A/N: The Fall semester has started, but I will still try to upload every other day. If that changes, I will post an announcement on my account. Besides that bit of information, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter! Love you all!!!
~✨Celestial✨~
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|| Laetny's Cleft ||
|| Eastern Dhalmekia ||

Clive, Jill, Lyra, and Torgal had reached Laetny's Cleft. They would travel along the path until they reached Boklad. It would take them some time to get to their destination, but they were more than ready for whatever obstacles that presented themselves. They would overcome anything that tried to stop them from reaching the Crystalline Dominion.

They crossed the ravine via a bridge and passed through the remains of what seemed to be a few houses. There were a few unsavory bandits along the route, but they quickly disposed of them.

Eventually, the path led them through the remains of a Fallen ruin. They came across a few of the machines left behind by the ancient civilization, but Lyra was quick to reprogram them so they wouldn't hurt innocent people who would find themselves traveling down this path.

After passing through the Fallen ruins, the party came to a clifftop that overlooked the large crater known as the Final Sin. Lyra easily recognized the location and almost froze out of shock when she and the others came to a stop near the edge of the cliff.

"So this is Dzemekys," Clive said, admiring the crater.

Jill smiled at the beauty. "The land of the gods. It's even more impressive than I imagined. I remember being captivated by the story as a child."

"Long, long ago, man was overcome by avarice, and challenged the gods in a bid to win their power. The final battle took place here, at these falls. Or so the legend goes..." Clive gazed at the water in the crater. "If anyone ever manages to plumb those depths, perhaps we'll learn if there's any truth to the tale."

"That the gods emerged victorious, and punished man for his defiance...by visiting upon him two curses."

"Dominants and Bearers."

"A true god stands with us," Jill said, eyes drifting over to Lyra. "Could you tell us the truth of these legends?"

Feeling their eyes on her, the goddess tensed. She didn't dare look at her or Clive. "I do not wish to denounce legends or other beliefs. Please, simply believe what you desire. Perhaps the truth is better left unsaid..."

Clive placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently to provide her with some comfort. He then spoke what was on his mind. "To tell the truth, I always thought it strange that the Dominants and their Eikons were deemed a curse. Back home, the Dominant inherited the throne. They were admired and exalted, not spurned. Whenever I got to that part of the story, I always assumed there must be something I'd misunderstood."

"You had a lot of story books, didn't you?" Jill asked. "In your room, I mean. When we were young."

"Ones you often offered me believing I too would enjoy them," Lyra smiled fondly.

"Yes." Clive removed his hand from Lyra's shoulder and looked over at the women. "The old legends were always my favorites. Epic battles between gods and men. Father encouraged me to read as much as I could. He thought it good for my education."

"You really were a boy like any other, weren't you?" Jill remarked.

Clive chuckled lightly before looking out at the scenery once again. "Just look at this place is enough to make you believe the legends are true."

"I know..." Jill muttered. "Is there nothing you can tell us, Lyra?"

Lyra thought in silence for a few seconds before deciding there was no point in hiding the truth. She already told them how the Fallen were annihilated and she doubted either of them would try to teach the truth to the entire world. "The legends are not entirely true nor false. Dzemekys is a Mothercrystal that was destroyed by the Fallen. This action resulted in the false god's massacre of humanity. No true god fought in this battle as the slaughter of the heavens occurred centuries before the Mothercrystal's downfall."

"The gods spoken of in the legends..." Jill began. "Already had perished, and this false god is the true malefactor."

"Yes," Lyra replied. "Just as the Mothercrystals are not created by the true gods, Dominants and Bearers are also not our creations nor is humanity. This false god has been manipulating the world for centuries, creating and destroying as he pleases."

"Ultima..." Clive murmured. "He is real..."

"I'm afraid so." Lyra rubbed her arm. "He must be stopped."

"And we will do just that."

"But first, we must tend to Drake's Tail."

"Yes." Clive gazed at the road near the edge of the crater. "We're not far from Boklad. The road will be busier up ahead."

"Then we'll have to keep our wits about us," Jill commented.

Lyra tore her gaze from the scenery to follow Clive and Jill but froze when she sensed a familiar presence. She turned back around to see Indra looming in the sky in his heavenly form.

Seeing him soaring straight for them, she realized his target was Clive. Acting quickly, she shoved him to the ground just in time and was grabbed by the god instead. Trapped in his large hand, he carried her into the sky.

"Lyra!" Clive shouted.

She glared at the god whose hand held her captive. "You finally show yourself again."

He laughed darkly. "You did wound me quite significantly. It took some time for my body to mend itself. I must say, I am impressed."

