CHAPTER 1, TURNABOUT SPIRITS
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Guess who's not dead! …Or hired…
I broke out of writer's block for a few weeks, and I started this story. I figured if I post it, it'll give me the motivation to keep writing this.
WARNING! EXTREME SPOILERS FOR GHOST TRICK AND ACE ATTORNEY AHEAD!
If you haven't finished Ghost Trick yet, don't read this. Really. Don't ruin it for yourself. The ending is awesome and I died a little inside after completing it, so you should too.
Anyway, onward to the story. It will jump from Yomiel's POV to Phoenix's every so often, but it won't disrupt the story at all. I really like writing Maya and Pearl, though. They're my favourite.
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"It's a beautiful day, isn't it, Yomiel? Why don't you take the afternoon off for once? Come back and spend the day with us! Besides, I think Sissel could use a break."
The man in the bright red suit turned his gaze upward at the sky. Dark sunglasses provided a barrier between the warm rays of the sun and his light-coloured eyes, but he could easily see the light blue sky dotted with a few sparse clouds. He sighed before speaking into the phone he was currently carrying.
"Lynne, I can't. There's an important trial I have to attend."
"At least let Sissel out during the darn thing!"
In Yomiel's free hand, he held a light brown suitcase. Only if he looked closely could he see the holes punched into it, and the wide yellow-green eyes of the kitten inside. A loud, bored sounding meow sounded.
"I will. I doubt cats would be allowed into the courtroom anyway." Yomiel promised. "I'll get back to the station as soon as the trial's over."
"What's this over, anyway?" Lynne persisted.
"It's…really a gory case." Yomiel stood as a bus approached the stop he was sitting at. He dug out some change from a pocket and boarded. "A murder, actually. One of many."
"Oh?"
"…I was unable to avert them all." He lowered his voice to avoid any unwanted attention as he sat near the front of the bus. "The people that were murdered…they were all alive for half an hour before they finally bled out. I tried to save them…Sissel too. Even with our combined efforts…"
"Oh…I'm sorry…" Lynne said.
Yomiel shrugged, even though the woman on the other side of the line was unable to see him. "These murders are deliberate. No experienced killer would let their targets live this long."
"You're sure they have the right guy?"
"Positive." Yomiel said. "It's Tengo."
"…" Lynne didn't respond for a few seconds. "Tengo? Oh man…"
"I'm nearly there. I'll talk to you soon." Yomiel said.
"Be careful." Lynne ended the call from her end.
Yomiel sat for a few seconds in silence, watching the buildings of the city fly by. His few moments to himself were quickly intruded upon by another consciousness entering his own. Time slowed as the two began conversing.
I can't go into the courtroom?
Afraid not, Sissel. You're going to have to stay outside. Yomiel said. You've done well on this case. Consider this a…vacation.
A really short vacation. The cat said, his thoughts taking a rough edge to them.
Be thankful you have the time to yourself. Yomiel said, almost longingly. I haven't had a moment's rest in weeks! Lynne's lucky with all the time she gets off between cases…Go back to your own head.
Sissel's consciousness left Yomiel's mind, allowing the detective to his own thoughts. Despite the solid evidence proving the man they had apprehended was indeed the murderer, Yomiel couldn't help but feel anxious. What if there was something they had overlooked? What if Tengo wasn't the only killer that had recently sprung up in the city? Yomiel knew the man didn't work alone.
Sure, they had gathered up incredible evidence during the four minutes before the victims' death. But four minutes was not enough to save them…their ends were inevitable.
Yomiel tried not to think about that.
The bus stopped outside the courtroom, allowing him to exit to his destination. Yomiel was the only one who had exited the doors, and the bus sped off rather quickly as soon as he reached the curb.
"All right, go do what cats usually do." Yomiel undid the briefcase and allowed the kitten inside to jump out and stretch. Sissel gave him an annoyed glare before he ran into an alley, probably to find a quiet corner to curl up in.
Yomiel, on the other hand, glanced up at the ancient courtroom. The stone statues that once stood tall and detailed were weathered down, and the engraving above the large doors was faded. With a heavy sigh, he stepped through the doors, running a hand over his slicked blonde hair.
A quick walk down the hall later brought him to the court doors. A bailiff was standing guard, but allowed him access once he showed his badge. Yomiel entered into the courtroom, surprised by how occupied it was.
Barely any seats were left unfilled. A low hum of conversation hung over the crowd as they discussed the case. The judge was sitting patiently, looking ready to begin at any moment.
