They all returned back home with Astraea looking anxious from the expressions of her two girls. Ardi shifted nervously while Ryuu muttered things quietly to herself. Bell was just humming to himself while holding the sword in his arms. The goddess could only hope her fears will be put to rest once everything is explained.

AN: No, they'll be wide awake

Upon returning home, Bell showed them the sword he got back.

Bell: Grandma, look, I got my sword back!

Hera: Wonderful!

Astraea: Alright your two, enough with the suspense! What's got you so worked up?!

Ardi: I-I-I...

Ryuu: Him and goddess... child...

Alfia: Why are they acting like that?

Astraea: I wish I knew. They've been like that since we met back up. *Worried*

While she worried about them, Bell was busy telling Hera about his sword.

Bell: Yeah, and my sword has new tricks.

Hera: Tricks?

Libra: Hello?

Hera: *Jolt* What in the world?!

Zeus and Zald just came in and were able to see and hear the weapon speak.

Zeus: Uh, Bell, what was that?

Bell: My sword?

Astraea: It can talk?

Bell: Sure can. Her name is Libra.

Libra: Nice to meet you! Papa named me himself.

A moment of silence passed before the gates of hell opened.

Hera: PAPA?! *To the sword* What do you mean "Papa?"

Libra: I mean my wielder is Papa. The boney man said I came from a part of him and Mama, so that makes him my Papa.

The room suddenly dropped in temperature as Alfia had a dark aura around her.

Alfia: Wasn't this sword made by blood from Bell to bind it to him?

Hera: I believe it was.

Alfia: And who was it that had it commissioned to be forged?

The reality sunk and a brown haired Goddess suddenly trembled in fear.

Astraea: W-Wait...

Hera: This can't be right!

Libra: Oh, Mama is here too!

Zeus: And that would be? (The moment of truth!)

Libra: She's over there in the white dress!

They all looked to Astraea who looked the most shocked.

Astraea: Me?!

Zald: She's your mom?

Alfia: *Angry* Looks like I was right.

Hera: Her and Bell?!

Zeus: UUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHH!!!

Libra: Well, yeah, Mama put some of her stuff in me too. That's why I look a lot like her. At least, that's what he said.

Bell: You do?

Libra: I can't show it now. You aren't a high enough level for me to change into human form, but at least I can talk with everyone.

While they were busy, the others in the room were processing the truth that Bell and Astraea had a child. Astraea felt a chill when Alfia looked at her with death in her eyes.

Alfia: So, you just couldn't help yourself. You couldn't have waited for my boy to grow up before making your move? *Furious*

Astraea: T-This is a misunderstanding! I n-never knew about this! *Turning to Hera* P-Please help me!

Hera: After everything that's happened, how could you betray us like this? *Tearing up* Bell is only 9! He's too young to be a father!

Ardi: A-Actually, it is a misunderstanding.

They turned to the blur haired girl who jumped at the attention turned to her.

Hera: What?

Ardi: Fels said that while Libra is technically a combination of the two of them, they don't have that kind of relationship.

Hera: So you have the nerve to have a child with my boy and not take responsibility?!

Astraea: AAAH!!! *scared*

Ardi: Wait!! Please, Libra is just a special weapon! She is supposed to grow along side Bell, but none of us could have known she could turn out like this!

Alfia: Still, that makes her and Bell the parents.

Zald: *Clapping* Alright, let's all take a moment to breathe here. There's no need to be this angry especially when this was just an unexpected event.

Hera: But Zald-

Zald: Hera, even with the facts in play, punishing Goddess Astraea will solve nothing and it was never her fault to begin with. This was meant to be a weapon and a gift for Bell. She obviously had no intention for this to happen.

Astraea: *Nodding fiercely*

Zald: As such, let us just drop the entire thing and move on. She is still our ally and our friend.

Hera looked to the scared and slightly blushing Astraea and sighed.

Hera: I guess you're right, but what of Libra?

