Vesti and Lauren's Interdimensional Investigations (A CYOA)

THERE ya’ go!


Present: Unfinished Meal



Vesti explains, “Sorry, Luigi, but, on closer inspection, that doesn’t make much sense. When I visited Mario’s room yesterday, I noticed that, while you had eaten some of your meal, Mario’s meal was completely untouched... So, if Mario invited you to his room to have lunch with you, then why didn’t he eat anything? Even if he was killed, he should have had time to eat SOME of his meal! Therefore, Mario didn’t invite you to his room to eat lunch... He invited you for an entirely different reason, didn’t he?” Luigi recoiled in shock, and hastily responded, “Okay, okay! You’re right! He actually invited me to... to get the photos I took of the kidnapping...” Vesti asks, “...The ones in that envelope I presented during the trial? Why would he have wanted those?” Luigi replies, “I guess he wanted to hide his participation in the fake kidnapping... After all, you were able to figure out what really happened using them...” Vesti replied, “...Yeah, you’re probably right.”
CLUE: Mario wanted Luigi’s photos of the kidnapping.

Interrogation: Luigi’s Secret (Part 2)

Questions:
There are no questions left...

Clues
The fire flower was in the room before Luigi arrived.
Luigi must have pushed Mario.
Mario wanted Luigi’s photos of the kidnapping.

Prestige: 95%

Evidence: kun.boards.net/post/10213

there are actually spoilers here, I suppose


Combine Clue 1 and 3

The true nature of what happened in Mario’s room began to dawn on Vesti. He slowly began, “Luigi... I know what happened now... You told me that Mario wanted the pictures you took of the kidnapping... and you also told me that the fire flower was in the room when you entered. That’s correct, yes?” Luigi replies, “Y- Yes, that’s true... Why?” Vesti explained, “On their own, these clues aren’t that useful... but by looking at how they relate to each other, we can discover something important. If the fire flower was already in the room, then it makes the most sense to say that Mario put it there. He would have been able to get one easily, after all. But why would he have wanted a fire flower in the first place? ...The answer is simple. He tried to attack you with the flower, didn’t he!” Luigi shouted, “W- what! That’s absurd! Why would he have any reason to attack me in the first place?” Vesti replied, “The kidnapping photos, of course! Mario’s reputation would have collapsed if the fake kidnapping plan was revealed, and those photos were decisive evidence that proved he was involved. Of course he wanted to get rid of them! And he was willing to resort to force to get them!” At this, Luigi remained silent for a few seconds. Eventually, he mumbled, “I- I’m not saying anything else!” Vesti replied, “That’s fine... I already have all the information I need.”
CLUE: Mario was willing to resort to force to get the photos.

{{There are only two clues left now, so I’m just gonna combine them so we can move on.}}

Combine Clue 2 and New Clue

Vesti continues, “Luigi, we know that Mario attacked you with the fire flower... and we also know that you pushed Mario at some point... It doesn’t take a genius to understand what happened. Luigi, you pushed Mario away, attempting to defend yourself... and he fell over the balcony, didn’t he?” A long silence persisted between the two of you, but Luigi eventually replied, “...I give up... You’re right... You figured it out...” With that, the second floating police badge in front of Luigi split apart and dissapears, and then the orange landscape fades away. Vesti and Luigi find themselves back in the detention center. Looking around, Vesti notices that Toadette and Lauren are still here. Toadette looks surprised, but Lauren doesn’t seem fazed at all.

Vesti asks, “Luigi... could you go over what actually happened in Mario’s room?” Luigi slowly explains, “Well... I came in and set up the meal, and I started eating... but then when I looked up, Mario was pointing that fire flower at me! He told me he needed the pictures I had taken, but I was too shocked... I was barely even listening... I kept asking what he was doing... Then Mario shot the fire flower at me... I reached out trying to stop him, but I just ended up getting my hand burnt... I was desperate and scared, so I just lashed out at him... Next thing I knew, Mario was falling out of the window....... Next thing I knew, the princess came in from the other room, and the next time I saw Mario... he was..........” Luigi stops speaking, clearly not wanting to continue, but it was obvious what he meant. Toadette shouts, “Luigi! I thought you said you weren’t the killer!” Luigi replies, “I... I’m sorry! I thought you wouldn’t defend me if I told you everything! ...I was scared!” Vesti mumbles, “Of course I would have defended you... still, I don’t know what to do about this.” Lauren exclaims, “Vesti! You can’t give up that quickly! You believe in Luigi’s innocence, don’t you?” Vesti replies, “Well, yeah... but-” Lauren interrupts, “Then there must be another explanation, right? You can’t just give up like this, Vesti. We’re detectives, so we don’t give up until we’ve examined this case from every angle!” Vesti shouts, “Y- you’re right! We still have the trial ahead of us! That’s where we’re going to find out what really happened! I know it!” Toadette continued, “Yeah! They’re right! Luigi, don’t worry! We’re going to make sure you get acquitted!” Luigi mumbled, “...You all sound so certain... I don’t really know what to think myself... I guess I’ll just hope you’re right...”

