What if someone from our world was put in Phoenix's shoe? This fic was born. I don't own anything.
Turnabout Memories
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Did anyone get the number on that truck? Because why does my everything hurt? And why don't I remember who I am?
Seriously, I can't remember anything! My name, my family, my friends. Everything was a total blank. The only thing I could remember was sleeping after marathoning the "Ace Attorney" Games. I still remember the games I played and the shows I watch, but to forget everything else? I wonder what that says about me.
My eyes were still closed until I heard someone yell, "WAKE UP!"
"GYAH!"
I immediately woke up to come face to face with a man in a police uniform. He had a stoic expression as he told me, "Suspect! You're trial is starting today!
My trial was what? Oh no…don't tell me I'm a criminal who lost his memory! I'll go to jail for doing something I don't remember doing! Oh, god please let this be a nightmare.
The officer gave me a good look over, and a smile appeared on his face. "Do you require a change of clothes sir?"
I looked down, and I gaped at what I saw. Not because of what I was wearing, although that certainly contributed a lot, but also because I was wearing something I only saw before in a video game.
A painfully pink sweater, with a heart symbol on it. The letter P embroidered on it. I then realized I was feeling nauseous, as in feeling a cold. I slowly put my hand on my hair, and I realized my suspicions were confirmed as I felt the soft spikes.
I was Phoenix Wright!
Turnabout Memories: Full color image of Mia over faded images of a serious Phoenix, an electrocuted corpse, and demon-eyed Dahlia
Sadly, I couldn't change my clothes. The suspect had to be taken in with the clothes he was wearing in case evidence was lost. God, I know Phoenix was in love, but did he really have to sacrifice his dignity this badly?
I am Phoenix Wright. I'm still reeling in that fact. I honestly have no idea what I should do now. Going by my clothes, this is "Turnabout Memories", when Phoenix and Mia first met. It was also when Mia caught Dahlia for her crimes.
What should I do? Should I just play along with the script? I mean Mia did catch the true criminal and prove my innocence, so why mess with a sure thing?
The only rewrite is that I am not going to act like a love-struck idiot! I love this character, but my god was his college persona just embarrassing. Also, there is now way I'm going to be eating that bottle!
And I certainly can't say no to helping Mia catch that daughter of a bitch in her place.
"Your appointed attorney is here."
April 11, 9:40 AM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 3
There she is…Mia Fey. Phoenix's mentor and Maya's sister. The woman whose death kickstarted most of the events of the series. Maya's conviction, Diego's 'death', The law office…I don't know what I should say. Though the game graphics did not do her justice. She was even more beautiful in real life, and her breast were as big as the game suggested!
NO! Don't ask disrespectful to her (though I could see her breasts pretty clearly…) If this is Turnabout Memories, then she's still guilty about the Terry Fawles trials and Armando's poisoning. Walk up, and follow the general script.
"Good morning-ACHOO!"
Oh yeah, cold.
"Good morning." Mia nervously greeted, "Mr. Wry, right?"
"Wright".
"So your name is Wry?"
"No, my name is Wright".
"Wry?"
"WRIGHT! W-R-I-G-H-ACHOO!"
"Wrighchoo?"
"MIA!" Grossberg interrupted, "Get a hold of yourself. You're brighter than this."
Mia flinched, and said, "Sorry, Mr. Grossberg. You know, after my last trial and all…"
"When the defendant committed suicide?" I piped in, then I realized my error.
Mia looked down. Great, I made her depressed. I rubbed the back of my head and said, "Sorry to bring up bad memories-ACHOO! Just that I heard about that trial, and you were the main lawyer…"
Grossberg raised a brow, "Really? How did you pick up on that detail?"
"Well it was also a trial by an old friend of mine." I steadily admitted. Phoenix never really told Mia about his connection to Edgeworth. But I don't see any harm in telling.
"Who?"
"Well-ACHOO!" God I hate this cold.
A bailiff interrupted our conversation.
"I'll talk to you later." I lamely told Mia. "Can I count on you to prove my innocent-ACHOO!"
"I'll try my best."
"That's all I needed
April 11, 10:00 AM
District Court
Courtroom No. 2
"Court is now in session for the trial of Phoenix Wright." The honorable Judge without a name declared. The Judge…looks exactly like one would expect him too. Old man in black robes with a large grey beard.
Winston Payne, the prosecuting punching bag, with his undeserving smug grin was tapping his hair. Who the hell thinks pompadour is a good hairstyle? Especially for a man as old as him. Treasure it, because you're going to turn bald soon.
"The defense is ready, your Honor".
"The prosecution is ready, your Honor".
And, like the game, the Judge took the time to ask Mia the tutorial questions. Payne also took the time to reveal the basic information of the case. The victim was Doug Swallow. He was electrocuted. And my motive…
"The reason for the bad blood between the two men…was due to this woman." And she held up the profile of Dahlia Hawthorne.
Dahlia Hawthorne. One of the most twisted murderers in the series. Right up there with Kristoph Gavin, or Matt Engarde. Mia especially had a grudge against her after the case from a few months ago.
While Payne was giving 'my' backstory, I mentally planned what to say. If I remember, Phoenix caused a contradiction by revealing that he knew the victim was into England. I wonder how I can work that into a testimony.
"The prosecution calls the defendant to the stand." Payne declared. Looks like that's my cue.
"Will the witness state his name and occupation." The Judge asked the usual questions.
I sneezed in response. Desperately trying to stop the cold, I answered, "Phoenix Wright. My occupation would be college student I guess".
"Are you quite alright?" the Judge asked with a raised brow.
"Just a stupid cold." I answered…maybe this was a good time to mention the piece of evidence that exposed Dahlia for her crimes. "I needed my medicine, but I lost it on the day I was arrested."
