Phoenix paced in the defendants lobby. He knew how he felt, and for good reason. Prosecutor Schnee is one of the greatest prosecutors of all time, him and his multi billion dollar dust company. So it was natural for, even Phoenix, to be nervous. In a news paper article, some compared it to WWE's "Once in a Lifetime" match between The Rock and John Cena, though Phoenix never really cared about wrestling. But, he could see why it was called as such: 2 of the biggest lawyers in their respective sides, battling it out in the courtroom. Phoenix had never felt this nervous since his battle with Manfred von Karma.
Several photographers were taking pictures of him, but he paid no mind. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a girl squeeze through the photographers. He knew who it was, because of her iconic top-hat. "Trucy? What are you doing here?"
"Dad, I've come to help you out!" Trucy said, fired up. Several of the photographers went "aww" when they heard this, but it was barely hearable over the clicks form the cameras.
"Trucy, as much as I appreciate that you would try to help, this is something I have to do."
"B-but you can't do it alone! He's a prosecuting legend!"
"Trucy, look-"
"That's why I'm here, Mr. Wright." A 3rd voice spoke out. Phoenix looked to his right, and there stood a women with flowing yellow hair. The very one he defended before.
"Yang, I can't-"
"No! I am standing right beside you, wether you like it or not!" Yang demanded. Phoenix, knowing that once she gets started, won't be put down easily, decided to give in to the request. He then looked down to Trucy, who was gone. I guess Yang and Trucy were in cahoots... Phoenix thought for a moment, before giving Yang instructions.
"Yang, this isn't a bar, so to say. This is a court of law. No outbursts, no threats, and if you get provoked, bite your tongue. If you need any, I have some bandages in my pocket. Let me do the talking, but, if you have an idea, I'm all ears."
"Yes sir!" Yang gave an upright salute to the lawyer, smiling widely.
"Alright, lets go in." Phoenix commanded as he reached for the door. Whatever was on the other side of the door was beyond his imagination. Randomly coming into a situation without investigating is bad. Coming in nervous is worse. Coming in against a prosecution god is unfathomably bad.
Elsewhere...
Apollo and Athena sat opposite from each other; Apollo on a couch, and Athena on a chair. Apollo was laying down, looking at the ceiling, whilst Athena had a notepad on her lap, writing down some notes.
"Now, how does he make you feel?" Athena asked. Apollo gave his response, still looking at the ceiling, "Hate, disgust, forgiveness."
"Okay; Has he done anything to you in any way?"
"W-what do you mean by that?"
"...Has Kristopher Gavin 'touched' you anywhere uncomfortably?"
"No, Athena, he didn't rape me."
"Okay, now look up." Apollo sat up, and saw what was in Athena's hand. "What do you see?" On the paper was an ink picture.
"Just a couple of black blobs." Apollo replied, annoyed at this point.
"Great! Let me just review the information one more time... and Okay! It seems you are all better now."
"Thank Edgar that's over!" Apollo gave an exasperated sigh, as he reached for the remote.
"So, now that you're back to normal, what are we going to watch?" Athena asked, as she moved to the kitchen to grab something to eat.
"Hmm... there's NCIS, the Super Bowl Re-runs, Wheel of Fortune, Pretty Little Liars, Indiana Jones and the cry-"
"What was that?" Athena called out form the kitchen.
"What? Indiana Jones?"
"No! Before that?" Apollo looked at the channel below it, and started to sweat.
"N-nothing..."
"I. Want. To watch. Pretty. Little. Liars." Athena walked into the room, with a packet of M&M's in her hand.
"No! We are not-"
"Do you WANT me to get the umbrella again?"
"...we'll watch Pretty Little Liars..." Apollo said quietly. He tuned to the channel, which was on commercial break, but the commercial break only brought him more grief.
"We will be right back to the Pretty Little Liars marathon, right after this!" The TV spoke. Athena squealed in delight, and Apollo had shrunken more down into the couch. I might need more therapy after this... Apollo thought as a little tear rolled down his face.
