Usagi Tsukino: Ace Attorney
Part 9: Turnabout Stardom (1; Prologue)
Usagi and Rei had decided that they should go out to celebrate Usagi's first real victory as a defence attorney, and had gone out to see a live show being performed by the ultra-famous superstar, Firo Emblazzon.
An Italian-American, Emblazzon had started out as a small-time detective, but had soon earned enough money to begin a new career. He started out modelling, and then progressed to become a singer. His handsome face and his unique appearance earned him a large following, and soon everyone knew who he was.
The man travelled with a small entourage, who were his staff during his modelling career, and even now helped him in performances.
Today's performance was especially monumental, due to the fact that was held to celebrate Firo Emblazzon's first visit to Japan, as well as the fact that he was soon to star in a new movie that Emblazzon had also written and directed, based on a very big case he had worked on in his detective days that had lead to his current fame.
The performance was also to introduce a new member of Emblazzon's 'staff': Manny Ager, who had come along to be Embalzzon's new manager and publicist, as well as manager of Embalzzon's staff.
Rei happened to be a big fan of Firo Emblazzon, mostly due to his handsome face. Usagi, however, didn't think too highly of him, surprisingly enough.
They now stood before a large stage, built especially for the event. Also there were Minako, Makoto and Ami. Mamoru wasn't there naturally, considering it wasn't the type of thing he'd go to. Especially not sicne Usagi had dumped him.
"HEY GUYS!" Usagi called out cheerfully. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"
"We came to see the show." Minako replied with a giggle. "Why else would we be here? And you guys?"
"Also here to see the show." Rei got a starry look in her yes. "For the first time ever, we can see Firo Emblazzon HIMSELF performing live in Japan!"
"I know!" Minako squeeled, and shortly both girls were giggling and squeeling excitedly. Usagi sighed.
"Yeah, yeah, he is SO amazing." The former moon princess said sarcastically. "I just wish they'd hurry up and start."
"But we just GOT here!" Rei replied.
"I thought you'd enjoy a show like this, Usagi." Makoto said. "I mean, after all, Firo Emblazzon is pretty hunky." She appeared to be drooling slightly.
"Yeah well...ever since I got with Rei-chan, I stopped having any interest in guys...not sure why...and anyway...I just don't see what's so appealing about him."
Minako, Makoto and Rei stared at her, bug-eyed, as if she had just said something blasphemous. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T SEE WHAT'S SO APPEALING ABOUT HIM!"
"If I had to put it to one thing...it's his teeth. They always make me think of a Yoma or something. I mean, why does he have to have them so POINTY and SHARP?"
"ATTENTION EVERYONE!" A voice sopek out via na intercom system. "The show is about to begin! Please, try and find a spot near the stage!"
"Oh crap!" the girls (except for Usagi and Ami) all cried out, and they ran over to the stage area.
They ahd found a good spot near the front of the stage, so they could ahev a good view of the performers (well, mostly Firo). A man walked out, wearing a shining gold jacket and creased pants, grinning brightly, showing off his unnaturally fanged teeth, his tan skin shining under the lights.
"Welcome to my show." Firo Emblazzon announced, grinning handsomely. "I am Firo Emblazzon, and today shall be my frst live performance in Japan. I hope you enjoy the show. But, before we begin, let me introduce someone very special: my first real manager, who shall ensure my future success, Manny Ager!"
And with that, a dumpy, elderly man with with grey hair and mustache, who was balding, stepped out. He waved enthusiastically and he and Emblazzon shook hands.
"Now then," Firo continued, breaking out of the firm handshake, "we'll go backstage and begin preparations, and then the show can really begin!"
With that, he stepped backstage, and the lights went out.
"He looks even more gorgeous in person!" Rei said happily.
"Scary is the word I would use." Usagi said under her breath.
A few minutes later, and the show was still being held back.
"What's taking them so long!" Makoto exclaimed in annoyance. "We want to see Firo Emblazzon!"
A person stepped out. "Um...well...he...he seems to be missing..."
