CHAPTER 21
THE TRIAL OF WANDA MAXIMOFF

PART 2

During the recess, the courtroom emptied into the bustling hallways. Outside, the scene was no less chaotic. Reporters scrambled to relay the latest updates, their microphones and cameras capturing every moment. A makeshift press area had been set up, with news anchors and journalists from various networks vying for attention.

WHIH Newsfront

"This is Christine Everhart reporting live from the courthouse where the world is still reeling from the shocking revelations by defense attorney Matt Murdock."

"Reporter 2: That's right, Christine. Those were some powerful opening statements. It almost felt like a powerful closing argument instead, emphasizing that despite the horrific crimes The Scarlet Witch stands accused of, there might be a larger context to consider."

Daily Bugle

J. Jonah Jameson: Let's not mince words here. Wanda Maximoff is a murderer and a monster. She is a menace to the entire world! Matt Murdock's sob story about her being a victim of circumstance doesn't change the fact that people are dead. And they did not die quickly. Cold-blooded murder. That's what we need to focus on.

Betty Brant: The strategy seems to be focusing on the psychological and emotional toll that The Scarlet Witch faced over the years. If he can prove that her actions were influenced by these extreme pressures, or things beyond our understanding, it might sway public opinion, if not the jury.

Jameson: Public opinion!? The law does not care what the public thinks, and as far as I know we are all on the same page. She should never see the light of day!

CNN

"The defense's argument that Wanda Maximoff has been a victim of larger, cosmic-level threats adds a layer of complexity to this case. Joining me now is legal analyst, Laura Richardson. Laura, what do you make of Matt Murdock's strategy?"

"Murdock is playing a very smart game. By humanizing this woman whom we have come to see as a monstrous witch with no regard for human life, and highlighting her tragic past right off the bat, he's trying to create doubt in the jury's mind about who she is, what her intent and mental state was during the crimes. It's a risky move, but if he can prove that Wanda was not fully in control or that she was coerced, it could significantly impact the verdict."

BBC News

"In an unprecedented trial, Wanda Maximoff's defense has positioned her as a tragic figure caught in extraordinary circumstances. Let's hear from some of the spectators who were personally inside the courtroom."

Spectator 1: I think it's compelling. For the first time, we are beginning to realize that this woman has gone through hell and back. The world never knew. It makes you wonder how much of what she did was really her choice. The world tends to see things in either black or white, and I think we will be challenged with that thought. I sat closest to where she was positioned. I saw her reactions. As a good judge of character I now see there might actually be truth to what was said.

Spectator 2: But we can't ignore the facts. People died. She has to be held accountable. The question is how much leniency, if any, she deserves. Do we really live in a world where we let mass murderers with the power of gods loose on society? What if it happens again!? She is too dangerous and unstable to be out in the world!

Fox News

"The Scarlet Witch's trial has barely begun and it is already gripping the nation and the world. Her defense attorney's argument that she was a pawn in a larger cosmic game has certainly added drama. But let's be real here, folks. The evidence against her is overwhelming. Can a tragic backstory really excuse such heinous crimes?"

Back inside the courthouse, Wanda was wheeled to a small room, waiting for the trial to continue. When the time came, Matt walked in and stood by her side. The recess provided a brief respite, but the gravity of the trial loomed large. Matt's voice was calm and steady as he spoke. Although the muzzle prevented her from speaking, he could see in her eyes and body language that she was overwhelmed with fear and emotional turmoil.

Matt: We made an impact already, Wanda. Now we need to keep building on that. Stay strong.

Wanda nodded faintly, her lower lip quivering slightly. The world might see her as a monster, but Matt's unwavering support gave her a glimmer of hope.

Matt: And keep showing them what you feel. Those tears invoke empathy. Trust me, they see it. And they take note. They will look for any sign that you're faking it, so do not try to hold it in. For once, don't try to act strong in front of the world. It is due to that, that they don't see who you really are.

After a short recess, everyone took their seats again.

Judge: For this session, the defense will be addressing alleged maltreatment that the Scarlet Witch has faced in the raft.

Matt stepped forward, adjusting his tie.

Matt: Your Honor, I must bring to the court's attention the conditions in which my client has been held the past week. This will also explain why she escaped the raft earlier today. She has been subjected to severe mistreatment and torture, conditions that are inhumane and unacceptable for any detainee. No matter who they are. Now, I am well aware that anyone being sent to the raft automatically has their rights taken from them, but what my client faced in there is not just inhumane. It's morally wrong, and as of now, she has retained her rights until after she's been proven guilty. On top of that, someone is playing her like a pawn. Her children, husband, father, and two of her friends were kidnapped and taken somewhere we do not know.

