Recalling of the Past: Sister's Keeper
"Do you know why the big brother is born first? It's to protect the little brothers and sisters that come after him." -Kurosaki Ichigo(Bleach)
Ardyn stepped out of the car and walked towards the floating fortress of Zegnautus. He was met by two of his personal female guards in the grand hallway.
"Chancellor Izunia, welcome back, " both of them said with a bow.
"Thank you...ladies, it must be tired waiting for me to come back?"Ardyn gave them a seductive smile while tipping his fedora at them.
"Not at all, Chancellor," one of them replied, "You must be tired? Do you want us to accompany you to your chamber and help you relax Chancellor?" she said while stepping to his right and putting her hands on his broad shoulder and the other guard went and hooked a hand in his left arm.
He chuckled, "Sorry… ladies but not today…" he said and stepped forward and he continued to walk towards the elevator not stopping even hearing a disappointed sigh from both guards. He just chuckled to himself and pushed the elevator button. When the door opened he was met by one of the Imperial Generals.
"General Caligo," he greeted.
"Chancellor…," The General gave him away as he entered the elevator, the door closed and the elevator moved, "I heard that Glauca failed to get the girl and we have lost three dreadnought, several airships, and about a hundred magitek soldiers."
"Yes, he did,"
"Are you taking responsibility for this failed mission, Izunia? after all, Glauca is under your command." Caligo asked while smirking.
Ardyn's face fell and gaze at him, Caligo shifted on his feet as he felt an ominous present inside the elevator.
The chancellor just chuckled darkly, "It's just one battle, besides we had the Lucians under our feet now,"
"Are you sure? Our army has difficulty defeating their defenses as of late they are able to get back the bases we established and I heard that you brought Dr. Hojo's family from Galahd. What is this girl you after? what are you planning?"
"Don't worry about it…Just do your job and I do mine," the elevator door opened and he stepped out and tipped his hat towards The General. "Good night General," he grinned at him as the door closed.
After closing the doors of his chamber he let out a deep sigh and removed his hat, scarf, and coat and threw it on his bed and he opened a mini-fridge and took a bottle of red wine and he poured himself a glass and went towards his desk beside the unlit fireplace. He threw himself at the chair and put both feet up at the table and leaned back. With a snapped of his finger, purple flames burst out from the fireplace and a whisper appeared.
"Report…" he said as he took a sip of wine.
"Our master was defeated…" After hearing that Ardyn slammed the wine glass on the table, It broke under his hand and it cut him but after a few seconds, the cuts have now healed. He turned towards the whisper, "WHAT!"
The whisper back out and bowed and said everything with the help of the purple flames. He saw how the Warriors of Light defeated the Dark Astrals with the help of their guardians and the other Astrals.
"The warriors of Light eh…" Ardyn said while glancing at the purple fire. His eyes landed at the fire maiden, "Ifrit's Champion…" he suddenly felt a pain in his heart he clutched it suddenly the daemons inside his head started to whisper to him, ordering him to kill the fire maiden. His amber eyes started to glow yellow.
He took a deep breath, "If that is what the Dark Astral wishes, Then I will do that, as I'm his champion, I will kill her. It will be a great deal, killing someone close to my dear brother's descendant, just like he killed mine." he chuckled darkly at the purple flames turned in normal flames and as whispers disappeared inside his head. He then materialized something out of thin air, a blue-winged dagger. "I will destroy everything that my dear brother built, Insomnia will fall…" he said as the starscourge dripped from his eyes and mouth. His dark laughter filled his room as the flames started to die down. "Wait for me warriors of light… I'm coming…"
…
Back in Insomnia, Somnus felt uneasy his body shivered, his former guardian noticed it. The fox jumped from the coffee table towards his lap.
"Are you okay, Master?" she asked while tilting her head sideways. "Do you wish to stop?"
The Founder King brushed the uneasy feeling away and looked down and patted her, "I'm fine Cally," he scratched her behind the ear, the guardian purred happily. (search about it Foxxes can actually purr.)
While Somnus is busy with Carbuncle, the people inside the chamber took a minute of rest. Drinking their water and shifting in their seats. After a few minutes, the founder king resumed talking.
"Now you know where the Starscrouge is from, I hope it can help you defeat it in the future," he said while glancing at them and they nodded in response.
"Astraea is very different back then, she acted like a true Princess and Warrior of Light, what happened to her?" Clarus said.
Reno stood up, "What do you mean what happened?" she always liked that…"
The Shield turned to him, "Really? right now she is acting like a child and kept on causing trouble…"
The guardian snorted, "First of all dear Shield," he walked towards the coffee table and leaned in. "She is a teenager, and teenagers supposed to act like that… second…my master always acts like that…. sometimes she will act mature and tough and sometimes she will act like a child that makes her...her. If you don't like that then we are going to have a problem…" he snarled at him while his fingers turned into talons.
Clarus did not move or replied to his remarks. Somnus who was watching the whole time stood up and put a hand on the guardian's shoulder.
"That's enough Reno…"
Reno turned towards him, his anger faded and he stood straight, and looked around. "Sorry about that," he turned towards the Shield, "I apologize, Clarus… my emotions are kind of mixing right now," he stepped back, "Somnus might be ready to recall the past, but I do not…" he said while sitting down at the floor, "I don't want to see that again…"
Somnus glanced down at him, "You don't have to see it Reno, I can handle this,"
"Psshh…" he said while waving his right hand in the air, "I'm her guardian, Founder King, just like you said, we have to get through this if we want to move forward. Just hurry up, I want to go to her now…"
The former warrior just nodded and continued his story.
"That very night Ardyn, Astraea, and I made a promise… and the bond is what is keeping up together," The sphere lit up.
…
Somnus is following his sibling towards the bottom of the stair in the throne room where they kept Bahamut's Crystal. (FFXV: Episode Ardyn-Prologue)
"So this is the reason why you ordered our men to put fire baskets inside here," Ardyn said as he walked towards one of the said baskets and held his hand towards the raging fire. "This is Ifrit's flames…. no, It's your flames right, little star…?" he turned towards her.
