"Never thought I'd have to answer such a stupid question seriously..."
"A hero! I am a hero!"
Independent semi-selective Shinra Kusakabe RP Blog
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🎆 I am semi-selective in the sense that I am more than willing to rp with anyone, even if we are not mutual, however I am picky who I chose to follow back.
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ooc: I recall that I said I would post down some of my more recent AA thoughts, one of them being what I would like to if Apollo's game had gotten a fifth case ala Rise From the Ashes. I figure since Polly isn't complying, I may as well type it down. Who knows? It could probably make for a good plot/thread.
I figure it'll be easier to list the ideas off, then explain them.
Don't have Phoenix involved in the case, at least until the end
Be a proper bridge to Dual Destinies
Continue the tradition of Apollo having not entirely innocent clients
Have anyone BUT Klavier be the prosecutor
No high stakes, have the case be a good ol' murder mystery
Alright, explanation time, starting with:
Don't have Phoenix involved in the case, at least until the end
It's no secret that Phoenix pretty much stole Apollo's limelight in his own game. That's why, if the game ever did get a 5th case, I wouldn't want Phoenix to be involved or seen in any way, shape, or form until the very end of the case. Don't get me wrong, I like Feenbean, especially Hobo Feenbean, but his time is done for now.
Be a proper bridge to Dual Destinies
Yeah, Dual Destinies did a very poor job of bridging the gap between Hobo Phoenix and new Phoenix, not to mention the fact it gave Apollo some much needed backstory which he could have really used in his own game.
The latter half of the problem is easy to fix. Just have Clay call Apollo and give him a pep talk similar to what Phoenix did in 6-2, or have him appear in person saying that he wanted to watch one of his best friend's trials. As for Phoenix, like I said, have him appear at the end of the case, with him saying he's planning on going to Europe for a while after passing the bar. Also, have him apologize to Apollo for his behavior towards him during that year. That alone will show Apollo that Phoenix is starting to get back to his old self and toss aside the jaded hobo he's been for years. Not to mention it'd make seeing him again after returning from Europe in Dual Destinies a lot less jarring.
Obviously patching this problem up is easier if Phoenix is allowed to appear during the case, but I figure giving Apollo some identity in his own game is a better priority.
Continue the tradition of Apollo having not entirely innocent clients
This one is probably the simplest to do and probably the most trivial, but I do love the fact that all of Apollo's clients (pre Dual Destinies anyways) were all guilty of something other than the murder they were accused of. This simple notion is enough to start giving Apollo major trust issues. More on this fascinating analysis can be found in this post here.
Have anyone BUT Klavier be the prosecutor
Yeah, I won't lie, this one is more personal/petty. I simply dislike Klavier and would rather not see him. Plus the guy is still probably dealing with the reelback from his band breaking up, and his brother showing his true colors definitely stirred something up I'm sure.
The only 3 choices I can think of for the prosecution are Edgeworth, Fransizka, and Winston Payne. Haven't played or watched either of the Investigations games, so I can't comment confidently on any prosecutors seen there. The only one who would probably be a really good fit would be Sebastian Debeste.
Edgeworth is a pretty left field option, but damn it these two need to meet. Plus, a courtroom battle between Edgeworth and Apollo would be quite interesting, since Apollo doesn't bluff nearly as much as Phoenix. When he does, it's usually to draw out new evidence. It would be a legit game of debating+logic chess for at least 80% of the trial.
Haven't seen much of Franny prosecute, so I can't really comment, but Apollo does not have Phoenix's ridiculous luck+endurance, so those whips might be deadly...
Payne could actually work if you tie in the "succession theme" from 4-4* in a really ironic way? Like, he decides if he loses this case, he'll file for retirement. The fabled Rookie Killer getting permanently "killed" by a rookie. Phoenix wasn't able to do it, so this is about as close as it's going to get for Apollo unless we can deviate from Dual Destinies entirely. Could also serve as a catalyst for Gaspen to go up against the WAA.
(*The 4th case for Apollo Justice is named "Turnabout Succession", but really, Apollo didn't succeed Phoenix at all. He was just his mouth piece against Gavin. And to add salt to the wound, Phoenix ends up returning as an attorney in Dual Destinies, so yeah, it makes everything moot. I would have definitely loved to use Edgeworth with this themed framework in mind, but it only works properly if Phoenix never returns to law or choose a different law based profession, like a professor at Themis or something.)
No high stakes, have the case be a good ol' murder mystery
Dual Destinies and Spirit of Justice both have fifth cases with stupidly high stakes if you lose, even more so than the trilogy's final cases. As noted in this post here, Apollo Justice as a game inverted so many themes from the trilogy, so it wouldn't hurt to invert this one as well. Obviously this is AA, so we can't have a normal trial, but simply make it more down to earth. And please don't let it drag on like RFtA. Seriously.
