Turnabout Big Top - Transcript - Part 1



Episode 3 Turnabout Big Top

Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and girls! Welcome to the show! Prepare to witness a man who has mastered the wonder of flight... The World's Greatest Magician... The one... The only... Maximillion Galactica!

December 26, 8:12 PM Berry Big Circus Circus Entrance

Pearl:

Wow... That was like living a dream... I haven't even caught my breath yet.

Maya:

Hehe... That was amazing! Wasn't it Pearly!?

Pearl:

It was great! There was a dancing bear... And a tiger that jumped though a ring of fire... An elephant who rode a giant ball... Not to mention that guy who flew through the air!

Maya:

Yeah! Max Galactica! He was absolutely fabulous!

Pearl:

Huh? ...What? Max...

Maya:

Max Galactica! The World's Greatest Magician!

Pearl:

A magic-ician?

Maya:

No, a magician.

Pearl:

Umm... Mr. Nick.

Phoenix:

Huh? What is it Pearls?

Pearl:

Does magic have anything to do with channeling spirits?

Phoenix:

(I don't think it has anything to do with channeling...) You don't know about magic, do you Pearls?

Pearl:

I'm sorry...

-

Phoenix:

(I braved the winter cold and took Pearls to see the circus... It's been six months since the incident in Kurain Village... It was during that terrible time that I met Pearls...)

-

Phoenix:

(It seems like she is starting to get back to normal...)

Maya:

Ahh... It's time to go.

Pearl:

You're right. We can't miss the last train.

Phoenix:

Pearls! You remembered the train!

Pearl:

Of course I did! But I don't really understand what everyone means by "express train".

Maya:

Well, Nick... See you later. I'll come by to help clean the office. It's gotta be spotless for the New Year.

Phoenix:

Don't worry about it. Really.

Pearl:

You are going to visit Mr. Nick on New Year's?

Maya:

Maybe.

Pearl:

I am glad you will get to spend your New Year's with your special someone!

Maya:

P-PEARL!! Look! It's time to go!

Pearl:

Happy New Year Mr. Nick!

Phoenix:

("Happy New Year"... I really hope it will turn out that way...)

December 28, 9:12 AM Wright & Co. Law Offices

Phoenix:

(Well... Today wraps it up for this year... I hope I can finish cleaning this place up in one day.)

Phone:

.............................. ...*beep*...

Phoenix:

...Hello. This is the Wright & Co. Law Offices.

Maya:

Nick!! It's t-t-terrible!!

Phoenix:

Ahh, Maya. Perfect timing... Things are terrible here too!

Maya:

Huh?

Phoenix:

The office is a terrible mess! And I have to clean it up!

Maya:

What are you talking about!?

Phoenix:

Ummm... My dirty office. What are you talking about?

Maya:

Listen Nick! You have to turn on the TV!

Phoenix:

(The TV?)

TV:

...Now let's check in at the scene!

Phoenix:

(Huh? What happened...?)

TV:

...Thank you. We're here at the Berry Big Circus. The Berry Big Circus has become the center of a sensational murder. The scene has created quite a stir among the throngs of excited onlookers!

Phoenix:

The Very... I mean... The Berry Big Circus...

Maya:

That's the circus we went to!! Right!?

Phoenix:

They're saying that there was a... murder.

Maya:

Yeah! They arrested him too!

Phoenix:

A-Arrested who?

Maya:

Max! They arrested Max Galactica!!

-

Phoenix:

(Maximillion Galactica. Fans call him Max. A popular magician who can fly through the sky at will... Maya said she was a huge fan of Max...)

-

Maya:

Alright Nick! I'll see you in two hours at the Detention Center.

Phoenix:

Huh? What?

Maya:

See you there. You've still got plenty of time to clean up your office later!

Phoenix:

W-WWWHHHAATTT!?

Phone:

...*beep*...

December 28, 11:19 AM Detention Center Visitor's Room

Maya:

What are they talking about? Why did they arrest Max?

Phoenix:

You're asking the wrong man on that one, Maya. Maybe he used his magical skills to deal death with a slight of hand...

Maya:

Maximillion Galactica would never do such a thing!!

???:

FABULOUS!! What the young lady just said was absolutely fabulous! What a clever girl! Such a fabulous understanding of events!

Phoenix:

(...What's with all this fabulous talk...)

Max:

Welcome to the Visitor's Room!

Maya:

It's MAX!! Nick!! Look! It's the real Maximillion Galactica!!

Max:

Alright sweetie. Pick a card, any card.

Maya:

H-H-He called me sweetie! *swoon* Nick!!

Max:

Ah ha ha ha... Time's running out sweetie! Pick a card, any card!

Maya:

T-This one...

Max:

Uh-huh. I thought you would pick that one sweetie. The ace of hearts!

Maya:

AHHHH!!! He got it! He got it! NICK! LOOK! HE GOT IT!!

Max:

What can I say sweetie... You've stolen one of my most valued possessions. One of Maximillion Galactica's hearts...

Maya:

Max... *swoon*

Max:

Well... Time to make this an absolutely fabulous time!

Maya:

Max! You should let Nick pick a card!!

Phoenix:

(Eek... I don't want to steal one of his hearts...)

Max:

And you are...? Oh, how silly of me! You must be sweetie's driver!

Phoenix:

Her driver?

Max:

Whatever... Hurry up and pick a card, any card...

Phoenix:

Umm... I want this one.

Max:

So sweetie, let's be honest here... You came to this visitor's room to visit me, didn't you?

Maya:

Y-Yes! I'm your biggest fan!!

Max:

Fabulous! Absolutely fabulous! Thank you so much!!

Phoenix:

Hey... Umm... What about my card?

Max:

Think of it as a souvenir.

Phoenix:

...

Maya:

Well Nick... I think it's time to get to work.

Phoenix:

...

Maya:

What's the matter, Nick? Why are you looking at the ceiling?

Phoenix:

I was just thinking about what I should have for lunch.

Max:

Sweetie... Drop porcupine head over there. Shower me with your attention. OK?

Maya:

Y-Y-Y-Yes...

Max:

Ab-so-lute-ly... FABULOUS!!

Phoenix:

(Absolutely cringe inducing.)

(Clearing all "Talk" options and presenting Attorney's Badge leads to:)

Max:

... Anyways... I've been curious about something for a while now.

Maya:

What's that?

Max:

Why do you keep looking at me with such a sad look on your face, sweetie?

Maya:

Be-Because! You've been arrested! For murder!

Max:

Oh, don't be ignorant. They wouldn't arrest someone like me!!

Phoenix:

Why is that?

Max:

Obviously because I'm the fabulous Maximillion Galactica!

Phoenix:

So?

Max:

I'm the very big star of the Berry Big Circus.

Phoenix:

And that means?

Max:

I'm rich. I'm paid fabulous sums!

Phoenix:

Which means what?

Max:

...

Maya:

Max...

Max:

Quit joking around! You've got to be pulling my magic wand! The police aren't really serious about all this, are they?

Phoenix:

They don't arrest people as a joke.

Max:

...!!

Maya:

Look at Max... He's crushed...

Phoenix:

Well he needed to wake up and smell the coffee. (This is serious business.)

Max:

Umm... Umm...

Phoenix:

Yes?

Max:

Porcu... I mean, Sir. You're a lawyer, right?

Phoenix:

Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm an attorney.

Max:

Please! Help me! I didn't kill nobody!

Maya:

"Didn't kill nobody!?"

Max:

I may be more spoiled than a hog in a hamburger mud pit... But a killer!? That's insane... I... I... I could never...

Maya:

M-Max?

Max:

I swear!! I just wanted to pay off my daddy's debt... He's back on the farm...

Phoenix:

OK... OK... I'll take your case.

Max:

R-Really?

Phoenix:

Really.

Max:

Uh... Thank ya much. Ya'll sure are nice folks.

Maya:

Umm... Max.

Max:

Yes?

Maya:

What's your real name?

Max:

It's Billy Bob Johns...

Maya:

... Ugh...

Phoenix:

What's the matter, Maya?

Maya:

He's really just a country bumpkin!

Phoenix:

...

-

Max:

...Ahem. I must apologize for not being my absolutely fabulous self just now, sweetie.

Maya:

H-Huh?

Max:

Mr. Attorney.

Phoenix:

Yes?

Max:

A few minutes ago, you took one of my cards, didn't you?

Phoenix:

(Hmm... Now that he mentions it... I did take a card.)

Max:

It was the 10 of Hearts. Right?

Phoenix:

(Wha... How'd he... He got it right, again!)

Max:

What can I say? You too... You've stolen some of my most valued possessions. Ten of Maximillion Galactica's hearts...

Phoenix:

(You sure do have a lot of hearts, don't you?)

Max:

Ah ha ha ha... I'm putting my faith in you sweetie.

Phoenix:

(He didn't just call me sweetie, did he?)

Maya:

Alright! Let's make this an absolutely fabulous case! C'mon Nick!

December 28 Wright & Co. Law Offices

Phoenix: Alright... We've got lots of things we have to look into. No time for slacking. Let's get going.

Maya: OK.

Phoenix: ? What's the matter? You seem down.

Maya: Maximilion Galactica... Who would have guessed he was country bumpkin?

December 28 Berry Big Circus Circus Entrance

Maya:

We're here again...

Phoenix:

Yep. But this time we are here for work. (It hasn't been that long since the crime, so the police are still on the scene.)

Maya:

Let's find someone who might know something about what happened.

Phoenix:

Sounds like a plan.

December 28 Lodging House Plaza

Phoenix:

This seems to be a dorm where all the performers in the circus stay...

Maya:

Really!? So that stoogey clown should be here, huh? He's so kooky!

???:

Ahhh! It's you two!

Maya:

Oh... Detective Gumshoe!

Gumshoe:

I always see you hanging around when I'm working a crime scene, pal.

Maya:

You always seem to be working so hard, Detective.

Gumshoe:

I'd rather not be working hard, but with crime you don't make your own hours. If I have to be at the circus anyways, I want to see the lion tamer and the tightrope. However, no matter where I go, the show is always the same... Dead body. Stage left.

Maya:

Nick! Nick! He complained!!

Phoenix:

Heh heh... That's a rarity. Let's get back to business now, OK?

December 28 Berry Big Circus Big Top

Phoenix:

The circus stage sure doesn't look this small from out in the audience...

Maya:

Wow... This is where they all perform, isn't it? Nick! Do some somersaults!

Phoenix:

I'm not doing any somersaults.

Maya:

Why not!? You look like you'd be great at it!

Phoenix:

(Why do I look like I'd be great at somersaults!?)

???:

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Maya:

Huh? Nick?

Phoenix:

It wasn't me.

???:

Grrrrrrrrrrr... Grawwwwwww!!

Maya:

T-T-T-T-T-T-T... TIGER!!

Phoenix:

H-H-H-He's c-c-coming this way!!

???:

Grrrrrrrrr... Grawwwwwww!!

Phoenix:

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!

-

Maya:

Nick! You're too young to die! NICK!!

???:

STAY! STAY! HEEL!

???:

Grrrrrrrrr...

-

Phoenix:

(I'm still here... I'm not dead, yet!!)

Maya:

N-Nick! Nick! Are you OK?

???:

Ahahaha! Scared ya didn't I? Regent is such a cute tiger! Isn't he!?

Phoenix:

...

Maya:

...

???:

What's the matter? You two sure are quiet.

Maya:

Don't "What's the matter?" me! N-Nick... He almost died there!!

???:

Hah! He wasn't anywhere close to getting hurt, let alone dying! This little tiger hardly ever bites people. And besides, people normally never get to play with a wild tiger, right? So if you think about it, you're actually really lucky!

Phoenix:

Huh!?

???:

You agree, don't you?

Phoenix:

... I guess...

Maya:

W-W-W-What do you mean you guess!? Why are you agreeing with her?

???:

Woohoo!! Your costume...

Maya:

Eh?

???:

It's cute. I wanna try it on!!

Maya:

C-Costume? You mean my clothes...?

???:

You don't mind letting me try it on, right?

Maya:

Uhh... I guess not...

???:

REALLY!? Hehehehehe!! You're the best!

Phoenix:

(Wow... The tables turned quickly on that one. So much for the tiger thing...)

???:

Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Regina Berry... The renowned animal tamer of the Berry Big Circus!

Maya:

My name's Maya Fey. I'm a spirit medium.

Phoenix:

Phoenix Wright. Attorney at law. (When you put us up next to an animal tamer, I bet we really look odd!)

Regina:

Nice to meet ya!

Phoenix:

Uhh... Likewise...

(Lodging House - Plaza)

(Wright & Co. Law Offices)

December 28 Detention Center Visitor's Room

Maya:

... Max isn't here.

Phoenix:

He must be in questioning.

Maya:

Aww... I wanted to see a magic trick.

Phoenix:

He should be back in a little bit.

Maya:

I guess so.

December 28 Lodging Hall 1st Floor Moe's Room

Phoenix:

This is it?

Maya:

The name tag on the door says "Moe" on it.

Phoenix:

I guess he's not here...

Maya:

Wow... It's a real mess in here!

Phoenix:

(My room's probably worse though...)

Maya:

Oh well... I give up. We'll have to come back later.

December 28 Big Top Ringmaster's Room

Maya:

This was the Ringmaster's room?

Phoenix:

Yes. This room belonged to the victim. Which means this must be where Max met the Ringmaster last night.

Maya:

Now that you mention it, that is what he said.

Phoenix:

I wonder what... Hmm... That's an intresting poster.

Maya:

Ah! It's a poster of Max! I want it! I want it! Nick! I want it!

Phoenix:

I wanna get outta here...

(Berry Big Circus - Big Top)

December 28 Berry Big Circus Circus Entrance

Maya:

Huh? Hey Nick! Look over there!

Phoenix:

What?

Maya:

There's someone over there! Ex-Excuse me!

???:

...

Phoenix:

Hello.

???:

...

Maya:

Wow! He sure is a quiet one! Excuse me!!

???:

Wha... Ha... Huh? M-Me?

Phoenix:

Yes. You work at the circus don't you?

???:

N-No. I'm just your everyday average Joe.

Maya:

An average Joe who just happens to hang out at the circus? I don't think so.

???:

Y-Yes I am. I've got nothing to do with what's going on here.

Phoenix:

(He's lying. Like any regular person would hang around the circus... Dressed like that!) I'm an attorney. My name is Phoenix Wright.

Maya:

I'm a spirit medium. My name is Maya.

???:

Well... I... Um... Just happened to be... Umm... Passing by...

Phoenix:

I don't suppose you happen to be some kind of carny?

???:

Not a c-c-carny... I-I'm a p-performer. Actually, I'm a v-v-v-ventriloquist.

Maya:

Ventriloquist?

???:

He-he-he-he-he-he-he... I-I-I'm Benjamin Wo-Wo-Wo-Woodman...

Maya:

You're last name is Woodman? *snicker*

???:

Y-Yes... T-T-That's right... But e-everyone c-c-calls me B-B-B-B-B-Ben.

Maya:

Ah... Yes yes yes... That's your alias, right?

Phoenix:

I believe they call it a stage name.

(Berry Big Circus - Big Top)

(Wright & Co. Law Offices)

(Lodging House - Plaza)

December 28 Lodging Hall 1st Floor Moe's Room

Maya:

Hello...?

???:

KABLAMMO! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'RE THE BIG WEINER! The one millionth visitor to the room of one Mr. Moe Curls, AKA ME!!

Phoenix:

(Earplugs... Must... Find... Earplugs...)

Moe:

To celebrate this momentous occasion, would you care for an organic grape? Just one! Did you get my joke right there!? Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

Phoenix:

...

Moe:

I welched on giving you more than one!!

Phoenix:

Umm...

Moe:

No no no! If it was funny, it is your duty as a human being to laugh!! People who don't laugh are usually last-seen in Lan-sing. Catch my drift? Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

Phoenix:

Umm... Maya?

Maya:

Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

Phoenix:

(This is like some Faustian nightmare...)

Maya:

C'mon! It was funny! Clowns are always funny in my book!

Phoenix:

In my book, they're just funny lookin'.

Moe:

You sure do have a great taste in clothes girlie! Look at that garb! You look just like Gretta Garb... OH! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

Phoenix:
 * sigh* I'm goin' home...

Maya:

No! Nick! You can't!!

Phoenix:

You know, I can excuse a bad joke or two... But this stooge keeps laughing at his own jokes! That's what I object to!

Maya:

OK OK... I get it. But you have to admit he is kinda funny...

Phoenix:

(Argghhh... No, I do not have to admit that, because he isn't!)

Moe:

Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

(Wright & Co. Law Offices)

(Berry Big Circus - Big Top)

December 28 Big Top Cafeteria

Maya:

Eww... This place is gross.

Phoenix:

This must be because of last night. They didn't have time to clean up after dinner because of the murder.

Maya:

That reminds me... What was it that Moe said?

Phoenix:

He said that yesterday morning Max "clonked" Ben over the head here.

Maya:

He also said that, "There's Gotti be something interesting there." Nick? What's "Gotti be interesting?"

Phoenix:

Don't ask...

Maya:

Hmph!

(Berry Big Circus - Circus Entrance)

December 28 Detention Center Visitor's Room

Max:

Oh! It's my two sweeties! Welcome to the Detention Center!!

Phoenix:

(...*sigh* Did he just call me his sweetie!? AGAIN!?)

Max:

What's on today's agenda? What can I help you with?

Phoenix:

Well, we've gathered quite a few clues...

Max:

WON-DER-FUL-LY FAN-TAB-U-LOSO!! I mean fabulous!

Phoenix:

That's why we came to meet with you again.

Max:

Wh-Wh-What's w-w-wrong!? Quit making such a scary face!

Phoenix:

OK then Max... Let's make this "absolutely fabulous"!!

December 28 Berry Big Circus Circus Entrance

Maya:

Huh? Ben's not here anymore!

