Like My Father Before Me:
Episode 4 (Part 2): Murderous
By: Kongu123
Disclaimer: I do not own Phoenix Wright, Ace Attorney, or any of the related characters, logo's, ect.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
August 16th, 2027, 9:45 A.M.
District Court,
Defendant Lobby #2
Phoenix was skimming through his court record when Apollo was led firmly into the room, and the door was shut.
Apollo stuffed his hands into his pocket and frowned, "Great. Awesome. Fan-Fu-"
Phoenix cleared his throat loudly to cut off Apollo's swearing and smiled, "Ready for another fun stint in the courtroom?"
Apollo didn't say anything, and Phoenix sighed, "You'd make this a lot easier on everyone if you told the truth. So..."
Phoenix shut his court record and stared at his former protege, "What happened?" Apollo snorted, "I'm sure that Anderson could tell you everything you want to know..."
Phoenix rolled his eyes, "Well, if you want the fake version, sure."
The younger lawyer glanced at his former boss, "You think he's lying?" Phoenix shrugged, "Is he?"
Apollo narrowed his eyes, "You're trying to confuse me." Phoenix chuckled, "Of course. As I said, it would make everything everything easier if you simply said the truth."
Apollo snorted, but remained silent. Phoenix regarded the other attorney for another moment, then returned to perusing his notes.
Apollo tapped his foot impatiently while he waited, the only noise in the room the rhythmic tapping of his shoe against the floor.
A couple minutes passed before the door opened again, admitting Trucy into the room. The young magician had her arms folded, her expression neutral.
As she noticed Apollo, Trucy cheerfully smiled and waved at him, "Hi, Apollo! Are you ready for another courtroom appearance?"
Apollo raised an eyebrow and regarded his former assistant, "I suppose. It's not like I'm going to be taking an active role or anything..."
"You could be..." Phoenix said in a sing-song voice, never looking up from his notes. Apollo glanced over, "Nah, I'm feeling lazy."
Trucy sighed and folded her arms again, "I don't suppose either of you could act a little nervous, considering the fact that we're kinda going in without any idea of whether the client is actually innocent or not?"
Phoenix sighed and put the notes he had been looking at back in his briefcase, "Regardless of whether or not Apollo here is innocent, I'm going to defend him. It's sorta my job. It was his job too before he got arrested."
Trucy regarded her father with a raised eyebrow, "You'd defend a guilty client?" Phoenix shrugged, "I've done it before."
Apollo glanced at his former mentor with confusion, "You have? You've defended a person who was guilty?"
Phoenix shut his notes again and smiled, "I thought you knew all of my cases?" The younger lawyer sat in contemplation for a moment, then nodded, "The Matt Engarde Case. He hired an assassin named Shelly De Killer to kill his rival."
Trucy spread her arms in confusion, "So... he was still guilty of murder?"
Phoenix nodded, "He confessed to murder so that he could be sent to prison. His assassin wanted to kill him, so he thought prison would keep him safe..."
Apollo glanced at the older lawyer, "Didn't Matt Engarde die a couple months ago?" Phoenix's answering grin was slightly satisfied, "Yep."
Before Trucy could question her father further, the bailiff walked into the room, "It's time for court to begin. Come with me."
Apollo got up and straightened his tie, making his way toward the door. Phoenix grabbed his briefcase and followed his client.
Trucy followed her father, unable to hide her worry, and unable to fathom why her father looked confident.
Poker was a good teacher...
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
August 16th, 2027, 10:00 A.M.
District Court,
Courtroom #1
The Judge sat down and slammed his gavel, silencing the courtroom. "Court is now in session for the trial of Apollo Justice."
Miles Edgeworth folded his arms and glanced across the courtroom, "The Prosecution is prepared, your honor."
Phoenix straightened his tie and confidently put his hands on his waist, "The defense is ready, your honor."
The Judge nodded and turned to Edgeworth, "Would the Prosecution give an opening statement?"
Edgeworth nodded and glanced at his notes before proceeding,
"At around 10:35 on the 14th, Apollo Justice murdered Dwight Warren, a local movie producer. Justice was at the scene with his employer, Stephen Anderson, confronting Warren about a copyright issue. After performing the crime, the defendant awaited the arrival of the police. Through the presentation of evidence and witness testimony, I will prove the defendants guilt."
The Judge pondered Edgeworth's statement, then turned to Phoenix, "Mr. Wright, do you have anything to say on behalf of your client?"
Phoenix shrugged, "My client is innocent, Your Honor, and I intend to prove that by... well, I suppose
Edgeworth already said it, so why don't we get on with it?"
