Earthcub12 Presents

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney ~ Courtroom Champions

-Turnabout for a Prayer / Inv. 2-2-

-September 4, 2:30 PM-
-St. Owen's Baptist Church-
-St. Owen's Study Chambers-

After finishing their confrontation with Maria Cupp in the kitchen, Phoenix Wright and Apollo Justice went through the main service area and entered the crime scene: Father Owen's office. Inside the room was as they expected: Detective Raya Novak. The detective was scanning the room when they entered. She turned right around and faced the two lawyers.

"Oh. It's you two." The detective coldly remarked.

"Nice to run into you here, detective." Greeted Phoenix. "I thought you were given the rest of the day off?"

"Pssh." Said Raya, pushing her glasses up to her face. "Please. I insisted the force that I continue the investigation. I'm here to stay."

"Good to hear that, detective."

"Now, if you two need anything, now's the time. Or feel free to look around the scene some more."

"Thank you very much, detective."

TODAY'S TRIAL

"Quite a trial that was today, huh?" Raya told them. "You sure did cause me to make a fool of myself up there, didn't you?"

"Oh, uh… yeah." Phoenix said, nervously scratching his neck. "Sorry about that, detective. But you didn't really leave me a choice. Like I tried to tell you, I never abandon my clients."

Raya shook her head at him. "Not putting anything past you. You did a fine job in there. I was expecting a needless, swift trial. But you… you managed to turn everything around with one little turnabout. Never saw anything like it, honestly."

"Uh, yeah. I guess you could say I learned from experience. That, and I had a pretty good mentor."

"Well, whoever you mentor was, your work cut out for them." Raya said, smiling. "So from here on out, if you ever need anything done, speak with me. As long as it's legal and involves the case, that is."

"Thank you very much, detective."

"That said, how'd things go in the trial when I left?"

Phoenix and Apollo proceeded to detail everything to the detective, from Jack Anchor, to the ordeal of the coffee cup, to Jack Anchor's photograph, to the statue; everything. Raya took all this info in, rubbing her chin. "So you're saying… if the cup was swung at David rather than being thrown, it would have injured him more. However, the lack of any marks on David's face proved otherwise." Raya then examined Jack Anchor's photo. "Also, this can't be David because there is no blood on this coat, even though we caught David with blood all over him. Is that about all there is?"

"That's right." Phoenix told her. "So unless David just smeared blood all over himself, there is no way this is him in the picture. That means there is an imposter; a third-party."

"Hmm… so somebody put on a priest's coat… and posed as one of the priests? That's it?"

"That about covers it. Notice that the church carries spare coats. It's likely the real culprit would have sneaked in, put on a fresh coat, and killed Owen. That's the only possibility."

"That's a neat observation." Raya complimented. "However, there's still a gaping hole in there."

"Huh? Like what?"

"Firstly, if the person in the photograph really did kill Owen as you say, then why is there no blood on them?"

"Um… well…" Phoenix tried searching for an answer, but to no avail. "That's what I'm still trying to figure out."

"Also," Added Detective Novak, "there is still a fine cut in this person's right hand, much like David. That's an awful big coincidence, don't you think?"

"I, uh, I didn't think that far ahead." Phoenix defended. "J-just give me time."

Raya just smiled. "Don't worry. If the truth is there, then you'll find it. The truth doesn't just up and fade away. Answer these simple questions, then you'll have your answer."

Phoenix nodded in agreement. "Thanks, detective."

HERA NOVAK

"So…" Phoenix said. "You sister…"

"Told you she's a handful. Sorry if she can come across as a… animated individual. Like I said, nine years of law school. She sure knows her stuff."

"Has she always been so uptight? I mean, what's her deal."

"Let's see. How about you keep yourself focused on this case at hand and not put your mind on pointless stuff that doesn't involve you, okay?" Raya snapped, much to the shock of Phoenix and Apollo.

"Um… okay. S-sorry." Phoenix stammered. "Didn't mean to intrude."

(Raya sure is defensive about Hera… I still can't get the image out of my mind. Hera bribing Ms. Cupp and potentially MURDERING Father Owen! Something's amiss, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it…)

"Is there anything else you wish to ask of my sister?" Raya coldly asked.

"N-no, detective. Thank you."

ANYTHING NEW?

"Well, Detective Novak?" Phoenix said to her. "Any updates about the case?"

"Not really." The detective admitted. "No new leads so far. How about you, Wright? Find anything of importance?"

"Well, I managed to speak with Maria Cupp just a second ago." Phoenix told her. "I spoke with her about David Vaughan."

"Oh. I meant to have a word with her. I'll need to talk to her here soon."

