Turnabout Mario Sunshine
By: OathToOblivion
Day 1 ~ Trial
August 26, 11:42 AM
Delfino Court House
Defendant Lobby No. 1
[Courtroom Lounge ~ Beginning Prelude (English Turnabout Mix)]
(...Oh boy. Why do I feel so nervous? This case should be in the bag! For once, all the evidence is on my side. So why am I getting a bad feeling about this?)
"Mr. Wright?"
Phoenix was jarred out of his thoughts when he noticed Mario coming up to him, a certain blond princess walking up alongside. "Oh, Mario. Princess Peach. How are you two doing?" he attempted to ask.
"Well as we can be," Peach admitted. "Being able to prove Mario's innocence from the get-go isn't something that happens often. The entire island is completely enraged, and the Judge always ignores any objections I attempt to make."
Phoenix nodded. He had reviewed the case file...and by that, he meant that he'd played the game again thanks to Mario pulling a GameCube and a copy of Sunshine out of his Pocket. "Yeah, I've heard. There's some good news though. The Legal League of Judges feels that any Delfino Judge wouldn't be able to give an impartial verdict. They've tapped the usual Judge who oversees my cases to fly out here, which is why it's taken a while for court to begin."
"Don't-a worry, Princess! Even if they do find me guilty, it just means I'll-a have to clean the island like Mario usually does. Right, F.L.U.D.D.?" Mario asked the sentient hydro-cannon that was current equipped on him. Apparently, F.L.U.D.D. wasn't Looping, but since it was a machine, Mario had taken to simply placing it in his Pocket.
"Affirmative. In addition, the 119 remaining Shine Sprites must be brought back to the Shine Gate," F.L.U.D.D. agreed.
"Okay then. Princess, I'll probably be calling you as a witness if I can't shut down the prosecution's arguments, so make sure you have your testimony in order," Phoenix told her.
"Of course, Mr. Wright. Oh! By the way, here," Peach said, holding out a video tape. "I had Toadsworth copy the Delfino Welcome video we saw on the plane before our arrival. It has Bowser Jr. completely visible in it as Mario."
Phoenix smiled. "Thanks, Princess. This'll probably be my decisive evidence." He then stole a look at his watch. "Court's about to begin. We better get in there." And with that, the three left the lobby. Mario and Phoenix went for the defense bench, while the Princess went to the gallery.
August 26, 12:00 PM
Delfino Courthouse
Courtroom No. 2
The gallery murmured to themselves angrily. Most of the occupants were Piantas, who were furious at what had been happening.
(If looks could kill, I'd probably be dead a hundred times over...) Phoenix sweated. It didn't help that the Prosecutor was also a Pianta, and he looked outright disgusted with him. However, that was when the Judge arrived, slipping into his seat and slamming down his gavel.
[Court ~ Guardians of the Law]
"Court is now in session for the trial of...Mario?" The Judge seemed honestly confused that someone like Mario would be on trial.
Phoenix nodded his head. "I understand your confusion, Your Honor. Someone like Mario committing a crime like this doesn't seem right. But that's why we're holding this trial, to find out the truth. In that vein, the defense is ready!" he declared.
The Judge nodded. "I see. Very good, Mr. Wright. As for the prosecution, are you ready, Prosecutor...?" He fished about the angry Pianta's name.
"I am ready, yes. However, according to the tenets of the Delfino Law System, both sides do not necessarily have to announce their names," the Pianta said, barely keeping his anger restrained.
"Really?" the Judge asked with wide eyes. "I was not aware of that."
(What else is new, Your Honor?)
"Then again," the Judge continued, "I took this case on extremely short notice, so my knowledge of the Delfino Law System is rather patchy at best."
(Oh, wait, he has a legitimate excuse this time. Sorry, Your Honor.)
"Very well. The prosecution will now commence with their opening statement!" the Judge decided.
"Very well. Someone has been senselessly defacing fair Isle Delfino using some paint-like substance. The accused is charged with polluting our beautiful home, and yes, endangering our very way of life. Indeed, how can one not be aware of what is going on? Though it is daytime in Delfino Plaza, our poor residents tremble beneath a veil of darkness. Expert Shine scholars have determined that this darkness has arisen because all of our guardians, the Shine Sprites, have vanished from their gathering spot at the Shine Gate. The reason? It's quite obvious. This horrible graffiti is to blame!"
"'Expert Shine Scholars'? 'Shine Sprites'? Can graffiti really cause all of this?" the Judge asked skeptically.
"Of course, not being a native of the island, I wouldn't expect you to understand, Your Honor," the Prosecutor said condescendingly, "but it is all true. I submit this picture of Delfino Plaza taken but a few moments ago into evidence!"
Delfino Plaza Picture added to the Court Record
The bailiff passed copies of the picture to both the Judge as well as the defense bench. The Judge's eyes widened in shock. "It is as the prosecution says! The Plaza is completely dark!" he declared.
While the gallery erupted into chatter, Phoenix was puzzled. (Completely dark? But shouldn't the area around the Shine Gate be lit up?)
"Bit bizarre, considering that we-a already saved-a one Shine Sprite," Mario commented.
"Order! Let's get back on track," the Judge declared, rapping his gavel to calm the gallery.
The Pianta Prosecutor cleared his throat, before continuing.
"Behold this decisive evidence: a sketch of the perpetrator based on eyewitness descriptions," he said, holding up a rather crude looking sketch.
Mario? Sketch added to the Court Record
(...You've got to be kidding me,) Phoenix thought incredulously. How could anyone believe that?!
"The truth is obvious. The guilty party sits among us. It is none other than Mario!" the Prosecutor declared.
OBJECTION!
Phoenix slammed down on his desk. "I'd hardly call this sketch of dubious quality decisive in the least!"
"D-Dubious?!" the Prosecutor spluttered.
The Judge nodded his agreement. "I agree with the Defense. An eyewitness sketch like this does not hold water. Does the prosecution have any other evidence?"
The Prosecutor continued to splutter incoherently for a few seconds, before calming himself down. "The prosecution is prepared to call witnesses who can prove without a doubt that the defendant is the culprit!"
"Then call your first witness!" the Judge declared, rapping his gavel again
(Alright, here we go. These witnesses obviously saw Bowser Jr. masquerading as Mario. I just have to prove it! ...But why am I still so nervous? This case is easy!)
(...)
(...)
(...ACK! I just realized! What if Bowser decides to attack the courthouse?! Oh please don't let that happen...!)
[The Stake's Witnesses]
When the witness arrived, the Judge was immediately flabbergasted. "Prosecution, what is the meaning of this?!" he demanded.
It may have had something to do with how there were actually four witnesses at the bench.
"Hmph. What does it look like? I've called my witnesses," the Prosecutor said dismissively.
"But...there are four of them at once!" the Judge pointed out, his eyes wide open.