The gallery chuckled a bit as the Judge took on a disapproving expression before turning to Edgeworth, "You may call your first witness, Mr. Edgeworth"
Edgeworth turned to the double doors at the entrance of the courtroom, "The prosecution calls Dick Gumshoe to the stand."
Gumshoe nervously stepped down from the gallery seating and took his place at the stand. He placed his hands at his sides and attempted to look attentive.
Edgeworth sighed, "Despite the fact that the Judge must know your life story by now, we would like your name and occupation please."
Gumshoe saluted smartly, "My name is Dick Gumshoe, and I'm the Detective in charge of homicides down at the precinct, sir."
Edgeworth nodded, "Would you please give the court the details of the case?"
Gumshoe glanced at the rest of the court and smiled, "Of course, sir!"
WITNESS TESTIMONY: Facts of the Case
"Mr. Anderson and the Defendant went to the victims house at 9:00. Apparently, they were there to confront the victim about some copyright issues or something."
"The discussions went on for some time. At 10:30, the victim requested a break and exited the room he was in on the second floor."
"The victim was shot on the stairs, and he fell onto the ground floor."
"A witness on the ground floor saw the whole thing, and went up to confront the defendant."
"The witness and Anderson called the police at around 10:45."
Phoenix waited patiently for the Judge to turn Gumshoe over to him, but the Judge turned to Edgeworth first, "Mr. Edgeworth, do you have a murder weapon?"
Edgeworth nodded, "We do have a murder weapon. The bullet that killed the victim was confirmed to have come from a firearm found on the premises. Unfortunately..."
Edgeworth gave Gumshoe a dirty look, "Excessive mishandling of the evidence resulted in the loss of any prints on the handle that could have been definitive. Also, the gun is not actually present in the courtroom, as forensics is still running tests on it."
The Judge nodded, and Edgeworth ruffled through his court record, "In addition, I have a diagram of the crime scene, if you will all look closely..."
[
[
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- [
[ [ [Landing x [
[ [ [o x [
[ Stairs ] | [
Ground Floor [ ]o [
[ ] | [
[ ]o [
[ ] | [
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-| |o [
[
Second Floor [
-|Door |-[
"The victim was found dead on the landing, with a blood stain on the wall facing the stairs going down. The door on the second floor led to the room where the defendant and Mr. Anderson were having their discussions with the victim. The lighting in the main room was uncertain, since the lights were found shattered at the scene."
The bailiff handed the diagram to the Judge, who glanced at it briefly before turning to Phoenix, who was now leaning on his desk with a bored expression, "I assume you are waiting patiently to Cross-Examine the witness, Mr. Wright?"
Phoenix straightened and looked at Gumshoe, "Absolutely, your Honor."
Edgeworth grimaced, ("Just once I'd like to go through an entire trial without Wright acting like he's goofing off...")
CROSS EXAMINATION (Wright VS Edgeworth): Facts of the Case
"Mr. Anderson and the Defendant went to the victims house at 9:00. Apparently, they were there to confront the victim about some copyright issues or something."
"Hold It! Detective, what were these copyright issues?"
Gumshoe shrugged, "I didn't really understand it, but I guess the victim was producing a television series that had stuff from Anderson's company without asking for permission. You'd probably understand it more than I would pal..."
Phoenix's eyebrow shot up, "Do you think these legal discussions were the motive for the murder?"
"Objection! Mr. Wright, you know better than to ask for speculation, especially from this witness..." Edgeworth was looking disapprovingly at the defense attorney.
"The discussions went on for some time. At 10:30, the victim requested a break and exited the room he was on the second floor."
"The victim was shot on the stairs, and he fell onto the ground floor."
"Hold It! Detective, how did the victim die? Where was he shot? How many bullets?"
Gumshoe held up a folder, "According to the autopsy report, the victim died from a single gunshot wound to the chest."
Phoenix rubbed his chin in thought, ("That sounds weird for some reason, but I don't think there is any evidence to contradict it...").
"A witness on the ground floor saw the whole thing, and went up to confront the defendant."
"Hold It! Are you saying that the defendant, being accused of murder, did nothing? He didn't attempt to kill the witnesses? He didn't try to run away? He just sat there and waited for the police to show up?"
Edgeworth folded his arms, "He didn't proclaim his innocence either. As for the rest of your questions, Mr. Wright, I think it's high time to move on to our eyewitness..."
Without warning, Gumshoe was shoved aside as Oldbag took the stand. The Judge looked annoyed, "Madame, one does not simply walk into a courtroom..."
