Side quests: Hyrule Field

Where could that little scamp have gotten off to?

Oh! Excuse me, young miss, would you mind listening to an old man's tale of heartbreak?

You see, I can't find my cat anywhere.

She's often with the other cats in town—I wish I had a way to ask them if they've seen her!

Ah, if only I had a suit of cat clothes for moments like this...

It was that young lady that's usually in front of the shop there.

I can't exactly ask to borrow an outfit she just bought, can I?

What to do... What to do...

If only I had some cat clothes, I could ask the other cats where my cat's gone off to...

That young lady who bought the clothes is in front of the shop right now.

But how can I ask her to lend me something she just bought herself? Oh, what to do...

Still not back yet...

Ah, if only I had a suit of cat clothes for moments like this...

Cat clothes? I see.

Oh, they're magical outfits that let you understand cat speech.

There was a set at the shop here in the village, but someone snapped them up before I could.

Hm? Oh, yes, I just bought a suit of cat clothes.

I mean, they let you talk to cats! How could I not buy them on the spot?!

What I plain forgot is that anytime I get close to a cat, I bust out sneezing!

It's a real shame—I just bought them, and I'll have to put them right into storage.

Oh, you're looking for some cat clothes? Huh. Well...

Can I ask you for a favor? If you do it, I'll just give you the cat clothes.

Maybe you could lure it away with something it likes?

I was about to give up!

That cat refuses to move, and if I get too close, I'll be sneezing all over the place.

Would you mind digging it up for me?

There's something important to me buried right where it's sitting.

Look over there. You see that cat?

What to do...

Look over there. You see that cat?

There's something important to me buried right where it's sitting.

Maybe you could lure it away with something it likes?

Meooow... Mew!

Mmf gsh mmf...

Meow!

Zzz... Food...

Zzz... Oh!

That was yummy!

You found the secret stash! It's heavy with rupees.

You dug up my secret stash!

You're my hero! As promised, let me give you these clothes for it.

I buried it because I kept buying impulsively, but once I couldn't dig it up, I was in trouble.

Anyway, I'm done denying my impulses now. Thanks so much!

Oh, hey—my secret stash!

I buried it there because I kept buying things impulsively. But now you've dug it up.

Can I have it back, please? I'll trade you these clothes for it!

When I heard wearing them let you understand cats, I snapped them up without thinking.

But I forgot that every time I get near a cat, I start sneezing!

I can't really make any use of them, so I'm glad to give them to you.

With that out of the way, I'm going shopping with my secret stash. Thanks again!

Oh, those cat clothes look great on you! Now I'm even happier I gave them up.

Hello again. Did you have something to say?

Oh! You got the cat clothes?!

Hmmm. Searching the whole village for cats to talk to sounds pretty daunting at my age...

Sorry to ask, but would you use those clothes and see what the village cats have to say?

I'm sure one of those rascals knows where my little friend is.

Searching the whole village for cats to talk to sounds pretty daunting at my age...

Sorry to ask, but would you use those clothes and see what the village cats have to say?

Oh, got yourself some cat clothes, eh?

I thought the gal in front of the shop had bought the only set, but I guess not!

The food you gave me earlier was yummy.

I'm looking for a cat. Glad to hear it!

The one that lives with the old man? No idea. Maybe one of the others knows.

Time to spend a full day being laaaaaazy...

You looking at me? Just say whatever you wanna say.

I'm looking for a cat. Sorry—never mind.

The cat that lives with the old man?

Haven't seen her today. Ask another cat.

And don't come talk to me again unless you got something real to say.

You understand cats? That's rare for your kind.

I'm looking for a cat. Please excuse me.

Oh, the cat that lives with that old man?

I've been very busy sunbathing and don't know. Check with the one on top of the windmill over to the west.

Looking for a chat?

Need something, hon?

I'm looking for a cat. Thank you, no.

The old man's friend? I just saw her.

She found a nice tree by the road from the east entrance to the village and climbed up for a nap.

