Mike's brow furrowed in confusion as he watched Djuma navigate his location with ease, despite his closed eyes. "But how can you see? Your eyes are closed," he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Djuma's serene expression accompanied his explanation. "As an Anthropter, our visual abilities is restricted in sunlight. It's a characteristic of our species, my Jyuran," he replied, his voice calm and measured.
"However, we rely on our ears to navigate our surroundings, using sound waves to pinpoint locations, detect movement, and build a mental map of our environment. This intricate process allows us to interact with and understand our surroundings in a deeper way," Djuma continued.
"Our ears tune into the vibrational language of our surroundings, translating it into a meaningful experience. Through sound, we connect with reality. "You have bats on this planet, don't you?"
Mike's gaze intensified, studying Djuma's face for any signs of deception. "Yes we do, but one bat can clearly see during the day," he countered, indirectly referring to himself, highlighting his unique ability.
Djuma remained calm. "You are the exception. As the Jyuran, the legendary protector of Perebia, you possess the unique ability to thrive on any planet," he explained. "Only you can venture onto any planet and survive."
His words emphasized Mike's newfound identity. "And you're not a bat, you're an Anthropter. Whether you accept it or not, you're one of us now. The sooner you acknowledge this, the better."
Mike's face fell, disappointment etched on his features. "Is there a way..." he trailed off, his hesitation evident.
"To get rid of the Krara?" Djuma intuitively completed Mike's question.
Mike nodded fervently, desperation creeping into his voice. "Yes, can you remove it from me? Perhaps find a new host who can comprehend everything you're telling me?" he replied. "It's overwhelming for me to accept."
The weight of his newfound responsibilities seemed too much to bear.
Djuma's expression turned somber. "The difficulty lies in the locked-away memories. Once unlocked, the truth will become clearer."
"As for removing the Krara," Djuma's tone turned grave regarding Mike's request. "The current host must die for the Krara to be freed and find another host."
"But I don't want to die…" Mike whispered, his head bowed in despair.
Djuma's expression remained stern. "I've learned that you humans are encouraged with quotes and sugar-coated words to keep you motivated whenever you're trying to run away from your inevitable responsibilities," Djuma said. "In Perebia, surrender equals death. Weakness is a crime. Millions count on your return, their lives hanging in the balance, my Jyuran."
Suddenly, a movement caught their attention. Mike instinctively transformed into his Anthropter form.
"Oh my fucking god!" Christina's terrified voice echoed from behind.
Mike and Djuma turned to see her. Christina stood frozen, her feet trembling with fear. "What the hell have you become, Mike?" she cried, her voice shaking.
"Mike!" Rachael cried out, her voice trembling with shock and astonishment. She and Stefan stood frozen behind Christina, their eyes fixed on the two alien-like figures before them.
Mike's gaze locked onto Christina, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "What brings you all here?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
Rachael's eyes widened further as she struggled to process the surreal scene. "This is incredible! You can actually transform!" she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in awe.
Stefan's face reflected utter disbelief, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is this really Mike? I thought he was joking about... everything." His body trembled, betraying his fear.
Christina, overwhelmed, spun around and fled the scene, disappearing into the nearby woods.
Mike and Djuma watched her departure, their gazes following her vanishing form.
"Christina!" Mike called out, but she didn't respond.
Concern etched on his face, Mike swiftly turned to Stefan and Rachael, preparing to levitate.
"If I were you, I wouldn't approach her in that... form. It might scare her further," Stefan, still shaken, managed to offer cautious advice
Mike nodded appreciatively. "Thanks for the advice; it's invaluable." With that, he rapidly transformed back into his human form and took off after Christina.
Rachael's eyes narrowed as she approached Djuma, closing the distance between them. "And who are you, Mr...?" Her question hung in the air, awaiting completion.
Djuma's serene expression accompanied his response. "I am Djumara, but please, call me Djuma. Nice meeting you, Rachael Smith."
He turned to Stefan, his gaze unwavering. "And likewise, Stefan Haysbert."
Rachael and Stefan exchanged shocked glances. "How did you know our names?" they asked in unison, their voices laced with astonishment.
Djuma's reply was matter-of-fact. "I've been on your planet for nearly two days, accessing and acquiring information from your technology."
His words sent a shiver down their spines.
"Knowing your names is merely the tip of the iceberg," Djuma continued. "I also predicted this encounter two days ago."
Stefan and Rachael's jaws dropped in disbelief.
"What?!" they squealed in tandem, their voices echoing their incredulity.
