From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XX 𖥸

With a sharp glare, Clive drew his sword and pushed Lyra behind him. He kept an arm out to ensure she remained behind him. "Stay away from her," he growled, pointing his blade at the god. Torgal barked and growled at the white-haired man.

Indra calmly stood his ground. He didn't draw his sword. "I have no qualm with you, human. I shall only speak to Gaia."

Hearing his chilling voice causes Lyra to shake. She remembered the blinding pain of his blade piercing her body five years ago. She stepped closer to Clive out of fear and gripped his cloak. Her small form was hidden by his bigger one.

Indra spoke to the goddess as if Clive wasn't there. "It seems my action at Drake's Head was a lapse in judgment. I came to realize you are more valuable alive. It is a good thing you absorbed the shards of the Mothercrystal or you would have perished. You are not yet at full strength, but we can provide it." He held out his hand. "Come to me, Gaia."

"As if I'd let you!" Clive shouted angrily. "If you so much as lay a hand on her—"

"Silence," Indra interrupted. "A mere mortal does not deserve the attention of a goddess. Remove yourself this instant, or I will see to your demise regardless of his wishes."

Lyra couldn't stand hearing him threaten Clive. She jumped out from behind him and approached the god. She willed her shaking body to stop as she channeled her anger from earlier.

"Lyra, stop!" Clive shouted.

She held out her hand to stop him from approaching. Managing a small smile, she looked at him before back at Indra. Her smile fell as she gazed at his outstretched hand. "I refuse, Indra. I can sense it... You've become corrupt. I could never ally myself with a god who chose such a destructive path."

Indra smirked in amusement. He withdrew his hand. "I see. You are not ready. It is understandable. When you become stronger, I shall return. Until then, Gaia."

In the blink of an eye, the god vanished.

When he was gone, Lyra could no longer hold her fear back. She sunk to her knees and covered her face with both hands. She couldn't believe she didn't know Indra was alive. If she had found him alive in the heavens, would he have not become corrupted?

Clive rushed over the moment she fell. Blade sheathed, he kneeled in front of her and grabbed her hands. He pulled them away from her face and strongly declared, "He will not have you."

She heard his strong and unwavering tone. Slumping in relief, she leaned forward and fell against him. Her face lay against his chest as her hands slipped from his. She couldn't say anything and gripped the front of his shirt, her body beginning to shake again.

He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her shaking form tightly. "I will protect you," he whispered to her.

Hearing running footsteps, Clive looked to see Jill. She dashed over to them, worry etched across her face. "What happened?"

"Indra," he answered.

"The man from Drake's Head..." Jill glanced worriedly at the golden-haired woman to see just how shaken up she was. She refused to question her and spoke to the man. "We should go back. Could you...?"

"Leave her to me," Clive said. He scooped Lyra up into his arms and carried her back to Martha's Rest.

On the way, Lyra was able to calm herself down. She sighed heavily and spoke to her beloved. "I'm all right, Clive. I can walk."

Although he wanted to keep her in his arms, he respected what she wanted. "All right." He gently put her down on her feet. "But if you feel the need to stop, tell us."