Phoenix:

Yeah... I wanted to ask him something.

Maya:

It's cold out... He's probably in the tent.

December 28 Berry Big Circus Big Top

Maya:

What do you think, Nick? I wonder if we've been making any progress...

Phoenix:

Don't be so negative... Of course we are making progress.

Maya:

But... Everyone loved the Ringmaster... And there's no sign of footprints on the scene... There's still a lot of mysteries left to be solved.

Phoenix:

Of course.

Maya:

And now Regina isn't here!

Phoenix:

I'm not seeing how that's related...

December 28 Big Top Ringmaster's Room

Maya:

It looks the same as always... A great big mess. Considering how messy it is, I bet they wouldn't notice if another poster went missing.

Phoenix:

Will you just stop it you poster pilferer!

Maya:

I'm just kidding! You know I already got one of these posters!!

Phoenix:

You mean stole one of those posters!

Maya:

Yeah... Uh... Let's focus on what Max told us. He said that he hid Trilo somewhere in this room.

Phoenix:

(Trilo... Ohh! The ventriloquist's puppet!)

(Berry Big Circus - Big Top)

(Detention Center - Visitor's Room)

December 28 Big Top Cafeteria

Maya:

Oh! Hey Ben!

Ben:

A... Umm... Uhh... H-H-Hello.

Maya:

Hello to you too! It's awfully cold today don't you agree?

Ben:

Y-Ye-Ye... Uhh... I-I d-do indeed.

Maya:

Don't you think it's cold Nick?

Phoenix:

(I don't see how talking about the weather is helping our case.)

Phoenix:

Alright Maya... Let's get going!

Maya:

It's that time isn't it? See ya around, Ben!

Ben:

O-O-O-OK...

Maya:

So Nick... Where are we going next?

Phoenix:

Let's see... Maybe we should go talk to the clown once again.

HEY! WAIT!!

Maya:

Who said that?

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT? I'M RIGHT HERE YOU BLIND WENCH!

Trilo:

What's your problem anyways? Don't you know how to properly greet someone!?

Maya:

Ben? Is that you Ben?

Ben:

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! I would never...

Trilo:

It was me! Yeah me! Down here!!

Phoenix:

You... You're... Trilo!?

Trilo:

That is Mr. Quist to you sir! Learn some manners before you just blurt out my name! Now try speaking to me again, but this time with some proper respect!

Phoenix:

(Not again... *sigh*) Mr. Quist... Is that better?

Trilo:

No! Look at me when I am talking to you, you 8-bit excuse for an attorney!

Ben:

Trilo! We talked about insulting people! You promised!!

Trilo:

But he was mocking me! Being mean to bullies was not included in the deal!

Ben:

I'm sorry Trilo...

Maya:

Nick! What just happened? Trilo is still a puppet right? A ventriloquist's puppet!

Trilo:

Hey! Who do you think you are, calling me a puppet!?

(Clearing all "Talk" options leads to:)

Ben:

Umm... Uhh... Thanks... Now that Trilo's here...

Phoenix:

"Now that Trilo's here..." Does that mean you can talk normally now?

Trilo:

Hey! Buttface!

Maya:

AHHH!

Trilo:

You must be looking forward to tomorrow, aren't you Mr. Ambulance Chaser!?

Phoenix:

Uhh...

Trilo:

You know... It's time to get rid of that pesky magician once and for all!!

Maya:

Tri... Trilo?

Trilo:

Enough jibba jabba! Let's get to court already!

Phoenix:

Ahh... Hey! Wait a second!

Maya:

Nick... What's going on?

Phoenix:

He's a witness for tomorrow's trial...

Maya:

Ahhhhh...

December 28 Berry Big Circus Big Top

Maya:

Hmm... What in the world happened with Ben and Trilo?

Phoenix:

Quite a pair, those two. What did that puppet see anyways

???:

Oooooh!

Phoenix:

Oh no... Now what!?

???:

Oooo-Ooooh!

Phoenix:

Ahhhhh... Yeowwwwwwwww... Ahhhhhhhhhh...

-

Maya:

What is it, Nick?

Phoenix:

T-T-That monkey... ... AHHHH! My badge !! That monkey stole it!!

Maya:

WHHHAAATTT!?

Regina:

Hehehehehe! Mr. Attorney, that face was so cute. You looked so completely dumbfounded!

Maya:

Regina!!

Phoenix:

You!! That monkey!!

Regina:

Hey... No need to get angry... OK?

Phoenix:

B-B-But!! My attorney's badge!!

Regina:

Don't worry... I'll help you out.

Phoenix:

OK... If you say so... (If I don't get my badge back, how can I flash it?)

Regina:

By the way... The monkey's name is Money. Money the monkey.

Maya:

His name is Monke... Money?

(Berry Big Circus - Circus Entrance)

December 28 Lodging House Plaza

Maya:

Huh? Detective Gumshoe took off already.

Phoenix:

Yep. Just leave him alone for a while, OK Maya? I'm sure he just got lonely and headed back to the precinct.

December 28 Lodging Hall 1st Floor Moe's Room

Moe:

Oh my! If it isn't "Mr. Wright All The Time"!!

Phoenix:
 * ugh*

Moe:

It's all Wright to be wrong every now and again, Wright?

Maya:

See Nick! It just took awhile for the joke to find its audience!

Phoenix:

... *sigh*

Moe:

So what can I do for you? Did you remember a good joke you wanted to tell me? Pull up a chair, or maybe just pull my finger, and let me have it.

Maya:

We're going to get the same sound effect either way, aren't we?

Moe:

How'd you know I put a whopee cushion on the chair!? You really know what it takes to be a clown, don't you? Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

December 28 Lodging Hall 3rd Floor Acro's Room

Phoenix:
 * huff* *huff*

Moe:

This is it... What's wrong, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:

I... can't... breathe...

Moe:

Don't be such a wimp! You only had to climb two flights of stairs!!

Phoenix:
 * pant* *pant*

Moe:

Anyways... This is the place. Acro's room.

Phoenix:

Acro?

Moe:

He's an acrobat... It seems like he's not around today...

Maya:

Eh... That's a big pile of junk over in the corner...

Moe:

I don't think it'd be wrong to assume that Phoenix's stuff is over there too... Just be careful to make sure you've got the Wright stuff.

Maya:

Thanks Moe! See you later!

Money has been added to the Court Record.

(Lodging Hall 1st Floor - Moe's Room)

Maya:

Huh? Moe must have gone off somewhere...

Phoenix:

Just as long as he isn't off writing new jokes...

Maya:

Oh, that reminds me Nick... You have to get your Attorney's Badge back by tomorrow, or we're in trouble.

Phoenix:

I know. I know. (I'm gonna have to try and find out where that monkey hid it...)

(Lodging Hall 3rd Floor - Acro's Room)

Phoenix:

Well... I think it's about time we wrap up our investigation...

Maya:

Do you think we'll win in court tomorrow?

Phoenix:

Who knows... Even I can't imagine what kind of testimony will come out tomorrow. (I'm guessing Moe will be a witness in court tomorrow... Moe and maybe the puppet.)

Maya:

Don't worry Nick. No matter what, we've still got a magician on our side!!

Phoenix:

That's good, because we might need some magic tomorrow...

To be continued.

December 29, 9:43 AM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 5

Max:

...

Phoenix:

Good morning Max.

Max:

...

Maya:

Max?

Max:

Mil... Milk...

Maya:

What?

Max:

If I don't have a glass of milk before I go on stage... I just can't function sweetie.

Maya:

St-Stage? Don't worry... There won't be a stage. All you have to do is sit down.

Max:

I guess...

Maya:

Nick. Max is really nervous.

Phoenix:

That's understandable.

Max:

Hey! My sweeties!!

Phoenix:

W-What!?

Max:

You don't think I should fly, do you?

Phoenix:

Huh?

Max:

You know... You've got to make a good first impression! When I enter the room, maybe I should fly in and warm up the crowd a little...

Phoenix:

No no no no no... We can't be having you flying around the courtroom... It just wouldn't be right. Imagine if you hit someone!

Maya:

Don't worry Max... Just do what Nick says and everything will be OK.

Max:

Oh sweetie!!

Phoenix:

What is it this time, Max?

Max:

Why don't you try flying into the courtroom?

Phoenix:

...

Max:

I can see it now... The dashing young lawyer flying fabulously in from above! On glimpse of that, and everyone in the room will be on your side!

Maya:

Max... Really... No one needs to fly today. ... Nick? What's with that look in your eyes?

Phoenix:

(I like the sound of that... "Dashing young lawyer flying fabulously...")

December 29, 10:00 AM District Court Courtroom No. 2

Judge:

And now the case of one...

Phoenix:

...

von Karma:

...

Judge:

... What!?

von Karma:

Your Honor! Get on with it!

Judge:

Oh... Sorry... I just realized that the defendant's name is Billy Bob Johns.

Phoenix:

So...

Judge:

Well, isn't the defendant also known as Maximillion Galactica?

Phoenix:

Yes, Your Honor, he does often go by that name.

Judge:

You know, my grandchild is a huge fan of his. I think everyone here wouldn't mind if we call the defendant Maximillion Galactica... It sounds more... Friendly.

Phoenix:

(Hmm... I wonder if that is to our advantage?)

Judge:

Ms. von Karma. Your opening statement if you please.

von Karma:

...I hope you didn't bother thinking you'd win this one Mr. Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix:

Eh?

von Karma:

That spirit channeling trial was a sham! I refuse to acknowledge its legitimacy! It did not count! Do you hear me!?

Phoenix:

(She must still be upset about what happened last time...)

von Karma:

You have no chance. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I'm not losing this case! Why, you ask? Because it is not in the nature of a Von Karma to lose at anything!!

Maya:

I guess being born with the name Von Karma is a free pass to be arrogant and annoying.

von Karma:

Watch and learn, Mr. Phoenix Wright! I'll show you the textbook procedure for proving how absolutely guilty you are!!

Phoenix:

M-M-M-Me!? ... Guilty!? What are you talking about!?

von Karma:

...It will be my ultimate revenge...

Maya:

Her dad is gone you know...

von Karma:

The prosecution is finished. Let's hurry and wrap up this waste of time.

Judge:

You may call your first witness Ms. von Karma.

von Karma:

Detective Dick Gumshoe! Get up there! NOW!!

-

von Karma:

Sorry to keep you from work, as I'm sure you need every penny you can earn, Detective.

Gumshoe:

Don't mention it! It's no trouble at all! I've been looking forward to this.

von Karma:

Very well. I would like you to begin by shedding light on the events in question.

Gumshoe:

At your service, sir.

Judge:

Alright, Detective. You may proceed with your testimony.

Witness Testimony

-- Details of the Events --

Gumshoe:

The night of the crime, snow was falling until 9:40 PM, making it extremely cold out. All of the circus performers gathered in the Big Top to practice their routines. The practice session broke up around 10 PM. The murder itself took place in the plaza in front of the lodging house at 10:15 PM. The victim was found bent over a wooden box dead as a doornail. The cause of death was blunt force trauma that snapped a vertebrae in his neck.

-

Judge:

I see... He was beaten to death.

Gumshoe:

Here is the autopsy report for the victim.

Judge:

The court accept this into evidence.

Autopsy Report added to the Court Record.

Judge:

A blunt object... Hmm... Very well... Mr. Wright, you may begin your cross-examination.

Phoenix:

Yes, Your Honor.

Cross Examination

-- Details of the Events --

Gumshoe:

The night of the crime, snow was falling until 9:40 PM, making it extremely cold out.

Gumshoe:

All of the circus performers gathered in the Big Top to practice their routines.

Gumshoe:

The practice session broke up around 10 PM.

Gumshoe:

The murder itself took place in the plaza in front of the lodging house at 10:15 PM.

Gumshoe:

The victim was found bent over a wooden box dead as a doornail.

Gumshoe:

The cause of death was blunt force trauma that snapped a vertebrae in his neck.

Maya:

There wasn't much that we could go after Gumshoe with this time...

Phoenix:

He gave us the facts, as he saw them. But there's gotta be more to this.

Maya:

I didn't see anything... But that's why you're the lawyer and I'm the medium.

(Clearing all three checkpoints leads to:)

Judge:

Well, I think we have a good feel for the details of the event now.

Phoenix:

(I guess that's all we're gonna get out of Gumshoe in this case...)

Maya:

You mean all we're gonna get out of him is that little bottle of pepper?

von Karma:

Now that we have wrapped up with the Detective, I'd like to call my next witness.

Gumshoe:

Eh? I'm not even off the stand yet!

von Karma:

Obviously... But that's due to you being slow and unable to take a hint!

Gumshoe:

I dunno, but "wrapped up" has such a mean sound to it... I'm a sensitive guy...

Judge:

Thank you very much, Detective Gumshoe. You may step down. Ms. von Karma. Call your next witness.

von Karma:

I would like to call Mr. Benjamin Woodman to the stand.

Phoenix:

(She must be talking about Ben the ventriloquist...)

Maya:

I wonder if Trilo will show up on the stand as well...?

-

von Karma:

Please state your name and occupation for the record.

Trilo:

My full name is Trilo Quist. I am employed as an opera tenor.

Judge:

Ex-Excuse me! The witness called to the stand was one Mr. Benjamin Woodman, Ventriloquist.

Trilo:

That robe must be cutting off your circulation. I said that I was a singer!! Maybe you don't believe me. Fine. I'll grace you with a song. *Ahem*... Mi mi mi mi mi! The world of the law... Exciting and daring... Guilt or innocence... Decided by a judge dressed up like a woman!! ...Well, what do you think?

von Karma:

...

Judge:

...

Maya:

It had a good rhythm...

Phoenix:

It's just the lyrics... They leave something to be desired, so to speak.

Ben:

T-Trilo! You know better than to insult a judge!!

Trilo:

Shuddup! Just look at your nose. You would think you'd have the sense to fix it!! It's so ugly I want to punch you in the face on the off change swelling would help. You know that your nose is the reason you'll never be an A-List star.

Maya:

Celebrities must really enjoy saying everything that flashes into their minds.

Judge:

What's going on here!? Order! Order! I demand to know who the witness is!!

Ben:

Don't... Don't worry about me, sir. I'll let Trilo handle this.

Judge:

I'm not worried about you one bit... I'm worried about getting testimony in my court! OUCH!!

von Karma:

You won't get anywhere trying to figure out this witness! Now let's proceed!

Witness Testimony

-- What You Witnessed --

Trilo:

Once practice was over, I left the tent with the stooge... I mean clown. Once we got to the lodging house, I ditched him and went over to the plaza. That's when I saw Max heading towards the scene of the crime. He was the only one heading that way... How could that punk not be the killer!? Then the police showed up, and took magic boy away.

-

von Karma:

You saw Maximillion Galactica heading towards the scene? You're sure of that?

Trilo:

Without a doubt. He had on his silk hat, cloak , and the dumb white roses on his chest. How can you mistake someone with that crazy get-up and his nose stuck up so high...

Judge:

Th-That's enough... I think we all get the picture. Just one thing... You said you "ditched" the clown.

Trilo:

That's right, dress-boy.

Judge:

Well, since you weren't with him, couldn't that mean the clown committed the crime?

Phoenix:

(Hmm... He's got a point.)

von Karma:

What a shame... It was a nice theory, but the clown can't be the criminal.

Judge:

Why's that?

von Karma:

Here's absolute proof.

Judge:

A... silk hat?

von Karma:

This was found at the scene of the crime. It belongs to the defendant.

Phoenix:

Ah...

von Karma:

Without question, he was wearing his signature hat during practice. If the clown was the murderer, there would be no reason for this hat to be at the scene.

Judge:

Hmm... Well done, Ms. von Karma. Your prosecutorial skills are unrivaled. Well done.

von Karma:

Thank you for stating the obvious... Mr. Phoenix Wright, what do you have to say?

Phoenix:

O-OK... (I guess she's the boss again today...)

Cross Examination

-- What You Witnessed --

Trilo:

Once practice was over, I left the tent with the stooge... I mean clown.

Trilo:

Once we got to the lodging house, I ditched him and went over to the plaza.

Trilo:

That's when I saw Max heading towards the scene of the crime.

Trilo:

He was the only one heading that way... How could that punk not be the killer!?

Trilo:

Then the police showed up, and took magic boy away.

Maya:

Hmm... Trilo wouldn't happen to have an ulterior motive for incriminating Max, would he?

Phoenix:

Well, Max is part of that bitter love triangle with Regina. Which is probably why Max conked him over the head.

Maya:

Umm Nick... Wasn't Ben the one who got knocked over the head?

Phoenix:

Uh... Yeah... I think so... I dunno anymore!

(Clearing all two checkpoints leads to:)

Phoenix:

Alright! There is obviously a reason why this witness was there that night! He spent all that time waiting for Regina to arrive! Moreover... Even if someone else would've walked right in front of him, I doubt he would have paid them a second thought!

Trilo:

AHHHH!!

Judge:

That makes perfect sense.

von Karma:

What did you just say!? The witness saw the defendant at the scene of the crime!!

Phoenix:

However, he did not see the victim on the way to his eventual demise! If you accept that, then you must accept that there is a high likelihood that... He could have missed someone else other than Max heading to the scene! OWWW!!

von Karma:

There is absolutely no proof that the witness was waiting for the animal tamer!

Trilo:

Umm... Umm... I guess you got me... Alright! Alright! I'll spill the beans for real this time! It's true. I was waiting for Regina.

Ben:

PAIN!!

von Karma:

Don't volunteer things!!

Judge:

Mr. Quist, tell us the truth this time... And I mean the whole truth! Were you or were you not waiting for Regina at the entrance to the lodging house?

Trilo:

I was! I was waiting to propose to her!!

Judge:

You were what!? Waiting to... Propose!?

Trilo:

What's the matter!? You think that humans have a monopoly on marriage!?

