Mike's face scrunched in surprise. "I just...knew. It felt like I've known about it forever," he said. "Does that mean my memories are finally unlocked?"
"If you had unlocked them, you wouldn't want to stay here any longer," Djuma shook his head. "Perhaps knowing about the Lav was your instinct as a Jyuran."
"What about me?" Rachael said. "I'm his sister. Why can't I have the Lav? Why her?"
"The Lav can only be shared between those with mutual feelings, deep emotional connections," Djuma said.
"But I'm his sister; we share mutual feelings. Or does he love someone else more?"
"That's a different, silly girl!" Mike laughed.
"Lovebird!" Rachael teased.
"I think it's going to rain today," Stefan said, gazing out the window at the darkening sky.
Christina and Stefan stared at each other for a while and grinned mischievously.
"What's going on?" Mike asked.
"They're planning to use the rain as an excuse to skip school," Rachael, catching on, said. "But I doubt the rain would fall, the weather forecaster stated yesterday that today would be sunny."
"Dammit!" Stefan muttered.
"She ruined the mood, party pooper!" Christina said and rolled her eyes.
Mike noticed Djuma's worried expression and he laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, everything will be alright," he reassured.
"I fear for the safety of those around you," Djuma said. "When the colony arrives, they'll stop at nothing to capture you. These people won't be spared. I'll follow your lead. What's your plan, my Jyuran?"
"If they're truly sent by Dahra, I doubt harming me is their goal," Mike said. He folded his arms and let out a deep exhale. "In that case, protecting the people takes priority. We need to create a decoy and 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—"
"Run away, right?" Rachael cut in. "That sounds childish and reckless!"
Stefan's face reddened. "Well, do you have a better plan?"
"We can't just flee. We need a solid strategy."
"Easy, guys. Stefan's idea might not be bad," Mike said. "But we can reshape it. Since my transformation would lead them to me I can use that to my advantage."
He addressed Djuma, "If I draw them to me can I trust your ability to get us out of Earth unharmed?"
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."
"I have sworn to safeguard you, my Jyuran. Your trust honors me."
"You keep using honorifics for me ever since we met. It's making me uncomfortable. Can't you just call me by my real name?"
"I dare not disrespect you, my Jyuran. Your name is sacred, your presence an honor only to those worthy."
Mike flinched at the alien's confidence.
"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 was low, but he said nothing.
"What's going on? Why won't he call Mike by his name?" Rachael whispered to Stefan.
Stefan shrugged. "My guess is as good as yours. We can't know for certain. Maybe it's a Jyuran thing."
On the staircase, Christina sat poised, her gaze locked onto Mike. Her eyes, like pools of deep concern, held silent questions. The soft curve of her lips hinted at a mix of worry and concern.
The silence was punctuated only by the distant hum of the wind. Mike's heartbeat steadily, his senses heightened as he absorbed the scene before him.
He approached and settled beside Christina.
"Hey, are you alright?" he asked. "You seem down. Is something bothering you?"
"I'm scared, Mike," she said almost in whispers. "I overheard your conversation with Djuma. I wish there was another way. I wish you'd never found that box and book, never become a Jyuran. None of this would be happening."
"What's done is done," Mike said. "We can't change the past. We must focus on moving forward."
He grabbed Christina's hand and put it in his. "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."
"The krara granted your wish, but now it's putting you in danger. I never wanted this for you."
"Nothing in life is free, Christina. Every gift comes with a price. And as long as I can protect those I care about, I'll pay that price, even if it means giving up my life."
He gently wiped Christina's tears away.
"I'll be fine, Christina. I promise."
"I know I can't change your mind, but I wish I could stand by you and face this together."
"Your safety is my priority. Stay here, and we'll stay connected through the Lav. It will keep us linked, always."
"I'll keep in touch, every minute, every hour."
Mike smiled. "I know you will. I trust you."
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 at the window, following their gazes to the approaching black car.
"Cover the window, it might be one of them," Mike warned.
Rachael and Stefan swiftly obscured the window, stepping back into the shadows. Mike approached Djuma, who stood in the room's corner, mumbling to himself.
"Who are you talking to?" he asked.
"My daughter, Miram," Djuma replied. "I'm communicating with her through my Lav."
He continued speaking again, "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.
Surprised crossed Djuma's face.
"I was drained, Miram. I assumed the distance—"
The Lav doesn't drain energy, Father. You're just tired, Miram laughed. 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.
"Wow! The Lav's ability to communicate across vast distances is incredible," Mike said in awe.
"Time's running out, my Jyuran. You've discovered most of your abilities. But you need to learn about echolocation."
"Let's do it," Mike nodded resolutely.
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 man's lips curled up 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.