—
January; 15. 2019.
District Court. Defendant's Lobby Nº2
10:50 AM. Morning.
—
— This is it. The final day...
Phoenix was revising the entire record one more time as Maya watched anguished at him. That time there was more inconsistencies than the last trials they were. A thought ran into the mind, and she shivered in fear. That time only a miracle could save them and their client.
The medium heard the attorney taking a deep breath and saw him rest his head against the backrest of the sofa. Feeling his energy drained, Phoenix looked at the door with certain tiredness.
"At any moment, the trial will begin…"
— At those times, we need to admit we did all we could. That said, you should have the honor to accept defeat, though that situation isn't the most dignified, isn't it?
Phoenix looked at Masahiro and gave a wry smirk.
— At times at this… All we can do is give our best and forced our biggest smiles. That said…
Phoenix stood up and looked at the door and kept a straight face, giving a wide determined smile.
— If we are going down… We will be taking them with us. That's for sure.
The doors opened and Sae entered, keeping a serious face.
— Glad you're willing to go all the way. That said, I hope we will make this a great spectacle. — Sae said with a smile.
— Me too, isn't that right Maya?
Maya nodded with vehemence.
— Yeah! Time to rock!
— Glad you three are excited.
Phoenix clenched his teeth as he saw Godot entering in the defendant lobby. His wide cocky smile annoyed him, and Phoenix fought the urge to punch him. He looked at Sae and Phoenix noticed she was tense as well.
— The higher the height, worse is the downfall, right?
Maya was about to yell when Phoenix stood between her and him and he glanced at Godot.
— At least I'll take the fall with grace, unlike you.
Godot smile faltered quickly changing into a scowl.
— Guess you're brave with the gal over there. I want to know if you still the same when she's out… Especially when you trying to impress someone else…
Godot turned around and was about to left when Phoenix asked:
— I wonder you're saying this to cause more discord in my life, or that's the way you can feel some peace towards yourself.
Godot slightly flinched after hearing that, but he didn't turn back to Phoenix, instead he walked away. Maya looked at Phoenix confused, and Sae glanced at him waiting for some answers.
— I will explain everything later. For now, let's focus on the real matter.
— Right… — Was Maya reply.
Sae stood quietly, but she nodded in agreement. A bailiff came and announced the trial was about to begin.
— Very well. It's time to go… Like a friend of mine says: It's showtime!
Phoenix chuckled.
— I want to meet this friend of yours.
Sae smirked.
— I can arrange that.
All of them left the defendant lobby, ready to face the court.
—
District Court. Courtroom Nº1
11:00 AM. Midday.
—
The audience was discussing the case when the Judge promptly silenced them by pounding his gavel, ordering for silence.
— The court is now in session for the case of Ken Masahiro, ambassador from Japan. — The Judge announced.
— The defense is ready, your Honor. — Phoenix announced.
— The prosecution is ready as well, your Honor. — Sae announced.
— Now then, today it's the final day of the proceedings. I'm sure both defense and prosecution knows that, but I want to remind you that is the last day to solve the inconsistences and end this case once for all. Did I make myself clear?
— Yes, your Honor. — Was both Phoenix and Sae reply.
— That said, please Prosecutor Niijima, your opening statement, please.
— Before I do my opening statement, I need to confess something: Dealing with a delicate case in this 3-day trial system is quite the challenge, although things in Japan weren't exactly like heaven. I do hope both me and the defense can find the answers we are searching for. That said, the prosecution will do the opening statement: Two days ago, the prosecution was sure of the defendant, Mr. Ken Masahiro, was the culprit behind the death of Ahiko Hanamura. However, in the previous two days the accountability of Mr. Masahiro's guilty is in fact questionable. Still, the prosecution stood still on the possibility of Mr. Masahiro guilt, although, I do accept there's the fact of the chance things has been set up beforehand. Although it may sound in favor of Mr. Masahiro innocence the situation around him, it's the prosecution job to ensure the veracity of his innocence if that possibility arises. In the case his innocence is proven false today, or the opposite, the prosecution will accept the verdict handled, without objections. But for now, it's both mine and the defense job to search further and accurate the information we have at hands now. That said, I do hope you're ready, Mr. Wright, because things will become worse from here.
Phoenix smirked as he understood the message.
— I do hope you are too. Like you said, it's our job to make things sure for now.
Maya looked at them and she knew everything will be settled today, because once both lawyers were dead set, no one could stop them.
— Very well. Prosecutor Niijima, please proceed.
— Very well. Before I call my witness, I want to summon detective Richard Gumshoe to aid in summarizing the events of the case until now, giving all the update and information we've collected until now.
— Very well. The court summons detective Gumshoe to the stand.
The court waited for Gumshoe to come and stay at the witness stand. Once he was there, he kept a serious frown instead of his usual smug grin.
— Detective, if everything alright? — The Judge asked.
— I wish it was for once, your Honor. — Gumshoe replied dryly. — That said, I think sir, things have become more dangerous than we thought.
Phoenix tensed, but he kept his cold stance and waited for Gumshoe testimony.
— Very well, Detective, can you please summarize the case until now, including the development that happen?
— Yes, sir.
Gumshoe started a slideshow, with a timeline resuming the events.
— As we already known in the night of January 12, around 9:30 PM, the defendant, Ken Masahiro, was having dinner with the victim, Akiho Hanamura, in room 782 at the Marche Hotel. The matter of their discussion is unknown and during that time only the bell boy went there, to give their dinner. During the dinner, the defendant called the emergency, alleging the victim was feeling ill and started to pass out. Fifteen minutes later, the emergency arrived and rescued Mr. Hanamura but he was already dead when he arrived at the hospital.
Gumshoe pulled from inside his coat the Autopsy Report.
— The paramedics tried to revive the victim but there was no avail. The autopsy results indicated the cause of death was asphyxiation due to the brunt trauma at the upper torso area. Not only that, only the defendant could've done that after the development of the investigation. Mr. Masahiro was called to testify about the matter and detained until further orders, but with the indication of assassination he was put into preventive custody for the death of Akiho Hanamura. That said, we did the normal proceeding to put the suspect at trial.
— However, due to the nature of the case, and the relevance of the persons involved, he couldn't be put in a trial normally, especially as the murder has happened in American territory. So, I was assigned to assume the prosecution as an accord between the countries to keep the diplomacy ties, we have. — Sae explained.
