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Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 36 5/22/09
You can't kill the Metal...
Gender: Male
Rank: Desk Jockey
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:53 pm
Posts: 97
Author: The_Metal (AKA Metal_Leon_Alex on FF.net)
Rating: T
Genre: Crime/Mystery
Status: Ongoing
Pairing(s): Phoenix X Franziska, among others.
Summary: When Detective Gumshoe gets murdered by a serial killer, Apollo Justice and Phoenix Wright have to collaborate to prove an old friend innocent. Little do they know, that the motives tie into a conspiracy which links back to the incident that occured nine years ago. With these occurances, combined with a new opponent only known as The Half Life Prosecutor, will Apollo and Phoenix be able to prove the defendant innocent and expose the true murderer?
Occurs two years after AJ:AA.
Spoiler: OC Profiles
Asmodeus Ex Machina, AKA The Half Life Prosecutor
Biological Age: 25
Gender: Male
Height: 185 cm
Occupation: Prosecutor
First Appearance: Briefly mentioned in Chapters 1,2,3 and 5 and makes his debut in Chapter 10.
Last Appearance: Unknown
A half man, half machine prosecutor that Apollo faces during Turnabout Degradation.
Personality: Asmodeus is incredibly ruthless. He sees every issue solely in black and white and follows his court cases through with robotic precision, remaining indifferent to any relationship he may have with the accused when he's prosecuting. In fact, he's not above making a show out of his court proceedings to make the accused seem guilty.
This combined with his half man, half machine appearance creates an aura which intimidates even the most stone faced lawyers and judges.
"True to his title, he had been left with half a life after that accident.... But he would relinquish any shred of his mortality to punish the unjust."
Misc Facts: Most of Asmodeus' body is constructed with the same technology that was used to create Godots visor.
That said, he is compared to Godot multiples times throughout the story.
Asmodeus was created to give Apollo an opponent that is to him as Manfred vK or Godot was to Phoenix.
Asmodeus refers to Apollo exclusively as "InJustice" or "Apawllo", continuing the nickname tradition.
Asmodeus has his own hi-tech courtroom: Courtroom 101.
Friends and Family: No known family, but he is affiliated with every member of the Prosecutors Office (Particularly Franziska, who has a high level of respect for him) and has a rather bizarre alliance with Lana Skye. It was suggested that they knew each other before Asmodeus became a member of the Prosectors Office, but both Lana and Asmodeus deny these rumors.
He treats Apollo and Phoenix with a level of hatred. He is also familiar with Trucy, but doesn't mind her very much.
Name Origin: A play on the phrase "Deus Ex Machina", a plot device that ties up loose ends in a story with a surprising event. 'Machina' may also acts as a reference to his robotic appearance.
Asmodeus is also the name of a Demon King in Hebrew Mythology, and the name derives from Avestan language 'Aesma-Daeva', where Aesma means "Wrath" and Daeva means "Demon".
Background: Asmodeus was severely wounded in 2023 by a severe accident caused by a group of street rogues. He was twenty one at the time. He was 'repaired' with advance medical technology, but this caused his body to be more machine than human. His arms are mechanical, as is most of his face.
Four years later, he decided to become a Criminal Prosecutor to exact absolute retribution on the people who he felt deserved it. He heard word of Phoenix Wright from his fellow members of the Prosecutors Office, and when he resolved to take him down, he discovered he was not a lawyer anymore (Much to his frustration.) He realized that he had an understudy in Apollo, and Asmodeus decided that taking down Apollo might prove just as satisfying.
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Levi Gaudium
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Height: 169 cm
Occupation: Prosecutor
First Appearance: Chapter 16
Last Appearance: Unknown
A Magician Prosecutor that Phoenix faces in Turnabout Degradation.
Personality: Levi is incredibly charismatic. She never misses a trick, magic or otherwise and she proves to be as clever a prosecutor as she is a magician. Her high energy and enthusiasm enhances her prescence in and outside of court. She can be a bit of a flirt sometimes.
Misc Facts: That said, she has a rather obvious crush on Apollo.
Friends and Family: Dated Maximillion Galactica but broke up with him for being too 'fabulous'
She was once an apprentice of Asmodeus Ex Machina, but for whatever reason, they don't appreciate each others company.
Name Origin: Comes from Wing Gaudium Leviosa, a magical spell in the Harry Potter series that causes things to levitate.
It may also be a short term for 'Levity', to treat things lightly.
Background: Nothing much is known about her except that she became a prosecutor shortly after Turnabout Trump.
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General Rykker Tophel
Age: 46
Gender: Male
Height: 175 cm
Occupation: SWAT General and Police Captain
First Appearance: Chapter 20
Last Appearance: Unknown
The General of SWAT operations and a figurehead in the effort to return Franziska von Karma.
Personality: Rykker is a dominant commander of his forces and he often orders people around who aren't part of his platoon. Despite his gruff demeanor and power, he still has misplaced emotion and concern, especially over the safety of Franziska.
Misc Facts: General Tophel was based off of many Generals in fiction, one of the most prominent being Colonel Hathi from Disneys Jungle Book.
The character of Rykker Tophel was originally intended to be a younger woman, but he was changed into a man after he became too reminiscent of Franziska von Karma.
Friends and Family: No known family, but he was good friends with Kristoph Gavin and he was associated with Manfred von Karma.
Name Origin: When you put the Generals and the Colonels last name together, you get Mephistophel, a Demon in Hebrew Mythology.
"Rykker" was simply picked for being an intimidating German name.
Background: Tophel was appointed to be the Captain of the SWAT brigade after returning from controlling conflict overseas after State VS Misham.
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Colonel Campion Mephis
Age: 31
Gender: Male
Height: 173 cm
Occupation: SWAT Officer
First Appearance: Chapter 20
Last Appearance: Unknown
The Colonel of SWAT Operations and the right hand man to Rykker Tophel.
Personality: Campion is mostly a very stoic and silent man. He doesn't usually talk unless under the pressure of the General or unless something is related to him directly.
Despite this, he is a very noble and courageous member of the Tophel Brigade, and does life risking activities without any care for himself if the General instructs him so.
Misc Facts: Campion, like Angel Starr, is Heterochromatic, with one brown eye and one blue eye.
That said, he tends to keep one eye or the other closed when he's speaking, which Apollo finds a bit offputting.
It's a long running joke in the fic that Tophel finds many ways to criticize Campion on his hair, which is not regulation.
Campion has three diagonal slash scars on his forehead, and nobody, not even the General, is certain where they're from.
Friends and Family: No known friends, but he has an undying loyality to General Rykker Tophel.
Name Origin: Campion was named after a military captain character of the same name from Watership Down. He was also based off of him.
When you squeeze together his and the Generals last names, you get Mephistophel, a demon in Hebrew Mythology.
Background: Campion was stated as Colonel shortly after Rykker became appointed as General.
Despite this, he is still the most enigmatic member of Law Inforcement, and thus far, not very much is known about him.
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Ion Frit
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Height: 175 cm
Occupation: Policeman
First Appearance: Chapter 23
Last Appearance: TBA
Eccentric Policeman who appears in Apollos arc in Franziskas kidnapping.
Personality: Ion is obsessive, energetic, spastic and all around eccentric. He puts alot of his energy into his work and never ceases until it yields positive results.
Despite his usually happy go lucky demeanor, he can turn intimidating really fast. (One might label him as obsessive-compulsive, or even bi-polar.)
Misc Facts: His glasses change color and lustre depending on his mood. When he's feeling normal, they are light blue.
For that matter, he constantly wears these small glasses, and no one has ever seen his bare eyes.
Ions position in the Police Department is never fully explained. It's suggested that he has a high place and talent in forensics, but it seems as though he also has some dominion in the connection to police knowledge and the media.
His name is pronounced "Aeon". He is easily frustrated and annoyed when people pronounce it like 'Ian'.
Friends and Family: No family, but he's a close friend of Klavier and one of his big fans. He works as something of Dick Gumshoes replacement, and hopes to one day, surpass him.
Name Origin: His name is a play on 'Ifrit', a fire demon in Arabic lore.
Background: Hired shortly after Meekins became a baliff, and was assigned a higher position to replace Gumshoe after his death.
There have been rumors that Ion previously had a place in Bluecorp, but nobody dares to pursue that truth.
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Alastor Stolas
Age: 13
Gender: Male
Height: 138 cm
Occupation: Trainee
First Appearance: TBA
Last Appearance: Unknown
Asmodeus' trainee.
Personality: Alastor is a child prodigy. Despite his illustrous academic reputation, he is prone to naivety, and he's generally quite innocent and fun-loving, despite Asmodeus' attempts to whip him into shape.
Misc Facts: Many characters comment on Alastors striking resemblance to a Toy Soldier.
Friends and Family: He is learning the ropes of law from Asmodeus Ex Machina.
Name Origin: Following the traditional name origin of my OC's, 'Alastor' and 'Stolas' are names mentioned in Dictionnaire Infernal, a encyclopedia of Demons.
Background: Alastor Stolas is a child prodigy with an IQ of 300. Despite such an outstanding number for someone so young, Alastor takes it in stride and does his best to live out life his way, even if it betrays the expectations others have of him.
He has been approved to work as a Prosecutor, and has since taken to being Asmodeus Ex Machina's apprentice.
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Biological Age: 25
Gender: Male
Height: 185 cm
Occupation: Prosecutor
First Appearance: Briefly mentioned in Chapters 1,2,3 and 5 and makes his debut in Chapter 10.
Last Appearance: Unknown
A half man, half machine prosecutor that Apollo faces during Turnabout Degradation.
Personality: Asmodeus is incredibly ruthless. He sees every issue solely in black and white and follows his court cases through with robotic precision, remaining indifferent to any relationship he may have with the accused when he's prosecuting. In fact, he's not above making a show out of his court proceedings to make the accused seem guilty.
This combined with his half man, half machine appearance creates an aura which intimidates even the most stone faced lawyers and judges.
"True to his title, he had been left with half a life after that accident.... But he would relinquish any shred of his mortality to punish the unjust."
Misc Facts: Most of Asmodeus' body is constructed with the same technology that was used to create Godots visor.
That said, he is compared to Godot multiples times throughout the story.
Asmodeus was created to give Apollo an opponent that is to him as Manfred vK or Godot was to Phoenix.
Asmodeus refers to Apollo exclusively as "InJustice" or "Apawllo", continuing the nickname tradition.
Asmodeus has his own hi-tech courtroom: Courtroom 101.
Friends and Family: No known family, but he is affiliated with every member of the Prosecutors Office (Particularly Franziska, who has a high level of respect for him) and has a rather bizarre alliance with Lana Skye. It was suggested that they knew each other before Asmodeus became a member of the Prosectors Office, but both Lana and Asmodeus deny these rumors.
He treats Apollo and Phoenix with a level of hatred. He is also familiar with Trucy, but doesn't mind her very much.
Name Origin: A play on the phrase "Deus Ex Machina", a plot device that ties up loose ends in a story with a surprising event. 'Machina' may also acts as a reference to his robotic appearance.
Asmodeus is also the name of a Demon King in Hebrew Mythology, and the name derives from Avestan language 'Aesma-Daeva', where Aesma means "Wrath" and Daeva means "Demon".
Background: Asmodeus was severely wounded in 2023 by a severe accident caused by a group of street rogues. He was twenty one at the time. He was 'repaired' with advance medical technology, but this caused his body to be more machine than human. His arms are mechanical, as is most of his face.
Four years later, he decided to become a Criminal Prosecutor to exact absolute retribution on the people who he felt deserved it. He heard word of Phoenix Wright from his fellow members of the Prosecutors Office, and when he resolved to take him down, he discovered he was not a lawyer anymore (Much to his frustration.) He realized that he had an understudy in Apollo, and Asmodeus decided that taking down Apollo might prove just as satisfying.
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Levi Gaudium
Age: 27
Gender: Female
Height: 169 cm
Occupation: Prosecutor
First Appearance: Chapter 16
Last Appearance: Unknown
A Magician Prosecutor that Phoenix faces in Turnabout Degradation.
Personality: Levi is incredibly charismatic. She never misses a trick, magic or otherwise and she proves to be as clever a prosecutor as she is a magician. Her high energy and enthusiasm enhances her prescence in and outside of court. She can be a bit of a flirt sometimes.
Misc Facts: That said, she has a rather obvious crush on Apollo.
Friends and Family: Dated Maximillion Galactica but broke up with him for being too 'fabulous'
She was once an apprentice of Asmodeus Ex Machina, but for whatever reason, they don't appreciate each others company.
Name Origin: Comes from Wing Gaudium Leviosa, a magical spell in the Harry Potter series that causes things to levitate.
It may also be a short term for 'Levity', to treat things lightly.
Background: Nothing much is known about her except that she became a prosecutor shortly after Turnabout Trump.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Rykker Tophel
Age: 46
Gender: Male
Height: 175 cm
Occupation: SWAT General and Police Captain
First Appearance: Chapter 20
Last Appearance: Unknown
The General of SWAT operations and a figurehead in the effort to return Franziska von Karma.
Personality: Rykker is a dominant commander of his forces and he often orders people around who aren't part of his platoon. Despite his gruff demeanor and power, he still has misplaced emotion and concern, especially over the safety of Franziska.
Misc Facts: General Tophel was based off of many Generals in fiction, one of the most prominent being Colonel Hathi from Disneys Jungle Book.
The character of Rykker Tophel was originally intended to be a younger woman, but he was changed into a man after he became too reminiscent of Franziska von Karma.
Friends and Family: No known family, but he was good friends with Kristoph Gavin and he was associated with Manfred von Karma.
Name Origin: When you put the Generals and the Colonels last name together, you get Mephistophel, a Demon in Hebrew Mythology.
"Rykker" was simply picked for being an intimidating German name.
Background: Tophel was appointed to be the Captain of the SWAT brigade after returning from controlling conflict overseas after State VS Misham.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colonel Campion Mephis
Age: 31
Gender: Male
Height: 173 cm
Occupation: SWAT Officer
First Appearance: Chapter 20
Last Appearance: Unknown
The Colonel of SWAT Operations and the right hand man to Rykker Tophel.
Personality: Campion is mostly a very stoic and silent man. He doesn't usually talk unless under the pressure of the General or unless something is related to him directly.
Despite this, he is a very noble and courageous member of the Tophel Brigade, and does life risking activities without any care for himself if the General instructs him so.
Misc Facts: Campion, like Angel Starr, is Heterochromatic, with one brown eye and one blue eye.
That said, he tends to keep one eye or the other closed when he's speaking, which Apollo finds a bit offputting.
It's a long running joke in the fic that Tophel finds many ways to criticize Campion on his hair, which is not regulation.
Campion has three diagonal slash scars on his forehead, and nobody, not even the General, is certain where they're from.
Friends and Family: No known friends, but he has an undying loyality to General Rykker Tophel.
Name Origin: Campion was named after a military captain character of the same name from Watership Down. He was also based off of him.
When you squeeze together his and the Generals last names, you get Mephistophel, a demon in Hebrew Mythology.
Background: Campion was stated as Colonel shortly after Rykker became appointed as General.
Despite this, he is still the most enigmatic member of Law Inforcement, and thus far, not very much is known about him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ion Frit
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Height: 175 cm
Occupation: Policeman
First Appearance: Chapter 23
Last Appearance: TBA
Eccentric Policeman who appears in Apollos arc in Franziskas kidnapping.
Personality: Ion is obsessive, energetic, spastic and all around eccentric. He puts alot of his energy into his work and never ceases until it yields positive results.
Despite his usually happy go lucky demeanor, he can turn intimidating really fast. (One might label him as obsessive-compulsive, or even bi-polar.)
Misc Facts: His glasses change color and lustre depending on his mood. When he's feeling normal, they are light blue.
For that matter, he constantly wears these small glasses, and no one has ever seen his bare eyes.
Ions position in the Police Department is never fully explained. It's suggested that he has a high place and talent in forensics, but it seems as though he also has some dominion in the connection to police knowledge and the media.
His name is pronounced "Aeon". He is easily frustrated and annoyed when people pronounce it like 'Ian'.
Friends and Family: No family, but he's a close friend of Klavier and one of his big fans. He works as something of Dick Gumshoes replacement, and hopes to one day, surpass him.
Name Origin: His name is a play on 'Ifrit', a fire demon in Arabic lore.
Background: Hired shortly after Meekins became a baliff, and was assigned a higher position to replace Gumshoe after his death.
There have been rumors that Ion previously had a place in Bluecorp, but nobody dares to pursue that truth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alastor Stolas
Age: 13
Gender: Male
Height: 138 cm
Occupation: Trainee
First Appearance: TBA
Last Appearance: Unknown
Asmodeus' trainee.
Personality: Alastor is a child prodigy. Despite his illustrous academic reputation, he is prone to naivety, and he's generally quite innocent and fun-loving, despite Asmodeus' attempts to whip him into shape.
Misc Facts: Many characters comment on Alastors striking resemblance to a Toy Soldier.
Friends and Family: He is learning the ropes of law from Asmodeus Ex Machina.
Name Origin: Following the traditional name origin of my OC's, 'Alastor' and 'Stolas' are names mentioned in Dictionnaire Infernal, a encyclopedia of Demons.
Background: Alastor Stolas is a child prodigy with an IQ of 300. Despite such an outstanding number for someone so young, Alastor takes it in stride and does his best to live out life his way, even if it betrays the expectations others have of him.
He has been approved to work as a Prosecutor, and has since taken to being Asmodeus Ex Machina's apprentice.
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Spoiler: Chapter 1: Cold Cold World
June 18th, ???, 12:46 AM
“This world is a cold, cold place, isn’t it? You’d know… Heh. Of course you know. All those nights eating nothing but instant noodles, wallowing in your own filth like some deprived animal… Are you particularly proud of your life, Detective?”
Detective Dick Gumshoe swallowed before his quivering lips opened to speak. He was interrupted.
“Silence. I didn’t ask for your input. That question was rhetorical; Of course you’re not proud of your life. How the hell could you be? She may be alive and well, but you lost your shot at true love with the woman you loved a long time ago... Like me. You have to see her every single day. Not wanting to lose her presence, but knowing she’d never be there for you anyway.”
“S-Sir…” Gumshoe whimpered.
“I told you to shut up!” the other man hissed, punching the detective in the face. Gumshoes hands and legs were bound: Retaliation was impossibility.
“Now… Now they don’t even need you anymore. They replaced you for that Skye woman a long time ago. She’s young, ahead in life. Everything you’re not. They just haven’t realized that you’re useless. And when they do… They will fire you without regret. I promise you that. You have been laid off plenty of times before: That Phoenix Wright guy was just there to save your sorry ass. Care to tell me where he is now, Gummy? Eh?!” The other man asked angrily as he grabbed Gumshoes head and shook it.
Detective Gumshoe had fought a muscle bound Phoenix Wright impersonator. He had fought off four men: All affiliated in the mob. But against the man standing above him glaring down, he didn’t stand a chance. Not in a million years.
“Maggey Byrde. That’s that Bettys name, isn’t it? Aheheh. Silly girl. Always has bad luck. But…” The other man unsheathed two pistols out of sheaths on his belt. “I suppose it can always be worse…”
“You’re… You’re not…” Gumshoe objected weakly.
“Ooooh, Gummeee… Awe Yoo Cwiying…? STOP IT!!” The other man punched the detective again, in the nose. Blood was beginning to leak out of his nostrils, pouring into his tears.
“It’s too pitiful, even for you, for a man to be crying mere moments before his death… Are you going to be a coward to the end, Gumshoe? You shouldn’t be. There’s nothing in this world that’s worth crying about once the cards are all on the table… But it’s because you never took your chances that you never learned that. And because of that, your job, your back up plans, your love… They all slipped between your chubby fingers. It’s your own damned fault.”
“I…I may have been a loser, but… I had friends… that loved and trusted me…” Gumshoe said as firmly as he could. Despite himself, he couldn’t prevent a few tears in his eyes from sorrow and fear.
The other man scoffed. “Pfft. As if I’ve never heard THAT one before. Now you’re making me even sicker. I thought we were over this? Sure, you may have had friends, but it was because they felt sorry for you, Gummy. And, they aren’t here to witness this spectacle. They never did a thing to prevent it. They aren’t worth shit. Do you hear me, Gumshoe?...Good. Because you won’t, very soon. Any last words?”
He cocked the two guns and raised one to Gumshoes forehead and the other to his chest.
“…You’re wrong…” Gumshoe said, mustering all of his courage. “I had more of a life than you ever had, and ever will have… And, I’m happy…” he sniffed.
“Good. That makes two of us.”
Two explosive bangs lit up the midnight air, and Detective Gumshoe lay dead. The killer blew the smoke off of his pistols and sheathed them before walking out the door.
“S’been fun. Aheh.”
*******
June 19th, Wright Anything Agency, 1:32 PM
The air inside smelled of dust and coffee. It was cozy inside, and the window was letting in the daylight air: Lunchtime at the Wright Anything Agency. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the air was warm, the sunlight pleasant: A perfect day.
“Hello, Mister Wright! I apologize for my tardiness…”
Apollo said to Phoenix, with a smile on his face. Phoenix was on the phone, and judging by the amount of cord curled around his index finger, the issue he was discussing was a serious one. “I… I see. I’ll… I’ll see what I can do… Thank you. Good bye.”
He hung up. His brow was furrowed, his eyes were serious. He seemed to completely disregard Apollo. “Oh my God…” Phoenix muttered as he slumped down on the couch, raising both of his hands to his hat wearing head in utter disbelief. “…Sir?” Apollo asked, worried.
“Apollo… I… I think I need to have some time alone. Why don’t you take a break, have a nice walk… Or something.”
Apollo smiled weakly. “But I haven’t even started working yet…”
“Apollo, please.” Phoenix said. He looked distraught, and worried out of his mind.
“Um… O-Okay. Are you going to be alright, Mister Wright?”
“Ugh, I’m not sure, Apollo… I’m not sure…” Phoenix muttered quietly, his voice trailing off into absolute silence. He shook his head.
Apollo was concerned for Phoenix’s well being, but dismissed himself nonetheless.
He couldn’t stop himself from worrying. It wasn’t like his boss to let him have a walk to his own devices. Especially not when he was late for work. He saw a girl in a blue cape as he walked down the street. Paired with the matching blue top hat sitting on her head, her appearance was unmistakable: Trucy. She looked almost as stern as Mister Wright.
“He sent you out too, didn’t he?” she asked stoically. Not her normal self at all. What was going on today?
“Yes. Do you know what’s going on?” Apollo asked, worried.
“No…” Trucy said. Her blue eyes were colored with fear.
“Should we ask him?” Trucy asked.
“He looked… in terrible shape when he hung up. I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“I’m going to go talk to him…” “Trucy, no.” Apollo said, grabbing the teenagers hand.
They held their hands embrace for a few subtle seconds that seemed like an eternity to both of them. Trucy was the one to break it.
“No. If Daddy is in bad shape, I have to go.”
“…Alright. I’m coming with you.” Apollo said.
They walked to the door of the Wright Anything Agency, and instead of opening the door they found it being opened for them. Phoenix walked out. He looked as serious as ever.
“Mister Wright?” Apollo asked.
Phoenix cupped his face in his fingers and rubbed them down.
“Daddy, what’s wrong?”
“I’m going to say this as simply as I can… An old friend of mine got killed last night by a gunman. They already have the suspect apprehended, and the prosecutor is set…” Phoenix said, staring into Apollos eyes. “It looks like you have another case on your hands, Mister Justice.” Phoenix said.
“I see… Mister Wright, I’m so sorry.” Apollo said.
“I’ll get over it… But he was a good man. He didn’t hurt a soul…” Phoenix said, rubbing his eyes again. “The prosecutor is apparently a newcomer to these parts, but he’s good: Really good. I’ve never heard of him before… Maybe you have, Apollo; You’ve done your homework. Have you ever heard of The Half Life Prosecutor?”
“No… No I haven’t…” Apollo said. He didn’t know what the prosecutor did to deserve the title of Half Life, and in a way, didn’t want to find out.
“Well… Good luck. Here’s the address. And here’s the other address.” Phoenix said, hanging him two slips of paper.
“The other address?” Apollo asked, scratching his head.
“Yes. There’s one witness to the case… But, he was up close and personal, apparently. According to testimony, he encountered the suspect toe to toe. He requires Witness Protection. As it is right now, he’s not safe alone. Which is why, you have to let him tag along with you for the time being.” Phoenix said.
“You should go to the Detention Center first… Because not only is the victim an old friend of mine… So is the accused.” Phoenix said.
“Daddy, this is terrible…” Trucy said,
“Yes… There’s so many questions in need of answering… Which is why you two should get going. I need to think.” Phoenix said.
“Alright, Mister Wright. Take care…” Apollo said. “C’mon, Trucy. We should head down to the Detention Center!” Apollo said once they got outside of the building.
“Right behind you, Polly!”
“This world is a cold, cold place, isn’t it? You’d know… Heh. Of course you know. All those nights eating nothing but instant noodles, wallowing in your own filth like some deprived animal… Are you particularly proud of your life, Detective?”
Detective Dick Gumshoe swallowed before his quivering lips opened to speak. He was interrupted.
“Silence. I didn’t ask for your input. That question was rhetorical; Of course you’re not proud of your life. How the hell could you be? She may be alive and well, but you lost your shot at true love with the woman you loved a long time ago... Like me. You have to see her every single day. Not wanting to lose her presence, but knowing she’d never be there for you anyway.”
“S-Sir…” Gumshoe whimpered.
“I told you to shut up!” the other man hissed, punching the detective in the face. Gumshoes hands and legs were bound: Retaliation was impossibility.
“Now… Now they don’t even need you anymore. They replaced you for that Skye woman a long time ago. She’s young, ahead in life. Everything you’re not. They just haven’t realized that you’re useless. And when they do… They will fire you without regret. I promise you that. You have been laid off plenty of times before: That Phoenix Wright guy was just there to save your sorry ass. Care to tell me where he is now, Gummy? Eh?!” The other man asked angrily as he grabbed Gumshoes head and shook it.
Detective Gumshoe had fought a muscle bound Phoenix Wright impersonator. He had fought off four men: All affiliated in the mob. But against the man standing above him glaring down, he didn’t stand a chance. Not in a million years.
“Maggey Byrde. That’s that Bettys name, isn’t it? Aheheh. Silly girl. Always has bad luck. But…” The other man unsheathed two pistols out of sheaths on his belt. “I suppose it can always be worse…”
“You’re… You’re not…” Gumshoe objected weakly.
“Ooooh, Gummeee… Awe Yoo Cwiying…? STOP IT!!” The other man punched the detective again, in the nose. Blood was beginning to leak out of his nostrils, pouring into his tears.
“It’s too pitiful, even for you, for a man to be crying mere moments before his death… Are you going to be a coward to the end, Gumshoe? You shouldn’t be. There’s nothing in this world that’s worth crying about once the cards are all on the table… But it’s because you never took your chances that you never learned that. And because of that, your job, your back up plans, your love… They all slipped between your chubby fingers. It’s your own damned fault.”
“I…I may have been a loser, but… I had friends… that loved and trusted me…” Gumshoe said as firmly as he could. Despite himself, he couldn’t prevent a few tears in his eyes from sorrow and fear.
The other man scoffed. “Pfft. As if I’ve never heard THAT one before. Now you’re making me even sicker. I thought we were over this? Sure, you may have had friends, but it was because they felt sorry for you, Gummy. And, they aren’t here to witness this spectacle. They never did a thing to prevent it. They aren’t worth shit. Do you hear me, Gumshoe?...Good. Because you won’t, very soon. Any last words?”
He cocked the two guns and raised one to Gumshoes forehead and the other to his chest.
“…You’re wrong…” Gumshoe said, mustering all of his courage. “I had more of a life than you ever had, and ever will have… And, I’m happy…” he sniffed.
“Good. That makes two of us.”
Two explosive bangs lit up the midnight air, and Detective Gumshoe lay dead. The killer blew the smoke off of his pistols and sheathed them before walking out the door.
“S’been fun. Aheh.”
*******
June 19th, Wright Anything Agency, 1:32 PM
The air inside smelled of dust and coffee. It was cozy inside, and the window was letting in the daylight air: Lunchtime at the Wright Anything Agency. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the air was warm, the sunlight pleasant: A perfect day.
“Hello, Mister Wright! I apologize for my tardiness…”
Apollo said to Phoenix, with a smile on his face. Phoenix was on the phone, and judging by the amount of cord curled around his index finger, the issue he was discussing was a serious one. “I… I see. I’ll… I’ll see what I can do… Thank you. Good bye.”
He hung up. His brow was furrowed, his eyes were serious. He seemed to completely disregard Apollo. “Oh my God…” Phoenix muttered as he slumped down on the couch, raising both of his hands to his hat wearing head in utter disbelief. “…Sir?” Apollo asked, worried.
“Apollo… I… I think I need to have some time alone. Why don’t you take a break, have a nice walk… Or something.”
Apollo smiled weakly. “But I haven’t even started working yet…”
“Apollo, please.” Phoenix said. He looked distraught, and worried out of his mind.
“Um… O-Okay. Are you going to be alright, Mister Wright?”
“Ugh, I’m not sure, Apollo… I’m not sure…” Phoenix muttered quietly, his voice trailing off into absolute silence. He shook his head.
Apollo was concerned for Phoenix’s well being, but dismissed himself nonetheless.
He couldn’t stop himself from worrying. It wasn’t like his boss to let him have a walk to his own devices. Especially not when he was late for work. He saw a girl in a blue cape as he walked down the street. Paired with the matching blue top hat sitting on her head, her appearance was unmistakable: Trucy. She looked almost as stern as Mister Wright.
“He sent you out too, didn’t he?” she asked stoically. Not her normal self at all. What was going on today?
“Yes. Do you know what’s going on?” Apollo asked, worried.
“No…” Trucy said. Her blue eyes were colored with fear.
“Should we ask him?” Trucy asked.
“He looked… in terrible shape when he hung up. I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“I’m going to go talk to him…” “Trucy, no.” Apollo said, grabbing the teenagers hand.
They held their hands embrace for a few subtle seconds that seemed like an eternity to both of them. Trucy was the one to break it.
“No. If Daddy is in bad shape, I have to go.”
“…Alright. I’m coming with you.” Apollo said.
They walked to the door of the Wright Anything Agency, and instead of opening the door they found it being opened for them. Phoenix walked out. He looked as serious as ever.
“Mister Wright?” Apollo asked.
Phoenix cupped his face in his fingers and rubbed them down.
“Daddy, what’s wrong?”
“I’m going to say this as simply as I can… An old friend of mine got killed last night by a gunman. They already have the suspect apprehended, and the prosecutor is set…” Phoenix said, staring into Apollos eyes. “It looks like you have another case on your hands, Mister Justice.” Phoenix said.
“I see… Mister Wright, I’m so sorry.” Apollo said.
“I’ll get over it… But he was a good man. He didn’t hurt a soul…” Phoenix said, rubbing his eyes again. “The prosecutor is apparently a newcomer to these parts, but he’s good: Really good. I’ve never heard of him before… Maybe you have, Apollo; You’ve done your homework. Have you ever heard of The Half Life Prosecutor?”
“No… No I haven’t…” Apollo said. He didn’t know what the prosecutor did to deserve the title of Half Life, and in a way, didn’t want to find out.
“Well… Good luck. Here’s the address. And here’s the other address.” Phoenix said, hanging him two slips of paper.
“The other address?” Apollo asked, scratching his head.
“Yes. There’s one witness to the case… But, he was up close and personal, apparently. According to testimony, he encountered the suspect toe to toe. He requires Witness Protection. As it is right now, he’s not safe alone. Which is why, you have to let him tag along with you for the time being.” Phoenix said.
“You should go to the Detention Center first… Because not only is the victim an old friend of mine… So is the accused.” Phoenix said.
“Daddy, this is terrible…” Trucy said,
“Yes… There’s so many questions in need of answering… Which is why you two should get going. I need to think.” Phoenix said.
“Alright, Mister Wright. Take care…” Apollo said. “C’mon, Trucy. We should head down to the Detention Center!” Apollo said once they got outside of the building.
“Right behind you, Polly!”
Spoiler: Chapter 2: The Defendant
June 19th, Detention Center, 2:26 PM
“Well, we’re here, anyway. Mister Wright was vague as usual… But he said the defendant was an old friend, so hopefully I’m in good hands.” Apollo thought as he adjusted his blue tie and primped. He was fond of Phoenix, and wanted to look his best for this friend of his.
A woman walked over and sat at the other side of the desk. She looked no older than twenty five. She wore a prominent white bow around her neck with a diamond brooch. With her black clothing, long light blue hair, and grey eyes, she looked like a ghost on the other side of the looking glass. Despite her initially intimidating appearance, Apollo could not ignore how chillingly beautiful she was. Was this really the friend that Phoenix was talking about?
“Are you the one that Wright sent?” she commanded powerfully, scrutinizing Apollo with cold eyes.
“Y-Yes! I’m Apollo Justice!” Apollo said, sitting up even straighter at the sound of her voice.
“Hm.” She hummed to herself, still scanning Apollo. She smiled, lowering her head down for her chin to rest on the junction of her index finger and thumb. Her nails were very well manicured.
It wasn’t until later that Apollo noticed that Trucy was completely silent since the defendant began to speak. He didn’t dare redirect his gaze; He was frightened to death of the consequences, even if they were protected by glass.
“In that case… I am Franziska von Karma.”
“V-von Karma?!” Apollo said, his eyes widening and his mouth gaping in surprise.
“Good. I’m glad to see that we’re not ancient history now that my father is deceased and I got arrested…” Franziska said, as if to herself.
“Ancient history?! You’re only a member of the greatest lineage of prosecutors to walk the earth!” Apollo said, still amazed by his defendants stance in society.
Franziska furrowed her brow. “Don’t shower me with credit I don’t deserve… For all I’ve done… For all the times I’ve lost… I don’t deserve to bear that name.” she said, sternly. She took her gaze off of Apollo to look at something of little importance on the floor at her side. Perhaps a dust bunny, or a speck of dirt on the glass wall.
Either way, Apollo jerked his head back to look for Trucy. Much to her surprise, she was at his side all along and managed to go unnoticed.
“Miss von Karma…” Trucy said quietly, curiousity and intimidation in her blue eyes.
Franziskas attention quickly snapped from whatever she was looking at to Trucy. She looked surprised at first, but quickly regained her composure. “Yes?”
“I can’t believe I’ve finally met you… I’ve heard so much about you from my daddy.” Trucy said, sounding transfixed.
Franziska felt perturbed as she remembered her own father, but cast it aside as a memory and decided to pry, despite herself. Was she the daughter of someone who condemned to prison before? “Oh? And who would that be?” she said.
“Phoenix Wright…” Trucy said, whispering the words quietly.
Franziska looked even more surprised than before. “You’re… Wrights daughter?!” Franziska said, amazed.
“Yes… I’ve heard his stories of you. You’re a wonderful woman…” Trucy said, lost in her amazement.
“…I repeat myself: It would do you well not to shower me with unfair praise.” Franziska said as she brushed a blue lock of hair out of her face with a finger.
Trucy looked as if she was ready to object, but decided to stay silent: It didn’t look like Franziska was intent on changing her mind. Despite this, she noticed that Franziska was still stealing glances at her. She wondered why.
“Miss von Karma…” Apollo said, trying his best not to be afraid.
“Yes?”
“…Did you do it?”
“No. No I did not, Justice… Why bother asking me?”
“Because I have yet to have had second judgments on my client, which is a luxury that Mister Wright never had after a certain time…” Apollo said sternly, trying to look determined as he stared the von Karma in the eye.
“The Engarde case.” Franziska said. It had been long since she was forced to remember the case that gave her the same brand of shame that her father previously possessed: A bullet to the shoulder. She wanted to be angry, but instead she smiled.
“Wright taught you well.”
Apollo was glad to see Franziska smile, and he let his guard down to smile back. “I hope so.”
“What was your relationship with the victim?” Apollo asked as he hunched over, allowing himself to relax. Franziskas initial anger and intimidation seemed to have faded away with time, but she was still a von Karma, no matter how many times she said she didn’t deserve to be. He knew, and she knew.
“Detective Gumshoe and I… were… co-workers, in the loosest sense of the term. He was a detective. I am a prosecutor. Like the Honey guide and the Badger, we had a very… special working relationship.” Franziska said as she twirled her hair around her finger. Apollo remembered the way Phoenix twirled the phone cord around his finger and shivered.
“Were you romantically involved?” Apollo asked as his eyebrows perked up. It was a possibility. She seemed to be very elusive about him.
“You foolish fool! Of course not!” Franziska said, managing to look taken aback and angry at the same time. “But, he was very dependant, I suppose. How should I put this… he was a bit of a flake. But…”
“But?” Apollo asked.
“But he would never hurt a soul. I’m not sure why anyone would kill him, but you can be assured, Justice…” Franziska sat up even straighter and stared Apollo straight in the eyes.
“You can be assured… that it wasn’t me. I swear on my good name.” Franziska said.
“Okay, Miss von Karma. I trust you.” Apollo said, returning her gaze. He suddenly perked up and remembered something.
“Oh, Miss von Karma?” Apollo asked
“Yes, Justice?” Franziska replied.
“You’re an important prosecutor who’s affiliated with the Prosecutors Office. I’ve never heard of this guy… According to Mister Wright, he’s new, but he must have been here before the murder because he is apparently extremely talented. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?”
“If you have a name for me, I might be able to provide you with information.” Franziska suggested
“Okay, Miss von Karma. Have you ever heard of The Half Life Prosecutor?”
“…Hm.” Franziska hummed as she thought. “The Half Life Prosecutor… That man has a history a mile wide, if what I’ve heard is true. You should get comfortable, Justice; because I have a story to tell you about a good man who turned into something terrible with just a few days of bad luck.”
Apollo sat up. It looked like after all this time, he was finally going to get some answers on his mysterious new opponent.
“Well, we’re here, anyway. Mister Wright was vague as usual… But he said the defendant was an old friend, so hopefully I’m in good hands.” Apollo thought as he adjusted his blue tie and primped. He was fond of Phoenix, and wanted to look his best for this friend of his.
A woman walked over and sat at the other side of the desk. She looked no older than twenty five. She wore a prominent white bow around her neck with a diamond brooch. With her black clothing, long light blue hair, and grey eyes, she looked like a ghost on the other side of the looking glass. Despite her initially intimidating appearance, Apollo could not ignore how chillingly beautiful she was. Was this really the friend that Phoenix was talking about?
“Are you the one that Wright sent?” she commanded powerfully, scrutinizing Apollo with cold eyes.
“Y-Yes! I’m Apollo Justice!” Apollo said, sitting up even straighter at the sound of her voice.
“Hm.” She hummed to herself, still scanning Apollo. She smiled, lowering her head down for her chin to rest on the junction of her index finger and thumb. Her nails were very well manicured.
It wasn’t until later that Apollo noticed that Trucy was completely silent since the defendant began to speak. He didn’t dare redirect his gaze; He was frightened to death of the consequences, even if they were protected by glass.
“In that case… I am Franziska von Karma.”
“V-von Karma?!” Apollo said, his eyes widening and his mouth gaping in surprise.
“Good. I’m glad to see that we’re not ancient history now that my father is deceased and I got arrested…” Franziska said, as if to herself.
“Ancient history?! You’re only a member of the greatest lineage of prosecutors to walk the earth!” Apollo said, still amazed by his defendants stance in society.
Franziska furrowed her brow. “Don’t shower me with credit I don’t deserve… For all I’ve done… For all the times I’ve lost… I don’t deserve to bear that name.” she said, sternly. She took her gaze off of Apollo to look at something of little importance on the floor at her side. Perhaps a dust bunny, or a speck of dirt on the glass wall.
Either way, Apollo jerked his head back to look for Trucy. Much to her surprise, she was at his side all along and managed to go unnoticed.
“Miss von Karma…” Trucy said quietly, curiousity and intimidation in her blue eyes.
Franziskas attention quickly snapped from whatever she was looking at to Trucy. She looked surprised at first, but quickly regained her composure. “Yes?”
“I can’t believe I’ve finally met you… I’ve heard so much about you from my daddy.” Trucy said, sounding transfixed.
Franziska felt perturbed as she remembered her own father, but cast it aside as a memory and decided to pry, despite herself. Was she the daughter of someone who condemned to prison before? “Oh? And who would that be?” she said.
“Phoenix Wright…” Trucy said, whispering the words quietly.
Franziska looked even more surprised than before. “You’re… Wrights daughter?!” Franziska said, amazed.
“Yes… I’ve heard his stories of you. You’re a wonderful woman…” Trucy said, lost in her amazement.
“…I repeat myself: It would do you well not to shower me with unfair praise.” Franziska said as she brushed a blue lock of hair out of her face with a finger.
Trucy looked as if she was ready to object, but decided to stay silent: It didn’t look like Franziska was intent on changing her mind. Despite this, she noticed that Franziska was still stealing glances at her. She wondered why.
“Miss von Karma…” Apollo said, trying his best not to be afraid.
“Yes?”
“…Did you do it?”
“No. No I did not, Justice… Why bother asking me?”
“Because I have yet to have had second judgments on my client, which is a luxury that Mister Wright never had after a certain time…” Apollo said sternly, trying to look determined as he stared the von Karma in the eye.
“The Engarde case.” Franziska said. It had been long since she was forced to remember the case that gave her the same brand of shame that her father previously possessed: A bullet to the shoulder. She wanted to be angry, but instead she smiled.
“Wright taught you well.”
Apollo was glad to see Franziska smile, and he let his guard down to smile back. “I hope so.”
“What was your relationship with the victim?” Apollo asked as he hunched over, allowing himself to relax. Franziskas initial anger and intimidation seemed to have faded away with time, but she was still a von Karma, no matter how many times she said she didn’t deserve to be. He knew, and she knew.
“Detective Gumshoe and I… were… co-workers, in the loosest sense of the term. He was a detective. I am a prosecutor. Like the Honey guide and the Badger, we had a very… special working relationship.” Franziska said as she twirled her hair around her finger. Apollo remembered the way Phoenix twirled the phone cord around his finger and shivered.
“Were you romantically involved?” Apollo asked as his eyebrows perked up. It was a possibility. She seemed to be very elusive about him.
“You foolish fool! Of course not!” Franziska said, managing to look taken aback and angry at the same time. “But, he was very dependant, I suppose. How should I put this… he was a bit of a flake. But…”
“But?” Apollo asked.
“But he would never hurt a soul. I’m not sure why anyone would kill him, but you can be assured, Justice…” Franziska sat up even straighter and stared Apollo straight in the eyes.
“You can be assured… that it wasn’t me. I swear on my good name.” Franziska said.
“Okay, Miss von Karma. I trust you.” Apollo said, returning her gaze. He suddenly perked up and remembered something.
“Oh, Miss von Karma?” Apollo asked
“Yes, Justice?” Franziska replied.
“You’re an important prosecutor who’s affiliated with the Prosecutors Office. I’ve never heard of this guy… According to Mister Wright, he’s new, but he must have been here before the murder because he is apparently extremely talented. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?”
“If you have a name for me, I might be able to provide you with information.” Franziska suggested
“Okay, Miss von Karma. Have you ever heard of The Half Life Prosecutor?”
“…Hm.” Franziska hummed as she thought. “The Half Life Prosecutor… That man has a history a mile wide, if what I’ve heard is true. You should get comfortable, Justice; because I have a story to tell you about a good man who turned into something terrible with just a few days of bad luck.”
Apollo sat up. It looked like after all this time, he was finally going to get some answers on his mysterious new opponent.
Spoiler: Chapter 3: The Half Life Prosecutor
“Have you ever heard of Godot, Justice?” Franziska asked.
“Godot is his alias. Real name: Diego Armando. Once a defense attorney, but was poisoned and fell into a coma. After the death of his fiancé at the hands of Redd White, he was enraged that Phoenix didn’t protect her. He became a prosecutor to get revenge on Phoenix Wright the only way he knew how: in court. He died after slipping into a coma.” Apollo said. He read up on Phoenix, and knew most of his big name cases backwards.
“You continue to impress me with your devotion.” Franziska said, smiling. Apollo scratched his neck in embarrassment. It was an honor to make a prosecutor as serious and hardworking as Franziska smile.
“You did, however forget that he was blinded after his first coma, which is an important detail: Because the light up visor that helped him to see was the byproduct of a then new medical company known only as Bioware, a facility that specializes in robotic prosthetics. It’s a medical break through, and Bioware even now specializes in modern medicine that assists the damned.” Franziska finished explaining.
“…Why are you telling me all of this, Miss von Karma?” Apollo asked as he pressed his forehead.
“You fool! Because it’s part of his story!” She hissed suddenly, pointing. She would have whipped him if she could.
This ‘Half Life Prosecutor’… was involved in a freak accident that mutilated him horrifically. I still don’t know how it happened. Some say that he was involved in an explosion. Some say that he got crushed by a heavy weight. Others go on to say that he was almost killed in a street fight. But each tale has the same grisly ending in this story.” Franziska said, looking down. It was obvious that she held a lot of respect for him, whoever he was.
“He was brutally injured… Some thought that they should have killed him then and there under the knife. But, are not all humans entitled to life if it’s an option to save them? That’s what a few people thought, and they won the legal battle.”
“Were you involved in that legal battle, Miss von Karma?” Apollo asked. This could be important.
“No. No I wasn’t. But, one of my fellow prosecutors insisted that we save him… Her devotion was of true interest, considering she’s the Chief Prosecutor.”
“What’s her name?”
“Lana Skye. She’s the Chief Prosecutor, and has been since Wright was a lawyer. She defended him with all of her power, and I was impressed at her fortitude... It made me wonder if she knew him, but she denied it.” Franziska said, running fingers through steel blue hair.
Apollo made a mental note to ask Ema about this later.
“I rest from my main point. A master surgeon, and a master Bioware technician teamed up and saved the life of The Half Life Prosecutor, despite many naysayers…”
“But, there’s a catch. There always is…” Trucy said sadly, reminding everyone of her presence.
“Sadly, you’re correct. His body required so much of the technology to function normally again that he became an alienated freak of nature. He didn’t use the Bioware: The Bioware used him. He’s no longer a man… Just a pitiful human life in a robotic shell. Civilians don’t like him, the underworld doesn’t like him, nobody likes him. He’s almost as much of a lone wolf as my little brother…” Franziska said, depressed.
“He can’t breathe without artificial interference. His heart had been replaced by a mechanical one during the operation. Half of his face is robotic… And he didn’t do anything wrong. Nothing to deserve his fate…” Franziska explained.
“That’s… That’s horrible…” Trucy said, her eyes watering.
“It is: And with that, he decided to become a Criminal Prosecutor… His pursuit for justice is never ending. True to his title, he had been left with half a life after that accident… But he would give up any shred of his mortality to punish the unjust.” Franziska finally finished her explanation.
“Do you know his name? ‘The Half Life Prosecutor’ sounds like too much of an insult after that story.” Apollo said, scratching his nose.
“Yes. His name is Asmodeus Ex Machina.”
“What about the Doctor and the Technician that operated on him?” Trucy asked, scratching her fingers.
“The surgeon was a world famous doctor named Derek Stiles… I don’t speak of the Bioware technician.” Franziska said, eyes watering.
“Why not?” Apollo asked, concerned.
“Because, from perspective, he fell almost as hard as Ex Machina. There are no good endings to the story yet. Just the strong, and the dead…” Franziska said solemnly as she put her hands to her sides.
“Miss von Karma, I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?” Apollo asked as he put his hands on his lap.
“Defending me is good enough… But, from what I’ve observed, I think I’ll be in good hands. Goodbye, Justice. Please don’t let me down.” Franziska said as he turned to leave.
“I won’t, Miss von Karma. I promise. Goodbye.” Apollo said. He wanted to wave, but he felt that would be inappropriate.
*****
After walking out of the detention center, Trucy was the first to break the silence.
“…Where to now, Polly?” Trucy asked. She was probably still perturbed by Franziskas story about Asmodeus.
“We should get to the crime scene. Maybe talking to Ema will take our mind off of what we just heard.”
“Agreed!” Trucy said, skipping a bit as she walked.
Apollo laughed. He was glad to see that things were getting back into swing after that sobering tale, but he knew that something was going to happen for the circumstances to descend even further.
And he hoped that his inhibitions weren’t correct this time.
“Godot is his alias. Real name: Diego Armando. Once a defense attorney, but was poisoned and fell into a coma. After the death of his fiancé at the hands of Redd White, he was enraged that Phoenix didn’t protect her. He became a prosecutor to get revenge on Phoenix Wright the only way he knew how: in court. He died after slipping into a coma.” Apollo said. He read up on Phoenix, and knew most of his big name cases backwards.
“You continue to impress me with your devotion.” Franziska said, smiling. Apollo scratched his neck in embarrassment. It was an honor to make a prosecutor as serious and hardworking as Franziska smile.
“You did, however forget that he was blinded after his first coma, which is an important detail: Because the light up visor that helped him to see was the byproduct of a then new medical company known only as Bioware, a facility that specializes in robotic prosthetics. It’s a medical break through, and Bioware even now specializes in modern medicine that assists the damned.” Franziska finished explaining.
“…Why are you telling me all of this, Miss von Karma?” Apollo asked as he pressed his forehead.
“You fool! Because it’s part of his story!” She hissed suddenly, pointing. She would have whipped him if she could.
This ‘Half Life Prosecutor’… was involved in a freak accident that mutilated him horrifically. I still don’t know how it happened. Some say that he was involved in an explosion. Some say that he got crushed by a heavy weight. Others go on to say that he was almost killed in a street fight. But each tale has the same grisly ending in this story.” Franziska said, looking down. It was obvious that she held a lot of respect for him, whoever he was.
“He was brutally injured… Some thought that they should have killed him then and there under the knife. But, are not all humans entitled to life if it’s an option to save them? That’s what a few people thought, and they won the legal battle.”
“Were you involved in that legal battle, Miss von Karma?” Apollo asked. This could be important.
“No. No I wasn’t. But, one of my fellow prosecutors insisted that we save him… Her devotion was of true interest, considering she’s the Chief Prosecutor.”
“What’s her name?”
“Lana Skye. She’s the Chief Prosecutor, and has been since Wright was a lawyer. She defended him with all of her power, and I was impressed at her fortitude... It made me wonder if she knew him, but she denied it.” Franziska said, running fingers through steel blue hair.
Apollo made a mental note to ask Ema about this later.
“I rest from my main point. A master surgeon, and a master Bioware technician teamed up and saved the life of The Half Life Prosecutor, despite many naysayers…”
“But, there’s a catch. There always is…” Trucy said sadly, reminding everyone of her presence.
“Sadly, you’re correct. His body required so much of the technology to function normally again that he became an alienated freak of nature. He didn’t use the Bioware: The Bioware used him. He’s no longer a man… Just a pitiful human life in a robotic shell. Civilians don’t like him, the underworld doesn’t like him, nobody likes him. He’s almost as much of a lone wolf as my little brother…” Franziska said, depressed.
“He can’t breathe without artificial interference. His heart had been replaced by a mechanical one during the operation. Half of his face is robotic… And he didn’t do anything wrong. Nothing to deserve his fate…” Franziska explained.
“That’s… That’s horrible…” Trucy said, her eyes watering.
“It is: And with that, he decided to become a Criminal Prosecutor… His pursuit for justice is never ending. True to his title, he had been left with half a life after that accident… But he would give up any shred of his mortality to punish the unjust.” Franziska finally finished her explanation.
“Do you know his name? ‘The Half Life Prosecutor’ sounds like too much of an insult after that story.” Apollo said, scratching his nose.
“Yes. His name is Asmodeus Ex Machina.”
“What about the Doctor and the Technician that operated on him?” Trucy asked, scratching her fingers.
“The surgeon was a world famous doctor named Derek Stiles… I don’t speak of the Bioware technician.” Franziska said, eyes watering.
“Why not?” Apollo asked, concerned.
“Because, from perspective, he fell almost as hard as Ex Machina. There are no good endings to the story yet. Just the strong, and the dead…” Franziska said solemnly as she put her hands to her sides.
“Miss von Karma, I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?” Apollo asked as he put his hands on his lap.
“Defending me is good enough… But, from what I’ve observed, I think I’ll be in good hands. Goodbye, Justice. Please don’t let me down.” Franziska said as he turned to leave.
“I won’t, Miss von Karma. I promise. Goodbye.” Apollo said. He wanted to wave, but he felt that would be inappropriate.
*****
After walking out of the detention center, Trucy was the first to break the silence.
“…Where to now, Polly?” Trucy asked. She was probably still perturbed by Franziskas story about Asmodeus.
“We should get to the crime scene. Maybe talking to Ema will take our mind off of what we just heard.”
“Agreed!” Trucy said, skipping a bit as she walked.
Apollo laughed. He was glad to see that things were getting back into swing after that sobering tale, but he knew that something was going to happen for the circumstances to descend even further.
And he hoped that his inhibitions weren’t correct this time.
Spoiler: Chapter 4: Phoenix's Phone Call
June 19th, City Streets, 3:17 PM
Apollos cell phone began to ring.
“Hello?” he answered.
“Hello Apollo.” It was Phoenix.
“Oh, Mister Wright! I’m glad to speak with you. Are you doing alright?”
“Yes, I’m doing better now. I can’t deny I shed a few tears, but I’m okay. Listen Apollo: This case? I want in.”
“…What?”
“I said I want in, Apollo. The victim was an innocent man, who was my good friend. If not anything else, Please let me investigate.”
“Alright, Mister Wright. I suppose I owe you that much. I’ve got a few leads for you to follow.”
“I’m listening.”
“Have you ever heard of Bioware, Mister Wright?”
“Yeah, Bioware are those guys that recently joined forces with Caduceus USA, right?”
“I didn’t hear that part…” Apollo thought. “Yeah, I guess. You’re reasonably on the up and up on medical knowledge, Mister Wright.
“Yes. I once encountered an... Established pink haired gentleman who was a great help to me back in the day. He was a doctor, or so he claimed. Plus, the union between Bioware and Caduceus USA was only plastered all over the news over the past few weeks.”
