A/N: My own version where the starscourge came from and I got the idea from the (FF13) Fabula Nova Crystallis series. I made a mistake and counted the years wrong when Reno woke up. I wrote it 30 years ago instead of the correct one, which was 15 years ago. So I will just change it in this chapter. Again the first scene from Episode Ardyn.
Recalling of the Past: Starscourge
"Darkness is the heart's true nature" -Young Xehanort (Kingdom Hearts 3)
15 years ago, Ardyn Lucis Caelum dreamed about his life with his beloved. He did not know how long he was chained in the dark stone prison. The only memory he has is about his beloved Area and the time they spent together.
...
After a long day of healing, they went into a quiet field under a tree sharing a lovely afternoon.
"Ardyn…" Aera whispered.
"Oh...Ardyn…" Aera chuckled, "You can't expect me to believe that,"
He laughed, "Oh, but I do! you have my word.
Aera giggled. "Well, in that case" she continued to giggle.
Ardyn sighed while lying on Aera's legs. The oracle brushed his brown hair, "You look exhausted my love, are you alright?"
He chuckled and sat up, "I am," he gazed at his right hand, "The god blessed me with the power and a purpose to cure people of what ails them. I must see there will be done."
Aera put her hand together, "Your devotion shall not go unnoticed. The gods will doubtless be watching over you." he turned to her, "Just as I shall be watching over you every step of the way," she smiled at him lovingly. He chuckled, "It seems to be the cure for your exhaustion is comprised of two things, one of which is rest,"
"Oh and the other?" they both gazed at each other's eyes.
She giggled "... Is me,"
They both laughed and he leaned his hand on the ground, then leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and caressed her face, "Oh, Aera, Pray be with me always,"
The oracle nodded and giggled and leaned on his shoulder. They shared a moment of silence then a scream could be heard from a distance.
"Reno! Give me back my satchel!" a female voice was heard coming their way.
Suddenly a red Chocobo burst out from a field of grass and hid behind the tree.
"RENO!" The female burst out of the grass, she was wearing a short white and red dress(FFXIV White Mage outfit). She was trying to catch her breath. She looks exhausted, dried twigs and leaves were hanging from her raven hair.
"Oh… A… what happened to you?" Aera called her as she stood up. But Ardyn did not hear her name properly. He just sat on the ground still looking at her.
Aera went towards the mysterious female and helped her to get the twigs and leaves out of her hair. Ardyn was trying to remember where he saw her. Her black hair and crimson eyes were familiar to him but distant at the same time.
After a while, the female turned to him, "Ardyn! I was looking all over for you! Somnus said that we are going hunting tonight so let's go home," she held her hand towards him. He reluctantly reached for it, suddenly flames engulfed the female in an instant leaving nothing but specs of red light in the air.
"Wait!" he shouted as he reached his hand in the air, then he woke up.
...
He saw several lights shining at him and he slowly opened his eyes and saw a silhouette of a man.
"He's alive!" the man chuckled maniacally, "Just as the ancient text told!"
"Who?" he asked.
"Take him away!" the man ordered his men.
The chain was cut off and he was finally released from his prison.
...
Back at the present. All of them awed as they saw Astraea transformation.
"I give you birth the fire maiden!" Reno announced while gesturing his hand on the paused video.
Silence befell upon the room again. It broke when the king's shield asked a question.
"So what happened after that? Did princess Astraea-"
Reno burst out laughing, "Hmmmp, hahaha!'
All their attention turned towards the guardian, he was leaning on Somnus's chair and trying to compose himself.
"Is there anything wrong with what I said, Reno?" Clarus brows furrowed in annoyance.
"What?" he turned to him, "Noo…" he stood straight and arrange his suit, "I just remembered something,"
"And what is that?" Somnus's eyes glanced at him.
He gazed down and chuckled, "I kept remembering that time when I kept calling her princess… every time I spoke the word she would whack or punch me, she doesn't like that title or any royal title for that matter. She even yanked my ponytail if I will not listen," he brushed his ponytail and laid it on his right shoulder. A genuine smile ran across his face.
"You said it…" Somnus added with a smile, "Ardyn and I was not spare in her antics too, she will attack us if we kept teasing her, she is very outspoken and will not back down in any fight,"
"Yup, the title fire maiden suit her very well, after all, like the flames she impulsive, reckless, and sometimes very aggressive.
"Don't forget Stubborn..." Somnus added.
"But even if all that negative traits, you still love her, even with that she still the most honest, sweet, forgiving person we all knew and loved," Carbuncle went out her hiding spot and jumped towards the coffee table, her tail swaying as she walked in the center, she took a seat and turned her head towards Clarus, "Do you think so too, Mr. Amicitia?"
All the attention landed on the shield, Clarus sighed and straightened himself, "Yes she is...but she kept getting herself into trouble," he said while remembering all the bad thing Astraea did, their first meeting, the improper was she acted towards King Regis, lastly, the time she attacked him, he smiled, "But as you said, Guardian, she kind and friendly, but she does need a royal tutor to teach her about manner inside the Citadel if she will continue to live here," he crossed his arms.
"Can Ignis teach her? After all, he's the Prince's retainer," Aerith asked.
They all gazed as the King, he sighed, "Okay, I will ask Mr. Scientia, after this,"
Somnus nodded, "Thank you, Regis," he gazed toward the other, "I know my sister is quite a handful at times so please be patient with her and guide her in the right path, that's all I ask of you…"
"You don't have to ask, Your Majesty," Dave said, "We will be here for her and protect her," they all nodded at the hunter remark.
"Thank you…" the founder king gently smiled at them then turned his attention towards the guardian, "Reno can you continue now?"
The guardian clapped his hand, "Okay then, so where are we?" he turned towards the video and it continued.
…
Reno's gaze did not leave his new master, she twirled around then she turned to him and asked, "What do I look?"
He laughed, "You look like a phoenix, Astraea, love your hair,"
She looked at him in bewilderment and then she took a strand of hair. Her eyes widened to see the color her black hair is now the color of the fire, "WHAT! Wait happened to my hair!" she started to panic.
Reno walked towards her and brushed her hair, "It the sign that your Ifrit's champion, Astraea, it's the symbol his blessing,"
"Really?"
