As Mike and Miram flew deeper, the fog grew thicker, obscuring all visibility. Mike relied on his acute senses, trusting Miram's lead. Her wings created a subtle turbulence, guiding him through the dense mist.
The world narrowed to a singular focus: the rhythmic beat of their wings, the rush of the fog, and the faint hum of Miram's energy.
As they soared through the sky, Miram and Mike traversed a diverse landscape of mountains, each varying in height and ruggedness. The majestic peaks stretched towards the sky.
Suddenly, with breathtaking agility, Miram executed a daring dive, plummeting downward with an effortless grace that belied the risks involved. Mike followed closely, his heart pounding in his chest as curiosity got the better of him.
As they descended, the thick fog parted to reveal a towering misty mountain, its imposing presence commanding reverence. Miram approached the mountain with precision, her wings beating steadily to maintain her altitude.
With an air of mystery, she began to weave intricate patterns with her hands, as if conjuring a hidden force, anticipation filling the air.
And then, in an astonishing display of ancient magic, a section of the mountain began to shift, its massive stones separating with a low rumble. The sound echoed through the valley, a testament to the hidden secrets that lay within.
As the dust settled, an entrance materialized, revealing a cave hidden from the outside world. Mike's eyes widened in awe, his mind struggling to comprehend the sheer scale of the deception.
Miram turned to Mike, a warm smile illuminating her face. "Come in, my Jyuran," she invited, beckoning him to follow her into the cave. With a fluid motion, Miram folded her wings against her back and stepped into the sanctuary.
Mike trailed behind, his eyes scanning the cavernous space. The room was surprisingly spacious, with rocks carefully crafted into functional objects. A sturdy square-shaped rock stood at the room's center, serving as a makeshift table. Upon it rested brown bamboo cups and an iron bowl, containing the remnants of a long-forgotten meal.
Four rock stools, each uniquely carved, were scattered around the room, inviting weary travelers to rest. The space was dimly lit by a peculiar lantern, its soft glow casting eerie shadows on the walls.
Despite the limited light, Mike's night vision allowed him to take in every detail. At the end of the room laid an entrance leading to where Mike assumed to be another room.
Hung on the walls were several garments made from animal hides, their rustic textures and earthy scents evoking a sense of primal simplicity. Mike recognized some of the furs as belonging to Djuma, stirring memories of their past encounters.
Just as Mike was absorbing the ambiance, Christina's voice broke into his thoughts. "Are you okay, Mike?"
Mike smiled, his expression warming. "I'm alright now, thanks for your help earlier," he replied, gratitude coloring his tone. "I've managed to overcome Jran's influence, at least for now." He paused, concern etching his features. "Is my sister with you?"
"Yes, Stefan's here too," Christina reassured him. "Rachael asked me to ask you about the planet's conditions."
Mike's gaze drifted toward the cave's entrance, where the darkening sky was painted with hues of twilight. "I haven't had a chance to explore much yet, as night is falling quickly. However, I've noticed that there's oxygen present, and the fog here has a distinct blue color."
Christina relayed Mike's words to Stefan and Rachael. Stefan's eyes widened in astonishment. "Really!? There's oxygen on the planet!?" he exclaimed, incredulity ringing in his voice.
Rachael murmured to herself, her voice barely audible, "I suspected as much; they resemble us, so it's highly probable they can thrive in an oxygen-rich environment." Her words trailed off, lost in thought.
Mike's concern deepened, his voice tinged with worry. "I haven't seen Djuma since my arrival. Is something amiss with him?" He paused, awaiting Christina's response.
Christina's explanation unfolded calmly. "Djuma was taken captive by my father when you were taken away. However, we managed to rescue him earlier this morning." A reassuring smile accompanied her words. "I'm unsure how long it will take him to reach your location, but he should be approaching soon."
Mike's brows furrowed, perplexity etched on his face. "Djuma was captured?" he pressed, disregarding the reassurance of his rescue, seeking clarity on the events that transpired. "How did it happen?"
