A/N: Sorry this author note will be long I went and reread my story I found out its a mess! My verbs are all in present-tense while my dialogue tags are past-tense. I did not notice it because I used Grammarly and it always prompted me to use present-tense every pronoun. So I kinda stuck with it and did not notice that I'm doing it with the rest of the story and but I did edit it and now it's past tense. Here a list of additional information or changes in the story.
Chapter 2- There are added flashbacks about the day how Astraea got her power.
Chapter 3- Flashback about Astraea childhood.
Chapter 4-Flashback about a fight between Zack and Kadaj's father and a different confrontation between the crowd and the Lumina family and a song is added.
Chapter 7- An added conversation between Reno and Regis about the prophecy and the prophecy was changed into "When darkness veils the world, The Flame, and the Light will be called once more. The bond that has forgotten will be one and the call of the Astrals shall be heard." from "When darkness veils the world, The Flame, and the Light will be called once more. The bond that has been scattered throughout centuries will come again and be one. "
Chapter 11 title is changed to Solheim And The War of The Astral from A Warm Welcome.
Can't find any anime or game quote suited for this chapter I decided to put a quote from Bertrand Russell. Sorry for the long update and this chapter is kinda boring there no action on but it full of information about my own take on Solheim history. Hope you enjoy:)
I will be adding another two-characters that will have a bigger role in the future. One of them is my 3rd favorite male character of the Final Fantasy series
Solheim and War Of The Astrals
"War does not determine who is right...only who is left" -Bertrand Russell
Noctis grandly took Astraea extended hand as he rose to his feet.
"I'm glad that you are alright Astra," Noctis said with a smile on his face.
"Me, too" Astraea smiled back at him but it soon faded and as guilt took it placed "I'm very sorry, Your Highness, because of my reckless actioned I put your life in danger," Astraea said in a low and shaking voice as she hung her head down her hair falling on both sides of her face as it flickered black to red, red to black.
Noctis laughed, "Don't worry about that and what is happening to your hair, you look like a stoplight flickering," he went and rubbed her hair mockingly.
A vein popped out in my Astraea's forehead, without warning she punched the prince in his injured shoulder.
"OUCH!" Noctis jumped back as he held his injured shoulder.
"I serious Noctis!" Astraea screamed at him as tears started to fall, her eyes flickering from brown to red, red to brown.
"I'm sorry okay, it's a joke please don't cry Astra," Noctis said as he tried to comfort her. "I'm okay see, you don't have to worry," he said as he patted her on the head.
Astraea glared it him, Noctis stepped away ready for another attack when Astraea lunged at him and hugged him again. Noctis eyes widened as he returned the hug. They stay like that as the people around them watch in silence.
"ASTRAEA!" Aerith shouted from the hallway.
Astraea jumped and break their embrace and hid behind the Prince. Aerith stormed the room and saw the king, "Good afternoon, Your Majesty," she greeted him with a bow. Regis just nodded at her and he gestured towards the prince, Aerith saw her daughter hiding behind him.
Aerith walked over and stopped in front of the prince. "I'm glad you're doing fine, Your Highness," she bowed down.
"Thank you Mrs. Lumina," Noctis said shyly.
"Astraea," Aerith said as she looked over the prince and saw Astraea looking down at her feet.
Noctis stepped away Astraea saw this and tried to grab his clothes but failed. She looked at him pleading to help her.
"Sorry.." he whispered as he took another step back.
"Astraea," Aerith called her name this time with more authority.
Astraea jumped and shifted her feet and looked straight at her mother.
"You grounded for a month,"
"A month! that's too much!" she retorted."
"You want to add another month to it?" Aerith said as she crossed her arms.
"No," Astraea uttered and lowered her head.
"Good, now, I will be taking hunter's badge,"
"What!" she looked up as she saw her mother staring down at her, "Fine," she mumbled and unclipped the necklace, "How about my dagger, do I need to surrender it?" Astraea said as she pulled out the dagger from her waist.
"How did you get that?" Aerith asked as she grabbed both items.
"It was laying beside me, so grab it by instinct after all hunter is always ready for any," Astraea smile innocently.
"It was lying beside you?" Aerith tilted her head, "I thought I hide it in the -" Aerith stopped as she saw Reno in her peripheral vision looking from the outside. She glared at him knowing that Reno is the one who took the dagger and put it beside Astraea while she was sleeping. Reno just smiled and duck down.
"What are you looking at mother?" Astraea turned towards the window only to see nothing but the clear blue sky.
"Nothing my dear," Aerith bent down and brushed away the hair her face and tucked it behind her ear, "Are you sure your okay?"
"Yes, mother, you don't have to worry about me," she smiled and hugged her mother Aerith return the hug and gently stroke her hair.
"Excuse me Mrs. Lumina," Noctis said in a low voice.
They both turned to him as they break their embrace, "May I borrow Astraea for a while, I want her to meet my friends,"
Aerith smiled at him "Of course, Your Highness," she pushed Astraea towards him,"
Astraea eyes hovered around the room to see three people she does not know, seeing this Astraea took a step back. Noctis saw this without thinking he grabbed Astraea right hand and pulled her and as they walk over the coffee table. Without thinking as her anxiety kicks in, she stopped and yanked her hand from the prince's grip.
"Astra?" Noctis looked back at her and saw how anxious she was, "Are you ok-"
Prompto suddenly jumped between them and introduced himself.
"Hello!" Prompto greeted with cheerful voice, "I'm Prompto, Prompto Argentum, The Prince's classmate, and best friend," Prompto smiled and went for a hug.
Astraea eyes flickered as she took a step back. Noctis saw it he stepped in front of Prompto and he pushed him back by holding his right hand to the blonde's face.
"Ouch! What's that for Noct?" Prompto pouted as he stepped back. But his expression changed when she saw Astraea face. "Oh.. are you alright, did I say or do something wrong?" Prompto said his cheerful voice became low and sad.
"What no!" Astraea whispered as she took a step forward. "I just a little nervous, I don't like meeting new people and my anxiety is very high right now."
"Oh," Prompto said as he scratched the back of his head. "I know the feeling," he muttered as he looked at her.
