No one's POV

Meteria: Hey, Alfia. "if" Really just what if?

She always liked talking about "if" circumstances.

Her sick, weak, far from endowed thin body shook countlessly from her coughs, even if she sometimes started coughing up blood she would still talk about "what if possibilities that would most likely never come to pass. Her hair swayed slightly, its color looked as that of a beautiful virgin snow, much whiter than Alfia's gray hair. Like a shine from a pearl laying peacefully at the bottom of sea her pure blue eyes glistened in hope. Although it was just a fleeting hope as if always she continued to smile.

So no matter how ridiculous of a situation, Alfia could not bring herself to walk away from her bedside, and would listen to her other halves' words until the end.

Meteria: If you had a child, what would you name it?

Alfia: Hey, wait, what do you mean?

...ha, only this time was different. How would you say it. It seems way more specific than normal hypothetical questions that she would ask her opinion on, and not to mention Alfia knew about 'that guy', so despite Alfia's own rule that she kept to herself about 'being silent and listening' she couldn't help but to corner her little twin sister.

Meteria: I, I told you, it's only 'what if'? Only what if. It's not like I did anything weird or anything..

As they were twins, their appearances were like two peas in a pod; however, while Meteria's expressions were very lively and expressional, Alfia's expression was deadly serious. Meteria avoided her eyes while whistling nonchalantly, in a terrible attempt to keep a secret from her sister's gaze.

Alfia was completely silent and reached her hand out to touch her little sister's stomach to confirm if she was pregnant, but Meteria desperately trying to prevent her from touching her.

Meteria: I, I told you, I didn't do anything weird...

Her resistance was weaker than a child's however.

Alfia: If that trash touched you, other than, Sora, I'll crush not only him but that perverted old man's entire familia.

Meteria: I told you, Everything's fine. He's a little perverted, and can be a little immature sometimes, but he's not that kind of person. He wouldn't have the balls to do something like that.

Meteria face started turning red as she spoke and, she started to bite her bottom lip as she finished her sentence. Alfia's eyes remained closed but she was in shock from hearing her beloved little sister say "he wouldn't have the balls", and decided at that moment to use gospel on that perverted old god for filling her sister's mind with weird knowledge.

Meteria: That, that's beside the point, anyway about a baby's name! If you had a baby what would you name it?

Alfia held her lips at her little sister's desperate attempt to change the topic.

Alfia:...I don't like kids. They always look up at me like I'm a monster or something.

Alfia felt guilty, but she couldn't help but to be honest. Her twin sister paused for a moment, but then softly smiled.

Meteria: You actually love children, don't you Alfia? Your bond with Sora is already as proof enough as it is. You don't want to make them afraid of you, so you just avoid trying to like them, but you from a far away place you hope for their happiness. A very sad love... I think so, anyway.

This time Alfia hesitated in her response. It was always like this with Alfia's little sister, weaker than anyone, less fortunate than anyone, she would sooth the hearts of others with a kindness greater than anyone. At any time, at any place. just like now.

Meteria: If... Really just if I had a child, whether it's a boy, or a girl I would pick the name Sora picked for me.

Alfia: Oh...? What's that...?

Meteria: Just like Sora, I'd name it "Bell". But not because I named it of Sora's twin bells that he always bring around him. But instead, the same name as the sound of a Bell from Alfia's magic.

The cursed gospel that the witch detested. Meteria spoke as if the magic that Alfia always thought of as a wretched noise was like a treasure to her.

Alfia:...Do whatever you want.

A small sound of a bell rang in her heart. Alfia had that feeling, and believed it to be true.

(Timeskip)

On the way back after sunset. The sea of ​​wheat was spreading around. The spikes, which had large grains, were shaking loudly along with the cool wind. The landscape that glowed yellow in the rays of the sun sinking to the west was just like the Heaven told in fairy tales.

Bell, who was absent-mindedly looking around, suddenly looked up at the two person next to him. She was a passionately beautiful woman. Her hair was gray and long. She seemed to be upset, but Bell liked her. Her eyelids were normally closed. He had always wondered how she could live without opening her eyes, but in her words "even opening my eyelids tires me."

The black dress she wore, even in the middle of the deep mountains, was terribly out of tune. She was a woman who looked more beautiful the more you looked at her. The second person was a handsome breathtaking young boy. His hair was the same as the woman, a gray spiky hair. The boy who wore a smile on his face, that made Bell admires him the most. The black and white dress he wore made him look like a True Hero.

Bell and the boy walked hand in hand with a woman like that. As he looked at their profile, Bell opened his mouth.

Bell: Hey, big brother...aunt-

Dogoo!!

