A/N: Sorry again the title has changed from The trial of the Astrals and Caelum's Dark Past to The trial of the Astrals.


The Trial Of The Astrals
"I can see why the crystals chose you. I can feel the light within you...strong, yet gentle..."- Aria Benett (Final Fantasy III)


"Trial!? So all we went through is not enough? we still have to prove to you that we are worthy?" Noctis asked while glancing at Astraea. While Astraea cannot stop staring at the founder king.

"Being the champion of the Astrals is not that simple child," Ramuh said as he hovered near them, "You have to make sacrifices, yours and your loved one,"

"What do you mean Fulgurian?" Astraea focused her attention on him.

"You need to be prepared for the future and if you need to sacrifice the lives of others do so..."

Astraea stepped forward, "No.. I won't do that….I will save everyone… I won't make sacrifices anymore... the death of my father and our people and the destruction of our island is enough! I won't let anyone suffer!"

"You can't, it's the role of the warriors of light, to save the world, you have to make sacrifices again and again," Ramuh maintained his stance.

"NO! I won't if that is my future then I won't accept your blessing….." Astraea stood straight.

"I was right….." Leviathan said in a disappointed tone, "They are not worthy of our power…...the two of them are just like other mortals and they will fall….. the rite of choosing the champion of the Astral can't be attainable." her slit pupils focused on the two, "You two did fall and almost got corrupted by the darkness. We don't need warriors like you, pathetic and worthless mortal," The Goddess of the Sea snarled at them as she raised her head up.

Hearing that Astraea snapped her attention towards the Goddess, "Wait… What?!" she walked forward and passed Reno and Cally while Noctis just stood behind, "First of all, dear merciful Goddess…" she said in a sarcastic tone, "We did not ask for this, we did not ask to be the warriors of light and your champion so stop blaming us for almost losing, second we are just kids for goodness sake!" Astraea's voice kept rising as she gripped the sheath of her sword. "The third!" she pointed her sheathed sword at the Goddess. "You summoned us! you need us to defeat Diabolos and you can't even kill him on your own, that's why you need us and not only that we fought him and we did win against him and his mind tricks and he was not able to corrupt us and we did that all alone without any of your help! and fourth! You can't even stop or kill him permanently and it's 1 against 5 and you still did not win. So who's worthless and pathetic now!" Astraea's brown eyes glared at the Goddess.

Leviathan snarled at her, "What an ungrateful and disrespectful mortal you dare mock the Astrals! Ifrit was wronged to choose your family and he is wronged to choose you. You're going to fail, the bloodline of Izunia, just like your ancestor before you…"

"At least we tried! unlike you… and the God of Fire was not wronged! The Infernian did choose the right thing!"

"And what is that child?" Leviathan asked, still snarling.

"He chose to believe in us…. us mortal which you despise apparently. I know the past people of Eos, did evil things and revolted against all of you. But you can't blame all the people for the sins of a few. Our heart may not be perfect, we can fall into our fears and that fear causes hatred and anger. But we learned how to overcome it. Having the courage to face our fears, gives us hope for the future and we never abandon love. And that what the Infernian saw and he gave us a chance and the people of Solheim proved that. They even helped the other clans to move forward and made the people return their faith to the Astrals." Astraea paused and gazed towards the other Astrals.

Reno is about to step forward but Astraea continued this time her voice has more anger to it.

"When Diabolos started to target my ancestors what did you do? you did nothing but watch!" her hair started to turn blood red, "And yes…. you did give the people of Eos your crystals but it was too late. My people, who did everything they could to save Eos but that was not enough. They gave their lives and their home. They sacrifice everything but instead of becoming heroes they became the enemy and the infernian was later hated for his action!"

Back at the council room, the people started to murmur at each other as they listened to the fire maiden.

"I know you went to war and were wounded but if you gave your blessing in the first place, Diabolos could never do what he did. The Infernian tried to tell you that we needed your blessing but Noooo…. you thought we are beneath you and don't deserve your blessing so what happened...Diabolos were able to corrupt the lightning Crystal and rage a war again and yes you did help but it's too late and because of your arrogance, your crystal got destroyed. So stop blaming us for your wrongdoing and let me ask you this too, You are supposed to be our Gods but all of you didn't even care to help. The Astrals should govern and guild the people of Eos! but all you did is ridicule and judge us without giving us a chance. No wonder the people fell into darkness and did not believe in you anymore, after all, their Gods do not believe in them so why should we believe in you. You are just a big ugly and scaly WATER SNAKE!" Astraea shouted as her eyes turned crimson.

Noctis, Reno, and Cally's jaws dropped after hearing Astraea's rant. While the Astrals have no reaction at all, same with the founder King. Back at the council room, the room fell silent. Nobody is moving as the people are dumbfounded by the action of the fire maiden.

"YOU DISRESPECTFUL LITTLE CHILD! DO YOU WANT ME TO END YOUR LIFE!" Leviathan hissed as she summoned two water snakes as her side.

"Show me your worst water Snake-" Ifrit's champion was about to unsheath her rapier when she was cut off by Reno. He whacked the rapier from her and covered her mouth with his hand and bowed down to the goddess.

"I apologize….Tide Mother, she is still in shock, in what happened. After all, all the revelation about her ancestor and Diabolo's sudden attack left her petrified and confused, she does know what she is saying, please forgive my master." the guardian raised his head and towards Somnus his eyes pleading for help while Astraea kept thrashing on his arms. "Please forget all the things she said is just nonsen-"

Reno was cut off when Astraea stomped on his right feet, elbowed him in the stomach and headbutted him in the jaw. He released his hold and Astraea finished him in with the kick on the stomach he fell down on his back. His eyes widened while Astraea glared at him, "What do you mean nonsense?! I'm telling the truth!" she turned towards the Astrals, "If the Astrals gave their blessing early on, then Diabolos should have never gained power and this stupid endless war should have never happened so blame them for what is happening!"

Reno just stared as his master in shock. He turned to the Astrals and saw they were shocked as well while Noctis was still speechless, and didn't know what to do. She then grabbed her rapier from the ground and unsheathed it and threw the sheath on the ground.