Judge:

That... The matter of puppet marriage is not under review in this case!

Trilo:

You're the judge ! I mean, look at your horrible outfit !!

Ben:

MORE PAIN!!

von Karma:

Hmph. Thanks to your bumbling, my perfect plan is not so perfect anymore! Now we have to waste time getting to the bottom of some silly proposal by a puppet!!

Witness Testimony

-- About the Proposal --

Trilo:

Don't be so surprised that I was going to propose to Regina! I even had something to give to her... I kept it in my pocket, waiting for the change to propose and give it to her. Of course, I also had it in my pocket that night. I was a present for her. In the end, I wasn't able to give it to her, so I've still got it in my pocket!

-

Judge:

You were going to propose... You... A puppet...

Trilo:

Don't be so obtuse! Just because I'm a puppet doesn't mean I can't love!

Judge:

I guess your right... Just because I'm old doesn't mean I couldn't propose to her too!

Trilo:

Exactly!

Phoenix:

(His Honor is looking a little less than honorable right now...)

Judge:

OK Mr. Wright... Please continue with your examination... *sigh*

Maya:

Aww... Did you hear that? His sigh seemed a little wistful.

Cross Examination

-- About the Proposal --

Trilo:

Don't be so surprised that I was going to propose to Regina!

Trilo:

I even had something to give to her...

Trilo:

I planned on giving an engagement ring to Regina...

Trilo:

I kept it in my pocket, waiting for the change to propose and give it to her.

Trilo:

Of course, I also had it in my pocket that night. I was a present for her.

Trilo:

In the end, I wasn't able to give it to her, so I've still got it in my pocket!

Maya:

How about it Nick?

Phoenix:

I think it's time to unwrap this toy's testimony.

Maya:

That's the spirit Nick! Give him heck!

Phoenix:

(Uh oh, the judge has that dazed look again. Maybe he should get out more.)

Phoenix:

Trilo, do you mind if I show you something?

Ben:

What is it?

Trilo:

What are you talking about!?

Phoenix:

(Uh oh... Looks like they're going to double team me now...) Do you recognize this ring?

Trilo:

Ah! That's... That's... That's mine!! Give it back! Thief! Thief!

Phoenix:

Didn't you just testify about this very object? I believe you said... "In the end, I wasn't able to give it to her, so I've got it in my pocket!" Why then, do I have it right here...?

Trilo:

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRGHHHHH!!

Judge:

What is going on here!?

Trilo:

That's... That's... Ben! Say something!!

Ben:

Eh? Don't put me on the spot like that Trilo!!

Phoenix:

I found this in Money's room...

Judge:

M-M-Money's room? You mean a room they put money, like a bank vault?

Trilo:

Hah! That filthy monkey is gonna get what's coming to him!!

Judge:

Mr. Quist, I would prefer if you avoided slandering innocent fiats in my court.

Phoenix:

Well, Your Honor... Money really is a monkey... In every sense of the word.

Judge:

Ah. I see... Well then...

Phoenix:

Money likes to go after the shiniest things that he can find and gather them up.

Judge:

Shiny... Things?

Phoenix:

Trilo! When was this ring stolen from you?

Ben:

Well... I suppose it was... That time... You know... That night... The night of the crime...

von Karma:

What did you just say!?

Phoenix:

Details... I need more details...

Ben:

Well... It was stolen right after Max showed up in the plaza...

Phoenix:

Right about when you saw the defendant walk past, correct?

Ben:

Well... Umm... I guess you... Might... Umm... Be able to say that... The ring might have... Well... It could have been... Taken around that time...

-

???:

Oooo-Ooooh!

Ben:

Ahhhhh... Yeowwwwwwwww... Ohhhhhhhhhh...

-

Trilo:

Ben! What's with you!? ... Oh, whatever... It has nothing to do with anything! Especially not who committed the murder!!

Phoenix:

It's not for you to decide what has to do with what! Now Trilo! Back to the topic at hand!

Trilo:

I haven't admitted a thing! Not I... Mr. Trilo Quist!

Phoenix:

What did you do when the ring was taken Trilo?

Trilo:

You know exactly what I did! I chased after that ring snatching monkey Money!!

Phoenix:

But you weren't able to catch up with him were you?

Trilo:

It's all this slow loafy fool called Ben's fault! While he was fumbling his way through the snow, that dumb monkey was able to get away!

Judge:

That is indeed an incredible shame.

Phoenix:

Well... This does indeed prove one very important point.

von Karma:

Prove an important point!? What point could that possibly be?

Phoenix:

There is a huge contradiction in this witness' testimony!

von Karma:

Co-Contradiction!?

Phoenix:

The witness just testified to the following effect-- Up until the police arrived, he didn't move from the entrance to the plaza. HOWEVER! The witness just stated that he chased after Money the monkey. When the witness was off chasing Money, there was no one watching the plaza!

von Karma:

What is the meaning of all this, Mr. Phoenix Wright!? Where are you going with this little theory of yours?

Phoenix:

I'm saying that there is no possible way that this witness saw the plaza the entire time! That's where I'm going with this little theory! Which leads me to my next point. It is entirely possible that someone other than the defendant was at the scene!

Judge:

Interesting Mr. Wright.

von Karma:

Well then tell me this, Mr. Phoenix Wright!! Do you have any proof that something slipped past this vigilant ventriloquist?

Phoenix:

Well, he obviously didn't see the victim, the Ringmaster, arrive on the scene!

von Karma:

However, that doesn't change the fact that he saw the defendant arrive!

Phoenix:

The witness is lying! He is blinded by his rivalry with Max!

Judge:

Well... The defense's argument does hold water. This witness does have a history of animosity towards the defendant.

Trilo:

What!? How dare you!? I wouldn't lie just to get that dorkface in trouble! He's not even worth it!! I saw him! No doubt about it! I saw that worthless liar!

Judge:

Well... Just for clarity's sake, let's flesh out exactly who you saw on that night.

Trilo:

Hah! I've told you so many times, you'd think you'd know my story's not changing!

Phoenix:

(You've already changed your story stick boy! And I'm sure it will change some more.)

Maya:

Where there is one lie, there are usually many more behind it.

Phoenix:

Exactly, Maya. That's why we have to keep after him!

Maya:

Yeah!

Witness Testimony

-- Witnessing Max --

Trilo:

I'll give you that I was waiting that night for Regina. But that doesn't change the fact that I saw Max in the plaza that night! He showed up after I had been waiting there for about five minutes. I said "good evening" to him, but he didn't even acknowledge my presence! I'm absolutely sure it was him! I saw Maximillion Galactica at the scene!! There's no way I could mistake someone wearing those three ridiculous symbols!

-

Judge:

Hmm...

von Karma:

So that means that Money didn't show up until after you saw Max?

Trilo:

That's right. Money ran up less than a minute after I saw Max.

Phoenix:

Then Money snatched the ring, and you went chasing after him?

Judge:

How long was it until you came back to where you were waiting?

Trilo:

Well. Let's see... I'd say about...

Ben:

I suppose five minutes. I think...

von Karma:

So the victim could have arrived on the scene in that five minute stretch.

Judge:

Mr. Wright, please proceed with your cross-examination.

Witness Testimony

-- Witnessing Max --

Trilo:

I'll give you that I was waiting that night for Regina.

Trilo:

But that doesn't change the fact that I saw Max in the plaza that night!

Trilo:

He showed up after I had been waiting there for about five minutes.

Trilo:

I said "good evening" to him, but he didn't even acknowledge my presence!

Trilo:

I'm absolutely sure it was him! I saw Maximillion Galactica at the scene!!

Trilo:

There's no way I could mistake someone wearing those three ridiculous symbols!

Maya:

There has to be a hole in his testimony somewhere.

Phoenix:

I agree. But do we have the proof to make something stick?

Maya:

All we can do is try, right Nick!? We've gotta have something that will prove useful.

Phoenix:

All right, time to go to work.

Phoenix:

Trilo, is it not true that you had a fight with Max on the day of the murder?

von Karma:

A fight?

Phoenix:

A fight over Regina to be exact.

Trilo:

It wasn't that big of a deal! It was just an argument... A disagreement at most!

Phoenix:

A disagreement usually doesn't end with someone getting clonked over the head...

Trilo:

AHHHH!!

Phoenix:

That morning, Ben got clobbered over the head by Max, didn't he?

Judge:

Wh-What? Is that an admission of assault and battery ? OUCH!!

von Karma:

Before we handle that, we should rap up the defendant's murder charge first!

Phoenix:

The truth is that on the day of the crime, the defendant and witness had a huge fight! There is absolutely no way they would have suddenly become cordial that evening! Moreover, just consider the personality of the witness on stand! There is no way a puppet this lewd would just up and say " good evening " to his rival!

Trilo:

GWWAAAAHHHH!!

von Karma:

Are you saying this witness is lying!? That he is trying to frame the defendant by claiming to have seen him at the crime scene!?

Trilo:

I-I-I... I didn't tell a single lie! Honestly! I just...

Judge:

That's enough from you Mr. Quist! Mr. Wright...

Phoenix:

Yes, Your Honor.

Judge:

Let's clarify this testimony for the court... Could you explain your theory about who the witness actually saw that night?

Phoenix:

It is my belief that the witness did indeed see someone that night... It was just someone else! That's who he said "good evening" to.

von Karma:

What kind of theory is that!?

Phoenix:

The correct one. Furthermore, I don't believe the person the witness saw was Max at all.

von Karma:

Wh-What!?

Phoenix:

If he had truly met Max that night, there would have been no greeting at all. Which means there is only one proper answer. The person the witness saw that night was not Maximillion Galactica. That is why Trilo made the effort to greet whoever it was that he saw that evening. Or "good evening" as he put it.

Trilo:

Uhh...

von Karma:

What in the world... You...

Judge:

Would the defense kindly explain who it was Trilo saw that evening then?

von Karma:

It was Russell Berry. The victim himself, was it not?

Phoenix:

You are correct. It was indeed Russell Berry.

Trilo:

...!

Phoenix:

The person you saw that evening was the victim, the Ringmaster, Russell Berry. That's why you greeted him Trilo. Isn't that correct?

Trilo:

... *gulp*

Phoenix:

Answer the question, Mr. Quist!

Trilo:

WAAAAHHHH!! AH!

Judge:

ORDER! ORDER! How do you respond to this!?

Trilo:

Wa-Wait a second!! Well, at first I thought it was the old man! But! But! Once I got a better look at him, it was obviously Maximillion Galactica!

-

Judge:

I think it is high time that we clear the air about this question! Mr. Quist obviously witnessed a single person in the area of the plaza that evening. The problem is identifying exactly who that person was ... Was it Maximillion Galactica? Or was it the Ringmaster, one Mr. Russell Berry?

von Karma:

The prosecution argues that it was the defendant that the witness saw that night! The witness has clearly stated that he saw the defendant's three symbols!

Phoenix:

Three symbols?

Trilo:

Alright... This is getting old. C'mon man! You've gotta remember them by now!! Here we go again! Everyone... All together now!! OWWWWW!!

von Karma:

Yes, yes... We know... The silk hat, cloak, and white roses...

Phoenix:

A silk hat and a cloak! Anyone could wear them! They'd even look good on me!

von Karma:

What was that!?

Phoenix:

Well, the witness has endlessly repeated that he saw Max's three symbols... However, how do we really know it was Maximillion Galactica? It could have been someone else, dressed up as him. Possibly even Russell Berry!

von Karma:

WHAT!?

Judge:

Ms. von Karma.

von Karma:

...

Judge:

Do you have clear evidence that the person the witness saw was the defendant?

von Karma:

Well... I...

Judge:

If that's the case, then it is impossible for me to make a judgment at this point.

Phoenix:

(Yes! I think we've finally won a point in this one!!)

von Karma:

... That is very... Unfortunate.

Phoenix:

Huh?

von Karma:

You're just a little too excited for your own good, Mr. Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix:

What do you mean by that?

von Karma:

You merely established one thing from this witness. You established that this witness saw one person in the plaza that night. I applaud you on your effort, but...

Judge:

But...?

von Karma:

Who that person was can only be answered by the next witness!

Phoenix:

HUH!?

von Karma:

Your Honor, the prosecution will provide, beyond a shadow of a doubt, an answer to that question, and evidence that clearly establishes one thing. That there is no one other than Maximillion Galactica responsible for this crime!

Judge:

Very well. The court will take a 10 minute recess. During that time, I request the prosecution prepare their next witness. Court is now in recess!

To be continued.

December 29, 11:54 AM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 5

Max:

Sw-Sweetie! You have to believe me! I didn't go anywhere near that crime scene!

Maya:

So then where were you when the murder took place?

Max:

We talked about it yesterday remember? I was in the Ringmaster's room!

Phoenix:

And while you were there, it was the Ringmaster who left the room, right?

Max:

Exactly. He told me to wait in the room because he would "be right back".

Maya:

That's when the Ringmaster headed to the scene of the crime... Right?

Phoenix:

That's what it seems like.

Maya:

But... The Ringmaster must've been wearing Max's costume. Right?

Max:

Oh! Sweetie! I just remembered! I went straight to the Ringmaster's room still dressed in my stage clothes. But when I got there, I went ahead and took the costume off.

Maya:

Which means?

Phoenix:

It means that the Ringmaster could have taken his costume, and went out looking like Max!

Max:

FABULOUS! That's a fabulously possible possibility!

Maya:

Heh Heh... Well done Nick.

Max:

However, sweetie... Why would the Ringmaster want to dress up like me? Isn't that a bit strange?

Phoenix:

Hmm...

Max:

If you think about it, all they found at the crime scene was my silk hat. What about my cloak ? Where did that go?

Phoenix:

Double hmm...

Maya:

Wow Max. I never thought of that. You should be a detective or something!

Max:

Well, I was never quite sure what to be when I grew up... Magician or President? You have no idea how hard it was to make a decision!

Maya:

That's really cool...

Phoenix:

(Fabulous... This mystery just keeps getting deeper...)

December 29, 10:00 AM District Court Courtroom No. 2

Judge:

Now that everyone is back, let's get started. The court is now back in session. Ms. von Karma, please proceed with the prosecution's case.

von Karma:

Very well... I will now call my next witness. A pitiful clown with the unfortunate distinction of having seen the entire thing. Will Mr. Lawrence Curls please take the stand!

Phoenix:

(Why did she just call him a " pitiful " clown?)

-

von Karma:

The witness will state his name and occupation for the court record.

Moe:

...

von Karma:

...

Moe:

... In West Clownadelphia, born and raised, on the playground is where I spent my clowin...

von Karma:

... Name and occupation.

Judge:

Will the witness please inform the court why he is speaking autobiographical gibberish?

Moe:

O-Oh... I-I'm sorry... I'm just not used to being in court. I've never been in a courtroom in my life. I wasn't sure what joke is best suited to this sort of occasion.

Judge:

What in the world are you talking about!? You're in a grand hall of justice, not some comedy club! Since it's easy to see your occupation, please state your name for the court.

Moe:

... Oh... Yeah... Maybe this joke is OK... "Mom, do I have to wear pants?" "The sign only says no shirt, no shoes, no service." Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

.....................

Moe:

OK! OK! How about this? "Have you met my proctologist? Dr. Seymour Butts!!" How was that one!? Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! ...But a couple of clowns, they were up to no good... Started makin' trouble in...

von Karma:

Your name...

Moe:

Lawrence Curls. Professional funnyman, also known as Moe the clown.

von Karma:

You witnessed the scene at around 10:15 PM the day of the murder. Correct?

Moe:

Yes... Yes it is.

Judge:

Very well, Mr. Curls. Will you please testify to what you saw that evening?

Moe:

A rabbi, a priest, and a Rastafarian walked into this plaza...

Judge:

Without the humor please.

Moe:

OK...

Maya:

Aww... Poor Moe can't be his normal stoogey self in court.

Witness Testimony

-- What You Witnessed --

Moe:

I know... I know... I'm not the greatest comedian in the world... I haven't been able to make people laugh for 10 years! No matter what I say, all I get in return is a vacant stare and polite applause. Since no one ever laughs at my jokes, I've taken to laughing at them myself. It's a bad habit, but hey, at least I'm trying!! Imagine my predicament! I'm a clown who can't make people laugh!! I'm almost useless! But I keep trying... I even tried to come up with jokes just for today!! But this atmosphere is very nerve-wracking! I decided to try making everyone laugh! Seriously... Everyone... What do you think of me? How am I doing?

-

Judge:

...

von Karma:

...

Phoenix:

Umm... Aren't we the ones supposed to be asking the questions here?

von Karma:

Witness...

Moe:

Huh?

von Karma:

We will listen to your call for help after the court proceedings are over. Thus, please stick with the facts of the case.

Moe:

Really!? You'll really hear me out!?

von Karma:

Well, I'll make sure that one of my staff will be your straight man later.

Moe:

Thank you!! Thank you!!! I can't wait!!

Phoenix:

(Poor Gumshoe...)

Judge:

Now that that's settled, shall we begin one again with the testimony!?

Moe:

Of course we can! I'll talk for as long as you want!!

Witness Testimony

-- What You Witnessed --

Moe:

The night of the murder, after practice was over, I went straight back to my room. You have no idea how tired I was that night. I was pooped. I thought I'd go straight to sleep, but before I did, I glanced out the window. That's when I saw two silhouettes! They were a bit far away though! It was the Ringmaster, and he was with Max, who was wearing his cloak! I kept watching them, and all of a sudden, Max clonked the Ringmaster over the head!

-

Judge:

That's very interesting... If this eyewitness account is to be believed, I have enough to pass judgment right now...

von Karma:

Of course you can! There is no way that this account can be criticized.

Judge:

However... The witness is a bit, how do you say, "off-kilter"... Almost like he has some sort of atmosphere of guilt surrounding him.

Moe:

Aha! Aha! Aha! That must be because of my insincere smile...

Judge:

Mr. Wright, please begin the defense's cross-examination.