She pouted, "I told you never to call me that brother!" she marched at him and punched him in the shoulder, "I'm a Warrior of Light now and Ifrit's champion, you should treat me as such!"
He laughed, "Sorry can't do…" he smiled at her lovingly, "You still our dear little sister, our little Fire maiden and nothing will change that," he said while ruffling her hair.
Astraea snapped and punched him in the stomach which sent the healer down on his knees. She went down and the two scuffled.
Somnus just let out a long sigh. His siblings looked up to him. Astraea had Ardyn in an armlock. They just looked at him in amusement begging him to join them. He sighed again and walked towards the edge of the circular chamber and leaned one of the pillars gazing at the dark sky. He could hear his sibling walking towards him. Astraea went and sat down on the floor letting her legs dangling at the edge of the building. Ardyn went beside her and leaned against a pillar.
"Let us make a promise…" she said while looking at the sea.
Both brothers gazed down at her, she gazed up and patted the space beside her, both of them went and sat down.
"I promise to be there for both of you… I will protect you just like you protected me all this time…" she said and held both of their hands.
Somnus chuckled, "What happened to you? did Ifrit's flames change you? your acting and saying weird things,"
She turned to him, "I serious Somnus! I want to help!" she turned towards her right to Ardyn, "I want to help both of you. Now that I'm capable of doing it, just promise me that you two will never fight again!"
Both brothers glanced at each other and laughed at one another, "We promise" they said in unison.
"Just promise us that you will never go alone out there," Somnus said as he withdrew his hand and patted her on the head.
"And never put us to sleep," Ardyn added.
"I will not keep such a promise," she said while swaying her legs back and front happily like a child.
With that, the siblings burst out laughing. Their laughter filled the empty throne room. Astraea then took a deep breath and gaze at the sea, "After we defeated Starscourge and Diabolos let us sit here and watch the sunrise together…" she said glancing at both brothers.
They nodded and leaned on her shoulders, "That is a promise.." they both whispered.
After sharing a moment of silence she took another deep breath and started to sing. (Final Fantasy XIII - "Promise" - Serah's Theme | ENGLISH ver | AmaLee).
After Astraea finished her song they stayed silent for a while gazing at the dark sky.
Somnus cleared his throat and sat up straight, "So does this mean you are going hunting with us now?"
She nodded eagerly, "I want to but every time I use my ability my weapon shattered… no blade can withstand my flames,"
"That won't do…," Ardyn laughed as he stood up, "The champion of Ifrit should have a weapon as magnificent as a raging fire. Am I right dear brother?" he glanced at him.
The younger brother just chuckled and stood up, "Your right, no sister of ours will be weaponless," they both looked down at her and she just looked at them puzzled.
"What do you mean?"
"Just wait for a week, Astraea then you will know…" Ardyn held a hand towards her, "I just have one request?"
"What is it?" she asked as she stood up.
"Let me borrow Ifrit's flames for a while,"
She wanted to ask another question but she was stopped by Somnus who put a hand on her shoulder and she turned to him.
"Trust us… Astraea...you won't regret it,"
"Okay…if you said so...I trust you Addy and Sommy,"
"Your Ifrit's champion and a Warrior of Light now you should start acting like one, Astraea," Somnus crossed his arms "Stopping calling in our nickname. Your not a children anymore,"
She just pouted and sighed, "Okay, I will Lord Somnus…" she said while bowing towards him.
Ardyn chuckled and patted him on the back, "You asked for Sommy," Somnus' face turned into a frown. The brother and sister burst out laughing.
The video faded to black, then to white again to show another memory.
...
Somnus and Ardyn were waiting in front of Astraea's chamber door.
"What brings you to my chamber Lord Somnus?" she bowed at him while holding the door opened.
"That enough Astraea, you made your point, stop calling me Lord... please," Somnus said with a frown in his face.
"As you wish Big brother Sommy," she grinned at him as she opened the door wider.
"See Somnus you can't win against her," Ardyn whacked him on the back as he passed him.
"Oh… Older brother Addy, what brings you here too?" she said teasingly.
"Older brother?" Ardyn chuckled, "We're not kids anymore Astraea, please call us by our names no more nicknames." he pleaded.
"Fine," she scoffed, "Don't call me little sister either.
Ardyn chuckled, "Sorry I can't… our little star," he teased as ruffled her hair.
She glared at him and pushed away, she stomped towards her bed where Reno is leaning down and reading a book.
Both brothers just glanced at each other and laughed silently for they knew that their sister would never change and she will keep calling them that. Astraea saw their reaction, her face softened and she smiled at them.
"So why are you here anyway? I thought you were going daemon hunting, do you still need potions?" she said as he walked towards a table full of potions.
"No, we are here for you Astraea," Ardyn said he took a seat on the circular table in front of him, "We here to give you something,"
"Give me something?" she tilted her head.
"You're giving it now?" Reno bellowed and leaped out of the bed, "You finally finished it?"
"What is it?" Astraea asked while glancing between the three of them.
"You have to wait, Astraea, for our blademaster is not here yet,"
"You mean Lord Gilgamesh?"
"Yup, he just went and retrieved it from the armory," Somnus said, taking the seat next to Ardyn's.
"Armoury?" she asked as she took a seat too.
"We heard from the royal guards today… that you shattered another rapier, are you okay?" she nodded, Ardyn patted her head, "Good to hear…"
"Yeah… it sucks… I kept destroying all the weapons they have given me, the blade can't stand my flames," she lowered her head down.
Reno walked towards them and stopped beside her, "Don't worry Astraea, looks like your brothers have the answer to your predicament."
She raised her head, "Really?"
Both brothers nodded then the door opened. Gilgamesh entered the room, the blade master went towards them and laid the sword case down. Somnus slid the case towards her. Gilgamesh bowed down and stepped back.
"What is this?" She stood up and gazed at the red sword case, her eyes winded as she saw the Izunia chest engrave on it, "Izunia? what is it?!"
"Just opened it to find out," Somnus said eagerly.