+×*+×*+×*+×*+×*+×*+×*+×*+×*+×*+×*
Anyways, those are the main things I'd have wanted to see if AJ ever got a fifth case. Hopefully I didn't bore ya. Some other optional things could include the case utilizing a new puzzle solving method exclusive to whatever device it is released on, or having Apollo alone on the defense's bench (meaning no Trucy or Phoenix to give advice or comment. Him standing on his own for once would definitely help him.)
ooc: Between the infamous Summer heat of California baking everyone like cookies in an oven, and Apollo not wanting to comply with the recent drafts I have, things are a tad...dead, at the moment. I'm tempted to go into people's ask boxes and throw random things like corny law puns or even M!A at their muses.
Once the student had agreed to help and started giving him directions, Apollo had taken the initiative of quickly fishing out a pen and legal pad from his briefcase to write them down. Better safe than sorry in an unfamiliar city.
When he was finished, he had raised his head up from writing to thank the boy, only to catch the inquisitive expression the other held.
Then came a question and observation that coaxed the attorney’s brow to arch in slight surprise. Did the other hold an avid interest in law? He was able to deduce that he was a lawyer from a single word, and said word was only common within the confines of the legal world.
(‘Though now that I think about it, there could have been other factors as well. Other than business men, no one else would walk around in a suit… Still, the guy is sharp, especially for someone so young!’)
“Lawyers aren’t the only ones who’ll be attending the conference. Judges, prosecutors, even officers and detectives from all over the world will be there as well,” he replied. “However, you guessed right, I’m a defense attorney from Los Angeles.” A smile claimed his lips as he raised a hand to clasp his cyan tie, straightening it as he spoke.
“My name is Apollo. Apollo Justice. Nice to meet you, and thank you for giving me directions.”
Shuichi gives Apollo a moment to write his stuff down on his notepad, hoping his directions were helpful enough. As he explains, Shuichi gives an intrigued hum. “Ohh…! I see… it sounds like it will be a very big conference, then.” Detectives, too, he thinks to himself… it makes him wonder if he will ever attend a jurisprudence conference once he’s an older and ‘professional’ detective. “If it’s not too strange to say, I’ll wish you the best of luck that your meeting goes well!”
He perks up when Apollo confirms that he is indeed a lawyer! “Ahh, so you’re a defense attorney! I was wondering since you’re also wearing a business suit, and mentioned a boss… so that must be your attorney’s badge on your lapel, then? It looks nice! Ohh, Los Angeles… that is a city from America, right? I know you’re here for a business trip, but I still hope you’ll enjoy Japan all the same.”
When Apollo introduces himself, Shuichi gives a small bow and a smile. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Apollo-kun: and no problem, I’m happy I could help! And my name is Shuichi Saihara: I’m a student and a detective, myself.” He then bashfully scratches his cheek.
“W-Well er: just an ‘Ultimate Detective‘, really. That’s the title that my school gave me…. s-since Hope’s Peak scouts students if they exceed at a certain skill extraordinarily well, to explain… if that makes sense. A-Ah, not to make it sound as if I’m trying to brag or I’m all that or anything! I-I’m nothing special, really…”
"Thanks, this will actually be my first jurisprudence conference as well, so I'll take all the luck I can get!" The amount of enthusiasm the kid was emanating was definitely enough to almost rival Apollo's after a Chords of Steel session. His smile grew and his hand rose, flattening his fringe in a somewhat diffident manner for a moment before he made sure to address the points the newly introduced Shuichi had brought up.
"You're right again," Apollo noted while slipping his thumb under his lapel to let the other get a better look at the tiny golden badge. "As for my trip, I'll only be here for a week, with the conference taking up three days, but I definitely plan to enjoy my stay. It's not every day I get to travel across the ocean to such a lovely country." Quite literally, seeing as the Agency took most of their cases pro bono, among other things.
At the mention that Shuichi was a detective, albeit an aspiring one, the brunet had given a single nod. His hunch had been right. "That certainly explains why you were able to figure out that a complete stranger was a lawyer even though you only had a few details to work with. You have some seriously sharp skills of observation, and if this academy only seeks out the best of the best, then I think that title of yours is well earned!"
It was then that a light bulb went off in his head. The boy was obviously interested in this conference, and even through that veil of modesty, Apollo could see the passion the student held pertaining to the legal world and pursuing the truth.
"Shuichi," he started, "if you don't have any plans, how about you come and attend the conference too? If I recall, the final day will be open to the public, namely to any one age 16 and over. "
“ please, try to remember as much as you can.” ~ Phoenix
*: ･ﾟ✧ interrogation starters.
