A/n: Reading all the amazing comments from the first chapter and the messages I received made me so happy! It makes me extremely excited and happy to know so many of you are already interested in this story! I'll stop rambling now. Enjoy the next chapter! Love you all!!!

PS: Even after proofreading, there still might be mistakes I have missed because of lovely autocorrect. Hopefully, they are few and far between. Also the same spoiler warning is in effect since the game is still brand new.

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

After a brief encounter with a Bearer and his master, Clive, Jill, and Lyra arrived at the Down Gardens just outside the castle. While Clive had a small chat with Joshua, Lyra overheard Duchess Anabella speaking to two of her servants. She hid from sight to avoid drawing her attention until she, Jill, and Clive entered the castle. The knights stationed by the throne room stood at attention in the presence of Clive.

Lyra gazed nervously at the grand doors leading to the throne room. It was only when she felt a wet, cold nose nudge against her sleeve did she look over at Torgal. Smiling, she petted the top of his head. "We'll see you later, Torgal. Make sure to watch over Jill until then."

Jill giggled. "I know he will." She gently grabbed one of his paws and used it to wave at her friends. "Good luck." With Torgal in her arms, she left the castle.

Clive looked over at the golden-haired girl. "Are you prepared, Lyra?"

She took a deep breath to compose herself. "Yes."

Clive opened the door to the throne room. He and Lyra entered, the door closing behind them. Halfway across the room, Clive bowed to one knee while Lyra curtsied.

"You commanded our presence, Your Grace," Clive addressed his father. "How may we serve you?"

Archduke Elwin leaned forward in his throne. "All right, you can stop licking my boots. Your mother isn't here."

Clive stood up. "Do the territories fare any better?"

The archduke shook his head in displeasure. "More lie under a pall of black. In just these few moons, the Blight has taken nigh on all of the northern reaches. It is only a matter of time before it crosses the border."

Clive was in disbelief. "By the Flames..."

"Nearly every available bed in the capital is already occupied by those fleeing the deadlands. Even if we were to send them south, to Port Isolde, more would only follow in their wake. Every day we delay brings us closer to disaster. We must move now."

"Against the Iron Kingdom?"

"We have traded blows with them for too long. It is time to end it," Lord Murdoch said.

"At the very least, we must secure Drake's Breath," the archduke explained. "Without the blessing of the Mothercrystal, we cannot defend our realm from the spread of the Blight."

"The Ironblood will not relinquish it easily. This will be a bitter fight," Clive responded.

"We ride for Phoenix Gate tomorrow. There we will listen to the Words of Our Ancestors, as tradition dictates."

"Am I to go with you as Joshua's Shield?"

"There is something else I would have you do first. It is why I have summoned Lyra." Archduke Elwin gestured to his friend and Shield. "Rodney."

Lord Murdoch descended the stairs leading up to the throne and stood before the two teens. "You both will have heard the reports, I am sure—of beastmen from the north being sighted within our borders."

Lyra gazed at her father. "You speak of the goblins that have been spotted in Stillwind Marshes, correct?"

"We have heard the rumors, indeed," Clive said.

Lord Murdoch glanced at her before meeting Clive's gaze. "Then you know what must be done. I will give you two good men. Of course, Lyra will also be accompanying you."

This news made the boy a little concerned. "Are you certain it's safe for her?"

"Her sparring match with you earlier has solidified my decision for her accompaniment. I am also aware of what she has been practicing in secret and give her permission to use what ever means necessary to make this a successful mission. Though she may possess unique and powerful abilities, I ask as her father that you ensure her safety."

Clive didn't hesitate to respond. "You have nothing to concern yourself with, my lord. I shall protect Lyra."

Lord Murdoch smiled gratefully at the boy. "Thank you, my lord. While we ride north tomorrow, you both will journey to Stillwind, search it, and clear it. Then you will both join us at Phoenix Gate."

"I understand Clive, but...me?" Lyra asked.

The Lord Commander placed a hand on her shoulder. "Your healing capabilities will be needed. If you do not feel you are capable, I understand. We shall—"

"No," Lyra interrupted her father. "I will do it."