The courtroom erupted with whispers and shock. The defense just threw a whole other wrench into this case.

Matt: That all happened while she was in anguish inside the raft. Your honor, I cannot even imagine what must've gone through her mind, and what goes on in her mind even here in the courtroom.

Judge: Do you have evidence to support these claims, Mr. Murdock? And should we investigate the mysterious disappearances of her family?

Matt: Your honor, the Avengers and several of our greatest heroes are already on the case. As for the evidence regarding her treatment, yes. I have it here with me. However I must warn the courtroom, what you're about to see is deeply disturbing and may cause feelings of nausea and discomfort among other things. I have evidence that will show the horrific conditions she has endured, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse that has all left a long lasting scar on my client. Not just from the doctor's experiments, but the guards as well. My client had no control or autonomy inside the raft, almost similar to how you see her now in this courtroom, and they abused that power.

They looked at her again as she stood strapped to the steel table with her mouth closed. They saw her trembling body and tearful eyes.

Matt turned to the gallery, where a screen was set up. He signaled to an assistant, who began displaying photos of Wanda's injuries and the appalling conditions of her confinement.

The images were clear and undeniable. The courtroom fell silent as the evidence was presented, the reality of Wanda's suffering laid bare for all to see. Gasps and murmurs filled the air once more, but this time they were tinged with a sense of horror and for the first time they actually showed sympathy. For the first time they didn't see the Scarlet Witch. They saw her how she saw herself in the mirror when she prepared for her wedding. (*Read Chapter 4 for a quick recap*)

Matt: Now these are just still images of some of the pain inflicted on her. There are other images not particularly linked to pain, but I cannot show those on screen to the courtroom, but I have it on file. Permission to approach, your honor?

Wanda looked at Matt in horror. Mortified to her core. She tried telling him with her eyes, that she was not comfortable with this.

Judge: Permission granted.

Matt took a few images out of a file and placed it in front of the Judge. The judge scanned through the images and looked at Wanda. He didn't want to show his reaction but he did feel horrible for what he saw.

Judge: Is there more?

Matt: Video footage, your honor. I am about to show this courtroom video footage of merely a few minutes of the 5 days of torment she endured. These are compiled clips of day 3, and only day 3.

The prosecution raised their Objection to what Matt was about to present. "Objection!"

Judge: Overruled. Mr. Murdock, you may show the footage.

A collective gasp echoed through the courtroom as the video played in front of them. They could hear the sounds of torment and pleas, and see it all happen from her point of view from the camera that Matt secretly put in her eye a few days ago.

*recorded footage

Wanda: Please... p-please st... stop... stop... I can't... I can't take more.

The next clip was shown.

Wanda: You're k... killing me! Wait what is THAT!? NO!!! NOO!!!!!

The next clip, her voice was barely audible.

Wanda: Please... I'm... I-Im t... tired. *wheezing*

A lot of other footage was shown. Eyes widened in horror, whispers grew louder, and the atmosphere turned electric with shock. Some minority of the people in the audience actually thought she deserved it, that was how low they thought of her.

Wanda felt tremendous angst when she saw it all happen again in front of her very eyes. Her heart pounded in her throat and she shut her eyes tight, but she couldn't cover her ears from the sounds. The courtroom and jury saw her reaction towards the ordeal. Tears streaming down her face.

Matt: Horror. That's the only word that can describe what my client experienced. If merely a couple of minutes made some of you look away, let me remind you that this is what she experienced for 5 whole DAYS.

The prosecution raised a voice to the Judge once again. "Objection!!"

Judge: Overruled!! Continue.

Matt: I also have evidence that she was not nourished with nearly enough food or water to sustain her, no bed, and only one bathroom break per day that was also neglected twice. Which is all captured on the footage as well, along with several times being degraded and violated by the guards on duty.

Matt showed several clips of what he was referring to. Everyone was in shock and disbelief, eventhe Judge found it hard to look.

The prosecution objected again while standing up.

"Objection!!"

Judge: Overruled!! Sit down! Please continue, Mr. Murdock.

Matt: Your Honor, the images and the footage presented to you today, detail the atrocities committed by a doctor inside the raft, and the guards who used their position of power to do as they pleased.

Matt didn't want to reveal what's really been going on and that the doctor is actually Chthon, because he'd put innocent lives at risk.

The prosecution stood up again. "Objection!!!"

The Judge sighed and allowed the prosecution a chance to speak their mind.

"The footage shown here has been illegally obtained! And this does not change anything about what the defendant has done."

