ACE ATTORNEY MEME

[nickblocked]

Objection! It's an Ace Attorney meme!

PROMPTS

Prologue

1-1: PRELUDE. Whoever and wherever you were, you're now a benighted lawyer, and you've finally got a day off to chill with your chirpy underage girl buddies. Will you head out to the burger place? Noodle cart? Theme park? A more upmarket social gathering, courtesy of a frilly friend or two? Or stay in to clean the toilet? No matter what, you'll certainly have to pay out of your own pocket -- but relax, what else could go wrong?
1-2: JINGLE. While you're having a good time, you spy a quirky character acting quirkily! Who could it be? Do they have anything to hide? Do you have enough time to flash your attorney's badge at them before they can escape the conversation? Whoever they are, they'll surely never be relevant to your life again.
1-3: SUSPENSE. Holy crap, was that a gunshot? A scream? An ominous booming over the PA? A guitar bursting into flames? Good thing you and/or your trusty assistant are on the case! And even if you didn't want to be, that person over there looks like they're about to talk you into it...
1-4: ELEGY. Oh no, someone was murdered, and a hapless-looking acquaintance of yours has taken the fall! Only one thing to do -- head straight to the Detention Center and get the rundown yourself. Unless, of course, a plot hook is about to stop you. (On second thoughts, did they actually do it? Nah, couldn't be.)

Investigation

2-1: OPENING. If you don't know where to start, the crime scene is as good a place as any. Just watch your step -- tripping over a police detective may make them less inclined to blurt out exactly the right confidential information you need. Or more, depending on who it is.
2-2: MIDDLE. Whoa, this sure is a suspicious scene. Better go over it with a fine-toothed comb and steal make a note of any evidence that seems worth throwing onto the pile before somebody shows up to stop you. Wait, are you already a bit late?
2-3: ECCENTRIC. You're pretty sure this person is concealing something vital, but too bad for you, they're more interested in spouting flavor text, showing off their most outlandish animations or simply running away before they get to the good part. You could wait and see if they turn up in court, but have you asked all the questions you can think of yet? Maybe you just need to present the right thing to loosen their tongue? Hey, could be third time lucky with that badge of yours, right?
2-4: PSYCHE-LOCK. Uh oh, they've definitely got something to hide, and they're not at all willing to give it up. Time to break out that trusty Magatama and start pointing some fingers. Watch your health meter, though...
2-5: REMINISCENCE. You're all out of leads. It seems like you've got no choice but consult with your reliable old mentor. What do you mean, they died two games ago? You'll just have to find another -- or maybe you won't, if your sidekick has anything to say about it. Just be careful not to get too tangled up in desaturated flashbacks -- the clock is ticking, and your client's life is on the line!
2-6: CORE. The critical piece of evidence was right there, but oh shit, they've got a taser! And a mafia hit squad! And a door that you just can't break down! And a stepladder! And an evil laugh! What are you going to do?!

Trial

3-1: COURTROOM LOUNGE. Welp, the day is here. Calm those nerves, review that Court Record, talk to your client one last time, and do your best to stay away from the fire extinguisher.
3-2: COURT BEGINS. The defense is as ready as it's ever going to be, Your Honor. But who's that behind the bench opposite, and why on earth do they look so smug? This doesn't bode well...
3-3: MODERATO. Before you can do anything, you need a thorough understanding of the case, and it's not like anyone bothered to show you the autopsy report in advance. Warm up those Chords of Steel and hammer that detective's testimony for all they're worth. Let's just hope you don't end up in an even worse position than you were to begin with.
3-4: ALLEGRO. The prosecution has brought in their trump card, be they an eyewitness or something more, and it doesn't look good -- but if your client is innocent, there has to be a crack or two in that flawless-sounding testimony, and your cross-examination will find it. Here goes nothing!

Turnabout

4-1: LOGIC AND TRICK. The pieces are falling into place. You think you're beginning to see the way out. Still, you need to make sure everyone else in the courtroom can see it your way, so check those diagrams once more and bring on the explanations. You've got nothing to lose! Apart from a few penalties and possibly the case, but no pressure.
4-2: PURSUIT. A verbal slip-up? A detail that shouldn't be there? An unexplained shift in mood? A copious amount of armpit sweat? (Ew, let's hope not.) Your rival and the judge might be convinced it's irrelevant, but you know better, and you're going to bring the real story of this case to light. Bluff it until it comes out on its own. Same difference.
4-3: REVIVAL. The music stopped, but it was a trap! Now your opponent is on the offensive, and the gallery is on their side! How are you going to talk your way out of this one? Think fast, and watch the judge's gavel!
4-3: OBJECTION. The truth is so close you can almost taste it, but though you can see that they're on the verge of giving it all up, your foe is a tenacious one. Is it possible you've been thinking about the case in the wrong way this whole time? What about that one minor piece of evidence you've been sitting on since day 1? Can you hold out long enough for your off-screen ally to save the day? You're almost there -- turn this courtroom around!
4-4: CAUGHT. You've broken them. It's finally over. Cue the tears, the exposition, and even the sympathy. Your client's safe, and you've done it. Haven't you?
4-5: VICTORY. All right! Brush the confetti out of your ridiculous hair, you've got some celebrating to do! No hard feelings among the weird and wonderful people you've gotten to know over these past few days, eh? Of course, it may turn out that the real case is only just unfolding...

