Parallels (Link x Reader)

I

Y/N's POV

Ollie and Zion haven't been reaching out lately. I settled back into the couch of my little apartment, my thoughts drifting to the friends I had made. Back then, I never felt the need to stay in constant contact with them once the final bell rang, but now, in the quiet solitude of my apartment, I couldn't help but miss their presence in my life.

With a wistful sigh, I placed my switch into its dock, its satisfying click echoing in the room as I turned on the TV. The screen flickered to life, casting a warm, inviting glow across the living room. It was a familiar routine, a way to bridge the gap between the past and the present. As the game's title screen appeared, I realized that even though we had all gone our separate ways after graduation, those friendships were a cherished part of my life. I missed them dearly.

"It's been two months..." 

I adjusted the sleeve of my pristine white turtleneck, the fabric soft against my skin as I settled into the plush cushions of my leather couch. In the dimly lit room, the soft glow of the TV screen reflected off the polished hardwood floors. With a sense of anticipation, I reached for my controller, its familiar weight reassuring in my hand.

Carefully, I navigated through the console's menu and selected my favorite game. It was the only solace I found these days, a digital realm where I could momentarily escape the growing unease that had plagued me. Lately, my nights had been haunted by strange dreams, vivid visions that blurred the line between reality and imagination.

Recently I had not only been having weird dreams about this game, but also of a cellar engrossed in purple light. Even weirder to me, it happened to start when Ollie disappeared, almost an exact sixty days ago. They only grew stronger when Zion disappeared, which was about three weeks ago.

A sudden, unexpected knock resonated through my cozy living room, shattering my attention to the game. My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, I froze in place. My first thought was that it was probably my elderly neighbor, Miss Sheryl, who often needed assistance with her finicky Wi-Fi. I had become her unofficial tech support, but it was a task I didn't mind, as it gave me a sense of purpose.

With a sigh of resignation, I set my controller down on the coffee table and got up from the couch. I crossed the room, my steps echoing in the silence, and reached for the doorknob. As I swung the door open, I fully expected to see Miss Sheryl's kind face and hear her gentle request for help.

But there was no one there.

A chilly breeze swept through the doorway, sending a shiver down my spine. I peered into the dimly lit hallway, my eyes scanning for any sign of movement. The hallway remained empty, and the only sounds were distant echoes of footsteps from neighboring apartments.Confused and slightly unnerved, I muttered to myself, "If you still need help, Miss Sheryl, knock three times." It was a little inside joke we had developed to avoid confusing each other when she needed assistance. Three knocks meant she genuinely needed help, while a single knock was just a friendly visit.

I waited, my ear attuned to the silence beyond my doorstep. But there was no response, no further knocks from the invisible visitor. The seconds dragged on, and my puzzlement deepened.
With a resigned shake of my head, I closed the door slowly, the sense of unease lingering. Returning to the couch, I picked up my controller, ready to resume my game, only to realize that I hadn't paused it after all.

Game Over.

"Shit." 

Hungry, I got up and cooked myself some noodles. Well, it's generous to say I cooked it, but I did heat it up. Finishing my food, I just turned my game off and closed my eyes.

"Wake up, Y/N."

"Wake up!"

"Are you listening to me? Get up now!"

Somewhat panting, I shot up. It seemed as if I were in a game setting, specifically Hyrule. I stepped out of the tunnel-like cover and into a world that felt utterly foreign. My surroundings were bathed in a lush tapestry of vibrant greenery, as though nature itself had taken over every inch of this place. Towering trees with leaves that shimmered in a multitude of shades swayed gently in a soft breeze, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.

Turning back to look at the entrance I had just emerged from, I was greeted by an awe-inspiring sight. Carved into the stone archway was the intricately detailed mouth of a dragon, its stony teeth and maw frozen in a silent roar. The craftsmanship was astounding even if the stone was worn and old. "Am I dreaming?"

"No," the Gerudo woman huffed, folding her arms in front of her chest. "Can you get up now?" The woman looks at me, the topaz eyes stares through my soul. Nodding quickly, I stood up. "Sa'vaaq! Name's Yunmu." Her wave was kind, as was her smile... even if it didn't quite meet her eyes. "Here's some clothes... so you aren't half naked anymore." Stuffing some white gerudo clothing in my face, she turns away so I can put it on. Only now realizing the tattered sheikah that uncomfortably clung to my skin, I shifted into the Gerudo clothes.

Turning back, I realize she's gone. Then a weight on my head darkens my vision.

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Sorry for the short chapter. I am in the process of editing and this introduction is actually brain-rotting-ly bad.