"Hmm... Nope! Not feeling nervous at all! It's amazing what a girl can get used to! Even a tense atmosphere like this is no biggie!"
athena thought to herself as she nervously fidgeted with her hair
'You doing okay, Athena?'
apollo asked, athena shot her head up at him as she nervously smiled
'Oh, Apollo! Y-Yeah, doing great! Like, hum-a-little-tune great!'
he grinned as he said
'Oh, yeah? Well, that's good to hear. Although... I could've sworn I heard your voice crack for a second there'
he teased little
"Oof! I'm THAT transparent, huh?"
'Cracking? N-No, my voice isn't cracking! Nerves of steel, here, I tell you!, Speaking of steel, how are you holding up? That explosion really did a number on you...'
apollo chuckled, but patted her back
'I'm just happy that you're okay, Athena. Although... I can't pretend I have no connection to this case. That's why I'm gonna see to it that Juniper's name is cleared! And I'm sure you feel much the same way'
'You got that right! I won't rest until Junie is completely cleared of all suspicion!'
a sudden cough was heard from afar, along with a weak, but sweet little voice
'Apollo, Thena... Thank you... for doing this for me'
Athena perked up at seeing her best friend, she was dressed in her usual attire, a pink long sleeve dress with white gloves, a white cloak with a big sunhat, her hair dub up in two braids, she looked like an adorable gardener
'Junie!'
she cheerfully said, she smiled but began to cough
'Hey, are you okay?'
'...Sorry about that. I always seem to go into coughing fits whenever I get nervous. This kind of thing never happens *cough* at home in the forest, though. *cough*'
athena smiled reassuringly, she honestly couldn't believe that anyone would think that this sweet girl would be the bomber, juniper breathed in her sunflowers to help with the coughing, after that, she suddenly gave her a orange fruit
'I brought you a little snack, Thena... Just a little something from my garden'
Athena cheeks turned a tint of read as she smiled down at it
'Hey, thanks! So, um... Is this an orange or a tangerine?'
'It's an orange! My grandma says... ...that orange is the colour of strength and endurance'
her cheeks turned a bit more red as her heartbeat started to bump a little faster
'Oh, I get it! Strength for the trial, right?'
"Junie... You're always so good to me..., always so sweet and beautiful"
'Well, don't you worry! We'll be so powerful in there, they won't know what hit them! Right, Apollo?!'
he nodded, but athena noticed it was a lot more weaker
'Yeah... that's right. Come what may... this is one trial... we just can't lose...!'
he then suddenly collapsed onto his knees, both girls cried out as they knelt down to his side, he flinched as he held onto one of his banged wounds, athena's eyes widen at the sight of blood seeping through
"Blood is seeping through his bandages! One of his wounds must've reopened. All this time, he was trying to put on a brave face, but he was really overdoing it."
'Mr. Justice!'
the baillif suddenly called out, gaining everyone's attention
'The trial is about to start, sir. Please proceed to the courtroom'
apollo panted as get tried to get up, but ended up falling back into his knees. athena gently held him in his place
'apollo no sit down'
he shook his head
'I... I have to... defend Juniper!'
he muttered, athena gave him a look
'no your not, not in this condition!!, give me all the evidence for the case'
Apollo panted as he looked up at her, athena gaze darted to the baillif, speaking in her phoenix wright voice
'Bailiff'
he flinched
'Y-Yes, Miss?'
'The defense would like to submit a substitution of attorney petition, me!'
apollo eyes widen, athena turned her gaze back onto apollo
'You just concentrate on getting better. I'll defend Junie!'
Apollo looked a bit skeptical
'All by yourself?! Athena,?, ...stop for a sec and think about what you're saying! You've never once taken a case on alone before, right?!'
he said, athena simply shook her head
'¡No hay problema! I can handle it!, But I guess it's really up to you, Junie. Would you be okay with me taking over?'
junie looked at her for a moment, but then smiled
'I believe in you, Thena, and that's enough for me'
athena felt her heart flutter as wadget turned green, from the corner of her eyes, she noticed apollo worried expression, she smiled at him as she whispered
'You're worried for me, aren't you? To be honest, I'm pretty nervous, too. I think my heart might just burst out of my chest! But you're in no shape to stand at the bench now. So you'll just have to leave it to me!'
