Recalling of the Past: Broken
"To much hope is the opposite of despair, an overpowering love may consume you in the end"-Vincent Valentine (Final Fantasy VII)
The king's chamber was filled with silence once more. Reno and Carbuncle went to their masters to check if they were doing fine and not being affected by what is happening. While people inside the room stood up to stretch their sore muscles from sitting for a long time. Regis gazed at the clock, it's already 2 in the morning. He started to feel sleepy but he needs to finish this. He needs to know what really happened. After five minutes the guardians returned and the King's people went back to their seats after making sure everyone was ready. The Mystics took a deep breath and sat up straight on his chair and continued his story.
"After hearing the great news from the oracle and knowing that is just a matter of time before can finally defeat Diabolos and his minions, my siblings and I started to relax for a bit, knowing we are winning, but we were wrong, Diabolos was just waiting for the right time to strike,"
The sphere started to glow again and showed his memory.
…
He was busy reading the scroll in front of him, studying, and looking at the new laws that need to be approved. He was inside his chamber on his desk. When someone knocked on the door.
"Come in,"
"Good Morning!" Astraea greeted him with a smile as she walked towards his desk.
"Morning," his eyes gazed at her, "What...?" he stopped as he studied her appearance and chuckled, "What are you wearing?"(Red mage outfit by Raemz-Desu)
"Ohh.. this?" she twirled around, "I made this, does it look good?"
He looked at her from head to toe, he noticed the white feather on the cavalier hat, he laughed, "It's good but do you need the hat?"
Astraea pouted, "Yes… It completes the look, why does it look silly?" she asked while playing with the feather.
He shook his head, "No… it's great Astraea it's perfect, so where are you going?"
"Hunting! Want to come?" she said gleefully.
He sighed, "Again? Did we go yesterday?
"Yes, but we never did catch the Ghastly Griffon,(FFXV Comrade). A messenger came and said it's attacking the nearby town. They requested us to kill it. So are you going?"
He gazed at her pleading eyes and gazed down at the scrolls on the table, "Sorry Astra, but I can't I got work to do,"
"Really Somnus, the Mystic is turning down a hunting job?" Ardyn went in and walked towards his desk, "Why? I thought you like hunting?"
He sighed loudly, "Yes… for I got work to do," he walked towards the bookshelf beside his desk and took a book and went back and slammed the book on the desk, "For I need to be responsible one because... someone is trying to escape his responsibility and keeps on forgetting that he has people to serve," he gave Ardyn an annoyed look.
The older brother chuckled, "Oh come on Sommy… You knew I was not good at the stuff, So can you please take care of that for me little brother," he smiled.
"Yeah, I notice…" he took a seat and looked up to see Ardyn pleading to him with his blue eyes. He ruffled his hair and sighed, "Okay fine, I will take care of it. But I can't really go with you, so promise me you two will stay out for trouble,"
"Really? Why not drop everything and come hunting with us," Ardyn took the scroll in from him.
"I can do that… if you will replace me and do this yourself… how about it, big brother?" he grinned.
Ardyn gulped and took a step back, "Sorry I will pass," he smiled at him, the Founder King just shook his head and started to read the scroll again, "So you are really not coming?"
"Nope for I have to be the responsible one," he replied and looked up, "It's fine just go and have fun,"
"Ok then, we will be back before sunset," Ardyn said while walking away beside him was Astraea.
"Wait!" they both stop at the open door.
"See Somnus I know you can't resist,"
He just sighed and walked to them, "No, I need you to take this and deliver this to the next town(Hammerhead)," he handed Ardyn a scroll and the healer took it, "And to make sure you two don't cause trouble…" he crossed his arms, "Cally!"
The fox guardian suddenly appeared on his shoulder, "What is it, master?"
"Please go with them and make sure they are okay,"
"Come one, Somnus we don't need supervision, I can protect myself and Astraea," Ardyn said with a smile on his face.
"Cally is not there to protect the two of you, she will be there to stop you from causing trouble,"
"What? When did we cause trouble?" Ardyn asked.
He gave him, are you kidding look, "Really? You two always come up with stupid ideas which cause trouble and gets yourself hurt, have you forgotten it already? " he asked, both sibling just smiled at him innocently.
"What do you mean big brother Sommy, we never cause trouble," Astraea said smiling.
Somnus's forehead furrowed "Let me count, there one Dualhorn which you set loose in the marketplace," he counted with his fingers, "The Herd of Mesmenir you pissed off and that made them attack the nearby town. Your failed attempt to get a feather from Bennu and lastly trying to kill a Catoblepas! If you want more I can state all of them,"
The Fire Maiden's smile faded quickly, "That won't be necessary!" she chimed, "Come on Cally lets go!" the guardian jumped on her shoulder and the fire maiden went out the door.
He sighed again and looked at his brother. Ardyn just smiled and patted him on the back, "We will be okay, Somnus don't worry," he said and started to walk away.
"I counting on you brother, be the older brother this time and no more stupid ideas,"
The Healer just chuckled and waved his right hand in the air while walking away, "You have my word Somnus"
He just shook his head and went back to his desk before sitting down. He heard his siblings outside and looked down at the window to find Astraea was already riding Reno, while Gilgamesh and Ardyn were straddling their own Chocobo. While waiting Astraea looked up and waved at him, he waved back. A minute later Ardyn and Gilgamesh were ready and they sent off. He saw them as they disappeared from sight. He took a deep breath and looked up, the miasma is now clearing up and he can even see the blue sky, it is faint but still visible. After a minute he took a seat again and went back to work.
