PHOENIX WRIGHT ACE ATTORNEY: GLOBAL OPERATION

~~~ EPISODE 3: PASSING OF THE TURNABOUT ~~~
~~~ PART 2: FLASHBACK INVESTIGATION 1 ~~~

It was probably two weeks ago when I went to Khura'in. It was my first time to step into the kingdom, but I knew that Prosecutor Sahdmadhi would meet me there. Attorney Devine Lopper and I had gone over the plan one more time the evening before we left.

The Angelique residence was a modest two-story home which Seraph inherited, located in a prominent neighborhood some thirty minutes away from the city proper. As the sole breadwinner, Seraph sometimes struggled to make her ends meet due to the demands of her job, but being an international prosecutor helped her family go by especially during tough times.

Seraph lived with her two younger siblings. The youngest was asleep in his bedroom. The other younger sibling was probably pulling an all-nighter, something concerning for her age.

It was almost eleven in the evening when Seraph brought her things to the living room. The flight was scheduled at two in the morning. If there were no stopovers, she would arrive in Khura'in around mid-morning local time. Despite the ten-hour flight, the fact that they were traveling with the sun meant that time would move slower than usual.

To prepare for the trip, she did a little research on the Kingdom of Khura'in. She had never been in the country, but she knew through the official travel website that the nation was rooted in faith and culture. During her research, she was interested to find out that it did not have an active ruler but was also surprised that her contact, Nahyuta Sahdmadhi, acted as the regent to the Royal Family. After dabbling a little into the kingdom's history of tyranny, Seraph had printed a travel brochure that pointed out some sights and sounds. If work wasn't very demanding, she would have some time looking around.

("It wasn't always this quiet.")

The semi-darkness of the living room felt unsettling for Seraph. The impending investigation did little to ease her fears, especially she would have to leave her two younger siblings behind. Seraph knew what she had to do.

"Grace," she called aloud.

Her younger sister looked almost exactly like Seraph except that her hair was tied in a ponytail. She looked to be in her mid-teens. When she was called from her bedroom, she was holding a pencil in her left hand. Grace also had a paintbrush lodged above her left ear.

"Yeah, what is it?"

Seraph picked up her satchel. "I won't be home for a few days."

Grace pouted and sighed. "You're traveling again? Why can't you stay in one spot even for a week?"

The elder sister put a gentle hand on her younger sister's head and brushed it gently. "It's a part of my job, love. Now don't forget to do your work, okay?"

Grace nodded. "Sure, sis. Oh, and say hi to that attorney for me, okay?"

Seraph smirked. During her trial against Mercury, she had brought her sister to the courthouse. While she did not secure the victory, she was told that she had an impressive performance. During the off time, Seraph and Mercury happened to bump into each other outside the courthouse where Seraph introduced her younger sister to Mercury. Since then, she thought that her younger sister had some sort of infatuation.

("Kids these days sometimes get the wrong impression. I'm sure they'll meet again.")

"You always seem to be engrossed in your job," Grace said worriedly. "Don't you have time for other personal matters?"

"Such as?"

"I don't know… romance?"

Seraph sighed. ("Not this again…") Knowing that she wouldn't be able to leave until her sister's inquiries were satisfied, Seraph put down her satchel. "Listen, love. I told you that this is the path that I chose. And I already told you the reason years ago, remember?"

Grace glanced at a photo hanging on a wall. "It's mom, right?"

Seraph nodded. "Until then, I won't be able to focus on anything else until I know what happened."

My personal crusade involves my missing mother. My father died due to cancer when I was still young. As I was growing up, my mother went missing while on the job. This was almost ten years ago. I still don't know where she is. She could be dead by now.

"Promise me you won't get into trouble, okay?"

Seraph smiled gently. "I promise, love. I'll be in contact if I can."

("As much as I don't want to get into trouble, it's trouble that somehow gets to me.")

She made some final reminders about always going with her brother to school and coming home on time. Seraph had already briefed her siblings on what to do in case of emergencies and had a close neighbor keep close contact.

"Won't you see the artwork I made before you go? You know, just to lighten you up a little."

("Your artwork always impresses me.")

"Alright, I'll bite."

