Once reaching the shore, Clive kept a close eye on Lyra as the stablehands prepared Ambrosia. There was a moment when she tried to sneak off and transform, but he intercepted her before she could make it too far. He trapped her petite frame in his arms. "You truly are struggling with behaving at the moment."

"Of course I am!" Lyra protested. "You manhandle me all the way to the shore and won't let me escape... What are you plotting, Clive?"

"A surprise," he simply replied.

"Could this surprise truly not have waited until after I spoke with Gav?"

"It could have, but I prefer not to wait. In your current state, you need this more than ever." His arms around her waist tighten, her back flush against his chest. He tucked her head underneath his chin and whispered to her. "I do this because I love you more than you'll ever know."

She sighed heavily and leaned back against him. "I know... I love you too, but I would prefer not to be kidnapped the next time we go on an outing together."

One of the stablehands appeared from the stable with Ambrosia. The chocobo was ready to depart.

Clive lifted Lyra onto the saddle before climbing on behind her. He took the reins and Ambrosia took off. Traveling across the deadlands, they soon cross the border into Sanbreque. They stopped a couple of times so Ambrosia could rest and drink.

When Lyra noticed they were drawing closer to the southeastern shore along the Holy Empire, she asked, "Is our destination the beach?"

"One of them, yes," Clive replied.

Her brows furrowed. "One?"

"Just be patient."

She pursed her lips and leaned back against him with a defeated sigh. "All right, all right."

A couple of hours later, just as evening set in, they arrived at the southeastern shores of the Holy Empire.

Clive jumped out of the saddle and helped Lyra down. He glanced at her to see she was staring out across the sea. "When we were children, you told me how much you adored the sea. Do you remember our time near the shoreline on the outskirts of Rosalith?"

A smile graced her face as she turned to him. "I do. I collected shells and tried to make charms for you, Jill, and Joshua, but they fell apart in the end. Regardless, the three of you took the only shells that remained intact and thanked me. Perhaps I should attempt to recreate the charms. All I need are shells."

Clive smiled back at her. "Lead the way, my lady."

Lyra began scouring the shore for seashells. Clive was walking behind her, watching her fondly as she examined shell after shell in search of the perfect ones. She found what she needed after an hour and she put the shells in the satchel attached to Ambrosia's saddle.

Happy with the shells she found, she proceeded to walk down the beach with Clive right next to her. They walked across the shore together and came to a stop when the sun was about to dip beyond the horizon.

"The sun sets on another day," Lyra said just above a whisper. "And it is not guaranteed to rise again. As the world currently is, such a thought is horrifying."

"It will rise again," Clive replied. "There will come a day where tomorrow is promised to us. But for now, we will make the most of the time we have."

"That is all we can do."

He took her hand just as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. "There is one more place I wish to take you."

She nodded. "Of course."

Using the blessing of the Phoenix, Clive conjured a fireball that lit up the darkness of the night. He guided Lyra up to a cliff that overlooked the beach. As they drew closer, he extinguished the fireball due to a bright blue luminescence that provided them with plenty of light. He let go of the woman's hand when he heard her gasp.

"Are those...crystahlias?" she asked, shocked at the sight.

Clive glanced at the patch of glowing flowers. "They are. You once spoke of a flower that radiated the hue of the sky—a crystahlia. The flowers used to grow outside of Eastpool, but they vanished when the Blight crept closer. With help from Joshua and Nigel, I was able to locate this patch. They are rare flowers, indeed."

Lyra walked over to the patch of flowers. She sat on her knees and admired their brilliance. Crystahlias were unique and rare flowers that illuminated only at night. The flow of aether below the ground is what gave the flowers their bright glow. The roots would absorb the aether and the petals would glow to show just how much the flower had absorbed. The brighter the flower, the more aether it had absorbed. Their name is derived from the Mothercrystals themselves.

Clive kneeled next to her as she picked one of the flowers. Even when a crystahlia was picked, the aether remained in its petals and kept its brilliant radiance. He was taken by surprise when she slid the flower into the neckline between his undershirt and leather top. Seeing the smile on her face made this surprise all the worthwhile.

"The crystahlia does suit you," Lyra commented. "It matches your eyes. Perhaps if I find some seeds, I could grow some when we return to the hideaway. I think everyone would enjoy seeing crystahlias."

Clive continued to watch her as she admired the flowers. It was after a few minutes of silence he asked her, "You are able to read the stars. What future do you see for us?"

Lyra was taken by surprise because of the question. "I..." She wasn't sure how to respond. "I don't know what the future holds for us."

"The stars only show you what they want," he mumbled, looking at the flowers. "Not what you desire..."

