Turnabout Legend
Chapter 7:
Turnabout Trial! Court Begins!
11:00 AM
20th December
Hall of Origin – Courtroom Lobby
Keldeo paced up and down nervously in front of the sofa, which Athena and Mesprit are both sat on. Mesprit watched the young (former) Sword of Justice while Athena poked around in Widget's files, looking at the notes about the case and evidence.
Keldeo stops and groans desperately, putting down his head. "Argh..."
"Still mad at yourself?" Mesprit asked rhetorically as Keldeo nodded.
When Athena had explained about the Sword's behavior and the blackmail that caused them to act that way yesterday, Keldeo was very appalled by it. He had no idea about it and said he should have known about it. The Swords always act together so they should have acted on the blackmail together.
Athena explained that though it wasn't his fault, the blackmail came round because he fought with Kyurem too earlier and Cobalion didn't want to admit the mistake to Arceus at the time, who was already angry. The blackmail then came soon after.
Despite the reassurance from Athena and Mesprit that the Swords do not blame him for causing the blackmail to occur, Keldeo felt guilty on how he felt about his master's previous-unexplained behavior and how he treated. "I threw Terrakion under the bus too quickly..." he had remarked afterwards.
After cheering Keldeo up after the explanation, they went back to the Alpha Block to help Keldeo understand more of the case.
From their explanation, Keldeo learnt that Cresselia died from a twist to the neck and died at 7:30 PM, that Celebi has had sleeping problems and gained a massive bruise from the Darkrai that she saw, that Pikachu is too shocked and overcome with grief to talk and somehow Ash's hat was replaced after he had changed clothes but before his body was discovered.
When Keldeo asked about when was the hat changed, Athena said she had no clue but it could mean something. Why WAS the hat replaced?
Athena turned off Widget's hologram, and looked round the Courtroom Lobby.
The lobby's walls are a contrast to the whiteness of the Hall of Origin, which is a sheen grey color. Upon one wall, behind where Athena and Mesprit are sitting, hangs a portrait of some unrecognizable appearance. According to what Mesprit had said, it was supposed to be a picture of some kind of statue but she could not remember what it was. "It's on the tip of my tongue..." she had commented, trying to think of what it was.
On the right hand side of the wall is the entrance to the courtroom, a large and foreboding double-door stood there. It seemed to be made out of a dark mahogany. In the middle of the door is a wooden strip going across, with a pattern of pearls and diamonds carved into the wooden strip. From where the door divides into two is another strip, but the carved patterns are rubies and sapphires instead.
"That's one fancy door..." Athena thought to herself.
On the wall facing the sofa stands the entrance to the lobby. Like the one to the courtroom, the door is large and foreboding but this one is open, having the doorway for anyone to come in and out of the lobby. "That door seems to be made out of something else since it's lighter..." Athena thinks to herself. "Maybe birch?"
On the last wall stands a small table with different types of drinks. There are also some small snacks.
Keldeo paced up and down the lobby nervously, as Athena felt his emotions filled of distress and agitation. "I don't know how I am going to face them..." he murmured to himself. Athena got up as Keldeo walked past the sofa once again through his pacing. Catching the (former) Sword of Justice's attention, Athena patted his head for reassurance.
"Just take it easy, Keldeo. Terrakion doesn't blame you, neither do Cobalion and Virizion. In fact, after I told him how you felt about them acting up, I think he revealed a lot about the Sword's blackmail as a way to say sorry." Athena affirmed with a soft smile, causing Keldeo's eyes to widen. "Really?"
"Yes. I think we wouldn't have gotten this far without his help!" Mesprit called from the sofa. "I mean, we got a lead, don't we? We need to find this 'Secret-Keeper'!"
Athena nodded with a confident smirk on her face. "Indeed! I think Terrakion also wanted to end the ordeal caused by the blackmail as well as trying to make amends by telling us."
Keldeo smiled weakly, sniffing slightly. "I... guess you're right. I felt so guilty... I caused them pain... I made them suffering through this because I was too impatient..." The Colt Pokémon shakes his head. "However, despite this..."
Keldeo grinned confidently. "...They shielded me from this because they cared about me and didn't want me to feel guilty about it. If I feel down because of this, I would be failing them."
Athena smirked with an approving look on her face while Mesprit giggled a little.
"I'll make amends with them after all this; because I know that they would support me even they don't realize it." Keldeo stated, his voice now firm.
"I got to find the truth along with you two and your friends to find what happened to Ash and Cresselia."
Suddenly, Keldeo's horn begins to glow slightly, as anger appeared on Keldeo's face. "And find this blasted Secret-Keeper, and make him regret the day he blackmailed the Swords of Justice!"
Athena and Mesprit clapped in approval, with a large grin on both of their faces, with Keldeo giving a little bow after his... speech.
"Well, well, well..." called a voice coolly as the three turn their attention to the Lobby door, to see Darkrai and Apollo walk into the area. It appears that Darkrai had been the one who spoke.
As the three walk up to the two, Athena notices that Keldeo is staring at Darkrai while Mesprit is hiding behind the Colt Pokémon in fright.
"Such confidence you have Keldeo." Darkrai remarked, a hint of a respectful tone in his voice. "I kinda like it. My level of confidence is nowhere near yours at the moment."
Keldeo stares at the Nightmare being for a few seconds then nods. Athena took this time to talk with Apollo.
"So, what are you doing here Apollo?" she asked curiously to the attorney in red. "I thought you were supposed to be in the court gallery?"
Apollo shrugs absent-mindedly. "Giratina asked me to escort Darkrai here. Celebi has had a bit of a panic attack and went there to help calm her down before her cross-examination. She won't be ready until later into the trial."
Darkrai turns his attention to Apollo with a confused expression on his face. "Wait, who's being cross-examined first then?"
