Karusa's POV

Another day in court. Link's keeping a close eye on me, and so is that ninja-looking girl next to him. What was her name again? White hair, Sheika merch—Is she the one Malice used to complain about after every MMA tournament? I think so. She's Zelda's friend... the one who'd play tough and cuss me out whenever she'd see me. And if I'm not mistaken, she's also the one who spray-painted that giant dick onto Lorule's baseball field back in March.

I could tell my lawyer about that vandalism. It might even benefit my case. But then I'd have to testify to why I was at the baseball field that night, and to be honest, I don't really wanna talk about it. Especially not in front of an audience... Nobody needs to know that I was there to find Malice. Or that she woulda shot herself on those bleachers if I hadn't shown up in time. Or that I was drunk and armed with Mal's 9mm when Zelly and Ninja-girl showed up a few hours later.

I try not to think about it, but it's burned into my mind like a damn brand.

Mal was sitting alone in the stands. The golden hour light made her look—I don't know—gorgeous and tragic all at once. Fallen angel typa shit. Then I saw the gun pressed against her temple, and for a moment, it was like we were kids again, back in the garage of our foster home.

I took the gun from her, just like I did back then. She was embarrassed, couldn't even look me in the eye. Hell, I was embarrassed too, but for different reasons. How hadn't I noticed how bad it had gotten for her? I almost wanted to use that gun to shoot myself.

I told her to go back to the Hideout. She didn't wanna hear it, but I knew if Ganondorf noticed her gone, she'd be in a hell of a lot more trouble. So I thought I was doing the right thing by telling her to go back. Probably one of my biggest regrets.

If I could go back to that day, I wouldn't play her suicide attempt off like it's nothing. Instead of telling her to go back, I'd take her and get the hell out of there. Go somewhere, anywhere but here. Never look back... I'd take care of her. I'd do it right this time. I'd keep her safe.

"Karusa Valley," someone says my name and snaps me out of my thoughts. Almost forgot I'm in court. "Please take the witness stand."

As soon as I sit down, I push my thoughts about Mal aside and focus on the attorney in front of me. Kirby, was it?

My lawyer gives me a nod from his seat when the prosecutor steps forward. This Kirby guy is looking all serious and important but I know it's just for show. He can't do shit.

I make myself comfortable. Hopefully this'll be over fast. This whole thing is a joke and a waste of my time.

"State your name for the record," Kirby says with some hidden disgust in his tone. Trust me, the feeling is mutual.

"Karusa Valley," I say, almost like a question, because why would I need to state my name when A) they just said my name and B) this whole thing is all about me. The room is almost empty anyway, and everyone who's here already knows me. There are some new faces from last time: Some jock sitting next to the pre-med chick—Mipha?—and a tall, muscular lady with red hair.

And then there's Zelda, the only person in the room who's actively avoiding looking at me. Where's she been for the past two court dates?

I don't know if her presence should worry me, but I shoot her a smile anyway, just to piss off Link some more. Maybe he'll throw a tantrum and attack me in front of the judge. It's amusing to picture, but I can honestly win this even without provoking him.

"On the day of the incident, what exactly happened?" Kirby asks me, tryna sound all authoritative. Oh noo, I'm so scared.

My head tilts back into his direction. I roll my eyes. "Link and I had words. He got mad. Swung his bat at me. I defended myself."

"Defended yourself?" Hyrule's lawyer asks.

"Yes," I say. Slowly, loud and clear, as if he didn't speak English. "Link started it."

The man takes a deep breath. "What about the allegations that you harassed other students at Hyrule University? Did they start that, too?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Those are just stories, man. People love to make stuff up."

"There is evidence of you harassing a female student on campus."

I glance at Zelda. Is that why she's here? To testify or some shit?

"You said all evidence was lost in the fire," I say, looking back at Kirby.

Kriby shakes his head. "I'm not talking about the incident on Hyrule's campus. I'm referring to something that happened on Lorule ground."

I arch an eyebrow, staying alert. "What are you talking about?"

"A witness has come forward, privately. They testified to seeing you harass a female student from Hyrule University. It happened in the tunnels of the soccer stadium during a home game against Hyrule. Do you remember the incident?"