Payne took the bait and asked while tapping his head, "Your medicine…would it be Coldkiller X?"
"How did you know?"
"Well it is a common brand."
Looks like he's keeping that piece of evidence a secret. Might as well play along.
"Mr. Wright. Please give us testimony of your relationship with the victim."
My first testimony…here I go.
Witness Testimony
*The Victim and I*
I didn't really know the victim all that w-ACHOO-ell.
Yesterday was the first ACHOO time I ever met the guy.
All I knew was that he was a hig-ACHOO-h ranking student.
Also he was into Engl-ACHOO-and.
The only real connection we had ACHOO was that I found his body…
And we dated the ACHOO same girl.
The Judge looked down at me, "So you barely knew the victim?"
I shrugged, "Not really. I'm studying law, he's studying science."
"A law student?"
"Well I haven't applied yet." I lamely admitted, "I'm kinda working on getting into law school first. I was planning on being a defense attorney."
I'm not sure how Phoenix transferred into law. But showing that I was into law won't raise too much eyebrows.
The Judge gave me an approving nod. "If you're innocence is proven, I await to see you in court."
"Thank you your hon-ACHOO!"
Winston Payne raised his annoying voice, his objections were bad enough, but to actually hear him talk was just awful, to state, "Now we begin the cross-examination!"
"Cross-examination?" Mia asked in confusion.
"The defense must point out the contradiction in the testimony." Grossberg added.
"Contradiction?"
"Question to my lawyer." I spoke up.
Mia took attention. "Yes?"
"You're a defense attorney." I deadpanned, "How can you not know ACHOO the most basic aspects of an attorney's job?!"
Mia was taken aback. Then looked down in guilt…great now I felt bad. But that doesn't change the fact that Mia forgot Cross-Examination. How does someone even do that? Was that trial really that traumatizing?
Grossberg sighed and gave the tutorial explanation of cross-examination. I waited patiently until the Judge asked, "Are you ready for the cross-examination now Ms. Fey?"
"Yes, your Honor".
Alright. Here we go.
Cross-Examination
*The Victim and I*
I didn't really know the victim all that w-ACHOO-ell.
Yesterday was the first ACHOO time I ever met the guy.
All I knew was that he was a hig-ACHOO-h ranking student.
Also he was into Engl-ACHOO-and.
"HOLD IT!"
"I'm sorry," Mia apologized, "But he was into England?"
"That's what I ACHOO said." Preparing for the question.
"Being a high ranking student, I understand that you could know that." Mia read a piece of information, "But his interest in England?"
"Let me clarify."
I though he was a British fanatic due to the flag on his back.
"OBJECTION!"
And there it was.
"You claimed that you barely knew the victim, and you thought he was British due to the Union Jack on his back." Mia started. I nodded in response, "Yeah, so?"
"Look at the crime scene photo." And the photo was shown to me. On it was the first contradiction of the game. Mainly how Phoenix claimed there was a Union Jack on his back, while the victim was wearing a leather jacket.
I decided to play confused. "So what?"
Mia slammed her palm on the desk, "'What?' I'll tell you what. It means you've been lying to me!"
As the court exploded in its trademark noise. I rubbed the back of my head and asked, "I was?"
"OBJECTION!"
Ugh…Winston Payne's voice is the worst. The smug prosecutor congratulated Mia for exposing the defendant's lie. Mia gained a nervous expression on her face. All I could do was sneeze, waiting for my turn to speak.
"Mr. Wright, you state earlier that you were a fan of Coldkiller X, correct?"
"It kills cold good". I recited the logo.
Payne then took out the bottle of the medicine with a grin, "Well here it is!"
I raised a brow, "So you have the cold too?"
"No. this is your bottle of Coldkiller X".
"How? I lost my bottle yesterday. Why do you have it ACHOO!?"
"Do you know where it was found?"
"No, but I have a feeling that you're about to tell me."
Winston Payne then revealed where the medicine was found. Right in the palm of Doug Swallow himself. While Mia tried to argue that it belonged to the victim, Payne revealed the truth that my fingerprints were on it. And the argument that the victim used it to indicate his killer: Phoenix Wright!
"Order, order!" the Judge commanded in his booming voice. He turns to me and said, "Mr. Wright, do you have a response?"
"I lost my ACHOO medicine a few days ago!" I argued, "Also, how the heck did I kill him? Unlike stabbing or blunt force trauma, electrocution isn't something one can normally do!"
"The defendant raises a good point," The Judge admitted, "How was the victim killed?"
Mia then revealed the voltage wires behind the victim. Payne argued that I pushed the victim into the wires, and the death happened. It didn't help that I admitted we met at the approximate time of his death. Really, I'm trying to hurry along the trials to get Dahlia on the stand.
"All of that is circumstantial!" poor Mia, desperate to find my innocence. Payne revealed the most damning piece of evidence.
"The defendant's handprint was located on the leather jacket!"
And the courtroom erupted again. Boy they get excited really easily. I know I should be scared, but the knowledge in the future is sedating me somewhat.
"Mr. Wright!" Mia called out to me, "How-?"
"Can I testify your Honor?"
"OBJECTION!"
You're guilt has been established! No further testimony is needed!"
"OBJECTION!"
"Allow him to explain!" Mia argued, "We must look at from every angle!"
The Judge nodded, "Be warned Mr. Wright. If you don't explain the reason for your fingerprints, you will be found guilty."
"ACHOO! I understand". I turned to Mia, "Ms. Fey. I'm grateful for what you've done so far. Do you really believe in my innocence so much?"
Mia nodded with a smile, "You're my client. I have to believe it."
I couldn't help but smile in response. No wonder Phoenix respected this woman so much. "I'm happy to hear that."
Witness Testimony
*The truth about the push*
I really did push the victim.