Apollo shrugs once more, with a frown on his face. "I don't have a clue to be honest." Apollo turns his attention to the entrance to the Courtroom. "I better get my seat there soon. I'll see ya later."
And with that, Apollo left the Lobby, leaving Athena with Darkrai and the other two Legendaries in an awkward silence.
The group just stood in silence, with Athena sweating nervously. "What's with this silence...? It's making me feel like I got butterflies in my stomach..." The attorney in yellow noticed that Darkrai is looking away from the gazes of Mesprit and Keldeo, who the former looks confused.
Then, Athena hears an emotion of nervousness coming from Darkrai. "...Hmm. He's probably feeling like this due to the effect of bullying on him and isn't used to others not throwing insults at him..."
Athena then grins, deciding to make Darkrai feel welcome. "Hey, Darkrai!" she remarked, causing the Nightmare being to glance at her. "Hm? Yes?"
Athena slammed her fist against her opened hand. "We got plenty of time before the trial starts! Let's have a run round the Hall of Origin!"
Darkrai blinked, unsure what's happening while Mesprit and Keldeo looked at each other with confusion. Keldeo then steps forward, complete bewilderment on his face. "Um...Did you just...suggest we should have a work-out?"
Athena began jogging on the spot, startling the three Legendaries. "Yep!" she grinned, taking deep breaths in and out as she jogged on the spot. "Nothing gets your blood pumping more than a good run around."
Keldeo glances at Mesprit for a second, who is still looking completely confused on what is happening, before looking at Athena bewildered. Darkrai looks slightly shocked on what is happening as well, then suddenly begins to laugh, surprising the other two Legendaries.
"AH!" Mesprit screamed, completely horrified seeing Darkrai laughing and disappearing completely with Keldeo looking even more startled. The Nightmare Legendary laughed with some actual energy in his voice. The way that Darkrai laughed sounded like he was happy, even for a moment.
Athena stopped jogging on the spot and smiled as Darkrai began to stop laughing. "Haha..." Darkrai murmurs to himself, some-what cheerier than before. "...I ...haven't felt like this... in a while..."
Keldeo nods, somewhat nervous from Darkrai's laughter but is relieved that he was happier than before, if only a little bit. "When was the last time you felt like this?" he asked innocently, trying to get more of a conversation out of Darkrai and to cheer him up. Instead, Darkrai frowned and his hair drooped a little.
"The last time I felt like this?" he said, thinking back, somewhat wistfully. "It was… with Cresselia."
Keldeo is taken aback from what Darkrai had said, while Athena frowns. "If you don't mind..." Athena started questioning, to Darkrai. "...Could you tell us more about your relationship with Cresselia?" Darkrai stared at Athena for a few seconds, then nodded.
"Our relationship… our friendship..." he began, remembering all the times that he had with Cresselia. "It was quite possibly my best one I had in all my life. Despite us being counterparts, we got along with each other very well... Cresselia was a kind Legendary... She sought to make everyone happy... She knew about my abilities. Of course, it was the opposite of hers but she did not care for that. Cresselia stood up for me, as you know. But she did more than that..."
Darkrai crossed his arms and smiled sadly. "...She ...made me glad to be a Legendary. To be alive. To exist. If it wasn't for her, I would either had disappeared into the world or no longer been part of it for a very long time."
Keldeo's jaw dropped in surprised while Athena is completely shocked. The relationship between Darkrai and Cresselia may run deeper than first thought.
"She made me happy… no matter what... She would see me if I was upset or ill and would look for me with the other Legendaries if I went missing when I was upset... She would really panic if she couldn't find me..." Darkrai lowered his arms and then turned his hands into fists. His hair covered his only visible eye from Athena, Keldeo and the still-invisible Mesprit and begins to shake a little. Athena covered her mouth, hearing the sadness from his heart. She looks at the shaking Darkrai and then turned to see Keldeo looking sympathetic to him. "He must be crying..." Keldeo remarked. He then sighs sadly and then turns his head to Athena with a serious look.
"To be honest, now hearing it from Darkrai, I don't believe that he killed Cresselia." he stated with such a serious tone, causing Mesprit to re-appear.
"I'm not sure about Ash but since Cresselia was close to Darkrai and vice-versa, I very much doubt he could kill her."
Athena nodded, agreeing with what Keldeo had just said but Mesprit frowns, crossing her tiny arms and thinking.
"Hang on a second..." she remarked while frowning. Mesprit then uncrossed her small arms and turned to Darkrai. "...did you say that Cresselia visited you when you were sick?"
Darkrai gazes up, his only visible eye slightly red with tears. He nodded slowly, gaining a somewhat confused expression on his face.
"...Yes, what about it...?" he asked, somewhat confused by the question. Mesprit nodded to what Darkrai had said, thinking about it. She then, very calmly, went to open her mouth.
"Did she, per chance, visit you on the night she was killed?" Mesprit questioned to Darkrai, capturing everyone in the room off guard.
Athena's eyes widened in surprise, realizing she hadn't asked Darkrai about this before. She should have asked Darkrai beforehand if he did see Cresselia at all!
Having a somewhat distressed look on her face, Athena watched as Mesprit continued to question Darkrai about the night that Cresselia was killed. Then, she heard Keldeo chuckle a little and gazed to him to see that he saw her facial expression. Athena sweats nervously afterwards.
Meanwhile, Darkrai stared emotionless at Mesprit, after the question. He was only silent. Mesprit frowns from his response.
"Come on, Darkrai!" she exclaimed with a desperate tone in her voice. "If you don't say anything, we might not be able to save you!"
Darkrai closed his eyes while crossing his arms. He went silent once again, tapping one of his arms with a finger.
Keldeo steps forward, stomping his hoof. "Darkrai! What are you hiding?!" he remarked, getting a little annoyed with Darkrai's silence. Athena remains quiet, unsure what to say.