Excitedly, Grace rushed back to her bedroom. Within ten seconds, she emerged from her bedroom with a sketchpad. Grace flipped it open and showed the content to her sister.

("Wow… this is…")

Grace smiled. "It's a sketch when you were in court that day."

While she was always impressed with her younger sister's artistic ability, she could not have been prouder. It was a sketch that depicted Seraph in the courtroom as she faced off with Mercury. On the left side of the sketch was Seraph as she outstretched her arm while making a constructive point. On the other side of the sketch was an opponent, depicting to be Mercury based on his physical features. The witness stand had the witness wearing what seemed to be a lab coat, which Seraph interpreted as the defendant during the last case she handled.

"It's really, really detailed," complimented Seraph. "And I… I really appreciate the time you took to draw this." She paused for a moment. "Can I have this?"

Without hesitation, Grace answered. "Sure! I can always draw some more." She tore off the page carefully and gave it to her sister.

Courtroom Battle Sketch kept.

("My sister has incredible photographic memory. Just let her look at something for the first time and she'll produce a perfect reproduction of it into art.")

"I really have to go now," said Seraph almost hurriedly. "I might be late for my flight if I stay around longer."

Grace nodded. "Alright, sis. Take care."

Seraph leaned in and hugged her younger sister. "Do take care too. Don't forget to brush your teeth before sleeping, okay?"

Grace saluted before she retreated to her bedroom.

With the evening silence around the Angelique residence, Seraph did one more visual check around the place. Her eyes rested on the unfinished chess game in the living room table before her younger brother retired to sleep.

Then in one last inspection, her eyes rested on the photo of their mother. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands in prayer. ("Mother, wherever you are, I hope you are well. If you have already departed from us, please guide me along the way.") After concluding the prayer, Seraph picked up her satchel and her traveling bag before she exited her home.

September 23; 9:30 AM
International Airport; Kingdom of Khura'in

Named after the once-fugitive Dhurke Sahdmadhi, the international airport was renamed in his honor for paving the country to a new age. Since the year that passed as well as sweeping reforms throughout the kingdom, the country's prosperity soared significantly, boosting its economy and status and, in turn, the morale of the people. Spirituality and faith were still strong among its citizens, but the modern life was slowly catching up with them.

However, the place was in disarray. With very limited access in and out of the country, Seraph and Devine were lucky to have entered the country in one piece. A week ago, the kingdom nearly fell into ruin at the hands of guerrilla forces from the north. It only ended when the Khura'in monarchy asked help from the neighboring Zheng Fa, an even smaller country with an even smaller army. Despite the little provided additional advantage, the combined forced managed to quell the uprising of the guerrilla forces.

With the acting regent busy tending to official matters in the kingdom, it was up to Seraph Angelique and Devine Lopper to investigate. They were to meet with another defense attorney in the place.

The stench of battle had not yet subsided, but reconstruction was swift. The collaborative effort and the spirit of Khura'in compelled and urged the people to rebuild what was damaged to get on with their lives.

Seraph and Devine exited the airport when they were called. A man in his mid-thirties wearing a Khura'inese formal suit clad in brown and khaki signaled the two lawyers. It was their meetup.

"Attorney Saubhala," said Devine.

The man did a bow by joining his hands and twirling his fingers so that a visible circle between the fingers would show the magatama as part of his necklace. It was the Khura'in bow.

"Call me Ha'khim," the attorney said graciously.

("Ha'khim Saubhala is one of the few defense attorneys who returned to Khura'in after the revolution. He also helped in the revolution, so I heard.")

"Hap'piraki, and welcome to Khura'in," Ha'khim stretched his arm to the direction of the kingdom skyline, where a majestic building stood atop a plateau. His voice was light and composed. "While here, you will find your soul and spirit enlightened by the grace of the Holy Mother, who all of its residents revere and adore."

Devine smiled. "But I don't see how the Holy Mother has brought the place into such disarray."

A normal Khura'inese would feel offended at Devine's words, but Ha'khim remained his cool attitude. "I see that you Americans prefer the blunt way out."

Despite the cultural difference, Devine chuckled.