"Excellent."

Archduke Elwin then knocked his knuckles against the stone armrest of the throne, grabbing everyone's attention. He gestured for Clive to step forward. The boy approached the throne and kneeled beside it. His father told him, "It is time to prove your strength—and shut your mother up for good."

Lyra and Lord Murdoch overheard this. The girl giggled while her father cleared his throat, acting like they hadn't heard anything.

Clive stood up. "I will do my duty, Your Grace."

Lyra glanced at her father to see him looking worriedly at her. She tilted her head in confusion. "Are you worried?"

"Though I trust in your strength and our young lord's, I do," Lord Murdoch said.

"We could be the mightiest of gods and you'd still be worried. It's what parents do."

"I agree." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You best prepare for tomorrow."

She nodded. "I shall."

After Archduke Elwin dismissed them, she left the throne room by herself and returned to her quarters. She gathered what little she would need for the expedition ahead. By the time she was finished, the sun had set. She thought about going to bed, but sleep eluded her.

Deciding to take a stroll around the castle, Lyra ran into Jill. She was surprised to see her awake this late. "I thought you would have been asleep already, Jill."

Jill smiled at her. "I'm not even surprised in the slightest to see you awake. You always have been a night owl."

It was true. Lyra would stay up most of the night to study and read whatever book she got ahold of. Because of her duties to the royal duchy, the only time she had for herself was usually in the dead of night. "I would usually have my nose buried in a book right about now..."

Jill's smile vanished. "I heard from Lord Murdoch. You will be accompanying Clive to Stillwind and to Phoenix Gate."

The blonde frowned sorrowfully. "I'm sorry, Jill. I wish you could come with us."

She shook her head. "There is no need for an apology."

Just then, the two girls walked past the balcony. They looked outside to see Clive sitting on the railing with his back turned to them. The two girls exchanged glances before stepping out onto the balcony to check on their friend.

"Wishing on a star?" Jill asked the boy. She stood on his left while Lyra took her place on his right side.

"I'm a little old for that," Clive replied.

Lyra scoffed. "Oh, please. I'm older than you and I still do it. There's nothing wrong with wishing to the heavens for the best outcome."

Clive turned around and hopped off the railing with a smirk. "You may be older, but I am more mature."

She leaned against the railing and teasingly remarked, "Oh, what would the duchy think if the mighty Clive Rosfield fell off the balcony and broke an arm or leg? A tragedy, truly!"

"You would push me off the balcony?"

"I haven't decided...yet."

Their banter earned a giggle from Jill. Her joy was short-lived when she remembered they would both be leaving tomorrow. Even though she had just talked to Lyra about the situation, she was still in disbelief. Placing her hands on the railing, she asked, "You both are going with them tomorrow, aren't you?"

"I am Joshua's Shield," Clive replied. "I'm sworn to protect him, and Lyra is the only healer in all of Rosaria who can ease his pain."

Lyra sighed heavily. "Joshua has so much on his plate..."

"Yes..." Clive sorrowfully said. "He takes too many risks. I only wish I could save him from himself."

"Clive, you..." Jill's voice trailed off.

He turned to the short-haired girl with a smile. "I have another mission, too. Father has given me my first command. Lyra will be accompanying me as well."

Jill found her smile returning. "Her healing is the best in all of Rosaria, perhaps even the five realms. I feel relieved she will be in your company."

Lyra was smirking. "Someone has to babysit the young lord."

Clive turned to the blonde. "You? My babysitter?"

"Would a more appropriate term be your governess?"

Jill started to laugh while Clive shook his head with an amused smirk. The short-haired girl looked at her two friends. "Well, Clive, if you're not going to pray to Metia for your safe return or Lyra's, I shall just have to do it for you." She clasped her hands together and turned to the moon.

Clive and Lyra gazed at her. They were surprised when a single tear trailed down her cheek. The boy didn't know what to do and allowed the blonde to handle the situation.

"Oh, Jill..." Lyra walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Jill leaned against Lyra when she wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "There's going to be another war, isn't there? Since coming here, I've begun to take peace for granted. I assumed the war between our nations would be the last. But it never really ends, does it?"

