Earthcub12 Presents
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney ~ Courtroom Champions
-September 4, 9:30 AM-
-District Court-
-Defendant Lobby No. 4-
It was a new day. Phoenix Wright sat patiently in the lobby - trying not to fall asleep - until a cheerful Apollo approached him. "Good morning, chief!" Apollo greeted. "You all set for today? We got a big day ahead of us."
"I'm a bit eager today." Admitted Phoenix. "After all, if David finds out that I tricked him… I don't think he'd ever forgive me. Plus, I'm a bit anxious about the prosecutor today."
(Hera Novak, huh? That name alone is enough to bring a tingle down my spine. Raya told us not to ask about her arm… what was with that, I wonder?)
Apollo clenched his fest and smiled. "We'll be fine, boss! It's just the pre-trial jitters! At times like these, a healthy vocal exercise is in order! I'm Apollo Justice… AND I'M FINE!"
Phoenix coughed. "I'm Phoenix Wright… and… I AM FINE!"
Apollo grinned. "That's the spirit, boss!"
"Apollo. Phoenix. Please tone down the volume. You are in a professional court of law." A voice interrupted. Phoenix and Apollo turned to face David facing them, Athena at his side. "I'm just getting a little nervous. This is my first time in a court."
"Sorry, Mr. Vaughan." Phoenix told him. "We're just doing a little bit of vocal exercises. You know how it works."
"Exercises?" David asked, a bit confused.
"Yeah, David! You know, like this." Athena told him. She clenched her fists and screamed, "I AM ATHENA CYKES, AND I AM A-OKAY!" Athena relaxed herself, sighed, and said, "Okay, David. Your turn."
David nodded. "I, uh, just say anything? Okay... um... BLESS THIS LIVELIHOOD! BLESS EVERYONE!"
"Hey!" A bailiff shouted towards them. "Quiet over there, or you will all be dismissed!"
Phoenix turned to David. "You feel better."
David smiled. "I... I feel great! Suddenly... I am charged! Almost as if I know for certain we'll win this!"
Athena put her hands to her hips and gave a wide grin. "I think this practice of our articulation and pronunciation is really helping us out! Let's do it every day!"
"Sorry, Athena," Phoenix told her, "but if I had to scream like that every day, I think I'd lose my voice." Phoenix shook his head and turned to David again. "Sorry, Mr. Vaughan. We're completely off-track here. How are you feeling today?"
David smiled and cupped his hands together. "One word, Mr. Wright: bliss! Don't worry, my Blue Apostle. I have faith that you will come through in the end."
"You just sit back and leave everything to us!" Apollo told the priest. "Don't you worry, David! We'll get you out of here and catch the man responsible!"
"I trust you, Apollo." Said David, smiling. "You and the Blue Apostle are in my deepest prayers."
The bailiff's voice interrupted the conversation. "Court will commence shortly! The defendant and his attorney must now enter the courtroom!"
Athena clapped her hands together. "Well, boys, I'll be rooting for you from the gallery! Take care of Mr. Wright! Okay, Apollo?"
(Hey! Why do I need to be taken care of!?)
"Thanks, Athena!" Apollo replied as he clenched his fists. "Let's go, Mr. Apostle! David needs us!"
(This is it! No time to be weak! Beyond those doors, one of my greatest challenges awaits me! Time to show this prosecutor my mettle!)
-September 4, 10:00 AM-
-District Court-
-Courtroom No. 4-
Court is Now in Session.
All Rise.
The gallery was a busy, loud gathering up until His Honor slammed down his powerful gavel and exclaimed, "Court is now in session for the trial of David Vaughan. Is the defense ready?"
Phoenix and Apollo stood confidently on their side of the courtroom. Phoenix answered, "Yes, Your Honor. The defense is ready."
The Judge nodded. "Very good to hear that, Mr. Wright. However, we do have a complication…"
"Huh?" Phoenix said, stroking his chin. "What 'complication'?"