("So her bluntness is nothing different for any foreigner…")

Ha'khim turned to Seraph. "And this lady?"

Seraph bowed and introduced herself. "I am Seraph Angelique, international prosecutor."

Whether it was shock or impression, Ha'khim exclaimed, "Pohlkunka! A defense attorney and a prosecuting attorney traveling on the same plane."

Devine shrugged. "Oh ho, my faithful friend. It's how us Americans prefer the blunt way out."

The Khura'inese attorney seemed excited. "Oh, but you will see. Come, my friends. We shall make haste to the Ministry."

Seraph and Devine were escorted to a gray van, a butterfly etched onto its door. When asked about the butterfly, Ha'khim explained that the butterfly was the national animal of Khura'in. "It is known as the mitamah and believed to accompany departed souls to the afterlife."

"I guess this van's taking us there, huh?" Devine joked.

Seraph felt slightly uncomfortable. She knew that her elder friend would always crack a joke or two during pleasantries, but she hoped that it would not come close or pass the barrier of being offensive. Still, she remained quiet. ("I feel like Devine's letting us get closer to the afterlife, even my sanity could be coming to its limit.")

On the ride through the city, Ha'khim relayed the events that happened. "A group of rebels reside in the northern edge of the kingdom," he started. "At first, the kingdom thought them to be forces resisting the new ruler. However, a raid into one of the hideouts brought this."

The Khura'inese attorney produced a picture from his coat pocket and showed it to the two attorneys. Devine looked puzzled. Seraph seemed curious.

"What is this?" Devine asked.

Ha'khim shrugged. "It looks like a weapon of something unusual. The Khura'in government had this confiscated. It is with the police as we speak."

Seraph turned to Ha'khim. "I hope they figure out what it is."

"I fear that with our limited know how, they don't even know what it is," remarked Ha'khim.

("That's going to be a big problem, I believe.")

Devine received the photograph and inspected it. She remarked that it had the makings of a sniper rifle but the barrel that fired supposed bullets were too large. When asked about her knowledge of weaponry, Devine answered that she had some training using weapons when studying ballistics during her criminology undergraduate course. She gave the photograph to Seraph after her inspection.

Photo of Unusual Weapon received from Ha'khim.

"Now let's get to serious business," said Ha'khim. "Our limited knowledge with this technology that we are up against is hindering the kingdom in its progress."

Devine interrupted. "I thought you guys wanted to keep life simple."

Ha'khim smiled. "Of course. Simplicity is one of the roots of Khura'inism. But we cannot be expected to live to the fullest with what we have right now."

"So, I take it that the country is trying to adapt to modern technology?" Seraph inquired.

"That is correct, madam Seraph," affirmed Ha'khim. "Now, almost half of all the residents are being taught how to use a computer. This also being one of the forefront programs brought by the legal revolution. But we are getting ourselves too far…"

Ha'khim steered the conversation back to the main issue. He said that the re-introduction of tourists into the country has made the nation into the world map, making it more recognizable over time. He expressed his concerns that the nation's continuous economic boost has made it a target for insurgents and rebels to take advantage of its growth.

"But it doesn't explain the existence of this unusual weapon, whatever it is," said Devine almost agitatedly.

"Please calm down, madam Devine," pleaded Ha'khim. "There are no clear theories in the meantime how these rebels got their hands on such a piece of technology. But we are hoping that Prosecutor Sahdmadhi will help us make sense of this."

("I hope it's not something that would create mass destruction.")

The van passed by a neighborhood that suffered major damage in the recent raid. There were people scraping by and getting on with their lives, but the evidence of people out in the streets and looking like they had no place to go made the two visiting attorneys worried.

"These people," Seraph muttered. Words ultimately failed her to describe the state of the people living in a condition, their homes tethered in ruins.

Ha'khim shook his head slowly, looking despondent at the view outside. "I can do so little for them right now. But the sooner we get into the heart of the matter, the more we can move forward to help our people."

Devine smiled and nodded. "What admirable heart, my friend."