…
"I have forgotten about that, You been always the responsible one, Somnus," Reno said while sitting beside him on the floor, "Even if they cause you trouble and made you lost your temper you never give up of them,"
He smiled, "I need to, after all, both of them can be a handful," he chuckled softly but his smile faded, "I wish I could turn back time and went with them. For regretted my decision that day, I should come with them,"
"Why? What happened?" Regis asked.
He turned to him with sadness in his eyes, "For the day is the beginning of the downfall of our family,"
The sphere started to glow again.
…
Somnus was now finished with his work and went walking around the Palace. He arrived at his favorite place, a giant tree near the main gate. He sat down and leaned on the trunk and drifted to sleep. He was awoken by the several screams he bolted up and ran towards the source of the commotion. Before he arrived he heard a soldier shouting.
"The Princess is hurt! Call Lady Aera and Rosa, she needs healing!"
He finally arrived at the main gate, but palace soldiers were blocking his way.
"Get out the way, let me through!" he shouted as he paved his way through. What he saw drain all the blood on his face.
Reno was carrying Astraea's bloody and unconscious body. He saw the huge wound at her back and which kept on bleeding.
"What happened!?" he shouted as he ran towards Reno's side, "Astraea?" he caressed his sister's cheek, it was cold and she was unresponsive, "ASTRAEA! What happened? tell me Reno!"
"Not now Somnus we need a potion," Reno replied.
"Use your tears to heal her,"
"I tried! It did not work!" he shouted at him before Somnus could reply. Reno passed him and shouted, "Get some potion now!"
The Mystic was shocked and did not know what to do that when he heard Ardyn's shaking voice. He went to where he is, he saw The Healer on the ground kneeling, Gilgamesh is at his side, "I don't know what happened" Ardyn said while shaking, "I did not mean it…"
He just gazed at his brother, he saw the blood on his hands, it was shaking violently as Ardyn continued to speak, "I did not mean it… I lose control!"
"Brother, what happened?" he asked as he kneeled in front of him.
Ardyn looked up with tears in his eyes, "Somnus... I… I…" The Healer looked down on his shaking hands, "Astraea…. I did not mean to do it… I did not mean to hurt her."
Somnus' eyes winded in horror as he heard his brother's voice. His temper raised as he heard the whispers inside his head.
"He is responsible!"
"He wounded the princess!"
"Make him pay!"
He rose to his feet and opened his palm to summon his sword but before he could, Carbuncle appeared before them.
"Reno needs you both of you Somnus, Ardyn!"
The whispers' voice inside of Somnus faded and he was able to regain his composure. He looked down at his brother who is still shaking, "Let's go, Astraea needs us!" he said angrily as he started to walk away. The memory faded.
…
"So what happened? Is Lord Ardyn really responsible for hurting Astraea?" Aerith asked.
Reno sighed, "It's a yes, and a no…"
They all gazed at each other in confusion, Reno saw this and said, "Yes, It was Ardyn who hurt her but he did not mean it. Let me showed you what happened,"
...
Reno and Gigalmesh were standing with Carbuncle on his shoulder watching as two warriors finished off the Ghastly Griffon.
Both siblings were laughing as they hid their weapons. Astraea went and took a potion and threw it at Ardyn. The healer was able to catch it and heal himself while Astraea did the same. After that Astraea went towards the body of the fallen Griffon to get some material.
"Congrats!" Carbuncle announced, "You finally defeated the Ghastly Griffon Lord Ardyn and Astraea!"
Both siblings turned towards them, "Thanks Cally," The Fire Maiden said as she put a griffon feather on her bag and walked towards them, Ardyn followed from behind.
Reno is about to walk to his master when he sees Ardyn holding his head in discomfort behind her. The white of his eyes turning black and iris glowing yellow. But before he could say anything. The Healer suddenly summoned his sword and slashed The Fire Maiden in the back. She screamed as she felt on the ground. The Healer is about to attack again but Reno was quick and went flying towards them. He kicked the healer in the stomach which sent him flying and collided with a tree. Reno gathered Astraea who is now unconscious and glared at Ardyn.
"What the HELL do you think you doing ARDYN!" he shouted as his hands turned into talons but his anger faded as he saw the warrior's body shaking violently.
"STOP!" He said through gritted teeth, "I won't let you harm her,"
Gilgamesh and Carbuncle went towards the warrior's side to help him. The Healer's eyes returned to normal as he composed himself and stood up and turned towards them, "Astraea…" he held a hand towards his sister.
"STOP!" Reno snarled as he stood up and carried Astraea, "Don't come near her…"
Ardyn's face felt and as he stopped on his tracks before the healer could say a word. Reno's wings burst from behind and he went flying back. His memory faded to black and returned again this time they are inside Astraea's chamber. Aera and Rosa were cleaning Astraea's wound when suddenly the brothers burst through the door. When he saw Ardyn he went in front of him and held his hands which turned into talons in defense.
The older brother saw this and stopped on his tracks, while Somnus was able to go to Astraea beside.
"What happened? Somnus's anger raised as he saw the state of Astraea, she was on leaning on her stomach as Aera and Rose tried to heal her wounds. But every time they tried using a potion it won't work. "What is happening why is she not working and is not healing her?" he asked as he turned to Reno.
The guardian turned to him and looked at his master then towards the healer, his eyes glared for a moment as he closed his talons to prevent him from attacking the champion of Bahamut, "It won't work because it was Ardyn who wounded her," he said as he went towards her bedside, Rosa gave way for him. His eyes traced the large wound on her back. The cut was large and diagonal from her shoulder to her waist, "For each of you are the weakness of one another. Each one can cancel the ability of the other and so if you wound one another, no magic or potion can heal that wound, have you forgotten?" he asked.
