[Story] Icy Taco Ace Attorneys

[PFA]

Case 2: Turnabout Science

WARNING: This case contains spoilers for the following:

-Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney
-Probably some implied Portal 2
-PFA's Icy Taco Puppet Show #8, if that even counts

---

*whrr* *clank, clatter* *clunk* *whrr*...

"...Hm? Excuse me, ma'am, but this is area is restricted access. Do you have identification?"

"..."

"Uh, ma'am, I'm afraid this area is not safe without proper equipment. I'll need to... ma'am? What are you doing?"

*chk* *kchook!*

"What—"

*kchook!* *WHAM* *clunk* *kchook!*

"M-ma'am, please stop! I— nrk!"

*kchook!*

"AAUUGGHH!"

*CRUNCH*

"Scrap? Is everything alright over there?"

... *clank* *kchook!*

"...Scrap? SCRAP! Y-you get away from him!"

*whsh* *vwp*

"No! Scrap?! SCRAP!"

...

~*~*~

{August 20th, 5:08PM
Wright & Co. Offices, Taco City
Phoenix's Office}

(...Okay, Phoenix. Let's do this. Deep breaths. Breathe in... breathe out...) ... *shoots a small fireball*

*the fireball collides with its target: a poorly-drawn cardboard cutout of Manfred von Karma*

*waits a few moments, then pulls his hand back*

*the fire flickers out, leaving behind the charred remains of cardboard von Karma's head*

*behind Phoenix* Looking good, Nick!

GAH! *jumps, whirling around* Don't sneak up on me like that!

Hee hee! Aw, but it's fun to watch you practice! And I'm glad to see my targets are getting good use!

Yeah, well... *adjusts jacket*

*suddenly, the Steel Samurai ringtone beedles through the air*

Hm? Oh, that's mine. *pulls out cell phone and answers it* Phoenix Wright speaking.

"Excuse me, Mr. Wright? Are you on any cases right now?"

(Sounds like someone from the detention center.) Um, no, I'm not.

"Well, we have a woman down here, and we need to assign her an attorney..."

So you want me to come talk to her, right?

"Yes, well, er... something like that."

...What do you mean?

"Well... you'll have to see for yourself."

...Alright? I'll be there right away.

"Thank you, sir. See you then."

*click*

*puts phone away* So I guess we've got to head down to the detention center.

Ooh! We've got a case?

Well, apparently someone needs an attorney, at least. It's worth checking out.

To the detention center, then! *heads off*

*follows*

~*~*~

{August 20th, 5:50PM
Taco City Detention Center}

*walks in* (This is the right cell, right?)

*follows, peering in cautiously* Um... hello?

*inside the cell, pokes absently at the security glass*

... *ahem* Hello, um... we're here to talk to you about your case?

*seems to be distracted in thought, making trigger motions at the wall*

(Well, this is promising.) *ahem* Excuse me, um... ma'am?

*glances over* ?

My name is Phoenix Wright. I'm a defense attorney. We came here because we heard you needed an attorney, and we thought we might be able to help.

...

Would that be okay? We just want to help prove you innocent.

... ... *slowly nods*

(That's a good start.) *sits down* So, um... they gave us a summary of what happened on our way here. Is there anything you can tell us about that?

*elbows* _{Nick! You remember what they said!}

Oh! Um, I mean... Not tell us, necessarily, but, um... you know?

...

("She never says a word; she might be mute," they tell me. "We tried, she doesn't know sign language," they tell me. But they don't tell me what I'm supposed to do with that...) *ahem* So, um... how about this. I'll tell you what I heard, and you can let me know if I'm on the right track or not. How's that sound?

... *shrugs?*

(I guess it'll have to do.) Alright then, let's see... So apparently a scrapyard robot named, er, "Scrappy" was murdered earlier today.



A witness at the scene of the crime reported that someone matching your description was responsible. Thoughts on this?

*shakes head*

So... you weren't there. Where were you, then?

...

R-right, um... (This is going to be harder than I thought.) Were you with someone, maybe? Someone who could account for where you were?

... *shakes head*

(...No alibi. Well then...) Alright, um... the victim. Scrappy. Are you familiar with him at all?

*shakes head*

(Doesn't know him, so no obvious motive...) How about the culprit? Do you know of anyone who might be able to frame you like this? Someone with a grudge against you, maybe?

*thinks* ... ...

...Well... do you know of anyone who might be able to convincingly imitate you?

... *shrugs, shaking head*

(Looks like she's not sure. Well, it was worth a try.) Well, thank you for your time. I think it's time for us to get investigating.

Don't worry! We'll find the truth of this case! We're experts. Just hang in there, okay?

... *nods*

(Alright. Time to get going, then.) *turns to leave* Come on, Maya.

*waves to Chell, giving an encouraging smile as they leave*

*sighs*

~*~*~

{August 20th, 6:42PM
Scrapyard
Sorting Area}

*walks in, looking around* (Looks like there's still some police around here.)

*As noted, there are police officers scouring the area for evidence. But more oddly, they can hear the soft sound of crunching...*

*munch munch* ...figures the first case I'd be on here would be about something weird like robots and quantum space holes. Can't have normal things in a place like this...

(Is that... Ema? She looks older than I remembered...)

*walks up to Ema, holding a small piece of scrap metal* Hey, Detective Skye, I found another piece.

Ah, good. The repair guys will want that. *holds out a bag for him to put the scrap metal in*

("Detective Skye"? Since when was Ema a detective?) *so confused*

Come on, Nick, don't just stand there! We should see if we can ask them about the case!

Huh? Oh, right. *ahem* Uh, excuse me?

Hm? *looks over* *almost chokes on a snackoo* Phoenix Wright?!

*blinks* Um, yes?

You look so— I thought you— ... ...Wait a minute. Wait. Gavin tried to explain this to me. You're... from the past?

Um... yes, I guess so? (If you know who Gavin is...)

Ohh, you know Mr. Gavin? You must be the Ema from his timeline, then!

I guess I would be. I don't know, this stuff confuses me. *sticks a snackoo in her mouth*

Oh yeah, our timelines are a little different, aren't they... so I guess you became a detective in yours.

Uh, yeah, sure. So, given that you're here, I assume you're on the robot case, too?

Um, yes, we are, actually. Would it be alright if we asked a few questions?

Well, we're just wrapping up our investigation here, so I guess so. <sub>Speaking of which, go see if you can find more pieces.

Yes, ma'am.</sub> *walks off*

So what is it you want to know? *continues munching*

(She seems to really like those cake things.) Alright, so what can you tell us about what happened? We've only heard bits and pieces.

What happened here is a rather interesting situation. Or maybe it's not, I don't know what's still considered "interesting" around here. Anyway, as you probably know already, the victim was a type of robot classified as a "reploid," which is apparently a surprisingly human-like brand of robot.

Yeah, we've seen them around. It's to my understanding he was an employee here?

Yep. The victim, ironically named "Scrappy," worked here sorting scrap metal. Which is what he was doing, when along came the killer... that mysterious silent woman who the only name we can find for is "Chell."

(My client, in other words... or someone who was trying to impersonate her, anyway.)

Chell was brutal. Using a device referred to as a "portal gun," she apparently launched Scrappy off the top of that crane there— *gestures* —right onto that nice, sharp, scrapped car right there. *gestures again*

Ouch! That must've hurt...

Wait a minute. If he's a robot, doesn't that mean he can be put back together?

...Theoretically, yes. However, Scrappy took some pretty hefty damage. Smashed into a bunch of little pieces.

*walks up with some more scrap metal, which is clearly painted a dull orange color* Found some more, ma'am.

Good. Put 'em in. *holds out the scrap bag for him to put the pieces in*

...Eep.

Yeah. Most of this wouldn't really be a problem—the casing can easily be replaced—but apparently he's missing some rather... vital pieces.

What sort of vital pieces?

Like "memory core" sort of vital pieces.

...Ah.

Yeah, so we've been trying to find it, hopefully mostly intact. But we haven't had much luck yet. Honestly, I'm beginning to suspect it's been stolen.

S-stolen?!

Yeah. In an attempt to silence the victim, perhaps.

(Well, that's... lovely.)

...So yeah. *munches on snackoos* We're trying to gather as many pieces as we can, but with not much luck.

I... see. Best of luck with that. By the way, do you happen to have an autopsy report yet? Or... whatever they're called for robots.

Yeah, actually. Here, you can have a copy if you want. It pretty much tells you everything I just told you, anyway.

~Scrappy's Autopsy Report added to the Court Record!~

Thanks. So the attacker used something called a "portal gun"? How does that work, exactly?

Well, from what I understand, the gun can create two portals at a time—one blue-colored one, and one orange. If you try to make two of the same color, the one you made before will disappear.

And where do the portals take you?

Apparently, to wherever the portal of the other color is. So it bridges the gap between the two places, allowing you to travel between them at will. Or... at least that's how they explained it to me. I don't really know.

(That information seems like it could come in handy...)

~Portal Gun updated in the Court Record!~

Well, that's all the questions I can think of at the moment. Do you think it would be okay if we looked around for a bit?

I guess. Just don't touch anything. ...And if you find any Scrappy scraps, let us know.

(Alright, let's see...)




<Examine crane>

(This crane is used to transport large pieces scrap metal around. It's also apparently where the victim was launched from to his demise...)

*looks up at the crane* Wow. That's a really tall crane. It's no wonder he was smashed into little pieces...

Yeah, that is really high up there... how did the killer get Scrappy up there, again?

With the portal gun, apparently. *munches on snackoos*

...Okay? But how did she get a portal up there?

Well, it's a portal gun, so the portal would have been shot up there like a bullet. However that works, I'm not really sure.

(Still, it seems like it would be hard to aim up there...)

~Crane added to the Court Record!~

<Examine car>

(This car has definitely seen better days. Looks like it's all torn up...)

This pointy part here is where the victim landed, right?

Yeah. Apparently that other piece of scrap metal braced it, keeping it sturdy enough to puncture him.

(Funny, that sounds oddly premeditated to me...)

~Broken Car added to the Court Record!~

<Examine scraps>

SPOILER: Click to show

(Little pieces of scrap metal litter the ground, everywhere you look.)

Hey! Is that a piece of Scrappy?!

Huh?

No, wait... I think this is just a piece of the car. Nevermind.

Welcome to my world. *munches*

(...Well, I guess we'll know if we find anything.)

<Examine scrap heaps>

SPOILER: Click to show

(There's cars and other scrap metal stacked up... that's got to be at least seven feet high. I guess that's to be expected in a scrapyard, though.)

Is this the stuff that Scrappy was supposed to sort?

Yep. This stuff was all taken here to be analyzed and sorted.

...Wow. Sounds like a dull job.

Maybe not to him.

---

...There really isn't all that much here, is there?

Doesn't look like it, no.

Like I said, we're pretty much done with the investigation here. Not much left to see. *munch munch*

I guess we're going to have to look somewhere else.

Yeah, I guess. Maybe we should look around some more.

Sounds good to me. Thanks for your help, Ema. Er... Detective Ema.

Ema is fine. Good to see you again, Mr. Wright. *waves*

*waves, heading off* So where to?

I think I'd like to look around this area some more. Maybe one of the other workers knows more about what happened.

Sounds good to me! Let's ask around! *walks off*

*follows*

~*~*~

{August 20th, 7:15PM
Scrapyard
Office}

*walks up* (Looks like this is where you can buy scrap metal from. Hopefully, we can also find some information here.)

*calls out* Excuse us! Hello?

*silence*

...Is anyone here?

I don't know, maybe they're not?

Well—

*walks up behind them* You looking for something, sir?

Whoa! *whirls around* Oh, uh, hi. Yeah, I'm an attorney. We're here on an investigation...

*sigh* Of course... that's what everyone's here for today.

So I take it you heard about Scrappy?

Yeah, 'course I did. A shame, it is... he really was a good guy. Real hardworking, too.

Do you think you could tell us a bit about what happened, Mr... ...Um...

Lift. Crayne Lift. *offers hand to shake* And you're Phoenix Wright, right? I've heard about you.

That's right. Nice to meet you, Mr. Lift. So is it alright if I ask a few questions?

Sure, go ahead. Afraid I don't know much, though.

Well, whatever you can tell us will help. First off, what do you know about what happened?

Well, I know he was impaled on some scrap metal... real rough. Heard someone launched him off a crane or something, but that's just what I heard. Never saw any of it. You'd have to ask ol' what's-'er-face more about it.

"What's-her-face"? What's whose face?

Oh, there's this robot chick who comes down here a lot... what's the name... Chenier, I think? Anyway, apparently she was Scrappy's girlfriend.

His... girlfriend?

Yeah. I heard she saw the killer.

...! That's awful!

Wait, so you're saying this Chenier was a witness?

I guess so. The cops have been talking to her all day.

(In other words, we're probably going to be seeing her in court tomorrow. Well, that's nice to know.) Alright, so you seem to have known Scrappy fairly well. Any idea who might want to attack him like this?

Not really sure. Some kind of anti-robot faction, maybe?

(I think I've heard about something like that... could be worth looking into.) Well, um... I'm not really sure what else to ask. Anything else you think we should know?

Er... not sure. I think the cops are still talking to Scrap's girl, so maybe you could ask May? She might know something.

May?

May Toll. You'll probably find her over that way. *jerks a thumb*

Well, seems worth a look. Thanks for your time.

No prob! Let me know if you need anything else.

*starts walking off* Well then, I guess we go see if we can find this May person.

Sounds good to me! Let's go! *heads off*

*follows*

To be continued...

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. Could imply premeditation?

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

[PFA]

((I'M NOT DEAD *triumphant music*))

{August 20th, 7:21PM
Scrapyard
Main Area}

*walks in, looking around* (Apparently this is where all the sorted scrap metal is actually stored.)

Hey, Nick! Over there! *points*

*holding a clipboard, humming to herself as she takes inventory* ~

*waves at the woman* Hey! Over here!

*looks over* Oh! Hello! Did you come to buy something?

Uh, no. We're here to investigate the, um, murder of a robot named Scrappy?

Oh yeah! I heard about that! It's so terrible. If there's any way I can help, just let me know!

Er... well, we were told to look for someone named May Toll?

That's me! How can I help?

(She's awfully cheery for someone whose coworker was just brutally murdered.) Well, my name's Phoenix Wright. I'm a defense attorney, and—

Ohh! Phoenix Wright! I've heard a lot about you; it's nice to meet you!

...And I was hoping you could tell us what you know about what happened.

Well, I don't know much, personally. But there might be some security footage you can look at!

Ooh, there's security footage? That would be useful!

Yep! They're there to help us catch thieves. But maybe today it can help you catch a murderer!

(With how cheery this lady is, I'm beginning to wonder...) That would be great, thank you.

This way, please~ *leads on*

*follow*

~*~*~

{August 20th, 7:27PM
Scrapyard
Surveillance Room}

Here we are! Let's see... *searches through the footage* Oh, here it is!



(...Blurry, black and white footage of what appears to be the victim and my client. Typical.)

Eep! I can't watch... *looks away*

*does watch* Oof! Poor Scrappy. That must have hurt.

Um, yes, it must have. (Looks like it happened exactly as Ema described... launching him off the crane and onto the wrecked car. And then she examines the wreckage, probably swiping the memory core, and runs off. But then, looks can be deceiving...)

So? Does the footage help you at all?

...I'm not sure. It's hard to say at this point.

Well, I could give you a copy to look over if you like! It might prove useful for your case.

Yeah, might as well. Thank you.

*starts making a copy of the footage* Anything else I can help you with while we're here?

Well, maybe we could ask you some questions about the case.

Well, like I said, I don't really know much. But I'd be happy to help however I can! Whatever it takes to catch Scrappy's killer.

(...She says with a cheerful smile on her face.) Speaking of Scrappy's killer, do you have any idea who might want to attack him like this? Did he have any enemies?

Hm... I don't know! Someone who really hates robots, maybe?

But you don't know anyone in specific?

...Well, his girlfriend is from that Rinam place, right? And there's a robots vs. humans war there, I think. I don't know why they'd come here and attack Scrappy, though.

...Seems unlikely, but I guess we could look into it. Another question. Do you know anything about portal technology?

Portal Guns! Yes! I've heard about them. They sound very useful! Can you imagine? Traveling to places that are hard to get to otherwise!

...So there's more than one of them?

Oh, definitely! They're Aperture Science's specialty, I hear. It might be a bit dangerous getting one, though. I hear people who go into the Aperture Laboratories never come back out!

...Uh. Okay, that's nice to know. *adjusts jacket* But if there's more than one of them, then at least that means there's the possibility that the one belonging to my client was not the actual murder weapon.

So all we have to do is find the real one! Can't be too hard. I mean, how many people around here even own one?

I don't know! I can't imagine very many, though.

Sounds like it could be worth looking into, yeah. Thanks, Ms. Toll.

You're welcome! Happy to help! *takes out the finished copy of the footage and hands it to him* Here's the footage, by the way!

*accepts it* Thanks. (I just hope we'll be able to find something useful on this.)

~Security Footage added to the Court Record!~

So is there anything else you need?

Hm... well, there was that car at the scene of the crime.



It was sitting right there next to the crane, with that metal bar conveniently braced against the sharp metal. Was it brought here like that? Who put it there?

...You know what? I don't know! I can check the records for you, though! We keep records of every item that comes and goes here. It might take a while to find it, though. I hope you don't mind waiting?

That should be fine. We can go investigate something else in the meantime. *pulls out a business card and hands it to her* When you find it, or anything else you think might be useful, you can call me at this number.

Thank you! *takes card* I'll do my best~ Good luck to you, too!

Thanks. *starts to head off with Maya* Well, I guess we've got some records to search through.

Hm... I wonder if you need a license to use a Portal Gun?

In a place like this, I doubt it. There might be some kind of records, though. We could look. We also need to research any anti-robot factions, see if there's anyone who would do something like this... Ugh. So much work to do, and so little time...

Don't worry, Nick! We'll get down to the bottom of this!

I sure hope so... Come on, let's try the library. *heads off*

*follows*

~*~*~

{August 20th, 7:32PM
Taco City Library
Entryway}

*looks up as Phoenix and Maya enter* ? Oh! Hello, Mr. Wright.

(Phew. They're still open.) Hi, ma'am. Would it be alright if we browse the database for a while? We're on a case.

Of course! The computers are right over there. *points*

Thanks. *walks over to the computers* (Alright, let's see...)

*he boots up one of the computers and starts looking up various information*

(Hm... no records of anyone owning a Portal Gun, not even Chell. So no help there...) *starts looking up anti-robot factions*

*after a while of looking, his cell phone rings*

Huh? Oh. *answers his phone* Hello?

"Hello, Mr. Wright! I found the records for the car you wanted to know about."

Oh, Ms. Toll! That's great. What does it say?

"Well, it looks like it was brought in with the sharp top that you mentioned. It also says it belonged to someone named Lee Jitt."

Lee Jitt, huh... hang on. *tries looking it up*

NO RESULTS FOUND.

(...No records of a Lee Jitt. Could it be a fake name?) Alright, thanks. That should be helpful.

"No problem! You can come pick it up later, okay?"

Alright, thank you. I appreciate the help.

"You're welcome! Good luck~"

*beep*

*sighs, putting phone away* So it sounds like our mystery car was brought in by someone not on record.

Someone not on record? That's definitely suspicious!

Yeah. The problem is, if we don't have any records of this person, how will we track them down...

Hm... maybe we could find evidence in the car? Something the original owner left behind, maybe?

Could be worth a look. Let's head back to the scrapyard as soon as I'm done here...

*silence as Phoenix continues browsing the database*

...This looks like it's going to take a while. Do you even know what you're looking for?

No, but I'm hoping I'll know it when I see it.

I guess? ...I'm going to go talk to the librarian, okay?

Sure, go ahead.

*shrugs and goes over to the front desk* Hi, Ms. Book! How are you doing today?

Oh, I'm doing alright. I'm glad they solved that case a few days ago.

Oh, they solved the case? That's good! ...Did... they ever find out what happened to the victim's spirit...?

Um... no. As far as I've heard, they're still looking into that.

...? (What are they talking about over there?)

I've heard that Clen hasn't been very cooperative on that front, either... *sighs*

Yeah, that was really scary... I hope they figure it out.

*turns in his seat to look back at them* What's going on?

Oh, Nick, I guess you didn't hear. There was a murder here a few days ago...

Oh yeah, Edgeworth mentioned something about that. But what's this about the victim? What happened?

Well, they had me try and contact him after he died and ask about a revival, but... ...Well...

...You... couldn't contact him?

Yeah. I couldn't sense his spirit at all.

...I see. (When a spirit medium is unable to contact a spirit, there's only a few things that can mean...) And no one knows what happened?

No. There's no evidence, and Clen won't admit to anything regarding that.

...Clen?

... The murderer.

Ah. (Still, if his spirit were destroyed, there would have been some kind of aura left behind, right? So if they can't find that, then... what happened?)

Yeah, so... I'm not sure what they plan to do with that. I haven't heard a lot about it, admittedly.

