A/N: The Ace Attorney characters belongs to Capcom. This story will only be the reader's P.O.V.
Court Record:
Evidence:
• Attorney's Badge
• Terry Small's Autopsy Report:
Time of Death: 4/28 at 10:55 PM.
Cause of Death: Blood loss due to a knife wound in the chest. Death was instant
Profiles:
• Phoenix Wright:
Age: 36
Appearance: He wears his traditional, royal blue suit.
• Joe Brayner (Defendant):
Age: 29
Appearance: He has black, short hair, black goatee, black eyebrows, tan skin, brown eyes, and is 5'9". He wears a red bandanna, white shirt, a red blazer, which he leaves open, a silver watch, jean pants, and black canvas shoes.
• Terry Small (Victim):
Age: 33
Appearance: He had brown, slightly long hair, brown eyebrows, blue eyes, and was 5'7". He wore a dark gray, sleeveless shirt, jean pants with a black belt, and wears black boots.
April 30, 9:30 AM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 6
Y/N
(I haven't even stepped in the courtroom and I'm already nervous.)
?
Y/N, are you alright?
I turn to see Phoenix Wright taking a seat on the couch.
Y/N
I-I'm fine, Mr. Wright! ...It's just that... this is my very first case and I didn't investigate the crime scene or talked with the defendant yet.
Phoenix
I figured as much. I would have given this case to either Apollo or Athena to take this case so you and I could sit in the gallery and to have you see how we do things at the Wright Anything Agency, but...
Y/N
...But they had another case instead and couldn't take it. But that doesn't mean that you couldn't be the lead defense.
Phoenix
Maybe, but I want you to see what it is like to be on the bench. Plus, I found out who the prosecution is.
Y/N
Who is it?
Phoenix
...Let's just say I have met him in the courtroom a couple of times.
Y/N
...You couldn't just tell me...
?
Um... excuse me...
I turn around to see Joe Brayner closing the door.
Y/N
Oh... Mr. Brayner!
Brayner
I was told that a new defense attorney was appointed... it's you, is it?
Y/N
Y-Yes, my n-name is (Full Name).
Phoenix
Y/N, I know the feeling of nervousness on your first trial, but you need to show confidence in front of your client.
Y/N
Y-Yes, Sir!... (Deep breathes Y/N, deep breathes.) Umm... I didn't get a chance to talk to you, so I need to know all I can about this case.
Brayner
I once was a member of a certain group, but I left a little over a year ago. I was-
Bailiff
Defendant! Defense! The trial is about to start. Please go to the assign courtroom at once!
Y/N
(Damn it... can't I get some sense in this case!)
Phoenix
Well, let's get to the courtroom.
Y/N
My name is (Full Name). I was given this case when I went to apply to the Wright Anything Agency. A man was killed in People's Park and the person they arrested was my client, Joe Brayner. He is an ex-gang member, but he keeps wearing his outfit from The Demon Syndicates, maybe that's why he was arrested. My mentor, Mr. Wright, was going to be the lead defense, but for some reason, he gave it to me when I was just hired. I hope I can clear my client, even though I just started working.
April 30, 10:00 AM
District Court
Courtroom No. 8
The gallery talks to each other until the judge uses his gavel to quiet them.
Judge
This court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Joe Brayner.
Payne
The prosecution is ready, Your Honor.
Court Record:
Profiles Update:
• Winston Payne:
Age: 63
Appearance: He wears glasses, a gray suit with a red tie, has long hair on the sides only, and is 5'4"
Y/N
The uh... defense is r-ready, Your Honor.
Judge
Hmm... Mr. L/N... this is your first case, correct?
Y/N
Yes, Your Honor.
Judge
I see. But I thought Mr. Wright was going to be the defense in this case.
Y/N
*nervous* (That's what I thought to...)
Phoenix
I was, Your Honor. But I thought it would be a better idea to give Mr. Payne another attorney to have fun with.
Payne
*flicks his hair* Thanks for the consideration, Mr. Wright. Now I have a chance to show this court why I am called the "Rookie Killer."
Y/N
*nervous* (Oh boy...)
Judge
*nods* Very well... Your opening statement then, Mr. Payne.
Payne
Yes, Your Honor. The victim, Mr. Terry Small, was stabbed in the chest with *takes out the murder weapon* this knife. Fingerprints were found on the handle... *starts tapping his head* and it belonged to the defendant, Mr. Joe Brayner!