Whatever

I-1: SERIOUSLY, WHATEVER. AUs, OUs, parrots, go wild!

Comments

[apolling]

[Finally, some truth, and a reason to lower the photographs from Yuusuke's view. But there are more than a few problems that Apollo has with this new piece of information.]

He saw you do what you claim you did?

[Or is he lying? Or if he saw something different, why isn't he telling anyone? Not to mention, why is he choosing to prosecute Yuusuke if the latter is the case? To take a fall for him? Or is it...

Well, it's only a hunch, anyway. Apollo recalls a somewhat similar case from Mr. Wright's past. But he won't jump to that conclusion unless he gets more proof. Before then...he agrees internally that talking to Prosecutor Kadoya is probably a good idea, assuming he's cooperative. (A prosecutor being cooperative...that would be the day.)]

[protectedsmile]

That's...

[Yusuke looked away, while gripping at the fabric of his pants. It was getting harder to lie in Apollo's face. Not when he just wanted the other to go and discover teh truth of the situation.]

...what you should ask him for yourself, Apollo. He couldn't even face me that night.

[Granted that was all because he kept staring at Eijiro, shocked and clearly upset. He hadn't noticed Yusuke until he had grabbed his shoulders and said something.]

[apolling]

(You're really not going to make this easy for me, are you?) [But alright, fine, he gets the hint.]

I'll ask him. But before I do, I have another question for you. Natsumi said there was a framed photo missing from the studio hallway. It was last seen yesterday afternoon. Do you know anything about that, or why it would go missing after the murder?

[protectedsmile]

...a photo went missing?

[There's a look of surprise on Yusuke's face. He hadn't even noticed. Slowly he shook his head.]

Sorry, I'm not sure what you're talking about. A...lot happened that night... What photo was it?

[apolling]

[With that kind of reaction, Apollo doesn't have to doubt whether or not Yuusuke is telling the truth. Kind of fortunate for him how easily his friend can be read - at least, in this case. He just wishes it wasn't this case...]

She said it was a photo of a door, with a girl on the other side of its window. And on the other window, there's the reflection of a man in a coat. She told me it was a new photo that Eijiro got from somewhere he couldn't remember and it was just hung up on the wall the day before last.

[protectedsmile]

A photo with a door, and a girl...?

[Yusuke frowned trying to recall seeing a picture of that description. No, nothing. Slowly, he shook his head.]

I don't remember seeing a picture matching that description... but...well...I had my attention elsewhere that night.

[apolling]

I see... [Apollo wants to believe the stolen photo isn't that important, but then why would it be stolen in the first place? And around the time of the murder, too? It's possible there's a connection, and without many leads to go off of, dismissing something as 'unlikely to be relevant' isn't a luxury Apollo can afford right now.]

That's okay. I'll ask Prosecutor Kadoya about that, too. But before I go, is there anything else you want to tell me? About the case or any requests you have, anything at all?

[protectedsmile]

I...

[Yusuke's scrambling, trying to think of a way to tell Apollo, without really telling him. Help Tsukasa. He wasn't guilty, Tsukasa couldn't have done anything to Eijiro. Not from the way his heart had been broken at the sight of the man laying there.]

Apollo, I... ...uh, no. Nevermind... forget I said anything.

[apolling]

[Apollo doesn't need his bracelet to tell that something is wrong here. He gives his friend a questioning look, not about to let this one slide.]

Yuusuke...if there's something you need to say, then say it.

[protectedsmile]

...it's about Prosecutor Kadoya.

[Yusuke dropped his gaze.]

He...might sound tough, but... I think this case has hit him hard too, so...

[He's looking back up towards Apollo with a silent plea clear within his eyes.]

Please help Tsukasa, Apollo.

[apolling]

(Yuusuke...)

[This whole time, he's seemed to worry more about others than himself, despite the situation he's in. First Natsumi, and now Prosecutor Kadoya. In the latter's case, however, it makes Apollo wonder...especially considering the prosecutor's ties to the case so far.

Nevertheless, the attorney returns a serious look and a nod to his friend.]

I will. Don't worry.

[protectedsmile]

Apollo...

[He stared, directly to make eye contact with him. Returning the nod with his own, he finally stood up from his seat.]

It might not mean much coming from me but... good luck tomorrow, Apollo.

[apolling]

[Also rising from his seat (after collecting the crime scene photos in his hands), Apollo tries to flash Yuusuke a big smile. It comes out a little more awkward and forced than he realizes, but it's an honest try nonetheless.]

What are you saying? From you, it means a lot.

And I promise, I'll do whatever I can to solve this.

[protectedsmile]

[Even Yusuke could tell Apollo was forcing himself to smile, but instead of bringing attention to it he remained silent. He was about to return the smile, only to remind himself why he was here. He had to put that distance between himself and Apollo.

...for now. Once everything was over, he'll have to come clean to him, and apologize.

There's a tiny nod from him before turning away.]

I...I'll see you tomorrow, Apollo.