"Yup," he nodded while smiling, "Now you look like me, a phoenix whos flames are everlasting,"
She smiled back and brushed both sides of her hair, "It such shame, it will look awesome if I still have my long hair,"
"Don't worry it will grow back, Princess," he said while ruffling her hair.
Astraea eyes went glaring and she punched Reno on the chest which sent the guardian, rolling down and mountainside, "Reno!" she ran towards him. He was coughing and laughing as he sat down on his bended knees. She kneeled beside him, "Are you okay, I'm so sorry, I did not intend to punch you like that," she said with a worried expression.
He chuckled and looked at her, "Its okay Astraea, but now you should watch your action, your more powerful now than before, just like your brothers you have the blessing of the Astral," she looked down at her hand, as it glowed red, together with her hair and eyes. He noticed the worried expression on her face, he sighed and stood up, "Here," he held his hand and she took it, "Don't worry I will help you train, Fire Maiden," he bowed.
She wanted to protest but she just sighed in defeat and bowed too, "Thank Reno, please take care of me,"
They both raised their heads and looked at each other then burst out laughing, she hugged him, "Thank you Reno… now I can help them," she broke the embrace and smiled at him.
He patted her on the head, "Don't get carried away, you still have a lot of training to do," he said and started to walk away, "For now let's go home," he looked back to see her just standing there while looking at the boiling lava, "Princess..?"
She took a deep breath and whispered still holding the crystal shard, "I won't let you down Ifrit, I promise," she bowed, "Thank you," then she walked towards her guardian, "Hey Reno, I want to change my hair back to black,"
He stopped and stared at her, "Why? Red hair suits you, fire maiden, "he mocked.
She glared at him, "Because I don't want Ardyn and Somnus to know I did this"
"Why?"
"Just you said, I need training so I need… no, we need to keep this a secret okay Reno,"
Reno's marks glowed, "Yes, Master," he bowed as he raised his head and the video faded to black.
…
"I have a question Reno," Aerith asked.
"Shoot,"
"I don't understand what the Astral symbol is?"
"I can answer that!" Cally jumped from the table to her lap, "Each Astral was a symbol or color that represents their element, Bahamut's is blue, Ifrit's is red, and so on. If a champion accepts Astral's blessing, then his/her appearance will change, it will always be their eyes, but in Astraea's case, she already has crimson eyes, so her hair is the one who turns red," Aerith nodded.
"How about Noctis, he does not have one?" Regis asked.
"Well…" Reno trailed off, they all look at him, "The prince was already was one, his blue eyes,"
"His eyes?" Regis asked again.
"Yup, The prince was born as the destined King of Light, that made him Bahamut's champion so after he was born his eyes turned blue,"
"What are you saying the Prince's eyes are not blue?" Cor asked.
"Yup, it's crimson, just like Astraea. The trait of the Izunia Clan, Crimson eyes, and black hair. If you see what I see you will be amazed how Astraea and Noctis look identical to each other, with their crimson eyes and black hair their connection truly can be seen. They are the descendants of the person who was the title of the Crimson Phoenix… Vicent Izunia."
"What about you Somnus, do you possess crimson eyes too?" Regis asked as he gazed at him.
Former champion sighed and let his eyes return to normal, brown eyes, "Ardyn and I both have brown eyes, just like my mother's, Astraea is the only one who inherited our father's eyes," he said as his eyes returned being blue.
"Okay, I get it now, but how about the King, his eyes are not blue," Dave asked while scratching his chin.
Somnus turned towards the Monarch, "Because he is not a champion of Bahamut. Yes, he was the Draconian blessing but did not obtain the title as champion. In two thousand years, I only saw 12 rulers have earned their title as Champion of Bahamut's.
"Ony 12?"
The founder king glanced at the marshal, "Yes, that includes me, you knew them as the rulers of yore, their royal tombs scattered across the Kingdom of Lucis waiting for the King of Light to come. Now their and mine waiting is finally over, only time will tell when the prince will take his rightful place at the throne as the King of Light."
Regis's face frowned as he heard the statement of the founder king. He felt hurt, after all, he did his best to serve the Kingdom. He vowed to protect the Bahamut's crystal with his life, but it looks like that is not enough. Reno noticed the king's reaction, he went to his side and put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't get so worked up, Your Majesty, you might not be a champion of Bahamut but you're a great and loving king. Your people look up to you, especially the prince and Astraea, so don't be sad, be grateful that you're the one who brought the King of Light in this world and help him to become the man he is now," he smiled brightly at him.
"Reno is right Regis, don't worry about not being Bahamut's Champion. Even without the title. You were able to do great and amazing things. You should be proud of that," Somnus added as he gave him a look of admiration.
Regis's face brightened and he smiled at both of them, "Thank you… I will do everything to help the warriors so that they can fulfill their calling,"
"We will help you, Your Majesty," Clarus added.
Regis gazed at his shield and towards the other, They nodded and bowed to him. He nodded with a smile, then turned his attention back to the sphere, "So what happened after that?"
Reno cleared his throat, "We went back to Lucis, and just like she said she kept her new title and ability secret for six months. Every day we will train in secret. In those six months, the starscourge and daemons become more widespread. Because of Bahamut's crystal, Nibelheim became a haven. We started to welcome people from all over Eos. Nibelheim became as big as Solheim it became the new pillar of Eos. But even inside the wall of the new kingdom, Daemons was able to attack, luckily the champion of Bahamut learned to work together," Reno gazed at Somnus.
Somnus nodded and continued the story, "Just like Reno said, Ardyn and I were able to forget our differences and work together. But even with our combined forces, the starscourge was winning. We started doubting our ability to save our people. But everything changed one night." The sphere glowed again and showed his memory.
…
They were walking in the hallway. Ardyn was in front with Aera, while he and Gilgamesh were walking side by side. Astraea and Reno were in the far back of the group. Somnus stopped and looked back, "Astraea I want you to join the meeting today,"
She stopped walking, "What? Why?"
Both Ardyn and Aera stopped too and looked back, "You're a part of this family too, Astraea, so please join the meeting," Ardyn added.
"But… I don't have anything to contribute " she replied.
"Nothing to contribute?" Ardyn started to walk back to her, "Astraea… you have been a great help to us, you're the reason why Somnus and I made up," he stopped beside his brother.