Judge: I agree with that. Mr. Murdock may I ask how were you able to get first person footage of what had been done to the defendant? And to make things clear (he looked at the Prosecution), I was well aware that this had to have been illegally obtained, but the footage does show many things we cannot ignore, yet you continued to object a serious matter. Mr. Murdock, please answer my question.

Matt knew this was going to come up, but he was prepared for it.

Matt: Yes, your honor... It was a concern of mine that she was not being treated right, so I... bugged her with a small camera. I was hoping, considering the circumstances and footage you've been shown, you would not hold it against me. And if so, I will take what's coming to me. But not now. Now we are focusing on Wanda.

Judge: Very well. Your actions will be reviewed at a later time. And I agree that what we've just been presented with is more pressing than how you managed to capture it.

Matt: Thank you, your honor. Now, I understand that at the time of these experiments she still did not have her rights back, but that was before. And now because she is still innocent until proven guilty, these experiments and maltreatment were not only unethical but were conducted without her consent, violating her rights as a human being. She was subjected to such cruel treatment that it left her scarred not just in body but in mind and spirit. And frankly... what you and the world is putting her through right now is only making it worse. She was JUST married mere hours before the S.W.O.R.D incident and mere hours before she was ruthlessly KIDNAPPED and taken to the raft without warning. Who would throw their entire life away hours after getting married? Why would Wanda go to a S.W.O.R.D facility to murder 120 agents, hours after getting married?

The judge, visibly shaken, looked up.

Judge: Mr. Murdock, please stay on track. We are currently talking about her treatment in the raft. We are not here to discuss matters of the murder case.

Matt: My apologies, your honor. I just thought you should know how greatly this is affecting her.

Judge: Unfortunately, at the time she was held in the raft, her rights were suspended, and legally, we cannot prosecute the doctor or any of the guards through this court. However, in light of everything I have just witnessed with my own eyes and ears, we will have to investigate the conditions at the raft, separately from this case. Even if the inmates there do not have rights, they are still conscious living beings. So I thank you for bringing this to our attention. As for The Scarlet Witch...

Matt: Please, may I ask that you refer to my client as Wanda Maximoff. She prefers to be called by name. Because that is who she really is in her heart.

Judge: Right. Well, Mr. Murdock, what do you want us to do with Wanda Maximoff as we await trial?

Matt: I ask that you transfer her to a better holding cell during these proceedings and possibly re-evaluate the possibility of bail. I also request that you remove the "escape" charge as you can clearly see, anyone would've tried anything in their power to escape such  place. She didn't try to escape a jail. She tried to escape torture from a hellhole.
Imagine what she must've felt as it all happened. Some of which made it on live television.

Wanda felt a pang of shame. It felt dehumanizing the way they spoke so openly about her situation while the entire world watched. She just wished for this to all to never have happened.

Judge: In light of what I just witnessed,  this is a very rare case... and her treatment was definitely a large factor that contributed to her escape. So I am personally scrapping the charge of escaping confinement. But the charges she compiled DURING the escape still remains. Such as when she caused a mass pile up of vehicles and left a giant crater in the middle of a highway miles outside Westview.

Wanda felt a very small victory as the first step has been won in her favor. This created more hope in Matt and hope in the complete fairness of this trial.

Matt: Those matters will be talked about in detail when it is time. But right now, Your Honor, I simply need assurances that she will not be harmed any further. I cannot allow my client to suffer while waiting for the next court date. Wanda Maximoff is a person. She has suffered immensely, and yet she is still here, facing her accusers DESPITE her family being missing. She agreed to do this willingly. She deserves to be treated with the same respect and care as anyone else. Please, grant this request to transfer her to a better holding cell. Let us show that our justice system can rise above fear and prejudice. She won't harm anyone.

The judge took a deep breath, his decision clear in his eyes.

Judge: Mr. Murdock, the evidence you have presented is deeply troubling. It is clear that Wanda Maximoff has been mistreated in ways that are unacceptable regardless of what horrible crimes she might have done. I will grant your request to transfer her to a better holding cell during this trial.

Matt turned to Wanda, whose tearful eyes conveyed a mixture of gratitude and profound sadness. She couldn't speak, but her emotions were clear.

Judge: This court will ensure that Ms. Maximoff is treated with the respect and humanity that our legal system demands. Now, I would want to ensure she gets treated humanely, and maybe I could grant her bail, however, what should we do about the elephant in the room?

Matt: Her powers...

