Chapter 59:

  Returning with Allies

  (Charlotte's POV)

  It was definitely confusing. What did Elizabeth's favor mean? Charlotte could feel that there was something behind it, but it felt so...mundane. Of course, she would keep her composure even in the face of death. The entirety of Legion knew how to keep their cool even when they were about to die.

  So, why did it feel so ominous? It felt...heavy.

  Charlotte always felt like there was something different about Elizabeth, ever since she met her years ago. The way she moved and talked spoke volumes. There was a depth to it that Charlotte could never see, and once again, she was faced with such an inscrutable abyss.

  There was something behind Elizabeth's eyes that Charlotte could never pinpoint. Something that drove her forward no matter the adversity. When Charlotte confronted her, Elizabeth made clear her intent. Do not get in her way. It was a simple ask, for Charlotte had no intention of doing so, but in that moment...

  "She really could have..." Charlotte swallowed hard, taking a drink of water as they marched forward, "It would have been easy to remove us...that was a warning."

  It made Charlotte realize something. Elizabeth wasn't afraid of making enemies, but she made it clear that being an ally was better. Something that Charlotte had always been, for they fought towards the same ends...to protect what was precious to them.

  That was enough for Charlotte to follow her, and as they finally made their way to the heart of this pce, after navigating the byrinth of fog and stone...it is what allowed her to not judge her for what they all saw, nor what would happen next. The heart of this pce was a rge clearing surrounded by a wall of stone trees. A thick fog hung low to the ground, and in the center was a rge throne with a statue that unnerved everyone.

  That of a rge, cyclopean figure with a bulls head, multiple arms, and a snakes body. It was currently curled up upon the throne, but the moment they entered...they all received a notification as the ground shook and reality began to shift.

  ---

  >Alert! Anomaly Detected. Space distorted.

  >Gor...gon's...maze...

  >Gorgon's Maze Arena of Stone.

  >Guardian has appeared.

  >Gorgon, Earthen Gdiator.

  >Goal: Defeat Gorgon in a Trial by Combat. All Challengers Welcome.

  >Reward: Gdiator's Bde. Gdiator's Shield. Gdiator's Armor.

  >Heart of the Earth. Gorgon's Eyes.

  >Fragment of the Demon Queen, Von Angeal.

  >Fail Condition: All Challengers Die.

  >Fail Penalty: Immediate Gate Break. The World of Stone Shall Be Reborn.

  >Alternative Goal: Defeat the Demon Queen, Von Angeal.

  >Alternative Reward: Gorgon's Approval and Access to the Obsidian Vault.

  >Treasures Await.

  ---

  There was confusion, of course. Those among her team were whispering amongst themselves.

  "Demon Queen?" they asked each other.

  "What does it mean?"

  "Two different goals...?"

  Even Nico, usually composed, held a look of concern in his gentle hazel eyes. Running a hand through his dark hair, he looked towards her with an unspoken question. What's going on?

  Charlotte didn't know, but as she tried to calm the members of her team, she saw Elizabeth standing at the front of them all. With her was Zero Squad. All of them were silent. Stoic.

  Before Charlotte could do anything, the world around them finished shifting as they all appeared within a giant colosseum, much like the one where the Gate had appeared in. Except, there was no way out, and that statue from before...

  Everyone's eyes slowly made their way to the far end of the arena. There, they saw it. The giant statue from before. Only...it was very much alive as it grinned with a vicious bovine intensity from where it now sat among the stands, like a great Emperor of the past Golden armor shimmering along its body like...no, that wasn't armor, but it's skin.

  Raising one of its eight arms, it pointed directly at them. No...not at them, but one of them.

  "Hear me," a deep voice echoed over the arena from the creature, "Bring me the head of the interloper. That...Demon. She who arouses my slumber early...Elizabeth Von Angeal."

  Charlotte knew it before he had said it. They all did. The one he pointed to...was Elizabeth Falcrest, leader of the Aegis Guild and heir to the Falcrest Family. Charlotte now understood Elizabeth's favor. Somehow, she knew this was going to happen, and damned be Charlotte if she wasn't going to repay a favor.

  Sharing a look with Nico, they nodded to each other. They knew what they must do.

  "Legion!" Nico raised his voice with authority, "Who are you?"

  They all looked to him as he shouted, calling for their attention. It put pride in Charlotte's heart to see their eyes come alive with a fire that burned brighter than the sun itself.

