((OOC: Alrighty folks, looks like we're back here so I'll provide a link to the topic on the back-up forum for anyone who needs to review or for those who are interested in joining. I will, however, also include my initial post for convenience's sake... but posting every singe reply after that here would waste time. To review what we've done so far, check here: http://z11.invisionfree.com/court_recor ... topic=3308. Thanks for being such good sports about this! :3))

SUMMARY: Early December. People bustle about preparing for the holidays and there is a distinct chill in the air. But underneath all the magic of the holidays, there is a dark and sinister business. Police intake massive amounts of coffee and Chinese Take-Out as they work 'round the clock to catch a killer. Four victims thus far, each as different as can be expected. All four have been tortured over long periods of time, strung-up and bled-out before being ritualistically posed beneath Christmas trees throughout the city. Even more disturbing and puzzling, a small silver bell was left on the chest of each victim. With detectives and police prowling the streets and citizens clutching their shopping bags close as they walk the streets in fear, will they be able to flush out the killer before he strikes again?

TAKEN CHARACTERS
Phoenix Wright - P.Wright @ Wright Law Offices
Maya Fey - NatLazy
Viola Cadaverini - fatalfeline
Godot - justis76
Winston Payne - some_person

CUSTOM CHARACTERS
Judge Lawright - a fortiori
Jury Lawright - a fortiori
Ayame Misora - Ayasato-chan
Judi Shall - MezzoForte
Dolores Sident - fatalfeline
Edgar Shiragami - Game Over
Darren Rivers - Dekuran-chan

RULES

• No God Modding. Obviously some characters might be more intelligent or perhaps more athletic, a better singer, etc. than others, but try and keep them human. Give them flaws.
• Try to use appropriate grammar and post length. That means, no one-liners! I typically like to see a paragraph or two with some dialogue, but everyone is different. Try your best! :3
• No killing of others characters without their permission.
• No taking control of someone else's character without their permission.
• Main Characters (Phoenix, Edgeworth, Maya, etc.) are on a first-come-first-serve basis. However, if you do not take the roleplay seriously, do not keep the character in character, or just don't show up for long periods of time, you will be removed from the position and the character will be given to someone else.
• Up to two characters per person (exceptions may be made for a good reason).
• Roleplay is basically an AU (or Alternate Universe) Roleplay. Characters from any game are available, but it runs on no specific time-line.
• I would request that anyone with a custom character fill out the sheet below; just so we can familiarize ourselves with them.
• Respect your fellow RPers! This is probably the most important rule of all. Whatever differences you may have with other members, this is not the place to bring it up. Keep it clean and keep it fun.
• Have fun! I'll do my very best to provide a sufficient plot, but I really like to have my RPs shaped by the members of it, so let's see what we can dream up! <3

CUSTOM CHARACTER SHEET
Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Description/Picture:
History:
Special Skills:
Flaws/Phobias:
Other: (anything else you'd like to include)

My Characters
Name: Judge Lawright
Age: 22
Occupation: Prosecutor
Description/Picture: Short, somewhat curly snow-white hair, pale skin and crisp golden eyes. Tall and lanky, standing about six feet three inches. Usually wears clothes that might seem more appropriate for Victorian England - such as a black frock coat, waist coat and slacks. He finishes his attire off with a precisely ironed white shirt, golden neck tie and polished black shoes.
History: The younger of the two Lawright siblings and son of Prosecutor Honor Affidavit and Detective Case Lawright. Judge was always a somewhat quiet child, preferring to keep to himself rather than associate with others his age. When he was nine years old, he shut himself off to the world completely after his mother Honor was the victim of a brutal serial killings that targeted members of the Prosecutors Office. He remained mute for three years until, suddenly, perhaps driven by grief, his father Case disappeared. From that moment onward he dedicated himself to the art of prosecution and despite only recently entering into the career, he has begun to turn a few heads. Perhaps the only distraction from his seeming crusade is his desire to better Miles Edgeworth. Despite working together and having been second seat to Edgeworth on a number of cases, Judge wants to prove himself the better and figures doing what Edgeworth couldn't by defeating Phoenix Wright might be the way to do it.
Special Skills: Has a photographic memory which he uses both in court and to memorize entire violin movements.
Flaws/Phobias: Suffers from severe separation anxiety. He compulsively calls his sister jury once every three hours. If he cannot reach her, he lapses into a catatonic state - tucking himself under a desk or in a corner, clutching his knees to his chest and refusing to speak until he sees her again. Has a short temper and can be a bit egotistical, often coming off as rude or snarky.
Other: Enjoys playing the violin in his spare time. Despite sharing an apartment, he rarely sees his sister until the early hours of the morning or if they share work on a case.

