|| The Crystalline Dominion ||
|| The Isles of Ark ||

After some time once disembarking the wagon near the outskirts of Twinside, Clive, Jill, Lyra, and Torgal found a covert way into the gleaming city. They were able to locate an inn and rent a room for the night. They got comfortable in the room while Torgal remained outside to act as a guard.

Hours later, the sun had set completely.

Jill grabbed two cups, one for her and one for Clive. She handed it to him. "One would never guess that these people stood on the brink of war."

Clive accepted the cup. "They're afraid. They turn to drink to forget their fears."

"Anything you want to forget?" she asked, leaning against the table.

He shook his head and explained what he saw when they were walking through the city. "The harbor is empty, and half the market stalls too. The city may seem peaceful on the surface, but it's balanced on a knife edge." He took a sip. It was then did an idea pop into his head. "Were we to...give it a nudge, it might be just the distraction we need to reach the Mothercrystal."

"I thought you might say that." Jill put her cup down on the table, not too far from where Lyra was curled up and sleeping. "We should send for Gav. We'll need someone to keep the fires we start from going out."

"And we can busy ourselves scheming until he gets here."

"I'll send a stolas, then." Jill walked out to the balcony and whistled to summon an owl.

Clive put his cup down as he moved around to face the table. He folded his arm on top of the table, his gaze drifting to the sleeping cat. She had been asleep ever since they stepped off the wagon. He figured she was still worn out from her battle with Indra. He reached out his hand and stroked the top of her head, a smile appearing on his face when she turned on her side with a faint purr.

Once Jill sent the stolas, she joined Clive at the table and they discussed strategy for a while. A couple of hours passed and she decided to get some sleep. She laid on one of the beds while he remained at the table.

Clive continued to sort through the various ideas that were swimming around in his head. He was hunched over the table, hands on his head as he closed his eyes. He was pulled from his thoughts the moment he felt soft fur graze against his chest. Looking down, he saw Lyra was awake and rubbing her body against him. He started to scratch the back of her head. "Did you sleep well?"

"Like a babe," Lyra said. "I can tell you need some rest. Why don't you take the other bed?"

"I...cannot," he replied. "We may need to move at any moment."

Lyra jumped off the table. She reverted back to her human form and moved to stand behind him. Placing her hands on top of his head, she leaned down and rested her chin on top of her stacked palms. "Could I convince you to take a moment to rest while I remain awake in your stead?"

Clive did feel the exhaustion and knew it wouldn't be good if they were needed. He sighed tiredly and decided he would need some rest, whether it be a couple of minutes or a couple of hours. "All right."

Lyra smiled. She removed her hands from his head and kissed him on the cheek. "Excellent decision. I shall wake you and Jill if something happens."

"Thank you, Lyra." Clive stood up from the table and claimed the other bed. Once he was comfortable, he was asleep within seconds.

The room fell silent.

Lyra sat at the table for some time, thinking about Indra in hopes of figuring out why he and Ultima wanted to extinguish humanity yet keep the world intact. To her, it sounded like both beings wanted the world for themselves and the only way to do that is to wipe out mortals.

After some time wracking her brain, she pushed the thoughts aside and stood up from the table. She wandered to the balcony to get some fresh air. Leaning against the railing, the breeze rustled her long tresses. Her eyes drifted down to the people below when she heard one of them obnoxiously singing and the other was boisterously laughing. It was clear they were drunk. Her eyes fell on another pair of people. This time, it was a mother and her son. The little boy was laughing while his mother swung their conjoined hands between them.

A smile graced Lyra's lips. Seeing the people of the Crystalline Dominion made her resolve to stop Indra and Ultima solidify. Though this world was created by the gods, they had no intention of taking it for themselves. They wanted it to flourish with life, one that was not their own.

Looking toward the buildings in the distance, she noticed a strange glow in the darkness. When it suddenly became brighter, she realized the city was set ablaze. She could also hear the sound of screaming. Torgal woke from his slumber at the noise and started barking.

