Chapter Text
I walk into the defendant lobby with my trusty partner Mikeko. I would not make it in court without her. But I guess I have nothing to worry about.
“Ah, good morning!” It’s my boss, Kristoph Gavin. He is a renowned defense attorney at a law firm he owns, Gavin Law Offices. And my mentor.
“…”
Realizing that he was waiting for an answer, I quickly waved. “You still refuse to talk I see, and here I thought that you’d want to start spectating your first trial in a professional manner.” I saw Mr. Gavin shake his head condescendingly. Not gonna lie, I was kinda hoping that I could at least help with the trial. Not that I don't appreciate what Mr. Gavin is doing for me, but I've been working with Mr. Gavin for months now. I was so excited thinking that I could defend today, I even got up at 5AM to do my “Chords of Steel” voice workout. Not that I need it though. Mikeko briefly hissed at Mr. Gavin.
“Mr. Justice, what have I said about the cat?” Mr. Gavin said in a scolding tone but he was a few feet further away from me than before. He’s probably scared that Mikeko will attack him, but she wouldn’t do that. But it is kinda weird, she hisses a lot of people. The only person she doesn’t hiss is my friend, Clay Terren. I’ll have to look into it one of these days.
“As you know, the client today is a good friend of mine. I wouldn’t want to let him down. As it happens, I dined with him the night of the murder. So I can’t let this case fall through.” I quickly nod my head in response. “I’ll be preparing for the case. Let me know when the client gets here.” He said before going to organize the files on the lobby couch.
My name is Apollo Justice. If it isn’t already clear, I’m a new attorney. And today is my first time observing a trial. I wish I could be the one defending the client, but I get it. After all, there is still a problem I have that prevents me from doing so. I can’t talk. I don’t want to get into all the details so let’s just say that because of an incident, I am unable to talk in public. I can only talk to myself and my service cat Mikeko. Mikeko has been with me for a while, she helps alert others when I need to get someone’s attention. She also helps me with my anxiety. And I guess she unknowingly alerts others that I am approaching thanks to the bell on her collar. Mikeko even has a service animal vest but she doesn't like wearing it. So I just keep it in my backpack. I work as Mr. Gavin's assistant. But some reason he tells me to not tell people that I'm an attorney. He even makes me leave my badge at home. I can't bring myself to part with it after all my hard work of passing the bar exam. So I actually keep it inside my backpack. But I hope that one day I can wear it loud and proud.
“…”
… It’s the defendant!
“…”
“…” I wave shyly at him hoping he wouldn’t get offended.
“… Hi to you too. It’s all up to you today.” What does he mean by "It's all up to you"? Does he think that I'm the defense attorney!? Doesn't he see that I am not wearing my badge. I quickly shake my head. "Oh uh, don't worry though. I'm sure you'll do a great job." Now he thinks that I'm nervous about defending.
"Ugh"
"Are you really that nervous, maybe a different topic could help. Uh... that's a cute cat you got there" Mikeko meowed happily at the compliment. I'm getting nowhere with the defendant. I pull out my notebook from my backpack and start writing. "What are you doing?"
'IM FINE!!!' I wrote on the notebook and present to the defendant.
"Oh, that's good then."
'I'm not your defense attorney, Mr. Gavin will be taking your case.'
"So that's why you were acting... I didn't request Kristoph Gavin though?"
'I'm sorry but Mr. Gavin is already preparing your case.'
"Justice, I thought I told you to let me know when my client arrived. Sorry for the holdup, Wright."
"Ahh!" Wait, did he say Wright? As in Phoenix Wright, the Turnabout Terror!? I have been talking with legendary defense attorney, Phoenix Wright this whole time!? Mr. Wright glanced my way before addressing Mr. Gavin.
"Kristoph, I thought you saw in the paperwork that I requested a different defense attorney?"
"Yes, I saw. However he can't defend you since he isn't an attorney, so I took your case."
"What do you mean he can't..." Before Mr. Wright could finish his sentence, the bailiff came.
"Mr. Gavin, Defendant, the trial is starting."
"Thank you Bailiff, we're on our way. I need to get ready for the trial now, come on Justice." I get over my surprise and quickly start following Mr. Gavin. I wonder what that conversation was about, hopefully nothing bad.
