Alfia already felt like, she was being toyed with by Hermes, being pulled into whatever scheme he was obviously planning. The God was too giddy for his own good and couldn't contain his excitement in the slightest, it made her want to hit him, how did his Familia put up with him? She pitied his Familia members and what they had to deal with because of the whims of their God. Regardless, she followed after him, it was the only way to find her nephew.

Alfia truly hadn't intended to interfere, but considering the circumstances, she might not have had a choice if she wished for Meteria's child to be safe and out of the hands of a perverted God. The odds of the War Game were clearly not in his favour. There was no doubt in her mind that Hermes had someone else in mind before her arrival, while she was curious to know who he had first intended to aid the Hestia Familia in their hour of need, Alfia didn't believe that she could leave this in the hands of another.

Alfia had been running from this responsibility for fourteen years, and as of yet, she didn't know what the result of her absence in his life was. The least she could do was step up, at least this once. But she wouldn't fight his battles for him, nor did she intend to do so. She'd assist where necessary, if he truly was as remarkable as the rumours stated then it was possible that only a little assistance on her part might be enough for him to achieve victory on his own. He after all, despite his young age was a man and an adventurer. No doubt he fully intended to take the lead and secure victory for himself, he just needed some assistance, a helping hand.

With any luck, Hestia had some kind of strategy in mind or was working on one.

"Almost there now." Hermes began as he walked ahead of her, he'd been leading her through the streets for a little while now. Initally he had tried to start up a conversation with her, which was clearly around the circumstances of her last time in Orario which she had no intention of speaking about, and she had remained quiet despite his attempts. At least he had gotten the message and remained quiet since. She barely took in her surroundings, simply following after Hermes before he came to a stop causing her to raise her head to see that they had come to a small run-down store, far from the main streets. Did this store have any patrons? She didn't recognize the name or to which Familia it might be a part of.

~Blue Pharmacy~

"This here is run by the God Miach and his Familia, they've been true friends to both darling Hestia and our young Bell, as well as the Takemikazuchi Familia." Hermes explained as he walked up to the entrance to the shop before he opened it and walked inside. Alfia released a slow breath as she pulled back her hood revealing her long silver hair and followed Hermes inside.

Entering after him, he was already walking through the store towards the backroom, no doubt where the preparations for the War Game were being held, she could already feel the presence of several others inside, there were more than she was expecting there to be.

The shop wasn't much to look at as she walked through following after the deity, it was dark and filled with numerous types of herbs and the like to make an assortment of potions.

Alfia came to a stop just outside the room Hermes was standing at the entrance too. Hermes for his part gave her a moment seemingly sensing her slight reluctance as she took a deep breath and released it, her stomach was in knots. This would be the first time in seven years she had seen him. The last time she had seen him had only been from a distance, watching on when Zald, herself and Erebus had stopped by the small mountain village where he had been raised by Zeus. At that time, she believed that if she had gone to meet with him she never would have left his side.

Instead, she had walked away, intending to die in Orario... but still now lived.

What was she even going to say to him?

Hermes glanced back at her but her face was as stoic as ever, her eyes remained closed to hide her eyes. Knocking on the wooden frame of the doorway that led to the back room, which was only shrouded by a sheet, to let those on the other side know he was there. Pulling back the curtain Hermes stepped inside gaining the attention of those within as he held the curtain open for Alfia. There was a moment of hesitation before Alfia stepped forward ducking beneath the curtain and immediately she scanned the room.

There was no sign of his white hair or any such disgusting ruby eyes that he inherited from his Father. He wasn't here.

She didn't know if she was more disappointed or happy he wasn't.

"Hermes! I thought you said you were bringing someone to help!" Instantly Alfia disliked the loud yelling Goddess, being the only female deity in the room she assumed it to be Hestia. The noise she emitted caused the woman to click her tongue in annoyance, but it was covered up by the Goddess' shouts.

