Melinda: *knocks*
Me: Who's there?!
Melinda: No need to overreact. It is only I
Me: *opens* Melinda? Phew, I thought you were those who were begging for a new chapter.
Melinda: Will they ever learn patience...? And you've got a majority amount of explanations, like your school where this year things get concerning, Anime crush expanding, your trip in New York and fleshing out this story as it's on the fly.
Me: Yeah, a lot happens in one year... But I'm still here! And I just rhymed! Also I've finally got the case sorted out. With a little help from a couple of friends.
Big thanks to: decode9, RainyThursday, bunnies43 and Animegirl426! For helping me out in making this story with me. Also Rainy and bunnies, you're still welcome with open arms to help out, as well as others.
So let's begin this trial! As I said the story's on the fly, but for a first attempt, it exceeds expectations. (Geez, now I'm sounding like her grandmother...)
Melinda: _ I heard that thought...*Eyes flash green*
Me: AAAH! Don't touch me! *closes shut*
Melinda: Huh? o_0 ...*turns to readers and smiles* Enjoy the Trial 1 chapter of Turnabout Kick-Off. And don't forget to favourite and review.
June 12, 8:35 AM
District Court- Defence Lobby No. 3
"(So...Second trial, about 5 minutes until it can begin, and my grandmother is still in a terrible state. Alright, that is why I feel uncomfortable...)" Melinda thought, As she waited in the court lobby. She was still thinking about last night after returning from her performances about the strangeness her hands and mind felt when touching that paper, but it was still a good job she fought the urge to dig deeper, or else her secret would be out. But why keep this secret? What was it about her and her family that made her grandmother, Seera keep so quiet and protective?
"Good morning Melody. I suppose your ready for today?" Phoenix asks having entered the lobby.
"Ah! Mr Wright!" Melinda stood up straight when seeing him, taking a deep breath and adjusted herself, calming herself, "Yes...I'm ready. 100%. Positive. (Ugh...now I'm acting like an artificial intelligent...robot. Wait is that the same?)"
"Is that so? You seem more nervous than anything." Phoenix states calmly.
Melinda looked at Phoenix Wright, and was silent for a few moments, before sighing, "I haven't heard from Lady Hudson today. I was escorted by myself, and Clara told me she would see me there..."
"I hope she will recover soon. I'm also sorry Apollo couldn't be here. He told me he was going to get a head start on the investigation and try and find any more evidence." Phoenix says.
"It's quite alright, Mr Wright." Melinda realised she made a bit of a pun and giggled a little bit, "No pun intended. Though I fear the dangers of what may happen...But, he's a nice determined person. So I won't worry too much about him."
"Hey, Boss!"
Melinda heard a female voice call from behind her and turned to see an orange-haired girl in a yellow lawyer suit running towards them.
Phoenix turned "Glad to see you Athena." He says and looks to Melinda "Melody this is Athena Cykes. She also works at the agency." He said
"Oh! You must be our new recruit!" Athena gasped, with her widget changing to yellow, "Nice to meet you, Melody!" Athena, replied to her, with her hands by her hips and her widget turned to green.
"A pleasure to make an acquaintance to you and your necklace companion, Miss Cykes." Melinda answered.
"Athena I am thankful you made it back." Phoenix starts "Though we should talk later. The trial is going to be starting soon." He adds.
(Ugh! My ears! It's like I'm hearing nails on a chalk board!) Athena thought, before Mr Wright got her attention, "Huh! Oh! Okay, Boss!" Athena answered, then looked back at Melinda, "We'll get to know each other later, okay?"
Melinda was confused to what Athena was thinking, she also looked a little in pain when she spoke.
Phoenix noticed this and sighs ("Her ears must be picking up something...a LOT of something. I'll ask her about it later.") He thought
"What an interesting female..." Melinda muttered, but was a also a little hesitant from what she had on her necklace, "So Mr Wright. Did you discover anything about him? About this apprentice Prosecutor LeSeer mentioned?"
Phoenix shook his head "No. I'm afraid we are flying into this blind Melody, but you can't let a little unknown fact like that stop you." He says.
Melinda nodded with a smile, "You are correct Mr Wright. I just hope to hope for the best while expecting the worst. (But...I have a strong feeling whoever I'm facing with will not be liking me anytime soon.)"
"Will the defense and its co-counsel please enter the courtroom. The trial will be starting in 5 minutes." A baliff said "That's our cue Melody." He says to her.
"Well, we must not wait any longer." Melinda answered, "Do you have any advice for me, before we go in?"
"Just one bit. Always believe in your client Melody." He says "As long as that belief stands firm you will always find a way to clear your client."
Melinda nodded in response, "(I will keep that belief to grant the truth liberty from it's clutches. It's time to see how this one life's demised future came to be.)"
June 12, 8:40AM
District Court-Courtroom No. 3.
The judge banged his gavel "Court is now in session for the trial of Lynn Becker." He says
"The defense is ready to defend, your honourable," Melinda said, as well as looking over to he bench to see the prosecutor.
The prosecutor had actual blood red hair, head almost resembled that of a brain, wearing a brown suit, grey shirt and black tie. He also had pure white eyes and was staring directly at Melinda.
"The prosecution's ready, your honour." He answered.
