"You genuinely can't see us?" Stefan exclaimed, his voice laced with incredulity, his eyes fixed on Djuma's serene face.
Djuma nodded solemnly. "That's correct. I navigate your location using echolocation, relying on my acute hearing to detect even the slightest sounds."
Rachael's eyes widened in awe. "They're actually not big for nothing; they're incredibly useful," she said, a hint of sarcasm in her tone, marveling at the complexity of Djuma's ability.
Meanwhile, Djuma's expression turned grave. "You need to make your brother understand the magnitude of the power he possesses. The power being wielded here forebodes catastrophe for your world," he warned, his voice laced with urgency. "He'll stop at nothing to reunite with his father."
Rachael's brow furrowed in confusion. "Whose son? Mike? That's impossible. Mike has a son we're unaware of?" Her voice trembled with surprise and shock.
Stefan's eyes mirrored Rachael's astonishment. "Mike's never even dated a girl before; how can he have a son?"
"Is this some kind of joke?" Rachael asked, her tone laced with skepticism. "Are you kidding us?"
Djuma's sigh conveyed the weight of his words. "It's a long, intricate story, but trust me, it's far more complex than you can imagine. However, let me offer a crucial warning: if you're confronted by beings like me, use your torchlight. The intense light will blind them, granting you time to escape."
Stefan's shock began to dissipate, replaced by determination. "What if we don't have a torch?"
Djuma's response was immediate and urgent. "Run! Don't hesitate. They'll show no mercy; your survival depends on swift action."
As Djuma turned to depart, his ears remained attuned to Stefan and Rachael's direction, subtly emphasizing his continued awareness of their presence.
Stefan recoiled in terror, his heart racing with frantic thoughts as he struggled to comprehend Djuma's abilities. "Now I'm genuinely petrified," he whispered, his voice trembling.
Rachael, however, remained composed. "Thank you for the warning, Mr. Djuma. Your advice will be invaluable," she said. "But If light blinds your kind, how do you survive during the day?"
Djuma's expression turned solemn. "Our primary adversary is the star you call the sun. However, it's not just direct sunlight we avoid; we're cautious of brightly lit areas in general."
Stefan's eyes widened in astonishment. "So, you guys can only see in darkness?! That's crazy, really crazy!"
"We don't see in complete darkness either. We thrive in low-light conditions. As long as the environment isn't excessively bright, we can survive," Djuma swiftly clarified.
Rachael nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. Even bats don't see in complete darkness. And you're far more advanced than bats, you're half-human after all," she said.
Djuma stepped closer to Rachael, his expression intense. "We're not half-human; we're Anthropters – a distinct species," he stated. "Should I call you half-Anthropter since you resemble us?"
Stefan's understanding dawned. "I get it now," he said, nodding vigorously. "Just because chimpanzees and gorillas share physical similarities with humans doesn't make them half-human. They're distinct species, regardless of their human-like appearance."
Djuma's expression hinted at approval, his face locked onto Stefan's direction.
"The sun's rays drain our energy, potentially leading to fatal consequences," Djuma explained, his gaze toward the cloudy sky. "Fortunately, I can remain in the open now due to the overcast weather."
Rachael's curiosity deepened. "You mentioned the Jyuran's unique ability. Can he truly see regardless of brightness?"
Consequently, Djuma's expression turned introspective. "Yes. According to our ancestral tales, the Jyuran possesses this extraordinary gift. It's said he can even share his day-sight with others, if he chooses," he replied.
Rachael's eyes searched Djuma's face for validation. "Is this legend based on fact?"
Djuma's shrug conveyed ambiguity. "I'm unsure; it's a story passed down through generations, possibly to preserve the Jyuran's legacy."
Stefan's gaze probed Djuma's intentions. "You don't believe it?"
Djuma shook his head. "I acknowledge the Jyuran's power might be real, but sharing it seems... implausible. Only the Jyuran would wield such ability."
Rachael settled onto the ground, her bag beside her. "Why does sharing his day-sight seem insignificant?"
"On my home planet, we don't require day-sight because our environment lacks a sun entirely," Djuma explained, his hands clasped behind his back. "Additionally, we avoid traversing planets that orbit suns, making day-sight unnecessary for our survival."
"What do you mean? You really have no sun?" Stefan asked in curiosity. "How does your planet sustain life without solar energy?"
Djuma's expression turned grave. "That's a story for another time. Right now, I need your assistance in preparing the Jyuran for the impending threat," Djuma emphasized. "The Jyuran must unlock the memories he's suppressing, only then can he intimidate his son."
Just then, a powerful gust swept through the trees, rustling leaves and sending shadows dancing across the ground. A massive silhouette loomed above.
Stefan and Rachael jerked their heads up, startled, while Djuma remained composed.
"It's Mike!" Stefan exclaimed, chuckling. "He actually convinced the school queen and brought her back. What a smooth talker!"
Mike descended and put Christina down, his massive wings beating against the air. "Are you guys still frightened of me, or..." he began.
