Man On The Moon

Chapter 20: Trelith Planet

The group ventured into the new planet, Trelith. The surface of the planet appeared to consist of rolling hills covered in lush, emerald grass and dotted with sparse groupings of trees and thickets of bushes. The sky was deep blue, with white, puffy clouds drifting lazily overhead, their shadows dancing over the rolling landscape below. As the group approached the first hill, Dan Heng scanned the surroundings, his keen hawk-like eyesight taking in every detail. He turned to the others, a serious expression on his face.

Dan Heng: "Keep your guard up. The grass and the shadows make it easy for something to hide."

The group nodded in agreement, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. The beauty of the hilly landscape made it seem tranquil, but they knew better than to let their guard down. The lessons of their past encounters echoed loudly in their minds: Danger can often hide where one least expects it. As the group moved forward, trekking through the hills, they suddenly noticed two figures in the distance. Luocha and Sushang were making their way in the opposite direction. Seeing their familiar faces among the unfamiliar surroundings, the group paused, surprised and somewhat relieved. Dan Heng was the first to speak up, his voice carrying over the rolling hills.

Dan Heng: "Luocha, Sushang? Is that you?"

Luocha, hearing his name, turned towards the direction of the group, a small smile crossing his face upon recognizing them. Sushang looked equally surprised and pleased to see the group. Luocha, his casual demeanour not wavering, approached the group, Sushang trotting along beside him.

Luocha: "What a pleasant surprise. It seems fate has brought us together again."

Sushang beamed at the sight of the group, her face lighting up as she chimed in.

Susan: "I'm so glad we ran into you guys! We've had a pretty eventful journey so far."

Dan Heng, the natural leader of the group, stepped forward.

Dan Heng: "We could say the same. Mind if we walk with you?"

Luocha's smile widened.

Luocha: "Of course, we would be happy to have your company. There's strength in numbers, after all, especially in a strange new world like this one."

Luocha's gaze wandered over the group before finally landing on Jingliu. His smile subtly changed a hint of curiosity and recognition in his eyes.

Luocha: "Jingliu. It's been a while."

Jingliu, her expression inscrutable as always, returned Luocha's gaze with a quiet intensity.

Jingliu: "Indeed, it has. I didn't expect to see you here, Luocha."

Sushang's eyes flickered in surprise as she took in Vettel and March 7th. Their appearance was unexpected in this strange world.

Sushang: "Vettel? And. Is that March 7th?"

Vettel met Sushang's inquiring gaze with a nod, his face betraying no emotion.

Vettel: "In the flesh."

March 7th perked up at Sushang's recognition, waving excitedly.

Sushang's eyes widened slightly as she noticed the familiar mannerisms of March 7th. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she addressed March 7th with a cheerful tone.

Sushang: "March 7th! You've got the same energy as ever. It's good to see you."

March 7th, ever the bubbliest in the group, grinned widely, her eyes lighting up at Sushang's words.

March 7th: "Yeah! Can't keep the energy down. Good to see you too!"

Luocha, watching the interaction, chuckled softly to himself. The group's interactions were always entertaining and unpredictable, and this little reunion was no exception. Meanwhile, Dan Heng, standing by Luocha's side, glanced at the others. There were many questions swirling in his mind. He looked at Luocha, his expression turning slightly serious.

Dan Heng: "It's quite a coincidence running into you in a new world. Have you been here long?"

Luocha met Dan Heng's inquisitive gaze with a thoughtful one of his own.|

Luocha: "We've been here for a day or so now. Came through a tear in the space-time continuum, same as you, I presume?"

Dan Heng nodded, affirming Luocha's guess.

Dan Heng: "Yes, that's right. We landed about a day ago as well."

He paused, studying Luocha's nonchalant demeanour.

Dan Heng: "You seem calm for someone in a strange new world."

Luocha chuckled, the sound low and soothing.

Luocha: "It's not my first time being stranded in an unfamiliar place. I've learned that worrying doesn't get you anywhere. It's better to stay calm and observant."

Vettel, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly spoke up, redirecting the topic towards Luocha.

Vettel: "May I ask you something, Luocha?"

Luocha turned his attention to Vettel, his casual demeanour unruffled.

Luocha: "Certainly. Ask away."

Vettel's eyes seemed to carry a weight of curiosity.

Vettel: "What brings you to this world? Surely it can't be purely coincidence."

Luocha chuckled lightly, his expression remaining enigmatic.

Luocha: "Ah, curiosity. It's quite the driving force, isn't it? As for my purpose here, let's just say I follow the flow of fate and opportunities, wherever they lead."

The group continued their conversation, their lighthearted banter a stark contrast against the unknown world that surrounded them. After a while, the topic of rest came up.

Dan Heng: "We should probably find a safe place to rest. We've been walking for a while and it's getting dark."

Luocha nodded in agreement.

Luocha: "Indeed. It's wise to find shelter for the night."

Sushang chimed in, her usual cheeriness slightly dimmed by exhaustion.

Sushang: "I agree. I could use a good night's rest."

March 7th, the energy in her voice slightly dissipated, added her agreement.

March 7th: "Yeah, I could use some rest too. My legs are killing me."

Jingliu, her demeanour as stoic as ever, simply nodded.

Jingliu: "Rest is necessary for the journey ahead."

Vettel, his expression still somewhat unreadable, stayed silent, his eyes darting around the dimming surroundings, ever vigilant. With a collective agreement to find shelter, the group began searching for a suitable spot for the night. Luocha took the lead, guiding them towards a nearby grove of trees, where the dense foliage could offer some protection and camouflage. As they reached the grove, Luocha pointed out a small clearing between the trees.

Luocha: "This spot seems well-hidden. We can rest here for the night, take turns for watch."

The group nodded in agreement, taking in the surroundings of the new camp. The dense trees and foliage created a sense of safety, a pocket of solitude in the expansive grassy hills. Dan Heng, stepping forward, took charge.

Dan Heng: "We should set up a rotating watch. Four-hour stints, I'll take the first one. Everyone else should rest."

The group was about to settle down in their improvised camp when suddenly, a small figure emerged from the shadows of the grove. It was a little girl, no older than seven or eight, who introduced herself as Cai Yan. Cai Yan looked up at the group with wide, innocent eyes, her voice soft yet firm.

Cai Yan: "Don't sleep here. I have a house nearby. Come with me."

The group, surprised by the sudden appearance of the little girl, exchanged glances. This unexpected development was a new twist in their journey.

Dan Heng, ever the leader, stepped forward, his voice kind yet cautious.

Dan Heng: "Are you sure it's safe, little one?"

Cai Yan nodded vigorously, her eyes still wide.

Cai Yan: "Yes, yes. It's very safe. My grandma and I live there. It's much better than sleeping outside."

The group was still slightly sceptical. They knew little about this child or her grandmother. Dan Heng, still cautious, asked,

Dan Heng: "And your grandmother won't mind us?"

Cai Yan shook her head fervently.

Cai Yan: "No, no. Grandma will be happy to have you. We don't get many visitors. Please, come. You can rest and have something to eat."

The group exchanged another round of glances. The offer of shelter and food was tempting, and the alternative of sleeping outside was far less appealing.

Dan Heng, after a moment's more thought, made a decision.

Dan Heng: "Alright. Guide us to your house, Cai Yan."