Notes at the end of the most recent chapter.

The past eight years of Link's life were about as terrible as one could imagine. Link worked hard every single day sharpening swords and fletching arrows. In fact, he'd become so efficient that the other two he used to share the job with were relieved of their duties. Link could sharpen a dozen swords and fletch a hundred arrows in a day—nearly twice the capacity of the two laborers he succeeded.

But the effort Link put into his job went unnoticed by nearly everyone. He was still the lightly-muscled Hylian boy without a dime to his name. None except the captain even thanked him for repairing the training equipment. In fact, it was a normal occurrence for guardsmen to harass and threaten Link.

Knowing it'd only get worse if he tried to stand up for himself, Link usually just ignored it the best he could.

But one day, Link would need to defend himself. He's almost the right age to start his training as a guardsman… but he can't help wondering what it's like to wield a sword or a bow.

Link steps up his work, doing his job better than ever before. He sharpens and polishes every sword with its scabbard daily, and teaches himself how to string a bow. For the next week, every piece of training equipment is spotless and like new.

Unbeknownst to the guards, it was Link that did all of it.

"Looks like we finally have new stuff. Took long enough," a guard had muttered.

One morning, satisfied with his work, Link sits in the shadows and watches each wave of guards train in a perfectly-orchestrated ceremony of handing off swords, bows, and exchanging spar partners.

Link felt something hit his side hard; not being able to help but think a rib had broken. He doubled over in pain, eyes squinting shut.

He wasn't supposed to say anything, by order of the captain, but he involuntarily grunted at the impact.

Craning his head behind him, he saw an armored figure gazing down at him.

A scruffy male voice spoke, "Just what do you think you're doing out here, runt? Go back to the hole you crawled out of. If it was my say, you'd lick our boots clean. Maybe it would put you in your place."

Not chancing another attack, Link ran as fast as he could to the small training shack where his frugal meals were served and his lowly bed resided. He slammed the door shut and sank to the floor, caressing his tender side. Link curled his head into his lap, allowing a few tears to escape.

This was exactly the type of situation he'd tried to avoid for years. He didn't want to hold any resentment for anyone, but now Link didn't have a choice. He wouldn't seek revenge, but he won't be stepped all over ever again.

Link whispered somberly to himself, "Never again. I'll find a way."

"Find a way to do what?" a familiar voice asked from across the room.

Link's eyes shot open and he snapped his head up to where the voice originated from: Sikumar sat casually on his bed.

"Don't panic, it's okay. What happened?"

Link simply looked wide-eyed at Sikumar.

The captain realized what the problem was. "Link, it's okay to talk. Don't be afraid."

Link let out a shaky breath. He hadn't been allowed to speak to anyone in over three years. Since then, his voice had grown slightly deeper but was still smooth as butter.

"It's nothing, captain. My mistake. I'll get back to work." Link forced a smile and struggled to stand up, his side still an intense throbbing pain.

A firm hand gripped his shoulder and directed Link to the bed.

"Sit down." Sikumar said simply.

Link didn't protest; he pulled his pillow up to his side at sat comfortably on the bed.

"Do you know why I'm here?"

Link gulped. "N-no, sir."

"Link, talk to me. You know why. I certainly noticed all the guardsmen giddy at the 'new equipment.'"

"Oh, there are new swords? That's good. More training," Link forced another smile.

Sikumar sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Why are you avoiding taking credit? The sentries saw you last night working your butt off. I know you did it."

"I'm sorry. I didn't think about my actions." Link studied the floor.

"What? What do you mean—OH, Link that's not what I mean!"

The captain thought carefully for a few moments about what to say next.

"I wanted to thank you for your dedication and effort. It goes unnoticed, which isn't right. In fact, I was going to invite you to watch the knighting ceremony tonight. Guards are being promoted. It's quite theatrical, if you'd like to witness it."

Link was stunned. Never had he been recognized for anything other than the captain thanking him the first time he sharpened the training swords years ago.

"I'd… love to come with! I won't be a burden?"

"Certainly not! I'll arrange for you to be escorted there; a token of my gratitude." Sikumar smiled.

Link was overjoyed. He could barely notice the throbbing in his side.

"But there's one more thing, boy. What's wrong with your side?" Link's smile faded.

"I uh… it's nothing. Just tripped and hit a rock. Heh."

