BP: Due to my promise from previous chapter, I would not ramble, and show you the Court Record and Profiles, from Phoenix's POV.

Court Record:

Attorney's Badge (Other): It's my all-important badge. It shows that I am a defense attorney.

Maya's Magatama (Other): Slightly translucent. It radiates softly with a mysterious light. When charged by Akeno, the light emits more brightly.

Case File (Reports): Time of death: Approximately 1.30pm. Cause of death: loss of blood due to a single stab wound to the chest. Victim died nearly instantly.

Tea Set (Evidence): Nine Cups of Tea were seen at the table. The tea that was served was Hibiscus Tea.

Smudge on the Coffee Table (Evidence): Evidence that a possible bloodstain was wiped off the edge of the table. Since Delia had an open wound, it's believed if it was blood, then the blood belonged to the victim.

Knife (Weapons): Weapon used to kill the victim. According to the reports, only Ash's fingerprints were on it.

Mysterious Fire (Other): According to general reports, the fire was caused by a Quilava. Due to the large-scale fire, it could not be a mere accident, like an electrical shortage or a gas leak. Neither of these were found in the house. Ash was apparently found in the middle of the fire in his house.

Lack of Hair (Other): Not a single hair was found on the floor at the scene of the crime. In addition, a burnt lint roller was seen in the trash.

Wound at the Back of the Head (Evidence): There was an injury at the back of Delia's head, that was likely sustained before her death. The wound's shape looked familiar, but where?

Bloody Fingernails (Other): Blood was seen underneath the victim's fingernails. However, no blood pool was below her hands at that time.

Kitchen Knife Set (Other): The kitchen in the victim's house has a set of kitchen knives. Apparently one of the knives had gone missing.

Bloodied Cloth Scrap (Evidence): A green cloth with a distinct white rectangular pattern that had bloodstains on it. It looked like it was used to wipe something rather than to soak up a wound.

Collection of Trophies (Other): A list of trophies that Ash had won up until his mother's death. According to Phillip, they are rather minor victories.

Delia's Planner (Other): On the day of the incident, there is a note saying, "Ash's friends coming over at around 12.45pm. Ash would reach Pallet Town by 1.25pm".

Letter (Other): A letter written to someone named Lance. According to Ash, it was written by someone dear to Pakura. Pakura confirmed it was written by her first love, Shiki.

Newspaper Article 1 (Other): An article from six years ago, regarding the Dragon Duo's disappearance.

Coordinator's Monthly (Other): An article from May stated that Max was traumatized but managed to use his Gallade to teleport them out. Another article also stated Pakura went on a trip to clear her head.

Ash's Interview (Other): An interview Ash gave shortly after he became Champion. He confirms that he is deathly allergic to Hibiscus Tea and had an incident with one when he was a kid.

Newspaper Article 2 (Other): A newspaper article stating the trauma the friends felt when Ash killed his mother, and how they would turn it around to become better trainers. Apparently, they are sponsored by Cynthia, which was why they became very popular during the six years.

Pokémon Team Roster (Reports): A list of Pokémon that each of the friends owned as of six years ago, along with photographic evidence.

Dragon Duo's Career (Other): A timeline of the Dragon Duo's activities from their debut until their disappearance. To print just their parts as a lawyer cost more than 20 pages.

Dragon Duo Poster (Other): The Dragon Duo members were apparently music performers, from the mic and guitar. Two Pokémon, presumably Dragon were emblazoned at the background.

Pakura's Psyche profile (Other): The subject suffers from schizophrenia, PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, and symptoms and signs indicate she had been suffering for years.

Cynthia's Testimony (Documents): According to Cynthia, after the incident, the friends weren't the same again. Max was also found traumatized and was lent a jacket. Ever since, he wore long sleeves.

Profiles

Phoenix Wright (26): Me. What more can I say? This is my third year as a young (but skilled!) lawyer.

Maya Fey (19): My assistant and a disciple in the Kurain Tradition of spirit channelling.

Pearl Fey (9): Maya's cousin, and channelling prodigy. She has amazingly powerful spiritual abilities.

Miles Edgeworth (26): An old friend. Said to be #1 at the D.A.'s office. Studies foreign judicial systems now. Pakura hired him as a prosecutor for an unknown reason.

Ash Ketchum (21): My client. A young man who rose to fame as PAL's first Champion and current Prince. Is due to face trial to see if he is guilty of killing his mother six years ago.

Pakura Ameyuri (?): A mysterious young woman who is paying much more than my fees. Ash's right-hand woman and wife as well as the Princess of the region. A former member of the Dragon Duo, she became Ash's mentor after his mother's death. She's apparently not quite right in the head.

Jude Harrison (25): A young man who rose to fame as a renowned actor, supermodel, Net Idol, etc. There's no one who never heard of his name in the entertainment industry. He worked his way up.

Phillip Robinson (23): The smartest guy of the group and great at technology. A bit of an awkward guy.

Akeno Calfuray Cheveyo (21): A spirit medium like Maya and Pearl. However, she can apparently channel her spiritual powers to fight. Her spiritual power, when charged with the Magatama, radiates much more power.

Shiki Kurobane (Deceased): Pakura's first love and late fiancé. Male half of the Dragon Duo.

Cynthia (?): Champion of the Sinnoh Region. Seems to hold a grudge against Pakura for some reason.

The implications of what it meant when Cynthia decided to get a foreign prosecutor to even the playing field was settling quietly around the room. The reaction playing out on people's faces were completely different.

Some, like Maya, had frustration due to knowing how much trouble she was in the past while others, like Phillip, had smirks on their faces as they knew that it wouldn't matter anyway.

"I still can't believe she could pull this off. I guess as Champion she can do whatever she wanted at a minute's notice." Maya huffed, crossing her arms.

Pakura quietly turned on her toes and walked over to the window.

"Franziska is likely to jump at the chance to prosecute the case to try and show Wright up." Miles was thoughtful. "Even without the money offer, of course."

Pakura stared out the window for a moment, calm and contemplative.

"I guess it'll change things." Jude said, turning to look at the others. "You faced her before, haven't you?"

Still sitting in a chair, Phoenix nodded with dread. After all, he could still remember the whip she carried with her. Even the judges were whipped by her and they were cowed into letting her have the whip because of that.

"What are you so frightened about?" Akeno asked, concerned.

Phoenix inwardly winced as he remembered the number of times he had been whipped by Franziska, especially with the first time she lost, giving him enough to render him unconscious. How she was not charged for assault for that, Phoenix didn't know, but he thought it was probably because the Judge himself was too frightened of her to intervene.

"Let's just say I have a problem with the way she makes her point…" Phoenix answered sheepishly.

"What Wright means is that she likes to use her whip." Miles cut in.

The PAL Elites looked at one another, before Jude said with narrowed eyes, "If this woman thinks that she's going to intimidate us into backing down with that 'weapon' of hers, she is dead wrong."

"Don't worry, Phoenix. The judge and the bailiff would put her in her place soon enough. You wouldn't even have to worry about the whip during the trial." Phillip waved it off, and checked his CommuniDex. "Well, it's almost ten. We better get going."

Pakura left the hotel room without another word with her Pokémon, as Akeno left, making a comment about something to what seemed like thin air, bidding them a good night. Rotom drifted after her. Jude gave them a wave and followed them with his Liepard, while Phillip packed up his laptop, checking something.

"You guys better get some sleep." Phillip nodded, as Pachirisu nuzzled him. "I'm going to review what I have gathered one more time, and go over with it with you in the morning."

"Wait, you have some more evidence?" Phoenix pointed at Phillip.

"I need to make sure there are no discrepancies in this evidence, lest it turns things against us." Phillip replied. "Get a clear picture of what the evidence can do to help us before giving it to you before the trial." With that, he followed his team out of the hotel and back to the Battle Tower.

When they filed back into the Battle Tower, there were no signs of any reporters lurking around due to the fact that they have given up for the day. To their surprise, when they reached the lobby, Diantha and Elesa were waiting for them. Diantha had a small smile, and they caught a flicker of relief on Elesa's face.

"Hello," Akeno said in a neutral voice. It's a wonder how she could sound so nice even if her voice was bland.

"Can we help you with something?" Phillip was bored, as he stabbed the elevator button.

"Thank goodness you're alright. We need to tell you something." Diantha told them.

"We've been waiting for hours." Falkner popped up from behind them.

"Anyway, the other Dragon Masters are trying to hound your leader for a battle. They actually went to your floor in hopes of ambushing her or something." Diantha shot a worried look at Pakura, who looked like she could care less.

"Lance doesn't strike me as the type to do so." Akeno tilted her head.

"He isn't." Falkner agreed. "However, Clair is another story and she drags her cousin along."

Everyone sighed at that. It was no secret that Lance was practically whipped by Clair, who became a driven young woman. It may be partly because of the massacre of their clan where her city was put into an eternal blizzard, which brought down tourists and even deterred trainers from visiting her gym due to the horrible weather.

In fact, both of them had to move out of their childhood home as the city was now unliveable thanks to that extreme cold. It may as well have been a nuclear bomb that had destroyed their population with how people now avoid it like it was too toxic to approach.

First the pox epidemic that killed a bunch of them and left others infertile fourteen years ago and then a massacre that wiped out the remaining clan and even left their homes inhospitable five years ago…

Since then, she was determined to find out the perpetrator and felt that only Lance and herself can restore their clan's reputation. Lance usually went along with it because he didn't really want to alienate himself from his only family left.

"Are they still up there?" Phillip wondered.

"Oh, they went out to get some drinks but they'll be back soon. I'll advise you to do something to make sure they can't get to your floor." Falkner answered.

"Got it." Phillip muttered, knowing he should lock the elevator from going to their floor unless the person in the elevator was any one of the PAL Elites. "Thanks for the tip-off."

Just then, the elevator doors opened in front of them. They filed into the waiting elevator and since it was late, they only had each other for company. No one spoke, as the elevator stopped to deposit Falkner at the fourth floor, Elesa at the tenth floor and Diantha at the thirteenth floor before the doors opened on the fourteenth floor and they went to their respective rooms. Phillip stayed behind in the living area to tinker with the elevator settings.

Meanwhile, Ash had to admit that the room that they conducted him to after they took him into custody wasn't so bad. After all, it had thick, deep carpets and a velvet couch with chairs and tables. There was even a bookshelf full of novels, little artsy knickknacks, and he got to keep his devices and Pokémon.

This gave him ample time to study up on the file with the Dragon Duo symbol, regarding the Talent Cultivation Plan, as he inwardly dubbed it. At first glance, it was thought that the victim was Pakura, and they even thought so back in the Demon World.

However, upon closer and deeper look, he realized the victim wasn't Pakura after all. The results showed that the subject after being given the lobotomy, his original personality was suppressed so as to not interfere with his talent cultivation.

It was observed that the subject himself had the perpetual sense of being empty, hollow, and incomplete. As a result, he was a cold and emotionless person who was observed to find everything and everyone boring and was never able to experience emotions in the same capacity as other people ever since.

The subject was clearly stated to be male, and most of these observations were done by the Dragon Clan over a few years, so how could it be Pakura, since she was carted off to Team Rocket shortly after her birth at the age of two?

"Don't tell me it was…" Ash could only think of one person who fit the bill.

"I think he created a personality for him to act into so that he could blend in as a normal person to avoid drawing negative attention from others." Lucario observed. "A personality he felt he would have had he not been forced to undergo whatever modifications that made him lose his emotions."

"I think whatever modifications they did to Shiki…it didn't take away his ability to disobey them. He likely decided to do whatever he did to defy them out of spite." Pikachu went on. "That was why the subsequent experiment was in hopes to take away that ability to outright disobey them, which was likely done on Pakura."

"But, she doesn't have them to disobey if Shiki took her away." Lucario snapped his fingers in understanding. "That's like a huge middle finger to them."

It would make sense. Pakura had stated that Shiki was better than her in every way, even if she had put all her effort into beating Shiki, including her own musical talent since he was the one who taught her how to play musical instruments like the harp, harmonica, flute, violin, and the like. Apparently, Shiki had been gifted academically, athletically and talent-wise from a young age.

When she came to this realization, she felt really inferior to him because Shiki was able to learn things quicker and she never once won against him in any type of battle, not even during a Contest spar. However, she mentioned she was grateful to him because she felt he tried his best to help her be the best person she could be.

Ash thought she showed a lot of maturity for someone who was never able to catch up with Shiki.

However, at the end of the day…

'Both Shiki and Pakura were victims of the Dragon Clan.' Ash thought. 'Lance and Clair must have belonged to a branch family or something. Or were they the main family until Shiki proved to be the superior Dragon Tamer?' After all, Shiki became heir only because Lance lost a battle to Shiki.

If that was so, what if they decided to perform the surgery on the heir knowing that even if it failed, Shiki wasn't guaranteed to lose any talents because he already had a natural talent? Ash knew, even as the questions popped into his mind, that that was what actually happened.

If the dream was any indication, Pakura most likely knew something was off about Shiki, but whether or not she knew what was another question. Ash wondered if Pakura knew what it was or if she pretended not to know and viewed Shiki through rose-coloured glasses.

Or…Ash was horrified at the third option. Shiki did something to her and she was so traumatized she actually repressed memories of it? It was possible after all. Pakura had gaps in her memories, and three mental illnesses, although they mostly can't tell.