"Our brother is right, if you did not interfere, one of us might be dead now, and beside your potion is helping us in a great way, just continue what you are doing and don't ever think you're not helping okay?" he patted her on the head.
She nodded, "Okay I will do it," the siblings smiled at each other then they resumed walking.
They reach a huge double door, Gilgamesh and Reno open it and they all walk inside. They entered a huge room that acted as an assembly hall. Every month there is a meeting to be held which other rulers of the neighboring lands need to attend and today is the day of said meeting. A huge grand table was placed in the middle of the room which seated fifteen. Each chair has an emblem on top of the headrest. Ten chairs are occupied by people who are now seated quietly, all are wearing different colored cloaks behind them. A person wearing the same colored cloak is standing to their right. Both brothers went and walked towards the head of the table which had two chairs. Ardyn was on the right and Somnus was on the left. Aera went and took a seat on the right side of Ardyn. While Gilgamesh took a seat on the left side of Somnus for they are the representatives of their family. Both brothers' headrest is still empty as they haven't yet decided the emblem that will represent their new family name, the Caelum. The oracle and the shield took a seat while the warriors of light remained standing. Both turned their attention towards Astraea. She and Reno were still standing near the door.
"Astraea please take a seat," Somnus gestures towards the only empty seat on the table which is located at the foot of the table. She walked slowly towards it and looked at the headrest. Even with the distance, both brothers noticed how her eyes widened. She slowly touched the emblem. The red and blue phoenix was beautifully carved and the lotus was red as her eyes.
"Izunia…" she muttered then she turned towards her brother she smiled and mouthed, "Thank you…" both brothers just nodded and gave her a warm smile in return. Then she went in front of the chair and stood straight. Reno stood beside her on the right side.
The people then looked back at the champions of Bahamut. Ardyn took a deep breath, "Rulers of the Lands of Eos, Thank you for coming here in Nibelheim. Your presence is much appreciated, I hope your journey here is quite pleasant and please be at ease here in the light of Bahamut's Crystal." he announced with a warm and inviting tone. All the people nodded at him and thanked him for his hospitality. Then the three siblings took their seats. The meeting went smoothly. At first, they all talked about the progress of their land and how both people from Nibelheim and Solheim were helping the neighboring land to recover. Some land was able to recover after the War of the Astral, especially the regions between Solheim(Duscae) and Nibelheim(Cavaugh). But the other land which is near Mt. Ravatogh(Cleigne) was not doing so well. Famine and drought ran across the land which caused some of the monarchs to voice their opinion which resulted in chaos inside the room.
"Is Bahamut abandoning us, dear Oracle? We have been engulfed in this darkness of many months now, " one of the leaders asked.
She shook her head, "No, Bahamut won't abandon us, believe in him-"
The man stood up and slammed his hand on the table, that made Aera flinch a bit, "So explain why this is happening, Our people are dying and turning into daemons and our land is becoming barren and the daemons keep attacking us! We won't survive if this darkness continues. So why not go and talk to him right now Oracle!" the man said angrily while glaring at Aera.
Aera could not answer his question after for the past months Bahamut has been quiet and won't answer her prayers. She wanted to ease their concern but she didn't know what to do so she gazed at her fiance.
Ardyn's eyes were close, then he opened it slowly. "Don't put your anger towards the Oracle, Lord Mateus, she is doing her best and beside the Astral haven't talked to us has been silent for the past months."
Lord Mateus just scoffed at the warrior, "You're just saying that.. for you and your brother don't want to share Bahamut's crystal," he crossed his arms, First Solheim now Nibelheim are you trying to destroy every land your family had you hands-on Huh…IZUNIA? Is the failure of your people and the destruction of your kingdom not enough? You want all of us to suffer as well?" he asked in a mocking tone.
Somnus's eyes glared at him, "Lord Mateus please if you're not going to contribute to the betterment of Eos take a seat. We're here to talk about how we're going to help each other in this dark time. We're not here to talk about the past."
"Oh please…" Mateus chuckled, "You're just avoiding the truth if I recall your people," he glanced at the three siblings, "The Solheimian people were blessed with the power to defeat the daemons but what happened?.. your family and people failed to do so. Ifrit granted his fire and his knowledge but what did your people do? You just waste your technology in building stupid things. If your people just use the technology to build weapons just like what Elheimians did, we might be able to use them. But no, you destroyed their weapon and killed their people… so much of the clan who preach about peace." he said with a smug look.
The other leaders were speechless and they all turned towards the direction of the brothers. Both warriors of Bahamut's face turned into a scowl. Their eyes ready to kill the lord. Somnus was about to stand up but the voice of his sister stopped him.
"May I speak?" she asked. They all turned towards her; they were surprised to find her face straight and emotionless. But before anyone could talk she continued, "My memory might not have returned yet but I know from the fact, Lord Mateus," she turned towards him, "The Elheimian is the one responsible of the War of the Astrals, they all wanted all the power of the Crystals and tried to take it for their own. Not only that they swore allegiance towards the Lord of Darkness, Diabolos. They made him more powerful by feeding him with fear and hatred caused by the war. Our people are the ones who made a great sacrifice to defeat them with that Solheim got destroyed. Our people both lost their home and their loved ones but we never did blame others for what happened to us."
"Yes.. but-" The lord was not able to finish his sentence because Astraea held her right hand up to stop him.
"I'm not finished yet lord Mateus, please don't be RUDE," she said in a soft and collected tone but there was a hint of anger in it. Mateus straightened up, his gaze not leaving her.
She took a deep breath and continued, "So please stop blaming my people, they don't deserve it." her soft eyes turned into a glare, "Not only that I read the scrolls about War of the Astrals that your PEOPLE helped the Elheimian to get material for their weapon. You people are the ones who stole the mithril from Steyliff Grove and aid them in the war but even with that, the other leaders especially my brothers forgive you and your people. You never had the same fate as what happened to the people of Elheimian, forgotten, and cast out. But if you still want to join them, please nobody is stopping you." she said as she took something out from her pocket, "But if you will keep blaming my people and taking your anger with us, I might give you the same treatment," suddenly she stabbed the table with a normal dagger, "Don't anger the daughter of the Crimson PHOENIX, Lord Mateus you might get burned." she said in an authoritative tone.
