Man On The Moon

Chapter 34: Aztec Planet

The group, weary from the recent encounter and the chaos of the lab's collapse, steps out into the open air of the planet. The transition is stark; from the cold, sterile environment of the lab to the fresh, invigorating air of the outside. The air is warm and there's a hint of the rich, earthy scent of the Aztec ecosystem in the air. The group reaches the final landmark, an ancient, Aztec-style monument, its stones carved with intricate motifs of serpentine gods and warriors. The monument stands alone on a wide open plain that stretches out around it into an expansive, untamed landscape dotted with exotic flora and fauna. The monument itself is a spectacle to behold, its towering size and exquisite designs are a testament to the craftsmanship of its creators. March 7th, her earlier fear replaced by wonder, gazes around at the landscape.

March 7th: "Whoa, this place is... wow. I mean, look at this! It's like something out of a movie!"

Topaz, also taking in the view, nods in agreement.

Topaz: "These people had a deep connection with nature. Look at the way their architecture blends into the surroundings. Truly remarkable."

Ruan Mei, looking thoughtful, touches one of the monument's huge stones.

Ruan Mei: "The craftwork here is impeccable. Their understanding of architecture and engineering, especially without the aid of modern technology, is truly impressive."

As the group explores the monument, Dan Heng falls into step beside Ruan Mei. His arm subtly moves to rest around her shoulders, offering silent comfort and solidarity. Dan Heng, his gaze fixed on the monument's elaborate carvings, steals a glance at her.

Dan Heng: "Impressive, isn't it?"

Ruan Mei, who's been studying the monument's structure, responds with a nod and a small smile.

Ruan Mei: "It's fascinating how they managed to create such symmetry and balance. The scale of it all..."

Feeling Ruan Mei lean on him, Dan Heng adjusts his arm, pulling her a little closer. He glances down at her, a soft, affectionate smile playing on his lips.

Dan Heng: "Comfy?"

Ruan Mei, her usual reserved demeanour softening slightly, nods.

Ruan Mei: "Surprisingly, yes."

She allows herself a moment of vulnerability, relishing in the warmth and comfort of his presence. The peaceful moment is shattered as the group, still near the monument, is suddenly approached by a stranger. A tall, imposing figure, their face hidden under a hood, steps out into their path. At first glance, it's unclear whether this figure is a friend or foe. Dan Heng, instantly on guard, steps a little in front of Ruan Mei.

Dan Heng: "Who are you?"

The hooded figure remains silent but removes its hood, revealing a face with sharp, intense features and a penetrating gaze. The stranger, Moze, stares at the group, their eyes flickering over each of them. Finally, they speak, their voice cold and calculated.

Moze: "You're not supposed to be here. This isn't a place for prying eyes."

March 7th, never one to be intimidated, steps forward, her usual cheerful disposition hiding her wariness.

March 7th: "Sorry, we didn't mean to intrude. We're just on a little adventure. I hope that's alright."

Topaz too steps forward, her stern expression not giving away her unease. Moze eyes the group, taking in their weapons and gear.

Moze: "Adventuring, you say? This place isn't some tourist spot, I'm afraid."

Ruan Mei, observing the situation, steps up as well.

Ruan Mei: "We understand that. We didn't come here to cause trouble. We're just passing through."

Moze's gaze lingers on Ruan Mei for a moment, a flicker of curiosity, before it moves on to Dan Heng.

Moze: "And what about you? You seem to be the one in charge."

Dan Heng, keeping Ruan Mei protected behind him, meets Moze's gaze unflinchingly.

Dan Heng: "You could say that. We're just here to explore the area. We mean no harm."

Moze studies Dan Heng, as if trying to gauge his intentions. Moze, after a long moment of silence, finally steps back, a slight gesture of reluctant acceptance.

Moze: "Alright. But, you must abide by our rules. No tampering with any ancient site. And absolutely no photography or any type of documentation. You break the rules, I won't hesitate to deal with you."

Topaz, never one to back down, steps forward, her hand on her hip.

Topaz: "Just a quick question. What happens if we do... happen to take a few photos?"

Moze's gaze hardens at Topaz's question.

Moze: "I wouldn't recommend it. Consider it a friendly warning. We take our culture and history seriously here. Disrespect either, and you won't like the consequences."

