Ardi returned with a slightly concerned face. After seeing what happened in the bar, part of her was in conflict. She didn't enjoy lying, especially to her family, but they had a mission to do. The others noticed this when she came down the stairs.
Albert: Something happen?
Eileen: You look a little bothered by something. Wait, you forgot about your rabbit plush, didn't you?!
Albert: That explains it. You know, you'll have to grow out of that eventually.
Ardi: *Blushing* I do not, and leave Mr. Hopkins out of this!
She took a breath to calm herself before continuing.
Ardi: I just, I had a little misunderstanding with someone. She called my name and it just bothered me to pretend I didn't know.
Albert: I see. Sis, I'm really sorry I have to make you do this.
Ardi: No, I'll be fine. We all agreed to this. I just need to tough it out for a little while.
Masako: We also have business with Loki first thing in the morning. Let's get some sleep.
Hestia, who had just listened finally spoke up. Bell and Artemis were both already asleep and Lili was out cold on the couch.
Hestia: Where are you all going to sleep? We don't exactly have that many places to here.
Eileen: That isn't a problem. We have sleeping bags for this and you always put an effort to keep this place clean.
Masako: It would be far from the worst places we have slept. Plus there's always outside or an inn.
Hestia: Well, if it doesn't bother you. Goodnight.
With that, she left and snuggled next to Bell while Lili grimaced in her sleep about a disturbance in the force.
The next morning...
The four kids were awake, but they now found themselves a bit away from Orario back to where they appeared from.
Albert: Any minute now.
Ardi: You know, I almost forgot she was coming.
Masako: She said she'd be late, but I doubt we need to worry much.
The boy was proven right when another rift opened. The figure that stepped out of it was an amazon. Her hair was short with a silver color and her eyes brownish color. She had leg wear that was torn up with holes in some places. The ends barely reached her knees and she had a orange tank top-like piece on her upper body. For an amazon, she covered up more than normal.
Albert: Perfect timing, Lanette.
Lanette: *Smiling* Sorry for the wait. I finally finished my crap back home and now I'm ready to lend a hand.
Ardi: You remember the plan we talked about, right?
Lanette: *Thumbs up* Sure do! Leave those parts to me, I got it!
Eileen: Good, then let's meet with Loki. Hopefully she's waiting for us like we arranged.
Upon returning, they arrived at her home and found that the goddess was waiting outside. With her was Finn, who felt something was going on, so he went with her for safety. They saw the children waiting by the gate and let them in.
Loki: Guess you weren't kidding about sunrise. It's barely up and here we are. *Turning to Finn* Well, thanks, but I'm taking it from here.
Finn: As you wish. I'll be in my office.
With that, he left and Loki turned back to he kids where she saw an extra face along with a familiar feeling coming from her.
Loki: Alright, I got a lot of questions. You all can come in my room. We can talk privately there.
They nodded and made their way up there. When they arrived, they went in and Loki closed the door before they each took a seat on a chair or the bed.
Albert: Now, let's get to business. You can ask in a minute, but we should introduce ourselves. That way, we at least can remove the "who" questions you have.
Loki: Fine by me. Fire away.
Albert: First things first: All of us here come from the future, 18 years to be exact. My name is Albert Cranel and I'm 16.
Masako: Masako Yamato, the same age.
Ardi: I'm Ardi Cranel and I'm 15.
Eileen: Eileen Cranel and the same as her.
Lanette: The name is Lanette and I'm 17.
The red haired goddess had her eyes wide open and her jaw on the floor. The good news is she had their names, but the crazy news is that these kids are speaking the truth.
Loki: Holy crap, the future? Also, what about your last names?
Albert: Sorry, it's a future thing. You should know who our father is, but we ask you keep that secret.
Loki: I sort of see the resemblance with Itty Bitty's kid. What about you two? *Looking to Lanette and Masako*
Masako: Our families are close enough to make us siblings, but not by blood. My parents are different.
Loki: Got it.
Lanette: I guess I can elaborate on myself more. To be more precise, my full name is Lanette Loga, Goddess.
Loki: *Shocked* No freaking way! You're his kid?! No wonder I could feel my blessing on you!
Lanette: Heh. Surprise. *Waving her hands dramatically*
Loki: How the hell did Bete of all people get himself a kid?
