Link had to hand it to Zelda— she never ceased to amaze him. Just when he thought he could predict what her actions would be, she caught him off guard. He was typically the one to act impulsively, to make a decision and consider it later. But seeing her lying on the tattoo table, permanently inking a Master Sword and Silent Princess together on her hip? He couldn't deny the thrill that shot through his chest. She was doing this for herself, first of all, and he knew it.

But it was also for him. She had the confidence to go through it because of their relationship. They truly brought out the best in each other.

Link squeezed her hand when she let out a faint cry of pain at a particularly sensitive spot. Pikango apologized but Zelda waved him on.

"It's worth it."

It's worth it. Pain is worth it for the memories. Love is worth it, even if there is the possibility of heartache.

The words rang through his mind as clearly as if he'd heard them spoken aloud. If Link had to bet, the chances of heartache were low. Their relationship felt strong, despite the rocky start. He was head-over-heels for her, something he couldn't say about anybody else. He wanted to spend as much time with her as he could. Learn all about her. And show her just a fraction of how deeply he loved her— time together be damned.

His phone went off with his standard ringtone, and he answered it automatically. "Hello?"

"Link. It's my understanding that you'll be present this evening for the fundraiser event, and you're supplying a vehicle as well. I was hoping we would be able to discuss in further detail the offer I had on the table." Ganon got right to the point.

Link forced himself to take a breath before he responded. His voice was even, conveying no emotion whatsoever as he replied. "I will listen to your proposition, but I make absolutely no promises that I will be taking your offer."

"Excellent. I'm pleased that you will at least see reason. Very well. I shall see you this evening. I presume that Miss Hyrule will be with you?"

"The fundraiser is for her office. So, yes."

By now, Zelda's head had come up when she realized who he was talking to. Her brow furrowed and she mouthed a silent 'I love you' to him."

"Then I shall look forward to seeing Miss Hyrule as well. Of course, I certainly hope this event will provide the offices with adequate compensation for rebuilding. Until tonight then." The line went dead before Link could react further.

He took a deep breath and let it out before turning to a wide-eyed Zelda.

"Please tell me that you didn't agree to give him time or attention about his proposal to buy the shop."

"I had to. But my thinking is this: if we're able to enrage him prior to him leaving the event, he's more likely to overreact in the way that we want him to when the time comes." Link explained. "It's not ideal, but I couldn't think of what else to do."

Zelda sighed and dropped her head onto her arm again. "I don't like it, but it's wise. Have you heard from Mar?"

He checked his text messages. "Not yet. I hope I will soon. Did we alert Tuft and Revali?"

"No. If I had done that, it would've caused issues with not having plausible deniability of what he might or might not have with him." Zelda sighed with relief when Pikango stepped back. "Is it finished?"

"Check the mirror and see what you think." The older tattoo artist advised. He winked at Link over Zelda's shoulder while she rolled off the table.

Her faint gasp of delight sent arousal down Link's spine and straight to his groin. He silently hoped he would never tire of that sound.

"Satisfied?" Pikango asked.

"More than I could've hoped. Thank you." She turned back and forth, admiring the fresh ink on her hip and halfway down her thigh.

"Let's get you bandaged up, and we'll go over some final healing instructions before you're free to go." Pikango instructed her to sit back on the table.

Link checked his phone again when it dinged. "Got the message. The files are in a folder that she's going to have open in the glove box on top of the vehicle registration and insurance papers. I'll explain the rest when we get to the car."

"Thank you." Zelda again got off the table and checked the mirror one final time before pulling her skirt down to her knees. "How much do I owe you?"

"It's been settled already, little lady. If you come back at some point, we can discuss a payment at that time." Pikango patted her shoulder. "Pleasure meeting you and giving you your first ink."

Zelda shook his hand before following Link outside. A scowl crossed her face when he opened the door for her. "I could have paid for it myself, you know."

"And miss the pleasure of providing you with a tattoo that you've never had the courage to do before? Not a chance." Link closed the door behind her. "Like he said, we'll talk next time."

"You assume there will be a next time."

"Consider it a fair bet."

