Saidia and Tiyrah exited their helicopter shortly after it landed and made their way to Musa’s place.

We had considered using Glass to power planes, cars and trains but it was too finite a resource and so we turned to good old fashioned crude oil which was used to make all manner of things including the fuel that powered the helicopter which Saidia had just exited but while the Prime Minister of Hatua had her narrowed eyes set on the building ahead, Tiyrah's looked up and gasped upon seeing the many dragons flying above.

She lovingly gazed upon them as they circled the skies above as she followed her wife to the mini temple.

Both women wore winter clothing with Saidia being covered in a thick pure white coat. She still wore her pure white head wrap although her eyes were protected from the afternoon sun by some shades.

Tiyrah wore a winter version of her uniform along with some black leather gloves.

The guards by the door saluted the approaching women and made way for Saidia who walked up to and knocked on the door which was opened soon after by a person who made Saidia’s eyes widen.

“You…” She hissed upon seeing General Tuko.

“Oh- good morning, ma’am. What brings you here-“

“You stubborn old man, what did I tell you-“

“Who is it?” Akili asked as he approached Tuko from behind.

This made Saidia’s left eye twitch a little.

“Ah- good morning, General Akili. I was simply coming to pay Mal’akh Musa a visit and I’m sure you can imagine my surprise upon seeing that the General of Hatua’s armies was still here.” Saidia smiled and this was enough to make Tuko cower away but before he could get very far, a weary Chozek walked up to the door from behind Akili.

“What’s going on?” The King of Y’shuah asked and this was apparently the last straw for Saidia who bit her teeth before pushing everyone by the door aside, even though she was far smaller than them, and making her way to Musa, who lazily sat on his couch.

“Ahem! Sorry for disturbing you, Mal’akh Musa but-“

“Don’t worry, we already came to an agreement. Or maybe I should say I got tired of their begging.” Musa smiled as Tiyrah closed the door behind her.

“And…?” Saidia asked with a fearful expression.

“I never intended for my project to be used for any kind of combat. My goal has always been give us the strength of the Fire Breakers without cutting our lives in half. However… I have been struggling in tuning the damned thing because… well, I don’t have it in me to use an actual person in my tests. It may very well be functional but I don’t want to test it myself so… I’ve allowed that group of goons over there to test it for me in the field of construction.” Musa sighed but this just made Saidia’s brows twist into knots.

“They will gather the data I need to refine the design and one day it will be able to protect us from the harshness that surely awaits us from beyond our mothe- Our Lady’s embrace.”

Saidia's eyes fell.

She then let out a sigh of her own before looking around as Tuko and company gathered around the couch.

“Where is it?” She asked softly and Musa nodded at the pile of things behind her.

Saidia turned around and saw the shiny metallic suit.

“Is there anything else about it dissatisfies you?”

“Mmm… it’s also very clunky looking, no? It looks brutish. It lacks the refined- almost divine elegance found in the Pāttiram vehicles or Our Lady’s designs. I want it to be an extension of our forms. Not just some ugly, bulky armor and I would be able to achieve my goal if I could use Glass Transference but it seems as though that ability is reserved for the divine. Anyway… enough about that for now. You’re all here, so let’s have lunch!” Musa said while hopping onto his feet.

“Oh- we couldn’t possibly have you cook for us!” Chozek cried.

“If anything, we should prepare something for you.” Akili offered.

“We do not deserve to eat the food prepared by your hands!” Tiyrah cried but Musa ignored everyone while walking towards the stairs that led down into his bedroom.

“This way.” He nodded but this just made everyone give each other panicked glances.

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Well, everyone but Tuko who marched after Musa.

“What are you doing, old man?” Saidia hissed.

“How could I possibly reject an invitation to lunch by Mal’akh Musa himself?” He asked while following Musa down the stairs.

Akili let out sigh before following the old Fire Breaker into Musa’s room and it wasn’t long before everyone was inside the room which was considerably cleaner than the space above.

Musa’s bed was at the room’s center and there was a kitchen and living area at the bed’s flanks.

The floor was lined with a thick carpet every other than in the kitchen area.

“Feel free to sit whenever you like. I’m sure you could all use a break so I offer my place as a spot for you to all relax for a bit.”

Musa’s guests all sat on the couches in the living area where they patiently sat as Musa cooked, filling the air with delightful aromas in the process.

“So, King Chozek, how are things over in Y’shuah? I may know the broad details but feel free to share even the most mundane of things.”

Everyone turned to Chozek who let out a sigh as he leaned forward.

“Generally speaking, all is well although there is an old thorn in my side.”

“Oh yes, how far with that bunch? Should we send aid?” Tuko asked with a raised brow but Chozek shook his head.

“No but thank you. The Children of Aviyv are small and weak. But crushing them outright would be cruel so I have been trying to think of an alternative strategy.”