"Is she going to be alright?" Ardyn took a step forward but stopped when he met by glares from both of them. The healer's face turned into a pang of sadness as tear-filled his eyes. His body started to shake, "I'm sorry I don't know what happened. I blackout and don't have control of my body, believe me..." he took a step forward, "I would never hurt her, Somnus…. You knew that…. I will never hurt our sister…"
They saw how Ardyn was trying his best not to break down, But Reno and Somnus stayed alert and did not do or say anything. Aera is the only one who reacted and went towards the trembling warrior, "My love…I knew you didn't mean it, just tell us what really happened?" Aera guided him towards the table and made him sit down. His hands were shaking and with his trembling voice explained everything.
He said that very moment the Whisper's inside of his head ordered him to attack her. He tried to fight them off but he failed, he lost control over his body, he was helpless as the whisper took control and attacked Astraea from behind. He was able to regain control after Reno attacked him. After explaining he went towards his sister but his brother and Reno still stopped him.
Somnus summoned his sword and pointed it towards him, "Are you in control now or the whispers are still inside your head?" he asked in a stern voice.
The healer's eyes widened as he saw his brother's reaction, he slowly held his arm up, "Yes… Somnus… I'm in control… trust me…" he sincerely said, "Please just let me see her, I might be able to treat to her wounds,"
He and Somnus gazed at each other then turned towards him again.
"Somnus…" Carbuncle appeared on Ardyn's shoulder, "Your brother is telling the truth, this is not his doing. So please be at ease, Astraea needs him now,"
Their anger faded and they let the Healer tend Astraea's wound. As Ardyn started to treat Astraea Reno's memory faded.
...
"As you see the daemons inside of Ardyn started to get stronger," Reno said as he gazed at the sphere.
"Was Astraea able to recover?" Regis asked.
"Yes, Lord Ardyn was able to treat her wounds, she slept for a week and during that week The Healer lost her control again, he attacked me and Reno he even attacked the Oracle. He even tried to kill Astraea in her sleep. Because of that, I made a decision to lock him inside his chamber for his safety and ours, " The Mystic eyes darted towards the floor, "I thought I was doing the right thing, but I made it worse for him and for the whole family. The last time he lost control he tried to attack me and Bahamut's crystal. We fought and I ended up wounding him severely. But before we could imprison him again, he escaped and left the palace. We tried to search for him but we could not find him. During those days we heard he continue to heal our people,"
"But why? It will just speed up the process of corruption right? all those daemons inside of him?" Dave asked.
"For he is a warrior of Light," Carbuncle answered, "It's his duty to heal the people, he never forgets about that, even he is fighting the darkness from the inside."
"Carbuncle is right," Somnus added, "Just like our sister, my brother is selfless and will do anything to help those in need even cause him harm,"
"I should not have treated him badly at then," Reno scratched the back on his neck, "I should have known better, but seeing Astraea like that kept me from thinking straight. It was not Ardyn you did those things but the whispers inside of him, and he knows that so the reason why he distances himself from us. He is trying to protect us, especially the two of you. He will never hurt you, after all, he loved you very much,"
Somnus nodded, "Yes he did… but back then I did not see that… just like you, I only saw him as a monster. I regretted that, for just like him, I fell into darkness. I let the whispers use me and the worse part is we kept it all from Astraea after she learned what I have done, our family started to drift apart," The sphere lit up and showed another memory.
…
He was inside Astraea's chamber, Aera was tending and changing the bandage of the Fire Maiden.
The princess flinched a little after Aera applied an ointment on her wound.
"So where is Ardyn right now?" Astraea asked.
He shook his head, "Sorry Astraea, I don't know, our brother just left and did not come home,"
"And you're not worried about him?"
He stood up from the table and went towards the bed and handed her a cup of water, "You should be worried about yourself Astra, you almost die from the ordeal,"
"You're not answering my question brother?" she brushed the cup away, "Are you not worried about our brother, and where is he?"
He took a deep breath and looked at Aera. The oracle nodded and went out of the room to give them time to talk.
"Astraea…" he sat on her bedside, "I know you worried about our brother but remember that he attacked you and you almost died because of that… and he attacked me several times too while you were asleep and not only that h-"
Astraea interrupted him, "But you know he did not mean that our brother would not do that!" she grabbed his forearm.
He gazed at her shaking hands, he removed it and put it in her lap and patted it, "I know but…" he stopped and gazed at her intently he then took a deep breath and sighed, "He tried to kill you again when you were asleep. He is dangerous Astra, we would not go near him," he saw how her eyes changed from being soft to glaring at him.
"You're not serious right? You're just joking right?" she quivered.
He just gazed at her and replied in a stern tone, "No, I'm not, Ardyn is a danger to us all, and you must not go to him!"
"WHAT!" she stood up and glared at him, "Why are you saying that! You treat him like some kind of daemon!"
"For he is a monster!" he shouted as he stood up.
Suddenly Astraea slapped him, he just stood shocked and looked at her wide-eyed.
"How could you say that brother… Ardyn has always been there for us, I know he won't hurt me, I believe in him… I will save him..." she started to walk away. He suddenly grabbed her forearm. She glared at him and her forearm started to heat up. It burned the Mystic's hand and he stepped back as Astraea eyes glowed fiery red.
She did not say anything and called Reno. The phoenix appeared instantly, He did not have time to stop them as Reno turned into his phoenix form, Astraea straddled him and they went out the window to look for the Healer.
He just sighed and looked at his burned hand and sat down on the bed contemplating what he had said and done. With that the memory faded again.
...