  "Legion!" they replied, producing their spears and shields.

  "I couldn't hear you!" Charlotte joined in, stepping up next to her son, "Who are you?"

  "Legion!" they repeated, louder this time as they smmed their spears on the ground.

  "What is Legion?" Nico asked their intent.

  "Defenders!" they shouted, beginning to get into formation, the sound of their feet echoing in unison.

  "What do we defend?" Charlotte asked, producing a spear of her own.

  "Our lives! Our friends! Our home!"

  "What do we say to those who ask to give those up?" Nico demanded of them, chains of gold appearing around his arms, his weapon of choice.

  "A Thousand Lives, A Thousand Spears," they stated proudly, "We shall die before you pass us!"

  As they surrounded and encased Elizabeth and her team in a protective shell, their spears began to glow with a bright golden-crimson light. An ethereal vision of an entire squadron of soldiers with spears overpped with each other, encircling Elizabeth defensively. This was the ultimate skill of Legion, aptly called [Legion's Might].

  It was the unique skill of Charlotte de Santis that emboldened the mind and body of those in sync with each other. It made physical their resolve and the determination to protect what they believed was precious. It couldn't be used for long, but it should be enough...even if Charlotte could feel the strength of that creature from here, and it currently looked...displeased.

  "Foolish..." it merely spoke, but the creature's words reached them, "Then you shall die together!"

  It let out a bellowing roar as gates that hadn't been there before appeared in the sides of the arena. It was subtle at first, but soon they all felt the ground shake as bursting forth through these now open iron gates were bulls wrought in iron flesh. Even so, Legion steeled itself. Charlotte had taught them well, and she was confident in their success.

  Sure enough, their spears pierced the tough flesh of the iron bulls which leaked what appeared to be some kind of...va? Charlotte's eyes went wide as she understood the reckless attack of these creatures.

  "Shields!" she roared, and Legion hunkered behind them just as each of the bulls they had pierced exploded in a fiery dispy of destruction.

  In the aftermath, Legion stood strong as they had hidden behind their defenses. Raising her hand, Charlotte snarled.

  "Blessed Retaliation!" once more, she activated the skill that had decimated the battlefield before, and in this instance, it did once again.

  The ranks of the bulls were shattered before they had the chance to explode, crumbling into a pile of molten metal before solidifying as they cooled.

  The creature across the way, Gorgon, sneered.

  "Very well..." it stated, rising from its throne, "Then I shall join the fray."

  It was massive. At least forty feet tall, not including its tail that was at least a hundred feet longer. Its eight arms produced several swords and shields of a golden nature. They looked almost reminiscent of what an actual gdiator would have used back in their world.

  As it began its movement towards them, Charlotte spotted something she had missed before. Something imbedded in its chest that glowed with an otherworldly crimson light. It pulsed and throbbed like the beating of a heart. Was that it's weakness or...something else?

  To be honest, Charlotte didn't know if it mattered, for more than anything else that drew her attention...it was the incredibly dense pressure this thing was giving off. [Legion's Might] faded from view as many fell to their knees. She couldn't bme them, for even she was affected, and for the first time in her life...Charlotte was afraid.

  She had always been prepared to die, but right now...it was an inevitability. Before this thing, she could feel her death. Hell, she even saw it before she was snapped out of it as the creature spoke.

  "Will you continue to hide?" it asked, confusing Charlotte, "Show yourself, Demon Queen. I, Gorgon, the Earthen Gdiator, Challenge you to combat!"

  ---

  >Notice: A Direct Challenge has been issued.

  >Notice: You must respond, or all shall die here.

  ---

  This notification, Charlotte knew, was not for her or those of Legion, but the one that Gorgon cimed to be a Demon Queen. Charlotte knew of her name as Hades, but was that...literal? "Wait, one of the rewards..." Charlotte's eyes widened, focusing on the light in Gorgon's chest.

  "Fragment of the Demon Queen..." Charlotte muttered, "It's in him..."

  Charlotte didn't know what it did, but she knew that it had to be important for it to be inside that thing. Before she could say or do anything else, a soft sigh escaped from the lips of Elizabeth, drawing all of their attention.

  "It was quite impressive, Charlotte," she praised with a kind smile, "Legion's Might...I feel honored seeing the skill that's made Legion famous, besides your other achievements, of course."

