Opening Statement
Phoenix Wright and Klavier Gavin, two prominent characters from the Ace Attorney series, both bring their unique personalities to the games. Despite their differences, the idea of them forming a romantic couple has captured the imagination of some fans (me!!!!).
While this pairing may seem unconventional at first glance, there are some compelling reasons to support the idea of Phoenix and Klavier as a good romantic match. However, there are also valid arguments that challenge this theory. Here both sides of the debate will be explored, analyzing their compatibility through their professions, personalities, and shared experiences.
Arguments in Favor:
Argument #1
Ok so first and foremost, Phoenix and Klavier are both lawyers, which provides a little foundation for mutual understanding and respect. As individuals immersed in the legal world, they share a dedication to justice and an awareness of the challenges that come with their profession. This could serve for their relationship, as they would be able to relate to each other's experiences in court and empathize with the emotional and mental toll their work can take.
Argument #2
Also, music. The contrast in their musical backgrounds adds an intriguing dynamic to their potential relationship. Klavier is a rockstar, known for his charisma and talent as the lead singer and guitarist of The Gavinners. On the other hand, while Phoenix plays the piano at the Borscht Bowl Club, his abilities on the instrument are… questionable… at best. Nonetheless, this difference could foster a balance between the two characters. Klavier’s musical expertise could complement Phoenix’s more… casual style. Music, despite their differences in skill level, could become a shared hobby or a point of interest in their relationship, with Klavier perhaps even teaching Phoenix to improve his piano playing.
Argument #3
Another factor that strengthens their potential compatibility is their shared experience of betrayal by the same person: Kristoph Gavin, Klavier’s older brother and Phoenix’s nemesis. Both Phoenix and Klavier were deceived by Kristoph, leading them to face the horrors tm. This shared history gives them a unique understanding of the pain and betrayal that they both endured, potentially fostering a sense of camaraderie. While their individual responses to Kristoph’s betrayal differ (Phoenix becomes more reserved over time, while Klavier remains idealistic) their mutual experience could serve as a way to bond over their struggles and find solace in one another.
Argument #4
Finally, both Phoenix and Klavier are idealists. Despite Phoenix's outward reservations during Apollo Justice after losing his badge, his pursuit of truth and justice remains there. Klavier, though appearing laid-back is also driven by a strong desire to uncover the truth and see justice served. Their idealism and passion for the law are central aspects of their characters, and these shared values would create an alignment in their moral outlooks, making them a match on philosophical level.
Arguments Against:
Despite these reasons, several factors suggest that Phoenix and Klavier may not be an ideal romantic pairing.
Objection! #1
A potential issue, is the shared trauma of Kristoph’s betrayal. While their mutual experience of being deceived by Kristoph could bring them closer together as stated previously, it could also serve as a painful reminder of their past. Phoenix and Klavier might struggle to move forward from the wounds left by Kristoph’s manipulation, and their relationship could become a source of emotional distress rather than healing. ("We can't sit and stare at our wounds forever".) They may constantly remind each other of the betrayal, preventing them from fully enjoying a fresh start together. (insert klavier looks like kristoph cliche)
Objection! #2
Also there is the question of age. Phoenix is nine years older than Klavier (I didn't check the number please take that with a grain of salt), which could pose challenges in terms of their life stages and perspectives. By the time Klavier enters the series as a young prodigy prosecutor, Phoenix has already gone through significant personal and professional experiences. The difference in maturity levels and experiences could create a disconnect between them, with Klavier’s contrasting with Phoenix. Their age gap might make it difficult for them to relate to one another’s life experiences in a meaningful way.
Conclusion:
While Phoenix Wright and Klavier Gavin have qualities that could make them a strong romantic couple, there are also significant challenges that could hinder their relationship. Their shared profession, and idealistic values suggest compatibility, while their contrasting musical backgrounds could provide an interesting dynamic. Moreover, their mutual experience of betrayal by Kristoph might create a bond based on shared trauma.
However, the same scars left by Kristoph’s actions present substantial obstacles, additionally, their age difference could complicate their potential as a couple more. Ultimately, whether Phoenix and Klavier would make a good romantic pair depends on how they navigate these challenges and whether their commonalities are strong enough to overcome their differences. Also on how the fanfiction writer depicts them of course.
Part Two: The Different Approaches to the Phoenix x Klavier Relationship
The Mentor-Protege Relationship
One approach to Phoenix and Klavier’s relationship is to frame it as a mentor-protégé dynamic, with Phoenix guiding Klavier both professionally and personally. Phoenix, as the older, more experienced attorney, has seen the good and bad of the legal world. He has not only been a celebrated defense attorney but has also suffered the humiliation of disbarment and betrayal.
