Ace Attorney Investigations: Ema Skye: Turnabout of the Stars (Kirby/Ace Attorney Quest)

[DrPikachu]

If you actually don't know what I'm talking about,

Spoiler: From Revenge of the King, Kirby SSU

That mask.

Also, I'm surprised that Dedede/The Mask fanart even exists.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, I know what you meant. I just couldn't resist when you made that capitalization.

But since the anime supposedly serves as a prologue to the entire series of Kirby games, we won't be seeing the "Revenge of the King" for a good long while.

 

[EternalStruggle]

But since the anime supposedly serves as a prologue to the entire series of Kirby games

Click to shrink...

Wait, wut?

we won't be seeing the "Revenge of the King" for a good long while.

Click to shrink...

No, in the more immediate future we have the Dark Matter Trilogy!

Wait, that's not good either...

 

[DrPikachu]

Yeah, I know what you meant. I just couldn't resist when you made that capitalization.

But since the anime supposedly serves as a prologue to the entire series of Kirby games, we won't be seeing the "Revenge of the King" for a good long while.

Click to shrink...

Wait, wut?

Click to shrink...

It's either that or an alternate universe. For the sake of this quest, RBaY! is a prologue, so the timeline is set after Episode 100 and before King Dedede decides stealing everybody's food and the key items used to locate said food is a Great Idea.

 

[ChildishChimera]

[X] I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
-[X] Present Kirby Notes. As in the ones from Chief Bookem.

 

[Locos_Docos]

[X] Press: I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!

 

[DrPikachu]

Voting Update

[X] I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
-[X] Present Kirby Notes. As in the ones from Chief Bookem.
Tally Count: 2
EternalStruggle, ChildishChimera

[X] Press: If this is the way you foreign detectives do things, I gotta say that I'm regretting hiring you in the first place.
[X] Press: Instead of badgering me, you should be out there, catching Kirby before he strikes again!
[X] Press: Did you even check those three places where he was frequently sighted? Since you're standing here before me, I'd say you haven't.
[X] Press: I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
Tally Count: 1
Magnificate

[X] Press: I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
Tally Count: 2
Cornix Argentus, Locos_Docos

---

As the title says, this is just an update. I'll keep the votes open for a while yet.

 

[DrPikachu]

Current voting round will be closed tomorrow at 8 PM CST.

 

[Coshiua]

[X] I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
-[X] Present Kirby Notes. As in the ones from Chief Bookem.

 

[DrPikachu]

Voting Results

[X] I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
-[X] Present Kirby Notes. As in the ones from Chief Bookem.
Tally Count: 3
EternalStruggle, ChildishChimera, Coshiua

[X] Press: If this is the way you foreign detectives do things, I gotta say that I'm regretting hiring you in the first place.
[X] Press: Instead of badgering me, you should be out there, catching Kirby before he strikes again!
[X] Press: Did you even check those three places where he was frequently sighted? Since you're standing here before me, I'd say you haven't.
[X] Press: I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
Tally Count: 1
Magnificate

[X] Press: I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
Tally Count: 2
Cornix Argentus, Locos_Docos

For this one, I'll accept the highest-count votes for Present and Press separately, so they'll both be actions.

 

[DrPikachu]

[X] Press: I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!

---

King Dedede
I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!



Ema
So...everyone knows Kirby is a crook. Is that what you're saying?

King Dedede
That's what I just declared, didn't I?


Ema
You've asked every citizen in Cappy Town? Your guards and Dr. Escargoon? Even people living outside the town limits?

King Dedede
Yes, yes, yes! Everyone agrees with me! Kirby needs to be brought to justice! What part about any of that don't you understand?!


Ema
(The part where there's a gaping flaw in your logic, and how you've completely missed it.)

(Guess the only way I'm gonna get him to see it is by pointing it out and presenting some evidence to break through his blustering.)

King Dedede
If this is the way you foreign detectives do things...