She nodded and opened it to find a rapier with a red sheath, "Wow…" she gazed at the winged crossguard and she traced her fingers at the red and blue feather phoenix feather engraved on the leather sheath, "It's beautiful,"
"It's your Astraea," the black-haired warrior said as he took it sheath and handed it to her.
"Really?" she reached for it, with a deep breath she unsheathed the rapier from its cover, "Woah…." she awed while stepping back. Her red eyes widened looking at the crimson blade, "It's amazing Somnus! It's this really mine? Her eyes twinkled as she looked at him.
He laughed heartily, "Yes, it's yours who else uses a rapier and have mastery over it,"
She suddenly hugged him, "Thank you... Somnus!" she said joyfully.
"Try imbuing it with your flames, I'm sure it won't shatter," he took a step back.
She nodded and with a flick of her wrist the rapier burst into flames. She let her flame engulf the blade for a minute after it died down. The crimson blade is still intact.
"WOW," she awed.
"You named it Solis," Somnus said.
"Wait, what? I named it Solis? Is this not my first time holding it,"
"Yes, It's Somnus gift to you at your sixteen birthday back at Solheim," Ardyn explained.
"Really… I don't remember it…" she said while glancing at the blade.
"If you don't remember it then it won't remember this too," Ardyn took a small case from his cloak and handed it to her. She nodded and put the rapier down and grabbed the case from Ardy's hands, "It's mine gift to you…" he smiled and patted her on the head, "Use it wisely…"
Astraea opened the case to find a pair of 12 inches sheathed daggers. Both have opened a winged crossguard. But the two blades are different from each other, one is blue and the other is red. She noticed that it has the same material as her rapier, "What it is made of anyway?" she asked as she spun the daggers in her hands.
"Mithril and gemstone" Ardyn answered as he gazed at her while she was still doing tricks with the daggers, "The blue one is made of Sapphire and the other one is Ruby... both from Mt. Ravatogh, and was forged from Ifrit's flames," after hearing that she dropped the daggers.
"What? Ifrit's flames, you mean our father's?"
Ardyn nodded as he picked up the daggers, "Same goes to your rapier, it got damaged during the War of the Astrals," he said as he put the dagger back into its sheaths and laid down beside Solis. "After you received Ifrit's flame we are able to repair it again," he said while looking at Somnus. "We just took us quite sometime after all Ifrit's flames are quite difficult to use."
She walked towards the table and gazed at the weapons, "You still will not tell me what happened back then?" she asked. They both had an expression of sorrow ran across their faces, Ardyn looked away while Somnus just continued to look at her with sadness, "I know you won't tell and I trust you… I know you are protecting me from the pain but…" she paused, "I just want to remember it, even if it is painful."
Somnus sighed, "We very sorry Astraea, but just like we said, it's better forgotten…"
She gazed at him, he saw the tears in the corner of her eyes, he hurriedly went to her and hugged her, "Come please don't cry Astraea… maybe in the future, your memory will come back but for now, just be proud that you're continuing our father's legacy as Ifrit's champion. Don't have to worry about the past and always remember we are where," he said while stroking her back gently. She just buried her face in his body, "Thank Sommy…" she whispered.
Ardyn just sighed deeply and went to hug them both. They deepened the embrace and stayed like that whole minute.
"So I can go hunting with you?" she asked cheerfully as she broke the embrace. Both brothers just gazed at her dumbfounded in how she changed her emotion so fast.
"Sure… three is better than two," Ardyn said while smiling, "Better yet let us make a wagger, however, kills the most daemons win and have the right to ordered the losers,"
"Okay! Let's do that!" she bellowed in excitement as she grabbed her weapon and dragged Ardyn out the door, "Somnus Let go…" she called him.
Somnus just shook his head, "Here we go again… don't ever complain if you two got wounded!" he shouted back as he followed them outside with that the memory faded.
…
Somnus laughed in silence as he watched his memory.
"So what happened then, Somnus, are the three of you victorious in the battle against the starscourge?" Regis asked.
The warrior of light turned to him, "Yes… with the three of us are able to lessen the effect of the scourge in Eos. At night we will hunt daemons and at day Ardyn will heal the people and if the scourge starts to affect him. Astraea will use her flames to get the whisper out of his body and we will start all over again, that is our routine. That is how we spend our days as The Warriors Of Light," he sighed and took a seat, "As time passed Nibelheim's influence grew bigger and bigger and people started to offer their allegiance to us. The more people started to gather inside the town the more daemon came. We were able to defeat them all and safeguard the land we called our new home. The small little kingdom of Nibelheim grew bigger than Solheim." He sat up straight and gazed around the room, "It was difficult to govern it at first but Astraea kept us going with her positive attitude even after a whole week of fighting, healing and purifying, Astraea energy never diminished just like the flames is kept on raging on until we defeated the starscourge,"
"So what happened after that?" Dave asked.
"With the blessing of the Astrals we fought valiantly for three years we able to lessen the effect of the starscourge in the land and the miasma is getting thinner and thinner at our fourth year we were close in annihilating the starscourge but something happened," Somnus answered as he lowered his gaze, "We learned that being Warriors of Light is both a blessing and a curse. "
Regis saw how the expression of founder King changed together with Reno. Instead of asking questions, he decided to remain silent with the rest as they waited anxiously as the sphere lit up again.
…
The warriors of light and some soldiers were standing around the campfire at Brackham Haven. After a long night of daemon hunting, they took a few minutes of rest before going home. Ardyn and Somnus were feeding their Chocobos. While Astraea was near the campfire, sitting at the ground leaning on Reno for support, her eyes were closed and she seemed very tired.
"Looks like our dear sister is tired," Ardyn said.
"Yeah you're right, have you noticed that she always likes that after every fight?" he asked as he studied his sister.
"I noticed it too… maybe we should give her a few weeks for rest…"
"We all need a week of rest, brother… maybe we should postpone hunting for a while. You too need rest. You healed five people today, make sure Astraea purifies you when we get home."
