From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XXXV 𖥸

|| The Krozjit Echoes ||
|| Central Dhalmekia ||

Following the way Vivian showed Clive, they crossed the Krozjit Echoes via the road that would take them all the way to Tabor. Joshua couldn't help but express himself as they walked across the barren landscape. "It's like a dream! The five of us out walking like we used to..."

Clive, however, wasn't too happy about what his brother said. "Enjoying this, are you? Gav and the others could be in danger as we speak."

Joshua was quick to apologize. "You're right. I'm sorry."

Lyra changed the subject. "You mentioned your attendant was in Tabor. You spoke of Jote, yes?"

"Indeed," he replied. "She is a fine scout. If Kanver was attacked, she will already have begun gathering information."

"Tabor isn't far. We should pick up the pace," Jill advised.

Not too far down the road, Lyra thought about what she told the others in the infirmary. She glanced up at the sky, wondering why Mimir kept this knowledge a secret. One possibility was he didn't want the gods to panic while another could be he knew there wouldn't be anything the gods could do to stop this seemingly inevitable future.

Suddenly, Lyra felt a small ache in her head before it grew into a sharp pain. She grabbed her head and shook it as images filled her mind. She saw images of Shiva fighting against a man she'd never seen. He easily cut her down with his dark power.

As the images faded and the pain subsided, Lyra's vision cleared as did her mind. It was only then did she sense the presence of a familiar god. Before she could locate him, she was tackled to the ground by Clive. She felt his arms tighten around her protectively as their bodies rolled across the ground.

When they came to a stop, she found herself trapped underneath Clive. She looked up at him before her eyes drifted to where she was once standing to find a familiar crimson sword pierced in the ground.

"You..." Clive growled, glaring at Indra as he walked over to his holy sword.

"Indra," Joshua gaped in shock at the god's sudden appearance. Torgal growled, bearing his fangs with his fur standing on end.

Indra grabbed his crimson blade and yanked it out of the ground. He set his sights on the couple. "It is time, Gaia. Ultima has deemed you worthy. Come to me, my goddess."

"You will not have her," Clive declared angrily.

Before Indra could get any closer, Lyra placed her hand against the ground and used nature magic to form roots and vines. They sprouted from the ground and wound around the god of war, trapping him as the sharp thorns from the vines pierced his body.

With Indra trapped, Clive got off Lyra and pulled her up to her feet. He kept her close and slightly behind him as he glared at the corrupt god. He grabbed the hilt of his sword, preparing to draw it if the man broke free.

Lyra watched Indra closely, hoping the roots and vines would last long enough for them to escape. She couldn't drag Clive, Jill, or Joshua into this battle between gods.

"Enough of these games," Indra hissed, trying to break free. However, the roots and vines were strong. "Release me, Gaia."

"As if I would," Lyra snapped back. She then grabbed Clive's arm and pulled him toward Jill and Joshua. "We must leave."

"What of Indra?" Jill asked.

"He will be trapped for a time," she answered. "Let us hurry."

"Yes, let's," Joshua agreed.