Objection! Chapter 11:Motive and Edgeworth's Return, a phoenix wright: ace attorney fanfic

Hey guys, it's been a little while! Happy holidays, guys, here's your present! I'm glad so many of you like this story and I'm so excited to be ending case 3 and starting case 4 right after, which will have the most feels you've ever seen in this story! Alright, thanks to brellaindigo (Thanks, I always liked the idea that if someone's a twin then they're opposites, it's strange really.), pyrosaurus X (Wow, thanks, I can't wait to see what you come up with!), Neko249, BreakfastBandit, Xanxux, leviathan254, Raven Blackknight, therabbitdog, DarkIs4EverInLight, lordofthenight97, PurplePanda12 and YuyaKnightwriter97 for reviewing/following/favoring along with all 2,835 readers! Thank you all so much, I think this is one of the longest lists this story's had so far! Okay, so this chapter will finish case 3, have kid Apollo and have small Jasmine/Miles moments. Also, I'm looking for an Objection theme for Jasmine so if you find anything, let me know! Alright, I think that's everything...Oh yeah, a new song's coming in too! Now, that's everything so I hope you guys enjoy!

Jasmine walked into the court early that morning, earlier than usual. Adjusting her violin case on her shoulder, the young aide walked into the prosecutor's lobby. Sure enough, she found Edgeworth standing there, preparing for the trial.

"So...you've made your choice." She stated, causing the prosecutor to turn to her.

"Yes, I suppose you could say I have." He nodded after a minute.

"Alright, but just remember Miles..." As she spoke, the aide stepped closer to him and finished in a whisper, "the choices you make are ones that you have to live with, ones that can never be undone. Make sure you and he are proud of your choices. As long as you follow your heart, a heart you share with him, then nothing will go wrong." With that, the girl turned and headed for her own lobby, leaving a shocked Edgeworth behind.

Jasmine sat on the couch, holding her violin as they waited for the trial to start. She began to play it and sing a new song she just wrote.

"Come on, let's get to work

I'll find the truth no matter what

I'm loyal to the end

You can count on me

You'll see,

I can do this, pal!

Don't start doubting me now!

I believe in you

So you better believe in me too!

I won't let the truth escape

I'll fight for what's right

I won't stop now, pal!

I'll stay by your side

Trust me.

As long as I count on you,

You better count on me, too.

Please just trust me

And I surprise you in the lead

You'll see!

"Nice song, Jazz." Maya commented as she sat down beside the aide. "It's about Detective Gumshoe, right?" Jasmine nodded in confirmation as she put her violin away.

"You ready, Nick?" The girls asked in unison, looking at the attorney. Phoenix took a deep breath and nodded,

"Let's do this." He stated.

October 20th, 10:00 AM

District Court

Courtroom No. 4

The defense, prosecution, judge and crowd sat in the court until the judge slammed his gavel down.

"Court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Will Powers." He stated.

"The prosecution is ready, Your Honor." Edgeworth stated.

"The defense is ready, Your Honor." Phoenix stated.

Well, if we weren't why on Earth would we be here? Jasmine thought sarcastically.

"Jazz, stop." Phoenix whispered.

Stupid on-off telepethy!

"Today will be the final day of this trial." The judge said, "I hope both the prosecution and the defense will be able to present decisive evidence. Very well, Mr. Edgeworth. Your opening statement."

"In yesterday's session, the defense presented us with a new theory for this case. He claims that the scene of the crime was, in fact, Studio Two. Today I will call on people present in the Studio Two trailer that day. From their testimonies, the truth will become clear." Edgeworth stated.

"Hmm...very well!" The judge nodded. Phoenix's eyes darted over to his sister, who was staring directly at Edgeworth. He knew she had something to do with Edgeworth's behaviour but he remained silent. The judge slammed his gavel down and said, "You may call your first witness, Mr. Edgeworth."

"The prosecution calls Ms. Dee Vasquez to the stand." Edgeworth stated, "Ms. Dee Vasquez is a producer who was present in the Studio Two trailer that day."

Alright, Vasquez. Game on.

Once Vasquez was on the stand, Edgeworth spoke again.

"Will the witness state her name and occupation?" He requested.

"...Dee Vasquez. I am a producer for Global Studios." Vasquez stated.

"On the day of the murder, you were in the trailer in Studio Two..." Edgeworth started but Vasquez interjected,

"As everyone here knows, yes?" Vasquez said.

"...?" Edgeworth was confused.

"I dislike needless banter." Vasquez continued, "If you must pontificate, do it when I'm not here."

"Mrrph!" Edgeworth grunted as he reeled back in shock.

"V-very well, Ms. Vasquez." The judge said, as shocked as Edgeworth. Of course, neither had dealt with the impossible woman before now. "Please give the court your testimony concerning the day of the murder."

"Nick! I know she did it! Make her pay!" Maya encouraged.

"Don't let her escape!" Jasmine added.

"R-right!" Phoenix stuttered in agreement.

