Chapter Text
Trial Day 1, 9:55 AM
Court Building
Defendant Lobby
Phoenix Wright
(The trial's starting in a few minutes... I can't help but feel a little anxious.)
(With all the massive curveballs Thor threw at me yesterday, things are looking a lot more complicated than they did when I started investigating.)
(Hopefully none of that comes up. I have absolutely no idea what to do if it does.)
Thor Odinson
Sir Wright? You seem pensive.
Phoenix Wright
H-Huh?
(Did I really look that uncertain? My poker face is usually better than that.)
Oh, uh, sorry.
Thor Odinson
…Hm.
Phoenix Wright
(...Seeing his Attorney like this before the trial probably isn't making him feel much better…)
(Dang it! I need to but on a brave face, now!)
Hey, don't worry! We're gonna win this thing.
You're not guilty, right? Then that's what the verdict will be.
Thor Odinson
Ah, but were justice that simple…
Trucy Wright
I’d say Justice is pretty simple, but justice definitely isn't.
Phoenix Wright
Well Thor, that's the point of the courts- to take the complexity and make it simple.
Thor Odinson
Hahaha! Your determination is evident!
Very well, Sir Wright- I’ll hold firm my faith in you, and in return, you shall rescue me from my predicament!
Phoenix Wright
Hey, that's the spirit! The trial starts in a few, so-
Bailiff
Hey! Trial's about to start. Get in there.
Phoenix Wright
(Wow, the bailiffs are rude here.)
Trucy Wright
Wow, the bailiffs are rude here.
Bailiff
…I'm going to ignore that.
Trial Day 1, 10:00 AM
Court Building
Courtroom
BANG, BANG, BANG!
Judge
Court is now in session for the trial of Donald Blake!
Are the Defense and Prosecution ready?
Phoenix Wright
The Defense is ready, Your Honor.
Franziska von Karma
…
Judge
…Erm, is the Prosecution… Not ready?
Franziska von Karma
…I understand it has been many years since I have stood in an American courtroom.
In that time, I suppose it may be understandable for you to have forgotten:
I, Franziska von Karma, am always ready, and have been for quite a while now.
Phoenix Wright
(Man, I forgot what a drama queen she could be.)
Judge
Oh! Well, that's good.
In that case, your opening statement, if you will.
Franziska von Karma
Very well, Your Honor.
The victim, Agent Bale of SHIELD, was one of two agents tasked with shadowing the Defendant, Donald Blake.
The Prosecution alleges that the Defendant, after discovering this, chose to kill the agents. Only one agent’s body has been located thus far, however.
Phoenix Wright
Erm, what was Mister Bale’s first name-?
CRACK!
SNAP!
Franziska von Karma
You will either refer to Agent Bale with the respect he deserves, or not at all!
Phoenix Wright
(Ow… Okay, I guess I'll just continue under the assumption his first name is ‘Agent’ then.)
Franziska von Karma
Now do you see, Phoenix Wright? How hopeless your case is? You would do well to surrender immediately.
Phoenix Wright
It won't be that easy to get me to give up. I believe in my client!
The defense seeks a complete acquittal, just as I always have! Nothing has happened to change that, and nothing will!
Trucy Wright
Nice speech, Daddy!
Phoenix Wright
Heh. Thanks, Trucy.
Judge
Wonderful to hear, Mr. Wright.
Now, does the Prosecution has any evidence to present, or shall you proceed to calling your first witness?
Trucy Wright
Hm… I doubt she actually has any evidence-
Franziska von Karma
Do you really think I would come to a trial without being absolutely prepared?
Trucy Wright
…I think I jinxed it. Sorry.
Phoenix Wright
Nah, I'm pretty sure this was bound to happen.
Franziska von Karma presented:
CRIME SCENE PHOTO 3
A photograph displaying the crime scene immediately after discovery, including the body. There is almost no blood. The Defendant can be seen with his hands above his head in surrender.
New evidence added to Court Record.
Phoenix Wright
(Huh… I probably should've expected this.)
Franziska von Karma
This is a photograph taken by the witness.
If I may draw the court’s attention to the body…
You'll notice the bruises and unnatural twisting of the limbs.
The Autopsy performed on the body determined the victim was brutally beaten before death, with most of the bones in his body either dislocated or fractured and many of the blood vessels ruptured.
The cause of death was internal bleeding that later because external, but only after the victim had already perished.
Here is the autopsy report. The time of death was somewhere between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM.
Phoenix Wright
(Ouch… Sounds brutal.)