I walk to the counsel table to stand next to Mr. Gavin. I start unpacking Mr. Gavin's files, Mikeko still on my shoulder. Mikeko hisses at Mr. Gavin again. I bow to Mr. Gavin as a form of an apology. I give the command to move to the other shoulder so she doesn't bother him. Suddenly the judge bangs his gavel.
“The court is now in session.”
“The prosecution is ready. Your Honor.” I see this weird guy as the prosecutor.
"The defense is ready, Your Honor."
"I notice a new face in the defense. Is he perhaps an junior defense attorney of yours, Mr. Gavin?"
"No, he's not a defense attorney. He's more like an apprentice. Don't worry, he's only observing the trial." But I am an attorney though. I passed the bar and have a badge.
"I see, and what is your name, apprentice?"
"I'm sorry but I'm afraid that he can't talk, no one knows why though. His name is Apollo Justice." I can introduce myself. But I guess I shouldn't get mad at Mr. Gavin, he's helping me after all and he let me observe.
"Oh Mr. Justice, that sounds like a defense attorney's name. I have another question regarding Mr. Justice. Is that a cat on his shoulder? Mikeko meowed. I petted her in acknowledgement.
“Apologies again, Your Honor. That is Mr. Justice’s pet cat. I have warned Mr. Justice beforehand about bringing a pet to a courtroom.”
"Mr. Justice, you should know better then to bring a cat into a courtroom." Why he is treating me like a child? "I suppose I could allow it this one time, next time make sure to leave the cat at home. M-May I ask though, what is the cat’s name? I’m not a-asking because of an ulterior motive or anything.” I think you are. Too bad I can't answer.
"I don't know the name of his pet, Your Honor."
“Then let’s begin. The defendant may enter the courtroom.”
“…”
“This is truly an unfortunate turn of events. I’m sorry we had to meet again under these circumstances. Long time no see, Mr. Wright.”
“Let’s put the past behind us, shall we? These days, I’m merely Phoenix Wright, piano player.” Mr. Wright… How could this have happened?
“I won’t speak of it further then. If the prosecution would be so kind as to explain the charges, Mr. Payne?”
“To think, I saw you enter this room a fresh attorney, and now I’ll see you leave in chains.”
“Ah, Winston Payne. Subtle as ever, I see.” Wait, is that guy someone important?
"Before we start, I have a question for the defense."
"I suppose I could let you ask, go ahead."
"Why did you say that the attorney I requested can't defend me?" Someone rejected Mr. Wright, why?
"Wait Mr. Wright, you requested someone else!? Why isn't that person defending, Mr. Gavin?"
"Normally I believe that a defense attorney must always cede to his client’s wishes. There are of course exceptions to this. And the exception in this case, was that my client had specifically requested Mr. Justice.” Wait, he requested me!?
"Ahh!" I quickly turn my head to Mr. Gavin then Mr. Wright to confirm this fact.
"But Mr. Justice is standing right there by your side with a shocked look on his face! Did you even ask him if he wants to defend me?"
"It doesn't matter whether he wants to or not, he can't because he is not a defense attorney." But I am. And why did Mr. Gavin not even ask? Does he not have any faith in me?
The trial starts but I'm unable to shake my feelings of disappointment and sadness. As the prosecution summed up the case, I try to listen to everything. Does Mr. Gavin not believe in me? How come Mr. Wright requested me? ...What did I expect? Of course I can't defend Mr. Wright. I can't defend anyone. After all, can I even call myself an attorney if I can't defend? I...am...not...a real attorney. Mikeko, sensing my depression, starts licking me. I feel a little better but not fully. If only I could speak.
“Objection! It is true that the defendant was engaged in a game of poker with the victim. Yet it was only that: a game, in the purest sense. A competition, Your Honor."
“A… competition?”
“Yes, a test of wits, a silent clash of passions… Only the cards, their backs wreathed in blue flame, know its final outcome.”
“… Er, come again?”
“The cards on the table had blue backs, Your Honor. I believe the defense was waxing poetic in an attempt to mystify those present… …and impress women.”
“That will be our first order of business here then: To find out more about this fatal game of cards.”
