Thank you guys so much for the support for this story! As a matter of fact, Ethan's ability to perceive will be answered in this chapter. The Ryuunosuke story might begin as well. I also decided to change the time period. Consider this story takes place at the end of Dual Destinies. In addition, I'm choosing objection and pursuit themes for Iris, Ethan, Jacob, Ludwig, and Barok from various Pokemon OST. It closely matches the style of Ace Attorney music. Enjoy!
Songs
Barok's Entrance and Opening Statement: Barok van Zieks Theme [Dai Gyakuten Saiban OST] (Obviously, what else? Lol)
Cross-Examination: The Great Courtroom Lobby [Dai Gyakuten Saiban OST]
No Head Chef: Objection [Dai Gyakuten Saiban OST]
John's Testimony & Cross-Examination: Announce the Truth [Dual Destinies OST]
No Gunshot: Pursuit [Dai Gyakuten Saiban OST]
Silencer: Vs. Archie/Maxie [Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire OST]
Why Shoot Him?: Suspense Theme 1 [Dai Gyakuten Saiban OST]
Ryuu unlocks Perceive: Surging Eyes [Apollo Justice OST]
Perceiving: Cross Examination~Allegro 2007 [Apollo Justice OST]
Accusing Heminger: Suspense Theme 2 [Dai Gyakuten Saiban OST]
Perceiving the Promotion: Confess the Truth [Dai Gyakuten Saiban OST]
John's Breakdown: Pursuit~Cornered (English Court Suite) [Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney OST]
Aftermath of the Trial: Drew Studio [Apollo Justice OST]
"I can't believe it…" Phoenix held his head in his hands.
"Daddy…" Trucy said sadly.
"Losing the case means that Anna will get sentenced to death for a crime that she didn't commit." They heard a knock on the door. Apollo answered it.
"Iris? What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I need to speak with Feenie."
"I'm not really in the mood right now…" he mumbled. She looked at him sadly.
"She's not going to be executed yet, you know."
"Huh?"
"My brother's out looking for more evidence right now. He doesn't believe that she did it either." This cheered him up a bit.
"So...what is it?"
"It's...a private matter. I'd prefer it if we were alone."
"...Alright." He stood up and grabbed his jacket.
"But daddy, I want to come with you and mommy!" Trucy whined.
"E-Excuse me?" Iris said, shocked.
"T-TRUCY!" Phoenix screamed. She giggled once again.
"Let's just go." Phoenix took Iris' hand and hurried out of the office.
"What was that about?" she asked, laughing softly.
"Sorry about that...Trucy keeps pressuring me to start dating again so that she'll have someone she can call a mother. And she thinks that you're the best candidate."
"How adorable." she blushed. "But...she doesn't know about Thalassa?" Once again, Phoenix was confused as to how Iris knew about these things.
"Iris, how…?"
"This is why we needed to talk. The way things are looking now, this case is going to have another trial, and you're going to face my brother again. We need to prepare you."
"Prepare me?" She nodded.
"He wasn't serious in this trial. He only used his perceive ability in the last moments. But, with all the other cases he's been asked to do, he wanted to postpone this one for a few months. So, in that time, we have to get you ready, and give you the same knowledge that he has." They started walking to Iris' house.
"I've been meaning to ask you…" Phoenix began.
"Yes?"
"Forgive me for saying this, but you seem much more mature than seven years ago. What's up with that?"
"Oh, no it's fine. I don't blame you for thinking that. When I was little, I didn't get out much. I didn't have any spiritual powers, so my father often shunned me, and my step-mother didn't care much, as I was adopted into her family. Be that as it may, they still didn't want me to venture outside for fear of me getting hurt. So I was stuck inside. The only one who ever truly cared for me was my step-brother, who actually treated me like family. He was studying law at his school, and he would often let me study with him. I dreamed I could be a lawyer like him. But that dream didn't last, as my father sent me away to Hazakura temple. He saw no use for me, so he got rid of me. Sister Bikini took me in and I was raised as a nun. But, despite the fact that I was now in the outside world, we were still isolated from civilization. Even when you defended me in Mystic Misty's murder trial, I probably still seemed timid, didn't I?"
