God Hunter

Chapter 4: Chosen

Jahlan brought Illya to a large, old castle. The walls were high and the stone was covered in moss.

"This place looks rundown," said Illya.

"Quite the contrary my dear," replied Jahlan.

Soon they passed the entered the main gate, past the gatehouses and into a massive castle courtyard. There were numerous individuals wearing armor of all sorts holding all kinds of weapons. There were swords of different shapes and sizes, bows with different curvature, and spears with different designs. Illya glanced around at the different people. They looked like normal Elves and Humans. She glanced in one corner and saw a man wearing a black cloak with a top hat and a scythe on his back but had the head of a raven. He appeared to be speaking to a woman with crow feet and talons for fingers. Her hair was not hair but rather black feathers and she wore band making it look like a headdress. On her side was a tomahawk and a knife. Her eyes were a deep brown and there was a dark red face paint that covered them. The two of them then looked over at Illya. She then turned her head away.

"Who are these people, grandpa?" Illya asked.

"Other Demigods like you. The Overseers are Mortal Gods like me," said Jahlan.

"I thought for sure we were the only ones."

"Far from. However, the rarity for you is that your mother stayed with the family she created. It is unheard of for a God to stay with their mortal family."

"Where are Anastasia and father?"

"They should be in the medical area. I teleported them here first. Would you like to see them?"

Illya was quiet. She was not sure if she wanted to see what remained of her family in such a state.

"Maybe later. What is going to happen with me grandpa?" she asked.

"So far I intend on simply keeping you here. This is only place where you can truly be protected from the Gods," said Jahlan.

"I...I do not want to just stay here," spoke Illya.

Jahlan turned and looked at her. He saw anger in her face.

"I want to fight. I want my family back!"

Jahlan put a hand on her shoulder.

"Very well Illya. If you wish to fight, then I must take you to meet someone."

"Who?"

Jahlan then lifted two fingers in front of his face and closed his eyes. Soon they were teleported to the temple of Tomoe Gozen. Illya was stunned at how quickly the teleportation was. She looked shocked.

"Wow. That is incredible!" said Illya.

"When you are ready, I will teach you more about mana. First, you must speak with her," said Jahlan pointing at the shrine.

"Speak with the Goddess? But how?" asked Illya.

"Simply touch the base of shrine and close your eyes. When you open them, you will be able to communicate with her."

Illya looked at the large statue. She slowly approached and placed her hand upon it. She closed her eyes. After a few moments she opened them and found herself somewhere else entirely. She was scared by her surroundings. She seemed to be floating in the sky yet standing. There were clouds and sky all around, above her head and below here feet. There was a distant sunset. She stood between two rows of cherry blossom trees with the pedals falling and landing as if there was ground. Illya's Elven ears perked up as the sound clopping hooves could be heard. Soon, a woman wearing samurai armor riding on a horse appeared.

"Who...who are you?" Illya asked.

"You should already know who I am, niece," said the woman.

"You are...Tomoe Gozen!"

The woman smiled and climbed down from her horse, taking off her helmet, letting her long dark hair flow in the wind.

"Yes. It is I. Goddess of Loyalty, Bravery, and Courage Against Impossible Odds."

Illya quickly knelt on one knee and bowed.

"Oh, dear niece, you need not bow to I or any of your other aunts. To us all of you are family," said Tomoe Gozen stretching out a hand.

Illya took it and stood up.

"Why did you want to speak with me? How am I speaking with you?" Illya asked.

"These shrines are what remain of my sisters and I's power. We sacrificed much so you mortals may live."

"Thank you...auntie," said Illya.

Tomoe Gozen smiled but it soon faded.

"We all know of the taking of our sister, nieces, and nephews. We felt it in our hearts. Jahlan informed us that you were the only one he was able to save."

"How did you speak with grandpa? I've been with him since we left," asked Illya.

"We communicated by way of telepathy. When he told us, I knew I needed to speak with you right away," said Tomoe Gozen.

"And what is it auntie?"

"I can feel the anger, rage, pain, and sadness inside your heart. If you wish to save your family, you must become my inheritor."

"Your...inheritor?"

"Yes. You must be the one, Illya, to take my place. Our power is nothing compared to what it once was. You must continue the crusade against the Gods if you wish to save your world and family."

"But how?" asked Illya.

"You will take my weapons," said Tomoe Gozen.

"I have never even been in a fight, much less know how to use a weapon."

"Do not worry niece. Jahlan and the other Mortal Gods will teach you."

Tomoe Gozen then opens a small portal, pulling out a sword.

"This is my katana," said Tomoe Gozen "It was my backup weapon when my tachi was destroyed. However, I have eight other weapons and I wish to give them to you. After the battle with the other Gods, my weapons were scattered around the world. Each of my sisters keep one safe. If you find their shrines, they will grant you the weapon."

Tomoe Gozen handed the weapon gently to Illya with both hands. Illya took the blade with both hands and gave a bow. She then gently unsheathed the blade and scanned her eyes up and down the sword. Illya then sheathed the weapon and gave another bow.

"When you go on your search, be sure to take your sister with you. She is a priestess after all. She can guide you to the other temples and shrines."

"I will. Thank you, auntie," said Illya.

Tomoe Gozen smiled.

"Now I must send you back to the mortal world dear niece. I wish you the best of luck."

Illya quickly hugged her aunt. Tomoe Gozen was surprised but embraced it. Soon Illya opened her eyes and she found herself back at the temple with the sword at her side.

"Welcome back, Illya," said Jahlan "I see Tomoe Gozen has granted you her weapon."

"Yes. It was good to see her. Even if I had never met her before, it felt warm and comforting," said Illya.

"Your aunts love you and your siblings equally. Now, let us return to base. We have much to teach you."