Phoenix Wright: Lawyer In Equestria

by KamiyaItsuno

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Crossover, Human, Adventure
Length: 8628

Phoenix Wright winds up in Equestria in an episodic series.

After I failed with the original Phoenix Wright story (which I deleted
), I got some great criticism, that inspired me to do a second one, with a different story, more plot and character development, and a bit more true to the games rather than just rushing it.

This is a crossover between Phoenix Wright and Ponies, I thought this was rather fun to do, *insert what belongs to who here*

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-06-28 14:40:11 UTC

35th birthday

Phoenix sat there, taking calls for Wright and co law offices, or at least waiting to. Like usual, business was slow. It was Phoenix’s 35th birthday.

He sat there, pondering everything that happened to him since he became a lawyer. He remembered every important event of his early career, from his initial trial to beating Von Karma.

Man that moment was sweet, the look on Karma’s face, hearing the words “Not Guilty” everything was in slow motion as he remembered that trial, time itself slowed down.

But that was his youth, that was his prime, it was around time he gave someone else the fire before it burned out. It was time to give it to Apollo Justice, his assistant, the assistant who saved him when he lost. A sign, a sign he was losing it.

Alot of people he met dropped by today,  Lotta Hart, Larry Butz, Miles Edgeworth, Will Powers, Detective Gumshoe. All of them looked like they hadn't aged, but him,  he felt old as hell.

His youthful friend, Maya walked in the room. Maya was immature, young, happy, she acted like when her and Phoenix first met.

“Hey, Phoenix, happy birthday!” She said.

“Hey Maya, what are you doing?” Phoenix asked, seeing her nodding, as though she was talking to someone.

“Oh, talking to Mia, she says I’m ready for a new way to contact the spirit world.”, She said as her hands started glowing.

Phoenix recoiled in fright. He only watched as a portal shot out of Maya’s hands, and into the middle of the room.

“Wow, what is that thing!?” Phoenix jumped up on his desk in fright.

Mia appeared in the middle of the portal, and smiled warmly.

“Phoenix, come here. Lets play a game, try to catch me!” She said, before running away giggling, Phoenix scratched his head in confusion. It wasn’t like her to be immature like that. He walked into the portal.

Spike looked at his accused friend, Twilight. He knew she wasn’t guilty. He knew.  She was gentle, she was friendly, she was smart. What would lead her to murder an ambassador? They didn’t have enough evidence against her, in fact that is why she was prime suspect in the murder. Lack of evidence.

It was a ridiculous claim. He wouldn’t believe it. he couldn’t believe it.  He shouldn’t believe it.

That was all going through his head. He was a baby dragon. He couldn’t handle the pressure of those thoughts. He slammed his hand on the table.

“It’s okay, little Spikey Wikey. I’m sure we’ll find a way to prove her innocent.” Rarity said, before kissing him on the cheek.

Spikes eyes shot open. Did Rarity just kiss him?

“Oh, darling, I’m sorry, I see you’re turning a shade of red, you must be thinking ‘you’re not my mom’, I’ll leave.”

Spike thought for a second about what just happened.

“She so loves me.” He thought, and started daydreaming, the stress relieved.

Phoenix regained consciousness, he had dreamt he had just walked through a portal into the spirit world. He looked at the ground, to see he was on the grass.

He felt.... younger, he looked at himself. He looked like he was in his 20s, about 24. Wait 24, that was the age he first became a lawyer. He looked up to see Mia, standing there in her usual attire.

He got up and grabbed her shoulders and started shaking her.

“Where the hell am I!? What’s going on!? Why do I look so young!?”

Mia only giggled and pushed him off.

“Would you knock it off, that tickles my neck! Anyway, you’re in Everfree forest, spirit realm. Phoenix, this realm needs your help.” She said, surprised Phoenix wasn’t asking how he could physically make contact with her.

“Why me? You’re just every bit as good as me!” Phoenix yelled.

“Because, Phoenix, I am a spirit, I can’t really help the living here unless I personally outsmart Princess Celestia, she made that rule after the “Discord incident”.  Mia explained, still keeping a warm smile.

“A familiar face you know has outsmarted Celestia. If you’re wondering  why you’re  24 again, it’s because I figured they would rather have the old Phoenix, than an old self loathing geezer.”

Mia touched Phoenix’s forehead. He saw a whimpering purple unicorn in jail, muttering something about wanting the cops to tell her friend Fluttershy to 'Take care of Spike', Phoenix assumed Spike was a dog, and watched further. It reminded him of.... Maya, an innocent young girl, in jail, accused of murder.

"Sorry Twilight, you aren't being found innocent. Prosecutor Von Karma is on the case.", The guard said in a reluctant tone, Phoenix just twitched. Von Karma, here? Well Mia said something about a familiar face, but Von Karma? Out of all people it had to be him.

“That pony is innocent, I can tell it just by the tone of her voice. Not a hint of lying in it.”, Mia said.

Phoenix just stared off into space before feeling a slap in the face.

“That was for shaking me!” Mia giggled and pointed out the way to go . Phoenix started to wonder if being a spirit for so long effects your maturity.

He nodded and ran towards the direction Mia pointed him in.

Long time no see

Phoenix walked along the path, watching his every step, slowly walking about the path.  A million thoughts were going through his head, all of those thoughts were questioning what kind of a f*cked up dream he was having. Of course, he knew better than to question Mia, but still.  As Steel Samurai/Pink Princess/ Nickel Samurai director Sal Manella would say.

“WTF D00D P0N13S!? 1 W4NT M0R3 0F TH3 C05PL4Y1NG G1RL!” , of course Phoenix barely understood Sal Manella, but that was his best impression of the goofball.

As Phoenix continued down the path,he saw deer, goat, and a bunny who appeared to be bossing a pegasus around, like its personal slave.

