Man On The Moon

Chapter 35: Goodbye My Friend

The group settles in for the night, each member finding their corner to rest. Dan Heng takes the first watch, his eyes scanning the shadows that play across the ancient ruins. Hours pass quietly, the only sounds in the air being the quiet breathing of his sleeping companions and the occasional crackle of the dying fire. Suddenly, Dan Heng's sharp ears pick up a faint noise, like a whisper carried on the wind. He tenses his senses on high alert. He looks around, his eyes darting in the darkness, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise. Ruan Mei, awakened by Dan Heng's tenseness, slowly opens her eyes. Ruan Mei, her voice a whisper, speaks up.

Ruan Mei: "What is it?"

Dan Heng silently motions for her to stay quiet, his gaze still fixed on the darkness.

Dan Heng: "I heard something. Listen. "

March 7th, her keen ears catching onto the suspense, jerks awake, her eyes wide. Topaz also stirs, gently dislodging Numby from her lap. The small pet creature, however, is too deep in his sleep to notice. Rappa, groggily rising from her sleeping bag, rubs her eyes.

Rappa: "What's going on, guys?"

Dan Heng, his gaze never leaving the shadows, responds in a hushed tone.

Dan Heng: "I heard a sound. Something in the darkness. Wake up quietly and stay alert. We don't know what's out there. "

The group, now all awakened, silently reaches for their gear. March 7th grabs her camera, Topaz her gun, and Ruan Mei her research tools. They all wait, their senses heightened, for the mysterious sound to return. The night is suddenly broken by the sudden arrival of an Evil Ninja. His stealthy movements echo around them, as he steps into the circle of light from the dying campfire. The group, their guard already up from previous events, immediately tense. They form a small circle, their weapons ready. Dan Heng steps forward, shielding Ruan Mei subtly. The Evil Ninja, a smirk on his face, stops just a few steps away from the group. His eyes scan the group, sizing them up. Ruan Mei studies him, her gaze is cold and calculating. Dan Heng, his hand gripping his sword tighter, waits for the ninja to make the first move. Rappa, her eyes narrowing as she recognizes the Evil Ninja, speaks up.

Rappa: "I know him. He's one of the evil ninjas we fought in the city. What is he doing here?"

The rest of the group looks at Rappa, then back at the Evil Ninja. The ninja's face remains neutral, his gaze flickering over each member of the group as if deciding which one he should attack first. Topaz, her gun ready, speaks up, her voice low yet firm.

Topaz: "What does he want? Why is he here?"

The Evil Ninja grins, his eyes landing on Topaz. He speaks, his voice cold and calculating.

Evil Ninja: "I'm not here for you. At least, not yet. I'm here for something much, much more valuable."

The group exchanges wary glances, their nerves taut. They silently consider their options, their eyes fixed on the Evil Ninja. Ruan Mei, her gaze as sharp as ever, scrutinizes the ninja, trying to discern what he's after. Ruan Mei steps forward, her voice cool and controlled.

Ruan Mei: "What is it that you seek? And why do you think you'll find it here?"

Ruan Mei steps forward, her voice cool and controlled.

Ruan Mei: "What is it that you seek? And why do you think you'll find it here?"

The Evil Ninja moves quickly, his body a blur of black and silver in the night. He attacks them, his movements a calculated blur of lethal strikes and fluid dodging. The group, surprised by his speed and skill, is barely able to react. March 7th dodges to the side, firing off a few shots from her camera. Topaz tries to aim her gun, but the ninja is too fast. Ruan Mei attempts to use her research tools in defence, but the ninja evades her efforts. Dan Heng is the first to engage in combat, his sword meeting the ninjas in a clash of steel. The clash is loud on the otherwise silent night. Dan Heng, his expression set, pushes against the ninja, the two combatants locked in an intense duel. The ninja seems to enjoy the fight, his grin widening as he faces Dan Heng's skill. He seems to relish the challenge, his attacks becoming more aggressive and unpredictable. Ruan Mei, watching the fight, calls out a warning.

Ruan Mei: "Be careful! He's enjoying this. Don't underestimate him!"

Dan Heng, his breathing laboured slightly, nods his acknowledgement. He parries and blocks, his years of martial training kicking in.

Dan Heng: "Don't worry, I got this."

Rappa, seeing Dan Heng struggling to handle the ninja alone, quickly rushes to his side. Her movements are quick and agile, and her fighting style is more street-smart than formal. She joins the fight, her kicks and punches adding new momentum. The ninja, faced with two opponents now, is forced to change his tactics. Dan Heng, grateful for Rappa's help, quickly adjusts his fighting style to work in sync with hers. The two of them move like a well-oiled machine, their attacks a dance of precise skill and raw power. The Evil Ninja, now facing two opponents, seems to be enjoying himself even more. He laughs, the sound chilling.

Evil Ninja: "Well, isn't this fun? Two for the price of one. This is shaping up to be a good night."