Hello, everyone! I hope you're doing well. Here we are witnessing Terri's court debut. For those who have seen the movie, I will be using the holographic projectsr that they used. Will it make her or break her? Let's find out!

COURTHOUSE NO. 3, LOBBY NO. 3, 8:30 AM:

I adjusted my jacket for the 5th time since we arrived. I was really nervous. Athena put a hand on my shoulder, "You'll be alright."

Apollo nodded, "Yeah. Whenever I feel nervous, I do my 'Chords of Steel'!"

I asked, "What's that?"

Apollo laughed, "Allow me to demonstrate."

Then he exclaimed, "I'm Apollo Justice and I'm fine!"

Athena smiled, "You say your name and that you're fine."

"It's a great stress reliever." Apollo told me.

I took a deep breath and shouted, "I'm Terri Vera and I'm fine!"

The butterflies that were in my stomach were gone. I felt better. I looked at Apollo and Athena, "Thanks, guys."

"No problem. Anything for a friend." Apollo replied.

"You're welcome. We'll rock in there for sure!" Athena retorted.

"As energetic as ever, I see." A voice said behind me. I turned around. It was Mr. Wright.

"Oh, hey, boss!" I said.

"Your client has arrived." he told me.

Will was behind him. I said, "How are you feeling, Will?"

He shook his head, "Horrible. This is your first trial and I'll be declared guilty."

I sighed, "Will, I know you didn't commit the crime and I plan to prove it to everyone today!"

Will smiled. It's been a long time since I've seen him smile. He said, "Never one to back away from a challenge. That's the Terri I know."

I laughed, "Yep!"

The bailiff said, "Will the defense and the defendant enter the courtroom?"

Athena smiled, "This is it. Let's do this!"

I nodded.

COURTROOM NO. 3, 9:00 AM:

Everyone was assembled in Courtroom No. 3. The judge said, "Court is now is session for the trial of William Brand."

"The defense is ready, Your Honor." I said.

"The prosecution is also ready, Your Honor." said the man I dreaded to see, Gaspen Payne.

"I would be careful around this guy. He's known for being the 'Rookie Humiliator.' Even I had some issues with him before." Athena told me.

"Well, well, now a purple monkey has joined the crew? I will definitely redeem myself through this little girl!" Mr. Payne, patting his toupee.

"How can you redeem yourself? You left the courtroom before the verdict was handed down." I thought.

"Is the prosecution ready to give the opening statement?" the judge asked.

"Yes, Your Honor." Mr. Payne answered.

Then he straightened his posture, "On March 13, there was a Field Trip Day at the local zoo. What was meant to be a fun day for the public turned out to be a tragedy for one Pepper Sprout. Allow me to submit her autopsy report."

The holographic projectors showed Pepper Sprout's autopsy report. The cause of death was trauma to the back of the head with a metal pole. Mr. Payne continued, "We even recovered the murder weapon."

The projectors then showed a metal pole. I looked at the details on the papers I was given. It was 14 inches in length and 5 inches in diameter. Also there are no fingerprints on the pole. The victim's blood on there, though. Mr. Payne said, "The prosecution would like to bring out their first witness."

The judge nodded, "Very well. Bring out your first witness."

A few minutes later, a lady wearing a red business suit arrived at the witness stand. Mr. Payne said, "State your name and occupation for the record."

"Madame Rouge. I'm a fashion designer." she replied.

"You were the first to find the defendant, correct?" Mr. Payne asked.

"Yes, I saw the man." Madame Rouge answered.

The judge said, "The witness will testify to what she saw that day."

I rubbed my necklace, "Something about her mental state contradicts her personality."

"What do you mean, Terri?" Athena asked.

"She's too calm for someone who saw a criminal act to have taken place." I retorted.

"Well, let's hear her testimony first." Athena told me.

Then Madame Rouge started to speak, "I was at the zoo, looking for inspiration for my new clothes line. Then I saw that man standing over the dead woman with blood dripping from his hands. I screamed from fright and the security guards came to where I was. The man was arrested on the spot."

The judge looked at us, "The defense will begin their cross-examination."

I nodded. Athena said, "You know how to do a cross-examination, right?"

"Yes. I listen to the witness's testimony and if there's a contradiction, I point it out with evidence at the right statement. If the testimony is too vague, I press the witness for more information." I explained.

Athena nodded and smiled, "You get 'em, Terri."

I looked at Madame Rouge, "So, you saw blood dripping from the defendant's hand?"

"Yes, I have." she answered.

"Objection! I find that hard to believe. Your Honor, let me direct your attention to the murder weapon." I said, slamming the desk to show the murder weapon.

"What are you trying to show me, Ms. Vera?" the judge asked.

"The witness claims to have seen Mr. Brand's hands dripping with blood. However, the murder weapon only has the victim's blood. If Mr. Brand has touched the murder weapon, his DNA would also be there!" I explained.

Madame Rouge's eyes widened. The judge said, "The defense brings up a valid point. Do you have an explanation for this, witness?"

Madame Rouge was stammering. Athena said, "Wow, Terri! You noticed that right off the bat!"

Madame Rouge said, "Wait! I do have an explanation."

"Then please explain, witness." The judge said.

I know this is a cliffhanger, but there will be more of the trial next chapter. What did you think? Please review!