Ash must have said it out loud, when Lucario interrupted with, "Or Shiki erased her memories of it, so she wouldn't be so traumatized. Shiki was alive when Pakura was very young, so…"

All of a sudden, he got very tired. He had to sit down on one of the foofy chairs before he fell down.

"Are you going to tell her?" Pikachu asked him.

Ash hesitated. She already had a huge emotional blow when Cynthia brought up Shiki the night before the Top 8. The next day when Pakura chose to reveal a fact that shook the region to its core that she was the female half of the Dragon Duo to divert attention from him. Now this.

Ash said, "Maybe in time. After all, when I was reading this, I realized something. If Shiki really was this emotionless person out for revenge, he would have left her behind when he killed the Team Rocket agents. He wouldn't have taken her in himself. Perhaps he thought Pakura should have the chance to grow alongside him. Also…"

"What?" Pikachu wondered.

"If he really was pretending to be the character he shaped himself to be, he wouldn't have went after Paku and subsequently, saved her at the cost of his life, and even giving her his powers. After all, his Aura and psychic abilities became stronger in death when it was given to her, and it's an indication of strong emotions or desire." Ash went on. "I think had Shiki had his emotions, he would have been seriously in love with Paku and would always be even after death."

"Do you think he defied the odds and actually could feel at the end?" Lucario was thoughtful.

"I think regardless, without Shiki doing what he did, we wouldn't have Paku by our side." Ash smiled. "It also inspired Paku to save me. So, I think I should thank him even if his personality was a complete façade."

"What she did for you was the sweetest thing." Lucario agreed.

Unknown to them, Pakura had been spying on them through her clairvoyance and had heard the entire conversation back at the Battle Tower. In that moment something shifted and she felt as if she finally understood what Shiki had once told her about differing perspectives.

The new information acted like a vanishing point and she just knew that Shiki was hoping Pakura would grow up to be like the person she saw him as, not as the person he really was. Because the person he truly was? He was gone. After all, they ripped his personality from him not caring what impact it would have on his social life.

Maybe he put up the front so Pakura doesn't end up like he did. Maybe he wanted her to fulfil his dreams, which was why he took her in. Whatever it was, she wanted the fact that Shiki loved her very much (in his own way at least) to be true and that Ash was right.

'Perhaps some things are better off a mystery.' Pakura thought, trying to blink back tears.

Despite what Shiki truly was at the end of the day, she would always love him. True, she did wish things could have gone differently between them, but even so, she wouldn't be here without his guidance.

Pakura made a phone call, pulling some strings to make sure the witnesses were separated so they wouldn't be able to get together to discuss a testimony. She closed her phone, assured of their victory at that moment.

She then decided to leave her room to order hot chocolate, the most calming thing she could think of, from an attendant in the Tower. It looked like Phillip was done with whatever he was doing as he wasn't seen at the living area where the elevator was. Just as she did so, the door to one of the rooms opened, and out came Jude. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Pakura.

"Couldn't sleep?" Jude asked Pakura. Pakura opened her mouth to say something, but settled for a half-hearted shrug, as if it couldn't possibly matter.

"Want to talk about it?" Jude questioned. Pakura knew sometimes that could help, but she shook her head, as she already disturbed the others enough without new troubling realizations added into the mix. Then, there's the fact that she was clearly not over Shiki's death completely.

When Jude held out his arms, Pakura looked unsure. However, Jude didn't really let her decide since he pulled her close and she tentatively wrapped her arms around his back.

"It'll be alright." Jude assured her, putting his hand on the back of Pakura's head. They were interrupted, however when Phillip returned with a tool box, clearly not done with his tinkering. He stopped when he saw them and smiled as he wiped a tear from his eye, before frowning while looking down.

"Phillip." Jude called out, noticing him. Phillip looked up, and saw the two of them open their arms up for him. He grinned and eagerly joined them in their hug.

"Maybe we should get Akeno out too." Jude noted.

The arrival of the attendant via the stairs with the hot chocolate was what broke them apart. He set a tray with a steaming pot of hot chocolate along with four cups. "I brought a few extra cups." He said.

"Thank you." Pakura nodded.

"And I added a touch of honey to the hot chocolate for more sweetness. And whipped cream." He added. He looked like he wanted to say something to Pakura, but gave his head a slight shake and left for the stairs. He walked past Akeno's door, who came out for a snack.

"What's with him?" Akeno wondered, as she came out.

"I think he feels bad for Pakura." Phillip replied, working on the traps in case they decided to come through the window or stairs.

"Right…" Pakura was sceptical as she poured the hot chocolate.

"You have no idea how much the public loves you, after everything you've done for them." Jude reminded her. "They probably aren't going to be all that happy when they saw the paparazzi and the other Dragon Masters hounding you."

"I'm guessing they'll get over it when they see me battle them." Pakura said flatly. Really, with Ash's trial tomorrow, that was the last thing she was thinking of.

"You're going to accept?" Akeno was surprised.

Pakura rolled her eyes. It was no secret as to how much she disliked battling outside of official events, with the exception of training her Pokémon.

"So, what do we do now?" Phillip asked, returning from setting his traps.

"Want to see a show?" Jude suggested. "It'll be nice to do something normal for a change."

"Ooh, I love that!" Akeno clapped her hands in glee. "I'll get the pillows and blankets."

"I'll get the snacks." Jude added.

"I'll get the movie CDs." Phillip volunteered.

'And I'll get to bed.' Pakura thought and started for her room, only to be held by her collar by Jude.

"Nuh-uh, missy. You're the one that needs this the most." Jude tutted, literally dragging her with him as he made his way to the kitchen to get the snacks, which were mainly leftovers of Pakura's cooking.

The Elites curled up at the sofa, which was converted to a bed so that each of them could lie on the bed and watch comfortably. A table tray was brought to them so they can have their snacks or drinks in peace. They binge-watched the Big Bang Theory, discussing the characters and plot on the way.

The topic somehow went to online dating, which was what Raj and Howard used to arrange a first meeting with Amy Farrah Fowler and Sheldon Cooper, the self-proclaimed smartest guy of the group and he rubbed it in all the time.

Jude thought finding dates online was ridiculous as it did not beat real-life meetings and just because the person seemed like an alright person doesn't mean they are really all that in real life.

Akeno agreed, although she said that a matchmaking party where people mingle around would be safer. That way, it would eliminate the possibility of danger.

Phillip expressed that it would be a good way to find people with similar interests through that, especially if you're an introvert like him. However, he did not believe in dating the online person straight away, just be friends first.

After all, although Phillip knew how to play Dating Sims, he never really took it as a guide to real life. Because how many times in real life does a crash-into hello happen with a cute girl? Or a girl having a car break down in the middle of nowhere just as you come across them? Even if it did happen, wouldn't it be likelier it's a trap to get you out of the car and it's a position you're most vulnerable, rather than conveniently having weapons like the protagonist may have in the game or novel?

Everyone agreed he had a point, and turned to Pakura, who hadn't said a word. Only to find her asleep. It was clear she was tired from all the stress piled up on her lately.

It didn't matter anyway, since they could roughly guess her stance on online dating. After all, once upon a time, she had told them she only wanted someone who could love her for her the way heroes or princes do to their love interests/princess in fairy tales and had found it in Shiki, until it was completely crushed with Shiki's death.

Since then, she had high standards, like making sure that the person is stable, strong, mature, good-looking, multi-talented and able to keep up with her pace. If Pakura wasn't with Ash, they privately agreed that out of all the guys, only the Champions would probably have a chance to fit the bill.

Jude put a finger to his lips to signal to the others not to wake her, and placed ear plugs in her ears. They turned off the television and loaded the dishes into the dishwasher and setting it before settling on the couch next to her. Phillip also flicked off the lights before going to sleep with the other three in the living room.

Sometime later, however, Pakura felt a surge of fear from a group of people approaching their floor which woke her up. However, they seemed to be trapped, or going further away. To her right, Phillip was carefully extricating himself from the blanket.

She opened her eyes sleepily, taking out an ear plug. However, she couldn't move as Jude's arm is on her.

Her movement woke Jude, who said, "Go back to sleep." in a sleepy voice.

"But-" Pakura started, and Jude cut her off with, "I'm sure we can handle whatever it is in the morning."

Phillip returned, looking slightly smug, in an I-knew-it sort of way as he clambered back under his blanket. He snuggled under the covers and went out like a light.

As Pakura put back her ear plug, she swore she heard ambulance noises, but simply went back to sleep. Phillip wouldn't set a trap that could kill, would he?

Pakura was wrong. Phillip did set up traps that could kill.

Of course, any day that began with the news of injured Dragon Masters that had to be sent to the hospital would foreshadow a good day ahead, right?

Pakura would normally say yes, but it was at the wrong time. After all, Ash's trial is today and the last thing she needed was to deal with another potential lawsuit of one of her members.

Phillip didn't think he did anything wrong, of course. His side of the story was:

"I did set traps, but only within our area. So, if anybody minded their own business and stayed away from our floors, they wouldn't be hurt. But hey, they were the ones to try and sneak into our floor for Arceus-knows-what, and so late in the night, so they deserve whatever happened to them. Cynthia already snuck into our floor and broke into my laptop. What else was I supposed to do?"

"Deal with it diplomatically like an Elite Leader?" Pakura suggested, though she knew as the words came out of her mouth, the suggestions were quite weak.

"Ah," Phillip replied, raising one of his eyebrows. "But I'm no longer an Elite Leader. So it seemed more logical to increase security that can kill to deter others."

"Won't we be sued for their injuries?" Akeno was worried, as she dipped some rolls in her hot chocolate.

"But if they want to sue, they would have to state exactly how they got the injury. They can't do it without admitting they are trying to get to our floor. While it is normal for other League members to mingle around, we are more isolated compared to them so that wouldn't hold water in our case. They would also have to state when they tried to go to the floor, and I could reason that I used the security after Cynthia actually broke into our floor before." Phillip explained, sipping his coffee.

"Speaking of injuries, how are each of them?" Jude enquired.

"Surprisingly, they only came away with bruises and scraps. Lance and Drasna are fine though, although they are pretty shaken up when they witnessed how my traps work." Phillip answered, clearly proud of his own work.

Jude snickered, as he took a bite of a plain bagel loaded with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Pakura simply shot them a look that said to put it aside for now, and they all ate their breakfast in silence.

"Well, shall we make a move?" Akeno asked, dabbing at the corners of her mouth with a white linen napkin.

To "commemorate" the trial, the Elites yet again donned another outfit. Pakura wore some long white blouse with a navy-blue ribbon at the corner and a black skirt, along with black thigh highs and dark brown boots.

Akeno wore a simple white dress with a large pink ribbon at the waist with white ankle-length boots.

Jude donned on a red shirt and dark green jacket, along with mahogany pants and black sneakers and Phillip wore casual light blue long-sleeved shirt and jeans, along with red and white Velcro shoes.

"Let's go." Jude sighed, putting his hands on his pockets as they made their way to the elevator. They weren't afraid of the traps Phillip made in the elevator, as Phillip had programmed it in such a way they would be a exception.

December 15, 9:00 AM

PAL District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 5

Phoenix had to admit that even the lobby of the courthouse was fancy, with amazing carpeting, soft couches and even a collection of magazines and newspapers. According to Ash, they got their furniture directly from designers' showrooms.

Even Miles was impressed by the lobby, by the way he was sparing glances all around.

"Oh...I see...I guess I should've expected this." Ash mumbled. "Cynthia really believed that I killed my own mother and would try to even the playing field to get me guilty. But I really didn't do it, you know."

"Ash!" A voice called.

Ash turned, and smiled upon seeing his team. However, he was fixed on only one person.

"Hello, Paku." Ash gave Pakura a hug.

"Are you doing alright? How're you feeling?" Pakura asked her husband.

"I'm fine. In fact, they even served me a great breakfast." Ash assured her.

"That's great." Akeno replied. "Don't let them get you down, Ash. And never forget to eat well."

"Got it." Ash nodded.

"Oh, Phoenix?" Phillip handed him a folder and what looked like a thumb drive. "If you ever need a last resort, use these."

"What's this?" Phoenix asked.

"Decisive evidence. But, don't use it unless you're really pushed to a corner or for the final blow." Phillip replied.

Phoenix nodded, as he placed the folder into his briefcase.

[Mysterious Evidence added to the Court Record]

"As for you…" Pakura turned to Phoenix.

"Y-Yes?" Phoenix stuttered.

"You'd better square this case. Ash's innocent, you hear me?" Jude warned him. "If you screw up, then I'm sure Paku would be happy to do some paperwork for your badge to be taken away."

"I'd be quite cross to lose my husband." Pakura quietly added. "Also, I made sure the witnesses can't come together to collaborate their testimonies together, so don't let it go to waste."

Phoenix gulped. 'I think they are serious.'

"Hey! What's with the crowd filing in?" Maya asked. After all, she had noticed a lot of people entering the courtroom, presumably to the gallery.

"Well, he is our Prince and Champion, so the trial is bound to be popular." Phillip answered. "We even had officials catching others trying to sell tickets to the trial, which was illegal."

"The ones allowed in the trial are probably the more important people, like the witnesses and Champions or Elite Fours." Jude reasoned. "We have four Elite Four members and one Champion for each region, so it's still a sizable amount."

"So you'll be able to help Ash out, right?" Phillip turned to Phoenix. "After all the evidence gathered."

"Of course! I've got the trial under control!" Inwardly, however, he was nervous.
"I'm going to make sure to listen carefully to whatever they say and if they don't mesh with the facts, I'll make sure to point it out, alright?"