Zelda sighed and leaned over to kiss him while he started the SUV. "Thank you, Link."

He grinned as he pulled back. "Anything for you. Truly."

A sly grin crossed her face. "Anything? Is that a promise?"

He blinked and paused before putting the car into gear. "Is this a trick question?"

"What makes you say that?" The mischievous look was back in her eyes. An expression that Link had come to love.

"Call it a hunch."

"Fine. I was going to say, you can dance for me when we get home, before we get dressed for the fundraiser— provided I can dance for you first."

Link's mouth fell open. "How is that me doing things for you? Isn't that the opposite?"

"We're both dancing for each other. And while I haven't had experience on a pole, I would like to at least try to give you a lap dance or something of the sort." She bit her lip and smiled at him. "You don't mind, do you?"

He swallowed thickly and shook his head. "Not at all." His snug, black pants tightened further at the thought. "We still have time. Are you sure dancing is all you want?"

"We'll see how I feel when I'm done. My hip does ache a bit more than I expected. But it's nothing that a bit of time won't heal." Zelda leaned back when Link pulled out of the parking lot. "Oh. What was the other thing that Mar said?"

"She's going to ensure that not only are there the files, but also a sample of the product that she has text records of him requesting to see within the next day or two." Link's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "I only hope it's enough to get him taken down."

"Prayers to the Goddess will go further than just hope."

Silence rang in the car for the remainder of the drive while Link ruminated on her words. Prayers had been going up the Goddess Hylia regularly since everything had begun. That much hadn't changed. But the stakes were higher than ever. They needed everything they could get.

Zelda was the first out of the car, not giving him a chance to open the door for her. She smirked over her shoulder and darted inside, leaving him stunned but highly aroused.

He had to grab her abandoned purse and lock the car before he jogged inside. At the base of the stairs, he nearly tripped over her shoes. He took the steps two at a time, finding her shirt on the floor in a heap. He paused to pick it up, then grinned as he headed into the bedroom.

As expected, her skirt was discarded at the foot of the bed, and his girlfriend was posed on the edge of his dance platform with her hands on her hips.

"Someone told me you were interested in a private dance." Her voice was an octave lower than usual, and her attitude a vast difference from the demure, tender lover he saw more often than not. "Why don't you take a seat on the edge of the bed?"

Link dropped her shirt on the floor and kicked his shoes off before complying. He couldn't help but admire her for the umpteenth time. Her breasts were full and pushed up thanks to her pale pink bra. Her hourglass figure was accentuated by the seductive pose she took, showing off her shapely hips and ass. Her white panties barely covered her folds, and the clear bandage wrap over her outer thighs perfectly revealed her new tattoo.

His cock ached, and it was all that he could do to not touch himself through his pants while she slowly sauntered over to him.

"A private dance, wasn't it? Shall I start with my back to you? Or do you prefer the view of these first?" She leaned forward to put her hands on either side of him while he leaned back.

Her breasts were close to his chest, and Link had a hard time breathing. This persona she was adopting turned him on faster than almost anything. "Behind," he murmured, in spite of himself. He could nearly feel her ass brushing against his lap in his daydreams.

"As you wish." Zelda's breath was warm in his ear before she pulled away.

Link exhaled when she moved away enough to turn and swing her hips and move them in a slow figure-eight.

"You can touch if you want to," she whispered, peeking over his shoulder.

That did it. His hands were on her thin stomach, the curve of her hips, and the swell of her ass. He tugged her closer to him while he growled under his breath. "You're such a tease. Using my own words against me."

"I believe you're taking more liberties than you should, sir." Zelda's tone was breathy, betraying how much she was affected by their actions.

"What are you going to do about it?"

"This." She turned back to facing him and ran her hands over her own body. Her hands went up to her hair to undo the small braids.

Link could scarcely tear his gaze from her rosy cheeks and smoldering green eyes. She wanted him and he could tell. What a woman. And she was his.

The sensation of his fly being unzipped momentarily distracted him. He didn't have long to react before her lips were covering his cock. He moaned loudly and bucked his hips against her mouth. He was so embarrassingly hard that it wouldn't take much for him to come undone. He was leaking precum to the point he was sure it was almost dripping into her mouth.

