Title: Turnabout Justice
Summary: Nighttime. A dark cover that criminals use to hide. A shot rang out, and a cut is delivered. A suspect is caught. But what is, in the end, the real truth?
Disclaimer: Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney belongs to Capcom.
Pairing: KlavierApollo; probably EdgeworthPhoenix.
Warnings: Might contain OOC-ness, AU.
A/N: Next chapter shall be the epilogue, and I thank you all for reading.
Turnabout Justice
Chapter 4
Everyone gasped. It was as if no one dared to speak the name. Finally, someone spoke.
" Po… Polly!?" Trucy called.
Apollo gasped for breath, clutching onto the witness stand. His body was drenched in sweat, and his face was pale. A hand was grasping onto his clothes, where he was shot. His eyes were closed tightly, and he bit hard on his lips, silencing his scream of pain.
" Your… Honor… Wait…" Apollo choke out.
" Mr. Justice!!" The Judge said in disbelief. Phoenix shared a glance with Edgeworth and the two immediately did what they needed to do.
" Your Honor!!" Phoenix shouted. " The prosecution is requesting for a 20-minute recess immediately!!" Edgeworth yelled.
" Your Honor, Mr. Justice isn't looking well. Please, a 20-minute recess!!" Phoenix said. The Judge, in his confusion, quickly allowed the recess. Trucy ran over to Apollo and helped him out to the defendant lobby.
June 22, 11.36p.m.
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 3
" What were you thinking!!" Phoenix yelled.
" Sorry…" Apollo apologized, coughing.
" Polly, how and why did you come?" Trucy asked.
" Detective Gumshoe drove me here..." Apollo took in deep breaths. Edgeworth rushed in.
" How is he?" Edgeworth asked.
" Alive." Phoenix replied. Edgeworth knew that the attorney was fuming.
" I… I know… who… it is…" Apollo said weakly.
" I know it too, I just don't have the evidence to point him out." Phoenix said.
" But… I do…" Apollo said.
" What!?" Trucy exclaimed.
" If, they make it on time…" Apollo added.
" Hey!!" The group turned over.
" We got it. And it's just like you said." Trucy gasped. Apollo smiled.
" Thanks, Ema." Apollo said.
" Mr. Wright, please. Let me take over." Apollo pleaded. Phoenix looked at Apollo.
" Are you sure about this, Apollo?" Phoenix asked. Apollo nodded.
" It is the only way… to finally get out, Mr. Wright. I have to do this." Apollo replied. Phoenix narrowed his eyes.
" I'll still take the Co-Council place." Phoenix finalized. Apollo nodded. Trucy giggled.
" Oh, Polly. Aren't you forgetting something?" Trucy laughed. Apollo looked at his current clothings and the missing item.
" …Urk." Apollo muttered.
" I think this time, it's special. Or maybe he'll create a new trend." Phoenix laughed.
" But there's something you'll definitely need." Trucy pulled out her Magic Panties and reached inside.
" This!!" She opened her palm.
" Ack!! From there!?" Apollo replied.
" Hey, anything can come out of my Magic Panties." Trucy said. Apollo sighed, but took the attorney badge from Trucy nevertheless.
" It's time." Edgeworth said.
" Looks like the fun just begun." Phoenix smiled.
June 22, 11.56p.m.
District Court
Courtroom No. 5
" Court is back in session." The Judge said.
" Your Honor, the defense has a new theory." Apollo called.
" I was under the impression that Mr. Wright is the defense." The Judge said.
" Your Honor, now, Apollo wishes to take the defense. I am merely the Co-Council." Phoenix replied. The Judge nodded.
" Mr. Justice… The court has already decided on a verdict. All that it's left is to announce it. You said that you have a theory, so this is your final chance. What you have to present, must be decisive." The Judge warned.
Apollo nodded. " Understood."
" Very well, the defense may proceed with it's case." The Judge announced.
" Your Honor. I have a very simple explanation. One that could turn this case around." Apollo said.
" A simple explanation… that turns the case around?" The Judge asked. Apollo nodded.
" Might I suggest another suspect?" Apollo said.
" Another suspect!?" The Judge asked. Apollo nodded once more.
" Who is it!?" The Judge asked. Apollo pursed his lips. ' This is it… My final chance to pull me, and Prosecutor Gavin out of the darkness… The darkness that had swallowed us.'
" …Kristoph Gavin."
