From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 XLVIII 𖥸

Clive dodged many of Ultima's attacks as he closed the distance between them. He swung his sword at the entity and was surprised when he realized the blade was doing more damage than usual. He glanced at the glowing scripture of the gods and figured it had to be what was infusing his weapon with more power.

Although Ultima tried to keep some distance between him and Clive, the gap was always quickly closed by the man. He used his Eikonic abilities and semi-primed with Ifrit to take down the otherworldly being.

Even when Clive believed he had the upper hand, Ultima would reclaim it with his powerful spells. After he received a heavy hit, he was taken by surprise when he felt the talisman near his chest pulse. At the same time, he felt his injuries heal and his energy restored. He mentally thanked Lyra for healing him when she wasn't here with him physically.

After dealing a few heavy blows to Ultima, Clive found himself being blasted back by a powerful burst of aether. He glared up at the entity as he floated in the air.

"Countless centuries have I waited for this moment—This moment in which I might revel in my creation. Only to find it profaned. And so..." Ultima concentrated the aether, creating a large ring of light. Aether shot outward toward Clive. "It must be cleansed!"

Clive braced himself and stood against the powerful spell. As he triggered a small connection between him and Ifrit, his body was engulfed by flames to protect him from the blast. However, that wasn't the only thing that protected him. A barrier of light appeared around him before he lost sight of it due to how blinding the spell was.

When the light faded, it revealed Clive's surroundings had changed. The flames disappeared from his body and the barrier vanished. He lowered his arm to see the entity still standing before him.

Ultima gazed stoically at him. "Un...expected. How is it that your will yet endures?"

Clive got back on his feet and gripped his sword tighter. "Because it's not so easily broken!"

"But it can be broken. And I shall see it so. For such is my will." Ultima primed another attack, but he didn't get to cast his spell when he was interrupted by a spear being plunged into his back. He turned to see a void of light behind him. From it, he saw Lyra emerge. "The goddess chooses to intervene. She shall be punished for this transgression."

"I won't let you lay a hand on her!" Clive declared. He charged at Ultima and distracted him long enough for Lyra to reclaim her spear and join him.

She used light magic to send a powerful blast that pushed Ultima away from her and Clive. She cast a smile toward her beloved. "Apologies for the interruption, but I couldn't let you have all the fun."

Clive smiled back at her. "Your presence only strengthens my resolve. Having you here makes me stronger."

She spun her spear around. "Your strength knows no bounds. However, I've been thirsting for revenge lately. Ultima killed all those I cared about in the heavens. It is only right I avenge them by aiding in his annihilation. We'll destroy him, together."

"Yes," Clive replied, his gaze drifting over to Ultima as he recovered. "With you at my side, the false god shall fall."

Ultima fully recovered and focused his attacks on Clive and Lyra. The couple ducked and dodged whatever he threw their way, which only infuriated him. They avoided flames and lightning as they gave him the runaround until closing the distance between them.

Lyra managed to get behind Ultima and throw her spear. It impaled his back like before and opened the flesh of his back even more. From the spear came a combination of ice and lightning that dealt some heavy damage to his body. With a wave of her hand, she was able to free her spear and it returned to her hand.