Bell: Gewh!!

An incredible sound came from Bell's head.

Alfia: I'll hit you.

Bell: You already hit me!!

Bell cried out through tears while holding the top of his head.

Sora: Mother!! You shouldn't raised a hand to a child! I said it multiple times!

BANG!!

Sora: Bwah!!

Sora had made the same fate as his little brother. The divine speed fist that was in the dimension of a blink left only the result of "Was hit"! Defending, dodging, or even reacting was impossible! Up to that point the level as existence was separated between her and and her kids!! The impact, piercing the top of their head, echoed through their entire body! Pain! Suffering! That was a Gospel Punch!

Can you believe it? It was faster than a super short chant! Many stars scattered in both Sora and Bell's field of vision, who held back the tears in the corners of their eyes, causing them to slip and fall on the snow, one was writhing in agony like a rabbit crashing violently against a rock. While the other was a Hero whom had been punished by his Queen. Meanwhile, she looked down at them.

Alfia: Didn't I teach you how to call me?

Bell: Stepmother Alfia.

Alfia: Very good.

Sora: You don't have to call her stepmother. Just call her Mother like I-

BANG!! BONG!!

Sora: GAH!! GWEH!!

Bell: Hii-

Another reverberated sound fill the air. The young teenage boy lie on the ground tears falling. While She-Alfia-held Bell's right hand again with her left. While her right hand, carry the semi-teary boy into her arms.

Alfia: So? What did you want to tell me?

Bell:...Promise you won't punch me and big brother again?

Alfia: Is it something I would know before hearing your story? But if it's unpleasant, I'll hit both you and your big brother.

Bell and Sora: Scary!

Alfia: Then, I'll slap you.

Bell and Sora: Clearly that will hurt too!!

Bell and Sora yelled based on their personal experiences.

After all, in the 3 years since Bell met Alfia and the giant Zald, there was not a day that he was not bruised. Alfia, who loved tranquility excessively, was a neurotic "Queen." It was usual for her hand to fly before her mouth. If she said something was white, even black would turn completely white.

Do not irritate Alfia was a rule of his own house that was established 3 years ago. On a previous occasion, when Bell, his big brother, and his grandfather were causing a lot of noise together, she, who was reading silently sitting on a chair, closed her book and—

Alfia: Noisy.

Saying that, she gave him a hit in his forehead that seemed like the end of this world. Bell sank into deep darkness. And then, when he woke up on her lap, his big brother was laying on the lap of his big sister, his grandfather was pinned to the wall and could only be seen from his hips down.

Zald, pretending not to look, stirred the pot, making soup for dinner. Asuna was just tending to her boyfriend usual wound. In addition, his grandfather was still nailed to the wall. Bell did his best to keep his hands from shaking.

Alfia: Don't get too fussy. Or I'll hit you on the forehead again.

Bell: Hiii!

Sora: Just made all the loudest voice you can, Bell!

GONGK!!!!!!!!

Sora: GAH!!

Bell: Gulp...

Alfia: Don't follow your big brother if you don't want to end up like that. I hate the noise. Declare in a low voice what you need.

Bell: Yes, ma'am!!! Sorry!!!

Alfia:...What is that? Who did you learn it from?

Bell: G-Grandpa, told me to say that...

Alfia: That damn old man. It is a cancer that only brings bad influences to your education. As I expected, should I send him flying to the other side of about three mountains with magic?

Bell and Sora: Stop! Grandpa will die, so stop!!!

Above all, the compatibility of his grandfather, who had been taking care of Bell, with Alfia was the worst. When Alfia tried to enter the bathroom dragging Bell who struggled, his grandfather said "I will also enter☆" as he came running and an instant later he was forced out of the house. To prevent him from invading, Alfia buried him from the neck down right in the middle of the field.

Also, at another time when Alfia tried to sleep together with Sora and Bell, he also yelled "I'll sleep together with Sora and Bell too!", trying to get into the bed, however—

Alfia: Gospel.

With that word, it was all over. The ceiling and walls disappeared. Or, rather, the whole house was gone. Only the floor and beds of Bell's room remained and he could see a beautiful starry sky looking up. Bell, who became Alfia's hugging pillow, continued to lie on his back shaking without being able to sleep. While the boy and the high elf hugged each other terrified what kind of hell they would face. The next morning, the raggedy grandpa and Zald laid in a sea of ​​rubble. After that, no one again opposed Alfia. By the way, the house had already been rebuilt about 10 times.

Alfia: I won't do anything to you, so let me hear it.

Being pulled by Alfia, they resumed their walk. Bell, who narrowed his eyes in the evening light, resolutely but shyly, tried to ask.