"Hey, uh, boss?" Apollo told him. "You notice anything about the prosecutor?"
Phoenix looked forward and saw no prosecutor on the opposite side of the court.
(Oh! The prosecutor isn't here! That's strange…)
The Judge shook his head. "I'm afraid we cannot have a proper, fair trial until the prosecutor is present. Due to this unexpected absence, I will have no choice but to postpone the trial until tomorrow morning. If no prosecutor is here by then, I will have no choice but to declare my verdict. I trust the defense will use this granted time to obtain further evidence if needed."
Apollo smiled and glared at Mr. Wright. "You hear that, boss!? We get another day to investigate! What luck, right?"
(Hmm… something seems… off.)
"Now then," the Judge announced, "this ends today's premature trial. Court is now-."
"Objection!"
"…..Sorry, Your Honor." A woman's voice announced. "The traffic in this town is intoxicating."
Phoenix and Apollo swiftly turned their heads to the top of the stairs. Tall and strong, a young woman stood. Her shiny, brown hair was neatly tied into a spikey bun. She wore a black coat and a red, leather belt keeping her black pants up. Black, leather heels kept her balance up and black leather gloves covered her left hand. But most notable in her attire, a long, green cloak completely shrouded her right arm and shoulder. She also wore a long, red satchel around her shoulder. Her soft, white skin mesmerized the gallery as she stepped down the stairs and took her place behind the prosecutor's desk.
The Judge was speechless until he coughed and cleared his throat. "W-well, madam… I'm afraid I cannot accept your tardiness. Let this be warned."
The prosecutor held up her left hand and waved her hair out of her face and glanced back over at His Honor. "Your Honor… I doubt my tardiness is the issue amongst us this morning. Must I remind you that we have a murder trial to take care of?"
The Judge went pale. "Oh, well, I suppose so, but-."
The woman went on, "Then there is no issue, is there? I am not the one on trial here. In fact, the prosecution does not have to be here at all. What matters… is if the defense can bring a strong performance. If they can't support a decent argument… then, hell, the accused has no chance."
Phoenix started to sweat. (She's… she's just rambling! No way His Honor will-!)
The Judge stayed silent until he coughed again. "You… you make a good point… Miss…?"
"Novak." The prosecutor stated, smiling. "Hera Novak, Your Honor. Hopefully the defense will latch onto this as well."
(Gah!)
Novak nodded. "So… this must be the oh-so famous Mr. Phoenix Wright. Is that correct?"
Phoenix stared at Novak for a short moment, then nodded his head. "That is correct, Prosecutor Novak. I wish you the best of luck."
Novak chuckled. "Before we begin, Your Honor, I'd like to thank the defense."
"Huh?" Whispered Wright, rubbing his chin pensively.
"I'd like to thank him," continued Miss Novak, "for adding the very first win record in my prosecuting career. It will be a good show."
Phoenix angrily glared at Prosecutor Novak. (Well, somebody sure is cocky… wait until I wipe that smirk off your face…)
The Judge suddenly slammed his gavel. "That will be quite enough, I'm afraid. Prosecutor Novak, will you give the opening statement, please?"
Novak paused. She closed her eyes and bluntly said, "I will not, Your Honor."
"Wh-what!?" The Judge said, shocked at her remarks. "I-I'm afraid I wasn't asking, Miss Novak! Opening statement! Now, if you please!"
Hera paused again. "I won't say the opening statement… because I'd like to see the defense give the opening statement."
Phoenix jumped. "WHAT!?"
"Th-that is highly unconventional!" The Judge exclaimed.
"I'd like to see just how much faith the defense really does have in their client. Because of this, I wish to see Mr. Wright give the opening statement. Just this once."
(I-I can't believe this! Trying to put me on the spot? Trying to catch me slip up? What is she trying to do…?)
The Judge sat in deep, concentrated thought. "Well, Prosecutor Novak… I will say this is a very strange, unethical request. But I will allow it."