Courtroom
Phoenix and Yang walked into the courtroom, eager eyes awaiting them. This is where it all began: With Yang on the bench, and Blake with Phoenix trying to help her. Now, the roles have been switched. Instead, Blake was behind bars, and Yang was the one fighting for her freedom.
On the other side of the room, their opponent awaited. His eyes were filled with a lot of emotions, but the main one was anger. Anger, that Phoenix was always the attorney on top, not him. Not the man with the multi-billion dollar business, no. The attorney that barely scraped by life with a blue suit and pack of ramen noodles in his fridge at all times. Not the one, who's daughter is a well known hunter, no. His daughter is the great heiress to her family's magician dynasty. If there was one man that caused all of his inner feud with himself, it was Phoenix Wright.
The Judge allowed the courtroom to talk for a few minutes, before finally starting the trial's hopefully conclusion. "Ahem. May the trial of Blake Belladonna continue."
"The prosecution has been ready since day 1, your honor." The prosecution wasn't smiling this time, not like yesterday.
"The defense and co-council is ready, your honor." Phoenix said, his usual, comfortable tone filling the courtroom. Luckily, his inner emotions couldn't speak out loud. He definably felt nervous. His palms were sweaty, knees almost felt like they were going to buckle, and he could barely lift his arms above his head.
"Ah, Mr. Wright. We finally get to do battle in this courtroom." The prosecutor started his opening statement, "It's been a long-time coming. Perhaps a little too long."
Phoenix cleared his throat, trying to find his voice again, "I agree; Let the better man win."
In response to this, Prosecutor Schnee let out a little chuckle. "Oh, Mr. Wright! Who is the better man here?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, what would define the term, 'A Better Man'? Would it be money? Physical ability? Our daughters? Let's be honest here: The better man, is the one that will put the true murderer away. And that one is Blake Belladonna." To this, the courtroom murmured to themselves quietly. They just loved to hear the prosecutor speak with such dignity, such intelligence.
Phoenix decided not to provoke him. "Enough talking, let's get to the trial."
"I agree, Mr. Wright." The prosecutor cleared his throat, addressing everyone, "As said the last time we met, I announced that there is something odd about this case. And that is the victim, or should I say, victims." He let the crowd go into murmurs, before restarting, "In the local newspaper, it said that there was only 1 body, and, from the photo, sure: there is only 1 body. But, in reality, there were 2 body's, both with identical cut marks, next to each other."
This time, the court went into full on talking to each other, the information just giving to them being analyzed. The Judge immediately slammed his gavel, regaining order in the court. "Prosecutor Schnee! Why wasn't this brought up before the last session?"
"I'm sorry, your honor. The police department refused to give me this information before today. My apologize."
'Liar'. Phoenix thought to himself, 'The real reason you concealed the information is to get a crack at me. Well, if you want it, come and get some!'
"Now, the second body, as said before, had the same marks as the first body, thus, the killer must have killed them both. And, obviously, the first killer had to be Blake, as we have no other eye-witness accounts of Ms. Belladonna's little run through the forrest."
Phoenix spoke in before the crowd or the Judge could beat him to it, "Now, hold on! There is one person that knows what happened in that forrest. And that person is my client, Blake Belladonna."
The prosecutor laughed, "Now now, aren't we desperate Mr. Wright?"
"Not as desperate as you sending a-"
"Now now, Mr. Wright, why bring up our sins? They can all be felt with later. Now, I would assume that you're calling Ms. Belladonna to the stand, correct?"
Phoenix nodded in approval, and the prosecutor accepted the request. As the prosecutor was talking to the bailiff, he heard 4 sets of footsteps behind him. He and Yang turned around, and found that Ruby, Weiss, Trucy, and...
"Professor Ozpin?" Yang asked first. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, so I can't support one of my most prized students in their time of need?"
"You never did that with me..." Yang gave a face of annoyance that said, 'Are you kidding me?'.
"Oh, my mistake. Must've missed it." The, he turned to Phoenix, "Mr. Wright, I hope you know what you are doing."
