Phoenix was in the defendants lobby, just looking over the notes he selected to take in. "This should be an open and shut case." Phoenix thought to himself. The plan seemed simple: Prove the car in question wasn't possible, prove the car was his clients, get him off the hook. As simple as that.
He smiled as he looked over the facts. "This is going to be-"
"Things may not be as they seem. The truth only prevails through hardships."
Phoenix's eyes widened, knowing who said that. "...Mia...?"
Just then the Baliff came to his attention. "The court is now ready for your arrival, Mr. Wright." Phoenix nodded to the Baliff, but pondered with what Mia said. If what she said was true...
Phoenix walked into the courtroom, incidentally, it's the same one the Yang trial was held in. Phoenix looked to see if the Judge was the same this time, and, in a turn of event's, it wasn't. The Judge was a much younger man, who's hair was slicked back to a jet black. Sure, he did have a beard, but it was only a small little one at that. It looked almost David sized when compared to a Goliath beard that is on the normal Judge. He looked at Mr. Wright through his black frame glasses. "Ah, Mr. Wright, it is glad to meet you."
"Same to you, Judge...?"
"Gerald. Judge Gerald." He smiled to the blue-suited attorney, "Now, is the prosecution ready?"
Phoenix looked over towards the prosecution, one Phoenix never faced before. She had grey hair, which was curled back to her ear length. She sported purple vest, with a black long-sleeved collard shirt. Phoenix wondered who it was.
"Yes, your honor, the prosecution is ready," she then turned her attention to Phoenix, "but I believe the defendant is not."
"Hmm, I do agree with you, Mrs. Watson." The Judge nodded, looking over to the defense.
As in typical fashion, I turn out to be the fall guy. Of course. "The defense is well prepared, your honor."
"Well prepared to loose, I'll say." The prosecution spat, "Look at the case you're taking! You may be a legendary lawyer, but not even your reputation can give this guy a not guilty."
"I don't rely on my reputation ma'am." Phoenix replied, intensity in his eyes, "I rely on my knowledge of the truth: and the truth is he didn't do it."
"We'll see to that soon enough, won't we?" The prosecution closed the conversation, "The prosecution would like to call it's first witness."
"Very well." The Judge granted.
"The prosecution calls Mr. Morgan to the stand."
Mr. Morgan was your typical grey-collard scientist, wearing his badge on his chest proudly. He had a grey-striped vest on with a light brown beard, and brown hair. All which matched his blue eyes.
"Mr. Morgan, as seen, you are a scientist, am I right?" The prosecution asked.
"Correct-a-mundo!" He replied, a little too happy.
"Mr. Morgan, can you please give us a detailed explanation as to what happened that day?"
"Alrighty!" He replied before giving his testimony.
Witness Testimony: The Murder Act
The Murder took place at the Crystal Waters hotel
The murder weapon was gas from an exhaust pipe, via his truck,
He used a hose, stuck it through the window,
and, when the act was done, he put it on his truck-bed, and drove away.
"Well, Mr. Wright, I'm sure you know the deal here, so I'll let you do your job." The Judge granted.
Cross Examination: The Murder Act
The Murder took place at the Crystal Waters hotel
Hold it!
"Where, exactly, in the Crystal Waters hotel did the act take place?"
"In his room, on the second floor, near the service elevator."
"And this, 'Service elevator' is a special type of service elevator, no?"
"And you are correct about that: This type of service elevator isn't for people, it is for motorcycles."
"That's weird," The Judge chimed, "Why would there be one just for motorcycles?"
"Well, your honor," The prosecution answered, "Crystal Waters is known for their motorcyclist co-operation. They are coined, 'The Motorcycle's paradise', after all."
"Ahh! I see." The Judge finished."
"Ok, next?"
The murder weapon was gas from an exhaust pipe, via his truck,
Hold it!
"How did he get the gas form the exhaust pipe to the room?"
"Dangit Wright, let him finish!" The prosecution scolded.
Geeze! Just asking...
He used a hose, stuck it through the window,
Hold it!
"What type of hose was it?"
"It was your basic watering hose, available everywhere."
"Surely, though, he had to have something to compensate for the size of the hose to the exhaust pipe?"
"And that's where it get's interesting. Do you want me to go into more detail?"
"Sure, go right on."
We did find a type of funnel to go to the hose, but it didn't match the exhaust pipe.
Hold it!
"That's weird," Phoenix started to scratch his chin, "This type of murder seems so pre-meditated. So why didn't he see if they matched up?"
"Exactly; That's where theoretical evidence comes into play. One theory is that he used duct tape to attach the funnel to the exhaust pipe. But it's only theoretical..."
"Ok, good to know. Continue, please."
and, when the act was done, he put it on his truck-bed, and drove away.
"No questions here, your honor." Phoenix ended his cross examination, and then started to put the rolling stones in motion, "Your honor, If I may say something in light of this testimony?"
"You may."
"Well, you see, I think he just proven that my client didn't do it."
"How so, Mr. Wright?" The judge asked, wide eyed.
