Earthcub12 Presents
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney ~ Courtroom Champions
-September 5, 11:31 AM-
-District Court-
-Defendant Lobby No. 4-
Phoenix took a deep breath once he and Apollo entered the lobby. Finally, a moment to relax and take the stress in. "Man," Apollo sighed in relief, "I can't believe it. You mean this whole mess... was because of a mere accident?"
"That seems to be the only way that makes sense." Phoenix told Apollo.
"Wait, so... that means David is innocent either way, right!?"
"Sorry, Apollo. Believe me, I wish it was that simple. Accident or not, a crime is still a crime; which is why we're going to get to the bottom of this whole cluster of an accident."
"So what are you hoping to find out on that de Bum character?" Apollo asked his boss.
"He was there that night, that much is for certain. If Hera Novak isn't our guy, I'd like to question de Bum's whereabouts the other night." Phoenix told Apollo. "Speaking of Hera, I plan on attacking her before de Bum has a chance to testify. So just watch my back and play along, alright?"
"Right." Apollo told him. "Hera won't know what'll hit her!"
"What about Hera?"
Phoenix and Apollo turned around and saw Raya Novak standing in front of them. "OH!" Phoenix said, startled. "W-we're just talking about the trial is all. We're just talking about a strategy on dealing with Hera. She's making this trial sort of difficult for us."
Raya chuckled. "Yup. That's my sister, for you. She can be a pain, but you learn to live with it. Anyway, Mr. Wright, I got what you wanted." Raya pulled out the CD and handed it to Phoenix.
"Oh! The CD!" Phoenix took the CD and inspected it. "Thank you, detective. What did you find? Anything?"
Raya crossed her arms and said, "Nothing."
Phoenix opened his eyes wide. "Wh-what?"
"The disc is damaged and too much in disrepair to get any kind of picture on there." Raya explained. "All we got from it was about 15 minutes of white noise. So nothing useful, I'm afraid. Sorry, we did all we could."
Phoenix sighed in disappointment. "Dang. I was really hoping for something helpful here. Well, thank you anyway, detective."
'CD' ADDED TO COURT RECORD
ITEM DESCRIPTION: A lone CD found in the Junkyard. Too damaged to get anything off it, but contains about 15 minutes of white noise.
At that moment, David Vaughan approached the three. "Hi, Mr. Wright." He said. "That was, uh… pretty cool out there, huh?"
Raya smiled and adjusted her glasses. "Well, I'll leave you guys at it. I'll see you in there, boys. Good luck." Raya then turned around and left.
David held his hands together. "So, Apollo… Mr. Wright… what's the scoop? You think that homeless man killed Owen?"
"I don't think so. It's hard to say." Phoenix told David. "We just need to question him as to what he was doing that night. That's all. If we can get that out of him, hopefully we'll get something good out of this."
David smiled. "Thank you so much, Mr. Wright. I couldn't do it without…" Out of nowhere, David paused mid-sentence and looked past Phoenix.
"David? You okay?" Phoenix asked him. David kept staring and said,
"You..."
Phoenix and Apollo looked David's way and saw Maria Cupp, who looked embarrassed and upset. "H-hi… David. I'm really happy to see you. I… I've missed you."
David looked to the ground and closed his eyes. "You've… missed, me? Really?" Maria held her hand to her face in shock.
Maria held her hand to her chest in offense. "D-David? What's wrong?"
"I was rotting away in a jail cell for two days now. And only Mr. Wright and Apollo have ever visited me. Neither you, nor Brother Hope, nor anyone else have visited me. So I don't want to hear it."
Maria, clearly taking this at heart, said, "I'm sorry… I really am. I just… I heard you dismissed yourself from the church. I just want to say that Owen would never want that. So I hope that when and if this all gets settled… I hope that you consider returning to the church. We would all love to have you back."
"Why?" David interrupted bitterly. "To rat on me again? Throw me into another jailhouse? Forget it. I don't want to hear it."