Mateus was speechless and gulped nervously, he looked around to find that nobody was going to help him and they were all glaring at him. He accepted his defeat and bowed his head, "My apology, Lady Astraea" he turned towards the brothers, "Lord Ardyn and Lord Somnus. I just worried about my people, that is all, that's the reason why I speak such nonsense, please forgive me," Ardyn and Somnus gazed towards his sister and nodded.
The fire maiden sighed in disapproval. She closed her eyes and opened them again. Somnus noticed how it glowed a bit he wanted to speak up but her sister beat him to it.
"You're forgiven Lord Mateus, after all, all of us have the same sentiment," she stood up and gazed around, "I know this is a troublesome time we are having negative thoughts. It has been half a year since the starscourge came and plunged our star into darkness. But please don't let the darkness slip into your hearts. Fight it! Don't let fear, sorrow, and anger fill your heart. Instead, have the COURAGE to fight and don't lose HOPE and we can overcome this with LOVE inside our hearts to show us in the right path." she held both her hand into her heart. "That is what I asked you for, give Courage, Hope, and Love those who need it the most," she gazed around the table. All of them are giving her a look of admiration, "And don't worry fate might turn into our favor now, for the flames of the God of Fire had been awakened …" she announced.
They gave her a baffled look, she noticed it and she gave them a very bright and warm smiled she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, she opened it again this time her crimson eyes are now glowing, all of them gasped at the sight of it but before she could talk a loud bell rang signaling a daemon attack.
Suddenly the door burst open and a soldier came inside and he was panting and gasping, "LORD ARDYN! LORD SOMNUS! Daemons are attacking!"
Both warriors stood up, "Ready the army! Somnus announced as he looked at Gilgamesh. The shield nodded and ran out the door with the soldier.
Ardyn remained calm and collected as he saw the fear in the eyes of the monarchs, "Please stay calm you're safe here, Bahamut crystal will protect you" he said as he looked at Aera, "Stay here and calmed them down," the oracle nodded and proceed to guide the female leaders to safety.
Both brothers ran out of the room but Somnus stopped at Astraea's side, "Stay here don't go out, just help Aera and Rosa…" before she could reply and he went outside the room. The video faded to black.
…
Back at the king's chambers, Reno took a seat on the floor and pulled out a bag of chips and started to eat it, "This is going to be great!" he said enthusiastically as he stuffed his mouth full of chips. All the people turned to him and shook their heads.
'Reno will be Reno,' they all thought.
Somnus just sighed and continued the video.
…
The video started when both brothers are now at the field in front of Nibelheim at sunset. Somnus eye's sharpened as he gazed at the daemons in front of him, there were hordes of them. Some are composed of common daemons like Imps, Goblins, and Flans. Some can deal massive damage like Reaper, Ronin, and Arachne. One red giant is stomping towards them avoiding the smaller daemon at his feet. In the very back was the leader, a giant black dog with three heads. Somnus gritted his teeth. He and Ardyn were still recovering from the past fight which just happened a few days ago. And they are outnumbered for some of their soldiers succumb to the scourge and Ardyn couldn't heal them all in them. Even with Ardyn disapproval, they ended their life for their safety and some of them even requested it because they don't want to turn and hurt the people they love. Somnus gazed at his brother who was beside him holding his sword and getting ready to attack. The other lords went and helped them with their own small army even with that, they are still outnumbered.
He took a deep breath and murmured, "Brother we are outnumbered…"
Ardyn turned to him, "Are you losing hope Somnus?" he raised his eyebrows towards him.
The younger brother shook his head, "No… you?" he asked as his sword materialized in front of him.
"When did I ever back down," he smirked as he tightened his grip on his sword, "Be careful Somnus… we have loved ones waiting for us…"
"You too, Ardyn…" Aera is waiting for you," he smiled at his brother.
The warrior whacked him in the back, "And Ashelia is waiting for you too," he chuckled.
Then both brothers held their sword in front of them, "Get ready men! Don't let them destroy the gate and stone wall, protect our people!" Somnus shouted.
"Don't forget Bahamut's light will guide us!" Ardyn raised his sword in the air.
The soldiers around them yield in response.
"Hey, brother?" Somnus asked as he glanced at him.
"Yeah?"
"Let make a bet, whoever killed the most wins,"
"And the loser?"
The raven hair prince chuckled, "The loser will be helped Astraea try her new potions,"
Both of them laughed, after all, Astraea has been creating weird potions lately from the past months that caused them to get sick instead of getting better. Astraea is using them as test subjects for her creation, and they both hate it and are trying their best to avoid it by making bets on who will be the sacrifice and be Astraea's test subject for a month.
"You are on! Somnus," Ardyn said as he shook the hand of Somnus.
His brother just smiled and shook his hand back, "Okay then… let's GO!"
But before they can run out the field a blazing red Silhouette moves past them. They all stood still as their eyes adjusted to the dark field before them. Both eyes widened as the Silhouette belonged to their little sister.
"ASTRAEA!" They both screamed in unison and they were about to run after her but they stopped when her hair burst into flames embers fluttering from it.
She ran towards the first horde of daemons which are the Imps, Goblins, and Flans. She raised both of her hands and it burst into flames. Then she waved her hand forward, the flames forming huge x in front of her, burning and obliterating the entire horde in an instant. She ran past the first horde and drew a normal rapier with her left hand while her right hand still had a fire spell. All the people stood shocked behind her including her brothers.
She is now going towards the horde of Reaper, Ronin, and Arachne. She raised her right hand and it burst into a larger flame and out came small fireballs and started to circle her body then one by one it went towards the daemons. Each daemon hit by the fireball burst into an inferno and turned into dust in mere seconds. The few remaining Ronins she used the rapier to kill. Thrusting the blade into the heart of the daemons. Some of the people started to go outside to see what was happening, some went to the stone tower to look. Aera and Rosa went outside together with the female rulers just like the other they were astonished as they watched Astraea kill the daemons with ease. She was too busy dealing with Arachne when the Red giant suddenly raised his massive sword and slashed it towards her.
"Astraea!" Ardyn and Somnus shouted as they ran towards her.