(I guess he really is unfamiliar with the Delfino Law System. Not that I can blame him. Even now, some of it makes no sense to me, but the fact remains...)
"Um, Your Honor? This is just part of the Delfino Law System. Up to five witnesses can be on the stand at once. I realize it doesn't make much sense, but there it is," Phoenix explained sheepishly.
The Judge thought about it for a while, then shook his head in exasperation. "I see...Like how Jury Trials were conducted in 19th century England."
(...! Wait, huh?! Did he say 'England'?!)
"This is highly irregular," the bearded gentleman continued, "but it seems I have no choice but to allow it. Witnesses, your na-I mean, occupations please."
(Seems he's still stuck on the name thing,) Phoenix thought to himself. (But how did he mention England? It doesn't exist in this Loop...)
"I'm the head of the Isle Delfino Police!" the first witness, a blue and mustachioed Pianta proclaimed.
"And I'm his second!" the tan, glasses-wearing one next to him said.
"I'm the guitarist for the Doot-Doot Sisters!" the third said.
"And I'm the person who should have been Judge!" the last one seethed.
The Judge currently seated frowned. "You could not be trusted to give an impartial verdict. That is why you are not presiding over this trial."
"Grr-!" the Pianta Judge growled.
The Judge then hammered his gavel down twice. "Now, witnesses, testify to the court about whether or not you saw the accused!"
Witness Testimony
~It was Mario!~
[Mass Inquisition ~ Moderato]
"Recently, someone has been spreading graffiti all over the island!"
"Despite our best efforts, we haven't been able to catch the culprit. However..."
"Sorry, man, but we've all seen who the guy responsible is."
"It's Mario! He's guilty! GUILTY!"
[PAUSE MUSIC]
The Judge looked down to consider this. "I see...you've all seen Mario, then?" He shook his head. "Ordinarily, I'd prefer more solid evidence, but in this case, it seems witness testimony is all we have. Mr. Wright, you may begin your cross-examination."
"Yes, Your Honor," Phoenix nodded.
Cross-Examination
~It was Mario!~
[RESTART Mass Inquisition ~ Moderato]
"Recently, someone has been spreading graffiti all over the island!"
HOLD IT!
"How recently are we talking?" Phoenix questioned.
"Eh? Well, now...I guess a couple of weeks or so. It's been kind of hectic recently," the Police Chief shrugged.
The Judge nodded in understanding. "Something like this, I'm not surprised."
(A couple of weeks ago... Mario and Peach had already started planning for the trip, so Bowser could have definitely found out by then.)
"Your Honor, this information clears up some of the vague elements in his statement. I'd like it added to the testimony," Phoenix requested.
"Very well. Witness, please add this information to your testimony," the Judge ordered.
"It's been about, oh, two weeks since it started."
OBJECTION!
All of the witnesses cringed, then turned to look at the Defense Bench, where Phoenix was pointing right at them. He then slammed his desk. "Your Honor, there is a severe contradiction here! If the culprit had been on Isle Delfino for the last two weeks...then Mario CAN'T be the culprit!" he declared.
[Phoenix Wright ~ Objection! 2013]
"Wh-WHAT?!" the Chief spluttered. The gallery erupted into angry chatter, forcing the Judge to slam his gavel down three times.
"Order! Order! ORDER!" he yelled. Then, he turned his attention to Phoenix. "Mr. Wright, I hope you have evidence to back up this claim," he said sternly.
"I do, Your Honor," Phoenix nodded, before removing copies of a certain document to give to the Judge and Prosecution. "These files were appropriated from the automatic logs of the computers that monitor Delfino Airstrip. Even though there was graffiti on the runway, the Delfino Airstrip automatically registered the landing of Princess Peach Toadstool's private plane just yesterday, with Mario onboard. So tell me: How could Mario be responsible...when he had only just arrived on the Island?" he demanded.
The Judge nodded. "I see! It seems positively impossible. If he arrived but yesterday, then he can't have done it!" he marveled.
OBJECTION!
"That doesn't prove anything!" the Prosecutor rebutted.
"And why's that?" the Judge asked in surprise.
"...Warp Pipes," the Pianta simply said.
"...I'm not sure I follow what the Prosecution means," the Judge said in confusion.
"What I mean is, it's perfectly conceivable that the accused simply found a Warp Pipe to the Island, used it to commit the vandalism, then simply left and took the plane to give himself an alibi," he explained.
OBJECTION!
Phoenix slammed his desk again. "There is no Warp Pipe that connects Isle Delfino to the Mushroom Kingdom!" he argued.
OBJECTION!
"Plenty of Warp Pipes go undiscovered! Why shouldn't this one be the same?!" the Prosecutor shot back.
"You can't prove that such a Pipe exists though!" Phoenix insisted.
"You can't prove that it doesn't exist!"
The Judge slammed his gavel down again. "Order! Mr. Wright, can you prove that this Pipe doesn't exist?" he questioned.
(...Damn it! He's got a point. I can't prove that that Warp Pipe doesn't exist!) "I can't prove it, Your Honor," Phoenix admitted.
The Judge then shook his head. "Then I'm afraid that your objection is overruled. You may now return to the cross-examination!"
[END MUSIC]
(Even if that didn't get anywhere, it's still planted the seeds of "doubt" within the Judge's mind. Just got to coax those seeds with the water of cross-examination, and a flower of "Not Guilty" will emerge!)
(...What's with the floral metaphor all of a sudden?)
[RESUME Mass Inquisition ~ Moderato]
"Despite our best efforts, we haven't been able to catch the culprit. However..."
"Sorry, man, but we've all seen who the guy responsible is."
HOLD IT!
"And this person you saw was...?" Phoenix fished about for an answer.
"Sorry, man, but it was definitely Mario. I don't really want to believe it either, but that's what I saw," the guitarist said apologetically.
(I know he must have seen Shadow Mario! I just have to press on that point!)
"You're absolutely sure that you saw Mario as he sits here in front of you?" Phoenix pressed, pointing at the plumber in the defendant's chair.
"Yes." There was a hint of annoyance in the guitarist's voice at this. "Exactly as he is on the Wanted Poster," he added.
(I'm not Apollo, but "GOTCHA" all the same!)
"Really? That's a pretty crucial detail. Do you mind adding it to your testimony?" Phoenix asked.
"Huh? Oh, uh, sure."
"Sorry, man, but we all saw that it was Mario. He looked exactly like he does on those Wanted Posters."
OBJECTION!
The guitarist flinched, and looked at Phoenix. "What did I do?!" he asked frantically.
"Nothing," Phoenix denied, "except say something rather illuminating."
The gallery erupted into chatter again, before the Judge calmed them down with his gavel again. "Order! Mr. Wright, where are you going with this?" he asked sternly.