"Is that how your parents raised you to be a disrespectful child?" Leviathan asked as she lowered her head down and looked at Astraea's glaring eyes. "They must be worthless like y-"

"Shut up!" Solis burst into flames, "Don't you ever call my parents that! My mother and father raised me well! They said I need to fight for what is right and never back down. They said I should never tell lies and followed my heart. That is what I'm doing, I'm telling the truth! So if you are angry with that, that means you are guil-" She could not finish her sentence for she was attacked by one of the water snakes and was flung backward.

"Astra!" Noctis shouted as she passed her.

Back in the real world, the people inside the room gasped.

"What is happening! Why are the Astrals like that? Why are they attacking? I thought we were on the same side. " Prompto voice started to panic once again.

"Be calm Prompto…," Ignis stated, his eyes not leaving the video, "Remember what The Fulgurian said?" he turned to him.

"…You mean the trail of the Astrals?" Ignis nodded, Prompto sighed and turned towards the video, "So this is just the trial of the Astrals? Ignis nodded again, "I hope your right Ignis…"

The fire maiden did a back roll and stood up immediately and a ring of fire appeared around her as her hair burst into flames, embers fluttering from it. She gritted her teeth towards the Goddess. Leviathan just raised her body up in the air and summoned two additional water snakes at her side.

"You made your choice child, NOW DIE!" Leviathan said all four water snakes attack Astraea in unison. The first attacked her from the right side, she was able to sidestep and slashed it and the second was on the left, she was able to dodge it too and fired a firebolt at it, the water-snake evaporated on impact and it caused steam to surround her it obstructed her sight. The third water snake attacked her from behind. The impact was so strong that it sent her tumbling down before she hit the ground, the fourth water snake attacked her from the front, it flung her backward yet again. She hit the ground hard and skidded a few feet.

"Astra!" Noctis shouted as he ran towards his friend.

Cally and Reno were about to help them but the found king stopped them, "Be still, guardians, this is the trial of the Astrals don't interfere," Somnus said in a stern voice as he watched the event unfold. Cally and Reno just looked at him and then turned their attention towards their master.

Astraea was on her knees and hands she was coughing and wheezing as some of the water entered her mouth and nose. She saw her rapier a few feet from her because she dropped when she hit the ground. She is about to grab it when the two remaining water snakes lunged at her from above. She just closed her eyes and waited but the pain never came. Her eyes went wide when water was splashed on her. She looked up and saw Noctis standing in front of her. The engine blade one hand and Solis in the other. She noticed that the two water snakes are cut in the middle. It stopped and hovered around them.

"Noct!" Astraea stood up as the two water snakes around them liquefied.

"Are you okay?" Noctis turned to her.

She nodded, "Why? Why did you help me?"

Noctis just smiled at her, "Have you forgotten already, I promise to protect you,"

"Thanks…" Astraea blushed and smiled back at him and grabbed the Solis as the prince handed it to her.

"Do you always act like this? attacking everyone without thinking?"

She is about to answer his question but she stopped when Leviathan encircled them with her massive and long body. The Goddess glared down at them, "Are you going to follow her action King of light?"

"Yes!" Noctis answered right away and gripped the engine blade tightly.

Astraea turned to him, "You don't need to Noct, I can handle it please -"

"Like I said I promise to protect you," the king of light eyes glanced at her, "Even if against them…"

She felt ashamed not only, she is putting her life in the line but the life of the prince as well, but she will not back down and she will never sacrifice anyone again and she is willing to fight the Astrals for it. "Noct… please…"

"See child you are worthless.. Give up your conviction and follow our every command and you might live!" Leviathan snarled at them.

Astraea eyes landed on the Goddess, "Over my dead body!" she hissed, "My conviction will stay…. and I will save the people of Eos and I will not sacrifice a life not even a single one! With and without your help we will defeat Diabolos!"

The tide mother turned towards the prince, "Do you have the same conviction prince?"

Noctis gulped but he quickly stood straight, "Yes, we have the same conviction, we will protect our people with and without your help…. If you have to fight for our freedom to do it... so be it?" Noctis blue eyes glared at the Goddess.

Leviathan saw the emotion in their eyes, they will not back away. The goddess then turned towards Bahamut, Draconian secretly nodded at her. "Well then prepared to die!" Leviathan suddenly swiped Noctis with one of her giant wing-like fins. Noctis was sent backward and collided in the Goddess's tail. Leviathan's tail started to wrap around Noctis and started to squeeze him.

"NOCT!" Astraea tried to run to him but she was stopped by several water snakes. "GET OUT OF MY WAY!" she summoned a ring of fire. It disintegrated the water snakes in an instant.

"ASTRA! Look out!" Noctis shouted.

She looked back and saw Leviathan's giant mouth before she could react to the Goddess. Leviathan ate her in one bite.

"NO!" Noctis was able to break free and used his warping ability. He threw his sword towards the Goddess's snout. It dug deep into the Goddess scaly skin, The tide mother howled in pain and thrashed her head sideways to knock the prince sword. "GIVE HER BACK!" Noctis shouted through gritted teeth. Leviathan was able to knock Noctis and the prince fell down hard but it did not stop him and stood up and used the sword as a cane and leaned forward. He took a deep breath and stood straight. Even if his knees were shaking he pointed at his sword again at the Astral. "GIVE HER BACK!" he shouted, the ring of the Lucci started to glow.

This earned a look of worry from the founder king, "Bahamut….please stop this...they have proved their worth, stop the Hydraean.." Somnus's voice is just like a whisper but Bahamut heard it and the Draconian turned to Glacian. Shiva nodded at him and flew towards the fight.

Noctis is about to attack again but he stopped when he heard the soft voice of the Glacian, "Leviathan stop it now. You had your fun," Hydraean turned to her, Shiva was floating near her head.

Leviathan snarled at her, "It's still not enough!" she turned towards the prince again.

"ENOUGH!" Shiva's voice became stern, "Bahamut's order and please release her. You just need to test them not kill them… so stand down!" Leviathan gazed at Shiva looking annoyed and then she glanced at Bahamut. Bahamut nodded sternly. Leviathan huffed and opened her mouth and out came a waterfall, Astraea with it. Noctis was able to catch her fall.

