Man On The Moon

Chapter 27: Carribean Planet

Vettel and Jingliu arrive on the Carribean Planet, both taking in the surroundings. The weather is hot and humid, and the landscape is a mix of lush jungles and clear blue waters. The air is filled with the sound of birds and the distant crashing of waves against the shore. Vettel looks around, his eyes scanning the area.

Vettel: "So this is Carribean Planet. I've heard stories, but I never thought I'd get to see it in person."

Jingliu nods, her expression stern.

Jingliu: "Focus, Vettel. We're not here for sightseeing. We have a mission to complete."

Suddenly, Vettel flinches a bit as he feels Jingliu's tight grip on his hands. He looks at her, sensing her seriousness and concern.

Vettel: "I know, Jingliu. I'm focused. We need to stay sharp here."

Jingliu releases his hand, her expression softening slightly.

Jingliu: "Good. I just... don't want anything unexpected to happen here. This place could be dangerous. We need to watch each other's backs."

Vettel, seeing Jingliu's expression soften, takes the opportunity to lightly kiss her on the cheek. He smiles at her, his eyes affectionate.

Vettel: "I've got your back, always. You know that."

Jingliu, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture, blushes slightly. She glances away for a moment, composing herself.

Jingliu: "And I have yours. But don't think a little affection will distract me from our mission."

Vettel laughs softly, his smirk widening.

Vettel: "Wouldn't dream of it, Jing. But it's nice to see you blush every once in a while."

Jingliu pokes Vettel's cheek, her expression somewhat annoyed, although there's a hint of affection in her eyes.

Jingliu: "Cut it out. We're supposed to be serious here, Vettel."

Vettel, wincing slightly from the poke, grins widely.

Vettel: "Oh come on, lighten up a bit. We can't be serious all the time. And besides, it's cute when you get all grump on me."

Jingliu glares at him, her expression a mix of irritation and slight amusement.

Jingliu: "You're impossible, you know that? We're on a mission here, not sightseeing or... flirting."

Suddenly, Vettel caught off guard by Jingliu's bold move, is momentarily stunned. But as their lips connect in a brief but passionate kiss, he responds immediately, returning her gesture with equal fervour. He pulls her closer, his arms wrapping around her as they share a heated moment. But Jingliu quickly pulled back, her cheeks flushed and eyes slightly widened by her actions. She looks away, flustered and embarrassed.

Jingliu: "I... I don't know what I was thinking. We shouldn't... we shouldn't be doing this here. We're on a mission."

Vettel, his eyes slightly darkened with desire, can't help but smirk at her reaction.

Vettel: "Hey, you started it. But... you're right. We should focus on our mission. Plenty of time for that once we're done here, right?"

Jingliu, regaining her composure, nods, her cheeks still tinged with a touch of pink.

Jingliu: "Right. We can... we can talk about this later. For now, we have a job to do."

Vettel, surprised by the unexpected call, fumbles to pull out his phone from his pocket. He looks at the screen, and sees an unknown number. He hesitates for a moment before answering.

Vettel: "Hello? Who's this?"

Vettel's eyes widen in surprise as he recognizes the voice on the other end.

Vettel: "Acheron? Is that you?"

Acheron, her voice carrying a mixture of affection and worry, responds.

Acheron: "Yes, it's me, Vettel. It's been a long time. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."

Vettel, feeling a mix of emotions, replies.

Vettel: "No, no, you're not. It's just... it's so good to hear from you. But... how did you get this number? I thought I kept it private."

Acheron chuckles softly into the phone.

Acheron: "You know me, I have my ways. But I'm not calling just for pleasantries, Vettel. I have some information you need to know."

Vettel's eyes widen in surprise as Acheron suddenly appears in front of him and Jingliu. He and Jingliu both take a step back, shocked by her unexpected arrival.

Vettel: "Acheron! What... how did you...? Where did you come from?"

Vettel's eyes widen in surprise as Acheron suddenly appears in front of him and Jingliu. He and Jingliu both take a step back, shocked by her unexpected arrival.

Vettel: "Acheron! What... how did you...? Where did you come from?"

Acheron's expression softens as she looks at Vettel.

Acheron: "Vettel, my little brother. It's been so long since I've seen you. It's good to know you're doing okay."

Vettel, still caught off guard but genuinely happy, responds.

Vettel: "Acheron, it's so surreal to see you here. I've missed you too. But... how did you find me? And what brings you here?"

Acheron's eyes shift to Jingliu, her gaze assessing but non-threatening.

Acheron: "I have my ways, as always. And as for why I'm here... well, I came to offer you my help. And to give you information that you'll need for your mission."

Vettel and Jingliu exchange glances, both curious and intrigued by Acheron's unexpected arrival and offer of help.

Vettel: "Help? Information? What do you know, Acheron? Please, tell us."

Acheron looks around, checking their surroundings to ensure they are alone. Once she's satisfied, she begins speaking.

Acheron: "I have information about the planet you're on, Carribean Planet. There's a group known as the 'Scarlet Alliance' that operates here. They're a powerful and dangerous group. And they're rumoured to be planning something big..."

Vettel, his expression serious, nods.