“I… I had no idea.” Apollo said, shocked.
“Me on the up and up? Rarely. Seems you’re on the low and low... But I called to help you, Not insult you. What about Bioware?”
“Well, I have questions on my mind about the establishment. Plus, I wanted to get the side of the story on The Half Life Prosecutor. I figured out his name, by the way.”
“What is it?”
“Asmodeus Ex Machina. I learned more about him from my new client. She’s a very… commanding woman, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, but at the same time, I’m pleased to see that part of her hasn’t changed. A lot of people I once knew have changed drastically over the past seven years.”
"Are you really an exception?”
“…!!”
“Ack! I’m sorry Mister Wright! I didn’t mean it like that!” Apollo said, worried about being offensive.
“No. It’s fine. You’re only telling the truth. Anyway… So, can I take this to mean that I’m going to further investigate this guy Ex Machina?”
“Yes. Are you okay with that?”
“Certainly. Just give me the names of the people you want, and I’ll try my best to talk it out of them.”
“Alright. I suppose the big benefactor here would be Doctor Derek Stiles. Not only can he educate on the operation, but he can also redirect us to the Bioware Technician that assisted the operation. Please ask him about that.”
“…What’s going on here?”
-Apollo told Phoenix the story of Asmodeus Ex Machina to the extent of his memory-
“I see… Tough break... So, you want me to talk to the good Doctor, get the details of the Op out of him, get the name of the Technician, and talk to the Technician?”
“Please and thank you.”
“Very well. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you so much, Mister Wright.
“No problem. It’s been too long since I wore that suit anyway. Right-o! I’m out.”
Apollo hung up as Phoenix did.
***
“Was that Dad?” Trucy asked, perceptive as usual.
“Yeah. He wanted to help with the case, and… who am I to decline Mister Wrights wishes?”
Trucy smiled. “You know he’s always looking out for you, right?”
“Well, I like to think so… But I want to be a good attorney, which means that sometimes you have to be independent.” Apollo said.
“And, well, I always look out for you too…” She said, looking down out of embarassment
Apollo seemed to ignore Trucy’s statement as he pointed out the address to the crime scene. Trucy sniffed a bit before catching up to him.
Apollos cell phone began to ring.
“Hello?” he answered.
“Hello Apollo.” It was Phoenix.
“Oh, Mister Wright! I’m glad to speak with you. Are you doing alright?”
“Yes, I’m doing better now. I can’t deny I shed a few tears, but I’m okay. Listen Apollo: This case? I want in.”
“…What?”
“I said I want in, Apollo. The victim was an innocent man, who was my good friend. If not anything else, Please let me investigate.”
“Alright, Mister Wright. I suppose I owe you that much. I’ve got a few leads for you to follow.”
“I’m listening.”
“Have you ever heard of Bioware, Mister Wright?”
“Yeah, Bioware are those guys that recently joined forces with Caduceus USA, right?”
“I didn’t hear that part…” Apollo thought. “Yeah, I guess. You’re reasonably on the up and up on medical knowledge, Mister Wright.
“Yes. I once encountered an... Established pink haired gentleman who was a great help to me back in the day. He was a doctor, or so he claimed. Plus, the union between Bioware and Caduceus USA was only plastered all over the news over the past few weeks.”
“I… I had no idea.” Apollo said, shocked.
“Me on the up and up? Rarely. Seems you’re on the low and low... But I called to help you, Not insult you. What about Bioware?”
“Well, I have questions on my mind about the establishment. Plus, I wanted to get the side of the story on The Half Life Prosecutor. I figured out his name, by the way.”
“What is it?”
“Asmodeus Ex Machina. I learned more about him from my new client. She’s a very… commanding woman, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, but at the same time, I’m pleased to see that part of her hasn’t changed. A lot of people I once knew have changed drastically over the past seven years.”
"Are you really an exception?”
“…!!”
“Ack! I’m sorry Mister Wright! I didn’t mean it like that!” Apollo said, worried about being offensive.
“No. It’s fine. You’re only telling the truth. Anyway… So, can I take this to mean that I’m going to further investigate this guy Ex Machina?”
“Yes. Are you okay with that?”
“Certainly. Just give me the names of the people you want, and I’ll try my best to talk it out of them.”
“Alright. I suppose the big benefactor here would be Doctor Derek Stiles. Not only can he educate on the operation, but he can also redirect us to the Bioware Technician that assisted the operation. Please ask him about that.”
“…What’s going on here?”
-Apollo told Phoenix the story of Asmodeus Ex Machina to the extent of his memory-
“I see… Tough break... So, you want me to talk to the good Doctor, get the details of the Op out of him, get the name of the Technician, and talk to the Technician?”
“Please and thank you.”
“Very well. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you so much, Mister Wright.
“No problem. It’s been too long since I wore that suit anyway. Right-o! I’m out.”
Apollo hung up as Phoenix did.
***
“Was that Dad?” Trucy asked, perceptive as usual.
“Yeah. He wanted to help with the case, and… who am I to decline Mister Wrights wishes?”
Trucy smiled. “You know he’s always looking out for you, right?”
“Well, I like to think so… But I want to be a good attorney, which means that sometimes you have to be independent.” Apollo said.
“And, well, I always look out for you too…” She said, looking down out of embarassment
Apollo seemed to ignore Trucy’s statement as he pointed out the address to the crime scene. Trucy sniffed a bit before catching up to him.
Spoiler: Chapter 5: Caduceus Bioware
June 19th, Caduceus: Bioware, 3:17 PM
Phoenix stepped inside of the high tech office building with his blue suit.
“God, I all but forgot about how empowering it is to wear this…” he said, smiling to himself. A person immediately stepped up to him. She was a reasonably tall woman with neon silver hair, and a silver suit. The blue buttons along her lapel and on the suit seemed to light up. Her HMD was colored blue.
“Hello and welcome to Caduceus USA: Bioware Branch. Improving human life through the power of robotics. How may I help you?”
“Long time no see, Lisa Basil.” Phoenix said, smiling warmly as he offered a hand.
“Hello, sir.” Lisa said, returning the shake.
“Is Derek Stiles currently here?” Phoenix asked. He was happy to see that aside from physical appearance, Lisa hasn’t changed at all.
“Yes, at the moment. Do you wish to speak with him?”
“Yes. I have something I need to discuss with him.”
“…Very well. Are you sick, and or dying at the current moment, Mister Wright?” Lisa said, doing that bizarre bending over stance she always did.
“Um… Yes. I need to talk to him.” Phoenix said, lying.
“…Hm. Very well. Come with me. Derek is currently in his office.” Lisa said, beckoning Phoenix to follow her.
“Doctor Stiles has an office here?”
“Indeed. Robotic prosthetics are common issue here. As a result, we don’t get as much traffic as the actual Hospital branch of Caduceus… We earn our keep instead by shipping out robotic prothethics and artificial organs and blood to other hospitals around the world. And yes, that includes the main branch of Caduceus. We only usually do emergency surgeries.” Lisa said as she walked.
“So, Madame Basil, What’s your relationship with Derek?” Phoenix asked.
“Nothing out of the ordinary, I assure you.” She said, smiling. “I’m merely a subordinate of his.” Lisa replied, keeping the same speed.
“Hm.” Phoenix thought about what he was going to say to Derek.
“Yes. Regardless, we’ve arrived at Dereks quarters. Kindly don’t do anything rash…” She did the bending over stance again “Or else I’ll call in the real robots.” She smiled, and Phoenix responded with a smile, albeit nervously. “Why do I know she’s not kidding?”
“Ah… Hello. Please, have a seat.” The man sitting at the desk said.
He had a white lab coat. His hair was brown and medium length: it clashed well with his hazel eyes. His glasses were wire framed. Nothing about him looked special, but he was a world famous doctor with a legendary ability: The Healing Touch.
“So, what’s the complication…? I’m sure we can work something out, whatever it is.” He said, trying to keep his usual cheerful demeanor.
“Um, I wanted to ask about a previous surgery.”
“Oh? You’re a patient of mine?” Derek said, surprised. He had no idea the day would come that he would forget the face of one of his patients.
“No. I wanted to talk to you about a previous surgery that was not done on me, but on another person.”
“Hm… Mister…?” Derek asked, frowning a bit.
“Wright.”
“…Mister Wright. I think that it’s risky territory then. Why would you want to know? Is it for curiosity reasons, or…” Derek suggested as he raised his glasses up his nose.
“Legal, actually.”
“Alright, that’s a whole other ball park… Was he a patient in the Bioware Clinic?” Derek asked. He figured this would narrow him down.
“Yes: And you operated on him, alongside a Master Bioware Mechanic?”
Dereks heart sank in his chest. He wanted to know about that patient. He furrowed his brow.
“I see… Mister Wright. You want to know about Patient #42 to our clinic, don’t you?” Derek asked, sadly.
“Who is that?”
“Patient #42: Ex Machina, Asmodeus.” Derek choked out the words.
“Yes.”
Derek took a deep inhale as he fought to think of words. “Oh dear… Oh dear…” Derek muttered to himself as he looked in his desk. He finally sighed again.
“Mister Wright, #42 is the only case that had ever required The Master’s assistance. I have healed many diseases and pathogens with my power… But, Mister Wright, this man was mutilated beyond any discernable recognition, I… Well… Maybe actions speak louder than words. Here.” Derek handed Phoenix a file that read Ex Machina, Asmodeus on it. He looked inside.
And what he saw shocked and horrified him in equal measure. Pus and leeches hung off of his face, attaching itself to bare flesh and bone. One part of his face was untouched, and it was perfect, flawless, and beautiful compared to the madness around it. An eyeball hung out, with no eyelid to protect it. Blood was everywhere. The two exposed eyes contained all too human emotions: Fear, disgust…
Another picture was of one of his hands. The skin was stripped off of it, and bare bone was visible, with bruises made apparent by the shining light and contrast of red blood to tanned skin.
The chest was lacerated, with broken bones cutting through the skin. Blood leaked down,
Phoenix had no idea that a human being could be so viciously mutilated and go on living. How the hell did he get like this?!
“Doctor, what on earth happened to him?!” Phoenix asked, amazed and outraged.
“I don’t know… I’m not sure at all. He was just run in by our men to ER. But he was alive. And we as doctors have to save the living… But, at what cost? A few decades back, this man wouldn’t have had an ice cubes chance in Hell of living. But now, we have technology to save the weak beyond most human understanding… Except for The Master. He understands. He’s the only one that really does. He’s like an old enemy of mine. He’s like Adam. A celestial being with vast knowledge. No one knows what goes on in that head of his…” Derek said.
“Who is The Master?” Phoenix asked.
Derek sighed again. “Maybe I should introduce you to him… But, it’s important to know one thing: After the surgery done on Ex Machina, on his request, we changed his name to that.”
“Wait, Asmodeus Ex Machina isn’t his real name?”
“No…” Derek said.
“Then what is?”
Derek bowed his head so the light reflected off of his glasses. He frowned.
“I was afraid you’d ask that… I’m sorry, Mister Wright…”
All of a sudden, all became invert, before the light faded to darkness. Black metal chains slowly crawled around Derek before four red and gold locks slammed on top of the chain junctions with deafening bangs.
“…But, I’m not at liberty to say.”
Eventually the world faded back to its normal colors.
“Shall I introduce you to The—Hey, what’s wrong?” Derek smiled as he scratched behind his neck. “You look like you just saw a ghost!”
“Er, not a ghost exactly. May you please…?”
“…In The Masters quest for ultimate biomechanic wisdom, he found himself going completely insane. Not a shred of his former mind is there as far as we’re concerned.”
“Well, of course.” Phoenix scoffed in his mind.
“He’s almost dead in his mind, but we have a padded cell workshop for him to work in peace… And, Mister Wright? I don’t enjoy seeing him. It reminds me too much of Adam. In saving lives, we too are doing something inexcusable by my morals. We’re doing the same thing that Delphi did with Adam… The same thing Heinreich did with his own children…”
Phoenix had to wonder what Derek was going on about, but he didn’t question him: He knew that whatever Derek was talking about, it had rocked him to the core.
“Quite frankly, I think he belongs in a padded cell in one of our sister asylums, not doing work for us… I don’t think I’ll be joining you in your visitation. If you want to see and talk to The Master, then do so. But I warned you.” Derek said softly as he pressed a button on a small machine on his desktop.
“Angie, could you please report to my office? I have something I’d like you to do… if you could.” Derek said, still a bit softly.
“Sure Derek. I’m on my way there, actually. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Great… Thank you.” Derek said sadly.
“I… apologize for my less than presentable ‘bedside manner’ as it were. Talking about Ex Machina and The Master in the same stint is enough to take energy out of any man that knows the details.” Derek said, adjusting his glasses.
“It’s okay, Doctor, I understand.” Phoenix said, smiling knowingly.
“Thank you.” Derek said, smiling back.
The two shook hands as Angie entered the room. Angela Thompson was a beautiful woman with long blonde hair to the small of her back, and green eyes. She wore a silver suit that would have looked similar to Lisa’s if she didn’t move around as much, and had glowing buttons.
“Hi Derek! What can I do for you?” she asked, cheerfully. They must have had a history.
“May you please escort Mister Wright here to The Masters Chambers?”
Angies eyes turned from soft and green to hard and determined.
“Are you sure he’s allowed up there?” she asked, frowning a bit.
“Yes. He should be fine… We already sedated him today. He shouldn’t be too wild. But, the entry to the Masters Chambers requires a pass code that only you, me, and Lisa know. So… Could you please?”
“Alright... Whatever you say, Doctor. Mister Wright, is it? If you could please follow me…”
“Certainly, Madame…”
“Thompson. I’m a nurse here.”
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance!” Phoenix said, smiling.
The duo walked into an elevator.
“Masters Chambers!” Angie said, loudly. Phoenix could tell that she had a shred of German in her accent.
“Kindly type in the password using the keyboard provided.”
As if on cue, a small keyboard jutted out of the wall. Angie typed in the password, and Phoenix watched her.
They ascended to the top floor.
Phoenix used the few minutes of awkward silence to write Dereks testimony down in his notepad. Maybe it might come in handy later.
The elevator finally stopped. The narrow corridor they were now in was white. Linear veins on the wall shone with soft blue light.
“Good luck, Mister Wright. Doctor Stiles said that he was sedated, but please take this and press it if his condition gets worse.” Angie warned Phoenix as she handed him a red Panic Button.
“Alright… Thank you very much, Madame Thompson.”
The two shook hands before Phoenix stood and walked down the hall. There was only one door at the very end of the hall. When he got to it, he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“What the hell…? NO!”
The plaque on the door read:
LAWRENCE “LARRY” BUTZ
MASTER BIOWARE TECHNICIAN
His hand shook as he checked the plaque again. The same letters refused to go away. Ridding himself of his fear, he opened the door and entered the chamber: It was time to confront The Master face to face, and finally learn the truth.
Phoenix stepped inside of the high tech office building with his blue suit.
“God, I all but forgot about how empowering it is to wear this…” he said, smiling to himself. A person immediately stepped up to him. She was a reasonably tall woman with neon silver hair, and a silver suit. The blue buttons along her lapel and on the suit seemed to light up. Her HMD was colored blue.
“Hello and welcome to Caduceus USA: Bioware Branch. Improving human life through the power of robotics. How may I help you?”
“Long time no see, Lisa Basil.” Phoenix said, smiling warmly as he offered a hand.
“Hello, sir.” Lisa said, returning the shake.
“Is Derek Stiles currently here?” Phoenix asked. He was happy to see that aside from physical appearance, Lisa hasn’t changed at all.
“Yes, at the moment. Do you wish to speak with him?”
“Yes. I have something I need to discuss with him.”
“…Very well. Are you sick, and or dying at the current moment, Mister Wright?” Lisa said, doing that bizarre bending over stance she always did.
“Um… Yes. I need to talk to him.” Phoenix said, lying.
“…Hm. Very well. Come with me. Derek is currently in his office.” Lisa said, beckoning Phoenix to follow her.
“Doctor Stiles has an office here?”
“Indeed. Robotic prosthetics are common issue here. As a result, we don’t get as much traffic as the actual Hospital branch of Caduceus… We earn our keep instead by shipping out robotic prothethics and artificial organs and blood to other hospitals around the world. And yes, that includes the main branch of Caduceus. We only usually do emergency surgeries.” Lisa said as she walked.
“So, Madame Basil, What’s your relationship with Derek?” Phoenix asked.
“Nothing out of the ordinary, I assure you.” She said, smiling. “I’m merely a subordinate of his.” Lisa replied, keeping the same speed.
“Hm.” Phoenix thought about what he was going to say to Derek.
“Yes. Regardless, we’ve arrived at Dereks quarters. Kindly don’t do anything rash…” She did the bending over stance again “Or else I’ll call in the real robots.” She smiled, and Phoenix responded with a smile, albeit nervously. “Why do I know she’s not kidding?”
“Ah… Hello. Please, have a seat.” The man sitting at the desk said.
He had a white lab coat. His hair was brown and medium length: it clashed well with his hazel eyes. His glasses were wire framed. Nothing about him looked special, but he was a world famous doctor with a legendary ability: The Healing Touch.
“So, what’s the complication…? I’m sure we can work something out, whatever it is.” He said, trying to keep his usual cheerful demeanor.
“Um, I wanted to ask about a previous surgery.”
“Oh? You’re a patient of mine?” Derek said, surprised. He had no idea the day would come that he would forget the face of one of his patients.
“No. I wanted to talk to you about a previous surgery that was not done on me, but on another person.”
“Hm… Mister…?” Derek asked, frowning a bit.
“Wright.”
“…Mister Wright. I think that it’s risky territory then. Why would you want to know? Is it for curiosity reasons, or…” Derek suggested as he raised his glasses up his nose.
“Legal, actually.”
“Alright, that’s a whole other ball park… Was he a patient in the Bioware Clinic?” Derek asked. He figured this would narrow him down.
“Yes: And you operated on him, alongside a Master Bioware Mechanic?”
Dereks heart sank in his chest. He wanted to know about that patient. He furrowed his brow.
“I see… Mister Wright. You want to know about Patient #42 to our clinic, don’t you?” Derek asked, sadly.
“Who is that?”
“Patient #42: Ex Machina, Asmodeus.” Derek choked out the words.
“Yes.”
Derek took a deep inhale as he fought to think of words. “Oh dear… Oh dear…” Derek muttered to himself as he looked in his desk. He finally sighed again.
“Mister Wright, #42 is the only case that had ever required The Master’s assistance. I have healed many diseases and pathogens with my power… But, Mister Wright, this man was mutilated beyond any discernable recognition, I… Well… Maybe actions speak louder than words. Here.” Derek handed Phoenix a file that read Ex Machina, Asmodeus on it. He looked inside.
And what he saw shocked and horrified him in equal measure. Pus and leeches hung off of his face, attaching itself to bare flesh and bone. One part of his face was untouched, and it was perfect, flawless, and beautiful compared to the madness around it. An eyeball hung out, with no eyelid to protect it. Blood was everywhere. The two exposed eyes contained all too human emotions: Fear, disgust…
Another picture was of one of his hands. The skin was stripped off of it, and bare bone was visible, with bruises made apparent by the shining light and contrast of red blood to tanned skin.
The chest was lacerated, with broken bones cutting through the skin. Blood leaked down,
Phoenix had no idea that a human being could be so viciously mutilated and go on living. How the hell did he get like this?!
“Doctor, what on earth happened to him?!” Phoenix asked, amazed and outraged.
“I don’t know… I’m not sure at all. He was just run in by our men to ER. But he was alive. And we as doctors have to save the living… But, at what cost? A few decades back, this man wouldn’t have had an ice cubes chance in Hell of living. But now, we have technology to save the weak beyond most human understanding… Except for The Master. He understands. He’s the only one that really does. He’s like an old enemy of mine. He’s like Adam. A celestial being with vast knowledge. No one knows what goes on in that head of his…” Derek said.
“Who is The Master?” Phoenix asked.
Derek sighed again. “Maybe I should introduce you to him… But, it’s important to know one thing: After the surgery done on Ex Machina, on his request, we changed his name to that.”
“Wait, Asmodeus Ex Machina isn’t his real name?”
“No…” Derek said.
“Then what is?”
Derek bowed his head so the light reflected off of his glasses. He frowned.
“I was afraid you’d ask that… I’m sorry, Mister Wright…”
All of a sudden, all became invert, before the light faded to darkness. Black metal chains slowly crawled around Derek before four red and gold locks slammed on top of the chain junctions with deafening bangs.
“…But, I’m not at liberty to say.”
Eventually the world faded back to its normal colors.
“Shall I introduce you to The—Hey, what’s wrong?” Derek smiled as he scratched behind his neck. “You look like you just saw a ghost!”
“Er, not a ghost exactly. May you please…?”
“…In The Masters quest for ultimate biomechanic wisdom, he found himself going completely insane. Not a shred of his former mind is there as far as we’re concerned.”
“Well, of course.” Phoenix scoffed in his mind.
“He’s almost dead in his mind, but we have a padded cell workshop for him to work in peace… And, Mister Wright? I don’t enjoy seeing him. It reminds me too much of Adam. In saving lives, we too are doing something inexcusable by my morals. We’re doing the same thing that Delphi did with Adam… The same thing Heinreich did with his own children…”
Phoenix had to wonder what Derek was going on about, but he didn’t question him: He knew that whatever Derek was talking about, it had rocked him to the core.
“Quite frankly, I think he belongs in a padded cell in one of our sister asylums, not doing work for us… I don’t think I’ll be joining you in your visitation. If you want to see and talk to The Master, then do so. But I warned you.” Derek said softly as he pressed a button on a small machine on his desktop.
“Angie, could you please report to my office? I have something I’d like you to do… if you could.” Derek said, still a bit softly.
“Sure Derek. I’m on my way there, actually. I’ll be there shortly.”
“Great… Thank you.” Derek said sadly.
“I… apologize for my less than presentable ‘bedside manner’ as it were. Talking about Ex Machina and The Master in the same stint is enough to take energy out of any man that knows the details.” Derek said, adjusting his glasses.
“It’s okay, Doctor, I understand.” Phoenix said, smiling knowingly.
“Thank you.” Derek said, smiling back.
The two shook hands as Angie entered the room. Angela Thompson was a beautiful woman with long blonde hair to the small of her back, and green eyes. She wore a silver suit that would have looked similar to Lisa’s if she didn’t move around as much, and had glowing buttons.
“Hi Derek! What can I do for you?” she asked, cheerfully. They must have had a history.
“May you please escort Mister Wright here to The Masters Chambers?”
Angies eyes turned from soft and green to hard and determined.
“Are you sure he’s allowed up there?” she asked, frowning a bit.
“Yes. He should be fine… We already sedated him today. He shouldn’t be too wild. But, the entry to the Masters Chambers requires a pass code that only you, me, and Lisa know. So… Could you please?”
“Alright... Whatever you say, Doctor. Mister Wright, is it? If you could please follow me…”
“Certainly, Madame…”
“Thompson. I’m a nurse here.”
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance!” Phoenix said, smiling.
The duo walked into an elevator.
“Masters Chambers!” Angie said, loudly. Phoenix could tell that she had a shred of German in her accent.
“Kindly type in the password using the keyboard provided.”
As if on cue, a small keyboard jutted out of the wall. Angie typed in the password, and Phoenix watched her.
They ascended to the top floor.
Phoenix used the few minutes of awkward silence to write Dereks testimony down in his notepad. Maybe it might come in handy later.
The elevator finally stopped. The narrow corridor they were now in was white. Linear veins on the wall shone with soft blue light.
“Good luck, Mister Wright. Doctor Stiles said that he was sedated, but please take this and press it if his condition gets worse.” Angie warned Phoenix as she handed him a red Panic Button.
“Alright… Thank you very much, Madame Thompson.”
The two shook hands before Phoenix stood and walked down the hall. There was only one door at the very end of the hall. When he got to it, he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“What the hell…? NO!”
The plaque on the door read:
LAWRENCE “LARRY” BUTZ
MASTER BIOWARE TECHNICIAN
His hand shook as he checked the plaque again. The same letters refused to go away. Ridding himself of his fear, he opened the door and entered the chamber: It was time to confront The Master face to face, and finally learn the truth.
Spoiler: Chapter 6: Investigating The Crime Scene
June 19th, Apartment Building, 3:17 PM
The air in the Apartment Building smelled of moth balls, dust, and death. Couch stuffing from the worn couch was everywhere. The refrigerator was open, its contents strewn across the stone portion of flooring. Crimson blood turned a tawny red was leaking over the floor. A suspicious whitish pink fluid was also present on the floor along with two pistols. The body was found laying down against the couch, made apparent by the row of tape shaped like a human body. Blood covered the seat of the brown leather couch, and began to leak down into the larger pool of blood below.
Based only on the messy state of the room, it was clear that a fight had occurred here.
“Snooping as usual, eh Justice?” Ema made herself apparent once she saw Apollo.
“Miss Skye… Hello. What happened?”
“The victim was killed in this apartment building where Franziska von Karma was taking residence. Victim name: Dick Gumshoe. Occupation:… Detective.” Ema said, frowning.
“…Did you know him?” Apollo asked.
“Yes. I did. I met him for the first time around ten years ago. He was a big guy then. Lovable, curious… A little slow, admittedly. But, he always had heart. We spent only one year working together before this happened… I never knew him personally, but he was a good man with only the best intentions. He didn’t deserve this.” Ema said.
She was upset, Apollo could tell. But she wouldn’t show it. Classic Ema.
“Here’s the autopsy report.”
“Gumshoe, Richard… Date of Death, June 19th at Approx 1:00 AM. Cause of death: Twosimultaneous shots to the heart and brain?!” Apollo read, surprised.
“Yes. The guns were fired at precisely the same time. Death was instantaneous. The dual pistols were shot that night, and both of them contain the fingerprints of Franziska von Karma.”
“And the blood?” Apollo asked.
“Most of it, if not all of it, belongs to the victim. The killer was sneaky, however: she disturbed the scene with steer blood to throw us off the scent.”
“The couch stuffing?”
“Couch stuffing is hard to obtain fingerprints from. We tried, however: And some is in the lab awaiting analysis.”
“What about this gooey pink stuff?” Trucy asked.
“Ack! Don’t touch that!” Ema said, surprised.
“Eek!” Trucy exclaimed as she jumped back.
“…Because, we’re not sure what it is yet. Some of it has been sent to… forensics for examination.” She said the word ‘forensics’ with grinding teeth. It seemed she was still bitter about her employment as a Detective as ever.
“There there, Ema.” Apollo said as he patted Ema on the shoulder.
“Please don’t touch me…” Ema said in a cross between sorrow and anger as she reached for her bag of Snackoos.
-Apollo collected: Dual Pistols, Gumshoe Autopsy Report, Blood, Steer Blood, Couch Stuffing and Mysterious Fluid. He put them in the Court Record.-
“Do you know much about the Prosecutor of this case? I’ve been kind of unsure myself.” Ema asked.
“No, not yet, anyway.” Apollo said, confidently.
“Not yet? When do you plan to find out?” Ema asked, as she put another Snackoo into her mouth.
“At the end of today. I had Mister Wright investigate him for me.” Apollo said, looking down.
She chewed. “…Hm. I don’t think you’ll get much results, honestly…” She said with a full mouth.
“It never hurts to be optimistic...” Apollo said, trying to cast away Emas negativity.
She swallowed. “Easy for you to say… Gumshoe was always optimistic… And he got hurt pretty badly, I’d say... Look, Apollo. Just… don’t rely too much on Phoenix, or at the very least, welcome the possibility of failure. Okay?” Ema said, gently.
Her eyes were sad and knowing. Apollo agreed.
“…Anyways… How’s the accused holding up?”
“She seems to be doing well. She’s a very powerful woman. She has a very commanding prescence.” Justice said, remembering Franziska.
“It’s an aura that follows von Karmas… or so I’ve heard. She was once a prosecutor too. But now, she’s on the opposite side of the law: Accused of murder. And, it doesn’t look like too much hope is present.” Ema said, looking away.
“Maybe. But… if I don’t defend her, who will?”
“Once again, an optimistic viewpoint. Don’t be too optimistic, Apollo. I’m not sure who this guy is, but he’s good. I’ve heard that much.” Ema warned him.
“I’ve heard far too many warnings about Ex Machina for my liking. If Mister Wrights search is unsuccessful, at least I can say I tried.”
“Maybe…” Ema said.
“I’ll see you around, Ema.”
“Sure.”
Apollo and Trucy quickly vacated the premises.
“You can say you tried alright, Justice. But trying… trying isn’t going to be enough. Not this time.” Ema whispered to herself as she reached into her bag of Snackoos and ate one.
The air in the Apartment Building smelled of moth balls, dust, and death. Couch stuffing from the worn couch was everywhere. The refrigerator was open, its contents strewn across the stone portion of flooring. Crimson blood turned a tawny red was leaking over the floor. A suspicious whitish pink fluid was also present on the floor along with two pistols. The body was found laying down against the couch, made apparent by the row of tape shaped like a human body. Blood covered the seat of the brown leather couch, and began to leak down into the larger pool of blood below.
Based only on the messy state of the room, it was clear that a fight had occurred here.
“Snooping as usual, eh Justice?” Ema made herself apparent once she saw Apollo.
“Miss Skye… Hello. What happened?”
“The victim was killed in this apartment building where Franziska von Karma was taking residence. Victim name: Dick Gumshoe. Occupation:… Detective.” Ema said, frowning.
“…Did you know him?” Apollo asked.
“Yes. I did. I met him for the first time around ten years ago. He was a big guy then. Lovable, curious… A little slow, admittedly. But, he always had heart. We spent only one year working together before this happened… I never knew him personally, but he was a good man with only the best intentions. He didn’t deserve this.” Ema said.
She was upset, Apollo could tell. But she wouldn’t show it. Classic Ema.
“Here’s the autopsy report.”
“Gumshoe, Richard… Date of Death, June 19th at Approx 1:00 AM. Cause of death: Twosimultaneous shots to the heart and brain?!” Apollo read, surprised.
“Yes. The guns were fired at precisely the same time. Death was instantaneous. The dual pistols were shot that night, and both of them contain the fingerprints of Franziska von Karma.”
“And the blood?” Apollo asked.
“Most of it, if not all of it, belongs to the victim. The killer was sneaky, however: she disturbed the scene with steer blood to throw us off the scent.”
“The couch stuffing?”
“Couch stuffing is hard to obtain fingerprints from. We tried, however: And some is in the lab awaiting analysis.”
“What about this gooey pink stuff?” Trucy asked.
“Ack! Don’t touch that!” Ema said, surprised.
“Eek!” Trucy exclaimed as she jumped back.
“…Because, we’re not sure what it is yet. Some of it has been sent to… forensics for examination.” She said the word ‘forensics’ with grinding teeth. It seemed she was still bitter about her employment as a Detective as ever.
“There there, Ema.” Apollo said as he patted Ema on the shoulder.
“Please don’t touch me…” Ema said in a cross between sorrow and anger as she reached for her bag of Snackoos.
-Apollo collected: Dual Pistols, Gumshoe Autopsy Report, Blood, Steer Blood, Couch Stuffing and Mysterious Fluid. He put them in the Court Record.-
“Do you know much about the Prosecutor of this case? I’ve been kind of unsure myself.” Ema asked.
“No, not yet, anyway.” Apollo said, confidently.
“Not yet? When do you plan to find out?” Ema asked, as she put another Snackoo into her mouth.
“At the end of today. I had Mister Wright investigate him for me.” Apollo said, looking down.
She chewed. “…Hm. I don’t think you’ll get much results, honestly…” She said with a full mouth.
“It never hurts to be optimistic...” Apollo said, trying to cast away Emas negativity.
She swallowed. “Easy for you to say… Gumshoe was always optimistic… And he got hurt pretty badly, I’d say... Look, Apollo. Just… don’t rely too much on Phoenix, or at the very least, welcome the possibility of failure. Okay?” Ema said, gently.
Her eyes were sad and knowing. Apollo agreed.
“…Anyways… How’s the accused holding up?”
“She seems to be doing well. She’s a very powerful woman. She has a very commanding prescence.” Justice said, remembering Franziska.
“It’s an aura that follows von Karmas… or so I’ve heard. She was once a prosecutor too. But now, she’s on the opposite side of the law: Accused of murder. And, it doesn’t look like too much hope is present.” Ema said, looking away.
“Maybe. But… if I don’t defend her, who will?”
“Once again, an optimistic viewpoint. Don’t be too optimistic, Apollo. I’m not sure who this guy is, but he’s good. I’ve heard that much.” Ema warned him.
“I’ve heard far too many warnings about Ex Machina for my liking. If Mister Wrights search is unsuccessful, at least I can say I tried.”
“Maybe…” Ema said.
“I’ll see you around, Ema.”
“Sure.”
Apollo and Trucy quickly vacated the premises.
“You can say you tried alright, Justice. But trying… trying isn’t going to be enough. Not this time.” Ema whispered to herself as she reached into her bag of Snackoos and ate one.
Spoiler: Chapter 7: The Master
June 19th, Masters Chambers, 3:34 PM
It was dark inside of this room. But somewhere inside was an old friend… Or, according to Derek and Angie, the shred of a person who once was an old friend: Larry Butz, known to everyone here as ‘The Master’, a guiding light for medical and robotic progress alike.
But, no matter how hard they dressed up the truth, he was still an insane man tinkering away in a padded workshop. And no matter how much Phoenix and Larry had changed, they were once friends. Larry required heavy daily sedation, working days and nights inside, preparing organs and limbs for the sick and the weak. He too was sick, but inside of his mind. Phoenix doubted they had a Bioware treatment for that. He didn’t know if he was ready to accept Larry yet, the way he is now.
But, he didn’t have a choice but to. After the door opened, one by one, the lights began to shine brightly off of the white padded walls. In one of the corners, was blood spatter and human waste. A man wearing a loosened strait jacket was sitting against the wall, arms askew and at length. His legs were spread open.
His hair was still brown, but it was unkempt, and it went down to his shoulders. His beard had grown also, his sideburns meshing into his goatee, which was so long now that it eddied down his chest to his pectoral muscles, cozy and snug in white latex and metal bands.
His grin was twitching in a similar way that it did when he was nervous. His right eye seemed to twitch also. His pupils were pin-point in his insanity, a single black dot on a white spherical canvas. His other eye had a long scar going down it that connected from the middle of his forehead to the left edge of his face. It was an artificial eye that was constructed from black metal. It had a red lens that continuously moved, scanning his surroundings until it locked onto Phoenix.
He shivered a bit, as if he was laughing. As much as he didn’t want to accept it, the man sitting there was his friend from school. His friend from seven years ago. But he was a completely different person now. He was no longer Larry Butz. Just The Master.
“Who… am I…” he said to no one.
“Larry… Jesus, what happened to you?” Phoenix asked, horrified.
“Who… Am I?”
“Larry!”
“Larry… was an inconsistent weakling. I’m The Master now. A being of symbolism. Don’t you see? I am living proof. I’ve combined mortality with machinery… And in that, became something even better than mortality.”
Larry lifted up his long white sleeve, and revealed that his right arm was mechanical. Shifting gears were visible underneath the plating. A small wire fed energy to the arm, but it was dripping with pink fluid that bounced slightly before it mixed into the flooring.
“Larry, who did this to you?! Was it Doctor Stiles?” Phoenix asked, worried.
“No: It was myself. Even with the Healing Touch, Derek doesn’t possess the power, the mental strength, that’s needed to save a life at any costs. That’s the reason why Ex Machina is still alive, and I am perfect.”
“That’s exactly what Manfred von Karma said long ago, and he’s been dead for years. You’re not perfect, you’re insane: You need help!” Phoenix said, painfully.
“Please. I… Ahahahaha. I’m alone. The reason why I did this is so I could isolate myself from those that love me. I have laid waste to all I have touched. My mortal life has brought naught but ruin to those that loved and trusted me.
“Now, I am inhuman, and furthermore, rejected and salvaged from mankind. The ones I loved died a long time ago. Now, I, The Master sit in the shadows of the people and work towards their Nirvana in secret. I am beyond flesh and bone. Behold…”
Larry tossed a withered arm at Phoenix, who caught it and immediate dropped it.
“Larry… Is this really..? Did you?” Phoenix asked.
“Yes. That arm is worthless. At least my new arm won’t rot if it’s dismembered from my body. A few mere convulsions of electricity. But it’s nothing a quick reattachment won’t solve. It’s rejected now… But Bioware is the future. Eventually, we’ll all have it inside of us.” Larry said, scanning Phoenix with his mechanical eye.
“That man… That Ex Machina… His condition only informed me of the further informed me of the fragility of human life… Cindy… Elise… Mia… All the people I’ve ever held dear have all been taken away from me at the hands of other men. I don’t want to be cast alongside the lecherous cowards and pigs. So, I will unionize Man and Machine and become a byproduct of it… And in dong so, become something greater. This is mankinds true fate. Do you see that you reject improvement of the human race by calling it insane?”
“This isn’t improvement, Larry. This is sick. This is wrong.” Phoenix said, staring his old friend in the eye.
“You amuse me. I can see things with this eye that yours are far too dimlit to observe. Can you observe the ghost standing at your side? She’s always been there, Phoenix… Ever since that night ten years ago on September 5th… She loves you even still.”
“You were once the better of us, but even then you made mistakes in your judgment… But she always stood by you. She believes in you… Something wicked this way comes Nick. She and I both know it. Gummys death was just the beginning…”
“How did you know about-“
“People are going to be in more and more danger. All that you’ve ever held dear will be swallowed up by the Demon that walked on the golden stairs. He may be an old adversary… but, his claws still rip and tear, Phoenix… Am I the only one that sees it?!”
Larry lunged forward and grabbed Phoenixs collar. He was crying out of his not robotic eye profusely.
“Please tell me I’m not..!” He weeped, shaking him.
Phoenix had enough and pressed the button.
“I wish I could, Larry.” Phoenix said softly.
Eventually personnel showed up and tackled Larry to the ground, adjusting his jacket.
“You’re always going to be in danger if you don’t embrace the truth…!!” Larry hissed as he thrashed around in vain.
Phoenix simply walked away and thought that maybe he was right. Gumshoe is dead. Larry is insane. Franziska is accused of murder.
...This string of events was too interlinked to be coincidental.
It was dark inside of this room. But somewhere inside was an old friend… Or, according to Derek and Angie, the shred of a person who once was an old friend: Larry Butz, known to everyone here as ‘The Master’, a guiding light for medical and robotic progress alike.
But, no matter how hard they dressed up the truth, he was still an insane man tinkering away in a padded workshop. And no matter how much Phoenix and Larry had changed, they were once friends. Larry required heavy daily sedation, working days and nights inside, preparing organs and limbs for the sick and the weak. He too was sick, but inside of his mind. Phoenix doubted they had a Bioware treatment for that. He didn’t know if he was ready to accept Larry yet, the way he is now.
But, he didn’t have a choice but to. After the door opened, one by one, the lights began to shine brightly off of the white padded walls. In one of the corners, was blood spatter and human waste. A man wearing a loosened strait jacket was sitting against the wall, arms askew and at length. His legs were spread open.
His hair was still brown, but it was unkempt, and it went down to his shoulders. His beard had grown also, his sideburns meshing into his goatee, which was so long now that it eddied down his chest to his pectoral muscles, cozy and snug in white latex and metal bands.
His grin was twitching in a similar way that it did when he was nervous. His right eye seemed to twitch also. His pupils were pin-point in his insanity, a single black dot on a white spherical canvas. His other eye had a long scar going down it that connected from the middle of his forehead to the left edge of his face. It was an artificial eye that was constructed from black metal. It had a red lens that continuously moved, scanning his surroundings until it locked onto Phoenix.
He shivered a bit, as if he was laughing. As much as he didn’t want to accept it, the man sitting there was his friend from school. His friend from seven years ago. But he was a completely different person now. He was no longer Larry Butz. Just The Master.
“Who… am I…” he said to no one.
“Larry… Jesus, what happened to you?” Phoenix asked, horrified.
“Who… Am I?”
“Larry!”
“Larry… was an inconsistent weakling. I’m The Master now. A being of symbolism. Don’t you see? I am living proof. I’ve combined mortality with machinery… And in that, became something even better than mortality.”
Larry lifted up his long white sleeve, and revealed that his right arm was mechanical. Shifting gears were visible underneath the plating. A small wire fed energy to the arm, but it was dripping with pink fluid that bounced slightly before it mixed into the flooring.
“Larry, who did this to you?! Was it Doctor Stiles?” Phoenix asked, worried.
“No: It was myself. Even with the Healing Touch, Derek doesn’t possess the power, the mental strength, that’s needed to save a life at any costs. That’s the reason why Ex Machina is still alive, and I am perfect.”
“That’s exactly what Manfred von Karma said long ago, and he’s been dead for years. You’re not perfect, you’re insane: You need help!” Phoenix said, painfully.
“Please. I… Ahahahaha. I’m alone. The reason why I did this is so I could isolate myself from those that love me. I have laid waste to all I have touched. My mortal life has brought naught but ruin to those that loved and trusted me.
“Now, I am inhuman, and furthermore, rejected and salvaged from mankind. The ones I loved died a long time ago. Now, I, The Master sit in the shadows of the people and work towards their Nirvana in secret. I am beyond flesh and bone. Behold…”
Larry tossed a withered arm at Phoenix, who caught it and immediate dropped it.
“Larry… Is this really..? Did you?” Phoenix asked.
“Yes. That arm is worthless. At least my new arm won’t rot if it’s dismembered from my body. A few mere convulsions of electricity. But it’s nothing a quick reattachment won’t solve. It’s rejected now… But Bioware is the future. Eventually, we’ll all have it inside of us.” Larry said, scanning Phoenix with his mechanical eye.
“That man… That Ex Machina… His condition only informed me of the further informed me of the fragility of human life… Cindy… Elise… Mia… All the people I’ve ever held dear have all been taken away from me at the hands of other men. I don’t want to be cast alongside the lecherous cowards and pigs. So, I will unionize Man and Machine and become a byproduct of it… And in dong so, become something greater. This is mankinds true fate. Do you see that you reject improvement of the human race by calling it insane?”
“This isn’t improvement, Larry. This is sick. This is wrong.” Phoenix said, staring his old friend in the eye.
“You amuse me. I can see things with this eye that yours are far too dimlit to observe. Can you observe the ghost standing at your side? She’s always been there, Phoenix… Ever since that night ten years ago on September 5th… She loves you even still.”
“You were once the better of us, but even then you made mistakes in your judgment… But she always stood by you. She believes in you… Something wicked this way comes Nick. She and I both know it. Gummys death was just the beginning…”
“How did you know about-“
“People are going to be in more and more danger. All that you’ve ever held dear will be swallowed up by the Demon that walked on the golden stairs. He may be an old adversary… but, his claws still rip and tear, Phoenix… Am I the only one that sees it?!”
Larry lunged forward and grabbed Phoenixs collar. He was crying out of his not robotic eye profusely.
“Please tell me I’m not..!” He weeped, shaking him.
Phoenix had enough and pressed the button.
“I wish I could, Larry.” Phoenix said softly.
Eventually personnel showed up and tackled Larry to the ground, adjusting his jacket.
“You’re always going to be in danger if you don’t embrace the truth…!!” Larry hissed as he thrashed around in vain.
Phoenix simply walked away and thought that maybe he was right. Gumshoe is dead. Larry is insane. Franziska is accused of murder.
...This string of events was too interlinked to be coincidental.
Spoiler: Chapter 8: Apollo's Phone Call
June 19th, City Streets, 3:47 PM
Apollo decided to call Phoenix during the little downtime he had.
“…Hello?” Phoenix answered.
“Hi, Mister Wright! I… Are you alright?” Apollo asked. He could hear concern and sadness in Phoenix’s voice.
“I’ve been better, but I digress. How is your investigation coming along?” Phoenix asked, burying his head in his hand. He couldn’t believe that the broken man in Caduceus’ ward was once his best friend.
“It’s going along well so far! We’ve ascertained a few things.”
“Such as?”
The murder happened in a room rented out by my client… She allegedly killed the victim with two guns which have her fingerprints on them. Cause of death was a bullet to the heart and head. He... died instantly…” Apollo said, quietly, remembering the victim was a friend of Phoenixs.
Phoenix whispered Gumshoes name under his breath sadly.
“What was that?” Apollo asked.
“Nothing…”
“Did you figure out anything about Asmodeus Ex Machina?”
“Only subtle knowledge… As it turned out, both the good doctor and the… technician were walking on eggshells about it.”
“Was it that bad?”
“Apollo, it was horrible. If I was allowed to bring back those pictures, you’d see what I meant.” Phoenix said sternly.
“…I see… Where are you going now?”
“I’ve had enough of investigating Ex Machina for a day. It seems to be a bizarre, tangled, and tragic story, no matter which way you slice it. I’m going to go talk to that Witness that wanted to have Witness Protection. I’ll probably bring him back to the agency. Yourself?”
“I’m going back to the agency now to review the facts and build my case.”
“…Apollo.”
“Yes, Mister Wright?”
“The Half Life Prosecutor, Asmodeus Ex Machina, is a man feared and respected by everyone in the Prosecutors Office. Please be careful. I think that you’re up against your most powerful opponent yet.
“Will you be with me, Mister Wright?”
“No. I have… other commitments to attend to. Besides, it’s not like you need this old mans help to take down a prosecutor at this point. Apollo, it’s been two years since we first met. You’ve grown into an exceptional attorney. All I can say, is good luck. I know that Franziska didn’t do it, and you have to prove it in my absence.”
“I will try, Mister Wright.”
“That’s all I ask. I know you can do it. Goodbye, Apollo.”
“Goodbye, Mister Wright.”
Apollo hung up.
“Alright, Asmodeus Ex Machina… Ready or not, Here comes Justice!” Apollo thought as he and Trucy walked home.
****
Phoenix looked at his notepad and reviewed his notes.
Gumshoe, deceased. Murdered.
Franziska accused of said murder.
Larry driven insane for unknown reasons. Mysteriously knew about Gumshoes death inside of a maximum security asylum. Possible suspect? …Impossible, security is too tight. Mutilated himself (Severed own arm) and replaced with robot parts.
“Something wicked this way comes Nick. She and I both know it. Gummys death was just the beginning…”
“All that you’ve ever held dear will be swallowed up by the Demon that walked on the golden stairs. He may be an old adversary… but, his claws still rip and tear, Phoenix… Am I the only one that seesit?!”
“An old adversary… What could Larry have meant…?”
[*]
To be continued…
Apollo decided to call Phoenix during the little downtime he had.
“…Hello?” Phoenix answered.
“Hi, Mister Wright! I… Are you alright?” Apollo asked. He could hear concern and sadness in Phoenix’s voice.
“I’ve been better, but I digress. How is your investigation coming along?” Phoenix asked, burying his head in his hand. He couldn’t believe that the broken man in Caduceus’ ward was once his best friend.
“It’s going along well so far! We’ve ascertained a few things.”
“Such as?”
The murder happened in a room rented out by my client… She allegedly killed the victim with two guns which have her fingerprints on them. Cause of death was a bullet to the heart and head. He... died instantly…” Apollo said, quietly, remembering the victim was a friend of Phoenixs.
Phoenix whispered Gumshoes name under his breath sadly.
“What was that?” Apollo asked.
“Nothing…”
“Did you figure out anything about Asmodeus Ex Machina?”
“Only subtle knowledge… As it turned out, both the good doctor and the… technician were walking on eggshells about it.”
“Was it that bad?”
“Apollo, it was horrible. If I was allowed to bring back those pictures, you’d see what I meant.” Phoenix said sternly.
“…I see… Where are you going now?”
“I’ve had enough of investigating Ex Machina for a day. It seems to be a bizarre, tangled, and tragic story, no matter which way you slice it. I’m going to go talk to that Witness that wanted to have Witness Protection. I’ll probably bring him back to the agency. Yourself?”
“I’m going back to the agency now to review the facts and build my case.”
“…Apollo.”
“Yes, Mister Wright?”
“The Half Life Prosecutor, Asmodeus Ex Machina, is a man feared and respected by everyone in the Prosecutors Office. Please be careful. I think that you’re up against your most powerful opponent yet.
“Will you be with me, Mister Wright?”
“No. I have… other commitments to attend to. Besides, it’s not like you need this old mans help to take down a prosecutor at this point. Apollo, it’s been two years since we first met. You’ve grown into an exceptional attorney. All I can say, is good luck. I know that Franziska didn’t do it, and you have to prove it in my absence.”
“I will try, Mister Wright.”
“That’s all I ask. I know you can do it. Goodbye, Apollo.”
“Goodbye, Mister Wright.”
Apollo hung up.
“Alright, Asmodeus Ex Machina… Ready or not, Here comes Justice!” Apollo thought as he and Trucy walked home.
****
Phoenix looked at his notepad and reviewed his notes.
Gumshoe, deceased. Murdered.
Franziska accused of said murder.
Larry driven insane for unknown reasons. Mysteriously knew about Gumshoes death inside of a maximum security asylum. Possible suspect? …Impossible, security is too tight. Mutilated himself (Severed own arm) and replaced with robot parts.
“Something wicked this way comes Nick. She and I both know it. Gummys death was just the beginning…”
“All that you’ve ever held dear will be swallowed up by the Demon that walked on the golden stairs. He may be an old adversary… but, his claws still rip and tear, Phoenix… Am I the only one that seesit?!”
“An old adversary… What could Larry have meant…?”
[*]
To be continued…
Spoiler: Chapter 9: Enter Nokturn
June 20th, 12:39 AM, ???
The phone began to dial in pitch dark.
“…Hello?”
“Hello. I take it this is…”
“Indeed.”
“Very well. I need you to do me a small favor.”
“There’s no such thing as a ‘small favor’. Not in my line of work.”
“Heh. Cutting the crap with a hot knife as usual, I see.”
“Tch. Kindly refrain from using such disgusting metaphors in future.” He winced at the callers poor choice of words.
“Very well. So I shall. But, may you listen?”
“Rest assured you have captured my attention…” He said, raising a gloved hand to his head.
“Good. Tell me, are you very acquainted with Franziska von Karma?”
He remembered the Matt Engarde case grudgingly, gripping the handle of his tea cup firmly between his thumb and index finger. “…I suppose you can go as far as to say we’re ‘acquainted’.”
“Good, good. Very good. You are as experienced as they say.”
“…Hm. What are you getting at… my anonymous friend?”
“Tomorrow is a court case going down between Apollo Justice and The Half Life Prosecutor. The charge is murder.”
“Mmm. What of it?”
“A wealthy retainer is in it for you if you kidnap the defendant and hold her hostage.”
“Hm… I see… I take it you read further of the Matt Engarde case?”
“Of course. I know you can kidnap people; you’ve offered it up in the past. Of course, you’ll need to be at the top of your game… I’ve talked to a lot of other people. None of them have the balls to cover this for me. I’ve heard good things about you, however…”
“…Shelly deKiller.”
“Hm. I knew that such a high profile case might bring me to the surface of the crime world for all to see.”
“Heh! You say that like it’s a bad thing… Think of your riches, deKiller, and revel!”
“’Reveling’ has very little to do with my line of work. There’s a time for ‘revelling’: and that will be when I pass. It would seem as though you have very little idea of what services I provide-”
“I’ll pay you 250,000 $ if you kidnap Franziska von Karma at 11:11 AM tomorrow in Courtroom 101.”
“…Might I have the name of my client?” Shelly replied coolly.
“Nokturn. My name… is Nokturn.”
“Hm. It would do you well not to betray me, Sir Nocturne. I know that you’ve done your homework on my experience with Matt Engarde… and, he chose rotting in prison over facing me after that case.”
“Mama didn’t raise no fool, deKiller. Rest assured, I will deliver the money to you, as long as I can be certain that you’re working on my side.”
“Of course. Might I inquire why you want me to kidnap the defendant of this case, however?”
“Men such as you and I live to keep the lives of other people enthralled in discord. I just want to… how should I put this… Raise some Hell.”
“There’s no ulterior motive?” deKiller asked. ‘Raising Hell’ was on the same level as ‘Reveling’ for him.
“Oh, of course there’s an ulterior motive. Which is why I request that you keep her alive… I have a plan, deKiller… Don’t worry.”
“Then I shall not. Instead, I shall prepare.”
“Very well. Adios, Master deKiller.”
“Goodbye, Sir Nocturne.” deKiller said, hanging up.
He had to wonder where this ‘Nocturne’ acquired the number. Was he acquainted with the criminal underworld? Was he a lowly rogue? Was he a vigilante?
deKiller wasn’t fond of doing work without knowing some answers, but if Nokturn wasn’t playing him, then this could be his biggest pay roll in a long while.
He wrote down the details and thought of his game-plan. It seemed as though his night was going to get even longer.
The phone began to dial in pitch dark.
“…Hello?”
“Hello. I take it this is…”
“Indeed.”
“Very well. I need you to do me a small favor.”
“There’s no such thing as a ‘small favor’. Not in my line of work.”
“Heh. Cutting the crap with a hot knife as usual, I see.”
“Tch. Kindly refrain from using such disgusting metaphors in future.” He winced at the callers poor choice of words.
“Very well. So I shall. But, may you listen?”
“Rest assured you have captured my attention…” He said, raising a gloved hand to his head.
“Good. Tell me, are you very acquainted with Franziska von Karma?”
He remembered the Matt Engarde case grudgingly, gripping the handle of his tea cup firmly between his thumb and index finger. “…I suppose you can go as far as to say we’re ‘acquainted’.”
“Good, good. Very good. You are as experienced as they say.”
“…Hm. What are you getting at… my anonymous friend?”
“Tomorrow is a court case going down between Apollo Justice and The Half Life Prosecutor. The charge is murder.”
“Mmm. What of it?”
“A wealthy retainer is in it for you if you kidnap the defendant and hold her hostage.”
“Hm… I see… I take it you read further of the Matt Engarde case?”
“Of course. I know you can kidnap people; you’ve offered it up in the past. Of course, you’ll need to be at the top of your game… I’ve talked to a lot of other people. None of them have the balls to cover this for me. I’ve heard good things about you, however…”
“…Shelly deKiller.”