Astraea was unconscious and not breathing so the prince lay her on her back and started to performed CPR. Noctis did 30 chest compressions and about to do a rescue breath but Astraea was able to regain consciousness. The prince lay her in her side and patted her on the back to help her remove the water from her lungs. "Astral are you okay?" Noctis asked as he helped her to sit up, Astraea slowly nodded, she about to open her mouth but they all jumped and stood straight when they heard Bahamut voice, "Warriors of light.." Both Noctis and Astraea went into high alert and ready to attack again. Noctis pointing his sword while Astraea summoned a fire spell.

"Woah….Stop….," Reno said as he suddenly appeared before them, "It's over… Don't move...the two are exhausted, the trial is over so please be calm." Reno said in a soft tone as he put his hand on Astraea shoulder and hugged her, making her calm down. "Shhh… It's alright It's over…"

Carbuncle did the same with Noctis, Cally jumped into Noctis's shoulder and wrapped her tail around his neck. "It's alright prince, please unsummon your sword," Noctis followed her and turned to Astraea, who's now sitting down at the ground he followed and sat on his knees.

Reno was now kneeling on one knee in front of his master and brushing the hair away from her face, "You know Astraea, you're going to kill yourself because of the mouth of yours." he said while smiling as he removed his suit jacket and put it on her shoulder.

Astraea just tightened her grip on the lapel of the suit jacket to cover her more for she was shivering. "It's nottt... funny Reno, I almost...ggggot killed," she said while shivering.

"And who's fault is that?!" Reno whacked a knuckle on her forehead, "Here it will help you to get warm," Reno summoned small fire in his right palm and handed it to her, she took it. "Want one Prince?" Reno turned towards Noctis, the prince just shook his head. He was just looking warmly at Astraea. Who's now hugging Reno's flames close to her body. It started to dry her and her shivering fading.

"Graduation warriors of light," Somnus said while walking towards them, he stopped a few feet from them, "You both earned the respect of the Astrals and have passed their trial and now both of you have now covenant with them,"

"Covenant?" Noctis asked as he gazed at him,

"Yes, The Astrals will help you now while waiting for the other warriors to be chosen,"

Noctis is about to give a comment but Astraea beat him to it, "WHAT! ALL OF THAT IS FOR THE TRIAL!" Astraea stood up and glared at the Astrals, "What kind of Gods do such a thing!"

"We do!" Leviathan answered her, "We need to test how brave you truly are, we want to test if two are really ready to fight a god,"

Astraea opened her mouth to give a comment but Ramuh voice stopped her, "Not only that we want to test you in your conviction," the Fulgurian hovered down and looked at them in the eye, "We need warriors the has a strong conviction, the conviction to do what is right...we will never ask someone to sacrifice other to win, that the reason why the two of you passed our trial,"

"Why... where the past warriors failed to do so?" Noctis asked as he stood up.

"Yes," The Archaean was the one who answered him, "We tried to choose our champion back then but their answers are all the same, they are willing to sacrifice everything even the life of the loved one, because of that they lack conviction, the conviction to save Eos and its people, The warriors of light should never let anyone die, the role is to protect and serve the people, and you two proved us you have the courage… hope...and love to beat the dark Astral once and for all,"

"Well.. if that is so... stop asking people the question! that the first instinct of the person is to say yes, after all, the Astral asked them that," Astraea said, she turned to Noctis, "But not us right Noct? We will protect everyone…" Noctis nodded and smiled at her, "But still I was right if all of you listened to the Infernian and gave your blessing, Diabolos should not be winning right now… all you of shoul-"

"Will you stop that!" Reno whacked her behind the head. "You're talking to the Astrals for goodness sake!" She glared at him and about to shout but the laughter of the founder king stopped her, she turned to him.

Somnus was laughing hard as he took a step back but he was able to regain his kingly demeanor and stood straight and gaze at the fire maiden, "You are really like her…Astraea Izunia. For she never backed down for any fight both verbal or physical until she got what she wanted. It's her gift and curse like the flames she controlled. It both beautiful and deathly at the same time,"

Astraea eyes-widened as he heard that comment. Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her head, she backed away while holding it, "Astraea are you okay?" Reno asked.

Astraea gazed at the founder king, she wanted to ask about her dream, about Ardyn and Aera, if her dream is true if Astraea Izunia and he are truly siblings. She wanted to ask why she is having these headaches. But looking at the situation is now the right thing to do so she lies. "Yes, I'm okay...maybe I'm just tired," she said while giving a soft smile.

"Bahamut what is happening to her?" Somnus asked the astral telepathically.

She is fighting her mind, her memory is returning and she does not know what to do with it… do you want us to return to memory now founder king?" Bahamut answered.

"Even if I want to... I can't not… she is too young to know what is the truth… I don't want her to suffer because of our past mistakes. We need to protect her, so, for now, let her be…." Somnus said as he gazed sadly towards his sister. He wanted to hug her and tell her that everything will be alright, that he is proud of her but alas he can't not, he needs to protect her, even if it's hiding the truth and keeping himself away from her. Somnus was lost in his train of thought when he heard her sister's angry voice again.

"COME ON! GIVE ME BACK MY RAPIER SNAKE!" Astraea shouted at the Astral.

Leviathan just snarked at her, "NO! this is mine now Child!"

Astraea summoned two firebolts in both hands ready to attack the Hydraean.

"Leviathan…Give her weapon back," Bahamut ordered.

The Tide Mother just scoffed and spit the rapier out, it clunk when it hit the ground, "No!" she went towards it, but Somnus grabbed it and handed it to her.

"You should take care of that, it was Astraea Izunia precious treasure," Somnus said, using a loving and soft tone.

"Thanks…" Astraea took it and she looked up to his sapphire's eyes. She noticed that both Somnus and Noctis's eyes are identical. She really wanted to ask a question about her dreams but she decided to ask another one. "May I ask a question, Your Majesty ?"

Somnus nodded, "What is it?" He was ready to answer even if she asked about her dream he knew what to do but he was surprised when Astraea asked a different one.

"What happened to her? to Astraea Izunia did you find her?"

Somnus turned to Reno and back at her, he took a deep breath and said, "No, did not for she is able to hide her presence from me, I could not track her down, But I know she continued to fight the darkness in every end but she did get married and pass down her bloodline, now… you're going finish what she…no… what we started…"

"Oh… that unfortunate, but I promise to follow her footsteps and will win this time, I can assure you that, Founder king I will never let you down," she bowed down.

