Earthcub12 Presents

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney ~ Courtroom Champions

"Mr. Wright," the Judge called, "you may now cross-examine the witness."

CROSS-EXAMINATION

"FIRST OF ALL, BLOOD WAS FOUND ALL OVER THE CRIME SCENE."

"Hold it!" Phoenix exclaimed. "Why do you think his blood would be all over the place?"

"The police and I are still trying to figure that out," Raya replied, "but our theory is that when the defendant attacked him, Owen most likely defended himself from David, causing external bleeding from Mr. Vaughan himself."

"We also have a witness that can attest to this theory," Hera continued, "but I think we can discuss that later."

"Anywho," Raya said, "the fact is…"

"WE ANALYZED THE BLOOD ITSELF. IT IS DEFINITELY DAVID VAUGHAN'S DNA."

"Hold it!" Phoenix shouted. "And you are absolutely sure it is David's?"

Raya nodded. "Yes, Mr. Wright. Analysts can come in and confirm that for you if you wish."

Phoenix shook his head. "No need, detective. But don't you think it's possible that David could have cut his hands in another way?"

Raya glared at the lawyer. "Oh? Care to elaborate?"

Phoenix thought about this, and said, "Well, take a look at this shattered window." Phoenix presented Raya's crime photo to her. Phoenix pointed out the sharp, jagged glass still around the sides of the window. "It's possible that David could have come in later to investigate the commotion, accidentally cut himself with the glass, and then caused his blood to drop everywhere."

Raya examined the photograph. "Hmm… well, I suppose that-."

"Objection!" Hera announced, her left hand smacked on her desk. "If that's the case, Mr. Wright, then I doubt you have no trouble proving that. So how about it? Any evidence you can come up with?"

"Well… no, but-." Admitted Phoenix, his hands on his desk.

Hera just shook her head. "As I thought. You're just full of it. What next, sister?"

Phoenix drooped down and began to sweat. (Pardon me, Your Highness!)

"ALSO, DAVID'S FINGERPRINTS WERE FOUND ALL OVER THE DAVID STATUE…"

"Hold it!" Phoenix slammed his hands on his desk and opened his mouth.

"Before you ask," Raya interrupted, "we are one hundred-percent sure it is David's prints on the statue. Also, we carefully examined the location and position of the fingerprints. It was definitely in such a position that allowed David to lift the statue in order to land the killing blow. Did that answer your question?"

Phoenix was speechless. "Oh… um… y-yes, actually. Thank you, d-detective. Continue."

"Man," Apollo said to Phoenix, trying not to laugh, "I've never seen anybody shut you down so fast!"

"Hey, she's sharp." Phoenix admitted. "I'll give her that."

"So, yeah," Raya went on, "David Vaughan grabbed the David statue…"

"…OR IN THIS CASE, THE MURDER WEAPON."

"Hold it! What signs proved it was the murder weapon?" Phoenix asked.

"The bottom of the statue was coated in Owen Mile's blood and the statue itself was resting aside his body when we found him." Raya explained. "Also, there was nothing else present in the crime scene that was a sign of the murder weapon. So there's reason to believe the statue is the weapon. Unless you have any ideas?"

(Well, there's nothing else I can think of right now. I guess I'll just play ball and suppose the statue is the weapon for now.)

"So you're saying David Vaughan, the defendant in this case, used this David statue to kill Mr. Miles?" The Judge asked Raya. "Is that about right, witness?"

"Yes, that's is correct, Your Honor." Raya said, nodding.

The Judge nodded back. "See? I've been paying attention! Continue with your testimony, please."

"WE QUESTIONED ANOTHER WITNESS THAT CONFIRMED DAVID WAS ALONE IN THE CRIME SCENE WHEN THEY WALKED IN."

"Hold it!" Phoenix shouted. "Who was it that saw David alone in the crime scene, again?"

"Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to say." Raya told him. "But I'm sure you can guess who."

(I wonder if Raya must be talking about Maria Cupp? She is the one that called the police, after all.)

"What did this witness say?" Phoenix asked.

"The witness wouldn't go to any details. But they did tell me that someone from the church told them to call the police at some point after the murder happed."

"And that somebody would be…?"

"Like I said, the witness wouldn't say. They was very protective of that person. But they contacted the police, so that is all we need to know right now."

(Interesting… so Maria didn't tell Raya that DAVID told her to phone the police. Hmm… but why?)

"You have something to say, Mr. Wright?" The Judge asked him.

(I could keep this a secret for now. Maybe I can use this…?) Phoenix shook his head. "No, Your Honor. I was just thinking. The witness may continue her testimony."

"I see." The Judge continued. "Witness, please go on."

"Hold it! Hang on, Your Honor!" Phoenix interrupted. "Sorry, but I would actually like what Raya said to be added to her testimony!"

"Huh? What part are you speaking of?"

"The part when she said the witness called the police! That is valuable information!"