"...Sorry." Darkrai finally spoke up, opening his eyes, catching Mesprit and Keldeo off guard. "I was just trying to remember that night, you see. My memories are a bit fuzzy, that's all."
Now it's time for Athena to step in. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, curiously.
"Well, first off, the answer to Mesprit's question, Cresselia did visit me on the night of the murder." Darkrai answered clearly. "She arrived at 7:00, to check up on me. I was feeling ill after all."
"Did she act strange at all?" Keldeo quizzed, curiously. Darkrai shook his head. "No, not at all, as far as I aware of. She seemed quite happy for the party to happen. She stayed for about five minutes when I had a small coughing fit. Cresselia then said she'll get some berries from Celebi's garden to help me feel better. That's the last time I saw her before, well...You know..."
Athena nodded in response. It seemed like Cresselia to do that, getting some berries to get Darkrai healthy again. It also explains what Cresselia was doing when she left the party and went over the time limit when she was due back. It might also explain what time she appeared at the garden but it's still too early for that.
Athena decided to update some of the evidence from this new revelation.
Cresselia's Time Gap updated
"But..." Darkrai stated, seriously. "This is where is get weird."
Mesprit looks surprised while Keldeo and Athena frown in confusion. "What do you mean by that?" Keldeo questioned once more.
"Well, five minutes after Cresselia left, I was in the middle of a shower to smooth myself from a headache when I heard someone knock on the door." Darkrai explained, looking some-what confused. "Naturally, after getting a towel and drying myself quickly, I went to answer it. But the moment I step out of my shower room, I hear something and then my memories just go blank afterwards."
Mesprit turns invisible in shock while both Keldeo and Athena became surprised by this.
"What do you mean? What sort of noise was it? Who was at the door?" Keldeo quickly fired these questions at Darkrai, who shrugged.
"To be honest, I have no idea." he remarked, calmly. "My memories don't remember anything after that point, I have no clue who was at the door. The only thing I remember at all is that noise. The noise...I'm not sure what it was or what it was made from but I think it was someone saying something."
Athena nodded, thinking. "It's really weird for something like that to happen... What on earth was that noise?" she thought curiously.
"One more thing..." Darkrai continued to explain, getting everyone's attention. "The next thing I remember afterwards is waking up in my shower room, on the floor, cold and clammy. I tried to turn on the shower to warm myself up but for some reason it wasn't working. I went into my main room to find it a complete mess, which isn't normal. And the clock said it was 8:20, about an hour and 10 minutes after I fell unconscious. The next thing I know after that about a few seconds after I saw my clock, Genesect burst in saying that Arceus want me in the garden ASAP."
Darkrai shrugged. "And you know the rest afterwards."
Keldeo double-takes in surprise while Athena sweats nervously. "That's... really weird!" she said exasperatedly. "How on earth did that happen?!"
"I only know as much as you." Darkrai stated. "I have no memories of that night between 7:10 and 8:20."
Keldeo closed his eyes and thought for a moment. "...I think it's best to put this down as evidence."
Darkrai's Testimony added to the Court Record.
Mesprit re-appeared, sweating nervously as much as Athena. "How on earth did this happen? And how are we going to prove this in Court?"
As Athena was about to answer, an announcement suddenly rang through the Hall and in the Courtroom lobby:
"Would everyone please enter the Courtroom now? The trial is about to start."
Athena then looked at Keldeo and Mesprit, then Darkrai. "Looks like that question will be answered soon enough." Keldeo remarked, trying to look confident. "Guess it's showtime!"
Mesprit nodded, while Athena did a fist-slam in confidence. Darkrai meanwhile looked nervous, which Athena noticed. "Don't worry Darkrai." she says to the Nightmare Legendary. "We'll find a way."
Darkrai smiled a little, feeling happier as the four went to the Courtroom.
Day 1
The trial in now in session
ALL RISE
Everyone piled into the Courtroom, each taking their respectful place.
The courtroom contains two long tables at ground level, a large semicircular podium situated between them, an elevated desk opposite the podium, and seating areas behind the tables and near the entrance of the room.
Stanchions connected by ropes are placed on the ends of the tables and around the back of the courtroom to outline specific areas.
A large crest depicting the Scales of Justice is displayed above the judge's bench.
A small seat is placed on the side of the Defense Team, for the defendant to sit. Darkrai, once entering the Courtroom, was told to sit there for the trial unless called to the stand. He grudgingly accepted and went to sit down for the trial.
Athena, Keldeo and Mesprit took the Defense bench, which is the right table in the courtroom, from the entranceway's perspective. As Mesprit nervously sweats being there while Keldeo is deep in thought, Athena scans the Courtroom, taking in the sights.
The first thing to point out is that it's suspiciously like the Courtrooms that she, Apollo and Phoenix have their cases in back in their world. Maybe Arceus wanted to get them to feel more natural and relaxed here, using familiar settings? The podium seems larger than normal, however.
The second thing to notice is that the Prosecution isn't here yet, but everyone in the Hall is still coming in, so maybe they're in the crowd...?
The third thing to see is the gallery of people and Pokémon that have come to see the trial. Athena looks over to seating behind the Prosecution bench to see Apollo sat amongst the crowd. He seems very nervous as he's sat between Ash's Charizard, who looks really angry for some reason, and Clemont's Luxray, who is steadily watching the trial. In front of Apollo is Iris, dressed in normal clothing, with her Axew in her arms. Axew is still crying while Iris is trying to comfort her crying Pokémon. Next to Iris on both sides are Bonnie and Max, who are trying to cheer up the little dragon. Behind Apollo is Kyurem and Groudon, who seem to be chatting about something, with Moltres and Raikou beside them looking somewhat bored.
