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Defendant Lobby No. 2
"I can't believe Edgeworth has gone through so many lengths to nail me around every corner," Phoenix said in disbelief.
"Well, he's always like that but this time he really nailed you Nick..." Maya said, trying to comfort Phoenix in a weird way.
"Well Mr. Kittens you promise me a 'Not Guilty' verdict and therefore you must since you want to become a full man again, don't you?" Alice pointed out devilshly.
"Yeah... I'll... get a verdict," Phoenix murmured with disdain.
"Great then Kittens! Let's get back to the courtroom then!"
"Nick... I just hope you will be able to pull through..." Maya whispered as they entered the courtroom.
:Gavel Slam:
"Mr. Edgeworth, you may call your next witness," the judge announced.
"The prosecution calls on one of the store workers, Jillian Eyes," Edgeworth announced.
Upon Edgeworth's summon, a woman with shiny black hair went up to the witness stand, ready to testify.
"Witness, state your name and profession to the court," Edgeworth commanded lightly.
"Jillian Eyes, worker of Asi Asi Supermarket. I sort out items in each section of the supermarket," the woman stated.
"Where were you at the time or the murder Ms. Eyes?"
"Hmm... I was right there at the crime scene. I saw everything: who the attacker of my manager was, how the attacker killed Boss Markita and what the attacker did after he killed my boss."
"Very well Witness, may you testify for us on this matter?" the judge asked after Jillian answered Edgeworth's question.
:Witness Testimony:
"That day, Boss asked me to stay until the store closes because the other workers couldn't stay for the entire day. I agreed so I stayed with Boss and we were the only two left to put everything away. Just then a man came in and begged Boss to let him buy some supplies but Boss shook his head and told the guy to come back in the morning. Suddenly, the man turned into this huge tiger and started to attack Boss. He ripped and clawed like Boss was some kind of poacher. After Boss died, the man started to rumage through the remaining stuff that wasn't put away yet and stole some items and ran away."
"Hmm... so, you say that the guy just magically turned into a tiger?" the judge asked in disbelief.
"Yeah. The guy seemed pretty angry too."
"Alright then Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine the witness."
:Cross-Examination:
/That day, Boss asked me to stay until the store closes because the other workers couldn't stay for the entire day. I agreed so I stayed with Boss and we were the only two left to put everything away./
"Hold it! Was it just the two of you that stayed that late?"
"There was another girl but she left when Boss announced that we were gonna close up. She didn't bother to help us clean up the store."
"I see... you may continue."
/Just then a man came in and begged Boss to let him buy some supplies but Boss shook his head and told the guy to come back in the morning./
"Hold it! What did the man look like?"
"Objection! This is irrelevant! It doesn't matter what the guy looks like!" Edgeworth shouted out.
"Objection! But if the guy was already transformed then..." Phoenix tried to defend his questioning.
"Weren't you listening Wright? The lady said the man hasn't transformed until he was denied the right to shop around the store."
"..." 'Doh!' Phoenix thought.
"Witness, continue."
/Suddenly, the man turned into this huge tiger and started to attack Boss. He ripped and clawed like Boss was some kind of poacher./
"Hold it! Do you know how he turned into a tiger?"
"I dunno. He just magically turned into a tiger and attacked Boss."
"What was he like then?"
"He was like... umm... begging and he looked pretty calm..."
"Objection! Are you sure he was calm and begging that time?" Phoenix inquired with a triumphant smile at last.
"Yeah... is there anything wrong with that? You're calm when you're begging..." Jillian said with confusion in her voice.
"Yes there is something wrong. First of all, when you're begging you're desperate and second, Mr. Fangs turned on behalf of his anger towards your boss," Phoenix pointed out.
"And what are trying to say Wright?" Edgeworth asked calmly, folding his arms in front of his chest.
"Um..." was all Phoenix could say.
"Yeah... where are you trying to get to?" Maya asked nervously, hoping Phoenix wouldn't slip up.