Somnus chuckled and patted her on the head, "I know you will, for you have the same flames in you,"

"Speaking of flames…" she raised her head, The blue flames early on what is that, that is the first time I ever used or summoned it?"

"That's the flames of Purification, Fire Maiden," Bahamut answered.

She turned to him, "Flames of Purification?"

"Yes," Reno chimed in and walked beside her, he held both of her hand as he explained it, "Well back then when Astraea Izunia did not only accepted Ifrit's flames but Bahamut's light too,"

"Bahamut's? I thought a person can only have one blessing?" she asked.

"Yes," Bahamut answered her again, "Back then I gave Astraea Izunia a little of my light to infused with Ifrit's flames thus the blue flames, The Flames of Purification, using that flames you can turn people back into a human after being consumed by the starscourge and turned into a daemon. It is a very strong purification spell. Looks like you can help save the God of Fire."

"WOW! That is cool Astra!" Noctis said as he walked beside her.

Reno sighed and hugged Astraea, "Yes is cool, but it is dangerous using two Astrals blessings at the same time will cause the champion's life to fade, so please don't use it all the time, I almost lost Astraea Izunia because of that, so please Astraea, don't...don't leave me just like she did…" Reno said as he leaned his forehead on her.

"Reno… I promised I won't…" she broke the embrace and smiled at him

The guardian smiled back and grabbed her rapier, "Wait here I go get the sheath," he jogged toward it.

"So Astra, are you alright?" Noctis asked.

"Yes, I'm okay," she said still looking at the Hydraean,"

Ramuh noticed that the fire maiden was looking at the Leviathan. Fear and anger visible in her eyes, so he asked her, "Why are you so angry at the Hydraean fire maiden? she just did what she has to do and gave the two of you the trial you should not let your anger stay,"

"Oh.. no... I am not angry at her, in fact, I respect her, it's just her appearance that all," she said shyly.

"And what's wrong with my appearance?" Leviathan snarled at her. She jumped and hid behind the prince.

"Astraea?" Noctis's voice seemed alarmed as he turned to her. She saw this and looked down at her feet.

"You saw my past right and saw what happened? What Kadaj did to me? When they threw in inside the well, I spent my whole day inside the dark well and they are a dozen snakes in there too, looks like they gathered it beforehand and threw inside and make me felt more terrified and that work… staring that day, I'm terrified of snakes and close spaces...Especially their eyes, I don't know why but Kadaj and his brother have a slit in their eyes, like snake eyes, so every time I see a snake it reminded me everything they did… what he almost did to me…" Astraea hugged herself and her body started to shake.

Noctis saw her trying to fight back her tears. He tightened his hands into a fist. He does know why he is very affected seeing her like that, he took a deep breath and stepped forward and gave her a deep embrace, "Shhh… don't cry… I'm here…I will always protect, they will never harm you, I promise," the prince whispered into her right ear and he rubbed circles on her back.

Reno walked slowly towards them and stopped beside the founder king, Somnus's eyes glanced at him and he said telepathically.

"After you returned to the real world, Hunt them down! Make them suffer!" Somnus said, his voice full of anger.

"I'm planning to…" Reno replied as he gripped the sheath tightly.

"The bond of family is stronger than I thought…" Both Somnus and Reno turned towards Bahamut. Bahamut's blue eyes glanced at them, "Without a doubt, the prophecy will be fulfilled, 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."

"If that is so we need to protect them at all cost, the future of Eos must be protected…" Shiva entered their conversation.

All the astral turned to each other and they nodded in agreement, the founder king and the guardians did the same. "Yes… we will…" Somnus lastly added.

Astraea was still shaking and crying, nobody wanted to interfere except for the Hydraean.

"So weak…." she smirked.

Astraea suddenly stopped and broke the embrace and glared at the Astral. The other Astrals were surprised by the sudden action of the Goddess of the Sea. But the Glacian knew what she was trying to do. Leviathan wanted to make Astraea calm down so she let her and told the other what the Goddess of the Sea is trying to do.

"I'm not weak!" Astraea shot back.

"Really…you mortals are always weak, your hearts are full of fears.."

"What is wrong to have fears? It is normal that we mortals have weakness and fear, we can even feel hatred and sorrow. But for me it's okay, it will teach me how to become stronger because for me...Hatred and sorrow are power. They are yours to control. All you have to do is turn them into strength and use it to move forward."

Leviathan smirked again, "Then show me, child! how strong you are!" the goddess body raised again.

Astraea did a fighting stance, her fists glowed red. Noctis was taken aback and can't move.

"YOUR ON SNAKE!" Astraea was about to lunge forward but Reno smacked her in the top of the head using her own sword, "OUCH!" she fell down on her butt and sat on her knees. "What is that for Reno!"

"Are you insane? Do you really have a death wish!" he shouted at her. "If you really want to fight an Astral then fight the Diabolos!"

Astraea just glared at him and huffed and looked down at the ground, "She started it…" she murmured.

"Thank you Leviathan…" Somnus thanked the goddess.

The Hydraean just smiled at him then looked back at the fire maiden who was now moping around while her guardian continued to lecture her.

"You should really watch the way you act and think before speaking, you always get yourself in trouble because of your impulsiveness behavior. Starting right now you will act like a princess after all you're the descendant of the rulers of Solheim. Your Astraea Lumina Izunia!" Reno continued to speak to her with an authoritative tone. "Is this clear Astraea?" he asked her, she did not answer. "Answer me! Lumina! That's an order!" She snapped, her hair burst into flames, her eyes glowed crimson. Without a warning, she uppercuts him n the jaw. The guardian was sent flying through the air and landed a few feet of them.

"NEVER ORDER ME RENO!" the fire maiden shouted, her hair flying in the wind.

Noctis jaw dropped, Astraea noticed it and she flattened and arranged her hair as it returned to normal, her eyes stopped glowing and returned to being brown.

"Remind me not to order you around when we got back home, Astra," Noctis chuckled, she shyly smiled back.

"She never did change," Carbuncle said to Somnus.

