He's Coming Back!

Mike's gaze swept across the room, meeting the fixed stare of the Anthropters. He could sense their wariness, their bodies tense and ready for any sudden attack.

Miram stood protectively in front of him, her hands poised as if to conjure her gastral shield at a moment's notice.

Mike took a deep breath, his words pouring out like a pent-up storm. "My name is Mike Smith. I have a family I'm supposed to be with; my parents didn't know I could transform into this. I don't have a choice but to accept the responsibility that comes with this power, since there's no way to strip me of it without losing my life."

"I almost killed my sister and my friends, but I managed to control myself. I'm not one of you, but I came this far, leaving my planet, my family, and my friends to save you as well as myself from being consumed."

"But you haven't seen me yet, and you've begun to discriminate against me and doubt my genuine intentions." He stepped down from the raised platform. The room held its breath as the Anthropters' eyes fixed on the human standing before them, his heart laid bare.

"I was almost killed by the one who called me father; with so many deaths, I narrowly escaped. And you've begun to doubt me without seeing me?"

Mat stood up from within the council, his face downcast with guilt. "We're just scared, we didn't mean to..."

"What about me? You think I wasn't scared as well?" Mike snapped. "I'm just like anyone else capable of being scared, nervous, and confused. All I wanted all my life was the power to protect those I hold dear, but the krara comes at a price, and I'm willing to pay it. I'm willing to fulfill my natural responsibility and bring peace to this kingdom."

Mike's face softened and his voice plummeted to almost a whisper. "But I can't do this alone, I'm still very young, untested, and naive. I need your guidance, your support, and more importantly, your trust. Please help me become the type of protector Perebia wanted," he implored.

The faces of the council members fell reflectively, their expressions a mix of shame, guilt, and contemplation. The silence that followed was intense. Mike's words had struck a chord in the council, leaving them in a state of introspection.

Garo, noticing the mood in the cavern, rushed forward and pulled Miram away from the scene. "He's no longer a danger to them," she whispered to her.

And just then, Mat broke the silence. "Now I see why the krara chose you," he said. "You're indeed the Jyuran Perebia have longed for, you're capable of bringing the kingdom back on her feet. You have my support. I shall stand by you for the freedom of Perebia."

One by one, each member of the council stood up and approached Mike, echoing Mat's sentiments.

"We shall stand by you and support you for the freedom of Perebia."

Garo was seized by a hiccup, her mouth wide open in disbelief. "No Jyuran slayer has ever promised to support the Jyuran before, they're naturally arch-enemies," she said almost to herself yet to Miram.

On the other side of the raised platform, Cat stared at Mike in equal disbelief. 

"He managed to win them over with his words," she thought to herself, a smile coming to her lips. "I'm really impressed."

*****

Lara McCall burst into John's office, her chest heaving with exertion. She paused, resting her hands on her knees to catch a breather before speaking.

However, John's attention remained fixated on the files Mrs. Mary had brought earlier, his eyes scanning the documents with an intensity that ignored Lara's arrival. 

"Take your time, Lara," he said as he flipped the pages of the file to another section. "The world is not coming to an end." 

Lara straightened up, having regained her composure. "We have a situation, sir!" she announced. "He's coming back!"

John remained calm, his eyes never leaving the files as he flipped the pages with a steady hand. "Who's coming back?" he inquired. 

"The bat, sir!" Lara shouted, seeing that John was still not acknowledging her. "He's coming back! Our team in space has transmitted data indicating a winged individual in a helmet descending toward our planet at incredible velocity."

John's reaction was instantaneous. The news he had been eagerly anticipating seemed to electrify him, and he jerked upright, the files slipping from his hand.

"Notify the captain of the NPS force to assemble as many personnel as possible," he ordered. "We will apprehend him this time, no matter the cost – dead or alive!"

As he watched Lara hurry out of the office to carry out his instructions, his eyes seemed to bore into the distance, his mind already focused on the impending confrontation.

As soon as Lara departed, Mrs. Mary entered the room and she approached John's desk.

"I've heard rumors that the bat is returning; I was wondering if you've devised a plan to address the situation, Mr. John?" she said.

"I won't allow him to escape as he did previously," John said, low but firmly. "This time, I'll ensure his capture, no matter the cost."

Mrs. Mary carefully placed her handbag on the desk and retrieved a sleek, silver pistol from the inside. "I thought you might require this, Mr. John," she said, offering it. "Ensure that he pays for what his kind did to Mr. Mark and his crew."

John accepted the pistol and quickly placed it inside his desk drawer. He looked at Mrs. Mary, searching for a glimpse of the motivations driving her actions. "Why are you doing this, Mrs. Mary?" he asked.

"I'm aware that I cannot sway your decision. However, I feel compelled to offer my support," she replied. "Nevertheless, it is imperative you do not fail in your mission this time."

John nodded fervently, his eyes darting toward the door as if fearful of potential eavesdroppers.

"Remember, Mr. John, you must shoot him regardless of the circumstances. Do not hesitate," Mrs. Mary's parting words sent a shiver coursing down his spine.

She took her bag, pivoted on her heel, and exited the room with the same calm, collected demeanor she had displayed upon entering.

John released a shallow sigh, his eyes lingering on the pistol resting inside his drawer for a moment before his hand instinctively reached for it.

*****

"Are you truly certain about this?" Cat inquired, scrutinizing Mike's face for confirmation. "If the situation spirals out of control, we would have no choice but to eliminate you. Would you like some additional time to think about it?"

"There's nothing more to consider; this is something I must undertake to liberate myself from Jran's grasp," Mike replied. "Shall we proceed?"

Cat nodded. "Yes, we shall," she replied, taken aback by the human's remarkable bravery.

Mike's eyes darted between each member of the council. "I trust that you will safeguard my physical form while I am incapacitated," he stated. 

The council members nodded in unison.

"Do not worry, my Jyuran," Miram assured. "I will never leave your side, not even for a moment." 

Mike's face broke into a faint smile as he turned to Miram. "I trust you, Miram." His gaze then shifted to Cat. "What is the next step?"