— With that, Mr. Masahiro called him to represent him in court. That said, things went normally, at least, that what we thought at the time. — Phoenix said.
— Yes. Since the events of the first day of the proceedings, we started an extraordinary investigation to check the integrity of the case of Mr. Masahiro. Unfortunately, that wasn't the first time we had dealt with the interference of corrupt forces, however, the extension this time wasn't the usual one. — Gumshoe explained.
— In this case, the interference came from a secret group called the Antissocial Force, a conspiration group that secret rules Japan, and tries to overcome the actual government to their private dictatorship. — Sae explained as she looked inside her briefcase. — One of the members was the previous director of the SIU. Once his role was completed, he was murdered by Goro Akechi, the personal hitman of the group under Shido orders. At that time, Shido was the leader of the Antissocial Force, and one of the founding members.
— In other words, Shido had all his bases covered, manipulating the scenes in order to become the new emperor of Japan in a nutshell. Most of the people who resisted against it, or the ones who tried to usurp the power to themselves were eliminated. — Phoenix stated.
The audience commented about that and wondered how the people who fought against that tyrannic group survived.
— But that raises the question: How did the group still somewhat influent now, even after the downfall of the leader? — The Judge asked.
— The answer for that question is simple, your Honor: They had to. Their decadency had revealed several individuals who were deeply involved and that led him to assume their actual positions. If more information was revealed, the group will cease to exist permanently. — Sae answered.
— Moreover, there's the fact, there is still several schemes those individuals run still active and once those schemes were found, it's only a matter of time to find their trails. The truth is they're desperate. — Phoenix complemented.
— Correct. The Antissocial Force doesn't have the same power and influence as before, however, that doesn't mean they aren't a threat anymore.
The audience commented about it, as the Judge processed the information.
— I see... But there's something that intrigues me. How was Masayoshi Shido been caught? Considering he had a vast influence and power at that time.
— The answer for that is quite simple as well: The Phantom Thieves of Hearts changed his heart. Also, his arrogance was a major factor to his downfall, as things went well for him, his true personality and behavior left traces and victims. And three special victims were the key to bring Shido to justice and the downfall of the corruption that affects my country.
— Victims?
— Yes. The first one was Takuto Maruki. He was at the time a former university researcher and psychologist student. At first his involvement wasn't clear or even logical, until I had found out the reason behind it. The second victim is the Shido most loyal hitman, Goro Akechi.
— What!?
The public looked confused, trying to understand the situation. The Judge hit his gavel louder to silence the crowd.
— Ms. Niijima, what is the meaning of this!? How Shido hitman was his victim!?
Sae sighed as she pulled from her briefcase a huge file.
— I brought today the files related to the case. Since it was direct involvement with the Antissocial Force, now I can disclosure the information that lies here.
Sae opened the casefile and pulled a specific file. The name Goro Akechi was labeled in the black folder.
— I want to submit the entire State vs. Masayoshi Shido file into the Court Record. Including all the information gathered over the years.
— The court accepts it. — The Judge stated. — That said, you want to show Goro Akechi file, right?
— Yes. More precisely, his true relation with Masayoshi Shido.
— I see.
Phoenix took a deep breath and gave an assuring glance at Sae who just nodded. Maya trembled in agony, knowing that file will bring.
— The relation between Goro Akechi and his boss was more than strictly professional. The fact is, Goro Akechi has deep ties with Shido. Especially by blood.
The public went into an uproar that made the Judge bang his gavel constantly, in an attempt to control the chaos.
— Prosecutor Sae Niijima, are you saying!?
— Yes. Goro Akechi is the son of Masayoshi Shido. More specifically, he's his bastard son. The result of Shido case with Akechi's mother. Shido only threw her away and left them to die, without the knowledge of him.
— But still…
— Masayoshi Shido was an ambitioned man. No one expect him is worth of his time. Akechi knew about his father and due to his harsh childhood, the death of his mother, and the hatred and desire of revenge towards his father was enough to make him go all the way to take Shido down. Even if was aiding him towards his ascension to make things more personal.
—But that...
Sae sighed.
— I know, though that doesn't justify his actions, Goro Akechi was a desperate child. He was desperate to free himself from his suffering. That said, when he gets the opportunity of getting his revenge towards his father, he didn't hesitate to do so.
— I see... But that one problem with that though: The connection between Goro Akechi and Takuto Maruki.
— That is true. Both weren't related directly with two exceptions: Masayoshi Shido himself and the third victim of Masayoshi Shido.
— Who is?
— Ren Amamiya.
The court became silent, and the Judge hummed in thought.
— You said that name before. Is that person relevant at this?
— Yes. Because he was the main witness to end the Antissocial Force and Masayoshi Shido influence.
The court looked at the prosecutor confused, unable to understand that behind it.
— Prosecutor Niijima, what are you implying?
— I'm not implying, I'm just stating the facts. But it is my mistake to not explain further. Everything is linked to Ren Amamiya, because he stopped Shido abuses towards a woman. According to the witness, Shido was drunk at that time and tried to take her into his car and sexually abuse of her. The thing is, Mr. Amamiya was nearby, going back to his home after spending his day at a friend house. At that time, Shido threatened him. Ren stood between him and the woman.
— Does that mean Mr. Amamiya went physical to him.
— Far the opposite. Mr. Amamiya only took the woman away from Shido. But that didn't stop Shido to try. Then he pathetic fell on the railroad and hurt himself. He was so drunk to the point he couldn't even walk straight. Then the police arrived. At that time, it was obvious it was Shido the culprit, but he threatened the woman to testify against Amamiya-kun. Then Shido ordered the officers to arrest him.
— But Mr. Amamiya was freed afterwards, right?
— No. He was sent straight to the court and judged. Shido managed to get him not only an unfair guilty verdict, but he put him under probation. Amamiya-kun future was tarnished, took away from him. Expelled from his school and his hometown. And Shido went scoot-free without any punishment at the time.
The audience went into an outrage, yelling and screaming for justice. Maya noticed Phoenix has clenched his fists and Sae did the same as well.