Name: Jury Lawright
Age: 28
Occupation: Criminologist for the FBI
Description/Picture: Has the same somewhat curly white hair as her brother that falls just below her chin line. Pale in complexion with blue eyes. Petite, rising to a height of five feet. Dresses in a white shirt, brick red waistcoat, black slacks, black tie and buckle boots that rise to the knee. Wears a black pea coat and flat cap when out of doors.
History: The elder of the two Lawright siblings. Following the death of her mother and the disappearance of her father, Jury went to live with her grandfather along with her brother. At first, she was determined to become a detective and perhaps solve the mystery of who killed her mother, for the killer was never caught. However, as time wore on she came to the conclusion that the police could not offer the resources which she desired. After training to become a Criminologist, she began working for the FBI as a criminal profiler. Has worked for the both the prosecution and the defense, but is usually enlisted by the prosecution.
Special Skills: None to speak of aside those relating to her job.
Flaws/Phobias: Has a fear of sewers. Has a bad habit of holding anger in until she explodes at the wrong person and psycho-analyzing people close to her. Because of this, she has a tendency to try and instruct others on how to run their lives.
Other: Keeps a large Irish Wolf Hound named Freud.[/spoiler]

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Judge stared flatly at Darren. He knew the other young man had noticed his staring, but he could honestly care less. On more than one occasion, people had referred to his golden eyes as cold and intimidating. And that was the way he wanted it. Without giving much thought to the action, he picked up his cup and approached the artist, taking a seat across the table from him. He rested one arm on the table, tracing the rim of his cup, the other slung over the back of his chair, with his right leg crossing over his left.

"I see you're reading the paper. No doubt you've come across the article about the string of murders we've been having," Judge noted coolly. "The latest was very close by, no? It must be frightening; the police haven't released many details and people are out and about preparing for the holidays... It could be anyone, really."

His golden eyes flickered toward Darren's briefly. Sure, the man probably had nothing to do with the crime, but Judge had nothing better to do so doing a bit of investigating of his own could be helpful. It might prove to be worth it if he found what the public's thoughts on the matter were. A smirk flitted across his face as he held out his hand.

"Dear me, where are my manners? My name is Judge Lawright, though my friends often call me 'Jay' for short; I work for the Prosecutor's Office," he announced. "You mustn't think me cruel for accosting you so... I'm just hoping to gather a bit of information."

//----------------//

Jury tugged on a strand of snowy hair, twirling it around her index finger. How strange! At the very least, Viola Cadaverini had taken her advice and stepped outside. Perhaps it was with a little more bite than was needed, but she had been sincere when she suggested that the young woman do so. Whether you know the victim or not, a crime scene was still a terrible thing to behold.

"It's enough to pity her, really. If Miss Knight truly was a friend I can't imagine how it must feel to see her like this," she said, glancing over at the sad mannequin of a corpse that had once been Holly Knight. "Still, I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with the police accepting her family's help."

Standing on tip-toe and leaning in, she took a closer look at the body. Just as the others, she was primly and properly posed about the tree garnished with tinsel and a single silver bell. She frowned as she noted the pure white nightgown the young woman was clothed in.

"Well, that's funny, isn't it Miss Sident? Not terribly uncommon though. It's obvious this nightgown was placed on our victim after she had been tortured and bled out, else it would be drenched with blood," Jury noted. "He's even gone through the trouble of cleaning her up, fixing her hair and leaving the gift of a small silver bell. Seems like killer's remorse... but you usually only see that kind of thing in sexually motivated crimes and there's no sign of that here. Any thoughts?"

She tilted her head to the side inquisitively, awaiting the professional's response.

---

Last edited by a fortiori on Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.

"Hmm......" the coroner pondered. "And each and every victim has been prepared the same way. Even the men. But that isn't what intrigues me the most, Miss Lawright. Every single scene, most likely this one included, have been immaculate. In my experience, even the most careful killer accidentally leaves something behind. It's almost like the killer knows how our system works.

Most killers cover themselves up or try to fool us based on how they think things work from television shows. Unless they're in this field of work, they don't know what exactly we look for. One time we caught a serial killer who accidentally touched a victim with dirty hands. We got his fingerprints. ....Oh well. It's not my job to investigate potential suspects. I'll just take a look at the decedent here....."

Dolores put on her remaining safety gear and instructed her assisstants to do the same. Then they proceeded to examine the body....

((OOC: It took me a while to discover this on my own. Maybe you should PM the people involved with this RP on the other forum.))

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((Ah! Good idea, I hadn't thought to do that, sorry. >///<;;))

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((I'm willing to post on the old thread about the move if you're not willing to.))

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{ I be P.W@WLA - Reading you loud and clear. ^^ I shall post later tomorrow }

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(I forgot about this)


Ayame paced back and forth in the lab, trying to determine what exactly the killer could have left behind. "There were no fingerprints anywhere besides the victims... and the was no trail to follow... even though we had an obscenely large amount of blood loss. So that means there was a different crime scene..." She continued to mumble to herself as the her cell phone went off.

