God Hunter

Chapter 13: Something Nice

Anastasia, James, and Illya returned to the vehicle shortly after returning from Fu Hao's realm. They crowded around the holomap showing the locations of each shrine.

"So, which shrine is next?" asked Illya.

"From what I can tell, we have one more shrine on this continent. We'll have to go southwest to Me Linh. After that, we'll have to drive back up north, and cross the land bridge to the neighboring continent Mahtra. Regardless, we'll be complete with the shrines here in Halvlen," said James "it will be a few days till we reach the city. We can start tomorrow."

Illya and Anastasia nodded. The sisters then went upstairs while James stayed down below. They both went into Illya's room. Illya sat on the bed and Anastasia in the chair.

"Another weapon down,' said Illya.

"Yes, and I have another ring," said Anastasia.

Illya smiled but then it faded.

"I feel bad that James did not receive anything," said Illya.

"I am sure he is okay, plus he said he did not want anything," Anastasia replied.

"Do you think...James is lonely?" asked Illya tying her hair in a ponytail "I mean, he is the only male, he was tasked to help us, and he does all of the driving."

"Grandfather did pick him to give us a rest but I do see what you mean."

"Maybe we should do something special for him."

"Like what?" asked Anastasia.

"Hm. Maybe we should get him a souvenir in Me Linh or make him a special dessert."

"We could. Tomorrow, let us see what other cooking supplies we have and we will make it for him then as a surprise."

"Right. It will be our way of saying thank you to him," said Illya with a smile.

The next day came and James began driving. Anastasia and Illya viewed the supplies. There was cookie dough and chocolate chips. The sisters threw on white aprons and began the process of baking cookies. Illya hummed as she scooped out the cookie dough. Anastasia prepared the oven.

"I remember making cookies for Recrim when he was still a small child," said Anastasia "it was interesting having a sibling for the first time. I was not even entirely sure what to do."

"Well you have always been a good big sister," said Illya "I am sorry I was such a pain as a child."

"You're fine Illya. You were young. Humans and Elves alike do foolish things as children."

Illya chuckled.

"You know Ana, I sometimes forget how much older you are then me. You are a grown woman. I am still so young. I should be in school. Not fighting divine servants."

"Well Illya, life is unpredictable. When I was a child, I never thought father would have married a Goddess."

Illya remined silent a moment.

"I hope father awakens soon. When he does, I am going to tell him just how much I love him. I remember when he stood up for me when it seemed like everyone in school hated me," said Illya continuing to place cookie dough on a tray.

"We will always love you Illya," said Anastasia placing the tray in the oven "We will always have your back. That is what a family does."

Illya cracks a smile as they close the oven, heating the cookies. Soon, the cookies were ready. Shortly after, James stopped the vehicle, pulling it to the side of the road. He spun out of his chair only for Illya and Anastasia to be behind him. They held up the cookies.

"Here you go James!" said Illya.

"So that's what smelled so good," he said.

"We made these for you!" exclaimed Anastasia.

"For me?" James said taken aback.

"Yeah. We figured it is the least we could do for you. You helped us out a lot," said Illya.

James took one and slipped under his helmet, eating it.

"Mmm. Chocolate chip. My favorite. Thank you both so much," he said.

The trio went into the main area, talking and laughing around the couch.

"So, James, how did you find yourself in the God Hunters?" asked Illya.

"Jahlan found me," he replied.

"Did he?" asked Anastasia.

"Yes. He found me in the dead arms of my father."