“Hm. I knew that such a high profile case might bring me to the surface of the crime world for all to see.”
“Heh! You say that like it’s a bad thing… Think of your riches, deKiller, and revel!”
“’Reveling’ has very little to do with my line of work. There’s a time for ‘revelling’: and that will be when I pass. It would seem as though you have very little idea of what services I provide-”
“I’ll pay you 250,000 $ if you kidnap Franziska von Karma at 11:11 AM tomorrow in Courtroom 101.”
“…Might I have the name of my client?” Shelly replied coolly.
“Nokturn. My name… is Nokturn.”
“Hm. It would do you well not to betray me, Sir Nocturne. I know that you’ve done your homework on my experience with Matt Engarde… and, he chose rotting in prison over facing me after that case.”
“Mama didn’t raise no fool, deKiller. Rest assured, I will deliver the money to you, as long as I can be certain that you’re working on my side.”
“Of course. Might I inquire why you want me to kidnap the defendant of this case, however?”
“Men such as you and I live to keep the lives of other people enthralled in discord. I just want to… how should I put this… Raise some Hell.”
“There’s no ulterior motive?” deKiller asked. ‘Raising Hell’ was on the same level as ‘Reveling’ for him.
“Oh, of course there’s an ulterior motive. Which is why I request that you keep her alive… I have a plan, deKiller… Don’t worry.”
“Then I shall not. Instead, I shall prepare.”
“Very well. Adios, Master deKiller.”
“Goodbye, Sir Nocturne.” deKiller said, hanging up.
He had to wonder where this ‘Nocturne’ acquired the number. Was he acquainted with the criminal underworld? Was he a lowly rogue? Was he a vigilante?
deKiller wasn’t fond of doing work without knowing some answers, but if Nokturn wasn’t playing him, then this could be his biggest pay roll in a long while.
He wrote down the details and thought of his game-plan. It seemed as though his night was going to get even longer.
Spoiler: Chapter 10: Asmodeus Ex Machina
June 20th, 10:00 AM, District Court, Defense Lobby
“Good morning, Justice.” Franziska said.
“Hello, Madame von Karma… Before we begin, can you shed any light on the case?”
“Yes. I called...the victim, to discuss a case at his apartment, which he gave me a key to. We planned to discuss fairly late into the night. But, by the time I arrived, he was dead. Someone had killed him.” Franziska said, not wanting to remember.
“How many keys were made?” Apollo asked.
“Three. One for me, one for himself, and one…”
“One…?”
“…For Miles Edgeworth.” Franziska said, even further concerned.
“I see. Don’t worry, Madame von Karma, I’ll prove you innocent, no matter what!”
“Very well.” Franziska said, smiling at Apollos enthusiasm. “Be it so.”
A tall and built baliff approached them. His eyes appeared to be closed. He seemed fairly old, having greying black hair.
“At the request of the prosecution, the courtroom has been moved upstairs, to Courtroom No: 101.”
“Why?” Apollo asked.
“I’m not sure. But, you should probably head up there with Miss von Karma now.”
“It would do us well not to disobey with the baliff. Shall we go, Justice?”
“It’s not like we have a choice in the matter.”
The got into the elevator and went to the 2nd floor. Courtroom 101, and The Half Life Prosecutor awaited.
***
June 20th, 10:00 AM, District Court, Courtroom No. 101
The courtroom was impressive. The ceiling was made of glass, but inside of the glass was an aurora of colors that mixed into each other and caused dancing lights to play on the ivory floor. The adhesive that held the floor together glowed with multicolored light that ran up veins on the walls up to the ceiling. Everything was so high-tech and regal. Apollo had never seen anything quite like it in his life. But, he got to his desk, and the judges voice rang out from his bench.
“Court is now in session for the trial of Franziska von Karma…” The judge began.
“The defense is ready, Your Honor!” Apollo said.
“…Where is the Prosecution?”
“Hm. If he doesn’t show up, then we win by forfeit.”
“I will not stand for the tardiness of the prosecution. If they are not here in five seconds, I will declare a Not Guilty verdict. 5… 4… 3…2…
“Did he give up? Wow, I can’t believe this is happening…!”
“1…”
The most machinelike and loud objection imaginable was an alarm bell for Apollo’s immediate mental shout of ‘No’.
“APOLOGIES FOR BEING FASHIONABLY LATE. THE PROSECUTION IS NOW READY.”
A white mist covered the floor as a humanoid figure rose from the floor behind the prosecution desk. A red dot cut through the fog until it cleared. It revealed itself to be one of the eyes of the Prosecutor.
The man now standing there had black hair with white bangs. It was amazingly well kept. 3/4 s of his face was robotic. Every single part of his face, from his cheeks to his eyebrows moved: obviously a result of high profile animatronics.
His right eye was a black void with a glowing red circle for a pupil. His other eye was colored the blue of blindness, yet he could see perfectly. A diagonal scar cut over this eye.
Asmodeus would have looked quite handsome if not for the rest of his face. Each metal was a different color, causing him to look even more disproportional. Two bizarre devices were affixed to the sides of his head. Apollo assumed that they were oxygen tanks because they connected to Asmodeus’ body via hoses that went up his nostrils. He wore a handsome suit with two epaulets. His tie clasp was in fact, a miniature EKG that showed his vital signs. There was a hole cut in both garments for four pipes to emerge from his upper back. The pipes emitted a warm and visible fog: Likely the byproduct of the air that he breathed.
His left arm was mechanical: The one that wasn’t had small hoses entering the knuckles and emerging as small buds that came out of his finger tips. A small hose was externally visible which replaced his throat. His legs required exoskeletons to move properly. Despite his handicaps, he was well over 6’3 and appeared to be in excellent physical condition.
The Half Life Prosecutor had a rather intimidated Mike Meekins in tow. He had given up working as a bailiff and instead decided to work for Asmodeus Ex Machina. Judging by his terrified expression, he seemed to have had second thoughts, but Prosecutor Ex Machina must have kept a tight leash on him.
His eyes were sharp and determined.
“Mister Ex Machina, if you’d please be so kind as to be punctual…” The judge asked.
“I’LL TAKE IT AS A CONSIDERATION NEXT TIME WE SEE EACH OTHER IN COURT...”
“See that you do. Do you have an opening statement?” The judge asked Asmodeus, not daring to look him between the eyes.
Asmodeus snickered, although Apollo was unsure if it was because of the Judge underestimating him, or his evident fear. His voice was autotuned.
“YOU BESMIRCH MY GOOD NAME. OF COURSE I HAVE AN OPENING STATEMENT. AND IT BEGINS LIKE SO.
He cleared his throats, rasps of metal could be heard in his cough.
“THE PROSECUTION IS HERE TO PROVE TODAY THAT ONE OF OUR FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE OFFICE, LADY VON KARMA, NO LESS, KILLED ONE OF OUR POLICE DETECTIVES IN HIS APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS TWO SIMULTANEOUS SHOTS TO THE BRAIN AND HEART BY TWO LUGER PISTOLS. DEATH WAS INSTANTANEOUS. BOTH OF THE PISTOLS HAVE FINGERPRINTS THAT BELONG TO FRANZISKA VON KARMA.”
“IT’S QUITE OBVIOUS THAT A FIGHT BETWEEN THE TWO OCCURRED. AFTER ALL, THE FLOOR IN THAT APARTMENT COMPLEX IS SPLATTERED WITH BLOOD.” Asmodeus said, brandishing a photograph of the apartment complex.
-Apollo collected the Crime Scene Photograph into his Court Record-
“AND, THE MAJORITY OF THE BLOOD BELONGS TO THE VICTIM. EVEN IN THEIR FINAL HOURS, WHO COULD SPILL BLOOD FROM THE BEAUTIFUL FRANZISKA VON KARMA?”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, you Machine-Head.” Apollo thought.
“ALAS! THIS BEAUTY KILLED THE VICTIM AS COLD AS ICE. WITH TWO BANGS, THE LIFE OF OUR LOVABLE DETECTIVE GUMSHOE WAS EXTINGUISHED… AT THE HANDS… OF THE DEFENDANT.”
“SHE WAS AS SMART AS SHE WAS IN COURT: SHE EVEN DISTRACTED THE SCENE OF THE CRIME WITH CATTLE BLOOD TO DISRUPT THE SCENE… THROW US OFF THE SCENT.”
“BUT, SHE UNDERESTIMATED OUR ABILITIES… WE CAUGHT UP TO HER MURDEROUS SHENANIGANS AND WE ARRESTED HER.
“HOLD IT!! Do you have anything to go on that it was Franziska?” Apollo said, pounding his desk.
“I’M NOT FOND OF REPEATING MYSELF, JUSTICE. BUT, I SHALL. THE MURDER WEAPONS FOUND AT THE SCENE HAD VON KARMAS FINGERPRINTS. IT WAS ALSO GENERALLY UNDERSTOOD THAT FRANZISKA WAS TO VISIT DETECTIVE GUMSHOES QUARTERS TO DISCUSS A FOREIGN CASE. MY ASSISTANT, MIKE MEEKINS CAN TESTIFY TO THAT EFFECT, JOINED WITH, I IMAGINE, THE REST OF THE PROSECUTORS OFFICE. THE DUAL HANDGUNS ARE ALSO LUGERS: GERMAN WEAPONDRY.”
Asmodeus took a steady inhale and exhaled, two smoke rings blowing out of the pipes on his back. He waggled two fingers and smiled on the human side of his face wickedly.
“I THINK WE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO ACCUSE VON KARMA OF THIS MURDER."
The gallery discussed among themselves loudly. With a slam of the gavel, they were silenced.
“Order in the court!... Mister Machina, do you have any witnesses?”
“OH, BUT OF COURSE…”
“Objection!!” Apollo called. “The defense requests for the Prosecutions opening statements to be added to testimony.”
“Mister Machina?” The judge asked.
“…HRRN. I HAVE NO OBJECTIONS… PERHAPS IT MIGHT BRING A CHUCKLE TO ME TO SEE HIM CRASH AND BURN. MY STATEMENT IS IMPERVIOUS!”
“We’ll see about that, Ex Machina!”
-Asmodeus’ Opening Statement Added to Testimony-
“You may now cross examine the… prosecution.” The judge said, a bit taken aback at the turn of events.
“Will do!” Apollo said.
“Good morning, Justice.” Franziska said.
“Hello, Madame von Karma… Before we begin, can you shed any light on the case?”
“Yes. I called...the victim, to discuss a case at his apartment, which he gave me a key to. We planned to discuss fairly late into the night. But, by the time I arrived, he was dead. Someone had killed him.” Franziska said, not wanting to remember.
“How many keys were made?” Apollo asked.
“Three. One for me, one for himself, and one…”
“One…?”
“…For Miles Edgeworth.” Franziska said, even further concerned.
“I see. Don’t worry, Madame von Karma, I’ll prove you innocent, no matter what!”
“Very well.” Franziska said, smiling at Apollos enthusiasm. “Be it so.”
A tall and built baliff approached them. His eyes appeared to be closed. He seemed fairly old, having greying black hair.
“At the request of the prosecution, the courtroom has been moved upstairs, to Courtroom No: 101.”
“Why?” Apollo asked.
“I’m not sure. But, you should probably head up there with Miss von Karma now.”
“It would do us well not to disobey with the baliff. Shall we go, Justice?”
“It’s not like we have a choice in the matter.”
The got into the elevator and went to the 2nd floor. Courtroom 101, and The Half Life Prosecutor awaited.
***
June 20th, 10:00 AM, District Court, Courtroom No. 101
The courtroom was impressive. The ceiling was made of glass, but inside of the glass was an aurora of colors that mixed into each other and caused dancing lights to play on the ivory floor. The adhesive that held the floor together glowed with multicolored light that ran up veins on the walls up to the ceiling. Everything was so high-tech and regal. Apollo had never seen anything quite like it in his life. But, he got to his desk, and the judges voice rang out from his bench.
“Court is now in session for the trial of Franziska von Karma…” The judge began.
“The defense is ready, Your Honor!” Apollo said.
“…Where is the Prosecution?”
“Hm. If he doesn’t show up, then we win by forfeit.”
“I will not stand for the tardiness of the prosecution. If they are not here in five seconds, I will declare a Not Guilty verdict. 5… 4… 3…2…
“Did he give up? Wow, I can’t believe this is happening…!”
“1…”
The most machinelike and loud objection imaginable was an alarm bell for Apollo’s immediate mental shout of ‘No’.
“APOLOGIES FOR BEING FASHIONABLY LATE. THE PROSECUTION IS NOW READY.”
A white mist covered the floor as a humanoid figure rose from the floor behind the prosecution desk. A red dot cut through the fog until it cleared. It revealed itself to be one of the eyes of the Prosecutor.
The man now standing there had black hair with white bangs. It was amazingly well kept. 3/4 s of his face was robotic. Every single part of his face, from his cheeks to his eyebrows moved: obviously a result of high profile animatronics.
His right eye was a black void with a glowing red circle for a pupil. His other eye was colored the blue of blindness, yet he could see perfectly. A diagonal scar cut over this eye.
Asmodeus would have looked quite handsome if not for the rest of his face. Each metal was a different color, causing him to look even more disproportional. Two bizarre devices were affixed to the sides of his head. Apollo assumed that they were oxygen tanks because they connected to Asmodeus’ body via hoses that went up his nostrils. He wore a handsome suit with two epaulets. His tie clasp was in fact, a miniature EKG that showed his vital signs. There was a hole cut in both garments for four pipes to emerge from his upper back. The pipes emitted a warm and visible fog: Likely the byproduct of the air that he breathed.
His left arm was mechanical: The one that wasn’t had small hoses entering the knuckles and emerging as small buds that came out of his finger tips. A small hose was externally visible which replaced his throat. His legs required exoskeletons to move properly. Despite his handicaps, he was well over 6’3 and appeared to be in excellent physical condition.
The Half Life Prosecutor had a rather intimidated Mike Meekins in tow. He had given up working as a bailiff and instead decided to work for Asmodeus Ex Machina. Judging by his terrified expression, he seemed to have had second thoughts, but Prosecutor Ex Machina must have kept a tight leash on him.
His eyes were sharp and determined.
“Mister Ex Machina, if you’d please be so kind as to be punctual…” The judge asked.
“I’LL TAKE IT AS A CONSIDERATION NEXT TIME WE SEE EACH OTHER IN COURT...”
“See that you do. Do you have an opening statement?” The judge asked Asmodeus, not daring to look him between the eyes.
Asmodeus snickered, although Apollo was unsure if it was because of the Judge underestimating him, or his evident fear. His voice was autotuned.
“YOU BESMIRCH MY GOOD NAME. OF COURSE I HAVE AN OPENING STATEMENT. AND IT BEGINS LIKE SO.
He cleared his throats, rasps of metal could be heard in his cough.
“THE PROSECUTION IS HERE TO PROVE TODAY THAT ONE OF OUR FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE OFFICE, LADY VON KARMA, NO LESS, KILLED ONE OF OUR POLICE DETECTIVES IN HIS APARTMENT COMPLEX. THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS TWO SIMULTANEOUS SHOTS TO THE BRAIN AND HEART BY TWO LUGER PISTOLS. DEATH WAS INSTANTANEOUS. BOTH OF THE PISTOLS HAVE FINGERPRINTS THAT BELONG TO FRANZISKA VON KARMA.”
“IT’S QUITE OBVIOUS THAT A FIGHT BETWEEN THE TWO OCCURRED. AFTER ALL, THE FLOOR IN THAT APARTMENT COMPLEX IS SPLATTERED WITH BLOOD.” Asmodeus said, brandishing a photograph of the apartment complex.
-Apollo collected the Crime Scene Photograph into his Court Record-
“AND, THE MAJORITY OF THE BLOOD BELONGS TO THE VICTIM. EVEN IN THEIR FINAL HOURS, WHO COULD SPILL BLOOD FROM THE BEAUTIFUL FRANZISKA VON KARMA?”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, you Machine-Head.” Apollo thought.
“ALAS! THIS BEAUTY KILLED THE VICTIM AS COLD AS ICE. WITH TWO BANGS, THE LIFE OF OUR LOVABLE DETECTIVE GUMSHOE WAS EXTINGUISHED… AT THE HANDS… OF THE DEFENDANT.”
“SHE WAS AS SMART AS SHE WAS IN COURT: SHE EVEN DISTRACTED THE SCENE OF THE CRIME WITH CATTLE BLOOD TO DISRUPT THE SCENE… THROW US OFF THE SCENT.”
“BUT, SHE UNDERESTIMATED OUR ABILITIES… WE CAUGHT UP TO HER MURDEROUS SHENANIGANS AND WE ARRESTED HER.
“HOLD IT!! Do you have anything to go on that it was Franziska?” Apollo said, pounding his desk.
“I’M NOT FOND OF REPEATING MYSELF, JUSTICE. BUT, I SHALL. THE MURDER WEAPONS FOUND AT THE SCENE HAD VON KARMAS FINGERPRINTS. IT WAS ALSO GENERALLY UNDERSTOOD THAT FRANZISKA WAS TO VISIT DETECTIVE GUMSHOES QUARTERS TO DISCUSS A FOREIGN CASE. MY ASSISTANT, MIKE MEEKINS CAN TESTIFY TO THAT EFFECT, JOINED WITH, I IMAGINE, THE REST OF THE PROSECUTORS OFFICE. THE DUAL HANDGUNS ARE ALSO LUGERS: GERMAN WEAPONDRY.”
Asmodeus took a steady inhale and exhaled, two smoke rings blowing out of the pipes on his back. He waggled two fingers and smiled on the human side of his face wickedly.
“I THINK WE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO ACCUSE VON KARMA OF THIS MURDER."
The gallery discussed among themselves loudly. With a slam of the gavel, they were silenced.
“Order in the court!... Mister Machina, do you have any witnesses?”
“OH, BUT OF COURSE…”
“Objection!!” Apollo called. “The defense requests for the Prosecutions opening statements to be added to testimony.”
“Mister Machina?” The judge asked.
“…HRRN. I HAVE NO OBJECTIONS… PERHAPS IT MIGHT BRING A CHUCKLE TO ME TO SEE HIM CRASH AND BURN. MY STATEMENT IS IMPERVIOUS!”
“We’ll see about that, Ex Machina!”
-Asmodeus’ Opening Statement Added to Testimony-
“You may now cross examine the… prosecution.” The judge said, a bit taken aback at the turn of events.
“Will do!” Apollo said.
Spoiler: Chapter 11: Cross Examination: Prosecutions Opening Statements, Part 1
-Cross Examination: Prosecutions Opening Statement-
“One of our fellow members of the Office, Madame von Karma, no less, killed one of our Police Detectives in cold blood in his apartment complex on June 19th at approx 1 AM.”
“HOLD IT!! You have no right to immediately accuse Miss von Karma of this murder.”
ALL DEFENDANTS ARE GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT. I’LL ACCUSE HER HOW I PLEASE, APAWLLO JUSTICE.”
“What did he just call me…?” Apollo asked himself.
“DO YOU PLAN TO WASTE MY TIME FURTHER, OR DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING COHERENT TO ADD?"
“Well, yes. The murder occurred at 1 AM? Exactly?”
“AFFIRMATIVE. IT OCCURRED AT LEAST SOME POINT BETWEEN 12:40 AND 1:10 AM. FORENSICS HAVE CONFIRMED THAT...”
“The cause of death was two simultaneous shots to the brain and heart which was done by two Luger pistols. Death was instantaneous.”
“HOLD IT!! How could the two pistols have been fired simultaneously?”
“FRANZISKA VON KARMA IS AMBIDEXTROUS. SHE’S JUST AS GOOD WITH ONE HAND AS SHE IS WITH THE OTHER.”
“Can you prove that?” Apollo asked.
“DEXTROUSLY, MY PROMINENTLY FOREHEADED FRIEND. THE PROSECUTION CALLS THE ACCUSED TO THE STAND.”
Franziska stepped up to the stand. Asmodeus summoned Meekins to walk to Franziska.
“WITNESS! WRITE YOUR NAME WITH YOUR LEFT HAND!” Ex Machina bellowed.
Franziska gritted her teeth as she complied. It seemed she was on the receiving end of her usual routine. How bitterly ironic.
“NOW! WITH YOUR RIGHT!”
She did so, and lifted the paper for the court to see, painfully.
“It’s a perfect match!” The judge exclaimed in surprise.
“THERE! ENOUGH OF THIS LINE OF QUESTIONING! ONWARD!”
“It’s quite obvious that a fight between the two occurred. After all, the floor in that apartment complex is splattered with blood.”
“HOLD IT!! How could Franziska have coerced that much blood out of Gumshoe without shooting him continously? Do you mean to tell me that she did so with her bare hands?”
“QUITE ON THE CONTRARY. I’M SURE THAT YOUR FRIEND WRIGHT WOULD KNOW FRANZISKAS EXPERTISE WITH A WHIP. WHICH IS WHY, I PRESENT FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE… THIS. EXHIBIT A OF THE PROSECUTIONS EVIDENCE.”
The lanky, thick browed officer put a plastic bag on the desk. Inside was a black nine-tailed flail, the sharp tentacles of which were draped in blood.
“THE BLOOD IS THE VICTIMS, AND THE HILT BEARS THE FINGERPRINTS…”
The two pipes mounted on Ex Machinas back blew two smoke rings boastingly as he thrust out his mechanical arm to point at Apollo.
“OF THE ACCUSED!”
The gallery above them chattered.
“Order! Order!” The judge roared.
“The majority of the blood belongs to the victim, but she distracted the scene of the crime with Cattle Blood to disrupt the scene… throw us off the scent.”
“HOLD IT!! I highly doubt that the victim packed Steer Blood in his fridge…”
“MAYBE HE DOESN’T, BUT SHE BROUGHT SOME WITH HER. FURTHER PROOF THAT THIS MURDER… WAS PREMEDITATED!”
“The murder weapons found at the scene bore von Karmas fingerprints.”
“HOLD IT!! Why would Franziska need two guns?”
“IT’S HARD OUT THERE FOR A PROSECUTOR. IT IS STANDARD ISSUE FOR EACH ONE TO WIELD TWO HANDGUNS… JUST IN CASE.”
“But wait! That means anyone in the Prosecutions Office could have killed the victim: Even you!”
The gallery began to whisper among themselves.
“Objection!! YOU FAIL TO PAY ATTENTION, BECAUSE THERE’S AN OBVIOUS CONNECTION TO THE ACCUSED AND THE MURDER WEAPONS…”
“The dual handguns are also Lugers: A rare type of German handgun.”
“HOLD IT!! I hardly see what that has to do with anything!”
“GRRRGH!! DO YOU KNOW A THING ABOUT BEING AN ATTORNEY?!” Sparks flew out of his face as Asmodeus’ mechanical maw snapped at Apollo.
“Well, yes I…” Apollo said, pressing his forehead.
“OBJECTION!! I FIND THAT STATEMENT FAULTY! IF YOU EVEN KNEW YOUR DEFEDANTS COURTROOM PRESTIGE, YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THE VON KARMAS ARE A GERMAN FAMILY!”
“What?!”
“YES APAWLLO, IT’S TRUE! CONCLUSION: FRANZISKA OBVIOUSLY PICKED HER TWO HANDGUNS TO HAVE GERMAN ORIGINS LIKE HERSELF. PITY SHE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND: IF YOU WANTED TO KILL A PUBLIC SERVER, YOU’D BUY AMERICAN! HREH!”
“It was also generally understood that Franziska was to visit Detective Gumshoes quarters to discuss a foreign case. My assistant, Mike Meekins can testify to that effect, joined with the rest of the Prosecutors Office.”
“HOLD IT!! Who can testify to the effect that Miss von Karma was going to visit Mister Gumshoe?”
“AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, A LOT OF MEMBERS OF THE PROSECUTORS OFFICE… WHICH INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: MILES EDGEWORTH, WINSTON PAYNE, KLAVIER GAVIN, AND, OF COURSE, THE LOVELY LANA SKYE. MY ASSISTANT, MIKE MEEKINS MIGHT ALSO BE ABLE TO SHED LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT, IF NECESSARY.” Asmodeus said, pointing a metallic thumb at Meekins.
“That’s proves it… Lana and Asmodeus are definitely familiar with each other… I wonder how they’re connected?” Apollo wondering.
“What about the case? What was so important about it that required Madame von Karma to visit the victim?”
“MULTIPLE CASES OF MURDER TWO ARE GOING AROUND. WE SUSPECT A COMMON KILLER’S BEHIND IT. FRANZISKA APPROACHED THE CASE WITH UNUSUAL ENTHUSIASM… AND WANTED TO DISCUSS THE CASE FURTHER WITH THE VICTIM. THE RESULT… CAUSED HIS DEATH.”
“Why haven’t I heard of this yet?” Apollo asked. “If cases of Murder two are going around, I’d suspect I’d be notified.”
“NO WITNESSES. LESS SUSPECTS. THE WRIGHT ANYTHING OFFICES, NOR ANY OTHER LAW OFFICE WOULD BE NOTIFIED BECAUSE THERE ARE NO ACCUSED. THERE’S NO CASE TO TAKE TO COURT. IT WAS A SECRET AMONG US, SO WE COULD PERHAPS NIP IT IN THE BUD WITH THE HELP OF OUR CHARISMATIC POLICE OFFICERS. SADLY, THIS SECRET HAD TO BE REVEALED FOR THE SANCITITY OF THIS CASE.”
“…What price are you willing to pay to jail Miss von Karma?”
-End Testimony-
“One of our fellow members of the Office, Madame von Karma, no less, killed one of our Police Detectives in cold blood in his apartment complex on June 19th at approx 1 AM.”
“HOLD IT!! You have no right to immediately accuse Miss von Karma of this murder.”
ALL DEFENDANTS ARE GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT. I’LL ACCUSE HER HOW I PLEASE, APAWLLO JUSTICE.”
“What did he just call me…?” Apollo asked himself.
“DO YOU PLAN TO WASTE MY TIME FURTHER, OR DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING COHERENT TO ADD?"
“Well, yes. The murder occurred at 1 AM? Exactly?”
“AFFIRMATIVE. IT OCCURRED AT LEAST SOME POINT BETWEEN 12:40 AND 1:10 AM. FORENSICS HAVE CONFIRMED THAT...”
“The cause of death was two simultaneous shots to the brain and heart which was done by two Luger pistols. Death was instantaneous.”
“HOLD IT!! How could the two pistols have been fired simultaneously?”
“FRANZISKA VON KARMA IS AMBIDEXTROUS. SHE’S JUST AS GOOD WITH ONE HAND AS SHE IS WITH THE OTHER.”
“Can you prove that?” Apollo asked.
“DEXTROUSLY, MY PROMINENTLY FOREHEADED FRIEND. THE PROSECUTION CALLS THE ACCUSED TO THE STAND.”
Franziska stepped up to the stand. Asmodeus summoned Meekins to walk to Franziska.
“WITNESS! WRITE YOUR NAME WITH YOUR LEFT HAND!” Ex Machina bellowed.
Franziska gritted her teeth as she complied. It seemed she was on the receiving end of her usual routine. How bitterly ironic.
“NOW! WITH YOUR RIGHT!”
She did so, and lifted the paper for the court to see, painfully.
“It’s a perfect match!” The judge exclaimed in surprise.
“THERE! ENOUGH OF THIS LINE OF QUESTIONING! ONWARD!”
“It’s quite obvious that a fight between the two occurred. After all, the floor in that apartment complex is splattered with blood.”
“HOLD IT!! How could Franziska have coerced that much blood out of Gumshoe without shooting him continously? Do you mean to tell me that she did so with her bare hands?”
“QUITE ON THE CONTRARY. I’M SURE THAT YOUR FRIEND WRIGHT WOULD KNOW FRANZISKAS EXPERTISE WITH A WHIP. WHICH IS WHY, I PRESENT FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE… THIS. EXHIBIT A OF THE PROSECUTIONS EVIDENCE.”
The lanky, thick browed officer put a plastic bag on the desk. Inside was a black nine-tailed flail, the sharp tentacles of which were draped in blood.
“THE BLOOD IS THE VICTIMS, AND THE HILT BEARS THE FINGERPRINTS…”
The two pipes mounted on Ex Machinas back blew two smoke rings boastingly as he thrust out his mechanical arm to point at Apollo.
“OF THE ACCUSED!”
The gallery above them chattered.
“Order! Order!” The judge roared.
“The majority of the blood belongs to the victim, but she distracted the scene of the crime with Cattle Blood to disrupt the scene… throw us off the scent.”
“HOLD IT!! I highly doubt that the victim packed Steer Blood in his fridge…”
“MAYBE HE DOESN’T, BUT SHE BROUGHT SOME WITH HER. FURTHER PROOF THAT THIS MURDER… WAS PREMEDITATED!”
“The murder weapons found at the scene bore von Karmas fingerprints.”
“HOLD IT!! Why would Franziska need two guns?”
“IT’S HARD OUT THERE FOR A PROSECUTOR. IT IS STANDARD ISSUE FOR EACH ONE TO WIELD TWO HANDGUNS… JUST IN CASE.”
“But wait! That means anyone in the Prosecutions Office could have killed the victim: Even you!”
The gallery began to whisper among themselves.
“Objection!! YOU FAIL TO PAY ATTENTION, BECAUSE THERE’S AN OBVIOUS CONNECTION TO THE ACCUSED AND THE MURDER WEAPONS…”
“The dual handguns are also Lugers: A rare type of German handgun.”
“HOLD IT!! I hardly see what that has to do with anything!”
“GRRRGH!! DO YOU KNOW A THING ABOUT BEING AN ATTORNEY?!” Sparks flew out of his face as Asmodeus’ mechanical maw snapped at Apollo.
“Well, yes I…” Apollo said, pressing his forehead.
“OBJECTION!! I FIND THAT STATEMENT FAULTY! IF YOU EVEN KNEW YOUR DEFEDANTS COURTROOM PRESTIGE, YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THE VON KARMAS ARE A GERMAN FAMILY!”
“What?!”
“YES APAWLLO, IT’S TRUE! CONCLUSION: FRANZISKA OBVIOUSLY PICKED HER TWO HANDGUNS TO HAVE GERMAN ORIGINS LIKE HERSELF. PITY SHE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND: IF YOU WANTED TO KILL A PUBLIC SERVER, YOU’D BUY AMERICAN! HREH!”
“It was also generally understood that Franziska was to visit Detective Gumshoes quarters to discuss a foreign case. My assistant, Mike Meekins can testify to that effect, joined with the rest of the Prosecutors Office.”
“HOLD IT!! Who can testify to the effect that Miss von Karma was going to visit Mister Gumshoe?”
“AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, A LOT OF MEMBERS OF THE PROSECUTORS OFFICE… WHICH INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: MILES EDGEWORTH, WINSTON PAYNE, KLAVIER GAVIN, AND, OF COURSE, THE LOVELY LANA SKYE. MY ASSISTANT, MIKE MEEKINS MIGHT ALSO BE ABLE TO SHED LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT, IF NECESSARY.” Asmodeus said, pointing a metallic thumb at Meekins.
“That’s proves it… Lana and Asmodeus are definitely familiar with each other… I wonder how they’re connected?” Apollo wondering.
“What about the case? What was so important about it that required Madame von Karma to visit the victim?”
“MULTIPLE CASES OF MURDER TWO ARE GOING AROUND. WE SUSPECT A COMMON KILLER’S BEHIND IT. FRANZISKA APPROACHED THE CASE WITH UNUSUAL ENTHUSIASM… AND WANTED TO DISCUSS THE CASE FURTHER WITH THE VICTIM. THE RESULT… CAUSED HIS DEATH.”
“Why haven’t I heard of this yet?” Apollo asked. “If cases of Murder two are going around, I’d suspect I’d be notified.”
“NO WITNESSES. LESS SUSPECTS. THE WRIGHT ANYTHING OFFICES, NOR ANY OTHER LAW OFFICE WOULD BE NOTIFIED BECAUSE THERE ARE NO ACCUSED. THERE’S NO CASE TO TAKE TO COURT. IT WAS A SECRET AMONG US, SO WE COULD PERHAPS NIP IT IN THE BUD WITH THE HELP OF OUR CHARISMATIC POLICE OFFICERS. SADLY, THIS SECRET HAD TO BE REVEALED FOR THE SANCITITY OF THIS CASE.”
“…What price are you willing to pay to jail Miss von Karma?”
-End Testimony-
Spoiler: Chapter 12: Cross Examination: Prosecutions Opening Statements, Part 2
“Grrr. I can’t find anything wrong with his testimony! But, at the same time, I feel it’s flawed…”
“HOLD IT!! This pink liquid… Have you found out what it is yet?” Apollo asked Asmodeus. Apparently asking Ema wouldn’t do much for his case. Maybe Asmodeus could provide some answers.
“THANKS TO OUR BRILLIANT AND FLAWLESS FORENSIC SCIENTISTS… NO! NO, WE HAVE NOT!” Asmodeus said in his angry robotic voice. He was clearly quite annoyed, judging by the fat clouds of steam now drifting out of the pipes on his back and the restless glare of his eyes.
His annoyance was reciprocated by the red clad attorney.
“That pink liquid could prove Miss von Karma’s innocence… but if there still isn’t an answer for that liquids identity, I’m going to have to bide my time. Maybe I can find a way around it?”
Apollo reviewed his evidence. Asmodeus’ testimony was strong on the outside.
The autopsy report, The two pistols, Blood, Steer Blood, Couch Stuffing, Mysterious Fluids, Crime Scene Photograph, and Bloody Cat’o Ninetails were all laid out in front of him.
“Gumshoe, Richard, Date of Death: June 19th at Approx 1:00 AM, Cause of death: Two simultaneous shots to the heart and brain.”
There didn’t seem to be any room for error within the Autopsy Report. There wasn’t any detail in the report that conflicted with Asmodeus’ testimony.
The two pistols are Lugers, which according to Asmodeus, are German firearms. He didn’t doubt this hypothesis, as it was made evident by his absurd level of confidence that Asmodeus did his homework. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel as if Asmodeus was going to slip up here, of all places.
The blood was Gumshoes. Wasn’t much room for error there.
The Steer Blood belonged to a cow… Evidently, the killer had the foresight to bring a canister of steer blood... Which made the murder first degree. Asmodeus had a point, there.
The couch stuffing wasn’t going to do much for him at all, judging by how nothing in particular stood out about it. Ema said that they were going to look for fingerprints on it, but he had given up on the sore attempt completely. It didn’t seem that it would help anyway.
The Mysterious Pink Fluid was one of the things that caused the case to hang in the balance. Judging by the circumstances, it seemed that it would be difficult for such a thing to go this long without forensic analysis. It obviously expanded the possibility that Franziska was innocent, but without proof, it was useless.
His bracelet did not activate during Asmodeus’ testimony. He seemed to be 100% sure of everything he was saying.
The Bloody Cat O’ Nine Tails was a black leather nine tailed flail. Just looking at it sent shivers down Apollos spine. He had certainly heard of Franziskas whip prowess, but seeing this made him feel almost a bit dirty.
But, in one of his weirder cases, he had handled Trucys, among other womens, undergarments. That fact alone evened things out, but he still had difficulty associating the beautiful Franziska with an item of such sexual ambiguity.
He shook the dirtier thoughts out of his head and questioned its importance in the case. Granted, it was covered in Gumshoes blood. But, he looked at the Crime Scene Photograph, and noticed that it still had the corpse. It brought sadness to see one of Phoenix’s friends dead, but that wasn’t the main point.
Asmodeus was right to say that the flail may have been covered in Detective Gumshoes blood, but there were no wounds to show on his front!
“OBJECTION!!” Apollo yelled with all of the power his Chords of Steel could muster. He could see the shock on the face of his opponent.
“…Mister Ex Machina.” Apollo said.
Much to his surprise, The Half Life Prosecutors mouth folded into a wicked grin that exposed sharp looking teeth. Had he fallen into a trap?
“YES, MY FAIR-WEATHER OPPONENT?”
“It seems rather bizarre for a woman of Miss von Karmas size to get around someone as big as Gumshoe during combat, yes?” Apollo said, looking at a paper.
Asmodeus’ mechanical eye flitted every each way in confusion. He appeared to be sweating brown oil.
“…JUST WHAT ARE YOU GETTING AT, JUSTICE?”
“Nothing… Just a detail you apparently overlooked.” Apollo said, crossing his arms.
“INCONCIEVABLE…” Asmodeus muttered to himself.
“WELL, APAWLLO? WE’RE ALL WAITING. TELL ME, WHAT DID I OVERLOOK?!” Asmodeus’ apparent fear gave way to anger.
“Well, this whip is drenched in the victims blood. Like I said, it would be pretty hard for Franziska to get to victims back if they were locked in combat, presuming Gumshoe was unarmed, and Franziska wielded the flail…” Apollo said, smiling.
“So, tell me, with that possibility gone, how could Franziska have gotten that much blood out of the victim? There weren’t even any wounds on the front side of his body!” Apollo said, pointing.
“…GRAAARK!” Asmodeus croaked robotically as he hunched over the desk. The pipes on his back burst with flame, but died away into thick billowing fog. His robotic fingers clawed at the desk. Apollo could see purple sparks on his body that hissed with electricity.
He quickly regained his strength and objected.
“OBJECTION!! THERE COULD HAVE BEEN OTHER WOUNDS DEALT TO MANY OTHER PRESSURE POINTS ON THE BODY! HIS FORE ARMS! HIS NECK! ANYTHING!”
“OBJECTION!! I think that if any wounds were done to major pressure points, it would drastically affect the cause of death!”
“…OOH-WHOOA….” He hissed, sinking back.
“Heh… Beaten already?” Apollo thought, triumphant.
“BREH. BREHEHEHEHEH. NOT QUITE YET, JUSTICE…” Asmodeus’ voice and wicked laughter ran through the mind of Apollo loudly, but he looked at Asmodeus’ mechanical lips and no words came out. He covered his ears in shock. This action caused a greedy smile to form on the face of his opponent. His mechanical eye twitched in concentration.
“How did he know what I was-“
“OBJECTION!! YOU PAY ATTENTION TO MANY THINGS… BUT NOT TO ONE POSSIBILITY… PERHAPS THE WEAPON DID NOT DRAW BLOOD. PERHAPS IT WAS SIMPLY DROPPED IN THE BLOOD AFTER FRANZISKA SHOT THE VICTIM… MAKES A LOT OF SENSE… CONSIDERING THAT’S WHERE WE FOUND IT!” Asmodeus said, pointing.
“What?!” Apollo cried.
He felt his bracelet begin to turn around his arm. It seemed as though the true fight for Franziskas freedom was just beginning.
“HOLD IT!! This pink liquid… Have you found out what it is yet?” Apollo asked Asmodeus. Apparently asking Ema wouldn’t do much for his case. Maybe Asmodeus could provide some answers.
“THANKS TO OUR BRILLIANT AND FLAWLESS FORENSIC SCIENTISTS… NO! NO, WE HAVE NOT!” Asmodeus said in his angry robotic voice. He was clearly quite annoyed, judging by the fat clouds of steam now drifting out of the pipes on his back and the restless glare of his eyes.
His annoyance was reciprocated by the red clad attorney.
“That pink liquid could prove Miss von Karma’s innocence… but if there still isn’t an answer for that liquids identity, I’m going to have to bide my time. Maybe I can find a way around it?”
Apollo reviewed his evidence. Asmodeus’ testimony was strong on the outside.
The autopsy report, The two pistols, Blood, Steer Blood, Couch Stuffing, Mysterious Fluids, Crime Scene Photograph, and Bloody Cat’o Ninetails were all laid out in front of him.
“Gumshoe, Richard, Date of Death: June 19th at Approx 1:00 AM, Cause of death: Two simultaneous shots to the heart and brain.”
There didn’t seem to be any room for error within the Autopsy Report. There wasn’t any detail in the report that conflicted with Asmodeus’ testimony.
The two pistols are Lugers, which according to Asmodeus, are German firearms. He didn’t doubt this hypothesis, as it was made evident by his absurd level of confidence that Asmodeus did his homework. Yet, he couldn’t help but feel as if Asmodeus was going to slip up here, of all places.
The blood was Gumshoes. Wasn’t much room for error there.
The Steer Blood belonged to a cow… Evidently, the killer had the foresight to bring a canister of steer blood... Which made the murder first degree. Asmodeus had a point, there.
The couch stuffing wasn’t going to do much for him at all, judging by how nothing in particular stood out about it. Ema said that they were going to look for fingerprints on it, but he had given up on the sore attempt completely. It didn’t seem that it would help anyway.
The Mysterious Pink Fluid was one of the things that caused the case to hang in the balance. Judging by the circumstances, it seemed that it would be difficult for such a thing to go this long without forensic analysis. It obviously expanded the possibility that Franziska was innocent, but without proof, it was useless.
His bracelet did not activate during Asmodeus’ testimony. He seemed to be 100% sure of everything he was saying.
The Bloody Cat O’ Nine Tails was a black leather nine tailed flail. Just looking at it sent shivers down Apollos spine. He had certainly heard of Franziskas whip prowess, but seeing this made him feel almost a bit dirty.
But, in one of his weirder cases, he had handled Trucys, among other womens, undergarments. That fact alone evened things out, but he still had difficulty associating the beautiful Franziska with an item of such sexual ambiguity.
He shook the dirtier thoughts out of his head and questioned its importance in the case. Granted, it was covered in Gumshoes blood. But, he looked at the Crime Scene Photograph, and noticed that it still had the corpse. It brought sadness to see one of Phoenix’s friends dead, but that wasn’t the main point.
Asmodeus was right to say that the flail may have been covered in Detective Gumshoes blood, but there were no wounds to show on his front!
“OBJECTION!!” Apollo yelled with all of the power his Chords of Steel could muster. He could see the shock on the face of his opponent.
“…Mister Ex Machina.” Apollo said.
Much to his surprise, The Half Life Prosecutors mouth folded into a wicked grin that exposed sharp looking teeth. Had he fallen into a trap?
“YES, MY FAIR-WEATHER OPPONENT?”
“It seems rather bizarre for a woman of Miss von Karmas size to get around someone as big as Gumshoe during combat, yes?” Apollo said, looking at a paper.
Asmodeus’ mechanical eye flitted every each way in confusion. He appeared to be sweating brown oil.
“…JUST WHAT ARE YOU GETTING AT, JUSTICE?”
“Nothing… Just a detail you apparently overlooked.” Apollo said, crossing his arms.
“INCONCIEVABLE…” Asmodeus muttered to himself.
“WELL, APAWLLO? WE’RE ALL WAITING. TELL ME, WHAT DID I OVERLOOK?!” Asmodeus’ apparent fear gave way to anger.
“Well, this whip is drenched in the victims blood. Like I said, it would be pretty hard for Franziska to get to victims back if they were locked in combat, presuming Gumshoe was unarmed, and Franziska wielded the flail…” Apollo said, smiling.
“So, tell me, with that possibility gone, how could Franziska have gotten that much blood out of the victim? There weren’t even any wounds on the front side of his body!” Apollo said, pointing.
“…GRAAARK!” Asmodeus croaked robotically as he hunched over the desk. The pipes on his back burst with flame, but died away into thick billowing fog. His robotic fingers clawed at the desk. Apollo could see purple sparks on his body that hissed with electricity.
He quickly regained his strength and objected.
“OBJECTION!! THERE COULD HAVE BEEN OTHER WOUNDS DEALT TO MANY OTHER PRESSURE POINTS ON THE BODY! HIS FORE ARMS! HIS NECK! ANYTHING!”
“OBJECTION!! I think that if any wounds were done to major pressure points, it would drastically affect the cause of death!”
“…OOH-WHOOA….” He hissed, sinking back.
“Heh… Beaten already?” Apollo thought, triumphant.
“BREH. BREHEHEHEHEH. NOT QUITE YET, JUSTICE…” Asmodeus’ voice and wicked laughter ran through the mind of Apollo loudly, but he looked at Asmodeus’ mechanical lips and no words came out. He covered his ears in shock. This action caused a greedy smile to form on the face of his opponent. His mechanical eye twitched in concentration.
“How did he know what I was-“
“OBJECTION!! YOU PAY ATTENTION TO MANY THINGS… BUT NOT TO ONE POSSIBILITY… PERHAPS THE WEAPON DID NOT DRAW BLOOD. PERHAPS IT WAS SIMPLY DROPPED IN THE BLOOD AFTER FRANZISKA SHOT THE VICTIM… MAKES A LOT OF SENSE… CONSIDERING THAT’S WHERE WE FOUND IT!” Asmodeus said, pointing.
“What?!” Apollo cried.
He felt his bracelet begin to turn around his arm. It seemed as though the true fight for Franziskas freedom was just beginning.
Spoiler: Chapter 13: Degradation
--Asmodeus’ Testimony: Cat O’ Nine Tails--
“We found the tails of the whip lying on the bullets entry wound to the heart.”
“And that acts as proof enough for the amount of blood on the whip without any wounds.”
Apollo stared at the person on the other side of the courtroom. He might have been half man and half machine, but he was all prosecutor. Godot wasn’t alive when Apollo became a lawyer, but he imagined that this pressure, this aura that he felt now was what Mister Wright felt when he faced off against Godot.
No matter how the smooth faced lawyers played it, Asmodeus was an alien, no matter how noble his motives were for being in law. He didn’t know if he was a human who saw things in black and white, or if he was a misanthropic and ruthless machine. Either way, he wanted Franziska arrested, and he wanted it badly.
So badly, that he was telling a bold faced lie in court in front of the defendant, the judge, the gallery, and to Apollo.
But he couldn’t get away with lying to the last person.
Asmodeus crossed his arms and smiled cockily, waiting for his next bout with Apollo as thin streams of silver fog pouring out gently from those two pipes. The light that danced on the glass roof began to churn into dark colors and flow into a dark digital spiral.
“He’s lying through his metal teeth… Now’s my chance to prove it!” Apollo thought to himself.
--Cross Examination: Cat O’ Nine Tails--
“We found the tails of the whip lying on the bullets entry wound to the heart.”
Apollo used his bracelet and watched as everything around them degraded into the spinning psychic vortex that he had became more and more familiar with in his career as a lawyer.
Asmodeus’ robotic voice sounded even more surreal inside of this swirling wormhole.
“We... found... the... tails... of... the.. whip…”
All of a sudden, the tunnels steady flow began to fly faster and faster, eventually moving to a speed so fast that Apollo felt as if he had to hold onto his desk in order to support himself. Asmodeus didn’t feel such effects, and stayed rock steady. Instead of saying the next part of his testimony, he laid a hand on his desk and spoke, his voice booming through the tunnel.
“…HEH. DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT YOUR LITTLE HEREDITORY PSYCHIC ABILITY COULD TAKE ME, OF ALL PEOPLE DOWN? I’D CRUSH YOUR PSYCHE INTO THOUSANDS OF TINY PIECES…” He said ominously.
Now the wormhole, once shades of red and purple disintegrated into pure darkness. Gravity and fear crushed at Apollo like a train, but the Half Life Prosecutor still remained still and unaffected.
His mechanical eye changed in color from red to blue. Apollo could feel unbearably cold metal chains fasten tightly around his chest. Five locks crushed down at the chains, hitting him as if someone had punched him as hardly as they could in the torso.
“BUT, I SUPPOSE THIS MIGHT SUFFICE…”
Apollo was speechless, and pure horror choked as his throat, asphyxiating him into utter silence. His mind wavered frantically at how Asmodeus was able to cancel his Percieve Abilities power, and what metaphysical forces were constricting his body. He had known that Asmodeus was able to walk, talk, and breathe life using his Bioware. Was this ability a side effect?
Asmodeus thrusted his robotic arm to his side. The red locks all cracked, causing even more pain as each one exploded. Light filled the eyes of Apollo and Asmodeus as all faded away into white…
*****
June 20th, 11:47 AM, Hickfield Clinic
“Apollo…”
“Polly…”
“Apollo!”
That last cry from Mister Wright resurrected Apollo from his black out.
“Polly!” Trucy cried happily, hugging him.
Once the sixteen year old got off of him, Apollo tried to speak.
“Where… am I…?” Apollo asked rubbing his aching head.
“You’re in the Hickfield Clinic… you passed out during the trial when you were cross examining Asmodeus Ex Machina. You both passed out, one after the other.” Phoenix said.
Phoenix was dressed in a fine black suit and a white shirt. Before now, Apollo had never seen him in a bow tie. He didn’t even have his hat on.
“You… look good, Mister Wright…” Apollo said.
“Thank you, Apollo, but my clothes have nothing to do with this…”
“Oh my… It’s 11:49! Mister Wright, we have to get back to court!” Apollo said, rising to get up. His head throbbed, sending him back towards his mattress.
“That’s the problem… Apollo, I have something to tell you.” Phoenix said, worried.
“What is it, Mister Wright?” Apollo asked.
“…It’s Franziska… She’s… She’s been kidnapped.” Phoenix murmured.
“We found the tails of the whip lying on the bullets entry wound to the heart.”
“And that acts as proof enough for the amount of blood on the whip without any wounds.”
Apollo stared at the person on the other side of the courtroom. He might have been half man and half machine, but he was all prosecutor. Godot wasn’t alive when Apollo became a lawyer, but he imagined that this pressure, this aura that he felt now was what Mister Wright felt when he faced off against Godot.
No matter how the smooth faced lawyers played it, Asmodeus was an alien, no matter how noble his motives were for being in law. He didn’t know if he was a human who saw things in black and white, or if he was a misanthropic and ruthless machine. Either way, he wanted Franziska arrested, and he wanted it badly.
So badly, that he was telling a bold faced lie in court in front of the defendant, the judge, the gallery, and to Apollo.
But he couldn’t get away with lying to the last person.
Asmodeus crossed his arms and smiled cockily, waiting for his next bout with Apollo as thin streams of silver fog pouring out gently from those two pipes. The light that danced on the glass roof began to churn into dark colors and flow into a dark digital spiral.
“He’s lying through his metal teeth… Now’s my chance to prove it!” Apollo thought to himself.
--Cross Examination: Cat O’ Nine Tails--
“We found the tails of the whip lying on the bullets entry wound to the heart.”
Apollo used his bracelet and watched as everything around them degraded into the spinning psychic vortex that he had became more and more familiar with in his career as a lawyer.
Asmodeus’ robotic voice sounded even more surreal inside of this swirling wormhole.
“We... found... the... tails... of... the.. whip…”
All of a sudden, the tunnels steady flow began to fly faster and faster, eventually moving to a speed so fast that Apollo felt as if he had to hold onto his desk in order to support himself. Asmodeus didn’t feel such effects, and stayed rock steady. Instead of saying the next part of his testimony, he laid a hand on his desk and spoke, his voice booming through the tunnel.
“…HEH. DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT YOUR LITTLE HEREDITORY PSYCHIC ABILITY COULD TAKE ME, OF ALL PEOPLE DOWN? I’D CRUSH YOUR PSYCHE INTO THOUSANDS OF TINY PIECES…” He said ominously.
Now the wormhole, once shades of red and purple disintegrated into pure darkness. Gravity and fear crushed at Apollo like a train, but the Half Life Prosecutor still remained still and unaffected.
His mechanical eye changed in color from red to blue. Apollo could feel unbearably cold metal chains fasten tightly around his chest. Five locks crushed down at the chains, hitting him as if someone had punched him as hardly as they could in the torso.
“BUT, I SUPPOSE THIS MIGHT SUFFICE…”
Apollo was speechless, and pure horror choked as his throat, asphyxiating him into utter silence. His mind wavered frantically at how Asmodeus was able to cancel his Percieve Abilities power, and what metaphysical forces were constricting his body. He had known that Asmodeus was able to walk, talk, and breathe life using his Bioware. Was this ability a side effect?
Asmodeus thrusted his robotic arm to his side. The red locks all cracked, causing even more pain as each one exploded. Light filled the eyes of Apollo and Asmodeus as all faded away into white…
*****
June 20th, 11:47 AM, Hickfield Clinic
“Apollo…”
“Polly…”
“Apollo!”
That last cry from Mister Wright resurrected Apollo from his black out.
“Polly!” Trucy cried happily, hugging him.
Once the sixteen year old got off of him, Apollo tried to speak.
“Where… am I…?” Apollo asked rubbing his aching head.
“You’re in the Hickfield Clinic… you passed out during the trial when you were cross examining Asmodeus Ex Machina. You both passed out, one after the other.” Phoenix said.
Phoenix was dressed in a fine black suit and a white shirt. Before now, Apollo had never seen him in a bow tie. He didn’t even have his hat on.
“You… look good, Mister Wright…” Apollo said.
“Thank you, Apollo, but my clothes have nothing to do with this…”
“Oh my… It’s 11:49! Mister Wright, we have to get back to court!” Apollo said, rising to get up. His head throbbed, sending him back towards his mattress.
“That’s the problem… Apollo, I have something to tell you.” Phoenix said, worried.
“What is it, Mister Wright?” Apollo asked.
“…It’s Franziska… She’s… She’s been kidnapped.” Phoenix murmured.
Spoiler: Chapter 14: Risen From The Ashes
“What?! How?!” Apollo asked, shocked.
“Once you and Ex Machina passed out, the court went berserk. Someone kidnapped her during the frenzy.” Phoenix said, worried as he ran a hand through his black hair.
“I… damnit…” Apollo said, shocked. “She… She trusted me…”
“No, she trusted me. She wanted me to get her one of the best. And, I gave her you. You are one of the best. And this happened… I let her down.” Phoenix said, sadly as he buried his face into one of his hands.
“Franziska… I’m…” Phoenix said faintly.
“Sir…?” Apollo asked, raising a hand to Phoenix.
“Damnit Phoenix, stop it.” Phoenix muttered to himself softly. “Apollo, we have to talk to Asmodeus.”
“…Daddy?” Trucy asked
“Trucy…”
“This wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anyone here who kidnapped her.”
Phoenix still looked shattered.
“Don’t worry, daddy! We’ll find her! We promise!” Trucy said.
“Truce…” Phoenix said, patting her daughter on the head.
Apollo wanted to know more about what went on behind the scenes of what Phoenix told him about his stories with Franziska, because it seemed now that he was rather protective of her.
Very protective.