"Hellooo! Can I help you?" She heard a zip in the background as the machine she was at printed out some results. The other day, she went to the crime scene and took everything for evidence. But nothing came up as a signal. The only test left was a DNA test. She had found some of the victim's blood in a wayward area and took a sample. She read the results and dropped the phone...

"Hello? Ayame?! Hello?"

After recovering from her shock, she picked up the phone. "Y-yeah, sorry about that. I'll call you back sis." She hung up the phone and quickly rushed over to the PA.

"I need someone who is investigating the recent murders to come to Crime Lab 3. NOW!"

---

((Oh, thank-you! I actually just did that a moment ago, bu that was very kind of you to offer. Sebastian Stark, nice to see you! Sorry if I was a bother, I just got a little shook up bouncing from the old forums to here. o///o;;))

---

((I'm Dekuran-chan... Only I had a differant username.))

---

((I totally forgot I signed up for this. You should have reminded me earlier, I'm so forgetful :P))

Maya ran into Wright and Co. Law Offices. "MERRY CHRISTMAS NICK!!!" She yelled. She looked at the tree in the office. "Looks Great Nick! But you'll never believe what's on the news!" She went over to the Television and turned it on, flipping to the news channel. "Look at that!"
There was a reporter standing in front of what appeared to be a crime scene, and she was talking about the fifth in a series of serial killings.
"Nick! A serial killer!! Wouldn't that be an amazing case to take? I dunno they have any suspects yet though..."

---

" A serial Killer, huh? "

Phoenix looked at the TV with curious fascination for a moment, a grim look falling over his features as he just tried to grasp the absolute horror of what was being told.
" Sometimes I wonder what the heck is wrong with people, Maya - this is definately a nasty one. "

He shuddered - at the back of his mind he was pondering what were to happen if he were to wind up taking on the prime suspect as a client with no clue to his guilt or innocence. Just like...

He shook his head in disgust. "I don't think I even could want in to this, Maya - it's just...eugh...I dunno, Something about the setup is off. Way off. "

---

Maya looked at the television screen then back at Phoenix. "The set-up? What do you mean? Like how the scene of the crime is arranged, or our Christmas tree or what?" She asked as she smiled at the Christmas tree, then started putting a few more ornaments on the tree while the television went to a quick commercial break.

---

Judi couldn't help it. It was a fresh case. Sure, her shift was over and she wasn't supposed to be investigating...


After all, detectives were detectives and this was her chance to prove her skills. She'd been following this case FOREVER. And now someone needed a person who'd been looking into these murders all along.

Judi opened the doors to Crime Lab 3.

"Hey, did someone call for an investigator? I'm your girl!"

---

Ayame glanced up at the girl at the doorway. She then said quickly, "I just found something very interesting!" She smiled deviously. "The blood I found a couple of days ago was assumed to be the victim's. But there is no match!" She really shone with a certain brilliance. "Not only that, but there was LARGE quantities of it." She remembered the almost covered floor of luminol. "I did another check and this blood doesn't match any of the other victim's as well. And it was freshly made too." Due to the rather large and clear reaction. "So unless there is another pyscho on the loose, there has already been another victim." She drew up a map of the areas. "I know YOU'RE the detective, but here is where blood has been found." She pointed to a large quantity of blue marks on the map and that they formed a christmas tree pattern. "This killer has quite a sense of humor."

---

((Head...Hurts...Give me a day. My block and headache will be gone! And we are doing rather well! Just in case I think we should put a link to the old forum topic of this so if any new people want to join they will know some of the start.))

---

Phoenix looked at Maya, just kinda puzzled how she missed that he meant the investigation - and then realising that there was never any understanding what was going through the young Kurain mediums mind at any given time anyway.

" Eh, nevermind - either way, it doesn't matter... " He shrugged, just looking out the window at the outside world...noting the hotel across the way was having a christmas event advertised for next week.

" Heh, another Christmas rolls by - where the heck does the time go to, eh? Feels like just yesterday it was January..."

---

((OOC: BUMP. WTF?! Where are you, fortiori? ))

---

((OOC: Ack, I'm sorry! My father suddenly took us to Maine... and there was no internet connection there. (;ﾟДﾟ)
But I'm back! I really do apologize, but there was no way for me to contact you to inform you.))


Jury reached into her messenger bag, drawing out a small notebook and pen. She would occasionally lean over Dolores's shoulder as the other woman proceeded with her examination of the body. This wasn't her area of expertise, so she would leave that to the professional, but it wouldn't hurt to make a few notes for her personal use... especially if they were to apprehend a suspect.