Lyra rushed inside the room and over to the beds. She woke up Clive and Jill. "The city's under attack."

At her words, Clive and Jill were fully awake. They climbed out of bed and stormed over to the balcony with the blonde.

"What's happening?" Jill asked.

"I don't know," Clive replied.

"This is no mere accident," Lyra said. "We need to learn the cause."

"I agree." He leaned over the railing and shouted to the canine below. "Torgal!"

"People may need help. I will fly ahead and see how I can help the commonfolk, and hopefully, discover the reason behind the fire." Lyra was about to transform when Clive grabbed her wrist. She turned to see the worry etched across his face.

"Please, be careful," he told her, releasing her wrist. "Do not take any risks. If anything goes wrong, meet us at the belltower."

She nodded with a reassuring smile before transforming into a hawk. She flew across the nighttime sky toward the flames that seemed to be spreading quickly. The sound of screaming mixed with the sound of clashing metal. She couldn't comprehend what was happening until she landed to see imperial soldiers fighting against their own.

The commonfolk were running away from the fighting, screaming out of fear because of the clashing soldiers and the growing flames.

Using water magic, Lyra put out the flames that had trapped a family in their home. She pulled them out one by one, providing them all with healing. She told them to run to the outskirts of the city before going back to helping more people. She continued to extinguish flames and escort people to safety while avoiding the imperial forces.

Running down one street, she caught a closer look at the two opposing parties and realized the imperial dragoons were killing other imperial soldiers. She couldn't comprehend what was happening and decided to proceed with aiding the innocent people caught up in the crossfire.

When Lyra heard screeching, she looked up at the sky to see the flying units of the imperial dragoons. Among them were wyverns, which didn't sit well with her.

The goddess' attention was then drawn to the scream of a child. She ran in the direction it came from and saw a little girl pinned under some rubble. The flames were drawing closer to the child. Using more water magic, she put out the flames before assisting the little girl by using roots and vines to remove the rubble that had her pinned. "Are you all right?"

"M-My ankle..." the little girl whimpered in pain. "It hurts!"

Lyra kneeled down and examined the child's ankle. She realized it was sprained. She placed her palm above the injured ankle and healed it. "How about now?"

The little girl moved her ankle and was surprised it no longer hurt. "I-It's all better. Thank you, my lady."

"Here." Lyra took the little girl's hand and helped her up. "You must get to safety. Head to the outskirts of the city. You will be safe there."

The child nodded and took off down the street, following the other people who were running away.

Lyra proceeded to help the common folk. She ran through the streets of the Crystalline Dominion, helping whoever she could while taking out some imperial dragoons who saw her as a threat.

She turned down one street, only to collide with someone. "Forgive me, I—" Seeing who she collided with, she couldn't believe her eyes. "Joshua?" Behind her childhood friend was Jote.

"Lyra?" Joshua was just as shocked as her. He snapped out of his surprise and grabbed the woman's shoulders. "You mustn't be here. Please, leave the city."

"What are you talking about, Joshua?" Lyra asked, bewildered at seeing the sudden panic on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Indra..." He squeezed her arms. "He's here. Just as Ultima, he has been manipulating the empire."

Her eyes widen in pure shock. "He...has?"

"Yes," Joshue replied. "And you are his target. I cannot allow him to take you, my friend."

"And I am the only one who can stop him," she remarked, staring into his eyes.

This confused him. "What do you mean?"

"Indra has become corrupt. He is not the god he used to be. Only I can see to his demise." She stepped back from him. "There is...much I need to tell you but now is not the time. I must—"

Suddenly, the cry of a dragon came from the night sky. Looking up, Lyra, Joshua, and Jote saw a white dragon flying above. They saw it heading in the direction of the belltower.