Yomiel quickly nudged his way up front, where he sat close enough to make out the colour of the prosecutor's eyes yet remained out of view. He didn't want to be in Tengo's line of sight. It wasn't thirty seconds later than the judge slammed the gavel down, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Thank you." He said solemnly. "Let the trial for Mr. Tengo begin. Is the prosecution ready?"
The prosecutor, a smartly dressed man in a maroon suit and a cravat took a bow. "Yes, your Honor."
"And the defense?"
"Yes, your Honor," echoed a man in a dark blue suit.
"I would like to call the accused to the stand." The prosecutor said.
"What? What for, Mr. Edgeworth?" the judge inquired.
"There is a fatal flaw in Mr. Wright's accusation." Edgeworth stated. "Yesterday, he brought up a valid point; Mr. Tengo's murder weapon was nowhere to be found. I have found a contradiction."
"OBJECTION!" the defense, Mr. Wright, declared. "If you had a contradiction, you would have addressed it yesterday!"
Already things were heating up in the courtroom. Yomiel maintained a stoic face, but his heart was hammering. If Mr. Wright won this trial, 'One Step Ahead' Tengo was free to go…
"Let the defendant take the stand." The Judge said.
From the back of the room, a blue skinned man was ushered from his seat to the front of the courtroom by two guards. He was wearing the orange prison jumpsuit, but he still wore the fedora he had been arrested in. His gaze was directed at the ground.
"Please state your name and occupation." The judge said.
"'One Step Ahead' Tengo. I'm an assassin. And as my name implies…"
Yomiel leaned forward as the man continued to speak.
"…I am always one step ahead."
"Witness, please tell the court what happened on the day of the murder at—" Edgeworth started, but he was cut off as Tengo continued to speak, raising his voice ever so slightly. He still never raised his gaze from the ground.
"Are you sure this courtroom is safe?"
Yomiel felt the suffocating feeling of dread drape itself across his shoulders.
Concerned whispers rose around the courtroom. The judge pounded the gavel against the stand. "Order, please! Order!"
"What do you mean?" Mr. Wright looked slightly alarmed.
"I mean exactly what I said." Tengo turned his gaze from the ground to face his defense. "Do you think it's safe?"
He was grinning madly. Yomiel knew what was about to happen, but there was nothing he could do within his power without giving his ghost tricks away.
A window shattered and s civilian in the back jerked forward as a bullet found home in his back. The woman next to him was screaming. There was another shot, followed by another shatter of glass. Someone else had a weapon within the courtroom. People were screaming.
Yomiel didn't think. He leapt over seats and screaming people as he fought his way toward the defendant's stand. Tengo was already on the move, stooping to pick up something wrapped in fabric under a chair. Yomiel was glad to see that the judge had taken shelter behind his desk. Edgeworth and Wright had the same ideas.
"Hold it!" Yomiel pulled his small handgun that was holstered under his red jacket. "Freeze!"
Much to his amazement, Tengo stopped and slowly turned to face him. One hand was behind his back. "You really are stupid, aren't you? Did you not hear me? I said I was 'One Step Ahead' Tengo. I'm always one step ahead." He was grinning madly. "Hello, Yomiel."
With that, he drew a pistol from behind his back. Yomiel shot, but at the same time felt cold metal rip through his ribs and left lung. He had missed, and Tengo had hit.
Yomiel felt himself falling. His back struck the court floor hard, driving the air out of the new cavity in his chest. Blood bubbled in his throat, staining his red suit a deeper shade. Despite the mortal injury, he felt extremely calm…
"Mr. Wright!" a voice shouted somewhere nearby.
Yomiel felt himself being dragged back. The young lawyer from before, the defense attorney, was trying to get him to safety.
"Hold on, an ambulance is on the way!" he was saying. "Just stay calm, sir!"
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to stand down…" Yomiel coughed, blood bubbling from his mouth.
"Phoenix! Stop trying to be the hero!" the judge was shouting.
"What is your name?" Mr. Wright was asking. "Sir, what is your—"
He didn't get to finish as red exploded from his chest, darkening his suit to a purple. Yomiel felt his warm blood fleck his own face, and in that moment, he felt the young lawyer's soul condense into a core…
That's enough of this…time to prevent this catastrophe. Yomiel reached out toward the glowing blue core in the lawyer's chest.
In a flash, he was sent to the ghost world.
