A/N: Sorry again the title has changed from The Caelum's Dark Past to Recalling of the Past: A New Beginning. Starting this chapter I will not give chapter preview title for I kept changing it and kept adding new chapters.
There will be three Final fantasy guest characters that will be appearing in this chapter. One will play a vital role in the story and the reason why I fell in love with the Final Fantasy games. My favorite male character of all time...
There are two quotes in this chapter, one from a Final Fantasy game and the other is from a movie.
"It Is said some lives are linked across time... they are connected by an ancient calling that echoes through the ages... Destiny" -Prince of Peria: The sand of Time
Recalling of the Past: A New Beginning
"This is not the beginning of the end. It is the beginning of new hope we have created." - Cid (Final Fantasy Type-0)
Two days have passed and both warriors are still sound asleep. But all their wounds are now healed, except for Astraea's wound that turned into a scar. Reno did not leave Astraea's side and kept watched over her. While the king is still busy doing damage control. Because of the recent attack, King Regis ordered to double no triple the security around and inside the Citadel and kept the Citadel on lockdown. Nobody can get in or get out without the King's permission or order. This went on for two days straight.
Clarus, his shield, was worried about the King's health both mentally and physically. After the attack, Regis did not sleep very well and kept exerting himself. Sleeping very late at night and waking up before the crack of dawn. His calm demeanor changed into a state of panic and unrest. Making the people around him feel the same way. So Clarus decided to comfort the king about his sudden change of behavior.
Clarus went into his chamber, he knocked three times, "Your Majesty, it's me Clarus, may I enter?"
"Yes,"
Clarus opened the door and walked inside to find the King busy at his desk, reading the report of the sudden rise of daemon outside the crown city. The shield saw the untouched food on the coffee table. He sighed in annoyance and looked at his friends. Regis's appearance was haggard and his hair was a mess and the bags under his eyes were very visible. Regis Kept Cor and Drautos busy, he kept ordering them to send more guards and glaives inside the Citadel leaving the crown city unprotected.
Clarus stopped and stood straight in front of the King's desk, hands behind his back, his eyes straight looking at the King. Regis did not even acknowledge him and kept working. He cleared his throat, "Is this a bit too much your Majesty? You even have taken almost all the glaives from the front line to be assigned here."
Regis was so busy reading the papers on his desk that he answered his shield without looking up. "No Clarus, this is still not enough! We need more guards inside the palace and make sure they are sworn to secrecy before they step foot inside the Citadel. We can't let the people of the city know what happened, it will only cause panic."
Clarus's face dropped as he looked at his friend. "But My King, Your making is worse, the people are now asking why the Citadel went into lockdown, the media is in our front gate asking for answers. They are looking for their King. You have been absent from the public eye for months now and now this… If you continue to act like this they will be anarchy."
"So I will declare Martial law! We need to protect them… Clarus... we need too…" Regis said as he looked up to him.
The crazed look in the King's eyes made Clarus feel uneasy and angry at the same time. He wanted to scream at him to stop his madness but he cannot because he felt his emotions, the feeling of helplessness and fear. Even with all his experience being the king's shield in all these years and all the horror of war and daemons he saw, it's nothing compared to what he saw in the council room that day. He remembered how terror streaked through him after seeing the Dark Astral for the first time. He can't even move a single muscle in his presence. The incident affected the King and with his connection, he can also feel what the king is feeling, the feeling of fear and unrest. "Regis, please stop this…" he took a step forward and leaned his hand on the table, "You're just making it worse… you need to rest, the people are still counting on you so please…"
"I can't take a rest CLARUS!" Regis stood up and slammed his hand in the table, "He might come back… he might attack again! I need to protect them… I need too… it's my duty as king..." he said as he lowered his head down.
Clarus took a deep sighed and walked over and gently patted Regis in the back, "You need rest, my friend, please come this way…" He guided the king to the living room set. Regis body slumped into the armchair, The monarch rested right arm to the armrest and leaned his forehead. He took a deep breath, "What I'm doing wrong Clarus…", The shield did not reply and handed his glass of water, he took it and drank it all.
Clarus took a set in front of him, "You're not doing anything wrong, Your Majesty… you're just tired you should rest, leave everything to me…"
Regis did not argue anymore and did what his shield asked him to do. Just like Astraea and Noctis's bedroom, the King's chamber was made out of two separate rooms, one is for the sitting area and his desk and the other one is the main bedroom where the bed and bathroom are located and was separated by a double door. After thanking his shield Regis went to his bed and rested. Clarus left his room and went to the Astraea room to ask Reno for help. Reno opened the door with a smile but the shield did not return, "We need to talk," he said in a cold tone as he went inside without hearing a response he took a seat in the armchair. Reno just looked at him bewildered and closed the door.
"Why the long face, Clarus?" Reno asked as he flopped his body on the sofa.
"The king… he is emotional right now… He's not thinking straight. I know you have your hands full," The shield looked at the fire maiden sleeping at the bed and turned to him, "But… please help… I don't know what to do…"
Reno knew it was a serious matter so he sat up straight, "I can't do anything, sorry… but I knew who might be able to help…" Clarus just looked at him, Reno just smiled at him sadly, "I just going to ask his help, for now, let the King rest, tonight we will talk, bring Cor as well,"
The shield nodded and stood up and bowed his head towards the guardian, "Thank Reno…"
The guardian just smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "You must rest as well, let's continue this tonight," Clarus did what he said, he left Astraea's bedroom and went to rest. After the shield left Reno went to Aerith's bedroom. He knocked three-times
"Come in," Aerith answered.
He opened the door and stepped inside and closed the door behind him. There he saw her talking to her brother, Reno greeted the leader of the hunter organization with a two-finger salute, "Hi there…"
Aerith knew right away something was wrong so she asked, "What happened? Is Astraea okay?" Do I need to go to her right now?" She stood up and walked towards the door.
"She's fine," Reno smiled, "How is your brother? how is he taking all of this?" he glanced at the leader of the hunter organization who's sitting at the armchair with a dumbfounded expression. After the recent attack, Aerith asked him if she could tell her brother about Astraea's real identity and about the dark Astral. He gave her permission and Aerith is now halfway in the story when Reno entered.
"I'm still at the Astral war, can you help me?" she asked as she walked back to her brother and sat on the sofa.
