The asterisks (*) found in this story correspond to the ones at the end. They will give details on just what the character's version of that action looks like. If you've played enough Ace Attorney, you'll get what I'm saying.

June 19 10:00 AM
District Court Courtroom No. 1

In the courtroom, people discussed the trial they were to spectate. The Judge's gavel interrupted the crowd's murmuring.

"Court is now in session for the trial of Lex Stisken." He announced, "Is the prosecution ready?"

An elderly man stood at the prosecution desk. His black hair was fashioned into one big slab floating over his right eye. He wore black shades and a black suit, making him look somewhat intimidating.

"The prosecution is ready." He said sedately.

Julias grinned smugly*, finally gaining confidence. (Mr. Payne, eh? This shouldn't be difficult.)

Adrian Hawkfenn brought him out of his thoughts, "Julias, I know what you're thinking. It is true that the Payne's have had an unfortunate history with other attorneys, but this is Gaspen Payne we're talkin' about. He's a sneaky old coyote. My first case was against him. I lost."

That last bit was more than enough to get Julias well and truly drained, (You DO realize I was just starting to feel better, right?)

"Is the defense ready as well?" The Judge continued.

"Y-yes, your honor..." Julias answered, starting to sweat.**

The Judge didn't look convinced, but surprised.

"Ah, Mr. Freedom. You'll be defending for this trial?"

"Um... Something like that... In all honesty, according to my mentor, this is my first trial."

"Hm... I do remember Mr. Hawkfenn telling me something along those lines."

(The JUDGE was in on this?!)

"Now now," Gaspen began, gently patting his hair, "Remember that this is your first trial, young man, nothing significant, so you don't have to get worked up over nothing. Why, if you're a good boy, we might even consider being a bit lenient with the penalties."

(Googoo, gaga... Go fall in a manhole already!)

"Mr. Payne," Adrian began, "the defense will go through today's trial without any handicap necessary. Am I understood?" At the last sentence, He briefly showed an impatient face, though it was gone as fast as it appeared.

"Meh, your funeral." Gaspen responded in that same, taunting manner.

"Ahem!" The judge loudly cleared his throat, "This courtroom will be used to discuss the defendant's charges, and not be polluted with personal attacks. Do I make myself clear?"

"As a diamond!" Gaspen confirmed.

The judge nodded. "Very well, then. Prosecutor Payne, your opening statements."

Gaspen stood straight and made his claim: "Of course, your honor. At around 8:40 PM, At Jontoon Beach, the victim, a lifeguard by the name of Sprite Zikky, was found to be drowned in the deep part of the water." Before continuing, Gaspen presented a photo of the victim before his death. It showed the picture of a man around Julias' age, with green eyes and slick, brown hair, complimented by an impressive tan. "A dentist saw the scene from the door of his dental office. And naturally, he was horrified when he realized he had just witnessed a murder."

"Well," Julias began, scratching the back of his neck thoughtfully,*** "who wouldn't be?"

"Indeed," The Judge nodded, "but what is a bit disturbing is the fact that the victim was a lifeguard. I mean, it would be quite unnerving if the killer turns out to be a child. I hear that the youth and lifeguards have been quite at odds with each other these days."

(You're just now hearing about this?!)

"Unlikely," Gaspen concluded, twirling a finger into his hair, "Mr. Zikky was actually quite admired by the beach-goers. He was a very friendly and cheerful man to be sure."

The Judge closed his eyes, "Hm, I suppose this dispels the doubt somewhat. Continue, Mr. Payne."

"Of course, your honor. I will now present the evidence that points to the defendant, Lex Stisken, as the only possible suspect. First we have this." He showed a pictured of what looked like a speedboat motor in desperate need of one or two repair services, "This is the motor of the speedboat that was used to take the victim's body out to deep water. The killer would've gotten away scott-free under the cover of night if not for one little problem."

"And what would that problem be?" The Judge probed.

"Incidentally," the hair-twirling prosecutor continued, "on it's return voyage, the boat's motor suffered a small rupture. The steam spewed out from such a machine would inflict very nasty burns. The same exact burns for which the defendant was admitted to the hospital."