  "I...I'm not worthy of such praise," Charlotte was barely able to get the words out, "I can barely move right now."

  "That's just fine," Elizabeth assured her, stepping forward with surprising ease and elegance, "My team isn't much better off."

  Charlotte gnced Zero Squad struggling to remain standing. Even Ailyah, the Silver, who usually remained upon her broom, had been forced to nd. The twins were supporting their newest member, Sigrid, who looked absolutely terrified, and yet...she was gring at the creature with such burning intensity that it put Charlotte to shame. There was a determination to overcome the inner fear of all mortal beings. The fear of death.

  It was admirable, and as for Richard, the Deadeye...well, he was probably better off than the rest. Even attempting to draw an arrow, only stopping when Elizabeth held a hand up for him to do so.

  "Take this as an opportunity to understand," Elizabeth spoke calmly, pcing a firm hand upon Charlotte's shoulder, "I need you all to be stronger. I cannot fight alone..."

  Elizabeth briefly turned her head away, but in that moment, and though she probably had meant to whisper it, Charlotte heard and seen it clearly.

  "...Not again, at least."

  Elizabeth's eyes twisted in an intense grimace bearing an unfathomable pain before she composed herself and stood tall before them.

  "But, I will do what is necessary," Elizabeth stated, stepping past Charlotte, "What you're all about to see...is not to leave this pce."

  It was an order, not a suggestion. They all heard the threat within as she held her bde aloft, and before their very eyes...Elizabeth began to change as ethereal fmes danced along her skin. Everything came full view.

  Rising from the fmes came elegant horns which curled back like a crown, her skin fked away to become a darkened ash, and emerald-gold eyes gave way to fierce coals of bck with ruby irises. Armored wings sprouted from her back as her fingers grew into cws. The only thought that Charlotte had in that moment is how terrifyingly beautiful she was.

  "You dare request a duel with a Queen?" Elizabeth spoke in a voice reverberating with power and a slightly different timbre, "How barbaric. Very well, I shall give you a barbarian's death."

  ---

  >Notice: Challenge has been accepted.

  >Do not interfere.

  ---

  Elizabeth held her bde aloft, now elegantly wicked as bluish green fmes danced along its edge. Charlotte fell to her knees in both awe and the pressure she exuded which put the Gorgon's to shame. However, the Gorgon didn't seem daunted as it roared loudly.

  From within its chest, that pulsing light grew brighter as suddenly crystallized veins burst forth from it, imbedding the Gorgon's flesh. It surged with strength as it pushed back against Elizabeth's presence. A strong wind kicked up, the dust of the arena threatening to blind them all, but Elizabeth stood strong against it, though from what Charlotte could gleam...she was not happy.

  "You borrow what is not yours," Elizabeth stepped forward, pushing against the energy that coursed through the arena now, "I won't ask for it back...because I'll be taking it."

  In a sudden burst of power, Elizabeth cut through the Gorgon's energy and flew towards it. Charlotte heard the csh of bde against shield, a familiar sound for her who trained her guild in legionnaire tactics. However, through all the dirt and wind, she couldn't tell what was happening. Was Elizabeth winning, or was she struggling against such a creature?

  Charlotte was reminded of what Elizabeth had told her. There were more gates like this coming. There was never just one, but Charlotte hoped that she was wrong this time, because if she was right...what hope did humanity have? Right now, this creature was fighting on par with their strongest Pyer. A person that there was video evidence of manhandling monsters that even S Ranks struggle again.

  She didn't know how long the fight sted, but she was beginning to fear the worst. Every so often, she heard thuds that shook the entire arena, but still, she couldn't see anything. Just what was happening? It felt like the fight was coming to a close, but...

  "Bst this infernal dust..." Charlotte muttered to herself, frustrated that she was completely useless.

  As if to answer her pleas, the swirling dust was finally dispersed by a rge impact nearby. As Charlotte's vision came back to her, what she saw brought hope and a moment of relief back to her heart. One of the Gorgon's arms y detached from its body not a few feet from her.

  Charlotte quickly turned her attention to where she st saw Elizabeth and the Gorgon, only to find the spot empty. However, as the dust truly settled across the entire arena, her eyes widened and the momentary relief she had felt became real. All tension left her body as she seen the aftermath of what was surely a terrifying battle.