Phoenix decided to mind his own business and let the pegasus and bunny handle that, so he continued down the path, whistling “Stayin Alive” by the BeeJees.

“Only a fool would whistle, especially such a putrid song like that.”, he heard a voice say, he looked towards the direction the voice was coming from as though he didn’t already know who it was. He recognized the deep voice, the anger and hatred. It was clear as day that it was him. The man who felt no remorse.

“So Manfred von Karma. Long time no see. I heard you’re accusing another innocent. What evidence are you gonna forge this time?”, Phoenix said in a 'F*ck you too' tone of voice.

Von Karma just smirked.

“What forged evidence? Mr.Wright, you sure do have an imagination. I only fight for justice.”, Phoenix just shook his head at this claim.

“How did you even get here?” Wright asked.

Von Karma looked to see noone was around.

“Mr.Wright, think about it, I was sentenced to death thanks to you. Everfree contains the spirits of humans, I am but a mere spirit, who outsmarted the foolish princess of this fair land.”

“Excuse me, um Mr.Karma.”  They both heard a rather shy voice say. They looked in the direction of the voice to see the pegasus from earlier starting to back away, but then the bunny slapped her and pointed at Von Karma.

“Out with it young pegasus.” said Von Karma, as he had a “you’re wasting my time” look on his face.

“Me and my friends were wondering, um if you could switch to defense attorney for this case. It’s okay if you don’t, but um, we think you would be just as good as a defense attorney, and um, we were wondering if it was possible. Because Twilight is innocent.” The pegasus said starting to back up again. .

Von Karma merely started to clap slowly, and let out a small chuckle.

“What an amusing request, but I’m afraid no lawyer worth what you pay him will take this case.”, He said before literally turning the other way. Phoenix was done fooling around with Von Karma.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP9PoBlFDp4 ( Author Advice:listen to this while reading for added dramatic effect)

“OBJECTION!” Phoenix yelled before pulling out his attorney badge, he looked Von Karma in the eye.

“Y’know what, I used to think, maybe even you, had a heart somewhere under that rough exterior. I guess I was wrong.”,

Von Karma recoiled back at this challenge Phoenix laid before him.

“I don’t know who you are, but I’ll prove Twilight is innocent.” Phoenix said to the pegasus.

“I’m Fluttershy”, the pegasus smiled, seeing someone willing to help her friend.

Von Karma’s expression went from absolutely shocked, to another simple smirk.

“You forget though Mr.Wright. Here I am practically a god of prosecution, and you are not even known.”

Phoenix knew he had a point, but there was one thing that he couldn’t help but smirk at himself.

“That’s how it was on Earth, and we both remember the outcome of that.” Phoenix said.

Yet again Von Karma’s was in shock, Phoenix was right, Von Karma would never forget that series of events, he had not lost one but TWO trials, at Phoenix’s hand, and was put to death.

Phoenix looked over at the pegasus to see her in complete confusion.

(Stop music)

“I’ll explain it later. For now, I have to do some snooping!”

Investigation

Phoenix walked with Fluttershy into the detention center, apparently she had some special access from some kind of “Element of Kindness” ranking,  and this ranking allowed visiting during all hours. Phoenix was about to talk to the accused, this was going to be a long discussion, as Phoenix would need all the evidence he could get.

As he was escorted into the visiting room. He saw the purple unicorn, and got ready to interrogate her, but this time he knew he would have to do it gently, she looked rather... distraught, saddened, and pressured.

“Hello, Ms.Sparkle, I’m your defense attorney for this case, Phoenix Wright.” Phoenix said, feeling ridiculous.

“Smooth Phoenix, real smooth."

Twilight looked up at him, she knew from this information that she would need to trust him.  She smiled at the news that she now had a defense attorney.

“Well that is great to hear, everypony thinks I’m guilty, but it is nice to see my friends brought someone to my side.”, She said.

“Okay, I’m kinda new to this well … dimension, so I need all the information I can get. “

“As long as we both tell the truth in court, I’m sure we’ll both be fine.”  Twilight smiled, now feeling better.

“Okay, what is your alibi?” Phoenix said.

“Easy, the murder took place at Sweet Apple Acres, I wasn’t even there on the day the body was found.”

“Hmmm, Sweet Apple Acres, huh. I guess I’m going there,”

Phoenix wrote Twilights alibi down in the court record, and then walked off.

Apparently Twilight’s friend, Pinkie Pie, decided she wanted to help Phoenix out.

He then continued walking down the path towards the Sweet Apple Acres.

“So, Phoenix,what are we looking for- oooh an apple, that may be a clue, and there is a ladder.”

Phoenix only rolled his eyes at Pinkies way of thinking.

“That’s a stepladder.”

Pinkie shrugged.

“What is the difference?”

Phoenix thought for a second, something about this discussion felt, familar.

“Okay, here is where the body was found, don’t touch anything.”

Pinkie nodded and literally managed to tie all 4 arms behind her back, much to Phoenix’s surprise.

Pinkie then casually looked around the area.

“Hey, look, tape in the shape of a pony! I wanna be tape traced!”, she yelled making Phoenix facepalm.

“That’s where the victim’s body was found. It won’t do you much good to be traced like that unless you are dead.” Phoenix looked around for a Detective.

“Sir, if you could please come down to the police center and tell us what you saw. We could get this whole trial done.” He heard a voice say, he walked towards the direction to see a big red stallion, and a pony with a trench coat and fedora.

“Nnnope, if you want me to talk, come to court tomorrow. That’s what Mr. Von Karma said.”

“Hey! You, you aren’t fooling anyone,  I can clearly see that badge.”  The pony in the fedora said, looking directly at Phoenix now.

Phoenix only nodded.

“I’m here for the autopsy report. The latest version if you please.”

“Fine, but I can’t give you the latest, only the one previous to it. Mr.Von Karma specifically told me this.”

Then all of the sudden Pinkie ran up to the detective.