"Your Honor, that statement contradicts this piece of evidence!" Phoenix declared, holding up the eyewitness sketch of Shadow Mario.
"The Wanted Poster? Mr. Wright, you yourself questioned the validity of that evidence," the Judge said skeptically.
(ACK! Forgot about that! Uh...oh, right!)
"I, uh, but as much as I question it, we do have to hold that it's an accurate sketch of what the witnesses think they saw, right?" the Ace Attorney questioned.
"I suppose," the Judge said, considering it. There was a short pause, before he nodded. "Very well. Proceed with your reasoning, Mr. Wright!"
(Phew! That was close!)
"The Witness claims that he saw Mario exactly as he saw him in this Wanted Poster. But that contradicts his statement that he saw Mario as he is here in court," Phoenix explained. Then, he slammed his desk again. "Well, witness, which is it?!" he demanded.
[Confess the Truth 2009]
"I, uh, I..." the guitarist stuttered.
"Witness! Have you been lying to the court?!" the Judge demanded.
"NO!" the guitarist said in shock. "I meant what I said, I saw Mario! I..."
Phoenix slammed his desk again. "Witness! What color was the person you saw?!" he insisted.
"I, uh, I, uh...HE WAS BLUE!" the guitarist suddenly shouted.
"Blue?" the Judge asked in surprise.
Suddenly, the guitarist looked rather miserable. "Yeah, I saw a blue Mario. That's part of why I didn't want to believe it. But...everybody else was convinced that it really was Mario, so I..."
The Judge shook his head. "You shouldn't let others pressure you into things. I've made that mistake many a time," he admitted, before glancing over at Mario. "The Mario he saw was blue? It seems ludicrous. When one thinks of Mario, they think Red, same with Luigi and Green," he mused.
OBJECTION!
[END MUSIC]
"Your Honor, there is a simple explanation for why the witnesses saw a blue Mario!" the Prosecutor insisted.
"Really?" the Judge said with wide eyes. "Well, let's hear it."
"Like I said, it's simple. As we all know, Mario is an adventurous man. On his adventures, he's come across many Power-ups from the humble Mushroom, to the awesome Cape Feather. My theory is simply this: Mario used a Power-up to turn himself blue. QED," the Pianta stated.
(This guy's pretty good. He might even give 'Demon Prosecutor' Edgeworth a run for his money,) Phoenix mused. But he wasn't going to let that stop him.
OBJECTION!
"Your entire argument rests on what-ifs! You have no proof that there is a Power-up that can turn you blue!" he argued.
"Oh, that's easy enough. We'll simply ask the accused," the Prosecutor said smugly. Then, he turned to the defendant's chair. "Well then, Super Mario, is there a power-up that turns you blue?" he questioned. Mario immediately tensed up at that.
[Suspense 2013]
"Mario, is there really a Power-up that turns you blue?" Phoenix hissed at him.
"There's-a one, yeah. But..." Mario seemed a bit hesitant to talk about it.
Phoenix sighed. "Look, I know it's bad and will probably hurt our case, but it won't do you any favors if you don't tell the truth," he pointed out.
Mario sighed himself, but nodded. Then, he turned to answer the Pianta's question. "There is-a one," he admitted, holding up a certain blue and white flower with eyes.
The Judge blinked. "Isn't that an Ice Flower?" he questioned.
"Ice-a Flowers have two ways of working. The first is-a like counterparts to the-a Fire Flowers. The second..." At that, Mario activated the Ice Flower, and his entire body turned to ice.
"Good heavens! The defendant has turned to ice!" the Judge said in surprise.
"You see? This explains everything!" the Pianta Prosecutor pronounced.
OBJECTION!
"You can't prove they saw Ice Mario though! What about the ice and water he'd leave behind?!" Phoenix demanded.
"Oh, I needn't concern myself with that. Isle Delfino is tropical, after all. Any water would evaporate quickly," the Prosecutor said dismissively.
"Mr. Wright, can you prove that the witnesses didn't see Ice Mario?" the Judge questioned. "I must warn you, if you are wrong, there is a hefty penalty awaiting you," he added.
Phoenix hesitated for a moment, before sinking in defeat. "Not at this time, Your Honor," he admitted, before regaining his bluster. "However! I am not yet finished with my cross-examination!" he insisted.
"Very well. Please proceed, Mr. Wright!" the Judge proclaimed.
(Come on, Phoenix! You've gotten out of tougher spots than this! There's gotta be something in that testimony!)
[Mass Inquisition ~ Allegro]
"Recently, someone has been spreading graffiti all over the island!"
"It's been about, oh, two weeks since it started."
"Despite our best efforts, we haven't been able to catch the culprit. However..."
"Sorry, man, but we all saw that it was Mario. He looked exactly like he does on those Wanted Posters."
"It's Mario! He's guilty! GUILTY!"
HOLD IT!
"That hasn't been decisively proven yet!" Phoenix objected.
"Who cares?! I know what I saw! He did it!" the Pianta Judge yelled, almost foaming at the mouth.
Meanwhile, the Judge actually overseeing the case slammed his gavel down. "ORDER! This is exactly why you could not be trusted with this case! Your personal feelings would override the impartiality of the position! Mr. Wright, do you actually have a question to ask?!" he demanded.
(Do I have a question to ask?) Phoenix questioned. However, a quick glance at Mario gave him his answer. (Yes, I do!)
"The defense does have a question for the witness, Your Honor," he affirmed. Then, he slammed his desk and stared at the Pianta Judge. "Witness, did you actually see Mario?"
"Of course I did! Why else would I be here?! He was blue, like he is right now!" the Pianta Judge yelled, pointing right at Mario.
"So, you saw Ice Mario?" the Prosecutor asked for clarification.
"Yes! I saw Ice Mario! Good grief, this trial has taken over ten times as long as I would have overseen it!" the Pianta Judge fumed. But as he did, Phoenix couldn't help but notice that the other witnesses looked slightly confused. Seeing his chance, he reacted.
HANG ON!
[STOP MUSIC]
"Excuse me, Mr., uh, guitarist. You look a little confused about what your fellow witness is saying," Phoenix pointed out, going for the witness that was least likely to bite his head off.
"Yeah, well...I've been thinking a little about what I saw and all. And, I don't think I saw Mario look like this," the guitarist said hesitantly.
"Well, what did he look like when you saw him?" Phoenix questioned.
"Well...he was a darker blue, and his eyes were red. Kind of creepy too. Oh yeah! He had a paintbrush too, instead of that water-pack he's got on right now!" the guitarist abruptly remembered, pointing at F.L.U.D.D., who hadn't transformed with Mario. The two police officers also nodded their heads to corroborate this statement.
"Is that so?" Phoenix pondered, a smile creeping up his face. "Well then...I suppose it's obvious now..." He slammed down on his desk. "Mario isn't the culprit!" he announced.
