From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XVII 𖥸

Deeper in the mines, the party came across more Akashic enemies. Everyone, minus Lyra, cleared the area. The more they fought, the more she felt the urge to join them. She abhorred just standing on the sideline while they faced danger. She just hoped whatever Cid had her on standby for was worth it.

They followed the tracks and crouched through collapsed portions of the mine until they fought more Akashic enemies. They cleared the way and passed through a gate.

Suddenly, a strange sense of dread washed over Lyra. She didn't understand where this feeling was coming from or why it was happening all of a sudden. She didn't allow it to hinder her and did her best to keep up with the others, hoping she would be able to push past it. She took a few deep breaths while avoiding drawing the attention of the others.

Eventually, they entered a side tunnel that had been used for storage. They located an area that was blocked off by metal bars.

"I see they replaced that wooden door with something a little more sturdy," Cid said.

"Did you break the wooden door?" Lyra asked.

"Perhaps."

Clive yanked on the metal bars to see just how sturdy they are. Realizing they could break through, he had an idea and received help from Cid.

"On the count of three?" Cid asked.

Clive nodded and waited for the countdown. However, he was surprised when it didn't come and the man skipped straight to three. Their kicks were out of sync. He glanced at him. "What happened to two?"

"Ask one," Cid replied before he and Clive delivered another kick to the metal bars. They were making progress when the metal was starting to bend.

"Once more?" Clive asked.

"Aye, seeing as you're trying now."

They delivered one final kick and the metal bars collapsed. They now had access to the area beyond.

"As if that was going to keep us out..." Cid commented.

The party entered the area beyond the now-dismantled metal bars. It was dark, but Clive used the blessing of the Phoenix to conjure a fireball to light up the darkness. They navigated through the tunnel with him acting as leader.

"The Mothercrystal's just up ahead," Cid said.

"Is it?" Jill asked. "I can't see a thing."

"Well, unless someone's moved it."

"Not even Titan could move a Mothercrystal," Lyra commented.

"But could a goddess?" Cid hypothetically asked.

"In my current state, doubtful," she replied. "But even if I did possess the power to move a Mothercrystal, I wouldn't dare touch one."

He chuckled. "You know something's bad when not even the gods themselves want to touch it."

A few minutes later, the party arrived at a large hole in the wall. Clive extinguished the fireball as the Mothercrystal came into view and all was lit up by its brilliance.

Cid peered out of the hole to search for any enemies. "There's no one about."

They jumped down from the hole and gazed at the Mothercrystal. All of them were in awe at its size and beauty.

"I knew it would be big...but this?" Jill asked. She placed her hands on the marble railing and stared at the Mothercrystal.

"Beauty can hide even the darkest of intentions," Lyra commented.