These experiences would position Phoenix as a mentor figure to Klavier, who, despite his success as a prosecutor, still has much to learn about the more complex aspects of life and justice. In this scenario, Phoenix’s role would be to help Klavier grow, particularly in terms of his idealism and how to handle ethically complex decisions. Klavier’s idealistic approach to justice, while admirable, could be tempered by Phoenix’s wisdom, as Phoenix understands the hardships a lawyer can run into. In turn, Klavier’s optimism could reignite Phoenix’s passion for justice during his disbarred time, reminding him of the ideals he held before his disbarment. This mutual growth would create a relationship based on shared learning, with each helping the other evolve.
Here Phoenix and Klavier’s relationship would be less about romantic chemistry and more about mutual respect admiration and growth.
The Rivalry
Another approach to the Phoenix-Klavier relationship centers on their roles as adversaries in court. As a defense attorney and prosecutor, Phoenix and Klavier could find themselves on opposite sides of legal battle this opposition of course creates natural friction, which can easily turn into an interesting story. In this interpretation, the competitive nature of their professions would serve as a driving force behind their relationship. Klavier, with his confident demeanor, might challenge Phoenix to up his game, while Phoenix’s relentless pursuit of the truth could frustrate and intrigue Klavier in equal measure.
The tension-driven approach could be compelling because it taps into the trope of "rivals-to-lovers," which has long been popular in romantic narratives.
The Healing Bond
A third approach to the Phoenix-Klavier relationship focuses on the idea of healing through shared trauma. Both Phoenix and Klavier have been deeply affected by the betrayal of Kristoph. For Phoenix, Kristoph’s schemes led to his disbarment and years of the horrors tm. For Klavier, discovering that his own brother was responsible for such horrible actions would be horrific tm, challenging his faith in those closest to him and in the legal system. In this interpretation, Phoenix and Klavier could find comfort and understanding in each other’s company, bonding over their shared pain. Their relationship would provide a safe space for them to process their trauma and support one another in moving forward.
Phoenix, who had to rebuild his life after Kristoph’s betrayal, might offer Klavier the guidance and empathy he needs to cope with his own disillusionment. In turn, Klavier’s presence could offer Phoenix emotional support, helping him see that he's not alone in his struggles and allowing him to open up about the pain he has long carried
This approach would explore the healing power of companionship and love, demonstrating how two people who have suffered deeply can come together to help each other heal. Such a relationship would not only be romantic but also cathartic.
The Toxic Bond
From this perspective, Phoenix and Klavier's relationship is greatly affected by their shared trauma, their age difference, and the flaws of each character. It's the typical story where Phoenix, for example, replaces Kristoph with Klavier, or Phoenix takes revenge on Kristoph through him, or Klavier's guilt manifests itself in false romantic feelings for Phoenix, etc. Phoenix and Klavier may end up obsessing over each other in the background, while the relationships usually established in fanon (e.g., Klapollo and Wrightworth) occur. This relationship would be born from the same place as the healing bond, but would end up having the opposite effect and would become toxic for them, like a drug.
Conclusion:
The different approaches to Phoenix Wright and Klavier Gavin’s potential relationship reveal that it can become a canvas for exploring broader themes like personal growth, professional conflict, and emotional healing. They are worth exploring because they add new layers to Phoenix and Klavier’s characters.
Part Three: Canon Interactions
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
Exhibit A
PHOENIX: (Klavier Gavin...)
PHOENIX: (Lead singer for the megahit band, The Gavinners.)
PHOENIX: (You're out of your league, rock-boy.)
KLAVIER: I know what you're thinking: "You're out of your league, rock-boy".
PHOENIX: .....
KLAVIER: True, my debut single, "13 Years Hard Time for Love", went platinum overnight…
KLAVIER: …but that's just a hobby to me compared to this, ja?
PHOENIX: …Talkative, aren't you? I like your affected Euro-rock accent, by the way.
KLAVIER: I'm just getting warmed up, Herr Attorney Wright.
-Turnabout Succession - 7 Years Earlier, Trial Former
This interaction is a clear example of the Rivalry dynamic presented earlier. Klavier reads Phoenix's mind, and Phoenix quickly notices Klavier's possibly fake accent which is funny. But it also suggests he’s not easily impressed by Klavier’s charm, unlike most people. This could imply that Phoenix sees through Klavier’s persona. Phoenix treats Klavier as a real person rather than a celebrity.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Anthology
Exhibit B
(We see Klavier in a courtroom.)
KLAVIER: Herr Wright, former attorney. No, rather ...
KLAVIER: That's right ...
KLAVIER: I should call you "Daddy" from now on!
TRUCY (behind Klavier): Daddy! Here's my beloved prince~!
(Phoenix wakes up. It was all a dream.)
