Man On The Moon

Chapter 41: Threxion Planet

As Vettel arrives at the Threxion Planet, he takes a moment to gather his bearings. The environment is rugged and foreign, presenting a stark contrast to the worlds he has previously explored. His mission here is clear now. Vettel takes a deep breath and steadies himself, ready to embark on his solo mission. The landscape around him is arid and desolate, with tall spires of rock and sand stretching out as far as the eye can see. The temperature is hot and dry, the air seemingly lacking moisture. The Threxion Planet is a harsh and unforgiving place. As he begins his trek through the vast terrain, Vettel keeps his senses sharp, wary of any potential dangers that may lurk in the shadows. He knows that the Threxion Planet is home to unique creatures and potential threats, so he walks carefully, his hand always near his weapon. As Vettel continues his journey across the Threxion Planet, he suddenly senses a presence behind him. Before he can react, three mysterious figures appear out of thin air and surround him. Their appearance is otherworldly and ominous, and they move with a grace and speed that catches him off guard. Before he can even reach for his weapon, one of the figures moves in and strikes him with a powerful blow that knocks him unconscious. Vettel's world goes black as he falls to the ground, succumbing to the sudden attack from the mysterious trio. The last thing he hears is the whisper of the figures in a language he has never heard before. Vettel regains consciousness after the unexpected attack, his head throbbing with pain. He groggily forces himself into a sitting position and looks around, trying to gather his bearings. As his vision clears, he shakes his head and mutters to himself.

Vettel: "What... what happened? Where am I?"

As the mysterious trio remove their masks, Vettel's eyes widen with surprise as he realizes who they are. Standing before him is none other than the infamous Stellaron Hunters: Kafka, Silver Wolf, and Blade.

Vettel: "The Stellaron Hunters... What the hell are you lot doing here?"

Kafka, the leader of the trio, smiles slyly as she regards Vettel with a measuring gaze. Her voice dripping with charm and confidence.

Kafka: "Well, well, well. Look who we have here. Seems like we've run into quite the unexpected guest."

Silver Wolf, the group's tech expert, smirks with a hint of playful smugness.

Silver Wolf: "A mysterious guy with some serious power, walking around on his own. Couldn't help ourselves but take a closer look."

Blade, the group's swordsman, stands stoically, his eyes flickering with dark contemplation.

Blade: "You've proven yourself to be quite the intriguing figure. We couldn't ignore your presence here on the Threxion Planet."

Kafka, sensing his confusion and caution, steps closer, her eyes studying him intently.

Kafka: "No need to look so nervous, darling. We're not here to cause you harm. We're rather intrigued by your abilities and presence here on the Threxion Planet."

Vettel, his eyes locked on Kafka's, listens carefully to her words. Despite her claims, he remains guarded, not entirely convinced by her reassurances.

Vettel: "And what exactly do you want from me?"

Silver Wolf chimes in, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Silver Wolf: "Actually, we were hoping to extend an invitation to you. We've been watching your exploits from afar, and we think you'd make a valuable addition to our little group."

Vettel's eyebrows raise in surprise at Silver Wolf's invitation. He hadn't expected to be approached by the infamous Stellaron Hunters, let alone receive such an intriguing offer. He takes a moment to process their words, mulling over their proposal. Blade, still maintaining his stoic demeanour, speaks up, his voice cold and emotionless.

Blade: "We don't extend our invitations lightly. But we've seen what you're capable of, and we believe you have the potential to be a great asset to our plans."

Vettel listens intently as Blade speaks, his interest piqued by the idea of joining the Stellaron Hunters. Despite his caution, he can't deny the excitement stirring within him at the notion of being part of a group with such power and influence. Kafka, sensing his internal conflict, takes a step closer to him, her voice soft and persuasive.

Kafka: "Think about it, darling. You'd have the chance to be part of something much bigger than yourself. We're working towards goals that'll change the fate of this galaxy, and we can use someone with your abilities and knowledge."

Silver Wolf adds, her tone playful yet hinting at something deeper.

Silver Wolf: "We're not exactly a traditional group, you know. We have our unique ways of doing things, and we always make sure to have fun while getting things done."

Blade, despite his seemingly indifferent exterior, chimes in to give his perspective.

Blade: "We may be a group of outcasts and misfits, but we're still deadly serious about our mission. If you decide to join us, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve our goals."

As the conversation with the Stellaron Hunters continues, Vettel suddenly feels a jolt of electricity coursing through his body. He looks down and realizes that he has been trapped in a powerful electric field, its currents continuing to zap him with painful intensity.

Vettel: "What the? What the hell is this?"

The Stellaron Hunters watch as Vettel struggles against the electric trap, their expressions a mix of surprise and annoyance.

Silver Wolf: "Oh, what the hell? Someone's got a trap rigged up here!"

Kafka's eyes narrow as she regards the trap, her mind already working on a solution.

Kafka: "It seems our conversation will have to wait. We need to free him from that trap, or he'll be fried alive."

Blade, ever the pragmatic one, steps forward to examine the trap.

Blade: "Let me take a look at this thing. I might be able to figure out a way to disable it."

