The Stolen Turnabout - Transcript - Part 1



Episode 2 The Stolen Turnabout

The time is 1:00 AM.

Beep... Beep... Beep... Beeeeeeep...

Detective! We made it!

Whew... What a relief. Glad the jewel is still safe.

Ho ho! You said it, pal. It musta been our rock solid security that scared him off!

Would you mind opening the safe just to double check?

Aaaaaaaaaah! We've been had!

O-Out front! Guards! Turn on the searchlights!

Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha... Better luck next time, gentlemen!

Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha... Excuse me, but I'm afraid I must be leaving now!

We shall meet again... When the next moon is full! Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha...

Ahaaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha...

October 11, 3:24 PM Wright & Co. Law Offices

Maya:

Hey, Nick! Get a load of this! Hey, are you listening to me!? You can clean the toilet later! This is important!

Phoenix:
 * sigh* What are you freaking out about now?

Maya:

Hey hee. Today will be the last time you talk to me that way!

Phoenix:

Huh?

Maya:

We're about to hit the big time !

Phoenix:

"Big time"? And what do you mean by "we"? You don't mean you and me are...?

Maya:

Ha! Don't be silly. I'm talking about me and Pearly, of course!

Pearl:

Hello. It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Nick!

Phoenix:

Pearls! You haven't changed a bit! Wait... What are you doing here anyway?

Pearl:

Hey hee. Haven't you heard, Mr. Nick? Here! Take a look at this!

Phoenix:

(What's this...? Some kind of poster?) Kurain Village ... Isn't that...?

Maya:

That's right. It's our hometown... Pearly and mine, that is.

Phoenix:

What's this about " treasures " from the boonies?

Maya:

Ha ha ha. Very funny. You can laugh all you want... But you'll be singing another tune tonight!

Phoenix:

Tonight? What about tonight?

Pearl:

The "Treasures of Kurain" exhibit doesn't actually start until next week, but... ...the promoter sent us some special VIP entry passes!

Maya:

That's why I dressed up extra special today! What do you think, Nick?

Phoenix:

(Heh. Same Maya. Different Day.)

-

Phoenix:

This young lady here is Maya Fey... The younger sister of Mia Fey... ...My friend and mentor. I first met her two years ago... I was working on the case surrounding Mia's death, and ever since then...

Maya:

I've been the one who's been keeping this law office afloat from behind the scenes.

Phoenix:

Actually that's just a cover for her true identity... In reality, she's a spirit medium, and a bit of a shady character.

Maya:

Hey! Who are you calling "shady"!?

Phoenix:

And this little girl is Pearl Fey, but I usually call her "Pearls". She's Maya's cousin and a spirit medium in training herself.

Pearl:

I know I'm a bit young, but I want to help in any way I can, Mr. Nick!

Phoenix:

Kurain Village is the home of the mysterious Kurain Channelling Technique. And Maya here is the daughter of the Kurain School of Channelling's Master. ...I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's no joke. I've seen her power with my own eyes... It's the real thing alright.

-

Maya:

Earth to Nick! How long are you going to make two gorgeous women like us wait!?

Pearl:

Yes, Mr. Nick! I can't wait any longer! I want to see the exhibit!

Phoenix:

(*sigh* Looks like I don't get a choice here. Might as well head on out...)

Treasure Exhibit Poster added to the Court Record.

-

October 11, 7:18 PM Lordly Tailor Main Exhibition Hall

Phoenix:

("Lordly Tailor"... The city's fanciest and most expensive department store. Treasure Exhibit, huh... I have to admit I'm pretty impressed.)

Maya: Wow... This is awesome!

Phoenix:

Yeah... You can make even the cheapest junk look great... It all depends on how you display it.

Pearl:

Oh! They even have the dusty old hanging scroll that was in the Fey Manor storeroom!

Maya: Oh yeah, I remember scribbling on it when I was a little girl!

Phoenix:

(On a family heirloom...!?)

Maya: Say, Nick... The person in charge of this exhibition is waiting for us in the basement warehouse.

Phoenix: Alright... (I guess we should go and say hello...)

-

October 11 Lordly Tailor Basement Warehouse

Phoenix: (Yup. This is a basement warehouse alright...)

Pearl:

Th-This place is scary... I feel like a monster could jump out at any time...

Maya:

Don't be scared, Pearly! I'll protect you!

???:

...Oh... ...Mr. Wright.

Maya:

Eeeeeeeek!! A monster! You were right!

Phoenix:

(Huh? A monster...?)

???:

Good evening. ...It's good to see you again.

Phoenix:

Y-You... I know you...

???:

Ha ha. Nice to see you again too, little miss.

Pearl:

Ah! H-Hello!

Maya:

Is she a friend of yours, Nick? ...And how do you know her, Pearly?

Andrews:

Nice to meet you. I'm Adrain Andrews. I'm in charge of the promotion and planning for this Treasure Exhibit. I'm also responsible for the security arrangements

Maya:

Oh, um... N-Nice to meet you.

Phoenix:

(Adrian sure has changed since we last met...)

Andrews:

So this is the warehouse. The really valuable exhibit items are still stored away in here.

(Clearing all "Talk" options and examining Ami's statue leads to:)

Andrews:

Oh, look! It's already 8:00! Have you all eaten yet?

Phoenix:

Um, well actually...

Andrews:

I've already made a reservation at the restaurant on the 12th floor. Why don't we all dine together?

Maya:

Ooh! I like the sound of that! "Dine"... It sounds so fancy!

Pearl:

I'll have the "Kid's Lunch"!

Maya:

Ha ha ha. Pearly, it's dinner, not lunch. Why don't you go for it and really eat your fill with a "Kid's Dinner"?

Pearl:

OK! In that case, one "Kid's Dinner" for me!

Andrews:

Ha ha. Shall we head upstairs, then?

-

Phoenix:

After that pleasant evening, all that remained was to wait for the exhibition's opening. It was wonderful seeing Ms. Andrews looking so happy. None of us could have imagined... That the very next day, something terrible would happen...

-

October 12, 10:09 AM Wright & Co. Law Offices

Maya:

N-Nick! This is terrible! ...What the--!? You're cleaning the toilet again!? I never knew you were such a toilet freak!

Phoenix: Gimme a break, would you? My brain just hit the snooze button for the fifth time...

Pearl:

Um... I'm going to turn on the TV!

-

Announcer: ...We've got an update on the recent treasure heist! Based on clues found at the scene of the crime, authorities have announced... that they believe it was the work of the renowned phantom thief, Mask☆DeMasque !

Phoenix: ...M-Masque the Mask...?

Announcer: According to a spokesperson, Lordly Tailor received a threat letter some days ago. This is the fifth heist by the phantom thief, who only targets rare treasures.

Phoenix: L-Lordly Tailor...!?

Maya: Well, Nick!? What are you going to do!? Don't you dare go back to scrubbing the toilet!

Phoenix: Treasure...? Lordly Tailor...? You don't think...!?

Maya: Yes! Now, get up, Nick! It was stolen! By Mask☆DeMasque! Our most valuable treasure... The Kurain Sacred Urn was STOLEN!!

Phoenix: Whaaat!?

- October 12 Lordly Tailor Main Exhibition Hall

Pearl:

Right! Let's see if we can find some clues that might lead us to the bad guy!

Phoenix:

...But it doesn't look like anything has been disturbed.

Maya:

Yeah, it looks preety much the same as it did last night.

Pearl:

Hmmm... Bad guy, huh.

???:

Hey! You can't poke around here, pal!

Phoenix:

Wait a minitue... that voice. Oh no! Not him again!

???:

It's YOU!! And I'm the one who should be saying "not again"! Why is it that every time something bad happens, you always show up, pal?

Phoenix:

I should be asking you that. Aren't there any other detectives?

???:

No, I should be asking YOU that. What are you doing hanging around here?

Phoenix:

Hey, I asked you first. Why are you here any--

Maya:

Alright, alright, we got it! Why don't you two kiss and make up already?

Pearl:

...Um, hello. It's been a long time, Mr. Scruffy Detective!

Gumshoe:

Oh! It's you, little missy! ...Um, ahh... Actually, my name is Gumshoe. "Detective Dick Gumshoe"! Now is a good chance for you to try to remember it right!

Maya:

And if it's too long for you, you can just call him "Dick".

Pearl:

Okay! It's good to see you again, Mr. Detective Dick!

Gumshoe:

Um... Yeah... Good to see you again, too, I guess.

(Talking about "What happened" and "Ace Detective" leads to:)

-

October 12 Lordly Tailor Basement Warehouse

Maya:

No matter how may times we come here, this place always give me the chills.

Phoenix:

That's probably because it's air-conditioned... To protect the art pieces, you know.

???:

...Welcome! To my private little "Banquet of Chaos".

Phoenix:

(Huh? What the heck does THAT mean...?)

???:

I'm afraid I have very little to offer, but please... make yourself at home.

Maya:

Err, umm... Who are you anyway...?

???:

SHHH! SILENCE! ... Hee hee hee hee hee hee... Now I see! It's all becoming clear!

Maya:

Wh-What do you see?

