Mystic in the Air - Ghirahim x female reader

Chapter Forty: The Mission

A/N: DAAAANG 40 chapters already. I promise things will get a LOT more interesting during this chapter. I've already discarded some filler chapters. Everything will be nice and fun from this point out. Maybe even a teensy weensy bit smutty in future chapters... Anyway, sorry for not updating in a while. Had a lot going on. I'll update whenever I can, I promise. I'm holding myself hostage with this story before starting some of my trans fantasies. But happy anniversary for this story!

It's been five days since you talked with Zelda about the mysterious tattoo on the back of your hand. Each day, you've found something to do to keep your brain occupied, but you're starting to run out. Playing with Hummer, journaling, helping the people in charge of meals not completely ruin dinner, walking alone through the forest, and playing cards with Groose have all become part of your daily routine. Though, both Hummer and Groose are busy today. Hummer is visiting her parents. Groose is leading a mission, that you've been invited to be a part of, to scope out the big tree in Faron Woods. As you pull on your boots, you decide it can't be too much of a hassle. Your chainmail has stayed shoved in a bag for a while. You take it out, dust it off, and pull it on before putting your tunic on as well. Groose said to bring your sword, for whatever reason, and meet him at the base of the tree. You grab your sword, sling the sheath over your shoulder, and head out.

Groose and a crowd of about 5 other knights are mingling around the base of the tree when you arrive. He looks pleased to see you. You stand off to the side of the group, fiddling with your gloves. Two more knights arrive pretty quickly. They're all carrying swords, even Groose, who normally just uses his brute strength. That's a bit odd. Groose stands atop a large tree root and clears his throat. Everyone stops talking and turns to him. 

"Alright, everyone. I think we know what to do here. If you see something moving, kill it on the spot. Any questions?" he announces.

You're taken aback. Wasn't this just a scouting mission? Or is he just being careful? Bugs could've moved into the giant tree at this point. Maybe he wants them flushed out.

"Good. (Y/n) and I will be at the top, blocking any escape. Let's move out," he says.

The solider closest to the rope leading into the tree immediately starts climbing. Groose joins in at the back of the group. You walk up to him. He gives you a warm smile.

"I hope you don't mind that I put you on exit duty," he says.

You shrug. 

"I thought this was just a scouting mission," you admit.

"We learned from one of our sources that the tree is also a monster base, and the first few we cleared out were put there as distractions so we wouldn't come back," Groose replies.

Your heart immediately plumets into your stomach. You take a deep breath and nod solemnly, trying to keep your composure. This won't be bad. It's the same as when monsters were cleared out the first time. You keep telling yourself this as you become first in line and slowly start to climb the rope. 

"I'm over-reacting," you convince yourself.

You pull yourself over the side and walk inside the tree immediately. Squeals pierce through your head. Crys of help, begs of mercy, pleas for families. You stand in the doorway, jaw dropped, as you watch the bloodbath. You can understand all of it. The anguish of the demons and the triumphant boastings of the soldiers mix in your head. Purple smoke is clouding the inside of the trunk, the only remnants of the slain demons. Groose puts a hand on your shoulder. You turn back to him.

"Exit duty, remember?" he asks.

You nod, too shell-shocked to speak, and turn around to start climbing. Groose is right behind you the entire way. As you climb, you try your best to not watch the murder going on around you. The climbs feels like it's taking forever. The minute you reach the top, you run outside the door. Groose doesn't follow, instead waiting inside. You feel as if you might vomit. The mix of shock and being out of breath leaves you hyperventilating. You sit down on a branch to catch your breath. A Lizalfos sprints out the door. You immediately hold your breath at the sight of him. He takes a deep breath and looks around. Eventually his eyes land on you. You stand slowly. He recoils.