Apollo went into deep thought, but then nodded
'............ ...All right. I can see your mind's made up anyway. I hate it that I can't be there... but I know you'll give your utmost to defend Juniper!'
'You bet I will! Rest assured of that!'
athena took in a deep breathe as she nervously entered the courthouse
"..it's okay, Mr wright was able to be in here, you can do it too!!"
when she had made it to her bench, the judge banged down his gavel
'Court is now in session for the trial of Juniper Woods'
Athena stood tall and broad, something that Mr wright had said to her, "stand tall and confident, and present yourself as a professional, and don't take shit from anyone or anything"
'Th-The defense is ready, Your Honor'
'The prosecution is also ready'
he then suddenly got a smug expression on his face, looking at his opponent
'Your Honor. Uh-huh... And what is the meaning of this? I was under the impression that Mr. Red Monkey would be my opponent today'
the judge shook his head at him
'mr payne, that "Mr. red monkey" is Mr. Apollo Justice, please be respectful, as to aswenr your question, a substitution of attorney petition was submitted just a few moments ago. Due to the explosion in the courthouse yesterday, Mr. Justice is unable to continue'
Payne snickered
'I see, I see. Not at all surprised he used that as an excuse to run away. With me as an adversary, who wouldn't want to feign illness in order to escape?'
Athena eyes widen in angry at his arrogance and apathic attitude
"What?! The nerve of that guy! I'm going to give him a piece of my mind! W-Well, I would if I wasn't so nervous... Argh! This arrogant jackass!"
'You arrogant jackass!'
wadget said, athena's eyes widen in shock, as well as the prosecutor and judge
'Is my hearing getting worse? I could've sworn I heard the defense say something just now'
he said confused, athena quickly shook her head
'N-N-No! You didn't hear anything at all! Especially not from me!'
'Hmm... How odd. I could have sworn I also heard something...'
the judge muttered, athena pointed to her necklace
'...Oh, that would be my indispensable partner, Widget. He... sometimes blurts out what I'm thinking'
Payne tapped the stop of his head, smirking
'Heh heh. Well then. If that's the case, then it's a clear contradiction to what you just stated!'
Athena raised a brow at him
'You just stated that you said nothing. However, if that device of yours says what you're thinking... ...then you indeed said I was...what was it? Elegance at work?'
Athena humped as she crossed her arms
'Actually, it was arrogant jackass...'
she muttered to herself, payne simply shrugged
'At any rate, what does it matter if it's a red monkey or a yellow monkey facing me? No fresh-out-of-law-school ROOKIE can defend this witness'
the judge stared down at Mr payne with a very un-impressed expression
'Mr. Payne, I believe that's enough insulting of the defense, Let us get back to the case'
'Of course, Your Honor. I'm more than ready to show this little girl why they call me the "Rookie Humiliator'
Athena glowered at him, wadget then suddenly called out
'Arrogant jackass'
this time athena didn't care but glanced nervously at the judge, surprisingly the judge hardly reacted to it, then again, he's probably seen his fair share of phoenix swearing and cussing in court
'Now then... Mr. Payne. Your opening statement, if you please'
payne took out a paper from his file
'Thank you, Your Honor. Now then. The incident occurred yesterday here at this very courthouse, in Courtroom No. 4. At that time, the trial for a certain bombing was being held in Courtroom No. 4'
'Ah, yes. I was presiding over that trial as well. And Mr. Justice was there as the lawyer for the defense'
the judge said, reminiscing on the terrible memory
'A bomb that was being presented as evidence suddenly went off during the trial. It was a terrible incident... and Courtroom No. 4 was completely destroyed. Fortunately, we were able to start evacuation procedures before the explosion occurred. Just a few more seconds and it would've turned into a horrific loss of human life'
'But there was, in fact, one death, was there not?'
