I just want to share how I sort of saw Ardyn's past before the Episode Ardyn DLC. Took some inspiration from the prologue anime for the setting, and even the DLC. This doesn't fit with canon as its just an interpretation of it.
Chapter 1
Ardyn Izunia smiled softly as he watched a young mother hold her toddler close to her, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks. A warmth spread through him at the sight, here in a dilapidated barn fit for nothing more than an animal. The village had sequestered the woman's child once she had shown signs of a dreaded illness spreading across the land. Here, the child would have died if not for Ardyn. He had saved her. The red-haired man was not of the Fleuret bloodline but he had cured someone of the plague known as Starscourge.
Starscourge was a terrible ailment of unknown origin that caused those infected to transform into terrifying daemons. These daemons would were vicious and could not be reasoned with. They would attack any living creature they caught sight of. Nothing seemed to be left of a person's former self once they turned into one of these monsters. The night was their domain as the light of the sun would harm and eventually kill them.
There was a line of people that could cure this dreaded plague. Those were the Nox Fleurets. However, Ardyn had done the same without having their heritage. He was an Izunia though. His bloodline had its own gifts. They were able to summon and store their weapons at will and had the ability to cast powerful magic. Though the Izunias had some limited healing magic none had exhibited the ability to heal the Starscourge. Ardyn did not know how he was able to do it but with this newfound power came hope. One more healer meant more of their people could be saved.
The first time Ardyn healed someone had been an accident. A wounded soldier just that morning had been screaming in pain, his body convulsing as the Scourge began turn him into one of the monsters they fought. Ardyn and a group of warriors had been fighting several powerful daemons at once in a long and arduous battle. As dawn approached, Ardyn began focusing on helping the wounded as the men began to fall to the monsters. He had always enjoyed healing more so than fighting and was much more proficient in making potions than any other of his line.
One of Ardyn's men had gotten himself infected, the Scourge spreading to most of his body within minutes. The sickness spreading that fast was rarely seen and terrifying to behold. Ardyn panicked, trying to imbue the man with his healing like he did with water or other beverages. Ardyn remembered feeling a strange sensation, like something being pulled to him. Both he and the soldier had been in utter shock when the Scourge receded, the darkness that had formerly covering skin with its dark tendrils completely erased. The man was fine even hours later, no trace of Scourge in him. Ardyn had felt rather sick afterwards, but even that could not diminish the elation he felt.
To be sure, Ardyn had to try it again. After defeating the daemons, he and his men traveled to nearby villages until they found more infected. It was sadly not uncommon to find them throughout the country. The child had been his first test to see if he truly had the ability to heal. And he did.
Ardyn gasped suddenly, a bolt of pain shooting throughout his body. He felt something dark and oppressive settle like a weight on his shoulders, just like the first time he had done this. It lasted only a moment and faded after a few more, leaving him breathless. He shuddered and took a few steadying breaths. It must just be a side-effect of the healing, the red-haired man thought as he shivered again.
Everything had a cost, after all.
"It is true?" Somnus Izunia, Ardyn's younger brother, demanded as soon as he saw Ardyn exit the village with several of his men in tow. There was joyous laughter echoing behind him and Somnus saw a rather large group of people begin to cheer for his brother. Ardyn smiled and waved at them before stumbling forward to his kin.
Somnus rushed forward to grab hold of his brother before he could fall to the ground. Ardyn smiled sheepishly in thanks. A messenger had been dispatched by Ardyn after the battle that morning and Somnus rushed to him at the news. He had been fighting daemons with another group of men a few hours away. The monsters were so common in the night that no one dared travel once the sun set. It was a death sentence if you were not prepared. Both the Izunia brothers, though Somnus much more often, led their soldiers to battle at night to try and reduce the number of daemons.
Somnus was not as tall as his older brother but he was more adept with their battle magic than Ardyn. The younger Izunia spent much of his time training, trying to hone his skills in battle. That was not to say Ardyn was weak, he was still one of the most powerful warriors in the land. The older Izunia preferred learn the healing arts, researching old texts and traveling the world rather than spending most of his days in the training yard with his brother and their men.
"It is true, brother." Ardyn smiled, holding out his hands in delight. "I have discovered I am a healer like the Fleurets. I can stop more of our people from becoming monsters."
"Truly? What fortune! The Gods have answered our prayers." The relief on Somnus's face was evident. He fought on the front lines almost nightly trying to eradicate as many daemons as possible. It grew harder as time went on and they lost more able bodied men and women. The daemons never seemed to stop coming. And it was because far too many people became infected. Another healer like the Fleurets would be a welcome addition. Lucia Nox Fleuret, the only one of her bloodline able to heal at this time, traveled across the lands with a group of loyal soldiers and followers to heal as many as she could. It was not enough.
"Let us head back home and bring them the good news." Ardyn suggested and wrinkled his nose when he looked at himself and Somnus. "And maybe take some baths. Fighting daemons is always filthy business."
