---

Music: Apollo Justice: Trial

---

*The Judge bangs his gavel once, and manages to settle the courtroom down. The air is tense.*

Judge: Court will now resume. I believe that before the recess, we had uncovered information showing that the knife first used to stab the victim was in the hands of the defendant. One question remains, however: Why did the defendant switch the two knives? Mr. Darking, I leave the decision of who to question up to you. Would you like to continue your Cross Examination of Detective Gumshoe, or allow your client, Michael Anastas to testify?

Darkling: (Wait... He called me by my real name? This must be serious...) The Defense would--

JPop: (interjecting) Let's not forget, Ling, that there's also the witness that called in the murder!

Kana: Dee, I don't think we should call that witness in... It might be a trap!

Darkling: I know, but the court will have him testify no matter what. I'm sure JPop wouldn't let a perfectly good decisive witness sit idly.

Kana: I guess you're right... Just be careful, okay?

Darkling: (nods to Kana and then returns his gaze to the Judge) Your Honor, we would like to continue our Cross Examination with Detective Gumshoe. There are still pieces of evidence in the Court Record he hasn't spoken about.

Judge: Understood. Bailiff, please escort Detective Gumshoe to the Witness Stand.

---

Judge: Now, Detective, please speak to the court about the state of the crime scene when the police arrived.

Gumshoe: Yes, Your Honor.

---

Cross-Examination: Detective Gumshoe
"The Crime Scene"

---

Music: Apollo Justice: Examination ~ Moderate

---

Gumshoe: When we got to the crime scene, the Defendant was standing near the body, simply looking down upon it.

Darkling: Hold it! So the Defendant was just standing there, and doing nothing else?

Gumshoe: That's right, pal. He didn't say a single thing, even when we were taking him into custody. He was completely dazed, y'know? Just out of it. But he just kept looking at the witness, who was also on the scene after we arrived.

Darkling: Who was this witness?

JPop: Objection! Ling, I already gave you the answer to that question earlier. The witness does not want their name to be revealed in court unless they choose to do so!

Darkling: (sighing) Alright. Detective, can you tell us something else about the witness? Did the witness use a cell phone to call in the police?

Gumshoe: From what we got from the witness, they said they used a pay phone to call in the police. We found the one that was used near the scene of the crime.

---

Gumshoe: There was a wallet found next to the body, but it was empty when we examined it.

Darkling: Was it the victim's wallet?

Gumshoe: Sorry, pal, but we don't know. With the lack of information inside it, we can't tell who it belonged to.

Darkling: Did you dust the wallet for fingerprints?

Gumshoe: We sure did! We found thr-- No, four sets of fingerprints on it.

---

Music: Apollo Justice: Suspense

---

Darkling: Four?!

*The Jury begins to speak among themselves about this new development. The Judge slams his gavel down three times and quickly restores the silence. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the next words.*

Gumshoe: Yeah. One set belonged to the victim, one belonged to the Defendant.

Darkling: (Mr. Anastas... I wish you would tell me what's going on.) And the other two?

Gumshoe: Well... You see, this is where things get confusing. One set of fingerprints couldn't be read because it wasn't complete. Without something that can be read fully, we have no way of determining who it was.

Darkling: What about the last set?

Gumshoe: Well, see here's the reason why I hesitated when I said there were four. The last set matched up very well to the Defendant, but it wasn't perfect...

Darkling: (This must be what Gumshoe was telling us in the Defendant's Lobby. But wasn't it with the butterfly knife? Why does the wallet have the same problem? ...Could there have been someone else there? Someone with really similar prints?) How so?

Gumshoe: Well... You see, it wasn't a perfect match. The match only went up to 83%.

Darkling: And is 83% a really close match?

Gumshoe: Yes. Yes it is.

Darkling: Then the prints on the wallet must not have been clear. Am I right, Detective Gumshoe?

Gumshoe: Sorry, pal, but the prints were as clear as a bright blue sky. The prints were perfect.

Darkling: I see. In that case, Your Honor, I'd like to add this fact to both the Court Record and Detective Gumshoe's formal testimony.

Judge: It sounds like a whole new possibility has opened up for this case! Update the file with the information about the wallet.

Updated Evidence:

• Wallet
  It's completely empty, but it was found at the scene of the crime. There are blood spots on it. Four fingerprints were found on this wallet: Yuta Ito, Michael Anastas, and two other unknown parties.

Judge: Now, Detective Gumshoe, if you would please ad--

JPop: Objection! Your Honor, this is another attempt by the Defense to waste time in court! The Defendant's prints were found on the wallet! Just because there's a difference on this "fourth" set of fingerprints by 17%, it means absolutely nothing! And the third set could have come from anywhere!

Darkling: Objection! Where's your proof that this 17% difference doesn't matter? If I remember correctly, the point of this court system is to examine all pieces of evidence until a clear verdict can be reached! Are you simply telling us to ignore the possibility that there could have been another person? And where's your proof that this third set of fingerprints could have been from anywhere?

JPop: Urk! Proof?! I... I... This is outrageous! Simply a waste of time!

Darkling: Detective Gumshoe! Is a 17% difference from a 100% match negligible?

Gumshoe: Definitely not, sir! If the match isn't 100%, or extremely close, then a positive ID can't be made. Considering how clear the fingerprints came out on the wallet, there definitely can't be any other case: There must have been someone else that day!

JPop: Objection! Now... Now is when you have to present evidence! Prove that there was a third person there! Prove it! Prove that you know the fingerprints were made at the time of the murder! You can't do it, can you? I knew it!

Kana: (whispering) Wow, I've never seen Mr. JPop act this way before, Dee. Not even in any of the videos of the trials he's been a part of! It looks like we're onto something big!

Gumshoe: Hey! Mr. Ling! Pal! Help me out here!