Phoenix and Apollo looked at each other, both daring to not intrude. Maria had her hand to her chest and tears in her eyes. David continued harshly looking away.
(MAN… so much tension right now. I shouldn't get between them, though.)
"I gave myself to the church because Owen took me in when nobody else would." David went on. "Since then, I've been a joke with you all. I hear Damien's whisperings behind my back. You… gave up on me. So tell me: why should I come back?"
Maria tried her best not to fall apart. She stayed strong and said, "Because… I'm sorry. I messed up. I was selfish. I'm a terrible person, David. I realize all that now. So… all I ask… is forgiveness."
David let out an agitated breath, looked at Maria, and said, "I have a better idea. Why don't you take that apology and shove it-!" Before David could finish, Maria slapped him across the face. Surprised, David held onto his rose-red cheek and stared at Maria. Maria stared back at David, then finally released some tears. Maria turned around and ran off, crying. David looked at his hand, then at Maria, who was already long-gone.
"Wait… Maria! I… I'm…!" David turned around to Phoenix and Apollo, and sighed once more. "Sorry you had to see that. I… I don't know what happened. Dang it, David… what the hell were you thinking…?"
Phoenix turned to a wall clock. Almost time to go in. He looked back over at David. "Well... it's almost time. I guess I'll see you inside?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. I'm… I'm just going to wash up real quick. I'll see you in there, Mr. Wright." David, still holding onto his cheek, walked over to the bathroom, leaving Phoenix and Apollo.
"Well… that got dark real fast." Apollo commented.
"Yeah, no kidding." Phoenix added. "I really hope those two will be alright… anyway, the trial will start back up soon. It's time we get to the bottom of Hera's not-so-little… 'secrets'."
"Definitely!" Apollo replied enthusiastically. "Right behind you, boss!"
-September 5, 11:53 AM-
-District Court-
-Courtroom No. 4-
In a flash, the Judge slammed his gavel, bringing everyone to his attention. "Court will now resume. Now, bring Mr. de Bum to the witness stand, please!" Everyone looked at the stand, and saw no witness.
"Um…" the Judge said, confused. "Where is the witness?"
"Sorry, Your Honor." The bailiff said to him. "The police tried bringing him here. Then the witness claimed he was being attacked by 'Spider People' and is currently avoiding police custody. The police are chasing after him now."
(Uh… how hard is it to capture an old, fat, homeless man in his mid-to-late fifties? Pretty tough, apparently.)
"Oh, well, um…" the Judge replied, still speechless. "Is there is anything to we should discuss until the witness arrives? Prosecutor Novak?" The Judge and everyone else looked at Hera, calm, her eyes closed, and her left hand clutching the green cloak around her right arm.
"I have nothing right now, Your Honor."
The Judge turned to Phoenix and said, "Does the defense have anything to add?"
Phoenix glared at Hera. (This is my only chance. No idea when I'll get this opportunity. I'm sorry, Detective Novak. But the secret is coming out – NOW!) Phoenix looked at Apollo, then nodded. Apollo looked back at him and nodded back. With Phoenix's heart racing, he stood up.
"Your Honor, I do have something to bring up to the court. Something very important."
"Something important?" The Judge asked curiously. "Such as?"
Phoenix slammed his desk, stretched out his left arm, and pointed his hand at Hera Novak. "Prosecutor Novak!"
Novak slowly opened her eyes and eyed Phoenix. "What is it, Wright?"
(No backing down, Phoenix! Go full-force!) "Prosecutor Novak… if you don't mind my asking… where were you on the night of September 3?"
Hera looked at Phoenix, and fixed her hair. "…Mr. Wright. Spit it out. Are you making some kind of claim? Why are you going with this line of questioning?"
"Novak… answer the question. Where were you on the night of the murder!?" Phoenix interrogated. The gallery began to softly whisper as Hera looked around her and turned to Phoenix Wright.
"You had better be careful, Wright." Hera calmly warned. "If you're doing what I think you're doing, you better have some substantial evidence. Are you actually-?"