  Across the entire arena were spires of stone that tore asunder the earth. Glittering gold was littered among them. Pieces of the creature known as Gorgon, the Earthen Gdiator. She counted...five, no...seven of its arms strewn across the arena. All of this must have been what Charlotte had heard before. She was left in awe.

  Such a fight like this...and Elizabeth had come out the winner, for among the spires of earth, impaled upon several of them, was the Gorgon. It was just barely breathing as it weakly tried to pull itself free with the one arm that remained, but it was futile. Most of its body was burned and tore apart, its golden flesh now nothing more than a bloody mess.

  Elizabeth stood upon its chest, right where the pulsing crimson jewel was. Blood matted her hair, and one of her wings looked to have been torn, but otherwise...she looked unharmed. Holding her bde out to the side, it vanished in fme as her voice carried over the arena.

  "You dared use my own power against me..." the way she spoke was like a calm storm, a hidden fury beneath the waves of a regal nature, "You should have known better. Now, I'll be taking it back. Die a dogs death, you barbaric cow."

  Charlotte watched as her hand elongated into deadly cws before plunging into the Gorgon's chest. It roared in pain, screaming its defiance.

  "NOOOO!" it bellowed, but Elizabeth didn't seem to heed its words.

  With a singur motion, she ripped free the jewel and its tendrils that had imbedded themselves into the creatures flesh. It made a sickening sound as they all watched the Gorgon quickly turn to stone before crumbling away beneath Elizabeth's feet. Though she did not fall, and instead gracefully stood atop one of the spires of stone. Elizabeth's cool, dark eyes washed over them as she turned to face them.

  "Hear me," her voice spoke out, yet she did not shout, "As you have witnessed, this creature was empowered by a fragment of my strength."

  Charlotte swallowed hard; the other members of her guild finally able to move as Nico came to help support his mother.

  "You have a decision to make now," she told them, holding that burning jewel in her hand, "Do you condemn me for what I am, or will you keep this secret and stand with me against those that threaten your world?"

  What kind of a question was that? It wasn't even up for debate. Whatever Elizabeth was, or whatever skill she had used...it didn't matter to Charlotte. Her people were safe. The Gorgon was dead. As she watched Elizabeth absorb the jewel, she could feel the woman's strength bolster and surge. Her tattered wing was repaired and the blood which had matted her hair was given new luster as it was cleaned of any filth.

  She was reborn completely anew, and much stronger than before, and yet...Charlotte didn't feel any bloodlust. Just a simple pressure of authority befitting royalty. Perhaps she really was a Demonic Queen, but none of that mattered, and those with her thought the same as each and every one of them knelt their respects.

  "I think you have your answer!" Charlotte called out to her, "I can't speak for the rest of Legion, but those of us here...you've earned our thanks. We aren't so shallow as to stab those who have risked their lives for us in the back."

  Sharing a look with her son, Nico nodded with a gentle smile. Then, the both of them knelt in respect and gratefulness. It didn't matter what Elizabeth was. Charlotte recalled the look in Elizabeth's eyes when she spoke about protecting something precious. There was a tender conviction that spoke of just how human Elizabeth was. No monster could hold such love in their heart.

  "I'll whip these bastards into shape," Charlotte said proudly, "The next time something like this happens...we won't just stand idly by. I promise you this, we'll be ready for the next one."

  Elizabeth flew down to them, nding lightly before Charlotte. She felt a hand upon her shoulder and as she looked up at the woman, she saw a kind, softened expression on an otherwise fiercely beautiful face.

  "I would appreciate that," Elizabeth responded with a smile, "Stand, Charlotte. You do not kneel to me. Let us fight together."

  Charlotte shook her head but stood regardless.

  "No, Elizabeth," Charlotte said as she looked around at all her men, alive and well, "I owe you much, and for that...Legion will be ready. You may not have them, but you have me, and that's pretty much the same thing."

  "Same," Nico spoke up, standing next to his mother, "I have a lot to learn, but I hope to be of use in the future."

  Elizabeth's eyes flicked to something that Charlotte couldn't perceive. Perhaps a notification of some kind, but it wasn't unusual for individuals to have received private notifications. Whatever it was, it put a slight smile on Elizabeth's face, and a part of Charlotte felt...more resolved.