he nodded
'That is correct, Your Honor. When Courtroom No. 4 was examined after the blast... ...the body of Detective Candice Arme was discovered. She was to take the stand as a witness later in the trial'
'I suppose she wasn't able to evacuate in time. What a terrible tragedy. I must admit, I stumbled at least ten times myself before I was able to escape'
"Maybe the court should see to getting you even shorter robes..."
athena thought to herself
'The victim's body was found near the entrance to the courtroom. I suspect she stayed until the very end to help guide the others out safely. Your Honor, allow me to submit as evidence the victim's autopsy report... ...and details about the bomb'
athena quickly added that to her notebook as fast as she could, she had taken some lessons on how to properly note take from Mr wright, but it was still fairly difficult, after looking back at her notes, she nodded, happy with her work
'Now, then. Please call the accused to the witness stand'
when juniper got to the stand, she began to cough nervously
'Defendant, are you feeling all right? You're looking a bit pale...'
the judge asked worried, she nodded as she took a flower from her hat and began to breathe it in
'I'm so sorry! I was feeling a bit weak when I first arrived here at the courthouse... *cough* But I... I'm all right'
"Junie's really giving it her all! I'd better make sure I do the same!"
athena glanced at her worried, payne however, looked as if he had found his pot of gold
'Heh heh. If we could please proceed. Your name and occupation, defendant'
'...Juniper Woods... I'm... a h-high school student'
she weakly stated
'Ms. Woods, can you confirm you were in the courthouse on the day in question?'
'Yes. I came to know Apollo Justice through my friend Thena... *cough* And so... I was there yesterday... to watch his trial and lend my support'
Athena sense started to go off, her would hear it all so clearly
"Something's wrong. Junie's really scared"
'Heh heh heh. Did you know I'm also known as the "Defendant Humiliator"? It looks like I have yet another chance to show everyone how I earned that moniker!'
Athena felt a rage boil in her, if this asshole thinks he's gonna get away with bullying juniper on the stand, he has another thing comming
'Hey you jac-- Er, Prosecutor Payne!'
Payne raised a brow, cocking his head to the side mockingly
'Hmm? What is it? Do you want me to demonstrate why I'm known as the "Rookie Humiliator" instead?'
Athena fist clenched, but then took in a deep breathe
'Prosecutor Payne! Junie is telling the truth! Mr. Justice also backed up her claim when we saw him in the Defendant Lobby. And, Junie, he said that he was glad to get the lotus root you gave him, too'
Woodse eyes let up, hardly anyone ever wanted her lotus roots expect for athena
'He was? My grandma says lotus root is good for your eyes. She says they can even help you see into the future!'
'They can? Then that's the perfect present for a lawyer!'
she said encougrinly, happy to have juniper spirits lifted up, the judge narrowed his eyes at her
'Hmm... A sweet, meek girl like this, blowing a courtroom to bits? I must say it's very hard to believe'
'OBJECTION!'
payne cried out, he shook his head at him
'Now, now, Your Honor. Don't let her seemingly innocent appearance fool you. The defendant had a motive for committing this crime'
juniper shakily shook her head, athena felt her heartache at seeing juniper in such a terrible state
'Th-That's not true...! I don't have any kind of motive...! A-And I-I didn't even know the lady who was killed...!'
'I admit the investigation didn't turn up any connection between the victim and defendant. However, that doesn't matter. The only thing that does is that her objective was the destruction of Courtroom No. 4 itself'
Athena darted her eyes at him
'Hey, what's that supposed to mean?! Why in the world would Ms. Woods want to do that?!'
'Mm-hmm. That's a very good question, coming from a novice such as yourself. But first, a question for the defendant. Have you ever been brought up on false charges?'
'What?! Wh-Why, yes... Yes, I have...'
she admitted
'And did that experience cause you to harbor a grudge against the court system?'
'OBJECTION!!'
