"It's a big day, I've given you 3 cups just in case!" Godot announced. "There's enough coffee for everyone of us, especially for me."
"You know too much coffee can kill you?" Apollo asked. "I haven't known you for very long and I don't want you to just die on the spot."
"Where did you hear that?"
"Fox News this morning," Apollo replied. "More than ten cups a day can be fatal."
"Well it's a lot of bullshit," said Godot. "I used to have over 500 coffees a week and I'm still alive."
"Just make sure you save some for everybody else, okay?
"Sure." Godot didn't seemed too pleased after that.
Atmey's trial attracted a lot of unwanted press and Franziska attracted a lot of unwanted nerves. Salsa being the judge of the trial had bound to make this trial become a mess. The court room was filled today, and Salsa had just finished a packet of crisps and passed it over to a bailiff. He was also carrying a wooden box. Not a big one, and not a small one either, but it pipped the attention of the room. Everyone stood in silence as if they were in a school assembly.
"You may all sit," Salsa told them. "Now the court is now in session for the trial of Luke Atmey. The charges are as first degree murder, cannibalism, kidnap, blackmail and escaping prison is that correct Miss Von Karma."
"Yes, Your Honor," Franziska answered. "Completely accurate. " Like the previous trial, she was smug and Apollo knew she would vow to defeat him in court as if it was a personal battle. She was the court-room diva, if things didn't go her way, drama would explode.
"Good," Salsa said. "By the way it's My Lord, not Your Honor. I can't even let ladies with you get away with that one."
Apollo and Trucy had to battle the temptation to laugh. Franziska looked annoyed and whipped Salsa. After all, Franziska still had her whip and she was not afraid to use it in front of anyone. She even whipped Maya for falling asleep, so if her assistant is getting whipped today: a whip is guaranteed for everybody. The strange thing is Maya didn't even seem to bothered being whipped so much. She yawned and then smiled. Apollo saw Phoenix laughing next to a man with a less satisfied man in a maroon suit.
"Your statement please Miss Von Karma," Salsa requested.
"Yes, My Lord. Luke Atmey was a well known wanted fugitive. Eight years ago he was convicted of blackmail and murder. As soon as he escaped, he returned to his dirty habits and killed fugitive Jacques Portsman and turned him into pies with the help of Namow Lantem and hired De Killer to murder Matt."
"And I thought Ijizzin Mipants was insane," Salsa interrupted. "But today's defendant is something else."
"You seem impressed My Lord," Luke told Salsa. "I've always been surrounded by envy because of my amazing talents."
"Well you've failed," Salsa said. "Cause we caught you. And you're dumb enough to plead not guilty."
"Because the charges put against me are insane," Luke admitted. "I would never eat a human."
"Twenty years ago, you said you could never kill anybody!"
"What I said twenty years ago has nothing to today," Luke snapped. He closed his eyes and glared at Salsa.
"You Lord, I have some evidence to prove he's a blackmailer," Franziska announced. "Maya, pass me the letter. Thank you. This letter was written after Atmey's first escape addressed to Mr. Apollo Justice."
"That letter sounds familiar, pass it over," demanded Salsa. He got the note, read it with care and gasped. "Wow, this is the same letter used in the Kitaki vs DeLite trial. I don't know how you got this, but I think it's very important evidence that the defendant is a blackmailer." He banged his gavel and looked at Apollo. "Apollo, were you blackmailed by the defendant?"
"No I wasn't blackmailed. My friend asked me to defend him."
"You're an interesting guy," Salsa said. "I don't know anyone who would defend their own blackmailer. He dated the guy who raped your sister."
"Raped?" Apollo whispered to Trucy.
"I said I was raped so they could drop the charges on me," muttered Trucy.
"I wouldn't whisper anything here," advised Godot. "It might get leaked."
"Do you think Luke Atmey is innocent?" Salsa asked.
"This is a trick question," Godot said. "See how Franziska is smirking."
"No..." Apollo admitted. "But he didn't kill this time. He was set up."
"Okay," Salsa said. "Now we do have a list of witnesses, lets see for the defense we have Trucy Wright, Wocky Kitaki and Machi Skye and for the prosecution we have Detective Ema Skye, Mike Blitz, De Killer. Mike and Ema are still in bed. I'm assuming they're having sex for breakfast. They've handed all the statements and evidence to Miss Von Karma, have they not?"
"They've handed all the evidence and statements last night," confirmed Franziska.
"The only witness present in court today is Trucy," Salsa said, scratching his head. "I really want this trial to be over by today. Since I had a feeling a lot of the witnesses were not going to show up, I collected all the statements, photocopied them and make them into a booklet with pictures of the evidence and information. The jury will have time to read the booklets later while making their verdict. For now we will call Trucy to the stand."
"For the sake of the Courts Records, state your name and occupation," Franziska requested no nicer or meaner than before. Her face was frozen and lacked expression.