Suddenly, a toad guard came in through the entrance, and shouted, “Luigi, the trial is about to start! We’ve come to escort you to the courthouse. You three should head to the courtroom too! You certainly can’t talk to the defendant anymore.” Hearing this, Vesti turned back to Luigi and said, “Don’t worry, Luigi! I’m going to find out what really happened, whatever it takes!” Luigi didn’t say anything as the guards walked towards the door, but when they began unlocking it, he turned back to Vesti, removed his hat, and quickly bowed. He quickly said, “I believe in all of you! Thank you for defending me! ...I’ll see you at the trial!” Then, the guards entered the room, handcuffed Luigi, and escorted him to the entrance. Once he was gone, the group stood together in silence for a few moments. Vesti looked over at Lauren, who simply smiled, and began walking out of the detention center. Vesti, feeling there was nothing more to be said, followed her, along with Toadette.

(I still don’t really understand how I ended up here... but I do know one thing... I’m a detective, and there’s a mystery to solve. The truth is hidden out there, and I won’t give up until I find it!)

To be continued...

{{I’ll update with the first part of the second trial later. I didn’t really have time to start it today. It’ll possibly be released over the weekend, but definitely next friday at the latest.}}

Prestige: 95%

Evidence: kun.boards.net/post/10213

Press the last statement and the third-to last one.

3.
Oh, the twist!

3.
because why not

I almost forgot to put something here.


Option 3

Vesti suddenly exclaims, “I got it! The killer moved Mario’s body!” Wario replies, “Seriously? I just explained why that doesn’t make any sense?” “You did?” Vesti asks, “...Could you explain it again? I forgot.” Wario comically slams his head into the prosecutor’s bench in disappointment. He stands back up, and shouts, “Judging by Toadeo’s testimony, the victim’s body only moved about two feet from the path to the field. Why the heck would the killer move the body that far? They couldn’t fake an alibi because the body would still be in the same place! They would accomplish nothing but make it more likely that someone would walk in on them. Not only that, but Mario was murdered in his room, so the killer couldn’t have made it down to move him in time! See? It doesn’t make any sense!” Vesti replied, “Well... maybe the killer bungee-jumped to the field and then moved him so no one would trip over him!” The courtroom is filled with complete silence. Toadsworth just shakes his head, and explains, “Sorry, but I have to agree with the prosecution here. This all sounds rather farfetched. I’m afraid I’ll have to penalize you.” Vesti mumbles, “Dang it,” as his prestige decreased by 5%.

Lauren turns to Vesti and explains, “Vesti, try thinking about this from another perspective. There are plenty of ways Mario could have been moved. Another person didn’t necessarily have to do it. Try thinking over everything you’ve learned.” Vesti quickly replies, “Thanks Lauren, but I’ve got it figured out now!” Lauren mumbles, “I figured you would.”

Option 2

Vesti shouts, “I got it, for real this time! Mario wasn’t moved by someone else, he moved on his own!” The same deathly silence fills the courtroom, before Toadsworth asks, “Should I just give the penalty now?” Vesti quickly replies, “N-no! Just let me explain! Mario was able to move into the field on his own, because when he fell onto the dirt path, he was still alive!” Hearing this, the gallery begins talking amongst themselves loudly. Toadsworth quiets them with his gavel, just in time for Wario to shout, “W-What?! Are you saying Mario survived getting hit by the fire flower and falling from the castle?! That’s even more ridiculous than you last argument!” Vesti replies, “Yes, it is completely ridiculous... but only if you assume that Mario was hit with the fire flower before falling!” Wario mutters, “ ....What are you saying....” Vesti continues, “During the investigation, I learned something interesting from Luigi. He didn’t attack Mario, Mario attacked him, in an attempt to get the photos from the fake kidnapping! That’s why there was ash on Mario’s hand. It came from when he fired it! Finally, Luigi pushed Mario in self-defense, accidentally sending him over the balcony! But when Mario hit the ground, he was still alive, perfectly capable of walking, or at least crawling, into the field!” Wario hesitates for a few seconds, before replying, “Y-You can’t be serious! That can’t be how it happened!” Vesti explains, “It’s the only explanation that accounts for the discrepancy between Toadeo’s testimony and the evidence! Not only that, but there’s plenty of evidence to prove it happened. For example, Mario’s meal remained uneaten, unlike Luigi’s. That proves Mario had a motive for inviting Luigi other than having a picnic. This explanation even explains flaws in the prosecution’s argument, such as the ash being on Luigi’s non-dominant hand. This makes more sense if he was hit by the fire flower instead of firing it. Not only that but Luigi could testify about what really happened. However, I don’t think that’s necessary, because we now know where Mario really died!”