Phoenix:

Yes, Your Honor.

Maya:

Nick! You've gotta find some kind of contradiction in his testimony!

Phoenix:

I know that!

Judge:

Mr. Wright.

Phoenix:

Your Honor?

Judge:

I'm afraid that if you push this witness too far, it would bring disaster upon the court. Thus, I sincerely hope you are not going to engage in pointless saber-rattling.

Phoenix:

I understand Your Honor.

von Karma:

If you cause this clown to stray from the facts, I'll hold you responsible !

Phoenix:

(Why am I responsible!? I'm not the one with the corny jokes.)

Cross Examination

-- What You Witnessed --

Moe:

The night of the murder, after practice was over, I went straight back to my room.

Moe:

You have no idea how tired I was that night. I was pooped.

Moe:

I thought I'd go straight to sleep, but before I did, I glanced out the window.

Moe:

I heard a huge noise outside the window, and that's what made me take a look outside...

Moe:

That's when I saw two silhouettes! They were a bit far away though!

Moe:

It was the Ringmaster, and he was with Max, who was wearing his cloak!

Moe:

I kept watching them, and all of a sudden, Max clonked the Ringmaster over the head!

Maya:

You know... Moe's testimony and what he told us yesterday are kinda different...

Phoenix:

Yeah I noticed. We've just got to pinpoint what's changed.

Maya:

You can do it, Nick!

Phoenix:

I've got a great reason to make my claim!

von Karma:

And I suppose you will be telling us all that "great" reason?

Phoenix:

Of course I will... The reason is... The witness' very own testimony !

Judge:

What is the meaning of that Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:

Moe said that he heard a sound like a "thump" of someone getting hit.

Judge:

Hmm... He did say that.

Phoenix:

However, Moe just stated the following under oath.

-

Moe:

I kept watching them, and all of a sudden, Max clonked the Ringmaster over the head!

-

Phoenix:

If Moe is to be believed when he says he looked out the window upon hearing a sound, there is no way that he could have seen Max " clonk " anyone!

Moe:

In 1972, a crack clown unit was sent to prison by a circus court for a crime...

Judge:

Mr. Curls! How do you respond to Mr. Wright's assessment!!?

Moe:

...they didn't commit. These clowns promptly escaped from a maximum security clown car...

Judge:

Mr. Curls, are you reciting the C-Team theme to anger this court?

Moe:

No no no... I'm just stalling for time while I jog my memory...

Maya:

Great job, Nick!

Phoenix:

These types of witnesses always seem to have a selective memory... You just have to peel back the layers of the clown make-up to find the truth.

Moe:

Well... Um...

Judge:

Ahh, you're back from your jog?

Moe:

Well... It pretty much happened the way I said.

Phoenix:

"Pretty much"...?

Moe:

When I looked out my window that night, the Ringmaster was already face down in the snow. The prosecution helped me fill in the gaps of my statement.

Phoenix:

(Von... Von Karma!! Tampering with witnesses again!!)

von Karma:

...

Judge:

So now you are saying that you did not see the defendant "clonk" the Ringmaster?

Moe:

Y-Yes... When I looked out my window, the Ringmaster had already checked out.

Judge:

Checked out?

Moe:

Yep. He was on permanent vacation as they say. Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

Judge:

Mr. Curls!!

Moe:

Your Honor?

Judge:

You did not witness the actual crime ; however, you still say you saw the criminal, correct?

Moe:

Y-Y-YES!! Exactly! The Ringmaster was slumped over and I saw someone's silhouette next to him.

Judge:

Very well. Then please testify to this silhouette you saw... I expect the truth! And if I even catch a hint of a joke from you... I will put you in a holding cell until you learn court etiquette, got it!?

Moe:

Got it.

Witness Testimony

-- The Silhouette --

Moe:

I was a bit far away, but that shadow could only have belonged to Max. There's no doubting it. Especially since I saw his uppity symbols. His silk hat. That black cloak. They were all there! His face was silhouetted, but there was no doubt that it was him. His cloak was fluttering in the wind, so I couldn't really see what he was carrying.

-

Judge:

Hmm... It does seem as if the defendant was at the scene of the crime.

von Karma:

You took your time realizing that, didn't you!? Whatever. That should be enough, right!?

Judge:

It is decisive testimony...

Maya:

Was Max really at the crime scene that night...?

Phoenix:

He said he wasn't there. We have to keep believing that.

Judge:

Alright, Mr. Wright. Commence your cross-examination.

Cross Examination

-- The Silhouette --

Moe:

I was a bit far away, but that shadow could only have belonged to Max.

Moe:

There's no doubting it. Especially since I saw his uppity symbols.

Moe:

His silk hat. That black cloak. They were all there!

Moe:

His face was silhouetted, but there was no doubt that it was him.

Moe:

His cloak was fluttering in the wind, so I couldn't really see what he was carrying.

Phoenix:

(With Trilo's testimony, and now Moe's... It really seems like Max is the killer.)

Maya:

N-Nick... You've gotta find a contradiction in this.

Phoenix:

That's not going to be enough...

Maya:

What?

Phoenix:

I have to prove that Moe saw someone other than Max that night! That's the only thing that will help! I've gotta do it!

Phoenix:

You say you saw all of Max's "uppity" symbols?

Moe:

I suppose so... The silk hat and the cloak, right?

Phoenix:

Moe... Everyone knows that Maximillion Galactica has three uppity symbols !

Moe:

Three symbols?

Maya:

Yay! Everyone get ready!! All... Together... Now...

"SILK HAT! CLOAK! WHITE ROSES! "

Moe:

What the!?

von Karma:

Who cares if he knew that there were three or not! He saw what he saw. And he saw the symbols. He just forgot to mention one.

Moe:

...

von Karma:

Isn't that right, Moe?

Moe:

... Do you like Pi? I love Pi! 3.141592653589793238462643383279! Tasty!

von Karma:

Silence fool! You are to respond with the whole truth! No fractions!

Judge:

Order! Order!

Phoenix:

Moe! You didn't see the roses, did you!?

Moe:

To be honest... There wasn't any roses on the person I saw...

von Karma:

The crime scene was dark! It's obvious it was too dark to see that kind of detail!

Phoenix:

But the witness said he was able to see the silhouette of the criminal's face. Not to mention that the roses are white! There's no way he could have missed them!

von Karma:

Then the roses must have fallen off when the defendant assaulted the victim!

Phoenix:

If that was the case, then the police would have found them near the crime scene!

Judge:

Mr. Wright! Are these white roses truly material to the facts of this case?

von Karma:

Clearly not! He is just toying with the court!

Phoenix:

... (I got her on the ropes now... Whenever there's a nugget of truth, it always seems to peek out at me... Then run away.) Someone is toying with the court, but it's not me! Your Honor! Do you recall Trilo's testimony?

-

Trilo:

There's no way I could mistake someone wearing those three ridiculous symbols !

-

Trilo:

How can you mistake someone with that crazy get-up and his nose stuck up so high...

-

Trilo:

How could you mistake someone wearing such a snobby 3 piece get-up !

-

Phoenix:

Trilo saw them all! Trilo saw all three of Max's symbols! However, this witness claims there were no white roses on the person he saw! There is absolutely no doubt that this is a contradiction!

Judge:

Hmm... Now what am I supposed to think? One is supposed to disregard the pointless, but this...

von Karma:

Judge! Forget the roses! Think about his other testimony! The witness has stated without a doubt that he saw Maximillion Galactica! Nothing else matters! Let's wrap this case up now!

Phoenix:

Your Honor! It may be trivial, but there should still be doubt lingering in your mind!

Judge:

... Frankly, I have my doubts about this witness. It seems that, unlike wine, the witness has not grown more mature with age.

Moe:

I'm not... Mature...

Judge:

I've come to a conclusion... I'm 99% certain that this witness saw the defendant. However! My remaining one percent of doubt is quite reasonable! Which means that for my peace of mind, I'm going to request a bit more testimony.

von Karma:

W-What!?

Judge:

If there are no contradictions in his next statement, I am prepared to issue a ruling.

Phoenix:

(A ruling...!!)

Maya:

Nick! This is your last chance!

Witness Testimony

-- The Silhouette, Part 2 --

Moe:

There's no doubt in my mind! There were no white roses that night! However, all of the other symbols were there... I'm equally sure of that. Especially the silk hat! There is no way I could forget seeing the decorations on it! He was wearing it the entire time that he was on the scene!

-

Judge:

Mr. Wright... You've got one last chance at this.

Phoenix:

Just one chance?

Judge:

I will not allow even the slightest hint of badgering against this witness. If you are going to prove to me there's a contradiction with Mr. Curl's statement, you'd better have at least a shred of evidence to back up your accusations.

Phoenix:

(I've only got a single shot as this... I've got to be careful.) I understand, Your Honor. One chance is all I will need!

Witness Testimony

-- The Silhouette, Part 2 --

Moe:

There's no doubt in my mind! There were no white roses that night!

Moe:

However, all of the other symbols were there... I'm equally sure of that.

Moe:

Especially the silk hat! There is no way I could forget seeing the decorations on it!

Moe:

He was wearing it the entire time that he was on the scene!

Maya:

Whaddya think, Nick?

Phoenix:

There's no way I'm going to lose after coming this far. There's gotta be an answer. And it's probably in the Court Record!

Phoenix:

This wouldn't happen to be the silk hat you saw that night, would it?

Moe:

Yep! That's it! That's the hat he was wearing that night!

Phoenix:

No question in your mind?

Moe:

Exactly how would one mistake a thing like that!?

Phoenix:

I see...

Judge:

Is there some sort of problem, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:

Ms. von Karma. Where exactly was the silk hat found?

von Karma:

Must you always ask these questions!? It was found at the crime scene!! ... The c-c- crime scene ... That means...

Phoenix:

The silk hat fell off at the crime scene! However the witness clearly testified to the contrary!! The witness stated that "He was wearing it the entire time that he was on the scene!"

Moe:

NoooooOOOOOooooo!! That's not trrrrrruuuuueeee!!

Judge:

ORDER! ORDER!! OOORRRDER!! MR. CURLS!!

Moe:

Y-Yes, Your Honor?

Judge:

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ALL OF THIS!? You are old enough to know better than to behave like this in court!

Moe:

Hey! That's just not right!! That's so harsh!

Judge:

What's not right here is your eyesight and your memory, amongst other things!!

Moe:

............... Wh... Why are you being so mean to me!! What did I do!? Lemme guess... You just didn't like my jokes or something, right? You didn't have to go and insult my eyesight or my memory!? They're both great! Seriously!! Why!? Just because you are sitting above me doesn't mean you belong there! And no matter how old I get, I'll always be younger you!! WAAAAAHHHHHHHH!! *sobs*

...

Judge:

... Enough of these childish outbursts, Mr. Curls! Who do you think you are?

Moe:

I saw him! I swear I saw him!! It was Max!! Even if he didn't have his roses, he was still wearing his dumb silk hat!! I'm telling the truth!!

Maya:

He's turned into a bratty little kid.

Phoenix:

It's pitiful, isn't it?

Moe:

He left the scene wearing that dumb silk hat! He was there!!

Phoenix:

(He... Left the scene?)

Maya:

What's the matter, Nick?

Phoenix:

There's something I've been mulling over for a while now. Moe?

Moe:

Whaddya want!?

Phoenix:

You just said that he left the scene... Exactly how did the murderer leave the scene of the crime?

Moe:

WHAT!? He... Umm... He... Went... Whaddya mean "how did he leave the scene"? You can't ask me that!!

von Karma:

Mr. Phoenix Wright is badgering the witness, Your Honor!!

Phoenix:

This witness' testimony is so full of holes, Ms. von Karma's protest is useless!

von Karma:

Grrrr...

Judge:

You've got a point. Let's hear what the witness has to say on this matter. Is that alright with you, little guy?

Moe:

Don't talk to me like I'm a little baby!! Besides, what kind of stupid question is "how did he leave the crime scene!?" The answer's obvious! He just turned around and walked away!!

Phoenix:

That's what I expected you'd say... You sure that's how it happened?

Moe:

Hmph!!

Judge:

Huh? I'm not sure I know exactly where you're going with this... Lawyers nowadays sure do love to harp on the smallest things. Do you have any proof to counter his story as to how the criminal left the scene?

Phoenix:

Look at this picture. The problem is the footprints in the snow...

Judge:

Footprints?

Phoenix:

In this photo, we can clearly see the footprints of the victim ! However, where are the criminal's footprints? They aren't there!!

Moe:

Ai-yai-yai-yai-yai!!

Phoenix:

So Moe, exactly how did the criminal escape the scene?

Moe:

Umm... He... Uh...

Phoenix:

Your Honor! This witness has already proven that his testimony is completely unreliable! I move to strike all of this witness' testimony from the court record!

Judge:

I agree... This clown's testimony is as rickety as the clown car he came to court in.

Moe:

WAIT JUST A SECOND!! You guys can't just ignore everything I've said!! Fine fine! I'll tell you the truth this time...

von Karma:

YOU WAIT A SECOND! I think you've said more than enough for today!!

Moe:

That didn't hurt!! I'm sick and tired of listening to you anyways!! I'll give you the real deal this time... I swear!!

Maya:

I dunno why, but I get the feeling things are gonna get worse before they get better.

Judge:

Mr. Lawrence Curls.

Moe:

Yes!?

Judge:

The testimony you've provided up until now has been false?

Moe:

It hasn't been false! I haven't lied! It's just...

Judge:

It's just what?

Moe:

It's just I was a bit confused on the bit about the criminal leaving the scene. Especially since Von Karma and her whip told me not to talk about what I really saw!

Judge:

ORDER!! ORDER!! I WILL HAVE ORDER!! Franziska von Karma!! How could you!!

von Karma:

Your Honor... If you had heard the truth from this witness... You would have exactly the same opinion as I have.

Judge:

What opinion is that?

von Karma:

It's not funny!

Judge:

That's enough out of you! I'm going to listen to what he has to say. Now then, let's hear the truth about what you say you saw!

Moe:

Hah! You're not gonna believe this but it's all true I tell you!

von Karma:

Try not to waste our time with your idiotic drivel.

Witness Testimony

-- The Truth --

Moe:

Now it's time for our next segment, "Moe Knows..."!! Everything that I've said up until now has been the truth! When I looked out the window, the Ringmaster was down and Max was standing above him! He wasn't wearing his white roses, but he was wearing the silk hat! That's when I saw... He... This is the truth now, get ready for it! He flew! He jumped up and flew through the air!! He flew right off and disappeared into the darkness! That's why there were no footprints! Flying people don't leave footprints!

-

von Karma:

I told you it wasn't funny. Do you believe me now?

Phoenix:

...

Judge:

...

.....................

Judge:

Well... That was... Umm... How do you put this into words...

von Karma:

Maximillion Galactica is a world-class magician. But to leave the scene of a crime by flying. There's no way that actually happened.

Judge:

You... You're right.

Moe:

Why is she right!? You believed the other witnesses! Why won't you believe me!? Especially since it's the best part of the story!!

Judge:

Hmm... To be honest, this is the first time I've heard of a flying criminal. What do you think about this witness' testimony, Mr. Wright?

-

Judge:

I suppose I will let you all in on my thinking regarding this matter... "The criminal disappeared into the sky." I'd love to believe that... But I can't wrap my head around how that could actually happen.

von Karma:

You imbecile!

Judge:

If you disregard a need for proof, Ms. von Karma's case is sound. However... I've got the feeling that this case is in dire need of more investigation.

von Karma:

...!

Judge:

Thus I will conclude today's proceedings at this point! It's an undisputed fact that the criminal left no footprints at the scene. Tomorrow, I want us to find out the reason behind this mystery of mysteries.

Phoenix:

Umm, uhh...

von Karma:

Grrr...

Judge:

I believe that's enough for today. Court is now in recess!

December 29, 2:33 PM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 5

Max:

Hey! Sweeties! What in the world is going on!?

Phoenix:

That's what I want to know!

Maya:

They say the criminal flew off into the air and disappeared!

Phoenix:

Max, I can't believe I'm asking this, but you didn't fly that night, did you?

Max:

I know you didn't mean to ask me such a fabulously stupid question! I can't fly whenever I please. It's not that easy!!

Maya:

But it looks so effortless for you on stage...

Max:

It's not that simple!! I'm not actually flying on stage! I use invisible wires and have them hoist me through the air!

Maya:

Wow... You just told me the secret to your magic!!

Max:

NO!! I broke the first rule... The cardinal rule... The ONLY RULE!

Phoenix:

I'm sorry, Max. I'm sorry you had to break a magician's creed to keep the magic tricks secret...

Maya:

Nick! What do we do now!?

Phoenix:

All we can do now is hope we find the flying criminal in court tomorrow.

Maya:

Great idea! Let's do our best and catch this sucker!

To be continued.

December 29, 3:03 PM Wright & Co. Law Offices

Maya:

Umm... Nick?

Phoenix:

What is it?

Maya:

I've got a confession to make... I'm terrible at figuring out magic tricks...

Phoenix:

Magic tricks?

Maya:

Yep. Magic tricks are by their very definition tricks, right? But I can never figure out the tricks when I see them. I'm just not good at it...

Phoenix:

That's because the tricks are performed by pros. They do it so you can't guess the trick.

Maya:

But but... The trick Pearly showed me was incredible!

Phoenix:

Pearls did a magic trick? Hmm... What kind of trick was it?

Maya:

Let's see. It looked like she pulled the end of her own thumb off!

Phoenix:

Heh...

Maya:

First she put her right thumb next to her left hand, and then it just separated! She could move it up and down and everything! It was incredible!

Phoenix:

Really? Was it kinda like this...?

Maya:

WHAT!? WOW! HOW'D YOU DO THAT!? Nick, you're like a real magician! See this is why I just can't figure out magic... I'm no good at it... Especially hard tricks like flying away from the scene of a murder...

