#Turnabout Absolution

[alynnl]

I'm only in the beginning of Ace Attorney case 6-5, and I've already imagined a possible way for the last chapter/case to go. I will go ahead and call this an AU because canon never tends to go exactly as I picture it in my head but, here goes.

The notes for my Spirit of Justice AU: Turnabout Absolution!

It all starts when Dhurke kicks off his revolution after somehow obtaining the Founder's Orb.

(To add to that, Maya is safe and there's no hard feelings from Phoenix, he lost to Apollo fair and square.)

Part of the revolution is exposing the rampant corruption of the Ga'ran regime, and just how many innocent people were put to death under the Defense Culpability Act. After Dhurke's agents bring him court records, he and Apollo do extensive fact checking on each case.

Dhurke decides he'll let Apollo hold on to the evidence to keep it safe. Apollo is hopeful that they'll build a case and present it together.

Another part (both personal and important) to Dhurke's revolution is saving Nahyuta from the Queen's influence before it's too late.

Dhurke is able to convince Nahyuta to meet with him because he's finally learned what happened to his late wife - Nahyuta's mother.

The truth is simple: Nahyuta's mother, like many of the other victims, was actually murdered by one of Justice Minister Inga's agents in order to silence those who dared go against the Crown.

Before Dhurke can tell the whole truth (He only gets as far as "Your mother wasn't killed by who you think-") - history repeats itself.

Dhurke and Nahyuta are attacked by one of Inga’s agents. The gunman is unmistakably aiming at Nahyuta.

Dhurke takes a shot to his right shoulder defending his son. He wastes no time and grabs Nahyuta’s arm, trying to flee the scene. Pushing through his injury, Dhurke leads them down the back roads and hidden alleys. He hopes they can reach the safe house where Apollo and Datz are staying.

They don’t quite make it to their destination. Their pursuer catches up to them with backup. There’s a final confrontation. One of the agents shoots Dhurke in a vital spot. He fights back, but he’s unable to stop them from shoving a rifle in the terrified, frozen Nahyuta’s hands and fleeing the scene.

Shortly after, the local, public police arrive at the scene just in time to see Dhurke fall, and Nahyuta with what appears to be a murder weapon in hand. They quickly arrest him.

The next morning, Apollo and Datz learn the bad news. There is little time for mourning, since Nahyuta will need a lawyer.

Apollo refuses to believe Nahyuta is guilty and wants to hear his side of the story. On the way he encounters Phoenix, who offers to help him navigate the Khura'inese courtroom.

Together they go to the detention center. Nahyuta’s demeanor is completely changed, he is despondent and has deep regrets about his father’s death, and how he couldn’t do anything to stop it.

No one will represent him in court, and won't even hear what he has to say. Nahyuta sees this as his divine punishment for all the people he got declared guilty. "Perhaps at least some of them were innocent..."

Apollo gets right to the point, and says he'll defend Nahyuta if no one else will.

Nahyuta outright refuses. He tries to put up his walls, saying he never asked for Apollo's help and this is his business, so both he and Phoenix should just stay out of it.

Apollo doesn't back down.

"Before he was killed, Dhur- ... Dad and I talked, about a lot of things. He told me all his work to change Khura'in wouldn't be complete unless he was able to save you."

Nahyuta is on the verge of tears, but holds them in. "That fool. He wanted to save me so much he died trying..."

Phoenix asks Nahyuta to be honest about what he means by that.

Nahyuta tells the two lawyers everything he remembers from that night.

"I know when Her Benevolence Rayfa performs the Divination seance, I will look as guilty as I appear."

Phoenix thinks the Divination Seance may have a way of proving Nahyuta's innocence, since he's used them as evidence before. With his knowledge, and Apollo's perception, they won't lose.

Nahyuta is actually touched by Apollo and Phoenix's willingness to help him. He warns them that the trial will not be easy, since he has no idea who the prosecution will be. But he agrees to let the two lawyers be his counsel.

