Man On The Moon

XVI

In the middle of a journey, Suddenly, Seele suddenly perks up, spotting something in the distance. She taps on Vettel's shoulder to get his attention.

Seele: "Hey, Vettel, look over there. I think I see something."

Vettel, who's been walking along, glances in the direction she's pointing. His eyes sharpen as he squints to make out the object in the distance.

Vettel: "You're right. Something's there. Let's check it out."

He starts moving towards the object, a sense of anticipation growing.  As they approach, the object comes into clearer view. It appears to be a person, sitting or crouching in the distance.

Seele: "Topaz? Is that you?"

The person, indeed Topaz, turns at the sound of Seele's voice. She stands up, brushing off the dirt from her clothes. There's a weary look in her eyes, but her face lights up with relief at the sight of them.

Topaz: "Seele! Vettel! You made it! I was starting to worry."

Vettel, relieved to see Topaz, lets Seele hop off his back, and the two siblings approach her.

Vettel: "We ran into some trouble along the way."

Seele, her eyes fixed on Topaz, points out the glowing symbol on her arm.

Seele: "Topaz, do you know what this symbol is? It's glowing, and it appeared suddenly on my skin."

Topaz, noticing the symbol on Seele's arm, looks it over with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Topaz: "This... this symbol. I've seen it before. It's a mark of destiny, a symbol of great power. But why it's on your skin all of a sudden... I'm not sure."

Vettel, alarmed by the revelation, steps closer, looking at the symbol with a mixture of interest and worry.

Vettel: "Great power? You've seen it before? What does that mean for Seele?"

Topaz, sensing the siblings' concern, tries to reassure them.

Topaz: "It's not necessarily a bad thing. This mark could mean Seele has some sort of power, or a destiny she's meant to fulfill. But we need to figure out more about it before we can say for sure."

Vettel, still wary, looks at Seele, who appears to be deep in thought.

Vettel: "Seele, are you feeling any different? Any... powers or anything?"

Seele, now focused on the symbol, frowns slightly.

Seele: "I don't know. I... I can feel something, like a low hum, ever since the symbol appeared. But it's hard to tell exactly what it is."

Topaz suddenly becomes aware of a noise in the distance. Her ears perk up, and she motions for Seele and Vettel to keep quiet.

Topaz: "Shhh, listen. I hear voices. We're not alone."

The siblings immediately fall quiet, their senses on high alert. They listen intently, straining to hear the voices in the distance. Sure enough, they can pick up the faint sound of voices, too indistinct to make out the words. Vettel, his eyes scanning the surroundings, lowers his voice to a whisper.

Vettel: "Who is it? Do you think it's Elio's organization?"

Topaz nods, looking tense and alert.

Topaz: "Yeah, it sounds like it. They're not far. We need to be careful."

The three of them exchange a cautious glance, aware of the potential danger. They stay silent, waiting and listening to the voices in the distance. She quickly surveys the area, looking for a place to hide. She spots a cluster of bushes nearby.

Topaz: "Quick, over there. Behind those bushes."

As the three hide behind the bushes, they listen intently to the conversation taking place nearby. It's the voices of a guard from the Death of Corporation and Shadow, one of Elio's right-hand men.

Shadow: "Have you found them yet?"

The guard speaks, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness.

Guard: "No, not yet. We've been searching the area but... we haven't found any trace of them."

Shadow's voice hardens.

Shadow: "You're not looking hard enough. They're here somewhere. Find them, and bring them to me."