"I entered the trailer, oh, a little before noon. The meeting began at 12:00 sharp. It ended at 4:00. There was to be a rehearsal afterwards, so we went to Studio One...I was fatigued, so I had Sal take me. At 2:30, we took a 15-minute break in the meeting. Sal and I ate t-bone steaks on the table in front of the trailer. We found Hammer's body later, when we all went to Studio One. That's all." Vasquez testified.

"Hmm...I have a question about one part of your testimony." The judge said, "You were 'fatigued' so you had Sal 'take you'...?"

"The van." Vasquez stated.

"Hmm?" The judge asked, confused.

"There's a van at Studio Two." Vasquez explained, "I had him take me in that. I thought it might be risky to walk, what with that monkey's head toppling over." Quickly, Jasmine wrote this information about the van down in her notepad before she put it in the Court Record and nodded once at Phoenix.

"I...I see! Very well. Mr. Wright, your cross-examination." The judge stated.

"This is the final battle, Nick!" Maya whispered, "Let's do it!"

"No holding back!" Jasmine added. Phoenix nodded at his assistant and aide before he got to work.

"OBJECTION!" Smirking, the older twin continued, "Hah! As I thought!" Vasquez was silent. "You claim you ate a t-bone steak!" Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench and finished, "But I say you did not!"

"W-what's this, now, Mr. Wright?" The judge asked.

"Look at this." Phoenix said, holding up Will's plate.

"It's...a plate?" The judge said.

"This plate was on the table in the employee room." Phoenix explained, "As you can see, a large bone has been left behind."

"Mr. Wright. Need I remind you it was a T-BONE STEAK!?" Edgeworth asked, shaking his head, thinking this was a stupid move.

Watch this, Miles. Jasmine smirked.

"Exactly my point!" Phoenix nodded, "Remember, if you will...Ms. Vasquez and Mr. Manella ate at a table outside the trailer. Yet there were no bones left on the plates! The plates were bare!"

"!" Vasquez grit her teeth tightly in shock.

"Ms. Vasquez?" Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench. "Tell me, how can a person eat a t-bone steak...and not leave the bone? I think I know how!" Phoenix pointed at the producer and cried, "You didn't eat any steak during that break!"

Nice rhyme, Nick.

"You took your steak and threw it somewhere..." Phoenix continued and Jasmine finished, pointing as well.

"Like that incinerator!"

"! ..." Vasquez was shocked, yet silent.

"I...I see!" The judge cried, "Then what was Ms. Vasquez doing during her break?"

"Isn't it obvious, Your Honor?" Phoenix and Jasmine asked in complete unison. The twins slammed their hands on the desk and pointed at the true killer, crying, "She was meeting with the Steel Samurai!" The court filled with the crowd talking and the judge slammed his gavel.

"Order!" He cried, "A-are you saying...!?"

"Yes, Your Honor!" Phoenix said, Jasmine falling silent as she met Edgeworth's gray eyes. "As Ms. Vasquez left the trailer to eat her steak...She ran into the Steel Samurai! And then you did it." Phoenix slammed his hands down, pointed at the producer and accused, "You killed him with your own hands!"

"!" Vasqeuz grit her teeth again in shock, silent. The crowd began to talk until the judge slammed his gavel three times.

"M-Mr. Wright! I-isn't that a little presumptuous!?" The judge asked.

"OBJECTION!" Edgeworth slammed his hand on the bench and demanded, "What kind of stunt are you trying to pull, Wright!?"

"Let him claim what he wants..." Vasquez interjected, "You say I did it?"

"Yes." Phoenix confirmed.

"Facinating! And here I was worrying that today would be as boring as all the rest." Vasquez smirked, "...Very well. Let us have a battle of wits, you and I." Phoenix nodded, agreeing.

"Good luck, Nick!" Maya whispered.

"You've got this!" Jasmine added, her eyes still on Edgeworth. She knew what he would do...he had his heart, after all. She never doubted either of them and she wouldn't doubt them now. He lived in Edgeworth just as he lived partially in her own heart.

"Let's see...What was that murder weapon again? Oh yes, the 'Samurai Spear'." Vasquez said.

"Yes...?" Phoenix said, wondering where she was going with this.

"I am, as you can see, a woman of petite stature." Vasquez explained, "How could I possibly use that heavy spear as a weapon?"

"I think you would have a great deal of difficulty using that as a weapon." Phoenix said thoughtfully. "Pretty much anyone would."

"Hah. You see?" Vasquez smirked, thinking she'd won already.

"Yes...However, that has no bearing on this case!" Phoenix smirked.

"...Meaning?" Vasquez asked. Jasmine gasped out loud as it clicked for her. The spear...

"The Samurai Spear was not the murder weapon!" Phoenix stated as Jasmine began flipping through her notepad until she reached the notes she had taken while walking back to the Employee Area after doing her own investigation. She reread what she wrote about the fence and everything fit.

It makes complete sense now! She thought, having forgotten what she was thinking yesterday when Phoenix had accidentally triggered their telepathy.

What!?" Vasquez cried. The court filled with people talking and the judge slammed his gavel, crying,

"What is the meaning of this!? The spear was found lying next to the victim's body!"