“LATEST!”

The detective looked back down at Pinkie.

“LAST!”

“LATEST!”

“LAST!”

“LAST!”

“LATEST! AND THAT IS FINAL!” The detective yelled handing Phoenix the autospy report.

“Eh ain’t I a stinker.” Phoenix said aloud, mainly to reference how familiar the situation, before he read the autospy report.

Victim: Ambassador Trixie Lulamoon.

“Time of death: 4:00pm, April 20th.”

“Death from: Sharp object puncturing the chest”

Then Phoenix noticed a whole new pamphlet he never had seen in an autopsy report.

“Prime Suspect: Before Trixie became an ambassador, she had a rivalry with fellow studier of the magic arts:Twilight Sparkle.  A clear moral leads this pony to be the prime suspect.”

What Phoenix noticed even more so, is that this autopsy made Twilight's alibi further more valid.

He then decided to ask the detective what the sharp object was.

“ A pitchfork through the heart. It was found lodged in the victims chest.”

Phoenix wrote this down in the court record.

” Alright Von Karma is bound to have a trick or two up his sleeve, but now I do too..”

The judge and the court

Phoenix entered the courtroom, his heart pumping, ready for his spirit to be crushed by Von Karma’s illegitimate tactics, despite this he was ready to give it his all.

Twilight was innocent and he knew that. His goal was to prove that, but Von Karma’s goal went against it.  If he lost this trial, he would have failed Mia, and Twilight. He would have failed both the human and the spirit world.

He slowly clenched his hand into a fist, and gulped.

He got in the defense position and looked at the judge. It was a chimera?

“If you must know, I caused so much chaos, that the gracious and beautiful ‘ Celestia thought maybe it was time for ‘rehabilitation’, and freed me from stone, so now I am stuck here with this lame job.”, it said, practically having read Phoenix’s mind.

“Hey Discord.” Twilight said, sounding rather unimpressed with his attitude.

“Hey Painintheneck.” Discord replied. He then slammed down his gavel.

“This court is gathered today to celebrate Von Karma getting Twilight Sparkle declared guilty.” He said.

“OBJECTION! Your Honor, the verdict hasn’t even been decided yet.” Phoenix said.

“Yes but MAYBE I FEEL like giving her a guilty verdict.”  Discord said.

Celestia, who was sitting in the jury, stood up and whispered in Discord’s ear.

“Wait... evidence... testifying... oh so that is how this works, rather lame, but alright. Ok the prosecution may call it’s first witness.”

Finally, Von Karma spoke up, in the deep, unpleasant voice he was known for.

“The prosecution calls an innocent youthful stallion to the stand. Big Macintosh was the one who found the body, the trauma of finding it left him almost speechless.” Von Karma said, trying to make Twilight seem even more evil to the crowd.

Pinkie Pie of course blurted out.

“He rarely speaks anyway!” She jumped up in Von Karma’s face, of course unlike any normal person, Von Karma didn’t flinch, instead pushing her away.

“Okay people I don’t have all day, lets just get with the cross-examination, chop chop.” Discord spoke out before slamming his gavel.

Big Macintosh decided to start up his testimony.

“I found the body at 11:00pm at night on April 20th . I ain’t one to go pointing hooves, but Twilight is the only one who could have done it. She is the only one with a clear moral.”

“That was the blandest, most BORING description, I’ve ever heard.”, Discord said before letting out a huge yawn.

”He’s got a point, from what I heard this guy rarely says anything other than ‘eyup’ and ‘nope  but in court you shouldn’t be THAT vague, DAMN YOU VON KARMA!”   Phoenix thought

“What’s the matter, Mr.Wright, I thought you were going to beat me.” Von Karma chuckled.

“I am, your Honor, I would like to cross examine the witness.”

“Go ahead, entertain us all.”, Discord said, now practically half asleep.

“May I request that if the defense does cross-examine the witness, he must agree to the terms that he cannot press them with pointless questions?”

Discord shrugged and nodded, not really caring.

“I found the body, at 11:00pm at night on April 20th . I ain’t one to go pointing hooves, but Twilight is the only one who could have done it. She is the only one with a clear moral.”

“Objection!” Phoenix yelled, apparently enough to wake Discord up, “You say she is the only one who could have done it, but in saying the date of the murder, you contradicted the defense’s alibi. The defendant wasn’t even at Sweet Apple Acres on April 20th.”

Of course, Von Karma had a way around this.

“OBJECTION! Mr.Wright, I had Equestrian Royal Police officers conduct a series of test involving the size of Sweet Apple Acres. And the final result showed it was big enough for  the possibility of it to have been days after death before the body was found”

“OBJECTION! But you forgot one crucial detail Mr. Von Karma.” These words made Von Karma shutter back in shock. Phoenix then pulled out the autopsy report.

“You thought you had hidden this detail from the court, but Pinkie Pie tricked the investigator into giving us the latest autopsy report. Which says clearly the death was 4:00pm,  on April 20th.”  Phoenix smirked, he had won, he may not have found the true murderer, but his client was in the clear, or so he thought

Von Karma merely snickered, “ OBJECTION! Remember Mr.Wright, I’m prepared for any weak attempt you try to attack at perfectly good testimonies. Here is an even later version, done after a series of experiments and test.”  Suddenly the new  autopsy teleported out of Von Karma’s hands and into Discords paw.

“Hey Celestia, you might wanna see this.” He pointed his claw at “Time of Death” .

Celestia walked up next to Discord, and slowly read the document.

Time of death: Unspecified, possibility of anytime between April 17th and April 20th.

She gasped upon site of this document.

“ DAMMIT!” , Phoenix thought as he updated the court record.

“Ok everybody, now I have come to a conclusion.” Discord said after slamming the gavel.

Von Karma smirked as he waited for his guilty judgement to pass.

“Wipe that grin off your face Von Karma.” Discord continued.