???:

...Zvarri! The truth has once again been elegantly revealed to me! A lawyer, and... a spirit medium. Neither very advanced at their trade! ...Am I wrong?

Maya:

Yikes! Th-That's scary! H-How did you know that!?

???:

"How" you say? The universal skeptic would say that how is nothing but a question of why. I am traveler of both time and space, and a swimmer of dreams.

Maya:

What is he talking about? I can't make heads or tails of it...

Atmey:

Without furthur ado, let me fulfill what should be the first duty of any gentleman... ...and introduce myself. The name is Atmey... Luke Atmey! ...Ace Detective.

Phoenix:

Oh... Umm... Hi.

Maya:

Don't let him intimidate you, Nick! Stand up and show him what you're made of!

Phoenix:

Err, umm... The name's Wright. Phoenix Wright... ...Ace Attorney.

Maya:

I'm Maya Fey! Ace Spirit Medium!

Pearl:

And I'm, ummm... Pearl Fey. I'm Mystic Maya's cousin and umm... spirit medium Ace Apprentice.

Atmey:

Excellent! Well then, shall we begin our little game?

Phoenix:

("Game"? Why does the phrase "one short of a baker's dozen" come to mind with this guy?)

(Clearing all "Talk" options and presenting DeMasque's Calling Card leads to:)

Atmey:

... ...Well, Sir Lawyer. I've been told that you too are pursuing the mysterious thief.

Phoenix:

...Well, I'm not sure would say that exact--

Maya:

That's right! We're going to find the Sacred Urn no matter what we have to do!

Atmey:

...Excellent. I will trust you. I permit you to take a look around while I investigate elsewhere. If, perchance, you should discover something of value, return then to my office... To my office of Earthly Delights, the "Atmey Detective Agency"!

Maya:

Of-Office of Earthly D-Delights...?

Atmey:

Well then Sir Lawyer, if you'll excuse me, I have much to do!

Phoenix:

W-Wait a minitue...!

Pearl:

He's gone.

Phoenix:

I don't like the idea of doing this guy's work for him.

Maya:

Come on, Nick. Don't worry about it. It's no big deal. Let's hurry up and investigate before he changes his mind!

Pearl:

I wanna go to his office, too! Take me with you, OK?

(Talking about "Sacred Urn" and "Last year's incident", Examining computer, Shichishito and Ami's statue leads to :)

-

Phone:

...

Maya:

Oh, Nick! Your cell phone's ringing!

Phone:

...*beep*...

Phoenix:

Hello, Phoenix Wright here.

Gumshoe:

Oho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho! It's me. Gumshoe.

Phoenix:

Gumshoe! What is it? What's so funny!?

Gumshoe:

I'll tell you what's funny, pal! I finally beat him! I beat Mr. Ace Detective ! Finally! This underdog is the alpha dog today! That stuck-up detective's met his match! Yup! I finally caught him! Lock, stock and barrel! There's no escape for him!

Maya:

You " caught him "? ...Are you saying...? You... You captured Mask☆DeMasque!?

Gumshoe:

Bingoooo! Well... Actually, he surrendered ... ...But I still got him!

Phoenix:

(Mask☆DeMasque surrendered?)

Pearl:

That's great! So when can we come and pick up the Sacred Urn?

Gumshoe:

Um, ahh, well ya see... I was gonna tell you...

Phoenix:

What...? Something wrong?

Gumshoe:

Do you think you can swing by the detention center sometime?

Phoenix:

Detention center...?

Gumshoe:

He wants to talk to you... Mask☆DeMasque, that is.

Maya:

Whaaaat!? He wants to talk to Nick?

Gumshoe:

I'll be waiting for you, pal. So get over here soon.

Phone:

...*beep*...

Phoenix:

(The detention center, huh?)

-

October 12 Atmey Detective Agency

Phoenix:

This is a detective agency? Looks like more like the set of some B-grade horror movie.

Maya:

H-Hello? Is anyone here...?

...

Phoenix:

It looks like nobody's home.

Maya:

Hmph. What a waste of time. Hey! I know! Let's taek that framed picture back with us as a memento!

Phoenix:

Don't you dare, Maya! (Guess we'll have to try back later...)

-

October 12 Detention Center Visitor's Room

Gumshoe:

Hey, pal! Welcome to the detention center!

Phoenix:

You're sure in a happy mood, aren't you?

Gumshoe:

Yup. After all, we got Mask☆DeMasq--

Maya:

Right, but... Um... So where's the Sacred Urn?

Gumshoe:

Oh, Sorry about that, pal... I guess I didn't really think about it before... But you're the " victim " in this case.

Maya:

Huh?

Gumshoe:

Well, I guess I should let you guys hear the story straight from the horse's mouth.

Maya:

You know, he's right, Nick!

Phoenix:

He is?

Maya:

If you think about it reeeeal hard, we are the victims!

Phoenix:

Well... I guess so... In a way...

???:

Umm...

Maya:

I'm so used to thinking of the victim as a dead person 'cause we're always on murder cases.

???:

Ex-Excuse me...

Maya:

But anyway! I have to get the Sacred Urn back!

???:

Pleeeeease! Don't just ignore meeeeee! ...Err.

Maya:

...Um, who are you?

???:

...I, err, umm. I-I-I... I-I'm Ma-Ma-Ma... Mask☆DeMasque...? ...O-OK?

Maya:

...Hey, Nick... Dosen't he look kind of... Well, gangly?

Ron:

I'm Ron DeLite... Th-The famous Mask☆DeMasque.

Phoenix:

(...I don't think this guy could punch his way out of a wet paper bag.)

(Talking about "Mask☆DeMasque" and "Dessie" leads to:)

-

October 12 Mask☆DeMasque's Hideout

Phoenix:

... Wow, check this place out!

Maya:

No doubt about it, this is Mask☆DeMasque's hideout alright.

???:

Who is it? Is that you, Ronnie? Huh? Who are you people?

Phoenix:

Err, umm... Are you Desirée DeLite?

Desirée:

That's right. I'm Desirée. ...Ah! Oh! You must be the lawyer... and the victim!

Phoenix:

Y-Yeah, that's us. Your husband told us that you wanted us to stop by.

Maya:

I'm Maya Fey, and this is Phoenix Wright, attorney at law.

Desirée:

"Nicky boy" and Maya, huh? I can't tell you how grateful I am that you decided to help my Ronnie.

Maya:

Well, um... Aha ha... You're welcome.

Phoenix:

(Did she really call me "Nicky boy"?)

(Clearing all "Talk" options leads to:)

Desirée:

Say... Can I ask you something, Nicky boy?

Phoenix:

What is it?

Desirée:

I know I may seem like a "bad girl" on the outside... But the one thing I won't stand for is illegal activity.

Maya:

I had the feeling you didn't! You're tough... But I can tell you've got a good heart.

Desirée:

Somebody framed my poor Ronnie, I just know it. Umm... Could you give this to Ronnie for me?

Maya:

A letter?

Desirée:

Yes, for Ronnie. I want him to fight back.

Maya:

Ms. DeLite... OK, you've got it! Just relax and leave it all to us!

Desirée's Letter added to the Court Record.

- Detention Center

(Clearing all "Talk" options and presenting Desirée's Letter leads to:)

Ron:

... Umm... Mr. Lawyer?

Phoenix:

Yes?

Ron:

In the letter that Dessie wrote, she said... "Ask this guy to be your lawyer!"

Maya:

Huh...?

Ron:

Err, umm... I know this would be asking a lot, but... Could you please take my case? My trial starts tomorrow...

Maya:

Hey, hang on a second! He can't be your lawyer!

Phoenix:

Why not?

Maya:

What do you mean, "why not"!? We're the victims in this case, right!? Victims of this DeMasque guy!

Phoenix:

Well, yeah... But according to Desirée, he didn't do it...

Pearl:

She said, "Poor man, he's deluded himself into thinking he did it." Right, Mr. Nick?

Maya:

Come on! She could be lying to protect her husband!

Phoenix:

W-Well, that's true. ...Err, no actually not. Actually it's hard to say. (...Oh no, it's spreading!)

Ron:

Oh, please! I'll give you the treasure of your choice in return...

Phoenix:

(Hmm... What should I do?)

Pearl:

M-Mr. Nick...! I-I was wrong about you... I shouldn't have trusted you!

Phoenix:

P-Pearls...?

Pearl:

I can't believe you'd defend this person after what he did to Mystic Maya...! I-I... I'll never forgive you... EVER! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!

Maya:

P-! Pearly...! Wait!

Phoenix:

(This is going to be ugly...)

Maya:

I-I'll go after her!

-

Ron:

Umm... Sorry about that. I didn't mean to cause any trouble...

Phoenix:

Well... You couldn't have known she'd react like that. (I guess I might as well start investigating...) Oh, Maya... Where's Pearls?

Maya:

She said she's going back to the office. Go check in on her later, would you?

Phoenix:

And what about you...? Are you OK with me taking Mr. DeLite's case...?

Maya:

Y-Yeah... I'm fine, Nick. I believe in you.

Phoenix:

... *sniffle* (I think I'm going to cry.)

