Adagium and The Warriors of Light
"No matter how many people, you may lose, you have no choice but to go in living, No matter how devastating, the blows maybe." Tanjiro Kamado(Demon Slayer)
The room continued to fill with silence as messenger gazed towards the king.
"Are you sure you're going to reveal it now Reno?" Regis asked him telepathically.
"We have no choice now, we just need to be ready." he stopped and his eyes glanced towards Noctis and Astraea, "They have to be ready, I know after this both of them will never have a normal life, they will bear the responsibility of being the Warriors of Light," he returned his gaze towards Regis. "Just followed my lead, Your Majesty."
Regis's kingly demeanor changed into a more parently, Reno could see Regis's eyes soften towards his son. He knows that his final revelation will change the lives of Astraea and Noctis in a big way and the lives of their loved one too, but he does not have a choice, he needs them to be ready, and as a messenger of the Astrals, he needs to accomplish his mission, to tell the truth, and protect the future of Eos, which is the King of Light and The Fire Maiden. Reno's face turned into a frown as he remembered all that fire maiden has been thought, her suffering and trouble she went through all the lives that have been lost just to start all over again. He does not want it if he will be the one making the decisions he will wish her to have a normal life, away from darkness, grief, and suffering. He does not want her to remember her past to keep her safe but fate has already in action and there is no stopping it the only thing he can do is to be with her in every step in the way.
"Reno.."
The mention of his name, made red-haired flinched a bit as Astraea touched his shoulder, he turned to her and saw her looking at him questionably. "Are you okay?"
He just smiled at her, "Yes, please take your seat, Princess.." he guided her into her seat, she wanted to protest but seeing Reno happy demeanor changed into a more serious and sad one, she let it slipped and took a seat again Noctis did the same. After making sure she is comfortable Reno helped King Regis to his seat. He then returned to the center of the table and glanced around the room.
"I will say it again, nothing will leave this room, all of you are sworn to secrecy," Reno's blue eyes became fierce as he gazed at everybody his voice low and threatening.
The members of the council shifted into their seats, as they saw his eyes. Prompto gulped and stepped closer towards the future shield, Gladio and Ignis straightened themselves. Cor and Aerith's eyes glanced into each other, they never saw Reno acting his way, they only saw his cheerful and fun side but now the man standing in front of them is different his presence is more on being the messenger of the Astrals not being Astraea's guardian. Mecia, Claudia, and Quistis just lowered their heads down to avoid his intense glare. The glaives were surprised too as they can feel his threatening presence. They just stood straight and looked at him. Astraea wanted to say something but the King was the first to speak.
"You have our word, messenger, nothing will leave this room," Regis spoke in the more regal matter.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he bowed towards him, "I want to make sure after all don't want to kill anyone here," he nonchalantly dictated, "I will do anything to protect the future of Eos, and its champions," he finished as he stood straight.
The room plunged into an eerie silence, as all the people were surprised by messenger's words. They all looked at him wide-eyed, Reno's face is straightforward and emotionless, they understood he meant what he said and nobody wanted to react even King Regis is speechless.
"Reno.." Astraea soft voice broke the silence in the room.
The messenger turned to her, he could see the fear in her eyes, this softens his reaction, he lowers his guard down and smiled at her.
"Sorry, might be going a little too far," his voice is now softer and inviting.
Astraea just nodded at him, he bowed at her and bowed towards the council, "I apologize for rude behavior, I just want to make sure, the future is safe,"
Regis sighed, "You don't have to apologize, messenger, you're just doing your job."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he replied and then turned to both Astraea and Noctis, "Well then lets us continue, but promise me, princess, that you won't lose control," she nodded straightened herself up in the chair and ready herself, Noctis did the same. After making sure everyone is ready to listen Reno took something out of his suit and handed it to his master.
"Cosmogony?" she asked as she put the book down on and table and started to skim it.
Noctis leaned it to look, "Yes, I remembered now, I and Luna talked about that book when we were little,"
"Luna?" she turned to him.
"Yes, Luna," Noctis saw the confession in her face he remembered that he did not mention Luna to her so he corrected himself, "I mean Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret,"
"The Oracle?"
"Yes, she always told me that Am the chosen King, The King of Light that will purge the darkness away," Noctis said as he took the book away from her, flipped it on the last page, where the verse of 15: 2 Nadir is located. "I never thought she is serious after all were just kids back then,"
She took the book back and read the verse out loud, "O'er rotted Soil, under blighted sky, A dread Plague the Wicked hath wrought. In the Light of the Gods, Sword-Sworn at his Side 'Gainst the Dark the King's Battle is fought. From the Heavens high, to the Blessed below, Shines the Beam of a Peace long besought. "Long live thy Line, and this Stone divine, For the Night when All comes to Naught."
"You knew that is real right?"
"What!?" Both Astraea and Noctis eyes-widen as they turned to Reno who back being his old self again.
"Yup, the prophecy of the King of light When darkness veils the world, the King of Light shall come." he turned to Prince, "And you Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum is that said king, you will vanish the darkness and bright back the light in Eos.
"What!" Noctis stood up leaning his uninjured arm on the table, it started to shake.
"Don't worry Your Highness you're not alone," he slowly turned to Astraea who's looking at her friend with worried eyes, the fire maiden saw this and looked straight at him, he smiled sadly at her before she could speak he continued, "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." the fire maiden gulped as she already knew what Reno is going to say next, "Astraea you're going to help him fulfilled that prophecy, no…" he crossed his arms "You two are the future of Eos, you two will save Eos and defeat the darkness once and for all,"
"What!" the fire maiden stood up her eyes and hair started to go wild.
"I told you not to lost control," he laughed.
"What do you mean?"