(Hm… Looking over the autopsy, it seems to be the same as the one she gave me earlier.)
(I guess I should add some of the details she just mentioned to it.)
Updated the AUTOPSY REPORT
1/2: Victim died of blood loss via internal bleeding after being inflicted with severe blunt force trauma across most of the body.
2/2: The internal bleeding became external after death.
3/3: Time of death was between 11 PM and 12 AM. The body was discovered immediately after midnight.
Phoenix Wright
What evidence is there that the Defendant was responsible for this murder?
Franziska von Karma
Hmph! I was getting to that. Patience is a virtue, Mister Phoenix Wright.
Trucy Wright
Um, I seem to remember you being a really impatient person though-
Franziska von Karma
I am perfectly patient, thank you very much!
Judge
Objection sustained. The Defense's co-counsel with refrain from personal attacks against the Prosecution.
Trucy Wright
…Can I testify about it?
Judge
No.
Trucy Wright
Dang it.
Franziska von Karma
Now, as I was saying…
The Defendant’s fingerprints were found on the fingers of the bloodstains on the counter.
Franziska von Karma presented:
FINGERPRINT RECORD
The Defendant's fingerprints were found on the bloodstains on the counter.
New evidence added to Court Record.
Franziska von Karma
In addition, he was discovered kneeling over the body by a passerby on her way back from a late-night grocery run.
Phoenix Wright
Just because the Defendant was seen at the crime scene doesn't mean he was the culprit! It's possible he was the first to discover the body!
Judge
Hm… The Defense has a point.
Franziska von Karma
Ah, but that same witnesses that saw the Defendant also explained that she did not see the crime scene on her initial walk to the store.
And, before you insist on accusing the witness, she has a solid alibi- one that I, myself, can reinforce.
Phoenix Wright
…Am I really that predictable?
Franziska von Karma
Yes.
Trucy Wright
Yeah, kinda.
Judge
Somewhat, yes.
Phoenix Wright
(Jeez, just gang up on me, why don't you?)
Judge
Will the Prosecution be calling this witness to the stand?
Franziska von Karma
Indeed I shall.
Judge
Very well. Bailiff! Bring the witness to the stand!
A middle-aged woman with a brown afro and a camera around her neck.
Franziska von Karma
Witness, please state your name and occupation for the record.
???
Well, would ya look at that! It's a downright courthouse reunion here, ain't it!
It's been a while, Mr. Wright! Same to you, uh… Whip lady?
Trucy Wright
Oh, Daddy, do you know this lady?
Phoenix Wright
I think so, actually. She was a witness in a few of my cases eight years ago. It's been a while, though.
Franziska von Karma
Witness! Name and occupation, now!
???
Jeez, I was gettin’ to that.
Name’s Lotta. Lotta Hart! And I'm a paranormal photographer! I came runnin’ down here when I heard rumors ‘bout a magic hammer…
But then I got here and some government folks won't let anyone see it, no matter how polite I was!
Franziska von Karma
…Please explain to the court what you saw when you discovered the Defendant standing over the body.
Lotta Hart
You're just tryna shut me up, ain't ya?
…Well, guess I gotta do what I'm here for.
WITNESS TESTIMONY
Lotta Hart
So, I just got back to town after a short drive back from the ‘crash site.’
Phoenix Wright
(...I didn't think of anything to press about…)
(Quick, I need to come up with something!)
Um… What were you doing before you drove back?
Lotta Hart
Well, I was tryin’ to get those ‘shielding’ agent boys to let me in, but they kept on refusin’!
Franziska von Karma
It's called ‘SHIELD.’
In addition, you neglected to mention the fact that you spent three and a half hours badgering Agent Coulson and attempting to gain access to the hammer.
Lotta Hart
How the heck'm I supposed to get a scoop without pictures!?
Well, whatever. That’s beside the point. Now, as I was saying…
Lotta Hart
But all of a sudden, as I rounded a corner… I saw the Defendant there standing over a body!
Phoenix Wright
How was the Defendant acting? What was his reaction to finding the body?
Lotta Hart
Well, he seemed kinda, uh… What's the word? Somber? Yeah, ‘somber.’
Phoenix Wright
(...Seems to check out.)
Thank you. Please continue your testimony.
Lotta Hart
The Defendant guy kneeled down, placed his hands on the body's shoulders, and lightly shook the guy.
Phoenix Wright
He ‘shook the body?’
Lotta Hart
Sure did. Just a light shake, though. I guess he was checking if the guy was still livin’ or not.
