As Thursday morning dawned, Mrs. Smith's familiar voice resonated through the corridor, signaling the start of another day. "Five minutes to go, kids! Get ready, now!" she called out, her tone a perfect blend of urgency and warmth.
Mike's response drifted down from upstairs, laced with a hint of independence. "Don't worry, Mom, we've got this. We'll make our way to school today."
Mr. Smith, adjusting his tie in the hallway, raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain you two don't need a ride?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"Yes, Daddy, we'll be fine," Rachael's confident reply floated down from her room.
Mr. Smith nodded, his expression easing. He climbed down the stairs and reached for the dinning table. He then pulled out his wallet and placed a $20 bill on the table. "I put a bill on the table just in case, take it. It should cover a taxi or bus fare if needed," he said.
With a final reminder – "Take care, kids! See you tonight!" – Mr. and Mrs. Smith headed out the door and drove away.
Mike wandered over to the window, watching as their car disappeared around the corner. His gaze shifted to the NPS agent, stationed across the street, who was muttering into his receiver. Suddenly, the agent started his car and sped away, leaving Mike perplexed.
"Why did he leave so abruptly?" Mike wondered aloud, furrowing his brow. "Is something off?"
Shaking off his unease, Mike headed downstairs. "Rachael, they're gone! Get the fuck out!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the hallway.
As he reached the front door, Mike opened it and scanned the surroundings, searching for a familiar figure.
"Djumara! Djuma!" he called out, but only silence responded.
As Mike was about to step back into the house, a bald, middle-aged man in a tailored brown suit strode up, flashing a broad grin. His matching brown, yet familiar pouch slung over his shoulder added a touch of elegance.
"Who are you, and what brings you here?" Mike asked, eyeing the stranger from head to toe.
The man chuckled, his voice dripping with self-satisfaction. "This is how I'd look if I were human, don't you think I'm quite dashing?"
Mike scoffed, his eyes widening in astonishment as he took in the man's familiar yet alien features. "Djuma?! How did you...? You can transform?"
Djuma nodded, his grin still plastered on his face. "I prefer the term 'shapeshifting.' It's a skill all witches possess, allowing us to blend in on any planet we visit."
Mike's curiosity got the better of him. "And the suit? Where did you get it?"
Djuma's expression turned mischievous. "I acquired it from where they sell such things."
Mike's eyes narrowed. "Acquired… or did you 'acquire' it without paying?" he pressed, his hands folded.
Djuma grunted, his gaze flicking to the suit. "I needed it more than they did, obviously. This is an upgrade from my previous attire. What do you think?" He sought Mike's approval.
Mike nodded, amused. "It suits you perfectly. Come in." He swung the door wide, inviting Djuma inside.
As Mike closed the door, ensuring they weren't being watched, Rachael's voice cut through the silence. "Who are you?" Her eyes darted between Djuma and Mike, demanding answers.
"Our extraterrestrial friend in human disguise," Mike replied, sinking into the sofa. "Doesn't he look good in that suit?"
Rachael's gaze narrowed. "Djuma?!" she exclaimed, incredulous. "Are you really Djuma?"
Djuma nodded, smiling, and settled beside Mike, setting his pouch on the floor.
Rachael's eyes widened. "I had no idea you could shapeshift! That's amazing! And looking at you now, you look good," she said, her eyes beaming with smile.
She gestured to the dining table. "Let's eat, guys. Come on."
Just as Mike and Djuma were about to join Rachael, a persistent knocking at the door startled them.
"Who could that be?" Rachael asked, her voice laced with concern, her fear palpable. "Should we be on guard?"
"No need for alarm; it's your brother's love interest," Djuma replied nonchalantly, his attention drawn to the spread on the table.
"Christina?!" Mike and Rachael exclaimed in unison, incredulity etched on their faces.
Mike's eyes widened as he approached the door. "You've got to be joking," he muttered, swinging it open to reveal Christina standing outside.
"Christina, how did you find my house?" Mike asked, astonishment evident in his tone.
Christina gestured toward the street. "I didn't know the way; he brought me here."
Just then, a voice called out from the distance. "Christina, wait up!"
Stefan burst through the gate, his breath visible on his face, his pace frantic. "Hey, man, how's it going?" he asked Mike, composing himself.
"Doing well," Mike replied. "Aren't you two supposed to be in school?"
Stefan's expression turned serious. "What do you mean? You think we'd let you handle this alone?"
Christina intervened, her voice firm. "We're friends, aren't we?"
Stefan chimed in, his tone resolute. "And what do friends do when one needs help? They lend a hand."
From the dining table, Rachael's muffled voice invited, "Come in, guys!" Her mouth full of bread, she gestured welcomingly.
As Mike, Stefan, and Christina entered the sitting room, they made their way to the sofa, while Mike wended his way to the dining table.
Drawn by the inviting aroma of freshly prepared food. Stefan's curious gaze landed on Djuma, who was enthusiastically devouring the toast on the table.
"Who's this guy?" Stefan asked, his eyes locked onto Djuma's unfamiliar appearance.