Darkling: (It looks like it's up to me. How can I prove that there was another person there? Mr. Anastas, what are you hiding from me?) ...

Kana: Dee, didn't Gumshoe--

Judge: (slamming his gavel heavily) Mr. Darkling, we are waiting for your answer. Where is your proof that there was a third person at the crime scene?

---

Music: Apollo Justice: Announce the Truth

---

Darkling: (looking blank) Gah...

Judge: 'Gah' doesn't cut it in my courtroom, Mr Darkling.

Darkling: Bu...

Kana: (looking sideways at Darkling) 'Bu'?

Darkling: I seem to be running out of incoherent noises to make, so I thought I'd try a new one.

Kana: (worried) Look at the Court Record, Dee, and find a piece of evidence that proves there was a third person at the crime scene!

Darkling: I thought we were done with the tutorial stuff?

Kana: (embarrassed) Yes, I thought so, too. Annoying, isn't it?

Darkling looks through the Court Record, while everyone in the courtroom waits... and waits... and waits... Large drops of sweat start to form on Darkling's brow.

Darkling: (There doesn't seem to be anything here that will prove the existence of a third person with 100% certainty. 100%? Sheesh, right now I'd settle for 80%...)

*flash of light*

A previous scene slowly fades up: Detective Gumshoe standing in the defendant's lobby, just prior to the resumption of court.

Gumshoe: (looking around, confused) Hey, what happened? Why is everything grey? Ahh! Even my coat!

Darkling: It's a flashback, Detective. Please state your line again so I can appear to be really clever.

Gumshoe: (brightening) Okay, pal!

He takes a deep breath, his eyes drifting upwards as he thinks back to that scene in the story.

Gumshoe: No, they all came out perfectly fine, but we couldn't reach a perfect match for the second set. They match Anastas' fingerprints up to 83%, and then it's downhill from there...

Gumshoe looks around in a panic as he and the lobby start to fade away.

Gumshoe: Hey! Uh, did I do something wrong...? Mr Darkliiiiiiiiiii--

We return to Darkling, still standing there at the defence bench, lost in thought. Everyone else is still waiting. Someone in the jury cracks their knuckles.

Darkling: (That's it!) Your Honour, there was a third person at the crime scene that day, and I can prove it! Take that!

Judge: (blinks) The serrated knife that was found in the body?

Darkling: (nods with satisfaction) Detective Gumshoe had the knife dusted for fingerprints before the trial began. As we have heard, fingerprinting is an exact science. A 17% deviation is enough to shift the burden of guilt off the defendant, and onto a third person...

JPop: And who might this third person be, Ling?

Darkling: (shakes his head, smiling) That isn't the issue here. What is the issue... (points finger dramatically) is that fingerprints from the serrated knife clearly match the fingerprints on the wallet found at the crime scene! Meaning that there was a third person involved in the crime!

The jury goes nuts, and the judge bangs his gavel hard.

Judge: Order! Order!

Out of Character: Warning! Long post ahead!

*With a final crash from his gavel, the jury begins to settle down. Off to the side, on the Prosecutor's Bench, JPop is leaning forward, clearly exasperated and breathing heavily.*

Judge: Detective! Is the Defense correct? Did the prints on both the serrated knife and the wallet found on the scene match perfectly?

Gumshoe: Yes, sir! We scanned the print from the wallet, and then from the serrated knife. When we compared them against Mr. Anastas' prints, we ran into the 17% discrepancy over and over. But when we ran the two together, they matched 100%

Judge: Bailiff! Change the court record to reflect these changes!

Updated Evidence:

• Wallet
  It's completely empty, but it was found at the scene of the crime. There are blood spots on it. Four fingerprints were found on this wallet: Yuta Ito, Michael Anastas, and two other unknown parties. One set of fingerprints matched another on the serrated knife.

• Serrated Knife
  Sharp, and about 6 inches long, there are traces of blood along the serrated grooves. One of the grooves is missing. Was the second knife used to stab the victim. Created more internal injuries than the first knife. Found on victim's body. Two sets of fingerprints found: Yuta Ito's and an unknown party. Unknown party's fingerprints matched a set on the wallet.

Darkling: Detective! What about the other pieces of evidence?

Gumshoe: Sorry, pal. We're still doing tests on everything--trying to track down any fingerprint we can, y'know? We're still looking into analyzing both knives and the wallet. When news hits, I'll be sure to report them to the court, alright?

Kana: So this does prove that the prints were made from the same person! What kind of a person could have prints that match so clos--

JPop: G-Gumwad! You! Why did you not tell me about any of this information?!

Gumshoe: Sir, I did.

JPop: What?!

Gumshoe: Earlier, before the trial resumed, I went over to the Prosecutor's Lobby where you were talking to the witness for the crime. I tried to talk to you, but you... You said that since I've been so useless, you didn't have a need for me anymore. So I went over to the Defen--

JPop: You FOOL!

Judge: (slamming his gavel again) Mr. JPop, please calm yourself. This is a court of law. Under these circumstances, it seems as though the Defense has made a promising discovery. At the time of the crime, there may have been three people at the scene. It seems to me as though we need the testimony of another person in this court. Therefore, I ask that the Prosecution's Witness come forth and provide further information. Mr. Darkling, do you have any objections to this notion?

Darkling: (While I do want to know who this witness is... Have I asked Detective Gumshoe everything that's needed to be asked? ...Kana, I wonder if she knows what to do?) Hm...

*Darkling turns to his right to see Kana already looking at him.*

Kana: I think that we should ask Detective Gumshoe a few more questions, Dee.

Darkling: (Kana, how are you doing this? How can you read my thoughts?) What do you have in mind?

Kana: I... I was thinking that we should go back to the first statement that he made in this testimony.

Darkling: The testimony...

