The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild- Ch. 6

Ch. 6- The Four Trials
Part 3

 After they had left the ruins, Link, the wolf, and the old man walked through the grassy plains. As they walked, the old man seemed to be huffing and puffing before he stopped with his hands on his knees, causing Link to look back in concern.

 "I'm all right," the old man reassured. "Haa...haa...these old bones of mine are not what they used to be. Keep going without me. My cabin is just up ahead."

 Link paused...but then he went over to the old man's side and put his hand to his back, waiting for him to catch his breath, and once the old man stood upright, he chuckled at the boy's generosity.

 "Thank you, lad," the old man said. "I feel like I can continue, now. Let us go."

 Link smiled and nodded his head as they continued on their way. As they walked, though, Link's mind was filled with questions for the old codger. For one thing, he didn't know who he was, and for another, he didn't know he always got to places so quickly, despite being so aged. He also wondered how he knew so much about these shrines and the Spirit Orbs.

 He didn't know how, but he felt like he would be getting that answer sometime in the near future.

 As they continued walking, the wolf suddenly growled in warning, causing Link and the old man to look up and see two Bokoblins, sitting around a campfire. It seemed as though they were carrying on some sort of banter, for they were snorting and chattering back and forth to one another. Link squat down to his knees before he and the wolf crept over to hide behind two wooden crates, then the former grabbed his bow and prepared to loose an arrow at them, but then, the old man put his hand on the boy's shoulder, causing him to glance back at him.

 "Before you loose that arrow," he told Link, "maybe you should use it to disorient those monsters."

 Link tilted his head in puzzlement, but then he followed the old man's finger to a beehive, hanging from a tree branch. Link gasped silently, realizing instantly what the old-timer meant before a smirk creased upon his lips. Then, Link raised the bow and pulled on the arrow, closing one eye to get better aim. Then, he loosed the arrow, the pointed head knocking the hive off the branch, and soon after, a swarm of bees came buzzing out of the hive...and they did not look happy.

 "Courser Bees tend to get defensive of their hive," the old man pointed out. "They'll attack anything that gets close."

 Sure enough, the bees headed straight for the two hapless Bokoblins, who screeched in alarm before they turned and ran to avoid getting stung. Link couldn't help snickering at the sight, as did the wolf and the old man. However, their laughter was a little short-lived, for they had soon been spotted by the imps, who growled as they realized that they had been tricked.

 "Give them what for, young one," said the old man. "I'd fight beside you, but I am afraid I'm not good at combat."

 Link nodded before he drew his newly acquired claymore and ran at the monsters with the wolf charging beside him. As one of the Bokoblins lunged, Link raised his sword over his head and made a downward slash, sending the imp down to the ground, while the wolf barked and lunged at the other Bokoblin, his fangs sinking deep into its throat. The Bokoblin made a dying squeal as the wolf severed its windpipe before disappearing in a puff of smoke, leaving behind only a couple of Bokoblin Fangs. As for Link, he swung his claymore and SWAK!! He sliced the Bokoblin's head clean off, causing its body to fall limp. Then, it also disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving behind only a horn and its purple, pulsating heart. Link grimaced as he saw it still twitching, but he decided to collect whatever he could get.

 "Smart choice," said the old man. "You might not know it, but you can make certain things with monster parts."

 Link blinked in curiosity at this information.

 "Anyway," said the old traveler. "Let us continue on. My cabin is just up ahead."

 Link nodded before the trio continued onward. As they did, Link had to stop to look at the beehive before he smiled and went over to it (checking to make sure there were no bees about, of course). The old man chuckled, realizing what Link was trying to do.

 "Here," he said as he handed the boy a knife. "You might need this."

 Link smiled and nodded his head gratefully before he used the knife to carve out a piece of the hive...and pulling out a honeycomb, dripping with pure, rich honey. Then, he took a bite, savoring its sweet flavor. Then, he held it out to the wolf, who sniffed at the treat before he only licked at the golden yellow substance that was dripping off Link's hand. Link then proceeded to eat the rest, sucking off any honey from his fingertips. He then used the knife to cut out another honeycomb before stowing it away for a later time before he, the wolf, and the old timer continued onward.

 As they kept walking, Link spotted something up ahead: a wooden cabin with moss growing on the roof and mushrooms growing out of the ground. There was even a cooking pot over a pile of dried sticks and leaves.

 "Well, here we are," said the old man. "Feel free to make yourself at home. I'll see if I can get a fire started."

