Earthcub12 Presents

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney ~ Courtroom Champions

-TURNABOUT FOR A PRAYER-

-September 3, 8:00 AM-
-Wright Anything Agency-

Phoenix Wright awoke with a start and walked into his office, dressed in his blue attire, his hair slicked back as per usual. He walked in and already found Apollo and Athena ready to go.

"Good morning, everyone." Phoenix greeted, yawning.

"Morning, boss!" Athena told her boss. "Ready to go?"

"Huh? For what?" Phoenix asked.

"For Trucy's magic act!" Athena said. "You've been talking about it for months now!"

"Athena, the performance isn't until next month."

"Yeah, well, we could get a sneak peek of their practice! What do ya say?"

"Maybe later, Athena. For now, I just want to watch some TV and clean the house up a bit, alright?"

Athena sighed, clearly disappointed. "Whatever you say, boss."

Phoenix sat down on his couch and flipped the TV on with his remote control and instantly turned the channel to the morning news. A newscaster was visible on the screen.

"The whole town is getting together and hoping that the puppy will one day return home. In other news, there has been a murder at St. Owen's Baptist Church."

(A murder… in the church!?)

"Wait…" Apollo said, turning to the TV. "Where…?"

"The victim, a one Owen Miles, the head priest of the church, was found dead in his office last night, officials say. Fortunately, the police have identified the culprit as a one David Vaughan, a priest at the very church."

"Wait… David!?" Apollo shouted, shocked at the news.

The TV showed footage of a young priest being escorted out of the church in handcuffs by the police. "The press, passersby, and regular church-goers were shocked by the crime, calling it 'a tragedy'." The reporter continued. "Now, we have a news anchor who went to the church that very night. A news anchor that has already won prestigious awards for his fantastic news coverages and interviews, who is currently working on an auto-biography known as 'What It's Like to be an Average Jack'.I'm taking about the one-and-only Jack Anchor! How about it, Jack Anchor?"

The camera cut to a rather young, handsome man, at least in his mid-thirties. He had clean, black hair and was chewing gum on live television. The man smiled as he began to say, "Hey Georgie. Yeah, it was quite awful, needless to say. I saw it with my own eyes. That priest covered in blood… it was something I will never forget."

"It must have been hard." Said the other news anchor.

"Oh, certainly, Georgie." Jack told him. "I'll be stopping by the church later on today to get some scoop of the horrible tragedy. I mean, what'll happen next! We can't even go to church without some sociopath going around and killing someone!" Jack turned to the camera. "Don't worry, everyone. David will get what's coming to him, don't you worry. Our hearts go out to Owen and his family." Jack began to tear up, still chewing his gum.

Apollo growled. "Ugh, he's pulling this act again. I can't stand that guy!"

"Thank you, Jack. You are a brave, brave man. I hope the best for you. Jack Anchor, everyone!" The camera cut back to the other news anchor. "David Vaughan will have his trial first thing tomorrow morning. Until then, nobody is allowed inside the church until all charges have been cleared. We will report more once we get new updates. Now, this just in! Edible laundry detergent!? We'll report more on this breakthrough after these commercials."

"David… VAUGHAN?" Phoenix said. (Where have I heard that name before…?)

"Mr. Wright, we gotta get him out!" Apollo pressed. "I knew David since grade school! He's not the kind of guy that would kill someone like that!"

"Okay, fine." Phoenix submitted. "We'll go." (I hate to leave the place as the pig sty it is, though…)

"Don't worry, boss!" Athena cheered. "You and Apollo go do your thing! I'll hang back here and give this place a little spring cleaning!"

"Athena, first of all, it's early September." Phoenix said. "Secondly, are you sure?"

"Go ahead! I'll just hang back here. I'll be okay."

Apollo turned to Wright. "Okay, boss, you ready to go?"

Phoenix nodded. "Let's go."

-Detention Center—

Phoenix and Apollo entered the Detention Center, waiting for David. Eventually, David was escorted in the room and sat down in front of the two lawyers. "Do my eyes deceive me?" David said. "Is that you, Apollo?"

Apollo smiled. "Yeah, David. It's me!"

"Praise be!" David yelled with glee. "It's been far too long, Apollo. It's great to see you again. Who is your friend?"

