The throne room was silent as the King appeared to be processing Impa's report. The Sheikah was still kneeling with her hand crossed respectfully across her chest, waiting patiently as the King sat studying at his son and the mage of prophecy who stood behind her. Zelda's hands were clasped serenely in front of her, but Link could see her thumbs rubbing circles around each other with an air of timorous energy. The mage had changed out of her simple homespun dress into a flowy gown of fern green. Link noticed that the dress hung above her ankles rather than her shoes and wondered idly if his sister had given the dress to Zelda after they had left his room the night before. Link had pointed out that any reports that came to the King that early (or late) wouldn't reach his ears until the morning anyway, and after Zelda had timidly stated that her knees were still shaking from exhaustion, Impa had decided that they would report to the King after a few more hours of sleep. However, the Mage of Prophecy still had dark circles under her violet eyes, and she was blinking frequently, leading Link to believe that she still didn't get enough sleep.

Why are you watching her? Link caught himself staring at Zelda and jerked his eyes back to his father. She doesn't deserve your attention.

"Mage Zelda," King Rhoam boomed, and both Link and Zelda started to attention. "Is this true? You allowed the malice to enter the castle and attack the Master Sword?"

Link could see her anxiety steel itself into anger as her shoulders drew back and her hands clenched into fists. "No. The malice overpowered me. I attacked it multiple times, your majesty. It wasn't as if I stood back and let it through."

"Yet the Sword was still possessed. You failed in your duties."

"I did all in my power, your majesty," Zelda tried again, but the King shook his head darkly.

"You did not do enough, Hero. The dark prophecy has been fulfilled. You are of no further use to us." The King's frown deepened. "Although I believe you have no home to return to, correct?"

Zelda's face flushed, and her hands clenched tighter still. "My parents died many years ago, but that doesn't mean-"

"You will remain here at the castle then as Princess Aryll's Forager Mage instructor. There will be no training in your other magics."

Zelda's mouth dropped open, and Impa rose from her position on the floor.

"Forgive me, your majesty," Impa said, "but would it not be wise for Zelda to continue training with Kinetic Venna? Her other magics will be of use as the malice continues to infiltrate the Kingdom."

The King scowled down at Impa, his heavy white eyebrows knit together. "Kinetic Venna has more important matters to attend to than to a mage who is not capable of fulfilling her duty to the Kingdom."

Zelda's already red face darkened to deep red, and she took a step forward, but Link caught her wrist and hauled her back.

"Are you nuts?" He hissed. "That's the King, you idiot!"

"Let go of me!" She snapped back, yanking her arm away-but she did take a shaky breath and withdraw a step so she was level with Link again. The King watched them coldly, one big bushy eyebrow raised.

"And you, Prince Lincoln," the King went on, and Link stiffened. "You will remain here in the castle where both you and the Sword can be kept under close watch for signs of possession. You will be safe here, under constant supervision."

Link nodded jerkily, keeping his eyes on the floor now. He knew if he met his father's gaze that he would lose his temper, and something told him that would be a terrible idea, based on how he responded to Zelda's defiance.

"Your majesty, please," Impa protested, "We already have seen that Hyrule Castle is not safe from malice. If Prince Lincoln remains here, it's as if we're inviting more of this evil into the castle."

I should leave, the thought struck Link firmly, as if it had already been decided. I should go find the dragon. I can't stay here, Impa's right.

Link's mind raced as he considered where he would go and how he'd get out of the castle, and suddenly he felt confident. He could do this. He could make things right again.

"It is far too dangerous for the Sword to leave the Castle now, Sheikah. I will not be dissuaded." The King was saying, and he eyed both Link and Zelda stoically before waving a hand negligently. "You may leave."

Zelda spun on her heel and practically ran from the throne room, her green dress flowing out behind her. Link bowed stiffly and moved to follow the mage, his thoughts still racing. His father rose from his throne and walked stiffly to the door to the council chambers directly behind the throne, disappearing behind the ornate chair. As Link turned his back on his father, Impa grasped his upper arm and pulled him toward a side door that Link knew led to the King's office.

"Impa, what are you doing?" Link whispered.

"Shut up," she whispered back, tugging his arm harder. "We only have a few minutes before someone notices that we're gone."