Silent washed over the court before the audience broke out into whispers, and some, shouts. Only the sound the gavel silenced them.
" Mr. Justice!! Kristoph Gavin is currently in Solitary Cell!!" The Judge argued. Apollo kept silent. Finally he spoke, but not to the Judge.
" Ema, please, take the stand." Ema did as told.
" You know what I want. Please, just inform the court." Apollo asked. Ema nodded.
" Three days ago, Kristoph Gavin escaped from his Solitary Cell. Police investigation has been going on for the past three days, and this has not been leaked to the public. A guard was knocked out… and his pistol was stolen."
Shock was written over everyone's face except Apollo, Phoenix, Edgeworth and Ema.
" Wha… WHAT!?" The Judge exclaimed. Apollo's cell phone vibrated in his pocket. Apollo straightened himself.
" Your Honor. Kristoph Gavin is currently is the lobby. The defense would like the prosecution to call Kristoph Gavin to the stand." Apollo said. Edgeworth nodded.
" Will Kristoph Gavin take the stand." Apollo stared as Kristoph was pulled in, looking calm as always.
' Watch this, Prosecutor Gavin.'
" My, what is the meaning of this, Justice?" Apollo almost flinched.
" Edgeworth, if you please." Phoenix called.
" Witness, please state your name for the court." Edgeworth asked.
" …So this is it. Kristoph Gavin." He answered.
" …Mr. Gavin, the defense is officially accusing you of the attempted murder of… well, me." Apollo said.
" Mr. Justice. Might I ask, where is your proof?" Edgeworth asked.
" This." Apollo pulled out a plastic bag holding a broken pair of spectacles.
" This is a pair of spectacles found at the crime scene, dangerously near the river. Of course, my fingerprints are on them." Apollo explained.
" But that is not all. The fingerprint of a gloved middle finger was also found… on the bridge of the spectacles." Apollo added.
" Incidentally, we also found some glass shards and, with blood on it, no less." Phoenix added.
" And I do believe this pair of glasses belong to you, Mr. Gavin." Apollo said. Kristoph flinched.
" So, I'm the murderer now? What is my motive then, Justice?" Kristoph asked.
" You have lots of motives, Mr. Gavin. And that includes framing Prosecutor Gavin as well." Apollo replied.
" Hn. So now I frame my own brother as well?" Kristoph said.
" …A blood stain was left at crime scene, no?" Edgeworth asked.
" A bloodstain?" The Judge asked. Phoenix nodded.
" This stain… is left at the crime scene, written with Apollo's blood." Phoenix explained.
" That looks like… a 'M'… and a 'G'?" The Judge asked. Phoenix nodded.
" Heh heh. Wright… You said that it was written with the victim's blood, so it could mean that it was the defendant as well." Edgeworth said.
" OBJECTION!!" Phoenix smirked.
" Kristoph Gavin… and Klavier Gavin. They are brothers, Edgeworth, or didn't you notice that." Phoenix argued.
" So what?" Edgeworth replied.
" Ha ha." Phoenix laughed. "True, the 'G' could refer to either of them… but what about the 'M'?" Phoenix asked.
" The… 'M'?" Edgeworth questioned. Phoenix nodded.
" I do believe I know what Apollo was trying to say when he wrote the MG there… Apollo, let me ask a very simple question." Apollo nodded, smiling.
" Now… Kristoph Gavin and Klavier Gavin. You address them differently. First, how do you normally address Klavier Gavin?" Phoenix asked.
" Prosecutor Gavin." Apollo answered.
" And Kristoph Gavin?" Phoenix asked.
" Mr. Gavin." Apollo replied.
" Ahh!! The 'M' was referring to… Mister!!" The Judge exclaimed. Phoenix and Apollo nodded.
Edgeworth flinched. " W-What about the missing pistol!?" Edgeworth argued. " OBJECTION!!" Apollo yelled.
" Missing? I think not. Detective Gumshoe!!" Apollo called. Gumshoe ran up to the stand.
" I got want you wanted, pal." Gumshoe replied, bringing out a plastic bag.
" This is the pistol stolen from the guard. We recovered this when we arrested him. Detective Skye checked the prints, and it contains both wiped and normal fingerprints belonging to Mr. Gavin, just like you said." Gumshoe said happily. The court fell into silence.
" Detective… May I ask, which 'Mr. Gavin' are we talking about here?" The Judge asked the hanging question.
