[Izuna POV]

Izuna's eyes cracked open, blinking at the dim red light of the few paper lanterns hanging from the walls. There were no windows; weapons hung on the walls instead – the majority of which were expensive-looking swords and other smaller blades. No wonder Sooga judged her shabby little dagger harshly. Across the room, his swords lay undisturbed where he'd left them atop a desk. Rolling over, she buried her face into the pillow and breathed deeply, savoring the heady scent of spice. How long had she slept-?

There was a sharp knock. "Who is it?" she grumbled.

"Sooga."

Izuna sat up and patted down the bird's nest her hair had become. "Come in." The door opened a second later, revealing the towering frame of the Yiga general with her pack in hand.

"How are you feeling?" came Sooga's low murmur. "Did you rest well?"

"Better, but I think I overdid it..." An understatement, to be sure. It had been a long time since she'd used the healing arts to that extent; and even then, Izuna had never done so after trudging through the desert at the peak of day. She was lucky not to be worse off. "Did... did we lose anyone in the night?"

He placed her pack near the edge of the bed and took a seat at his desk. "Everyone is recovering, thanks to you."

A weight fell from her shoulders. "Good. What happened anyway? Who were you guys fighting?"

Sooga folded his arms over his chest and turned his head away. "I wasn't present until the end, when Master Kohga called to his side, but from what I understand, a covert operation ran afoul of the Gerudo army."

"Must've been quite the operation," Izuna remarked. "There were many wounded."

He nodded sharply. "We are investigating what went awry. There were too many casualties."

She averted her eyes to the plain bedspread. It was well-worn, but cozy. "I'm glad I could help, then. No thanks to Akari though."

"I am aware there was an... altercation last night, but I've already spoken to her, and it will not happen again."

Considering Akari's demeanor both times they'd met, his assertion was unreasonably optimistic. "Why make her work with me at all? It's obvious she hates me."

"Akari has her reasons for hating the Sheikah," he replied quietly, "but she needs to learn to put her prejudice aside in favor of our people. A black and white worldview is a liability."

Izuna scowled fiercely. "You know what else is a liability? Her presence in the infirmary. When she wasn't throwing a tantrum or threatening my life, she was questioning everything I did rather than helping her comrades. I came here to heal Mito, not teach Akari how to be a better person. If you want my help, then she stays away from-"

"Am I... interrupting something?" came a voice from the doorway.

Izuna froze as they stepped into the room fully, shutting the door behind them. She hadn't even heard the door open. Their round belly threw her off, but with a mask more ornate than Sooga's, they could be only one person.

"Master Kohga." Sooga kneeled in front of the leader of the Yiga, mask angled to the floor. The sight of the bulky general prostrated before the shorter man unsettled her; was she expected to kneel too?

"I was looking everywhere for you," he waved his hands around dramatically, "but you weren't in your workroom or the training yard. I even checked the infirmary in case you were with the healer, but neither of you were there either!"

"My apologies-"

"To think, I'd find you slackin' off with her in your bedroom of all places!" He shook his head, tsking. "I knew there was something between you two. You can't hide anything from me!"

Something between them? Was he implying...? Izuna glanced between Kohga and Sooga, whose head was still down, perishing the thought. The few... moments they'd shared were a product of hiding from danger and her own fanciful thoughts, nothing more. Unfortunately, her body didn't care for her rationale, and her face warmed. "I assure you, Master Kohga, there is nothing of the sort," she insisted. "He offered me hospitality and privacy in exchange for my work in the infirmary. That's all." She bowed at the waist, clutching the shirt collar tightly.

Master Kohga lifted her chin with a finger, moving close to her face. "Hm. I might believe you, Izuna. But if that's the case, why are you dressed in that old thing?"

The master of the Yiga clan knew her name? She almost let out a hysterical laugh. "Because my clothes are dirty. I have been traveling, after all."

He laughed and let go of her chin. "Fair enough. But we can't have you running around in Sooga's old rags! C'mon big guy, go get her something to wear. Mito's waiting in the infirmary."