Athena then glances over to the back of the Courtroom, seeing Phoenix sat near the entranceway. He's got Dawn sat to the left of him, who's got Buneary and Piplup on her lap. Buneary waved at Athena, which then Piplup turned to talk to her about something while Dawn talked with Phoenix. To the right of Phoenix is Articuno, who appears to be deep in thought. Behind Phoenix is Ash's Infernape, who's talking with Palkia about what's happening. In front of Phoenix is Misty, who's holding the still-unresponsive Pikachu. Misty appears to be glaring at Athena, probably angry at her for defending Darkrai.
Athena can't seem to find Klavier or Miles anywhere.
Athena then turned towards the Judge's bench, where Arceus is sat, with her eyes closed. "I wonder what she's thinking..." Athena thought to herself.
Suddenly, a slam of the door could be heard and Simon Blackquill walked into the Courtroom briskly, with Taka on his shoulders. Behind him, Lugia and another Legendary followed. Athena swallowed at the sight of the Legendary, as it is Reshiram, the dragon of truth.
The Prosecution team took to their side of the Courtroom, waiting for the trial to start. Arceus' eyes then opened, with a serious look on her face.
"The trial of Darkrai, member of the Legendary Order, will now commence." she started, bring silence and order to the Courtroom.
Athena crossed her arms and grins. "The Defense Team Leader is ready, Your Honor!" she started with confidence in her voice cheerily.
"Defense Member A is r-ready, Y-Your Honor!" Mesprit exclaims nervously, stuttering a little, nervously.
"Defense Member B is ready to bring justice, Your Honor!" Keldeo stated straight away, determined to find the truth.
Arceus glances over to the Prosecution team. Simon has his back to everyone with Taka gone for some reason, Lugia is leaning over the table while Reshiram has her eyes closed and arms crossed.
"And the Prosecution...?"
"...Hmph!" Simon went, turning back round to face everyone. "I am ready, Lady Arceus." he said, with Taka landing back on his shoulder.
"Prosecution Member A is ready..." Lugia affirmed, smirking a little. "...to bring the truth right here, right now!"
Reshiram still has her eyes closes as she clasped her arms. "Hmm..." she went, opening her eyes. "I am ready, as they say, to show the truth."
Arceus nodded in response. "...Very well then." she started, using Psychic to lift up a small wooden gavel. "Prosecution, your opening statement!"
"To be honest, I've never seen Arceus this serious before..." Mesprit whispered to Athena and Keldeo, a little surprised. Keldeo quietly agreed while Athena just frowned.
Simon nodded, as Taka flew away to grab some documents. "The crime occurred on the 18th of December." Simon began. "The bodies of Cresselia, of the Legendary Order, and Ash Ketchum, of Pallet Town origin, were discovered at the Hall of Origin's garden, at 7:55PM."
Taka came back down with a piece of paper, which Simon read off from. "The reason why a human was in the Hall of Origin in the first place was due to a party being thrown in honor for Ash, as he was the 'Chosen One' of the Legendaries and to say thanks for all that he had done for him."
Lugia leant back, inspecting a mic that he has on him.
"Ash's friends and Pokémon, from his journeys throughout the many regions he has travelled through, had also been invited to celebrate, as they had been part of the help as Ash had been." He seemed forlorn for a moment, looking down away from everyone. Lugia then suddenly slammed down on the bench with his left wing and with a frown. "The party was enjoyed by a lot of the guests and hosts; however, it was cut short when the bodies were discovered."
Reshiram unfolded her arms and put them behind her back. "The bodies of the victims were discovered by Celebi, another member of the Legendary Order and the owner of the Garden in which the victims were discovered in. She also saw the defendant flee from the crime scene, covered in blood. She is currently the only witness and a reliable one."
The Courtroom burst into chatter in the revelation of these facts.
OBJECTION!
Keldeo pointed out with his right hoof, with an annoyed expression on his face. "Wait a minute, was Genesect with Celebi when the bodies were discovered?! Wouldn't he have seen Darkrai as well and making him a witness?!"
OBJECTION!
Reshiram folded her arms again with an annoyed expression. "I was getting to that, former Sword of Justice."
"ACK!" Keldeo went, taken aback from what Reshiram had said. Reshiram chuckled a little before continuing. "Before we assume anything, we have to clear facts about Genesect's reliability." she stated, with Taka flying in with some paper in his beak and taking it from the hawk.
"For one, when Celebi saw the defendant, Darkrai, Genesect was outside the garden's entrance, near the hose. He did not see the defendant or the witness encounter each other. Two, Celebi screamed after Genesect had asked if she was ready for the hose to start and did not see the defendant flee from the scene, as he was distracted at the time."
"Sorry!" called Genesect from somewhere in the audience.
"Darkrai is suspected to be the murderer." Simon stated seriously, glaring at the said Legendary, who's sweating nervously. "We have a suspect..."
"...a witness to prove that they did it..." Lugia continued for Simon, inspecting the mic.
Reshiram smirked confidently, uncrossing her arms and putting it behind her back. "...and the evidence to prove that Darkrai is guilty!"
The Courtroom bursts in chatter once more from this statement. Keldeo turned to look at Athena while Mesprit looked on at the Prosecution.
"This does not look good!" he said, with some slight panic in his voice. "Does this mean that they found evidence?! I t-thought they couldn't f-find any!"
Athena frowned. "It's quite possible that they didn't tell the rest of the Swords about the evidence. Or they went to search throughout the night..."
Arceus slammed the gavel down to bring order to Court. "Order, order in the Court!" she shouted, causing the Courtroom to become silent.
Once she was satisfied with the silence, Arceus sighs. "Bring forth your first witness, Prosecution."
Simon remained silent, as Reshiram took over for this part.
"The Prosecution calls Cobalion, Virizion and Terrakion to the stand."