*The room slowly starts to melt away as Darkling closes his eyes and begins to gather his thoughts. Silence begins to take its place in his mind as he focuses.*




Gumshoe: When we got to the crime scene, the Defendant was standing near the body, simply looking down upon it.

Darkling: Hold it! So the Defendant was just standing there, and doing nothing else?

Gumshoe: That's right, pal. He didn't say a single thing, even when we were taking him into custody. He was completely dazed, y'know? Just out of it. But he just kept looking at the witness, who was also on the scene after we arrived.

Darkling: Who was this witness?

JPop: Objection! Ling, I already gave you the answer to that question earlier. The witness does not want their name to be revealed in court unless they choose to do so!

Darkling: (sighing) Alright. Detective, can you tell us something else about the witness? Did the witness use a cell phone to call in the police?

Gumshoe: From what we got from the witness, they said they used a pay phone to call in the police. We found the one that was used near the scene of the crime.




Darkling: (Staring at the witness...? Used a payphone...?)

Judge: Mr. Darkling?

*Darkling's eyes snap open and the bright contrast makes him squint. All eyes are on him.*

Judge: Mr. Darkling, you seem to be having some problems focusing. Please get some rest before you come to court. Your client is depending on you with their life, after all.

Darkling: Yes, Your Honor. I'm sorry. I'd like to ask Detective Gumshoe a few more questions before we move onto the next witness.

Judge: Understood.

*Detective Gumshoe nestles himself into the Witness' Stand once again.*

Gumshoe: (grinning) I'm starting to feel like I'm the only one that's going to sit here at all!

Darkling: Don't worry, Detective. You'll only have to be up for a few more minutes. I only have two main questions this time.

Gumshoe: Alright, I'll answer them the best I can, pal!

Darkling: I'd like to remember your statements in your latest testimony. You stated that when you arrived on the scene, the Defendant was simply staring at the body, correct?

Gumshoe: Yeah, I remember that.

Darkling: Alright. Next, you stated that while you were arresting the Defendant, he only stared at the witness of the crime, right?

Gumshoe: That's right. He wouldn't take his eyes off of him. It was actually kinda creepy. He didn't say a single thing at all, even after we put him in the squad car; he just looked at him through the tinted windows.

Judge: Mr. Darkling, does this have any bearing on the case? If not, it would be best if we moved on.

Darkling: ...Yes, Your Honor. (Damn... I was hoping I'd be able to find something to use.) Now my last question involves the payphone that was used to call in the crime. Could you please redraw the map to show it's location?

Gumshoe: Sure thing.

*Gumshoe takes down the map hanging on the wall to the left of the Judge's Bench and sketches in the location of payphone. Darkling turns to Kana as the court silently waits, and silently whispers,*

Darkling: So how long have you been able to do it?

Kana: Huh? Do what?

Darkling: Read my thoughts.

Kana: (blushing) Oh... Um... Well, I've been able to do it since I was young...

Darkling: Wait, so you can read anyone's thoughts? Then this case should have been a piece of cake! Why didn't you tel--

Kana: I... I can only read certain people.

Darkling: What do you--

*A loud sound emanates from the Witness' Stand as Gumshoe props the cardboard map to face the court.*

Gumshoe: I finished it!

Darkling: ...

Judge: ...

JPop: ...

Darkling: That's... That's it?



Gumshoe: (brightly) Sure is, pal!

JPop: What a colossal waste of time! All you did was draw a box, put the letter P in it for "Payphone" and most likely threw up all over the map!

Gumshoe: HEY! I did NOT throw up on this thing! Those are bushes!

Judge: Bushes?

Gumshoe: Yep!

JPop: And why did you draw bushes? All we asked for was the payphone.

Gumshoe: (shrugging) I dunno. I just felt like it needed some more color! I noticed some bushes right next to the payphone my last visit, so I just decided to throw it in!

*Several sighs are heard from the jury, who are obviously tired and making it a point to let the Judge know.*

Judge: (slamming his gavel down) Seeing as we've gotten no where during court, I'm sure that taking a 10 minute recess will help change the situation.

Kana: Dee! Now's our chance to talk to Mr. Anastas!

Darkling: (Yes, before JPop or the Judge get their claws into him again. Monopolising my client like that... Shouldn't a defence attorney actually be allowed to speak to his client?)

Darkling spots the bailiff ushering Coolmik from the room, and holds his arm up, rushing across the courtroom.

Darkling: Bailiff! Wait, please. I would like to speak to my client.

Coolmik looks up at Darkling with a flat expression.

Darkling: (uncomfortably) Uh, that is... if my client wants to speak to me...

Kana: (prodding him urgently) Dee! We need to get this sorted out!

Darkling: Uh, that's right! I'll talk to him whether he wishes to or not! That's my right as his attorney! I have the right to a client, and if I can't find a client, then one will be appointed to me, right?

Kana: (groaning) I wonder if Prosecutor JPop is in the market for a good assistant...

Out of Character: Please note that the music is not a YouTube video, but an mp3 file. Sorry for making you download a 4MB song! It's totally optional though!

---

Music: Apollo Justice: Recollection

---

*The bailiff nods silently as he motions for both Darkling and Kana to follow him to the Defense's Lobby. Michael weakly trudges along, simply following the one grasping his arm. As the bailiff leaves the room, an awkward silence begins to fill the air as Michael hangs his head low, keeping the same blank expression on his face. Both Darkling and Kana look at each other, wondering who should act first. Kana takes the initiative.*

Kana: Mr. Anastas?

*Michael shows no sign of acknowledging Kana. Just like their previous meetings, little to no questions were ever met with a reply. Slightly discouraged, Kana pauses for a moment, and then decides to continue.*

Kana: Mr. Anastas, we have to discuss a few things with you. We only have a few minutes, so please help us.

