The Evanescent

Chapter Ten

Rhi had been standing by Torn's side as he worked for awhile now, knowing he would eventually say something that would break the awkward silence between them, even if it was for her to go do something else. However, he was acting like he didn't even see her.

He was looking through the mass of paperwork on the table before him, scowling and sighing every so often. Rhi smiled a little as she edged closer to catch a glimpse of what he was working on, but that smile faded as she saw that it was all in printed Precursor, but she could tell that they were some sort of report.

She soon grew bored of trying to decipher them, "Hey Torn...?"

He stopped, "Yes?"

"Watcha doing...?"

"Sorting out reports."

Rhi reached out and gently pat him on the shoulder, "Well, you do that. I'm going to visit Haven Forest."

He sighed, nodding lightly in response.

She smiled at this, "If you'd like, I could bring you back a little gift..."

Torn shook his head, "No thanks."

"Fine..." she sighed.

He nodded and went back to sorting out the reports as if nothing had happened.

Rhi waited for a few moments before she left the HQ in silence, grabbing a single seater Zoomer to take her to Haven Forest. It was just after dawn and the sun was coming over the city wall and she made it to the gate lock without much problem as her driving skills have improved considerably in the past few months.

She parked and walked up the steep ramp to the gate, which began to unlock and open as she approached. She passed through, watching the other door open after the one behind her shut.

Rhi breathed a sigh of relief as the scent of fresh grass and blossoming flowers washed over her.

She walked out, smiling as she caught Scout's scent, "Scout...?" she called out hopping down a ridge to the lower level, "Scou-"

Rhi ducked behind a boulder upon seeing a dark haired man sitting on the shore of the stream. She peered out from hiding just as he turned to look back, allowing her to catch a glimpse of his face before she hid again.

She began to panic as she heard the sounds of him standing, followed by the crunching of leaves as he began moving toward her.

Rhi took a breath before silently clapping her hands together, but her lack of concentration teleported her to the edge of the stream!

She watched the man turn to face her just as Scout came leaping from the trees, hissing at the man as he landed between them.

Rhi looked between them, Go Scout, it's not safe!

He ignored her as he continued to hiss, causing the man to glare at him.

She stepped between the man and the Metalhead, ready to phaselock either one if they were to attack.

Scout, what's gotten you so angry...?

Scout's tail reached out and coiled around her wrist, drawing her behind him. The man seemed confused by the Metalhead's protective behavior.

Rhi frowned as she pulled her wrist free and stepped away from him, "Scout. Stop it. I can handle things myself..."

He made a noise of obvious warning.

She growled back at him, showing her fangs like she'd seen Deitonin do.

Scout's eyes showed hurt and he took off.