— Order! I will have order right now! — The Judge shouted. — Ms. Niijima…
— Yes. As I've stated, Amamiya-kun was sent to Tokyo for probation. At that time, people went after him. The first one was the ex-teacher and ex-aluminum, Suguru Kamoshida. An abusive person that used his influence and fame as an Olympic medalist to get his position at a teacher at Shujin Academy and to anything he wishes. He made several victims as well. Ryuji Sakamoto was one of the few students that defied him and had his future taken. Ann Takamaki as well, as he tried to have sexual relation with her. And Shiho Suzui. She's Takamaki-san best friend and Kamoshida used that to abuse her physically and sexually until Suzui-san attempted suicide due to the abuses.
Maya clenched her fists as well, as she felt her anger at that unfair situation.
— However, Amamiya-kun persisted with his friends. At that time, an anonymous group found about Amamiya-kun's situation and decided to act. The Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
— Isn't that the group that caused chaos at Tokyo?
— No, your Honor. They were the group who saved Japan. I was the one who were investigating the Psychotic Breakdowns and Mental Shutdowns that was happening in Japan, your Honor. At that time, I found out it was the Antissocial Force and especially Shido who were behind those incidents. Not only that, but those incidents also had several political incidents that only benefit Shido and his party.
— In other words, the Phantom Thieves were a reactive force against them. — Phoenix said.
— Yes. They were in action searching for a way to reveal Shido schemes, until they found a witness that wasn't killed right away.
— Amamiya.
— Correct. Due to Amamiya-kun bad luck, he managed to attract the attention of the worse kind of people, and he wasn't going to stay down and accept that willing. The Phantom Thieves first target was Kamoshida. Then after that, Amamiya-kun met Yusuke Kitagawa. At that time, Kitagawa-kun was the apprentice of Ichiryusai Madarame.
— The famous artist?! — The Judge shouted in disbelief.
— More like the con artist who exploited innocent people and took their art works and claimed as his own. Madarame was doing the same thing to Kitagawa. — Phoenix said.
Maya whispered a "no" and the audience became tense as they heard the story.
— Luckly, Amamiya-san and their friends met Kitagawa-kun and helped him out. At that time, the Phantom Thieves targeted Madarame, thanks to Amamiya interference at Kitagawa-san life. At that time, they found Madarame was related to Shido. That let to Junya Kaneshiro, who were targeting innocent students of Shujin Academy, the school Amamiya-san went at that time. They managed to track down all the involved people at Shido conspiracy plan to take over the power.
— But according to those files, one of the targets was you.
The audience started to mumble about it.
— Your Honor, please read the information about me loud and clear.
The Judge nodded and he started to read the file about Sae:
— "Sae Niijima. The known public sixty target of the Phantom Thieves. The reasons behind it where unknown at the time. Daughter of Sasuke Niijima, police officer. Murdered at action while stopping a Yakuza scheme. Her profile shows she doesn't have any suspicious or unethical behavior, nor does have any incidents that reflects upon her career." A clean file I see. — The Judge commented as he keeps reading. — "A recent member of the SIU, she was under strict supervision of Ushiro Kaneda, the previous SIU Director. Investigations shows the direct SIU director involvement to Masayoshi Shido, also it shows he was tampering, forging and even destroying evidence from SIU members cases in secret over 50 years. Further investigations revealed the SIU director planned to eliminate Sae Niijima using the Phantom Thieves as a scapegoat. Plans were frustrated with the fake death of the Phantom Thieves leader and the assassination of the SIU by Goro Akechi, under Shido's orders. Further details are explained at the further files. Note: Exams indicates no signs of the phenomenon known as "change of heart" Thus indicating the attempt has a false one.".
The public became silent, slowly digesting the words were read. Phoenix glanced at Maya, and she noticed she had difficult to process everything and he couldn't blame her. All that situation was far off the oddities of the cases, and a national-level conspiracy was far worse than they thought.
— That means…
— I wasn't in fact, targeted, though I had even received a real calling card from them.
— Why though?
— According to Dr. Maruki research, the idea of the calling card is to cause an impact on the person cognition, causing a distress so strong to let it vulnerable to a change of heart. Only the Phantom Thieves used that method.
— I'm sorry, did you say, Dr. Maruki?
— Yes. That's the part I was going to explain now. Ren Amamiya had a counselor though most of the year, and that was Dr. Takuto Maruki. Maruki at the time was searching for evidence and making studying towards the Cognitive field.
— Why though? I mean, he doesn't have any relation to Masayoshi Shido.
— I'm afraid that's not the case. As it was stated at the report of the investigation of this case, Takuto Maruki was the original researcher of the The Cognitive Psience Research of Alteration of Perception, thus the one who made possible for Shido to cause the Psychotic Breakdowns and Mental Shutdowns.
The public went into an uproar as the Judge tried to calm them down. Pounding his gavel and even calling the bailiffs to help to keep the order, the public were at the peak of the outrage, trying to express their fury towards the newest reveals. Then they heard a loud click as Sae hit the ground with her heels.
— Everyone please calm down now! — She ordered.
The audience stopped to talk and started to listen, staring at the prosecutor.
— Now then, before we jump into wrongful conclusions, I need to explain how Dr. Maruki research has fallen into Shido hands.
Silence prevailed and Sae cleaned her throat, ready to continue.
— Maruki indeed made the research, however, the original intention of such it was for mental health treatment and care.
— That means at the time he started his research the original proposal for that knowledge was for mental health issues. — Phoenix stated.
— Correct. The hypothesis regarding the Cognitive Psychology Paranormal Psience field is quite solid, although that type of scientific research isn't considered real scientific research, though considering we cannot measure the empirical and metaphysical concepts, that research was mostly in the eyes of the public a metaphorical exploration of sorts or a useless waste of time.
— But Shido saw the potential of that research and used that knowledge at his favor, right?
— Yes? To do so, he manipulated the University Council to halt and even end the research to steal it later, erasing Maruki involvement, and even interfering in his academic development. The research previous recording was erased as well, and the potential prodigy was forsaken.
— But, what those three had in common?! It stills doesn't make any sense!? — The Judge exclaimed.
— It is true, if one thing hasn't happened at that time and that thing was: the admission of Dr. Takuto Maruki as the Counselor of the Shujin Academy. At that time, after Kamoshida Incident, Dr. Maruki was hired as the counselor and therapist of Shujin Academy students, and he had explicit orders to give counsel sessions to the students directly involved in that incident, the victims.