Albert: That isn't important right now.
She recollected herself and got back into serious mode.
Loki: You're right. Now, why did you guys come here? I doubt this is some picnic.
Albert: It isn't. We're just here to save someone and correct some events along the way.
Loki: Does it have to do with Itty Bitty's Familia?
Albert: It does, but it isn't like we're enemies. If anything, we'd like to help improve your relationship with each other.
Loki: Urgh, not so sure about that.
Ardi: Just give it some time. So, what else do you want to know?
Loki: Well, I'm pretty curious about how the future is.
Masako: It's more or less a peaceful time. More so than in any point in this world's history.
Loki: *Sigh* Well, that's a relief. How about my Familia?
Lanette: We still rank as one of the best in the world.
Loki: *Raises her fist* Yes!!! Well, this is a great start to my morning.
Lanette: I could do you better. Let me join your Familia.
Loki: Say what?
Lanette: You're my goddess in the future. If I had the choice, I'd prefer to stay here.
Loki: Wow, you mean it?
Lanette: Yup!
Loki: It's fine by me, but I'm surprised you weren't gonna stay with them.
Lanette: We keep in touch. Besides, I'd like to help prevent some of the disasters heading your way.
Loki: Well, how do you stack up next to them?
She was curious about whether the woman was as strong as the other children.
Lanette: *Puffing out her chest* I'll have you know I'm a high level 9. I can handle a lot of what the dungeon has to throw.
Loki: *In her face* Alright, you're in!
The others laughed at the banter. Loki was always a fresh source of comic relief in life.
Lanette: I'll be staying here. You guys can introduce me later.
Albert: Sure, good luck.
With that, they left Loki and Lanette there as they jumped out the window.
Lanette: You know, if you ever have any other questions, you can always ask me.
Loki: I'll be keeping that in mind. Speaking of which, how are we gonna explain this to the guild? Actually, how are we gonna explain this to my Familia?
Lanetta: I'm just a new recruit. Though, Finn is probably gonna sense something is up with me. I can explain it a bit more to your executives, but only that I'm with Al and the others.
Loki: I hope it doesn't blow up in our face.
Lanette: Don't worry, I'm on your side. They'll see that soon. You can introduce me during breakfast.
Loki: Yeah, but I'll let Finn know now since he's still awake.
Meanwhile with Bell's Familia...
Albert and the others made it back in time to see Bell and Lili getting ready to leave for the dungeon.
Bell: Oh hey, you're back.
Albert: Yup. You guys are going to the Dungeon?
Lili: That's right. Master Welf said he would tell us about his update when we meet up today. He's pretty hopeful about becoming level 2.
Bell: It would be a great help for us. Our party is still small.
Eileen: You guys will expand soon enough. Just keep doing what you're doing now. While you go down, I'm gonna head to work at the Guild.
Albert: We can stay here and look after the place. It won't be a good idea if you guys are seen with us. If not for us joining, then there would be a lot of attention on Bell for what happened with Lady Artemis.
Speaking of her, she and Hestia came out after dressing themselves.
Artemis: Did I hear my name?
Albert: Yeah. Just warning you and Bell about being the center of attention for a while.
Hestia: *Sigh* I guess the news about you two at the pub spread pretty fast.
Bell: Wait, what news?
Ardi: About how you are a couple. *Motioning to him and Artemis*
Just like that, both of them were red in the face.
Ardi: *Smiling sheepishly* Probably shouldn't have declared your feelings in a public bar. There was a lot of talk about it on our way back here.
Flashback...
Adventurer A: Hey, you guys heard what happened at the Hostess last night, right?
Adventurer B: No, what?
Adventurer C: Apparently, the Little Rookie and his Familia went on a joint mission with the Artemis Familia. Not only that, but Goddess Artemis herself declared her love for him in the bar for everyone to hear. Even the Loki Familia was there.
Civilian A: No way! How lucky can a kid be?!
Adventurer A: I wouldn't be surprised if the lived and slept together by now.
Adventurer B: Damn it! I wish I were that kid!
End of Flashback...