“I have decided that this case isn’t out of the woods, and have considered that there is possibility of another murderer. While I want to assume Twilight is guilty, I just don’t have the evidence thanks to SOMEONE being vague.”

“Well, when me and mah sister found that body we were shocked.” Big Mac said.

“OBJECTION! Did you say sister?” Phoenix raised an eyebrow.

“YOU LEAVE APPLEBLOOM OUT OF THIS!” Big Mac yelled.

Phoenix shook his head.

“As I was saying, we shall prolong this trial until we’ve got proper evidence, if anyone needs me II am going to go replace somepony’s house with a giant gingerbread house. If I were you I  would be tumbling over each other to reach that witness. Court dismissed.”

Round 2

Phoenix slowly walked out of the courtroom with an overjoyed Pinkie Pie behind him.

“YES! You kept Twilight from getting in jail! If we can keep this up, we may be able to free her!”

Phoenix of course, kept a serious face, he knew Von Karma, and if Von Karma made it to that witness, they were done for. He was stopped by the red stallion.

“Hey, buddy, thanks fer what y’all did in there .”, Big Macintosh said, confusing the heck out of Phoenix.

“It really helps now that I can tell my sister, Applejack, that her friend wasn’t found guilty, and fer that, I’m gonna give you some information.”, Phoenix pulled out his notebook as soon as he heard these words.

“Here’s the plans to Sweet Apple Acres, see, the body was found here at point A, we keep the pitchforks here, at point B. That’s a good walk away. Trixie could have been long gone had the killer been seen carrying the pitchfork. It had to have been at night when it was dark outside, and it also would’ve had to have been assassination.” , Big Mac explained, Phoenix wrote that down, and then added the floorplans to the Court Record.

Phoenix walked down to the barn, seeing an orange cowgirl pony smiling at him and Pinkie.

“Hey Pinkie, you know this witness, right.”  he smiled hopefully.

“Yeah, I remember randomly bursting out into song while baking with her.”  Pinkie smiled.

“...” Phoenix just closed his eyes and hoped this was a weird dream.

When they saw the young witness, she immediately noticed Pinkie Pie.

“Hey Pinkie, hey Mr.Lawyer that I’m not supposed to speak to!”, Applebloom yelled.

“Come on, that’s just not fair!” Phoenix facepalmed.

“Nope the nice officer said not to tell anyone who wasn’t a police, and as much as I want Twilight to be found not guilty, Granny Smith told me to always obey a police. I heard a scream before we found the body, chances are that scream was Trixies.”

Pinkie went over to talk to Applebloom, and try to trick some information out of her, while Phoenix looked for clues.

He decided to look behind the apple tree, to see a piece of plastic completely covered in blood beyond recognition to see what was on it. He put on a glove and carefully put it in the Court Record, though he thought it would be of little use.

“Please Applebloom, tell you what, if you do, then I’ll buy you, not one, not two, but  two point five lollipops.”, Pinkie said trying to persuade Applebloom through means of bribery.

“No. Pinkie Pie, why are you siding with that lawyer anyway? Lawyers ain’t anything but good for nothing scum, that’s what Filthy Rich tells me.”  Applebloom asked.

“I thought you didn’t like Diamond Tiara.” Pinkie said.

“I don’t, but her dad is alright, besides,he knows all about this stuff.”, Applebloom shrugged and then walked away.

The next day...

Phoenix yet again walked into the Court Room. Taking out his notebook and getting ready to face Von Karma yet again.

Karma looked as confident as ever, easily a sign of a vague testimony, and a way to worm around contradictions Phoenix found.

Discord walked up to the judge stand, before slamming down the gavel.

“Today we pick up the trial of Twilight Sparkle. The prosecution may begin its opening statement.”

Von Karma only smirked.

“With the lack of evidence, the court was delighted at the very sound of a new witness, however, after the detective heard the witnesses words. You would see all she has to add will further make Twilight look even guiltier, and will further prove the defense is wasting our time.”

Phoenix stood there, ready to completely destroy the witnesses testimony. He at least got some evidence yesterday, and now he was ready to completely assimilate the impossible, and at least some of the truth. He watched as Applebloom zipped past the baliff and on to the witness stand. She seemed eager, saying something about a “testifying cutie mark”.

“Here’s how it went down. I’m not sure of the time but anyway it was night, I heard some screaming and I looked towards pathway that leads towards the scene of the murder. I saw two shadows, both unicorns, one was using its magic to hold a pitchfork, and the other trying to run. I went after the shadows, but eventually they disappeared. So I told Big Mac about them and the two of us went after them together.”

Phoenix stood there in awe, Von Karma knew what he was doing, that was a solid testimony, and it wasn’t as vague as he anticipated.

“Mr.Wright, you look nervous. Will you accept defeat?” Von Karma chuckled.

“No Von Karma, I won’t let you get an innocent...er.... unicorn declared guilty!” Phoenix slammed his hands on the desk.

Then all of the sudden, boxing gloves appeared on both of them.

“LAWYER FIGHT! LAWYER FIGHT!” Discord chanted as popcorn poofed into his hand.

Celestia gave Discord an angry look, causing him to recoil in shock.

“Oh fine.” Discord said, rolling his eyes. He snapped his fingers and the boxing gloves and popcorn disappeared.

Cross examination:

“Here’s how it went down. I heard some screaming and I looked towards pathway that leads towards the scene of the murder. I saw two shadows, both unicorns, one was using its magic to hold a pitchfork, and the other trying to run. I went after the shadows, but eventually they disappeared. So I told Big Mac about them and the two of us went after them together.”

“HOLD IT! You mind telling me where the murder took place.”

“A bit north of the chicken coop, see, nothing flawed in my testimony.” Applebloom smiled.

“Actually, there is a big problem with that. THERE IS NOTHING NORTH OF THE CHICKEN COOP! According to these plans, North of the chicken coop is a dead end, a fence. Can you please tell me what would Trixie be doing running into a dead end?”