"Oh! Sorry!" Apollo said, as he gestured to Phoenix. "This is Phoenix Wright, an attorney and my boss."

"Phoenix Wright?" David repeated. "THE Phoenix Wright? The ATTORNEY?"

Phoenix nodded. "How do you do, Mr. Vaughan?"

"We have a name for you back at my church." David told Phoenix.

"Huh? Y-you do?"

"Yes. My brothers and sisters and I have called you the Blue Apostle. So many souls saved because of you and your gift! I thank you."

(The Blue Apostle… I like the ring to that) Phoenix thought, considering his new professional name.

"Now, what are you two doing down here?" David asked.

"Why else?" Apollo asked. "We're here to clear your name, what else?"

David went silent. His smile turned into a serious frown.

"Huh?" Apollo said. "What's wrong, David?"

"I… I thank you for your generosity." David explained. "Really, I do. But I don't need help."

"What!?" Phoenix and Apollo yelled.

"I know you two care about me, and I am thankful for that. But my Father in the clouds will save me. I don't need rescuing from the outside world. I know He is watching over me."

(You can't be serious! He won't let me defend him?)

"However, it can be quite lonesome here. Why don't you both stay here so we can commute?"

THE CRIME

"So what can you tell us about the crime?" Phoenix asked David. "What do you remember?"

"I remember how utterly terrified I was." David answered coldly. "That night, we were having our evening service. One of my brothers was preaching, and that is when I heard I noise inside Father Owen's study room. I was worried. I walked inside and… found his bloody body lying on the wall."

"So what did you do then?" Apollo asked.

"I ran beside him to check up on him. He was cold. That is when our coffee lady walked inside. I told her to get help. She called the police and I left the room to inform my brothers and sisters of the death, trying not to cause a panic to the churchgoers."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Phoenix said to him, "but about what time was this?"

David turned pale. "I found him at about 8:00 that night. The police arrived soon after. Needless to say, that caused quite a bit of stir for everyone attending church."

WHY ARREST YOU?

"Why would the police arrest you?" Phoenix asked. "What dirt do they have to pin you as the criminal?"

"You know… they never told me." David admitted. "They just ask me, 'Did you kill Owen Miles?' and I would just say. They ask me again. Again I said no. This continued until you two got here."

"So you really have no idea whatsoever?" Phoenix questioned.

"Yes." David answered, nodding. "If I knew anything, I'd tell you, really. But alas, everything is a mystery to me."

'BLUE APOSTLE'

"'Blue Apostle', huh?" Phoenix asked.

"Yes." David said, smiling. "Do you like it?"

"I like it, I just want to know why you all have that name for me." Phoenix told him.

David looked to his side. "There are words going around. That one day, a great priest will be in mortal danger. When all hope seemed to be lost, a Blue Apostle will arrive with great powers and save the great priest. The Blue Apostle is quite a legend at the church."

(I'll say! A fable all about me! Maybe I can use this to my advantage…)

"Um, David!" Phoenix exclaimed. "As I am the Blue Apostle, I am here to save you."

"What?" Said David.

"You heard me. I am the Blue Apostle, and I am here to save you from man's evil ways. Do not worry, I will rescue you!"

David paused, then smiled. "Sorry, Mr. Wright."

"Huh? For what?"

"Not just anyone can be defended by the Blue Apostle. If you could prove that we are destined to work together, I request proof."

(Well, this is one hard-headed priest if I've ever seen one!)

"No offense, Wright, nor to you, Mr. Justice." David explained. "I just need some form of documented proof that you and I are destined to be together."

(Ugh… this guy won't let up until I show him that I am this 'Blue Apostle' destined to defend him.)

"Might I request the church?" David insisted. "I'm sure they may have some proof."

VAUGHAN

"By the way, Mr. Wright," David said, "I never thanked you in full."

"Huh?" Phoenix replied. "For what?"

"For defending my younger brother, Steven." David answered. "Not many would have defended him like you did."

"Oh! Uh, you're welcome!" Phoenix said. "It's what I do!"

"Yes, he told me all about it. Apparently the Blue Apostle and a golden angel saved him. For that, I thank you."

(Man, I sure am glad Steven see us that way. Or if that's in David's own words… I vote for the latter.)