"Well, let's start from we know: The defendant drove a truck, as mentioned in the testimony we just heard. Now, looking at the blueprints, the only way to get to that second floor is via that service elevator, which can only fit a motor-cycle. So there was no way to get his truck up there. Now, let's use the theory that he used a really long hose. Now, most hoses aren't able to reach the hight that was between the nearest parking space below the room and the room itself. Now, what about the funnel? Could that have very well been the addition it needed? Now, this does support the theory that the funnel was disproportional, but was the longest funnel on the market, so he got that, and used tape to fill the gap. Now, as plausible as this might sound, lets take into consideration of the location. Wouldn't it seem awkward for a truck to be parked in a motorcycle paradise? If I was a cop, and I saw a truck running, with a hose connected to it, in a motorcycle type hotel, that would raise an eyebrow to me." Phoenix finished, letting it sink in with the crowd and the judge.
"As Mr. Wright has just said, it does seem very conclusive, even with motive, that this would be very hard to pull off, if not, almost impossible. Well done, Mr. Wright." Mr. Wright nodded his thanks to the Judge, "Now, Prosecution, do you have any objections to Mr. Wright's idea?"
The prosecution put her head down, shaking it. "No, your honor. The prosecution does not." She then snapped her head up, "But, before we put this to rest, to my understanding, we have to find the truth, eh, Mr. Wright?"
"Absolutely," Mr. Wright agreed, "But that's for another day."
"Oh, we finished so early, why not do it now? Besides, I already have thought of the perfect suspect." She then turned to the Judge, "Your honor, may I call a witness?"
"You most certainly may."
As the witness was being ushered in, Phoenix turned to see the 4 girls sitting right behind him. They all gave him some form of thumbs up, or a nod, or a sign of encouragement. Phoenix smiled to them, and turned around to see the witness.
"WHA-WHA-WHA-WHA-WHAT?!" Phoenix stuttered out, surprised. For, on the witness stand, was...
"Witness, please state your name and occupation." The prosecution closed her eyes, waiting for a response.
"My name is Jeremiah Callaway. I used to be a detective, but I am now in jail."
Objection!
"This man is supposed to be locked up!" Phoenix argued, "What can he do to this case!?" Unless... Phoenix eyes then went wide. They aren't trying to-!
"Just watch Mr. Wright. I think you already know what's coming."
"Your honor! This trial is over! Hand down my clients verdict!"
"This is a bit ironic, wouldn't you say, Mr. Wright." The Judge commented, "You're on the opposite side for once, trying to close a case, and not open it back up. I cannot allow it, Mr. Wright. Overruled." Phoenix started to drip sweat, something he didn't plan on doing today.
"Now, Mr. Callaway, I understand that you were assigned to look into an illegal fight club, involving Yang, and that that turned out to be fake, right?"
"Correct." He replied, looking towards the attorney with anguish in his voice,
"Now, You also got charged with making a fake murder, correct?"
Objection!
"What the heck does this have to do with the crime at hand?" Phoenix cried out.
"You'll see soon enough, you blue suited dirtbag!"
Damnit! Not only is she about to go through with this, she actually thought of annoying name for me!
"Yes."
"Now, tell me, that couldn't of been your real reason to be at beacon, correct?"
The former detective smiled a satanic smile, "Not. At. All."
"Then, detective, tell us: Why were you there?"
"Heh, the real reason I was there was to investigate this case." Phoenix heard a gasp form behind him, a feminine gasp. So she realized it too... Phoenix could only stand there, helpless, as the downfall became a closer reality.
"How so?"
"Well, it was a very long process, so I'll make it short, then give a full report later. So, in summary, we looked through the license plates of motorcycles that entered the garage. It was easy, since there was a camera specifically designed for motorcycle license plates. Then, we cross referenced it with the service elevator camera, and came up with 12 names. Then we ran a cross reference between the 12, and the victims history of social interaction, and 2 came up: The current client, and one from Beacon Academy. I was sent there to investigate this person at Beacon, but, as we know, my partner, and that scrappy-blue defense attorney over there stopped me before I could finish."
"And, who might this person be?" The prosecution asked, a devilish grin returning to her face.
"That person is: Yang Xiao Long."
[Apollo Justice: Thrill Theme]
The court went into an immediate crowd of voices shouting. They shouted about everything: Yang, Mr. Callaway, Prosecutor Watson, Phoenix, and even the Judge. It took the Judge a good 3 minutes to silence all the voices. After they were quite, Phoenix immediately went into pressing him, "Why didn't you tell us this in the Long Trial?"
"I didn't think it was important at the time."
"So A suspect in another murder case isn't important to mention?" The crowd went into murmurs of agreement."
"That is true; it does sound awfully suspicious." The Judge agreed.
"I actually have good reason:" The newly found confidence in the former detective rose, "It was a classified investigation. And, per the conditions, I wasn't supposed to issue any sort of statement about it, due to copy-cats."
Argh! Phoenix, you can't give up now! "What evidence do you have that supports her being the murderer?"
"Well, a lot, actually. One: The license plate pictures. Two, we found a funnel in her bike-"
"Wait, you 'found' one? Isn't that illegal to do without a warrant?"