Cough. He was talking smack about my girlfriend
When I did I heard a loud noise.
I ran away from the scene.
When I came back, he was dead!
Mia was shocked, "You really pushed the victim?!"
Winston Payne was on the edge of an evil laugh, "And he did! The victim hit the wires and died due to the defendant's action!"
"OBJECTION!"
"Wait just a second there!" I interrupted, not noticing that I shouted the series catchphrase, "Here's the thing. When we were fighting, I didn't even see any wires! Do I really look that stupid to you?"
"Well…" Mia was sweating.
The Judge was sweating, "Uhm…you see…."
I face-palmed, "It's the sweater, isn't it?"
"I'm sorry," Grossberg apologized, "But I can't really take you seriously if you're going to wear that!"
"Look…can we just start the cross-examination please?"
The Judge gave the final warning and told Mia to begin again. I anticipated telling the truth about the umbrella, though I may have to answer a few other questions first.
Cross-Examination
*The truth about the push*
I really did push the victim.
Cough. He was talking smack about my girlfriend
"HOLD IT!"
"That would be Dahlia Hawthorne, correct?"
"Yup." And I gave my best impression of a love-struck idiot, "She's just the prettiest little thing! That's why I couldn't stand what the victim said about her!"
I noticed that while I was complimenting Dahlia, Mia punched Grossberg in the gut. Making a mental note to apologize in the near future, Mia then asked, "What did he say?"
"He called Dahlia a bad girl." I lamely admitted.
"That's it?" Mia asked while sweating.
"An overreaction in retrospect."
I should also apologize to Mia for all the stress I was putting her too with each word. Though getting Dahlia convicted might cheer her up.
When I did I heard a loud noise.
"HOLD IT!"
"A loud noise?"
"If I had to describe it, probably a loud snap." Slowly giving way for the umbrella contradiction.
"What you heard was the sound of the wires breaking." Payne declared.
"OBJECTION!"
"You can't decide that!"
"No, it was probably his umbrella."
"His umbrella?" the Judge asked. "Please amend your testimony."
When I pushed him, he landed on his umbrella.
"OBJECTION!"
"Why didn't you mention that from the beginning?!"
Because I was following a script. "Because I thought it was irrelevant."
"Hardly Mr. Wright." Mia brushed her hair, "Because it's the piece of evidence that undermines the prosecutions case!"
"OBJECTION!"
"Aren't you grasping at straws?"
And the two started an objection match. Mia revealed that the umbrella was no where near the body. She used it to reveal that the victim moved himself from the scene. Making it so that he was still alive after I pushed him. It eventually convinced the Judge to hold on the verdict, believing that there is too much doubt in his mind.
I had to make sure I didn't bust a gut at Payne's painful expression. He was so utterly gobsmacked at what was happening that I could actually see his hair wilting a little.
"NOOOOO!"
That poor, pathetic, man.
The Judge shook his head, "To think that the defense blew a hole in the prosecution's case with one line of testimony."
"OBJECTION!"
"Don't be hasty, your Honor!"
"You have a witness?"
And then, as according to the script, Payne revealed that Dahlia will serve as a witness. Mia is stoked at the opportunity to convict the criminal that tempered her career so far. I merely watched as the Judge called for a recess.
April 11, 11:52 AM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 3
"Well that was a marvelous turnabout if I do say so myself." I couldn't help but comment in the lobby.
Mia sighed, "Tell me about it. I was this close to passing out half the time."
I nodded, "Still though, I wonder what Dahlia will say…"
Mia flinched, "Mr. Wright, you do know that…"
"She's the real killer, isn't she?"
And I gave the impression that Phoenix was smarter then he was at the time. Though the look on Mia's face was priceless.
"WHAT? You mean you…?!"
"I didn't know." I admitted, "I just suspected her. When I pushed Doug, I was seething in rage. But now that I think about it, he was telling the truth. I should've suspected her from the moment I learned that she was the witness at that trial."
Mia flinched in remembrance, "You didn't answer Mr. Grossberg's question. How did you know about the trial?"
"Miles Edgeworth, was a childhood friend of mine. And before you asked, it would take too long to explain. Maybe after the trial is over."
Mia clearly wanted to ask, but she respected my privacy enough to avoid asking. "How did you and Dahlia met anyway?"
I sneezed a little, and then answered, "Remember when I said that I was studying to be a lawyer? I was reading some old case files in the basement when she came here. We hit it off and have been dating ever since."
"Really now?" Grossberg chimed in, "When exactly did this occur?"
"About eight month ago. I think it was the day some lawyer was poisoned."
While I was feigning ignorance, I couldn't help but cringe at the look on Mia's face. She was probably hurting a lot from Godot's poisoning.
"In any case," I interrupted her thinking, "She gave me this necklace a token of our love." And I reached into Phoenix's sweater to find the cursed necklace. I didn't know what to think about it. I sure as hell won't chomp this down.
"May I borrow it?"
"You think its evidence, don't you?" I smirked, and Mia looked nervous again. I nodded and said, "Give it back if it turns out to be pointless."
"I will."
And Mia then asked Grossberg to find some pieces of evidence. As I watched Grossberg walk away, I asked Mia, "Can I be your Co-Counsel?"
"Huh?"
I nodded, "If Dahlia's a criminal…well I want to be on the front seat."
She gave me a nervous look, "You won't do anything irrational, will you?"
"I'm your client," I grinned under my mask, "You just have to trust me".
Mia gave me a thoughtful look, and then she nodded. "I suppose you're correct".
April 11, 12:13 PM
District Court
Courtroom No. 2
The banging of the gavel boomed throughout the courtroom, the sound causing silence among the viewers. I looked on with interest besides Mia, who was giving a determined glare. Winston Payne's eyes widened when he saw me, but he quickly recovered and regained that arrogant smile of his.