Oldbag exploded, "Do I look like I'm walking? I've been waiting this whole time to testify for Edgeypoo, but instead I've been listening to these people rattle their gums while I rot in my seat!"
Phoenix smirked, ("Why does rotting sound realistic? I'm actually surprised she's still alive...") Trucy looked at her father, "Why does she keep calling Mr. Edgeworth 'Edgeypoo'?"
Phoenix's smirk grew wider, "It's a long story, and I want him to be present when I tell it to you..."
Edgeworth sighed and glanced at Oldbag, "Your name and occupation?"
Oldbag looked at Edgeworth incredulously, "You mean you don't know?!"
Edgeworth, maintaining an air of indifference, "I am aware. I was referring to the rest of the world."
Oldbag looked at everyone else with a snarl, "These twerps don't need my name or occupation to hear what I have to say! Back in my day, a lady wasn't to speak at all! All these young women these days talk and talk and talk, no respect I tell you! It makes me so ANGRY!"
Oldbag was seething on the stand, her breathing coming out in heavy gasps. Trucy looked pale trying not to make eye contact with the older woman.
Phoenix was smirking slightly, remembering fond memories of other instances Oldbag was there, tormenting both Edgeworth and himself.
Edgeworth shrugged, "Then would you mind sharing with the court what happened that evening?"
Oldbag, in record time, immediately softened and clenched her hands together as she smiled at Edgeworth, "Anything you say, Edgeypoo!" Edgeworth cringed slightly, and started darkly muttering to himself.
WITNESS TESTIMONY: What I Saw!
"I was working for Mr. Warren as an assistant at his home. I was working the night of the murder."
"That lawyer and his boss showed up late at night, but for some reason Mr. Warren told me to let them in..."
"The three of them talked for a while, and Mr. Warren was heading downstairs..."
"...When I saw that lawyer shoot Mr. Warren! That guy with the spiky hair! I'm sure of it!"
"I immediately went upstairs, told his apparently blind and deaf boss what happened, and called the police..."
Apollo, in the Defendants chair, looked forlorn as Oldbag finished her testimony.
The Judge nodded in acceptance, "Very well, Mr. Wright may begin his Cross Examination. Unless, Mr. Edgeworth has any other questions for the witness?"
Edgeworth recoiled, then immediately straightened, "That won't be necessary, your honor. I think that Ms. Oldbag's testimony rather nicely sums everything up."
Phoenix chuckled again, "If I didn't know better, I'd say Edgeworth here was scared..."
Edgeworth returned Phoenix's comment with a glare. Trucy looked disapprovingly at her father, "Daddy, insulting Mr. Edgeworth isn't going to make this any easier..."
Phoenix straightened his tie and glanced at the Judge, "I'm ready to cross examine the witness now..."
CROSS EXAMINATION (Wright VS Edgeworth): What I Saw!
"I was working for Mr. Warren as an assistant at his home. I was working the night of the murder."
"Hold It! Ms. Oldbag, what do you mean by assistant? What did you do-"
"Objection!" Edgeworth shook his head at Phoenix, "The defense is asking for completely unrelated information to the cri-"
"Hold It!" Everyone threw a surprised glance at Oldbag, who was seething again, "Are you trying to imply something, you dirty attorney? My relationship with Mr. Warren was completely professional!"
Phoenix cringed slightly, "Th-That's not what I meant!"
Trucy chuckled slightly, "You should be more careful Daddy. She might beat you worse than Edgeworth..."
The Judge slammed his gavel, "There will be order! Ms. Oldbag, please continue with your testimony..."
"That lawyer and his boss showed up late at night, but for some reason Mr. Warren told me to let them in..."
"Hold It! Ms. Oldbag, did Mr. Warren ever elaborate on this reason? Did he ever tell you why he let them in so late at night?"
Oldbag looked troubled, "No, he never told me why he had such a late meeting. He hadn't scheduled one either. I suppose only he knew why..."
Phoenix carefully considered this information, while Trucy carefully watched Oldbag, then nodded, "I don't think she's lying, Daddy..."
"The three of them talked for a while, and Mr. Warren was heading downstairs..."
"...When I saw that lawyer shoot Mr. Warren! That guy with the spiky hair! I'm sure of it!"
"Hold It! Ms. Oldbag, where were you standing when the shot occurred? Can you show us on Mr. Edgeworth's diagram?"
Edgeworth leaned forward in interest, and the Bailiff handed Oldbag the diagram. After a moment of looking at it, Oldbag marked it and held it up for the court to see.