"Yes, Master Kohga." He made a hand sign and disappeared in a puff of smoke. With Sooga gone, Izuna took a seat in the chair, eyeing Kohga warily. The long shadow he cast in the low light did nothing to set her at ease. Soft appearance notwithstanding, he was not to be taken lightly.

He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his large stomach. "You don't need to look so scared. I'm not gonna hurt you – I only want to talk."

"About what?"

"Glad you asked! I'm told you're running from someone, but Sooga wouldn't tell me why. Something about not wanting to 'betray your confidence,'" he said, making air-quotes. "So, what's the story? Are you a fugitive or something?"

"It's a private matter." It hadn't occurred to her that Sooga might tell anyone, but to know the general had kept her secret from his master filled her with warmth she couldn't quite quash.

Master Kohga shrugged. "Unfortunately for you, nothing that puts the hideout at risk is private. I need to know if we should be expecting an attack. Can't let anyone get to my banana stash, you know."

"Uh right... You don't need to worry. There's no trail for him to follow." Not with the Molduga having erased any tracks she and Toki might have left. Not to mention Tera's intel about Koro waiting at the mouth of the desert.

He cocked his head to the side, regarding her. "Running from a man, are you? Boyfriend? I don't blame you for leaving him, my best lackey is a top-notch guy-"

"It's not like that."

Kohga groaned. "Fine! You're just as boring as him-"

Sooga returned in a puff of smoke, cutting Kohga off and offering a red bundle to her. Perfect timing. Izuna snatched the clothes and scurried into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. Unfolding the bundle, she scoffed at the uniform. She ought to be grateful they offered her alternative clothes at all, but of course they didn't have anything normal. Izuna pulled off the overly large shirt, donning the form-fitting red outfit instead. She looked down at herself with a frown. It was snug – far more than her usual clothing. Foregoing the headcap, Izuna opted to pull her hair into her usual loops.

Both Sooga and Master Kohga's masks swiveled towards her when she stepped out of the bathroom, halting her in her tracks. The shorter man gave a low whistle. "You'll fit right in!" Sooga was silent, thank the gods.

"Didn't you say Mito was waiting? I should see to his leg," Izuna mumbled, gaze sinking to the floor.

"Right! Come on!" Kohga threw open the door and walked out into the hall, Sooga and Izuna following behind silently.

[Sooga POV]

The infirmary was quiet when they arrived; the blood had been cleaned off the floor, and dirty bandages and ruined uniforms had been disposed of. It was a far cry from the bedlam he'd walked into when he found Izuna unconscious the night before. Every injured warrior, save for a masked Mito, was sound asleep on cots lined up along the walls. There were no open beds given the number of casualties, so Mito sat atop the table intended for preparing bandages or medicine, his crutches leaning against the wall beside him.

"Okay Mito! Let's get your busted leg fixed!" Master Kohga chirped, buoyant as ever. A friendly attitude was something one could always count on from the leader of the Yiga clan. Normally, it was welcome, but the pounding in his head disagreed sharply. Even so, Sooga gave no sign of discomfort.

Mito bowed his head. "You honor me Master." He glanced up as Izuna moved to his side. "Healer? I almost didn't recognize you! Have-have you joined our clan?" If only.

"I'm afraid not," Izuna replied, shaking her head. "Master Kohga and Sooga were kind enough to lend me a uniform until my clothes have been laundered."

"You can keep the uniform if you agree to be our healer," Kohga offered.

"Thanks, but red's not my color." Sooga begged to differ. Unmindful of Kohga's pouty huff, she pressed blue-glowing fingers against specific spots on Mito's leg, every movement clinical and precise, no wasted effort.

"Aw come on!" Kohga whined. "You can have all the bananas you want, if you-"

"Damn it," Izuna muttered under her breath, cutting him off. Sooga's brows rose. An offer of such generosity wasn't often extended when it came to the clan's banana stash. Kohga was even more desperate to get her on their side than he'd originally assumed. "Mito, the bones in your leg set incorrectly. I need to re-break them so it can heal properly."

There was a sharp intake of breath. "Break my leg? On purpose? But-"

"You won't feel a thing, I promise." Izuna's smile was encouraging. "It'll be a snap, then good as new."