…
…
Still unconscious? Yomiel sighed. Hurry, Wright. I don't have all day.
Within a few seconds, the faintly glowing, ghost-like shape began to take the form of the young man lying dead on the courtroom's floor. He cast a confused look at Yomiel before saying, What happened? That is me, right? On the floor?
Unfortunately, yes. Yomiel sighed. My name is Yomiel. Do you remember who you are?
I'm…Phoenix. Phoenix Wright. I died trying to save you, didn't I?
Yes. That was a foolish mistake, really. I wasn't going to die. Yomiel gave a small grin. It's a long story, but it's going to take a lot more than a bullet to kill me. Or, should I say, kill my spirit.
The young lawyer looked immensely confused. Yomiel could hear the questions shooting through his mind, but there were so many at once he couldn't make them all out. At last, he said, So…I'm dead. What does that mean?
That means I have a chance to save you. Yomiel grinned.
What? How? Who are you, really? Are you one of the Spirit Mediums?
Yomiel didn't get a chance to speak before another core condensed next to him, a tiny one that eventually took the form of a small kitten with a red bandana.
I'm sorry! I didn't hear the gunshots before it was too late! What happened? Sissel demanded.
What do you think? Yomiel cast a glance at Phoenix's face, amused by the shocked look the lawyer returned.
Your…uh…your cat is talking…
Yeah, I am. What about it? Sissel narrowed his eyes.
Sissel and I are going to save your life, Mr. Wright. Your life, and everyone else's in this courtroom. A shadowy figure of an enormous clock materialized in the ghost world, signaling the turning back of time. Just stick with us and we'll return your spirit back to your body.
O…Ok… Phoenix said.
Courtroom, 4 minutes before death.
Is…is that me?! Phoenix gaped. But… I thought you said I was dead!
You are. We just rewound time back before you died. Sissel said.
Now we have a chance to save you. Yomiel took a glance around the courtroom. If I remember correctly, there was someone with a weapon in here. There was also a sniper in an unknown location, somewhere outside as well.
I'll take care of the sniper. You keep Tengo from killing this guy. Sissel began jumping from core to core, slowly but surely making his way to the door.
(My name is Phoenix, thank you). Phoenix thought. Yomiel chuckled.
So…what do we do? Phoenix continued.
Just stick with me. Yomiel carried Phoenix's soul with him as he jumped from core to core, activating a folding umbrella along the way to reach a core further out of reach. Before long, the two of them were sitting in the judge's gavel, getting a different perspective of the courtroom.
Tengo doesn't have the gun with him. Yomiel frowned. He must have retrieved it from somewhere…but where?
How can you tell? Phoenix inquired.
There's no core on him. Yomiel quickly scanned the room, his gaze resting on a core wrapped in a transparent scarf under Tengo's chair. I think that's where he gets it.
Yomiel let time continue on. The judge slammed the gavel they were both occupying onto the stand, saying; "Thank you. Let the trial for Mr. Tengo begin. Is the prosecution ready?"
Edgeworth took the bow. "Yes, your Honor."
All right, let's go. Yomiel entered the ghost world again and dragged Phoenix toward their next destination, the judge's chair. From there, they could reach a decorative lamp, a doorknob, Tengo's chair, and finally, the gun's core.
Right…now what? Phoenix asked.
I can switch the safety on. Yomiel did just that, the tiny click inaudible outside of the scarf. He was in such a hurry, I doubt he'll check the safety before shooting me.
I saw him shoot at some other people after he got you. So…are they safe now? Phoenix asked.
Most likely. They'll have more time to react and escape the courtroom.
Fate Changed.
Now for the other shooter… Yomiel turned his gaze around the courtroom. I want you to keep a lookout. If you see someone suspicious, tell me. That's our shooter.
Time began to play normally again
3 minutes before death.
"OBJECTION!" the past, living Phoenix declared. "If you had a contradiction, you would have addressed it yesterday!"
Am I really that twitchy? Phoenix groaned.
I've known you for less than half an hour and I can honestly say yes. You're also impulsive. Yomiel squinted at the back of the courtroom, where a group of men were sitting. They all donned long trench coats and fedoras, which were angled in a way Yomiel could not see their faces. Please, Mr. Wright. We are looking for a killer.
Oh. Right. Sorry. Phoenix said sheepishly.
"Let the defendant take the stand." The judge was saying.
I think I found our shooter. Yomiel directed Phoenix's attention to the men in the back.
