AN: I've been looking forward to this for...years. I knew a long time ago, the ending of this chapter is what I wanted to see the results of. So, it's a little cathartic for me...though I'm curious to see how you guys take it lol.
After this, there will only be maybe 2 chapters left 3 tops before I move on to the next project as well as some new bonus chapters. As always, thank you for reading, reviewing, faving, following, it means a lot to me to have your support for such a long time as I've learned how to write in this period.
OBSERVER01: I'm rooting for Phoenix, but Lyn has her reasons...
TrilbyBard: Haha, Lyn does have her reasons. Well, you know Franziska, when she's set on something she's set on it until the end.
Jack54311: Naw...that's not much ground covered. Now it gets interesting. It will be revealed soon enough...she has her reasons hehe.
JordanPhoenix: Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed it! I didn't even notice that juxtaposition between sanity and insanity with Kristoph and Lyn lol. But Phoenix is always the king of turnabouts, no one can outslick him lol.
At first I wondered who it could be, but then I saw the zany Eva Green, with her thick wavy black hair that reminded me almost of a painter's brush. She was still wearing her blue scrubs and face mask, eyes covered by the round glasses. She was under 5'3 so the bailiff had to bring her a crate to stand on.
"Witness, state your name and occupation for the court."
"Eva Green, and I'm a dentist," she said with a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Before I have you testify about the events at the Oceanic, let us have your medical opinion on the matter of sleep aids."
"Oh?" the woman pulled back the stretchy material of her rubber gloves before releasing it to hear the loud slap sound against her skin. "In what sense? You mean of the drugged man, correct?"
"Yes, in his system was found three times the usual amount of sleeping pills in his blood stream after death. While you are not a doctor perse, you still use anesthesia in your practice, correct?"
"Indeed I do," she remarked taking out her water squirting, shooting out streams of water. "It's a very precise thing. Too little and during a serious operation the patient will wake up, too much and they could possibly die or be left with an array of medical issues. It's important to be as precise as possible."
"In this case, do you think that three times the usual amount of sleeping medication is enough to kill someone?"
"I would say it depends on who is the one receiving the medication first and foremost...however if the person is healthy without medical issues...that might not be enough to kill them. It's without a doubt enough to put someone to sleep for at least a few hours."
Franziska held the whip to her chest, with a smirk. "Thank you for your insight. This would further support my theory that the defendant merely wanted to pull a prank on the guard, as this dose isn't necessarily lethal."
(I have to find something in the testimony coming up. Or else.)
"I see," nodded the judge. "That would certainly illustrate the possibility of the defendant drugging the guard without wishing to induce real harm. Witness, could you now please testify now about the events on the night of the murder?"
-Witness Testimony-
-That Night-
-It had been a regular night.
-I had left work and decided I wanted to treat myself to something special, so I went to the Oceanic.
-I arrived around 6:30 PM and entered my private room.
-I relaxed for while before ordering any food.
-I ordered some around 7:45.
-When it finally arrived, I ate and then took a nap.
-By the time I woke up, I heard very peculiar sounds down the hall.
I hunched over on the bench, sweating.
(What...? Just what am I supposed to do with that? Did she even see anything?)
On the other side of the room Franziska was smirking. Had she planned it like this? So that nothing of use could be found?
"Well, Mr. Wright, you may begin your cross examination," said the judge expectantly.
"Thank you, Your Honor," I responded half listening.
Was there even anything to really cross examine? I shook my head as I pressed my hands into the bench.
(...No, there must be something. I have no choice but to find something!)
-Cross Examination-
-That Night-
-It had been a regular night.
-I had left work and decided I wanted to treat myself to something special, so I went to the Oceanic.
HOLD IT!
"What time did you leave work?" I asked trying to get a better picture.
"Around 5:30," she said slapping one of her gloves. "I work from 6AM all the way until then. So, usually I do not feel like doing any cooking myself. So..."
-I arrived around 6:30 PM and entered my private room.
HOLD IT!
"And where exactly was your room?"
"My room was the very first one you see when you walk down the hall of the VIP rooms," Eva remarked squiring some water from the surgical tool.
-I relaxed for while before ordering any food.
HOLD IT!
"So what did you do to relax?" I asked stroking my chin.
She started blushing as she placed a hand on the side of cheek. "I was looking at pictures of some new denture molds. The finest molds you could ever hope to get your hands on!"
"Dentures, you say?" said the judge. "I probably need some new ones soon."
Eva's blush deepened. "After trial, I'd be happy to examine your teeth and recommend some new ones..."
"Oh!" said the judge with his eyes as wide as saucers. "I would really appreciate that!"
I started to sweat.
(You have no idea what you're getting into, Your Honor...)
-I ordered some around 8.
HOLD IT!
"Uh..." I scratched the back of my head, trying to think of something to ask. "What did you order?"
"Just my usual two steak dinners."
"I see. Wait-" my jaw dropped. "TWO?!"
"How is that possible?!" Franziska recoiled.
"Hm?" Eva cocked her head in confusion. "On a regular work day, the only meal I eat is breakfast. I get so into cleaning and repairing my naughty patient's teeth that food isn't a priority for me! ...But alas I'm still a human and leave my office famished. That night was no exception."
(Talk about having two stomachs...she might even put Maya to shame!)
-When it finally arrived, I ate and then took a nap.
HOLD IT!
"You took a nap?" I asked incredulously.
"Is that an issue?" she shrugged pulling down her gloves with a slap. "After eating, I just felt tired. That's happened to you, before I imagine?"
I rubbed the back of my head, smiling sheepishly. "I mean, I guess at my place, but I could never fall asleep in a place like the Oceanic."
"Listen son, once you reach my age you will find it very easy to fall asleep just about anywhere and anytime."
(And then my back will start hurting too...)