He chuckled and looked down at her hand, she glanced down to find the Comogony book is on fire.
"Eeekkkk!" she jumped and tried to put the fire by waving the book in the air. Reno took the book away and with a flick of his hand, the book burst into larger flames and disappeared into thin air.
"Are you okay?" he turned to her as he put two hands in both her shoulder, she looked up to him, her hair and eyes flickering, "Take a deep breath and exhale slowing, control your emotions and be calm.." her guardian said as gently as possible she did what he said and she slowly started to calm down her hair and eyes returned to its normal color. "See, that not too hard right," he winked at her, "Please sit down," he guided her towards her seat and gestured to the Prince to do the same, after making sure Astraea and Noctis are calm, Reno then turned towards the other people in the room.
"Astraea the champion of Ifrit and Prince Noctis the champion of Bahamut, they are the new Warriors of Light," he announced as he gestured towards the two teens. "They are our future, with the blessing of Astrals they will purge the darkness and save us,"
This earns murmured from the council members, "Quiet!" Regis whispered, but the murmurs became louder, this anger the king so Regis slammed his cane in the ground and "I said QUIET!" Regis voice roar inside the room. The council members jerked into their seats and looked at the King.
"Messenger!" Regis turned to him, "Explain it! what the Prince's role in this prophecy,"
"Ah.. yes...well.." he stammered his word, "Wow your majesty, your acting is quite good" he telepathically said to Regis. "I'm just you're following your lead, Reno" Regis hastily replied. "Ok then Your Majesty, just continue your acting," the messenger cleared his throat and continued the sphere light up again and started to project the image of the eight Astrals "As you command Your Majesty," he said as he straightened the sleeves of his suit.
"As I said a minute ago, The first Astral war was between the battle between the Dark Messenger and the Six right?" Regis nodded, "Okay then, what I did not tell you that, the Astrals has equal straight, they can't kill each other but they can weaken each other, thus Diabolos," The sphere projected the image of Diabolos, "Was imprisoned instead being killed, Ifrit the second in command of the Six-"
"Second in command?" Astraea asked.
He said while looking at her, "Yup, Bahamut the draconian was the leader of the Astrals, Ifrit is the second," she nodded so he continued his story.
"Back then Ifrit was tasked to keep Diabolos locked up Pitioss Ruins, he knew that Diabolos will come back with a vergence so he decided to grant his blessing into rightful one, The King of Solheim,"
"So you're saying the champions of the Astrals are tasked to defeat Diabolos," Astraea said as she gazed towards the image of Diabolos,
"Not only to defeat but to kill," he answered, "That the reason why Ifrit granted his blessing only a human can kill an Astral. So he decided to bestow his knowledge to the people of Solheim, Ifrit told the other Astrals to do the same, but because of the history of people of Eos, for being weak and easily corrupted they did not agree with him."
"But they did it eventually right?"
He turned to her, 'Yes, they did but they never give their blessing, and it was too late, Diabolos have already gathered enough power to do his plan,"
"What plan?"
"To take revenge on the other Astrals and take control over Eos,"
"So Diabolos was able to broke out his prison?" Regis asked.
"No, Diabolos was the ability to detached his soul to his body so he used his cunning and manipulative words to corrupt the heart of the people of Elheim to attack Solheim.
"So the Elheimians are just victim too?" Astraea questioned all the people in the room turned to her.
"The people yes but their leaders are not," Reno leaned his hands on the table,
"So the people don't have a choice but to followed their ruler," Astraea added.
"Yup and we know what happened next," Reno stopped as the sphere shown the War of the Astral. "Vincent Izunia was defeated his kingdom destroyed, "Reno's eyes glared at the image daemonize Ifrit, "Not only that Diabolos took control over Ifrit's body and started to second Astral war,"
"What happened The Infernian soul then?"
Reno turned to Astraea, "He tried to corrupt it but failed, Ifrit soul went inside a piece his crystal," Reno said as he looked at Astraea necklace when she noticed it Reno turned his gaze back King Regis. "But luckily the other Astrals able to defeat him took back Ifrit body and lay him on top of the rock of Ravatogh they able to put back his soul, they put him to sleep to make him recover. The other Astrals went into slumber exception for The Draconian known that Diabolos will come back, he was right Diabolos returned a form of the Starscourge,"
"So that the reason why Bahamut granted his blessing?" Regis asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty, with the help of the Oracle they are able to keep the darkness at bay but it's not enough, it took one year before the Ifrit's champion to reveal herself the Fire maiden-"
"Wait Vincent Izunia descendant is a female?" Astraea stood up.
"Darn!" he bit his lip, he's trying his best not to mention that.
"I'm asking a question Reno, tell me her name!" the fire maiden voice is now stern as she glared at the messenger.
"Well her name is not important," he shrugged his shoulder, "Okay let continue.." he chuckled as he tried to avoid the question.
"You're avoiding my question Messenger!" she hissed, he turned to her, "Tell me who is she, that an ORDER!" she barked.
Reno's marks glowed, his curse under his breath, he turned towards the King asking for help, Regis is about to say something but Astraea shouted again.
"SHOW ME NOW! THAT AN ORDER RENO!"
He flinched "But.. she…" he trying is best not to reveal the truth.
"Its okay Reno, tell her," he could hear a familiar voice,
"Somnus?".
"Yes, show it to them, just make sure not to reveal the truth, I will make a fake memory so go ahead..."
"Okay then," Reno replied.
"RENO!" He snapped his attention back towards her who's now glaring at him, her eyes crimson and hair blood red. He took a deep breath of air and exhaled slowly, "Okay then but promise me don't freak out.."