"Sure, I have nothing to do anyway," he said as he walked towards them, "But you need to absorb all this information right away Dave, for tonight will be another wild night…" Reno sat on the armchair and crossed his legs.
Both siblings looked at each other then turned to Reno, "Well then, where are we?" Reno asked.
"I'm at the aftermath of the war of the Astral,"
"Good… let me continue it.." he said and turned towards the head hunter.
It took almost half a day for Reno to explain everything to Dave. But just like the others, Dave was dumbfounded at first but regained his composure. After that, he told them to take a rest and eat, for tonight there is going to be a big revelation.
Nightfall, the King took his dinner and went back to his desk once more, working nonstop. While Aerith and Dave looked after Astraea. At the Crystal chamber, the founder king was just standing and looking at Bahamut's crystal in silence, for the past two days he just watched how the people reacted. He saw how the King went from calm and collected person to troubled and fearful. He was worried that the king would commit the same mistake he did. For King Regis was acting the same way he did back on old Lucis. So he planned to intervene and to reveal the dark secret which he had been hiding all these years. The dark secret which the kingdom of Lucis was made from.
The door opened behind him, without looking back he knew who it was, "Are they ready Reno?" he turned to him.
Reno was not surprised after all he knew that Somnus was watching them all this time, "The real question is… are you ready?"
Somnus just nodded, "Yes… let's do it…"
They decided to have a meeting in the king's chamber. They all gathered there, Aerith, Dave, Cor and Clarus were sitting at the living set having a snack while Regis was too busy working at his desk.
"Your Majesty, you need to rest…" Clarus stood up and walked towards him, "Please join us…" Regis shook his head and continued his work, Clarus continued "Regis please y-"
"No wonder the Prince is stubborn he got it from you, Your Majesty," Reno interjected as he appeared in a flash of Red light in front of the King's desk with Carbuncle sitting on his shoulder.
"Good Evening your Majesty…" both messengers bowed their heads down. Regis nodded at them. Reno raised his head while Carbuncle jumped to the table. Ifrit's messenger turned towards the shield, "Your shield is right, Your Majesty, you need rest, please have a snack and stop working," he smiled at the king, Regis did not listen and continued to work. "Regis…" he called him with an authoritative tone, this made the king looked up at him, "Stop working and have a seat," he ordered as he pointed at the living room set where the people were dumbfounded by the action of the guardian, The king opened his mouth to protest but Reno beat him to it, "Sit down,"
"Aerith what is happening? Why is Reno angry at the king" Dave whispered at her ear. They were sitting beside each other on the sofa. "Don't know…" she answered him.
Regis was shocked at first and he did not even move from his chair and just stare at Reno with wide-eye.
"Please Your Majesty… take the seat," Carbuncle said as she jumped from the table to the king's shoulder.
Regis glanced at the fox guardian then towards the phoenix guardian, with a deep breath he stood up and walked slowly towards the living set with his cane. Clarus helped him. The black and gold victorian living room set is positioned in the middle of the room. The two armchairs facing each other and one long three-seater sofa and a coffee table were placed in the middle facing the king's study table. Regis took the nearest armchair near his table. While Reno did not move from his position, he looked back to see Clarus was standing behind the king, he walked over to them, "Take a seat Shield," he pointed at the opposite chair arm which was vacant, for Cor was sitting beside the hunter siblings. Clarus followed his command. The first few minutes are just silence; they are all glancing at each other.
"Well then… now we are calm… let begins…" Reno stated.
"Begin what?" Regis asked.
"Our intervention, Your Majesty, you're taking this a little too far… you need to stop i-," Reno answered.
"I'm not taking this far…" Regis interjected, "I need to protect them Reno, he stood up, "I need to do everything to protect them,"
"That's it, Regis, you're just making it worse. Taking all the guards and glaive assigning them here. Locking down the whole Citadel, we need to protect the warriors from prying eyes, but the way you're acting now is just drawing more attention towards you and towards the warriors putting your and their lives in danger more," Reno gazed at him. "If you not careful we just going to lo-"
"That enough Reno…"
A familiar voice echoed around them, then suddenly with a flash of blue light Somnus' spirit appeared where Reno was standing a minute ago. They all stood up and bowed at the founder King.
"Founder King? What brings you here?" Regis asked.
"I'm here from you Young King," Somnus answered as he took a step, "I'm here to help you," he stopped and glanced at everybody, "I'm here to help you all," All of them just looked at each other and took their seat, "I gather all of you here today, for I have noticed that all of you been affected by Diabolos's attack and become anxious and fearful and one of you…" he glanced at King Regis, "Is not thinking properly and causing more trouble than helping…" Regis looked hurt as he heard the comment of the founder king. Before he could comment, he continued, "For I have been through it… I have been through it all, and King Regis," his blue eyes focused on him, "If you continue this path, you will experience what I went through, a life of misery and regret." he took a deep breath and looked around, "For I made this same action, I thought I'm protecting them...I'm protecting her… but instead, I ended up breaking up our family. Yes, I did save Eos but it ended up losing everything…" his hands turned in a fist, they can saw he fighting his tears, "And Now I'm given a chance to correct what I did wrong, to correct my sin and ask for forgiveness as well and I going to use this chance to help all you, especially you King Regis," his eyes glanced at the King once more, "For I don't want you to follow my footsteps. Yes, I was known to be the savior of Eos but I was not able to save them… my loved ones who helped me become The Founder King of Lucis…"
A long pause ensued as nobody wanted to talk, the presence in the room became uneasy, as the Founder King kept on standing still while closing his eyes.
'Will you ever forgive me… Astraea…?' Somnus thought as he pictured her standing in front of him, her back turned against him and started to walk away, 'No! Where are you going!' he started to walk to her but he stopped when another person appeared beside her, it was Ardyn looking at him with anger in his eyes, 'Brother? Please forgive me… I did what I was supposed to do…' Ardyn summoned his blade and pointed it at him, 'I will not fight you, Ardyn… please end this madness…" Before he could speak again Ardyn attacked him. His eyes snapped wide open and he blinked several times.
"Master?" Carbuncle's worried voice can be heard calling him from the coffee table.