Soon enough, the called witnesses came to the podium in the middle. Cobalion took to the middle position, Virizion to the right and Terrakion to the left. The Cave Sword Terrakion noticed Keldeo on the Defense side and gave a small wave, who gave one back. Cobalion complete ignored Keldeo as he faced the front while Virizion looked very nervous.
"Please state your names, your role in the Legendary Order and in the case." Lugia expressed, seriously.
Cobalion went first. "I am Cobalion and I am the leader of the Swords of Justice. My role in the case against the defendant is investigator, or detective as the humans call it. We are here to testify about the events of the crime in more detail." he affirmed without missing a beat.
"I am Virizion of t-the Swords of Justice." Virizion continued on, nervous as this is the first time she's ever testified and seeing Keldeo facing them. "Like my co-worker, I-I am one of the investigators in this case."
"And finally, I am Terrakion!" the said Legendary with a cheerful grin, trying to show there's nothing wrong. "I am part of the Swords of Justice, and I'm working with the Prosecution to find who committed the murder!"
Arceus nodded, but then looked towards the bench at Keldeo. "I see, but why isn't your student with you at the moment? Shouldn't he be testifying along with you?"
Keldeo sweats nervously while Athena nodded. "He should, but Keldeo feels like Darkrai isn't guilty and wants to find who actually killed Ash and Cresselia." Athena slammed her fist against her other hand. "He feels like he can do justice here better!"
Arceus closes her eyes to think. "Hmm... I see. I wasn't told of this happening."
"I am sorry, Lady Arceus." Simon remarked, calmly to the Alpha Legendary presiding as judge to the trial. "Keldeo-Dono changed sides while in the middle of our investigation. As such, we were unable to fill you in as we were busy."
Arceus nodded. "I see. Very well then." she finished. Arceus then turned to look at the witnesses.
"Please give your testimony on what happened."
TESTIMONY
Event of the Crime
Virizion: T-the bodies of Cresselia and Ash Ketchum w-were discovered at 7:55PM.
Virizion: Through t-the autopsy, we discovered that Cresselia d-died at 7:30PM...
Virizion: A-and Ash had died at 7:25PM...
Cobalion: The first victim was seen leaving the party at about half an hour before he died.
Cobalion: The victim went to the garden, which then the defendant appeared to him.
Cobalion: Then to murder him in cold blood with a Shadow Claw to the chest.
Terrakion: And at that moment, we think Cresselia appeared when the first murder happened!
Terrakion: We believe Cresselia was killed due to being a witness!
Terrakion: The defendant then cleaned up a little to get rid of evidence that indicted him!
Cobalion: But then he was spotted by Celebi, the primary witness in the case.
"Huh..." Keldeo went, a little dumbfound by the testimony. "They think as well Cresselia died for being a witness. That kinda fits on what you were thinking, Athena..."
Athena simply frowned while looking at the Prosecution, who all seem calm. What sort of evidence do they have?
Arceus thought deeply about the testimony that was given. "Hmm..." she muttered. "This sounds like a strong testimony if I heard one. But what's this about Ash's autopsy?"
Simon took out three folders, which Taka took two and flew away, dropping one for Arceus and the other for Athena.
"We got the results back for Ash's autopsy." Simon simply stated. "The results were that Ash died from blood loss, due to the gashes that were inflicted on him. Other results show that Ash suffered a complete broken spine post-mortem, meaning the injured occurred to him after he died. The cause of it is currently unknown."
"We believe the move to murder Ash was Shadow Claw." Lugia continued while cringing. "The amount of gashes equal to the amount of fingers that Darkrai has on his hands and plus the fact that Darkrai knows Shadow Claw. This is the logical conclusion that we have found."
Arceus nodded. "Fine. The Court accepts this new piece of evidence.
Ash's Autopsy added to the Court Record.
Cobalion smirked confidently, with a slight arrogant look on his face. "I say that this testimony is so strong, it can't be beaten!" Terrakion stares at Cobalion with an annoyed face. "Hey, they haven't even had their cross-examination yet! Just wait before you judge, kay?"
As Cobalion rolled his eyes, Mesprit noticed Athena being extremely worried about the testimony. "What's the matter?" she asked.
"...I..." Athena started, extremely nervous. "...I've never cross-examined three witnesses at once! Back where I'm from where from, I only cross-examined one witness at a time!" Keldeo then turns to the witness. "Huh..." he murmured before speaking up. "I guess you can treat it like any other cross-examination. Just press at points you find contradictory. I guess at some parts of the testimony, one of the witness may say something after you pressed that statement can cause the others to question or ace strange at that part. If that happens, you should point it out."
"So like a mob shouting out different things..." Mesprit remarked, thoughtfully. "When one says something that the rest disagree with or have second thoughts about on what they said, it should be pointed out..."
Athena turned towards the witnesses, thinking about Keldeo had said. She then grinned, knowing what Keldeo had said will be useful.
"The defense would like to start their cross-examination, Your Honor!" The courtroom bursts into chatter when Athena had said this. Arceus slammed down the gavel to get order, and then smiled. "Very well. You may begin your cross-examination."
CROSS-EXAMINATION
The Events of the Crime
Virizion: T-the bodies of Cresselia and Ash Ketchum w-were discovered at 7:55PM.
HOLD IT!
Athena pulls out the data on Celebi's timetable. "According to this timetable, Celebi's watering time is 7:55PM, which is the same time when the bodies were, correct?"
Virizion nodded. "That's right. Celebi follows that timetable strictly. She doesn't want her plants to die."
Athena crossed her arms to think. "Don't you think that is a massive coincidence? That the bodies and the apparent murder suspect were discovered at that exact time?"
OBJECTION!
"Athena!" Lugia barked, with some annoyance in his voice. "Don't you see, this is just speculation? Just let it be!" His voice was almost rhythmic, as if on a beat.