Bell wobbled in place after hearing the news, but Artemis was now out cold on the floor after hearing the news of her spread throughout the city. A certain half-elf advisor in the Guild had a sour mood hearing this rumor and a blonde swordswoman in the Loki Familia felt a pang in her chest when several members in her Familia were talking about it. After he pulled himself together, Bell and Lili left for Babel while Hestia waited for Artemis to wake up so she could have a talk with Hephaestus.
At Babel...
Bell and Lili were looking for the meeting spot until the found Welf waiting for them. He was tapping his foot impatiently and kept his gaze on the ground, but the wide grin on his face contrasted his posture.
Bell: *Waving* Hey, Welf!!!
Welf: *Turning* Hey, you guys finally showed up!
Lili: Apologies for the wait. I assume by your grin that the update went well?
Welf: *Grinning* Hell yeah! I'm officially level 2!
Bell: Congratulations! We can spent today helping you get used to it.
Welf: Thanks, I appreciate it.
Lili: Alright, no time to waste! Let's get moving people!
All three readied themselves to take on the Dungeon for the day. Although, some Familias had complications.
With the Loki Familia...
Everyone was finishing their breakfast in the dining hall when Finn got up and spoke.
Finn: Attention, I have an announcement to make to everyone!
Everyone in the dining hall stopped and turned their heads toward the prum.
Finn: I'd like to introduce a new member. *Turning to his side*
Lanette then came out and waved her arms to them.
Lanette: Name's Lanette! Nice to meet you all! Please treat me well!
Even as an amazon who covered up more than usual, she was well received. The girls already liked her attitude while the men liked her, well, assets. Clapping filled the halls until it died down and Finn could continue.
Finn: Be sure to give her the same respect as everyone else. Also, all executives will be having a meeting in my office after breakfast. That will be all.
With that, both he and Lanette got off and everyone resumed their meals.
Tiona: Wonder what that's about?
Lefiya: It's likely about that new recruit.
Riveria: It definitely is considering neither I nor Gareth were informed about it. Probably something private that she didn't want privy to everyone.
Gareth: That would make the most sense.
Tione: I'll be fine as long as the Captain is.
She stopped when she felt something was wrong. Off to the side, she saw Bete with a lost gaze on the new girl.
Tione: Something wrong, Bete?
Bete: None of your damn business.
Tiona: Come on, don't be like that. You interested in her? *Teasing smirk*
To Bete, things would have been simpler if that were the case, but it wasn't. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something about her that felt special to him.
Bete: No way. I'd never be interested in some newbie.
Riveria: In any case, all of you should finish quickly so we can get to the bottom of this.
Riveria was eager to listen since the incident last night was still quite fresh in her mind. The elf would wring the information out of Finn one way or another, but all she needed to know was whether this girl was on their side or not. At first glance, it appeared so, but she would feel better if it was confirmed by Finn and Loki. After breakfast, all the executives were in Finn's office.
Finn: Thank you, Raul. You and the others can go now.
Raul: Yes, sir.
He took Aki, Alicia and Lefiya back outside as everyone else got to business.
Riveria: Alright, what's this really about? I can tell this girl isn't just some new member.
Finn: I already anticipated you coming to that conclusion. You are correct. She is much more than a new recruit. Lanette here is now the strongest member of our Familia.
Everyone: ... WHAT?!
Tiona: She is?!
Bete: There's no way!
Gareth: So, what level is she?
Riveria: Alright, let's not fire off multiple questions without giving them a chance to explain. Now, one at a time, would you please explain, Finn.
Finn: She can say so herself.
The amazon then took her turn.
Lanette: Well, as you already guessed, he wasn't lying about me. You're all looking at the newest level 9 in the Loki Familia. *Puffing her chest*
Tione: Level 9?!
Ais: (Just like those new adventurers in Bell's Familia!)
Gareth: I seem to recall a fresh batch of high level adventurers joining that skinny fella's Familia.
Riveria: Are you connected with them? *Suspicious*
Lanette looked at Loki and Finnwho shrugged their shoulders.
Lanette: You could say that.
Riveria: Loki! Why would you allow this?!
Loki: Hey, give me a little more credit! I wouldn't have let her in if she had bad intentions! Finn can back me up on this!
Finn: Goddess is correct here. We can trust this girl's motives.
The high elf was stuck now. Having their Captain and goddess vouch for the girl should be enough to ease away any suspicions.
