Redemption (Link x Reader)

Chapter 25: A Mystery in the Depths

As you, Ray and Link grew closer to Zora's Domain, it became clear how bad things were. The Zora River was filled with sludge. 

"Those reports might have underestimated how bad things are," you muttered, kneeling at the water's edge. You dipped your finger in, and it came back out coated in gunk. You wiped your hand on some grass, watching as it started to wilt. "If we don't find a way to stop it, this is definitely going to wreak havoc on the crops – let alone what it's doing to the poor Zora."

"In that case, we better hurry." Link tossed you a Splash Fruit to wash the rest off. Of all the new fruit that seemingly appeared from the sky, this one you found particularly strange – though having the equivalent of an extra canteen on your journey was always welcome.

As the two of you made your way upriver, the Light Dragon seemingly followed, just from a few hundred feet in the air. "That's at least reassuring," you murmured. Having the Light Dragon grace you with its presence twice now had to be a good sign.

You were shaken from your thoughts as Link shouted, "There's someone in the river!" He took off in a run to a mass of gunk that had built up on the shore. 

Out of habit, you bolted after him without thinking, but soon you saw why. A Zora soldier was buried up to their waist in the sludge. For a Hylian, that wouldn't be a problem, but for Zora with gills on the side of their torso, it was too close for comfort. "Hang on!"

Link grabbed an arm while you grabbed the other and slowly dragged the poor soldier to freedom. "Thank you..." he wheezed. 

Link used another Splash Fruit to start washing him off. You meanwhile got started on first aid, keeping his airways clear and pulling out one of your spare Hearty Elixirs to help kickstart his recovery.

Once his color returned and he was breathing easily, he explained what had happened. "The sludge came out of nowhere. Our group set out to investigate in Upper Zorana, but I got separated by some monsters and then fell in the river and all of this sludge..." He groaned. "It's really embarrassing as a soldier... I hope Prince Sidon doesn't find out..."

"Don't worry, if anything he'll thank you for investigating for him," Link said.

Ray laughed. "He'd probably thank you about ten different ways."

The soldier seemed to lighten up for a moment, then suddenly paled. "Oh no, the rest of the squad! What if they're still in Upper Zorana? They were going to go up to the Skyview Tower but... what if they didn't make it?"

Link looked to you. "What do you think,  (Y/n)?"

"Are you okay to stand?"

The soldier nodded.

"Okay can you check on the guards? I'll continue on to the Domain to make sure no one else is stuck in the sludge and help out there. No doubt it's causing all sorts of problems. I'll take our new friend back with me."

"You got it," Link said. Link was more skilled at climbing, especially with abilities like Ascend. Being the strategist, it made more sense for you to go to the Domain to plan what to do, especially if it meant getting more information from Sidon.

"I'd be happy to escort you, princess," Ray said, with a cough. "Though I think you're more the one escorting me."

Link gave the soldier a firm look. "Make sure she stays safe."

"Y-yes sir!" Ray stammered.

You could only shake your head, "We'll be fine. You should be on your guard." Link nodded, determined.

With the exception of a few scuffles with monsters, the trip to the Domain was easygoing. However, the trip became much more interesting as you crossed the final bridge, parting with your traveling partner as he went to check in with the other guards.