Ten minutes later, the van arrived in front of a majestic courtyard. Ha'khim led and escorted the two attorneys out of the van and into the spectacle. He introduced the two of them to the place as Tehm'pul Temple (which Devine tried to hold some laughter) and pointed out the buildings that led to the Royal Palace and the High Court of Khura'in, where court sessions were held. The tour was cut short when the three attorneys and a few escorting guards entered the Royal Palace.

September 23
Khura'in Royal Palace – Audience Chamber

("Wow… this place is magnificent compared to the rest outside.")

Seraph was not wrong in her observation. Clad in green and good, the Royal Palace audience chamber held the throne of Khura'in's highest authority. Ha'khim said that the seat was currently managed by the former queen as a Grand Regent to the current queen.

"So the queen is only fifteen years old?" Devine asked, surprised.

Ha'khim nodded slowly. "She is young, but wise. The history of Khura'in is tainted with blood and unjust laws." He then spread out an arm, gesturing the two attorneys forward to meet the queen.

Queen Rayfa Padma Khura'in stood up from her seat. Dressed in the garbs as queen, tailor-made delicately to match her short stature, the queen stepped down from her throne and personally approached the visitors, with Nahyuta Sahdmadhi behind her.

Ha'khim stepped forward past the two attorneys, genuflected, and bowed down. The two other attorneys did the same.

"Your Eminence," Ha'khim started, his voice mellow and formal. "I have brought the visitors."

Queen Rayfa smiled. "I understand they are attorneys. Do not worry, I bear no ill will from them anymore."

("Anymore?")

When Queen Rayfa gestured them to stand, all three attorneys stood.

"Hap'piraki and welcome to Khura'in," Queen Rayfa said to them. "It is good to have good relations with a superpower nation such as yours, for it will benefit the Kingdom's investigation."

"Y-Your Eminence," started Seraph. "It is our pleasure."

("It's so awkward and frightening to be in the presence of a majesty… who's just so young.")

"While we are in personal matters, feel free to call me Rayfa," she said. "I am, like you, getting used to these matters."

Nahyuta Sahdmadhi approached the two visiting attorneys and shook their hands as he introduced himself. "You may already know me as Nahyuta Sahdmadhi. I thank you for accepting the invitation to be here. From one international prosecutor to another," he directed it to Seraph, "it is a great honor."

"Nahyuta is the Chief Prosecutor but in acting capacity," said Ha'khim.

Devine smiled. "Makes me envious to see young blood step in charge. I'm almost twice as old as you are… if I may add."

Seraph felt embarrassed, but Nahyuta smiled.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they were led to a table piled with papers, photographs, news clippings from local and foreign (printed-out) newspapers, and some machinery parts. The table was situated in a room off to the side of the audience chamber. Two Royal Guardsmen stood in defense while Queen Rayfa and the attorneys gathered for the meeting.

"Nahyuta, if you will," signaled Rayfa.

To great surprise of Seraph and Devine, Nahyuta reached under the table and brought out a projector. While he set up the presentation, Ha'khim explained to the attorneys that Rayfa found it necessary for the country to slowly adapt to technology – under advice from a defense attorney named Apollo Justice. Seraph had heard of the man during her research into the country. In three minutes, the projector, a laptop, and a rolling screen were already set up for Nahyuta to use and control.

"I will begin by showing a small history," started Nahyuta as he began his presentation. He was holding a device that would let the presentation move from one part to the next. "The history of Khura'in is a bloody one hidden by a façade of tranquility and faith."

The history was spellbinding for Devine and Seraph. With fluent storytelling and smooth transitioning, Nahyuta outlined the events that the kingdom had gone through in its legal revolution; he also showed the mugshot of the former queen turned prisoner.

("History is not my strongest subject, but this one was definitely fascinating.")

Nahyuta continued his presentation by showing the monarchy's efforts in stopping small groups of resistances. Some of these groups were rehabilitated and showed support to the new regime after Rayfa's first imposition of a financial and work assistance, which surprised Nahyuta on the Queen's astuteness.

"And within the past three months, our kingdom has faced a new resistance… one that was still difficult to control."

His presentation now flashed a logo and solid letters that read "INCOGNITO." Nahyuta explained that the hideout raid managed to capture the picture on a banner. "We think that this group is of Khura'inese origin, strangely enough," he expressed. Nahyuta presented that an upside-down triangle in Khura'inism meant imbalance and that the logo had identifying Khura'in features. "As of now, we are unable to find out their true motive and even the mastermind."