Link opened his mouth to inquire further what Impa had in mind, but as they left the throne room down into the side hallway, Impa yanked him towards a tapestry that Link had walked past many times on his way to Prince Practice with his father. It depicted an old woman with a long, white braid wrapped around her head gripping a long, orange staff. Impa let go of his arm only to reach a hand behind the tapestry and knock four times-two short, two long-on what sounded like wood. Then she pulled him toward the tapestry and into the wall.

"Impa-!" Link managed to gasp before Impa guided him through a wooden door that had been concealed behind the elaborate tapestry. Link's jaw dropped in astonishment as they continued through the door into a room with soft mahogany floors that fed up into similarly structured mahogany walls. There were at least a dozen Sheikah milling about in the room, sharpening knives, sparring together, or poring over a large map on the wall in the back of the room. Two huge marble pillars stood in the center of the room each with a tapestry hanging in front of it. One showed a woman with blonde hair and bright light shining out of her right hand. The other depicted a warrior with a floppy green hat holding a blue sword above his head.

"What-" Link gazed around the room, awestruck. "Where is this?"

"This is the Sheikah Headquarters. There's a door in the back that exits the castle. It'll be safer than trying to sneak out the front door." Impa glanced back at Link, her face serious. "But we need to talk. You'll be leaving the castle tonight, I take it?"

"Wha-" Link blinked in amazement. "How did you know?"

Impa's eyes narrowed. "I know you, highness. You're done listening to your father now, and you intend to fulfill your obligation to the Master Sword. You'll be visiting your sister this afternoon to see about the sacred flame of the dragons, and then you'll leave the castle once it's dark."

Link hesitated before nodding, albeit begrudgingly. "You got me. Those were my plans today."

"Might I make a suggestion?"

"Of course, Impa. You know I value your input."

Impa gestured to the giant tapestry of the mage on the wall. "Bring Mage Zelda with you. It is true that she may develop the power to cleanse the sword, and I suspect that she won't be staying in the castle much longer than you anyway. You'll be safer together, and you can look out for each other."

Link clenched his jaw. "No."

"Link-"

"I'd rather stay here locked in my room than travel with her. I won't do it."

Impa's face grew blank, and she nodded swiftly. "All right. I suppose that's it then."

Link nodded, suddenly suspicious. Impa had given in rather quickly to that argument. "It is. I'm leaving by myself."

Impa raised an eyebrow. "So you'll just make the journey to discover the dragons alone? Knowing that malice may possess you at any given time?"

Link's stomach fluttered nervously. He'd forgotten about that. "I-I have to. There isn't anyone from the castle I can bring with me, and I can't put anyone else in danger like that."

Impa pursed her lips. "Then I want you to seek out someone to go with you. His name is Ravio. He left the castle several years ago to learn the sword, and he currently lives in a small house just inside the edge of the forest. He can continue your instruction in the sword, especially once you're out of the castle."

Link nodded eagerly. It would be exciting to find a swordmaster to work with and accompany him on his quest. "Thanks. I'll find him."

Impa grasped Link's shoulder, staring at him intently. "I have to go talk to the King about Mahko and what this means for the Sheikah. It's likely I won't see you again before you leave. I'll have your horse saddled just outside the gates of the castle." She paused, her face pensive. "It might be a good idea to leave as Sheik in case...anyone sees you."

Link nodded, noticing her hesitation but not sure what she was thinking. He held his hand out to grasp Impa's. "Thanks, Impa. I owe you."

"Oh, sit down, child. You won't accomplish much if you can't sit still." Kinetic Venna grasped Zelda's hands and gently pulled her to the chair next to her.

"That's what the King wants," Zelda said bitterly, letting Venna guide her to sink into the straight-back chair at the Kinetic's desk. "To just sit still and let the Malice take over."

"The King is only doing his best, Zelda," Kinetic Venna said gently. "Just as you are."

Zelda sank deeper into the chair, placing their clasped hands on the table. "All the more reason for me to leave. My best wasn't good enough, and neither is his."

"Zelda, dear, it's only natural you weren't strong enough. You only unlocked your power earlier this week."

Zelda shook her head, casting back in her memory of the shadow and the tingling feeling of using her power against it. She could remember exactly what it felt like to gather up the malice in her makeshift net in her mind. "No, it was there. I-I could've done it. I just...didn't know how."