Ron:

Umm... I, err... I know you have a lot of work to do... I... I really appreciate it.

Maya:

OK, Nick! Let's get this show on the road!

-

October 12 Wright & Co. Law Offices

Pearl:

Ah... Mr. Nick! W-Welcome back!

Phoenix:

Oh, hey Pearls. You're back too, I see.

Pearl:

I, um... I went and bought us a strawberry cake! I'll go make some tea to go with it!

Phoenix:

Hey, uh Pearls... ...

Maya:

It looks like she feels really bad about what happened at the detention center...

-

Pearl:

M-Mr. Nick...! I-I was wrong about you... I shouldn't have trusted you! I-I... I'll never forgive you... EVER!

-

Pearl:

Mystic Maya! The tea is ready!

Maya:

Oh... Thanks...

Pearl:

Come on, Mr. Nick! Please have some of this cake!

Phoenix:

Yeah... Thanks. Umm, Pearls?

Pearl:

Oh! Ex-Excuse me... I was in the middle of cleaning the toilet...!

Phoenix:

Hey, it's OK! I just cleaned it this morning...

Maya:

Too late...

Phoenix:

(...This might be a good time for me to ask about her.)

(Clearing all "Talk" options leads to:)

Maya:

Well, Nick! Why don't we go out and start investigating? We're not going to learn anything just sitting around the office!

Phoenix:

Yeah, I know... But... First I want to talk to Pearls...

Pearl:

...Umm, Mr. Nick?

Phoenix:

Yeah...?

Pearl:

I... I acted like a baby.

Phoenix:

Pearls...

Pearl:

I doubted you... Even though Mystic Maya trusted you completely... I guess I still have a lot of training to do. Mr. Nick!

Phoenix:

Y-Yes?

Pearl:

I... From the bottom of my heart, I apologize for what I said!

Phoenix:

Aww, it's OK! I'm the one that should be apologizing!

Pearl:

Well, I'm going out now for a little bit.

Phoenix:

Huh!? Wh-Where are you going...?

Pearl:

I may be small, but I still have a lot of spirit channeling power! So I'm going to show you I can be useful too... By finding some evidence!

Phoenix:

Hey! W-Wait a...! (Ack! She sure runs fast...)

Maya:

Nick... Let's back off and give her some room, OK?

Phoenix:

...Yeah.

-

October 12 Lordly Tailor Main Exhibition Hall

Andrews:

M-Maya...!

Maya:

Oh, Ms. Andrews...

Andrews:

I'm so sorry! It's my fault! ...Your precious urn! Your... precious... UUUUURNNN!!!

Phoenix:

Please! C-Calm down! What's wrong?

Andrews:

* sniffle* It never ends! Everything I touch ends in failure! Maya, I'm sorry...! I'll do anything to make it up to you!

Maya:

N-No, it's okay, don--

Andrews:

I know I don't look it, but I'm good with my hands. I could make you another urn.

Maya:

Hold on, just wait, OK? Breathe, calm down and talk to us.

Andrews:

F-Forgive me! Forgive me!

Basement Warehouse

(Clearing all "Talk" options of Maya and Andrews leads to:)

-

October 12 Atmey Detective Agency

Maya:

Hello?

...Well, well. How lovely it is to see you again, my dear.

Atmey:

Welcome to my abode! Relax! and soak up the atmosphere...

Phoenix:

Err, umm... We're actualy kind of...

Atmey:

SHHH! SILENCE! ... Hee hee hee hee hee... Precisely as I expected.

Maya:

Wh-What is?

Atmey:

...Zvarri! The truth has once again been elegantly revealed to me! A lawyer, and... a spirit medium. ...Am I correct?

Maya:

...Umm. I think we've already been through this.

Atmey:

Ha! So my estimation was correct! Zvarri! ...How truly elegant. Now then, what can I do for you?

(Clearing all "Talk" options leads to:)

Phoenix:

Well it looks like we got one thing cleared up anyway.

Maya:

Huh? What? That Atmey is the greatest Ace Detective in the world?

Phoenix:

No, that he never actually saw the thief.

Maya:

Oh... that's right! So the thief may not even be Mask☆DeMasque ...

Atmey:

Just one moment, Sir Lawyer! The thief was unquestionably Mask☆DeMasque!

Maya:

But you never actually saw him!

Atmey:

Perhaps so, but I installed a security camera for just such a contingency.

Maya:

Oh...

Atmey:

Last night, the camera went off exactly once. Behold! This is a photo of the dastardly thief, taken by the security camera!

Phoenix:

...Th-That's him!

Maya:

M-Mask☆DeMasque...!

Sercurity Camera Photo added to the Court Record.

Atmey:

The thief can be none other than the arch-criminal, Mask☆DeMasque. After all, he has a very good reason for committing such brazen crimes.

Phoenix:

Wh-What are you talking about?

-

DeMasque's Hideout

(Talking about "DeMasque's reason" leads to:)

(Examining Green envelope leads to:)

...*ding-dong*...

Desirée:

Oh! Someone's at the door! I'll be right back. Won't take but a second, I promise. (Oh, thank you for coming! That's so nice of you!)

???:

(When I see a damsel in distress, I just can't help myself!)

Desirée:

(Please, come on in! I'll make some coffee.)

???:

(Really? OK, I guess I'll make myself at home, pretty lady!)

Phoenix:

(...Wait a minitue. I know that voice...)

Desirée:

Oh, Nicky boy, I'm so sorry, but I've got another guest!

???:

Aaaaaaaaaaaah!! You... You're... Nick, it's you! And Maya, too! What a fluke!

Maya:

Ah...! Larry! Long time no see!

Desirée:

What? You know each other?

Butz:

Ni... "Nicky boy"!? Nick, do you and this girl have... you know... something going on?

Phoenix:

"S-Something"? If you mean what I thin--

Butz:

I underestimated you, Nick! A gorgeous lady like this? ...And married, too? Way to go, dude!

Phoenix:

(I knew it. Just when things can't get any worse, it's time to cue in the Butz.)

-

Phoenix:

Larry Butz... Ever since grade school, he's been... Not exactly a close frined, but yeah, we know each other.

Butz:

Hey, man, that wasn't nice! I was your very first client!

Phoenix:

It's been 25 years since I first met Larry. And what we used to say still rings true. When something smells, it's usually the Butz.

-

Butz:

Hey, come on now! You're embarrassing me! And in front of this pretty little thing here...

Desirée:

So you two are old childhood friends, I see. That's so sweet! You two go ahead and catch up on old times. I'm going to go check on my bike.

Butz:

Nice girl, that Dessie... So how have ya been, Nick?

Phoenix:

(Too busy if you really want to know...)

(Clearing all "Talk" options and presenting Key card leads to:)

Phone:

...

Maya:

Oh, Nick! Your phone!

Phone:

...*beep*...

Pearl:

H-Hello? Is this the Wright residence?

Phoenix:

Ah! Pearls! Where are you!?

Pearl:

I-I thought I'd go to Lordly Tailor to try to find some more clues, but... ...I'm afraid I've gotten lost.

Maya:

Whaaaat!? Give me that phone, Nick! P-Pearly! Where are you right now!?

Pearl:

Um... I was walking along and I found myself in front of that person's office.

Maya:

"That person"...? Who!?

Pearl:

Um, the person who doesn't act his age and always says, "Zvarri!" when he's excited...

Phoenix:

(Luke Atmey, Ace Detective...) OK, stay right there! We're coming to get you!

Pearl:

A-Alright... I-I'm a little scared...

Phone:

...*beep*...

Phoenix:

Alright! Let's go, Maya!

Butz:

Wait a second, Nick!

Phoenix:

Wh-What?

Butz:

That phone call just now... Sounded like real cutie... Another one of your, ahem, ..."special friends"?

Phoenix:

.......... Say goodbye to Ms. DeLite for me, would you Larry?

-

October 12 Atmey Detective Agency

Pearl:

Ah! Mr. Nick! Mystic Maya!

Maya:

Pearly!

Pearl:

I never thought I'd see the two of you again!

Phoenix:

...So is Mr. Ace Detective out of the office?

Pearl:

Yes, when I arrived here... ...there wasn't a single soul in sight.

Maya:

Say, Nick... Doesn't look like something's changed since we were here last?

Phoenix:

(Now that you mention it...)

(Examining Bag leads to:)

Atmey:

...Well, hello there!!

Maya:

EEEEEEK! H-He's here!

Atmey:

...What are you doing, Sir Lawyer? I'm shocked to see a servant of the court ignoring the law so flagrantly!

Phoenix:

I-I'm really sorry! M-Maya made me do it!

Maya:

Nick! I can't believe you!

Atmey:

A gentlemen never uses a lady as an excuse for his own poor behavior... The real question is... Can you afford to waste time lollygagging about here?

Phoenix:

Wh-What do you mean by that?

Atmey:

Perhaps I should make myself more clear? Tomorroe's trial... Zvarri! Shall we say the figurative Sir William will be dropping his panties before lunchtime.

Maya:

Wow, Nick! Sounds like it's gonna be really exciting.

(Clearing all "Talk" options leads to:)

Phoenix:

(It looks like we're done investigating for the day.)