"Y-Yeah…" he muttered, feeling bad about bringing the subject up.
"Well, when I was released from prison, Ethan was there to pick me up. He asked me to come be his assistant and study law over in England. I accepted, and I studied to become a Prosecutor, like him."
"How much practice do you have?" She presented a Prosecutor's badge to him.
"I've done some cases before, but I wouldn't be as good as someone like Franziska or Mr. Edgeworth." She shoved her hands in her coat pockets and looked up at the sky.
"But in any case, I suppose I gained a lot more confidence in myself and I've matured."
"Yeah. I like it."
X
"Behold." She gestured to the four paintings in the main foyer as they walked into her home.
"Aren't those…?" Phoenix looked at the paintings. He recognized three of them.
"Ryunosuke Naruhodou. Jacob Hawthorne. Ludwig von Karma. Barok van Zieks. The four men who revolutionized the modern legal system." Iris said.
"Revolutionized…?"
"That's right. Your 2x Great Grandfather, Ethan's Great Grandfather, Franziska's Great Grandfather, and the mentor of the von Karma family. Thanks to your ancestor, the courts became much more insightful into the cases they worked through. It was a much more simple time 130 years ago, and the concept of a defense attorney was relatively new, so when a prosecutor presented decisive evidence and a straightforward case, the court didn't question it all that much, and the prosecutor often got their guilty verdict."
"Until Grandpa Ryu came along, I'm guessing…?"
"That's right." She now led him through the den, with leather sofas, a fireplace, and various old photos and paintings lining the walls.
"Have you ever read the Sherlock Holmes novels?"
"Once you eliminate the impossible, what remains must be the truth."
"Very impressive, you've done some of your homework already. In that case, because you have one of his portraits, I assume Franziska told you that Mr. Naruhodou was a friend of Mr. Holmes and helped out in his investigations?"
"Yes."
"She's half right. The good detective's deductions were often...false. In reality, your ancestor was the genius behind him, solving the cases and defending his clients in court."
"When were these taken?" Phoenix asked, looking at two portraits. One was Ryu with a stern-looking friend when he was noticeably younger, maybe college age. And the second he was older, maybe mid 40s, standing with Ethan's ancestor.
"1899, and 1920...he looks really different in the span of just 21 years."
"Well, Mr. Naruhodou was not studying law at first. He was an English Major, and his friend was a Defense Attorney. Kazuma Asogi. That's him in that picture. Mr. Naruhodou defended himself in court for a crime that he was wrongly accused of, and proved himself innocent. Mr. Asogi was convinced that he was born to be an attorney, and snuck him along on an exchange trip he was taking to London. Unfortunately, Mr. Asogi's life was lost while on their ship due to unfortunate circumstances, where Mr. Naruhodou had to once again prove his innocence and help find the real culprit. Unwilling to let Asogi's spirit die, Mr. Naruhodou inherited his katana, and also decided to study law as a favor to his friend, learning from his legal assistant and future wife, Susato Mikotoba."
"So then I take it that when he first started defending, he was nervous, like the rest of us. And he gained confidence as he continued."
"Yes, that's exactly it. He trained his mind and body extensively as he got older, becoming a Defense Attorney that was unfazed by anything thrown his way. The ultimate lawyer. And then, one day, he unlocked a certain ability."
"...And what might that have been?"
"The ability to 'perceive' the subtle motions and mannerisms of others. Through sheer willpower, and thanks to the mental training he went through, his eyes changed color to red, and he could see if his witnesses 'tense up' when they gave testimony. When he became more experienced, he opened up a law office alongside Ms. Susato in London. And one day, he had to defend a certain someone in court."
X
Naruhodo Law Office, London, England
February 23, 1919
2:00 P.M.