The Judge then commanded, "Court will now reconvene. Mr. Payne, your witness?"
Payne nodded, "The prosecution calls a witness who saw the horrid events themselves. Ms. Dahlia Hawthorne, the witness stand calls you!"
"Ms. Fey." I turned to her.
"Yes?"
"I see how you acted when I mentioned Dahlia beforehand." I pointed out, "Please don't hit me."
"I-I'll try."
And in walk in the femme fatale herself. Like Mia, the game graphics did not do her justice. She was of an unnatural beauty. She had a petite body that added to her fairy like beauty. Her red hair swirled in the air as pink butterflies. She held onto her umbrella and gave the room the most innocent smile she could muster.
I swear to god, I could hear 'Distant Trace of Beauty' playing the background.
I turned to Mia who was desperately trying to hold onto her temper. If I remember correctly, she was probably thinking the milkshake line. Too bad I can't hear her say it.
The Judge and Payne were stuttering morons. With Udgey declaring Dahlia to be someone who can't tell a lie…Aren't Judges supposed to keep thoughts like that to themselves?
Man, she was good. If I didn't knew that she was a psychopathic, manipulative, bitch I probably would've started gushing over her as well.
"I am Dahlia Hawthorne. I'm a junior literature student at Ivy League university." She smiled, "I want to say what an Honor it is to be in your noble presence."
"She got them hook, line, and sinker." I commented to Mia.
She turned to me, "Just like you?"
"Hopefully it won't take someone's death for them to realize she's bad news".
"Your Honor." Dahlia interjected, "Can I say something?"
"Of course! Go right on ahead." Even Payne lost any attempts at professionalism.
"I'm sure there must be a mistake." Dahlia declared, smiling sweetly at me. "Feenie wouldn't kill anyone, I just know it!"
'Feenie, huh?' I really question Phoenix's and Iris's nicknaming abilities.
"Of course Dollie!" and hello love struck Phoenix, "I'm so happy you have so much faith in me!"
"Phoenix…" Mia growled.
"Just play along." I whispered back.
"Now tell the truth about what you saw." Wow, if I talk any sweeter, I would need an insulin injection.
Dahlia smiled, "Anything for you Feenie~!"
The Judge nodded in agreement, "What Mr. Wright said."
Witness Testimony
*What I Witnessed*
I had been planning to go back to Feenie's place after class was over.
Feenie and Dougie... They were talking behind the building.
Then suddenly... Dougie got all wobbly and just collapsed.
That's when Feenie noticed that I was there.
I went to go and find some other students and they called the authorities.
'Hmm.' I thought, 'Word for word from the game. I'm the only variation, so I guess that makes sense…'
"My word!" the Judge exclaimed, "If she is to be believed…the defendant is innocent!"
"OBJECTION!"
"Witness. While I understand the passion of young love. Please, tell the truth!" Payne insisted.
Dahlia put on her kicked puppy eyes, and shakily said, "But…I…I would never-"
"HOLD IT!"
"Just let me do the cross-examination!" Mia declared, "I don't want to win due to paper thin lies!"
Dahlia giggled, "You haven't changed a bit…Mia Fey".
"You two know each other?" Payne asked in confusion.
'Mia sure as hell wishes she doesn't.' I sardonically thought.
"That's irrelevant." Mia answered, "Just let me cross-examine her."
"Very well. Begin Ms. Fey".
"Good luck Madame Fey!" Dahlia said with false cheer.
Cross-Examination
*What I Witnessed*
I had been planning to go back to Feenie's place after class was over.
Feenie and Dougie... They were talking behind the building.
"HOLD IT!"
"Dougie?"
"Doug Swallow, Mia," I answered.
"We were dating eight month ago." Dahlia pointed out.
"So you heard them talking? What did they say?"
'Wrong thing to say Mia…'
After a brief skit of Dahlia crying that she was not an eavesdropper. After the Judge and Payne proceeding to bully Mia. We returned to the cross-examination.
Then suddenly... Dougie got all wobbly and just collapsed.
"HOLD IT!"
Mia proceeded to point out that my fingerprints were on Swallow's jacket. It had the error of making me look bad, while the benefit of discrediting her testimony. Dahlia amended her testimony in response.
I didn't see the moment he pushed Dougie
That's when Feenie noticed I was there
It didn't look like they're fighting, and I didn't hear any noise.
"OBJECTION!"
Both me and Mia said that at the exact say time. I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. The Judge looked at us confused.
"Mr. Wright…Ms. Fey. Was there any particular reason for that dual objection of yours?"
Mia crossed her arm with a smirk, "Of course! Mr. Wright realized the lies in that statement. It was his testimony that revealed it!"
"What on earth are you-AAAHHH!" Payne screamed in realization.
I smirked, "Remember my testimony? Forgot about the umbrella snapping?"
The Judge's eyes widened in realization. "Of course! Obviously she should've heard a noise!"
"HOLD IT!"
"Wait…" Dahlia pleaded, "I can explain."
And she crafted the story that she had headphones on due to a fear of lightning. Mia tried to object, claiming that maybe the lightning was the cause of the murder. Payne revealed that the lightning did not hit anywhere near the victim. He also revealed that the wire was definitely used due to the fact that the students at the school reported losing their power at the time of murder.
"HOLD IT!"
"Wait just a minute!" I interrupted. Okay I wasn't really following the script that much, but as long as Mia exposed Dahlia, the outcome will be relatively the same. "This happened at 2:55! The murder happened at 3:00! How did I kill the victim, after the blackout?"
Payne wasn't expecting me to speak up, so he struggled to come up with an immediate response. The Judge asked, "You do have a point. Another question is…who broke the wires anyway?"