"I have proof, Your Honor." Phoenix stated, "I can prove that the Samurai Spear was not used as the murder weapon! TAKE THAT! I present my proof: the so-called 'murder weapon'!"

"B-but, that IS the murder weapon!" Edgeworth disagreed.

"Not so fast. Remember that this spear broke during the morning action scene run-through?" Phoenix reminded, "But, someone fixed the spear. It was the security lady! She fixed it with duct tape! Now tell me, how is it possible...for someone to stab a man who is wearing a thick costume with this!? Through the chest!" At the end, the older twin pointed at his rival. The court filled with talk and the judge slammed his gavel.

"O-order! Order!" He cried. Edgeworth slammed his hand on the bench and pointed at his rival.

"Mr. Wrigth! What are you driving at!?" He cried, "Think about what you're-"

"Silence!" Vasquez cried, "I'm the one testifying hear and I will be heard!"

"Mmmph...!" Edgeworth grunted, reeling back in shock. That woman was obviously getting on his nerves.

"Are you quite sane?" Vasquez continued, "Are you even aware of what you're saying? If the Samurai Spear was not the murder weapon, then pray tell what was!? How was Hammer killed?"

"Well, Mr. Wright? Can you tell us what weapon was used to kill Mr. Hammer?" The judge asked.

"Nick, this." Jasmine whispered as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the photo, showing him her notes. Phoenix nodded, having come to the same conclusion.

"You guys figured it out?" Maya asked.

"Yeah, we did." Jasmine grinned as she put an arm around her metaphorical younger sister's shoulders.

"Would I make a claim like that if I couldn't tell you what the weapon was?" Phoenix smirked.

"I'm afraid your confidence can sometimes be unfounded, Mr. Wright..." The judge said. Jasmine giggled quietly behind her hand at that. "Very well, let's see this murder weapon, then."

"TAKE THAT! Look at this photo." Phoenix said.

"W-what is this?" The judge cried, "Why, that's Jack Hammer standing at the top of the stairs!" The people began to talk until the judge slammed his gavel three times. "O-order! Order! If I cannot have order this trial will be suspended! Mr. Wright! What is this all about!?"

"This photograph is from five years ago." Phoenix explained, "There was an unfortunate accident at Global Studios. This is a photo of that very accident. Not a word of this was leaked to the outside. It was a close-kept secret at the studios."

"What does this have to do with the current case!?" Edgeworth demanded, pointing at the defense attorney.

"Mr. Edgeworth...You still can't see it?" Phoenix asked, "See the fallen man in this photo? See how the fencepost pierced him through the chest?"

"Wh...what!?" Edgeworth cried, reeling back in shock. "Are you saying...!?"

"Yes. What happened five years ago..." Phoenix started. The twins slammed their hands on the bench and Jasmine finished,

"Has happened again!"

"!" Vasquez's face literally showed her shock, something lacking throughout the whole trial. The Wright twins had managed to shock her. The judge slammed his gavel three times to silence the court and said,

"Mr. Wright! Jasmine! Continue!"

"It's 2:30 PM on the day of the murder!" Phoenix started.

"Ms. Dee Vasquez meets Jack Hammer outside the Studio Two trailer!" Jasmine continued. The twins continued in this way with Phoenix adding,

"Then she did it! She pushed Mr. Hammer off the stairs onto the fence!"

"Just like Mr. Hammer had himself done five years ago! Though whether she did it on purpose or by accident, we cannot say." Jasmine finished, her head held high.

"...!" Vasquez was stunned silent.

"I-in other words...th-the victim, Mr. Hammer...He died in the same way that he caused another man to die...five years ago!" Edgeworth said, leaning on his bench with his fists clenched and his eyes wide. The twins nodded.

"Precisely." They stated in unison, obviously using their telepathy. "Ironic, isn't it?"

"...Hoh hoh. Very creative, Mr. Wright, Jasmine." Vasquez smirked, "I could use people like you on my script writing staff."

"You deny that what we say is true?" Phoenix asked.

"...Mr. Wright. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that Hammer died at the trailer as you say." Vasquez said, "Yet the body was found at Studio One, was it not? And in the Evil Magistrate's costume, no less. Are you then claiming that I carried the body to Studio One...And returned to the trailer, all in the space of a 15 minute break? How could I have disposed of the body!?" Phoenix was silent as he thought.

"The break in the meeting at the trailer lasted 15 minutes, from 2:30 to 2:45." Edgeworth said, "Could Jack Hammer have been pushed off the stairs to his death...then carried to Studio One and placed inside his costume? There wasn't enough time!"

"Hmm...indeed." The judge agreed, "Well, Mr. Wright? How could she have dealt with the body?" Smirking, Jasmine slipped her brother the notepad page about the van. Phoenix smiled in thanks but his sister's eyes were on Edgeworth's again.

"15 minutes is kind of a short amount of time..." Phoenix started.

"You see? Even I cannot do the impossible. Therefore, Mr. Wright. I didn't do it. Agreed?" Vasquez smirked.