Zald: We will just have them take responsibility when Bell gets older. By then, he will be mature enough to handle a child.

Alfia: *Sigh* I suppose that is all we can really do.

Zeus: Now hang on, we can't just leave it at that. After all, they can't just be parents to the little girl.

Hera: Why don't I like where this is going?

Zeus: *Smiling proudly* Obviously, the two will have to marry to settle it.

Astraea: *Red faced* Huh?!

Ryuu, Alfia and Hera: THEY WHAT?!

Hera: *Beating him up* Over my dead body!

Zeus: Ugh... but it will be better for them once they start to actually make children.

Ryuu: SILENCE!!!

The beating continued while Bell was oblivious to the context of it. Of course, some had mixed feelings about the whole ordeal. After much planning and yelling, they were able to come up a compromise. The two would be the parent figures for Libra, but there would be no marriage, much to Zeus' sadness. Ryuu was mortified for the rest of the day and the rest of the girls could hardly believe it when they heard the story. Astraea was embarrassed enough already, but the future teasing from the others would make it even harder for her in the future. As they left to do their own business, Astraea was stopped by Alfia one last time.

Alfia: I want to know, how do you really feel for Bell?

Astraea: I've said before, I think of him as a precious child of mine.

Alfia: That's it? Nothing more?

Astraea: Of course not. For Heaven's sake he's only a boy! I wouldn't try to be romantically involved with someone of his age! You're my friend, Alfia, so have some more faith in me.

AN: Timeskip a few years...

Friend became Mother-in-law

Alfia:Very well. I'll hold you to that.

The next day started like normal for Bell. Nothing special about it until he heard something from Riveria when he went to visit. Ais' birthday was tomorrow. Right after hearing that, he rushed put of there with a speed that left the elf wide eyed. Upon arriving home, he slammed the doors open and shouted to everyone inside.

Bell: Guys!! It's an emergency!!

Astraea: W-What's wrong?!

Bell: Ais' birthday is tomorrow!!

Alise: AAAAAHH!!! *About to flip a table* Oh, nevermind.

Kaguya: I still think it's quite serious. We all should go out and get a gift for her.

Hera: Agreed.

And so, they all went out to find something for the girl. However, Bell was stopped by Zeus for something beforehand.

Zeus: Bell, I'm sure you want to make sure she enjoys tomorrow am I right?

Bell: Yeah!

Zeus: Well, I've got the perfect plan for you.

Bell: Really?! *Smiling*

Zeus: Of course, my boy! Now, listen closely. *Whispering in Bell's ear*

Timeskip several hours...

Everyone went all over the city to find the girl something for her special day tomorrow. That was no exception for her Familia was well. Finn hadn't forgotten his appointment with Lyra, and the two went out to enjoy themselves as well as finding something for Ais.

Lyra: Finn, you think she'll be looking for weapons of some kind?

Finn: *Smiling awkwardly* While I'm sure she would like that, I doubt Riveria would allow her to have too many.

Lyra: Haha! That's true! Anywho, thanks for taking me up on my request. Checking out shop after shop with you has been great.

Finn: It was my pleasure. I have to say, being out of my office feels nice.

Lyra: You really should get out of there more often.

Finn: Haha. While I would enjoy that, being the Familia Captain has its difficulties.

Lyra: If only our own Captain could be like that...

Finn: *Patting her shoulder* There there. I'm sure she'll come around eventually. I know I did.

Lyra: Come on, I'm sure you weren't any different back then.

Finn: Well then, let me tell you a tale.

With Riveria...

She was currently with Tiona and Tione while Ais was home training with Gareth.

Tione: You sure we can't just get her a spare sword from Hephaestus? I think she'd enjoy that.

Riveria: She would, but her weapons are a bad influence to her mind already.

Tione: Mmm... if only the Captain were here.

Tiona: *Rushing to them* Hey, I think this could work!

She showed them a crate with what looked to be ingredients for food.