-By the time I woke up, I heard very peculiar sounds down the hall.
HOLD IT!
"What sounds did you hear?"
"I believe they were footsteps. Very loud footsteps," she said taking out her scraper menacingly. "But when I looked down the hall, I didn't see anyone."
"What time did you hear them?"
"As I was leaving, around 9:20. It was very bizarre. Loud footsteps, but no one in sight...admittedly, I was spooked."
"So far there was nothing found to suggest that these sounds were broadcast on the main sound source of the club," said Franziska reading her notes. "We are still investigating where it could have came from."
Hmm. I stroked my chin. What could I do with this testimony? So, far nothing stood out to me. Nothing appeared to be wrong...and it looked like Ms. Green had no reason to lie about anything, considering she didn't even see much of anything.
"So, Mr. Wright...do you see anything wrong with this testimony?" asked the judge, putting on the pressure.
"Yes," I nodded, letting the words fall from my mouth with little thought. "There is definitely something wrong with this testimony."
"What?" asked Franziska, whipping the bench. "What could possibly be wrong with this testimony? It is perfect!"
(Good question! But there's no turning back now.)
I slammed both hands on the bench and stared Franziska down directly. "That's where you're wrong! The thing that bothers me about this testimony is..."
A took breath. There had been one thing, that was nagging and though there wasn't a clear explanation...I was going to try it anyway. "...the food the witness ate!"
"You foolish fool! Are you objecting to food now?" she whipped me once. "What sense does that make?!"
"I must agree...I fail to see the problem with the food, Mr. Wright. Could you please elaborate?"
I nodded, unwilling to give in. "Ms. Green, again tell the court what you had for dinner on the day of the murder?"
"The steak dinners...so steak, potatoes, and spinach."
"Exactly," I said reviewing my notes. "This is a critical fact because someone else ordered the exact same thing on the same night!"
"Who was it?" asked the judge with eagerness.
TAKE THAT!
I presented the profiles of Kristoph and Lyn. "The defendant and the victim both ordered steak dinners the same night!"
"And? Why on earth is that important? Can people not order the same thing anymore?" Franziska demanded.
I shook my head. "You're focused on the wrong point...so let me make it clearer!" I pointed, while presenting Connie Hall's profile.
"Hm? The waitress?" blinked the judge. "What does she have to do with anything?"
"She has everything to do with it!" I said slamming the bench. "Because according to her testimony, she took orders of all the clientele in the private rooms. Ms. Green, Kristoph, Lyn, and the guard all placed their orders around the same time! And it's important because..."
TAKE THAT!
"The toxicology report...?"
"We know for a fact that the guard was drugged. And what was the one thing he ordered at the Oceanic that night? A glass of water!" I said tapping my notes in my hand. "And it bothered me for some time...because if I were in the killer's shoes why would I drug only person and not the others? Knocking out one intended victim and not the rest seems silly to me, when it could make my murders go easier."
Franziska was starting to sweat. "No...you don't mean..."
"Those steaks were drugged! And I'm willing to bet that glass of water the guard had was drugged too!" I pointed. "It's clear to me that there was a mix up in the orders...and that Ms. Green was not the intended target! Those drugged steaks were meant for Kristoph and Lyn to consume!"
OBJECTION!
"Grrh...well the witness said she took a nap, which implies she fell asleep on her own accord!"
"Actually, now that I think about it..." said the dentist playing with her gloves. "...As soon as I started eating that food, I felt very groggy. And when I awoke, my head was face down in my plate. I was very sore being bent over like that. Every place should have reclining seats, I swear."
"NO! You foolish-"
I slammed the bench. "Then that settles it! Ms. Green was drugged with food intended for Kristoph and Lyn! And because of this..."
Yes, it was all starting to make sense now!
"...that's why this trial exists! That's why my client is being charged with murder! The murderer's scheme fell apart that night. They could only get rid of one obstacle (the guard) with ease because of the mix up with the food! Otherwise, I believe the plan would have worked as such: drug the guard and kill him, drug Kristoph and Lyn, kill them, and escape without a trace! But because only the guard was drugged...they had to improvise! They took a risky decision to kill Kristoph as soon as Lyn left the room!"
The crowd in the stands went wild with noise.
"Order! Order in the court!" called the judge slamming his gavel repeatedly.
(I did it! I turned this whole thing on its head!)
"Ngh...this is...unfathomable!" she growled as she clung to her shoulder sweating. "Judge!"
"M-ms. von Karma-" he was cut off by the whip. "Yeowch!"
"I demand a recess! Give me 15 minutes to prepare the final witness."
"Ah, erm alright, court is adjourned for a fifteen minute recess!" the gavel came down in a flash. With some chatter the crowds started to disperse. Having no reason to stay in here, I left as well.
June 3rd, 12:30 PM
Defendant Lobby No. 5
"Why? Why were you trying to confess to the crime?" Edgeworth demanded. It was my question too.
The two of them stood in the middle of the lobby, Edgeworth with his arms folded, glaring at Lyn so hard you would have thought she would turn into stone.
The woman refused to answer, refused to even look at him, opting to keep her gaze fixed on the tiled floor instead.
"Wright is doing his best to defend you. You appreciated it before so why the sudden change?" he pointed.
Still nothing.
"Please," he said now grasping her shoulders. "What is it you know? What is going on?"
Slowly, she met his gaze. "Please forgive me for making things difficult for you as always."
"Lyn-"
"I'm sorry Miles, but I can't tell you. It's better if...you leave me alone."
At those words she broke away from his hold, and walked towards the farest corner of the room, opting to ignore the two of us.
He ran a hand through his hair, lips turned downward.
I spoke up. "So...I take it you've learned nothing new."
"Unfortunately, that seems to be the case," he answered sourly.
"I knew it would be rough, but I certainly wasn't expecting a confession."