The young agent was just preparing to pack the small notebook away when she spotted something. Or... at least she thought she did. Squinting, she leaned forward.

"Halloa, halloa, what's this?" she cooed. "Miss Sident, do you see this? It looks like there's some sort of paper in the victim's mouth! Maybe if I just..."

Ignoring formalities for the moment, Jury snatched a pair of tweezers off the tray of a junior medical examiner who seemed rather annoyed by the action. Using the cap of her pen, she levered up one of the victim's lips and used the tweezers to open the jaw. Holding it open with the pen, she carefully retrieved a damp, crumpled up piece of paper.

"This doesn't line up with his previous modus operandi... Could it be that he's escalating? Well, let's see what he has to say," Jury announced, carefully peeling the paper back to reveal a mostly blurry but still barely legible bit of writing. She blinked, looking to Dolores. "Who's Maya Fey?"

((Kekekeke... Er... Yes, this will probably make sense later.))

---

"What?!" Dolores yelled. She peeked over at the note that Jury had discovered. It was a small piece of paper; almost like a stcky-note. It was slightly damp from the saliva that had yet to evaporate from the decedent's mouth. However, the words written very neatly in black ink were perfectly legible.

Maya Fey

"I don't know who that is. Do you think it could be the name of the next victim?! Anyway, we have to get this analyzed at the lab! Go find someone while I finish up here."

---

"It does sound somewhat familiar..." Jury noted. "But yes, I agree. Any tests could prove to be highly valuable. This is the first bit of hope we've had in this case. I'll put in a call."

Stepping off to the side, she watched as the note was placed into a small evidence bag. In a moment she'd connected to her offices and was arranging to have someone pick it up to be analyzed. It wasn't as though she didn't trust the police facilities, but she knew the FBI could have it processed sooner and probably more thoroughly. Gumshoe wouldn't exactly be pleased, though... She'd have to buy him dinner to make up for it.

Just as she snapped her phone closed, a thought came to her and she dialed her brother.

"Jury? I didn't expect a call quite this soon. Is something wrong?"

"You might say that. I came across a name and it sounded familiar... Do you know who 'Maya Fey' is?" Jury asked.

There was a pause from the other end. "...M-M-Miss Fey? She's an associate of Phoenix Wright."

"Phoenix Wright, Phoenix Wright..." Jury mumbled, trying to jog her memory. "Oh! That porcupine-headed defense attorney?"

"Well, I suppose... Yes, that's him. Why? Has something happened to Miss Fey?"

Although attempting to sound cool and disinterested, Jury could detect the hint of distress in her brother's voice. And it confused her.

"We found a note we believe was left by the killer and it had her name written on it. I can't think of any reason why she would be--hello? Judge?" Jury said questioningly. He had hung up. Shaking her head, she looked to Dolores. "Well, I've got a man on the way to process our evidence and I found out who this Maya Fey is. Apparently she's an associate of a defense attorney named Phoenix Wright."

//--------------------------------------//

Judge snapped his cell phone shut quickly, rising so fast as to almost tip the table over. He looked quickly to Darren and frowned. He had wanted to question the artist, but this sudden development had shifted his priorities. He scribbled his phone number on the corner of a napkin and pushed it toward him.

"My number. I still wish to speak with you, but something has come up. I know you live in the apartment above, so expect to see me again in the near future," he stated, leaving the payment for his cappuccino on the table and dashing out the door.

As he drove toward Wright & Co. Law Offices, he knew he was speeding but didn't particularly care at the moment. He'd only seen Maya Fey from across the court room for one brief instant, but something about her had left an impression upon him that he couldn't shake. Some might call it a crush, but he would deny something so childish flat-out. Reaching his destination, he all but vaulted toward the door, raising his and to knock before pausing.

This was technically enemy territory. He was a prosecutor. He shook his head; something so petty couldn't stop him at a time like this! He pounded loudly on the door.

"Mr. Phoenix Wright I demand you open the door this instant!" Judge hollered. Perhaps too harshly... his voice softened slightly. "It... It's urgent."

---

Edgar had to be wandering around the scene to make sure no one else came in to sneak a peak at the body. It worked as he drove off a few curious people. When Jury made a call Edgar came in again. He listened in for just a bit and was midly surprised to hear the Great Defense Attorney Phoenix Wright metioned after the call was done...Something about a Miss Fey?...

"If you two don't mind..I need to see that note and call the force...If Mr. Wright wishes it We can have a guard for Miss Fey...I hope she wont need it but we should be careful...We don't another victim do we?"

---

"Of course I've heard of Phoenix Wright," Dolores said, remembering the man who had turned around many of her theories about many of the homicide victims she'd examined. And that young man always found the truth in the end. Dolores thought he was a man to be admired.