  Elizabeth had earned Charlotte's loyalty this day, and she would never betray her. For someone who had saved her people and fought the Gorgon on their behalf...it was the least she could do.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV)

  Elizabeth was pleased with how things turned out. She had been afraid she might have to use force to get Charlotte to see reason, but those fears were alleviated almost immediately. She knew she could trust Zero Squad, but it was Charlotte and Legion that were unknown factors.

  How would they react when they found out a Demon was in their ranks? Of course...there was the possibility that they believe it is just a skill, but with even a reward being specific to her, and being called out by one of the monsters inside of a Gate...the chances of rationalizing it dropped significantly.

  Trials rarely called out a Pyer by name. Thankfully, Charlotte didn't seem to question any of it, and the rest of Legion looked to be unconcerned. It seemed like Lucas was right...not all of them were so bad, but still...she had to be careful.

  "Charlotte," Elizabeth called to her as she released [Von Angeal], returning to her human form, "What you saw today..."

  Before Elizabeth could say another word, Charlotte held up her hand.

  "It doesn't matter," Charlotte said with a kind smile, "No one will say anything, and to be honest...it looks like you used a skill. Right?"

  She gave Elizabeth a wink, which helped to alleviate some of the anxiety she felt, but what was really comforting about it all is the notification that she had received not moments before.

  ---

  >[Covenant of Von Angeal: You've Gained 2 New Subjects – Charlotte de Santis, The Legionnaire and Nico de Santis, the Chained Warlock]

  ---

  With their loyalty, Elizabeth could breath easier and gave to them the Gdiator's armaments. The three rewards for defeating the Gorgon. However, she kept the Heart of the Earth and of course, the fragment of her power which she had already absorbed. She was now closer than she had ever been to her true power, but would it be enough?

  She wanted to believe it would, for among all creatures, she had been one of the strongest. She ruled a realm rger than any other before it had collided with Earth. It had become fragmented, much like she had been. There were Gates that led to portions of her realm, and it was there that she had found some of her fragments before.

  One day, she hoped to perhaps see it restored, and just maybe...that was where she would return with Lucas. Of course, if she could make a pce for them here on Earth, she would gdly do so. Either way, it was time to leave the Gate as everything began to colpse.

  With their rewards in hand, and an experience none of them would forget, they made their way towards a portal that had opened up in the Arena. On the way, Zero Squad caught up to her.

  "Damn, Cap," Richard whistled, "Where were you hiding that?"

  "Who cares," Ailyah nudged him.

  "True," Richard sighed and Elizabeth cast an eye over all of them.

  She felt like she owed them an expnation.

  "It's a part of me," Elizabeth said softly, "I can't say more than that. If it changes what you think of-"

  "I'm gonna stop you there, Ma'am," Richard held up a hand with a warm smile, "Nothing's changed."

  "Ricky's right," Ailyah chimed up, "If anything, we think more highly of you now. That shit was badass."

  "Heh, was it?" Elizabeth couldn't help but ugh, "Truly, I'm grateful for friends like you."

  The entirety of Zero Squad stopped in their tracks, awe painted on their mouths.

  "Did you hear that?" Ailyah asked everyone, "She called us friends."

  Elizabeth paused, turning back as she heard this. A slight embarrassment threatening to betray her face.

  "Yes..." Elizabeth cleared her throat, "Is that so wrong?"

  "No, not at all," Richard said, holding his hands up defensively, "Just...surprising. You don't often admit that stuff, Ma'am."

  The Twins were just staring with stars in their eyes, and Sigrid looked both touched by the sentiment and a little guilty. She still had to work through her feelings of inferiority, but she would get there. Elizabeth did truly see them all as friends, despite being subordinates. She's spent lifetimes with them, after all, but to them...it was only this one life.

  "Yeah, well..." Elizabeth turned on her heel, hiding the blush which had finally appeared on her face, "Don't get used to it. All you need to do is follow me, and don't do anything foolish."

  "Aye, aye!" Ailyah excimed, quite pleased.

  Elizabeth hid her smile, though the warmth in her heart was real. Perhaps this is what it means to truly live, and since this was the life that she was set on keeping, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to let them in a bit more?

  For now, they left the Gate to the sounds of cheering. Those who had been waiting for their return were happy to see the team led by Charlotte had survived, and the Gate closed behind them. Lorenzo was reunited with his family, and the rest of Legion quickly found their own among the now relieved crowd.