Mito clenched his trembling fists. "O-okay. If that's what you think is best, healer." His voice wavered, but Sooga had to give him credit for putting on a brave façade. It was a testament to the trust his soldiers had in Izuna, that they deferred to her determination. If she wasn't as compassionate as she was, such trust could have been catastrophic for their clan.

"On three, okay?" She gripped his thigh, and her hands glowed blue. "One, two-" SNAP! Mito flinched at the sound, reaching for the freshly broken bone but she slapped his hands away without the slightest change in expression. A few nearby soldiers stirred, but otherwise remained asleep. Sooga's mouth hung agape. Many Yiga trained their whole lives for a fraction of the control she had, and Izuna made it seem effortless. The ease with which she wielded the esoteric arts rivaled even him and Master Kohga. Not to mention the versatility of her technique for both healing and offense was valuable beyond measure. It was no wonder the Sheikah guarded her jealously from even the Hylians. Izuna pulled her hands away and the glow faded. "Three."

"I thought you said on three!"

Her smile was cheeky. "Did it hurt?"

"No... That's... that's incredible!" Mito exclaimed, unable to hide his amazement.

"We're all done but keep in mind, even though the break has been healed, trauma is still trauma, so please take some time to rest and recover."

"Impressive," Master Kohga remarked from beside her, and Izuna jumped. "I'd heard good things about you, but seeing you in action, wow! The invitation is always open if you ever change your mind about joining us."

Izuna averted her eyes and fidgeted with her arm wraps. "I'll... keep that in mind."

"Good. We really can't thank you enough for what you've done for us. Once everyone's recovered, we're going to have a celebration to honor the fallen and boost morale. I hope you'll join us as my guest."

Izuna forced a smile. "I'm honored, but I wouldn't want to intrude-"

"Please, Izuna. We insist," Sooga murmured. "We have you to thank for their lives." Her unsure gaze slid to him, but she eventually nodded. Her presence would be a welcome addition to the rowdiness of Yiga parties. It would be interesting to see her interact with his people in a more casual setting.

"Great!" Master Kohga pumped his fist, the picture of excitement. "C'mon Mito, since you're on rest duty, you can help me! We've got a party to plan."

"Yes, Master Kohga!" Mito bowed to Izuna. "Thank you, healer."

"Izuna, please," she said.

Mito bowed low. "Thank you, Izuna."

The pair left the infirmary, leaving Sooga alone with her – well, as alone as they could get surrounded by the sleeping injured warriors. Izuna glanced up at him, biting her lip to suppress a smile. "You weren't kidding when you said Master Kohga is indescribable. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but he's... singular."

His lips quirked. "Indeed. Many underestimate him, but his mastery of our ancient arts is unparalleled."

She bobbed her head. "Undoubtedly. He seems to take a great interest in your personal life; he certainly talked you up while you were gone. What's it like being Master Kohga's 'best lackey?'" This time, she didn't bother hiding her mirth, openly grinning instead.

Sooga rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly too warm. "It's a great honor," he mumbled.

Her eyes softened. "It's a pleasant surprise to see that kind of rapport. Things are a little more... distant back home. It's not necessarily a bad thing but..." she trailed off, smile slipping. "I don't know, something just tells me Master Kohga wouldn't force you to... you know."

"My offer to stay while you figure out your next move still stands."

"I..." Izuna looked up at him wearing a pensive frown. "It's one thing for me to help the occasional Yiga out in the wilds, but staying in your home is a different matter entirely. What if Akari or someone who shares her animosity-"

Sooga stepped closer and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You will not come to harm, that I assure you. While it's true that many of us have something against your tribe, we hold you in high esteem. As such, I've given some thought to what you said earlier. I trust your judgement, so if you think Akari is a risk to your patients, then I'll reassign her to another area. I also..." A wave of pain ran through Sooga's head, and he dropped his hands from her shoulders, though he could swear her warmth lingered even through the gloves. "I also don't want you to feel unsafe."

"Thank you, that means a lot to me," she said softly, and her face turned a delightful shade of pink that sent flutters through his stomach. The pain behind his eyes had turned into a steady throb, and Sooga squeezed his eyes shut, taking deep breaths. He rubbed his neck again, though it did little to alleviate the pressure. "Are you alright? Did you hurt your neck?"