Well, they can't punish him for anything without proof. So if they don't have proof, they'll have to treat it as a murder, and nothing more. Which is still a pretty hefty charge, of course.

...Yeah.

Anyway, I think I've got all the information I can find... is there a printer I can use?

Hm? Oh, yes. I'll help you with that. *walks over and starts setting up the printer*

...Say... do you think the destruction of a memory core is kind of like the destruction of a spirit?

Hm?

You know, Scrappy. His memory core is missing, so they can't repair him. Kind of like how you can't revive someone without their spirit, right?

...I guess? I'm not an expert on robot-related laws, but... (Speaking of which, maybe I should look that up while I'm here...)

I don't know, just a weird thought, I guess.

Well, it's probably worth looking into.

*finishes setting up the printer* There you go! Now you can print whatever you like.

Alright, thanks. *starts printing out some documents*

*time passes* *Phoenix eventually finishes printing all the documents, gathering them up*

Well, I guess we'd better be on our way. Come on, Maya.

See ya, Ms. Book! *waves*

Bye! Good luck on your case!

Thanks. *waves also* Well, might as well go check out that car. *heads off*

*follows*

To be continued...

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Footage of what appears to be the victim and my client. (View)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws...

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

Lee Jitt - The name listed as the former owner of the car at the scrapyard. Couldn't find any records of him.

[PFA]

{August 20th, 8:02PM
Scrapyard
Sorting Area}

(Well, it looks like the police are gone now. Should give us plenty of time to properly investigate.)

Alright! So here's the car. *walks up to it* Where should we start?

Well, if the original owner forgot anything, we'd probably find it in the glove compartment, or under the seats or something... *also wanders over to take a closer look*

Maybe we could get a fingerprint testing kit and test for fingerprints, too!

Well, first let's see what we can find here...


<Examine glove compartment>

SPOILER: Click to show

(Well, if there's anything still here, it would probably be in here.) *carefully opens the glove compartment and peers inside* ... It's empty.

So the killer removed all the evidence before sending the car out here?! That's suspicious!

Um... no, the previous owner was smart enough to empty out their glove compartment before sending their car to be scrapped. That's not suspicious.

Oh, yeah. Well... well, they're still sneaky!

(I guess.)

<Examine seats>

SPOILER: Click to show

(The seats are made of faux leather. They're littered with little scraps of metal, probably from Scrappy smashing on top of the car.) (Let's see... sometimes things are left under the seat and forgotten about. Might as well take a look...)

*he looks underneath each seat, one by one, but finds nothing*

...Nope. It's clean under here.

Wow, really? I always forget I left stuff under my chair. The killer must have been really attentive!

(Or, you know, they just made sure to clean everything out of their car before sending it to be scrapped...)

<Examine doors>

SPOILER: Click to show

(These car doors look like they've seen better days. They're very damaged. Scrappy falling on top of the car probably didn't help.) (Hm, maybe the original owner left something in the door pockets?) *takes a look*

*he looks in each door pocket, but doesn't find anything*

...Nope. Nothing in the door pockets.

Door... pockets? Is that what those things are called?

Uh, yeah. I've been... looking up information on cars recently. (Should really get my license...)

<Examine trunk>

(I really doubt it, but maybe there's something in the trunk?) *tries to open it* ... It's locked.

Locked?! But there could be important evidence in there! Like... like what if there's a dead body?!

Uh... I really doubt that. (Dead bodies being left in trunks... talk about bad flashbacks...) I do wonder if there's something in here, though. I wonder if Ms. Toll has the keys to this car around somewhere?

We could always pick the lock! Or break the lock!

How about we try something that won't get us accused of tampering with evidence?

Okay, but just remember what I said when we can't find the keys!

*sigh*

---

*steps back from the car* Well, it's a long shot, but I guess we might as well look into opening this trunk. Let's go find Ms. Toll and see if she has the... ...Hm?

*there is a figure vaguely visible in the distance, seeming to be carefully examining the scrap metal*

What is it?

There's someone over there. *calls out* Hello?

*the figure glances back at them for a moment, then turns and runs away*

H-hey! They're getting away! After them, Nick!

W-wait! Wait! *starts running after the figure* Come back!

Quick, Nick! Spread your wings and fly after them!

Wait, what? Why?

Well, it's faster than running, right?

Uh, not really, no!

Aw, Niiick! You need to practice flying more often!

It's not that! I mean, maybe a little, but I'd have to take off my jacket and my bracelet, and only then could I start flying, and... *slows to a halt* ...And now I'm not sure where they went. Great.

What?! Nick! What if that was the killer, returning to the scene of the crime?! This could have been avoided if you'd just flown after them like I told you!

First off, I doubt that. Secondly, if it was something important, I'm sure the police can handle it.

Aww.

Anyway... we should probably go speak with Ms. Toll about opening that trunk. *heads off*

*glances back in the direction of the figure for a moment before following*

~*~*~

{August 20th, 8:15PM
Scrapyard
Main Area}

Um... sorry! That's all I know.

Well, alright. Thanks for your cooperation.

No problem! Whatever I can do to help catch Scrappy's killer~

*walks in, just in time to see this* (I didn't realize the police were still here. Maybe we should wait until they leave...)

Hey, wait! The police! We can tell them about the person who ran away!

Wh—

HEY! Help!

*hears the shout* ! What was that?!

Fräulein Fey?!

*runs up to them* Hurry! They're getting away!

Wait, what? Who's getting away?

There was this person looking around at the stuff in the scrapyard, and they ran when they saw us! We think it might have been the killer!

Oh, goodness!

...The killer? I doubt that, but that is suspicious. Where did this person go?

*runs up behind Maya* Ugh... that way. *points* They went that way. Didn't see where he or she went, but it was that way.

You heard them! Let's go take a look!

*a group of cops run off to investigate*

*calls off after the cops* Oh, please be careful! It might be a customer!

I don't know who it was. I didn't get a good look.

*watches the cops run off* ...Do you think they'll need our help?

Eh, they'll be fine. *munches snackoos* We have more important things to worry about right now. Like the case.

Wait, are you the prosecutor for this case, Mr. Gavin?

Hm? Ja, that's right. Why, are... *trails off, looking at Phoenix* ...

...Um. Yes?

... ...So you're the defense, ja?

*blinks* Er... yes, I am.

Mm. Seven years... *pauses, shaking head* It will be an honor facing you in court, Herr Wright.

...Is something wrong?

...

(Whoa! Psyche-Locks...?)

...It's nothing. I think I'll go check on the officers. See you tomorrow. *heads off*

*watches him walk off* ...Wow. Guess that case really got to him...

Huh? What case?

...Eh. It's nothing. ...I have work to do. *noms a snackoo, heading off*

...I don't get it. What was that all about?

...Somehow, I get the impression this is one of those things we're not supposed to know.

...Oh...

(Five Psyche-Locks, all hiding away a big secret of some kind... but when they're on someone from the future, it's probably best not to pry. Why does that make me so nervous, though?) ...Anyway, we came here to talk to you, Ms. Toll.

Hm? Oh! Did you want those records you asked for?

Well, yes, but we were just wondering if you had the keys for that car we were looking at? Maybe the original owner brought them in?

I might! What for, may I ask?

Well, we wanted to see if we could get into the trunk.

There could be evidence in there!

Oh! Well, if it's for an investigation, can't you just pick the lock?

...Uh. Maybe the keys are evidence.

Ooh! Good point! I'll see if I can find them~ This way, please! *heads off to the office*

... *shrugs and follows*

*also follows*

~*~*~

{Meanwhile...}

*continues in the direction the cops went, lost in thought* (Seven years... it's been seven years since I faced Phoenix Wright in court. Since I forced him to turn in his badge...) (...I always knew this day would come. I just have to remain calm... things are different now, ja?)

*walks up to Klavier* No sign of the person they mentioned, Mr. Gavin.

Hm? Oh. I wonder where they could have gone?

It's hard to say. They didn't leave anything behind, and they're probably long gone by now... we could try getting Detective Gumshoe down here, but...

Nein, I don't think that will be necessary. We have more important things to worry about right now. Like Herr Scrappy's murder, for instance.

Ah, yes, that reminds me. There was something I wanted to show you...

~*~*~

{August 20th, 8:36PM
Scrapyard
Sorting Area}

*walks up* ...Now if I'm right, these should open this trunk right up!

Isn't it great that she actually found the keys, Nick?

I'm kind of surprised. But now we'll get to find out what's in this trunk, if anything...

*May sticks the key into the trunk's keyhole—a perfect fit. She turns it, and there is a soft click, indicating that it has been unlocked*

Here we go! *opens the trunk* The pirate's treasure!

There's treasure in there?! *hastily goes to look*

I'm pretty sure that's a figure of speech, Maya. *also goes to look* ...

...I'm not seeing anything.

Well, so much for that.

Sorry! I guess we're out of luck this time. Hey, did you want the key? It could be evidence!

Well, I guess— ...? Wait a minute...

Hm? What?

I think I see something... *leans over and carefully picks up a small, papery object in the back of the trunk*



This looks like... a business card?

A business card?! Nick! This is a major clue!

That's great! What does it say?

Well, it definitely doesn't say "Lee Jitt." It says... "Dale Jobs, Taco City Bank"?

Dale Jobs, huh? Do you think that's Lee Jitt's real name?

I have no idea. This might just be useful in helping us find the killer, though...

~Business Card added to the Court Record!~

This is so exciting! Pieces of a puzzle coming together!

Maybe. It still doesn't seem like we have a lot to go on.

Aw, don't worry, Nick! We'll figure something out! We always do, right?

Yeah. Maybe I'd better get back to the office and start sorting through all this evidence, see if something stands out...

Best of luck in court tomorrow, Mr. Wright!

Thanks. Come on, Maya. *heads off*

*follows*

~*~*~

...So that's what we did. I gathered all the evidence Ms. Toll gave us, and everything we found at the scene of the crime, and started trying to see what I could piece together. But it all seemed like vague, disjointed information. I would have liked to check out the bank and learn more about that business card, but they were closed for the night. I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow.

I just hope I can draw out the trial that long...

To be continued...

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Footage of what appears to be the victim and my client. (View)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws...

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

Lee Jitt - The name listed as the former owner of the car at the scrapyard. Couldn't find any records of him.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

[PFA]

Other Writer Moments (Intermission)

Phoenix and a Rinamian

SPOILER: Click to show

{The Arcade}

*walks in, looking around* (I heard I might see a Rinamian here...)

A chime sounded when he walked in, and a robot hurried out of a back room.

Robot: Hello sir, and welcome!

Hello. This might sound a bit strange, but I'm looking for someone from Rinam?

Robot: I'm someone from Rinam.

(Perfect.) Alright, so I'm on a case, and I've been looking up some information about robots. This might sound strange, but... do you think you, or someone you know, would be willing to tell me a bit about the war going on in Rinam?

Robot: I can tell you about it. What do you need to know?

Well, it's to my understanding that there are humans versus robots? Can you tell me about that?

Robot: Wellllll, the thing is robots and humans used to live together in Sermek, but then some stuff went down and the creator of the robots was attacked and the oldest robot, Serif, was killed. When the creator, Luska, was healed enough, she went to see the King of Sermek about the attack. Well, it turns out it was on his orders. Some stuff was done to Luska before the remaining Progenitors got her out and fled. Lots of robots went with them. These robots would later become the Alphas. Back then humans were a lot stronger then robots. Our bodies were made of stuff a lot like what you call plastic, and we had no combat abilities. The robots traveled out of Sermek and into the wilderness. This first robots had a hard time out in the wild, and lots of them died. Encountering the Lesks was what saved them. According to the Lesks, humans had stolen their land by killing the tribes that lived there. The Lesks are actually a bunch of different species, but they think of themselves as one species with many breeds. The kind that lives underground was a lot more advanced then the other breeds, and they made a deal with the robots. In exchange for a home as well as upgrades in body and power, the robots would protect the Lesks. The robots agreed, and the undergrounds filled their part. But the aboveground Lesks had plans that required more then just protection. They wanted their land back, they were mad about how many Lesks had died so humans could expand their settlements. To the humans, a Lesk was just an animal. *pauses* Does that answer your question?

*takes out a notepad and takes notes while she's talking* I see... interesting. Do you think the humans there would have problems with robots... outside of Rinam?

Robot: Hah! Absolutely!

Alright... do you think they'd have any reason to frame someone else for, say, attacking one?

Robot: I dunno? I think they're proud about their robot kills.

Hm, I thought as much... do you think they'd know anything about Portal Guns?

Robot: I wouldn't know if they've developed portal guns or not.

Do you think it would be possible?

Robot: Yeah. Dunno why they'd bother, though. Most places in Rinam are equipped with a portal blocker.

Hm... I see... (Which means it's pretty unlikely that they were involved in this case.) Well, I think that answers my question. Thanks for your time.

Robot: Happy to help!

*waves and heads off*

Ema and Leviathan (kind of Megaman Zero spoilers maybe?)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Repairs Shop}

Repairman: ...I don't know, but it's getting really annoying. >_>

I'm surprised that it's happened for so long without anyone noticing them in the act.

Repairman: Yeah, I guess they're pretty sneaky about it...

*walks in* Hey, we found more of the— *notices Levi* ...Oh. Am I interrupting something?

*notices Ema* Oh, no, go ahead.

Alright. *walks up to the repairman, handing him a bag full of Scrappy bits* We found more pieces of that robot. Still no sign of the memory core, though.

Repairman: Hm... well, that's a problem. *accepts the bag* Can't do much without that core...

*officially curious*

Yeah, I'm really starting to think it was stolen.

Repairman: Well... I guess I can see what I can do with what we've got. Hopefully we can find the core soon.

*he takes the pieces over to a nearby table, where a heavily damaged Scrappy lay, and gets to work*

... May I ask what's going on?

This robot was... well, murdered.

... Over?

We're not really sure. We're still trying to figure that out.

Hmm... You said the memory core was missing?

Uh-huh. We're pretty sure the killer stole it, but we're not sure what she did with it.

That is pretty unusual... It usually happens if the Reploid in question holds valuable information. ... It can also be pretty hard to get the memory core in one piece...

Yeah. We're still trying to figure out what exactly she wanted it for...

She?

The killer.

... You're not going to tell me, are you?

Well, we know the killer was a human female. We have a suspect, but the investigation is still underway, so I probably shouldn't talk about it too much...

Hmm... There must be a reason... A big reason... I do understand the need for some secrecy in investigations. Still, if there's something I can help with, feel free to ask.

Well... you obviously know a lot more about robots than I do. Any ideas what someone might do with a memory core?

... Try to extract information from it?

Hm... so it's possible the victim knew something that the killer wanted to know... or that the killer didn't want anyone else to know...

It's also possible to use it as a replacement core, though that's not as likely. It would generally be better to use a new one.

I see... any ideas where she might take it?

... Locally?

I guess. I don't know.

I haven't been here enough to know any suspicious places. However, she would need special tools - or at least special software - in order to use the core.

What kind of tools?

I'm not sure if I can describe them. But basically a memory core can't be connected to your average computer.

I guess I could see that. *munches on snackoos thoughtfully* Hm... any other thoughts? Like I said, you know more about robots than I do.

... Sometimes, when a Reploid dies, they become a Cyber Elf.

...A Cyber Elf?

... You may have seen them around town. They're small. They emit light. They have various abilities...

Sounds... a little familiar.

*points*

Mii?

*blinks* That's a Cyber Elf?

*nods* Mm-hmm.

*watches it, curious* So... it's possible that this Reploid is one of these things now?

It's possible. Exactly what might or might not let a Reploid become a Cyber Elf is unknown. ... Admittedly, there are theories connected to the memory core.

Meaning?

... The memory core and the personality chip hold a lot of what makes up who a Reploid is. I'm not sure how, but they likely have some significance. They might both need to be intact and present. Or maybe one or both needs to be destroyed before they release the Elf... They might also have no significant impact... There's not enough data on the subject.

Huh... interesting...

... I don't know much about laboratory-made Cyber Elves as apposed to... released Elves... either.

I'm sure there's a notable difference... I just don't know what yet.

Well... I guess that's something to keep in mind. Well, unless you can think of anything else, I should probably be on my way.

... *thinks* ... Nothing at the moment.

Alright. Thanks for the advice. Um... do you want my phone number or something, in case you think of anything else?

*nods* Mmm.

Alright, um... *fishes through her bag, pulling out a business card and handing it to her* Here.

*takes the card* Thank you.

You're welcome. Just let me know if you think of anything else I should know. *to the repairman* And I'll let you know if I find that memory core.

Repairman: Sure thing. *repairing*

*heads off*

Good luck.   *to the repairman* Now, about your security...

[PFA]

{August 21st, 10:00AM
District Courthouse
Courtroom No.5}

*bangs gavel* Court is now in session for the trial of Chell... ...er. The last name just says "redacted"...

*flicks bangs out of eyes* Little about the defendant's history is known. All records found of her do not list her surname.

Hm... fair enough. Are the defense and prosecution prepared?

The defense is ready, Your Honor. (Or as ready as I'll ever be, anyway...)

Prosecution is ready, Herr Judge.

Mr. Gavin, your opening statement, please.

Our victim was a scrapyard worker robot, named... ...er, his actual name is a serial number, but those who knew him called him "Scrappy." Herr Scrappy met our defendant, Fräulein Chell, while sorting scrap metal—his job. The area is restricted access, due to the potential danger, so he asked her to leave. But she had other plans... launching him off the top of a crane onto some sharp metal, damaging him severely.

Hm... a question. If the victim in this case is a robot, can he not be repaired?

In theory, yes. The damage was extensive, but parts can be replaced, and he can be repaired. ...But you cannot replace a man's mind.

What do you mean?

Herr Scrappy's memory core is missing. No one has been able to find it. Without it, all we have is an empty chassis. A different memory core would essentially be a different person.

Hm... I see. Very troubling, indeed. Well, Mr. Wright? Do you have an opening statement?

What? Oh, um... (I never get asked for an opening statement. What do I say?) *clears throat, standing up straight* I believe that my client has no motive whatsoever to brutally attack this robot. In fact, I believe it is more than likely that Chell was framed.

*murmurs from the gallery*

Hm... an interesting claim, Mr. Wright. Let's examine the testimony and evidence and find the truth of this matter, shall we?

I couldn't agree more, Herr Judge. The prosecution would like to call its first witness, Detective Ema Skye, to the stand.

*Ema makes her way up to the stand*

Ah, good ol' Fräulein Detective on the stand again. Name and occupation?

Yeah, yeah, I know. Name's Ema Skye. I'm a detective at the Los Angeles precinct.

Could you testify as to your findings about this incident?

Sure. *stuffs a snackoo in her mouth and pulls out some documents*

(...Is she allowed to eat those in court?)

So here's what we found...

-TESTIMONY-
What happened

As Prosecutor Gavin already mentioned, Scrappy was doing his job at the scrapyard when Chell approached him.

He tried talking to her, asking her to leave, but she wouldn't listen to reason. She started attacking him, shoving him through portals...

...And to top it all off, she pushed him into a portal that lead off the top of the crane... and to his demise.

She examined the wreckage, pulling out his memory core. At that point, a witness entered the scene, calling out to her... and she fled the scene.

We received a call shortly after that about the incident. Our investigation led us directly to the defendant, who was immediately arrested.

---

Hm... seems to be a rather straightforward testimony. Mr. Wright, your cross-examination, please.

Yes, Your Honor. (Is this really as straightforward as she makes it sound? I'll have to press her for more details...)

_{Good luck, Nick!}

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
What happened

As Prosecutor Gavin already mentioned, Scrappy was doing his job at the scrapyard when Chell approached him.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Sorting scrap metal, right?

Uh-huh. That was his job.

Did he use the crane? And what about that car he landed on?

Yes, he was moving large chunks of scrap metal with the crane. He hadn't really done anything with the car yet; it was brought in pretty recently.

Excuse me, Mr. Wright. Is this line of questioning relevant?

I, uh... I'm just clarifying details, Your Honor. (It's probably too early to ask about the car...)

I see. Please refrain from irrelevant lines of questioning, Mr. Wright.

Yes, Your Honor...

---

He tried talking to her, asking her to leave, but she wouldn't listen to reason. She started attacking him, shoving him through portals...

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Shoving him through portals?

Yes. Throwing him around, basically, with the help of her Portal Gun.

So there was more than just the one on the crane, then?

Yes. She assaulted him for a few minutes this way.

...And he didn't fight back at all?

You must remember, Herr Attorney Wright... Herr Scrappy was not a combat robot. And even if he was, he believed in and followed the Three Laws.

...Three Laws?

...Surely you know the Three Laws of Robotics by now, ja?

Rule number one is "never harm a human." And Chell is obviously human.

Oh... right.

Anyway, point is, she attacked him...

---

...And to top it all off, she pushed him into a portal that lead off the top of the crane... and to his demise.

She used the Portal Gun to put a portal at the top of the crane, right?

Yes. She fired a portal at the top of the crane, and tossed him through.

That crane is pretty tall. That seems like it would be a difficult shot.