"Not agreed!" Phoenix said, shaking his head.

"?" Vasquez had no idea where he was going with this.

"What if she had another way to carry the body, other than with her own hands?" Phoenix said.

"For instance?" Vasquez prompted.

"Actually, for that matter, there was no need for her to do the deed in 15 minutes!" Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench, pointed at the killer and said, "And there was a way for you to carry that body."

"! I-interesting! Let's hear it then." Vasquez said, she knew they were catching on.

"Mr. Wright? Please show us how she carried the body." The judge requested.

"TAKE THAT!" Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench and continued, "Ms. Vasquez. You carried the body to Studio One. And you used the studio van to do it!" Phoenix pointed at the woman as he spoke.

"!" Vasquez was shocked once again. They were figuring it out! The judge slammed his gavel down to quiet the court and the defense attorney continued,

"Recall your testimony..."

"There was a rehearsal afterwards, so we went to Studio One. I was fatigued so I had Sal take me. There was a van there, right? I had Sal drive me."

"You used the van to carry the body to Studio One!" Phoenix cried, pointing at the woman. "Then, before everyone else got there, you put the body into the Magistrate costume!"

"...!" Vasquez had no words.

"OBJECTION!" But apparently, Edgeworth did. "Hold on, Wright! Don't forget, it was Sal Manella that drove the van! Are you suggesting that Mr. Manella was a conspirator?"

"Of course, Sal Manella has to be a conspirator!" Phoenix smirked, "The body had to be placed in the van and put into the costume. There's no way that Ms. Vasquez could have done that alone!"

"Also, don't forget that they had to dispose of the Steel Samurai costume." Jasmine added, "They had to...because it was covered in Mr. Hammer's blood! They probably burned it in that small incinerator." Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench and cried,

"Well, Ms. Vasquez! Shall my sister and I continue?"

"...No need." Vasquez said, "You're both smarter than you look, Mr. Wright, Jasmine. Hmph. I lose. You win. It...was fun." The whole court was silent, not one person so much as moved. Nobody knew what to say. Did Vasquez just admit her guilt?

"Umm...So...what happens next?" Phoenix asked, his hand on the back of his neck. Jasmine smacked her forehead, hating that her brother could be so...awkward at times. She's dealt with it her whole life and he's toned down since he's grown up but still...it was annoying cause he got awkward at the worst possible times!

"?" Vasquez was confused.

"Don't '?' me!" Phoenix cried, slouched over and sweating. "Don't you have anything to say!?"

"What would you like me to say?" Vasquez asked.

"Huh?" Phoenix asked. "'I lost'? Something like that!"

"I just said that." Vasquez stated. Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench.

"W-wait, so you mean..." He pointed at her and asked, "Dee Vasquez! So it was you? You killed Jack Hammer!" Everyone remained completely silent and still until Vasquez responded.

"Who can say?" She asked.

"Huh?" Phoenix asked as Jasmine removed her hand to look at the producer.

Is she saying what I think she's saying...

"Are you sure I did?" Vasquez asked.

Yep, she is.

"Mr. Wright...We just engaged in a battle of wits." Vasquez explained, "And the result of that battle? You proved the possibility that I murdered Hammer."

"R-right!" Phoenix agreed, still not getting it.

"But...that is only a possibility. Proof is another thing altogether." Vasquez said, "You lack decisive proof, Mr. Wright."

"Wha...wha...wha...wha...WHAAAAAAAAAT!?" Phoenix cried, reeling back in shock. Jasmine reeled back in the shock of that moment.

WE DON'T HAVE THE EVIDENCE WE NEED! The court filled with people talking until the judge slammed his gavel.

"Order! Mr. Edgeworth, your thoughts?" The judge asked. Jasmine looked at the prosecutor, hoping beyond belief that what she had been waiting for would happen.

"Umm...uhh...mmmph." Edgeworth grunted, "O-of course, it's as the witness says!"

Yet you don't sound positive.

"...Certainly, it does seem very likely she did it...but, uh, there's no proof!" Edgeworth stumbled. Jasmine snuck a glance at her brother. He could see Edgeworth's confusion too. Jasmine returned her gaze to Edgeworth, trying to help him see what he had to do.

"...Well? I came here as a witness today." Vasquez said, "If you've no more questions, I'll be leaving." Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench after a minute and pointed at the producer, saying,

"I..I'd like you to testify again!"

"Testify...again?" The judge asked.

"Know when to give up, Mr. Wright." Vasquez said, "Think about it. Even if I were to testify again, what's the point? I can only say what I said before. The truth, Mr. Wright."

Liar!

"I've already said all there is to say." Vasquez continued, "What would happen if I said it again?"

"Uh..." Phoenix muttered.

"You'd ask the same questions, get the same answers." Vasquez stated, "A waste of time."

Damnit! The judge slammed his gavel down to silence the court.

"As it seems there are no further questions...I would like to end the cross-examination of the witness, Ms. Vasquez." The judge started when out of nowhere.