"No!"
"Now is not the time to be a rebel," Salsa advised.
"Now is the perfect time to have some coffee," Godot announced. "Here Apollo have the rest of this."
"I'm not thirsty."
"Drink it for my sanity and for the sake of making this trial better."
Apollo didn't know how coffee would improve the trial, but he had to drink the overpowering black liquid weather he liked it or not. So he had to drink coffee while Trucy was being a pain in the neck at the trial stand.
"Where's my coffee?" Salsa asked.
"You're not getting any," Godot announced. "All the coffee belongs to me and I'll decide who to distribute the coffee to. You know me My Lord: coffee is my life."
"The court thinks you should get a life."
"I have one thanks."
"Just give me some FUCKING COFFEE!" Salsa roared.
"Since no one is going to listen to me I'm gonna go," said Trucy. "I think I might go shopping."
"OBJECTION!"
"Okay Franziska no need to scream. You're not a lead singer of a hardcore metal band."
"This foolish coffee talk is foolishly disturbing this foolishly foolish easy trial. The defense is surrounded by fools."
"Guys just calm down!" Apollo screeched. He was about to say it was more like a jungle then a courtroom then realized that he made the loudest and strangest squeal. At least he got the trial back to business. "Trucy, get back on the stand. Dad give Salsa some coffee and Miss Von Karma please stop whipping everyone."
"NOBODY TELLS FRANZISKA KARMA WHAT TO DO!" Everything Apollo said only fueled her anger. The flying whip was her fury and slashed Apollo's jacket. He fell with his coffee flying in mid-air. The cup splashed onto the cravat of the gentlemen next to Phoenix. When Apollo got up he saw the man standing there, holding his cravat and horrified with the stains on his jacket. He couldn't blame him; the suit looked expensive.
"Sorry sir," mumbled Apollo.
"How dare you throw coffee at Miles Edgeworth!" Franziska shouted even madder than ever. This time when Franziska had another anger fit, Maya was holding her arm trying to stop her from causing harm.
"Man this is getting so tense," Salsa said as he chuckled away. He clapped in no intention to stop and he was cheering on Franziska. "Hey Godot are you gonna throw coffees?"
Salsa was left gob smacked with cold coffee on his face. It would have been too bad to let all this coffee go to waste so he agreed to share the coffee to everyone.
The whipping ceased. Maya confiscated the whip from her and asked Franziska, "are you okay?"
"No, this trial has just been one foolish event after another."
"Now that things have all settled down, I think we may proceed back to Trucy. How ya doing sexy?"
"Excuse me My Lord, I'd appreciate it if you don't call my daughter that. It makes things very awkward for me." Phoenix stood up and looked a little shook up.
"Very well, sorry Nick."
"Thank you," said Phoenix as he sat down.
"We've wasted so much time now we should go back to basics. Carry on Franziska."
"Your name and occupation, Trucy Wright."
"My name is Trucy and my occupation is being AWESOME!"
"That's awesome!" Salsa shouted.
"You're proper occupation please?" Franziska muttered.
"It is my proper organisation. I occupy myself by being awesome. I flaunt all my skills and get help with my magic panties."
"Prostitute?" Maya asked.
"NO Aunt Maya you silly thing," Trucy replied. "You do make me laugh sometimes but I'm a magician from the Wright Anything Agency."
"Then why didn't you say you were a magician the first place you fool?" Franziska asked.
"Cause bitches like you need to lighten up."
Nearly everyone chuckled in the room, perhaps they believed what Trucy said was true.
"That's not a laughing matter," announced Franziska. "You are in a courtroom not a theatre."
"Trucy can you please confirm that this statement belongs to you:
On the day of Matt's death I met up with Wocky, Machi and Kay and drove to the cottage in the woods where they lived. Matt came over to us and asked for me to have words with him alone. He lead me to his bedroom where he complimented me. He kissed me then raped me and I walked out the room with me. I had to act calm as I walked out the room with him. That was the last I saw of him. Luke never showed up to the party.
Are you happy with this statement? "
"Yep," replied Trucy.
Trucy was hands down lying about being raped. He could see it and he knew it. Phoenix knew she was lying too because he was there when she confessed to sleeping with him.
"Is there anything you want to change in this testimony while you have the chance?"
"No."
"After a long delay, you guys may now cross examine the witness."
"What happened when you were in the bedroom before you were raped?" Apollo asked.
"He offered me alcohol, he sat me down on his bed and laid down next to me. We talked about things and then he kissed me."
"What did you talk about?"
"Matt talked about himself and his relationship with the defendant. He started wrapping his arms around me and said that he was bullied at school by his rival and then he had to end it by hiring someone to kill him."
"Did he mention his rival's name?"
"No," said Trucy. She shook her head and continued, "he never mentioned his rival's name but he did say my dad knew him very well."