Bell: My real mother, what kind of person was she?

Bell knew nothing of his parents.

At the moment he was aware of himself, the only one by his side was only his big brother, big sister and grandfather. He never felt sad. But, he still felt that he was lonely. But, now it was okay. After all, Bell had Alfia and the others. Therefore, that was just a simple question. He wanted to try asking her, who knew the most about Bell's parents.

Sora:...

Alfia:...

Sora and Alfia didn't stop and continued walking forward, letting time pass for a moment. After that, they slowly parted her lips.

Sora: She was kind.

Bell: Kind?

Sora: Yes. Far more kind than Mother-Bwah!

And again, Sora was knocked down.

Alfia: Getting back to the topic! She always had a smile on her face, and just by being there, she relaxed the hearts of others. Her body was weak, yet she did not let others feel that she was fragile. Even though she only said normal things, she made you realize your mistakes. She was strangely loved by everyone, she was a very pure woman.

Bell: Pure...

Alfia: But, just her resentment over food was terrible.

Bell: Eh?

Sora: Oh that's right. Once, Mother Alfia secretly ate a candy that Mother Meteria had been anticipating. At that moment, she almost looked like she would spit out the breath of a dragon. It was hilarious.

Alfia: That was the first time I resigned myself to death.

Bell: Eh?

Alfia: For the same reason, Hera... a certain Goddess, was also forced to kneel directly on the stone floor. That was really something to see. After all, that arrogant woman was holding back tears as she trembled with humiliation.

Contrary to Bell whose eyes had turned to points at comments he couldn't ignore, Sora and Alfia's tone was very calm. Alfia was talking much more than usual and even her mouth had signs of a smile. No doubt that was genuine love.

Alfia: Since she had to depend on others to live, your mother never forgot the value of "Living". She did not lower herself, she did not forget to thank others, she did not bow even in the face of hellish pain... and while she smiled, she took living in the present more seriously than anyone. That's why your mother was nicer than anyone.

That Bell grew up healthy without knowing about illness even now, it was thanks to no one but his mother, Alfia taught him that.

Alfia: ...Actually, I wasn't planning on meeting with you. And making Sora think I was dead.

Bell:—Eh?!

Sora: Mother?!

It was then that her words stopped, and there came a quiet moment. As the shadows of the three lit by the setting sun gradually spread, Alfia seemed to lose herself in her memories, revealing her inner thoughts.

Alfia: I thought I shouldn't appear in front of you.

After a while, Bell understood the meaning of her words, and seemed on the verge of crying. That feeling of sadness outweighed the loneliness of not having his parents.

Living with his big brother, big sister, grandfather in the house that was on the outskirts of town, reading heroes stories and relying on the characters in those stories to alleviate his loneliness.

Probably there was a future like that. But, now that he knew her warmth, it was impossible. She kept her eyes closed and didn't smile much, but still she stroked Sora and Bell with awkward movements. She scolded him, and sometimes punished him, but still she held their hand and protected them.

The neurotic, selfish, violent, and very clumsy woman in front of his eyes was the one who taught Bell what a "Mother" was. Because of that, he wanted her not to say such sad things. With tears in his eyes, Bell raised his head and looked at Alfia who was walking beside him.

Bell: Then, why did you appear in front of us?

His sobs trapped those words in his throat, but Alfia still answered him.

Alfia: I succumbed to temptation. And worried about the child my younger sister left behind, and my own child that I left behind, I came deep into these mountains along with Zald. I was really planning on seeing the both of you from a distance and then leaving.

After saying that, her lips curved unusually. It was a self-deprecating smile.

Alfia: But, the moment I saw that your face, Sora, and your "white hair" Bell, it was useless. Unable to resist what was springing up inside me, when I realized it, I was already standing in front of you two.

Bell remembered the day he met Alfia. He was out playing with his big brother and it was getting dark like now, when both Sora and Bell suddenly turned around, he found her standing there, dazed. When his big brother saw her, tears were streaming down his face.

Asking Bell's name, she placed her hand on their cheek and then hugged the two of them tightly. At that moment, Alfia did not shed tears or sob, but to Sora and Bell it looked like she was crying. Because of that, they wrapped his little arms around her back, and hugged her back.

Her body felt nostalgic for some reason. Before he knew it, Bell was crying just like his big brother. That was clearly a "crossroads". If she hadn't "succumbed to temptation", Alfia wouldn't really have appeared in front of either Sora nor Bell. The destiny of the trio would not have crossed and without meeting, the story would have continued.

Alfia: You look a lot like Meteria, Bell. That white hair of yours, your face, your smile, everything is a legacy of your mother.

