The priestess stood outside and watched as the survivors returned to the city.
"Welcome back. I see you were victorious," the priestess said.
Illya nodded.
"Follow me child, I will take you to Lozen."
Illya followed the priestess to a large covered cliffside, overlooking the city. The shrine was not a statue but rather a painting. Her hair was long and black. She wore a long red dress and had a red headband.
"Go ahead child. Touch shrine. The paint will not be damaged."
Illya touched the shrine and closed her eyes. When she opened them, she found herself in a canyon surrounded by beautiful and colorful desert flowers as well as cacti. A stream ran through the middle. A horse could be heard in the distance and soon a woman matching the painting arrived.
"Auntie Lozen," Illya said.
"Greetings niece," she smiled.
"I come seeking Tomoe Gozen's weapon."
"Yes, I know. Here," Lozen then opened her hands and a weapon that was half blade half hilt appeared in her hand "Take the nagamaki of Tomoe Gozen."
Illya gently took the weapon and examined the sword-polearm hybrid. She then sheathed it and placed it within her pocket dimension.
"Thank you, auntie," said Illya.
"And this for your sister." She then dropped a ring in Illya's hands.
"Before you go, I have something I must tell you."
"What is it?" Illya asked.
"I am the only child to have inherited Izami's ability of foresight. I could present you a vision of your current path," she said.
"I would be honored."
Lozen then reached her hand out and gently touched Illya's forehead. Both then closed their eyes.
"I see, a strong, determined, and powerful warrior. You. Oh? What is this? I see...war, hatred, fire. A dark force appears. One that will take the strength of a God to confront," Lozen spoke.
"Will it be defeated?" Illya asked.
"I cannot say. I cannot tell what this is. It masks itself even from my eyes."
Lozen then pulled her hand away and the two looked at each other.
"Walk your path Illya but beware. There are many dangers ahead. Not all are...Divine."
"I understand auntie. Thank you."
Lozen nodded and then Illya closed her eyes. When she opened them, she was back in the mortal realm.
Later, Illya returned to the vehicle. The team, Roven, and Crow were all standing around talking.
"Ah! There she is! Did you receive the weapon?" Roven asked.
Illya nodded.
"Yes. I have the nagamaki," she replied.
"Good. Also, we have some news," said Anastasia.
"What is it?"
"Roven and Crow will be joining us."
"Really?"
The twins nodded.
"Yes. Their skillset could prove valuable in the coming battles," said Tracker.
"Plus, we can hitch a ride with you guys on the way back to HQ," Roven said.
Illya chuckled.
"Well then, welcome aboard."
Soon, the team of now seven stood around the holomap.
"The shrine of Lozen can now be marked off," said James "We have one more. The Shrine of Khutulun. We will find it in the bordering steppes, about a week's trip away."
"That is strange," began Tracker "All the others are located by a city or in it. This one is just kind of in the middle of nowhere."
"From what I know of this region, there are nomads who wander it. Perhaps there will be some by the shrine," James replied.
"Well, we should probably rest up, move out first thing tomorrow," Illya said.
"I agree," said James.
Everyone else nodded in agreement.
"Dismissed," said James.
Soon the team went to their rooms and rested. Illya looked through the skylight above her bed and thought to herself.
"We are almost done. Hopefully soon, I will be able to see you again mother, and all of my siblings. Hopefully, father will be awake. I miss everyone," Illya then turned in bed and her thoughts to what Lozen had said "War. Hatred. Fire. Not all Divine. Then what is it?"
YOU ARE READING
God Hunter
خيال (فانتازيا)Mortals were a mistake. They were never meant to exist. After the kidnapping of her family and grave wounding of her father, Illya, an Elf-Demigod warrior, must find a way to save what was taken. If she fails, the Gods' plan of Rebirth will come to...