[
[
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- [
[ [ [Landing x [
[ [ [o x [
[ Stairs ] | [
Ground Floor [ ]o [
[ ] | [
[ ]o [
X [ ] | [
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-| |o [
[
Second Floor [
-|Door |-[
"I was standing where the 'X' is. That's where I saw the murder from. Specific enough for ya, whippersnapper?" Oldbag handed the diagram back to the Bailiff, who placed on an easel.
Phoenix considered the diagram carefully, and Trucy leaned over and asked, "What is it Daddy? You look like you see a contradiction!"
Phoenix once more looked at Oldbag, "Ms. Oldbag, I beg your cooperation once more. Could you please show where the killer was standing?"
Edgeworth was staring at the diagram, trying to see what evidence Phoenix would try to use to defeat his case.
Oldbag growled a little, but obediently took the diagram and drew on it once more.
[
[
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- [
[ [ [Landing x [
[ [ [o x [
[ Stairs ] | [
Ground Floor [ ]o [
[ ] | [
[ ]o [
X [ ] | [
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-| |o [
[
Second Floor K [
-|Door |-[
"Thats where that spiky haired brat was. He shot Mr. Warren from right there!"
"Objection!" Phoenix was smiling confidently at Oldbag, who dropped the diagram in surprise, "There is evidence that contradicts the statements you have made!"
Edgeworth was nodding, "I should have seen that..."
Phoenix held up a photograph of the blood splatter, "Ms. Oldbag, could you tell me where this blood splatter was?"
"It's on the wall! What's your point?" Oldbag was seething again, and Phoenix smiled as he gestured to the diagram, "Yes, the wall facing the stairs going down!"
The Judge looked at the diagram in confusion, "Mr. Wright, I'm afraid I don't quite understand your point..."
Edgeworth sighed, "Your honor, Mr. Wright is proving that the killer could not have been standing where Ms. Oldbag said he was standing."
Oldbag looked stricken, "Edgeypoo... are you calling me a liar?"
Edgeworth shrugged, "Evidence never lies, Ms. Oldbag. Did you need something, Wright?"
Phoenix was glaring at the prosecutor with an annoyed look on his face, "I can make my own point's, Edgeworth." Trucy giggled at her fathers annoyed expression, and Edgeworth gestured his apology.
Phoenix held up the photo and gestured at the diagram, "Your Honor, no matter how the killer aimed his weapon at the victim, if he fired from this position, it would not have made this blood splatter! The witness is lying!"
Oldbag recoiled, snarling viciously, "LYING!?" The Judge looked at Oldbag in disapproval, shaking his head, "Ms. Oldbag, you were under oath..."
Oldbag simply stood for a moment, breathing heavily, and then straightened, "I... guess he wasn't exactly there..."
Edgeworth shook his head in consternation, then glared at Oldbag, "Ma'am, could you indicate where the killer was actually standing?"
Oldbag looked away guiltily from Edgeworth and pointed to the diagram...
[
[
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- [
[ [ [Landing x [
[ [ [o x [
[ Stairs ] | [
Ground Floor [ ]o [
[ ] | [
[ ]o [
X [ ] | [
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-| |o [
[
K Second Floor [
-|Door |-[
The entire gallery began murmuring loudly, causing the judge to pound his gavel multiple times, "Order! We shall have order!"
Edgeworth was carefully looking at the diagram, "Ms. Oldbag, you do realize what you answer to Mr. Wrights question implies?"
Oldbag looked sullen, she was even pouting a little, "What!? You calling me a liar? I'll have you kno-"
"Objection! Ms. Oldbag, your current location on the map prevents you from seeing the killer!" Phoenix was doing his trademark finger point, making Oldbag recoil slightly.
"Objection!" Edgeworth shook his head, "Wright, it wouldn't be a big stretch to assume that the witness simply looked up."
"I never saw him directly." Oldbag mumbled, loud enough to be heard by everyone.
Edgeworth's firm stance immediately slouched slightly as Edgeworth gave Oldbag a dirty look, "Excuse me?"
Oldbag straightened, at last looking serious and resolute, "Well, I heard two shots. One I saw hit Mr. Warren. When the other one went off, the light's in the room went dark..."
The gallery started muttering, and the Judge immediately slammed his gavel, "Ms. Oldbag! What is the meaning of this? You claimed that you saw the killer clearly!"
Oldbag turned her gaze on the judge. Instead of her usual fiery demeanor, Oldbag was cold as ice, "The light was on in the room he came from, so his silhouette was on the wall next to where Mr. Warren fell..."
Suddenly, Oldbag did a dramatic point towards Apollo, who jumped slightly at the attention, "...and it had HIS HAIR!"