"Ryuu-chan, we have a letter request." Susato said, handing him an envelope. Since living in London, she changed her outfit considerably. Instead of her traditional kimono and hairstyle, she now sported a fashion statement more accustomed to the 1920s as opposed to Japan's Meiji Period. She wore a long blue dress, short white jacket, and a long red fur coat over it when she went out. She had also grown her hair out, and left it down. It was now slightly longer than shoulder length, and the end hung down her shoulder and onto her chest, where the end was curled. Ryuu had made a lot of money as a lawyer, with people now respecting his legal prowess, and he often saved some of their earnings to spoil her with fancy things. He wore the same thing he wore as a university student, a black military-style uniform with gold buttons, just an adult size, and with a black cloak over it. He didn't think the suit and tie thing was for him. He always carried Karuma at his side. He opened the letter and read through it.
"What does it say?"
"It's from the Police Department. Apparently, there's someone on trial for murder, and he doesn't have anyone to represent him as his attorney, so they're assigning me."
"That's great! You'll prove another man innocent!"
"I hope so. When we first started out, every trial was nerve-wracking. For both of us, I might add."
"But now we're much more experienced. I know you'll do fine."
X
"Excuse me...sir?" Ryuu walked into the visiting room of the detention center. He sat down at a table across from his client. Susato sat next to him.
"So you're my lawyer, then?" he asked.
"Ryuunosuke Naruhodou. It's a pleasure."
"Oh, so you're that famous attorney from Japan, are you? Lucky me."
"You mean the police didn't tell you who your lawyer was going to be?"
"Nope. Total surprise." he smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Jacob Hawthorne."
"Susato Mikotoba." Susato introduced herself.
"So, about this case. What are the details?" Ryuu asked.
"Oh, yeah, that'd be good to know, huh? Alright. It happened about a week ago now, at work."
"Where do you work?"
"At a newspaper publisher. It's not a very high-class job, but it pays well enough. Anyways, we were on break for lunch, so a few friends and I went out to a diner a few doors down. While we were waiting for our food, myself and one of my friends went to the bathroom. I finished first, so I washed my hands and left. My friend, Robert Williams, was still in there after waiting for him for 10 minutes back at our table. So I got up to check on him. But when I entered, he was face down, bleeding on the floor. He had a bullet hole through his chest, and a few stab wounds on his front when I turned him over. Obviously, everyone thought I did it, because I was the only one with him. But I didn't. And that's where you come in, right? To figure out who really did it?"
"Not always. But I suppose, this time it is. Thank you. I'll be back later."
X
Diner #1, London, England
February 23, 1919
2:40 P.M.
"This place is closed off to the public right now." Susato noticed, seeing the place guarded by police.
"Halt! What are you two doing here? Can't you see this place is closed? A murder occurred here!"
"We know. We're here to investigate." Ryuu said.
"You don't look like Detective Holmes or Ms. Watson to me."
"No, but we're friends of theirs."
"What's your name?"
"Ryuunosuke Naruhodou and Susato Mikotoba."
"Oh, you guys are the defense attorneys then?"
"That would be us."
"Go on in, I guess. But you'll have a tough time on this case. Especially since Prosecutor Van Zieks is on it."
"Oh great…" Ryuu sweatdropped. They walked in. There wasn't anyone inside at the moment.
"Makes things easier for us." Susato walked around. There was a line of white tape stretching across the length of one of the booths.
"This must be where they sat." Ryuu said, looking under the table and on top of it. "But there's nothing here." They continued walking towards the bathrooms. They split up into the men's and women's.
"Yeah, it looks like there's been a pool of blood here, but it was cleaned up." He walked over to the stalls and examined them.
"Hmm...all of the locks work...except for this one on the end." He walked in, and closed the door, turning the lock. But when he tried to open the door again, it opened like normal; the lock didn't work, and didn't make any noise.
