My final chapter for this case, then a whole new one starting next chapter. And also, a special announcement at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 25: Turnabout Goodbyes Part 5
December 28, 9:51 AM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2
'Well,' Phoenix thought to himself, 'This is it. The last day. And it feels too much like judgement day.' He turned to where Labrys was using her hand as a discharger to help Maya stop shocking everyone she came in contact with. He then looked over to Edgeworth, who was looking incredibly glum. Soon enough, Gumshoe walked into the lobby. "Good news, pal. I found and captured our runaway caretaker, as promised." "Thanks Gumshoe," Phoenix said, "Now we just to prove his true identity in court. Though after that..." He closed his eyes. "We may still be in for an uphill battle." Wright thought he felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but when he turned around there was no one there.
December 28, 10:00 AM
District Court
Courtroom No. 3
The judge banged his gavel to start the procedings. "Court is now in session for the trial of Miles Edgeworth. I assume both parties are ready? As we all know, this is the final permitted day of trial. Therefore, the prosecution must submit decisive evidence. Mr. Von Karma, your opening statement." "Right," Von Karma said, "Thanks to Detective Gumshoe, we now have the boat rental shop caretaker in custody. In yesterday's trial, the defense asserted that it was the caretaker who murderer Hammond. However, the caretaker has yet to confirm this. I would ask that the defense cross-examine the caretaker as much as necessary."
The judge nodded. "Very well then." The caretaker was brought in, as sleepy as ever. The judge banged his gavel hard to wake the man up. "Now then, witness," the judge said, "Yesterday you had run out the courtroom for some reason. Would you care to testify as your reasons?" "Oh," the caretaker said, "Er, I'm really sorry about just leaving yesterday like I did. But I wasn't running away or nothing. I, uh, went to buy some food for Polly, see... I figured I got nothing to do with this incident anyhow."
"HOLD IT!," Phoenix called out, "You've lost much of your memory, is that correct?" The caretaker nodded, prompting Phoenix to slam his hands on the bench. "Then how can you claim to have nothing to do with this incident?" The caretaker seemed confused. "Or perhaps," Phoenix asserted, "You've been lying about losing your memories?" "OBJECTION!," Von Karma called out, "The witness has already testified quite clearly about losing his memories. If you wish to assert otherwise, you will have to provide proof."
"I actually do have a bit of proof," Phoenix said, and he brought out the letter. "TAKE THAT! During her investigation, Labrys was able to open the caretaker's safe and found this letter inside. It implies getting revenge on both the defendant and the victim." To his surprise, Von Karma did not object to Phoenix bringing it out, so for now he left out the fact that it was Von Karma who wrote it to use as a trump card. "But why would the caretaker want revenge on these two people?," the judge asked. "Simple," Phoenix said, pointing his finger at the caretaker, "Because the caretaker is actually... Yanni Yogi!"
"OBJECTION!," Von Karma called out, "Jumping to conclusions again, are we Wright? And what proof can you provide to you ridiculous claim?" "None right now," Pheonix said, "But it can easily be proven. All we'd need to do is check the victims fingerprints." Von Karma simply waved his finger. "Sorry, but that's impossible. The witness has no fingerprints to speak of. His previous job was at a chemical plant, and while on the job an accident burned his fingerprints clean off."
Pheonix slumped. "Is that true Labrys?" Labrys smiled. "No... It's not. Your Honor, it is possible that the witness may still have fingerprints, assuming the accident was around a year ago." "Oh," Von Karma chuckled, "And why would that be?" "I wouldn't expect someone who hasn't studied all fassets of human biology to know this," Labrys said, "But it is possible for fingerprints to grow back. After all, they are a part of the epidermis, the top-most layer of the skin. And the epidermis is constatnly getting repaired as old skin cells die and flake off. Now from the looks of this witness, he hasn't been near any dangerous chemicals for a while now. So assuming this accident of yours didn't happen yesterday, then his fingerprints would likely have grown back."
From the look of disbelief on Von Karma's face, he hadn't thought of that. "Well then," the judge said, "It looks as though we can check the caretaker's fingerprints to discern his identity after all." The bailiff hurried out with the caretaker's fingerprints. The look of worry on Von Karma's face felt very satisfying to Phoenix, and made him think that his theory was in fact correct. Sure enough, the bailiff came back a few minutes later with the results. The judge checked them and said, "Well now, it appears the defense is correct. The caretaker's prints are a match to Yanni Yogi's."