Peh. Fräulein Chell is quite proficient with the Portal Gun, I've heard. I imagine such a shot would be a cakewalk for her.

...

...I guess. What exactly would she have to hit for the portal to open, anyway? I've never really understood that.

In theory, when the shot hits a flat surface, the portal will open.

...Is that so? Could you add that to your testimony?

Excuse me, Mr. Wright, but is this relevant?

Yes. Yes, I believe it is.

Hm... very well, then. Detective, if you could add that to your testimony.

Sure, whatever.

~A new piece of testimony is added~

---

The defendant, of course, is an expert shot, so putting a portal on the top of the crane was easy for her. All she had to do is shoot at a flat surface, and bam.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

How do you know she's an expert shot?

I've seen footage of her landing portals on small targets from even longer distances. She has to be pretty good if she can do that.

...Like how far away are we talking here?

I don't know. About the length of a football field?

Wow! So she could get a football all the way across the field in record time!

...I'm pretty sure bringing a Portal Gun to a football game is against the rules.

*amused* Oh, I don't know. Somehow I can't imagine anyone had Portal Guns in mind when writing the rulebook.

Yeah! It can't be against the rules if it's not in the book, right?

Can we move on now?

Heh. That would be for the best, ja. Now where were we?

Yeah, so after she launched him off the crane...

---

She examined the wreckage, pulling out his memory core. At that point, a witness entered the scene, calling out to her... and she fled the scene.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

... (...You know, I get the feeling I already know the answer to anything I would ask about this.)

If you're going to ask about the memory core, no, we don't know where it is or what she did with it. And if you're going to ask about the witness, we'll hear from her later.

(Bingo.) Alright, thank you. Moving on...

---

We received a call shortly after that about the incident. Our investigation led us directly to the defendant, who was immediately arrested.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Where was Chell when you arrested her?

At her home, a small apartment in the residential district.

(An apartment? I didn't notice the commotion in my building... maybe she lives in a different building?)

Incidentally, there was no sign of the stolen memory core in her home. It has still yet to be located.

Hm... perhaps she did something with it before returning home.

My thoughts exactly, Herr Judge.

(How about the possibility that she was framed? Hello?)

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Footage of what appears to be the victim and my client. (View)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws...

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

Lee Jitt - The name listed as the former owner of the car at the scrapyard. Couldn't find any records of him.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

---

<Present Evidence>

...All she had to do is shoot at a flat surface, and bam.

A flat surface, huh?

That's what all the files say, yeah. Flat, even surfaces.

That's very interesting. Detective Skye, I'd like you to take a look at this footage...



Take a good look at that portal at the top of the crane, under the assumption that portals can only open on "flat, even surfaces."

...Oh yeah... the top of the crane isn't flat or even at all. I don't know how I didn't notice that.

Which, of course, begs the question: how is this even possible?!

*surprised muttering from the crowd*

*plays with his hair thoughtfully* You bring up an interesting point, Herr Attorney Wright... but perhaps there is something you are not aware of. Take a look at this scan report.



And... what's this?

A magic scan of Fräulein Chell's Portal Gun. As you can see... it is made with Writer Powers.

...Writer Powers?

According to the records, Fräulein Chell lost the Portal Gun she had before, so Fräulein PFA made a new one for her out of Writer Powers. And it has also been documented that the Writer Powers version does not function properly.

What do you mean by that?

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. From what I know and understand about Writer Powers, I would guess it only functions when the situation calls for it. ...Which, by extension, would make it reasonable to assume where it can place portals could just as easily vary.

*deskslam* And you think that murdering Scrappy was "called for"?!

*flicks bangs out of eyes* You know how Writers work, Herr Attorney Wright. Perhaps it was. There's really no way to know with magic that can be altered on a whim.

*more surprised muttering*

Hm... I do see the logic behind Mr. Gavin's statements. There really is no way to know for sure what the gun is capable of.

<sub>It doesn't make any sense, though. Why would PFA want Chell to murder an innocent robot?

Yeah, it sounds fishy to me, too. But even so, he's right... Writers can be unpredictable.</sub>

Any further questions, Mr. Wright?

...Just one, Your Honor. If the gun is made of Writer Powers, wouldn't the portals have left behind an aura, too?

They did. We collected these readings from the scene of the crime. *shows documents* The aura left behind from the portals match the readings we got from the Portal Gun. *fiddles with his hair* ...In fact, we were able to follow the trail of portal residue back to the residential district... where the defendant was found, inside her home.

(Oh... well, that's just great.) ...Wait, isn't it possible that PFA could have magicked up more than one Portal Gun?

This is true. All this indicates is that the gun used was one created by Fräulein PFA... and that whoever used it went to the residential district.

This seems like important information. Why didn't you mention it before?

I guess I didn't realize it was that significant. Sorry, I'm new to this crazy place. *munches on snackoos*

Fair enough. The court accepts these readings as evidence.

~Magic Readings added to the Court Record!~

Well, I think that's all that the Fräulein Detective can tell us. Unless you have any other questions, Herr Attorney Wright?

(Why does he keep calling me that?) ...Not really, no.

Alright then. Vielen Dank for your testimony, Fräulein.

Yeah, whatever. *walks off*

Now, as Detective Skye mentioned earlier, there was a witness at the scene of the crime, who spotted the killer and was able to contact the police.

(This is it, Phoenix... what the witness saw could make or break this whole thing.)

The prosecution would like to summon the victim's girlfriend, Fräulein Chenier, to the stand...

To be continued...

[PFA]

*a Rinamian robot steps up to the stand*

...Hello.

Hello. Don't worry, this won't take long, assuming Herr Attorney Wright is kind.

(What is that supposed to mean...?)

Now, if you could state your name and occupation, for our records?

...I'm Chenier. I work with recycling on Rinam, so I visit the scrapyard here a lot... I help out there sometimes in exchange for materials.

Danke. Now, would you kindly tell us what you saw?

...Okay.

-TESTIMONY-
What I saw

I was helping out at the scrapyard yesterday, moving the metal Scrap had sorted into the main lot for selling.

B-but as I was getting close to the sorting area, I heard this terrible smashing noise! I was worried, so I hurried to see if Scrap was okay.

A-and when I got there... oh, poor Scrap! He was all broken up, and the woman who did it knelt over him and ripped out his memory core!

I yelled at her, telling her to leave poor Scrap alone! And then she used her Portal Gun and ran away!

I couldn't catch up with her, so I told one of the other workers about what happened... and he handed me his phone so I could contact the police.

---

*plays with hair* My apologies, Fräulein. Seeing your Schatz in such a condition... it truly is heartwrenching.

Oh, poor Scrap... if only I could have gotten his memory core from her...

Truly a disturbing story. Well, Mr. Wright? Your cross-examination, please.

Yes, Your Honor. (There's something fishy about this, I just know it...)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
What I saw

I was helping out at the scrapyard yesterday, moving the metal Scrap had sorted into the main lot for selling.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

So you were there helping Scrappy?

Y-yes, that's right.

But you weren't there when the killer approached him?

No... I must have been in the main lot when she arrived. I didn't even notice the struggle was going on at first.

I see...

---

B-but as I was getting close to the sorting area, I heard this terrible smashing noise! I was worried, so I hurried to see if Scrap was okay.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

How were you sure it wasn't just the sound of scrap metal being sorted?

It wasn't a normal scrap metal noise. It sounded like... like something being dropped and broken. Scrap is very careful when he works, so I couldn't imagine he would make a mistake like that...

So... you were concerned, and went to investigate.

Yeah...

---

A-and when I got there... oh, poor Scrap! He was all broken up, and the woman who did it knelt over him and ripped out his memory core!

...Ripped it out?

Y-yeah! Violently!

...With her bare hands?

Yeah! It was awful!

...I imagine something as vital as a memory core would be bolted in pretty tight, wouldn't it?

One would be surprised the amount of force one can muster in the right situation. Not to mention that our victim was heavily damaged. I'm certain a fall like that would loosen the hold on the core.

But then wouldn't the core be damaged, too?

D-damaged...?

*plays with hair* Ach, Herr Attorney Wright... must you be such a heartbreaker?

H-hey, I'm just saying!

I-it wasn't damaged, though! It was perfectly in tact! And she just ripped it out!

...Really? Do you think you could add that to your testimony!

Hm? Oh... I suppose.

~A new piece of testimony is added~

---

The memory core wasn't damaged at all... she just ripped it right out of him!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Why in the worlds did she want his memory core, of all things?!

That's a difficult question to answer, with a woman whose past lies so thick in mystery. Not to mention one who is noted to have distinctly unpleasant experiences with robots in the past.

I guess, but why the memory core? It sounds to me like she was trying to silence him!

...!

Perhaps she was. Your point being...?

My point is... er... she has no obvious reason to!

*flicks bangs out of eyes* Just because we have yet to discover a reason does not mean there was not one. I'm afraid the current lack of an obvious motive does not prove your client innocent.

(This is getting me nowhere.) (Alright, the motive doesn't matter right now. There's something else fishy about this, and it's time to prove it!)

---

I yelled at her, telling her to leave poor Scrap alone! And then she used her Portal Gun and ran away!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

You say she used the Portal Gun to run away?

Yeah. She fired a portal off into the distance, then hopped through the blue portal on the ground. The blue portal closed before I could follow her through it.

So she traveled through the portals. Did you see where she went?

No. She was moving too quickly with the portals. If only I could have stopped her! I would have gotten Scrap's memory core back!

Believe me, Fräulein, we all agree that the theft of Herr Scrappy's memory core is a terrible loss. We will do everything we can to get it back. Now, please continue with your testimony?

Y-yeah, okay. As I was saying...

---

I couldn't catch up with her, so I told one of the other workers about what happened... and he handed me his phone so I could contact the police.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Which worker was this?

Oh... it was Mr. Crayne Lift, the receptionist.



(Crayne Lift, huh... I guess he did mention Chenier when we talked to him...)

He said, Scrap being attacked like that, that was murder. So he gave me his cell phone and told me to call the police.

The police can corroborate the Fräulein's story. The call was received from Herr Lift's cell phone at about 4:20PM. Investigation started right away. *flicks bangs out of eyes* Fräulein Chell was found and arrested maybe a half hour later.

(...And then I was called in to defend her about twenty minutes after that.)

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Footage of what appears to be the victim and my client. (View)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws...

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Remnants of portals found leading from the scene of the crime to the residential district. The portals match the aura of Chell's Portal Gun. (View)

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

Lee Jitt - The name listed as the former owner of the car at the scrapyard. Couldn't find any records of him.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

---

<Present Evidence>

The memory core wasn't damaged at all... she just ripped it right out of him!

You're absolutely sure it wasn't damaged at all?

Well... it was definitely in one piece, at least. I didn't see any cracks or anything...

I find that really hard to believe, Ms. Chenier!



Because if you remember... Scrappy was in very poor condition after that fall. According to the autopsy report, he "took extensive damage" from that fall... enough to damage the power core and shut him off. In fact, when we got there, Detective Ema Skye was collecting the tiny pieces of his broken chassis. That's pretty extensive damage, wouldn't you say?

...Y-yes...

So how, exactly, is it possible... *deskslam* ...that the memory core made it out of all this completely unharmed?!

*muttermutter*

Hm... Mr. Wright makes a good point. That does seem very unusual... your thoughts, Mr. Gavin?

*playing with his hair absently* ...It is a good point. With that much damage, it seems unlikely that the memory core would not be harmed. Not impossible... but unlikely. Which does make me curious, Herr Attorney Wright. Aside from a fluke miracle... how would you explain this phenomenon?

I... uh... (I didn't think this far ahead when I was pointing out contradictions. How did the memory core survive the impact?)

Um... the memory core wasn't made to resist impact, was it? I mean, with how important it was...

Not any moreso than the power core, no.

(So in theory, it should have been damaged just as badly... but why wasn't it?) Maybe... it was... um... ...Magic?

...Magic?

Like... a little barrier protecting the memory core? Maybe?

...That seems... unlikely, but I suppose it's worth looking into. Fräulein Detective?

I heard. I'll ask the magic guys to scan the chassis for magic. *pulls out cell phone, heading out of the room*

...Well then... I suppose we'll take a brief recess until the detective returns with the results. *bangs gavel*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 11:02AM
District Courthouse
Defendant's Lobby}

Do you really think the killer used magic on Scrappy?

Honestly? I doubt it. I was just saying things off the top of my head by then. *reading and rereading his files very carefully* (I really need more evidence...)

And what if she did use magic? *glances at Chell* You don't have magic, do you?

*shakes head*

Well, if there really was magic involved here, then it would be impossible for Chell to have committed the crime. ...But again, that's only if it's true.

Well... it doesn't seem that unlikely around here.

I guess. I'm still going to prepare different arguments, though. (There has to be something in here... why can't I find anything worth presenting?)

"All participants in the State vs. Chell trial, please return to courtroom number five!"

*sigh* Sounds like they're back with the results. We'd better go.

C'mon, Nick! We can do this! *fistpump*

(I sure hope so...) *pushes open the door*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 11:07AM
District Courthouse
Courtroom No.5}

*bangs gavel* Court is now back in session. Detective Skye? What were the findings?

*scowls, chewing on a snackoo* Well...

(She's going to say there was nothing. Well, time to—)

...Mr. Wright was, well, right. We found remnants of magic in Scrappy's chassis, in the hole where the memory core should be.

! W-wait, what?! Seriously?!

*amused* Weren't expecting your wild ramblings to be true, Herr Attorney Wright?

I, uh... guess not?

Oh my! This is very surprising, indeed! Detective, what can you tell us about these magic remnants?

Well...

-TESTIMONY-
Magic remnants

Like I said, we scanned Scrappy's chassis, specifically the hole where the memory core should be. There were traces of magic... consistent with what is believed to be a small barrier.

The aura the scanner picked up was... unusual. Not consistent with anyone on record.

So... basically we have no idea where it came from.

---

(...Wow. That's... really surprising.)

A-ha! See, Nick? I told you!

I, um... well, surely you're aware that the defendant doesn't use magic. So... *deskslam* This means that Chell could not possibly have committed this crime!

*surprised muttering from the gallery*

Hm... this seems like a very strong point for the defense, indeed. Well then. Your cross-examination please, Mr. Gavin.

I... wait, what?

This testimony is heavily in the defense's favor, so I would like to give the prosecution the opportunity to make a counterpoint.

Oh! R-right, yeah, of course.

*chuckles, flicking bangs out of eyes* You're not the only one that gets to cross-examine witnesses, Herr Attorney Wright. I'd be glad to, Herr Judge.

(...He's smiling. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
Magic remnants

Like I said, we scanned Scrappy's chassis, specifically the hole where the memory core should be. There were traces of magic... consistent with what is believed to be a small barrier.

What do you mean, exactly, when you say a "small barrier"?

Well, first off, it was small... around the memory core and nothing else. The magic experts also said it was fairly weak...? I don't know, they would know more about this stuff than me. *munchmunch*

The reports also say when approximately the barrier was brought up, ja? Was it the same time as the murder?

Yes. The reports say that the approximate time of the magic's use coincides with the time of the murder.

I see...

---

The aura the scanner picked up was... unusual. Not consistent with anyone on record.

An aura not on record simply means an aura we have never detected before, ja?

Well, yeah, obviously.

What I mean is, it is possible that something not on record just means something that hasn't occurred yet.

(What is he getting at...?)

...I don't know what you mean.

*chuckles, flicking bangs out of his eyes* Fräulein Detective... this is a land of immense magical power. On occasion, those from a non-magical universe can gain powers they never had before. ...Thus "hasn't occurred yet."

...So you're saying...?

I think it would be wise to do a scan of Fräulein Chell's aura... just in case.

??

Chell does not have magic!

That we know of. Can't hurt to check, ja?

That she knows of! We asked her about it earlier, and she told us that she does not have magic. Are you seriously implying that she could put a barrier around a particular spot inside of Scrappy without even realizing she has magic in the first place?!

*flicks bangs out of eyes* Ach, Herr Attorney Wright... magic in this world often manifests itself in a time of need, doing precisely what we want it to do at that very moment. I'm sure both of us are well aware of that?

... *sudden flashback*

---

*steps in-between Dark Writer and Edgeworth, fists clenched and looking all fiery* I won't let you do this, Dark Writer!

ACK! NICK! Why are you on fire?!

...Huh?

Nick! You're on fire!!

... *notices that his angry clenched fist is indeed surrounded by fire* Ack! Why am I on fire?!

---

...I... uh...

Precisely why it couldn't hurt to check. ...Fräulein Detective? Do you think it would be alright to do a quick test right now?

...I guess. I'd need a scanner, though.

*the bailiff hands her a magic scanner*

...Thanks. *approaches Chell with the scanner*

*glares silently* ...

...It's picking up her aura, but... it doesn't show any signs of magic?

About the aura. Do the readings match the one found inside Herr Scrappy?

Um... *checks* ...They... look pretty much the same, yeah.

Wh-what?!

*muttermutter*

But she said there's no signs of magic!

This is true. However, I also recall the Fräulein Detective saying that it was a "fairly weak" barrier. Is this correct?

That's what the magic experts told me. *sticks a snackoo in her mouth*

*flicks bangs out of eyes* So it would appear to me that perhaps what we are dealing with is latent magical ability.

(...Does magic even work that way? I have doubts, but...)

Hm... this is a very intriguing course of events. I believe we must look into this matter further before we can proceed with the trial. We will postpone the trial until tomorrow. I expect by then we will have identified where this mysterious barrier came from. *bangs gavel*

To be continued...

[PFA]

((Sorry for the wait!))

{August 21st, 12:12PM
Wright & Co. Offices, Taco City
Phoenix's Office}

...Well, I think you did a great job!

*sigh* Yeah... I'm just glad we made it through with so little evidence. *takes a bite of his sandwich*

Yeah! And now we have time to go check out that bank! *noms her own lunch*

Yeah... I just hope we can find answers there.

Sure we will! I mean, a mysterious car with a mysterious business card in it? Sounds like evidence to me!

(It could also be completely unrelated, but we might as well look into it.) *after a few moments, finishes his lunch, standing* Well, I guess we'd better get to investigating, then.

*also finishes her lunch* Okay! Let's go!

*heads off*

*follows*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 1:02PM
Taco City Bank
Entryway}

*looks around* (It's amazing how many buildings are around here that I never notice...)

Come on, Nick! Let's investigate! *heads over to the receptionist* Hello! Excuse us!

...Oh! Hello there! Abby Semend at your service.

(She reminds me of the lady from the library...)

You must be... ...Um... wait. Who are you, again?

*walks over* Excuse us. My name is Phoenix Wright, and this is my assistant, Maya.

Hello again, Mr. Wright and your assistant, Maya! What can I... ...Um... wait a second. Did you have an account here?

Uh, no. I'm an attorney, and I'm—

Oh. Well, you can't make any deposits without an account.

...Uh. No, I'm not here to make a deposit.

Huh? Oh! You can't make any withdraws, either.

...Um...

... ...Oh! Did you want to make an account?

No, no! I'm here on a murder investigation!

Oh! ... ...Wait. Who was murdered?

(This woman doesn't seem to be all... there.) Look, that's not really important right now. We're here looking for a man named Dale Jobs.

Dale was murdered?! B-but I just saw him this morning!

N-no! No, Mr. Jobs hasn't been murdered! We want to talk to him!

...Oh! Well, that's a relief! Mr. Jobs should be in his office.

(Finally, we're getting somewhere.) And where is his office?

That way, sir. *points*

Alright, thank you. Let's go, Maya. *starts walking off*

Thanks, Ms. Semend! *follows Nick*

H-hey, wait! Where are you going?

Uh, Mr. Jobs' office? We came to talk to him, remember?

Oh! Yes. Um, he might be busy though. And he doesn't like to be disturbed when he's busy.

...So is he or is he not available?

Available? Dale isn't pursuing a relationship, sorry.

Wh-what?! No! We want to talk to him!

Oh! Yes, he should be in his office. But he might be busy.

Yes, you already told us that. Look... we're just going to drop by his office and see if he's busy, okay?

Mr. Jobs doesn't like visitors when he's busy.

We'll take our chances. Thanks for the help. *grabs Maya by the wrist and heads off toward Mr. Jobs' office*

Whoa!

Thank you! Come again! ... ...Wait. You know the exit is that way, right?

~*~*~

{August 21st, 1:06PM
Taco City Bank
Dale Jobs' Office}

*The offices rest behind glass walls, clearly showing the interiors of each. Each door has a name printed on it, and before long, Phoenix and Maya are able to find one with "Dale Jobs, Manager" on it. Mr. Jobs himself seems to be sitting at his desk doing paperwork*

*knocks on the door* Hello? Mr. Jobs?

Busy.

Sorry to bother you, sir, but we need to talk to you.

I said "busy."

Please? It's really important, and it'll only take a moment...

*finally looks up from his paperwork* I told you guys, don't bother me when I'm— ...Huh? Wait, aren't you Phoenix Wright?