PHOENIX: Waaaahhh!
(Phoenix gets up and cleans his face with water in the mirror.)
PHOENIX: Geez! What's with that dream this morning ... It gives me the creeps.
(Phoenix thinks as he looks at himself in the mirror.)
PHOENIX: All I need is Trucy to call me "Daddy".
TRUCY (in Phoenix's thoughts): Daddy! I'm already a grownup...
(Phoenix is horrified and points at himself in the mirror.)
PHOENIX: Objection!! (Psyche-Locks appear.)
PHOENIX: Whaaat?! A Psyche-Lock on myself?!
PHOENIX: Could it be that I've already arrived at a certain conclusion... so that's why I saw something that went against it?
(Text in the background: "Ocupation sickness.")
(Apollo walks in.)
APOLLO: Oh. Good morning, Mr Wright!
PHOENIX: Hey! Morning!
APOLLO: Trucy keeps bringing out these Gavinners CDs. And I'm the one who has to put them away... What do we do if a client shows up...
PHOENIX (in his thoughts): Gavinners? Ah, Prosecutor Gavin's band. Trucy was a big fan of theirs... Hm? Gavin? Trucy? Daddy? Huh?
(The Psych-Lock on Phoenix shows again.
APOLLO (in his thoughts): What the? My bracelet just reacted... I don't really get it... But Mr. Wright is shaking a lot?
PHOENIX (in his thoughts): Huff huff... What am I getting so flustered about?
APOLLO: Mr. Wright!
-Transcript of scene from the manga chapter: 'Daddy Wright is a Worrywart'.
Even though it's not a direct reaction, it's the only time we see Phoenix react with a Psyche-Lock toward himself. His subconscious mind creating a lock implies that there is something about Klavier, or about the idea of being connected to him in a more personal way, that Phoenix is unwilling or unable to acknowledge. Why does Klavier even show up in this dream?, Phoenix has plenty of courtroom rivals, yet his mind chooses Klavier specifically for this bizarre scenario.
Exhibit C
PHOENIX: (eating ramen) Oh right, I didn't tell you. But I haven't had lunch yet.
APOLLO: That's not the problem, don't eat whilst we're here…
(Objection!)
KLAVIER: That's a low blow, Herr Wright… I'm still hungry over here!
KLAVIER: So you're planning to distract me with that smell of miso… As always, you're ever the man who'd use such underhanded tactics.
PHOENIX: (still eating) .......
PHOENIX: (in his thoughts) Sure it's salty…
(...)
KLAVIER: Heh… Think about it, it's been seven years since we last faced off, hasn't it?
(...)
PHOENIX: This trial… has only gotten more troublesome.
APOLLO: To be honest, I thought the same from the start.
PHOENIX: But we do have another option.
PHOENIX: Your Honor, the defense admits to the defendant's guilt. Let's get this over with, shall we?
(...)
APOLLO: I'll take up my own defense!
PHOENIX: Is that so... lucky me! Okay, then I'll cheer you on from Eldoon's. Bye.
APOLLO: You're still hungry?
(Phoenix starts to leave.)
KLAVIER: Are you trying to run away?! Then let's settle this with an eating contest!
-Transcript of scene from the manga chapter: 'Turnabout Trucy'.
Phoenix’s attempt to "run away" from the trial can be read in multiple ways, maybe it's just him being lazy and avoiding responsibility, but the fact that he actively dodges facing Klavier even in a fake trial is interesting. He still sees Klavier as a challenging rival and is unwilling to face him, fearing a defeat. Klavier, on the other hand, seems determined to keep Phoenix engaged, even to the point of chasing him to Eldoon’s. His exaggerated accusation, "Are you trying to run away?! Then let's settle this with an eating contest!", suggests a certain level of persistence when it comes to Phoenix. He doesn't want him to just walk away from him.
Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies
Exhibit D
KLAVIER: May I ask why you people present your attorney's badges like that?
KLAVIER: It seems like Herr Forehead and Mr. Wright always want to show theirs off, too.
-When presenting attorney's badge to Klavier as Athena.
The fact that Klavier specifically mentions Phoenix (and Apollo) showing off their badges suggets that Phoenix has done this not only once, enough times for Klavier to take note of it. The casual tone of Klavier’s comment shows that any lingering tension between them has faded at this point of canon (It's worth noting that Klavier is saying this comment to Athena, and her Mood Matrix doesn't notice any negative feelings when Klavier says it). If Phoenix harbored any resentment toward Klavier, it’s unlikely they’d interact in such a chill way. Instead, Klavier treats Phoenix with familiarity, implying that they’ve interacted off-screen in a way that’s comfortable. This is a subtle but important indicator that their relationship has developed into less antagonistic and more friendly.
***
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