"Thanks, Phoenix." Ash laughed apprehensively.

"No problem." Phoenix nodded. He had gone through the evidence at least three times last night to make sure he knew them from the back of his hand. After all, Pakura thought he was the best lawyer and he was determined to prove her right. Although the check she was offering also helped.

"Looks like it should all go pretty smoothly today, huh?" Maya smirked at Phoenix.

'I can only wish.' Phoenix thought. 'Oh well…I'd better get ready. I'll just tidy up the evidence and put aside what I don't need... It's time to end this nightmare that started six years ago!'

December 15

District Court – Courtroom No. 4

'Defense, prosecution, and judge. There are even people in the gallery. However, this courtroom is my battleground!' Phoenix thought.

He frowned as he watched Cynthia among the audience, but she had her wrist shackled with a short chain between them and two guards on either side of her. She was trying to get Ash's eye, who was sitting on the defendant chair, but Ash kept his eyes down.

Day 1

Court Is Now In Session

All Rise

"Court is now in session for the trial of Ashura Red Satoshi Ketchum." William Anderson, the Chairman of the Hunter's Association said. To his right were the 12 jury members, which were basically the Battle Leaders of the PAL Region.

"The defense is ready, Your Honor." Phoenix said, gulping at the sight of Franziska at the other end of the bench.

"Mr. Phoenix Wright." Franziska said quietly. "I came to this region for one sole reason. To beat you in your own game. Not even you are infallible."

"If you are having a grudge against the defense, I recommend you talk after cou-" William quickly grabbed the whip that was coming for him. "Just what do you think you're doing, Ms. von Karma?"

Franziska gulped as she felt a gun at her head. One of the bailiffs at the door had rushed to her and pointed the gun at her, with a look that said if she tried it again, he would not hesitate to shoot.

'Oh, wow…' Phoenix had to admire just how William reacted instantaneously at the whip coming.

"I don't know what you're trying to do, but assault in the court is frowned upon here." William said in a voice like silk. "You can either give up the whip and we continue this session. Or refuse like the child you are and we would declare the defendant Not Guilty. Choose."

Phoenix had to admit it was quite satisfying to see Franziska's stunned expression at the response. He could see Maya and Pearl's triumphant smirks when this was going on. After all, who else would have the balls to call Franziska a child to her face?

Franziska reluctantly gave up her whip, with the bailiff taking it. William told her she can have it back after the verdict of the defendant.

"Moving on." William shot a nasty glare at Franziska. "Your opening statement, please, Prosecutor von Karma."

'So that was what the PAL Elites meant when they mentioned that they wouldn't be intimidated by her whip. They knew this would happen, that's why they weren't worried about it.' Phoenix thought. 'Interesting...'

"Let's start with a brief overview of the KF-Incident. The incident occurred at the Kanto Region in Pallet Town six years ago, on December 7th. The victim, Delia Ketchum, was killed in the living room of her own home." Franziska said, trying to keep her tone professional.

'Ash's mother...' Phoenix thought.

"Ash Ketchum, her son, was the prime suspect of the crime. There were two deciding factors that led to everyone believing in his guilt: One: Ash's fingerprints were on the knife that killed Delia. And two: this photo, which was claimed to be taken after Ash killed Delia." Franziska continued, showing a picture.

Phoenix examined the picture, and saw that it was an up-close picture of the corpse. When he looked carefully, he saw Delia was wearing a watch. A cracked watch that made him sure the time it was smashed stopped the moment it was hit.

[Crime Photo added to the Court Record.]

"The prosecution calls its first witness." Franziska said, as a young man with Raw Umber hair and inky black eyes took the witness stand. He was wearing a white dress shirt with a black tie, dark brown pants and a long beige coat that reached to his ankles. He also wore dress shoes.

"Witness, your name and occupation?" Franziska asked.

"Christopher McKiddie. A lot of people call me Chris though." Chris replied. "I'm a Crime Hunter…mostly, anyway."

"What do you mean, mostly?" Phoenix groaned.

"When I am not on detective duty, I film my own shows at times." Chris elaborated.

Those from PAL knew what he meant. They were aware that Christopher had his own TV show called "Detective Chris: A Slice of Life".

It used to be a public access show, which for one episode, Chris already had to pay around 2,000 Pokédollars if the cost of tape and all is included. It was speculated that that was probably why Chris became a Hunter: to pay for the show.

The previous episode, which was filmed just a few days ago, was a spoof of the movie, The Blair Witch Project, which was about some kids who went out into the woods and end up disappearing. All that's found of them is film footage and some piles of sticks.

Only instead of the Blair Witch Project, Chris' was called the Green Witch Project. He actually flew to USA with a friend, took a hand held camera down to Washington Square Park and filmed the tourists who went up to them and asked if they knew how to get to Green Witch Village.

According to Pakura, you're not supposed to pronounce the w in Greenwich. But people from out of town always pronounce it wrong.

Anyway, as tourists came up and asked them which way to Green Witch Village, they started screaming and ran away in terror. All that was left of them was a pile of MetroCards. However, Chris had to deal with some very angry members from his department as he used their cards and they were dirtied by the ground.

Of course, because the show was so popular, the show was picked up on a proper channel network at a distant region, and he didn't need to pay at all to film the show. The people running the channel company actually paid HIM. He was even let out of work at times to film his show and they give him work credit and everything.

"Get to the point already." Franziska interrupted. "Explain to the court the details of this murder."

"Apologies." Chris was sheepish. "I have here the notes on the investigation conducted six years ago. And I'll be giving testimony based on these notes."

Witness Testimony

-Cause of Death–

"The direct cause of death was a stab to the chest. The stab was straight into the heart, and it's likely to leave a mess even on the murderer. But before the victim was stabbed, she was hit on the head by a sharp object. No sharp objects were seen with blood, however. Bruises on the victim indicated she put up a fight before her death. The wound was very severe, enough to cause instantaneous death. The murderer then tried to get rid of evidence by burning the house down." Chris explained.

"Hmm...So the victim did sustain some injuries before her death." William said, as Chris handed over the autopsy report.

"The court accepts this into evidence. Mr. Wright, you may question the witness." William gestured.

Cross Examination

- Cause of Death –

"The direct cause of death was a stab to the chest. The stab was straight into the heart, and it's likely to leave a mess even on the murderer."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix stopped Chris right there. "What do you mean by likely to leave a mess on the murderer?"

"It'll likely leave splashes of blood on the killer, assuming the killer stabbed from point-blank range. His clothes would be covered in blood." Chris answered.

"And how do you know that?" Phoenix was suspicious.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Mr. Phoenix Wright. I grow tired of the foolish foolery of the foolish fools of this foolish-" She gulped when she saw William's glare.

"It's the way the knife was lodged in." Chris elaborated.

"The way the knife is lodged in?" Phoenix was puzzled.

"When a knife is thrown, it's usually straight down. This knife wound was angular. Meaning the killer would have to stab downwards but was a little off." Chris told him. "The angle in question would be impossible unless the murderer was throwing it from a significantly high elevation, and there was no footprints on any of the chairs or tables."

'Wow... Never knew that... you learn something new every day...' Phoenix thought.

"But before the victim was stabbed, she was hit on the head by a sharp object. No sharp objects were seen with blood, however."

Present → Smudge on the Coffee Table

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix interrupted. "Mr. McKiddie, did you thoroughly search the crime scene for any sharp objects?"

"I did." Chris nodded. "I never really found any sharp object, burnt or otherwise."

"Ah, so you overlooked something." Phoenix smirked. "Take a look at this." He showed the picture of the smudged stain on the coffee table.

"Wouldn't you say that this the edge of the coffee table would be the sharp object?" Phoenix asked. "Furthermore, there is a dark stain on the coffee table that was wiped."

"OBJECTION!" Franziska cut in. "It could be the tea or whatever that was spilled. If there was blood, they would have detected it."

"Hold it!" Chris stopped Franziska. "We were supposed to do a luminol test for blood. However, something prevented us from doing so."

"Wait, what?" Phoenix slammed a hand on the bench.

Franziska was starting to sweat as well. "No way!"

Murmuring filled the courtroom at this revelation, as William banged his gavel for order.

"Is this important, Mr. Wright?" William said, when silence finally fell upon the court.

"Yes. Please get him to elaborate on why the luminol test was not administered." Phoenix said, and William agreed.

"Of course. Go ahead Mr. McKiddie, and give your testimony..."

Witness Testimony

- Why Luminol Wasn't Used –

"When we first investigated, it was right after the suspect has escaped. We weren't given enough time, so we couldn't make use of the luminol. Someone took over the investigation and claimed that the incriminating piece of evidence was all they need to prove his guilt. This was the knife the victim was stabbed with. As you can see, it's covered in blood and fingerprint analysis said it belonged to the defendant. Furthermore, eight people saw the defendant attack and kill a person who was his own kin." Chris explained.

"So this is the knife...There certainly is evidence of it being used." William remarked.

"This piece directly links Champion Ashura to the crime. Or so they say." Chris confirmed.

"I see...The court accepts this into evidence." William nodded. "Alright, Mr. Wright."

'Ash's fingerprints on the murder weapon and being seen by eight people sounds bad. However, there should be more to this…'

"Hah. What's wrong, Mr. Phoenix Wright? I think this is the last piece of testimony the prosecution should have to offer." Franziska tutted. "Maybe it's time for you to go home with your tail between your-"

"Shut up and let me do my cross-examination, Prosecutor von. Karma." Phoenix shot back, knowing he won't be feeling the pain of the whip for openly opposing her.

"The prosecution shall refrain from any unnecessary insults." William agreed.

'It's nice for a change to have the judge berate her.' Phoenix thought gleefully.

"Please begin your cross-examination." William gave Phoenix the floor.

Cross Examination

- Why Luminol Wasn't Used –

"When we first investigated, it was right after the suspect has escaped."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said. "How did you know the suspect just escaped?"

"Hmph. Cynthia called the Officer Jennies, of course. Said that Champion Ash just escaped and put out a search warrant for him." Chris munched on a protein bar. "She practically had the entire town on lockdown. No one else was able to leave or to get in."

"Have you forgotten that detectives always do that when investigating the case, Phoenix Wright? You've always snuck into scenes of crime without permission. If it wasn't for Scruffy, you wouldn't have gathered crucial information!" Franziska muttered angrily.

"Is this important to add, Mr. Wright?" William went straight to the point, ignoring her comments.

It's Not Important/It's Very Important

"Yes, your Honor. Please get him to add it to his testimony." Phoenix requested.

"Very well." William nodded.

"Cynthia called the Officer Jennies, of course. Said that Champion Ash just escaped and put out a search warrant for him."

"She practically had the entire town on lockdown. No one else was able to leave or to get in."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said. "Do you know why she had it on lockdown?"

"It's because she wants to look out for Ash, in case he comes back or something." Chris scratched his head. "However, someone managed to place this letter, blackmailing the entire Pallet Town into keeping silent about something. Shortly after, the entire town disappeared. No one can find a trace of them." He procured a note.

Phoenix noted that it looked printed, and the note said,

To the Residents of Pallet Town

Salutation here

There is something you must not talk about. You know what I mean by it, right?

Make sure you never talk about it, unless you want your life to be ruined further...

Ash Ketchum

"It was mailed in the mailbox of the residents. According to Officer Jenny, no one unauthorized was seen to have placed it in the mailbox." Chris continued.

"We checked it for fingerprints, but there was none." Franziska looked unhappy.

"The court accepts this into evidence." William nodded.

[Note to the Pallet Town Residents added to the Court Record]

"This was the knife the victim was stabbed with. As you can see, it's covered in blood and fingerprint analysis said it belonged to the defendant."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix stopped Chris right there. "Did you know if the knife was used prior to being used as a weapon?"

"Not as far as we know." Chris frowned.

"Please add this to your testimony." Phoenix requested.

"There wasn't any sign that it could have been used prior to the murder."

Present→Kitchen Knife Set

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix shouted. "Your Honor, may I bring your attention to this." He showed the picture of the kitchen where lunch is seemingly halfway done and the kitchen knife sets.

"What are we supposed to look at?" Franziska asked, as Phoenix pointed to the kitchen knife set.

"Take a look at this." Phoenix pointed to the knife sets. "One knife from the kitchen is missing. Now, where do you think it went?"

"OBJECTION!" Franziska interrupted. "The defendant could have snatched a random knife from the kitchen to kill his victim!"

Phoenix shook his head. "However, if you look, there was chopped food at the kitchen counter. The defense proposes that the victim was cooking lunch when this happened, and had to use the knife."

"What evidence indicates that the victim was cooking, as opposed to the defendant?" William asked.

Present → Crime Photo

"Which part are we looking at again?" Chris asked. "The corpse?"

"I would like for you to take a look at…"

The Apron/The Blood/The Knife

"The victim was wearing an apron in this one. And when do we usually wear an apron?" Phoenix questioned.

"When we are cooking…" Chris muttered. "Oh!"

"I'm disappointed, Mr. Phoenix Wright. You think you can punch a hole in logic with that? With foolish thinking like that, any foolish fool can explain anything away!"

"Then I implore you to disprove my line of thinking." Phoenix countered.

"Let's see...Perhaps like the good son, he offered to take over the cooking, and when that happened, he got the knife and stabbed the victim when she was relaxing in the living room." Franziska suggested. "How was that?"

