Welcome back to the Aethereal Turnabout! Last time, Phoenix Wright went back into the courtroom, and may have just gotten the ultimate proof that Cynder is innocent of the murder of the Guardians, as well as revealed the killer somehow got back to the crime scene while it was under police protection and ransacked the place looking for something, presumably a mysterious envelope Wright presented to the court. Now, we pick up our tale, and see what motivated our killer to return…

District Court Defendant Lobby No. 5

Monday, April 26

03:00pm

Phoenix: Well, that was probably the best possible outcome we could have gotten with the evidence we had! Hunter may have just exonerated Cynder in one fell swoop! But our job here isn't done yet. We still have to find our killer. And I'm starting to think I know who it is.

Bianca's Testimony added to Court Record

Hunter's Testimony added to Court Record

(As Phoenix thinks on what has been uncovered, Maya walks up to him with a smile on her face and Spyro in tow)

Phoenix: (Seeing this) I'm guessing there's more good news in store.

Maya: Nick! I just spoke with Cynder's psychiatrist. He says that Cynder isn't a threat to herself! She'll be able to go home once this madness is over!

Phoenix: Assuming I can track down the real killer that is. That's great!

Spyro: Great is an understatement! Now someone has to go to the Detention Center and inform her of what's just happened. I can already tell she'll be overjoyed to know Hunter has practically exonerated her!

Phoenix: We can arrange a stop before we begin our investigation. (Presents the Mysterious Envelope) If the killer risked going back to the Crime Scene to find this envelope, we have to know what's in it.

Spyro: Let me get a look at that. (Reads the Envelope's seal) "Sheila, Bentley, and Byrd Law Firm". That's odd… I recognize that name.

Phoenix: You do?

Spyro: Yeah. I seem to recall one of the Guardians bringing up this firm. My thought was they planned to put a vote in for one of them to fill a role in the courts or something. I'm not sure.

Phoenix: Hmm… Interesting. Now we've got a connection between the firm and the victims. Let's hope this doesn't turn out to be Bluecorp all over again.

Maya: Well then, let's not dally! Let's get going!

Warfang Detention Center

Monday, April 26

03:25pm

(As soon as we enter the scene, Cynder is already sitting in the holding cell, hearing Phoenix and company relay to her everything she missed due to the court-mandated psychiatrist appointment)

Cynder: So if I'm hearing this correctly, Hunter has pretty much exonerated me of the murders?

Phoenix: The description he gave of the killer couldn't possibly have been mistaken for you.

Cynder: And yet, it was.

Phoenix: I'm afraid even I can't stop people from rushing to judgement.

Cynder: Indeed. (Turns slightly more positive) But at least you have an idea of who did it, right?

Phoenix: I have a theory anyways. I'm not sure how accurate it is, but that is neither here nor there. The point is, we have a way to prove your innocence beyond the shadow of a doubt. All we need now is patience and time.

Cynder: (Finally cracking a smile) And if anyone can find it, it's you, Phoenix. I have confidence in that.

Phoenix: That's the first time she's used my first name. She must be confident in me. Here's hoping I can prove worthy of that. It appears you'll be able to attend trial tomorrow.

Cynder: Indeed. Let's hope that everything goes as well as it currently is.

Phoenix: I can hopefully ensure that will be the case, assuming our investigation proves as insightful as the last two have.

Cynder: We can only hope. Well then, I will see you at trial tomorrow, Mr. Wright.

(And with that, Cynder is escorted back to her cell)

Phoenix: It looks like things are already beginning to improve for Cynder. But if my history has proven anything, this is where things either go really weird or go horribly wrong. And I don't think this place can get much weirder. But I can't let that stop me. For Cynder, and Spyro's sake, I cannot let this killer walk free.

Maya: She already seems more hopeful.

Spyro: Indeed. That's the first time Cynder's smiled since this started.

Phoenix: Then let's let it be our motivation to continue our pursuit of the real killer.

Maya: You got that right, Nick! We've got to find this guy! Or girl. But you get the point! Anyone who would try to frame someone as nice as Cynder deserves to be locked away!

Spyro: I couldn't agree more, Ms. Fey.

