Lacuna

Chapter 10

"I guess I should have asked the Civil Corps to check out the cave first." Mayor Gale frowned.

Kahli's gaze narrowed on him. "I want hazard pay."

Gale grinned. "Yes, of course, I suppose it's the least we can do. Gotta hand it to ya, though, you really took care of things down there. I'm glad to see you're alright."

It was late, nearing midnight, and Kahli had just gotten Dr. Xu's approval to return home, but not without answering all of Gale's questions, first. She thanked Dr. Xu, then let herself out of the clinic. The night air was warm and humid, and to her surprise, the town was relatively quiet. No loud laughter came from the Round Table, and everyone seemed to be in their homes for the night. She was more or less alone. But not for long.

"How ya feeling?"

Kahli looked up, surprised to see Arlo watching her. She wasn't sure how long he had been there, but she was too tired to care. She kept walking down toward the plaza, and Arlo fell in step beside her.

"Like I was slammed against a damn wall," Kahli muttered. "Do you think blood stains are easy enough to remove from clothes?" She held an arm up, the sleeve covered in dried blood.

"I may know a few secrets for that," Arlo said.

Kahli sighed and blew her hair out of her face.

"I can't believe you did that."

"Hm?"

"Took on a hoard of bandirats."

Kahli glanced at him and smirked. "Impressed?"

"A little bit. But you should know." He paused. "You did say you were going to try to kick my ass tomorrow."

"Oh." Her lips pursed. "I'm kinda thinking of taking the day off. You know, to rest and recuperate from my battle with the rat king."

"Phew," Arlo said. "I was worried."

"Oh, keep worrying," Kahli said. "Your ass kicking is coming. Just not tomorrow."

Arlo smiled. "Well. I'll sleep with one eye opened, then."

"That would be wise," Kahli said with a nod. "Never know when I might strike."

"If you ever get tired of being a builder, you'd make a good Civil Corps officer, I think."

Kahli glanced at him. "I bet the Flying Pigs will be begging me to join them."

"You keeping that sword?"

They paused in the plaza. Kahli held the blade out before her, then swung it around her. She tried to spin it, but failed miserably, and it dropped. She reached out to try to catch it, but instead, tripped on her own two feet. Arlo caught her before she could fall on top of the sword, pulling her into him. They froze for a moment, then Kahli quickly pulled away. She cleared her throat, scratched her head, and turned away to hide her blushing cheeks. She picked up the sword and turned it over, as if inspecting it.

"Maybe you shouldn't play with deadly weapons," Arlo said.

"Maybe you shouldn't play with deadly weapons," Kahli mocked.

Arlo crossed his arms. "That's mature."

"That's mature."

"Are you done?"

"Are you done?" When he didn't respond, she glanced at him, then smiled sheepishly. "Sorry," she muttered. "I'm a child."

"Clearly."