Astraea saw how sad Prompto is so she took a deep breath and walked forward.
"Nice to meet you Prompto, Noctis did tell me about you," Astraea said with a smile as she extended her right hand. "I'm Astraea...Astraea Lumina, but you can call me Astra,"
Prompto face lit up as he grabbed her hand with both hands and shook it eagerly.
"Really, nice to meet you too! so what things did Noct told you about me?"
"Well," Astraea glanced at Noctis who's standing by her side, Noctis smiled and nodded at her. Astraea then turned to Prompto and gave him a sweet smile. "Well, he said that you were quite a chubby one in your middle school days that you changed yourself just to be friends with him,"
"WHAT!" Prompto cheeks turn red as he looked at Prince, "No fair Noct! You said you never tell anyone about that!"
"I never did promise a thing," Noctis chuckled.
Prompto crossed his arms and pouted, Astraea and Noctis glanced at each then burst out laughing.
"Hey stop laughing!" Prompto whined his cheeks become redder by the second.
It caused another burst of laughter from the two. Prompto just slumped his shoulders in defeat.
"Ahem…" Prompto looked back to see Gladiolus standing behind him. So he stepped aside to give him space to walk through. As the two teens stop laughing and compose themselves.
"Astraea, this is Gladiolus Amicitia," Noctis step forward and gestured to him.
Astraea gazed up at Gladiolus, "Amicitia?" she thought as she looked him in the eye for several seconds that when it hit her. She remembered what Noctis told her back in the diner. "Amicitia, you mean the shield's son!"
"Yes, but call me Gladio for short, Lady Astraea," Gladio smiled at her as he extended a hand.
Astraea gulped as she remembered what she did in the training room, "Sorry about knocking you out in the training room the other day," Astraea shook in his hand slowly.
"What Gladio got knocked out?" Prompto piped.
"Yup, Astraea knocked him out cold," Noctis snickered beside Prompto.
Gladio glanced down and glared daggers at them. Both teens gulped nervously and straightened themselves up and back away from the future shield.
Seeing how angry Gladio was Astraea quickly bowed her head down, "I'm very very sorry Sir, Amicitia. I didn't mean to do it, I was caught off guard and my instinct kicked in," she apologized profusely as her hair started flickering again.
"Woah. Woah… I not angry Lady Astraea, please to do that," Gladio gently put his hand on her shoulder not to startle her. Astraea looked up to see him smiling, "To be honest I'm very impressed, maybe you can teach the Prince a thing or two about fighting, after all, you save him right?" Gladio glanced at the Prince, "I thought the Prince should do the saving, not the Princess," Gladio smirked at Noctis.
"What did you say!" Noctis raised his voice and marched to him, "I did save her, I'm just not that good enough, that means your training is not good either!"
"It's that so, Your Highness," Gladio crossed his arms, "How about we train a lot more now and increase your difficulty level,"
"Okay, you're on Gladio!"
The future shield just smiled at him, "I will be expecting a lot more from you now Noct, we will train every day after you shoulder heal, got it?"
"Okay, then just don't be surprised if I beat your ass in the future," Noctis answer with confidence.
"Can I join?" Astraea asked with a sweet and charming smile.
"Of course Lady Astraea," Gladio said as he bowed down.
"Can you please stop calling me Lady Astraea, you can call me Astraea better yet call me Astra" she smiled at him.
"If that what lady requested then I will follow,"
"Thank you, Sir, Amicitia,"
"I told you to call me Gladio, La-" Gladio stopped, "I mean Astra," Gladio smiled and winked at her.
Astraea just smiled back at him, "Okay Gladio, and nice to meet you and sorry again for knocking you out," she extended her hand again and Gladio gladly took it and shook it.
"Don't worry about it and I will be expecting you in training in the future Astra,"
"Sure, can't wait for that," they both smiled at each other.
"Pardon me, Gladio," Ignis said behind Gladio, Gladio turned around to see Ignis on his feet and looking at Astraea.
"I believe it's my turn to introduce myself," Ignis said while stepping forward the future shield step aside to let him through and Ignis stopped and stood in front of Astraea and smile gently at her.
Noctis stepped forward, "I almost forget Astra this is my adviser and crownsguard," Noctis said as he gestured to Ignis. "Igni-" Astraea spoke up and not let the prince finished.
"You meet actually in the hallway right?"
"Yes, It was me," Ignis said, "Are you alright, we bumped into each other pretty hard," Ignis said with a concerned tone.
"Actually, I bumped into you and I'm fine," Astraea smiled shyly and held her hand, "I'm Astraea, Astraea Lumina, but you can call me Astra,"
"Ignis Scientia, Milady," Ignis bowed and took her hand but instead of shaking it he kissed, "Astraea is such a beautiful name, I don't want to shorten it, can I call you in your full name Lady Astraea?" Ignis questioned as he rose up and gazed at her eyes intently and not letting go on her hand.
Astraea gazed back at him, "Ahh.. well.." she stuttered as Ignis keep gazing at her, she locked eyes at him they stay like that for a minute, like everything in the room vanished and like they are the only two people in the room. Astraea's eyes slowly turning into crimson it reflected into Ignis's emerald eyes.
"Beautiful…" she thought as she felt something inside her, open up and she felt nostalgic. Another minute past Astraea eyes is now fully crimson and as the two still looking at each other, not minding stares they got from the people in the room.
"Ahem.." Noctis cleared his throat loudly that snapped the two from their trance as Astraea eyes returned to normal.
Astraea withdrew her hand and held it close to her chest, "If you want Mr. Scientia you can call me that, but please drop the Lady part" Astraea cheeks blushed as she turned her head sideways.
"Alright then, you don't have to call me Mr. Scientia just call me Ignis," Ignis smiled warmly at her she turned to him and smiled back, "I almost forgot, I would like to return this," Ignis took a red ribbon out his pocket and handed it to Astraea. She saw the red ribbon her smiled widened.
"I was looking for that thank you.." Astraea took the ribbon, "I thought I lost it," Astraea said while tying her hair into a high ponytail. "That better.." she said she twirled around and her hair swaying gracefully.