"OBJECTION!" The voice was neither of the Wright twins, but that of Miles Edgeworth.

"Yes, Mr. Edgeworth?" The judge asked, confused. A prosecutor had never objected just as they were going to win before.

"I was hoping to come up with a question while I was objecting, Your Honor..." Edgeworth admitted, "I didn't."

Miles, no! You're our last hope, please! I know you can do this! Believe in yourself, believe in the truth! Jasmine begged mentally.

"I see...Very well." The judge said.

"OBJECTION!" As if he heard her thoughts, Edgeworth cried out again. He slammed his hand on the bench and cried, "Your Honor!" He pointed at the judge as he continued, "I request that the witness testify again!"

"You are the prosecutor, are you not?" Vasquez asked, "Why are you badgering me? I'm your witness!"

"I...I just want to hear your testimony again." Edgeworth stated, refusing to meet Jasmine's shining gaze as she grinned brightly.

"Does this make any sense to you, Your Honor?" Vasquez asked, "I don't see that we have anything to gain by repeating the last several minutes."

"Mr. Edgeworth...I, too, see little point in making Ms. Vasquez repeat herself." The judge agreed, "What exactly did you want her to testify about?"

"Mmmph! Well, yes, um..." Edgeworth said thoughtfully, "...Indeed! Verily, I say...Ergo!" He slammed his hand on the bench, pointed at Vasquez and finished, "I want to hear about what happened...after they found the body!"

Yes! Miles Edgeworth is back! He would be so proud!

"After they found the body...? Very well." The judge agreed, "The witness will testify to the court concerning this matter."

"Hmph." Vasquez huffed.

"Nick! Jazz!" Maya whispered, "Why did Edgeworth...?"

"Who knows?" Phoenix replied, "He probably realized she did it too."

"Something like that." Jasmine whispered as she played with her pendent.

"But...but! Wasn't he the one who said he always gets a guilty verdict...? After all that..." Maya asked.

"Trust me...he will fight for the truth when he puts his mind to it. It just took a while to get this part of him back." Jasmine smiled. Maya was confused but remained silent. Welcome home, Miles...

"I was with Sal and Oldbag, the security lady, when we found the body. The assistant was there, too. Only Powers was absent. The security lady, Oldbag, was quite agitated. Pointing at Powers, saying "he did it!" I asked to be left out of the proceedings. I went back to the trailer to get my script and direction notes. Then I went home." Vasquez testified.

"Hmm...I see no issues raised by this testimony...Mr. Wright, your cross-examination." The judge said.

"Okay, Nick, we're close, real close!" Maya encouraged.

"She may be acting tough now..." Jasmine continued.

"But if you put her on the spot she's sure to falter!" Maya added.

"Find the key and twist the truth out of her, Nick!" The girls finished in unison.

"Right!" Phoenix nodded in agreement before he focused on Vasquez.

"HOLD IT!" Phoenix cried, "The script and your direction notes?"

"Yes, they're quite valuable. It wouldn't do to have them stolen." Vasquez stated.

"No, I guess not." Phoenix agreed when he realized something and cried, "Wait a second! I thought you came to Studio One for a rehearsal! Why didn't you bring your script and notes!?"

"Well, I was under the impression that we wouldn't be able to rehearse anything." Vasquez answered.

"Why?" Phoenix asked.

"There was a murder, after all! Who could think of rehearsing after that!" Vasquez cried, as if it was obvious. Everyone was silent at that.

Is nobody seeing what she just said!? Jasmine thought, irritated.

"Hmm...Very well. Ms. Vasquez, please continue..." The judge started when two voices cried,

"OBJECTION!" This surprised everyone. Jasmine Wright and Miles Edgeworth had objected in unison...a defense aide and prosecutor...that was unheard of. "Your Honor!" The two continued, not even noticing they were speaking in perfect unison. "I have an objection to the witness' last statement!" Everyone stared at the two in confusion. "Think!" The two continued, "Ms. Vasquez said she didn't bring the script because there wouldn't be a rehearsal. Don't you see what that means? She would have had to know about the murder before going to Studio One!"

"...!" Vasquez was shocked. The court filled with people talking until the judge slammed his gavel.

"Order! Order! Mr. Edgeworth! Jasmine! What you both have just said...is a reasonable observation. However, I find it hard to understand why the prosecution would make such a move! Especially with the defense aide! Or are you thinking of a career change to defense!? And with Jasmine as your aide!?" The judge cried.

"..."

"..." Both Jasmine and Edgeworth were silent, staring into each other's eyes, though nobody noticed. Edgeworth bowed and spoke at last.

"I...appreciate the concern, Your Honor." He said, "I will stand by my statement, however, regardless of how the court sees my role here."

"As will I." Jasmine said in agreement. Both then turned to the witness and continued in perfect unison,

"Now, Ms. Vasquez...Do you have an explanation?"

"Hmph. So the prosecution is in cahoots with the defense? What kind of court is this?" Vasquez said, "No matter. I think you misunderstood me. I had a perfectly good reason to believe there would be no rehearsal."