Venna pursed her lips, rubbing her thumb across Zelda's hand. The motion was soothing to Zelda, and she felt her body and mind still as she sat in Kinetic Venna's office. There were no floating objects this time; the Kinetic must have been too tired or distracted to keep things where she could see them tonight. The curtains of the tower window were pulled closed, but a single shaft of the morning sunlight shone through, casting a beam of light on Zelda and Venna's clasped hands on the table.

"Know how to do what?"

"Hmm?" Zelda blinked, coming out of her thoughts. "What?"

"You mentioned that you didn't know how. Know how to do what?"

"Oh. Capture the malice. Get rid of it." Zelda shuddered. "It just felt like I was missing something."

"You said that you tried both Foraging and Kinetic magic on it, correct?" Kinetic Venna's gaze was thoughtful.

"Yes." Zelda shrugged. "Neither one did anything to it."

Kinetic Venna exhaled slowly. "Legends speak of the Mage of Prophecy dispelling the malice with the sealing power of the Gods. Have you felt anything like that?"

Zelda shook her head. "I wouldn't even know where to start. I haven't even discovered all of my new magics yet."

"Well then, maybe you should start there," Kinetic Venna suggested. She squeezed Zelda's hand and rose to her feet, slipping her hand away. "Let me see, where did I put those scrolls..."

"Scrolls?"

"My research on Summoning. Ah, there they are." Venna turned toward a tall basket in one corner, and the lid lifted up slightly, hovering just over the mouth of the basket. Then three scrolls shot out and settled on the table in front of Zelda. Kinetic Venna sat down again as the first of the scrolls rolled itself open. Eagerly, Zelda leaned over the scroll, but the writing on it was dull and illegible. Frowning, she reached out and traced a hand over the faded ink.

"There we are...oh dear." Venna's eyebrows knit together, and she sat back at the table to peer down at the ancient scroll as well. "It appears I left this one in the sun for too long. Let's check the others."

The other two scrolls unfurled, but they were in a similar state of disrepair. One was wrinkled and scaly, and the ink had run down the parchment, as if it had gotten wet and then dried while still rolled up on the shelf. The other crackled and tore as it rolled open, and Zelda's frown deepened.

"So much for trying to be delicate by not using my hands," Venna grumbled. She shook her head despondently. "I'm sorry, hero. It seems all my research into Summoning Magic isn't usable anymore."

"Well, can't you at least tell me what you remember?"

The Kinetic stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Most of what I researched involved the various components used by summoners to call different spirits. Different components bring different spirits, you see. But I'm afraid the specifics are lost to us now."

Zelda drummed her hands on the table. "How does Summoning Magic actually work? What do the components do for the process?"

Kinetic Venna grinned. "Oh, you break them. The components have some sort of connection to the spirit you wish to contact. Breaking it draws their attention and allows you to communicate. You can also enhance the components to make the connection last longer, so I understand."

Zelda nodded, smiling at the new information. She felt a strong desire to do what she could to resolve this malice situation, regardless of what the King said. "I'm going to leave tonight, Kinetic Venna. After everyone's gone to sleep."

Kinetic Venna sat back in her chair, a small smile on her face. "I think that's wise, Zelda. The castle will not suit your needs any longer. Or your duties," she added, her smile widening.

"Well, the Prince will be staying at the castle." Zelda snorted. "Which works out well for me."

"Hero," Kinetic Venna warned, leaning forward. "If everything you've told me is true, then I am confident Prince Link will embark on his own quest tonight to locate the dragons. There's no predicting what may happen to him and the Sword now that they have been possessed. You must find and protect him once you leave. I suspect you won't be too far apart."

"What? You're not serious!" Zelda exclaimed, jumping to her feet as a wave of disgust swarmed over her. "I'm not following him on his own quest just for him to be critical and rude to me!"

"This isn't about you, Zelda," Kinetic Venna said sharply. "This is about the prophecy and the Chosen Warrior of the Master Sword. If you can't get along, then that's your problem. You two are bound to each other by virtue of the gods."

Zelda shivered at the firmness in Venna's voice. She felt hot shame creeping up her neck to her face, and she ducked her head guiltily. Venna was right, why couldn't they just get along? "But...I can't even protect him. I already tried and failed," she said softly, sinking back into the chair at the desk. "Maybe it's better if we go our separate ways."