"The case was nine years ago," Franziska announced. "The victim was Juan Corrida."
"So Engarde wasn't lying for once," added Salsa.
"ZVARRI!" Luke jumped out his chair and shouted in rage. "The child is a traitor! She lies! That fool is wrong! Matt only loves me! He would never cheat on me! She lies that little slut!"
Apollo was torn. If he took Luke's side like he should do as a lawyer, he would hint Trucy as a liar. In this situation, Trucy was fibbing. He couldn't bring himself to betray his sister.
"Hey Luke, if you don't wanna die, don't insult your laywer's sister?"
"But Trucy is lying!" Luke whined.
"How do you know?" Salsa asked. "You were hiding DeLite the night everything happened."
"Matt is my lover, he would never do that to me."
"He just did."
"Damn you all!" Luke cried out.
"We have plenty of evidence and statements but only one witness," Salsa said.
"Lots of invisible evidence indeed," Godot thought out aloud.
"I thank Miss Wright for being the only witness to pluck the courage to speak out. The court advises if you think someone is a murderer to avoid having sleeping with him or her for safety reasons. Did they ever find Mr. DeLite?"
"He is dead," Franziska announced. "He was a good husband and will be missed."
"Objection My Lord," Apollo snapped.
"You rang Apollo," Salsa said.
"How do you know he's dead?"
"Cause he would have been found by now."
"Maybe the defendant moved him while he was away from the cottage. That might be why Luke was away to hide Mr. DeLite from the guests."
"You make a very good point Apollo," said Maya. "But you're not really sticking up for Luke. You're hinting he might have killed Ron and it kills your theory Luke was framed."
Judge Salsa frowned like a child who lost his toy. Salsa stared at the ceiling. He turned to the jury and asked, "members of the jury, what is the verdict for Atmey? Is he guilty or not guilty of 1st degree murder?"
"The jury feels we can not reach a verdict at this present time."
"Very well," Salsa said. "Thank you for your time."
"So what does this mean My Lord?" Luke asked.
"You will receive your verdict," vowed Salsa. He pointed at Luke and tapped the table. "No matter what happens, you're guilty. Weather you killed your lover or was set up: you're guilty. Still everyone is mixed in this case. There is strong evidence that you were set up, whilst your previous crimes and De Killer's statement contradict it. We all agree that you are an insane monkey."
"Why thank you, My Lord."
"That wasn't meant to be a compliment," admitted Salsa, "but at least you are grateful."
"JUST GIVE HIM THE GUILTY VERDICT HE DESERVES!" Franziska roared throwing her whip at the judge.
"My dream has finally come true," announced Salsa.
"That's not something to be proud off!" Franziska snapped. "YOU SHOULD FEAR ME!"
"Calm down baby," Salsa whispered. "We will get a verdict. And since we really need to get it over and done with I have decided the verdict to Luke Atmey ...will be decided over a game of chess."
"...What?" Apollo asked. "The verdict will be decided over a game of chess?"
"Yes," replied Salsa. He banged his gavel and announced, "The prosecution and the defense will play a game of chess to determine the verdict and Atmey's fate. If Apollo wins Luke will be found not guilty and will be thrown in the loony bin. If Franziska wins, he will be found guilty and beheaded."
"I'm not good at chess..." Apollo muttered. He knew he was going to lose, and Franziska was most likely an expert in chess. Luke was getting sent down either way, but he disliked the death penalty. Having his family supporting him made him feel more comfortable facing Franziska in trial. He finally saw that she wasn't so scary as she wants to be.
"So when do you guys wanna play chess? Should be do it now or tomorrow?" Salsa asked.
"I think tomorrow will be the best option," said Apollo. "I haven't really played chess before and need practice."
"Objection!" Franziska smirked as she said, "But Salsa, you promised me in the prosecution lobby a verdict will be delivered today. I want it now!"
"I've got it!" Salsa shouted as he waved his hands in the air. "Tonight at eight, Apollo and Franziska will play chess to determine Luke Atmey's fate. We are gonna do this in this very courtroom. Feel free to bring all your friends. This is the trial of the year! You may all go, but be back at 8 P.M sharp!"
"I want you to win," Godot told his son. "I know you can. I don't care about Atmey. I want you to wipe that smile of Miss Whippingburg's face." Godot grinned as he spoke. Slurping what was left over from the coffee. "I'm gonna be saving some for tonight. I'll save the best blend for you. If Franziska pisses you off, feel free to throw coffee on her face. Knowing her she is going to cheat."
"How do I know if she's not cheating?" Apollo asked. "I don't get chess at all!"
"That's why I'm teaching you," Godot announced.
"I'd get disqualified if I throw coffee at her," Apollo reminded Godot.
"How do you know?" Godot asked. "I would laugh so much. Mia would too. I'm getting Pearl to channel Mia tonight. So she can see her step-son serving justice."