"It's just a headache. Nothing you need to concern yourself with." He'd be a poor example for his warriors if he couldn't endure a little discomfort. Even if said discomfort made him want to bury himself in his blankets and not rise for a week.

"You're not very good at taking care of your needs, are you?"

Sooga blinked. "What?"

"You heard me," she said, unimpressed. "I'm a healer and you're clearly in pain, but you insist I don't need to 'concern' myself."

"Warriors must have the discipline to endure-"

"I'm not calling your discipline into question," she interrupted. "There's a difference between conditioning your body and suffering needlessly. Won't you let me help you?"

"As you wish," he relented, secretly pleased at her concern for his wellbeing. Sooga took a seat on the table Mito had vacated and Izuna moved in front of him, almost standing between his knees. He gripped the edge of the table; he should have gotten her something else to wear, anything really, even Hylian garb. The way the trainee uniform clung to the soft curves her Sheikah clothes only hinted at... Sooga stifled a groan. And she was kind to boot. Her hands glowed blue, and she placed them on either side of his head and ran them down the back of his neck toward the junction of his shoulders. How would they feel against his bare skin-

"Well, the good news is there's nothing wrong with your head," she said, interrupting his highly inappropriate thoughts. "The bad news is you're carrying a lot of tension, which is likely the cause of your headache. Luckily for you, I have just the solution."

"And that is – ahh," he groaned, unable to suppress the sound as she dug her fingers into trigger points previously unknown. They relaxed almost instantly, sending an immediate wave of relief through his head and the surrounding muscles. She gave the same treatment to the muscles at the base of his head and the rest of his neck, and even his shoulders. Sooga could have melted into a puddle at her feet and felt no shame. He didn't realize he'd closed his eyes until she pulled her hands away. He was grateful for the mask as he was certain his slack expression was unfit for Kohga's second in command.

"Feel better?" Izuna asked, smiling softly.

"Much, you have my thanks," he murmured.

"You can be so stubborn, you know," she said, pursing her lips. He wanted to taste them. "I won't judge or turn you away, so please come to me if you're in pain, okay?"

He swallowed. "Very well."

"Good." Izuna took a step back and reached for the shawl hanging on a wall hood, throwing it over her shoulders, the carefully embroidered eye of truth staring him down from her back. The cream fabric and red trim matched surprisingly well with the trainee uniform. "Now, not to hurry you along, but I need to check over the wounded and I'm sure you have other matters to attend to, do you not?"

Sooga rose to his full height, sensing the dismissal for what it was. Rolling his shoulders, he marveled at the easy movement. Aches he hadn't realized he'd been carrying had melted away under her gentle touch. "Indeed. I'll return in a short while to show you where we eat."

"Until then, Sooga."

[Izuna POV]

Despite his assertion that he'd return soon, several hours passed and Sooga had in fact, still not returned. There was little to do other than make rounds among the wounded, but with her energy level still low, there was little she could do for them besides changing bandages and applying salves. A few soldiers had woken intermittently, though most remained asleep. Those who did wake were groggy and did not remain conscious for long. That was to be expected, however, given the severity of their wounds. The body needed time to heal – even when she used her technique to speed up their recovery.

Izuna slumped against one of the beds and sighed, casually running her fingers over the eye Azumi had painstakingly embroidered onto her shawl. What would she think of what Izuna was doing? And what about Impa? Izuna gasped. She'd promised her friend she would write, but so much had happened that she hadn't given it a second thought. Impa was probably so worried. Izuna jumped to her feet; she needed to get some paper and – her stomach emitted a painful growl. Hunger pains were always worse after extensive use of her healing arts, but these were worse than usual; when was the last time she had eaten? She couldn't remember. As general, Sooga was undoubtedly busy and there was no knowing how long it would take for him to return. She needed to eat immediately. And maybe find some paper and ink afterward. Izuna hung up her shawl and stepped out of the infirmary.