---

I've always wondered about the in-universe explanation of why witnesses are willing to repeat their testimonies ad infinitum for you...

Just a thought, don't mind me.

 

[DrPikachu]

[X] I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!
-[X] Present Kirby Notes. As in the ones from Chief Bookem.

---

King Dedede
I speak for all of Dream Land when I declare that Kirby is a criminal, and he should pay for his crimes!

[With my Notepad good and ready, I pysch myself up and...]





Ema
Your Majesty, you claim you and everyone else in Dream Land believe Kirby is a crook. Is that correct?

King Dedede
Wh-what's with the "objection"?! We're not in court! And you're not even a lawyer!


Ema
You'll have to excuse me, Your Majesty. My...mentors, so to speak, and a...relative of mine all practiced law, and I owe them quite a bit for helping me get to where I am today.

So I might have...picked up a habit or two from them.

King Dedede
Hmph... I still don't understand what you're, um, objecting to. As the king, I order you to tell me!


Ema
Gladly.

You see, Your Majesty, there's a pretty big hole in your logic. You might not be aware of it, but it's there.

King Dedede
Wh-what are you talking about? There's nothing wrong with what I said!


Ema
Even a ruler like you should be wary of making generalizations...like the one you just made.

Especially when they're not true. You do not speak for everyone in Dream Land, and I have the proof!

[I present the Kirby Notes that I have stored with my Notepad.]


King Dedede
And just what is that supposed to be?


Ema
This is testimony given to me by Chief Bookem of the Cappy Town Police...and it paints a rather different picture of your "criminal." So different, in fact, that he doesn't seem like much of a criminal at all!



[Dedede grits his teeth.]

King Dedede
Grh... That police chief... I should've known...!


Ema
Perhaps you can tell me whose picture is more accurate? Is it yours...or the Chief's?


King Dedede
This is the word of a single Cappy against my own. Even in this peaceful land, there will always be outliers. I ask you this: do you have any other testimonies that match that police chief's?

[He folds his arms across his chest.]

King Dedede
Otherwise, I believe this is hardly worth investigating.



Ema
I think it IS worth investigating, Your Majesty, because that "single Cappy" happens to be your chief of police. Out of all your subjects, he would know this case the best. Now...can you tell me why there is an inconsistency with these two testimonies about the same person?

[Dedede grits his teeth again.]

King Dedede
.........


Ema
If there really is no reason for me to suspect you, then there should have no problem with you explaining this. Or am I wrong?

[Dedede closes his eyes in thought for a few seconds.]

King Dedede
...Fine. I shall indulge you, Detective, and explain why this "difference" between those two accounts you seem so focused on...doesn't actually make much of a difference at all.

---

AND SO BEGINS...

EMA SKYE
VS
KING DEDEDE
(Round 2)​

What's that pesky penguin-ish potentate got up his sleeve this time?!​

 

[DrPikachu]

EMA SKYE
VS
KING DEDEDE

---King Dedede's Logic---​

King Dedede
It looks like you forgot that the Chief and I aren't on the best of terms.
Have you considered the possibility that he gave you that conflicting testimony just to spite me?
I'm not saying he's sold out to Kirby, no...
...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.
Given this unfair bias, I need to ask: how much of that testimony is even true?
​

—AAI:ES—​

Ema
So you're saying...Chief Bookem gave me...forged evidence? Th-that's...

[King Dedede holds his hands in front of him, yet not breaking his mask of seriousness.]

King Dedede
Hey, you said it, not me. I'm just asking you if you really took his credibility into account. That's all.
So unless you've got something else that makes the Chief's story more believable...I'm afraid that testimony alone won't cut it.


Ema
(Ngh...he's right. From that perspective, it's certainly possible this is simply an attempt to make the king look bad.)

(But, the same can be said about Dedede's own testimony. And I bet he knows it, too.)