"What do you want?" she spat, struggling to get her arms free.

"It seems Ultima and I are in agreement," Indra said. "Join us, and this world will be ours as it was meant to be."

"Unite with a corrupt god and a false god? You have truly lost your mind to think I would say yes," she growled.

"You will join us whether it be of your own volition or it forcefully be thrust upon you," Indra said.

Lyra managed to free a single arm and summoned her spear. She jammed it into the god's hand and he shrieked as his grip loosened. Her body slipped from his fingers and she started to fall. Gripping her spear tightly, she stared at him with a scowl before transforming into a hawk. Her spear vanished and she flew away from Dzemekys to prevent innocent people from getting caught in the crossfire. She led Indra all the way to Cerdra's Weft.

Reverting, she landed and looked up at the god of war. She summoned her spear and pointed it at him. "I could never trust a man who tainted his body just to gain more power. And a being from another world... Never would I ally myself with someone who sees humanity as easily disposable!"

Indra flapped his wings and lowered himself to stand in the sand. "If Mythos were to be taken, you would surely join us. However, we need your power now. And if we have you, we could easily manipulate Mythos."

"Whatever Ultima has planned, we will stop him!" She stood her ground, ready to fight the god.

Indra suddenly appeared in front of her, clearly displeased. "You refuse to aid us and even shift to face me. Am I not worthy of your holy body?"

"You are not worthy of any of me!" She swung her spread and slashed at his chest.

Indra jumped back just in time to avoid the attack. "I see..." A crimson sword manifested in his hand. "Come, Gaia. Show me just how strong that feeble human form is."

The battle between gods began.

Lyra refused to transform and swung her spear at Indra. He blocked her attacks with his sword. The exchange of blows lasted for what felt like an eternity. The two gods even used magic to try and get the best of each other.

Their battle was long and dragged on for some time. Either party had only been able to land a few hits. Because of the continuous fighting and use of aether, they were both becoming exhausted. They were evenly matched and there didn't seem to be a victor in sight.

Seeing their battle was going nowhere, Indra changed to his human form and dispelled his sword. "I am quite impressed to see you are able to stand against by holy body without needing your own. It seems the Mothercrystals truly are restoring you to your former glory. Ultima will be more than pleased."

Littered with cuts and bruises just like her fellow god, Lyra glared at him. "I still cannot believe you allied yourself with him... We were friends, were we not?"

For the first time, she saw Indra frown out of sorrow. He wasn't a completely emotionless god even after being corrupted. "I only became corrupted because it was the only way for me to survive. Never did I want to become corrupted until my life was hanging by a thread... It seems the aether not only healed my wounds but altered most of my desires as well."

She lowered her spear. "You know and yet you still chase the same world as Ultima. Why?"

"It is the only way for this world to return to what it was before it was plagued by mortals."

"Humanity is not the plague!" she shouted. "Ultima is! Please, Indra... See that this is madness."

The god of war offered a smile she hadn't seen in millennias. "Perhaps you are right, but this madness is the only way to restore this world. I shall ally with Ultima to achieve what I desire—this world's rebirth and you, Gaia."

Lyra dispelled her spear with a glare. "You will not get what you desire."

Indra started to laugh. "Even if I don't get the world, I will be joyous to get my hands on you. The goddess I have loved for millennias... If I had professed my love in the heavens before the slaughter, would you have chosen me and not a mortal?"

The woman was taken aback at the revelation. She wasn't aware of Indra's love for her until now. "Indra..."

The white-haired man looked up to the sky. "When I saw you with Mythos at Drake's Head, I was wrought with jealousy. If I could not have you, no one could. I saw to your death, but it seems the Mothercrystal's shards granted you more power than I had imagined. My killing blow was not enough, and I am most grateful it wasn't. I realized the error of my ways and now Ultima desires your presence as well. Since you refuse both of us, it seems force may be the only option at my disposal. However..." He cast his gaze back to her. "The time to claim you has yet to arrive. I eagerly await that moment, but for now...I wait. Until our next meeting, Gaia."

Indra vanished.

At a complete loss, Lyra stood motionless. She didn't move until she felt the harsh rays of the sun vanish. Looking up to the sky, she saw the sun was beginning to set. Moving her exhausted body, she followed the path by the river until she arrived at the abandoned fishing village of Kashjlok. She knew she needed to find Clive and Jill, but she was too weak to transform. She needed to rest.

Dragging her weary body into an abandoned house, she didn't make it far before she collapsed to the floor. From the large hole in the ceiling, the evening sky was slowly turning to night. Laying on her side, she couldn't stop thinking of what Indra said. She tried to close her eyes and allow herself to rest, but her mind didn't let her.