"I'm doing my best, sir." Phoenix tried to say with a strong face. Obviously, Ozpin saw right through it, but didn't say anything.
Now, Blake was on the stand, her amber eyes looking more worried than before.
"Blake," Phoenix tried to say as gently as possible, for fear that she might become spooked, "Can you tell us the truth? About what happened in that forrest?"
"I.. I can try..." She said weakly.
Witness Testimony: What Happened?
Everything Sun said about the White Fang is true, and I did chase after him
Once I got into the forrest, I chased him to the biggest center tree in the forrest
There, the light is dark, and I couldn't adapt to it in time, so he got away
After that, I honestly can't remember. I felt like I had a headache, or something...
Testimony End
"Well, that was an awfully short testimony." The Judge said.
"The length a true murder would speak." The prosecutor piped up. Phoenix instantly cupped his hands around Yang's mouth.
"Remember what I said: No outbursts. That's what he wants: Chaos. Don't give it to him." Yang nodded, her eyes now coming from the red to a normal color.
"Alright, defense. I hope you have gotten sorted out, because your cross examination begins now." The Judge announced, ears ready to listen.
Cross Examination: What Happened?
Everything Sun said about the White Fang is true, and I did chase after him
'Seems pretty simple to me'. Phoenix thought to himself
Once I got into the forrest, I chased him to the biggest center tree in the forrest
Hold it!
"Now, where is this 'Bigger Tree'?"
"It's hard to locate. I've only heard about it form stories, never before did I see it."
"Hmm... interesting. Go on." An Idea started to form in Phoenix's mind, an outrageous idea, but an idea none the less.
There, the light is dark, and I couldn't adapt to it in time, so he got away
Hold It!
"Did he say anything while you 2 were there?"
"Hmm... actually, he did say something."
The Judge nodded, and gave a command. "Witness, please add this to your testimony." The prosecutor tilted his head slightly, wondering what she was up to...
He mumbled something about numbers... the only ones I heard wer and 3
Hold it!
"Have you ever heard those numbers before?"
"...That's the number of the upper part of my leggings."
"...Excuse me?"
"Mr. Wright, think of a computer." Prosecutor, eyes shut, began, "It reads, not only binary code, but something called hexadecimal code. For example, when I type 'green' into a computer, it doesn't come up with green, but it thinks 'C0F3C0'. Now, this can be interchangeable, as artists like to do when thinking of colors. The number #430163 is a darker purple, correct?"
"H-he's right." Blake acknowledged.
"Okay... continue." Phoenix said.
After that, I honestly can't remember. I felt like I had a headache, or something...
Hold It!
"Now, I would assume that you checked the back of your head, correct?"
"Yes... There wasn't any lumps."
The prosecutor, now fed up, fired off on Phoenix, "Fine, Wright, we get it: You think someone assaulted her in that forrest, we get it. But this is a waste of time! Why are you going through this much trouble? She even said there wasn't a bump! That outlaws the possibility of a possible self-defense case!"
"But... it couldn't have been self-defense in the first place, since she lost the man in the for-"
"Mr. Wright! You know better than anyone that people love to lie on that stand!" The prosecutor scolded, as if Phoenix were a little child, "What makes you believe that she is telling the truth?"
"..." Phoenix couldn't give an answer. A testimony that couldn't be backed up is basically like submitting false evidence: A waste of time, and has dire consequences.
"I believe that is enough." The Judge proclaimed. "I think I can come to a conclusion in this case. Phoenix thought for a moment, making sure what he was about to say was the only way he can get out of this situation.
"There is no other way, Wright... This will turn the case upside down.'" This time, Mia didn't even stun Phoenix. She only affirmed his thoughts.
"Objection!" Phoenix yelled out, finally finding the strength in his arm to stick it out.
"Mr. Wright, give up! There is no way you can win now!"
Phoenix ignored the lawyer, and proceeded his objection. "Your honor, the defense has a theory, but needs the bailiff to look something up while I explain."