"The victim of course!" I declared.
"Well, who shoved the victim?"
"Well it was…Oh…well crap…"
Payne got his composure back and said with a smug smile, "You caused it to break…didn't you?"
"…Given the evidence…"
"OBJECTION!"
Well Mia just saved my butt. Mia pointed out that the location of the victim was wrong. Since Doug landed into the pole and not the wire, I couldn't have electrocuted him. The impact caused the wires to break apart, giving the culprit the opportunity to attack. And that culprit is not me!
"So if this is true," the Judge mused, "Then Mr. Wright is innocent."
"Um." Dahlia spoke up, "Your Honor…"
"Prepare Mia," I warned said attorney, "She's going to start her web of lies now. Find the center of it all, and exposed her for what she might be!"
"Might be?"
"Hey, she's my girlfriend. I gotta have a little faith in her."
"And if she's proven to be a criminal?"
"I said little, didn't I?"
"Ms. Hawthorne. Your new testimony please."
Witness Testimony
*What I Witnessed PT 2*
The truth is... Feenie pushed him twice.
The first time was into the electrical pole. That's when the cable broke.
Then Dougie tried his best to run away from him...
But Feenie caught up and crashed into him from behind.
The cable snapping and Dougie being electrocuted... it all occurred in less than a minute.
"So the defendant pushed the victim twice…" The Judge noted.
"That explains everything!"
"I'm sorry Feenie." Dahlia 'apologized', "I…I just have to tell the truth."
I merely responded, "Really, now? I'm glad you think that. Because Ms. Fey will expose your lies!"
"So you claim the witness is lying?"
"Right through ACHOO her teeth!"
"You're the defendant." Payne pointed out, "You have the most to gain if she's lying."
"Let's do the cross-examination then." The Judge declared.
"You see the problem, right?"
Mia smirked, "She made it too easy".
Cross-Examination
*What I Witnessed PT 2*
The truth is... Feenie pushed him twice.
The first time was into the electrical pole. That's when the cable broke.
Then Dougie tried his best to run away from him...
But Feenie caught up and crashed into him from behind.
The cable snapping and Dougie being electrocuted... it all occurred in less than a minute.
"OBJECTION!"
"Your lies must come to an end Hawthorne!" Mia declared.
Mia revealed the time discrepancy from before, and the ten minutes interval between the body's discovery, Swallow's death, and the moment the power was lost. And here comes the million dollar question…
"Ms. Fey! Who killed Doug Swallow, if it wasn't the defendant?" And there it is.
"TAKE THAT!"
"DAHLIA HAWTHORNE!?" Both the Judge and Payne reacted with bafflement.
Dahlia played the hurt card as she tearfully cried, "Not me! I would never do such a thing! How could you…?!"
"OBJECTION!"
"Calm down Dollie," yes I was being smarmy, but after all this woman has done, I think I can mess with her a bit. "Just tell the truth, and we'll both be out of here."
Dahlia cringed, "But I am Feenie! I'm not the culprit!"
"Well neither am I! And we're the only one who could've potentially done it!"
The Judge banged his gaval, giving me a disapproving glare. "Mr. Wright! Are you accusing your own lover of murder?"
"In the court of law." I recited, "All personal feelings must be cast aside. Especially when it comes to murder."
"After everything I did for you…?!" Dahlia said with teary eyes. Though I can't help but catch the anger in her eyes.
"HOLD IT!"
"Well, well." Grossberg noted as he arrived. "This certainly turned into a scene."
He turned to me with a raised brow, "Boy, why are you there?"
"I sorta requested to be the co-counsel."
"He was quite a big help." Mia defended.
"Is that so? Well I got the report you asked for." The report about the poisoning. "I see you have things going well for you. Here's the report. It tells of how you lost your boyfriend in that incident."
I turned to Mia who was carefully reading said report. "Boyfriend, huh? Diego Armando must've meant a lot to you…"
"He did." Mia answered in response.
The Judge then asked, "Both the defendant and the defense claim that Ms. Hawthorne is the true murderer. How does the prosecution respond?"
"Ludicrous!" Payne protested, "This witness is innocent. The defense is merely trying to shift blame!"
"Ms. Fey." Dahlia protested, "Why on earth would I kill Dougie? And also frame Feenie? This is too much for little me to bear!"
Mia shook her head in response. "So you're asking you're motive? Easy, the defense would like Ms. Hawthorne to testify her first meeting with the defendant!"
"OBJECTION!"
"That's irrelevant!"
"OBJECTION!"
"I disagree! That girl demands a motive, and I have evidence suggesting said motive! I just need her to testify!"
The Judge nodded, "If you have evidence, I don't see why not. Ms. Hawthorne?"
"Of course not, Mr. Judge." Dahlia answered with her sweet smile.
"I can expose any contradictions about the meeting itself." I revealed. Actually I couldn't. The game didn't cover that dialogue. But I think I have enough of an idea to feign it.
"It's not the meeting itself that causes problem." Mia admitted, "It's what she did beforehand."
"We revealed the opportunity and the mean. Now let's find the Motive!"
Witness Testimony
*How I met my Feenie*
I first met my darling Feenie eight months ago.
It's like we were destined to meet in this very courthouse's basement reading room.
The moment our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat!
We've been going out ever since that fateful day.
"Well she didn't tell any lies." I confirmed for the court.
"She just didn't go into the specifics." Mia added in a whisper.
The Judge banged his gavel, "Commence the cross-examination."
Cross-Examination
*How I met my Feenie*
I first met my darling Feenie eight months ago.
It's like we were destined to meet in this very courthouse's basement reading room
"HOLD IT!"
"You're a literature student! Why were you in a courthouse?"
"OBJECTION!"
"That line of questioning is a waste of time! It has nothing to do with the murder!"