He looked down at his former guardian and smiled sadly, "Sorry, Cally I just lost in thought," he walked and patted the fox guardian on the head. Carbuncle nuzzle her snout against his palm. "You don't have to do this and it is not your fault Master," Carbuncle looked at him with soft eyes.
"Cally is correct, Somnus," Reno walked beside him and patted him on the shoulder, "Astraea won't like this… you know… she will be mad at you if you continue blaming yourself…" he smiled at him.
"And yet she is still fighting because of me...she ended up here because of me…" Somnus drew his hand away from Carbuncle, "I must correct my wrongdoing, and this is the first step I will take…" he looked at Reno, "For me to forgive myself… so please take out your memory sphere, I want them to see what really happened,"
Reno's face dropped with his shoulders, "Sorry my sphere got shattered, but Cally has one right?" he turned towards his fellow guardian.
Cally's ears slumped down and she took a step back, "No… I don-"
"Cally…" Somnus stopped her, "Please I need this… followed my command."
The fox guardian looked defeated and bowed her head down, "As you wish Master," her ruby horn glowed red and with a flash of blue light a memory sphere appeared.
Somnus bent down and grabbed the sphere, he put his right palm and touched the blue sphere. It lit up as it absorbed his memory, then he turned to Reno and handed it to him, "Your turn…"
The guardian just sighed and took the sphere, "I've been trying to erase that memory you know Sommy…" he said with a cheerful tone.
The founder king smiled as he heard his nickname, that the nickname that Astraea gave him, "I know sorry… that you have to go through this again… do this not for me but for her…" Somnus smiled sadly at the guardian. Reno just sighed again and did what Somnus did a minute ago, he focused his thoughts while touching the sphere, the room plunged into silence again as they waited for the guardian to finish.
'What does he mean his sin?' Regis thought as he looked at the founder King, 'Does he mean the fake history of Lucis and Solheim?" he pondered, 'And what does he mean I will make the same mistake as he did?' Regis continued to ask these questions in his mind. He snapped from his train of thought when Reno finally finished.
"Done…" Reno said as he put down the sphere in the center of the coffee table, "Can I go now? Astraea needs me…" he started to walk away, "Reno…" he stopped when he heard the stern voice of the founder king. He turned around and looked at him.
"Astraea is safe...Please stay… I need you here," Somnus pleaded.
"Fine," Reno replied, "Just let me sit this one out and you tell the story?" he dropped down on the ground and sat Indian style. Somnus nodded and looked at the people around them.
"Founder King?" Regis called out Somnus glanced at him, "You don't have to do this… if you don't want too,"
Somnus shook his head, "No, I must do this… it will help you to know who is Diabolos and how he fights in the darkness. I will help you to be prepared if he does it again." he then turned his attention towards the others, "Reno did tell you the real history of Solheim and Lucis but he did not tell you what really happened, there is a lot of question in your mind right now, and I will answer that, especially your question Shield," he turned to him, Clarus straightened himself upon his seat, "You questioned why we don't just say or revealed the truth to Astraea." Clarus just nodded, "Well then let me tell you about the tragic story of my siblings' life…"
Somnus's eyes glanced down at the sphere it lit up and projected a picture, "Let me introduce to you Ardyn Izunia(Age 33)…the firstborn son of Vincent and Lucrecia Izunia, my older brother," the sphere showed a picture of Ardyn having brown hair and blue eyes and wearing his white healer robe with Aera by his side, "And his fiance Aera Mirus Fleuret the Oracle, Our people called him the Healer but now he was another name and that is The Accursed… Champion of Diabolos...Adagium… " the sphere projected Ardyn with red-violet colored hair and with amber eyes wearing a black trench coat. "I will tell you how he became the Accursed..." he paused and took a deep breath, "And how the Fire maiden... Astraea Izunia, our dearest little sister," Astraea(Age 25) picture appeared, she was wearing a pink and white dress. Both of her eyes and hair were red, "Lost her life...and was killed..." All eyes focused on the fire maiden, he took another deep breath and said a low and sad tone, "By my own two hands..." All eyes snapped at him. They can't believe what they just have heard. Reno just sighed, crossed his arms and turned his attention towards the raging flames at the fireplace. Cally just laid down on the coffee table and wrapped her tail around her body.
It took another minute or two for all of them to regain their senses. Somnus did not let anyone ask a question, he continued his story.
"Let us start our story then... Five years before the war of the Astrals our father was chosen by Ifrit and was made King of Solheim in those five years we lived in harmony and peace. But just like Reno said, the people of Elheim started to envy us and they joined forces with Diabolos to destroy us. The day they attacked we were not only celebrating our Father's coronation but Astraea 20th birthday as well."
Somnus smiled sadly as he remembered that fateful night. The sphere started to project his Memory. Just like Reno's memory, it's a first-person view.
…
Somnus was standing near a pillar overlooking the entire floor of the throne room. A party was being held, many people were talking and having fun. He gazed around and found his sister. Astraea was wearing a red long dress and a winged tiara with a red gem in the middle(Elvish tiara with wings and gem - snitch crown(Etsy)). She was talking to the man with blonde hair wearing a white tunic with matching pants and boots and a blue coat. By the look of it, they are having fun. (FFXIV Alphinaud Leveilleur outfit). He sighed and looked for his brother, he saw Ardyn with someone, a woman dressed in a white dress with blonde hair near the bouquet table drinking wine. While his parents Vincent and Lucrecia Izunia were standing in front of the royal throne and were busy talking to the village elders and other leaders from all over Eos. His eyes darted towards the throne, there were two grand staircases leading to the red throne above it was a mosaic of their family crest. Below the throne in the middle of the grand staircases was a beautifully elaborated ruby stone firepit with Ifrit's crystal hovering inside the raging fire.
He kept looking at Astraea in the distance, that's when Ardyn walked over to him with two wine glasses at hand.
"Something on your mind, little brother?"Ardyn asked him as he handed the glass wine to him.
"You know I don't drink, Big brother," Somnus said in a mocking tone.
"Yeah… stop that…." Ardyn chuckled, "You calling me big brother is weird… " he stood beside him and looked at the crowd.
"But you let Astraea call you that… Big Brother Addy…" Somnus said, mimicking Astraea's voice.
Ardyn spat the wine in his mouth and looked at Somnus. He just chuckled at the sight of it, Arydn soon followed.
