Part 4: Even in Triumph, Darkness Shall Fall

"Zelda? It's Link."

Today was Valentine's Day in the land of Hyrule, and Link was the luckiest man in Hyrule, for his valentine was the Princess of Hyrule. She was the luckiest woman in Hyrule, for her valentine was the Hero of Hyrule.

Zelda opened the door, and Link entered the princess's room. He was immediately hugged by the girl. "Happy Valentine's Day, Link!"

"Same to you, Zelda." He would have said more, but he couldn't resist the lips of the princess any longer. She felt the same way. Once they stopped to breath, Link finished his train of thought. He knew Zelda loved surprises. "Close your eyes. I got you something."

"OKAY!" She closed and covered her eyes as Link opened the door to get what he left outside it. "Ok. Open."

"Oh. My. Hylia! Link, you shouldn't have!" Zelda couldn't believe Link went out his way to get a large box of chocolates (Zelda's favorite candy), 2 dozen roses (her favorite flowers), and a large picture of the two during the Christmas Ball. Link was dressed as a skinny Santa Claus with a Christmas themed tunic and matching hat (Goddesses, she loved the hat. He was wearing the green one now.) an and she wore a smaller, shorter, more fitting version of the same tunic. They looked sexy as hell. "This...I wish you would have allowed me to get you something!"

"I got the Princess of Hyrule. I need nothing more. Well, except friends and Ganondorf's demise."

"Awww, that's so sweet of you to remember that boar."

"I got you something else. That picture was a factor. Plus Impa gave me some dirt." Out of his pouch, he pulled out a feminine version of the legendary tunic. His tunic. Cap and scarf included.

She could've died right there. She really loved this man, who she knew would be the King of Hyrule one day. She needed no words to thank him. Just a show of love.

"We should not have the coronation, councillors. I don't give a damn about how old Zelda is, Ganondorf is still out there!"

"Then where is he, King Joshua?"

The Hyrulean council, consisting normally of 12 people, one Hylian representative from each province, one representative from the three other races, the five Heads of Commerce, Military, Peasantry, Nobility, and Environment, and of course, the Royal Family. Today, the last member was missing.

Josh was butting heads with the replacement. Zelda's chief adviser. Guess who it is. Hint: A Link to the Past.

"Advisor Agahnim, if I knew, I'll would have mobilized the army."

Agahnim smiled, believing that he had one. "Then it is settled. Coronation in five days. Don't worry, it will be a blast." The adviser only had a split second to dodge a glass thrown at him.

"It better be!"

"I'll make sure, Your Majesty. Oh, wait." Agahnim walked up to him, and gave the boy a chest. Inside, a heart-shaped necklace. Josh looked at it, and felt a little weird. "For your love, Your Majesty."

He grudgingly took it and left.

Joshua stormed into his room, angry at the results of the council meeting. He locked, double locked, and triple locked his door. Walking into the living room of his quarters, he stopped by a chair.

"That insignificant, little rat! I should do to him like I did to Zant!" He instantly cooled down, looked to his right, and smiled. "But should I burn, blast, or chopped them...Hmmm..."

He walked into his living room, and pour a large glass of wine, quickly chugging it down before refilling.

"You know, Joshua, you shouldn't drink so much."

"But when the world is against you, drink it away."

Yea, he's speaking to himself. He walked towards his bedroom, and looked at a picture of him, Zelda, Midna, Impa, and Link from the Christmas Ball. Yep, he convinced Impa to go, had fun laughing at Link's dancing skills, summoned Midna from the past as his date, and actually enjoyed himself.

"Those were the good days. Hmm... I wonder if Midna would be good to go tonight? Maybe I could get her something for Valentine's Day. Maybe..."

He couldn't believe his thoughts. He was thinking about Lana. The woman who left him behind.

Oh, that's right. He's a lonely depressed asshole. Instead of looking over his people, he is in Hyrule Castle, thinking about a woman who chose duty over love.

Oh, and maybe because over the last nine months, he felt like he was falling for her. Yep, that's the main reason. He was in love again.

He turned around to look at the time. "Maybe Link is done for today. I need some man time."

Link was nervous. Today's Valentine's Day.

No, he's not afraid of giving Zelda's gift. He already had that. He was afraid of the ball later tonight. Link was graceful in footwork in battle, but dancing, no. Just no.

"General Lonk, everyone is ready for tonight's entertainment?"

"Yes...You're late."

The Gerudo Prince grinned at the Hero. "Well, I had to entertain the toilet. And the poos that live there."