Apollo and Phoenix recoiled almost simultaneously, while Edgeworth nodded his head lightly, "Yes, that makes sense..."
"Objection! This isn't a unique hair-"
"Objection!" Edgeworth shook his head slightly, "Wright, nobody else related to this case has hair like the Defendants. That point won't work."
Before Phoenix could object again, Edgeworth held up his hand in a stopping gesture, "I think we have heard enough from the witness. She has proven that it was the defendant who shot the victim." Edgeworth glanced at Phoenix for a moment, apologetic, but determined.
Phoenix slammed his hands onto his desk, "The witness has not only lied in her initial testimony, but is basing the prosecutions case off a shadow!"
The Judge looked at Phoenix with a disapproving frown, "Mr. Wright, I have seen you base your own cases on less, however..."
The Judge looked at his desk in thought, "I must admit that Mr. Wright has a point. Unless the prosecution has more evidence, I'm afraid I must call a recess to collect more evidence..."
Edgeworth shook his head, "That won't be necessary, your Honor. I have another witness."
A smile formed on the Judges face, "Terrific! Bring him in!"
Edgeworth gestured at the bailiff, and the court doors opened to reveal Anderson, who walked in with a confident air.
Edgeworth folded his arms and stared at the other man, "Witness, your name and occupation?"
Anderson chuckled lightly, "I don't suppose we can agree to keep all of this quiet? I would hate to hear that all my business gets dried up because of this unfortunate situation..."
The prosecutor nodded, "I made all the necessary arrangements, so your livelihood will be untouched."
Anderson smiled and took off his sunglasses, "Stephen Anderson, CEO of Bluecorp."
The Judge widened his eyes, "Wait, weren't you on trial for murder a couple of months ago?"
Anderson shrugged and began cleaning his sunglasses, "I was, but because of my lawyers supreme skills, I was acquitted." The CEO glanced at Apollo, "I'm just sorry I can't repay the favor..."
Apollo stared at him and said nothing.
After looking at some of his own notes, Edgeworth looked at the Judge, "Your Honor, Mr. Anderson is here to testify as to the motive of the defendant..."
The Judge nodded in understanding, "Ah, of course. Well then, witness, please testify as to the nature of the defendants motive."
Anderson nodded in resignation, "If I must..."
WITNESS TESTIMONY: The Killers Motive
"We arrived late in the evening to discuss some copyright infringements on Warrens part."
"Apollo was the one who brought them to my attention, and was also the one to suggest we go that evening."
"We tried to reason with Mr. Warren, but he was adamant that we prove he was breaking the law."
"Apollo was strangely furious during the whole thing. After a couple hours, I suggested we take a break."
"That was apparently when Apollo shot Warren."
"Afterwords, the old lady came upstairs and convinced me to call the police."
Phoenix was almost gaping at Anderson, or rather at what had just appeared around him, ("Psyche-Locks! They've never appeared in court before! Why are they showing up now?").
The Judge remained silent for a moment, then squinted at Anderson in disapproval, "That doesn't explain the defendants motive at all! It's just what happened from your perspective!"
Anderson shrugged, "I can't imagine why Apollo would have wanted to kill Warren. Perhaps you should ask him?"
The Judge closed his eyes in thought, and Trucy leaned to Phoenix, "Daddy, he's lying..." Phoenix nodded silently, still absorbed by what had just happened.
They Judge turned to Edgeworth, "Mr. Edgeworth, do you have anything to add?"
Edgeworth shook his head, "The defendant won't testify. Barring any amazing turnabout for Mr. Wright during the cross examination, I think that everything points to the defendant, your Honor."
The Judge nodded, and turned to Phoenix, "Mr. Wright, I'm afraid that I must agree with Mr. Edgeworth. If you cannot give any meaningful arguments during this cross examination, then I'm afraid I will post the question to the jury."
Phoenix nodded, "I'm ready, your Honor."
CROSS-EXAMINATION (Wright VS Edgeworth): The Killers Motive
"We arrived late in the evening to discuss some copyright infringements on Warrens part."
"Hold it! Mr. Anderson, would you mind going into detail on what these infringements were?"
"Objection!" Edgeworth glared at Phoenix, "Wright, that question is completely off topic. Can you at least try to focus?"
"Objection! Due to the vague nature of the rest of the witnesses testimony, I think we should find out all the information we can!"
Edgeworth shook his head, "According to the agreement with Mr. Anderson, these details cannot be revealed without an extreme need for that knowledge. Unless you have evidence to support that you do?"
Phoenix frowned, ("Damn, I don't think I have any evidence like that. I'll just have to keep my eyes open...")