Before Ardyn could answer a screech can be heard at the distance. Astraea and Reno bolted upright. The soldiers drew their swords while Ardyn and Somnus materialized theirs. Their eyes narrowed at the source of the screech. In the distance, a Reaper was walking towards them at a slowed pace dragging its scythe behind it.
Somnus is ready to warp to kill it but Astraea stop him
"Somnus stop!"
He turned to her, she walked towards them, "Look at its heart," they turned towards the daemon to see its heart glowing red, "It's a human… I must purify him…"
In the past, they have learned that Daemon with glowing red hearts are humans who succumbed to the scourge and turned into a daemon. With that the brothers lowered their weapons and gave way to her, "Be careful Astraea…" they both whispered to her as she passed them.
She nodded and slowly walked towards the daemon while Reno stood behind the brothers. She took a deep breath and raised her hands and started to recite the chant.
"Chaos that sought and cling upon the darken hearts
Hear my prayer and come into the light.
Ignite the flame of your heart and be free from the chaos of the dark.
Flame of Purification!"
Blue flames burst from her hands and went towards the daemon it howled as the flames surrounded it. She stood a few feet from the daemon waiting for the flames to do its work.
"Why is taking this long?" Somnus asked while stepping forward.
Ardyn sensed something was wrong too and decided to call his sister, "Astraea get away from the-" before he could finish his sentence the daemon burst out from the blue flames unharmed and raised its scythe in the air. Astraea was so close that she did not have time to react. The scythe went down hard on her, cutting her on the right shoulder and she fell down.
"ASTRAEA!" Both brothers shouted as they warped towards her, Somnus went to catch her while Ardyn pierced the daemon in the heart.
...
The video stopped as Aerith can help but to scream. Regis too was caught off guard that he suddenly stood up.
"Be calm Regis is only a memory," Somnus said while eyeing the King, Regis took a deep breath and lowered himself in his seat. Suddenly Reno stood up, "Where are you going Reno," he asked.
The guardian just smiled at him, "Give me a sec, I will see if Astraea is okay, be right back," he winked and he disappeared in a flash of red light.
Somnus just sighed and looked at the others, just like the King, they are trying their best to calm down.
...
Reno suddenly appeared beside Astraea's bed to find her peacefully sleeping, "Good you're not being affected," He leaned in and stroked her hair gently, "Sleep well, Princess I will be right back," he whispered and with a flash of red light he returned to the others with his returned Somnus glanced at him,
"How is she?" Somnus asked with a concerned voice.
"She is fine, she is fast asleep."
"Glad to hear that," he smiled sadly at him.
Reno nodded, "I noticed that you haven't visited since she arrived here, are you not planning to see her in person?" Reno asked while sitting down on the floor beside the warrior's chair.
The Founder King shook his head, "Not right now… maybe in the future, after I deserved her forgiveness," he gazed at his feet and gazed back at the other, "Let's us continue,"
Reno wanted to react but Carbuncle suddenly jumped on his lap and talked to him telepathically, "Just let him be...Reno, Somnus's mind is still in the past, don't force him,"
Reno just nodded at his fellow guardian, "Sure… don't worry I will help him get through it," he glanced at the founder king, "Somnus…, " the former warrior turned to him, "Let me… I will show my memory this time," the founder king nodded then the sphere lit up again and showed Reno's memory.
...
Reno was standing beside Astraea's bed while Aera and Rosa tended to her wound.
"Is she okay?" Ardyn asked frantically.
Aera nodded as the potion she used started to take effect, the wound started to heal. They all took a sigh of relief, "Her wounds are now healed so be at ease," Aera said while dressing Astraea up, Aera then put a bedsheet over her, she stood up giving Ardyn a place to sit down at the bed Rosa did the same for Somnus.
Ardyn slowly brushed Astraea's forehead while Somnus grabbed her left hand and stroked it gently.
"Thank the Astrals she okay…" Ardyn whispered.
"It will take some time for her to wake up, My love," Aera put a hand on her fiance's tease shoulder, "But rest a sure she is now out of danger,"
Ardyn sighed and kissed her in the hand, "Thank Aera," then he looked behind Aera to find Reno just standing and watching them. "You!" he suddenly glared at him, "What did you not protect her!" he marched to him and grabbed his neck and yanked him up in the air, "Your her guardian why do you let her get wounded!" his eyes started to turn yellow.
"Can't… breath…." Reno said between breaths as Ardyn's hands started to choke him.
"Ardyn stop!" Somnus went and yanked him away from the guardian. Reno fell to his knees and was gasping for air.
The healer's anger suddenly faded and his eyes returned being blue, "Oh god… Reno I'm sorry I don't know what got to me," he went and helped him up.
"Don't apologize, You're right it's my fault I should have followed her," Reno said as he stood straight and turned to his master, "Because of my carelessness she got hurt… I'm truly sorry,"
"Don't be Reno, she's okay now, her wound is now healed," Aera said while looking at him.
After composing themselves both brothers went towards the circular table and took a seat. Aera followed them and took a seat next to Ardyn. They were tired because after the attack they made Reno carry Astraea and take her home immediately because they ran out of potion. Reno could not take them all, so he and Astraea went back first in the palace while they went sprinting after them. They arrived five minutes after Reno. Rosa went outside to get some water while Gilgamesh stayed standing near the door. After resting for a few minutes Ardyn told Aera what happened.
"Really? so Astraea's flames did not work… why?" she asked.
Both brothers shook their heads, "We don't know… we all caught off guards because of that she got wounded," Ardyn said while clutching his trembling hand together.
Aera covered it with her, "Don't blame yourself, Ardyn no one is to blame for this," she said while looking at the other sibling. Both brother just lowered their head down
"It's all my fault..." Reno whispered, they all turned to him for he did not leave his master side. He was still sitting at her bedside, clutching her right hand tightly, "I should have warned her not to use her ability so much… but she won't listen!" his voice started to crack, "Even though she knew it was affecting her... she still won't listen!"
His remark caught the attention of the siblings, "What do you mean? What is affecting her?" Ardyn stood up and walked towards him. Somnus followed behind.
Reno glanced at them and opened his mouth to speak but his mark glowed red and started to hurt him.