After seeing his own memory and how he acted like that he cursed himself and gazed around the room. He noticed how the King and his people's expressions changed. They all shared the same expressions, displeasing and doubtful at the founder King. He heard Reno sighed as he ruffled his hair.
"If you're gonna say something Reno, just say it right now. I knew you have sore feelings for me, especially how I treated Astraea,"
"What me?" he asked in a cheerful way as he crossed his leg and arms as he gazed at him, "I don't have a sore feeling for you, Your Majesty" he smiled.
"Don't lie to me Big Bird," he folded his arms too, "I know you resented me."
Reno smiled faded as he averted his eyes, "Yes I did hate you for what you did and the way you acted back then, cost Astraea her life,"
He felt a pain in his chest when he heard his reply. A pang of sadness can be seen in his face. Reno saw this and he made Tsk sound, "But I know you did because of your love for her. As her big brother you promise that we will be there for her and keep her from harm but you just went overboard."
Somnus laughed with sadness, "Yes, I know, after all, too much hope is the opposite of despair, an overpowering love may consume you in the end. I learned it in a hard way."
Reno snorted "No...We all learned from it," he gazed at him and smiled, "But after all, you have been through all those sleepless nights and suffering. I have forgiven you, Somnus," he bowed at him, "Let's us just forget about the past and move forward,"
The founder king returned to smile, "Yes, your right Reno, Thank you but we still need to look into our past so that we can't repeat the same mistake again," they both nodded in agreement, and silence filled the room again.
A minute later Regis cleared his throat and asked.
"So what happened after that? Was Astraea able to find Lord Ardyn?"
"Yes she did," Reno answered, "Not only that she was able to save in the nick of time. You see back then the whispers inside of Ardyn are getting stronger and stronger and he almost lost his mind to them but Astraea was able to save him. After searching for a whole day we found the Healer at the top of Mt. Ravatogh. Without a second thought Astraea quickly purified Ardyn before her brother could protest. She was successful all of the daemons inside of Ardyn went out and disappeared,"
"I thought flames of purification were killing her. Did it affect her, is that why she lost her life?" Aerith asked.
"No, she did not," The Founder King answered this time, "Because she was near where The Infernian was sleeping. She kinda borrowed some of his strength. But it still did affect her greatly, it caused her to be in a coma for a week again. After the day, Astraea could not use her ability properly and she can't use the flames of purification anymore, but she was happy,"
"Happy?" they all asked in unison.
"Yes happy," Carbuncled interject, "The princess was happy because she was able to save his brother and complete her family again. Lord Ardyn returned home and all was back to normal. We did not know what happened but the scourge suddenly disappear and nobody was getting infected any more but the Miasma is still there,"
"Really? So did you win? You three were able to eradicate the scourge?" Regis asked.
"No we did not, for Diabolos was just playing with us, we wanted us to feel secure before he attacked. After Ardyn's return, our relationship did not mend as much for my brother known I still have resentful and I did not trust him,"
"Did you?" Regis asked again.
"Yes I did, I still hated him for what he had done and the whispers inside my head was not helping either. They kept whispering evil things to me like Ardyn would betray us and kill us. But unlike my brother, I did not fall off them and did not let them control me but I was wrong, just like Diabolos was using Ardyn the dark Astral was using me too,"
"So what happened after that?" Cor asked.
"After Astraea woke up from her coma we tried to be a family again. But it was hard, Arydn and I kept distancing ourselves from one another. Our bond as brothers was broken. I thought I could mend the bond but I was wrong. Our last real conversation was during my 30th birthday celebration." The sphere started to show his memory again.
…
They were inside the throne room and people were chanting happily as they drank wine, His eyes gazed around at the fire basket on top of the pillars. Astraea's flames were shining brightly and giving a warm and safe feeling. He took a deep breath and gazed at Bahamut's crystal above the empty throne.
"Are you ready to become king?"
He turned to his side to find his brother, Ardyn eyes were fixated at the throne, "Don't say that, you can be chosen too, brother," he replied in an honest tone.
Ardyn just chuckled, "Really do you think the crystal will pick me after all I have done?" The healer turned to him, "Don't lie to yourself Somnus, you know what is going to happen just prepare for the future. I know you have Whispers inside of you too but you are able to fight them, so please don't let them win and continue your fight and save this kingdom," Before he could reply Ardyn went towards Aera. He was just left standing there alone, he was about to leave but the sudden commotion stopped him. He turned to the crowd to find his sister. Astraea was wearing the same red dress and the tiara she wore during the fall of Solheim. His eyes widened as Astraea slowly went to the middle of the room and smiled at everyone. He turned towards Ardyn who was the same expression as him. Before he could take one step the fire maiden spoke up.
"People of Lucis," she announced, "Thank you for coming here and celebrating our brother's Somnus Lucis Caelum 30th birthday," she turned to him and smiled, "I want to thank the Astrals for giving me a brother like him," she continued to smile, "I hope he will continue to guide us and gave us hope for the future," she returned her gaze towards the people, "For this, I want to offer this song for him, brother… this is for you, thank you for everything…" she bowed down and started to sing. (Fate/Stay Night - "Brave Shine" (FULL Opening) | ENGLISH ver | AmaLee).
...
"Wait, is that Reno's memory? Why is it different?" Clarus asked.
Reno laughed, "You have a great memory Clarus, yes it was my memory but the memory I showed you back in the council was half lie and half-truth, I apologize, after all, I can't just show what really happened and who is Astraea really is, it too risky,"
"I apologize too," Somnus added, "I'm the one who made those fake memory for I don't want Astraea to remember her memory, not her real one least," Clarus just nodded at the explanation wit that the sphere continued
…
After signing the crowd cheered and clapped for the Princess. Astraea just smiled and waved her hand in the direction of the crowd. Then she went toward him.
