Man On The Moon

Chapter 14: A Trap

The group had devised a plan to infiltrate the Stellaron Hunter's facility, using Aventurine's betrayal as a means to gain access. Despite the risks, they knew it could be their only chance to save their friends. But they were not prepared for the unexpected twist awaiting them inside. With Aventurine leading the way, they infiltrated the facility. The place was eerily quiet, the only sound the footsteps of the group as they cautiously made their way through the labyrinthine corridors. As the group continued to make their way through the facility, Vettel suddenly froze, his ears pricked. He held up a hand, signalling for the others to stop.

Vettel: "Wait. I heard something."

The others immediately fall silent, their senses on high alert. They listen carefully, but all they can hear is the faint hum of machinery in the distance. Vettel gasps out between coughs, his words barely intelligible through the choking.

Vettel: "Gas... bomb..."

The others, too, are struggling to breathe, their lungs filling with the noxious gas. The gas is quick-acting, rendering them all weak and disoriented. As the gas bomb continues to dispense its poisonous mist, the group starts to feel its effects. Their vision blurs and their movements become uncoordinated. Topaz stumbles, leaning against a wall for support, while Himeko sways on her feet, her complexion growing paler by the second. Aventurine seems the least affected, his gas mask protecting him from the gas's effects. He sneers as he watches the others weaken, clearly taking pleasure in their predicament. Vettel, trying to remain conscious, clenches his fists, fighting against the weakening effect of the gas. He glances at Jingliu, who's also struggling, her eyes half-lidded.

Vettel: "Jing... Liu... stay... awake..."

Jingliu, her breathing ragged, manages to nod. Despite the gas taking its toll, she forces herself to stay standing, her hand reaching out to grip Vettel's arm as if drawing strength from his presence. The gas bomb does its job, and one by one, the group falls victim to its effects. Vettel, Jingliu, Himeko, Welt Yang, Topaz, Numby, Sparkle, and Aventurine all collapse to the ground, unconscious, their bodies limp and unmoving. For a moment, the corridor is eerily quiet, save for the still-dispensing gas filling the air. And then... silence. The only thing that remains is the faint hiss of the gas and the stillness of the unconscious group. When the group comes to, they find themselves waking up in individual cells. They're disoriented and groggy, but slowly they realize that they've been captured. The room is dimly lit, and there's a cold, metallic feel to the environment. As Vettel stirs from unconsciousness, he feels a chill run down his spine. The cold metal of the cell floor digs into his skin, and his head pounds with a dull ache. Suddenly, he hears footsteps approaching his cell, and he looks up to find himself face-to-face with the trio of Stellaron Hunters: Kafka, Blade, and Silver Wolf.

They stand in front of his cell, their faces lit up with menacing smiles. Silver Wolf leans against the wall of the cell, her arms crossed. Her usual playful demeanour is replaced with smug satisfaction.

Silver Wolf: "Well, look who's awake. Finally decided to join us, huh?"

Blade takes a step closer, his gaze fixed on Vettel. There's a cold menace in his eyes, a look reserved for prey.

Blade: "We were beginning to think you'd overslept."

Kafka moves next to Blade, leaning against the bars of the cell. Her voice is sultry and dangerous, a smile playing on her lips.

Kafka: "It's so nice to finally have you where we want you, Vettel. We've been waiting for this moment for quite a while."

Vettel, though physically weakened and confined, steels himself. Despite the fear and confusion coursing through him, he manages to glare defiantly at the three.

Vettel: "What do you want with us? Where are my friends?"

Kafka's smile widens, sensing his defiance. Blade and Silver Wolf exchange glances, amused by his boldness.

Kafka: "Oh, don't worry. Your friends are all safe and sound, for now. We just want to have a little chat, that's all."

Silver Wolf snickers, enjoying the power they hold over their captives. Blade, as ever, is unreadable, his eyes never leaving Vettel.

Blade: "You're surprisingly calm, considering the situation you're in."

Vettel keeps his gaze steady. He's terrified, but he won't let them see it, won't give them the satisfaction.

Vettel: "What good would panicking do me right now?"

Kafka laughs, clearly enjoying this game.

Kafka: "You've got spirit, I'll give you that. Most people we bring here start begging and pleading immediately."

Silver Wolf chimes in, her tone mocking.

Silver Wolf: "Yeah, you should see how scared they are. It's hilarious. But you, you look like you're ready to fight us right now."

Blade cuts in, his voice soft yet threatening.

Blade: "Don't even think about it. You're outnumbered, weak, and unarmed. You wouldn't stand a chance."

Vettel scowls at them, his hands clenching into fists. He knows they're right. Even if he wasn't drugged up on the gas, he stands little chance, outnumbered and surrounded by these three.

Vettel: "So what? You just plan to keep us locked up here like zoo animals?"

Kafka lets out a soft hum, her smile never faltering.

Kafka: "Oh, don't be so dramatic. We just need to have a few talks, that's all. There's no need for you to get riled up. We promise we'll be on our best behaviour, won't we, you two?"

Blade and Silver Wolf nod in mock agreement.

Blade's smirk becomes a dark grin.

Blade: "Oh. We'll behave like saints."

Silver Wolf chuckles, not even trying to hide her insincerity.

Silver Wolf: "Yep. We're the epitome of politeness and manners."

Kafka turns back to Vettel, her gaze flickering over him. There's a predatory quality to it, a study of a specimen.

Kafka: "So, shall we start with the introductions? I'm Kafka. These are my colleagues, Blade and Silver Wolf."