God Hunter

Chapter 5: Journey's Beginning

A year has passed since the taking of Illya's family. She has studied much in both mana and the way of the sword. She has learned how to shoot a bow and use a variety of other weapons. Illya learned about the nine weapons of Tomoe Gozen.

Katana

Kanabo

Yumi

Yari

Nagamaki

Nodachi

Tanto

Ono

Naginata

Illya was given samurai armor. It had a red primary color with golden linings. The pauldrons of her armor were red as well with a gold lining. Illya let her long white hair flow behind her. She visited her father and sister often. Illya stepped into the medical area. Only Anastasia and Lacrim were there, still in their comatose state. Illya took a chair and sat between them. The IVs and oxygen masks covered their faces. The heart monitors went off on a steady normal beat. Illya leaned in.

"Ana. Father. I am so sorry I was not there. I wish I were there to do something. Anything to help you!"

Tears fell from Illya's eyes.

"I miss mother. I miss Recrim, Laylah, Skylah, everyone! I miss Tyren's complaining about his food. I miss exploring town with Ailya. I miss taking Silanya out on a drive. I am sorry."

Illya held her head in her hands. Anastasia's eyes began to flutter as she slowly awoke. She glanced around her surroundings. She heard crying and looked towards it.

"Illya," she said weakly.

Illya's ears twitched upon hearing her name. She looked up and saw Anastasia staring at her.

"Ana!" Illya stood up and gently hugged her sister, "you are finally awake!"

Illya continued to cry and her tears landed on Anastasia. She held her sister close.

Soon, Anastasia was out of bed and walking again. Illya had called for Jahlan. He came by shortly later and saw Anastasia walking. He swiftly rushed over and hugged her.

"I am so grateful you are awake," he said softly to her.

Anastasia began tearing up.

"I am just glad I get to see you and Illya," said Anastasia "I just wish father was awake."

"He will but when I know not," said Jahlan.

Anastasia looked at Illya.

"I must say I never thought you would be the warrior type Illya."

"I never thought I would either," she replied.

"Ana," began Illya "I spoke with Tomoe Gozen."

"You spoke with her?" Anastasia said excitedly.

"Yes. She told me to search for her nine artifacts."

"Incredible! Its amazing she gave you her weapon!"

"Yes, it is, although, I know you just awoke and I hate to say this."

"What is it Illya?" asked Anastasia.

"She asked me to take you with me," said Illya.

Anastasia looked at her sister and she cracked a smile.

"Yes. I would gladly go with you," she responded.

"You would?" said Illya surprised.

"Of course. I am studying to become a priestess after all. Visiting each Goddess is part of my duty. Plus, you are the only sister I have left."

Illya hugged her sister again.

"Well, whenever you are feeling strong enough, we will go!"

Anastasia gave a nod.

Anastasia spent the coming weeks recovering from her coma and studying mana once again under Jahlan. He would make sure her skills were still sharp and provide guidance where he could. Soon, Anastasia felt 100%. She wore sandals and a simple black dress reaching from her neck to just above her knees. She equipped a white priestess robe which reached her feet. She wore a red circlet with a red gem in the middle of her forehead and then threw the hood up. She wore a red lace tie around her neck. Illya, Jahlan, and Anastasia all stood in the courtyard.

"I wish you both the best of luck. I wish I could teleport you to the next shrine, unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the locations of which each one is located. The closest one aside from Tomoe Gozen's temple is the shrine of Boudica," said Jahlan.

"Yes. Tomoe Gozen's shrine is located here in Awazu. Boudica's is in Iceni which is further north. It should take us about a week to get there by car," said Anastasia.

"A vehicle is already prepared for you. I wish I could go with you. I have many duties and preparations to attend to here. If your father awakens, I will let both know. Good luck to you both. I love you and may the Warrior Goddesses protect you"

Illya and Anastasia both hugged Jahlan. Soon they were on the road in a black car headed north. Anastasia drove. They passed through the city of Awazu as the sun began to set and the lights came on. Paper lanterns hung above the streets.

"It has been some time since we have driven through Awazu," said Anastasia.

"Yes, it has been. The Day of Saving Festival should be happening soon," said Illya.

"Skylah would have loved to go. She always enjoys the fireworks," said Anastasia.

"Yeah. Tyren would probably eat too many sweets. Silanya would just eat whatever. I swear he has a bottomless stomach," replied Illya.

"And Ailya would be too distracted by the artwork. Good thing Recrim is good at handling the boys. It unfortunate that its not easy for Laylah to join us, mainly because she has to cook so much food."

The sisters chuckled but then they fell silent for some time.

"Ana."

"Yes Illya?"

"I am sorry I was not there when our family was taken."

"It is alright Illya."

"No. It is not."

Anastasia gave a quick glance at Illya before snapping her attention back on to the road.

"I feel like I could have done something. Instead I snuck out against mother's wishes and I went to a party," said Illya beginning to cry.

"Listen, Illya. I want you to know that I have already forgiven you. I am just thankful I still have a member of my family. If you were there at the house when you were, I am sure you would have been taken too," said Anastasia.

"Sorry. I still just feel horrible about it all. Why did they take mother and everyone else? Why did they not take you and father?" Illya asked.

"I do not know. Perhaps it is because we are not divine. Anyway, you should sleep now. We've got a long journey ahead and it will be your turn to drive in a few hours."

"Right. Goodnight Ana."