Edgeworth had looked hopeful for a moment, then turned back to Anderson with a neutral expression, "Please continue with your testimony..."
"Apollo was the one who brought them to my attention, and was also the one to suggest we go that evening."
"We tried to reason with Mr. Warren, but he was adamant that we prove he was breaking the law."
"Apollo was strangely furious during the whole thing. After a couple hours, I suggested we take a break."
"That was apparently when Apollo shot Warren."
"Hold it! Mr. Anderson, could your explain your choice of wording just now?"
Edgeworth didn't even bother shouting, "Wright, what about his wording just now could possibly have any impact on the case?"
Phoenix referred to his court record, "He just said apparently. Why did you choose that word, Mr. Anderson?"
Everyone else saw Anderson chuckle in embarrassment, but Trucy momentarily saw him scrunch up his face in anger before returning to his friendly demeanor, "Well, the problem is, I didn't see it... and I didn't exactly hear it either..."
Phoenix folded his arms, "You mean you had no idea anything happened until Oldbag came in and told you so?!"
Anderson laughed nervously and held up his hands, "I'm afraid that's the case, Mr. Wright..."
Before Phoenix or anyone else could comment on this new development,
"WAAAAIIIT!"
Gumshoe burst heroically through the doors, holding aloft the gun in an evidence bag, "I've got the evidence!"
Edgeworth threw up his hands, "Gumshoe, what the hell are you doing!"
Everyone looked in surprise from Gumshoe to Edgeworth, who quickly reigned in his emotions and settled for folding his arms and glaring angrily at Gumshoe, "Gumshoe, you realize that not only have you disrupted the court proceedings, but that evidence has already been used and we have moved on?"
Gumshoe looked crestfallen, lowering the gun, "But, sir, they overhauled tests to make sure it was ready. They even asked Detective Skye to help with the tests..."
Edgeworth's demeanor changed drastically, "They asked who?" Gumshoe lowered the evidence, "Detective Skye, sir. Why?"
Edgeworth looked deeply thoughtful, silently tapping one of his arms as he considered the information he had just been handed.
Finally, Edgeworth turned to the judge, "You-"
Before he could finish, "Not So Fast!"
Everyone looked (again) toward the court doors, who revealed a man with a strangely wolf like appearance standing there.
Edgeworth almost recoiled, "Agent Lang?" Phoenix and Trucy exchanged puzzled looks, and the Judge stood up,
"This is outrageous! I will not have people rushing in here like its a courtroom drama! This is a court of law for God's sake!"
Agent Lang stepped up to the Judges bench, "Your Honor, you need to call a recess. There are some unfortunate facts I need to share with you. Bring Edgeworth too.
The Judge looked at Lang, then Edgeworth, then back to Lang, "Fine! And I expect a good reason why you barged into my courtroom! I'm calling a twenty minute recess!"
BANG!
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
August 16th, 2027, 1:00 P.M.
District Court,
Defendant Lobby # 2
Phoenix and Trucy walked into the lobby to find that Apollo wasn't there.
Phoenix immediately turned to the bailiff, "Excuse me, but do you know where my client is?"
The bailiff shrugged, "I believe he was escorted to the judges chambers, sir."
Phoenix thanked and turned back to Trucy, "Well, that escalated quickly."
Seeing that Trucy was deep in thought, her father took out his court record to review, "See anything interesting?"
Trucy thought some more, then took a seat on one of the couches, "Anderson was very angry that you caught onto his mistake. I don't think he meant to reveal that he didn't actually see anything..."
Phoenix snorted, "If I wouldn't have gotten it, Edgeworth would. I doubt he thought either of us were that stupid..."
Trucy continued, "When Gumshoe mentioned that Detective Skye did some of the forensic tests, Edgeworth stopped thinking about the actual case and concentrated on that. And so did Apollo..."
Phoenix looked up at this, "I noticed Edgeworth, but Apollo? I'm not sure why he would care..."
Trucy shrugged in response, then asked, "Who was that hairy man that walked in?"
Phoenix tapped his chin in thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers, "I think his name is Lang or something. I remember Edgeworth telling me about him while we were catching up a few years back..."
Trucy, "He looked kinda... angry. Either he doesn't like courts, or this case hasn't been going well for him." Trucy grunted, "Apollo was always better at this than I was..."
Before Phoenix could correct her, the bailiff stepped back into the room, "Court is reconvening, but I think it's about to be released until tomorrow..."
Phoenix shook his head, then followed the bailiff into court...
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
August 16th, 2027, 1:20 P.M.