Phoenix:

You'll take all the fun out of magic if you keep trying to figure it out.

December 29 Detention Center Visitor's Room

Max:

Oh! My sweeties!! You mind hurrying up and getting me out of this place!?

Phoenix:

We're doing our best, Max. Just hang in there.

Max:

A little while ago, some people from a local TV station came by... They said that, since I'm a famed magician, "Let's make your very own TV special!"

Maya:

Really? What kind of TV special?

Max:

"Maximillion Galactica: The Great Prison Escape" It would be aired live.

Maya:

Hey! That sounds like it would be an awesome special!

Max:

But if I do the special before I'm acquitted, they'll never let me out of here for real.

Phoenix:

Well, it would surely be an unnecessary addition to your troubles with the law.

Max:

That's what I was thinking... But the production staff is already working on the show! If you don't get me out quick, I'll have no choice but to stage a real prison break.

Phoenix:

You seem awfully calm about that possibility...

Max:

I'd have no choice. It would be a contractual obligation... That's show business.

December 29 Berry Big Circus Circus Entrance

Maya:

You hear that? It sounds like two people arguing...

Trilo:

Alright, let's do it. Are you ready?

Ben:

Y-Yes... A-Ah... Wait...

Trilo:

Quit your whining! Let's just give this a shot already! Alright! Let's go!

Ben:

Row-row-row-your-boat!

Trilo:

Row-row-row-your-boat!

Ben:

...

Trilo:

What are you doing!? Gently-down-the-stream! C'mon, you know that!!

Ben:

I'm trying my best, but... Trilo, this just isn't going to work...

Trilo:

Do you enjoy saying dumb things? You're going to have to be on your own someday! If you can't handle something as simple as this, was are you going to do then!?

Maya:

Hello Ben. Hello to you too, Trilo.

Trilo:

What are you doing here!? Can't you see we're on a secret crash training course!?

Maya:

I'm sorry...

Phoenix:

Secret crash training! Whoa.

Ben:

Yes. Trilo wouldn't give up until I said we'd try out his idea for a new routine. So... We were trying to sing in a round for our new ventriloquism act.

Maya:

In a round!? You can really do that!? That's incredible!

Trilo:

See! See! Even they are surprised by the idea!! I told you!!

Ben:

They're not the only ones!! You even surprised me with your idea!!

Trilo:

Once we've got a grip on the basics, then it's just a matter of practice!

Ben:

Y-Y-You t-t-think so?

Maya:

Oh, I almost forgot! I wanted to give this back to you.

Trilo:

Ahh! There it is!! Now that I've got this ring back, it's time to take one more shot at Regina!

December 29 Berry Big Circus Big Top

Maya:

Huh? Where's Regina?

Phoenix:

I dunno... But if she's with that tiger, I don't want to find out!! Let's hurry up and get out of here!

Maya:

Hehe... Nick. You're kinda a chicken, aren't you?

Phoenix:

No no no no no... I'm just... Umm... Allergic to wild tigers!

December 29 Big Top Ringmaster's Room

Maya:

Max and the Ringmaster had their talk in this room.

Phoenix:

That could have been when the Ringmaster put on Max's costume and went outside.

Maya:

Why'd he do that? Maybe it was cold or something?

December 29 Big Top Cafeteria

Maya:

They still haven't cleaned this place up yet. If Pearly got one look at the state of this place... She'd slap whoever was in charge across the face!!

Phoenix:

(Remind me to never invite her to my office.)

December 29 Lodging House Plaza

Gumshoe:

Oh, it's you two.

Phoenix:

You look like you just got hit by a truck. Shouldn't you get some rest?

Gumshoe:

Nah... I'm taking a rest right now, pal. I've been listening to come crazy clown's life story. Ms. von Karma told me to come down here and do this for her.

Phoenix:

Being bossed around by a woman... I know how you feel.

Gumshoe:

Let me tell you something, pal. Listening to that old clown sucks all your energy. Every time he's done talkin' he looks at you like you should be doing something...

Phoenix:

Umm... I think he's waiting for you to laugh at his jokes.

Gumshoe:

I know that, pal. Do you have any idea how much your face hurts if you fake laughing that much?

Maya:

Franziska really set you up bad this time, didn't she? If you ask me, she should be listening to Moe herself...

Gumshoe:

No way, pal. You're not gonna get me to backbite a woman with a whip. No way.

Maya:

Why are you defending her?

Gumshoe:

Prosecutor von Karma's always got her eyes on us. And every time you definitely don't want her to show up... *poof* There she is!! Don't show up... Don't show up... Don't show up... Don't show up... Don't show up...

Phoenix:

(Looks like she's wound him pretty tight...)

Gumshoe:

She's directly above us as we speak.

Maya:

Huh? How's that possible?

Gumshoe:

According to the clown, the criminal jumped from here and disappeared into the sky. If that's what happened, it means the killer passed right by this window, pal.

Maya:

Oh, I see... Who lives in that room behind the window up there?

Gumshoe:

The acrobat's got his room up on the third floor, it seems. Pretty soon, Ms. von Karma's gonna start her investigation up there. So don't get any ideas of going up to the acrobat's room, got it pal?

Maya:
 * shivers* V-Von Karma...

Phoenix:

(Once she's done with her investigation, I think I'll go up there and check it out.)

December 29 Lodging Hall 1st Floor Moe's Room

Phoenix:

Moe's not here...

Maya:

If he was here, you would have been able to tell even before you stepped into his room. I'm sure you would've heard him laughing away... "Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!"

Phoenix:

What do you think he is laughing at when he's all by himself?

Maya:

I always thought he was just thinking up new jokes.

Phoenix:

(Hmm... He must really love his work...)

(Berry Big Circus - Big Top)

December 29 Big Top Cafeteria

Moe:

Ah! Wright!! Welcome to the wonderful, the fabulous, the cafeteria!

Phoenix:

(Yikes... He's in an awfully good mood...)

Moe:

Alright! You know what time it is!! Riddle time!! Why does everyone cry when they eat Mexican pizza?

Phoenix:

Umm...

Moe:

C'mon! You can answer this! It's easy!!

Phoenix:

...Because cafeteria Mexican pizza is possibly a weapon of bowel destruction?

Moe:
 * BUZZ* Wrong! Try again! OK! What do you think, girlie?

Maya:

Umm... Ahh! I got it!!

Moe:

OK!! What is your answer?

Maya:

Because they are in the Café Teary Eye!

Moe:

Exactly!! It's an incredibly sad place, that café. Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

Maya:

I did it!!

Phoenix:

(What's going on? He's being too nice...)

(Detention Center - Visitor's Room)

(Big Top - Ringmaster's Room)

(Berry Big Circus - Big Top)

December 29 Big Top Cafeteria

Maya:

Wha...? Moe's gone.

Phoenix:

There's a message on the bulletin board. "I'm hungry so I'm off to get some hamburgers! Love, Moe."

Maya:

Mmmm... Hammburrgeerrrr... Just thinking about it is making me hungry! All of a sudden I need a burger bad!!

Phoenix:

(All of a sudden, I need a new partner... BAD!!)

(Berry Big Circus - Circus Entrance)

December 29 Lodging House Plaza

Maya:

Hey Detective Gumshoe! I'm sure you did a good job as usual.

Gumshoe:

Well, I am done with the investigation of the acrobat. Finally. But with Ms. von Karma...

...*beep* *beep*...
 * ...*beep* *beep*...
 * ...*beep* *beep*...

Maya:

Nick, what is that? That beeping sound?

Phoenix:

Hmm...

Gumshoe:

It's Ms. von Karma.

Maya:

Huh?

Gumshoe:

Every time I hear that sound, she's usually not very far behind!

Phoenix:

Some sort of pager or something?

Gumshoe:

If you don't mind pal, I'm gonna go ahead and get outta here... Quick. See ya, pal!!

Maya:

I didn't know that Gumshoe could run that fast! So much for being a flatfoot.

Phoenix:

(Never seen a grown man so afraid of a girl still in her teens!)

Maya:

Well, let's go inside... It's freezing out here! Uh oh... The whi... OWWWW!! That whip could cut right through me...!!

Phoenix:

Von... Von... Von... Karma!! (She really did appear!!)

von Karma:

It was a battle today in court, wasn't it... Mr. Phoenix Wright!?

Phoenix:

Did you have to jump out and scare us like that? What can I do for you?

von Karma:

Tomorrow will be the day. The day my dream finally comes true!

Phoenix:

You mean the story of my defeat at your hands making the national news?

von Karma:

Ha ha ha... National news? You possess such a small sense of scale... The global news, Mr. Phoenix Wright! Your miserable plight will be known internationally!

Phoenix:

(I think she might be overestimating the importance of a win by just a smudge...)

(Clearing all "Talk" options leads to:)

Maya:

N-N-Nick! Umm... About Edgeworth?

Phoenix:

Maya, I already told you this once. Don't make me do it again. Don't bring up his name in front of me again, OK?

Maya:

N-Nick...?

Phoenix:

Von Karma?

von Karma:

What?

Phoenix:

I don't know if you are god's gift to prosecutors or not, but I've had about enough of you!! Him too!

Maya:

Wha... What happened?

von Karma:

Hmph. This dog is all bark and no bite. He's already been defeated... Regardless, I have nothing to inform you two of today. Tomorrow will be the greatest courtroom battle this country has ever seen!!

Maya:

Nick?

Phoenix:

Let's go. We need to talk with the performer on the third floor.

Maya:

I'm sorry I brought it up, Nick...

December 29 Lodging Hall 3rd Floor Acro's Room

???:

You must be Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix:

Y-Yes.

???:

Pleased to meet you. I'm Ken Dingling.

Acro:

But here at the circus, everyone just calls me Acro.

Maya:

Mr... Acro.

Phoenix:

Ummm... How do you know my name?

Acro:

The detective told me. He said you'd definitely show up here.

Maya:

Acro, you're a member of this circus as well?

Acro:

That's right. I mainly perform on the tightrope or the flying trapeze. But nowadays... All I perform in is my wheelchair.

(Berry Big Circus - Circus Entrance)

(Wright & Co. Law Offices)

December 29 Berry Big Circus Big Top

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Phoenix:

(I've got a bad feeling about this...)

Grrrrrrrrrrr... Grawwwwwww!!

Maya:

YAAAH!! NICK!!

Phoenix:

(Wonderful... Today's special must be Filet O'Phoenix!)

Regina:

STAY! STAY! HEEL! Oh! Maya! Nick! It's you guys! I'm sorry... I guess I made a mistake.

Phoenix:

A m-m-mistake!?

Regina:

Yeah. A little one. I was thinking of teaching whatever primate was out there a lesson... But I was expecting more of a monkey than a human...

Maya:

A monkey?

December 29 Big Top Cafeteria

Maya:

Something smells fantastic! So we know it can't be Moe... Wait! I know what it is!! It's burgers!!

Moe:

Hello hello hello! Welcome to the Bistro du Cirque aka the cafeteria!

Maya:

Mmm... It smells so good in here... Those burgers look great!

Phoenix:

(She's drooling like she' some sort of crazed burger monster!)

Moe:

My burgers are the best!! Juicy meat... Toasted buns... Special sauce... They are absolutely irresistible to anyone with a hankering for a burger! One bite will send you into hamburger heaven!

Maya:

I bet! I can tell by the smell.

Phoenix:

(Whoa... I'm getting hungry too! Those burgers must have some kind of special power!)

(Lodging House - Plaza)

December 29 Lodging Hall 1st Floor Moe's Room

Maya:

Hmm... Moe's not here.

Phoenix:

What's that!? I hear something...

Maya:

S-Stop it, Nick... You're scaring me!

Money:

Oooo-Ooooh!

Maya:

Nick!! It's Money!!

Phoenix:

That monkey's gotten his hands on something again...

Maya:

That's it! That's the thing " that means a lot " to Regina, remember?

Phoenix:

(Alright! Time to take on this monkey, attorney-style!)

Maya:

Nick! What's that?

Phoenix:

I swiped it while Money was distracted...

Maya:

Really? You're really on the ball today, Nick! Lemme see it... Lemme see it!!

Phoenix:

Huh? You can see it fine from where you are.

Maya:

You know what I mean... I really want to try on Regina's costume...

Phoenix:

(Maybe then they'll take you in at the circus and I can get some peace and quiet...)

Maya:

Hmm...

Phoenix:

What's the matter now?

Maya:

It doesn't fit me at all!

Phoenix:

Oh well, guess it's time for you to lay off the burgers! Not to mention it doesn't look like something any girl I know would actually wear.

Stage Costume added to the Court Record.

(Berry Big Circus - Circus Entrance)

December 29 Detention Center Visitor's Room

Maya:

... They must have taken Max in for questioning again.

Phoenix:

There really isn't anything that we need to ask him right now anyway.

Maya:

You're right, I guess... Alright, let's go then.

(Berry Big Circus - Big Top)

-

(Big Top - Cafeteria)

Maya:

So that's what really happened...

Moe:

Well... You guys were so serious! What was I supposed to do!? I had to tell you! But all this truthfulness has put me in the mood for a burger! Here... You two have some pepper! *shaka shaka shaka shaka*

Phoenix:

(There he goes again, acting like his normal lazy self...)

Maya:

Ahh... Ahh... Ahh... *Achoo!* *Achoo!*

Moe:

Nice! What a wonderful sneeze!!

Maya:

Huh? You think so?

Moe:

You sneeze with pepper and slip on a banana... That's basic clownsmanship. Girlie, I know you "Gotti" understand that!!

Maya:

Nick! I think I'd make a good clown!

Moe:

Other than Regina, I've never seen a cuter sneezer!

Maya:

Heh heh! Does Regina sneeze with pepper too?

Moe:

She does! Bat would always tease her with pepper!

Maya:

B-Bat?

Moe:

From my point of view, those two always looked so perfect together...

Maya:

They looked perfect together, huh?

-

(Lodging House - Plaza)

-

(Lodging Hall 3rd Floor - Acro's Room)

Acro:

Ahh... Mr. Wright. Back again I see.

Maya:

Well, he did say, "I'll be back." Wait... or was that someone else?

Phoenix:

(We're back because Acro's hiding why his legs were injured ! He was hurt in the accident six months ago! It would seem that he knows that we know...)

Acro:

Well well... It seems you've got things you want to talk about, so fire away.

???:

I'll be taking that scarf if you don't mind...

Phoenix:

Von Karma?

von Karma:

I've already heard everything! So hand over the scarf.

Maya:

But the scarf is evidence in the trial!

von Karma:

That is for me to decide. I think we should begin our preparations now, Acro.

Phoenix:

Preparations?

von Karma:

I've served a summons on Acro to appear in court tomorrow as a witness. Acro, we'll talk more at the prosecutor's office.

Maya:

Acro... A witness!?

von Karma:

Come Acro. Let's go to the office.

Acro:

Yes, ma'am.

Maya:

Now what do we do, Nick? How are we going to handle tomorrow?

Phoenix:

Don't worry about it. I'll figure something out...

Maya:

Look at you all full of confidence!! You must have found something you can use!

Phoenix:

(This is all beginning to come together now...)

To be continued.

December 30, 9:41 AM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 5

Maya:

Good morning, Max.

Max:

Oh... Yeah... Good morning, sweeties...

Phoenix:

You don't seem like you're usual sparkling self today.

Max:

I'm always like this before I go in front of an audience... I'm working up to it.

???:

Tee hee...

Regina:

Don't get nervous, Maxy... Here, have a glass of milk.

Maya:

R-Regina!!

Max:

How fabulous!! My sweetie pie!! My sweetie pie princess!! You came to watch my performance today?

Regina:

Of course I did! Moe told me that I should come and watch this.

Phoenix:

(Moe said that...?)

Regina:

So, what kind of performance will you put on today? Lemme guess, you'll fly at the end?

Max:

Uh... It's not kind of show... Isn't that right, my sweeties?

Maya:

Huh?

Max:

I think my sweetie pie princess doesn't...

Phoenix:

Yeah. She doesn't seem to realize what's going on... Or even where she is...

Max:

Hmm...

Regina:

Well, Max, it looks like it's time to raise the curtain. I'll see you later. Today I'm just a member of the audience!

Max:

F-Fabulous! Enjoy yourself out there!!

Regina:

Good luck Max! You're the best!!

Maya:

Regina's different, don't you think, Nick?

Moe:

Top of the morning to ya! Everybody... Let's get ready to get stuck in legal limbo! How low can you go?

Phoenix:

M-Moe.

Moe:

Top of the morning to ya, guv'ner.

Phoenix:

Uhh... Top of the morning.

Moell That's the ticket! Attacking the day starts with energy in the morning! The early bird gets the worm. But then again, worms lack higher brain function. Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Here Max! I brought you a present! Have some milk.

Max:

Oh my! Thank you!!

Moe:

So how are you today, Wright?

Phoenix:

Well... I've got the feeling that today I'm going to face off against the real criminal.

Moe:

You mean Acro?

Maya:

Huh!? You think he did it...?

Moe:

Be careful... He's used to putting his life on the line. Literally. He's got guts to spare.

Phoenix:

If all I've got to worry about is how thin the tightrope is, I'm used to it already... It just means that I won't be able to press him like I can other witnesses...

Maya:

What are you going to do then, Nick!?

Phoenix:

I guess today we'll just have to do without our psychological warfare. Today we rely on evidence. It's the only way we'll get past Acro and to the truth.

Maya:

You're right... But it's gonna be tough...

Moe:

Anyways... I want you to make sure that Regina see it all today. It's important. Then she'll finally have to deal with the reality of what happened to her father.

Maya:

You want us to make sure Regina watches?

Moe:

Yes. That's why I brought her here to court today.

Max:

What's that supposed to mean?

Moe:

She need to know that when people die, they don't just become stars. I may be an old-fashioned clown, but I don't believe in people becoming stars.