The court is silent for a moment, as Wario appears to be struggling to think of a comeback. Eventually, Toadsworth exclaims, “...I must say, this explanation does sound plausible. I’ve heard tales of Mario surviving a fall from the castle’s roof by ground-pounding before he reached the bottom. I suppose it’s not too unbelievable that he moved into the field on his own.” Wario replies, “...Fine. So, Mario was alive when he fell out of the window. What does that change?” Vesti replies, “That question has a much simpler answer. If Mario was still alive when he reached the field, then that means he was murdered in the field. Someone shot him with a fire flower when he landed in that field, and that’s what finally killed him. So, since the crime scene is different now, alibis will be different too as a result. For example, Luigi has an alibi now, because he was in the castle when Mario died in the field. On the other hand, if someone no longer has an alibi, then that’s probably who the killer is!”

(Alright, let’s look over the people I’ve met so far. If one of them had an alibi that no longer holds up, then I bet they’re the one who really killed Mario!

This is it! Soon the truth will be revealed! Let’s go!)

“This person must be the true killer!”
PRESENT someone’s profile.

Prestige: 85%

Evidence: kun.boards.net/post/10213

Princess Peach?

Press "he was already dead then"

ok


Press: Statement 3



Vesti, who is getting kind of confused because of all his conflicting emotional responses to basically everything that’s happened, is able to regain his bearings and press a statement. He slams his hands on the defense bench and asks, “What on Earth does ‘in the way of the authorities’ mean? That sounds very suspicious!” Toadette replies, “Well, I don’t know, I just thought it would be a good idea to keep corpses off of the walking path!” Toadette pulls a flower out of her basket and begins absentmindedly fiddling with it. She continues, “I mean, what if the detectives came to the crime scene riding a yoshi or something and ran right over the corpse? That would be REALLY unfortunate!” Vesti asks, “But that’s still tampering with a crime scene! And besides, you don’t seem like the kind of person who would handle a dead body without a very good reason!” Toadette calmly replies, “Well, you’re being a little judgmental there, aren’t you? I’ve handled plenty of dead things in my life! ...Well, mostly flowers, but still!” Vesti responds, “...That... doesn’t really make a difference.” Toadsworth explains, “I suppose the reasoning is a little weird, but it’s not too unbelievable, and the witness had just seen a man fall from the sky. She probably wasn’t thinking straight. As for the matter of tampering the crime scene, that can be resolved at a later date.” Vesti mumbles, “Well, there’s no arguing with that, I guess.”

Press: Statement 7



Vesti asks, “Are you sure he was dead?” Toadette calmly replies, “Vesti, there are a few things in life that you just need to be sure about...” Vesti replies, “You still could have been wrong!” Toadette explains, “It really isn’t that hard to tell if someone is dead. If they aren’t breathing, and they just fell out of one of the highest floors in a castle, it’s usually safe to assume they’re dead.” Wario shouts, “Stop wasting the court’s time! If Mario wasn’t dead, prove it with evidence. Don’t just get into a shouting match with the witness!” Vesti replies, “Fine, I will! Take a look at this!”

Present: Pathway Marks: Statement 5



Vesti explains, “When I examined the pathway Mario fell onto, I found something very interesting. There were faint handprints in the dirt path, as well as what appeared to be drag marks!” Lauren mutters, “...Technically, I found those.” “That’s not important right now,” Vesti continues, “What is important is these faint marks, which prove that you’re lying!” Toadette worriedly replies, “W- What do those marks have to do with anything?” Vesti explains, “Well, it’s not really that hard to understand. These handprints must have come from Mario, and they, combined with the drag marks, provide evidence that Mario tried to crawl off of the path after he fell. Therefore, these marks are irrefutable proof that Mario was murdered in the fields!” Toadsworth exclaims, “I see... Judging by these marks, there’s no way Toadette simply carried him into the field. Wario slams his hand on the prosecutor’s bench, and shouts, “Perhaps the witness just misspoke, and she actually dragged Mario into the field! That would leave marks in the dirt!” Vesti explains, “Of course that would leave marks, but not marks like this! If Mario had been dragged into the field, there would be a long drag mark in the dust left behind... but these marks are clearly the result of someone dragging themselves towards the field! Therefore, Mario was still alive when he fell from that building, and the person with the best opportunity to kill him after that was--”



Everyone in the court looks at Toadette, the one who spoke out. Vesti is a little annoyed at being interrupted. Toadette, on the other hand, looks rather upset about something. She sadly plucks all of the petals off one of her flowers. Toadsworth asks, “Toadette, do you have something to add?” After a few seconds, Toadette begins, “...Well... I didn’t want to do this... but I’ve decided to tell the truth about what really happened in the field...” The gallery silently discussed this. Even Wario seems confused about what she’s about to say. Vesti wonders, (...Is she... going to confess?) Toadsworth responds, “Hmm... Alright then. You may begin your testimony... But please, tell the truth this time...” Toadette replies, “...I’ll try.”