Astraea was able to relax a bit, Reno then turned towards the sphere it started to light up and projected an image of a female as the image became clear and visible the whole room gasped with her, the projection showed a female with the same face as her, the eyes and hair are the same but the female is much older maybe her early 20's. He cleared his throat and gestured towards the image "I want you to meet, King and Queen of Solheim only daughter Astraea Izunia.." the room went into shock all the person in the room jaw drop as they continue to stare at the projection. Astraea Izunia look exactly like her but the only difference as their eyes, the person in the image has crimson eyes while she has brown eyes. But if anyone took one glance they will not know the difference.
"What...she lookkk likeee meee.." she stuttered all the people turned to her. She sank down on her chair her hair and eyes returned to normal.
"No, you looked like her." Reno said as he put a hand on her shoulder, she looked at him, "But why?"
"Why? because you're an Izunia, after all, you're related to her and you're her descendant so you took after her, not only her appearance but her name and her titled as The Fire Maiden," he gently smiled and tucked a loss hair behind her left ear. "So don't question it and be proud," she reluctantly nodded and smiled at him, he chuckled and patted her on the top of the head.
"So Astraea Izunia was the second champion of Ifrit and the one who helped our ancestors the founder king to defeat the Starscourge," Regis shifted in his seat as he looked at the image.
"You're correct, Your Majesty,"
"Excuse me, Mr. Sinclair," Noctis raised his hand.
"Reno glanced at the prince, "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Are you sure that not Astraea? They looked exactly alike."
This earned a few murmured around the room Reno turned towards Astraea, who just looking at the projection."I'm positive after all she is not the only one who inherited her ancestor appearance." he just smiled at him before looking at the sphere again.
"Everyone I introduce to you the founder king, well known for his title the Mystic. Somnus Lucis Caelum," The sphere showed the image of the founder king.
The whole room gasped even Regis was looking at the image with wide-eyed. This is the very first time he saw the founder king, without a doubt his son took the appearance on Somnus. The raven-hair and crystal blue eyes and facial features are the same. If Noctis will reach a certain age he will resemble the founder king in a certain way.
"Wow!" this stopped the Regis's thoughts, he turned towards the source of the voice to find Prompto, the prince's best friend, running towards his son and the blonde stopped at his prince's side and point at the image.
"Wow Noct!" he billowed yet again, "You looked exactly like him,"
"Prompto!" Gladio yelled as he walked toward him, he yanked him up. "Be still, your in the presence of the king and the council,"
"Apology for our friend's manner," Ignis bowed down towards the table.
"No, it's okay you don't have to apologize," Noctis stood up and gestured Gladio and put down his friend. Gladio frowned and put the blonde gently down.
After being able to stand up straight Prompto bowed down towards the council and the king, "Sorry for my rude behavior, I will take a leave," Prompto swiftly stood up and walked past Noctis, Ignis and Gladio followed him.
"Woah...Woah, where all you think you going!" Reno stopped them in their tracks, "My story is not finished yet, so your not allowed to go outside, right, Your Majesty?" he turned towards him.
Regis just shook his head and smiled at the three teens, "The messenger is right, please stay, your reaction was a normal young one,"
"The king is right just don't go overboard next time blonde," the messenger teased.
"Thank you, Your majesty I promise I behaved," he swiftly bowed to Regis and at Reno.
"Okay then, that out of the way," Reno walked back at the center of the table and turned to his master, "You okay, can we continue?"
"Yes please, I want to know what happened," Regis answered.
"Okay then, Astraea Izunia, Somnus Lucis Caelum and the Oracle Ashelia Fleuret, five years they battled against daemons and drive away the darkness with their blessing was able to cast away the Starscourge and The Kingdom Of Lucis was form and that the real and hidden the history of Eos"
"Wait, but my dream?" Astraea thought as she lowered her head down, she tries to remember her dreams, "What happened to Ardyn and Aera?" she continued to ponder "So Somnus and Astraea are not siblings, but in my dream they are-" she was deep in thought that she did not hear Noctis calling her.
"Astra.." Noctis shook her shoulder. She jumped from her seat and stood up, "Sorry, did I surprise you?"
She shook her head, "No, I'm just having a problem accepting all of this.." she said while looking around the room and notice all people in the room are gazing at her, she avoided their eyes.
"Reno?"
"Yes?"
"I have a question?" she looked directly at him.
"Please don't...Please don't ask for Ardyn.." his mind went into a panic for he does not know what to answer if the fire maiden asked that question. It's too early for her to remember her true past and what happened to her brother. She saw how uneasy Reno is so she decided not to ask the question about her dreams and decided to keep it.
"What about our fate? the prophecy?"
"Ah yes." he took a sigh of relief, "Astraea and Somnus was able to cast the darkness away but is not forever, there is a prophecy that the Darkness will be back and Diabolos will be returned, that what the prophecy stated and it stated that the Champion of the Astrals will rise, being the descendant of the Somnus the founder king, the responsibility falls onto you Your Highness and you too Astraea," he said while looking at the two, "Being the descendant of Astraea Izunia, you have a responsibility to continue their fight and finish it once and for all.
"So we are going to fight Diabolos in the future as the Warriors of Light?" Noctis asked.
"Yes, but don't worry, you too will have helped,"
"Help?" Astraea tilted her head.
"Yup, 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. The other Astrals will choose their champions and bestow their blessing to them, with the six Warriors of Light you will able to defeat Diabolos once and for all."
"Okay, I get that prophecy so what about the bond that was forgotten will be one?"
"Yeah, about that Astraea and Somnus made a promise to each other but because of some unfortunate event, that did not happen."
"What happened?"
Reno's voice became low and distant, "I don't want to talk about it," her guardian looked away from her.