  The time remaining for the Gate...two days and thirteen hours. It had taken them two days to navigate the maze, find Charlotte, get to the heart of it all, and finally...defeat the Gorgon. At least now it was over, and Elizabeth could finally return to..."Ah...you idiot," Elizabeth's smile brightened as she saw a familiar face among the crowd watching her, “You’re supposed to be enjoying yourself…”

  There he was waiting for her, Lucas. His gentle expression with that dazzling smile filled with love. As soothing a sight as always, and the reason she fought so desperately. The precious existence that she wished to protect.

  She couldn't take her eyes off of him, but she did wonder why he was here. He should be at the hotel, or sightseeing with Maya and the rest of them. Of course, she probably knew the reason even before she heard it.

  "We'll meet up with you ter, Ma'am," Richard told her as Ailyah motioned for Elizabeth to go.

  "Don't keep him waiting, Cap," Ailyah side with a mischievous smile.

  Sigrid's eyes lingered on Maya, who stood with Lucas. Maya smiled and waved, to which Sigrid returned an awkward smile and wave of her own before heading off with the Twins, Richard, and Ailyah.

  As Elizabeth made her way to Lucas, before she could saw anything, he embraced her warmly, hugging tightly.

  "Welcome back," he said into her chest, looking up at her with a kind smile, "I'm gd you're safe."

  "Of course, I am," she replied, brushing his hair with her hand, "Who do you think I am?"

  "Someone who pushes herself," he replied coyly.

  "Yes, well..." Elizabeth embraced him, tilting his chin up towards her, "I have a very good reason for that."

  With that, she kissed him. Savoring every moment. Everything melted away in that moment. It was only the two of them, and as she reluctantly pulled away, she was returned to reality and left staring into his sparkling eyes.

  "That's a very good reason," he muttered breathlessly, "Even so, I'm gd you're safe."

  Elizabeth's heart warmed at his words and presence, but she soon turned her attention towards Maya, pcing a hand on her shoulder as she nodded her greeting.

  "I take it things have been well?" Elizabeth asked, "Thanks for keeping an eye on him."

  "It's no problem, El," Maya replied softly, "To be honest, it's my pleasure."

  "I'm sure it was," Elizabeth teased her, causing Maya to blush slightly, "What have you two been up to? Did you do anything fun?"

  "A little," Lucas answered, still not letting her go, "We had some good food and saw a little bit of the city, but..."

  He looked a little bashful suddenly, gncing away. Maya smiled amusingly at his reaction, rolling her eyes as she spoke up.

  "He wanted to see the city together," Maya expined for him, "With everyone."

  It was at that moment that Elizabeth realized that Hannah and Denny were also there, waiting a little further back. She greeted them with a nod of her head, to which they waved back. Hannah was as bright as ever, which was a strange contrast to Denny's darker palette, but their personalities definitely seemed to fit each other. Both cared very much about their siblings.

  "Is that so?" Elizabeth asked him, gncing down coyly, "Aren't you adorable."

  Lucas blushed as he tried to hide his face, but it was useless under her scrutiny.

  "What of it?" he asked, pouting slightly, "It's not every day that I go to another country, and I wanted it to be special...for all of us."

  Elizabeth couldn't stop smiling. It was incredibly sweet of him to want to spend time with everyone. A sentiment that Maya seemed to agree with.

  "He's been coming here every day since-" Maya began, but Lucas immediately broke free from Elizabeth to pce a hand over her mouth.

  "Maya!" he excimed, becoming beet red, "Come on! You don't gotta say that...!"

  Maya smiled behind his hand, taking it from her mouth and kissed it gently.

  "No, but seeing you flustered is fun," Maya told him, much to his chagrin.

  "Fine! Maybe next time I won't try to do something nice!" he huffed, taking his hand back as he crossed his arms defiantly.

  "No, please don't say that," Elizabeth hugged him from behind, "We're only teasing because you're so cute. Let me clean up, and then we can pn some stuff, okay?"

  Lucas couldn't stay upset for long, and eventually relented. He took her and Maya by the hand, walking away from the colosseum together. Denny and Hannah behind them.

  "It's good to be back..." Elizabeth mused, content with recent events as she held Lucas's hand firmly. There was a lot still left to do, but for now...they would enjoy a short vacation.

  Together.

  -----

  Nikushimi