"Hm...interesting. If someone was hiding in here, this would be the only place they could be. All of the other stalls make noise when they unlock, but with this one, someone at the sinks would be none the wiser if this door opened. And there's also an air duct exit above this stall, big enough for a person to crawl through." They looked around the bathroom for other evidence, but there wasn't any. They left and went back out to the restaurant.
"Wait a minute. Something about this doesn't seem right."
"What about it doesn't?" Susato asked.
"The fact that there's almost no evidence anywhere. This murder took place at a diner, an extremely public place, and in the bathroom specifically, where the floors are sparkling white. Yet there's no evidence so far. All we have to go on so far is our client's recollection of the events, and the fact that the lock is broken on one of the bathroom doors. It's unnatural."
"Do you want to ask the police about it?" He shook his head.
"They won't help. After all, the police are on the Prosecution's side, they'll think it's a good thing if we have no evidence to present."
"I think I know why there's no evidence. This happened a week ago, right? The Prosecution has probably collected all of the evidence by now. We were only put on the case because our client doesn't have a lawyer and we were assigned to him last minute."
"Well in that case, we might as well just show up to the trial tomorrow and hope for the best. We're not going to find much else."
"Of course." She leaned on him before they went back to the Detention Center.
Detention Center, Visitor's Room
February 23, 1919
4:00 P.M.
"Jacob."
"That's me." He looked and saw the two walk towards him.
"Ah! You two rays of sunshine are back! What'd you find out?" He put his feet up on the table and leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head.
"You won't like this, but...not much. The police assigned us on this case rather late, so we couldn't find much evidence."
"Oh, is that so? Well, I'm sure you'll be fine tomorrow. You're the legendary Ryuunosuke after all."
"...Can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"Why are you being so casual about all of this? You're on trial for a murder you didn't commit, and we just told you that we don't have much evidence to help you. Shouldn't you be a little more concerned about all this?" He was silent for a minute before leaning forward and smiling.
"If I was worried all the time, it wouldn't do me any good. You have to stay positive, you know. Especially in your line of work. After all, if you lose a case, your client gets a punishment, and in a murder trial, they'd get sentenced to either life in prison or get the death penalty if the crime was heinous enough. Am I saying you shouldn't be nervous ever? No, of course not. But it's when a lawyer is in his toughest spots that he has to smile the most."
"!"
"I trust you, Ryuu. I know you'll get me a Not Guilty verdict. Good luck tomorrow." The security guards escorted him back to his cell. Ryuu was stunned for a moment before getting up and leaving the room. He stepped outside to where Susato was.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Yeah….Yeah, I am! I'm ready for tomorrow! Let's go!" He took her arm and they went home.
High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division, Courtroom #3
February 24, 1919
11:00 A.M.
[A/N: British Parliament put in effect the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1873 in, well, 1873. It pretty much abolished the previous Judiciary system and put a more modern one in place, which is still in effect today. All Criminal Cases now went to the High Court of Justice, which consisted of three divisions: The Queen's or King's Bench, depending on the current ruling monarch, which at this time was King George V. It has two roles: it hears contract law and personal injury/general negligence cases, but also acts as a supervisory court. The second one is the Chancery Division, which deals with business law, trusts law, probate law, insolvency, and land law cases. And finally, there's the Family Division, which deals with personal matters like divorce, probate, and medical treatment. If a civil case from High Court requests an appeal, it is heard by the Court of Appeals, whereas if it's an appeal for a criminal case, it goes directly to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. This is also true for if it becomes a much more serious and in-depth case.]
The Judge went and took his seat. Ryuu and Susato did the same on the Defense's side of the room, and Prosecutor van Zieks took his place at his own stand. But this time, he was not alone. He had someone with him. He was younger, perhaps Jacob's age, around his early 20s.
"Prosecutor van Zieks, um...who...is that with you?"
"Ah. This is my new protege, Ludwig von Karma. I hope you don't mind if he listens in on the trial."
"...Well, normally we don't allow that, but I suppose I can make an exception this time."