All of a sudden, a police officer entered the room. "Visiting time is up! The suspect will now return to his cell for further questioning!"

"Well, this is it, Mr. Wright and Mr. Justice." David told them. "I wish you both good luck."

"No! Please, David!" Begged Apollo. "Please let us defend you!"

"I'm sorry Apollo," David told him, "but I cannot in good conscience allow the Apostle to defend me without certain proof that I am, indeed, this 'great priest'. Perhaps there is another priest that is worth your time. Have you checked that one church in Kansas? They could use some help."

David stood up. "Thank you, everyone. I hope to see you again." He nodded, then left.

"Is he serious?" Phoenix asked. "Will he really not let us defend him?"

"David is a great guy, but…" Apollo explained. "He can be a bit hard-headed. We need to prove to him that we're meant to defend him! Our best bet at doing that is to check out the church itself."

Phoenix nodded. "Alright, let's go!"

"After you, 'Blue Apostle'!" Apollo chuckled.

(I don't think I'll never get used to that. Phoenix Wright: Blue Apostle… I'll figure it out.)

-St. Owen's Baptist Church (Outside)-

Phoenix and Apollo eventually reached the church. The place was swarmed by police and paparazzi. Phoenix and Apollo approached the crowd.

"This place is swarming." Apollo commented.

"Well, a priest was murdered, after all." Phoenix added.

"What kind of a sicko would kill an innocent priest? He wasn't hurting anyone!"

"We'll figure it out. Come on, Apollo. Let's check the place out."

Apollo squinted his eyes. "Ugh… it's that guy!"

Phoenix looked in Apollo's direction and saw Jack Anchor standing about with his crew, drinking a cup of coffee.

"I really don't feel like talking to this guy."

"Maybe if we move fast he won't see us." Phoenix told Apollo, only to see Jack Anchor walking over to them.

"You two!" Jack said, with a smile on his face. He continued to chew him gum. "You here for an interview? Or how about an autographed excerpt from my book coming out next month?"

"Um… no, thank you, sir." Phoenix told him.

Jack's smile turned into an annoyed, cynical frown. "Oh. I see. Care to not marvel at my brilliance, I see. You're just like all the other freaks from this church here."

"Huh?" Apollo asked, bewildered. "Freaks? Were you not at this church here just last night?"

"Kid, please." Jack said in a stern tone. "The only reason I was there was to expose that church for what it is."

"Huh?" Phoenix said.

"...Doesn't matter. Who are you guys, anyway?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, I'm Phoenix Wright. And that's Ap-."

"Wait! Phoenix Wright!?" Jack said, jumping back. "THE Phoenix Wright!? Well… it's about time."

"…I'm sorry?"

Jack blew a bubble. "Don't act stupid. I know who you are. That lawyer dude, right? I've always wanted a killer interview. You have a minute?"

"Uh, no. Not now, if that's okay. I'm just here to help David out. You know a way in?"

Jack blew a bubble again. "David? That priest guy?" Jack began to laugh. "Yeah, sorry, bud. You might wanna call it quits right about now."

"What do you mean? You're telling me to not defend David? Why not?"

"Do you realize what this is, buddy? A jackpot. A chance to push my career to the next level. Once I expose this murderer for who he is, I'm gonna be BIG! And you will NOT take this opportunity away from me!"

"…Well, I'm afraid that's not up to you, Mr. Anchor."

Jack chuckled. "Please. You don't scare me. You realize who I am? I am a damn role model, gramps! Who the hell wants be a lawyer, anyway? I'm a social media-phenomenon!"

Jack pulled out his cell phone. "Check out these posts! 'I'm sorry to hear about that priest! Thank you, Jack! My uncle goes to that church, sad to know it's not as safe as I thought. Thanks for the coverage!' Oh, and this: 'Great coverage out there, Jack Anchor! Keep up the good work! #Jacksthebest!'. You hear all this, Wright? The kids love me. That freak from the church is going to get what's his, I'll make sure of that!"

"Wait…" Apollo said. "I saw you on the TV this morning! I heard what you said! You don't care about anyone! I knew you're just a good actor!"

Jack smiled again. "Look here, kiddo. In the world of professional journalism, it's dog-eat-dog. What I did this morning? Oh, that was gold. Mothers, teachers, these idiots at the church? They eat that crap up. It all brings about the ratings, the cash. I'm sure you understand."