"Beautiful.." Ignis whispered but enough to be heard in the whole room. The room went silent, Astraea stopped and looked at him. Ignis noticed this and straighten his tie awkwardly, "You must be hungry Astraea, have eaten yet?" Ignis questioned.
"No.." Astraea answered and turned to Noctis who looking at Ignis in a weird way, "What about you Noct, have you eaten?"
Noctis turned his attention to her, "No, not yet, if you want we can eat togt-"
The Prince could not finish his sentence when they heard a knock in the room. Clarus opened it and Reno stepped inside. "Your Majesty, the snacks are ready in the dining hall,"
Regis stood up and gestured towards the door, "Shall we?"
The five teens nodded and followed the King and his shield as they exited the room. Reno just stood at doors as the four boys pass him. Astraea and her mother are the last people to leave the room Astraea stopped and looked at him.
"You Sinclair right, Reno Sinclair?"
"Yes, Milady, is there something wrong," Reno asked as Astraea keep looking at him.
"I remembered you having red hair and a pony and your eyes are blue and have marks on your cheek," Astraea said as she stepped closer to examine Reno's face.
"Sorry I don't know what you're talking about milady, I always have this eye and hair color, it must be the heat in the desert."
"No, I really remember you having red hair," Astraea said while scratching her chin.
"Astra what taking you so long, let go I'm hungry!" Noctis called out to her from the hallway.
"Coming!" Astraea called back, "Well if you said so nice seeing you again Mr. Sinclair,"
"Please call me Reno," he smiled at her and she smiled back and ran after the prince. Reno took a deep sigh of relief. "That was close,"
"Are you really that afraid that Astraea will remember you?" Aerith asked a stopped beside him.
"Yes terrified, I don't know how she will react," Reno said a scratch his cheeks.
"Sooner or later you have to tell her even just a little bit after all by the way she looked at you she clearly remembered you,"
"I know but if that time comes, I hope she can accept me and her fate,"
"I know she can do that I have faith in her," Aerith paused as she held her hand on her heart "You must be hungry you want to join us?" Aerith asked as she followed her daughter.
"I liked that," Reno said as he closed the door.
…
In the dining hall and maids and the chef had prepared a small fest for the fast recovery of the Prince and Lady Astraea. Noctis held a chair of Astraea and her mother and they took it and Astraea sat middle between the prince and her mother while the other three sat in front of them. Regis took and seat in the middle of the dining table as he looked at the teens enjoying their snack. Astraea stopped eating and went to Reno who's standing in the door with Clarus.
"Here, Reno who must be hungry," Astraea said as she handed him a plate of chicken sandwich. Reno glanced down at the plate and shook his head. "Thanks, Lady Astraea, I not hungry," Astraea pouted, "I said don't call me Lady anymore just Astra!" Reno laughed, "Okay then Astra, but I not really hungry but thanks anyway," Astraea puff and turned her heels and went at the table and continue eating.
After a minute Mecia and Claudia walked in pushing serving table on wheels with different drinks on it. "Is there anything you like to drink?"Mecia asked as she bowed down.
"Yes, soda for me please," Noctis said.
"Me too.."Prompto piped up.
"Coldwater for me please," Gladio raised in his hand.
"What about you Astra and Sir Scientia?" Claudia asked as she walked behind Astraea.
"Coffee for me.." both Astraea and Ignis said in unison. They both looked surprised and looked at each other.
"And what kind of coffee?" Mecia added.
"Ebony," They answered in unison again.
"Here you go," both maids handed them their drink and they took it and thank the maids after.
"You like coffee?" Ignis asked with raised eyebrows as he was seated in front of her.
"Yes, I loved it," Astraea answered with a smile. "I kinda got it from my parents, Hunters really love their coffee,"
"Well then, you must come with me to my favorite coffee shop, they serve a huge variety of coffee, you will love it Astraea," Ignis stated as he smiled at her.
"Of course I would love that but-" she paused and looked at her mother, "After I'm done being grounded of course."
"Certainly, I will wait for that day, Astraea,"
Astraea cheeks blush red again and lowered her head and drink her coffee. Gladio opposite of Aerith whistle to Prompto who sitting in front of the Prince. The blonde turned to him, Gladio to gestured his eyes to him to look at the prince. Who now giving his advisor death stares as Ignis continued having a conversation with Astraea.
Prompto saw this a grin ran across his face."Are you okay Noct?"
"Noctis turned to him, "Yes why?"
"Well, looks like you going to kill Ignis with your eyes." Prompto leaned in the table whispered to him. "Are you jealous?"
"What no I'm not!" Noctis shouted.
Both Ignis and Astraea stop and looked at him
"What wrong Noct?" Astraea asked.
"Nothing, my shoulder is just aching but I'm fine, just continue eating," Noctis said and smiled at her.
Both Prompto and Gladio grinned at Noctis, the Prince just glared at them.
While adults are just watching the teens in silence with a smile on their faces. The five teens exchanged happy and cheerful conversations after a while the King decided to go and to attend the council meeting. So the King left with his shield with Aerith. Leaving just Reno to watch the five teens alone. A smile ran across Reno's face when he saw Astraea smiling and enjoying the company of the four boys. But that changed when Prompto projected Astraea the video of her fighting. Astraea happy and cheerful demeanor changed state of panic and fear. Her hair and eyes started to flicker erratically as her body temperature rose up and she stepped away from them.
"Astra are you okay?" Noctis asked as he held a hand towards her.
"No! stop don't go near me!" Astraea screamed a hint of fear visible in her voice. Astraea shakily revealed to them about her past, how the people of Galahd treated her after knowing what she can do and what Kadaj and his brother did, that she burned the entire island and hurt so many people in the process. She feared that the people of Insomnia will daemonize her and send her and her mother away.
The four boys' eyes widen as they went to her side immediately to comfort her.
"Don't think like that Astra!" Prompto said as he projected her the comments of the video. They are all positive and they even want to meet in person.
"Yes, Prompto is right, but if some people will not want you and hurt you, will be right here to protect you," Gladio said as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"Gladio is right, we will protect you, Astra," Noctis said sincerely as he hugged her.