"Thank you, Your Honor." Ludwig said, bowing. He had light brown hair that was slicked back and slightly spiked on the end (like Manfred). He wore a tan vest and dark blue suit. Barok wore his usual military style uniform, white cravat, and black cape donned over it. He still had a sword strapped to his side, and had already poured himself a glass of red wine.
"Are you both prepared?" the Judge asked.
"Yes."
"Not really, no."
"Then are you sure you want to move on with this case, Mr. Naruhodou? If you're not ready for it…"
"Don't worry about me, Your Honor. I'll manage."
"...Well, alright then. Prosecutor Van Zieks, your opening statement."
"Very well." He stepped forward and addressed the court. "One week ago today, a murder occurred in Diner #1, here in London. The defendant, Jacob Hawthorne, went out to lunch with a few friends while he was on break from work. While there, he and the victim went to use the restroom. The defendant claims he walked out and waited with his other friends for the victim, Robert Williams. 10 minutes later, when the victim hadn't yet appeared, he went to go check on him, discovering the victim's body in the restroom. Since it's been confirmed by the Head Chef himself that no one else entered or exited the bathroom in those ten minutes, the Prosecution proposes that the only one that could have murdered the victim was the defendant, Jacob Hawthorne. That's all, Your Honor." He walked back to his desk.
"Very well. Lord van Zieks, you may call your first witness."
"The Prosecution calls the detective investigating this case, Sherlock Holmes."
….
"Indeed, I am THAT Sherlock Holmes!" he announced to the court.
'Oh boy, here we go again.' Ryuu and Susato thought at the same time.
"Detective, I'm not in the mood to hear your happy-go-lucky rants about yourself and your novels, so I'd like you to just get straight to the point and testify." Barok said coldly.
"Are you sure? You don't want to know even a little bit about my new upcoming adventure? It's not even published yet!" The Death God reached for his sword and put his chalice down, clearly angry.
"Eep! I understand, I understand! I'll get right to it!"
Witness Testimony
"Indeed, the Head Chef stated that no one else entered or exited during those ten minutes!"
"Because of that, the only one who could possibly kill the victim was the defendant!"
"That was a pretty short testimony. How are you going to get anywhere with nothing to question?" Susato whispered.
"I already have two things I want to ask about. Those two statements Mr. Holmes just made is what the Prosecution keeps claiming, making it the entire basis for their whole argument. If I'm able to shatter those two statements, I should take the lead."
"Alright. If you say so."
"Go ahead, Mr. Naruhodou. You may Cross-Examine the witness at this time." the Judge said.
"Alright then, let's begin Mr. Holmes. I need to know two things. First of all, is there an Autopsy report on the victim? I have yet to see how he died."
"Oh, yes, that. Right there." van Zieks pointed to the evidence table where a manila envelope was sitting. Ryuu picked it up and undid the string closure. He looked over the paper, repeating the words.
"Stabbed by a knife through his throat, and another gunshot wound through his chest. Was stabbed first. Time of Death: 12:30 P.M." He looked down and was silent for a moment.
"Something wrong with the report?" Holmes asked.
"I'll get to that. My second question is probably the most important one. Why would you leave the Head Chef with the responsibility of keeping track of who goes in and out of the bathroom?"
"W-What?" the detective started sweating.
"I'm saying that shouldn't the Head Chef be in the kitchen, cooking, where he's supposed to be? He must be pretty irresponsible to hang around in the diner and watch who goes in and out of there!"
"Gah!"
"Objection! Perhaps it wasn't a very busy day and he didn't need to help the other staff with making the dishes!"
"Objection! Mr. Hawthorne, was the diner crowded when you ate there?"
"It was lunch time, of course it was." he shrugged.
"Why you…" van Zieks slammed his desk with his fist.
"I'm only saying the truth." Jacob grinned.
"So, was the Head Chef around?" Ryuu asked.
"No, no one in a chef's uniform was there. There was no one watching the bathroom."
"What?!" both van Zieks and the Judge said at the same time.
"At least there was no one on the restaurant staff that was watching." he said.