— Oh my! That means!?
— Yes. One of the victims was Ren Amamiya himself as said before.
The courtroom went silent with the sudden revelations until now. Phoenix noticed how Sae was clearly nervous, even she was resembling a calm exterior. Her eyes were showing the turmoil of emotions inside her head as she kept breathing discretely to stay focused. Phoenix only could give a sympathetic gaze over his bench as he waited for her to continue.
— Suguru Kamoshida was an opportunist as said before, and he used his fame and influence to obtain anything he wanted. When Amamiya-kun came to Tokyo for his probation, the Shujin Academy accepted him despite his situation and Kamoshida took advantage of that and spread rumors about him, using his criminal record to do so. To avoid any backlash from Kamoshida scandal, Dr. Maruki was hired to help them. Sometime later, Amamiya-kun met Goro Akechi during a school excursion on a TV station. They started a friendship that led to the events that were described at the file.
— At that point, the Phantom Thieves were trying to find a way to stop Masayoshi Shido, right? — Phoenix asked.
— Yes. Considering all he did though. However, even after stopping him and the last resort of the Antissocial Force to use the cognition the masses to blind people to the truth, the Phantom Thieves managed to end the Antissocial Force plan, though they never expected someone to take over the control of everything.
— Dr. Takuto Maruki himself.
— Correct.
The audience looked at disbelief as the prosecutor keep going with her explanation.
— Dr. Maruki recreated his experience and managed to take control over the cognitive world. That led him to alter reality as his will. That said, he managed to alter reality to make a utopia, granting people happiness.
— It didn't sound that bad actually! — The Judge said with an excited tone. — I can imagine all my dreams becoming true!
— It doesn't until you realize you doesn't have a choice.
The Judge jumped from his chair and looked at the person who comment that.
— Mr. Wright!? What do you mean by this!?
Phoenix sighed and looked at the Judge.
— Do you never understood anything you heard or see at all, do you?
The Judge flinched, feeling insulted, but Phoenix started to explain.
— Your Honor, if your happiness was decided by me, you will be happy to know that?
— NO! I'M AFRAID YOU MIGHT WANT TO SCREW WITH MY HAPPINESS!
— Your Honor, how exactly do you see Mr. Wright? — Sae asked in a rigid tone of voice.
The bald man flinched at hearing Sae voice as he glanced at the prosecutor and the woman was giving a death stare.
"Wow. Never saw her that angry..." Maya thought feeling bad for the judge. The medium looked at Phoenix and saw him getting tense as he stared at the Judge with the same glance as well.
— Your Honor, please... — Phoenix begged, but his tone of voice betrayed him, showing an edge of irritation than of distress.
— Your Honor! I do expect a formal apology to Mr. Wright, later! That attitude of yours leads to several issues to this court proceedings! — Sae answered.
— Y-YES! I'm so sorry ma'am! I mean, Ms. Niijima.
Sae sighed and looked at Phoenix. Ignoring the poor Judge, she shifted her attention towards the audience.
— I want to the court to do a mental exercise: Imagine you finally managed to reach to reach the goal of going to college and to any course you want. Imagine how much effort you did to reach the position you are now.
The audience did as Sae asked.
— Good. Now focus on the objective you've aimed. Do you have that on your minds?
Everyone nodded and Sae closed her eyes.
— Now, imagine than one day, you were doing a course that wasn't your choice, then you end finding out your life was changed and all you have done so far was for nothing. Can you visualize that? — Sae waited for the audience to imagine the scene. — Now, what if in that hypothetical scenario, you can't figure it out you live has changed, to the point all your decisions and choices from the past were more nothing than a mere illusion? Imagine living a life of illusion and ignorance, as if it was the reality of your everyday lives? Can you all see that?
— Well, I can see, though I'm not too happy about that though… — The Judge commented as he looks at Phoenix and Sae stared at the Judge, who flinched at the feeling of the woman looking at him. Phoenix only sighed.
— Your Honor… Please… — Phoenix begged, though he felt that was in vain.
— The situation your Honor was quite simple: That hypothetical situation was happening in the real life. That wasn't a hypothesis or a possible, yet improbable scenario. It happened.
— I see… That's truly terrifying.
— And that was what Takuto Maruki was doing: Reshaping reality in order to grand everyone happiness in his perspective. — Phoenix said.
Phoenix and Sae could hear the audience arguing loud, freaking out about the fact one single person has doing someone of that grand scale to provide a utopia. Phoenix looked at Sae, seeing her stoical face, but her eyes reflecting the sadness in there.
"I know how that feels…"
A thought ran Phoenix mind, and an image of Dahlia became vivid on his mind. Her scarlet hair and cute doll face, resembling an angelical figure. He could see them together. He also saw Miles living happily as a defense attorney and Gregory Edgeworth was alive and well. He could see his conception of happiness Maruki had on his mind based on his past. But he saw Sae at the other side of the courtroom and that image shattered.
"That's not what I want anymore. Though I wished for Miles to still have his father…"
Phoenix saw what happened when Manfred von Karma took a young Miles and forging the path he should follow after Gregory death. The path of self-destruction that Manfred used everyone to his favor, including his own daughter. That alone infuriated Phoenix. Honestly, Phoenix wished at a certain point it was Manfred who had died that fateful night. Miles didn't deserve the life he had, not Franziska.
"Unfair."
The sibling fate lied on Manfred's hands for a long time. It was unfair how it ended for them. Phoenix shook his head.
"That's not I am supposed to do now. I need to focus on the real matter now…"
The Judge banged his gavel silencing the audience.
— So, in other words…
— Maruki original plan was to create a way to help people to overcome their traumas, but with the outcome of how his research was used, he decided to rewrite reality to create a utopia.
— That sounds terrific!
— It is. From I've heard, the true extension of the research was achieved by Maruki itself alone, though the real implications of that haven't being measured due to the circumstances at that time.
— Indeed. Fortunately, the Phantom Thieves stopped Maruki plans. They managed to overcome Maruki distortions and managed to stop him. After that everything went back to normal.
— I see… A happy ending in the end!
A chuckle echoed on the courtroom, that time. Sae looked at Godot, realizing he had his eyes on her despite the mask covering his eyes. Phoenix felt the tone of his voice was different.