Somnus chuckled slightly, "Yes, but she is more feisty than ever…." he turned to Reno who now back at his feet and picking up Astraea's rapier, "Looks like, Big bird never did learn his lesson.…."

"I can not blame Reno, he was waiting for two thousand years to serve her again, just like you master…" Carbuncle looked up to his former master, "You've been waiting to see her again, this lively and happy…"

Somnus took a deep breath and smiled at his former guardian, "Please Carbuncle protect both of them, they are precious to me…" the guardian just nodded and then looked back at the warriors of light.

"Now I know why he chose you…" Both Astraea and Noctis jumped when they heard the voice of the Goddess of the sea again. They turned their heads to the side to be met by Leviathan's giant head, her yellow eyes focused on the fire maiden. Her two long barbels(whiskers) touched both Astraea cheeks and brust her hair away. It sent shivers down on Astraea's spine. She squealed and hid behind Noctis while still glaring dagger at the goddess. Leviathan chuckled and raised her head up, "Now I understand why Ifrit chose you…"

Astraea eyes went wide, her feeling of fear faded so she stepped forward and stood beside Noctis again. She jumped again when Reno tapped her rapier on her right shoulder. She looked back and took the rapier and smiled at him, he smiled back then he turned towards the Astral.

"What do you mean, Tide Mother?" Reno asked. Astraea was relieved that Reno asked that question because she is too afraid to ask that.

Leviathan's sharp eyes softened and gazed at her, "I can see why the crystals chose you. I can feel the light within you...strong, yet gentle..." she said in a calm and loving tone.

"Oh…thank you…." Astraea whispered but it's enough to hear the goddess. Leviathan bowed her head, "You earned my respect Fire maiden," she turned to the prince, "You to King of light, I will expect great thing for you in the future once we meet in the physical world,"

Both Astraea and Noctis strengthened themselves and bowed down in unison. "Thank you… Goddess," Noctis raised his head and looked to his side, to see Astraea's head was still down, "Astra?"

"I'm sorry…." she blurted out, "I'm truly sorry…." Astraea went down on her knees, her head still down, "My guardian was right…. I acted harshly and I offended and disrespected all of your dear Astrals…I'm very sorry..."

"Astraea…" Reno lowered himself to her, "You don't have to kneel down and apologize, is all my fault…" he raised her chin up and tucked a hair behind her ear, "Diabolos learned of your existence because I was careless, I did not know he could feel your flames I was not even able to help you when you needed me," Reno gazed at the wound on her chest, "I failed again…. I always failing…You must be mad at me if you want you can choose another guardian, Ifrit still has one more messenger and maybe he can protect you more than I…" he lowered his head down.

"Reno…." Astraea patted him on the head, "My little Chocobo…" Reno suddenly looked up because it's the nickname she gave him back on Solheim and in Lucis. She smiled brightly at him, "I will never do that… you will always be my guardian….okay?"

He smiled and nodded, "Always…" and bowed down after a few seconds he raised up and helped her on her feet.

"Astra... Are you okay?" Noctis asked her.

"Yes, I'm fine,"

"Fire maiden..." Astraea looked up to the Draconian, "Your guardian is right... You must not apologize… After all, you've been through a lot, losing your love and your homeland, seeing the dark Astral feeling his dark energy and fighting his darkness is not an easy task, and I'm glad that you did not fall into his darkness. It is normal to act like that... But please in the future control your emotions."

"I will Draconian," she bowed down to him.

Noctis went to her side and patted her on the back, "You know you're like a fire Astra," Astraea tilted her head to the side because of that weird statement, he saw the confusion in her face, he chuckled, "Fire is always unpredictable and uncontrollable but still has beauty in it. You just need to learn how to use it properly,"

She laughed, "That weird thing to say Noct,"

"Really? You're that one who's always saying weird things, I'm just following you,"

Astraea laughed again, "I'm only kidding Noct, Thank you,"

"You're welcome so what are we going to do now?" Noctis's eyes become serious. Astraea face dropped because she does not know either what the next step is.

"Warriors of Light!"Bahamut's voice echoed around them. They turned to him, "You must return to your world and continue your training. Your guardian will teach you until then we must wait for the right time,"

"Why can you just return back with us Draconian?" she asked.

"We cannot…" Shiva answered her, "Our physical body is still weak and we still need to recover our power, after all, we used it again to save both of you, but don't fear… when we wake up we will choose our champion, and they will help you to defeat Diabolos."

"But Shiva…." Fulgurian hovered beside her, "Your body is no more…"

"Wait...what? What happened?" Astraea asked.

"After the empire got hold of Tenebrae, I sensed Ifirit flames were dying and he was falling into darkness, I woke up outside the imperial capital, the empire was ready for me...They were able to kill my physical body but not my soul…" Shiva explained, "But don't worry, Bahamut…." she turned to the Draconian, "He gave me part of his power, I will be able to recover thanks to him, you don't have to worry… just focus on your training Warriors of light."

"Did the champion of Diabolos do that? Astraea asked again.

"Yes,"

Astraea eyes-widened, "So… where he is? What does he look like? I want to know so that we can prepare,"

"His appearance can't be determined," Titan spoke up, "Diabolos's champion has the ability to change his appearance so is very difficult to know what he look like,"

"Oh… that is not good…" Noctis muttered under his breath.

"Don't worry king of Light, as long as you too remain inside the city you are safe. The barrier is stronger than before I can assure you that."

"What about Diabolos, what happened to him?" Noctis asked the leader of the Astrals.

"Just like us he will be weakened, taking the two of you inside his realm and being defeated loosened his strength. So just like us, he will go into slumber once again." Bahamut turned towards the guardian, "Guardians you know what to do.."

"Yes...Draconian," both Reno and Cally bowed down their heads.

"You must return to your world now...Champions," Somnus said gazed at them, "We will meet up in the future,"

Noctis and Astraea nodded and bowed their heads again.

"Thank you very much for saving us, dear Astrals," Astraea said while looking up, she saw every Astrals looking at her with sadness in their eyes. She doesn't know why their faces and their emotions are giving her a weird feeling, that she saw it already. She was snapped out her train of thought when she heard Noctis ask a question.

"I have a question dear Astrals," Noctis asked as his gaze went past the Astrals and went up.