"Hmm... That is plausible. What do you think, Mr. Wright?" William turned to the defense attorney.

'I must be careful. I can't afford to make a mistake here!' Phoenix thought. "There is a fatal flaw in her argument, Your Honor!"

"Very interesting. I would love to see where this "flaw" is! What is it that disproves my logic?" Franziska smirked.

"Assuming the victim passed the knife to Ash, the thing that is missing from the knife is…"

Killer's Fingerprints/Victim's Fingerprints

"The knife showed only Ash's fingerprints, and no one else. But…if the victim was the one cooking lunch at that time…where are her fingerprints?" Phoenix pointed a finger.

"W-Wait a second! Don't tell me…" Franziska realized the hole in her logic.

"You, of all people, should know the better, Ms. von Karma. If the victim held the knife before Ash did, there would be her fingerprints present. However! There is nothing of the sort in the knife that was used!" Phoenix pressed on.

"OBJECTION! C-Couldn't he have stabbed her, wiped her fingerprints and then stabbed her once more?" Franziska stammered.

"That's impossible." Phoenix stated.

"B-But why!?" Franziska was puzzled.

"The autopsy said she was stabbed once." Phoenix pointed out calmly. "If she was stabbed more than once, it would have stated so already. Furthermore, why would he stab her again if it would just leave his fingerprints?"

"Aaaaaah! C-Curse you, Mr. Phoenix Wright! You...!" Franziska cussed, as the gallery started to whisper among themselves. William had to whack his gavel once more.

"Hmm... I believe it has now been proven that the victim's fingerprints are missing from the knife. But do you think this has changed the defendant's situation...?" William wondered.

"Honestly, Your Honor! This changes everything! The prosecution has claimed that the defendant had used the knife to kill the victim. However, if the weapon was used prior, why would the defendant only wipe the victim's fingerprints as opposed to his own? There is also one more thing that is unaccounted for, if Ash was the killer."

"What is it?" William questioned.

Present → Lack of Hair

"If Ash Ketchum was the real murderer, why would he need to clean the house from all the hair? It's his house so his hair shouldn't be an unusual thing." Phoenix went on.

"Nnngh..." Franziska was gritting her teeth.

"Upon further consideration, it does make very little sense." William agreed.

'Alright! With this, the rest of the trial should be in—' When he noticed Franziska smirking, Phoenix finished it with, 'really hot soup.'

"As expected, Mr. Phoenix Wright. You're still able to take a completely hopeless case to this point...amusing, you are." Franziska nodded.

'If that smarmy smile is seen on assassins, it means someone is about to get killed. Good thing she isn't one.' Phoenix thought.

"Well then, Your Honor, I think the Crime Hunter is done with giving testimony. I think it's time to call in the next witness." Franziska said, trying not to show fear to William.

"Very well. The court will take a five-minute recess. After we reconvene, we will hear from the next witness." William agreed, and whacked his gavel. "Mr. McKiddie, do a luminol test on that smudge. I want your report back in half an hour."

"Yes, Chairman William." Chris saluted.

December 15, 10:37 AM

PAL District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 5

"Well, it's a good start." Phillip commented, as they gathered around the lobby.

"The only reason why they aren't convicted right now is because we aren't allowed to use supernatural ways to do so." Akeno nodded.

"Supernatural ways?" Phoenix questioned.

"Besides spirit channelling, I can use Divination Séance, where I call upon the spirit of a murder victim to witness their final moments through their eyes." Akeno explained. "It's the ability used by the Dark Princess Pakura Goldstein in the past. That was why she's revered as the Grand Priestess."

"I know you were giving it your all to defend Ash. But, promise me one thing." Jude said.

"What is it?" Phoenix asked.

"Don't ever let Pakura take the witness stand." Jude was foreboding. "I don't think she can take anymore mental strain. Just two days ago, she had her trauma button pressed. Yesterday, she chose to reveal her status to divert attention, dredging up a painful past. I think at some point they may demand her to be on stand."

"It would be very dangerous if she breaks down at the stand. There is no telling what would happen." Akeno had a creepy smile on her face.

"Nothing happened so far." Jude hurried to reassure Phoenix, who had an apprehensive look. "But I'm sure you would find out how she was involved in the case. You have the key to make sure she doesn't have to testify. The prosecution would come down hard on her, and the results may not be pretty."

"But it's how you present the evidence that would matter." Phillip went on.

As much as they admire her and thought she was the type to weather any storm, they really don't know how much more she could take.

Meanwhile, Ash sighed as he got a drink from the vending machine. He had to admit, that Phoenix Wright was an amazing lawyer so far. He listened carefully, made theories, and got everyone to doubt his guilt, even if it's a little.

"Ash." Ash inwardly gritted his teeth at the last voice he wanted to hear.

He turned and saw Cynthia. Custody time clearly did not exactly suit Cynthia as her hair seemed lank and unkempt, her usual clothing slight ruffled and there was a tired look about her. At least with her shackles and guards, there was no way she could do anything to him.

"What is it?" Ash tried to remain polite.

"Are you sure this is something you want to fight?" Cynthia asked him.

Suddenly, it hit him that this was what Pakura's teachings, tedious as it seemed, were all about all along. It wasn't about standing up straight, or using the correct fork, but preparing him for the real world.

A world where people could seem incredibly decent and well-meaning but inwardly may be trying to use you or abuse you or manipulating you to get their way. Even worse, these people could be placed in a position of power. When that happens, there isn't always going to be someone around to rescue you.

Pakura never cushioned a single blow, and this is why: Ash needed to know the truth, since a leader needed those skills to survive. What he sees now was yet another attempt at guilt trip and he knew it.

Ash simply ignored her and stormed off back to the lobby, where he heard Maya say, "By the way... Is the next witness who I think it is...?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's going to be one of them." Phoenix replied.

"Oh... Another jam, like always... Remember, Nick! You promised you'd save Ash!" Maya teased.

"If we lose, I'll just haunt you." Ash joked, as everyone turned to him.

"Of course…" Phoenix groaned.

December 15, 10:45 AM

December 15

PAL District Court – Courtroom No. 4

"Court will now reconvene. Now, the first order of business, we shall call in the first witness. Ms. Von Karma, if you would." William nodded.

This time, Pakura was next to Phoenix as his co-counsel.

"Bring in the photographer who witnessed the murder!" Franziska barked to the bailiff. Trip walked in, all confident and took the stand.

"Witness. Your name and occupation, if you please."

"The name's Trip. I'm a Pokémon Trainer, and photography is my hobby, really." Trip replied, holding up his latest camera.

"Just hurry up and testify about what happened on the day of the murder." Franziska was impatient.

Witness Testimony

- Witness's Account –

"Only the defendant and his mother were in the house. We were on the way to his house when we walked into him stabbing the victim. He turned to us, trying to kill us and we escaped. When we returned with help, we saw inside the house was dead victim, and the defendant, holding a knife. I swear, other than those two, there was no one else in the room." Trip said.

"And did you take a picture of the scene right after the murder took place?" William asked.

"Of course." Trip smirked.

"Just hurry up and show your picture to the court." Franziska ordered.

'The moment of truth. What will be in that picture?' Phoenix wondered.

"Here's the picture!" Trip showed it to them. Phoenix saw it was of Ash with flecks of blood on his clothes and a bloodstained hand and a knife on his right hand. He seemed to be halfway standing up from his mother's body. Around them were flames.

"Hmm... It would certainly seem that only the defendant and the victim were in the scene of crime." William said. However, Phoenix could tell that William knew there was more to it.

[Trip's Photo added to the Court Record.]

"From the moment this photo is shown to court, this case became all mine. After all, this image has now been forever burned into everyone's mind." Franziska tutted. "Are you ready, Mr. Phoenix Wright?"

'I'm not about to back down now.' Phoenix thought.

"Only the defendant and his mother were in the house. We were on the way to his house when we walked into him stabbing the victim."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix shouted. "Who was with you when you made your trip to his house?"

"There's Misty, Brock, May, Max, Dawn, Cilan, Iris and me." Trip explained. "It was a surprise visit to his house, to congratulate him on his latest placings."

"Could you please add this to your testimony?" Phoenix asked, and Trip nodded.

"It was a surprise visit. Although the surprise turned into a terrible tragedy."

"When we returned with help, we saw inside the house was dead victim, and the defendant, holding a knife."

"We need to establish if Trip would say if the victim was alive or dead at the moment of the stabbing." Pakura muttered.

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said. "Could I ask a question?"

"What is it, Mr. Wright?" William questioned.

"I would like to ask…"

State of Delia's body/State of Ash's Clothes/State of the House

"Was the victim already dead, or did she have the last moment?" Phoenix pressed.

"She tried to scratch Ash I think, before she died." Trip had a saddened look on his face. "She was already stabbed by then."

"What does this question got to do with the case?" Franziska was frustrated.

"It has everything to do with the case. Remember this evidence?"

Present → Case File

"Trip! There's one thing I want you to clarify for me here. You say that the victim, actually tried to scratch at Ash before she died. That's really what you're saying?"

"Wh-what? This isn't one of those lawyer tricks, now, is it? Of course she did! Who else could have!?"

"You have it backwards." Phoenix said calmly.

"Backwards?" Trip was puzzled, as Franziska facepalmed.

"The victim absolutely could NOT have scratched at the defendant! This is a report from the crime department. "Victim died nearly instantly." She died almost immediately!" Phoenix pointed out.

"But!" Trip was shocked, as Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench.

"No "but"-ing your way out of this one!"

Everyone was murmuring in the gallery and the jury as William smacked his gavel again.

"Order! Order! The defense has a point." William conceded. "Someone who died immediately wouldn't have the time to fight back."

"This is your chance. Keep pressing your advantage." Pakura told him.

"Also, remember what Crime Hunter Chris said?" Phoenix asked.

"The stab was straight into the heart, and it's likely to leave a mess even on the murderer."

"In any case, this is a very big problem! When Ash was seen in the picture, assuming he did kill Delia, he should have had blood all over his clothes! However, from this photo, it would appear that he did not have the blood splatter as expected from Chris."

"..." Franziska was struggling to find an explanation other than the only glaringly obvious one. That maybe Ash didn't stab the victim.

"This is your chance, Phoenix. Load all you've got into this one shot." Pakura nodded.

"Got it! Your Honor! There is only one logical explanation for the contradiction!"

This picture is a fake/The victim was stabbed after the picture was taken/The stabber is someone else.

"The expected was for the blood to splatter all over Ash if he stabbed Delia. However, Ash in the picture clearly does not. There can be only one explanation. The person who stabbed Delia was not the defendant, but a different person altogether!"

"Wha-Whaaaat!?" Franziska was shocked, as the gallery began to whisper among themselves.

"Does it mean Ash didn't kill his mother?" Alder wondered out loud.

William banged his gavel repeatedly. "Order! Order! Order! If order is not restored, I will suspend this trial!"

"The defense's... The defense's argument is a complete mess!" Franziska was angered that she did not have a whip to let out some steam.

"A complete mess? Alright, then. Do enlighten us." Phoenix shot back.

"Witness!" Franziska snarled.

"What?" Trip was irritated. "Is that any way to ask a someone a favour!?"

"Be quiet you! You were the one who said it was only the two of them when you entered the house. If you were lying, I swear that when I get my whip back, it will be the last thing you see!" Franziska threatened.

"I swear I wasn't lying! There wasn't anyone else in there! Honest!" Trip cowed under Franziska's glare.

"You see! Now tell me, Mr. Phoenix Wright? How could this someone else be in the scene without him noticing?"

"Well, Champion Ash didn't stab the victim, then this poses two very big questions. First, where was Ash when this someone else stabbed her, and second, where did this someone else come from?"

"That's right! Now hurry up and answer, Mr. Phoenix Wright!" Franziska demanded.

"He's lying." Pakura nodded. "I'm sure you already know, right?"

'I need to look at this situation from a different angle! Let's see...what if before Ash came in, the true killer was already in the room... And what if they had left that room somehow... If I could prove that either one of those conditions were true...'

"Mr. Wright. Let's hear what you've come up with." William said, with the look that said he already knew Phoenix had figured it out.

"I think that…" Phoenix started.

Someone else was already at the Crime Scene/Ash had left the room/Something I can't explain yet.

"Take a look at this evidence." Phoenix showed a tea set with nine cups of tea.

"Why, it's nine cups of tea. Which means…" William gasped.

"...! Wait...Mr. Phoenix Wright..." Franziska realized it as well.

"Yes?" Phoenix asked. 'It looks like she's catching on...'

"I'm afraid to ask, but...what does this mean?"

"If Trip and the others really walked in on Ash killing Delia, then there should theoretically be two cups at most: one for Ash, and one for his mother." Phoenix said.

"Yes, agreed." William smiled, and nodded.

"However, there are nine cups of tea!" Phoenix pointed out. "So the question is: Where did the other seven come from?"

"Indeed. Why the need of seven more cups?" William smirked.

"If they claim to have gotten there after Ash, where he killed his mother, there wouldn't be extra cups of tea. Who else would drink them?" Phoenix pressed on.

"Th-Th-That's preposterous!" Franziska reeled back.

"This means that Trip's group must have arrived at the house before Ash did! If they had not, then there wouldn't be extra cups of tea that was clearly been drank from!"

"Gah! I... well... urk!" Trip was beginning to sweat bullets.

"The defense has a point. Do you have an explanation for this, Trip?" William turned to the witness.

