God Hunter

Chapter 27: The Calm Before

Illya awoke suddenly. It has been a day since obtaining the nodachi. She looked through her skylight to see an early morning sky. She sat up and summoned all of Tomoe Gozen's weapons. She placed them on the floor in front of her.

"All nine," she said to herself.

She then cast them back to the pocket dimension except for the katana and tanto. She then exited her room to find everyone downstairs. Kydaana and Tracker were playing a game of chess. Roven and Crow were watching it closely. James was at the driver seat reading. Anastasia was at a window. Her eyes were closed and she held the chime with nine rings upon it. She rang it nine times. It glowed a bright green. She then opened her eyes to see her sister.

"Praying?" Illya asked.

"Of course. To think now we just have the journey back headquarters," said Anastasia.

"Yes. I am looking forward to seeing grandpa again."

"I am too. Who knows? Maybe father will be awake."

James then put his book down and went over to the two.

"Good. Now that you're up I've been wanting to ask, when do you want to head home?" he asked.

"We can head home tomorrow. I think everyone here deserves a break after the long journey," said Illya.

"Understood."

Tracker made a move. Kydaana made another.

"Checkmate," she said.

"So, it seems. Good game," Tracker replied.

"Ka kaw! Crow! Face me!" exclaimed Roven.

"Ah! Not so loud!" Crow replied, "But sure we can play."

Tracker and Kydaana watched as the twins reset the board. The two made their respective movements. Crow made a key move and Roven's eyes darted across the board. Crow looked at him, raising an eyebrow. Roven then looked up at her.

"Checkmate," he said and moved a piece.

"Ha! No way...," she then saw the board and her jaw dropped.

Roven had a smug look on his face.

"No way! Rematch me!"

"Sure!" said Roven.

Kydaana and Tracker laughed.

Illya looked over and smiled at them.

"Want to go into the city?" Anastasia asked.

"Sure," Illya replied.

The two sisters then entered the tent city.

"To think we have seen so many unique places. We should bring something back for father," Illya said.

"Yeah. We can give it to him when he awakens," Anastasia replied.

The sisters went into what looked like a market. Vendors were selling food, drink, animals, and all sorts of other things. Anastasia and Illya approached a vendor selling paintings. They examined each one. There was one depicting people traveling on horse back with gers behind them. It captured the green of the steppe grassland. It was wide enough to be framed.

"We will take this one," Illya said.

The two then bought the painting and brought it back to the vehicle. When they arrived, they found James with a batch of freshly baked cookies.

"Oh! You two are back sooner than I expected. I made this with another batch on the way. I figured it be a good way to celebrate with everyone and surprise them when they get back," he said.

"Thank you so much James!" Illya said.

"Yes, thank you!" said Anastasia.

James gave them both a cookie and the two ate them.

"They are delicious!" said Illya.

Anastasia smiled and nodded.

"I'm glad you two like them."

"James, I'm sure I speak for Anastasia as well when I say this. Thank you, for everything. For being the shield we needed," said Illya.

"Thank you two for the adventure. Despite the challenges I'm glad I got to meet you and everyone else here."

James took off his helmet, his face bright with a smile.

Later, Kydaana and Tracker were riding horseback through the steppe. Kydaana lowered her hand and gently touched the top of the tall grass.

"Are you enjoying yourself Kydaana?" Tracker asked.

"Yes. Very much so Tracker. I...never thought I'd see more of the world," she replied.

"Yes. I'm glad you are. I wish we had gone to more places sooner. I'm sorry Kydaana."

"It's alright. We were busy helping our home after all."

"You know Kydaana, this grassland is so beautiful and calm. The flames are burning a little less today."

"I'm glad we can enjoy this. Had we lost you in the forest...well...I don't know what I'd do," Kydaana said sadly.

"I'm making this promise to you Kydaana," he looked over at her "I won't lose myself again."

She gave him a gentle smile.

"Tracker. There's something I want to know. It's something I realized I've never actually said. Thank you, Tracker, for saving me, for keeping me safe. For everything," Kydaana said.

"No. I'm the one who should be thanking you. You've pulled me from the brink of destruction so many times. Seeing you happy is all I could ask for. You've made me very proud Kydaana and I will always be grateful I have you in my life."

At sunset, closer towards the tent city, Roven and Crow were sitting atop a hill.

"Its beautiful up here," said Crow "Reminds me of where mother raised us."

"Yeah. Although I think our plain was a little flatter," Roven said.

"This tent city reminds of the teepee settlement master took us to. Do you think he's watching over us?"

"I think so. Hell, I even think mother is," said Roven.

The wind suddenly shifted.

"You feel that Crow?" Roven asked standing up.

"I do," she replied standing as well "Something is on its way."