Sorry about not updating for a while been distracted by school work and never got around to revising this side of the story. Welcome back to canon Apollo Justice, the defense attorney. Just like in the previous half of this trial, he also will have his secret known by another person (since I doubt this type of thing could be hidden from everyone). Once again, I now have two flashbacks that I will get around to writing out and there will be more. Also, that earlier comment about no new prosecutors yeah that's no longer valid. I have I think 3 OC prosecutors: Helena Fennery and two fed prosecutors for later trails. So far I have 3 more trials more or less planned out so don't worry about that. Also, the explanation for this whole mess will be revealed during either the end of this section or in the interlude between this trial and the next and I will probably have like another bunch of flashbacks that will be covered later due to me explaining AU trials which will be at the same time as the canon timeline unless they have been erased from the timeline (meaning since a prior trial changed the future trial that resulted from the later one will no longer happen for example as stated earlier PAJ mentioned clay who spoilers is still alive in the AU timeline so that gives you an idea of what I mean). I think that's about it so I do not own the Complete Turnabout or Ace Attorney they are merely my inspiration for this story. Please read and review, comment, or give my story a like. Enjoy. C:
Last time on Apollo Justice Ace Prosecutor, our hero woke up in a strange apartment and quickly discovered he was in a parallel universe where he's a prosecutor! How will Apollo cope with this new challenge along with the vicious Franziska Von Karma? Find out know on Apollo Justice Ace Prosecutor!
Prosecutor Apollo's Apartment
Time: 8:19 AM September 23rd, 2028
I continued staring at the phone in utter bewilderment. I'm….A prosecutor?! What the hell is going on?
I sighed in defeat after only a few minutes. How am I even supposed to rationalize this? I swear someone is currently writing a fanfic about me swapping places with an alternate reality version of myself. And that sounds way too much like Dr. Who for me to handle right now. Okay, calm down and think. Is there any way to prove this is real?
I turned towards the countertop and decided, Hey, they do say pinch me if I'm dreaming so why not try banging my fist against a table.
I immediately pounded my fist on the table and instantly regretting yelling. "Ow, ow, definitely not a dream! Ow ow ow!"
Shaking my hand in an attempt to stop the feeling of pain, I decided I had no choice but to follow Edgeworth's instructions and hope for the best. Yeah, right. I'll really need to go to the hospital after a run-in with the infamous Von Karma.
Looking through the drawers hoping to find some loose change for the bus since I didn't know if there was a bicycle waiting for me outside or not, I noticed that they were methodically arranged and everything was in its place. Finally, I found something useful which again surprised me: a permanent free bus pass which as far as I can remember is only for detectives and prosecutors. Whoever lives here must be a prosecutor but all the prosecutors I know have drivers licenses unless this apartment is owned by me which is totally ridiculous. Sigh, I really hope this is the world's most elaborate prank or else I'm in a hyper-realistic coma induced state.
Evidence collected: Bus Pass
Then, I noticed the stack of cash(which was more than half my yearly wages) hidden onto the bottom of the drawer. Realizing I might need money for something I took a couple hundred to be safe. Now that I had everything I assumed I would need I sighed heading for the entranceway of the apartment to head out and hopefully find answers. Looks like I'm going to be whipped into shape today if don't do as Miles asked but if I have time I'll try looking for Phoenix and Trucy or anyone who can tell me what the heck is going on.
On the way out, I paused to look into the mirror making absolutely sure that I hadn't switched bodies with a prosecutor considering how weird this all felt. I looked back at my familiar face in the mirror now noticing some minor differences that until this point were non-existent.
For starters, I found to my delight and surprise I was taller than I normally was making me feel less like a dwarf than Clay ever did. My face seemed less hollow from the days I had to go by without 3 meals a day. I was certainly less athletic but not in a bad way considering I wasn't pudgy or anything just the muscles were certainly smaller than before today. My hair, of course, had the same two spikes flinging right up onto the top of my head(no matter what I do they refuse to stay down so I gave up a long time ago trying to tame them). But my eyes seemed different, they radiated more confidence yet also seemed less trusting less sincere and far more focused and serious than I already am. Well if I'm a prosecutor which again should be impossible I guess that makes sense….
Sighing I took one last look around and exited the apartment locking the door behind me.
Outside I was meet with the fresh smell of Autumn leaves as they danced lazily in the wind. Someone was growing cosmos on the open windows outside the apartment making a simple yet pleasing aesthetic to the experience. I noticed I was farther out into the suburban area of Los Angeles where the much wealthier and more well off citizens lived. I recognized the street rather easily as it was only a few blocks away from Edgeworth's own apartment that Pheonix often dragged me to whenever he felt the urge to bug his old friend. This explains the bus ticket since commuting into town is both more practical and cheaper with the new bus system implemented.