Lyra felt herself become petrified. "Oh, no..." She knew Clive and Jill were heading to the belltower. Not only them, but Goetz would be there. She needed to get to the belltower and fast. She looked between Joshua and Jote as she slowly backed away. "I must go. Please be safe, both of you." She spun on her heels and took off down the street.

"My lady!" Jote shouted.

"Lyra!" Joshua yelled. "Wait!"

The goddess ignored their cries as she transformed into a hawk. She flew as fast as she could to the belltower, only to discover it was destroyed. In the courtyard below where the structure once stood, she saw Clive, Jill, and Torgal fighting against the white dragon.

Diving down toward the courtyard, she transformed into a dragon and slammed directly into the opposing reptile. She dug her talons into its back and sunk her fangs into its neck. It roared in pain and managed to shake her off.

Lyra landed, making sure not to crush her companions. "Stand back. Let me handle this."

"And allow you to have all the enjoyment?" Clive remarked.

She chuckled lightly. "I wouldn't want to step on you. The mighty Clive Rosfield perishing under the foot of a dragon is not a tale worth telling."

Clive hesitated for a couple of seconds before sheathing his sword. "All right."

Once he, Jill, and Torgal were safe, Lyra focused all her attention on the white dragon. Like her, it could use aether to wield magic, but it was limited. She dodged its physical and magical attacks until she was able to deliver her own offense. Combining magic with physical attacks, she was able to knock it on its side. Using the power of nature, she pinned the dragon to the ground with roots and vines to keep it from regaining its footing.

With a mighty roar, Lyra conjured a mix of fire, wind, and water magic to create a powerful tsunami of elements that struck the ensnared dragon. The wounds inflicted on the beast burned with the elements and it screeched in pain, but it wasn't enough to kill it. It broke free from its restraints and took to the sky. It conjured magic and fired a powerful beam of concentrated aether at her.

Lyra braced herself and breathed fire. The flames collided with the aether and overpowered it. The fire reached the white dragon and costumed its entire body. It frantically flew around, knocking into the buildings surrounding the courtyard. Seconds later, it fell from the sky and crashed into the ground. Its shrieks fell silent as the last bit of its life was siphoned from it. The flames consuming its body vanished when it breathed its last.

Lyra sighed heavily after she reverted. She gazed at the corpse of the white dragon before turning to Clive, Jill, and Torgal. "Is everyone all right?"

"Yes," Jill replied. "All thanks to you. Your timing is impeccable as always."

"I saw the dragon heading this way and became concerned."

"It must be one of the dragoons' pets," Clive stated.

Just then, they heard the gate opening and saw a worried Goetz. "O-over here, Clive! Are youse all right?"

"Goetz," Clive said as he, Jill, Lyra, and Torgal walked over to the trader. "There you are!"

"I didn't know there'd be a dragon," Goetz said, his stress and anxiety showing in his distraught voice.

"It's all right." Clive placed a hand on Lyra's shoulder. "We had our own."

"Are you injured anywhere, Goetz?" Lyra asked.

The trader shook his head. "I'm all right."

"Good," Clive said. "Let's get out of here."

The moment they were about to leave the courtyard, the party was blinded by a bright flash of light. They covered their eyes from the sudden exposure.

"What now?!" Clive shouted in frustration.

Jill lowered her arm slightly to see what was the source of the bright light. "Is that...the Mothercrystal's heart?!"

Lyra dropped her arm after her eyes adjusted to the brightness. "I'm afraid it is."

Clive was in disbelief at its location. "What the hell is it doing up there?!"

"Could it be—?"

The goddess was interrupted by a loud shriek that echoed through the Crystalline Dominion. In the sky, they spotted none other than the Eikon of Light.

Clive gaped in shock. "Bahamut?"

They watched the Eikon fly toward the Mothercrystal's heart before coming to a stop in the sky. Concentrating his aether, he released a barrage of megaflares with the intent of destroying the heart. However, a shield was revealed to be protecting the heart as the megaflares collided with it. The remaining megaflares fell to the city, destroying everything it touched.