"Well I am Apollo Justice."
"Ha! I know you are," replied Godot. "Just listen to me and I will help you wipe that smile of her face. For your defendant it's insanity or death!"
For Luke Atmey this game of chess would be one of the most important things of his life. All that stood in-between this fate was Apollo, Franziska and a chessboard. Tonight's game was not for slackers. Once the game started there would be no lifelines, no hints, no gimmicks. Chess was a board-game that had survived for centuries. It was a test of wits, tactics and strategy. It would have been the first time in Los Angeles court that the verdict would be decided over a game of chess. Perhaps the first time in any court that the case would be settled over a game of chess. It could be professional suicide for everybody taking part. If they did something like this all the time the justice system could have a serious scar in the faith by the public.
The courtroom was packed. There were even a couple of camera men in the room. Luke Atmey stood in the defense chair, helpless and alone. No matter what the verdict, the criminal genius was going down. The game of chess will mean everything to him. If his lawyer won, he would spend the rest of his life in a detention center made especially for the criminally insane. If he lost, he would lose his life and rejoin his lover. Maybe it was a one way ticket to Hell but if Matt was there, it would be paradise: not Hell.
Everybody was all hyped up for this trial and rather interested that the trial would be going ahead in this way. Luke was guilty: no matter what. Still, Luke always admired chess so at least he'll be getting entertained before he gets sent down.
The chessboard was all set and everything was ready apart from the contestants: Apollo and Franziska. The pair of them were still talking to their colleges and avoiding all contact with each other until the match.
Judge Albert Salsa walked up to his podium and stood on top. He banged the gavel until everyone was silent. "Can everybody rise and put your right hand up." Everybody stood up and raised their hand. "Now repeat after me, I solemnly swear that I will not provoke the trial in any way. If I am to break this vow, I will accept the consequences."
"I solemnly swear that I will not provoke the trial in any way. If I am to break this vow, I will accept the consequences."
"I will behave just like how I should do in any normal trial," Salsa continued. "I will remain silent at all times to ensure the game is fair and square."
"I will behave just like how I should do in any normal trial. I will remain silent at all times to ensure the game is fair and square."
"Thank you," Salsa announced. "You may now all sit. I would like Mr. Justice and Ms. Von Karma to sit on the table with the chess set please. While these guys take their seats, I feel I must explain a couple of things. You guys will wonder why it's all had to come down to this. I will tell the truth. Only one witness showed up to the trial, all the other witnesses failed to turn up. We wanted to get a verdict by today and the jury felt like the couldn't deliver a verdict until they did the trial again and drag the witnesses along. Just not my style, I like things smooth, swift and exciting. I'm sure most of you agree that this trial has been exciting and will only get even greater. I mean this is the first time this court has ever had to sort a verdict out like this. There's danger and there's risks, but that's what makes this trial so unique. We have two of the best attorneys on the table, we have a criminal mastermind, and of course the paparazzi and the wonderful crowd here."
Salsa paused and drank some water. "Now before the game begins, I feel we should run through the basics of chess. Chess is a board game designed for two players. There are 64 squares arranged by an 8 by 8 grid. Each player has sixteen pieces: a queen, a king, two rooks, two knights, two bishops and eight pawns. You have to checkmate the king."
Luke thought it was one of the most intelligent speeches Salsa had ever spoke. Luke assumed that he had ripped it off by Wikipedia.
"Now for the pieces can do. The king can move one square in any direction it wants. The rook can move any numbers of squares but it can not leap over pieces. The Bishop can only move diagonally but can move in any number of squares it wants to. The queen is the most powerful piece of the game; she can move where she wants. The only piece that can leap over pieces is the knights, they move to form an L shape. And the pawns can move forward to any free square. There are plenty of special moves and illegal moves in chess, but I'm not going to go through them. There are many ways to play chess, I'm not gonna run a time limit but I'll let the players have a break at every half hour. The game will end by submission, or when all the pieces from one player are checkmated. The whites always play first. Since that's you Apollo, the game will begin as soon as you make your move. I ask that everybody in the room remains silent."
Apollo moved the pawn from the right forward. Franziska moved the pawn from the left. This was the beginning of the end of the trial. Apollo tried his best but he had a feeling that Franziska was going to tear him apart on the chessboard, but he wasn't nervous anymore. He was starting to get into the hang of it. All the practicing with Godot was paying off.
As he got into the game, Franziska had taking two pawns and a knight. Apollo had only only checkmated one of Franziska's pawns. The night was still young and he had plenty of time to catch up. Franziska had just wiped out the last of Apollo's knights. She smirked and leaned her back against the chair. Apollo stared at the board and noticed that the queen was in front of the pawn. Now he had a choice, to lose a bishop or to take Franziska's queen. Every piece was important and then he remembered what his father said: wipe that smile of her face. Franziska had abused the queen throughout the game and he had a feeling that she had swiped a few illegal moves with the queen.