" Oh… I mean, Mr. Kristoph Gavin, sir…" Gumshoe said.
" You must have made an error, Detective." Kristoph said.
" OBJECTION!!" Apollo and Phoenix yelled.
" Please, one objection is enough." Edgeworth growled.
" Err, go ahead, Apollo." Phoenix said.
" An error? Please enlighten us. How exactly did the mistake occur?" Apollo asked. Kristoph flinched.
" Well… he could have got the data wrong. After all, this detective doesn't look to be very… efficient." Kristoph said. ' Urk… Poor Detective Gumshoe…' Apollo thought.
" OBJECTION!! ...and I apologize to Mr. Edgeworth in advance." Apollo said, scratching his head sheepishly.
" Detective Skye and Detective Gumshoe had been helping you since yesterday night." Edgeworth said in an 'as-a-matter-of-fact' tone. Apollo nodded.
" Let me explain what happened. Last night, I called Detective Gumshoe and Ema. By that time, Mr. Wright had already informed me about Mr. Gavin's escape, and Detective Gumshoe had started on his search for Mr. Gavin. Today, I asked Ema to go back to People Park to look for the glasses. Then, while the other people were still searching, Detective Gumshoe drove me here at my request. And then, you were captured, and the pistol was recovered and the prints were taken by Ema. Oh, and by the way, Ema studied forensic science in Europe. Now, I don't think this mistake could happen." Apollo said. The Judge nodded.
" You... asked that pityful excuse for a detective to drive you here?" Kristoph asked. Apollo nodded.
" Because I knew... it wasn't over yet. I was still stuck... I wanted to end it, Mr. Gavin." Apollo replied grimly, taking a glance at Klavier. The prosecutor had his eyes close, and his face was in the direction of the ceiling.
" If you don't mind, let us go through the evidence again, shall we?" Edgeworth asked. Apollo and Phoenix nodded.
" First of all, we have this bloodstain left at the crime scene. The letters, 'M' and 'G' was written on it. This is assumed to identify the killer, which the defense has proven that Kristoph Gavin could be the killer." Edgeworth said.
" Next, we have the broken pair of glasses, and the blood-stained glass shards. And the blood has been confirmed to be Apollo's. The bridge of the glasses holds gloved fingerprints, and the glasses have Apollo's handprint of them." Phoenix continued.
" We also have the other murder weapon, the gun, with Mr. Gavin's fingerprint on them." Apollo added.
" Not to mention the gloves that were probably worn by the murderer." Edgeworth finished.
" According to the defense, they believe that Kristoph Gavin is the real murderer. What is the prosecution's opinion on this, Mr. Edgeworth?" The Judge asked.
" The prosecution… agrees with the defense's opinion, Your Honor." Edgeworth replied.
" Ha, prosecutor working with the defense? That's pathetic." Kristoph said. Phoenix laughed.
" If you say that, you, too, are insulting your own brother, Kristoph." Phoenix commented.
" Not to mention… him." He added. Kristoph laughed.
" Does it really matter now, Wright." Kristoph asked. Phoenix merely looked at him, before turning to Edgeworth, smiling at the prosecutor. Edgeworth sighed.
" However…" He said. Phoenix laughed.
" …these evidence, are not quite decisive enough." Edgeworth said.
" What!? Why not!?" Apollo asked.
" The gloves, Apollo. True, Kristoph's fingerprints are on the gun, but the gloves… do we know how wore them?" Phoenix asked. "
Also, since an analysis has not been done, we do not know if this is really the murder weapon." Edgeworth added.
" Ack!!" Apollo flinched.
" Hmm, quick to jump to conclusion as always, Justice." Kristoph said while smiling.
" I know I was right!!" Apollo argued.
" …No one said you were wrong, Herr Forehead."
Apollo looked surprised. He turned to Klavier, who was still in the defendant's seat.
" He's right. Edgeworth, the honors are all yours." Phoenix said. Edgeworth raised an eyebrow.
" Mr. Justice. In the case whereby there is no decisive evidence, we would determine the verdict based on witness testimony. As I told Wright this morning, today is our last day. The only reason why a verdict wasn't decided yesterday was because of the three mysteries." Edgeworth explained.
" So now, Apollo. Think about it. Edgeworth had said that the evidence are not decisive enough, so we'll need a witness. At this point of time, there's only one person who can prove Prosecutor Gavin to be innocent." Phoenix said.