The judge blinked "You must be LeSeer's apprentice. Would you mind introducing yourself to the court." The judge asked.
"I care little of introductions and more of my duty. But if you insist...Prosecutor Brian Brail, " he introduced, looking over to Melinda, "And you must be the 'wave girl' I heard about."
"Rightly informed. (As predicted; he already hates me...)" Melinda responded.
"Mr. Brail if you would. Please gives us an outline of the events." The judge says.
"Certinally," the prosecutor answered, reading out the events, "After a game of football,or rugby depending on country residence, Quarter Becker was found dead in the Bulldog Stadium's locker room. The accused, his twin brother, Lynn Becker has been arrested for his crime of killing his brother."
As Melinda looked carefully at Brian, she could notice that his eyes were always on her, which made her gloved hands move a little.
"Why was Mr. Becker taken into custody so quickly?" The Judge asked.
"According to the autopsy and the body, his head appeared to be bashed by a hard object," Brian explained, reading out the autopsy, "That object being the baseball bat."
The Judge nods "I'm supposing this bat belonged to the defendant." He says with assurance "The court will accept the report and the bat into evidence." He says.
Autopsy Report added to the court record
Baseball Bat added to the court record
Melinda was handed the copy of the report and didn't waste any time looking through it.
"Is the prosecution ready to call its first witness?" The Judge asks.
"Yes. Well, agent, actually. I look forward to seeing what you can do," Brian said to Melinda in his last sentence.
"So our first witness is that agent. He's no Gumshoe so you best watch his testimony." Phoenix says.
"(I may have met him once, but if his brain's more thoughtful...)" Melinda nodded in response and watched the blue haired agent walk to the stand.
"Agent...introduce yourself for the Court Record," Brian replied to Aidan.
"Agent Target. I'm in charge of the investigation on the Becker twin's death," Aidan answered.
"Agent Target please tell us the result of your investigation." The Judge asked.
Witness Testimony- Investigation of Quarter's Murder
As stated, the victim was the twin of the defendant. He was found on the ground with a battered wound caused by the baseball bat. The place was also a complete mess, and not just from blood. From the looks of it, I don't see anything out of place on the body.
Phoenix frowned after hearing this testimony "(Seems a little to perfect to me...but even so there is always something.)" He thought and looked to Melody giving her a nod of encouragement.
"Hmm, not out of place with the body...Did you take notice of the surroundings, too?" Melinda asked.
"Yes," Aidan answered, "But we can't say for sure the mess ties up with his death until proven."
"(Properly linked? He must acknowledges causation. We see resemblance, Agent.)" Melinda thought at his answer.
"If you are done with your banter the defense may begin its cross examination." The Judge says.
"(Banter? How is that..? Never mind, Melinda. Let's begin.)"
Cross Examination- Investigation of Quarter's Murder
As stated, the victim was the twin of the defendant. He was found on the ground with a battered wound caused by the baseball bat.
"HOLD IT!"
"Caused by the baseball bat? Is that a certainty," Melinda questioned.
"Yes. Well, maybe. The report did his death was caused by head trauma," Aidan answered.
"The bat was the only discovered weapon close to the body," Brian added, "So it was classed as the murder weapon, with blood on the bat proving it."
"And the bat was the only thing found near the victim right?" Phoenix asks a hand to his chin in thought.
"According to the investigation that morning, it's positive." Brian answers.
Phoenix nods "Understood. Although you wouldn't happen to have a photo of the crime scene on you?" Phoenix asks.
"I do. Though you probably already knew that from your conversation..." Brian responded with a slight bitterness in his tone.
"(He seems to have discomfort about the fact.)"Melinda thought.
"If its not much of a problem could we perhaps see this photo?" Phoenix asks.
"If you insist," Brian answered, pulling out the photo, "This is the photo taken on the day of investigation in the locker room."
[After Crime Photo Added to Court Record]
"Thank you Mr. Brail." Phoenix says looking at the photo.
"Okay, so we have received a fragment of the event. Any suggestions we should take?" Melinda asked.
"...!" Phoenix blinked in surprise at the photo "Maybe it would be best to let the agent continue his testimony." Phoenix suggests.
"(Hmm, so Phoenix has noticed something...For now, I must continue listening to his testimony.) As you wish." Melinda agreed with a nod.
"The Witness may continue his testimony." The Judge said.
The place was also a complete mess, and not just from blood.
HOLD IT!
"Can you explain more about the 'mess' you simplify it as?" Melinda questioned.
"Hmm, well..." Aidan thought carefully for a moment.
However it caused annoyance to show on the pure head haired prosecutor. Melinda however couldn't really ignore this, but somehow...there was nothing. Perhaps she thought to observe him more to get something private out of him to her but stayed silent.
"I don't think you're going to get anything out of him Melody. Plus we've seen the crime scene ourselves. He'll pretty much just tell us what's in the photo." Phoenix states to her.
"That may be decisive, Mr Wright, but there is an exception with the possibility of opinions." Melinda replied.
"Point noted. Though if he saw anything unusual he would have said something by now." Phoenix says
"Aha!" Aidan exclaimed.
"And now, has arrived. (As predicted...)" Melinda responded.
"The bloodstains what got to me. There was actually some strange about them, but...I couldn't quite pin point it..."he explained.
