Chapter 3: That's Not Blood!  It's Ketchup!
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Ciara stared over the rim of the balloon's basket (which she had 
repaired and expanded with driftwood) at the ground below.  They were 
making good progress to wherever it was they were going.

"Uh, where are we going again?" Ciara asked her friends.

"To the big magic source," Kuralov replied.

"Wanna get more specific?" Palom said.

Kuralov glared at him.  "If I knew, then I would *tell* you, wouldn't I?"

Ciara shook her head.  Those two had been at it ever since they met.  
True, Palom was quite annoying, but Kuralov didn't have to taunt him, or 
be so impatient.

She looked over at Kain.  His head was down, and he looked upset about 
something.  She walked over to him.

"Hey, you all right?" she inquired.

"What?  Oh, I guess I am.  It's just that I was thinking..."

"About your past?"

"Or lack thereof."

"It's okay.  You've got us..." She looked over to see Kuralov bonk Palom 
on the head.  "Well, you've got me at least."

"Thanks."  He smiled at her.  "You hungry?  I sure am!"

Ciara nodded.  "Let's see if we can't break those two up for lunch!"

They went over to where Kuralov and Palom were arguing.

"I hate to interrupt this lovely fight," Ciara said, "but Kain and I are 
absolutely starved!  Let's get the food!"

Everyone got out some food and sat down to begin eating.  Palom 
attempted to open a packet of ketchup, but only succeeded in squirting 
it all over Ciara's shirt.

"Looks like you got wounded there, Ciara," Kuralov said.

Ciara looked down.  She clutched her neck.  "Oh, they got me!"  She fell 
over backwards and pretended to be dead.

Kuralov took over.  "Where were you earlier this afternoon?" he demanded of
Palom.

"I was here, just eating my lunch!" Palom replied.

"Do you deny knowing this girl, kupo?" Kuralov continued.

"Well, I know her, but, I swear I didn't..."

"No further questions, Your Honor," Kuralov said, turning to Kain.

Kain smiled.  "Palom, I hereby find you guilty of assault with a deadly 
condiment!  I'll have to think of a suitable sentence!"

Everyone started to laugh.  Ciara sat up and grinned.  It was nice to 
see everyone getting along, at least for a little while.  She peered 
over the rim of the basket again and saw that they were traveling over 
an ocean now.

"Water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to wash my shirt with," she 
remarked. "Well, fashion tip of the day: don't wear white if you're 
going to have lunch with Palom."

"Don't wear white?" Kuralov looked at his fur.  "Then I'm in big trouble,
kupo!"

"I guess I'll just have to go around like this for a while," Ciara stated.

"And if anyone asks, it's not blood, it's ketchup!" Palom exclaimed.

"Sure, that's what they all say!" remarked Kain.

Everyone laughed again.  Suddenly, Kuralov stopped.

"Kupo!"  He pointed at something.