"Please Reno, I want to kno-" Before she could not finish her sentence she felt on her knees and clutch her heart, her heart started to ache as her head started to sting, she could not control her body, anyone, as it started to tremble her tears started to fall uncontrollably.
"Astraea!" Aerith ran towards her and cradled her, "What happened are you alright?"
"My heart it hurts.." she whimpered as she continues to cry with no apparent reason.
"Astra!" Noctis knelt down beside her, "What is happening to her Reno?" Noctis turned towards the red-haired his voice full of concern and his face showed it.
"I don't know... maybe it's her ability?"
"Ability?"
"Yes, Ifrit flames in not like other flames it holds the memory of the past, and it will make anyone who bears it empathetic towards the people around them, that what she is feeling now,"
"So who's making her felt like that,"
Before Reno could speak, Astraea murmured his name, "Reno…"
He turned towards her, "No, please don't tell me you remember already?" he knelt down in front of her and hold her trembling hands.
"It's yours..." she whispered.
"What?"
"I could feel your emotion."
"Mine?"
She just nodded her trembling started to subside as she looked at the sphere before Rebo could speak the sphere burst into flame. It caused the council members to stand up and back away. Before anyone could speak a video was being shown. They stopped and watched the video.
...
It's a third-person point of view, the person is looking toward a crowd of people standing around a huge crater. The people are all wearing a white robe and carrying an unlit sky lantern.
"What are we seeing?" Regis asked as he walked towards him, Clarus and Regis not far behind looking at Astraea worriedly and they stopped a foot from him and looked at the video.
"It's my memory.." Reno said as he took a step closer, "It's my memory of the time of Solheim memorial three years after the war,"
All the people in the room took a quick glance at Astraea and turned towards the video and continued to watch.
The crowd of people pave the way and standing at the very center is a female wearing a white and pink dress, her back turned away from him, she slowly turned around, is Astraea Izunia, her face is very solemn but sad at the same time.
"Where at the Disc of Cauthess doing a memorial for the people of Solheim," Reno stated as they continue to watch.
Astraea Izunia took a deep breath and started to sing (Youtube: Mewsic "Kamado Tanjiro no Uta" FULL ║ Kimetsu no Yaiba EP 19 ║ ENGLISH Cover) her voice full of emotion, as she sang the song, the feeling of losing your loved one and losing her home, her heartache, grief, sadness is very visible in her voice.
"Now there's no return, since I've lost my home
And the darkness spreads as the shadows grow"
The people in the room started to feel her feelings too as the room temperature went up.
Astraea started to cry as her hair turned red slowly from the root to end, her eyes glowed crimson, slowly the unlit lantern light up one at a time, the people started releases it into the sky it filled the night sky making the lanterns looked like stars shining brightly, it illuminated her tears as it continued to fall.
I hear your gentle voice, so soft
It wells up tears inside…
But no matter the pain or the hurt,
Look ahead (look ahead), look ahead (look ahead), and you'll see
The way to cleave despair
Regis leaned his hand towards the table to support himself as the emotion is unbearable like he experiences all the pain and loss of Astraea Izunia, he looked around the room to see the effect on the people around him. Noctis tears started to fall, his friends tried to keep their sobs in. The council members and have difficulty keeping a straight face. Kingsglaive just look straight but their eyes showed sorrow and grief. Regis then turned toward Astraea.
"Is this the pain she went through?"
"Yes your Majesty," Reno replied telepathically as helped the king to regain his footing, "This is her pain, her suffering, now you know my reason why can't tell her the truth", he said as he glanced at Astraea who is still in her mother's arms. Regis returned his attention to the video.
When Astraea finished her song all the sky lanterns are in the air, it lighted up the surrounding area. She slowly looked up her gaze she followed the lanterns a few went towards the glowing blue meteor on the middle of the huge crater.
…
The video stopped and the sphere slowly turned off, the fire maiden saw this and stood up.
"NO!,"
The people in the room turned to her, her hair and eyes are now back to normal, she not trembling anymore, "I want to know what happened next, could you continue Reno?"
Reno knelt down, "Are you okay Astraea," he caressed her cheek brushing the tear away.
"Please Reno, I want to know what happened," she looked at him with pleading eyes,
Reno just gazed at her worriedly he let out a sigh and returned his gaze towards the sphere and with a snap of his fingers it turned on and the video went back on still with Reno's point of view.
…
He is still looking at Astraea who's making a speech.
"People of Solheim!," her soft voice echoes inside the crater, "I know it seems dark, we have lost our home, our loved ones," she paused and glanced over the crowd, "But we should not lose hope, we must move forward, the light of the Astrals will guild us. Even Solheim is gone, our tradition will live on. Solheim will never be gone for we are Solheim, we will rise again and rebuild our city, our lives and we will live on!" she declared her eyes and hair glowed bright red as some sky lanterns burst into flame and create a silhouette of a phoenix, the Izunia crest and glowed brightly in the velvet sky. The people cheered and clapped their hands. Astraea breathed slowly and held her hand out in front of her as she remained standing as the people around her celebrate. Even with her queenly demeanor, he could still see the fear in her eyes, he glanced down to see her hand trembling so he walked towards her.
"Princess? are you alright?"
She turned to him, "How many times, I told you don't call me that, Reno,"
"Ahhh yes. I mean Queen Astraea " he bowed gracefully at her.
She yanked his ponytail to make him stand straight, "That your last warning messenger and I cut that pony tie of yours if you won't stop!" she teased but there is still a pain in her words.
"No I won't let you," he said while holding his pony tie protectively, "Promise I won't call you, that anymore" he paused and continued "Your Majesty," he laughed.
She glared at him but it disappeared and replaced by laughter he smiled lovingly at her then turned towards the lanterns, "They're beautiful."