(It's kind of nice being famous sometimes.) That's right. And this is my assistant, Maya. We're here on an investigation. Is it okay if we ask you a few questions?

...I guess? Come on in, sit down.

*pushes open the door, sitting down in one of the chairs*

*likewise* Thanks, Mr. Jobs! Sorry we interrupted your work.

Eh, it can wait. So what do you want to know about what?

Well, first off... *pulls out a photo, handing it to Mr. Jobs*

Does this car look familiar to you?

...This hunk o' junk?

This car was recently brought in to the local scrapyard, so you might have seen it in better condition.

Hm... you know what? I think one of our clients had a car like that.

Do you remember who?

No clue. I don't keep track of who owns what car. I just remember seeing it in the parking lot.

Not that many people actually drive cars around here. Are you sure you don't remember?

What, you think I'm just gonna go around car-stalking people? I have no idea whose car it is.

Well, if not that many people have cars, then how many of them come to this bank?

And how many of them would have sent their car to the scrapyard recently?

Like I said, I don't keep... ...Wait. What do you mean by "recently"? Like, a few days ago?

Um... *checks the report* ...Yes, actually. Why do you ask?

Er...

...It doesn't matter. I don't know whose car it is.

(...Psyche-Locks. Wonderful. Do I have the evidence to break them with...?) ...Hm. Another question, Mr. Jobs. Do you know someone going by the name of Lee Jitt?

..."Lee Jitt"? What kind of name is "Lee Jitt"?

I take it that's a no.

Never heard of any Lee Jitt.

(So it is a fake name. But what could he be hiding? I'm going to need to do more investigation...) Alright, thank you, sir. I guess we should continue our search elsewhere. *stands up* We'll contact you later if we need more information, okay?

Sure. Not sure what else I could tell you, though. Here, you can call me at this number if you need to talk to me... *reaches to grab a business card* ...Ugh. Running low on business cards again... I'll have to ask Abby to order another batch.

Abby? You mean Abby Semend?

Yeah, the secretary. Ordering my business cards is part of her job.

We'll see her on our way out. We could tell her about the business cards for you if you want!

Sure, why not? It'd save me some time. Anyway, here. *tries to hand them a business card*

Ah, that's okay, we don't really need one...

You sure? You said you'd contact me if you needed more information.

It's okay, we'd, um... prefer to talk to you in person if possible. (Maybe it's not a good idea to tell him yet that we already have one of his business cards...)

...Suit yourself. I'll probably be here... doing paperwork.

Um... we'll know where to find you. Come on, Maya. *heads out of the room*

*follows* But Nick, where are we going? We don't have any other leads, do we?

I don't know about leads, but I do know one thing—there's something Mr. Jobs wasn't telling us.

What?! Nick, do you think he's the killer?!

Probably not... but he does seem to know something about a car that was sent to the scrapyard a few days ago. He had Psyche-Locks when I asked him about it.

Oooh! See, I told you that car was suspicious!

Yeah. Now all we need to do is figure out whose car it is and why it was sent to the scrapyard...

Hm... but how do we do that?

I'm not sure. I guess we could ask around the bank...? Maybe one of the tellers knows something.

Well then, let's go!

~*~*~

Hello again, sir and miss! ...Um... what were your names, again?

...Phoenix Wright. And this is my assistant, Maya.

Oh! Hello again, Mr. Wright and your assistant, Maya. How may I help you?

Well...

*nudges him* _{Come on, Nick! Ask her about the car!}

(I'm not sure how easy it'll be to get an answer out of someone who can't keep a train of thought, but...) Excuse me, have you seen this car before?

Sorry, sir, I'm not sure. Have you tried checking the lost and found?

Uh, no. We know where it is, we just want to know if you've seen it before.

Um, no...? You're the first person to show me this picture.

No, the car in the picture. Have you seen the car in the picture before?

Oh! ... That's a very damaged car.

*groans, rubbing his temple* Yes, it was damaged recently. Have you ever seen the car before it was damaged?

Yes! It's a very popular model of car.

Ngh... do you know any of your clients who have or have had a car like that?

Hm... no! Not that I know of.

Are you sure? Mr. Jobs told us he's seen this car in the parking lot here...

Well... I don't usually pay attention to the cars in the parking lot. But Mr. Jobs might remember that! Mr. Jobs has pretty good memory.

(At least better than yours, I would assume...) So you've never seen this car in the parking lot here?

I think I'd notice if I saw a car that damaged driving around. Like this one time, I saw this car... I swear it was made out of tin cans!

Before it was damaged.

Oh! ... ...What was the question, again?

(This is getting me nowhere.) Look, nevermind that. How about Lee Jitt? Do you know someone named Lee Jitt?

Lee Jitt...? I don't think so. Is he a client of ours?

Well, it was the name listed as the previous owner of that car.

Oh! ...I don't know. I guess I could check the records?

That would be appreciated. (Ugh... talking to this lady is a nightmare.) Well, thanks for your time. We're going to go talk to some other people now, okay?

Okay! Thank you, and come again~

We're not— ugh, whatever. Come on, Maya. Let's go talk to the tellers.

Oh! By the way, before we leave, Ms. Semend...

Hm? What is it?

Mr. Jobs said he was running low on business cards and that he needs you to order a new batch.

Oh! I'll order a new batch and pick it up for him as soon as they're printed.

...You pick up his shipments for him?

Well, the print shop he uses doesn't do deliveries. So he usually sends me to pick them up for him. _{Hm... I'll need to bring a briefcase...}

(It seems kind of strange someone would order business cards from a place that doesn't do deliveries...) ...Anyway, come on, Maya. We've got investigating to do.

We'll get to the bottom of this! *determined fistpump as she follows*

~*~*~

We talked to all the tellers, but none of them seemed to know anything more about the car or Lee Jitt... though some of them, like Mr. Jobs, admitted that they'd seen the car in the parking lot sometimes. Which all but confirms that the person who owned the car went to that bank. But none of them were able to tell us what had happened to the car, or why it was sent to the scrapyard.

Not sure what else to do, we decided to check back at the scrapyard. Ms. Toll didn't seem to know anything about it, but maybe someone there would...

~*~*~

{August 21st, 2:18PM
Scrapyard
Sorting Area}

(There's a lot of police here today... looks like they're scanning the area for traces of magic.)

"...What do you think it means?"

"I don't know... it's not a reading I recognize at all."

*tugs on Nick's sleeve* <sub>What do you think they're talking about?

A mysterious magic reading...?</sub>

*walks up* Excuse us, Mr. Wright, but we're in the middle of an investigation. I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

Oh! Uh, sorry, sir. We'll just be on our way... *backs off, chuckling sheepishly*

*once they're out of earshot* Aww. It sounds like they found something interesting, too...

Yeah, well, it's probably evidence for the prosecution, anyway.

Speaking of which, I didn't see Prosecutor Gavin or Detective Skye. I wonder where they are?

I'm just guessing they're investigating the possibility of Chell having magic. _{Which I still doubt, but...}

! *tugs on Nick's sleeve* Nick! Look!

Huh? What?

Someone's over there! I bet it's the same person from yesterday! The person who ran from us!

H-hey, you might be right! *starts heading that direction* Hey, wait—!

*holds him back* Not so fast, Nick! If they see us, they might run away again!

What? But then what are we supposed to do?

Well, obviously we're going to have to be sneaky! Sneak up on them before they get the chance to run away!

I... guess?

Trust me, Nick! Watch carefully... *makes a shushing motion, then starts approaching the figure, regularly ducking behind things to keep from being seen*

(...Well, I guess it's worth a try...) *follows Maya carefully*

*Sure enough, they are able to approach the figure without notice. They duck behind a tree, and glance over to see...*

*hiding in a bush, seemingly watching the police investigate with a judging gaze*

(...Who is that?)

<sub>Alright, Nick. Now you go over there and guard from the other side so he can't run away.

I... think we'd need a lot more people if we wanted to do that.

Well, um... spread your wings or something! They're nice and big, right?

...Won't that attract attention?</sub>

*looks over at the sound of voices* Who's there?! Show yourself!

_Eep!

(So much for that.)

I know you're there! You can't hide from me!

*sighs and steps out from behind the tree* Look, we just—

WAGH! It's an alien clone!

Ack! What?!

You can't fool me with a fake Phoenix Wright! I know who you are!

N-no, no! I'm the real Phoenix Wright! Or, I'm a Phoenix Wright?

AHA! I knew it!

*peeks out from behind the tree nervously* Um, mister, you know there's people here from multiple timelines, right? So maybe you know a different Nick, but—

What?! They've mastered time travel on this planet?!

L-look, that's really not important at the moment. We just want to talk to you.

Me? Why would you want to talk to me, past Wright? Th-that could cause a time paradox!

(At least he doesn't seem to think I'm an alien clone anymore.) Er... I'm more concerned about what's going on right now than what goes on in the future. More specifically, how long have you been here?

I've been coming to this planet for about a year now! I figured out how to get here and back. All you have to do is think about it real hard, because the aliens know when you're thinking about them. But no one believes me! I'll prove it to them yet! *shakefist*

Uh, that's nice, but I meant here specifically. At the scrapyard.

Ah! Since yesterday! I've been coming here since yesterday, because of the alien I saw! She was disguised as a human, but I know the truth!

W-wait! Yesterday? What did you see yesterday?

I saw it with my own two eyes! I watched the alien destroy the worker robot with her alien technology!

To be continued...

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Footage of what appears to be the victim and my client. (View)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws...

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. (Scan 1, scan 2)

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

Lee Jitt - The name listed as the former owner of the car at the scrapyard. Couldn't find any records of him.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Seems a bit spacey.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Seems to be a witness to Scrappy's murder.

[PFA]

! You... you saw the murder?!

She smashed that robot to smithereens using that crazy gun of hers! And then she stole a piece of it to take back to her alien spaceship, then she ran off! So I chased after her!

You ran into the portal?!

Wh-what?! No way! What if it closed while I was in it?! But I saw where the portal lead to, so I ran after it!

Chenier never mentioned this... what about the other robot? Did you see the other robot?

That other voice was a robot?! That must have been the robot's backup! Good thing I didn't stick around, or I could've been assimilated!

(I guess that means they didn't see each other.) You say you ran after the alien... er, the killer. But Chenier said she was going too fast to catch up with.

Yeah! She was super fast, so I ran as fast as I could! I only caught up because she stopped to take back the stolen alien technology!

Wait, wait... stolen technology? What are you talking about?

She stopped at the little building to get something. She must have been taking back something the robots stole from her!

(This definitely sounds important.) Which "little building" is this?

I'll show you! This way. *leads on*

*shrug at each other and follow*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 2:31PM
Scrapyard
? ? ?}

*the group comes to an area south of the sorting area, with not much to see but a large shed*

This is the place! *indicates the shed* That's where the robot had stashed the stolen technology!

This old-looking shed? *walks over, tries to peer through the window*

Yeah! I'd swear to it!

Hm... *goes over and tries to open the door* ...It's locked?

Locked?

*looks closer* ...Yeah, it looks like it needs a card key.

A card key? For a shed?

Yeah... it seems kind of weird.

It's not just any shed. It's the robot's secret base, I swear it!

(Well, it is pretty hefty security for a shed...)

~Door Lock added to the Court Record!~

*turns to Hobo* Did you say the killer went inside?

She sure did! She used her technology to phase right through the door!

She... phased through the door? (Is the killer a spirit?)

Yeah! She stuck a portal on the door, walked through it, and walked right through the door! It was incredible!

So... there was another portal inside the shed?

Nope! There was an orange portal on the door, and there was a blue portal over there. *points off in the distance* But she walked through the orange one, and instead of coming out the blue one like normal, she ended up in the shed!

...Now that I'm having trouble believing. The portal on the crane was one thing, but walking through walls?

It's true! I'd swear to it on my grave!

(Maybe the portal on an incorrect surface could have been a Writer-Power-fueled fluke, but this... this is just plain fishy.)

Hm... you said the killer stole something from this shed. What was it?

Well, I didn't get a real good look at it. It was... yellow, I think? I'm sure it was alien technology of some sort!

Well, this is definitely strange... we should ask someone what they usually store in this shed.

Yeah! Let's go see if we can find Mr. Lift or someone.

I'll stay here and keep a watch out for aliens! *stands staunchly by the shed, carefully watching for others*

...Yeah, you do that. Come on, Maya. *heads off in search of someone*

*follows*

~*~*~

*they eventually find Crayne Lift, and ask him about the shed...*

...The shed near the sorting area? That was Scrappy's.

Wh-what?! The victim's shed?!

Guess so. That's where he'd take stuff for testing when he wasn't sure what it was, to make sure it was safe. He was real dedicated to keeping people safe, y'see.

Hm... did he keep any records of the things he took in there? It could be important.

Not that I know of. Never really went in there, though... guess we could check?

You mean in the shed? Because you need a card key to open it.

Oh, that's no problem. I got a card key. *shows them*



All employees here have them, in case of emergencies.

So you think you could show us Scrappy's shed?

Sure, worth a look. *starts heading back toward the shed*

*follow*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 2:49PM
Scrapyard
Scrappy's Shed (Inside)}

*opens the door* There ya go.

Careful in there! The robots probably had it booby trapped or something!

I really doubt Scrappy would booby trap his own shed. *walks in*



This is a... very nicely organized shed.

Yeah, Scrappy was a sorter in everything he did. Always liked to be tidy.

Well then! Shall we look around?

Yeah, just try not to touch anything. I dunno what's dangerous and what's not.

And watch out for booby traps!

We'll, uh, be careful. (Well, time to get to work.)


<Examine boxes>

SPOILER: Click to show

(I wonder what's in these boxes?) *carefully opens one and peers inside*

Careful handling the boxes!

Yeah! Whatever's in them could be cursed or something!

I'm just taking a quick look. (...All I see are little bits of metal. What Scrappy's been testing, I guess. I don't see any records in here of any of it, though.)

<Examine cupboards>

SPOILER: Click to show

...I have never seen a shed decked out with a complete set of cupboards before.

Yeah, like I said, Scrappy really liked to keep things tidy.

(The drawers are completely full of tools and testing materials. I'm not even sure what all of this stuff is for... but no sign of any records.)

<Examine first machine>

SPOILER: Click to show

What are all these strange machines? They look pretty old...

No clue. Never used 'em.

This big black thing looks like it's monitoring something, but I'm not sure what.

Maybe it's a Safe-O-Meter! Scan something with it and see if it's safe!

Uh, no, I doubt that. Wait, there's a label on it... it's a... "Pred Sensor"?

...Huh? What's a "pred"?

I... have no idea. (Whatever it is, it seems to be dropping as we speak... weird.)

<Examine second machine>

...Is this a magic scanner?

You'd be surprised how much old magic stuff gets thrown out. Wouldn't surprise me that he'd want to check for that.

It looks pretty old. Does it even work?

Oooh! Let's find out! *goes over and attempts to use it*

H-hey, careful!

...How do you even tell if it's picking up anything? Does it need to be turned on? *presses some buttons*

*KCHK, WHRRRR*

Eep!

Maya! What did you do?!

*the machine starts churning out paper*

Um, I think I made it print a report by mistake? How do I turn it off? *tries pressing more buttons*

*BEEP* *KCHK*

I think you're making it worse!

Maya, you should pay attention to the buttons you press! *pushes Maya out of the way, trying to turn it off*

I-I'm sorry! The markings that tell you what's what are all worn down!

(...So they are. How old is this thing?) Okay, okay... um... the power button. Which one's the power button?

Nick, do something!

I don't see a switch or anything... where... Oh, forget it. *grabs the power cord and yanks it out of the wall, unplugging it*

*the machine noises settle down, and the printing stops*

Thank goodness... that could've been a disaster.

What was it even trying to print out? *takes a look* Today's scan report?

*skims through* Scan reports for the past few days, it looks like... most of these are completely blank. Is this thing constantly scanning?

Seems... inefficient.

No kidding. (The only activity it notes is some scans from a few days ago... the last things Scrappy ever scanned, it would seem. I guess I might as well hang on to these...)

~Magic Readings updated in the Court Record!~

<Examine third machine>

SPOILER: Click to show

I... am not at all sure what this thing is for.

It looks like a scanner of some sort? Maybe?

Oh, here's a label... it says it's a "mass spectrometer"?

I think Scrappy said that thing was used to test chemical compounds or somethin'?

Huh. (Probably something I'd better not mess around with, then...)

---

...I'm not seeing any kind of records. I mean, other than the magic scanner going haywire.

Yeah, it doesn't look like Scrappy kept any written records.

Yeah, well, he was a robot. Probably just kept the records in his brain.

(...In other words, the missing memory core. Could this be why?)

Well, there's got to be a way to find out what was stolen. Hm... don't you guys keep records of the stuff that gets brought in?

Well, yeah. Guess we could check the records of stuff brought in next to May's inventory? Anything on the first that's not on the latter would be something Scrappy was still sorting.

Ooh, that's a good idea!

It sounds like a lot of work, though. Is there really no faster way to do it?

No, but there should be. I'll have to look into it. Anyway, I'll ask May about it. She knows more about the records than I do.

Okay. Will you tell her to call us if she finds something?

Will do. See ya later. *heads off*

See ya, Mr. Lift! *waves as he leaves* We're getting close, Nick! I can feel it!

This is definitely a lot more headway than we had yesterday. *turns to Hobo, who was waiting outside* This could really be important information. Do you think you'd be willing to testify about this in court tomorrow?

Huh? Oh, sure! I'll prove it! I'll prove it to them all!

We, uh, appreciate that, thanks.

Hm... but what do we do now? It'll be a while before May and Mr. Lift finish with those records.

Well, there was something else I was curious about. Are the police still here?

I think so! Should we go talk to them?

Might as well. They should have answers about this... *heads off toward the sorting area*

*follows*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 3:08PM
Scrapyard
Sorting Area}

(Looks like the police are still here looking for evidence.)

*munches on snackoos* So? Did you find anything?

Just this, ma'am. *shows her a newspaper clipping*

*looks at it thoughtfully* Hm... interesting...

Um... excuse us?

*looks up* Hm? Mr. Wright?

Sorry, sir, we're still doing our investigation.

I can see that, but I, uh, was wondering if it was okay if we asked a few questions?

I'm afraid we can't—

Eh, I don't care. Go ahead. *munch*

(Well, that was surprisingly easy.) Alright, so you said the killer fled with the Portal Gun toward the residential district, to the south, right?

That's what I was told, yeah.

Alright, so I was just wondering... there's a shed in that direction. Were any of the portals placed on the shed? On the door, perhaps?

I... honestly have no idea. *glances at the cop* You were there, right? Were there any readings on the shed?

On the shed...? That sounds familiar, actually. Yeah, I think there was a portal placed on the door. What about it?

I was just wondering if there were any time discrepancies between the placements of the portals.

I don't think so... Detective Skye, do you have the report?

Um... hang on. *fishes through her bag past several packages of snackoos*

(...How many of those things does she have?)

Okay, here it is. *pulls it out, skimming through it* Let's see... the portals are all within a few seconds of each other... ...Oh? Except for this one... there's about a half-minute gap right here, at about 4:15. I never noticed that...

Really now? Anything unusual about the portals placed at that time?

...Other than the timing? Not really. The readings look the same to me.

(Hm... interesting...)

~Magic Readings updated in the Court Record! (Again)~

Changing the subject, but... what's that newspaper you've got, if I can ask?

That's part of a police investigatio—

Not really. I don't care. During our investigation, we were given reason to look up information on that car over there. *gestures*

A-ha! See? I told you that car was suspicious, Nick!

Not now, Maya. So what does the newspaper clipping have to do with the car?

See for yourself. *hands him the newspaper*

*looks* ...A car accident?

Yep. A car that looks exactly like this one, crashing straight into a streetlamp. It's more than likely that it's the exact same car. *munches on snackoos* Not many people drive cars around here, after all.

So this car was most likely in a car accident... (The clipping doesn't mention the car owner by name, but it does say she miraculously made it out of it with only minor injuries.) (...Hm... I wonder...)

~Newspaper Clipping added to the Court Record!~

Anyway, I should probably go find Gavin. He's probably done with the records by now...

Records? What records?

I shouldn't really talk about it until we have more—

"AAAAAARRRRGH!!"

*almost chokes on a snackoo* What was that?!

I-it sounded like it came from Scrappy's shed!

Someone's in trouble! *hurries in that direction*

Nick! Wait! *hurries after*

Come on, guys! *follows also, beckoning the cops to do likewise*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 3:15PM
Scrapyard
Scrappy's Shed (Outside)}

*arrives on the scene, comes to a screeching halt* ...!!

*staggers back, clutching a wounded shoulder* G-get away from me!

*runs in after* Nick, what— WHAAAT?!

*looks over at Phoenix and Maya, holding a bloodied screwdriver* ...

May?! Wh-what are you doing?!

She's tryin' to kill me!

*rushes in* Hold it right there!

You're under arrest, lady!

... *turns and runs away*

Hey! Get back here! *runs after, as do several cops*

Owwww...

*runs over to Hobo, summoning a magic first aid kit he was given* Are you alright, sir?!