The corridor was largely deserted other than a pair of Yiga pressed tightly against one another in an alcove, and Izuna hurried past them, face burning as she kept her eyes squarely ahead. There was a moan and she all but ran through the next few turns into empty hallways until she reached an open room with numerous tables lined up laden with fruit bowls full of bananas. An empty buffet table stood against the far wall. A few unmasked Yiga sat and munched on fruit or other small snacks; her stomach gave another grumble. She strode to the closest table and snatched a banana, unpeeling it at lightning speed before chomping down. It was perfectly ripe and delicious. No wonder they kept so many on hand. She grabbed another, inhaling it with the same gusto as the first one. When she reached for a third, a hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around roughly.

"What do you think you're doing in here?" a tall masked footsoldier snapped.

Izuna raised a brow. "Eating?" A quick glance around the room suggested that snacking was, in fact, allowed.

"I don't think so! Trainee mealtimes are at dawn, noon, and dusk."

All faces had turned her way and heat creeped up the back of her neck. "I'm not a trainee though. And I haven't eaten yet-!"

The footsoldier pinched her ear, pulling her face up to theirs. Izuna squawked indignantly, but they shushed her. "I don't care if you're starving to death, there are rules for a reason." They made a show of looking her up and down. "And you're not even fully dressed – where's your mask? Your spikes? Gods, don't even get me started on your hair."

Izuna scowled, blinking away the tears that'd gathered in the corner of her eyes from the abuse to her ear. "Let go! You're making a mistake, I'm not part of-"

"Shush. You're coming with me." They snatched her wrist, half pulling half dragging her out of the room, back into the hallway.

"Where are you taking me? I need to get to the infirmary, Sooga will be looking for me-"

"You don't look sick. And that's Master Sooga to you. Quit making excuses or it'll be a hundred laps around the hideout. Don't test me, got it?"

Her mouth snapped shut and she didn't say another word until they opened a sliding paper door and shoved her through it. "Watch it!" The room was mostly bare, save for the ring in the center, masks on the walls, and of course, the group of gangly Yiga trainees standing in mostly straight rows, hands at their sides. A few turned their heads to stare.

Her assailant grabbed a spare mask off the wall and thrust it in her hands. "Fall in line, trainee."

She stared at it. There were those in Kakariko that would equate wearing it with sacrilege; even if it was only a mask, she was still Sheikah, after all. Then again, she'd done worse than wearing a silly mask. With that thought, she strapped it over her face, marveling at how she could see through what appeared to be a solid piece of wood. It had to be made with some manner of ancient Sheikah technology – the same that kept their clothes waterproof and durable. Purah would definitely be interested in examining it, if she could take it with her. Izuna took her place in a gap between the trainees and tried to mimic the way they stood. She'd find a moment to slip away, but until then, better not to draw anymore of the trainer's ire.

"Now that most of you are finally back, we're going to begin sparring today, like promised." There were a few whoops from her compatriots. "We've run through the forms but applying them in a fight is different. Be sure to keep your eyes on your opponent and look for holes in their defenses. Pair off!"

Izuna glanced around the room; with her included, there was an odd number of people. She let out a sigh of relief; at least she wouldn't have to participate-

"You're with me," the trainer said, tapping her on the shoulder. "We will demonstrate a proper spar."

She scowled behind the mask. "I'd rather not."

A hush fell over the room and the trainer's shoulders shook with laughter. "I don't blame you, but that's what you get for skipping. Come to the ring."

When was the last time she'd sparred with someone? It had to have been months ago when she was practicing with Impa... But even then, her friend had primarily focused on instilling evasive and escape tactics in the rare event Izuna was put in danger. She wasn't a warrior by any stretch and her stomach twisted with nerves as she stepped onto the platform. The other trainees moved to stand at the walls, ensuring that she was watched at every angle. She bit her lip, sliding into her stance.

"Defense? Nervous, are you?" the instructor taunted, sliding into an offensive stance. "Let us begin." Izuna had only a split second before they were upon her, swinging their palm toward her too quickly for her to dodge. The borrowed mask flew off her face with a crack and slid across the floor. Izuna whimpered as blinding pain blossomed in her cheek and eye. The instructor shook their head. "This is why you shouldn't miss training – did you all see the way she hesitated? That hesitation will cost you your life in a real fight. This is also why you should be wearing your full uniform; it'll keep your mask secure and protect your identity. Pick it up and focus this time."