"Wait a minute...what?" Ryuu turned back around.
"I sat facing the bathroom door, so I had a clear view, and I often checked to see if Rob was coming out anytime soon. No one else went in or out in those ten minutes." He crossed his arms.
"...Your Honor, the defense would like to call Jacob Hawthorne as a witness."
"Objection! He wasn't scheduled to testify today!"
"Mr. Naruhodou, what is the reason for this?"
"I believe there are too many unanswered questions about this case, and as such our most reliable witness should be someone who was actually at the scene when the murder occurred."
"Unlucky for you, I've already prepared one such witness. And unlike Mr. Hawthorne, he won't be biased towards his acquittal."
"I'm not biased!"
"Shut up! The Prosecution calls one of the defendant's friends, John Heminger, to the witness stand."
…
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
"Yes."
"Mr. Heminger, your testimony please."
Witness Testimony
"It was 12:30 P.M., and Jacob, myself, and two others who we work with, were getting lunch."
"One of these other two was the victim, Robert Williams."
"He and Jacob went to the bathroom while we were waiting for our food."
"A few minutes later, Jacob came out. Robert was still in there."
"Another few minutes later, Jacob went to check on him before he called for help."
"There was no one who went in or out during that period, and there was also no noise or sign of a struggle."
'There was no noise? That's interesting. I have something that begs to differ.'
"Before we begin the Cross-Examination, I wanted to know which side of the booth you were sitting on at the scene?" the Judge asked.
"The side facing the door, next to Jacob. I also had a clear view of the door."
"Alright then. Mr. Naruhodou, if you would."
"Mr. Heminger, are you aware of how the victim died?"
"No, I'm not."
"He was stabbed in the throat and then shot in the chest."
"How terrible."
"Indeed. You mentioned at the end of your testimony that there was no loud noise or signs of a struggle."
"Yes?"
"But that presents a glaring contradiction so obvious that everyone here should be able to see it easily. According to the Autopsy Report, the victim was shot with a gun, after they got stabbed with a knife. If Mr. Heminger is really telling the truth, then the defense believes that there wasn't a gunshot!"
"Objection!" This time van Zieks slammed his leg on the stand. "That's outrageous. The Autopsy Report is official, and it clearly says that there was a gunshot wound!"
"Then why did nobody hear the shot? Even in a crowded restaurant, a gunshot is easily loud enough to be heard by everybody. If you claim that there was really a gunshot, how do you explain the noise?"
"A suppressor. Besides, there was gunshot residue found on the bullet hole. Mr. Williams was shot point blank." He crossed his arms, smirking. [A/N: Suppressors/silencers were invented by Hiram Percy Maxim in 1902, and patented in 1909, so they existed at this point.]
"Damn…" Ryuu gritted his teeth.
"Mr. Naruhodou, I would remind you that if you have a point to make, that it's well thought out." the Judge said.
"Y-Yes, Your Honor. In that case, I would like to think differently about this point. Instead of asking 'was there a gunshot', perhaps we should be asking 'why there was a gunshot'."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that if the victim was stabbed in the throat, shouldn't that cause instantaneous death, or at least death very quickly after being stabbed? After all, there would almost be no way to breathe, and the victim wouldn't be able to call for help, considering his vocal chords would have been severed. So why would the killer even need to shoot the victim?"
"I don't believe the 'why' is relevant here. The fact is that the killer decided to shoot the victim, perhaps just to be safe." Barok said, pouring another glass of wine.
"To be safe? I just discussed how the victim would be either dead or too injured to do anything after being stabbed! Remember, he was stabbed in the throat!"
"And, suppose that Mr. Williams did survive for a few brief moments. Even if he couldn't speak, he would still make gurgling and choking noises due to his injuries. If he continued to make those sounds, someone would hear it and go to investigate. The killer used the gun to silence him for good. Therefore, no suspicion would be cast on the restroom." He closed his eyes and sipped his drink. Ryuu was losing his footing on this case, and fast.