"Well... except for that note, this victim is exactly like the other four. I'll be bringing the decedent back with me."
She called one of her assistants to wheel in a gurney. They put the body in a body bag and carefully loaded it into the gurney. Soon Dolores Sident and her colleagues were back on the road, on the way back to the coroner's office.

---

That voice from outside the door threw the lawyer from his thoughts, as he watched the TV...

"Mr. Phoenix Wright I demand you open the door this instant!" Judge hollered. Perhaps too harshly... his voice softened slightly. "It... It's urgent."

Phoenix looked over at Maya with a confused expression - heck, this was very unexpected...a visitor at this time of day?
He stood up from his desk chair and walked over towards the door - he clears his throat before answering.

" Well, fine - but next time make an appointment...! " he calls back, opening the door to the stranger outside.
" I don't really care much for carol singers or late-night Christians though..."

---

Jury nodded with a smile, glad for Edgar's suggestion.

"Please, have a look as long as you like. Or at least until my man shows up to process it," she replied. "I think it would be a wonderful idea if you provided a police escort for Miss Fey; you're absolutely correct, Officer."

She held out the evidence bag containing the note so he could examine it. It was good to see that the police didn't mind her "interference." On more than one case she had found herself stonewalled by police who just didn't think the FBI should be snooping about their case. But Edgar seemed the right kind of chap for the job and for that she was glad. She offered Dolores an appreciative smile.

"Thank-you very much, Miss Sident. Your work will be very much appreciated," Jury informed her, watching as the medical team packed up and drove off.

Police were still swarming the scene and people were beginning to gather around the taped off area. Shaking her head, she began one last sweep of the scene, hoping to find something that might help her tie this victim in to the others.

"So, Officer, have you been on this case very long?"

//----------------------------------------------//

Judge glared as Phoenix opened the door. He had no personal vendetta against the man in all honesty; just a burning desire to crush him in court. He wanted to prove he was just as good--no, better--than Edgeworth, and mopping the floor with the spiky haired defense attorney seemed just the way to do it. Still, he didn't see like that bad of a guy...

"Look... You may not remember me; I'm Prosecutor Judge Lawright. I sat second seat to Mr. Edgeworth on a case you handled a few months ago," he announced, standing up as straight as he could.

The sight of Maya decorating the Christmas tree in the background was enough to bring a flush to his pale features and he shifted uncomfortably. Clearing his throat and sticking his hands in his pockets, he glanced around him as he spoke in quieter tones.

"This isn't really my job, but one of my sources came to me with a bit of information that I couldn't just let slide," Judge began. "Obviously you're aware of the recent string of serial murders, yes? They discovered the latest victim this morning and a note, presumably left by the killer, was found at the scene. Ordinarily, this wouldn't concern you, but a name was written on it and that name happened to be that of your associate, Miss Maya Fey."

Leaving his left hand in his pocket, he brought his right to rub at the back of his neck uncomfortably. He didn't like to make it look as though he were going soft.

"I'm sure the authorities will assign a police escort for her protection, but I... I wanted to check and see with my own eyes that no one was harmed," Judge said quickly, dragging his golden eyes to meet that of the defense attorney.

---

((For my plot-related needs.))

Ayame quickly took note of the tree pattern on the map and she suddenly sprang up with dread. She snatched her cellphone, which was sitting quietly on her desk, and made a call to Jury Lawright. Someone that she worked with in her stort term on the FBI's team. "Jury please tell me you're there..."

---

This wasn't quite what Phoenix had in mind when he'd let the stranger into his offices.
Come to think of it - he DID remember seeing him during that case a few months ago...he seemed a pretty unreadable kinda guy, and phoenix was a little unnerved because of it. That, and the new information he had given was unmistakeably rattling...

"...Maya's name is connected to this? " He pauses for thought, very concerned for the way this was going.
" H-How? I mean...geez, there's no reason for her name to have come up."

He glances round at Maya, bemused. "Seriously...there just can't be, right?"

---

Edgar was happy to have someone agree with him once in awhile. Edgar took out a notepad and took the bag with the note and started to copy the note word by word on his notepad. He checked his notepad twice to make sure he did not mess up. After his check he handed the bag back to Jury and replied to her question.

"I have been on this case since the second killing. My dad has been on the case since the first one. I really hope we catch this person soon...I don't like seeing these bodies..."

---

((OOC: Ayasato, that's what I like to see! I like it when people bring pre-established relationships into the mix. It's fun to mix and mingle guys, don't be afraid to get in there! <3))

Jury smiled sympathetically.

"I understand, it's difficult for a lot of people. But after you've seen enough of them on a slab in the morgue it loses some of its offensiveness," she replied. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Make sure you get like that, hmm? You'll be a better cop for it."