Izuna snatched the mask and strapped it back onto her face, hiding her stony expression. Her face ached and would surely bruise. She blinked away the tears and slid into a defensive position once more, training her gaze on them. They were fast, but she'd be ready this time.

"Begin!"

The instructor aimed another fist at her and Izuna caught it, using the momentum to flip them over onto their back. "Good! Continue!" They jumped up again, throwing a kick her way, forcing Izuna to stumble back to the edge of the ring. She darted to the side, dodging their incoming punch, and swung her leg in an arc against their mask. With them stunned, she gripped their arm and dislocated their shoulder with a pop. The instructor yelped and backhanded her, sending Izuna skidding across the floor, before shoving their shoulder back into place with a grunt. "What in Lord Ganon's name are you doing?!"

"Sparring?" she mumbled, dazed and ears ringing. "Isn't that what you're forcing me to do?"

"Where's the power behind your blows? You're fighting like one of those filthy Sheikah – dodging and cowardice! Have you trained at all?!" they bellowed, grabbing the straps of her uniform and yanking her close. "You are going to get every last one of your comrades killed if you don't take this seriously. We are at war!"

They dropped her to the ground; Izuna's mind was too fuzzy to make a proper reply. The answer was right in front of them. Did the uniform blind them so much to the fact that she wasn't one of their own? Apparently the Sheikah and Yiga weren't as different as either side liked to claim.

"Let this serve as a lesson to you all. Failure to learn what I'm teaching you is certain death. Not only for you, but for your friends as well. Look around – do you want these lives on your hands?"

"No, sir!"

The trainer harrumphed. "That's what I thought. You," he gestured to her, "go sit and observe. Maybe you'll learn something."

Izuna glared at the instructor. "I have nothing to learn from you."

"Mind your arrogance, trainee," they seethed. "You have no room to talk after that performance."

"Maybe you should mind yours. It may be your life in my hands before you know it."

They scoffed. "Unlikely. You've got spark, I'll give you that. But unless you fix that attitude, I don't see a future for you. Now go sit."

She pulled herself up on shaky legs and shuffled to a corner where she slumped against the wall. Nearby trainees scooted away from her like she was diseased. What a fool, so complacent in the supposed safety of this hideout. Then again, no one had ever found the hideout as far as she knew. Perhaps the complacency was justified? Though, that didn't excuse the trainer's lack of awareness that she wasn't one of his students... If all it took was a uniform change, it'd be easy for an enemy to decimate their numbers from the inside. She shook her head and folded her arms across her chest, idly turning her attention to the matches.

[Sooga POV]

Sooga owed Izuna a thousand apologies. With his bodily pain all-but gone, he'd gotten so absorbed in catching up on his work that he'd forgotten to return for her. What a way to repay her kindness. He rushed through the corridors as quickly as was dignified, almost tempted to transport himself directly to the infirmary, but refrained. It wouldn't do to startle her if she was working. Sooga wrenched the infirmary door open, and a few soldiers sat up and greeted him. He absently returned their pleasantries, eyes darting around the room for a head of white hair.

"Where is the healer?" There were a few shrugs.

"I didn't dream that?" One of the blademasters mumbled, scratching his head. "She was actually here? But how?"

"Never mind that. Did she say where she was going?" Sooga pressed. If she got hurt wandering about the hideout, it would be all his fault.

The blademaster shook his head. "I woke up a little while ago and there was no one here. I'm sorry Master Sooga..."

He waved away the apology. "Rest. I'll find her." Where would she have gone? He had intended to take her to the mess hall – perhaps she found her way there on her own? She would be starving by now, especially after her gratuitous use of the esoteric healing arts... Sooga pushed away another pang of guilt. He could deal with that after he found her.

The mess hall was abuzz with the cooks laying out food and other dinner items when Sooga walked in. A few helpers bowed to him, but most everyone paid him little attention. There was too much to do when it came to feeding an army, and it was almost dinner time. Sooga pulled one of the helpers aside.

"Master Sooga, was there something needed? Dinner in your workroom again?"

"Yes - for two. But I'm looking for someone – about this tall," he gestured just below his pectorals, "short white hair pulled into loops."