"Mr. Wright: Let me make this clear the first time. I was about to hand Ms. Belladonna a Guilty verdict. This will be your last chance to turn this around for your client.
"We understand, your honor." Phoenix looked at Yang, who let him go on. He then handed a piece of paper, with some writing on it to the bailiff that sat at the computer. At first, he gave him an odd look. But, he shrugged, and started to type in what Phoenix needed. Phoenix then got back to his stand, and started explaining himself, "Something in this testimony has gotten me worked up, and confused. And that is, the numbers."
"Oh yeah? What about them, Wright!?" The prosecutor spat out.
"Let's think of the credentials for the White Fang. Do you think they would allow someone as paranoid, so paranoid that they think of colors as numbers? I don't think so. I honestly even think he knows what it is."
"Mr. Wright, let me remind you of what the White Fang is:" The prosecutor began scolding again, "They are: No good, tow timing assholes that don't care for what other people believe in. They love to create chaos, ruin businesses, even attack innocent civilians. They are violent, cruel, and known around the world. Who wouldn't know about them? only those who live under rocks!" Because of the ending joke, everyone started laughing.
"Not quite that, prosecutor." Phoenix, now smiling, put his hands on his hips, ears pinned back, ready to go on the offensive. The crowd was silent.
"What do you mean?" The prosecutor asked.
"I don't think he lived under a rock," Phoenix paused for a moment, "But, I think he lived under trees. A lot of trees." The prosecutor paused for a bit, thinking of what he was saying. But he didn't interrupt, he let him continue. "I think he lives in the forrest!" The crowd's silence became silent.
"Mr. Wright, let me finish your thought for you: You're saying, that, this man that she was chasing, isn't our victim, but someone so smart, or paranoid, or both, that he lives in a forrest."
"Exactly."
"Mr. Wright, let me ask you a question. Why would anyone live in a forrest for so long, that they memorize it?"
"That's easy: Someone who's running from something." Then, Phoenix pointed to the Baliff now. "Baliff! Has they search engine come up with anyone?!"
The courtroom went even more silent, as the bailiff pushed a few buttons. "...No."
Phoenix felt his heart sank. He couldn't believe it. He refused to believe it.
"Now, your honor, you may continue with the verdict." The prosecutor smiled devilishly.
"Very well. I'm so sorry, Mr. Wright. As result of this trial, the court finds the defendant, Blake Belladonna:
….
…
..
.
"Guilty." And with that, the Judge slammed his gavel down. The trial had ended. Phoenix had lost.
A/N: That was a chapter. Took me forever to write it, but it was a chapter, right? As this story comes to an end, I decided to cut a few ends at this trial, with Blake being guilty and all. We'll just have to see how it goes from here!
There won't be a question of the day today. I'm kind of angry right now, and I might explain why next chapter, whenever it comes out.
But, until then, Please Review, Ask Questions, and a bit of Criticism is fine. Thanks!
(A/N: to the A/N: I don't know what's up with that ridiculously large gap below this; just ignore it. My MacBook Pro is really weird...)
May God be with you, until we meet again!
~Nathan
I do not own RWBY/Roosterteeth, nor Ace Attorney/Capcom. All right's reserved.
"Wait! Someone did pop up!" The Baliff called out, after the verdict was given. Phoenix knew what was coming next, and cleared his throat.
"Too late, the verdict was handed down! The prosecutor instantly rang out.
"Objection! This is an important piece of evidence!"
"Objection! This trial has been decided already, Wright! Give it a break! It's circumstantial, not important!
"It's our job as lawyers to analyze all pieces of evidence, regardless of how circumstantial it may be!"
Before they butted heads again, the Judge slammed down his gavel. "Enough! It is as Mr. Wright says. We must review all pieces of evidence. But, since we just found the man, we will wait for more information of him to come in. I do, in fact, want this court to meet again tomorrow, no If's, and's or but's. We will give you the name of the man once it has come in fully. But for now, court is adjourned!" And with that, the Judged slammed down his gavel once more.
Have a good week guys :)