"Would you like to continue your questions Ms. Fey?"
"If I continue my questions, I can find the relevance, your Honor!" Mia insisted.
"Alright then. Ms. Hawthorne, why were you in that basement that day?"
I had come to this courthouse to do some research for a paper I was writing.
"OBJECTION!"
And Mia revealed why Dahlia was there eight month ago. As the main suspect of the poisoning of Diego Armando. Payne tried to dismiss it as irrelevant, though the Judge quickly shot him down. Dahlia tried to counteract that she couldn't access the poison due to the fact that it was a rare kind.
"OBJECTION!"
"Did you forget your boyfriend's field of study?" I asked.
"You're an art student studying law."
"Not this boyfriend," Mia countered, "The one who was in the Pharmacy department at your school!"
"YAHHH!" Payne screamed in shock.
"But…" Dahlia was stuttering, we were almost there. "You forgot one thing!"
"And that would be?"
"How did I administer the poison? I underwent a full body check, and they found nothing."
"That's true." The Judge admitted, "The courtroom was turned upside down in order to find the poison".
"They even mentioned it in the report." I commented.
"How could you be so calm?" Mia asked in bafflement.
"Think! She must've hid it somewhere! Think carefully about her actions!"
Mia closed her eyes, and then opened them in realization. She turned to me, and I nodded in response. Looks like I don't need the Coldkiller X after all.
The Judge swung the gavel to declare "Where was the poison?"
"TAKE THAT!"
"Why don't we ask Mr. Wright himself?"
"Hmm?" I asked in fake confusion. "What can I do?"
"He was the one who took the poison from the scene!"
Payne gaped, "Are you claiming he was an accomplice?"
"What did I do?" I asked. "All she did with me was…YAH!"
Okay, I even faked the shock part. I'm sorry, but this was too fun.
Mia flicker her hair. "Mr. Wright has realized the truth. The truth about the necklace!"
"A necklace? You mean this cute little thing? Oh, there's even a little bottle in…OH GOOD LORD!"
"And your Honor has realized the truth as well." Mia slammed her palms on the desk. "The poison was inside the bottle!"
As the court exploded with excitement. I decided to add another piece of testimony. "That explains it…"
"Explains what Mr. Wright?" the Judge asked.
I slammed my palms on the desk. "Dahlia! Do you remember what you asked whenever we talk about the necklace?"
"What? What did I say?"
"You always ask, 'Please give it back'. And I think I realize why now."
Payne did his shock animation, "You mean she…!"
Mia nodded, "He is correct. She was trying to erase each piece of evidence. And she dated Mr. Wright these last eight month for the sole purpose of getting it back!"
"And whenever I show it to all the people I knew, you were probably sweating in your boots ACHOO!" Oh right. I forgot I had a cold. Guess the excitement got to me.
Dahlia was sweating bullets and shaking in her shoes. "You…you…"
"What's wrong Dahlia?" Mia asked. "All we have to do is analyze the bottle! Then the truth will be revealed!"
"Ngh..ngh…NOOOOOOOOOOO!"
An honest to god big no. I can't believe it.
"OBJECTION!"
Wait, what.
"Mr. Payne?" the Judge shouted. "What is the meaning of this?"
"I admit the witness isn't as innocent as we thought. But does it prove that she committed this murder?" Payne argued.
Okay, that wasn't in the script. Guess I just caused a divergence by refusing to eat the bottle. And Payne had some backbone in him.
"Well who else can it be?"
"Mr. Wright of course. For all we know, he lost his temper and caused Doug Swallow to die!"
As Mia argued with Payne why that wasn't the case. The bailiff came back with the bottle.
"Why that was fast!" the Judge commented.
"Of course sir! Because this bottle was clean!"
"WHAT!" The Judge.
"WHAT!" that was me. Oh my god, another divergence! You mean, the bottle was pointless after all?
"WHAAT!" Poor Mia.
Payne smirked, "Well looks like our witness was innocent after all!"
"I don't understand." Mia moaned, "How did it detect no poison?"
"Eight month…Maybe it completely evaporated? Don't ask me how…"
As I was examining Dahlia, she actually let out a sigh of relief. Don't think you're off the hook yet!
As Mia tries to argue some more, the Judge and Payne pointed out a common problem in the series here. "Evidence is everything!"
I was hard at thought. What was I missing? What did I forget that happen in the game? What did Phoenix do after eating the bottle? I think he…
"Ah…AHHHHHHHHHH!"
That scream was genuine. I started hitting my forehead against the desk for my stupidity. How could I forget such a vital piece of info?
"MR. WRIGHT!" The Judge screamed, "Are you alright?!"
"Just punishing myself for being an idiot, your Honor." I admitted. My forehead ached now. But I deserved it.
"What did you do?"
"I forgot about a vital piece of information." I lamely admitted. "I thought I was clear with the necklace. But alas, I was wrong."
"Well what information did you forget?"
I nodded. "It was my conversation with Mr. Swallow. The true conversation went like this…" and I carefully spelled out the full flashback of Phoenix's and Doug's meeting.
That girl...
You shouldn't see her anymore.
Hey!
It's none of your business!
I'm telling you for your sake.
If you continue to see her,
it's going to be bad news.
Y-You're lying!
Just listen to me.
There's something you need
to know about that girl... ...
Swallow: Last night, someone stole
some poison from our lab.
Phoenix: P-Poison...?
Swallow: The same thing happened
eight months ago. A drug
sample was stolen.
Swallow: She came to the lab that
time, too.
Swallow: It could only have been her!
That girl is a thief!
Phoenix: Stop it!
Phoenix: D-Don't talk about her like
that!
"And that's not even the worst part!" I really hated myself at the moment.