Edgeworth strummed his fingers against his folded arms with a sigh. "It doesn't make sense unless…"
He grew pale.
"Wright," he said with abruptness. "Take out the magatama."
"A-alright," I responded, digging into my pocket. I pulled it out, feeling its cold and smooth texture in my hand. "What now? What are you thinking of asking?"
Without a word, he walked over to her and I followed along.
"Lyn, are you being threatened? Is that why you're suddenly attempting to confess?"
She turned to face us with a blank expression. "...No."
It was a plausible theory, but...nothing appeared. Not a single lock. And I know there were definitely four psychelocks before when we talked in the detention center. But if she wasn't being threatened then why…? Why would she try to confess?
"Nothing showed up," I said to Edgeworth who had been waiting in anticipation.
"Tsk. Then why..."
Lyn folded her arms. "I know you two are obsessed with breaking me, but shouldn't you be focused on something else right now?"
"Like what?" I pressed.
"Um, like you know, the next witness," she pointed out. "If you were smart you'd be focusing on that since...this will determine whether or not the trial ends for good."
That was true. Franziska was desperate to end this trial sooner rather than later. And this Rah guy was unpredictable. He could help or hinder us...it was up in the air really.
"So, you are interested in your well being after all," remarked Edgeworth somewhat snidely.
"...I just want you guys to leave me alone right now."
My friend sighed.
"Lyn's right. I met this guy yesterday and he seems like...a barrel full of firecrackers," I said scratching my head. "It doesn't help that he hasn't fully expressed everything he saw either."
"You'll have to tread carefully then. There are too many unanswered questions for this to end now."
I nodded. If it ended now, that was it- Lyn would be sentenced today. And I wasn't going to let that happen.
June 3rd, 12:45 PM
District Courtroom No.4
Time passed by faster than I expected before we all found ourselves back in the courtroom again. This time the crowd was quieter as though waiting for a big bomb to drop at any moment. Franziska was at the prosecution's bench whip clenched firmly in her hand, ready to battle.
The judge now comfortably seated above, banged the gavel fully silencing the crowd. "Court is back in session. Is the witness ready to testify, Ms. von Karma?"
She whipped the bench in annoyance. "Yes, of course. I told you I only required 15 minutes. It is more than enough for a von Karma."
"Then let us proceed," nodded the judge, not wanting to waste time. "Bailiff, please bring out the witness!"
In a few moments the buff man strolled his way to the stand.
"Ah how fascinating to actually step foot into the courtroom. It is more of an image of grandeur than I had once imagined, especially from this position!" he mused aloud as he took notes on his pad furiously.
"Witness, your name and occupation," demanded Franziska with the crack of the whip. I could already tell she was not liking this guy.
"I am the one and only Oppie Rah!" he said rubbing his knuckles together.
"Oh!" blinked the judge. "You...you're that strange artist! The one who made the 'Fantastic Dissent'! I'd never thought gophers would ever be so terrifying!"
I started to sweat. I knew this guy was crazy, but…
(Gophers? What was this exhibit even about? What's more is that the judge enjoyed it?)
"Ha! Strange is only a matter of perspective, great bald one. But I am flattered that you know of me and one of my finest pieces to date," he tugged on his beard. "Indeed, I am a bonafide artiste!"
Franziska whipped Rah, but the man barely flinched. "Enough with the chit chat. Testify about what you saw the night of murders!"
Rah laughed as he lifted up his shades. "Relax, there is no need to pressure me with your dominatrix practices. I'm not very submissive, you know. I came with the purpose to testify so of course...that's what I aim to do."
He said it with an edge of playfulness to his voice that was a bit concerning.
(This will be fun, I'm sure…)
-Witness Testimony-
-About what I saw-
-It was a usual night for yours truly as I pursued my art to great levels of fervor.
-You see, it was very important that I get the best material.
-I heard through the grapevine a Klavier Gavin would be at the club the same evening as me...so I took my chance!
-And that's when I saw it! The most incredible thing!
I blinked a few times. That was it? That was the testimony? That was worse than Detective Badd!
Yet, Franziska seemed to relax. It was probably testimony she coached him to say...I would have to be careful.
"Mr. Wright, you may cross examine the witness. Hopefully, with alacrity as I am ready to go to lunch."
Uhoh. A hungry judge is an aggressive judge.
"Yes, I think it'd be perfect to end this trial soon. So, Phoenix Wright, if he dares foolishly wastes the court time questioning this foolish fool unnecessarily, he will be penalized."
"Yes, the proceedings have gone on long enough today. If Mr. Wright wastes our time, he'll receive a hefty penalty." The judge nodded in agreement. "Let it be known that this will be the final witness today...so if you cannot find anything wrong with this testimony, I will be ready to declare my verdict."
(It's serious now...I hope he has something good to say.)
This guy could ramble, so I had to pick the right statements to press.
-Cross Examination-
-About what I saw-
-It was a usual night for yours truly as I pursued my art to great levels of fervor.
-You see, it was very important that I get the best material.
-I heard through the grapevine a Klavier Gavin would be at the club the same evening as me...so I took my chance!
HOLD IT!
"You took your chance to do what exactly?" I questioned.
"Porky, you should know being a fellow artiste yourself!" Rah tugged his beard. "From a model stand point, Klavier Gavin is perfect material. I wanted, no needed, to see for myself what kind of energy he carried around with him...I had to see the energy of a teen rockstar immersed in court. So hearing that he was coming to the same club I frequented...I made reservations and booked a room down at the end of the hall."
"...And let me guess. You didn't simply stay in your room the whole night."
"Haha, no, no, I did," he laughed rubbing his knuckles together. "...I simply added an additional feature. From my room, I tried to get glances from my door during the time I was at the club."
-And that's when I saw it! The most incredible thing!
HOLD IT!