"Wow…" Ardyn sighed, "Astraea was grown into a fine young woman… I still remember it as if it was yesterday that she was just a small little girl clinging to us, asking just to let her join our hunt and now she is going to be married…"
"Yeah… she beat us to it… how about your brother? when you and Aera be married?"
Ardyn just chuckled and took a sip of wine, "Maybe after Astraea… or maybe after you find your fated one…" he paused and turned to his brother and grinned, "Hey Ashelia," Ardyn called someone from the other side of the room.
Ashelia who was just standing near the bouquet table slowly walked towards them, she was wearing the same clothes as her distant cousin Aera Fleuret. She stopped and greeted both of them with a smile.
"Good evening… Prince Ardyn… Prince Somnus…"
"Good evening Lady Ashelia, My brother here wanted to ask you for a dance, you will take his hand?"
"Wait...What! NO! I did not!" Somnus stammered his words.
Just like Aera Fleuret, Ashelia had blonde hair but her eyes were gray. The smile in her eyes disappeared and was replaced by the sadness, "Oh… is that is so, I will take leave then," she started to walk away.
"Wait!" Somnus grabbed her right hand, she was surprised by the sudden action from the prince and looked at him wide-eyed. He had the same reaction, he suddenly withdrew his hand and stood straight, "My apology I don't know what got into me," he bent his head slightly.
Ashelia just chuckled a little, "It's okay your highness,"
"Good to hear…"
Both of them just stayed silent as Ardyn watched them. The elder brother lost his temper and whacked his younger brother in the back, "Go ask her for a dance, Prince Somnus," Ardyn said teasingly as he walked away.
The raven-haired prince just glared at his brother back and looked back at Ashelia who was waiting for him, he cleared his throat and arranged his robe, "May I ask you for a dance, Lady Ashelia, and please call me Somnus..."
Ashelia smiled and reached for his hand, "It will be my honor, and please call me Ashelia… Somnus"
They both smiled at each other as they went into the middle of the room to dance.
...
Video faded to black as Somnus tried to keep a straight face, "As you saw, we were oblivious to the danger coming our way,"
"Excuse me…. Founder King" Aerith shyly raised her hand.
"Yes.. what is it Mrs. Lumina?"
"In your memory, Astraea was about to get married, did it happen?"
"No, it did not…" Reno is the one who answered her as he stood up, "Because the very night, Elheim attacked Solheim and laid waste to the crown city and its people and Unf -."
The founder King continued Reno's words "Unfortunately Astraea's fiance died that night protecting her along with our parents," his eyes showed sadness as he lowered his head down.
Aerith held her down, "I'm sorry for your loss… dear king…"
"Thank you…" Somnus's stern voice became soft and gentle as he gazed towards the other people in the room, all giving him a small nod and while whispering their condolences. He nodded at them and he raised his head and composed himself again, "That night we did not just lose our parents but our city as well and Ifirit's crystal. After Diabolos took control of the Infernian, we tried to run to safety, for we were outnumbered and we cannot fight…"
Clarus is about to ask a question but Reno stopped him, "If you're gonna ask why we did not fight back, just like I said, the Solheim's people were peaceful people and don't like conflict and we were trying to get Astraea into safety."
"Why, what happened to her?" Aerith asked.
"Remember what Reno said about how Ifrit's crystal got destroyed ?" Somnus asked all of them, they all nodded so he continued, "When Ifrit's Crystal got destroyed the shock wave hit Astraea causing her to lose consciousness. We were forced to run away and Reno helped us escape to Nibelheim. We left her there and returned to Solheim,"
"And Astraea was what happened to her?" Regis asked.
"She went into a coma, while she was sleeping when we fought Diabolos and Elheim's army. In the middle of the war Bahamut granted us his blessing, we became his champions. With help of the other Astrals and our newfound power we were able to defeat Diabolos and ended the war after a year but…" he paused, the sphere projected the disk of Disc of Cauthess, "In the end, Solheim was destroyed and our people were scattered all over Eos, Yes...we won the battle but we lost the war," Somnus's hand turned into a fist.
Reno saw how affected the founder king was so he went and patted him on the back and smiled at him. The founder king just gave him a gentle smile and looked at the people in front of him, "Sorry about that...let me continue my story…"
"Your majesty, if it's too painful for you, you don't have to relive it," King Regis stated.
The former champion of Bahamut shook his head, "No, you must know what we've been through so that all of you would not commit the same mistake that we have," he looked at them with a softened expression, "It's fine, just like a said, I need to confess my sins…"
The room was filled with silence once again the only sound that can be heard was the crackling wood in the fireplace.
After a minute Somnus spoke again, "Let us continue…after the end of the war, Astraea finally woke up from her coma the same day as her birthday," The sphere lit up and started to show another memory.
...
Both Somnus and Ardyn opened the double door at the same time and entered Astraea's chamber. The video showed static for a few seconds then it cleared. There they saw Astraea, sitting on the bed. Aera was sitting on her right side while Reno was standing beside Aera.
"Ardyn?... Somnus?..." Astraea eyed them from head to foot. A look of bewilderment can be seen in her face.
"Astraea, finally you're awake…" Somnus walked towards the round bed and sat down at the right side. He gently stroked her right cheek, "You had us worried, are you okay?"
Astraea survived his face before answering him, " Yes, I'm fine brother, but...what happened to you?" She cupped her brother's face with both hands.
"What do you mean Astraea?" Somnus asked while Ardyn sat down at the other side of the bed.
"Well, you two…" she glanced at both of them, "You changed… and your eyes what happened to them?"
Before they could answer Reno spoke up. "Lord Ardyn, Lord Somnus can we talk outside?" Both brothers turned towards him. Reno's eyes seemed serious so they both stood up and walked towards the door, "Wait here, Lady Astraea, we will talk for a bit…" he bowed down.
They left Astraea in the care of Aera while they talked outside her chamber. There they find Gilgamesh guarding the door. All four of them gathered together.
"Did you tell her what happened?" Somnus asked as Reno closed the door behind them.
"That's the problem I'm about too but…" he looked at the brothers, "She...lost her memory…"
"What?" Ardyn's calm voice raised up.
"Astraea lost all of her memory of the last five years..."