“Asmodeus… Where is he…?” Apollo asked. He had no memory of what had happened before.
“He’s upstairs. There’s a ward there for Bioware patients…”
“We have to talk to him… I…” Apollo said, still holding his head.
“Do you need a wheelchair, or…?” Phoenix asked.
“No. I’ll be fine. Let’s go.” Apollo said. “Augh, my head.”
***
June 20th, 11:55 AM, Hickfield Clinic: Room 84
The room was dimlit, and cold. Asmodeus’ jacket and shirt were thrown to the side of the room, messily. He was shirtless, and now Apollo could see more of the damage done to his body. The tube that went down to his throat wove underneath his skin. A plate, made from sturdy transparent material, exposed his artificial heart. Scars were all over his chest. His mechanical eye did not have his red iris, the light had apparently faded away into darkness. His other eye was closed, and his black and white hair was matted from his dual perspiration.
His body was limp, but his torso was strapped to a table that was affixed to the wall. More startling than this, perhaps was the fact that both of Asmodeus’ mechanical arms were suspended by robotic claws on the ceiling. The two pipes which usually mounted themselves on his back were also missing. Strong lights on robot arms shone onto him, exposing him even further.
The exoskeletons on his legs were even more revealed since his lower half was hidden from behind the Prosecutors Bench. They seemed flexible and strong, Black metal.
Despite this, he seemed to be perfectly relaxed in his slumber.
“Asmodeus…” Trucy murmured.
“Hullo Trucy… Hoho.” A throaty voice said from the door.
“Hello, Doctor.” Trucy said, nervously.
“As-Mod-E-Yous Ex -Mashiina, izzit? Odd name.” Doctor Hickfield said, as he scratched the plume of pink hair on the top of his head. “Hoho.”
This ‘Doctor’ always made Apollo (and Trucy, for that matter) uncomfortable.
“Hm… He’s been asleep fer an awfully long time. Better wake ‘im up…” Hickfield said, opening his eyes as he scratched his shoulder.
“A-Are you sure that’s a good idea?!” Trucy said, worried.
“Don’t worry yer pretty little head, Trucy… I’m a doctor. Hrmhrm.”
With that, Doctor Hickfield shuffled over to a switch and pulled it. The damage was irreversible now. The whirr of machinery filled the air, which turned into a light blue with the roars or electricity. Trucy had to hold onto her had to prevent it from being thrown off her head.
The two claws holding Asmodeus’ arms whirred over to his sides. His arms slid into the metal socket of one of his shoulders with a loud snap. The whirr grew louder still as the arms revolved, spinning both arms into place. Electricity cracked and snarled around Asmodeus’ frame as he was being reconstructed in front of their eyes.
“It’s alive!!” Hickfield cried over the commotion. Trucy screamed. Apollo did too.
Trucy lost her hat as the metal bands that secured Asmodeus to the operating table unsheathed, and he landed on his feet, causing a small indent in the flooring where he landed. Two other arms brought the pipes, which hooked into his back. After one twist, they were in place.
His breaths were short hisses in the chaos. Eventually the electricity and noise subsided. His eye opened up with pure white, the other mechanical one lit up with its bright red light.
Asmodeus Ex Machina was awake.
Asmodeus scanned all three of them drastically. All of their hair was puffy, save for Apollo’s antennae, which were gelled to the point that nothing could disturb it. Trucy’s blue top hat alighted on top of Asmodeus’ head, soft as a feather.
He took off the blue silk top hat, tailored to perfection. His robotic eye scanned it frantically.
“...I BELIEVE THIS BELONGS TO YOU.” He said, handing Trucy her hat back.
“...ALSO, YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO SOMETHING WITH THAT HAIR. HATS DO NOT FARE WELL WITH AFROS…”
“Um, thank you… Sir.” Trucy said, putting it back on her head. Her hair eventually deflated back down to its normal size as did Apollos and Doctor Hickfield.
“…HRRN. SO, I TAKE IT YOU AND APAWLLO ARE HERE TO SPEAK WITH ME? ABOUT THE CASE, NO DOUBT.” Asmodeus asked Phoenix, who was surprisingly unaffected by Asmodeus’ anarchistic revival.
“YOU CAN BE REST ASSURED, THAT I HAVE IT WELL IN HAND. FRANZISKA VON KARMA WILL BE ARRESTED AND GIVEN THE PUNISHMENT THAT SHE DESERVES…” Asmodeus said, metal feet pacing cold stone flooring.
He eventually got to Apollo. “COUNT ON IT.” He hissed in Apollo’s face.
It was clear that Phoenix was angered by how Asmodeus spoke of Franziska. Accident or not, it made him angry to see him speak of her as no more than another guilty verdict. Franziska didn’t deserve this. No one deserved this. He spoke up.
“…I wouldn’t count for long, Ex Machina… At this rate, you’ll never get the guilty verdict for Franziska.”
“HA! PRAY TELL, HOW DO YOU FIGURE THAT?”
“Well, because while you and Apollo were catching some Z’s, someone saw fit to kidnap her... No accused, no verdict.”
“WHAT?... INCONVIEVABLE! I’LL NEVER LET THE GUILTY ESCAPE!”
“Good, because we have a suspect now for the kidnapping.”
“HEHEHEH. PERFECT.” Asmodeus said, linking metal fingers together. “ONCE I REDEEM THIS MISTAKE IN COURT, I’LL FIND HER, PROSECUTE HER, AND GIVE HER THE GUILTY VERDICT SHE DESERVES… I WONDER WHO I’LL FACE…” Asmodeus said. His face lit up with the all too familiar emotion of joy.
“…Me.”
“...APOLOGIES?”
“What?!” Apollo and Trucy said, apparently as shocked as Ex Machina.
“I said… Me.” Phoenix said. He took his hand out of one of his pockets, and flashed his new Attorneys Badge, shining in the light. “You will be facing me, Asmodeus Ex Machina…” Phoenix said, smiling.
“Mister Wright, I…” Apollo said, amazed.
“…HM. THAT WON’T DO. I HAVE TO DIRECT POLICE ATTENTION TOWARDS VON KARMAS CAPTURE… I DON’T WANT TO EAT DESSERT FIRST... I WANT TO SAVOR THE TASTE OF FRANZISKAS GUILTY VERDICT.”
“…Seems to me that you’re skipping on dessert to have a nice dish of crow, with a side order of chicken.” Phoenix mocked.
“HRRRRN. REST ASSURED, I’LL HAVE YOU EATING A GENEROUS PIECE OF HUMBLE PIE WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE... PHOENIX WRIGHT.”
Asmodeus smirked and crossed his arms.
“AND I’M A MAN OF MY WORD.”
“We’ll see about that.” Phoenix said as Asmodeus walked out the door.
All of a sudden, another doctor entered through the door. Much to everyones surprise, they looked exactly the same, from the tip of their puffy pink hair to their sandals. Even their voice and teeth looked similar.
“What the…” Apollo started.
“Hiya, Director Hickfield.”
“Mmm, yes, Doctor Hotti?” Hickfield asked
“Director, I have a patient. Lotsa trouble. Hurm.” Hotti said, scratching his cheek.
“Hmhm… I see. One of those patients?” Hickfield asked.
“She’s a kickin’ up a mighty big fuss… Lotsa trouble. Hoho.” Hotti said, scratching his belly.
“Mmm? Well then… I think that we’re about done here, yes…” Hickfield said, observing Apollo, Phoenix and Trucy.
“I think I’ll need help with this patient, Director. She’sa feisty one.” Hotti said, looking at the other with concern.
“Mmm. Isshe? In that case, let’s see if we can’t tackle her together. Hoho.”
“Hoho.” Hotti replied.
The two walked out the door.
“…That might have contended for one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen.” Apollo said, amazed.
“Not quite there, but almost.” Phoenix said. “…But, I digress. I don’t want to explain the hows and whys here, so can we go away from here?... Assuming you’re alright, Apollo.”
“Sometimes, it’s better to pass things off as a hallucination.” Apollo thought to himself. “I’ll be fine, Mister Wright. We have no time to lose!”
The trio exited the clinic.
“Once you and Ex Machina passed out, the court went berserk. Someone kidnapped her during the frenzy.” Phoenix said, worried as he ran a hand through his black hair.
“I… damnit…” Apollo said, shocked. “She… She trusted me…”
“No, she trusted me. She wanted me to get her one of the best. And, I gave her you. You are one of the best. And this happened… I let her down.” Phoenix said, sadly as he buried his face into one of his hands.
“Franziska… I’m…” Phoenix said faintly.
“Sir…?” Apollo asked, raising a hand to Phoenix.
“Damnit Phoenix, stop it.” Phoenix muttered to himself softly. “Apollo, we have to talk to Asmodeus.”
“…Daddy?” Trucy asked
“Trucy…”
“This wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anyone here who kidnapped her.”
Phoenix still looked shattered.
“Don’t worry, daddy! We’ll find her! We promise!” Trucy said.
“Truce…” Phoenix said, patting her daughter on the head.
Apollo wanted to know more about what went on behind the scenes of what Phoenix told him about his stories with Franziska, because it seemed now that he was rather protective of her.
Very protective.
“Asmodeus… Where is he…?” Apollo asked. He had no memory of what had happened before.
“He’s upstairs. There’s a ward there for Bioware patients…”
“We have to talk to him… I…” Apollo said, still holding his head.
“Do you need a wheelchair, or…?” Phoenix asked.
“No. I’ll be fine. Let’s go.” Apollo said. “Augh, my head.”
***
June 20th, 11:55 AM, Hickfield Clinic: Room 84
The room was dimlit, and cold. Asmodeus’ jacket and shirt were thrown to the side of the room, messily. He was shirtless, and now Apollo could see more of the damage done to his body. The tube that went down to his throat wove underneath his skin. A plate, made from sturdy transparent material, exposed his artificial heart. Scars were all over his chest. His mechanical eye did not have his red iris, the light had apparently faded away into darkness. His other eye was closed, and his black and white hair was matted from his dual perspiration.
His body was limp, but his torso was strapped to a table that was affixed to the wall. More startling than this, perhaps was the fact that both of Asmodeus’ mechanical arms were suspended by robotic claws on the ceiling. The two pipes which usually mounted themselves on his back were also missing. Strong lights on robot arms shone onto him, exposing him even further.
The exoskeletons on his legs were even more revealed since his lower half was hidden from behind the Prosecutors Bench. They seemed flexible and strong, Black metal.
Despite this, he seemed to be perfectly relaxed in his slumber.
“Asmodeus…” Trucy murmured.
“Hullo Trucy… Hoho.” A throaty voice said from the door.
“Hello, Doctor.” Trucy said, nervously.
“As-Mod-E-Yous Ex -Mashiina, izzit? Odd name.” Doctor Hickfield said, as he scratched the plume of pink hair on the top of his head. “Hoho.”
This ‘Doctor’ always made Apollo (and Trucy, for that matter) uncomfortable.
“Hm… He’s been asleep fer an awfully long time. Better wake ‘im up…” Hickfield said, opening his eyes as he scratched his shoulder.
“A-Are you sure that’s a good idea?!” Trucy said, worried.
“Don’t worry yer pretty little head, Trucy… I’m a doctor. Hrmhrm.”
With that, Doctor Hickfield shuffled over to a switch and pulled it. The damage was irreversible now. The whirr of machinery filled the air, which turned into a light blue with the roars or electricity. Trucy had to hold onto her had to prevent it from being thrown off her head.
The two claws holding Asmodeus’ arms whirred over to his sides. His arms slid into the metal socket of one of his shoulders with a loud snap. The whirr grew louder still as the arms revolved, spinning both arms into place. Electricity cracked and snarled around Asmodeus’ frame as he was being reconstructed in front of their eyes.
“It’s alive!!” Hickfield cried over the commotion. Trucy screamed. Apollo did too.
Trucy lost her hat as the metal bands that secured Asmodeus to the operating table unsheathed, and he landed on his feet, causing a small indent in the flooring where he landed. Two other arms brought the pipes, which hooked into his back. After one twist, they were in place.
His breaths were short hisses in the chaos. Eventually the electricity and noise subsided. His eye opened up with pure white, the other mechanical one lit up with its bright red light.
Asmodeus Ex Machina was awake.
Asmodeus scanned all three of them drastically. All of their hair was puffy, save for Apollo’s antennae, which were gelled to the point that nothing could disturb it. Trucy’s blue top hat alighted on top of Asmodeus’ head, soft as a feather.
He took off the blue silk top hat, tailored to perfection. His robotic eye scanned it frantically.
“...I BELIEVE THIS BELONGS TO YOU.” He said, handing Trucy her hat back.
“...ALSO, YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO SOMETHING WITH THAT HAIR. HATS DO NOT FARE WELL WITH AFROS…”
“Um, thank you… Sir.” Trucy said, putting it back on her head. Her hair eventually deflated back down to its normal size as did Apollos and Doctor Hickfield.
“…HRRN. SO, I TAKE IT YOU AND APAWLLO ARE HERE TO SPEAK WITH ME? ABOUT THE CASE, NO DOUBT.” Asmodeus asked Phoenix, who was surprisingly unaffected by Asmodeus’ anarchistic revival.
“YOU CAN BE REST ASSURED, THAT I HAVE IT WELL IN HAND. FRANZISKA VON KARMA WILL BE ARRESTED AND GIVEN THE PUNISHMENT THAT SHE DESERVES…” Asmodeus said, metal feet pacing cold stone flooring.
He eventually got to Apollo. “COUNT ON IT.” He hissed in Apollo’s face.
It was clear that Phoenix was angered by how Asmodeus spoke of Franziska. Accident or not, it made him angry to see him speak of her as no more than another guilty verdict. Franziska didn’t deserve this. No one deserved this. He spoke up.
“…I wouldn’t count for long, Ex Machina… At this rate, you’ll never get the guilty verdict for Franziska.”
“HA! PRAY TELL, HOW DO YOU FIGURE THAT?”
“Well, because while you and Apollo were catching some Z’s, someone saw fit to kidnap her... No accused, no verdict.”
“WHAT?... INCONVIEVABLE! I’LL NEVER LET THE GUILTY ESCAPE!”
“Good, because we have a suspect now for the kidnapping.”
“HEHEHEH. PERFECT.” Asmodeus said, linking metal fingers together. “ONCE I REDEEM THIS MISTAKE IN COURT, I’LL FIND HER, PROSECUTE HER, AND GIVE HER THE GUILTY VERDICT SHE DESERVES… I WONDER WHO I’LL FACE…” Asmodeus said. His face lit up with the all too familiar emotion of joy.
“…Me.”
“...APOLOGIES?”
“What?!” Apollo and Trucy said, apparently as shocked as Ex Machina.
“I said… Me.” Phoenix said. He took his hand out of one of his pockets, and flashed his new Attorneys Badge, shining in the light. “You will be facing me, Asmodeus Ex Machina…” Phoenix said, smiling.
“Mister Wright, I…” Apollo said, amazed.
“…HM. THAT WON’T DO. I HAVE TO DIRECT POLICE ATTENTION TOWARDS VON KARMAS CAPTURE… I DON’T WANT TO EAT DESSERT FIRST... I WANT TO SAVOR THE TASTE OF FRANZISKAS GUILTY VERDICT.”
“…Seems to me that you’re skipping on dessert to have a nice dish of crow, with a side order of chicken.” Phoenix mocked.
“HRRRRN. REST ASSURED, I’LL HAVE YOU EATING A GENEROUS PIECE OF HUMBLE PIE WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE... PHOENIX WRIGHT.”
Asmodeus smirked and crossed his arms.
“AND I’M A MAN OF MY WORD.”
“We’ll see about that.” Phoenix said as Asmodeus walked out the door.
All of a sudden, another doctor entered through the door. Much to everyones surprise, they looked exactly the same, from the tip of their puffy pink hair to their sandals. Even their voice and teeth looked similar.
“What the…” Apollo started.
“Hiya, Director Hickfield.”
“Mmm, yes, Doctor Hotti?” Hickfield asked
“Director, I have a patient. Lotsa trouble. Hurm.” Hotti said, scratching his cheek.
“Hmhm… I see. One of those patients?” Hickfield asked.
“She’s a kickin’ up a mighty big fuss… Lotsa trouble. Hoho.” Hotti said, scratching his belly.
“Mmm? Well then… I think that we’re about done here, yes…” Hickfield said, observing Apollo, Phoenix and Trucy.
“I think I’ll need help with this patient, Director. She’sa feisty one.” Hotti said, looking at the other with concern.
“Mmm. Isshe? In that case, let’s see if we can’t tackle her together. Hoho.”
“Hoho.” Hotti replied.
The two walked out the door.
“…That might have contended for one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever seen.” Apollo said, amazed.
“Not quite there, but almost.” Phoenix said. “…But, I digress. I don’t want to explain the hows and whys here, so can we go away from here?... Assuming you’re alright, Apollo.”
“Sometimes, it’s better to pass things off as a hallucination.” Apollo thought to himself. “I’ll be fine, Mister Wright. We have no time to lose!”
The trio exited the clinic.
Spoiler: Chapter 15: Of Assassins and Kidnappers
“Mister Wright, when did you take the bar exam?” Apollo asked. He had no idea that this had happened behind his back.
“Oh, a little while after Gavin got jailed… again. Didn’t you remember me telling you?” Phoenix said, smiling.
“Apparently not… Where are we going?” Apollo asked, trying to catch up with Phoenix.
“To have a talk with the defendant, of course.” Phoenix said, smiling still.
“…He’s or she’s not someone you know, I hope.” Apollo said, observing the patterns of this case.
“I can’t say I’m too familiar with him, but I crossed paths with the guy in one of my major cases…” Phoenix said, looking away from Apollo.
“Which one?” Apollo asked, perking up. “The Bullard case? The Goodman case? The Grey case?”
“You’ll see.” Phoenix said, smiling darkly.
Apollo never liked it when Phoenix was so cryptic, but he saw no point in arguing. The detention center was in sight.
***
June 20th, 12:03 AM, Detention Center
“Hello, Sir Wright.” The voice of the man on the other side of the glass was cool and collected, despite his dire circumstance. “You look different.”
“You’re the baliff from the…” Apollo started. He was interrupted by Phoenix.
“Hello there. I thought it would be a long time before I saw you again… Shelly deKiller.”
“And to you also. I wish I could say I didn’t expect this, but I knew something like this would happen in future.” deKiller said, letting his chin rest in the junction of his thumb and pointer finger.
“That you would eventually get caught?” Phoenix said, allowing himself to get comfortable.
“Nothing lasts forever, I fear.”
“Perhaps. But how old are you?” Phoenix said, furrowing an eyebrow.
“…Mine is an ageless profession.”
“But, you are clearly not ageless… You’re graying at the temples.”
“…Hm. I thought this would be the part when you question me?”
“…In all honesty, I’m not sure I’m going to take your case. After what you’ve done to me, and no doubt what you’ve done in the seven years afterwards… I don’t know. Just tell me what happened.”
“Very well. I received a call from a man around midnight telling me that a case was going on between Apollo Justice and Asmodeus Ex Machina. He told me that I must kidnap the defendant in Courtroom 101 at 11:11 AM… Disguised as a baliff, I showed up at the Defendants bench at the appropriate time… But there was no defendant to apprehend. The court was a riot. I was immediately apprehended.”
“But, Franziska was already kidnapped?”
“Yes...”
“Do you have any idea where she might be? Do you have any idea who might have taken her?”
“My apologies, Mister Wright…”
Everything became invert. The air became icy cold, and shadows fell until the only things left standing were Phoenix and Shelly. Two chains came down, and a single red lock dropped on top of Shellys chest.
“But, I’m afraid my mind is a complete blank.”
Everything returned to normal shortly afterwards.
“I see… Shelly, I’m not sure.”
“Fair enough… But, you do not have to defend me for the many people that I have killed to sustain my livelihood. I’ll leave that to someone who doesn’t mind losing brutally.” deKiller said.
“I have drawn the line in the sand, Mister Wright. They will give me the death penalty after this case when I am tried for the murders I am responsible for. I am, however, innocent of kidnapping this person, Mister Wright.”
“…Very well. Did you kidnap Franziska von Karma?”
“No.”
No Psyche Locks appeared on Shelly.
“Alright, Shelly. I’ll defend you for the kidnapping.”
“I’m glad to see you respect the wishes of the deceased. Thank you, Mister Wright.” deKiller said, gratitude showing in his narrow eyes.
“Alright, let’s go. I suppose the crime scene is Court Room 101.” Phoenix said, calling Apollo and Trucy to follow him.
****
June 20th, City Streets, 12:07 AM
Almost immediately after exiting the Detention Center, they were confronted by Asmodeus Ex Machina. It was almost as if he were waiting for them.
“That man’s a bizarre bird, isn’t he?” Asmodeus asked no one in particular, his autotuned voice mocking.
“Coming from you, that doesn’t really mean much.” Apollo thought.
“That one hurt.” Asmodeus said mockingly, glaring at Apollo. He redirected his fiery eyes towards Phoenix. “I take it you’re not taking the case? Not after all he’s done to you?” Asmodeus said, grinning.
“…No. I’m taking his case.” Phoenix said, smiling back.
"...Not after he kidnapped your friend?” Asmodeus asked, his eyes closing into accusing slits. “Not after he starved and tortured her?”
“No. Every human deserves a lawyer in court.” Phoenix said, standing up straighter.
“I bet you won’t be the man that defends against his mass murders. Who will be the selfless human who will do that? He’s not a human, Wright. Distinguishing man and monster is something you lack, it seems… Not to mention learning from past experiences… He has Franziska von Karma, Phoenix Wright. And he will do the same thing to her. Search inside your soul… You know it to be true!”
“I didn’t have to. I searched inside his. He didn’t do it.” Phoenix replied coolly.
“Still you stick to your insolent beliefs?...Hm. I know how you feel about Franziska von Karma inside.” Asmodeus said, circling around Phoenix like a shark.
“I can smell your fear, Wright. I can see it in your eyes. You know that Franziska’s in grave danger, and this time you might not be able to save the one you love. You’re going to let this become another Maya… Yet you still stick to your code.” Asmodeus said, stopping in front of Phoenix now.
“…Why?” Asmodeus said, scoffing.
“To mock you.” Phoenix growled angrily.
Asmodeus made a noise that sounded like a mechanical snarl in his throat before he walked away.
“Mister Wright?” Apollo asked.
“Daddy?” Trucy said, concerned.
“…Let’s go.” Phoenix said, trying to keep his cool.
They walked to the court house.
“Oh, a little while after Gavin got jailed… again. Didn’t you remember me telling you?” Phoenix said, smiling.
“Apparently not… Where are we going?” Apollo asked, trying to catch up with Phoenix.
“To have a talk with the defendant, of course.” Phoenix said, smiling still.
“…He’s or she’s not someone you know, I hope.” Apollo said, observing the patterns of this case.
“I can’t say I’m too familiar with him, but I crossed paths with the guy in one of my major cases…” Phoenix said, looking away from Apollo.
“Which one?” Apollo asked, perking up. “The Bullard case? The Goodman case? The Grey case?”
“You’ll see.” Phoenix said, smiling darkly.
Apollo never liked it when Phoenix was so cryptic, but he saw no point in arguing. The detention center was in sight.
***
June 20th, 12:03 AM, Detention Center
“Hello, Sir Wright.” The voice of the man on the other side of the glass was cool and collected, despite his dire circumstance. “You look different.”
“You’re the baliff from the…” Apollo started. He was interrupted by Phoenix.
“Hello there. I thought it would be a long time before I saw you again… Shelly deKiller.”
“And to you also. I wish I could say I didn’t expect this, but I knew something like this would happen in future.” deKiller said, letting his chin rest in the junction of his thumb and pointer finger.
“That you would eventually get caught?” Phoenix said, allowing himself to get comfortable.
“Nothing lasts forever, I fear.”
“Perhaps. But how old are you?” Phoenix said, furrowing an eyebrow.
“…Mine is an ageless profession.”
“But, you are clearly not ageless… You’re graying at the temples.”
“…Hm. I thought this would be the part when you question me?”
“…In all honesty, I’m not sure I’m going to take your case. After what you’ve done to me, and no doubt what you’ve done in the seven years afterwards… I don’t know. Just tell me what happened.”
“Very well. I received a call from a man around midnight telling me that a case was going on between Apollo Justice and Asmodeus Ex Machina. He told me that I must kidnap the defendant in Courtroom 101 at 11:11 AM… Disguised as a baliff, I showed up at the Defendants bench at the appropriate time… But there was no defendant to apprehend. The court was a riot. I was immediately apprehended.”
“But, Franziska was already kidnapped?”
“Yes...”
“Do you have any idea where she might be? Do you have any idea who might have taken her?”
“My apologies, Mister Wright…”
Everything became invert. The air became icy cold, and shadows fell until the only things left standing were Phoenix and Shelly. Two chains came down, and a single red lock dropped on top of Shellys chest.
“But, I’m afraid my mind is a complete blank.”
Everything returned to normal shortly afterwards.
“I see… Shelly, I’m not sure.”
“Fair enough… But, you do not have to defend me for the many people that I have killed to sustain my livelihood. I’ll leave that to someone who doesn’t mind losing brutally.” deKiller said.
“I have drawn the line in the sand, Mister Wright. They will give me the death penalty after this case when I am tried for the murders I am responsible for. I am, however, innocent of kidnapping this person, Mister Wright.”
“…Very well. Did you kidnap Franziska von Karma?”
“No.”
No Psyche Locks appeared on Shelly.
“Alright, Shelly. I’ll defend you for the kidnapping.”
“I’m glad to see you respect the wishes of the deceased. Thank you, Mister Wright.” deKiller said, gratitude showing in his narrow eyes.
“Alright, let’s go. I suppose the crime scene is Court Room 101.” Phoenix said, calling Apollo and Trucy to follow him.
****
June 20th, City Streets, 12:07 AM
Almost immediately after exiting the Detention Center, they were confronted by Asmodeus Ex Machina. It was almost as if he were waiting for them.
“That man’s a bizarre bird, isn’t he?” Asmodeus asked no one in particular, his autotuned voice mocking.
“Coming from you, that doesn’t really mean much.” Apollo thought.
“That one hurt.” Asmodeus said mockingly, glaring at Apollo. He redirected his fiery eyes towards Phoenix. “I take it you’re not taking the case? Not after all he’s done to you?” Asmodeus said, grinning.
“…No. I’m taking his case.” Phoenix said, smiling back.
"...Not after he kidnapped your friend?” Asmodeus asked, his eyes closing into accusing slits. “Not after he starved and tortured her?”
“No. Every human deserves a lawyer in court.” Phoenix said, standing up straighter.
“I bet you won’t be the man that defends against his mass murders. Who will be the selfless human who will do that? He’s not a human, Wright. Distinguishing man and monster is something you lack, it seems… Not to mention learning from past experiences… He has Franziska von Karma, Phoenix Wright. And he will do the same thing to her. Search inside your soul… You know it to be true!”
“I didn’t have to. I searched inside his. He didn’t do it.” Phoenix replied coolly.
“Still you stick to your insolent beliefs?...Hm. I know how you feel about Franziska von Karma inside.” Asmodeus said, circling around Phoenix like a shark.
“I can smell your fear, Wright. I can see it in your eyes. You know that Franziska’s in grave danger, and this time you might not be able to save the one you love. You’re going to let this become another Maya… Yet you still stick to your code.” Asmodeus said, stopping in front of Phoenix now.
“…Why?” Asmodeus said, scoffing.
“To mock you.” Phoenix growled angrily.
Asmodeus made a noise that sounded like a mechanical snarl in his throat before he walked away.
“Mister Wright?” Apollo asked.
“Daddy?” Trucy said, concerned.
“…Let’s go.” Phoenix said, trying to keep his cool.
They walked to the court house.
Spoiler: Chapter 16: Enter Levi Gaudium
June 20th, Courtroom No. 101, 12:15 PM
“I don’t think I’ve seen a courtroom that looked so showy in my life.” Phoenix said, observing the lights mounted everywhere, including the ceiling. He also observed the gold and ivory finish of everything.
“Thing of beauty, isn’t it?” A voice said to him.
“Really is. But, who are you?”
The woman who spoke was a woman who wore a green cape similar to Trucy. Her hair was green, and up in green pigtails. Her eyes were golden. Her scarf was neon orange, her top was purple, and had long sleeves. There was a heart drawn near her left eye with red marker, and an orange sari around her shoulder.
She wore white spats on her black shoes.
“Pick a card, sweet heart. Any card.” She said, winking at Apollo and offering him a fan of five red backed cards.
“Umm…” Apollo said, blushing.
“Ah ah, don’t be shy. They don’t bite.” She said, tilting her head.
Apollo picked one, and looked at the front.
She spread out her arms at length, and an arc of blue cards flew from one of her white gloved hands to the other. She brought in her hands closer now and waved her fingers about. The blue cards began to levitate through the air in a spherical pattern, shifting around and rotating. All eventually flew back into her sleeve but one, back facing Apollo. He was shocked, and throughout the trick he was reminded of Kristoph’s metaphor for blue poker cards wreathed in blue flames.
She made a circular motion with her fingers and the card turned over for Apollo to see.
“It’s the only thing I see, I know it’s gonna be, The Ace of Spades, The Ace of Spades!” She sang, smiling.
Apollo raised his eyebrows.
“You’re right!” he said, although he was more fascinated by how she did everything more than the outcome.
She laughed to herself as she observed Apollo’s expression.
“Mmm. Never been wrong. Not about that card trick, anyway. Hee. You’re a cute one.” She said, approaching Apollo.
“Are you designated to be here?” Phoenix finally asked, trying to come to Phoenix’s rescue.
“Of course.” She said, smiling with understanding. “My name is Levi Gaudium.” She said.
Flicking her wrist, another card appeared in her hand. “My card.” She said, bending over to give it to Phoenix.
“It says here you’re a prosecutor…” Phoenix said, tapping the card.
“Who’s to say I’m not?” Levi said, stealing glances at Apollo.
“Well, you’re a little bit…” Phoenix tried to say. He was interrupted.
“…Odd?” she said, crossing her arms and tilting her head to the side.
“Well, not exactly, but…”
“Ah, can’t get much odder than a whip wielding prosecutor? A white haired coffee addict with a uni-lens goggle strapped to his face? How about a rock star prosecutor… And you deny yourself a magician prosecutor? That’s so unfair.” She said, pouting.
“How did you know about all of my…” Phoenix said, surprised.
“T’s only natural that I would do some homework on my opponent, no?”
“I’m going to face you in court?” Phoenix said, surprised.
“Oh, but of course…” she said, smiling.
“Where’s Ema?” Trucy asked. She didn’t like this woman.
Levi raised her eyebrows as she noticed Trucy’s attire.
“I’m doing the scientific investigation for this case… What’s your name?” she asked Apollo.
“A-Apollo Justice…” he said, still a bit flustered.
She giggled. “I wonder if I can get you as red as your vest…” she said, curling lithe fingers around Apollos tie.
“Madame… Gaudium. I think we should focus on the case at hand.”
“Of course. I’ll get on his case sooner or later. HmmHmm.” She said. She beckoned the group to follow her with an index finger. Phoenix looked at how nervous Apollo looked and laughed.
****
“Now… The crime happened here, clearly, at the defendants bench.” She said.
“Why are you showing us around?” Phoenix asked.
“I kind of figured that… Klavier guy babied you around. Ema also has a tendency to spoon feed. If you like, I can eat some Snackoos? Maybe to simulate the experience?”
“Well, even so, I…”
“MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH!” she said, shoveling them into her mouth. “…Am I snacking loud enough?” she asked everyone, with an innocent look.
“If only Ema saw that…” Apollo thought, smiling.
“...Where’s all the evidence?” Trucy asked, speaking up.
“Ah, yes… The evidence.” Levi took off her sari and fluttered it in the air to her side. “My friends, today we will be dissecting…”
She put the sari on the desk and moved her arms and hands about before lifting it off the desk.
“A Police Man…nequin!” she said, in a suspenseful voice.
Trucy wasn’t impressed, but it got Phoenix and Apollos attention.
She cut open the Mannequins chest with a knife, and gasped as she cringed.
“Why… no wonder this man…nequin died… His lungs are filled with… EVIDENCE!” she shouted as she let the trio take a look into the mannequins hollow chest.
-Phoenix found a Calling Card, a broken monocle, a ransom note-
“…Is this it?” Phoenix asked Levi. Judging on her behavior, she seemed like she would be a nightmare in court.”
“It is. This isn’t exactly the most malleable case… It is a kidnapping, after all. But, we’ve known deKiller to leave a calling card… And I suppose it’s good to know that he left his monocle at the scene. I’m sorry, Feenie, but this case looks pretty absolute.”
“Feenie. I wonder when the last time someone called me that was…” Phoenix though,, remembering as he observed the ivory and gold on everything that made every object glow like a star in the light.
Courtroom 101 truly was a thing of beauty. It combined sovereign regality with high tech lights. Phoenix didn’t know if this was going to be the battle ground where he would duel against Levi Gaudium…
But he was ready to accept whatever outcome he could if it meant he could see Franziska again.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a courtroom that looked so showy in my life.” Phoenix said, observing the lights mounted everywhere, including the ceiling. He also observed the gold and ivory finish of everything.
“Thing of beauty, isn’t it?” A voice said to him.
“Really is. But, who are you?”
The woman who spoke was a woman who wore a green cape similar to Trucy. Her hair was green, and up in green pigtails. Her eyes were golden. Her scarf was neon orange, her top was purple, and had long sleeves. There was a heart drawn near her left eye with red marker, and an orange sari around her shoulder.
She wore white spats on her black shoes.
“Pick a card, sweet heart. Any card.” She said, winking at Apollo and offering him a fan of five red backed cards.
“Umm…” Apollo said, blushing.
“Ah ah, don’t be shy. They don’t bite.” She said, tilting her head.
Apollo picked one, and looked at the front.
She spread out her arms at length, and an arc of blue cards flew from one of her white gloved hands to the other. She brought in her hands closer now and waved her fingers about. The blue cards began to levitate through the air in a spherical pattern, shifting around and rotating. All eventually flew back into her sleeve but one, back facing Apollo. He was shocked, and throughout the trick he was reminded of Kristoph’s metaphor for blue poker cards wreathed in blue flames.
She made a circular motion with her fingers and the card turned over for Apollo to see.
“It’s the only thing I see, I know it’s gonna be, The Ace of Spades, The Ace of Spades!” She sang, smiling.
Apollo raised his eyebrows.
“You’re right!” he said, although he was more fascinated by how she did everything more than the outcome.
She laughed to herself as she observed Apollo’s expression.
“Mmm. Never been wrong. Not about that card trick, anyway. Hee. You’re a cute one.” She said, approaching Apollo.
“Are you designated to be here?” Phoenix finally asked, trying to come to Phoenix’s rescue.
“Of course.” She said, smiling with understanding. “My name is Levi Gaudium.” She said.
Flicking her wrist, another card appeared in her hand. “My card.” She said, bending over to give it to Phoenix.
“It says here you’re a prosecutor…” Phoenix said, tapping the card.
“Who’s to say I’m not?” Levi said, stealing glances at Apollo.
“Well, you’re a little bit…” Phoenix tried to say. He was interrupted.
“…Odd?” she said, crossing her arms and tilting her head to the side.
“Well, not exactly, but…”
“Ah, can’t get much odder than a whip wielding prosecutor? A white haired coffee addict with a uni-lens goggle strapped to his face? How about a rock star prosecutor… And you deny yourself a magician prosecutor? That’s so unfair.” She said, pouting.
“How did you know about all of my…” Phoenix said, surprised.
“T’s only natural that I would do some homework on my opponent, no?”
“I’m going to face you in court?” Phoenix said, surprised.
“Oh, but of course…” she said, smiling.
“Where’s Ema?” Trucy asked. She didn’t like this woman.
Levi raised her eyebrows as she noticed Trucy’s attire.
“I’m doing the scientific investigation for this case… What’s your name?” she asked Apollo.
“A-Apollo Justice…” he said, still a bit flustered.
She giggled. “I wonder if I can get you as red as your vest…” she said, curling lithe fingers around Apollos tie.
“Madame… Gaudium. I think we should focus on the case at hand.”
“Of course. I’ll get on his case sooner or later. HmmHmm.” She said. She beckoned the group to follow her with an index finger. Phoenix looked at how nervous Apollo looked and laughed.
****
“Now… The crime happened here, clearly, at the defendants bench.” She said.
“Why are you showing us around?” Phoenix asked.
“I kind of figured that… Klavier guy babied you around. Ema also has a tendency to spoon feed. If you like, I can eat some Snackoos? Maybe to simulate the experience?”
“Well, even so, I…”
“MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH! MUNCH!” she said, shoveling them into her mouth. “…Am I snacking loud enough?” she asked everyone, with an innocent look.
“If only Ema saw that…” Apollo thought, smiling.
“...Where’s all the evidence?” Trucy asked, speaking up.
“Ah, yes… The evidence.” Levi took off her sari and fluttered it in the air to her side. “My friends, today we will be dissecting…”
She put the sari on the desk and moved her arms and hands about before lifting it off the desk.
“A Police Man…nequin!” she said, in a suspenseful voice.
Trucy wasn’t impressed, but it got Phoenix and Apollos attention.
She cut open the Mannequins chest with a knife, and gasped as she cringed.
“Why… no wonder this man…nequin died… His lungs are filled with… EVIDENCE!” she shouted as she let the trio take a look into the mannequins hollow chest.
-Phoenix found a Calling Card, a broken monocle, a ransom note-
“…Is this it?” Phoenix asked Levi. Judging on her behavior, she seemed like she would be a nightmare in court.”
“It is. This isn’t exactly the most malleable case… It is a kidnapping, after all. But, we’ve known deKiller to leave a calling card… And I suppose it’s good to know that he left his monocle at the scene. I’m sorry, Feenie, but this case looks pretty absolute.”
“Feenie. I wonder when the last time someone called me that was…” Phoenix though,, remembering as he observed the ivory and gold on everything that made every object glow like a star in the light.
Courtroom 101 truly was a thing of beauty. It combined sovereign regality with high tech lights. Phoenix didn’t know if this was going to be the battle ground where he would duel against Levi Gaudium…
But he was ready to accept whatever outcome he could if it meant he could see Franziska again.
Spoiler: Chapter 17: The Other Side
June 20th, Courtroom No. 101, 12:47
Lana headed into Court-Room 101. She took the moment to observe how everything looked at night. The ivory and gold seemed to sparkle ever brighter as the dark colored lights on the ceiling danced on the marble floor underneath her feet. She didn’t know the reason why she felt the need to visit the man known as The Half Life Prosecutor. Despite being a rookie, he was far from talentless.
This man was broken, they said. They said that he was sick inside his mind, ready to convict the accused at any and all costs. She thought that those allegations were silly, and believed that he was simply a Manfred von Karma in the works. She also believed that those comments were because of his appearance.
He was mutilated in an explosion, and had to have surgery, limbs and organs replaced with robotic parts. He was alienated from society. He was alone. Was this the reason why she decided to visit him? Pity?
She dismissed the thought out of her head: What happened to him was inhuman, but he held his head up high and dedicated himself to his job to the point that he forced respect, not pity.
She returned to her duty. Behind the prosecutors bench was a platform that elevated down into a section of the Court house basement. Nobody else but he and Lana knew that was where he lived.
She stepped onto the platform, and closed her eyes as it lowered her into the darkness.
She stepped off of the platform once it landed, and walked gingerly, taking care not to trip over anything she didn’t have any sight of in this pale light. At the end of the hall was a door that read “Ex Machina, Asmodeus”. She opened it.
Much to her surprise, Asmodeus was still awake, sitting at his desk writing a paper in dim light. He turned around and looked, both of his eyes flitting madly about until they locked onto their target.
“Interloper… Who goes there?” he asked in an intimidating autotuned voice.
“It’s just me, Asmodeus.” Lana said, adjusting her red muffler, trying not to look to afraid. The light was dim enough to cause Asmodeus’ piercing red eye to stand out, and it seemed to glow brighter as he focused on her.
“Oh. Madame Skye… Hello. What are you doing here at such a late hour…?” he said, putting a metal index finger to his temple in thought.
“I just wanted to check up to see if you’re still awake…”
“You came all this way to see if I was awake?... Of course. I take my job very seriously.” Asmodeus said.
“I can see that.” Lana thought.
“So, Levi Gaudium has been called to face against Phoenix in State VS deKiller. Are you alright with that?” Lana asked.
“No. That case could have made my career. But, I suppose it’s fine: After all, I want to save my energy for looking for Franziska von Karma. She’s my top priority right now…”
“Well, I’m glad to see that you have what’s important on your mind.” Lana said, smiling. “Are you currently working on the paperwork for that case?”
“Affirmative. Since Matt Engarde has been jailed, his mansion had been bought by a wealthy Countess… I doubt there’s any association. In all honesty, I’m not sure how we’re going to get her back, but there has to be a lead somewhere.”Asmodeus said, trying to keep positive.
“I’m pretty sure it’ll come up in Court.” Lana said, trying to cheer Asmodeus up.
“I’m counting on it. Madame Skye, might I assist Phoenix in that case?”
“That’s a bizarre request. What for?” Lana said, surprised.
“I want to be on top of it when the moment of truth comes out and we can get a bead on Franziskas location."
“…Do you care about Franziska von Karma, Asmodeus?” Lana asked.
“Yes. Granted, we’re not friends or anything of the sort, but she’s from the von Karma bloodline. I’d like to see her survive, but it’s no greater loss of skin or flesh from my bones if she lives or dies."
"…I appreciate your honesty… What if it was me?" Lana asked carefully. She looked at the ceiling before looking at him. He held a photograph between two of his metallic fingers.
“…You’re so beautiful, Lana.” He said.
“What?” Lana said, shocked.
“I said, you’re beautiful." Asmodeus said softly. It was a bit unnerving to see that his human eye was looking at the photo and the mechanical one was scanning her. He then directed his one hundred percent attention to her and it almost felt normal.
Almost.
“…Wouldn’t you agree?"
She remembered how she always had such doubt in her appearance back when she was a teenager. She had her little sister to support, but it was so hard to have self esteem when the two people at home who cheer you on through life perish.
She hadn’t heard those words with sincerity since Neil’s death. It was surreal hearing them now, especially from a man as stoic, indifferent, and most of all robotic as Asmodeus Ex Machina.
She gently took the photograph from Asmodeus and saw that it was a picture of her from when she was apprehended of the murder of Bruce Goodman. So many memories flooded into her at once that it was difficult for her to think straight.
“You and Fear are familiar companions… I apologize on behalf of Neil. It must be quite painful, even still."
“If this is a sore attempt at being smug, then you can stop it.” Lana said, going on the defensive.
“Lana." Asmodeus said, tentatively curling metal fingers around Lanas hand. The feeling was an unnatural one, but it was paired with Asmodeus’ voice, which chided away the difference.
“I didn’t mean it that way."
“Then how did you mean it? Asmodeus, you’re one of the coldest people I’ve ever met. You make your living off of people and insult them, but nobody says anything because they think you’re an outcast and a lunatic.” Lana said, getting a bit impatient.
Asmodeus removed his hands, and although they were artificial, she still missed the sensation of it and wanted the feeling to return.
“But you don’t. You wouldn’t have came here if you thought that… That emotion is another you know well. It’s called Confusion.” Asmodeus stated matter of factly.
Lana thought that Asmodeus was one to talk about emotion, but decided not to say anything.
“And what am I confused about?”
“My sudden change in temperament has caused you to likewise, change temperaments… But, there was one thing that sets apart mine from yours.”
“And what was that?”
“I meant everything that I said.” Asmodeus said, once again, more sincere than she ever saw him.
“Asmodeus, I…” Lana started.
“Lana, it’s getting rather late. You’re welcome to stay if you like, but even I have my limits.”
Asmodeus said, yawning.
“Alright. I’ll let you accompany Phoenix.” Lana said.
“Thank you. Have a pleasant night… Lana Skye.”
“You too.” Lana said, closing the door gently. “Pleasant dreams...”
Lana wished that he gave her an answer on whether or not he would care if she went missing, but she hoped that he was telling the truth when he said that he meant everything he said.
But he had a photograph of her from so long ago, and she wondered if he had it all along.
The two people spent the majority of the night thinking.
Lana headed into Court-Room 101. She took the moment to observe how everything looked at night. The ivory and gold seemed to sparkle ever brighter as the dark colored lights on the ceiling danced on the marble floor underneath her feet. She didn’t know the reason why she felt the need to visit the man known as The Half Life Prosecutor. Despite being a rookie, he was far from talentless.
This man was broken, they said. They said that he was sick inside his mind, ready to convict the accused at any and all costs. She thought that those allegations were silly, and believed that he was simply a Manfred von Karma in the works. She also believed that those comments were because of his appearance.
He was mutilated in an explosion, and had to have surgery, limbs and organs replaced with robotic parts. He was alienated from society. He was alone. Was this the reason why she decided to visit him? Pity?
She dismissed the thought out of her head: What happened to him was inhuman, but he held his head up high and dedicated himself to his job to the point that he forced respect, not pity.
She returned to her duty. Behind the prosecutors bench was a platform that elevated down into a section of the Court house basement. Nobody else but he and Lana knew that was where he lived.
She stepped onto the platform, and closed her eyes as it lowered her into the darkness.
She stepped off of the platform once it landed, and walked gingerly, taking care not to trip over anything she didn’t have any sight of in this pale light. At the end of the hall was a door that read “Ex Machina, Asmodeus”. She opened it.
Much to her surprise, Asmodeus was still awake, sitting at his desk writing a paper in dim light. He turned around and looked, both of his eyes flitting madly about until they locked onto their target.
“Interloper… Who goes there?” he asked in an intimidating autotuned voice.
“It’s just me, Asmodeus.” Lana said, adjusting her red muffler, trying not to look to afraid. The light was dim enough to cause Asmodeus’ piercing red eye to stand out, and it seemed to glow brighter as he focused on her.
“Oh. Madame Skye… Hello. What are you doing here at such a late hour…?” he said, putting a metal index finger to his temple in thought.
“I just wanted to check up to see if you’re still awake…”
“You came all this way to see if I was awake?... Of course. I take my job very seriously.” Asmodeus said.
“I can see that.” Lana thought.
“So, Levi Gaudium has been called to face against Phoenix in State VS deKiller. Are you alright with that?” Lana asked.
“No. That case could have made my career. But, I suppose it’s fine: After all, I want to save my energy for looking for Franziska von Karma. She’s my top priority right now…”
“Well, I’m glad to see that you have what’s important on your mind.” Lana said, smiling. “Are you currently working on the paperwork for that case?”
“Affirmative. Since Matt Engarde has been jailed, his mansion had been bought by a wealthy Countess… I doubt there’s any association. In all honesty, I’m not sure how we’re going to get her back, but there has to be a lead somewhere.”Asmodeus said, trying to keep positive.
“I’m pretty sure it’ll come up in Court.” Lana said, trying to cheer Asmodeus up.
“I’m counting on it. Madame Skye, might I assist Phoenix in that case?”
“That’s a bizarre request. What for?” Lana said, surprised.
“I want to be on top of it when the moment of truth comes out and we can get a bead on Franziskas location."
“…Do you care about Franziska von Karma, Asmodeus?” Lana asked.
“Yes. Granted, we’re not friends or anything of the sort, but she’s from the von Karma bloodline. I’d like to see her survive, but it’s no greater loss of skin or flesh from my bones if she lives or dies."
"…I appreciate your honesty… What if it was me?" Lana asked carefully. She looked at the ceiling before looking at him. He held a photograph between two of his metallic fingers.
“…You’re so beautiful, Lana.” He said.
“What?” Lana said, shocked.
“I said, you’re beautiful." Asmodeus said softly. It was a bit unnerving to see that his human eye was looking at the photo and the mechanical one was scanning her. He then directed his one hundred percent attention to her and it almost felt normal.
Almost.
“…Wouldn’t you agree?"
She remembered how she always had such doubt in her appearance back when she was a teenager. She had her little sister to support, but it was so hard to have self esteem when the two people at home who cheer you on through life perish.
She hadn’t heard those words with sincerity since Neil’s death. It was surreal hearing them now, especially from a man as stoic, indifferent, and most of all robotic as Asmodeus Ex Machina.
She gently took the photograph from Asmodeus and saw that it was a picture of her from when she was apprehended of the murder of Bruce Goodman. So many memories flooded into her at once that it was difficult for her to think straight.
“You and Fear are familiar companions… I apologize on behalf of Neil. It must be quite painful, even still."
“If this is a sore attempt at being smug, then you can stop it.” Lana said, going on the defensive.
“Lana." Asmodeus said, tentatively curling metal fingers around Lanas hand. The feeling was an unnatural one, but it was paired with Asmodeus’ voice, which chided away the difference.
“I didn’t mean it that way."
“Then how did you mean it? Asmodeus, you’re one of the coldest people I’ve ever met. You make your living off of people and insult them, but nobody says anything because they think you’re an outcast and a lunatic.” Lana said, getting a bit impatient.
Asmodeus removed his hands, and although they were artificial, she still missed the sensation of it and wanted the feeling to return.
“But you don’t. You wouldn’t have came here if you thought that… That emotion is another you know well. It’s called Confusion.” Asmodeus stated matter of factly.
Lana thought that Asmodeus was one to talk about emotion, but decided not to say anything.
“And what am I confused about?”
“My sudden change in temperament has caused you to likewise, change temperaments… But, there was one thing that sets apart mine from yours.”
“And what was that?”
“I meant everything that I said.” Asmodeus said, once again, more sincere than she ever saw him.
“Asmodeus, I…” Lana started.
“Lana, it’s getting rather late. You’re welcome to stay if you like, but even I have my limits.”
Asmodeus said, yawning.
“Alright. I’ll let you accompany Phoenix.” Lana said.
“Thank you. Have a pleasant night… Lana Skye.”
“You too.” Lana said, closing the door gently. “Pleasant dreams...”
Lana wished that he gave her an answer on whether or not he would care if she went missing, but she hoped that he was telling the truth when he said that he meant everything he said.
But he had a photograph of her from so long ago, and she wondered if he had it all along.
The two people spent the majority of the night thinking.
Spoiler: Chapter 18: No Honor
June 21st, Wright Anything Agency, 9:37 AM
Phoenix was busy working at his desk and thinking when he heard a knock on the door. He went to answer it.
“Asmodeus?” he said, in surprise.
“Surprise, surprise, Wright.” He said, smiling on the corner of his thin mouth.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, too tired to object.
“I’m on your side… this time. I wanted this case, but I didn’t get it. So, I’m going to bring Gaudium down alongside you.” Asmodeus stated, raising one of his index fingers in the air.
“This can’t be condoned…” Phoenix said, rubbing his eyes.
“But it is. I acquired the Chief Prosecutors permission.” Asmodeus said. His eyes closed and he smiled smugly.
“Alright, Asmodeus. I want to know: Just what is your connection to Lana Skye?”
He had a feeling of what was going to happen, and his suspicions were confirmed when seven white Psyche locks appeared on and around Asmodeus. Much to Phoenix’s surprise, he began to giggle.
“You can see these locks that bind me… Can’t you?” Asmodeus said, his smile becoming twisted. His voice seemed even more distorted inside of the darkness.
“How do you know about the Psyche-“ Phoenix said, not sure whether or not to be shocked or frightened.
“When I acquired this eye…” Asmodeus said, waving a finger in a circle around his mechanical eye “I became more… aware of things than I was before…” he said, almost sadly.
“Of course, I cannot remove them myself. I’m going to need your help. It is mandatory, for this will help you complete your case. Until the day comes when you will, however… I remain silent.” He finished. His red eye seemed to rotate inside of the black void that held it before the atmosphere became normal again.
“Anyway. I’m here to give you a ‘pointer’, as it were.” Asmodeus said once the air was clear again.
“Oh really? And what’s that?” Phoenix asked, looking away.
“Faulty evidence… Sound familiar…?”Asmodeus cooed robotically.
“Faulty evidence…?” Phoenix said, his eyes widening.
“Indeed. Specifically… The calling card.” Asmodeus said, brandishing a piece of paper. “Which, to my understanding, is a vital source of evidence.”
Asmodeus handed Phoenix the piece of paper.
“Here. You just have to scratch the card, and you’ll see what’s underneath it.”
“Why can’t you just tell me what’s underneath it?” Phoenix asked.
Asmodeus simply glared at him, which was incredibly unnerving.
“Is subtlety dead to people nowadays?” Phoenix thought.
Asmodeus snapped off one of his metal fingers and handed it to Phoenix. Phoenix was rather disturbed by it, and his mouth couldn't help but gape.
“…What? It clicks back on, I’ll have you know.”
“What if I didn’t want to scratch this card with your prosthetic finger?” Phoenix thought as he scratched the card.
Eventually, he saw what was underneath it and his eyes opened up in shock.
“Makes sense… Doesn’t it?” Asmodeus said to him slyly.
“Yes… But why? Why would he do something like this?”
“They say there’s no honor among…” Asmodeus started tauntingly. Phoenix interrupted him.
“I know the saying… But, at least I can crack deKillers lock when I see him before court.” Phoenix said, deciding not to keep the Psyche Locks a secret from Asmodeus anymore.
“I figured he’d hide something like this. He wants to protect a fellow criminal so he won’t die a shame. Typical.” Asmodeus said.
“You… no doubt have reservations about calling her bluff. You, of course, realize the pain that disbarment causes. So, I leave you with a question: Will you call her out on faulty evidence and ruin her life? Or will you find victory another way…? The choice is yours, Phoenix. I look forward to the answer.” Asmodeus said, smiling as he walked out the door.
Phoenix sat down on the sofa and looked at the paper in disbelief. He was now in charge of three lives. Calling Levi out would sacrifice two. Finding another way would salvage two.
“What am I going to do? Why would he do something like this?” Phoenix thought as he looked at the paper again as if to hope the result would change.
But it didn’t. And it never would.
Phoenix was busy working at his desk and thinking when he heard a knock on the door. He went to answer it.
“Asmodeus?” he said, in surprise.
“Surprise, surprise, Wright.” He said, smiling on the corner of his thin mouth.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, too tired to object.