"Also, I heard something kind of interesting about the statue. Turns out there were two different statues; one white, one bronze – the same kind that killed Owen. The white statue that Mr. Anchor found the first time he was here should be in a junkyard not too far from here. Apollo and I intend to head over there soon and question the man that lives there."

"Well, I wish you luck with that." Raya told them.

ATHENA CYKES

"Hey, detective, have you seen Miss Cykes around?" Apollo asked Raya.

"Miss Cykes?" Asked Raya, puzzled. "Who?"

"You should have seen her at the agency last night." He said to her. "Orange hair with a real long ponytail, wears a yellow jacket; ring any bells?"

"Nope. Can't say that I have."

Apollo looked down in disappointment. "Rats…" He sighed under his breath. "Well, thank you anyway."

(So if Athena entered here… there must be somewhere that shows her being here. Maybe we should have a look around.)

"Would you mind if Mr. Justice and I have a look around, Detective Novak?" Phoenix asked her.

"Not at all." Raya told him, shaking her head. "I'm about to head out soon anyway. I need to see Hera back at her office."

"Office?"

"If you need anything, feel free to stop by. It's the red-ish building a few blocks from here over by the park."

"I'll think about it. Thank you, detective. Send Hera my regards."

Raya suspiciously glanced at them, then nodded. "I'll let her know that you may be paying her a visit. Hope to see you soon, Wright." Raya began to walk out before Phoenix stopped her.

"Hey, detective! Hold on!" Mr. Wright halter her. "Can you do something for me?"

Raya turned her head back to him. "What's the problem?"

"I have a question regarding this." Phoenix gestured to the jar of blood laying on Owen's desk. "It's a jar of blood. Well, at least I think it is. Could you maybe have somebody analyze the jar to see what it is? That'd be doing us a huge favor."

Raya turned completely around. "No need for that, Mr. Wright. We already know what it is."

"Y-you do!?"

Raya nodded then said, "Earlier today we took a small sample and analyzed it for DNA. It is most definitely blood."

"I knew it." Phoenix whispered. He looked back up at Raya and said, "May I ask whose it is?"

Raya pushed up her glasses and said, "It's obvious: Owen Miles himself."

"It's… it's… WHAT!?" Phoenix and Apollo screamed together. Phoenix began to sweat and said, "You mean… Owen had a jar… of his own blood!?"

"That's right. The small sample we took confirmed it."

(Wh-what a development! I gotta take a note of this!)

'JAR OF BLOOD' UPDATED IN COURT RECORD

ITEM DESCRIPTION: A jar of Owen's blood found in his very office. I have several questions…

"Why would Owen have a jar of his own blood?" Phoenix asked her. "I mean, what would the point be?"

"Beats me." Raya told him. "I'm just telling you how it is. Anyway, if that's all, I wish to head on out. I'll see you guys soon. Good luck."

Raya finally turned around and walked out the doors. As she left, Phoenix turned to the desk and looked at the blood. "Owen's blood, huh? Well, to each their own, I guess."

"Let's have a look around." Apollo said to him. "Maybe there are some stuff we overlooked last we were here."

"Good idea."

Phoenix and Apollo split up, studying the room. Phoenix was walking past the desk when he heard something under his feet. Phoenix looked down and moved his left foot: a bag of coffee beans. Phoenix bent down and picked it up, glancing over it. "Hey, Apollo. Check this out."

Apollo headed over to Phoenix. "What is that?"

Phoenix stood up and showed the bag to Apollo. "It's a bag of coffee beans, I think. Yeah, there it is: Cupp Specialty Coffee Beans. Made with 101% pure coffee beans. Well, if this bag of coffee beans are here, then that means…"

Apollo gasped. "You don't think…! A-Athena! This must be the bag Maria gave her!"

Phoenix nodded. "Exactly. Athena wouldn't just toss this bag and leave it. I think… I think something might have happened to her."

"You think so…? Do you think she's okay?"

"I'm not sure. If Athena is missing, then clearly somebody didn't want her to be snooping around in here. I don't know what's going on, but we'll figure this out. We'll find her. Don't worry, Apollo."

Apollo was clearly spooked. He looked down to his feet, looking quite nervous. "Come on, Thena." Apollo whispered. "Don't be stupid. Please be alright…"

(I don't know why, but I think I should hold onto this bag of coffee beans for now. Maybe show this to Maria or somebody.)

'BAG OF COFFEE BEANS' ADDED TO COURT RECORD:

ITEM DESCRIPTION: Bag of coffee beans made by Maria Cupp. Gave this bag to Athena before she disappeared. Found in the crime scene.

After investigating the coffee bag, Phoenix went to the body outline and examined the white markings above the outline. Phoenix couldn't help but feel that it was of some importance in one way or another.

"Odd." He examined. "All this time and I've been wondering just what in the world these markings are. What do they mean?"