"No, I... I find it quite puzzling myself! Quite! ... Aah! W-wait! I remember now!"

"The court would prefer to hear an accurate testimony from the very beginning. This clear contradiction is going to harm your credibility. That, and you seem rather...distraught." William narrowed his eyes.

"M-my apologies, Your Honor! It... er, it must have been the trauma getting to me."

"Very well." William rolled his eyes. "Let's hear your testimony once more please."

Witness Testimony

- Visit to Ash's House –

"Alright, so we entered the house before Ash did. Ash's mum invited us in, and poured us some tea while she made lunch. When we did, Ash came home and he seemed strange. We tried talking to him over tea, but he didn't want to talk and just drank his tea quietly. When his mother came over, he just outright took a knife from his pocket and stabbed her! Right in front of us! That was what we saw." Trip testified.

"So, the victim invited you in to have tea. I guess that would explain it." The sarcastic tone in William's voice made Phoenix realize he thought otherwise. "The defense may cross-examine the witness."

"Gladly." Phoenix nodded.

Cross Examination

- Visit to Ash's House –

"Alright, so we entered the house before Ash did."

"Ash's mum invited us in, and poured us some tea while she made lunch."

"When we did, Ash came home and he seemed strange."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix stopped him. "What do you mean he seemed strange?"

"Well, he wasn't his cheerful self, and we assumed it was due to the Unova loss." Trip answered.

"Any foolish fool would have their foolish happiness taken away temporarily after a foolish loss." Franziska agreed.

"Furthermore…" Trip continued.

"We tried talking to him over tea, but he didn't want to talk and just drank his tea quietly."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix interrupted him. "Did anything happen to him while he was drinking the tea?"

"No, nothing happened to him." Trip answered. "He seemed physically fine after drinking the Cranberry Tea."

"It's easy to mistake Cranberry Tea for another type of tea. However, Ash told me Delia preferred growing flowers, not berries." Pakura said to Phoenix, but made sure to whisper.

"I see. So, Trip said that he and his little group were invited in to have Cranberry Tea. Well, Mr. Wright? It appears that the witness's testimony was correct. Do you have any problems with his testimony now?" William turned to Phoenix.

No/Yes

"The witness claims the tea was Cranberry Tea. But this directly contradicts a piece of evidence that has already been shown to the court!" Phoenix claimed.

Present → Tea Set

"It's simple. The tea in the tea set was not Cranberry, but Hibiscus Tea." Phoenix stated.

"W-whaaat!?" Trip was shocked.

"Delia Ketchum only grows flowers in her garden, never berries. So, she could only make Hibiscus Tea." Phoenix said calmly.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska shouted. "The flavour of the tea has nothing to do with the case!"

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix shot back. "Besides this blunder, Trip also made two more mistakes regarding his testimony."

"W-What do you mean?" Trip questioned, not liking where this was going.

"Simple. Second mistake was…"

The Location of the Crime Scene/The Person Who Killed Delia/Where the Knife Came From

"He specifically told us that the knife came from Ash's pocket. But we have established that the knife was from the victim herself." Phoenix went on.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska cut in. "We can't say for sure whether the knife was taken from the victim."

Phoenix shook his head. "Even if it did come from Ash's pocket, then there should have been an extra knife which Delia used to cook lunch and there wasn't any found on scene, were they?"

"Mmpf..." Trip was shaking in anger.

"She could have kept the knife somewhere before joining them." Franziska insisted.

"Why would she, when it was clear she wasn't even done with using it?" Phoenix countered.

"Dammit…" Franziska gritted her teeth.

"And the third and final mistake was…" Phoenix pressed on.

The Wounds Inflicted/The Weapon Used/The Actual Victim

"Trip said Ash only stabbed Delia, and nothing else. However, there were signs of a struggle and Delia had a wound at the back of her head." Phoenix glared at Trip.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska interrupted. "What if they were too scared to move as Ash injured Delia, fearing for their lives?"

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix was not taking it. "Even if there was a struggle, there would be this question: Why didn't they intervene since they have Pokémon?"

Franziska realized the implications, and widened her eyes.

"Trip, I think it's high time you went taking a better excuse with your camera." Phoenix snarked, as Trip gritted his teeth.

"Oh? Excuses can't be found?" Pakura snickered.

"Oooh? Oh ho ho. Mmmrrrrph! What's it to you, spiky-head!? It doesn't matter if I told a lie, okay? He did it! And he should die for it! Die!" Trip snarled.

"The witness will remain calm!" William shot Trip a disgusted look.

"Hrrrgh... hrrrh... Hrrr... heh. Oh? Oh! Oh? Oh hoh ho! So sorry. Did I lose it? I guess I did." Trip gave a smile everyone knew to be fake.

"Trip, let me ask. Tell me, why would you not know where the knife came from?" William asked.

Trip chose to remain silent.

"Does the defense have an opinion on this...behavior?" William turned to Phoenix.

"Yes, Your Honor. Allow me to explain how I see the truth of the matter. Trip, you didn't help Delia because…"

You wanted her to die/You were too scared to act

"Trip! You actually wanted the victim to die! That's why you didn't act when Delia was being killed." Phoenix accused. "You were in on it with the true killer."

"I... I..." Trip started.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska interrupted. "If Trip really did kill Delia, wouldn't he not have missed the head wound?"

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix replied in kind. "Who said Trip was the one who killed Delia? There were eight of them in the house. Any one of them could have dealt the final blow."

"This is ridiculous!" Franziska was appalled at the accusation.

"Ms. Von Karma, look at the witness's face. Does he seem amused to you?" Pakura asked.

"The defense does deserve an answer." William agreed, as Trip was gritting his teeth so hard it's a surprise it didn't crack yet. "What does this mean, Mr. Wright?"

"With regards to the witness, Trip, the defense wishes to…" Phoenix started.

Indict Him as the Killer/Indict Him as an Accomplice

'There's no reason to say Trip isn't involved in this murder plot.' Phoenix thought. "The defense wishes to indict Trip as an accomplice of this murder. This trial is to find out who killed Delia, true. However! Accomplices who help the true murderer get away will also have to face justice."

"Witness, answer the question. Did you help the real killer?" William's tone was harsh.

"..." Trip was silent.

"TRIP!" William shouted.

"Shut up, all of you! What gives you the right to talk to ME like that! You... you BOONIES!" Trip finally spoke up, angered.

'Not all of us come from the Kanto region, Trip.' Ash sighed inwardly.

'That did it! He lost his cool and started to give himself away…time for the final blow.'

You did it, didn't you?/Why help the killer?

"Trip!" Phoenix got the witness's attention.

"What is it you little shrimp! Talk to me in that tone of voice will you!?" Trip was not in the mood.

"You killed her, didn't you!" Phoenix accused, knowing it was false. After all, people that knew they are falsely accused give away some information.

"What? How can you possibly say that!? Are you mad? A-all I did was take that picture as an incriminating evidence to frame..." Trip quickly shut his mouth.

"So you admit that photo was a set-up?" Phoenix smirked.

"Do I have to? Isn't this a murder trial? Isn't taking a picture irrelevant?" Trip was scoffing now.

'She's saying exactly what von Karma wants her to say.' Phoenix thought. "Trip. You were there at the scene and took the picture. I hardly call what you do "irrelevant"!"

"The defense has a point. Well, Trip? Do you have an explanation for the court?" William asked.

'Try getting out of this one.' Phoenix thought.

"Phoenix Wright…I saw that smirk! You were probably thinking 'I'd like to see him get out of that one', weren't you!"

'Damn...he's good!' Phoenix inwardly admitted.

"It is my great displeasure to inform you...That the witness appears to have taken the picture to incriminate the defendant. However, while helping the killer is technically a separate crime, there is no proving the defendant is on the clear. After all, the photo is not doctored in any way." Franziska claimed.

'No way! I forgot about that!' Phoenix had a surprised look on his face.

"Well, does the defense have anything to say?" William asked.

"Um, well..." Phoenix tried to think of something

Give Up for Now/Call the others as a witness/Continue examining Trip

"The defense would like to call the others that was with Trip as witnesses, one by one! There's something suspicious, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it!"

"I think you've sunken quite low enough already." Trip sulked.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska called out. "I object to calling the others out to the stand!"

"What's your reason?" Phoenix asked.

"Because I hold that the others are also traumatized by the murder that they have witnessed. They would not be able to testify with their state of mind." Franziska claimed.

'She's going on that route?' Phoenix thought.

"...Objection overruled. The witness will be called, unless they are proven to be mentally unable to do so by doctors. Did they have any medical papers to prove so?"

"Er…no." Franziska was sheepish.

"Then they shouldn't have a problem testifying. Considering how much they have done over the six years despite their 'trauma', I am pretty sure they are of sound mind." William said coldly. "The court calls Cilan to the stand!"

A few minutes later, Cilan walked in, a tray in hand with glasses and a jug of water. Trip was taken aside to an area where suspicious witnesses can watch the proceeding but cannot interfere.

"I believe we're ready for the witness to testify. He certainly does look like a server." Franziska commented.

"Yes, sir. I received your summons in the middle of work, sir. I'm happy to be of service." Cilan greeted.

"Will the witness please state his name and occupation." William requested.

"I am Cilan, Gym Leader of Striaton City in Unova. I am also an A-Class Connoisseur. I hope to open my own restaurant one day." Cilan said. "I want to become a great chef!"

Pakura mumbled something that sounded like, "And we get food poisoning."

"That set looks rather heavy, so without further ado, the witness may begin his testimony." William had a look that said, "Let's get this over and done with."

"Sure thing. I shall make this testimony one full of flavour!" Cilan exclaimed.

Witness Testimony

- Cilan's Visit to Ash–

"We were visiting Ash and we got to know his mother, who served us tea. She was a lovely woman, really. However, Ash had sinister plans we did not know of, and they started fighting. Ash eventually managed to stab his mother and she was lying there...Delia Ketchum...not moving...dead! Ash was standing over her body with blood all over him. I don't remember what happened next, but Max saved all of us." Cilan recounted.

"I see. The defense may begin its cross-examination." William nodded.

"Alright, Phoenix, this is it. You already know he is lying." Pakura said.

"Uh... what…?" Phoenix was puzzled.

"Your client is innocent, after all. If Ash was telling the truth, then they must be lying. I didn't know why you didn't call Trip out earlier for that lie." Pakura was thoughtful.

"That lie…" Phoenix wondered what he had missed.

Cross Examination

- Cilan's Visit to Ash –

"We were visiting Ash, and we got to know his mother who served us tea."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix stopped Cilan. "You were the last people to travel with Ash, right? Why would you go there shortly after you parted ways with him?"

"Well, he did suffer quite a loss at the Unova League." Cilan winked. "true, we accompanied him for a while, but we didn't quite talk about it."

"I see. I find it odd you would visit without notifying him." Phoenix remarked. "Was it a surprise visit?"

"Yes. I mean, Delia didn't expect us to visit." Cilan nodded.

"Haven't we established it was a surprise visit?" Franziska was impatient.

"Please add this to your testimony." Phoenix requested.

"We were visiting Ash for tea, and we got to know his mother who served us tea. It was a surprise visit."

Present → Delia's Planner

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix smirked. "Cilan…you claim you it was a surprise visit. But it appears that the Delia knew you were coming."

"What!?" Cilan was puzzled.

"The victim left this little note on her planner. 'Ash's friends coming over at around 12.45pm. Ash would reach Pallet Town by 1.25pm'...Dated, December 7th."

"That's the day of the murder!" William said, widening his eyes. "This also proves that the group was there before Ash arrived."

"Exactly. So, Cilan, I submit that you did indeed arrange the visit with the victim. Because on the very day of the incident, she had expected you to visit, and prepared tea in advance!"

"Not bad! You're actually not bad." Cilan nodded.

"S-Sorry?" Phoenix was shocked.

"I was just messing with you to see how good you were. Can't have the wrong ingredients in the dish after all." Cilan smiled.

"What a compliment." Pakura said sarcastically.

'I agree. That's one compliment I can do without! Plus, he's lying through his teeth!' Phoenix thought.

"Witness!" William barked. "Please remember that you're under oath. Lies will not be tolerated."

"So you're saying that your claim to see "Ash kill his mother" is the truth?"

"Yup, that's the truth!" Cilan said brightly.

"Ha...! Then I'd say that gives me time... to enjoy seeing the defense squirm to find inconsistencies! That is, while you testify for the court again, Cilan." Franziska tutted.

"Oh, yes! Please indulge the court, witness." William added.

'He witnessed the murder, eh? That's got to be a lie right there! It's time I nailed this guy!' Phoenix thought.

Cross Examination

- Cilan's Visit to Ash (Revised)–

"I am not lying about seeing Ash stab Delia. I saw the whole thing happen. Ash and his mother started fighting. Ash managed to stab his mother and died instantly. Ash was standing over her body with blood all over him."

"I see... That all seems perfectly logical." William rolled his eyes. "You had arranged to meet with the victim, and the defendant fought with his mother and killed her."

"I've heard it's pretty hard to continue the visit when someone is dead." Franziska gave a sly smile.

"Yeah, yeah. You may begin your cross-examination, Mr. Wright." William waved her off.

"Yes, Your Honor!" Phoenix nodded.

"Do make this quick, Mr. Wright." Cilan said, giving a somewhat shy smile. "I do have to work a lot in my restaurant to make up for my misdeeds lately. I am not going to make it to work, and I hope you'd be ready to pay my check for the day."