"So what do you think?" she asked innocently.
He just gazed at her. It was really the red dress she wore during her 20th birthday, "Why are you wearing that?" he asked.
"Oh...this? She held the end of the dress up, "This dress I wore at my 20th birthday?"
His right brow raised, "So you knew? Why wear it?"
"I knew it had bad memories but it had good ones too, after all, Terra created it for me. If we want to move forward, We need to forget about the past and look towards the future," she smiled, "So this is why I wore this again. Our past may be tragic but it gave us the strength to fight. Because of those experiences, we were able to defeat the starscourge, so stop moping around and smile, it's your birthday after all,"
He forced a smile, "Your right, I apologize," he patted her on the head.
She just smiled back, "So what about my song? Did you like it? I wrote it myself,"
He laughed, "Yes it was great, but you still need practice. You're a bit pitchy," he ruffled her hair.
"What! NO! I'm not!" she protested.
The Mythic just laughed more loudly and ruffled her crimson hair more. Astraea kept on protesting, finally, she snapped back, "You're dead Sommy!" she glared at him. He retracted his hand and closed his eyes and prepared for the worse. But it did not come. He took a peek and saw her walking away from him. He sighed in relief but it all changed after Astraea returned with Ashelia.
"Hey brother, why not ask Lady Ashe here for dance, after all, she went here for you," she grinned while pushing Ashelia towards the founder king.
He was able to catch the maiden and glared at her, "Astra! What do you think you're doing,"
"Oh come on. Sommy...," she cooed, "I know you like her and she likes you, right Lady Ashe?"
Ashelia just blushed and hid her face, he saw this made his cheeks blush too. Astraea saw this and went for the attack.
"You know... I saw both of your future," she said cheerfully while grinning ear to ear.
"What is our future?" he asked.
"Yup, I know I should not tell you because it can change it. But I know it will not and that will be your future for sure,"
"So what future is that Lady Astraea?" Ashelia asked shyly.
The Fire Maiden turned to her and smiled brightly, "One year, for now, you two will be married and after a year you two will have a son and you will name him HOPE!"
"WHAT!" both of them screamed and they looked at each other.
Astraea just giggled, "So you two should be preparing for your marriage now so... BYE!" she waved her hand and ran towards Reno.
"Wait Astraea!" he held his hand but Astraea left the room with Reno. he stood speechless and did not even glance at the women beside him. He gulped and took a deep breath.
'If that is my future, so be it,' he thought, then he turned around and held his hand up and smiled, "Astraea might be lying… but still, do you want to dance Lady Ashelia?"
Ashelia smiled and took his hand, they went towards the center of the room and started to dance.
...
Reno laughed as he saw the memory, "Wow Sommy, when it comes to the ladies you're bravely diminished," Reno joked, Carbuncle can't help but giggle too. The Mystic just snarled and glared at them. Both guardians bolted upright and stopped laughing. The Founder King just scoffed at them and gazed at the sphere again.
"So did you AND Lady Ashelia really get married?" Aerith asked shyly.
The founder king just sighed and glanced at her, "Yes we did, just like Astraea predicted, but enough will my love life. We are here for Astraea memory,"
"Oh.. sorry… please continue," Aerith replied.
The mystic just nodded and continued, "After the night, the daemon was nowhere to be found either, for three days no daemons appeared at night and the kingdom of Lucis was peaceful. Back then Ardyn and I were still preparing for any time now the crystal would choose the king. But we never did see the darkness was coming our way. The memory about to show you it the last night the house Caelum was peaceful, for after that Diabolos made his move and destroyed what little bond Ardyn and I have for each other.
…
Somnus was so deep in his thoughts that he did not hear Astraea calling to him.
"Hey brother!" she whispered, "SOMMY!" she waved her hand in front of his face.
The Mystic snapped back into reality and gazed at her. She was sitting in front of him on his desk. There they were playing chess, "Sorry," he gazed down at the board and made a move.
"So why the long face? Are you still thinking about what I told you about your future with Lady Ashe?" she asked as she moved her piece.
"No! I'm not," he answered, "I was just thinking about why the daemons disappear, I'm worried," he moved his piece.
"Why should we be celebrating! We are winning brother!" she said cheerfully as she moved a piece.
"Maybe you're right but still we need to be careful," he whispered as he moved a piece. Astraea nodded and moved her piece.
They continued to play in silence and suddenly the whispers inside of him whispered something. Their voices are many but they speak in unison.
'Our master is coming back… he will kill everyone you love! And Lord Ardyn will be his accomplice. Ardyn will fall and he will finish what he started…. He will kill the Fire Maiden! The only thing you can do is kill him before he kills her! Do IT!'
'SHUT UP!' he screamed mentally at them, 'I will not follow your words daemons!'
The whispers laughed, 'Don't say we warned you…'' the voices started to fade and were replaced by Astraea joyful screams.
"CHECKMATE!"
He blinked several times and looked down at the board, Astraea indeed defeated him.
"I WON! FINALLY AFTER ALL THIS YEAR! I FINALLY DEFEATED YOU BROTHER!" Astraea shouted in joyous laughter.
He just sat back and glanced at his sister's smiling face, he smiled, "Congrats you finally did you, Astra…"
"Yup!" she smiled at him, "So are you going to fulfill your promise?"
"My promise?"
"Yes your promise, that if I defeated you… you will tell me what happened back on Solheim After all my memory are still not back yet,"
"Oh that promise…" he paused for a bit, contemplating if he will tell her or not, "If you really want Astraea then I will tell you now," he whispered as he leaned in.
