Illya instantly severed the head of one wolf. She dodged the claw swipes of another before stabbing it. Anastasia slid out from under the vehicle and incinerated a wolf.

"James! Keep fixing the vehicle. Illya and I will cover you from these beasts!" she called.

"Understood!" he replied.

Illya put her katana away and drew the kanabo, holding it with both hands. She smacked a wolf hard in the chest and broke the neck of another as she hit it across the face. She then switched to the yari, stabbing more from a distance before switching to the ono and digging the axe deep into the brains of another. Anastasia continued to use her mana in slaying the wolves. Despite how many they killed, more emerged from the forest.

"Is there no end to them?" said Illya gritting her teeth.

From the forest, a figure watched. He was an older looking man, near the end of his middle age. On his back was a rifle and a large hammer. This hammer had a spike on the opposite end of it. The man was wearing a long black leather trench coat with a wide brimmed black leather hat which protected his brown eyes from the snow. He wore a white bandana, covering his nose and mouth.

"Seems the wolves finally found someone who can fend for themselves. Quite the surprise," said the man as a girl about eighteen years of age stepped next to him.

In her hand was a spear with a curved blade. On her back was a sword where half was the wooden handle and the other half was blade. She had white fur on the shoulders of her long blue waistcoat. Her hood was surrounded by fur reaching to the end of the waistcoat and on top was a small box shaped object. Underneath the hood was a silver circlet with a circle in the middle of the forehead. Connected to the circlet were several rows of silver beads that reached to her collar bone. The coat was covered in beads and intersecting patterns, stretching to her fur boots.

"Shall we partake?" she said softly.

The sisters continued fighting off the wolves. One leapt at Anastasia. She saw the beast last second when suddenly, a shot rang out and hit the beast through the neck, killing it. Anastasia looked to see where the shot came from. She could not see the source due to the darkness and snow. Suddenly, the girl came through. She stabbed a wolf in the chest with her spear and then severed the head of another when she swiftly pulled the blade off her back. Illya rushed in to help her, slaying any wolves in the way. Another shot rang out, hitting another wolf. The man then places his rifle on his back and draws the hammer. He then rushes into the battle, smashing his weapon into the wolves. He hits one hard in the chest and then another in the head. Five of the wolves then jump at him. The girl swiftly casts a mana spell, freezing them in place. The man then smashes the five into pieces. Soon, the wolves howl and begin to run away. Anastasia, Illya, and the two strangers watched as they fled into the forest. The man then walks over to the body of one of the creatures.

"Damn beasts," he mutters.

He then yells as he starts smashing the body into red paste with his hammer. Anastasia and Illya look at him in surprise. The girl then swiftly rushes over to him. He continues to smash the bodies until she touches his shoulder. He then stops and looks at her.

"I'm sorry," he says.

"It is okay, that is why I am here," she responded.

Illya and Anastasia put their weapons away as James then crawls out from the vehicle.

"Are you two alright?" he asked.

"Yes. We are fine," said Illya "thanks to these two."

James stared at the two.

"Who are you?" he asked.

The two then turned to face him.

"I should be asking you three the same thing," said the man.

"Our vehicle is damaged. We mean no harm," said Illya.

"We mean no harm too, well, unless you're one of these damn Servants."

"These are...Servants?" asked Illya.

"Aye. Damn hunters of Xuhyir," he tightened his grip around the hammer.

The girl watched his hand closely.

"So, what happened to you three?"

"Vehicle slid. It has some damage. Been trying to repair it since," said James.

"Let me help with that," said the man "No one wants to be stuck in these dangerous woods for long. Call me Tracker by the way."

"I'm James."

"And my name is Kydaana," said the girl giving a curtsy.

Illya and Anastasia returned the curtsy.

"I am Illya."

"And I am Anastasia."

"Interesting. We don't see Elves up here much anymore. Granted few people do live here now," said Kydaana.

"You three can head inside," said James "Tracker and I will handle this."

"Are you sure?" asked Anastasia.

"Yes. We'll get this done."

"Alright but I will leave this for you two."

Anastasia ducked under the vehicle and cast a light mana spell. The bright orb of light emitted heat.

"Thank you," said Tracker.

"Thanks," said James.

Tracker and James went underneath the vehicle while Illya, Anastasia, and Kydaana went inside.

"Let us heat up some hot chocolate for them," said Illya.

Anastasia nodded while Kydaana sat on the couch. She looked around the wide vehicle. Soon, the sisters filled five glasses with hot chocolate. Anastasia took two outside while Illya brought three around the couch, giving one to Kydaana. The girl takes it and blows on it before taking a sip. Illya sipped her hot chocolate as well.