The 51 bus soon came along and I hopped on with ease and quickly flashed the card onto the machine and stood waiting. Cherry street was only a few minutes away and anyway I could always use a little exercise. Considering how crazy my cases end up as.
I noticed that a few people were staring at me making me kind of nervous. It wasn't hatred that seemed to emanate from them but still, I felt uncomfortable. Heck, a kid was even looking at me like I was a hero which was weird considering how I was usually treated in court. These stares seem almost in awe and I don't feel comfortable with that especially with how everyone in Khura'in was treating me like a messenger of the Holy Mother and constantly giving me gifts… It's kinda unnerving.
Finally, the stop for Cherry Street came and the imminent whipping I was bound to get for being 'late'. God, I hope she's in a decent mood otherwise I'm going to experience Mr. Wright's worst nightmare. Now that I think about where is Mr. Wright or Trucy? Do I even have their number anymore? I checked my phone at that thought as I walked out of the bus at the stop for Cherry Street which clearly showed only prosecutors on the phone list. Guess not.
The wind was blowing gently whipping up tiny little pink leaves billowing up from the sakura trees that gave this street its name. This particular area was known for Japanese style homes and buildings found just on the eastern border of the city. I walked calmly through the Chinese pagoda shaped rooftops and sweet smelling flowers growing across the road.
I found the Yung Hotel rather easily being the only three floored building in the entire area and also because of the police presence. I could also distinctly hear the voice of what I presumed was a woman cursing in German. There goes my hope that Franziska was in a good mood. Sounds like the police are mucking up the investigation again. Then again, is that really a surprise?
CRACK! The whip could be heard a mile away and made me seriously consider my sanity in going to see the scariest woman alive. But I steeled my nerves and prepared for the worst.
Location: Yung Hotel
Time: 8:27 AM September 23rd, 2028
CRACK! And then smash could be heard as an oriental vase as it fell down onto the floor near my head. The hotel was a stereotypical Japanese style hotel with bamboo shutters, bonsais scattered all around, paper lanterns hanging above, scrolls and masks hanging on the walls, an ornamental Katana hanging above the grand staircase, and even bamboo, orchids and cherry wood panellings all across the walls. However, my observations were interrupted by the sound of a very angry prosecutor.
"You foolish fools! How can you miss something as obvious as that? I oughta whip you to Siberia for such foolishness." then another Crack and a yelp.
"Please Miss Von Karma, have mercy!" the sound of a terrified officer could be heard.
"Foolish fool. This is mercy! I could have you thrown out of law enforcement in a heartbeat for such an insolent mistake." the woman who I now knew was Franziska continued ranting.
I sighed walking upstairs hearing my footsteps echoing lightly in the room unnerving me slightly. There was only one door open and I figured it was the room Franziska and the police were in. I straightened myself up and tried looking for confidence as I could, after all, Franziska was known for obsessive perfection like her father.
I walked in and felt like I hit a brick wall. Hearing about Franziska, I had always assumed she was some scary looking woman wielding a whip on a chariot of hellfire or something like that. However, this was not the woman I imagined.
She stood tall exactly my current height with long steel-grey blue hair that framed her face perfectly. And the face? The only word that hit my tongue was perfect absolutely and perfectly beautiful. Whoever her mother was Manfred Von Karma certainly knew how to pick the perfect bride in the looks department. Cyan blue topaz or some similar gemstone was fitted onto her earring. Below her face, she wore a blouse with a dark brown vest studded with blue stone buttons. Her hips held a short similarly colored skirt that framed her perfect figure with stockings riding up her legs elegantly. Finally, heeled boots were around her dainty looking feet. Overall, the image was of one the most beautiful women I've ever seen.
She looks better than Juniper Woods looks…..Good thing Athena can't hear my thoughts or she'd strangle me with her ponytail at that comment!
The scary angelic face turned towards me and where there once was a scowl of disapproval now laid a small thin smile. The whip she currently held in her fingerless black gloves quickly placed around the minuscule belt I missed from my observations of her.
"Ah, Apollo. I'm glad to see you are up and about again. I trust you are well?" she asked but with noticeable concern.
Why do I feel like this is a trap and I'm going to wind up on the wrong side of that whip…?
"Um, yeah. I'm fine no need to worry!" I stated rather nervously pushing my pointed hairs back.