Phoenix Wright
Why would he do so if he were the murderer?
Franziska von Karma
There are many explanations for that, foolish Wright! He was simply ensuring he'd successfully killed the victim!
…Though, I suppose, if one were feeling charitable, you could say their fight had simply gotten out of hand, and the Defendant hadn't meant to kill the victim.
However, murder is murder, and the Prosecution has no intention of diverging from the chosen path.
You will not find a contradiction here, Mister Phoenix Wright, despite your best efforts!
Phoenix Wright
(She knows there are simpler ways to say “shut up and let the witness talk,” right?)
Alright. Witness, please continue your testimony.
Lotta Hart
He placed a hand on the body's face, which is around when I called out to him an' snapped the photo whip lady showed off earlier.
Phoenix Wright
What did you say when you called out?
Lotta Hart
I told him to have respect for the dead! He insisted he was only closing the guy's eyes.
Problem was, I couldn’t hear any sirens, which meant he hadn't called the cops. So that's why…
Lotta Hart
I called the cops using a payphone right down the road.
Phoenix Wright
Do you not have a phone of your own?
Lotta Hart
Nope.
Phoenix Wright
…Um… Is that it?
Lotta Hart
Yep.
Franziska von Karma
Criticizing a woman for her financial status is quite low, Mister Phoenix Wright!
Judge
I'm afraid I must agree with the Prosecution, Mister Wright.
Trucy Wright
Yeah, it's rude to bully poor people, Daddy!
Phoenix Wright
(…That's literally not what I was doing though????)
Lotta Hart
The guy was arrested, and I tried to put the bloody scene outta my mind as I headed back to the motel.
Phoenix Wright
…Wait a second.
You presented:
CRIME SCENE PHOTO 3
A photograph displaying the crime scene immediately after discovery, including the body. There is almost no blood. Thor can be seen with his hands above his head in surrender.
Phoenix Wright
Let me ask you, witness.
Why would you describe the crime scene as ‘bloody’ when the body had not yet begun to bleed!?
Lotta Hart
…Oh, yeah. See, it only started bleeding after I called the police-
Thor Odinson
W-Wait a second! That is false! It had already been bleeding, if only slightly!
Judge
Defendant! Return to your seat! Do not interrupt the witness’s testimony!
Thor Odinson
But-!
Judge
Bailiff!
Thor Odinson
No, there's no need… I'll return on my own…
Judge
Oh. Well, thank you, Defendant.
Franziska von Karma
Indeed. I must thank the Defendant as well, for showing us just how willing he is to lie!
After all, according to the ones who arrested Mr. Blake, the Defendant had no blood on him whatsoever!
A clear contradiction that not even the Defense can refute, yes?
Phoenix Wright
(...Ugh. Thor really just made things worse for himself with that outburst.)
Trucy Wright
Alright, Daddy! Hit her with a big refuting!
…Um, you can, right?
Phoenix Wright
(Is there any way I can counter her claim…?)
[ Present Evidence ]
[ Do Not ]
Phoenix Wright
(...No, there isn't. I don't have anything…)
Franziska von Karma
Hmph. I assume, based on that silence, you do not have a way to disprove the testimony?
Phoenix Wright
…I don't have any evidence, no.
(I can't just let this stand, though!)
However, the Defense also insists that the witness's testimony is not conclusive enough to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The witness didn't see the crime being committed, after all- only the aftermath. It is still entirely possible the Defendant and witness simply discovered the body at the same time.
Judge
Well… Yes, that is true. While the Defense's case is not looking good, the Prosecution has yet to present anything truly decisive.
Franziska von Karma
…Hmph. Has this country's legal system fallen so far in my time beyond it?
Phoenix Wright
Well, I think-
CRACK!
SNAP!
Franziska von Karma
I did not ask for your opinion, Nicholas!
Lotta Hart
…So, uh, can I go now?
Phoenix Wright
(I should still probably try to get as much information out of her as I can while I have the chance.)
(Maybe if I hit her with a few questions, one of them could give me something new?)
Not yet. Your Honor, may I ask the witness some questions?
Judge
I suppose you may. As long as the Prosecution has no objections?
Franziska von Karma
…I will allow it, under one condition.
Should the fool in the Defense's chair ask a question that does not result in any new information, then he shall be hit with a Penalty!
Phoenix Wright
(Dang it! She saw right through me!)
I… Uh… Fine, sure, I guess?
Franziska von Karma
Very well. Ask away, Mister Phoenix Wright- and doom yourself in the process!