Bell: From mom...

Alfia: Only one thing, only your eyes are inherited from your father... Every time I see those red eyes, it really makes me want to pierce them.

Bell: Hi!!!

Sora: Bad Mother! Bad!

Alfia: I'm just stating the truth.

Before Alfia who in an instant began to emit a disturbing atmosphere, Sora and Bell got scared. Whatever the case, Bell would never ask about his father again.

Bell:...I don't want to get away from you, stepmother Alfia, neither from uncle Zald. I want to stay with you, with big brother, with big sister, with uncle Zald, and grandpa.

Alfia: Even if you want us to be with you forever, not even the Gods can grant it to us. We are not eternal. Always being together, is impossible.

Sora: Mother. Please don't say that...

When Sora said that as an act of desperation after hearing her words, Alfia replied nonchalantly.

Alfia: Even if you don't want it, the separation will come without fail. Don't forget that.

Bell: Stepmother Alfia.

Sora: Mother...

Alfia: Now, now. Don't make such face, both of you. It won't be today or tomorrow.

That being the case, "that moment" was near. Sora and Bell thought unintentionally. After all, the number of times Alfia coughed had increased. They knew that she often coughed violently in a place where no one was around. He also knew that red blood was mixed in that.

Bell would be 7 this year. And Sora would be 11 It had been 3 years since he met Alfia and Zald. The time of separation was gradually approaching. They understood this with thoughts that seemed to rip through their chest.

Their conversation was interrupted. Everything in his field of vision was tinted with the color of twilight. The setting sun reaching the crest of the mountain was so dazzling that the eyes of Bell crying became wet again. While holding tightly to the hand that did not returned the grip, he walked the long way home. Alfia stopped speaking, hating the silence, Bell desperately searched for a topic. Then, in the end, he asked another question.

Bell: The God, who came yesterday... is it okay, that you sent him back...?

It happened the day before. A certain God visited the house of Bell and the others. His hair was black with ash-colored locks. The clothes he was wearing were also black, he was clearly like a resident of darkness.

His face was extremely orderly and even Bell who is of the same gender was fascinated, but his expression that was not smiling at all was terrifying for some reason. The God who said he was looking for Alfia and Zald, had a conversation about something difficult to understand with them.

Only at that moment, his grandfather, his big brother, his big sister, who was always making noise, was calm. And then, after hearing his story, Alfia and Zald after being silent for a moment—

Zald: Go back.

Alfia: Please, leave this place. This plan of yours... We can't be part of it.

That was what they told him. And then they both apologized with a "sorry" looking sad. The God frowned for a moment and then smiled for the first time saying—

Erebus: Don't apologize. It's better this way.

He seemed a little disappointed, but with a relieved expression, he quickly left.

Alfia:...Yes. It's okay.

Alfia nodded calmly when he asked.

Alfia: I chose to be with the both of you. Leaving you two and choosing "evil" is already impossible. And I know your big brother will also leave to put a stop to me.

Bell: Evil...?

Sora: Evil.

Evil people who always appear even in heroes stories. Bell also understood something like that. However, the "evil" she was talking about felt something different. So Bell asked again what it was.

Sora: Destroying absolutely everything, staining order with chaos, existences that question "justice." And then murder many people. That's what she meant, Bell.

Bell:...Murder?

Alfia: Yes. Become the rung for the "Hero of the next generation". Snatching the treasures of many people, being hated, earning their resentment, and then leading them toward improvement, we would entrust the future to them. In order to save the world.

The still young Bell did not understand Sora and Alfia's story very well. So he tried to think by replacing himself. The "Evil" existed and took Alfia and the others from Bell. Alfia and the others would die. He could no longer meet with Alfia and the others. He wouldn't allow it. Something like that he wouldn't allow it.

Even if it was for something like saving the world, Bell Cranel would never allow such "evil". No matter how noble or tragic the determination was, Bell-the people who were taken from him-would absolutely not recognize those criminals. So it was great that Alfia and Zald didn't have to carry that responsibility. They chose the path where they would not be hated by anyone, Bell was relieved.

Despite that—

Alfia: But ... because we didn't choose "Evil", the world will probably be destroyed.

Her profile showed regret. Despite not being the target of anyone's hatred and would not bear the mark of a sinner, she seemed ashamed of herself for not being corrupted. Alfia sighed.

Alfia: The "last Hero"... will probably not born.

A voice of shame that Bell had never heard before and an ephemeral expression like none he had ever seen. Sora didn't say anything, but hold his Mother's hand even tighter. Why was Alfia so sad? Bell didn't know. It was impossible for him to knew.

Therefore.

Therefore.

Bell spoke those words.