Franziska had her eyes set on the bishop: it was her next target. So Apollo moved the pawn forward, swiping the queen. Franziska looked horrified. She glared at him whilst her whip got out. She shamelessly whipped Apollo. In return he threw the rest of his coffee at Franziska's face. It was an instant reaction which he couldn't help. At least he knew his father would be pleased that he threw coffee at her. He turned around and saw Godot absolutely delighted. There was a woman next to Godot laughing besides him, resembling Pearl: Mia channeled by Pearl.
"It looks like the defense and the prosecution could do with a rest," Salsa said. he banged the gavel down and announced, "the game will be paused for fifteen minute interval. Refreshments will be made available in the lobbies."
She didn't mean to disappoint Mia or Godot, but Pearl wanted to see Wocky. Since Matt's passing, Wocky's face had been rather sour.
Pearl dogged Wocky's steps as he stormed forward to the car park. He hurled himself at the wall, staring at mid-air. Pearl sighed. Leaning against the wall, sliding down to the floor. She looked up: it felt like midnight, an active breeze and black sky.
A friend dead, another accused of his murder. Both were dangerous criminals but that wasn't how Wocky saw Matt and Luke. He knew they were crazy, but they helped him escape prison fair and square. He didn't have to knock, he could just walk to them and they'd listen. The press branded them as monsters, but to Wocky they were just ordinary people. He knew his opinion would be disagreed on, but he met them in jail. Everyone was on the same in prison; they were sinners told to make atonement.
"You've been quiet," Pearl said. "Are you upset about Luke and Matt? You should have showed up this morning. The trial wouldn't have turned into that mess."
"Shouldn't you be there too?"
"I told them I had to see you," replied Pearl. She held onto his hand asked, "Has Alita contacted you lately?"
Wocky shook his head and closed his eyes.
"That's good. Hopefully she'll get locked up again soon."
"Then she can shut up about the money I apparently owe her."
"I heard that!" Heaven's gone and Hell was here. There was everything to fear. Alita tiptoed along the lines. She bowed, then walked like a ballerina dancing the time of her life. "How's my money coming along?"
The cheeky bitch, thought Pearl. Alita emerged from the shadows demanding money like a prostitute. "Go away you're getting nothing!"
"Oh little slut," Alita sighed. "I have to kill you if Wocky doesn't give me the cash."
"I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!" Pearl yelled.
She flashed a knife. Alita dragged Pearl onto the floor and sat ontop of her. The silver was pointing at Pearl's neck. Her arms performed a routine of moving the knife up and down. Everything was silent, except Alita who released a laugh most foul.
"Now are you scared of me, little slut?"
"You're the one who should be scared," Wocky roared. He pulled a gun out of his pocket and aimed at Alita. "I'm really gonna kill you now."
"Sticks and stones may break my bones," Alita murmured. "Words can't hurt me like they hurt you. Your face is so ugly is funny. You're not even gonna shoot me cause you know your precious little Pearl won't like you killing. What's the matter Wocky? Will I break your heart? I know its pretty much dead anyway."
Wocky's gun hit the floor. The tip of the knife was close to Pearl's brain. Alita was enjoying it like a child in the candy shop.
"Typical of you Wocky," Alita said. "Always cowering out on the last minute. I'd be so mean to just kill Pearl right now. She's so dumb and naïve." Alita played with Pearl's hair and asked, "do you know how Wocky treated me?"
"He treated you like a princess," Pearl said. "You threw it back in his face."
Alita sighed. She lifted Pearl's head up and showed her the red scars around her neck. "These scars, I got these from Wocky."
"YOU LYING BITCH!" Wocky roared again. He picked up his gun and said, "YOU KNOW WHO GAVE THEM YOU!" He still held the gun, aiming at Alita, but he didn't shoot. He had to wait for the right time. He didn't want to accidently gun down Pearl.
"He used to strangle me once a week." Alita's voice of cruelty melted into a soft gentle accent. A voice, Wocky knew was fake and hoped Pearl didn't fall for. "He tried to get back me lots of times since I escaped Prison. He even lied about Larry beating him up. I guess he blackmailed you into beating Larry up, didn't he? He always loves to act hard cause he's too chicken to walk the walk if you get what I mean." Alita hugged Pearl and moved the knife away. "You don't have to suffer the way I did."
"Alita..." Pearl whispered. She pushed herself away. She stared at the floor and her eyes wandered to the tip of the knife. "I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologise."
"I'm sorry that you're a filthy liar!" Pearl pushed Alita who gritted her teeth and tried to stab Pearl. Alita just about missed Pearl who slid under her and ran to Wocky.
He pulled the trigger and heard screams.
It didn't come from Pearl.
It didn't come from Alita.
"You two should be careful next time," Alita announced. "You're both alive for now. I'll now be wanting that money by next week."