Trucy Wright
Wow. She's just as dramatic in the courtroom as she is outside of it.
I bet she'd be a great performer! Do you think I could recruit her for the big show I'm planning?
Phoenix Wright
You can try, but I doubt she'll say yes. She's pretty attached to her job.
Anyway, witness! I'd like to ask you about…
[ The time ]
[ The Defendant ]
[ Norse Mythology ]
Phoenix Wright
Ms. Hart, do you know God?
Lotta Hart
…
Franziska von Karma
…
Judge
…
Trucy Wright
…
The Gallery
…
Phoenix Wright
S-Sorry! I phrased that badly.
I meant, uh, do you know anything about the Norse gods?
Lotta Hart
Can't say I do. What's it to ya?
Judge
Yes, Mr. Wright. What is the point of this line of questioning?
Phoenix Wright
Well, there would have been one if she had known anything.
But she doesn't, so instead I'll have to… Uh…
…
You can hit me with that penalty now, Your Honor.
Judge
Gladly.
BOOM!
4 penalties remaining.
Phoenix Wright
(Right. I guess that was the wrong question to ask…)
Anyway, witness! I'd like to ask you about…
[ The time ]
[ The Defendant ]
[ Norse Mythology ]
Phoenix Wright
…The time you found the crime scene.
Lotta Hart
Oh! Yeah, guess I haven't said that yet, have I?
Franziska von Karma
Yes, because we already know exactly when it was discovered! It was at approximately-
Lotta Hart
8:12 PM exactly!
Franziska von Karma
-11:30 PM.
…
H-Huh!?
The Gallery
(RabbleRabbleRabbleRabble-)
Judge
*CLANK, CLANK!*
Order in the court!
Witness! Are you meaning to say you discovered the scene and did not report it for three hours!?
Lotta Hart
Wait, that's not what I'm sayin’! It was 8:12 PM, swear on my camera! I reported it ASAP!
Phoenix Wright
(That's a pretty severe swear… That camera means a lot to her.)
Franziska von Karma
You… You…!
CRACK!
SNAP!
Franziska von Karma
You utterly foolish fool! Why did you hide this from me!?
Lotta Hart
I-I didn't hide nothin’, I swear!
Trucy Wright
…I don't think she's lying, Daddy.
I haven't noticed any tells, at least.
Phoenix Wright
Yeah, I doubt she'd lie like this. There isn't much of a point to it.
And Lotta's not the type to commit murder, either. I think.
Trucy Wright
Well, if she's not lying, that means she's just wrong.
But then, why is she wrong?
Phoenix Wright
…I think I may have an idea.
(Actually I have literally no idea. Not that that's stopped me before.)
Though, first, I should probably stop von Karma from bullying Ms. Hart.
Your Honor, the Defense believes there is a way to explain this discrepancy.
(Probably.)
Judge
Oh? Well, do tell!
Phoenix Wright
I will!
(...As soon as I figure out what it is.)
(Let me just look through the Court Record...)
…Ah-hah! Got it!
You presented:
CRIME SCENE PHOTO 2
A photo of the Crime Scene. Nearly everything is destroyed or damaged in some way. The only blood present is around the body's former location.
Judge
Oh, another photo. From a different angle, as well! It seems you can see behind the counter.
Phoenix Wright
That's not the only difference. This photo was taken only a day ago, after the crime scene had been investigated by the police.
Franziska von Karma
Hmph! And I suppose you believe this photograph is somehow of significance?
Phoenix Wright
Yes, it is. Specifically, this part here…
You pointed out:
CRIME SCENE PHOTO 2: Broken Clock
The wall clock is sitting on the ground, broken. The time says 8:12.
Phoenix Wright
Do you see the time on the clock?
Franziska von Karma
Yes, it says…
…8:12!?
Phoenix Wright
Ms. Hart. Is that clock the reason why you thought the time was 8:12 PM?
Lotta Hart
Yeah! Exactly! I don't have a watch, so I didn't know what time it was, and, uh, I guess I just assumed…?
Phoenix Wright
There. You see? Ms. Hart was being perfectly honest.
Franziska von Karma
Hmph. I shall surrender that point to the Defense.
However, it still does not change the facts of the case!
The witness discovered the Defendant kneeling over the body in the middle of the approximate time of death!
Phoenix Wright
And the Defense asserts that he only found the body!
Judge
Hm. It seems we are at an impasse.
Does the Prosecution have any more evidence to present? Or, perhaps, a witness?
Lotta Hart
Y'know, I really feel like I'm bein' ignored right now.