"No one cares." Pakura shot back.

Cross Examination

- Cilan's Visit to Ash (Revised)–

"I am not lying about seeing Ash stab Delia. I saw the whole thing happen."

"Ash and his mother started fighting."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix stopped Cilan right there. "What were they fighting about exactly?'

"Well…Delia was worried for her son, who went out there and did not achieve a lot and wondered if he was better off staying home and seeking an alternate path. Ash wasn't happy about it and wanted to continue his journey believing he could achieve big one day." Cilan replied.

"Maybe in an alternate world." Pakura mumbled.

"Hmph. If Ash had achieved his dreams faster, maybe she wouldn't be saying that." Franziska smirked.

"Says the person who rode on your father's connections to get to where you are." Pakura retorted, and everyone laughed.

"Ladies, this is a court, not a playground." William snapped. "Continue."

"Ash managed to stab his mother and died instantly."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said again. "Where did the knife come from?"

"Originally, Delia had the knife to make lunch. But Ash managed to snatch it form her and stab her."

"And you didn't do anything to stop him?" Phoenix was incredulous.

"I wish I did, but it was too fast and we were too shocked." Cilan claimed.

"That's very strange. According to the defendant himself, you have faced plenty of dangers where your life was on the line during your travels around Unova."

"Oh. Yeah. Maybe you're right. Whatever it was, it never beats outright murder in front of you, right? Especially when it's a friend that did it." Cilan was sheepish.

"So, what did you see next?" Phoenix asked.

"Ash was standing over her body with blood all over him."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix interrupted yet again. "How much blood was covering him?"

"His entire clothing. Some splatters even got into his face." Cilan stammered.

"Would you like for him to add this to his testimony?" William asked Phoenix.

Add it to the Testimony/Don't Add it to the Testimony

"Yes, your Honor. Please get him to add this detail." Phoenix replied.

"Very well. Please revise your statement." William nodded to Cilan.

"Ash was standing over her body with blood all over him. His clothes and face were completely covered in blood."

Present →Trip's Photo

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix shouted. "Cilan. Are you very sure that he was covered in blood?"

"Yes, of course. I could never forget my trauma!" Cilan looked frightened.

"Alright…if he was truly covered in blood, please explain this!" Phoenix presented the photo taken by Trip. "Do you see the problem here?'

"So, you think you've spotted a problem with this picture? Then earn your keep. Why don't you point out exactly what is so strange in this picture for the court?" Franziska asked.

Present Ash's Clothes/Present Face/Present Knife

"Please direct your attention here!" Phoenix pointed out. "As you can see, Cilan claimed that he was covered in blood. But this photo was taken at the moment of the crime by Trip. In here, his clothes are not splattered by blood. Hence, something that should be there is almost missing."

"Champion Ash's clothes are not splattered. It was only flecks of blood!" William realized.

"Cilan said that his clothes were completely covered! If that's the case, then it should be in this picture as well!" Phoenix concluded.

"Wh...!?" Cilan was reeling back. "It-It could be photoshopped."

"Except, didn't we hear this from Ms. von Karma earlier?" Phoenix smirked.

"However, while helping the killer is technically a separate crime, there is no proving the defendant is on the clear. After all, the photo is not doctored in any way."

Franziska was quiet, as the gallery started to murmur again, only for William to whack his gavel.

"Order! Order! Well, witness? I think it's time you started telling us the truth, don't you?" William asked.

"I am not a pussy-cat! I don't go back on what I said! But, alright…I admit that my perception was flawed." Cilan admitted. "The fire did obscure my vision after all."

"True. Smoke could get into your eyes, stinging them with tears or block your vision." Franziska was thoughtful.

'Speaking of fire, I should ask him about…"

Who set the fire/The cause of fire/When did the fire happen

"When did the fire happen, exactly?" Phoenix questioned.

"Well…it was before Ash stabbed Delia. He was trying to prevent us from calling the police." Cilan was saying. "But like I said, Max saved all of us."

"If the fire obscured your vision, how would you know that Ash stabbed Delia? It could be someone else that have done so." Phoenix questioned.

"Uh…I…" Cilan was starting to sweat.

"What are you suggesting, Mr. Wright?" William asked.

"He said the fire started to prevent them from escaping. Correct?" Phoenix asked.

"Yes, sir." Cilan answered, trying his best to keep his composure.

"Then, when you said the smoke obscured your vision, it means you didn't see him kill Delia, did you?" Phoenix pointed out.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska cut in. "He could have seen it before the smoke became too thick."

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix said. "His first instinct would be to find another way to escape, not waste time and continue witnessing what Ash was doing. I highly doubt you'd want to stay in a burning house for so long."

"I didn't set the fire!" Cilan said hotly. "I'm a Grass-type Specialist, not a Fire type!"

"While this is true, we have just learned of another person involved who may have been the murderer! In this new light, I hold that it's impossible to declare the defendant's guilt." Phoenix said.

"Who! Who is this "other person"!" Franziska was frustrated.

"Simple, it was..."

Cilan/The person with the fire-type Pokémon/Trip

"The person who owned that Fire-type Pokémon." Phoenix declared.

"WHAT?" The word, which came out of Franziska cracked through the courtroom with the explosiveness of a starter's pistol down by the drag-car racetrack.

"Your Honor! As has been previously revealed, Trip was an accomplice of the real killer. By proxy, it is likely Cilan is one as well for lying in his testimony. After all, it has been established that someone else could be the stabber as we proved when Trip was here."

"While I acknowledge they did not kill Delia directly, it still means that among the remaining six, one of them is the real killer." Pakura smirked.

"M-my, what a convenient little setup... but it's too late..." Franziska tried to calm down.

"Too late? I suppose you'd like it if it was too late, wouldn't you...After all, it was you who tried to avoid letting the others testify."

"Noooo! T-these accusations are...foolish!" Franziska was sweating.

"Enough! The court acknowledges the defense's argument, and we shall call in the next witness after a short recess."

"Yes, Your Honor." Phoenix and Franziska nodded.

December 15, 12: 09 PM

PAL District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 5

"Nick! You were amazing in there!" Maya gushed.

"R-really?" Phoenix grinned.

"I think I might be a fan too." Akeno agreed.

"Oh, I was just doing my job." Phoenix said modestly.

"Hey." A voice said. Phoenix turned to see Chris. "Sorry it took so long. But I finally got the results from the lab."

"The results?" Phoenix was puzzled.

"You know, if the smudge is blood or not." Chris looked a little annoyed.

"Oh! So? Do you know if it's blood or not?" Maya asked.

"Do you think I'm some kind of hack detective?" Chris sighed. "Of course I do."

"So? Tell us!" Phillip said.

"It's confirmed to be blood. You're right, the blood belonged to the victim. We also further investigated the victim's body, and we realized that there were Ash's left handprint at the left shoulder of her corpse."

"Were there other handprints?" Phoenix felt dread in his heart.

"No. We believe that the victim's wound from the back of the head was from pulling of the hair, not by pushing her." Chris replied. "Also, there is dried blood under the victim's fingernails. It's going to take a little longer since the blood has since dried under her fingernails and it's hard to extract. I'll let you know once I get the results."

With that, he walked away.

[Wound at the Back of the Head updated in the Court Record]

[Crime Photo added updated in the Court Record.]

"That's great! We've got some new information, Nick!" Maya clapped her hands in glee.

"Whoever set the fire would be a crucial key." Jude was thoughtful. "And we got to find out who blackmailed the residents into keeping silent."

"What happened to those two after that, anyway?" Pearl asked.

"I heard they arrested them, but they get to attend the trial." Pakura spoke up, walking up to them with Ash.

"I guess they're learning their lies would be exposed eventually. They are probably at the detention center now. Anyway. This case is far from closed." Ash said grimly.

"I'm going to find out the truth behind this case." Phoenix promised, and Ash nodded.

"Mother…" Ash grimaced at the thought of his late mother.

"Don't worry, I'll acquit you. I promise." Phoenix assured Ash.

"I'm counting on you, then." Ash smiled.

Phoenix went to ask for a full record of Trip and Cilan's testimonies. I thought it might come in handy during the trial later, but since most of them were lies…he wasn't so sure. In fact, there's only a few significant parts that got left on the record.

[Trip's Testimony added to the Court Record.]

[Cilan's Testimony added to the Court Record.]

December 15, 12:17 PM

PAL District Court

Courtroom No. 4

"Court will now reconvene. Ms. von Karma, please call your witness." William said calmly.

"This next person is someone who claimed to have witnessed the crime as it happened, like the first two. The prosecution calls Ms. Dawn Berlitz to the stand!" Franziska said.

'Let's see if her story matches up.' Phoenix thought, as a pretty blue-haired girl wearing a short dress walked in.

"Witness, your name, please." Franziska requested.

"... I, umm..." Dawn stuttered.

"Don't worry. There's no need to be nervous." Franziska assured her. "If anyone says anything rude, you can be sure, I'll cut them right down to size!"

'I love how she looks straight at me when she said that.' Phoenix inwardly rolled his eyes.

"Um, thank you...for calming my nerves. I feel like there is no need to worry!" Dawn gave an entertainer worthy smile.

"If we may move on now... What is your name and occupation?" Pakura cut in.

"Hello, everyone! I'm here to represent Twinleaf Town in style!" Dawn waved. "It's me! The accomplished Pokémon Coordinator you all know and love, Dawn Berlitz!" Dawn replied. "Just call me Dawn. No need to worry!"

'Accomplished? She hasn't even won a single Grand Festival.' Pakura thought.

"That's certainly a way to capture your audience's attention." William said dryly, as some of them were captivated by her cheerful demeanour.

"I'm so glad you all liked my performance! Would you consider joining my fan club, pretty please?" Dawn smiled.

"OBJECTION! Save it for after the trial." Franziska was tired of this.

"Anyway, Dawn... can't help but notice, you seem awfully cheerful for having just had your friends arrested." Phoenix noted.

"Of course I'm sad... But they would scold me if I didn't put on a big smile. I shouldn't show sadness as long as I have hope they would be free." Dawn grinned.

"Now then, please proceed with your testimony. Let's hear about what you witnessed on the day of the incident, if you please." William ordered.

Dawn nodded happily.

Witness Testimony

- What Dawn Witnessed –

"I had been planning to go visit Ash when Cilan got into contact and asked if I wanted to visit him with them. On that day, Ash's mum invited us in to have tea. When Ash came home, and his mother poured him a cup of tea as well. While Ash was drinking it, his mother spoke to him, but Ash got angry at his mother's suggestion and started fighting her. I closed my eyes because I couldn't bear to watch." Dawn said.

'So, she didn't see the moment of the kill.' Phoenix thought.

"It already has been established that the knife was missing the victim's fingerprints." Pakura said. "So I am almost sure she is lying. But what role did she play in the murder?"

'Ah, what the heck!? May as well roll along until we find out just why the fingerprints were wiped.' Phoenix thought.

"Now then, Mr. Wright. You may begin your cross-examination." William gave him the floor.

Cross Examination

- What Dawn Witnessed –

"I had been planning to go visit Ash when Cilan got into contact and asked if I wanted to visit him with them."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said. "Now, unless I'm mistaken, you have seen Ash before in Unova. If that's the case, then why would you choose to visit him in Kanto?"

"Well... he was a great friend. I wanted to see how he was doing after Unova." Dawn admitted.

"Hmph. How wonderful." Franziska said. "There is nothing wrong with a girl wanting to catch up with her friend, is there, Mr. Phoenix Wright?"

'More like to murder Delia together.' Pakura thought.

"Anyway! If you had participated in Johto Contests, why come to Kanto?" Phoenix asked.

"I always wanted to explore Kanto one day. I heard there was a Contest Circuit there too." Dawn explained. "I then decided to take the time to visit Ash."

"Alright. Enough questions. What happened on the visit?" Franziska had her eyes closed in a contemplative way.

"On that day, Ash's mum invited us in to have tea. When Ash came home, and his mother poured him a cup of tea as well."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix put the testimony on hold. "Do you remember what time you reached her house?"

"It was around 12.45pm." Dawn replied. "I had my Xtransceiver tell me the time."

"So, you're saying the ninth cup belongs to Ash?" Phoenix pressed.

"That's right. We were all drinking Hibiscus Tea and having fun when Ash's mum cooked lunch." Dawn gave a radiant smile.

"While Ash was drinking it, his mother spoke to him, but Ash got angry at his mother's suggestion and started fighting her."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said, cutting her off. "Are you saying Ash drank the tea without any effects?"

"Yes." Dawn nodded.

"In other words, Ash finished his tea. Is that right?" Phoenix clarified.

"I was watching the whole time. Ash did enjoy the tea." Dawn confirmed.

'If I press her for no good reason, I just know the judge might angry with me... Hmm, so what should I do about her testimony just now?'

Leave it alone/Show contradiction

"Feeble lies are not very becoming, Dawn, so let's drop them, shall we?" Phoenix said.

"Wh-What...! I...! I would never...!" Dawn was surprised.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska cut in. "Phoenix Wright…I will not allow you to badger this witness!"

Pakura narrowed her eyes and glared at Franziska.

"I-I believe the defense is foolishly engaged in a-a... foolish fishing expedition." Franziska cowed at the glare Pakura was giving her.

Pakura's glare got even more colder, if possible. In fact, the temperature in the courtroom seemed to lower.

"That is... Err... He has no supporting..." Franziska started, as the temperature of the courtroom gone even colder.