"Your words aren't gonna change anything," Wocky snapped. "You're still not getting nothing from me."
"I'll make sure of it too," vowed Pearl.
"By the way Wocky," Alita laughed, "you're a dumbass if you think that Luke and Matt actually wanted to be you're friends. They only used you to get back at Dessie and they gave that retard Ron to me. They were playing you the whole time and you fell in their trap. Well they're both screwed so I guess it don't matter anymore. Still its hilarious how you fell for it. Have fun looking after that ugly child of yours!"
"Where have you hid him?" Pearl asked.
"As if anybody's gonna find him." Alita faced Pearl and before she went said, "I threw him in that river near Harazuka temple. So cute watching him drown."
She ran out of the park laughing without a care in the world.
Running out from the shadows was Godot. He was out of breath and covered in blood. "You guys okay? What happened to you guys? "
"Geez Godot what the fuck happened to you?"
"Thalassa was asleep and I can't wake her up," he stated. "I just can't seem to wake her up no matter how much I try."
"What's with all that blood on you?" Wocky asked. "Imagine how Apollo's going to react."
"Blood?" Godot asked. His voice became faint as did his expression. "I can't see any."
"You can't any?" Wocky snapped. "Its all over you. Its on your hands and everything!"
"Wocky," Pearl said, tapping on his shoulder. "Mr. Godot's site isn't perfect: he can't see red very well. We'll have to check Miss Thalassa to see if she's okay."
The three of them went over to the other side of the car park and saw Thalassa laying hopeless on the floor. The red puddle and wounds near the heart was enough for Pearl and Wocky to know Thalassa was dead.
"She's dead isn't she?" Godot asked.
"She's defiantly gone," Wocky said.
"Poor Apollo," said Pearl. "He's only just been reunited with his real parents and he's just lost one already. This is so sad."
"Any idea who did this?" Godot asked. He knelt over Thalassa's body and touched her cheek. "I heard Pearl screaming not long ago. Whoever tried to harm you could be the killer of my son's mother."
"One of my crazy ex-girlfriends named Alita," Wocky replied.
"Any chance she dates a man named Larry Butz?"
"Yeah," Pearl said. "How did you know?"
"When I was in prison," Godot said. "Larry smuggling some instant coffee into the prison for me. Since last year, he's always gone on about a girl named Alita. He spoke non-stop about her. Sometimes I wished he would shut up."
"He helped her escape," Wocky said. "I know he did. Anyway Godot shouldn't you be at the courtroom thing?"
"I left during on the intervals," replied Godot. "I walked away satisfied cause Apollo threw coffee at Franziska's face."
"Really?"
"Yeah," said Godot. "It was hilarious. I'm glad you didn't show up in court, the trial is bonkers."
"I ain't into chess anyway," Wocky said. "I would have been board and left."
"Larry always seemed to be nice," Pearl said. "We need to find where Larry is hiding Alita. I'm going to call the police as well. We should have done that by now!" She held the phone by her ear and requested for the police. "Hello, sorry for disturbing you guys at this hour but there's but Alita's just killed Miss Thalassa! She told us that she has drowned Ron too. You gotta get to the car park near the courtroom as soon as you can. Okay! Thank you Mr. Dick, get here soon."
"I guess I'll have to go into court this time," said Wocky.
"I know you don't want to go to court, but you'll have to this time."
"Pearl's right," Godot said. "And don't be surprised if I get arrested for her murder."
"Mystic Maya isn't answering her phone," Pearl gasped. "I'm going to try Mr. Apollo... his phone is switched off. Mr. Nick should answer his phone... Hello? Mr. Nick?... Oh its you Iris. ... Uhm, Mr. Polly's mother has been murdered and we know who did it. It was Alita, she said she drowned Ron in the river in Harazuka. I needed Mr. Nick's help on something. ... Yeah we called the police, I'll see you at the station."
"The trial is still going ahead," said Pearl. "The police should be coming soon."
Gumshoe walked onto the park with police officers and investigators behind him. Gumshoe was carrying his son, Copper in his arms. "The police are here!" Gumshoe announced. Copper burped and spat on his father's coat. "Sorry guys I had to bring the baby into work this morning. Maggey's working at night and we couldn't afford a babysitter. You guys know what to do, I need to go and sort this little monster out."
"Alright guys?" Mike asked. "So you guys seen Alita?"
Pearl nodded. "She says Luke handed Ron over to her and she drowned him."
"Looks like we're onto something," Mike said. "You guys think Alita killed Thalassa?"
"I know she did," Wocky said.
"Did you see Alita do it?" Mike asked.
"No," replied Wocky. "We didn't know anything about Thalassa until Godot came covered in blood thinking she fell asleep."
"Why don't you arrest me?" Godot asked. "You all want to arrest me anyway. I can see it in the papers, killer set free to kill again."