" Mr. Justice. Let me say this first. I believe both Wright and I are thinking of the same thing. It is highly impossible to prove this man to be guilty of the crime. However, it is possible to prove the defendant innocent." Edgeworth said.
" Very well, Mr. Justice. This court has used a lot of time on the evidences. Now, will you tell us the name of the final witness?" The Judge asked. Apollo gave it a thought, and smiled.
" Well, I won't." Apollo replied.
" What!?" The Judge exclaimed.
" I won't, but I'll let Mr. Edgeworth have the honors." Apollo replied. " Wright, you're being an influence on him…" Edgeworth's eyebrow twitched. Phoenix laughed.
" Will Mr. Apollo Justice please take the stand." Edgeworth called.
" Ahh!! That's right!! Mr. Justice is the victim in this case!!" The Judge exclaimed. Apollo grasped his clothes for a moment, eyes shutting tightly.
" Your Honor, I believe a recess is in order. Our victim does not look to be very well." Edgeworth said. The Judge nodded.
" No, I'm fine." Apollo insisted.
" Apollo, don't push yourself. You only got out of operation yesterday. It's already a miracle that you could do this much." Phoenix warned.
" I'm really fine. I'm returning to the hospital after this trial… After all, I'm only out because Ema and Detective Gumshoe said that they needed me for 'police business'." Apollo chuckled.
" Now, witness, please state your name and occupation for the court." Edgeworth asked.
" My name is Apollo Justice. I am a defense attorney." Apollo replied.
" Please testify to the court about your incident." Edgeworth said, glancing at the document in his hand.
Witness Testimony
- My Incident -
" I was heading home from the Wright Anything Agency. I had paperwork to clear up, so I was the last one to go. I always took the road that went by People Park. After a while, I noticed that I was being followed. I didn't turn back, but I took a turn into a valley, which unfortunately for me, was a dead-end. As I turned around, the person landed a cut on my throat and at the moment, I saw the person's hair. I managed to run pass, and I tried to cut into People Park, but I was shot. The last thing that I remember that I managed to do was to grab something, which I now assume to be the glasses. While doing so, I felt something smooth, and I guess that was the gloves. I only managed to write the letters 'M' and 'G' before I lost conscious."
" Well, what do you think, Your Honor?" Phoenix asked.
" Unbelievable!!" The Judge commented.
" However, how do we determine who this man is?" The Judge asked.
" Testimony, Your Honor." Phoenix and Edgeworth replied together.
" Testimony?" The Judge asked.
" Recall the two testimony we've heard, excluding Ema's one, Your Honor." Edgeworth asked.
" First of all, when did both witnesses arrive?" Edgeworth asked.
" After the gunshot." Phoenix answered.
" After the gunshot… By that time, this man had already lost his glasses, Your Honor. Now, I believe the court would agree that Kristoph and Klavier look quite alike?" Phoenix asked. The Judge nodded.
" Once Kristoph takes off his glasses, it would be quite easy for someone to mistake them, especially when they do not know the Gavins personally." Edgeworth explained.
" Especially when it's nighttime, and remember, the lamppost was malfunctioning, the prosecution would have a record to prove it." Phoenix added. Edgeworth nodded.
" I believe that under this condition, there is simply no way that the defendant is guilty. Right, Your Honor?" Phoenix chuckled. The Judge nodded.
" OBJECTION!!"
A laughter sounded in the courtroom. " Are you sure about it, Wright?" Kristoph asked.
" …!" Phoenix narrowed his eyes.
" Klavier is innocent? You don't have decisive evidence, and as for Justice's testimony… He could very well be lying!!" Kristoph said.
" Lying? Hmm… That's interesting… Got any proof?" Phoenix asked.
" What?" Kristoph asked.
" One must back up their statements with proof, right?" Phoenix smirked.
" You… You would go that far? To get me convicted!?" Kristoph yelled. Phoenix closed his eyes and laughed out loud. Edgeworth sighed.
" Kristoph… You know, I once know someone like you. She was a teenager. And yet she committed the most incredible crimes… And it continued, even after her death." Phoenix said, eyes still closed.
" It's amazing how many memories a case can dig up… Right, Edgeworth?" Phoenix asked.
" Wright… You…" Phoenix chuckled.
" This girl… She started with a fake jewelry robbery, and then made someone fake kidnapping her. After that, she jumped into the river, and this person was caught by the police." Phoenix said.