"The witness stated the man was calm and turned into a tiger but this is not the case. The man was angry and turned into a tiger. That's the cause of his transformation!"
"... Mr. Wright... Perhaps she wasn't clear enough to a person with poor knowledge like you. Witness, please clarify for this challenged attorney," Edgeworth said.
"Alright. The man was calm when he was begging but all of a sudden he turned REALLY angry and tranformed," Jillian clarified.
"Are you happy now Mr. Wright?" Edgeworth asked with his usual smirk.
'... No...' Phoenix answered Edgeworth mentally.
"So we've established that the man did indeed turn into a tiger after all. How is this all related to Alice Hinderman Mr. Edgeworth?" the judge asked.
"Why Your Honor, Ms. Hinderman is the one who has casued all this trouble in the first place. She turned Mr. Fangs into a tiger and then Mr. Fangs proceeded to kill Ms. Markita. She's involved with this murder indirectly!" Edgeworth stated and Phoenix started to sweat.
"This is REALLY bad Nick! How are you going to prove what Mr. Edgeworth has said wrong?" Maya asked with her angry look.
"I-I don't know... What if Edgeworth has another witness?" Phoenix replied with slight annoyance in his voice.
"I'll prove what I'd just said to be true with my next witness," Edgeworth stated for the whole court.
'Aww... shoot!' Phoenix sweated.
"Well, who is this witness of yours Mr. Edgeworth? Who can testify that Alice Hinderman definately did turn Mr. Fangs into a tiger?" the judge asked, increduously.
"The only one that can testify that Ms. Hinderman did indeed turn Mr. Fangs into a tiger is Ms. Hinderman herself," Edgeworth stated as if was obvious to the court.
The people started to murmur in court and the judge banged his gavel in order to silence the court. The judge looked surprised and confused and Phoenix just didn't what move his should make at that point. Maya looked at Phoenix with pity as if she knew that Phoenix would never change back into a regular human anymore. "I call the defendant to the stand," Edgeworth said, ignoring the glances and whispers of the courtroom.
When Alice got onto the stand she had a disdainful look on her face and evil look in her eyes. She didn't want to be found out and she knew that if Phoenix slips up once she'd be fried and dead afterwards. But relief came to her as she thought of the desperate kitty that wanted to be turned back into a normal human being like the many people she HAD turned into animals. "Will the defendant testify on the situation of the transforamtion of these human beings?" Edgeworth asked, crossing his arms.
"Sure Mr. Prosecutor. Let's just hope we're clear about everything and I'll show the defense is absolutely right because I AM innocent," Alice replied with a radiant smile on her face.
As Alice was comfortable and relieved, the poor kitty-hybrid didn't look so well. Phoenix didn't know which way to go: should he declared Alice guilty or defend to the very end? He felt a sudden urge to scratch his head like a cat would do but he restrained himself and all of urges to act like a cat. These events just made Phoenix more annoyed. He didn't know which way to go. All he can do is just sit and watch what would really happen to him in the end and the verdict.
:Witness Testimony:
"I have absolutely no idea how these poor human beings can turn into a rabid beast. It's not like I WANT to turn them into one. I have no motive in doing so. I don't even have the ingredients or substances to turn them into one as well. And therefore, I'm innocent! Like what Mr. Wright believes."
"I have one question for the witness Your Honor, before the defense cross-examines their own client," Edgeworth points with his finger.
"Go ahead Mr. Edgeworth," the judge granted permission to Edgeworth.
"Witness... you mentioned ingredients and substance... Do you know what kind of ingredients they were?"
"Objection! Mr. Edgeworth! What are you try to do, harrassing my witness?" Phoenix demanded.
"It's just a simple question. Witness," Edgeworth turned back to Alice, "Do you know what was the cause of the transformations?"
"Hrm... that's a hard one Mr. Prosecutor. What if I don't know?" Alice asked warily but all too innocently.
