From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XXXVIII 𖥸

|| The Naldia Narrow ||
|| The Open Sea ||

Clive, Joshua, Jill, Gav, and Mid were gathered in the captain's cabin. On the table they were gathered around was a map. Mid began her explanation. "There's a lot of sea between here and Waloed, but any ship heading north has to round Dzemekys and put through the narrow. Maintain our current bearing north-northeast... And we'll catch the Black Galleon before she vanishes again."

Clive pointed to a specific part of the map. "What's to prevent her from circling around Ash from the south?"

Mid put her hands on her hips. "With these winds in those waters, it'd take them forever and a fortnight to reach Stonhyrr."

"Mid knows what she's talking about, Clive. Better than any of us lot, anyway. I say we do as she tells—" Gav was interrupted by the sound of a bell.

Bosun, a member of the Enterprise's crew, stormed into the captain's cabin. "Sails on the horizon!"

Mid grinned excitedly. "She's ours!" Bolting out of the captain's cabin, she ran to take control of the ship.

Clive, Jill, and Joshua were quick to follow her to the main deck. They all could see black sails in the distance.

"Look alive, boys! Full ahead! And keep those furnaces fed!" Mid shouted to the crew.

"Aye aye!" the crew hollered in unison.

Jill recognized the black sails. "From what I heard of Indra's plan, Lyra will still be on board. We must retrieve her before they reach Waloed or we may lose her forever."

Clive met her worried gaze. "Nothing will happen to her. We will get her back."

Their attention was drawn to the cloudy sky when they heard a thunderous roar. Above them soared Theia. They also heard the cry of a deer. Looking down to the water below, they spotted Rhea running across the water's surface. Both beasts were heading straight for the Einherjar.

The trio ran to the front of the ship. They watched the beasts closely as they drew closer to the ship in the distance. However, they noticed an armored figure floating in the air. It was Barnabas with Odin's sword.

Mid also spotted the looming threat in the distance. "All hands! Battle stations!" She was grinning in excitement. "Let's see what this girl can do!"

Clive, Jill, and Joshua stared at the king before their attention was drawn back to the beasts. The dragon and the deer paid no heed to Barnabas as they ran past him without incident and boarded the Black Galleon.

"They are returning to Lyra," Joshua concluded.

"I do hope she's all right," Jill said.

Just then, Barnabas attacked. Creating a powerful blade of darkness, it was heading straight for the Enterprise.

Mid grabbed the wheel. "Great Greagor's gash!" She quickly turned the wheel starboard to avoid the incoming attack. The ship turned sharply, causing everyone to have to hold on to avoid falling overboard. Her swift movements and the ship's speed allowed them to avoid the attack.

Clive glared at the king. "Barnabas!"

"Hard-a-port! Heads down, you brutes! And brace for impact...!" Mid shouted as she grabbed the wheel and guided the Enterprise back on course toward the Einherjar. They were swiftly closing the distance and it wasn't long before they caught up to the Black Galleon.

As the Enterprise sailed up directly next to the Einherjar, Clive, Joshua, Jill, and Torgal ran to the edge of the ship.

"It's now or never!" Joshua shouted.