Chapter 58:

  Rescue

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  Elizabeth closed her eyes and listened. Truly listened to the world around her. [Enhanced Senses] spread out before her in all directions. Though she pnned to leave most of the fighting to Zero Squad, she wouldn't let harm come to them, and so would prepare herself for any sort of unexpected situations.

  She felt the stone trees and the solid earth beneath her. She smelled the acrid air down to the minute details of dust and dirt. There was a slight breeze that blew through this pne of existence, but so subtle was it that barely a hair would move, but even that she sensed. What's more, she could hear the fp of near silent wings. Thousands of them.

  "Imps..." Elizabeth confirmed what Richard had seen in the fog. They were small, fast, and above all, almost completely silent. Many who came across them described them like owls. The way they flew was just as silent, but not completely imperceptible to those paying attention.

  "Five O'clock," Elizabeth ordered and Ailyah followed direction.

  Just as a flock of vicious looking creatures flew into view, they were torn apart by a bst of frigid air. Imps were disgusting creatures, but some found them cute in a strange way. Grey feathered wings and skin to blend into the stone of the forest. Long tails with a scorpion's stinger at the end. They had sharp cws and teeth with wide eyes set in a devilish fever.

  They weren't exactly difficult, but often came in vast numbers and in this particur instance, their tail could paralyze even the sturdiest of Pyers if they were careless. They were the cause of many deaths for that exact reason. People grew cocky, thinking that Imps made easy enemies, but they quickly realized just how overwhelming they could be...literally.

  "You were right, Ricky," Ailyah huffed as she gnced at her handiwork, "There's something in the fog. Stay alert."

  The others nodded as they made their way forward, with Ailyah taking care of two more swarms before they finally crested a hill and saw their objective before them. A giant, hollowed out tree with a few hundred corpses spyed out before it. Thankfully, all of them were from the various monsters that roamed this dungeon. Most of them were Imps, but a few Rock Worms and even Stone Wolves. Like their names, they were wolves but with an outer, protective yer of stone.

  Elizabeth's gaze was drawn to the hollow of the tree at its base. Blocking its entrance was a shimmering golden barrier. Charlotte's skill [Sanctuary]. It created an area of safety behind it and could be shaped to the users will. In this case, Charlotte had created a sturdy wall, and within the hollow behind it was the safe zone. Within, one's recovery was increased, and temperature was reguted.

  However, she wouldn't be able to keep it up for long. Elizabeth noticed the cracks forming in it, and the various attempts by the Rock Worms and Stone Wolves to burrow past it through the tree. Luckily, they had chosen a good pce to bunker down. Even the Rock Worms had a hard time burrowing through the stone of this particur tree.

  "Captain..." Richard called as he knelt down, hand to the ground, "We might have a problem."

  "Then solve it," she told him sarcastically, "Unless...you don't think you can?"

  Richard shook his head with a smile.

  "I never said that," he replied, standing from the ground as he motioned with his head in the direction of the tree, "I felt tremors approaching them...fast."

  "How many?" Sigrid inquired, testing the grip of her shield as she gazed out towards the rge tree, "We can't let them get through."

  "We won't," Elizabeth stated, "You all know what to do."

  The twins checked their swords condition, doing st minute adjustments with several oils they took from their inventory. Richard knelt back down, his hand glowing a soft, golden brown as he closed his eyes.

  "One..." he spoke softly, though they could all hear, "Five...eleven...twenty...god damn, really?"

  Richard opened his eyes as he released the skill he had been using, [Commune with Nature]. It could be used for many things, but its main ability was much like Elizabeth's [Enhanced Senses]. It allowed Richard to feel the world around him, and it didn't look good, but Elizabeth was confident in her team.

  "So, are you going to tell us, or leave us in suspense?" Ailyah asked pyfully.

  "...I'll tell you, but I don't know if you'll like it," Richard rolled his right shoulder, stretching it as he prepared himself, "Thirty Rock Worms with two Alpha Rock Worms, at least...I think they are. They were rger than the others, and there's a pack of Stone Wolves following. At least two hundred."