"Agreed." Somnus laughed as both brothers began to head for their mounts, their men following behind.
"Solheim's constructs litter this world still." Ardyn remarked as they traveled on their chocobos back to the castle. The Izunia bloodline currently held possession of the castle which held the soul of the world. A crystal that the gods had left in the care of humans after the war against the Infernian. Those of the Izunia line were the strongest warriors and had taken the role of protectors of the crystal, becoming the reigning nobility. Those had been Somnus and Ardyn's parents.
A Messenger of the gods had come some years ago, informing the castle and inhabitants that the gods would choose a King and Oracle to bestow upon the role of saviors, along with some of their power. They would have to take up the mantle of protectors to help save Eos from the Starscourge. Those chosen would bear the price of saving the world, the Messenger had stated. The people had cheered, believing their suffering was soon at end. Ardyn remembered shivering. Her words sounded ominous.
Somnus stifled a yawn and glanced around to see pieces of metal beasts from an age long gone scattered about the landscape. They were rusted and overgrown with fauna but were still recognizable. There was even one massive beast, it's 'shell' still intact, that the people used as a landmark.
"I am curious how they crafted such things. They look powerful." Somnus mused. Just what kind of knowledge did their ancestors have that they had the capability to build such things?
"They would have had to have been if they attempted to challenge the Infernian with them." Ardyn responded. "Only, all it did was anger him and lead to this mess."
"Thankfully the other gods were able to strike him down before he destroyed us all."
"Not without a cost. They are weakened and the world suffers. I wonder what caused this plague? The war and all the death it wrought? Is it just a natural occurrence like other illnesses? Maybe even some sort of divine retribution for humanity's hubris?"
"We may never know. But we will put a stop to it." Somnus voiced his conviction.
"Yes, we will." Ardyn agreed.
"There has been reports that a Messenger has been sighted." Ardyn remarked as he and Somnus sparred together. The younger Izunia had challenged his brother as soon as he entered the training field to find him that morning. It had been some time since both brothers had done something like this. Their azure magic blazed bright in the afternoon light as their swords clashed.
"A Messenger? They haven't been seen for some time. The gods are finally making a move, I see. It is about time they help." Somnus responded. His older brother laughed at the audacity of his statement as he parried a vicious thrust by Somnus's sword.
"Who do you believe will be chosen as king? Think we have a chance?" Ardyn asked, already believing he knew the answer. No other family held the same magic their own line did. The red-haired man took a swipe at his opponent, forcing him to retreat.
"Of course!" Somnus exclaimed as he lunged at his brother again. "Our bloodline has always been skilled in magic, much more so than anyone else. The crystal is already under our protection. Who else would they choose, if not us?"
"What about the people of the coeurl?" Ardyn prepared to block again but Somnus feinted away and then struck. Ardyn barely had time to phase away, a blue spectre being left in his wake. The man grimaced as he felt nausea rise up within him. He shook his head to clear it and focused on his opponent once more.
"People might think them our competition." Somnus smirked, backing away and then launching his sword at Ardyn. His brother phased once more, and then again when Somnus materialized and tossed two daggers at him in quick succession. Ardyn grinned at the misses and sent a bolt of lightning at his opponent. Somnus phased away and materialized a dagger in his hand. He then looked at it a moment and let it dissipate, changing it out for the sword he had thrown. "But are they really when they cannot summon blades as we can? They have some magic but ours has always been far more powerful."
"Arrogant, aren't you?" Ardyn stated as he conjured a bolt of fire and sent the spell against his brother. Somnus dodged it and circled Ardyn, slowly walking forward. Ardyn moved back to give himself space.
"I believe you feel the same." Somnus prepared to throw his weapon once more.
"And which of us do you think they will choose?" Ardyn asked, allowing the move. He prepared another spell in his hands. He would not dodge his brother's attack and conjure a shield. If Somnus did not expect that he might be able to take him down.
Somnus hurled his blade and warped with it. Ardyn sent up a shimmering barrier in front of him at almost the last moment. But after a moment, there was no impact from Somnus and the elder Izunia felt a jolt of agony from using the spell. He tried to focus on the battle once more, only yo feel himself be tackled from behind.
"Me of course, dear brother. I am the stronger of the two of us." Somnus stated proudly, his sword plunged into the ground by Ardyn's neck. Ardyn lay stunned for just a moment before he realized what happened. The dagger. Somnus had left one of his daggers behind Ardyn and then used it as a warp point.
"You are just more agile. And you cheat." Ardyn couldn't help but chuckle. He realized he probably should come to the training yards more often. As Ardyn now spent most of his time healing those afflicted with the Starscourge, he was unable to participate in nightly battles like his brother. Even if he wasn't so exhausted from healing, Somnus had stated that he should not risk himself. He was far too important to lose. Lucia had a veritable army following after her, making sure she was safe in her travels.