"And what was it? What was this incredible thing?" I asked leaning over the bench.
"I've never seen such boring frames for ones face my whole life! That woman should be arrested simply for blandness," he said curling his hand into a fist.
I began sweating. Please let this not be a dead end. "Uh...what woman?"
"The defendant over there! Who else would walk around the club with such boring attire? Well, other than that dentist."
(Right, he mentioned this other day.)
I stroked my chin. "And when you saw Lyn what was she doing?"
"She was powering walking to the ladies room, about a quarter past 9."
"Your Honor, that was a very important statement!" I pointed. "I ask that the witness add this to his testimony."
The judge nodded. "Witness, please add your last statement to the testimony."
-She was powering walking to the ladies room, about a quarter past 9.
HOLD IT!
"And how long did she stay in the bathroom?"
"It was no longer than 5 or 6 minutes," Rah said, rubbing his hands together.
"There," said Franziska. "Are you satisfied yet, Phoenix Wright? I don't see anything that we didn't already hear before."
(Well...this does corroborate Lyn's original story...but it doesn't help us figure out what happened inside the room. Words alone won't help me, here I'll need some kind of proof.)
I wasn't sure about this, but there had to be something left in this testimony. It was risky to press this guy, but if I couldn't find what I needed it was over...
-You see, it was very important that I get the best material.
HOLD IT!
"Dare I ask, what makes the best material for you?"
"The mundane and the supernatural! There are many horrors in our regular everyday lives that we don't even flinch at...but all the same there are things so spectacular you would never believe in their existence!"
"Mr. Wright…" began the judge in a low voice. "...Is this important information?"
I stroked my chin. This could lead us to a tangent or to something relevant. Right now, I'd have to risk the penalty.
"Yes, it is VERY important, Your Honor," I bluffed. "Mr. Rah, that night at the Oceanic, what did you see? The mundane...or the supernatural?"
He laughed boisterously. "I thought you'd never ask! I saw something even more incredible...so unbelievable that made me forget all about the rockstar!"
"Wh-what?!" my jaw dropped. "What was it?"
Franziska whipped him, before angrily tugging her weapon. "What is this? You never mentioned a word of this to me!"
"Mr. Rah! Why did you not mention this in your testimony sooner?" demanded the judge.
The man lifted his shades up into the air with a grin. "Oh? But you all never asked. You even wanted me to limit my words on this tiny stand hehehe. That's your fault, not mine."
"Mr. Rah...I will not stand for this in my courtroom. You will testify fully about everything you witnessed. You will not keep me from my lobster roll this afternoon."
(Don't keep the judge from his food…)
"Very well," Rah said, amused. "This time my act will reach its climax and soon this court will see my latest piece!"
Witness Testimony
-The Magnificent Sight-
-As you already are aware...that wasn't the only incredible thing I saw that night.
-At first, I thought my eyes were deceiving me and that maybe it was a dream…
-...I thought it was some sort of spectre or source of evil that harkened down the hall.
-After all, I had heard the footsteps. Perhaps the march of an unbridled spirit?
-But it appeared to be something else entirely…
"Behold, my final testimony in full form! I'd take caution if I were you...for you will not believe the truth of the matter," he grinned once more.
Franziska was her fist firmly smashed into the bench. Because her whip seemingly had little effect on the man, I'm sure she would have loved to punch him instead.
With a sigh, the judge turned to me. "Mr. Wright, please begin your cross examination."
I nodded. I honestly felt tired myself...but this was my chance. Franziska didn't anticipate this.
Cross Examination
-The Magnificent Sight-
-As you already are aware...that wasn't the only incredible thing I saw that night.
-At first, I thought my eyes were deceiving me and that maybe it was a dream…
HOLD IT!
"So what was it you saw?" I pressed.
"Now, now, don't get too eager," he said rubbing his knuckles together. "It will be made clear soon enough."
"...Fine." I said slamming the bench. "Then what made you think you were mistaken about what you saw?"
"It was something you didn't see everyday. Maybe you'd see something like it at a comic convention or Halloween."
A comic convention or Halloween...interesting.
-...I thought it was some sort of spectre or source of evil that harkened down the hall.
HOLD IT!
"So you're saying you thought it was a ghost?"
"Ghost is too plain a word...let us say harbinger of death! A true spectre, source of the unliving…"
(Uhm...dramatic much?)
-After all, I had heard the footsteps. Perhaps the march of an unbridled spirit?
HOLD IT!
"You're that you also heard footsteps?"
"Indeed, I did. But whenever I peaked my head into the hall to ascertain the source, there was none to be found. Not a single living soul in the hallway.
-But it appeared to be something else entirely…
HOLD IT!
"Mr. Rah, please for the love of all that is holy...what did you see?!" I demanded, slamming the bench with both hands.
"Well, now I can't keep a fan like you waiting, Porky!" he laughed. "...Behold! Here is what exactly I saw that night!"
Then, he did something none of us were expecting and pulled out a painting. Upon close inspection, the painting was of the hallway of the Oceanic.
But what was in the hallway was most disconcerting…
"Wh-what...what is that?!" I gawked.
"The g-grim reaper?!"
"What is this tomfoolery!"
It was a tall figure, draped in these long black robes standing directly out in front of a door down the hall.
The crowd broke out into loud noise.
"A ghost!"
"Is a ghost the real killer?!"
"Mommy, I'm scared!"
The judge, once he was over his own disbelief, banged the gavel several times ordering for silence and threatening contempt.
"I...I have no idea on what to make of that," the judge shook his head.
"It is everything I saw that fateful evening, you have my word as an artiste. For the artiste, life is about learning how to see after all and I do know what I saw!"
"This...this is absurd! The witness is nothing but a foolishly foolish fool!" Franziska growled, as she slammed her fist, holding her whip down on the bench. "There is no proof that anyone else saw anything like this at the scene! This must be...a made up picture!"