"Beautiful."

"Fine morning it is. Valentine's Day, the day of love." He gave Link a questioning glare. "Zelda better not be disappointed, or else...I already threatened one person's joystick. I'm sure another can be blasted, burned, or chopped."

Josh actually summoned an axe and raised it near the middle of Link. "You could join the Zant No Balls Club."

Next thing he knew, a large sword was on his neck. It wasn't Link's. "And you, Joshua, could join the Headless Zant Scouts. Hello, General Link. So glad to see you today."

He turned around to face his favorite Sheikah. "Hello, Oompa Loompa. How's the clan?"

She smiled and unexpectedly (even to herself) hugged them. "I prefer the castle and you guys, unfortunately." The group of the walked around the training yard, telling stories of their lives during the last month. And eventually, Zelda's coronation.

"The councillors are stubborn. I understand that we are still repairing the country, but if Ganondorf strikes now, and Zelda is still princess, she won't get much flak as she would as if she was queen. But they listen to Agahnim. That piece of-"

"We get it, but if the council approves, nothing is going to change. The next five days better be good. By the way, you're coming tonight?"

"Yea. Wouldn't look good if the biggest bachelor in Hyrule wasn't present when women are ready to get down. Speaking of which, are you going this year, Impa?"

Before Impa could answer, a page ran up to them. Apparently, the Princess of Hyrule needed her ex-guardian. She smiled at the prince, giving her answer before following the page.

"Girl stuff. Eww."

"Yea. Well I'm hungry. Telma's?"

"Great!"

"How hot is the server, Link?"

"I don't know. I'm dating the princess."

Josh watched as Telma handed their server in all black their food. "I'll give her a 10/10."

The server returned with their food, and spoke to them, although it seemed directed to Josh. "Enjoy your food. Let me know if you need anything." She winked one of her beautiful blue eyes and walked off to Telma.

"You know her, Josh?"

"Only thing I know is that she's my personal server the last few days and that her pale white skin and blue eyes are Hylian, but that short whitish purple hair looks awesome. All in all, she's a looker." The two men began eating a grand meal of Ordon Milk and Burgers. They ate mostly in quietness, but Link had a burning question. After all, he continued to see Josh glance at the woman.

"Take her to the ball."

He kept his gaze down on his food. "Yep... Wait, no!"

Link treaded on the waters carefully. "So...You do like her! I knew it!"

Joshua sighed. "I said I was Hyrule's top bachelor, thanks to you, but I don't know her, I think... I... I don't know what I feel.."

Link's eyes were large. "Wow. Never pinned you as a guy to not know anything."

"Yeah. But enough of me, how about you, Hero? How's the life with the second hottest woman in Hyrule?"

"Second?"

"We got to remember Cia!"

The two roared in laughter before they realized everyone was looking at them.

"Life's great."

Josh smiled. "Not what I'm asking."

Link put his head on the table. "...Pervert."

"Ok. So what's for Valentine's Day? Chocolate? Roses? Both?"

"Both. Plus a picture of us during the last ball, a female version of my tunic, and my horrible dancing. You?"

Josh reached down into his pouch and took out a small chest. He showed Link the content inside. "Since I'm a lonely boy, I'm giving this to Zelda, as a friend. Also, we do have our...entertainment."

Link sipped some of his milk. "Oh, that will be surprising. Best of luck. But I think you should ask her."

"Nah, I'm good. Maybe Din will come and dance with me."

No, she won't, but there's a surprise incoming for the Gerudo King.

I would talk about Zelda and Impa, but they're wondering about clothes for the ball. So let's skip to Zelda and Impa talking about...boys.

Girls being girls, Impa and Zelda (who was wearing her new tunic) were laying on the latter's bed, staring at the ceiling."So...what's what's with the Zelink?"

Zelda turned to Impa. "Zelink?

"That's what it is called."

Zelda sighed. "Well, it's not the best, thanks to our duties, but for what's it worth, we're getting through. He did bring these chocolates and roses, plus tonight he is providing entertainment along with Joshua. Oh, and this sexy tunic too!"

"Looks sexy too, girl. Oh, they're gonna suck."

"Definitely. So what did the Josh do today?"

"Link and Josh are on their bromantic date."

"Really?"

Impa gave a big huff. "Yes. He's still worried about Lana, Ganondorf's disappearance, his own people...I believe he's scared."

"Of what?"