"Yes, I hope it will bring them peace,"
"You already brought them that, they are proud you Astraea,"
She chuckled sadly and held his right hand. The messenger turned to her, "Thank you Reno for everything I won't be able to do this without you,"
"You don't thank me, It's my duty after all and were family," he paused and looked around "So it this means your gonna take the throne and become our queen?"
"I don't know if I can, I might disappoint our people," the reluctant queen lowered her head down.
"No you won't," a man's voice called from behind them, they both turned to see Somnus, the Founder king, with a tall man walking beside him.
The video showed static just a few seconds and stopped.
…
"Who's that with the founder king?" Noctis asked.
Reno smirked, "Gilgamesh, the king' s shield,"
Clarus Amicitia looked at Gilgamesh. The king's shield wore full body armor and has long silver hair tied into braids and red eyes. Clarus shifted in his seat, by looking at the first shield he knows his nothing compared to him.
Reno saw this and laughed, "Don't be anxious Mr. Clarus Amicitia,"
Clarus was surprised by messenger's words and he turned to him. Ever since they were introduced he never did call him by proper name, this is the first time. Reno just smiled, "Don't compare yourself with Gilgamesh, every shield is different," he gave him a reassuring look. "By the looks of it you're doing a great job as King Regis shield," he praised him. "Just don't be serious all the time, sometimes you need to smile,"
Clarus just glared at him, he smiled nervously and held a piece signed towards the shield. Clarus let's a sighed of defeat and asked. "So does Queen have a shield?"
"Astraea?" Reno turned towards the video, "No she does not"
"Why?" Noctis asked.
"Well Astraea Izunia," he said while scratching his back of his head, "She very selfless, she does want anyone to be trouble so she decided not to have one,"
"Really?" Astraea is the one who asked this time.
"Yes for she does not want anyone dying for her or her people, after all, many have sacrificed their lives during the Astrals war, she does not want that to happen again."
"Oh.." she lowered her head, "That mean sense If you can do it yourself why asked for help,"
Reno patted her on the head, "You really liked her you known, don't worry princess I will be your shield," he smiled at her.
She huffed and removed his hand away, "Told you never to call me that,"
"Sorry force of habit, he laughed and stood straight, "Shall we continue?"
She nodded so Reno turned towards the shield and the king both give him a nod of approval he snapped his fingers and video resumed.
…
"Your Majesty," Astraea greeted while bowing.
"Please don't do that, we are friends here," Somnus stopped and stood in front of them.
Reno took a step back to give both royalty room to talk he stood beside Somnus's shield.
"Gilgamesh," he greeted with a nod.
Gilgamesh just nodded back and turned towards his king, he did the same thing and watched the king and Princess continue their conversation.
"I was worried when the guards told me that about your people went outside the city, after all, daemons are still out here," Somnus said as he looked around the Solheimian people bowed their heads towards him, Somnus held his hand greeted them with a smile.
"They are safe, my flames are protecting them and I just want to conduct a proper burial for our death, this is the closing thing we can do, sorry for worrying you, Your Majesty," she hung her head down again.
"I told you don't do that, after all, be both royalties and warriors of Light, and besides," Somnus chuckled, "You're technically the Queen of Solheim
now."
"Queen...that title is not for me. maybe you can be their king," she laughed jokingly.
Somnus gazed at her sadly, she just turned away from him."Solheim is no more, I no queen or royalty.." she said as she started to walk towards the crater, Somnus followed her, Reno and Gilgamesh not far behind. They stopped at the end of the crater(where Somnus royal tomb is located.)
"Well that not what I heard. You said it yourself you are Solheim, that Solheim is just a place so technically you can still be Queen, maybe you can rebuild Solheim somewhere else."
"Really you think I could do that?" she turned to him with a raised eyebrow then she looked around to see her people when she met eyes with them, they smiled and bowed their heads, she smiled back at them.
"Yes, your still an Izunia, their leader, so please grant their wish and become their Queen, they need you right now,"
"I don't know, I'm not my father," she said her hair started to flicker.
"Hmmpp.." Somnus tried to hold his laughter.
She heard him, her hair returned being red and glared at Somnus.
"Sorry.." Somnus said still trying not to laugh.
She punched in the right shoulder, "I'm serious Somnus, and stop laughing at my hair," she said while brushing her hair on both sides.
…
"Wow, you two did that early ago," Prompto piped up the video stopped as red-haired turned to him.
Noctis and Astraea turned to him and looked at each other, they both chuckled a little.
"So, are Somnus and Astraea together?" Prompto turned to the messenger.
Reno's eyes widen, "No! don't be absurd!" Prompto was surprised by his reaction, he saw this and looked around to see the members of the council looking at his suspiciously. He gazed down to see Astraea looking at him he fakes his chuckled and said, "No, they are just best friends, and Somnus already was a wife the oracle Ashelia Fleuret and besides they are like brother and sister," the people inside the room seem to believe him, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued the video.
…
"Sorry," Somnus smiled at her, "It's just cute when your hair does that," he ruffled her hair mockingly.
She narrowed her eyes towards him, suddenly she grabbed the Somnus hand, twisted it and threw him over and her shoulder. Somnus hit the ground with such force that his cape fell off from his shoulder the people gasped around them.
"Ouch! that gonna hurt," Noctis winched while holding his injured shoulder. "You're truly her descendant Astra," Noctis mocked as he remembered that time that she kicked him. She just rolled her eyes at the Prince, Noctis saw it and chuckled as they continued to watch.
"How many times have I told you not to touch my hair, SOMNUS LUCIS CAELUM!" she warned as she raised her right hand and summoned a fire spell.