"I think I saw a trainee that looked like that sometime after lunch ended... She got scolded something fierce when Tetsu got his hands on her."

Trainee? Sooga wanted to smack himself for his foolishness. Izuna was short enough that only the trainee uniform would fit her. Of course, she'd be mistaken for a recruit – especially one that hadn't been supplementing their diet with mighty bananas for long. If memory served, trainees would be starting archery in the evenings, provided the weather was good. Sooga thanked the helper and hastened to the training yard; at least if she passed for a trainee, she would be relatively safe in their group. The hideout could be treacherous, especially with the seer skulking around like he owned the place.

Sooga squinted as the setting sun temporarily blinded him. The training yard was abuzz with chatter, and very little training. A couple soldiers caught sight of him and elbowed their compatriots, trying to look busy. He rolled his eyes, keeping back as he looked for the source of their distraction. He zeroed in on a group of recruits practicing archery where Tetsu stood in heated conversation with a shorter trainee. His gaze narrowed in on the hair loops poking out from behind the mask. Sooga moved closer to listen in.

"I don't care if you're the most gifted archer in the entire world – that doesn't mean you can slack off. Return to your drills."

"And I'm telling you that I'm not playing along with this anymore." The voice was undeniably Izuna's, even if the hair loops hadn't given her away. "I've told you over and over that I need to get back to the infirmary, that I'm not a trainee, but you refuse to listen!"

"You insolent little-!"

Sooga came to a halt behind the pair. "What seems to be the problem here?"

"Master Sooga!" Tetsu whipped around, bowing low at the waist. "I'm afraid we're having a little trouble with this one, but it's nothing you need to-"

"Finally!" Izuna crossed her arms. "Where have you been?" Aside from a few minor uniform violations – and of course her hair – she was almost indistinguishable from the others.

"Show some damn respect!" He raised his hand to strike her, but Sooga caught it before the blow could land. "Master?"

"What kind of trouble have you been having, Tetsu?"

"I found her skipping training and stuffing her face with bananas while I was looking for stragglers – I still haven't seen Nobu and Shin today." Tetsu shook his head with a sigh. "And now she's insisting that she doesn't need archery training. I'll admit, she's got good aim, but-"

"My aim is more than good," Izuna snapped. "But I'm not one of-"

"Show me."

"Careful Sooga," she muttered, "I might use you as a target."

Tetsu sputtered in indignation, but Izuna moved past him and snatched a duplex bow off the rack, testing the string before nocking an arrow. She exuded unshakeable confidence – the same as when she used her healing arts, and once again, he admired how beautifully the tight uniform wrapped around her curves. She aimed at the furthest target, a small piece of wood hanging high up in the corner of the training grounds. Taking a deep breath, Izuna loosed the arrow, striking the target dead center. Sooga recalled the first time he met her; how she'd nearly shot him with the same precision. Only years of training his reflexes had saved him from injury.

"You've got to be kidding me." Tetsu folded his arms as more arrows lodged into the center of each target. "Why couldn't she put this much effort into the other exercises? What a waste."

"Oh? Did she do poorly?" Aside from using her healing techniques offensively and archery, her other combat abilities were a mystery to him.

"Not exactly, but she fights..." he scratched the back of his head. "Well, let's just say she didn't use conventional means. If anything, it felt like fighting a Sheikah. And she dislocated my shoulder."

Interesting. So, she did have some hand-to-hand training. Perhaps he would ask her for the honor of a spar sometime. "I'll speak with her."

Tetsu bowed. "Of course, Master Sooga. If anyone can whip her into shape, it's you."

Unlikely. No matter how much training she received, Izuna was not and never would be a soldier. Sooga stepped lightly and snuck up behind her. If she noticed his presence, she paid no attention to him. Other trainees gasped and pointed, but she ignored them, hitting each of the advanced targets with ease. He leaned in as she drew the string back, keeping his voice low, "Well done."

She jumped, accidentally releasing her arrow. It hit the very edge of the last target. "Damn it," she hissed, whipping out another and loosing it lightning fast. Bullseye. Izuna lowered the bow with a sigh. "Please tell me you're here to rescue me."