Michael: ...Why?

Kana: Huh?

Michael: Why are you helping me?

Darkling: (confused) Because... I'm your Defense Attorney? You asked me to help you for your trial, didn't you?

Michael: I'm sorry that I asked for your help.

*The room gets a few degrees colder as Michael's pessimism contaminates every corner. A few moments pass, and Michael remains in the same position as he was when he entered the room, unmoving.*

Darkling: I don't understand. I--

Michael: I'm guilty, you know that? I feel sorry for you two. I know that both of you worked hard to get to this point, but the truth is... I only asked for your help because I was hoping that you could help me get a guilty verdict as fast as possible. You two are new, right? No experience. No previous "Not Guilty" verdicts. No one's even heard of you. This trial should have only lasted a few minutes with all the things that pointed to me being the killer.

Darkling: I don't believe you.

Michael: It's not my concern whether you believe in me or not. You're only delaying the inevit--

Darkling: You wouldn't have come to us if you wanted a quick and painless trial.

Michael: What do you mean?

Darkling: In this court system, you don't need a Defense Attorney to stand at your side. You could have chosen to stand alone, and let the evidence tear you apart. But you didn't. You came to us, and asked us for help.

Michael: You have no proof that I knew I could have stood alone.

Darkling: I don't need proof because you've been giving yourself away. You know a lot about the court system, Mr. Anastas. It was no accident that you chose a Defense Attorney. But why us? Why not another Defense Attorney; one with more experience and "Not Guilty" verdicts on his belt?

Michael: I didn't have the--

Darkling: The money? Yes you did. You go to a private university that requires thousands of dollars to attend. You have more than enough money to go around.

*Silence makes its home inside the Defense's Lobby once again. As the moments pass, Michael begins to raise his head slowly but surely, casting away the dark curtain of hair that hid his face. His eyes are still expressionless, but still manages to bore it's way into both Kana and Darkling.*

Michael: You're a truly unique person, Mr. Darkling. Unlike all the others... Yet you still know nothing.

Kana: We don't know anything about this case because you haven't been open with us, Mr. Anastas.

Michael: Then you wish for me to speak about what I know.

Darkling: Yes. That would be ideal.

Michael: Very well. But let me assure both of you about one thing.

Darkling: And what is that?

Michael: Whether I am declared Guilty or Not Guilty, I will not be leaving this trial alive. You two are caught in the middle of a web sewn together with several threads. I will not tell you why I chose you, Mr. Darkling, but know that it was for a special reason.

Darkling: I... I don't understand. What do you mean you won't be leaving the trial alive?

Michael: Perhaps it's best that you don't understand. Unfortunately, based on your performance today, I'm positive that you'll eventually come to understand by yourself. As for the reason why I won't be leaving the trial... You'll have to find the answer for yourself as well.

Darkling: Why are you so always so cryptic? Can't you give me a straight answer once in a while?

Michael: When you've been trapped inside a room with white walls on all four sides with no one to talk to for years, you begin to listen and see the world in a whole new light. That type of situation usually leads to being introspective... Wouldn't you agree, Kana?

*Caught off guard by the sudden personal question hitting close to home, Kana's eyes open wide. Darkling turns towards her with a confused look.*

Darkling: Kana... What is he talking about?

Kana looks confused for a moment, hanging her head and letting her long brown hair hide her eyes momentarily. She almost seems like an entirely different person. Darkling is taken aback.

Kana: ...what do you know about me, Mr Anastas?

Michael: Just the insights gained from long days spent hovering in purgatory, Kana - neither here nor there. Watching the bright world pass by through a closed window. Waiting for those bright moments that pierce the shroud of greyness. A warm voice; a beloved face...

Kana: (mumbling to herself) ...nii... ch...

Darkling: What?

Kana forces herself to straighten up, with a visible effort.

Kana: I'll tell you later, Dee. What are you saying, Mr Anastas? Do you... do you mean you've been in a situation like mine in the past?

Darkling: (now thoroughly confused) Wait. What situation? What's going on here, Kana?

Michael: I am in your situation right now, Kana. At least the situation you were in a few years ago before you were cured.

Kana: ...Is it Chronic Renal Insuff--

Michael: Yes. I only have one more month to live.

Kana: I'm sorry, Mr. Anastas...

*Kana hangs her head low again, remembering her own days in the white spotless room that she lived in for years. How the yellow spots on her skin made her sick to her stomach. How dialysis hurt so much... There was always so much pain. But at the end of the day, there was always her ray of hope. Her own guardian angel...*

Michael: There's no need to be sorry, Kana. Sometimes you get dealt horrible cards in your life. It's up to you to know how to use them to your advantage. You have to live life, after all. But enough small talk. We only have a few more minutes to settle things before the trial begins. Mr. Darkling?

*Darkling quickly snaps back to reality. He's never seen this side of Kana. There would always be a smile on her face. She would always be so strong through the thick and thin. Then again, she never spoke that much about her life before coming to help at the office.*

Darkling: S-Sorry. Right. Let's talk about the case.

Michael: I'll do my best to answer all the questions you have.

Darkling: First, I want to know one thing: Did you kill Yuta Ito?

Michael: No... I didn't.

Darkling: You don't exactly sound sure of yourself, Mr. Anastas.

Michael: I'm sorry. I'm just a little tired right now.

Darkling: Alright. Then can you tell me what you were doing at the crime scene with the murder weapons?

Michael: I had just gotten out of class. I remember, it was a Thursday and I had just gotten out of Debate. I decided to go see the burned ruins of the Teacher's Lounge and the School Record's building.

Darkling: Why?

Michael: The burned ruins just interested me, that's all.

Darkling: Um... How so?

Michael: I can't really explain it, but seeing something so beautiful that was just there a few days ago suddenly disappear and turn into something else seemed... Symbolic, I guess.