“…”
“Very well, Defendant. You will testify to the court about the poker competition held the night of the crime.”
“… Sure.” Mr. Wright kinda looks mad.
“I am a pianist by trade… yet I can hardly play at all. My real job is to take on interested customers over at the poker table. The room where we play and the competition in there are the club’s main attractions. The rules are simple: we play a game of poker using two decks of cards. That’s all it is… a game. And our customers are happy.”
“…Hmm. A pianist who can’t play piano?”
“Better than a defense attorney who can’t defend.” Way to run salt on the wound.
“…Very well. The defense may begin the cross-examination.”
Mr. Gavin starts cross-examining Mr. Wright. I look in envy as Mr. Gavin flawlessly presses, what I wouldn't give to get a chance. Just a press and Mr. Gavin got a new testimony.
“I plead silence regarding the murder. But I will say I never touched the murder weapon." Do you mean the bottle with your prints on it? I then see Mr. Gavin leave that statement alone.
"Ahh!" Wait, he left the statement alone? Isn't it our job to point out contradictions, even when they're our client's? Isn't it our job to find the truth?
"Is something wrong, Mr. Justice?" Oh no, it's the judge. What do I do? "Mr. Justice?..."
"You noticed something, didn't you?" Mr. Wright? "Don't be shy, show us what you noticed." Mr. Wright spoke softly to me. Like he knew what I wanted to say. As if he was telling me that he wouldn't be mad. It... gave me the courage I needed to show them. I pulled out my notebook and began writing.
'So you say you didn’t touch the murder weapon… this grape juice bottle? …Right?' I presented to Mr. Wright.
“So I said.”
“…”
“Something the matter, Mr. Justice?”
“Hee hee hee… Too bad our silent apprentice never learned how to play dumb!” I look to Mr. Gavin and he seems mad. Perhaps I made the wrong choice.
“What’s this, Mr. Payne?”
“I examined the bottle in question, you see. And it was covered with the defendant’s fingerprints.” I quickly slam my fists on the table in objection.
“No need to pound your fists, Mr. Justice. I can hear just fine!” Ok, I guess I got carried away.
“May I ask, what is so peculiar about fingerprints on a bottle in a restaurant?” Good thing Mr. Gavin saved it.
“Well, that’s true. The prints alone don’t prove he did it.“
“Objection!” Wow, what an annoying shriek. “Oh, they wouldn’t prove a thing… if they were normal fingerprints!” Huh!? “But the fingerprints on the murder weapon were upside-down!” WHAT!?
“”Upside-down”? What does that mean?”
“It means he was holding the bottle inverted! And there can be only one reason for that! ...Yes. To brain someone with the bottle!” Sorry Mr. Gavin.
“Defendant! Can you explain your fingerprints on this bottle to the court!?”
“... I stand by my plea of silence regarding the murder. ...For now.” Why is Mr. Wright being so cryptic? And why did he let me point out his contradiction if he knew it would damage his case?
I listen to Mr. Gavin and the other guy during their argument. I try to pay attention to the new facts like the fact that Mr. Wright was the one who reported the crime. I can at least listen since I can’t contribute to the conversation. I look at Mr. Wright’s phone that was submitted as evidence. It looks like a brick, why doesn’t he just replace it? I take a break from listening to pet Mikeko which she seems to appreciate. I focus back my attention at the trial. But now I see that Mr. Wright is staring at my direction with an angry look at his face. Is he mad at me? Was he not actually telling me to point out the contradiction. Wait he’s not looking at me, he’s looking at Mr. Gavin! But why’s he angry at Mr. Gavin, aren’t they friends? Oh shoot, he’s looking at me now! He sees me looking at him! Now he’s smirking. I don't know what to think anymore. I sigh in annoyance. I focus back at the trial.
“Very well. The prosecution may call its first witness to the stand!” A few moments later, I see a small, sheepish woman walk in then hide.
“The witness will state her name and profession.”
“H-Hold on just a moment! Where’s the witness?”
“I surmise that she has been frightened by the apprentice’s demonic-looking horns.” So I used a little hair gel! Relax, people!