"Well I don't," Mike admitted. "But that attitude is not going to help you clear your name. Its not good for Apollo either."
"Okay guys any clues yet?" Gumshoe asked. He held Copper in his hands who drooled onto his coat.
"One of the guys are checking the security cameras right now," Mike told him. "Also just been told by Wocky and Pearl that Alita was here. They suspect fugitive, Alita Tiala is the one we're looking for."
"That's good," said Gumshoe. "But I'm afraid we'll have to arrest Godot."
"Already?" Mike said. "Shouldn't we spend more time investigating?"
"I've got to pick up Maggey tonight and get Copper asleep," Gumshoe said. "I'll leave it to you and Ema."
"What do you think, Ema?" asked Mike.
"She's had lots of severe stabbing," said Ema. "Looks like it could have been more than one person."
"Not just Alita?" Pearl asked.
"She looks like she's been dead for no more than half an hour. The killer must have silenced her by trapping her mouth with her veil. She was stabbed near the legs first then the killer made it's way to the arms, then after the final blow removed the veil and stabbed her in the heart."
"This is awful," Pearl said.
"When did you hear the screams?" Ema asked.
"We heard it when Alita was about to stab Pearl," replied Wocky. "... fifteen or twenty minutes ago."
"It couldn't have been Alita then," Ema confirmed. "If Pearl or Alita didn't scream then it must have been Thalassa if you were the only people in park."
"Oh man," moaned Wocky. "Alita is the only one I can imagine killing her."
"Do you anyone who could help Alita?" Ema asked.
"I know who helped her get out of prison," Wocky said. "Larry Butz could have killed her."
"Makes sense," said Mike. "Larry was fired yesterday for being caught with dirty pictures of Alita. He was last seen that evening, at the casino at 11:00 A.M."
"So where has he been hiding Alita all this time?" Ema asked.
"We have to investigate Larry's address for any clues," said Mike. "After you get some sleep Ema, go ask people you know from prison about Alita and Ema."
"Sure," sighed Ema. "Apollo's mom dead, and his dad's been arrested for his murder... Great. How are we suppose to tell him this."
"Good news!" Mike shouted. "They found Ron. Don't worry: he's alive."
"That's good," Pearl said. "So it looks like Alita was lying about Ron."
"Alita lies about a lot of things," Wocky said. "I'm gonna go home now. You coming? Mama won't mind you sleeping over."
"Okay then, I will."
"Ema, I've just got another call from the police," Mike told her. "They've arrested someone else for the murder!"
"Really?" Ema said. "Who?"
"The game is almost over," Salsa hissed. "I have never dealt with trial so full of drama and tensity. Each player has thier king alive. The kings have lost all their army. This has been a great game, my money's on Franziska."
"Nice to know," Franziska said. "I will win this game and justice will be served."
"The game's still young," said Apollo. He looked around, where did his dad and girlfriend go? They were nowhere to be scene. Why did they vanish at this important stage of the game?
"Okay guys, let's go back to the game," Salsa told them.
Franziska moved her king forward, and Apollo moved his to the right. They both repeated their moves. It was getting to the point where he wanted to give up. Trucy looked very tired. He didn't know what time it was, he knew it was late. Come to think of it, Apollo was feeling the pressure of exhaustion too.
A large thump on the floor. The crowd gasped and the cameras clicked away. Trucy collapsed. She was hurled over the corner of the room. Apollo jumped off his seat and lifted his sister. Her forehead was burning and her eyes where shut.
"Trucy are you okay?" Apollo asked in a hurry.
No response.
"We'll have to take her to the hospital," Phoenix shouted.
Apollo lifted Trucy and carried her out of the courtroom. Phoenix exited court.
"The defense has resigned from the game. Which means Franziska wins the game," Salsa banged the gavel and gave a harsh stare at Luke. "Luke Atmey, the court has found you guilty of all charges set against you: two counts 1st degree murder, cannibalism, escaping jail, assisting people to escape jail, and kidnap. We might have to add another count of 1st degree murder if Mr. DeLite is found dead. You are a man with criminal intentions, you are a danger to the public and a traitor. The court finds you'd be better off dead. You will be hung in five hours time. This case is now over!" Salsa banged the gavel one last time and everybody was on their way to leave.
A police officer marched into the room. Grabbed Franziska by the arm and said, "Franziska Von Karma, I'm arresting you for the murder of Thalassa Gramarye."
"What!" Maya gasped. "Are you mad?"
The officer handcuffed Franziska and continued his words. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law." Franziska was took away in the back of a police car with Maya following them.
Nobody won.
"FRANZISKA?" Ema gasped.
"Yeah." Mike sighed and returned his phone back into his pocket. "Why would they want to arrest her for Thalass'a death? She was in the courtroom."