"What is your question king of light?" Bahamut was the one who answered him.

"What is that thing?" Noctis pointed at the thing in the sky.

All the Astral looked up and saw what the prince was talking about, "Yeah… I saw that too. It's showing a faint light…"

"What are the two talking about?" Reno asked, still looking up.

"You don't see it? Looks like a giant eye," she answered him.

"Etro's gate…" Bahamut whispered as he looked down towards them, "You can see it, warriors?"

Both of them nodded, "Yes, so what is it?" Noctis asked again.

"It's Etro's gate," Somnus answered.

"Etro?" both warriors asked.

"Yes, the gate of the Goddess of Death, Etro…"

"Wait there another Goddess we don't know of?" Astraea said, still looking up.

"Yes, she is the goddess of death, her only role is to guide the soul of the dead to the afterlife. She had nothing to do in this war so don't worry about her.."

"Can you see it? Founder king?" the prince asked.

"Yes the soul of the dead can see it, back then it opened for me, but I did not cross it,"

"But why?" Astraea eyes glanced at him.

"I need to guide the future rulers of Lucis… my soul still resides here in the Astral plane waiting for the King of light to be born,"

"You're waiting for me?"

Somnus turned towards the king of light, "Yes, and the warriors of light that will aid you in defeating Diablos. Until then my soul shall not rest."

"Astraea Izunia what happened to her, did she do the same or she went to the afterlife?" the fire maiden asked while stepping forward.

Somnus can't answer that question, for, in fact, she is Astraea Izunia. He opened his mouth to answer but Bahamut answered it for him.

"Astraea Izunia soul still wonders Eos.. just like the founder king. She is still waiting for the darkness to be vanquished once and for all,"

"Oh is that so...where is she? Can I talk to her?"

"She's still out there Astraea, still hiding in the shadow," Reno answered her, "Don't worry someday you will meet her…"

She just nodded at him and looked towards the Astrals again, "We promise to fulfill our calling as the warriors of light, we will wait for your awakening dear Astrals," All the Astrals nodded at her.

"Always remember my light will guide and protect you, warriors of light," Bahamut wings spread wide and it began to light up. It blinded both Astraea and Noctis. They shielded their eyes with the use of their hands. The astral started to disappear one by one. Astraea saw Somnus smiling sadly at her…

"Good luck… Astraea…"

Astraea heart started to ache and she reached a hand towards the founder king, "Wait! Somnus! Don't go!"

"I will always be with you…" she heard Somnus' voice before her consciousness faded.

...

"Astraea…" Reno's soft voice echoed inside her head.

"Astraea sweetheart… wake up…" she could feel her mother's hand on her forehead, "Astraea…"

She opened her eyes slowly to see Aerith's face looking down at her, "...Mother?"

Astraea could feel that her head was lying on her mother's lap and she was wearing Reno's suit jacket, "Are you okay, sweetheart, anything hurting?" she did not answer and went straight for a hug, "Woah! don't move so much, your wound might open,"

"Sorry…father died because of me... and I destroyed Galahd... you put in danger…sorry…sorry..." she kept saying those words as she cried into her mother's shoulder.

"Shhh… don't cry Astraea...it's not your fault," Aerith broke the embrace and cupped her face and brushed the tears away using her thumbs, "You don't have to apologize,"

"No…" Astraea shook her head, "Because of me, father died… and…."

Aerith hugged her again to stop her from speaking, "Astraea… your father always loved you and he is proud of you and he won't like it if you kept thinking of that… so please stop crying and stop blaming yourself, my dear,"

She brushed her tears away and nodded at her mother. "Okay...mother...I will,"

"Your mother is right, Astraea don't blame yourself,"

The fire maiden broke the hug and turned around to see Reno. He is in his Chocobo form sitting beside them, "Reno," she touched his right cheek then hugged him, "Thank you for saving me,"

"Don't thank me… thank the prince, without his bravery, we would not be able to save you,"

"Noct! where is he!" Astraea's calm demeanor changed into panic as he pushed Reno away.

Reno just sighed and stood up and stepped sideways behind him was the prince who was lying on the King's lap, "Noct!" she went straight and sat beside the prince. "Why is he not waking up?" she turned to Reno before he could answer. Noctis grunted and opened his eyes. "NOCT!" she cupped his face Noctis winced at contact, "Noct! What is wrong? are you hurt!"

"Your… elbow…" Noctis said between short breaths, "It's crushing my ribs,"

She looked down and to see that her elbows were really crushing the prince's ribs, she sat up straight immediately, "I'm sorry...sorry…I'm sorry…" she kept repeating the same word while bowing.

Noctis chuckled as he sat up, "I'm okay... You don't have to apologize and why are you like that, where is your fiery attitude... a minute ago you were ready to fight the Hydraean to the death, this look doesn't suit your fire maiden..." he mocked as he ruffled her hair.

Her eyes went glaring at him in an instant, "Hands...OFF..…" Noctis's hand stopped before he could retract his hand, she suddenly went for a hug. Noctis landed on his back because the King is ready on his feet. They stayed lying like that for a few minutes. She was still hugging Noctis, feeling his heartbeat, Noctis did the same as his arms were wrapped around her waist.

"Ahem….are your two planning getting up?" Reno lowered his head down to their level. Both of them bolted upright and sat on their knees. They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"So Noct, who won?"

"What?"

"I lost track of how many kills I did...You?"

"Oh… that…" Noctis put his hand on his chin, thinking about the fight, "Don't know... I lost count too.."

"15," a voice came from behind them. They looked up to see Ignis looking down on them beside him were Gladio and Prompto.

"Wait what...you saw it?" Astraea asked.

"Yup, we saw everything Diabolos took the time to let us watch what is happening in his realm," Reno said as he transformed into his human form. "We saw how you both defeat your fears and desires and how you overcome the curse of the starscourge." he held a hand towards his master. She took it while Ignis did the same with the prince.

"Really?" she glanced around the room and her gaze landed lastly on her mother.

"Yes..my dear," Aerith went to her side and hugged her again, "Your father will be proud of you for how strong you become.."

"Thanks, mother," she broke the embrace and looked back to see the King was hugging the prince. She gave them time to talk and so she turned to Ignis, "So how many did you say we killed, Mr. Scientia?"