“Have no fear! If any horns point in your direction this court will cut them off. Besides, he's not even a defense attorney.” Isn’t violence against hair a crime, Your Honor.
“… You… are sure?”
“I swear it on my gavel! Please, come out.”
“Well, if you are sure it is OK…” She is apparently a waitress at the Borscht Bowl Club. She had a picture of Mr. Wright with the victim. She was in a room called the Hydeout?, which is the scene of the crime. If there were only three people at the crime scene, and Mr. Wright isn't the killer, then Olga Orly...
"Very well. Witness! You will testify to the court about that night's events!"
"That night, customer asked me to deal cards for game. It was cold... Both players played with hats on, dah. The victim, he plays whole time with his hand on locket at his neck. Then, last hand is done! But something terrible has happened, dah! That man flew at victim, and is strangling him to death!"
"Hmm... Incidentally, who won the game?"
"Isn't it obvious? The winner was the victim... Mr. Smith! I have some evidence here proving so. These are the poker chips as they lay the very moment of the crime. The hand and chips on this side belong to the defendant, Mr. Wright. Those on the far side belonged to the victim, Mr. Smith."
"Chips... you say?"
"Dah. I mean yes! Imagine that poker is war... Your hand is your army, and the chips are the spoils."
"I-I know that. After all, in my youth I was known as... ...the "Poker Head of Courtroom No. 3"!" I think he means "poker face"... "Hmm... Looking at this picture... ...it does seem that most of that most of the chips are on the victim's side of the table." "Very well. The defense may cross-examine the witness."
Mr. Gavin starts cross-examining Ms. Olga Orly. He easily points out those contradictions.
"Objection! Recall the testimony, Your Honor. The victim played with "his hand on locket at his neck", I believe she said. Now look at this photograph. Do you see a locket on the victim's neck? I certainly don't. What, however, could does it mean?"
"If we are to believe this witness's testimony as-is... Then the locket "disappeared" following the victim's death."
"I'm afraid that lockets don't just "disappear", Your Honor. If the locket is gone, someone must have taken it off. I believe that the defendant wasn't strangling the victim at all. He was taking off his locket!"
"Urk...?"
"D-Defendant! What do you have to say to this?"
"..." Wait a minute...
"... Say."
"Yes?"
"I just noticed this, but... You have something hanging around your neck, don't you." Don't tell me Mr. Wright stole it.
"Oh? You mean this? Yes, it's a locket... with a photograph inside. A photo... of my daughter." C-Come again?
"Mr. Wright! You have a daughter!?" Wait, he has "Papa" written on his beanie! Oh my God, I'm an idiot!
"We confirmed it at the time of the arrest. The picture in the locket is indeed Mr. Wright's daughter."
"..." So Mr. Wright has a locket, too...? Why don't I buy that this is just a coincidence...? I know that Mr. Wright didn't do it but there is definitely something more here than meets the eye. I guess Mr. Gavin will find out in this next testimony.
"The game began with 3,500 point in chips for each man. House chips come in two size: small and large. The one who was winning... dah, it was victim! For last hand, defendant play with all chips on table and lose. The moment loss was decided, defendant grabs bottle from table and..."
"Indeed... Looking at this picture... It does seem to be a one-sided game."
"As the court knows, poker was the defendant's life! Failure must have been a bitter pill to swallow!"
"Ah, how many times have I heard these words: "I done it in a fit of anger, Yer Honor, and now I regret what I done". ...A common tale, but true." Methinks the judge watches too many old court movies.
Mr. Gavin starts cross-examining again. But what's the point of being here if I can't defend. No one even acknowledges me, it's like I'm just watching a trial on tape. But I guess that's the story of my life. Even since I stopped talking, I became more of a spectator in my life than controlling my life. But I don't talk, people assume I don't know anything. Like they don't even try to talk to me. The funny thing is I have a notebook but it's barely used. I really am alone. Maybe Mr. Gavin is right. Maybe I need to talk. Maybe I need to try harder. Maybe that's why Mr. Gavin doesn't see me as an attorney. Maybe that's why he didn't even ask if I wanted to defend Mr. Wright. I am sorry, Mr. Wright. You must have really not wanted Mr. Gavin defending you. I am sorry I couldn't help you. I should leave to not get in the way of Mr. Gavin. I start packing up my things. Mikeko hops onto my shoulder. Mr. Gavin is busy in the next testimony. He is currently examining the hands in the poker game. One card in the victim's hand has a blue back which struck me as weird because I had the impression that the cards were blue. I don't know why I thought that but it doesn't matter since it's not my case. I write a note to Mr. Gavin excusing my leave. I glance around the courtroom one more time. No one is even noticing that I'm about to leave. No one... except Mr. Wright!? Mr. Wright is staring at me. I give him a small smile and wave goodbye. He may be a little weird but he was the only one that actually noticed me. I exit the courtroom. I have no idea what I do now but I know that I couldn't be in there longer. As I reach the exit of the defendant lobby though, something happens.