District Court,
Courtroom #1
Everyone filed back into the courtroom. Apollo was absent, but Phoenix and Trucy still took their places at the defense desk while Edgeworth also took his place.
The Judge shook his head, "What looked to be a simple case just got much more complicated. I'm afraid that it has caught the attention of Interpol."
The gallery erupted into whispers. Phoenix glanced at Edgeworth, who looked extremely worried.
The Judge continued, "I'm afraid that the investigation is in their hands for the time being. I have been told to inform both the prosecution and the defense that they will be able to resume their investigations tomorrow. Until then, they are not to speak to any of the related parties, and to not go anywhere near the crime scene. Is that understood?"
After both the attorney's nodded, the Judge nodded in satisfaction, "In that case, I hereby postpone court proceedings until the 18th."
BANG!
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
August 16th, 2027, 1:30 P.M.
District Court,
Front Porch
Phoenix and Trucy exited the courthouse in low spirits. As the two of them walked back to the office, Trucy began to look more and more worried, "Daddy, what is going on? What could Interpol possibly have to do with a case with Apollo in it?"
Phoenix tapped his chin, "I don't think we have realized how deep this goes. We could be on the tip of the iceberg on a conspiracy we know nothing about..."
Trucy held her hands behind her back as she walked, "Mr. Edgeworth looked like he had figured something out at the end. I wonder what that Lang guy told him and the judge..."
Phoenix sighed, ("And I wonder where Apollo went off to...") Just as Phoenix was going to suggest some food, his phone vibrated. The attorney clicked his screen on...
("A message from Edgeworth? He's never sent a text in his life!"), Phoenix eagerly flipped his phone open and opened his messages:
I have news for you. Meet me at the cafe on nickel st. at 6. Dress as your alter ego.
Edgeworth
Phoenix widened his eyes slightly, then placed the phone back into his pocket. Trucy looked at her father in confusion, "What is it, daddy?"
Phoenix stopped walking and dipped his head in thought, silently considering everything that had happened that day and the day before. Finally, he glanced at his daughter, "Trucy, I want you to go to my parents house."
Trucy recoiled slightly, then placed her hands on her hips in anger, "What? Why!? I want to help Apollo!"
Phoenix began walking again, "I know that, but with Interpol getting involved, I think something bad is going to happen, and soon. I do not want you in town when it happens."
Trucy snorted, "That didn't seem to matter when I stayed to around during the whole Kristoph affair."
Phoenix shook his head, "That was different. That time, I knew exactly what was going on. Now, I have no idea, and I don't want you to get hurt."
Trucy stopped walking and folded her arms, "I'm not leaving. I'm going to stay and help you get Apollo acquitted."
Phoenix also stopped walking, and for a moment did not look at his daughter. Then he turned around, his gaze steely and unwavering, "Trucy, I've let you get away with a lot of things over the years, but I am still your father."
Phoenix walked over and said very firmly, "And you are not staying in town, is that clear?"
Trucy stayed firm for a moment, then sagged slightly as she conceded, "Yes, daddy."
Phoenix nodded and started walking again, "Why don't you see grandma and grandpa? I'm sure they want to congratulate you on your stage show."
Trucy visibly brightened at the thought, but then turned to the attorney in sadness, "But, what about you?"
Phoenix chuckled, "Don't worry about me. Your old man's tough, and I suppose I've got Edgeworth, if things get really hairy."
Trucy still looked worried, but nodded and got on her phone and booked airline tickets to Wisconsin. Phoenix spent the rest of the walk listening to Trucy and pondering the case, and what could have possibly made it so complicated.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
August 16th, 2027, 6:00 P.M.
Nickel Street,
Dark Spot Cafe
Edgeworth was incredibly uncomfortable.
The prosecutor knew the importance of not wearing his trademark suit, but he had no idea how much difficulty he had not wearing it.
Edgeworth adjusted the leather jacket he was wearing, mentally upbraiding himself, ("Idiot! I couldn't have chosen something that would keep me cool as opposed to blazing hot?"). The combination of the jacket and the jeans were boiling him alive.
Edgeworth was tempted to order something cold as opposed to coffee, but he knew that it would only make the outfit more unbearable when he was finished.
Thankfully, it wasn't long before Phoenix showed up, dressed back into his hooded sweatshirt and sky blue beanie. After ordering a coffee, the attorney sat down and smiled lazily.
Edgeworth took off his sunglasses and sighed, "I think your protege has gotten himself into serious trouble, Wright."
Phoenix's smile disappeared, replaced with a serious expression, "Care to elaborate?" Edgeworth nodded, pulled a file from below his chair, and slid it across the table.