(I need evidence to prove Chief Bookem's story is the right one...but more than that, I need the right opportunity. I should Press Dedede for more details, and see if he gives me something I can use.)
​

—AAI:ES—


---King Dedede's Logic---​

King Dedede
[] It looks like you forgot that Chief Bookem and I aren't on the best of terms.
[] Have you considered the possibility that he gave you that conflicting testimony just to spite me?
[] I'm not saying he's sold out to Kirby, no...
[] ...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.
[] Given this unfair bias, I need to ask: how much of that testimony is even true?[/left]

 

[EternalStruggle]

I see.

So what do we have to work with here?

I'll admit, we're in a tight spot, but we also have the Monster Attack Files to back us up. But first we really should do some pressing. This is slightly less obvious than last time, at the very least.

[X] Press Everything

Screw it, I'm pretty sure we'll get a lot of junk here but let's make this thorough. I'm not totally sure what's the right option, so back to basics.

If nothing new shows up, I suggest we us the Monster Attack Files on his last line.

Also, impressed at the composure Dedede is showing here. Apparently he's pretty serious right now.

 

[Magnificate]

So what do we have to work with here?

Click to shrink...

We've got two more angles of attack:
1. Object to the fifth statement using Kirby Notes, on the grounds that the rest of Cappy Town consider Kirby to be heroic, thus the bias is not unfair.
2. Object to the second statement using Monster Attack Notes, specifically "Investigation after returning to Dream Land uncovered evidence of a transport device in Castle Dedede." If the Police Chief merely wished to be spiteful he had the opportunity to push that earlier investigation.

But, those aren't sure-fire, so the best option is to:
[X] Press All Statements

 

[Cornix Argentus]

[X] Press ...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.

 

[watchful_dog]

1. Object to the fifth statement using Kirby Notes, on the grounds that the rest of Cappy Town consider Kirby to be heroic, thus the bias is not unfair.

Click to shrink...

Probably Dedede will simply dissmiss it since the Kirby Notes came directly from Bookem testimony, and we didn't obtain any account from the other citizens.

For now let just press his statements, Dedede seems pretty calm right now.
[X] Press All Statements

 

[DrPikachu]

Currently out and about on a job, so voting will end next Monday at 4 PM CST.

 

[Prent]

[X] Press Everything

 

[Coshiua]

[X] Press All Statements

 

[DrPikachu]

Voting Results

[X] Press Everything
Tally Count: 2
EternalStruggle, Prent
[X] Press All Statements
Tally Count: 2
watchful_dog, Coshiua

[X] Press ...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.
Tally Count: 1
Cornix Argentus

Yeah, pretty much unanimous, but eh, might as well announce my return.

 

[DrPikachu]

Hmm...which version of the winning vote should I use...? *rolls*
[X] Press All Statements

---

King Dedede
It looks like you forgot that Chief Bookem and I aren't on the best of terms.



Ema
I didn't forget that! What makes you think I did?!

King Dedede
It was how you presented that testimony. No hesitation whatsoever, not realizing the implications of what you were doing...


Ema
What do you mean by that, exactly?

King Dedede
As I told you before, accusing a king is no laughing matter. All it can take is just one person being suspicious, and more will follow, sowing distrust among the masses.

[Dedede places his hands on his hips and puffs his chest out.]

King Dedede
By accusing me, you threaten the very stability of Dream Land! And besides...

—AAI:ES—​

King Dedede
Have you considered the possibility that he gave you that conflicting testimony just to spite me?



Ema
I doubt the Chief would be that petty. From what I know of him, that would be pretty out-of-character for him to do something like that.

King Dedede
So you believe you have an accurate picture of someone you just met only today?


Ema
Thanks to the information you gave me about him before I left this morning, I already had a pretty good first impression of him. My meeting with him only helped bolster that image.

(Ignoring the fact that I found him sleeping, of course.)

King Dedede
Gngh... Well, it's still a possibility. You might have known him for just one day, but I've had to deal with him for years. And he can be a real piece of work sometimes.