Hearing this, the caretaker dropped the act and stood up straight. "Well, that's it then, isn't it?," he said in a surprisingly clear and coherent voice. "Well now," the judge said, "This is an interesting change in you witness. So then, would you please reintroduce yourself to the court." Yogi nodded. "I am indeed Yanni Yogi, the court bailiff from 15 years ago. And yes, I was the one who killed Robert Hammond, and then tried to frame Miles Edgeworth for it."
He looked down sadly. "15 years ago, Hammond said I should pretend to be mentally unsound. Said that would get me innocent. Of course, I really was innocent, but Hammond didn't believe me. We may have won that day, but I lost everything. I got fired, my beloved fiancee Polly commited suicide... Everything I had in life was gone. The only job I could find was as a boat shop caretaker. And even then, only because I was pretending to be someone I wasn't. I had to play crazy, just enough so that I wouldn't get locked up but that no one would realize who I was, for 15 long years. Then a few days ago, I recieved a package, a letter, and a gun."
"And this was the letter presented in court not too long ago, yes?," the judge asked. Yogi nodded. "The entire plan was laid out in the letter. I didn't care who sent it, my only thought was finally getting revenge for that day." "One thing I don't understand," the judge said, "Horrible as it is, I could understand why you would want revenge against Hammond. But why Edgeworth?" Yogi closed his eyes. "I'm not at liberty to say. You should speak to Edgeworth about that." And with that, he was lead out of the courtroom by the bailiff to face his own trial.
"Your Honor," Von Karma said, "I believe I can provide some insight as to why Yogi would want revenge on Edgeworth. There is the possibility that Edgeworth may have in fact murdered his own father that day in the elevator, albiet not on purpose. Since this is the last day the case can remain open, I recommend we have it retried." Phoenix looked over to Labrys, who nodded. "No objections from the defense Your Honor." The judge nodded his head. "Very well then, I suppose it is high time we put that case to rest. But first, a brief recess I think, to calm everyone's nerves. We will recess for five minutes, and then reconvene." He banged his gavel.
December 28, 2:24 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2
"I know what you're going to say Edgeworth," Phoenix said as he looked through the Court Record, "But I don't believe in your 'nightmare' at all. There's a few things I find off about your version of events. As much as you believe you killed your father, I think there may in fact be another explanation." Edgeworth sighed. "Very well Wright. I hope you know what you're doing." In the back of his mind, Phoenix kept hearing what sounded like Mia saying, "Wright... He took it... He had to take it..."
December 28, 2:30 PM
District Court
Courtroom No. 3
"Now that we have reconvened," the judge said, "Perhaps we should get on with the trial. Mr. Von Karma?" Von Karma nodded. "Naturally the best course of action would be to have the defendant testify as to his actions on that day. I realize a confession is useless without pertinent evidence, but I think it will be a good start." "Of course," the judge said, "Let's try to do this quickly but accurately. This is the last day the DL-6 case can be tried after all. Mr. Edgeworth?" Edgeworth nodded. "That day, I had gone to the courtroom to observe one of my father's trials. As we left to leave, an earthquake struck, trapping us in the elevator. My father and Mr. Yogi lost their composure, and began to argue. Just then, something heavy fell at my feet. I picked it up, and threw it at Mr. Yogi. I wanted them to stop fighting. A moment later there was a single gunshot, then a scream."
"OBJECTION!," Phoenix called out, "Are you sure you only heard one gunshot?" "Yes," Edgeworth said, "First there was the gunshot, then the scream. After that, I passed out." "Then perhaps you should take a look at the DL-6 file," Phoenix said, "Specifically, the victim section. In it, it states that the murder weapon was fired twice. Now we know from the autopsy report that Gregory Edgeworth did indeed die from a single gunshot wound. However, I have my doubts that this shot was the one that went off when Edgeworth threw the gun."