While some of the people shouted, "LOOK OUT!"
Astraea was able to avoid the blade, she ducked as the blade passed above her head and hit the Arachne which she was fighting a minute ago. Then she stood up and with a flick of her wrist, the blade of the rapier burst into flame. It made both of her brothers stop at their tracks. The giant went to attack again this time she slashed upwards cutting the right arm of the red giant, the massive blade went into the air and landed between the two brothers. Then the daemon raised his left arm in the air and attacked her but he missed his giant fist collided with the ground. She used it and she ran up to his arm and stabbed the giant red in multiple succession, her final thrust went into the heart. Then her rapier glowed bright red and she shouted.
"FLARE!" The blade exploded and she did a backflip to avoid the flames. As the flame died down the entire upper body of the daemon got obliterated.
The people awed and gasped around her. Then the flames of the rapier died down with the blade shattered into a million pieces.
She winced as some of the blade pieces went to her arm and cut her. Then suddenly out of nowhere the giant dog appeared and was ready to pounce on her. Its large sharp paws were raised above it.
"ASTRAEA!" Again both brothers ran towards her then suddenly out of nowhere two huge talons slammed the giant dog in the ground from above then the talons burst into flames engulfing the daemon and the beast which the talons belonged to. The daemon howled in pain as it disintegrated into nothing. Then as the fire died down a huge red bird the same of the small mountain spread its massive wings as its head raised into the air and screeched. Its comb burst into flames and ran down on its back and wings. The flames lighting the area around it.
Both brother's eyes widened as the sight of the giant bird. While the people behind them gasped.
Astraea chuckled, "RENO!" she said while looking up, "You did wait until the last minute to attack haven't you!" she crossed her arms.
Reno laughed as he lowered his head, "But of course I'm saving my dramatic entrance," he smirked at her.
She brushed his rainbow feather, "I should be the star in this fight," she said while smiling, "But we can share it," they both chuckled but they stopped when they heard howling and screeching behind them. All the people looked towards the source of the sound to find another horde of daemons. Both Reno and Astraea turned towards them.
"Hey Reno, it's your turn now… let them remember the power of a PHOENIX!"
He nodded and flapped his wings, he flew above them all his massive wings stretched wide. His comb burst into flames and ran down his entire body, engulfing him into flames.
"Meteor Wing!' with the flap of his wings several huge fireballs came out and went towards the horde. It wiped out the horde completely and he screeched again. Then he lowered himself behind Astraea.
Astraea then turned around to her brother, the look of astonishment is still visible in their eyes. Reno then spread his wings again and announced.
"PEOPLE OF EOS! I give you Ifrit's new champion and the new warrior of light ASTRAEA IZUNIA," her hair burst into flames, embers fluttering from it, her eyes glowing more crimson. "THE FIRE MAIDEN!" Reno shouted while a ring of fire appeared below her feet.
Both brothers then lowered themselves on one knee, as people behind them followed them. As they witness the birth of the new warrior of light, the fire maiden.
Somnus glanced up at her, their eyes met and she gave him a warm smile and he returned it as his memory faded into black.
…
The people inside the chamber were speechless, they never guessed that Astraea is that skillful in using the sword now it was cleared to them where she got her fighting skill. She has always had it even in the beginning.
"Wow, Astraea is good! No wonder she was able to defeat Zack during your training," Dave said as he turned to his sister.
Aerith just smiled sadly and nodded, "We always wonder where she got her skill from,"
Somnus chuckled and they turned to him, "Astra has been training her whole life. The matter of the fact we started training her back when she was 12 years old back on old Solheim. I even gave her her first rapier." he smiled as he remembered his fun memory.
"Does that mean Astraea is recalling her memory, is that the reason why she is so good at fighting?" Dave asked.
"That is yes and no," Reno answered, "Her memory is coming back but her mind is fighting it. She believes that it's her instinct and your teaching and being the daughter of the top two hunters but the truth is it's her memory that is coming back to her, she just doesn't know it yet."
"Well, that explains how she was able to kill the red giant that easily." Cor pointed out.
"Yeah, that was amazing!" Dave bellowed, "The first time I saw the video of her fighting the daemon, I was speechless. Love to see her in action in person now,"
"Don't worry Dave you will see it someday," Reno replied/
"So that means she will no longer need training?" Clarus asked while looking at Reno.
"No, she still needs it, after all, as for now, she can't remember her past and is a very bad idea…"
Their faces fell flat as they heard the guardian's remarks, Somnus noticed it and he wanted to console them but he decided not to, after all, they will feel more negative emotions as they continued recalling the past.
"Can we continue now?" he asked with an expressionless face. "I'm going to show you what happened that night when Astraea revealed to us where the starscourge came from."
"You're always so serious, Sommy, that's the reason why Astra likes Addy more," Reno said in a mocking tone.
The founder king just glared at him, "Ok then you show them your memory then." he said.
The guardian just nodded as the people around them watched the sphere lit up again.
…
They are inside the assembly hall again with the other monarchs sitting at the grand table Astraea explained to them what happened. How she and Reno went to Mt. Ravatogh to seek Infernian blessing. How Ifrit appeared before them and granted her request to be his champion and how she hid it for the past six months.
"So you're telling us that you had this ability for six months now and now just telling us? What had you been doing all this time Astraea!" Somnus raised his voice as he asked while gazing at his sister across the table.
Astraea's head was down and her blood-red hair was covering her whole face making it the default of them to see her expression, "Well… I'm… been…" she trailed off as she continued clasping and squeezing her hands,"
"Astraea…" Ardyn called out to her name in a stern yet loving way.
She bolted upright and tucked her lost hair and gazed at them. They were looking at her with a serious expression, especially Somnus whose arms are now crossed waiting for her answer.
She gazed beside him to find Reno just standing there in silence, "Hey Reno, can you help me?" she whispered.
"Sorry can't do...you need to do alone this Fire maiden,"
She let out a puff of frustration and sat up straight, "Yes, I've been hiding my power for six months, I'm sorry for that… I have been training,"
"Training for what? You should have helped us in the first place after you got Ifrit's blessing, instead of hiding it for yourself," Lord Mateus said while smirking.