"Reno are you okay?" Ardyn asked.
"Yes I am…" he winced, "Sorry I can't tell you Astraea made me promise no she ordered me…"
"Forget about your promise! what is happening to her guardian, tell us!" Somnus shouted and went in front of his brother.
Reno wanted to answer before he could speak, Carbuncle suddenly appeared before them.
"Master Somnus, please don't force Reno, for Astraea word is absolute he can't disobey it, is the number rule being a guardian, don't disobey our master orders,"
Somnus' anger faded as he looked at Reno. The guardian just lowered his head and whispered, "Sorry Somnus," the founder king just nodded at him and took a step back while Ardyn took a step forward.
Ardyn went and put a hand on Reno's shoulder, "It alright Reno, I just want to ask if she is going to be okay?"
Reno raised his head, "Yes she will be, but she needs to st-" his red mark glowed again making him stop his sentence.
"Don't force it Reno, I will tell them…" Carbuncle said, turning towards the siblings, "Masters after I revealed it to you please let your anger take over…"
Both brothers glanced at each other then turned towards their guardian, "We promise… go ahead Cally tell us, what is happening to our sister," Ardyn said.
The fox guardian just sighed and told them the truth. About Astraea's situation, she explained that the princess does not have a crystal where she can draw power from instead she draws power from her stamina by doing this her energy keeps fading fast when she uses her ability but she can recover from it by absorbing the fire energy from the elemental deposit near the haven which she and Reno do every day before they went hunting. But the flame of Purification is different. Every time she purifies anyone is caused a great deal draining her stamina and her life force all together just like Ardyn blessing it comes with a price. After hearing her explanation both brothers have a shocked expression on their faces.
"Wait…" Ardyn took a step forward while looking at his sister, "You mean Astraea's life is fading. That is the reason why she is always so tired after each purification," his voice started to raise.
Cally nodded, "Yes, I apologize for not telling you earlier, she did ask me to hide it too."
Ardyn's face turned into an ugly frowned, "She has been purifying non-stop for the past four years! Now you are saying that she is dying!" he shouted at both of them. Both guardians just lowered their heads.
Somnus wanted to shout as well but he decided to hold his anger and remained calm and collected, "Reno…"
Reno raised his head just to meet Somnus's glaring eyes, "Tell us... Is Astraea going to be alright…"
"Yes, she is… but she needs to stop purifying, her body can't take anymore. For every time she purifies someone is caused a day of her life,"
"How about me and Somnus, how many days does it cause to purify us?" Ardyn asked with a shaking voice.
"A month.. for each of you," Cally answered.
Both brothers' eyes widened as they calculated it. Ever since Astraea got the flames of purification she did non stop purification. Sometimes she will purify five to six people a day. While Ardyn And Somnus's purification will be at the end every of the week. They counted it and were horrified. Astraea has lost between 20 to 30 years of her life for the past four years.
Before they could react Astraea started to stir. She opened her eyes gently and sat up, Reno helped her.
"Addy… Sommy what wrong?" she asked softly. "Why are your faces like that you look ugly" she joked, "Did something happen?" Both brothers' faces fell flat, Astraea stirred in on her seat, as she felt an uneasy feeling. Before she could ask again Ardyn asked her in a stern voice.
"What the hell are you thinking Astraea?"
"What?" she asked, "What are you talking about brother?"
"The flames of purification! You're dying because of it and still, you kept using it!"
Her eyes widened, "What…" she trailed off then she looked at her guardian, "YOU TOLD THEM!" Reno winced as he heard his master's angry voice, "I TOLD YOU NOT TO TELL THEM! HOW CAN YOU DISOBEY MY ORDER!"
"It's not him Astraea, it was me," Cally said while bowing her head.
Astraea wanted to protest but Ardyn suddenly grabbed her by the forearm and yanked her up. "Your the one have the nerve to be angry, how could you lie to us Astraea!" he shouted at her as he tightened his grip. Astraea whimpered, Somnus went and pushed Ardyn away.
"What are you doing brother! You're hurting her!" Ardyn glared at him, his eyes turning yellow, he saw it and materialized his sword and pointed at him.
"WAIT, STOP!" Astraea stepped between the two. "Please don't fight… I'm okay… Somnus please lower your sword," he nodded, and with a flick of his wrist, his sword disappeared instead of fighting his brother he turned his attention towards her "Astraea, why did keep this from us?" Somnus asked softly. She just lowered her head, "Please tell us why!"
Her hands started to tremble and her hair was flickering nonstop.
"Tell us now! Astraea that's an order!" Ardyn shouted at her again.
Her eyes went glaring at him, "That is why!" she retorted, "I know you two will stop me… no, you will ORDER me! So I decided to hide it from you!"
"Why?" Ardyn took a step forward but Aera stopped him and turned to her.
"My love, please let her speak…" his anger faded and he slowly turned to his sister again, "Why would you do that Astraea…" he said softly, "Why would you sacrifice your life?"
"Why?" she asked, "Because I need to do it, it's my calling! As a warrior of light and Ifrit's champion!"
"Are you insane! You're giving your life away!" Ardyn retorted.
"Really!" she looked at him, "If I'm not mistaken you're the first one who offered your life in saving others, you accepted Bahamut's blessing in absorbing the starscourge in your body!"
"That's different my -"
"What is the difference! Just like me, you're giving your life too!"
"Because I have too! I promised, mother and father that I will take care of both of you. That is what I'm doing! as your older brother, I must protect all of you… you and Somnus! And its duty as well as Champion of the Astrals to purge the darkness away! "
"It's my duty as well!"
"But Astraea you should have told us," Somnus entered their conversation to break the heated argument, "You should ask us before doing that,"
She glared at him, "Why! You don't hold my life brother and I'm not a child anymore! Yes, both of you promise our parents that you protect me but it's my choice! It's my life and I will spend it as I please. If I need to sacrifice my life and I need to die to save Eos then be it! It's my calling is my duty as the FIRE MAIDEN YOU AND NO ONE WILL TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME!"