"Hmm...Very well, the witness will change her testimony to reflect this reason." The judge stated.

"I knew that Hammer was injured and couldn't do any action scenes, so I left them behind." Vasquez amended.

"OBJECTION!" Phoenix cried, "You 'knew that Hammer was injured'...? Don't you think that's a little funny?" Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench and finished, "I mean, it was the Steel Samurai who was injured! It was Will Powers!"

"Wh...what!?" Vasquez cried, honestly shocked. The court filled with people talking until the judge slammed his gavel down.

"Mr. Wright! Explain yourself!" He said.

"Yes, Mr. Hammer is dragging his leg in this photo. But that's because he was pretending to be Mr. Powers!" Phoenix explained.

"P-pretending...?" Vasquez asked.

"One person was injured in the run-through that morning." Phoenix continued, "That person was Mr. Powers, not Mr. Hammer! Now why did you think it was Mr. Hammer who was injured?"

"...! I-I already said it was Sal who told me!" Vasquez stuttered, "Th-that's right! He must have gotten it wrong."

"I think not." Phoenix shook his head. "Mr. Manella was at the run-through that morning. He would have known it was Mr. Powers who was injured. He saw it happen! Why would he tell you the wrong person? Ms. Vasquez! Actually, you didn't hear anything from Mr. Manella. You saw Mr. Hammer limping with your own eyes!"

"Yes, but..." The judge said, "Wasn't it Mr. Powers who was injured...?"

"Yes, but remember! Mr. Hammer was dragging his leg, too!" Jasmine said, "He was pretending to be Mr. Powers!"

"Aah!" The judge cried.

"And when he was doing this..." Both twins said, pointing at Edgeworth.

"Well...It would have been after he put on the Steel Samurai costume..." The prosecutor said, his arm crossed and his finger tapping his arm. "and went to Studio Two. Where he was murdered!"

"Exactly!" The twins said. They slammed their hands on the bench and pointed at Vasquez. "Ms. Vasquez! You met him, didn't you? You saw the Steel Samurai limping! And Mr. Hammer was in that Steel Samurai suit! That's why you were confused! That's why you thought it was Mr. Hammer who had been injured that morning!"

"...!" Vasquez was shocked silent. The court filled with talking but the judge slammed his gavel three times.

"Order! Order! I will have order!" He cried.

"Witness!" Edgeworth slammed his hand on his bench and asked, "Can you refute this claim?"

"Hrrmmmm...hmph!" Vasquez mumbled, "...Very well. I have a question for you! Why in the world would I want Mr. Hammer dead? Yes, he'd fallen on hard times, but he was a star! I had nothing to gain from his death! Nothing!"

"Hmm...Yes, you would need a motive." The judge agreed, "Why would she have killed the victim? If there is a reason, it is unclear to this court. Does the defense have anything to say on the matter? In other words, can you prove she had a motive?" Jasmine knew her answer, she knew what actually happened. But this was her brother's choice, she had to let him do this. She and Edgeworth had done all they could to help. Now, it was time for Phoenix Wright to complete the turnabout.

"Okay. I have proof and I'll show it to you!" The older twin declared, "I present to the court evidence as to Ms. Vasquez's motive in this murder. TAKE THAT! This is my proof!"

"This is...the photo from before?" The judge said. Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench.

"This photo reveals the motive in this murder!" He said. Vasquez remaind silent, though she looked slightly nervous. "I'm right, aren't I, Ms. Vasquez?"

"Hrrrrrrm...hmph!" The producer mumbled.

"Five years ago, Mr. Hammer was at the height of his fame." Phoenix explained, "With Dee Vasquez's help, a terrible accident was swept under the carpet...Ladies and gentlemen, the case currently up for trial...It began on that day, five years ago! Ironically enough, that accident precipitated Mr. Hammer's fall...His fall from stardom!"

"His guilt weighed him down, no doubt." Edgeworth stated.

"However!" Phoenix continued, "You, Dee Vasquez, used Mr. Hammer. You made him work for you for petty change!"

"Hmph." Vasquez muttered.

"Bringing us to the present day...and Mr. Hammer's last role as the Evil Magistrate!" Edgeworth added. It was as if they were tag teaming him.

"Yes! Undoubtedly, it was a constant source of shame for the ex-star..." Jasmine agreed.

"Hmm..." Edgeworth said, his arms crossed and his finger tapping his arm.

"One moment, Mr. Wright." The judge interjected the trio's deduction. "We are talking about motives here...yet you have only talked about Mr. Hammer. It almost seems as if...As if it was Mr. Hammer who had killed Dee Vasquez, not the other way around! What motive would Ms. Vasquez have?"

You really don't get it yet, Your Honor? Really? We were getting to that part!

"Y-yes, that's right. According to what you say...I would have had no reason to kill Hammer. He was a good source of income for me! And I never get rid of useful men. It's a policy of mine." Vasquez agreed.

"Mr. Wright? Please explain Ms. Vasquez's motive for murder." The judge requested. Phoenix shook his head.