That lady... that was her, I'm sure of it!

*starts tending to Hobo's shoulder* Wait, what?

That was her! She's the same alien from yesterday! The one who destroyed that robot!

WHAAAT?! You mean, this whole time, the killer was actually May Toll?!

...I don't think so, Maya.

What are you talking about? You saw her just now!

I did... but that was not May Toll.

! What?!

That couldn't have actually been May Toll. It's impossible... and I'm going to prove it.

To be continued...

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Footage of what appears to be the victim and my client. (View)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws...

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - The name listed as the former owner of the car at the scrapyard. Couldn't find any records of him.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Seems a bit spacey.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

[PFA]

{August 21st, 5:05PM
Taco City Detention Center}

*walks in* Ms. Toll?

*looks up* Oh! Mr. Wright! I'm so happy to see you! Th-these people have it all mixed up! I didn't hurt anybody, and especially not poor Scrappy!

(Well, I don't see any Psyche-Locks. That's a step in the right direction.) I believe you, Ms. Toll. I just wanted to ask you a few questions, if that's alright.

Sure! Of course! Anything to get me out of this miserable place!

(Seems like she's having a conflict of emotions.) Alright, first off, have you ever met the victim before?

Of course I've met Scrappy! We worked together, remember?

Er... yes, but I was more wondering about the one you were accused of stabbing with a screwdriver.



This man.

Oh. N-no, I've never met him. At least, I don't think so...

So you wouldn't have any reason to attack him?

Not unless he attacked me first or something. ...! B-but he didn't! I've never seen him! I didn't attack him!

It's okay, I believe you. The point is, you have no motive for attempted murder.

O-of course not! I would never try to kill anyone!

But the woman we saw looked like you... Wait! Ms. Toll, you don't happen to have an evil twin, do you?!

No, I've always been an only child... unless... Unless I do have a twin, and we were separated at birth!

Of course! Maybe you're onto something with this evil twin thing, Nick!

(Since when was this my idea?) Uh, we'd have to do more investigation before we can say anything for sure. A different question, then. What were you doing at the time of the incident?

Um... when was it, exactly?

About 3:15.

Um... Oh! Crayne asked me to check the records for something, so I was in the records room.

That sounds right... that was at about three o'clock, right?

Yes! That sounds right.

And you were still there when the police found you?

Yes! I had no idea what was going on, I was so confused!

...Which gives you an alibi. *turns to Maya* If we can prove that Ms. Toll was in the records room during the attack, then we can prove that it wasn't her.

That's brilliant, Nick! But... weren't we on Chell's case? What about Scrappy's murderer?

That man told us that the person who attacked him was also Scrappy's murderer. If that's true, then it couldn't possibly be Chell... she's been stuck here in jail ever since the trial. So if he was right, and they really are the same person...

...Then Scrappy's murderer couldn't possibly be Chell! That is brilliant!

Yeah. Problem is, testimony alone won't convince the judge. We're going to need to find some way to prove all this. And we also still need to figure out who it is that's trying to throw us off their trail.

I'm rooting for you, Mr. Wright! I know you can do it!

Thanks. I guess the first place to check would be back at the scrapyard... are there security cameras in the records room?

Oh! Yes! Yes, there are.

That's perfect! Then we can prove where May was at the time of the incident!

Then I guess we'll head there, first. It's the best lead we've got.

Let's go, then! *turns to May* Don't worry, we'll prove you innocent no problem! Nick's an expert at finding the truth.

I believe in you, Mr. Wright! Best of luck! Wait, that's kind of self-serving, isn't it? I mean, if you're trying to prove me innocent...

Don't worry about it. I promise I'll do everything I can. Come on, Maya. *heads off*

*follows*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 6:08PM
Scrapyard
Records Room}

*walks in* Hello?

*mumble papers grumble reports*

Er, excuse us, Mr. Lift?

*looks up from sorting through papers and reports* Huh? Oh! Hey, Mr. Wright.

Um... I see you're doing paperwork?

Oh, yeah. I figured you guys still wanted to look into that missing device, but since May went to jail...

So you're taking the time to look through the reports for us? That's so... ...um, nice.

...Are you sure you don't need help with that?

Eh, I can manage. Did you need somethin'?

Oh, uh... I wanted to know if it was okay if we look at the security footage for this room, because the door is locked, but if you're busy...

Oh, no, it's cool. You can borrow this for a bit. *hands them his card key*



Just make sure you give it back, of course.

Oh, uh... thanks. We'll be sure to.

No problem. I'll let you know when I'm done with these reports. *mumble files grumble organization*

Uh... good luck with that. Come on, Maya.

*once they're out of earshot* Wow! An employee's card key!

Come to think of it, this looks like the same one he used to let us into Scrappy's shed.

Hey, yeah! Do you think it lets us into other employee-only areas, too?

I would guess so. Pretty brave of him to just give it to us like that...

Ooooh! I wonder what other restricted areas we could get into?

We're just going to look at the security footage. We don't need to snoop around just because we have a card key.

Aww! But now I'm all curious!

(There's this little thing called "trespassing," Maya...) *sighs and continues to the surveillance room*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 6:12PM
Scrapyard
Surveillance Room}

*gets there soon enough* Alright. Now we need to figure out how to use all this stuff...

Well, this one looks like the records room. *points to one of the screens* Now we've just got to find the rewind button!

Shouldn't be too hard. Let's see... *eventually figures it out and rewinds to about 3:15*



Eep! What is that?!

I, uh... it looks like the footage got corrupted somehow. (That's... inconvenient. I hope I didn't do that...)

For the exact moment that May would have been in the records room? That seems extremely fishy if you ask me!

Fishy or not, it means we have no evidence. We're going to have to find some other way to prove Ms. Toll's innocence...

Hey, wait! Remember what you were saying earlier about Scrappy's murder and this attempted murderer being the same person? Why don't we check and see where May was during Scrappy's murder?

...That actually seems like a good idea. Where do you think she would have been, though?

Um... I have no idea. But there's only like six different cameras. It can't be too hard to find her, right? *starts skimming through footage*

I, uh... guess so. (Might as well start somewhere...) *also starts skimming*

*after a few moments...*

Aha! Found her!



Yep, that's definitely May Toll... and that's definitely the time of Scrappy's murder.

So that proves that she's innocent!

Not... quite, but it's a step in the right direction, at least. So, uh... how do we make copies of this?

Oh, uh... I think May did something weird with the tapes, but I'm not sure what... Oh! I've got an idea! *takes out her cell phone and takes a picture of the screen*



...You can't even tell that it's Ms. Toll in this.

Hm, yeah, it's pretty blurry... worth a try, I guess.

I hate to say it, but I think we're going to need to ask for help with this. Do you think Mr. Lift knows how to run this stuff?

He might. Wasn't he busy, though?

Yeah, he was, but I'd rather not mess this up, so...

Well, he might at least know someone who would know. We might as well ask him.

Let's go. *heads out of the room*

*follows, closing the door behind her*

~*~*~

*looks up as Phoenix and Maya enter the room* Ah, hi again. Think I've just about got this done...

Well, that's good to hear, but we were just wondering if you knew how to work the security tapes? There's, uh... there's something I'd like to get a copy of, but we're not sure how to do it.

Huh? Oh, sure. May showed me how to do that once. Just let me get the last of these reports...

Alright, we can wait.

I can help! What are you looking for?

Well, I've found all the reports of stuff brought in that Scrappy would have still been sorting. All I need to do is see if these last few items show up in May's inventory. *shows her the papers*

Sounds kind of fun! Let's see... ...Um. This one just says "box of unsorted scraps."

Yeah, I've just been trying to find stuff that doesn't match any of the other reports and assuming it came from the box.

But if the stuff from the box got sorted out, then we have no way of knowing what was in it that didn't get sorted. That was kind of the whole point...

Yeah, sorry. Not much I can do about that.

(And knowing my luck, whatever it was probably did come from the box, so we'd have no idea of knowing what it was. Great.)

I guess it might still be useful, though... can't hurt, anyway.

I swear I'm going to have May or whoever replaces her organize this better after this...

...That seemed like an awfully uncertain statement.

Well, y'know, if May's in jail for attempted murder... I can't really be confident that she'll be coming back soon.

...She's innocent, and I promise you we will prove it.

And best of luck to ya. I mean it. *gathers together some papers* Alright, think this is everything. Here you go.

Alright, thank you.

~Documents updated in the Court Record!~

Now then, you said you wanted some security footage, right?

Oh, yeah, if that's alright with you.

Well, whatever it takes to get this whole mess worked out. Let's go check it out. *heads off toward the surveillance room*

*follow*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 6:43PM
Scrapyard
Surveillance Room}

Alright, here we... *reaches for his card key* ...Uh.

Oh, uh, sorry. *hands it back to him* Here.

Thanks. *opens the door and lets them in* Now what was it you wanted a copy of?

This clip over he— Uh-oh.



What th— what did you do to the camera?!

I didn't do anything, I swear! *frantically skims through the corrupted footage, trying to see if the clip he wants is still there* ...The footage seems to have been corrupted for the entire time Ms. Toll was on-screen. Well, that's just great.

No way! I know I closed the door! Did I forget to lock it?!

The door locks itself, but what does that—

Isn't it obvious? Someone's messing with the footage! All the footage we need is mysteriously gone!

But... that's impossible. Only employees can get into this room. It's even warded against spirits!

...It is?

Yeah, well, we didn't want any paranormal activity messing with the footage. You know how it is.

...I guess. Still though, the way I see it, this can mean one of two things. Either your equipment is defective, causing it to conveniently corrupt the exact pieces of footage we need—and the odds of that are downright astronomical—or someone somehow got in here and is messing with the footage.

Which is also pretty unlikely. I mean, this person would either need a card key, or...

It wouldn't be the first time someone's gotten into a restricted area. Remember what that man said about the portal on Scrappy's shed?

Yeah! He said she went straight through the door! What if the same thing happened here?!

If that were the case, there'd be magic residue on the door, right?

Yeah! We need a magic scanner!

Perhaps, but first, something more important... Mr. Lift, I'd like to get a copy of the corrupted footage.

...You would? But it's just a bunch of—

I know, it won't be able to prove what we wanted to prove... but I'm definitely starting to suspect that the mere fact that it is corrupted is relevant.

...Fair enough, I guess. Let's see, how did May do it, again... *looks for the tapes*

In the meantime, where do we get a magic scanner? I mean, there's the big clunky one in Scrappy's shed, but we can't exactly carry that over here...

The police are probably still here investigating, but I don't know if I want to tell them about this just yet. I don't think it would be a good idea to ask Ky with her new job and all... maybe Edgeworth knows someone... *pulls out cell phone*

~*~*~

A few calls and some copied footage later, and we were able to find someone who was willing to give us a hand with the magic scans. Of course, the person we got a hold of was kind of ironic, all things considered...

~*~*~

Okay! So what do you need me to scan?

Um... the door, I guess. If they got in the same way as before...

Can't hurt to check the equipment, too.

Alright! Let's see... *starts scanning* ...Yep! Looks like there's magic residue on the door.

I thought so. Does it look recent?

Um... yes! Very recent.

Aha! We were right!

It at least gives credence to my theory, anyway.

Hm... *starts scanning the equipment* ...Yeah, I'm detecting traces of magic residue over here, too.

So... someone has been tampering with the footage!

This definitely looks like important information. Can we get some printed reports of those scans?

Of course! It'll take a little while to print them, but I'll get them to you by the trial tomorrow, okay?

Sounds good. Thanks again, Ema.

Always happy to help!

Well... I think that's it for now. *turns to Maya* What do you think? Head back home and analyze all this evidence?

Um... yeah, I guess so. I don't know what else we can investigate at the moment...

I guess that's it for now, then. See you guys later.

See you! And good luck with the case!

*waves* Yeah, good luck.

Thanks. Come on, Maya. *heads off*

*waves to Ema and Crayne as she follows*

To be continued...

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - The name listed as the former owner of the car at the scrapyard. Couldn't find any records of him.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Seems a bit spacey.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

[PFA]

{August 21st, 8:15PM
Taco City
Near Main Square}

*sighs as he walks* What a complicated case this has been...

Don't worry, Nick! We're close; I can feel it!

Well, we're on the right track to proving who didn't do it. Now if we could just find out who it actually... ...?

*sitting on a park bench, talking into a cell phone* ...realize that, but I really need those business cards by tomorrow. ...Alright, good. See you soon, then. *click*

Mr. Jobs?

Eh? *looks over* Oh, hi. Still on that case?

Uh, yeah. Still working out some of the details, but I think we've made a lot of progress.

Oh, good. Hope that works out for you, then.

So who were you just talking to? If I can ask?

Huh? Oh, Abby Semend. She's bringing me a new batch of business cards. *stands up* Speaking of which, I should probably go meet her before she forgets what she's doing again...

*sudden thought* ...Wait.

Hm? What?

(The last time we spoke with Mr. Jobs...)

---

Well, if not that many people have cars, then how many of them come to this bank?

And how many of them would have sent their car to the scrapyard recently?

Like I said, I don't keep... ...Wait. What do you mean by "recently"? Like, a few days ago?

Um... *checks the report* ...Yes, actually. Why do you ask?

Er...

...It doesn't matter. I don't know whose car it is.

---

(...He had Psyche-Locks when we asked him about the car. If Ema was right, that car might actually be important... and I think I have an idea of how to tackle those Locks now.)

Look, are you going to say something, or are you just going to stand there staring at me?

If it's alright, I wanted to ask you about that car again. Are you absolutely certain you don't know whose car it was?

...! I, uh...

Look, I told you I have no idea, okay? Like I said, I'm busy.

I have doubts about that, Mr. Jobs.

What, you doubt that I'm busy? I'm busy.

No, I meant, I doubt that you don't know the person who owned that car. ...At the very least, it's obvious that the person in question knew you.

...What are you talking about?

I'm talking about this!



This was found in the trunk of the car in question. Looks familiar, right? It's one of your business cards.

! That was in the trunk?

That's right. Now why on earth would this person have your business card if you've never met them? Usually that's kind of a prerequisite for giving your business card to someone!

Ngh!

...Alright, so maybe this person had my business card. So what? I give those things out to clients all the time. That's why I'm always running out of them.

Funny that you mention that, actually. I find it a bit odd that this business card would have been in the trunk, of all places. Wouldn't you think it would be somewhere more convenient, like the glove compartment?

I don't know, maybe this person is quirky!

Or perhaps it's more likely that the reason it got left behind in the trunk is because, at some point, there was a rather large quantity of them in there?

...Say what?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that storing a single business card in the trunk doesn't make a lot of sense. But then I realized, a shipment of business cards... now that would be more logical.

...!

I think you realize what I'm getting at. There is someone that you've told us regularly orders your business cards for you, and brings them to you in large shipments. I believe it is quite likely that the car belonged to that person...



Abby Semend!

Nn... guh!

Okay, so maybe there's some chance it was Abby's car. Are you happy now?

Not quite. I don't think you would recognize a car in this state unless you were aware of what happened to it.

That's none of your business.

I have reason to believe it is my business. And I also believe I know what happened.

Really.

Take a look at this, Mr. Jobs!



This article details an accident that occurred a few days ago with a car of the exact same make. Now, not many people drive cars around here, and you seemed to imply that the incident with Abby's car was also a few days ago. I find it very likely that the two events are one and the same!

...!

*the final lock shatters*

Okay, okay, fine! So Abby got in a car wreck a few days ago. Got distracted with her cell phone or something and crashed into a phone pole. And now you know what's supposed to be her private business. Congratulations, Mr. Lawyer, you're a snooper.

...I wouldn't have asked if I didn't have good reason to. This car was involved in a serious murder.

You... huh? How can a car commit murder?

No, what I mean is, the victim was killed by landing on the car. A car that seemed to be set up in such a way to imply premeditation, I'll note.

...Ah. Still though, doesn't mean Abby was involved in this. One of the scrapyard workers probably set it up that way.

Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I think I'd like to ask her a few questions about this.

Well, I was on my way to talk to her, myself, so I guess you might as well tag along, if you want.

I think we will. Lead on, Mr. Jobs.

*heads off*

*follow*

~*~*~

{August 21st, 8:20PM
Taco City
Park}

*follows Dale to the park* So this is where you were going to meet her?

Yeah. Look, she's right over there. *walks over*

*sitting on a park bench with a briefcase on her lap* *notices the others approaching* ...? Oh! Mr. Jobs! *stands up* And Mr. Wright and his assistant, Maya! What a lovely coincidence!

It's not a coincidence. I asked you to meet me here.

Oh! ...What did you want to talk about?

The business cards, you idiot.

Oh! Yes, of course. Here you go, sir! *hands him the briefcase*

*takes it, raising an eyebrow* ...A briefcase.

Of course! It was a convenient way to carry them, sir.

You mean as opposed to the trunk of your car?

I... hm?

We heard about your car accident, Ms. Semend.

Oh! That. ...Um, what about it?

A few things. For one, you used a fake name when you sent it in to be scrapped. Why is that?

...She what?

...Oh! Um... I, um, I didn't want anyone to know I'd crashed my car. I didn't give my name to the press, so I didn't give it to the scrapyard people, either. I wanted to keep it off my record... it was kind of embarrassing.

That doesn't make it okay to lie, Abby.

I-I'm sorry, sir! It won't happen again.

Yeah, you might want to be careful what you lie about... it makes you look more than a little suspicious.

Suspicious? Suspicious of what?

Your car was used as part of a murder, Ms. Semend.

...

...Which reminds me. Where were you yesterday at about 4:12PM?

*thinks on this* ...Um... sorry, I don't always keep track of time. I was most likely at my desk, though. Maybe I could check the records?

...You're absolutely sure you don't know?

Like I said, I could check the records. Then we'd know for sure.

(...I don't see any Psyche-Locks, but then she didn't exactly answer the question...)

Sorry. If there's any other way I can help, let me know.

Well... it is a little weird that you made it out of the crash unharmed. The article said the car was pretty heavily damaged.

...Hm... that is a bit strange, isn't it? I'm not sure what to tell you about that.

You have no idea how that happened?

How what happened? The crash?

No, how you survived it.

Oh! ... I guess that would be because I didn't take a lethal amount of damage.

But why didn't you take much damage?

I, um... I don't know what to tell you about that... sorry, but I don't really want to talk about this.

If you keep avoiding my questions, you're just going to make yourself look more suspicious.

I've told the truth. What more do you want me to say? And I don't see how my accident is relevant to your case.

The victim fell on your car. Your car's basically a murder weapon.

But what does that have to do with me? I sent it to the scrapyard, but that doesn't mean it's my fault that poor robot got hurt.

(This is getting nowhere, and fast.) (...Wait a minute...)

Look, it's getting late. How about we turn in for now, and we get back to you sometime tomorrow after we've looked up all the records and stuff?

...I guess you're right. However, Ms. Semend. Would you be willing to testify in court tomorrow? You know, if necessary.

Hm? Oh, I guess...? I still don't see how my accident is relevant, though.

(It may be more relevant than you think.) Alright, thank you. I'll let you know if we need you.

Now I for one am going home. See you around. *walks off*

See you! And good luck with your case! *also walks off*

*waves as they leave* Bye! ... *once they're out of earshot* Nick, is it just me, or did she not answer our questions at all?

It's not just you. She used a lot of vague wording. She did tell me one thing, though—she knows more about this case than she lets on.

Huh? How so?

Just now, she said that the victim was a robot. Which is strange, because to my recollection, I never told her that. So how did she know that?

...Hey! You're right! That's suspicious!

Yes, I think we will want her testimony in court tomorrow...

To be continued...

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

[PFA]

((I swear I haven't forgotten about this. XD; ))

{August 22nd, 10:00AM
District Courthouse
Courtroom No.5}

*bangs gavel* Court is now in session for the trial of Chell.

The defense is ready, Your Honor.

*flicks bangs out of eyes* Prosecution is ready, Herr Judge.

Mr. Gavin, how did the investigation into the source of the magic go?

*continues playing with hair as he thinks on this* Fräulein Chell... we were unable to confirm her having any sort of magical ability. As far as the experts can tell, she has none... meaning it is likely that she did not, in fact, create that barrier. However.

However?

Recently, there was a second incident... one that is believed to be related, and has called suspicion to another name. Fräulein May Toll, one of the workers at the scrapyard. And on that note, I would like to add... has some skill in magic.

(...She does?)

Hm... so you seek to prosecute this May Toll at this time?

For the purposes of this trial, at least, ja.

Fair enough. What of you, Mr. Wright?

*puts his hands on the desk* ...I don't believe Ms. Toll to be guilty of any charges against her. I believe I can prove the innocence of both Chell and Ms. Toll, Your Honor.

...Alright then. I suppose this is now also the trial of Ms. May Toll. Mr. Gavin, you may proceed.

I would love to, but I believe we have a far more fitting candidate to elaborate more of the details. That said, if Fräulein Detective Skye could again take the stand?

*Detective Ema moves up to the stand*

Now then, could you please testify as to your findings yesterday?