"And you're assuming I didn't give her one? I even have record of a Judge signing it. In fact," he pointed to the judge, "It was that judge right there."
"Indeed, it is true: I did sign it."
"Anyways, 2 pieces of evidence isn't going to get the job done!"
"Exactly; I have more. 3: If you compare the exhaust pipe on her bike, and the hose on her bike, I'm sure you'll find out that they match perfectly, almost as if they were specially modified."
"You can't possibly be suggesting that-"
"Oh yes, Mr. Wrong, I am! I am suggesting that this murder was pre-meditated!"
The court rose into yet another uproar. The Judge, this time, took 5 minutes to settle this one out. During that time, Phoenix turned around to see the 3 girls watch their blonde friend, fighting for her life. They eventually got more bodies on her, and dragged her off in cuffs, right out the door. Damnit Phoenix! Think! There's gotta be a way to save this trial! For at least another day! C'mon! Think!
The Judge got everyone silenced. "Now, due to the information that was just presented, I see no further reason to prolong this trial."
What do I do? Do I argue against the Judge, or do I think?!
"Now," The Judge cleared his throat, "If there are no further objections, Prosecution?"
"No further objections, Your Honor."
C'mon Phoenix, think! There's gotta be something...
Behind him, the 3 girls started to cry, facing the reality of loosing their teammate- permanently, this time. He could hear their tears hit the ground behind his dress shoes.
"Defense, are there any objections?" The Judge didn't get a reply out of him, as he was to deep in thought.
"I believe he's just in shock of what just happened, Your Honor." The Prosecution crossed her arms, waiting for the sweet, sweet sound of the gravel.
"Very well. By the power invested in me, I now declare, Yang Xiao Long, Guilty of Murder.
[Music Stop, if it hasn't already.]
Time stopped for Phoenix. Am I really going to go out like that? Just like that? Mia... I didn't heed your warning. I'm sorry... Yang... Ruby... Weisse... Blake... ….. …. … .. . . .
"Things may not be as they seem. The truth only prevails through hardships."
Phoenix heard it again, only, this time louder. It all finally clicked. He just needed a miracle now. He came out of his thought state as he heard the word Guilty, and instantly raised his finger. "C'mon voice, don't fail me now!"
OBJECTION!
[Written in Turnabout Storm OST: Towards the Truth, but you can use whatever cornered/cornered variation music you want]
"Ah here we go..." The Judge groaned.
"Your honor!" Phoenix called out. "The prosecution is missing 1 vital piece of evidence!"
"Your honor! Your verdict has been handed down! Just slam your gavel now!" The prosecution raised her voice.
"Silence: As I gave the prosecution 1 more chance, I will also give the defense 1 chance."
"1 chance?! You never gave us 1 chance!"
"Out of sheer enjoyment, I let freak show go on, and not hand down my verdict when it was most appropriate. If you dare defy me again, I will not be afraid to make you contempt of court!" This silenced the prosecution.
"Thank you, your honor. Now, as to the 1 piece they are missing: They are missing and actual autopsy. When I did my research, I couldn't find an autopsy anywhere. And, without one to present, we could say the cause of death could be anything!"
Objection!
"How-What? That's outrageous!" The prosecution spat, "The cause of death was the exhaust pipe fumes!"
Objection!
"But we can't be quite that sure." Phoenix replied, "Murders are the craftiest people alive. They can think of the most outrageous plans, and fulfill them."
"What are you saying, you blue dirtbag?"
"I'm saying that it is possible to think that fumes did kill him, but lets think outside the box. What if, instead of the fumes killing our victim, the real cause of death could've been a gunshot, or stab wound? Then, coincidentally, the person had a bike, hooked the hose up, blew a few fumes into the room, and put the supplies used onto Ms. Long's bike to frame her! That would also explain why she innocently accepted the search warrant without a fight!" Phoenix's finger, still pointed forward, felt like it was going to catch fire at any time, but he held it up.
The Judge closed his eyes, thinking of what was just said, "At this time...
….
…
..
.
"It is impossible for me to hand down a verdict in either case. There is no autopsy to prove that he was killed by Ms. Long's motorcycle fumes. Until we get a full autopsy, I cannot accept this verdict at this time. We will meet again tomorrow at the same time we met this morning. You have plenty of time to gather information, and bring it back here tomorrow to support your claims. Court is adjourned." And with that, the Judge slammed the gavel down.
To Be Continued...
A/N: Chapter done! This was definably my most ambitious chapter to date. This had a lot of parts to it, and I'm sure I messed a few things up. If I messed a lot of things up, I will release a chapter explaining everything. In fact, I'll be shocked if people aren't confused. Anyways, this story has gotten a lot more attention as of late. I thank everyone for following, favoriting, and reviewing this story. It's been such a blast writing this story, and the day I stop writing this, whenever that day will be, will be sad for me.
As always, Reviews are always appreciated. Constructive criticism and questions are also acceptable. Thanks for reading!
May God be with you this week!
~Nathan
I do not own RWBY/Roosterteeth/Monty Oum and Capcom/Ace Attorney. All rights reserved.