" One year later, she reappears, and kills the policewoman, who was her sister. This person was once again suspected, and the one who defended him, was my mentor. Incidentally, the prosecutor on that case was Edgeworth, and that was his first case. The suspect, when he was almost cleared of the crime, drank the poison the girl gave her, and died… in court. My mentor stopped taking cases, until the next year." Phoenix continued, his fist clenching.
" A few days after that trial, my mentor's boyfriend, and also her partner, talked with the girl, wanting to know the truth, but he was, instead, poisoned. He went into a coma for many years. The girl was arrested, but she managed to push this poison into another person's hand… me." Phoenix said, sighing.
" One year later, she wanted to poison me, but she ended up killing someone else instead."
" I was suspected for the murder, and my mentor cleared me of the crime. She went to jail. Three years after that, my mentor died, and I sort of took care of her sister. The following year, her sister, Maya, was involved in a crime, in which I cleared her of. Her aunt was caught for working with the real murderer. By that time, this girl was already given the death penalty, but she manages to form a plan with Maya's aunt before her sentence." Phoenix closed his eyes tight.
" Then, she comes back, using a spirit medium, and tried to kill Maya. Fortunately, Maya channeled her sister, and was, in the end, saved. She went as far as that, to get revenge… Even after death. And Kristoph… you're exactly like her." Phoenix said. Edgeworth narrowed his eyes – he knew Phoenix was on the verge of tears from recalling these events.
" You wanted revenge on Apollo, because he was the one who proved you Guilty twice. And as for Klavier, it was because during the second time, Klavier no longer listened to you, and he helped Apollo, and got you convicted." Phoenix said, looking straight at Kristoph, who didn't seem to be worried at all.
" Oh, before you blame your own brother, do try to come up with a motive first. After all, you were known to be great attorney, the 'Coolest Attorney in the West'." Phoenix chuckled, looking away.
" Nice try, Wright… But you'll never be able to get me." Kristoph laughed. The court fell silent, and Phoenix smirked.
" You're right. I can't get you. There is no direct evidence, and Apollo could have been lying…." Phoenix replied. Kristoph laughed. Another chuckle joined in.
" You still don't get it?" Edgeworth asked.
" What…?" Kristoph stared at him.
" Wright said that he couldn't get you." Edgeworth explained.
" …! Wait… No…!!"
Phoenix smirked. " Have you ever wondered why I took such a long time before re-taking my bar exam? If I wanted, I could go ahead. But I didn't. I spent my time collecting evidence, and I was the person responsible for the new Jurist System." Edgeworth looked over.
" Even without your badge, you're still a lawyer…" He commented.
" Well, guess once a lawyer, always a lawyer." Phoenix laughed casually.
" ...Wright… Justice… You… Argh…" Phoenix sighed.
" You've already lost… Kristoph… You lost from the very beginning." Phoenix said.
" I asked Edgeworth to take this case… because I know him well. He is no longer the 'Demon Prosecutor'… He is merely an attorney searching for the truth. He passed his test, and so did I. But you, Kristoph, a lawyer… to you, is only a tool, to do the things you want. You have never changed. It may had been good… but now, it has only brought you to this." Phoenix said.
" Give it up, Kristoph. Admit it… You know it very well, you lost. Not to me, not to Apollo, nor Edgeworth or even your brother… but to the truth."
Kristoph kept silent, his gaze on Phoenix, who had his eyes closed tight. Edgeworth looked at Phoenix, swallowing the lump that had grown in his throat. Apollo grasped his clothes, a frown on his face. The whole court was as silent as a graveyard. No one spoke. No one dared to. Because everyone understood it – what Phoenix had said, what the trial today meant – they understood it all. It was only a few minutes later, did the Judge spoke, breaking the silent.
" I believe the truth is now clear… And a verdict is decided. Will the defendant take the stand?" Klavier was escorted over. He looked straight up to the Judge.
" This has been a long trial, and I am ready to pass my verdict. Are there any objections?" No one answered. The Judge nodded.
" Very well. This court finds the defendant, Klavier Gavin…"
Not Guilty
The Judge banged his gavel. " This court is adjourned."
A/N: I think I'm too predictable. I hope that you guys find the trial okay. Alright then, next chapter – being the epilogue – will wrap up the whole story. I'll try to make it as long as possible.