“I’m on your side… this time. I wanted this case, but I didn’t get it. So, I’m going to bring Gaudium down alongside you.” Asmodeus stated, raising one of his index fingers in the air.
“This can’t be condoned…” Phoenix said, rubbing his eyes.
“But it is. I acquired the Chief Prosecutors permission.” Asmodeus said. His eyes closed and he smiled smugly.
“Alright, Asmodeus. I want to know: Just what is your connection to Lana Skye?”
He had a feeling of what was going to happen, and his suspicions were confirmed when seven white Psyche locks appeared on and around Asmodeus. Much to Phoenix’s surprise, he began to giggle.
“You can see these locks that bind me… Can’t you?” Asmodeus said, his smile becoming twisted. His voice seemed even more distorted inside of the darkness.
“How do you know about the Psyche-“ Phoenix said, not sure whether or not to be shocked or frightened.
“When I acquired this eye…” Asmodeus said, waving a finger in a circle around his mechanical eye “I became more… aware of things than I was before…” he said, almost sadly.
“Of course, I cannot remove them myself. I’m going to need your help. It is mandatory, for this will help you complete your case. Until the day comes when you will, however… I remain silent.” He finished. His red eye seemed to rotate inside of the black void that held it before the atmosphere became normal again.
“Anyway. I’m here to give you a ‘pointer’, as it were.” Asmodeus said once the air was clear again.
“Oh really? And what’s that?” Phoenix asked, looking away.
“Faulty evidence… Sound familiar…?”Asmodeus cooed robotically.
“Faulty evidence…?” Phoenix said, his eyes widening.
“Indeed. Specifically… The calling card.” Asmodeus said, brandishing a piece of paper. “Which, to my understanding, is a vital source of evidence.”
Asmodeus handed Phoenix the piece of paper.
“Here. You just have to scratch the card, and you’ll see what’s underneath it.”
“Why can’t you just tell me what’s underneath it?” Phoenix asked.
Asmodeus simply glared at him, which was incredibly unnerving.
“Is subtlety dead to people nowadays?” Phoenix thought.
Asmodeus snapped off one of his metal fingers and handed it to Phoenix. Phoenix was rather disturbed by it, and his mouth couldn't help but gape.
“…What? It clicks back on, I’ll have you know.”
“What if I didn’t want to scratch this card with your prosthetic finger?” Phoenix thought as he scratched the card.
Eventually, he saw what was underneath it and his eyes opened up in shock.
“Makes sense… Doesn’t it?” Asmodeus said to him slyly.
“Yes… But why? Why would he do something like this?”
“They say there’s no honor among…” Asmodeus started tauntingly. Phoenix interrupted him.
“I know the saying… But, at least I can crack deKillers lock when I see him before court.” Phoenix said, deciding not to keep the Psyche Locks a secret from Asmodeus anymore.
“I figured he’d hide something like this. He wants to protect a fellow criminal so he won’t die a shame. Typical.” Asmodeus said.
“You… no doubt have reservations about calling her bluff. You, of course, realize the pain that disbarment causes. So, I leave you with a question: Will you call her out on faulty evidence and ruin her life? Or will you find victory another way…? The choice is yours, Phoenix. I look forward to the answer.” Asmodeus said, smiling as he walked out the door.
Phoenix sat down on the sofa and looked at the paper in disbelief. He was now in charge of three lives. Calling Levi out would sacrifice two. Finding another way would salvage two.
“What am I going to do? Why would he do something like this?” Phoenix thought as he looked at the paper again as if to hope the result would change.
But it didn’t. And it never would.
Spoiler: Chapter 19: Shelly's Psyche Lock
June 21st, Defense Lobby, 11:00 AM
“Hello, Mister Wright.” Shelly said as he walked over to Phoenix. He was clad with an ill fitting orange jumpsuit, bereft of any dignity he had left.
“Hello, Shelly.” Phoenix said, approaching him.
“Are you ready for the trial?” Shelly said, looking to the left.
“Almost. I just have to talk to you about something.”
“Oh?” Shelly said, returning his gaze to Phoenix.
Take That!!
All turned again to cold shadow and a single Psyche Lock appeared on Shellys chest.
--Shellys Psyche Lock: Identity Of Kidnapper—
“Alright, Shelly. I know you’re a clever man. I know that you have a vague idea of who the kidnapper actually was.” Phoenix began. His statement was met by an eerie silence from Shelly.
“…So, I’m going to ask again, hoping you’ll answer voluntarily. Do you have any idea who kidnapped Franziska von Karma in your stead?” Phoenix pressed.
“…I did.” Shelly said, looking at Phoenix straight in the eye.
“Wrong answer, Shelly. I think you have a good idea of who he is. I think you have as much of an idea as I do.”
Shelly’s usually statue like posture suddenly gave way to a flash of sudden panic.
“!!” he gasped. He clenched a fist, and it shook in anxiety.
“Shelly, I honor your efforts to protect a fellow criminal, but it ends here… This person was the kidnapper of Franziska von Karma!"
Take That!!
“…You know, Shelly, I’ve seen a lot of criminals behind bars in my day. I only saved one. He stole the Tear Of Emanon. He stole a priceless ruby… But, I had no idea he resorted to stealing people for a living.”
“…Grrk.” Shelly grunted.
“Shelly, you knew that it was the work of Mask deMasque all along, didn’t you?” Phoenix said, flashing a picture of the phantom thief to deKiller.
“Assumptions, assumptions…” deKiller said, pressing two fingers between his eyebrows.
“It’s one thing to assume, Mister Wright... But unless you have any proof that it was Mask deMasque, your theory is void!"
Take That!!
“Here. This is an evidence report filed from a prosecutor, regarding your calling card that was left at the scene of the kidnapping.”
“What of it?” deKiller asked.
“Well, it turned out that it was lovingly painted over to look like your calling card. The true insignia that lay on the card… was this one.”
deKiller looked at the card, and gritted his teeth. On the card was a mask with a white left side and a red black side. It had a curving smile and above and below the mask the words ““Mask deMasque” and Salutations” hung in red and black letters.
“…Grrggh!” deKiller grunted in defeat.
The Psyche Lock shattered and Phoenix could feel energy in his veins as the chains disappeared and they reappeared in the Defense Lobby. Shelly immediately began to talk, with his head hung.
“Yes. I had a suspicion that it was Mask deMasque once I saw the card and the bailiffs threw me to the ground. I was under the assumption that he had been dormant, even retired, after his case with you, but I was wrong, it seems. This proves it.” Shelly said.
“Okay. Now that we’ve taken care of that, tell me what you think happened.”
“I believe after he made the call, he called Mask deMasque and hired him to kidnap Franziska at an earlier time. By the time I got there, I was immediately apprehended.”
“You were set up.” Phoenix said. “Don’t worry, Shelly. I’ll be sure to prove it.”
Shelly smiled on the inside upon hearing his promise. “Very well.”
***
Asmodeus Ex Machina appeared right on cue just as Shelly and the guards left.
“I take it you cracked that lock of his. Good show, Wright.” Asmodeus said, his hands clanking as he clapped.
“Ah, thanks.” Phoenix said. He looked down as Asmodeus’ left hand, and his memory snapped back to an hour ago.
“Oh! And, here.” Phoenix said, taking Asmodeus’ finger out of his pocket.
Asmodeus snatched it back, annoyed. After screwing it back on he spoke.
“Right. Let’s get this show on the road.” He said, puffing up his chest and walking with Phoenix to the court room.
***
June 21st, Court Room 3, 11:11 AM
The judge slammed down his gavel and began.
“Court is now in session for the trial of Shelly deKiller! Is the defense ready?”
“The defense is ready, your honor.”
Across the room was Levi Gaudium, dressed in the same clothes she was wearing last time they met her. She had apparently traded in her sari for a purple cape that was green trimmed.
“The prosecution…”
She lifted up the cape and three white doves flew out.
“Is ready!” she said, winking. “Tell me, Your Honor, do you enjoy Magic tricks?”
“Very much!” the judge said, nodding his head.
“In that case, I’ve got quite the show for you! Don’t blink, Your Honor, because you might miss the main event!” she said, green hair flying about.
“I’m so excited!” the judge said, clapping.
“…It’s great to see you again too, your honor.” Phoenix said, feeling slightly ignored.
“Alright! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get ready! Because it’s time for…" She slammed her hand on the desk and multicolored confetti flew out of spouts that were mounted on the sides of her desk.
“The Prosecutions... Opening... Statement!!"
The gallery roared in applause, and the judge seemed too transfixed to call for order. Levi Gaudium had the floor completely.
“Welcome back to Court, Phoenix. Better get used to the usual mayhem again…” he thought as Levi began to speak.
“Hello, Mister Wright.” Shelly said as he walked over to Phoenix. He was clad with an ill fitting orange jumpsuit, bereft of any dignity he had left.
“Hello, Shelly.” Phoenix said, approaching him.
“Are you ready for the trial?” Shelly said, looking to the left.
“Almost. I just have to talk to you about something.”
“Oh?” Shelly said, returning his gaze to Phoenix.
Take That!!
All turned again to cold shadow and a single Psyche Lock appeared on Shellys chest.
--Shellys Psyche Lock: Identity Of Kidnapper—
“Alright, Shelly. I know you’re a clever man. I know that you have a vague idea of who the kidnapper actually was.” Phoenix began. His statement was met by an eerie silence from Shelly.
“…So, I’m going to ask again, hoping you’ll answer voluntarily. Do you have any idea who kidnapped Franziska von Karma in your stead?” Phoenix pressed.
“…I did.” Shelly said, looking at Phoenix straight in the eye.
“Wrong answer, Shelly. I think you have a good idea of who he is. I think you have as much of an idea as I do.”
Shelly’s usually statue like posture suddenly gave way to a flash of sudden panic.
“!!” he gasped. He clenched a fist, and it shook in anxiety.
“Shelly, I honor your efforts to protect a fellow criminal, but it ends here… This person was the kidnapper of Franziska von Karma!"
Take That!!
“…You know, Shelly, I’ve seen a lot of criminals behind bars in my day. I only saved one. He stole the Tear Of Emanon. He stole a priceless ruby… But, I had no idea he resorted to stealing people for a living.”
“…Grrk.” Shelly grunted.
“Shelly, you knew that it was the work of Mask deMasque all along, didn’t you?” Phoenix said, flashing a picture of the phantom thief to deKiller.
“Assumptions, assumptions…” deKiller said, pressing two fingers between his eyebrows.
“It’s one thing to assume, Mister Wright... But unless you have any proof that it was Mask deMasque, your theory is void!"
Take That!!
“Here. This is an evidence report filed from a prosecutor, regarding your calling card that was left at the scene of the kidnapping.”
“What of it?” deKiller asked.
“Well, it turned out that it was lovingly painted over to look like your calling card. The true insignia that lay on the card… was this one.”
deKiller looked at the card, and gritted his teeth. On the card was a mask with a white left side and a red black side. It had a curving smile and above and below the mask the words ““Mask deMasque” and Salutations” hung in red and black letters.
“…Grrggh!” deKiller grunted in defeat.
The Psyche Lock shattered and Phoenix could feel energy in his veins as the chains disappeared and they reappeared in the Defense Lobby. Shelly immediately began to talk, with his head hung.
“Yes. I had a suspicion that it was Mask deMasque once I saw the card and the bailiffs threw me to the ground. I was under the assumption that he had been dormant, even retired, after his case with you, but I was wrong, it seems. This proves it.” Shelly said.
“Okay. Now that we’ve taken care of that, tell me what you think happened.”
“I believe after he made the call, he called Mask deMasque and hired him to kidnap Franziska at an earlier time. By the time I got there, I was immediately apprehended.”
“You were set up.” Phoenix said. “Don’t worry, Shelly. I’ll be sure to prove it.”
Shelly smiled on the inside upon hearing his promise. “Very well.”
***
Asmodeus Ex Machina appeared right on cue just as Shelly and the guards left.
“I take it you cracked that lock of his. Good show, Wright.” Asmodeus said, his hands clanking as he clapped.
“Ah, thanks.” Phoenix said. He looked down as Asmodeus’ left hand, and his memory snapped back to an hour ago.
“Oh! And, here.” Phoenix said, taking Asmodeus’ finger out of his pocket.
Asmodeus snatched it back, annoyed. After screwing it back on he spoke.
“Right. Let’s get this show on the road.” He said, puffing up his chest and walking with Phoenix to the court room.
***
June 21st, Court Room 3, 11:11 AM
The judge slammed down his gavel and began.
“Court is now in session for the trial of Shelly deKiller! Is the defense ready?”
“The defense is ready, your honor.”
Across the room was Levi Gaudium, dressed in the same clothes she was wearing last time they met her. She had apparently traded in her sari for a purple cape that was green trimmed.
“The prosecution…”
She lifted up the cape and three white doves flew out.
“Is ready!” she said, winking. “Tell me, Your Honor, do you enjoy Magic tricks?”
“Very much!” the judge said, nodding his head.
“In that case, I’ve got quite the show for you! Don’t blink, Your Honor, because you might miss the main event!” she said, green hair flying about.
“I’m so excited!” the judge said, clapping.
“…It’s great to see you again too, your honor.” Phoenix said, feeling slightly ignored.
“Alright! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get ready! Because it’s time for…" She slammed her hand on the desk and multicolored confetti flew out of spouts that were mounted on the sides of her desk.
“The Prosecutions... Opening... Statement!!"
The gallery roared in applause, and the judge seemed too transfixed to call for order. Levi Gaudium had the floor completely.
“Welcome back to Court, Phoenix. Better get used to the usual mayhem again…” he thought as Levi began to speak.
Spoiler: Chapter 20: Rykker Tophel
June 21st, Wright Anything Agency, 11:11 AM
Enter Apollo.
“What are we going to do now, Polly?” Trucy asked Apollo, looking deep in thought.
“Well, I suppose the best thing to do would be to talk to the Police Captain about the status of Franziska von Karma… I’m a little bit nervous about meeting him, as a matter of fact. I’ve heard he’s a guy with a mean streak a mile wide.” Apollo said, looking down.
“What’s the Police Captains name?” Trucy asked.
“Herr Rykker Tophel. He backs up most of the SWAT investigations, among other things.” Klavier said as he made himself apparent from the doorway.
“Oh, hello, Klavier!” Trucy said, cheering up.
“Hallo, Fräulein.” Klavier said, smiling with her.
“Hey Klavier. What are you doing here?” Apollo asked, surprised Klavier was coming uannounced.
“Ah, I heard the news of Fräulein Franziskas kidnapping. I thought you might appreciate an extra pair of hands, ja? Besides. Herr Tophel and I are on good terms with each other. I could be beneficial…” Klavier said, smiling with blue eyes glowing and white teeth shining.
“Alright, Klavier. Could you take us to him?”
“Of course.” He said smiling slyly as he played with his blonde hair. The precinct was a short drive away, and they reached
June 21st, Police Precinct: SWAT Briefing Room, 11:20 AM
The SWAT briefing room was a large auditorium with rows upon rows of seats and a single podium in center stage. There were stage lights above, and if not for the SWAT banners hanging down from the top of the stage and the dark curtains, the place would have been a brilliant spot for a concert or magic show.
A stocky built man was on the stage. He wore a black suit and several military medals hung from a tab on his chest. He had a grey hair in a buzzcut. His right eye was an intense blue, but his left was covered with an eye-patch. He wore two flat epaulets on his shoulders with stars that went down them. He had light latex gloves on, and his brows were furrowed and determined.
“Greetings, Herr Tophel.” Klavier said, extending a hand.
“Klavier.” The other said gruffly as he shook hands with Klavier and nodded in approval. Apollo could sense some faint Swedish in his accent.
“You must be Apollo Justice.” Tophel said as he nodded at Apollo.
“S-Sir yes sir, General Rykker!” Apollo said, standing up straighter and saluting.
“That’s General Tophel to you, Justice!” Rykker said, his loud and rough voice echoing through the Auditorium. He raised a gloved index finger underneath Apollos jaw and jabbed at it slightly, propping his chin up.
Rykkers gold glare instructed Apollo to freeze. Trucy looked on stunned and worried, but Klavier smiled knowingly.
“No doubt you kids are here about Franziska von Karma…” Rykker said, pacing back and forth, his boots creating gunshot like booms every time he stepped.
“Yes, General Tophel…” Trucy said, a little bit scared of him. Rykker smiled from the corner of his mouth.
“…Heh. All in good time, little missy! The next meeting is in a few minutes. There, I will explain the procedure of our raid.”
“Can I take this to mean you’ve found her, General Tophel?” Apollo said, perking up a bit.
“You will speak when spoken to, Justice!” Rykker commanded angrily. “…But, yes. We have traced her location and we’re almost certain of it this time… I hope.” Rykker ended sadly, looking down.
“You knew Manfred von Karma, ja?” Klavier asked, looking a bit less confident.
“Yes, so I feel obligated to rescuing his daughter. If I don’t, I may never forgive myself.” Rykker said, looking up and crossing his arms behind his back.
“But I digress. The war moves on no matter how many soldiers may die!” he thrust his arm to the side and revealed that he held a switch that he quickly flipped with his finger. Shortly afterwards, the SWAT team came in and sat themselves down.
“Members of the Tophel Brigade, open your ears and listen!” he said, thrusting out his arms to his sides.
“I have received information that Franziska von Karma may be hidden away inside of an abandoned dilapidated apartment complex to the north of here. If we lose her here, we may not find her again. Head into the Tophel Fleet and capture every one inside of that building and apprehend them as suspects: I want the kidnapper bound and gagged: I want him back alive!” he roared, lifting a gloved fist into the air.
On cue, all of the soldiers stood up and shouted “Sir, yes sir!” in perfect unison. The sound was an explosive one that was more powerful than Tophel and Apollos Chords of Steel combined.
“Perfect!” Tophel said, pumping his fist back down. “Tophel Brigade DISMISSED!”
“Colonel Campion!” Tophel yelled at a recruit, who stood still. “Report to me at once.”
“Sir, yes sir!” replied the recruit named Campion. Campion appeared to be in his early thirties, and had wild brown hair and a beard. He appeared to be heterochromatic, and he had three diagonal scars on his forehead. He closed his blue eye. His voice was a bit raspy.
“Colonel, you will be boarding the Flagship. Tell the men to wait until you give them the command, then storm the house at once.”
“Shall we flank it, sir?” he said, opening his blue eye and closing his brown one.
“See that you do, Colonel!...Also, you should do something about that hair. It’s rather on the gaudy side, don’t you think? It’s not regulation! Dismissed!”
Campion ran off, and Apollo, Klavier and Trucy quickly followed his example, not wanting to get tangled in the confusion.
Enter Apollo.
“What are we going to do now, Polly?” Trucy asked Apollo, looking deep in thought.
“Well, I suppose the best thing to do would be to talk to the Police Captain about the status of Franziska von Karma… I’m a little bit nervous about meeting him, as a matter of fact. I’ve heard he’s a guy with a mean streak a mile wide.” Apollo said, looking down.
“What’s the Police Captains name?” Trucy asked.
“Herr Rykker Tophel. He backs up most of the SWAT investigations, among other things.” Klavier said as he made himself apparent from the doorway.
“Oh, hello, Klavier!” Trucy said, cheering up.
“Hallo, Fräulein.” Klavier said, smiling with her.
“Hey Klavier. What are you doing here?” Apollo asked, surprised Klavier was coming uannounced.
“Ah, I heard the news of Fräulein Franziskas kidnapping. I thought you might appreciate an extra pair of hands, ja? Besides. Herr Tophel and I are on good terms with each other. I could be beneficial…” Klavier said, smiling with blue eyes glowing and white teeth shining.
“Alright, Klavier. Could you take us to him?”
“Of course.” He said smiling slyly as he played with his blonde hair. The precinct was a short drive away, and they reached
June 21st, Police Precinct: SWAT Briefing Room, 11:20 AM
The SWAT briefing room was a large auditorium with rows upon rows of seats and a single podium in center stage. There were stage lights above, and if not for the SWAT banners hanging down from the top of the stage and the dark curtains, the place would have been a brilliant spot for a concert or magic show.
A stocky built man was on the stage. He wore a black suit and several military medals hung from a tab on his chest. He had a grey hair in a buzzcut. His right eye was an intense blue, but his left was covered with an eye-patch. He wore two flat epaulets on his shoulders with stars that went down them. He had light latex gloves on, and his brows were furrowed and determined.
“Greetings, Herr Tophel.” Klavier said, extending a hand.
“Klavier.” The other said gruffly as he shook hands with Klavier and nodded in approval. Apollo could sense some faint Swedish in his accent.
“You must be Apollo Justice.” Tophel said as he nodded at Apollo.
“S-Sir yes sir, General Rykker!” Apollo said, standing up straighter and saluting.
“That’s General Tophel to you, Justice!” Rykker said, his loud and rough voice echoing through the Auditorium. He raised a gloved index finger underneath Apollos jaw and jabbed at it slightly, propping his chin up.
Rykkers gold glare instructed Apollo to freeze. Trucy looked on stunned and worried, but Klavier smiled knowingly.
“No doubt you kids are here about Franziska von Karma…” Rykker said, pacing back and forth, his boots creating gunshot like booms every time he stepped.
“Yes, General Tophel…” Trucy said, a little bit scared of him. Rykker smiled from the corner of his mouth.
“…Heh. All in good time, little missy! The next meeting is in a few minutes. There, I will explain the procedure of our raid.”
“Can I take this to mean you’ve found her, General Tophel?” Apollo said, perking up a bit.
“You will speak when spoken to, Justice!” Rykker commanded angrily. “…But, yes. We have traced her location and we’re almost certain of it this time… I hope.” Rykker ended sadly, looking down.
“You knew Manfred von Karma, ja?” Klavier asked, looking a bit less confident.
“Yes, so I feel obligated to rescuing his daughter. If I don’t, I may never forgive myself.” Rykker said, looking up and crossing his arms behind his back.
“But I digress. The war moves on no matter how many soldiers may die!” he thrust his arm to the side and revealed that he held a switch that he quickly flipped with his finger. Shortly afterwards, the SWAT team came in and sat themselves down.
“Members of the Tophel Brigade, open your ears and listen!” he said, thrusting out his arms to his sides.
“I have received information that Franziska von Karma may be hidden away inside of an abandoned dilapidated apartment complex to the north of here. If we lose her here, we may not find her again. Head into the Tophel Fleet and capture every one inside of that building and apprehend them as suspects: I want the kidnapper bound and gagged: I want him back alive!” he roared, lifting a gloved fist into the air.
On cue, all of the soldiers stood up and shouted “Sir, yes sir!” in perfect unison. The sound was an explosive one that was more powerful than Tophel and Apollos Chords of Steel combined.
“Perfect!” Tophel said, pumping his fist back down. “Tophel Brigade DISMISSED!”
“Colonel Campion!” Tophel yelled at a recruit, who stood still. “Report to me at once.”
“Sir, yes sir!” replied the recruit named Campion. Campion appeared to be in his early thirties, and had wild brown hair and a beard. He appeared to be heterochromatic, and he had three diagonal scars on his forehead. He closed his blue eye. His voice was a bit raspy.
“Colonel, you will be boarding the Flagship. Tell the men to wait until you give them the command, then storm the house at once.”
“Shall we flank it, sir?” he said, opening his blue eye and closing his brown one.
“See that you do, Colonel!...Also, you should do something about that hair. It’s rather on the gaudy side, don’t you think? It’s not regulation! Dismissed!”
Campion ran off, and Apollo, Klavier and Trucy quickly followed his example, not wanting to get tangled in the confusion.
Spoiler: Chapter 21: Levi's Power Play
June 21st, Court Room 3, 11:20 AM
Enter Phoenix
“Ladies, Gentlemen, let’s wind the clocks back around two days… Up above, in Court Room 101, a debate of the innocence of the victim of this very case was being held. The charge was for murder. The prosecutor of that case is the very man standing right next to our Defense Attorney: His name is Asmodeus Ex Machina, The Half Life Prosecutor.” Levi said, making sure she was heard.
Asmodeus seemed to be displeased with the new attention he was getting.
“The Defense Attorney who defended the victim was one… Apollo Justice…” Phoenix could feel and hear Levis voice softly melt as she said Apollo’s name, and she leaned over the desk to support herself.
“The two were in the heat of debate, but then the unthinkable happened!: Mister Justice suddenly passed out! Mister Ex Machina, perhaps in an act of shock, followed suit.” Levi said, returning to her standing stance.
Phoenix could hear Asmodeus scoff at the very thought, but said nothing.
“The courtroom went wild! During the commotion, the accused, Franziska von Karma, was
(drum-roll please…) abducted!” Levi said, expressive hands flitting about.
“…So tell me… is that man sitting in the Defendants Chair? How do you plead… Phoenix Wright?” Levi said as she crossed her arms and focused all of her might into her golden eyed glare.
“Last chance to throw this case…” Asmodeus muttered to Phoenix, smiling.
“I plead Not Guilty.” Phoenix said, returning the stare.
Phoenix studied his green haired opponent intently, drinking in every fidget of surprise that his action elicited from her and everyone else: The Judge, the gallery, and Asmodeus Ex Machina. Energy flowed into his veins and he felt like a man of twenty four again.
Levi Gaudiums ruby red lips curved slowly into a small smile.
“Very well…” she fanned out a mixture of five red and blue backed cards. “Pick a card… but choose wisely…” Levi said, her eyes squinting and her eyes narrowing.
“How far does she expect her magic tricks to take her?” Phoenix thought. “I choose the second one from your left.” He shrugged as he guessed.
The other cards contracted back into the deck and it slid into her sleeve. Levi held the singular blue backed card between two white gloved fingers.
She closed her eyes and slowly sunk the card from her head down to her chest as she spoke.
“Very well. This witness was there at the scene of the crime, waiting to be cross examined when he witnessed the kidnapping. Nobody knows his name or face, but this masked man may be the sole solace for us to learn the truth…” she said silently.
It was then that Phoenix finally caught on to what Levi did.
He didn’t just pick a card: He picked a witness.
Levi opened her eyes quickly and slammed the card face up on the table. On the card was an abstract art of a man dressed in all black, wearing a black mask that concealed all of his features. The cards suit was the spade.
“With this, the defense has called its first witness to the stand!” Levi said, pointing dramatically. The crowd applauded as the witness walked to the stand, two bailiffs at his side.
He wore a black overcoat and a black mask that covered his entire head. He was clothed in all black.
“Witness, grace this court with your name and occupation, if you please!” Levi said, crossing her arms.
“Silence. My name is Silence. I am currently unemployed.” The black covered man explained.
“Allow me to shed more light on the subject, ladies and gentlemen. Silence was a man who desired Witness and Identity protection after witnessing Franziska murder Detective Gumshoe. However…” Levi said, looking around for peoples reaction.
“After Asmodeus and Apollo-kins passed out, he witnessed the very crime!” she said, slamming down on her desk. Small fireworks came from the spouts on the sides of her desks. They sizzled into the air just above Levi and disintegrated with a hissing sound. The judge still seemed to be transfixed.
The gallery broke into whispers before all died down into silence with the bang of the Judges Gavel.
“You are to address this with your testimony at once, Mister Silence!”
“…Very well.” Silence answered gruffly.
--Testimony Of Silence--
“As previously mentioned, I am a witness in State versus von Karma that required Witness Protection.”
“Hence my mask and the two bailiffs at my side.”
“Anyway, I was waiting to be cross examined: Apollo was cross examining the Half Life Prosecutor, over there…”
“And then all of a sudden, he just passes out, right over his bench!”
“Ex Machina followed suite. His attendant caught him from his fall, but he was out cold.”
“The gallery went nuts! Baliffs swarmed the area trying to keep the place intact, including the guards at my sides.”
“I was defenseless, and out of pure fear, I ducked down under the commotion: I feared that someone was prepared to kill me!”
“Then I looked up at the defendants bench, and someone dressed like a baliff was up there alone. He kidnapped Franziska von Karma, and quickly ran away.”
“That Shelly deKiller is a horrible coward!”
--End Testimony--
“The Witness has spoken, Phoenix. The stakes have been raised: All the cards are on the table now... Do you want to go all in, or are you gonna fold?” Levi said, flipping a card between her fingers.
“Levi, are you aware of my past Poker legacy at the Borscht Bowl Club?” Phoenix asked.
“Of course… Beating the Phoenix Wright at two of his games is part of the reason why I took this case.” Levi said, smiling.
“Well, I’m not about to lose either of my games yet: I’m going all in!”
The crowd applauded, and the judge seemed a few steps behind clapping himself.
“The Defense would like to Cross Examine the witness!” Phoenix said, pointing.
“Very well.” The judge said.
“Better be careful, Wright. I know Levi: She never misses a trick, Magic or otherwise… If you don’t present that evidence, and soon, you could find yourself in big trouble…” Asmodeus said crossing his arms as smoke blew out of the pipes on his back lazily.
“I’m going to go without it. Levi isn’t my favorite prosecutor, but she doesn’t deserve what I had to go through.” Phoenix said, looking at Asmodeus from the corner of his eyes.
“Self righteous to the end? So be it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Asmodeus muttered to Phoenix.
“Without further ado, Let the Cross Examination… begin!” Levi said, holding her arms up high and at length. Another applause from the gallery led into the Cross Examination of Silence.
Enter Phoenix
“Ladies, Gentlemen, let’s wind the clocks back around two days… Up above, in Court Room 101, a debate of the innocence of the victim of this very case was being held. The charge was for murder. The prosecutor of that case is the very man standing right next to our Defense Attorney: His name is Asmodeus Ex Machina, The Half Life Prosecutor.” Levi said, making sure she was heard.
Asmodeus seemed to be displeased with the new attention he was getting.
“The Defense Attorney who defended the victim was one… Apollo Justice…” Phoenix could feel and hear Levis voice softly melt as she said Apollo’s name, and she leaned over the desk to support herself.
“The two were in the heat of debate, but then the unthinkable happened!: Mister Justice suddenly passed out! Mister Ex Machina, perhaps in an act of shock, followed suit.” Levi said, returning to her standing stance.
Phoenix could hear Asmodeus scoff at the very thought, but said nothing.
“The courtroom went wild! During the commotion, the accused, Franziska von Karma, was
(drum-roll please…) abducted!” Levi said, expressive hands flitting about.
“…So tell me… is that man sitting in the Defendants Chair? How do you plead… Phoenix Wright?” Levi said as she crossed her arms and focused all of her might into her golden eyed glare.
“Last chance to throw this case…” Asmodeus muttered to Phoenix, smiling.
“I plead Not Guilty.” Phoenix said, returning the stare.
Phoenix studied his green haired opponent intently, drinking in every fidget of surprise that his action elicited from her and everyone else: The Judge, the gallery, and Asmodeus Ex Machina. Energy flowed into his veins and he felt like a man of twenty four again.
Levi Gaudiums ruby red lips curved slowly into a small smile.
“Very well…” she fanned out a mixture of five red and blue backed cards. “Pick a card… but choose wisely…” Levi said, her eyes squinting and her eyes narrowing.
“How far does she expect her magic tricks to take her?” Phoenix thought. “I choose the second one from your left.” He shrugged as he guessed.
The other cards contracted back into the deck and it slid into her sleeve. Levi held the singular blue backed card between two white gloved fingers.
She closed her eyes and slowly sunk the card from her head down to her chest as she spoke.
“Very well. This witness was there at the scene of the crime, waiting to be cross examined when he witnessed the kidnapping. Nobody knows his name or face, but this masked man may be the sole solace for us to learn the truth…” she said silently.
It was then that Phoenix finally caught on to what Levi did.
He didn’t just pick a card: He picked a witness.
Levi opened her eyes quickly and slammed the card face up on the table. On the card was an abstract art of a man dressed in all black, wearing a black mask that concealed all of his features. The cards suit was the spade.
“With this, the defense has called its first witness to the stand!” Levi said, pointing dramatically. The crowd applauded as the witness walked to the stand, two bailiffs at his side.
He wore a black overcoat and a black mask that covered his entire head. He was clothed in all black.
“Witness, grace this court with your name and occupation, if you please!” Levi said, crossing her arms.
“Silence. My name is Silence. I am currently unemployed.” The black covered man explained.
“Allow me to shed more light on the subject, ladies and gentlemen. Silence was a man who desired Witness and Identity protection after witnessing Franziska murder Detective Gumshoe. However…” Levi said, looking around for peoples reaction.
“After Asmodeus and Apollo-kins passed out, he witnessed the very crime!” she said, slamming down on her desk. Small fireworks came from the spouts on the sides of her desks. They sizzled into the air just above Levi and disintegrated with a hissing sound. The judge still seemed to be transfixed.
The gallery broke into whispers before all died down into silence with the bang of the Judges Gavel.
“You are to address this with your testimony at once, Mister Silence!”
“…Very well.” Silence answered gruffly.
--Testimony Of Silence--
“As previously mentioned, I am a witness in State versus von Karma that required Witness Protection.”
“Hence my mask and the two bailiffs at my side.”
“Anyway, I was waiting to be cross examined: Apollo was cross examining the Half Life Prosecutor, over there…”
“And then all of a sudden, he just passes out, right over his bench!”
“Ex Machina followed suite. His attendant caught him from his fall, but he was out cold.”
“The gallery went nuts! Baliffs swarmed the area trying to keep the place intact, including the guards at my sides.”
“I was defenseless, and out of pure fear, I ducked down under the commotion: I feared that someone was prepared to kill me!”
“Then I looked up at the defendants bench, and someone dressed like a baliff was up there alone. He kidnapped Franziska von Karma, and quickly ran away.”
“That Shelly deKiller is a horrible coward!”
--End Testimony--
“The Witness has spoken, Phoenix. The stakes have been raised: All the cards are on the table now... Do you want to go all in, or are you gonna fold?” Levi said, flipping a card between her fingers.
“Levi, are you aware of my past Poker legacy at the Borscht Bowl Club?” Phoenix asked.
“Of course… Beating the Phoenix Wright at two of his games is part of the reason why I took this case.” Levi said, smiling.
“Well, I’m not about to lose either of my games yet: I’m going all in!”
The crowd applauded, and the judge seemed a few steps behind clapping himself.
“The Defense would like to Cross Examine the witness!” Phoenix said, pointing.
“Very well.” The judge said.
“Better be careful, Wright. I know Levi: She never misses a trick, Magic or otherwise… If you don’t present that evidence, and soon, you could find yourself in big trouble…” Asmodeus said crossing his arms as smoke blew out of the pipes on his back lazily.
“I’m going to go without it. Levi isn’t my favorite prosecutor, but she doesn’t deserve what I had to go through.” Phoenix said, looking at Asmodeus from the corner of his eyes.
“Self righteous to the end? So be it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Asmodeus muttered to Phoenix.
“Without further ado, Let the Cross Examination… begin!” Levi said, holding her arms up high and at length. Another applause from the gallery led into the Cross Examination of Silence.
Spoiler: Chapter 22: Flashback #1
This chapter is dark and quite graphic to the point that I'm afraid of posting it here.
If you'd like to read it, you can do so by clicking this link here.
If you'd like to read it, you can do so by clicking this link here.
And, here's my chapter commentary! Spoiler for all the chapters so far, in case you haven't read yet.
Spoiler: My Commentary
Chapter 1: The first half of this chapter is definitely one of the darker things I've written. I love Gumshoe, but in order for this plot to be set in motion, someone had to go from Phoenix's past. Since Kenji took place during AJ, I figured that having Gumshoe dead wouldn't qualify for AU.
I've recieved alot of complaints about the layout of this chapter, and the one that you read here is different then everywhere else you'll read it.
Chapter 2: Having Franziska as the accused seemed like the best idea. Larry and Edgey have already been accused enough. I wanted to change Franziska around so that she perhaps got a bit mature with age. Seven years later and she would be twenty five. I've seen plenty of fan art of Franziska dressed in black. I always thought she looked so pretty, so I decided to yank that concept for my fic. Hope no one minds.
I originally intended for Franziska to have a crush on Apollo and Trucy in turn to have a thing for Franziska, but that got stamped out during later production.
Chapter 3: Here I explain more about the enigmatic Half Life Prosecutor... Well, he's not really enigmatic, being an OC... But that's besides the point!
Anyway, Franziska tells Apollo more about his past, and we also get his full name: Asmodeus Ex Machina.
Chapter 4: Phoenix joins the party, and Apollo tells him to investigate the clinic that operated on Ex Machina. Not much to say here.
Chapter 5: I think I did an alright job writing Lisa, but I'm very disapointed in the outcome of Derek and Angie. (Especially Derek.) Being an avid Trauma Center fan, I think I could have written him a bit better.
And, we find another one of Phoenix's old friends...
Chapter 6: I think I could have done a better job writing Ema too. We saw her as a generally grumpy and pessimistic detective, but here the banter between Ema and Polly seems a bit unnaturally smooth.
I'm pretty happy with Apollo in this chapter, though with the way he stuck up for Franziska.
Chapter 7: We meet The Master, and Phoenix doesn't get any answers: Just a sore reminder of years past.
For me, Larry always had that factor of possible insanity. He's been betrayed left and right, and dumped on his back all the time. The guy always got the short end of the stick, and I thought that he wouldn't be able to take it much longer. A few cryptic riddles is all Phoenix gets out of Larry before the meeting goes sour.
Before he went totally bananas, I like to think he had the hots for Angie. I mean, who doesnt?
Chapter 8: Apollo calls Phoenix before the case, and Phoenix reviews the situation.
Once again, not much to say here.
Chapter 9: The mysterious Nokturn contacts Shelly to do a job for him.
The idea of Shelly returning was something I always found intriguing... So, I decided to make him return. I'm pretty proud of the way he turned out, I just wish that Nokturn didn't act so similar to him.
Chapter 10: Asmodeus Ex Machina finally makes his debut in court.
I'm pretty proud of the way this chapter turned out, I just wish I could find a way to make Asmodeus' speech different without it being too confusing.
Chapter 11: I've also recieved alot of complaints about the layout of this chapter. I'll probably return and redo it, but for now... it'll stay.
Chapter 12: Nothing much to say about this chapter, but it's not as clunky as Chapter 11, which is a good sign.
Chapter 13: Personally, this is my favorite chapter thus far. The idea of Apollos Percieve ability degrading was something that always stuck out in my mind whenever he used it, and I couldn't help but think: "I wonder if it's been used before? Can I use it?"
So I did, and I'm quite proud of the result.
Chapter 14: Asmodeus waking up was another scene that I was very proud of.
This chapter also marks the beginning of Phoenix's true contribution to the case.
I wish that I made the scene with Hotti and Hickfield a little bit funnier. The two being seperate people in the same building and then meeting was something that never ceased to entertain me. But, I guess I can't help it.
Chapter 15: Say what you will, but I'm very proud of the way Phoenix and Asmodeus' little psychological battle turned out.
And, it looks like we're officially treading into FeenZiska territory.
Chapter 16: I'm actually quite surprised that there hasn't been a Magician Prosecutor yet. I'm not going to try to tie her into the Gramarye arc, but I can already tell that I'm going to have alot of fun with Levi.
Chapter 17: Lana visits Asmodeus and chats with him the night before the trial.
Lana and Asmo are fairly similar characters, so I suppose that's what attracts me to the dynamic of the duo being familiar with each other. Also, I'm glad that I showed Asmodeus' more sensitive side, because I didn't want him to be a Gary Sue.
Hooray for Lana x Neil!
Chapter 18: Mostly filler, but we get a few answers in the next chapter.
Chapter 19: We finally get some answers heading into Phoenix's showdown with Levi Gaudium.
The hows and why's will be explained later!
Chapter 20: On FF.net, I have recieved a complaint or two about me forgetting about Apollo. Rest assured, I haven't yet and Apollo is still the main character. To reiterate this, I decided to have a break in Wright VS Gaudium and have a quick chapter with him and the SWAT team, the most prominent of which is Rykker Tophel, the teams General.
Also, Klavier makes his first appearance in the story.
Chapter 21: I wanted to have Levi use her magic tricks in some form to confuse or befuddle Phoenix. Her little Power Play in this chapter is probably going to be the start of many in the same vein.
A little fun fact was that the character of Silence was originally intended to be deKiller in disguise. Somehow the kink got ironed out during development.
Speaking of which, I'm not going to bother writing a profile for Silence, because (currently) he's not that important a character, and he might even be someone that Phoenix or Apollo knows... *wink*
Chapter 22: We finally visit Franziska in her prison. We also finally meet the true kidnapper, and his client.
That's it for now, I guess.
Chapter 23: After some clarification from Klavier about Campion, we run into another member of Law Enforcement: His name is Ion Frit and he's a friend of Klaviers... But is he trustworthy?
Chapter 24: Levi and Phoenix continue to duke it out as the mysterious witness Silence gives his testimony.
I can't help but feel as if I wandered outside of the bounds of Levi's character here, but hopefully I'll get a chance to revamp this later.
We also learn that Levi was once one of Asmodeus' apprentices... And we also learn that he might be able to see someone who Phoenix can't...
Chapter 25: Another chapter featuring Lana and Asmodeus. A bit more touchy and emotional than it's predecessing chapters.
I really wanted to explore the kinship between Lana and Asmo ever since writing 'The Other Side'. In case you haven't realized, there is going to be another subplot in this story, among Phoenix's, Apollo's, and Franziska's...
I've recieved alot of complaints about the layout of this chapter, and the one that you read here is different then everywhere else you'll read it.
Chapter 2: Having Franziska as the accused seemed like the best idea. Larry and Edgey have already been accused enough. I wanted to change Franziska around so that she perhaps got a bit mature with age. Seven years later and she would be twenty five. I've seen plenty of fan art of Franziska dressed in black. I always thought she looked so pretty, so I decided to yank that concept for my fic. Hope no one minds.
I originally intended for Franziska to have a crush on Apollo and Trucy in turn to have a thing for Franziska, but that got stamped out during later production.
Chapter 3: Here I explain more about the enigmatic Half Life Prosecutor... Well, he's not really enigmatic, being an OC... But that's besides the point!
Anyway, Franziska tells Apollo more about his past, and we also get his full name: Asmodeus Ex Machina.
Chapter 4: Phoenix joins the party, and Apollo tells him to investigate the clinic that operated on Ex Machina. Not much to say here.
Chapter 5: I think I did an alright job writing Lisa, but I'm very disapointed in the outcome of Derek and Angie. (Especially Derek.) Being an avid Trauma Center fan, I think I could have written him a bit better.
And, we find another one of Phoenix's old friends...
Chapter 6: I think I could have done a better job writing Ema too. We saw her as a generally grumpy and pessimistic detective, but here the banter between Ema and Polly seems a bit unnaturally smooth.
I'm pretty happy with Apollo in this chapter, though with the way he stuck up for Franziska.
Chapter 7: We meet The Master, and Phoenix doesn't get any answers: Just a sore reminder of years past.
For me, Larry always had that factor of possible insanity. He's been betrayed left and right, and dumped on his back all the time. The guy always got the short end of the stick, and I thought that he wouldn't be able to take it much longer. A few cryptic riddles is all Phoenix gets out of Larry before the meeting goes sour.
Before he went totally bananas, I like to think he had the hots for Angie. I mean, who doesnt?
Chapter 8: Apollo calls Phoenix before the case, and Phoenix reviews the situation.
Once again, not much to say here.
Chapter 9: The mysterious Nokturn contacts Shelly to do a job for him.
The idea of Shelly returning was something I always found intriguing... So, I decided to make him return. I'm pretty proud of the way he turned out, I just wish that Nokturn didn't act so similar to him.
Chapter 10: Asmodeus Ex Machina finally makes his debut in court.
I'm pretty proud of the way this chapter turned out, I just wish I could find a way to make Asmodeus' speech different without it being too confusing.
Chapter 11: I've also recieved alot of complaints about the layout of this chapter. I'll probably return and redo it, but for now... it'll stay.
Chapter 12: Nothing much to say about this chapter, but it's not as clunky as Chapter 11, which is a good sign.
Chapter 13: Personally, this is my favorite chapter thus far. The idea of Apollos Percieve ability degrading was something that always stuck out in my mind whenever he used it, and I couldn't help but think: "I wonder if it's been used before? Can I use it?"
So I did, and I'm quite proud of the result.
Chapter 14: Asmodeus waking up was another scene that I was very proud of.
This chapter also marks the beginning of Phoenix's true contribution to the case.
I wish that I made the scene with Hotti and Hickfield a little bit funnier. The two being seperate people in the same building and then meeting was something that never ceased to entertain me. But, I guess I can't help it.
Chapter 15: Say what you will, but I'm very proud of the way Phoenix and Asmodeus' little psychological battle turned out.
And, it looks like we're officially treading into FeenZiska territory.
Chapter 16: I'm actually quite surprised that there hasn't been a Magician Prosecutor yet. I'm not going to try to tie her into the Gramarye arc, but I can already tell that I'm going to have alot of fun with Levi.
Chapter 17: Lana visits Asmodeus and chats with him the night before the trial.
Lana and Asmo are fairly similar characters, so I suppose that's what attracts me to the dynamic of the duo being familiar with each other. Also, I'm glad that I showed Asmodeus' more sensitive side, because I didn't want him to be a Gary Sue.
Hooray for Lana x Neil!
Chapter 18: Mostly filler, but we get a few answers in the next chapter.
Chapter 19: We finally get some answers heading into Phoenix's showdown with Levi Gaudium.
The hows and why's will be explained later!
Chapter 20: On FF.net, I have recieved a complaint or two about me forgetting about Apollo. Rest assured, I haven't yet and Apollo is still the main character. To reiterate this, I decided to have a break in Wright VS Gaudium and have a quick chapter with him and the SWAT team, the most prominent of which is Rykker Tophel, the teams General.
Also, Klavier makes his first appearance in the story.
Chapter 21: I wanted to have Levi use her magic tricks in some form to confuse or befuddle Phoenix. Her little Power Play in this chapter is probably going to be the start of many in the same vein.
A little fun fact was that the character of Silence was originally intended to be deKiller in disguise. Somehow the kink got ironed out during development.
Speaking of which, I'm not going to bother writing a profile for Silence, because (currently) he's not that important a character, and he might even be someone that Phoenix or Apollo knows... *wink*
Chapter 22: We finally visit Franziska in her prison. We also finally meet the true kidnapper, and his client.
That's it for now, I guess.
Chapter 23: After some clarification from Klavier about Campion, we run into another member of Law Enforcement: His name is Ion Frit and he's a friend of Klaviers... But is he trustworthy?
Chapter 24: Levi and Phoenix continue to duke it out as the mysterious witness Silence gives his testimony.
I can't help but feel as if I wandered outside of the bounds of Levi's character here, but hopefully I'll get a chance to revamp this later.
We also learn that Levi was once one of Asmodeus' apprentices... And we also learn that he might be able to see someone who Phoenix can't...
Chapter 25: Another chapter featuring Lana and Asmodeus. A bit more touchy and emotional than it's predecessing chapters.
I really wanted to explore the kinship between Lana and Asmo ever since writing 'The Other Side'. In case you haven't realized, there is going to be another subplot in this story, among Phoenix's, Apollo's, and Franziska's...
Sig By Elriel!Last edited by The_Metal on Fri May 22, 2009 7:07 pm, edited 89 times in total.
Re: Metal's Fanfiction
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EDIT: Ok, I've read. From the very first chapter, I wanted to carry on reading. I was a bit sad that Gumshoe was the one who was killed, but overall, I loved your fanfiction. The only part I couldn't understand is, why does the prosecutor always speak 'with capital letters' as it were. And what is his relation to Godot?
♥Twatanorm♥
Signature by blinq
Re: Metal's Fanfiction
You can't kill the Metal...
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Yeah, it was pretty hard for me to write poor Gumshoes death like that... But, there's always a rhyme and reason, as they say.
And, as for your questions, the Prosecutor talks like that because he was disfigured. As a result, his voice sounds mechanical. I would have simply had him talk in itallic, but I thought that it would cause the reader to confuse Apollos thoughts with Asmodeus' speech. Hence, the Caps.
And, he doesn't have any real connections with Godot, aside from the implication that Godot's visor and most of Asmodeus' body were constructed with the same technology.
So... yeah! I'll try to get an update up today!
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 13 3/20/09
You can't kill the Metal...
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...Also, new chapters.
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 13 3/21/09
Where's Pikachu? ...I mean Wally!
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Location: Cannock of course...like you know where that is?
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Keep it up and I'll read the rest of it another day!
Please click my signiture to read Mia Fey - The Story
A second chance - Gumshoe centric oneshot
Finding Mr.Wright - Phoenix/Maya
. x
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 15 3/22/09
Gender: None specified
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Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 16 3/27/09
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Gender: Female
Location: At my computer
Rank: Prosecutor
Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:03 am
Posts: 883
♥Twatanorm♥
Signature by blinq
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 16 3/27/09
You can't kill the Metal...
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And, Phoenix/Franziska is going to be one of the pairings in this story, but there are going to be a few before it's over... ;)
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 16 3/27/09
1000% Knight
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Anyway, the opening is so dark and sad! I thinking of killing off Gumshoe myself (the plot bunny eated him!) but not so horribly ;-;
btw, I've only read up to the italicized in Asmodeus' OC profile and I already think he's the murderer. So if he is, you made it a bit too obvious =\ But I do like the combination of Asmodeus' name ^_^ (even if "Ex" and "Machina" are horrible real names, and I doubt anyone would name their child Asmodeus...)
Can't wait to continue reading! :D
CH2EDIT: Trucy was going to be gay for Franzy? o_o...
Anyway, pretty fillery, but the next chapter seems promising! (And I think you missed an apostrophe somewhere in there.)
Credit to Evolina for the sig+avatar!
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 17 3/26/09
You can't kill the Metal...
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Gumshoe died pretty badly, but I think he takes back seat to Turner. (Stabbed in the chest, and shot in the head? Dayum!)
Anyway, Asmodeus is actually not his true name, he just changed it to that. (You'll find out his real name later.)
And speaking of Asmodeus, there's a new chapter up! This time it's Asmodeus and Lana centric.
Thank you very much for reviewing, Bad Player!
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 17 3/26/09
1000% Knight
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..." is all I can say.Chapter 5: ...
Although I'd have thought Phoenix would've known if something like that happened to one of his close friends... 
btw, you seem to be missing a bunch of apostrophes... Oh well! Things are starting to get interesting! I can't wait to get through all this and have all the mysteries be solved xDChapter 6: I don't care. Chapter 5 is too much of cliffhanger >_>
Chapter 7: Poor, poor Larry... Couldn't you have done this to Armstrong? Y'know... Someone not good? =\
Chapter 9: De Killer, eh? More mysteries, no answers... *sigh*
Credit to Evolina for the sig+avatar!
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 20 4/4/09
You can't kill the Metal...
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Updated with Chapter 20 today, and I have three new OC profiles up.
Enjoy!
Spoiler: Cultural References Thus Far
Chapter 5: Asmodeus' Patient Number is 42, which is a reference to the Meaning Of Life as told by The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy.
Chapter 7: Larry makes a macabre reference to the play Macbeth during his speech. (Something Wicked This Way Comes)
Chapter 11: Asmodeus makes a reference to the song "Hard Out Here For A Pimp" during his Cross Examination.
Chapter 11: He makes another reference to The Dark Knight during his the same line of questioning.
Chapter 14: During Asmodeus' awakening, Dr Hickfield abruptly shouts "It's Alive!"
This is a reference to Frankenstein.
Chapter 14: Asmodeus' dramatic awakening may also be seen as a homage to Star Wars.
Chapter 16: During Levi's magic trick, she sings a verse of the song "Ace Of Spades" by Motorhead.
Chapter 16: Levi cutting open the Police Mannequin is completely borrowed from an flash back sequence from Family Guy.
Chapter 20: Tophels open criticism of Campions hair is a reference to a similar scene that occurs during Disneys Jungle Book.
And that's it so far.
Chapter 7: Larry makes a macabre reference to the play Macbeth during his speech. (Something Wicked This Way Comes)
Chapter 11: Asmodeus makes a reference to the song "Hard Out Here For A Pimp" during his Cross Examination.
Chapter 11: He makes another reference to The Dark Knight during his the same line of questioning.
Chapter 14: During Asmodeus' awakening, Dr Hickfield abruptly shouts "It's Alive!"
This is a reference to Frankenstein.
Chapter 14: Asmodeus' dramatic awakening may also be seen as a homage to Star Wars.
Chapter 16: During Levi's magic trick, she sings a verse of the song "Ace Of Spades" by Motorhead.
Chapter 16: Levi cutting open the Police Mannequin is completely borrowed from an flash back sequence from Family Guy.
Chapter 20: Tophels open criticism of Campions hair is a reference to a similar scene that occurs during Disneys Jungle Book.
And that's it so far.
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 22 4/6/09
You can't kill the Metal...
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Sorry I’m late on the update guys. I’ve been having a lot of trouble with Silence’s Cross Examination, so I decided to do a chapter on Apollo that I’ve been putting off.
By the way, Silence isn’t an OC of mine. He’s an existing character… in disguise!
But who can he be?... I’ll leave that for you to speculate on.
Enjoy! Please R&R!
Spoiler: Chapter 23: Ion Frit
June 22st, SWAT Briefing Room: Hallway, 11:27 AM
The trio followed Campion. They called after the Colonel, but he seemed quite determined on getting to the fleet and issuing the General’s commands.
“Achtung, Herr Mephiz!” Klavier called after Campion.
He didn’t appear to listen.
“You know him?” Apollo asked, surprised.
“Ja, I know most members of City Law Enforcement… Herr Campion is… quite stubborn.” Klavier said, huffing as he ran.
“Well, I don’t think he’s stubborn, I think he has some kind of hearing loss.” Trucy said. Apollo shot her a look for her rudeness.
Colonel Campion! Please wait up!” Apollo shouted.
Campion finally stopped right in front of the door. The trio was out of breath, but Campion promptly spoke up.
“What do you want?” he prompted loudly enough for everyone to hear. Much to their surprise, he didn’t seem at all affected from running that distance that fast.
“Colonel… Mephiz… We… wanted to go… with you…” Apollo huffed.
