From the Heavens (Final Fantasy XVI)

𖥸 Echoes of the Fallen: VI (Final) 𖥸

Flying around as a hawk, Lyra circled around the Sagespire. She noticed how lifeless the tower was and the erasure of the dusk crystals, meaning Clive and the others had destroyed the heart of the Mothercrystal. She proceeded to search the tower for her companions before scouring the outskirts when she didn't find them.

Eventually, she found them near the entrance to the Sagespire located in the Dim. She swooped downward and reverted not too far from the group. She rushed over to them to check and make sure all of them are okay. "Is everyone all right?"

Famiel, Marnek, and Halek turned around at the sound of her concerned voice.

"We're fine," Halek said.

"A-And the Chief too—all thanks to you," Marnek added before bowing his head in gratitude. "We cannot express just how grateful we are for your help, mila—erm, divine one."

Before she could say what she wanted, Famiel threw himself at her feet with his head on the ground. This took her by complete surprise. She blinked in confusion at his behavior. "What is—?"

Famiel interrupted her as he began shouting, "Crush my fingers, cut off my ear, or...or...!"

Lyra summoned her spear. She wasn't planning on harming him at all, but Marnek and Halek started to panic. She looked over at them when they started pleading with her.

"W-Wait! Punish us instead!" Marnek pleaded.

"Y-Yes! Take a finger, o-or two!" Halek begged.

"Take my whole hand!"

Lyra didn't miss the amused expressions of Clive, Jill, and Joshua. They were the only ones who knew she wouldn't be taking any fingers, hands, or ears from the crystal traders. She glanced between the three men who were now groveling on the ground in front of her. She let out a sigh as she flipped her spear around and lightly tapped the butt end of it against Famiel's head. This caused him to lift his head, his azure eyes meeting her emerald ones.

"I am not some barbarian who enjoys collecting ears or fingers as trinkets," she explained while withdrawing her spear. "Stand, and tell me what this nonsense is about."

Famiel, Marnek, and Halek got to their feet. All three of them looked at each other before the leader of their group explained, "Well...erm... For the way we treated you and your companions. You're a god, so..."

Lyra dispelled her weapon as she was able to understand what he was implying. "You believed I would punish you for such behavior."

"To put it simply..."

She placed a hand on her hip. "I don't know where you came to such a conclusion, but there is no punishment I will be delivering."

"So..." Halek lifted his hands. "We may keep our appendages?"

She huffed out a chuckle. "You may."

All three of them sighed in relief.

Famiel offered her a grateful smile before saying, "Now, if you don't mind, we've got places to be."

"We do?" Halek asked. When he glanced over at Famiel and saw his genuine smile morph into a look of annoyance, he received the message and corrected himself. "I mean, we do!"

"Thanks for, er...everything?" Marnek unsurely said.

Famiel glanced between his companions. "I said we've got places to be!"

With those final words, the crystal traders left.

Lyra watched them leave before looking over at the others. "It seems our mission is complete. We should return to the hideaway."