 Link blinked before he went inside the cabin, finding only a bed made of hay and old, tattered quilts, a large axe leaning against the wall, some clay pots in the corner, and a table with green mushrooms, two peppers, and a book. It was quite a quaint place. Maybe a little lacking in the typical creature comforts, but it was some form of shelter at least. As Link looked around, he spotted the book on the table and went to take a look at it. He took a quick look at the book's cover and saw "My Diary" printed on the front. The pages were a little worn and some even seemed even looked a bit ripped. At first, Link didn't think he should look at the diary...but since the old man was outside and tending to the campfire.

 Maybe it wouldn't hurt to read a few pages.

 On that, Link sat down on a chair and began to read on the page the book was opened on.

 "On this desolate plateau, the only pleasure that brings me comfort is cooking, and today, I outdid myself! Truly, I created the perfect dish. I call it...spicy meat and seafood fry. This recipe not only restores health, but it also keeps me warm, even then traveling in the snowy mountains. With this dish on my side, I no longer have need of that itchy warm doublet."

 Warm doublet? What did that mean? Growing ever curious, Link turned the page and saw a later entry.

 "I don't know how I allowed this to happen, but it seems I forgot to write down a very important recipe. I know it contained raw meat and spicy peppers. However...I simply cannot remember what else I used! My age is catching up to me."

 Link tilted his head in perplexity. Didn't he write it down on the previous entry? If so, why did he say that he forgot? Perhaps this old man truly was going a bit senile. However, Link decided to continue reading, just in case he found something else interesting.

 "Sadly, on this lonely plateau, I have only my own knowledge and memory to rely on. Still...if I did find someone who knew the missing ingredient, I would happily reward them with my warm doublet. However, it seems unlikely that such a miraculous wish will ever be fulfilled."

 After turning the page, he saw that the rest of the pages in the diary were blank, so Link closed the book before he put a finger to his chin in thought. Then, he looked out to the old man, who was trying to get the fire started so he could cook their meal, while the wolf lied nearby, yawning in boredom. Link smiled, an idea forming his head before he headed outside and made a beeline for the forest. The wolf, sensing that Link might've been going somewhere, soon followed after him.

 "Where are you going, boy?" asked the old man, causing Link to turn around to face him before he pointed to the forest. "Ah, I see. Just don't be out for too long. Monsters tend to be more active during the night."

 Link nodded before he walked on with the wolf at his heels, while the old man chuckled while stoking the fire with more wood.

XXX

 This forest sure was teeming with boars, Link noticed. Their hoof prints were almost everywhere on the ground, as well as various other...leavings. Plus, there were scratch marks on the bark of the trees nearby, obviously left by boar tusks. The wolf sniffed the ground before he began to follow the trail with Link following behind. As they walked, they hear a snort coming from somewhere nearby, and sure enough, there was a boar, rooting around in the grass. The wolf growled, but then Link shushed him softly so he wouldn't alert the animal. Then, Link took out his bow and loaded an arrow before he pulled back on the string, aiming carefully at the boar's neck. Then, he knocked the arrow from bow, and the arrow landed right in the boar's jugular vein, causing it to squeal in pain before it collapsed, dead. Link then went over, took out a knife, and carved out some of the meat from the carcass before he stashed it away in satchel and then headed off somewhere else with the wolf padding along behind him.

 Before too long, they came upon a lake, teeming with fish. Link grinned before he grabbed his spear and, using one eye to aim, thrust it into the water. Then, he pulled it out and found he had speared 2 large Hyrule Bass. Satisfied with his success, Link wrapped the fish up in leaves, then, he grabbed another leaf and scooped up some water inside, then he proceeded to head back to the old man's cabin.

XXX

 "Well, that didn't take you too long," said the old man as Link and the wolf appeared from the forest. "Had a successful hunt, I take it?"

 Link nodded his head as he held up the raw boar meat and the Hyrule Bass skewered on his spear. Upon seeing them, the old man chortled as he lightly slapped his knee.

 "Of course! Hyrule Bass!" he exclaimed. "How could I have forgotten? Well done, boy. Now then, how about you and I have ourselves a hearty meal, and afterwards, I will reward your efforts with my old warm doublet? You'll need it where you're going."

 Link nodded his head before he sat down with the elderly stranger, who tossed the raw meat, the fish, and the peppers he had into the pot. The ingredients made a tantalizing sizzle as the old man tossed the contents around in the pot. The smell made Link's mouth water and his stomach started roaring, once again, and he had to wipe his mouth to keep any excess drool from falling. After a while, the dish was finally cooked, and as soon as Link got his, he started scarfing it down. However, he forgot about its spiciness and panted as he fanned his tongue with his hand, then guzzled down some of the water he had collected. The wolf, unable to resist the spicy scent of the dish, as well, found himself in the same predicament.