Before she could say another thing, she jumped at the sound of her cell phone sounding off. She blushed crimson as the Steel Samurai themed ring tone echoed loudly throughout the room. Fumbling fr the device, she quickly checked to see who could be calling. She was surprised to find the name of an old friend on the screen. With an apologetic glance at Edgar, she flipped the phone open.

"Ayame, it's been too long. What can I do for you?" Jury asked brightly.

//---------------------------------//

"Do I look as though I know?!" Judge snapped irritably. Perhaps realizing his terseness, he toned down slightly. "I mean, I don't know. Look Wright, all I know is that this note was found at the scene. We can't be sure if Miss Fey is in any danger, but it would be better to be safe than sorry."

In the back of his mind, he was pondering the same thing. He could think of no conceivable reason why her name would have appeared or why she would be targeted. But it worried him. He viewed most cases from an outsider's position; victims were just names on a paper in his case file. Sure, he was seeking justice for them, but he had no real attachment to them.

"If you could make sure to keep an eye on her, well... I think now that you know, you will," he said. "I'm sure the police will be ready to offer their assistance and considering my source works for the FBI, I'm certain you could count on them as well."

He paused. Frowning, he attempted to look as nonchalant as possible given the situation.

"I apologize. For dropping such a bombshell on you, I mean," Judge said. "I can see you're rather... close."

---

(Goddamned time limit D<. Sorry for not replying guys, school sucks)



"You don't say..."

Judi, for the most part was....well confused. Why go through all this trouble to make...a christmas tree!? Unless the killer was some thrill-seeker, she really didn't see all the need to do this.



Apparently the girl was rather busy, for she suddenly started dialing on the phone. Judi thought of the map again.

'...Christmas...Tree..."

---

Maya blushed. "Close? We're not close! He was my sister's apprentice. I'm just a spirit medium who happens to know a very little bit about how court runs!" She went over to a little plant in the corner. "And Charlie. He needs watering." She went back over to the detective. "So you have no idea what... what my name is doing on that piece of paper?"

---

Dolores Sident finally came home after a long day. Except for the note found in her mouth, the fifth victim of the Silver Bell Slayings had been exactly like the others. She crashed on the couch and turned on the TV. She was tired, but she didn't feel like going to sleep. Her cat Pumpkin Pie meowed and hopped up next to her. Dolores scratched the orange fur behind his ears absentmindedly as she flipped through the channels.

She finally settled on the news. It was showing a rare positive report about something like carolers from an elementary school raising money for charity. Soon it abruptly changed to an update on the Silver Bell Slayings. Dolores sighed. She probably wouldn't know for a while about what would happen with that note, or with Phoenix Wright's assistant. She wished she could be more involved somehow....

Her mind wandered, and her eyes rested on the empty corner where a Christmas tree should be. She didn't have many relatives and they hadn't celebrated Christmas with her for years, but she usually kept with the tradition. Although she'd been way to busy to set up a tree this December, she probably wouldn't have anyway. She wasn't susperstitious, but after seeing five corpses posed under them, Dolores had seemed to have lost her desire for Christmas Trees.

---

Edgar laughed a bit when he heard the Steel Samurai's Theme on Jury's Phone. He still watched old re-runs when they came on. It was one of his favorite shows. Edgar pulled out his phone again and called the station and then told the guy at the desk if he could talk to his father.

"Yeah sure, Let me send you through...............Yes Edgar? What is it?"

"Well father, The killer left a note...It seems his next target is Maya Fey. I believe she works with Phoenix Wright."

"The killer left a note?! We must send a police guard for her! And you are going to be on it!"

"Okay...Wait what?"

"Go to the Wright's Agency now. Tomorrow I'll send the rest of your unit. NOW!"

Edgar closed his phone and soon his father hung up too. Edgar sighed out loud and pulled out his keys.

"Well, Looks like I got to go protect Miss Fey now. I'll get rid of some of the on lookers when I go. I hope you two find some really important evidence when I am gone."

Edgar left the scene of the crime finally and shooed off a good portion of the people looking but then he saw something he hoped he did not have to see....A news van...God they were a pain to get rid off...

"OI! SHIN! NEWS PEOPLE ARE COMING! GET READY!"

"NEWS PEOPLE? CRAP! GUYS! Get ready!"

And with those words the police surrounding the area scrambled to prevent the News van from getting any footage until they got real clearance. Edgar got in his Police Car and started to drive to Mr. Wrights agency to tell him of the guard miss Fey was going to get.

(((Odd....))

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((OOC:...I can already smell the inevitable rivalry between Judge and Edgar. XDDD))

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((OOC: That'd be hilarious! And poor Phoenix in the middle. xP))

Judge narrowed his eyes slightly at the "not close" statement he received. Really? They weren't close? They seemed pretty close from what he'd seen and from what others had told him. Based on the way she blushed, he had a feeling she wasn't telling the truth. But the mere action of her speaking to him was enough to set his cheeks to a nice fire engine red and to have him resort to the action of pulling on a lock of his snowy hair in embarrassment.