There were two other deities within the room, one she assumed to be Miach the owner of this small establishment, and the other Takemikazuchi, the two that Hermes had mentioned. She didn't recognize either to put names to the faces, not familiar with either. Other than the Gods, there was a small gathering of clearly wary adventures that were sizing her up, clearly on edge at her presence. They might not know her level or strength, but it was clear that by instinct they knew she was stronger than all of them.

"I did bring help." Hermes smiled happily as he took his hat from his head, dusting it on his leg before holding it to his chest. "Allow me all to introduce to you, a dear friend that has come in your hour of need Hestia!" All attention was now on Alfia, with Hermes' blatant display out of the way they were no doubt expecting her to say something, introduce herself at least, she didn't intend to.

An awkward silence filled the room. Alfia didn't care in the slightest, it was quiet at least.

Now that she had time to think, Alfia was indeed disappointed that he wasn't here. After all the nervousness she had built up, at least if he was here it would be over and done with but now it would be prolonged further, she didn't know what was worse, facing him sooner or waiting longer. Alfia simply remained quiet as Hermes chuckled awkwardly as he glanced from her to Hestia who only looked at the woman in suspicion.

"This isn't exactly who I thought you had in mind, Hermes." Hestia began as she stepped forward clearly not impressed by the arrival of a stranger when she had been expecting a certain Elf that had aided them once before. Hestia stood before the table that clearly had the plans of the War Game laid out. "May I ask your name?" She questioned looking up at Alfia, their height difference was considerable, the only person the Goddess was taller than in the room was the Pallum. There was silence before Alfia let out a soft sigh.

"Alfia." She gave her name. "I hail from Beltane."

"Beltane, I don't think I know where that is." Hestia stated with a small frown, the other two deities sharing glances with one another showing that they too weren't familiar with the small country a few days ride from Orario. "And you've come to help us?" It was clear that Hestia was trying to determine her character and intentions.

"Alfia is a remarkable child Hestia." Hermes intruded as he stepped forward. "You won't find better help on such short notice, despite not being from Orario. Beltane has a rather quite harsh environment leading to a strength not often found outside our fair city." He explained, knowing full well that Alfia still held Hera's Falna on her back.

In truth Hermes had no idea where Hera was at the present, no doubt somewhere chasing after Zeus. Alfia had spent the last several years in Beltane under the care of Goddess Bheara recuperating at the Spring of Life and Hera had made no attempt to contact her, or Alfia her. If he was being honest, Alfia probably hadn't had her Status updated in well over a decade, if not longer.

"Alfia here is offering assistance to you, it would be rude to turn her away." Hermes concluded.

"Hermes is right." Takemikazuchi stated as he smiled over at Hestia, being a War God and with his vast experience of combat, it was easy for him to tell the vast difference between the new arrival and those gathered here in this room, just by the woman's stance and posture. Hestia would be a fool to turn away such a talentented individual offering aide.

"I'll take full responsibility should anything happen." Hermes added surprising the other Gods at his willingness to step up, it wasn't like him which meant that he had that much confidence in the woman. "I am the one who brought her to you, if anything happened it would be my fault, wouldn't it?" He smiled.

"Well, if Hermes has that much faith in you, it would be rude of me to turn you away." Hestia smiled happily. "I look forward to working with you." Alfia simply nodded her head.

"We'll discuss my reward after the War Game is over." Alfia stated shocking everyone in the room as Hermes chuckled awkwardly, he had forgotten just how direct and harsh Alfia could be, even to the Gods. It seemed, even if it was offering aid to Bell she still intended to receive something out of it in return. If he recalled correctly, she and Hera did not get along, sometimes Hermes had to wonder if it was downright hatred between the two. "Or are you that vane that you expect help for nothing?" She suggested which only seemed to irritate Hestia even more.

"She's right, Goddess Hestia." The small Pallum spoke up, it was clear the petite girl was aware that Hestia was about to fly into a tantrum of some kind, something Alfia was appreciative to the Pallum for preventing. "Once the War Game is over, we'll discuss the payment of your contribution." Alfia nodded, content with that as Hestia huffed, no longer happy that Alfia was here, at least the Elf wouldn't have demanded such compensation.