"So… what do we do now... Should we tell her?" Somnus turned to his brother.
Ardyn shook his head, "No… let her forget… After all, we all want to forget the dreadful past. Let her start over… is for the better…"
"But Ardyn she was to known what happened,"
Ardyn looked at him, "Okay then… but let me change a few details okay? She doesn't have to remember all of it right?" All of them nodded, "Well then… let us break it to her gently," Ardyn opened the door and walked in and all three followed him. The memory started to fade to black.
…
"Wait...you said they attacked during her birthday so…" Aerith gazed sadly at the founder king, "Which means the king and queen died that day too?" Aerith asked as the video faded to black.
Reno sighed, "Unfortunately yes... But even with that... Astraea never surrendered and looked forward to the future with hope. The sphere started to light up again this time, it's his memory.
...
Reno's fingers turned into talons and tightened into a fist while looking at siblings. Astraea was hugging his older brother deeply because Ardyn just revealed to her what happened. About how their father became Ifrit's Champion and the king of Solheim, how they became the royal family and about the betrayal of the people of Elheim. How the War of the Astrals started with the death of their parents and the destruction of their homeland. Astraea cried for a good 10 minutes and her sweeping filled the entire room and the hallway. Both brothers comforted her and told her that everything will be alright and they will always be with her and they will never leave her. After she calmed down they revealed to her about Bahamut's blessing and their new ability and their mission as the warriors of Light and that is why their eyes are blue because of Bahamut's blessing and they have to protect everyone from the darkness. He also said to her that Bahamut granted them a family name so that they can start a new life and a new beginning.
"Wait so… we're Caelum now?" she asked
"Yes as of now… I'm Ardyn Lucis Caelum," he turned to his younger brother, "Sommy here will be Somnus Lucis Caelum," he then looked her in the eye, "And you will be Astraea Lucis Caelum,"
Astraea pondered for a bit and frowned, "But I like Izunia… can still use it? After all, I'm not Bahamut's Champion."
Ardyn and Somnus gazed at each other then back to their sister, "Are you defying Bahamut's orders Astraea?"Somnus asked in a stern voice.
Astraea smiled at him, "Have you forgotten brother… I don't like following orders, and besides…" she put her right hand to her heart, "I know The Draconian means well, he wants us to start fresh to forget the bad and terrible things that have happened… In fact, I can't even remember anything…" she smiled then she put her head down, "But… I don't want to forget…" she started to cry, "I don't want to forget about them, about our people, about our homeland… about Solheim… so I want to remain as Izunia… Astraea Lucis Izunia…" she gazed at her brother smiling bitterly while tears poured down her cheeks, "That is the only thing I can do for them… I want to live our Father's legacy as Ifrit's Champion... would you let me brother?" still smiling bitterly.
Both brothers were surprised by their sister's sentiment, they looked at each other. Both were silent as they gazed at each other's blue eyes. Both of them know what to answer with that they turned to their little sister.
"Our little star..." Ardyn patted her on the top of her head, she was still crying so he smiled at her, " Don't cry Astraea," he wiped the tears away, "Yes, you can...you can still be an Izunia…"
"Our father and mother will be proud of you, Astraea…" Somnus added and he held her hand together and stroked it gently, "Continue the Izunia Legacy Astraea… and remember we will be here for you,"
Astraea saw the gentle and warm smiles of her brothers, even if she did not like it, she broke down again and hugged them both.
"Shhh… don't cry, Astra…" Both brothers said in unison and rubbed circles in her back.
After a minute Astraea was able to calm down and sit up straight. She wiped her tears away and smiled at her brother, "Thank… Addy… Sommy… I promise I won't let you down,"
"I know you won't," Ardyn smiled at her.
"And besides, if Bahamut wanted me to use the name Caelum… he should have given me his blessing too right?" she smiled brightly.
"Well sorry Astraea… Bahamut doesn't want a champion just like yourself… a hard-headed and spontaneous child like yourself," Ardyn said while smiling, "Maybe if you will act and talk and dress like a princess he will grant it to you…"
"Did I act like that back in Solheim during our father's reign?"
"No…" Somnus crossed his arms, "In fact, you cause a lot of trouble back then,"
"Trouble?" she turned to him.
"Yup, being the most stubborn, restless and troublesome little sister ever!" Somnus flicked his finger at her forehead.
"Hey that hurt!" she said while rubbing her forehead, "I'm not that troublesome right Big brother Adyy?" she turned to him and smiled widely.
"Nope, you are… because of that our people called you the Fire maiden, because you're impulsive, rebellious and especially a pain in the butt," Ardyn chuckled loudly and ruffled her hair with both hands.
"Hey stop that!" Astraea warned, but her older brother continued, "Last warning, Ardyn Lucis Caelum!" he continued, she suddenly stood still in bed and grabbed him by the collar of his robe and threw him over her shoulder towards the other side of the bed, Somnus was not able to avoid his brother and their bodies collided. They both were thrown into the ground and fell flat in their faces. Astraea jumped down from the bed and landed near them and pointed a finger at them, "Don't you ever ruffle my hair like that ever again brother! Same goes for you Somnus, Don't even touch my HAIR!"
Both brothers prompted themselves by their elbows and gazed at their sister, both glanced at each other for a bit and then burst out laughing. She followed soon and lunged down at them. They were able to catch her and they all shared a deep embrace.
Reno smiled as he saw how happy the siblings are, his worry had been lifted as he saw Astraea is doing fine. He walked and bent down towards the sibling, "Excuse me, Princess?" The trio turned to him, "Do you still remember me?" Astraea gazed at his eyes, Reno knew that she must have forgotten him after he was Ifrit's messenger and their father's guardian during the Solheim reign. Astraea blinked several times, she reached her hand towards his face. He did not back away and let Astraea's hand caress both his cheeks, then Astraea suddenly stretched his cheek wide, "Ouch..ouch...ouch!
She laughed and released him, "What do you mean, Reno… we've always been partners in crime back then, right? My little Chocobo, have you forgotten our little adventure atop of Mount Ravatogh" she smiled at him.
Reno's eyes widened, he forgot about that, he had always been beside her even back then, even before Ifrit decided to grant his blessing. After all, they met each other after Astraea went and climbed Mount Ravatogh when she was only ten years old, "Yes… how can I forget about that… the girl who climbed the forbidden volcano and brought a phoenix down and made him his pet.."