“OBJECTION!” Von Karma made everyone’s ears ring before he snickered. “There is the very high possibility that the victim didn’t know the plans for the farm.”

“OBJECTION! Von Karma, the logical choice would be to go out the way you came in and run for your life. ”

“Yes Mr.Wright, in most cases it is, but when you are being chased by a murderer, the logical choice is ‘run’, I would assume the victim was more focused on living rather  than the direction she was headed in.”  Von Karma explained, and then snapped his hands, “Now if we can end this pointless charade so I can get my verdict.”

Discord shook his head no, receiving a grumble from Von Karma.

“I actually think this witness is hiding something myself.” Discord said before he made it rain coffee in his mug.

“Okay, Applebloom, you didn’t testify about finding the body.” Phoenix said, curious as to what she could be hiding in what was such a solid and unvague testimony.

Applebloom shrugged and nodded.

“Well when we found the body, it was leaning against the fence with a single hole in it

and I didn’t know what to do, I was frozen in fear.”

“OBJECTION!” Phoenix yelled before holding up the murder weapon. “A single hole? I find that hard to believe. I think it is time you learned that pitchforks have 5 spikes on them. In fact, that is exactly what this ‘updated autopsy’ report says, a single hole in the body. Which means, either the murder weapon was something else, or this evidence is forged! Which would make Twilight’s alibi knock her off the suspect list yet again.”

The jury stood in awe at Phoenix’s deductive skills.

“Well, since the pitchfork was found lodged into the victim, it is more or less likely that evidence is forged.” Discord said aloud. “But while that achieves YOUR goal Mr.Wright, it doesn’t achieve anyone elses, and just made this case 10x more confusing.”

Round 2 pt 2

Authors note: This is currently my most popular story it appears, I was asked to develop plot a bit more. So here goes.

Phoenix did what he could, he got Twilight a not guilty verdict. He stood there triumphantly, looking as Von Karma quickly sifted through evidence, in a panic, trying to find a valid reason to raise an objection to his claims.

“Face it, Von Karma, you lost, you tried to get the innocent declared guilty, and you failed.” Phoenix said, looking at the judge, waiting for the “not guilty” verdict to be passed, he watched as Twilight’s friends all looked in anticipation, each one of them looking at Discord with excited looks.

“Okay I guess this is the part where I pass verdict, this court finds the defendant Twilight Sparkle.”

“OBJECTION!”, Von Karma got the same evil look in his eyes as always. A look that said ‘Time to worm my way out’.

“OH COME ON, NO RESPECT!” Discord rolled his eyes, before secretly putting a “Kick me” sign on the baliff.

“While the prosecution is very disappointed in the police for giving him incorrect evidence, Twilight’s alibi is still as good as worthless.”, Von Karma snickered.

Phoenix was obviously wondering what trick Von Karma had up his sleeve this time. He raised an eyebrow at the envelope in Karma’s hands.

“This is the so called alibi. ‘I was never at Sweet Apple Acres on that day, in fact me and the girls were all in town on said day, we were not even near Sweet Apple Acres’, the prosecution finds this evidence to be quite worthless, and declares it did nothing more than prolong the trial for longer than it should have gone. ”

Phoenix rolled his eyes.

“How so?”

Von Karma snickered, before slowly clapping at his opponents ‘ignorance’.

“ Isn’t it obvious, Mr.Wright? No decisive evidence or witness to back the alibi up.”

“OBJECTION!”, a southern voice yelled out from across the court. “Ah’m all the proof you need, put me on the witness stand.”

Von Karma rested his face in his palm, clearly not amused.

“Oh great, a useless witness, that, in the end, will have nothing good to add.”

The orange pony gave Von Karma a sharp look and then looked back at the judge.

Discord cleared his throat before speaking.“Actually, mr.Karma, this pony is all the proof we need. Applejack, like the defendant, is one of the Elements of Pain-in-my-ass. The Element of Honesty to be correct. Chances of her lying are impossible.”

“Fine, let the witness waste our time.”

“Ok, so Ah spent the day with Twilight and the other elements, we got together at 9:00 am, way before the murder. Anyway, since I didn’t feel welcome at Sweet Apple Acres on that night, Ah stayed at Twilights for a slumber party along with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.”

Discord nodded,

“Seems like a legitimate testimony to me, the alibi can be-”

“OBJECTION!”, Von Karma started slowly clapping his hands. “All this witness proved is that she is an idiot who enjoys slumber parties.”, this statement received a defensive look from Applejack.

“Care to elaborate Mr Von Karma.”

“Certainly, it is very simple, you see. When you look at the record of all the spells Twilight has learned, you can see she could have easily cloned herself, and while that possibility is weak, there is still the matter of her slipping out and making an escape in mid night. If you look at the floor plans of the library, you would see the carpet would allow her to do it without making a sound. Only one part of the updated autopsy was wrong, and that was cause of death.”

Von Karma laughed, before Twilight got up from her chair.

"You're honor, if I may please tell my friends a few words before the verdict is passed." She said, a tear escaping her left eye.

"Rainbow Dash, you taught me to always stay loyal to my friends, no matter what the circumstances, make sure to stay loyal enough to visit me when I'm banished to the Everfree Forest.

Pinkie Pie, you can cheer anyone up, no matter how bad the situation gets, I'm counting on you to do that for my friends and family.

Applejack, you taught me to always tell the truth, apparently while the truth wasn't enough here, it still felt right.

Rarity, you have the generosity of a goddess, use this generosity to feed the poor, and keep the rich from becoming too greedy.

Fluttershy, you have the kindness to help many animals, the kindness to help many others, use this kindness to forgive whoever really did it.

You have all taught me the values of friendship, and even when I'm banished to the Everfree forest, I hope we can keep this friendship together."