Alfia's first impression of the petite Goddess wasn't a fond one.

"Then perhaps we should return to our preparations." Miach spoke.

When Alfia had arrived in Orario, there were four days until the War Game would start. Now it was the morning of the grand event the entire city had been preparing for, and she still had yet to see him.

All Alfia knew is what Hestia had mentioned to her, that he was training for the battle ahead and shouldn't be disturbed. Alfia only assumed that his training was down in the Dungeon as the Goddess hadn't elaborated any further on the matter. Alfia didn't know how just a few days would change his status to take on a Level 3 at only Level 2, but Hestia's resolve in the boy to be able to do it, actually moved Alfia, not that she'd ever openly admit it.

But she had to wonder why Hestia placed so much faith in his growth, was there something more? It certainly piqued her curiosity. His growth was remarkably fast, perhaps when it was time to get her reward she would ask as to what allowed him to grow so quickly. But that could come after the War Game was over and victory was in hand.

True her first impression of Hestia hadn't been great, she'd been loud unbearably so and as she learned, completely infatuated with the boy, almost to an unhealthy degree but Alfia didn't know the relationship between the two. It seemed that Hestia's affection was almost as bad as what the rumours said about Apollo with how fixated she could be on the boy. But, despite being his only living relative she didn't have the right to interfere. At least, not until he knew the truth and decided whether or not he wanted her in his life.

She had already resolved herself these past several days to tell him the truth, once the War Game was over. The last thing she wanted was for him to be distracted by such a revelation. Once the War Game was over and done with, they'd talk hopefully in private and she'd tell him everything, about herself, about his Mother, less about his Father and how he was raised by Zeus. No doubt he had many questions that Zeus had never been able to answer, or had refused to. She wouldn't.

In the days leading up to the morning before the War Game, Alfia had observed the strategy that had been planned out and was glad that her role wasn't a large one, they only asked if she was okay with it rather than asking her opinion on any further strategy.

Of course, with her experience and Level there was a lot more she could easily see them accomplish, but simply remained quiet on the matter. They knew neither her level nor her ability and she refused to be the pillar that supported them, she was there to assist and be a diversion, and that was all. Once her part was done, she'd simply watch from a vantage point to see how the rest unfolded.

Her only objective was to attack the stronghold and draw as many members of the Apollo Familia as she could. The others held the main responsibility of taking down the Commander, the one known as Phoebus Apollo, the Captain of the Apollo Familia, a Level 3, Hyakinthos

As the days passed and while she had mostly remained secluded she had listened and observed and Alfia had come to learn of those closest to him.

Liliruca Ard, the Pallum and former member of the Soma Familia. She was a new transfer to the Hestia Familia after being taken back to her Familia by force. A supporter who, that like Hestia held affection for him, but she obviously tried to hide it to some degree and was irritated by Hestia's constant ramblings and declarations of love when there was much more to worry about. Alfia too had started to become irritated at Hestia's constant affectionate cries, she was far too loud. Hopefully, he hadn't taken after his Goddess. She wouldn't cope if he was unbearably loud.

Alfia didn't know the full story, but it was clear that Lili as she liked to be called respected him beyond what was normal for just an Adventurer and Supporter team. As much as Alfia was learning about his life, there was still so much more to learn of him, most she wished to learn from him himself.

Then there was Welf Crozzo. Alfia instantly knew the name. A Magic Sword smith was not something you came across every day, especially one as talented as Welf who could actually produce infamously powerful magic swords. Once deemed a lost art among those with the name of Crozzo came as easily to him as smithing did to others.

Welf had crafted several Magic Swords for the War Game and intended for her to use them in her diversion to attack the stronghold.

Alfia had honestly considered the idea if only to hide her own power but without a doubt, she was going to be recognized one way or another. She hated the idea of using swords and surprised everyone when she refused to wield them instead leaving them to be used by other members of the party where they would be much more beneficial.