She takes looong naps, so I'm sure she's still there.

Weirdo.

Hm? I was asleep... What's going on?

Oh, my person-friend is looking for me?

I guess I have been sleeping here a long time...

Hungry too. Guess I'll head home for a snack.

Oh, it's you! My kitty came home!

You helped her home, didn't you? Please take this as a token of my gratitude.

Cats are such fickle, little creatures, following their fancy wherever it takes them...

But I suppose that's what we find so adorable about the rotten beasts!

I'm so relieved!

You know of the Eastern Temple, yes? East of Hyrule Castle?

An archaeologist studying the ruins reported having a run-in with a monster there.

Well, I say that. He didn't actually see the thing— just heard it speak to him.

You might want to seek this fellow out and learn more details.

You what?!

You went to the Eastern Temple and encountered...a sentient cloud?!

And it said it would defeat you the next time you met?!

What arrogance!

Our princess would never be defeated by such a lowly brute. Hah!

But please...pardon my fervor.

In any case, I am grateful there's one fewer monster out there to worry about.

I'll see to it that my soldiers' efforts match yours. In fact, I'm going to double their training drills!

Ah...did you let the archaeologist know you defeated it?

Loath as I am to ask more of you, it might be prudent to let him know.

Bah! You scared me!

Sorry...frayed nerves.

The name's Sago—I'm an archaeologist. Is there any particular reason you're here?

I hope it's not to go inside. There's a monster in there.

The other day, I went inside, and I heard this creepy voice...

Let's play a game, shall we?

Oh yeah, that's exactly what it sounded like.

Yipes! OK, I'm opting out! It might sound friendly, but that's the voice of a monster!

I'm not studying the temple while there are monsters about...

Let's play a game, shall we?

I wish someone would slay that monster!

I saw something come out of the temple. It looked like a cloud!

You're telling me the cloud was a monster? And you defeated it?!

Incredible! I'm going to write about all this— and you—in my next paper!

But it might take a while to get published... so here's this in the meantime.

That's an artifact I found in the Faron Wetlands. Be careful with it, OK?

Now I can research the temple. At long last!

I...just realized that I learned monsters can talk. Should I mention that in my paper too?

I know it's in there!

I saw something fly past me!

Ah, welcome to Hyrule Ranch.

I'm afraid we're not loaning out mounts at the moment.

We're a bit distraught, see. One of our horses went and ran off.

Hardly out of the usual for her to gallop out west. What's odd is she hasn't come back.

The whole family went looking...but we didn't find her.

If you see our horse, I don't suppose you'd mind bringing her back here?

I'm sorry, but until our poor horse returns, we're closed for business.

Normally she likes to roam around to the west of the ranch.

If you happen to see her, would you please bring her back to her family?

Say! That's our horse!

She's finally back home where she belongs! I can't thank you enough.

Who'd have thought it, the poor girl ending up in a place like that! She and I are both in your debt.

Tell you what, sprout. You ever need a steed, I'll lend 'em to you free of charge.

Horses are great for getting places quickly.

You can go ahead and saddle up on whichever one you'd like.

Where could she be?

Bok! Bok! Please come baaack!

Hey, you! Could you lend me a hand?

For some reason my dear, sweet cuccos decided to escape over the fence this morning.

They're running away from me, the little rebels! And we were getting along so well...

If you manage to get ahold of my cuccos, can you put them back in this pen?

There are cuccos total. Please, I need your help!

I'm still missing of my darling cuccos. Please bring my babies home!

Thank goodness! You brought all my dear, sweet cuccos home!

I'm so grateful. Please, come this way!

Thank you! I'm so glad my cuccos are all back!

As for why they ran away in the first place...

I think the refreshing grapes I gave them for breakfast might have been too sour.

My darlings can be rather picky eaters!

Anyway, thank you! And here's a little reward for helping me and my little scamps.

By the way, did you know?

Come baaack!

At long last, a visitor! I was absolutely starved for company.