“Nothing will come of you tagging along but the possible outcome of your deaths.” Campion said firmly, focusing his blue eye on Apollo. Apollos skin trembled and froze underneath his stare.
Much to his further surprise, Campion pushed him with one of his hands.
“Don’t be a nuisance. Wait here.” Campion ordered. Trucy weaved between the two men.
“Don’t touch Polly like that!” Trucy said indignantly as she pushed Campions strong arm aside and tore it back at his side. She didn’t seem too far from shoving Campion just as he did to Apollo.
For a split second, Campion opened up both of his differently colored eyes in surprise, but that quickly melted away into the same stoic attitude that Klavier had came to expect of him.
“Hm. There are people you should and shouldn’t tangle with, girl.” Campion said to Trucy, stepping up to her to remind her of their size difference. “It would do you well to remember that.”
Campion slid out the door and began to issue the troops.
“What an ignorant SOB!” Trucy said afterwards, angrily.
Apollo and Klavier exchanged looks of shock.
“Err, shall we follow them?” Apollo quickly said to Klavier. He didn’t even bother scolding Trucy, if not only because there was some truth in what she said.
“That’s probably not the best idea. Herr Mephiz will take matters into his own hands if he catches us following him. The sheer size of the Tophel Fleet only increases the risk factor.” Klavier said. Apollo admired Klaviers ability to be somewhat factual when matters approve it.
“…I think the best we can do is try to collect evidence for your current case.” Klavier said, smiling.
“Our current case?” Apollo asked, confused.
“You forget, Herr Forehead?” Klavier asked, poking Apollos forehead with his index finger. “Fraulein Von Karma has been accused of murder!” He said, raising an eyebrow at Apollo.
“You’re right, Klavier! How could I have forgotten?” Apollo said, a bit scared at himself.
“So much has been happening. I’d cut you some slack!” Trucy said, trying to cheer him up.
“Ah, Herr Forehead, whatever would you do without me?” Klavier said, winking. He supported one of his elbows on Apollos shoulder.
“I’m still worried about Miss von Karma. Do you think she’ll be alright?” he asked Klavier while raising his elbow off of his shoulder.
“Herr Tophel doesn’t take prisoners. You can be rest assured he’ll find Fraulein von Karma one way or the other.” Klavier said, crossing his arms.
Klaviers (although optimistic) response to his worry made him feel a bit better.
“Alright. Let’s go to the crime scene!”
“Why bother? Let’s head to forensics.” Klavier said. “I have a… confidant there that might be able to give us new information on your existing evidence.”
“Is that so? What’s his name?” Apollo asked.
“Ach, his name is Ion Frit.” Klavier said. He smiled again, as if he couldn’t help himself.
Trucy and Apollo took note of Klaviers rather bizarre pronounciation of his name.
***
June 22st, Frit Laboratory, 11:27 AM
Pillars of multicolored smoke rose as the trio entered the room that Klavier led them to. Apollo assumed that it was Ion’s lab.
“Herr Frit…? Herr Frit?” Klavier asked. After the florescent smoke faded away into darkness, the room was cased in absolute black.
A robotic crash sounded in the room as two pinpoint lights cut through the black and focused onto them. The red glowing eyes and the light that they provided revealed a gritted maw of teeth.
“Oh. It’s you.” His voice said, loosening up. “’Sup, Ga-vin!” he said, cheerily, high fiving him.
The lights came on when he simply clapped.
It revealed a man who was significantly stout. He wore a neat lab coat with read “I.Frit” on his left breast. Thick golden hoops were in the lobe of both of his ears. His hair was out of the ordinary for his profession: Black liberty spikes rose himself up to their height. He had thick black mutton chops, a stringy Fu Manchu, and a goatee. (Perhaps to hide the fact that he had a slight double chin.)
His glasses appeared to be one way pale blue shades that hid his eyes perfectly. He smiled with thick white teeth.
He looked like he’d rather be equipped in a jean jacket and exposed finger gloves, but as Trucy had been instructed by Phoenix, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
“You must be Apollo Justice.” Ion said in a rich voice.
“Um, yes, Mister Ian.”
“…Apollo, it’s pronounced ‘Eon.’” He said, rather impatiently. “I don’t like it when people get it wrong.” He said. Black smoke seemed to play on the lens of his glasses as he frowned.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Apollo said, worried that he angered him.
“Kindly get it right next time.” Ion said. “Back to my main point! So, Franziskas been kidnapped. Tough break, eh?.. I bet I can guess why you came to me!” he said, smiling.
“Why?” Trucy asked.
“Because you tried to follow Campion. Campion, being his stubborn-ass-self, no doubt pushed you away. You came to me to review your evidence… Didntcha?” he said, smiling. One of his teeth was golden.
“Wow, you’re right!” Apollo said, shocked.
“Herr Frit is a good judge of character.” Klavier said, snapping his finger.
“Damned straight. I reviewed your evidence just in case. Care to have a look, Mister Justice?” Ion said, smiling confidently.
“Yes please.” Apollo said. Ion smiled further as he handed Apollo the files.
The trio followed Campion. They called after the Colonel, but he seemed quite determined on getting to the fleet and issuing the General’s commands.
“Achtung, Herr Mephiz!” Klavier called after Campion.
He didn’t appear to listen.
“You know him?” Apollo asked, surprised.
“Ja, I know most members of City Law Enforcement… Herr Campion is… quite stubborn.” Klavier said, huffing as he ran.
“Well, I don’t think he’s stubborn, I think he has some kind of hearing loss.” Trucy said. Apollo shot her a look for her rudeness.
Colonel Campion! Please wait up!” Apollo shouted.
Campion finally stopped right in front of the door. The trio was out of breath, but Campion promptly spoke up.
“What do you want?” he prompted loudly enough for everyone to hear. Much to their surprise, he didn’t seem at all affected from running that distance that fast.
“Colonel… Mephiz… We… wanted to go… with you…” Apollo huffed.
“Nothing will come of you tagging along but the possible outcome of your deaths.” Campion said firmly, focusing his blue eye on Apollo. Apollos skin trembled and froze underneath his stare.
Much to his further surprise, Campion pushed him with one of his hands.
“Don’t be a nuisance. Wait here.” Campion ordered. Trucy weaved between the two men.
“Don’t touch Polly like that!” Trucy said indignantly as she pushed Campions strong arm aside and tore it back at his side. She didn’t seem too far from shoving Campion just as he did to Apollo.
For a split second, Campion opened up both of his differently colored eyes in surprise, but that quickly melted away into the same stoic attitude that Klavier had came to expect of him.
“Hm. There are people you should and shouldn’t tangle with, girl.” Campion said to Trucy, stepping up to her to remind her of their size difference. “It would do you well to remember that.”
Campion slid out the door and began to issue the troops.
“What an ignorant SOB!” Trucy said afterwards, angrily.
Apollo and Klavier exchanged looks of shock.
“Err, shall we follow them?” Apollo quickly said to Klavier. He didn’t even bother scolding Trucy, if not only because there was some truth in what she said.
“That’s probably not the best idea. Herr Mephiz will take matters into his own hands if he catches us following him. The sheer size of the Tophel Fleet only increases the risk factor.” Klavier said. Apollo admired Klaviers ability to be somewhat factual when matters approve it.
“…I think the best we can do is try to collect evidence for your current case.” Klavier said, smiling.
“Our current case?” Apollo asked, confused.
“You forget, Herr Forehead?” Klavier asked, poking Apollos forehead with his index finger. “Fraulein Von Karma has been accused of murder!” He said, raising an eyebrow at Apollo.
“You’re right, Klavier! How could I have forgotten?” Apollo said, a bit scared at himself.
“So much has been happening. I’d cut you some slack!” Trucy said, trying to cheer him up.
“Ah, Herr Forehead, whatever would you do without me?” Klavier said, winking. He supported one of his elbows on Apollos shoulder.
“I’m still worried about Miss von Karma. Do you think she’ll be alright?” he asked Klavier while raising his elbow off of his shoulder.
“Herr Tophel doesn’t take prisoners. You can be rest assured he’ll find Fraulein von Karma one way or the other.” Klavier said, crossing his arms.
Klaviers (although optimistic) response to his worry made him feel a bit better.
“Alright. Let’s go to the crime scene!”
“Why bother? Let’s head to forensics.” Klavier said. “I have a… confidant there that might be able to give us new information on your existing evidence.”
“Is that so? What’s his name?” Apollo asked.
“Ach, his name is Ion Frit.” Klavier said. He smiled again, as if he couldn’t help himself.
Trucy and Apollo took note of Klaviers rather bizarre pronounciation of his name.
***
June 22st, Frit Laboratory, 11:27 AM
Pillars of multicolored smoke rose as the trio entered the room that Klavier led them to. Apollo assumed that it was Ion’s lab.
“Herr Frit…? Herr Frit?” Klavier asked. After the florescent smoke faded away into darkness, the room was cased in absolute black.
A robotic crash sounded in the room as two pinpoint lights cut through the black and focused onto them. The red glowing eyes and the light that they provided revealed a gritted maw of teeth.
“Oh. It’s you.” His voice said, loosening up. “’Sup, Ga-vin!” he said, cheerily, high fiving him.
The lights came on when he simply clapped.
It revealed a man who was significantly stout. He wore a neat lab coat with read “I.Frit” on his left breast. Thick golden hoops were in the lobe of both of his ears. His hair was out of the ordinary for his profession: Black liberty spikes rose himself up to their height. He had thick black mutton chops, a stringy Fu Manchu, and a goatee. (Perhaps to hide the fact that he had a slight double chin.)
His glasses appeared to be one way pale blue shades that hid his eyes perfectly. He smiled with thick white teeth.
He looked like he’d rather be equipped in a jean jacket and exposed finger gloves, but as Trucy had been instructed by Phoenix, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
“You must be Apollo Justice.” Ion said in a rich voice.
“Um, yes, Mister Ian.”
“…Apollo, it’s pronounced ‘Eon.’” He said, rather impatiently. “I don’t like it when people get it wrong.” He said. Black smoke seemed to play on the lens of his glasses as he frowned.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Apollo said, worried that he angered him.
“Kindly get it right next time.” Ion said. “Back to my main point! So, Franziskas been kidnapped. Tough break, eh?.. I bet I can guess why you came to me!” he said, smiling.
“Why?” Trucy asked.
“Because you tried to follow Campion. Campion, being his stubborn-ass-self, no doubt pushed you away. You came to me to review your evidence… Didntcha?” he said, smiling. One of his teeth was golden.
“Wow, you’re right!” Apollo said, shocked.
“Herr Frit is a good judge of character.” Klavier said, snapping his finger.
“Damned straight. I reviewed your evidence just in case. Care to have a look, Mister Justice?” Ion said, smiling confidently.
“Yes please.” Apollo said. Ion smiled further as he handed Apollo the files.
Spoiler: Chapter 24: Cross Examination, Testimony Of Silence, Part 1
June 21st, Court Room 3, 11:30 AM
Enter Phoenix
--Cross Examination: Testimony Of Silence—
“As previously mentioned, I am a witness in State versus von Karma that required Witness Protection.”
Hold It!!
"And why was that?” Phoenix asked, scratching his chin.
“Well, I…” Silence began. He was interrupted.
“Objection!!”
“Relevancy!” Levi said, pointing
“Overruled. Please answer the question, Witness.” The judge said.
“Well, I witnessed the crime scene first hand. That is why. If the true killer, (That being Franziska) found out my identity, she could very easily get her hands on me if she goes outside of police custody!” Silence said, sadly, hunching over.
“I was waiting to be cross examined: Apollo was cross examining the Half Life Prosecutor, over there…”
Hold It!!
“So, the case was between Apollo Justice…” Phoenix began. He could see Levi blushing with stars in her eyes upon hearing Apollo’s name, and decided to ignore her.
“…And Asmodeus Ex Machina?” Phoenix said, slightly annoyed.
“Yessir! I was called in as one of Mister Ex Machinas witnesses… But, Mister Justice decided to Cross Examine Mister Ex Machina first… So we got a bit delayed. It looked like Mister Justice was starting to get somewhere…”
“And then all of a sudden, he just passes out, right over his bench!”
Hold it!!
“…So, Apollo just passed out over his desk?” Phoenix said, thinking.
“Yeah! Real sudden like! Nobody knew what to do about it. It was very frightening! I worried that he had a heart attack or something!” Silence said, looking on guard.
“…Did he?” he asked shyly.
“No!” Phoenix said to him, a bit loudly.
“Ex Machina followed suite. His attendant caught him from his fall, but he was out cold!”
Hold It!!
“Who was his attendant?”
“Michael Meekins.” Asmodeus said, interrupting. His metal fingers were linked and his eyes were closed, as if he were digesting serious thoughts.
“I think it was something like that. Very stringy guy with big eyebrows.” Silence confirmed.
“Sounds like Mike, alright.” Phoenix thought. Last time he saw Mike, he was a baliff. He had no idea that only two years later he would be doing odd jobs for Asmodeus.
“Anyway, so he just passed out? Just like that?” Phoenix said, confused.
“Yeah. Lickety split!” Silence snapped his gloved fingers.
“That red light on his eye just faded away and he hunched over his bench. The smoke stopped from those pipes too. I thought his life support gave up on him!”
“Interesting...” Asmodeus murmured.
“The gallery went nuts! Baliffs swarmed the area trying to keep the place intact, including the guards at my sides.”
Hold it!
“So they just left you?”
Objection!!
“Likely for the sole sake of controlling the emergency. No need to fret, Wrighty Uptighty!” Levi joked.
Phoenix winced at the pun on his name before objecting.
Objection!!
“No, this could be a very important detail!”
“Mmm, is that so?” Levi said, cheerily. “Care to ask the crystal ball a question, Your Honor?” Levi said, hoisting a crystal orb the size of a human head onto her desk.
“How might the identity of the bailiffs be important to the case?” he said to the ball.
The orb began to swirl with purple smoke until it formed the phrase ‘Not likely Important’ in black text. Levi smirked at Phoenix, and no explanation was needed.
“I object to you and your crystal ball!! Silence, what did the bailiffs look like?” Phoenix said.
“I see where you’re going with this… You’re trying to make everyone believe that the two balliffs were working in cahoots with deKil… Ugh. The real kidnapper.” Asmodeus said, glaring at Levi, who seemed to be offput.
“Yeah. deKiller works alone. If I can somehow weave a few other people into this plot, I might be able to prove him innocent.” Phoenix said, leaning on the desk.
Phoenix noticed Asmodeus and Levi glaring at each other.
“…Do you know each other?”
“She was… an apprentice of mine. We were good friends. We still do field work together, but now we don’t particularly enjoy each others company. I find her obnoxious and overly silly to be among the ranks of the law.” Asmodeus said without taking his eyes off of Levi. She seemed to be doing the same.
“Asmodeus had an apprentice? Sounds like they were just like me and Mia once upon a time… I wonder what went wrong with those two…” Phoenix thought.
“Do me a favor?” Asmodeus said.
“Yes?”
“Trounce her.” Asmodeus growled, his autotuned voice lower than Phoenix ever heard before.
“The witness will testify about the appearance of the bailiffs!” The judge said after Asmodeus and Phoenix were through chatting.
“I didn’t think to catch what either of them looked like… But there was one thing…”
Hold it!!
“And what was this ‘one thing’, Silence?” Phoenix asked the masked man.
“Well, one of them had… a beard.”
“A… beard?” Phoenix asked, furrowing his brow.
“Yes, a beard. It seemed fairly well kept, if that helps.”
“…It doesn’t, really.” Asmodeus said, making sure Silence didn’t hear him.
“I was defenseless, and out of pure fear, I ducked down under the commotion: I feared that someone was prepared to kill me!”
Hold it!!
“So, in shock of the bailiffs leaving you, you ducked under the crowd? Seems a bit risky-“ Phoenix began. Levi quickly interrupted.
Objection!!
Levi pulled out a desk of Tarot cards, and folded them out in a fan. Instead of prompting Phoenix to pick a card, she picked one herself.
“Mister Wright, I can see into your soul. I can see that you’re tenacious and nosey without reason!” Levi said, making spirals with her fingers.
“The Prosecution must request that the Defense refrain from harassing the witness on their survival choices!” Levi said immediately, not missing a thing.
“Granted. Mister Wright, try to keep it relevant.” The Judge said, staring at him angrily.
“But, if Silence ducked, wouldn’t his vision be a bit obscured among the pandemonium?” Phoenix argued.
“Maybe so. But, he still saw what he saw. Care to tell Mister Uninformed what we’re talking about, Silence?” Levi said, smiling.
“You’re beginning to try my patience, lady.” Phoenix thought angrily.
“Then I looked up at the defendants bench, and someone dressed like a baliff was up there alone. He kidnapped Franziska von Karma, and quickly ran away.”
Hold it!!
“’Dressed like a bailiff’, Silence?”
“Yeah. Obviously it was deKiller under there, but he appeared to be a bailiff. He snatched up Franziska just like that and quickly ran away!”
“That Shelly deKiller is a horrible coward!”
Hold it!!
“Silence, mind if I ask you a question?”
“Sure thing, Mister Wright!” he said. Phoenix could swear he could see him smiling underneath that mask. “Just, be sure it’s not something about my identity.”
“Don’t worry, it’s not. But… have you had any previous run ins with Shelly deKiller?”
“Well, what do you mean?” Silence asked, sounding a bit concerned.
“You seemed pretty angry. ‘A horrible coward’?” Phoenix pressed.
Objection!!
“That’s because Shelly deKiller is a horrible coward! He kidnapped Franziska von Karma in this very room! He murdered the innocent, and slaughtered those who pursuit the truth!” Levi said, pointing.
“He’s a cold blooded murderer. And you, of all people, should know… Phoenix Wright.” Levi said, looking more determined than ever.
“All the evidence you need is piled up right in front of your very face! Are you going to capitalize, Wright? Is this the end of the line?!” she asked the crowd, with open arms.
The question was greeted with mixed reviews from the audience. Some were cheers for Phoenix, others were heckling him.
“She appears to be focusing attention on you to distract from your line of questioning.” Asmodeus said.
“Gee, Sherlock, I never would have figured that one out.”
“I’m not giving on my client, Ms. Gaudium. I never do. You, of all people, should know that.”
Levi smirked.
--End Testimony--
Phoenix’s concentration shifted to the Half Life Prosecutor at the left. He seemed to be staring intently at Phoenix’s other side.
“Asmodeus, what are you looking at?” Phoenix said, lowering his eyebrows.
“The woman at your side…” he said, his autotuned voice trailing off slightly. “Have I ever met her before?” Asmodeus said, tapping his chin. If Phoenix could read the small amount of his human face, he’d be almost certain he looked uncomfortable.
In the heat of the moment, Phoenix didn’t realize what he was going on about, but Levi seized the situation immediately.
“Wrighty’s uptighty! But his lefties loosey goosey, it seems.” Levi said, mocking him with a challenging smile on her face. A few people in the gallery laughed, and the Judge didn’t seem far from snickering himself.
“Tell me, baby. You have any other question on your mind that needs answering, or can we finally put an end to this silly game once and for all?” Levi asked with a smirk in her eyes and on her lips.
“Well, not that you mention it… There is one detail that you forgot!”
Enter Phoenix
--Cross Examination: Testimony Of Silence—
“As previously mentioned, I am a witness in State versus von Karma that required Witness Protection.”
Hold It!!
"And why was that?” Phoenix asked, scratching his chin.
“Well, I…” Silence began. He was interrupted.
“Objection!!”
“Relevancy!” Levi said, pointing
“Overruled. Please answer the question, Witness.” The judge said.
“Well, I witnessed the crime scene first hand. That is why. If the true killer, (That being Franziska) found out my identity, she could very easily get her hands on me if she goes outside of police custody!” Silence said, sadly, hunching over.
“I was waiting to be cross examined: Apollo was cross examining the Half Life Prosecutor, over there…”
Hold It!!
“So, the case was between Apollo Justice…” Phoenix began. He could see Levi blushing with stars in her eyes upon hearing Apollo’s name, and decided to ignore her.
“…And Asmodeus Ex Machina?” Phoenix said, slightly annoyed.
“Yessir! I was called in as one of Mister Ex Machinas witnesses… But, Mister Justice decided to Cross Examine Mister Ex Machina first… So we got a bit delayed. It looked like Mister Justice was starting to get somewhere…”
“And then all of a sudden, he just passes out, right over his bench!”
Hold it!!
“…So, Apollo just passed out over his desk?” Phoenix said, thinking.
“Yeah! Real sudden like! Nobody knew what to do about it. It was very frightening! I worried that he had a heart attack or something!” Silence said, looking on guard.
“…Did he?” he asked shyly.
“No!” Phoenix said to him, a bit loudly.
“Ex Machina followed suite. His attendant caught him from his fall, but he was out cold!”
Hold It!!
“Who was his attendant?”
“Michael Meekins.” Asmodeus said, interrupting. His metal fingers were linked and his eyes were closed, as if he were digesting serious thoughts.
“I think it was something like that. Very stringy guy with big eyebrows.” Silence confirmed.
“Sounds like Mike, alright.” Phoenix thought. Last time he saw Mike, he was a baliff. He had no idea that only two years later he would be doing odd jobs for Asmodeus.
“Anyway, so he just passed out? Just like that?” Phoenix said, confused.
“Yeah. Lickety split!” Silence snapped his gloved fingers.
“That red light on his eye just faded away and he hunched over his bench. The smoke stopped from those pipes too. I thought his life support gave up on him!”
“Interesting...” Asmodeus murmured.
“The gallery went nuts! Baliffs swarmed the area trying to keep the place intact, including the guards at my sides.”
Hold it!
“So they just left you?”
Objection!!
“Likely for the sole sake of controlling the emergency. No need to fret, Wrighty Uptighty!” Levi joked.
Phoenix winced at the pun on his name before objecting.
Objection!!
“No, this could be a very important detail!”
“Mmm, is that so?” Levi said, cheerily. “Care to ask the crystal ball a question, Your Honor?” Levi said, hoisting a crystal orb the size of a human head onto her desk.
“How might the identity of the bailiffs be important to the case?” he said to the ball.
The orb began to swirl with purple smoke until it formed the phrase ‘Not likely Important’ in black text. Levi smirked at Phoenix, and no explanation was needed.
“I object to you and your crystal ball!! Silence, what did the bailiffs look like?” Phoenix said.
“I see where you’re going with this… You’re trying to make everyone believe that the two balliffs were working in cahoots with deKil… Ugh. The real kidnapper.” Asmodeus said, glaring at Levi, who seemed to be offput.
“Yeah. deKiller works alone. If I can somehow weave a few other people into this plot, I might be able to prove him innocent.” Phoenix said, leaning on the desk.
Phoenix noticed Asmodeus and Levi glaring at each other.
“…Do you know each other?”
“She was… an apprentice of mine. We were good friends. We still do field work together, but now we don’t particularly enjoy each others company. I find her obnoxious and overly silly to be among the ranks of the law.” Asmodeus said without taking his eyes off of Levi. She seemed to be doing the same.
“Asmodeus had an apprentice? Sounds like they were just like me and Mia once upon a time… I wonder what went wrong with those two…” Phoenix thought.
“Do me a favor?” Asmodeus said.
“Yes?”
“Trounce her.” Asmodeus growled, his autotuned voice lower than Phoenix ever heard before.
“The witness will testify about the appearance of the bailiffs!” The judge said after Asmodeus and Phoenix were through chatting.
“I didn’t think to catch what either of them looked like… But there was one thing…”
Hold it!!
“And what was this ‘one thing’, Silence?” Phoenix asked the masked man.
“Well, one of them had… a beard.”
“A… beard?” Phoenix asked, furrowing his brow.
“Yes, a beard. It seemed fairly well kept, if that helps.”
“…It doesn’t, really.” Asmodeus said, making sure Silence didn’t hear him.
“I was defenseless, and out of pure fear, I ducked down under the commotion: I feared that someone was prepared to kill me!”
Hold it!!
“So, in shock of the bailiffs leaving you, you ducked under the crowd? Seems a bit risky-“ Phoenix began. Levi quickly interrupted.
Objection!!
Levi pulled out a desk of Tarot cards, and folded them out in a fan. Instead of prompting Phoenix to pick a card, she picked one herself.
“Mister Wright, I can see into your soul. I can see that you’re tenacious and nosey without reason!” Levi said, making spirals with her fingers.
“The Prosecution must request that the Defense refrain from harassing the witness on their survival choices!” Levi said immediately, not missing a thing.
“Granted. Mister Wright, try to keep it relevant.” The Judge said, staring at him angrily.
“But, if Silence ducked, wouldn’t his vision be a bit obscured among the pandemonium?” Phoenix argued.
“Maybe so. But, he still saw what he saw. Care to tell Mister Uninformed what we’re talking about, Silence?” Levi said, smiling.
“You’re beginning to try my patience, lady.” Phoenix thought angrily.
“Then I looked up at the defendants bench, and someone dressed like a baliff was up there alone. He kidnapped Franziska von Karma, and quickly ran away.”
Hold it!!
“’Dressed like a bailiff’, Silence?”
“Yeah. Obviously it was deKiller under there, but he appeared to be a bailiff. He snatched up Franziska just like that and quickly ran away!”
“That Shelly deKiller is a horrible coward!”
Hold it!!
“Silence, mind if I ask you a question?”
“Sure thing, Mister Wright!” he said. Phoenix could swear he could see him smiling underneath that mask. “Just, be sure it’s not something about my identity.”
“Don’t worry, it’s not. But… have you had any previous run ins with Shelly deKiller?”
“Well, what do you mean?” Silence asked, sounding a bit concerned.
“You seemed pretty angry. ‘A horrible coward’?” Phoenix pressed.
Objection!!
“That’s because Shelly deKiller is a horrible coward! He kidnapped Franziska von Karma in this very room! He murdered the innocent, and slaughtered those who pursuit the truth!” Levi said, pointing.
“He’s a cold blooded murderer. And you, of all people, should know… Phoenix Wright.” Levi said, looking more determined than ever.
“All the evidence you need is piled up right in front of your very face! Are you going to capitalize, Wright? Is this the end of the line?!” she asked the crowd, with open arms.
The question was greeted with mixed reviews from the audience. Some were cheers for Phoenix, others were heckling him.
“She appears to be focusing attention on you to distract from your line of questioning.” Asmodeus said.
“Gee, Sherlock, I never would have figured that one out.”
“I’m not giving on my client, Ms. Gaudium. I never do. You, of all people, should know that.”
Levi smirked.
--End Testimony--
Phoenix’s concentration shifted to the Half Life Prosecutor at the left. He seemed to be staring intently at Phoenix’s other side.
“Asmodeus, what are you looking at?” Phoenix said, lowering his eyebrows.
“The woman at your side…” he said, his autotuned voice trailing off slightly. “Have I ever met her before?” Asmodeus said, tapping his chin. If Phoenix could read the small amount of his human face, he’d be almost certain he looked uncomfortable.
In the heat of the moment, Phoenix didn’t realize what he was going on about, but Levi seized the situation immediately.
“Wrighty’s uptighty! But his lefties loosey goosey, it seems.” Levi said, mocking him with a challenging smile on her face. A few people in the gallery laughed, and the Judge didn’t seem far from snickering himself.
“Tell me, baby. You have any other question on your mind that needs answering, or can we finally put an end to this silly game once and for all?” Levi asked with a smirk in her eyes and on her lips.
“Well, not that you mention it… There is one detail that you forgot!”
Spoiler: Chapter 25: Vulnerability
June 21st, Asmodeus’ Chamber, 4:30 AM
Enter Lana
Lana walked into Asmodeus’ room, like she usually did when she wanted to talk to him. Much to her surprise, he wasn’t there. She raised her eyebrows as she walked over to his desk. The desk lamp was turned on, illuminating the area. The light shone on a letter that was left in the middle of the desk. It was written in artificially precise cursive.
Lana picked it up with lithe fingers and read it.
Lana was perfectly fine with relaxing in Asmodeus’ office, but she had to wonder what was going on at the cemetery that couldn’t wait until a time when there was sun in the day.
She decided to go to the cemetery to investigate.
****
June 21st, Cemetery, 4:38 AM
Upon entering the cemetery gates, she saw a sole figure standing in front of a tall obelisk. He was tall and muscular, and Lana noticed the all too familiar pipes on his back. He seemed to be carrying a black umbrella.
She lightly laid her hand on his shoulder. “Asmodeus?”
“…Lana. Good. I worried you were the guard.” He said, quietly, turning to face her.
“What are you doing out here so late at night?” Lana asked tiredly, furrowing her brows.
“You forget. Lack of sleep ceases to faze me. You, on the other hand seem a bit more troubled…” Asmodeus said smiling as he noticed the fatigue in Lana’s eyes.
Lana wanted to say that she was only human, but was afraid of being offensive.
“I’m mourning. That’s what I’m doing, if that answers your question.” Asmodeus said, crossing his arms and returning his gaze to the obelisk.
Lana slowly walked to Asmodeus’ side, as if she were worried he’d have something to say about it. There was a substantial size difference, and she couldn’t help but look up at him before looking at the obelisk they were concentrating on.
The obelisk read ‘Kristoph Gavin’ on it in inscribed print that looked like gold.
“…Why are you mourning him, of all people?” Lana asked.
“Every day, just before day-break, I always observe the tombs of everyone who died in murder cases, killer and killed alike, over the past years. I wasn’t Kristoph’s biggest supporter, but I owed plenty to him. I’m rather disturbed when I can’t pay back my debts…” Asmodeus said, scratching his black-grey head of hair.
“He was a madman, and a killer. But, I still owed him plenty of things. This is why I’m standing here and observing him in Death. He, of course, would have gotten a mere life sentence for the death of Zak Enigmar, but after being charged with the murder of Drew Misham and the intended murder of Vera Misham, he was shortly afterwards put to death.”
“It’s funny how the past constantly comes back to hurt us, isn’t it? Whether or not it’s in the shape of a memory… or of a person.”
For Lana, that person was Damon Gant. He was the orange draped nightmare, who even now, still stalked her mind without relent. She closed her eyes and bowed her head. Asmodeus sensed her discomfort and consoled her softly before continuing his speech.
“The past always finds a way to repeat itself, doesn’t it…?” Asmodeus continued.
“In the Hawthorne killings, many people died. Two of which were indirect murders. Fawles killed himself, and Armando simply gave up on life. He passed away in his sleep after balking on his meds and recharging what Bioware he had. Do you think he found peace, Lana?”
“I like to think so.” Lana said to him, trying to smile.
She remembered Godot, the slim coffee drinking masked man and saw a reflection of him in Asmodeus’ metal face.
“’The past always finds a way to repeat itself…’ Yes. Yes it does…” Lana thought.
“You on the other hand, shouldn’t be wasting your time with Kristoph. There’s someone over there, who I feel you might appreciate further.” Asmodeus said as he pointed a finger to a gravestone sitting in the shadow of a gnarled tree.
The gravestone was shaped like the Prosecutor of the Year award, and it was engraved in memory of Neil Marshall.
“…I’m familiar with this gravestone, Asmodeus.” Lana said, softly stroking the finish.
“Oh?”
“You said it yourself: ‘it must be hard for me, even still.’… And the reality of it is that you’re correct, even if I don’t like to admit it. The only other part of Neil remaining now is Jake. He ran off with Angel Starr a long time ago. Meekins now works for you. Damon and Bruce are dead. The only person left from that case is me and Ema... We're the only people from that war left, really.” She said, kneeling down and concentrating on all the text that was written on the tombstone.
“Damon Gant took everything from me and suspended it on a chain. Every time I jumped for it, to finally reclaim what was mine, he always yanked the chain just above my reach, and I would always fall from my jump. Never once would I land on my feet.”
“There was a heavy consequence for everything that I did. Ema’s the only family I have left… She was my baby sister. And Damon would have had no trouble framing her for Neils murder if I didn’t comply to everything he did, every order he issued.”
“Do you have any idea how that feels?” Lana asked, her blue eyes were blurry and misty with tears.
“Lana…” Asmodeus consoled her gently. He knelt down and Lana fell into his arms and cried softly into his shoulder.
She took her face out of his suit and looked at him with pleading eyes, red trimmed with tears. Asmodeus never thought that he’d see Lana like this.
Never so vulnerable.
Asmodeus was never good at comforting other people. Punishing the unjust ranked on a much higher scale than any other facet in his daily life. Lana was the only other person he knew who seemed to recognize this fact and understand it; Meekins didn’t particularly enjoy working for him, He never saw Edgeworth enough, he never really talked to Franziska, Winston was terrified of him, Klavier didn’t understand him.
Godot was dead.
“…Lana, it’s okay for you to cry.” He said calmly, brushing brown hair out of the frame of her face. He put his arms around her, and she returned the action.
It gave him a certain solace. He had never been hugged for what seemed like forever.
“…Lana.” He whispered in her ear again. His voice sounded more human then than it ever had before.
“A-As…” Lana began to say.
Asmodeus kissed her, and she didn’t have an objection. She welcomed it, along with the touch of his hand on hers and the other brushing through brown hair. She let herself relax and enjoy the moment, if not brief.
“Let’s get out of here. It’s getting late.” Asmodeus said, not wanting to disturb the atmosphere.
Lana wiped a stray tear out of her eye, and smiled as she nodded.
Enter Lana
Lana walked into Asmodeus’ room, like she usually did when she wanted to talk to him. Much to her surprise, he wasn’t there. She raised her eyebrows as she walked over to his desk. The desk lamp was turned on, illuminating the area. The light shone on a letter that was left in the middle of the desk. It was written in artificially precise cursive.
Lana picked it up with lithe fingers and read it.
Lana,
Apologies for not being here currently. Went to the cemetery for personal reasons. Feel free to make yourself at home,
AXM
Apologies for not being here currently. Went to the cemetery for personal reasons. Feel free to make yourself at home,
AXM
Lana was perfectly fine with relaxing in Asmodeus’ office, but she had to wonder what was going on at the cemetery that couldn’t wait until a time when there was sun in the day.
She decided to go to the cemetery to investigate.
****
June 21st, Cemetery, 4:38 AM
Upon entering the cemetery gates, she saw a sole figure standing in front of a tall obelisk. He was tall and muscular, and Lana noticed the all too familiar pipes on his back. He seemed to be carrying a black umbrella.
She lightly laid her hand on his shoulder. “Asmodeus?”
“…Lana. Good. I worried you were the guard.” He said, quietly, turning to face her.
“What are you doing out here so late at night?” Lana asked tiredly, furrowing her brows.
“You forget. Lack of sleep ceases to faze me. You, on the other hand seem a bit more troubled…” Asmodeus said smiling as he noticed the fatigue in Lana’s eyes.
Lana wanted to say that she was only human, but was afraid of being offensive.
“I’m mourning. That’s what I’m doing, if that answers your question.” Asmodeus said, crossing his arms and returning his gaze to the obelisk.
Lana slowly walked to Asmodeus’ side, as if she were worried he’d have something to say about it. There was a substantial size difference, and she couldn’t help but look up at him before looking at the obelisk they were concentrating on.
The obelisk read ‘Kristoph Gavin’ on it in inscribed print that looked like gold.
“…Why are you mourning him, of all people?” Lana asked.
“Every day, just before day-break, I always observe the tombs of everyone who died in murder cases, killer and killed alike, over the past years. I wasn’t Kristoph’s biggest supporter, but I owed plenty to him. I’m rather disturbed when I can’t pay back my debts…” Asmodeus said, scratching his black-grey head of hair.
“He was a madman, and a killer. But, I still owed him plenty of things. This is why I’m standing here and observing him in Death. He, of course, would have gotten a mere life sentence for the death of Zak Enigmar, but after being charged with the murder of Drew Misham and the intended murder of Vera Misham, he was shortly afterwards put to death.”
“It’s funny how the past constantly comes back to hurt us, isn’t it? Whether or not it’s in the shape of a memory… or of a person.”
For Lana, that person was Damon Gant. He was the orange draped nightmare, who even now, still stalked her mind without relent. She closed her eyes and bowed her head. Asmodeus sensed her discomfort and consoled her softly before continuing his speech.
“The past always finds a way to repeat itself, doesn’t it…?” Asmodeus continued.
“In the Hawthorne killings, many people died. Two of which were indirect murders. Fawles killed himself, and Armando simply gave up on life. He passed away in his sleep after balking on his meds and recharging what Bioware he had. Do you think he found peace, Lana?”
“I like to think so.” Lana said to him, trying to smile.
She remembered Godot, the slim coffee drinking masked man and saw a reflection of him in Asmodeus’ metal face.
“’The past always finds a way to repeat itself…’ Yes. Yes it does…” Lana thought.
“You on the other hand, shouldn’t be wasting your time with Kristoph. There’s someone over there, who I feel you might appreciate further.” Asmodeus said as he pointed a finger to a gravestone sitting in the shadow of a gnarled tree.
The gravestone was shaped like the Prosecutor of the Year award, and it was engraved in memory of Neil Marshall.
“…I’m familiar with this gravestone, Asmodeus.” Lana said, softly stroking the finish.
“Oh?”
“You said it yourself: ‘it must be hard for me, even still.’… And the reality of it is that you’re correct, even if I don’t like to admit it. The only other part of Neil remaining now is Jake. He ran off with Angel Starr a long time ago. Meekins now works for you. Damon and Bruce are dead. The only person left from that case is me and Ema... We're the only people from that war left, really.” She said, kneeling down and concentrating on all the text that was written on the tombstone.
“Damon Gant took everything from me and suspended it on a chain. Every time I jumped for it, to finally reclaim what was mine, he always yanked the chain just above my reach, and I would always fall from my jump. Never once would I land on my feet.”
“There was a heavy consequence for everything that I did. Ema’s the only family I have left… She was my baby sister. And Damon would have had no trouble framing her for Neils murder if I didn’t comply to everything he did, every order he issued.”
“Do you have any idea how that feels?” Lana asked, her blue eyes were blurry and misty with tears.
“Lana…” Asmodeus consoled her gently. He knelt down and Lana fell into his arms and cried softly into his shoulder.
She took her face out of his suit and looked at him with pleading eyes, red trimmed with tears. Asmodeus never thought that he’d see Lana like this.
Never so vulnerable.
Asmodeus was never good at comforting other people. Punishing the unjust ranked on a much higher scale than any other facet in his daily life. Lana was the only other person he knew who seemed to recognize this fact and understand it; Meekins didn’t particularly enjoy working for him, He never saw Edgeworth enough, he never really talked to Franziska, Winston was terrified of him, Klavier didn’t understand him.
Godot was dead.
“…Lana, it’s okay for you to cry.” He said calmly, brushing brown hair out of the frame of her face. He put his arms around her, and she returned the action.
It gave him a certain solace. He had never been hugged for what seemed like forever.
“…Lana.” He whispered in her ear again. His voice sounded more human then than it ever had before.
“A-As…” Lana began to say.
Asmodeus kissed her, and she didn’t have an objection. She welcomed it, along with the touch of his hand on hers and the other brushing through brown hair. She let herself relax and enjoy the moment, if not brief.
“Let’s get out of here. It’s getting late.” Asmodeus said, not wanting to disturb the atmosphere.
Lana wiped a stray tear out of her eye, and smiled as she nodded.
Spoiler: Chapter 26: Frits Laboratory
June 21st, Frit Laboratory, 11:35
Enter Apollo
“That there folder shows the readings on the Cat O’Nine tails, the latest piece of evidence revealed to us at the proceedings by Prosecutor Ex Machina.” Ion said, as Apollo scoured the file. Ion shambled over to the desk and brought out the whip.
“With a sleek oak hilt (painted jet black, of course!) and the frayed tails at the end, the only thing that screams Franziska von Karma more than this whip are the poor bastards on the receiving end of it.. See all those green markings on the hilt?” he asked as he tapped a picture on the file with a chubby finger.
“Her fingerprints, my friend. Some of the saliva found on the whips even belongs to her... I’m not sure what goes on with that whip, but damn!” Ion laughed as he pulled his pants up.
Apollo could see gold stars in his glasses as he smiled with those large white teeth.
“However! You’ll be pleased to see there’s a catch.” Ion said, clapping to get their attention.
“A catch?” Trucy and Apollo said simultaneously.
“Yep!” Ion said, nodding vigorously.
“See, there’s another foreign print found on that hilt. A few actually. Which suggests that someone else used it, hm?” he said, clasping his hand together and smiling.
“So she didn’t use this to beat Gumshoe? This proves that line of assertion that Asmodeus pulled void!” Apollo began to say cheerfully. He was interrupted.
“Don’t celebrate just yet, buddy...” Ion said, rubbing the whiskers of his fu-manchu between two fingers.
“Cos I didn’t say that anyone else used it during the attack. Franziskas’s prints clearly cover that of our other friend. Which would indicate that she was the last person to use that whip before it was taken from the scene of the crime by Asmodeus’ unit.” Ion said, scratching his goatee.
“Build up my hopes and bring them crashing down.” Apollo thought.
“As for the Autopsy report?...Well, I presume that you read it already: And before you get excited, we examined the body thoroughly, and there was no contradiction with what was written down there...”
Hold it!!
“About this person who also held this whip… Did you get her information?”
Everyone seemed surprised by Apollos outburst, but Ion broke the silence with an impressed laugh.
“As a matter a fact, we did, buddy. Here’s a pic of her, for future reference.”
Apollo looked at the picture and saw the face of a blonde woman with brown eyes. She wore wire framed glasses and wore her hair up from the back. She wore a crimson halter top.
“Real looker, eh?” Ion asked him.
He was right: This woman was beautiful.
“Her name is Adrian Andrews. Lovely lady. But, we didn’t bring her into questioning for carrying this whip.”
“Well, why not?” Apollo asked him in confusion.
“Weeell… Adrian and Franziska have been living with each other for quite some time now… We didn’t dare tread on sacred land in case they were using the whip for… (How can I put this daintily…?) The other use.” Ion said, locking his fingers together.
Apollo scoffed in his head. ‘The other use?’ In what other way could these two possibly use this whip besides its original purpo-
…Oh.
“…From the blush you got going on, I’m can see you finally figured it out. I’m glad.” Ion said, smiling nervously and scratching the back of his stumpy neck. “Better keep a straight face for the girl, though.”
“Klavier, what are these two talking about?” Trucy asked Klavier innocently.
“Ach… Nothing, Fraulein…” Klavier said, nervously pulling his hair.
“...Has any background checks suggested that… possibility?” Apollo asked. He wasn’t going to let this slip past his fingers.
“Sorry, bud. I can’t disclose that kind of personal information. You know how it is.” Ion said, glancing at him sideways.
“Rats. It doesn’t look like he’s budging.”
“The blood, you know to be Gumshoes… But it’s funny.” Ion said, putting a finger to his lip.
“What is?” Apollo asked. Perhaps another lead?
“We found another trace of blood within the two samples we received. One was Gumshoes. The other was the steers. But there was another one, far too miniscule to be traced back to an original source…” Ion said, pulling his stringy whiskers in thought.
“We presume it to be the blood of the actual killer. Keep in mind, this data is new. We cannot get a sample of blood because of Franziska’s current… predicament.”
“However. It would not be unsafe to assume that whoever this blood belongs to, we can ascertain this to be the blood of the true murderer or of an accomplice. Cross your fingers it’s not Franziskas blood, buddy.”
“…Now, the couch stuffing was difficult to analyze, but we could do it! Come with me…” Ion said, beckoning them to another corner.
“Fair lady, gentlemen! This is my Lab!” Ion brandished a photograph out of his jacket pocked and showed it to Trucy.
It was a picture of a large black dog. On the back, the name ‘Razor’ was written in cursive.
Just as Trucy was about to say something about the picture, Ion spoke again.
“And this… is my laboratory!! We could analyze the stuffing thanks to this bad girl right‘cher.” Ion said, slapping a large machine with one of his large hands.
Ions glasses flashed a pale green.
“It contracts the object according to fingerprint order, a bit like a puzzle. But, when it’s done, you’re able to see the signatures. See these green marks right here and there? That’d be Gummy. He must have thrown it at the killer, perhaps to blind him or her. A bit of a futile gesture, but nonetheless…” Ion said as he brushed his liberty sprikes up with the palms of his hands.
“Last… but most certainly not least, this viscous Pink Fluid… Mysterious. This could be the wild-card, but there’s one problem…”
“…Don’t tell me we still don’t know what it is…” Apollo said, faltering.
Ion shrugged.
“Sorry bud. Not even our best men (Myself included!) could figure this one out... But, we did learn one undisputed fact about this fluid.”
“Let’s hear it!” Apollo said, regaining his vigor.
“That pink? It’s not the fluids actual color. For that matter, the consistency is different from its actual viscosity. See… this fluid changed in form when it was exposed to oxygen.” Ion said, his glasses flashing white.
“It changed in form?...How could this be…?” Apollo said thinking aloud.
“You’ve got me! But it’s the truth. We’re not sure what it is, but rest assured; we’re working our hardest. Til then, I think it’s time for you fine people to leave. Come on boys! It’s gonna be another sleepless night!” Ion yelled to the other scientists.
“Aw man…” Apollo could hear them groan as Ion kicked the trio out of his lab.
-Updated information on Bloody Cat O’Nine Tails, Gumshoe Blood, Couch Stuffing and Mysterious Pink Fluid-
-Apollo obtained: Killers Blood, Adrians Photograph, Razors Photograph-
Enter Apollo
“That there folder shows the readings on the Cat O’Nine tails, the latest piece of evidence revealed to us at the proceedings by Prosecutor Ex Machina.” Ion said, as Apollo scoured the file. Ion shambled over to the desk and brought out the whip.
“With a sleek oak hilt (painted jet black, of course!) and the frayed tails at the end, the only thing that screams Franziska von Karma more than this whip are the poor bastards on the receiving end of it.. See all those green markings on the hilt?” he asked as he tapped a picture on the file with a chubby finger.
“Her fingerprints, my friend. Some of the saliva found on the whips even belongs to her... I’m not sure what goes on with that whip, but damn!” Ion laughed as he pulled his pants up.
Apollo could see gold stars in his glasses as he smiled with those large white teeth.
“However! You’ll be pleased to see there’s a catch.” Ion said, clapping to get their attention.
“A catch?” Trucy and Apollo said simultaneously.
“Yep!” Ion said, nodding vigorously.
“See, there’s another foreign print found on that hilt. A few actually. Which suggests that someone else used it, hm?” he said, clasping his hand together and smiling.
“So she didn’t use this to beat Gumshoe? This proves that line of assertion that Asmodeus pulled void!” Apollo began to say cheerfully. He was interrupted.
“Don’t celebrate just yet, buddy...” Ion said, rubbing the whiskers of his fu-manchu between two fingers.
“Cos I didn’t say that anyone else used it during the attack. Franziskas’s prints clearly cover that of our other friend. Which would indicate that she was the last person to use that whip before it was taken from the scene of the crime by Asmodeus’ unit.” Ion said, scratching his goatee.
“Build up my hopes and bring them crashing down.” Apollo thought.
“As for the Autopsy report?...Well, I presume that you read it already: And before you get excited, we examined the body thoroughly, and there was no contradiction with what was written down there...”
Hold it!!
“About this person who also held this whip… Did you get her information?”
Everyone seemed surprised by Apollos outburst, but Ion broke the silence with an impressed laugh.
“As a matter a fact, we did, buddy. Here’s a pic of her, for future reference.”
Apollo looked at the picture and saw the face of a blonde woman with brown eyes. She wore wire framed glasses and wore her hair up from the back. She wore a crimson halter top.
“Real looker, eh?” Ion asked him.
He was right: This woman was beautiful.
“Her name is Adrian Andrews. Lovely lady. But, we didn’t bring her into questioning for carrying this whip.”
“Well, why not?” Apollo asked him in confusion.
“Weeell… Adrian and Franziska have been living with each other for quite some time now… We didn’t dare tread on sacred land in case they were using the whip for… (How can I put this daintily…?) The other use.” Ion said, locking his fingers together.
Apollo scoffed in his head. ‘The other use?’ In what other way could these two possibly use this whip besides its original purpo-
…Oh.
“…From the blush you got going on, I’m can see you finally figured it out. I’m glad.” Ion said, smiling nervously and scratching the back of his stumpy neck. “Better keep a straight face for the girl, though.”
“Klavier, what are these two talking about?” Trucy asked Klavier innocently.
“Ach… Nothing, Fraulein…” Klavier said, nervously pulling his hair.
“...Has any background checks suggested that… possibility?” Apollo asked. He wasn’t going to let this slip past his fingers.
“Sorry, bud. I can’t disclose that kind of personal information. You know how it is.” Ion said, glancing at him sideways.
“Rats. It doesn’t look like he’s budging.”
“The blood, you know to be Gumshoes… But it’s funny.” Ion said, putting a finger to his lip.
“What is?” Apollo asked. Perhaps another lead?
“We found another trace of blood within the two samples we received. One was Gumshoes. The other was the steers. But there was another one, far too miniscule to be traced back to an original source…” Ion said, pulling his stringy whiskers in thought.
“We presume it to be the blood of the actual killer. Keep in mind, this data is new. We cannot get a sample of blood because of Franziska’s current… predicament.”
“However. It would not be unsafe to assume that whoever this blood belongs to, we can ascertain this to be the blood of the true murderer or of an accomplice. Cross your fingers it’s not Franziskas blood, buddy.”
“…Now, the couch stuffing was difficult to analyze, but we could do it! Come with me…” Ion said, beckoning them to another corner.
“Fair lady, gentlemen! This is my Lab!” Ion brandished a photograph out of his jacket pocked and showed it to Trucy.
It was a picture of a large black dog. On the back, the name ‘Razor’ was written in cursive.
Just as Trucy was about to say something about the picture, Ion spoke again.
“And this… is my laboratory!! We could analyze the stuffing thanks to this bad girl right‘cher.” Ion said, slapping a large machine with one of his large hands.
Ions glasses flashed a pale green.
“It contracts the object according to fingerprint order, a bit like a puzzle. But, when it’s done, you’re able to see the signatures. See these green marks right here and there? That’d be Gummy. He must have thrown it at the killer, perhaps to blind him or her. A bit of a futile gesture, but nonetheless…” Ion said as he brushed his liberty sprikes up with the palms of his hands.
“Last… but most certainly not least, this viscous Pink Fluid… Mysterious. This could be the wild-card, but there’s one problem…”
“…Don’t tell me we still don’t know what it is…” Apollo said, faltering.
Ion shrugged.
“Sorry bud. Not even our best men (Myself included!) could figure this one out... But, we did learn one undisputed fact about this fluid.”
“Let’s hear it!” Apollo said, regaining his vigor.
“That pink? It’s not the fluids actual color. For that matter, the consistency is different from its actual viscosity. See… this fluid changed in form when it was exposed to oxygen.” Ion said, his glasses flashing white.
“It changed in form?...How could this be…?” Apollo said thinking aloud.
“You’ve got me! But it’s the truth. We’re not sure what it is, but rest assured; we’re working our hardest. Til then, I think it’s time for you fine people to leave. Come on boys! It’s gonna be another sleepless night!” Ion yelled to the other scientists.
“Aw man…” Apollo could hear them groan as Ion kicked the trio out of his lab.
-Updated information on Bloody Cat O’Nine Tails, Gumshoe Blood, Couch Stuffing and Mysterious Pink Fluid-
-Apollo obtained: Killers Blood, Adrians Photograph, Razors Photograph-
Last edited by The_Metal on Sun Apr 19, 2009 9:04 pm, edited 5 times in total.
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 23 4/13/09
~~
Gender: Female
Location: At my computer
Rank: Prosecutor
Joined: Tue Sep 02, 2008 9:03 am
Posts: 883
I like both chapters 22 and 23. Silence was a very suspicious character, from the moment he gave his name. I am trying to think who it could be... And I liked how you brought Ron deLite into this. He has a daughter in your fic? One Euphoria.
Now, Ion as also suspicious. He is an OC, right? Not like Silence? But I think you gave good characterization. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read. Hope you update soon! Ironic as I an stuck on a cross-examination also. And haven't updated.
♥Twatanorm♥
Signature by blinq
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 23 4/13/09
I am the Objector.
Gender: None specified
Rank: Decisive Witness
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 12:37 am
Posts: 211
EDIT: Okay, I read it, and it was awesome! Mostly because Gumshoe died in a pretty graphic way, but your writing is very good also. You have a follower...
Also, why isn't there more about Edgeworth, Maya, and Iris? There's been one or two references to the first two, and no mentionings of Iris at all. Why?
Whoever said nothing was impossible obviously never tried to close a revolving door.
"Suspense msuic plays" Oh crap, SAVESAVESAVE! Oh wait, that's my phone. And the caller ID is... MOM!?
"Cornered music plays"
Oh, ****
"Suspense msuic plays" Oh crap, SAVESAVESAVE! Oh wait, that's my phone. And the caller ID is... MOM!?
"Cornered music plays"
Oh, ****
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 23 4/13/09
You can't kill the Metal...
Gender: Male
Rank: Desk Jockey
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:53 pm
Posts: 97
Quote:
You reviewed my story, so it would be only polite for me to do the same!!
Ahaha! Touche.
Quote:
I like both chapters 22 and 23. Silence was a very suspicious character, from the moment he gave his name. I am trying to think who it could be... And I liked how you brought Ron deLite into this. He has a daughter in your fic? One Euphoria.
Yeah, Ron has a daughter, named Euphoria deLite, but since being divorced, he generally is even more of a simperer and a worry wort, particularly about her well being.
Quote:
Now, Ion as also suspicious. He is an OC, right? Not like Silence? But I think you gave good characterization.
If they're an OC, you'll find them in the OC Profiles on the spoiler tag on my first post. Yep, Ion is an OC of mine. Speaking of Ion, I added his profile to the OC Profiles. I'm probably going to make a routine of that everytime I introduce an OC, so be sure to check often!
I'm glad to see that I disguised Silence's character well in the first chapter he appears, but by Chapter 24, it should be generally apparent who he is.
I look forward to when you will update that chapter. I can't wait!
Quote:
Also, why isn't there more about Edgeworth, Maya, and Iris? There's been one or two
references to the first two, and no mentionings of Iris at all. Why?
references to the first two, and no mentionings of Iris at all. Why?