Christina smiled, setting down her bag beside Djuma's pouch. "Who else could it be? Djuma, of course. Or who else could be eating like it's their first time experiencing human cuisine?"
Djuma, sensing their attention, turned around, his eyes sparkling with delight. "I haven't had a meal since yesterday, and I'm famished," he explained, his serious expression only adding to the humor.
"And… this is actually my first time trying human food, and it's incredible!" he exclaimed, his wonder infectious.
The group erupted into chuckles at his genuine reaction, Mike included. He shook his head, amused, and took a seat at the dining table.
"Come join us, guys," Mike invited, gesturing to Christina and Stefan.
Stefan declined, patting his stomach. "I'm full, thanks."
Christina echoed his sentiment. "Me too. Enjoy your meal."
Djuma nodded, undeterred, and continued savoring each bite.
A few minutes passed, and the group settled into the sitting room, enveloped in an air of anticipation. Djuma stood before them, his gaze sweeping the room, ensuring they were secure.
"Cover all windows and switch off the lights," he instructed. "We must block every ray of light."
Without hesitation, the group sprang into action. Curtains were drawn, blinds closed, and lights extinguished, plunging the room into darkness.
Once satisfied with the dim surroundings, Djuma approached Mike, now seated in a chair. "Next, you need to access the memory pool," he said, his voice low and deliberate.
Mike's expression turned quizzical. "I don't understand. What's the memory pool?"
Djuma's eyes locked onto Mike's. "The memory pool is the collective memories stored within the Krara. Accessing one memory will unlock the entire repository."
Mike's brow furrowed. "Uh… this is crazy. But how do I access it?"
"Focus on the energy within you," Djuma guided. "You tap into this energy whenever you transform. It shouldn't be unfamiliar."
Djuma paused, ensuring Mike grasped the instructions.
"Concentrate on your inner energy. Visualize it coursing through your veins. This will connect you to the Krara's memory pool."
Mike nodded slowly, determination etched on his face.
Rachael, Stefan, and Christina settled into the couch adjacent to Mike's, their eyes fixed on him and Djuma. Mike closed his eyes, focusing on Djuma's instructions. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, glowing with an ethereal light.
Without warning, Mike's enormous wings burst forth from his spine, tearing apart his polo. The room fell silent, except for the sound of ripping fabric.
"I didn't ask you to transform," Djuma said calmly, "but I suppose it's for the better. Now, can you focus on the same energy?"
Mike's eyes remained closed again, his voice filled with wonder. "I can feel it! It's like a fire burning inside me, it feels incredible!"
Djuma nodded. "Now, slowly pronounce the name 'Perebia' with your inner mind. Clear your thoughts and relax; it's not difficult."
Mike's face contorted, and he began panting, gasping for breath as if drowning. Concern etched on their faces, Rachael and Christina leapt to their feet.
"What's wrong?" Rachael stammered, fear lacing her voice.
Djuma's firm tone commanded attention. "He's already in the memory pool. Please, no more questions. I implore everyone to remain seated and silent."
His polite but authoritative voice conveyed the gravity of the situation, and the room fell silent once more.
Rachael and Christina exchanged worried glances but returned to their seats, their eyes fixed on Mike's struggling form.
The room became silent as everyone watched Mike struggle, gasping inexplicably for two agonizing minutes. Then, his glowing eyes snapped open, revealing an icy stare.
"Djuma's concerned voice broke the silence. "Are you okay, Mike?"
Mike's response sent shivers down their spines. "I need to return to Perebia. Now." His tone was unfamiliar, as if another being had awakened within him.
Djuma's eyes searched Mike's face. "Have you regained your memories?"
Mike nodded resolutely. "Everything's back. I must return to Perebia and finish what I started." His voice dripped with determination. "I'll destroy that rotten kingdom."
Djuma stepped forward, an alarm etched on his face. "What are you talking about? You can't do that, my Jyuran!" he said, attempting to intercept.
But Mike's transformation was startling. With a swift flap of his wings, he sent Djuma crashing into the metal window frame.
"Mike!" Stefan cried, his voice trembling. "What's wrong with you?"
Mike turned, his eyes blazing with displeasure. Electricity crackled around him, forming a glowing orb that seemed to obey his command.
"Mike, can you hear me?" Rachael shouted, desperation lacing her voice.
Stefan recoiled, terror etched on his face. "He's lost control! Mike, snap out of it!"
Christina's gentle voice pierced the chaos, echoing in Mike's ears. "Mike, come back to us. You're stronger than this. Remember why you sought power – to protect those you love?"
Mike's glare intensified, his glowing eyes flashing wildly. "Who are you?!" he roared, clutching his head in agony.
Christina's words flowed steadfast, despite the danger. "I recall when you said you wanted power to safeguard those dear to you. At that moment, I knew you were a good guy. We may have clashed, but deep down, I knew some part of me cared for you. It may sound like.."
Mike's rage boiled over. "Silence!" he bellowed, the electricity orb surging, feeding on nearby devices and expanding ominously.
"I'll annihilate all of you!" Mike threatened, his voice dripping with malevolence.