  "Fucking hell," Trevor muttered, causing his sister to elbow him hard.

  "Don't curse," she admonished, to which he simply gave her a deadpan gre.

  "As if you don't," he told her, sticking his tongue out.

  It was good that they were rexed. It told Elizabeth they were confident, but if there were Alpha's...then that might prove a problem, even for them. Of course, she'd have to wait and see.

  "Ailyah, Richard," Elizabeth called to them, giving out orders, "You'll deal with the Rock Worms and Alphas. Twins, Sigrid, you take care of the wolves. Keep them off Richard and Ailyah."

  They acknowledged her orders and together they all began walking down the hill towards the open area before the giant tree. It would be there that they make their stand.

  -----

  (Charlotte's POV)

  She didn't know how many days it had been. She believed it was two but could have been three. The bastards in the government were going to send kids in here. Newborn Pyers looking to prove themselves. All for their damn greed.

  Even after everything that's happened, and the issue with the Atntic Gate, they were still pulling shit like this. It would have been a massacre if she didn't step up. An unknown gate with an unknown rank...they didn't even want to send Runners. They were too afraid of it being "stolen" from them.

  "Fucking bastards..." Charlotte grumbled, breathing heavily.

  She had maintained this barrier for a while now. Only dropping it when there was a need to fend off the creatures assaulting the tree. Her people were tired. Several of them injured, but nothing fatal...yet. She didn't know how much longer she could keep this up for.

  Whatever this "Gorgon's Domain" was...it was hell. The only soce she had was that [Sanctuary] allowed her to even alter the smell within it. If she had to smell the acrid air outside for as long as she had been here...she might have given up already.

  "Come on now..." she talked to herself under her breath, "That's no way to think. By now...I'm sure they've called for aid. Gods, I hope they called for aid..."

  If no help came soon, the entire team had made a pact. No one wanted to stay here longer than they had to. It wore on them, and if they were having such difficulty against the common enemies, how would they face whatever this "Gorgon" was at the heart of the maze. This Land of Stone...The Gorgon's Maze.

  "Just...what the hell is it?" Charlotte found herself thinking out loud for a while now, trying to figure out what to do.

  The pact that the team made had been simple. Naively so. They didn't know how to get back to the portal home, and they only had a few more days before this entire pce broke open like a rotten egg. They'd give it another day, and then...they'd make a break for it.

  She would cover them as best she could, but casualties were guaranteed. As long as one of them returned...they could call for aid. Whatever this pce was, it was unlike any other dungeon they've ever seen.

  "Hey...Ma," the Vice Guild Leader, Nico, called, "Am I seeing things or...are there people coming towards us?"

  "People...?" Charlotte looked up from the rock she sat on to see what he was talking about.

  Nico was a young man in his early twenties, and her son. While he wore gsses, Charlotte trusted in Nico's senses. If he was starting to see things, then it might be over for them all. However, as she gazed out past her barrier, her eyes widened.

  "No fucking way..." Charlotte slowly stood as she saw what Nico had drawn attention to.

  The other guild members rose from their pces and began to look in the same direction. Many of them began to grow hopeful, but others...

  "That's suicide," one of them muttered, "There's only six of them..."

  "Is that all they sent?" another mented, "We're fucked..."

  Despite their dismay, Charlotte held no such feelings. In fact, she was eted.

  "Mother?" Nico inquired, seeing that she wasn't as distraught as the others, "You know who that is, don't you?"

  "Yeah," Charlotte nodded, smiling as she felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders, "Our savior."

  "What?" one of the other guild members asked incredulously, "Guild Leader, you can't be...serious...wait."

  It was then that everyone saw what Charlotte saw. The one who had come to rescue them. No one in this world didn't know who she was. Who they were.

  A mage on a broom with silver hair. An older gentleman archer. Twins and a Warrior woman. Not to mention...the ethereal, yet powerful presence of the one behind them. That familiar dark teal hair and posture that bowed to no one.

  "Zero Squad..." one of the members let out a held breath, colpsing to their knees, "It's Zero Squad!"