Let's play a game, shall we? I'll make the first move. Just try to keep up!

I suppose you won that round. Forgive me if I get a little...broken up!

Bahaha. Good luck trying to hit me now!

Guh, fine! It seems I need more practice.

When next we meet, I will emerge the victor. You can count on that!

Interesting. So where you come from, it's polite to just open a treasure chest without asking?

Well. I suppose I don't mind. It's not as if there's anything of import in there.

Oh! Are you collecting those, ah, blue things?

I see, I see.

What if I said I could craft an object to help you find them?

But... BUT! To earn it, you'll have to accede to my request.

Not to worry—I won't ask anything TOO difficult. You were looking for something to do, yes?

I would like...jewelry. A pendant that sparkles like rupees! One to highlight my beauty!

There is a Gerudo who makes jewelry of the highest caliber.

Get her to make my pendant for me!

Find her at her shop in Gerudo Town, and talk to her about it.

Now, off you trot!

The jewelry maker I want for my pendant works at a shop in Gerudo Town.

Now, off you trot!

Hi, come on in. Welcome to Gerudo Town shop!

Is that so? Well, yes, I do make accessories.

I'm flattered the Great Fairy herself requested my artistry. Makes me happy I do what I do!

I'd be thrilled to make something for her. I'll get to work on it just as soon as possible.

This is a rare opportunity, so I'll need special items... Nothing but the best for the Great Fairy.

I know it's a bit of a trek, but it means I'll be able to make the best piece. Thank you for helping!

Once I have a floral seashell and a magma stone, I'll make the most stunning pendant.

Floral seashell? Magma stone? Got it.

Welcome!

So, do you know about floral seashells and magma stones?

They're both quite rare, but I could make the most breathtaking piece with them.

I need this to be absolutely perfect for the Great Fairy... Please bring me one of each!

Floral seashells? Magma stones? Got it.

Floral seashells are unusual shells that can be found in Zora Cove. They're very rare...

So if you ask around Sea Zora Village, maybe someone can help you find one.

Magma stones are lovely ember-colored stones that can be found at Eldin Volcano.

One of the Gorons at the Goron City shop knows a lot about minerals—go talk to him!

Minerals sure are great. Whether you eat 'em or wear 'em, they're good for all kinds o' stuff!

Oh! Zelda! How goes it? Interested in purchasing some minerals?

Oh, I see... You want a magma stone for a pendant.

I don't have any on hand, but I know where we can get some!

I wish I could go get one for you, Princess, but there's a bit of a problem.

The cave where you can find magma stones is at the lava lake north of Goron City.

But right now, the place is infested with Lizalfos, so I haven't been able to get one in ages.

If someone would get rid of the Lizalfos, we could get some though. They've been real pests.

The cave where you can find magma stones is by the lava lake north of Goron City.

But there's a bunch of Lizalfos living there, so I can hardly get any these days.

Wowieee!

I saw someone heading into the cave and got worried, so I followed...

But who would've thought you'd take down all those Lizalfos by yourself?!

Bowl me over! You're amazing, Zelda!

You know the flame giants from Goron legends? I bet you could take down one of them too!

Anyway, I'll go get those magma stones now! You stay here and take a breather!

Hah, hoo, haaaaah!

I got a bunch of 'em! But I'll give you the nicest of the lot.

I got all the magma stones we should need for a while. This'll be a big help, so thank you!

What to do... What to do...

Heh heh! Fortune really smiled on me today. What a find this is!

Hm... Why does it feel like someone's staring at me?

Were you drawn to it too? The sparkling beauty of this floral seashell?

As a collector, I'm awed by this little shell's coloring and smooth texture.

Er...not to brag.

What's that? You need it for something? But it's so beautiful...

Cut it out with the staring, OK? You're making it hard to say no!

Argh, fine! If you want it that badly, I'll give it to you. But not for free.

I'll give it to you in exchange for an unfortunate smoothie. How's that sound?