Raya just shook her head and chuckled. "What a pointless endeavor, Wright. I'm looking forward to seeing you fail."

The Judge looked over to Raya and said, "Detective, is that all right with you?"

Raya smiled. "Here you go, Wright. One more, fresh statement just for you."

"SOMEBODY AT THE CHURCH ORDERED THE WITNESS TO CALL THE POLICE. WE DON'T KNOW WHO SPOKE WITH THEM, THOUGH."

"Hold it!" Phoenix shouted. "They didn't say who it was? Really?"

"The one who phoned the emergency was very defensive, I'm afraid." Raya answered. "The most they spoke of was that it was somebody they know very well and didn't want them hurt during the whole process of this murder case. They wouldn't go beyond that."

"So if you were to find out who told them to call the police…?"

Raya said, "Then that would be very beneficial to us. That way, we have more word as to those involved."

(Hmm… so if Raya found out who told Maria to call the police… then we'd be in the right track. Just need to keep track of who spoke with Maria.)

"WE ALSO FOUND A BROKEN WINDOW THAT LED OUTDOORS, SO DAVID MUST HAVE BROKEN IT SOMETIME AFTER THE MURDER."

"Hold it! What reason would David have to smash a window? There were multiple ways to escape!" Phoenix pressed.

"Objection!" Hera shouted back. "Must I remind you, Mr. Wright, that on the night of the murder in question, there was a crowd of people just outside the room? If David were to go through any one of the doors, then he'd be caught-red handed!"

"Detective," Phoenix called, "when did you discover the shattered window?"

"Shortly after the police arrived." Raya answered. "We went outside and saw that it lead through an alleyway, where another blood trail was there waiting for us. And that is when we saw it…"

"Huh…!?" Phoenix said, glaring at the witness. "Saw what!?"

"You ready, Wright?" Raya asked, smirking. She adjusted her glasses and said, "We saw David out there that night in the alley… picking up the shards of glass."

The Judge's eyes went wide. "Did you say the defendant was… found outside the crime scene!?"

Phoenix had nothing to say. "He… he… WHAT!? NO!" The gallery turned into an uproar before Phoenix interrupted, "Detective! But… are you absolutely sure!?"

Raya smiled and once again fixed her glasses, the light in the room reflecting off the lens. "Must I answer, Wright?"

Hera shook her head and placed her left hand on her head. "There goes your light, Wright. Interesting, isn't it? How quickly and efficiently light can travel, but how fast can light die? Faster than the death of your career AND your client, I'm afraid."

Apollo said to Phoenix, "This is bad, boss! Things are already turning against our favor! What do we do!?"

"It's… it's not over yet, Apollo! Just stand tall and smile! We'll get through this!"

"I hope you know what you're doing, boss." Apollo said to him, turning back to the detective.

"WITH ALL THIS OVERWHELMING EVIDENCE AT HAND, WE CAREFULLY DECIDED DAVID WAS THE ONLY PRIME SUSPECT."

"Hold it!" Phoenix shouted, slamming his hands on the desk. "Let me ask you one more thing, Detective Novak!"

"Objection!" Hera intruded, slamming her left hand on the desk. "That is enough, Wright! There is nothing else you can cross-examine! Now, show us evidence to prove your claim, or otherwise we can put an end to this monotonous trial in an instant! So how about it, old man? We're waiting!"

Raya tightened her scarf. "Sorry, old-timer. Not to pick sides… but everything seems pretty obvious to me. Not to pick sides, but why don't you go on home? Let us take care of the rest. Don't worry, you'll still get your paycheck."

"Objection!" Phoenix yelled. "Listen up, Novak and… Novak-squared! I'll die the day before I just give up on my client! You want evidence? Oh, you'll have evidence! It's… it's coming!"

Hera chuckled. "That's the spirit, Mr. Wright. Now, show me what you can do!"

"What are you thinking about, Mr. Wright?" Apollo asked his boss. "You don't look so hot."

"I'm fine, Apollo." Phoenix told him. "Just a little winded is all. What would David be doing outside? The shattered window and his blood added to that fact points him as the criminal."

"I don't know, chief. But as far as this testimony goes, it seems pretty straight-forward and clear… but there is one thing bothering me."

"Oh? You spotted it too?"

"As far as that detective knows, Maria was told to call the police by some anonymous church-attendee. If she hears who ACTUALLY told Maria to dial police, well then it'd be a different story altogether."

"I completely agree, Apollo. Glad to see you haven't lost your touch."

"Be careful, Wright. We're entering some hot water now."

(Doesn't matter how hot the water gets; I just need to keep swimming til the end! Time to show that prosecutor over there what I'm made of! First, I need to turn things around, and quick!)

"SOMEBODY AT THE CHURCH ORDERED THE WITNESS TO CALL THE POLICE. WE DON'T KNOW WHO SPOKE WITH HER, THOUGH."