December 30, 10:00 AM District Court Courtroom No. 2

Judge:

The court is now in session in the trial of Maximillion Galactica.

von Karma:

The prosecution is ready, Your Honor.

Phoenix:

The defense is ready, Your Honor.

Judge:

Very well. Ms. von Karma, you may proceed with your case.

von Karma:

The prosecution would like to revise it's previous theory of events.

Judge:

What's the meaning of this?

von Karma:

We have discovered a new witness. Or shall I say, a new eyewitness. One that saw Maximillion Galactica fly off from the scene of the crime.

Judge:

Order! Order! I had a feeling something like this would come up...

von Karma:

Due to this revision, we are now prepared to explain how the defendant flew that night. An explanation the prosecution will present if the need so arises... In fact, my detective stayed up all night creating a mockup of the scene, on my orders.

Phoenix:

(Poor Gumshoe...)

Judge:

Very well... Please call your witness to the stand!

Phoenix:

(Time to get to work! Or shall I say, time to walk the courtroom tightrope...)

-

von Karma:

Name and occupation.

Acro:

Ken Dingling, but everyone calls me Acro. I'm employed as an acrobat at the Berry Big Circus.

von Karma:

Where were you the night of the crime?

Acro:

I was in my room that night.

von Karma:

If you look at the map, you will see the witness' room is near the crime scene.

Acro:

My room is on the third floor. The crime scene is below my window.

Judge:

Hmm...

von Karma:

The night of the crime, the witness saw something quite shocking. Would you tell us what you witnessed?

Acro:

OK...

Witness Testimony

-- What You Witnessed --

Acro:

It was just after 10:00 PM, and I was resting in my bed. Around that time, I heard a large "THUMP" noise from outside the window. Then a few moments later, I saw someone... Flying... Right by my window. It was Max Galactica... I only saw him from behind, but that's who it looked like. To be honest, when I saw that, I thought I was dreaming...

-

Judge:

Hmm... This witness' testimony matches up exactly with that of the clown.

von Karma:

If that's the case, there is very little the prosecution need add... All that's left is to explain how the defendant disappeared into the sky that night.

Phoenix:

Before we get that far, I'd like to cross-examine the witness.

von Karma:

A foolish choice by a foolish fool who wishes to feel the foolish sadness of a sad fool. A man must know the proper timing for things, Mr. Phoenix Wright. Just like your old friend, Mr. Miles Edgeworth did.

Phoenix:

...

Judge:

Mr. Wright. Do you have a problem with the witness' testimony?

Phoenix:

In the words of Ms. von Karma, may I quote yesterday's proceedings... "There's no way that actually happened!"

Judge:

Very well... You may proceed with your cross-examination.

Cross Examination

-- What You Witnessed --

Acro:

It was just after 10:00 PM, and I was resting in my bed.

Acro:

Around that time, I heard a large "THUMP" noise from outside the window.

Acro:

Then a few moments later, I saw someone... Flying... Right by my window.

Acro:

It was Max Galactica... I only saw him from behind, but that's who it looked like.

Acro:

To be honest, when I saw that, I thought I was dreaming...

Maya:

Acro must be lying about things, huh?

Phoenix:

Of course he is. Now the challenge will be to expose his lies in court.

Maya:

Well, put the pedal to the metal, Nick!

Phoenix:

You claim to have seen the exact same thing Moe saw that night. Do you stand by that?

Acro:

What do you mean...?

Phoenix:

The silk hat.

Acro:

What about the silk hat? I saw it on Max's head as he flew by my window.

Phoenix:

Well... You should have tried looking down out of your window that night.

Acro:

That would have been quite difficult considering the state that I'm in. Just looking outside of the window was a tough enough challenge for me.

Phoenix:

That's a shame, because you would have noticed the silk hat found on the scene.

Acro:

That... That's the Ringmaster's hat... Right?

Phoenix:

Afraid not. No matter how you look at it, this is Max's silk hat.

Judge:

Where are you going with this, Mr. Wright? Are you saying that Max has two silk hats!?

Phoenix:

No. This is a handmade, one-of-a-kind model made only for Maximillion Galactica. Which mean, Acro... That you've been fibbing on the stand!

Judge:

Order! Order!

von Karma:

Like always, someone has to open their mouth before thinking...

Maya:

Are you OK, Nick?

Phoenix:

Well, I opened my big mouth, and now I have to back it up...

Judge:

How about it, Mr. Wright? What would cause this witness to commit perjury in this court today?

Phoenix:

... Your Honor! On this occasion, the defense accuses Acro himself!

von Karma:

"On this occasion"...?

Judge:

"A-A-Accuses Acro"!? What in the world are you accusing him of?

Phoenix:

Obviously we accuse him of the murder of Mr. Russell Berry!

Judge:

Mr. Wright, are you serious!?

Phoenix:

Deadly serious, Your Honor.

von Karma:

Ha ha ha... I think your trips to the circus have served you well... You seem to remember how to try and grab at an audience's hearts and minds.

Phoenix:

...!!

von Karma:

Your Honor. Don't allow yourself to be swayed by theatrics. Trying to wow the crowd with smoke and mirrors is the oldest bluff in the book.

Judge:

R-Really...?

von Karma:

If you don't believe me, just look at the witness. He's calm enough for it to almost be scary...

Phoenix:

(Hmm... He is staying rather calm and collected...)

Judge:

Mr. Dingling, do you have any response to the defense's accusation?

Acro:

I don't really need to say a thing, do I?

Judge:

What do you mean?

Acro:

Everyone, take a good look at me. I can't even stand up by myself, let alone leave the lodging house.

Judge:

T-That's true...

Acro:

I understand that Mr. Wright is just trying to help his client. But to do this by accusing me of a murder of all things...

von Karma:

See! Even a silver of common sense makes it clear the accusation is ludicrous!

She's right! Way to pick on the disabled you heartless, cruel man! Phoenix is a poopyhead!!

von Karma:

See that, Mr. Phoenix Wright? If you're trying to drum up support from the peanut gallery, that's how you do it.

Phoenix:

Uhh...

von Karma:

I think that's enough of this little game. I've got a doctor's note to confirm that Acro is unable to stand under his own power. Maybe the defense is planning on making a claim to counter this as well? I can hear the defense now... "Acro had an accomplice!!"

Judge:

What do you say about this, Mr. Wright? Did Acro have an accomplice?

von Karma:

Now then, this must be when we get to hear the name of the mystery accomplice!

Phoenix:

Not this time, Von Karma.

von Karma:

Wh... WHAT!?

Phoenix:

You're not going to sucker me into this one.

Judge:

What are you blabbering about, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:

There was no accomplice! Acro planned and committed this murder all by himself!

Judge:

O-Order! Order! What the... What are you getting at!?

Maya:

Way to keep them on their toes, Nick!

Phoenix:

Now I'm going to have to prove how it all fits together... I have to show how Acro murdered Russell Berry.

Maya:

Can you do it Nick? Can you really do that!?

Phoenix:

I know what I can't do. I can't stop now... If I stop attacking, I'm doomed!

Maya:

Alright! Then let's do it!!

von Karma:

Mr. Phoenix Wright... If this witness is the killer, then his eyewitness account is all lies, right?

Judge:

Hmm... Mr. Wright, I'd like you to clear something up for me... When the crime was committed, exactly where was Mr. Dingling?

Phoenix:

He was obviously here the entire time.

Judge:

That's... Acro's room?

Phoenix:

Pretty simple, eh? Acro wasn't able to leave the lodging house by himself. There's only one answer to that... Acro didn't leave his room to kill the Ringmaster!

von Karma:

What!? Are you nuts!?

Judge:

What say you, Mr. Dingling!?

Acro:

... It's an interesting theory.

Phoenix:

... Umm... That's it?

Acro:

Considering that what you proposed is impossible, yes, that's it.

Judge:

Hmm... Mr. Wright.

Phoenix:

Yes, Your Honor.

Judge:

As the witness has stated... Your assertion is impossible. As he is in a wheelchair, there is no way he could go to the scene or be the killer.

Phoenix:

Hmm... You've got a point.

von Karma:

It seems you've forgotten once again, Mr. Phoenix Wright. The defendant was clearly spotted at the scene of the crime.

Maya:

That's true! Moe said that he saw Max, didn't he?

Phoenix:

But Maya, it's still impossible for humans to fly.

Acro:

Do you mind if I ask a question, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:

What is it?

Acro:

I understand some of your logic... However, how do you think that I killed him? If I can't leave my room, I obviously couldn't wear Max's costume...

Phoenix:

(Hmm... How did he do it? That's the next course of this legal buffet...)

Maya:

Be careful, Nick. If you mess up here...

Phoenix:

(She's right. I can't mess up here. I've gotta give this one some serious thought! I'm sure that Acro killed the Ringmaster... And he killed the Ringmaster while he was in his room... No doubt about it!)

Judge:

Time to enlighten us as to how Mr. Dingling committed the crime, Mr. Wright!

Phoenix:

I'm going to present some evidence!

Judge:

So what did Mr. Dingling use to commit the crime of murder against Russell Berry?

Judge:

What's that? A picture?

Phoenix:

It is indeed. The problem is with the item that's shown in the picture.

Judge:

The bust?

Phoenix:

It's quite a large bust. And because it is life sized, it is also very very heavy.

von Karma:

Heavy...?

Phoenix:

Heavy enough to guarantee a certain death. Especially if it was dropped from a third story window.

von Karma:

AHHH!!

Acro:

...

Phoenix:

See! This is how Acro was able to kill the Ringmaster! With the force of gravity and Maximillion Galactica's ample bust!

Judge:

Order! Order! So you're saying the bust fell onto the Ringmaster!?

Phoenix:

A rather simple crime... Even if you were stuck in a wheelchair, it would be incredibly easy to commit...

von Karma:

How could you possibly wheel a wheelchair with something so heavy!? It's impossible!

Phoenix:

Well, Acro is an acrobat! He should have more than enough upper body strength to carry something like the bust!

Judge:

Mr. Dingling, how do you respond to these charges!?

Acro:

Well...

Maya:

Acro's at a loss for words!

Phoenix:

(He should be... He knows that I'm getting close to the truth!) Well well well, Acro. You can't run away from things this time... OWWW!!

von Karma:

I'd watch what I say, if I were you, Mr. Phoenix Wright.

Phoenix:

Wh-What!?

von Karma:

Your Honor! The physical health of the witness is material to this case! I demand that we get proper testimony from the witness himself!

Judge:

Hmm... Testimony you say...

Phoenix:

(Von Karma... She's just using this "testimony" as a rouse to stall for time!) There is absolutely no need for such testimony!

von Karma:

The defense has its version of the murder. The prosecution has the right to respond!

Judge:

The defense's objection is overruled...

Phoenix:

(Why can't he see things my way once in a while!)

Judge:

Mr. Dingling, I'm sorry, but we need you to testify about your physical condition. If you have any doubts about your ability to testify, we can request expert testimony.

von Karma:

The witness will have no problems; however, let's all be respectful towards him.

Acro:

Thank you...

Phoenix:

(Argh! That woman will sink to any low to win a case!)

Witness Testimony

-- Acro's Physical State --

Acro:

I suppose I could have lifted something the size of that bust. I have a strong upper body from working as an acrobat, and only my legs were injured. However, lifting the bust and looking out of the window would've been impossible. There's no way I could have exerted that kind of force on my lower body. That makes it impossible for me to have known the location of the Ringmaster's head. Thus it would be unrealistic to drop the bust on him. Don't you think?

-

Judge:

Hmm... I have no doubts in regards to this witness' testimony.

von Karma:

It was impossible for him to lift the bust and carry it over to the window. Not to mention that he could not have known the location of the Ringmaster's head. A single false step would have lead to even more severe injuries.

Judge:

That's what I was thinking. What is your opinion on the matter, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:

... I'd still like to proceed with my cross-examination.

von Karma:

He's simply stalling. It's shameful, really.

Phoenix:

(Grr... I can't let her get to me... I've got to focus...)

Cross Examination

-- Acro's Physical State --

Acro:

I suppose I could have lifted something the size of that bust.

Acro:

I have a strong upper body from working as an acrobat, and only my legs were injured.

Acro:

However, lifting the bust and looking out of the window would've been impossible.

Acro:

There's no way I could have exerted that kind of force on my lower body.

Acro:

That makes it impossible for me to have known the location of the Ringmaster's head.

Acro:

Thus it would be unrealistic to drop the bust on him. Don't you think?

Phoenix:

(Acro is strong enough to lift up the bust ...)

Maya:

The main problem is how he could have aimed for the Ringmaster's head.

Phoenix:

Hmm... I wonder if he used some kind of tool to aim for the Ringmaster...?

Maya:

That's the ticket, Nick! Show them what you've got!

Phoenix:

I have to be careful. I have to find something that fits perfectly with the case.

Maya:

Hmm... I don't remember us finding any sort of tool... But maybe we overlooked something...

Phoenix:

Acro... You didn't really need to lean out of the window, did you?

Acro:

What are you driving at, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:

You already knew ahead of time where the Ringmaster's head was going to be. Quite precisely I may add.

von Karma:

Your silly hinting at things is pointless! Mr. Phoenix Wright! Enough stalling! How about you show us some evidence!

Phoenix:

(But... But I did such a good job hinting...)

Judge:

Yes yes yes! Hurry up and explain things, Mr. Wright!

Phoenix:

Maybe you should take a look at this... The key point here is the " wooden box ".

Judge:

The same wooden box that the victim was found hunched over...?

Phoenix:

The same. The question is, who placed the wooden box here?

von Karma:

Who...?

Phoenix:

When Ben and company saw the Ringmaster, they didn't see him holding the box. Which means... That this wooden box was already placed at the scene crime.

Judge:

I have to admit that your theory makes a lot of sense...

Phoenix:

The moment that the bust came falling down... Was exactly the same moment that the Ringmaster lifted up this wooden box. Which means that the answer to all these questions is now crystal clear!

von Karma:

You... You mean!

Judge:

If the bust were to fall upon the point marked out by the wooden box ...

Phoenix:

There would be no way that it could miss the head of the victim!

von Karma:

R-Really...!?

Judge:

Order! Order! Order! This is unbelievable!!

Phoenix:

(Finally! Some of these loose ends are starting to tie themselves up! Now I just gotta keep going! And there's only one way to go from here... Forward.)

Judge:

So the next question I have is who placed that wooden box at the scene?

Phoenix:

It was Mr. Dingling, of course. He connected it to a rope, and then all he had to do was lower it down. OWWW!!

von Karma:

Allow me to whip some sense into you! Mr. Phoenix Wright!!

Phoenix:

OWWW!! OWWW!! OWWW!!

von Karma:

The Ringmaster's head could have been anywhere when he lifted the box!

Phoenix:

That's why the box was so specially made!

von Karma:

S-S-Specially made?

Phoenix:

Indeed! It had the most peculiar feature...

Judge:

The box also has carrying handles on either side, doesn't it?

Phoenix:

That is correct!! To lift up the box, you'd have to squat down ! Which means... That no matter who you are, your head would be in approximately the same place!

von Karma:

Fool!!

Phoenix:

(Does she even bother to listen to me anymore...?)

Acro:

I've heard what you've had to say...

Phoenix:

...!

Acro:

I must admit, I'm shocked at your imaginative skills.

Judge:

Y-You... Did you drop it? Did you drop the bust onto the Ringmaster!?

Acro:

What are you talking about!? Even if I had wanted to do such a thing, I couldn't.

Phoenix:

What...!?

Acro:

Mr. Wright... Do you recall the original location of this bust?

Acro:

I'd like you to remember one important fact, Mr. Wright... I could not possibly leave the lodging house by myself.

Maya:

Ah! That means...

Acro:

You understand what I mean, don't you? I may very well have been able to drop the bust from my room. However, how would I have gotten the bust from the cafeteria to my room ?

von Karma:

You see, Mr. Phoenix Wright!! Explain that! Don't forget... You said, "There was no accomplice!"

Phoenix:

Arrrggghhh!

von Karma:

Tell us exactly how the witness would have carried the bust from the cafeteria!

Phoenix:

(Yep... We definitely have a problem here... But this is no place to get perplexed! I've got to get my wits about me and prove how things happened once and for all!)

Judge:

Alright, Mr. Wright. Let's hear your explanation. How did the witness get the bust from the cafeteria back to his room?

Judge:

A monkey?

Phoenix:

Everyone knows Money... He loves shiny objects of any size.

Judge:

For instance, he stole the ventriloquist's ring...

von Karma:

So? Are you saying the witness had a monkey steal the bust?

Phoenix:

Of course he didn't order the monkey to steal it!! The monkey stole it on his own and then brought it back home.

Acro:

...!!

Judge:

"Home"...?

Phoenix:

Money lives in Acro's room.

Judge:

ACRO'S ROOM!?

von Karma:

But the bust was bronze, wasn't it? Bronze isn't all that shiny...

Phoenix:

Maybe you should put the whip down sometimes and read the Court Record!

Judge:

My, those are some very nice cards he's holding.

Phoenix:

Yes, and they are made of platinum... which is very shiny!

von Karma:

GWWWAAAAHHH!!

Phoenix:

Acro!! Money is a strong monkey, right!? It'd be easy for him to bring the bust back to your room!!

Acro:

... If he wasn't able to handle himself, I'd be on the market for a new roommate.

Judge:

Order! Order! I SAID ORDER!! MS. VON KARMA!! Where is the bust in question at this moment!?

von Karma:

Umm... Umm... Umm... I... Umm... I don't know. We're searching for it as we speak...!

Judge:

Hmm... This is a strange turn of events. If that monkey did not steal the bust ... Then what happens to this case?

Phoenix:

Well, in that event... Something else must have been used as the murder weapon.

Maya:

Well... Hmm... Or maybe this bust was the murder weapon... But it was used by accident.