Arceus nodded in agreement. "What Lugia had said is true." she confirmed seriously. "It may be something deeper but for now, it's just speculation. Please continue your cross-examination."
"Hmm..." Mesprit murmured to herself. "Guess that part isn't contradictory." Athena took no notice at this part, as she had something else in her mind.
"Wait, did that bird just rap at me...?"
Virizion: Through t-the autopsy, we discovered that Cresselia d-died at 7:30PM...
HOLD IT!
"That's somewhat of an accurate time..."Athena started to question. Virizion is taken aback but then recovers quickly.
"Technically, it's more of a rough estimate. Thanks to Dialga and Mewtwo, we got a rough idea on what time Cresselia and Ash died."
Athena nodded. "Fair enough. Continue."
Virizion: A-and Ash had died at 7:25PM...
Cobalion: The first victim was seen leaving the party at about half an hour before he died.
HOLD IT!
Mesprit pointed out at Cobalion, surprising Athena and Keldeo. "Who saw Ash leave the party?"
"Some of his Pokémon, including Pikachu, Oshawott and Hawlucha." Cobalion simply stated. "Ash had said that he had to go get something from his room, and left."
"Didn't they notice when he was gone a while?" Keldeo pointed out, somewhat confused. Cobalion shook his head. "No. I believe they got too much into the party until it was too late."
Simon turned his back to the cross-examination. "We interview everyone's Pokémon to see if there was anything different. All of them testify the same."
Athena went into a thinking position. "Continue, please."
Cobalion: The victim went to the garden, which then the defendant appeared to him.
HOLD IT!
"Wait, so you're saying..." Athena started, looking confused. "...that Darkrai, apparently, was already there waiting for Ash to appear?!" Cobalion nodded in response. "Yes. We believe that Darkrai was waiting at the garden in wait for Ash."
Athena nodded, but then noticed something. Though Terrakion and Cobalion were remaining calm, she noticed that Virizion appears to be deep in thought, looking distant as she stood there. She's acting a bit strange from the other two. Maybe this is a time to point out on what Virizion is thinking...
HANG ON!
"Virizion!" Athena shouted, catching everyone out in surprise, especially Virizion herself. "What were you just thinking about?!" Virizion is taken aback by this, completely confused on what Athena had asked.
"What? What on earth are you talking about?!" she questioned back, completely confused. Even Keldeo and Mesprit looked confused themselves, as Athena crossed her arms and smirked. "You were deep in thought after Cobalion had said about Darkrai waiting for Ash at the garden. I was wondering what it is."
OBJECTION!
"Your Honor..." Reshiram went very sternly. "The defense is just wasting time at the moment! Who cares on what other thoughts the witnesses have? It doesn't affect the testimony in any way!"
OBJECTION!
This time, Keldeo pointed out, figuring out what line of questioning Athena is attempting. "If one of the witnesses has a doubt about what the others had said, we should pursue with it!"
"We need to get rid of all doubts!" Mesprit chimed in, confidently. Lugia, with his wings crossed, leans towards Reshiram to say something. "To be honest, I kinda have to agree with them at the moment. The one of the ways to find the truth is to get rid of all doubts, right?"
Reshiram growled in annoyance, and then looked at Simon, who was rubbing Taka's chin in affection. "Prosecutor Blackquill? What do you think about this?"
"..." Simon stood silently. "...What Lugia-San said."
Arceus slammed down the gavel, to accept this. "Objection sustained. Witness Virizion, please tell the Court what you were thinking." she ordered without missing a beat.
"Well..." Virizion went, somewhat hesitantly. "...I do remember talking with Celebi and Giratina during the party about Darkrai. He was ill on the night of the murder, ill enough not to come to the party. I think it would have been hard for him to go and wait at the garden for Ash to turn up, even if he knew Ash would go there."
Cobalion turned to Virizion with a thoughtful look while Terrakion glances at the two with an unsure expression. "Hmm, I do recall Giratina remarking that a few hours before the party." Cobalion started, considering what Virizion had just said. "I must have forgotten about it..."
"Huh..." Terrakion murmured wistfully. "Maybe Darkrai didn't have to wait for Ash in the garden. Perhaps he just followed Ash to the garden instead of planning it out. Trying to do something complicated while ill is extremely hard after all."
Cobalion nodded to agree. "That seems more plausible." he then turned towards the judge of the trial, Arceus. "May I change my testimony for this?"
"Yes." Arceus confirmed seriously. "Please amend your testimony to suit the new statement."
Cobalion: We believe that Darkrai followed Ash to the garden.
OBJECTION!
Everyone's attention turns to Athena, who appears to be very calm. "So, you say that Darkrai was able to follow Ash to the garden without anyone noticing?"
Cobalion nodded. "Yes." he then frowned. "That is the definite answer by the Swords of Justice, young girl. What about it?"
Athena crossed her arms and smirked confidently. "Well, I find that hard to believe!" Athena pulled out the data of Cresselia's Time Gap from the Court Record.
"As everybody in this room knows, Cresselia died at 7:30PM..." Athena explained thoroughly. "...and according to Celebi, who Mesprit and I questioned, she remembered Cresselia leaving at 6:50PM."
OBJECTION!
Lugia pointed out one of his wings, with a stern expression on his face. "What has this got to do with the testimony?"
OBJECTION!
"Please...!" Mesprit went, slamming her hands on the table. "Let her finish her explanation!"
"Objection sustained." Arceus ordered calmly, causing Lugia to growl a little. "Please continue the explanation, Miss Cykes."
"The question is, what was Cresselia doing in that time when she wasn't at the party?" Athena asked rhetorical. She then smirked once more. "Well, I have a clue on what she was doing in that time, which relates to the testimony."