This sudden revelation caused Julias to recoil in shock.****

"N-no way!"

"Way." Gaspen confirmed casually.

(Actually, come to think of it, Lex WAS wearing bandages on his head when he came in, but I was too nervous to really notice... And I didn't even know it was my first trial yet. Gee, thanks again, Adrian.)

But Gaspen wasn't finished, "And that leads to the other pieces of evidence. First, there's this," The prosecutor picked up an official-looking document, "This is the admittance file, proving beyond a doubt that the defendant was admitted to the hospital for burns. And this," he dropped the file and a more casual memo quickly took its place, "Is a memo concerning a canceled appointment. Apparently, the defendant originally had an appointment with Biffekell Dental, the office is right across the street from the beach. Since the doctor wasn't in, hence this memo, this would've left the defendant's schedule empty at that time, thus, he had time for a murder, just to clarify the defendant's lack of an alibi. And for good measure, there's also the autopsy report, along with the crime scene diagram."

Engine Photo added to Court Record

Admittance File added to Court Record

Appointment Memo added to Court Record

Autopsy Report added to Court Record

Crime Scene Diagram added to Court Record

(Wow... That's... A lot for a first trial.)

"Goodness!" The Judge declared, "That leaves almost no room for the defense to make their case!"

"Heh," Gaspen chuckled devilishly, "well, just trying to remind our dear Mr. Freedom that this isn't some elementary school play we're doing here."

(Okay, now even I want you to shut up, so shut up!)

"Hm, yes," the Judge agreed, ignoring Gaspen's taunts, "a court of law is always concerned with the gravest of affairs. Very well then, will the prosecution call its first wi-"

"Excuse me, your honor." Adrian Hawkfenn spoke up.

"Hm?" The Judge asked, caught off guard, "Yes, Mr. Hawkfenn?"

"Before we move on to the witness, I feel that we should clear up a few things with the defendant himself. I'm not quite sure if he knows just what he's facing."

The Judge blinked, "Oh, is that it? Well, I suppose that is allowed. Very well then, you may speak with the defendant. Prosecutor Payne?"

"The Prosecution calls the defendant, Lex Stisken, to the stand!"

Court Record:

Evidence:

- Attorney's Badge: This badge is a must for all attorneys. Taking the defense desk without one is a federal offense.
- Motor Photo: a photo of the speedboat's ruptured engine. This is apparently the cause for the burns on the Defendant's face.
- Admittance File: The file that was made for the Defendant's hospitalization for burns to the face.
- Appointment Memo: A memo from the dentist at Biffekell dental, apologizing for the cancelation of an appointment with the Defendant.
- Autopsy Report: Aside from drowning, the report also tells of two, nasty bruises on the victim's forehead.
- Crime Scene Diagram: A diagram showing the locations of witnesses, the killer, the victim, and other things.

Profiles:

- Adrian Hawkfenn: My mentor. He's about to guide me through my first case. Hopefully he knows when to stop me before I embarrass myself.
- Lex Stisken: The defendant. I've known him since high school, and is Irritatingly insistent that we be "friends".
- Gaspen Payne: The prosecutor for this case. Younger brother of Winston "rookie-killer" Payne, and ten times more tenacious.

*Places the tip of his left thumb on the left side of his chin. Other fingers on left hand are relaxed. Right hand situated in left inner elbow **Left hand face-palming over left eye, right lower arm laid across desk, and right hand gripping the edge of the desk. ***Scratches with left hand, having right hand in left inner elbow. Head tilted noticeably downwards. ****Arms; bent at a 90' angle, hands open and facing forward, are raised to head-level. Mouth opens up at first, then clenches teeth.

Oh boy, I think I might end up having too much fun writing for Gaspen Payne, I just hope I get his character right. Remember, if you think something's missing, or if something seems out of place, please tell me in a review, and I'll see what I can do come next chapter. It would be very helpful.

THX & God bless,

~RLS legacy

...

... Um... In most cases, is the Judge usually found in the Court Record as well...?