Blue and Pluto stood motionless, locked in a tense stare-down. The air between them crackled with unspoken challenge.
"Don't make me ask you twice," Pluto said, his voice low and threatening. "Who are you?"
Blue sighed, glancing at the snacks scattered on the ground. "You made me drop my snacks."
Pluto's eyes narrowed. "Then I guess I should consider you an enemy."
Rim quickly stepped between them. "That is Blue," he said to Pluto, then turned to Blue. "And this is Pluto."
Blue scowled. "You know what? I instantly don't like you."
"Same," Pluto replied, moving into a fighting stance.
Blue's arm began to open up, ready to unleash a beam cannon. Tension mounted as they prepared to attack each other.
Suddenly, Vagan and her squad of seven human-fused soldiers appeared, clad in Feder military attire and armed with guns. Vagan stood at the forefront, leading the squad with authority.
"Are you with them?" Blue asked, his eyes darting to Pluto.
"No," Pluto replied. "I thought they were your friends."
Rim interrupted, his mechanical voice calm and clear. "Have you heard the story of the unkillable soldier?"
"Not now, Rim," Blue snapped. "This is not the time for one of your random facts."
Vagan took a step forward, her eyes fixed on Pluto. "Pluto, by orders of Dorothy, you are to return to Feder immediately."
Pluto's grip tightened on his katana. "How many times are you going to come after me? I already told you, no."
Vagan's expression hardened. "Okay then." She pointed her finger at Pluto, and her squad of human-fused soldiers raised their guns, aiming at Blue, Pluto, and Rim.
END OF CHAPTER 47