Apollo joined up with Phoenix and also took a look. "I remember looking at that yesterday. Must've been a shelf or something, right?" Apollo reminded. "Remember, the church has kind of doing some renovating for a while. I can imagine what was ever here is gone now."

"Yeah, I suppose that's right." Phoenix added. (Still… I should take note of this this time. May as well.)

'WALL MARKINGS' ADDED TO COURT RECORD

ITEM DESCRIPTION: Odd markings on the wall above the body outline. Could have been a shelf or bookcase.

"I don't see much different here, honestly." Phoenix told Apollo. "Want to check something else out?"

"Yeah, I'm not catching a whole lot, either." Apollo agreed. "Where do you want to go?"

"Damien Hope mentioned a girl. Somebody by the name of Desiree Johnson, or something. I'd like to have a work with her."

"It's whatever you gotta do, boss. Right behind ya."

-St. Owen's Baptist Church (Sound Room)-

After cutting across the hall, Phoenix and Apollo went up a set of stairs and found themselves in a dank, dim room. Speakers, computers, and other electronic gizmos littered the place. To the left side of the room, a set of screens displayed different areas of the church. The room was rather tidy and comfortable, considering. With a refrigerator, a vending machine, and an electronic fan, it appeared to be quite homely.

"Well," Phoenix said. "This must be the sound room Damien told us about. I was expecting a sound room for a church, not a control center for a television station."

"This part of the church is nothing else like any other room we've been to." Added Apollo. "Looks like something you'd see from an old sci-fi movie."

"Can I help you!?"

A young, pale girl approached them, looking to be about 17 or 18. Her hair, consisting of two pig-tails, was black with a touch of a purple highlight. She wore a gray tank top with some kind of logo for a rock band, a pearl necklace, black leather pants with a silver, shiny skull for a belt buckle, black leather gloves, a spikey choker around her neck, and piercings on her ears, nose, and lips. Also, a pair of purple and black headphones rest around her neck as wires from the headphones reach down to her pocket, where her red music player rests. To top it off, a heavy dose of black eyeliner surrounded her eyes, her skin gray as concrete, and a black star tattoo on her neck. She appears to be quite a lovely, bright person.

"Nobody but sound personnel at this point!" She commanded. "Turn away now!"

"S-sorry, miss!" Phoenix stuttered. "We were just looking around for somebody by the name of Desiree Johnson. You know of her?"

"Yeah, that's me." She said bitterly. "So who's asking?"

"My name is Phoenix Wright, miss. This is my assistant, Mr. Apollo Justice. We're both lawyers defending Mr. David Vaughan in the murder trial. You know him, don't you?"

"Yeah, I know of him." Desiree snapped. "He's the guy that killed that other guy, right?"

"That is correct." Phoenix said, suddenly choking. "Er, no! No, he's not. He's just accused of murder, you see, Ms. Johnson."

"Hey buddy, my name ain't Johnson! My friends call me Desiree. But you can call me DJ." Desiree told him.

Phoenix eyed the young girl, speechless. "Um, sure. Sure thing. You mind if we ask you a few questions, Miss-. Er, I mean, DJ?"

"Sure, but let's make it quick. I got stuff to do."

DJ

"Tell us about yourself, Miss… DJ." Phoenix told her. "You are in charge of sound, right?"

"Sound, lighting, video, music, giving a crap; all the fun stuff." DJ answered. "I'm just waiting around for the semester to be over."

"Huh? Why is that?"

"You think I wanna be here? I'm volunteering, moron."

"Oh, yeah?" Phoenix said, trying to seem invested. "School program? Club?"

DJ shook her head. "As if. Got in trouble at my dumb school for setting the bathroom trashcan on fire. After four months expulsion, it was either three months in the jailhouse, or two months community service. Now here I am waiting for the two months to end."

"Oh, um…. Good luck with that!"

"Classes in entertainment production paid off, at least." DJ added. "One-and-a-half consecutive months of success on my part. No errors from me."

"You're talking about your job, right? With lighting, sound…"

"Yup. Whenever something needs to be done, I'm here for them, whether I look forward to it or not. Despite being here as a punishment for my miserable life, I actually somewhat enjoy being here. A little. Snacks, air conditioning, take the afternoons off. Not bad, actually. Still, wish I was back home with Trey."

"Trey? Who's Trey?"

"Trey, my BF!?" DJ said, her eyes shining like a star. "Like, the coolest boy in school!? He has a rock band, you know! His lyrics are just so deep and so poetic; songs about life, death, the afterlife, parents, rebellion, love, music, whatever. He's just, like, unreal!"

"I, uh, I'm happy for you!" Phoenix said, trying to force a nervous smile on his face. "I'll have to give them a listen sometime. Can we move on, now?"