"OBJECTION!," Von Karma called out, "What proof do you have that this second gunshot has anything to do with this incident?" "Easy," Phoenix said, and he brought out the DL-6 photo, "This is a photograph of the scene of the crime from fifteen years ago. Take a close look at the window of the elevator." He tapped the obvious bullet hole. "This hole is proof that the second gunshot is relevant. Assuming of course, the two gunshot trajectories don't match up." Von Karma smiled. "I'll grant this much Wright, they don't match up. However, you should know that according to the same file you presented not half a minute ago, no other evidence was found at the crime scene that day. No second bullet whatsoever."
Phoenix recalled the words he had heard during the recess. "Then... Perhaps the killer took it." "Ridiculous," Von Karma said, "How could the killer have found it when the forsensics team couldn't?" "They may not have been aware they had taken it," Phoenix said, "But it was something they had to take... Since they had no choice!" The judge got what Phoenix was driving at. "Are you saying... The killer had been shot? But Edgeworth didn't have a single mark on him, and neither did Yogi." "I know it sounds crazy," Phoenix said, "But if we make that assumption, it opens up the possibilty of another suspect."
"Nick," Maya said, "I just though of something. After the incident, Von Karma took a vacation." That reminder made Phoenix think of something. "Your Honor, in light of this knowledge, I would like to indict a new suspect in the DL-6 murder... Manfred von Karma!" "What?!," Von Karma said. "You took a vacation almost immediately after the DL-6 incident," Phoenix said, "Which lasted for several months. Tell me, why does a man almost obssesed with perfection actually take a vacation, even after a traumatic event such as this? Further, there's something I've kept quiet about until now. The letter to Yogi... Was confirmed to have been written by your hand!"
Von Karma smiled. "An admittedly solid bit of logic. However, where is the proof? If I had been shot as you claim, then perhaps you be would willing to present the doctor I went to." Now it was Phoenix who smiled. "Nice try, but we both know there is no doctor. That would create a witness, and a man like you would try to make as little evidence as possible, rather than try to clean it up afterwards. I'm betting the bullet is still embedded in you. And I have just the thing to prove it." He brought out the metal detector. "This was lent to us by the police department as part of our investigation. It's standard issue, so it's very accurate."
Von Karma started to sweat. "Your Honor, I demand a recess for the day be taken at once!" "No can do, I'm afraid," Labrys said, smiling, "This is both the last day of trial as allowed by the Initial Trial System, and the last day the DL-6 case can remain open." "She's right Mr. Von Karma," the judge said, "I'm afriad you will simply have to submit to this." Sure enough, when Phoenix held the metal detector near Von Karma's shoulder, it went off. "Seems you have something in there," Phoenix said, "And I'd be willing to bet it's a bullet." Von Karma cleared his throat. "Well, it proves nothing. You see, I had been shot in the shoulder long before the DL-6 case."
"Actually," Phoenix said, "I can prove otherwise." Von Karma sneered. "Impossible. You don't have any of the DL-6 evidence." Phoenix smiled. "Actually, I do." Von Karma raised his eyebrow and dropped his smile. "What?" "You were close," Phoenix said, "One day away from freedom. Who would have thought you'd dig your own grave trying to convict Edgeworth." He brought out the DL-6 bullet. "TAKE THAT!" Von Karma was stunned. "Where did you get that?!" "Maya managed to grab it off you when you used that stun gun on us in the evidence locker," Phoenix said, "It's been perfectly preserved for almost 15 years."
"Then this is the same bullet that was taken from Gregory Edgeworth's heart?," the judge asked. Labrys nodded. "And it has the ballistic markings still intact, meaning it could easily be used to verify where the bullet in Von Karma's shoulder came from. And chances are, it'll very likely come from the same gun that killed Gregory Edgeworth." Feeling utterly cornered, Von Karma let out a horrendous scream. The scream caused Edgeworth's eyes to widen. "That scream... I'd remember it anywhere... I've been hearing it in my dreams for the last 15 years. So it is true... Von Karma... You were the one who killed my father!"
Von Karma, enraged, began slamming his head against the back wall. "Damn you Edgeworth! Only you would dare defy me! You and your father are my eternal curse! Your father, shamed me with a mark on my otherwise flawless record! You... You left a deep scar that never heal!" The truth of that became obvious to all present. After being penalized by the chief prosecutor, Von Karma had stumbled around in a daze until he reached the evidence locker. It was at that moment when the earthquake hit. In the resulting darkness, Von Karma had wandered until he found himself in front of the elevator door.
