A/n: I can't believe I never thought of this until now, but I imagine Lyra being voiced by Camilla Luddington, the same voice actress who portrays Lara Croft. I'll have to add that to the character biography for anyone who is good at visualing and hearing characters in a story like this. Hope you all enjoy this next chapter! Love you all!!!
~✨Celestial✨~
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|| The Hideaway ||
|| Central Storm Deadlands ||
|| Year of the Realm - 877 ||

Lyra's eyes opened. She looked at the unfamiliar ceiling before slowly sitting up. She felt sluggish, almost as if she had overslept.

"Ah!"

She heard someone scream. Looking to her right, she saw the twins were staring at her as if they had seen a ghost. She noticed they were older than when she last saw them.

"She's awake!" Crow shouted before she and Tett ran around the partition.

Lyra scooted to the edge of the bed and placed her bare feet on the wooden floor. She looked down at her attire to see she was wearing a simple white gown. Her hair was down and she combed a few golden strands behind her ear.

Hearing running footsteps, she looked up and saw Tarja. She blinked in surprise at how different she looked. "Is that truly you, Tarja?"

The physician stared at her in shock. "By the gods... You are awake." She rushed over and checked on her. "How do you feel?"

"As if I slept too long," Lyra replied.

This made Tarja laugh. "Well, you have been unconscious for four years."

Her eyes widen in shock. "What?"

Tarja sat down on the bed next to her and explained what happened in the past four years. From the destruction of the first hideaway by Titan to the building of the new one, she told her everything.

"What is the last thing you remember?" Tarja asked.

"I..." Lyra searched her memory. She placed a hand over her chest where she saw the sword exit her body. Shock consumed her as she recalled who stabbed her. "I-I was stabbed by Indra..."

"So, that is the man's name... Clive couldn't tell who stabbed you because he didn't recognize him, but you do. Who is he?"

"A god I had thought perished..." She lowered her head. "But he's here..."

"May I give you an examination?" Tarja asked.

Lyra nodded. "Please do."

The physician began to examine the goddess' body. She was more than surprised at seeing or finding nothing wrong. "You're perfectly healthy. That wound of yours has healed nicely and not even a scar remains. I wouldn't expect anything less from a goddess, but...it is still shocking how your body healed so well. If you were human, you would be dead. I couldn't believe Clive when he brought you to me saying your heart was still beating. Speaking of Clive, I should send him a stolas to let him know you're awake."

"How has he been these past four years?" Lyra asked.

"Devastated," Tarja replied. "But that doesn't stop him from doing his duties. Every time he comes back from a mission, the infirmary is always his first stop. Now that you're awake, maybe he'll learn how to smile again."

"What about Jill?"

"She's doing well. Busy, but well." Tarja grabbed a set of clothes that had been neatly folded on a table. She handed them to her. "We had to get rid of your other clothes, but I made sure another set was waiting for you. Once you get changed, you can explore the hideaway and get your bearings."

"Thank you, Tarja."

When Tarja stepped away, Lyra changed into her new clothes.

She didn't have a ribbon to tie her long locks back so she simply allowed her hair to blow freely. She walked around the partition once she was ready and smiled at Tarja. "I'll be on my way. Thank you again, Tarja."

"Of course, my lady. If you ever get lost, just ask someone," the physician smiled.

Leaving the infirmary, Lyra began exploring the new hideaway. She was surprised at the location and how big it was compared to the first one. Many of the faces around the hideaway were familiar while others were not. Those who recognized her were more than happy to see she was awake.

When she arrived at the main deck, her attention was drawn to someone muttering, "Oh, shite..."

She turned around and found Gav. His right eye was destroyed and all that was left was a scar.

"A ghost..." Gav finished, his one good eye wide as a saucer.

Grinning, she flicked him on the forehead. "Would a ghost do that?"

He winced at the small pain before he smiled. He crossed his arms. "It's good to see you're okay. Between losin' Cid and the destruction of the first hideaway, I don't think I could handle your death too."

Her grin fell. "I'm sorry about Cid."

Gav patted her on the shoulder. "Clive told us you tried to save him. You did all you could. At least we didn't lose both of ya." He didn't like seeing her melancholic so he changed the subject. "How 'bout I give ya the grand tour of the place?"

She managed to smile a little. "I'd be grateful, Gav."

The scout was more than happy to show her around. He took her around the main deck, where she got to speak to Charon and Blackthorne. After that, Gav took her to the shelves, where Harpocrates was surrounded by his favorite thing—books.

Harpocrates heard them enter and gasped when he saw Lyra. "Oh, my! Our goddess has awoken!"

Lyra smiled fondly at him. "It's wonderful to see you again, Tomes. I was told of those we lost during Titan's attack. Though we lost many, I am overjoyed we didn't lose everybody."