Atmey:

Hee hee hee hee hee... Sir Lawyer... The stage has been set and all the pieces are finally in place. All that remains now... is for the dance to begin!

Phoenix:

(A new prosecutor, an Ace Detective and a thief... This will be one tough trial.)

To be continued.

October 13, 9:36 AM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 4

Maya:

Hey, Nick!

Phoenix:

What is it? Is something wrong...?

Maya:

Nah. But did you see all the people here? It's crazy! Oh! Look at this! I bought this Mask☆DeMasque publicity photo!

Phoenix:

You bought that...? Where!?

Pearl:

From the little tents in front of the courthouse. They have all sorts of things for sale!

Maya:

You know I'm sucker for this kind of stuff!

Mask☆DeMasque Publicity Photo stuck onto the Court Record.

Come on! I'm guilty! Throw the book at meeee!

Pearl:

...Who's screaming like that?

Ron:

...Oh! Mr. Wright! You made it!

Phoenix:

Yeah, I did. But it doesn't look like things are going to get any less ugly for you.

Ron:

Because I did it!! I'm the criminal! Me! Me! Meeeeeee!

Maya:

Ungh... He's at it again.

Ron:

I sent the calling card to Lordly Tailor! I admit iiiit!!

Phoenix:

But... You don't have the Sacred Urn, right?

Ron:

Well, that's true, but... That doesn't mean that I didn't commit the crime.

Phoenix:

(Normally, when I say "Of course you didn't" I'm being sarcastic, but you... Yikes!)

Ron:

Anyway, I admit that I'm guilty... So make sure they give me a guilty verdict! Pleeeeease!?

Desirée:

Oh, there you are Ronnie! Bonjour, sweetie!

Ron:

Oh! D-Dessie honey! B-Bonjour! ...Well, actually... I don't really know why I should be speaking French to you a t a time like this.

Desirée:

Leave it all to me, Ronnie! I swear I'll protect you!

Ron:

Ummm, errr... Aaah... Well, ahh... You see... Actually the thief is err, m

Desirée:

Can I tell you something, Nicky boy? I can guarantee that my Ronnie is innocent! If he's declared guilty, I'll be ever so cross with you!

Phoenix:

(So, why are you smiling when you say it?)

Desirée:

Well, if you'll excuse me! I've got some errands I need to tkae care of! I'm counting on you, Nicky boy! Good luck!

-

Phoenix:

(To be honest, I really don't know whether Ron is Mask☆DeMasque or not. But there's only one thing I AM sure of. He doesn't have the Sacred Urn right now...)

-

Bailiff:

Mr. DeLite! It's time for you to enter the courtroom!

Phoenix:

(For the time being, I guess I'll have to trust Desirée...)

-

October 13, 10:00 AM District Court Courtroom No. 6

Judge:

Court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Ron DeLite.

Phoenix:

The defense is ready, Your honor.

???:

...

Judge:

What about the prosecution? Are you prepared to...

???:

...What a stupid question!

Judge:

Wh-What did you say!

???:

Fine. Let me ask you then, Your Honor. Are YOU ready? Are you ready to pass judgement?

Judge:

Wh...! N-No, I... I'm not! I will pass judgement after I hear arguments from both sides.

???:

Well, if you're not ready yourself, you shouldn't expect others to be. That's a rule to live by.

Judge:

...Um, wh-who are you?

Godot:

I am Godot. Legendary prosecutor. I've never lost a case.

Maya:

Ah! He's the one that Detective Atmey was talking about...

Judge:

Yes, your reputation precedes you. What kind of cases have you dealt with so far?

Godot:

Ha...! None.

Judge:

Whar did you say...?

Godot:

I've never prosecuted a case before.

Judge:

N-Never? But you said you've never lost before.

Godot:

...Exactly. I've never lost. I've never won before either.

Judge:

Quite arrogant for a beginner, aren't you?

Godot:

Even the mightest of Redwoods begin their lives as mere saplings.

Judge:

Yes, but... A mask? In a court of law?

Godot:

Ha...! Don't you know anything? No matter the man, we all wear masks... Either on our faces or ever our hearts.

Judge:

...!

Maya:

This guy is the real deal alright, Nick...

Phoenix:

(Why does it seem like all prosecutors are the "real deal"...?)

Godot:

So we finally meet... Mr. Phoenix Trite!

Phoenix:

...?

Maya:

N-Nick! Is he a frined of yours?

Phoenix:

No. I don't have any friends that call me "Trite". (Just who is this masked man...?)

Godot:

I've returned from the depths of Hell... To do battle with you.

Judge:

Well then, err, Prosecutor Gobo.

Godot:

It's not "Gobo". It's Godot... Your Honor.

Judge:

In any case, please give your opening statement.

Godot:

Opening statement? Those things are not fit for even dogs to consume. I have only one thing to say before we start. To you... Mr. Trite.

Phoenix:

Wh-What is it?

Godot:

Are you familiar with the saying, "A chain is only as strong as its weaknest link"? I wonder... how much you can withstand before you and your case break in two...?

Phoenix:

...

Judge:

Hmm... Well then, let's hear from the first witness!

-

Gumshoe:

Um, my name is...

Godot:

No one asked for your name, witness.

Gumshoe:

...Urk.

Godot:

The important thing is what you know... That's all. Start talking. ...We're listening.

Gumshoe:

Y-Yes, sir.

Judge:

Alright, witness. First, let's hear about... What you know about the thief that stole the urn.

Gumshoe:

Yes, sir!

-

Witness Testimony -- Mask☆DeMasque's Crimes --

Gumshoe:

Mask☆DeMasque is a master thief that first started his crime spree 6 month years ago.

He's so confident that he sends his calling card before he even commits the crime!

This was his fifth heist, and as usual, he sent a card on to Lordly Tailor.

His pattern is to always go after only the most precious art pieces.

That's why we're sure it was Mask☆DeMasque, sir. It fits his M. O. to a T!

-

Judge:

Hmm... So then the actual identity of this Mask☆DeMasque is... M-Mr. Godot! Y-You! W-We're in the middle of a trial here, Mr. Godot!

Godot:

Blacker than a moonless night, hotter and more bitter than Hell itself... That is coffee. I'm sure you can grant me at least this much... Your Honor. Oh, please. Proceed.

Judge:

...Very well. It's only coffee, after all.

Phoenix:

(What!? You can't be letting him slide this early in the trial!)

Judge:

Proceed with your cross-examination, Mr. Wright.

Maya:

Well, Nick? What are you going to do?

Phoenix:

As long as they haven't brought up Mr. DeLite's identity... ...all we can do is show that it wasn't Mask☆DeMasque who stole the urn.

-

Cross-Examination -- Mask☆DeMasque's Crimes --

Gumshoe:

Mask☆DeMasque is a master thief that first started his crime spree 6 month years ago.

Gumshoe:

He's so confident that he sends his calling card before he even commits the crime!

Gumshoe:

This was his fifth heist, and as usual, he sent a card on to Lordly Tailor.

Gumshoe:

His pattern is to always go after only the most precious art pieces.

Gumshoe:

That's why we're sure it was Mask☆DeMasque, sir. It fits his M. O. to a T!

Maya:

Nick! It definitely looks like it was Mask☆DeMasque who stole the urn!

Phoenix:

But there's no real evidence either wat as to whether Ron DeLite is Mask☆DeMasque.

Maya:

But... But...

Phoenix:

Also, the urn hasn't turned up yet, let alone in connection to Mr. DeLite himself.

Maya:

So even though we know it was Mask☆DeMasque that did it...

Phoenix:

(Maybe for the time being, I should try to show it wasn't Mask☆DeMasque that did it!)

-

Phoenix:

...Can I ask you a little something, Detective Gumshoe?

Gumshoe:

...Just hearing the "little" in that question is making me nervous.

Phoenix:

You said that he always "goes after the most precious art pieces", right?

Gumshoe:

That's right, pal.

Phoenix:

But there's one problem... That's not what he did in this case. The supposedly "priceless" urn doesn't exactly rise to the level of "precious art"!

Gumshoe:

Wh-What do you mean!?

Maya:

N-Nick! How can you say such a terrible thing!?

Phoenix:

No! I meant from a financial point of view! I mean, it wouldn't fetch a good price.

Judge:

Well, Prosecutor Godot? What is the value of that urn?

Godot:

The appraisers I spoke to said they couldn't attach a price to it. And I mean that in the worst sense.

Phoenix:

So in other words... It was not the kind of item that Mask☆DeMasque would normally go after !

Gumshoe:

Urk!

Judge:

Hmm... If I understand you correctly, Mr. Wright... ...you're saying that the theft of the Sacred Urn was not the work of Mask☆DeMasque ...!

Phoenix:

Y-Yes... That's what I'm saying. (Actually all I did was point out the contradiction. The argument made itself, but...)

Judge:

Well... First of all, we need to get this issue cleared up. Was this last robbery the work of Mask☆DeMasque or not? What do you have to say about this, Mr. Godot?