Judge: We cannot risk another incident or another attack. She is not sedated and strapped to an upright table for no reason, Mr. Murdock. And she is not being denied bail for no reason either. We don't do it to punish her, we do it for the safety of everyone around her. As for right now, bail is still denied and daily sedatives are required to keep her powers at bay. However, after what I've seen and heard today, she will not be required to be tied down or wear a strait-jacket any longer, and she will be transferred to the DODC maximum security prison, where she will be treated as human.

Matt: Your honor, may I ask, why are you simply transferring her from ONE supermax to another? My client--

Judge: (Interrupts) As I've said before... She is a very dangerous individual. And although she is still innocent until proven guilty, it doesn't change the danger she poses. A place like the DODC supermax will keep a close eye on her and ensure to keep her at bay. She will be safe there. Court is adjourned until further notice.

As the gavel struck, Matt walked over to Wanda. He couldn't touch her, but he offered a reassuring smile.

Matt: We've won today's battle, Wanda. We'll keep fighting, and we'll make sure you get the justice you deserve.

Wanda's eyes glistened with tears, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope. The road ahead was still long and fraught with challenges, but at least now, she knew there was a hope against all odds. Today has proven that.

As Wanda was wheeled out of the courthouse, the gathered crowd outside assaulted her senses. The noise amplified her anxiety, each shouted question and clicking camera shutter sending fresh waves of fear and sadness through her body. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a drum of dread echoing through her entire being. The world around her felt overwhelmingly chaotic, and she struggled to maintain her composure.

Christine Everhart, standing with her microphone and camera crew, delivered a live update for WHIH Newsfront.

“This is Christine Everhart reporting live from outside the courthouse where the Scarlet Witch is currently being escorted out of the building. The crowd here is absolutely nuts, with emotions running high on both sides.”

The camera panned to show the chaotic scene. People surged forward, held back only by the thin line of police officers forming a barrier. The reporters, desperate for a close-up, leaned over the barricades, their microphones thrust forward like weapons.

"Wanda! Wanda! Over here!"

"Do you regret what you did?"

"Do you have anything to say to the families of your victims?"

"Do you think you'll be acquitted?"

Matt: Stay back! Can't you see she is unable to speak!?

The barrage of questions was relentless, each one piercing her already fragile mental state. She wanted to cover her ears, to block out the noise, but her restraints held her firmly in place. She felt the onset of a panic attack. Matt walked beside her, his presence a small but steady anchor in the storm. He could hear the quick loud gasps for air through her nose, since she was unable to breathe through her mouth.

Matt: Just focus on me, Wanda. We're almost there.

But it was hard to focus, hard to breathe, hard to think. The sea of faces blurred together, a mass of judgmental eyes and accusing glares. Some people shouted insults, their words cutting deeper than any physical blow.

"Murderer!"

"Monster!"

"You'll never be free WITCH!"

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the hatred. Tears streamed down her face, the emotional toll of the trial and the public's scorn weighing heavily on her. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and utterly alone despite Matt's reassuring presence.

"WHIH: Defense attorney Matt Murdock presented harrowing evidence of the conditions the Scarlet Witch endured while she was being held in the Raft. And we were shocked to realize there might be someone behind the scenes, who might have forced her to do these things in order to save her family. Although that is just a rumor, the mysterious disappearance of her family and two of her friends are real and causes a lot of questions. The evidence showing the maltreatment she received in the raft included images and video footage that have shocked the courtroom and the world. All of this new information casts an entirely new light over this case. Wanda Maximoff’s emotional state is visibly fragile. It reminds us that we should not forget the human element behind this high-profile trial, we must take into account how she is being affected by this. The question on everyone’s mind is how today’s revelations will impact the public’s perception and the jury’s decision."

The camera zoomed in on Wanda’s tear-streaked face, capturing the raw fear and vulnerability in her eyes. Despite the chaos, Christine’s voice remained steady, conveying the gravity of the moment.

“WHIH: The crowd here is divided. Some are calling for her immediate incarceration, labeling her a monster and a murderer. Others, however, are beginning to question the justice of her treatment and whether there is more to her story than meets the eye. The world expected a cold, heartless monster grinning as the Judge layed out her crimes. Instead they got a vulnerable young woman completely overwhelmed by the entire ordeal after just escaping a place of physical, emotional and spiritual torture mere hours ago. If this was day one, one can only guess the twists and turns this case is yet to have. Can the notorious Scarlet Witch earn the public's empathy and support? As impossible as that sounded hours ago, some are already starting to question themselves."

The police officers around Wanda and Matt tightened their formation, creating a clearer path through the crowd. Even so, the throng of people felt suffocating, their energy oppressive. The distance to the waiting police van seemed impossibly long.