All of them were speechless, Reno is about to speak but Astraea continues, "Get out!"
"What?" they all asked.
"I SAID GET OUT! I don't want to talk!"
Before Ardyn could speak he felt Aera hand on his shoulder, "Go..." she said, "Do what she said… it's not the right time to fight… all of you need rest so please go… I will take care of her,"
Ardyn's eyes softened as he looked at his sister. Astraea returned to her bed and covered herself in a bedsheet. He then looked at Somnus, they both nodded and started to walk out the room.
"Astraea…" Reno whispered her name.
"You need to go to Reno… I don't want to see you right now…"
Reno's face fell but he did have a choice. He stood up and bowed, "As you wish, master," with that he disappeared and his memory faded.
…
Before anyone could talk the sphere lit up again and showed Somnus' s memory.
...
The next day both brothers were standing in front of Astraea's chambers there waiting for it to open.
"Astraea… please open up, I'm sorry I yelled at you," Ardyn whispered.
"We knew we went overboard last night but please understand we only did that because we were worried about you," Somnus said.
They were only silent at the other side of the door, Both brothers looked at each with worried expressions. They were about to walk away when the door opened slightly.
Astraea was peeking through it. "What do you want?" she asked.
"We just want to talk, can you please let us in?" Ardyn asked.
"Fine…" she murmured as she opened the door.
They went and seated themselves at the circular table. Before any of the brothers could speak Astraea went first.
"I'm sorry…." she whispered as he lowered her head.
"Why? We should be apologizing to you not the other way around," Ardyn said.
She raised her head to them she saw they were looking at her, "For lying… for hiding it from you… I was afraid that you would stop me and that I will not be able to help you anymore. I like it before I will be useless… I don't want that…'' she murmured while shedding a few tears.
"Oh… Astraea…" Ardyn cooed as he hugged her, "Don't ever think you that, you've been helping us, even before you became Ifrit's champion. You're the one who's holding us together," Ardyn broke and embraced and turned to Somnus.
He nodded, "Our brother is right Astraea you are always here for us guiding and giving us hope. You are our light and without you will be lost," he leaned in and brushed the tears away.
"Really?" she asked between sobs.
"Yes… because you're our precious little sister, " he smiled at her warmly.
"Yup our little star that kept on shining at night," Ardyn added.
"Thank you… So are you going to stop me from using my ability?"
"No, even if we want to, we can't after you never like following orders," Somnus crossed his arms and leaned back, "Ardyn and I were been talking about it, your flames and the flame of purification has truly helped us so… we want you to continue it, after all, we need to defeat the darkness so that we can watch the sunrise together as we promise," he smiled.
"Somnus is right we need to do this together, But don't overdo it Astraea," Ardyn patted her on the head, "Aera and Reno is doing there best to find a way to lessen the effect of the flames of Purification, for now just don't purify anyone for we don't want to lose our only star,"
"But what about our people? They need me, they need my flames?"
"The people will be alright, after all, the starscourge is now fading," Somnus gazed at her, "Our fighting we soon come to an end,"
"Do you think that Ardyn, Somnus?"
"We can, as long as we are together, nothing will stop us," Ardyn held his open palm towards his siblings. As long as there is Courage…" he turned to Somnus.
Somnus just glanced at his hand and looked back to see him smiling, he laughed and interlocked his hand to his brother, "And Hope…"
Both brothers turned towards their sister and held their hands up to her. She gave them a very bright and warm smile and grabbed their hands, "And Love…"
"Nothing will stop us… that is a promise…" Ardyn said, still holding both siblings' hands. Somnus and Astraea nodded. They all leaned in and touched each other's forehead and shared a minute of silence. After a few seconds, Astraea opened her mouth to talk.
"So does this mean I'm grounded?"
"No, you're safe...," Ardyn chuckled and leaned back, "But you need to take a rest, for a month, and don't worry we will be resting with you, we won't go hunting without you. I won't do any healing for a while,"
"Really? We can finally now play chess again! and this time I will definitely defeat the two of you!" she said while smiling.
The brothers chuckled as they saw her smiling again.
"Are you sure? we won't go easy on you," Ardyn grinned.
"Don't be so cocky Addy! I will defeat you!" she stood up and pointed a finger at him, "You too Sommy I'll make sure I will be triumphant,"
With the brothers burst out laughing, she followed them. A few minutes later Reno's head peeked through the opened door.
"Can I join?" he asked shyly.
"Reno!" she bellowed and she ran to him "Of course you can, we need to combine our power to defeat them,"
Reno gazed at her, "You're not mad at me anymore?"
She nodded, "Yes after all just did that because you care for me but don't ever disobey me again, it is the clear RENO!" he nodded, she smiled at him, "And besides I can't ever get mad at my little Chocobo," he sighed in relief and smiled at her.
Somnus took a deep breath, he was thankful that their family is back to normal again with that the memory faded.
...
"You three are really close, I wish I have siblings like your Somnus," Regis said while looking happily at him.
Somnus chuckled, "You would be surprised if I told you that we are not like when we were young," he gazed at them, "To be exact I hated both Ardyn and Astraea,"
They were surprised after hearing that, after all, all his memory always showed how he took care and how he loved his siblings, especially Astraea.
"You hated them but why?" Regis asked.
Somnus sighed, "You can't understand Regis, for you don't have a sibling," he turned towards the Auburnbrie's siblings, "Siblings rivalry will cause you to hate and to envy your siblings,"
Both Auburnbrie siblings turned to each other and smiled weakly. Yes, they are close to each other but just like Somnus said they experienced sibling rivalry but they were able to get through it and it helped them to be more close to each other so they understand what Somnus is talking about.
Somnus sighed and then gazed back at the king, "Back then in Solheim in during our teenage years. Ardyn and I will always fight for I am always jealous of him. Even if our father did not say that and won't admit it, I know he is his favorite. After all, Ardyn is his firstborn, the one who inherits the title Crimson Phoenix. I started to envy him, in their eyes he is always perfect and can't do anything wrong. Even if they gave us the twin swords, to represent we are the same," he summoned his sword and gazed at it, "I still feel the lesser sibling, I always hated the feeling so I kept training to be better than him but even with that I can't still beat him, he always two steps ahead of me, but our mother is always there to help and to cheer me up," he unsummoned his sword, "But that changed after Astraea was born, our mother's attention shifted towards her. I felt abandoned and betrayed,"
"You know the feeling is normal for siblings to be jealous at one another," Reno said.