“Your honor, if I may do my cross examination.”, Phoenix suddenly spoke up, he was sick of Von Karma, who was barely even touched by this speech.

“I don’t know, while Von Karma’s argument is very stupid, it is still valid. What do you think, Mr Von Karma?”

“I say, let Mr.Wright grasp at his precious straws. Let us see if he can actually turn this case around, I am intrigued.”

"Okay Phoenix, all or nothing", Phoenix thought to himself.

“Ok, so Ah spent the day with Twilight and the other elements, we got together at 9:00 am, way before the murder. Anyway, since I didn’t feel welcome at Sweet Apple Acres on that night, Ah stayed at Twilights for a slumber party along with Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.”

“HOLD IT! You didn’t feel welcome? Why?”

“Well-”

“OBJECTION!” Von Karma yelled, “This is irrelevant.”

“OBJECTION!” Phoenix countered Von Karma, knowing there was a detail he was trying to hide. “ That was both the scene and day of the murder, I hardly would call it ‘Irrelevant’ .”.

“Anyway, Ah didn’t feel welcome because of the deal Trixie was making with Filthy Rich on our farm. Ya see he doesn’t like me, and considering the damage that deal would do to his business, he probably wouldn’t be in a good mood.”

“So, doesn’t that make him a suspect?” Phoenix smirked.

"Actually Mr.Wright, Mr.Rich was questioned about the crime and honestly answered he had nothing to do with it, and requested not to appear as a witness." Von Karma snickered.

Phoenix couldn't help but think back.

"He already sounds familiar, but the defense still request he appears as a witness." Phoenix said as he waited for the judge to pass verdict.

Investigation 2

Discord closed his eyes and began to think. As Phoenix and Von Karma argued.

"There is no need to bring him to the stand.", Von Karma calmly stated.

"You can't prove that!", Phoenix challenged Von Karma.

"But you can't prove that he needs to be on the stand. He's already been questioned."

"Your Honor, this man, er, stallion, could very well be the murderer!", Phoenix practically yelled.

The entire jury gasped, but Von Karma facepalmed.

"Mr.Wright, this is exactly like you, you haven't changed since we last met years ago. You grasp at straws and the moment you see an opportunity to blow the court off of it's feet, you take it. Equestria thrives off of ORDER, Mr.Wright, and if you have no proof to back up your claims, then all you are causing is CHAOS.", He spoke in a calm tone.

This is it, time to put Von Karma in his place!, Phoenix thought before speaking.

"I have proof, Mr. Von Karma."

Von Karma merely laughed.

"Then show it.", he said before Phoenix showed him a bloody credit card.

"Look at the name on this card.", Phoenix said.

"It's covered in blood. Your point?", Von Karma asked.

"All except for a letter F.", Phoenix declared before shouting. "Your Honor, IS THERE AN "F" IN TWILIGHT SPARKLE!"

Discord was still lost in thought, until Fluttershy, who was sitting in the jury, was spotted by him.

"Fluttershy, my main mare! What do you think of all this, the judge gives you special permission to add your input.", Discord smiled upon seeing his friend.

"I-I agree with Phoenix.", Fluttershy stuttered before running out of the room with Pinkie chasing her.

"Then I will prolong this trial until tommorow. Mr. Wright will cross examine Mr.Rich.", Discord slammed his... Mjolnir, down, leaving everyone in the court wondering why he didn't just settle for a normal gavel.

Phoenix walked to Filthy Rich's mansion along with Applejack, whom, if he heard correct, could get the truth out of anybody.

Security wasn't easy to get past though, it felt like an eternity.

"So Mr.Wright. Do you have an appointment or not?", the security guard asked.

"No. For the umpteenth time, I'm a lawyer investigating an ambassador's death, and I have a right by law to be here due to your boss, Filthy Rich being a suspect!", Phoenix told him.

"Then beat it! unless your a VIP, or have an appointment, I can't let you in!"

"Did somepony say VIP?", Applejack asked, the guard noticed her. "The crime took place at Sweet Apple Acres, I decided to accompany, Mr.Wright because of this."

"Go right in, Ms.Apple."

A grand looking pony with a hairstyle similar to Phoenix walked into the meeting room.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Rich.", Phoenix Wright greeted the man, Remembering previous encounters with rich people, Matt Engarde, Redd White, Furio Tigre.

"Same to you, Mr. Wright. What did you want to talk about?", Filthy put a suspicious look on his face.

"The murder of Ambassador Lulamoon.", Phoenix replied, looking him in the eye.

"Why are you questioning me? Am I the newly accused? You wish to defend me?",

"No, but I'd be getting a lawyer, sir. I recently found you to be the prime suspect. But relax, all you are is a suspect."

"Mr... Wrong, was it? Why am I getting accused, I have absolutely no motive."

"He's lying.", Applejack whispered in Phoenix's ear.

""How can you tell?", Phoenix whispered back.

"Because he's trying to sound calm, however someone in this situation wouldn't be calm at all.".

Then it hit Phoenix.

I left my Magatama back home, but apparently the Element of Honesty works like one.

"Okay, Mr.Rich, you win, regardless, I'd still like you to testify, and the judge has requested that you do.", Phoenix explained.

"You got ME to testify!? Impossible! A mere lawyer shouldn't have that kind of power over ME!"

"Why are you so worried? It's not like you're the murderer or anything."

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP! YOU HAVE NO POWER TO MAKE ME TESTIFY! "

Wow, this one broke down before he even testified!, Phoenix thought, triumphant.

Applejack and Phoenix looked at eachother.

"What's the penalty for refusing to testify against a judge's request?", Applejack asked Phoenix.

"Contempt of Court and prison until they do.", Phoenix replied.

Filthy let out a blood curdling scream. Security busted in, only to see Filthy was fine.

"Well played, Mr.Wrong.", Filthy panted. "But even if I testify, it's just going to be a repeat of my questioning."