"Are you sure? You don't sound fine. Does it still hurt?" Franziska asked concerned and to my complete disbelief she walked over and began gently rubbing a bruise I hadn't noticed hidden under my hair. The gentle feeling of her fingers caressing my scalp was strange and I noticed the police officer she was angry with looking relieved.
"Thank goodness Mr. Justice sir, I was worried she'd whip me into the hospital again, pal." the man stated scratching his brown hair. I recognized him as a detective but before I could remember his name…..
"Foolish Gumshoe. Did you really think I forgot you while checking on the health of my boyfriend? Are you that foolish?" she said her other hand leaping to her whip.
"Boyfriend?" I checked that out in complete confusion. Since when am I dating the scariest prosecutor ever born?
"What's the matter?" Franziska asked staring at him as though making sure he was Apollo. Her quick eyes looking bewildered while Gumshoe looked even more lost than usual.
"Uh, pal. I think I'll just step out and investigate the rest of the hotel….. Is that fine Miss Von Karma, sir?" he asked looking at her and I swear you can smell the fear coming from him.
"Huh? Oh yeah, do whatever you want to, foolish fool." Franziska muttered continuing to check me out before focusing on my eyes while Gumshoe bolted without another word.
"Is something the matter?" Franziska asked worried and I sighed, Enough of this nonsense.
"Yes, there is. I woke up this morning in an unknown apartment, got a call from the chief prosecutor telling me I'm somehow that I am a prosecutor, and am now being looked at in concern of the scariest prosecutor my mentor Phoenix Wright ever meet. I just want to know when this prank is going to end." I stated frustrated.
"Don't joke like that! As if you'd ever be one of those foul evil little defense attorneys," she stated icily before returning to her concerned form. "Perhaps, you hit your head harder than Miles thought….."
"What are you talking about? I'm Apollo Justice ace attorney, not a prosecutor." I replied and she stared into my eyes in shock.
"you're….What foolishness is this where's my dear Lieblein and just who are you?" she asked in bewilderment.
"Perhaps, he's an alternative Apollo from another timeline?" another voice answered and we turned and saw another woman.
This woman was also beautiful in her own right but was far more simply dressed. Brown hair framed her unadorned face that beheld dazzling cloud gray eyes that seemed to overflow with intelligence. A simple gray jacket that wasn't buttoned-up was overtopping a rather plain light gray shirt that extended down into her kilt. This long kilt was made with blue and green squares intersected with black and white lines. If I was correct in my assumption, this was the kilt adopted by Louisiana around the year 2000(her accent matched the area). Finally, simple white socks worn with black heels finished off the whole outfit she wore.
"And who are you to suggest such a foolish proposition?" Franziska asked turning temporality to address the new woman.
"Eleanor. Eleanor Sunday ma'am. I was told to speak with the prosecutors charged with this case posthaste by that detective who is currently tearing my room to shreds." Eleanor replied with her smooth Southern accent. "As for the proposition, I'm an English professor and that's something you would probably see in a common fictional story but reality is more fictional than fiction if you know what I mean."
"Bah, this is real life, not some foolish fictional story," Franziska stated simply.
"Then why not ask him? Mr. Justice, I presume? Have you ever meet Miss Von Karma?" Eleanor asked peering at me.
"No, I've never met her in my life," I answered and Franziska looked shocked.
"You're not…." she started making me even more confused, All she did was look into my eyes and knows I'm not lying…. Huh, I guess my eyes are more truthful than I thought.
"Are you okay, Miss Von Karma?" I asked tentatively the distance between a woman who could quickly send me to the hospital becoming very apparent.
"Those eyes of yours were always the most honest thing I've seen… I understand now you are not my Lieblein, but then where has he gone?" she stated surprising me even more. That went easier than I thought it would but I wonder what she meant by that.
Flashback: Franziska and Apollo's first meeting (Please see the chapter titled that for the flashback referenced)
"Yeah, I'm not the prosecutor you think I am," I stated now realizing this seemed more real than I first thought. Am I really a prosecutor in this world?
"I think he must be in the other timeline that this Apollo came from," Eleanor answered Franziska's unanswered question.
"Then what are we supposed to do?" I asked realizing that if this is a real world where I'm a prosecutor then I am so screwed.
"Well, Miles did give this case over to you and I'm supposed to help you out," Franziska stated standing straight up looking less interested in me as though it would make the situation easier by distancing the two of us. Somehow the distance between us felt less reassuring and colder than the prior distance. "I suppose I'll have to teach you how to prosecute a case, correct?"
"But I'm not a-" I began to protest.