"He sounds disappointed…"
— Without the virtue of patience, no one would never appreciate the art of the drink that brings the bittersweet into our daily lives.
— I'm sorry, Mr. Godot, but what?
If Godot was annoyed, he didn't show. Instead, he looked at Sae, not bothering to explain his proverbial charade.
— Perhaps you may answer something to me, miss. Considering the history track, I certainly doubt you were a target of those Phantom Thieves, seeing how unaware you were at the snakes pit you in.
— What do you want, Godot? — Phoenix asked, feeling his patience running out. Godot ignored the outburst.
— Considering you had the chance of having your wishes coming true, and seeing the files you submitted, I wonder what kind of wish you had that Maruki guy could grant and the Antissocial force and Shido don't? I'm fairly sure you don't live for the sake of perfect track record or anything…
Sae trembled as she closed her eyes to breathe and regain control of her emotions. She stared at the floor, not daring to face anyone.
— My father… was targeted and killed under Shido orders before I was joined the SIU. He was our only parent.
Maya remembered about Makoto. Looking to Phoenix, she felt how tense and sympathetic he was towards her.
"If I was in her place…" Maya thought.
— At that time, I had to deal with newfound responsibilities, some of them I would never think I will assume one day. At that time, my sister was the only person I had at the time. It was us against the world. I had to work harder than anyone else to prove myself and reach the top, for my sake and Makoto's. But the truth… I wished I still had my father at that time, guiding me and helping me at the most difficult moments. Losing him on that way destroyed us… and I swore to fight for justice, though I ended up fighting to my own goals, to survive.
Godot was silent. He simply took a large gulp of coffee on his mug and only looked at her.
— I see… Now, Trite… Considering you're living already your perfect live, I can only imagine you wishing for something stupid. If that guy granted you wish, what'll be?
His mind traitorously went back to that image. He could saw Miles at a more casual, yet professional outfit hanging around with his father. Dahlia hugging his arm as they walked together. Phoenix managed to push that thought away, regaining his composure.
— Not that I need, though. But honestly, there a few things I wish it was different...
— As?
The image came back, however that time, instead of the petite and short redhaired, a woman was there. Phoenix pushed his thoughts aside and replied:
— I wished some injustices from the past never had happened. It pointless though to wish that.
— You sound like Amamiya-kun.
Phoenix saw Sae giving an earnest smile. He smiled as well.
— Heh... Guess I need to hear more about it...
Maya saw Godot sitting back on his seat as he drank his coffee. She noticed he was smirking, but it wasn't the sharp one.
— Back to the topic at question...
— About our respective dreams?
Sae gave the Judge a cold stare and the man flinched.
— Please Miss Niijima, don't look at me like that. It looks like you'll hit me at any moment with a whip!
"Unlike someone, she doesn't need a whip to beat your ass, your Honor..." Phoenix thought.
— Whip? — Sae asked confused, then only shrugged. — That doesn't matter. The topic we were talking about was the Antissocial Force and their downfall. Although those conspirators are so weakened for them to do their schemes, they still have some influence to interfere at certain matters. No wonder this particular case is so wrapped up into several nuisances and perfect timed coincidences...
— It is obvious at this point it was planned, the question now is: Is the defendant, a part of them, or a victim?
— Exactly. Now then, since we're here, he has to do this properly. Now then, Detective Gumshoe, please talk more about the case Mr. Hanamura was investigating.
— Of course. The case was a major scheme of traffic, not any type of traffic. Weapons Traffic.
— Weapons?
— Yes, sir. But it's not the average weapon, heavy fire weapons, something like the army would use. That itself is almost impossible to obtain for personal use, since the power those weapons possesses usually meant problem, and considering how many massacres happened in schools nowadays, no wonder the possession of such weapons is forbidden for the major public. But that doesn't mean it cannot be obtained. It's difficult, but not impossible. Considering there is legal ways to do so.
— Even though with the new restriction of fire weapons?
— Unfortunately, yes. — Gumshoe sighed in dismay. — Nowadays no one can easily buy heavy fire weapons, but that doesn't mean you can explore a breach.
— According to the actual laws towards fire weapons, heavy fire weapons can be bought with certain permissions. Obviously, that applies in most of the states of U.S, with the expectations of states that aren't bound to such laws like Texas, even with some measures to avoid such problems. Still, most of the states here doesn't sell those weapons for anyone. — Phoenix explained.
— But how they managed to obtain such weapons?
— With the information we have, they managed to exploit it by using a forged contract for such. The details are vague though. — Gumshoe said before he added the observation: — That's all we knew from the remain files found into his briefcase...
— The remain...?
— This new information came into account recently. We knew the crime scene wasn't disturbed or tampered, and we know the files with all the evidence is missing, but the files with the actual information of how this particular scheme works is missing...
— How that's even possible!? — The Judge asked shocked.
— According to the information I had, someone had to give Mr. Hanamura the files. However, those files had disappeared. Mr. Hanamura has looking for those files at the fateful day.
— Is that so? But why that information wasn't taken into account sooner?
— My sincere apologies, but I couldn't confirm in time about this. All that mattered at that time was to confirm the suspicions towards the case. I apologize for my mistake.
— I see... Considering all you two are going through and our previous incidents, no wonder why such information wasn't been brought sooner. Now then, how does that scheme is related to the few remaining in The Antissocial Force?
Sae sighed as she looked at a certain file.
— Those weapons will be in use of the specific ramifications of the Yakuza.
— WHAT?!
The audience commented about the newest revelation with genuine worry as they look at the attorneys on the defense and prosecution bench. The judge pounded his gavel only once before ordering silence.
— Order! Onder in court, now! Now then... The Yakuza, isn't that a movie franchise?
Sae and Phoenix groaned as they looked at the judge in pure disbelief.
— ...Seriously? — Both asked at the same time,
— Am I right? — The Judge asked proudly and that was enough to make Godot to laugh before he takes another sip from his mug.
— Your Honor... Is that an awful joke of yours, right? — Phoenix asked in dismay.
— Why would I be joking on that matter?! — The Judge replied angrily.
— Ha! It seems the real joke is the one sitting at the place above the others. — Godot said.
— It seems like it... Wait... Are you talking about me!?