  It was then that the entire team erupted into cheers, for they knew that they were saved. It was that hope that caused a fire to burn deep within all of their hearts, including Charlotte's. She pced a firm hand on her son's shoulder, sharing a mutual smile between them.

  "I knew help would come," she told him, to which he simply nodded.

  "I shouldn't have doubted you," he replied, standing tall next to her, "You think father's okay?"

  "He's probably a mess," Charlotte chuckled, "But...he's a competent man. I'm sure he has the outside handled."

  Nico agreed with a nod, and just as he did, they all felt the rumbling. Stronger than ever before. Yet, none of them were worried. In this world, those that had come to their aid were a beacon of hope...of strength. Every raid that Zero Squad had been a part of...had a perfect clear rate.

  "Hades...Elizabeth," Charlotte breathed in relief, throwing out her hand as golden ribbons held her guild members steady as another tremor hit, "I owe you. Now, show me how far you've come since we met the st time..."

  Charlotte strengthened her [Sanctuary], especially the portion that went beneath the earth. These fuckers were burrowers, and though the roots of this tree were sturdy, she wasn't about to take chances.

  "Legion, hear me!" Charlotte called out amongst the rumbling, "Though we may be saved, we are not yet through the day! Gather yourselves!"

  All eyes turned towards her. They were filled with trust and an undying loyalty. They were good people, each and every one of them. They knew what this job entailed, and none of them regretted their decision to join her.

  "We are Legion!" Charlotte roared over the cracking of earth as from outside, several of those Rock Worms burst through the ground towards Elizabeth and the others, "Though we give our lives, we fight together! Will we simply stand and watch as our saviors battle alone?"

  "No!" the unanimous shout echoed through the hollow.

  "Will we simply sit back and watch as they bleed for us!"

  "No!"

  "Will we gather ourselves and charge forth!?" she inquired of them passionately, "What are we!?"

  "Legion!" the roar was deafening as each one took up their spears and began pounding them upon the ground.

  Most of them were warriors, with three of them being support, but tough enough to hold their own. This entire time they had been conserving their strength. If they died, there would be no one to protect their home. They were not foolish enough to just throw their lives away without reason. They had been prepared to make the sacrifice in order to get word out to the world of this pce, but now...now they could fight.

  Outside, Charlotte saw the fsh of ice and hail of arrows. She heard the howls of the wolves and csh of steel against stone. Though they were exhausted, like a second wind, Legion was ready to fight.

  "Forward...March!" Charlotte ordered, and then dropped her barrier, "Phanx!"

  Spears up, they all surrounded her and Nico, pushing forward out of the hollow.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  She knew that Charlotte wouldn't sit still when they arrived. It wasn't like her to let others fight while she remained couped up, despite her abilities being obviously more defensive than not. She would be with them as her guild members joined Zero Squad in felling the creatures which beset them. Of this, Elizabeth was certain.

  Sure enough, not long after the first Rock Worms arrived and the Stone Wolves joined the fray than Legion marched forward. Their formation was tight, controlled. They melded easily with Zero Squad in a way that only they could. Sigrid was quick to catch on, joining them as the head of their formation.

  Their spears pierced the hardened flesh of the Stone Wolves, imbued with their mana and the skills they have honed over their training. The Twins lent their aid via their acrobatic nature, using the cover of the shield and spears to sh out at the Stone Wolves who were wary of approaching. It was like a blender of stone and flesh, weaved by master craftsmen.

  It was quite the sight to behold. Even more so when a familiar voice called out with power.

  "Enhance. Amplify," Charlotte activated her skills, imbuing those fighting in melee with a golden aura.

  Elizabeth gnced over to see the surprisingly young face of a woman in her mid fifties. The only hint at her age were the slight crows feet by her golden-brown eyes. Other than that, she was a sturdy woman with dark, wavy hair that fell to her shoulders and framed a sun-kissed face. She wore heavy armor the color of copper with maroon accents.

  "Charlotte..." Elizabeth greeted with a kind smile, "I figured you'd join."

  "Couldn't let you do all the work," she replied with a kind smile of her own, "I had hoped they'd send for you, but to think you'd come..."