She glared at him as her eyes glowed crimson, that made the lord shift to his seat, "I very sorry Lord Mateus, I have been training to control my ability. Ifrit flames are not easy to control, after all, my ability to summon flames is through my emotion. You don't want me to lose control and set fire to anything or anyone right Lord Mateus?..." she said while grinning, "I want to be in control of it before I reveal it. That's the reason why I hid it for so long," she said, her crimson eyes stopping glowing.
Mateus just nodded as he knew he was defeated once again.
"If that is so you still should have told us Astraea… after all, we can teach you," Ardyn said.
"No," she shook her head, "I can never ask you for that my dears brothers, after all, you two are busy protecting our people, and asking you to train me will only give you more work, your bodies can't handle it," she explained, "And besides your Bahamut's champion, your ability is different with mine our ability is just going to clash. And besides… I got a great mentor after all," she turned to her side, "My new guardian, my little Chocobo Reno…" she smiled at him.
"You know I'm not a Chocobo right? I'm a phoenix," he said as he crossed his arms.
"Yup," she grinned at him, "My little red phoenix who is much cuter in his Chocobo form."
The phoenix just sighed and patted her on the head, "I could never be mad at you, Princess," he said as he ruffled her hair.
Her eyes sharpened as she unleashed a flaming punch in his stomach which sent him flying towards one of the stone pillars. His back collided with the pillar and he slid down while his black tunic went in flames.
"Never touch my hair Reno and don't call me Princess!" she ordered while glaring at him.
His marks glowed as he just chuckled and he stood up and put out the flames on his tunic, "As you wish, fire maiden," he said while bowing gracefully.
She wanted to protest again but she stopped when she heard Somnus clear his throat. She slowly looked back at the table to see them all looking at them with dumbfounded expressions except for Somnus. She gulped and bowed, "I'm very sorry... I got carried away, that won't happen again."
Silence filled the room, she started to feel anxious, her hair started to flicker, red to black and black to red. Then both brothers burst out laughing at the sight of it. She glared at them which made them straighten up and stopped laughing. She just sighed and sat down on her seat while Reno went back on her side.
She glanced at Aera, "Lady Aera?"
"Yes…"
"Are you able to talk to Bahamut?"
"No, he has not been answering my prayers, why?"
She sighed again, 'Well… he has been talking to me recently," she saw the look of bewilderment in the oracle face, "He revealed to me, the source of the Starscourge, and asked me to tell all of you…"
The people sitting on the table shifted on their sets as they heard the revelation.
She saw their reaction, so she took a deep breath, "The source of the starscourge is..." she trailed off while looking at everybody, "Is…."
Somnus and Ardyn saw how reluctant she was. They were about to stand up to comfort her but Astraea continued her speech.
"The source is US!" she bellowed. This earned a few gasps from the leaders she saw that Lord Mateus is about to open his mouth so she beat him to it, "Please don't ask any question just let me continue." she said.
Mateus closed his mouth and nodded, all the leaders followed him.
"The Starscourge is from us… from our HEARTS… from the CHAOS inside of us…" she can hear a few murmurs around her.
"Astraea…" Ardyn whispered her name.
She turned to her older brother, "Yes, brother,"
"What is this Chaos you speak off…"
She turned to Reno asking for help, Reno saw her eyes seeking his help and he sighed, "Fine, but you're going to help me explain it." she nodded.
Reno stepped forward and held his right hand up, it burst into flames. The flames went in the center of the table, "Where do we start…" he trailed off, "Ah yes… let me start on the creation of this star… our world… let me introduce to you the giver of life our creator, the goddess Etro…" his flames showed a portrait of the goddess,(Fabula Nova Crystallis Logo)
"Etro? We have not heard her name before…" Somnus said while looking at the portrait.
"Nobody knows that she exists brother… but just like Reno said she is our creator…" she answered him, "The Goddess is the one who brought life in this world with her blood she created our body, but with Chaos, she gave us our hearts… within each heart we have emotions, these emotions gave us the freedom to do what we like. But with these emotions, we can also fall into darkness, so Etro created the Astrals which will guide us in our life,"
"So where is the Goddess now?"
"We don't know… she has not shown herself after she created this world." Reno crossed his arms, "But the Astrals did a very good job on guiding us. Except for one…"
"Diabolos…" they all murmured the dark Astrals name.
Astraea nodded, "Yes, Diabolos, instead of guiding us he wanted to rule over us… he learned how to use the chaos inside of us…" she put both hands on her heart
"He learned how to corrupt us, he turned courage into fear… hope into despair and love into hatred. After that, he took the chaos and turned it into these hideous beasts…his minions the daemons," she said as Reno's flames showed daemons.
"With that, the First War of the Astrals happened," Reno continued, "And we all know what happened after all right?" he glanced at everybody. All of them nodded, after all, all of the people of Eos knew about the first war so he will not have to explain it. "After years of peace, one of the Astrals decided not to only guide us but helped us as well… Ifrit and his blessing,"
"Solheim…" Astraea murmured as she held her head down.
Reno stopped and glanced as his master, "Are you okay?"
She nodded and raised her head, "Yes, I'm okay… please continue," she forced a smile. Reno noticed it but instead of acknowledging it he just smiled at her. After all, he wanted this thing over so Astraea could take a rest so he continued, "And we all know what happened to Solheim…"
All the people's eyes glanced towards the siblings waiting for any of them to react. Somnus saw this and voiced his concern.
"Yes, we all knew about Solheim and the second War of Astrals… So what is the connection of the Starscourge… to us? Is this chaos?"
Reno sighed before he could answer him, Astraea held his arm for him to stop, "I take it from here Reno thank you…" he nodded and took a step back.
She smiled at him and turned to her brother, "The Starscourge and the Miasma is the physical embodiment of the Chaos which is inside us."
This earned a few concern looks from the leaders and both of her brothers. She just ignored it and continued her explanation.
"After the last war, Diabolos was weakened and he couldn't create his daemons anymore so he started to create this new kind of creature… the whispers," the flames showed a hooded figure made of black smoke(Whispers FF7 Remake).
This earned a few gasps, the eyes of the leaders were focused on the figure, and fear can be seen in their faces even the champions of Bahamut's had the same expression.