"There's a possibility that she could have hired someone to do it," Ema thought. "I finished writing the notes down on this murder scene. I should get an autopsy report ready for the morning."
Mike's phone rang again. He picked it up, and saw Lana's name pop up. He answered without any doubt. "Hey Lana. Why are you ringing me at this time, I'm kinda busy right now."
"Ema's not in bed," Lana said, "Where is she?"
"She's with me," Mike replied. "We're working on a crime scene together. Her friend's mom just got murdered."
"What a tragedy," Lana hissed. "Still it's good that she's in good hands with you... for now."
"I'll pass her over to you if you want," Mike offered.
"I just wanted to speak to you for now Mike Blitz if that's okay." Mike knew Lana was telling her this with a smile curled onto her lips. "That little plan of ours, I've got everything we need locked up in my office. I really wanna kill April right now, but I got a feeling it's best to wait until the relationship with Klavier and April soars."
"I think pateince is a good virtue," Mike told her. "I'm going to have to interview April about Alita Tiala tomorrow so I guess I can press on her for some information."
"Not that sort of pressing."
"Of course not," Mike replied. "Don't be so silly."
"I'll see you later than." Lana hung up.
"What did Lana want to speak to you about?" Ema asked.
"She was asking about Christmas presents," Mike lied.
"I'm looking forward to Christmas this year," admitted Ema. "This is gonna be the first good Christmas in a long time."
"I'll make sure you have a lovely life," Mike promised. He wrapped his arm around Ema and kissed her cheek.
Not even her perfect ambitions prevented Franziska from landing in this cell. They confiscated her whip, and took away her confidence. Confined in the detention center, she felt worthless. She was afraid to let her family down. Tarnishing the reputation of perfection was a distaster for her. If her father was still alive, he would have no doubt disowned her. She didn't deserve to be disowned either, because she didn't murder anybody-she swore on her father's grave.
Franziska fiddled with her hair and sighed. Tears rolling down her eyes for the first time in years. Her head hurt. She couldn't believe how easy it was to feel ashamed. Her perfect world had been disturbed.
The way she was treated as if she was some kind of monster was foolish. She could really do with a hug right now, she thought. At the same time, she didn't want anybody to catch her crying again. Not Maya. Not Egdeworth. Not anybody.
"Franziska, you okay?"
It was Maya's voice. No doubt about that. The silly fool was skiving her duties in Kurain just to see her.
"What are you doing here you fool?" sobbed Franziska.
"I came to see you," Maya said. "I'm sorry they did all this to you. It's one of the most foolish acts of all time and the police officer is a foolish fool. See what I did there?"
"You're a fool for copying me."
"They say imitation is the best form of flattery?"
"Foolish phrase?"
"Cheer up okay, I've got everything sorted."
"Cheer up?" Franziska spat. "How can I? I'm in this foolishly cold cell, in these foolish building in this foolish... and I'm probally the most foolish one out of everybody." She cried even harder. Maya held her hand against the glass, wishing she could just smash it and hug Franziska.
"Hey it's okay," Maya whispered. "I'm here for you. No one can hurt you."
"What do you mean?" Franziska widened her eyes. She pinched her own shoulders with both hands.
Maya annonced, "When your trial comes up, I'm gonna be your lawyer."
"You fool!" Franziska gasped. "You have no experience."
"My sister's been a good defense attorney, and I was the assistant of Phoenix Wright, I think I have plenty of experience," Maya explained. She grinned throughout, as if she knew what she was doing. Franziska thought Maya had no idea what she was doing, and had gone madder than ever. "I've even got this..." Maya held a golden pin from her pocket. Franziska knew what it was: it was a lawyer's badge.
"Did you take the exam?" Franziska asked.
"No," Maya confessed, "I stole it from Nick. That's why Kristoph raped me. He thought I was going to give it back to him."
"Why did you steal it from him?" Franziska questioned Maya. "Stealing is a crime."
"I didn't want Phoenix to give up, so I took it and used it as a treasure for all the good times we shared."
"You fool," Franziska muttered. "You could have thought of better ways to cherish them memories of that fool." All the crying had turned into small giggles.
"At least your smiling now." "You know I love you and no fucking court is gonna send you down. I've even asked Judge Salsa to be the judge."
"Why that fool?" Franziska sneered. "That fool can't judge to save his life."
"Cause he always lets the females out and he knows you're innocent so it works," Maya replied. "Salsa has a crush on you, and that detective that's dating Ema does too. So they'll defiantly help you out."
"I don't want that foolish Mike Blitz helping me out," said Franziska. She looked away and faced the floor.
"Why not?"
"He slept with my ex-wife," Franziska told Maya. "He ruined my marriage and that fool touched areas of me that he shouldn't off."
"Was he good?" Maya asked.
"...Only my fool, Maya Fey."
Maya didn't get the clear response she was expecting. She smiled, then winked. "I'll think I'll have to take that as a yes."