"Yet you're taking the place of your alternative self. If you don't prosecute this case, then you will seem strange. Miles will be suspicious and anyways my Apollo can't afford for you to slack off." Franziska stated determinedly.
"Okay, but I'm warning you this is a bad idea." I started holding my hands up in defeat and saw Franziska giggle at that causing me to blush in surprise.
"Then let us get started. You Miss Sunday, you are a witness, yes? Then. let us begin with the most basic and familiar aspect of the jobs between prosecutors and defense attorneys questioning the witnesses." Franziska stated. "And of course, I will guide your questions with my perfection," she stated wincing slightly at me causing my face to turn the color of my jacket.
"Okay," I replied fighting to regain my composure.
Witness Questioning:
"So um, who was the victim? Miles didn't tell me." I decided to start with the easiest question Franziska nodding in approval.
"My colleague Dr. Aurora Summers. She was staying in this room until last evening when she was killed. I found her body just this morning."
"What was the cause of death?" I asked.
"Strangulation. One of her scarves was lying around perhaps that's the murder weapon," she replied once again.
"Remember Apollo that as we progress it is highly recommended you make notes about any information we receive," Franziska stated handing note cards over. "I know my Apollo likes using his logic cards to keep track of important information."
"Thanks." Just go with the flow Apollo being a prosecutor can't be any worse than being Franziska's test dummy for that whip.
Logic Cards Obtained: Cause of Death, Victim Profile
Profiles Updated: Apollo Justice, Franziska Von Karma, Detective Gumshoe, Eleanor Sunday, Aurora Summers
"You don't sound like you are from around here, I take it you're visiting?"
"No, Aurora and I were sent here by the university we work at The University of New Orleans with a class of 20. Western, Southern, and Northern America have evolved so drastically these last few years that this was meant to promote multiculturalism especially since the West has received so many East Asian immigrants recently while the South has only received the standard European immigrants and of course a large portion of Latin American populations."
"How strange," Franziska commented. That's strange you are standing next to a stranger who's in your boyfriend's body!
"Now then, could you tell us of your movements last night?"
"Aurora and I arrived at the hotel around 6 pm or at least that's what my watch said. Can't remember if I reset to the correct time yesterday or not. Anyway, an hour later I had a private meeting with a student then Aurora asked me via text if we could play a game and so I headed down to her room. Then I spent around 2 hours there returned to my room and graded papers till 12. I then went to bed and promptly woke up at six like usual that's when I stumbled upon the scene." she replied in her smooth Southern accent.
"What's this foolish nonsense about your watch?" Franziska asked confused.
"I'm fairly sure she's referring to the time zone difference," I responded looking to Eleanor for confirmation. "Louisiana lies two time zones ahead of California so if Miss Sunday's watch wasn't set to the right time then it would be ahead of time."
"That's correct although I should mention I used my phone to set the alarm so I do know for a fact that I awoke at 6 am. My phone has an automatic time zone shift but doesn't show the correct time for 24 or more hours sometimes." I should keep this in mind.
Logic Cards: Witness testimony, time of discovery, time of death?
"Is there anything else to report?" I asked.
"Other than one of my scarves I use for my brassiere seems to be misplaced. Other than that, I don't have anything to report."
"Thank you," I replied shaking her end as a means of confirming the end of the conversation. I heard a little cough from Franziska.
"And of course you will be called tomorrow in court as a witness as long as our investigation doesn't name you the suspect."
"Very well. I will await your call Miss Von Karma," she said as she made her way out.
Right, I forgot about that….. Wait, that means I'm going to have to accuse someone of being the killer… somehow I don't if I'm comfortable with that.
"Now that is over maybe we discuss why you suddenly believe that first off I'm not Apollo and second of this crazy notion that I'm going to prosecute someone who is most likely innocent in court tomorrow." I started turning towards the female prosecutor.
"Hmph, where's the fire in your eyes? You should be excited tackling a case if you're anything like my Apollo. Besides those eyes of yours have never lied before so why shouldn't I believe that your not my Apollo?"
"Oh sure, I should be excited about attempting to send a possibly innocent person to jail for life or simply to their execution." I sarcastically replied.
Franziska sighed slightly in frustration, "Look you may not be the same Apollo as mine, ja? Yet you are still a version of my foolish boyfriend. Therefore, you should be adequate at being a prosecutor. Besides do you not believe in justice? Do you not believe the guilty should pay for their crimes while the innocent go free?"
"Yeah but prosecutors always arrest the wrong person!" I retorted.
"You're the prosecutor you foolish nimrod! Are you saying you can't figure out who the real killer is?" Franziska stated.