The Mothercrystal's heart reacted. A beam of light surged toward Bahamut, siphoning the Eikon's aether. He roared out as the large structure of the Mothercrystal that towered over the Crystalline Dominion vanished.

Seconds later, the ground trembled violently as the Mothercrystal changed shape. Crystal emerged from the ground and curled upward, creating a crystalline spiral that loomed in the center of the city and protected the core.

Once the ground ceased shaking and Bahamut vanished, Lyra addressed the others. "We need to move, and quickly."

Clive nodded in agreement. "Yes. Let's go."

Leaving the courtyard, the party finds their way through the ruined city. The destruction was beyond immeasurable.

"So, er...what do we do now, then?" Goetz asked.

Clive turned to the merchant. "We destroy the heart."

"B-but...he might come back!"

"As soon as the flames die down, the imperials and the Dhalmeks will move in. This may be our only chance."

"And Bahamut has gone for now," Jill added. "You should get as far away as you can, Goetz."

"Jill is correct," Lyra chimed in. "The city has turned into a war zone. It's not safe."

The merchant glanced between his three friends. "What, and leave youse lot in the lurch? I can't do that! If you're staying, then so am I. I packed everything up before I made a run for it, so if there's owt youse need, just ask! B-but I won't be giving it away for free! Nan'd never forgive us if I did..."

Lyra smiled at the merchant. "You truly are a kind soul."

"Thank you, Goetz," Clive said.

While Goetz remained behind, Clive, Jill, Lyra, and Torgal pressed on to Drake's Tail. They jumped down to the crumbling path below and continued to traverse through the destroyed streets of the Crystalline Dominion.

Not far along, they encountered an aetherflood. It wasn't long before they were discovered by the soldiers who had already turned Akashic because of the overwhelming amount of aether. They cleared the area before moving on.

After climbing up to the path above, Lyra glanced back at the destruction of the once-glimmering city. She couldn't believe Bahamut caused such destruction. Her train of thought, however, derailed the moment they heard a shriek. Up above, they saw the Phoenix soar over their heads as he was pursued by Bahamut.

Clive stared at the firebird in shock. "Is that...?" He couldn't believe his brother was in the city. "The Phoenix! Joshua!"

In the sky above, Bahamut fired megaflares at the Phoenix. The Eikon of Fire nimbly dodged each projectile.

"What is he doing?!" Clive shouted.

"Keeping Bahamut occupied," Jill said.

Clive couldn't hold himself back. "Joshua! Joshua!"

Seeing him walking toward the fighting Eikons, Lyra grabbed his arm with both hands to stop him. "Calm yourself, Clive," she spoke calmly. "I know how desperate you are to help your brother, but now is not the time. For now, we need to focus on reaching the Mothercrystal while Joshua gives us this chance."

He knew she was right and grew frustrated. "Fuck! Hold on, Joshua! I'm coming!"

Lyra released Clive and they continued down the ruined path. She could tell from the way he picked up his pace how desperate he was to help Joshua.

"We have to save him!" Clive shouted.

"And we will—we just need to keep moving!" Jill replied.

Not too far down the path, they encountered the beings created by Ultima. Clive fueled his frustration into each swing of his sword to slice through the enemies. He was growing more annoyed by them as each second ticked by.

After the area was clear, the party pressed on.

One of Bahamut's megaflares threatened to blow them up, but they were fortunate it collided a few yards ahead. They didn't come to a stop until the Phoenix and Bahamut swooped past them a second time.

Clive reached out a hand toward the Eikon of Fire. "There he is! Joshua! I'm here, Brother!"

"Clive—he can't hear you," Jill said as she watched the battle in the sky.

Clive called out to his brother again, almost sounding helpless. "Joshua!"