2 minutes before death.
They certainly look suspicious. The lawyer agreed.
Then let's pay them a visit. Yomiel entered back into the spirit world and guided Phoenix along the cores. It didn't take long, as most of the seating in the courtroom possessed some sort of core for the spirits to latch onto.
Yes, this is most certainly a gun. Yomiel decided as they drew close to it. Now, the real question is how we're supposed to prevent this man going on a shooting spree.
Time resumed as the two spirits lounged on the core of the gun. Yomiel was casting his gaze around the courtroom, trying to remember the events before death. (The sniper shot through the window first…and that provoked our shooter here.) He thought. (I was distracted by Tengo, unable to stop the shooter…I might not be able to succeed at preventing these peoples' fates this time—)
What?! They're going to die?! Phoenix's alarm took Yomiel by surprise.
I forgot you could hear me. Keep in mind that there are no secrets in the ghost world. And yes, there is a possibility I will be unable to succeed this time. If he had a physical form, Yomiel would have frowned. Things weren't going as smoothly as he had planned.
1 minute before death.
"…I am always one step ahead." Tengo was saying.
"Witness, please tell the court what happened on the day of the murder at—" Edgeworth started, but he was cut off as Tengo continued to speak, raising his voice ever so slightly. He still never raised his gaze from the ground.
We have to do something! Phoenix insisted.
(Perhaps by Sissel taking care of the sniper, it will change the fate of our gunman here as well)… Yomiel mused.
Just as he completed his thoughts, the window behind him and to his left shattered. No one was hit by the bullet, but it did strike one of the antique chandeliers hanging from the courtroom roof. The light fixture's bindings snapped, sending it spiraling town to the court floor. Yomiel watched as it smashed directly in front of the witness' stand, startling Phoenix's past self and causing Tengo to jump.
Screams were echoing around the courtroom, but the kill count still remained at zero. The gun Yomiel and Phoenix's spirits were still lingering on had been shifted, but no one was shooting yet. Yomiel watched as his past self made his way toward Tengo, who had finally gathered his bearings and approached the hidden handgun under the chair.
Hey, it's working! (I think.) Phoenix said.
Past Yomiel drew his weapon, as did Tengo. Both made a move to shoot, but only Yomiel's reached its mark. Tengo dropped the weapon and clutched at his right shoulder.
Fate changed.
We did it! Phoenix said.
Not yet. Yomiel sighed as the gun was lifted, finally presenting itself to the panicked courtroom. Much to Yomiel's frustration, the weapon was aimed at his past self. (At least Phoenix isn't running out into the open, trying to be the hero)…His thoughts were cut off as the young lawyer ran out from behind the shelter of his desk and into the path of the rifle.
Time until death: 3
Hey, I had to try and help you! Phoenix protested. I can't sit there and watch you die, and it looks like I'm just trying to help!
Time until death: 2
Fine, we'll argue about this later. Right now, we have to find a way to keep you from getting shot…Yomiel quickly entered into the ghost world, trying to locate anything small with a strong core. His gaze settled onto a false detective's badge. It was slightly heavy and made of thick metal. It would have to do.
Time until death: 1
What are you doing? Phoenix asked as time returned to its normal speed. Yomiel was waiting, unresponsive.
Time until death: 0
Without warning, the badge shot upward into the rifle's path. With a loud bang, the bullet struck the badge, sending it ricocheting to the right and into the wall. The gunshot grabbed past Phoenix's attention, and he hurriedly grabbed past Yomiel's by turning and pointing toward the source of the sound.
Fate averted.
The gunman stashed the rifle in his trench coat and made for the exit, the other cloaked men doing the same. Amidst the chaos, they seemed unnaturally calm…
"Hold it!" A detective blocked their path. He had rather broad shoulders and looked to be in his thirties. His hair stuck up in spikes on the right side of his head and a small bandage adorned the left side of his chin. He drew a pistol from his belt and flashed a badge. "I'm detective Dick Gumshoe, and I'm afraid you didn't get the memo of no weapons allowed in the courtroom besides us detectives!"
Gumshoe… Phoenix sighed. This guy's always dragged into the worst sort of trouble…
Even as they watched, more detectives had flanked him, each one of them eyeing the suspicious group of men warily. Past Yomiel joined them as well.
I think our work here is done. Yomiel said. Time to get back to the present time, in this new future.
Right! Phoenix said.