"I'm afraid so. However..." She met his sapphire gaze. "The stars do not ordain all nor do they control it. They show me what they must, but it is up to me to see it is changed. I shall make my own future as will you and everyone else once we have dealt with Ultima. Once we do, the future I want is with you. Though...I may not bear witness to what I desire."

Clive met her emerald gaze. "You speak as if you'll disappear. Do you truly think I would let you slip through my fingers?"

"Forgive me, Clive, but...I have come to terms with what I must do," she sorrowfully replied, placing a hand on his cheek. "As must you."

He searched her eyes as he was overtaken by a multitude of emotions. "Why must the world take you from me?"

She smiled sadly. "Because I must atone for my sin—failing to protect this world. I shall do what I must to ensure this world thrives so you and so many others can live."

He gripped the hand on his cheek tightly, his eyes glimmering with anger and melancholy. "You have committed no sin so why must you pay for his corruption? Have you not done enough for this world already?"

Using her other hand, she combed a few of his sable locks out of his face. "A sacrifice must be made, and I shall pay the price. With my own body, this world can be regenerated and the Blight erased. Not only that, I shall cure those afflicted with the crystal's curse and take away the burden that has plagued humanity for too long—Dominants and Bearers. You, Jill, Joshua... Everyone will be set free to live as they see fit without fear. So please, Clive...let me protect the future you and so many others deserve."

Clive's hand shook as he held hers. "I have no future if you are not a part of it...!"

A single tear fell from her eye as she pulled her hand out of his and wrapped her arms around his head. She pulled his head against her chest and combed her fingers through his hair as his eyes glazed over with tears. "You have a future whether I am a part of it or not. When I am gone, you will still have so many people who care about you."

He wound his arms around her and clung tightly to her smaller form. His fingers dug into her clothes and her skin underneath the fabric. He tried to keep himself from breaking down, but it was impossible. He cried as he desperately held on to her, his face buried against her chest.

She pressed her cheek against the top of his head, tears trailing down her face. "But know this, I will do all in my power to come back to you."

Lyra listened to his wails while he clung to her. She continued to try and soothe him by trailing her fingers through his hair. Her tears dried well before his. She too had cried just like him a couple of days ago after she realized the weight of her decision. She wished she could spare him from this sorrow, but it was impossible. She pressed a kiss to the top of his head, praying to the stars she would find a way back to him after the world was healed.

After some time, Clive's anguished cries fell silent. Even though he had calmed down, he refused to let go of her. He feared if he did, she would vanish right then and there.

"I'm sorry, Clive," she whispered to him. "I know you did this to cheer me up, but it seems I've ruined it. Just promise me if you find another woman to be happy with before I return—"

"No," he promptly interrupted her. "I want you and only you. I shall wait for you no matter how long it takes for you to return to me. You are the only woman for me."

Before she could reply, she found herself lying on her back in the grass. Her arms fell from around his head as she was pinned underneath his larger form. She stared up at him as he was settled between her thighs. "Clive..."

"Days, months, years..." Clive gripped the grass on either side of her head. "I will wait for you. You will come back to me. And when you do, our future together will finally begin."

She managed a small smile. "Thank you, Clive." Reaching up, she caressed her fingers across his left cheek. "Once I return, we should come to this place again seeing as I ruined our current visit."

Moving one of his hands to her waist, he trailed his fingers downward to her hips before reaching her exposed thigh. He caressed her skin gently. "Nonsense. You haven't ruined anything. Thank you for telling me." He then grabbed her exposed flesh and squeezed, earning a faint gasp from the woman underneath him. "This trip isn't over yet."

She moved her hand to the back of his neck and stroked his hair as she acted coy. "Oh? A third surprise? I wonder what it could be."

He found amusement in her words and grinned. "Must I spell it out for you?"

"Not at all. Although..." Lyra managed to flip their positions. She now straddled his hips with her hands splayed across his chest. She felt him grip her hips as she trailed her hands across his broad, toned chest. Her hands then slowly drifted down to his abdomen before coming to a stop just above the waist belt of his pants. "I will be in control this time. I hope you don't mind me taking the reins this night, my lord."

A deep rumble came from his chest when he chuckled. "Not in the slightest."

She smirked down at him. "Good. You had your way with me a few days ago. It's about time I paid you back."

|| The Hideaway ||
|| Central Storm Deadlands ||

A couple of days after their trip to the southeastern shores of Sanbreque, Lyra was finishing the last touches to the seashell charms. She had made one for Clive, Jill, Joshua, and even Edda after hearing Gav wanted to spoil her unborn child already. The scout had made a charm of his own with Clive's help, but he approached the goddess in hopes she would create one and bless it. She loved the idea and did just that.

