Man On The Moon

Chapter 13: Xylar Planet

The weight of Sparkle's words hangs heavily in the air, and the group falls silent for a moment as the implications sink in. Himeko, the first to break the silence, speaks up.

Himeko: "If the Stellaron Hunters are using our friends as guinea pigs, we can't waste any time. We need to find them and put a stop to whatever they're planning."

Welt, his mind working quickly, starts to formulate a plan.

Welt Yang: "First things first, we need to ensure our safety. We can't afford to be caught off guard again. Let's regroup, tend to our injuries, and then figure out our next move."

Himeko nods in agreement.

Himeko: "Welt's right. We need to take a moment to recover and strategize. We'll need a solid plan if we're going to rescue our friends and foil whatever the Stellaron Hunters are up to."Welt continues to think aloud, trying to piece everything together.

Welt Yang: "We have to consider the likelihood of the Stellaron Hunters holding all of our friends captive. The more people they've apprehended, the more complicated this will be."

Topaz, her pragmatism shining through, interjects.

Topaz: "Welt, you're right. We can't underestimate the sheer manpower the Stellaron Hunters have at their disposal. If they've captured a large number of our friends, we'll likely face a significant force when we try to rescue them."

With their spirits lifted and plans set, Vettel, Jingliu, Himeko, Welt, Topaz, and Numby, along with the recovered Sparkle, start their journey. As they move forward, they maintain their vigil, keeping their senses open to any signs of danger or clues that could help them in their quest. The knowledge that they're on a path to rescuing their captured friends fuels their determination, and they press on into the unknown. The group moves with careful yet quick steps, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of the Stellaron Hunters or their technology. Himeko, at the lead, occasionally glances back to make sure everyone is keeping up. Welt and Topaz walk beside her, discussing potential rescue plans. Jingliu and Vettel bring up the rear, their keen senses on full alert. Numby scurries along, its small stature making it ideal for scouting ahead for potential threats. The group finally through the Xylar Planet, its alien surroundings creating an otherworldly atmosphere. They traverse through towering forests, cross vast plains, and traverse treacherous canyons, all the while keeping a watchful eye for any signs of the Stellaron Hunters or clues leading to their captured friends. Himeko, her eyes surveying the terrain, leads the group through the dense forest. The towering trees cast long shadows, creating an eerie but strangely beautiful atmosphere.

Welt's voice cuts through the humid air.

Welt Yang: "This place is unlike anything I've ever seen before. The flora, the atmosphere... it's all so different from anything on the Astral Express."

Topaz, her attention focused on the path ahead, responds to Welt's comment.

Topaz: "We're on an alien planet, Welt. It's to be expected. Different worlds, different environments, different lifeforms."

Jingliu, her gaze sweeping the horizon, adds her observation.

Jingliu: "We should remain vigilant. The environment may be beautiful, but it could also conceal hidden dangers."

Vettel nods in agreement, his eyes scanning the dense underbrush.

Vettel: "Jingliu's right. We can't let our guard down just because the scenery is nice. There could be all sorts of threats lurking unseen."

Sparkle, her voice still somewhat hoarse, pipes up.

Sparkle: "I remember something... the Stellaron Hunters mentioned a facility of theirs here. It's where they're likely holding our friends captive."

The group moves through the dense forest when suddenly, they hear a voice from up ahead.

Aventurine: "Well, what do we have here?"

Their eyes dart forward to find a tall, imposing figure standing in the distance. Aventurine, with a smug smirk on his face, surveys the group with an air of confidence.

Himeko's expression hardens as she steps forward, a hint of irritation in her voice.

Himeko: "Aventurine. I should have known we'd run into you here."

Aventurine chuckles, his smile widening.

Aventurine: "Oh, Himeko. Always so predictable. And bringing along reinforcements too. How sweet."

Aventurine's gaze shifts to Topaz, and a sly smile forms on his lips.

Aventurine: "And Topaz too. It's been a while. How's the IPC treating you?"

Topaz's jaw clenches slightly, her expression turning cold.

Topaz: "Cut the pleasantries, Aventurine. We're not here for small talk. We're looking for our friends."

Aventurine's smile widens, and he feigns a gesture of mock surprise.

Aventurine: "Oh, looking for your friends, are you? How... touching. But I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place. The Stellaron Hunters are not in the business of returning what they've taken."

The group's faces harden at Aventurine's words. They know his mocking tone and nonchalant attitude all too well.

Welt steps forward, speaking firmly.

Welt Yang: "Enough. We're not interested in your games, Aventurine. We know the Stellaron Hunters have captured our friends, and we're not leaving without them."

Aventurine's smirk doesn't waver. He steps closer, his tone casual but laced with mockery.

Aventurine: "Oh, so you've got a little rescue plan, have you? That's cute. But I'm afraid the Stellaron Hunters are a bit out of your league, my friends."

Vettel's frustration reaches its limit, and without warning, he lunges forward, delivering a powerful punch to Aventurine's face. The impact sends Aventurine stumbling back a few steps, his cocky demeanour momentarily shattered. He touches his cheek, a stunned look appearing on his face. Aventurine, regaining his composure, scowls at Vettel.

Aventurine: "You insolent little-"

He stops himself, realizing the situation, and regains his smirk.

Aventurine: "Well, well, looks like someone's got a bit of a temper."

Himeko, her eyes narrowing, steps forward.

Himeko: "Spare us the act, Aventurine. We're not leaving without our friends. So either stand aside or face the consequences."

Aventurine's smirk falters for a moment, replaced by annoyance. He considers the group of determined individuals before him.

Aventurine: "You're not going to give up, are you? You have a reputation for being stubborn, Himeko, but this is just bordering on foolishness."

Welt speaks up, his voice firm but measured.

Welt Yang: "It's called loyalty, Aventurine. A concept you might not understand. But we don't leave us behind."

Aventurine's smirk disappears, and he lets out a huff of resignation.

Aventurine: "Fine, fine. I know when I'm outnumbered and outmatched. You really can be a pain in the ass, Himeko."

He steps aside, gesturing down the path.

Aventurine: "The Stellaron Hunters' facility is down that way. I hope you know what you're getting yourselves into."

The group, relieved but still on guard, exchanged glances. Himeko gives Aventurine one last glare, then leads the charge forward. Welt walks up beside her.

Welt Yang: "That was unexpected. I thought he'd put up more of a fight."

Himeko shrugs her expression a mix of scepticism and relief.

Himeko: "Aventurine's a wildcard. One moment, he's antagonizing us, the next, he's helping us. Who knows what's going on in his head?"

Welt nods, his gaze focused on the path ahead.

Welt Yang: "We should keep our guard up. He could be playing us for all we know."

Jingliu steps up, her tone serious.

Jingliu: "I agree with Welt. Aventurine may be helping us now, but his motives are likely to serve his interests. We should trust him only as far as we can throw him."