A/N: Welcome to a story that will either be good or bad! I haven't finished playing FFXVI, but I really wanted to write a story for it (even though it hasn't been out for long). I'll see how well-received this first chapter is before deciding how to continue with this story. For those who will be joining me on this journey in writing this story, I hope you will enjoy it! Love you all!!!

PS: I have proofread this first chapter, but there still may be errors!

~✨Celestial✨~
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⚠️WARNING: SPOILERS OF FFXVI AHEAD⚠️

|| Rosalith ||
|| Year of the Realm - 860 ||

Joshua stared in awe as his close friend, Lyra, folded some of her paper talismans to take the shape of chocobos. With a wave of her hand, the origami chocobos started to fly around them. The young lord giggled when one of the paper chocobos flew over his head. "Chocobos can't fly, Lyra!"

Lyra laughed as the origami chocobos returned to her and unfolded to return to being paper talismans. "Perhaps one day they shall take to the sky."

"Do you truly think so?" Joshua asked.

With a smile, she poked him on the nose. "With enough faith, anything can become possible. Never forget that, Joshua."

He smiled back at her. "I won't. Will you perform this trick again for me later?"

"Of course. All you need to do is ask and your wish is my command."

Jill, who had been watching the two, was also smiling. She held Torgal in her arms. "That was beautiful, Lyra. Are there any other creatures you can make from your talismans?"

Lyra glanced at the pup before morphing her talismans into a pack of wolves. They ran circles around Jill and Torgal. The pup reached out to touch the origami wolves with his paw and barked happily. His behavior earned a giggle from Jill.

Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind blew the wolf talismans in various directions. Only being the tender age of sixteen, she had yet to have full control of her powers and didn't have complete command of the talismans yet. Gasping, she ran after them.

"Lyra!" Joshua shouted as the blonde ran past him.

Lyra ran through the streets of the capital to catch the paper talismans. She constantly apologized while she ran past people in a desperate attempt to grab the floating talismans. She caught most of them, but the last one was difficult to catch. She wound up running through a makeshift part of the city that was being constructed to reach the last paper wolf.

"Lady Edelweiss!" One soldier shouted when she stormed past him. "It's not safe!"

The blonde didn't hear him due to being too focused on catching the talisman. The paper wolf lost its form and soon found itself lodged between two planks of wood. When she managed to grab it, she sighed in relief. She pressed the talisman against her chest and blessed the Mothercrystals for not allowing it to blow away forever.

Lyra's relief, however, did not last for long. It vanished the moment the rotten wooden planks under her feet broke. She felt a sinking sensation in her gut as she fell, but it soon vanished when her fall was halted. A sharp wave of pain shot through her arm, causing her to gasp. Looking up, she saw the face of one of her childhood friends, Clive Rosfield. Her emerald eyes widened in surprise at seeing him.

"I've got you," Clive reassured her as his eyes locked with hers.

Lyra didn't doubt him for a moment. "I know you do. I'm more curious as to how you got here rather quickly."

He smirked. "I followed the shouts of the soldiers." Using his strength, he pulled her up. He didn't let go of her hand until he was certain she was uninjured.

Lyra brushed down the front of her dress with her free hand. "Were they truly shouting that loud?"

"I believe you were the only one who didn't hear them."

"I won't deny that." She waved the paper talisman back and forth. "But, I got what I was after. Thank you for coming to my aid, Clive."

"Of course, my lady," he smiled.

She lightly smacked him on the forehead with the paper talisman, her own smile blooming. "I do appreciate all that you do for me, my Shield. Though, you are not mine. Your duties are to your brother. Speaking of Joshua, don't you have Shield training with the Lord Commander today?"

"I was on my way when I heard the commotion."

"Ah..." Lyra lowered the talisman, her smile faltering. "Forgive me for distracting you, Clive. I'll accompany you and speak to Lord Murdoch. It is my fault you will be late. Besides, he has a soft spot for me."

"Because you're his daughter?" Clive remarked.

Lyra was the adoptive daughter of Rodney and Hanna Murdoch. She was a newborn baby when they found her outside of Eastpool. Although she was a Bearer, she did not sport the Brand because they refused to have her branded. However, that almost changed when she arrived in Rosalith with Lord Murdoch at the age of four. When Duchess Anabella heard she was unbranded and possessed the ability to wield multiple elements, she tried to have her branded but Archduke Elwin stopped her.

"Precisely," she replied before grabbing his hand. "We best hurry before my father sends some of his men to find you."