Time had become an enigma.

Opening her eyes, she saw the edges of her vision were black and what she could see was blurry. Not even her busy mind would allow her to fall unconscious just yet.

However, her mind seemed to clear when she believed to have heard a familiar bark in the distance. She wasn't sure how far away it was, but she could tell it was getting louder. She knew it had to be Torgal tracking her. Unable to move, she remained lying on her side and hoped the canine could find her.

Not even a minute later, she heard a whine and felt a wet nose nudge against her cheek. Realizing it was the pup she raised for thirteen years, she managed to smile weakly. "Hello, Torgal."

Hearing her voice, Torgal ran to the door and started to bark frantically.

Lyra felt her consciousness slipping as Torgal's barking became muffled. She closed her eyes and heard voices beginning to blend with the muffled barking. In her half-conscious state, she felt a warm touch against her cheek before her body was pulled into someone's arms.

Her world was slowly becoming consumed by darkness.

She could barely make out Clive's face because of her failing vision as he picked her up in his arms and carried her outside. Her eyes drifted to the nighttime sky before she fell unconscious.

|| Boklad Markets ||
|| Eastern Dhalmekia ||

By the time Lyra regained consciousness, an entire day had passed. She woke up in a bed that wasn't familiar and she looked around the room. Unsure of where she was, she climbed out of bed and wandered over to the nearby window. Looking out, she saw the dry landscape of the republic. Seeing the various stalls from her vantage point, she figured Clive had carried her to the Boklad Markets.

Hearing the squeak of door hinges, she turned around and saw a woman enter the room. "Ah, you're awake. Excellent." The short-haired woman strolled up to the goddess. "It seems your injuries have completely healed. Never did I imagine what that man said would be the truth. Almost sounded like he was yanking my leg..."

"Forgive me, but..." Lyra began.

"Oh, apologies," the woman said, noticing the confused look on her face. "My name is Eloise. I am the owner of the Crimson Caravans. And you, my dear, are currently residing in the spare bedroom at our base of operations. Your darling, Clive, was in quite a tizzy when he arrived in Boklad with your unconscious body."

"And you took me in?"

"Aye, that I did. Any friend of Goetz is a friend of mine," Eloise explained. "While you've been unconscious, your companions have been working hard in aiding those around the market. They even brought the men who were having children stealing traders' passes to justice."

"I didn't know Goetz had a friend in Boklad. We are fortunate he does. Thank you," Lyra said.

Eloise placed her hands on her hips and analyzed the woman's appearance. "Such exquisite beauty... You best be sharp while wandering round Boklad, Lyra. I know a few men who would try to snatch you up."

"I will. Thank you again, Eloise."

"You'll find your traveling companions somewhere in the market. If you need anything, come back to see me. Farewell for now."

Lyra left the Crimson Caravan's headquarters. She wandered a little ways down the road, only to be stopped when she heard a familiar squeal. Looking around, she found Goetz running straight for her. "Ah, Goetz! There you—"

Goetz easily picked her up and hugged her. "Youse all right! Thank goodness!"

Lyra could hardly breathe as the strong man held her as if she weighed nothing. "G-Goetz..." Her feet didn't even touch the ground. "It's good...to see you...as well..."

The trader continued to shriek happily as he hugged her.

"Goetz, be certain not to break Lyra," Jill said, grabbing the trader's attention when she, Clive, and Torgal walked over. "We much prefer her in one piece."

Goetz nodded and put the goddess down.

Lyra was able to breathe properly now that she was free of the trader's strong and joyous embrace. She patted him on the arm with a smile before turning to the others. "Eloise told me that you both have been busy. I hope it hasn't been too arduous."

Jill smiled back. "It's nothing we can't handle."

"How are you feeling?" Clive asked.

"Better," Lyra replied. "The battle with Indra was...extensive, but we both realized it was a stalemate. He left peacefully after we both exhausted ourselves. I managed to make it to the abandoned fishing village before collapsing."

"We were only able to find you because of Torgal," he said.

Lyra directed her smile to the canine. She kneeled down and he happily approached her, his tail wagging. Running her nails through his fur, she petted him. "You truly are a wonderful hound. Thank you, Torgal."

Torgal barked in response.

She then stood up and glanced between Clive and Jill. "I must thank you both as well for seeing me safely to Boklad. I'm sorry if I caused any issues."

"You caused us no trouble," Jill reassured her. "We're just glad you're all right."