Darkling: Alright... I guess I understand. What about the body of the victim?

Michael: I personally didn't know Mr. Ito that well, but seeing his body on the ground next to the charred remains of the building did shock me. I went up to him and tried to see if he was still alive, but he was already dead.

Darkling: Why did you pick up the butterfly knife and the wallet?

Michael: The wallet was on the ground next to the body. I don't know why I picked it up. I don't even know why I picked up the butterfly knife either. I guess the shock of finding the body made me do a few weird things.

Darkling: How did you get blood on yourself before the police arrived?

Michael: I have no idea. I guess when I reached for the wallet, my shirt got soaked with Mr. Ito's blood.

Darkling: (You really made it hard to defend you by doing all of these things, Mr. Anastas.) You were listening to the proceedings in the court, right?

Michael: Yes, I was.

Darkling: Then you'll know that there was a third person at the scene of the crime.

Michael: I didn't see anyone else at the crime, Mr. Darkling. Only the body, myself and the witness that ended up stumbling onto the scene.

Darkling: Then it's possible that the witness might have been that third person!

Michael: I doubt it, Mr. Darkling.

Darkling: Why?

Michael: If the witness really did the murder, then why call in and report it? Why not simply run away?

Darkling: I guess you're right... But then again, there was also another odd thing that we found in court recently: There were fingerprints found on both the wallet and the serrated knife that really closely match yours. They're not quite 100%, but they're close enough to raise suspicion.

Michael: I think I remember something about the prints matching up to 85% or something. The thing is, the fingerprints might not have been perfectly read. Machines mess up sometimes.

Darkling: 83% actually. Plus Detective Gumshoe was quite adamant that the prints were very clear.

Michael: Sorry, I just don't know what happened. I know they're most likely mine.

Darkling: So you touched the serrated knife too?

Michael: ...I think I might have grasped it briefly.

Darkling: I just don't understand why you had to go and touch everything at the crime scene, Mr. Anastas. It makes it incredibly difficult for me to defend you with all this evidence pointing to you.

Michael: It's just like I told you earlier, Mr. Darkling. This trial could have ended in mere minutes, but you were the one that changed all that. I know that you have a strong sense of justice. Some Defense Attorneys are simply focused on their careers, but I sensed something different with you when we first met.

*A knock is heard on the nearby door.*

Bailiff: The trial will be resuming in a minute. I have to escort the Defendant back to the courtroom.

Darkling: Understood. We'll be out in a few seconds. Mr. Anastas, I only have one more question for you.

Michael: Alright.

Darkling: Detective Gumshoe said that when they were taking you away, you kept looking at the witness for the crime. Do you know the witness?

Michael: I... No, I don't know who it was. I'd never seen them before, so I was wondering if they were a student at the University. I was just curious, that's all.

Darkling: (I know you're still hiding a lot of things, Mr. Anastas. Your statements don't seem confident at all...) Alright. Shall we?

*Both Darkling and Michael step up to the door. Michael slowly opens the door and steps through, accompanying the bailiff, but Darkling notices Kana still standing in the middle of the Defense's Lobby. Her hair manages to mask her eyes again, making Darkling pause before stepping up to her.*

Darkling: Kana? It's time to go. The trial is going to start pretty soon. ...Huh? Why are you... Why are you crying?

Kana: Dee... we have to help him...

Darkling: (puzzled) We're going to do everything we can, Kana. You know that--

Kana: (looking up, her eyes wet with tears) No, we have to help him! He can't... he doesn't need this right now. He should be trying to get better, he should be thinking positive thoughts, he can't have this dragging him down and drawing away all his strength when he needs... when I know he needs... Dee...

Kana begins sobbing, brokenly. Alarmed, Darkling stares at her for a moment, not knowing what to do. Then he just smiles, gently, his eyes creasing up slightly. Gingerly, he takes her into his arms.

Kana: (pulling at his jacket) Dee... We're going to help him, right? We're going to make things okay...

Darkling: (quietly) Yes, Kana. We are. Together, we'll make it better for him.

Kana: (sniffing softly) I'm... glad...

Darkling smiles and slowly strokes Kana's hair.

Darkling: Everything is going to be just fine.

Kana: I-I'm sorry for being so emotional and weak right now, Dee. I know it's a bother for you, but it's just... It's just that I know what he's going through right now. I went through it myself. It's so painful, Dee.

Darkling: Kana, there's no need to apologize... Everyone needs support from time to time--you're no exception, and neither am I. We'll both do our best to end this trial as soon as possible. As long as you're up there with me, Kana... I won't ever give up.

*Kana sniffles one final time and gives Darkling another heartfelt squeeze before loosening her grip and drawing away. She gently smiles, rubbing her tears away from her eyes and looks at Darkling.*

Kana: Thank you, Dee. ...Oh no! It looks like I soaked your jacket... I'm sorry.

*Kana looks sheepishly away while Darkling softly pats her shoulder.*

Darkling: (flashing a smile) It's alright. A few tears never hurt anyone. So shall we?

*Both Kana and Darkling step out of the Defense's Lobby and head down the hallway leading to the courtroom.*

---

Music: Apollo Justice: Trial

---

Judge: Mr. Darkling. This court expects you to be at the Defense's Bench on time.

Darkling: Sorry, Your Honor. It won't happen again.

Judge: Very well. Is the Prosecution ready to resume the trial?

JPop: Yes, Your Honor. The Prosecution has been ready for a while.

Judge: And the Defense? Is the Defense ready to resume the trial?

Darkling: Yes, we are Your Honor.

Judge: Very well. Prior to the recess, Detective Gumshoe drew the location of the pay phone and... bushes near the phone booth onto the map of the crime scene. Mr. Darkling, do the changes have any relevance to our case?