In relation to Scrappy's murder, or the other incident?

Let's start with Herr Scrappy's murder. You can tell us about the other incident later.

Alright, well...

-TESTIMONY-
Further Investigation

I'll be honest, we didn't really find a lot of new information on Scrappy's murder.

However, since Mr. Wright pointed out that there was magic used at the scene of the crime, we decided to do a more thorough scan of the area.

We did find an old magical reading on that car Scrappy fell on... but we have no idea of the source.

I'm also not sure if it's relevant. It may be from an unrelated incident.

---

...But yeah, that's pretty much it. *munches on snackoos*

Hm... Mr. Wright? Anything you'd like to cross-examine in those statements?

Yes, actually, I would like to cross-examine that testimony.

Alright. Please proceed.

Thank you, Your Honor. (I just hope I can pull this off...)

You can do it, Nick!

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
Further Investigation

I'll be honest, we didn't really find a lot of new information on Scrappy's murder.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

You had to have found something, though, right?

I'm about to get to that, hang on a minute.

---

However, since Mr. Wright pointed out that there was magic used at the scene of the crime, we decided to do a more thorough scan of the area.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

How much of the area did you scan?

Just the sorting area. We didn't feel the need to be excessive.

But what if there was important evidence somewhere just outside the sorting area? Or maybe somewhere else?

Then we would need proof that it's relevant before we start scanning wildly. We weren't really finding anything at the scene of the crime as it is; we weren't about to waste the whole afternoon chasing goose eggs.

Fair enough. So what did you find at the scene of the crime?

Well...

---

We did find an old magical reading on that car Scrappy fell on... but we have no idea of the source.

Could you at least tell what it was?

It was a few days old, so it was kind of hard to tell. The magic specialists said it was probably some kind of barrier?

...Oh really? That's interesting. Any clue who put it up?

Actually, no. The aura doesn't match anyone we have on record.

Hm... that is interesting.

Mr. Wright, do you have something to say on the matter?

I just might, actually.

Yeah, well, I should probably mention...

---

I'm also not sure if it's relevant. It may be from an unrelated incident.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

I think it is relevant, and I can prove it!

Well then, Herr Attorney Wright, perhaps you should put your money where your mouth is and show us some evidence, hm?

(Enough dawdling, Phoenix. It's time to bring out the evidence!)

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7, scan 8)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

---

<Present Evidence>

We did find an old magical reading on that car Scrappy fell on... but we have no idea of the source.

I think I do know the source!



As you may know, that car had recently been involved in an accident a few days ago. According to this article, the driver crashed into a streetlamp, and made it out without a scratch. Could it be that the driver put this barrier you mention on his or herself?

...Makes sense to me. But that just proves that it's irrelevant to the case.

I'm not so sure that it is. Something interesting I noticed about that car—actually, one of the first things I noticed about that car—was the prominent spike on top.



There's specifically a piece of metal braced against it... making it perfect for Scrappy to fall on. Isn't that odd? How could it have become that way from crashing into a streetlamp?

...That does seem fishy. But anyone could have done that.

I think not. In fact, according to the records, the car was brought in that way. That rather implies that whoever brought in that car was intending for Scrappy to be killed from the very start!

*surprised mutters from the gallery*

*fiddles with hair absentmindedly* ...An interesting observation. This does rather have unfortunate implications for the individual who brought in that car. On that note, I had a look at the record of that car's arrival at the scrapyard. I suppose you're aware that the name listed on it does not belong to anyone on record?

Oh yes, well aware.

Then perhaps you are also aware that the person who wrote and filed that report... was May Toll?

...Wait, what?!

*more surprised mutters*

Why yes, it does have rather bad implications for the one who brought it in, doesn't it?

But... *slams his hands on his desk* Just because May Toll handled that report doesn't mean she's guilty! Maybe the previous owner of the car put a false name on the report!

*flicks bangs out of eyes* This is true. This evidence does not necessarily implicate Fräulein Toll. However, I should also point out that it does not necessarily implicate the previous car owner, either... the identity of whom we're not even certain of to begin with.

Maybe you're not, Mr. Gavin, but I am!

...Oh? Then who is it?

Some investigation into the matter lead me to the Taco City Bank, where I was able to find out that someone had recently sent their car in to be scrapped, after getting in an accident of the same description... using a fake name. And do you know who that person is? It was the bank's secretary!



Abby Semend!

*blinks* ...Huh.

(...I was expecting more of a reaction?)

I'm impressed by your investigative work, Herr Attorney Wright, but I'm afraid I see little reason to suspect this woman unless you have more proof.

(Oh for...)

I'm inclined to agree, actually. Do you have any other evidence to support this claim, Mr. Wright?

...Not at this point, no.

I see. Please refrain from baseless conjecture.

(So much for that.)

Don't worry, Nick! We can get to the bottom of this just as soon as we prove both Chell and May innocent.

(Which may be easier said than done...)

Let us continue, then. Anything else to report, Detective?

Not about Scrappy's murder, no. But since we've already brought up Ms. Toll, this may be a good time to discuss the part where she gets involved.

A good plan. I understand there was a second incident while you were investigating?

Yeah. One that's believed to be related.

Alright. Please testify about this second incident to the best of your ability.

Sure thing.

-TESTIMONY-
The Second Incident

While we were investigating Scrappy's murder, we heard a loud scream. We immediately ran to see what the trouble was.

When we arrived on the scene, May Toll was facing off against a man, holding a bloodied screwdriver in her hand. It was clear that she had stabbed the man with the screwdriver.

When we called after her, she fled the scene. Some officers and I chased after her, while Mr. Wright attended to the injured man.

Unfortunately, we lost track of Ms. Toll pretty quickly. She did, however, drop the screwdriver... and we were able to catch up with her later, and arrested her on the spot.

As for the motive, the man claimed to be a witness to Scrappy's murder. Considering this, along with the fact that the incident occurred during the investigation, it seems unlikely to be a coincidence.

We believe that the man may have seen something that he wasn't supposed to see, and Ms. Toll had to silence him for it. We've been keeping him carefully guarded ever since just to ensure no further incidents.

---

Hm... indeed very troubling. You mentioned that the attacker dropped the weapon?

Yep. Here it is.

~Screwdriver added to the Court Record!~

In case you're wondering, there's no fingerprints on it; Ms. Toll was wearing gloves. And the blood definitely belongs to the man who was stabbed.

I assume we'll be hearing from this man later?

Er... ja, that is the plan.

(...He doesn't look too happy about it, though.)

I see. I for one would like to hear what it is that this man saw. In the meantime... Mr. Wright, your cross-examination?

Yes, Your Honor.

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
The Second Incident

While we were investigating Scrappy's murder, we heard a loud scream. We immediately ran to see what the trouble was.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Who do you mean when you say "we"?

...Why are you asking? You were there.

Uh, well... for clarification?

...Whatever. There was you and your assistant, me, and some police officers.

---

When we arrived on the scene, May Toll was facing off against a man, holding a bloodied screwdriver in her hand. It was clear that she had stabbed the man with the screwdriver.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

What makes you say that?

Well, she was holding a bloodied screwdriver, and his shoulder was bleeding. Also, he was shouting that she was trying to kill him.

Yeah, well—

If you're actually wondering, we ran all sorts of tests on it, too. The blood is a match, the shape and size of the wound is a match... it all matches up. She definitely stabbed him.

(You don't need to rub it in...)

---

When we called after her, she fled the scene. Some officers and I chased after her, while Mr. Wright attended to the injured man.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

She fled the scene?

Yeah, without saying a word. Remember? You were there.

Yes, well... I, for one, thought it was a little weird how she didn't say anything!

There are many possible reasons for that, Herr Attorney Wright. Perhaps she was frightened, for example.

She didn't look frightened, though. She looked very stoic.

*fiddles with hair thoughtfully* ...There are many possible reasons for that, too. All I can say is it isn't evidence.

(No one ever buys the out-of-character argument around here...)

---

Unfortunately, we lost track of Ms. Toll pretty quickly. She did, however, drop the screwdriver... and we were able to catch up with her later, and arrested her on the spot.

You lost track of her?

Yeah. She took strange paths to throw us off her trail. Next thing we knew, she was gone.

...With no trace of where she had gone?

Nope. No sign of her, just the screwdriver on the ground. *munches snackoos*

I find that more than a little odd. Weren't there at least any traces of magic or anything?

...Not that we were able to find. It's possible there was a portal or something we never found, but...

Hm... so where did you find her after you chased her?

The records room, sorting through papers.

...Isn't that on the other end of the scrapyard?

...Yes, but there was plenty of time for her to get there after losing our trail. We... kind of lost her for several minutes.

(There's still something strange about her suddenly disappearing like that, though...)

---

As for the motive, the man claimed to be a witness to Scrappy's murder. Considering this, along with the fact that the incident occurred during the investigation, it seems unlikely to be a coincidence.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

But what does that have to do with Ms. Toll?

I would think the proof we already have would give you an idea.

*deskslam* The car thing is a "maybe" at best!

Perhaps, but I would think the very fact that she attacked the man during the investigation of Scrappy's murder would be kind of suspicious to begin with.

...I guess.

Also, the witness made some statements about the matter, but we'll learn about that later. *munches snackoos*

(I guess we will...)

---

We believe that the man may have seen something that he wasn't supposed to see, and Ms. Toll had to silence him for it. We've been keeping him carefully guarded ever since just to ensure no further incidents.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

And what would he have seen that Chenier didn't see?

No idea. I guess you'll have to ask him about that. *munches on snackoos*

(Well, I have an idea already, but now I know what they know...) So, um, you've got protection for him? Like Witness Protection Program type protection, or...?

I don't see how it matters. He's got guards, I'll say that much.

(Yeah, I guess it doesn't really matter...)

---

(...That's all I can think of to ask her about. Maybe I'd better save it for the witness...)

Well? Any further questions, Mr. Wright?

*sigh* No.

Alright. Any further comments, Detective?

Nope. *munches on snackoos*

*nods* Very well, then. You may be dismissed.

*strained sigh as Ema steps down* ...You wish to hear from the victim of this incident now, ja?

Yes, I am very interested to hear what this man has to say. ...Is something wrong, Mr. Gavin?

Just a warning, to the court. The man I am about to call to the stand may not be... entirely of sound mind.

...Oh? Is he fit to testify?

Well, he has a tendency to interpret reality in an unrealistic fashion, but he seems to be rather attentive besides, so... ja, unfortunately.

(He is... really tense about this.)

...Hm. In that case, we may as well let him testify, and then we can judge whether the testimony is reliable or not.

*sigh* The prosecution will now call this man to the stand...

To be continued...

[PFA]

*the courtroom doors swing open, and a man walks in, followed by two policemen*

You!

_{Ach nein...}

I should have known you'd be the prosecutor for this case! It all makes sense now!

(What is he talking about?)

Mr. Gavin? What is this all about?

Just... ignore him, he's got delusions about—

Your Honor, sir, this man is a warlock!

...Excuse me?

*strained sigh*

He's a warlock with crazy lightning powers! And I can prove it!

...Everyone already knows that Prosecutor Gavin has electric abilities. That has nothing to do with this case.

Wh-what?! But—

You are here to testify about the woman who attacked you. We do not need to hear about Mr. Gavin's abilities.

B-but... he's a warlock!

*points to the stand* Just take the stand, please.

You can't order me around! *takes the stand anyway*

(I never realized these two had so much... history.)

*ahem* Please state your name and occupation for the record of—

What for? Are you going to give my personal information to the aliens?!

Er, nein, it's procedure.

I'm onto you *eyes on you gesture*

You know what? Nevermind that. Let's just get on with the testimony.

And please refrain from any needless speculation, or further attacks on the prosecutor.

... Yes, sir.

(Looks like he's finally going to focus... hopefully.)

-TESTIMONY-
The Attack

So I'd just been talking to Mr. Wright's... uh, Mr. Wright, about that robot that was smashed, when he went off to go investigate something. I decided to stay there just in case the aliens— uh, someone came by.

And they did! Or, someone did. It was that scrapyard worker lady! And the next thing I knew, she started attacking me!

I tried to get away, but she stabbed me in the shoulder with that screwdriver! And it really hurt, I tell ya! I couldn't help but scream!

I guess at that point, someone heard me, because that's when Mr. Wright and the police showed up. Mr. Wright bandaged my shoulder while the police chased after the lady, who ran away.

But there was something I noticed about lady: I'd seen her before! It was the same lady from yesterday who attacked the robot!

---

...Are you absolutely sure of that statement?

It's not conjecture, sir! I'm 100% sure! ... ...Well, maybe 99% sure. But I'm pretty sure!

Hm... well, thank you for the testimony. Mr. Wright? Your cross-examination, please.

Yes, Your Honor. (This is it, Phoenix. Now is time for the the truth to shine!)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION
The Attack

So I'd just been talking to Mr. Wright's... uh, Mr. Wright, about that robot that was smashed, when he went off to go investigate something. I decided to stay there just in case the aliens— uh, someone came by.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

My wha— ... ...You know what, nevermind. (That's not important.)

---

And they did! Or, someone did. It was that scrapyard worker lady! And the next thing I knew, she started attacking me!

Are you absolutely sure it was May Toll?

Yeah! She... ...Well, she looked a lot like her, I guess. I dunno, I'd never really seen her up close before that. But she looked exactly like that from a distance, at least!

But you saw your attacker up close, didn't you? Do you think you could positively identify her if you saw her again?

Sure! In a heartbeat!

So could you take a look at Ms. Chell and Ms. Toll over there *gestures* and tell us which, if any, of the two it was?

Sure thing! It was... ...Uhh...

...

...

...Uhh... they both look really similar, but... I dunno.

I see... that's interesting.

*fiddles with hair absently* Just because he cannot ascertain which of the ladies is his attacker does not necessarily mean they are both innocent. Memory is a fickle thing, after all.

Oh, I know. I just said it was interesting.

Hm. Well, do carry on, witness.

---

I tried to get away, but she stabbed me in the shoulder with that screwdriver! And it really hurt, I tell ya! I couldn't help but scream!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

She stabbed you with a screwdriver?

Yeah! The healer people healed it up with their sorcery, but I still have the scar! Wanna see? *starts taking off hoodie*

That's, uh, not necessary. I'm more curious about the screwdriver. Why a screwdriver, of all things?

There's a variety of possible reasons... one of the main ones being that it was what she had handy. That screwdriver was positively identified as having been removed from a toolbox they have at the scrapyard.

...Oh really. And where is this toolbox located?

*flicks hair out of eyes* In the main office, of course.

(Well, at least that answers my question, I guess.)

Well, I don't care where she got it, all I know is it hurt!

---

I guess at that point, someone heard me, because that's when Mr. Wright and the police showed up. Mr. Wright bandaged my shoulder while the police chased after the lady, who ran away.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

She ran away?

Don't you remember? You were there!

Uh... yeah, well—

...Unless you're not actually the same Wright, and you're just another clone!

He is not a clone. Herr Attorney Wright is from another timeline, where particular events have yet to happen, I'll note.

Yeah, I know! He's a time travel clone, sent from the past to correct the future! Maybe he's also going to stop a certain prosecutor gone warlock!

*aura rises somewhat* What—

Witness, please refrain from irrelevant discussion. And no further attacks on Prosecutor Gavin.

Hmph.

(I'm just going to pretend that didn't happen...)

---

But there was something I noticed about lady: I'd seen her before! It was the same lady from yesterday who attacked the robot!

Are you absolutely sure of this? Absolutely sure?

Yeah! 100% genuinely sure! ...Well, 99% sure. Unless she has a clone or something.

But you would honestly testify to them appearing to be the same person?

You bet I would! I'm sure of it!

You just testified that Fräulein Chell and Fräulein Toll look "extremely similar." How can you be so certain?

I'd swear to it on my own grave! They were the same!

How far of a distance did you see Fräulein Chell from? Perhaps you're mistaken.

Hey now! I may have bad ears and a bad nose, but I've got perfect 20/20 vision! I know what I saw, and it was the exact same alien! Uh, lady!

Forgive me if I have trouble trusting in the words of a man who just described a human being as an "alien."

Well, forgive me if I have trouble trusting a warlock!

*glares*

(How about a phoenix? Can we trust a phoenix?)

*bangs gavel* Settle down, everyone! Order! Now then. What you are saying is that you believe Scrappy's murderer and your attacker to be the same person?

Yeah! I'm sure of it!

I see... Mr. Wright, did you have something to say?

Thank you, Your Honor. I think you may realize, if this testimony is correct, that it is impossible for these two women to be the same person. Isn't that right, Mr. Gavin?

...Fräulein Chell was in the detention center at the time of this attack, ja. There is security footage to confirm that. However, if and only if this testimony is correct, it does not clear Fräulein Toll's name, for we have been unable to confirm an alibi for her. Yet you claimed that she was innocent. Care to explain, Herr Attorney Wright?

That, Mr. Gavin... is where it gets complicated.

What do you mean, Mr. Wright?

I'm talking about this!

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7, scan 8)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

Screwdriver - A screwdriver used in the attack Ms. Toll was accused of. Apparently belongs to the scrapyard.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

---

Take a look at this footage!

What is this, now?

This footage was taken from the scrapyard's records room, where May Toll claims to have been at the time of this attack... about 3:15PM, correct?

According to the report, ja.

Alright. Now notice what happens just before that time...



Oh my! What is that?!

Corrupted footage, Your Honor. The footage is corrupted for the entire time she was supposedly in the records room. Now isn't that convenient?

Hm... that does seem a bit strange.

Now the other thing that's interesting is that the exact same thing happens at another point in time, completely obscuring Ms. Toll's presence during the time of another incident... *rewinds and plays the appropriate piece of footage* ...Scrappy's murder.

...Oh my!

*deskslam* So riddle me this! What sort of crazy coincidence could possibly erase May Toll's alibi... And nothing else?!

*surprised mutters from the gallery*

*plays with bangs absently* That is rather unfortunate, however... at this point, it proves nothing. What was shown in the now corrupt footage remains unknown, and does not count as evidence. You also imply this happened intentionally. What if it didn't? Who's to say, for example, you didn't corrupt the footage yourself? Accidentally?

Oh, I wouldn't make a claim like this without evidence. Take a look at these.



What's this? ...More magic scans?

These were found in the surveillance room. Mysterious magic, found in the recording equipment. And, I'll note, detected to have occurred after Ms. Toll was arrested. Proof that someone has been tampering with the footage!

*more surprised mutters*

*chuckles softly* Nice try, Herr Attorney Wright... but I'm afraid that's rather weak.

(...What? What was wrong with that?)

Do you have any proof of what this magic in the system did, exactly? That this is what corrupted the footage?

Uh... it was probably interference...

"Probably." What an interesting word to use in a court of law, ja? Particularly one that focuses so heavily on evidence?

Uh...

HOLD IT! He proved it fair and square, warlock!

No, he did not. He has proven that there is unidentified magic present in the system... but not what it did, if anything, to the footage. *flicks bangs out of eyes* So close, Herr Attorney Wright, and yet so far. If you can convince me that this magic you detected did, in fact, alter the footage, then please do.

(So close, and yet so far, indeed...)

*nudges him* Don't give up now, Nick! We do have proof!

...We do?

Yeah! Don't you remember, when we were at the records room, and we couldn't figure out how to copy the footage?

Yes, but what would... wait... Wait, that's it! Here's your proof, Mr. Gavin!



And... what's this?

While we were in the records room, reviewing the footage, there was a point in time when the footage was uncorrupted. But we were having trouble with the tapes, so my assistant snapped a picture with her cell phone... and preserved crucial evidence. See for yourself!



...This picture is terrible. Is that supposed to be Fräulein Toll?

The picture isn't that great, no, but there are two critical things you can see about it. One, the timestamp in the top corner.

...August 20th, at 4:12PM... the time of Herr Scrappy's murder.

Now, check the cell phone's timestamp, will you?

... *beep* ...6:18PM yesterday.

Now as you'll remember, there was a mysterious magical aura found to occur at around 6:30PM. And by the time we returned, at around 6:45... the footage had corrupted. Can you really tell me that's a coincidence?!

*muttermutter*

Ja, this is definitely very suspicious... I'm not sure I have a good counterargument at this point.

Hee hee! Maya's resourcefulness comes to the rescue!

*turns his gavel over in his hands, contemplating this* Hm... I think at this point... Witness.

Yeah?

I think I would like to hear what it is that you saw in regards to Scrappy's murder. I believe what you saw may indeed be very important in solving this case.

Oh yeah, no problem!

(Here it comes...)

-TESTIMONY-
What I saw

I was just walking through the area, looking for aliens, when suddenly I heard voices! I thought it might be aliens, so I went to take a look!

That's when I saw them! It was the robot and the lady with the portal gun, and she shoved him into this portal! He fell through to the other portal up above, and SMASH! Smashed to smithereens!

She pulled some kind of thing out of the robot and ran off with it! So then I followed after her all stealthy-like, like a ninja!

But she was super fast! I only managed to catch up with her because she stopped at the shed place! And she used a portal to phase through the door!