 Soon, they had finished eating their meal, and Link sighed in satisfaction, the spiciness leaving a slight tingle on his tongue. Then, Link got up and dusted himself off before bowing his head in gratitude.

 "Ohohoho!" laughed the old man. "Think nothing of it, boy. I'm only doing what I can. In the meantime, I think it's time you went back to looking for those last 2 shrines, don't you?"

 Link nodded his head, remembering what he was actually supposed to be doing.

 "Oh, before you go," the old man started as he held out a dark green shirt with dark red embroidery and thick, long sleeves. "As I promised, here's that warm doublet. I don't really need it anymore. It itches like the devil."

 Link smiled and took the doublet, stashing it away in his bag for later.

 "And while you're at it," the old man began, "how about you take that axe you found in there? And before you say anything, you should know I have a spare one. Please, take it. I insist."

 Link opened his mouth to argue, but since it seemed he couldn't change the old timer's mind, he thought that maybe it wouldn't hurt to take him up on his offer. After, he did say he had a spare. So, Link went inside and grabbed the large axe in the cabin and lugging it behind him. Then he looked to the old man, as if to ask "Well, now what?", which caused the elder to chuckle.

 "Well, if I didn't know better," said the old man, "I'd think one of those shrines was somewhere on the other side of that crevice."

 Link to his right and saw an open trench, and on the other side of that was a rock wall with purple mushrooms growing out of it. That's when he also noticed some very large, tall redwood trees. Putting two and two together, Link instantly figured out a way to get across. Waving the old man goodbye for now, the young man proceeded into the wooded area with the wolf trotting along behind him. Then, after choosing a tree that would be tall enough, used the axe to chop it down, and THOOM! The landed on the other side of the trench, becoming a bridge for Link to cross. Link then strapped the axe to his back, since he never knew when he might need it for a fight.

 His arms outstretched at both sides, Link cautiously walked across the tree while the wolf followed, both making sure to watch their footing, before they reached the other side of the trench. However, it was too soon to relax just yet, for two Bokoblins soon caught sight of them, one holding a club and the other holding a long, wooden stick, almost like it was a spear.

 Looks like Link would be needing that axe, after all. Without a moment's hesitation, Link drew the axe with both hands and charged with the wolf following alongside him. The former leapt up and, with a loud yell, swung the axe down, slamming the spear-wielding Bokoblin into the ground. Then, while his opponent was stunned, Link swung the axe again, knocking the imp off the cliff and into the abyss toward its doom. As for the wolf, he had his opponent in a choke-hold before he jerked his head, causing the Bokoblin's neck to snap in two before it fell limp and disappeared with a puff of smoke. Now, before Link went on, he noticed something off to the right of the cliff-face: another Bokoblin camp.

 Now, one hand, he could go and raid it...but on the other, he could come back from the shrine and use his new rune to deal with them, later.

 ...No. Perhaps it was best to deal with them, now, in case they became a nuisance later.

 With that, Link and the wolf crossed over the chasm before they made their way over to the camp, crouching down low so as to avoid being seen. Then, once Link was sure he was close enough, he drew his bow and arrow, pulled on the shaft, aimed right for the Bokoblin on the lookout tower, and loosed the arrow. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it, for the arrow hit the ground just a few inches off target, so he tried again, aiming just a little bit higher. He put a bow on the string, pulled on it, closed one eye to aim, and then fired once again...and this time, he made a direct hit, the arrow, piercing through the Bokoblin's skull as it fell to the ground, giving out a dying screech as it fell to the ground and crumpled before it vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving behind a horn and fang. However, its cohorts soon took notice before they grabbed their weapons, their snouts snorting as they began to sniff out the intruders.

 Grabbing his claymore, Link rushed out with the wolf following after him, growling and barking with ferocity. The Bokoblins screeched as they charged back, attempting to clobber Link and the wolf with their clubs, but Link swung his sword, knocking them both back while the wolf circled around behind them, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Then, both Bokoblins got back up, one picking its club back up while the other tried to use its fallen comrade's bow. It tried to shoot at Link at close-range, but before it could fire, the wolf lunged at with fangs bared and bit down on its jugular vein, causing it to screech in pain before it breathed its last breath.

 Having taken care of the pests, Link looked up at another lookout tower and sat a skull-shaped chest on top, its eyes glowing an ominous purple, but then, they flashed yellow. Growing ever more curious about what could be inside, Link climbed up the scaffold and opened the chest, only to beam in surprise when he found what the chest had withheld: a Throwing Spear, a bit stronger and sturdier than a regular Traveler's Spear. Perfect!