[Pursuit ~ Keep Pressing On]
The gallery erupted into chatter once again, forcing the Judge to quiet them. "Order! Order! Mr. Wright, I hope you have good evidence to back this up!" he said sternly.
"I don't have evidence per say," Phoenix admitted, "but I did see a contradiction in the testimony just now!"
The Judge nodded. "Very well. Which witness's testimony does this witness's testimony contradict?" he asked.
(The witness whose testimony contradicts the guitarist's is-!)
TAKE THAT!
"It contradicts your esteemed colleague's, the local Judge!" Phoenix proclaimed.
"WHAT?! ME?!" the Pianta Judge screeched.
"Yes, you! You said that you saw Ice Mario, but your fellow witness did not! How about you two, officers? Did you see Ice Mario?" Phoenix questioned.
"Hmm..." The Police Chief took another glance at the frozen Mario, before shaking his head. "Nope. I saw what the guitar guy said. A darker blue Mario with creepy red eyes."
"And a paintbrush!" his second added. This was also about the point when the Ice Flower wore off, returning Mario to normal.
Phoenix slammed his desk again. "Well, witness? It's three to one, and the verdict says: YOU LIED!" he proclaimed, finger aloft.
The Judge slammed his gavel down to quiet the suddenly noisy gallery, with a fervor that Phoenix had rarely seen from the old man. "ORDEEEERRR! I can't believe this! A fellow Judge, committing deliberate perjury?!" the Judge yelled in anger. He shook his head in almost-disbelief. "The Legal League of Judges will be hearing about this," he said frostily, causing the Delfino Judge to cringe in fear.
"Your Honor, the defense asserts this: it's been proven that the witnesses did not, in fact, see Ice Mario! Ice Mario is the only Power-up that turns Mario blue! Therefore, I hold that the 'Mario' they saw was an imposter, attempting to frame Mario!" Phoenix declared.
OBJECTION!
"The defendant simply lied about which Power-ups turn him blue then!" the Pianta Prosecutor attempted to say.
OBJECTION!
"But then why would he say anything about the Ice Flower?!" Phoenix shot back. "After all, that made him more suspicious in the eyes of the court, not less!"
"I, uh, I, uh...Proof! Where's your proof?!" the Prosecution spluttered.
Before Phoenix could attempt to answer that, the Judge brought down his gavel. "Allow me to give the opinion of this court! It seems that we're at an impasse. Neither side can adequately prove whether or not the defendant was the one who committed the acts of vandalism. As such, the court requests that we move on from this topic of discussion for now, until new information is revealed."
[END MUSIC]
(Moving on from "opportunity" for now, huh? That's fine with me. There's still plenty to discuss regarding the other two parts of what it takes to indict someone.)
"Your Honor, for the sake of moving this trial along, the defense agrees with the court's opinion. I've meaning to shift topics to something else for a while now," Phoenix admitted.
"Really?" the Judge said with wide eyes. "Which topic are you referring to, Mr. Wright?"
"Motive. My client is a world-renowned hero, after all. What possible reason would he have to commit these acts of vandalism?" Phoenix demanded.
"Hmph," the Prosecutor smirked. "But of course, I have a key witness who can prove what the accused's motive is!" he declared.
[Suspense 2013]
"...HUH?!" Phoenix gawked. (How can anyone prove that?!)
"I see. Very well then. The court will recess for 15 minutes so that the prosecution can prepare their witness," the Judge proclaimed.
(Okay, didn't see this one coming. This whole case has been a bit harder than I thought it would be. Sigh...par for the course in the life of Phoenix Wright. Still, I'm not going to give up here. Witness or no witness, no one can prove that Mario actually had a real motive to commit these crimes! And I'll prove it!)
August 26, 3:17 PM
Delfino Courthouse
Defendant Lobby No. 1
[Courtroom Lounge ~ New Prelude]
(Okay...This trial has gone on for a lot longer than I would have anticipated. A surprise witness...who could they be?)
As Phoenix paced the lobby to think, Peach and Mario both walked through the doors.
"Mr. Wright? Is everything all right?" the Princess asked.
Phoenix immediately stopped pacing, and turned to them. "Oh, Princess. It's nothing, really," he reassured her.
But Peach was still slightly worried. "A motive to commit a crime...I can't believe there's actually a witness to prove it," she said, shaking her head.
"Me neither. Mario, is it possible that something you've said or done could be used as evidence for this?" Phoenix asked pointedly.
Mario thought for a second, tilting his head and crossing his arms, before shaking his head. "No. I do-a get a bit competitive with-a sports, but as far as Mario knows, that's-a it."
"So then it has to be someone with a grudge," Peach summarized.
"The question is, who?" Phoenix pointed out.
The three of them bowed their heads in silence, thinking about just who would attempt to do this. The silence, however, was interrupted very quickly...
"MISTEERR WRRRIGGHT!"
[Apollo Justice ~ I'm Fine!]
...when a certain defense attorney in red burst through the door and skidded to a halt in front of the startled trio.
"Apollo?! What kept you; you said you'd be here four hours ago!" Phoenix exclaimed.
"Sorry...I'm late! There was...a hold-up...with the plane...I only just got to the Island 10 minutes ago, and I rushed straight here!" Apollo declared, catching his breath.
"Um, excuse me, Mr. Wright, but who is-?" Peach asked, curious about who Apollo was.
"Oh, right. This is Apollo Justice, one of my junior partners at the Agency. He's supposed to be part of the defense," Phoenix explained.
"N-Nice to meet you! You're Princess Peach, right? It's an honor," Apollo said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.
"You're caught up with the case, right, Apollo?" Phoenix questioned.
The Clarion of Revelations nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they were streaming the trial on the plane. The last part got cut off, but I got the gist of it. Is there really a witness that can prove Mario has a motive?" he wondered, tapping his forehead
"That's what we're going to find out. Come on, court's going to be back in session soon," Phoenix stated. "Apollo, why don't you take the lead for the next part?"
"Me? What about you though?" Apollo asked in surprise.
"Oh, I'll still be there. But you've only just started Looping, Apollo. This is a chance for you to get acquainted with some of the nonsense that Yggdrasil likes to throw at us," Phoenix explained, a tiny bead of sweat dripping down his brow.
"...It sounds more like you're just trying to skive off on work to me," Apollo said flatly. "But fine. I'll take the lead for now. Do me a favor, Mr. Wright, and don't just stand there and make cryptic comments like you usually like to."
(...Do I usually sound so cryptic around him? I honestly can't tell. Still, with both of us on the case, whoever this witness is, they won't be able to get anything past. If Athena were here too, it would have been perfect, but she's busy with her own case.)
(All right. Let's see who this witness is!)