She pulled herself off with a faint pop, and Link couldn't stifle his whimper of disappointment.

Her husky tone was back when she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "Am I pleasing you, sir?"

He could only nod, his voice gone. Goddess, she was his match in every way.

Zelda was back straddling his lap, but this time she was moving her panties aside and sinking down onto his cock. "I can't do this any longer. Fuck me hard, Link. I'm so wet for you I can barely stand it," she whimpered into his ear.

"Thank the Goddess!" He grasped the top of her hips, mindful of her new tattoo and thrust upwards as hard as he could. He couldn't last long. Not after all the foreplay and dancing.

"Yes, yes!" Zelda cried. Her arms were firmly around his neck while he pounded her. "Oh, Link! I'm cumming!"

He couldn't speak, too overcome with his own pleasure to do more than grunt while he too came undone. Her pussy squeezing his cock drew every bit of his seed from him and left both of them panting and sweaty when Link collapsed back on the bed with Zelda atop him.

"That… how did you give lap dances without becoming overly aroused?" She murmured, brushing her long hair back from her face.

"Simple. I didn't want to sleep with them. It was work. Nothing more. Until you." Link lightly patted her left asscheek. "There was something about you that was magnetic. Makes me glad I asked you out."

"Me too." There was a pause for a few moments before Zelda sighed. "We're gonna need to shower and get dressed so we don't smell like sex and sweat."

"Oh, c'mon. I think we can start a new trend. Owww." He feigned hurt when she swatted his arm. "Alright, Princess. Shower it is." He couldn't help but grin as he carried her to the bathroom. What a woman his Zelda was!

An hour later, the two were clean, dressed, and headed out. Link occasionally stole glances at his girlfriend. She wore a snug black dress that barely covered her new tattoo. The deep V-neck was more sexy than anything he had seen her wear before, and it accentuated her breasts just enough to remind him that she used to be a model.

"You keep giving me the bedroom eyes and our friends won't stop giving you crap about how lovesick you are." Zelda teased. Her cheeks were flushed even through her makeup, giving her a healthy, beautiful glow.

"Can't help it." He parked a block away from the hotel and hurried to open her door. "I want to show you off."

"You'll have time."

Link hummed softly as he offered her his arm and escorted her down the way to the ballroom.

"Awww! You're both looking so good!" Mipha greeted them just inside the door. "So beautiful and happy together."

Zelda's blush darkened. "Thank you. Is Impa here?"

"She arrived a few minutes ago. I saw her over by the silent auction tables, talking to Cami's father, I think." Mipha gestured in the general direction. "Do you have your item for the auction, Link?"

"I do. I just need to make sure it lands in the right spot." He showed her the envelope in his hand.

"Wonderful! I believe that Rhoam will be the one to talk to. Last I saw him, he was debriefing Revali, Tuft, and the other officers assigned for security tonight over at the refreshment tables." Mipha pointed to them as well. "Zelda, do you wanna join Paya, Az, and I in double checking the silent auction items? I volunteered to help Impa with it because she looked rather overwhelmed." Mipha flashed an apologetic look at Link. "You don't mind if I steal her to join the girls, do you? Actually, I can even set the envelope down for you, if you'd like."

"Sure. Thank you." Link handed it to the redhead before turning to his girlfriend. "See you in a few minutes." He brushed a gentle kiss across her forehead before backing away and bumping into a taller figure.

"Well, well. Just the man I wanted to see. Join me for a glass of wine? They've provided some exceptional varietals for purchase. All proceeds go to the fire relief fund, naturally." Ganon gestured to the bar. "Come. The first one will be my treat."

Link had to hide his scowl at the overly friendly tone the business tycoon exuded. Nothing about him made the blond eager to spend time with him, let alone drinking. But he forced a smile and nodded. "Lead the way."

Ganon handed him a glass of red wine. "Allow me to get right to the point. While I know there have been some hesitations on your part; especially following the terrible tragedy of losing your father so suddenly, I want to bring you an offer that's certain to entice you."