—AAI:ES—​

King Dedede
I'm not saying he's sold out to Kirby, no...



Ema
How could Kirby have been able to get someone like the Chief in his pocket?

King Dedede
Come now, Detective, you know how it's possible. Bribery, exortion, blackmail... He could even be holding Bookem's loved ones hostage for all we know.

Ema
The Chief seemed pretty calm for someone who might have had a wife or child held hostage.

King Dedede
...I see. So it might be unlikely that Bookem's been bought and sold...

—AAI:ES—​

King Dedede
...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.



Ema
You seem rather hung-up on this "grudge" you claim the Chief has with you.

King Dedede
Wouldn't you be worried if someone working for you seemed to have it out for you?

Ema
Could you elaborate on how the Chief "works for you"?

King Dedede
He's one of my subjects, so that means he's the Chief because I let him be. Simple as that. That's how it goes for everyone else as well.


Ema
(Are...are you serious? He's practically admitting he's a tyrant!)

(I can't let him get away with that, but... Ugh, what should I do...?)
{See below for prompts}

—AAI:ES—​

King Dedede
Given this unfair bias, I need to ask: how much of that testimony is even true?




Ema
In a way, the same can be said for your testimony as well, Your Majesty.

King Dedede
...What?


Ema
Just like how all I have to go on with the Chief's testimony is his word that Kirby is not a criminal...

The only proof there is that Kirby IS a criminal is your own testimony.

[Dedede starts shaking his fist in anger.]

King Dedede
Gggh... In...inconceivable...! How can you doubt my testimony?!

Ema
Care to tell me why I shouldn't doubt it?

[A few beads of sweat roll down the side of Dedede's face.]

King Dedede
............


Ema
(I've had enough with running around in circles. If I can just keep King Dedede on the defensive, I might find the opportunity I need to break through.)

(I can't help but feel there's something I might be missing here. Maybe if I listen just a little bit longer, and keep Pressing on for more info...)

—AAI:ES—​

King Dedede
[] It looks like you forgot that Chief Bookem and I aren't on the best of terms.
[] Have you considered the possibility that he gave you that conflicting testimony just to spite me?
[] I'm not saying he's sold out to Kirby, no...
[] ...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.
-[] Speak up
-[] Keep quiet for now
[] Given this unfair bias, I need to ask: how much of that testimony is even true?
NEW! [] Particularly when my own testimony should be more than sufficient...

---

Every so often, you might run into a decision branch while Pressing. Be sure to add what you think Ema should do to your votes when these pop up.
Here's an example of the syntax you should use:

[Z] Press It looks like you forgot that Chief Bookem and I aren't on the best of terms.
[Z] Press ...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.
-[Z] Speak up
[Z] Press Given this unfair bias, I need to ask: how much of that testimony is even true?

Click to shrink...

I'll also always indicate when you receive new statements from Pressing, as you can see with that "NEW!" prefix up there. This prefix does not have to be added to your vote.

In addition, I've given the "Status / Inventory" post a formatting overhaul.

DrPikachu threw 1 2-faced dice. Total: 2

 

[EternalStruggle]

[X] ...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.
-[X] Speak up
[X] Press "Particularly when my own testimony should be more than sufficient..."

 

[Coshiua]

[X] ...but that grudge is still there, whether he's clean or dirty or whatever you'd call it in-between.
-[X] Speak up
[X] Press "Particularly when my own testimony should be more than sufficient..."

 

[Locos_Docos]

Oooh, the new Status / Inventory improvements make the post look very much like screens from the actual games. They look---veeeery very nice. You are putting a lot of love into this Quest, aren't you?

 

[DrPikachu]

Oooh, the new Status / Inventory improvements make the post look very much like screens from the actual games. They look---veeeery very nice. You are putting a lot of love into this Quest, aren't you?

Click to shrink...

Personally, I think it's more like "I don't know when to quit." But that might be my modesty talking.
In fact, I wish that slider background didn't make the Logic text blend in so well.