"What was the worst part?" Mia desperately asked. "Please! Every little piece counts!"
"She was there! She was next to Doug's body!"
Payne was sweating bullets. "By 'she'…you don't mean…?"
"Who else? Dahlia herself!"
Mia slammed her palm on the desk. "That explains everything! Dahlia Hawthorne stole some poison in order to kill someone else!"
"The defendant is lying!" Payne screeched, "I mean…why else…?"
"THIS MAN!" Mia declared.
"TAKE THAT!"
"Phoenix Wright?" The Judge asked in confusion. "But Doug Swallow was the one who died!"
"True." Mia admitted. "But things changed. Ms. Hawthorne had to kill Swallow when she realized he knew more then he was letting on. But the intent to poison Mr. Wright was the original plan!"
"Why would she want to poison him?" Payne asked in desperation.
"Because she needed the bottle." This time I said. "I showed that evidence to too many people. The stealing of the poison…it was to keep me silent!"
"HOLD IT!"
I blinked. "Dahlia…"
Dahlia flicked a piece of her hair…this was it. She's dropping her mask to reveal the evil that she is…
"'Feenie'…what a joke you are…"
I gave her a steady glare.
"How can a woman count on you for anything?" Dahlia asked. "Time and time did I ask you to avoid talking about the necklace…You disgust me…"
The Judge was flabbergasted. "Ms. Hawthorne. What happened to you…?"
Dahlia glared. "Are you senile old man? Why are you treating me like a serial killer without any solid proof?"
"But…"
"HOLD IT!"
"…But the bottle!" Mia pointed out in desperation.
Dahlia smirked. "Sorry, but wasn't that a negative? Looks like I'm innocent after all…Keep pushing and you may pay the ultimate price."
The Judge nodded. "I'm sorry Ms. Fey…but she is correct. Without any decisive proof. She will be allowed to go. If you push her, you may lose the badge."
Mia gulped. Then shook her head. "She is the killer! And I have proof!"
"OBJECTION!"
"Why don't we up the odds? Make it unlimited your Honor!" Payne declared. The Judge nodded and defined the Unlimited Penalty.
Now we're really diverging from the script. Mia gulped as the unlimited penalty was bestowed upon her. One wrong move, and she will be stripped of her badge, and I will be found guilty.
Why don't I give her a little hint. And mess with Dahlia as well.
I give my best mysterious smile and said. "Dahlia…"
"Yes, 'Feenie'?"
"That's a type of flower, right? It looks pretty, but it actually has sharp thorns. I remember gazing at said beauty at lunchtime, not knowing the trouble it would case me."
Dahlia smiled. "Is there a point for this botany lesson?"
"Not really." I admitted. "Just thought I tell you…that I prefer Irises. They are must more gentle then their sisters."
Dahlia's jaw actually dropped. "What? How did you…?!"
"Is something the matter?"
I shook my head. "Nothing, your Honor. I merely wanted to give my lawyer time to think."
"Thank you Mr. Wright." Mia had a triumphant smirk. "Because I have the decisive piece of evidence figured out!"
"TAKE THAT!"
"The defendant's medicine?" the Judge asked in confusion.
I couldn't help but laugh. "Oh…I get it now! Why I was missing that bottle!"
"Explain, Mr. Wright!"
"Isn't it obvious your Honor? She took it after all, with one purpose in mind?"
"And that would be?"
Mia chimed in, "It was all to poison the bottle!"
Dahlia started to sweat again. Can't talk your way out of this one, can you, you crazy psychopath.
And Mia laid it all out. Her plan to poison me. The killing of Doug Swallow. The attempt to frame me. Mia revealed each piece of contradiction.
Dahlia growled. "It's all just one big lie! You're nothing but a liar!"
"OBJECTION!"
"Oh sweet Dahlia." I interrupted in a cutesy voice. "There is a very easy way to prove your innocent!"
"Huh?"
"Just take the medicine!" Mia declared. "C'mon. One pill. We'll know the truth then. So eat it. I dare you!"
Dahlia had her back turn to us at that declaration. The butterflies floated about. And then she broke down. The butterflies blazed as she gave us a demonic glare. "Mia Fey! Do..You..Think..You..Won!?"
Mia merely gave a steady glare.
"Well that's alright…For the time being in any case. I have a long memory, you see."
Mia nodded. "I see."
Dahlia suddenly shifted into innocent mode. "Well that's that! If you excuse me, I have some time to spend with the men in blue. I wish you all the best."
"OBJECTION!"
Payne was a floundering mess. "I don't believe it! Not a single word the defense has said!"
The Judge shook his head. "The witness has accepted it. Why can't you?"
"I don't care! I'm the 'rookie killer'. I'm Winston Payne. I don't believe a single word this rookie lawyer has said!" The man was really getting to me with his whining. I know of a sure way to shut him up.
I slammed my palm on the desk. "Well eat the freaking medicine then!"
"What?"
"If you don't believe her, eat the medicine! But if you do…Well, there's no guarantee that you'll survive!"
Payne was now gasping for air as he tried to come up with a response. "Well…you see…"
Mia smirked. "Don't try to backpedal either! So c'mon 'Rookie Killer'! Show this rookie and her client how it's done? Are you willing to bet your life on it?"
And then it happened. And it was glorious!
"MMYYYYYY HAAIIIRRRRR!" Bit by bit did Payne hair dropped off. It was a tornado flew towards his hair and took it apart one by one. Finally stopping with Payne's shiny head exposed for all to see.
"Did that just happen?" I asked, more out of curiosity.
Mia smirked. "I believe it just did."
The Judge shook his head. "The pain of losing you're hair…it will run deep."
'I can see the sheer sympathy inside his eyes…'
"In any case." The Judge took over, as Payne clutched at his lost hair with a tearful eye. I'll feel bad, but I'm still kinda miffed about the whole, wrongful conviction thing.