Riveria: If you two think so, then I'll trust your judgement on the matter.
Gareth: Me as well. But hey, at least we got one over the Freya Familia now!
Loki: I didn't even consider that! Hell yeah!
Riveria: I still feel we're missing some crucial information here.
The amazon looked slightly conflicted before speaking.
Lanette: I'm sorry, I can't really explain that right now.
Bete: What the hell?!
Finn: Bete, let's respect her choice for now.
Lanette: I promise I'll explain later.
Loki: Can you at least tell Gareth and Riveria? Mama will go crazy if she's out of the loop and we can trust Gareth.
Lanette: That's fine.
Tione: Wait, why can't we hear it?
Loki: Sorry, but the girl has goals of her own. There are secrets she needs to keep that she can't afford to have leaked out. Don't worry though, I've heard her whole story and I agree that everyone has to stay in the dark for now.
Bete: Doesn't mean we like it. *Annoyed*
Lanette: Sorry, just bear with it for now. I swear you won't regret it later.
Bete: Tch! Fine! Should we just leave now?
Finn: Yes, that will be all we need from you. I just felt we should at least tell you a bit more about her before things got out of hand. You know, with her being level 9 and all.
Ais: She can't tell us how she did that? (How did she get that strong? She looks like she's near my age. How did all of them do it?)
Lanette: Nope! Sorry!
Bete: Alright, she's getting on my last nerve. I'm out of here!
Tiona: Guess they ain't budging. Tione, Ais, let's go!
Tione: Fine.
Now it was just the five of them in there.
Loki: Okay now, I'm sure I don't have to say this, but nothing said here can ever leave.
The three nodded.
Riveria: I'm surprised she kept you out of the loop.
Finn: Well, it's only been since this morning. It really isn't that bad and she agreed to tell us later.
Gareth: Well, let's get this under way. What's the lass got for us?
They turned to Lanette who dropped most of her carefree facade and took on a more serious one.
Lanette: Alright, most of what I have to say might not make much sense, but I'll try to be clear about it. First is why you've never heard anything about me or Al and the others. That's because we aren't from this time.
Riveria: "This time?"
Lanette: *Nods* Yeah, we're actually from a point 18 years in the future.
Finn: The future? You mean you all time traveled?
Lanette: Yes.
Riveria: *Disbelief* Time travel... this wasn't how I expected to start my morning.
Gareth: Well, I ain't drunk so this has gotta be true.
Loki: It is.
Lanette: You can also see I bear some resemblance to someone in this Familia.
Finn: Yeah, you've got the same hair color as Bete... *eyes widen*
Lanette: That's right. My full name is Lanette Loga. He's my father.
The three executives lost their composure even more at that.
Riveria: Bete has a daughter?!
Gareth: She's an amazon though, I can't see either Tiona or Tione being the mother.
Lanette: No, my mother isn't in this Familia. I can't say who she is, but yes, Bete does become a parent for better or for worse.
Riveria: By Loki, I couldn't imagine how hard it would be.
Lanette: You shouldn't worry too much. He actually improves himself a lot as a person.
Gareth: Impossible...
Lanette: Very possible and you all are family to me. My grandparents in this Familia, or uncle depending on how Gareth feels.
Gareth: I could go either way.
Riveria: *Irritated* (Grandmother...)
They felt the air chill and decided to change the subject.
Finn: So, why did you come back here?
Lanette: Well, it was really Albert and the others who planned this. I'm just lending a hand.
Riveria: *Calmer* Won't there be consequences from meddling with time?
Lanette: Yes, but they've told me the risks are worth taking. Besides, I've got a few changes of my own I'd like to make. Most being this Familia.
Gareth: Hm? *Confused*
Lanette: Well, I know of what events will happen in the near future and the results of them. Now that I'm here, I'm going to do everything I can to make them as positive as possible.
Finn: What kind of events?
Lanette: Nothing I want to share right now. Once I'm through, they'll all be nothing but a bad memory for me and a new beginning for you.
Riveria: (She sounds genuine about this. Looks like I won't have to worry.)
Loki: Let me thank you again for what you're doing for us.
Lanette: This is my Familia, goddess. I'd do anything for them.
Finn: Can we ask about our future? You have me pretty curious about the future.