Phoenix:

That's possible. Maybe Acro saw Money's mountain of stolen goods and thought to use one of them.

Acro:

...

Phoenix:

Anyways... I think we've more than proven one critical fact. Namely, that it was entirely possible that Acro was the murderer!

von Karma:

MORON!!

Judge:

Mr. Wright's argument was so circular, I'm still a bit dizzy! However... His argument does hold water... There's no denying that. OWWW!!

von Karma:

Don't seem so flamboozled! Especially by this fraud of an attorney!

Phoenix:

Fraud...?

von Karma:

You've forgotten the absolute most important thing, Mr. Phoenix Wright!!

Phoenix:

And what is that?

von Karma:

You should know!! You forgot that your fraud of a magical client was spotted at the scene of the crime!

Phoenix:

AHHHHH!!

von Karma:

There is no reason to doubt the clown's testimony!

Judge:

T-That's true! How do you respond to that, Mr. Wright!

Maya:

Nick! Don't let her beat you now!

Phoenix:

(I won't! This is my chance to turn this trial around !)

von Karma:

When the murder occurred, there were two people at the scene of the crime! One was the victim, Russell Berry, and the other was the murderer himself! Answer this and only this, Mr. Phoenix Wright! The clown saw the murderer! Who was it then!?

Phoenix:

He saw Max's B-- OWWW!!

von Karma:

I asked who was the other person Moe saw on the scene! That evidence has nothing to do with the question!

Phoenix:

Au contraire mon frére! It does indeed have something to do with the question!

Acro:

...

Phoenix:

Moe said that he saw Max's silhouette... But he did not actually see the man himself! It wasn't a human being he saw!

Judge:

H-H-How is that possible!?

Phoenix:

It's simple, really. What Moe actually saw that night was Max's bust !

von Karma:

What are you talking about!? Have you tried using your brain at all in this case!? The silhouette he saw just happened to be wearing a cloak!

Phoenix:

There's no reason why you couldn't attach a cloak to the bust ! Or a cloak like that could easily get snagged on the bust if they came into contact.

von Karma:

Idiot!! Who in their right mind would put a cloak on a bust!?

Phoenix:

It doesn't matter who put it on the bust!

Judge:

Just wait a minute now, Mr. Wright! Who put the cloak on the bust? That question is of the utmost importance to this case, don't you agree!?

Phoenix:

(Doh! He caught me...)

Judge:

So let's have it Mr. Wright... Who put the cloak on the bust?

von Karma:

F-F-FOOL!! H-HIM...!?

Judge:

You are saying it was the victim himself!? Russell Berry!?

Phoenix:

That's what I'm saying!

von Karma:

He... I mean, the victim himself, placed the cloak on the bust!?

Phoenix:

"Placed the cloak" isn't really the right way of putting it...

Judge:

Then what would be the right way of putting it, Mr. Wright?

von Karma:

Explain yourself!

Maya:

Nick! Do you really have a handle on all of this?

Phoenix:

I'm fine, Maya. I'm finally putting all the pieces together... There's really only one picture I can paint, anyways. Alright... So you want to know what really happened that night? Let's step back in time. Acro used a rope to lower the wooden box onto the scene. Then he attached that rope to the bust, and dangled the bust out of his bedroom window, directly above the wooden box. At the same time, the Ringmaster told Max to wait in his room, and went to the scene. Of course, at the time, the Ringmaster was wearing Max's costume. Perhaps he didn't want anyone to recognize him that night. But just as he feared, he was spotted at the entrance of the lodging house. By none other than a ventriloquist and his puppet, Ben and Trilo. When the Ringmaster arrived at the scene, he bent over to lift the wooden box. And that's when Acro took his chance and released the rope! Now this is when the magic happens... At the very instant that the bust hit the victim...

von Karma:

You just wait a second there, Mr. Phoenix Wright!! As much as you try... As much as you scheme... This just isn't true! It can't be!

Phoenix:

It's still a little early to be getting so upset, Ms. von Karma... This circus isn't over yet.

von Karma:

Eh...?

Phoenix:

With the shock of impact, it threw up the cloak and it got snagged onto the bust. That's when the sound was heard by a witness and he took a look out of his window. That witness was, of course, Lawrence "Moe" Curls, the clown. When Moe looked out his window, the cloak had already snagged onto the bust. Now... Having completed the crime, Acro naturally went about pulling up the murder weapon. Of course, he had no idea that Moe saw the bust being raised with the cloak dangling on it. Primarily because, in his wheelchair, he couldn't see out of his window. So he just kept pulling the bust up. And that is how the "magical" murderer disappearing into the sky came to be.

von Karma:

...

Acro:

...

Judge:

...

..................

Phoenix:

Now you know how the murder actually took place... And now you know who was able to drop the murder weapon from above the scene! Acro! It could only have been you!

Acro:

...

Maya:

Acro's been playing mind games with all of us!

Phoenix:

(He sure has... But he has come to the end of his rope now.)

von Karma:

So...?

Phoenix:

What now!?

von Karma:

You've graced us with a rather long-winded tale... But do you have any evidence to prove that your fairy tale is true !?

Judge:

... E-Evidence...?

von Karma:

In this court, only two things matter. The power of evidence, and the power of my whip.

Judge:

Don't forget the power of my gavel as well! Mr. Wright, the prosecution brings up a good point. Can we see some evidence?

Maya:

Nick... They say they want evidence...

Phoenix:

I just explained how there can only be one possible murder method. But there is still something unusual about Moe's eyewitness account.

Maya:

"Unusual"?

Phoenix:

A contradiction, actually.

Maya:

OK then! Use that and get out of this jam!

Judge:

That's enough talking amongst yourselves. Proceed, Mr. Wright. Present some evidence to the court that backs your claims. I want hard proof that you have unraveled the trick to this magic case...!

Phoenix:

The problem is Max's three symbols ... You know... The silk hat, the cloak, and the white roses.

Judge:

Those symbols were a problem numerous times during yesterday's proceedings.

Phoenix:

Yesterday, there were two contradictions in Moe's testimony.

von Karma:

The silk hat was one. The white roses were the other.

Phoenix:

But the theory I just presented explains all of these contradictions!

von Karma:

You fool! Do you ever shut up!?

Phoenix:

Max's silk hat was found at the scene of the crime. However! Remember what Moe said yesterday. He testified that the criminal he saw fleeing the scene was wearing a silk hat ! There's only one explanation for that! The "silk hat" that Moe saw was actually the bust!

Judge:

Makes sense... If you look at it that way, then he did see the silk hat, well, sort of.

von Karma:

Fine, you've got one, but what about the other contradiction!?

Judge:

The other contradiction...?

von Karma:

Remember what that ventriloquist said in court! He said that he witnessed " white roses " on "Max's" chest that night! But the clown's testimony doesn't match! The clown said that there were no "white roses"! I'd like to see you try and explain that one away!!

Maya:

Can you do it, Nick!?

Phoenix:

Of course! I can explain all of it!

von Karma:

What was that...!?

Phoenix:

Please recall the instant when the cloak snagged onto the bust! If the cloak snagged onto the bust, what happened to the white roses? Do you get it yet? If the cloak got snagged onto the front of the bust... It means that the white roses would end up on the back of the bust !

von Karma:

AHHHHH!!

Phoenix:

Which explains why Moe didn't see it! The white roses were not visible because they were on the back side of the bust !

Judge:

Order! Orderrrrrrrr!

-

Judge:

... This is quite the shocking state of affairs. Mr. Wright's theory still sounds a bit absurd to me. However... Let's just keep going down this road for a while and see where it leads!

Maya:

Let's do this, Nick! Then maybe Von Karma will finally throw in the towel...

von Karma:

...

Acro:

...

Maya:

Well... So much for that theory.

Acro:

Mr. Wright... Do you mind?

Phoenix:

What is it?

Acro:

You took the time to research our circus, didn't you?

Phoenix:

Well... Yes, I did... Is there something making you think that I didn't?

Acro:

If you did, then maybe you'll understand why I think you're off track.

Phoenix:

Umm... Why is that?

von Karma:

Motive. This witness feels an incredible debt of gratitude towards the Ringmaster. Anyone with any relation to the circus is well aware of this.

Phoenix:

...!

von Karma:

Thus, there is absolutely no way someone like this would kill the Ringmaster!

Judge:

Hmm...

von Karma:

Your Honor, I'd like you to hear Acro's story! Learn about his relationship with the Ringmaster, and his life up until now...

Maya:

W-What do we do!? There's no doubting that Acro deeply respected the Ringmaster!

Phoenix:

(Acro's motive... Hmm...)

Judge:

It seems that this case isn't over yet... Very well. However, I feel this is a good place to take a break. I will listen to the rest of Mr. Dingling's testimony after recess.

Acro:

...

Judge:

This court will now take a 10 minute recess.

To be continued.

December 29, 2:17 PM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 5

Max:

I can't believe it!! Acro!?

Phoenix:

It's pretty shocking, isn't it?

Max:

It definitely is! And to think he was always the most straight-forward of the group. Geebus... Unbelievable...

*Ahem!*

Maya:

Acro tried to pin the murder on you on purpose...

Max:

He... He did?

*Psst!* *Psst!* *Cough!*

Max:

My my... He's just a little twerp, isn't he...?

Maya:

Well... that's one way to put it.

*Cough!* Hey! Hey pal!!

Gumshoe:

You're gonna ignore me after I went to all this trouble to bring you some evidence!?

Maya:

Ahh... Detective Gumshoe...

Gumshoe:

Ahh, forget it. I'm goin' home. This guy deserves to be guilty anyways...

Phoenix:

Now now Detective. I'm sorry. Now, why don't you relax a little.

Maya:

We've got some really tasty milk!

Max:

How about a card trick, Detective?

Gumshoe:

... Ho ho ho... Well, if you insist...

Maya:

Now about that evidence you mentioned... What is it!?

Gumshoe:

Here ya go.

Maya:

Huh? This was... Yesterday in Acro's room...

Gumshoe:

The result of our investigation... You can look at it later.

Maya:

Won't Von Karma be mad that you're doing this?

Gumshoe:

... That's why this is all a secret.

Phoenix:

Huh?

Gumshoe:

Look, details are on a need to know basis. And we're not really allies or anything... But everything that's happened in court up until now has gone according to our plan.

Maya:

Von Karma looked like she was in a pretty big hurry though.

Gumshoe:

You'll figure it out eventually, pal... Yesterday, our final plans were put into place.

Phoenix:

"Final plans"...?

Gumshoe:

Uh huh. That reminds me... I've got a message from the prosecutor for you. "Judgment comes at the very last instant." That's it. And that's it for me too, pal. I'm goin' home.

Maya:

What did he mean by that... "The very last instant" part.

Phoenix:

Hmm... Everything he said seemed pretty cryptic to me...

Gumshoe:

Oh... One more thing.

Maya:

Ahhh! Don't scare me like that!

Gumshoe:

It looks like there's a large care package from the circus for the defendant.

Max:

Eh? For me...?

Gumshoe:

It's milk. The reception area looks like some kind of dairy, so hurry up and drink it before it spoils.

Max:

An entire dairy's worth of milk... For me!?

December 30, 2:27 PM District Court Courtroom No. 2

Judge:

This court is now in session. Shall we continue our proceedings? Ms. von Karma. Please continue from where you left off.

von Karma:

I'd like to continue with Acro's testimony, starting with his relationship to the victim. I'd also like to get proof from the defense... Proof of what kind of motive Acro would have to commit this crime.

Judge:

Understood. Now Mr. Dingling.

Acro:

Yes, Your Honor.

Judge:

Please proceed with your testimony.

Maya:

Finally we get to the motive! Wait... Nick, are you OK?

Phoenix:

Just do me a favor and don't ask questions you don't want the answer to...

Maya:

... *gulp*

Witness Testimony

-- About the Ringmaster --

Acro:

When we were little, we were abandoned by our parents. That's when the Ringmaster of the Berry Big Circus, Russell Berry, took us in. I became an acrobat at around nine years old. I wanted to find a way to repay the Ringmaster. That was my sole purpose in life...

-

Judge:

Hmm... You're such a thoughtful young man.

von Karma:

As you heard, the witness deeply respected the victim. I wonder how anyone could think that Acro could kill the man he held in such esteem.

Judge:

You are absolutely right... How could anyone think that, Mr. Wright? Which is why there's no real need for a cross-examination is there?

Phoenix:

(Actually, that's the question I'm trying to answer myself... " Why would Acro kill the Ringmaster? "... This might be my last chance to answer that question.)

Phoenix:

The defense has a right to cross-examine the witness!

von Karma:

Hmph. You're so tactless, Mr. Phoenix Wright. You don't care about justice, do you? You just want to fabricate a motive...

Judge:

Very well, Mr. Wright. Cross-examine the witness.

Witness Testimony

-- About the Ringmaster --

Acro:

When we were little, we were abandoned by our parents.

Acro:

That's when the Ringmaster of the Berry Big Circus, Russell Berry, took us in.

Acro:

I became an acrobat at around nine years old.

Acro:

I wanted to find a way to repay the Ringmaster. That was my sole purpose in life...

Maya:

What do you think, Nick?

Phoenix:

I dunno... I think the more I cross-examine him, the worse I end up looking in the end.

Maya:

Y-You mean...

Phoenix:

I get the feeling that this cross-examination was a trap.

Maya:

Yeah... Von Karma set you up again...

(Pressing all statements leads to:)

Judge:

I think that will be enough for now. Pondering whether or not this witness would kill the Ringmaster leads me to believe that is pretty much unlikely.

von Karma:

Exactly right, Your Honor.

Judge:

Mr. Wright... I'd like to ask you a question.

Phoenix:

Go ahead, Your Honor.

Judge:

What was Acro's motive for killing the Ringmaster? How about it? Can you explain that to me?

Phoenix:

...

Maya:

Nick...?

Phoenix:

(Yeah... I didn't even have to think about it... It was obvious from the start!) Your Honor. The reason that Acro killed the Ringmaster is something that can't be proven.

Judge:

W-What!?

Phoenix:

That's because Acro had no reason to kill the Ringmaster at all. OWWW!!

von Karma:

Your foolish attempts to fool us like foolish fools is so fool-heartedly foolish! Did you forget!? You made an accusation against this witness, did you not? I believe it was... "This is the real killer of Russell Berry, Ringmaster."

Phoenix:

If you want to jump to the end of things... Then, yes, that sounds about right.

Judge:

The end of things...?

Phoenix:

Acro. You didn't plan to kill the Ringmaster at all, did you? The Ringmaster wasn't your target that night.

von Karma:

What did you just say!?

Phoenix:

I'm saying that the target of this witness' murder plot was not the Ringmaster. He did not plan to kill Russell Berry !

von Karma:

W-WHAAATT?

Judge:

Order! Order! Bailiff, I don't care who it is, smack anyone who's loud in the face! Twice if you must! Mr. Wright! What in the world are you trying to do to my court!? OWWW!!

von Karma:

Mr. Phoenix Wright! What in the world are you trying to do this his court!? Are you attempting to imply that Acro was trying to kill someone else!?

von Karma:

Regina Berry...?

Judge:

This young girl is the Ringmaster's daughter, correct?

Phoenix:

Acro. You were really aiming for her that night, weren't you?

Acro:

...

von Karma:

You don't need to answer that! It's a mean=spirited leading question!!

Phoenix:

He could easily answer this question! If I'm wrong, all he has to say is, "You're wrong." That's it.

von Karma:

That's it, huh Mr. Phoenix Wright?

Judge:

Enough! Mr. Wright, allow me to-- OWWW!!

von Karma:

The only thing allowed to interrupt me is death itself!

Judge:

Huh!?

von Karma:

And that goes for you too... Mr. Phoenix Wright! Show me evidence! Now! I want to know why Acro would want to kill Regina Berry !

Phoenix:

...!!

Judge:

Y-Y-Yes! Me too! I demand to see some proof! Present evidence that proves Acro was out to kill this young girl!

Phoenix:

Acro... Do you have any recollection of seeing this?

Acro:

That's...

Phoenix:

It's a piece of paper that we found inside the Ringmaster's tailcoat.

Judge:

Inside the victim's tailcoat?

Phoenix:

Acro wrote this note. It's ironically entitled " To the Murderer! "... It's purpose was to call someone to the plaza at 10:00 PM.

Judge:

So you're saying that he called Russell Berry with that note...!?

Phoenix:

There's just one little problem...

Judge:

Problem?

Phoenix:

Acro did indeed place this note into someone's pocket. However, that someone was not the Ringmaster!

von Karma:

You mean... It wasn't for the...

Phoenix:

That's exactly what I mean. The person this note was intended for was none other than Regina Berry!

Judge:

Order! Order! Order! M-Mr. Wright! This little theory of yours...

Phoenix:

It's the truth, Your Honor. It isn't a theory. Simply put, Regina didn't think the note was meant for her. Which is why, the morning of the crime, she placed it on the cafeteria bulletin board.

von Karma:

That's when her father... I mean the Ringmaster... Read the note?

Phoenix:

That's correct. The ringmaster ended up in that plaza instead of Regina ! And he was killed because of that mistake... Instead of Regina!!

Judge:

That's... That's... That's incredible!

Phoenix:

Remember the testimony that Acro gave us earlier today!

-

Acro:

Lifting the bust and looking out of the window would've been impossible. There's no way I could have exerted that kind of force on my lower body. If I were to do that, I'd end up falling out the window myself.

-

Phoenix:

Acro had no idea who it was that arrived in the plaza... Because he couldn't look down out of his window to see who it actually was.

Judge:

I've got it! I've got it! Acro thought it was Regina down in the plaza...

Phoenix:

And that's when he let the bust fly.

Maya:

Hey, Nick... Isn't Regina listening to all of this from the audience?

Phoenix:

She is. Unfortunately, it's only going to get harsher from here.

Maya:

I hope Regina can handle it...