March 7th, seeing the seriousness in Moze's eyes, intervenes.

March 7th: "We won't take any photos, promise! We respect your culture and history, too. Right, guys?"

Ruan Mei and Dan Heng nod in agreement.

Dan Heng: "We have no intention of disrespecting your culture. We'll abide by the rules."

Moze scans the group one last time, then nods.

Moze: "Good. Remember, one wrong move and you'll regret it. Enjoy your time here. But be wary, this place holds secrets... and dangers. Do not stray off the path."

With that, Moze turns and starts to walk away, disappearing into the shadows of the monument. The group watches Moze leave in silence. After she's out of sight, Dan Heng turns to the others.

Dan Heng: "That was intense. And suspicious."

Ruan Mei, having recovered her usual calmness, responds.

Ruan Mei: "Definitely. They're hiding something, I'm sure of it. But we've been warned. Let's just be cautious."

Topaz, her arms folded, adds her thoughts.

Topaz: "I agree. There's something off about this place. But as long as we don't do anything stupid, we should be fine. Right?"

March 7th, her cheerful demeanour returning, nods fervently.

March 7th: "Exactly! As long as we stick together and don't do anything dumb, we'll be fine! We've handled worse, right?"

Dan Heng, looking at the others, smiles faintly.

Dan Heng: "We certainly have. Let's just be wary and stick to the path. No need to stir up trouble on purpose."

The group, their guard slightly up, comes upon a figure standing amid the ancient Aztec site. It takes a moment for them to realize who the person is - Rappa, their old friend, seemingly unharmed and surprisingly engaged in a game involving a gravity generator. Dan Heng, initially caught off guard, calls out.

Dan Heng: "Rappa? Is that you?!"

Rappa, turning at the sound of her name, her face lighting up immediately as she sees the familiar group. She shuts off the gravity generator and approaches them with a warm smile.

Rappa: "Hey, if it isn't my favourite group! I was wondering when I'd run into you all again!"

The group, clearly relieved to see Rappa safe and sound gathers around her. March 7th is the first to step forward, wrapping Rappa in a tight hug.

March 7th: "Oh my gosh, Rappa, you're alright! We were worried sick!"

Rappa returns the hug, chuckling.

Rappa: "Of course I'm alright! What kind of question is that? I can take care of myself, you know!"

Dan Heng steps forward, relief clear in his eyes.

Dan Heng: "We just... We hadn't seen you in a while and, well, with everything that's happened, we thought-"

Rappa cuts him off, her tone reassuring.

Rappa: "I know, I know. You thought I might've gotten into trouble. But I'm fine. I've been having a lot of fun here."

She pats the gravity generator beside her. Topaz and Ruan Mei, also relieved to see Rappa, come up next to Dan Heng. Topaz, ever the pragmatist, asks her a question.

Topaz: "Having fun with that gravity generator, huh? What were you up to?"

Rappa grins mischievously.

Rappa: "Just playing around with this thing. It's super cool! Look what I can do."

She activates the gravity generator again, causing some nearby objects to float for a few seconds before landing back on the ground. Dan Heng watches with mild interest as the objects float around.

Dan Heng: "That's... interesting. Where did you even find that?"

Rappa, after turning off the gravity generator again, responds with her usual carefree energy.

Rappa: "Oh, I found it lying around here somewhere. It was a little broken, but I fixed it up. Pretty cool, right? But that's beside the point. What are you all doing here? Anything interesting happening?"

Ruan Mei, her calm demeanour contrasting with Rappa's exuberance, responds.

Ruan Mei: "We're on an... adventure, you could say. Exploring the planet and, well, trying to keep ourselves alive."

Rappa's eyes widen slightly at Ruan Mei's words, but she keeps her smile.

Rappa: "Sounds exciting! But also, kind of dangerous. Where exactly are you heading?"

Dan Heng, looking around at the ancient Aztec structures, responds.

Dan Heng: "We're currently on the Aztec Planet. Ruan Mei was interested in the ancient civilizations here, so we thought it'd be worth a visit."

Rappa grabs her hat, which also functions as a gravity gadget, and starts manoeuvring it around the Aztec Planet, using the gravity controls to keep herself hovering just above the ground. She then motions for the group to follow her.

Rappa: "Come on, follow me! I'll give you a guided tour of this place."