"That's right!" Phoenix interrupted. "Miss Novak…" Phoenix pointed his finger at her and exclaimed, "…I ACCUSE YOU OF THE MURDER OF OWEN MILES!"
The gallery exploded. The Judge slammed his gavel multiple times to silence everyone. "ORDER! ORDER! I WILL HAVE ORDER RIGHT NOW! Mr. Wright! What are you saying!? You actually accuse the prosecutor of… murder!?"
Phoenix nodded. "That is correct, Your Honor. And I have reason to believe so. You see, some witnesses saw Miss Novak at the church that night. Not only that, Prosecutor Novak went so far as to bribe the witness from earlier, Maria Cupp!" Hera stayed silent, her eyes closed.
"Bribery!? Are you for certain!?"
"That is correct, Your Honor." Apollo supported. "Miss Cupp told us beforehand just yesterday! You'd have to be crazy to not think of it as a bribe!"
"Prosecutor Novak! Is this true?" The Judge turned to Hera and stared.
Hera held up her left hand. "This is ridiculous. You are just as inept as I thought you were, Wright. We're supposed to just take your word for it? Show us evidence! Now!"
"Mr. Wright," the Judge said to him, "I hope you realize how serious this is. Accusing an innocent person of a crime is something I will not allow."
"Oh, Your Honor, please! You should know me better by now." Phoenix said confidently.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, old man." Hera told him. She slammed her left hand on her desk and said, "Now then! What evidence supports that suggests I might be the killer?"
"Take that!" Phoenix yelled, presenting Jack Anchor's Crime Scene Photo. "Hera Novak, look at the figure on the photo. You remember this photo, don't you?"
Hera looked at it and said, "Yes. I am aware of this evidence. So what?"
"As you can see here," Phoenix explained to her, "this figure on the front has a few noticeable figures. Specifically… his right hand."
"Okay, so? Where are you going with this, Wright?" Hera sighed out of boredom.
(Nothing's affecting her. Okay, time to pull my trap card!)
Phoenix slammed his desk and said, "Prosecutor Novak, answer me one thing! What were you doing at the church that night?"
Hera fixed her hair and said, "It's true. I was at the church that night. But why, you ask? Because I was at the church that night. Who cares? If that's the case, then anybody there would be the killer. Even your client."
Phoenix shook his head. "True. But you're missing something. Look at the photo. You're missing one important detail. This part of the picture suggests you are the culprit!"
"Take that!" After pointing out the killer's right, bloody hand, Phoenix pointed at Hera. "Look at his right hand!"
Hera scanned the photo and said, "I see it. We talked about it already. What are you trying to say? Wait... what are you-!?"
"Prosecutor Hera Novak!" Phoenix pointed his arm at Hera and said, "REMOVE THAT CLOAK AROUND YOUR RIGHT ARM!"
It was at that moment Hera leaped backwards. She leaned over her desk, sweating like a pig and her teeth gritting. "Wh-what did you say!?"
"I said," Phoenix repeated, "remove that cloak around your right arm. Prove to the court that you have nothing to hide!"
Hera held up her left hand to her chest and said, "I don't need to do anything of the sort! Your Honor, this is an invasion of my privacy!"
"Your Honor," Phoenix said to him, "all Hera has to do is remove that cloak and we'll have nothing further to discuss. That is, if there is nothing on her arm. Like a wound or... a recent cut, perhaps?"
"Mr. Wright! I don't understand!" His Honor exclaimed. "What are you-?"
"Think back, Your Honor. There was somebody other than David whose hand was slashed by Owen the night he was killed. It is the defense's theory that if Hera was there that night and attacked Owen, then she would have a cut on her, too!"
"I suppose, but… don't you think you're jumping to conclusions here!?" His Honor questioned excitedly.
Phoenix shook his head. "Absolutely not. The cut, the bribery, the church attendance, Hera's secretive traits. It all makes too much sense."
"Objection! No! No, I don't have to!" Hera panicked, clutching her cloak. "I reserve my right to not remove this cloak!"