Lyra gazed at the Eikons before her attention was drawn to one of the beasts that dwelled in her. She could hear Theia speaking to her. "I see... Thank you, Theia."

"What's wrong?" Jill asked, she and Clive having heard the goddess talking to herself.

The blonde turned to them. "Bahamut is a formidable foe, and is one of the strongest Eikons. Joshua will need all the help he can get. I believe it is time to tip the scales in our favor."

Clive's eyes widen once realizing what she is referring to. "You'll...help him?"

She smiled at him. "Of course I will. He may be your brother, but he is also my friend. And it would be rude of me to deny the request of one of the four winds. I also believe I am the perfect candidate because I am not affected by the crystal's curse."

Clive was in turmoil. He wanted to help his brother, but he didn't want to send his beloved into the fray. "I..."

Lyra could see his emotions on his face. "You both continue to the heart. I will aid Joshua in diverting Bahamut's attention."

"Lyra, I..." Clive tried to say what was on his mind, but he couldn't.

"Everything will be fine, I assure you. The fate written in the stars is in our favor. None of us shall fall here today." Lyra stepped closer to the edge. She gazed down at the abyss below as she placed a hand over her chest. "Guide me, Theia. Let us fuse together and become one."

Without hesitation, Lyra jumped off the ledge and plunged into the darkness below. Her holy body morphed together with Theia's to reveal their combined form—a dragon.

With a thunderous roar, Gaia flew out of the darkness and into the night sky. The powerful wind created by her wings caused Clive and Jill to stumble back slightly. They covered their faces as the goddess took off to aid the Phoenix. Lowering their arms, they listened to the roar of the dragon as it echoed across the city.

"The might of the gods is terrifying yet beautiful," Jill said, in awe at seeing the goddess' new form. "Her power of shapeshifting... I wasn't aware she could perform it in her holy form."

"It's fortunate she is on our side," Clive replied. "Her strength is returning with each fallen Mothercrystal and with it, her abilities expand."

"Then let's hurry so she may regain more of herself."

Clive, Jill, and Torgal took off.

Meanwhile in the sky, Gaia flew toward the Phoenix and Bahamut. Neither of the Eikons noticed her quick approach until she latched onto Bahamut's back and sent him hurtling toward the ground. She roared and used wind magic to increase their descent. She slammed the Eikon's body against the ground before returning to the sky. Her eyes never left Bahamut as she caught up to the Phoenix.

"Lyra?" The Phoenix asked.

Gaia looked over at the Eikon of Fire. "I hope my aid isn't undesirable."

"Your assistance is a blessing," he said. "Fly with me, my friend."

When Bahamut recovered and returned to the sky, the Phoenix and Gaia flew together and dodged his megaflares and other attacks. They would often break away from each other, knowing the Eikon of Light couldn't focus on both of them at once. They would use their magic to hurl elements at their enemy.

Bahamut was able to land a few attacks on the Phoenix and Gaia but was struggling. The goddess would intercept many of his megaflares with blasts of wind that either triggered their explosion or pushed them back toward him. She managed to stagger him with a powerful dark spell that caused him to spiral out of control.

In the middle of the battle, Gaia's attention was drawn to the Phoenix when she heard a painful grunt from him. "Joshua?" She noticed him losing altitude and grew concerned. The distraction proved to be a mistake. Her concern for her friend blinded her to the enemy's next attack.

Bahamut fired a powerful laser of light.

Gaia only saw the attack when it was too late. Immediately, she placed herself behind the Phoenix and took the brunt of the attack. She roared in pain as the laser forced her and the Phoenix back before they both fell out of the sky. Their large bodies plummeted to the city below and crashed into one of the buildings that were still standing.

The dragon's body laid on top of the firebird's, both of them having fallen unconscious from Bahamut's attack. Their bodies forcefully reverted, unable to maintain their forms. Unaware to them, they had been reunited with Clive and Jill and the final battle was about to begin.