“R-Right,” he stated with a weak nod before putting a finger to his head, going over what had transpired for the umpteenth time in his head. His previous attempts at focusing to try and find some little detail he missed had been swayed by his worry, but for some reason, Apollo was now able to think far clearer than before. Was it because he knew Mr. Wright was on the case?
“There…there was something about the victim. I could have sworn he was drunk, with how he was acting, and before I pushed him away from me, he was covered in sweat. But, I was told by detectives that there wasn’t a single drop of alcohol in his system.” Naturally, he had tried to protest that there could have been something else in his system, but no one listened to him.
“Sorry, Mr. Wright. I know it’s not much, but nothing else is standing out to me at the moment.” Plus, he was exhausted from all the worrying, all the questioning, and having to retell his side of the story over and over.
Phoenix wasn’t sure whether he regretted putting his hand around the magatama less or more when he heard the familiar telltale clanking of chains and a psyche lock appearing out of nowhere.
He supposed he should at least be glad it was just the one this time. Also Apollo wasn’t the type to keep something totally irrelevant secret. So this must be something that was really troubling the other.
Even he had no idea who the prosecution was for this case yet so it seemed unlikely to be related to that. No it had to be to do with what they had actually been talking about.
Apollo had already admitted to pushing the victim. The police must have had reason to arrest him. How flimsy that reason was would be immaterial at the moment. With no toxicology report or autopsy report done yet it seemed unlikely that they had had any evidence of completely malicious intent... so the push had to have something to do with it.
Maybe rushing to the detention centre first hadn’t been his wisest move but Phoenix had wanted to make sure the other was alright and truthfully he hadn’t expected the other to hold any information back. This was Apollo, not Larry or Edgeworth.
Truth... yes that was it. Phoenix stood back up and smiled reassuringly at the other as he presented his badge. “As attorneys it is a part of our job to believe in our client’s innocence. I believe you didn’t do this, Apollo. But the truth has to be found.”
To Apollo, who was unaware of the chains that now surrounded him and the lock that nestled itself in front of him, it seemed as if his boss was deep in thought. It was a sight he recognized all too well, having watched the recordings of Mr. Wright's trials over his career. He had caught the lie the younger had told, he was sure of it, even if he didn't know how he had done it.
Though he had braced himself for the other to bring that notion up, instead, the brunet watched as the elder had presented his attorney's badge to him. At first, he was confused, but when he heard Mr. Wright speak, the tenseness Apollo had felt vanished. Unknown to him, the lock had shattered, and the chains receded.
"I know... Mr. Wright," he finally spoke up. "Like I said, if anyone is capable of finding the truth, it's you. I know I'm innocent, and I feel a lot better knowing that you truly believe in me." Perhaps he just needed to hear those words come from Mr. Wright himself, seeing as his voice sounded a bit more confident now.
"You should get going, you've only got so much time to investigate and prepare for the trial. If I remember anything else important I'll be sure to let you know tomorrow. And..." he paused, a small, but sincere smile now forming over his lips.
“ please, try to remember as much as you can.” ~ Phoenix
*: ･ﾟ✧ interrogation starters.
“R-Right,” he stated with a weak nod before putting a finger to his head, going over what had transpired for the umpteenth time in his head. His previous attempts at focusing to try and find some little detail he missed had been swayed by his worry, but for some reason, Apollo was now able to think far clearer than before. Was it because he knew Mr. Wright was on the case?
“There…there was something about the victim. I could have sworn he was drunk, with how he was acting, and before I pushed him away from me, he was covered in sweat. But, I was told by detectives that there wasn’t a single drop of alcohol in his system.” Naturally, he had tried to protest that there could have been something else in his system, but no one listened to him.
“Sorry, Mr. Wright. I know it’s not much, but nothing else is standing out to me at the moment.” Plus, he was exhausted from all the worrying, all the questioning, and having to retell his side of the story over and over.
Phoenix had somewhat hoped that the other being sure that he wanted help with representation would help him relax a little, because he would have tried his hardest to persuade the other had the other not wanted him there (unless the other wanted just Athena to help, in which case he would have been fine with that).
However, hearing the other so insistent that he was the only one Apollo trusted with this worried him.
If Phoenix was truthful with himself, he was actually relieved that there was no physical way to get back over here when Trucy had been arrested. The thought of his little girl having to testify up on the stand and him potentially having to point out inconsistencies... well he would have been a mess.
He wasn’t sure that Apollo being the one in trouble was that much better though.
It wasn’t as though he didn’t believe Apollo could handle himself on his own but they hadn’t got off to the best of starts due to that trial and then there was the fact that he was Trucy’s half-brother...