Darkling: (Hm... I guess it wouldn't hurt to have them added to the Court Record. It might help us when we're Cross Examining the witness.) Yes, the changes are very important to this case. The exact location of where the witness called in the police may tell us a lot about what happened that day.

JPop: Objection! Care to clarify exactly how knowing this information would help, Ling?

Darkling: Sorry, but whether or not it can help can't be determined until we receive the testimony your witness will provide. They claim to have called the police from that phone, so any and every location related to this case must be examined carefully.

Judge: Sorry, Mr. JPop, but Mr. Darkling does have a point. Objection overruled.

JPop: (rapping his desk with his fingertips, pauses, and then grins slyly) Very well, Your Honor.

New Evidence:

• Crime Scene Diagram
  A map of the crime scene according to Detective Gumshoe. The V Marker pinpoints the location of the victim, while the P Marker pinpoints the location of the pay phone used to call the police.

Judge: Mr. JPop, please call your witness to the stand.

JPop: The Prosecution would like to call a certain individual that witnessed a certain murder to the Witness's Stand.

Darkling: (That was worded weird... What's he trying to pull?) ...

Kana: Be on your guard, Dee... The real battle starts now.

Judge: Bailiff, please bring in the witness.

---

Music: *Fades away so that all is silent*

---

*The bailiff reenters the room accompanied with a female that appears to be in her early 20's. Her soft pink blouse sets off the spirit in her sparkling blue eyes. She removes the hair-band that ties her hair into a ponytail behind her and lets her light brown hair settle on her shoulders. She removes her white gloves as she settles into the Witness's Stand. To Darkling's right, he notices Kana suddenly tense up, her jaw open in disbelief which matches the state of her eyes.*

Darkling: Kana? What's wrong?

Kana: It's--

JPop: Witness, state your name and occupation for the court.

...

Kana & Yumi: Yumi Kashima.

Yumi: I'm currently a student at the University where the murder took place.

JPop: And you are a witness for the crime, is this correct?

Yumi: Yes, that's right.

*Darkling leans over to Kana, who is starting to look more and more conflicted as the trial continues.*

Darkling: (whispering) Kana.

*No response. She's lost somewhere deep in thought.*

Darkling: Kana, I think you should probably take a break for--

Judge: Mr. Darkling. This kind of behavior is unbecoming of you. If you wish to pursue a career in this justice system, it would be best if you did not let your attention wander to your assistant halfway through every proceed.

*Darkling sits up quickly, still receiving no response from the idle Kana. He remains silent, trying to piece together the puzzle quickly forming in front of him.*

Darkling: (Kana... Do you know this girl? Do you know Ms. Kashima?) ...

Yumi: Kana... So this is where you went. We haven't seen you in months... Why did you run away? Taka... He misses you, Kana. He's been looking for you ever since you left your job at the bookstore without a word. What happened?

*Without warning, Kana suddenly gets up screeching her chair across the floor, trying to keep a straight face. She quickly walks over to the splintered double doors from Detective Gumshoe's initial onslaught. Her facade quickly collapses as she makes it out of the courtroom.*

Darkling: Kana! Wait!

*The jury erupts into a babble of whispers as Darkling pursues Kana through the double doors. Behind him, he distantly hears the court room fading away along with the voice of the Judge telling him to return, and the slamming of his gavel to calm the jury. Darkling manages to find Kana seemingly lifeless in a corner, nearly out of sight.*

Darkling: Kana...

Darkling: Kana, what's wrong? Do you know this... this Ms Kashima?

Kana just nods mutely.

Darkling: Will this be a problem?

Kana's eyes crease slightly, then her expression slowly firms itself. She shakes her head, and allows him to help her up.

Darkling: (quietly) If you want someone to talk to about this, later on...

Kana: Thank you, Dee.

Darkling gestures back in the direction of the courtroom.

Darkling: We'd better get back in there, or the judge'll have us both held in contempt.

Kana nods, and follows Darkling back inside.

*All eyes in the courtroom settle on Darkling and Kana as they make their way back to the Defense's Bench. The Judge remains silent while JPop can be seen smirking proudly off at the Prosecutor's Bench.*

Judge: Mr. Darkling. Any further attempts to derail this trial will result in you and your assistant behing held in contempt. Understood?

Mr. Darkling: Yes, Your Honor.

Judge: For your sake, you had better understand. This will be your final warning. Now, witness, please restate your name and your occupation.

Yumi: Alright. My name is Yumi Kashima, and I am currently a student at the University where the murder happened.

JPop: Ms. Kashima, you witnessed the murder that took place on campus, is that correct?

Yumi: Yes, that's right.

Judge: Please testify to the court about what you witnessed.

---

Music: Apollo Justice: Cross Examination ~ Moderate

---

Yumi: Michael and Yuta were in the Debate class that I was helping in. I was the teacher's aide for that day.

Darkling: Hold it! From what you could tell, would you say that either of the two had any feelings of resentment towards one another?

Yumi: Well, both of them got into a lot of debates against each other, so I guess if there was anything they had against one another, it would be about the fights each of them lost. I swear, both of them were bent on getting a perfect grade in that class.

JPop: So in other words, Mr. Anastas had a perfectly good motive for killing Mr. Ito, is that right?

Yumi: I guess that would be the--

Darkling: (Uh oh... If I don't step in now, then Mr. Anastas' case is going to take a big hit!) Objection! Mr. JPop, I believe that the Defense is the one that is supposed to be asking the questions during the Cross Examination?

JPop: Ling, Ms. Kashima already stated that both of them tried to maintain a perfect grade in that class. They most likely saw each other as obstacles. This points to there being a motive for Mr. Anastas to murder Mr. Ito!

Darkling: You're forgetting that I only asked Ms. Kashima for her opinion, which has not been proven to be a reliable source for facts at this point!