"Are you certain I did not cause trouble?" Lyra crossed her arms as she glanced at Clive. "Our darling lordship's expression says otherwise."

Clive was taken aback at her observation. He had been worried about her the moment she pushed him out of the way and was grabbed by Indra. He glanced between her and Jill in shock.

Jill placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "We were both worried about you, but it seems Clive was more troubled than I."

Clive met the goddess' gaze. "After what Indra has done to you in the past, I was frightened he would try to take your life again. I never want to relive what happened at Drake's Head."

"Neither do I," Jill spoke honestly. "We lost Cid, and we almost lost you."

Lyra recalled what Indra told her after their battle. She couldn't believe the god was in love with her and now sought to have her whether it be of her own volition or by force. She then remembered the pain of his blade piercing her body at Drake's Head. She couldn't believe he attempted to kill her out of jealousy.

"Lyra?" Clive called out worriedly after seeing her troubled expression. He reached out a hand toward her, only to stop halfway when she lifted her head.

"Ah, apologies," Lyra promptly replied, forcing a small smile. "We should focus on getting to Twinside. Goetz got his trader's pass back, yes?"

"I did! I did!" Goetz responded happily.

Clive retracted his hand, deciding to dismiss her forced smile. "We have a place on the wagon heading to Twinside."

Lyra was more than happy they had a way to the Crystalline Dominion. "Excellent. We should depart as soon as possible."

Clive met the trader's gaze. "Remember, Goetz, we're mercenaries. You hired us to protect you."

Goetz's happiness was replaced with nervousness. He grabbed the straps of his supplies. "M-Mercenaries, mm."

"And you remember the plan? You're to ride all the way to Twinside. Jill, Lyra, and I will go with you as far as the outskirts, then find our own way in."

Goetz nodded. "I'll buy that stuff I need!"

"Right. And we'll scout out the imperials' defenses," Jill said.

"There's a square with a big bell tower right in the middle of town. If youse get lost or owt goes wrong, we can meet up there."

"A meeting point would be crucial. Excellent suggestion, Goetz. Now then..." Lyra looked around at the people walking by. When no one was looking their way, she walked behind the trader and transformed into a cat. She then circled back around him and looked up at the others. "I do hope this size is much more convenient to travel in."

"Very much so." Jill picked up the cat and held her in her arms. "Are we ready?"

"Yes, let's go," Clive replied.

The five of them headed to the gates and Goetz showed the soldier on duty his trader's pass. They were able to board the wagon without an issue and were now on their way to the Crystalline Dominion.

Lyra was curled up into a ball in Jill's lap as the wagon carried them to their destination. Her emerald eyes scanned the faces of the other traders who were riding with them. To her surprise, the wagon wasn't full. It was only them and a couple of other traders. Her eyes drifted over to Clive, who had his hood pulled over his head.

Her attention was drawn to Jill when the woman started to gently rub the area behind her ears. She purred and flipped herself onto her back, paws tucked against her. Her tail flicked back and forth slowly.

Jill giggled at the feline. "You are too adorable."

Lyra sighed, her voice only being able to be heard by Clive, Jill, Goetz, and Torgal. "You and Clive seem to enjoy this form more than I do."

Clive smirked while Jill smiled.

Goetz, having been staring at the cat, asked sweetly, "C-Can I?"

"Of course, Goetz." Lyra jumped over to the trader and crawled into his lap. She was surprised at how gentle he was when he began petting her. While he stroked her back, she reached out her paw and played with Torgal's ear. The canine lifted his head and turned to look at the cat. He howled faintly before nudging his nose against her outstretched paw. His tail began to wag when she tapped her paw against his wet nose repeatedly.

Suddenly, Lyra was startled when one of the traders riding with them sneezed. She jumped into the air and wound up landing on the floor of the wagon next to Torgal.

The man who sneezed apologized. "Sorry for scarin' your feline friend."

"It's all right." Clive picked up the cat and placed her in his lap with a smirk. "She is easily startled by noises."

Lyra couldn't deny it. She was a little more skittish in this form than any other. It is because she adopts the personality of whatever animal she transforms into. "Perhaps a puppy would've been better..."

Clive stroked the top of her head. His hand then traveled down her back. "Just relax."

She sighed and gave in. "I...will try."

"I know how to help." Clive used a finger to scratch under her chin, causing her to melt in his lap. Her eyes were closed and she was purring loudly. "Get some rest."

"But..." Lyra just awoke from sleeping for an entire day. However, she did still feel a little bit exhausted, probably because of how much aether she used in her battle against Indra. "All right."

Giving in, she curled up into Clive's lap and fell asleep.