"Could that be…?" mused the judge, unsure of what to make of it.
"Porky! You believe me, don't you?" asked Rah, tugging his beard. "This man has been called many things in his life...but on my life as an artist I've never once been called a liar!"
(It looks crazy and sounds crazy, but if Lyn is innocent...this person must actually be…)
"...I believe you Mr. Rah," I said with a nod. "It might be crazy, but I have no doubts in his story because I know who this person is."
"Who is it?" asked the judge.
"The shadow," I pointed. "That's the only person it could be!"
"N-no feasible way….!" Franziska was now clutching her shoulder, shaking.
"The thing Kristoph was terrified of...what Lyn has been hallucinating...it was right there in the Oceanic the same night as the murders! And that is no coincidence," I slammed. "Mr. Rah!"
"Ooo, getting all fired up! I like that, Porky! What is it you require?"
"Around what time did you see the figure in this picture?"
"I believe...it was around maybe around 9 o'clock."
"And what room was it standing in front of?"
"Hmmm...the one next to the rockstar's room."
"Where did it go? What did it do next?"
With a frown he tugs his beard. "I'm sorry, Porky, very sorry. I was so flabbergasted by the sight that I had to make a sketch of the vision before me. Once I had made sure I wasn't dreaming, I started at my easel."
"You foolishly foolish fool! You went back to art?"
"Of course I did, woman! The people who visit the Oceanic's private rooms are no doubt eccentrics like me! I had only come to witness Klavier Gavin, I did not arrive to see cloaked ninjas!"
"Harumph...well it doesn't matter! There's no proof this...costumed fool was present in either room! This artist has often been called delusional by many in the art community so it could very well be that-"
HOLD IT!
"You shall not dare slander the mighty Rah!" Suddenly, he tore open his shirt to reveal his giant muscles. His brown eyes were now flashing red. "Especially when it is you, who ask me to testify to this atrocious tragedy!"
The outburst was so sudden that even Franziska paused in shock.
"Ahh!" The judge hid under his chair.
"Porky!"
"Y-Yes?" I asked sweating bullets, doing my damnedest to resist the urge to hide under my bench.
"Show them," he barked. "Show them the truth of the matter! Do so or I will curse everyone in this court!"
I gulped.
For all his gusto, he seemed very upset about being called a liar...so I had no reason to doubt his testimony or the picture. But what could I do to prove it was the truth...? If I couldn't then my chance to turn everything around would be lost.
Was there anything I had that could prove it…?
Of course…!
"Mr. Rah is telling the truth. The shadow was there that night and was involved with the murders...the mysterious figure that seemingly didn't have a trace made 2 fatal errors," I said, strumming my fingers against my notes.
"The first was not anticipating a certain nosy artist watching the hallway for a good majority of the night...and the other was this."
TAKE THAT!
The judge slowly peaked his head from under his chair to look at the evidence.
"A-and what exactly is that, Mr. Wright?"
"This is a black scrap of clothing that I discovered in the fireplace of Lyn and Kristoph's room."
"No! You cannot be serious!" protested Franziska.
"But I am," I said, placing my hands on my hips. "This scrap seals the deal and proves that what Mr. Rah was saying is true! He did see the shadow that evening lurking around the rooms where the murder took place!"
"Phoenix Wright…!" she started to whip. "You foolishly...foolish...foool!"
I couldn't keep up with the amount of times I had been whipped but it had to be over ten times, as I felt the numerous stings across my chest and arms. "GAH!"
Luckily, this time I didn't pass out.
The judge could only shake his head. "I believe we've reached the end of today's session. There are now too many questions left unanswered, to the point where I would not feel comfortable leaving a verdict."
OBJECTION!
"Th-this is all nonsense-"
"Objection overruled! Ms. von Karma, you would do well to actually complete this investigation with full thoroughness. This has dragged on long enough and it's lunchtime."
He cleared his throat. "Now, then. The defense and prosecution's homework are to answer these questions: Who left the listening device? Who drugged the food given to the dentist? Who drugged the guard? Where were those footsteps coming from? And who was the mysterious Shadow? Tomorrow these questions must be answered. That is all. Court is adjourned."
And with that the gavel fell, and the judge swiftly retreated to his chambers. Rah left the stand, and the spectators were starting to clear out slowly talking amongst themselves. Franziska remained on the other side, writhing in frustration. I supposed I couldn't blame her. She did believe she had a perfect case.
But I wasn't going to stand here watching her all day, I had to get to work.
June 3rd, 1:37 PM
Defendant Lobby No. 5
When I stepped into the lobby Edgeworth and Lyn were there waiting for me.
"Well, we did it. We survived for one more day," I exhaled.
"I suppose so. But what do you make of that picture?" Edgeworth asked me.
I shrugged. "I don't know what to think of it. It might be the shadow, but the real question is, who's underneath the mask. If I can't determine that then…"
"You won't find out who it is. Trust me on that one," Lyn remarked with a strange bitterness.
"What? How could you know that?"
"...Give up on me. I'm begging you," she pleaded. "There's no point to this anymore."
Before either Edgeworth or myself could respond the police entered the lobby.
With a frown, she extended her wrists allowing the officers to slap the silver cuffs on with ease.
"I'll be by later."
"Don't bother…" she muttered as they took her away. "Especially you, Mr. Wright…"
The two of us watched in uncomfortable silence.
"I can't take this anymore," grumbled Edgeworth.
"I'm going to figure her out today," I said. Because if I didn't tear the truth from her today, I wouldn't be able to get it. Of that I was sure.
"I hope so," Edgeworth sighed. "I must go to the police station, since they had a few more questions. What will you do?"
There were only 3 places I really could go. "I think I'll visit the Oceanic and see Mr. Rah again. And of course, visit my sullen client in the detention center."