"Ms. Hawthorne has confessed to her crimes. She has been arrested and will be awaiting trial. I knew something was wrong with her the moment I saw her!"
"Oh BS…" I whispered to a nodding Mia.
"Ms. Fey. How did you know the victim beforehand?"
Mia declined to explain. The Judge shook his head and said. "Mr. Wright. Please come to the witness stand."
The entire courtroom eyes were centered on me…except for Payne, who was still whimpering about losing his record to a rookie.
"Mr. Wright." The Judge started, "Did you know that the witness was the true culprit?"
"I did your Honor." I admitted, causing whispers amongst the court watcher. "I avoid mentioning it because I didn't want to believe it at first."
"What changed your mind?"
"When Ms. Fey revealed the possibility of a new culprit…well let's just say I got an idea bulb."
The Judge gave me a steady gaze. "Usually I see the defense being the only one to protect their clients. It is rare that I see the defendant themselves assisting their attorney."
I rubbed the back of my head. "I wanted to help prove my innocence. Is that wrong?"
"No, it is not. The way that you assisted Ms. Fey…I eagerly await your official courtroom debut."
I nodded in response.
"In any case, what exactly did you mean by Irises?"
"Like Ms. Fey said. It has nothing to do with this case."
Mia raised an eyebrow, no doubt deep in thought. The Judge banged his gavel one more time and declared. "The verdict is clear! I find the defendant…"
N.O.T. G.U.I.L.T.Y.
The confetti, the cheers, Mia's triumphant smile, Payne's depressed face. It was all clear for me to see. I couldn't help smile too.
With one last swing, the Judge decided. "This court is adjourned!"
April 11, 3:16 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 3
"Splendid work Mia!" Grossberg cheered. "That was so tense; I thought my hemorrhoids were going to explode!"
"What?" I merely deadpanned. "I just got off man, please don't disgust me in the process."
Grossberg humped. "How rude! In any case, Mia. The way you and Mr. Wright worked together, it makes me think that us veteran attorney's have lost faith in our clients".
Mia shook her head. "Don't be too hard on yourself. In any case, it kinda felt like Mr. Wright was moving the trials in his own direction!"
I rubbed the back of my head. "The moment the prosecution found the medicine, and the fact that Swallow told me about the poison…something just clicked in my head. I wanted you to find that train of thought. And dear god did you succeed!" Did I pull a hobo on Mia? The way I entice her to find the medicine was similar to enticing Apollo to use the bloody ace. I have to apologize to her in the near future.
Mia smiled. "I have to apologize. With the way you acted when you confronted the victim, and the way you were dressed…"
"You thought I was an immature idiot?"
Mia flinched. "Maybe…"
I nodded. "Well call me a fool for love. Thought after this fiasco, I can't say I want to find a date anytime soon. "
"Sorry, Mr. Wright."
"No, it's alright. The bright side is that I can now fully devote myself as a full time law student!"
Grossberg said. "Ah yes, you did in fact mention that earlier. Why the sudden devotion?"
"I have to thank Ms. Fey for that. Seeing her in the courtroom inspired me!" I was being a little overwhelming, but I thought it might be a nice message to Mia.
Mia flushed. "I'm flattered, but…"
"Don't put yourself down. You're going to be a great lawyer! You just wait, when I can work alongside you one day!"
Mia thought about it, and then she smiled. "I suppose you're right. I wish you the best in your studies."
"The thing that scares me is having to memorize so many dates…"
Both Grossberg and Mia nodded in sympathy. "In retrospect, seems rather pointless doesn't it?"
"But Mr. Wright, I have one more question." Mia turned to me. "What exactly did you mean by 'Irises'?"
"Let's just say that Dahlia is not as smart as she think she is."
"Can't argue with that!"
"By the way, how did the poison turn up negative anyway?"
"We may never know. But alas, when we get the analysis back, we might know." I still have no idea why the bottle didn't detect anything, but results was still the same so I can't complain.
"Now I need to go. My parents are worried sick, and I don't want to worry them." I gave my hand out to her. She shook it.
"Call me when you study Law School. We might just see how far you'll go."
"Thanks for that. Have a nice career Ms. Fey." As I walked away, I turned to her. "A lawyer is someone who helps save people, right?"
Mia smiled. "I may be new, but even I can tell you that".
"All I needed to hear."
As I walked out of the courtroom. I just realized what happened. Did I just live out Turnabout Memories, and help shape it's conclusion? What am I supposed to do now? I don't know where Phoenix lives, or his parents number.
Though when I found myself blacking out, the problem solved itself.
?
?
?
"Where am I now?" I groaned.
"Phoenix." Oh great I was still Phoenix Wright. And I was wearing…an attorney's suit?
I turned to see the smiling face of Mia Fey. And she looked older and wearing the outfit she wore before she…
"It's not everyday a new attorney's first case is a murder."
Oh no. Please don't tell me I'm reliving an ace attorney series. It took me forever to finish 'Rise from the Ashes'!
And what is it with the blackouts? Does it transport me to the beginning of every case or something?
"NICK!"
Thinking later. Right now I have to finish the 'First Turnabout'. Shouldn't be too hard.
And that was it. I don't know where I should start diverging from the main plot line. The OC who's living Phoenix's life is going to make a few memory mistakes. Because as much we love it, who can remember every little contradiction? I'm having a blank with 'Turnabout Reincarnation', but since this fic has something to give me a baseline, I can come up with quicker ideas. The next chapter is the First Turnabout. So let's see this new attorney streamline through that particular case. Divergence? Well let's just say that Phoenix will get an ace apprentice. And the Wright Orphanage agency will no longer be just a joke. Read and Review please! And I request a beta!