Venna leaned forward, her eyes bright. "Zelda, dear. I have complete faith in your power and ability. The goddess chose you! You have everything you need to be successful."

"Except a Summoner Master," Zelda sighed.

"There are plenty of Summoners out there. I would tell you where to find one if I knew. Summoners are rather seclusive, and they never stay in one place for too long," Venna replied. "I'm sure you'll be able to find one as you venture. Their magic is rather distinct to a Forager sense."

Zelda nodded, still trying to accept the idea that she would be stuck with Prince Lincoln for what was likely to be the longest journey of her life. "I really have to protect him?"

Venna nodded solemnly. "Yes, hero. Destiny demands it."

Zelda made a face. "I suppose I should start packing then."

"There's one more thing you should know before you depart, Zelda." Venna walked around the table and perched on the corner, her hands lacing gently in her lap. "I believe I have an idea as to why your magic did not work or why it got away from you the other day."

"Oh!" Zelda clenched her hands in her lap and looked anxiously up at the Royal Mage. "And?"

"I did some more research about the goddess Hylia," Venna began, "And she was reputed to be gentle but firm, yet also fierce and capable."

Zelda frowned. "Isn't that typical for a Legend, though? Inconsistent and incoherent?"

Venna shrugged. "I thought so as well. But it appears that your body has been affected by having all three magics accessible to you, correct? What about your mind?"

"My mind?" Zelda felt a chill. "A-are you saying my thinking is going to be different now? Or that my thoughts will do different things?"

"Your thoughts have always had power, Zelda," Venna reminded her, "That's what being a Forager Mage is. But, yes, of a sort. Your emotions appear to affect your magic."

"My emotions?"

"Yes, dear. It's the only explanation for both your Kinetic Magic and your Forager Magic to be affected. What were you feeling when you couldn't Release air here yesterday?"

Zelda thought back to the previous time she'd been in this office. She had burst into Kinetic Venna's office terrified and afraid she was losing her magic forever. The mystical atmosphere hadn't helped much, so... "I was afraid, Kinetic. I was so afraid it wouldn't work."

"And nothing happened." Kinetic Venna nodded. "What about the pen?"

Zelda glanced toward the window, trying to recall the thoughts she had when the pen started to float. She remembered feeling excited at the prospect of new magic, but then Prince Lincoln's face had popped into her mind, and her blood had started to boil. "I was angry."

"And it shot away from you." Venna smiled grimly. "Yes, dear. It appears I was correct."

"But..." Zelda's mind spun, and she sat back in her chair. "Are you saying I can't feel anything when I use magic?"

"Of course not," Venna rolled her eyes. "That would be impossible. You just must be careful. If your emotions are too strong for your body and they start to affect you physically, then your magic will be affected as well."

Zelda exhaled slowly. "Is this something that will fade with time as well? Something my body will adjust to?"

Venna hesitated, rising back to full height. "I'm not sure, dear. Only time will tell."

Zelda sat still, staring at the dilapidated scrolls still rolled out on the table. The pieces of the torn scroll were scattered across the table at this point, and the crumpled scroll that had received water damage sat limply in the corner. The sun-bleached scroll still laid in the center of the table, the dark ink hardly visible at all, much less any words or semblance of literacy.

"So I'm just going to have to be blank then," Zelda said softly, still staring at the almost-empty scroll directly in front of her. "No feelings at all."

"Not at all, Zelda," Kinetic Venna soothed, swooping down and bending so she was kneeling beside Zelda's chair. "Feelings are wonderful. This isn't about shutting down your feelings. Just let them ride with you rather than control you."

Zelda reached out with her mind, picturing long, red tongs that gently rolled the scroll closed, crumpled the crackled parchment, and swept the torn bits into a pile at the corner of the desk. Then she watched as each scroll remnant did just what she imagined. "But how do I do that?"

"Only you know your feelings, hero." Kinetic Venna wrapped a warm, comforting hand around Zelda's. "But I hear meditation does wonders for the soul."

Helloooo sorry I'm the worst at updating. I'm actually at like 135 pgs for this, but I just never post here...my writing group just gets it all. Apologies. I shall do better.
Thanks for reading! Massive update coming soon, probs.