It was at this point that Phoenix realised he had probably been quiet for far longer than he intended. Straightening up, he looked at his protégé with determined eyes. “Of course we will find the truth, Apollo. That’s what I’m here for.”
Phoenix hesitated, then put his hand in his pocket and wrapped it around the magatama. “Now before I go investigate are you sure there is nothing else you wish to tell me?”
The younger man's tiers pursed into an uneasy frown at the silence that blanketed the both of them. When it was finally broken, his mentor's words had been enough to calm him, though it didn't last long. Anxiousness had quickly settled in when he felt the ornate bracelet around his wrist tighten for the briefest of moments.
('He's nervous about something.... But what?')
Then came his answer in the form of a question, one that had coaxed Apollo to subtly tense up, his fists clenching slightly.
How? How could he tell him that he doubted his own innocence? And what if it turned out his actions really did end up taking a life? The last thing he wanted was for Mr. Wright to see him in the same light as that man.
"No, there's nothing else, Mr. Wright." Apollo was not one to tell lies often, and it showed. His voice was contained, and he had tried his damnedest to pull a somewhat convinciable poker face, hoping that the veteran couldn't see the uncertainty painted along his visage.
“ please, try to remember as much as you can.” ~ Phoenix
*: ･ﾟ✧ interrogation starters.
“R-Right,” he stated with a weak nod before putting a finger to his head, going over what had transpired for the umpteenth time in his head. His previous attempts at focusing to try and find some little detail he missed had been swayed by his worry, but for some reason, Apollo was now able to think far clearer than before. Was it because he knew Mr. Wright was on the case?
“There…there was something about the victim. I could have sworn he was drunk, with how he was acting, and before I pushed him away from me, he was covered in sweat. But, I was told by detectives that there wasn’t a single drop of alcohol in his system.” Naturally, he had tried to protest that there could have been something else in his system, but no one listened to him.
“Sorry, Mr. Wright. I know it’s not much, but nothing else is standing out to me at the moment.” Plus, he was exhausted from all the worrying, all the questioning, and having to retell his side of the story over and over.
Phoenix listened carefully to the younger attorney, trying to make absolutely certain he didn’t miss anything no matter how small. The minute he heard the other had been arrested of course he had rushed down here to hear what had happened. He was relieved the other seemed happy enough to let him in and not try and handle this on his own.
He fingered his chin after the other had finished speaking, lost in thought. So the victim was showing signs of drunkeness but no alcohol in his system? Phoenix sighed.
“Anything is better than nothing, Apollo,” Phoenix tried to reassure, but he was concerned that this was extremely close to being nothing. “Obviously the first line of inquiry should be to find out why he seemed drunk when he wasn’t. Perhaps the autopsy report will reveal something.”
He paused for a moment, holding the back of his head. “That is assuming of course, that you do want my help.”
"I hope so too," was the brunet's only response before he noticed the older attorney pause for the briefest of moments. When Mr. Wright had spoke once more, Apollo couldn't help but arch a brow.
('Assuming I want his help?') he couldn't help but think to himself. True, he could have just defended himself, but to be honest even he wasn't entirely sure that he was completely innocent. He had pushed the victim, and the back of his head had slammed against a telephone pole, hard. Even if something had been in his system, who's to say that it wasn't Apollo's actions that caused the other's death?
Apollo needed someone who would believe in him, even through his own doubts and worries. Only one person had taken on such a task, and succeeded.
"Of course I want your help!" the younger man retorted sharply, looking somewhat irked that the veteran would even suggest otherwise, especially after the Phantom case. Though the irritation didn't stay on his face for long, and was soon replaced with a more determined mien.
"Other than myself, the only person I'd trust with this is you, Mr. Wright. And with Athena by your side as co-council, I know you'll find the truth!"
“ please, try to remember as much as you can.” ~ Phoenix
*: ･ﾟ✧ interrogation starters.
"R-Right," he stated with a weak nod before putting a finger to his head, going over what had transpired for the umpteenth time in his head. His previous attempts at focusing to try and find some little detail he missed had been swayed by his worry, but for some reason, Apollo was now able to think far clearer than before. Was it because he knew Mr. Wright was on the case?
"There...there was something about the victim. I could have sworn he was drunk, with how he was acting, and before I pushed him away from me, he was covered in sweat. But, I was told by detectives that there wasn't a single drop of alcohol in his system." Naturally, he had tried to protest that there could have been something else in his system, but no one listened to him.
"Sorry, Mr. Wright. I know it's not much, but nothing else is standing out to me at the moment." Plus, he was exhausted from all the worrying, all the questioning, and having to retell his side of the story over and over.
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