"We'll see.", Phoenix said as him and Applejack left the room.

Episode 1 finale

Phoenix walked into the defendant’s lobby, feeling confident and ready to encounter Filthy Rich.

He sat down on the couch, a smirk on his lips, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Twilight Sparkle walked up to him, with sad eyes and a comforting smile.

“Phoenix, I’m really grateful for all you have done, so are my friends, but this is potential suicide your facing.”, her eyes began to tear up.  “Don’t do this, Phoenix, Filthy Rich owns one of the most POWERFUL tycoons in Equestria. He’s too powerful and I’m not worth it.”

Phoenix just kept the confident look on his face.

“But he cracks under the pressure of someone being able to get checkmate.”, he said in a calm and collected tone. This comment made Twilight raise an eyebrow.

“What do you mean by that?”, Twilight said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Twilight, I’ve dealt with much more powerful than his kind before, be it a rich blackmailer with a massive ego and vocabulary, or black market loanshark who has serious anger management issues.”, Phoenix explained, remembering previous encounters with rich murderers.

“Filthy Rich’s kind can’t stand one thing. Losing to someone lower than them on a scale of power.”

Then he stopped for a moment and thought.

Speaking of people who hate losing., Phoenix remembered he had something to ask Twilight.

“Can you give me a brief run-down on Von Karma’s track record here?”, Phoenix asked.

“Well.”, Twilight thought back to everything Celestia told her about Von Karma, “Celestia already knew he forged evidence and murdered in his previous life. So that’s why after each case of his, the Equestrian Royal Guard checks all of his evidence to see if he forged anything, so far, we haven’t found a single piece of forged evidence.”

“Regardless,” she continued. “He is still the prosecution god he once was. Leaving no stone unturned and making sure to control the trial himself. He has only lost one case in the eleven years he’s been here.”

Now it was Phoenix’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

“He lost? To who?”

Twilight thought back.

“Some upcoming freelance attorney named Geido Normada, who was also from the world beyond Everfree.  Little is known about either of their lives, and Celestia refuses to tell anyone details.”, she explained, putting a confused face on Phoenix.

Sounds like a weird name., he thought.

“Trials about to start!”, said one of the guards.

Looks like I’ll have to think about it later,

Judge Discord, this time holding a rubber squeaky hammer instead of Mjolnir.

“Yesterday we found a new suspect in the trial. I also found out that a certain bailiff wasn’t sharing his cheese puffs with me, but that’s taken care of.”, he smirked at the pony with a melon for a head and giant toothpicks for legs. “Relax, he’s still alive. Anyway, let’s just get this whole “Filthy Rich” mess cleared up, so that I can give my freaking verdict .”

“The defense is ready, Your Honor.”, Phoenix spoke, prepared for Von Karma to take a ‘meaningful pause’, but Von Karma spoke almost immediately.

“The prosecution is ready too, but before the trial begins, I would my opening statement to be  directed at the defense.”

Everyone in the courtroom went silent. Discord merely blinked and waited.

“Go on.”, the draconequus said, bored as a boxer in a tennis match.

After what was 5 seconds of awkward silence, Von Karma spoke.

“Phoenix Wright, I must admit, you are quite the adversary.”, Von Karma stopped and shuddered at the fact that he just said that.

Phoenix knew there was more.

“You are ruthless when it comes to something standing between you and the truth. You’ve crushed me, you’ve broken my daughter, and you reshaped the clay it took me fifteen years to mold. I’ve been watching you since that faithful day, and I’ve learned my lesson about forging evidence, and how much more fun it is to punish the sinners without cheating.”, Von Karma snickered as Phoenix listened in awe of what he was saying. “But regardless, it is my job to punish those who sin, and today I shall crush you like the bug that you are.”

This new revelation not only intimidated Phoenix, but the entire jury, including Celestia. Von Karma didn’t stop forging evidence to help find the truth, he stopped forging evidence because he wanted to crush defense attorney’s on an even playing ground, and Phoenix was one that the god of prosecution had a vendetta against.

Discord, who couldn’t care less about Von Karma’s motive, spoke up in a bored voice.

“Yeah yeah, get your dang witness, chop chop.”

“The prosecution calls Filthy Rich to the stand.”

Filthy Rich, with an arrogant look on his face, trotted up to the stand before getting ready to testify.

“The witnesses name is Filthy Rich, he is a food chain tycoon owner, responsible for supplying Equestria with most of it’s favorite delicacies.”, Von Karma said.

Phoenix wondered why Von Karma didn’t ask for the witness’s name and occupation, but then figured out Von Karma is just trying to speed up the process to defeat Phoenix. The defense attorney already knew what was coming.

“Witness, testimony, NOW!”, Von Karma said.

Filthy Rich began his testimony after recoiling in shock at Von Karma yelling at him.

“I never went to Sweet Apple Acres on that day. I have ponies you can call up as witnesses to prove it. I was in my office all day dealing with business.”, he testified with confidence it would hold up.

“Bug, cross-examination, NOW!”, Von Karma did one of his finger snaps.

“I never went to Sweet Apple Acres on that day. I have ponies you can call up as witnesses to prove it. I was in my office all day dealing with business.”

Phoenix easily saw the contradiction here.

“ OBJECTION! I’m sorry, mr.Rich, but I have one piece of evidence that proves you and your witnesses are lying.”, he presented a photo of Applejack.

“This witness already testified, that you were, in fact, at Sweet Apple Acres that day.”, this statement caused Von Karma to snicker.

“And what makes this witness so reliable? Considering the accused is one of her best friends, she even has a MOTIVE to lie.”

Phoenix just smirked.

“Now what was it that Your Honor said yesterday about this witness’s ‘special trait’?”, he said triumphantly, before continuing. “It was that this particular witness CAN’T LIE!”

Von Karma merely snickered again.

