Free Aeon Legion: Labyrinth by J.P. Beaubien

but I have a
guest,” Alya said as she gestured to Terra. “I need someone to
grant her clearance to enter the city. Also she needs a shieldwatch.”
    The gatekeeper looked to Terra
and nodded. “Right away, Centurion Silverwind. Is she a new squi–”
    “Just a friend,” Alya
interrupted. She leaned in close and spoke in a hushed tone. “I
want my presence here off the record. Understand?”
    The gatekeeper nodded, keeping
his own voice low. “Understood. Legendary Blade business no doubt.
You have my full discretion,” he said before turning to Terra. “Bag
please.”
    She handed the gatekeeper her
bag.
    The
gatekeeper froze the bag in midair. It hung there encased in a
glowing translucent sphere. “You may retrieve
it in a few hours at processing. Hand please.”
    Terra held out her hand. The
gatekeeper grabbed one of her fingers and touched it to a device he
drew from his belt.
    “DNA cataloged,” came a
female voice from the gatekeeper's shieldwatch. “Welcome to Saturn
City, Terra Mason.”
    “Go ahead and bring her to
processing,” the gatekeeper said, smiling. “You're clear to
enter.”
    “Thank you,” Terra said as
she followed Alya while trying to ignore the glares of those who had
been rejected from entering the city.
    As soon as Alya walked past
the gate, the gatekeeper shouted, “That was so infinite! I got to
meet the famous Silverwind. It's not everyday you meet a Legendary
Blade!”
    Alya groaned as she rubbed her
forehead.
    Emperor Seres pointed to Alya.
“Oh? Why does that cur get special treatment? Is it because she has
your silver–”
    The gatekeeper whirled,
grabbing the Emperor by his garb and lifting him off his feet. His
face twisted into a snarl as he spoke in a low tone. “Listen here
you worthless dustrunner. That woman, Alya Silverwind, is one of the
greatest heroines of this city. She has saved Time a hundred fold.
You owe her your life many times over and you will show her your
respect.”
    Terra
gawked until Alya drew her away. She followed Alya past the gateway
and into Saturn City. At
least I know that's the real Alya, Terra thought.
    Once they were clear of the
gate, Alya sighed. “At least I got through before a mob formed this
time.”
    Terra was going to ask Alya a
question when a man came running around the corner. He wore the same
armor as Alya and stopped in front of her, out of breath. He then
looked up at her. “It's true! You are here! Silverwind the
Legendary Blade!”
    Alya's gaze darted around,
looking for a quick exit.
    “Please make me your
squire!” The man said while he struggled to draw himself up after
what Terra guessed was a lengthy run.
    Alya pursed her lips while
still searching for a way to exit with grace.
    “I have passed the Labyrinth
with good marks,” the man said with a desperate edge to his voice.
“I can secure recommendations from my instructors if needed.”
    Alya gritted her teeth.
“Listen, I am sure you are re–”
    “Please!” the man begged.
“I would do anything you requested! I know everyone wants to be
your squire, but I would be exceptionally dedicated.”
    “You’re famous?” Terra
asked, staring at Alya with a wide gaze.
    “At attention,” came a
man's voice.
    The legionnaire who petitioned
Alya stood at attention as another man approached.
    Alya
grimaced as she turned, but smiled when she saw the man walking
towards her. The man wore the same armor as Alya though it had a good
many more emblems and medals. He stood half
a
head taller than either Terra or Alya. While he shared Alya's tanned
skin tone and silver hair, his dark eyes contrasted with Alya's sky
blue irises. Terra noted he had a handsome face with a good smile.
His ridged stance made him appear more professional when contrasted
with Alya's graceful motions and playful demeanor.
    The petitioner
gasped.“Strategos Orion. Two Legendary Blades in the same place!”
    “Orion,” Alya said as she
smiled. “I am surprised to find you out. Prometheus