Maybe this will seem strange, but I've always wondered how a thing like that must taste.

I'll trade this floral seashell for an unfortunate smoothie.

I've always wondered what it would taste like. I'm just so curious!

Ah, you brought me a smoothie! Thanks!

Right, then! Down the hatch!

Sluuurp, sluuurp...

That gritty texture... The way it sticks to the sides of my throat going down...

How do I even describe it?

It's like...rancid mud! It's so disgusting it circles all the way around and becomes delicious!

I'm going to cherish the memory of this atrocity forever. Here's the floral seashell, as promised.

That is awful. Just completely repulsive.

I'm hooked!

An extra-special shell!

Ah, you brought me the floral seashell and magma stone! Thank you!

Now I can make that gorgeous pendant I've been envisioning.

I've heard that the Great Fairy loves objects of exceptional beauty and brilliance.

And I think this will possibly exceed even her high expectations! Hang tight!

First, I'll need to polish this...

Then the setting goes like this... And thennn...

Aha! Perfection!

Oh, it's even more beautiful than I'd imagined! I hope the Great Fairy is pleased.

I haven't felt that much joy in my craft in ages. Thank you for the task—it was a pleasure!

I can't wait to get working!

Oh! I can tell just from the look on your face.

You got her to make my pendant! Show it to me, would you?

Oh, yes. This is just what I wanted! It's gorgeous! It's marvelous! It's...exactly my style!

Somehow, the finished article is even lovelier than I imagined.

Oh, I feel simply incredible!

You've earned this, darling!

That bell will ring when the blue pieces are nearby. I've no doubt you will find it useful!

Oh, deary. You really are working hard out there, hm?

Well, I did go to the trouble of making that bell for you. I hope you use it.

General Wright believes there's an echo hidden among the soldiers in Castle Town.

You...haven't by any chance decided to help me investigate, have you, Princess Zelda?

Sure, I'll help! Maybe another time.

Ah, thank you so much! So helpful... This must be the real Princess Zelda after all!

You w-won't? I see... Oh no... Could this be an echo of the princess?!

How do I begin to narrow this down...

Your Highness! I...was just muttering to myself.

Uhh... I suppose I could confide in you, Princess Zelda.

My name is Beecher. General Wright has asked me to look into a highly sensitive matter.

You see, after the rift was mended, we noticed there was one extra soldier in Castle Town.

General Wright believes this to mean one of them is an echo—hidden among our ranks!

So he asked me to see if any of the soldiers seemed suspicious.

But my investigation has hit a wall.

When I started looking at them more closely... they ALL seemed suspicious!

Who's the echo?

You're not a soldier—so I know you're not the echo. You could help me figure this out!

Sure, I'll help! Maybe another time.

Ah, thank you so much! I've been tying myself in knots over this, I tell you.

All right. What we know so far is that there's one soldier too many in Castle Town.

Would you mind interviewing them all and trying to suss out the echo?

At this point, I'm so mixed up that I'm seeing echoes everywhere I look!

You w-won't help me?

But...the real Princess Zelda would've offered to help... Could she be...

What we know so far is that there's one soldier too many in Castle Town.

But I'm so mixed up—I have no idea how to tell which one is the echo!

Would you ask the soldiers to see if anyone seems suspicious?

Who seems suspicious?

All clear!

Princess Zelda! Welcome back!

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

You're looking for suspicious soldiers?

Hmm. I've been on watch here for some time and no one's stood out.

Do let me know if you need anything!

Nothing amiss...

Good day, Princess Zelda!

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

What? No! I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary at all since the rift went away.

Trust me—if someone suspicious showed up, I would not let them pass!

Best of luck, Princess Zelda!

Wow, the princess just talked to ME? I'm so lucky...

Nothing unusual here!

Greetings, Princess Zelda!

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

Huh? I can't say I've seen anyone acting suspicious...

I keep a close eye on things here, so I think it's safe to say there's no one like that in the castle.

Safe travels!

I'm on watch!