Link took a long swallow of his wine. "I'm listening."

"I'm prepared to offer you the ongoing management of Deku's Custom Automotive. Nothing shall change with the way your company is run, and you can keep all your employees! However, I want to broaden your horizons. Expand the current business to double if not triple in profit by this time next year. How, you might ask?" Ganon paused, clearly prompting Link to respond.

"You want us to move locations." It wasn't a question.

"Naturally. I've recently acquired some land a bit further out of town that would be perfect for a larger operation. Think of the possibilities, my boy! A larger team, faster turnaround and the same quality of work that you currently offer." Ganon smirked at him over the top of his wine glass. "I'm prepared to offer all that and more in addition to the initial purchase price of three-quarters of a million dollars for the current plot of land."

Link pretended to consider it for a beat before asking the all-important question. "What happens to the current location?"

"Oh, nothing at first! I've got some plans to expand into real estate and perhaps build some new condominiums at that site." Ganon shook his head sadly and took a swallow of his wine. "It'd be ideal to do that with the space of both that and the club next door but alas, Urbosa won't be persuaded."

"Can't imagine why," Link murmured under his breath. "Well—"

"Link! Hey, so you need to check your phone. Urbosa is chomping at the bit to set up the new schedule for the weekend and next week. She wants 'The Hero' to go out with bang." Twi was at his hip, babbling away while gesturing to his phone. "Of course, if you're able to come back for special…"

"Link Forrest! What's this I hear about dancing?" Rhoam's voice carried from the blond's other side. "What sort of dancing?"

Link went pale, tuning out the remainder of what his fellow dancer was saying. The cat was really out of the bag, and he was trapped between two of the most powerful men in Hyrule.

Ganon's face twisted into a wicked grin. "Now, isn't this an interesting turn of events? Why don't you explain to us what this is really about, Link?"

Link took a deep breath and looked the two men in the eye, one after the other. "I own my father's company following his death. I've lived, worked, and breathed custom cars since I was twelve. But that's not all I've done. I'm also a dancer… the 'Hero' of Champions After Dark."

The two reactions he received were vastly different.

Rhoam chuckled and shook his head. "I know, my boy. Deku told me a couple years ago, when you started. He was convinced it was a phase and it wasn't going to affect how promiscuous you were… or weren't as the case was. And he was right, if my daughter's recent attraction to you is any indication."

Ganon glowered at him, and finished his wine in a single gulp. "Quite a story. Unfortunately, it's not all of it."

Link swallowed thickly and turned his attention back to the tycoon. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, let's just say that Deku had some questionable connections to Champions as well. Connections that I would be more than happy to dig up if, let's say, you were to refuse my more than generous offer."

"Am I right in hearing you attempting to blackmail this young man?" Rhoam warned. The mayor took another step towards Ganon. "I'm warning you, that is not something that you would like to do."

"It's a lie." Link said slowly. "There's no way. There has been nothing that I've seen in his financial records, whether business or personal, that would corroborate his statement."

"I agree." Zelda had joined them by that point, looping an arm through Link's. "I went over his will with Impa following his unfortunate passing. There were no skeletons in his closet, and I doubt we would find any, no matter how deep we dig."

Ganon adjusted his black suit and chuckled, the sound slowly growing louder. "Well, as we've just seen, everyone has skeletons in their closet of one form or another. A respectable automotive employee moonlighting as a stripper. A lawyer who used to model, and not just for dresses and skirts. A mayor with… questionable financial ties related to his late wife. Who knows what we might find if we dig deep enough into a recently deceased business owner?"

Link balled his fist at his side, silently seething. He licked his lips and went to speak, but Zelda's hand on his arm stopped him.

"And what might we find if we dig deeper into your past?"

Ganon laughed harder and shook his head. "Anything you might find has been long-since removed. There's nothing out there on me. I'm just a prosperous businessman who's made a fortune off vehicle manufacturing and being in the right place at the right time. Look into Deku. It'll be worth your time, I promise." He turned back to the bar, grabbed two shots of whiskey off the bar and threw them back in rapid succession. "Hell, go ahead and ask my girlfriend. She'll vouch for me."