August 26, 3:30 PM
Delfino Courthouse
Courtroom No. 2
[Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney - Court Begins]
"Court is now back in session for the trial of Mario," the Judge announced, quieting the chatter from the gallery. He did have to blink when he noticed a certain new face at the defense bench though. "Mr. Justice? What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Uh, I was meant to be part of the defense from the beginning, Your Honor. Except, my plane ended up late," Apollo admitted sheepishly.
The Judge shook his head in disapproval. "You should have left earlier in that case," he criticized.
(Oh sure, like it's my fault Gavin's fancy private jet blew a tire on the runway...)
"At any rate, is the witness ready?" the Judge asked.
The Pianta prosecutor nodded. "He is, Your Honor. He's waiting right outside for us to call him."
"Very well. Bailiff! Summon the witness immediately!" the Judge pronounced.
"All right, looks like we're going to see who this witness who can prove that Mario has a motive is. Get ready, Apollo," Phoenix said warily.
(Whoever this witness is, they've got to be lying! Time to crack those lies right open! Here comes Justice!)
When the witness was lead in, there was only one way the occupants of the defense bench could react: in utter shock.
[Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla]
"Heehee! Here I come, ready to prove that Mario's guilt!" Bowser Jr. grinned.
OBJECTION!
"Your Honor, this witness should not be allowed to testify!" Apollo yelled, slamming his desk.
The Judge blinked in confusion. "Just like that? On what grounds, Mr. Justice?" he questioned.
Apollo proceeded to point right at Bowser Jr. "On the grounds that this is Bowser Jr., the son of our client's arch-rival! There's no way he'd tell the truth!" he declared.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean! My Papa has always told me to tell the truth!" B.J. said indignantly.
"Yeah, but probably the truth as Bowser defines it," Phoenix muttered under his breath.
OBJECTION!
"I disagree with the defense. Is it not our duty as members of the court to hear every last piece of testimony?" the prosecutor slyly said.
"...! So that's what he was really doing during the recess," Phoenix mused to himself.
"Huh? What do you mean, Mr. Wright?" Apollo asked, confused at what he was trying to say.
"He's looked us up, Apollo. He's likely fine-tuned his strategy to pick at the holes in our own. He'll be a much tougher opponent," Phoenix summarized.
"Maybe...but he did make one mistake in bringing Bowser Jr. to the stand. Now that he's here, all we have to do is prove that he did it!" Apollo declared.
Meanwhile, the Judge had decided to sustain the prosecution's objection. "Witness, please testify about the defendant's motive for vandalizing Isle Delfino," he proclaimed.
Witness Testimony
~Mario's Motive~
[Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 2007]
"Papa's told me everything there is to know about Mario!"
"'Mario's a bully! He never fights fair!'"
"So what's so hard to believe that he did it on purpose so he could save the day?!"
"After all, he's always taking Mama Peach away!"
[PAUSE MUSIC]
"...Mama Peach?" the Judge asked in confusion. The gallery immediately erupted into gossip at the idea that Peach and Bowser had had...relations in that manner. As for the princess herself, she immediately facepalmed.
"Yeah? What about it?!" Bowser Jr. challenged.
(Oh boy...I knew that would come up,) Apollo thought miserably.
"You know, I wonder...He said after everything was said and done that he knew Peach wasn't really his mother. The question is, when did he find out and/or realize?" Phoenix mused, rubbing his chin.
"Because right now he might believe that she really is?" Apollo asked for clarification.
"Yeah. We might be able to use that in some way," Phoenix thought aloud.
"Order!" the Judge declared, rapping his gavel against its board. "Any and all gossip about the witness's parentage will cease!" he decreed. He then cast an eye over at the defense bench. Knowing what the Judge was silently asking, Apollo nodded. In turn, the Judge nodded as well and said, "Mr. Justice, you may begin your Cross-Examination!"
Cross-Examination
~Mario's Motive~
[RESTART Cross Examination ~ Moderato 2007]
"Papa's told me everything there is to know about Mario!"
HOLD IT!
"So...have you ever met Mario yourself, witness?" Apollo asked, a finger on his forehead.
"Huh? Um...No...?" Bowser Jr. started.
OBJECTION!
"Let me stop you right there, Mr. Justice," the prosecution stated firmly.
(...! That was fast!)
"I have a feeling I know where you're going with this. You were about to accuse the witness of hearsay, weren't you?" the prosecutor sneered.
"...I was, yes," Apollo said slowly, his eyes narrowed. (What's he up to?)
"Well, unfortunately for you, hearsay as a concept does not exist in the Delfino Law System!" the Pianta proclaimed.
"...SAY WHAT?!" Apollo recoiled in shock.
"No such concept as hearsay?" the Judge blinked. "But then, how is one to know whether the witness is truly speaking about things they witnessed? Prosecution, I would advise after this trial is concluded to lead a reform of the Delfino Law System," he, well, advised.
"Of course, Your Honor," the Pianta said with a mock-bow. "But for now, we are regrettably stuck with the current system."
"Looks like I was right to compare him to Edgeworth. He's just as slick as Miles was in his 'Demon Prosecutor' days," Phoenix commented, before turning to his protégé. "Apollo, I don't think you're going to get anywhere attacking Bowser Jr.'s credibility. Focus more on any inconsistencies in the testimony."
"Got it," Apollo nodded.
"'Mario's a bully! He never fights fair!'"
"So what's so hard to believe that he did it on purpose so he could save the day?!"
HOLD IT!
"Let me make sure I've got this straight: you think Mario purposefully spread graffiti all over the island?" Apollo questioned.
"Yeah! He'd dirty the place up, then swoop in with that water-gizmo and clean it up! That way, he'd look the hero!" Bowser Jr. crowed.
"And what exactly did he hypothetically use to commit the vandalism?" Apollo asked skeptically.
"That paintbrush thing he got from that weird old man in the white coat!" the son of Bowser declared.
"'Weird old man'?" the Judge repeated dubiously.
"I don't think the witness meant you, Your Honor," Phoenix said in a deadpan.
(No, but he did say something nobody here could know!)
"So, you saw Mario obtain the paintbrush, witness?" Apollo asked for clarification. The gallery started shifting at that, as not once had the origin of the paintbrush been brought up. The Pianta at the prosecution's desk looked like he was going to erupt at the notion.
"What are ya, deaf! I just said that!" the Prince of Koopas stomped in slight annoyance.
[END MUSIC]
"That's all I needed to hear," Apollo smirked, crossing his arms. "Your Honor, the defense asks to put this Cross-Examination on hold. We have a witness of our own to call!" he declared.
"Wh-WHAT?!" the prosecution and Bowser Jr. started. The gallery erupted into chatter again, forcing the Judge to bring down his gavel.
"Order in the court! And what would this witness testify about, Mr. Justice?" the Judge asked.
"He's the creator of the paintbrush in question, as well as the water pack currently on our client's back. If anyone's qualified enough to testify about who gave who that paintbrush, he's it!" Apollo proclaimed. "He arrived with me on the plane, and should be ready to testify right about..."