After she gave the charms to Clive, Jill, and Joshua, she rendezvoused with Gav so they both could head to the infirmary to see Edda. They found the expected mother sitting in a chair with a blanket placed over her.

"Oh, my!" Edda gasped in surprise, her eyes focused on Lyra. Ever since she arrived at the hideaway, she had learned the true identity of the woman who had shown her such kindness. "It's a pleasure to see you again, divine one. Thank you for showing me such kindness back in Ash."

"Please," Lyra smiled at the expecting mother. "Call me Lyra. It is good to see you're doing well, Edda."

Edda rubbed her extended belly with her own smile. "Gav and the beast—Theia—aided me in a safe arrival."

"Aye," Gav agreed. "The beast was more than helpful. The bloody thing tore into any of the monsters that tried to attack us."

Edda glanced between the scout and the goddess. "What may I do for the both of you?"

Lyra revealed the shell charm she had made. "I know Gav already made a charm for the babe, but he asked me to create one that carried my blessing. I do hope it's to your liking, Edda."

"Ah," Edda accepted the blessed charm and admired the beautiful shells that created the appearance of a flower. "It's lovely, Lyra. My sweet darling has been blessed by the goddess of life herself. Knowing they have your blessing puts my mind at ease. Thank you, truly."

Lyra placed a gentle hand over the woman's belly. "Be well, Edda. You and your child deserve the world, one I and so many others will wrench from the darkness to ensure peace."

Edda smiled at the goddess. "Do come see us again, Lyra. I would love nothing more than to enjoy your company."

With a nod, Lyra stood up and walked out of the infirmary. She didn't need to look to know who had been standing outside waiting for her. Turning her head, she gazed at her beloved. "You have been creeping in my shadow since our return from Sanbreque. Is everything all right, Clive?"

Clive walked over to her and took her hand. He pressed his lips against her knuckles before meeting her gaze. "All is well, I assure you."

"Mm..." She hummed in disbelief, not convinced he was telling her the truth. "You've also become more...touchy. There is something most certainly wrong. If this is about what I told you at the shore—"

"No," he interrupted, slowly releasing her hand. "I...am slowly coming to terms with what must happen. A part of me wishes to stop you, but another knows this is a necessary sacrifice. I cling to the hope you shall return to me. However, that is not the only thought occupying my mind."

"Truly? May I ask what else you're thinking about?"

He kept his eyes locked with hers. "I was speaking with Gav earlier. What are your thoughts on having children?"

Her eyes widen in shock. She wasn't expecting him to ask her such a question. "Oh, um..." She hooked her finger over her chin. "I, well... Speaking honestly, I haven't thought about having children. What of you?"

A gentle smile appeared on Clive's face. "Having children never crossed my mind until Gav mentioned helping Edda with her child. When he asked if I wanted children, I immediately envisioned a prosperous future with you."

"Clive, I..." Lyra inhaled before exhaling. "I would love nothing more than to create a family with you."

He cupped her cheeks in his palms and stepped closer to her. "Once you return, I will ensure to have a ring prepared."

"A ring?" she parroted.

He pressed his forehead against hers. "I want to make you my wife."

She was stunned and fell silent. Her mouth opened slightly, but she didn't make a sound. It made her happy he wanted to marry her. Of course, she too wanted to marry him, but she couldn't believe what spurred on this confession. "I know you're an honest man, but did all this truly stem from a chat with Gav?"

"Is it truly that surprising?"

"Considering the way he's been acting ever since Edda joined us...no." She hooked her fingers through the laces located on the sides of his shirt and tugged gently. "Though this is not a formal proposal, I do want to say this—I would love nothing more than to be your wife."

Hearing her true feelings made his heart leap with joy. Closing the little distance left between their lips, he kissed her passionately. The moment he was about to deepen the kiss, he stopped himself when he heard someone clear their throat. Reluctantly, he pulled away from her and saw Otto standing at the top of the stairs behind her. He slowly released Lyra and stepped away from her to address the man. "What is it, Otto?"

"Surprisingly, I'm not here for you." Otto met the woman's gaze when she turned around. "Oscar wishes to see you, Lyra."

"Ah, yes," Lyra replied. "We did promise to visit Eastpool now that it has become home to others. Thank you, Otto."

"Of course." Otto turned around and walked back down the stairs to the mess.

Lyra turned to face her beloved with a smile. "I best not keep Oscar waiting. We should be back in a few days. Until then, Clive."