Princess Zelda, hello! I'm on watch today, and I'll be on watch tomorrow too!

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

You're looking for soldiers acting suspicious? Hmm, nobody's coming to mind...

You might want to bring it up with the soldier on the western ramparts.

Has a keen eye for detail, that one. Bound to have noticed if someone was acting off.

I'll be on watch, as always!

Hmm...

Well, if it isn't the princess! How are you?

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

Hmm. No, I haven't noticed anyone acting suspicious.

All I've noticed is that it feels a bit crowded— like there are more of us than there used to be.

Why do you ask, if I may?

Huh? An extra soldier?! So it really is a bit more crowded...

Well, you know, every soldier needs their own equipment.

And all our armor and weaponry is managed at the barracks.

I'd suggest going to the barracks to ask if there's any equipment unaccounted for.

Please be careful getting down!

...

Princess Zelda?! I'm just, uh...inspecting the bottom of this well. All c-clear so far!

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

I've been sleeping—er, inspecting—down here, so I haven't seen anyone suspicious.

Maybe one of the soldiers above ground knows something?

Working hard! Yep!

Nothing to report.

I haven't seen anything unusual around here!

Don't you worry—if I see anyone suspicious, I'll take them out myself!

Keeping a lookout!

Hello, Princess Zelda! Can I help you?

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

Suspicious soldiers? Hmm...

Wish I could help, but I haven't seen any!

Right! Fair travels!

All clear!

Hello, Princess Zelda!

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

Uh-oh. This is awkward to admit, but I might be the one you're looking for.

The other day, I broke my lance when I was training. When it happened, I yelped in shock!

The soldiers around me looked really annoyed... Did one of them report me or something?

If it makes a difference, I was able to go and get my lance replaced the same day.

I even got some new armor too! Which is great— my old set was pretty beat up from training.

Take care, Your Highness!

Hmmm.

Ah, Princess Zelda! Is there something I can help you with?

Suspicious soldiers? Missing equipment? As you were.

Ah, Princess Zelda! Is there something I can help you with?

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

Mm, it's just me in the barracks, so none that I'd have seen.

Although, I guess I have no way of proving I'm not suspicious... That's a doozy to think about.

Fair travels!

Heyyy! What's cooking?

Suspicious soldiers? As you were.

Hmm, nope. Everyone's on the up-and-up as far as I can tell.

But if someone starts acting out, you can bet I'll give 'em what for!

All righty! You know where to find me.

Got it covered!

You want to know if any equipment has gone missing?

Nope! All accounted for!

Except...hm. There was that set of damaged equipment a soldier gave me.

I had set it outside to be disposed of, but I don't recall anyone actually getting rid of it.

I hate to say this, but someone could have taken it.

Your Highness! It's Beecher again.

You came to ask about the equipment too? Hah! Two steps ahead of me.

Beecher? What's going on?

The princess and I are investigating whether one of the soldiers in Castle Town is an echo.

What?!

If it were true, it would follow that there's a missing set of equipment.

Right...

I was speaking with the princess about that.

There is one set of equipment missing—one we set outside for disposal.

I see! That's worrisome.

A missing set of damaged equipment, and an extra soldier in Castle Town.

The equipment that's missing is a used set that another soldier traded in.

Meaning...it should show signs of damage!

Find the damaged equipment, and you've got the echo!

OK. Time to bring this interloper and their dinged-up gear to General Wright.

For accuracy's sake, Princess Zelda, let's confirm with each other who we think it is.

Remember, our suspect is a suspicious soldier with damaged equipment!

What do you make of it, Princess Zelda?

There's no echo. The echo took it. Wright's the echo!

Respectfully, I'm confident that one of the soldiers is an echo.

Let's review the facts...

Yes, exactly my thought! Someone stole the equipment and slipped in among the soldiers!

Oh! Yes! After all, there's precedent for General Wright being replaced by—

Hold it. On second thought, I think his outbursts of enthusiasm prove he's the real one.