He nodded. "Best of luck."
"Yup. See ya around."
June 3rd, 2:12 PM
The Oceanic
I thought it was best to return here to see if there was anything new being dug up. After all, now whoever was serving the food the night of the crime was highly suspect. It was quiet inside, though there were a handful of cops around questioning some staff.
I didn't get too far passed the entrance, before a familiar figure stood in front of me.
"Well, look who it is," Ms. Hall said folding her arms. "You've got some nerve coming back here!"
"Huh? What did I do?"
"What did you do?" she huffed, with the sea urchins exploding into angry faces on her apron. "You got the police to bother and nag me forever about what happened during the night of the murders!"
"Uh, sorry about that." I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly. "So, you had nothing to do with it?"
"Of course I didn't! I didn't kill anyone nor did I conspire with anyone about drugging! This is madness," she stomped. "It's only because I brought the food and drink out that night...and our head chef quit last week. If there's anyone the police should be questioning it's her!"
"Why aren't they?"
Ms. Hall frowned, and began filing her nails. "The funny thing is no one can find her. Nobody knows where she went. Her phone is turned off, and the place she was living at...empty. Not a trace of her. It's almost as if she's a ghost."
(If that isn't a red flag, then I don't know what is. This chef had to be involved.)
"What was her name if you don't my asking?"
"Rochelle Martina. You can look for her if you want," the woman, said flicking her hair. "And if you found her, bring her back right here so she can have a piece of my mind!"
I started sweating. Not like I was a one man search party. If the police were having a hard time finding her now, I doubt I could do much better. "I don't even know what she looks like."
Ms. Hall's eyes flashed. "Ah, that's true. Here," she said as she reached into her apron's pouch and handed me a piece of paper. "The police have been bothering the wait staff for gathering up our hiring information."
What she had passed me was a photocopied scan of Rochelle's ID. The woman was rather plain looking, brown eyes, long dark brown hair, full lips painted red with a sharp jaw line. It noted that she was about 5'6 and 31 years old. "Is it really okay that I keep this?" I asked trying my best to memorize the details, in case the answer was a no.
"Keep it. I don't give a crap about privacy now that she's throwing me under the bus. I bet she knew this would happen..." Ms. Hall said filing her nails with a little more intensity that seemed normal.
(In her position I would be mad too.)
"Can you tell me a little more about her? Like her personality? What she wore?"
"Well, she always wore the same chef uniform so I don't know what the heck she wore outside of here," the waitress shrugged. "But personality? What personality? She was exciting as the dump I took this morning! I knew there was something about her I didn't like. She was a little too angelic. Nothing bothered her, not even if people complained about food going as far to take it back, never got annoyed with the other staff back here either...and believe me, you'd hate some of them. She always had this empty smile, you know? She was just too nice. Not to say, that people like that don't exist...but it just didn't feel genuine to me."
In other words, she thought this chef had been fake all along.
"I see...thanks for this. I'll keep an eye out."
"Yeah, well I gotta go back to being interrogated," she sighed. "It's not as glamorous as it is on TV, but it is giving me some ideas!"
"That's the spirit," I remarked. "I hope the police will get it straightened out for you as soon as possible."
Taking that info...I didn't have much time left today. I should get a move on to see Rah.
June 3rd, 2:57 PM
The Center of Fine Arts
Without wasting too much time, I headed back over to the museum. The lobby looked the same as before, the receptionist sitting at the front desk with a bored expression on her face.
"Um, hello. I was wondering-"
"Oh, it's you. Rah hasn't shut up about you all day," she picked up the phone and dialed. "The porcupine's here, sir."
She dropped the phone as fast as she picked it up. I opened my mouth to protest the name, but closed it figuring that there was no point in arguing. I'd been given so many strange names over the past three years, what was one more?
It didn't take long before Rah came barreling down the hall right up to me. "Porky! Just the man I wanted to see!"
"Huh?"
"What did you think of my performance in court today?" Rah asked with a smirk.
"It was...very exciting and unexpected to say the least," I said running a hand through my head.
"Ha!" he barked as he rubbed his hands together excitedly. "I knew it! It was one of my best to date! And soon I will make a new exhibit drawing on inspiration from the court! I'll call it Misconceptions of Law and Disorder!"
"Uh...sounds great," I nodded. "Anyway, I wanted to ask a couple more questions about what you saw that night."
"Of course! Anything for a fellow artist!"
"So about the night of the murders...you saw..."
(There's no way it wasn't the shadow.)
"While the dominatrix sought to besmirch my good name, I am no liar. An artist's most important job is gain better vision, for when we depict and image before us, it should be rendered as closely as possible to real thing. There was a person outside of that door, dressed in all black...not moving. It was at least a minute and they didn't move. I was shocked by the sight so I pulled my easel and started drawing," Rah said lifting up his sunglasses.
"And you didn't see what they did next?"
"No, unfortunately. It was a bizarre sight, that needed to be captured...by the time I decided to go home for the night no one was there and the police were arriving."
(Hm. So it wasn't too long before the police showed up.)
"I see...actually. Could you see where they came from? You said you were watching the hall, right?"
Rah frowned as he folded his arms. "Not the entire time, though...But come to think of it. That was odd. I don't know where they came from. I had just taken a peak out of my room at a certain moment and they were just present in front of the door. I saw when the girl left the room, but I didn't see nary a soul until the figure out in the hall."
(...So where did they come from? Another room? Maybe down the hall and he just missed them?)
"The only thing else I could tell you is that whoever that person was, they were maybe average height. Maybe around 5'6 or 5'7."
I stroked my chin. (This is probably it for his information, but it's good to keep in mind.)
"Thank you for answering my questions, Mr. Rah."
"It is my pleasure, Porky! Sorry I could not be of more use, especially after you defended my good name. However, I shall add a piece of you in the next exhibit!" he beamed as he placed his hands on his hips.