"Loss. In the war alone, he lost his best friend and his family. No, he lost the love of his life. He thought he lost you. He's trained to care for women, and look how he handles losing them. Although I might be the exception."

Zelda thought long and hard at Impa's's assessment of the Gerudo Prince/King. It made perfect sense! "He was always angry. He was a isolator, and only came out to my calling. When you left for your people, he didn't hesitate to promote Link. He didn't want anything to do with the army or politics. Weirdly, he asked for the male servants only. Now I understand."

"Exactly."

Zelda rose from her bed and began to walk towards the door. "I should go. Maybe I could talk to him."

Impa rolled her red eyes as she ran in front of Zelda, only slightly taller than her friend and princess. "No. You'll see him tonight. The boys are out. It is girl time."

"But the ball is hours away!"

"Not unless the author skips time." Well played, Sheikah. Well played.

A few hours ago, she could have surprised him, but Link was there. Not worth seeing two guys reaction, when see only needed one.

She wore a new attire, an all purple dress, one that clung to her like a monkey holds to a tree branch, like her usual, but covered more of her body. Her lavendar hair was cut a bit, to be more presentable, and she slipped on the gold armlet Josh gave her before the war, followed by two golden bracelets on her wrists.

Good thing Telma knew Lana after she was returned to Hyrule and thought her plan was beautiful. She hadn't seen the prince as herself since the Christmas Ball, but she saw him during the last three days at the restaurant, and she would serve him while in disguise. Her idea, not Telma's.

She was getting the final preparations for her clothing when the Gerudo King entered his room. Yea, she broke into his room, just to surprise him.

"Guess I'll be by myself today. Stupid."

He walked into the room she was, and was stunned. She smiled, slighty guilty. She didn't know he was actually going to ask her. "Hello, Joshua."

'This cannot be Lana!' He looked at her face. Yes, he was still feeling the effects of drinking, and he thought he was seeing a mirage of her. But, deep down, he knew it was her, right here, in his presence.

"What? Say something! Am I so beautiful that you cannot speak?"

It is her! He found a smile coming upon his face. He finally found his voice. "Well I'll be damned. You look stunning."

She smiled and turned around, fixing her hair. "Why thank you. You look good as well."

"I...I'm glad you're back."

She winked. "Wouldn't want to miss Valentine's Day, wouldn't I?"

"You missed Christmas...and Halloween."

"Sorry about that."

"I'm alright with that." He looked at her face and smiled. "You're missing something. Her reached into his pocket and took out the chest. "I know it's small compared to the gifts Link gave Zelda, but I..."

"What did he give her?"

"A large box of chocolates , 2 dozen roses, a large picture of the two during the Christmas Ball, which shows them wearing a Santa Claus tunic, and the killer; a girl version of his tunic. Cap and scarf included."

She hugged him. "Aww. That's very sweet of him." Keeping their distance close, she began to open the chest.

Dodododododododo dudududududududu dodododododododo...Da dadada da!

Lana received a heart shaped necklace. She loved it. "Oh my...Joshua..."

"Let me put it on." Taking the necklace, he went behind her and wrapped it around her neck. When he was finished, they looked into the mirror. "Now that was worth the wait, wasn't it?"

"Yes it was worth coming back, and staying in secret with Telma... Sorry about that. I did see you, however."

"When? Today?"

"I was your server in black. Duh." She turned to face the Gerudo and hugged him once again. She then pulled back a bit before they looked into each others eyes. She couldn't wait anymore. The last time they were together, it was months ago.

He couldn't either. "We're not going to do this again, are we?"

She grinned. "Yea, but that was war." Lana pushed him against a wall, and he was immediately sandwiched between the wall and Lana. "Love comes after war."

As they played a war of tongues, and tried to combine each other into one being, the Gerudo Prince picked up the White Sorceress, and she wrapped her long legs around his waist. Her moans of pleasure made him want more. His groans of excitement kept her going. He carried her over to the bed, she landing on top of him, and they continue their war. And it came to a sudden stop when a knock was heard.

"Josh, are you ready?"

He groaned. "Yes, Zelda! Give me one moment!" He looked at the princess, disappointment showing on his face. "Do we have to go?"

"Yes, my prince." She rose up, sliding her hand from his neck to his upper leg. She had her eye on a particular area, but decided to see it later. "But we shall continue later. Now get ready." He slipped his shoes on, and with another kiss, he walked out the room.