My attention is drawn to Zelda. She's still avoiding eye contact, but Link and ninja-girl are whispering something to each other while clearly looking at me. My attorney is also looking at me. He's pulling a face as if I betrayed him. Like he's trying to mouth: Why didn't you tell me about any of that?

Still processing, I shrug at Kirby, feeling pretty confused myself. If the girl they're talking about is Zelda, then who's the witness? Who snitched on me? Or could Kirby be bluffing? Can he legally do that? Shit, too many questions, not enough answers.

"People talk," I say. "Doesn't make it true."

"People talk, indeed. But this witness provided a detailed account that matches the timeline and other evidence we have."

I scoff. "Oh yeah? Where's this witness now? What evidence you got?"

"The witness is not here, but they have submitted a sworn affidavit detailing their observations, thus, their statement is admissible in court."

Agahnim rises calmly. "The defense has not been made aware of this witness statement. Introducing new evidence without prior disclosure violates the rules of discovery and undermines the defendant's right to a fair trial."

"The statement was obtained less than 24 hours ago," Kirby barks. "We believe it is crucial to this case."

The judge shakes her head. "I'm afraid I cannot allow this witness statement to be introduced at this time. It's a clear violation of procedure."

My eyes dart to Zelda again, and for the first time, she looks back at me.

"Your Honor," Kirby tries to fight the judge, but he's quick to shut up when she raises a hand.

"This matter can be addressed in a separate hearing if necessary," she says, and looks at the spectator benches as if she knows it's got something to do with Zelda.

Kirby backs down immediately. "Understood, Your Honor."

I smirk at him like a king watching a lowly peasant about to face his end. But this peasant just clears his throat and shoots me a look that says, Get ready for the real battle.

"Mr. Valley, I'd like to discuss your past then."

"My past?" I chuckle. "Whatcha wanna know? High school report cards?"

"Let's talk about something more personal."

I try to hold onto my smirk, but I'm confused. "Like my first time gettin' laid?"

"Like your first time getting sexually assaulted."

My stomach drops. What the fuck did he just say? Where'd that come from?

For some reason, I feel boxed in all of a sudden. Now I'm the one who's trying not to look at Zelda, while she's over there staring me down like there's nobody else in the room. My eyes flick to her direction, only for a second to see how shocked she looks.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I say. Even the judge looks concerned about this conversational 180.

Kirby stays cool, almost casual. "Perhaps we should start by discussing your life as a foster child."

Agahnim's sitting over there, not moving a finger. Come on, man. Fucking do something! Useless piece of shit. My pulse is starting to throb in my head, but I force myself to keep it together.

"Records show you were taken in by a foster family at the age of eight. You had been rescued from a traumatic experience involving your biological father and a little sister. Is that correct?"

The courtroom is quiet. I feel Zelda's eyes boring into me. I can't stand the way everyone's staring, like I'm still that eight-year old boy.

"Please answer the question," Kirby presses.

"I grew up in a foster home, so what?"

"The trauma you experienced growing up, did it involve violence?"

"I don't remember much from my childhood," I say, shifting uncomfortably. "Why's it matter?"

"It matters, Mr. Valley, because it provides context to your behavior." His eyes narrow. "People who experience violence at a young age often carry that trauma into their adult lives. It can manifest in the way they handle conflict, in their relationships, and even in violent tendencies. Would you say that's true for you, Mr. Valley?"

I grit my teeth. I'm not gonna give him the satisfaction of seeing me squirm. "Thanks for the concern, but I'm not your fucking patient. I don't need your psychoanalysis."

Kirby doesn't let up. "Perhaps not. But isn't it possible that the violent environment you grew up in shaped the way you react under pressure? Maybe even the way you interacted with Link during that fight? After all, we know trauma can manifest as aggression, especially when someone feels threatened or powerless. It can explain why you might be prone to violence. Why you might lash out, even when it's not necessary. Why you might harass others to assert control, to regain that lost power."

"Objection!" Agahnim finally stands. "This is pure conjecture and irrelevant to the facts of the case."

