"You really can't see us?" Stefan exclaimed, scanning Djuma's serene face for any sign of deception.
Djuma nodded solemnly. "That's correct. I navigate to your location using what you humans call echolocation, relying on my acute hearing to detect even the slightest sounds."
"They're actually not big for nothing; they're incredibly useful," Rachael said, marveling at the complexity of Djuma's ability.
However, Djuma's expression turned serious. "You need to make your brother understand the magnitude of the power he possesses," he warned. "The power being wielded here forebodes catastrophe for your world. The son will stop at nothing to reunite with his father."
"Whose son? Mike's?"
"That's impossible. Mike has a son we're unaware of?"
"Mike's never even dated a girl before; how can he have a son?"
"Is this some kind of joke? Are you kidding us?"
Djuma sighed. "It's a long, intricate story. But trust me, it's far more complex than you can imagine," he said. "However, let me offer a crucial warning: if you're confronted by beings like me, use your torchlight. The intense light will blind them and grant you time to escape."
"And what if we don't have a torch?"
"Run! Don't hesitate," Djuma replied. "They'll show no mercy; your survival depends on swift action."
As he stepped forward, his ears remained attuned to Stefan and Rachael's direction, subtly emphasizing his continued awareness of their presence.
Stefan recoiled in terror. "Now I'm getting petrified," he whispered, his heart in his mouth.
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?"
"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."
"So, you guys can only see in darkness?" Stefan asked. "That's crazy, really crazy!"
"We don't see in complete darkness either," Djuma quickly clarified. "We thrive in low-light conditions. As long as the environment isn't excessively bright, we can survive."
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."
Djuma stepped closer to Rachael, his expression unreadable. "We're not half-human; we're Anthropters – a distinct species," he stated. "Should I call you half-Anthropter since you resemble us?"
"Oh my goodness, that's true! I get it now," Stefan 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 gaze locked onto Stefan's direction.
"The sun's rays drain our energy, potentially leading to fatal consequences," Djuma explained, now looking up at the cloudy sky. "Fortunately, I can remain in the open now due to the overcast weather."
"You mentioned the Jyuran's unique ability. Can he truly see regardless of brightness?" Rachael asked.
Djuma's expression turned introspective as he faced her. "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."
Rachael's eyes searched Djuma's face for validation. "Is this legend based on fact?"
Djuma shrugged. "I'm unsure; it's a story passed down through generations, possibly intended to preserve the Jyuran's legacy." His words conveyed ambiguity.
"You don't believe it?" Stefan inquired.
Djuma shook his head. "I acknowledge the Jyuran's power might be real, but sharing it seems... implausible. Only the Jyuran would wield such an ability."
Rachael settled onto the ground, her bag beside her. "How does sharing his day sight seem insignificant?" she asked.
"On my home planet, we don't require day sight because our environment lacks a sun entirely," Djuma explained, clasping his hands 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 with curiosity. "How does your planet sustain life without solar energy?"
"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 sweet 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!" Stefan quickly interrupted. "We were just shocked, that's all. We're still wrapping our heads around everything."
He turned to Rachael and smirked. "I guess someone found it amazing rather than weird."
Rachael smiled but said nothing.
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, settling behind him as a potential shield against Christina's ire.
"Why the hell are you running from me? Come back here immediately!" Christina grumbled.
"Do you honestly expect him to stand still and wait for you?" Rachael snickered. "That's highly unlikely, don't you think?"
Despite the chaos, Djuma remained calm, his ears twitching and swiveling toward Christina as he replied, "I sought your assistance earlier and did not intend 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?" Rachael asked. "What specific help did you require?"
"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.
"What if I were Mike's nemesis?" Djuma said. "You would have unknowingly revealed your identity and intentions to me without knowing who I am."
"I sensed your intentions from afar; I knew you posed no threat."
"How did you know that?"
Djuma stepped back, turning his face toward Rachael and Stefan.
"What do 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?"
"A witch?"
"A sorcerer?"
"Or a magician?"
Djuma smiled amidst the stream of suggestions. "Whatever term you use here, in Perebia, we're collectively known as witches."
"But… aren't witches female while wizards are male?" Mike asked.
"In Perebia, the term 'witch' encompasses all magic practitioners, regardless of gender. It's the magical ability, not gender, that defines us," Djuma explained.
"I possess the ability to connect with minds and emotions," Djuma continued, turning toward Christina. "When I read your thoughts earlier, I discovered your feelings 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. "Of course not!" She protested as she whirled around. "Why are you all staring at me like that? I seriously don't!"
Mike averted his face and grinned. This is great!I'm starting to love this, he thought.
"Now it makes sense. It's astonishing how love transforms people," Stefan remarked. "The way you two went from lifelong animosity to sudden affection is remarkable. You're a perfect match."
Christina stood rigid, her eyes blazing with disdain as she glared at Rachael and Stefan.
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.
"Rachael, don't you think this is novel-worthy? We could title it 'Enemy Turned Love' or 'Love Conquers All.'"
"Or… 'The School Queen's Unexpected Match'?"
"That sounds a bit historical, doesn't it?"
"We could add an element of time travel—that would be nice, right?"
"Enough," Mike said, managing to contain his enthusiasm. "This isn't the time for frivolous jokes. We need to focus on the pressing issue." As he turned to Djuma, he noticed an unsettling grin spreading across his face.
"Where did you learn to smile like that?" he queried. "It's unnerving."
Djuma shrugged nonchalantly. "Do people need to learn how to smile? I simply found your friends' banter amusing and..." His words trailed off as his eyes suddenly glowed with an ethereal red light.
Djuma's body began to levitate, his gaze fixed blankly on the sky, triggering Mike's concern.
"Djuma, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
But Djuma remained unresponsive, frozen in mid-air. His glowing eyes seemed to bore into the heavens, and his body trembled as dark auras began to emanate from him.
The air grew heavy with foreboding; the group's laughter and chatter were replaced by an ominous silence.
"Djuma, snap out of it!" Christina called, her earlier annoyance fading.
"What's happening to him?"
"Is he okay?"
"Djuma, respond. What's going on?"
But Djuma's silence was deafening; his glowing eyes and body suspended in the air only added to the tension.
Something is going on!