Vettel: "The Scarlet Alliance. We've heard whispers of them, but we didn't know much about them. What kind of plans are they rumoured to be making?"

Acheron's eyes narrow in concern.

Acheron: "They're known for their criminal activities, but this... this is something else. They've been gathering forces. Weapons, soldiers, and something they call the 'Eternal Flame'. I'm not sure what it is, but it sounds dangerous."

Acheron, her observant eyes taking in Jingliu's presence, turns her attention to Vettel.

Acheron: "Vettel, who's your friend? I haven't seen her before."

Vettel glances at Jingliu before introducing her.

Vettel: "This is Jingliu. She's one of the fellows from Xianzhou Luofu as Master Sword and a... good friend of mine."

As Vettel introduces Jingliu, Acheron's eyes lock with Jingliu's. There's a moment of assessment as if Acheron is sizing the Xianzhou woman. She nods her head in greeting.

Acheron: "Jingliu, eh? From the Xianzhou Luofu, I see. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Jingliu, maintaining her composure, nods in acknowledgement.

Jingliu: "The pleasure is mine. I've heard a bit about you from Vettel. You're his older sister, correct?"

Acheron smiles, her gaze still assessing Jingliu.

Acheron: "That's right, I am Vettel's older sister. And I take it that you're a skilled fighter, as well. I can sense the strength that emanates from you."

Jingliu remains calm, her expression impassive.

Jingliu: "I am. I've received extensive training in the art of swordsmanship and have honed my skills in battle."

Acheron nods, her smile slightly widening.

Acheron: "Impressive. It's always good to have skilled allies by your side, especially in times like this."

Her eyes flick from Jingliu back to Vettel, her expression turning somewhat contemplative.

Acheron, shifting her focus to Vettel, says.

Acheron: "Vettel, can I have a word with you in private? Just for a moment."

Vettel, slightly surprised by the request, looks at Jingliu.

Vettel: "Uh, sure. Jingliu, can you give us a moment?"

Jingliu nods, sensing that Vettel and Acheron need a private conversation.

Jingliu: "Of course. I'll wait over there."

She steps aside, giving the siblings some space to talk.

Once Jingliu is out of earshot, Acheron turns to Vettel and speaks in a low tone.

Acheron: "I wanted to talk to you alone, Vettel. There's something I need to say."

Vettel, sensing the seriousness in Acheron's tone, turns his full attention to her.

Vettel: "Of course, Acheron. What is it? You can trust me with anything."

Acheron's expression turns solemn as she speaks.

Acheron: "I trust you, little brother. That's why I wanted to talk to you in private."

She takes a deep breath, her gaze locked on Vettel's face.

Acheron: "Vettel, I know you've always been a bit reckless, even as a kid. You're a capable fighter and strong. But sometimes, your... impulsiveness, it... it worries me."

Vettel nods, understanding where Acheron is coming from. He responds.

Vettel: "I know, Acheron. I know I can be impulsive at times. It's just... when I see injustices or danger, I can't help but want to rush in and confront it head-on."

Acheron's expression softens slightly, her worry apparent.

Acheron: "I know, I know. That's part of who you are, Vettel. You have a strong sense of justice and a desire to help others. But sometimes... sometimes you don't think things through before acting. You don't consider the potential consequences or the risks to yourself and others."

Vettel sighs, running a hand through his hair.

Vettel: "I know, Acheron. I'm trying to be more mindful of that, I am. But sometimes it's hard. Sometimes, I just... I can't help but act on instinct, you know?"

Acheron nods, her expression sympathetic.

Acheron: "I know, Vettel. I understand. But please... please promise me that you'll be careful. That you'll think things through before you act. For your own sake... and for those who care about you."

Vettel: "By the way, how's going our parent's sister?"

Acheron's expression softens further, and a hint of sadness appears in her eyes.

Acheron: "Our parents... they're doing okay. They're getting older, but they're still strong in their ways. They ask about you often, Vettel. They miss you."

Vettel's expression turns nostalgic, and a mixture of emotions appears in his eyes.

Vettel: "I miss them too. It's been a long time since I've seen them. But... I've been busy, you know, with my work as a Galaxy ranger. Saving planets, fighting evil... it keeps me going, but it's also kept me away from them."

Acheron nods, understanding his predicament.

Acheron: "I know, Vettel. I know. But they're proud of you, you know that? They're proud of what you've accomplished as a Galaxy ranger. But they worry about you, too. They want you to stay safe."

As Acheron and Vettel continue their conversation, Jingliu suddenly appears, her stoic expression unchanged. She seems to have been giving the siblings some privacy before approaching them again.

Jingliu: "Is everything alright?"

Vettel and Acheron turn their attention to Jingliu, momentarily surprised by her sudden reappearance. Vettel responds.

Vettel: "Yeah, everything's fine. Acheron and I were just having a... private conversation."

Jingliu nods understandingly, her expression unwavering.

Jingliu: "I hope I'm not interrupting. I just wanted to check on both of you."

Vettel shakes his head slightly.

Vettel: "No, no, you're not interrupting. We were just about to finish. Right, Acheron?"

Acheron nods in agreement, her expression calm.