview under the cut!

Hi, I’m benasabrina~ I played my first AA game in 2008! I’m an artist and a fanfic writer (but leans more toward fan art~)

When did you start shipping Narumayo? I started shipping narumayo (technically) after my first game, which was Trials and Tribulations! So, back in 2008!

What is your favourite narumayo scene? I have two! When Phoenix runs across a burning bridge for Maya… to see if she’s okay with no regard to his own safety. And also, him traveling across the world to make sure she’s okay during SoJ!

Share a headcanon? I love the headcanon that they totally had something going on during the seven year gap! Like… they had an on again/off again relationship!! Just adds to the angst during that time period.

[narumayo-zine]

Creator Spotlight: MexicanDetective

Social Media:

Tumblr: @mexicandetective

X: @ModernFatality

Interview under the cut!

I'm MexicanDetective, but I also go by ModernFatality depending on the platform. I'm into a lot of fandoms and a lot of them are rooted in the 80s and 90s. I'm a huge gamer and am especially a big fan of Capcom properties.

When did you start shipping Narumayo? I first played most of the Ace Attorney games back to back around 2014 and by the second game I started to ship it. I blame Pearl and how lost Phoenix felt without Maya.

What is your favourite narumayo scene? Is it cheating if I say the whole of Phoenix Wright vs Professor Layton? But for a singular scene, I'd have to go with Phoenix teasing Maya when she's in her Tres Bien uniform.

Share a headcanon? I have a bunch but my favorite is that the only song Nick knows how to play on piano is Maya's theme. There's a beautiful rendition of this by Jaws called "Naruhodou and his Piano" on youtube.

[narumayo-zine]

Creator Spotlight: tact-and-impulse

Social Media:

Ao3: @tact_and_impulse

Tumblr: @tact-and-impulse

Interview under the cut!

I’m tact-and-impulse! I’ve been writing fic on Tumblr for years lol.

When did you start shipping Narumayo? I was introduced to Ace Attorney via the Professor Layton crossover, and I was interested in their dynamic from the start. I thought they were very cute and liked them a lot together, but the moment I was fully on board the ship was Farewell, My Turnabout, when Phoenix was so distraught over Maya’s kidnapping.

What is your favourite narumayo scene? Actually, my favorite scene is the café waitress moment. Phoenix was clearly into her voice and then stunned by her appearance, in a good way.

Share a headcanon? One of my headcanons is that Maya really likes his build (this man has broken down doors for her) and will find any excuse to be handsy with him.

[narumayo-zine]

Creator Spotlight: boo2020

Social Media:

Tumblr: @boo2020

Ao3: @Boo2020

Interview under the cut!

I’m KC, or you probably know me by my writer username, boo2020. I’m 32, from Canada, and have a kitty. Phoenix Wright is the love of my life.

When did you start shipping Narumayo?

In 2016, the first time I played the trilogy. Pretty sure I was already starting to like it a bit by the end of the first game, but I really started shipping it when Pearl showed up in the second game. Having an in universe shipper is great, it makes me feel like narumayo is more “valid” somehow.

What is your favourite narumayo scene?

Honestly, even though it’s kind of blink and you miss it, one of my favourites is the waitress uniform moment. The “you should quit being a spirit medium” moment. Because to me there’s no other way to interpret that other than Phoenix seeing Maya in something different, liking it, and blurting out his first thought, which happens to sound almost flirty.

Share a headcanon?

The reason Pearl calls Phoenix Maya’s “special someone” is because Maya went home after the first game and couldn’t stop talking to Pearl about Phoenix and how great he is. I like to think she told Pearl that Phoenix was “special” at some point, and Pearl took that and ran with it.

[narumayo-zine]

Creator Spotlight: Fae

Social Media:

Tumblr: @faerieyuri

Interview under the cut!

Hi there, I'm faerieyuri! I'm a writer and avid multishipper in the Ace Attorney fandom.

When did you start shipping Narumayo? I got into it through friends who were passionate about the ship and showed me art. One of the things I love about fandom is when you "catch" ships from friends, and seeing beautiful art helped me see the potential in their dynamic in a way I hadn't considered before.

What is your favourite narumayo scene? It's hard to pick just one scene but I love all their banter! Their playfulness and teasing dynamic is so cute.

Share a headcanon? I see them both as bisexual, and they don't at all adhere to traditional gender roles!