As night transitioned into day, the skies cleared up and blue could be seen all around. Tracker and Kydaana were outside talking. Anastasia cleared the breakfast table and Illya helped with the dishes. James was underneath the vehicle, checking the repaired piece. Soon after, James entered the vehicle and stood in the doorway with Anastasia and Illya.

"Thank you, again for helping us last night," said Illya.

"It's all part of our duty," said Tracker.

"We owe you one. It was a pleasure meeting you both. I hope our paths will cross again," said Anastasia.

"Actually," Tracker looked at Kydaana "You want to ask them?"

She nodded.

"Would...would it be alright if we joined you?" she asked.

Anastasia, Illya, and James all looked at each other with a surprised look.

"I understand if you would say no," Kydaana said.

"Just...give us a moment," said Illya.

The trio stepped inside.

"I mean...I don't see why not," said James "Plus I'm sure that if they had tried to kill us, they would have done so already."

"Yes. I agree. They could be helpful in our battles," said Anastasia.

Illya was looking away, not saying anything.

"What do you think Illya?" asked Anastasia.

Illya looked back at them, as if snapping back to reality.

"Oh! Sure!" she said.

"Then its settled," said James.

The three stepped back up.

"Are you two certain you want to join us?" asked Illya.

"Kydaana and I talked for a while about this. I would like to see this God Hunter organization for myself and would it be possible to have help in this region?" Tracker asked.

"Of course. Grandpa will be more than happy to lend a hand here. Are you sure you would want to leave this region despite the Servants causing trouble?" asked Illya.

"Yes. Despite our efforts here, we know we cannot do this alone," Kydaana said.

Illya gave a small smile.

"Welcome aboard."

Tracker and Kydaana entered the vehicle with sacks on their backs from a camp they had nearby. They settled into the spare rooms on the bottom floor. James took his place at the wheel. The vehicle started up and moved. Soon, they were back on the road. From the woods, more wolf Servants watched. One wolf was carrying a wooden staff and wore golden bracers.

"That was the girl, the one Master Xuhyir needs captured. The Elf with the white hair and horns. Let us follow them," growled the wolf.

"Understood, Shaman," replied another.

Anastasia was sitting in her room when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!"

Illya entered.

"Can we talk Ana?" she asked.

"Of course. Have a seat." She sat up and patted a spot on the bed next to her.

Illya sat next to her. She looked troubled.

"What is wrong?" Anastasia asked.

"Sorry I was hesitant earlier when we were deciding to let them join us," said Illya.

"The hesitation is understandable. We just met them," Anastasia replied.

"Well. I think it was more something Tracker had said last night. I woke up for whatever reason and I overheard them talking. He had said something about an inner hatred and something called Shura. Do you know what that is?"

Anastasia shook her head.

"I cannot say I do. I have never heard the term before."

"Alright. Just thought I would ask. Maybe it came up somewhere," said Illya.

"Sorry I could not be of more help. Try asking him or Kydaana about it."

"Maybe. It seemed like a personal sort of thing. I will hold off on it, at least until we know them better."

"I understand, Illya."

Soon, about a week passed before they arrived in the outskirts of Tsarina. The wolves followed them closely but not finding a pristine moment to strike. They only watched the vehicle from just out of sight. Even from the outskirts of Tsarina, one could see the bright red kremlin building towering over the others. The tops of the towers swirled with striped patterns. There was white and green, red, and, blue, along with several other colors with the white pattern on other towers. The building itself was made of red brick.

"The shrine of Catherine is located within that kremlin building. Since there are more of us, someone can stay back," said James.

"Three of us should be enough, that way someone is not alone," said Illya.

"I will go with you," said Anastasia.

Kydaana looked nervous. Tracker touched her shoulder. Though she could not see under his mask, she could tell he was smiling.

"Are you sure you will be okay Tracker?" she asked.

"Don't worry about him. I'll keep him company," said James "Go with them."

Kydaana smiled and nodded.

"It is settled, Anastasia, Kydaana and I will go into the city. James and Tracker will remain here."

"We will be back soon," Anastasia said as she threw up her hood.

Kydaana nodded in agreement and the girls left the vehicle for the city. James and Tracker sat back.

"I've been meaning to ask you something Tracker," said James "Who is that girl to you?"

"That's quite the personal question," Tracker replied.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want."

"No, no. It's understandable why you would ask that. To give you a direct answer, she reminds me of my daughter."

The girls made their way into the city. It was cold with a light snow. The people they walked past gave them a few looks but no hassle. Soon, they arrived at the kremlin and entered. The room they entered was massive. There were paintings decorating the walls and ceiling. Some showed the Nine Warrior Goddesses. In the middle was a massive statue of Catherine. She wore a crown and a long dress carrying a scepter in her hand.

"So, how does one obtain a weapon from a Goddess?" asked Kydaana.

"Watch. Illya is about to now," said Anastasia.

Illya touched the base of the shrine. She closed her eyes and found herself transported to a large palace. There was a large fountain, shooting water into the air. Some of it shooting into another pool of water. There were lions shooting water from their mouths. The palace's walls were white with a green roof. Sitting by the fountain was a woman wearing a silver royal dress with a crown covered in shining diamonds. Her hair was brown and braided. The woman looked at Illya and gave a smile. She patted the spot next to her. Illya returned the smile and walked over to her.

"Auntie Catherine," said Illya.

"Welcome niece," the Goddess replied "You have come for Tomoe Gozen's weapon. Here. I will present you with her naginata."

Catherine opened her hands and a polearm appeared. The weapon was long with the shaft being made of wood with a golden hilt. The blade at the end was curved and sharp. Illya took it and looked at it. She stood up and gave it a few swings.

"No doubt you will be going to Olga's shrine next. Hers is three days away," said Catherine.

"Yes, indeed auntie."

"Be wary of Olga. Deception is her sphere of influence. I am a Goddess who takes advantage of a situation when it arises. Be sure you do as well Illya. You might need it with Olga."

"Right. I will be careful auntie. Thank you," said Illya.

Anastasia and Kydaana watched. Just as Kydaana blinked, she saw Illya suddenly had the naginata in her hand.

"Wow," she said.

Anastasia gave a smile. Soon, Illya returned to the mortal world.

She looked at the naginata and open her pocket dimension and placed it within. She walked over and handed Anastasia another ring and she placed it upon her chime.

"Three more shrines to visit," said Anastasia.

"Yes. Luckily, Olga's is close. Only a few days away" Illya replied.

"What is it like being in a Divine realm?" Kydaana asked.

"It feels like being in a dream. Each realm is to its God's own making. Whatever they find desirable. For Catherine, she was at a palace with beautiful fountains."

"Can anyone enter?"

"Theoretically yes," said Anastasia "Illya, James and I entered the realm of the Goddess Fu Hao to combat her in a trial. A Goddess can reject you if she desires. Best to be respectful."

"Alright. Is there anything else that needs to be done?" Kydaana asked.

"No. Normally we just obtain the artifact and go," said Illya "I need to do what I can to save my family. I do not want to keep them waiting."

"Speaking of keeping waiting, we should probably head back then," said Kydaana.

Illya nodded and the trio made their way back to the vehicle. The wolves watched as they returned. The Shaman held up a hand.

"Wait my brothers," he said "This is still not a pristine moment. Patience. Our time will come."