Astraea just stood there her hair and eyes stop flickering.
"Really? You don't fear me?" Astraea asked as her tears started to fall.
"Fear you? no, we won't do that, I promise," Noctis reassumed her as rubbed her back gently.
"His Highness is right always here for you, after all, we're friends now Astraea," Ignis said as he gazed into her eyes and handed her a handkerchief.
Astraea stopped crying and wipe her tears she then looked at each of them and smiled. "Thank you…"
The four boys just smiled back at her and they continue their conversation in the dining table.
"You in good hands Astraea.." Reno thought as he watched in silence. "You will be alright,"
When Astraea was able to calm down she asked Noctis if he can show her the sky bridge she was not able to see it. Noctis happily accepted it and now they headed towards the door. When Aerith came back and stopped them. Aerith said that the King and the council wanted an audience with her. Astraea went into panic once again this time her mother is the one who comforted her and said that everything will be alright that they just want to see her in person. Astraea with her mother and the four boys encouragement she said yes. Now the six of them in now heading towards the council room with Reno walking behind them. They are riding the elevator when Reno heard the King speaking to him telepathically.
"Reno, there is a problem."
"What is it, Your Majesty," Reno answered back.
"The council wanted to know where Astraea got her power, they started to fear her now if this continues I will not be able to protect her, Reno,"
"Leave it to me, Your Majesty, maybe it's time to let the people know about Solheim, just play along with me.." Reno said as he glanced at Astraea who's holding Noctis hand. He saw how anxious and the fear in her eyes. "I know this will be a great burden for you Astraea, but this is the only way to protect you." Reno thought as they exited the elevator and continued to walk towards the council room. When they arrived they saw the council members with a few palace people Including Cor, Quistis and her two maids. Astraea noticed the three Kingsglaives standing near the column. All the people turned to them when they entered the room. Their gaze fixated at the Fire Maiden, Astraea saw this she trembled inside while backing away but Reno to stop her and put two reassuring hands in her shoulder and push her inside. Two council members gave their seats for Astraea and The Prince they took a seat at the end of the long table. While his friends and Aerith stood behind them with Reno. Astraea lowered her head down as the King started to talk.
"Were are here today to talk about the recent event if there is any question, you can speak," Regis said with authority.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty," Drautos raised his hand all the attention turned to him, "This is a secret meeting why is there civilian here," Drautos said as he looked towards the three teens.
"They are our friends and if we will talk about Astraea future in the Citadel, I want them to be here, we promise Astra to protect her," Noctis said as he glared at the captain in the Kingsglaive in the eye. Before Drautos could speak Regis took the lead.
"The prince is right, I will allow them to listen, after all, they know about Astraea ability now there no hiding it," Regis said as he gazed at Astraea who's head is still lower.
"If that what you wish Your Majesty," Drautos said as he bowed down.
"Your Majesty I have a question," the councilwoman spoke up, "Lady-Astraea?" she turned to her.
Astraea jolted up and looked at the councilwomen with tears in her eyes.
"Yes.." she whispered.
"First of all thank you for saving the crown prince, but I question where do you ability come from and do you have full control all it?"
Astraea eyes started to blink as her anxiety is now raising up, "Sorry but I don't know where my ability came from and yes I can control it but.." she paused and looked down at her hands that started to shake. "Sometimes I will lose control of it, if my emotions got out of hand."
After saying that the council members started to murmured, Astraea now in the state of going into a full-blown panic attack. Reno saw and this stepped forward.
"If I may, I have the answers to your questions," Reno said as he walked towards the middle of the table.
"And who are you?" Drautos questioned.
"Sinclair…. Reno Sinclair, Astraea personal Crownsguard," he bowed down towards the council while bowing he caught a glimpse of Astraea who was looking at him wide-eyed he just smiled at her as he rose up and look at Drautos, "And you are?"
"I'm Titus Drautos captain of the kingsglaive."
"Captain of the glaives huh…" Reno said as he looked behind him and saw the three glaives at the diner he smiled at them, but Nyx, Libertus and Crowe just glared at him. Reno just shrugged his shoulders and turned towards the councilwoman.
"I have the answer, but are all of you willing to listen and keep this a secret?" The council's members just looked at him, "Because the fate of Eos is depended on it," he said as he leaned his hands on the table, "Before I go, promise me that things I am going to reveal here will stay a secret, nobody outside the room can know," Reno said as he gazed at every person in the room and landed lastly on the King. The council's members turned toward the King.
"The council will promise that," The council members nodded at King remarked.
Reno turned towards the three teens.
"You have my word," Ignis said in the back.
"Yeah, I promise to," Prompto nervously said.
"As the future shield, I promise, Sinclair."
Then Reno turned towards the Glaives.
"We are loyal to the King, we won't say a thing," Nyx answered.
Reno then turned towards the very back to Cor and the other, They all nodded their head and said in unison, "We promise,"
"Everyone is now sworn to secrecy, go ahead Sinclair,"
"Well then thank you, Your Majesty, so let's start on where it all began, does anyone of you know about an ancient civilization called Solheim?"
"I know" Ignis raised his hand, Astraea turned her gaze at him, "It's history lesson here in the Citadel, That the Solheim is the old civilization 2000 years ago. They worship the Infernian, Ifrit the God of Fire," Ignis paused and looked at Reno.
Reno looked at him, "Okay.. please continue,"
Ignis then gazed around and continue, "They said they that Ifrit bestowed his knowledge upon them, they flourished but in the end, their King become power-hungry and betrayed the God of Fire. Ifrit wanted to destroy them because of their insolent and he did not stop on Solheim, he wanted to kill off all humans so the other Astrals went to war with him, does the war of the Astrals happened."
"Betrayed huh?" Reno whispered, Astraea then turned to him she saw the hurt in his eyes and pain in his voice. "Yes, that was the history of Solheim, but what if that history is fake?"