Clive hung his head. "No." He turned to gaze out across the garden. "The next war will be bigger than before."

"Peace is always fleeting," Lyra mumbled sadly.

Jill lifted her head from Lyra's shoulder. "But you and Lyra will be all right, won't you, Clive? You're a Shield of Rosaria after all, and blessed by the Phoenix. And Lyra is a wondrous healer who has saved many and has special magick."

When Clive didn't answer, Lyra did. "It'll be all right. No matter what happens, we will come back. While we're gone, make sure to take care of yourself and Torgal, all right?" Jill nodded and returned to Lyra's warm embrace. As a chilly breeze blew through the capital, the blonde felt her shiver against her. She pulled her closer. "We should head inside. It's getting colder by the minute."

"All right." Jill followed Lyra into the castle along with Clive. She said good night to her friends and left.

Lyra turned to Clive when Jill was gone. "I was hoping to give Jill something, but I'll make sure to give it to her tomorrow before we depart. Since you're still here, I'll give you your surprise now."

Clive eyed her curiously. "You have a surprise for me?"

"I do." Lyra pulled out a single talisman from her pocket. Using her magick, she folded it into an origami figure that resembled a phoenix. The ends of its tails and wings ignited with flames as it flew around Clive. "I've been wanting to give you all protective talismans for a while, but I wanted to perfect them before I did. I'm glad I finished them before we left."

In awe, Clive held out his hand and the origami phoenix landed in his palm. "This is...amazing, Lyra."

"As long as my heart beats, this talisman shall remain intact and burn bright," she explained.

Clive watched the phoenix origami return to being a rectangular talisman and slip into the neckline of his shirt. He was smiling from ear to ear. "Truly splendid, my lady."

"I do hope it will be useful," she said.

"I know it will." He stared into her emerald eyes and remembered his own gift he wanted to give her. However, he wanted to wait a little bit longer before giving it to her. "Once we finish our mission in Stillwind and arrive at Phoenix Gate, I wish to give you something as well. Will you make some time for me?"

"Of course I will, Clive," she smiled back. "Now then, we should head off to bed. We've quite the day ahead of us tomorrow. We wouldn't want lack of sleep to be the reason behind a minor hiccup. You have to impress your father, after all."

"I'm sure we'll be fine," Clive confidently said. "And I must say, I am looking forward to seeing what you have been practicing in secret."

"Don't get your hopes up. What I've been working on behind closed doors is still rough around the edges and may blow up in my face tomorrow."

"Knowing how hard you work, I doubt it." He playfully bowed with a smile. "I hope you sleep well. I shall see you in the morning, my lady."

Lyra playfully curtsied to him. "I wish you a peaceful slumber as well. Good night, my lord."

. · : · . ✧ • ✦ • ✧ . · : · .

The next morning, Lyra was ready to depart. She was at the stable with Clive, who was attending to Ambrosia. She was looking around and found Jill and Joshua talking. She quickly rushed over to them, smiling. "I was hoping to see you both before we departed. I wanted to give you both a gift."

Joshua was more than excited. "Really?"

Lyra pulled out two protective talismans. Like the one she gave Clive, she folded them into phoenixes and gave them to Jill and Joshua. She explained to them what they were.

Joshua expressed his gratitude by hugging the older girl. "Thank you, Lyra."

"These are beautiful," Jill smiled. "I shall keep it close to me always, Lyra."

The blonde girl hugged Joshua back. "I'm glad you both like them."

Just then, Joshua was summoned by Archduke Elwin. He reluctantly pulled away from his friend and joined his father but not before thanking her a second time. She and Jill waved farewell to the young boy.

"It seems it's time for me to go as well." Lyra turned to Jill. "Be well while we're gone, Jill. If you need anything, please send me a message."

"You as well, Lyra," Jill replied. "Farewell for now."

Lyra returned to Clive. She was surprised when Ambrosia suddenly lowered her head and nuzzled her beak against her cheek. This elicited a giggle from the girl. "My, you are still an enormous sweetheart."