"Yup...That's me but you're not my pet, you're my friend," she touched him below his eyes where his tattoos are located … "So why are you human? Do you have the ability to turn into a human?"
The guardian shook his head, "No.. and how do you know it was me?"
"Your eyes…" she said, "Your beautiful blue eyes gave you away…so how about it why are you human?"
Reno smiled, "They never did tell you about the guardians right?"
"Guardian?"
He sighed and explained to her that he is now Ifrit's messenger and the guardian of the champion of Ifrit's who was her late father, but now he masterless and still waiting for the next champion of Ifrit, that the reason why he can turn into a human for the God of fire granted it to him, "Maybe you will be the next, Astraea after all your nickname is the Fire maiden."
"That will be awesome!" she shrieked in excitement, "Where do I sign up?"
"Nope!" Ardyn suddenly grabbed her by the collar of her dress and hoisted her up, "You're not doing that."
"Why? It would be awesome if I became Ifrit's champion. I can be like you…"
"Yes..it would be great but you are still recovering, you must rest…" Ardyn put her down and patted her on the head, "And beside Ifrit's flames is not needed right now."
"Our brother is right Astraea," Somnus put a hand on her shoulder, "You must rest…"
She pouted and crossed her arms, "Fine… but I and Bahamut will have a serious talk after I recover…"
All of them laughed at her declaration. Suddenly Carbuncle appeared on Ardyn's shoulder, "Hello there, Princess Astraea," the fox guardian bowed to her. " I'm Carbuncle and I'm your brother's guardian and Bahamut's messenger, I can deliver your messages to him right now if you want."
What! No! I'm kidding," she shouted while waving her hands in the air. "Please don't do that! I want to live!"
They all laughed at her action.
Reno chuckled, 'You never did change Astraea..' he thought as he continued to smile at his master.
The memory started to fade into black again and the sphere turned off.
…
"You're truly close, Your majesty…" Dave said.
"Yes… yes, we are…" a warm smile ran across the founder King's face, "Even with our age gap, we are very close to each other I and my brother are the ones who taught Astraea how to use a sword. She is the only one who can match our skills. She even defeated the two of us in a duel one time, back on Solheim…" He chuckled as he remembered those memories.
"How can she be that positive despite what happened?" Clarus asked
"We don't know… she has always been like that ever since she was little, she never let anything stop her being happy and making people around her feel the same way, she is our shining star in the dark night."
"You're truly blessed to have her, Founder King," Regis said and smiled at him.
He returned the smile, "Yes… we are… and please Your Majesty, you can Somnus,"
"Then call me Regis then,"
Somnus nodded, "Okay then let us continue… After the war the Astral Eos was peaceful again, we started to rebuild our lives.
...
The sphere lit up again and started to show another memory. It was Somnus's memory again.
He and Ardyn were riding their Chocobo in a hurry, dodding huge rocks and climbing over rock ledges and columns to get to their destination. After arriving where their homeland used to exist. They found their sister with Reno in his Chocobo form, sitting at the one to the rock ledge overlooking the huge crater and the glowing blue meteor. They both sighed in relief to see their sister safe and sound. Somnus kicked the side of his white Chocobo to make it walk forward. As he moved closer he noticed Astraea was leaning on Reno's body. The guardian raised his head towards him.
He glared at the red Chocobo as he disembarked his Chocobo and started to walk towards them, "What do you think you're doing Reno!" he hissed at him.
Before Reno could answer, Astraea rose up and turned to him, "Don't be angry with Reno… it's my fault I asked him to bring me here, so yell at me, Somnus,"
He stopped and glared at her, he about to lecture her but he noticed that she was crying, his anger faded and he walked slowly towards her and bent down, "Are you okay? We told you not to come here…" he wiped her tears away.
"I just want to see personally, that all.." she turned towards the meteor, "I know that the meteor destroyed our homeland but it is quite beautiful don't you think…" she turned to him.
He just sighed and patted her in the head, "Yes… it's beautiful…" he smiled sadly at her. Astraea smiled back but her tears kept falling so she buried her face in his robe and cried her eyes out. Somnus hugged her protectively as his tears fell too, he felt Ardyn knelt beside them, Ardyn then hugged them both engulfing them with his white cape all of them cried in silence. Reno turned into his human form and let them be.
As the sun started to set the trio was still sitting at the ground looking at the meteor. Astraea was in the middle, Somnus was on her right while Ardyn was on her left. The three of them were silent watching the sun fade away on the horizon.
"Astra...," Ardyn whispered her name.
"Yes, brother?" she answered without looking at him.
"Would you sing for us? We miss your voice…" Ardyn said with a warm smile.
"Of course, I will be honored to sing for the warriors of light…" she smiled and stood up and walked forward and turned to them. She is gracefully curtsy to them. Both brothers chuckled in amusement. Astraea's crimson eyes glared at them in an instant. They both bottled upright and stopped laughing and looked at her in a serious face but their lips kept twitching as they held laughter in. Astraea just shrugged her shoulders and stood straight up, she took a deep breath and started to sing. (Final Fantasy XIII - "Promise" - Serah's Theme | ENGLISH ver | AmaLee). After she finished her song she looked down at her brother, to see both of them crying. Both brothers just smiled at her sadly.
"Thank you… our little star… for giving us hope and for giving us our light," Ardyn said as he stood up and hugged her.
Somnus stood up and said, "Promise us that you will never let that light fade within you Astraea…" his siblings broke their embrace and they both looked up to him.
"I promise…. but promise me too and we three will always be together…"
Both brothers nodded and the trio hugged each other. Under the light of the stars.
…
Back at the king chambers, Regis could feel the emotion of the founder king, and because of their connection to Cor and Clarus could feel it too. Somnus noticed it and glanced at them.
"Sorry…"
All of them looked up at him, "Sorry for what? Somnus?" Regis asked.
"My past emotion is affecting you… I never intended it," he lowered his head down.
"You don't have to apologize, Somnus, and It's okay…your emotions are lovely, the bond of siblings is truly amazing, I envy that for I never had that connection."