THE MURDER

Phoenix asked, "What do you know about the murder in question?"

DJ rolled her eyes. "I know someone died. It's that old codger, right? If so, I don't really care."

"What do you mean by that?" Apollo snapped at her. "Somebody died and that's all you have to say?"

"I mean, he was a good guy, I guess; he and I just didn't see eye-to-eye on the most part. He kept treating me like I was some kid, acting like I'm some kind of servant. Ah well, not my problem."

(Man… that's kind of cold.)

"So that David guy is the one that killed him, huh?" She asked them, typing on her phone.

"Don't count on it!" Apollo argued with her. "No way! If there's anything you know about the night, you gotta let us know!"

"Well, I was kind of out of it that night. That night I just popped the CD in like I was told, and got on my phone for the rest of the service. I just kinda blocked everything out."

"CD? What CD?" Phoenix asked her.

"I was just told to pop in a CD. It played music and stuff, you know? It's always been like this, so I just did as I was told and texted Trey all evening. Who cares?"

"Would you happen to have that CD with you right now?"

"Sorry dude, but I misplaced it somewhere."

Phoenix squinted his eyes at her. "Misplaced it?"

"Well, I put it in the CD player, then you know, that guy kicked the bucket down there. It was crazy, I guess. When I came back the next morning, the CD went missing. I dunno, what do you want from me? I think I remember taking the CD out just before I left, so that dumb janitor may have thrown it away, ask him. Moron…"

(She must mean Phineas Filch. I completely forgot about him. I wonder if he's back at his "home" right now? Wonder what he has to say about all this?)

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHURCH

"How's your relationship with the church?" Phoenix questioned. "You guys get along well?"

"Well, that coffee lady is nice, at least. She brings me coffee every morning, so that's a score." DJ answered him. "That Damien guy is really nice to me and that guy who killed the Owen guy is kinda weird, awkward even."

(Yeah, I'm getting that a lot.)

"Like I said earlier, Owen is a sweet guy, but he seems kind of… out of it. He always bosses me around and treats me like I'm some delinquent. It's SO annoying!"

(But… you ARE a delinquent, aren't you?)

"Anyway, I just want my community service to end so that I can run away with Trey and become a roadie with he and his band and start my own band! That's all I want, you know. That's the life!"

(…Do you even know what a "roadie" is?)

"There's also this real weird bum that lives in a junkyard a couple blocks from here. He kinda creeps me out."

"Yeah, I've been told." Phoenix whispered. He looked to DJ and said, "Thank you, Miss DJ. You have been incredibly helpful. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you, okay?"

"Hey, if you see that janitor guy, ask about that CD. I need it more than you think." DJ said to Phoenix.

Phoenix asked, "Huh? Why?"

DJ groaned and replied, "Because I need it, OK!? My entire community service stuff relies on evidence I did my job right. So if you could get my CD back, yeah, that'd be great."

"I'll do what I can. Thank you for your cooperation." Phoenix turned to Apollo and said, "I think it's time we finally pay the junkyard man a little visit real quick. See what he knows."

"Right behind you, Mr. Wright. Let's see what this guy is up to."

With that, the lawyers exited the control room and made their way to the eye-catching junkyard, knowing their investigation was far from over.

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 Owen's blood found in his very office. I have several questions…

-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.

-Bloody Priest Coat: David Vaughan's official priest coat. It is completely coated in Owen Mile's blood. There is also a small tear in fabric over the blood.

-Raya's Statement: "David Vaughan was covered in the victim's blood and his right hand was bleeding profusely. We had doctors patch his right hand up on the way to the Detention Center."

-What it's Like To Be an Average Jack; By Jack Anchor: "Memoir written by Jack Anchor. Includes original, award-winning chapters like, "How to Be Me" and "How to Tackle the Game of Life, Today".

-Jack Anchor's Crime Scene Photo: A photo taken by Jack Anchor; contains a man that fits David's description in the crime scene just after Owen Mile's murder.

-Bag of Coffee Beans: Bag of coffee beans made by Maria Cupp. Gave this bag to Athena before she suddenly disappeared. Found in the crime scene.

-Wall Markings: Odd markings on the wall above the body outline. Could have been a shelf or bookcase.

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.

-Desiree Johnson (AKA DJ): A teenage girl in charge of sound and light. Operates in the church's control room.

UPDATE: Hey, guys, thanks for reading and I hope you all had a great holiday! Welp, this is officially my final chapter of the year! 2015 went by fast! Thanks to all who supported me this year, and please keep the feedback and likes coming! You guys are the best! Anyway, here's to another fantastic year! 2016, here I come! Let's shoot for getting this entire fic done by the end of the year, eh!? ;)