Clive smiled as he watched his chocobo interact with his friend. "You have a way with animals, and Ambrosia is no exception. What's your secret?"

Lyra petted the white chocobo. "Hmm...I'm not certain. Perhaps I was an animal whisperer in a previous life."

"Mind sharing some of that whispering?"

She laughed. "That isn't possible. Besides, she already adores you."

Hearing the sound of horns, Clive and Lyra turned to see Archduke Elwin, Joshua, and Lord Murdoch were ready to depart. They sat atop their chocobos and were surrounded by the Ducal Army.

"Friends! We ride for Phoenix Gate!" Archduke Elwin shouted. "May the Blessing of the Crystals go with us!"

"And shield the firebird's flame forevermore!" The soldiers chanted in unison before cheering.

With that, the archduke and the many in his company departed from Rosalith. One of the men took Ambrosia for Clive to ensure she would reach Phoenix Gate safely.

Then, two men Lyra recognized approached them. She was surprised to see who her father assigned to help her and Clive. "Sir Tyler? Sir Wade?"

Tyler and Wade saluted her and Clive before sheathing their weapons.

"It is good to see you again, Lady Edelweiss," Tyler smiled at her.

"We're ready to depart, my lord and lady!" Wade announced.

Tyler met Clive's gaze. "May I say what an honor it is to serve alongside you and Lady Edelweiss."

"This is to be no mere investigation. If there are goblins in Stillwind, they won't leave willingly," Clive said. "The beastmen are a fierce foe. We underestimate them at our peril."

Wade saluted with a proud smirk. "Not today, we won't!"

Tyler shook his head with a sigh. "I can't believe we're dragging a lady to the marshes crawling with beastmen..."

Lyra folded her arms behind her back. "There is no cause for concern. I am positive this mission will be successful."

"Are you certain, my lady?"

Clive interjected. "Lyra is well-versed in offensive magicks and healing spells. I believe her service will be most helpful and much appreciated."

Lyra removed her hands from behind her back. Raising her hand, she wiggled her fingers. "This mission also allows me the opportunity to try a new trick I've been practicing recently."

"Understood, my lady," Wade replied.

Clive glanced between the two men. "Sir Wade, Sir Tyler—let us do our duty."

"With pleasure, my lord!"

Tyler nodded. "As you command."

Clive then turned to Lyra. "I'll also be requiring your aid, Lyra. Without your healing, this mission may go awry rather quickly."

She placed a hand on his chest, staring into his sapphire eyes. "You'll do great, Clive. I know you will impress your father, with or without me."

He raised his hand and placed it over the one she had rested against his chest. "I may be Joshua's Shield, but I am also yours. Allow me to protect you, my lady."

A smile bloomed on her face. "Of course. I shall be counting on you."

Overjoyed by her response, he squeezed her hand before letting it go. "To the marshes then." He took the lead and they headed to the main gate. "And may the Blessing of the Crystals go with us."

|| Stillwind ||
|| Western Rosaria ||

The group knew they entered Stillwind when the sky above turned cloudy and all seemed to appear washed out in gray. The ground was muddy and flowers nor trees bloomed. There was no color anywhere. They ducked under a downed tree and came to a stop, looking around the area.

"Keep your eyes open for those goblins. The reports place them in this area," Clive said.

"It's all swamps from here," Tyler exclaimed and turned to the two teens. "Watch your step, my lord and lady."

"Heh," Clive lightly chuckled. "And everything else."

Lyra took a few steps forward and felt her shoes sink a couple of centimeters into the mud. "I'm afraid the ground might swallow me whole."

The boy grinned in amusement at her comment. "Need me to hold your hand, my lady?"

She laughed. "Only if I get to drag you into the mud with me if I trip."

He chortled before pressing on.

Continuing down the muddy path, they step through puddles and over rotting wooden planks. The dampness in the air made it slightly humid. Eventually, they arrived in the drowned village of Stillwind.

Crouching under another downed tree, Lyra was behind Clive. She felt one of her shoes slip due to the mud and almost fell if it hadn't been for him grabbing her arm. She sighed in relief. "I almost kissed the mud..."