Somnus looked up to see, Astraea casting fire towards him, Somnus quick to his feet summoned his blade and warped away, he landed a few feet away from the fiery red-head.
"Sorry!" Somnus shouted another fireball was threw at him and deflected it with his sword and fireball went towards the meteor when it hit the side of the meteor some pieces came crumbling down,"
"Oppss," she flinched as she saw the part of the meteor falling down the crater, after a few seconds the ground their standing on started to shake and a roar came from down the dark crater.
"Sorry, Titan!" she called out and bowed her head down towards the crater, the shaking stopped. She then turned her eyes at the founder king. Somnus raised his hand and his sword disappeared in a flash of blue light.
"Sorry, I was trying to make you laugh,"
"And why is that?" she said while crossing her arms.
"Your people told me that we been distance towards them, you did not smile so much, they just want to see the old Princess they have always known," Somnus said as he walked towards her, "You knew the reckless, stubborn, and happy-go-lucky they dubbed Fire Maiden," Somnus stopped a feet away from her and smirked.
She glared at him and raised her right hand again, Somnus flinched and closed his eyes shut waiting for her to hit him but it never came, a few seconds later he could hear her giggles. Somnus opened his eyes to see the fire maiden laughing while covering her mouth and he laughed with her.
"Thank you, Somnus, you really like a big brother to me," she smiled gently at him.
"Welcome, after all, we promise our parents we help each other," Somnus sighed and looked around the area, "Solheim will raise again, I promise you that, I will help you rebuild Solheim Astraea" Somnus held his hand towards her, "Let rebuild Eos together, Astraea Izunia, Queen of Solheim."
She stood still and gazed at his extended hand, she raised her hand but stopped midway, Somnus saw this and held her hand and shook it gently. Somnus then gazed at her eyes, his sapphire eyes glistening in the light from the lanterns she slowly smiled at him, "Your right, let rebuild Eos together, Somnus Lucis Caelum, King of Lucis," both royalties smiled at each other.
…
The video ended the people around the room started to relax.
"Please sit down," Reno said as he gestured towards the seats.
"Is there still more?" Astraea asked.
"Yes, you still want to watch it you won't like what is going to happen next,"
"If it's okay for you, It's okay for me, Reno"
He nodded toward her, "Please take your seat, Your majesty." Reno helped Regis back to his seat and returned to Astraea's side.
"Well then let's continue?" The king nodded, then with the snapped his fingers and the sphere lights up and showed another video this time they are inside a throne room, the video is still on his point of view it showed static at the beginning and it cleared up.
…
The throne room has several pillars that form in a circle with a fire basket on top, around the pillar is a circular pond in the middle a stair leading towards a single throne, above the throne is Bahamut Crystal.
Somnus sitting at the throne with his wife in his side carrying their newborn son.
Astraea wearing a long red dress went towards the foot of the stairs and bowed down, "Congratulation King Somnus and Queen Ashelia,"
"Astraea, please rise up you don't have to bow in front of us."
She rose to her feet and smiled at Somnus, "I want to sing you a song, I want to thank you for all you have done to help my people.
"Did I promise you that I'll help you rebuild Solheim," Somnus stood up and walked down the stairs, "We still have a long way to go, but if you have too, please sing, it's an honor to hear you sing, Your Majesty," Somnus mockingly bowed down, she smacked him on the head and went to the middle of the room. She looked back at Somnus who is still rubbing his head while smiling at her. She took a deep breath and started to sing. (Youtube: Fate/Stay Night - "Brave Shine" (FULL Opening) | ENGLISH ver | AmaLee).
After singing the Fire maiden bowed down, the people around both Lucian and Solheimian clapped and cheered. She looked around and smiled then turned to Reno and but her smile has a hint of sadness to it.
…
The video stopped as Reno took a deep breath to compose himself.
"What wrong Reno?" Astraea stood up and put a hand on his shoulder.
"This is the last time I saw her,"
"Why? did something went wrong?"
"Just watched you find out," he continued the video while Astraea watched beside him.
…
The video showed static again after it clear it showed Astraea standing outside the castle in a circular terrace looking overlooking a rose maze.
"What's wrong?" he asked as he went beside her.
"Nothing," she said as she looked straight ahead.
"No, there something wrong with you, your song has meaning to it,"
"It just a song Reno," she turned to him.
"No, I knew you, you never show your emotion, you use your singing to left your emotion go." he gazed at his master, "Please Astraea tell me."
She exhaled loudly and looked forward towards the night sky, "I saw the future, it's not looking too good,"
"Wait! what?" he raised his voice just a little, "What do you mean, You and Somnus have already defeated starscourge,"
"Yes we did defeat the scrouge but Diabolos is still out there waiting for the right moment to strike," she turned to him, "I need to protect my people as the champion of Ifrit, I need to protect the future of Eos,"
"So how will we do it?"
"The other Astrals will choose their champions and there will be the new Warriors of Light and another war will happen, they will fight against the champion of Diabolos."
"Champion of Diabolos?" he asked his face is now full of concern.
"Yes," she lowered her head. "Adagium, he will spread the starscourge yet again and plunged Eos into darkness and war,"
"We have to tell Somnus, we need to prepare!" Reno said as he held her hand and started to walk inside the castle. Astraea did not budge even just a little he slowly turned to her. "Your Majesty?"
"Reno I have an order for you,"
"What is it, I will do everything, I will always be at your side, I promise."
She smiled at him sadly, "I want you to sleep.."
"What!...no!" he backed away.
"I need you to sleep and wake up in the future. I need you to protect and guide the Warriors of Lights towards their fate,"
"No! I will not do that, I will not let you!"
"Sorry Reno you have too, I saw your future if you stay by my side you will die, I don't want that.."