He smiled back at her. "All right. Safe travels."

|| Port Isolde ||
|| Southwestern Rosaria ||

After waiting for Lyra's return, Clive found himself running around all of Rosaria to help his allies. One of them happened to be Torgal. He received word from Charon the canine was acting strangely and now he found himself traveling to the Silken Strand with him. He and his furry companion stood on the Cypress Docks, noticing the single rowboat that remained.

"It's still here. After all these years... A lot smaller than I remember..." Clive looked over at Torgal with a small smirk. "And you're a lot bigger. You might have to swim, boy."

Torgal growled in disapproval.

He chuckled lightly. "I wasn't being serious. Hope in, boy."

Clive and Torgal boarded the rowboat and traveled across the water to the small island located across the bay. They hopped off the rowboat when they reached the island where the rookery was located.

Clive glanced around at the small beach. "This place hasn't changed at all." He then looked over at the canine. "The rookery's right through those trees. Come on."

As he and the dog stepped off the beach, he asked, "Race you there? I bet I can still beat you."

Torgal barked in response and took off, leaving Clive behind. The man chuckled as he chased after the canine. He caught up to him just outside the rookery. He gazed up at the structure in the trees. "Here we are. This was our hideaway...wasn't it, Torgal?"

Clive climbed up the ladder while Torgal used his powerful legs to jump to the top. Side by side, they entered the rookery. What caught him by surprise was how vibrant it was because of the various flowers that were blooming. They were wrapped around the beams and pillars with some even being hung from the wall by small wooden hooks.

"All these flowers..." It reminded Clive of the hideaway. There could only be one person who could make so many vibrant flowers bloom. "Lyra..."

He then imagined himself as his fifteen-year-old self retreating to the rookery with Torgal next to him. "Coming here helped me to forget who I was—or wasn't. Prince, Shield, son his mother could love." He then imagined the sixteen-year-old Lyra who always made sure he had a shoulder to cry on. "She has always been there for me. Had I truly been any one of those things... Perhaps I could have prevented her from worrying so much about me."

He reached down to pet Torgal, only to stop when he noticed the canine walking to the rear of the rookery. "What is it, boy?" He followed the dog and was surprised by what he saw. There was a pile of armor parts and a sword. "This is all from the castle...and Phoenix Gate? Did you bring these here?"

Torgal grabbed a wooden sword that was hidden from sight and placed it by Clive's feet. The man looked down and gaped in shock. "My sparring sword! Well, well... You never stopped looking for me...did you, boy?"

"Not even for a second."

Clive looked to the entrance of the rookery to find a smiling Lyra. He was surprised to see her.

Lyra walked inside, her eyes falling to Torgal. "There were times I struggled to keep him at my side when he thought he had found your trail. Alas, each and every one we followed turned cold. Still, Torgal did all in his power to find you."

Clive kneeled down in front of Torgal. He leaned his head against his when the canine drew closer to him, ears laid back. "Thank you, Torgal. For never giving up. For never forgetting." He pulled away and grabbed the sparring sword. "Let's take this with us, shall we? So I don't forget either."

Lyra petted Torgal when the canine walked over to her with Clive next to him.

"Even those thirteen years apart, you never gave up either," Clive said, staring at the woman. "Ever since we were children, not once have you given up on me. And now... Now you stand by my side as we come to face against a false god."

"And neither have you," she remarked. "You were always the one to comfort me when my father or mother weren't around. You have saved my life more times than I can count and never have you lost faith in me, even when I was in a coma for four years. Although we have experienced hardships that threatened to tear us apart, neither of us has given up on each other. Our bond is strong, one of which I know will aid us in Ultima's defeat."

Torgal barked as if he was trying to show his support for the woman's words. He then ran out of the rookery. He turned just before jumping down and barked at Clive.

Lyra nudged her beloved toward the canine. "Go with him. I'll see you back at the boat."

Clive smiled gratefully at her. "Thank you, Lyra."

As Clive left the rookery with Torgal, Lyra's smile shattered. The happiness she had felt vanished after remembering what she discovered in Mimir's chronicle.

Nothing.

She finished reading the god's journal in Eastpool, but she didn't find a way to prevent her sacrifice. Frightened at the lack of information, she created six seeds that housed her essence. She had given the first five to Martha, L'ubor, Isabelle, Eloise, and Quinten. The final seed, which she had yet to give to Jill, remained in her pocket.

The six individuals she chose to give the seeds would plant them once the crystal in the sky crumbled. She looked up at the sky, hoping she would be strong enough to regenerate the world and keep her essence alive.

She placed a hand over the pocket that held the final seed. "Even if I cannot achieve the happy ending I desire, please let me help those I love so they may know happiness in a peaceful world..."