"Hold it!" Then something grabs onto me.
"AAAAHHHHH!!!" Mikeko hisses and swipes at the unknown figure as I turn around.
"Calm down! It's me!" Oh, Mr. Wright. What's he doing? I try to apologize to him but I bow down so fast that my stuff falls out my backpack. I guess that I forgot to zip it up in my haste. Now I'm bending down to pick everything up, I'm so embarrassed right now.
"Here, let me help." Mr. Wright's knees crack as he slowly reaches down to help. He and I work together to pick up everything. I now almost have all my stuff, but I'm still missing three things.
"Ahem! Looking for these?" I look to Mr. Wright as he holds my notebook, Mikeko's service animal vest and... my attorney's badge.
"Are you okay?" Mr. Wright is looking at me with what looked like a concerned face. But why would Mr. Wright, a former famous attorney and a guy i barely met, be concerned about me.
"It's just, I saw that your notebook is titled Conversation Notebook #1 and it only has our conversation. Which kinda implies that you don't talk with people. You were ridiculed and scolded for bring a cat but it's actually a service animal. And Gavin told us many times that you were not an attorney and they made fun of you for it when you have a badge. The only reason you should have one is if... you are a defense attorney." Only Mr. Wright can make a deduction like that. Now he knows how lame I really am. Though I am curious on why he spent his time figuring me out.
"I am also wondering why you're leaving, it doesn't matter if you can't defend me. I... kinda need you there." He needs me? I point to my notebook.
"Oh sure, here you go."
My hands shake as I write my message. Finally I show him "Why me? I can't talk. I can't cross-examine. I can't defend. Mr. Gavin is right, I'm no attorney. So why, why me, why pick me, out of anything attorney, why me?" I start crying and shaking. It's a good thing my notebook is covering my face. Mikeko starts licking my tears away. Then Mr. Wright says...
"What's the difference between assault and battery?" I stop crying. Is he... actually stupid? What kind of dumb question is that? I look up from my notebook to see if he's actually serious. And by the looks of it, he is.
"Argh!" I can't believe the nerve of this man. First he's concerned, now he's asking stupid questions. Make up your mind.
"If you know the answer then please, show it. Or do you not know the answer?" Now he has the audacity to be smirking smugly at me. I'll show him. Of course I know the answer to that dumb question. Does he think I have the law knowledge of a pre-law student or something. I quickly write the answer and presented it to him with my own smug look.
"Seems like Gavin was wrong about you. After all, you knew the answer to that question off the top of your head. So don't underestimate yourself, kid. As far as I'm concerned, you are a real defense attorney." He was trying to show me that I am an attorney!? He purposely asked a question that only lawyers know. To show me that I'm capable. I can't help it but to wear a big grin on my face.
"See! Now to answer that other question you had. I can't have Gavin as my defense attorney, the answer why will soon reveal itself. And in order to find the truth, I need your power." My... power...? But how does he know about my Chords of Steel?
"That Ms. Orly touches the back of her neck whenever there is an inconsistency in her testimony. Now tell me, Justice, have you noticed?" No? Why would I notice such a small quirk? Was I supposed to notice? "I can see your confusion, no worries. It's not relevant right now. Now I have a request from you, to do that, let's start over." What does he mean start over.
"Hi, my name is Phoenix Wright and I'd like to request for you to be my defense attorney. Are you up to the challenge?" Oh, that's what he means.
I write 'Hi, I'm Apollo Justice and I accept.'