"The bloodstains..." Phoenix repeats slowly a sly smirk on his face and nods at Melinda to go ahead and continue.
Melinda, seeing it as well, began to dig deeper into it, "So what feature of the blood made it noticeable?"
"Well, from the looks of room, as in the photo, it's trashed, but the blood was located in one place. It splattered, yes, but...it's radius matched up to where blood will be spilled if it was positioned in the exact same place." Aidan explained.
"That was the only strange thing you noticed? Nothing else?" Phoenix asks rubbing his chin in thought "(I wonder if the agent noticed...THAT.)" Phoenix thought looking at the photo.
"(The show-don't-tell sequence...Wonderful...)" Melinda thought, in slight annoyance as that happened to her countless times. But she remained focus on Aidan's testimony.
From the looks of it, I don't see anything out of place on the body.
OBJECTION!
"Mr Target, you stated that you noticed nothing peculiar on the body itself, correct?" Melinda asked.
"Definitely as told, Miss." Aidan answered.
"Then your mind must have slipped when I'm referring to the victim's clothes on this." Melinda responded, looking at the photo.
"Now hardly seems the time to be discussing clothes Miss Wave." The Judge says.
"Of all the flaws that are possible, you choose his Jersey? Heh, how feminist. Of an obedient girl..." Brian muttered in his last sentence to himself.
"I'm not referring to sense of fashion, sir. Observe carefully." Melinda explained, As Brian traced the picture with his eyes and hands, "Exactly. Not a single substance of blood is located on his jersey."
The Judge blink "There's no blood?" He questions "But isn't that unusual? I mean after all he was hit by a bat." The Judge asks.
"Not just hit," Melinda says, "the picture and the autopsy for now proves the victim's death occurred by the bat, but I'm confident that one blow to the head would be preposterous to cause that amount of blood to be splattered."
"Ahh!" The Judge says in surprise.
OBJECTION!
"So the jersey's clean. Big deal. But how could that prove relevant to who else killed him?" Brian spoke
"At the moment it doesn't prove who else could have done it, but it does open an interesting possibility." Phoenix states calmly to Brian.
"Define interesting possibility, Sir Spikes," Brian requested, while resting his hand in his red hair.
"(Sir Spikes...an alliterated nickname. I wonder what other names he can think of in that large head of his...)" Melinda thought.
"Well if you think about it between the game happening, possible celebrations, and preparing for next season all in the same day...when did he have time to change?" Phoenix states "If anything I think Quarter would be to proud to take it off after the win they just had." Phoenix adds "So I'm simply suggesting...the shirt he is wearing isn't his own. Because if it was it would be blooded from his fight with Lynn." He finished "But why remove and change the shirt? Simple...The killer may have left bloody fingerprints or some other way to trace it back to him or her." He then suggested.
OBJECTION!
"A fair point, but games, celebrations and season preparation leaves possibilities for other fingerprints." Brian pointed out.
"(Goodness, that is certainty!) That is a valid point, if celebrations caused who knows how many fingerprints, the candidates of witnesses would be long." Melinda replied.
"(Urk...So much for that possibility, and we don't have anything else to prove otherwise at the moment.)" Phoenix thought sweating. "Excuse me, but Mr. Brail was there any kind of security on the school grounds?" The Judge interrupts.
Brian just laughed in response to the question, looking towards the Judge.
"Why wouldn't there be, Your Nobleness?" he questions, "It was a rivalry match. A lot of people attend events like this, so it's obvious security had to be risen."
"So if security happened to be advanced...then extendable lengths like advanced technology are required," Melinda concluded.
"Precisely," Brian answered.
"(Great. Just...Great.)" Melinda thought, sweating a little.
Hearing this Phoenix starts sweating bullets at this "(Well any kind of information we can get would be a great help.)" He thought with a sigh "Would it be possible for Agent Target to testify about the security measures?" He then asks.
"If he's willing to co-operate, then I assume it would be possible." Melinda answers.
"I don't have anything to hold back. I can tell more." Aidan agreed.
Witness Testimony- Stadium's Security
As Brian made clear, Security was advanced at the stadium for the match.
Guards were positioned outside the stadium and inside the field, but cameras were also displayed.
The request was made by the owner of the stadium to step up the security.
The Judge nods "The defense may begin its Cross-Examination." He says.
Cross Examination- Stadium's Security
As Brian made clear, Security was advanced at the stadium for the match.
Guards were positioned outside the stadium and inside the field, but cameras were also displayed.
HOLD IT!
"May you explain more about the displaying of cameras? Their positions for example?" Melinda asked.
"Well, the cameras were mainly cornered in the building, however the stadium's hallway had a lot for...deeper observations." Aidan explained.
"(Deeper observations? I have a feeling I won't require and explainable definition...)" Melinda thought, "(What is it with them...?)"
"Is there anything else you could tell us about the cameras? Like if there are any placed near the Locker Room? Or where any particular camera is operated from?" Phoenix asked.
"There's actually a camera positioned right outside the locker room door. The closest cameras are controlled by the nearest operator.
"Which must be inside the locker room." Melinda finished.
"Yep. As expected." Aidan responded with a smile.
("How come I get the sudden feeling things are about to go from good to worse case scenario?") Phoenix thought when he sees the agents smile.