Godot:

This coffee here... It's my own special blend. I call it Godot #107. I'm trying to decide whether to cut down on the acidity or the bitterness... That's the only thing I've got on my mind right now... ...Mr. Trite!

Phoenix:

Wh-What!?

Godot:

If you're really a man, you should clean up your own mess.

Phoenix:

Umm... Sorry, but I didn't get what you mean.

Godot:

If you're saying it wasn't Mask☆DeMasque that stole the urn... ...then it must be someone imitating Mask☆DeMasque's methods... A fake.

Judge:

A-A Fake☆DeMasque ?

Maya:

Fake☆DeMasque? That sounds so ridiculous. ...But I like it.

Godot:

Now, before I decide on my coffee, I believe some proof is in order, Mr. Trite. Proof that the person who appeared at Lordly Tailor that night was actually a fake.

Judge:

Hmm... Though I don't approve of Mr. Godot's behavior, his point is vaild. Mr. Wright. ...We're waiting.

Phoenix:

(It looks like I'm going to have to prove it... I need proof that the person at Lordly Tailor that night was in fact, Fake☆DeMasque !)

Phoenix: The proof is right here.

Judge: This looks like... a photo taken by a security camera.

Phoenix: But if you look closely... you'll notice something peculiar about it.

Godot: Ha...! Well then, why don't you go ahead and show us what it is. Go on. Use this pointer and show us just what about this picture is so "peculiar".

Phoenix: It's right here, of course!

Judge: You mean... Mask☆DeMasque ?

Phoenix: I have here a piece of refrence I would like the court to take a look at.

Maya: Isn't that the publicity photo I bought this morning...?

Phoenix: The problem I have with the security camera photo is the broach on DeMasque's chest.

Judge: A Breach? Here!? Bailiff! Get my steed! We need to retreat at once!

Phoenix: ...A broach, Your Honor. It's a sort of clasp for holding one's cape on.

Judge: A clasp, eh... Ah! I see now!

Gumshoe: But the Mask☆DeMasque in the security camera photo... Ahh!! He has no broach !!

Phoenix: That broach is the same as the emblem on DeMasque's calling card and serves as his symbol. But the thief that broke into Lordly Tailor wasn't wearing a broach... In other words, this "Mask☆DeMasque" is a fake!

Gumshoe: ...! I-I've been fooled agaaaaaain!

Judge: O-Order! It's true... Undeniably true... Detective Gumshoe! How... How could you have overlooked this!?

Gumshoe: I-I'm sorry, sir! I don't know how I...

Godot: Hey now... ...If you're gonna have a pity party, invite me, too!

Judge: M-Mr. Godot! You deserve some blame in this, too! How could you have overlooked such a large broach...?

Godot: Ha...! The broach you're talking about... Do you mean this?

Gumshoe: Ah...!

Phoenix: Th-That's...! Mask☆DeMasque's broach!

Judge: Wh-Where did you find it!?

Godot: Well I've always had a good nose for evidence... I got it at the crime scene. It was hidden in the shadow of a big female Buddha statue.

Phoenix: (" Buddha statue "...? He must mean the Ami Fey statue.)

Gumshoe: Wh-Why didn't you tell me about that, sir!?

Godot: ...I always put evidence away in my pocket. ...After all, it's the safest place for crucial evidence.

Maya: Grrr... This guy is one cool customer.

Godot: It's a little early to be shaken up, isn't it, little lady? ...That friend of yours left pretty little hickeys on there, too.

Judge: H-Hickeys?

Godot: Figuratively speaking, of course... I'm referring to Ron DeLite's fingerprints.

Gumshoe: Whaaa...?

Judge: What!? The defendant's fingerprints are on the broach!? Order! Order in the court! Mr. Godot! Let's see that broach!

Godot: I've grown attached to my metallic girlfriend here. ...Take good care of her.

Judge: Hmm... She-- I mean, it appears to have been torn off some clothing. There's a little bit of cloth left on the back.

Godot: Obviously there must have been a big struggle that night at the crime scene.

Phoenix: (Uh oh... Phoenix, we have a problem...)

DeMasque's Broach added to the Court Record.

Godot: Ha...! You mess with Godot... ...and you get burned.

Phoenix: (Grr... He's been playing me like a violin...)

Godot: Well Judge, I'm about ready to call my next witness.

Gumshoe: Huh? You're done with me? But I haven't proved anything yet.

Godot: You've proven your own incompetence. That's good enough.

Gumshoe: ...That doesn't sound good at all.

Judge: Bailiff! Bring the next witness into the courtroom!

Phoenix: (Finally time for the Ace Detective to make his appearance, huh...?)

-

Godot: One second is one drip of the coffee pot. Let's hurry it up.

Atmey: SHHH! SILENCE!... Hee hee hee hee hee... Now I see. It's all becoming clear.

Judge: Wh-What's clear?

Atmey: ...Zvarri! The truth has once again been elegantly revealed to me! What we have here is... A judge and a prosecutor. ...A coffee maniac, at that! ...Am I correct?

Judge: W-Well, yes. That's right.

Godot: Ha...! Not bad. Not bad at all. You're the forst person that's ever been able to penetrate my secret veil.

Atmey: Well, Sir Prosecutor. Let me introduce myself. My name is Luke Atmey, Ace Detective and rising star illuminating the heavens.

Maya: Boy, these two make a prefect pair...

Phoenix: They'd either be best friends or they'd tear each other's heads off.

Judge: I've heard that on the night of the crime, you were all alone on security detail.

Atmey: ...You have heard correctly. My specially-made monocle is worth more than a hundred Detective Gumshoes. ...If Detective Gumshoe was worth anything, that is.

Judge: Hmm...

Phoenix: (Why was this guy all by himself anyway...? There must be some reason. I'm sure of it!)

Judge: Well then, tell us what this special monocle of yours witnessed!

-

Witness Testimony -- What I Witnessed --

Atmey: It was approximately 1 o'clock in the morning... just after the date changed. That's when my nemesis, the infamous Mask☆DeMasque, dancingly descended upon me! Just as I began to turn, the coward struck a fierce blow upon my noble head! Darkness swallowed me before I could land a single strike. When I awoke, he was gone. Thirty minutes later, I used an emergency phone to notify the police!

-

Judge: So you didn't get a clear look at the criminal?

Atmey: My specially-made monocle never misses a thing. However! That is limited to things that fall within my own visual range! But of course, that's only natural.

Judge: ...I fall to see why the witness seems so proud of his performance that evening.

Atmey: Well, Sir Old-timer, let me explain. We are not speaking of any ordinary thief... ...but of the kings of thieves! The great Mask☆DeMasque, my arch-enemy! That is what my instincts and my years of experience tell me!

Judge: Hmm... Very well. Proceed with the cross-examination, Mr. Wright.

-

Cross-Examination -- What I Witnessed --

Atmey: It was approximately 1 o'clock in the morning... just after the date changed.

Atmey: That's when my nemesis, the infamous Mask☆DeMasque, dancingly descended upon me!

Atmey: Just as I began to turn, the coward struck a fierce blow upon my noble head!

Atmey: Darkness swallowed me before I could land a single strike. When I awoke, he was gone.

Atmey: Thirty minutes later, I used an emergency phone to notify the police!

Maya: There's something suspicious about Detective Atmey... How could he not have noticed when the thief came in?

Phoenix: Also, he says he was knocked inconscious before he could fight back... But that can't be right. It contradicts the evidence.

Maya: Huh? Which piece...?

Phoenix: (The real question is... Why would he tell such an obvious lie?)

-

Phoenix: ...Mr. Atmey. Could you take a look at this with that special monocle of yours?

Atmey: Aha! This belongs to the criminal mastermind, my arch-nemesis, Mask☆DeMasque! It is, in point of fact, Mask☆DeMasque's broach!

Phoenix: It was found on the floor of the basement warehouse. I wonder how that happened?

Atmey: Ha... Elementary, my dear lawyer. Obviously it wasn't glued on well enough.

Phoenix: Not quite. It clearly shows signs of having been ripped off a piece of clothing.

Judge: Ripped off...? Aha!

Phoenix: ...We can only deduce that the thief struggled with someone that night! That's the only thing I can think of. And there's only one person that was in a position to have a struggle with the thief. The only person that was on security duty that night...You, Detective Atmey!

Atmey: ...Urk!

Phoenix: Detective Atmey! You must have fought with the thief last night! So, why did you lie in your testimony to the court?

Judge: Witness! Giving false testimony is a serious crime!

Atmey: Err, I... N-No! W-Wait just a moment, Sir Old-timer!

Judge: Don't talk to me like I'm living in a nursing home!

Atmey: Hee hee hee he he he... I just remembered, Your Honor. I was just confused because I've been dealing with so many cases lately.

Godot: The true measure of a man is in the amount of work he does. That's what I always say.

Maya: Nick, you can only handle one case at a time... Isn't that right?

Phoenix: You talk too much.

Judge: Witness! So are you now saying that you and the thief fought?

Godot: Hold on. That's quite enough... Your Honor.

Judge: E-Excuse me...?

Godot: Save the big questions for the testimony. That's one of my rules.

Atmey: Indeed! I understand! I, Luke Atmey, agree completely!