"Incognito, huh," muttered Seraph, her attention focused on the logo.

"What's the kingdom's current action?" Devine asked. Though she knew the answer from Ha'khim's briefing during the ride, she wanted to hear it straight from the authority.

"We're currently gathering intelligence," answered Rayfa.

Seraph presented the picture of the unusual weapon. "And I believe this is the only one so far?"

Nahyuta nodded.

Devine stood up and paced up and down the tableside. "And… what about the recent raid in the kingdom? Did they have anything to do with it?"

Rayfa looked at Nahyuta, who had his eyes closed.

"We are not sure," answered Nahyuta. "Given the situation, it would seem so. But we don't have proof of their involvement."

Devine stopped pacing and turned to Seraph. "Then I guess that's our first order of business here, huh?"

Ha'khim smiled. "Very astute, my blunt American friend."

Devine chuckled. "Ho hoh. For someone as senile as me, I hope you can keep up at it when you start growing some hair."

Seraph sighed. ("I hope I don't have to be full of personality when my hair starts graying.")

The courtesy call ended some fifteen minutes later with a wrap-up and a situation check. Ha'khim would continue the relief effort in the village while Nahyuta and Rayfa remained in the kingdom to gather more intelligence on the field operation.

("Looks like we'll have to go around and ask some people. It might be despondent to others, given the situation. But who can we start talking to?")

"You will find that the people of Khura'in are resilient," Rayfa said to them in parting. "Just as we open our heart and souls to the Holy Mother, so do we open our minds to opinion."

"I guess that'll make our work slightly easier, huh?" Devine asked Seraph.

"Maybe," answered Seraph.

("So, I'll have to trust my instincts on this. The bad news is… I'm not exactly very open. I let my tongue loose in the courtroom.")

September 23
High Court of Khura'in

("It was best that Devine and I went on our separate ways for now so we can gather information separately. Devine and Ha'khim went to the city proper. My footsteps led me here to their courts. I have done some research on their trial system. Divination Séance. Pool of Souls. Unusual, to say the least. But fair.")

Unfortunately for her, there was no scheduled trial to be held that day. She had hoped to be a spectator in the gallery and watch whatever would be scheduled. It would have made a great field trip for her, according to what she thought.

("A little unfortunate to not see the court system in action… but at least I don't have the luxurious pressure of preparing for a case.")

There were a few people in the courthouse. Although Seraph didn't know some of them, she knew that some of them were clad as defense attorneys and prosecutors based on their badges. One prosecutor stopped and questioned her, to which Seraph made a cover story by doing a field trip for some international study.

("It looks like they don't realize I'm an international prosecutor. I guess not all the news from abroad has reached here. I'll use that to my advantage in getting information.")

Seraph decided that, in the chance that someone recognized her, she would change her hair arrangement. Using a hair tie she, somehow, had with her, Seraph tied her hair into a ponytail, a contrary look to how she would let her hair naturally fall. To make the semi-disguise more believable, she would need to change a little bit of her clothing and use some fake glasses, which she instinctively thought she would buy at some bazaar.

("Anyway, it's not like I'm in trouble for anything. I'll just have a good look around… but the longer I walk, the more I feel like I'm being stared… or being watched.")

Seraph pretended to read bulletin boards plastered around the courthouse. Unfortunately for her, she knew nothing about the Khura'inese writing or the kingdom's mother tongue. There were a few English notices in the board, but none of them interested her.

("It doesn't seem that I'll find anyone who can help me.")

Just before she can turn around to come up with a new destination, someone spoke.

"Excuse me, can I help?"

Seraph slowly turned around to address the caller.

("Despite the disguise attempt, someone still managed to possibly identify me in a foreign place?")

She was face-to-face with a young local, probably around ten or eleven years old. He was wearing what looked to be a spiritual outfit, but Seraph thought that his outfit also seemed native. The boy had a diamond-shaped mark between his eyebrows. What caught Seraph off-guard was a dog, a Tibetan Mastiff, nesting on the boy's head. The dog was wagging its tail and had its tongue out while panting.