A particularly aggressive reporter broke through the line of officers, thrusting a microphone towards Wanda.

“Scarlet Witch, do you feel any remorse for what you’ve done? Do you think you deserve forgiveness? What do you have to say to the families of those you murdered?"

The camera captured Wanda’s reaction. Her eyes widened in panic and her body tensed with fear. Her heart skipped a beat. For a moment, she was back in the Raft, trapped and powerless. The reporter's invasive presence was too much. She turned her head away, trying to retreat into herself, but the reporter persisted.

Matt: She has a name! Wanda is not able to speak right now! Can't you see the muzzle over her mouth!?

Before the situation could escalate further, a police officer stepped in, pushing the reporter back and restoring the protective barrier around her.

Officer: Move back! Give her space!

The group picked up the pace, the police van drawing nearer. Wanda's breaths came in shallow, rapid bursts, but she kept her focus on Matt's calming voice.

Matt: We're almost there, Wanda. Just a few more steps.

“WHIH: As you can see, tensions are incredibly high. The officers are doing their best to ensure Wanda Maximoff’s safety as she is transferred to the waiting police van. Today’s proceedings have undoubtedly left a mark on the public consciousness. The evidence presented by Matt Murdock has painted a complex picture of Wanda Maximoff. Not just as the Scarlet Witch accused of terrible crimes, but as a woman who has endured unimaginable suffering. An ordinary young woman who has a family and friends who love her. A family that has disappeared without a trace. The world will be watching closely as this trial continues to unfold.”

The van door opened, and the officers removed her restraints and muzzle. They put her inside the van gently but firmly, securing her inside.

Wanda: Th... Thank you... Please don't p-put that on me again...

She took a few short breaths while she spoke.

Officer: Mr. Murdock. This is where we leave you.

Wanda: C-can't he come with?

Matt: It's okay Wanda. Go with them.

The moment the door closed behind her, the noise of the crowd was muffled, the chaos outside reduced to a distant roar. Inside the van, the tension slowly began to ease. Wanda felt a semblance of safety returning, though her body still trembled from the ordeal. Her mind struggling to process everything that had happened. The van started moving, and as it pulled away from the courthouse, she felt a tiny spark of hope amidst the fear and uncertainty. They had won a small victory, and for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, there might be a way out of this mess. If she just continue to go through with what Chthon asked of her, she might see her family again too. But why ask her to go through with the trial? She couldn't understand his motives, but she had no choice but to obey him.

As the van drove away, the noise of the crowd faded into the background, leaving behind the echoes of their words and the promise of another day's battle. But for now, Wanda could find a moment of peace, knowing that she was not alone in her fight.

During the ride, one of the officers, out of curiosity, tried to get more out of her.

Officer: Wanda...

...

Officer: Ms. Maximoff?

Wanda: Hmm?

The mention of her name snapped her out of her trance and she looked at the officer sitting across from her.

Officer: I'm sorry for what happened to you. Not just the raft but... everything.

She almost couldn't believe it. She looked at him confused but just nodded her head. He looked at her as to find any semblance of the psychotic witch he previously thought she was.

Officer: Is it true?

Wanda: Is... what... true?

Officer: Are you... really a victim?

He looked into her eyes and saw her vulnerability within. She took a while to answer as she thought back to everything that has happened. A solitary tear escaped her eye. She gulped and responded with a shakey whisper.

Wanda: Yes...

Officer: But... how? You have SO many charges against you. Horrible ones. I can see you are sincere, I just... I can't understand it. How can you be innocent of every single one of them?

Wanda: I-I don't... have an answer... I just... am... *sniffles*

The officer put his hand on her shoulder, saying nothing back as he tried to give her comfort. But due to what she's experienced the past week, she flinched.

Officer: Hey. It's okay.

Wanda: S-sorry... I-I'm... Thank you.

Officer: My name is Victor. I will be looking over you at the DODC prison. I promise I'm not like those guards at the raft.

Wanda: Why are... why are you so... kind... to me? I th-thought everyone hated... m-me.

Officer Victor: Oh trust me... after today... I think there are quite a lot of people questioning their views they had about you. You have one brilliant lawyer.

The officer kept quiet for a while.

Officer Victor: I just can't see it. You don't seem like someone who'd do all those things willingly.

Wanda: I'm not... I... I'm... Not a monster.

Officer Victor: I believe you. And that makes me feel so much worse. Knowing all this is happening to someone who doesn't deserve it, and someone very vulnerable at that. It turns my stomach.

Wanda: I... I don't know what to say I...

Another tear escaped her eye.

Wanda: Thank you. I... I needed that.