Phoenix jumped again. (NO WAY!)
Hera nodded and rested her left hand on her desk. "Thank you, Your Honor! Now then, Mr. Wright. Proceed with your opening statement! Don't mess up, now. Your client is counting on you!"
Phoenix turned to Apollo Justice, who was surveying the courtroom. "Th-this is insane! She's playing everybody like a flute, and they're all falling for it!"
"Well, boss," Apollo said, turning to him, "I think the best thing to do is just play along. She's planning something. So I say, for now, we just cooperate with her."
"I… I guess it'll work. Not like I have many options here." Phoenix commented. The lawyer turned to Hera and nodded. "Very well, Prosecutor Novak. I will give the court the opening statement."
Hera smiled, again brushing hair out of her face. "Let's hear it, Wright. We're waiting."
The Judge slammed his gavel. "Go ahead, Mr. Wright. Your opening statement, please."
Phoenix pulled out a piece of paper and began reading off it. "On late of September 2, between the times of 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM, a priest by the name of Owen Miles was murdered inside his own office. The murder weapon was a large statue that hit the victim's head, causing blunt force trauma and bleeding. The defendant, David Vaughan, was arrested for the crime that same night. There are apparently at least two witnesses that can attest to this fact. It is the defense's objective to disprove these claims and give out client a swift, fair acquittal."
Hera gave a sinister grin at the attorney. "Well done, Mr. Wright. I couldn't have done better myself. Now then, now that that's taken care of, let us proceed to our first witness. The detective at the precinct in charge of the investigation. Detective! Proceed to the stand!"
Within a few moments, Raya Novak approached the witness stand, standing idly. Awkward silence between her and the prosecutor added tension to the courtroom. Finally, the Judge said, "Your name and occupation, please."
"My name is Raya Novak." The detective told him. "I am a homicide detective at the local precinct in charge of the initial investigation."
The Judge nodded. "Very good."
The silence rose again as Raya and Hera stared at each other. At long last, Raya broke the silence by saying, "Hello, sister. It's been a long time. You are looking… quite fine."
Hera stared back and said, "Hmph. I wish I could say the same about you… sister." Raya stared back, hostility in her face.
Phoenix began to sweat. (YEESH… talk about sibling rivalry. You could cut this tension with a knife!)
"I… I just want to say good luck, Hera." Raya told her. "May the odds be in your favor."
Hera shook her head. "Trust me, sister. I don't need luck, or odds. I just need a good testimony out of you. That is all I'll need; nothing less. So make it good."
Raya quietly growled. The Judge slammed his gavel again and said, "Detective, please begin your testimony. What did the investigators find at the crime scene, and why would you arrest David Vaughan? This is very important. Be as detailed as you can."
"Of course, Your Honor." Raya told him.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
"FIRST OF ALL, BLOOD WAS FOUND ALL OVER THE CRIME SCENE."
"WE ANALYZED THE BLOOD ITSELF. IT IS DEFINITELY DAVID VAUGHAN'S DNA."
"ALSO, DAVID'S FINGERPRINTS WERE FOUND ALL OVER THE DAVID STATUE…"
"…OR IN THIS CASE, THE MURDER WEAPON."
"WE QUESTIONED ANOTHER WITNESS THAT CONFIRMED DAVID WAS ALONE IN THE CRIME SCENE WHEN THEY WALKED IN."
"WE ALSO FOUND A BROKEN WINDOW THAT LED OUTDOORS, SO DAVID MUST HAVE BROKEN IT SOMETIME AFTER THE MURDER."
"WITH ALL THIS OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE AT-HAND, WE CAREFULLY DECIDED DAVID WAS THE ONLY PRIME SUSPECT."
The Judge remained silent, taking all this info in. "So," the Judge said, "David's blood was found inside the crime scene? Can you elaborate on that?"
"Yes, and I'm not just talking about a puddle, Your Honor." Raya explained. "David's blood was everywhere. Blood drops were found from the desk to the window. Take a look for yourself."