(If that's a sign of prediction, it can only be a question of when.)" Melinda wondered, looking at Aidan's smile, "Are you equipped with the camera's data?"
"The photos taken from the camera positioned out the Bulldog Locker room are being kept hold off by the man in charge of the surveillance room. However..."
"(Incoming surprise...)" Melinda prepared, ready for the answer.
"The photos taken were lacking the data."
"Wh-WHAT?!" Phoenix exclaimed in shock and begins sweating badly, "(Ugh...of course the photo data was taken. The universe just seems to LOVE to make our jobs harder)" Phoenix thought.
Melinda however, though surprised, she stayed calm about it.
"(Fate seems to verify itself.) Absent...I see." she said, "I'd like to observe them more closely."
The agent nodded, "No problem. Only you're gonna have to ask the man himself if you want to know more. I won't say more on who, though."
"(Well at least a little more info is better than no info at all. Even if it is something working against us.)" Phoenix thought.
Bulldog #11 Jersey added to Court Record
"So you have exposed more information. But what has changed?" Brian asked, "It's still the same jersey he's known to wear."
"Well we were able to prove that your a rather shabby investigator. Especially if you still want to claim that our client used his prized bat as the murder weapon." Phoenix retorts.
Brian's eyes widened at Phoenix's retort, and became angry, which caused his hair to shrink and his eyes to become more faded, "Shabby?! You low-minded prickle haired-"
"Enough!" Melinda's voice echoed out, which actually made her eyes glow for a split second "Quarrelling on opposing positions tips the scales and imbalances equality. Maintain your composures!"
Phoenix cringes and nods "Sorry Melody." He says.
"N-no. Forgive me I... my composure drifted out of line for a moment..." Melinda replied, rubbing the side of her head.
The Judge cleared his throat "Anyways I assume you there is nothing else to report regarding the investigation?" The Judge asks.
"Well.. there is one detail. Apparently, from the information gathered...the victim's jersey was his original jersey." Brian noted.
'Going to have to figure out the lack of blood later...' Phoenix thought nodding "Now if the prosecution has any other witnesses you may call one now." The Judge says.
"I do have another witness. He's one of the football players part of the match." Brian answers.
The Judge nods "Then please call him in." He says.
"Very well. The prosecution announces that Tyler Touchdown takes the stand!" Brian announces.
Tyler walked in and went to the stand, his eyes were downcast.
"Now, witness, announce your name and occupation for the court record." Brian ordered Tyler.
"t-Tyler Touchdown,"Tyler replied"I was Quarter's teammate and friend."
"He seems to be nervous..." Melinda noted to Phoenix, "Stuttering is noticeable."
Phoenix nods "Its his first time in court Melody. Plus the victim and defendant are fellow teammates. He has good reason to be nervous." He says.
"Convincing assumptions, but not everything is as it seems..." Melinda said as she stared at the witness.
Tyler looked like he was about to start freaking out, scared that everyone was staring at him.
"Mr. Touchdown, according to the record, you're close friends to a certain player who found themselves in a unlucky position. Correct?" Brian questioned.
"Y-yes sir."Tyler replied, looking down and shaking slightly.
"No need to shiver so chillingly, Mr Touchdown. Everything will be fine, as long as you co-operate fully. Do that and things won't turn drastic for you" Brian told him.
"y-yes sir."Tyler replied once more.
Phoenix raised an eyebrow at this. Last time a witness was cooperative she lied, killed someone, and had been planning on killing him with his own cold medicine! ("Well that can't be the case here...I hope.") He thought "Witness please give us testimony regarding what you saw that night." The Judge asked.
Tyler gave a nod"Yes, Your Honor." he spoke, scared of what might happen to him if he didn't give one.
Witness Testimony
Quarter and I were practicing about two hours before the incident in the stadium.
While we were practicing, he was talking about Lynn and Char's marriage and how he didn't trust Char to take care of Lynn.
Around 9 PM, I had gone to get us dinner since we were practicing non-stop for the big game.
I came back at around 9:43, but I didn't see Quarter.
I thought that he went back to the lockers, so I went to find him.
When I arrived, I saw Quarter lying on the ground, bleeding from his jaw with all of Lynn's stuff lying around him.
Melinda listened thoroughly at the witness's testimony. She was relieved the witness managed to give a testimony without any trouble. But she was still curious about the witness.
Phoenix nodded to Melody "The defense may begin there cross-examination." The Judge said.
Cross Examination
Quarter and I were practicing about two hours before the incident in the stadium.
While we were practicing, he was talking about Lynn and Char's marriage and how he didn't trust Char to take care of Lynn.
"HOLD IT!"
"Why doesn't he trust Char to be responsible for Lynn?" Melinda questioned.
"I had only heard rumors from Quarter, but it seemed like Char didn't like that fact of marrying Lynn because she viewed him as a 'commoner'."Tyler replied"I think Quarter didn't want Lynn to be married to someone who was like that, but couldn't do anything since it was already decided on..."
"(What sort of person is Char if she viewed him like that? A prejudice?)" Melinda thought to herself.
"..." Phoenix was silent as he stared at the witness as The Judge nods "I don't think I would trust someone like that either, but then again my wife doesn't trust me much." He says.