"It does not matter what you choose to do." Phoenix told her. "Just know that everything adds up against you, Novak. I'm sorry, but the truth must come out." Phoenix slammed his desk and said,
"Remove that cloak and show us who you TRULY are!"
A moment of silence passed. Phoenix, Apollo, and the Judge glared at Hera like hawks. Hera was calm and silent, her eyes closed and her left arm clutching her sides. "Okay… okay… you got me, Wright."
Phoenix lit up. Hera went on, saying, "It's all true. You're right, Mr. Wright. I am hiding something from this court. Something I should have revealed a long time ago."
(I can't believe it! She… she's really doing it!)
"Objection!"
To everyone's surprise, Raya Novak rushed to the witness stand and clutched the stand. "Hera! Don't! Don't let him get the best of you! Don't give him what he wants! I beg of you!" There was clear panic and stress in Raya's voice. Hera shook her head.
"Sorry, sister. But I don't take orders from you, remember? I might as well give Mr. Wright what he wants: the truth."
With anticipation, Hera slowly reached to her cloak and started loosening it. Everyone glared at Hera, while Raya stared in disbelief. As Hera got to the end of the cloak, Hera loosened it and made it drop to the ground. What everyone saw left them speechless.
The Judge stared at Hera with amazement and Apollo looked at Hera nervously. Phoenix stared at Hera, trying to make sense of what he was looking at. After a moment of silence, Phoenix jumped up and screamed in disbelief. (I… I can't believe it! She WAS hiding something! But…! But…!)
Everyone kept staring as Hera lifted up her right arm and looked at it; her right arm made of red and silver steel, white wires, screws, and a logo that read, 'L' labeled on the side. Not one ounce of skin or physical life was on the metallic arm. The arm also had long, steel claws and a large, fat wrist that almost looked like some kind of weapon; a gun, or something.
Hera, her artificial arm still visible, said, "Well? Is this what you were wanting to see, Wright?"
Phoenix still stared at Hera in shock. (I… I can't believe it! I just cannot believe what I'm seeing!)
"Um…" The Judge tried to say, "Miss… Novak? Why would you have that thing on you?"
Hera looked down on her artificial arm and said, "What, this? You think I wanted this… abomination, as a part of me? As some sort of fashion statement? No. I had no choice. It was either this… or I die."
"D… die…!?" Phoenix nervously stammered.
"This thing keeps me alive. So I need it in my life, whether I want it or not. Do you understand? This… part of my life, is my burden. The bane of my existence. I vowed that this contraption would never see the light of day." Hera chuckled. "So much for that."
"I… Miss Novak, I had no idea!" Phoenix said with sincerity.
With her arm now freely exposed, Hera cross her arms and said, "Now then. Enough about my life story. Let's go on with the trial. What was it you were saying, Wright? My hand was slashed by Owen when I attacked him? That I bled? Take another look. This arm does not bleed."
Scared stiff, Phoenix tried saying, "I… you make a good point, but-!"
"Quiet, You!" Hera retorted, slamming her metal arm on the stand. "Secondly, you say I'm the criminal because I went to church? Is that it? True, I haven't been to a church since I was a child. But there were reasons for me to come here. You see, my mother went to this same church a while back when it was recently opened. I went there to pay them a visit out of memory. Simple as that.
Thirdly, you say the witness... what was it? Was bribed by Yours Truly? Is that really how she took it? People are so dull. I felt grief for the church and decided to reimburse them for their loss after the service when word got around. Anything after that was taking so purely out of context and misled that it's almost sad."
(This is not good! Everything I've said is going up in smoke!)
"Finally, Mr. Wright, there is nothing you have on me." Hera continued, slamming her steel hand on her desk. "Everything you have said was just baseless conjecture and mindless assumptions. Not one evidence can be considered remotely relevant! However, we have loads of evidence against your client. Now, if you wish to start taking this trial seriously... now is the time, Wright!"