Everyone let out thoughtful hums upon hearing the King’s words.

“Mmm… I know this may seem… rude but you could undo Emunah’s laws and allow Aviyvists to freely practice their faith, no matter how misguided it is, freely.” Saidia suggested but this made Chozek’s brows twist.

“For you to suggest that in the presence of Mal’akh Musa…” He growled.

“Calm down, boy. She has a point. Everyone sitting here knows that you and your wife did nothing to de-escalate the situation which led to the death of many of Our Lady’s children. And besides, by maintaining those laws you are directly going against her wishes.” Tuko scoffed making Chozek bite his teeth.

“Aviyvists have a right to life, just as much as we do and they also have a right to think or believe in whatever they want.”

“Huh… that sounds so funny coming from you, General.” Chozek hissed.

“Even when I tell you to relax, you choose to ruffle each other’s feathers.” Musa sighed while giving everyone their plates using Gravity Magic.

“Our Lady may have given us all the right to exist but she also gave us sovereignty over ourselves and those we rule.” Musa explained as he sat next to Chozek who had accepted his plate.

“Do what you will with the Aviyvists but remember that your actions will have consequences, whatever they may be. Also, I will only remind you all of this once but I do not want to see a single one of my suits in combat. If I do… just don’t.” Musa warned flatly with half open eyes and everyone nodded.

“Good. Now, eat up.” He smiled and everyone complied.

“And you, Prime Minister? How are things over on your end?”

Saidia’s eyes widened.

She sat next to Tiyrah who gently nudged her with her elbow, shaking the Shangazi out of her daze.

“Err… everything is alright, sir. Although they are still a ways away, we plan on at least starting to develop the ships of the future.”

“Oh? That’s good to hear and you, General Akili? I forgot to ask but do Ed and Chibuk know you’re here?” Musa asked.

“No, sir. I acted independently and any blame should be directed at me.” Akili bowed but this just made Musa chuckle and it made Tuko scoff.

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to report what happened here to anyone. I was just wondering how things are going down there?”

“Oh- well, we’re celebrating our independence tomorrow and… umm… is it that Our Lady could join us?”

“You’ll have to ask her yourself.” Musa smiled and Akili nodded shortly after.

The group the proceeded to eat and while they did I returned to my Doll body in preparation for Tal’s return from school.

I felt a little guilty for spying on Musa but the leaders of humanoids had gathered in one place and there was no way I was going to miss watching them.

I tidied up, even though our home was already incredibly clean and made dinner for Tal who eventually arrived with Cheche in tow.

“Good afternoon.” The two greeted.

“Oh- hello. What brings you here today?” I asked while leading the two into the kitchen where I served them dinner.

I sat opposite the girls and I noticed that Cheche looked a little sad and although I wanted to ask her about what could possibly be bothering her, I chose to remain silent-

“Ma’am, can I asked a question?”

“Yes, dear?”

“If… Tal asked to go to Y’shuah alone would you let her?”

Mmm…

“Yes. Why?” I asked while leaning forward.

“Well, I asked my parents and they said no.”

“Did you ask them why?”

“They said something about how it’s unsafe there and that they’d want to ensure I was safe but I can protect myself! I’m not a baby, ya know!” Cheche yelled and it’s here that I turned to Tal who froze upon meeting my gaze.

“Mmm… their concern is warranted. I’m sure you’ve heard about the Children of Aviyv-“

“I have and I don’t care! Aren’t they a bunch of tunnel dwellers anyway?”

“Cheche.” Tal finally spoke and it’s here that her friend’s face grew red with fluster.

“I’m… I’m so sorry.” She whispered.

“It’s just that Tal and big bro Musa can do or go wherever they want and I just want to see the pretty horses in Northern Y’shuah but I also want to try doing things by myself!” Cheche whined while Tal gently rubbed her back.

I wanted to summon Hekima and tell him to comfort his daughter but she was already here and so, I stood up and walked to her side.

I then wrapped my arms around her head.

“You must realize, child, that your parents will always worry for you. Regardless of whether the place you are going is dangerous or not. That said, I understand your desire for a bit of independence. Maybe you should talk to your parents about this and try to get them to understand your feelings on this. Be sure to come and tell me how it goes so that, even if things don’t go well, Tal and I can offer you a shoulder.” I said while unwrapping my arms from around Cheche’s head.

She nodded and it wasn’t long before Tal left to accompany Cheche home.

Seemed like Hekima was being a bit overprotective of his daughter.

Which I could understand but there was a limit to how tightly you could hold something or someone before they broke or wanted to escape.

The reason I allowed Tal and Musa to do as they pleased was the same for any of my denizens.

They would one day have to leave and I would have to be willing to allow that to happen.

I’d also have to ensure that they were as prepared as possible for whatever could come.