Phoenix: Wow, Maya's really into this case. I haven't seen her this passionate for finding a killer since the Steel Samurai case. Since you guys are fired up, we should probably get on with the investigation.

Spyro: Right. The envelope and the law firm. Thankfully, the offices of Sheila, Bentley, and Byrd aren't too far away.

Phoenix: (Looking at the envelope as they travel) What is in this envelope that is so important to the killer that they risk coming back to the scene, when it was under police protection none the less, to find it? Hopefully, our visit to this law firm should prove informative.

Offices of Sheila, Bentley, and Byrd

Monday, April 26

05:00pm

(The room we enter could be rather familiar to players of the original Phoenix Wright games, as this should roughly look like the Grossberg Law Offices from the second case of the original game)

Phoenix: Looks like this law firm has done pretty well for themselves. (Spies a painting on the wall) Apparently that painting is pretty popular in this world too.

Spyro: No wonder the Guardians brought up this law firm. This place seems to be pretty successful.

Maya: Definitely looks like a place that would represent important civic figures.

Phoenix: (Checking a clock) Our appointment was at 5, the lead attorney should be out any moment now.

(And just as Phoenix says this, an unseen door opens, and their contact walks, or should I say hops, into the scene, revealing a kangaroo in a suit)

Sheila: G'day, lady and gents.

Phoenix: The lawyer we're looking for is a kangaroo?! Forget what I said earlier. This place just got weirder.

Phoenix: Good day to you too, Ms.…

Sheila: Sheila's the name.

Phoenix: Ms. Sheila.

Sheila: Wait a second, I recognize you lot. You're Cynder's attorney! I got to say, the whole office has been keeping an eye on this trial. You've done what many of us considered impossible!

Phoenix: Thank you. But the case is far from over. While we may have proven Cynder's innocence, we've still got to find the real killer.

Sheila: Ah, it's a good thing you're doing. I may not know that young lady personally, but I could just tell she wouldn't do this. So, what brings you here?

Phoenix: (Presents the Mysterious Envelope) This was found at the Crime Scene. We believe the killer returned to the scene of the crime to find it. It was marked with your firm's seal.

Sheila: Let me take a look at that. (Examines the Envelope) Yep, this is one of ours. Signed, sealed, and everything.

Phoenix: We believe the killer was looking for the contents.

Sheila: Ah, you came here to get it opened. If something we made has that much impact on Cynder's case, I'd be glad to. Just let me get my letter opener.

(Sheila produces a letter opener from the drawer of the desk and opens the envelope, revealing a set of papers)

Sheila: That's odd…

Phoenix: What is it?

Sheila: It's a will.

Phoenix: A will?

Sheila: Specifically, the Last Will and Testaments of Ignitus, Guardian of Fire.

Ignitus' Will updated in Court Record

Phoenix: Wait a second, why would a sealed copy of Ignitus' will be in the Dragon Temple? It was just read two days ago!

Sheila: I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to answer that. I wasn't the attorney handling Ignitus' Will. That was my partners, Bentley and Sergeant Byrd. You'll have to talk to them for more information.

Phoenix: Are either of them in today?

Sheila: Well, Sergeant Byrd's meeting a client right now, but he should be back in about a half hour. But, Bentley, the primary attorney on this will, is free until 7. You can speak with him if you like.

Spyro: That would be perfect. Thank you for your time, Ms. Sheila.

Sheila: Though before you go, I am fully willing to sign an affidavit on our conversation.

Sheila's Affidavit added to Court Record

Phoenix: Thanks. This ought to come in handy.

Sheila: Glad I could help. I'll go get Bentley for you.

(And with that, Sheila hops off to find her coworker)

Maya: Okay, that was interesting. A kangaroo in a suit? We certainly aren't in Kansas anymore.

Phoenix: The fact that she was wearing a suit was the strange part to you? You've been watching too many cartoons.

(As Phoenix finishes that thought, the door to the room opens again, and in steps a literal yeti carrying a blue ice club, which he does set down before speaking to the team)

Bentley: Good evening.

Phoenix: And now I'm starting to feel like I'm in a cartoon. You must be Bentley, I'm guessing.