However, at the tone of worry in her voice, his schoolboy feelings were brushed aside. As close a look of worry as had ever crossed his features passed over his face.

"No, I... I'm just a prosecutor so I'm not even on this case," he admitted. "Not yet anyway. I came by the information for the sole reason that my sister is an agent involved with the case. I... haven't even seen the crime scene."

The admission sat like a stone in his stomach. He had been so eager to rush over and assure her safety that he never thought to follow through with the matter. He ground his teeth at the mere thought of being so foolish as to overlook something so critical. It wasn't like him.

"However, I'm certain something will be found very soon!" Judge said in what he hoped was a confident tone. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a squad car pull into the parking lot. "There, you see? They've already assigned a police escort. I promise that nothing will happen to you while we are here, Miss Fey."

((OOC: To sum things up - Judge is an asshole to Phoenix and exceedingly polite to Maya. xD))

---

Phoenix almost groaned as he watched the prosecutor at work - it was glaringly obvious the kid was probably new'ish to the position and that he also had a small crush on Maya. The way his posture and manner of speaking switched from stiffly professional script to schoolboy was enough to bring a small twinge of annoyance in phoenix - this was not the time or place for anyone to be thinking that way...but perhaps that was an advantage: With his 'feelings', Phoenix considered, he woukd be definately sure to do everything in his power to at least ensure her safety...that was a virtual given.

"Okay, so...whrat now?" Phoenix asks with no trace of his inner thinking showing. " I mean, we're gonna get police guards trampling all through the offices, looking for clues in the office? Why not get a bug sweeper while you're at it - if this guy is as bad as theorised, then surely he's keeping tabs on his victims-to-be. Maybe you can even figure out where he's listening from if you find something..."

Sure, he was meant to have been kidding...but something made sense in that statement - these were planned attacks...and his victims all were home at the time. how else would a serial killer operate without a way of knowing in advance where his victims would be.

" ...if so, maybe we could even draw this guy into the open and close the jaws of justice on him. "

---

Ayame explained slowly, so Jury could understand.

"I've found out what he does with the victim's blood... He takes a large amount of it to create a sort of Christmas tree around the area." She paused to gather herself again.

"However, the star is the only thing this guy hasn't done yet. And there's only one place left to make it." She took a quick look of the map to make sure. "The last place the killer will 'spill' blood, thus making the star, is Kurain Village." It was a strange behavior. Why go all the way out there?

---

((OOC: Ha, Stark that was perfect! xD))

Judge raised a critical eyebrow at the suggestion, but is body language quickly turned thoughtful. Tugging once more on a lock of snowy hair, he pondered the matter. Although the statement seemed to have been made half-jokingly, it wasn't so terrible an idea, really.

"Hmm, yes, I can see where that would have its advantages," he hummed. "Consider it done."

He had no idea whether the police or the bureau would take up the task (so far as he knew, the FBI wasn't "officially" involved) but he was certain he could get what he wanted. He usually did. Still, there were monumental risks of running such an operation. If the killer was denied his prey--he didn't like assigning such a word to the young woman--there was no telling what he might resort to.

"You do understand that this will be a vast breach of your privacy, don't you? Not to mention the risks involved," Judge explained, golden eyes dancing towards the Christmas Tree. "In light of such risks, I will see to it that you are assigned an escort as well, Mr. Wright. If the killer cannot reach Miss Fey, he may lash out at the next closest person; in all likelihood, that would be you. I wish I could do or tell you more, but unfortunately there are limits to my position..."

He blinked rapidly, once more uncomfortable. He didn't enjoy giving off the feeling that he was concerned for Wright as well. He was, that was a fact, he just didn't want the defense attorney to know it. He may not have been directly involved with the investigation, but he still had a strong sense of justice and didn't intend to stand idly by and watch.

//------------------------------------//

Jury's brows slowly pulled into a frown. This was new. So there was a pattern to the killings! Perhaps it was not that the victims themselves were related in some way, but that their locations happened to coincide with his gruesome work of art.

"Ayame, that's brilliant! I can't believe I missed something so vital," she said quickly, feeling excitement bubble in her chest. "This completely changes my previous profile."

Even as she spoke, she had whipped out her notebook and, cradling her cell phone between her cheek and her shoulder, began to revise her profile at a furious pace. Organized; more organized than she'd thought. Perhaps delusions of grandeur or a messiah complex involved. Creative. Dark. Suppressed. Vengeful. Despite the new information about the location tie in, she was certain there was something more personal to these killings; something they hadn't seen yet.