"Uh, h-hello." Seraph started.

("I am NOT good with children.")

"I don't think you're from around here," said the energetic boy, unfazed at Seraph's intimidating-looking clothing style. "Are you an attorney, by any chance?"

Seraph looked around for a moment. "Uh, yes. I am a prosecutor."

The boy blinked. "P-Prosecutor, you say?" He observed Seraph's clothing. "But I don't see a badge on you, miss."

("This boy is so perceptive for his age. I best be careful… But then again, I don't think he'll single me out for something undesirable.")

Seraph decided to go along and use her cover story. She smiled. "I'm a foreign prosecutor. I'm here on a study trip. I heard that this nation's legal system makes for a good case study."

The boy didn't seem convinced. "Hmm… it's nice for foreigners to study our courts. But our town was just hit by rebels and the airport's limited." He squinted. "Did you come here for business?"

("If I were a witness, I'd be quaking in my boots. Could this boy be a lawyer's relative?")

"Anyway, I do believe you're not from around here." He did the traditional Khura'inese bow, which Seraph instinctively responded. "I'm not going to report you for anything."

Seraph sighed as she and the boy sat on a nearby sofa. She decided to tell the truth. Maybe the innocence and hindsight of this boy would help her in the information-gathering. "I am a prosecutor, and I was called here to assist on some… work-related matter. Nahyuta and I are acquainted."

The boy nodded as he produced two packets of a local snack bun from his satchel.

Seraph leaned in. "Is Nahyuta respected here?"

"Respected? He's revered!" the boy had to keep himself from exclaiming. His focus quickly shifted to the snack buns. "Here. Have some magatah'man. It's a sweet bun."

("Hmm… doesn't help to try out something new. I do like sweets.")

A little hesitant, Seraph accepted the snack bun. She pocketed it while the boy excitedly munched on it and fed a little portion of it to his dog.

"Won't your dog get sick from the sweetness of the bun?" Seraph asked, concerned.

"Don't worry, it's not chocolate," answered the boy. The dog leaped from his head and rested on the lap. "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name's Ahlbi. I'm a monk-in-training."

"I'm Seraph. What's a monk-in-training doing in the courthouse?"

Ahlbi looked around. "I'm looking for a friend. I thought I might find him here, but I think he might have left early." He leaned on the wall behind him and folded his arms as he turned to his new friend. "When did you arrive?"

"Just today," answered Seraph.

"Alone?"

"Uh… with a friend."

She waited for Ahlbi to possibly pepper her with more questions but was pleasantly surprised to hear none. Her attention shifted to the adorable puppy observing Seraph while wagging its tail. "So… this is a Tibetan Mastiff, I believe…?"

"Wow, you know a lot about dogs," said Ahlbi happily.

"N-Not really," responded Seraph. "What's the name?"

Ahlbi gently carried his dog and stood up from the sofa. "His name's Shah'do. He likes to stay in my head as I move around." He sighed. "I think he'll need a new space since he's growing up fast."

"Don't you keep him in a leash?"

Ahlbi shook his head. "Shah'do hates it."

"I… I see."

The young, energetic boy gestured Seraph to follow him. "It's your first time here in Khura'in, right? Come with me, I'll show you around."

Seraph slowly stood up from the sofa as he followed Ahlbi out from the courthouse. As she followed her young guide's steps, she pondered on the safety of her siblings she left behind at home. In a way, the energetic boy ran parallel to her younger brother's quiet but calculated personality, and the parallel resemblances tugged a little in her heart. However, she remained focused in the mission. If she wanted the information, she would need to know more about the place first-hand.

("Maybe I should reconsider my strategy. The more knowledge I have on the lay of the land, the better equipped I will be when I strike.")

Author's Notes: Yes, Seraph Angelique, my OC prosecutor, will have a dedicated investigation (and possibly a dedicated trial). This is necessary for us to understand what's happening on the other side for Phoenix to build his case. If Phoenix has his Magatama for investigation, Seraph will have... just her wits. I plan to use one of Edgeworth's investigation arsenal for hers as well.

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