"You're not one to trip, Link," the captain deadpanned.

"It was nothing. See?" Link set the pillow down, internally wincing at the return of the pain.

"Let me see."

The boy's eyes widened.

"W-what?"

"Let me see. I want to make sure it really is nothing."

"Okay…" Link slowly pulled up his shirt, revealing his light Hylian skin and lithe abdomen. He carefully rotated his body to expose his side.

"Link, that doesn't look like 'nothing' to me."

Sikumar was right: a deep, red gash had sliced open his side. It wasn't bleeding, but it was still fresh.

"You'll heal, but I want to know what caused this."

Link's tears threatened to fall yet again.

"It was my fault. I shouldn't have been out there."

Sikumar's eyes narrowed.

"What are you talking about?"

"I was watching the guards train. I know I shouldn't, but I just wanted to see them happy with all the clean training equipment. I shouldn't have been out there."

"Link."

Sikumar turned the boy back towards him, who refused to meet his gaze.

"Link," he said once more through gritted teeth.

"Who?"

Link's lips moved, but words didn't come.

"Who did this? It doesn't matter if you tell me. I'll find out anyway." The captain's gentle tone had faded. He was angry. Very angry.

Link turned away again.

"I-I don't know who it was. But it—"

"No. Buts. This isn't fair to you. How long has this been happening, Link? Tell me the truth."

A tear rolled down the boy's face, who closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"Th-this was the first time. They usually don't hit me, I've been able to ignore it before—"

"What?" Sikumar whispered, his voice dripping with venom.

"Link, I have one question for you, then I'll leave you in peace. You must answer it directly."

Link nodded.

"How long?"

"My second week."

Sikumar nodded, rising from the simple chair and walking toward the door. A fly on the wall couldn't see it, but the captain was seething with rage.

"Take care, Link."

As the door closed and the sunlight faded, Link sighed and slumped back onto his bed.

"Guards! Fall in!"

Sikumar's booming voice could be heard clearly over the cacophony of swords clanging, arrows impacting, and guards grunting as they sparred.

Dropping what they were doing, the guardsmen formed their ranks quickly.

"As you all know, the tenants of honor are not to be reckoned with. They are upheld very seriously in this kingdom, and moreover are protected by the guards. What are these defining pillars, men?"

Chanting in unity, the guards replied:

"Justice!"

"Discipline!"

"Courage!"

"Respect!"

Sikumar turned to face the guards. "Precisely. Each of you took an oath to exhibit these tenants and protect them the day you swore to protect this kingdom. Knowing that, I shall remind you that they are more than rules, so this is not the time to falter on your duty. If anyone here feels they are incapable of doing so, leave immediately."

The captain stared sternly—coldly—at each member for an agonizing amount of time.

"Very well. Then you should know that punishments for violating our way of life will result in far greater punishment."

Again, another awkward silence.

"We will train again tomorrow. Meals will be served shortly. Dismissed."

Sikumar set a zero-tolerance standard. Link's injury and emotional pain was evidence that at least someone wasn't staying true to their oath. But for it to happen for that long perplexed him. Very few stayed in the training grounds that long other than the instructors and the Field Master. Sikumar's heart sank as he thought about who could be so bold as to allow such behavior under his command.

Link hated himself for allowing Sikumar to see him at his weakest. He vowed to himself that he'd be strong, both physically and mentally. Over the next two weeks, he hid a sword under his blankets and taught himself how to wield it at night. It was true: Link had barely any muscle, so it was hard for him to learn alone. Fortunately, the basics weren't too complicated: hold here, swing like this. Link was happy that he was starting to understand how to fight with a sword.

The following months were rather uneventful; Sikumar's warning must have had some effect. Link was not happy, per se, but he was nowhere close to being miserable.

By this time, Link had built up some lithe muscle, which complemented his small frame perfectly. His nightly efforts went unnoticed, of course, because nobody paid any attention to him anyway.

On a cool autumn night, Link performed his normal routine: ensure every sword is accounted for, every quiver stocked, and every dummy re-sewn. Then, satisfied, he grabbed his favorite sword and began practicing. He skillfully (but not expertly, by any means) slashed, jabbed, and parried one of the old dummies. It would be too obvious to use the dummies on the field, so he kept an old one just together enough to lightly practice on.