"And where exactly is she right now?" Zelda asked. She made a point of looking around the room.

"Mar? She had to step into the ladies' room for a moment. Something about needing to powder her nose." Ganon shrugged and took another shot off the bar. "What say you, Link? Are you ready to seal the deal? We can meet at my office in the morning, or yours if you'd prefer. Make it where your chump of a father refused to. I think it's rather apropos."

"No deal. Especially not after you dared to insult my father. I had no intention of selling the shop, and this just confirmed the decision I had made was the correct one." Link set his wine glass on the counter. "If you want to expose all of my deeds to the town, feel free. If I'm ostracized, so be it. I have made my choices, and I will stand by them."

"You shouldn't have done that! You're making a powerful enemy, boy!" Ganon boomed. He took a step towards Link but was stopped by Rhoam's strong arm.

"I'm sorry, Gan, but I must ask you to leave now. I will not tolerate any kind of threatening behavior from anyone. You may go on your own volition, or I will have you escorted out."

"Fine." Ganon stomped towards the door.

Mar joined him near the exit, pausing to murmur something in his ear.

Link watched him before glancing up at Rhoam. "We just saw him drink a glass of wine and three shots of whiskey. If he gets behind the wheel–"

"Quite right. I'll send a couple officers out." Rhoam pulled a radio off his hip and walked away, talking into it in a low voice.

"Was that about what I think it was?" Zelda murmured, escorting Link to the auction tables where they could clearly see the entrance.

"It was. Come on. Let's take a turn or two around the room. Then I'm going to kiss you like I can't get enough."

"That's hardly a change," Zelda teased, lightly

"Shush. We're going to finish walking around then slip away like we're looking for a place to talk and make out," he whispered in her ear. "We don't want to miss this if we can help it."

"Worst case, we can read the police report," she reminded him under her breath. In a louder voice, she pointed at one of the baskets. "Oh, look at this. It's a spa getaway in lower Eldin Canyon. Wouldn't that be a sweet prize?"

"I'll take you up there at some point. We should let someone else have a shot at winning. Besides," Link's voice dropped to whisper in her ear. "I could've paid for the repairs myself but I know for a fact that you and Impa wouldn't have let me."

Zelda pulled away, staring at him with wide, green eyes. "Tell me you're not serious."

He shrugged his shoulders with a small smile. "I told you that I could take care of you, no matter what. I meant every word of that."

"Just how wealthy are you? Don't answer that." Zelda walked away, shaking her head. The swing of her hips drew Link's attention, and he had to adjust his pants subtly to hide the growing arousal. If he looked carefully, he could see the very bottom edge of her new tattoo peeking from under the hemline of her skirt when she moved.

"How dare you ask me such an impertinent question!" The belligerent shout came from outside, drawing attention from not only Link and Zelda but several other onlookers. "Do you have ANY idea who I am?!"

"We are well aware, Mr. Dragmire, sir. Believe me. But that doesn't exempt you from submitting to a standard breathalyzer and line test when we have it on good authority that you are inebriated and attempting to drive a car. Please, step away from the car." Revali's hand was on his hip, ready to pull his taser if necessary.

"Ma'am, have you been drinking as well this evening?" Tuft asked Mar, who was standing a short distance away on the sidewalk.

"No, sir. I had every intention of driving, but he insisted he was perfectly fine. He stumbled stepping off the sidewalk, though, and his breath reeked of whiskey." Mar wrapped her arms around herself, hiding the top of her dark purple form-fitting dress. "If he gets it in his head that he's not being allowed to do something, then–"

"Sir. I need you to blow into this tube, please. Sir. Sir, the sooner you do this, the sooner we can all be on our way."

Even from where Link was standing, he could tell that Revali's patience was rapidly wearing thin.

"You dare accuse me of being drunk! You, you imbecile! Get that thing out of my face." Ganon batted the breathalyzer out of his face. "I demand to talk to the chief! I'll have your badge for this insolence!"