"(Doesn't trust him much? I wonder...)" Melinda thought.
Brian looked at the defence, seeing her in thought and slammed his hand on the desk, "DEFENCE!" he yelled, making Melinda shot up and look at him, "Think what you wish, there's a cross-examination still in completion! Resume it!"
"Yes, Prosecutor Brail," she responded calmly, yet quickly.
Around 9 PM, I had gone to get us dinner since we were practicing non-stop for the big game.
"HOLD IT!"
"Where exactly did you go to get dinner?" Melinda questioned.
"I went to a small joint about ten minutes away, but I had gotten lost on the way there, so it took about another ten minutes..."Tyler scratched his head.
"Gotten lost? How exactly did you get lost?" Melinda questioned, wanting to know how when he knew the joint was 10 minutes away.
Tyler tried to remember"ah!"his eyes lit up in realization,"Someone had called me on my phone...they said that quarter wanted something different, so I was supposed to go get something else to eat."
Melinda looked at him with an eyebrow raised, "Someone, you say? Did you recognise who that person was?"
Quarter nodded"It was from Lynn's phone, but it was Char's voice."
"Char..." Melinda muttered to herself, wondering what would she be doing using Lynn's phone.
"Don't go to that conclusion yet Melody. All we have is this witnesses word." Phoenix says in a whisper to her.
"I'm consciously aware of that Mr Wright." Melinda answered, whispering back "But...never mind. I just find it a little peculiar that she said that, despite Quarter not trusting her."
"So, you agreed to the changes Char explained to you. Despite what Quarter said?" Melinda assumed to the witness.
"Y-yes...Ch-char's not someone you want to disagree with..."Tyler spoke, shaking.
"Really?" Melinda wondered, "(He's shaking too, perhaps I should ask further.) Hmm, judging by your shaking you must have an example, "care to explain?"
"...s-someone once got scratched by her nails for insulting her...but I've only heard that once or twice as rumors..."Tyler replied.
("Hmm...Might want to keep these statements in mind.") Phoenix thought writing them down on a piece of paper for later "Keep going Melody." He says.
"(Nail scratching? Even now people all ways go on animal instinct...and nail scratching is one of the most despicable.)" Melinda thought, holding her head for a moment.
I came back at around 9:43, but I didn't see Quarter.
I thought that he went back to the lockers, so I went to find him.
"HOLD IT!"
"Did you notice anything as you searched around for him?" Melinda questioned.
"I heard a lot of rustling, but I though it was just Quarter changing."Tyler replied.
"Rustling? Okay, did you perhaps see anything?" Melinda asked.
"n-no..."tyler spoke, looking down.
Phoenix Raised an eyebrow at this ("I don't even need my Magatama to know this kid is hiding something, but what?") He thought as the Judge nods "So what happened next?" The Judge asks the witness meaning for him to continue the testimony.
"I-i went to the lockers and I saw Quarter dead..."Tyler spoke.
"Hmm. He seems shaken up. But it's crystal clear that he really is hiding something..." Melinda said to Phoenix.
"I don't think we can get much more from him Melody." Phoenix says ("Though something in his testimony doesn't add up. Can't say what.") He thought.
Melinda looked down in thought when she shot up in realisation, "Hold on a moment...what about the coach? What he said to us at the Stadium doesn't add up." she reminded, remembering what he said.
"Nope. I was the only person there to see the aftermath of that foul play. Well at the least no one mocked the player as I left." Coach answered.
"If he was the only one to see the aftermath...then what Tyler's said doesn't add up." Phoenix said.
"So either there's a time frame in presence, or one of them is lying." Melinda replied, unconsciously rubbing her forehead where her circlet is covered by her hair.
"Which means we'll have to bring the coach in questioning him." she added, removing her fingers from her hidden circlet and looked towards Brian, "If you approve of this."
Sending a glare back to Melinda, he reluctantly nodded, "If your mind doesn't change..."he accepted, turning towards the judge,"Your Honor!"
"Umm...Yes?" The judge asks.
"I think it's time for the Coach to take the stand." Brian answers.
The judge nods, "Baliff please bring in the next witness." The judge says.
A few moments later, Coach made his way to the stand. He still wore the same outfit, including his whistle.
"Witness. Identify yourself and Occupation for the Court Record." Brian ordered.
"Adam Coach. Call me Coach," Adam Coach introduced, a thumb to his chest, "I'm in charge of the Bulldogs when they go out on the pitch!"
"So Mr. Coach your the ummm...coach for the team?" The Judge clarifies.
"Yep. And proud to be. My team haven't lost in a long time. Well...apart from a player, but not a match!" Adam Coach answered.
"(How much pride can one man have? It's bound to be a hard fall...)" Melinda thought.
"According to the prosecutions report you were the one that found the body. Is that true?" The Judge asks.
"Yeah, I found the body. What's out of the ordinary of finding one?" Adam questioned.
"Nothing...Other than screaming like a girl..." Brian mumbled.
Then a deafening whistle broke trough.
"I heard that, Mister! You better watch what you say! I don't tolerate that kind of behaviour!" Coach yelled at Brian.
"(Anger... Unpleasant sight for my eyes...)" Melinda thought.