He was a member of the Hephaestus Familia that willingly chose to transfer to the Hestia Familia out of the bonds of friendship they had made together. It was hard to find one such person that would go so far, but he had managed to find three that were willing to convert Familia for his sake, all in such a short span of time.

Then lastly, Mikoto who converted to the Hestia Familia from the Takemikazuchi Familia. A God from the Far East, not a place Alfia had many dealings with or the deities that hailed from that land. Out of some honour-bound duty, Mikoto converted to assist despite knowing that it would be a year before she could convert back to her own Familia and friends should the Hestia Familia come out as the victor. Apparently, the girl felt like she owed the Hestia Familia a debt for her past transgressions.

Alfia wasn't surprised that her new 'comrades' didn't approach her, they were still cautious of her despite the fact that the Gods were placing their trust in her to help them.

As they gathered around the once home of the Hestia Familia in the early morning mist, the ruined church now lay in rubble. Alfia couldn't say that she was impressed, Mikoto and Welf were Level 2's while Lili was a Level 1. They were going up against a Familia of over a hundred members, their Captain being a Level 3 with several Level 2 executives and numerous Level 1's with far more experience than they. They were outnumbered, out Leveled, and honestly had slim chances of pulling this off.

"I may need to intervene more than I would have liked." Alfia frowned as she stood a distance away from the others her long black dress a stark contrast to the morning mist surrounding them, she had already figured that the events of the War Game were going to be transmitted around the city, meaning her identity was going to be revealed and the attention of several people were going to be directed at her. Time would only tell how they would react to her being back in Orario, let alone alive and well.

She heard the footsteps and slowly raised her head as his presence registered. The others hadn't noticed yet. But there he was, approaching. The snow-white hair and light silver armour stood in contrast to the black clothes he wore beneath. He held an out-of-place look on his face, but as he grew closer it grew softer before a smile was on his face as he saw everyone present.

Hestia hugged him. Lili smiled widely up at him. Welf clapped him on the back. Mikoto bowed her head.

They all welcomed him back.

His ruby-red eyes landed on her and she instantly wanted to gouge them from his head. But, there was a difference in them from what she remembered of his Father, they held Meteria's softness, her kindness. He may have inherited his Father's eyes, but undoubtedly he took after Meteria. There was no denying whose son he was. Perhaps that was why she didn't walk up and remove the accursed eyes.

He looked at her curiously, no recognition whatsoever, of course, he had no idea who she was. That didn't stop the slight feeling of guilt rising in her or the pang of pain in her heart. His eyes might have been his, but the way he looked at her, was as if her sister was looking at a stranger.

He... he was all she had left of Meteria, and she had left him alone in this world.

At that moment, when he asked his Goddess who she was... she swore to herself she'd never leave him again.

"Bell." Hestia began as Alfia approached them. "This is Alfia, Hermes brought her here to help us." For moments, they stood staring at one another, Bell seeming to memorize her face as if unconsciously recalling the face of his Mother, while not identical twins they shared many similarities in their appearance.

Bell opened his mouth to speak before Alfia's hand reached out, cupping his cheek and pausing his words, shocking herself more than anyone as Hestia was aghast at the sudden display of affection while Lili seemed stumped at the action herself.

"We'll speak after." Alfia stated, removing her hand quickly as Bell stood awkwardly, unable to help the redness in his cheeks at the gentle show of affection from the beautiful woman. Instantly he was pulled back by the Goddess into Hestia's chest as the Goddess glared at Alfia who turned away, not caring for the jealousy of a Goddess only to see Lili trying to figure out what just happened as Mikoto and Welf shared a glance, unsure of what just happened before shrugging.

"Bell, I'll update your Status then we need to hurry!" Hestia, suddenly came back to her senses and the urgency of the day caught back up with them.

Alfia most of all was shocked when Hestia announced all of Bell's stats were either at or above SS.