Link was smiling. He didn't hate his job, but he genuinely enjoyed honing his swordsmanship. In fact, he'd sewn a special pair of gloves that allowed him to hold a sword with ease. His craftsman gloves were mostly to protect him from the sword's sharp edge; they didn't offer much freedom of movement.

King Rhoam stood up in his place at the head of the table. The annual Royal Banquet was just ending, and he wanted to address his guests one last time.

"Thank you all for joining us. It is a pleasure to have such a grand feast with the noblest of this marvelous kingdom. Please, do join us again next year!"

The room erupted in thunderous applause as Rhoam stepped away from the table and was escorted to his quarters.

As he opened his door, Rhoam turned to face his escort. "Thank you, you are all dismissed." The guards turned and began to walk away…

"Captain, may I have a word?"

Sikumar turned back towards the king.

"In private?"

As the captain entered the room, Rhoam closed the door behind him.

"Sikumar, something's been bothering me."

"What is it?" the captain asked, lifting off his helmet.

"How has the boy been?"

"The… boy?"

"Link."

"I haven't spoken to him in months—"

"Please check on him sometime soon, will you? He's almost of age to join the guards, and I fear with my daughter's inability to harness her divine power, we will need as many soldiers as we can afford if… you know…"

"I understand, Rhoam. I'll talk to him tomorrow."

"Thank you, Sikumar. Now, go get some rest. It's been a long night."

Sikumar left the king's quarters and traversed the miles of staircase and corridor that plagued Hyrule Castle. But instead of proceeding to the royal barracks, the captain thought it was a good time to check on the training ground's repair boy. Sikumar hoped he could catch Link before he nodded off for the night. Training had ended a few hours ago, so he'd probably still be finishing up.

As he neared the training grounds, he heard a sword tearing fabric and light, restrained grunts. Clearly, whoever was using the training grounds was trying to be covert about it. The captain slowed his movements and quieted his footsteps. He had to find out who was sabotaging Link's hard work… but then he froze. Sikumar certainly wasn't expecting to see Link training this far into the night. He wasn't angry, only puzzled. Why would Link hide his training? Was he still being harassed? Whatever the reason was, it didn't compare to how Link handled a sword.

He'd never received a lick of training, yet he wielded the blade better than most of the veteran trainees.

The captain didn't want to disturb the boy, so he turned around and left just as quietly as he'd came.

"So many secrets for a boy who lives among spiders…" Sikumar mumbled to himself.

It became a strange habit for Sikumar to watch Link practice every now and then. He was impressed by how Link dedicated himself to improving his swordsmanship and still managed to maintain the training grounds in tip-top shape. He wanted so badly to ask Link what motivates him, but he thought it best to just let the little flower flourish.

Much later that year, Link turned fifteen. Sikumar missed his birthday by a week, which he felt terrible for. Link never received anything, much less on one of the few days important to him. Because he knew the boy practiced at night, he wanted to leave him a good blade to practice with. One that he may use one day in combat. So, he marched down to the training grounds, clad in royal armor with insignia of the highest-ranking commanding officer in the garrison. Sikumar himself gave off an aura that demanded respect and forced you to submit to his command, so the golden crests that hung from his pauldrons only added to the intimidation. The captain also wanted to check on the progress of the guard recruits, so he opted to observe for a short while from the high balcony looking over the grounds. Everything appeared normal, and the recruits had indeed improved.

But something caught his eye: there were two fully-armored figures surrounding something in the middle of the main field—no, someone. Sikumar's face paled when he saw one of the figures kick the person. The captain was hoping to Hylia he didn't see what he thought he did.

He drew his personal blade and raced through the corridors and down stairs to reach the training grounds. Just as he feared, it was indeed Link between the two. He didn't appear to be hurt too bad physically, but the way he was shaking was unmistakable evidence of emotional damage.

