'...and what a star-studded night it is, Kyle. And speaking of which, here they come now: the stars of "HAT - 3: Space Zombie Boogaloo", each in their own limos - aren't they just amazing, Kyle?'
'They sure are, Jill, they sure are-'
'Oh! Here we are, the first limousine has pulled up to the carpet. The fans are going wild, Kyle - this premiere couldn't get anymore excited! Oh, oh, here we go, here we go, the driver has just got out and is opening up the door as I speak. According to our exclusive sources, the first car should belong to Brad Fist. What a hunk, I can already see the women swooning.'
'Hahaha, I believe Kelly at the weather is already sitting down.'
'Shut up, Kyle!'
'So, how is he looking tonight, Jill? Is it safe for the husbands to let go of their wives?'
'...'
'Jill? Are you there? What's the trouble?'
'...he's not coming out, Kyle.'
'What...?'
'The fans have gone quiet, the driver doesn't seem to know what is going on either - he's currently approaching the other side of the vehicle, but he appears to be finding no luck in locating the main star.'
'Hahaha, perhaps he forgot to pick him up?'
'Kyle... Oh, anyway, here comes the second limo - our sources say that it belongs to Jet Slater. The fans are screaming once again, Kyle.'
'Good to hear.'
'And the second driver has got out - he's making his way to the door. The door is opening, and... There he is, folks, the second man to keep away from your wives - Jet looks positively spunky in his suit and tie. Someone catch me!'
'I would, but I've already got Kelly in one arm.'
'Oh, Kyle!'
'...wait a second, Jet's stopped. I believe he's wondering where Brad is - this could be more serious than we realised, Kyle.'
'Maybe he's playing another one of his-'
'There's something sticking out of the boot of Jet's limo! One of the driver's noticed it and is now lifting the...'
'...Jill?'
'...'
'Jill. What's going-'
'Oh my god! Brad! He's...! Cut the transmission. Stop the broadcast! Someone call the police!'
'Jill. What's happened? It looks like a pandemonium down there.'
'He's dead, Kyle! Brad Fist has been murdered!'
Apollo glanced at his watch, frowning. Where is he? Five minutes until trial starts. A gloved hand grasped his shoulder.
'It'll be okay, Polly,' said a teenage girl in a magician's hat. 'Mr Slater's probably being swamped at the moment. Y'know, star stuff.'
Swamped? By fan girls, sure. He brushed a hand across his trademark spikes, half out of impatience and half out of checking if they had remained perky since he'd left the office. 'So, remind me why you're here, Trucy.'
'Ouch. Polly, that hurts.'
'S-sorry. It just that it's odd that you decided to join me all of a sudden. You know, back in court.'
Trucy touched a finger to her cheek. 'Well, the club I usually perform at's going under renovations...'
Because of your experimental, "Flaming Panty Trick."
'...and probably won't be open for a bit. So,' she a flashed smile and bobbed up and down on her toes, 'I thought I'd come back to the courts for a while. After all, Daddy says I should keep close to the law at all times.'
Apollo frowned. I don't think he meant that in the literal sense.
'It'll just be like old times, right Polly? You and me on the bench, taking on Mr Gavin...'
'Sorry, Truce. But I don't think Klavier will be prosecuting today.'
'Oh.' She cocked her head to the side. 'Prosecutor Blackquill?'
'He's busy being up against Athena in the next courtroom, remember?'
Trucy tilted her hat slightly. 'That's right - Athena took it really hard that she got stuck with an old man, but you got to defend-'
'Jet Slater!' The screams of many reporters, but mainly fans, poured into the defendant's lobby when the doors swung open.
Speaking of which, thought Apollo, watching the star in question nearly fall over his own feet as he went to block the entrance.
He turned towards the attorney. 'Hey, you, kid. Help us out would you?'
'Not if you make a habit of calling me that,' muttered Apollo, jogging over to the man and helping him wrench the doors closed. After some seconds of grunting and profanities, the pair managed to snap the lock into place - the attorney took a moment to wipe his brow, the star darted off towards the couch, dragging it haphazardly across the floor and pushing it up against wood.
'Uh, I think that's...'
Jet wasn't paying attention, he was too busy waddling across the space with a pot plant in his arms. He dropped it onto the couch and raced back towards a corner lamp, unplugging it and propping it next to the plant. Finally, he grabbed a nearby table, a small one for resting one's drinks, and jammed one of its legs through the door handles - he mopped his brow. 'Ah, there we are, thanks for your help, kid.'