Y/N
*shocked* W-WHHHAAAAAAATTTTTTT?
Judge
The court accepts this into evidence.
Murder Weapon added to the Court Record; a knife with the defendant fingerprints on it.
Judge
Mr. Payne, you may call your first witness.
Payne
*taps his head* Before I call my witness, the prosecution calls the defendant to stand.
Joe gets up from the defendant's chair and walks to the witness stand.
Payne
State your name and occupation for the court
Brayner
My name is Joe Brayner and I work at the supermarket.
Payne
*taps his head* Are you forgetting to add something else, witness?
Judge
*surprised* What do you mean, Mr. Payne?
Payne
*still tapping his head* Your Honor, the defendant is also an ex-gang member.
Judge
*still surprised* WH-WWWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT!?
The gallery starts talking after hearing about this, then the judge slams his gavel three times to quiet them.
Judge
Order! Order in the court! *stern* Mr. Brayner, is this true!?
Brayner
I won't deny it, I was apart of a gang, The Demon Syndicates to be exact.
Objection!
Y/N
*slams hands on defense bench* That doesn't have anything to do with this case.
Objection!
Payne
*flicks his hair* But it does, for you see... the victim was part of a rival gang by the name of The Azure Dwarfs!
Again, the gallery starts up again until the judge slams his gavel.
Judge
O-Order! Order! *surprise* Mr. Payne, do you have any evidence for this claim?
Payne
*taps his head* Of course, Your Honor. *brings out a list* This is a list of every gangs and it's members, which has the dates that each member joined, in the country. And both The Demon Syndicates and The Azure Dwarfs are on this list, which I would like to submit into evidence.
Judge
The court accepts this into evidence.
Gang List added to the Court Record; each gang and it's members are on this list, as well as their starting dates. Joe Brayner joined August 9, 2014 and left September 8, 2027. Terry Small joined December 9, 2027.
Brayner
If I may say something, Your Honor...
Judge
*surprise* Yes, Mr. Brayner
Brayner
That knife that was presented as evidence... I actually lost it sometime last week.
Judge
*still surprise* W-WHAT!?
The gallery starts up again until the judge slams his gavel once.
Judge
Order! Order! *surprise* Mr. Brayner, do you have any proof for this claim?
Brayner
Yes, Your Honor. *pulls out a lost item report* Here it is, I wanted to give this to my attorney, *looks sad* but didn't get the chance.
Judge
Never the less, the court will accept this into evidence
Lost Item Report added to the Court Record; this report indicates a knife missing. Report made on April 21st.
Murder Weapon updated in the Court Record; a knife with the defendant fingerprints on it. According to Mr. Brayner, he lost it last week.
Judge
Are you ready to call your witness, Mr. Payne?
Payne
Yes, Your Honor. The prosecution calls Mr. Psalm Islands to the stand.
Joe removes himself from the witness stand and goes back to the defendants chair, then Psalm enters the courtroom and walks over to the witness stand
Payne
Witness, state your name and occupation.
Islands
My name is Psalm Islands and I'm currently apart of The Demon Syndicates.
Court Record:
Profiles Update
• Psalm Islands:
Age: 28
Appearance: He has light brown, spiky hair, brown eyebrows, black eyes, and is 5'8". He wears the same outfit as Joe, except he wears a black shirt under his blazer and wears black gloves.
Judge
If I may, tell us when you joined.
Islands
I joined on January 3, 2029.
Gang List updated in the Court Record; each gang and it's members are on this list, as well as their starting dates. Joe Brayner joined August 9, 2014 and left September 8, 2027. Terry Small joined December 9, 2027. Psalms Islands joined January 3, 2029.
Payne
This witness also happen to see the murder on the night of April 28th.
Judge
*nods* Very well, the witness will give testimony on what he saw.
WITNESS
TESTIMONY
-What I saw-
Islands
1. That night, I was walking home.
2. I use People's Park as a little short-cut to my house.
3. Then I heard a disturbance a little ways from where I was.
4. When I got closer, that's when I saw it.
5. Joe stabbing Smalls with his knife.
Judge
Hmm... I see
Hold it!
Y/N
*thinking* Did you get to see Mr. Brayner's or Mr. Small's face?
Islands
No, it was too dark from where I was standing. But I recognize the person sitting in the defendant chair.
Y/N
How could you tell?
Islands
Because, at our headquarters, we have a files of past and present members and each file has our pictures in each of them. Our leader makes us remember each and everyone in those files, it's such a pain
Payne
*taps his head* So he could recognize the defendant just by his outline.
