Man On The Moon

XIX

Vettel reacts swiftly, his instincts kicking in as he narrowly dodges the initial attack. He quickly draws his weapon, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and caution. The two warriors now engaging in a fierce battle, their swords clashing in the still of the night, the clash of steel echoing through the surroundings.

As the battle continues, Vettel realizes the need for a greater edge. In a fluid motion, he unholsters his trusty galaxy scythe, the weapon's unique design gleaming in the night.With the scythe in his hand, he swings it with renewed determination, the long reach and deadlier edge of the weapon giving him an advantage against the mysterious woman. He attacks with precision and power, trying to break through her defence. The scythe's arc cuts through the air with deadly speed, its path lit by a faint, almost otherworldly glow. Each swing is calculated and purposeful, designed to keep the woman with the hood off-balance and on the defensive.The woman, too, seems to adjust her tactics, her swordplay becoming more erratic and desperate as she tries to counteract the scythe's reach and power.

Without warning, the woman with the hood takes advantage of her ice abilities, unleashing a barrage of attacks infused with her chilling powers. Glacial shards tear through the air, aimed straight at Vettel's exposed areas. Vettel, caught off-guard by the sudden onslaught of ice, quickly realizes he's facing more than a formidable opponent. He's facing someone with unique powers he hasn't encountered before. As Vettel skillfully dodges the barrage of ice-powered attacks, he notices an opportunity to unveil his assailant's identity. Seizing it, he manages to lower her hood, revealing the woman's face. Vettel's eyes widen in surprise as he instantly recognizes the face that's now exposed before him. Vettel's eyes widen in a mix of disbelief and surprise as the woman's hood falls away, revealing a face he knows well: Jingliu. He's taken aback, his mind racing to process this unexpected turn of events.

Vettel: "Jingliu... What are you doing here?"

After Vettel exposes her identity, Jingliu's expression shifts from a cold and determined glare to a mixture of anger and visible concern. Her eyes, usually sharp and calculating, now hold a flicker of worry.

Jingliu: "What am I doing here? What are you doing here, you fool? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you to be here?"

She still visibly frustrated, clenches her sword tighter. She's clearly on edge, her concern for Vettel's well-being warring with her anger at his recklessness.

Jingliu: "You shouldn't be here. You're putting yourself in danger needlessly. What were you thinking, coming to a place like this at night?"

Vettel, still taken aback by the revelation that Jingliu is the woman attacking him, suddenly feels a sharp sting on his cheek. He touches the spot, and his fingers come away stained with a hint of crimson red.

Vettel: "You cut me!"

As the realization of her actions and the sight of Vettel's slight injury sink in, Jingliu's anger gives way to a wave of emotion. Tears well up in her eyes, her expression shifting from irritation to guilt. Without warning, she rushes forward and embraces Vettel, wrapping her arms around him in a tight, almost desperate hug. Her voice trembles as she speaks.

Jingliu: "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to hurt you..."

Jingliu's embrace is firm as if she's holding on to Vettel for support or reassurance. Her face is buried in his chest, and her body shivers slightly as she struggles to hold back her emotions.

Jingliu: "I was just so worried... Seeing you here and putting yourself in danger... I couldn't think straight. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Vettel, initially stunned by the sudden turn of events as well as Jingliu's emotional outburst, slowly returns the embrace. His arms wrap around her, and he feels the mixture of tension and vulnerability in her body.

Vettel: "It's alright... I understand. I shouldn't have come here without caution, either. But you don't need to apologize. I'm fine."

Jingliu's grip tightens for a moment as she listens to Vettel's words. She pulls back slightly, her eyes still glimmering with unshed tears, but a hint of a shaky smile tugs at her lips.

Jingliu: "I know... I just... I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you. You're too reckless sometimes, you know that?"