Apollo could only stare incredulously. 'That's...okay... And stop calling me "kid."'
'Right, you got it, buckaroo. Bucko. Amigo, comrade. So, where's my lawyer?'
'You're looking at him.'
Jet took a step back, aghast. 'Y-you...? But I thought I-'
'Yes, I know. But something urgent occurred and Mr Wright had to take care of it.' Apollo clasped a fist to his chest. 'I might be less experienced, but I can guarantee the same level of defence.'
'Right...'
'I'm sorry we didn't get to meet until today. There was barely enough time to investigate the crime scene, let alone get to the detention centre - which is why I wanted you to get here before the trial start-'
'Hey, I tried to. But you wouldn't believe how hard it is to get around the place with so many women followi- Oh, god! Who let that one in?' Jet pointed behind Apollo.
Initially shocked, the attorney quickly understood what he was talking about. 'It's okay, Mr Slater - that's my co-council, Trucy Wright. She's Mr Wright's daughter. She'll be very helpful, don't you worry.'
Jet cocked an eyebrow. 'Uh-huh. Are you sure she's okay?'
Apollo turned, and nearly face palmed on the spot. Trucy was still standing where he'd left her, arms slack and mouth open, drooling. I should have known. He turned back to the movie star. I honestly don't understand what girls see in him. Is he really that good-looking?
Jet Slater looked like a Ken Doll if one stuck it in the microwave for about ten seconds: everything still structurally sound, in place, but his facial features drooped slightly, as well as his ears. He was late into his twenties, tall, and was the lucky kind of guy who looked amazing in a suit. Hence why, he wore them everyday - his red tuxedo creased slightly as he crossed his arms.
'Sh-she'll be fine...' Apollo could only sigh. 'We'll be fine. We're up against a rookie prosecutor today, so we shouldn't be in too much trouble. Anyway, Mr Slater, I was wondering if we could get started with the-'
Suddenly, an almighty crashing sound entered the room as the double-doors were heaved open, couch, plant, lamp, and table (which now only had three legs) pushed aside.
Two disgruntled bailiffs appeared. 'Mr Justice. What is the meaning of this obstruction?'
Both attorney and defendant dead-panned and pointed to the other.
'Right, court will begin shortly. If you could...?'
Jet slicked his bieber-cut across his forehead. 'That's my cue - positions everyone.' He practically sauntered out the door, leaving Apollo standing there, with no new information and a brain-dead assistant.
I hate this guy already.
'Ahem. The law is but a single image in the cosmos. It is the culmination of millions of stars, components, if you will. Each one affects the other, and although not all of them coincide, all of them are required to create the constellation, the miracle, of the justice system.'
'My, we're feeling philosophical today, your Honour.'
The old, bearded man chuckled as he took his seat. 'Ohohoho, Mr Justice. It's this new book my grandson gave me - it tells of beautiful pictures that appear in the night sky. Warriors, legends, creatures of the Earth...' His eyes widened. 'Why, have you ever heard of such a romantic idea?'
Please tell me that the Judge has looked up once in his life. Apollo rubbed the back of his head. 'Never, your Honour. But it does sound interesting.'
'Doesn't it? And how appropriate for today, as we have our own star in this very court.'
The attorney sighed - the Judge seemed all-too-chuffed to have been a part of a coincidence.
'Hey, Polly,' whispered Trucy. 'I think he's talking about you.'
He stared at her unwavering smile. 'Not helping here.' Apollo shook his head, mind settling into courtroom mode. 'Anyway, your Honour...?'
'Mmm? Oh, yes. Are the defence and the prosecution ready?'
'The defence is ready, your Honour.'
The Judge nodded. 'I see. And what of the prosecution...?'
All eyes glanced towards the prosecutor's bench. It was empty. A wave of anxious chatter wafted around the courtroom, some low, some high, and one particularly loud child-like voice that asked: "where's the tennis net, mummy?"
Apollo frowned. Who brings their kid to a murder trial? Then: 'huh. I guess that rookie prosecutor got scared. It is a high-profile case, so...' He folded his arms, trying to fight the urge to grin smugly.
Trucy poked him. '"Rookie prosecutor?"'
'Oh, right. You wouldn't have known. Mr Wright told me that the prosecution was being lead by a new guy, before he headed off on his errand.'
'Huh, I see. But it does make you wonder.' She placed her hands behind her back. 'How did Daddy find that out? We're not supposed to know until now who we're up against.'
Apollo shrugged. 'Either way, it makes our job easier.'