*****
"Christina, wait! Please listen!" Mike implored, sprinting to close the distance between them. He gently positioned himself before her, blocking her path.
Christina recoiled, fear etched on her face. "Stay away from me, monster!" she shouted, retreating.
Mike's expression pleaded for understanding. "It's still me, Christina. Look at me. I'm the same person you've known forever."
Christina's voice trembled. "What have you done to Mike? Where is he?"
Mike's hands extended, palms up, in a calming gesture. "I'm right here. I'm still Mike. Give me a chance to explain."
Christina's eyes blazed with anger and distrust. "Explain what? That you deceived me into thinking you're human?" she retorted. "Where is the real Mike? What have you and that monster I saw earlier done to him?"
Mike's brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about, Christina? Of course, I'm human," he replied. "Remember yesterday? I told you about the power from the box I found at Tina's house, about the power that changed my life, didn't I?"
Christina's voice dripped with skepticism. "You expect me to believe you after what I saw? You transformed into... that thing."
"I'm still human, Christina," Mike assured, his voice filled with conviction. "I have the ability to transform into that form you saw earlier. The power will only leave me if I die."
Mike's eyes locked onto Christina's, his gaze intense. "Initially, I thought this power was a curse, but when I remembered saving you, it made me realize its true value. I don't care if others see me as a monster; as long as I can protect those I care about, I'll embrace it."
Christina's tears subsided, replaced by curiosity. She wiped her face and raised an eyebrow. "You're not under... That monster's influence, are you?" Her voice trembled, seeking reassurance.
Mike's response was adamant. "No! Hell no! I'm not controlled by anyone. Today's transformation was my first, triggered by seeing you fall off the rooftop. It brought back memories of Anita." His voice cracked with emotion, and his eyes pleaded for understanding. "I don't think I'd be able to forgive myself if anything happens to you, especially after we just made up. We still have so much to do together."
Tears streamed down Christina's face as she took a cautious step forward, still grappling with fear.
Mike continued, "his name is Djuma; he's from the planet where this power originates. He's here to guide me, not control or manipulate me. He's helping me understand my abilities."
"I... this is overwhelming, I'm..." Christina stammered, her mind racing with doubts. Debating within herself if she could believe what Mike was saying.
Mike intervened, his voice gentle. "You don't have to believe me, just keep today's events to yourself, please."
He turned to leave, but Christina's resolve strengthened. She dashed after him, embracing him from behind as tears streamed down her face.
"I didn't say I wouldn't believe you," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry for calling you a monster. You even risked exposing your identity to save me."
Mike turned, his eyes locking onto Christina's. He gently wiped away her tears. "It's okay," he reassured. "I'm sorry. I should've told you more about this."
Christina's curiosity resurfaced. "I want to see... the other you again. Can you transform?" she stammered.
Mike hesitated. "I... I don't know how. It happened suddenly, and it's beyond my control."
Christina stepped back. "I knew it, you can't do it. It's beyond your control. Let's just return to Rachael and Stefan," she said.
Suddenly, Mike's body contorted in excruciating pain. Bone-cracking sounds and flesh-tearing filled the air. Wings burst forth from his back, and his ears elongated.
In an instant, Mike stood before Christina in his majestic Anthropter form.
Christina stumbled backward, stunned by the sudden transformation before her eyes. "But you said it was beyond your control... how did you?" she asked, her voice laced with wonder.
Mike's Anthropter form regarded her thoughtfully. "I think the transformation can sense my thoughts. It knows when I need it." His voice held a hint of awe. "I'm starting to grasp the mystery behind its triggering."
Christina stepped closer, her curiosity slowly suppressing her fear. She reached out to gently cup Mike's alien face in her hands.
"Oh my God, you're so... awful," she breathed, her eyes roaming over his features. "Yet, somehow, it's adorable. I love you," she said, her voice filled with affection.
Mike's glowing eyes sparkled with excitement as he misinterpreted her words. His massive wings fluttered wildly, reflecting his enthusiasm.
"I meant the form, don't get the wrong idea," Christina quickly clarified. However, upon Christina's clarification, Mike's radiant eyes dimmed, and his wings stilled. His Anthropter form mirrored his human disappointment.
"You should have made that clear sooner," Mike sniffed, his frustration palpable as voice tinged with playful hurt.
Christina chuckled softly, closing the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around Mike's neck, embracing him.
To her surprise, Mike didn't pull away. Instead, he enveloped her in his arms, flapping his enormous wings rapidly. They lifted off the ground, hovering in mid-air as Mike held Christina tightly.