### *Tobias: The Verdict*

The Evergrand Justice Hall was packed with spectators as Tobias sat quietly beside his father, Edwin. Martha and Bruno sat nearby, their expressions tense. All eyes were on the defendants—Cassie, Tobias’s vindictive ex, and Connor Green, the human boy who had hacked into the school system with her.

Cassie looked defiant, her arms crossed as she glared at the judge. Connor, on the other hand, sat stiffly in his chair, his face pale. Both were awaiting their sentences, and the air was thick with anticipation.

---

### *The Judge’s Decision*

The judge, an imposing lion with a mane streaked with silver, peered over his glasses as he addressed the courtroom.

“Cassie and Connor, the evidence against you is overwhelming,” he said, his voice steady but firm. “You colluded to hack into Evergrand Penitatas School’s systems, tamper with student records, and frame an innocent party. Your actions disrupted the lives of others and violated numerous laws.”

He turned his gaze to Cassie. “As an adult, your choice to engage in such behavior carries severe consequences. After careful consideration, this court sentences you to the Rejuvenalization Protocol. You will serve your time as a Penitatas.”

Gasps rippled through the courtroom. Cassie’s eyes widened, her defiance replaced with shock. “What? No! You can’t do this!” she shouted, her voice trembling.

The judge raised a hand, silencing her. “You’ve left me no choice. Your behavior demonstrates a lack of remorse and a willingness to harm others for personal gain. The protocol will offer you an opportunity to reflect and rehabilitate.”

He then turned to Connor. “As for you, Mr. Green, you are already serving as a Penitatas. However, your actions warrant additional cycles. This court sentences you to three additional hard cycles for your role in this conspiracy.”

Connor’s shoulders sagged, his face falling. He muttered something under his breath but didn’t argue.

---

### *The Aftermath*

As the courtroom emptied, Tobias and his friends lingered outside, watching as Cassie was escorted away by officers. Her protests echoed down the hallway, her once-commanding presence reduced to helpless anger. Connor followed shortly after, his head hanging low as he was led back to the Penitatas facility.

“Well,” Tobias said, crossing his arms, “it couldn’t happen to a nicer bigot.”

Martha’s ears twitched, and Bruno’s eyes widened. “Tobias!” Martha hissed. “That’s not the kind of thing you say out loud.”

Before Tobias could reply, he felt a firm hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see his father’s stern expression.

“Excuse me?” Edwin said, his voice low but commanding. “What did you just say?”

Tobias’s ears flattened. “I, uh… I just meant—”

“Enough,” Edwin interrupted. “That was unkind and unnecessary. We do not gloat over others’ punishments, no matter what they’ve done.”

“But, Dad—” Tobias started, only to be silenced by Edwin’s raised eyebrow.

“Pants down,” Edwin said firmly. “Right now.”

---

### *Discipline on the Spot*

Tobias’s cheeks burned as he glanced around, realizing they were still outside the courthouse. “Here? Dad, come on!”

“Right here,” Edwin said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Actions have consequences, Tobias. You know that.”

Reluctantly, Tobias lowered his pants, his tail curling in embarrassment. Edwin sat on a nearby bench, guiding Tobias over his lap. 

The first smack landed sharply, Edwin’s hand firm and deliberate. Tobias yelped, his ears flattening as the spanking continued. 

“You do not insult others,” Edwin said as he delivered another swat. “No matter what they’ve done.”

“Ow! I’m sorry!” Tobias cried, his voice trembling.

After several more swats, Edwin stood Tobias up and motioned for him to pull his pants back up. “I hope you’ve learned something from this.”

Tobias sniffled, his backside stinging as he nodded. “I won’t say stuff like that again.”

---

### *A Lesson in Humility*

As they walked home, Tobias stayed quiet, his head lowered in thought. Martha and Bruno walked beside him, both looking sympathetic but wisely saying nothing.

Finally, Tobias glanced up at his father. “I didn’t mean to sound cruel. I just... I’m tired of people like them getting away with everything.”

Edwin softened slightly, placing a hand on Tobias’s shoulder. “I understand, son. But justice isn’t about revenge. It’s about making things right—and that starts with how we treat others, even when they’re wrong.”

Tobias nodded slowly. “I’ll try to be better.”

“That’s all I ask,” Edwin said with a small smile.

As they reached home, Tobias felt a mix of embarrassment and resolve. The stinging reminder from his father had left its mark, but so had the lesson: strength wasn’t just about fighting—it was about knowing when to show kindness, even to those who didn’t deserve it.