Judge
*nods* I see... *slams his gavel* Very well, Mr. L/N... You may begin your cross-examination
Y/N
R-Right... I-I mean yes, Your Honor.
Phoenix
Y/N... you do know what a cross-examination is and what you need to do, right?
Y/N
Of course I do... it's just that... it's my first time doing it in an actual court.
Phoenix
Ha ah ah, I know how you felt. Just take your time and find the contradiction to take this witness's testimony.
Y/N
Right, boss.
CROSS
EXAMINATION
-What I witness-
Islands
1. That night, I was walking home.
2. I use People's Park as a little short-cut to my house.
3. Then I heard a disturbance a little ways from where I was.
4. When I got closer, that's when I saw it.
5. Joe stabbing Smalls with his knife. Objection!
Y/N
...Mr. Islands, are you sure you saw my client with his knife?
Islands
Of course I'm sure.
Y/N
*thinking* Then something doesn't add up... *presents Lost Item Report* Your Honor, do you remember this?
Judge
*surprise* Ahhh
Payne
*sweating* Th-The lost item report...
Islands
What... What are you guys talking about?
Y/N
*holds document* This lost item report was made by Mr. Brayner, and the item that was lost... *slams the defense bench* was his knife!
Islands
*shocked* AAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?
The gallery starts up after hearing this until...
Y/N
*slams hands on defense bench and quiets the gallery* Witness, how did you know my client had the knife at the time of the murder?
Islands
*slightly nervous* I... uh, well...
Objection!
Payne
*sweats* But how would the witness know that he lost the knife. Plus the defendant could be lying about losing his knife.
Objection!
Y/N
*shakes head* Sorry, Mr. Payne... but I can prove that it's not possible. *holds document* If we look into the police records, we may find Mr. Brayner's lost item report.
Judge
Bailiff! Have the police department check their records at once!
Bailiff
Yes, sir!
The bailiff leaves for the police department.
Judge
*thinking* While we wait for the results, let's continue with the trial.
Hold it!
Payne
*taps his head* Your Honor, there is one thing that still is a solid fact. And that is the defendant fingerprints on the knife!
Objection!
Y/N
*points* That can easily be explained. The real murder could have been wearing gloves, maybe like what the witness is wearing.
The gallery starts up until the judge slams his gavel three times.
Judge
Order! *shocked* Mr. L/N, are you saying that you suspect the witness of murder!?
Y/N
*nods* Yes, Your Honor. The defense not only indicts Mr. Islands of murder, but also stealing the murder weapon.
Objection!
Payne
*flicks his hair* How naive. And I assume you have proof for this claim.
Y/N
*nervous* I... uhh...
Just then the bailiff comes in.
Bailiff
Your Honor, we got the results.
Judge
Well Bailiff, was the defendant's report real?
Bailiff
Yes, Your Honor. The defendant did indeed lost his knife and filed a lost item report.
Judge
*thinking* Hmm... so we now know that the defendant indeed lost his knife and-
Objection!
Payne
But how could the witness know that the knife was lost in the first place. And further more, how could he know it was the defendant's knife.
Judge
It looks like further testimony is in order. Witness, your testimony if you would.
WITNESS
TESTIMONY
-Why I didn't do it-
Islands
1. I have never seen that knife before.
2. We don't keep records on what weapons we bring in.
3. That document could have been forged by the person on trial.
Judge
Are you positive that you don't have any records of any weapons that you bring in?
Islands
Of course I am. The only records we have are the past and present members and the weapons that are only provided by the gang, even then we have to return it before going home.
Judge
*nods* Very well... Mr. L/N, you may begin your cross examination.
CROSS
EXAMINATION
-Why I didn't do it-
Islands
1. I have never seen that knife before.
2. We don't keep records on what weapons we bring in.
3. That document could have been forged by the person on trial. Objection!
Y/N
Sorry to disappoint you, but that lost report was not faked.
Islands
*smirks* How can you be sure?
Y/N
*confident* Because the bailiff went to the police department to verify... and when he came back, the bailiff conformed that it was real!
Islands
*shocked* WH-WHHHHHAAAAATTTTT!?
Y/N
*slams hands on defense bench* Mr. Islands, you can make any excuse you want... but the truth will come to light. And that truth is that *points* you killed Terry Smalls
Objection!
Payne
And what evidence do you have to indicate Mr. Islands as the murderer?
