Who's the Enemy

#11: Observing

Jex gave Zak a poisonous look. "It's not over yet, Storm!" he murmured. 

Ria and the others were already there. "Yes! You've done it!" cried Caramba joyfully. "See? It worked," Ria said with a grin. "Not so fast. The race has not yet been decided." Zak was about to turn away, when Ria held on to his arm. He briefly shut his eyes and Ria pulled her hand back. 

R: "Did you hurt yourself?" 

Z: "No, it's good. I'm fine." 

R: "But it doesn't seem like it to me." 

Z: "Don't worry." 

R: "That was a pretty hard fall. You have to get this checked over." 

Z: "I have to go to the body check anyway." 

R: "I'm coming along." 

Z: "Do you have too?" 

R: "Yes, I have to. As your big sister, it's my job to keep you safe. And I'll go with you whether you want it or not." 

Z: "Great." 

Reluctantly, Zak shuffled after Ria. Everyone else except Cece returned to the Chaos. She had been watching the Van Rewios for a while. But unfortunately, she could not understand what they were saying. She still wanted to tell Ria. 

After a good half an hour, Zak and Ria came back. 

"And?" asked Cece. "He was really lucky. The bone had not been caught, but a tendon was torn." 

Z: "Yes, and? I can still carry on!" 

R: "You should still be careful. Who knows what Jex and Turo might come up with." 

Z: "You are always totally overcautious!" 

With these words, Zak left his sister standing there. Cece pulled Ria to her. 

C: "We have to keep an eye on Zak and the brothers. Who knows what will happen when Zak is alone." 

R: "Okay. I'll watch the brothers and you watch Zak. We can't risk losing the Chaos... or him." 

C: "Do you think Zak will make the stage tomorrow?" 

R: "Aeria is treacherous, but Zak has defeated Skullivar, so it can't be that bad." 

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Cece was strolling through the base when she suddenly heard Zephyra's voice. "Hey, Cece!" Surprised, Cece turned around and saw her waving. 

C: "Hey! What are you doing here?" 

Ze: "Well, I live here and I've always thought these races were cool. And when I heard that Zak was participating, I thought I would meet you here." 

C: "Oh, yes, that's right. Well, I don't know if I would call this race cool... do you know the Van Rewios?" 

Ze: "Yes, unfortunately. Scoundrels who can do nothing better than manipulation." 

C: "I might need your help..." 

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Ria sat on a bench and pretended to read. When the Van Rewios passed her in the direction of the body check, she secretly followed them. Jex turned again to see if no one was really watching him. Ria listened at the door. 

(A = Doctor) 

J: "You will do what we say!" 

A: "No! I can't do that! It's against the rules and against my reputation." 

T: "You will cooperate as soon as we have destroyed everything here." 

A: "Please, stop! This is all very valuable!" 

Turo knocked over a shelf. Ria had had enough. She kicked in the door, and stood defensively in front of the doctor. "Leave him alone!" Jex went to attack her, but Ria clutched her amulet and summoned fire. With a blow, she threw the brothers out of the house. 

Ria knelt down to the doctor. "You alright?" He nodded. "Thank you, Miss." Ria looked around at the shards. "What did the two of them threaten you with, and above everything: What did they want from you?"