### *Tobias: Facing the Judge*

The courtroom felt colder than usual as Tobias sat in the waiting area, clutching his plushie tightly. Today wasn’t like the trial for Mrs. Harris. This time, it was his turn to stand before the judge—a tradition all Penitatas faced as part of their judicial discipline.

The **Court-Appointed Spanking**, administered by the judge, was intended to reinforce the lessons of accountability and the importance of growth. Tobias had spent nights dreading this day, replaying it in his mind.

“Tobias Rowe?” a bailiff called. Tobias’s ears twitched nervously as he stood, his tail wrapping around his leg. He held his plushie tighter for comfort.

“It’s time,” the bailiff said, motioning him forward.

---

### *Entering the Courtroom*

Tobias entered the smaller, private courtroom where his session was to take place. Unlike the larger public courtroom for trials, this space was quiet and intimate. Judge Horton, a stern but fair-looking brown bear, sat behind the bench.

Tobias’s parents were seated nearby, watching anxiously. They had been required to upload their observations about Tobias’s progress to the court system. These electronic journals, alongside Tobias’s own entries, were the basis for today’s review.

“Tobias Rowe,” Judge Horton said, looking over his glasses. “Step forward.”

Tobias hesitated, setting his plushie gently on the bench behind him, before approaching the judge.

“Do you understand why you’re here today?” Judge Horton asked, his voice calm but firm.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Tobias replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

---

### *Reviewing the Journals*

Judge Horton tapped at the screen of his tablet, pulling up the files containing the journals submitted by Tobias and his parents. 

“I’ve read your journal entries,” he began, scrolling through the text. “You’ve been honest about your mistakes, reflecting on your actions and the consequences. That’s a good start.”

Tobias nodded slightly, his ears twitching nervously.

The judge shifted to the files from Tobias’s parents. “Your parents’ entries paint a picture of progress. They note moments of responsibility and self-awareness. However, there are still areas where you need improvement—like your impulsivity and occasional carelessness.”

Tobias’s tail flicked uncomfortably. He knew those points referred to incidents like breaking the vase or acting without thinking.

“These observations align with what you’ve written in your own journal,” Judge Horton continued. “While you’re making progress, accountability is a journey that requires consistent effort.”

Tobias glanced toward his parents, who gave him small, reassuring nods.

---

### *The Spanking*

The bailiff brought a sturdy wooden chair to the center of the room as Judge Horton rose from the bench. He removed his robe, revealing a tailored shirt and tie beneath, and walked to the chair. 

“Tobias, come forward,” the judge instructed.

Tobias’s heart raced as he stepped closer, his tail flicking nervously behind him. He winced as Judge Horton picked up a polished wooden paddle from the table beside him.

“Lower your pants and lean over,” the judge said firmly.

Tobias hesitated, glancing back at his parents, before reaching down to unfasten his pants. He lowered them to his knees and bent over the chair, gripping its legs tightly.

Judge Horton placed a paw on Tobias’s back to steady him. “This is not about punishment alone, Tobias. It’s about reinforcing the lessons you’ve learned so far. Let’s begin.”

The first swat landed with a sharp *crack*, and Tobias yelped, his claws digging into the chair. The sting spread quickly, making his tail curl tightly against his leg.

Judge Horton delivered each swat deliberately, pausing occasionally to ask questions.

“What have you learned about your actions at home?” the judge asked after a particularly sharp swat.

“I need to be more careful,” Tobias said, his voice strained. “And think before I act.”

Another swat landed. “And what about your responsibilities to others?”

“That... being brave doesn’t mean being reckless,” Tobias replied, sniffling.

The judge nodded, continuing the spanking with measured, deliberate strikes. Tobias sniffled, tears spilling down his cheeks, but he answered each question honestly, determined to prove he was learning.

---

### *The Aftermath*

When the spanking ended, Tobias’s backside burned, and his face was streaked with tears. The judge helped him stand and gestured for him to pull up his pants.

“Come here, Tobias,” Judge Horton said, his tone softer now. Tobias shuffled closer, wincing slightly with each step.

“You’ve shown progress,” the judge said, looking him in the eye. “This wasn’t easy, but it’s a necessary part of your journey. Keep working hard, and you’ll come out of this stronger.”

Tobias nodded, wiping his eyes. “Thank you, Your Honor.”

---

### *Reuniting with His Parents*

As Tobias rejoined his parents, Mrs. Rowe knelt to his level and pulled him into a hug. “You were so brave, Tobias,” she said, her voice full of pride. “We’re so proud of you.”

Mr. Rowe placed a paw on Tobias’s shoulder. “You’ve come a long way, son. Keep it up.”

“Thanks,” Tobias murmured, clutching his plushie tightly as they left the courtroom together.

---

### *Virt’s Observation*

From a distant shadow near the courthouse, Virt watched the family with her usual smirk. Her glowing red eyes reflected the faint light as she murmured to herself.

“Standing firm even when it hurts. You’re shaping up, Tobias. But this is just the beginning.”

With a flick of her tail, she melted into the shadows, leaving Tobias to take another step forward on his path toward growth and redemption.