The judge nods, "Sustained. Mr. Kirby, please watch your line of questioning."

"That's right," I huff annoyed, "you got any real questions for me or what?"

Kirby raises his hands, acting like he's backing off, but he's not done with me yet. His eyes stay locked on mine. "I do have a question for you, Mr. Valley. Did you or did you not have a history of violent behavior as a teenager?"

"Define violent."

"Did you frequently get into fights? Commit petty crimes? Familiarize yourself with weapons? Manipulated others?"

I roll my eyes again. "How's manipulation violent? I think you're getting confused by your own questions."

"Watch it, Mr. Valley," the judge advises.

I ignore her and mock the attorney in order to move the attention away from me. "Let me ask you a question back, Mr. Kirby. What kind of teenage boy doesn't get into a fight here and there? Or steals a candy bar from the store 'cause he got no money? Or shoots a gun in their friend's backyard as a dare?"

"Are you admitting to these crimes?"

My attorney objects again, thinking I'll confess, but I'm not gonna back down first. I keep my eyes on Kirby and lean back in my chair. "I am asking a simple question, Mr. Kirby. Have you never broken the law? Ever? Not even as a kid?"

"This is not about me, Mr. Valley," Kirby says. "This is about your actions and your history. Wouldn't you say you have a tendency to escalate conflicts beyond what's required?"

"Objection!" Agahnim steps up. "This line of questioning is designed to paint my client in an unfair light. There's no direct evidence that his childhood trauma is connected to the incident in question."

Judge nods again. "Sustained. Mr. Kirby, tread carefully."

Kirby pauses. "Understood, Your Honor. Let me rephrase." He turns back to me, and I know whatever's coming next isn't gonna be much better. "Mr. Valley, isn't it true that you've used intimidation and violence to assert dominance over others in the past?"

No objection this time. I feel the pressure building in my chest. "I don't know what you're talking about. This whole thing's a witch hunt and you know it."

"So you are saying that you're innocent?"

"It's more of a 'Not all sinners need to be damned' kinda thing. You know?"

"Interesting analogy... Do you ever reflect on how your 'sins' might impact others?"

I shrug.

"What about the consequences of your actions on your own future? Do you consider them?"

Another shrug.

"You don't care what happens to you?" He's practically challenging me.

"Guess not," I say, trying to look unaffected.

"How so?" Kirby steps in, invading my space like he thinks that'll intimidate me. To his surprise, I lean forward.

"I learned pretty early on that nobody gives a shit about me, so why should I?"

"So, in other words, you are saying you don't care about yourself?"

"Sure. That's what I'm saying."

"If you don't care about yourself, it suggests that you don't care about the consequences of your actions, whether they affect others or yourself. This means you had nothing to lose when you harassed female students and when you broke Link's leg."

"Objection, Your Honor," Agahnim yells from the sideline, but literally nobody is paying attention to him. It's Kirby vs. me. Patience's running thin on both sides.

"Answer the question," Kirby urges me. "Is there something you had to lose? Maybe money?"

"I got no money."

"Then what was it? When you made your decision, what were you afraid of losing?"

"Afraid?" I laugh. "I got nothing to lose."

"So you admit to having harassed female students and to having broken Link's leg?"

"Objection!"

"What are you on?" I hiss, jaw tight, fists clenched. "All I said is I got nothing to lose. Nothin' I care about, anyways."

"But there must be something you care about. Something that influences your decisions! That is what drives people," Kirby says. "So what was it? Perhaps a person?"

I instantly think of Malice...

Like goddamn whiplash, my eyes are pulled towards Kiroh. He might be the only person who knows where she is. For weeks now I've been wondering what that was all about. Why'd she call from his phone? What's going on between them? And why the hell is he here, pretending we're not on the same side! Is he protecting Malice—hiding her somewhere? Or is he plotting to turn her over to Ganondorf? 

"Karusa," Kirby draws my attention back to the plaintiff's table. "Was there a person—a friend, or perhaps a coach—that influenced your decision to attack Link?"

"Objection, Your Honor!"

Agahnim's gets louder but Kirby matches the volume. Both voices start blending together. They're arguing about it, but the sound becomes muffled in the background while my mind focuses only on one question: is Malice still alive?