As he waited for the lights to come on, a shot rang out, and he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. It was so sudden that he cried out in agony, which was the scream Edgeworth had heard after throwing the gun. When the lights came on and the elevator door opened, Von Karma saw Gregory, Miles, and Yogi lying unconscious on the floor, the pistol at his feet. To him it was the perfect crime. No witnesses, no evidence. He simply picked up the pistol and shot Gregory in the heart. This was the real reason why Gregory's spirit had lied during the channeling; he did not truly know who had killed him. His naming of Yanni Yogi was an educated guess, since he knew his own son had actually missed when throwing the pistol.
"Well then Your Honor," Von Karma said after calming down, "I think it's time we end this charade." "Indeed," the judge said, as Von Karma was led away in handcuffs. The judge stroked his beard, his eyes closed. "It seems we've finally come to the end of this long maze. It seems Edgeworth, that you killing your father was just as you believed... A nightmare." Edgeworth smiled, relieved. "Yes... Yes it was." The judge nodded. "And so, this court hearby finds the defedant, Miles Edgeworth... NOT GUILTY!" He banged his gavel to finalize the trial. "Court is adjourned."
December 28, 5:38 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2
"Way to go Nick!," Maya said, "Did you see the look on Von Karma's face?! He was even paler than usual!" Edgeworth smiled. "You have my thanks Wright. I knew hiring you was the best decision. 15 long years, and now a great weight has fallen from my shoulders." "I just hope your nightmares finally end," Labrys said, "And that you go back to having that potential L spotted in you." Gumshoe slapped Phoenix on the back. "Great job pal! I knew you could do it! Let's celebrate! On me!" "I think I'd better foot the bill," Labrys said, "You're pretty much flat broke." "Oh yeah," Gumshoe said, looking dejected.
"Hey guys," Larry said as he came in, "I saw the whole thing from the gallery. Gotta say Nick, that really was something. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Edgey, this is for you." He handed Edgeworth an envelope filled with cash. "$38.00 total... Wait a minute..." Phoenix's eyes widened. "Wait, Larry was the one who stole your lunch money that day?!" Larry grinned sheepishly. "Well, yeah. Course afterward I felt bad about it and planned on returning it when I saw you and Edgey in that class trial. So I decided to stand up for you, Nick. After that I wound up forgetting all about the money."
Larry braced himself for his friends' next reaction, but to his surprise they both just laughed. "I should have known," Phoenix said, "Just as always, when something smells, it's usually the Butz." Just then, the door swung open and there came a call of, "Hey ya'll!" The group turned, and sure enough Lotta stood there in the doorway. "I saw the whole dang trial from the gallery. That was one impressive display there Mr. Wright." Phoenix rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I'll admit it was touch and go there for a bit, but we pulled through." "Oh hogwash," Lotta said, "No need to be so modest. In fact, I'd say this calls for a group picture to commemarete the occasion." As the group piled in for the photo, Lotta became confused by seeing Mia's ghost in the photo as well, but shrugged it off and took the picture anyway.
December 29, 5:02 PM
Wright & Co. Law Offices
"Are you sure you have to leave Maya?," Phoenix asked. Maya nodded. "I wasn't able to contact Sis to help you. I felt so useless the entire time." Phoenix sighed. "But you weren't useless. If you hadn't grabbed that bullet from Von Karma, we never could have won this case. I realize you still feel as if you need training, but just know that no matter what, you'll always be a valued member of this office, and good friend." Maya started tearing up. "Thanks Nick. And I promise I'll come back when my training is over." And with that, she walked out the door. 'I hope I see you again soon Maya,' Phoenix thought, 'But until then, I'll try to stay out of trouble.'
Next case: Turnabout Rising
Alright, finally. Sorry ending this took so long. Luckily, I have something to propel me through the next case, infamous for being the longest case in the entire series. Those who follow me may remember my recently completed story "A Few Simple Changes". Well, those changes were leading up to a new story I have called "Ace Attorney: Hunt for the Phantom" which is based of the reality game show "The Mole", season 5 specifically. Keep an eye out for it, as this new story will be somewhat interactive, and will conincide with Turnabout Rising in an intereting way. Until then, read and review.