"The hell with my life!" He waved his right arm in protest "I'm your guardian protecting you is my duty, so I will not follow your command!"
"You don't have a choice, this path is mine to take alone, I'm sorry Reno hope you can forgive me," Astraea voice now is breaking.
"No please Astraea don't do this!" he hugged her tightly.
"This is for the future," she took a deep breath her tears started to fall. "Reno, I order to sleep and wait for the King of Light to be born from the line of Lucis, " she paused and break the embrace, "When darkness veils the world, the King of Light shall come," she added. "Sorry...your going fight without me…"
"No!" Reno's marks glowed, "Please don't do this Astraea!" he begged her as his consciousness started to fade he knelt down trying his best not to follow her command.
Astraea knelt down and cupped his face with her trembling hands, "Sorry…. but I will be okay, I promise. When you wake up and look for my descendants look for Ifrit's flames," she touched his forehead with hers, "Sleep tight my dear Phoenix," she whispered.
Before Reno could speak his body went up in flames, his body turned into a giant egg. The video is now showing Astraea point of view. She held Reno's egg closed to her body as she sobbed.
"Astraea…" she could hear Somnus's voice in the distance, she quickly and carefully scoped Reno's Egg and disappeared into the rose maze. Darkness filled the screen moments later it came back on. Looks like Astraea is walking inside a room, she walked towards the bed and gently lay Reno's egg down and pulled out the letter and lay it beside the egg.
"Sorry Somnus, take care of my people for me, I have to fight the darkness by myself so that Lucis will have a future," Astraea whispered. She started to walk away and turned around again and whispered, "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," she opened the door and the video fades to back.
…
The whole room plunged into deep silent, nobody wants to talk, all of them lower her head down, even Astraea is speechless. Reno looked around to see all their faces and spoke first. "That what happened, I slept for two millennia and woke up 30 years ago, in one of the royal tombs. Because of the war, I don't have time to talk to the current king, King Mors Lucis Caelum and it's not ideal to show up at that time,"
"My father?" Regis asked.
"Yes so I decided to search for the Izunia's, I was surprised that there is no history or written account about them. Especially Astraea Izunia like she never existed in the first place. What I found is that stupid and fake history about Solheim and their people saying that they were power-hungry and caused the war of the Astrals," he hissed as he leaned his hands on the table, "And Ifrit was scorned for his action," his hands turned into a fist his finger turned into talons, drawing blood as he tightened them, "Looks like Diabolos was able to rewrite the history yet again as the other Astrals continued to slumber and I was not there to protect her and her people, I failed as a guardian and Ifrit messengers," he started to tremble in rage.
"Reno.." she put her hands over his right fist he turned to her, "It's not your fault you know, we can't change the past we have to move forward no matter how many people, you may lose, you have no choice but to go in living, No matter how devastating, the blows maybe. You need to have COURAGE to face everything head-on, and at times you are lost don't lose HOPE and always remembered LOVE is the strongest weapon you have."
Reno chuckled while shaking his head.
"Why are you laughing?"
"That line you said, it is the Izunia family motto,"
"What?"
Her guardian stood up straight and gazed at her eyes, "Have COURAGE to face everything head-on, and at times you are lost don't lose HOPE and always remembered LOVE is the strongest weapon you have. You are truly her descendant, your truly an Izunia," he took a knee and lowered his head down, "I Reno will always be at your side Astraea Lumina descendant of Izunia, I'll be your sword and shield, I will protect you, that is what I promise,"
"Thanks, Reno, but I don't like that.."
His eyes showed disappointment and worry as he looked up. Astraea smiled and said, "I don't need a protector, I need a friend," she held a hand towards him, "Can you be my friend?"
Without thinking he stood up and lunged at her and hugged her tightly, "I promise I won't let anything happen to you again," he thought as he continued to hug her.
"Ah… Reno," she murmured.
"Sorry," he stepped back and ran his hand into his hair. "I just missed her so much, and when I look at you, I can feel she was standing in front of me, I felt that we have been best friends for a very long time," he gazed at her eyes.
"It's okay, I feel the same way about you." she smiled, "So did you find anything about the Izunia?"
"No," he said in disappointment, "I did not even find any trace of their family line, but I did find the Adagium.."
"WHAT! the Adagium! so Diabolos has his champion now?!" she exclaimed.
"Crap.." Reno cursed under his breath, "I should have watched what I'm saying, nice going Reno.." he mocked himself. He is now thinking of a way to give out of the situation when he heard Regis's voice.
"Messenger, where is the Adagium right now?"
He turned to him, "Well…" he paused thinking the right word to say. "His working with…" he paused again and looked around to see people are looking at him in anticipation, he glanced at Astraea who's looking at him the same way. He took a deep breath and blurted it out, "He is working with the Niflheim!"
The people gasped at the revelation the council members murmured to one another, Regis maintains his composure and asked again.
"Are you sure Messenger?"
"Positive, Your Majesty, not only that he has Ifrit under his control as well," Reno stopped and covered his mouth. "Shit… shit.. shit...should have not said that!" he stepped back as he screams internally.
"What!" Ifrit is under control by Diabolos again!" Astraea shouted. "Tell us what happened!"
"You would not like it so let skip it," he said as he took another step back.
"That an order Reno, tell us now!" she barked.