Bentley: And you guess correctly, good sir. Now, Sheila tells me you have some questions regarding Ignitus' Last Will and Testament.

Phoenix: Yes, is there anything you can tell us about why this was at the Crime Scene, rather than secured in a bank or your offices?

Bentley: It was a strange peculiarity on Ignitus' part. Apparently there have been rumors going around about one of the partners at this firm. Ignitus still trusted Sergeant Byrd and myself with his legal affairs though. But as a precautionary measure, he requested that he keep the finalized copy of the will with him. He must have hidden it in the Guardians' Study.

Phoenix: You said something about rumors, what exactly does that mean?

Bentley: In all honesty I'm not sure. From what I have heard though, the primary ones have been regarding some kind of internal corruption.

Phoenix: Wait what?

Bentley: Apparently some wills written and read with our firm have disappeared, and when they resurface, which all of them have, some people have claimed they were changed.

Spyro: (Realizing something after reading part of the will) Hold on, I think I may have something to add to that claim.

Bentley: What would that be?

Spyro: I was at the reading of the will, and the date of this will is… off.

Bentley: Off? How so?

Spyro: The will at the reading was dated January 23rd of four years ago. This one is dated shortly before Ignitus died. What happened?

Bentley: Let me see that. (Examines the will) Indeed it is.

Ignitus' Will updated in Court Record

Phoenix: Can you tell us anything about the will that was read?

Bentley: Sadly, I cannot. I was not the one who read the will. That was the third partner in this firm, Sergeant Byrd. He handles a majority of the readings. (Checking the clock) You're in luck, he should just be getting back now.

Phoenix: We would like to speak with him then, if possible.

Bentley: It should be more than possible, good sir. I'll let him know you're here. But before I go, allow me to give you this.

Bentley's Affidavit added to Court Record

Bentley: Just in case this will comes up in court. By the way, marvelous job this morning. Sheila and I are rooting for you.

(And with that, Bentley picks up his club and leaves)

Phoenix: (To Spyro) Where on that will was the date printed?

Spyro: Opening paragraph, as per legal requirements.

Phoenix: You didn't ready anything else in it?

Spyro: I legally can't! I'm not an attorney!

Phoenix: Thankfully, if I'm hearing these rules correctly, I can, and thus can use whatever is in it in court.

Spyro: Presumably, yes.

Phoenix: Let's see what we've got then.

(Phoenix picks up the will, and starts to read it, and only partway down the first page, in the section of family affairs, he discovers something startling, this time being careful to hide his surprise from Spyro)

Phoenix: Wait a second, is this true? If what I'm seeing is accurate, this changes everything!

(Just as Phoenix finishes his thoughts and puts the will away, the door opens and in waddles a penguin in an army helmet and wearing what appears to be a jetpack)

Sgt Byrd: I'm told you have court business with me. Make it quick.

Phoenix: And now there's a penguin in this. Why not? We just have some questions to ask about Ignitus' Will.

Sgt Byrd: That reading is long over and done with. Why bring it back up?

Spyro: Sergeant, there appears to be an inconsistency between the will we have and the one you read yesterday.

Sgt Byrd: Are you accusing me of something?

Phoenix: Not at all. Just asking a question.

Sgt Byrd: Fine. As you may have heard, wills handled by our office apparently have a bad habit of going missing. I blame Sheila personally. With all the hopping around she does, it wouldn't be surprising if wills just fall out of her pockets.

Phoenix: What does that have to do with Ignitus' will?

Sgt Byrd: His was the only one we can confirm vanished, as that old fool insisted on keeping it safe himself. As such, when he died, we were unable to find the will. However, a good Samaritan came forward saying he found the will at a courtroom where Sheila was witness in a trial.

Phoenix: That's it?

Sgt Byrd: That's the truth and nothing but it.

Spyro: That still doesn't explain the dates differing by more than a year.

Sgt Byrd: (Nervously) He came in shortly before you returned to make sure everything was still in order, in case he died during the war against Malefor.

Ignitus' Will updated in Court Record

Phoenix: Is he… sweating? Something is off here.

Sgt Byrd: Is that all?