  "Why wouldn't I?" Elizabeth inquired, gncing down at the woman with a cool gaze, "I told you when we first met, I'd be counting on you in the future. Besides, this Gate..."

  Elizabeth looked around the battlefield, the corpses of Rock Worms and Stone Wolves littering it. In the distance, a dark cloud grew closer. A rge swarm of Imps.

  "It'd be a lot worse if I didn't..." Elizabeth said solemnly, "We'll talk ter, for now...drink this. You're exhausted."

  Reaching into her inventory, Elizabeth pulled out a fancy crystalline bottle carved with the image of Yggdrasil. Charlotte's eyes went wide as she beheld the bottle and the crimson gold within.

  "Are you...sure?" Charlotte was hesitant, yet still reached out for the bottle, "This is an Angel's Respite. A rare drop from-"

  "Heaven's Rise, yeah," Elizabeth confirmed, dismissing it with a wave of her hand, "I have a couple, so just drink it and be grateful."

  Heaven's Rise was a Gate that had opened up in the Himayas. One of the first, in fact, but the world believed it rather...new. This was because Elizabeth kept it hidden from the world. Not out of greed, though she did benefit from clearing it many times, but out of safety for the world.

  In one of her past lives, Heaven's Rise was one of the first to break and create a terrifying Wild Zone that spanned much of Tibet and threatened India and Bangdesh. As the name suggests, it is a gate with a celestial theme, but one would be a fool to allow that to blind them, and unfortunately, there were many fools in the world.

  Pilgrims from all over the world flew to that deadly pce in order to witness its "holy glory" as they cimed. What awaited them was a swift death, and as Elizabeth bore witness to this, she made it a priority to make Heaven's Rise one of her first stops in every regression afterwards. Mainly to prevent it from breaking, as it would go undiscovered if she didn't, but also to ensure that it was handled properly.

  Heaven's Rise was a Material Dungeon, but a dangerous one that needed to be constantly cleared. The creatures within were relentless in how often they appeared and stronger than your average B Ranker. Thus, any efforts to farm for materials were overseen by at least a full A Rank team, if not an S Ranker among them to make it safer.

  One of the drops from those creatures was an Angel's Respite. It recovered the stamina of an individual to its peak, along with speeding up the recovery of injuries. One reason those beings, Angel's, were so dangerous were because of these potions. They often drank them for a final suicidal attack. So, the trick was killing them before they used them.

  "Won't hear me ask twice," Charlotte uncorked the bottle and downed the fruity liquid.

  Immediately, the fatigue in her body dissipated as a gentle, soft golden aura enveloped her. Taking a deep breath as the aura faded, Charlotte looked ready to go. Raising her hand, the spearmen before her all gained a solidified shield of light before them.

  "Charge forth! Blessed Retaliation!" Charlotte roared above the din of the fight, and in synchronization with her cry, the formation of Pyers hunkered behind their shields.

  Sigrid followed suit, for she was also under the effect of Charlotte's skill. The Twins leapt behind them, knowing well enough to get out of the way. As the beasts charged them and ran up against the solidified light, a bst of energy radiated out, decimating the field before it and disintegrating all to dust, including several Rock Worms.

  However, despite the Angel's Respite, it still took a toll on Charlotte. Angel's Respite wasn't a cure all, and Charlotte had most likely gone without sleep for the past two days.

  "I think I've got maybe...three more in me," Charlotte stood proudly as sweat slightly fell from her forehead, "Shall we clean this up?"

  Elizabeth nodded, motioning for her to continue taking charge. Nodding, Charlotte walked off to lead the fight. Elizabeth stayed behind, her focus right now was observation, and what would happen when they arrived at the boss...Elizabeth wanted to be ready for. Everything she was, everything she is...would be id bare before everyone.

  She had kept [Von Angeal] roughly secret, but if the notification happened like in the Kraken's Nest...there would be no hiding it. She wanted to trust Charlotte and her team, but if they saw her as a threat to this world..."I'll do anything to live this time." Elizabeth thought grimly, gripping the hilt of her sword tightly.