"While we mourn those we lost, we also must show gratitude for what we still have," Tomes replied. "What can I do for you, my lady?"

"Nothing at the moment," she replied. "Gav is giving me a tour of the new hideaway."

"Ah, I see," Tomes smiled. "Then please, do not let me interrupt. I do hope you'll come to visit me soon. Until then."

Gav then took Lyra to the other parts of the hideaway. She was taken to the map room, the atrium, and even the rear stacks where she saw how hard everyone was still working to build the hideaway. What surprised her the most was when they visited the backyard. Seeing the green grass and the thriving trees, she couldn't believe it.

"This is..." She gaped in astonishment.

"Let's just say you and Martelle's research has gone to good use," Gav said. "That's puttin' it simply, though."

Lyra looked around at the faces of the people who were working. "Where is Martelle?"

Gav sighed sadly. "She's gone, I'm afraid."

She lowered her gaze. "We truly did lose many..."

"Aye..."

Looking at the thriving apple trees, she hoped that they wouldn't lose anybody else.

Realizing it had been a few hours since Gav took her on the tour, she felt like she had a good understanding of the layout of the hideaway. She wondered if there were other parts of the hideaway he had yet to show her. To her surprise, there was one. He took her back to the main deck and to a room located up the stairs. They stood outside the door.

"What is this place?" Lyra asked.

"Clive's chambers," Gav said. "He told us that if you were to wake up while he's gone to tell you his room is all yours."

Knowing Clive wasn't here, Lyra entered the room. Gav followed inside before leaving after he remembered he needed to talk to Tarja. She thanked him before he left.

Lyra looked around the large room. She walked over to the large desk located in the corner before wandering over to the shelves along the back wall. They were all empty, except for one. She saw the crystal with two daggers embedded in it.

She recognizes it as the crystal from Cid's desk. She reached out to touch it but stopped when she heard the sound of running footsteps. She walked down the stairs as the sound grew louder. She was about to approach the door, only to stop the moment it opened.

To her surprise, it was Clive. She knew it had been a few hours since Tarja sent a stolas, but she wasn't expecting to see him so soon. Staring wide eyed at him, she called out his name. "Clive..." She could tell years had passed because of how it showed on him. He had stubble and his brand was gone. All that was left was a scar from where it was removed. His hair was a little longer as well.

Clive entered the room, his steps uneven. His sapphire eyes never left her for a moment. He closed the distance between them and gently placed his hand on her cheek. His thumb caressed her cheek as he gazed into her emerald eyes. "You're awake..."

She leaned into his touch, smiling sweetly. "I'm sorry it took so long."

"Four years..." Clive muttered sorrowfully. "I thought you had been killed, but then I saw the talisman you gave me. Not once did it extinguish and I knew you were still alive."

She placed her hands on his chest. "Tarja told me you would always visit me in the infirmary when you returned from missions. Most in your position would have given up on me."

"I would never give up on you." He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss. When she kissed him back, he took her by surprise by hooking an arm under her thighs and lifting her up.

She pulled away from the kiss due to the surprise. She clung to him and found herself laughing. "You've gotten stronger."

Clive carried her over to the desk and sat her down on the edge. "And you haven't changed."

"What do you mean?"

"Time stopped for you these past four years. You appear to haven't even aged a day."

"Eternal youth," she said before laughing. "If only."

Clive's joy seemed to vanish as he recalled what happened that day at Drake's Head. "I tried hunting him down, but I failed."

"Him?" She searched his eyes. "You mean Indra?"

This shocked him. "You know him?"

She lowered her gaze. "I do, or at least...I did. He's a god, one I had thought that perished during the massacre. It seems I was wrong. If what I sensed is correct, he has become corrupted."

"Then we have more enemies than I thought," Clive said.

"What happened after I lost consciousness?" she asked.

"A voice, tainted flames, and...Joshua."

She gasped. "You saw Joshua?"

"I did." Clive pulled out of his pocket a feather that belongs to the Phoenix. He handed it to her.

Lyra took the feather and was suddenly blinded by images of what happened at Drake's Head. She saw Joshua and the being known as Ultima. She witnessed him entrap the entity inside his body. In the shadows of the crystals, she saw Indra watching it all happen. When the images faded, she blinked. "It was him..."

"What do you mean?" Clive asked as she handed the feather back to him.

"The strange man who appeared at Drake's Head. He and the creature from the void are one and the same. He was the one who invaded the heavens and slaughtered the gods," she explained, clenching a fist over where she was stabbed. "And I fear Indra may be allied with him."

He grabbed her fist and uncurled it before lacing his fingers together with hers. "We will stop him."

She smiled at him and pecked him on the lips. "I know we will." When their hands slipped apart, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. She sighed happily at feeling him wind his arms around her waist.