Bell: If so, I will become a "Hero".

Both Sora and Alfia's feet stopped.

Bell: I, I will become the last "Hero".

Bell also stopped and said that to her profile.

Bell: That's why... Mom... big brother

Sad about the next separation between them and while holding back his tears, he looked at his only mother in the world with his ruby ​​red eyes. Alfia's arms lost their strength and her fingers slipped from Bell's and Sora's hand. The wind shook the golden wheat, making a quiet sound. What the twilight sky heard was by no means an empty speech, but a "promise" that the boy imposed on himself. Perhaps at some point, Bell Cranel will curse the choice of this day. Perhaps when he realizes the size of the load, but being in a place where he could no longer turn back, he will feel desperate. Even so, now—

Alfia(mind): No, even if he became like that, still, he—

Alfia:...Damn insolent child. Just like your brother.

Sora: Hey! It's not my fault that my little brother have the same dream as me!

-he would be proud to record the smile that appeared on her face at this moment. Like a "Hero", he gave a smile to an important person. Pointing to the "hope", he showed her the "future". Aiming for an "ideal" he decided to start to walk, starting today. Without any aspiration, without even embracing a wish, simply engraving that promise on his chest. From this moment on, the boy had become a "Hero".

Sora: I will make sure Bell will become a Hero! I will look after him and walked with him side by side! So please don't worry about us! And have faith, Mother!

Alfia: Since you talked about being a Hero in front of me, resign yourself. Now I will not allow you to take it back.

Bell: Yes!

Alfia: Then, from tonight I will make you stronger along with Zald, and your brother and sister

Bell: Tonight?!

Alfia: Should I throw you into a monster nest and let you be disgraced first? Or tie you to a rock at the bottom of the river to show you the sensation of death?

Sora: No! No! No! That's too extreme for a child his age!

Alfia: Moron. If you don't see across the border of life and death, you won't know your limits. In order to become something like a Hero you must exceed 300 times the limit.

Bell and Sora: What is the meaning of limit at the end!!!?

Alfia, who started talking incessantly, seemed to enjoy it. Bell quickly began to wail. Sora began to despair. When they were turning pale and shedding sweat, an outstretched hand unexpectedly flowed through their gray and white hair. And a moment later—

Alfia: That's why, just a little bit more, the three of us are going to be together

Bell and Sora:...Yes!

Her eyelids opened and her beautiful eyes looked at Sora and Bell. Sora and Bell superimposed their hand over the hand that she extended along with a smile. Holding hands again, they walked down the twilight-colored path back home. At the top of a small hill, they walked towards Bell's grandfather, his big sister and the man who even now watched and waited for them.

Bell no longer cried. He had no reason to cry. In order to show "hope" to the former "Heroes", he showed a smile. Quietly and serenely, on the evening road that continued into the "future", he was moving forward.

(Timeskip)

7 years had passed since then. Alfia and Zald's conditioned had worsened to the point they couldn't get out of bed. So by taking care of the villagers there. Bell jus like he had promised, he, Asuna, and Sora returned back to Orario. With Sora and Asuna helping him reached his goal to become the last Hero. And in a spam of a year, Alfia and Zald had heard of Bell's achievement along with Sora and Asuna.

Bell: Mom...!

Sora: We did it!

Bell becoming the record holder of reaching level 8 in a spam of a year. Sora with his Spirit had saved Orario from Evilus. The two brothers whom always fought side by side. With the defeat of the One Eyed Black Dragon and the final three great quest.

Alfia: Yeah. You two did a great job.

(Timeskip)

Years Later. Currently, a 27 year old Sora is standing with his wife Asuna.

With all their friends together, Hestia Familia, Bell, Rin, Welf, Lili, Mikoto, Haruhime. Loki Familia, Loki, Finn, Riveria, Gareth, Aiz, Tiona, Tione, Bete, Lefiya, Takemikazuchi Familia, Miach Familia, Hephaestus Familia, Astrea Familia, Freya Familia, along with Alfia and Zald who both were sitting in a wheelchair due to their weak bodies. In the alter were two Heroes getting married. As both Sora and Asuna exchange their vows and kiss.

Alfia was sitting there with tears on her eyes. Her son had just gotten married. And he had help her accomplished her goal of guiding the last Hero. The boy at the alter smile at her. Alfia returned the smile and close her eyes and when he open them again,

She was met with Sora's glowing blue eyes, as he had just surpassed her in their battle, with his sword and his light had blow through her magic and thrusting through her. Seeing this Alfia couldn't do anything but smile. Thinking what would her life be like if she had gone to meet Sora and Bell.

Alfia(mind): What if...