"15...you both killed 15 daemons each and I told you to call me Ignis… Lady Astraea..." Ignis answered with a smile on his face.

"I told you too to drop the lady, Ignis" she just smiled back at him, "I'm impressed you did count our kills by watching it?"

"Yes,"

"That is really impressive Specs. Can you be a great strategist in the future," Noctis said as he walked towards them.

"Thank you…. you're not bad yourself, Your Highness,"

"Yeah... Noct our training paid off," Gladio smacked Noctis on the back. He stumbled for a bit but regained his balance.

"Thank I got a great mentor after all," Noctis smiled at his future shield.

"NOCT!" Suddenly Prompto dove towards Noctis and they both fell down. The blonde was hugging the prince in the waist, "I was so worried I thought I was going to lose your Noct!"

"HEY! GET OFF ME PROMPTO!"

"Why? You let Astraea hug you like this!" Prompto whined, still hugging the prince tightly.

"Astraea is different, now get OFF!" Noctis shouted as he tried to pry the blonde arms away.

"Hhhmpppp Hahahahah…." Astraea chuckled while covering her right hand over her mouth. Both teens looked up to her, "You two like a couple,"

"What no…" Prompto released his hold on Noctis's waist and stood up and helped Noctis to his feet he then turned to her, "If there are a couple here… you are those two! You too are so sweet and your hugging all the time!"

The fire maiden lowered her hand, "A couple?" she turned to the prince and smiled, "No… we are more like a brother and sister right Noct? Noctis nodded.

"Of course you do both Somnus and Astraea are siblings after all…" Reno joined their conversation.

"WHAT!" Both warriors shouted at him.

"Crap!" Reno stopped and took a step back, "What I mean is both Somnus and Astraea are like brother and sister, after all, they were best friend since childhood," he said with a smile but inside his mind, he praying that they will believe him, "You inherited their feeling for each other, platonic love between friends…" Astraea and Noctis both stared at each other and smiled. "Phew… that work," he sighed in relief.

"Hey prince," Noctis turned towards his future shield. Gladio was looking at him with soft eyes, "You should have told me about your leg, I keep pushing you on edge starting right now I will be more considerate about your training,"

"Gladio is right, Your Highness, for now, you need rest and let take a good look at your leg, maybe we can tend to it."

"Yeah, Noct… don't overdo it," Prompto added.

Noctis was surprised by their kindness, "Thanks… Gladio, Ignis, and Prompto…But I am okay now, it doesn't hurt that much and I need to train a lot more now, considering the situation now.."

"Are you talking about Noctis limp on his right leg?"

They all turned to her, "How do you know?" Noctis asked.

"I noticed it by in the desert,"

"Wow.. you noticed it just one day of being with me?"

"Yup," she smiled, "I'm good at detecting a person's weakness just by watching them fight or just by looking at them,"

"Impressive," Ignis said.

"Thanks, so if I were you, don't let your guard down in front of me, for I can make a record of your fighting style with one just glance and use it in the future,"

"Duly noted," Ignis said with a smile.

"Great." she smiled back at him, then she glanced around to see that the council members were still around and a few people were standing around them, "But what really happened to me? I can't remember?"

"Diabolos appeared inside this room and attacked you and he infec-" Noctis did not finish his sentence as he saw the blood on Astraea clothes. He quicking walked over to her and brust Reno's jacket away to see the wound had not healed yet and was still bleeding. "You're still bleeding… Gladio chair! Ignis first aid kit!" Gladio and Ignis moved and followed his command. Before Astraea could react Noctis pulled her and made her sit on the chair, "Astraea can I touch you? We need to tend to it…"

She could not answer because she was still shocked. Noctis is still waiting for her response, Reno saw how reluctant she is so he stepped in, "I will do it, Prince…" Noctis turned to him and then looked back at Astraea who's now gripping her guardian suit jacket tightly covering her body more.

"Oh...okay... Do we need to do it in the medical wing?" Noctis asked as he gave way to Reno.

"Is up to her...Astraea you want to go to the medical wing and stayed in the hospital room?"

She shook her head, "No..I don't like staying in a hospital room, I'm okay it does not hurt, just tell me what happened then you tend to it,"

Her guardian saw the seriousness in her eyes, Reno knew there was no point in arguing with his master, so he took a deep breath and explained how the starscourge works. He explained that the person needs to be corrupted first before turning into a daemon. That the scourge will use the person's fears or desires to corrupt the heart of the host so that the daemon could take over. Then Noctis gave the summary of what his fears and how he overcame it and he said that he saw her desire and how she fought it and the rest is history.

"It's that so…" she glanced over the wound and then to the prince, "Thank you...for saving me…."

Noctis just put a hand over her shoulder, "Your welcome and I promise you...you will not be rejected by anyone anymore and nobody is going to hurt who while I am around...Astra…"

She started to cry, Noctis panicked and tried to ease the tension away, "So speaking of my fears, I did kill five daemons so I killed 20, so I won our bet,"

"Okay...so what do you want me to do…" she asked, trying not to cry.

"Well.. maybe….try not to go into the dark realm in the future, Okay?" he smiled at her.

She chuckled and smiled brightly at him, "Can't promise that, after all, we will fight Diabolos in the future, we need to train and so that we can bright the fight to him!"

"Looking forwards to it fire maiden let us save Eos!"

They both smiled at each other did a firm crossed arm handshake. "Let do it King of light!"

"We are here to help the both of you Warriors Of Light," Regis called out to them.

They both turned sideways to see the king with the council, standing in a semi-circle around them, the crownsguards and kingsglaive behind them.

Astraea stood up and took a step forward, "Your Majesty… I'm sorry…" she bowed down, "I put all of you in danger…so if you don't want me here...I will accept it… after what I did in Galahd…."

"Astraea, child…" Regis walked over her and put a hand on her head, "You don't have to apologize,"

One of the councilmen stepped in, "I should be the one who needs to apologize, I said horrible things to you… please forgive me lady Astraea," he bowed down and followed by the others.

"Please don't…." she held her hands up, "Diabolos is the one responsible for those negative thoughts… so please don't apologize …"

Clarus stepped forward, "Then you should not apologize to Lady Astraea and we are here for you will help you and the prince in this battle,"

She smiled at him, "Thank you...Mr. Amicitia .."