Judge: Unfortunately Mr. JPop, I stand by Mr. Darkling's statement at this time. We have no exact proof if the two had any feelings of resentment because of the debates held in that class.

JPop: (sighing) Yes, Your Honor.

---

Yumi: Michael left class around 15-20 minutes early, but I didn't hear why.

Darkling: Hold it! So Mr. Ito was still in class even after Mr. Anastas left, is that correct?

Yumi: Yeah, that's right.

Darkling: Did Mr. Ito leave early too, or was he there until the end of class?

Yumi: He actually left about two minutes before the end of class, but he still handed in his debate reports. Michael had already turned his in before he left earlier.

---

*Kana slides over a small Post-It note to Darkling's front.*

"K: Dee, I have a strange feeling about this whole testimony..."

*Darkling quickly scribbles his question as Yumi continues.*

"D: What do you mean?"

---

Yumi: When class was finished, I went to my usual hangout near the Mascot Fountain, when I heard the two of them arguing.

Darkling: Hold it! Did you hear what they were arguing about?

Yumi: Sorry, but not exactly. The water falling from the fountain got in the way of my view at first, and the sound of it hitting the small pool was soft enough to let me hear something was happening, but just loud enough to mask some of the words.

Darkling: Can you tell us some of the words that you managed to hear above the water?

Yumi: It went something along the lines of "I knew you did it..." "...How?" Those are the only words that I got out of it, but it sounded heated already.

Judge: What happened then?

---

*Kana slides the note back.*

"K: I can't really put my finger on it, but I think Gumshoe said something about Mr. Anastas..."

"D: Was it when they found him?"

*Darkling quickly hands the note back to Kana.*

---

Yumi: I heard Yuta yell out in pain, and when I went around the fountain to look, he was already on the ground, and Michael was on top of him with a knife. He... He stabbed him.

Darkling: Hold it! Are you sure this is how the murder happened? Nothing else happened?

Yumi: Absolutely! It's exactly how I saw it!

Darkling: Again, I ask you: Are you sure that nothing else happened?

Yumi: You don't have to ask over and over! I know what I saw, and I'm telling it to you, you stubborn man!

JPop: Objection! Ling, I won't have you badgering my witness! If you want to take out your frustrations about the case, then do it somewhere else and on your own time!

Judge: Mr. Darkling, refrain from asking questions that have already been answered!

Darkling: (sighing) (Is it just me, or does everyone in this room hate me?) ...Yes, Your Honor.

---

"K: I think it was when Gumshoe was talking about when they were taking him away."

"D: Alright. I think I've got it. This testimony is full of holes anyway. But... What does it all mean?"

---

Yumi: After that, I ran away and called the police. I can't believe it... How could Michael do something like that?

Darkling: Hold it! So you used the pay phone to call the police, right?

Yumi: Um... Yes, and... No.

Darkling: What do you mean?

Yumi: I actually got the pay phone and put some change inside for a call when I realized that I had my cell phone with me. I used the cell phone to call in the police. I didn't get to grab my change from the phone though...

Darkling: Wait, so you never actually used the pay phone at all?

Yumi: Yeah... I know, it was really silly of me, but I thought I left my cell phone at home earlier that day.

---

Darkling: (This testimony is so full of holes that it's not even funny. Why would Prosecutor JPop let a witness like this go up to the Witness's Stand when so many things conflict against her in the Court Record? ...But which statement do I object to? Which piece of evidence do I object with? I suppose it's better to attack the foundation of the testimony rather than something later. ...At least, that's what I remember from those classes back in training...)

Darkling: Ms Kashima, you were the only witness to this so-called murder, were you not?

JPop: Objection! The fact that a murder took place that day is not in question!

Judge: Agreed. The defence will choose its words more carefully.

Darkling: (unfazed) Yes, Your Honour. Ms Kashima? Were you the only witness to this crime?

Yumi: Yes. Of course, yes. Why would I be here if I--

Darkling: But unfortunately, Ms Kashima, you don't appear to fit the witness criteria that Detective Gumshoe outlined for us earlier in the trial.

Yumi: 'Criteria'? I was there, I saw it happen - doesn't that, by definition, make me a 'witness'?

Darkling: (slyly) If you did indeed witness the crime, Ms Kashima...

JPop: If you've got something to say, Ling, say it.

Darkling: Gladly. As I mentioned, earlier in the trial, Detective Gumshoe gave testimony about the defendant's actions after being apprehended at the scene of the crime - particularly in relation to the sole witness to the crime. The detective said, and I quote:

Gumshoe: That's right. He wouldn't take his eyes off of him. It was actually kinda creepy. He didn't say a single thing at all, even after we put him in the squad car; he just looked at him through the tinted windows...

Darkling: In other words, Ms Kashima, you can't be the witness...

Darkling points his finger dramatically and loud techno music erupts throughout the courtroom, forcing everyone to cover their ears.

Darkling: (triumphantly) ...unless you're a man!

---

Music: Apollo Justice: Announce the Truth

---

*Gasps are heard from every facet of the courtroom as the previous testimony begins to settle back into everyone's minds. The Judge brings his gavel down, silencing the various discussions that have sparked.*

Judge: Bailiff! Bring in the transcript of Detective Gumshoe's most recent testimony! Whether he explicitly stated the witness was male or female is extremely important!

JPop: Objection! Your Honor, does the gender of the witness have any bearing on this case? Ling, your job is to find contradictions! I know you're trying, but this is pathetic!

Judge: Prosecutor JPop, while it seems like the pursuit of these details is a waste of time, in my experience as a Judge I have seen that these frivolous details have actually proven to be extremely important. Every piece of evidence must be analyzed just like how every testimony given must be scrutinized. Objection overruled.