"(*Sigh* Something tells me that's not going to be the last time we hear that whistle.)" Phoenix thought as the Judge clears his throat "Mr. Coach. Instead of trying to blow all our ears out could tou testify as to what you saw when you found the body?" The Judge asks.
"Sure thing...but I'm having a word with you, buddy when it's half-time!" Coach pointed at Brian.
"That's if there's a half-time..." Brian replied.
Witness Testimony: Coach discovers body
It was 6-7 hours after the big game. Everyone had left the pitch besides Touchdown and Becker.I was calling myself off for the night, but I overheard them talking about Lynn and Char's marriage after checking the surveillance room.After Touchdown left to get something for the twins I decided to have a word with QuarterBut I... screamed when I saw the Locker Room in shambles and Quarter was dead.I wanted to call the police, but hell I've already given them a hard time already to protect the pitch from the big game. And hell was I stickin' around any longer to make it look like it was me!So I snapped a pic to prove my point of view
Phoenix had a hand to his chin in thought at this testimony "(Hmm...seems concrete, and that's a problem.)" He thought sweating now as the Judge nods "I see. So with you in the surveillance and Mr. Touchdown out to get something for the twins its reasonable to assume Mr. Becker killed his brother." The Judge says
"Could be..." Coach muttered reluctantly, as if he didn't want to believe it.
"(Don't lose faith in your team Mr Coach...)" Melinda thought.
"Miss Wave you may begin your Cross-Examination now." The Judge says.
Cross-examination: Coach discovers body
It was 6-7 hours after the big game. Everyone had left the pitch besides Touchdown and Becker.
"HOLD IT!"
"Were you informed of why they stayed behind?" Melinda questioned.
"Yeah," he answered, "Game plans, mostly. Both Touchdown and Becker control the team on the pitch. Though sometimes I can't tell who is who half the time, so I made sure both brothers are notified...Hell, they're two of one!"
"(But isn't that why they wear jerseys with numbers on them?)" Melinda thought.
"I see no error in informing a sibling on the same team...So stop daydreaming, Wave!" Brian snaps at Melinda, who then looks at him.
She then decided to leave it to one side before continuing with the cross-examination.
I was calling myself off for the night, but I overheard them talking about Lynn and Char's marriage after checking the surveillance room.
"HOLD IT!"
"Why check the surveillance, even though you knew only Mr. Touchdown and Quarter were the only ones present?" Melinda asks.
"Robbers, Mustang vandalizing, midnight fans..." Coach listed, "I only stayed there until it was nearing full time for 9 and that's when I heard their discussion."
Phoenix raised an eyebrow at this "(It is possible, but that late? Hmm...)" Phoenix thought "Please go on Mr. Coach." The Judge says
"Mr Coach, if you were in the surveillance, you must have photos to show," Melinda pointed out.
"Er, yeah!" Coach nodded, "But I gave them to Big Head over there."
Brian rolled his eyes in response.
"(Hmm...wait a second. He was in the surveillance room...! The missing photo data!)" Phoenix thought and glances to Melody.
"Mr Wright? You seem to have a realization..." Melinda noticed, having their own conversation.
"Remember earlier. Prosecutor Brail told us some of the photo data went missing. The data for the third photo of the four that were taken that night." He whisperd to her and looks at Coach "And he just told us he was in the surveillance room." He adds.
"Which means he must've kept his hold on both of these until something happened..." Melinda then looked at Coach, "And you had them in your possession until they were requested by Prosecutor Brail?"
"Yeah. So..?" Coach trailed off, not sure where she was getting at.
"So...Where's the data?" she asked.
"Wh..What?" Coach, stiffened a little.
"Where's the data?" Melinda repeated, "You admitted to be in possession of both things, yet transferred the pictures to Prosecutor Brail."
"Couldn't the data have been deleted Miss Wave?" The Judge suggested.
"And what does data have to do when we've already got the pictures?" Brian added.
"That's quite a possibility, Your Honourable." Melinda answered, "And perhaps, Prosecutor Brail. But if the possibility's a reality, why was it deleted?" she asked with a tap of her nose.
"More specifically why was a certain bit of data erased?" Phoenix adds.
"The only assumption I conclude to that is..." Melinda slammed her knuckles and pointed at Coach, "You're concealing something!"
The crowd went into an uproar and the Judge banged his gavel "Order! Order in the court!" The Judge exclaims "Miss Wave these are some serious accusations. I suppose you have some evidence to prove a reason he'd conceal this data?" He asks.
"(Evidence to prove my accusation...)" Melinda thought, but she was cut off by a whistle blowing in the courtroom.
"Time out, young lady! You accuse me of such a thing?! I'm a Coach, dammit! I don't cheat my own team!" Coach shouted at Melinda.
The Judge nods "Whistle aside I see no reason Mr. Coach would do this." he then bangs his gavel "And seeing a lack of evidence I'm ending this pointless questioning and must insist that the witness continues there testimony." He instructs.
After Touchdown left to get something for the twins I decided to have a word with Quarter But I... screamed when I saw the Locker Room in shambles and Quarter was dead. I wanted to call the police, but hell I've already given them a hard time already to protect the pitch from the big game.
"HOLD IT!"
"Hard time?" Melinda repeated.