Franziska von Karma
I do, indeed, have another witness!
…In a matter of speaking.
He is here to testify not of the murder itself, but rather to the Defendant's character- and to prove that he is more than capable of the destruction present at the crime scene!
Trucy Wright
A witness for character? Can she do that?
Phoenix Wright
There's no reason why not, though there's rarely a reason to given that hard evidence is usually necessary to win a case.
Trucy Wright
Hm… Does that mean her case isn't as strong as she's acting like it is?
Phoenix Wright
Could be, yeah.
(I'll still have to keep my guard up, though… There's no telling what sort of tricks she has up her sleeves.)
(She's a Von Karma, after all. Her family has a reputation for a reason.)
Franziska von Karma
The Prosecution requests a recess to prepare the Witness.
Lotta Hart
I guess I'ma leave now...?
Judge
The Prosecution's request is granted.
This court will now take a ten-minute recess.
Phoenix Wright
(...And that's not even considering the conversation we had after I lost my badge…)
To be continued...
Court Record
ATTORNEY'S BADGE
The badge I got after retaking the bar exam. It's proof that I'm a lawyer.
AUTOPSY REPORT
1/2: Victim died of blood loss via internal bleeding after being inflicted with severe blunt force trauma across most of the body.
2/2: The internal bleeding became external after death.
3/3: Time of death was between 11 PM and 12 AM. The body was discovered immediately after midnight.
BODY LOCATION PHOTO
The white outline runs partially across the floor and partially up the side of the counter. Bloody fingerprints are on the edge of the counter.
CRIME SCENE PHOTO 2
1/2: A photo of the Crime Scene. Nearly everything is destroyed or damaged in some way. The only blood present is around the body's former location.
2/2: The wall clock is sitting on the ground, broken. The time says 8:12.
TORN SEATS
A photo of a set of tears in a booth seat from the scene of the crime. The cut is clean, and could not have been caused by hand.
FRANZISKA'S BADGE
A badge displaying Franziska's position as a high-ranking official in the organization known as SHIELD.
ANOMALY SCAN PHOTO
A picture of a picture of a scan of a cosmic anomaly. The silhouette of a man can be seen in the chaos.
NORSE MYTHOLOGY BOOK
A book full of various myths from Norse Mythology. Three pages are dog-eared.
1/4: 'Thor, the god of thunder, is the first son of Odin, thus making him crown prince of Asgard. Below is a picture accurate to depictions from the original Vikings.'
(The art shows a stylized picture of Thor from the myths. The resemblance to the real Thor is uncanny.)2/4: 'Loki is the god of mischief. He uses illusions and lies to deceive and manipulate people into doing what he wants. He is Odin's second son, and a prince of Asgard.'
(The art shows a stylized picture of Loki from the myths. Despite being Thor's brother, he looks nothing like him.)3/4: 'The Bifrost is a rainbow-colored bridge allowing Asgardians to travel across the World Tree and the Nine Realms it connects. Midgard is said to be our world, Earth.'
(The art shows a literal bridge made of rainbows. Thor and Odin are traversing it.)4/4: 'Mjolnir is the hammer of kings. It is said it was used by Odin to battle the Frost Giants before being passed down to Thor.'
(The art shows a stylized picture of a hammer with a strap hanging from the handle's end.)
CRIME SCENE PHOTO 3
A photograph displaying the crime scene immediately after discovery, including the body. There is almost no blood. The Defendant can be seen with his hands above his head in surrender.
FINGERPRINT RECORD
The Defendant's fingerprints were found on the bloodstains on the counter.
Profiles
Phoenix Wright
Me! Only here for completion's sake.
Trucy Wright
My adopted daughter, and a prodigy magician. Has a special ability that makes her skilled at reading body language and finding tells.
Jane Foster
The woman who requested I take on this case. She's an astrophysicist, and seems to have a thing for Thor.
Thor Odinson
My current client. Uses the alias 'Donald Blake' to disguise his true identity as Thor, the former prince of Asgard, before he was banished by his father.
Franziska von Karma
The prosecutor of my current case, an agent of SHIELD, and sister of my friend-slash-rival. I know from experience how much her whip can sting.
Erik Selvig
An astrophysicist like Jane. He's a no-nonsense type of person, and takes his work quite seriously. He's not a fan of Thor's.
Judge
The Judge local to New Mexico. He's practically identical to the Judge I'm used to. Are all judges just exactly the same?
Lotta Hart
A paranormal photographer, and a witness in several other cases I've been part of. She has a habit of jumping to conclusions.