"Indeed I am. And you have my sincerest apologies for keeping you waiting."

"I was able to find the mess hall on my own, though I think I blend in a little too well. That person," she jabbed her thumb toward Tetsu, "has been holding me hostage all afternoon and I need get back to the-" her stomach gave an audible growl, "...infirmary."

Sooga chuckled. "Everyone was alive when I checked in; why don't we eat first?"

Her shoulders slumped. "I won't argue with that. How's your head, by the way?"

"Much improved. I... feel better than I have in a long time."

"Glad to hear it."

Izuna returned the bow, and he placed his hand on her shoulder, guiding her toward the exit. They paused beside the instructor. "She's coming with me. It's about time for dinner anyway."

"But Master Sooga, is it wise to reward her impertinence?"

"Perhaps not, if she was one of your recruits, Tetsu. You ought to pay better attention to which trainees are under your tutelage." Would Nobu and Shin be missing if Tetsu had been more attentive?

"What do you mean? Who is she?"

Izuna removed her borrowed mask, and his stomach dropped at the state of her face. Deep purple splotches decorated her cheekbone and temple, spreading up to her eye and nose. "He means exactly what I've been telling you all day: that I'm not one of your trainees. I'm a healer."

"She's the healer," Sooga corrected, returning his attention to her. "What happened here?" He ghosted a finger over her cheek.

"Sparring," she muttered. "It'll be fine by morning." She brought a blue glowing hand to her cheek and some of the bruising faded, but the light flickered and went out almost immediately. "Maybe."

"You shouldn't push yourself while you're exhausted. Let's get you something to eat." Izuna nodded mutely and they made their way back through the hideout, his hand firmly against her back. "I'm deeply sorry, Izuna. If I hadn't lost track of time, you wouldn't have gotten hurt today."

"It's fine." It was grueling but wouldn't have been as bad were she not so drained from healing.

He winced. "I know today wasn't ideal but... do you wish to continue training once you've rested?" Though the full extent of her abilities remained unknown, improving her ability to defend herself wouldn't be a bad thing.

"Not with that guy," she groused.

"How about with me?"

Her lips quirked. "Are you sure you have that kind of time?"

"I could make the time." He'd have to delegate some tasks and shuffle Toki's training schedule, but it could be done.

"We'll see. The patients come first."

They trekked the rest of the way to his workroom in silence, but the moment he opened the door and the aroma of food wafted over them, Izuna livened up. "Thank the gods – food!"

He chuckled and took a seat at his desk where two heaping bowls of rice and gourmet meat were waiting. Izuna sat on the other side, tossing the borrowed mask aside and reaching for her own bowl and chopsticks. Sooga grabbed his food and turned around, lifting his mask up to eat. As always, their meals were cooked to perfection; no matter how hard the days were, they could always count on good food at the end of it. Master Kohga would accept nothing less.

"By the way," Sooga began after he'd finished his portion, "I had a room prepared for you today and had your personal effects moved there. You can use the laundry as well; I'm sure your own clothes are more comfortable to you." He had selected rooms close to both his quarters and his workroom just in case she needed him for something. Better safe than sorry. "You're welcome to stay as long as you like."

Sooga replaced his mask and turned around. Izuna had almost finished with her food and smiled at him. "I can't thank you enough for your hospitality. I probably shouldn't stay long though because I still need to gather rupees and travel to Akkala for my next offering. Otherwise..." she trailed off, taking another bite.

"You needn't worry about travel time; I can transport you wherever you need to go."

She reddened and ducked her head. "I couldn't ask you to-"

"You don't have to," he insisted. "I'm offering. And if you need to look for rupees, the highlands over the hideout might be a good place to start. I've heard chatter about all the treasure to be found up there. I could arrange an escort for you." Perhaps a few soldiers ought to accompany her if they didn't get to the bottom of what happened to the missing recruits.

"That's... as good a plan as any, I suppose," Izuna said, nodding slowly. "It would be nice not to be on the road for a bit. But I can't take advantage of your kindness; I'll man the infirmary while I'm here. Deal?" She stuck her hand out, and he gently grasped it, bowing his head over her knuckles.

"Deal."