Despite his best information-gathering efforts, Sheik was still uncertain exactly where he should go to get weapons. Deciding that he didn't have time to be stealthy about it, Sheik stopped the first Hylian soldier he found in the corridors around the training yard.

"Where is the armory?" Sheik asked in his steeliest voice.

The soldier, a short but wide man with what looked like a permanent scowl, looked like he was just going to wave Sheik off until he got a good look at Sheik's still blood stained shirt and red eyes. "Uh...south wing. Other end of the yard. Unless youse be lookin' for the Gerudo one which is clear on the west edge of the castle. You ain't Gerudo are you?"

Sheik hadn't expected that connection. It sort of made sense, his skin was darker than the average Hylian's, though not nearly as dark as the desert tribe's. He did share the Gerudo red eyes but he definitely lacked their signature red hair. Not to mention he was male. Sheik was a lithe boy but he didn't think he looked feminine! Did he?

"No, I'm not. Thank you for the directions."

The man's stare bored into the back of Sheik's skull as he crossed the corridor and entered the yard. He was going to cross to the south side, but changed his mind and headed west. Gerudo weaponry was probably closer to his style. Not to mention they would never mistake him for a Gerudo.

The change was almost palpable as he entered the Gerudo area. First there was the smell, it was a warm, almost biting, smell; similar to the perfumes the Hylian ladies wore but less floral. It was also cleaner. This was not surprising considering how organized the Gerudo were. Sheik couldn't imagine that many of Hyrule's best soldiers had defected to Ganondorf, so the Hylian troops were likely less trained and organized than their Gerudo counterparts. Although Captain Ross had looked the picture of a military Captain, all polished and bold.

The Gerudo symbol was everywhere in this section. Although it was technically the symbol of his nation, Sheik recalled there hadn't been any large display of the symbol in Ganondorf's throne room. Interesting...

Sheik hadn't gotten far when a pair of Gerudo stopped him.

"What are you doing here, boy!" Barked the first.

Deciding speed was more important now than establishing himself among the Gerudo troops, Sheik gave a slight bow,

"I am in need of weaponry for my mission with Captain Ruba."

Dropping Ruba's name had the desired effect, and the women seemed less likely to attempt to throw him out. But they didn't budge.

"Armory is in the south wing by the rest of you Hylian dogs."

"So I've been told. However, I find Gerudo weaponry surpasses Hylian."

His flattery was well received. The first Gerudo stood proudly and the second now looked at him with curiosity rather than disgust. She spoke up,

"Who are you exactly? You don't look Hylian."

This again… "I am Sheik of the Sheikah clan. If you don't mind, I am in a hurry."

Sheik begin to move forward and the second Gerudo let him pass. The first, however, grabbed his arm. He stiffened, ready to fight.

"We'd better escort him Baru. Sheikah or not, it's best a boy not be found wandering Gerudo territory. For your sake, I hope you're telling the truth about Captain Ruba."

With a Gerudo at either side, Sheik was led to the armory. It was manned, or womanned, by a Gerudo with more piercings than Sheik had ever seen on one person. At Sheik's approached the woman grinned,

"Natoo, Baru what's this you've brought? Target practice?"

The woman laughed at her own joke, but Sheik gave no response. His silence killed her mirth, and when she'd stopped, Sheik spoke, "I need weapons for my mission with Captain Ruba."

Clicking her nails on the counter, the woman studied Sheik. Then she nodded her head at his escorts and they left. It appeared this woman had some power. After they left, the woman left her counter, and unlocked the barred door that led to a room of weapons.

"My name's Avoka. I haven't seen you before. Who are you?"

She stood aside and let Sheik enter and peruse the weapons. As he eyed a collection of curved daggers, he answered her.

"I am Sheik of the Sheikah." The daggers would work to replace his kunai but he hadn't used curved blades before. "These seem well-weighted. May I?"

Sheik gestured to the target dummy, and at Avoka's nod he sent the dagger hurtling towards it. It veered from where he'd aimed it, and, in throwing it, he felt the imbalance of the blade. It wouldn't do for ranged, but would work to replace his kunai at least. Sliding through a few maneuvers with the daggers to make sure they felt comfortable, he felt Avoka's eyes on him. Satisfied with his choice, Sheik strapped two daggers to his side. Then he located some throwing needles, and slipped several up his sleeve. Next to them were weapons Sheik was unfamiliar with. They were discs of various sizes, all sharpened on the outside edge. Carefully, Sheik picked one of the smaller ones up. He could probably throw this one without cutting himself, but the larger ones...

"They're called chakram. Few choose to take the time to master them."

Guessing Sheik's question, Avoka chose one of the larger circles. To his surprise, she begin whirling it with two fingers. Then, like a sling, she released it and it flew straight and true, slicing the head of the dummy clean off.

Shaking his head in appreciation, he replaced the small chakram he'd picked up. Maybe one day he'd learn to use them but for now he wouldn't risk his fingers.

"They are also sometimes worn on the wrists, arms, or necks to cut those who come too close to the wielder."

"Amazing. Pity on those who come against a chakram master."

Avoka nodded in acknowledgement. Sheik walked out of the armory, satisfied for now. He bowed to Avoka before leaving, and she called after him.

"You're an interesting one, Sheikah. I hope Ruba doesn't kill you."

Me too.

Sheik made it out of the Gerudo wing without too much hassle. He stuck to the shadows and kept his distance. A few Gerudo stared, but he was out before they could stop him. He was approaching the training yard, when Captain Ruba exited the outer corridor. Spotting him exiting the Gerudo side, she walked quickly towards him, eyes suspicious. He held his ground as she stepped uncomfortably close and hissed,

"What were you doing?"

"Rearming myself. Although I would prefer to return to Kakariko and retrieve my gear, I did not want to delay the mission." Sheik replied calmly.

Captain Ruba glared at him but couldn't 'delay the mission' herself by interrogating him. At her silence, Sheik decided to take charge. It was his mission after all, and he needed Ruba to know he had his own plan on how to do it.

"Let's go. I want to have as much time as possible to scout the ranch."

Without seeing if she was following, Sheik made his way quickly towards the castle gate. He did his best to show no fear as they wove through the ReDeads. They really weren't so bad if you knew how to avoid them. Then he was out. Hyrule Field seemed to glow after the dark castle. The wind rippled the grass, and Sheik felt a twinge of sadness. He had sold himself to Ganondorf and now his felt like he was chained to the castle. He wanted nothing more than to run across the field and forget everything. Captain Ruba stepped up beside him, forcing him to cast out his foolish fantasy, and he began making his way to Lon Lon Ranch.