"She had no motive, Your Honor." He stated.

"What's that now!?" The judge cried, not expecting that.

"It was Mr. Hammer who was out for blood!" Phoenix cried, pointing. "All Ms. Vasquez did was push him off the stairs...in self defense!"

"What's that now!?" Edgeworth cried. Phoenix slammed his hands on the bench.

"It's simple! Mr. Hammer was intending to kill to kill Ms. Vasquez!" He cried, pointing.

"Wha-!? WHAT!?" Edgeworth cried in complete shock. The judge slammed the gavel three times to quiet the crowd.

"Your Honor!" Phoenix cried, "Jack Hammer drugged Mr. Powers with sleeping pills! Jack Hammer snuck into the dressing room and stole the Steel Samurai costume! Jack Hammer wore the costume to fool the security lady into thinking he was Powers! Then Jack Hammer made his way to the trailer! And for what purpose, you ask? To kill Dee Vasquez, who had so cruelly taken advantage of him all those years!" Vasquez silently cried out as she snapped her pipe in half before she looked up calmly.

"So, you did do it, didn't you?" Jasmine asked calmly.

"...Yes. I am guilty." Vasquez admitted, "It was me. Congratulation, Mr. Wright, Jasmine. I lose. Again." The people began to talk and the judge slammed his gavel down a single time.

"Mr. Edgeworth...Where's Dee Vasquez?" The judge asked once Vasquez was gone.

"In the waiting lobby, Your Honor. As calm and collected as ever..." The judge answered.

I almost...feel bad for her. Jasmine thought as she stroaked her pendent thoughtfully.

"I see." The judge nodded, "Mr. Wright."

"Yes, Your Honor?" Phoenix asked.

"It appears you and your sister have brought yet another miracle." The judge said.

"I...Thank you, Your Honor." Phoenix smiled bashfully as Jasmine just smiled softly.

"I think not, Your Honor." Edgeworth disagreed, "Will Powers is innocent...That he should be found so is only natural...not a miracle."

"...Yes. Yes, you're right." The judge said, "Very well. This court finds the defendant, Mr. Will Powers..."

NOT GUILTY

Confetti rained down and even a few people cheered. The judge slammed his gavel down and stated,

"That is all. The court is adjourned!"

October 20th, 1:12 PM

District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 3

"I...I don't know what to say!" Will grinned as the four stood in the defendant lobby. "Thank you so much!"

"I'm just glad you're okay." Phoenix said.

"We all are." Jasmine added with a gentle smile.

"Yes...but...it's sad." Will said, "I know now that Mr. Hammer stole my costume. It's bad enough that he wanted to kill Ms. Vasquez...But to think that he tried to frame me for the murder! It makes me sad...Tell me why, Mr. Wright!"

"H-huh?" Phoenix stuttered.

"Tell me!" Will begged, "Why did Mr. Hammer want to blame me...?"

"Well, this is what I think." Phoenix said, "Mr. Hammer wanted to put the blame on you because...TAKE THAT! It's because you were the Steel Samurai."

"Because I was the Steel Samurai?" Will asked.

"Yeah. Mr. Hammer was a big star once." Jasmine explained, "But he was reduced to acting in a kids' show...and as the villian, to boot! The kids love the Steel Samurai."

"And so, he hated you." Phoenix finished.

"I...I think I understand." Will nodded. "H-he could have just told me. I would have changed places with him any time! ...Thank you. I'm just glad it's all over."

"Congratulations, WP!" Maya grinned.

"Oh? Oh! Heh heh." Will chuckled as he grinned, "Thanks to you, I'll be able to don the Steel Samurai outfit once more! I can't wait to get back into that sweaty costume and..." Will then noticed the sad looks on Jasmine and Maya's faces. "...? Is...something wrong?" He asked.

"N-no! O-of course not!" Maya stuttered.

"Yeah, nothing." Jasmine lied.

"Aah!" Maya suddenly cried, startling the twins. "N-Nick! Jazz! Edgeworth!" Sure enough, the prosecutor soon stood in front of the twins. Neither of them said anything.

"Say something, Wright." Edgeworth stated after a while. "I'm not good at small talk."

No kidding...

"Huh? What? ...Umm...that was too bad, Edgeworth!" Phoenix finally said.

"Nick!" Jasmine cried before she slapped her forehead with her hand with her jasmine charm bracelet.

"You don't waste any time gloating, do you?" Edgeworth asked as he gripped his arm and looked away.

"No...I really want to thank you." Phoenix said causing his sister and his former friend to look at him. "Vasquez would have gotten away if you hadn't stepped in." Jasmine smiled softly at Edgeworth.

"I knew you had it in you." She whispered so softly nobody but Edgeworth could hear her, which was odd considering he was the farthest from her.

"Ah, uh, pleased to meet you." Will smiled, "I'm Powers." He shook Edgeworth's hand as he sniffed.

"Ah, er, Edgeworth." The prosecutor introduced awkwardly. Jasmine raised her hand to her mouth, resisting the urge to giggle. "I'm a big fan of your work, Mr. Powers." There was a pause before Edgeworth spoke again. "...Wright. I must say, I hadn't expected to meet you or Jasmine again after all these years."