  She silently hoped it wouldn't come to blows with Charlotte, but if it did...she'd give them a swift end. Though, as she watched Zero Squad and Legion clean up everything, including the Alphas, which were nasty creatures that spewed molten rock from their gullets, Elizabeth rexed.

  "We're not all so bad." Lucas's voice echoed in her mind.

  "Maybe you're right..." Elizabeth muttered to herself, "Still, I need to be prepared. I'm selfish, you know..."

  Elizabeth closed her eyes, but for the first time in a while, she didn't think about killing anyone here. No, perhaps her thoughts turned a little...darker. A bit more twisted. Getting what she wanted didn't always have to include killing someone or something, but rather...forcing them to submit.

  "This life...it has to work out," Elizabeth continued to watch the fight as it neared its end, "I'll do anything to make that happen. Anything."

  She might be able to repce people like that bastard Bryan, but someone like Charlotte and her guild, Legion? No. They would either stand with her willingly, or they'd be made to bend the knee. Only time would tell which one, but as she ran her hair through her hair, she could only smile to herself.

  Something told her that things would work out. Perhaps it was hope, or perhaps...

  "You really make me want to believe, my love," she thought to herself, "Even after all this time...I still have trouble trusting humanity. Though, there are exceptions."

  Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth focused up as Sigrid pierced through the st Alpha Rock Worm, leaving a gaping hole in its chest as it fell to the ground, crumbling to useless boulders.

  A resounding cheer rose up over everyone as Legion praised the victory. For their part, Zero Squad simply smiled, basking in the joy of having saved the entirety of Legion. Catching up with Charlotte, Elizabeth nodded in greeting.

  "You did well," Elizabeth praised, but Charlotte waved her hand dismissively.

  "I did what I could, but without you..." Charlotte shook her head grimly, "We'd have made a run for the exit, but thanks to you, not only is our fighting spirit restored, but we might actually be able to clear this thing."

  "That's the hope," Elizabeth gave a small smile, "Do you mind if I ask you a question before all that?"

  "Is that the question?" Charlotte joked, but as she saw Elizabeth's deadpan reaction, she cleared her throat and composed herself, "Sorry, yes. What do you want to ask?"

  "Legion..." Elizabeth gnced around as she spoke, "It was created to protect Italy, yes?"

  "That was the intent, yes," Charlotte nodded, her gaze thoughtful, but soon turned dark as she gred at the ground, kicking a rock hard enough to smash it into dust, "But what is Italy if not its people? Those fuckers were willing to send children. Newborn pyers into this hell hole to cim it for themselves."

  "Children?" Elizabeth didn't have a high opinion of those in government, but she was doubtful they'd send actual children.

  "Well, not children, children, but...you know," Charlotte motioned exasperatedly, "Like, those who just awakened."

  "Ah...right," Elizabeth nodded, understanding her strange view of Pyers.

  To be honest, it was a little refreshing. Elizabeth always knew that Charlotte was a passionate person, but to think she'd care about people to this extent...but that's exactly why Elizabeth didn't want to fight this woman. Her and Lucas were sure to get along, and Elizabeth did like her as well.

  "Why do you ask?" Charlotte tilted her head, now fully attentive to Elizabeth, "You look like you have something to say."

  Elizabeth knew that Charlotte wasn't a naive woman, and so she wasn't going to lie to her, at least not completely.

  "You've seen this pce," Elizabeth motioned to the dungeon, "If it were to break...what would you think would happen?"

  Charlotte thought for a moment before her expression darkened.

  "Italy would fall," Charlotte concluded, "Who knows how many Imps are actually here. A and B ranks might survive, but those below would find it difficult to deal with the numbers. Let alone those damn wolves. Don't even think about them facing the Rock Worms."

  "Exactly," Elizabeth crossed her arms, leveling with the woman, "This is just the start. It won't be the only one, and you know it."

  "...Fuck," Charlotte's shoulders slumped, shaking her head in disbelief, "I hate to admit it, but you're probably right. There's never just been a singur unique dungeon. It was always followed by more."

  "This will be no different," Elizabeth spoke with purpose, "The reason for my question is because the world may need Legion. I may need Legion. This isn't a fight we can do alone."

