A/N: Sup, bitches? Looks like I'm not dead after all. I've just been awfully busy with school and a summer job that I've been putting this off for quite some time. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to quit Fanfic-writing on a number of occasions as well. But lately I've been wanting to get back into this and thought I'd keep this updated for you all. So, a thousand apologies for the delay, and I will try to keep this updated to the best of my abilities.

So this is sort of a quick read, mostly cuz I wanted to get this chapter out there so I can keep you all satisfied. Thank you for all the support, and I will see you all next time. Enjoy!

Earthcub12 Presents

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney ~ Courtroom Champions

-September 5, 1:02 PM-
-District Court-
-Defendant Lobby No. 4-

"You don't mean it… Brother Hope…!?"

Phoenix nodded at Maria Cupp, who was in utter disbelief. "Yes, Miss Cupp. We have reason to believe that it was, in fact, Damien Hope, that killed Owen Miles." Phoenix could barely believe it himself. Damien Hope, a revered priest – a killer?

"I… I can't believe what I am hearing." Maria said, clutching her chest. "Damien was perhaps the most respected priest, next to Owen. He even admitted he put his past crimes behind him. Why would he…?"

"People kill for the craziest things, Maria." Phoenix told her. "Doesn't matter what for or who you are. You never know what people are capable of."

"I-I can't believe that snake!" Apollo ranted, clutching his fists while looking over at Phoenix. "He played us like we were idiots!"

(Somewhere within Damien's humble, caring exterior is someone that's sinister and cunning. I will get to the bottom of this – no matter what!)

"Well, you two seem to have this under control."

Phoenix, Apollo, and Maria all turned to the grinning Jack Anchor, his suit as shiny as his teeth. Jack put a piece of gum into his mouth and said, "So… I guess that's it, then? This Damien fellow must be the killer, right?"

"The evidence points in that direction." Phoenix told him. "The CD, Dennis' testimony… everything adds up."

"Oh, well. That's good. For me, at least, huh?" Jack chuckled and blew a bubble. Phoenix and Apollo looked at each other in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Apollo reluctantly asked.

Jack chuckled. "Kid don't be so naïve. It's win-win for me. If David takes the blame, my credibility stands and I can move on with my prestigious career." Jack remarked with a smile. "But if this Damien guy – a priest, mind you - falls, that's another priest gone and the church falls with him. Either way, the reputation of the church will crumble, whereas mine will flourish."

Phoenix gritted his teeth, holding his anger back as much as he could.

"So… good job, Wright! You just made my career that much easier."

Phoenix was completely silent. (As much as I REALLY want to punch his cocky, grinning teeth out… he's absolutely right. Either way… it doesn't look good for the church, OR David…)

"We'll find a way out!" Apollo snapped back. "We always do, don't we, Mr. Wright?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah! Just you wait, Mr. Anchor; when all this is over, you'll be looking for a new line of work." Phoenix told Jack, who only laughed.

"Please! This isn't a video game or a crappy fanfiction, Wright." Jack Anchor reminded. "This is the real deal. And once the verdict is passed…" And with a serious expression on his face, Jack said, "…I will smile when my cameras are rolling and I found news-gold."

"You just don't give up, do you?" Apollo seethed to the news anchor. Apollo started marching towards Jack, only to be stopped by Phoenix's arm. Jack just laughed at this. Suddenly, the bailiff announced,

"Court will start back up here shortly! The defense will enter the courtroom ASAP!"

Jack looked at Phoenix and Apollo and fixed his suit. "Good luck, gents. Homestretch. I'm looking forward to your interview once all this is over." He chuckled and walked away.

"Don't let him bother you, Apollo." Phoenix told him. "Let's just focus on the trial right now. Let's see what Damien Hope is hiding."

Apollo took a deep breath and exhaled. "Okay. I-I'm fine, now! Let's go help David!"

Maria grinned and said, "Best of luck, gentlemen. Go get 'em!"

(This is going to be a tough battle, I can feel it. Time to expose this 'priest' for who he is! David goes free – today!)