"Meet 'again'...?" Maya repated, confused. Phoenix and Jasmine, on the other hand, remained silent, both focused on the prosecutor, with Jasmine holding her pendent tightly, hiding the heart engraved into it.

"However. In retrospect, it would have been better had we not met." Edgeworth said, looking away from the twins while gripping his arm. It was almost as if...saying this was painful for him. "Thanks to you I am saddled with unnecessary...feelings."

"Unnecessary feelings?" The twins asked in unison, with hope being carefully hidden in Jasmine's voice. Could he be saying...?

"Yes. Unease...and uncertainty." Edgeworth answered, though for a split second, his eyes flickered to Jasmine, as if he wanted to say something else.

"Aren't those kind of necessary?" Phoenix asked.

"They only serve to get in my way." Edgeworth corrected, looking away again. "You listen to me, Phoenix and Jasmine Wright. Don't ever show your faces in front of me again. That's what I came here to tell you both." With that, Edgeworth moved to leave when Jasmine called,

"Miles, wait!" The prosecutor stopped and turned his head the slightest bit to show he was listening. "Thank you, for everything you've done today. He would be extremely proud of you." Jasmine finished softly but she knew Edgeworth heard her when she saw him tense up just the slightest bit before he left the defendant lobby.

"Umm...Mr. Wright?" Will cut in, "Is...this guy your friend?"

"What? Friends? As if!" Maya scoffed, thinking the idea was ridiculous. "They're rivals! Rivals! Right, Nick?"

"For now we are...I guess." Phoenix answered. Jasmine smiled the slightest bit, knowing Phoenix was thinking the same thing she was.

Miles Edgeworth just might not be as gone as we thought.

"Huh!?" Maya exploded, "Why do I get the feeling I'm missing something? C'mon, Nick! Tell me! What's the deal with you two and Edgeworth?"

"Um, excuse me?" The four turned to see none other than Apollo enter. Jasmine grinned,

"Hey, Apollo!"

"Jazz, you know this kid?" Maya asked. Jasmine nodded,

"Yep! Maya, Nick, Will, this is Apollo Justice. Apollo, this is Maya Fey, spirit medium in training, Will Powers, the actor who plays the Steel Samurai, and my twin brother, Phoenix Wright, an Ace Defense Attorney."

"Nice to meet you, Polly!" Maya grinned.

"H-hi, um, can I...have your autographs?" Apollo asked nervously as he held a book out to Phoenix. Will was surprised that the kid wasn't asking for his autograph but he remained silent.

"Uh..." Phoenix said, unsure.

"Of course you can." Jasmine smiled as she took the book and signed her name. Maya took the book eagerly next and signed on the next page. Phoenix was a little more nervous but he still signed the book anyway.

"Thank you." Apollo smiled.

"No problem." Phoenix smiled awkwardly at the boy.

"Apollo, here." Jasmine said as she gave the boy a red crystal that she had made. "Hold onto this for me and when you become an Ace Attorney like Nick, you can give it back, alright?" Apollo nodded eagerly as he took the crystal and hugged Jasmine tightly before he ran out.

"Wow, he really likes you, Jazz!" Maya grinned. Jasmine shrugged as she adjusted her violin and the group headed out.

And with that, the curtain fell on Nick's third trial. Nick caused a big stir by revealing that accident from five years ago. It was the biggest talk of the town for weeks. Praise the Lord, Global Studios rethought its programming change. They went back to making kids' shows again.

"Nick! Maya! Get in here!"

"Nick! The new show starts today! You're going to watch it with us, right?"

"Of course he is, Maya, he's got no choice! I'm making him!"

"Yeah, Jazz! You have to buy trading cards too, okay! We have to trade with Cody and that assistant!"

"Fine, fine. I'll do it."

"Good, cause if you said no, I'd beat you up, even if you are older than me!"

"Isn't it great that WP gets to play the lead again? I wonder if they'll show his real face this time..."

"I dunno...I don't think the world is ready for the real Will Powers..."

"I agree with you there, Nick...It could accidentally scar kids for life!"

"That's a bit extreme, Jazz."

"Oh, you know what I mean!"

There's the chapter! I hope you guys enjoyed! Oh, there was something I was forgetting! This story has a new theme song, you could say. It's a Youtube video called ACE ATTORNEY Anime Opening-Objections! It's by HiroEcks and is an amazing song that feels like Phoenix is singing it to his clients and Jasmine. Go look it up and you'll see what I mean. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, the Apollo scene at the end was suggested by pyrosaurus X a while ago so I thought, hey now I can actually use this idea! Thanks again for that suggestion! And we're getting to the biggest case of this game and one of the biggest Jasmine/Miles moments in this series that will make you all cry for their story! Please review to let me know what you think and I'll try to update again soon, but it'll be hard since these chapters literally take over 5 freaking hours to type! Anyways, I'll see you guys soon! And a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to all of you!