I just stared dumbfounded at that little realization. She's right, though. I became a Defense attorney to find the truth. I'm technically not disobeying that moral by being a prosecutor but rather I can do my job better from this side of the court bench. I mean how hard can a prosecutor's job possibly be?
"Okay, that's a good point." I blushed in embarrassment.
"As for how I know that you are not my Apollo. Think about it this way, you have the ability to see when a person is lying, ja?"
"Yeah and?"
"Every person has a tell-tale sign of lying and many lies never show the same truthful gaze that a person who doesn't lie shows. There's no dishonesty, no signs that your honesty does not reach into your very soul. The very reason I trust the Apollo I met all those years ago; the only person to never lie to me. Your mannerisms are so similar and your eyes so similar to Apollo Justice that was it not for your memory even I Franziska Von Karma would be fooled." she proclaimed with a flourish. Her hand twirled her silver hair with the current movement. Despite the strange circumstances, I wanted to kiss her since she seemed so elegant and so damn attractive. Needless to say, I could feel my downstairs brain waking up making me worried that my upstairs brain would shut down.
"That's a very logical conclusion."
"A Von Karma always strives for perfection." she stated before bowing.
"So then, I have to prosecute this case, huh?" I asked sweating at the prospect.
"Not to worry. You helped me out once a long time ago and now I will give you help. Now then, we have established Miss Sunday's testimony so next is to search for clues." she said gesturing at the room ahead.
The room was rather messy with papers scattered about, a laptop cracked over on the desk, and a chessboard with pieces strewn about everywhere. On the ground were white chalk lines marking the victim's location and a rather clean blue scarf.
Court Evidence and Notes:
Profiles:
Apollo Justice-That's me. I am a rookie defense lawyer from an alternative world. In this world, I'm a rather famous prosecutor that is currently dating Franziska Von Karma, the prosecutor prodigy.
Miles Edgeworth-Mr. Wright's old friend and a great asset when I need access to a case. He is the current chief prosecutor for the LA police.
Phoenix Wright- My mentor who taught me everything about life in the courtroom. Since I entered this strange new world, I have yet to encounter him. I wonder if he is a prosecutor now?
Athena Cykes- My latest coworker who I had worked with before moving to Khura'in. I wonder what became of her in this world?
Trucy Wright- My sister and old assistant. I have yet to meet her since my accident this morning.
Thalassa Gramarye- My birth mother whom I am still angry at. When I tried to flee from her, I accidently banged myself against a banister and woke up here. I have yet to meet her yet.
Franziska Von Karma- An infamous prosecutor from Germany know for her icy exterior and hard whip. However, this Franziska has shown me her softer size. My alternative self is her boyfriend and the prosecutor she works with the most in this world.
Detective Gumshoe- a decent detective known for his major mistakes. He's the lead detective on the current case.
Eleanor Sunday- a friend of the victim and a witness to the crime. She spent all night in her room and was the last known person to see the victim alive. She's an English professor at the University of Louisiana who brought students over to encourage Multiculturalism and unity.
Aurora Summers- the victim and vice-head of the English department at the University of New Orleans. She was last seen playing a game with Eleanor and was found by that same person the next day strangled.
Evidence:
Gramarye Bracelet- My bracelet which is a Gramarye heirloom for some reason it was in this apartment that is apparently 'mine'.
Prosecutor's Badge- This is the badge issued to prosecutors that I found with my bracelet, however, I have yet to find the prosecutor this one was issued to. Miles seems to think I am one so could this be my badge?!
Apartment Keys- These are the keys to the apartment I was found in. They were found in the dining room where I usually keep mine….
Cellphone- A new cell phone, the kind always wanted but is too expensive for me to pay for with my meager salary. However, it is both my taste and even has my usual password.
Bus Pass- A bus ticket that allows a person access to any bus in LA. Prosecutors receive a free one as one of their perks.
Logic Cards:
Cause of Death- the victim died by strangulation
Victim Profile - Dr. Summers was an English professor and vice-head of her English department. Perhaps that's a reason why she died?
Witness testimony- Eleanor's testimony confirms the victim was alive until around 10 pm the night of the murder. Eleanor was awake in her room grading papers until 12 am. I don't know if there is a way to determine if she truly was there all night.
time of discovery- the body was found at 6 am so the victim died at either 8 pm or 10 pm and 6 am (according to the times on Eleanor's watch)
time of death?- The victim died sometime after either 8 pm or 10 pm. Until we know if Eleanor's watch is correct, I can't confirm her time of death.