Man On The Moon

XII

Back to the present, after hearing a flashback, Vettel's expression is a mix of concern and reassurance as he hears Kafka's account of her group's capture and their current predicament.

Vettel: "Kafka... I'm so sorry this happened to you and the others. It's a terrible situation."

He pats her back gently, his touch meant to offer her some measure of comfort. Kafka nods, her expression resigned but her eyes burning with determination.

Kafka: "It's not your fault, Vettel. We walked into this knowingly, and we knew the risks. But we didn't expect Elio to go this far..."

Vettel nods, his gaze sympathetic but firm.

Vettel: "Elio is a dangerous opponent. He never shows his true colours until it's too late. But we won't give up. We'll find a way to break the hypnosis. Elio's power is strong, but so is our will."

Kafka smiles weakly, appreciating Vettel's words.

Kafka: "I hope you're right, Vettel. Because right now, it feels like we're trapped in a nightmare, and Elio has all the power in the dream..."

Vettel and Kafka, still in the middle of their conversation, are suddenly caught off guard by a sudden attack from a corporation guard. The guard, perhaps a member of the same mysterious organization that Elio belongs to, strikes out at them with surprising speed and ferocity. Vettel, reacting quickly, grabs Kafka and pulls her out of the path of the guard's attack, narrowly avoiding a direct blow. He then steps forward to intercept the guard, his hands clenching into fists ready for a fight. Kafka, despite her surprise, quickly regains her bearings and prepares to join the fight. She pulls out a pair of small machine guns, her eyes hardening with determination. Vettel and Kafka, determined and resourceful, each use their ultimate abilities in the fight against the corporation guard.

Vettel: "Andromeda Of Revelation!"

Kafka: "Time to say bye. BOOM."

Vettel's body seems to glow with intense energy, his galaxy scythe more powerful and precise. Kafka, meanwhile, is now wielding dual machine guns, each one firing off rapid volleys of bullets at the guard, the force of her barrage enough to make the guard stagger. The guard, surprised by the sudden onslaught, attempts to defend himself. But the combined force of Vettel and Kafka's attacks is too much, and he soon finds himself pinned down, unable to counterattack effectively. Taking advantage of the guard's momentary weakness, Vettel and Kafka press their attack, their weapons and abilities working in unison to further wear down their opponent. Just as the first guard seems to be on the verge of defeat, another wave of guards appears, rushing towards Vettel and Kafka to join the fray. Kafka and Vettel, outnumbered but undeterred, brace themselves for the new onslaught. The second wave of guards is larger and more organized, their movements coordinated and their weapons trained squarely on the two fighters.

Vettel and Kafka, facing the increasingly difficult battle, are surprised and relieved to see Acheron suddenly appearing among them. Acheron, swift and precise, moves into the fight seamlessly, swinging her katana to deflect the attacks of the guards. The addition of her strength and skill immediately evens the odds, giving Vettel and Kafka some breathing room to reorganize. The guards are taken aback by Acheron's sudden appearance, clearly not expecting this new combatant. Some of them attempt to shift their attention to her, but Acheron is too fast, her movements graceful and deadly as she weaves through the guards' ranks, cutting them down as she goes. Vettel and Kafka freed from immediate danger momentarily, watch as Acheron cuts through the guards with an almost effortless ease. Seeing her strength and skill in action reminds them of their capabilities, and they begin to plan their next moves.  After the battle is over, Acheron approaches Vettel and Kafka, both of them battered but alive. Her expression is one of equal parts concern and relief.

Acheron: "Vettel, Kafka... are you two okay? You're both badly wounded."