JPop: Your Honor! Even if Detective Gumshoe stated that this witness was supposed to be a man, I have a perfectly good explan--

Bailiff: Your Honor! I have the transcripts from the previous testimony by Detective Gumshoe right here!

Judge: Quickly! Hand them to me!

*The Judge quickly sifts through the folder containing Gumshoe's testimony. Moving aside the renewed map of the campus, he settles on the actual transcript. The court holds its breath.*

Judge: Mr. Darkling, you seem to be exactly right in your claim! Detective Gumshoe stated that the witness was a man! You must have a remarkable memory, since you've managed to capture that part of the testimony word for word without any notes in front of you.

Darkling: I... I guess I have some talent for remembering things. But you see, Your Honor, this proves that the witness for Mr. Ito's murder was male, and not female!

JPop: Objection! Regardless of that fact, she is--as she explicitly stated--a witness to this murder! You can't deny it! You've proven that this witness is supposed to be male, but that does not change anything at al--

Darkling: Objection! Your Honor, this changes everything! For all this court could know, the entire testimony that Ms. Kashima presented could be completely fabricated! She could have just made everything up! Ms. Kashima most definitely did not witness the crime!

Yumi: What?! How dare you! Everything that I've told you on the stand is completely true! All you're trying to do is get that murderer off the hook! Yu... M-My Yuta died because of that bastard! He's the one that killed him! And now you're trying to make me look like a liar? Them let me see it! Where's your proof that I'm lying?! Where is it?!

Judge: (slamming his gavel) Ms. Kashima, calm yourself! Mr. Darkling! I hate repeating myself, but if this is an effort to derail the trial further, you will receive a hefty penalty! Now, where is your proof that Ms. Kashima has not been honest with the court?

Silence holds sway in the courtroom for a long moment. Then Darkling smiles.

Darkling: Ms Kashima. At what time did the debate class finish that day?

Yumi: (slowly, looking at Darkling suspiciously) 1:15 pm, as always. Some of the other teacher aides don't like working with that professor because he always works right down to the last minute, but I don't mind it myself.

Darkling: 1:15, then. So, according to your testimony, the defendant left the class 'around 15-20 minutes early'? Which would put it at about...?

Yumi: Close to one o'clock. I was occupied with my duties at the time and didn't think to note the exact time that Michael left the classroom.

Darkling: Where do you think he was going?

JPop: Objection! What possible bearing could that have on the case, Ling?

Judge: Objection sustained. Speculation is pointless at this juncture, Mr Darkling. You have been asked to provide facts.

Darkling: Very well. Let's move on to Mr Ito's departure from the class. Ms Kashima, you said that was at...?

Yumi: (perfunctorily) A couple of minutes before class ended. It couldn't have been much more than that.

Darkling: Again, you didn't look at the time?

Yumi: (pursing her lips) No, I didn't. But between the time Yuta departed and the time the class ended, no more than two or three minutes could have passed.

Darkling: (thoughtfully) That would place his departure from the class at approximately 1:12 or 1:13 pm, correct?

Yumi: Yes, that's right.

Darkling: Interesting.

Yumi: And why is that?

Darkling: Because according to the autopsy report, Yuta Ito was already dead by that time!

Yumi: Gak!

Kana: (brightly) There's one you haven't tried yet, Dee!

*The jury begins to ramble with one another as Prosecutor JPop slams his desk furiously. This is enough to get the jury to settle down. The Judge lowers his gavel as the court listens to the following words.*

JPop: Damn it! I should have known things would have turned this direction! Stupid! So stupid! I should have objected before you even provided proof she was lying! You've just about obliterated my plan by doing so, Ling!

Judge: Prosecutor JPop, what is the meaning of this? Are you admitting that you put a rigged witness on the Witness' Stand? Do you understand that serious repercussions on your career can be the result of this?

JPop: No! She is not a rigged witness, Your Honor! As I was saying earlier before the Bailiff interrupted me, I have a perfectly good explanation for all of this!

Judge: Well you had better get started before I have you arrested on the spot along with your false witness!

Darkling: Objection! Your Honor, the bogus witness that he set up in court today blatantly lied about the events that occurred the day of the murder! There is no explanation that Mr. JPop can supply us that will see past--

JPop: Objection! Like I said, Darkling, let me give my explanation before any other interruptions get in the way! If the court sees to it that my actions are inexcusable even after I explain, then you may take me away and do what you will.

Judge: Mr. Darkling. What do you think of this situation? Should Prosecutor JPop be allowed to explain his actions, or should he be arrested right this instant? I wouldn't normally confer with anyone else, let alone the Defense Attorney of the court about how the Prosecution should be penalized, but you are the one that will be fighting against the claims he will make.

Darkling: (Damn... What should I do? Should I let JPop explain to the court what he's been doing all along? What if it turns out to put Mr. Anastas in an incredibly bad spot? ...Is it a trick? Then again, it's still up to the court about whether or not he gets put away afterwards... Would that mean that another Prosecutor will take his place? So many questions... I just...)

JPop: (quietly) Darkling. I trust that you'll make the right decision.

*Darkling looks over to Kana, who is already worriedly looking at him.*

Kana: Dee, I don't like the look of this. Something sounds very wrong about all of this... I'm not sure if we should let him talk.

Darkling: Kana, if we don't let him explain, then he'll be taken away indefinitely!

Kana: But if we let him explain, we'll have no idea what he's going to say or do, Dee! This might mean the case for us.

Darkling: I... I just don't know what to do!

Kana: Mr. Anastas needs all the time he has left, Dee... We promised we'd help him... Dee, I...

*Darkling grips his desk tightly as all eyes in the court settle on him. A bloodthirsty crowd looking at their own Caligula, waiting to execute at first notice. Sweat drips from Darkling's forehead, heavy in contemplation.*

Judge: Mr. Darkling. We are waiting for your answer.