Someone says my name and asks another question, but I hear none of it. I'm focused on Kiroh, and Link, and Zelda, and wonder how much they know, or don't know, and more voices are calling for me, but I can't process their questions right now, and what if Ganon was right and Malice is as good as dead?

I look at Kirby, his question swirling inside my head. Did another person influence my actions? Of course my actions are influenced by another person. For starters, fucking Ganondorf forces the Yiga to do some really messed up stuff, whether they want to or not. But ultimately, I don't think I did it for him. I did it for her. For Mal! I did it so he wouldn't hurt her for her shortcomings. I did it so she wouldn't have to worry about her task anymore. So she'd be fine. But I still somehow lost her!

"Karusa!" someone says, trying to break through to me.

My mind is only partially here, partially somewhere else.

It's the judge. She's looking down at me, full of expectation. "Please answer the question."

I forgot what the question was, but I mumble an uncertain, "No."

"You hesitated," Kirby notes quickly. "Did you or did you not act on behalf of somebody else?"

Ganondorf. Malice. Link. Zelda. Fucking Ganon. Everyone influenced my decision that day! 

"Objection! Asked and answered!" Agahnim stands, hand in the air for attention. "Mr. Kirby's questions are an attempt to coerce a confession based on irrelevant pressure."

The judge sides with us again and Kirby finally stops asking useless questions. Fuck, I'm glad that's over.  A little longer and I might have said something really stupid! If I ever told anyone I work for Ganondorf, he'd have me killed within hours. Right after he kills whoever is left on my Trust Fund. If there's anyone left, that is.

When it's Agahnim's turn to question me, he turns the script around. I try to relax, my mind slowly returning to a calm state. He's got this way of making my life seem like it's all just bad luck and poor choices, like I'm just a misunderstood soul. So tragic.

Ultimately, I doubt any of this really matters. Agahnim isn't even putting much effort into it anymore because Hyrule doesn't have any hard evidence. So after three minutes, he concludes with, "No further questions, Your Honor."

"We shall proceed to closing statements then," the judge says to the two attorneys. I get up and return to my seat while she looks over the courtroom. Guess I've joined the lowly peasants now. Let's see who's getting hanged today. "Very well. This case presents a complex set of circumstances, and it's clear that there were provocations and actions from multiple parties involved."

The judge adjusts her glasses, looking directly at me. "First, regarding the charge of attempted murder: The evidence indicates that while the injuries sustained by Mr. Miyamoto were severe and life-altering, the direct cause of the most critical injuries was inflicted by another individual after Mr. Valley had already been incapacitated. Therefore, the charge of attempted murder is hereby dismissed."

I let a tiny smile of victory slip, and I know it's pissing Link off. Zelda looks calm, unaffected even.

"However," the judge goes on and my smile freezes, "regarding the charge of aggravated assault: The medical reports and witness testimonies confirm that Mr. Valley's actions were excessively violent and disproportionate to the initial threat posed by Mr. Miyamoto. The evidence also demonstrates that Mr. Valley's response to the situation escalated the conflict, resulting in significant harm to Mr. Miyamoto. The defense has raised valid points regarding the initial aggression by Mr. Miyamoto and the extent of your responsibility for his more severe injuries. While I acknowledge that Mr. Miyamoto initiated the physical altercation, I also recognize that your response, Mr. Valley, was excessively violent and went far beyond what could be considered reasonable self-defense. Therefore, you are found guilty of aggravated assault."

You've gotta be fuckign kidding me... I look at my attorney, the guy who was supposed to ensure I walk out of here without any charges. His look tells me to stay calm.

"Finally, concerning the reputational damage to Hyrule University: it is clear that the incident has impacted the university's reputation, but the negative media coverage also stemmed from the actions of Mr. Miyamoto." She sighs, taking a moment to think. Then she shakes her head. "It is difficult to attribute the full extent of the reputational damage solely to Mr. Valley's actions. Consequently... the court does not hold Mr. Valley liable for the broader reputational harm to the university." 

Nice.

"Now for your sentencing..."

