From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XLVII 𖥸

|| The Hideaway ||
|| Central Storm Deadlands ||

It was time.

Clive, Joshua, Dion, and Lyra would be departing for Origin. The woman was currently in the room she shared with Clive, working on the last part of the letter she wanted to leave him. Summoning Mimir's chronicle, she slid her completed letter underneath the journal. She would leave it behind, knowing Clive would also want to read the god's writings as well someday.

Hearing a knock, she looked at the door as it opened. Clive entered the room, his expression a mix of determination and fear. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "Yes."

Leaving the room, she followed him to where Joshua and Dion were waiting. The couple joined them before heading to the boarding deck where everyone was gathered. As the four walked out, all fell silent.

Mid rushed up to Clive. Her voice shook as she spoke, her smile showing her sorrow. "Clive. If you see my dad up there...Tell him he were right to leave his legacy with you."

Clive hugged her. "Tell him? He'll be in the front row. There's no way he'd miss this." He pulled away from her. "Well...behave yourself, Mid."

"We'll see," she replied, her smile not faltering even for a second. Mid then proceeded to hug Joshua and surprisingly Dion. The prince was surprised, but he did pat her gently on the back before she pulled away. Finally, she hugged Lyra and held her tighter than the others. "Make sure to come back, aye?"

The goddess' calm facade almost cracked. "Mid, I..."

"I know..." she whispered back. "Just...try, please."

She inhaled a shaky sigh. "All right."

As Mid pulled away and Clive spoke to Gav, Lyra was approached by Jill. She managed a small smile as she hugged her childhood friend. "There is something I must give you, Jill."

"Another gift, perhaps?" Jill asked.

"I'm afraid not." Lyra pulled away and revealed the seed she was carrying in her pocket. She placed it in Jill's hand. "Once the crystal has fallen, take this seed and plant it wherever you wish. All I ask is you take care of the flower that will bloom."

Jill could feel a familiar warmth coming from the seed and her eyes widened. "This seed..." She lifted her head as a single tear trailed down her cheek. "Lyra, you..."

She smiled sadly. "Forgive me, Jill..."

"Does Clive know?"

Lyra glanced over at her beloved before looking back at her. "No, but...I will do all in my power to return to him and you. Take care of Clive in my absence."

Jill pulled Lyra into another hug and whispered to her. "You will come back. It may take time, but...I know you will."

She hugged Jill tighter. "Thank you for believing in me."

When they pulled away, Jill gripped the seed gently as a few more tears streamed down her cheeks. She did her best to keep her voice from cracking. "I will ensure the flower born from this seed thrives."