"You don't have to leave. Your very welcome here .. after all, you are a part of our family now… Princess Astraea…" Regis added.

Before she could protest Carbuncle appeared before them.

"Cally!" Both Noctis and Astraea went to her side, "Sorry that I did not return with you, Master,"

"It's okay," Noctis replied, "So are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Master, I just have a message from the Astrals,"

"What is it?" Reno asked while walking to them.

Carbuncle horn glowed and with a flash of blue light and crystal shards of the Astrals float around her and landed on the warrior's hands, "The other Astrals went and gave power the gave life of this shards and they ask me to gave it to the king,"

"To me?" Regis walked over to them.

"Yes, Bahamut said that it will help you strengthen the barrier, just let it float beside my master's Crystal,"

"How about Astraea's necklace? can she keep it?" Reno asked as he grabbed the necklace in mid-air.

"Shiva wants it to remain at her possession and Your Majesty this belongs to you," Carbuncle jumped to the king's shoulder, "Please held your hand," Regis did what she said, the guardian's horn glowed and with a flash of light, the Ring of Lucii appeared in the Hand of the King, "Please take care of it,"

"I will guardian and please thank the Astral for me,"

Carbuncle nodded at him, "So who will help me, Master, let us go to the crystal chamber now,"

"We can take it, Your Majesty?" Noctis asked.

"Very well then, I will accompany you this way," Regis held his hand to lend the way.

Carbuncle then jumped to the prince's shoulder, But before they could take another step, both warriors felt weak all of a sudden and suddenly they felt consciousness and fell forward. Reno was quick to catch Astraea and Gladiolus was able to catch the prince. The crystal shards just float before it hits the floor. The room went into panic once again as the two warriors lost consciousness.

"Don't be afraid they just went to sleep," Reno said as he glanced at his master and brushed her bangs away, "The starscourge is out of their system now but it will take time for them to recover and It's just normal that they lost consciousness. They need to recover their strength after all.

"Reno is right," Carbuncle said as she jumped down and gathered the crystal shards "But expect that they will sleep for a couple of days,"

Clarus took the chest which held crystal shards and sat it down beside the Bahamut's messenger, slowly the shards went to the chest and it closed at its own, Clarus then picked it up.

"Sorry, dear Shield, you can take the shards? I need to be with my master," Carbuncle asked as she jumped into Gladiolus's shoulder.

"Will do, Messenger of Bahamut,"

"Just call me Carbuncle," she smiled at the shield, he nodded in response. "Okay then, The prince and lady Astraea need to rest, can we finish this now Your Majesty?"

"Go ahead... prepare the hospital wing for Astraea," Regis ordered as he turned her maids.

"Please don't," Reno called out, "Astraea said she doesn't want to stay in the hospital room, her room is enough,"

"Are you sure Reno and how about her wound, do I need to send the royal physician?" Regis asked.

"Yes, I'm sure and I can take care of her wound, Your Majesty," Reno walked over the King and whispered, "Just take care of the people, King Regis, make sure no information will leak out," Regis nodded so Reno stepped back and slightly bowed his head, "I will take Lady Astraea to her room now, Your Majesty,"

"Alright then, we will handle this, just take care of Lady Astraea, and if you need anything just asked her personal maids," Regis said as he gave way to him, "And Aerith you can accompany him to make sure your daughter is okay,"

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Aerith and Reno bowed and walked out the door. Mecia, and Claudia not far behind them.

Regis then turned and walked to his son and his friends, Noctis was sleeping soundly on Gladiolus's arms. Regis put a hand to his head and turned to the future shield. "Please take my son to his chamber, I will visit him when I'm done here,"

"Right away Your Majesty," Gladiolus stated and bowed down and started to walk away. Ignis followed him then Prompto. When they were at the door, the blonde stopped and looked back, "Your Majesty?" Ignis and Gladiolus stopped hearing his question.

"Yes, child?" Regis turned to him.

"Can I stay? I want to make sure the Prince is okay, if you allow me, Your Majesty,"

"Sure child, my son will be happy knowing that you are always at his side, just ask Mr. Scientia to drive you home later,"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Prompto replied with a smile. After bidding their goodbye the trio went to the Prince chamber.

Regis took a big sigh of relief and took a seat on the chair nearest to him, "Your Majesty are you okay, you need to rest too," Clarus asked.

"No, we still need to finish the council meeting please everyone gath-"

"That is enough Regis!" Clarus shouted. The king and the people around him were stunned. Clarus did not mind it and looked at the king directly in the eyes, "Regis you need to take a rest, we can handle this,"

Regis could see and the sincerely in his friend eyes, he sighed and said, "Okay you win Clarus," he stood up, "Cor,"

"Yes, Your majesty," Cor went towards the king's side.

"Make sure this won't go out to the media, lie if you have too and please take care of this situation, we will strengthen this out tomorrow morning,"

"As you command King Regis," Cor replied.

After saying a few words to the council and making sure that everyone is okay he ordered them to take rest and they will talk about their future action tomorrow. After that Regis left the room with his shield. While Cor and Drautos talk to their respective group to handle the situation in secrecy.

In Astraea's room, Reno took care of her with the help of Aerith, they were able to heal the wound but it left a scar. Regis did visit them briefly making sure everything was okay then he went to the prince's bedroom to make sure his son was okay. He let Prompto stay the night for he didn't want to leave Noctis's side. After that, he went to the crystal chamber to leave the crystal shards, the shards glowed and encircled Bahamut Crystal. He can feel the added power and protection from the crystal shards. He can felt that the barrier is fives times stronger now.

"Thank you dear Astrals," Regis said towards the crystals. The crystals just glowed signaling that the Astral heard him. He bowed down and left the room in silence.

After making sure everything is okay and everyone is safe and that's the only time Regis went to his room to take a rest. For tomorrow will be the day their lives will change for the better or for the worst


A/N: Sorry for the long update for I did have a writer's block and the problem of the coronavirus is not helping either. I hope I can lessen your anxiety away with my story. After all writing, this story helps me too. Take care and I hope and pray this will be over soon.

THANK YOU! hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!✩

Next chapter The Caelum's Dark Past