When she came back out, she had this little yellow thing with her... I didn't get a good look at it. But she got it from inside the robot's base! Uh, shed!

And then she went through the portal again, but this time she went through to the other portal off in the distance! And she ran off! I couldn't catch up!

It was incredible! Just like out of the movies!

---

This is news to me. What shed are we talking about?

There is a small shed at the scrapyard, where the victim would take suspicious-looking items and check to make sure they're safe for humans.

And this mysterious yellow object?

We're not sure what it was, no.

Mr. Gavin, did any of the suspects have such an item?

I'm afraid not, Herr Judge. I haven't even heard of this until just now.

Hm... I suspect we will have to look into this further. In the meantime, Mr. Gavin? Mr. Wright?

I have a few questions I'd like to ask, Your Honor.

Alright then. Go right ahead.

(This is it, Phoenix. This is the turning point of the whole case. Now let's make it count!)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
What I saw

I was just walking through the area, looking for aliens, when suddenly I heard voices! I thought it might be aliens, so I went to take a look!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Voices? As in, more than one?

Uhh... it might have just been one voice? I didn't pay that much attention.

Okay, then, nevermind.

---

That's when I saw them! It was the robot and the lady with the portal gun, and she shoved him into this portal! He fell through to the other portal up above, and SMASH! Smashed to smithereens!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Did you get a good look at either of them?

Well, I was pretty far away at that point, so... not really. Not then, anyway. But!

---

She pulled some kind of thing out of the robot and ran off with it! So then I followed after her all stealthy-like, like a ninja!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

When you say "stealthy-like, like a ninja," what exactly do you mean?

I sneaked after her, hiding behind stuff to remain unseen! Swift and silent, like a ninja!

And she didn't see you, right?

Nope! I was practically invisible! You know, maybe if I got better in-shape, I actually could be a ninja!

That's, uh...

Just imagine, throwing around ninja stars and making cool poses! HUAAAA!

That's enough, thank you. Please move on.

Huh? Oh, right.

---

But she was super fast! I only managed to catch up with her because she stopped at the shed place! And she used a portal to phase through the door!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

"Phase through the door"?

Yeah, remember? You asked about it earlier!

Yeah, well, could you explain for the sake of everyone else?

Well, she put one of those portal things on the door of the shed, and then she walked through it! But instead of coming out the other portal like she usually did, she went through the door!

That's impossible!

It is too possible! I know what I saw!

Perhaps, but that should not be within the capabilities of the Portal Gun.

I agree with you, Mr. Gavin. I can't imagine even the Writer Powers version would bend the rules that much.

...Unfortunately, as I mentioned yesterday, it is impossible to judge what is or isn't possible when it comes to Writer Powers. While I do not believe it, I can't deny the possibility.

Hm... I have to agree. While it is very suspicious, we cannot confirm whether or not it is impossible, especially with something as fluid as Writer Powers.

(And for a minute there, I thought they were on my side.) (But is that really the issue here, or...?)

---

When she came back out, she had this little yellow thing with her... I didn't get a good look at it. But she got it from inside the robot's base! Uh, shed!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Can you describe this "little yellow thing"?

Not really. Like I said, I didn't see it very well.

Well, you have to have some more details. You said it was small; how big are we talking here?

Uhh... well, she could hold it in one hand. So like the size of, uh... maybe a water bottle?

(A yellow thing that's the size of a water bottle?) ...No ideas what it might have been?

Yeah! When I saw it, I was sure it was stolen alien technology of some kind!

Did it actually look like technology?

Uh... yeah, think so. I think it was kinda beat up though.

Was it a cell phone?

No, it definitely wasn't a phone. Unless it was an alien phone...

(Okay, I honestly have no idea what this thing is. But if Scrappy had it...)

*shakes head* I can see this conversation is getting us nowhere. Please continue with the testimony.

---

And then she went through the portal again, but this time she went through to the other portal off in the distance! And she ran off! I couldn't catch up!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

So did you get a good look at her face before she ran off?

Yeah! I'm sure it was the same lady who attacked me!

Did she see you?

Nope! I was crouching behind a pile of scrap metal, totally hidden. Like a tiger and a dragon!

How did you get a good look at her face if she didn't see yours?

Hey now, I might have bad ears and a bad nose, but I've got perfect 20/20 vision! And I saw her clearly!

(I'm getting deja vu.)

Besides that, she was kinda in a hurry, and she only glanced in my direction for a bit, while I was hidden. But I had my attention focused!

...I see. I suppose that makes sense.

(...Heh. I don't usually see that expression on the prosecution's face.)

---

It was incredible! Just like out of the movies!

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

...The movies?

Yeah! The action heroes break into the alien spaceship, there's this big firefight, and the heroes take back the technology that the aliens stole from them! And then they make a big escape just in the nick of time!

(...Should I be concerned he just compared a murderer to an action hero?)

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7, scan 8)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

Screwdriver - A screwdriver used in the attack Ms. Toll was accused of. Apparently belongs to the scrapyard.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

---

<Present Evidence>

...And she used a portal to phase through the door!

She phased through the door? I find this very odd!

It was crazy, but I swear it's the truth!

Yes, and that's exactly what bothers me.

...It does seem unlikely that the Portal Gun would have such a capability... even one made with Writer Powers. But that doesn't mean it's not impossible.

Perhaps not, but riddle me this, Prosecutor Gavin: if Chell is used to a normal Portal Gun, how could she possibly know to bend the rules this ridiculously? Wouldn't she sooner seek out a more familiar solution? Like breaking the window, perhaps?

*thinks on this* ...That is a good point. Are you sure it wasn't an accident, though?

It wasn't an accident! She definitely did it on purpose!

Oh, but that's just one side of the story.



That door she phased through... did you know it is locked with a card key reader?

...A card key reader?

...For a shed?

Oh, but it's not just any shed. Scrappy kept a lot of sophisticated equipment in there, as well as potentially dangerous items that he wanted to test. Which is why only scrapyard workers have card keys.

What are you getting at?

What I'm getting at is that Ms. Toll has a card key! If she really wanted whatever it is that Scrappy kept his shed, she would have been able to take it at any other time, without calling unnecessary attention to the deed, and without being suspicious. But that's not what the killer did, is it? Oh no. She bent the rules just to get into that shed. Because she did not have a card key, and because she was not May Toll!

*muttermutter*

That actually is a very good point. It makes little sense for either of these women to do something like that... however, if you're right about this, then who did commit this crime?

Might I remind you of what we were discussing before this witness took the stand. Specifically, the suspicious circumstances surrounding the car that was brought in. And considering we've all but proven Ms. Toll's innocence...

*fiddles with hair absently* Fräulein... Semend, was it? All you've mentioned of her is circumstantial evidence that points vaguely toward her. Do you have anything more than that?

Oh, I have more, Mr. Gavin... but only if we actually talk to her. The defense requests that Abby Semend take the stand!

Hm... guilty or not, at this point, it can't hurt to explore our options. This Abby Semend will be summoned to the courthouse immediately. This court will take a brief recess until she arrives. *bangs gavel*

To be continued...

[PFA]

{August 22nd, 11:12AM
District Courthouse
Courtroom No.5}

*bangs gavel* Court is now back in session.

Alright. So the defense has requested the presence of a particular witness, and she has now arrived. So will Fräulein Abby Semend please take the stand?

*Abby wanders up to the stand*

(This is it, Phoenix. It's time to reveal the truth!)

Please state your name and occupation for the record of the court.

Um... Abby Semend, sir. I'm Mr. Jobs' secretary at the Taco City Bank.

Well, Mr. Wright?

Huh?

This is your witness. What would you have her testify about?

...Oh. Uh... (If I asked her about the murder or the attack now, she'd just deny knowledge. But if I asked her about her car accident, the judge might think it's irrelevant. What should I do?)

We're waiting, Mr. Wright.

Yeah, I had to excuse myself from work for this. This is important, isn't it?

(...Better take the chance.) Ms. Semend. It is to my understanding you were in a car accident recently.

Um... yes. I was.

You also used a fake name when sending the car in to be scrapped. You yourself admitted to this.

...

Would you care to testify to these two points?

Hold on. You're certain this is relevant, Mr. Wright?

I think I've already said as much, Your Honor.

Alright then. Ms. Semend, please continue.

...Okay.

-TESTIMONY-
The Accident

Well, I was driving home from work, when I got a call on my cell phone. I know you're not supposed to use your cell phone while driving, but I took the call...

And then... I swerved and hit that light post! Oh, it was terrible! My car was ruined!

I was so embarrassed, that I didn't want to release my name... and I lied on the report for the scrapyard. I didn't think it was that big of a deal...

---

So you did put a false name on the report?

I know, I know! It was bad and I shouldn't have done that. I was just so embarrassed, and in so much shock...

...Hm. Using false information on official documents is generally illegal, however... We can discuss that at another time. Mr. Wright? Any questions for Ms. Semend?

Yes, Your Honor. (Quite a few, actually...)

Alright. Go ahead.

(This testimony is full of holes, and I'm going to prove it!)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
The Accident

Well, I was driving home from work, when I got a call on my cell phone. I know you're not supposed to use your cell phone while driving, but I took the call...

Who called you?

Hm?

On the phone. Who called you on the phone?

I don't know, my phone's off right now.

*deskslam* When you got in the accident, Ms. Semend! Who called you when you got in the accident?

Oh! ... It was my boss.

(Her boss... she must mean Dale Jobs.)



(Strange, though, I don't remember him mentioning that...)

So yeah, you can see why I had to answer it...

Understandable, I suppose.

Do you have a record of this phone call?

Um... no. I cleared all the data off of my phone yesterday because I was running low on disk space. Sorry.

(Of course. How convenient.)

---

And then... I swerved and hit that light post! Oh, it was terrible! My car was ruined!

And you?

Hm? What?

You said your car was ruined. What about you? You seem to have not sustained any serious injuries.

Oh! ...Yes, I made it out of the crash, um, mostly unharmed.

And how do you explain this phenomenon?!

I, um... I can't.

...You "can't"?

I don't think I can explain that. Sorry.

...Hm.

Explained or not, I demand this statement be added to the testimony!

I'm inclined to agree. Please append this information to your testimony, Ms. Semend.

Okay...

~A new piece of testimony is added~

---

I made it out of the car crash without major injuries, though. I can't explain how that happened.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Are you sure you can't explain it, Ms. Semend?!

Hm? Explain what?

Why you weren't hurt in the car crash!

Oh! ... Well, no, I wasn't. I don't think I can explain how that happened.

(Oh yeah? Well, I can... with evidence!)

---

I was so embarrassed, that I didn't want to release my name... and I lied on the report for the scrapyard. I didn't think it was that big of a deal...

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

How can you think that lying like that wouldn't be a big deal?!

P-please, I know it was wrong! I was just so out of sorts, I didn't know what to do...

(...Okay, to be fair, with this girl...)

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7, scan 8)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

Screwdriver - A screwdriver used in the attack Ms. Toll was accused of. Apparently belongs to the scrapyard.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

---

<Present Evidence>

I made it out of the car crash without major injuries, though. I can't explain how that happened.

You may not be able to, Ms. Semend... but I think I can!

Um... are you sure about that, Mr. Wright?

Oh yes, I'm pretty sure. Take a look at this!



More magic readings, Mr. Wright?

Yes. Specifically, this is the one Detective Skye showed us earlier. As you may recall...

---

We did find an old magical reading on that car Scrappy fell on... but we have no idea of the source.

Could you at least tell what it was?

It was a few days old, so it was kind of hard to tell. The magic specialists said it was probably some kind of barrier?

...Oh really? That's interesting. Any clue who put it up?

Actually, no. The aura doesn't match anyone we have on record.

---

...So I believe it more than likely that Ms. Semend survived because of this mysterious barrier. Would that be correct?

...

*deskslam* Answer the question!

I, um... y-yes, I guess so...

Are you saying, Ms. Semend, that it was you who made this barrier and kept yourself from harm?

... ... ... Yes. Yes, that's right.

*muttermutter*

But the detective said that the aura didn't match anyone on record! Care to explain?

...I suppose I may as well.

-TESTIMONY-
Magic?

It's really simple, actually. I've been practicing a bit of magic since the last time I've been tested for it. That's why it's not on record...

When I got in the car accident, I panicked. The barrier... I guess it was instinct.

---

Hm... I see. I suppose that makes sense.

(I beg to differ.)

Yeah... I guess I never mentioned it before because I didn't want people to know I had magic.

...And why not?

Um... some people don't like magic. And I don't think they would like mine in particular.

...In particular?

I don't want to talk about it.

(...Something feels strange about this...)

*fiddles with hair thoughtfully* ...Some types of magic can be rather... off-putting, regardless of what they're used for. Is that what you're referring to?

...I... guess, yeah.

Hm. ...Mr. Wright, do you still believe this testimony to be relevant?

I believe I can prove that it is, Your Honor.

Well, then, you may proceed with the cross-examination. However...

However?

If you cannot prove the relevance of Ms. Semend's car crash to Scrappy's murder, I will have to penalize you for wasting the court's time. Do you understand?

...I understand, Your Honor. I promise I'm not wasting your time.

Alright. You may continue.

_{Don't worry, Nick! We're close; I can feel it!}

(She's right. Let's make this one count!)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
Magic?

It's really simple, actually. I've been practicing a bit of magic since the last time I've been tested for it. That's why it's not on record...

As far as I'm aware, auras don't change much even with the addition of magic! So why was your aura not on record at all?!

That's not always the case. I would think you of all people should know that?

...Huh?

Your abilities came from an outside source, didn't they? Or am I mistaken?

...Uh... yes, they did... (But how did you know that?!)

I imagine your aura was a lot different before it was infused with that phoenix's magic, right?

...Probably...

Out of curiosity, Fräulein... are you implying that your own magic came from an outside source?

...! I, um... ...I guess so.

Is it alright if I ask where—

No. It doesn't matter.

...? (What was that?)

...Fair enough.

(She got really defensive all of the sudden. Coincidence, or...?)

Mm. Anyway...

---

When I got in the car accident, I panicked. The barrier... I guess it was instinct.

Instinct, huh?

Yes. I saw the pole coming up, and instinctively put up a barrier around myself.

You must be pretty good at barriers if you can do something like that instinctively and have it hold up in a car crash. I understand it's pretty difficult to keep your concentration on those things. Has someone been training you?

... Is this relevant?

Excuse me, Mr. Wright, but I'm also curious how relevant this line of questioning is.

Oh, it's very relevant. Mr. Gavin?

Hm?

Do you know how often people's registered aura readings are updated?

...I'm not entirely sure, actually. I think they're usually renewed every year or so, barring noted major changes.

I see. And how long have you been a secretary at the Taco City Bank, Ms. Semend?

Oh, I've been working there ever since it opened a few years ago.

It must be a very demanding job, constantly running errands for Mr. Jobs.

...Um, yes, it can be. Is this—

*deskslam* Tell me, then! Where in the many worlds did you find the time to train your hidden, unknown magic that much... ...In less than a year?!

...!

*muttermutter*

...I must admit, that does seem unusual. But what relevance does this have to the case?

I've noticed a strange theme. Abby Semend claimed to have no magic, which her file apparently backs up... and yet she clearly does. On the other hand, as you may recall, there was another barrier, found in Scrappy's remnants, which apparently had an aura similar to Chell's... a woman whose file also claims she has no magic. Isn't that strange?

...An odd coincidence, but it hardly proves anything.

I'd beg to differ! I don't know how it's possible, but it seems obvious to me that whoever killed Scrappy has the ability to physically alter their own aura!

Wh-what?! But that's supposed to be impossible, isn't it?

...Actually... it isn't impossible.

! What?

In fact, I handled a case just a few days ago dealing with just that. A young man even managed to somehow dampen his own aura enough to convince us that he had no magic at all, even though he later proved to be quite powerful. I had never seen such a thing before. And now that you mention it, Mr. Wright... I find that coincidence very peculiar.

...!

You look awfully nervous there, Ms. Semend. Could it be that I'm right?

I... uh...

Ms. Semend, it would seem that the evidence is suggesting you may actually have very powerful magic at your disposal! Care to explain?

*sighs heavily* ... ... ... Heh.

?

That's an interesting theory you have...

*she takes her glasses off*

...Mr. Wright.

To be continued...

[PFA]

...Ms. Semend?

Her demeanor just completely changed!

So you think I have more power than I let on, do you? Well, maybe I do, maybe I don't. Either way, what exactly does it prove?

Well... I think it could explain a lot of things! Like maybe you've been involved in Scrappy's murder all along!

My goodness. That's a bold claim, isn't it? Especially one with no proof.

What do you—

*twirls her glasses in her hand* Here's the thing, flame boy...

-TESTIMONY-
Abby's Innocence

Me supposedly having the ability to alter my aura doesn't connect me to this Scrappy fellow at all. I mean, obviously it's not an entirely unique ability, if someone else has done it.

And besides that, you just don't have any evidence that connects me to this incident. Everything you've got is completely circumstantial.

So unless you can prove that, one, I have such an ability, and two, that I'm connected to this incident, then I think you're out of luck.

---

Hm... she does have a point. I couldn't in good conscience accuse someone with so little evidence against them.

I see somebody agrees with me.

(Come on! She just went from bumbling ditz to criminal mastermind! Isn't that even remotely suspicious?)

Well, Mr. Wright? Anything to say?

I have plenty to say, Your Honor.

Very well, then. Please continue.

(Alright, Phoenix. Time to strike her down!)

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
Abby's Innocence

Me supposedly having the ability to alter my aura doesn't connect me to this Scrappy fellow at all. I mean, obviously it's not an entirely unique ability, if someone else has done it.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

It's still exceptionally rare, though!

So? That just makes it all the less likely that I have such an ability.

...Ngh.

Unless you have some way to prove it, you're just going to keep going in circles.

---

And besides that, you just don't have any evidence that connects me to this incident. Everything you've got is completely circumstantial.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

How is the car and the fake name circumstantial?!

Oh, but didn't I tell you? I didn't want to put my name on the records. It was just sooo embarrassing.

(Oh, come on! Now you're being sarcastic!)

But yeah, having my car at the scene of the crime doesn't make me guilty. That could just be coincidence.

---

So unless you can prove that, one, I have such an ability, and two, that I'm connected to this incident, then I think you're out of luck.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

I bet I can prove both of those things!

Oh, really? How laughable. Go on, then. I like to be entertained.

(You won't be laughing when I show you some evidence!)

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7, scan 8)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

Screwdriver - A screwdriver used in the attack Ms. Toll was accused of. Apparently belongs to the scrapyard.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

---

<Present Evidence>

So unless you can prove that, one, I have such an ability, and two, that I'm connected to this incident, then I think you're out of luck.

I think I can prove both of those things... with this!

Oh? And what's this?

Take a look at these magic readings, Ms. Semend.

You really do enjoy presenting magic readings, don't you?

*ignores him* I think this tells quite a story!



And what's this supposed to be?

This aura was found in the surveillance room at the scrapyard. There were two separate auras found here, both of them very different... and yet appearing to have the exact same purpose. Isn't that strange?

The surveillance room? What about the surveillance room?

The footage showing May Toll's whereabouts at the time of both incidents was mysteriously corrupted, Ms. Semend!

...

There's one other thing. Remember that reading I showed you earlier? The one of the barrier you admitted to making? Let's take another look at it, shall we?



Hm, that's interesting... is it just me, or are they surprisingly similar?

...!

...Oh! They do look very similar! Could it be they were from the same source?

I think they are, Your Honor! And that source is Abby Semend!

*muttermutter*

You... you can't prove that! If the ability to alter auras really exists, then who's to say that's not someone else trying to imitate me?

As I mentioned, there were two auras like this found in the surveillance equipment, both very different. This is the second of the two, and happened within a 25 minute gap while no one was in the room. Now, that's not a very long time. So you must have been pretty rushed to get rid of that footage before I got back, weren't you? Meaning not enough time to alter your aura properly!

...Eep!

*the muttering grows louder*

*bangs gavel to quiet it down* Order! Order! I have to agree with Mr. Wright here. Ms. Semend, is this true?

... ... ...

...Ms. Semend, tampering with evidence is a serious crime.

...Okay, so. If this is true, which you can't prove, then what does that have to do with that robot being murdered? I thought Chell was your suspect.

...She has been, ja. Actually, I find it very odd that you know that.

Please. Chell's famous enough that her going to jail for killing a robot didn't go completely unnoticed. The point is, May Toll is not Chell. Why do you care?

Because Fräulein Toll was accused of an attack that was believed to be related? We went over this before you came here.

Yeah, and as the rest of the court may recall, we have reason to believe that the two incidents were caused by the same person. And I believe that person to be you!

Okay, hold up. Slow down for a second, will you?

-TESTIMONY-
Abby's Innocence Pt. 2

All of this still doesn't prove anything. Maybe I have magic, and maybe I tampered with that footage, but who says I killed that robot?

I mean, for one thing, I've never met this robot before. What motive would I have? Why should I care?

And it's not like I have anything personal against Chell or this May Toll person, either. So why would I frame them?