This earned murmured around him. Reno stopped leaning on the table and pull out a small circular blue and golden sphere in his pocket. (FFX Memory Sphere). "Let me tell you what really happened…" Reno slid the sphere in the center of the table. It's lit up and projected a projection of the map of Eos. "But first Let me start when our World Eos itself is still young, they said they are only six Astrals but the truth is there are eight each represents an element that gives life into the world." The sphere projected each element and its symbols as Reno stated them.(Final Fantasy XI elements symbols.)
"Fire, Ice, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Water, Light and Dark" Reno eyes sharpen as he said the last element.
"Wind and Dark? there no record about the Astrals bearing those elements?" Regis asked.
"Of course they will no record because they were destroyed,"
This earned a few bewildered look from the people inside the room. Reno just sighed and continued. "Let me introduce the eight Astrals," every time Reno named an Astrals the projection changed in the image of that Astrals.
"Ifrit, The Infernian, Fickle as Fire."
"Shiva, The Glacian, gentle as snow."
"Garuda, The Windcean, sleepless as the wind." (Final Fantasy Dimensions II, Wreig version 2)
"Titan, The Archean, steadfast as stone,"
"Ramuh, The Fulgurian, sharp as lightning,"
"Leviathan, The Hydraean, relentless as tides."
"Bahamut, The Draconian, unbending as iron,"
"Diabolos, The Darkian, silence as night," (Final Fantasy Brave Exvius)
"Those are the Eight Astrals long ago they looked after Eos with the helped of their crystals Eos flourished, all was worshipped by the early people of Eos. But one wanted all the attention, Diabolos dubbed by the other Astrals as the Dark messenger for every time he appeared before men, war and famine followed because Diabolos feed into the negative emotions of humans especially fear and anger. Diabolos wanted to more powerful than the other Astrals and wanted to rule over Eos. So planned to kill the Other Astrals and to corrupt their crystal, first, he attacked the Garuda. The Windcean did not want him to have her crystal so she destroyed her own crystal, this anger diabolos so he corrupted her and turned her into a daemon."
He paused as looked at the image of Garuda from changing form.(FFX Garuda boss)
"The other Astrals went to war with him and Eos has turned asunder, he was defeated his crystal destroyed and he was locked away deep inside his own realm of darkness and the Wind Goddess have disappeared never to be seen again. The six were left to governed Eos and looked after its people. With the help of the six crystal Eos flourished has again."
The projection changed into the six crystal it hovered and spun around them.
"That is..." Noctis said as he pointed as the blue and violet crystal hovering above the king.
"Yup, Bahamut's Crystals, The Crystal of Light."
Eos flourished once again under their watchful eyes and the people of Eos recover and created new settlements around Eos. But some people still have the influence of Diabolos, they want power and went to war, killing, conquering other people for their selfless desires. Because of this the other Astrals started scorned them only but one,"
The photo changed turned into an image Ifrit and Reno continue as he started to walk around the table slowly.
"The Infernian started to admire them, their will to live and the strength of their heart. So he decided to grant his blessing into one who deserved it. The God of Fire sent his flames all over Eos and seek the rightful one, the People's Champion." The photo changed again and return to the map of Eos. Every time Reno named a place in light up on the map.
"First landed on Solheim, the second was in Nibelheim(Insomnia), third was on Alfheim(Tenebrae), Fourth was on Balfonheim(Altissia) and last was Elheim(Gralea)"
When the final light appeared it earned a few gasps from people in the room.
"Gralea the capital of The Empire of Niflheim?" Regis asked.
"Yup," Reno said as he started to walk around the table and stop again at the center. "May I continue?" Regis just nodded as the people around them watch in silence. "So the other four with their people went to Solheim where Ifrit flames first appeared, the God of Fire appeared before the people and he chose one from the five. He chose the one from Solheim, starting that day that person was known to be the very first Champion of the Astrals, the Warrior Of Light. The Infernian bestowed his flames and knowledge upon that man and his crystal and the small and quiet little town of Solheim turned into a huge civilization welcoming everyone with open arms. The champion of Ifrit became their King and rule the land with Love, Hope, and Courage and I'm honored to introduce to you the King and Queen of Solheim" Reno took a deep breath and looked at Astraea, "Please don't, please don't remember…" Reno took a final glance at Astraea, "Vincent and Lucrecia Izunia…." The sphere projected the photo of Vincent and Lucrecia. (FF7: Dirge of Cerberus the very first picture if will see if your search vincent valentine and Lucrecia crescent on google).
"The Izunia Family became well known and was loved by their people and respected by other nations. The sphere projected the photo of the Family Crest of Izunia.(The fanfic cover photo( Two Phoenix Silhouette facing each other, red on the right and blue on the left and in the middle is a red lotus flower.)
"Izunia…...?" Astraea murmured her gaze not leaving the projection.
Reno heard it and his heart stops "No...no….no…. did you remember already?" Reno thought went into overdrive as he started to sweat as he glanced down at Astraea ready for her reaction "No please don't….. Please don't…."
Astraea is about to open her mouth to say something but Drautos was the first to ask a question.
"So did they betrayed Ifrit or not?"
Reno's eyes narrowed at him as he clenched his fist. Astraea saw this and wanted to say something but Reno just chuckled, "No.." he snickered at Drautos, "In fact, people of Solheim help the other settlements and shared the power of Ifrit's Crystal. Solheim became the center of Eos. Solheim became an advance nation, They build unique structured the defy physic, building massive buildings that towered towards the sky, and created machine technology, like airships and magitek armor, invited and improve medication." The sphere projected the photo of Solheim and its location(Disc of Cauthess).
"So Solheim was located in the Disc of Cauthess?" Regis interjected.
"Yes, Your Majesty,"
"So that the reason why we can't find Solheim," Regis stated.
"Yes again, Because Solheim was been destroyed and together with its real history,"
"So if the Solheimian people did not betray Ifrit, who did and who did destroy them?" Astraea finally spoke after being silent for so long.
Reno turned to her and smiled sadly, "A person who wanted to be more powerful and greater than the Gods they worshiped." Reno stopped and took a deep breath, "In the years to follow Solheim became the pillar of the World of Eos, but that peace did not last long," The sphere projected Diabolos.