-September 5, 1:14 AM-
-District Court-
-Courtroom No. 4-

Things were tense inside the courtroom as the Judge slammed his gavel. "Court is hereby back in session! Will the witness please come up to the stand?"

A moment passed before Damien Hope came up the stand. He wore a white priest's coat with golden fleece, similar to Owen's coat. Damien gave a confident smile and a peaceful expression.

"Witness, please state your name and occupation." The Judge said to him.

"Certainly." Damien said in a calm tone. "My name is Damien Hope, and I am a priest-in-training at Owen's Baptist Church. Well… former priest-in-training, that is. After today, I will hereby be head priest by my disciples and workers alike. It is an honor to be working in the position of such a great, charitable man."

Phoenix and Apollo glared at Damien, then at each other. "This guy killed Owen?" Apollo quietly asked Phoenix.

"Don't let his little façade fool you, Apollo." Phoenix told him. "He has to be the real killer. Has to be!"

"Witness, are you aware of the reason you are here today?" The Judge asked Damien.

Damien was silent for a short moment, and said, "I'm afraid so, Your Honor. The police have filled me in on these far-fetched accusations."

Damien turned towards Phoenix in disappointment. "I must say, Mr. Wright… I am quite ashamed. I though you, of all people, would have come to a logical conclusion."

"Don't worry, Mr. Hope." Phoenix calmly told him, trying to keep his face straight. "We're not accusing you of anything. We just have a few questions for you. Cooperate, and you can leave."

Damien forced a smirk and chuckled. "That's not what it sounded like when the police informed me of today's proceedings." A silence hit the court as everyone was waiting for the first person to speak.

"…Very well." Damien said, sighed. "Let's get this over with. I have a lot to do today back at the church. Renovations and scheduling and such, you know how it is."

"Yes! We understand, Mr. Hope." The Judge said to him. "You are clearly a busy man, so let's go on with the testimony. Please testify to us what you were doing the night Owen Miles was killed. Does the defense's accusation hold water?"

Damien said, his voice shaking a bit. "Very well. I will do the best I can, Your Honor."

WITNESS TESTIMONY

"FORGIVE ME, BUT THE DEFENSE HAS NO CLUE WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT."

"NOT TO MENTION, I'VE BEEN INCREDIBLY BUSY, SO I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO ANYONE ALL DAY."

"I WAS DOING THE SERMON THE NIGHT OWEN WAS KILLED, AS EVERYONE ELSE CAN EXPLICITLY TELL YOU."

"IT WAS MAYBE AROUND 8:30 WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED OUT OF NOWHERE."

"IT WAS THEN WHEN I FOUND OUT FATHER OWEN WAS KILLED..."

"I FEAR IT IS TRUE, BUT DAVID IS THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD HAVE KILLED OWEN."

"Hmm,… this all seems rather straightforward." The Judge admitted. "And you swear it is true?"

Damien laughed and said, "Yes, sir. I haven't told a lie since I've joined this church. You can count on this testimony, as I count on you making a rightful judgment call."

"Oh! W-why thank you! You are just so loving! Hardly anyone's been that kind to me…"

"Maybe they should. Everyone deserves love, Your Honor. Even Mr. Wright. He needs more love and care more than anyone right now." Damien held his arms wide open and shouted, "EVERYONE! REJOICE! TELL MR. WRIGHT… THAT WE ALL LOVE HIM - NO MATTER WHAT!"

"WE ALL LOVE YOU, MR. WRIGHT! NO MATTER WHAT!"

Dripping with sweat, an embarrassed Phoenix looked to Apollo. "You didn't have to join in, you know."

"Sorry." Apollo chuckled. "I couldn't resist."

(Okay, time to focus. Somewhere in this testimony is a flaw, such as Damien's oh-so "loving" personality… but what?)

His Honor nodded and said, "Good. Now let this be known that this will be the only and final cross-examination surrounding this witness. If nothing comes from it, we will be done here. Understood?"

Phoenix nodded and said, "Yes, Your Honor." (Only cross-examination, huh? Then that means I need to make this testimony count!)