Do you have any actual proof? I think not.

---

(Argh! She just keeps asking for proof, but what more proof do I have?!)

_{Don't give up, Nick! We're so close!}

Hm... indeed. It is impossible to hand down a verdict until guilt has been solidly proven.

And you have failed to do just that. Game over. You lose.

This isn't over yet!

I didn't imagine so, either. Mr. Wright, your cross-examination, please.

Yes, Your Honor.

-CROSS-EXAMINATION-
Abby's Innocence Pt. 2

All of this still doesn't prove anything. Maybe I have magic, and maybe I tampered with that footage, but who says I killed that robot?

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

Are you admitting that you did tamper with the footage?

I admit to nothing. You've only proven that the possibility exists.

(Right, of course.)

However, I haven't heard you say anything about the murder yet. So who's to say that I did?

---

I mean, for one thing, I've never met this robot before. What motive would I have? Why should I care?

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

What about when you sent your car in to be scrapped?

I talked to May Toll. I didn't talk to Scrappy.

*pipes up* She's right! I remember her.

(Well, so much for that.)

Yeah, and good luck proving I'd met him anywhere else. I understand he's a very dedicated worker. Just like me! Tee hee~

(For being someone you've never met, you seem to know an awful lot about him...)

---

And it's not like I have anything personal against Chell or this May Toll person, either. So why would I frame them?

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

That seems like an oddly specific thing to say.

...

... (...What is that expression supposed to mean?)

...What's your point? I meant what I said.

(...She doesn't seem to be lying... but what does it mean?)

Anyway, like I was saying. You haven't proven that I've done anything.

---

Do you have any actual proof? I think not.

<Press>

SPOILER: Click to show

I think I can prove it!

Oh, you can? Go ahead, then. Entertain me.

(I'm not here to entertain, Ms. Semend, I'm here for the truth!) (...At the same time, though... do I have any proof?)

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7, scan 8)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

Screwdriver - A screwdriver used in the attack Ms. Toll was accused of. Apparently belongs to the scrapyard.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

---

*looking through his case notes with a thoughtful scowl* ...

What are you doing, Nick? It's turnabout time! Strike her down!

I'd like to, but... I don't think we have the evidence.

WHAT?! Nick, you can't give up!

Hahaha... like I was saying, you're out of luck. Game over. The end.

I never said that I was giving up! I just said that I don't think we have the evidence.

So what? That's the same thing.

Or, more specifically, I think that the evidence has been taken away.

...Huh?

What are you saying, Mr. Wright?

Recall the testimony of our previous witness:

---

When she came back out, she had this little yellow thing with her... I didn't get a good look at it. But she got it from inside the robot's base! Uh, shed!

---

I've been wondering about this mysterious yellow device he mentioned. Both Scrappy's murderer and that man's attacker seemed to have an undue fascination with it. But why? What could it possibly mean?

...!!

You know, I've been wondering about that, too. I'd never heard of it until that man brought it up, and he was attacked during the investigation...

What do you think, Ms. Semend? Do you have any idea what this device is?

Wh-what device?! I don't know about any device! That device is irrelevant!

Is it? You certainly seem to be getting worked up about it.

What does it matter?! There is no such device! It doesn't exist!

It doesn't exist...?

Yes! And you can't prove that it ever did exist! You can't!

Ms. Semend, please calm down.

...

She does have a point, Mr. Wright. Unfortunately, without having this mysterious yellow device, we cannot prove how, or if, it was relevant to the case.

I... uh... (Argh! He's right! How do I prove it was relevant if I don't have it?!)

Quick, Nick, do something! Think of it from the other side, like Sis does!

From the other side...? (Mia's advice has always come in handy before. Let's see, if the evidence we need "doesn't exist"... then how do I prove that it did exist?)

I told you, Mr. Wright. There's nothing you have against me.

(The device came from Scrappy's shed, but he didn't keep any records, so how...? Wait... unless...?)

...Well, Herr Wright?

(It's worth a try!) The device may not exist, Ms. Semend, but I think that maybe we have something it produced!

P-produced...?

What do you mean?

I am referring to this!

---

(Court Record)

SPOILER: Click to show

Evidence

Attorney's Badge - My attorney's badge. This proves that I'm a defense attorney.

Magatama - Given to me by Maya. A spiritual artifact that allows me to see when someone is lying.

Portal Gun - The murder weapon. Can create two portals, which can be moved between freely. The defendant's is made with Writer Powers.

Scrappy's Autopsy Report - "Died" at around 4:12PM. Shut down due to damage to power core. Took extensive damage from a long fall. Missing memory core.

Crane - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the killer launched the victim off of it using a portal. It's so tall, I can barely see the top...

Broken Car - Found at the scene of the crime. Apparently the victim landed on the sharp part up top, which was braced by some extra scrap metal. It was brought in that way. Could imply premeditation?

Security Footage - Some security footage related to the case. Some of it seems to have been corrupted, at the times of Scrappy's murder and the recent attack respectively. (Clip 1, clip 2)

Documents - Various documents possibly related to the case. A list of anti-robot factions, robot laws... there are also some records of the items Scrappy was sorting before he was murdered.

Business Card - Found in the trunk of the car Scrappy fell on. It belongs to Dale Jobs of the Taco City Bank.

Magic Readings - Scans of magic residue related to the case. There is a half-minute gap after one of the portals from the Portal Gun. Also some miscellaneous readings printed by mistake from Scrappy's shed. (Scan 1, scan 2, scan 3, scan 4, scan 5, scan 6, scan 7, scan 8)

Door Lock - The lock on the door to Scrappy's shed. It requires a card key to open, which all employees at the scrapyard have.

Newspaper Clipping - A story about a car accident on August 17th. The driver crashed into a streetlamp, making it out with only minor injuries. The car matches the description of the one found at the scene of the crime.

Cellphone Picture - A blurry picture on Maya's phone of some of the security footage before it was corrupted. (View)

Screwdriver - A screwdriver used in the attack Ms. Toll was accused of. Apparently belongs to the scrapyard.

---

Profiles

Maya Fey - My assistant. A cheerful spirit medium with the ability to contact the deceased.

Chell - The defendant. Apparently never speaks; might be mute.

Scrappy - The victim. A robot who worked at the scrapyard.

Ema Skye - Apparently a version of Ema from a different timeline who became a detective. Is the detective in charge of this case.

Crayne Lift - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim.

May Toll - Worker at the scrapyard. An acquaintance of the victim. Recently accused of attempted murder, also a suspect in Scrappy's case.

Lee Jitt - A fake name used by Abby Semend to keep her name off the records as the previous owner of that red car.

Klavier Gavin - The prosecutor in charge of this case. A rock star prosecutor extraordinaire from the future.

Chenier - The victim's girlfriend. From Rinam. Witnessed the attacker.

Dale Jobs - Manager at the Taco City Bank. His business card was found at the scene of the crime.

Abby Semend - Receptionist and secretary at the Taco City Bank. Was involved in a car accident recently.

? ? ? - A strange man found at the scrapyard. Witnessed Scrappy's murder, and was recently attacked as well, supposedly by Scrappy's killer.

---

Ms. Semend, does this look familiar to you at all?



...No?

What is that?

One of the many things Scrappy kept in his shed was a magic scanner. This paper shows us the last thing Scrappy ever scanned for magic... just a day before his brutal murder.

That is a scan report? Let me see that...

*hands the report over to the judge as he continues talking* It's not a very pretty scan report, no. Nor is it a very efficient one. However, it does tell us that Scrappy scanned exactly one magical item in recent history. Is it possible that this mysterious item is, in fact, the same yellow object the witness saw?

What?! He... *pauses* ... ...That's ridiculous. That scan could be from just about anything!

...Wait a minute...

...Your Honor?

This aura... it looks strangely familiar...

!!!

Familiar? How so?

I'm not certain, but I'm certain I've seen an aura just like this, and very recently...

...From another case, maybe?

Oh! That's it! That's where I saw this aura! It was the Vallen Hawkeye case just a few days ago!

What...?

N-Nick! That's the case from the library! Remember I was telling you about it?

! You mean...?

---

{FLASHBACK
Taco City Library}

Oh, Nick, I guess you didn't hear. There was a murder here a few days ago...

Oh yeah, Edgeworth mentioned something about that. But what's this about the victim? What happened?

Well, they had me try and contact him after he died and ask about a revival, but... ...Well...

...You... couldn't contact him?

Yeah. I couldn't sense his spirit at all.

---

Yeah... the same one!

But this aura... wasn't this the aura of the portals from that portal device we could never find?

!!!

A portal device, Herr Judge?

Yes, that's right... we could never find that device. Could it be that Clen Hall sent it to the scrapyard, where we would never find it?

That... that... *slams clenched fists on desk, smashing her glasses* That stupid idiot!

Ms. Semend?!

You were never supposed to find that device! No one was! Especially not that stupid robot!

So you do know about this!

Could it be... you were working with Clen Hall?

Th-that little piece of trash! He messed up, and I had to cover him! This... this is his fault!

...I think I understand now. This is what this was all about, isn't it?

...!

You do know Clen Hall. You two have been working together. You knew everything about the murder he committed, and this mysterious device of his. And for whatever reason, this device had to be covered up... but Clen Hall didn't do it right. It ended up at the scrapyard.

...In the hands of Herr Scrappy, who deemed the device to be suspicious.

Exactly. And when you heard about this, Ms. Semend, you knew you had to do something. You needed to get rid of Scrappy before he found out too much. So then you crashed your car, I believe, on purpose... so you could send it to the scrapyard, perfectly prepared for robot piercing. Isn't that right?!

Ngh...!

And that's when you struck! You got into disguise, framing Chell for the murder that you committed! It was you who murdered Scrappy!

You... you don't know what you're talking about!

You know, it makes a lot of sense... it would also explain the attack on the man who witnessed Scrappy's murderer taking the mysterious device.

Yes, because no one was supposed to know about it! But you couldn't disguise yourself as Chell again, because she was already in jail. You knew you had to pin it on someone else, and you picked May Toll. You framed two innocent women just to get rid of this problematic piece of evidence!

That... that's ridiculous! You can't prove any of this!

Actually, considering you have already expressed knowledge of the device in question, as well as of Clen Hall... I find it very believable.

...!!

And if that's not enough for you, Ms. Semend... you made a very big mistake yesterday.

Wh-what...?!

Oh yes. You had to go and make it all the worse for yourself by attacking one of your witnesses. He recognized you.

No...!

In fact, the defense would like to request we bring this man back into the courtroom, to settle this once and for all!

Bailiff?

*The bailiff hurries off to fetch Hobo*

Er, are you sure this is safe? If she really tried to attack him...

Oh, he doesn't have to be here long. All we really need to hear is one thing...

*Moments later, the courtroom doors open, and in comes Hobo and his two guards*

Do you recognize this woman, Mr.—

AH! It's her! She's the one who attacked me!

!!!

*muttermutter*

...And there you have it. Case closed.

No... *hairtie breaks in a sudden explosion of aura* NOOOOO!

Whoa!

*hides behind his guards* Holy crap on a cracker!

You'll regret this, Phoenix Wright! You'll ALL regret this!

Bailiff!

*The bailiff rushes over and puts magic-blocking handcuffs on her*

Augh!

...Well. I, for one, am thoroughly convinced. I see no reason to delay this trial any longer. This court finds both Chell and May Toll...

NOT GUILTY

As for you, Ms. Semend... you will be awaiting higher trial at a later date.

...

...? (She was so angry, but now she looks... scared?)

That is all. This court is adjourned! *bangs gavel*

~*~*~

{August 22nd, 12:21PM
District Courthouse
Outside}

Eee! Mr. Wright! Thank you so much!

I, ah... you're welcome?

No, really! I was seriously scared there for a moment that I was going to go to jail, but you found the real culprit and proved us innocent! Thank you so much!

Well, I'm definitely glad we found the real culprit... it certainly wasn't easy.

Yeah, I know! But then you came and did a turnabout right at the end, just like classic Phoenix Wright! It was amazing! Thank you so much!

(I get that you're excited, but you've said that three times now...)

What about you, Chell? Aren't you happy, too?

*gives May a quizzical look,* *but sends Phoenix an appreciative nod*

Yes, it's just so great! Hey! Mr. Wright, next time you need scrap metal for something, give me a call, okay? I'd be more than happy to give you a discount!

Um... I'll remember that. Thank you.

That reminds me, I'd better get back to work! Oh, so good to be free~ *skips off*

...Well, she's definitely enthusiastic.

Yeah. That's kind of to be expected, though...

...Something wrong, Maya?

I don't know, Nick, I'm still kind of confused. Like, how did Abby know Clen Hall? And what is it about that portal device that was so important? And why frame Chell or May in the first place?

I... don't know. I'm not sure we'll ever know for sure.

I guess it doesn't really matter in the long run, but... I guess I just wonder. ... I hope they can repair Scrappy.

I hope so, too... Maybe they'll be able to recover his memory core from Ms. Semend. She did seem interested in keeping it intact...

That's the other thing that's weird. Why would she want to keep it intact? And why... *trails off* ...

... Hey, you know what would cheer you up? How about some burgers?

...You know what? You're right! We just won a case! It's time to celebrate!

(Now there's the Maya I know.)

There's this one burger joint I've been meaning to check out. We should totally go there!

Might as well. As long as they're not expensive...

Hee hee! *starts toward the exit, beckoning the others to follow* Come on, Chell! You can come with us!

... *shrugs and follows*

End Case 2

[PFA]

Case 2 Epilogues -- Klavier

SPOILER: Click to show

{August 22nd, afternoon
Prosecutors' Office
Klavier's Office}

*sighs, walking into the room and closing the door behind him* (Ach, what a case that was...)

*He sets his briefcase down, walking over to his desk to sit down*

(...A case against Herr Wright. I guess it was inevitable, but... it still caught me by surprise. I thought I would be able to take it, but there were just so many memories...)

*He glances at a picture of him and Kristoph he has on his desk*

(...Things are different now, Klavier. You're different, he's different, and Herr Attorney Wright is a good man. An excellent attorney, just like the legends always spoke of him. So why am I still so uneasy about it?)

*A pause. He leans back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling with a sigh*

(Herr Attorney Wright... ach, listen to me, I'm still trapped in the past. I've got to get over it... it's over now, ja?) ... *slowly frowns* (...Or at least for me it is. But he doesn't even know what's to come for him. Perhaps that's what has me so troubled...)

*After a few contemplative moments, he sits up straight and decides to get to work on the paperwork, hoping to get his mind off of it for now*

Herr Wright... I'm sorry.

~*~*~

Case 2 Epilogues -- Dale

SPOILER: Click to show

{August 22nd, afternoon
Taco City Detention Center}

...Let me get this straight. My ditzy secretary has been arrested for murder?

Yes. Plus one count of attempted murder, and a few for tampering with evidence.

Frankly, I find it hard to believe she'd have the mental capacity for all of that.

And frankly, she was arrested because she knew too much about the incident. Look, I know it's kind of a shock, but—

Shocked? I'm not shocked, I'm mad. I want my secretary back!

Sorry, sir, but I think you're going to need to find a new one. We're pretty sure about this.

This is stupid! Where is she? I want to speak to her.

I can show you to her cell, but first I want to ask you a couple of questions. First off, what do you know about Ms. Semend's personal life? We can't seem to find many records on her.

I don't know, she never really talked about it. And frankly, I don't really care.

Do you know anyone by the name of Clen Hall?

Nope, never heard of him.

Hm. Also, did you call Ms. Semend Saturday afternoon?

I... what? I don't know, I call Abby all the time.

Well, this particular call apparently caused her to get into a car accident, so I'm assuming you would remember that.

What? No, that wasn't me! I don't know who called her that day, but I assure you, it wasn't me.

...Really? Because she told us she got a call from her boss. You are her boss, right?

Well, yes, but I didn't cause that crash. I'm sure of it.

Then she doesn't happen to have some other boss, does she?

Uh, no? I'm her only boss. Speaking of which, I want to talk to her.

That's strange... why did she lie and tell us it was you who called her? Maybe Clen Hall called from a prison phone...?

Uh, hello?

I'm going to have to check the records on this...

Hey! Detective!

Huh? Oh, you wanted to talk to Ms. Semend, didn't you?

Yes! I asked five minutes ago!

Alright, geez, relax. I don't have any other questions, anyway. *fishes through her purse for a bag of snackoos while leading the way to Abby's cell* This way.

About time. *follows, grumbling something about inefficiency*

*lobs a snackoo over her shoulder at him* I heard that.

Ow! Hey!

We're a little busy investigating some recent murders. Show a little patience, why don't you.

Well, I'm still a little upset my secretary is in jail.

Just be quiet and follow me. We're almost there, anyway.

*sigh*

~*~*~

Case 2 Epilogues -- Chenier

SPOILER: Click to show

{August 23rd, morning
Repairs Shop}

*peers in cautiously* H-hello?

Repairman: Hm? *looks up from his work* Oh, hello. Did you have business here?

Hi. Um, my name is Chenier, and I was told this is where Scrap is being repaired...

Repairman: Oh, Chenier, I was told to expect you. You're looking for Scrappy? The reploid?

Yeah. Would it be okay if I see him...?

Repairman: ...I suppose, though I'm not sure you'll like what you see. *leads the way*

... *follows*

*He leads her to a table, where Scrappy's mostly repaired chassis lay*

*seems a little pleased by this* It looks like you did a pretty good job.

Repairman: Yeah, well... unfortunately, this is still just the chassis. The police still haven't found his memory core. Theoretically, I could find him a replacement, but...

...But then he wouldn't have any of his memories.

Repairman: Exactly. ...I'd rather not do that unless I have no other choice.

Oh, poor Scrap... *takes Scrappy's lifeless hand in hers* If only you'd never found that strange device that woman wanted so badly...

Repairman: ...I can leave you alone for a while if you like.

I... I think I'd appreciate that.

Repairman: *silently nods in understanding, backing out of the room*

*sigh* Oh, Scrap... wherever that core is, I hope they find it soon...

I miss you...

~*~*~

Case 2 Epilogues -- Phoenix

SPOILER: Click to show

{August 22nd, that night
Wright & Co. Offices, Taco City
Phoenix's Office}

*flips through a stack of papers, lost in thought* (I still don't understand... why was it so important?)

*walks in* Still looking at those records?

Yeah. Edgeworth let me have a look at some of the documents from that Ray Venn murder trial, and I've been comparing them to the data from Scrappy's. Apparently that missing portal device was pretty important, but... I still don't understand what Ms. Semend wanted with it.

*wanders over to look over his shoulder* I know what you mean. It has to be important somehow, but why? What was she so worried about keeping secret that all those innocent people got hurt for it?

I don't know. We're missing something, but I just can't figure out what... *sighs, setting the papers down and standing up* Oh well. I'm going to get something to drink. *walks off*

... *picks up the top paper, looking at it thoughtfully* There has to be some reason...

~*~*~

Case 2 Epilogues -- Abby

SPOILER: Click to show

{August 22nd, afternoon
Taco City Detention Center}

...I can't believe this happened. Why did this have to happen? If only Clen had disposed of that device properly, then none of this would have happened...

And that stupid crazy hobo guy. Why did he have to see me? Why didn't I notice him sooner? If only he hadn't lived. This wouldn't have happened if he had just died...

...Who am I kidding? I'm the one who messed up. I never should have gone back... that was really reckless of me. And now I'm definitely going to be—

*knocks on the doorframe* Hey, Semend. Someone's here to see you.

...? *looks up*

You know, when I gave you that release from work, I wasn't expecting you to go and get arrested.

M-Mr. Jobs! *ahem* Sir! Um, what are you doing here?

What do you think I'm doing here? *walks over to the glass* I heard you were accused of murder. And frankly, I don't believe you're really capable of murder.

... ... ... *siiigh* I'm capable of a lot more than you think I am, sir.

...What?

What point is there in lying? It would have the same end for me either way.

Hey now, don't talk like that. You're not guilty, are you?

... Well played, detective. Trying to get me to confess, aren't you?

No, but that would be a nice bonus if you're up for it. *munches on snackoos*

Abby, what—

Let me put it this way, sir. It was an honor working with you, but I'm afraid you're going to have to find a new secretary. It's over for me.

... You're serious, aren't you? You... killed someone?

... ... ...

...It had to have been an accident. I can't believe you did this on purpose.

Look, sir, please just... stay out of this, okay? It would only end badly for you.

...I don't think I understand.

It's complicated. Just... leave me alone, please.

...

Convinced yet, Mr. Jobs?

...I don't know what to believe. *sigh* Well, if this is really how it's going to be... I'm sorry to see you go, Abby. You might have been a bit clumsy, but you were the best secretary I ever had.

...Thanks.

...Guess I'd better go, then. Hang in there, I guess. *walks off*

... *just as he's leaving* _{You're much more forgiving than he is.}

Huh?

...I just said you were a good boss, sir.

Oh. Uh, thanks.

Come on, let's go. *walks off*

*follows*

...

...There's no doubt about it. This is the end...