The audience laughed at the Judge obvious lack of focus and knowledge, as Phoenix and Sae groaned in annoyance. Even Maya couldn't help to groan with them as well due to the judge stupidity at that moment.
— Do you think that's funny, Mr. Godot?!
— I found hilarious to treat the one most powerful crime syndicates as only a manufactured product of a work of fiction.
The Judge paled after hearing that.
— Are you...
Sae groaned more in genuine annoyance as she gave to the Judge a deadly stare.
— This isn't a damn joke. Now pay attention, your Honor! — Sae ordered.
— Yes ma'am!
The Judge stood so still that impressed even Godot who was simply savoring his coffee. He gave a smirk to Phoenix who just ignored him.
— Now... The Yakuza is one of the oldest and the strongest crime organizations of our world. Their power in the Japanese society is impressive, even nowadays. That said, the Yakuza is divided into four big families. Two of them operates outside Japan. — Sae explained. — One of those families, worked directly with Shido to raise in power and to rise up as the one in power above in Yakuza and rule over the other families.
— And conveniently that same family rules above the weapons traffic. Quite the perfect timing... — Gumshoe commented annoyed. — However, thanks to the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, their plans were postponed until now. As we speak, a task force of Interpol is stopping their actual operation as we speak. But there's a problem, sir...
— Without the main heads and the evidence proving the traffic, it's not possible to prove who were involved in that, thus forcing them to retreat and change tactics. — Phoenix said.
— That's why we need to solve this case. Perhaps we can find the missing files. — Sae said.
— I can sympathize with your determination, however, what makes you think—
— Why are those cases connected somehow? Your Honor, did you forget already? Mr. Honda indications as the temporary U.S Ambassador of Japan has affected the proceeding of this case. That alone is enough to solidify the involvement of the Antissocial Force into Mr. Masahiro trial. If that wasn't the case them, why have them asked for the files about Mr. Hanamura investigation? — Sae asked.
The audience commented as Phoenix started to think carefully about the entire case.
"Odd. Sae has a valid point. However, that doesn't change the fact something is missing somehow... What are we forgetting...?"
— Nick? — Maya called, worried.
— Something wrong, Mr. Wright? — Sae asked.
— I'm sorry, but I can't help but to feel something off into this...
— True... I feel the same thing... — Sae admitted.
— What it will be?
Phoenix's reminiscence the facts from the case in his mind, looking thoughtfully from every single aspect of the crime and its development. The dinner, then the sudden allergic reaction, Mr. Hanamura death, Mr. Masahiro reaction and arrest, and the case that come upon. No matter how much he reminiscence the case, he couldn't find anything out of place.
— Dammit! I can't find anything!
— Neither I. Honestly, this case somehow is airtight. — Sae said.
— If that's the case, despite the fact the cause of death was an allergic reaction, the lack of evidence indicates there's no one could do that expect of Mr. Masahiro.
— No! — Maya exclaimed.
The judge shook his head negatively as he was ready to pound his gavel.
— Despite the oddities of this case, there's no way to go further, thus, there's no point into proceed further...
"Is this the end...?" Phoenix thought. He looked at Sae and he noticed she was nervous as well, digging her nails into the bench. "We need to think of something and fast!"
Looking towards Masahiro, Phoenix noticed a bittersweet smile.
"Despite everything, he's going to take the blow with honor. Like a samurai honoring his landlord. A servant honoring his master."
Then something flicked in Phoenix and Sae minds at the same time. A thought that never occurred to them.
"Did we interrogate everyone? Did we check everyone in the staff?"
At that moment something came from the depths of their minds. A memory of someone who was present at that moment.
"Why didn't I put him into account sooner? Everything makes sense now!"
The discrepancy at the scene became clear as the new character took his place, and everything started to make sense.
— I cannot prolong further—
— Objection!
The Judge jumped into a somersault as he looked at both Phoenix and Sae pointed at him with defiant eyes.
— Your Honor... — Phoenix started.
— ...This case is far from over! — Sae completed.
— What does that mean? — The Judge asked confused.
— I want you to remind something from Mr. Masahiro testimony yesterday. About how he did "confess" to poison Mr. Hanamura. However, since that "confession" has been proved false, we demand to him to testify once again. — Sae said.
— What!? But why?
Phoenix grunted annoyed as he pounded the bench with more force than necessary.
— Didn't you understand, you Honor? All we had talked, explored and even analyzed every single aspect. However, we didn't explore only one, and in order to do so, we need to Mr. Masahiro to testify once again. Does that make us clear?
The Judge gulped as he simply nodded.
— Y-Yes, bu-but...
— Ha! I was wrong. Guess the one who which doesn't have a spine to do the deal is the man with the handsome beard presiding this trial.
— What!?
— You heard it right, old man. Seeing those two, you may have missed. But I don't. Those two had realized the truth. And you're just being a nuisance for them.
— Godot... — Maya said.
— Mr. Godot, I demand—
— Ha! You demand? Your Honor, they had raised an excellent point. That said, if you back off now, you will become a target by your own. It's too late to back off now. You want to end this? You must move forward to do so. That's the only option you have.
— I-I-I see... Guess...
— Not "Guess". You have to. — Phoenix interrupted the Judge, giving a hard glance at him.
— I see... You're right. You all are right. Ms. Niijima, Mr. Wright. I'll grant your request. Mr. Masahiro, please take the witness stand once again.
Masahiro nodded and Phoenix looked to Godot.
— You two has only one chance. Good luck.
Phoenix smirked as he looked at Masahiro.
— Alright them. Let's do this! — Maya exclaimed excited.
Masahiro stood still at the witness stand, looking at both the attorneys. He kept a stoical frown, but both Sae and Phoenix knew they wanted to end this. He stood up stoical, but less than rested well. Heavy eyebags were visible and his impeccable appearance was fading already, showed by the winkles on his clothes and a slight cover of dust over it. Masahiro looked at both lawyers and waited for them.
— Before we ask for your testimony, we need to tell you something. Agent Shi-Long Lang gave us an assurance about your family safety. They're being brought to U.S as we speak. — Sae said.
— Not only that, but Agent Lang also assured us the Interpol will protect your family until the end of the investigations. That said, you don't have to worry about that.
Masahiro halted and he trembled as a sigh of relief escaped from his lips. Phoenix noticed how tense he was and how he was relief that his family was safe now. That, his entire posture changed, as he become serious, and his face showed a fierce resembrance.