"How is it?" she asked.

"It's good," replied Kydaana.

Soon Anastasia came back and took a sip of hers.

"Not bad. Good thing grandfather packed all of these supplies in here," said Anastasia.

"Well, I am sure his intent was a home away from home," Illya chuckled.

The sisters continued to chat while Kydaana sat back and listened. She smiled and pulled her hood down, showing her long dark brown braided hair. After some time, James and Tracker entered the vehicle, their glasses of hot chocolate empty.

"How is the progress coming along?" asked Anastasia.

"Good. We're taking a break right now," said James.

James pulled up a chair.

"Get one for me too please," said Tracker.

"You don't want to sit on the couch?" asked James.

"No. The girls can have it."

James pulled up a chair for Tracker and the two sat across from each other.

"So, no doubt both of us have questions," said Tracker.

"You can ask first. You are our guest," said Illya.

"Alright. Well, I got your names which is good. I suppose my question is, what brings you three to this...snowy, dark, wonderland?"

"We crossed the land bridge, coming from Halvlen. We were making our way to the city of Tsarina when we ended up in our current predicament," said Illya "I must ask this though. Are you two God Hunters?"

Tracker raised an eyebrow and Kydaana had a puzzled look on her face.

"God Hunters? Never heard of them," said Tracker.

"Where are you two from?" asked Anastasia.

"We are both from this region," replied Kydaana.

"Indeed. We spend our days here hunting Xuhyir's minions. They've been a plague here for over a hundred years," said Tracker.

"Why would Xuhyir have a presence here?" asked Anastasia.

"Region is sparsely populated. Perfect hunting grounds. Not to mention secluded villages. Easy prey. What is your business in Tsarina?"

"I am training to be a priestess," said Anastasia.

"And I seek the weapons of Tomoe Gozen," said Illya.

"Makes sense why you would go to the shrine of Catherine then," said Tracker.

"Yes. Finding my auntie's weapons will be the key to saving Anastasia and I's family," said Illya.

"What happened?" asked Kydaana.

"Our father was badly wounded. He has been is a coma for over a year. Our mother and siblings were taken by the Gods. I am a Demigod. For whatever reason, the Gods need us for a process known as the Rebirth. Had they captured me...well..."

"I understand. If you consider the Divine your enemy, then you will find a friend in me," said Tracker "Also. Tell me more about these God Hunters and a bit about where you are from?"

"Anastasia and I and both from the city of Awazu in Halvlen. Well, more like we are outside of it. Still, it is the closest city," said Illya.

"I come from the southern continent of Terra from a seaside village. However, the God Hunter's headquarters is also located in Awazu. It is an unofficial organization made up of mortal gods and Demigods. Our goal is to battle the Divine wherever they arrive. We have agents deployed all over the world," said James.

"Interesting," Tracker then stretched his back "Well James. I think that has been enough of a break. Shall we continue fixing this thing?"

James nodded and the two stood up, heading back outside.

"Feel free to rest up here. We have extra beds," said Anastasia.

"No thank you. You can rest up. I will keep watch," Kydaana replied.

"Are you sure?" asked Illya.

Kydaana nodded.

Illya and Anastasia said goodnight and went upstairs to their rooms and soon fell asleep. Kydaana stood in the doorway, watching the forest. After a few hours, James and Tracker climbed out from underneath the vehicle.

"Thanks for your help Tracker. We got this done way faster than if I had to do it on my own," said James.

"It was no problem," he replied.

"Feel free to rest up with us tonight."

"We will. Thank you."

James and Tracker then entered the vehicle James went to his room and closed the door.

"Kydaana, feel free to go to a bed. I will stay here on the couch."

"Will you be okay Tracker?" she asked.

"I will be fine."

Kydaana nodded and went to a room but left the door open. Tracker lay on the couch and covered his face with his hat. After about thirty minutes, Tracker began to growl and scratch at the couch. He then scratched himself hard to where he began to bleed. Kydaana soon rushed out of her room and touched his shoulder. Upstairs, Illya awoke suddenly, she left her room to go to the bathroom when her ear twitched as she heard Kydaana and Tracker.

"Are you okay Tracker?"

"Yes Kydaana. I'm sorry. I thought I would be able to control it tonight."

"The inner hatred never fades does it?" Kydaana asked.

"No. It never does my dear. Shura always burns within," Tracker replied.

"Would you like me to stay out here with you?"

"I would hate for you to do that Kydaana."

"I don't mind."

"Very well. But you can take the couch."

Kydaana lay on the couch while Tracker leaned his back against it. Illya went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. A word Tracker had said rang in her mind.

"Shura? What is that?"