Mike's face scrunched in surprise. "I just...knew. It felt like I've known about it forever."
He turned to Djuma, seeking answers. "Does that mean my memories are unlocked?"
Djuma shook his head. "If you had unlocked them, you wouldn't want to stay here any longer."
Mike's eyes narrowed.
"Perhaps knowing about the Lav was your instinct as the Jyuran," Djuma suggested.
Rachael's voice cut in, her tone intense. "What about me? I'm his sister. Why can't I have the Lav? Why her?"
Djuma's expression turned solemn. "The Lav can only be shared between those with mutual feelings, deep emotional connections."
Rachael's eyes flashed. "I'm his sister; we share mutual feelings. Or does he love someone else more?"
Christina's laughter interrupted the tension. "That's different, silly girl!" she said.
Rachael teased, a smile spreading.
"Lovebird!"
The group erupted into chuckles, easing the tension.
"I think it's going to rain today," Stefan said, gazing out the window at the darkening sky.
Christina and Stefan exchanged sly glances, their faces mirroring mischief.
"What's going on?" Mike asked, his brows furrowed in curiosity.
Rachael, catching on, chimed in with a grin. "They're planning to use the rain as an excuse to skip school. I doubt the rain would fall, the weather forecaster stated yesterday that today would be sunny."
Christina and Stefan's faces fell, their grumble synchronized. "Dammit!"
Rachael's playful tease had deflated their scheme.
"She ruined the mood, party-pooper!" Stefan said and rolled his eyes.
Mike smiled and turned to Djuma, noticing his worried expression.
"Don't worry, everything will be alright," he reassured, laying a comforting hand on Djuma's shoulder.
Djuma's concern deepened. "I fear for the safety of those around you. When the colony arrive, they'll stop at nothing to capture you. These people won't be spared," he said.
"I'll follow your lead. What's the plan, my Jyuran?"
Mike's eyes clouded, contemplative. "If they're truly sent by Dahra, I doubt harming me is their goal."
He folded his arms, determination etched on his face. "In that case, protecting the people takes priority. We need to create a decoy, lead them away from landing on our planet. Any suggestions?"
The group fell silent, collectively brainstorming a strategy.
Stefan cleared his throat, proposing, "How about you approach them first and—"
Rachael interrupted, her tone laced with skepticism. "Run away? That sounds childish and reckless!"
Stefan's face reddened. "Well, do you have a better plan?"
Rachael's eyes narrowed. "We can't just flee. We need a solid strategy."
Mike intervened, calming the tension. "Easy, guys. Stefan's idea might not be bad."
He turned to Djuma, his expression serious. "If I approach them and divert their attention, can I trust your ability to get us out of here undetected?"
Djuma nodded, confidence etched on his face. "I'll ensure our safe escape, my Jyuran. You focus on diverting them."
Djuma pondered momentarily before nodding. "Your plan is sound, my Jyuran. However, ensuring your safety remains paramount. We cannot allow them to capture you."
Mike's smile exuded confidence. "They won't, because you'll protect me. I have complete trust in you."
Djuma's eyes locked onto Mike's, his voice filled with conviction. "I have sworn to safeguard you, my Jyuran. Your trust honors me."
Mike's expression turned introspective. "You keep calling me 'your Jyuran' since we met. It's making me uncomfortable. Can't you use my real name?"
Djuma's gaze remained steadfast, his tone unwavering. "I dare not disrespect you, my Jyuran. Your name is sacred, your presence an honour only to those worthy."
Mike's surprise gave way to resignation. "Fine, never mind," he muttered under his breath. "Why is he making a fuss about it? Am I royalty or something? Impossible. I'm a protector, a warrior."
Djuma's subtle chuckle hinted at amusement, but he remained silent.
Rachael, observing the exchange, whispered to Stefan, "What's going on? Why won't Djuma call Mike by his name?"
Stefan shrugged. "Maybe it's a Jyuran thing."
After some time, Mike turned, his eyes sweeping the room. Rachael and Stefan stood transfixed in front of the window, their gazes lost in the swirling clouds outside. The gray sky seemed to mirror the turmoil brewing within.