Testimony: Mario’s Movement
Toadette: ...Mario survived falling from the castle...
Toadette: ...but only for about a minute.
Toadette: He managed to crawl about a foot off the path and into the field.
Toadette: It took me a bit to notice... I was too shocked to pay attention...
Toadette: When I saw that he was still alive, I tried to help...
Toadette: ...but it was too late. He died from his injuries in the field.
Toadette: He must have been killed in his room, even if he died in the field!
Toadette: ...Luigi is the only one who could have killed him!
PRESS a statement or PRESENT evidence.

(...Did she really just do that? S-She’s trying to throw Luigi under the bus!)

(The Toadette I thought I knew never would have done that... I don’t want to believe it, but she’s looking pretty guilty right now...)

Prestige: 85%

Evidence: kun.boards.net/post/10213

I agree, statement 4 seems rather suspicious to me…

Also, if Toadette did in fact commit the crime, or even witness Mario's fall, she must know where the fire flower disappeared to. I suggest a search of Toadette's basket, one of the only places she could have hidden a dead fire flower.

Ahh, ahhh. I can't help but notice, the grass in the field was flattened around where Mario had fallen. Unless Toadette just happens to be too short to see over the grass right in front of her, I find that new statement somewhat suspicious.

Let's present the Flattened Grass in response to Statement 5.

That was the right evidence presented at the wrong statement, but who cares

okie dokie


Present: Flattened Grass: Statement 5



Vesti explains, “Sorry, Toadette, but your story doesn’t make any sense.” Toadette replies, “Seriously? I already said the grass was too tall for me to see Mario’s body! Why won’t you believe me?” Vesti continues, “Because it just doesn’t line up with the evidence. The grass out in that field isn’t nearly as tall as you seem to think it was. In fact, most of the grass around Mario’s body was crushes down, and even torn in a few places. That fact alone contradicts two of your claims!” “What!” Wario shouts, “You’ve gotta be kidding me! It’s just some flattened grass!” Vesti explains, “Of course, but it does bring up an important question. If most of the grass around Mario’s body was flattened and torn, then why couldn’t Toadette see his body?” Toadette replies, “I- I certainly don’t remember any flattened grass! Maybe it was knocked over after Mario died!” Vesti responds, “That doesn’t many sense. The area is a crime scene, so it’s been closed off to the public. And besides, what could have called the damage to be in such a specific area? No, I think that the grass was either damaged a while ago, or during the murder After all, Mario might have struggled with his killer, crushing and tearing up the nearby grass. Of course, if that was the case, we have evidence that Mario was indeed murdered in the field, not in his room. So, no matter when the grass was torn up, your testimony is worthless!” Toadsworth replies, “Hmm... Yes, I’m beginning to doubt that Luigi is the perpetrator of this crime...” Vesti shouts, “Of course he isn’t! Luigi didn’t kill anyone! He accidentally pushed Mario out the window in self-defense, sure, but Mario was still alive when he landed by the field. And... there’s only one person I can think of who had the perfect opportunity to finish off Mario in the field that day...”

The courtroom is filled with an apprehensive silence. Everyone seems to be waiting for Toadette to respond. It isn’t too much longer before the witness slams her hand against the witness bench and shouts, “Oh, just hurry it up already! Everyone knows what you’re driving at! Why not just get it over with?!” The gallery’s eyes turn to Vesti, who sighs, before replying, “Alright, fine. The defense wishes to formally accuse Toadette of Mario’s murder!” Toadette laughs softly, and then replies, “Alright then, I can see how much my assistance in the investigation mattered to you... But let’s not worry about that, it’s all in the past now... Instead let’s focus on the present... Where we have a charity worker up on the witness stand, being accused of murder... Am I the only one who finds that a little weird?” Vesti replies, “...Don’t try to get away with it by acting all innocent. And don’t try to get away with it by hiding behind your occupation, either. In my line of work, I’ve learned that things aren’t always as they seem. People can be very different from what their outward appearance suggests.” Toadette explains, “That may be true, but we ARE dealing with a murder here you know. Most people don’t take another’s life over simple matters... Every murder has a motive. So... would you mind enlightening the court as to mine? My charity was made to help people... In fact, I worked with the defendant himself to do so...”

“What reason could I possibly have to kill the victim?”
PRESENT evidence.

Prestige: 85%

Evidence: kun.boards.net/post/10213