"Not my fault you are as tall as a mountain and move about like a drunk. Should have spent more time training with Gilgamesh rather than sitting with those old tomes of yours."
"Those old tomes may have knowledge about the past that may help us shape the future. Is that not worth looking into?"
Somnus shrugged and stood. He then offered a hand to his brother with a victorious smile.
Ardyn continued to heal as Somnus took their men to battle daemons. Sometimes they didn't see each other for days as the did their respective duties.
The elder Izunia found himself feeling quite unwell at times. His magic had continued acting rather strange as well. There had been times when he could no longer call upon it. And when he could, it caused him physical pain. He was unsure as to why.
"Are you ill, Ardyn?" Somnus asked worriedly as he watch Ardyn limp by the training field one day. He had been gone for almost a week with some of their warriors as his guards. Somnus dismissed the sword in his hand and walked towards him. Gilgamesh, one of Somnus's most loyal soldiers and current sparring partner watched them both.
"Maybe a little." Ardyn waved him off with a pained grimace. "Do not mind me. I am just a tad exhausted from my duties. I will just go rest a while."
"As you wish." Somnus watched his brother's retreating back for a while. He thought maybe he should tell Ardyn to spend a week or two home and take a break. He knew his brother would refuse however. The people had been sending messages to the castle, asking Ardyn to come to them, to cure them or their loved ones. News had spread fast about one of the Izunias being able to heal. Ardyn spent most of his time outside the castle walls nowadays.
Somnus had also realized recently that something seemed off about Ardyn's healing. It differed from how Lucia healed. The Fleuret stopped by briefly in the hopes of seeing Ardyn but he had been gone already. Lucia had very little time to stay and left the very same day.
Before she left, Somnus had been able to closely watch her heal an infected man that arrived in the hopes of seeing Ardyn. It was lucky Lucia was there as the man was in the advanced stages of the disease.
The younger Izunia saw the golden light Lucia would exude as she worked. It felt warm, calming and gentle. The same did not happen with Ardyn but the Scourge was healed all the same. It was a little strange but as long as it worked and helped prevent more daemons then he assumed it was alright. He would have to talk to his brother about it when he was feeling better, Somnus decided.
Ardyn lay wake that night, willing his head to stop pounding. His head ached. His body hurt. Gods, it felt like his very soul was in pain. He clutched his chest in agony and tried to breathe slowly. The pain had been getting worse lately, especially at night in the castle. His magic seemed much more unstable than ever. He was glad he did not have to fight daemons anymore. It was a blessing as he did not believe he could be relied upon in battle at this time.
It is worth it. The man thought, teeth clenched. I will bear this pain. I will even bear the thought of losing the magic of my bloodline if it means saving our people. Our parents died for their people. We were raised for this purpose.
The happiness he could see on all those faces helped him continue. He did not want anyone to lose their loved ones like Somnus and he had. Their parents were dead and gone, killed by the daemons Somnus hunted almost every night. If he could help it, no one else would have to go through what they did. Royalty were the protectors of their people. He would endure.
Ardyn continued to lay there in pain until dawn arrived.
"Ardyn! You know I can't do that!" Somnus shouted, his voice unrestrained in his anger. He and Ardyn had gotten into an argument about how to deal with those infected with the Starscourge.
"I can heal them, Somnus! Those deaths are needless!" His brother insisted.
"It is too late for them!"
"It is not! I know they can be saved! I have saved even those that were moments away from becoming daemons!"
"You would have me put our men at risk. What happens when they turn into those monsters as we wait for you or Lucia? My men will have to bear the consequences. They already have before! We have lost too many already. We spoke of this before. You cannot save everyone."
"I'll damn well try, brother!" The red-haired man spat. "I didn't realize I could heal then. I can now. Those deaths can be prevented!"
"I will hear no more of it. I, and our men, will do as we must if you are not there. I have no healing powers and both you and Lucia cannot be everywhere at once. There is much to risk just waiting for you." Somnus was firm. They could not allow more daemons to rise.
"So be it. Those deaths are on you then, Somnus." Ardyn snapped and walked away from him.
"I will take that burden if it will save more in the long run. We do as we must to save our people." Somnus quietly murmured. He would not regret his decision. The daemons needed to be stopped.
Still don't like the DLC though I've tried to get myself to like it. I'm just posting another fic to vent the last of my frustration with it, I guess. xD I'll include a very long explanation as to why I don't like it at the end of this fic on my AO3 fanfic account. If you do like Episode Ardyn, that is perfectly fine. I just didn't, unfortunately. :(
Something I did like in the anime was how Somnus and Ardyn had different ways of dealing with the Scourge. Both wanted to save the world but believed only what they were doing was right.
I'm going to try my best to finish this fic before the Dawn of the Future book comes out. Should be released a few days from now in Japan, I believe? Translations will probably start coming out soon after that. I'm curious about it at least.
Thanks for reading! ^.^