'Think! What else could I use?!' Suddenly, time seemed to slow down around him. His head throbbed a few times.
'Ugh...what...is this?' He put his hand on his head.
"Mr. Naruhodou, are you feeling alright? Do we need to take a short recess?" the Judge asked.
"Ryuu?" Susato asked, worried.
"I…I'm fine...Better than ever, in fact." he smirked, his eyes glowing bright red.
"Well...if you're sure…"
"Your Honor, I'd like Mr. Heminger's last few statements to be added to the record. I believe there's some important testimony in there."
"Very well. Continue."
"I had a clear view of the restroom door from where I was sitting."
"I was not aware of how the victim died."
"Once again, no one heard a gunshot."
'What kind of ability is this? My senses are heightened! It's like I can perceive the emotions and subtle movements of the witness! This will really help, I could see if he's nervous about any of the statements! Let's do this!' Ryuu increased his sight even further on the second statement. When he said the words 'not aware', he rubbed his neck, which was sweating a little bit.
"Mr. Heminger, do you think it's hot in here?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"When you stated that you were not aware of how the victim died, you were sweating a little bit, and rubbing your neck."
"W-Was I?"
"You were. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us, that you didn't mention previously?"
"N-No, there's nothing. Besides, do you have any evidence that I'm hiding something?"
"Well, no. It's more of a hunch. But perhaps I could prove that you were not as unassuming that day as you've been saying. If you remember, you said that you sat next to the defendant, meaning that you also had a clear view of the bathroom door. I believe the fact that nobody else was in the bathroom, multiple people have made a point of that."
"Then what are you proposing?" Barok asked.
"The defense still believes that the defendant did not murder the victim. After all, Mr. Williams was still alive when Mr. Hawthorne left, and didn't go back in there until 10 minutes later."
"Objection! What if the defendant used poison to kill the victim?!"
"Objection! Prosecutor van Zieks, you're just acting desperate now. The Autopsy Report very clearly stated that the victim was killed by a knife stab and a gunshot wound, of which you yourself proved the possibility of a suppressor."
"Grr.."
"Allow me to continue. When investigating the bathroom at the diner, the furthermost stall happened to have a large air vent above it. The killer could have entered and exited again through this vent. It is big enough for someone to crawl through, and short enough that they can reach it again without having to jump up. I believe that whoever the killer is used this method to enter the place. Also, the lock on the stall he would drop down into had its lock broken. The lock made no noise whatsoever, so Mr. Williams would not know if someone was there."
"Fine, but how would the killer know when to be there?"
"I believe that Mr. Heminger was in contact with him."
"Objection! Mr. Naruhodou, you can't accuse the witness like that unless you actually have proof!"
"I'm afraid you won't find much proof anywhere. The killer was skilled and didn't leave any traces. I suppose you could search for fingerprints on the stall door and the air vent, but it will take a while to identify them, given that it's a pretty new process. But in any case, I believe that I can get information out of Mr. Heminger. I'd like him to testify about his relationship with Mr. Williams at work."
"Mr. Heminger, do as he says. But be warned, Mr. Naruhodou, if this doesn't lead anywhere, I'll deliver my verdict, no questions asked."
"Understood."
Witness Testimony
"I get along with most of my employees at work just fine."
"Robert and I were close friends, otherwise we wouldn't be going out for lunch now, would we?"
"What reason would there be for me to hire someone to kill him?"
"Besides, how would the killer even know when or where to be?"
"You may begin, Mr. Naruhodou, but remember what I said." Ryuu nodded.
"Mr. Heminger, you asked how the killer would know when or where to be? That would be obvious, you would tell him beforehand."
"Wh-Why you…!"
"The other thing is that you said you get along with most of your employees at work. Does that mean that there are a special few that get on your nerves?"
"W-Well, I...No! I just said it without thinking! I get along with all of them!"
"Mr. Heminger, you're sweating again." he smirked.
"Objection! Mr. Naruhodou is badgering the witness with these questions!" van Zieks said angrily.