Riveria: What is it?

Tiona: The person in the store told me it was a starting kit to learn how to make potato snacks at home. Ais is going to love it! *Smiling*

Riveria: *Dark aura* Put it back.

Tiona: EEP!

Riveria: She eats those enough as it is. Ais needs to learn how to eat other foods. Now, return it.

Tiona: O-Okay.

She ran off again as the two sighed. The day flew by quickly as everyone eventually found something to give the girl tomorrow. The next day, everyone was ready with their gifts, but one was still preparing.

With Bell...

Bell: Now, the last thing on the list is...

???: Hey, you! Mister with the white hair!

Bell turned around and saw a girl around the same age as her calling to him. She had brown hair and was asking him to come over to the flower shop she was at.

Bell: Yes?

???: Could I interest you in some flowers?

Bell: Flowers? (That's the last thing I needed!) Sure!

Lili: My name is Lili by the way. Over here.

She showed him all the items the had available. After much looking, he settled for a bouquet of yellow tulips.

Lili: Thank you, sir!

Bell was ready to leave that place with a bright smile before he saw a group of what looked to be thug adventurers.

Thug A: Hey guys, I think we finally found her.

Thug B: Yeah, the little rat that scammed us a while back.

Lili herself was shaking in place as the demons of her past came back to torment her again. They immediately began to trash the shop which made the owner take action.

Owner: Stop this at once!

Lili: No don't!

Thug A: Be quiet, old man!

He tried to throw a punch at him, but was stopped when Bell caught his fist.

Thug A: The hell?!

He looked and saw the little boy standing in front of him. A smirk rose on his face.

Thug A: Alright kid, I'll let you go if you just run along home to your parents.

Thug B: The big kids here need to talk this out.

Bell: Why are you destroying the place if you're talking? I might need to come back here if I need flowers again.

Thug A: Look kid, you better get lost before I do something you'll regret. *Annoyed*

Bell: I'm not leaving until you do.

Thug B: Well, you heard him.

Thug A: *Smirking* Sucks for you, boy.

Owner: Boy, just leave! This isn't your problem!

Bonk* *Thwack*

Just as Lili and he were worried, it immediately vanished when he knocked them unconscious in one blow each.

Bell: *Dusting off his hands*

Lili: Wow, that was amazing!

Bell: Thanks. I almost forgot, here.

He handed them a bag of valis.

Bell: For the flowers and to help the shop.

Owner: *Taking the bag* Thank you so much, son. How can we repay you?

Bell: I might need to come back here for more flowers someday. So if you could, stay open because there were a lot in here that I liked! *Smiling*

Owner: Then, I look forward to seeing you here again, boy.

AN: He will soon be your number one customer.

Bell: Me too. Bye!

He said goodbye to them after some Ganesha members went to ask about what happened. After explaining the situation, they helped to clean up while Bell got ready for the party at Loki's. He met back with everyone who were already at Twilight Manor.

With the others...

Gareth: Little more to your right, Raul.

Raul: Over here?

Gareth: Yeah, perfect!

The man dropped the last present on the table before making his way back down.

Raul: That should be the last of them. I'm surprised this isn't collapsing.

Gareth: Don't sweat the small stuff. Now, let's go enjoy the celebration!

Raul: Right!

Everyone was outside and enjoying the special day. Many other Familia were in attendance along with Astraea as Loki went all the way for her favorite child. Everyone had nice clothes on and Ais even had a well-made green dress that fit her perfectly. She had light yellow gloves along with a tiara Loki made her wear. The girl greeted and thank everyone who came today. Though, Ais preferred to stay with her friends.

Alise: So, congratulations! 12 years old already!

Ais: *Smiling* Thanks.

Neze: I still wonder what could be keeping Bell?

Kaguya: He had something to pick up back home. I'm sure he'll be here soon.

Ais: (I hope so.)

Timeskip a few minutes...