Judge
If you have solid proof, Mr. L/N, now is the time to present it.
Y/N
R-Right, Your Honor.*panicking*(What am I suppose to do. I don't have any evidence that indicates him as the murderer!)
Phoenix
Why are you making that face for, (Y/N)?
Y/N
Huh?
Phoenix
The worst of times are when lawyers have to force their biggest smiles.
Y/N
But I don't-
Phoenix
You do, you just haven't realized it yet.
Y/N
What?
Phoenix
I meant to give this to you before the trial, but didn't have time. Well, better late than never, here.
Phoenix hands me a ripped piece of paper. The ripped piece of paper was nothing special besides the name written on it in blood, which reads "Psalms Islands".
Ripped piece of paper added to the Court Record.
Y/N
You mean to tell me that you had this the ENTIRE TIME!? I could have submitted this awhile ago and end this a lot sooner!
Phoenix
I know. But while it is true I didn't give it to you when I wanted to, it was good to see how you did on a real trial.
Y/N
But where did you find this?
Phoenix
In the trash at the park when I was doing my investigation. Now end this trial.
The judge slams his gavel to get your attention.
Judge
Well Mr. L/N, times up. Present your evidence at this time.
Take that!
Y/N
*shows the ripped piece of paper* This is my evidence!
Judge
What do you mean?
Y/N
This was in a trash can near the scene of the crime, and there is a name written on here. Mr. Payne, if you could read the name for the court.
Payne
It says "Psalms Islands"... *shocked* Wait what!?
Islands
*shocked* WH-WHAAATTTTT!?
Y/N
*slams hands on defense bench* If we were to analyze this evidence, we can confirm it belongs to the victim.
Judge
Bailiff, have this blood tested at once!
The bailiff leaves with the paper.
20 minutes later, the bailiff comes back with the results.
Bailiff
Your Honor, I have the results.
Judge
Well, who does the blood belong to?
Bailiff
It is indeed the victim's blood and his handwriting.
Y/N
*confident* Well Mr. Islands, how about you tell the court the truth? Tell them that *points* You killed Terry Smalls and set up Joe Brayner as the murderer!
Islands
What... But I... This is... *continuously slamming hands on witness stand* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!
Psalms continues this for a good minute until he was escorted out of the courtroom.
Judge
Mr. Payne, has Mr. Islands say anything?
Payne
He confessed to the crime while screaming at the top of his lungs.
Judge
*nods* Very well, if the defendant take the witness stand.
Joe gets up and walks to the witness stand.
Judge
Defendant, do you have anything else to say?
Brayner
I would like to say thank you to the defense for everything he did and congratulate him on his first win.
Y/N
Thanks, Mr. Brayner
Brayner
*smiles* And hope this is the last time I am involved with a murder case.
Judge
*nods* Agreed. Well then, if there are no objections, I will hand down my verdict. The court finds Mr. Brayner...
NOT GUILTY
The gallery applaud at the verdict and confetti rains down.
Judge
Court is adjourned.
April 30, 2:32 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 6
Y/N
I can't believe we pulled that off.
Phoenix
That's the life of a lawyer. By the way, congrats on your first win!
Y/N
Thank you, Mr. Wright. But why would Mr. Islands want to blame Mr. Brayner in the first place?
?
Because he was probably jealous of me...
I turn to see Joe Brayner walk in.
Y/N
Mr. Brayner, what do you mean?
Brayner
I think he read about how we used to have gang wars back in the day. I thought it was stupid to have these wars, our leader agreed with me and made truce with all other gangs.
Phoenix
But why would he want to do that in the first place?
Brayner
This is just my theory, but I think when he heard about the gangs having a truce, he was trying everything to get their leader to break the truce. Now, with the truth out, the gang will have no choice but to kick him out.
Y/N
But why blame you for his crime?
Brayner
I was second-in-command when I was still a gang member, so he thought if the gang thought I was the one to kill someone in our biggest rival gang at the time, then they will had no choice but to call the truce off.
Y/N
Man, to go all that trouble just to get more people killed.
Brayner
Yeah, I need to get to the Demon Syndicates' hideout to explain what happened, they're probably want to talk to the leader of The Azure Dwarfs to make sure everything is alright. Thank you again and see you around.
Joe turned around and walked out of the room.
Phoenix
Well, we better get back to the office, I still need to introduce you to the rest of the Wright Anything Agency.
Y/N
Right behind you!
THE END