His cheek pressed against the side of her head as he held her. "Are you certain you're well enough to be up?"

"Yes," she replied. "Tarja has cleared me."

Just then, they heard a knock at the door.

Clive and Lyra let go of each other. The woman hopped off the desk while he opened the door. On the other side was Tarja. She entered the room and walked over to the goddess. "I believe you left this in the infirmary, my lady."

Lyra realized it was the necklace Clive gave her. "Oh, thank you, Tarja." She took the necklace with a grateful smile.

The physician was about to leave when Clive stopped her. "Has Lyra truly healed with no complications?"

"Not even a scar," Tarja responded. "As I told her earlier—it would have been impossible for any human to survive such an injury. She only survived because she is a divine being. Still, I wouldn't push her too far. She may be sluggish for a while due to being unconscious for four years."

Clive glanced at Lyra as she was putting the necklace back on. He then looked back at the physician. "I won't."

Tarja grinned. "That also goes for the affairs of the heart."

His eyes widen before he cleared his throat. "Of course."

The physician laughed. "I trust you will be easy on her. Although a god, she is still a woman. If you have any more concerns regarding Lyra, come see me at the infirmary."

Tarja left, closing the door behind her.

Lyra made sure her necklace was on straight before asking a question. "I completely forgot to ask Gav. Where should I make myself cozy?"

"If you're not against it..." Clive turned to her. "My chambers are yours."

She looked around the room. It wouldn't be strange for two people in a relationship to share a room. "Are you...certain?"

"Yes, but if you are against it—"

"No," she denied hastily. "I just wouldn't want to be a distraction is all. From what I found on your desk, you've been busy these past four years and I would dread to draw you away from it."

"Nonsense," Clive told her. "When you're ready, I would like you to join Jill and I. Until then, you should remain here."

"Four years would make me a little rusty..." she hummed. "I should do a little training to prevent slowing you or Jill down when I return to the battlefield. Speaking of Jill... I'd like to see her."

Leaving the room with Clive, Lyra searched for her other childhood friend. She found Jill outside of the main deck beside the lift. Next to her was Torgal. She smiled as she called out to her. "Jill."

The woman turned around, her wide eyes focused on her. "Lyra..." She ran over to her and gave her a hug. "Founder... I'm so relieved you're awake. When we received Tarja's stolas, we returned as fast as we could. Are you all right?"

"A little sluggish, but I'm fine," Lyra said.

Torgal came over, barking happily. He nuzzled his snout against Lyra's abdomen when she stepped away from Jill. She giggled and kneeled down to pet him. "You look well. It's good to see you again, Torgal."

The canine's tail wagged. He licked her face and wound up knocking her to the ground because of how happy he was to see her. She laughed as she continued to pet him. "Yes, yes. I missed you dearly as well."

Jill and Clive had been watching with fond smiles. It wasn't until Otto walked over to discuss what their next mission would be did Lyra get to her feet. Torgal remained next to her while Clive and Jill spoke to the man.

When Otto was gone, Clive and Jill worriedly looked at the goddess.

Lyra smiled sweetly at them. "You need not worry. I'll be here when you return. Take care of yourselves out there, all right?"

"We will," Jill smiled back.

As she and Torgal headed to the lift, Clive moved to stand in front of Lyra. He reached out a hand and placed it on the back of her head. He pulled her closer and pressed his forehead against hers. Closing his eyes, he said, "I'm sorry we have to leave already."

Lyra also closed her eyes. "Please, don't apologize. I know you're busy achieving your dream and Cid's. Just don't push yourself to the brink of exhaustion. I'll see you when you return."

They opened their eyes.

Clive released Lyra and stepped away from her. He joined Jill and Toragl on the lift. Just before they were out of sight, Lyra waved to the trio with a kind smile. Though they would only be gone for a couple of days, she decided she would make sure to greet them at the pier when they returned.

. · : · . ✧ • ✦ • ✧ . · : · .

Days turned into months. Lyra had yet to leave the hideaway and had busied herself with not only training but also with any building or repairs. She would also frequently visit the backyard to see how progress was.

Today, Lyra was assisting Tarja in the infirmary. She aided some of the men who had been working on replacing planks and wound up injuring themselves with a nasty fall. While healing them, she noticed many of them had the same exact scars as Tarja and Clive. She had learned from the physician about the process of removing the brand a few days after she awoke from her four-year coma. And now, she saw many in the hideaway without their brands.

After healing the men, she decided to take a small break. She left the infirmary and transformed into a hawk. She flew to the top of the Fallen airship, which happened to be one of her favorite places to go when she needed some alone time. The only other person who knew how to get up here was Clive. It was almost as if this was their secret meeting spot.