"Objection!" Phoenix shouted, his finger pointing at the detective. "Detective Novak… can you confirm something for me?"

"I'll do what I can, yes." She replied.

"Do you recognize this person?" Phoenix asked the detective, presenting David's profile to her.

Raya glared at the attorney with an angered expression. "What are you doing, Wright? It's the accused; I know that, you know that, we all know that. What game are you playing?" As Raya finished her statement, Phoenix just stared at Ray, not moving a muscle. Raya was silent for a short moment, then finally said, "I'm sorry, did I say something to upset you?"

"Not at all, detective." Answered Phoenix, still staring. Suddenly, he stood straight up and smiled. "In fact, you just made my day."

"What?" Raya asked, her smile turning into a nervous frown.

Phoenix began reading off a piece of paper. "The witness you spoke to about calling the police was Maria Cupp, correct?"

Raya was shocked, but still collected herself. She cleared her throat and said, "That is correct, yes. Why?"

"Maria Cupp never told you who told her to call the police, right?" Phoenix asked. "If you knew that one, simple fact, would that change things?"

"Well, I can't say that it will CHANGE THINGS, per se, but it will at least put the investigators in the right track." Raya explained to him.

"Well, If that's the case, then here's the big twist." Phoenix pointed his finger at her and shouted, "THE DEFENDANT, DAVID VAUGHAN, WAS THE ONE WHO TOLD HER TO CONTACT FOR HELP!"

"What!?" Raya screamed, lunging back, her scarf flying all over the place. "Th-that broad! I can't believe she wouldn't tell me that! So, you mean… you mean…!?"

Phoenix nodded. "That is right, Detective Novak. That night, shortly after the murder, Maria entered the crime scene and encountered David kneeling before the body. David, then, told her to call the police. Tell me, would any sane killer tell somebody to call the police on themselves!?"

Raya continued to sweat. "I… I suppose not. But…! I still cannot believe that coffee lady tricked me! Why didn't she say so beforehand!?"

Phoenix stood straight up and smiled at the witness. "Sorry, detective. Everything seems pretty obvious to me. Not to pick sides, but why don't you go on home? Let us take care of the rest. Don't worry, you'll still get your paycheck."

"…..GAAAHH!" Raya screeched, her hair flying back, her scarf loosening its grip, and her glasses slipping off her face.

(I did it! I finally brought a show of force here in court! Well, what you have to say, Novaks? Pretty impressive, huh?)

"Objection!" Hera cried. Hera calmly began to fix her hair, then looked over at Phoenix. "Mr. Wright… I am not impressed. So, let's think about this. Together."

Phoenix went silent. He had no idea where this was going. "G-go on, Prosecutor Novak. I'm all ears!"

Hera started to speak, "Imagine you are the killer, okay? Just for a moment. You are in front of your most-recent victim, then somebody walks in and finds you with said body. What is the likely approach you'd take? Why, I would pray you would continue to deny it. When Maria caught David in the act, he merely played his 'innocent' little role as a priest AND as the witness by telling her to go contact help. During her absence, David planned his escape… by smashing that window!"

Everything went silent. She slammed her left hand on her desk and said, "Well… Wright…?"

Phoenix began to sweat. (That… is actually a pretty solid observation there.)

"Well," His Honor said, "I think she makes a good point, Mr. Wright. That is a usual, normal thing to do in such a circumstance."

"You see, Wright?" Hera asked, chuckling. "Even the troglodyte agrees with me. Anything you want to retort in this regard?"

Phoenix shook it off and slammed his desk. "Nice theory, Novak! But it's nothing if you can't provide any evidence of the case!"

"Evidence? Okay, then, here's evidence: the window."

"The… the window?"

"The window that the killer used to make his great escape, of course. Where else? When the coffee lady was gone, David smashed the window, then escaped. He cut himself with the glass on the way out, hence the blood all outside."

"But what about all the blood inside the office?" Phoenix questioned. "Where did that blood come from?"

"He must have forgotten something incriminating on his way out, therefore he walked back in, grabbed what he came for, then went back out." Prosecutor Novak carefully explained. "How about that, Wright? Happy?"

"No." Phoenix said, shaking his head. "I'm not satisfied at all. Why would David wait outside the crime scene where the police caught him? That was a one-way ticket to getting arrested! Surely even he knew better!"

"I don't know." Hera said. "But I'm sure the detective would LOVE to explain that to us."

Raya, caught off-guard, said, "What? Me?"

"And I am SURE that she will give her A-game this time around. No holes, okay, detective? You have one job. To explain what you saw. Simple, right?"

Raya stared angrily at Hera. "Sure thing… prosecutor."

The Judge slammed his gavel. "Well, this is quite the turnabout. Never the case, we will move on with a new testimony. Detective Novak, please explain to us what the defendant was doing before he was arrested."

The detective nodded. "Yes, Your Honor. New testimony, coming right up."

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.