The victims were both male and female, ranging from a wide varieties of backgrounds, ages and a number of other factors. But she was certain there was something.

"The star, you say? Perhaps this will be where he takes his bows," Jury mused. "As or Kurain Village, well... we've come across a note possibly left by the killer with a potential victim's name: Maya Fey. I'm going to do some further research on our victims... I think there's something we're missing."

---

Maya frowned, completely oblivious to the prosecutor's change in tone from Nick to herself. She was sure she was missing something here, she couldn't place her finger on it... but something Judge had said had caught her attention. "What? Nick's in Danger as well?" She looked from Nick to Judge. "Then why... why not just have him stay with me?"

To Maya, this was the most logical solution. Not only could Phoenix attempt to be part of her 'escort', but he could also be protected by said escort at the same time, by the disguise. Of course she felt no need to explain this to everybody, if somebody asked, they asked. Nick probably would ask...

---

As Phoenix watched Judge, and looked briefly over at Maya to ensure that she was okay - he started thinking about where they may be able to discretely get a bug sweeper from....and then something occurred to him for a moment.

" Hey, Judge.... " he smirks, starting to reach into his pocket for his phone with a revelatory look in his eye " I think I know somebody who'll be able to help us. "

He looked up through his numbers, until it rested on the number of an old 'pal'.

" I've got contacts too, ya know - and until he's assigned to this case, he'd be a neutral party... "

Before Judge could even get a word in, he punched the dial button...and hoped he got through.

"Hey, Gumshoe...listen, we're in the middle of an investigation - and, uhh...we think we need a little added evidence gathering assistance. Any chance we could 'borrow' that bugsweeper of yours again. I mean, it worked pretty well the last time and....yeah, I know you almost got fired. Yeah, And I know we've had a few incidents...but if you could just help us, you'd be doing us a favour, really! No risk...hell, I'll even PAY you to do it."

Everything fell silent for a moment, as Phoenix listened to the voice at the other end again.

" Good - just bring it here, you don't even need to stop and talk...we'll buy you a decent lunch or something when we're done. Trust me, it's a big help - thanks, Pal. "

He hung up and let out a sigh of relief...
Sometimes Phoenix wondered how he managed it...after all, that particular detective may not always be the brightest, but even he knew limits. But, for now, at least something was going to happen.

" Listen - I know that you may not have the authority to pull a full bugsweep off, but...at least we have something on the down low to work with. Granted, the damn thing is sensitive to almost everything, but I can tell you myself that it works. I can see that this is a little, uhh, unconventional but we're low on options and we don't need to draw more attention than we need. Gumshoe'll slip the device through the mailbox later - he's clean, so I know it's a safe bet. "

It was at that moment Maya had piped up - and he immediately considered her idea to be a decent one. He nodded in agreement, knowing that there wasn't THAT much more to say on that area - he certainly could see the benefit of the plan.

" Nicely added, Maya - a bird in the hand saves two in the bush...that was the old saying once, wasn't it?"

---

Judge listened curiously as Wright coaxed Gumshoe into bringing a certain bug sweeper along. It would definitely prove useful if they could begin a sweep of their own before the authorities arrived--sitting around waiting would do them no good. However, the thought also brought doubt to his mind. Maya's safety--and Wright's as much as he might try to hide it--were his top priority at the moment, but if their amateur investigating did anything to compromise the case...

He didn't think he could live with seeing the madman walk because of a slip-up. Still, the situation presented him with a bit of a Hobson's choice: if they didn't do their sweep they might come across crucial evidence too late to save anyone.

"Yes, I've worked with Richard before. I know he's trustworthy," Judge explained. He blinked at Maya's statement, frowning as he twirled a lock of snowy hair around his index finger. "Well, I suppose that very well could work, however... I'm certain that if the killer has acquainted himself with Miss Fey, he has also done so with those around her. In other words, I feel that he would be able to pick you out quite readily, Mr. Wright. Staying together would most certainly be our best option, but one guard would simply not be enough, thus, duel escorts."

He paused momentarily, remembering his place. He had a rather bad habit of being a tad masterful when it came to cases.

"Of course, it is not my decision to make," Judge informed them. "In any case, using that little... tool should be our first step."

---

Ayame nodded as she packed her things to head over to Kurain. "I'll call you back Jury." With that, she hung up and apologized to the detective who was with her. She then ran out the door to the train-station, where she quickly flashed her card and boarded the train. It would be a long trip, but she still wished it wouldn't be too late. She took out her MP3 in the meantime and played "13 Years of Hard Time For Love". Over the music, she heard the train music getting louder, until the lyrics "Silver Bells" were heard. Those words weren't exactly her favorite at the moment, so she pumped her own music up to drown it out.

It's gonna be a LOOONG trip Ayame thought with a sigh.

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