 Stashing it away for now, Link climbed down the tower and proceeded to head back to the other side of the chasm, but before they could, the wolf went over to makeshift wooden targets and pawed at them. At first, Link didn't seem to understand why the lupine went over there, but then his ears heard the sound of muffled buzzing...coming from behind the targets. Taking the Woodcutter's Axe, Link sliced the targets apart, revealing a small cave, and inside were some green mushrooms and a Courser Beehive hanging from the ceiling...with the bees still swarming around.

 Link and the wolf gulped, realizing that they had just disturbed the hive, and without a second thought, they turned around and made a break for it. However, the swarm soon gave chase, and Link, drawing his claymore once again, used it to swat away the bees. Once they were taken care of, he went into the cave to collect the mushrooms and the beehive.

 However, Link knew not to waste much more time. After all, that shrine wasn't going to explore itself.

 So, after crossing the tree again, Link looked up at the cliff where the shrine sat...and boy, it was going to take some time climbing up there. No time like the present it seemed. Rubbing his hands together, the boy hopped up to the cliff face and began to make the climb upward. He grunted as he hooked his fingers and toes into any crevice he could reach, being careful not to miscalculate and slip. As he climbed, he noticed these purple mushrooms growing out of the cracks in the rock, almost star-shaped, but not as pointy. These were called Rushrooms, known to enhance one's physical speed. Not wanting to miss such an opportunity, Link gritted his teeth and reached for the Rushrooms, grabbing just barely managing to grab onto the mushroom's stalks before he gave a quick pluck and successfully stashed them away into his satchel.

 Still, he had a bit of a ways to go. With a sigh, Link grunted as he continued his climb while the wolf sat down below, watching him while holding the Boko Spear in his mouth. If he could speak, he would admit that the lad was rather tenacious...either that or just plain stupid. No wonder he was told he might need help. Still, pride aside, he had to what he felt might've been best for Hyrule...

 "GAH!!" Link cried as he almost slipped.

 ...Even if it meant helping this goofball.

With a sigh, the wolf's body dispersed into the black embers of twilight, taking the spear with him. As for Link, he was barely even making it halfway up the cliff, and he already felt like he was running out of breath. Still, he pushed himself onward, knowing that a resting point was just within reach. The boy gritted his teeth as he pushed himself to climb further...but his fingers were already beginning to lose their grip. Just as it looked like he was about to slip and fall right off, he suddenly found himself staring at the end of a large stick, the other end of which was being held in the wolf's jaws.

 Link smiled as he grabbed onto the Boko Spear, allowing the wolf to pull him up to the ledge. Once there, Link gave a sigh of relief as he sat down on his rump, panting as he caught his breath. As he did, he looked down, only to tense up as he realized how high up he really was...and how much higher the shrine seemed now. Nonetheless, Link swallowed whatever nervousness he had before he looked back up at the shrine. It may've been a long climb, but he knew it would be worth it...especially since after this, there would be only one more shrine to go before he could finally obtain that paraglider from the old man and be free of the Great Plateau.

 On that, he jumped up and grabbed onto the cliff face and began his climb upward, once more, while the wolf stayed behind and watched him. Link panted as he kept hoisting himself up, and even leapt up toward the shrine to gain further height. He would make strained noises when he thought he was going to lose his grip again, but he soon forced himself to continue. In the end, it would soon pay off...because at last, he had finally made it! With one more hoist, he pulled himself over the ledge before he found himself kneeling before the shrine. Link sighed in great relief before he stood up and approached the shrine, then held the Sheikah Slate to the pedestal, causing the shrine to flash its familiar blue light, and soon after the, door opened to reveal the platform behind it. Link glanced back and, true to form, the wolf was there, once again, sitting on his haunches with his back turned: his cue for the boy to enter the shrine while he kept watch.

XXX

 No matter how many times he entered these places, Link would always be in awe when he saw the expansive room of the shrine's underground floor. He stepped out from the elevator, and he was met with a giant gear turning some sort of platform, as well as giant balls of stone, rolling down from a chute. Just like last time, Link soon heard the strange, telepathic voice of the monk in this shrine.

 "To you who sets foot in this shrine...I am Owa Daim. In the name of the Goddess, Hylia, I offer this trial: the Stasis Trial."

 Knowing the routine by now, Link headed over to the stone that hung over the pedestal and placed the Sheikah Slate inside.

 "Sheikah Slate authenticated. Distilling rune."

 The stone glowed its strange, white markings as the familiar crying eye insignia flashed, and soon, the drop of blue light fell from the stone, dripping onto the Sheikah Slate's screen. Link approached and found another rune that looked like some sort of yellow lock.