CROSS-EXAMINATION

"FORGIVE ME, BUT THE DEFENSE HAS NO CLUE WHAT THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT."

"Hold it!" Pressed Phoenix. "And what would that be?"

"These baseless, insulting allegations you are throwing at me, of course." Damien sternly told him. "Not only do you have this ridiculous theory that I somehow pre-recorded my prayer, but that you, of all people, accuse me of killing Owen – my mentor, my idol, and above all, my friend."

Hera Novak chuckled. "Well, when he says it like that, that sounds pretty harsh of Mr. Wright, doesn't it, Your Honor?"

"Yeah! That seems to be the case!" The Judge turned to Phoenix. "Mr. Wright, shame on you! Penalty!"

"Gah!" Phoenix screamed. "No, wait, Your Honor! The defense only just started questioning!"

The Judge sighed. "Fine. No penalty… for now."

"Anyway," Phoenix continued to say, his heart rate finally slowing down, "I wouldn't say my allegations are baseless. I have very convenient evidence that supports that you weren't doing the service that night."

"Oh yes, I forgot already." Damien said. "Your 'pre-recorded' theory. Stuff you would see in a corny spy movie. Can we be on with it now?"

"Yes, witness." The Judge said, nodding. "Continue."

(Damien seemed rather evasive just now. Maybe I'm latching onto something. Once I find a gap in his testimony, I must attack!)

"NOT TO MENTION, I'VE BEEN INCREDIBLY BUSY, SO I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO ANYONE ALL DAY."

"Hold it! You haven't seen anyone all day?" Phoenix questioned. "What have you been doing, then?"

"I spent the day rehearsing my sermon for that night." Damien told Phoenix. "My body was a bit jittery, so I've just been rehearsing all day."

"And you haven't been able to talk to anyone all day? Are you sure?"

"I know what I'm talking about, Mr. Wright." Damien assured him. "Everybody was going about their business. Maria was prepping in the kitchen, DJ was sorting things in the balcony, Filch was cleaning, and David? He was plotting his attack."

"Where did you go rehearse? I imagine you'd want to rehearse somewhere nice and quiet."

"Good question. I just rehearsed in the main service area. I just wanted to get my footing in there, is all."

Phoenix was silent for a moment. "I see…"

"Are you done with this question, or what?" Damien bitterly asked. "May I move on?"

"I WAS DOING THE SERMON THE NIGHT OF THE CRIME, AS EVERYONE ELSE CAN EXPLICITLY TELL YOU."

"Hold it!" Pressed Phoenix. "So how often do you do sermons?"

"Just on occasions." Damien answered. "I asked Father Owen himself if I could speak that night. He was ill, so I offered to take up his mantle that evening. It was a fine sermon if I do say so myself."

"So… we can ask everyone at the scene, and they can confirm you were absolutely doing the sermon, correct?" Phoenix questioned.

"What kind of a ridiculous question is that?" Asked Damien. "The church was packed that night. Unless everyone there was blind, deaf, and brainless, they can tell you I was most definitely there."

(This is tough. There's no point in asking whether he was there or not. The real question is where he was during his PRAYER.)

"Anyway, as I was giving my prayer, I noticed a group of people enter the room. It was the police."

"IT WAS MAYBE AROUND 8:30 WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVED OUT OF NOWHERE."

"Hold it! What were you thinking when police entered the service room?"

"I was quite worried sick, to be honest." Damien admitted to the attorney. "I was worried that someone was hurt. Like somebody was in a minor car accident or the like. But I never expected a murder of all things…"

"What did you do once the police entered the scene?" Phoenix asked him.

"I had just closed my prayer and so I stepped down from the balcony and asked what the situation was." Damien said. "It was right then when I discovered that Owen Miles… has passed on."

"THAT WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT FATHER OWEN WAS KILLED."

"Hold it! And then?"

Damien looked down, as if to cry. "That was when my world exploded before me. Mr. Miles… deceased…"

"I see… and what do you know about this murder?"

"Nothing much, to be honest. The police kept the whole thing very quiet to the public, ergo I don't know a whole lot. Nobody was even allowed in the crime scene until the case was through."