"You're a joke." Phoenix told him.

"No, I'm a news anchor." Jack told him. "So, if you're not here for an interview, I'll see you in court tomorrow. Capishe?

(I guess I will. Somebody needs to put this jerk in his place.)

"By the way, if you're planning on going in that church, don't bother. They even won't let ME in."

"We'll figure a way out." Apollo snapped. "Thanks for the advice."

Jack chuckled. "Good. Now excuse me, I have a murder to cover. Come see me if you need anything. If I'm not busy, that is."

Phoenix and Apollo proceeded to enter the church, only for a police officer to stop them on their tracks. "Sorry, guys. Nobody but police and law personnel are allowed inside this building."

"Good morning, sir." Phoenix charmed. "I'm Phoenix Wright. I'm an attorney. We're friends with the suspect. We're here to check this place out."

"I don't care if you're the Pope." The officer snapped back. "No one is allowed in here. If you have any concerns, we'll give out updates as soon as we find any."

"Sir." Apollo confronted. "Please. It's urgent. We beg that we be allowed inside."

There was a bit of silence before the officer sighed. "Very well." He caved. "I request you speak to the detective. Maybe if they're in a good mood, they'll let you check the place out."

"Thank you very much, sir!" Phoenix told him as the officer gestured them inside.

-St. Owen's Baptist Church (Hall)-

Phoenix and Apollo approached the main hall in the church. Lanes of booths faced the back side. A podium, large projector, and a large cross decorated the stage.

(Never has a church been so… somber.)

"This place would have great ambience if there wasn't a crime scene nearby." Apollo commented. "You want to head on over?"

"Yeah, let's go."

On their way to the back side, Phoenix inspected the giant cross.

(I haven't been to a regular church in… well, ever. The closest churches I've been to were the Kurain temples. Good times… I wonder how Maya and Pearls are doing?)

-Father Owen's s Study Chamber—

The two attorneys walked inside the crime scene. The place was a mess, almost as if a quarrel happened. Papers and books littered the floor. A shattered mug lied on the ground. To their left, a body outline, with blood splattered on the wall.

(Man, oh, man. Another murder in somebody's office. For all I know, I could be next.)

"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?"

A young woman confronted them. The woman wore a brown trench coat, a long, red scarf that went down to her knees, a red and white sweater, and brown khaki pants. Her brown hair drooped to her shoulders and her black glasses reflected off the light in the room. "What are you doing here!? This is official police business! No journalists allowed!"

"W-we're sorry, ma'am!" Phoenix exclaimed. "But we're not journalists."

"Right." The woman said, flicking her hair back. "Said the other five journalists that wanted to make the headlines. State your business and leave."

(This must be the detective the officer outside was talking about.) "My name is Phoenix Wright." Phoenix told her. "And this is my cohort, Apollo Justice."

"Hmph." The woman snapped. "Never heard of either of you."

"We're both lawyers. We're defending the suspect, David Vaughan. Please let us investigate."

"Lawyer, huh? Well, I'm not letting you in without proper authorization, you understand? Prove your profession to me and I'll consider letting you look around."

Phoenix presented his Attorney Badge to the woman. She inspected it and gave it back to him. "Fine. You both are free to roam about. But don't. Touch. Anything. If the crime analysts catch your fingerprints on anything, I can't help you. You understand?"

"Yes, ma'am." Phoenix said, nodding his head. "Do you mind if we ask you a few questions beforehand?"

"Fine. Just be quick. I haven't got all day."

WHO ARE YOU?

"May I ask who you are?" Phoenix asked her.

"My name is Raya Novak." The woman told him. "I am a detective at the precinct assigned to investigate this case."

"How long have you been working as a detective, if you don't mine me asking." Phoenix questioned.

"I do mind." Raya said. "But I was working as a detective for just a couple months. Looks like this is the first time we'll do business together. Just stay out of my hair and we'll get along just fine."

"Looking forward to it."

"So who's your friend?" Raya asked, looking at Apollo. "He your kid or something?"

"WHAT!?" Apollo yelled, jumping back. "NO! WE DON'T EVEN LOOK ALIKE!"