On the staircase, Christina sat poised, her gaze locked onto Mike. Her eyes, like pools of deep concern, held a silent questions. The soft curve of her lips hinted at a mix of worry and determination.
The air was heavy with anticipation, the silence punctuated only by the distant hum of the wind. Mike's heart beat steadily, his senses heightened as he absorbed the scene before him.
Mike approached and settled beside Christina, concern etched on his face.
"Hey, are you alright? You seem down. Is something bothering you?" he asked.
Christina's expression mirrored her worries. "I'm scared, Mike. I overheard your conversation with Djuma. I wish there was another way."
Her voice cracked. "I wish you'd never found that box and book, never become the Jyuran. None of this would be happening."
Mike's gaze softened. "What's done is done. We can't change the past. We must focus on moving forward," he continued, his voice filled with conviction.
"The Krara was a gift, It granted my deepest desire - to safeguard those I care about. Do you remember?"
His eyes locked onto Christina's, seeking a connection. "And now, with the Krara, I can finally make that dream a reality."
Christina's forced smile faltered, she nodded, tears welling up. "The Krara granted your wish, but now it's putting you in danger. I never wanted this for you."
Mike's eyes locked onto hers, resolute. "Nothing in life is free, Christina. Every gift comes with a price."
His voice took on a determined tone.
"As long as I can protect those I care about, I'll pay that price, even if it means giving my life."
Christina's eyes overflowed, tears streaming down her face.
Mike's gentle fingers wiped them away.
"I'll be fine, Christina. I promise."
Christina sighed, resignation etched on her face. "I know I can't change your mind, but I wish I could stand by you, face this together."
Mike's expression softened. "Your safety is my priority. Stay here, and we'll stay connected through the Lav. It will keep us linked, always."
Christina's determination matched Mike's. "I'll keep in touch, every minute, every hour."
Mike smiled, his eyes crinkling. "I trust you, Christina. We'll stay connected, every second."
Their gazes locked, and Christina's lips brushed against Mike's in a tender kiss. Mike reciprocated, his arms enveloping her.
"Mike! Someone's here!" Stefan's urgent voice severed the moment.
Mike's composure snapped back into place. He joined Stefan and Rachael, following their gazes to the approaching black car.
"Cover the window, it might be one of them," Mike warned, urgency lacing his voice.
Rachael and Stefan swiftly obscured the window, stepping back into the shadows.
Mike approached Djuma, who stood at the room's corner, mumbling to himself.
"Who are you talking to?" Mike asked, his gaze intent on Djuma.
Djuma's eyes remained closed. "My daughter, Miram. I'm communicating with her through my Lav," he replied and resumed his conversation.
"It's the Jyuran? I finally found him. I was worried, your Lav was unresponsive yesterday. Were you drained during our last conversation?"
"Drained? Why would I be? I was perfectly fine," Miram's voice emanated from the Lav, clear and vibrant.
Djuma's expression turned surprised. "I was drained, Miram. I assumed the distance—"
"The Lav doesn't drain energy, Father. You're just tired," Miram's laughter interrupted. "I'd love to see the Jyuran. When are you coming back?"
Djuma chuckled. "Perhaps. We'll return to Perebia tonight, but arrival will take time...tomorrow, possibly," he replied and disconnected.
Mike's awe grew. "Incredible, the Lav's ability to communicate across vast distances."
Djuma's tone shifted to urgency. "Time's running out, my Jyuran. You've discovered your supersight and superhearing. Now, learn echolocation."
Mike nodded resolutely. "Let's do it."
Djuma led Mike to a secluded area, beginning the lesson.
"Focus on your hearing, feel the vibrations. Echoes will reveal your surroundings."
Mike closed his eyes, concentrating.
The training went on.
******
The black vehicle, which had been approaching ominously, finally halted in front of Mike's house. The driver's window rolled down, revealing a familiar face - one of the NPS agents Mike had confronted a few days prior.
The agent's eyes gleamed with malice. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Bat boy's playing truant, skipping school."
His grin twisted, revealing a sadistic intent. "Let's see how strong you are this time, kid. You think you can take down trained agents? I'll enjoy watching you beg."
He cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing menacingly, and readied his gun.