Bell picked up a small package from home and quickly made his way to the party. He also changed into his suit that Hera and Alfia found for him the day before. Luckily for him, they all waited for him near the entrance. The mood brightened further once the boy arrived.

Alise: Hey, you're finally here!

Bell: Sorry for the wait.

Zeus: I see the suit fits you well.

Hera: Oh, you look so good in it!

Alfia and Zald nodded in agreement while Ais blushed at seeing him in it.

Bell: Oh yeah, these are for you! *Gives her the flowers*

Since she was blushing already, now her face was totally red while the other girls squealed at the moves he was making.

Kaguya: *Hand over her mouth* My word!

Alise: That's the way, Bell!

Hera: *Sigh* (Well, at least his lessons were somewhat useful. Nice move, Bell.)

Zeus: *Brimming with pride* (All according to cake.)

Bell: Is Miss Riveria or Mr. Finn around here?

Ryuu: They're by the tables over there. *Pointing to where the food was*

Ardi: Does that have to do with what you were doing last night?

Bell: Mhm!

Ais: What did you do?

Alise: *Putting a hand on her shoulder* Just wait and see! Trust me, you'll love it!

Now the girl was even more curious. They all went to meet with Riveria and she was happy to see the boy finally made it.

Riveria: Finally here I see. *Sees Ais holding the flowers* (Wow, I didn't see that coming.)

Bell: Sure am! So, where can I put this? *Holding the box*

Riveria: Is it food? If so, you can leave it there. There is a spot next to the cakes.

He did as was instructed and put it down before opening it. When he did, it was revealed to be a much larger than normal potato snack. There was even the sweet cream Ais liked spread on top like some kind of frosting. Needless to say, the girl's mouth was watering at the sight of it.

Riveria: *Sigh* Just for today, Riveria.

Of course, her problems potential of worsening grew when Tiona arrived. She was dressed better, but still went with the typical amazon attire of little to nothing on.

Tiona: Hah... I finally found you guys.

Iska: Tiona?

Ryuu: Where's your sister?

Tiona: Over there with Lyra and the Captain.

She pointed and saw the two having a tug of war with the prum.

Lyra: FINN IS MINE!!!

Tione: *Cat hissing noises*

Alise: *Sweatdrop*

Hera: Let's let them handle it. For now, we should all enjoy the party.

Astraea: Come along, everyone.

The party went on and the whole Manor was filled with smiled and laughter. The adults just stood around and talked. The gods went about their own thing while the kids played around with the games that were set up. There was an area to throw bean bags, knife throwing, which somehow got past Riveria at the last second, and hunting down and throwing pies at Raul, which was made by Tsubaki and Gareth in secret.

Raul: Ugh... this is going to take a while to wash out. *Covered in whipped cream*

Aki: *Handing him a towel* You should be quick about it then. Loki is probably starting the dance soon.

Raul: You're right! I'll wash up and go find a dance partner! *Runs off*

Aki: I meant that you could dance with me- ...

Wind blowing*

Aki: Graaaaagh! *Stomping her foot* Dense idiot!!!

Timeskip several minutes...

Loki: Alright, alright alright! It's time to open up the dance floor! If you're looking for one, you should find yourselves a partner!

Several quickly paired up and began dancing to the music. Riveria still had some concerns about this, but those died down when she saw Ais and Bell dancing too. The girl had the brightest smile on her face and Bell was having fun too. She then walked over to Alfia and Zald who were watching the kids from the side.

Riveria: So, how does it look for you?

Zald: At this point, those two look perfectly made for each other.

Alfia: While I agree, she still needs some work. I don't doubt that she will be able to make Bell happy later down the line.

Riveria: That's a relief to hear.

She then heard Lyra and Tione yelling again.

Riveria: Oh, for the love of...

She walked off and left the two there.

Zald: You know, Zeus and Hera are already dancing. If you're ever interested, I'm here.

Alfia: Hm... *eyes closed*

She thought about it for a bit before opening her eyes.

