I counted to 200. There was a loud crash. I looked toward the sound. The prosecutor's table was broken in two. He shook with anger. The screen was frozen on the blood covered creature.

The judge banged his gavel. “Bloody moon and stars, Lucas don't you dare wear that half-form if you're going to act like that in my court.”

“Tell me you made her fucking hurt,” he growled.

“Lucas,” the judge shouted.

“What in the hell is Steinbrow doing that this man can find all these sick fucks and he can't?”

“Lucas, so help me...,” the judge paused for a beat, letting the statement stand. I sensed rather than saw an energy building on the gavel

Lucas the prosecutor dropped into his chair, head hanging on his chest.

“Why would I torture her? Who would it bring back? Whose behavior would it change?” I remembered pieces of that video. It still haunted my dreams. Added to by numerous other night creatures. Watching as people were torn apart. “If there is judgment after this, how could I be more effective than God himself? All I would do is stain my hands and become a bit more like her. She died. Not for vengeance, not for justice, just sheer damn necessity.” I felt the weight of those videos. The weight of the eyes of those suffering. The weight of the dark knowledge. If they were not stopped, they would keep on doing it forever. I didn’t think there was anyone else to stop them.

But that wasn't true. There were others who could take them on. I could stop. They could stop them. I had no duty left. I had always figured that they would get me sooner or later. I just couldn't go out being useless. Twitching in the dirt while someone else died. The succubus option sounded more fun than what I’d previously considered my final moments would be.

I looked toward Lucas, the prosecutor, “Would it be okay to change my plea...”

The vampire put a hand over my mouth. “Shhhh... sush...be quiet.” He looked to the judge. “I would like to ask for privacy to confer with my client.” The judge banged a gavel and the air around us changed. It felt still and oppressive.

“Are there videos of the night-creature’s deaths?” He asked me. I nodded. “You didn’t torment them?”

“All were as clean as I could make them.”

“There was another hard drive to the side of the others with black tape. My rig also has a memory stick with my encounter with the Lost Boys wannabes.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

He glanced at the prosecutor who was picking up his papers from the floor before turning to the judge. “Sufshient evidentz hath been collected.” He began in his drawl. “Letz proceed to the trial.”

The judge looked at Elijah and then looked toward Lucas. “The prosecution does not disagree. Enough evidence has been collected to have a trial.”

The judge banged the gavel. “Court proceedings will now begin, and the prosecution has the opening statement.”

Lucas stood from his seat. “We are a society that has existed alongside humans for centuries. Though our roles have at times been antagonistic we have formed ourselves into a society that respects sentience and upholds law.” Lucas hesitated on what to say next for a second. “The videos speak for themselves. He tracked down individuals and killed them. Everyone that is missing and has a video on here is one that is murdered instead of facing these laws.” He sat back down.

The judge nodded to Elijah. “Defense opening statement.”

“Members of the jury, let us make sure justice prevails.” He sat back down.

The judge looked at him. “Is that all, Elijah?”

Elijah nodded.

The judge looked at me. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to add anything?”

“Not at this time.” I figured Lucas looked sympathetic. Maybe he could still find a fun way to execute me.

“Prosecution, make your case.” The judge responded.

Lucas called the scent trackers up and had them go over how they identified me. He presented my armaments that I had from when I immolated the wannabe lost boys establishing that I was dangerous. He then presented the videos as my motive. Elijah made no move to contest anything.

“Elijah, would you like to present a counter to anything?” The judge asked.

“Atz thith, time I note that full charges have not been brought against my client. He should be tried for all incidences,” said Elijah.

The judge looked over to Lucas. “We are applying the death penalty. Any incident in which he is found guilty can only be carried out once,” said Lucas.

“Yes, but we are bound by law and the law is a full account. We should go through the entirety of the drive. It looks like it is divided between an open and closed. Let us look at the closed files,” said Elijah.

The videos played. I had axed about 40 night creatures including the recent bunch. All of their sins that I had documented played out. I plugged my ears to the videos and looked around the room to people watch. Or maybe creature watch. After about 2 videos the bailiff left to get the jury cold cloths and buckets. I wondered if night creatures had therapists. Gabby sat behind me still. Her face was locked in a mask.

Linda Blanc's file came up last even though it had been the first one they viewed. The Bailiff hesitated. “Play it again,” said Elijah.

“No...,” I said.

Everyone's eyes focused on me.

“No one deserves to watch it once. A second time is just cruel. Knowing what's going to happen.”

Elijah looked at the jury. And then to the judge. The judge nodded at me. “The court will take a minor and much needed break.”