"And then you saw David getting arrested… didn't you?" Phoenix questioned.

"Yes. After service was dismissed, I went outside to catch my breath. That was when I saw David, soaked in blood, getting arrested. I could not believe my eyes. And the fact he used Owen's own statue to kill him adds insult to injury."

Damen then drifted off then chuckled. "David using a David statue to kill Owen… how ironic, you know?"

"I couldn't imagine what it was like." Hera said, bitterly. "Anything else you wish to say?"

(It could just be me, but I think Damien said something… off-putting. If there's a contradiction somewhere, it must be here!)

"I FEAR IT IS TRUE, BUT DAVID IS THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD HAVE KILLED OWEN."

"Hold it!" Phoenix cried. "But you don't know for a fact, do you?"

"Believe me, I don't want to believe it, either." Damien said. "But what other explanation is there? Angry about Owen's controlling behavior, David killed him. End of story."

Damien flipped his blonde hair and said, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to be on my way."

Phoenix slammed his desk and said, "Not yet, Damien! We're not done here! Whatever it is you have to do will have to wait."

Hera chuckled and brushed the hair out of her face. "Take it from me, witness. You don't want to upset the attorney. His impatience is as balanced as his ego."

(Just you wait, Novak. Once I find a discrepancy in this man's testimony, it's your ego that'll fall with him.)

Apollo looked at Damien as he said, "You gotta hand it to him; his testimony is strong."

"True… perhaps a bit TOO strong?" Phoenix added.

"Mr. Wright?" Apollo asked, looking at him.

(Damien was supposedly in the main room when the murder occurred. That's his entire alibi. If I can prove that wrong, then I have a shot here. If that doesn't work, then I can at least expose his lies and make him a suspect.)

"THAT WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT FATHER OWEN WAS KILLED."

"Objection!" Phoenix shouted as he pointed his finger at Damien. "Damien… let me ask you something."

"Yes, sir?" Damien calmly replied.

"I'm curious… but how do you know about the statue?"

Damien paused and said, "Beg your pardon?"

"You said the statue was a murder weapon. How do you know this?"

"Well… well, I was told… by the authorities… and…" Damien said nervously, confused as to where this was going."

Phoenix looked at Damien and shook his head. "Sorry, Damien. But that doesn't add up to what you said. You specifically said there was a gag order in place. Now tell me…"

Phoenix slammed his desk and yelled, "How do you know about the statue!?"

Damien began to sweat. Suddenly, he lunged back, his mouth wide open and his eyes as large as can be as he screamed in terror.

"It seems odd that although you were in the main service area, you know about the murder weapon. Why is that?"

Damien leaned in on the stand, his hand covering his chest as he was breathing violently. "I-I just do, okay!? I can't remember! Just drop it!"

"We're not 'dropping' anything until I figure out what in the heck is going on." Phoenix told him. "What are you hiding, Damien?"

Damien was speechless until he coughed, "I-I remember! The day after, I saw the statue! It had blood everywhere! That was when I deduced it was the weapon! Yeah, that's it!"

Phoenix shook his head. "Nice try, Damien. You also mentioned no one but us and the police were allowed in the crime scene. You weren't in the crime scene at all since then, right?"

"But hear me out!" Damien begged. "I was morbidly curious, so I peeked in and saw the statue. That's the whole truth!"

Hera nodded. "Quite likely. You can't say for a fact that this witness would never know what was going on, would you now?"

"True, but it is highly suspect." Phoenix said to her. "After all, the police were patrolling the area for days. They would've caught him snooping if that's the case."

The Judge nodded. "Indeed. Well, with this new accusation and evidence, I am willing to continue questioning this witness further."

Damien gritted his teeth as sweat poured down. "Your Honor… please…" Interrupted by the gavel's pound, Damien's heart skipped a beat.

(Yes! I nailed him! Looks like this trial is about to continue. Get ready, Mr. Hope… this court will see the man you truly are!)

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.

-Filch Statue: A statue of Phineas Filch's grandmother, a legendary thief. Found at the site of the supposed 'treasure'.

-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.