"Of course not! We were just shocked, that's all. We're still wrapping our heads around this," Rachael swiftly interrupted.
Christina's glare seethed with anger as she stomped toward Djuma. "You damned bat! You nearly got me killed!"
Djuma, sensing her hostility, levitated and fluttered toward Mike. He settled at Mike's back, positioning himself behind the Jyuran, potentially using him as a shield against Christina's ire.
Christina's frustration boiled over, her voice echoing through the air. "Why on earth are you fleeing from me? Come back here immediately!" she yelled, her words laced with exasperation.
Rachael intervened, her tone infused with playful teasing. "Do you honestly expect him to stand still and wait for you? That's highly unlikely, don't you think?" Rachael intervened, her tone infused with a hint of amusement.
Djuma's expression remained calm, his ears twitching and swiveling toward Christina as he replied, "I sought your assistance earlier, not intending to alarm you. I needed your help, and I apologize if my approach was misinterpreted."
The subtle movement of Djuma's ears, as if responding to Christina's anger, struck Stefan as comical. "This is really entertaining," he chuckled, settling beside Rachael to observe the unfolding drama.
"What prompted you to approach Christina initially? What specific help did you require?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"My objective was to meet the Jyuran. I attempted to discreetly signal him to meet on the rooftop, but Christina inadvertently intercepted the message," Djuma clarified.
Christina's voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of concern. "What if I were Mike's enemy? You would have unknowingly revealed your identity and intentions to me without knowing who I am."
Djuma's response was reassuring. "I sensed your intentions from afar; I knew you posed no threat."
Stefan and Rachael's eyes wide with anticipation and fascination. "How did you know that?" they asked in unison
Djuma stepped back, his gaze shifting to Rachael and Stefan. "What would you call someone who possesses the ability to discern thoughts and wield extraordinary powers in this world?" he inquired.
"You mean… magic?" Christina asked and Djuma nodded.
"A wizard?" Rachael suggested.
"A witch?" Stefan added.
"Sorcerer?" Christina chimed in.
"Or a magician?" Rachael ventured.
Djuma smiled amidst the stream of suggestions. "Whatever term you use here, in Perebia, we're collectively known as witches."
Mike's curiosity resurfaced. "But aren't witches female, while wizards are male?" he asked.
"In Perebia, the term 'witch' encompasses all magic practitioners, regardless of gender. Magical ability, not gender, defines us," Djuma clarified.
"I possess the ability to connect with minds and emotions," Djuma explained, turning toward Christina. "When I read your thoughts earlier, I discovered your affection for the Jyuran and admire your bravery in overcoming fear. That's why I felt comfortable approaching you."
Rachael's eyes sparkled with amusement as she turned to Christina. "Seriously? You have feelings for my brother?"
Christina's hands shot up in defense. "I don't! Seriously, I don't!" she protested.
Stefan chuckled, observing the exchange. "Now it makes sense. It's astonishing how love transforms people. The way you two went from lifelong animosity to sudden affection is remarkable. You're a perfect match."
Djuma's knowing smile hinted at his earlier awareness of Christina's emotions.
Christina stood rigid, her eyes blazing with disdain as she glared at Rachael and Stefan. The atmosphere was tense, her displeasure palpable.
Rachael chuckled, unfazed by Christina's hostility. "Indeed, they're an unlikely pair. The school queen and Mike? It's still hard to believe," she said.
Stefan's enthusiasm ignited. "Rachael, this is novel-worthy! We could title it 'Enemy Turned Love' or 'Love Conquers All'."
Rachael played along. "Or 'The School Queen's Unexpected Match'?"
"That sounded a bit historical, doesn't it?" Stefan asked, chuckling.
"We could add the element of time-traveling, that would be so nice, right?" Rachael continued.
"Enough. This isn't the time for frivolous jokes. We need to focus on the pressing issue," Mike intervened, his voice firm and commanding. As he turned to Djuma, he noticed an unsettling grin spreading across his face.
"Where did you learn to smile like that?" Mike asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "It's unnerving."
Djuma's response was nonchalant. "Do people really learn how to smile? I simply found your friends' banter amusing and..." His words trailed off as his eyes suddenly glowed with an ethereal light. Djuma's body began to levitate, his gaze fixed blankly on the sky.
Mike's concern spiked. "Djuma, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
But Djuma remained unresponsive, frozen in mid-air. His glowing eyes seemed to bore into the heavens, his body trembling as dark auras began to emanate from him.
The air grew heavy with foreboding, the group's laughter and chatter replaced by an ominous silence.
Rachael's voice barely above a whisper. "What's happening to him?"
Stefan's eyes widened in alarm. "Is he okay?"
Christina's expression softened, her earlier annoyance forgotten. "Djuma, snap out of it!"
Mike's voice remained calm, but his eyes betrayed worry. "Djuma, respond. What's going on?"
Djuma's silence was deafening, his glowing eyes the only indication of the turmoil brewing within.