-

Witness Testimony -- Fight With The Thief Crimes --

Atmey: Indeed, it's true that I looked away from the door for a brief moment. However... Luke Atmey cannot be so easily discombobulated! Unfortunately, the thief grabbed a weapon from the side and... rendered me senseless. A true gentleman fights only with his own fists... But they were not enough. His first blow struck true! Bam!... And that's all she wrote.

-

Judge: So in the end, you did catch a glimpse of Mask☆DeMasque?

Atmey: Correct. It was during his third crime that he struck me from behind. It seems that my memory has become a tad jumbled, so to speak.

Judge: Hmmm... Well, that's certainly understandable. I, myself, always get confused about which testimony goes with which case.

Phoenix: (Th-That can't be good...)

-

Cross-Examination -- Fight With The Thief --

Atmey: Indeed, it's true that I looked away from the door for a brief moment.

Atmey: However... Luke Atmey cannot be so easily discombobulated!

Atmey: Unfortunately, the thief grabbed a weapon from the side and... rendered me senseless.

Atmey: A true gentleman fights only with his own fists... But they were not enough.

Atmey: His first blow struck true! Bam!... And that's all she wrote.

Atmey: I put my back to the wall to fight, but the thief's blow landed upon my third eye.

Maya: Well what do you think, Nick?

Phoenix: Well, there's one thing that I'm absolutely sure of now.

Maya: Yeah? What is it!?

Phoenix: The Luke Atmey guy... He's definitely hiding something!

Maya: B-But why?

Phoenix: I think I'm starting to figure out what really happened that night. (...And about the true nature of this "detective".)

-

Phoenix: Detective Atmey! Your testimony is crumbling like a house of cards.

Atmey: What fun this is, Sir Lawyer! It is truly a pleasure to cross swords with you! And now, once again, you have thrown down the gauntlet at my armored feet...

Phoenix: I believe this is what you said yesterday.

-

Atmey: No, the coward must have wormed his way in through somewhere besides the door... Perhaps the air ducts or the sewer pipes... Then my arch-nemesis struck me on the head from behind with this gruesome item here!

-

Judge: From behind, huh?

Phoenix: But just now you testified that he struck you on the forehead... I hardly think you could forget where you were hit on the head!

Atmey: ...Urk! It seems... I-I've made another mistake.

Phoenix: ...Detective Atmey. That's not the only strange part of your testimony.

Judge: Wh-What do you mean by that?

Phoenix: For example... The very fact that you hid the calling card from the police itself is strange! It's almost as if... You were afraid they were going to help with security!

Atmey: U-Urk...! Geniuses such as myself have always been misunderstood! How sad...

Phoenix: That's wrong!

Godot:

Godot: ...To err is human, to forgive divine. Humans aren't machines... They have souls, feelings. They live, they die, they love, they hate... And yes, they even make mistakes...

Phoenix:

Phoenix: Hey, hold on! It-It's not as pretty as that!

Godot: Really? What is it like then!?

Phoenix: ...!

Godot: Always chase a riddle down to the end. That's one of my rules.

Phoenix: (This is it... This might just be my chance to turn things around!)

Judge: ...Mr. Wright. What exactly is it that you're asserting?

Phoenix: Very well, Your Honor. The defense asserts that...

Phoenix: The answer is simple! It's all clear to me now! Detective Atmey's true identity is actually... Mask☆DeMasque!

Atmey: Yeeeeaaargggh!

Judge: Order! Order in the court! Mr. Wright! What is the meaning of this!?

Phoenix: There are too many unnatural parts to Mr. Atmey's story. He says he was "hiding" at the crime scenes, which is why no one ever saw him there. And then, in his last case, he manages to outperform Detective Gumshoe and... ...the entire police force to "miraculously" retrive the stolen treasure.

Atmey: Th-That's because... I analyzed the crime scene data and made an exquisitely elegant deducation. I picked up clues that the police overlooked in order to arrive at a...

Phoenix: Oh, please! The explanation is far simpler than that, "Detective Atmey"! The truth is that you are, in fact, Mask☆DeMasque.

Atmey: Gurk...!

Judge: B-But Mr. Wright! Th-This photo! It clearly shows Mask☆DeMasque! This security camera belongs to Lordly Tailor Department Store! He shouldn't have been able to manipulate it...

Phoenix: He didn't need to manipulate it! He gained access to the warehouse under the pretense of providing " security "... Then he simply dressed as the " thief " and stole the urn.

Judge: So... the Ace Detective is actually an Ace Thief ! Is this true, witness!?

Atmey: ... Aha... Hee hee hee ha ha ha Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ho ho ho hee hee hee! DeMasque's M. O. is pure genius! And so am I, Luke Atmey, Ace Detective!! You're very clever to have come to such a conclusion! I am impressed, Sir Lawyer!

Judge: Wh-Whaaaaat!? Witness! You... You're admitting it!?

Maya: N-Nick! Now's your chanse!

Phoenix: Yes! Time to put the last nail in this guy's coffin! Detective Atmey! When you assumed the thief's identity--

Godot:

Godot: Godot Blend #102... ...My personal favorite.

Judge: M-Mr. Godot!

Godot: "The Ace Detective is actually an Ace Thief!" I smell a best-selling novel! There's only one problem... It simply isn't true.

Judge: B-But Mr. Godot! Mr. Wright has made some very strong points and I...

Godot: I will admit my opponent has woven a compelling narrative out of whole cloth. Bit it is, in fact, nothing more than a patchwork quilt. Mr. Trite... If this detective really is the thief, then show us the proof of your claim. But it had better be as hot... and as perfect as the coffee dripping down your face!

Judge: Well, Mr. Wright!? Don't just stand there! This court would like to see this decisive proof you have! Quickly!

Phoenix: Huh!? Oh! Y-Yes, of course! (Wh-What's the big rush...?)

Maya: Are you alright, Nick?

Phoenix: (Atmey looks pretty rattled right now... I'd like to finish this right now if I can. But can I really do it?) The decisive evidence that proves Mr. Luke Atmey is in fact Mask☆DeMasque...

Phoenix: Proof? Of course I... I... ...I've got nothing.

Godot: Ha...! Just what I thought. A man has to told his head up high no matter how bad things get, after all.

Phoenix: Uuugh...

Judge: I see... I thought perhaps you had some evidence to back up your assertion...

Phoenix: (This is no good! I've got to stay on the attack! I'll never get another chance to prove that this guy is the thief!)

Maya: Don't give up, Nick! Think harder and try again!

Phoenix: It's no good... I'm just not ready yet...

Maya: B-But... Are you going to just give up and let us lose this?

Atmey: So, you've come to your senses, have you Sir Lawyer?

Phoenix: I... Unnngh... (Argh! I can't think of a counter-attack at all...)

Judge: It seems the cloud of suspicion surrounding this witness has lifted. Mr. Godot. If you have anything further to add, then--



Judge: Wh... Wh-Who... ...Who are you?

Desirée: That doesn't really matter right now, does it?

Phoenix: Ms. DeLite! What are you doing here?

Desirée: Nicky boy! The thing you've been looking for... I think I found it!

Judge: You mean... that bag!?

Desirée: No, not the bag! What's in the bag! ...Well?

Judge: Th-That's...

Maya: the Sacred Urn !! Nick! It's the urn!

Judge: Order! Order! Order! ...You! Madame...! That urn... Where did you find it!?

Desirée: You'll never believe it... It was in the office of Mr. Fancy Pants Ace Detective! ...Luke Atmey!

Ron: Oh, Dessie! You're the best!

Sacred Urn updated in the Court Record.

Phoenix: Well? How do you explain that one, Mr. Atmey!?

Atmey: ...

Phoenix: Even you are going to have a hard time weaseling out of this one!

Godot:

Godot: Ha...! Pathetic...

Judge: Mr. Godot...? Do you have something you wish to say?

Godot: Yes, Your Honor... It simply amazes me how quickly times change... In the old days, a man was to be taken at his word. It's truly sad...

Judge: You're still denying that Mr. Atmey was involved!?

Godot: Before casting aspersions at Detective Atmey, consider the young lady here. Your name is Desirée... Desirée DeLite. Is that correct?

Desirée: Y-Yes! What about it?

Godot: Ha...! How charming... The lengths that a woman is willing to go to save her husband is truly inspiring.

Desirée: Wh-What are you insinuating!?

Godot: As the wife of the criminal, you could have " discovered " that stolen urn anywhere. Including the office of the good detective here. So you found the urn. What does that prove? It certainly doesn't prove where the urn was before you "found" it.

Desirée: What...? I just brought it here from the detective's office!

Godot: Please Madame... This town is already filled to the brim with lies. Any more could only compound the tragedy we have been witness to.

Desirée: You're wrong! I would never...! I would never do such a thing!

Phoenix: Ms. DeLite...

Desirée: Please, Nicky boy! You've got to help me talk some sense into these people!

Phoenix: (There must be some way! I've got to prove that urn was actually in the Atmey Detective Agency...)

Phoenix: I can prove where the urn was... ...by the fingerprints on it!

Judge: Fingerprints, eh...