Raya presented a photo to the court. The photo detailed the small bloody drops that made a trail from Owen's desk to the shattered window. "As you can see, the murderer, or David Vaughan in this case, must have grabbed something from the desk and rushed to the window, smashed it, and escaped."
(Hmm… that seems like a solid observation. But there's something fishy about this testimony. I just can't place my finger on it…)
"Good work, detective." The Judge complimented. "The court submits this as evidence."
'CRIME SCENE PHOTO' ADDED TO COURT RECORD
ITEM DESCRIPTION: A photo taken of the crime scene. Drops of David's blood left a trail between Owen's desk in the background to the shattered window.
"One more thing," Raya announced, "I'd like to submit a diagram of the church. You can see it for yourself, Your Honor."
Raya presented an envelope to the Judge. Inside the envelope consisted of finely-detailed and constructed diagram of St. Owen's Church. The Judge nodded and said, "The court accepts this evidence as well."
'CHURCH DIAGRAM' ADDED TO COURT RECORD
ITEM DESCRIPTION: A detailed diagram of St. Owen's Baptist Church. The crime scene on the left side is highlighted.
Raya smiled and adjusted her glasses. "Sorry, Mr. Wright, but it looks like your client is as good as gone. The evidence supports that fact. I have never made a mistake in my career. This time isn't any different."
Phoenix growled. (That's what you think, detective! So if David's DNA, or blood really, was all over the crime scene, then surely there's a reason for it. This will be tough to crack.)
Hera just shook her head and grinned. "Well… Wright? Ready to throw in the towel? It's okay. We wouldn't put it against you. I wouldn't want to be caught dead in the position you're in."
Phoenix just confidently stood up and smiled. "Nice try, Prosecutor Novak. It'll take a lot more than that to break me. Just watch and learn!"
Hera smiled, resting her left hand on the desk. "Such boldness. Now. Let's see what you're made of, Wright! Time to see if you are what they say."
"Mr. Wright," the Judge called, "you may now cross-examine the witness."
(Here we go, Phoenix. The first cross-examination of the day! Hopefully I'll hear something good.)
Phoenix then prepared himself for the cross-examination; anything can happen up to this point.
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.
-Body Outline: The aftermath of the crime. Blood is splattered around the head and facial area. The statue sits to its left.
-David Statue: Depiction of Michelangelo's David statue. The murder weapon.
-Shattered Coffee Mug: A cup that was likely to have been shattered during the fight between Owen and the killer. Owen probably used this cup against said killer in defense. Was made by Maria Cupp for an ill Owen.
-Jar of Blood: A jar of blood found in Owen's office. Why he would have a jar of blood is the question.
-Child's Drawing: A drawing showing Owen, David, and an unknown woman. A bloody smear is on the side because of me.
-Bloody Print: Some kind of bloody print from a shoe on top of the dumpster. Could it be involved with the murder?
-Glass: Shards of glass littering the floor. Must have come from the broken window next to it. A shard has blood on it.
-Black Cloth: A black strip of cloth. Origin unknown.
-Crime Scene Photo: A photo taken of the crime scene. Drops of David's blood left a trail between Owen's desk in the background to the shattered window.
Church Diagram: A detailed diagram of St. Owen's Baptist Church. The crime scene on the left side is highlighted.
PROFILES
-Apollo Justice: A strong, but loud and persistent, attorney who works with me at the agency. Is friends with the defendant.
-Athena Cykes: A gifted attorney that can read people's emotions though their hearts.
-David Vaughan: The suspect of the crime. 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.
-Phineas Filch: A tricky thief that was a witness to a crime a long time ago and is now a janitor at the church.
-Damien Hope: A happy-go-lucky priest that was Owen's apprentice. An overall loving, trusting guy.
-Maria Cupp: The kind, eccentric coffee-lady that works at the church. Called the police.
-Hera Novak: The prosecutor of the case and sister to the detective. This is her very first trial, but showcases great skill.