His sister just gazed at him and shook her head, "No… not yet I still need to defeat our big brother first so…." she stood up and started to gather the chess pieces.
"Wait here, I'm going to fight him now, maybe I will be lucky today and will defeat our brother too!" she announced as he ran out the door.
"Wait Astra!" he stood up but Astraea was already out of sight. He sighed and took a seat, he leaned in and put his elbows on the table and placed his forehead in the back on his hands.
'Do we really need to tell her the truth? Will she be able to forgive us?' he questioned himself, he was surprised when the Whispers answered him.
'She will not… she will hate you!'
'She will curse both of you!'
They were laughing and making fun of him.
'You call yourself a brother… keeping the truth for her all this time…'
'Just accept it you two failed your family for you are weak!'
'You will fall into darkness just like your brother, Our master will win and take this word for his own!'
'We will start by the DEATH OF THE FIRE MAIDEN!'
"NO!" He shouted and slammed his hands as he stood up.
The sphere stopped and his memory faded as he tried to control his anger.
…
"So they really want Astraea dead huh," Dave said as he crossed his arms.
"Yes," Reno replied, "Diabolo's main goal is to kill the source of the Light, which was Astraea. As her guardian I failed her," he gazed down and clutched in hands together it started to shake, "I failed her," he was doing his best now to cry. Carbuncle saw this and comforted her fellow guardian, she jumped to his shoulder and wrapped her tail around him.
"Don't be like that Reno you did everything you could, just like you, I failed to protect Lord Arydn and Somnus, so let me join you on this…"
The guardian just lowered his head and hugged the fox guardian tightly. Silent filled the room again. After a while the guardians were able to compose themselves.
"Sorry about that…" Reno said as he brushed his bang upright, "Please continue Somnus, The faster we do this, the faster we can move forward and forget about the past."
The Founder King nodded and gazed around, they all nodded in agreement. So with the snap of his finger and the sphere glowed and started to show his memory again.
…
He was with Carbuncle. They were just looking at the lotus pond at midnight.
"So are you alright, Master Somnus?" Carbuncle asked as she jumped down at the railing of the gazebo.
How many times I told you Cally stopped calling me Master, Somnus is fine…" he gazed down at her and patted her on the head.
The fox guardian purred, "I just worried about you. You have Whispers inside of you, I can see them," she said as her eyes fixated at the founder King's heart.
"You can see them?" he held a hand on his chest.
"Yes, just like Ardyn you have them…"
"What? Does Ardyn still have them inside of him? I thought Astraea purified them?"
"Sorry, he made me hide it from you but..." Carbuncle lowered her head, "The Healer started to absorb the starscourge and whispers inside his body unwillingly. He does have the ability to stop it, I'm afraid that Ardyn will be corrupted in the future."
He felt a pit in his stomach as he heard Carbuncle's words, "What…? he murmured. Then what he heard next made his skin crawl. The whispers inside of him laughed maniacally as they gave a sinister warning.
'Told you… she will die…'
Suddenly he felt a strong ominous and dark presence coming from Ardyn's chamber.
Carbuncle jumped towards his shoulder as he ran inside the palace as he was running towards the hallway he met Reno and Gigalmesh who was going towards Ardyn's Chambers as well. Suddenly they heard Astraea scream in agony. He used his warping ability to go faster, he arrived, kicked the door open, and what he saw made his face turn pale.
Astraea was laying on the floor, bleeding around them were scattered chess pieces Ardyn was straddling her. His right hand choking her while his left hand raised with Astraea's red dagger. The healer is about to plunge the dagger in her heart but he summoned his weapon and warped towards them, knocking Ardyn away from their sister.
"Astraea!" he went and cradled her, she had a deep wound on her right shoulder and several cuts on the face and dark fingers marks in the around her neck, "Astraea" he whispered. The Fire Maiden opened her eyes and closed them again as she lost consciousness. Reno was able to go to them; he gently gave her towards the guardian as he stood beside Gilgamesh and glared at his brother.
Ardyn's eyes were totally black his iris glowing bright yellow and the Starscourge was dripping from his eyes and mouth. The healer snarled at them and raised the dagger towards them. The Starscourge started to gather beneath Ardyn and he summoned his sword and lunged forward. The future shield was caught off guard and was sent flying out of the room. The Mythic and The Healer blades met, sparks went flying in the air as Ardyn continued to attack relentlessly. He was able to block his last attack but Ardyn used Astraea dagger to slash at his neck but he was able to avoid and kicked Ardyn in the stomach which sent the healer to the other side of the room.
"BROTHER! STOP THIS!" he shouted.
Ardyn did not listen and growled and lunged forward again. He ready himself but a weak voice came from behind them, "Addy please stop,"
The healer suddenly stopped on his tracks and held his head in discomfort. The founder king turned around to see Astraea trying to stand up before he could go to her, Ardyn spoke his name.
"Somnus?"
He turned around to see Ardyn was now back to normal, the scourge was gone so did his sword but he still had Astraea danger in his left hand, "What… happened?" he uttered as he took a step forward. He pointed his sword at him. Ardyn stopped and gazed around to see the destruction and all the blood on the floor, then he looked at his left hand which held the danger. His eyes-widened to see it was covered with his sister's blood and gazed at their sister.
Ardyn shook his head, "No…" as he took another step back. His hands started to shake and he let go of the dagger, he screamed as he held his head in discomfort.
"NO! Stop!" he shouted in agony.
