"Looks like Tiffy's not so bad after all! She's holy, given her faith background!" Jasmine complimented as they resumed their interminable cycling journey.
"Owe you one, Tiffy! And thanks for that," Nick finally admitted.
"Thanks, Nick. I never expected that from you now that we're in a cold war!" Tiffy replied.
"Elizabeth? Won't you say anything to Tiffy?" Jasmine suddenly asked.
"I don't know what to say… okay, she saved our lives after all. Thanks, Tiffy, for coming through for us," Elizabeth replied nonchalantly.
"We're all glad to be free and saved by Tiffy! But we don't have time to waste. We must look ahead for any signs of hope!" Jasmine urged.
"Free like a bird. You know what they say—birds of a feather flock together! Should we always have trust issues about that proverb, no matter what?" Tiffy asked, curious.
"No! We may have our differences, but even if one of us becomes a giant and the rest become little butterflies, we'd still stick together if it's the Lord's will. We can't control what's beyond us. I'm talking about the future," Nick said thoughtfully.
"Do you think the future is bright or bleak based on how you perceive our so-called heir closeness?" Tiffy questioned.
"It's true that only Tiffy, Elizabeth, and I are the 'qualified heirs.' But we should still stick to this mission of saving everyone! Just because a few like us are qualified doesn't mean others can't get involved. If we put aside differences—relationships, heirs—and come together, I'm optimistic we can save everyone. But the future could still be bleak. Anything can happen. We should prepare for the worst and hope for the best," Nick responded.
"Everyone for himself, God for us all," Tiffy said thoughtfully.
"May the Lord of Tiffy order our steps the right way!" Jasmine teased.
"Don't you guys attend places of worship? It feels like I'm the only one here from a faith-based family. Not that I mind, I'm just curious," Tiffy suddenly exclaimed.
A brief silence fell, indicating no one was very engaged in faith-based activities.
"From the silence, you can tell we're a bunch of science-oriented folks! I don't know if we're all atheists. I'm not one—I believe in a supreme being. But science makes it hard for me sometimes," Jasmine confessed.
"I believe in magical powers, but I'm unsure about all this 'Star Wars' type of magic. That's why I half believe in a supreme being," Jenny added, and Mikal seconded her, "Yeah! Growing up knowing about magic made me half-believe in a supreme being too. Maybe the four gems are part of that universal supreme power, though there's no proof."
"If we get our hands on the four gems, wouldn't that make us custodians of universal supreme powers?" Tiffy suddenly asked.
"Whoever is chosen as the duo will have such privileges. They'll keep the half necklaces, since we don't trust the government. Then it's up to them to do what they want, hopefully as good custodians of that supremacy," Jasmine explained.
"Adding to Jasmine's point, the duo must be faithful and have good character. They'll make the right choices. I wouldn't mind winning or losing such privileges," Elizabeth said.
"Criminals get saved too. It can go either way; we shouldn't cast suspicions on each other," Mikal cautioned.
"I like that—'criminals get saved.' Makes me optimistic," Tiffy replied to Mikal.
"How about you, Nick? Any thoughts?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's like fighting over who's chosen or rejected. The custodians act as parents to all. Let's move away from divisive talk—everyone's still my ally. We're all family in this mission," Nick said firmly.
"As you say, chief. For now, you're alone. The puzzle book will decide the others," Jasmine said.
The group cycled through the night until around three in the morning, arriving at a secret village at the edge of a savannah marked by dry grasses ideal for wildlife.
"Looks like we're entering a savannah region, but there's a village nearby. Makes sense that animals move nomadically," Jasmine said, stopping the cycling.
"Should we enter now or wait until morning?" Elizabeth asked curiously.
"We can't stay here at night; the hybrids will catch us. We must try entering the village," Mikal urged.
"But how? Should we enter with thanksgiving and praise to increase our chances of acceptance?" Mikal added.
"What are you insinuating?" Nick asked.
"My grandparents always said to make amicable entrances to new zones if you want to be well received. It's against the taboo not to do so," Mikal explained.
"Okay, then we prepare acceptable offerings," Nick decided.
They gathered coconuts and snacks in a backpack before entering the village. As they moved past trees, guards appeared.
"What does that mean?" Tiffy whispered.
"See those guards? They hold flame-like swords that burn like candles," Nick explained.
"Tiffy, since you have the offerings, don't cry at the altars. Have faith our gifts will be accepted. Should I escort you?" Nick suggested.
"I'm the wife of your youth. I think you should escort me. There's power in two," Tiffy replied.
Hand in hand, they confidently approached the guards.
"What brings you to Kabaka village?" one guard demanded.
"We come in peace. We're fugitives fleeing hybrids. We bring offerings to appease you," Tiffy said, handing over the backpack.
The guard inspected the contents, then looked suspiciously at the couple. "I judge quickly against those who displace you. But first, where did you come from before we let you in?"
"We're from the Sultan military camp. My wife is from another college, and Mikal's from the Colorad zone. We're on a mission to find the four gems and puzzle books to unlock good magic. The government is after us, so we seek refuge," Nick explained metaphorically.
The guards scrutinized them, then said, "Okay, you may leave your bicycles here and follow me."
The group obeyed and were led to guest rooms, finally resting after a long, restless night.
At mid-morning, they were summoned by Chief Elias. After breakfast, putting on fresh lended clothes, after washing up, they stood before him.
"I'm Chief Elias. I have trust issues. I heard about your visit and offerings. But who sent you here?" he asked bluntly.
The group exchanged puzzled looks. Mikal volunteered, "No one sent us, your highness. We got lost. The hybrids are after us. I'm a former hybrid who sold his soul or body.They're ruthless. Please trust us—we're not spies, just fugitives."
"Dreaming, exploring, discovering—hybrids impede you wherever you go. I understand your mission to find the ultimate good magic to restore justice. But how safe are you here? Won't the government catch up with you fast?" Chief Elias asked.
"We know the demons and government are bad. That's why we won't stay long. Maybe you can help us with weapons or lanterns for exorcisms?" Mikal requested.
"What weapons do you want? We have various weapons, lanterns and oil,"
"We want UV-infused weapons or photovoltaic cells from your solar panels. We'd use them to make energy weapons," Mikal explained.
"We have solar panels. You can use them as you wish. We'll help if you need more. We have a training camp and trainers to help you learn more weapons and ammo. I wish we could give you directions, but you'll have to find your own way," Chief Elias said.
"Thanks for the offers. We're heading to Mansoon basements next. Do you have a spiritual diviner? We want to know where the next gems are," Mikal asked.
"We have Doctor Orville. He can diagnose spiritual needs. We also have nursing mothers to help nourish babies. Take your time. We'll interact and work together," Chief Elias replied.
"Thanks, Chief Elias. Long live the chief!" Mikal said, leading the group in bowing.
"I appreciate your respect. You're free to roam. If you need anything, alert our guards. Welcome to Kabaka village!" Chief Elias said.
"We are welcomed!" the group responded, leaving the chief's presence.