Somnus chuckled, but even though he was smiling they still felt and saw the pain in his eyes, "Is that so?" he glanced at everybody, "I glad you can see it that way, but I will apologize for the future emotion all of you will see or feel…" he stayed silent for a few seconds and spoke again, "Well then let us continue…" Everyone stayed silent and nodded in agreement.
"One month after Astraea woke up, we were living in Nibelheim with our remaining people. The people of Nibelheim accepted us and gave us accommodation inside their royal palace.
"Why is that?" Dave asked.
"Well, Nibelheim and Solheim were allies back then," Reno stepped forward and looked at him, "And their leaders were our close friends but the real reason why the Nibelheim people are very welcoming is because of Astraea" he turned to Somnus, the founder king just smiled and nodded at him, he chuckled a little.
This earned a few bewildered looks from everyone, "Astraea?" Aerith asked. "Why her?"
Reno happily turned to her, "Well remember Astraea's fiance?" they all nodded, "Well he is the son of the leader of Nibelheim,"
"So that means if Astraea got married she will be their queen?"
"Yup," the guardian smiled but his smile faded, "But unfortunately that did not happen, but the people of Nibelheim still accepted her as their own, with that they accepted her brothers as well.
The sphere started to glow and showed the guardian memory this time.
...
He and Astraea were standing in one of the rooms inside the palace, they were standing and looking at the picture of Solheim(FF12 The Royal City of Rabanastre) her eyes widened in how magnificent their kingdom was.
"It's amazing! I never imagined our little Solheim could turn into that…" she said while touching the painting.
"It really is..." he walked beside her.
She sighed, "It's just a shame I can't remember it."
"Do worry Astraea you will someday…" the guardian turned to her. She just smiled at him. Then she turned around to look at the family crests. She saw the Izunia family crest beside it was the family crest of her late fiance (FFXIV white mage healing gauge). She walked slowly towards it and touched the canvas.
"So… Do you remember him?" Reno walked beside her again.
She shook her head, "Just a little, my memory of Solheim started to fade… I feel it inside my heart," she put her hand to her heart, "We truly love each other..."
"Of course you do! You two would not have been engaged if that is not the case and he truly loves you..."
"Really?" she turned to him.
"Yes, Princess Astraea…" a female voice said, they both turned towards a door to see a female with blonde hair and blue eyes walking towards them.
"Lady Rosa…" Reno bowed down to her.
"Rosa please stop calling me princess… I don't like it,"
"Sorry…" she chuckled, "But Reno was right… my brother loves you, he waited for 5 long years for your answer..." she stopped beside the princess, "He was very happy when you finally said yes… that was the happiest day of his life..."
Astraea just lowered her head down, "I'm sorry…" she whispered, "I'm sorry because of me he and your father died,"
Rose grabbed her both hands and raised up, "You should not blame yourself Astraea, my brother would not like that…"
She nodded and smiled, "Thank you, Rosa, I promise to keep your brother's love with me…"
"Then you should change your family name Astraea and become their queen…" Ardyn said as he walked towards them, behind him were Somnus, Gilgamesh, and Aera. She scowled at her brother, her brother just chuckled at the sight of it.
"Queen Astraea Izunia Scientia the sound to be right," Somnus added.
…
"SCIENTIA!" Royal advisor Scientia!" Aerith stood up, the video stopped.
"Yup!" Reno said while smiling wide, "The Scientia family has always been friends with the Izunia… and now the Caelum, looks like the bond did not fade right, founder king?"
"Yes… the Scientia family has always been there for us, helping us all the way even giving us their own homeland…" The video resumed again.
…
"Nope...nope… nope…!" Astraea waves her hand in the air. "I will not do that!"
"Why? Cloud would want that… after all, your his queen," Ardyn said teasingly.
Astraea continued to glare at him instead of being angry she composed herself and stood straight. "Even if I want to, I can't not…"
"Why? Rosa asked, "We can give you the title if you want, our people will accept that."
She looked at Aera who's standing beside Ardyn and she glanced at the portrait of Bahamut, "Well because of the Bahamut's"
"Bahamut's? They all asked in unison.
"Yes, have you forgotten, Bahamut gave his blessing to both of you. That means one of you will be picked as King that will lead us in the future with that I can't be the queen," she smiled.
"Astraea is right, that's what Bahamut told me…" Aera stated., "The crystal will pick the future ruler of this land and guild Eos back into the light."
"See!" she pointed at her brother, "So for the good of the people. I will step down and give it to the two of you."
"If that is so you should help us," Somnus interjected, "I and Ardyn are still undergoing Bahamut's trial. Until then the throne is empty so we should help each other to lead the people," he looked at everyone.
"Okay then… but unlike you I don't have any ability so I will stick on creating my potions," Astraea stated.
"Don't belittle your skill, Astraea, your potions have been a great help," Rosa pointed out.
"Rosa is right," Reno said, "Continue that and maybe in the future you will become Ifrit's new champion.
"I hope so…"
They all felt silent until Gilgamesh spoke, "So what name should we give this new kingdom?" They looked at each other in silence.
Suddenly Astraea piped up, "How about Lucis?"
"Lucis?" you want to use our Mother's family name?" Somnus asked.
"Yeah… after all, Bahamut let you keep it… The Kingdom of Lucis…"
"The sound about right…" Ardyn said, "The great kingdom of Lucis where everyone is welcome…"
"Yes, the new kingdom will give hope to the people," Astraea paused then turned to Rosa, "Oh! We sorry Rosa, this is your family's land sorry…"
Rose just smiled, "It's okay… my father and brother will approve of that. I and the people of Nibelheim will follow all of you, your Highnesses," she bowed to them.
"Okay then settle it," Ardyn announced, "For this day onwards this will be the Kingdom of Lucis," he looked at everyone one, they all nodded at him. Then all of them turned towards the portrait of the Six.
"Solheim's reign might have ended but…" Astraea whispered softly, "Let us believe that this is not the beginning of the end. It is the beginning of new hope we have created." They all smiled and nodded at her.
"Well then... Astraea... tell the people that…"Ardyn said and turned around, "Gilgamesh gathered all the people, our princess… he turned to her, "Astraea Lucis Izunia will make an announcement!" The future shield bowed down and turned around and walked out the door.
"Shall we, my love?" Ardyn held a hand towards Aera, she took it and they followed Gilgamesh out the door.