[Ringtone ~ Phoenix Wright]
"...now," Apollo finished, even as the tinny sounds of the Steel Samurai's Theme played from Phoenix's cell phone.
"Hello? ...Yeah, Professor, we're ready for you. ...Gotcha. See ya in a bit." And with that, Phoenix hung up and turned to the court in general. "He's waiting right outside for someone to call him in."
The Judge nodded. "Very well. Bailiff! Summon the defense's witness immediately!"
When the witness arrived at the stand, all that could be seen of him was his hair.
The Judge shook his head in exasperation. "This problem again. Someone fetch a fruit crate for the witness to stand on!" he ordered.
The fruit crate arrived, and the witness stood on it so that everyone could see him.
[Professor E. Gadd's Theme - Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]
"Ah...you're the one the previous witness described," the Judge said in recognition.
"Heheh! That's me! Professor Elvin Gadd, head of Gadd Science Inc. and retired ghost hunter!" the diminutive scientist declared.
The Judge nodded. "Do you understand why you've been summoned here today, Professor?" he asked.
"Of course! I'm supposed to talk about a couple of my inventions! Not something that usually happens in my line of work. Most people shy away from it because they think they'd get bored!" Gadd laughed. "So, which one do you want me to talk about first?" he asked.
"Well, Mr. Justice? He's your witness," the Judge offered.
Apollo thought about it for a second. (So, should I ask him to testify about F.L.U.D.D. or the Paintbrush?)
(...Best to get the glaring thing out of the way. If we can prove that Mario never touched that Paintbrush, then we're good!) "Professor, if you would, please testify about the Paintbrush first," he stated.
"Alrighty then, Apollo! Here I go!" Gadd declared.
Witness Testimony
~The Paintbrush~
[Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 2013]
"That Paintbrush is no ordinary paintbrush, to say the least."
"You folks have already seen part of what it can do, but graffiti isn't exactly what it was meant for."
"It basically translates its user's thoughts into water-soluble reality!"
"I actually made it for Mario in the first place, as a counterpart to the Poltergust 3000 I gave Luigi."
"I felt bad for what happened to the poor guy after getting stuck in that painting by King Boo."
"I thought that I had given the Brush to Mario in the first place."
"...But it looks like I didn't. I ended up giving it to an imposter!"
[PAUSE MUSIC]
"An imposter, you say?" the Judge asked in shock.
"Yes, well, my eyesight isn't what it used to be," Gadd admitted. "The person I gave it to looked like Mario, for sure, but the color was wrong, and he didn't sound like Mario at all!"
The Judge considered his words seriously. "If what you say is true, then the defendant truly is innocent of his accused crimes."
"Not necessarily, Your Honor, and I aim to prove that it's still possible for the defendant to be the cause! In that vein, I would like to begin my cross-examination!" the Pianta Prosecutor announced.
"Hm...another Delfino Law quirk, I assume? Very well, the prosecution may now commence with their cross-examination!" the Judge declared.
"Well well...now that's a part of Delfino Law that actually makes sense," Phoenix murmured.
"I'm not used to being on the other side of a cross-examination. What do we do?" Apollo admitted and asked.
"Basically? We've taken the role the prosecution usually has, which means that if he goes off-track, we get to counter him and make him look stupid," Phoenix decided.
(...Something about that feels thrilling all of a sudden.)
Cross-Examination
~The Paintbrush~
[RESTART Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 2013]
"That Paintbrush is no ordinary paintbrush, to say the least."
HOLD IT!
"Yes, I think we've well established that by now," the Prosecution said sarcastically.
OBJECTION!
"If you actually have a relevant comment, Prosecutor, I'd advise you to say it. Otherwise, you're wasting the court's time!" Apollo declared.
"...Well, you slipped into that role fairly easily," Phoenix noted.
Meanwhile, the Judge nodded. "Mr. Justice has a point. Speed it up, Prosecution."
"Uh, um, yes, moving on," the Pianta stammered uneasily.
"You folks have already seen part of what it can do, but graffiti isn't exactly what it was meant for."
HOLD IT!
"And what exactly was it meant for?" the prosecutor challenged.
OBJECTION!
"He's getting there!" Apollo pointed out, before saying more nicely, "Please continue, Professor."
"It basically translates its user's thoughts into water-soluble reality!"
HOLD IT!
"Water-soluble? You can't mean-!" the prosecution started.
"That's right! All that goop causing a mess? Just splash some water on it, and it'll wash away! Oh, a few parts might stick a bit depending on how whoever uses it messes around with the settings. Funny story, actually, it's not supposed to be water-soluble. No, that happened by accident and I-" E. Gadd started to ramble.
HOLD IT!
"Um, as much as we'd love to hear about it, Professor, we're kind of more focused on the actual brush itself," Apollo pointed out.
"Oh! Of course. Silly me! Now, where was I?" the Professor wondered, before remembering. "Oh, that's right!"
"I actually made it for Mario in the first place, as a counterpart to the Poltergust 3000 I gave Luigi."
HOLD IT!
"You specifically made it for the defendant?!" the prosecutor said in surprise.
"Yes, that's right. Figured it was only fair since Luigi had one of my inventions. Of course, it didn't end up going like I originally intended, but Mario does have one of my inventions now, so it all works out!" Gadd chirped, pointing out F.L.U.D.D.
"So then...you admit to giving the defendant the paintbrush that caused the graffiti?" the prosecutor asked slyly.
OBJECTION!
"Your Honor, the prosecution is leading the witness!" Apollo declared.
"Objection sustained. Keep on track, Prosecutor," the Judge said sternly.
(The Judge actually listened to an objection just like that...man, what a rush!)
"I felt bad for what happened to the poor guy after getting stuck in that painting by King Boo."
"I thought that I had given the Brush to Mario in the first place."
HOLD IT!
"So you did give it to the defendant so that he could commit the crimes!" the Pianta crowed.
OBJECTION!
"Did you completely miss the qualifier in that statement?! He said that he thought he gave it to Mario!" Phoenix pointed out.
"Mr. Wright! I was going to say that!" Apollo whined.
"Oh, uh, sorry, Apollo. Force of habit," Phoenix said sheepishly. "Um, please continue with your testimony, Professor," he added.
"...But it looks like I didn't. I ended up giving it to an imposter!"
HOLD IT!
"An imposter, you say? Do you have proof of this?" the prosecutor asked skeptically.
"Sonny, I may be old, and yeah, my eyesight is slightly going, but I know what I saw. That was not Mario I gave the brush to!" Gadd declared.
"That's what you say, yes. But it contradicts Bowser Jr.'s testimony. He says that it was Mario you gave it to!" the Pianta declared.
OBJECTION!