  Charlotte locked eyes with Elizabeth, staring deeply into them as if trying to pierce a veil that blocked her view of something she wished to see. Elizabeth didn't shy away. She held eye-contact for as long as Charlotte needed to see what she needed to.

  "You're asking for our loyalty," Charlotte stated, but Elizabeth shook her head.

  "No," Elizabeth told her, "I simply want Legion to be ready to answer the call should it come. You need to prepare them."

  "You said something simir when st we met," Charlotte took a deep breath, pcing her hands on her hips as she addressed Elizabeth, "It was, what...two years ago? You cautioned me back then as well, and were right. The first S Rank Gate since the first wave appeared in Italy, and not just one...but three."

  Elizabeth let her speak, knowing she was processing her thoughts.

  "I didn't quite believe you, but..." Charlotte shrugged, "You showed incredible results yourself, and I was willing to learn. I trained Legion and as those Gates appeared...we didn't suffer a single casualty thanks to your advice."

  Charlotte stepped closer to Elizabeth, and though she stood slightly shorter, her presence wasn't anything to scoff at. There was a dangerous aura exuding from her, but Elizabeth didn't sense any bloodlust or ill-intent. It was just Charlotte ascertaining Elizabeth's intent.

  "How did you know?" Charlotte asked the question Elizabeth was waiting for, "You advised me to enter The Harrowing's deepest depths and clear it. What I found there was the skill, [Blessed Retaliation]. It elevated me to the High S Tier."

  The Harrowing. A multi-yered Material Dungeon in the heart of Italy. It was a system of mine shafts and sunken lost city streets. It was once, to Elizabeth's knowledge, a Holy City before it had fallen into the depths of the earth. Undead roam its halls, and in its heart was a trial that would bestow the skill she spoke of. In the past, she was not its recipient, but Elizabeth deemed her a better fit for it, and thus...she remained in control of Legion, unlike the past where she was brutally killed and repced.

  "Instinct," Elizabeth replied, completely calm in the face of her scrutiny, "As you know, I once entered The Harrowing. When I was there, I felt something, but didn't interest me. I thought it might benefit you better."

  This was a half-truth. She had been to The Harrowing, but it wasn't instinct that told her about the skill. It was just to help cover her tracks, and hopefully...Charlotte would believe her.

  "It definitely did benefit me," Charlotte held up a gauntleted hand, "The previous Vice Guild Leader, Sofia...my best friend and closest confidant..."

  Charlotte grew saddened with the mention of Sofia, though all Elizabeth felt was a cold dissociation. Sofia was the one who had killed Charlotte several lives ago, and who had made things rather difficult for Elizabeth. It was for this reason that Elizabeth felt nothing as Charlotte continued.

  "Without that skill, she would have killed me," Charlotte clenched her fist, growing angry now, "To think, she was so jealous of me that she'd risk the dissolution of Legion and everything it stood for! Legion may protect Italy, but it serves the people, not the government. To think she was going to just hand it over..."

  Elizabeth understood her anger at the very least, for it was this that had caused Elizabeth so much pain before. When Sofia took over Legion, she immediately merged it with the Italian government. This made Legion, now owned by the Italian Government, one of the strongest militaries in the world, but instead of using it to clear Gates...they used it for war.

  With the chaos of the world as it was back then, resources were scarce and Italy was suffering. In response, many Pyers were drafted by other nations and a war that decimated the world was unleashed. Elizabeth couldn't stop it...only end it.

  Elizabeth would go on to kill Sofia in the next regression, but discovered that without her by Charlotte's side, Legion would never be born. This took a while for Elizabeth to learn, for she had been looking for other solutions before she realized it. When she did, she believed it better for Charlotte to handle Sofia, and thus...helped prepare her.

  "You weren't wrong then, and...I doubt you're wrong now," Charlotte closed her eyes and let her fist drop, her shoulders slumping as she simply shook her head, "I'll prepare them, but do you mind if I ask you a question, now?"