Astraea glanced at the Whisper and towards the people in front of her, "The dark Astral created this creature from the negative emotions inside our hearts. But without the body, they are useless and can't attack, so…"
"He's turning us into daemons," Ardyn said in a low voice while looking at her.
She nodded, "Yes," she paused for a bit and continued. "Without a body, the whispers don't have a place to go to so they stayed inside the heart. There they will corrupt the person's heart and soul by whispering negative thoughts which they got the name Whispers. "
"So this is where the starscourge will come into action?" Somnus asked.
"Yes, brother…. Diabolos created the starscourge so that our body can mutate and turn into daemon so the whisper can take over and destroyed our soul and use our body us a vessel,"
"That explain why the people infected with the scourge are losing their mind before turning into daemons, is all Diabolos fault,"
"Yes, but he not only at fault here, but we are also too,"
All eyes landed on her, "What do you mean Lady Astraea, are you blaming us? Mateus asked in a mocking tone.
"No... we all contribute to the creation of the starscourge. Our negative emotions are the one who feeds them. Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. Is the source all of our downfall and our darkness."
"So how can we avoid this?" Ardyn asked.
She shook her head, "We can't after all, Darkness is the heart's true nature."
The leaders started to murmur and started to show despair.
"But.." she stood up and this earned the attention of the leaders they turned to her, "We can still fight it, darkness might be in our hearts but we have the strength to fight it and yes the heart may be weak and sometimes it might even give in but I've learned that deep down there's a light that never goes out and that is our way out of this never-ending darkness, believe in your heart and don't let it fall into darkness," she said as her eyes turned glowed more crimson.
This made the leaders calm down and showed admiration for the fire maiden.
"And the starscourge, what can we defeat it?" Somnus asked.
"With Astral's blessing of course," she said while glancing at both of them, "Your light can kill the daemons at night and Ardyn healing can stop the spread of the starscourge,"
"But you said it yourself Astraea, I can't take so much of the scourge inside of my body, so how can we defeat it?" Ardyn said while looking down at his hand. Aera saw this and held it in her hands.
"Don't worry my love, I will be here for you, I will be here in every step of the way," Aera smiled brightly at him and he returned to it.
But Somnus' expression turned dark. Astraea saw this and she knew Somnus was concerned about Ardyn health so she cleared her throat.
"Ahem!" they all turned to her, "Are you forgetting something?" she asked while drumming her right fingers on the table.
Both brothers titled their head but before they could ask a question her hair burst into flames, her eyes glowing like the raging flames then she smiled brightly at them, "You're not the only one the has the blessing of the Astrals you know," she held her right hand up and it burst into flames. "I'm Ifrit's new champion just like you. I have a blessing that can turn the tide in our favor," she said while smiling, "Just like I said I've been training and I learned that my flames are brighter and hotter than ordinary flames and daemons are afraid to get near it. So just like what our father did I will share my flames to the rest of the world and about the starscourge… I can contribute to healing our people…" she turned towards Reno.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yup, they need to see it, so please go get him,"
Reno nodded and walked out of the room.
The video faded to the back and went back again. Reno is now back at the assembly hall with a man wearing a black cloak that covers his face. The man had a difficult time walking before they reached the table. The man fell on his knees and revealed that he is now at the final stage of the scourge. His face full of darkness tendrils, the white on his eyes is now black and his now shaking violently.
Ardyn suddenly stood up and walked towards them, Aera, Somnus followed him while the other leaders stood up and back away from the infected. The healer kneeled beside the man and was ready to heal him.
"No!" Astraea yanked her brother's hand away.
"What are you doing Astraea! I need to heal him, he will turn any minute now!"
"I know... " she walked between the two, "That's the point, I need him to turn into daemon so that I can show you my other ability,"
"Your other ability?" her brother asked as he stood up.
"Yes, so please, stay back… and bright out your swords… just in case,"
Both brothers nodded and summoned their swords.
The man started to shout as the scourge started to mutate his body, Astraea kneeled and comforted him, "Don't worry this will be over soon and you will see your daughter again… I promise you that," she said while holding his trembling hands.
"Thank… you… lady-" the guard did not finish his sentence when his body burst into black smoke, Reno yanked Astraea away as the man's body turned into a daemon. After the black smoke cleared it revealed an Ereshkigal. The daemon is growling and baring his fangs at them.
Somnus took a step forward and pointed his sword towards it. Astraea went in front of him, "Stop I got this…" she said as while taking a step forward, "To be honest Bahamut have given me his blessing too,"
"Bahamut did what?" both brothers asked in unison.
She did not turn to them and continued walking towards the daemon, "He gave his light to me so that I can combine it with Ifrit's flames so that I can do this…." she took a deep breath, her hairs burst into flames, her eyes glowing like embers, "Chaos that sought and cling upon the darkened hearts. Hear my prayer and come into the light and ignite the flame of your heart and be free from the chaos of the dark." she chanted, blue flames burst from her hand and started to circle her, "Flame of Purification!" she shouted as the blue flames went towards the daemon and engulfed it.
The daemon shrieked in pain as the flames devoured its body. The scream filled the entire room and the hallway. After a few seconds, the blue flames died down and the Ereshkigal is no more and replaced by the man. The man fell into the floor but Reno was able to catch him, Astraea went towards him, "Are you okay, sir? she asked.
The man raised his head, revealing the scourge had left his body, "Yes…" he replied in a weak voice.
"Good to hear," she smiled brightly at him as she helped him up, he stood up and fell on the floor again shouting. He clutched his heart and suddenly a cloud of black smoke came out his body. A Whisper appeared above the man. It shrieked as it flew away from them all the people inside the room started to panic as it circled the entire room looking for a way out and it stopped and hovered above the table and glanced at everybody. Its faceless head turned towards the fire maiden who was kneeling on the floor. It shrieked again and went to her, but before it could reach her, both brothers went in front of her and cut the Whisper in half, its body disappeared in an instant.
The people inside the room started to calm down, both Ardyn and Somnus looked down at their sister who was still comforting the man, "Please take a seat here," she held her hand up and guided the man into her seat. After she turned towards her brother.