"Then we'll proceed with the cross-examination Ms. Hinderman," Edgeworth replied, looking at her warily as well. "But then again, Mr. Wright's a 'professional' and you don't want him to bring out the utter truth right?" Edgeworth added, shaking his head, putting Alice in a very bad spot.
"..." Alice was silent but she knew that Phoenix had the ability to bring out the truth and he DOES do it without knowing sometimes. Was she careful enough or is this one of the stupid prosecutor's trap? Then again, this prosecutor does have a point... "Alright. I'll tell you what kind of ingredients I know that is in there. After all, it doesn't prove that I'm guilty."
Alice recited what she knew that was in the mysterious drink that the humans drink in order to turn into hybrids. Nothing seemed strange, it was just everyday ingredients: cocoa powder, milk, brown sugar, honey and other everyday. But Edgeworth still paid attention as if he knew Alice will soon slip up...
"And the last thing: Metaphoralic Acid."
"Hmm..." the judge opened his eyes after hearing what Alice had to say. "Nothing seems really wrong. I guess we can let the defense cross-exam now..."
"Objection!" Edgeworth yelled and the court was silent.
"... Wait..." Maya said really slowly. "Nick... that las thing she said was..."
"Metaphoralic Acid," Edgeworth stated, finishing Maya's train of thought. "It's strange Ms. Hinderman. How do you know about this type of acid?"
"Huh? What do you mean. Some drinks are acidic..." and Alice began to stutter. "L-Like... uhm... lemon juice!"
Edgeworth raised an eyebrow. "Those kinds of acids are actually good for the body. It doesn't harm anyone."
"But Metaphoralic Acid doesn't harm anyone either. You don't see people dying when drinking it!" Alice shouted, trying to defend herself from the prosecutor.
"Not mentally or physically so-to-speak," Edgeworth said.
"But it... it changes humans..." Maya said softly and turned to Phoenix. "Like... you..."
Phoenix was not happy. He kept eyeing Edgeworth trying to figure out what Edgeworth was thinking. He didn't want to lose the trial especially when it's his life on the line. He wanted to defend Alice but he knew she was guilty. He couldn't say anything to counter-attack Edgeworth's argument and stop the trial.
"Your Honor, this type of acid doesn't kill the consumer but it doesn't something to them physically," Edgeworth stated, folding his arms once more.
"And what might that be Mr. Edgeworth?" the judge asked, eager to know.
"It changes the state of the human. It changes the human into an animal. The acid contains the DNA of a certain creature and that DNA combines with the DNA of the consumer and therefore turns the human into a hybrid. If not careful, even a half-human, half- butterfly can be a dangerous threat to the society."
"Hmm... even a butterfly?" the judge asked, astonished.
"Yes... even a butterfly. If you must know why Your Honor, I suggest you go talk with a biologist or do your own research."
The court began to roar. Edgeworth has proven his point with sufficient evidence and there was nothing Phoenix could do to defend Alice any further. The judge called for order and Edgeworth continued to prove the defendant's guilt, "This acid was only found in this particular type of drink. And the defendant was the one that was kind enough to prove that she was the only one who could go through extreme measures to change humans into these creatures. Therefore--"
"M-M-M" Phoenix was shaking and trying to control his anger.
"the defendant"
"M-M-M"
"is the one who is"
"M-M-M"
"gu--"
"MMMRRRAAAOOOWWW!!!!!!!!!"
Silence. The whole court was silent. The judge blinked, frightened by the sudden outburst. Alice froze, knowing her fate from now on out. Maya, wide-eyed, couldn't bring herself to say anything at this point. Edgeworth stopped between his speech, turning his head toward the defense bench. All eyes were on the blue-suited defense attorney. Phoenix shook, growling softly, with with hands on the table, staring at Edgeworth like a cat who has just found a mouse to prey on. Edgeworth was the first one who managed to find his voice again, "Wright... What did you..."