Phoenix was still silent. Embarrassed and ashamed, Phoenix finally said, "You… make very valid points, Miss Novak." (Argh! I thought I had this! I guess I was a bit too excited about this.)
"Mr. Wright, what are we going to do?" Apollo whispered to him. "We messed up real bad. I knew we shouldn't have gone through with this. The Judge looks just as fiery as ever."
Phoenix turned to the Judge, who was angrily staring at Phoenix with his powerful gaze of judgment. "Mr. Wright." The Judge sternly told him. "Is there anything further you wish to add about your accusation? Or may we move on… to a verdict?"
"GAH!" Phoenix yelled in shock. (A verdict!? Already!?)
"Frankly, Mr. Wright, I see no further reason to prolong this trial if you are going to continue making childish assumptions and not take any of this seriously. Once this trial is over, I wish to see you and your co-worker in my chambers, if you will. We must have a serious talk about your… professions."
"Hey, ummm… I'm here now."
"Ch-chambers?" Phoenix said. "Wait, Your Honor! It was my idea! I pulled him into this. This is my wrongdoing."
Hera smiled and fixed her hair. "Look at you, Wright. Begging like a child. It's over, Wright. Admit defeat and beg that I won't put you down!"
"I'm here, now. So, uh, if ya wanna, like do what ya kids do best, that'd be great."
"Hang on, Your Honor. Just give me another chance!" Phoenix begged. "Once I question de Bum, we will have the answers we need for a fair trial."
"No matter that case, I will not condone this behavior. Mr. Wright, I will now-."
"HEY! YA FREAKS KIDNAPPED ME AND MADE ME COME TO THIS TORTURE ROOM! LISTEN TO ME, WILL YA!?"
Everyone looked to the witness stand and saw none other than Dennis de Bum. He scratched his head as Zachariah the Rat peeked out of his beard. "What, am I invisible here?"
(De Bum! Never thought I would say I'd be so glad to see you! Maybe this can buy us some time.)
"Huh? And, uh, you are?" The Judge asked him.
"Who do ya think?" The witness shouted. "The man that ya'll kidnapped and forced me here! Dennis de Bum, businessman! And it's time I explain some things that none of ya punks understand! Always gotta do everything, don't I!?"
"So… this is the witness that we want?" The Judge asked.
Hera nodded. "Yes. His stench says so, as well."
The Judge closed his eyes and said, "Mr. Wright."
"Y-Your Honor?" Phoenix replied.
"I will not forget this accusation you made against the party. However, since I'm in such a good mood, if you manage to turn things around quick – and I mean REAL QUICK – I will not bring anything further on you. Do you understand?"
Joyous, Phoenix said, "Yes! Thank you so much, Your Honor! I'll make it up, I promise!" Phoenix turned to Apollo, who was looking at Dennis. "Apollo, I'm so sorry. I should not have brought you into this."
Apollo smiled. "Pssh. Who cares? I would've asked the same from you. But what matters now is that we get a good testimony from this… colorful and unique person."
(Okay… definitely an off-day for me today. I just need to look ahead and tackle what's in front of me.) Phoenix looked ahead of him and looked at Hera, her arms crossed. All Phoenix could think about was that arm of hers. Riddled with guilt, Phoenix sighed. (Well, Hera's secret is out, I guess. For better or worse. Sure hope she's not taking it too personally.)
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.
-White David Statue: A white David statue found in the Junkyard. Mr. Hope donated it to the bum in the Junkyard.
-Silver Ring: A silver ring given to the priests. Belongs to David. Rumors are these rings could lead to amazing things.
-Owen's Coat: Owen's coat that was worn the night he was murdered. A white coat with golden fleece and some blood around the collar.
-Bloody Rug: Owen's rug that was found in the secret tunnel under the church. Bloodstains are on it.
-CD: A lone CD found in the Junkyard. Too damaged to get anything off it, but contains about 15 minutes of white noise.
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.
-Owen Miles: A revered priest that owned the church. The murder victim.
-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.
-Dennis de Bum: A bum that lives in the junkyard across the church.