"MISSING! THEN LET'S FIND HIM!"
"Um...but you're just...we already called the police..." the man kept trying say but was ignored as the three girls ran past him, with Usagi and Ami calmly following behind.
The girls searched frantically, calling out desperately, and eventually saw someone at the farthest portion of the backstage area, and then stopped when they got close enough.
A tall, skinny, unkempt man with a messy goatee and stubble covering his face and hair done up in dreadlocks holding a large, thick plank of wood in his hands. He was standing over the unconscious bodies of Firo Emblazzon and Manny Ager. There was a large puddle of blood around Manny Ager's body.
The man turned to the girls, and they flinched back, slightly frightened. Even Ami and Usagi were a little unnerved.
"Call the police." The man pleaded. "Arrest me, send me to prison. I...I killed...him..."
Usagi had followed the police to the detention centre, and sat before the 'assailant', Jerry Rigg, a member of Firo Emblazzon's staff.
Rei frowned. "Why'd you do it?"
"It doesn't matter..." Rigg said. "My life is over anyway...so why I did anything doesn't matter...just put me away and throw away the key..." he frowned glumly, shaking slightly.
Usagi frowned. "You know...you don't really seem like a murderer...you're too...well, nervous and depressed...and most murderers would at least TRY and hide the crime."
"I..it was so sudden...I...I don't even remember why I attacked them...all I remember was that one moment I was setting up the lights, the next I killed two men...including my own boss..." he put his head in his hands, wailing sadly and...crying.
"Well, at least Firo-kun is alright." Rei said huffily. "And he has placed you as his attacker. Usagi, let's go."
"no."
"What?"
"I said no." The blonde repeated. "I don't think he's guilty."
"But...he was there! We saw"
"We didn't actually see him attack anyone. All we saw was him holding a piece of wood standing over two unconscious men. As far as we know, he could be being framed."
"No...I'm guilty...just...forget it..."
Usagi smield. "Don't worry. I'm Usagi Tsukino, and I'm an defence attorney. I'll get to the bottom of this, believe me."
"Usagi..." Rei growled, a dark look in her eyes. "Are you suggesting...you're going to defend...THIS bastard!"
"Yes, I am. That's exactly what I'm going to do, Rei-chan."
"Then...we're through."
Usagi blinked, paling. "What?"
"Usagi...that man...is guilty...and you're going to defend him anyway! Usagi...I thought you were fighting for justice...but..I guess your success has gone to your head..."
"Rei...that's not..."
"WE'RE THROUGH USAGI! Just...just don't speak to me..." The raven-tressed girl ran off, teary eyed.
Usagi stared back at her, tears falling.
"Are...are you alright?" Rigg asked her.
"Yeah..I'm fine...just fine..." The blonde sniffled and turned back, grinning shakily. "I'll sort things otu with ehr soon...but right now...we need to get to the bottom of things..."
"No...you're wrong...I'm guilty..."
"No...I don't think so...in fact," Usagi glared, jaw set firmly, "I think you're just as much a victim here as the manager and Emblazzon."
"How so?"
"The so called weapon...there was a wound on Mr Agers head..the back of his head...and blood was pouring from it...but your so called 'weapon'...that plank of wood...didn't have any blood at all!"
"Th-then what...?"
"That means...you weren't holding the murder weapon!"
Rigg yelped, pulling on his goatee. "A-are you sure...?"
"Positive." Usagi grinned. "Now we just need to figure out three things: what is the real murder weapon, who was the real attacker, and why?"
"If that's true..." Rigg said. "Then please...figure this out!"
USagi smiled. "I will...no matter what anyone thinks...I will prove your innocence."
I hope you enjoyed this little prologue. ^^
I hope you are intrigued by this case, and hopefully it will turn out even better. ^^
And was Rei's decision to break up too...sudden? I think it is, as well as Usagi's decision to defend Jerry Rigg. I hope I'm wrong, but I'll bet I'm right.
Hope you enjoyed it and please comment ^^