Atmey: Oh come now! Now you're really making me laugh, Sir Lawyer! Fingerprints indeed!

Phoenix: ...

Atmey: May I go on? Good. Now it would be perfectly understandable if my fingerprints were on the urn. After all, it was I who was guarding the urn in the first time! In any case, I am always in the habit of wearing gloves as you can see. So unfortunately, my fingerprints wouldn't be evidence of anything.

Judge: What about it, Mr. Wright? This witness's fingerprints would mean nothing anyway.

Maya: N-Nick, what are you going to do now?

Phoenix: (I've come too far to turn back now! Atmey must have brought the urn back to his office yesterday... And there, I'm sure someone must have left their fingerprints on it...!) The defense proposes that the fingerprints of this person should be on the urn!

Atmey: So what is all this fuss about fingerprints anyway...?

Phoenix: Mr. Atmey... Do you recall the events of yesterday?

-

Maya: Hey, Nick! Come on! Open it up!

Phoenix: Hey! Wait a minitue! We can't just open his private property!

Maya: Don't be such a fuddy-duddy! This is an important investigation! Well? What's in there?

Phoenix: H-Hang on a sec. I'm taking it out now... (Whatever it is, it feels... kinda hard... and smooth...)

Atmey: ...Well, hello there!!

-

Phoenix: It's true that I didn't get a chance to look in the bag at that time. But! I did touch what was inside.

Atmey: Wh-What!? Y-You touched it ...?

Phoenix: And I remember it very well. It was "smooth and hard".

Atmey: W-Well, err... Th-That was just...

Phoenix: Your Honor! I'd like the court to examine the fingerprints on that urn. If my fingerprints are on there... Then it proves that the urn was in Detective Atmey's office!

Godot:

Godot: Well, even if your fingerprints are on the urn... ...it still doesn't prove when they were put there, does it?

Phoenix: Of course it does.

Godot: Wh-What did you just say!?

Phoenix: Not what I said, it's what Adrian Andrews, the person in charge of the exhibition said.

-

Andrews: I polished it until it was just about glowing... I thought maybe I could make it looks more valuable!

-

Phoenix: If she polished it that much, she must have removed any and all fingerprints on it. And the only chance I had to get my fingerprints on it after that was... Yesterday! At the Atmey Detective Agency!

Godot: Ha...! This blend... Godot Blend #107... I've decided... It's a little too bitter after all!

Judge: Order! Order! Order! I accept the defense's request! Bailiff! Take this urn and...

Atmey: Wait! Wait a moment, Your Honor! ...There's no need for that.

Judge: N-No need you say...?

Atmey: Precisely... I already know Mr. Wright's fingerprints are on the urn...

Judge: Wh-What are you saying!

Phoenix: (Yes! I've finally broken him down!)

Atmey: Hee hee hee ha ha ha Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ho ho ho hee hee! Take a good look, everyone! Unable to find a rival worthy of my genius, I was forced to create one by myself! Here I am! The tragic clown...

Maya: This guy is nuttier than a fruitcake...

Atmey: You see! It was me all along! I am the one and only Mask☆DeMasque! Ha ha! I hope you all enjoyed my little performance! Hee hee hee ha ha ha Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ho ho ho hee hee hee!

-

Judge: Well, Mr. Godot... What's Mr. Atmey's condition?

Godot: He's still in the lobby, laughing insanely, Your Honor. I wish I could enjoy the joke as much as he seems to be.

Judge: Well, it looks like the matter has been settled. I came perilously close to besmirching the record of an innocent young man. Besmirching him with the title of "thief"!

Maya: Nick, you were right after all!

Phoenix: (Yeah! I guess Mr. DeLite really wasn't the thief!)

Judge: The court finds the defendant, Mr. Ron DeLite...



Ron: You're wrong! Wrong I tell you! Err, umm, I mean... Not exactly wrong so much, but actually not right is what I re ally trying to say.

Phoenix: (Oh no... He's not... This can't be happening...)

Ron: The thief... The sneaky, odious thief who's been stealing all the treasures... It's me! I'm him! I'm the one you want! I'm the thief I tell you! So do it...! Pronounce me guilty! Pleeeease!!

Phoenix: ...

Godot: ...

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

Judge: I don't know what kind of a kangaroo court you all think this is, but...

Phoenix:

Phoenix: The true identity of the thief has already been proven! Please hurry and pass judg--

Ron: What are you talking about!? I already confessed! I'm the thief I tell you!

Judge: ...Mr. Godot! Don't just stand there drinking coffee!

Godot: Ha...! Hey there, Mr. Thief...

Ron: Y-Yes! Yes, sir!?

Godot: If you're really a man, then clean up your own mess.

Ron: I-I'm sorry... I'm afraid I just don't have any idea what do you mean.

Godot: If you are Mask☆DeMasque... then prove it. That's what it means.

Ron: Y-Yes, sir! I'll be happy to!

Maya: He says he'll be happy to, Nick...

Phoenix: It's kinda cute... He's 100% committed to his fantasy.

Godot: Good boy! Just remember one thing. A boy only gets one chance in his life to become a man!

Ron: I-I know that! I-I won't fail! I swear!

Godot: OK, then... Talk! ...We're all listening.

Judge: Oh well... Let's all have a listen to this "confession"...

-

Witness Testimony -- Mask☆DeMasque's Identity --

Ron: The truth is, I've been Mask☆DeMasque all along! I mean, you can't prove that I'm not actually Mask☆DeMasque, can you? I don't have an alibi for the night the urn was stolen, after all! I donned my costume that night and dancingly descended upon the scene of the crime! Look! You can see right there in the photo! That's me! As for my broach, I snagged it on the door handle and it got torn off, that's all!

-

Judge: Hmm... I don't like the direction this trial has taken...

Phoenix: (But this is how every trial goes... At least with me, anyway...)

Godot: Ha...! You're doing great!

Ron: Hee hee hee... Stop it, Mr. Godot... You're embarrassing me.

Godot: Like I said, you're only going to get one chance to testify, alright? But if you make it through this with flying colors, I'll keep my promise, too. I'll make sure you stay locked up in prison as the one and only true Mask☆DeMasque!

Ron: Thanks so much, Mr. Godot! I... I'll do my best!

Judge: Alright, Mr. Wright. I'm afraid it's time for the cross-examination.

Phoenix: * sigh*

-

Cross-Examination -- Mask☆DeMasque's Identity --

Ron: The truth is, I've been Mask☆DeMasque all along!

Ron: I mean, you can't prove that I'm not actually Mask☆DeMasque, can you?

Ron: I don't have an alibi for the night the urn was stolen, after all!

Ron: I donned my costume that night and dancingly descended upon the scene of the crime!

Ron: Look! You can see right there in the photo! That's me!

Ron: As for my broach, I snagged it on the door handle and it got torn off, that's all!

Maya: Why does Mr. DeLite want to be Mask☆DeMasque so badly anyway? It's kinda disturbing. He doesn't seem like your typical attention whore to me. Unlike, say... you, Nick.

Phoenix: I am nothing of the sort, thank you very much. (But I gotta admit it is kinda scary the way Ron acts...)

Maya: Anyway... Time to poke some holes in that testimony of his!

-

Phoenix: Mr. DeLite. This wallet belongs to you, correct?

Ron: Ah! Y-Yes. It-It does. I-I had lost it somewhere!

Judge: Mr. Wright! When you find a wallet, you should report it to the police right away!

Phoenix: Ah! No! You don't understand. This is an important piece of evidence.

Judge: "Evidence"...?

Phoenix: Mr. DeLite... When did you first notice that you'd lost your wallet?

Ron: Err, let's see... I think it was on the night of the crime... But I know I still had it when Dessie and I went out for dinner.

Phoenix: This wallet was found at approximately 1:00 AM at KB Security headquarters.

Judge: What...!? Surely you're noy serious!?

Phoenix: Yes... I am serious. This proves that Mr. DeLite was, in fact, at KB Security that night!

Ron: Noooooo!

Phoenix: So if the defendant was at KB Security at 1 o'clock in the morning... ...then that proves that he has a watertight alibi!

Ron: Noooooo!

Phoenix: Furthermore, considering the distance between Lordly Tailor and KB Security... ...it would have taken 30 minutes to get there by car! (According to Larry anyway...)

Judge: Well, Mr. Godot!? Do you have anything to say? And stop drinking that coffee!

Godot: ...Come on, Mr. Thief. Don't let this guy beat you! Tell him why he's wrong!

Ron: You're the only one who calls me "thief", Mr. Godot... ...Alright, I'll try! I-I'll do it! I will!

Maya: ...He's really got Mr. DeLite all worked up...

Phoenix: Yeah, he's like a kid at his first day of school...

Ron: Look, it's just ridiculous! Why would I have dropped my wallet at KB Security!? Someone must have planted it there to make it LOOK like I was there and not at the heist.

Maya: "Planted" it there? He's really reaching now...

Phoenix: Mr. DeLite. You probably dropped your wallet when you took it out to use this, didn't you? The key card to KB Security's CEO's office.

Ron: Noooo!

Godot: Ha...! That was a pretty good try, Mr. Trite... Unfortunatley, you've overlooked one small thing.