"Yeah, have you seen the match?! The stadium was so packed, I had to call in for officers in case all hell broke loose. Good thing no-one was severely crushed..." Coach noted, sighing in relief, which caused his whistle to blow quietly.
"(Goodness! Does it really get that disastrous?!)" Melinda exclaimed in her own thoughts.
"Seeing as how it was the championship game, and with it being against rivals no less he would be worried about saftey." Phoenix informs her.
"(If that's a certainty, my grandmother would've made me war a suit of armour if I was ever permitted to a game like that...)" Melinda sweated, while holding the side of her head.
The Judge nods understanding and signalling for the witness to continue the testimony.
And hell was I stickin' around any longer to make it look like it was me! So I snapped a pic to prove my point of view.
"HOLD IT!"
"Why didn't you mention this? Besides that it was never asked." Melinda questioned.
"Like I said, I gave the cops a hard time. However I had no idea some agent would take this case over, or else someone else would suspect me for murder for takin' that pic." Coach answered.
"Perculiar...if he didn't want to contact the officers...how come Agent Target got assigned to the case in the beginning?" Melinda wondered, resting her hand on her chin.
"You said you took a picture of the crime scene when you saw it. Would it be to much to ask about seeing it?" Phoenix asks.
"Go ahead, but I doubt nothing's changed. After all I gave up my spot minutes later." Coach allowed.
-Coach's Photo added to Court Record-
"Hmm, so this photo represents his point of view..." Melinda muttered, looking at it thoroughly.
Phoenix went silent and looked at the photo sternly "Melody...There is something wrong about this photo." He says after a few seconds.
Melinda looked at Phoenix in slight confusion, then remembered the photo taken on the scene of the investigation and analysed that one along with it.
"Certainly... my fingers are getting a slight treble just from looking at the two..." Melinda agreed, feeling the shakes of her fingertips.
"Hmm? Is there something the matter Miss Wave? Mr. Wright?" The Judge asks curiously.
"I'm getting a feeling something's wrong, but I just can't put my...fingers on it," Melinda answered.
"Don't you mean finger, greenhorn?" Brian pointed out in annoyance.
"(If my fingers run over the picture in sync...it could point out the disturbance and identify anything different from the pictures.)" Melinda thought with her eyes closed.
"(Okay...first, I'll look for anything similar yet different...)"
She glides her fingers over the photos, they were still at first, but they began to tremble when they both touch the bat in each photo.
"Mr Wright, look at the bats on each of these images," she pointed out.
Phoenix looks at it and nods "That's what caught my eye to Melody." He says as the Judge looks confused "Could someone explain what the defense is talking about?" Judge asks.
Brian however couldn't find any words to speak. Instead he observed her with keen interest, instead of the foe stare that plastered on his face.
"Honoured one..." Brian muttered in a tone that told him to let her focus.
But Melinda's hands still shook, there was more than one fault existing in these pictures.
"You see it to Melody? The other problem between the photos?" He asks seriously.
"Yes...yes, the bat isn't the only one to change..." Melinda answered, "(But what could it be...?)"
Then that's when her hands found their way to the jersey.
"There. The jersey's...more bloody in this photo." she added.
Phoenix nods "Exactly." He says "You understand what that means. Right Melody?" He asks.
"Yes... Or hopefully at the very least," Melinda replied.
The Judge clears his throat to get the defenses attention.
"Hm? Oh, apologies your Hohourable," Melinda apologized, "I've noticed two features of each photo that have changed."
"Really? Are these changes significant to the case at hand?" The Judge asks.
"Well, if a change in position of the assumed murder weapon, along with the impression of the jersey being stained with blood on one photo, but not in the other...I would classify them as significant," Melinda answers, pointing at each change on each photo.
"W-WHAT?!" The Judge exclaimed as the crowd goes starts to talk about this revelation.
"The bat and jersey being different? How?!" "That Melody Wave girl pointed those out? Amazing..." "She did seem shaken pointing them out, did you see her fingers tremble?" "Maybe she's nervous..." "But she's so calm..." "So does it mean the Coach killed him?"
"OBJECTION!"
Prosecutor Brail's objection silenced the gallery, "Impressive pointing out on even a low quality shot...but this doesn't change anything on who the murderer could be."
"OBJECTION!"
"On the contrary I think it does Mr. Brail" Phoenix says grabbing a printed copy of a picture from the security camera "If you recall one of the photos from the security camera showed Lynn leaving, and Coach himself took this picture." Phoenix points out "And then Coach left to report the murder to the authorities. So there is a time frame between which Coach took this picture and the time Agent Target started his investigation." He continued "So someone could have sneaked into the crime scene changed the shirt, and changed the bats position." He finished.
"So, what? Are both of you pinning the blame on the team's coach?" Brian questioned.
"This isn't about blaming, Prosecutor Brail. It's just at this moment other than Lynn he currently has the majority," Melinda explains.
Brian was silent for a moment. "First of all...There is the lacking in motive for him. Proof being something you alone won't understand, Miss Wave."
"(Won't understand...Only me?)" Melinda thought to herself.
"Umm...Could you perhaps explain Mr. Brail?" The Judge asks.