  Charlotte slowly opened her eyes, and what Elizabeth saw within would have frozen the blood of anyone else, but for her...she grew excited. The cold, unwavering determination that said she'd do what was necessary was highly impressive to Elizabeth.

  "Of course," Elizabeth couldn't help but give a small, soft smile as she replied, "Ask your question."

  "What will you do..." Charlotte's tone held bloodlust for the first time as a prickly sensation surrounded Elizabeth, "If Legion answers your call...What will you have them do?"

  It was admirable for her to be worried about the guild she built from the ground up. She was wary of Elizabeth's question about their loyalty and who they protect. Elizabeth expected this.

  By now, it was hard for everyone to ignore their conversation. Legion was on edge, unsure whether to come to Charlotte's aid, or to separate the two of them. Even Zero Squad was a little on edge, a bit confused on what just happened, but a simple, calm motion of Elizabeth's hand was enough to rex them.

  "I understand your concern," Elizabeth told Charlotte, never breaking eye contact, completely unbothered, "However, you know the answer. I'd have them fight, Charlotte. That's why they need to be stronger."

  It was Elizabeth's turn to exude a bit of her power. An oppressive pressure that nearly brought even Zero Squad to their knees, but everyone, including Charlotte and Legion, held on. If she wanted them to bend the knee, she would have. This was just her own show of force. A way to show them that it was better to be on her side than against her.

  "You need not follow me," Elizabeth continued to speak calmly, "I do not ask for your loyalty, unless you wish to give it, only that you do not die needless deaths, and above all..."

  The area grew silent as everyone hung on her every word.

  "Do not become an obstacle in my path," Elizabeth told them firmly, her intent clear, "That is what I'd have of Legion."

  "...You'd not see us argue, especially after saving us," Charlotte relented, stepping back as she cast a wary, but approving gaze upon Elizabeth, "Why do you fight so strongly?"

  The question was enough to put a genuine smile upon Elizabeth's face. She grinned, releasing the pressure she was exuding as everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

  "Why does anyone?" Elizabeth asked her in return, her expression softening, "We all have lives we want to live...and those we wish to protect, no?"

  Charlotte let out a sigh, holding her hands up in defeat.

  "Can't argue with that," Charlotte told her, though with a look of slight shame, "I'm sorry for testing you. After what those fools in government wanted to do...I had to make sure you'd not just ask us to throw our lives away."

  "If I wanted that, I wouldn't have told you to prepare them," Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at her.

  "True..." Charlotte rubbed the back of her neck abashedly, "I guess I'm a little on edge. I really do appreciate all you've done. It is uncanny though..."

  She eyed Elizabeth with slight suspicion.

  "You sure know a lot for someone so young," Charlotte said, to which Elizabeth chuckled.

  "Maybe, but..." Elizabeth shrugged, "Does it really matter?"

  "...I suppose not," Charlotte gave up on the line of questioning, finally turning to the more important matter, "Everyone! Take a short break, eat what you have. Then, we'll be heading out with Miss Falcrest's team to clear this hell hole."

  In unison, Legion roared their acknowledgement.

  "Miss Falcrest?" Elizabeth inquired chidingly, "Why so formal?"

  "Well, this old woman's just ashamed," Charlotte admitted, "You saved us, and then-"

  "Forget it," Elizabeth cpped the woman on the shoulder firmly, "Water under the bridge, but if you feel that bad about it...would you do me a favor?"

  "Anything," Charlotte answered firmly.

  "You shouldn't answer so quickly," Elizabeth smirked slightly, "You might not be able to."

  "Leave that to me," Charlotte told her, motioning with her head to continue, "What's the favor?"

  "When we meet the boss..." Elizabeth began to step forward, making her way past Charlotte towards Zero Squad, "Whatever you see...whatever happens, try to keep your composure."

  Charlotte looked after her in confusion, for Elizabeth may have said something so simple as to be common sense, but how she said it held a meaning that eluded Charlotte, but she knew it was there. Elizabeth didn't explicitly say it, but she hoped that Charlotte would understand when the moment came.

  The moment that the Demon Queen, Elizabeth Von Angeal, made an appearance.

  -----

  Nikushimi