— Thank you for assuring me for my family safety. That said, I can't see any reason to hold myself off.
— Mr. Masahiro...? — The Judge called worriedly.
— My deepest apologies, your Honor, however, I was coerced due of my family integrity. This case had taken too many innocent lives. Hanamura-san death even if was for a good cause, falls onto my responsibility. For the sake of the others who were fighting to end this, for the honor of the fallen ones, for the ones I want to protect, I will testify. That said, time to become truthful. My deepest apologies once again, for obstruction of justice, however, in my actual situation, I didn't have a choice.
The Judge nodded.
— I do understand, however, depending on how your actual testimony will be, it might be worthy, otherwise, you will answer for that.
— I do understand, your Honor. Now, time to testify about the events of that fateful day.
Masahiro took a deep breath and looked straight at the Judge, remembering the events of the day.
— As it was stated before several times, I was in a meeting with Akiho Hanamura about the investigation towards the Weapon Traffic Masayoshi Shido was doing. We were close several times to find decisive evidence to show his involvement at this and to dismantle this once for all. At that day, Hanamura-san said we did it. Before everything, I find an interesting lead that led us to that. However, before Hanamura could even disclosure about it, he was struggling for air. He ran into the entire room looking over everything. I do confess I was unable to do anything because I freaked out trying to understand how that happened. When I came back to my senses, I called the 911. I asked how to proceed, but at that time, it was too late. I knew I was the next, but I never thought they'll target my family. That is the reason I couldn't be truthful.
The Judge closed his eyes, analyzing the situation. Phoenix revised everything in his mind as Sae became thoughtful. Maya looked at both lawyers, unable to say anything.
— Mr. Wright, can you see anything useful in this testimony?
Phoenix affirmed in a nod.
— Yes, but I can only determine that with my cross-examination.
— Very well. Please proceed.
"I can do this, but I need to determine a few things first."
Phoenix took a deep breath and he looked at his client.
"Time to unravel a few loose ends."
— Now, Mr. Masahiro, please repeat your testimony.
— Yokai. As it was stated before several times, I was in a meeting with Akiho Hanamura about the investigation towards the Weapon Traffic Masayoshi Shido was doing.
"I shouldn't start with that. I want to explore other aspects first."
— Nick? — Maya called.
— Not yet. — Was Phoenix answer.
Masahiro took that as his gist to keep testifying.
— We were close several times to find decisive evidence to show his involvement at this and to dismantle this once for all.
— Hold it! — Phoenix shouted as he leaned forward on his bench, glaring at Masahiro. — I can imagine the situation wasn't easy or calm at all.
— That's a way to define it. We were under the radar, but always observant, almost to a paranoic level due to the Mental Shutdowns and Psychotic Breakdowns pulled by Shido. Heh. Life during that time was a living hell.
— And yet, you guys managed to gather several evidence towards the operation of them.
— Yeah. Unfortunately for that Shido bastard, I had several connections, and those connections are from Interpol, FBI and other enforcement institutions. People there that could help me without any issues, as long I had the leads for them, and luckily, Shido did an excellent job in left some subtle tracks no one would look. The main incriminating one he got rid of it, but the one he couldn't at that time were our best bet.
— And you managed to obtain several evidence. Quite impressive, especially getting all of that and escape alive.
— Truly a miracle, I admit. Unfortunately, most of us has fallen due to Shido. He was sly, but not enough to escape from us and he took one by one. If it wasn't for the Phantom Thieves, I probably wasn't here today.
— I see. How close you were to catch Shido?
— Close to the point to stop him a year sooner before the elections. Talk about a sneaky oiled eel. Every single chance, I didn't catch him. Worse was at the Kunikazu Okumura case. I knew he was using that man company for traffic, and yet, he managed not only to kill, but to blame the Phantom Thieves for that.
— For someone who simply are a figure of authority, you're quite the sympathizer of a rebellions group. — The Judge noted.
— A revolutionary group, your Honor. A group who doesn't accept the actual state of society the way it is. A group who fights against the corruption of society. A group who desires and fight to change things to better. How can I not sympathize with them? The Phantom Thieves are a reaction to the sickness of our society. I'm afraid if society doesn't change, the Phantom Thieves will be necessary until this sickness is totally treated and cured. That said, I'm doing my part by assuring the safety of society, going after the true criminals and protecting the innocent ones.
— I see...
"I really doubt the Judge got it..." Phoenix thought.
— Back to the original topic: Shido did some subtle mistakes, which is normal in huge operations like the one he was pulling to. That said, he simply couldn't avoid to not get rid, otherwise that will lift suspicions. And that was when we strike. Thanks for that we obtained new leads that got us to concrete proof of Shido involvement in this scheme.
— In other words, you took advantage on the scheme weak point.
— Exactly. We did it. I wasn't the only one who started it. But I'm one of the few who survived it.
— I see... Please continue with your testimony. — The Judge ordered.
— Very well. At that day, Hanamura-san said we did it. Before everything, I find an interesting lead that led us to that.
— Hold it! So, at that day...
— Yes. At the time, the main lead was about a hitman Shido hired.
— What!? — The Judge yelled shocked.
The audience looked each other worried.
— A hitman!? — Phoenix asked shocked.
— Yes. He was leading the entire operation here in U.S. And Hanamura-san obtained his identity with a trustful source.
— So, with the leader of the operation...
— Not any ordinary hitman. A man which no one knows his face. However, Hanamura-san had a photograph of the leader himself making the deal.
— That means...
— Yes. With that we can end this nightmare. However, that wasn't the only thing.
— There's more? — Sae asked surprised.
— Yes. We managed to crack his phones, so we obtained all the data of all the translations.
— That will end Shido and the Antissocial Force once for all! — Sae exclaimed.
The audience commented about that as Godot only looked at them.
— Unfortunately, isn't easy as we expected. The files and the photo are currently missing.
— That's terrible! But we can recover it, right? — The Judge asked.
— That is indeed possible. However, the only person who knew where this proof was is Hanamura-san.
— And he's dead... — Sae stated with dismay.
The audience commented worriedly as things went further.
— However, in case of a situation like this, Hanamura-san said all the information will be complied into a Pen Drive that will be accessed with a password.