Astraea was able to stand up slowly and walked toward his brother but Ardyn shouted at her, "STOP! STAY AWAY!" Somnus suddenly grabbed Astraea's arm and yanked her back and stood in front.
Ardyn's eyes were filled with fear as he tried to be in control, he gazed at thier sister and then to him, "Protect her Somnus…"
Before he could talk Ardyn suddenly warped out the window.
"ARDYN!" Astraea shouted as she ran towards the window but her knees gave way and she collapsed on the floor and lost consciousness.
"Astraea!" He shouted as he ran to her side.
...
Somnus sighed, "After that Ardyn never showed his face again in the Palace or in the town. I searched everywhere for him but I never did find him."
"Maybe because you're searching for him to kill him," Reno cooed as he gazed at him, "Not only that you made him a fugitive and label him as a monster, and you're asking why you can't find him,"
"Why not! you saw what he did to Astraea!" Somnus stood up, glared at the guardian.
"Woah…" Reno stood up and held his hand, "Stop this Somnus, I am not fighting with you, control your anger it's only a memory,"
Somnus' eyes softened as his anger faded and gazed around him and saw the people looking at him anxiously, "I apologize…" he held his head and sat down again, "My emotions are just so strong that night that it's still affecting even today," he murmured as he averted his gaze from the people around him.
"It's okay Somnus, we understand," Regis said.
"Yeah, don't sweat it, Sommy," Reno patted him on the back.
The founder king just nodded and sat up straight again, "Just like Reno said, I made Ardyn an enemy of the crown. We hunted him for he is a danger to himself and to others, back then I was ready to kill him for what he had done to Astraea. I don't want to admit but the whispers are able to influence me back then. So instead of understanding my brother's predicament, I wanted to make him pay for what he had done. After all this is the second time he has done that."
"What about the Princess, what is her thought about her brother being hunted?" Clarus asked.
"She doesn't have one, for her wounds made her weak and caused her to be in a coma again. This time she slept for a month because Ardyn did infect her with the starscourge, and we're just lucky that she was able to fight it all on her own."
"So what happened? after she woke up?" Aerith asked.
"Well knowing Astraea, she might have disliked it right?" Dave asked.
"Dislike..? Try outrage," Reno said as the sphere showed his memory.
…
There were inside the princess's chamber waiting for her to wake up. Somnus just ordered Gilgamesh to double the guards inside the palace ground and make sure that Ardyn could not enter. If he does take him down and imprison him. The future shield nodded and went out of the room.
Aera was too busy changing bandages of Astraea while Reno and Somnus talked while sitting at the circular desk.
"Do you think you overreacted, Somnus? stop this Ardyn needs our help,"
"I can't Reno. I gave him a second chance but he lost control again and attacked Astraea. You should be mad at him too, he almost killed your master."
"I known but Ardyn did not mean it, Somnus and you knew that, please reconsider, Astraea won't want this, she doesn't want our family broken like this,"
Somnus sighed and stood up, "Sorry Reno, but I can't. I will protect Astraea and Bahamut's Crystal even if against Ardyn."
"But Ardyn is not the enemy here, its Diabolos and his minions!"
Before Somnus could talk Astraea stirred and open her eyes.
"Astraea?" Somnus whispered and went towards her beside her.
"Somnus…" she slowly blinked her eyes and gently sat up.
"Thank the Astrals you're alright, We thought we lost you," he caressed her right cheek.
"I'm fine… what about you? Are you okay?" The Mystic nodded, "So where is Ardyn? Is he okay?"
Somnus leaned back and gazed at Reno and Aera, "Can you give us time to talk?"
They both nodded and went out of the room. Then the sphere changed into the point of view of the founder King.
...
Somnus then transferred into the other side of the bed and continued to clean Astraea's wound.
"Somnus you're not answering my question, where is Ardyn?"
"Gone…" he said in a toneless voice as he started to replace the old bandage for a new one.
"What? Why?" he did not answer and kept on tending her wound. She grabbed his hands to stop him, "Brother… where is Ardyn?"
He sighed and leaned back, "He is our enemy now Astraea, I ordered our men to hunt him down,"
"What!" he saw the disbelief in her eyes, "You can't do that, our brother! He did not mean it! Please Somnus stop this we need to find and help him,"
"That is enough Astraea!" he stood up, "You almost died because of what he had done! He is our enemy now… so stop looking for him, He does not care for you anymore! so just stop it!"
"Do you hear yourself, Somnus!" his sister leaped out of bed and glared at him, "It was the daemon inside of him that made him do that! Ardyn would not hurt me or you! And you saw how he struggled to control them!"
"And you saw how he failed! you tried helping him, Astraea. You even sacrifice your life for him but in the end he failed you. He let the darkness take over, If our brother truly loved us then he should have not fallen to the darkness."
"Your speaking nonsense brother! I will not listen to you. I'm going to find him and save our brother even if it's the last thing I do," she walked past him and went for the door.
"Astraea!" He yanked her back, "You're not going anywhere... I forbid it,"
The Fire Maiden tried to get free. He started to hear the whispers again.
'If she finds him, he will kill her for sure,'
'Don't let it happen, be the better brother and protect your sister…'
'Be better than Ardyn!'
"I SAID NO!" he yanked her back and threw her in the bed.
Astraea was taken aback first but she was able to fight back, she stood up and pushed him, "You can't order me like that Somnus, You're not the king!"
He grabbed her hands and glared at her, "But I'm still your older brother so listen to me!"
"WHY are like this!" Astraea started to cry while trying to get free from his grip, "What happened to you?"
"I'm the champion of Bahamut and Warrior of Light, It's my duty to protect the future. If I will be chosen King I make su-"
"What makes you sure you will be chosen?" she asked angrily.