"Diabolos" Reno snarled, "He was locked away but was able to send influences with his power he created new being we called now Daemons." The sphere show daemons. "These daemons started to appear every night attacking and killing the people of Eos. But there is a place where daemon could not go Sol-"
"Solheim…" Astraea was the one who finished Reno's sentence.
"That's right, Lady Astraea," Reno smiled at her again and turned towards the council once again. "Because of Ifrit's Crystal and his flames, the people of Solheim was safe from the daemon and they want to save other too, so the King of Solheim ordered his people to build massive buildings around Eos and to put Ifirit's flames on top and this building acted like giant beacon that shined a light making the daemons cowered in fear and disappeared into the darkness. One of these towers was the Costlemark tower." The sphere projected destroyed Costlemark tower.
"This helped the people of Eos to drive away from the daemon, but Diabolos is not finished yet so he created a plague a sickness that turned people into Daemon, this plague targeted the people that have a weak hearts and the one who was evil in their heart. When the plague started the people to Solheim turned to their God Ifrit, then Ifrit turned towards the Other Astrals. Ifrit requested them to help the people of Eos and give them their blessing and crystals for his crystals can't do this alone. Ifrit's benevolence warmed Shiva's heart, who likewise came to love humans and fell in love with Ifrit, she decided to give her blessing and her crystal to the rightful one and thus the other Astrals followed. But the other Astraeal don't trust humans so much so they decided to grant them the light of their crystal but not their blessing. The other Astrals descended from the Astral realm and gave their crystal to the people of Eos,"
Reno paused and looked up as the sphere projected the map of Eos once again. Every time Reno named a place it's light up again.
"Bahamut granted his crystal to the people of Nibelheim(Insomnia), Shiva to the people of Alfheim(Tenebrae), Titan the people of Ancheim(Lestallum), Leviathan to the people of Balfonheim(Altissia) and lastly Ramuh to the people of Elheim(Gralea). With their crystal lighting up the night and daemon disappeared and Eos is safe once again. Astrals went into slumber but they did not realize that the darkness is growing strong under their absent" Reno paused again to catch his breath, "But unlike Solheim, the Other nations did not prosper like them, so one of these nations started to envied Solheim and its people, their ruler planned to attack Solheim and take Ifrit's crystal for their own,"
"Sound familiar, let me guess this nation was Elheim," Astraea said as she glared at the map showing Elheim(Gralea).
"Correct!" Reno snapped his left finger.
This earned murmured around the room. Reno did not mind this and continue his story.
"So Elheim tried to drain Ramuh's Crystal but they failed but someone helped them it was Diabolos, he granted them the power to control the daemons and help them to corrupt Ramuh's Crystals as long as they promise to free him after they killed the other Astrals. Diabolos told them that the Crystal is the source of the power of the Astrals, destroyed it and it will weaken them and they will be able to kill them. So with the help of the God of Darkness, Elheim created their own version of Solheim technology,"
"Who did they get that technology?" Astraea asked.
"Well, like a said the people of Solheim were good people they open their arms for anyone who needed help, Elheimians took this advantage and stole their technology and because people of Solheim are peaceful people and pacifist don't want conflict so they did not create any weapons. but the Elheim did the exact opposite after obtaining the written technology of Solheim, the ruler of Elheim started to build massives weapons not only to destroy Solheim but to kill the Astrals dubbed as the Omega weapon," the sphere projected the Omega weapon.
Reno paused again and closed his eyes slowly and open them again, Astraea could see that Reno is hurting, she could feel his sadness, his anger, and pain, but she did not say anything about it and continue to listen to his story.
"After five years Solheim were celebrating their founding of their nation and the coronation of their King, the other nations attended the grand celebration, but one was missing, at the middle of the happy celebration, Elheim with their own version of their weapon and aircraft unleash hell towards the people of Solheim, The celebration turned into a bloodbath, and almost half of its people were killed in the first attacked. The ruler of Solheim safeguard the older nation's leader and lead them to safety." Reno paused again clenched his fist. "The people of Solheim can't defend themselves or fight back, so the King sacrificed himself called upon the leader of Elheim to leave his people alone, and fight him head-on."
"So what happened to the king?" Regis asked.
"He fought the leader of Elhiem in the throne room, but because of the leader of Elheim did not fight fair and uses the daemon to attacked, the king of Solheim was defended, but before he dies he does not want Ifrit's crystal to be corrupted so with his last strength he shattered Ifrit's crystal and Ramuh's as while. It has woken up the Infearnian, The God of Fire appeared before the throne room and saw his champion dead and Solheim in ruins. But the army of Elheim was ready for him before he can avenge his people. Elheim used the omega weapon against him, It did not kill him but it wounded him severely and with his weakened body and heart," The sphere projected the daemonize Ifrit. "Diabolos was able to corrupt him and took control over him with daemonize Ifrit, Elheim laid waste on Solheim killing its remaining people, the other nation went to help them, but was overpowered by their technology and having a God with them, insured them victory. But other Astrals were awakened from their slumber and help the people of Eos thus the War of the Astrals happened once again."
"So what happened?" Astraea asked.
"The war lasted for one year and it turned Eos asunder once again. But with the help of the Astrals, they able to defend the people of Elheim and destroyed everything they built. As for Ifrit who still being controlled by Diabolos summoned a massive meteor to end all life in Eos," the sphere projected a massive Meteor(FF14 Dalamud). "The four Astrals used the power of their crystal to destroy the Meteor. They are able to destroy it but a huge part still plummeted towards Solheim luckily The Archean was able to catch it before it hit the ground but it destroyed what is left of Solheim thus the Disc of Cauthess was born,"
Reno stopped and glanced at Astraea looking for any reaction but Astraea is just looking at the projection with an emotionless face. He took a deep breath and continue. "The War of the Astrals ended with the defeat of the God of Fire, Ifrit, The other Astrals knew what really happened to him so they pay respect and laid his body on top of rock of Ravatogh, and they used the last of the strength of their crystal to seal the Spirit of Diabolos back into the realm of darkness it cause their crystal to shattered and it's weakened them and went to slumber once again."
Reno paused and looked at the council members and the room was filled with silence until Astrea spoke.