With one hand holding her talismans and the other grasping Clive's hand, she tugged him through the streets until they arrived at the bailey located not too far from the castle. She smiled when she saw her father waiting for them. "Hello, Father."

"Hello, darling," Lord Murdoch smiled at her. He then saw she was holding hands with Clive. "I see you brought the young lord with you as well. What excuse will you tell me today?"

"I—" Clive attempted to explain.

"It was my fault," Lyra interrupted, letting go of the boy's hand. "I ran off into a restricted section of the city to catch one of my talismans. Clive rescued me from a perilous fall."

"I understand." Lord Murdoch crossed his arms and met Clive's gaze. "Though you are overdue for your training session, I will dismiss it since you did save my daughter's life. I must thank you, my lord."

Clive glanced at Lyra before answering him. "Of course, Lord Murdoch."

"That protective instinct of yours will make you a mighty fine Shield." Lord Murdoch patted him on the shoulder. "Now then, let our session commence."

Lyra watched Clive enter the training area with her father before joining Joshua and Jill. She was taken by surprise when Torgal emerged from behind Jill and jumped into her lap. She petted the top of his head as the training session began.

Lord Murdoch and Clive's training session was intense. The man had the upper hand and eventually knocked the boy to the ground, causing him to hit his head and fall unconscious.

Lyra winced at how hard the training session was. She hopped off the cart when Torgal jumped into Jill's lap. "Are you trying to break him, Father?"

Lord Murdoch smirked as he grabbed a pail of water and tossed it onto the unconscious boy. "Do not fret, my dear. He's tougher than he looks."

The blonde entered the pen and rushed over to Clive. Not caring about her dress, she fell to her knees beside him and the mud squelched underneath her. She gently placed a hand on his cheek and used a small bit of magick to heal him.

"Clive!" Joshua shouted. "Get up, Clive!"

Lyra glanced down at Clive at the same moment his eyes opened. "Are you all right, Clive?"

Clive's sapphire eyes locked with her emerald ones. "Yes."

She removed her hand from his cheek as he sat up. She looked over at Lord Murdoch. "You truly are enjoying this, aren't you?"

Lord Murdoch chuckled. "Of course I am." He then addressed the boy. "Do you yield?"

Lyra stood up. She smiled down at Clive. "You have my permission to wipe that smirk off his face."

The boy grinned in amusement as she walked away.

Having not heard his daughter or receiving a response from Clive, Lord Murdoch continued. "Well, if you're not cut out to be a Shield, there's always work for you in the stables. Unless, of course, you think you can defend your master while sat on your arse in a puddle of pigswill?"

Joshua smiled as the Lord Commander glanced his way. "I'm sure he'd find a way." He then looked over at the smiling Jill before gazing back toward his older brother and Lyra. "My brother always looks after me. Right, Lyra?"

"He does have quite the watchful eye," Lyra said. "Clive, you know what to do. You already have my permission so don't hold back."

"Go on. You're sure to hit him eventually," Jill told the fifteen-year-old Shield.

"Don't give up now!" Joshua shouted. Torgal barked as if to cheer Clive on as well.

Clive smiled at their support.

Lord Murdoch tossed the wooden pail toward his fellow Shields. In exchange, one man tossed him his practice blade and he easily caught it.

At the same time, Clive grabbed his practice sword and got to his feet.

The Lord Commander smirked as he pointed the wooden sword at the boy. "To arms, then. It wouldn't do to disappoint the gallery."

Exiting the pen, Lyra stood next to the men who were watching the training sessions. She could hear them cheering for both her father and her friend. With a smile, she watched Lord Murdoch train Clive in the basics. From attacking to dodging, he didn't leave anything out of the training session.

Eventually, all the basics were covered.

Lord Murdoch was more than impressed with Clive's combat skills. "That's better. Battle is a succession of pivotal moments wherein life and death can be decided at a single stroke. You must be ready to utilize every tool at your disposal if you are to navigate a path to victory. Or at the very least, to ensure that you live to fight another day." He smirked, jamming the tip of the practice blade into the dirt. "Enough practice. It's time for the test. You've recovered from your soaking, I trust? I wouldn't want to kick a man while he's drowned."

Clive was more than ready for a real sparring match. "I thought you'd never ask."

"Don't hold back, Clive!" Lyra shouted before smirking. "That old geezer could use a good beating!"