"Why is it getting colder in here?" Franziska noticed frost breath coming out of her mouth.

"Princess Pakura, please get a hold of yourself." William chided her.

"Now then, Dawn. I just want to clarify one thing. You said that the ninth cup of Hibiscus Tea was poured for Ash by his mother and he drank it without any effects, right?"

"Well…yes." Dawn nodded. "Where are you going with this?"

"There's no need to try to cover for the defendant. It would be much better if you came out and told us the whole truth." Phoenix added. "There is no way Ash could have drunk that tea."

"Excuse me, but this is a court of law! If you're saying if it's impossible...I think you need to show some kind of proof!"

'She almost got me with that.' Phoenix thought.

"Provide some evidence or I'll have to disallow this line of questioning." William sighed, as he had to be impartial after all.

"Unless we can come up with some evidence, we're going to lose this lead." Pakura shrugged. "But of course, you have it, right?"

"If you're going to accuse the young lady of telling the lie...then tell us, where is the proof that it's impossible for Ash to have drunk the Hibiscus Tea?" William asked.

Present → Ash's Interview

"Your Honor, please take a look at this magazine. Specifically, this interview." Phoenix took out a magazine, and flicked it to show Ash's interview.

"Wasn't this the interview done by our Champion after he was crowned Champion?" William enquired.

Phoenix gave a single nod. "As you can see, there's this section where Ash had specifically stated he had a deadly allergy."

"Hey! Wait a minute! He's allergic to…" William gasped when he read the section.

"N-No!" Franziska was sweating.

"I was under the impression that you saw Ash drink the tea. But, if that was really the case, then you should have seen him react to his allergies, and die before Delia was killed. Dawn... You've been lying to the court."

"P-P-P-Please forgive me! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Dawn started sniffling.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska said. "He could be lying about the Hibiscus Tea allergy."

"Then do you want to test it here and now?" Phoenix asked.

"Would you pay for his medical bills should this happen?" Pakura added. "I'll be adding interest for deliberate assault."

"What…I shouldn't have to pay for the medical bills!" Franziska was spluttering.

"You're the one who suggested he was lying about it." Phoenix shot back. "It's unlikely he would lie in the interview. What reason would he have to do so?"

"Well…because he would be able to use it in the trial!" Franziska suggested.

"Except around the news, people are calling for him to be thrown in without a trial, so it wouldn't have mattered." Pakura told her.

"Hence, if Ash was allergic to this, why didn't Dawn see him react to the tea?" Phoenix asked the question in everyone's minds.

"I...!" Dawn was shocked at this information. She had never known about Ash being deathly allergic, and by the looks on her friends' faces, this information was new to them too.

"According to Ash's interview, he was deathly allergic. So, if he did drink the tea, he would have died. Since he didn't carry an Epi Pen with him, and he is right here in this courtroom, it's safe to say that he didn't drink the tea himself!" Phoenix pointed out.

"So, who does the ninth cup of tea belong to?" William wondered.

'That testimony just now... she confirmed something that could totally change this whole case!'

"It's simple. The ninth cup belongs to…" Phoenix started.

The victim/The defendant/One of them used two cups

"Your Honor! There is a problem with the witness's testimony!" Phoenix said.

"Pardon?" William turned to him.

"Didn't you notice? Assuming that no one else bar the victim, the eight of them and Ash visited the house so by process of elimination, the cup must belong to the victim." Phoenix told them.

"Yes... What about it?" William smiled.

"Well, that means that the victim was sitting with them and having tea, am I right?" Phoenix pressed on.

"Now's not the time for a pre-school lesson, Mr. Phoenix Wright!" Franziska snapped. "Get to the point!"

"So sorry, Ms. von Karma." Phoenix rolled his eyes. "Anyway, since the victim was sitting with them and having tea…wouldn't you say that the victim didn't expect the defendant any time soon?"

After all, if Ash was actually there, Delia would have made another kind of tea.

"Oh!" William smiled.

"Ah!" Franziska realized this.

"...!" Dawn gasped.

"Hmm... I must admit that the thought had not occurred to me." William replied.

"This entire case is built on the premise that Delia Ketchum was murdered by Ash, who apparently has the time to argue with her and kill her but that very premise itself is mistaken! The defense believes that Ash was not there at the time when the victim made tea."

"It appears the defense may be on to something." William agreed.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska disagreed. "I'm not a fool, you know. The prosecution has done its research, Your Honor. The defendant had reached home five minutes before the death of the mother. There is still time for him to kill her."

"Please, just once more. May I please testify again?" Dawn asked.

"Fine. Let's hear your new testimony." William agreed.

Witness Testimony

- What Dawn Witnessed, Part 2 –

"The truth is...Ash actually elbowed his mother. His mother hit her head on the table, and that was when she had the wound at the back of her head. His mother tried his best to fight from Ash, but since I had my eyes closed at that point, I only heard the sound of the scuffle and the stabbing. The fight starting, and sound of Delia being stabbed – it all occurred in less than a minute."

"Hmm... So you said the victim was shoved and she tried to fight back." William was sceptical.

"And that is when the defendant stabbed her." Franziska followed.

"Now then, Mr. Wright. You may proceed with your cross-examination!" William nodded.

Cross Examination

- What Dawn Witnessed, Part 2 –

"The truth is...Ash actually elbowed his mother."

"HOLD IT! Dawn... Previously in your testimony you said the following... 'I closed my eyes because I couldn't bear to watch.' So how could you have seen that moment?" Phoenix enquired.

"I know...I'm sorry. I wanted to stay out of this matter. I didn't want to believe Ash did it."

"So that's why you basically lied to the court?" Phoenix raised his eyebrow.

"I was a bad girl, I know...Your Honor?"

"What?" William was not pleased to be addressed.

"Is it possible to forgive me for this?" Dawn pleaded.

"Of course he won't! What you did is called "perjury"..." Phoenix started, but William said, "Ugh, fine! It was just one white lie! I can let this slide, but please be more careful from now on."

"Thank you, Your Honor." Dawn smiled.

"No problem." William rolled his eyes.

'The judge probably knows that a dark alley is friendlier than that girl.' Phoenix thought, catching William's tone.

"His mother hit her head on the table, and that was when she had the wound at the back of her head."

"His mother tried his best to fight from Ash, but since I had my eyes closed at that point, I only heard the sound of the scuffle and the stabbing."

"The fight starting, and sound of Delia being stabbed – it all occurred in less than a minute."

Present → Crime Photo

"OBJECTION! That's enough, witness." Phoenix said.

"I'm afraid I don't understand..." Dawn started.

"You will in a minute. Could you please take a look at this picture?" Phoenix presented the Crime Photo submitted by Franziska.

"Oh. That corpse...Poor Delia died that way. I feel sorry for her." Dawn nodded mournfully.

"It's not the corpse I want you to look at... It's the wristwatch she was wearing. It stopped at the precise time the victim hit the floor, breaking the watch. In other words…1.18 PM."

"Yes, and your point is...?" Franziska said.

"My point is this! What time was it when Ash came to the house, according to the prosecution?" Phoenix pointed.

"Well, according to the prosecution, they claim it was 1.25 PM... Ah!"

"Would you care to explain to the court, Dawn...just who exactly attacked Delia and killed her, seeing as the defendant wasn't there for the entirety of Delia's attack? And what exactly happened during this 12-minute interval!?" Phoenix pointed a finger at her.

"...!" Dawn looked surprised.

"The defense proposes that...it was during this interval that the real murderer killed Ms. Delia Ketchum!" Phoenix said.

Everyone whispered, as they started to doubt Ash's guilt even more.

"How would he do it? He wasn't even there at the time!"

"Told you it was suspicious that he'd kill his own mother!"

"But if he didn't, then does it mean…"

William banged his gavel again. "Order! Order in the court! What is this all ab-"

"OBJECTION!" Franziska said. "Th-This is foolish! The "real murderer" ...!?"

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix shot back. "Even you can't deny that the time of the attack and Ash's time of arrival…are completely unaccounted for!"

"OBJECTION!" Franziska narrowed her eyes. "Even if Ash didn't kill Delia, he could have set the house on fire! It doesn't mean he is completely innocent!"

"There is one final piece of the puzzle." Pakura said.

"Pakura?" Phoenix turned to her.

"Question Dawn one more time, Phoenix. She is definitely hiding something and played a certain role to the murder." Pakura frowned.

"Now then, this court would like to-" William started.

"Please wait, Your Honor! The defense would like to request that the witness testify one more time." Phoenix requested.

"Alright. Would the prosecution consent?" William asked.

"It's fine. I'll allow another testimony. A Von Karma's case is perfect. Nothing less would do." Franziska said. "I will find the flaw to your case, and break it into smithereens."

"Alright! I'll allow it! Please give us another testimony." William turned to Dawn.

"Well...What am I supposed to talk about?" Dawn questioned.

"Please tell us about…" Phoenix paused.

The Fire/The Fight/The Murder

"What did you do when there was the fire?"

"Alright, you got it! No need to worry, I will tell the truth!" Dawn clapped her hands together and smiled. Phoenix shook his head as it reminded him a lot of Maya.

"See, you got through to the judge." Pakura shrugged.

'Well, actually he did ask von Karma her opinion and she did agree, so he's at least fair.' Phoenix thought.

Witness Testimony

- The Fire Six Years Ago-

"When the fight happened, all I could focus on was blocking out the sounds. I was…uh, kinda scared of the fight happening. However, I ran out when I heard May scream 'Run!'. It was just in time, as Ash had set the front door on fire with his Quilava. We went to go and find some other residents and they called the authorities."

"Now hold your horses, young lady! You're saying Ash set the fire just as you ran out? Won't you be burnt?" William was puzzled.

"Really, now... Your Honor. She could have run before the fire got too big." Franziska replied.

"Are you saying that the she can run out in that kind of dress?" William knew Dawn wore short dressed and they aren't exactly made for running.

"As long as the cloth doesn't touch the fire, I say she'd be fine." Franziska was impatient.

"I…see?" William didn't look like he bought it.

"There, are you satisfied, Your Honor?" Franziska said.

'I still can't believe it. That a girl could run in that short dress. Then again, apparently she has been through all those adventure in that dress…why was she dressing this provocatively at that age?'

"It is a bit hard to swallow, however, all the evidence and testimonies point to this as the truth. That the defendant set the house on fire."

"What do you think, Mr. Wright? It certainly seems like all the loose ends are accounted for." The last statement was sarcasm, however.

'This testimony just now...Was it all made up? Was it just one huge lie...?'

"Of course it was, Phoenix." Pakura replied, as if she read his mind.

"Pakura! What do you mean?" Phoenix turned to her.

"It's well constructed...but that's all it is. That's why I didn't allow them to come together to discuss their testimonies." Pakura said. "There is bound to be contradictions in their testimonies."

"Your Honor! There is room for doubt, so the defense will cross-examine this witness. We believe that our cross-examination will reveal the real truth behind this murder, bit by bit."

"Well, the foolish fool spouts out more foolishly foolish drabble again..." Franziska muttered.

Cross Examination

- The Fire Six Years Ago -

"When the fight happened, all I could focus on was blocking out the sounds."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said. "How did you block the sound, if you're sitting near the argument?"

"I tried to cover my ears. It wasn't enough so I closed my eyes too." Dawn admitted. "It didn't work out very well."

"You didn't see it the moment of impact, right?" Phoenix clarified.

"Well, I saw the moment when Delia was dead. I opened my eyes and she was dead." Dawn confirmed.

"And at that time, only two people was covered with blood, right? The defendant, Champion Ash, and the victim, Delia Ketchum?"

"Yes... that's right." Dawn agreed.

"I was…uh, kinda scared of the fight happening."

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix stopped Dawn. "So then, did you know what the others were doing?"

"I thought they would stop the fight, so I just sat there because I was frightened." Dawn said.

'Oh, give me a break!' Phoenix thought.

"That's why I really wasn't paying close attention or trying to do so." Dawn went on.

"Did you notice anything out of the ordinary at all?" Franziska asked.

"No, not until I saw the corpse..." Dawn shook her head.

"Establishing that Dawn claimed to never have seen or heard the fight, please proceed with your testimony." William felt a headache coming in.

"However, I ran out when I heard May scream 'Run!'.

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix said. "How did you hear her if you were blocking out all the noise?"

"Well, I recognized her voice and she was sitting next to me." Dawn answered. "I smelt the smoke from the fire, I guess…?"

"Clearly, Your Honor, the defendant attempted to bring everyone down with him." Franziska said.

"OBJECION!" Phoenix countered. "You're not qualified to decide that!"

'What should I do? I'm treading on some dangerous ground here...' Phoenix was thoughtful.

Ask for more details/Leave it alone

"Dawn, when you escaped for the fire may be extremely important. Try to remember when exactly you ran out."

"Umm, how do I put it...I started to run out when May shouted for us to run. Something just told me to run, you know. But when I got up, I…"

"Yes? When you got up? Hurry up and tell us!" Phoenix pressed.

"When I got up, I smelt smoke, like a fire was going to start. I ran out, and just as I did, the fire started at the entrance." Dawn recounted.

"Did all of you need help from escaping?" Phoenix pressed.

"No, some did, but not me." Dawn said vaguely.

"Hmm... Mr. Wright. What do you think? Is there something important in that testimony just now?"

"Well…" Phoenix started.

Of course it's important!/Of course it's not important!

