Remember When...(Link x Reader)

|| Chapter 44 || Double Scares

Edited 05.18.23

Link didn't like the idea of the Lost Woods when you first told him about them and he likes it no better when actually standing at the misty entrance. Already, he feels as if you guys are being watched and neither of you have even stepped foot in the forest yet!

Shivering due to the cold plus the creepy feeling this place gives him, he steps a little closer to you as you light a torch you found lying near some ruins, "Remember: We gotta stick together in here or else you'll risk being taken back to square one by the mist. It shouldn't take too long to reach the other side especially since - here take this - I got a map that'll help!"

While you search through your bag, you hand Link the torch which he guards with his life, "I thought you said maps won't work."

"The Sheikah Slate map won't, but a map for less 'privileged' travelers will do just fine," You finally find what you've been looking for, excitedly holding out an old torn yellow paper for him to see, "The red line shows the path to Korok Forest! All we have to do is follow it!"

"Are those supposed to be...trees?" He smirks a bit, gazing over the map details consisting of that red line you mentioned wiggling past several very poorly drawn faced trees until reaching an 'x'. He could've sworn he's seen you draw better than...Well, that.

"Hey, cut yourself some slack, Link. Drawing has never been one of your strong suits," You replace his smirk when his own turns to surprise, although you don't tease him for long, already turning to face the forest, "I used to bug you nonstop to take me to the Korok Forest once I found out you knew the way. Eventually, you gave me this map so that if I ever decided to go there on my own - even though you completely advised against doing so - I wouldn't get hopelessly lost out here."

You study the map then the trees ahead, making sure to take your time comparing the two before starting down the path, "This way."

You both remain side-by-side to the point that your shoulders occasionally rub against each other. You instruct Link to hold the torch out, explaining to him that it doesn't just serve the purpose of providing light, but also keeps the mist at bay. Doing as you say, he keeps a firm hand on the wooden handle, trying to keep his focus on ensuring the flame doesn't go out instead of on all the terrifying trees that are somehow shaped with monstrous expressions that are anything but natural.

While the Lost Woods may not be as dense as some forests like Faron, it's just as difficult to see the surrounding environment thanks to such thick mist. Also unlike other forests in which usually have at least some sort of game trail to follow, this forest's floor is covered in waist long grass with no signs of any wildlife around.

Although there's no visible path, you confidently lead the way yourself with the map's help. There's only a handful of times where you've needed to stop and study your surroundings closer, usually doing so while cursing a pre-calamity Link for giving you confusing directions that 'lacks in-depth details'. Post-calamity Link just bows his head in quiet embarrassment, pretending not to hear your under-the-breath curses.

He trusts your map-reading skills (and strangely enough, feels a bit defensive over his map drawing abilities whenever you bring them into question), however he does find himself beginning to doubt your assurances that there's nothing dangerous in these woods especially upon hearing a barely noticeable 'snap' somewhere nearby.

Grabbing your arm to stop you from going any farther, he tugs you a little closer to himself and whispers, "Did you hear that?"

"Link, I told you there's nothing -" He shushes you and listens more closely to your shared surroundings. There it is again! The difference is, instead of a single 'snap', it sounds like footsteps hurrying in your direction! You hear it, too, this time.