As Blade inspects the electric trap, Kafka turns her attention back to Vettel, her eyes filled with concern.

Kafka: "Hang in there, darling. We're going to get you out of this mess."

Silver Wolf, who has been observing the trap from a different angle, suddenly points to a control box nearby.

Silver Wolf: "Look! I think that's where the controls for this thing are. If we can access it, we might be able to shut it off."

Vettel, still shaking from the electrical shock and weakened by the trap, suddenly sees a flash of movement and a puff of smoke fills the room. In the confusion, he realizes that his chance to escape has presented itself. Vettel, seeing the chaos caused by the smoke bomb, seizes the opportunity to disappear into the smoky environment, slipping away from the Stellaron Hunters and the trap. The Stellaron Hunters, taken by surprise by the sudden smoke bomb, are momentarily disoriented. They call out for Vettel, their voices mingling with the billows of smoke.

Kafka: "Damn it! Where did he go?"

Silver Wolf: "The little escape artist got away from us!"

Blade, ever-focused and stoic, calmly scans the surroundings, trying to catch a glimpse of Vettel's whereabouts.

Blade: "He can't have gotten far. He's weakened and injured from the trap. He won't be able to go too far."

As Vettel stumbles away from the chaos, he is suddenly aided by a woman who appears to be his sister, Acheron. She helps him to a nearby hiding spot, where they can talk more discreetly.

Vettel: "Sister... what are you doing here? How did you find me?"

Acheron, a stern and protective expression on her face, supports her brother as he leans against the wall.

Acheron: "I've been watching over you since the moment you set foot on the Threxion Planet. I knew you were walking into danger, so I followed you."

Vettel, still shaken by his encounter with the Stellaron Hunters and the electric trap, looks at his sister with gratitude and surprise.

Vettel: "You tracked me all the way here? But why? I'm a grown man, sister. I can take care of myself."

Acheron, her gaze fixed on her brother, responds with a mix of concern and determination.

Acheron: "You may be a grown man, but you're still my brother. I couldn't just let you risk your life like this alone. I had to come and make sure you were safe."

Vettel, feeling both touched and slightly annoyed by his sister's protectiveness, shakes his head and manages a small smile.

Vettel: "Always the overprotective older sibling, aren't you? I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. I was handling the situation just fine before you showed up."

Acheron rolls her eyes at her brother's stubbornness.

Acheron: "Just fine, huh? So getting yourself trapped in an electric field and having a close brush with the Stellaron Hunters is 'just fine' in your book? You have a weird definition of 'fine', Vettel."

Vettel chuckles weakly, acknowledging the point she's making.

Vettel: "Alright, I admit it wasn't my finest moment. But I would have figured a way out of that mess eventually. I always do."

Acheron gives her brother a gentle smile and ruffles his hair affectionately.

Acheron: "You're as stubborn and reckless as ever, Vettel. But I suppose it's part of your charm."

Vettel, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection, attempts to fix his hair as his sister continues to tease him.

Vettel: "Hey, stop messing up my hair! I'm supposed to be the cool, rugged one here, remember?"

Suddenly the siblings fall silent as they hear the voices of the Stellaron Hunters in the distance, their words faint but clear enough to understand.

Silver Wolf: "Damn it, where did he disappear to?"

Kafka: "He can't have gotten far. Let's spread out and search the area. He's wounded and weakened, he won't be able to go too far."

Acheron shoots a worried look at her brother, her protective instincts on high alert.

Acheron: "Looks like they're looking for you. We can't let them find you like this. You're in no condition to face them right now."

Vettel nods, his expression determined despite his lingering weakness.

Vettel: "I'll be fine. I just need a moment to catch my breath. We'll deal with them when they find us. We can't run forever."

Acheron looks at her brother with a mix of worry and admiration. She knows he's a skilled fighter, but she can't help but worry about his condition.

Acheron: "Be careful. Don't do anything reckless. You're already injured enough as it is."

Vettel smiles weakly, appreciating his sister's concern.

Vettel: "You worry too much. I'll be fine. I've survived worse. Let them come. We'll handle them together."

Acheron sighs, knowing that her brother is too stubborn to back down.

Acheron: "Alright, fine. Just don't overdo it. We'll fight them together, but we need to be strategic about this. You're not at full strength right now."

Vettel nods, acknowledging his sister's warning. He knows she's right, but he can't help but feel a mixture of determination and excitement at the prospect of facing the Stellaron Hunters.

Vettel: "Don't worry, I won't do anything stupid. But we can't just hide and hope they'll go away. We have to show them we're not afraid."

Vettel and Acheron cautiously emerge from their hiding spot, their gaze focused on the Stellaron Hunters as they approach. The Hunters, sensing their presence, turn to face them. Kafka, her smirk still present, glances at the siblings with interest.

Kafka: "Well, well, look who decided to show themselves."

Silver Wolf, her hands on her hips, examines the siblings with a mixture of curiosity and mockery.

Silver Wolf: "Wow, didn't expect to see you two. Looks like we have a little family reunion here."

Blade, his usual stoic expression on his face, considers the new arrivals with a hint of caution.

Blade: "What's this? A brother and sister duo? This could be interesting."