Although Apollo has some feelings of grief and sadness, he has to focus on the case. He and Phoenix return to the safe house. There they meet Datz - who is both tearful, but determined to carry out Dhurke's will.

They work through the night putting evidence together and investigating the town for clues. They get little sleep, as the day of the trial looms over them.

The trial starts. Queen Ga'ran herself and Minister of Justice Inga lead the prosecution. Princess Rayfa has to do the Divination Seance, but her steps are reluctant.

As expected the vision incriminates Nahyuta, but Apollo breaks it down gradually.

Apollo's perception works on some witnesses. Phoenix handles those who are in control of their tells by using the Magatama and breaking their psyche locks.

The evidence and testimony start to paint a clear picture for the gallery and the judge. Her Majesty Ga'ran and Minister Inga have been lying, not just about Nahyuta's guilt, but almost every defendant prosecuted under the DC Act.

Even the verdict against the now late Dhurke Sadhmadi was false, since he did not assassinate Queen Amara. Ga'ran convinced Inga to do the deed, so she could be the next to succeed the throne.

There's an outrage that threatens to become a riot. Ga'ran orders her royal guard to subdue the gallery, but they don't move. It turns out, most of them know someone who has been falsely accused under the DC Act. This wasn't justice, but tyranny.

Rayfa is in tears after hearing what both her parents are responsible for. Not just all the innocent people, but even her own aunt, who she adored when she was younger. Although he breaks courtroom etiquette to do so, Nahyuta steps off the defendant's stand to comfort her.

"Your Benevolence, it's true that what we witnessed is evil. But you can be different. Step by step we can change things, together. ... Someone important taught me that. Look around. The people are looking to you now. They want to hear what you have to say."

Rayfa steels herself. She first looks to Apollo and Phoenix, then to Nahyuta, and then the gallery at large.

She begins by formally apologizing for everything her parents have done. That it was their duty as the royal family to uphold the peace granted to them by the Holy Mother, and in many ways, both her mother and father have failed. She promises to do better, to truly earn her name as Benevolent, and that it will start here with Gar'an and Inga serving their penance, and for amnesty to be granted to both the rebels and the guards to begin a path towards true peace.

She humbly asks for Nahyuta to guide her as her regent until she comes of age, and will be crowned as the next Queen of Khura'in. He is equally humbled, but accepts, in the name of The Holy Mother and his new liege.

Before anyone can depart, the judge declares a Not Guilty verdict for Nahyuta Sadhmadhi. There is confetti, cheers and much revelry. Nahyuta can still spot Phoenix and Apollo in the crowd, and smiles briefly at them, before accompanying Rayfa back to the palace.

In the days that followed, there were equal amounts shock at the former Queen's crimes, but hope for what the future will bring. Rayfa's first act is to repeal the DC Act, and with Nahyuta's help, begin reforming the legal system. The Defiant Dragons and the royal soldiers both laid down their arms, instead picking up the tools they'd need to build Khura'in a better future.

Phoenix goes to a phone booth. He gets in touch with Trucy, and tells her he'll be home soon.

On a quiet night, Apollo and Datz take turns visiting Dhurke's shrine, which is right next to the one for his late wife. They tell him how well the trial went, and how Nahyuta has a future now, and they wished he could see it. They leave white lilies, and discover that someone else has already been there to leave flowers before.

It's nearly time for Phoenix and Apollo to go back to their agency, each with a story to tell Trucy and Athena when they get back.

Nahyuta and Rayfa meet them at the airport. They say some brief goodbyes. Apollo promises he will return someday, when he becomes an even better lawyer working in the agency.

Nahyuta looks forward to that, even playfully teasing that they might just meet again in court.

Apollo would be ready and willing to face him when that day comes. And this time, it will not be their lives at stake. Instead they will work together to uncover the truth. In this way they carry on their father's legacy and start building one of their own.