I'll never forget how General Wright's echo...was so eerily calm...

Hmm... That doesn't line up with what I saw.

Let's run through this again.

I think I've got it...

Sorry, Princess. General Wright isn't here right now.

Let's hash out our findings together when he's back at the castle.

Princess Zelda, did you see a soldier with damaged equipment?

I sure did. Nope.

Right! Now to see if our answers line up.

Far be it from me to rush you! Talk to me again when you've found your suspect.

Where did you see the suspicious soldier?

Near the well. Near the fountain. In the barracks. I need to rethink this.

And which piece of equipment was damaged?

The helmet. The armor. The lance. I need to rethink this.

Ah, exactly the conclusions I came to. That squares it! Let's nab this echo!

Princess Zelda, I wasn't expecting you here. To what do we owe the pleasure?

General Wright, sir!

I asked the princess to aid in my investigation. And we've found the culprit!

Is that so? Well, with her discerning eye, it's no wonder our princess would be able to...

You WHAT?!

By whose authority did you trouble the princess with this? Not MINE, that's for sure!

Er, um... Sorry!

After searching for the echo for a while, I got paranoid. I didn't know who else to trust...

Hmph. I can see how the task would have one jumping at shadows...

Your Highness, I expressly did NOT want to burden you with this.

But it seems we needed your help in the end. Deepest apologies.

Beecher, you said you pinpointed the echo? Bring them here.

Yes, sir!

Here's the culprit!

Howdy-do! Nice to... Whoa, hold on. What do you mean "culprit"?

That damaged lance proves it—you stole the equipment and pretended to be a soldier! Why?

Oh gosh, I'm sooo sorry!

I just saw how much the soldiers helped people out around here.

It made me want to be one of you... So, I pretended I was.

Excuse me? THAT was why?!

See, I was visiting my buddy in Castle Town when the rift popped up.

I was so scared—I couldn't move! But then a soldier came and saved my hide.

It made me feel so, y'know...safe!

And I realized that I want to be that guy, the guy who makes people feel safe.

I understand. But... Well, how should I put this?

You've got the makings of a soldier!

P-pardon, sir?!

It's true you should not have pretended to be a soldier. That can damage people's trust in us.

Oh geez... I didn't think about that! SO not what I meant to do!

That said, your enthusiasm for helping others? Your unyielding resolve?

Both essential traits for a protector of Hyrule.

What's your name, son?

Uh...my n-name's Capnut!

If you are truly set on becoming a soldier, Capnut, I can discuss it with the king of Hyrule.

Whaaat? You mean it?!

That'd be awesome! I mean—thank you, sir!

General Wright, with all due respect, he's totally untrained, totally untested...

Beecher, please! Training and experience are easily gained. Spirit is not.

Besides, if he could evade the attention of veteran soldiers, the boy must have some skill.

That's not to say he'll have it easy. I'll give him even more training drills than the rest of you!

I see...in that case... I do not envy this Capnut kid...

Isn't this great? We're a team now, Beech! Can I call you Beech?

*sigh* Please don't. We really have to fix the way you address your superiors...

Princess Zelda?

I can't thank you enough for your help. Please accept this—with my gratitude.

Now, time for us to take our leave.

Capnut, your first training drill! Run from here to the castle!

Uh, y-yes, sir!

This is the shortcut back to the ranch! Who's the prankster that blocked it off?

I hope you're not planning to go this way. The road's blocked.

I might consider taking another route, but that feels like admitting defeat.

I guess I'll just have to take another... Hang on!

No getting past that.

Welp, not as if standing here's going to get the junk out of my way.

Still, taking another route feels like admitting defeat...

*sigh* Not sure how much longer I can just wait here... Huh?!

It's clear! And with the road cleared out, I won't have to break my back climbing over that stuff.

You cleaned things up, huh? Well, thanks! That's a big help!

Here's something for your trouble.

Ah...a cool breeze, a clear path, and the sweet taste of convenience.