"I know but back then I never thought of it, that is the reason why I almost got Astraea killed…"
"Wait... what?" Reno bellowed.
Somnus just smiled sadly, "If I remember Reno, you and Astraea met when she was ten years old, correct?" The guardian nodded, "Well back then when she was younger, Astraea was a very sickly child, she was born with a weak body, her lungs were weak(Asthma) which made both our parents take care of her always. That made Ardyn and I take care of ourselves at an early age. Because Ardyn was the eldest he always ordered me what to do and I hated that! Because of that we always fought each other, both physical and verbal." The sphere lit up again and slowly showed his memory.
…
"Somnus(Age 13) where are you going you need to stay here and take care of Astraea," Ardyn(Age 16) stopped him. The younger brother turned around to see Ardyn with Astraea(Age 8) clinging to his side, "Where are you going anyway?"
"Hunting," he answered in annoyance.
"No, you're not," Ardyn ordered, "It's too dangerous and it's almost sunset. Mother and father will be returning soon, so please take care of Astraea for a while, so that I can prepare our dinner," Ardyn left Astraea in his care and left the room.
He just scoffed and crossed his arm and took a seat near his younger sister. Astraea crimson eyes just stared at him, he noticed it and asked, "WHAT? Why are you looking at me like that,"
"Nothing…" she said shyly and lowered her head down.
He just sighed and stood up and lowered his sheathed sword down, "Wait here I go get a drink," he said as he walked towards the kitchen. Ardyn saw him and asked.
"What are you doing here? Astraea! where is she,"
"Relaxed... she is fine," Somnus said, putting water on the clay glass from a clay jar.
Before his brother could react they heard a vase being shattered. They both ran to it to find Astraea holding Somnus's sword with a shattered clay vase around her. Ardyn saw the cuts on her feet he ran toward her.
"Astraea are you alright?" He carried her and brought her back towards the kitchen he stopped beside Somnus, "See what you did Somnus, I told you not to leave her alone,"
Somnus snapped, "What is not my fault she grabbed my sword!" he glared at her. His sister shivered and buried her face in her older brother's chest, "She should have never touched it in the first place it was her fault, not mine!"
"She's just a child, Somnus!" Ardyn shouted back. "You should have known better…" Ardyn looked at him in disappointment and walked away.
The founder king just tightened his fists in anger and went and grabbed his sword and walked out the door.
…
"See back then, I was lost in anger, hatred, and jealousy. I made some bad decisions and said some things which I regret even today."
…
Somnus was stomping out of their small village and went towards the forest to let his anger out. He was slashing a tree non-stop while screaming his lungs out. Then he stopped when he heard someone behind him. He immediately pointed his swords towards the person to find only his sister. Astraea eyes widened as she backway.
"Astraea! What are you doing here!" he said with an angry tone.
She gulped and stepped forward, "I was worried about you Sommy," she said shyly as he tried to grab the sleeves of his robe. He yanked his arm away from her. Her crimson eyes started to water.
…
"Back then I'm always jealous of Astraea's crimson eyes," Somnus said while staring at his memory. "I always wished that I had them, after all, there is a legend in Solheim that people that have crimson eyes are blessed by the Astrals and will do great things. I always said to myself that I should have those eyes, not her," he chuckled sadly, "I'm very selfish and stubborn back then. But even how much I screamed at her, my dear little sister never did back down and wanted to be close to me," he smiled sadly while still looking at his memory.
No one reacted at his remarks, They all stayed silent as the memory continued.
...
"Sorry…" she stammered… "I make sure mother and father won't get mad at you… I will tell the truth… So please don't be angry anymore Sommy, I want us to be friends," she again went to grab his arm but Somnus lashed back.
His brown eyes glared at her. "WOULD YOU STOP THAT!" he shouted at her, "And stop looking at me with those eyes! I hated it… I HATED YOU! I WISH YOU WERE NEVER BEEN BORN!"
His sister just sniffed as her eyes started to water, "I'm sorryyyy." she stammered her words while still holding up the tears.
He just scoffed at her and started to walk away, "Wait, Sommy!" he heard her but he kept walking away and went further inside the forest. They arrived at the riverside Astraea suddenly grabbed the back of his robe. He spun around and pushed her away. She almost fell towards the river but Ardyn was there and saved her.
"What are you doing Somnus!" Ardyn shouted at him.
"Let me alone!" he shouted back and walked away.
"No you won't" Ardyn grabbed his forearm and yanked him back, "Tell Astraea you're sorry and you don't mean what you said early!"
Somnus just glared at him, "I meant what is said I hate you! I hate both of YOU!"
Astraea went between the two, "Please stop fighting," she grabbed both her brother's hands.
Somnus just glared at her and pushed her away which made her fall into the river and was swept away immediately.
"ASTRAEA!" Ardyn shouted and jumped into the river to save her. While Somnus was left mortified for what he had done. The sphere continued to show his memory, this time it showed the aftermath of what he had done.
…
Her mother was too busy tending to Astraea wounds. She had several cuts and bruises along her small body and he saw how her right hand and shoulder had been dislocated.
Somnus just stared at her in silence, afraid to say anything as his mind went racing trying to come up with a reason why he did that. He questioned himself how he could do that to her. Yes, he hated her but she did not deserve this.
"WHAT HAPPENED!" Vincent shouted.
He snapped at his train of thought and looked at his father who's standing in front of them. Ardyn was beside him.
Before he could confess, Ardyn spoke first, "Astraea fell in the river,"
"Why is she on the near river in the first place, you two are supposed to take care of her!"