"Ah, um, thank you?" I laughed awkwardly. Whatever he was planning, I was sure it'd probably be weird.
But he paid me no mind, taking out his notepad and taking notes rapidly. I left him to it, as I walked out the door. There was only one more important place to visit...
June 3rd, 3:36PM
The Detention Center
I waited outside the glass pane tapping my foot. It was time to get this over with and figure out what she was hiding.
The two guards brought Lyn into the room and closed the door. When she approached and looked at me through the glass, she turned around and began walking away.
"Hey! Come back!"
Caught between me and the door, she hesitantly returned, but not without a glare. "What do you want? Didn't I tell you not to show up here? I'm busy."
"Really? Busy doing what? Not sleeping?" I asked as I noted the bags under her eyes.
"Dude, you're such a pain in the ass," she replied, starting to turn her back on me.
"Lyn, you're not going anywhere. Not until we talk about the elephant in the room."
She sighed as she folded her arms. "Of course, I already knew why you showed up. But I really wish you didn't…"
I pulled out the magatama. It was time.
"Now, I noticed you weren't happy when I found a witness that could corroborate your story. Why was that, Lyn?"
The familiar heaviness returned and in front of me all I could see was Lyn and those 4 psychelocks.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" she replied with sarcasm.
"Well, we'll start from the beginning. You wanted to be found innocent before yesterday. Then at the end of the day you wanted to sabotage this case and even wanted me off of it...from what I heard, you spoke to Edgeworth normally before we talked," I said stroking my chin. "So, I can only assume that something happened after he left and before I got here to make you want to be seen as guilty."
She started sweating. "D-don't be silly. The only thing I dealt with was those annoying cops. They wanted yet another questioning. Nothing out of the ordinary. I just...changed my mind by myself!"
"By yourself, huh?"
(I know that's not the case. Someone else...must have convinced her if she wasn't threatened.)
And this happened at the police station. In a police questioning...wait.
My jaw went slack. Could it be…?
"What's wrong? Gave up already?" Lyn taunted.
"No...I just...realized. I don't want to believe it, but...you didn't change your mind to confess by yourself. Someone convinced you at the police station yesterday."
"A-and who could that be? Who would do that?"
TAKE THAT!
"It...can only be Gumshoe," I said, in my own disbelief as I presented his profile.
One of the locks shattered. As she bit down her lip looking sideways. "It's not…"
"I don't want to believe it, but...throughout this entire case, he's been acting so strangely. As though, he's conflicted about you going to jail instead of being on your side. Even when Edgeworth was in trouble, all of his loyalty was right with him...but not with you, for some reason."
"Hey," she frowned. "Don't...blame him. None of this is his fault."
"But he convinced you to act guilty-"
"It's not his fault!" she yelled, balling her hand up into a fist. "He...he's doing his best! And I thought I could help in this way…"
"This must be serious if this hinges on you being guilty. And it's linked to why you must be seen as guilty...this problem he has."
"T-Then tell me, what problem he has," she demanded.
Little by little it was starting to come together.
"It's him. He's the one being threatened, isn't he?"
Slowly, she nodded, one of the psychelocks broke this time. "Since you're going to pursue it...tell me, who's threatening him?"
Who, huh? This must be the most important part for her...who could be threatening Gumshoe into needing a guilty verdict for this case?
TAKE THAT!
"The people who took over the prosecutor's office recently, they are the ones threatening him, right?" I asked as I presented the hostage situation clipping Edgeworth had given to me earlier.
"I guess, I'll give it to you, but...you haven't solved that mystery quite yet."
"Huh?"
"Maybe you'll need to think of the why to figure out the who. Why would they want me guilty? What do they gain?"
If Lyn is found guilty...what is the ultimate result? The real criminal gets away with the crime obviously. But there's more to it than that. I reviewed everything I knew about the case in my head. And it was then I understood.
The reason.
TAKE THAT!
I presented the Seeker tabloid article that Gumshoe had given to me.
"You're saying...they want you guilty in order to make the Dark Age a reality."
The next lock broken into a million pieces. Only 2 more left.
"The who of course, being Seeker."
"...You're right," she sighed. "I wish you weren't, but you are."
"But if that's the case...why can't Gumshoe stop them? Why hasn't he gotten help from his colleagues?"
"I believe you already have the answer in your possession."
I already had the answer? I browsed the court record, rifling through the excessive amount of evidence I had…
TAKE THAT!
"Oh? And what's in Kristoph's journal? There's a lot of information in there, you know."
"Then," I said I was skimming the pages in search of the statement… "It's here, right where it says 'the police can't be trusted' and how it goes on to say that there are operatives actually on the police force."
The lock shattered.
"Someone... is watching him."
"Yes."
This should have been everything, and yet there was still one more lock waiting to be broken. What hadn't we discussed?
"...So Gumshoe was threatened by the hostage takers to do what exactly?"
"If he didn't want everyone in the building to die...he just had to agree to one little thing: to help convict me. And if he did not…"
"...They would harm him? Or someone close to him?"
"The latter."
"Okay...then it must be Edgeworth, right?" They were both close to him and that would definitely motivate Gumshoe to do this…
But Lyn didn't react and the lock didn't break.
"Maggey? Kay?"
"..."
"Just...who is it? Who is being threatened?" I asked, exasperated.
"...You."
"W-what…?"
She looked like she was on the verge of tears. "It's you, Mr. Wright...right now...you're the prime target."
And finally the last lock broke and the chains and darkness faded from my sight.
Me? Seeker was after me?