Christina's response came with a hint of reluctance, as if hesitant to revisit the ordeal. "My father detained him for his ridiculous experiment in the NASA facility. It's a lengthy and complicated story, but rest assured, we secured his release, and you needn't worry."
Mike's heart swelled with gratitude. "I'm proud of all of you," he declared, his voice filled with emotion. "I love you all." Christina relayed his words to the others, ensuring everyone shared in the sentiment.
"Are you going to be okay?" Mike asked, concerned. "I mean, if your father finds out you interfered with his job…"
"Nothing is gonna happen, he interfered with my friends first," Christina cut in. "How's your wound by the way? Can't believe I forgot about that."
"It has healed by the time I woke up," Mike replied. "I learnt that a gun is not enough to kill me."
Christina's expression turned sad, her voice apologetic. "I'm really sorry for what my father did to you... and Djuma. I hope I can…"
"Don't apologize, it's not your fault. I can't blame you for your father's mischievous activities," Mike assured. "I'm really proud of you."
As he turned to the side, his attention caught by an unexpected movement, his gaze met Miram's, and he flinched. Her face radiated warmth, a wide smile spreading across her features.
Mike took a cautious step backward, creating distance between himself and Miram. "Give me a minute, Christina," he said, his eyes still fixed on Miram before turning away.
Mike's expression transformed into a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "Is... something wrong?" he asked, his brows furrowed in perplexity. "Why are you staring at me like... that?" The intensity of her gaze unsettled him.
Miram's lips curled into a gentle smile as she brushed aside her short, curly black hair, revealing her bright, piercing eyes. "It's actually my first time seeing a Jyuran," she admitted, her voice filled with wonder.
"And not just any Jyuran, but one from another planet, a human. It's like a dream come true." Her words were laced with enchantment.
Mike couldn't help but chuckle at Miram's wide-eyed fascination. She reminded him of a child beholding their idol. "Well… Here I am," he shrugged, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
His expression swiftly turned resolute, concern etched on his features. "Have you heard from your father?" he inquired, his tone serious.
Miram's smile faltered, and her eyes clouded. "Yes," she nodded, her voice tinged with gravity. "He's the one who told me to go look for you, that you're likely to be in need of help."
Mike settled onto one of the rock stools, his expression contemplative. "I guess things are easy for him, having the ability to foresee the future as he wishes," he said, his tone tinged with a mix of awe and envy.
Miram turned from the cave's entrance, her eyes locking onto Mike's. "My father doesn't have control over it," she corrected, her voice laced with concern. "The visions come without warning, leaving him drained of energy." She paused, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "The more crucial the visions, the more energy they consume."
Meanwhile, Christina listened intently to their conversation, her silence a testament to her fascination. She had been unaware of the risks Djuma faced with his gift.
Miram continued, her voice softening. "His life is always in danger when he's foreseeing, leaving him vulnerable. If such a thing happens during a fierce battle, what do you think would become of him?" Her eyes searched Mike's, providing understanding. "The power is a great gift, but it comes with a lethal price."
As Miram spoke, Mike's mind wandered back to the instance when Djuma foresaw the future in front of him, Rachael, Stefan, and Christina. He recalled how vulnerable Djuma had been, how anyone could have harmed him during that state. Enemies would never miss such an opportunity.
He nodded thoughtfully, grasping the weight of Miram's words.
Miram rose and walked toward Mike, settling onto a nearby rock stool, leaving a respectful distance between them. "My father will arrive soon. Let's wait for him," she said, her smile gentle.
Mike's curiosity got the better of him, his eyes locking onto Miram's. "May I address you as Miram? You appear much younger than me," he inquired.
Miram's response was a radiant grin, her eyes blinking slowly with an air of mystique. "Feel free to call me whatever you desire, my Jyuran. I'm still in the prime of youth, merely forty-four years old," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness.
Mike's astonishment was palpable. "Forty-four years old?! You can't be serious!" he exclaimed, incredulity etched on his face.