The Legend of Zelda: The Missing Link

Chapter 16: Oasis Flight

Link pushed open the large woodens doors that led out into Hyrule Castle Town. The air was warm and damp, and he could tell that it had just finished raining. The bustle and chatter of the town hit his pointed, highly-sensitive ears, and they perked up. It hadn't been that long since he had last heard it, but just the voices and footsteps in the square sounded like sweet, wonderful music. He jogged into the square, watching the people hurry around the square, past the fountain, into and out of shops. But this was no time for leisure; Link knew where he had to go, and he had to get there fast.

Now out in Hyrule Field, Link blew on the horse call. Epona's song echoed through the field; Epona whinnied in the distance and came barreling towards him at top speed before screeching to a halt beside him.

Link hoisted himself onto her, adjusted himself, and then cracked her reins. She shot forward like a bullet, and Link was reminded of just how much he loved the wind in his hair, the sound of his horse's breathing as they rode through the field.

But there was something amiss here. Bulbins and Helmarocs idily roamed the field and occasionally came after Link and Epona. Link mowed them down with his sword while silently praying to the goddesses that Zelda was okay. It was apparent that Ganondorf was trying to take over Hyrule again--Link could barely remember Epona bucking him off in fear and being strangled by Ganondorf. He remembered his sword getting knocked out of his hand and landing in the grass of Hyrule Field. So what was it doing right outside of the castle?

~~~

"You want the oasis flight, huh?" Fyer asked. He was a short, plump man dressed like an out-of-work clown, complete with sad makeup. "Okay, then, get in." Fyer stepped out of the way of the large cannon, and Link stepped inside. Fyer grapped the crank beside him and started to turn it.

The huge cannon lurched up and shook, expanding and reaching for the sky. After a few seconds, Link was shot up into the air.

"Woaahh!" He yelled as he shot through the air, the clothes whipping at his skin. Tristam screamed from inside the pouch at Link's waist.

"Uh!" Link grunted as he hit the hot sand of Gerudo Desert. He pushed himself up to his feet and brushed the sand off of his tunic. The hot sun beat down on his face, much more uncomfortable than the nice glow of the sun just outside of the castle. It was also a lot dryer, and the sand in the air burned Link's nose and throat. Something about it was more ill-boding, more ugly and looming than the last time he was here a couple weeks ago. Tristam forced himself out of the pouch.

"Oh my goodness!" He said, flying in circles around Link's head. "That's so cool! Can we do that again?"

Link rushed foward, his feet pushing down the sand as he ran over it. He hurried to cross the expansive desert, anxious to reach the other side. On the opposite side of this desert was his connection to her.