Lanette: Well, I will say that my time is an era of peace the likes of which no one has ever seen. I won't say why until later, but you shouldn't worry about it.
Finn: Well, that's certainly a relief to hear. I was actually more curious about how we ended up.
Lanette: Haha! Sorry, but that's not happening! *Smirking*
Finn: *Smiling* Well, I had to try.
Lanette: (I can't really say that Uncle Finn and Gareth are retired adventurers and Granny Riveria was having an age mentality crisis because of Uncle Bell.)
Finn: Well, at least we have some insurance for the future. Let's go. We have work to do.
Lanette stretched as she began her phase of the plan and prepared to help this Familia as best she could.
Lanette: Oh, before I forget, you'll all be getting some more visitors soon.
Loki: More from the future?
Lanette: Yeah, just giving you a heads up.
Finn: We'll keep that in mind.
With Hestia...
The tiny goddess was now in Hephaestus' office with Artemis after she finally woke up.
Hephaestus: So, you want me to get Artemis a job here?
Hestia: Yeah! I figured it wouldn't be much trouble for you.
Hephaestus: It isn't. I'll accept the help so long as she wants the job. *Looking at Artemis*
Artemis: I'll do it. This is the best I can do for my friends right now. Helping to support them in any way I can is enough for me.
Hephaestus: *Smiling* That's good to hear. Since I know you two were best friends since Heaven, I can trust you to keep an eye on her.
Hestia: Hey!
Artemis: Like I always do.
Hestia: Artemis!
Hephaestus: Good, then you can start today.
Artemis got into the same uniform as Hestia. The two laughed a bit at how the other looked before they got to work. As determined as they were, they couldn't help but worry about a certain rabbit who was in the Dungeon.
With Bell...
Bell: HYAAAH!!
Slash* *Poof*
Welf: Looks like this area is clear.
Bell: Yup, having a second level 2 makes this a lot easier.
Lili: Let's not get ahead of ourselves again. Even if were managing fine on Floor 13, we shouldn't let our guard down.
Welf: She's right. I'd rather not repeat what happened last time.
Bell: Me too. Let's go there and take A break.
He led them to a small clearing and they rested for a bit. After a few hours, they felt they did enough work and decided to head back. On their way there, Bell accidentally bumped into another small party of adventurers.
Bell: Oh, I'm sorry.
The person just waved them off as they had different matters to attend to. Bell and his party noticed, however, they all had the same looking clothing and wore a badge that bore the image of a bow and arrow in a sun.
Bell paid it no mind and continued his way up, not realizing what was happening.
???: Hyacinthos, isn't that the Little Rookie?
The brunette in the dark clothing nodded as he observed the other party. He brushed his white cape aside as he turned his back.
Hyacinthos: He's of no concern to us for now, Lissos. Let us return to our main objective of helping you adapt to your new level 3 status. We will see what Master Apollo wishes to do with him when we return.
The elf, Lissos, nodded.
Lissos: Right.
Hyacinthos: Now, everyone, let's resume!
Apollo Familia: Yes, sir!!!
Timeskip...
Back on the surface, Bell and his party returned safely. He gave his report to Eina while also inquiring about the strange emblem he saw.
Eina: A bow with a sun at its center? If I recall correctly, that's the Apollo Familia.
Bell: Apollo Familia? Are they well known?
Eina: In a way. They are a D Rank exploration Familia with over 100 members. Though, their god is rather strange to put it lightly.
Bell: Strange?
Slam*
Eileen: He likes young people a little too much.
The two were startled when the other half-elf came by with restocked papers.
Eina: Ahem, yes, she is correct. It's best if you stay away from them Bell. Actually, there are a few Familias you should avoid. You already know of Soma and Apollo, but there are others like Penia, Ishtar, Hermes to an extent. The list is longer than I would like.
Bell: Hm, well, thank you for the warning Miss Eina. *Smiling*
Eina: It's my pleasure, just stay safe.
Bell: I will. See you!
He left to go cash in the stones with Lili which left Eina alone at the counter.
Eina: *Sigh* Please stay out of trouble, Bell.
With Bell, he, Welf and Lili were outside with their pay for the day. 27,000 valis each plus a little extra on top.
Bell: So, how are you feeling now?