Keldeo caught on what Athena is trying to get across, remembering the conversation earlier with Darkrai. "Of course!" he exclaimed with confidence, his hooves slammed down on the bench. "The reason why Cresselia was gone from the party was to visit Darkrai!"
The Courtroom burst into chatter, with Athena turning to Reshiram, who looked very surprised. "Darkrai told us that Cresselia visited him any time he was upset or ill and would search for him if he disappeared." she began to ask to Reshiram, curiously. "She would panic if she couldn't find him. Did every Legendary know this?"
Reshiram stood there for a few seconds, somewhat dumbfounded. "...Yes ...A lot of Legendaries knew about that...We've seen her do that before..." she replied, surprised at what Cresselia might have been doing. "There was an incident last month where Darkrai disappeared and she panicked a lot..."
Athena then slammed down on bench herself. "Just as I thought." she stated with a serious frown on her face. "Since it's common knowledge that Cresselia would do that, please tell me Swords of Justice, if Darkrai was following Ash to the garden..." Athena then quickly pointed out at them. "Why didn't she come back to the party in a panicked state when she didn't find Darkrai in his room?!"
"WHAT?!"
"ACK!"
"AHHH!"
The Swords of Justice respectively yelled in shock and surprise in revelation of this.
The Courtroom exploded into chatter, with Arceus slamming down her gavel to try and get order within the room.
OBJECTION!
Lugia pointed out his wing once more. "So what if she didn't get help to search for Darkrai? It doesn't change anything!"
Cobalion and Virizion nodded to this, while Terrakion looked unsure. "That's correct! All for we know, she tried to get help from a Legendary in the party but was unable to!"
OBJECTION!
Keldeo banged his right hoof down on the bench. "It was in her nature to do something like that!" Keldeo barked angrily. "We all know that Cresselia was caring! She wouldn't have stopped at just one! She cared about Darkrai a lot! He even testified to that fact to us!"
OBJECTION!
"The defendant cannot be trusted as he is the suspect in this case!" Virizion shouted, striking the stand in anger. "What he says cannot be trusted without evidence!"
OBJECTION!
"Providing that I didn't know Cresselia that well..." Mesprit started, raising her voice to get her point across. "But I am the Being of Emotion! Even I could tell that Cresselia cared about Darkrai a lot! I felt her emotions say every time I saw them together!"
Arceus, quiet from all the shouting, nodded. "Yes... Mesprit is able to feel the emotions of others. I would know, as I created her. I believe that she's not lying because of that."
Athena banged down on the bench once more. "The point that I made still stands! Why didn't Cresselia come to find any help at all?!" Athena pointed once more to the Swords of Justice. "I want an answer to that!"
SILENCE!
Simon has his back turned to everyone once again. "...Hmph!" he went, turning his head round to look behind him. "That is a point well made, Cykes-Dono. But you'll need a sharper blade to attack more efficiently in order to be more effect." he remarked with some wisdom in his voice. "A blunt blade isn't good at all."
Keldeo sweated nervously. "Um... what is he going on about?" Simon then turned back round to face the front, which he then proceeded to put his hand near his chin, looking smug. "What I mean, Keldeo-Dono, for your sake, is that though the contradiction that Cykes-Dono pointed out was good, it is not enough to get Darkrai pronounce not guilty."
Athena said nothing in response of this, knowing Simon has a trick up his sleeve. Taka flew in with a piece of paper. "There is a clear explanation as for this contradiction to as why Cresselia didn't turn up at the party upon discovering Darkrai missing." he started to explain in a tranquil mood. "The reason why she didn't turn back up is that on the way back from the defendant's room, Cresselia saw Darkrai head over to the garden and proceeded to follow him there."
OBJECTION!
Keldeo banged one of hooves again on the table. "That's utter nonsense! What sort of evidence can you prove that?!"
"Heh heh heh heh heh..." Simon laughed, slamming his hand down on the table. "The evidence? The evidence is that Cresselia didn't turn up at all! It's the most logical conclusion on why she didn't turn up!"
The Courtroom burst into chatter once more, with the Defense Team looking anxiously. "Looks like they got us there..." Mesprit said sadly, looking somewhat depressed. Keldeo sweated nervously, not sure what happened. "I have no clue what just happened..."
"I should have known something like that would happen..." Athena frowned, dejected herself. "Simon usually does things like this, pulling out evidence when it's not expected to... It's a real jerk move!"
Athena then shook her head and thought. Though the contradiction hadn't gotten them as far as they wanted to, it did get them to this point, about Cresselia's movements on the night of the murder. Athena then smirked and pointed out. "Your Honor!" she shouted out, surprising Arceus. "I wish for another testimony to be given by the witnesses!" Arceus is taken aback by this but composed herself quickly. "What sort of testimony?"
The attorney in yellow slammed down on the bench. "I demand a testimony focusing more on the movements of Cresselia on the night on she was killed!"
As the Courtroom erupted into talk once more, Athena looked at the three Swords of Justice at the testifying stand. Cobalion looking somewhat smug and Virizion and Terrakion still looking somewhat nervous.
"No matter what..." Athena thought to herself deeply, glancing at a conflicted Keldeo. "...I will help to find the truth on what happened that night, even if it means exposing the blackmail!"
To be continued...
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Evidence List:
Defense Attorney's Badge: My proof of being a defense attorney. Although, it may not work in the Pokémon World...
Hall of Origin Map Info: Map for the Hall of Origin's layout. The party was in the West Wing, the murders happened in the North West Wing and Darkrai's Bedroom is in the South West Wing.
Hall of Origin Heating Problem: All the heating in the Hall of Origin, apart from the Alpha Block, isn't working for some reason. I wonder why...?
Image of Ash: Shows Ash's body. Notable to see the three large claw marks on his chest, along with his hat on the dirt.
Image of Cresselia: Shows Cresselia's body. Her neck is twisted, with a small amount of blood coming out from her mouth.