Sikumar's blood boiled. Not only did two of his subordinates have the nerve to go directly against one of his orders, but it was who did it that struck a nerve: the field masters. Both field masters were present because it was graduation day for the recruits, and apparently, both had been abusing Link ever since he arrived in addition to condoning similar behavior among their students. Captain Sikumar was a man of rationality and logic. Seeing Link on the ground at the mercy of two abusers of power completely turned the tables. This was a side one did not see from the captain outside of the battlefield. Screaming a war cry, he charged at full-speed with his sword drawn toward the boy's assailants. Far too late to react, they both turned towards a raging Sikumar with sly grins—which were soon wiped off by the terror that replaced them. The captain did not go for the kill, that's too easy of a punishment. Instead, he moved his sword at the speed of lightning and relieved each field master of a hand. Jumping over Link, he spun around in midair and used both of his legs to push off the stunned men, who hit the ground with an audible thump, followed by screams of horror as the captain completed a flip and landed gracefully. He drew the other sword—which he'd brought for Link, and held the points to their throats. At this point every recruit in the field was backed away at the greatest possible distance, with expressions that suggested terror, surprise, or both.

Hearing the unique war cry of the guard captain was damn near bloodcurdling. Clearly, the other royal guards had heard it, evidenced by how they rushed onto the field only seconds later in a phalanx formation, holding spears forward in perfect harmony. Three guards took each attacker in delta formation, spears pressed against their throat.

Sikumar's voice boomed, "Masters Henori and Gonerf, you have violated my direct order to uphold the pillars of honor this kingdom prides set forth by the tales of old and King Rhoam himself. By the power vested in me by His Majesty, you are both permanently relieved of your duties as Field Masters, and shall spend time in the castle dungeon until the day you die. Guards, see to it that their wounds are tended to." The guards automatically followed the captain's exact orders, carrying the newly-dubbed prisoners to the infirmary.

"Let this be a reminder to all of you that there will be no mercy to those who fail to follow their superior's orders. Those who violate the tenants of honor and serve His Majesty as a guard will answer to me personally." Sikumar's words dripped with a palpable rancor that offered absolutely no room for argument.

"Is that understood?"

The various recruits hugging the safety of the walls suddenly snapped back to life.

"Yes sir!"

"Good. Then return to your training. I will see to it that new Field Masters are instated."

Without another second, the field appeared to return to normal operations.

Now, there was only one more thing to do…

Link.

He sat upright, but had buried his head into his knees. "Link, let's go somewhere private."

The boy didn't move. Sikumar didn't say another word and simply picked him up gently until he was on his feet. He led Link to the small shack on the other side of the field, closing the door and removing his helmet.

"I know you won't want to talk about," Sikumar began.

"but I'm glad I was here to stop it."

Link's eyes were glassy and gazed at something far away.

"It's not my business to know what your story is, Link, but I wanted to give you something. I… how do I put this… I've noticed you train at night."

Link's head snapped up. "Oh, no…"

"Link! Please, don't cry. You're okay now. I'm not mad," Sikumar breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly.

"I'm impressed. Truly, for somebody who hasn't had a minute of instruction, you're a skilled fighter. Which is why I want to give you this," the captain undid the knot attaching a simple leather sheath to his armor, handing it to Link.

Link inspected the object carefully, studying the impeccable craftsmanship of the leather.

"What is this?" He asked simply.

"Take it out," the captain replied softly.

He gripped a laced handle sticking out of the simple sheath and slowly tugged. A brand-new, chrome-bladed broadsword effortlessly glided out of the leather sheath. Link was in awe when he looked closely at the razor-sharp edge and the emblazoned insignia of the royal guard at the hilt of the blade.

"I've instructed Blademaster Shenya to give you a new sword should this one ever get worn down. Link, I want you to handle a real blade. Enough of the training swords. It's time you hone your skills. Oh, and I'd like to give you a few pointers one of these nights if you're alright with that." The captain beamed.

Link's smile of glee faded. "Why?" he asked. Carefully sheathing the blade, he met Sikumar's gaze. "Why me?"

"Because you're special, Link. You always have been."

"I'm not sure if that's a compliment."

Sikumar chuckled, and the smile returned to Link's bright face. A smile looked good on him. "I assure you, it is. So, what do you say?"

"I'd love to learn how to wield it properly, if it's not too much of a burden for you."

"Not at all! I wouldn't have offered otherwise."

"Thank you, sir—"

"Link. Call me Sikumar."

"Okay… then, thanks… Sikumar."