A swirling mass of red and black enveloped them as they were whisked forward through time. Yomiel came to his senses with a rush. If his finger had been over the trigger of his handgun, he would have shot.
"Come with us." The detective named Gumshoe was saying.
Yomiel motioned to the man he had foiled in his attempt to assassinate Phoenix, saying; "You there, drop that weapon. Now."
To his surprise, the man did as he was told. The weapon clattered to the ground, where whispers of shock ran through the detectives.
"I can take it from here, pal. Thanks for your help." Gumshoe slapped Yomiel on the back, the sudden gesture nearly making the skinnier detective tumble over.
"Um, right." Yomiel holstered his weapon and turned to survey the courtroom. He had certainly caused a lot of damage, that was for sure, but at least no one had been killed. A few people had been hit with fragments of broken glass, but paramedics on the scene were already treating them.
Something was rubbing against his ankles and meowing impatiently. Looking down, his masked eyes met the wide, green-yellow ones of Sissel.
"Good job," Yomiel picked up the black kitten. "We sure made a mess, but it was worth it."
He lifted his gaze to the courtroom again, where he locked eyes with Phoenix, who was staring at him with a combination of horror, confusion and questioning. Yomiel simply nodded before turning and walking out of the courtroom, stowing Sissel safely in the briefcase as he went.
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"You just can't take a break, can you?" the red-headed detective sighed.
"It seems that way." Yomiel sat down heavily on the couch.
"…" Lynne opened her mouth to say something, but to Yomiel's great relief, didn't. She instead pulled at a strand of hair. "Who was it this time?" she asked as Sissel jumped into her lap.
"A lawyer. I was shot, and he jumped out to try to drag me to safety." Yomiel loosened his tie. "Sure, it always looks bad when I sustain a mortal injury, but I can't…you know, die."
"How long do you reckon you would have taken to heal?" Lynne asked.
"An hour, I think."
Yomiel leaned back into the couch's cushions, sighing heavily. It was all thanks to that day ten years ago…he could no longer die, nor age. Sissel too…
"So when are you taking that week off?" Lynne continued. A grin was growing on her lips.
"A week off? I can't do that…" Yomiel protested.
"Yes, you can. I know you can't die, but you'll work yourself to death only to come back and do it again. Take a break! Besides, Missile misses you. Kamila, too."
Yomiel sighed. "Fine, I'll take a week off. But only after tomorrow…I have some important matters to attend to..."
Lynne gave a high-pitched, "Yay!" in excitement. "Now it won't be so boring here! Ooh! We should go to the Chicken Kitchen! Yeah! That'd be great!"
"Isn't that what Kamila's here for during the day?"
The front door opened, followed by a few excited barks and a shout of, "Lynne! I'm here! Oh! Hi, Yomiel!"
"Hi, Kamila." Yomiel said as the young girl flounced into the room, grinning broadly. A fluffy Pomeranian dog ran along beside her, occasionally turning in a circle and yipping happily. He jumped up onto the couch and tried to lick his face.
"Hi there, Missile." Yomiel attempted to push the hyper dog off the couch, but it was in vain.
"We're going to the Chicken Kitchen tonight!" Lynne declared.
"Tonight? Who said anything about to—"
"Yaaaay!" Kamila cheered.
"Oh, fine." Yomiel laughed. Missile happily nestled himself up against his leg, a stupid grin plastered to his face. Sissel leaned up against the dog, batting at his fluffy ears.
"Mr. Yomiel, when are you and Miss Lynne getting married?" Kamila asked sweetly.
"What…?" Yomiel blinked.
"Ha, ha! You're funny, Kamila." Lynne chuckled. "But I'm not marrying him. No way."
The look of disappointment on the girl's face was enough to make Yomiel start laughing again.
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I'm too lazy to add this to the story, but between cases, Lynne has a lot of free time. She and Kamila hang out with Missile all day and they are occasionally visited by Yomiel and Sissel. When Lynne does get called on a case, Kamila just stays at her apartment, usually watching TV or listening to music. As you know in Ghost Trick, Jowd is Kamila's father. He is also one of the higher ranking detectives in this, so he's constantly busy. Kamila usually doesn't see much of him, and she considers Lynne to be like a sister to her.
Basically Lynne is a full time babysitter for Kamila and Missile when she's not on duty.
I hope that makes sense. Anyway, more on the way!
Hasta la Vista, Readers! (Oooh, maybe I should write some Terminator fanfics…?)
Lordoftheghostking28