Phoenix picked it up and began to read it, while Edgeworth began to talk, "7 years ago, I worked a case involving a smuggling ring operating out of an embassy in downtown L.A. I was one of the many people who helped take it down."
Phoenix's eyebrow shot up, though he didn't look away from the file, "Who is the Yatagarasu?"
Edgeworth shook his head, "The Yatagarasu was a team founded to operate outside the law to bring to light evidence that revealed the wrongdoing of various corporations. They were very successful until one of their own betrayed them."
The prosecutor sighed, "Regardless, the Yatagarasu as well as the head of the smuggling ring was caught, so everything was put to rest... until now."
Phoenix looked up from the folder as Edgeworth continued, "Unfortunately, the remains of the smuggling were reorganized, and they became active again about two years ago. At least, until evidence from 'an anonymous source' submitted evidence that finally put a permanent end to the smuggling ring."
The defense attorney shrugged, "What does this have to do with what is going on?"
Edgeworth shook his head, "One of the newer prosecutors, Kay Faraday, is the daughter of one of the previous Yatagarasu members. Agent Lang stopped the trial earlier because Interpol believes that Kay has created a new Yatagarasu team."
Phoenix nodded, "And you believe Apollo is involved?" Edgeworth spread his hands, "Most likely. I also think Ema Skye is their third member."
The prosecutor continued, "I thought I was over thinking it until I researched the downfall of the remains of the smuggling ring. About a month before the evidence came to light, one of the smugglers was put on trial for murder. Apollo defended him, Kay prosecuted him, and Ema was in the detective in charge."
Since he was done skimming the file, Phoenix pointed out a particular page, "Who is this guy?" After glancing at the photo, Edgeworth nodded, "That's Tyrell Badd. He's still in prison for his crimes as part of the Yatagarasu. He's also the only member of the original team still alive."
Phoenix tossed his empty cup into a nearby trash can, then looked at his friend, "So, what is Anderson's place in all this?"
The cafe started to get slightly busier, and Edgeworth stood up, "Let's talk about it outside..." Phoenix got up and followed him out the door.
It was still light out, but it was certainly not a time most people would be out walking. Phoenix stuffed the file into a backpack he had brought, and the two attorney's began walking towards the parking lot where Edgeworth's taxi was waiting.
Securing his backpack on his shoulders, Phoenix said, "So... about Anderson?"
Edgeworth scrunched his eyebrows in frustration, "I have no idea. I think he might have manipulated Apollo into this mess, but not into becoming part of the Yatagarasu. I think that was all Kay."
Phoenix snorted, "Guess both of our assistants became evil..." Edgeworth shook his head, "They aren't necessarily evil, Wright. They are just solving the problem the wrong way."
The defense attorney considered this for a moment, then, "Should we tell them we know?"
Edgeworth shook his head, "Not until we have finished our investigations. I want all of the evidence to be at the crime scene, not in Ms. Skye's pocket."
The two attorneys arrived at the taxi, and Edgeworth nodded, "Wright, I think that together, we can solve this case. I just hope we can make our three little vigilante's realize their error and turn themselves in."
Phoenix sighed, "I hope so." The two shook hands, and Edgeworth got into the taxi and it took off, leaving Phoenix standing alone on the suddenly empty street."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
August 16th, 2027, 7:30 P.M.
Wright Anything Agency,
Office
After unlocking the front door, Phoenix shambled into the office and tossed the backpack onto the front desk. Phoenix always felt lazy when he was dressed in his old 'piano player' outfit.
Phoenix listened to the silence of the office for a moment. He had placed Trucy on her flight about an hour before he had met Edgeworth, so he heard nothing coming from the unit above the office where he lived.
Before he was about to turn off the light, Phoenix noticed a red number one flashing at him from the phone, ("A message? I hope it's not another client. The case I have is stressful as it is...").
Phoenix walked over to the base unit and listened to the robot voice,
You have 1 new message.
Playing Message...
"Hey nick, it's me. I know we haven't talked in a while, but I'm coming down from Kurain to see you. I need your help to track someone down. I know you probably aren't inclined to help me, but it's really important. I'll be at your office about 10:00 tomorrow morning. "
End of Messages.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
Author's Notes:
Well, to start, I'm an incredibly bad person. I'm terribly sorry about not updating for... A YEAR!? Holy crap, I didn't realize it had been that long until I had actually checked. Regardless, if anyone is still reading this, I applaud your inhuman patience.
There are only going to be two more chapters after this one. I hope I can update better from now on. Thanks for reading, and reviews are always appreciated.
-Kongu123