The End

[jynxedshapeshifter]

Has anyone posted an HD version of The Franmaya Screenshot

[trashydez]

phoenix saw him in that steel samurai cos and had to do a double take

(close ups under the cut!)

additions! goofy man. barok von zieks who? he rakes a hand thru his hair subconsciously to comfort himself cause his dad always ruffled his hair affectionately. leave him alone

and close ups of them! i am very uncomfortable with the idea of drawing the weird armour boobs on pink princess’ outfit so, yea, no. also im channelling my want to get another undercut into maya cause god i hate having long thing hair actually this country is WARM and HUMID gdi!!

[anghraine]

It's been awhile, but a conversation with my housemates inspired a very silly poll about the problematic fave of TOS episodes:

I'm guessing the censorship logic for the first of these is that Shatner-as-Janice seductively using her feminine wiles to lure a man into committing murder isn't gay, because Janice is a woman who stole Kirk's body and thus it's straight, even though what we're seeing is Shatner doing this in classically campy style.

But the logic of the second is, presumably, that Kirk trapped in Janice's body telling Spock he's closer to him than anyone in the universe and Spock knows his thoughts -> Spock melding with him to confirm his identity -> the two of them running off with Spock holding Kirk's hand/wrist through multiple scene cuts for 25 seconds onscreen (and who knows how long in-story) isn't gay because Kirk is played by a woman at the time.

But personally, I feel you can have "it's not gay if the characters are a man and a woman even if the actors are the same gender" or you can have "it's not gay if the actors are a man and a woman but the characters are the same gender" but not both!

[tainebot01]

It's like 11pm. and I'm getting emotional thinking about Athena in Turnabout Academy again.

The first case she's ever taken on as defense, knowing full well Junie's future is at stake, and. she's dealing with this nightmare. Phoenix’s first case? A single afternoon and one Frank later, Larry's off the hook. Apollo's first case? A fake Russian lady and a slipup on Kristoph's behalf, managed in a day. And they were doing this in their mid 20s. But Athena has to not only deal with someone who knows the legal system like the back of his pasty marble hand, but grown ass men who tell her she's in over her head despite the fact she's a dual major. who's rightfully earned her badge at age 18. She's receiving nothing but sexism and ableism left and right despite all she's capable of, even the people who are supposed to be on her side are mocking her and treating her like an idiot for lacking experience. And let's not forget having to essentially provide group therapy and solve the problems of a bunch of high schoolers, at least one of whom was desperately in need of support, while still solving the themisforsaken case entirely within the bounds of the clown show this game calls a legal system. I.

I just love Athena, man.

[entropificationer]

schrodinger’s cat of sexism ass episode. i love and/or hate it depending on how much i try to understand The Implications

[old-skyguy]

Look.

Ace Attorney fandom.

I know why people don't like Turnabout Bigtop. I am among the people who dislike Turnabout Bigtop.

But I GET why people like the case. I'm not going to be one of those annoying people who just blindly dump on it because I hate those mfs too.

Thing about Bigtop isn't that it sucks. Thing isn't the weird grooming stuff (though that is a huge part of it). It's not that it could've been good.

It's that - in my personal OPINION - it could have been *great*.

I think it had the potential to be one of the best third cases in the trilogy. It had everything; a fun and goofy setting fit for a pretty dang goofy lawyer game - where the environment itself had jokes and quips and one-liners and mishaps and tomfoolery written all over it, it had the previous case introducing a very interesting and important plotline that gave background for one of the more well-loved characters while also introducing an equally fucked up and lovable new one who was a child forced into a shit childhood of naivete in a CIRCUS with another character who was very naive and childish - whose interactions could have been funny and cute and reflective of said shit from the previous case (seriously she becomes such an important character in the 4th case, WHY would they not include her in this one for some character development? How did they fuck up letting a CHILD explore a CIRCUS?? That would have made the interactions flow MUCH better).

They had a pretty good, sympathetic killer imo, a morally dubious victim, an asshole of a client (who was pretty flat admittedly in-game, but I like his weird, topsy-turvy reasoning for it in the anime. Also, I think Max being kinda a dick would have bode well for the themes of Farewell since most of his clients up to this point have been like...nice? Not nice, but sympathetic, but him having to defend someone who's innocent but a prick would have shown him that just because someone is an asshole, doesn't mean they deserve to suffer for it and that they have the potential to grow as people, which is almost a complete foil to what Matt was. Ultimately, I would have loved the contrast of them as clients and I think it would have also served as character development for Phoenix, especially with his low-empathy tendencies).