Zoology of Legends: A book on the Legendary Pokémon, on everything, from form differences to moves, act. I don't particularly need it, but Apollo and my Boss do...
Cresselia's Autopsy Report: Cause of death: A sudden twist to the neck resulting the spine to be snapped instantly. Victim is to be thought to have lived some few minutes before dying. Time of Death: 7:30
Cresselia's Gap Time: Cresselia left the party at 6:50pm and was due to arrive back at 7:10pm, but died at 7:30pm in the garden. Cresselia was at Darkrai's room at 7:00 to check on him but left for the garden at 7:05PM
Celebi's Timetable: Celebi's guide to show when she needs to water her plants. The last one each day is five to eight in the evening. There's a copy of it everywhere, so the murderer could have seen it...
Celebi's Data: Has had sleeping problems for the last week, and is now prone to attacking others while sleeping. She also has a bruise going round her entire neck from what happened on the night of the murder.
Blackmail Letter: A blackmail letter in a very complex code of writing, in Unown lettering and the letters are can be translated by flipping the alphabet backwards. It's a blackmail letter to the Swords of Justice, excluding Keldeo, threatening to reveal to Arceus about what happened with Kyurem. None of the Legendaries' handwriting match.
Ash's Hat: The hat that Ash wore to the party was the one he wore in Kanto, but the hat discovered at the scene was the Kalos hat. Why is it different?
Bush Notes: The top of the bush next to where Ash's body was found has the top of it clipped off, if something went flying above it while cutting the top off.
Darkrai's Testimony: 'At 7:10 PM, I was in the shower when I heard a knock at my door. When I went to answer it, I heard a noise which then afterwards I blacked out. When I woke up, I was back in my shower, cold and clammy. The shower wasn't working and I saw that the time was 8:20PM. Genesect then turned up afterwards'.
Ash's Autopsy: Cause of Death: Lost of blood due to three large gashes found on body. Move used is guessed to be used to kill is Shadow Claw. Time of Death: 7:25PM. Note, spine of victim was broke post-mortem, which the cause of it is currently unknown.
Profiles:
Athena Cykes: That's me! A greenhorn attorney still fresh from a big case, and had been dragged into the Pokémon World to defend a Legendary Pokémon. I would have never expected this… ever.
Phoenix Wright: My boss, and the Head of the Wright & Co Law Offices. The attorney for Darkrai on the third day. Will do anything to find the truth, though he is sarcastic most of the time.
Apollo Justice: My co-worker, and a fellow attorney. He's the attorney for Darkrai on the second day. He yells a lot but he means well.
Simon Blackquill: A former prisoner and a prosecutor who's a close friend of mine. He's my opponent for the first day of Darkrai's trial. Kinda scary sometimes but he's really nice.
Klavier Gavin: A musician who is also a Prosecutor, and Apollo's opponent on the second day. I think he's great, though Apollo doesn't like him. I wonder why?
Miles Edgeworth: The Chief Prosecutor for L.A., an old rival for my boss, and the prosecutor for the last day. His skills as a Prosecutor are legendary.
Mesprit: The Emotion Legendary, and my partner for my investigation! She's very kind, a bit shy and soft-spoken though...
Arceus: The leader of the Legends Order, and the Pokémon God of the Pokémon world. Serious and firm, apparently Arceus is a female despite me seeing the 12th Movie...
Giratina: A Legendary Pokémon that's a large dragon. Quite blunt and sarcastic sometimes, he cares for Darkrai. Despite his hardened shell, he's actually quite kind.
Genesect: A Legendary that resembles a robotic insect. Acts weird for some reason.
Darkrai: The Nightmare Pokémon, and the defendant for this case. Despite his looks and reputation, he's quite nice, though slightly anti-social. He's sometimes bullied by the other Legends for his nightmare powers.
Ash Ketchum: The main protagonist for the Pokémon Anime, the Chosen One for the Legendaries, and one of the victims. Was here in the Hall of Origin for a party celebrated in his honor.
Cresselia: Darkrai's counterpart, and the other victim. Was one of the Legends who didn't care about his powers.
Cobalion: A Sword of Justice, and one of the investigators for the crime scene, or how I would put it, the Detective for the case. He, Terrakion and Virizion are getting blackmailed into obtaining evidence to prove Darkrai's guilt no matter what.
Celebi: A friendly Legendary who's the witness to the crime, which she was almost strangled. Seems to become frightened when asked to recall what happened. Maybe she has PTSD?
Keldeo: The youngest Sword of Justice. He's torn between helping his masters, and a fair trial for Darkrai. He doesn't know his masters are getting blackmailed...
Lugia: The Guardian of the Sea, and one of the investigators for the Prosecution. Wanting to find the truth, and apparently a good rapper...
Virizion: A Sword of Justice, and one of the investigators, who's going round with Simon. She, Terrakion and Cobalion are getting blackmailed.
Terrakion: A Sword of Justice, and the only one who's not been a jerk to the Defense team. He's revealed why they've been acting like that, which is due to blackmail.
Pikachu: He is Ash's first Pokémon and his best friend. Is unable to talk due to an overload of shock and grief in response to Ash's death.
Buneary: One of Dawn's Pokémon, and the one who is looking after Pikachu at the moment. She's actually quite sweet and cute when you get to know her.
Kyurem: Haven't actual talked with him yet but he seems quite respected among the Legendaries. He seems to be shocked about the murders...
Reshiram: Counterpart to Kyurem and one of the investigators for the Prosecution. Is quiet most of the time but is very stern...
Pokémon © Nintendo / Game Freak
Ace Attorney © Capcom
Whoo! Finally got this done after me and DragonNiro hit a bit of a rough spot with the story. Fortunately, it's back on track, and I hope you enjoy the chapter! Be sure to read and review, as always!