Her words made Clive smile while Lord Murdoch laughed heartily. The Lord Commander yanked the practice sword out of the ground. "You heard her. Come then, Lord Rosfield. Spar with me. If you believe yourself worthy to be called Shield of the Flame, then prove it."

Clive grinned. "As you wish, my lord!"

"Have at me, boy! Make proof of your strength!"

Lyra cheered Clive on as he faced off against her father. She wanted him to come out on top even though Lord Murdoch already held him in high regard. She eagerly watched the boy take a few hits and deliver a few blows. In the end, he was victorious. She clapped, smiling from ear to ear as her father defeatedly kneeled on the ground.

"He won!" Joshua cheered before turning to a man standing behind him. "See! I told you he could do it!"

"Aye!" the man replied with his own joy.

Clive offered a hand to Lord Murdoch. The man was more than accepting of the help and grabbed his arm. "Bested at last." With the boy's aid, he was back on his feet.

"It's taken me long enough," Clive replied.

Lord Murdoch smiled proudly. "That was a display worthy of your father. You are a true Shield of the Flame, and let no one tell you otherwise—including me." He lightly bumped his arm against the boy's chest before stepping back. Turning to his daughter, he gestured to her. "Now then, I would like to see you spar against Lyra."

Clive's eyes widen in shock. "What?"

Lyra was also surprised. "A sparring match between us?"

Lord Murdoch smiled at her. "From the very moment Hanna and I set eyes on you, we knew you were special. Even the heavens knew you were special as stars blazed across the sky the night we found you. You are strong, darling, and it is an honor to be your father. You have practiced your talents for many years. Although still rough around the edges, I can see your potential. Take this opportunity to wield your skills in combat. This will also allow the young lord to face off against a magick user."

The blonde glanced between her father and her friend before coming to a decision. "Only if Clive agrees."

Clive found himself smiling at her. "It would be an honor to spar with you, Lyra."

She smiled back at him. "Then it's settled. Prepare yourself, Clive."

"Excellent!" Lord Murdoch chanted. He stepped aside and allowed the two teens to have as much room as possible.

Standing across from each other, Clive and Lyra readied themselves.

From the small pocket in her dress, Lyra's paper talismans flew out and hovered in the air. She held out her hand and the talismans spun in a circle above her palm. "Are you ready, my lord?"

Smiling, Clive raised his practice sword. "Yes, my lady."

"Then don't hold back. Come at me!"

With that, the sparring match began. The crowd gathered around the training pen and cheered the names of the teens as they faced off against each other.

Lyra used the talismans to block Clive's attacks whether they were sword attacks or magick attacks. Because of how special and unique the talismans are, they neither burned nor tore. They also allowed her to wield various elements, one of which was water. She extinguished any of the flames he sent her way.

The sparring match continued until Clive and Lyra were exhausted. Lord Murdoch was forced to call a draw when he saw how well-matched and tired they were.

When the end of the sparring match was called, Lyra'a talismans returned to her pocket. She placed a hand over her racing heart as she tried to catch her breath. She felt someone place a hand on her shoulder and realized it was Clive. She smiled proudly at him. "You did splendidly, Clive. I'm quite impressed."

"You as well, Lyra. This was the first time I've witnessed your combat abilities," Clive replied.

"I am still rather rough around the edges, but I do hope to sharpen my skills even more. I wouldn't want to become the simple maiden who performs only parlor tricks for her lords."

Clive's smile seemed to waver at the mention of the term "parlor tricks." It was a phrase his mother, Duchess Anabella, would use to describe Lyra's magick. "Your spells aren't "parlor tricks." They are wondrous and creative methods to use magick that bring smiles to many. You could use your magick for evil, but you choose to make others smile. Don't let what my mother says bother you. After all, she isn't a big fan of me either."

Lyra placed a hand over the one he had put on her shoulder. She squeezed his fingers with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Clive."

Just then, the two teens' attention was drawn to Lord Murdoch when he shouted, "What are you lot gawping at? Back to your drills!"

The blonde released Clive's hand and shyly stepped away from him. She combed a few golden strands behind her ear as she saw the Shields gathered around the pen disperse. She quickly glanced at the boy and her shyness vanished when she saw his somewhat pale expression. "Are you feeling all right, Clive? You seem a little pale."

Clive appreciated her concern, but he didn't want to worry her. "I'm fine."

She eyed him suspiciously. "Speaking from the heart, I don't believe you for a moment." She followed him out of the pen, watching him lay the practice sword against the fence. She then heard a painful groan from him before he fell to a single knee. Sighing, she kneeled next to him and placed a hand on his back. "I knew you were lying."

