Redemption (Link x Reader)

Chapter 29: The Spring of Forgiveness

The wind carried the scent of pine and rain as Ray and Link descended from the sky islands, gliding down toward the rolling green hills below. The land stretched out before them—untouched, quiet, and ancient.

Ray's eyes scanned the horizon, his thoughts racing. "There's only one place left," he murmured. "One place that hasn't been called upon in ages."

Link turned to him, brow furrowed. "Where?"

"Ordon Village," Ray said softly. "The spring where the water heals... and the woods that whisper with memory."

The name alone stirred something deep within Link's heart. Ordon—the village of beginnings. The place where one of his earliest lives had started, where the Hero of Twilight once drew his first blade. It was a place of peace, of home... and of loss.

They traveled through the fading light, the path winding through meadows and forests until the air grew cool and damp. The sound of running water guided them forward, deeper into the woods.

The trees parted to reveal the old village, half reclaimed by nature. Moss covered the rooftops, and vines curled around the fences. Yet the spring still shimmered, its waters glowing faintly with divine light.

Ray stepped closer, kneeling by the edge. "Mom used to talk about this place," he said quietly. "She said the water here remembers. That it can show you what your heart seeks most."

Link joined him, gazing into the reflection. The surface rippled, and for a moment, he thought he saw your face—your eyes filled with both sorrow and strength, your wings faintly glowing behind you.

"(Y/n)..." he whispered.

The spring pulsed with light, sending ripples across the water. The air shimmered, and a faint warmth brushed against their skin, like a whisper carried by the wind.

Ray looked up, determination burning in his eyes. "She's here. Somewhere beyond the woods."

Link nodded, tightening his grip on the Master Sword. "Then that's where we go."

Together, they stepped into the misty forest beyond the spring, the sound of the healing waters fading behind them. The woods of water awaited—ancient, sacred, and alive with the echoes of the past.

The forest grew darker the deeper they went, the canopy above thick with ancient leaves that filtered the sunlight into shifting patterns of gold and green. The air was heavy with the scent of moss and spring water, and every step echoed faintly, as though the woods themselves were listening.

Link slowed his pace, his eyes scanning the familiar terrain. "Ordon Spring should be up ahead," he murmured, his voice low, almost reverent.

Ray followed close behind, glancing around at the towering trees. "It's quiet... too quiet."

Link stopped suddenly. His gaze fell to the ground—deep gouges carved into the earth, claw marks that tore through stone and root alike. The soil still smoked faintly, the air tinged with the scent of ash and flame.

"She's here," Link said softly, his heart pounding. "These marks... they're hers."

Ray's hand instinctively went to his weapon, but Link raised a hand to stop him.

"This is where you need to stay back, Ray." His tone was firm, but not unkind. "This is between me and her."

Ray frowned. "Dad—"

"No." Link's eyes were distant, haunted by centuries of memory. "I have to do this. I have to tell her how much I want her... how much I still love her. I refuse to let her believe we were never meant to be together."