After a few minutes Phoenix finally realized what he did wrong. He fixed his composure and bit his lip. He really messed up big time. "I meant to say Objec--"
"Wright, you growled. You sounded like a goddamn feline!"
"I-I" Phoenix stuttered, almost int tears.
"Nick... this is the end. The whole court knows Alice is guilty and you've just proven it..." Maya stated, sadly.
"Wright. What are you?" Edgeworth asked.
"W-What?" Phoenix asked, eyes wide open.
"What are you?" Edgeworth repeated.
"He's... a hybrid, "Alice stated. "I'll admit it Mr. Prosecutor, you've done your research. Kittens here just proved I was guilty. Alright then, I admit it. I'm the one responsible for turning humans into animals."
The judge shook his head in disbelief. "Unbelievable! Mr. Edgeworth! You've done it again! You've proved a another person guilty with solid evidence!"
"Thank you Your Honor." But Edgeworth was looking over at the hybrid defense attorney.
"Then I'll announce my verdict," judge stated. "The defendant is GUILTY and be sent to prison until a cure for this acid is found. Court is adjourned."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Defendant Lobby No. 2
"Nick... Are you alright? I guess you'll have to be in this state until they find a cure..." Maya said with her hand slightly over her mouth.
"I know..." Phoenix whispered sullenly.
BRING!BRING! Maya's cellphone started ringing and she excused herself and went to answer her call.
"Wright," Edgeworth called when he appeared at the lobby with his briefcase.
Phoenix looked up and saw it was Edgeworth and suddenly turned around with his back facing the approaching prosecutor. "Why look so disappointed?"
"Why look so disappointed?!" Phoenix repeated, increduously, his body turned a 180 facing the prosecutor. "Because... Because she turned me into a hybrid and she won't turn me back!"
"... Well... I have good news and bad news for you. Which one do you want to hear first?"
"Neither. I'm not in the mood for jokes."
"Since when did I start joking with you Wright?"
Phoenix didn't budge nor reply.
"Alright then, good news first. Wright, the forensics department is looking for a cure so they'll treat you once it's found."
"... And how long will that be?"
"I don't know but we've already started searching and Ms. Hinderman knows the cure but she won't tell. There's no use trying to squeeze the information out of her."
Just then, Maya returned from her phone call and greeted the silver-haired prosecutor. "Nick! You'll be a normal person again! Don't worry, nobody's gonna let you down!"
"... What's the bad news Edgeworth?"
"The bad news... The bad news is that you can't be allowed to live on your own," Edgeworth stated, looking away.
"What do you mean by that?" Phoenix asked with a slightly horrified look on his face.
"That means you'll have to be locked up somewhere safe. All of the hybrids are being locked up right now. They're too dangerous to be let loose on the streets right now and you'll just have to join them."
"What? You're going to lock ME up? What is wrong with you?!"
"Unless if someone is wiling to take you into custody meaning you'll have to be looked after by someone else who is willing to let you live with them until the cure is found."
Phoenix's attention turned to Maya and looked at her with pussy cat eyes. Maya looked away, "Sorry Nick. The people of Kurain wants me back for a while because they need someone to direct one of the channeling classes and if you come with me everybody won't accept it. And no one has the time to look after you. I'm so sorry Nick. I'm leaving today."
"Oh man..." Phoenix said, the last of his hopes, crushed.
"Very well then. If you'll follow Detective Gumshoe... he'll take you to the department," Edgeworth explained and he turned to leave.
"Edgeworth!" Phoenix winced and he called out to the leaving man.
Edgeworth turned around and looked at Phoenix, expecting something less surprising than what the defense attorney had to say. "What is it Wright?"
"... May I..." And Phoenix blushed at that point. "May I be your kitty?"
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Oh I am sooooooo evil!! I'm going put this cliffhanger in your face and leave you with it and not update until like... for 3 months! MWUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! And no one can stop me!!! Review if you hate the cliffy! And if you find anything wrong, just tell me, I'll correct it. NYA!