Phoenix: Wh-What...?

Godot: " Motive " of course! Why would this thief go to KB Security in the middle of the night anyway!?

Judge: Hmm... Well, Mr. Wright? It looks like you need some more evidence after all.

Phoenix: (Grrr! This stupid kid...!)

Judge: Now then. Let's see your evidence. The evidence that shows why Mr. DeLite went to KB Security at 1 AM that night!

Phoenix: Mr. DeLite... I believe you've seen this before, correct?

Ron: Ah...! Th-That's...!

Judge: What is it?

Phoenix: A blackmail letter. That's what it looks like from the contents.

Godot: B-Blackmail...?

Phoenix: Yes, basically it says, "bring $50,000 dollars".

Judge: Hmm... That certainly sounds like blackmail alright...

Phoenix: At the time of the theft, Mr. DeLite was dealing with the blackmailer himself... ...in KB Security's CEO office, a full half an hour away from the scene of the crime!

Godot: ...Ungh... Urk... No No No No No NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Judge: Order! Order! OOOOORDER!! So when the theft of the urn occurred, the defendant was at KB Security... It looks like a perfect case for the defense!

Godot:

Godot: ...You may see it as a perfect case, Judge, but to me... Well, let's just say that my Godot Blend #107 impresses me a lot more.

Phoenix: Wh-What are you trying to say?

Godot: You say the thief was being blackmailed by the CEO of a security company... But... Did you actually investigate this CEO at all?

Phoenix: Huh!? Well, umm... No... I guess not.

Godot: Accusing a man of blackmail with no proof? I'm not sure what I think of that...

Phoenix: ("Not sure what I think of that?"... At least I know what I think of you...)

Judge: Hmm... Good point. I'm not sure what I think of it myself... You claim that the defendant entered the CEO's office ... ...but you will need at least one witness to corroborate your claim, Mr. Wright.

Maya: Nick! I think we're going to have to track down the CEO guy...

Phoenix: No, we don't have to track down the CEO at all.

Godot: What do you mean by that, Mr. Trite?

Phoenix: There is someone else who can testify. This is the person who can testify that the key card was used at 1 AM that night!

Judge: Wh-Who is this useless-looking young man?

Phoenix: You don't remember him, Your Honor?

Judge: Hmmmm... Not exactly... But just looking at his picture makes the bile start to rise in my throat.

Maya: It looks like he doesn't remember the case from 2 years ago...

Phoenix: He probably blocked out that memory on purpose. Anyway, this man was working as a guard at KB Security that night.

Godot: Oh...?

Phoenix: The question at hand is this key card.

-

Butz: Yup. That's the key card they use at the building I work in. According to the serial number, this one is for the CEO's office. You need it to get into that room, and every time you use that card, it leaves a record.

-

Judge: Hmm...

Phoenix: As you can see, there's no need to investigate the CEO of KB Security! We should be able to discover the truth simply by analyzing this key card's data!

Godot: Bwaaaah...!

-

Judge: Well, Mr. Godot?

Godot: The name of the CEO of KB Security is Kane Bullard. I was unable to contact him directly, but... I got the key card data. ...Here.

Judge: S-So what does it show!?

Godot: Each key card has its own serial number and they leave detailed records of their use. According to this data... this card was used at 1 AM on the morning of the crime.

Key Card updated in the Court Record.

Judge: But that means... it can't be Mr. DeLite dressed as Mask☆DeMasque in this photo!

Godot: Ha...! It looks like you're right. Two minutes isn't even enough time to brew a good cup o' Joe...

Phoenix: So... So then...!

Godot: Ron DeLite was clearly in the office of KB Security's CEO at the time of the crime. ...The prosecutor's office is ready to admit that fact. Therefore, it's impossible for the defendant to be Mask☆DeMasque.

Maya: Good job! You did it, Nick!

Judge: ...That's enough! I came perilously close to besmirching the record of an innocent young man. Besmirching him with the title of "thief"! ...

Phoenix: Wh-What's wrong, Your Honor?

Judge: I'm ready to pass judgement... But before I do that, do you have any further objections?

Phoenix: No, Your Honor!

Godot: Hrpmh...!

Ron: Unnnggh...

Judge: ...Very well. The court finds the defendant, Mr. Ron DeLite...

Not Guilty

Judge: This court is adjourned!

-

October 13, 2:24 PM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 4

Maya: Nick! You did it! You were right after all! Actually... I'm a little bit ashamed of myself.

Desirée: Nicky boy!

Phoenix: Oh! Ms. DeLite...!

Desirée: I knew you could do it! I believed in you all along, Nicky boy! ...I don't know how I can ever repay you.

Phoenix: Aww... Shucks... Thanks, Ms. DeLite. (I just know I'm blushing...)

Pearl: Congratulations, Mr. Nick!

Phoenix: Oh! P-Pearls...! (I've got a bad feeling about this...)

Pearl: * gasp!* Wh-Who is this woman!

Phoenix: Oh, she... She's nobody... She's just ahh...

Pearl: You're blushing! How dare you do this in front of Mystic Maya! You should be ashamed of yourself!

Phoenix: (Yeowch! She slapped me...)

Maya: Umm, Pearly... This woman is Ms. Desirée DeLite. She's our client's wife.

Pearl: * gasp!* Mr. Nick!

Phoenix: Y-Yes!?

Pearl: You're even worse than I thought! Going behind the back of your own client...!

Phoenix: N-N-No! You've got it all wrong!

Pearl: I'll never forgive you!

Phoenix: (Owww... A double slap...)

Maya: Well, anyway, All's well that ends well, right? We got the Sacred Urn back and the thief has been caught!

Desirée: You're so right! And it's all thanks to Nicky boy here!

Maya: But actually it was you, Ms. DeLite, that brought us our urn back! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Desirée: Oh, please... You're embarrassing me!

Phoenix: (If we won the case... ...then why does this guy still looks so glum...?)

Ron: Ugggh... But I am the thief... Actually, what's the point now.

Desirée: ...What is it, honey? I did my best for you, Ronnie!

Ron: I-I know that and I appereciate it, Dessie... But the thing is...

Godot: Come on... Give the kid some time. He's just got a little touch of the blues. You know about feeling blue, right, amigo?

Phoenix: M-Mr. Godot! What are you doing here!?

Godot: Oh come on! I just came here to say thanks to my newest buddy... ...You, Mr. Trite.

Phoenix: (Maybe you should learn my name before you call me "buddy"...)

Godot: Well, playtime is over.

Phoenix: Huh...?

Godot: Early this morning... the body of Kane Bullard was discovered.

Maya: Kane Bullard...? Where have I heard that name before?

Desirée: Isn't that... the name of the CEO of KB Security?

Maya: B- Body ...?

Godot: The estimated time of death was 1 AM on October 12th.

Phoenix: 1 AM on October 12th ...? Y-You don't mean!?

Godot: ...That's right, amigo. At the same time that a cheap little urn was being stolen... ...the CEO of KB Security was being murdered.

Phoenix: S-So then... What are you doing here?

Godot: Oh come on. You've figured it out already, haven't you amigo? Or... Have you already forgotten about that piece of info I helped you out with today?

Phoenix: (" Helped me out "? What!?)

Godot: On October 12th, at 1 o'clock in the morning... Ron DeLite was in the CEO's office... ...The scene of the murder. After getting that blackmail letter, he must have been imbrued with utter rage.

Maya: Wh-What are you saying!? Imbrued with rage...?

Godot: Come on! Don't tell me you didn't know it! Ron DeLite was once an employee of KB Security... He was a professional security guard.

Phoenix: (An employee of KB Security!?)

Godot: It looks like the alibi that saved him from being convicted as a thief... ...is going to be the noose that gets him hanged. Kind of an " anti-alibi ".

Maya: No way...

Godot: He can't be the thief because he was at the murder scene when the murder occurred!

Desirée: N-No! Th-That's a lie! It can't be true!

Ron: Oh! Ohhhh! B-But I... I am a thief I tell you!

Godot: Ron DeLite. You're going back to prison again. This time the charge is much more serious. This time you'll be tried for murder.

Phoenix: Wh-What!? This can't... This is impossible!

Godot: I'm looking forward to another exciting showdown, Mr. Trite!

Phoenix: ...!

Godot: You and I aren't through with each other yet. Surely you won't back down from a challenge! You've never been a coward!

Pearl: Mr. Nick! Is there something personal between you two...?

Godot: I've returned from the depths of Hell to do battle with you. ...At least let me have some fun while I'm here!

Phoenix: (This guy... Who the heck is he!? He may be quiet... But he's the most dangerous enemy I've ever faced...)

Godot: Well then... Time to say goodbye to Mr. DeLite.

Phoenix: ...

Maya: N-Nick...! How could this be happening?

Phoenix: Right in front of our every eyes, our client has been arrested for murder. And the one who established his presence at the scene... was me.

Desirée: EEEEEYYYAAAAHHH! R-RONNNIEEEEEEEE!

-

Phoenix: ( Arrested for murder on the very same day he's declared innocent of larceny... What the heck's going to happen next!?)

To be continued.

- - -