Phoenix: We will need a copy of the will you read, just in case this will was motive.

Sgt Byrd: (Nervously) Alright. Here. But there won't be any difference in the subject matter. I'm sure of it!

Read Will added to Court Record

Phoenix: Okay, he's definitely sweating. Something is going on here. That should be all we need. Thank you for your assistance, Sgt Byrd.

Sgt Byrd: Good. And before you go, take this.

Sgt Byrd's Affidavit added to Court Record

Sgt Byrd: Don't look so flattered. I'm legally required to give you that, seeing as your Cynder's attorney. I personally can't believe their buying your arguments about that she-devil.

Phoenix: Okay, this law firm is definitely not all on our side.

Sgt Byrd: Now if you'll excuse me, I have something actually important to attend to.

(With that rude remark concluded, Sgt Byrd leaves the scene)

Maya: Well he was a bit of a jerk.

Spyro: And he's thoroughly convinced of Cynder's guilt, despite everything that happened this morning.

Phoenix: Did anyone else pick up the fact that he was sweating when he claimed Ignitus came back to make sure his will was still as he wanted it?

Spyro: You think he was lying?

Phoenix: It's quite possible. I'll need to read over the will from the reading before tomorrow's proceedings. But if what I'm seeing already is true, I think I've got this almost figured out.

Spyro: That's good to hear. (Looking at the time) It's getting late, we should probably get back and get some rest for tomorrow.

Lair of Spyro Guest Room

Monday, April 26

10:00pm

(The room is pretty scarcely decorated, save for the bedsheets and a rug, but all the furniture is roughly the same as Spyro's Lair. And sitting on the guest bed in the corner, Phoenix appears to be reading over the two wills looking for something)

Phoenix: If what I saw in the will we found from the Crime Scene was real, that could be all the motive needed for a killer to return. But it doesn't prove who the killer is, just gives them a motive. (Sighs) It's cases like this where I wish Mia was still around.

(Then as if out of nowhere, a flash of light goes off in front of Phoenix, and standing there when Phoenix opens his eyes after it, there stands the spectral form of Mia Fey)

Mia: Ask and ye shall receive.

Phoenix: CHIEF?!

Mia: What? You did say this was one of those cases where you wished I was still alive. And based on what I've been hearing through your Magatama, this certainly is an interesting one.

Phoenix: Interesting isn't really the word I'd use, Chief. This whole city has rushed to judgement, making Cynder into a sort of pariah, singling her out for guilt almost instantly. And even after a recent testimony just about exonerates her, the person it implicates isn't much better for my conscience. Not to mention the most likely motivation hasn't yet proven a person responsible!

Mia: I take it you just started reading over the will Spyro heard at the reading.

Phoenix: I was just about to start it, yes. Why?

Mia: Come on, Wright. You may not have worked many cases like this before. But I know I did. And if there's one thing I've learned from them, it's that if there's a name in these wills you can't disprove by mortality or alibi, they and everyone close to them can be considered a suspect. (Seeing Phoenix is still a little down from this) Don't worry about it, Wright. You've got this. All the evidence you need to prove Cynder's innocence is here, and the evidence will prove the guilty party.

(And with that, Mia Fey disappears, returning to the afterlife from whence she came)

Phoenix: She's right. All the evidence is here. The motive is here. And the real killer is here. I have all the pieces, now I just have to piece them together. Though it looks like my current theory may be right. And that really isn't something I want to be the case. But for the sake of the innocent, I have to press on. The trial resumes in less than 12 hours, and we're finally close to proving Cynder's innocence beyond any doubt. (Looks at the wills) I'd better get piecing then.

To be continued…

And that concludes today's chapter. I bet you thought I threw that reading of the will scene in for no reason. But whether I did or didn't remains to be seen. So, what is with the two wills? What did Phoenix see in the will recovered from the Crime Scene? What is Sgt Byrd hiding, if anything? Our case is wrapping up quickly, and this story should be concluded before the year is out, probably next month actually. Rest assured in the knowledge that November will show the end of this case, and reveal the guilty party. To see how the conclusion begins to play out, tune in next time! Same time… same channel!