Both attorneys stand up. I follow the lead. 

"Given the circumstances and your lack of prior convictions, I have decided on a lenient sentence. You are hereby sentenced to six months probation during which you must complete 50 hours of community service."

Ninja-girl is the first to show a reaction. She's whisper-shouting to her friends in the back, looking as furious as I've ever seen her.

"Additionally," the judge goes on, "you are required to pay restitution to Hyrule University for damages and associated costs related to the incident."

Hey, that's not too bad. The community service part sucks, but at least no jail time or anything like that. And Ganondorf said he'd pay any upcoming fees, so I'm covered on that part too!

"Your Honor! Six months probation is a joke!" E-girl stands up, and I turn around to watch her throw hands. "With all due respect, whether or not his actions were self-defense, what kind of message does this send? That it's okay to go that far as long as you don't technically kill someone? That it's okay to sexually assault girls as long as there's no evidence?"

The judge is ready to interrupt her, but Ninja-girl raises her voice. "I get it, this lawsuit isn't about what he did to other people, it's about ruining Hyrule's reputation, but how can you sentence him to 6 months probation and 50 hours of community service when you full well know he's a danger to society? When you know that there are people in this room who are terrified of him! Who are constantly looking over their shoulders, even at school—a place that should feel save and welcoming!"

"I advise you to quiet down, Ms. Tsutaeru," the judge says. 

"I'll be quiet." Ninja-girl sits back down and nods. "Just like the next victim will be quiet when it happens again. Because by sentencing Karusa to probation, you are sentencing everyone else to silence. Your actions are telling us that it doesn't matter if speak up because nothing will ever change anyways."

The judge doesn't cut her off again. She's just quiet for a second, gavel raised slightly but frozen mid-air. She's not about to change her mind is she? Her eyes land on me and I stiffen. 

"Mr. Valley, you must understand that any violation of the terms of your probation will result in immediate incarceration," she tells me. "This sentence is a second chance, not a free pass. Use it wisely. Court is adjourned."

The gavel bangs a final time, and it's over. I let out a breath of relief. I'm practically getting off with a warning. I feel a weird rush of adrenaline and try to dap up my attorney. He shakes his head annoyed so I kinda just dap up myself to not look super awkward. 

"This is wild!" The Ninja-girl cusses at her friends. Zelda tries to calm her. Instantly, she looks back at me as if she somehow felt my eyes on her. Catching me off guard, we stare at each other for a second too long. Her brown eyes say "bite me," and her finger "Fuck you."

Everyone leaves the courtroom. I follow my lawyer into a quiet hallway, where he wants to go over my responsibilities. I'm not listening; the first thing I do is turn my phone on and hit up Bellum. Thoughts are pacing, and my fingers are typing faster than my brain can think...

*Ima have you pay for this, you worthless piece of shit! I know you told HU's lawyer that you saw me harass Zelda! Did you seriously rat me out?*

I want to add more, but when Link and some of his friends come walking down the hallway, I hit send and march in their direction, adrenaline pumping through my blood.

Zelda notices me first. She stays back and clings to Link's arm, either for her own protection or to keep him away from me.

Kiroh and girlfriend keep walking towards me. He's too focused on calming her down to guess what's coming for him. 

Before he even knows what's happening, I shove him away from her, sending him forcefully against one of the stone pillars.

"Fucking traitor," I snap, my voice echoing off the tall courthouse walls.

My lawyer tries to intervene, and when he fails to pull me back, ninja-girl steps in. Link keeps his distance. His priority right now is to shield Zelda with his whole goddamn body. For once, he doesn't have to worry—I'm not after either of them. At least for now.

"You just got probation," Agahnim lectures, "and you're already getting into another fight?!"

I glance at Kiroh's girl and back at him. "So this is why you stopped hanging around, huh? She worth it?"

"Karusa!" Agahnim whispers aggressively. "Walk away! Now!"

I push him aside to get into Kiroh's face. "What a stud," I try to laugh it off but I'm too pissed to play it cool. "First Malice now this other Hyrule chicks..."

