DISCLAIMER: I do not own Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright, its universe, or its characters. Karena, her family, and any other characters not part of the universe belong to me!

Also, this may be a prequel of sorts, but please read The Reason I Protect as it will make sense when you continue to read this prologue. In a sense, The Reason I Left (You) is a sort of flashback, so I recommend you go and read Protect first.

And without further ado...The Reason I Left (You).

"I am glad to see that you've returned safely my love." Zacharias uttered joyously as he pulled away from their embrace to take in her new appearance. "I almost thought I was dreaming…" – he trailed off while combing his fingers through her hair – "You've changed your hair."

Karena had returned home, her hair no longer in an updo and shorter, ending at her shoulders. She was also a little more mature and resolute, as well as more modern with her style of dress. It was still a dress, but it had a collar and was tied in the back with a small bow. It matched the light lavender flats she wore.

"Oh yes. Mom decided to try and take up hairstyling and I ended up becoming one of her Guinea pigs…" she replied with a soft smile before responding with her comment. "And speaking of hair…Look who decided to grow a goatee!"

Zacharias gazed at her a little confused and perhaps hurt. "Do you…not like it?"

"Oh no! I do like it! It really suits you." A light shade of red appeared on her pale cheeks. "It'll just take some getting used to, that's all…"

Her lover then smiled at her answer, beginning to blush as well before he became serious and his mind came to focus on more pressing matters.

"So…you've left me waiting until your return for your answer…" Zacharias spoke slowly, unsure if he wanted to know or not. But he decided to ask as he took her shoulders gently in his hands. "What did your parents have to say…after you explained everything to them?"

"Oh, yes of course! So mum…she was all for it, knowing that I was in safe hands and that I'm happier with you. Dad…was a little more reserved in his judgement. He understood his explanation and accepted the fact that you've gone above and beyond for me, but he wants to see for himself that you can support us."

"How will that happen, when we live so far apart? Surely he doesn't mean for us to take a trip to where they reside together. I cannot leave Labyrinthia as easily as I'd like. I have a duty to finish here for the people of this town."

"I know, and we won't have to leave. My parents have actually been discussing where to live once dad retires. They wanted to settle in a nice quiet place somewhere new, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. So I suggested they move here…" She turned to face him, and upon seeing his unnerving expression, continued quickly. "I mean, they really want to see you again, as well as Uncle Arthur. Dad wants to have a proper one on one conversation about our future, plus I've been away from my parents for so long. I can't deny them the rest of my life, when we've just made everything right. And I would like them present on our wedding day…"

"If that is your wish Karena, then we will welcome them to Labyrinthia with open arms." Zacharias said after a long pause, feeling the anxiety and dread wash over him, as he recalled all that had befallen in the past concerning Karena's parents.

Before he knew it, his mind was travelling back to those trying times…

Forgive me for the chapter being so short, but I wanted to set things up this way. Submission will be spotty, as I'm working on this as well as a couple of others. Also, it will be shorter than the main story, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.