The captain stayed true to his word and faithfully gave Link new techniques to practice every week, which the boy honed until perfection. Still, he appeared thin and supple, but Sikumar had told him something that had strengthened him more than anything else: "Let their doubts be their weakness. You're small, Link, but you can use that to your advantage. Sneak around the enemy's attacks and use their surprise as an opportunity to gain the upper hand. But above all, Link, you need to show courage. It's never forgotten, but you have spent all these years being afraid. I want to see you be confident. Be a leader; you're almost as old as these recruits. Help them out, they'll respect you."

Link took Sikumar's words to heart and was surprised to realize the captain was right. Link was actually happy. It was an alien feeling, but he welcomed it.

The night before his birthday, Link was doing his routine training when Sikumar walked in. Link had been maintaining his commitment to swordsmanship and loving every second of it. He didn't notice Sikumar until he was tapped on the shoulder—which caused him to jump and spin around.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you, Link. Wait… why aren't you wearing a shirt?"

"It's restrictive. Too small."

"Why didn't you say something?"

Link was heaving from exertion.

"Anyway, this is perfect timing, then. I brought you something…" Sikumar reached into his shoulder pack, fumbling with some loosely-wrapped objects.

"Did you really get me something for my birthday?" Link's face lit up, but then, just as quickly, faded to nothing. "I mean, not that you have to—"

"Link," Sikumar gave him a look that said 'stop talking.'

"Here."

Link took the objects gratefully, unwrapping all of them: new undergarments, boots, trousers, a tan shirt, and a leather belt.

"What…" Link couldn't figure out what this meant.

"Sorry if the fitting is off. I had to guess. But I'd like to invite you to the Royal Banquet coming up in a few days. It'll give you time to wash up and groom." The captain smiled.

"King Rhoam himself told me to extend the invitation."

Link's eyebrows furrowed.

"The king…? Why?"

"You remember Haseem?"

Link's eyes widened.

"Yeah…"

"Well… he passed away last month and you were technically his only surviving family. So you'll fill his spot. Is that okay?"

Link's heart shattered upon hearing this news. Haseem had selflessly raised Link and gave him any book Hyrule could possibly have. To hear of his death was truly a bit hurtful, but the past can't be changed.

"I'd be honored to." Link smiled widely.

"There's that smile I remember," Sikumar chuckled.

"See you there!"

The banquet was more exquisite than Link could have ever imagined. Infinite meats, from poultry to steak, and a huge selection of berries. Link was in food heaven.

After the superb dinner, Link was ready to head back to his bed for the night.

But as he left the grand hall, he realized that he had no idea how to get back. Getting to the central castle was simple enough, but the rest of Hyrule Castle was a labyrinth.

Link just decided to go in one direction and go with what he felt was right.

After aimlessly wandering for almost ten minutes, he was officially lost.

Sighing, Link, tried to retrace his steps:

No, I didn't come from this way.

This way either.

Who the heck designed this place?!

Link came upon a vast courtyard adorned with numerous statues of stone knights.

In the center was a huge platform with a single object in the center, glowing a brilliant blue.

Wait, GLOWING?!

Link had to get a closer look.

As he walked closer to the object, its features became clearer. It was a sword with a marvelous hilt and every part of it was flawless. The one part that perplexed Link was the mark at its hilt. Taking off his gloves, he inspected the back of his left hand. The mark was identical to the one on the sword. Link had an unnatural urge to just pull the darn thing out of the ground. So, he did. Gripping the hilt with both hands, he gave every bit of strength he had to an upward force. He felt the blade slide once… twice… then, BAM!

Link's head hurt and he opened his eyes to see that he was on the ground. Somebody had… tackled him? His hand was outstretched, right over the figure's face. Before he could pull it back, the person grabbed his hand and held it firmly there.

"By Hylia, you… you're…" it was Sikumar's unmistakable voice. He released his grip on Link's hand, who retracted the it slowly. Both stood up and brushed themselves off.

Sikumar turned to him, a tear rolling down his cheek. Choking back any more, the captain spoke to Link: "It's… you. All this time. I can't believe it."

Link's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "I'm, what exactly?"

"I can't explain it. Hurry, follow me. We need to get to Kakariko Village as soon as possible. I… it's you, Link."

"Is it… bad?"

"NO! No, quite the opposite. Come, we must leave immediately!" Sikumar was almost giddy with excitement.

It wasn't until the captain was already running that Link followed, almost forgetting to put his gloves back on.

And on that note, Link thought to himself:

What the heck is with this birthmark?!