"So what happened to the people of Solheim, did they survived?"
Reno turned to her and smiled, "Yes, a few of them,"
"The King descendants?"
"They disappeared never to be seen again,"
"So that is the real history of Solheim?"
"Yup,"
"So why did the history books stated the other one,"
"Well Solheim has won the battle but they lost the war, after all, war does not determine who is right...only who is left, After all, Elheim did win, they destroyed Solheim, so the created the fake history about Solheim and make them look good and to erase what they have done"
"That makes sense," Astraea looked down.
"So that the real history of Solheim any question?" Reno looked around the room.
"I have a question," Ignis said in the back of the room.
"Ok then what your question?"
"You said the crystals were shattered so why is the crystal of Bahamut is still intact?"
This earned another murmured from the council members.
"Great question," Reno said as he crossed in his arm, "So the real history of Solheim is now finished let us go to the founding of the Kingdom of Lucis," Reno stopped and looked at the King, Regis nodded at him. "Let start at the end of the war, yes the crystals of the Astrals were destroyed but one was able to survive and that is Bahamut's Crystal, the Crystal of Light." The sphere projected Bahamut's Crystal.
"After the war, people of Solheim were scattered all over Eos but some went to Nibelheim(Insomnia) to start a new life but before Eos could recover, The darkness came back, the people gave its name the Starscourge. Even with Bahamut's Crystals the daemon still became rampant and killed many people. So Bahamut the only Astral who is still awake decided to give his blessing, unlike Ifrit, Bahamut choice two people from two different families….."
"The Caelum and the Fleuret Right?" Astraea said.
"Correct again! the Oracle and the founder King" Reno said as he looked down at Astraea.
"With the help of Bahamut blessing the Champion of Bahamut was able to drive back the daemon with the help of the Oracle, but is still not enough they are overpowered, in the end, the daemon was able to rule Eos, and plunged the world into darkness, with the other Astrals asleep and Bahamut still recovering, hope has been lost but a miracle happened,"
"What kind of Miracle?" Regis asked as he leaned his elbow on the table and put his chin in his hand.
"Like a said the Astrals have their Champion the Warriors of Light remembered?"
All the people in the room nodded at Reno.
"Without knowing Ifrit did send his last flames into the world to seek a new champion,"
"Who was it?" Regis asked again.
"The descendant of the King of Solheim, the new Warrior Of Light, The bearer of Ifrit's flames. With the help of the new warrior of Light, The Izunia, Caelum, and Fleuret were able to defeat the daemons and drive away the Starscourge and light shined once again in Eos." Reno pause again and looked at Astraea who's in deep thought.
"Are those dreams I'm having?" Astraea thought "but why?"
"So what happened after?" Astraea snapped out of her thoughts and turned to Noctis who asked the question.
"The Kingdom of Lucis has risen from the ashes of Solheim and the Insomnia was born."
"So what happened to the champion of Ifrit?" Noctis asked again.
"Well, the champion disappeared never to be seen again and erased themselves in history,"
"Why?" Astraea was the one who asked.
"Maybe the descendant of the King blamed themselves for what happened, so they asked the Caelum to look after their people and continue to rule over Eos with Love, Hope, And Courage and that what the Founder King did. Eos flourished once again and you know what happened after that…" Reno finally relaxed "That is the real history of Eos, so any questions?"
The whole plunged into deep silences as they all are absorbing all the information they have heard but that Silence was broken when The of the Kingsglaive stood up and looked at Reno.
"Yes, I have one," Drautos asked with a raised eyebrow, "Who do you know about this?"
"Well, that's…." Reno trail off and looked at Astraea, Reno just took a deep breath and exhale loudly he looked at the King without waiting for Regis response, Reno burst into flames his brown hair turn crimson his eyes turned to blue his hair became longer and the marks on his cheeks returned, he graceful bowed to them, "I known this Because I none other than… Ifrit's Messenger,"
The whole room gasped at the revelation Reno stood up and smirked at Drautos, "Any question?"
Drautos slowly took his seat again stayed silent with the whole room until Astraea shouted.
"I was right!" Astraea stood up and pointed at Reno, "I remembered you having red hair!"
Reno smiled, "Sorry about that I was hiding, after all, I need to protect you from the shadow,"
"Protect me why?"
"Well you know that answered to that Fire Maiden,"
Astraea slowly sat down "No.. no….no... that can be.." she murmured "I can't be the descent-."
"Descendant of the champion of Ifrit, the bearer of his Flames, that's who you are and where your ability is from Astraea, You are the Champion of Ifrit, the Warrior of Fire, The Fire Maiden," Reno walked over to her and took knee using one leg and bowed down. "I will be your shield and protector, I'm your guardian, Fire Maiden, I will protect you even if my life will be the cause." Reno held his hand towards her.
The room stayed silent waiting for Astraea reaction. Astraea eyes and hair started to flickered it stop went she clenched her trembling hand. Astraea suddenly stood up and walked towards the door. Reno stood up and looked at her as he passed him.
"Astraea where are you going?" Noctis stood up and ready to follow her went Astraea held a hand and stop him in his tracks.
"A need a minute….." Astraea said and continued to walk away, she opened the door and closed it behind her.
The people of the room looked at each other waiting for anyone to talk. Reno just leaned his left hand in the table at started drumming his fingers. "1….2….3…." Reno counted in his head.
Noctis looked over his friends and ready to walk towards the door when…
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Astraea screamed at the top of her lungs, her scream echoes in the entire hallway and the whole Citadel making the other staff jump into their feet and the birds outside the citadel flew off.
Reno chuckled silently, "She still doing that."
A few seconds later Astraea returned and sat down quietly on her seat again. She strengthened her dress and took a deep breath and looked at Reno who's still standing.
"ARE YOUR KIDDING RENO! THIS IS NOT A VERY NICE JOKE!" she bellowed as her hair turned red.
"I'm not joking Astraea," Reno said as he leaned his hands on the table and looked at her. "Everything I said is 100% true," he stopped leaning and walked towards her and held her right hand with both hands. "You are Ifrit's Champion, Fire Maiden,"
Astraea yanked her hand away from his grip "How can you be so sure about that!"