“Objection. All the witness made clear was that Filthy Rich was SUPPOSED TO COME to Sweet Apple Acres, not that he had.”

“NOT SO FAST!”, Phoenix yelled. “Mr.Rich, did you lose your credit card on the day of the murder? Because I found one in your office.”

“Yes, I lost my Platinum Discount card for The Canterlot Tycoon Lounge.”

Phoenix smirked again.

“I found it.”

Von Karma started to sweat, knowing what card Wright was actually talking about, and where it was found.

“Would you like to see it, Mr.Rich?”, Phoenix said.

“Yes, that would be wonderful, it costed me 200,000 bits.”, Filthy Rich got comfortable.

“WELL HERE YOU GO!”, Phoenix held the blood stained card up high. “It was found, not in your offices, but at SWEET APPLE ACRES!”

Von Karma just shook his head and rested it in his palm.

“Objection. Mr.Wright, let’s just say for a second that Mr.Rich did go to Sweet Apple Acres that day. I imagine you have proof that he was the murderer?”, he sighed before continuing. “Tell me, Wright, is this definitive proof that Mr. Rich killed Ambassador Lulamoon?”

Phoenix thought it through carefully.

“No, no it is not. While it points to Mr.Rich killing Ms.Lulamoon. He could’ve just dropped it there before the murder by complete coincidence.”, Phoenix knew this was highly improbable, but if he hadn’t said it, Von Karma would have. It was an obvious trap.

“So Mr.Wright, with no REAL evidence to attack Mr.Rich with, what are you going to do now?”, Von Karma did his trademark finger snap and put on an ominous grin... again. It appeared it was a two way trap. If Phoenix said yes, Von Karma would’ve pointed out the possibility.  If Phoenix said no, Von Karma would’ve cornered him.

Phoenix already saw a way out of the trap, and held his index finger high, pointing at Mr.Rich.

“The defense request further testimony about this witness’s visit to Sweet Apple Acres!”, he exclaimed, sending the jury into a frenzy, cheering for justice to be served.

The gleaming excited look in his eye ensured he had found out a simple way to end this pointless goose chase.

SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK!

Judge Discord banged his rubber squeaky hammer..

“CHAOS IN THE COURT. Keep going, jury!”, Discord cheered before Celestia gave him a disappointed look, causing Discord to sigh. “‘Order’ in the court, Mr.Rich will testify about his visit to Sweet Apple Acres.”

Mr.Rich twitched a little, but testified nonetheless.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t testify about this. I remember now, I did go to Sweet Apple Acres that day, but I left at 6:30. I never even met with the victim.”

The multiple lies and contradictions in his testimony are so obvious it’s like he’s not even trying., Phoenix thought before realizing. Of course! I have no track record here like I do back on Earth, he’s making the same mistake that Mr.Sahwit did. Instead of realizing he’s playing with fire, he thinks that as long as it isn’t some top notch lawyer like Mr.Grossberg, he can lie all he wants and expect no contradictions to be found and exposed to the court. I can use this to my advantage.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t testify about this. I remember now, I did go to Sweet Apple Acres that day, but I left at 6:30. I never even met with the victim.”

Phoenix held out the picture of Applejack again.

“ OBJECTION!”, he addressed the witness in a calm voice,”Mr.Rich.”

“Is this another pointless question that you lawyers always ask me?”, Filthy said. “Ask away.”\

“Actually, I’m pointing out two facts. First and foremost, Ms. Apple made one thing clear in her testimony.”, Phoenix said, holding up a printed copy of Applejacks testimony. “You were at Sweet Apple Acres for one purpose, TO MEET WITH THE VICTIM!”

Mr. Rich smiled at Phoenix.

“Mr.Wrong, did you forget though? If I left at 6:30, how could I have killed the victim if she was killed at 10:30?”

“That is the second fact. Noone knew the exact time of death. “, Phoenix said. “How did you know?”

“That’s easy, I... ummm.”

“One more question, Mr. Rich.”, Phoenix said. “What was the murder weapon?”

Mr. Rich was sweating bullets.

“A broken pitchfork? Why?”, this statement by Filthy caused Phoenix to point at him.

“AND WE HAVE OUR MURDERER FOLKS!”, Phoenix said, “Mr.Filthy, how did you know that? The detail that it was broken was NEVER LEAKED OUTSIDE OF THIS COURT!”

Filthy started to twitch, as did Von Karma.

“Mr.Wrong, you’ll pay for this, WITH YOUR LIFE!” He pulled out a walkie-talkie. “Come on in boys!”

Suddenly the room filled with mercenary ponies wielding swords. 20 of them it looked like.

“And that’s not all, Mr.Wrong. This entire court is filled with them! They’re highly trained assassins! Not even Princess Celestia can escape this! Mr.Von Karma, you will live as long as this is our little secret.”

Even Von Karma looked angry, he not only was being blackmailed, but he would’ve switched suspects immediately if he knew Rich was planning to do this.

“This is a disgrace to the courtroom!”,Von Karma yelled.

One of them jumped at Phoenix and slashed at him with their cutlass.  Just as Phoenix was ready to bite the dust. He felt the smack of a... balloon?

“You really thought that would work, didn’t you?” , Judge Discord had an amused smile on his face. “True, Celestia wouldn’t be able to stop this, but you forgot that the judge could bend freaking physics and does it for things as simple as getting ice cream.”

The assassins all had padded hoofs and balloon swords now.

“WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED!”, the police had arrived.

Rich fainted at knowing he had just lost to a simple lawyer.

EPILOGUE:

In the end, Phoenix had defended someone who had more potential than he ever knew.

Not only was she an Element Of Harmony, but 2 weeks passed and she became a princess.

And hey, Hearts and Hooves day was coming up, maybe Phoenix could learn to enjoy it here, but there were tons of unanswered questions like “Who is Geido Normada? Will I ever see Maya again, or will she see me?”