When they finally catch up with the giant snake it lies exhausted, its mouth forced wide open by a giant magic mirror. Aria tries talking to it, but the poor thing can only think of how tired and hurt and hungry it is. So they try to remove the mirror as gently as they can, Aria opening the snake's mouth just a little further while Tora tries to push the mirror out sideways, but her grip slips and they touch the reflective surface and -
Over the next few hours, they get closer to Okhema, and the sky brightens to full daylight, though it doesn't get overly bright or hot.
And then, there's suddenly flaming rocks flying, and sounds of screams.
set-afire-history
"Oh no, Nikador's attacking Okhema. We gotta go evacuate the people, we will find you again!"
And she flies off towards the city, outrunning the dromases.
brighter-than-today
Phainon draws his sword and prepares for battle, though that's all that Aria and Tora can see, because a piece of falling rubble separates them soon after.
They're currently being assaulted by a small pack of the statues they saw at the Abyss, now fully animated, and destructive.