Just when she was about to heal him, Joshua ran over and used the power of the Phoenix to heal him. Behind him stood Jill.

Clive lifted his head to gaze at his younger brother. "Joshua... I was just tired. The Phoenix's flames are a gift—you mustn't waste them."

"It isn't a waste. My Shields look after me. Why shouldn't I—" Joshue was interrupted by a cough and turned away.

Lyra and Clive quickly stood up. Jill, like her other friends, was concerned about Joshua.

Clive placed a gentle hand on his brother's back. "That's why. You were coughing this morning, too. You shouldn't be outdoors."

Joshua met his worried gaze. "I'll be fine. It's just a cold."

Lyra stepped forward. She took Joshua's hands with hers. "May I, Joshua?"

The young boy smiled and nodded. "Yes, please."

She used her healing magick to provide him some relief. As she did, she noticed his eyes widening in shock. She grew concerned when she saw his gaze becoming distant. Never had he made such an expression when she provided him healing. "Joshua?"

Hearing his name, the young boy blinked and shook his head. "I'm all right."

She wasn't convinced but dropped the subject. "All right."

Clive patted the top of Joshua's head. "Don't push yourself."

Lyra released Joshua's hands at the same time she heard her father shout, "His Grace has returned!"

Joshua excitedly turned to his three friends. "Father's back!" He grabbed Jill and Clive's hands while Jill grabbed Lyra's in return so she could be dragged along as well. The four of them came to a stop when the Shields lined up and bowed. Further down the path, they saw Duchess Anabella approaching alongside a few of her servants.

"Heavens above..." Lyra groaned under her breath, which was heard by Clive. He couldn't help but smirk a little at her distaste for his mother. He quickly wiped away his grin after noticing the duchess was heading straight for them.

Lyra slowly backed away as the duchess expressed her gratitude for the Shields. She quietly stepped behind Clive and grabbed his arms to reposition himself so he blocked her from view. "I shall pay you handsomely if you act as my Shield and keep your mother away from me."

Clive wanted to laugh at her words but restrained himself. He looked over his shoulder at her. "I shan't disappoint, my lady."

Lyra mumbled a small "thank you" under her breath and waited for the duchess to reach them. When she did, she made sure to bow alongside Clive and Jill.

"Joshua," Duchess Anabella gazed at her youngest son. She then placed a hand over her nose to block out the odor that made her a little queasy. "You should not be out of doors. We have discussed this."

Joshua lowered his head and apologized to his mother. "I'm sorry."

Clive attempted to greet the duchess with a smile. "Good day to you, Mother." He, Jill, and Lyra bowed again.

Duchess Anabella glared harshly at Clive, causing him to look away in regret. Noticing this, Lyra placed a comforting hand on his back. She didn't understand how a mother could hate her own son simply because he didn't inherit the Eikon of the Phoenix. She was grateful she had a mother like Hanna, even though they weren't blood-related. She wished he had the same love she did.

Duchess Anabella said nothing to Clive and addressed the youngest brother. "Come, Joshua. Your father will be expecting us." She grabbed his wrist and pulled him away. She stopped and called out to the Lord Commander. "Lord Murdoch."

Lord Murdoch glanced at Lyra before jogging up to the duchess. "Your Grace."

Lyra stepped out from behind Clive and saw Joshua looking back at her, Jill, and him. She watched her father, Joshua, the duchess, and her servants leave. She sighed heavily, feeling the turmoil the duchess left behind wherever she went. It was then she overheard two Shields talking about how Duchess Anabella treated her eldest son. The two men were also disgusted at her treatment of Clive.

To lighten the mood, Lyra stepped forward and stood in front of Clive and Jill. "It will be wonderful to see Archduke Elwin again."

Jill nodded in agreement and looked at Clive. "I agree. We should join them."

Lyra crossed her arms. "I do rather enjoy the company of Archduke Elwin than his viper of a wife."

Jill gasped in shock. "Lyra!"

The blonde girl raised her hands in defense. "I only speak from the heart. You need not agree with me."

Clive chuckled. "I understand your distaste for my mother. Not only has she slandered your abilities but she also has threatened to have you branded."

Lyra traced her left cheek and neck, almost as if the brand was burned into her flesh. Her gaze turned distant as she remembered the many times Duchess Anabella threatened to brand her. It was only because of Archduke Elwin that the duchess had yet to get her way. If he wasn't such close friends with her father, she would have been branded years ago.