"Overruled. I said I'm allowing it." the Judge used his gavel.
"Mr. Heminger, please revise your testimony. I want to know specifically about your relationship with Mr. Williams."
Witness Testimony
"There's nothing wrong with our friendship, I swear!"
"The other day, I even congratulated him on a promotion that was supposed to go to me!"
"See, I'm a good sport!"
Ryuu's eyes began pulsing again on the second statement.
'Got you.' He enhanced his sight on his words. His eye twitched and his palm was sweaty on the word 'congratulated.'
"Mr. Heminger, are you sure you congratulated him on this promotion?"
"Why do you ask?!" He was clearly annoyed now from all of the questions.
"Your eye was twitching and your palm was sweating when you said 'congratulated.' You were also rubbing the back of your neck again. To have two different nervous habits at the same time must mean you really don't like the thought of congratulating the victim a whole lot."
"You damn brat…!"
"Mr. Heminger, it's time for the truth. All of it." Ryuu unsheathed Karuma slowly and pointed it right at him. He stepped back, afraid.
"Demon...What are you…?" Ryuu looked truly intimidating with the unsheathed blade and his blood red eyes.
"Say it. What are you hiding?!"
"Ggh...GRAAAAHHHHHHHH! ALRIGHT FINE! You got me! I'd been working so hard to earn a promotion that the boss promised us! But when I made a few small typing errors on one of the daily papers, he cut me out of the deal and gave the promotion to Robert instead! It made me furious! He stole the promotion that I deserved!"
"Heh. The Defense rests its case, Your Honor." Ryuu smirked confidently, his eyes going back to normal, and sheathing his sword. He went back to his stand.
…..
"Lord van Zieks, what happened to the witness?"
"He's been arrested, Your Honor. The Police are interrogating him about the Killer's identity."
"Understood. Mr. Naruhodou, like you said, you managed. Quite incredibly, I might add. It's amazing that you got Mr. Heminger to confess without any actual proof."
"Thank you, Your Honor."
"Well then, here's the final verdict. This court finds the defendant, Jacob Hawthorne, Not Guilty!" Everyone cheered.
Naruhodou Law Offices
London, England
February 24, 1919
3:00 A.M.
"Ryuu, how on earth did you do that?!" Susato almost screamed, hugging him tightly.
"I don't know. It just sort of happened." He changed his eye color again and showed her.
"I feel stronger and more perceptive when I do this. I could just see the nervous habits of him while he was testifying."
"Your eyes changed color. They're bright red!" she gasped.
"Yeah, I noticed when I looked in the mirror after the trial." Just then, they heard a knock on the door. Susato answered it.
"Oh, Mr. Hawthorne! What are you doing here?"
"Hey! Can I come in?" he smirked.
"Yeah." He walked into the office.
"Nice place. I wanted to thank you for helping prove me innocent, Ryuu."
"It's no problem. We were handed a case, and we took it. As simple as that."
"I want to find a way to repay you, and I think I have it. It will benefit the both of us."
"What is it?"
"I want you to become my mentor, and train me to be a defense attorney. Then, I'll work for you at the office."
"What?! But what about-"
"I quit my job this afternoon, so you can't refuse. From what I can see, the only ones working here are you two lovebirds. Wouldn't it be nice to have another set of hands here, so you don't have to take on every single case you come across?"
"Well, now that you mention it-"
"See, it helps us both! And besides, I want to learn how to do that change eye color thing too!"
"I don't know if I can actually teach you that, but…"
"Come on, boss. Just say yes already!"
"...Alright. Yeah, sure, you're hired! Welcome to the team, Jacob!"
"Great! You won't regret it!"
End.
Long chapter, hope you liked it. Yes, I plan to match up various characters for the prosecution and defense. This one was Ryuu and Barok. The next one will probably be Jacob vs. Ludwig. And I intend to have Iris prosecute a case against either Phoenix, Apollo, or Athena as well. Let me know what you think!