*five psyche locks appear*
...Erm... I'm not sure!
I guess you're going to have to check back, because rest assured, I do have a plan for all of those characters.
Thanks for reading! There's a new chapter up.
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 26 4/19/09
You can't kill the Metal...
Gender: Male
Rank: Desk Jockey
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:53 pm
Posts: 97
I think that's how I'm going to do things from now on...
Spoiler: Chapter 27: Cross Examination, Testimony of Silence, Part 2
June 21st, Court Room 3, 11:46 AM
Enter Phoenix
“…Why does Silence believe him to be a horrible killer? My guess is that he was associated with him in the past.”
Objection!!
“Very intriguing theory, Wright-o.” Levi admonished, tilting her head.
“…Please don’t call me ‘Wright-o’.” Phoenix thought, sweating.
“However, Silence is the person who passes by you in the crowd. Silence is you. Silence is me. Silence is and can take the form of any person in the world…” Levi said, raising her arms to the sky.
“Stop, you’re making me blush.” Silence whispered unnoticed, his shoulders sagging a bit.
“If you have any proof that indicates a connection between Silence and deKiller, then show it! Right here! Right now!” She slammed the desk with power, and the crowd cheered behind her.
“Yeah! Show it!”
“Enough stalling!”
“Rah Rah! Go go Gaudium!” The crowd cried.
“Oh, please, you’re all simply too much!” Levi teased, bowing and blowing kisses.
“Seems Levi is raising the stakes even higher: If you weren’t bluffing, you might have a chance to blow her case out of the water.” Asmodeus said, concentrating.
“Alright, Levi. The evidence that links this witness and deKiller is this!”
Take that!!
“…Say, Silence?”
Silence swallowed.
“Y-Yes, Mister Wright?”
“Tell me, does this… hold any memories for you?”
Phoenix brandished Shellys Calling Card.
“Say! That’s that card that Adrian- Meep!” Silence began to say, but quickly shut up.
Asmodeus quickly caught on.
“Adrian…?” he purred.
“I-I refuse to testify!” Silence yelped.
“Then let the data speak for itself!” Asmodeus roared, slamming the desk with a fist and making his prescence known. Fog billowed out of the two pipes on his back. Phoenix looked on in horror. What was he about to do?
“This ‘Silence’ character was likely referring to Adrian Andrews… One of the key witnesses and suspects to State Vs Engarde for the murder of Juan Corrida... Sound familiar?”
“Adrian Andrews claim to fame in that case was with-holding a card, a Calling Card, that she always held in her hand. “
“That card was none other than the card of Shelly deKiller, for he was the murderer of Juan Corrida! For this man, named Silence to see this card and recognize it from it’s holder… Ahahahaha. Well that would imply a connection between Silence and deKiller, wouldn’t it?” Asmodeus said, suddenly taking the wheel.
“Conclusion?” Asmodeus asked as he slammed his fist down again.
“Master Silence is not an appropriate Witness: He clearly holds a grudge against deKiller for past events!” Asmodeus spat at Levi.
Silence tried to keep strong, but they could hear his voice shaking.
“T-That’s not true! I’m a reliable person! Mister Wright, you’ve got to believe me!” Silence cried out at Phoenix.
“I know you’re a good person. Probably one of the best people I’ve ever met. But, people such as Engarde, Iris and Mimi Miney have taught me to never be fooled by sight.”
“I’m older now. I can see underneath the mask and trench coat. I see you just the way you are.”
“…Will Powers.” Phoenix thought, looking at Silence.
Levi objected before Phoenix could.
“That’s preposterous! You mean to suggest that he was one of the people involved in that case?”
Objection!!
“Of course I do!! This man clearly does not have the physique of a woman, disqualifying Oldbag and Adrian. deKiller is here, Engarde’s in prison and Corrida’s dead: There was only one other man in that case that could possibly be standing here, and that man is…"
Objection!!
“Asmodeus, the possibility still exists that Silence saw someone else named Adrian holding that card!” Phoenix reasoned, trying to get him to shut up.
Objection!!
“Oh, come on!! We know that Adrian Andrews always held that card around! If there was any one else that knew what that card symbolized, they wouldn’t make a habit of twirling it around all over the damned place!” Asmodeus said, slamming the desk.
Objection!!
“But it’s because she didn’t know what it symbolized that she did so!” Phoenix said, trying to buy some time. They must have looked like fools, to have a small war between themselves.
Objection!!
“Eggh… Ughh…” *Krzt! Krzt!* Asmodeus grunted as he careened over the desk and electrical sparks danced on his suit.
Objection!!
This time, it was Levi.
“Random grunts made by the Aide does not constitute an proper Objection.” Levi stated matter of factly, crossing her arms.
Phoenix also crossed his arms in thought.
“Now I see what I have to do… Asmodeus believes that the next best way to win is to expose Will, and his connection to the Engarde case in the hopes that it’ll provide a reason for him to make deKiller a scape-goat. But, I can’t allow an innocent to suffer... If Levi gets her way, we lose that case, but if I present that evidence, I’ll ruin her life…
I have to find a way to find a connection between Silence, deKiller, or and any of the suspicious bailiffs... Without exposing Will. But how?”
Enter Phoenix
“…Why does Silence believe him to be a horrible killer? My guess is that he was associated with him in the past.”
Objection!!
“Very intriguing theory, Wright-o.” Levi admonished, tilting her head.
“…Please don’t call me ‘Wright-o’.” Phoenix thought, sweating.
“However, Silence is the person who passes by you in the crowd. Silence is you. Silence is me. Silence is and can take the form of any person in the world…” Levi said, raising her arms to the sky.
“Stop, you’re making me blush.” Silence whispered unnoticed, his shoulders sagging a bit.
“If you have any proof that indicates a connection between Silence and deKiller, then show it! Right here! Right now!” She slammed the desk with power, and the crowd cheered behind her.
“Yeah! Show it!”
“Enough stalling!”
“Rah Rah! Go go Gaudium!” The crowd cried.
“Oh, please, you’re all simply too much!” Levi teased, bowing and blowing kisses.
“Seems Levi is raising the stakes even higher: If you weren’t bluffing, you might have a chance to blow her case out of the water.” Asmodeus said, concentrating.
“Alright, Levi. The evidence that links this witness and deKiller is this!”
Take that!!
“…Say, Silence?”
Silence swallowed.
“Y-Yes, Mister Wright?”
“Tell me, does this… hold any memories for you?”
Phoenix brandished Shellys Calling Card.
“Say! That’s that card that Adrian- Meep!” Silence began to say, but quickly shut up.
Asmodeus quickly caught on.
“Adrian…?” he purred.
“I-I refuse to testify!” Silence yelped.
“Then let the data speak for itself!” Asmodeus roared, slamming the desk with a fist and making his prescence known. Fog billowed out of the two pipes on his back. Phoenix looked on in horror. What was he about to do?
“This ‘Silence’ character was likely referring to Adrian Andrews… One of the key witnesses and suspects to State Vs Engarde for the murder of Juan Corrida... Sound familiar?”
“Adrian Andrews claim to fame in that case was with-holding a card, a Calling Card, that she always held in her hand. “
“That card was none other than the card of Shelly deKiller, for he was the murderer of Juan Corrida! For this man, named Silence to see this card and recognize it from it’s holder… Ahahahaha. Well that would imply a connection between Silence and deKiller, wouldn’t it?” Asmodeus said, suddenly taking the wheel.
“Conclusion?” Asmodeus asked as he slammed his fist down again.
“Master Silence is not an appropriate Witness: He clearly holds a grudge against deKiller for past events!” Asmodeus spat at Levi.
Silence tried to keep strong, but they could hear his voice shaking.
“T-That’s not true! I’m a reliable person! Mister Wright, you’ve got to believe me!” Silence cried out at Phoenix.
“I know you’re a good person. Probably one of the best people I’ve ever met. But, people such as Engarde, Iris and Mimi Miney have taught me to never be fooled by sight.”
“I’m older now. I can see underneath the mask and trench coat. I see you just the way you are.”
“…Will Powers.” Phoenix thought, looking at Silence.
Levi objected before Phoenix could.
“That’s preposterous! You mean to suggest that he was one of the people involved in that case?”
Objection!!
“Of course I do!! This man clearly does not have the physique of a woman, disqualifying Oldbag and Adrian. deKiller is here, Engarde’s in prison and Corrida’s dead: There was only one other man in that case that could possibly be standing here, and that man is…"
Objection!!
“Asmodeus, the possibility still exists that Silence saw someone else named Adrian holding that card!” Phoenix reasoned, trying to get him to shut up.
Objection!!
“Oh, come on!! We know that Adrian Andrews always held that card around! If there was any one else that knew what that card symbolized, they wouldn’t make a habit of twirling it around all over the damned place!” Asmodeus said, slamming the desk.
Objection!!
“But it’s because she didn’t know what it symbolized that she did so!” Phoenix said, trying to buy some time. They must have looked like fools, to have a small war between themselves.
Objection!!
“Eggh… Ughh…” *Krzt! Krzt!* Asmodeus grunted as he careened over the desk and electrical sparks danced on his suit.
Objection!!
This time, it was Levi.
“Random grunts made by the Aide does not constitute an proper Objection.” Levi stated matter of factly, crossing her arms.
Phoenix also crossed his arms in thought.
“Now I see what I have to do… Asmodeus believes that the next best way to win is to expose Will, and his connection to the Engarde case in the hopes that it’ll provide a reason for him to make deKiller a scape-goat. But, I can’t allow an innocent to suffer... If Levi gets her way, we lose that case, but if I present that evidence, I’ll ruin her life…
I have to find a way to find a connection between Silence, deKiller, or and any of the suspicious bailiffs... Without exposing Will. But how?”
Spoiler: Chapter 28: Flashback No 2
June 21st, ???, 10:49 AM
Enter Franziska
Franziska woke to nothing. Her vision was blurred, and there was little to see but shadow. She could feel the pain underneath the numb sensation of unconsciousness, and the cold lick of air to hot bleeding wounds only made her feel even more uncomfortable and scared.
Muffled speech began to work it’s way into partially deaf ears. After five minutes, her senses returned to normal, and she could hear it perfectly.
“A-Are you okay?”
The voice belonged to the one called ‘deMasque’. Franziska not having the energy to respond, he began to check for responsiveness, pressing various areas of her body. Prying fingers found their way to one of her deep cuts, and she spasmed in pain and shock. She screamed.
deMasque was overwhelmed by panic and hopped around a bit in fright, but softly grabbed onto her hips in an attempt to get her to calm down.
“O-Oh god! I’m sorry! I had no idea! Here, maybe this might help...”
She saw a pen light activate on her leg, revealing ripped clothes, bruises and wounds. deMasque ran fingers lubricated with green gel over the wounds. It stung in a colder fashion than the air itself, but she could feel that the cuts were beginning to heal.
“I can’t do anything for the bruises. I’m sorry.” He apologized somberly. “Here, let me get you down.”
He didn’t appear to be joking, as some effort was made to remove the shackles from her wrists and ankles that were binding her to the frozen wall.
Franziska wasn’t sure what to think of more: The possibility of freedom, of how beat up this guy would get once she was done with him.
“There… I’ll get you out of here. I hope…” deMasque said with little confidence. He looked and sounded terribly uncomfortable. He walked her out of the locker.
“Oh… Yes…” He noticed, observing that the gag was still on her. “…Do you trust me?”
Franziska couldn’t help but argue what a foolishly foolish question that was. This man was an accomplice to her kidnapping and he asked her now if she trusted him, of all things? A younger Franziska would whip him until he stopped moving. A younger Franziska would pulverize this man.
But she was older and mature now. And this older Franziska would simply nod.
deMasque nodded in agreement, but he noticeably gulped as he removed the gag.
“Now. F-Follow my every move… Please…” he said. Franziska couldn’t help a small smile. He was doing his best to put on a brave face, but he was shaking in his boots.
They got out of the locker into a small and windowless room, a bit lighter than the locker but still extremely dark.
“F-Franziska?”
“…You know my name?” Franziska asked him. This plot must have been more intricate than she previously imagined.
“Yes… I just wanted to say… I’m sooooooorry!!”
“Keep it down, you fool!” Franziska said angrily. “Do you want us to get captured?!”
deMasque looked ashamed and dipped his head down in sadness.
“I’m sorry… I always raise my voice whenever I’m scared… I suppose it’s a self defense mechanism…” he said, tilting his head to the side.
“Why did you change your mind?” Franziska asked him, still furrowing her eyebrows.
“B-Because I was doing this to get money after my divorce and out of fear for my daughters education. But, by letting my boss abuse you… by kidnapping you and holding you in this place… I might get paid a handsome amount, but I’m only crossing the lines that I set for myself a long time ago. This is wrong. And it’s only by realizing that you yourself are someones daughter that I realized that…”
Franziska was impressed. That was a startling amount of insight from someone who seemed as fearful as him.
“A-Anyway. We should get going.” He said, offering her a weak smile.
They stalked through the hallways. The building was dark and cold, but it beat the meat locker any day.
“Where are we?” Franziska asked him, unable to resist.
“I can’t say. I’m sorry... However, it would seem as though we’re nearby. Are you very flexible, Franziska?”
“I was the top of my class when I took gymnastics as a child.” She boasted proudly.
“Well, I know how these security cameras work and I’m devised ways to get around them. A long time ago I used to work in these buildings… I never knew it would turn into this scary place… It was once a security firm, but since my ex-boss got murdered, the property kept on switching hands until it landed into a pair that would be the wrong ones for it...”
“Anyway, we’re on the top floor… right now.”
“How many floors are there?” Franziska asked.
“Eleven. I’m the guard for this floor, but there are going to be m-more as we continue down… Which means we have to use stealth.” deMasque said as they approached the elevator.
“deMasque.” Franziska said, trying to show her commanding air.
“Y-Yes?”
“Are you going to be alright?”
“Yes… I think I’ll be alright.” deMasque said, gulping. He reached with trembling hands to his side.
“After all, who needs courage when you have one of these, right…?” he said anxiously as he held the magnum with shaking gloved hands. He meant it as a joke, as indicated by his following nervous laughter, but Franziska knew he was deadly afraid.
Franziska grabbed his arm to stop it from shaking so much. His eyes widened as he looked at her.
“Kindly stop. Your anxiety is beginning to become contagious.”
“I-I’ll try. Do you have anything to say before we go down?...Because there isn’t going to be much more talking as we descend.” deMasque said, wiping away beads of sweat as he looked into his reflection on the elevator door.
“Yes. Can you tell me about your wife?”
“Ex- Wiiiiife!” deMasque cried. Franziska covered his mouth with a hand.
“Foolish fool! Answer the question!”
“Y-Yes.” He sniffed. “She meant the world to me. She was the strength that I needed to go on, and she left me because I couldn’t support my daughter... My beautiful Euphoria…” he said solemnly.
“But, if I die… at least I won’t have much to live for…”
“deMasque. We’ll make it through together.”
The man smiled.
“C-Call me Ron.” He said faintly as he gulped and pressed the down button.
Enter Franziska
Franziska woke to nothing. Her vision was blurred, and there was little to see but shadow. She could feel the pain underneath the numb sensation of unconsciousness, and the cold lick of air to hot bleeding wounds only made her feel even more uncomfortable and scared.
Muffled speech began to work it’s way into partially deaf ears. After five minutes, her senses returned to normal, and she could hear it perfectly.
“A-Are you okay?”
The voice belonged to the one called ‘deMasque’. Franziska not having the energy to respond, he began to check for responsiveness, pressing various areas of her body. Prying fingers found their way to one of her deep cuts, and she spasmed in pain and shock. She screamed.
deMasque was overwhelmed by panic and hopped around a bit in fright, but softly grabbed onto her hips in an attempt to get her to calm down.
“O-Oh god! I’m sorry! I had no idea! Here, maybe this might help...”
She saw a pen light activate on her leg, revealing ripped clothes, bruises and wounds. deMasque ran fingers lubricated with green gel over the wounds. It stung in a colder fashion than the air itself, but she could feel that the cuts were beginning to heal.
“I can’t do anything for the bruises. I’m sorry.” He apologized somberly. “Here, let me get you down.”
He didn’t appear to be joking, as some effort was made to remove the shackles from her wrists and ankles that were binding her to the frozen wall.
Franziska wasn’t sure what to think of more: The possibility of freedom, of how beat up this guy would get once she was done with him.
“There… I’ll get you out of here. I hope…” deMasque said with little confidence. He looked and sounded terribly uncomfortable. He walked her out of the locker.
“Oh… Yes…” He noticed, observing that the gag was still on her. “…Do you trust me?”
Franziska couldn’t help but argue what a foolishly foolish question that was. This man was an accomplice to her kidnapping and he asked her now if she trusted him, of all things? A younger Franziska would whip him until he stopped moving. A younger Franziska would pulverize this man.
But she was older and mature now. And this older Franziska would simply nod.
deMasque nodded in agreement, but he noticeably gulped as he removed the gag.
“Now. F-Follow my every move… Please…” he said. Franziska couldn’t help a small smile. He was doing his best to put on a brave face, but he was shaking in his boots.
They got out of the locker into a small and windowless room, a bit lighter than the locker but still extremely dark.
“F-Franziska?”
“…You know my name?” Franziska asked him. This plot must have been more intricate than she previously imagined.
“Yes… I just wanted to say… I’m sooooooorry!!”
“Keep it down, you fool!” Franziska said angrily. “Do you want us to get captured?!”
deMasque looked ashamed and dipped his head down in sadness.
“I’m sorry… I always raise my voice whenever I’m scared… I suppose it’s a self defense mechanism…” he said, tilting his head to the side.
“Why did you change your mind?” Franziska asked him, still furrowing her eyebrows.
“B-Because I was doing this to get money after my divorce and out of fear for my daughters education. But, by letting my boss abuse you… by kidnapping you and holding you in this place… I might get paid a handsome amount, but I’m only crossing the lines that I set for myself a long time ago. This is wrong. And it’s only by realizing that you yourself are someones daughter that I realized that…”
Franziska was impressed. That was a startling amount of insight from someone who seemed as fearful as him.
“A-Anyway. We should get going.” He said, offering her a weak smile.
They stalked through the hallways. The building was dark and cold, but it beat the meat locker any day.
“Where are we?” Franziska asked him, unable to resist.
“I can’t say. I’m sorry... However, it would seem as though we’re nearby. Are you very flexible, Franziska?”
“I was the top of my class when I took gymnastics as a child.” She boasted proudly.
“Well, I know how these security cameras work and I’m devised ways to get around them. A long time ago I used to work in these buildings… I never knew it would turn into this scary place… It was once a security firm, but since my ex-boss got murdered, the property kept on switching hands until it landed into a pair that would be the wrong ones for it...”
“Anyway, we’re on the top floor… right now.”
“How many floors are there?” Franziska asked.
“Eleven. I’m the guard for this floor, but there are going to be m-more as we continue down… Which means we have to use stealth.” deMasque said as they approached the elevator.
“deMasque.” Franziska said, trying to show her commanding air.
“Y-Yes?”
“Are you going to be alright?”
“Yes… I think I’ll be alright.” deMasque said, gulping. He reached with trembling hands to his side.
“After all, who needs courage when you have one of these, right…?” he said anxiously as he held the magnum with shaking gloved hands. He meant it as a joke, as indicated by his following nervous laughter, but Franziska knew he was deadly afraid.
Franziska grabbed his arm to stop it from shaking so much. His eyes widened as he looked at her.
“Kindly stop. Your anxiety is beginning to become contagious.”
“I-I’ll try. Do you have anything to say before we go down?...Because there isn’t going to be much more talking as we descend.” deMasque said, wiping away beads of sweat as he looked into his reflection on the elevator door.
“Yes. Can you tell me about your wife?”
“Ex- Wiiiiife!” deMasque cried. Franziska covered his mouth with a hand.
“Foolish fool! Answer the question!”
“Y-Yes.” He sniffed. “She meant the world to me. She was the strength that I needed to go on, and she left me because I couldn’t support my daughter... My beautiful Euphoria…” he said solemnly.
“But, if I die… at least I won’t have much to live for…”
“deMasque. We’ll make it through together.”
The man smiled.
“C-Call me Ron.” He said faintly as he gulped and pressed the down button.
Spoiler: Chapter 29: Personal Demons
June 21st, Asmodeus’ Chamber, 5:00 AM
Enter Asmodeus
Asmodeus’ gleaming red eye turned on as he activated again. The need to sleep seemed to carry itself with such a minor level of inconvenience that he gave it up entirely, for the most part.
He sat up in bed, thinking about the years past.
He remembered the bright lights of the operating table, the scent of his own blood surrounding him. The manic eyes of the technician and the sorrowful eyes of the bespectacled surgeon. He didn’t want to think about him, but it was difficult at times.
He remembered the explosion, fiery impact tearing him into pieces. He remembered the brave eyes of someone dying right in front of him. Even in the face of death, they remained strong.
He was envious. He wanted that strength for himself.
But all things between life and death were all things that were taken away from him on that night. The only thing left was justice.
His mind suddenly flashed back to reality. He had a case to be building here; Franziska von Karma murdered Dick Gumshoe. He had the entire mind to gather more evidence, now that Apollos team was occupied with Shelly’s case. He could have kissed Levi for taking on Phoenix.
He then remembered the half minded request he made to Lana and whispered a curse to himself.
He looked into his robotic hand. With a small whirr and a click his hand opened, exposing the red scarf that he was holding onto all this time.
He focused on the older woman lying in his bed, her brown hair cascading down the back of her hair to the bottom of her shoulder blades.
“…Madame Skye is likely on an emotional roller coaster from seeing that grave again. I wish I didn’t show it to her, but at least I’ll have some company tonight.” Asmodeus thought. He shrugged before folding Lanas scarf and placing it on the nightstand to her left. He put one of the blankets over her shoulders.
He wondered why she wanted to come home with him so badly, but he had to concede; all that time by himself made him almost a bit lonely. Very rarely was he to deny Lana her requests, and if her staying the night meant that he would be a gentleman, then he saw no downfall.
He thought more about his situation. He had two people working under him; Mike Meekins and Alastor Stolas. Lana had good things to say about Alastor, but not too far from what they usually heard; that he was a genius. Asmodeus respected Alastor as something of a son, but he still had a lot to learn. Mike was a bit unreliable and clumsy, but he stuck to things and that was a trait that Asmodeus kept him around for. He wondered why Damon would lay him off.
But then again, Gant made a lot of poor choices; and Lana still suffered from it, even after all these years.
He kissed Lana on her head before he stood up again and walked out of his office. He pressed a finger to his forehead.
He might have been screwed to working with Phoenix later today, but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t obtain some insurance for when he faced Apollo again for the murder case.
One of the many perks out of having a Bioware eye was that he would see through dark, so he was very minorly perturbed with the current dark condition of things. He pressed a finger to one of the buttons on the side of his head.
A menu popped up in his vision and with swift fingers he pried through his files, artificial eyes scrutinizing the number of profiles of people he had met. They came complete with eye color, hair color, height, weight in kilograms and much other information.
“Search ‘E’…. Ah. Here he is…”
His cold heart jumped a few steps as he pressed the button that would allow him to call the other person. He received a message informing him that it was a long distance call, and he didn’t care. He received a dial tone.
“God-damnit, pick up the phone. You’re not that important that you can’t answer your phone, you egotistical son of a-” Asmodeus hissed.
Someone finally answered. The person who answered had a voice that was broad and sounded like it had a faint English accent.
“…Miles Edgeworth speaking.”
The Half Life Prosecutors face lit up into a satisfied grin.
“I’m counting on it. Listen up Edgeworth, and listen good, because I have a proposition for you…”
Enter Asmodeus
Asmodeus’ gleaming red eye turned on as he activated again. The need to sleep seemed to carry itself with such a minor level of inconvenience that he gave it up entirely, for the most part.
He sat up in bed, thinking about the years past.
He remembered the bright lights of the operating table, the scent of his own blood surrounding him. The manic eyes of the technician and the sorrowful eyes of the bespectacled surgeon. He didn’t want to think about him, but it was difficult at times.
He remembered the explosion, fiery impact tearing him into pieces. He remembered the brave eyes of someone dying right in front of him. Even in the face of death, they remained strong.
He was envious. He wanted that strength for himself.
But all things between life and death were all things that were taken away from him on that night. The only thing left was justice.
His mind suddenly flashed back to reality. He had a case to be building here; Franziska von Karma murdered Dick Gumshoe. He had the entire mind to gather more evidence, now that Apollos team was occupied with Shelly’s case. He could have kissed Levi for taking on Phoenix.
He then remembered the half minded request he made to Lana and whispered a curse to himself.
He looked into his robotic hand. With a small whirr and a click his hand opened, exposing the red scarf that he was holding onto all this time.
He focused on the older woman lying in his bed, her brown hair cascading down the back of her hair to the bottom of her shoulder blades.
“…Madame Skye is likely on an emotional roller coaster from seeing that grave again. I wish I didn’t show it to her, but at least I’ll have some company tonight.” Asmodeus thought. He shrugged before folding Lanas scarf and placing it on the nightstand to her left. He put one of the blankets over her shoulders.
He wondered why she wanted to come home with him so badly, but he had to concede; all that time by himself made him almost a bit lonely. Very rarely was he to deny Lana her requests, and if her staying the night meant that he would be a gentleman, then he saw no downfall.
He thought more about his situation. He had two people working under him; Mike Meekins and Alastor Stolas. Lana had good things to say about Alastor, but not too far from what they usually heard; that he was a genius. Asmodeus respected Alastor as something of a son, but he still had a lot to learn. Mike was a bit unreliable and clumsy, but he stuck to things and that was a trait that Asmodeus kept him around for. He wondered why Damon would lay him off.
But then again, Gant made a lot of poor choices; and Lana still suffered from it, even after all these years.
He kissed Lana on her head before he stood up again and walked out of his office. He pressed a finger to his forehead.
He might have been screwed to working with Phoenix later today, but that didn’t mean that he couldn’t obtain some insurance for when he faced Apollo again for the murder case.
One of the many perks out of having a Bioware eye was that he would see through dark, so he was very minorly perturbed with the current dark condition of things. He pressed a finger to one of the buttons on the side of his head.
A menu popped up in his vision and with swift fingers he pried through his files, artificial eyes scrutinizing the number of profiles of people he had met. They came complete with eye color, hair color, height, weight in kilograms and much other information.
“Search ‘E’…. Ah. Here he is…”
His cold heart jumped a few steps as he pressed the button that would allow him to call the other person. He received a message informing him that it was a long distance call, and he didn’t care. He received a dial tone.
“God-damnit, pick up the phone. You’re not that important that you can’t answer your phone, you egotistical son of a-” Asmodeus hissed.
Someone finally answered. The person who answered had a voice that was broad and sounded like it had a faint English accent.
“…Miles Edgeworth speaking.”
The Half Life Prosecutors face lit up into a satisfied grin.
“I’m counting on it. Listen up Edgeworth, and listen good, because I have a proposition for you…”
Spoiler: Chapter 30: AS-2
June 21st, Police Department, 12:00 PM
Enter Apollo
“…What now, Klavier?” Apollo asked the blonde.
“Easy. You want information on Herr Machina, ja?”
“Well, that depends on what kind of information we’re talking about, I mean, we know how he got injured-” Apollo started. Klavier caught him off guard.
“How about the first case that he worked on; and the last case that Herr Gumshoe worked on?” Klavier asked, teasingly.
“Sounds like a keeper!” Trucy said, bouncing up a bit.
“Then here it is. Case AS-2…” Klavier said, taking out the file and handing it to Apollo.
“The Prosecutor was Asmodeus Ex Machina, and he was assisted by Miss von Karma, and… Miles Edgeworth.”
“Miles Edgeworth…” Trucy repeated eerily. The name was legendary to them; If Asmodeus was the Half-Life, then Edgeworth was the Demon: From fixing testimony to forging evidence, he was a devil in disguise; a force to be contended with.
He had heard Phoenix’s tales of Miles; The slick cravat wearing Demon Prosecutor. Phoenix had battled Godot, Franziska, even Manfred von Karma himself; But none of them measured or demonstrated the mental fortitude of Miles Edgeworth. If Phoenix was the knight, then Edgeworth was the dragon. Impeccable, fierce, dangerous… No external hope rested of defeating him, but armed merely with the blade of truth, Phoenix took him down every time.
“The victims are… Wow.” Apollo said, looking mortified as he looked at all the names.
Klavier smiled darkly.
“A lot of them, ja? He was a serial killer; Killing criminals for minor or major offenses.”
“But the people with the need to kill… They’re the real criminals.” Trucy whispered.
“Ion Frit, Campion Mephiz… Wait, Campion?”
“Ja. Herr Mephiz worked on the police force before transferring over to the SWAT team. That was some time before your first case, when Herr Tophel got appointed as General.”
“So, Ion Frit, Rykker Tophel, and Campion Mephiz were all appointed before my first case?”
“Ja. Rykker and Campion both worked in Police, but Ion was a newcomer. We received a fair share of rumors about him, one of the most prominent was that he was previously working in Bluecorp.”
“Bluecorp. Wasn’t that the organization that was fronted by the killer of Mister Wrights mentor?”
“…Your knowledge base of his accomplishments is scary, Herr Forehead.” Klavier said with a teasing look.
Apollo ignored that comment, and thought about how that rumor would affect his opinion of Ion.
“It says here that Asmodeus intended to work alone, but when the Chief Prosecutor decided that Edgeworth and Miss von Karma should work on it, he decided to do so, but he was angry about it…” he read. Secretly, Apollo expected nothing less of the Half Life.
“The killer was nicknamed ‘Nokturn’ after a single calling card found on the body of his assumed first victim that had that name etched onto it in fine cursive. After background checks on the bodies, courtesy of Dr Ion Frit, we discovered that the victims all stood trial for multiple offenses, as minor as thievery, or as major as murder.”
“Detectives Gumshoe and Frit, Officer Mephiz and Prosecutors Edgeworth, Skye, von Karma, and Machina all collaborated, and in the end, one suspect pleaded Guilty. The case never went public, despite the risks present, and the suspect was tried and convicted in a private courtroom.”
“And… voila. That was the final case that Herr Gumshoe ever worked on. Fraulein Franziska suspected that the Guilty was in fact, innocent in that case. That’s why she decided to meet up with Gumshoe. But, that didn’t go as planned… and she ended up getting arrested for his murder.” Klavier said, crossing his arms.
“He looks so much like Kristoph when he does that...” Apollo couldn’t help but think.
“So, did Madame von Karma believe that the accused was acting as a scapegoat for the real killer?”
“Ja, for whatever reason… The accused in that case was a man named Castor Bias. He pleaded guilty when he was suspected of being the murderer. It matched our description of him; We suspected Nokturn to have a good view of Police affairs. It made enough sense.”
“Wouldn’t it make just as much sense for there to simply be a successor of Nokturn?”
“Not unless he belonged to the Criminal Justice unit; He had enough of an idea of our plans to evade them and kill elsewhere. No ordinary citizen has that kind of power.”
“Campion is the Colonel of SWAT affairs, and Mister Tophel is the General. If you, Madame von Karma, Madame Skye, Edgeworth, and Ex Machina are all prosecutors, then where does that leave Ion?” Apollo asked. He observed that this report listed him as a Detective in the past.
“He works in Forensics, and he also has power in Police to Media communication. He managed to keep the Nokturn case completely under wraps now and then. Herr Frit is quite capable.” Klavier said, putting a hand to his hip.
“The killings ceased after Castors arrest. Herr Edgeworth went overseas, Frau Lana got back to her business, Herr Frit got promoted to Forensics, Herr Campion to a SWAT Colonel, and Herr Rykker to SWAT General. Herr Machina tried to build his name, and appointed Fraulein Gaudium as an apprentice. The only ones who bothered to stick around after that case were Fraulein Franziska and Herr Gumshoe. And shortly after that, Herr Gumshoe died.”
“I see… I wonder what’s going to happen during the trial?” Apollo asked.
“Herr Machina isn’t without his tricks. I bet you he’s out there right now looking for witnesses and evidence where we currently aren’t.”
“In that case, we should get a move on! Let’s go, Klavier! Trucy!”
“Let’s go Polly!” Trucy said as she skipped to follow the two men.
Enter Apollo
“…What now, Klavier?” Apollo asked the blonde.
“Easy. You want information on Herr Machina, ja?”
“Well, that depends on what kind of information we’re talking about, I mean, we know how he got injured-” Apollo started. Klavier caught him off guard.
“How about the first case that he worked on; and the last case that Herr Gumshoe worked on?” Klavier asked, teasingly.
“Sounds like a keeper!” Trucy said, bouncing up a bit.
“Then here it is. Case AS-2…” Klavier said, taking out the file and handing it to Apollo.
“The Prosecutor was Asmodeus Ex Machina, and he was assisted by Miss von Karma, and… Miles Edgeworth.”
“Miles Edgeworth…” Trucy repeated eerily. The name was legendary to them; If Asmodeus was the Half-Life, then Edgeworth was the Demon: From fixing testimony to forging evidence, he was a devil in disguise; a force to be contended with.
He had heard Phoenix’s tales of Miles; The slick cravat wearing Demon Prosecutor. Phoenix had battled Godot, Franziska, even Manfred von Karma himself; But none of them measured or demonstrated the mental fortitude of Miles Edgeworth. If Phoenix was the knight, then Edgeworth was the dragon. Impeccable, fierce, dangerous… No external hope rested of defeating him, but armed merely with the blade of truth, Phoenix took him down every time.
“The victims are… Wow.” Apollo said, looking mortified as he looked at all the names.
Klavier smiled darkly.
“A lot of them, ja? He was a serial killer; Killing criminals for minor or major offenses.”
“But the people with the need to kill… They’re the real criminals.” Trucy whispered.
“Ion Frit, Campion Mephiz… Wait, Campion?”
“Ja. Herr Mephiz worked on the police force before transferring over to the SWAT team. That was some time before your first case, when Herr Tophel got appointed as General.”
“So, Ion Frit, Rykker Tophel, and Campion Mephiz were all appointed before my first case?”
“Ja. Rykker and Campion both worked in Police, but Ion was a newcomer. We received a fair share of rumors about him, one of the most prominent was that he was previously working in Bluecorp.”
“Bluecorp. Wasn’t that the organization that was fronted by the killer of Mister Wrights mentor?”
“…Your knowledge base of his accomplishments is scary, Herr Forehead.” Klavier said with a teasing look.
Apollo ignored that comment, and thought about how that rumor would affect his opinion of Ion.
“It says here that Asmodeus intended to work alone, but when the Chief Prosecutor decided that Edgeworth and Miss von Karma should work on it, he decided to do so, but he was angry about it…” he read. Secretly, Apollo expected nothing less of the Half Life.
“The killer was nicknamed ‘Nokturn’ after a single calling card found on the body of his assumed first victim that had that name etched onto it in fine cursive. After background checks on the bodies, courtesy of Dr Ion Frit, we discovered that the victims all stood trial for multiple offenses, as minor as thievery, or as major as murder.”
“Detectives Gumshoe and Frit, Officer Mephiz and Prosecutors Edgeworth, Skye, von Karma, and Machina all collaborated, and in the end, one suspect pleaded Guilty. The case never went public, despite the risks present, and the suspect was tried and convicted in a private courtroom.”
“And… voila. That was the final case that Herr Gumshoe ever worked on. Fraulein Franziska suspected that the Guilty was in fact, innocent in that case. That’s why she decided to meet up with Gumshoe. But, that didn’t go as planned… and she ended up getting arrested for his murder.” Klavier said, crossing his arms.
“He looks so much like Kristoph when he does that...” Apollo couldn’t help but think.
“So, did Madame von Karma believe that the accused was acting as a scapegoat for the real killer?”
“Ja, for whatever reason… The accused in that case was a man named Castor Bias. He pleaded guilty when he was suspected of being the murderer. It matched our description of him; We suspected Nokturn to have a good view of Police affairs. It made enough sense.”
“Wouldn’t it make just as much sense for there to simply be a successor of Nokturn?”
“Not unless he belonged to the Criminal Justice unit; He had enough of an idea of our plans to evade them and kill elsewhere. No ordinary citizen has that kind of power.”
“Campion is the Colonel of SWAT affairs, and Mister Tophel is the General. If you, Madame von Karma, Madame Skye, Edgeworth, and Ex Machina are all prosecutors, then where does that leave Ion?” Apollo asked. He observed that this report listed him as a Detective in the past.
“He works in Forensics, and he also has power in Police to Media communication. He managed to keep the Nokturn case completely under wraps now and then. Herr Frit is quite capable.” Klavier said, putting a hand to his hip.
“The killings ceased after Castors arrest. Herr Edgeworth went overseas, Frau Lana got back to her business, Herr Frit got promoted to Forensics, Herr Campion to a SWAT Colonel, and Herr Rykker to SWAT General. Herr Machina tried to build his name, and appointed Fraulein Gaudium as an apprentice. The only ones who bothered to stick around after that case were Fraulein Franziska and Herr Gumshoe. And shortly after that, Herr Gumshoe died.”
“I see… I wonder what’s going to happen during the trial?” Apollo asked.
“Herr Machina isn’t without his tricks. I bet you he’s out there right now looking for witnesses and evidence where we currently aren’t.”
“In that case, we should get a move on! Let’s go, Klavier! Trucy!”
“Let’s go Polly!” Trucy said as she skipped to follow the two men.
Spoiler: Chapter 31: Of Phone Calls and Bearded Bailiffs
June 21st, Court Room 3, 12:05 AM
Enter Phoenix
“Better get ready, Wrighty, cause here I…”
All of a sudden, an 8-bit ditty started to play. Phoenix, and the judge both look
Levi started to blush as she reached into a pocket to get her cell phone.
“Umm, hello?...Yes. This is she.”
“Ms Gaudium, Please do not use your phone in a court proceeding. Unless it’s relevant to the…” The judge started.
“About Franziska?... Well, keep it coming! Tell me more…”
“…Case. By my beard, this lady’s a mind reader too?!” The judge said, his eyes widening.
“M’kay, keep me posted. I have a case to put to sleep. Ciao.” She said as she hung up with a confidant flourish.
“What was that about?” Phoenix asked leaning over his desk, a bit worried about what she was about to say.
“The location of Franziska von Karma. Looks like SWAT General Tophel has approved me to say it: She has been traced it back to what was previously known as KB Security.”
Objection!!
“Do you know how General Tophel got this news?”
“Yeah, he got tipped off by a traitor in their unit.” Levi said. “The human conscience prevails once more!” she said, bowing.
“Why do I have the feeling that a failure in the conscience isn’t the case here?”
“One traitor, and witnesses too. It would seem as though the fact that they’re no honor among thieves holds true; even today!” she said to the audience.
“Tell ‘em, Levi!!” The croud cheered
“Somebody give me a ‘woot woot’!” She said, pointing. She cupped a hand to her ear.
“Woot woot!”
One member of the audience threw a rose at Levi. She caught it and smelled it daintly.
“Oh please, you’re all too much…” Levi said sweetly, smiling with a blush.
“Alright, now she’s beginning to annoy me.” Asmodeus said, crossing his arms.
“You and I both...” Phoenix thought.
“Anyway, The Tophel Fleet is on their way to the building to apprehend all subjects inside the building… No need to fret.” Levi said, still holding the rose.
“In that case, it’s time I took my leave.” Asmodeus said, getting up.
“You’re leaving?” Phoenix asked, surprised.
“Affirmative. I only wanted to stay here until I got news on Franziskas current location. Now that I have, I have no further service to serve here.”
“But-“
“But nothing. Don’t fret; I’m sending you a helpful ‘parting gift’ that might just help you out. She’s on her way as we speak… Phoenix.”
“Yes?”
“…Don’t think that this little dose of camaraderie means anything. When Franziska is rescued… I willdefeat Apollo and give Franziska the guilty verdict she deserves…”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Phoenix said, smiling at him slyly. He was a little disappointed that whatever kinship he had with Asmodeus was now gone, but he knew that he had to be defeated if Franziska was to be free.
Asmodeus stalked out the door, a cocky smile on his face.
“Now that that unpleasant memory is out of here…” Levi said under her breath. “So, any further questions, because I have a crowd to dazzle elsewhere…”
Hold it!!
“This bearded bailiff… Is it not against protocol for him to have a beard?” Phoenix asked, rubbing his chin.
“Well, it would be looked down upon, but…” The Judge said.
“What about his hair, Silence?”
“…His hair was quite long, actually. It fanned out from under his hat in big wings.” Silence said, straightening up.
“Seems like a bit of an unkempt look for a court house bailiff… Wouldn’t you say?” Phoenix suggested, smiling.
Objection!!
“Hmm… Just what are you driving at, Wrighty?” Levi said, crossing her arms.
“I’m saying that one, if not both, of the bailiffs guarding Silence…”
He slammed the desk strongly.
“Were not actual bailiffs at all!”
“Kaadavraa!” Levi shouted in surprise as she lurched backward.
Objection!!
“Your theory holds no water!” Levi said, breaking a sweat for the first time.
“Oh?” Phoenix asked her, taking pride in Levis sudden moment of vulnerability.
“Y-Yes! What would the men be disguised as bailiffs for?! They wouldn’t have anything to gain by doing this!”
Objection!!
“Yes they would, there’s a rather clear motive!”
Objection!!
“Is that so? Well, tell us, Phoenix! Why would these men disguise as bailiffs? What would they have to accomplish?”
“That’s the easy part. They dressed up as bailiffs to create a big enough situation out of Franziskas kidnapping. They had the full ability to cause enough of a stir before the actual event that would guarantee a smooth kidnapping. For that matter…”
Phoenix slammed the desk.
“The person who kidnapped Franziska probably wasn’t Shelly deKiller at all!”
Objection!!
“Oh, please! We found him at the scene of the crime dressed as a bailiff, for Gods sake!” Levi said, slamming her desk.
Objection!!
“Doesn’t mean that he was the one who kidnapped Franziska. Was she with deKiller at the time of his apprehension?”
“Grrk… Rrrk.” Levi growled, shaking a fist with one hand and clawing the desk with a gloved hand in the other.
“…Random grunts made by the Prosecution do not constitute a proper objection.” Phoenix retorted smugly as he crossed his arms.
“Heheh… I’m not done yet!”
Objection!!
“He could have had an accomplice!” Levi said, glaring.
Objection!!
“Shelly deKiller works alone. Always.” Phoenix said, shaking his head.
Objection!!
“Who’s to say that his client didn’t order another kidnapper to perform in conjunction with him?...Makes sense, no?” Levi said, showing all signs of previous strength.
“Have any proof he did?” Phoenix said, both hands on his desk.
“Have any proof he didn’t? If I were Shellys client, I’d like to know the job was in good hands. Which would imply that I would likely order two kidnappers.” Levi said, lifting a finger to dab at the bottom of her scarlet lips.
“And, if it puts a smile on your face, I do have proof of my claim. (Unlike you.) Take one look and die, Wrighty!” she said, brandishing a video cassette.
Enter Phoenix
“Better get ready, Wrighty, cause here I…”
All of a sudden, an 8-bit ditty started to play. Phoenix, and the judge both look
Levi started to blush as she reached into a pocket to get her cell phone.
“Umm, hello?...Yes. This is she.”
“Ms Gaudium, Please do not use your phone in a court proceeding. Unless it’s relevant to the…” The judge started.
“About Franziska?... Well, keep it coming! Tell me more…”
“…Case. By my beard, this lady’s a mind reader too?!” The judge said, his eyes widening.
“M’kay, keep me posted. I have a case to put to sleep. Ciao.” She said as she hung up with a confidant flourish.
“What was that about?” Phoenix asked leaning over his desk, a bit worried about what she was about to say.
“The location of Franziska von Karma. Looks like SWAT General Tophel has approved me to say it: She has been traced it back to what was previously known as KB Security.”
Objection!!
“Do you know how General Tophel got this news?”
“Yeah, he got tipped off by a traitor in their unit.” Levi said. “The human conscience prevails once more!” she said, bowing.
“Why do I have the feeling that a failure in the conscience isn’t the case here?”
“One traitor, and witnesses too. It would seem as though the fact that they’re no honor among thieves holds true; even today!” she said to the audience.
“Tell ‘em, Levi!!” The croud cheered
“Somebody give me a ‘woot woot’!” She said, pointing. She cupped a hand to her ear.
“Woot woot!”
One member of the audience threw a rose at Levi. She caught it and smelled it daintly.
“Oh please, you’re all too much…” Levi said sweetly, smiling with a blush.
“Alright, now she’s beginning to annoy me.” Asmodeus said, crossing his arms.
“You and I both...” Phoenix thought.
“Anyway, The Tophel Fleet is on their way to the building to apprehend all subjects inside the building… No need to fret.” Levi said, still holding the rose.
“In that case, it’s time I took my leave.” Asmodeus said, getting up.
“You’re leaving?” Phoenix asked, surprised.
“Affirmative. I only wanted to stay here until I got news on Franziskas current location. Now that I have, I have no further service to serve here.”
“But-“
“But nothing. Don’t fret; I’m sending you a helpful ‘parting gift’ that might just help you out. She’s on her way as we speak… Phoenix.”
“Yes?”
“…Don’t think that this little dose of camaraderie means anything. When Franziska is rescued… I willdefeat Apollo and give Franziska the guilty verdict she deserves…”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Phoenix said, smiling at him slyly. He was a little disappointed that whatever kinship he had with Asmodeus was now gone, but he knew that he had to be defeated if Franziska was to be free.
Asmodeus stalked out the door, a cocky smile on his face.
“Now that that unpleasant memory is out of here…” Levi said under her breath. “So, any further questions, because I have a crowd to dazzle elsewhere…”
Hold it!!
“This bearded bailiff… Is it not against protocol for him to have a beard?” Phoenix asked, rubbing his chin.
“Well, it would be looked down upon, but…” The Judge said.
“What about his hair, Silence?”
“…His hair was quite long, actually. It fanned out from under his hat in big wings.” Silence said, straightening up.
“Seems like a bit of an unkempt look for a court house bailiff… Wouldn’t you say?” Phoenix suggested, smiling.
Objection!!
“Hmm… Just what are you driving at, Wrighty?” Levi said, crossing her arms.
“I’m saying that one, if not both, of the bailiffs guarding Silence…”
He slammed the desk strongly.
“Were not actual bailiffs at all!”
“Kaadavraa!” Levi shouted in surprise as she lurched backward.
Objection!!
“Your theory holds no water!” Levi said, breaking a sweat for the first time.
“Oh?” Phoenix asked her, taking pride in Levis sudden moment of vulnerability.
“Y-Yes! What would the men be disguised as bailiffs for?! They wouldn’t have anything to gain by doing this!”
Objection!!
“Yes they would, there’s a rather clear motive!”
Objection!!
“Is that so? Well, tell us, Phoenix! Why would these men disguise as bailiffs? What would they have to accomplish?”
“That’s the easy part. They dressed up as bailiffs to create a big enough situation out of Franziskas kidnapping. They had the full ability to cause enough of a stir before the actual event that would guarantee a smooth kidnapping. For that matter…”
Phoenix slammed the desk.
“The person who kidnapped Franziska probably wasn’t Shelly deKiller at all!”
Objection!!
“Oh, please! We found him at the scene of the crime dressed as a bailiff, for Gods sake!” Levi said, slamming her desk.
Objection!!
“Doesn’t mean that he was the one who kidnapped Franziska. Was she with deKiller at the time of his apprehension?”
“Grrk… Rrrk.” Levi growled, shaking a fist with one hand and clawing the desk with a gloved hand in the other.
“…Random grunts made by the Prosecution do not constitute a proper objection.” Phoenix retorted smugly as he crossed his arms.
“Heheh… I’m not done yet!”
Objection!!
“He could have had an accomplice!” Levi said, glaring.
Objection!!
“Shelly deKiller works alone. Always.” Phoenix said, shaking his head.
Objection!!
“Who’s to say that his client didn’t order another kidnapper to perform in conjunction with him?...Makes sense, no?” Levi said, showing all signs of previous strength.
“Have any proof he did?” Phoenix said, both hands on his desk.
“Have any proof he didn’t? If I were Shellys client, I’d like to know the job was in good hands. Which would imply that I would likely order two kidnappers.” Levi said, lifting a finger to dab at the bottom of her scarlet lips.
“And, if it puts a smile on your face, I do have proof of my claim. (Unlike you.) Take one look and die, Wrighty!” she said, brandishing a video cassette.
Spoiler: Chapter 32: Flashback No 3
June 21st, KB Security: Floor 4, 11:45 AM
Enter Franziska
Ron and Franziska managed to travel down to floor 4. There was one elevator at the end of every room, and it only went down one floor. They dodged guards and hid, but they eventually made it down, and Ron allowed himself to relax and talk to Franziska.
“Alright, we’re almost there. We just need to…”
A large shadow wiped Ron out, his slim frame smashing against the wall. Franziska resisted the need to scream as the thing pinned Ron to the wall, grasping his collar and pushing him back.
“Ah, hello… Ronnie…” the shadow said, growling his name as saliva gathered in foam bubbles at the corners of his mouth.
Ron was face down on the ground in an instant. In desperation, he frantically thrust his hands for the holster on his belt.
His eyes widened as he discovered in horror that the gun was no longer there.
He looked up at his assailant and saw that he held the gun with two leather gloved fingers.
“Looking for this?” he said, pointing it at him.
Franziskas boot quickly planted into the side of his head, and their attacker spun to the ground. One shot went off, but it missed Franziska and Ron, the bullet flying past them into one of the windows. Light poured out from the hole in the glass, illuminating the room well enough for the trio to see each other. Their attacker wore a black latex mask over his head and seemed to be dressed in all black. He was larger that Ron and Franziska, and she guessed that he was more muscular.
The attacker quickly got up and started after Franziska, leaving the gun to spin down the hallway. Ron was too concerned about her to go without it, and tried to help her.
She was speculating how much easier this fight would be with her whip, but judging on how strong this person was, she didn’t gamble that it would be too much. Every time she guarded against one of his strikes, he retaliated with another cuff that would take her head off if she wasn’t careful. It was a difficult reality that she couldn’t be able to defend herself much longer if the fight was still hand to hand combat. Franziska was a strong woman, but she was slim and weak against strikes, much less ones that come from a full grown man who stood at least 6’4.
Ron wasn’t able to do much, even though this mans back was faced to him. He was not tall enough to hit him over the head, and every time he made an attack on him, it seemed to have little effect.
“Get out of my way!!” the attacker roared angrily. He suddenly wheeled around and slammed Ron in the ribs with branch like arms. The blow was unexpected to Ron, and the tails of his deMasque cloak waving, he flew to the side and crashed near the windows of the room.
Franziska stood frozen as the attacker suddenly hesitated. He could hear his husky breaths through his mask, and his shoulders rose and fell rhythmically as he laughed. She could feel his eyes burning into her through his mask.
“Meheh.” He laughed. It was soft, but Franziska could still hear it. He quickly reached into his pocket and unsheathed a switchblade. With a small shout he lunged as Franziska. Franziska tried to take a step backward, but she quickly fell over on her back. Her assailant was not expecting this as he rushed towards her, and quickly tumbled down himself. She kicked him in the gut just as he fell and threw him over her, sending him flying upside down towards the wall.
She heard a crash as he made contact with it. She quickly got up on her feet and ran towards where she estimated Ron fell. Much to her surprise, he wasn’t anywhere near the windows.
“…Ron?” she asked.
BANG!!
“Ron?! Damnit!” she hissed angrily. “Ron, are you alright?!”
“Y-Yes… I’m alright…” Franziska followed the sound of his voice and discovered that he was the one who fired the gun.
“Is he…?” Franziska asked, a bit startled.
“Ahahahahaha….” Their attacker laughed.
“No… I was aiming for his head, but my hand shook so much that I accidently shot him in the shoulder…” Ron said, embarrassed. He was overcome with adrenaline from shooting the man, and his body was shaking so hard Franziska was wondering how he was balancing in his boots.
“ Well? What are you waiting for, deMasque? Ronnie-Boy?” The attacker asked, tauntingly. “Kill me… Unless you’re afraid.”
“No.” Rons fright gave way, and he looked- and felt- angry, for the first time in his life.
“Trust me, I’m not. Not anymore.” Ron said, more confidently than Franziska had ever heard him.
“Then, why do you hesitate?... If you were not afraid of me: Or the consequences, I would lay dead right now, and you and Franziska would have escaped… One less bad man from this world full of them. So, what are you waiting for?... Kill me.” He snarled, his pain evident.
“…I’m not a murderer like you, Nokturn. I’ll never be.” Ron said as he released his death grip on the pistol and let it fall to the floor with a clatter. Franziska was surprised by his sudden courage.
“Heh… Fair enough.” He brandished a cell phone from his pocket and pressed a button.
“Hello, SWAT Brigade? Yes, I know the location of Franziska von Karma! She’s in the KB Security building. I just got shot by her kidnapper…! He looks quite deadly! Better hurry, because I think he’s gonna make a break for it!” He hung up with a triumphant smile.
“SWAT teams on their way... Better get out of my sight, and fast, because I didn’t kill you, but they will…”
“Goddamnit!” Ron shouted, taking Franziskas hand and running past Nokturn to the room elevator.
“Ahahahahahahahahaha!!” The duo heard Nokturns mad cackle ring in their ears as they got into the door of the elevator, and everything turned to silence as the doors started to close.
Franziska looked at Ron with sudden concern. He was breathing quickly and huskily.
Franziska moved in front of him and grasped his arms.
“…Ron?”
“…I’m fine. I’m fine.” Ron breathed.
He didn’t look scared, but his skin was pale, and he suddenly looked sick. She looked at him with sympathy. That must have been one of the bravest things he’s ever done.
“Ron, do you have to throw up?”
“No, I’ll be alright, but we have to get out of here, and fast, before the SWAT brigade comes. Are you familiar with any of the members, I wonder?” Ron asked her between shallow breaths.
“I’m more familiar with the General, but I know the Colonel too, and he takes his job very seriously. If he isn’t the first person in the door, I’ll be surprised.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have to see him, though. We have to get a move on.” He said, releasing himself from Franziskas grip.
Franziska smiled. “Goodness, aren’t we courageous all of a sudden.”