His marks glowed he stood straight. "OK FINE! Remember that I woke up 30 years ago?" he did not wait for anyone to respond and continued to mumble, "If I'm correct it was M.E. 721, one year after I woke up, I went to the Empire and saw that they have taken Ifrit's slumbering body from Ravatogh so that they can use in the war. I was ready to rescue the Infernian when Adagium came, Ifrit suddenly woke up because of his weakened state, The Adagium was able to daemonize him and this time they able to corrupt Ifrit's soul" he continued speaking a little bit faster, "The Adagium was able to help the empire build Magitek infantry by using his knowledge he attains from Ifrit, the same knowledge was bestowed upon the King of Solheim." he just took a single breath and continued, "The great war started, Lucis was outnumbered so they build the new wall and created the magic barrier, Then King Mors dies and Your Majesty is crowned, and after 13 years in the shadow, the Adagium was able to get inside the walls of Insomnia, and wreaked havoc inside during the founders day festival," The sphere shown the attack on Insomnia, "The old wall has summoned but failed to protect the king, Adagium was able to defeat Regis in battle," he turned to Regis but before Regis could open his mouth he continued, "But before Adagium can kill the king, Bahamut came and repelled the champion of Diabolos, the Adagium was defeated and wounded returned to the Empire, Bahamut was not able to help Ifrit because the only one who can save the God of Fire is his champion, so Bahamut summon me and help me to look for the Izunia that when I found you after year Astraea," he stopped to take breath and gazed his watch, "Oh look at the time, it already dinner time, all said and done, lets, eat!" he announced as he turned around ready to leave the room. The people of the room was left in a state of shock.
"Wait….. what!" Astraea said as her gaze followed Reno as he started to walk away from her. He is able to grasp the doorknob and was ready to open the door when Astraea shouted.
"RENO STOP!"
He stopped the hair on his back stood up as shivers ran down in his entire body. He slowly turned around and saw Astraea glaring at him. "Get back here, we're not finished yet!" she ordered.
He gulped and turned into his Chocobo from and walked slowly back where Astraea is standing, he stopped a foot from her, "Okay let me repeat what you said, just nod if I heard it correctly."
Rene nodded. "Okay then," she said trying to compose herself as her hair started to flicker yet again, "Let's start at the beginning, after you woke up you went to Empire and saw Ifrit there," he nodded, "The Adagium, the very one in the Prophecy that will plunge the Eos into darkness, Diabolo's Champion is working for them and was able to control Ifrit yet again?" he nodded. "Then they used Solheim ancient technology to create their weapons and army?" Astraea softly said keeping her cool, "And the great war started, the army of Lucis was drawn back inside city of Insomnia and created the magic barrier," he just nodded his eyes not leaving Astraea gaze, "Even with the barrier the Champion of Diabolos was able to get inside and with the help of daemonize Ifrit they almost killed King Regis but lucky Bahamut appeared and save the king is correct?"
Reno slowly nodded, "Yes, I told you would not like it,"
Astraea eye-widen her hair won't stop flickering as she clenched and unclenched her hands suddenly she threw her arms in the air in anger and grabbed Reno and buried her face in his chest, Astraea screamed at the top of her lungs. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" even Astraea scream is muffled by Reno's feather the people in the room can still hear her anguish.
Reno put his neck around her to comfort her as she continued to scream, suddenly Astraea's hands burst into flames it engulfed him in an instant.
She gasped as Reno took a step back away her still in flames.
"Reno!" she yelled as she tried to walk up to him.
"No, stay back Astraea," he called out, the flames started to die down, "I'm okay," he said as his return to his human form, the flames in now completely off, he laughed as he dusted his suit, his hair brighter and his marks became more visible, "Now that what real fire is, thanks for that Astra-" he gazed at her just to find her crying and trembling.
"Reno I'm sorry... I didn't mean it," She said while quavering her eyes and hair won't stop changing color.
"Oh Astraea, no...no.. don't cry," he cooed as he hugged her and started rubbing her back, "I'm okay, don't worry, have you forgotten? I'm a Phoenix I feed on flame, so don't worry" he reassured her as he broke the embrace and brushed the tears away. "As a matter of fact you made me a lot stronger, Thank you," he smiled, she started to calm down her eyes and hair returned to normal, "Are you okay?," he asked, she nodded, "Okay then please sit down," They went towards her seat. After making sure Astraea is fine. Reno turned towards the council only to see them all looking at him.
"Sorry about that, okay now where are we?" he said as he returned to his cheerful side again.
The prince was silent all this time is the first to speak, "Astra?" she glanced at him, "Are you okay? we can stop, you know"
She shook her head, "No, I'm okay, how about you are you okay?" she returned the question.
"I'm fine," Noctis just nodded and smiled at her. But deep inside he freaking out he wanted to shout like Astraea. After all, in just two days ago he was just a normal student with normal life, now he is thrown into a fight he never heard off, as the crown prince he needs to keep his composure because of his statue he can't express his real emotion, unlike Astraea he should never show fear in front of his people. He knew there was no turning back as the crown prince and the destined King of Light he needs to fulfill his calling and helped Astraea to defeat the darkness. "Can I do it?" Noctis thought as he gazed towards his father across the table seeking his help. Regis saw how distressed the Prince is. This is the what is trying to stop but even as king he can't stop destiny and his son's fate, he just happy that his son will not have to sacrifice himself, but just like his son, Regis is state of shock, Reno revelation is new to him after all he never did tell him about Adagium and how he became the accursed. All the information he received was new to him just his son and the people around him, but as he needs to be strong and not to show weakness. So he straightened himself into his chair as he gazed towards the two warriors of light.
"I promise to protect the two of you, don't worry Noctis, Astraea I will be at your side…" Regis thought.
A/N: I know I said that the story from the game will start on chapter 16 but it looks like it will be moving into chapter 20. I keep adding a new storyline after all this story is about the funding of Lucis and I like to venture their life in the crown city so the next chapters will be focusing our heroes' lives inside the city and how they will react after being told about prophecy. Will Astraea and Noctis accept it? so stay tuned..
Hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day!✩
Next chapter Courage, Love and Hope...