"Mr. Wright...that's why I've been asking you to drop this case and to forget about me…" she said holding onto her arm tightly. "When I had the questioning yesterday, it was Gumshoe quickly pretending he had some questions about the murder...he slipped me a note explaining everything and how if he didn't comply they'd murder each and every person on the list of people close to him...Miles, Maggey, Franziska, Badd, Maya, Pearls-the list goes on. And of course, you too are on the list. And because you've refused to back down and are getting closer to solving the crime...they want you out of the way. As priority 1."
I felt dizzy. "I...see."
"So please! Please…" she said sweating bullets. "J-just drop this case! I don't want to see you get hurt because of this...I'll be okay taking a guilty verdict!"
(This...can't be real can it? These are dangerous people...her car crash and that hostage situation proved as much. And now…)
"Mr. Wright...Phoenix...I'm begging you…don't go through with this. We can solve this...later. "
"Lyn…" I appreciated her concern but… "...There's a real possibility that these people will cover up the truth and that you could end up spending the rest of your life in jail...or worse. Two murders is either a life in prison scenario without parole or death."
"...It'll be fine. I'll manage! I just don't want you to-"
"And Edgeworth...he'd never forgive me for letting you take the fall for something you didn't do," I shook my head. "I believe in your innocence...so I will stand by you until the end."
"Mr. Wright...please…" she started to cry. "But what will Miles do if he loses his best friend? What about Maya and Pearls? I don't want...I don't want…"
"Hey, we'll figure it out...A lawyer can't cry until it's all over, right?"
"Mr. Wright…don't..."
"It's getting late and I have to run a few more errands. But I'll see you tomorrow bright and early. We're going to end all of this."
I wouldn't take this sitting down. And I wouldn't try to handle it all by myself. I had to get help.
June 3rd, 4:01 PM
Criminal Affairs Department
I had arrived out front of the station.
If it wasn't safe for Gumshoe to talk directly, I figured if I could get to Franziska or Badd...we could resolve this problem some way. Just as I took a step closer to the front doors, I heard footsteps coming from behind me.
"You should have listened to your friends, Mr. Wright," the deep voice from behind me said with a sneer. "They all compiled with our wishes...all except for you, that is."
The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up. They didn't sound too friendly. I was about to turn to confront whoever it was behind me, but I suddenly felt the cold metal pressed into my skin accompanied with a click sound.
A gun.
I didn't dare move. My heart rattled against my chest.
"Why are you doing this-"
"You already know why, Mr. Wright. Just had to go snooping into things that didn't concern you, didn't you?" the velvety voice spoke. "It's a pity because you had potential. But not anymore, I'm afraid."
"W-wait a minute-"
"There's no more minutes for you, Mr. Wright. You've had your fill."
No...no! I felt the adjustment behind me, and I took the brief moment to make a run for it, running towards the station. "Help-!"
BANG.
My body crumpled to the ground.
"Er...k…"
"Sweet dreams, Mr. Wright," the voice said from a distance.
Shot...I had been shot…
Warm liquid pooled around my head. The colors of the ground and sky were merging into one. I tried to keep my eyes open but...I couldn't.
Evidence:
Attorney's badge: It's my all-important badge. It shows that I am a defense attorney.
Autopsy Report #1:For Kevin Hutchinson. Estimated time of death 9:05 PM. Cause of death slit throat. Died within 1 minute. Traces of benzodiazepine discovered in system.
Autopsy Report #2: For Kristoph Gavin. Estimated time of death 9:22 PM. Cause of death blunt force trauma to head. Died instantly.
Crime Scene Photos: Show Kristoph dead on the pool table and Kevin slumped over in the chair.
Seeker Tabloid: Article that talks about Seeker's goals.
Lyn's Medical Documents: Discusses the injuries and damages she sustained from the car crash, as well as medication taken.
Hostage Newspaper Article: Discusses the hostage taking at the prosector's office.
Lyn's Journal: ...Has some interesting personal details.
Kristoph's Journal: Contains instructions and information about the Seeker organization.
Bloody Pool Cue: Murder weapon that ended Kristoph Gavin's life. Lyn's prints are on it.
Broken Window: A rock was thrown through the window, and one has to wonder why...
Listening Device: Found under the table in private room 3 where Kristoph Gavin was murdered.
Hidden Knife: Steak knife found in a plant pot in private room 3. Has no known prints and Kristoph Gavin's blood. The tip of the blade is covered in a tranquilizer.
Black Scrap: Burned fabric found in the fireplace.
Bloody steak knife: weapon used to murder Kevin Hutchinson. Lyn's prints are on it.
Toxicology Report: Kevin Hutchinson's blood stream had 3 times the recommended amount of sleep medication.
Profiles:
Maya Fey: Age 19. A close friend. Used to be my assistant before leaving to become Master of Kurain.
Trucy Wright: Age 8. My adopted daughter. Already dresses the part of a magician to the hilt.
Detective Badd: Age 53. In charge of the Interpol investigation. Very gruff.
Franziska von Karma: Age 19. Prosecutor in charge of this case. Working with Interpol.
Kay Faraday: Age 17. Claims to be the Yatagarasu. Edgeworth's mischief making assistant.
Detective Gumshoe: Age 33. Homicide detective at the local precinct.
Lyn Doom: Age 25. My client. A feisty prosecutor who helped saved my badge.
Miles Edgeworth: Age 27. A close friend. A well known prosecutor.
Kristoph Gavin: Deceased. The attorney who tried to revoke my badge. Pretended to be his brother the night of the murder.
Kevin Hutchinson: Deceased. Body guard hired to look after Lyn the night of the murder.
Klavier Gavin: Age 17. Star prosecutor and leader/vocalist for the rock group, the Gavinners. Still alive.
Eva Green: Age 36. An obsessive dentist, witness for this case.
Judge: Age ?. Judge who presides over my trials.
Connie Hall: Age 29. Waitress at the Oceanic who dreams of being a Hollywood actress.
Oppie Rah: Age 28. A rather extravagant artist.