'This is it, Phoenix! The new information you've been waiting for!' Phoenix knew he got Dawn. "Of course it's important! No! The fact that Dawn ran out without any help was more than important; it's vital! I want to officially have it entered into the testimony." Phoenix said out loud.

"Ha! How perfectly fitting. Flimsy and foolish information for a foolish lawyer!" Franziska smirked.

"The court agrees to the defense's request. Witness, please add the bit about the details of when you escaped to your testimony." William shot Franziska an unimpressed look.

"However, I started to get up from the couch when I heard May scream 'Run!'. I smelt smoke, but I kept running and escaped without anyone helping me. It was just in time, as Ash had set the front door on fire with his Quilava."

Present → Cilan's Testimony

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix stopped Dawn right there. "You say you ran out without any help. Is that right?"

"Yes. That's why I was very relieved, since the fire didn't touch me at all." Dawn nodded.

"That's nice, but I find that just a little odd. I have here, the testimony of one of your friends, Gym Leader Cilan. And he clearly testified to the effect...that when the fire started, all of you were still in the house and needed Max to get you out!"

"H-He said that?" Dawn was surprised.

"If you were really telling the truth, why didn't you tell the court that Max saved you?" Phoenix asked.

"I...!" Dawn was sweating.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska pointed. "Well, maybe she was remembering it wrong. She is traumatized by the incident after all."

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix shot back. "But according to what we already established; the stabber couldn't have been Ash. There's no way she was traumatized by whatever had happened, because she is a part of it!"

"Ack!" Franziska was taken aback. "You think she has a role in this?"

Phoenix gave a single nod. "At this point in the trial, I think it should be obvious to everyone what her role is. I suspect the role Dawn had in the murder is…"

She stabbed Delia/She was the blackmailer/She's the arsonist

"Dawn is likely the one who set the entire house and the whole town on fire with her Pokémon! The only person I could think of that could do that is Dawn." Phoenix said, pointing to Dawn.

"Kyaa!" Dawn looked hurt. "M-Me? An arsonist?"

"Back in your testimony, you said it yourself..." Phoenix narrowed his eyes.

"It was just in time, as Ash had set the front door on fire with his Quilava."

"While it was true the defendant did own a Quilava, someone else also owned one at that time, and that's you, Dawn!" Phoenix concluded.

"Y-You're lying!" Dawn sniffled. "I did not do it!"

"OBJECTION!" Franziska stopped Phoenix. "It seems the you're hellbent on painting her as the criminal, but what proof do you have that she was the actual arsonist?"

"If you're so certain of your theory, then let me ask you this." William started. "Exactly what proof do you have that would deflect suspicion on Dawn Berlitz herself?"

Present → Pokémon Team Roster

"TAKE THAT!" Phoenix presented the report. "Here it is, Your Honor! The evidence that will prove her guilt once and for all."

"The Pokémon Team Roster?" William recognized the files.

"Are you serious? We don't have time to look at pictures of Pokémon." Franziska said.

"Oh, don't worry, I only want you to look at one specific page. Something that would change all the people's perspectives." Phoenix smirked.

"Wh-What!?"

"Remember what Dawn said and the general reports. The fire was no doubt caused by a Quilava." Phoenix agreed. "Take a look at this one as of six years ago."

"Hmm…Dawn Berlitz owned Piplup, Buneary, Pachirisu, Mamoswine, Togekiss, Ambipom and a Quilava…ah!" William just realized what was going on.

"Noooo!" Franziska was astonished at this turn of events.

"She was the one who set the town on fire with her own Quilava, knowing that Ash owned one and suspicion would fall on him. It's a calculated move on her part." Phoenix said.

"OBJECTION!" Franziska cut in. "Now you're really grasping at straws! After all, it could be Ash's Quilava that did it."

"I would like the court to recall that Ash was returning from Unova at that time. A trainer can only carry six Pokémon at once." Phoenix pointed out. "Everyone knows he catches different Pokémon and almost never rotates. His Quilava is likely not even with him at that time."

"...I don't... I don't believe you... NOOO! Th-That's a LIE! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Dawn started crying.

"Stop crying fake tears." Pakura waved a dismissive hand at her.

"Oh come on now, everyone. Surely you aren't fooled, are you? This stupid man! He's nothing but a filthy, stinking liar! Right, Ms. Prosecutor...?" Dawn pleaded and turned to Franziska.

"Huh...!? Y-Yes... Th-That's exactly right. It's just foolish desperation!" Franziska replied.

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix yelled. "Hmm... I wonder which one of us is the desperate one? So, Ms. Berlitz. Would you mind if we retrieve tapes of your Johto journey?"

"What...!?" Dawn was beginning to break.

"Well, both of you met in Unova, did you not? It had been established that Unova was the last place he had visited. Now it's your turn to prove your innocence, since we know you visited Johto last, and let's see if you have your Quilava with you."

"No...!" Dawn stammered.

"If I'm just a filthy, stinking liar, then there's no need to worry, like you said. So come on! Do you want us to retrieve the footage?" Phoenix pointed.

"We can do it in seconds." Pakura agreed.

"...Grr... Nngghh... Hnnn... PHOENIX WRIGHT...! PAKURA AMEYURI...!" Dawn's face contorted into this ugly expression. If looks could kill, he would be dead a dozen times over. "Do. You. Think. You've. Both. Won? Well!? Do you, Phoenix Wright, Pakura Ameyuri?"

Her pretty face was contorted with anger, making it uglier than it seemed. Pakura didn't seem fazed by the anger.

"Heh...Heh...Heh...Heheh... That's. Just. Fine! For now...For now, victory is yours." Dawn gave a serene expression.

"For now?" Phoenix repeated it with a frown.

"Well...there are still five others to testify after all." Dawn explained. "I am sure with their testimonies…we will be proven innocent."

"I guess I'll have to go spend a little quality time with the Hunters now. I wish you all the best." Dawn nodded, as the Hunters came to take her away, presumably to the Detention Center.

"Well! We seem to have been considerably sidetracked. And I am still not in a position to deliver a verdict." William declared. "After all, we still need to hear the testimonies of the other five and see if they have disparities from the testimonies we have heard thus far.

'Then, there is the kidnapping, blackmail and the one big question: Who was the one who stabbed the victim?' Phoenix thought, knowing William would consider this as well.

"Nice one." Pakura nodded, as William's eyes flickered to his watch.

"Well, then I am sure both the defense and the prosecution would like to have a break now, so I'll call for a lunch break." William said. "If you want, you can further investigate the facts."

"Yes, Your Honor." Phoenix nodded.

"..." Franziska was silent, her eyes closed, arms crossed and left index finger tapping on her right arm.

"There is one more thing before I call this half of the session to an end." William said.

"O-One more thing, Your Honor?" Phoenix wondered.

"The witness we just heard from...She is most insistent that his testimony should be of use. So she's summarized it accordingly into this statement." William replied.

"Um...OK..." Phoenix supposed he could use it to find out discrepancies later.

"You may each have a copy of it, if you wish." William told them.

"Whatever. The prosecution doesn't need foolish props like that." Franziska replied.

"Very well. Here you are then, Mr. Wright. There are two copies. Yours, and Ms von Karma's."

"Yes, Your Honor." Phoenix grimaced.

[Dawn's Testimony added to the Court Record.]

"That is all. This court is adjourned for now." William banged his gavel once.

'It is likely that the others would claim Ash was the one who killed Delia and set the town on fire, as they did not watch the prior trial.' Phoenix thought, as they filed out to the defendant lobby. 'But I am going to play along and find out just what roles they played in events during the murder.'

BP: And done! It's really tiring writing the trial out, so I have to cut in in two parts. For those who are fans of Naruto, do check out the Psychic Prodigy and The Prince of Shinobi if you have time.

Let me know what pairings would be good for those stories (For Pokémon x Naruto crossover I was hoping for Pokémon x Naruto character pairings).

Well, due to the length of the A/N, I won't be explaining anything. Any questions, please review or PM me and I will answer. Next chapter would start with an updated Court Records and list of Profiles.

For now, enjoy this final trailer for TGF. No trailer for the last member because N. Aepic Fael wants to keep his characteristics a secret, but I'll put his name after this trailer.

TGF: Virgo Trailer

"They say you can't make up for lost time, but I say changing yesterday for the better can lead to a brighter tomorrow."

A young woman with grey eyes, messy black hair stood in front of a cell. She secretly phased through the locked door and found a little girl with a dirty blanket, blood splattered and teeth already knocked out. Burns indicated she had been electrocuted and puddles of water implied she had been soaked. The cell wasn't even big enough for her to lie down.

The woman knew who the little girl was. She grew up to be the most dangerous assassin in the world. But right at this point, she was just a scared little girl wanting to be loved, just like any other kid.

She took a deep breath. As much as she loved to take the little girl away from this place, she knew that the future would change drastically if so. She could not afford for the little girl to stray from her current path too much. She simply wanted to change her personality, that was all.

Beaten, starved, tortured and who knows what else…the woman mused that she had it worse than her little brother Nevryn.

The little girl seemed to stir and saw the woman in front of her. The woman's heart broke as she realized that the appearance of the child changed…permanently. She lost the face she was born with, cruelly replaced by another.

The little girl didn't seem surprised to see the woman there. She only looked sad. "You're back again."

The woman nodded. "Yes, of course I am." She crouched down next to the little girl and let her on her lap, disregarding the blood, dirt and grime the little girl was covered in. "Why wouldn't I be?"

She offered a cupcake from the bag at the little girl, who took it and ate.

"Why aren't you getting me out?" The little girl asked between gulps.

The woman smiled, stroking her matted hair. "Because someone special would get you out."

The next time the woman met the little girl, she was dressed in a cute pink dress with a ribbon on her head. She was with a boy with black hair, glasses and purple eyes. He could have passed off for her brother. The woman stayed at a distance for most of the day, watching the two. The little girl seemed jumpy, screaming at every Pokémon trying to approach her.

Whatever they did to her, she came away with a charm that attracted Pokémon to her. It was unfortunate as she had developed the fear for Pokémon. The Pokémon did not seem to give up, as they stayed nearby her even though she refused to catch them, or look at them for the matter. Clinging to the boy for support all the time.

The boy was not pleased and he sighed.

"I am not always going to be around to save you. Pokémon is there to help you."

The little girl stared at the boy before looking away, ashamed.

"I'm sorry. I'll get better." The little girl replied.

The boy shook his head and said, "You'll have to if you ever want to survive in this world."

The little girl let go of the boy and looked down pensively.

The woman waited for the boy to fall asleep before sneaking into the tent.

"But the Pokémon just won't leave me alone." The little girl complained.

"I know, but the world is full of them. Willing to protect you at all costs. Think of them as battle pets." The woman answered.

"I don't know, Alexis." The little girl sighed. "it's just hard to be near Pokémon after everything. Or an Egg."

"Eggs hatch nearby you?" Alexis guessed.

The little girl nodded.

"Don't worry. He isn't going to abandon you. It's just that the fear of Pokémon can't stay when the world is run over by them." Alexis reassured.

"Are you still going to visit?" The little girl asked.

The woman nodded. She grimaced as the day of the change was getting closer and closer.

Years later, the day came. At the height of her career too. No, she was two days too late to save him. The woman entered the cave and went over to the little girl, who struggled to comprehend it.

"Oh, so here you are." The little girl looked over to Alexis, and had a look of disgust on her features.

Her eyes glimmered as she gains an expression of grief. She covered her eyes with her hands, and Alexis hurried over to her side and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright? What happened?" Alexis asked.

"He's… gone." The little girl said.

Alexis was about to ask for more details, but the glare she sent her made her keep quiet. It was clear she did not want to talk about it. However, there was something different about the Aura the little girl had.

'No. He's a part of you now.' Alexis thought.

"I suggest you leave." Her voice could have frozen molten lava.

"I can't do that." Alexis tried to pacific her.

"I'm not asking." Alexis was suddenly knocked aside with a blast of blue energy and the girl rose into the air, surrounded by a whirlwind of ice and freezing air.

'She's hurt! I can't leave her like this.' Alexis thought, leaving for now, and vowing to come back. It was at this moment she realized that the little girl was all alone while her little brother had her and her twin, Arielle.

Alexis came back more often to visit her. Sometimes she was silent, other times she would lash out. It turned out her Ice Manipulation was a completely new power- something she got when she saw the boy killed.

'So that was how she got her ice powers.' Alexis tried to remember the grown-up girl she had seen back in her present time. She supposed she knew how the little girl managed to grow up to be the world's best assassin.

One day, the little girl dragged Alexis to somewhere.

"Where are we going?" Alexis asked, as they flew on Latios.

"To kill my clan. You're going to help me, right?" The girl sounded ominous.

Alexis looked resigned. "Yes." After all, she swore to keep the little girl happy in hopes that she would never have to endure that tragedy again.

A tragedy where she lost all semblance of control on Scarlet Anger and froze all of Johto and a volcanic explosion in Hoenn, killing everyone in those two regions.

Genesis Elite Four League

Former Genesis Champion- Stratos Ramirez (Specialty: Unknown)

Elite Four Member- Ariella Zhao (Specialty: Poison/Unknown)

Elite Four Member: Anna Guth (Specialty: Fighting)

Elite Four Member: Liliana "Lily" Makoto (Specialty: Fire/Bug)

Current Genesis Champion: Alexis Zhao (Specialty: Ghost)

Do review, favourite and follow!