Welf: Getting used to it. Hopefully I can catch up to you soon. Though, I have some doubts with what happened back in Rivira.
Bell: Don't worry, I'm still a ways away from level 3.
Lili: Lili hopes so. While you getting stronger is nice, you have to put your Familia into consideration since you make up most of its firepower, in our party anyway. Once those people from the future start acting up, ugh! Lili doesn't even want to think of how the Guild will tax you!
Bell: Hehe, I'm sure we'll get by.
The two split off and returned home where Artemis and Hestia returned from their duties.
Artemis: You know, that wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.
Hestia: *Tired* Some of us aren't as athletic as you...
Step* *Step*
Bell: I'm home!
Hestia: *Reenergized* Bell!!
The two rushed to the stairs and saw Bell come down along with Lili.
Artemis: Welcome back, Orion! You as well, Lili!
Bell: Thanks. How was work today?
Hestia: It went pretty well. Artemis picked up the tasks pretty fast. Now, both of us will be able to support the Familia.
Artemis: It's fine that I don't have a Familia in the city. I feel perfectly satisfied helping my friend anyway.
Bell: We really appreciate it.
Artemis: Don't mention it. So, how was the Dungeon?
Bell: It also went smoothly.
Lili: Master Welf was able to get the hang of his new level up. Hopefully we can tackle Floor 14 soon.
Bell: Yeah, but we did have some weird encounter.
Hestia: Weird how?
Bell: Well, I asked Miss Eina about it and it turns out we ran into members of the Apollo Familia.
This put the two goddesses intona panic.
Hestia: You what?!
Artemis: Apollo's Familia?!
Bell: W-What's wrong?!
Hestia had a very conflicted face as she tried to process everything.
Hestia: *Breathes deeply* Okay, it won't be as bad as we think.
Bell: Bad as we think? *Worried*
Hestia: Did your advisor tell you about them?
Bell: Yeah, she gave me a general idea. Overall, she asked I avoid them.
Artemis: And you should! Apollo wouldn't think twice about stealing you away!
Bell: Would he really do that?
Hestia: Very likely. Ugh, he's the same petty god he was back in Heaven.
Artemis: I recall he wouldn't stop trying to ask for your hand.
Bell: He what?!
Hestia: Obviously, I shot him down each time.
Lili: Lili thinks it was verbally.
Hestia: Yeah, Artemis only made it literal when she came to visit. In any case, you have to be more careful. There will only be trouble for us if Apollo is looking to snag you away.
Artemis: In the worst case, hopefully those kids can lend us a hand.
Hestia: Only in the worst case. Albert said that we should try to resolve our problems ourselves.
Lili: Lili thinks that's fair, but it doesn't help her anxiety.
Artemis: Let's just cross our fingers and hope this blows over.
Bell: I hope so.
Hestia: Let's try not to think about it right now. Instead, we need to get dinner ready.
Bell: Sounds good. I think it's my turn to cook tonight.
Artemis: Oh, let me help you!
Meanwhile...
Hyacinthos: We have returned, Master Apollo.
The brunette came into the main room of the mansion and reported to his god.
Apollo: Yes, it's wonderful to see my children return home safely.
The man knelt graciously to the god.
Hyacinthos: You're too kind, my lord.
Apollo: My dear, I've come to a decision. I assume you recall our previous conversation about Hestia's child?
Hyacinthos: I do. You said you would observe him because he caught your attention. *Clenches fist*
Apollo: I have and I know what our next goal is. You see, the boy has blinded me beyond belief with how much he shines! So much so that I desire him to be part of my Familia.
Hyacinthos: *Angry* I see.
Apollo: As such, I'm preparing plans to take him from Hestia. I understand Artemis is there as well and that she is quite smitten for him, much to my surprise, but that changes nothing. The plan will proceed once the details have been finalized. Take care to make sure everyone is ready.
Hyacinthos: As you command.
Apollo: Good, that will be all.
The brunette left with a scowl on his face at hearing his god praise the albino.
Hyacinthos: (Bell Cranel, you've crossed a line you shouldn't have and I will make sure you regret it!)
AN: Okay, so I guess this will do for now. Things are gonna get real interesting soon. Let's see how Bel and his friends handle it.
Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Let me know what you thought of this chapter and I'll see you in the next one.