It was finally time for the ball, and Josh despite his earlier enthusiasm, he was truly hating it. Every single lady, whether she was 17-20 or 30-...40 wanted to flirt with him. There were some 40+ women, but lets ignore that. His attire wasn't helping either. Link said it looked great. Impa and Zelda did as well. Josh believed that it was ridiculous.

He was in the "Goron Tunic", without the silly cap. He would not wear the cap. And he's glad he didn't when he saw her.

Not Aveil or Nabooru, but this girl was the third most beautiful Gerudo he's ever seen. He had to know her. He hadn't seen a member of his race besides Telma in months.

She was talking to a few guests when he got to her near the drinks.."Hey...scram." Everyone began to leave, but he held unto the Gerudo. "Except you."

The woman looked to her knees as she bowed, not saying a word.

"What's your name, miss?"

She finally looked up, smiling. "...Rova. Rova Twin."

Josh picked up two glasses, giving one to Rova. "Well, Rova, I guess I need no introduction. But I never saw you in my tribe. A resident of the city?"

"Yes, Your-"

"Please call me Joshua." He signaled for the "tip the glass" gesture and she followed. For the next hour, they talked of several subjects, even the recent war against Cia. Even Ganondorf.

And all the while, Josh noticed every curve her body had, and almost desired to see them without restriction. Her voice wasn't a high voice, nor a deep one, but he was sure he could make it happen. Plus, the hair was spilt into orange and blue perfectly. She was perfect. Then internal conflict happened within him. His longing for Lana was one, and now that he thought about it, he hasn't seen her since he left his room. One probably just wanted him like another girl at the ball, but was a member of his race, and one reappeared today looking like Nayru incarnate, and just a few hours ago was kissing him like they were about to pork. They were about to pork.

"Josh?" Rova and Joshua turned to the subject of his mind. Josh had to admit it, but Lana was still 10x sexier than Rova. "Yes Lana?"

"You're on in ten minutes."

"Thanks. Wait for me outside."

"Sure thing." To him, she sounded a little bit dejected. He was going to fix that. Hence the reason why she's only a few feet away.

"Well, Miss Rova Twin, it was nice meeting you, and nice talking to someone of Gerudo descent. Hopefully I'll see you soon, but the woman I court calls. She's a little stubborn." With that, Josh walked towards Lana. A curious Lana.

As she wrapped her arm around his, she began to question him. "Courting?"

He grinned. "Don't get so excited. But yes, I did say that."

"Uh huh."

They reentered the main room and walked near a window. "Well, today is Valentine's Day, isn't it? And since I never asked you officially to court me, but-?" She giggled at his attempt to complement her, before she gave a grin. She whispered in his ear.

"It's almost a few months late, idiot. But I accept, Your Majesty. Now go. I want a good halftime show before we get back to the game we stopped."

He kissed her on the cheek before he left. "So we shall resume, Sorceress."

Neither noticed the grinning Gerudo watching them.

"Alright boys, are we ready?"

"Yes SIR!"

"Alright. Any moment now."

"Link?"

"Josh?"

"If we shall fall today, I'm honored to have known the Hero."

"Same here, Your Majesty."

"Too bad you won't see Zellie in party mode. She's really fun to be around then. Especially when you get her in the gardens." Link's grin told the story. "Well, aren't you a lucky Hero?"

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I PRESENT TO YOU-"

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"Link?"

"Don't ask me."

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"You sure he's going to call us?"

"Any moment now."

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"ALRIGHT THAT'S IT!"

Link and Joshua busted through the doors, and all eyes looked in fear. A soldier was was with the Princesses of Hyrule, the White Sorceress and the Sheikah, and it didn't seem good. The boys walked up to them. "Zelda, what's wrong?"

Zelda looked at Link and just hugged him as tears fell from her eyes. Something was definitely wrong. Impa and Josh just looked at each other before the prince looked at the soldier.

"Soldier, speak."

"Royal Commander, there's has been reports of activity in the Valley of Seers. I believe that the Demon King has returned."

"They actually believe that?"

"Yes they did. Such a terrible waste of space the prince is. Once Ganondorf leaves the desert, the Triforce of Power awaits him in the Valley. All according to plan."

Agahnim and Twinrova were in the former's private study, setting their Master's plan in motion. "How easy it was to warped the soldier's mind. Now it's only a matter of time, my dear."

Twinrova laughed coldly at her thoughts. "And the prince, guardian, and our newly arrived witch are completely unaware. Once we drop them, Link and Zelda are next!"

"And no Hero or Princess will stop Lord Ganondorf!"