Athena cried out, she was beginning to lose her patience
'Now, wait just one minute! If that kind of thing was a motive for blowing things up, then every one of our clients would turn into bombers!'
the Judge nodded in agreement
'That's a valid point. We would have a single courthouse left standing in the land'
'I concede the accused isn't the only one who might bear resentment against the courts. But Ms. Woods is the only person who could have committed this crime. Why? Because we have some decisive evidence that proves the defendant's guilt'
Athena looked doubtful at that
"Decisive, huh? I'll believe it when I see it!"
'It involves a very unique aspect of the bomb itself, Your Honor'
'And what exactly was so unique about it?'
'Hmm... Why don't we have Ms. Cykes answer that question?'
he said smirking smugly, athena raised a brow at him
'Me?'
'Mm-hmm. I notice that you appear to be very nervous. And, well, gentleman that I am... ...I'd like to offer you the chance to gain some confidence with such an easy question'
Athena scoffed mentally at that
"Could he BE any more condescending?! Really! What a thoroughly unpleasant man!"
"L" is for "Lardass"!'
Payne stared at the necklass, flabbergasted
'Harrumph! What did it just say?!'
Athena smirked evily
'wadget said what you heard, and that's besides the point!!, Mr. Payne! What kind of simpleton do you take me for?! It was stuffed inside a stuffed animal! Its evil intentions covered up by a cute exterior!'
Payne snickered
'Heh heh. Very good. Have a cookie. The bomb that went off in the courtroom was indeed hidden inside a stuffed animal'
"There, how do you like that? Not bad, huh? I AM fine, just like I said from the start! I can do this!"
'Yes, as I recall, the bomb was stuffed inside a stuffed animal the whole time. I never even got to take a look at it. But what connection does this impish elephant have with the defendant?'
'The answer to that question lies in another piece of evidence, which I have here'
he said as he presented to the court
'And what, pray tell, is this? It appears to be a little singed'
'It's a tail, Your Honor. The tail of a poor victim of the explosion'
'This is incredible! Are you saying it's Detective Arme's tail?!'
the judge asked astonished
'Your Honor is so very close, but no. It belongs to this stuffed animal. It's called the Phony Phanty. A rather unpleasant name, if you ask me'
'He's the mascot for a campaign to eliminate false evidence and false charges, is he not?'
he nodded
'Exactly. His motto is "Phony Evidence is just Trunked Up!"'
Athena shook her head at that
"That's so wrong on so many levels"
'The Phony Phanty's tail is made of vinyl cloth. And we found something very interesting on its surface... the defendant's fingerprints'
her eyes widen in shock
"WH-WHAAAAAT?!"
'The Phony Phanty provided the prosecution with all the evidence we needed. It clearly proves that the accused handled the bomb!'
juniper shook as she stammered on her words
"But that doesn't make any sense! Why would Junie's fingerprints be on it?!"
'Hmm... That does appear to be pretty irrefutable evidence... The court accepts it into evidence., Ms. Woods, do you have an explanation for this?'
she weakily shook her head
'...I... I don't understand... I... *cough, cough*'
payne looked up at athena, twirling his hair with his one finger
'How about you, Ms. Cykes? Do you have any plausible explanation to refute this decisive piece of evidence?'
athena kept his face composed as best as she could, but she couldn't think of anything to say, payne took her silence as defeat
'If you can't produce an answer, we could always go straight to the ruling, if you prefer'
Athena tried to speak up, but she felt his voice getting caught up in her throat, she gasped, his eyes going wide with shock and distress
"Ack, no! I have to say something -- fast! Oh, no! I can't get my voice to work! Why now, of all times...?!"
she tried to get herself together, but nothing she tried worked, if anything she was panicking even more then from before
"I thought I overcame this already... Maybe I'm still not ready to stand in court?"
'as you can see, their is no room for debat-'
before he could properly finish, a loud sound of doors slamming open, and a very loud , familiar yell broke out
'YEAH?!, WELL FUCK YOU!!, I OBJECT!'