The Judge shook his head slowly, beard swaying. 'Without a representative for the prosecution, I will have to declare this a mistrial. How disappointing - I expect better from the Prosecutor's Office, particularly regarding a case such as this.' He raised his gavel. 'So, if there aren't any further objections, I shall-'
'Hold it!'
Though loud, the tone of the voice was stoic, unforced. Apollo felt his stomach drop - he knew exactly who it belonged to.
All eyes flew to the entrance of the court and the proud man that stood in the doorway. He walked with grace and importance, magenta tails fluttering behind him as stepped down the stairs and took a stand behind the prosecutor's bench. 'My humblest apologies for the wait, your Honour,' he said, bowing.
'Why, Chief Prosecutor Edgeworth, what a surprise this is.' The Judge lowered his gavel. 'And what do we owe to have you in our midst?'
'You flatter me, your Honour, really. However, my purpose today is not to prosecute this case.' He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. 'So, Mr Justice can feel free to stop drowning his side of the court.'
Apollo quickly straightened his posture. Was I really sweating that much?
'Yep,' came the reply, earning the magician a frown.
'To continue as to not waste the court's time, I am here today to supervise our newest addition to the Prosecutor's Office...'
Huh, I guess that isn't so ba-
'...my protege, if you will.'
Help.
The Judge, on the other hand, looked visibly excited. 'Ohohoho, I see. Are they ready to enter this court of law?'
Edgeworth bowed. 'There is not a doubt in my mind. So, please excuse my interruption.' He left the bench and exited the room.
The chatter exploded into life once more, more frantic this time, all of the voices (aside from one that asked why the other player forfeited) were exchanging questions about who this new prosecutor could be. The talking was ceased by several bangs of the gavel, as well as the doors to the court opening once more.
Apollo swallowed, his nerves starting to flare up as he watched Edgeworth re-enter with a figure trailing behind him.
It didn't go unnoticed. 'Polly? What's wrong?'
'Mr Wright may have said "rookie," but it doesn't matter if it's Edgeworth's protege. We may as well be going up against the man himself.'
Trucy balled up her fists. 'Don't be like that, Polly. If they're just like Edgeworth, then you must be just like Daddy. Chin up!'
Her words were noted, but just as soon forgotten once the prosecutor's bench was filled. Apollo quickly noticed the small nature of the figure, and was somewhat surprised to see that it was a woman - without a cravat, no less. Her suit jacket looked slightly too large for her, but he could tell it was the same design as the Chief Prosecutor's - it was complimented with a black tie and vest.
Edgeworth leaned into her ear, exchanging a series of looks between her and Apollo. He lay a bunch of documents along the bench and pointed to several pictures and highlighted lines. Finally, he rose to his full height and nodded towards the Judge.
The entire time, the woman's jade eyes never left Apollo's. A sole, lopsided smile adorned her face, and she seemed to emit a presence of absolute confidence.
'Ahem. Well, is the prosecution ready?' asked the Judge, specifically towards the woman.
She nodded, raven ponytail bouncing. 'The prosecution is ready, your Honour.'
'Good. Then... Court is now in session for the trial of Jet Slater.'
The crowd fell silent - a loose tension descended upon the room as both sides seemed to brace themselves.
The Judge turned towards the woman. 'Before you make your opening statement, it wouldn't be right not to have an introduction, seeing that this is your first case.'
'You got it, your Honour.' She flashed a toothy grin. 'The name's...' In a practiced fashion, the suit jacket was flung into the air, leaving her adorned in just tie, vest and a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves. Then, she reached into her pocket and whipped out a scarf - it rippled through the air like a gymnast's ribbon before being spun around her neck. She struck a pose, catching the suit in one hand.
'...Kay. Kay Faraday. Prosecutor, the stealer of truth, and the person who's going to take you down a peg, Apollo Justice.'
The attorney in question just stared in disbelief. Is there anyone who works at that office that's normal?
Edgeworth whispered something into her ear - she quickly raised a finger.
'Your Honour, the prosecution would like to withdraw: "stealer of truth" and anything that could be seen as a personal threat towards the defence from the record.' She tucked the suit jacket underneath the bench. 'Thank you.'
Trucy giggled.
Apollo groaned. Nope, not at all.
I'm writing this because why not, and I need practice with planning out things when writing. So, I thought Ace Attorney would be the perfect universe to do it in (not to mention one of my favourite game series ever :3)
This was an idea I had: what if Kay followed in her father's footsteps after all? Who would teach her?
And here we are today. R&R, and enjoy.
