Chapter 24

Threats

Link, Midna, Sora, Gallina, Aryll, Dasar, Zelda and Zaria are sneaking through the Tempests' Fortress. They are approaching a large door with lots of designs around it, when:

Voice 1 – (sharp and commanding voice) What were you trying to do? Get away from us and run back to your little friends? You can't leave! You might as well accept that now.

Voice 2 – (enraged) Why? Why won't you let me go back?! I won't help you! I refuse to have anything to do with your plans!

Link – (gasp) That's Lya (jumps up to run into the room but the others hold him back)

Zaria – If you give us away now we'll never get her back!

Link – But –

Zaria – Just listen! Maybe we can figure out what they're planning.

Lya – (sobbing) I just want to go home!

Voice – Why? So you can be with your little hero? What do you see in him? He's not worthy of you! None of them are! You're better off here, with people who can help you.

Lya – Who says I want help?!

Voice – You may not want it, but you'll need it in time.

Lya – I can get help from anyone that I want, and I don't want it from you!

Voice – Tsk tsk. My dear, you have no choice. Don't you see? If you don't help us, why, we'll just have to convince you somehow. Maybe you'll be more cooperative if we get your little hero here.

Lya – No! Don't you dare lay a finger on him!

Voice – Oh really? What are you going to do?

Lya – I'll … I'll find something! If you harm even one hair on his head, I'll do everything I can to sabotage your plans!

Voice – How do you plan to do that?

Lya – Oh, believe me, I'll find a way. Even if it's the last thing I do.

Voice – I can see that you need some time to think about this. I'll leave you to it while I go and get your little hero.

Zaria – (hearing footsteps coming towards them) Hide! (They scramble out of sight just in time to watch a tall, fiery-haired woman stalk from the room) Hurry, maybe we can get to her before they come back! (They all rush into the room)

Lya – (turning around and seeing them; gasp; runs to Link)

Link – (hugging her) It's okay, Lya. We're going to take you home.

Voice – (musical, but malicious) No, you're not.

They all turn to look at the tall female Zora standing behind them.

Dasar – Ruta –

Ruta – No, don't you dare say anything Dasar. You're not one of us anymore! You betrayed us to work for them, and you think you'll be welcomed back with open arms?

Dasar – Why would I want to come back? You've all turned into a bunch of mindless drones, and Shri has you all under her control.

Ruta – That's not true. We've all joined in this voluntarily, and we intend to see it through. Now, none of you are to move until Shri gets here. I sent Briar to get her, so she shouldn't be very long.

Zaria – Ruta, you don't have to do this. You could come back with us, you know.

Ruta – What? So I can (mockingly sweet voice) reunite with my loved ones and live happily ever after? Well, I have news for you. (furious) Happily Ever After doesn't exist!

Shri – (entering the room) Now Ruta, don't say that. There can be a happily ever after for our friends here if Lya will help us. (glancing quickly around the room at everyone) Well. It looks like we don't have to go looking for anyone. They're all here now. And you will help us, Lya.

Link – No! Lya, I don't care what she says she'll do! You don't have to help them!

Sora – He's right Lya! Don't worry about us!

Midna – Just run! We'll take care of ourselves!

Gallina – Go on Lya! We'll keep them from following you!

Zelda – You had better do what they say! I'm the princess, and you can't let anything happen to me. (the others turn and look at her in disgust) What?

Shri – Such noble friends you have. I wonder how noble they would be if they knew what we're planning for them if you don't do as we say.

Lya – (resentful sigh) Maybe …

Link – NO!

Lya – … I'll do it.

Shri – (above the protests of the others) Good. Ruta will just escort our guests to their … room. They'll be free to leave afterwards.

Lya – (looking at their horrified faces as they leave) I'm sorry.

Shri – (after they leave) So. Now you'll do everything we ask. And every time you even consider refusing, one of them will die. Starting with your hero.

Lya – Alright, Shri. But know this; if any of them get so much as a scratch, you can count on the fact that I will do everything in my power to sabotage your plans.

Shri – (chuckling slightly) I can guarantee you my dear, none of the Tempests will lay a finger on them. And as a bit of insurance, I suppose we could let you keep one of them with you. Your friend from your home world may stay.

Lya – (sighing) okay. Come on Gallina.