Reverting, she landed on top of the airship and gazed out across the deadlands. The water was murky black and there was no green in sight. Out of all the places in Valisthea, the deadlands made her feel like she wasn't connected to the world. She felt like an enigma among the lifeless scenery, almost as if she was the one out of place.

As she cast her gaze on the sky above, she caught a glimpse of what seemed to be the future. She witnessed flashing images of another Mothercrystal being destroyed. Ever since she absorbed the shards of the core at Drake's Head, she has been able to visions of the future and the past. The one's from the past were much clearer than the ones depicting the future.

Shaking her head, she dismissed the images for now.

Hearing footsteps, Lyra turned around and saw Clive. She smiled at him. "Welcome back." Her blonde locks blew freely in the breeze, still having yet to replace her ribbon so she could tie it back.

"I thought you would be here," Clive said.

"I'm still trying to figure out how you get up here. A secret path, maybe? Or perhaps help from Garuda?" She placed a finger against her chin, turning away from him to peer down at the water below. "Well, at least neither of us are afraid of heights."

Clive came to stand next to her. "Gav told me you jumped into the water when one of the Cursebreakers fell in. I heard he's fine thanks to you, but what about yourself?"

"I'm fine. The water isn't an obstacle to me, but for everyone else here, it's almost like poison. I am glad he's doing well."

Clive found himself smiling fondly. "You have always cared for others more than yourself. It's about time someone takes care of you in return."

"You've been taking care of me ever since we were children," she replied. "Not to mention, you have saved my life countless of times."

Images of Lyra's seemingly lifeless body at Drake's Head flashed through his mind. He clenched his fists tightly by his sides. "What happened at Drake's Head... I swear, it will not happen again. Though I was meant to be the Shield of the Flame and protect Joshua, I shall dedicate my body and soul to you, my goddess."

She looked over at him. "You promise to protect me and I shall do the same. I do not simply say this because I value life. I say it because I also love you, Clive. I will do all I can in my power to protect those dearest to me."

"All I ask is you do not jump in front of a sword for me," he replied. "The images of Indra stabbing you still plague my mind. I cannot handle seeing you like that again... I truly thought I had lost you forever."

She understood entirely. Even though the incident happened four years ago, it was a horrific memory that came to haunt him every now and then. There would be nights where they'd be sleeping together and he would wake up in a panic. She too would be awoken by him and she would reassure him she was alive.

"I wish I could purge that horrid memory from your mind," she confessed.

Clive covered his face with his hand. "Sometimes I believe you're a figment of my imagination and that you truly had been killed that day. If you are a hallucination, I never want it to end."

Lyra turned to him and lightly pinched him on the cheek. "Do you feel that?"

He slowly nodded. "Yes."

"Then I'm no mere imagery concocted by your mind's eye. I am real. This..." She gestured to their surroundings. "This is real. You don't have to worry about waking up and finding yourself back in the clutches of the empire. What we have here may not be a dream, but it is hope as we strive for a better future. So if you ever need a little reminder this is reality..."

She grabbed the edges of his cloak by his neck and pulled him into a kiss. She had caught him off guard, making it easier for her to deepen the kiss. She only pulled away when they were both breathless. "I'll be happy to kiss you as many times as possible."

Overcome with emotions, Clive didn't allow her to back away before pulling her into another heated kiss. One of his hands found its way to the back of her head while the other wound around her waist to pull her as close as possible.

It wasn't until they heard the loud cheering from the ale hall did they end their kiss. They listened to the cheers before the men and women started singing.

Lyra started to laugh when she heard Gav among the many who were singing. "It got lively rather quickly. We should—" She was interrupted mid-sentence by being swept off her feet and scooped up into his arms. She was shocked at suddenly being picked up. "Must I tell you that I am capable of walking?"

"I know," Clive replied, walking toward the edge of the aircraft. "Just let me."

She didn't argue and wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. She was surprised when he jumped down and landed in a crouched position. She looked around to see nobody was working. When he carried her into the main deck, she caught a glimpse of the large group that was gathered and drinking. There were many men and women enjoying each other's company. It made her smile knowing everyone was taking a break and enjoying their time together.

Her view of the party was skewed when Clive carried her into their room and the door closed behind them. She slowly slid her arms from around his neck when he laid her gently on the bed. She didn't know what was going through his head until he crawled onto the bed and situated himself between her legs.

Lyra placed her hands on his chest and gazed into his sapphire eyes. "Do you truly want to do this knowing all those people could hear us?"

Clive's hands found their way to her exposed thighs. "I don't care who hears." His fingers caressed her bare skin before he leaned down to whisper into her ear. "You have taken care of me for so long. Allow me to take care of you now, my goddess."

A small moan fell from her lips when he buried his face against her neck. She gripped the front of his clothes at feeling his breath and his stubble graze against her neck. "I am in your capable hands."