"I was getting to my second point," Brian answers, a little irritated, "And second...have you even observed this door," Brian pointed out the door that was in front of them, "this door's main purpose is mainly used for fire escapes, or... if you are a player, a quick route for a change for a big game or a personal reasons..."
"(Great. The back door just provided a back door for Prosecutor Brail to get an edge.)" Phoenix thought.
"But...surely another camera would've captured the photo of the murderer at least from outside that door..." Melinda pointed out.
"...Probably. If there was a camera positioned..." He slammed one knuckled hand down and pointed, "at which there is NOT!"
"H-HUH?!" Melinda held her head in shock.
"(Just great. Just great. A back door without a camera...)" Phoenix thought sweating then thought about it a moment again "(...!)" He glances to Melody "Melody that isn't necessarily a bad thing." He adds.
"But how isn't it necessarily bad, Mr. Wright?" Melinda questioned.
"Think about it. Where would someone enter if they didn't want to be seen?" Phoenix asked.
"Well, the only location right now is the back entrance..." Melinda answered, as she rested her knuckled hand on her chin.
Phoenix nods in agreement "Exactly Melody. The back door would be the best way in and out if someone didn't want to be seen." he says.
"...But something still seems peculiar to me about those photos...yet that is true, "Melinda replied, then turned towards Brain, "Prosecutor Brail. Even with the lack of a camera, it would provide the murderer a method to not be noticed."
"OBJECTION!"
"Even if the killer won't be noticed outside the back door, that doesn't mean their photo won't be taken, "Brian responded, "And since these are the photos the camera captured, it proves no-one else was present at the crime scene!"
"OBJECTION!"
"If that's truly all the photos accounted for, then what's the point in there being the camera's data absence?" Melinda questions.
The Judge bangs his gavel "ENOUGH!" He said silencing both sides before sighing "Seeing as how this back door has opened up many opportunities and questions I cannot declare a verdict." He says and shakes his head "I suggest both sides investigate this matter before the trial resumes tomorrow." He adds.
"Agreeable, Your Honourable...Apologies for making you raise your voice," Melinda apologized, lowering her head.
Brian frowned at Melinda as if he was not buying her apology to the Judge and looked away from her, "Yeah...this should be on hiatus for today. No objections there..."
The Judge nods and bangs his gavel "Court is now dismissed." The Judge declares.
June 12, 8:40 AM
District Court- Defence Lobby 03
"(Phew... a relief that the trial's over. I'm honestly surprised it lasted 3 hours. I'm glad to have kept my patience.)" Melinda thought, as she was outside the defence lobby.
"You did great!" A female voice spoke, her orange hair unmistakeable as she walked up to Melinda,"As expected! right, Widget?"
"As expected!" The AI spoke.
"Miss Cykes...(...That concludes she watched the trial. Does that mean she saw me...?)" Melinda thought as she thought back to when Mr Wright called Brian shabby and got them to stop, "(...My grandmothers disappointed in me right now...)"
Phoenix nods in agreement to Athena "But we're not out of the woods yet." He says then noticed Melody's look of distress "Is everything okay Melody?" He asks.
"Oh! No need to worry. You both have negative involvement in my own complications." Melinda reassured, waving her hand up and down with a smile.
"Liar!" Widget spoke.
"Ah! Widget!"Athena cupped the AI in her hands, blushing in embarrasment.
Melinda however heard what the AI said as well as Athena's thoughts, though it was non affective to her. She should be hurt, but she was intrigued by such a device.
"Interesting..." she responded with interest.
"S-sorry...widget will sometimes blurt out what i'm thinking..."Athena explained.
"(So she thinks I'm lying...)" Melinda thought, staring at Athena with a blank expression. She didn't feel a trace of anger, then again she never had and wasn't going to cry about it. So instead she smiled with a small nod, "Apology accepted. And I was having personal thoughts. I assure you of that. (I wonder if it's because how she reacted to my voice...)" she remembered looking as if she was hearing an irritating noise. But she knew for a fact her voice was perfectly fine.
Phoenix watched Athena and let out a relieved sigh "(Athena seems fine now. I will have to ask her later about what happened. For now we should focus on the case.)" He thought.
"(Great idea, Mr Wright. Changing the subject, though in thought.)" Melinda thought, in response to Phoenix's own.
"So, onto the scene of the crime, Boss?"Athena asked Phoenix.
"As I recall, Apollo is currently investigating there as well," Melinda mentioned, "It would be interesting to be informed from him about some new information."
Phoenix nods in agreement to them "Alright to the crime scene then" he says.
Well, there's Melinda's Rival, Prosecutor Brian Brail. And he seems pretty angry towards Melinda yet slightly interested. And I've seen the trailer of Ace Attorney 6! I'm not sure if the new technique of that thought pool effects Melinda's family gift, but it looks pretty interesting...
AND THERE'S GONNA BE AN ACE ATTORNEY ANIME! WOOOOOOOOO~!
If it's set in the time of Dual Destinies, they better bring back the characters that voiced them in that game for the English Dub.
Sam Riegel as Phoenix Wright
Orion Acaba as Apollo Justice
THIS IS GONNA BE AMAZING! Also they both do Critical Role together on Geek and Sundry, so check it out on YouTube or the website.
Also, bring back Maya Fey! And maybe have an episode or 2 on a channelled Mia Fey making an appearance.