"The chief's inside. You're welcome to go back inside and find him yourself. But when he takes one whiff of your breath, he'll be requesting the same thing I am. Probably ask you to walk a straight line too." Revali couldn't hide his smirk.

Zelda's grip on Link's arm tightened when Ganon grabbed Revali's collar and shook him hard.

"You've insulted me for the last time, boy! Your badge is MINE, and I'll see to it that you never work in law enforcement or any related government position!" Ganon roared.

"I don't care who the hell you think you are! You just assaulted a police officer. You're under arrest!" Revali grabbed the irate tycoon's wrist and wrenched him away from his neck.

Ganon's free hand balled into a fist before connecting hard with Revali's jaw. "I'll show you assaulting a police officer! Nobody arrests Ganon Dragmire!"

Revali's head snapped to the side from the impact, and he growled, recoiling and fighting to regain his bearings. "You shouldn't have done that. You're only making things worse for yourself."

By this point, Tuft had run over and grabbed both of Ganon's arms, pinning them behind his back. "Cuff him, Revali!"

"With pleasure!" The blue-haired cop fumbled with the handcuffs from his belt and swiftly clipped them onto Ganon's wrists. "Tuft, read him his rights!"

Tuft gave a nod, and began reciting off the list of what he was entitled to as someone being apprehended by the law.

"You can't do this! I'm one of the richest men in all of Hyrule!" Ganon bellowed over him, struggling against the officers. "You have no jurisdiction over me!"

"Just because you're rich, it doesn't mean you're above the law," Tuft reminded him. He grabbed the back of Ganon's head and pushed him into the back of the car. "Revali, does he have his ID on him?"

"Not that I've seen."

Tuft straightened and walked back around the fancy sports car to where Mar was standing in front of the small crowd that had gathered. "Do you happen to know if he was planning on driving without a license as well?"

"No, he typically carries it in the glovebox for formal occasions such as this. He claims that he can't risk someone attempting to pick his pocket." Mar's tired voice explained as she dropped her hands again to her sides.

"Very good." Tuft bent to open the door and opened the glovebox. He paused, his hand on the contents before he straightened. "Hey, Revali? We're going to have more charges against him."

Whispers spread through the gathered group before Rhoam appeared in the doorway of the hotel ballroom. "Honored guests, please return to the grand hall. We're going to be starting the auction very shortly."

The crowd dissipated, leaving the officers to handle the enraged prisoner and Tuft to work his way through bagging the contents of the glove box.

Link let out the breath that he had been holding and glanced at his girlfriend. Zelda's cheeks were flushed as she met his gaze. She sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder.

"It's done." Mar walked over to them and finger-combed through her long, dark hair before resting her hand on her undercut at the side of her head. "I'll give them time to book him and comb through the evidence before turning myself in first thing tomorrow."

Link studied the tanned woman for a long moment before giving a slight nod. "Thank you."

"Don't thank me. I have a lifetime of imprisonment to think about what I've done. I can't begin to make amends for the pain and suffering I've caused to you. I can take solace in knowing that Ganon and his entourage will no longer be manipulating and hurting anyone else. But know that once again, I'm sorry, Link. I will be eternally sorry for everything that I've had a hand in, but especially in causing your father's death." Mar bowed her head then shook it sadly. "Good luck to both you and Zelda. I truly do wish you all the best."

Link watched her walk away, hailing a cab when she got to the end of the block. "If she turns herself in as she promised…"

"She will," Zelda replied with certainty. "Did you see her demeanor?"

He gave a slight nod and turned them back toward the ballroom. "Let's hope that Tuft and Revali can handle Ganon. Then the rest of the teams can take care of his lackeys."

"We'll still be called to testify once charges are filed."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Now, let's see what kind of funding we can raise for Impa and your offices." Link pressed a kiss onto her forehead and escorted her inside. All the while, a thought rang through his head. Forgiveness. That's what his father would want. Not for Ganon, but Mar. She was simply the pawn used to carry out the orders of a sick, twisted psychopath. Her fate might have been sealed alongside Ganon's, but a time would come when their paths would cross again. And on that day, Link would have a choice to make. A choice that would determine the course of his future.