— A password...
— I don't remember you have mentioned a password before, Mr. Masahiro. — Phoenix commented.
— My deepest apologies, but that was a measure I took. Hanamura and I believed the password should be something of our own knowledge, to avoid falling into wrong hands.
— I see...
— That said, I can at least disclosure the hint. I'm worried we might be watched as we speak.
— Okay.
— The hint is: A good glass of wine.
Everyone looked confused at Masahiro. Masahiro only gave a sly smile looking at the audience.
— Like I said, those files are crucial. We don't want to fell into wrong hands or worse...
— And what if that person crushed this pen?
— I'm afraid that's not possible. — Sae said.
— Why though, prosecutor Niijima?
— The answer is simple: This pen drive is a special kind of device. Unlike the one for public access, the ones used by that kind of investigation are built to last. Nothing can destroy those devices that easily.
— So, it's pointless.
— Indeed. Against people like Shido, your Honor, we need to get prepared for the worse...
— I see. Please proceed with your testimony, defendant.
— Of course. However, before Hanamura could even disclosure about it, he was struggling for air. He ran into the entire room looking over everything. I do confess I was unable to do anything because I freaked out trying to understand how that happened.
— Hold it! So, at that day...
— Yes. I expected they'll target me. I was the main target, since they discovered I was the head of the operation against Shido.
— However,...
— Yes. I never expected to attack Hanamura, especially with such a low move. We never saw that one coming...
— You tell me. That said.
— Yes. I was shocked, trying to figure out how that happened and how I could help. But, at my state I was useless...
— Truly a tragedy. Please proceed.
— Yes. When I came back to my senses, I called the 911. I asked how to proceed, but at that time, it was too late.
— Because at the time the rescue came...
— Yes. And considering my lack of action, that alone cost Hanamura-san life.
"That's odd... Hanamura-san was desperate, however, he had at least an injectable epinephrine with him as we found now... Perhaps...
— Mr. Mashiro. May I ask, do you know what Mr. Hanamura was looking for?
— Honestly, I didn't have any idea at first, but I realize he must has looking for his anti-allergic pen. Which is odd, because I always saw him carrying several in his luggage, and I couldn't see none there.
— Is that so? Well, that's indeed odd... Because I had this.
Phoenix showed the injectable epinephrine and Masahiro eyes widened in shock.
— Wh-Where d-d-did you find this!? — He asked as his voice faltered.
— Inside his briefcase.
— Why? If he had at least one of those, why didn't he used it? Why didn't he use that one? — Masahiro muttered confused.
— Masahiro-san? — Sae asked.
— Why didn't that idiot use the only thing that'll cure him?! — Masahiro yelled, letting his frustration to take out.
— Mr. Masahiro! Calm down! — The Judge yelled.
— Ano baka! Kare wa nani o kangaete ita nodeshou!?
— Mr. Masahiro! — Phoenix called.
— S-Sorry! That doesn't make sense. Why didn't he use it? That doesn't make any sense. Besides, he always put a few of those injectables epinephrine in his room every time he books. Always! Why this time was different?
"Wait... what did he just say?"
— Wait, you mean...
— Hanamura-san always carried with him strong anti-allergic injections due to his allergic, but he didn't have any. Why though? Perhaps... He knew...?
— Masahiro-san! — Sae called. — What does-
Masahiro only sighed as he looked at both attorneys. A look of determination that was stronger than before.
— It seems, Hanamura-san knew he was targeted.
— What!? — Phoenix, Sae, Maya, Godot and the Judge shouted in disbelief.
— At least, it seems like it. That's the only explanation I have for his behavior. That said, I believe the answer for our unsolved questions lies into my testimony. So, may I continue?
— Yes, yes please! — Phoenix begged.
— You're desperate, Mr. Wright. — The Judge noted.
— Ha! Says the man who doesn't get the glimpse of the actual situation. — Godot retorted.
— What?!
Godot only smiled as he took a sip of his coffee.
— All in due time, bald man. All in due time...
"I can't be distracted by him. I need to focus on the real matter now."
— So, back to the testimony.
Masahiro nodded and he continued.
— As it was stated before several times, I was in a meeting with Akiho Hanamura about the investigation towards the Weapon Traffic Masayoshi Shido was doing.
— Hold it! About that meeting...
— Yes?
Phoenix closed his eyes. Thinking carefully in how he should question. Then an idea came, which made him show the bottle.
— Mr. Masahiro, does that bottle looks familiar?
— Yes. That the wine we drank that day.
— I see... And do you remember who served you?
— Actually yes. He's quite new actually. Barely a year at the hotel if I heard correctly from him. I believe his name was Hector Florence. Quite the new addition I say. Polite, smart and elegant.
The audience commented about that doubtful as Phoenix looked at Masahiro.
— Does Mr. Florence have served any meals for you two before?
Masahiro closed his eyes, thinking about it.
— Now that you mentioned. Not even once. Just that day.
— Are you sure? — Sae asked.
— I can confirm it. After all, never saw the man before. Plus, the one who serves us was delivering someone meals somewhere. The bellboy's name was Arthur Condoll.
— Detective Gumshoe! — Phoenix and Sae called.
— On my way!
— Fastest as you can, please! — The Judge ordered.
Gumshoe left the courtroom and the Judge looked at them.
— Mr. Wright...
— It seems, your Honor...
— ...Both defense and prosecution had overlooked a certain aspect, we're afraid. — Sae said.
— That said, we demand as well to call Mr. Hector Florence to testify.
— I will grant the request depending on the result of Detective Gumshoe findings. — The Judge replied.
Forty minutes later Gumshoe came back into a rush, breathing heavily as he looked at them. He put a DVD into the media system of the courtroom and the image of Hector offering the food came into light. Other footage showed Arthur doing the same thing at the same room. Only Hanamura received the food. The Judge closed his eyes thoughtful.
— It seems we have another person to testify. Detective, regarding Mr. Florence...
— I called him at the time we confirmed it. He's at the Prosecution lobby. And the guards are there to avoid any escapades from his part.
— I can prepare him. I only need ten minutes. But five also works.
— Ms. Niijima. You have ten minutes to prepare the witness to testify. Also, we need to get ready for anything. The court will have a ten-minute recess. The court is adjourned!
And the Judge pound his gavel, halting the process.