Feeling gentle fingers brush against her right cheek, Lyra's gaze focused on Clive. She stared deeply into his sapphire eyes, surprised at his sudden touch.

"My father nor I shall let her have her way," he told her.

She smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Clive." She then reached up and poked his cheek. "You're unexpectedly touchy today."

This surprised him as he hadn't noticed. "I am?"

"Quite," she laughed. Glancing over at Jill, she noticed she was smiling at them. She then realized other Shields were watching them. She withdrew her hand and cleared her throat. "Let us hurry, then. We wouldn't want to miss the archduke's return."

As Clive took the lead after his sword was returned to him, Jill and Lyra followed behind him. The two girls started chatting together, giggling every now and then while following their friend through the bailey toward the main gate of Rosalith.

Arriving at the main gate, Clive, Jill, and Lyra gathered with the others who were eager to see Archduke Elwin. The gate opened moments later and the archduke entered the city with the men who accompanied him. Everyone bowed in the presence of the archduke as he dismounted his white chocobo and handed his helmet to a Shield.

Archduke Elwin glanced at the many who came to witness his return. "Rise, my friends!"

Joshua ran up to the archduke with a bright smile. "Welcome home, Father!"

The archduke gently took hold of his son, smiling in return. "Thank you, Joshua. You are well, I trust?"

"Yes, Father. Much better. Lyra always makes sure I'm feeling well." Joshua's smile didn't falter. "Today, Jill and I went to the bailey to watch Clive spar. We even got to see him spar against Lyra!"

"Is that so?"

All of a sudden, Jill, Clive, and Lyra heard Torgal barking. The three turned to see the pup making his way through the feet of the crowd toward them.

Clive kneeled down as the canine ran up to him. "Quiet, Torgal!" he yelled in a hushed tone. The pup continued to bark as he jumped on his hind legs and tried to play with the boy. "Stop it, boy! Not now!" He continued to try and calm down the pup, but he believed he was playing with him.

Lyra wondered how to help when she noticed the archduke heading straight toward them. She slightly tensed and looked down at Clive and Torgal.

"He'll make a fine hound one day," Archduke Elwin said.

Clive let go of Torgal and stood up to address his father while Jill picked up the playful pup. She and Lyra bowed their heads to show their respect.

Archduke Elwin glanced between Jill and Lyra. "Lift up your heads, girls."

"Thank you, Your Grace," Jill said as she and the blonde lifted their heads.

"It is wonderful to see you are well, Your Grace," Lyra smiled at the archduke.

The man smiled back at her. "From what I have heard, you have been keeping my sons in shape. I cannot thank you enough, Lady Edelweiss."

"They are dear friends to me. I only wish the best for them."

Archduke Elwin chuckled. "Knowing they were in your care in my absence relieves me." He then went over to Jill and petted the pup that rested in her arms.

"The capital rejoices at your safe return, Your Grace," Clive told his father.

The archduke put and hand on the boy's shoulder and leaned down to whisper in his ear. "War is coming, my boy. We must make ready."

"Is the situation truly so grave?" Clive asked as his father pulled away.

"Come to the throne room. We will talk there, and bring Lyra with you."

Said girl heard the archduke and glanced quizically at him. She wondered why he wished for her presence as well.

"Yes, Fath—" Clive stopped and quickly corrected himself. "Your Grace."

Archduke Elwin lightly tapped his fist against Clive's chest with a proud smile. He turned from the trio and walked away.

"Shields, dismissed!" Lord Murdoch shouted.

The crowd started to thin out. The archduke, duchess, and Joshua headed to the castle while the Shields returned to the bailey.

Only Clive, Jill, Lyra, and Torgal were left. While watching the crowd disperse, a yellow butterfly fluttered by. Lyra held out her hand and the butterfly landed on her finger. It wasn't until Torgal jumped out of Jill's arms toward her did the butterfly become frightened and flew away.

"Torgal!" Jill shouted and ran after the pup that was chasing the butterfly. She caught up to him when the butterfly flew away. "Where do you think you're going, hm?"

Clive and Lyra caught up to Jill the moment she scooped the pup up into her arms. She turned and smiled at her two friends. "Clive and Lyra here are off to see the Archduke."

Clive nodded. "Right."

"I am shocked the archduke wishes for me to tag along," Lyra said. "Regardless, we shouldn't keep him waiting."

"To the throne room, then," Jill said.