Courthouse

In a dark forest, a young man was standing alone. He wasn't actually alone; there were a number of corpses lying around. The bodies were severely hurt and coated in blood. He have no idea what just happened. It seems that the young man had just fought them all. However, the young man had an odd characteristic. He didn't appear to be a typical person.

His fangs and claws are sharp. His eyes resembled those of a beast. His breathing became shallow as he became aware that everything was over. He took a quick look at the bodies. His attitude abruptly shifted. He noticed that his face and hands were both stained with blood. He was suddenly frightened.

"What... what have I done? I'm not a killer. I am not a murderer! I hate myself!"

***

Reynard was awakened from his sleep by a metallic sound. He unknowingly dozed off against the wall. Morning has already arrived. Reynard's mind was racing, and he was confused by what had just happened. Because his body and mind were worn out and chaotic, it appears as though what just happened was simply a terrible nightmare. His eyes looked around. The morning sun seeps in through the cracks in the wall with holes. Near the bars, an officer is walking with a cane. The officer looked at Reynard with a sharp and cold gaze.

"There will soon be a trial. The inspector is in the car waiting for you," the warden stated.

A second cop quickly unlocked the iron bars. Reynard was instantly handcuffed when two guards entered the room. Reynard's body was partially dragged so that the boy could rush to the prisoner car. He will face a criminal trial today. Reynard was escorted to the police station's back. A prisoner's car and other police cars were already waiting to accompany Reynard to the courtroom. They all gave Reynard a threatening gaze as if they truly despised him. Reynard nevertheless made an effort to remain unaffected by the intimidation they were using.

"Put him in the car. We're already late for court," Inspector Fredrin ordered.

Reynard quickly boarded the prison car. Everyone got into a car and drove to the courthouse together. The tiny group chose a quiet path to avoid drawing attention to themselves. It simply took a few minutes to travel. Reynard's body was brought in and carried into the courthouse after arriving. Reynard was taken to a courtroom by them. Not many people were present. There were just three judges, two prosecutors, and a few of security personnel. The trial started off right away with the reading of the charges as soon as the group arrived.

"Reynard West, a fugitive from the police who has committed various crimes that have disturbed the public. Simply committing theft, pickpocketing, robbery, or assault qualifies you as a criminal. You face a fifteen-year jail time and a $1 million fine, according to the state. The alternative to the fine is an additional three years in prison," stated one of the prosecutor.

Reynard sat in the middle of the courtroom silently. He gave the prosecutor a fleeting glance before his face resumed its downward slope. Life for him is ended. It's been a long time—15 years. How will he begin a new life after being released from prison? He no longer has any friends or family. He'll be living alone.

"Thank you, prosecutor, for reading the charges. It appears that the accusations were sufficient. Reynard West, the suspect, is in charge of making his defense." Reynard was given the opportunity to speak before the judge decided what kind of punishment the young guy deserved. But really, this is simply a formality. Even if Reynard is given the chance to speak for himself, the judge's decision will still stand. Reynard's options were limited. He was not accompanied by a lawyer. Despite the fact that he is well aware that everyone, even a criminal, has the right to legal assistance.

"I confess to all of my crimes, Mr. Judge. I have absolutely no defense to provide. If you like, you may immediately punish me, "Reynard hastily stated.

"Very well then. In this trial, I noticed your sincerity. Even though you are a criminal, respect should be shown for your honesty. I sentence Reynard West to thirteen years in jail and a $775 fine in accordance with the instructions the state has given me. The alternative to the fine is an additional two years in prison."

The verdict was valid since the judge slammed the gavel three times. Everyone felt a little let down, even Inspector Fredrin, who was present to observe the events. Reynard receiving a lesser punishment than the prosecutor wanted infuriated him. He made an effort to maintain his composure despite this.

Reynard was once more dragged into the prison car following the verdict of the case. He will be remanded in jail at the police station for the time being. He will be moved to a different prison outside the city tomorrow. Reynard will spend one more night in jail while awaiting the arrival of the pickup car. But for him, that was bad news.

"You're fortunate that the judge decreased the punishment from what the prosecutor had requested. Despite the fact that I want you to receive the most severe punishment possible. Your actions have caused harm to several people. There should be no reduction in your punishment." In the prisoner's car, Inspector Fredrin addressed Reynard and a number of other officers while seated across from them. They were moving to the central police station.

This time, Reynard's heart was in turmoil even though he didn't want to react to the Inspector's remarks. "You know Inspector? Nobody will be harmed by my actions. I only rob the affluent. I only cause harm to people who have done wrong. I'm also not a murderer or tyrant. At least I didn't do all that for power and wealth—I did it only to survive. Who among us is a criminal, really? Me or you?" Reynard's remarks incensed Inspector Fredrin. That suggests that he isn't much better to Reynard. However, getting upset served no useful purpose. Reynard had, after all, received the justice he deserved.

"If you still want to live, you better watch your words carefully, young man," Inspector Fredrin threatened, glaring at Reynard.

***