Judge:

Acro wrote this note to Regina...!

von Karma:

Foolishly foolish fool with foolishly foolish fool ideas of foolish tomfoolery... ... You're so foolish, you've even made me sound like a foolhardy fool... Very well, Mr. Phoenix Wright. If you're so sure, then tell us about this line! "I have conclusive evidence of what took place."

Phoenix:

Uh huh. That's a line in the note alright.

von Karma:

Well, then if the note was sent to Regina Berry, it must mean that... This note is declaring that Regina Berry is a murderer !

Phoenix:

You just don't get it, do you?

von Karma:

What!? ... What did you just say!?

Phoenix:

The Ringmaster knew what the note meant! Which is why he went to the plaza. ...In place of his lovely daughter!

Judge:

H-Hold it right there, Mr. Wright! What is this incident that is alluded to in the note?

Phoenix:

(The incident six months ago...)

Phoenix:

An incident occurred six months ago... And now I am more than ready to show this court what happened at that time!

von Karma:

...Moron!

Judge:

Wait! Are you sure that it relates to the present case!?

Phoenix:

It does indeed, Your Honor! Everything in this case has its start in what happened six months ago!

Maya:

Really, Nick?

Phoenix:

I... Umm... I think so.

von Karma:

Well then if that's the case, hurry up and tell us about it. What is this " conclusive evidence " mentioned in the note? I know I'd certainly like to know what it is!

Phoenix:

(If I can't answer that question, the judge is going to think I'm bluffing!) The " conclusive evidence " about the incident six months ago is actually...

von Karma:

What kind of spicy joke is this... Mr. Phoenix Wright?

Phoenix:

It isn't a joke at all. It's the decisive evidence you asked for.

Judge:

W-W-What do you mean?

Phoenix:

The victim would arrive and try to take away the wooden box. That's when they'd discover the decisive evidence found inside!

Judge:

Another unbelievable conclusion! Very well, Mr. Wright. So what exactly are you saying? Are you claiming Regina Berry killed someone with a small bottle of pepper !?

Phoenix:

Taking the note into account, that's the only logical conclusion you can draw...

von Karma:

...Foolish fool who never tires of his own foolish ways... If you're so sure, Mr. Phoenix Wright, then answer this question! Who was Regina Berry's intended victim?

Judge:

Who is this...?

Phoenix:

That is Acro's younger brother.

von Karma:

What does this prove? His younger brother isn't dead!!

Phoenix:

Technically, that's true. However, Bat has been in a coma for six months now... It's not a stretch to see how Acro could feel that his brother is dead!

Judge:

Regina... She did that to him...?

von Karma:

Do you spend your entire life dreaming up new ways to be a fool!? Naturally, the prosecution has looked into Acro's brother, Sean Dingling. Six months ago, he was bit by a lion and fell into his current comatose state!

Judge:

A l-l-lion!?

von Karma:

Regina... I mean, Ms. Regina Berry is an animal tamer by trade. However, no tamed animal in that position is ever trained to attack another human! They wouldn't understand the command! Moreover, Ms. Regina could never do something like that! It's just not in her.

Judge:

Hmm... So then what happened to Acro's brother?

von Karma:

He's not the victim of an attempted murder, he's the victim of an accident.

Judge:

I see...

Maya:

Now what do we do? No one seems to be going along with your theory. Do you think what happened to Bat was actually an accident!?

Phoenix:

The lion biting Bat was no accident at all!

Judge:

W-WHAT!?

von Karma:

You're such an amateur, Mr. Phoenix Wright! There is no way that Regina would ever incite her lion to attack another human being!

Phoenix:

She may not have incited the lion to attack another human being, but Regina is responsible for making the lion bite Acro's brother, Bat!

Judge:

That's... That's just a scarf.

Phoenix:

Acro.

Acro:

...

Phoenix:

This scarf is something that Bat used to wear, correct?

Acro:

That's right...

Phoenix:

And who is the one that gave this scarf to Bat?

Acro:

R... Regina... Regina gave it to him...

Judge:

Regina...

Phoenix:

There is something more than just blood on this scarf, Your Honor.

Judge:

...And what might that be?

Phoenix:

Pepper.

Judge:

Pepper?

Phoenix:

Pepper. Regina gave this scarf to Bat right before the accident! And she covered it with as much pepper as she could!

von Karma:

...

Acro:

...

Judge:

...

..................

Phoenix:

(Hey... What's with the silent treatment?)

Judge:

Umm... Excuse me, Mr. Wright. You've done a good job of fingering a criminal... But out of curiosity... What was her crime?

Phoenix:

Umm...

Judge:

Regina gave a pepper covered scarf to Bat as a present. Where's the crime in that?

Phoenix:

(It still seems like the judge just doesn't get it...)

von Karma:

... Mr. Phoenix Wright... Wasn't it said that the lion seemed to be smiling?

Acro: !

Judge:

Smiling? The lion was smiling?

von Karma:

Right before Bat was bit by the lion. For a moment, the lion's mouth changed and it looked like he was... Smiling.

Judge:

Lions... Smile?

von Karma:

I've never heard of them smiling; however...

Phoenix:

Lions sneeze.

Judge:

W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W...

Phoenix:

Léon didn't plan on biting Bat at all. ...In reality, all he actually did was sneeze. He sneezed because of all the pepper spread on the scarf!

Judge:

W-W-W-W-WHAT!?!?

von Karma:

YOU FOOOOOOL!!

-

Judge:

.................. You've got to be kidding me!!

von Karma:

..............................

Judge:

W-What's the matter, Ms. von Karma?

von Karma:

I... I... I object... For objection's sake... Mr. Phoenix Wright! You... This theory... You believe it? You really plan to say this joke of an accident actually happened?

Phoenix:

Of course I do! It's the truth. The lion sneezed due to the pepper, and that's when Bat... Lost consciousness. Acro nearly lost his brother due to this accident! Or this "joke" as you put it. Which is why he tried to get his revenge... Against Regina.

von Karma:

You foolish idiot!

Acro:

Hmm... So it's a "joke of an accident" to you huh? ... Once again, I'm impressed by your imagination, Mr. Wright.

Phoenix:

...!

Acro:

To think that there's someone who treats this accident with the respect it deserves...

Phoenix:

Are you telling me that what I said was... True?

Acro:

...

Maya:

A-Acro...

von Karma:

...You don't mean!? You can't mean!? Witness...!?

Judge:

A-Are you confirming the defense's claim...!?

Acro:

... Mr. Wright. Unfortunately, your imagination is not enough to find me guilty of murder.

Phoenix:

... What do you mean by that?

Acro:

The pepper... The scarf... The lion... ...I see where you're going, but it's a bit hard to swallow... Not to mention the fact that there's an even bigger problem with your theory.

Judge:

What would that problem be?

Acro:

The same problem it's always been... Evidence. If I dropped Max's bust on top of the Ringmaster... Where is the evidence that proves that claim?

Phoenix:

Uhhh...

Judge:

Hmm... You mean the "conclusive evidence"?

von Karma:

The biggest problem is the murder weapon, or the lack thereof to be more precise.

Phoenix:

Murder weapon...

Judge:

The " bust " that the defense claims was used... If that were to be found in Acro's room, and if it was covered with the victim's blood, that would be awfully conclusive in my eyes.

von Karma:

Yes it would be...

Phoenix:

(The " bust "...)

Maya:

Nick! You've gotta do something...!

Phoenix:

(This is the last step ... If I get this one right, the case is won!)

von Karma:

A Von Karma never leaves anything to chance! We already searched Acro's room yesterday!

Judge:

W-What did you find!?

von Karma:

There's no reason to even say it. If we found what you think we found in that room, Acro would not be here as a witness. But to put a point on it, Max's bust was not in the room! The murder weapon is still unaccounted for.

Acro:

You see, Mr. Wright. The bust wasn't in my room.

von Karma:

Furthermore, Detective Dick Gumshoe executed the search by complete surprise. And we took Acro directly to the prosecutor's office after that. End of story...

Phoenix:

(J-Just wait a second... Something's funny about all this...)

Acro:

Heh heh heh heh... It looks like the coup d'grace in this case was ever so sweet...

Phoenix:

But... But... What about the scarf!? What about the note!?

Acro:

What about them? Mr. Wright, no offense, but the important evidence here is about the death of the Ringmaster. I think you should remember that.

Phoenix:

Arrggh!

Maya:

Do something Nick! Don't let this case slip away!! The bust... Where is it now?

Phoenix:

(Hmm... Where's the bust right now ?)

Maya:

You're Phoenix Wright! You know where that bust is! I'm sure you do!

Phoenix:

(There's not even a single clue... How am I supposed to know where the bust is!?)

-

Judge:

It seems as if this case is coming to a close... The defense's counterarguments look to have fallen short.

von Karma:

Thank you for your support...

Phoenix:

...Ack!

Acro:

Now if you'll please excuse me, Mr. Wright.

Judge:

I think that brings to an end the cross-examination of this witness!

-

???:



Maya:

Where is Max's bust...? The defense needs time to prepare to present it's lace... I mean case. Sorry, I'm a bit nervous and I just bit my tongue.

Judge:

Huh?

von Karma:

What?

Phoenix:

We need time to do WHAT!?!? OWWW!!

von Karma:

Why are you the most surprised person here!? She's YOUR aide, isn't she!?

Judge:

D-Do you really have a-a case to present, Mr. Wright!?

Phoenix:

W-Whaaa!? Is he talking to me!?

Maya:

The rest is up to you, Nick! Good luck!

Phoenix:

H-Hey... Wait... You can't be serious...

Maya:

Acrobat's always have their lives on the lines, don't they? That's how Acro's lived his life up until now. Now it's time for us to walk across our own tightrope! If we don't, we're certain to lose!

Judge:

Very well... The defense may proceed.

Acro:

He doesn't have a clue... And I don't think he'll be finding one anytime soon.

Phoenix:

(...Walking the tightrope of logic... There's no room for a false step! Sink or swim... The only way through is forward!)

von Karma:

The murder weapon... Where is Max's bust now!?

Acro:

... I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you, Mr. Wright.

Phoenix:

Well... You are a big guy... And you have a pretty big wheelchair because of it... I just wanted to make sure you weren't hiding anything under that blanket. Because it seems to me that it'd be really easy to say... Hide a bust under there ...

Acro:

...Hah hah hah hah hah... Once again, your penchant for humor hits me where it hurts, Mr. Wright.

Phoenix:

I think it's pretty amazing that you could laugh in your position... However, your lightheartedness doesn't change the fact that the bust is under there.

Acro:

...

Phoenix:

We all know that you couldn't leave the lodging house by yourself in your condition. That proved inconvenient when Ms. von Karma happened to search your room yesterday. If she had found the murder weapon in your room, it would have been all over. Which is why you had to hide it. In the only place that you could hide it... Under your wheelchair.

Acro:

...

Phoenix:

Which is why, Acro, I have to ask you again. Could you please remove the blanket from the wheelchair?

Acro:

... Well done, Mr. Wright. Masterfully played.

von Karma:

...You!! You fool! How could you...!?

-

Acro:

You've got me. I've been bagged by a real pro. Actually, two of them...

Phoenix:

( Two of them ...?)

Acro:

Ms. Franziska von Karma and Mr. Phoenix Wright.

von Karma:

...What!?

Acro:

There's just one think I'd like to know... How did you know to launch the surprise search on my room last night?

von Karma:

...?

Acro:

There were two decisive pieces of evidence... The cloak and the bust... I burned the cloak in my room and threw the ashes away with the trash. ...Regina always took my trash out every morning, you know. But the bust... Obviously I couldn't throw that away. When you executed your search, all I could do was try and hide the bust. And the only place that I could hide it quickly was under this wheelchair... Ms. von Karma, you had things all figured out, didn't you? I was completely sucked in by your calculated strategy... And now to be caught in the middle of court hiding the murder weapon... ...There's no way I can escape that. So you've got me. Well done, Mr. Wright. Well done, Ms. von Karma.

Judge:

Hmm... It all makes sense now.

Maya:

I can't believe that Von Karma thought that far ahead... It's amazing!

Phoenix:

Uh huh... You definitely couldn't tell by looking at her. I know I sure couldn't.

von Karma:

...I can't believe it... I... Failed! Why did I order a surprise search of your room...? If only I hadn't done that...

Judge:

It doesn't matter now though. It seems as if we've arrived at the truth. Acro.

Acro:

Yes, Your Honor.

Judge:

Did you kill the Ringmaster of the Berry Big Circus, Mr. Russell Berry?

Acro:

Yes, Your Honor. I'm responsible for that crime.

Maya:

Acro...

-

Acro:

... All my brother did... was want Regina to like him. That's why he'd tease her. One day, my brother sprinkled some pepper on Regina. She started sneezing so hard... You couldn't help yourself from laughing. That's why Regina thought it'd be funny to get him back in the same way...

Phoenix:

And that's why she covered the scarf in pepper...

Acro:

I know she didn't want anything bad to happen... I know this... She just wanted to make my brother sneeze a few times too... But... I just couldn't forgive her! No matter what. What am I truly guilty of? ...I'm guilty of never, ever being able to understand her. "Your brother became a star." Regina believed in that so purely, that she would laugh innocently when saying it... Too innocently... I just couldn't stand it... No matter how hard I tried.

Phoenix:

That's when you decided to do something about Regina...

von Karma:

What do you mean by that...?

Judge:

So are you saying that you are a victim in all of this as well?

Acro:

No... That's not what I mean. I'm nothing but a murderer. That's who I am... At first, I thought I'd kill myself. Then I pondered giving myself up... But... I couldn't just up and leave... I just couldn't... That's why... I tried... to pin this... on Max. Max... I'm so sorry...! I just... I just... I couldn't just up and leave yet...

-

Judge:

This has been such a strange case... It's almost a reflection of the circus itself.

von Karma:

I'm... An... Idiot... I can't believe it... You... Beat me... Again.

Phoenix:

...

Judge:

I believe this case is now beyond any point of possible discussion. Thus, I'd like to declare my verdict.

Not Guilty

Judge:

This court is adjourned.

December 30, 4:27 PM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 5

Max:

F-F-F-FABULOUS!! But to be honest, I can't really be too happy about this.

Maya:

Acro, the Ringmaster, Regina, and Bat... Not a single one of them was a bad person inside, huh?

Max:

That's a good question. And one I don't know the answer to.

Moe:

Congratulations! Congratulations Mr. Max!

Max:

T-Thank you. ...

Maya:

...

Moe:

What's with the vibe in this room?

Maya:

We were just thinking about Acro...

Moe:

No no no no no! If you worry about people too much, then you'll be like this forever, and never be happy!

Maya:

Huh?

Regina:

WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!

Moe:

...She's been like this for a while now.

Regina:

WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! IT'S ALL MY FAULTTTTTT!! WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!

Max:

S-S-Sweetie... Sweetie pie...

Regina:

Bat and Acro... They're never coming back!! Now... Now everyone's gonna split up!!

Maya:

Regina...

Regina:

Mr. Wright! Tell me something!

Phoenix:

W-What do you want to know, Regina?

Regina:

Acro said something right at the end...

-

...I just couldn't up and leave yet...

-

Regina:

...Does that mean Acro... Is he gonna try and get his revenge on me!?

Moe:

Hey, Max.

Max:

What is it, Moe?

Moe:

We really put you through a lot, didn't we buddy? I'm sorry about what happened. So whenever you'd like to leave us, I'll pay your fee and rip up the contract.

Max:

I understand! Such a fabulous thing to do for me... I might even leave tomorrow. ... What's going to happen to the circus now?

Moe:

Ahh... That's the big question. Our Ringmaster was really an amazing person, wasn't he?

Max:

...?

Moe:

Even though he's not here anymore, everyone is sticking together. The staff, the performers... No one wants to leave the circus. That's why I've made a decision...

Max:

What is it?

Moe:

I've decided that I will take over as the new Ringmaster. I'll turn this circus into the best circus this world has ever seen!

Max:

... The best circus the world has ever seen!?

Moe:

D-D-Don't laugh!

Phoenix:

Amazing...

Maya:

Yay! I can't wait!!

Max:

Then I guess that changes things...

Moe:

Huh?

Max:

There's only one thing the best circus in the world has ever seen needs. The world's best illusions... Which means this circus needs the best magician the world has ever seen!

Moe:

Max...

Max:

Let's work together and make our circus SUPER FABULOUS! Whaddya say big guy?

Moe:

I don't know what to say... All I can say is thank you.

Phoenix:

Umm... Regina, you're gonna help them out too, aren't you?

Regina:

Umm... I don't know. Maybe the circus would be better of without me.

Moe:

What are you talking about, Regina? Why do you think that I brought you to court today?

Regina:

Uhh...

Moe:

We've got to work together to make the Berry Big Circus bigger than it's ever been!

Regina:

M-Moe...

Max:

Moe's right, sweetie pie! It can't be the Berry Big Circus without Regina Berry!

Regina:

M-Max...

Maya:

Nick!

Phoenix:

It seems like everything is going to turn out alright here...

Maya:

I can't wait to go see the best circus the world has ever seen!

Max:

We'll save you the most fabulous seats!

Moe:

It'll take us a while to get ready, but I'm going to order special whoopee cushion seats! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha! Aha!

I see... What made the case?

Gumshoe:

Just like you thought... Yesterday's search really paid off, sir! Umm... You had it all figured out yesterday, didn't you?

It was just a theory... If Acro really was the killer, I thought this was the only way it could end. Especially if "he" was the defense attorney...

Gumshoe:

You mean Mr. Wright ?

Of course... Well Detective, my plane is about to leave. Do me a favor and try not to be too harsh on Acro. Once I get back, I'll make a stop by the Chief Prosecutor's office.

Gumshoe:

Yes, sir! I'll be waiting for you! Goodbye Mr. Edgeworth!

Episode 3: Turnabout Big Top THE END

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