Ace Attorney: Mask of Deceit

Chapter 16: Turnabout Lockdown - Trial 2 ~ Part 1

March 17 9:30am

District Court

Defendant Lobby No. 1 ~ Lily Shield's POV

"Okay, this 'Masked Gentleman' guy is really starting to get on my nerves!" Chrysalis exclaimed in agitation. "First he foreshadows, now he steals my stuff!"

"For now, let's focus on winning this case." I said, putting my hand on her shoulder. Before Chrysalis could say anything else, someone else entered the lobby. No, two others: our client and... Prosecutor Wood.

"Hi, Ms. Caputo!" Chrysalis waved before turning to the young prosecutor. "Is something wrong? You're looking kind of sour..."

"I'll be calling a new witness today." Prosecutor Wood explained. "Don't go easy on her. I'm certain that she's the killer."

"You've found the killer?!" I cried. "Who is it?!"

"You'll see when I call her to the stand." Prosecutor Wood replied. "I-" She paused, a horrified expression flashing across her face. Before I could ask what was wrong, she sudenly lurched forward and let out a huge sneeze. She paused, twitching slightly before jumping up again.

But, of course, instead of the prosecutor, the ultimate murderous fiend stood in her place.

"Huh? Where am I...?" GJ asked, looking around before bursting into laughter. "Oh! That's right! There's a trial going on!"

"What are you doing here?" I asked. "The trial is literally about to start!"

I got no answer; GJ simply cackled as she ran off back to the prosecution lobby.

(I hope Robbie will be okay dealing with her for one more day...)

"Defense! Defendant! Please proceed into the courtroom!" the bailiff shouted. With a nod from Chrysalis, we stepped into the courtroom

March 17 10:00am

District Court

Courtroom No. 1

"Court is in session for the trial of Dana Caputo." My Lord announced. "Before we proceed, I wish to inform the defense of the special arrangements that have been made."

"Special arrangements...?" I repeated.

"The prosecution has gained a very... lively co-counsel." My Lord explained. "Despite her name, we have allowed her to prosecute this case."

I looked across the courtroom and, true enough, it was GJ stood there, a mad grin on her face. Something tells me this wasn't a good idea...

"However," My Lord continued. "Two rules have been put into place because of this. The first rule is that only specifically picked people can watch the trial from the gallery. The second rule is that..."

My Lord trailed off at the sound of metal. I followed his gaze; GJ had lifted her wrists to show us that she was wearing handcuffs.

"Will that really be enough to restrain her...?" I questioned.

"W-Well..." My Lord stammered. "As long as Prosecutor Shield is here, I-I see no reason as to why we need to worry..."

*SILENCE!*

"Stop talking." GJ commanded darkly. My Lord gulped and nodded, determined not to provoke her.