"And as I've already stated, there's no reason for Bowser Jr. to tell the truth!" Apollo retorted.
"Hm...what exactly do you mean, Mr. Justice?" the Judge asked, considering his statement.
"What I mean is simple, Your Honor. As Bowser Jr. has stated in his testimony, he and his father view Mario as a bully, who's always getting in the way of them kidnapping Princess Peach," Apollo restated, bringing up the copy of the Koopa Prince's testimony. "In that vein, why wouldn't he lie? He'd be getting rid of his father's greatest enemy and obstacle!" he declared.
OBJECTION!
"But then how do we know that this witness isn't lying to protect the defendant?!" the prosecuting Pianta pointed out.
"You tell me. Did you see any inconsistencies in his testimony?" the Clarion of Revelations asked smugly.
"Gkh! ...The prosecution is forced to admit that there are none. But that still does not-!"
[END MUSIC]
"Order!" the Judge suddenly declared, slamming his gavel down. "Allow me to state the court's opinion. We have two witnesses that say two different things. Bowser Jr. says that the Professor gave the paintbrush to Mario. The Professor says he didn't. One of these witnesses is lying. Therefore, what must be found out at this point is which one is lying."
(Hm...that's actually a good point. How to go about this?)
(...Oh! That might be a good idea!)
"I completely agree, Your Honor. Therefore, the defense requests to return to the cross-examination of Bowser Jr. If one of these witnesses are lying, then we're going to find out!" Apollo declared, slamming the defense bench.
The Judge considered this, before nodding his head. "Very well. Bailiff! Bring Bowser Jr. to the stand immediately!"
(He's definitely lying. Time to catch him in the act!)
August 26, 4:27 PM
Delfino Courthouse
Courtroom No. 2
[Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney - Court Begins]
By the time Bowser Jr. was summoned, everyone was staring at him, wondering whether he really was lying or not. Of course, he noticed that everyone was staring at him and got upset. "Hey?! Why are you all looking at me like that?!" he demanded.
"Bowser Koopa Junior...the testimony that we have heard from one Professor Elvin Gadd directly contradicts your own testimony regarding the paintbrush," the Judge gravely said. "As such, the court demands that you testify once again, so that we can find out which of you is lying."
"I'm not lying! Why would I lie about some stupid paintbrush?!" the Koopa Prince pointed out.
"That's what we're going to find out!" Apollo declared, pointing directly at him. "Now, testify!"
"Grrr-! FINE!" Bowser Jr. snapped.
[END MUSIC]
Witness Testimony
~What I Saw~
[Cross-Examination ~ Allegro 2007]
"I don't know why the heck you'd think I'd lie about it, but I know what I saw!"
"I was minding my own business and wandering around, when I saw that Mario!"
"I figured that I should see what he was up to, in case it was something my Papa should know!"
"I saw him get that paintbrush from that old man!"
"I. Saw. Him. I'm not lying!"
[PAUSE MUSIC]
Apollo immediately reacted as he felt a certain tightening on his wrist. (! This feeling-!)
"Apollo? What's up?" Phoenix asked.
"My bracelet's reacting. He's tensed up. Somewhere in that testimony is something that's making him nervous," Apollo concluded.
"Looks like a chance to use that Perception of yours. Any ideas what's making him tense?"
"Not sure...I don't think it's one of the statements that he's directly said. It must be somewhere in the particulars of those statements," Apollo thought.
"You still continue to claim that the defendant obtained the paintbrush, I see. Mr. Justice, you may begin your cross-examination," the Judge said.
"Yes, Your Honor," Apollo nodded.
Cross-Examination
~What I Saw~
[RESTART Cross-Examination ~ Allegro 2007]
"I don't know why the heck you'd think I'd lie about it, but I know what I saw!"
HOLD IT!
"We think you'd lie about it, because it would only help you and Bowser with your plans!" Apollo declared.
"Oh yeah, Mr. Fancy Pants?! Prove it then!" B.J. challenged.
"...Gkh!" Apollo recoiled. (It's true...I can't really prove it as it is.)
"Why don't you just move on?" Phoenix offered.
"Seems to be the best option," Apollo admitted.
"I was minding my own business and wandering around, when I saw that Mario!"
HOLD IT!
"'Minding your own business'? What exactly did that entail?" Apollo questioned.
OBJECTION!
"That has nothing to do with this case!" the prosecution declared.
The Judge nodded. "Objection sustained. Keep focused, Mr. Justice," he admonished the red-wearing lawyer.
(And just like that, that high from earlier is gone.)
"I figured that I should see what he was up to, in case it was something my Papa should know!"
"I saw him get that paintbrush from that old man!"
HOLD IT!
"So, you saw Mario obtain the Paintbrush from Professor E. Gadd of Gadd Science Inc., then?" Apollo asked.
"Oh, is that his name? Yeah, sure," Bowser Jr. said, looking off to the side.
(? Hello, what's this? Why's he looking away? Anyway...)
"You sure about that? Because the professor himself said that he gave the brush to a Mario imposter," Apollo challenged, reviewing Gadd's testimony.
"Huh?!" Bowser Jr. blinked in surprise...and slight fear.
(My bracelet is really reacting now. Time to move in!) Apollo thought, holding up his arm so he could feel his bracelet. He then slammed his desk. "Witness, repeat your last statement of testimony!" he ordered.
"Huh?! Why?!" the Koopa Prince panicked.
The Prosecutor shrugged. "I can't claim to understand the whims of the defense, witness. What harm could come anyway?"
"Ooh...fine," he sulked.
[Perceive ~ Surging Eyes]
And as he began to speak his last statement again, Apollo focused intently on him. In his mind's eye, he felt his bracelet detach from his arm, and move in front of his eye, encircling the witness. His eyesight zoomed in, and a red aura covered his image of Bowser Jr.
"I...saw...him...get...that...paintbrush..."
GOTCHA!
[END MUSIC]
The entire court jumped in surprise from Apollo's loud shout. Once he had recovered his heart from his stomach, the Judge blinked in recognition. "I don't often hear you say that phrase, Mr. Justice. Did you notice something about the witness's testimony?" he wondered.
"One thing, Your Honor," Apollo said smugly, before pounding the defense bench. "Witness, why are you so nervous when you talk about the paintbrush?!" he demanded.
[Pursuit ~ Overtaken]
"HUH?! W-What are you talking about?! I'm not nervous!" Bowser Jr. stuttered.
Apollo shook his head. "That's what you say, but your own actions give you away! When you mentioned the paintbrush, you unconsciously made a motion with your right hand. Specifically, you tensed it up, as if you were gripping something. Now, why would you tense up like that while thinking about the brush?" he challenged.
OBJECTION!
"That's it?! You're going after the witness because he's tense?! What kind of mockery of a court do you think this is?!" the prosecution demanded.
(Please don't make me answer that...)