Alfia: One can't hurt.

And so, the two joined everyone else in the dance floor as well. Once they had their fill, they also went to grab more food. Ais gobbled up the special meal Bell made while Riveria shook her head, smiling slightly at their antics.

Off to the side...

Zeus: You need me, Hermes?

Hermes: I just wanted to check up on how our operation was going.

Zeus: Well, as you can see, it's going even better than I could have hoped. The girl was already swept off her feet once Bell gave her the flowers. My plan is perfect I tell you.

Hermes: And you talked about the late night phase with him?

Zeus: *Glint* Of course. Once he completes the final phase, our work will be all the more closer to fruition.

Hermes: Yes, the whole plan is coming together perfectly.

Zeus and Hermes: *Laughing menacingly*

It was now getting late and many of the attendees were beginning to take their leave, fully satisfied. Once everything was cleaned up, Ais changed into her normal clothes again and slumped into her bed. She replayed the events that happened earlier today and smiled. She had an amazing time with everyone, but part of her felt sad that it was over now.

Knock* *Knock*

Ais: Hm?

She wondered who that was, but just assumed it was Riveria or Loki. However, to her surprise, it was actually Bell, though, what the boy was wearing had the more immediate attention in her mind.

Ais: Bell? Why are you here? No, actually, why are you wearing a chicken suit?

The boy who was wearing a chicken suit explained himself.

Bell: I asked my family if I could sleep over and they said yes. My grandpa also said that if I wanted to sleep with a girl, I had to dress as a bird and wait for her to let me in with her.

Ais: Oh...

That hardly made sense to her, but she blushed slightly at being able to sleep alone with him and definitely wouldn't say no.

Ais: A-Alright, you can come in, but you don't have to wear that if you don't want to.

Bell: *Scratching fiercely* Thanks because this is really itchy.

He took the suit off and was now in his normal clothes. He took of his shoes and climbed into the bed next to her. In the silence, Ais her hear her heart pounding in her chest, but didn't understand why. The silence was at least broken by Bell.

Bell: I had fun today.

Ais: Huh?

Bell: The party, I enjoyed it.

Ais: U-Uh, I did too. Everyone got me so many nice things and was there to celebrate with me. I haven't had that much fun in a long time.

The laid in silence for a little longer before she spoke again.

Ais: I want to do this again next year. How about you?

She turned to him and saw he was already asleep. Feeling tired herself, she subconsciously threw her arm around him as sleep quickly took her over as well.

Ais: Goodnight... Bell. *Snore*

Her birthday ended and everyone made the most out of today. Though, that was the same for others as well.

In another place...

Ishtar: Aisha, come here.

An Amazon with a body most women would kill for walked into the throne room.

Aisha: You called, Goddess.

Ishtar: For the foreseeable future, I want you and everyone else to push your training to the max. Once I've attained the prize from my investment, we shall make our move. This could be very well withing the next year or so. Make sure everyone is aware and that you all prepare yourselves.

Aisha: Yes, Goddess.

Ishtar: Oh, and do make sure the fox is taken care of. She will play an important piece in what's to come. *Smiling darkly*

Aisha: As you wish. (No one needs to tell me to take care of her, especially you!)

Ishtar: Good, then you may leave.

Aisha bowed her head before walking out with a grimace on her face.

Ishtar: (After my plan is complete, I'll have all of Orario under my foot and Freya as my bitch. I'll finally show that second rate goddess who belongs at the top.)

Outside the throne room...

Aisha: (If it comes to it, I'll have no choice but to do it afterall. Anything for my little sister.)

AN: Alright, that about wraps up all the loose ends I wanted to tie up. Next chapter, the next arc truly begins and it's somethingI've been rather excited to get to for a while.

Thanks again for reading and many more thanks for putting up with my crap for the last like month. The new job has been taking up a lot of time with training, but I was able to finish this last minor chapter. I hope you enjoyed. Let me know what you thought and I'll see you in the next one.