"I will send a carrier to the other leaders of the lands to let them know," Rosa said and went out the door.
Astraea did not move. Somnus saw how stunned her sister was. He chuckled and patted her on the shoulder, "Go change into a proper dress, Astraea...you will announce it to the people," with that Somnus went out and left her still stupefied. She blinked several times to let the information sink in, she slowly turned towards Reno. He just smirked at her.
"I'm GOING TO DO WHAT!" She shouted at the top of her lungs, "NO! Addy! Sommy! You do it!" She went after her brother. Reno just chuckled as he ran his hand through his bangs and followed his future master.
"I loved to see Astraea make a speech..." he murmured to himself as he closed the door and the video faded to black.
...
"Wait?... Cloud Scientia..." Aerith murmured, "He is connected to the current Scientia family?"
Reno chuckled, "You mean Specky… he not just connected with but he is him," they all looked at him with a surprised expression.
Somnus gazed at him, "Are you sure it's him?"
The guardian just smiled at him, "Yup, it's him even if his appearance was changed it's still him," he snapped his fingers then the sphere lit up and showed a portrait of Cloud Scientia (Medieval Monarch Cloud Strife (Fanart by HaleyHylia)). "I want to introduce to you... Cloud Scientia, Astraea's fiance. Before he died he promised her that he will come back and that they will meet again, looks like he fulfilled that promise." The sphere showed how Astraea and Ignis met three days ago, how they looked at each other's eyes. "Looks like their hearts know who they are… It's all a matter of time for them to remember each other… the red string of fate has never been cut."
"Its Destiny…" Carbuncle spoke after being silent the whole time, "It said some lives are linked across time. Connected by an ancient calling that echoes through the ages. Destiny,"
"I just hope their destiny this time will not be the same last time…" Somnus added, then he gazed towards him, "Reno…"
"Yes,"
"Kept an eye on the boy…" Somnus said in a stern voice.
"Oh come… even now your still an overprotective brother,"
"Always…" they both looked at each other then burst out laughing. The people around them just looked at them in bewilderment.
…
In the prince chamber, Ignis was too busy reading the report and the new order of the king in the prince's study when suddenly he sneezed, "Ahh-choo!" his eyeglasses drop to the floor.
"Here you go, and bless you… Ignis."
"Oh thank you Prompto, why are you still here? you have school tomorrow,"
"Well, I can't leave my best friend alone…can I sleep here again?" the blonde turned towards the sleeping prince.
"Fine…can you sleep on the sofa again? we don't have any available room."
"Yup, It's okay, also as I can guard Noct, I will be fine…"
His Highness is truly blessed to have you as a friend Prompto…"
"Thanks…" Prompto replied shyly, "You know if you sneeze one time, they said someone is talking about you."
"It's that so… I don't believe it is such a myth," Ignis said as he continued to read the report.
"Don't waste your time with Iggy, Prompto he is always serious," Gladio called out from the living room, "Come on, teach me how to play this new game so that if the prince wakes up we can play together."
"Okay coming!" he answered back, "But you know Ignis you should believe in that myth after all we all live in a world full of magic," Prompto said and went back to Gladio.
Ignis just sighed, then he pulled something out of his pocket. A red ribbon, the same red ribbon that belongs to Astraea. He picked it up three days ago during Diablos attack and he never did return it, 'I should return this…' he thought and stood up.
"Hey, where are you going!" Prompto called out.
"Got something to take care off, I will be back in a few minutes."
Ignis closed the door behind him and went to Astraea room, when he arrived he noticed the same three glaives that were inside the council room back then guarding the hallway.
"Evening…" he greeted them, "Is Sir Sinclair inside?"
"Sorry but no.. he was meeting with the king," Nyx answered him.
"It's that so… can I go inside? I have something to return…"
The glaives looked at each other and nodded Nyx and Libertus opened the double door for him.
"Thank you," Ignis said as he walked in, the double door closed behind him. He walked towards the living room to find it empty. Then he turned towards the bedroom, the sliding door was closed. He went towards it and slowly opened the door. There he saw Astraea sleeping soundly at the bed. Her long black laid flat at each shoulder. He saw the comforter was not properly covering her body. So he went beside her bed and fixed it and tuck her in. Leaning down he gazed at her face, it was serene and beautiful like looking at a portrait of a goddess. Ignis did not know why he was very astounded by her, every time he saw her his heart pounded inside his chest.
'Beautiful…' he thought while tucking a hair of her behind her ear, Astraea whimpered a bit, then he lowered his face down towards her, his lips mere inches from her. Suddenly a bird flew across the closed balcony. He backed away, hitting his back against the dresser, 'What are you doing Ignis!' he screamed at himself, as he regained his composure. He took the red ribbon from his pocket and placed it on the nightstand and went towards the sliding door and closed it but he stopped and gazed at Astraea, his heart pounded again. He shook his head and closed the sliding door gently and went out the double door. Outside he took a deep breath and arranged his glasses.
"Something wrong Sir, Scientia?" Crowe asked.
"Nothing… thank you for your service…" he thanked them and walked away.
The trio just gave each other a perplexed look and continued to guard the hallway.
…
Back at the council room, Both Reno and Somnus stopped laughing and composed themselves.
"I hope they find happiness this time," Somnus whispered.
"They will..." Reno said.
Somnus then stood straight and looked at the people around them, "Sorry about that... let us continue... all you saw are just the beginning of our new life... Now I will show you how one miracle changed our life for the better and for the worst."
As the clock struck midnight the Founder King story had just begun. King Regis, Aerith, Cor, Clarus, and Dave ready themselves for the next wave of emotion that is coming their way.
A/N: Okay I know my story is now drifting away from the Canon of the story, especially the past of the siblings, but I promise you it will be connected And Rosa Scientia is Rosa Joanna Farrell( FFIV) and Ashelia is Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca(FFXII) they will appear in later chapters. This story is an OC X Ignis pairing so I will make the Scientia family more important. I want Cloud to appear in this story so I made him Ignis's past life. I just noticed in FFVII Remake cloud's eyes are green so is perfect Ignis eyes are green too so they have the connection. After all, Sepiroth will be appearing in the story as well and that is the main reason why I chose Tifa Lockhart's appearance for my OC.
THANK YOU! hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!✩