Kiroh looks confused and angry. "Back off, man! Nothing happened between me and Malice," he says, trying to take a step back. There's nowhere for him to go, I got him cornered. "I swear."

"That's funny," I exaggerate a smile, but my eyes are dead serious. "Because I have this very vivid memory of her calling me from your phone!"

"She just borrowed it," says Kiroh.

"Why? She lost her phone or somethin'?"

"I dunno."

"Did you make her call me? Did you listen to the call?"

"No?"

"How much you know?"

"Nothing? Calm down!"

"I'm calm," I say. "But if I find out that you hurt her in any way... I'll personally end you."

Ninja-girl slides in between us, angry and tough. "Hey, piss off dickhead!"

I clench my fists, fighting the urge to shove her into the wall next to Kiroh. "Stay out of this," I warn her. "This doesn't concern you!"

"You're attacking my friends!" She yells at me with that high-pitched, whiny voice that's more annoying than a punch in the face.

"You really have no clue who you're dealing with," I snarl. "Go ahead, keep running your fucking mouth! I'll show you a world of hurt you ain't ready for."

"Look, man," Kiroh says in a calm but firm tone. I can start to see the anger surface behind his eyes. He doesn't even blink—keeps staring at me—while he grabs his girl by the shoulders, cautious and slow, and gently moves her out of the way. "I get it, alright? You're worried about Malice, and you wanna help her. But threatening my girlfriend? Not okay."

Didn't think he had it in him to stand up to me. Never seen him fight, so I got no idea how strong he is. He's a lot shorter than me though, and I make sure he notices our difference in height as I push closer. "Where is Malice?"

"I don't know."

"Bullshit."

"Fighting us isn't gonna help anyone," he says, "so just think for a sec."

I see two cops walking in from the end of the hallway, clueless and blind to what is happening over here. But they might notice soon. I know I'm running out of time.

"I won't have to fight you," I half-whisper, half-yell through my teeth, "if you just tell me where she is! I need to make sure she's safe, Kiroh!"

"She's fine," Link says from behind. My muscles tense, heart racing.

"She's with you?" I ask, not turning to face him.

"No."

"Then how do you know she's fine?"

"If you want her to stay safe," Link says, "you should stop asking questions."

I don't know if I can trust his word! If it weren't for him and Zelda, Malice would still be living at the Hideout! No way in hell could she be "safe" if she's anywhere near him!

If only he had never come here in the first place! Everyone would be better off. No part in me feels sorry for Link—none! I want him dead! And I know he'll be gone soon enough, I just have to stay patient for a little while longer—which isn't exactly easy around him. 

Every time I look at him I think about the way he broke my leg, or my jaw. I think about his face in the files Ganondorf gave to Malice. I think about how she tried to seduce him so she could get the task done without harming anyone. I picture him with her. I picture him holding her hostage, doing to her what Ganondorf has done. "Safe," he says! If only he knew the threat that is looming! She's not safe with him! He's the death of her! And if he knows where she is, he better tell me! I need to be with her! I need her with me! And I won't stop until I get her back! 

"Tell me where she is."

"You don't need to know," Ninja-girl says. "She's safe. That's what you care about, right?"

They're so dumb! Only Link's death can protect Malice! 

I look up, forcing myself with all my might to stay put. If I turn around right now—if I turn to face Link—I know full well that this whole thing will end with one of us behind bars and the other one dead. 

I need to find Malice before I kill Link. Otherwise I might never find her.

I keep my eyes strictly aimed on the floor, still facing Kiroh.

"If she's with you," I say to Link but pause for a second. Too many threats are fighting to be heard. I settle with, "Don't you dare touch her."

"That's ironic, coming from you."

His words fuel the fire. I press my lips together, nails digging into my own palms. "I'll kill you. I mean it."

Ninja-girl crosses her arms. "Say it a little louder so the judge can hear it."

Shit. I glance down the hallway; the cops are close enough to overhear our conversation now, and I know if I say another word, I might be done for. I back away from Kiroh, looking casual and indifferent, as if we're all just strangers.

Just as I'm about to walk away, Link throws one last line over my shoulder. His voice is steady, almost empathetic.

"If you want what's best for Malice, stay away from her..."