Raya chuckled. "Easy, kid. I was just teasing. I think I caught your name is Apollo Justice?"

"Oh, uh…" Apollo said, regaining himself. "Yes, ma'am. That's right."

"Apollo Justice, attorney. Hmph. That's an ironic name. I kinda like it. Nice ring to it."

(I like how Apollo's defense to being my kid is that we don't look alike.)

THE CRIME

"Anything you can tell us about the crime?" Phoenix asked Raya.

"Mr. Wright, I am a detective." She told him. "I am not allowed to share anything with anyone, especially lawyers."

"Please? Anything at all would help a lot!" Apollo begged.

After a moment of silence, Raya said, "Fine. I'll tell you this one for free: the victim is Owen Miles, the head priest at this church. Cause of death was that statue over there." Raya looked behind and gestured to a bronze statue of Michelangelo's David. Blood was splattered on the bottom.

"The culprit must have lifted up that statue and dropped it right on top of Owen Mile's head." Raya told them. "As you can see, Owen and the culprit wrestled around for a bit before the latter managed to finish Owen off. The room is quite a mess, wouldn't you say?"

"Yeah, I noticed." Commented Phoenix.

"As soon as the statue hit him, it was light's out for the sad sod. Here's an autopsy report going through the details." Raya told them, handing them an envelope.

"Thanks, Detective Novak." Said Phoenix.

'OWEN'S AUTOPSY REPORT' ADDED TO COURT RECORD

ITEM DESCRIPTION: Cause of death was an instant kill by a David statue to the victim's head. Time of Death: About 8:00-8:30 PM. Victim is covered in bruises.

WHY ARREST DAVID?

"Hey, so, why would you guys arrest David?" Apollo asked. "I mean, what dirt do you guys have on him?"

"Well, for starters, the crime scene literally has his name written all over it." Raya answered.

"Huh?" Phoenix asked.

"You see all the blood on the floor, Sherlock and Watson?" Raya asked, nodding to the floor. Blood splatters littered areas of the floor.

"Wait… they're not… are they?" Apollo asked, quivering.

Raya nodded. "That's right. That blood is David's. Don't ask me how it got there. That's what the DNA analysts say."

Phoenix asked, "So what else is there?"

"The David statue contains David's fingerprints on it." Raya commented. "Must have been the point where he used it to kill Owen."

(This is not looking good. Everything is pointing towards David. We need to figure everything out.)

"Hey, guys?" Raya said. "Nothing personal, but how 'bout you two pass this one?"

"What!?" Apollo yelled. "You mean – abandon David?"

"That's what I would do." Raya answered. "I mean, look around you. Everything is pointing at David Vaughan as the killer. I'm sorry, but that's the way it is."

"Is there anyone that, you know… witnessed the crime or anything?" Phoenix asked. "Please, we can't give up now."

"Well… you could talk to the coffee lady. She is the one that was told by Steven to call the cops." Raya added. "But other than that, that's it. I can't help you out more than that. So just think about what I said. I'm just looking out for you guys. Anyway, with that said, I'm on my lunch break."

(Lunch break? It's barely 10:00!)

"Thank you, Detective Novak." Phoenix told her.

"Don't mention it." Novak replied. "Really. Don't. I don't need a cut on my salary because I let a lawyer and his sidekick check the place out. Speaking of cut salaries, I need to talk to the guy who let you both in." Novak turned to leave the room. "Feel free to look around. But I mean it! Don't touch anything! I'll speak to you two soon." With that, Detective Raya Novak left, shutting the door behind her.

COURT RECORD

-Attorney Badge: My personal badge proving my profession. I never leave home without it.

-Owen's Autopsy Report: Cause of death was an instant kill by a David statue to the victim's head. Time of Death: About 8:00-8:30 PM. Victim is covered in bruises.

PROFILES

-Apollo Justice: A strong, but loud and persistent, attorney who works with me at the agency. Is friends with the suspect.

-Athena Cykes: A gifted attorney that can read people's emotions though their hearts.

-David Vaughan: The suspect of the crime. Is a priest at the church where the murder took place.

-Jack Anchor: A prestigious news anchor who prides himself a bit too much. Witnessed the murderer.

-Raya Novak: A no-nonsense detective in charge of the investigation. Only been working for a few short months.