"We wouldn't want you to stain your dress now, would we?" Clive asked.

"I think the dress is the least of my concerns, but I do prefer not to be smothered in mud. I won't have any spare clothes until we reach Phoenix Gate. Does your offer from earlier still stand?"

Clive smiled at her. He adjusted his grip so he was now holding her hand. "Of course."

She was more than grateful for Clive's support. With his help, she made it under the downed tree without falling into the mud. Wade and Tyler were behind them.

After reaching the other side of the downed tree, they overheard a strange noise. Tyler stepped forward, throwing out his arm in front of Clive. Silently, they took cover to check out the strange noise. Peeking around the corner, they saw two goblins near a destroyed wagon. Knowing what they had to do, Clive let go of Lyra's hand and drew his sword. Wade and Tyler grabbed their own weapons while Lyra's talismans floated out of her pocket.

Wishing to ambush the goblins, the party quietly snuck forward. Wade, however, blew their cover when he stepped on a stick and it snapped under his weight. Lyra, Clive, and Tyler looked at him in disbelief before their attention was drawn back to the goblins. The creatures had heard the noise and another that had been hiding jumped onto the wagon. The goblins were approaching, leaving the party with no other choice but to make their presence known.

Stepping forward, Clive was ready for battle. "With me!"

Talismans set aflame, Lyra followed Clive, Wade, and Tyler into battle. She attacked one of the goblins and received help from Wade. The enemies were weak and they were easily disposed of. With the area cleared, they proceeded deeper into the deserted village.

Using his foot, Clive broke through a few rotted wooden slats. They soon encountered even more goblins and wiped them out within minutes. To ensure the area was clear, they checked the houses that were still standing.

Lyra entered one of the houses and was surprised to come across a wooden doll. She picked it up and wiped away the dried mud on its face. The wood that it was carved out of was rotted and slowly falling apart. She sighed sorrowfully and gazed into its dull azure eyes. "You were left behind too..."

"Lyra?" Clive called out to her as he entered the house.

She turned to him, still holding the doll. "Any more goblins?"

"This area is clear." He saw what she was holding. "A doll?"

"Yes. She must have been left behind by a child when the villagers fled." She gently placed the doll in a chair that was still intact. "My father and mother tried to find my birth parents. They thought perhaps they were from this village, but it was impossible to discover the truth. In the end, they couldn't find them."

"A babe abandoned on the outskirts of Eastpool the night of the full moon..." Clive knew Lyra's story all too well. Though she was the adoptive daughter of Rodney and Hanna, the Murdochs had gifted her with the last name 'Edelweiss' after discovering her in a patch of edelweiss flowers. They also gave her the first name of 'Lyra' seeing as it was the constellation that was present in the sky the night they found her. "Do you still wish to find your birth parents?"

She lowered her head. "No. I'm afraid if I try to search for them, I will discover I've been chasing ghosts. Lord Murdoch and Lady Hanna have raised me these past sixteen years. They are the only parents I care about. It might be cold-hearted to think in such a way, but why should I care for those who abandoned me? Regardless if they could not raise me in whatever situation they found themselves in, it doesn't excuse them for not coming to see me."

Clive wasn't sure what to say. He reached out to touch her back but quickly retracted his hand when she turned around.

A gentle gale of wind swept through the tattered house, causing Lyra's ponytail to blow in the faint breeze. The sorrowful expression on her face was replaced with a joyous one. "Lord Murdoch and Lady Hanna aren't the only ones that have shown me love these past sixteen years. You, Joshua, Jill, and even Archduke Elwin have also shown me love and kindness. Having you all in my life has made me joyful, and I wouldn't ask for anybody else."

"I feel the same," he spoke honestly. "Though I cannot speak favorably of my mother, you and so many others have shown me the same kindness and love in return."

Realizing she had sidetracked them and was getting too caught up in the moment, Lyra shook her head. "Apologies, Clive. It seems I have sidetracked us. We can speak more once we arrive at Phoenix Gate. For now, let us focus on eradicating the goblins."

Clive nodded. "All right."

The two teens left the house and continued with their mission.