Reno saw Astraea eyes started to flicker, Reno smiled gently at her as he bent down to meet her eyes and held both of her hands. "Without a doubt, you are his descendants, you are an Izunia, I can see it in your eyes and I can sense Ifrit's flames inside of you,"
"But.. but I a nobody.. a monster.." Astraea eyes started to water.
Reno brush it away, "Your not a nobody and you're definitely not a monster, forget everything you experienced in Galahd, You are Ifrit Champion's and you are important and special so stop crying and stand tall," Reno said as he stood up and held his. Astraea wiped her tears away and took Reno's Hand, Reno yanked her up and made her stood at the center of the room.
"Everyone I want you to meet the New Warrior of Light, Ifrit's Champion, The Fire Maiden!"
Everyone was silent nobody is talking, Astraea is about to run away when Regis stood up and walked towards her and stop in front of her. "Your Majesty?" Astraea turned towards the King.
"Welcome to our Kingdom, Fire Maiden, or better yet Princess of Solheim…" Regis greeted her with a bow.
The whole council stood up and bowed down, Astraea eyes widened as he surveyed the room all the people are bowing to her, her mother, the three Kingsglaive and even her new friends.
"PRINCESS!" She screamed as eyes and hair turned fully red.
"Yup, did you forgot, your the descendant of the King of Solheim so technically your a Princess…" Reno snickered.
"No...no….no…" Astraea held her hand up, "I did not want part of the nobility is the first place now you saying I'm a Royalty, how can I be a princess? I don't have a kingdom, Solheim was destroyed and… and..." she stammered as he looked around the room, "I just don't want to be a Princess no thank you!, I better of being the Fire Maiden and a hunter period," Astraea stomped her feet and pouted.
"Maybe you're right, no princess will act like that," Reno laughed as he ruffled her hair. Astraea eyes narrowed and did a backflip and kicked Reno is the jaw. Reno felt back on the marble floor.
The room went quiet "Don't do that I hate when people touch my hair with permission!" Astraea put her hand on her hip.
Reno just sat up in the ground and smiled at her, "As you wish, Your Highness," he mocked.
"I said stop that!" Astraea ordered him.
Reno marks on the cheeks glowed up, she noticed it and asked, "What is happening to your marks?" she bent down and touch Reno's face. Reno just smiled at her, "It's okay that means I have to follow your command or order, I'm forced to follow your orders for I am your Guardian,"
"Even if it's against your will?"
"Yup, you can order me around and I have no choice but to follow you."
"That no fair, Astraea said as she rose and held her hand, "Okay then I promise not to order you around Reno, as long that you promise to be honest with me,"
Reno took it and rose up and smiled at her, "If you say so, so it's time to reveal my other forms,"
"Your other forms?" Astraea asked with raised eyebrows.
"Yup stay back,"
Both the King and Astraea took a step back as Reno's's body started to engulfed in flames. The Flames started to form a familiar shape, Astraea eyes widen as the final form stood in front of her. Reno is now on is Chocobo form "Remember me?" Reno said.
"Reno?.." Astraea said as she walked and brushed his neck feather, "Wow its really you, I thought you died in the invasion," she hugged him, "But wait that means you been watching me the whole time?" Reno nodded at her. "So are you…." she paused and looked up "You know ... the fire phoenix... that burned down the island,"
"Yup, sorry about that I lose control over my emotions back then, I'm sorry that I did not protect properly in all those years, I'm still weak back then," Reno said as he put his neck around her shoulders and hugged her.
"Its okay Reno, but I did miss you chick form, do you have any form?"
He blinked and smiled, "Yup I have one more," Reno burst into flames once again and turn into his bird form,"
Astraea held her right arm up and Reno gently perched in her arm. "So that reason why they found us in the desert you were following us! are you able to turned into a full phoenix?"
Reno flapped his wings, "Correct again, but for now, I could not fully turn into a phoenix, after all, Ifrit's Crystal was destroyed and we both don't have any source of our power and about that please don't use your power willy nilly. Unlike the Caelum you don't have a crystal to draw power from, that is the reason why you always collapse and fell asleep after you used a certain ability."
"Well that explains it so who can I overcome it and how will control Ifrit's flames,"
"Don't worry, I teach and train you, Fire Maiden," Reno bowed down.
"Ahem…."
Both Astraea and Reno turned behind to see Noctis standing with the King.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot," Reno said as he returned to being a human, "We still have to talk about your fate Fire Maiden and Prince Noctis?"
"Our fate?" Astraea walked over Noctis and stood beside them.
"Yup new prophecy "When darkness veils the world, The Flame, and the Light will be called once more. The bond that was forgotten will be one and the call of the Astrals shall be heard that is your fate Astraea," Reno gazed at her and turned to Noctis "And you Prince Noctis, destined True King, The King of Light, both of you will save Eos and destroyed the darkness once and for all,"
"What are you saying Reno?" Regis asked with a concerned voice.
Both Astraea and Noctis world stopped as they heard Reno revelation as they stood still in silence with the whole room everyone is waiting for Reno answered with bated breath.
A/N: Hello again :) I hope you enjoy this chapter and if you're wondering the name Nibelheim(FF7), Balfonheim(FF12), Elheim(FF1), Alfheim(Final Fantasy Dimension), Ancheim(Bravely Default) are from different Final Fantasy and Square Enix games there are all names of towns. I got the idea about the Crystals when I read the synopsis of the Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Fabula Nova Crystallis and the whole Warriors of Light and Crystals are to pay homage to the early Final Fantasy1-4 games but instead of just four elements, I went to use the eight elements. The champion of Astrals/Warriors is from Dissidia.
I have this story is published too in Wattpad if you want to see the pictures and song covers you can see it there. I have the same account name and the same fanfic title.
To my readers who kept on reading my fanfic and those who made put this on their favorite and alert list, I want to say THANK YOU for supporting my fanfic, especially to Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967 thank you for your reviews. I promise to keep on writing and improving my work.
Hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day!
Next chapter Adagium And The Warriors Of Light