"See now I can really help you!" she said while smiling as she held in her right hand up, blue flames started to appear, "I could help those people who already turned into daemons, with these flames I can purify their body and to get the whisper out of their hearts and with your light you can kill those pesky whispers, I don't why but I can't kill them... so now we need to work together to defeat this darkness so stop fighting okay!" she said enthusiastically while putting out the blue flames.
Both brothers were speechless for a while but both regained their composure and smiled at her.
"Then we shall do it, we will work together this time," Somnus said.
"No more fighting?" she asked as she dispelled the blue flames.
"Yes," Ardyn chuckled, "No more fighting,"
She laughed and hugged them both, they both returned the hugged. They shared a bonding moment for a while and they broke the embrace, "So you can now purify the people, how about me, should I continue to heal them?" Ardyn asked.
"Yes," she nodded, "I can't heal the starscourge in its early stage, unlike you, brother. The flame of purification is the last resort," she trailed off and held both of his hands, "You still need to heal them, I know your body will be affected by it but...I can now help you with that."
"How?" he asked.
"By purifying it of course," she said while grinning, "But it will hurt a lot but you're the champion of Bahamut so you can take it."
"Wait... what!" he tried to yank his hands away but she just gripped in tightly then blue flames burst from her hands and ran towards his shoulders and up to his body. He shouted as the flames engulfed him.
"ADRYN!" Aera shouted and ran towards him but Reno stopped her.
"He's okay, Astraea knows what she's doing, trust her!"
Ardyn continued to shout as the blue flames continued to ravage his body then the flames died down and suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his heart, he clutched it suddenly 12 Whispers came out of his body. It hovered around them all but it stopped and turned their head towards Astraea again.
She saw it, "Oh.. Come on!" she shouted as the whisper went towards her again. She was able to dodge all of them, "I little help Somnus!" she called out his brother.
Somnus quickly and skillfully kills all the whispers. Then he turned to his sister who was now catching her breath, "Thanks Sommy!" she smiled at him, he smiled back. Then they both turned their attention towards their older brother who was still on his knees, Aera beside him comforting him.
"Did it hurt that much Addy?" she asked teasingly as she kneeled beside him.
"What do you think?" Ardyn answered as he turned towards her and gave her a warm smile, he reached out and patted her on the head, "Thank Astraea…just like you said they kept whispering negative thoughts into my head." he stood up.
"Is that the reason why you tried to kill me?"Somnus asked.
"I remember it correctly you tried to kill me too,"
Astraea could feel that there will be another fight brewing from them. She sighed loudly, "Oh please… you two are at fault!" they turned towards her, "To be exact is the fault of the whispers inside of the two of you!"
"I have one too?" Somnus asked while holding his hand in his heart.
She gazed up and studied him, "Yes… but is not that strong to corrupt you just yet but I can purify you like Ardyn," she stood up and held both of his arms. Before he can protest she purified him too.
Somnus felt down on his knees while the blue flames engulfed his body. After the flames died down a small whisper came out from his body and this time Ardyn is the one who killed it.
"See, Just like a said everybody of us has darkness inside our heart. You just need to fight it and not let them win. But if you do fall into darkness I can help you seek the light again." She turned towards the leader, "So please… help us in this fight, after all, we are all the people of Eos."
All the leaders nodded and bowed their heads, "As you command Princess..." they said in unison.
Astraea just puffed and glared at them, before she could speak Ardyn patted her on the head.
"Thank you, our little star, your ability will be a great help."
"Your welcome," she nodded, "Now you heal everyone and went your body can't take it anymore I can purify it and Somnus here will be deal the final blow, he will kill the whispers,"
They turned towards him, Somnus smiled and crossed his arms "As long you two will be fine doing it, and Astra will purify me too then can count on me,"
She nodded, "Of course! so… that means I can go daemon hunting with you now?" she asked sheepishly.
Both brothers turned to her and said in unison, "No… you're grounded and not allowed to go out of the palace!"
"What! Why!" she bellowed.
Ardyn turned to his brother. Somnus already knew what was going to say. They both smiled maliciously at each other and turned towards their little sister. "Well let's count, You went to Mt. Ravatogh in the dead of night, endangering your life and Reno's as well.-"
"BUT I-"
Somnus did not let her finished, "You been sneaking out at night and putting us to sleep which we ordered you not too, and for not telling us about you being Ifrit's new champion in the beginning, so that is four counts of misbehaving that is one week for every count so you are grounded for a month!"
"What! That is not fair! I'm a champion now and a warrior of light you can't do this to me!" she whined.
"Yes, you are but you're still our little sister and we are you big brothers so do what we say fire maiden." Ardyn chuckled as he ruffled her hair.
Astraea eyes went glaring at him and punched him on the stomach which knocked him down on the floor, "Don't ever ruffle my hair!" she shouted and started to leave the room, "Let's go Reno" she said as she passed him.
Reno did not move and looked back at the people behind them, their jaws of the leaders went agape. He just chuckled at the sight of it.
"Wait... Astraea…" Ardyn called her name as he stood up with the help of Aera.
She stopped and looked back at them.
Ardyn grinned at her, "Your title suits you well Fire maiden" he stopped, his smile went wider "It fits your fiery personality, dear sister,"
With those remarks, Sonmnus, Aera, and Gilgamesh tried to keep their laughter in but Reno burst into a fit of laughter.
"See I told you they will like the title... Fire maiden," he said mockingly then looked at her, he was met by glaring eyes.
With that, her brothers and the other can't hold it anymore and burst into laughter.
Astraea just glared at them, "I HATE YOU ALL!" she shouted and went out and slammed the door shut.
"Wait! Astra! Come back we're joking!" Reno shouted as he chased her. The video faded to black.
A/N: I know the source of the starscourge from the game is from a parasite, but it does not really say where it is from so I just made my own version of it and connected it with the chaos from Fabula Nova Crystallis. Etro will play a big part in my story after all Etro was the main goddess in FF versus 13 before they changed it. Just like 13, I will make Noctis eyes crimson, after all, his eyes turned red if he summoned Astrals. But in this story, the guardians are the only ones you can see and beside Noctis is more badass with crimson eyes.
THANK YOU! hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!✩
If I want to see Tifa(Astraea) and Noctis look side by side with red eyes. You can search Deviantart Noctis X Tifa {Crimson Eyes} TiffaCaelum and credit to the owner.