"Your Honor, I hold that the defense is out of line! How can a witness's tension be submitted as evidence?!" the Pianta declared.
"Hmm...it is true that something like this cannot be submitted as evidence," the Judge allowed. "However, I have seen Mr. Justice use this perception of his many a time in the past. Not once has he ever submitted his perceptions as evidence, but rather he has used them as a means to draw out new testimony. It's the same in this case. In other words, Prosecutor...OBJECTION OVERRULED!" he thundered. The prosecutor cringed at that.
"...There's something weird about the Judge. I can't put my finger on it, though," Phoenix mused contemplatively.
(Whatever it is, now's not the time to let up!) Apollo slammed the bench again. "Witness! Answer the question! Why are you so nervous about the paintbrush?!" he demanded.
"I...I...I-!" Bowser Jr. stuttered like a broken record. Apollo's only response to that was to glare at him, heaping the pressure on.
(Come on, crack! I didn't take those glaring lessons from Mr. Edgeworth for nothing!*)
"I...OH ALRIGHT ALREADY! I CONFESS!" the Koopa Prince yelled in anguish, pounding the witness stand.
(?! That was easier than I thought!)
"Well, he is just a kid," Phoenix rationalized.
(Guess that makes sense. ...Hey, wait a minute-!)
"Confess about what?" the Judge questioned sternly, before Apollo could question Phoenix about reading his thoughts.
"I...I'm the one who took the paintbrush from the old man," B.J. sighed in defeat.
"I see...But hang on! Professor Gadd's testimony stated that he gave the paintbrush to someone pretending to be Mario!" the Judge pointed out.
"Oh, yeah, that...I had a bandanna that let me turn into a 'Shadow Mario'. It wasn't a perfect copy; the colors were all wrong. But it was enough to trick the old man into thinking I was him long enough to get the brush," Bowser Jr. stated, still glum.
(Yes! He's confessing to everything! Time to get to the coup de grâce !)
"So, you're the one who vandalized Isle Delfino, aren't you?!" Apollo declared, pointing right at the Koopa Prince.
"...No."
[END MUSIC]
"...Huh?" Apollo asked in confusion.
"No. I'm not the one who did it. I was going to, but someone else beat me to the punch," Bowser Jr. stated.
"Buh...Huh...WHAAAAATTTTTT?!" Apollo reacted in shock. The gallery was too, and they erupted into chatter.
[Thrill Theme ~ Suspense]
"That...I didn't see that coming," Phoenix breathed out.
(But if it wasn't Bowser Jr., then WHO was it who did it?!)
"Order! Order!" the Judge yelled, trying to get the gallery to calm down. When they refused to listen, he narrowed his eyes dangerously. "This court will come to..."
ORDER!
[END MUSIC]
At that loud shout, the entire court fell silent. The Judge glanced around, in case anyone else started, before speaking his mind. "So, the witness has admitted to being the one who originally stole the means by which the Island was vandalized, but someone else somehow beat him to it. Witness, explain yourself," he said sternly.
"After I took the paintbrush, I ran off from the old guy's place. I pulled my bandanna down and relaxed, but someone jumped me from behind and stole both of them," Bowser Jr. explained miserably.
"Hm...did you see who it was?" the Judge questioned.
"No. Like I said, they jumped me from behind and stole the brush and my bandanna."
"I see...I gather it is not the same bandanna as you are wearing?" the Judge asked, noticing Bowser Jr.'s white bandanna with teeth on it.
"No, the other one was blue and had Mario's nose and mustache on it. Anyone who uses it becomes Shadow Mario, and get access to all of his abilities," the Koopa Prince said.
Shadow Mario Bandanna added to the Court Record
"Hm...unfortunately, if you did not see your attacker, then it cannot be said whether or not the Defendant was the one who attacked you. Mr. Wright, Mr. Justice, can either of you prove that your client wasn't the attacker?" the Judge questioned.
"...Not at this time, Your Honor. We weren't focused on something like this. We'll have to make inquiries," Phoenix admitted.
The Judge nodded in acknowledgement. "Then both sides must make those inquiries for us to find the truth. As it is getting late, the court will reconvene tomorrow at 10 AM. I expect both sides to be able to advance this Trial forward in some way. Court is adjourned!" he declared, rapping his gavel.
August 26, 5:42 PM
Delfino Courthouse
Defendant Lobby No. 1
[Courtroom Lobby ~ New Prelude]
"He didn't do it. I can't believe it..." Apollo muttered, pacing back and forth through the Defendant Lobby.
"We're completely in the dark now. We have no leads at all. But never mind that. Mario, do you have an alibi for when the brush was stolen?" Phoenix asked.
Mario shrugged. "I don't-a even know when-a Bowser Jr.-a stole it. I can't-a say."
"Terrific," Phoenix sighed.
"Everyone, let's calm down. Don't we just have to convince the Judge that Mario didn't do it?" Peach questioned, unconsciously messing with her parasol.
"It doesn't exactly work like that. While the Judge may give us the Not Guilty without another suspect being named, I can count the number of times it's happened in baseline on one hand," Apollo explained, shaking his head.
"We have to find out who vandalized the island. Because I don't doubt that the prosecution is going to add the theft and assault charges onto the list of crimes," Phoenix said grimly.
Just then, the door to the lobby opened, drawing their attentions. However, they were rather surprised at who walked in.
You know, considering that it was Bowser Jr.
"What are you doing here?!" Apollo demanded.
Bowser Jr. glared at them all, before taking out something from behind him and tossing it into Apollo's arms. Apollo fumbled with it for a second, before he was able to hold it properly. It appeared to be part of the eye of a mask of some sort. The only thing that they could tell was that the mask was pink.
Mask Piece added to the Court Record
"What's this for?" Apollo asked dubiously.
"When I got attacked by that guy, well, I attacked him back. This is all I managed to get off him though," Bowser Jr. explained, before heading for the door.
HOLD IT!
"Why are you even helping us?" Phoenix wondered. Bowser Jr. paused for a second, then turned around.
"Because the ones who are going to defeat Mario are me and Papa, not some coward who attacks people from behind!" he spat, before making his leave.
"Well, that was unexpected," Peach blinked.
"For sure. All right, come on, Apollo. We've only got a few hours to investigate. One thing I want to check is the Shine Gate. Is it really not lit up after Mario rescued that Shine Sprite? We need to see that for ourselves," Phoenix stated.
(We've got to find the real culprit! I know Mario will be fine even if he does gets sentenced Guilty, but that's not what happened! And it's our duty as defense attorneys to seek out the truth and defend our clients to the bitter end. And that's what we're going to do!)
To be continued…
[Jingle ~ That's All For Today]
* Let it be reminded that Miles Edgeworth once cowed his own reflection into submission.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it so far! This is only the first day's Trial. Look forward to some Investigation and the Day 2 Trial!