“Umm…” Ron murmured, blushing.
“I suppose some things never change.” Franziska thought.
Enter Franziska
Ron and Franziska managed to travel down to floor 4. There was one elevator at the end of every room, and it only went down one floor. They dodged guards and hid, but they eventually made it down, and Ron allowed himself to relax and talk to Franziska.
“Alright, we’re almost there. We just need to…”
A large shadow wiped Ron out, his slim frame smashing against the wall. Franziska resisted the need to scream as the thing pinned Ron to the wall, grasping his collar and pushing him back.
“Ah, hello… Ronnie…” the shadow said, growling his name as saliva gathered in foam bubbles at the corners of his mouth.
Ron was face down on the ground in an instant. In desperation, he frantically thrust his hands for the holster on his belt.
His eyes widened as he discovered in horror that the gun was no longer there.
He looked up at his assailant and saw that he held the gun with two leather gloved fingers.
“Looking for this?” he said, pointing it at him.
Franziskas boot quickly planted into the side of his head, and their attacker spun to the ground. One shot went off, but it missed Franziska and Ron, the bullet flying past them into one of the windows. Light poured out from the hole in the glass, illuminating the room well enough for the trio to see each other. Their attacker wore a black latex mask over his head and seemed to be dressed in all black. He was larger that Ron and Franziska, and she guessed that he was more muscular.
The attacker quickly got up and started after Franziska, leaving the gun to spin down the hallway. Ron was too concerned about her to go without it, and tried to help her.
She was speculating how much easier this fight would be with her whip, but judging on how strong this person was, she didn’t gamble that it would be too much. Every time she guarded against one of his strikes, he retaliated with another cuff that would take her head off if she wasn’t careful. It was a difficult reality that she couldn’t be able to defend herself much longer if the fight was still hand to hand combat. Franziska was a strong woman, but she was slim and weak against strikes, much less ones that come from a full grown man who stood at least 6’4.
Ron wasn’t able to do much, even though this mans back was faced to him. He was not tall enough to hit him over the head, and every time he made an attack on him, it seemed to have little effect.
“Get out of my way!!” the attacker roared angrily. He suddenly wheeled around and slammed Ron in the ribs with branch like arms. The blow was unexpected to Ron, and the tails of his deMasque cloak waving, he flew to the side and crashed near the windows of the room.
Franziska stood frozen as the attacker suddenly hesitated. He could hear his husky breaths through his mask, and his shoulders rose and fell rhythmically as he laughed. She could feel his eyes burning into her through his mask.
“Meheh.” He laughed. It was soft, but Franziska could still hear it. He quickly reached into his pocket and unsheathed a switchblade. With a small shout he lunged as Franziska. Franziska tried to take a step backward, but she quickly fell over on her back. Her assailant was not expecting this as he rushed towards her, and quickly tumbled down himself. She kicked him in the gut just as he fell and threw him over her, sending him flying upside down towards the wall.
She heard a crash as he made contact with it. She quickly got up on her feet and ran towards where she estimated Ron fell. Much to her surprise, he wasn’t anywhere near the windows.
“…Ron?” she asked.
BANG!!
“Ron?! Damnit!” she hissed angrily. “Ron, are you alright?!”
“Y-Yes… I’m alright…” Franziska followed the sound of his voice and discovered that he was the one who fired the gun.
“Is he…?” Franziska asked, a bit startled.
“Ahahahahaha….” Their attacker laughed.
“No… I was aiming for his head, but my hand shook so much that I accidently shot him in the shoulder…” Ron said, embarrassed. He was overcome with adrenaline from shooting the man, and his body was shaking so hard Franziska was wondering how he was balancing in his boots.
“ Well? What are you waiting for, deMasque? Ronnie-Boy?” The attacker asked, tauntingly. “Kill me… Unless you’re afraid.”
“No.” Rons fright gave way, and he looked- and felt- angry, for the first time in his life.
“Trust me, I’m not. Not anymore.” Ron said, more confidently than Franziska had ever heard him.
“Then, why do you hesitate?... If you were not afraid of me: Or the consequences, I would lay dead right now, and you and Franziska would have escaped… One less bad man from this world full of them. So, what are you waiting for?... Kill me.” He snarled, his pain evident.
“…I’m not a murderer like you, Nokturn. I’ll never be.” Ron said as he released his death grip on the pistol and let it fall to the floor with a clatter. Franziska was surprised by his sudden courage.
“Heh… Fair enough.” He brandished a cell phone from his pocket and pressed a button.
“Hello, SWAT Brigade? Yes, I know the location of Franziska von Karma! She’s in the KB Security building. I just got shot by her kidnapper…! He looks quite deadly! Better hurry, because I think he’s gonna make a break for it!” He hung up with a triumphant smile.
“SWAT teams on their way... Better get out of my sight, and fast, because I didn’t kill you, but they will…”
“Goddamnit!” Ron shouted, taking Franziskas hand and running past Nokturn to the room elevator.
“Ahahahahahahahahaha!!” The duo heard Nokturns mad cackle ring in their ears as they got into the door of the elevator, and everything turned to silence as the doors started to close.
Franziska looked at Ron with sudden concern. He was breathing quickly and huskily.
Franziska moved in front of him and grasped his arms.
“…Ron?”
“…I’m fine. I’m fine.” Ron breathed.
He didn’t look scared, but his skin was pale, and he suddenly looked sick. She looked at him with sympathy. That must have been one of the bravest things he’s ever done.
“Ron, do you have to throw up?”
“No, I’ll be alright, but we have to get out of here, and fast, before the SWAT brigade comes. Are you familiar with any of the members, I wonder?” Ron asked her between shallow breaths.
“I’m more familiar with the General, but I know the Colonel too, and he takes his job very seriously. If he isn’t the first person in the door, I’ll be surprised.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have to see him, though. We have to get a move on.” He said, releasing himself from Franziskas grip.
Franziska smiled. “Goodness, aren’t we courageous all of a sudden.”
“Umm…” Ron murmured, blushing.
“I suppose some things never change.” Franziska thought.
Re: Turnabout Degradation, UPDATED CHAPTER 32 4/30/09
You can't kill the Metal...
Gender: Male
Rank: Desk Jockey
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:53 pm
Posts: 97
Spoiler: Chapter 33: March Of The Tophel Brigade, Part 1
June 21st, KB Security: Outside, 12:00 PM
Enter Rykker
“THIS IS THE SWAT BRIGADE! COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP OR FACE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION!!” Campion shouted into a megaphone.
“WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE HOLDING FRANZISKA VON KARMA, AND WE WILL NOT SHOOT TO KILL IF SHE IS HANDED TO US IN TEN SECONDS.” Campion continued.
The entire Tophel Fleet was outside the building, flanking it perfectly in a ring of jet black trucks. Inside the ring of trucks was another ring of soldiers, armed to the teeth with bullet proof armor and shields, and guns. The Colonel and the General were standing on top of one of the trucks facing the building.
“Campion, it’s no use. It seems those bastards want us to take her back by force. And I’m ready to give them a healthy dose of lead right here, right now. Send in the Tophel Fleet! CHARGE!!” Tophel shouted, pointing with a gloved finger and a dramatic flourish at the building.
All of the troops loaded their guns simultaneously, creating a loud chk-chk noise that shook the trucks. Campion leapt down from the truck and lead the raid. All of the soldiers delivered their battle cries before rushing single file into the building.
Rykker cracked his knuckles and smiled.
“I hope you’re watching, Manfred.” He said to the sky as he crossed his arms and laughed to himself.
****
“Goddamnit!! This is NOT good. This is NOT good!” Ron said, pacing about frantically inside the elevator. “Shit, shit shit. What are we going to do?!” he exclaimed, panic and anger overtaking him as he clutched his cinnamon bun hair.
“We shouldn’t let it concern us for too long. With all hope, they will probably take the stairs.” Franziska said, hopefully trying to calm Ron down with her words.
“That hope isn’t enough for me!” He said. He unsheathed Nokturns switchblade, and a knife of his own and got up on the handles of the elevator.
“What are you doing?” Franziska asked, looking at him quizzically.
“Trying to cut a hole in the elevator ceiling… Nokturn keeps his blades extra sharp. I’m pretty sure it can cut through this provided I give it enough force…”
The elevator slowly descended as he continued to work. Eventually, he cut a square large enough for him and Franziska to fit through.
“Franziska… take my hand.” Ron said, offering her it. She took it, and he lifted her up.
The top of the elevator grinded down until it hit the bottom with a crunch.
“Crouch, Franziska, it’ll be easier that way, I think…” Ron whispered as he tried to keep the portion of elevator he cut out into the elevator.
They heard footsteps walk into the elevator, and the duo swore under their breaths.
***
“Tophel to Mephiz, Tophel to Mephiz, over. Any current sign of Franziska von Karma within the premises, over?”
Campion, one of the elevators inhabitants reached into the microphone on his shoulder strap.
“Mephiz to Tophel, not yet, over.” He said, gently as he could manage.
“Copy that, over.” One of the soldiers said into his microphone.
“Tophel to HQ, Tophel to HQ.” Tophel said. Frit was getting off of his forensics duty, and since many believed him as a genius, Rykker didn’t see a risk in asking him to lend a hand.
“Frit to Tophel, you’re all clear, sir.” Frit said into a microphone back at the Police station
“Officer Frit, can we get aerials on the rooftop, over?”
“Negative sir, not right now, but I’ll send a chopper on the way ASAP.”
“Roger that. Tophel out.” Tophel said, reaching for the button to hang up.
He touched it, and threw his cellphone out of his pocket into his hand. He dialed a number.
“Umm, Hello?” a feminine voice answered, sweet as sugar.
“Prosecutor Leviosa W. Gaudium, I presume.” Tophel asked, rubbing his index finger to his thumb.
“…Yes, this is she.”
“I would have left this up to Frit, being Chief of Police to Media relations, but he has enough on his shoulders as it is. I have news to tell you.”
“About Franziska?”
“Affirmative. It seems that she’s in what was formerly known as the KB Security building.”
“Well, keep it coming! Tell me more…” Levi said, in a flirting tone.
Rykker rolled his eyes as he continued to talk.
“I just sent in Campion and the rest of the brigade. We got tipped by a traitor in the unit, and we’ll promised to give him a ten second getaway. Seems that the kidnapper is armed. Speaking of which, if you’re going to spread this around, tell them that we’re on the way.”
“M’kay, keep me posted. I have a case to put to sleep. Ciao.” She hung up, and Tophel returned his steady gaze to the building.
“You’re as good as mine, you slippery bastard.”
***
“Ron.” Franziska whispered to him.
“Yes?” He asked.
“…Do you think that Nokturn is still alive?” Franziska said, scooting over to him gingerly so they could whisper in each others ear with minimal effort.
“I don’t think that just anyone can kill him, really. Why?” Ron said, biting his thumb.
“I… worked on a case, trying to find a serial killer by the name of Nokturn, with my brother and a few other associates. Nokturn killed many people, all of which were criminals. If that man that you fought was truly Nokturn and not an imitation… then you should have killed him when you had the chance.”
“I’m sorry…” Ron said, looking extremely apologetic.
Franziska brushed it off with a confident smile.
“It’s fair enough. If he truly escaped, then he couldn’t have gone too far… And, if it cheers you up, I have a regret about this also. If that was truly Nokturn, then I was an accomplice to putting an innocent man to death for his crimes.”
They could feel the troops piling out of the elevator, and they smiled slightly in triumph.
“…Hurm.” Franziska could hear Campion from underneath, and she knew that he realized something was not right.
She heard Campion step out and took a deep breath.
“Ron, where can we be safe?”
“Well, we can backtrack to the Control Room at the top floor… But, there’s just one problem.”
“And what’s that?”
“W-Well, I’m pretty sure that the brigade is covering the stairs and the 1st floor, and since this elevator only ascends one floor, we’re pretty much stuck here… There’s one way that we can ascend without getting into the elevator.”
“And how is that, pray tell?” Franziska asked, looking skeptical.
Ron said nothing, but pointed upwards: There was a thick steel cable that rose and lowered the elevator. Franziska looked at him in disbelief.
“You’re not seriously suggesting that we…”
“I don’t think we have any other choice…” Ron pulled back his gloves. “Better start climbing…” he added with a nervous smile.
***
“Doing a good job holding the fort down, General.” A tough voice said behind General Tophel.
“Asmodeus! What are you doing here?!” Tophel interjecting, spinning around.
“I came to help… And it seems as though I’m the least of your worries.”
With a robotic arm, Asmodeus gestured to a small crowd of people gradually getting larger as they approached the premises.
“Damn! Tophel to Squadron #1, fall back! We have a gathering just waiting to happen outside!” Tophel said, angrily.
“Heh!” Asmodeus scoffed.
“If you’re going to bother me during our mission, could you make yourself useful and use the heat sensors in the truck to see anything?” Tophel said as a troop of soldiers emerged from the building and restrained the crowd.
“No need. One of the perks to having this eye is heat seeking vision.”
“…Must have been pretty rich to get a Bioware enhancement that could give you all of those abilities.” Tophel said without looking at him.
“…It was a gift... Anyway…” Asmodeus said, focusing. His ruby red eye seemed to glow as he did so.
“…!!”
“See anything?” The General asked after hearing Asmodeus gasp.
Asmodeus laughed.
“…No. Nothing. By the way, there’s no one on the top floor…” Asmodeus suggested.
“Alright. Let’s take it down.”
“…Beg pardon?”
Tophel smirked and crossed his arms.
“Whassa matter? I’ve been dying to try out this new toy that your student worked out for me… Hidden Artillery units deploy!” Tophel said, pointing.
As if on command, hatches on the top of the trucks opened up and mounted guns exposed themselves. Tophel took a step back.
“Alastor built these?”
“Affirmative. He’s one crazy kid: The bullets fired from these bad boys can reduce steel to shrapnel in seconds... Tophel to all units! Steer clear of the top floors! Hidden Artillery firing in five! Four! Three! Two! One!... Asmodeus, if you have ears, you might want to cover them now.”
“Fire!!” Tophel roared. Even worse than this was the deafening roar of the firing guns. Tophel was not idly boasting; Dust began to settle in the air, and bricks began to fall down and crash into lower floors and the elevator shafts.
Enter Rykker
“THIS IS THE SWAT BRIGADE! COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP OR FACE IMMEDIATE TERMINATION!!” Campion shouted into a megaphone.
“WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE HOLDING FRANZISKA VON KARMA, AND WE WILL NOT SHOOT TO KILL IF SHE IS HANDED TO US IN TEN SECONDS.” Campion continued.
The entire Tophel Fleet was outside the building, flanking it perfectly in a ring of jet black trucks. Inside the ring of trucks was another ring of soldiers, armed to the teeth with bullet proof armor and shields, and guns. The Colonel and the General were standing on top of one of the trucks facing the building.
“Campion, it’s no use. It seems those bastards want us to take her back by force. And I’m ready to give them a healthy dose of lead right here, right now. Send in the Tophel Fleet! CHARGE!!” Tophel shouted, pointing with a gloved finger and a dramatic flourish at the building.
All of the troops loaded their guns simultaneously, creating a loud chk-chk noise that shook the trucks. Campion leapt down from the truck and lead the raid. All of the soldiers delivered their battle cries before rushing single file into the building.
Rykker cracked his knuckles and smiled.
“I hope you’re watching, Manfred.” He said to the sky as he crossed his arms and laughed to himself.
****
“Goddamnit!! This is NOT good. This is NOT good!” Ron said, pacing about frantically inside the elevator. “Shit, shit shit. What are we going to do?!” he exclaimed, panic and anger overtaking him as he clutched his cinnamon bun hair.
“We shouldn’t let it concern us for too long. With all hope, they will probably take the stairs.” Franziska said, hopefully trying to calm Ron down with her words.
“That hope isn’t enough for me!” He said. He unsheathed Nokturns switchblade, and a knife of his own and got up on the handles of the elevator.
“What are you doing?” Franziska asked, looking at him quizzically.
“Trying to cut a hole in the elevator ceiling… Nokturn keeps his blades extra sharp. I’m pretty sure it can cut through this provided I give it enough force…”
The elevator slowly descended as he continued to work. Eventually, he cut a square large enough for him and Franziska to fit through.
“Franziska… take my hand.” Ron said, offering her it. She took it, and he lifted her up.
The top of the elevator grinded down until it hit the bottom with a crunch.
“Crouch, Franziska, it’ll be easier that way, I think…” Ron whispered as he tried to keep the portion of elevator he cut out into the elevator.
They heard footsteps walk into the elevator, and the duo swore under their breaths.
***
“Tophel to Mephiz, Tophel to Mephiz, over. Any current sign of Franziska von Karma within the premises, over?”
Campion, one of the elevators inhabitants reached into the microphone on his shoulder strap.
“Mephiz to Tophel, not yet, over.” He said, gently as he could manage.
“Copy that, over.” One of the soldiers said into his microphone.
“Tophel to HQ, Tophel to HQ.” Tophel said. Frit was getting off of his forensics duty, and since many believed him as a genius, Rykker didn’t see a risk in asking him to lend a hand.
“Frit to Tophel, you’re all clear, sir.” Frit said into a microphone back at the Police station
“Officer Frit, can we get aerials on the rooftop, over?”
“Negative sir, not right now, but I’ll send a chopper on the way ASAP.”
“Roger that. Tophel out.” Tophel said, reaching for the button to hang up.
He touched it, and threw his cellphone out of his pocket into his hand. He dialed a number.
“Umm, Hello?” a feminine voice answered, sweet as sugar.
“Prosecutor Leviosa W. Gaudium, I presume.” Tophel asked, rubbing his index finger to his thumb.
“…Yes, this is she.”
“I would have left this up to Frit, being Chief of Police to Media relations, but he has enough on his shoulders as it is. I have news to tell you.”
“About Franziska?”
“Affirmative. It seems that she’s in what was formerly known as the KB Security building.”
“Well, keep it coming! Tell me more…” Levi said, in a flirting tone.
Rykker rolled his eyes as he continued to talk.
“I just sent in Campion and the rest of the brigade. We got tipped by a traitor in the unit, and we’ll promised to give him a ten second getaway. Seems that the kidnapper is armed. Speaking of which, if you’re going to spread this around, tell them that we’re on the way.”
“M’kay, keep me posted. I have a case to put to sleep. Ciao.” She hung up, and Tophel returned his steady gaze to the building.
“You’re as good as mine, you slippery bastard.”
***
“Ron.” Franziska whispered to him.
“Yes?” He asked.
“…Do you think that Nokturn is still alive?” Franziska said, scooting over to him gingerly so they could whisper in each others ear with minimal effort.
“I don’t think that just anyone can kill him, really. Why?” Ron said, biting his thumb.
“I… worked on a case, trying to find a serial killer by the name of Nokturn, with my brother and a few other associates. Nokturn killed many people, all of which were criminals. If that man that you fought was truly Nokturn and not an imitation… then you should have killed him when you had the chance.”
“I’m sorry…” Ron said, looking extremely apologetic.
Franziska brushed it off with a confident smile.
“It’s fair enough. If he truly escaped, then he couldn’t have gone too far… And, if it cheers you up, I have a regret about this also. If that was truly Nokturn, then I was an accomplice to putting an innocent man to death for his crimes.”
They could feel the troops piling out of the elevator, and they smiled slightly in triumph.
“…Hurm.” Franziska could hear Campion from underneath, and she knew that he realized something was not right.
She heard Campion step out and took a deep breath.
“Ron, where can we be safe?”
“Well, we can backtrack to the Control Room at the top floor… But, there’s just one problem.”
“And what’s that?”
“W-Well, I’m pretty sure that the brigade is covering the stairs and the 1st floor, and since this elevator only ascends one floor, we’re pretty much stuck here… There’s one way that we can ascend without getting into the elevator.”
“And how is that, pray tell?” Franziska asked, looking skeptical.
Ron said nothing, but pointed upwards: There was a thick steel cable that rose and lowered the elevator. Franziska looked at him in disbelief.
“You’re not seriously suggesting that we…”
“I don’t think we have any other choice…” Ron pulled back his gloves. “Better start climbing…” he added with a nervous smile.
***
“Doing a good job holding the fort down, General.” A tough voice said behind General Tophel.
“Asmodeus! What are you doing here?!” Tophel interjecting, spinning around.
“I came to help… And it seems as though I’m the least of your worries.”
With a robotic arm, Asmodeus gestured to a small crowd of people gradually getting larger as they approached the premises.
“Damn! Tophel to Squadron #1, fall back! We have a gathering just waiting to happen outside!” Tophel said, angrily.
“Heh!” Asmodeus scoffed.
“If you’re going to bother me during our mission, could you make yourself useful and use the heat sensors in the truck to see anything?” Tophel said as a troop of soldiers emerged from the building and restrained the crowd.
“No need. One of the perks to having this eye is heat seeking vision.”
“…Must have been pretty rich to get a Bioware enhancement that could give you all of those abilities.” Tophel said without looking at him.
“…It was a gift... Anyway…” Asmodeus said, focusing. His ruby red eye seemed to glow as he did so.
“…!!”
“See anything?” The General asked after hearing Asmodeus gasp.
Asmodeus laughed.
“…No. Nothing. By the way, there’s no one on the top floor…” Asmodeus suggested.
“Alright. Let’s take it down.”
“…Beg pardon?”
Tophel smirked and crossed his arms.
“Whassa matter? I’ve been dying to try out this new toy that your student worked out for me… Hidden Artillery units deploy!” Tophel said, pointing.
As if on command, hatches on the top of the trucks opened up and mounted guns exposed themselves. Tophel took a step back.
“Alastor built these?”
“Affirmative. He’s one crazy kid: The bullets fired from these bad boys can reduce steel to shrapnel in seconds... Tophel to all units! Steer clear of the top floors! Hidden Artillery firing in five! Four! Three! Two! One!... Asmodeus, if you have ears, you might want to cover them now.”
“Fire!!” Tophel roared. Even worse than this was the deafening roar of the firing guns. Tophel was not idly boasting; Dust began to settle in the air, and bricks began to fall down and crash into lower floors and the elevator shafts.
Spoiler: Chapter 34: March of the Tophel Brigade, Part 2
June 21st, KB Security: Elevator Shaft, 12:18 PM
Enter Franziska
The ringing of the guns shook the ears of everyone inside the building.
“Ron! What is this shaking?!” Franziska said as she held onto the cable from high up for dear life.
“I-I’m not sure!” Ron cried out. The cable was shaking along with the building. “Are we experiencing an earthquake?!”
“No, But something isn’t… Oh my god…” Ron said, his eyes widening in fear.
“Ron?...Ron?!” Franziska asked frantically.
“Franziska, we have to climb back down! I think that this building is starting to go down!” Ron said, trying to shimmy down the cable.
Franziska saw the shrapnel begin to fall and she followed Rons direction, and she descended gingerly down to the hole in the elevator top that Ron cut out.
She heard one man applauding.
“Franziska. Bravo; I thought you’d ever show.” Campion said, his face maintaining the same stoic expression as he stroked his goatee in thought.
Godammit, no! Ron!” Franziska cried. She wasn’t going to leave without him, and she tried to climb back up. Much to her surprise, Campion didn’t make much of an attempt to make chase, even though the building seemed to be collapsing.
The corner of his mouth twitched in a small smile as he pressed a button and raised the elevator higher.
Franziska lost her footing and finally realized what Campion was trying to do; He was ready and willing to crush her against the top of the elevator shaft if she didn’t co-operate: And if that didn’t kill her, the falling matter from above would.
Franziska tried to think amidst the loud chaos of falling objects and quaking earth. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs for Ron to hurry down, but she was worried that either Campion or the shrapnel would kill him.
“Ron, give Nokturns Knife to me!” Franziska hissed through clenched teeth. One of her many fears of the situation was that Campion would come up to join the duo above the elevator.
Ron didn’t appear to hear her, but thankfully, one of the knifes fell from his holster. She scrambled over to it, trying to ascertain if it was Nokturns, or Rons blade.
She was glad to see it was Nokturns, and she cut a line across the elevators roof before Ron finally descended. He ran down to descend from the elevator.
“Ron, no!” Franziska cried. She was too late, as he hit the floor of the elevator, and Ron was in Campions line of fire.
“Mask deMasque. Fancy meeting you here... You have something that belongs to me. And I’m not speaking of jewelry or artifacts.” Campion said as he raised his gun in front of him and pointed it at Ron.
Franziska dropped down and moved between Ron and the gun, her back facing Campion. She held onto Ron and she heard two sounds; an ear shattering crash, and a shout of agony.
She dared herself to look backwards. A piece of rock cut through the slash in the roof that Franziska made from above and severed Campions gun arm from his body. She looked down and saw it pinned under the rock, the pistol still firmly clenched in its grip.
On Campions face was a plastered look of painful surprise. With twitching fingers he moved his other hand to the gaping wound, touching the bone with a trembling finger. His eyes were wide open as he touched the area where the bone broke off, and he bit back shouting, even though his mouth was trembling at the corners. Blood and foam began to gather at his lips as he sunk to his knees and fell to the ground in a twitching heap.
Franziska screamed. Ron looked petrified in terror.
“Is he dead?!” Franziska asked, suddenly panicking as he ran over to his side.
“No… but he’s dying. Franziska, take him and go without me. I’ll… try to find a way around this.” Ron said, looking to the side worriedly.
“I…” Franziska said, looking genuinely afraid.
“Don’t worry. I’ll… be fine.” Ron consoled her. His knocking knees said something his mouth didn’t.
“…Ron.” Franziska asked.
“Y-Yes?”
“…Thank you. If we ever meet again, I have a friend that I think you should meet.”
The corner of Rons lips trembled and his eyes moistened as he bid Franziska farewell with a confident salute. Franziska pried up the limp body of Campion, the undersides of her tattered sleeves covered in blood as he tried in vain to lift him. She was strong as a result of lifting heavy books as a young girl, but Campion weighted at least two hundred pounds, and she imagined all his gear gave him a good extra fifty.
She hated to drag him, but she had no other choice; She lifted him up when she could, but they both got out alive.
***
“Franziska!” Tophel exclaimed in surprise looking at her. “Frit, cancel the birds, but bring an ambulance…”
“…Right away sir.”
“What happened to Colonel Campion?!” Tophel asked in amazement as he looked at the mutilated Campion. Blood was leaking slowly out of the corner of his lips and it stained his goatee as it moved across the side of his face. He was breathing husky breaths between gurgles, and his shoulder twitched occasionally.
“His arm got… cut off by shrapnel falling from above.”
“…Isn’t that serendipity.” Asmodeus said smiling darkly as his eyes fixated themselves on Tophel and back on Franziska.
“Goddamnit…” Tophel clenched his fist angrily.
“I…” Franziska said, beginning to stumble.
“Franziska? Franziska!”
Everything faded to black.
Enter Franziska
The ringing of the guns shook the ears of everyone inside the building.
“Ron! What is this shaking?!” Franziska said as she held onto the cable from high up for dear life.
“I-I’m not sure!” Ron cried out. The cable was shaking along with the building. “Are we experiencing an earthquake?!”
“No, But something isn’t… Oh my god…” Ron said, his eyes widening in fear.
“Ron?...Ron?!” Franziska asked frantically.
“Franziska, we have to climb back down! I think that this building is starting to go down!” Ron said, trying to shimmy down the cable.
Franziska saw the shrapnel begin to fall and she followed Rons direction, and she descended gingerly down to the hole in the elevator top that Ron cut out.
She heard one man applauding.
“Franziska. Bravo; I thought you’d ever show.” Campion said, his face maintaining the same stoic expression as he stroked his goatee in thought.
Godammit, no! Ron!” Franziska cried. She wasn’t going to leave without him, and she tried to climb back up. Much to her surprise, Campion didn’t make much of an attempt to make chase, even though the building seemed to be collapsing.
The corner of his mouth twitched in a small smile as he pressed a button and raised the elevator higher.
Franziska lost her footing and finally realized what Campion was trying to do; He was ready and willing to crush her against the top of the elevator shaft if she didn’t co-operate: And if that didn’t kill her, the falling matter from above would.
Franziska tried to think amidst the loud chaos of falling objects and quaking earth. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs for Ron to hurry down, but she was worried that either Campion or the shrapnel would kill him.
“Ron, give Nokturns Knife to me!” Franziska hissed through clenched teeth. One of her many fears of the situation was that Campion would come up to join the duo above the elevator.
Ron didn’t appear to hear her, but thankfully, one of the knifes fell from his holster. She scrambled over to it, trying to ascertain if it was Nokturns, or Rons blade.
She was glad to see it was Nokturns, and she cut a line across the elevators roof before Ron finally descended. He ran down to descend from the elevator.
“Ron, no!” Franziska cried. She was too late, as he hit the floor of the elevator, and Ron was in Campions line of fire.
“Mask deMasque. Fancy meeting you here... You have something that belongs to me. And I’m not speaking of jewelry or artifacts.” Campion said as he raised his gun in front of him and pointed it at Ron.
Franziska dropped down and moved between Ron and the gun, her back facing Campion. She held onto Ron and she heard two sounds; an ear shattering crash, and a shout of agony.
She dared herself to look backwards. A piece of rock cut through the slash in the roof that Franziska made from above and severed Campions gun arm from his body. She looked down and saw it pinned under the rock, the pistol still firmly clenched in its grip.
On Campions face was a plastered look of painful surprise. With twitching fingers he moved his other hand to the gaping wound, touching the bone with a trembling finger. His eyes were wide open as he touched the area where the bone broke off, and he bit back shouting, even though his mouth was trembling at the corners. Blood and foam began to gather at his lips as he sunk to his knees and fell to the ground in a twitching heap.
Franziska screamed. Ron looked petrified in terror.
“Is he dead?!” Franziska asked, suddenly panicking as he ran over to his side.
“No… but he’s dying. Franziska, take him and go without me. I’ll… try to find a way around this.” Ron said, looking to the side worriedly.
“I…” Franziska said, looking genuinely afraid.
“Don’t worry. I’ll… be fine.” Ron consoled her. His knocking knees said something his mouth didn’t.
“…Ron.” Franziska asked.
“Y-Yes?”
“…Thank you. If we ever meet again, I have a friend that I think you should meet.”
The corner of Rons lips trembled and his eyes moistened as he bid Franziska farewell with a confident salute. Franziska pried up the limp body of Campion, the undersides of her tattered sleeves covered in blood as he tried in vain to lift him. She was strong as a result of lifting heavy books as a young girl, but Campion weighted at least two hundred pounds, and she imagined all his gear gave him a good extra fifty.
She hated to drag him, but she had no other choice; She lifted him up when she could, but they both got out alive.
***
“Franziska!” Tophel exclaimed in surprise looking at her. “Frit, cancel the birds, but bring an ambulance…”
“…Right away sir.”
“What happened to Colonel Campion?!” Tophel asked in amazement as he looked at the mutilated Campion. Blood was leaking slowly out of the corner of his lips and it stained his goatee as it moved across the side of his face. He was breathing husky breaths between gurgles, and his shoulder twitched occasionally.
“His arm got… cut off by shrapnel falling from above.”
“…Isn’t that serendipity.” Asmodeus said smiling darkly as his eyes fixated themselves on Tophel and back on Franziska.
“Goddamnit…” Tophel clenched his fist angrily.
“I…” Franziska said, beginning to stumble.
“Franziska? Franziska!”
Everything faded to black.
Spoiler: Chapter 35: Goddess From The Machine
June 21st, Courtroom No 3, 12:43 PM
Enter Phoenix
“Yes, Feenie behold! For this is footage of the-“
Levi started dramatically, but her phone rang again, and with white teeth grinding behind ruby red lips she answered it in a surprisingly sweet voice.
“…Yes?”
After what appeared to be a long winded explanation, Phoenix could swear she saw perspiration form on her face, colored white with fright and stage makeup.
“…Ah. Is that so…? Any evidence left?...I see! What do you mean the possible rooms got destroyed?!” she said, slamming on her desk. “Are you insane?! You brought the building down?! Do you have any idea what ground breaking evidence could have possibly been… Yes. I’ll alert them.” Levi said. She placed her cell phone on the desk.
“…Attention, everyone! Franziska von Karma has been found alive inside the KB Security building.” Levi said, standing up straight.
Phoenix let out a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh, thank god… Franziska…”
“However! One of the highest ranking officers in the Tophel brigade was severely injured… for that matter, Franziska herself appears to be suffering.”
HOLD IT!!
“What’s Franziska’s current condition?!” Phoenix asked, pointing.
“Stable. Rest assured, Feenie; Franziska seems to be in good shape… Just passed out after arriving, likely due to stress…” Levi said, tilting her head to the left. Her two long green pigtails and the fringe in front of her eyes drooped down as she did so.
“The Colonel of SWAT operations is heading to Caduceus post-haste to undergo surgery. Franziska may do the same... They’re going to keep me posted, rest assured…. But that is not the situation right now. The situation, my friends, is here within the walls of this sanctum! We must review the contents of this tape to discover the truth!”
The Harlequin prosecutor did a cartwheel, inserting the cassette into the VCR during her rotation. She jumped up, and did a backflip off of Phoenixs desk, throwing confetti in midair, much to the crowds delight.
“Alright! Let’s start this thing up!” Levi said. She thrust out her arm, a remote control popping out of her large sleeve. She caught it and pressed a button activating it.
The video was black and white. It showcased a bailiff running down the hallway with Franziska von Karma draped over his shoulder. The Bailiff handed him to another. A single white flash happened across the television before it faded away to noise.
“In summary, we are lead to believe that Shelly had an accomplice. And we can prove it was him.” Levi pulled out a scepter and pointed it at the television.
“Now, zoom in! Enhance!!” she said. As if on command, the televisions view seemed to zoom onto the face of the kidnapper just as he turned to run away.
The face was that of Shelly deKiller, and it was made further obvious by the sudden burst of color to his face on Levi’s cue.
“…Ladies and gentlemen, Shelly deKiller.” Levi said as she crossed her arms.
The crowd degraded into a series of ‘boos’ at Shelly and people heckled Phoenix. One particular person brought something to throw.
“Your verdict, your Honor; if you please.”
“Very well. This court finds Shelly deKiller…”
…
Hold it!!
“…What…?” Levi hissed, clenching a fist.
The doorway shone with blinding light. In it’s way was a shadow of a girl. She was petite, and wore what appeared to be a robe. A ornament around her neck shone in the light and she wore her hair up in a braided pretzel like formation. The Kurain seal of mastery hung around her neck.
“It’s been a long time… Mister Nick.” Pearl Fey said as she walked out of the shadows with a smile.
“Pearls…” Phoenix said, out of breath. “I haven’t seen her since that day….”
“I was just sent by Prosecutor Ex Machina to the scene of the crime. He gave me back some crucial evidence to the case that not only proves Shelly deKiller innocent, but prompts another wild goose chase for the true kidnapper.” Pearl said, walking daintily to Phoenix's side.
“Is that so? Tell me, little girl, what that might be?” Levi said smugly, looking at her white gloved hands.
“Here.” Pearl slammed a folder down on the desk with such intensity that most of the contents flew out: Security pictures of Mask deMasque, calling cards, spare pieces of clothing.
“These articles were all found by Asmodeus Ex Machina and SWAT members underneath the rubble from the building being torn down.” Pearl said, folding her arms behind her back.
“How can you prove that?! This evidence might have been fabricated!!” Levi said, slamming on the defense desk, getting increasingly angry at the fifteen year old on the other side.
“I was given this evidence prior to the General phone calling you for the second time to let you know of the circumstances. If I’m lying, if I just brought these articles, then explain how I knew about the circumstance of the building crumbling and the General phone calling you: I bet you yourself didn’t even realize that Asmodeus has plans to leave and assist the General.”
--
“In that case, it’s time I took my leave.”
“You’re leaving?”
“Affirmative. I only wanted to stay here until I got news on Franziskas current location. Now that I have, I have no further service to serve here.”
“But-“
“But nothing. Don’t fret; I’m sending you a ‘parting gift’ that might just help you out…”
--
“You…You must be this parting gift…” Levi said, nervously.
“God from the machine, Madame Leviosa Wyng Gaudium.” Pearl said, showing no sign of fear or weakness towards the clownish prosecutor. She bounced slightly on the ball of her sandaled heel as she spoke.
“So, he left… to go assist the SWAT brigade… and told you brought back the evidence for you to present… No! I can’t believe this! Asmodeus would not go into a crumbling building just to prove me wrong! You would never have had enough time go there, get a full explanation of the situation and come back here; Much less on foot!” Levi said, losing composure.
“Then let’s make a little wager, Miss Gaudium: Winner takes all.” Pearl said, looking even more determined.
“I’m all ears.” Levi said; the two women glared at each other, Pearls hardened brown eyes into Levis gold.
“Call the General; if they’ve found at least one piece of legit evidence that points to Mask deMasque, then we get a non-guilty verdict by default and Shelly’s off the hook.”
“Very well, but here’s my stake: If they’ve found nothing… then Feenie will be charged of evidence fraud. And this time, that Lawyers Badge of his will disappear for good.” Levi snarled.
Pearl looked at Phoenix with pleading eyes. Phoenix looked back at her, not knowing what to do.
“Pearl… are you absolutely sure about this?” Phoenix said, not knowing what to think. Asmodeus has tried to screw him into presenting that evidence before; just by bringing Pearl over with the evidence he has already made his prescence and control over this case known. If this was another one of his ploys, then Phoenix was in grave danger: But unless Pearls was working for him, then there was no risk of betrayal, was there?
Pearl would never be the same after what happened; That much was certain. But, she wouldn’t do this to betray him, would she?
“Mr Nick… You have to trust me… Please…” Pearls said, eyes watering.
“Now’s your chance to reconsider, Phoenix Wright.” Levi said, folding her arms behind her back and walking back to her desk with her back facing them.
“Your client is doomed no matter what you do. If you leave him to have a Guilty verdict, then you don’t have to suffer. The only person who suffers is the one who deserves it.” Levi said, staring into his soul.
“But I can’t… Shelly kidnapped Maya, killed Juan Corrida, yes… But he helped me take down Matt Engarde. And I can’t ignore his dying wish!” Phoenix said, clenching his hands to his head.
“Pearl… I will never be able to undo the damage done to you on that night. I’m… so sorry. Mia would have been angry at me for relinquishing this chance. But no matter what may happen... I trust you.”
“…The defense renders the wager made by the aide legit. Call him, Levi; put him on speaker phone…. I want to see the look on your face when you lose.” Phoenix said, returning the stare more powerfully then ever.
Levi laughed.
“So long have I waited for this opportunity. To prove myself on the same level as that fop! To have the glory of defeating the Phoenix! To bring down the Poker legend! When you lose, Phoenix Wright… I will feel complete for this first time in my life. This is such a fleeting moment in time: The instant we end this game once and for all!”
Levi pressed the numbers to call the General.
Enter Phoenix
“Yes, Feenie behold! For this is footage of the-“
Levi started dramatically, but her phone rang again, and with white teeth grinding behind ruby red lips she answered it in a surprisingly sweet voice.
“…Yes?”
After what appeared to be a long winded explanation, Phoenix could swear she saw perspiration form on her face, colored white with fright and stage makeup.
“…Ah. Is that so…? Any evidence left?...I see! What do you mean the possible rooms got destroyed?!” she said, slamming on her desk. “Are you insane?! You brought the building down?! Do you have any idea what ground breaking evidence could have possibly been… Yes. I’ll alert them.” Levi said. She placed her cell phone on the desk.
“…Attention, everyone! Franziska von Karma has been found alive inside the KB Security building.” Levi said, standing up straight.
Phoenix let out a heavy sigh of relief. “Oh, thank god… Franziska…”
“However! One of the highest ranking officers in the Tophel brigade was severely injured… for that matter, Franziska herself appears to be suffering.”
HOLD IT!!
“What’s Franziska’s current condition?!” Phoenix asked, pointing.
“Stable. Rest assured, Feenie; Franziska seems to be in good shape… Just passed out after arriving, likely due to stress…” Levi said, tilting her head to the left. Her two long green pigtails and the fringe in front of her eyes drooped down as she did so.
“The Colonel of SWAT operations is heading to Caduceus post-haste to undergo surgery. Franziska may do the same... They’re going to keep me posted, rest assured…. But that is not the situation right now. The situation, my friends, is here within the walls of this sanctum! We must review the contents of this tape to discover the truth!”
The Harlequin prosecutor did a cartwheel, inserting the cassette into the VCR during her rotation. She jumped up, and did a backflip off of Phoenixs desk, throwing confetti in midair, much to the crowds delight.
“Alright! Let’s start this thing up!” Levi said. She thrust out her arm, a remote control popping out of her large sleeve. She caught it and pressed a button activating it.
The video was black and white. It showcased a bailiff running down the hallway with Franziska von Karma draped over his shoulder. The Bailiff handed him to another. A single white flash happened across the television before it faded away to noise.
“In summary, we are lead to believe that Shelly had an accomplice. And we can prove it was him.” Levi pulled out a scepter and pointed it at the television.
“Now, zoom in! Enhance!!” she said. As if on command, the televisions view seemed to zoom onto the face of the kidnapper just as he turned to run away.
The face was that of Shelly deKiller, and it was made further obvious by the sudden burst of color to his face on Levi’s cue.
“…Ladies and gentlemen, Shelly deKiller.” Levi said as she crossed her arms.
The crowd degraded into a series of ‘boos’ at Shelly and people heckled Phoenix. One particular person brought something to throw.
“Your verdict, your Honor; if you please.”
“Very well. This court finds Shelly deKiller…”
…
Hold it!!
“…What…?” Levi hissed, clenching a fist.
The doorway shone with blinding light. In it’s way was a shadow of a girl. She was petite, and wore what appeared to be a robe. A ornament around her neck shone in the light and she wore her hair up in a braided pretzel like formation. The Kurain seal of mastery hung around her neck.
“It’s been a long time… Mister Nick.” Pearl Fey said as she walked out of the shadows with a smile.
“Pearls…” Phoenix said, out of breath. “I haven’t seen her since that day….”
“I was just sent by Prosecutor Ex Machina to the scene of the crime. He gave me back some crucial evidence to the case that not only proves Shelly deKiller innocent, but prompts another wild goose chase for the true kidnapper.” Pearl said, walking daintily to Phoenix's side.
“Is that so? Tell me, little girl, what that might be?” Levi said smugly, looking at her white gloved hands.
“Here.” Pearl slammed a folder down on the desk with such intensity that most of the contents flew out: Security pictures of Mask deMasque, calling cards, spare pieces of clothing.
“These articles were all found by Asmodeus Ex Machina and SWAT members underneath the rubble from the building being torn down.” Pearl said, folding her arms behind her back.
“How can you prove that?! This evidence might have been fabricated!!” Levi said, slamming on the defense desk, getting increasingly angry at the fifteen year old on the other side.
“I was given this evidence prior to the General phone calling you for the second time to let you know of the circumstances. If I’m lying, if I just brought these articles, then explain how I knew about the circumstance of the building crumbling and the General phone calling you: I bet you yourself didn’t even realize that Asmodeus has plans to leave and assist the General.”
--
“In that case, it’s time I took my leave.”
“You’re leaving?”
“Affirmative. I only wanted to stay here until I got news on Franziskas current location. Now that I have, I have no further service to serve here.”
“But-“
“But nothing. Don’t fret; I’m sending you a ‘parting gift’ that might just help you out…”
--
“You…You must be this parting gift…” Levi said, nervously.
“God from the machine, Madame Leviosa Wyng Gaudium.” Pearl said, showing no sign of fear or weakness towards the clownish prosecutor. She bounced slightly on the ball of her sandaled heel as she spoke.
“So, he left… to go assist the SWAT brigade… and told you brought back the evidence for you to present… No! I can’t believe this! Asmodeus would not go into a crumbling building just to prove me wrong! You would never have had enough time go there, get a full explanation of the situation and come back here; Much less on foot!” Levi said, losing composure.
“Then let’s make a little wager, Miss Gaudium: Winner takes all.” Pearl said, looking even more determined.
“I’m all ears.” Levi said; the two women glared at each other, Pearls hardened brown eyes into Levis gold.
“Call the General; if they’ve found at least one piece of legit evidence that points to Mask deMasque, then we get a non-guilty verdict by default and Shelly’s off the hook.”
“Very well, but here’s my stake: If they’ve found nothing… then Feenie will be charged of evidence fraud. And this time, that Lawyers Badge of his will disappear for good.” Levi snarled.
Pearl looked at Phoenix with pleading eyes. Phoenix looked back at her, not knowing what to do.
“Pearl… are you absolutely sure about this?” Phoenix said, not knowing what to think. Asmodeus has tried to screw him into presenting that evidence before; just by bringing Pearl over with the evidence he has already made his prescence and control over this case known. If this was another one of his ploys, then Phoenix was in grave danger: But unless Pearls was working for him, then there was no risk of betrayal, was there?
Pearl would never be the same after what happened; That much was certain. But, she wouldn’t do this to betray him, would she?
“Mr Nick… You have to trust me… Please…” Pearls said, eyes watering.
“Now’s your chance to reconsider, Phoenix Wright.” Levi said, folding her arms behind her back and walking back to her desk with her back facing them.
“Your client is doomed no matter what you do. If you leave him to have a Guilty verdict, then you don’t have to suffer. The only person who suffers is the one who deserves it.” Levi said, staring into his soul.
“But I can’t… Shelly kidnapped Maya, killed Juan Corrida, yes… But he helped me take down Matt Engarde. And I can’t ignore his dying wish!” Phoenix said, clenching his hands to his head.
“Pearl… I will never be able to undo the damage done to you on that night. I’m… so sorry. Mia would have been angry at me for relinquishing this chance. But no matter what may happen... I trust you.”
“…The defense renders the wager made by the aide legit. Call him, Levi; put him on speaker phone…. I want to see the look on your face when you lose.” Phoenix said, returning the stare more powerfully then ever.
Levi laughed.
“So long have I waited for this opportunity. To prove myself on the same level as that fop! To have the glory of defeating the Phoenix! To bring down the Poker legend! When you lose, Phoenix Wright… I will feel complete for this first time in my life. This is such a fleeting moment in time: The instant we end this game once and for all!”
Levi pressed the numbers to call the General.
Spoiler: Asmodeus' Gambit, Part 1
June 21st, KB Security; Lobby, 12:37 PM
Flashback: Enter Pearl and Asmodeus
“Mr. Ex Machina… You called me?”
“Indeed, Grand Master Pearl. I have a small… favor to ask of you.” Asmodeus said, slowly extending his hand. He only did this when he had a proposition to make; Pearl knew him long enough to recognize his body language.
“Anything, Mr. Ex Machina.” Pearl said, faltering as she folded both her arms behind her back. She did not believe that Asmodeus was the same as he was back then; it was impossible to look at him, to feel his presence and believe it was the same. But, Pearl owed Asmodeus a lot, and the two people both knew it.
Asmodeus handed Pearl a file filled with many contents.
“Bring this back to the courtroom and present it, but make sure to keep it concealed. Make them a wager; Call the General and ask if we have other evidence; If we don’t, then Phoenix get’s a guilty verdict, but if we do… then Shelly get’s off the hook, no questions asked…”
“Mr Ter…. Mr. Ex Machina?”
“That’s better. I heard that slip. Never call me that ever again, Pearl… Those days are over now: You know that.”
“I’m sorry, Mister Ex Machina.” Pearl said, looking down out of disappointment. Saying that name was like breathing an omen on someone. That name felt so cold to her even after all these years. Seeing his face used to mean happiness. Now it was dark and hollow, and The Master of Kurain could never find the warmth in him, no matter how hard she looked into his face or soul.
“But how can you be sure that there’s evidence that will lead to Mask deMasque?” Pearl asked.
“Oh, trust me.” Asmodeus said, remembering the forged evidence. “I have my reasons... It’s now or never, Pearl… Hurry.” He said, patting her head gently, stroking the braided pretzel formation down before it popped back up again.
She remembered the warm touch that he used to offer back when the two were younger, but to pair that with the cold metal hands he now had felt unnatural to the younger person.
Pearl hurried out the door. She was expected an answer like that; With Asmodeus Ex Machina, there was never a straight answer; Only a master scheme. This would be the first time Pearls has seen Phoenix since… the incident.
But was she ready?
****
June 21st, KB Security; Lobby, 12:50 PM
Enter Asmodeus
Asmodeus shook the thought from his head as he reached into his pocket for the corresponding evidence that Pearl had; It was a worn brooch from Mask deMasques cape that he found among the rubble in the elevator.
“Asmodeus!”
“Yes, General Tophel?”
“You look like someone opened a box of Crispy Cremes right in front of your nose! Wake up!”
“Apologies. I was just thinking… Here, allow me to search for evidence.”
Asmodeus knew that this was pointless, but he tried to make himself look hard at work. It was an open question why nobody had found anything:
“Perhaps the troops are as dimwitted as their General? Makes enough sense, looking at Campion.” Asmodeus thought as he snorted. Tophel did seem pretty shaken: despite his usual tough façade, Asmodeus has learned to not be fooled by sight. He saw the General as the weeping pile of guilt he actually was.
Tophel, nor any of the other soldiers were aware of the gambit he forged with Pearl just then. Levi couldn’t resist a challenge, much less a bet or wager. Phoenix would win the case if Levi was how Asmodeus thought.
“She may be a magician, but I am the one holding all the aces this time. I just hope Pearl manages to come through.” He thought, the pipes on his back billowing with fog. “All we have to do now is play the waiting game. Any second now, there will be a phone call from Levi… if all goes according to plan…”
“Pearl… I hope you made it there. I’m leaving the rest to you.” Asmodeus whispered to himself, kneeling down like he was praying.
He didn’t like to admit it, but Pearl was one of the only people from the past that seemed to see him through the days without trouble: The other one was Lana, and nowadays he depended on the pair more than he liked to admit.
He looked at the floor of the elevator, Campions blood finally began to scab over to a pale crust that crunched under his metal feet. Campion was rushed to Caduceus Bioware for an emergency surgery; it was a freak accident… Or so it seemed.
His train of thought interrupted, his artificial heart skipped a beat at the sound of Tophels phone ringing.
The Half Life smiled darkly.
“…Game over, Leviosa.” He simply said as he walked over to the Generals side.
Flashback: Enter Pearl and Asmodeus
“Mr. Ex Machina… You called me?”
“Indeed, Grand Master Pearl. I have a small… favor to ask of you.” Asmodeus said, slowly extending his hand. He only did this when he had a proposition to make; Pearl knew him long enough to recognize his body language.
“Anything, Mr. Ex Machina.” Pearl said, faltering as she folded both her arms behind her back. She did not believe that Asmodeus was the same as he was back then; it was impossible to look at him, to feel his presence and believe it was the same. But, Pearl owed Asmodeus a lot, and the two people both knew it.
Asmodeus handed Pearl a file filled with many contents.
“Bring this back to the courtroom and present it, but make sure to keep it concealed. Make them a wager; Call the General and ask if we have other evidence; If we don’t, then Phoenix get’s a guilty verdict, but if we do… then Shelly get’s off the hook, no questions asked…”
“Mr Ter…. Mr. Ex Machina?”
“That’s better. I heard that slip. Never call me that ever again, Pearl… Those days are over now: You know that.”
“I’m sorry, Mister Ex Machina.” Pearl said, looking down out of disappointment. Saying that name was like breathing an omen on someone. That name felt so cold to her even after all these years. Seeing his face used to mean happiness. Now it was dark and hollow, and The Master of Kurain could never find the warmth in him, no matter how hard she looked into his face or soul.
“But how can you be sure that there’s evidence that will lead to Mask deMasque?” Pearl asked.
“Oh, trust me.” Asmodeus said, remembering the forged evidence. “I have my reasons... It’s now or never, Pearl… Hurry.” He said, patting her head gently, stroking the braided pretzel formation down before it popped back up again.
She remembered the warm touch that he used to offer back when the two were younger, but to pair that with the cold metal hands he now had felt unnatural to the younger person.
Pearl hurried out the door. She was expected an answer like that; With Asmodeus Ex Machina, there was never a straight answer; Only a master scheme. This would be the first time Pearls has seen Phoenix since… the incident.
But was she ready?
****
June 21st, KB Security; Lobby, 12:50 PM
Enter Asmodeus
Asmodeus shook the thought from his head as he reached into his pocket for the corresponding evidence that Pearl had; It was a worn brooch from Mask deMasques cape that he found among the rubble in the elevator.
“Asmodeus!”
“Yes, General Tophel?”
“You look like someone opened a box of Crispy Cremes right in front of your nose! Wake up!”
“Apologies. I was just thinking… Here, allow me to search for evidence.”
Asmodeus knew that this was pointless, but he tried to make himself look hard at work. It was an open question why nobody had found anything:
“Perhaps the troops are as dimwitted as their General? Makes enough sense, looking at Campion.” Asmodeus thought as he snorted. Tophel did seem pretty shaken: despite his usual tough façade, Asmodeus has learned to not be fooled by sight. He saw the General as the weeping pile of guilt he actually was.
Tophel, nor any of the other soldiers were aware of the gambit he forged with Pearl just then. Levi couldn’t resist a challenge, much less a bet or wager. Phoenix would win the case if Levi was how Asmodeus thought.
“She may be a magician, but I am the one holding all the aces this time. I just hope Pearl manages to come through.” He thought, the pipes on his back billowing with fog. “All we have to do now is play the waiting game. Any second now, there will be a phone call from Levi… if all goes according to plan…”
“Pearl… I hope you made it there. I’m leaving the rest to you.” Asmodeus whispered to himself, kneeling down like he was praying.
He didn’t like to admit it, but Pearl was one of the only people from the past that seemed to see him through the days without trouble: The other one was Lana, and nowadays he depended on the pair more than he liked to admit.
He looked at the floor of the elevator, Campions blood finally began to scab over to a pale crust that crunched under his metal feet. Campion was rushed to Caduceus Bioware for an emergency surgery; it was a freak accident… Or so it seemed.
His train of thought interrupted, his artificial heart skipped a beat at the sound of Tophels phone ringing.
The Half Life smiled darkly.
“…Game over, Leviosa.” He simply said as he walked over to the Generals side.
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