They just didn't think that far ahead. They just didn't execute it well enough. They just decided to make three of the adult characters fight for the hand in marriage of a teenage girl. (Bat's part of the story was actually kinda good if he was just YOUNGER, I think him doing that for Regina would have been a stupid thing someone in the circus would do to impress their crush. Damn you Ace Attorney and your weird treatment of underage girls!!)

It just flopped and that's ok.

Even though it kinda sucked, it can still mean something to me.

Also I'm a Moe Curls apologist. I liked him, shut up.

[saingirl101]

Woke up to the most insane discourse about FHJY this morning and like guys, gals, and non-binary pals its just a show

So in the effort to spread positivity I want to share my fav moment from last nights episode and feel free to comment and share yours.

I'll start its a toss up between k2 flying down from the sky, mary poppins style, to cast ice feast or riz fully submerging himself into lava which fucking broken kipperlily so much she fully dropped stealth to swear.

[chiliontherocks]

who could've come up with that plan?

[kakushusband]

Shoe was written as a homage to the series creator so he's not prominent as an actual 'character' but god does he mean the world to me. His existence alone proves Engarde is not the heartless frigid maniac he likes to fancy himself to be.

Aside from his pathetic breakdown when faced with the idea of being murdered by Shelly, having a pet kitty is the most effective way to Humanize him - yes he did all of those things, but he also went out of his way to install a cat door to his office so his obviously very young cat could walk in and out of it as he pleases. *I* don't have cat doors installed and *I* am a much nicer person than Engarde was.

This cat is such a small part of Farewell, My Turnabout but oh my god he's my everything.

[probablygayattorneys]

My brother and I both started new Stardew Valley save files at around the same time, and in mine I’ve been desperately trying to get a prismatic shard and I walked into his room while he was playing, just in time to see him get one

And I put a hand on his shoulder and said

“Chet, I need you to understand something. I hate you so much. I hate everything about you with every fiber of my being.

And this doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t save anyone, no one’s destiny is affected.

But the hate is still there and that has to count for something.”

And he said “That’s beautiful. Also isn’t that what Franziska said to Edgeworth at the end of the second game?”

[fraeuleintaka]

I love how impressed Gumshoe is by literally anything Miles does. Even if it's something that Miles considers completely obvious or simple himself, Gumshoe thinks it's impressive. He's such a wonderful well of positivity and considering the pressure Miles grew up under from von Karma and the pressure he constantly puts on himself I think it's absolutely essential that he has someone at his side who he doesn't need to prove anything to because he already thinks he's beyond impressive just the way he is. Not that it'd stop him from putting unnecessary pressure on himself but I still think it has a positive effect on him. Often Miles actively ignores Gumshoe's opinion or theory but other times he also values and follows it so I like to think a part of him definitely feels flattered by how much Gumshoe admires him.

[jynxedshapeshifter]

This is my favorite Trucy scene in the entire game, and one of my favorite scenes in the games I've played (and I don't think that's going to change when I get around to playing the rest of the Ace Attorney games). Trucy literally adopts Phoenix on the spot.

Phoenix even implies he doesn't plan to keep her around for very long because he expects Zak to come back at some point, but he very quickly takes "oh shit she sees me as her dad now" in stride. Like genuinely this is one of the cutest scenes in the entire franchise. Phoenix goes from "I'm only keeping her around for a bit until Zak gets back" to "This is my daughter, Trucy" 7 years later, I love it so much.

[roguelemon]

=3

[imissthembutitwasntadisaster]

Thinking about her*

*life-sized bronze bust of a murder suspect used as the murder weapon so witnesses of the event believed they saw the man actually committing the murder

[tainebot01]

Sailor Moon screencap redraw because I'm still not convinced Ellen wasn't even slightly inspired by Usagi Tsukino…