Somnus prepared himself for the scolding he knew Ardyn will tell them what he did, "We were hunting and because of my carelessness Astraea felt on the river," his eyes widened and gazed at his older brother. "I'm sorry father, it's my fault," Ardyn continued, "Punish me as their older brother I should've known better…"
Vincent's crimson eyes glared at them, "Is he saying the truth Somnus?"
The younger brother stood straight and looked up, "Yes… I mean…" he stammered his words.
Ardyn secretly grabbed his hand and whispered, "Just say yes… and don't say anything more," Somnus nodded.
"Yes… father… but it is my fault I am the one who asked to go hunting so please punish me too," he bowed, he could see Ardyn's eyes widened in disbelief.
Vicent just sighed and looked at his wife, Lucrecia just nodded at him, and then he glanced back at his sons.
"Fine you too will not eat for half a day and I will take your sword away and no more hunting for the two of you. You're grounded for two months and will not leave this house. You too are responsible for taking care of your sister until her wounds heal. Am I cleared?"
"Yes Father," they both answered in unison.
The memory continued but it skipped. It was the crack of dawn the day. Somnus went towards their kitchen to get something to drink when he heard someone behind him.
"Why did you do that?" he asked as he turned around to find Ardyn.
"What do you mean?" Ardyn smiled.
"You took the fall for me, why?"
"Let me asked answered that with a question, Do you know why the big brother is born first? Somnus shook his head, "It's to protect the little brothers and sisters that come after him." That is why... as your big brother it's my duty to protect you and take care of you." he walked towards the table and took a seat. Somnus followed him.
"But...you saw what I did… you heard what I said to her? Why did you not tell them that…"
Ardyn just shook his head, "Because I know that feeling…"
"What?"
Ardyn just smiled at him and explained that he had the same feeling towards him when he was born. That he hated and envy him that he got all the attention. But in the end, he learned to love and accepted him. After all, Somnus is his dear younger brother. Brothers will need to work together to protect each other. With that Somnus's feeling for his brother changed his feeling of envy turned into admiration and hate into love.
"See we are much alike, that is the reason why mother and father give us twin swords. We should never compete with one another, okay? So if you need anything tell me I will help you, after all, I'm your big brother. We will train together so that we can protect her, Astraea, after all, we are our sister's keeper,"
"Sorry for all the done to you, but I promise to change my ways, I will be a better brother to you and Astraea,"
"That's my Little brother.…" he patted him on the head, "We should go before mother and father are awake, we need to hurry," Ardyn said while standing up.
"What? Where are we goi-?"
Ardyn just put a hand over his mouth, "Shhh….We are going to find a red lotus for Astraea. It's her favorite and it will be a great gift to her to ask for her forgiveness…"
He nodded and followed his brother out the door. They went towards the nearest lake and found a red lotus and returned home undetected. The day Astraea woke up. They were surprised that Astraea did not tell their parents what really happened and protected them too. Both of their parents went out a bit and it gave them an opportunity to talk to each other. They gave her the lotus flower she accepted with second thought thank them.
Somnus was surprised by her action and asked, "Astraea, why did you tell them the truth? I said terrible things to you…"
She shook her head, "Because I know you don't mean it Sommy, so there nothing to forgive," she smiled at him. "What happened to me is just an accident… So I won't tell them… but can you please…" she trailed off.
"Please what…." he asked as he sat beside her.
"Can you please stop hating me? I love you, Sommy I don't want you to be angry. I will not bother you... I promise I will be a good sister," she started to cry.
Somnus can't hold his tears anymore and cry and hugged her, "I'm sorry… sorry Astraea, I promise you I won't do that again… I will protect and love you…"
"Love you too Sommy…" she returned the hug.
Ardyn just chuckled and went to embrace his younger siblings. They share bonding moments for a bit after they break their embrace.
"How can I get even with you Astraea, tell me I will do it," Somnus asked while smiling at her.
"Hmmm..." she pondered, "What about you both teach me how to use a sword," she smiled brightly at them.
"What, you know, is forbidden Astraea and your hand is hurt…" Ardyn said while looking at her right arm which is all bandage up.
"Well I can use my left hand anyway!" she said happily while waving her left hand. "And besides I know it is forbidden for us females to learn or even held a weapon. But you two can keep a secret just like I kept yours…" she grinned, "After all, you don't want mother and father to know the truth that we've been fighting and let me fall in the river right. Big brother Addy… Sommy…" her smile went wide.
Both brothers were dumbfounded, Astraea their little sister is blackmailing them. They have no choice but to cooperate. They both chuckled, she followed them.
"Alright then… little star…" Ardyn said, "We will teach you but not now... maybe in four years?"
"And it won't be easy, we won't go east on you, dear sister," Somnus added.
"Okay that is a deal!" she just nodded happily then lunged forward again and hugged them. They hugged her back then the memory faded.
...
"Starting that day our bond became stronger, that bond is the one who helped us through all the hardship which we experienced," Somnus smiled warmly. "The promise that Ardyn and I made that we always will protect our dear sister. I always loved the bond of ours." his smile faded, "But in the end, that promise is the one who broke us…" he paused, "And made me erase their existence from history…"
The room plunged into deep silence. All of them can't believe what they have heard, maybe they just misheard it. All of them glanced sideways waiting for anyone to ask the question. Somnus saw this and sighed.
"Yes you all of you heard it correctly." their eyes widened, "I Somnus Lucis Caelum... erase my siblings' existence from history and consequently changed the real history of my people and our beloved home Solheim…"
The sphere started to flick non-stop, "Now you will see how my brother Ardyn Lucis Caelum became the Adagium, and how my dear sister Astraea Lucis Izunia, took her last breath while giving her life to return the light to Eos.
A/N: I will make "Promise" (FF13 Serah's Theme) the theme for the siblings. Their forgotten bond(promise). It will keep appearing in the next chapters. I do really love Final Fantasy songs/themes and they have strong emotions. I'm planning to add a few Final fantasy and kingdom hearts themes in the future so stay tuned…..
I got the idea for this story from my favorite anime siblings. Taichi and Hikari Yagami and from the episode 'My Sister's Keeper'
THANK YOU! hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!✩