From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XXIV 𖥸

A/N: Just a small heads-up. Updates will be every other day now that my schedule is slowly getting filled because of the upcoming Fall semester. Once the semester does begin, updates will most likely become scarcer and I won't have a set updating schedule. To check on the state of this story, you can check my profile as I will make sure to post messages about any delays in this story there. Besides that little information, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter! Love you all!!!
~✨Celestial✨~
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|| Rosalith ||
|| Western Rosaria ||

Clive, Jill, Lyra, and Torgal had infiltrated Rosalith with Gav. They hadn't been spotted as they found a place to hide from the Republic soldiers who were looking around town and killing anyone in sight. The scout had gone off on his own to analyze the current situation.

Lyra was leaning against what remained of the wall in the destroyed house they were hiding in. Torgal was standing next to her and she stroked his fur while listening to the crumbling of buildings as Hugo's forces continued to destroy the former capital.

Soon, Gav returned and hopped through a window that was miraculously still intact. "Hugo and his men have been busy. They've already breached the castle's outer wall." He walked over to his companions. "The imperials are holding their ground for now, but it's only a matter of time before the keep falls."

Clive was distraught with the current situation. He abhorred seeing his home slowly crumbling before his eyes.

"Those fuckers really went to town on this place," Gav said. "Almost like they want to wipe it off the map..."

"Just a means to an end," Clive stated.

Jill picked up a dirtied wooden chocobo that was once a child's toy. "All this for one man? They didn't have to go so far."

Gav put a hand on her shoulder. "If you keep your wits about you, I reckon you can make it up to the castle without raising the alarm. I'll sniff out any townsfolk who haven't escaped yet and send them on their way."

"I'll accompany you," Lyra said, stepping forward. "My healing ability will be useful if someone is injured."

"Are ya sure you don't want to go with Clive 'n Jill?" the scout asked.

"Yes. I would like to help as many as possible."

Gav glanced at Clive, who nodded in approval. "All right. If you're ready, my lady."

"Be careful," Clive told them.

"Likewise. Don't do anything we wouldn't do." Gav vaulted out of the window he entered through.

Lyra followed him. She allowed him to take the lead since his specialty was moving around undetected. They made their way through the streets of Rosalith, checking any buildings they could for survivors. Most of the buildings were still intact, but many were empty while others were littered with bodies. It was clear Hugo's men had been on a killing spree and no one had been spared.

After a while, Gav and Lyra located a partially destroyed building where some civilians were hiding. They were frightened at seeing them, but Lyra was quick to reassure them that she and Gav were here to help. Before escorting them out of the building, she made sure all of them were uninjured and capable of walking.

While Gav escorted them to safety, Lyra checked the building to ensure everyone was gone. To her dismay, she found a child cowering in the kitchen behind a box. She carefully kneeled down in front of the little girl and offered her a gentle smile. "What is your name? Are you injured?"