"You think Ardyn will? He had fallen into darkness, do you think the Crystal will choose a monster like him?" he snarled.
"I rather choose him than you! Ardyn is more suited to be king! So stop trying to beat him, you'll never be him!"
"Stop comparing me to Ardyn!" Somnus snapped and slapped her. The fire maiden fell on the floor and started to bleed again.
He stood shocked at what he did, he saw her looking at him with tears in her eyes, "Astraea…" he tried to bend down but he felt Reno's talon around his neck.
"Move and I will kill you!" Reno snarled at him.
"Reno… please stop," Astraea whispered as she lowered her head. The guardian did what his master said and backed down.
"Are you alright Princess?" Reno helped her up. She took his hand and stood up and looked up to her brother.
"You right Somnus, You're not our brother, you will never be like him…" she started to walk away.
His hands turned in a fist as Astraea and Reno passed him. The whispers continued to speak to him.
'Don't let her go! She will die if she leaves the palace.'
'Protect her…'
'Prove to her that you are better than your brother!'
"Astraea!" he shouted at them, they both stopped and looked back. He went in front of them and stood in the middle of the open door.
"I promise our parents that I will protect you,"
"I don't need your protection Somnus, not from you…so please step aside I need to find our brother,"
He held in his arms up to stop her, "I'm sorry Astra…. I can't let you do that… I hope you can forgive me for this…"
Before Astraea could speak a barrier appeared between them and around the entire chamber.
Both Astraea and Reno were shocked. Carbuncle appeared on Somnus's shoulder, her red horn glowing.
"Cally?" she whispered the guardian name as she tried to touch the barrier but once her fingers touched it reacted and gave her a small static shock.
"Sorry… Princess… it's my master order…." the fox guardian lowered her head.
"No…" she murmured and looked at her brother, "You can't do this….Somnus!" Astraea went and pounded the barrier with a closed fist, "Take this barrier away! You can't do this!"
He looked at her sister solemnly, "Sorry…. Astraea but I will not… Lucis will not fall like Solheim, I make sure of that…" he started to walk away and Astraea kept screaming.
"SOMNUS! PLEASE! ARDYN NEEDS OUR HELP! SOMNUS!"
…
"Wow…" Dave lets out a sighed.
Somnus gazed at him, Dave gulped and lowered his head, "My apologize,"
"Don't be…" Somnus shook his head, "I knew my action back then was horrible, but what can I do? As a big brother I have to protect her and you know what saying right Dave? As a big brother we need to do everything to protect our sibling."
"Yes your right…" Dave answered as he looked at Aerith.
"Not only siblings but our loved ones too," Reno added, "But you really did go overboard Somnus."
Somnus gazed down, "I know…nobody likes to be imprisoned in their own home…"
"So… what I'm doing is wrong? Regis asked.
"No… Just like Somnus, You're just protecting your son and Astraea Your Majesty, but like Somnus too are going overboard, better slowed down for a bit" Reno gave the king a small smile.
"Reno is right Regis, don't follow me, give Astraea and the Prince a space to grow and don't overprotect them, they can do that on their own. Just be there to guide them. After all, they are the chosen warrior of Light,"
Regis just nodded, "Alright, I will do that…"
"I'm counting on King Regis," Somnus said, both kings, bowed at each other and smiled.
"So what happened? Did Lord Ardyn return and you were able to patch your relationship with your siblings, founder King?" Clarus asked.
Somnus smiled bitterly, "I wished that is what happened but it did not…" he paused and leaned back, "Astraea was so mad at me that she would talk to me anymore. But she did continue making her potion, but for her, I'm the enemy, not Ardyn,"
"But of course!" Reno bellowed, "You locked in her room for two months!"
"I known I'm a jerk back then but you can't blame me Reno, I just protecting her, especially after the daemons where back again,"
"What! the daemons?" Cor asked.
"Yes..." Reno answered, "After that night… the daemon appeared again, this time more powerful than before and the starscourge swept all over Eos,"
"Without Ardyn's healing and Astraea flames of Purification, Eos plunged into chaos and It did not help as Warriors Of Light were broken and scattered," Carbuncle murmured, "Diabolos had won and destroyed the bond which held Lucis safe,"
"Diabolos did really played us back then," Reno snarled, "He is really the God of discord and deception,"
All of them lowered their heads and remain silent for a while.
"And just like Ardyn he used me for his game," Somnus whispered as he gazed at his right hand, "I listened to the shadow inside me and followed them blindly,"
"What do you mean?" Regis asked.
"Went the starscourge returned, I returned to my old self again, I have to cleanse Lucis of all darkness and I did what I needed to do and without Ardyn and Astraea stopping me. I went back on my old way in dealing with the scourge,"
"You mean you kil-'' Aerith did not finish her sentence.
"Yes, I killed again. While searching for Ardyn I ordered my soldiers to kill and burn anyone who had the scourge, no one was exempted, men, women, and children, in my eyes they are corrupted and a danger to the people and need to be terminated. I did what I must to save Eos," he turned his open hand into a fist as he closed his eyes.
The people around him just remained silent, thinking of the right words to say. The room plunged into deep silence. After three minutes Reno broke the silent, "Enough of this silence, let continue,"
Somnus nodded and continued, "After a month I let Astraea out of her room, for she started to starve herself. Astraea never did like conflict so instead of fighting with me, she gave me the silent treatment and won't eat anything. I do have the choice but to yield to her."
"So what happened? Did she search for Ardyn immediately?" Cor asked.
"No she did not," Reno replied, "Astraea just remained inside the Kingdom and help the people of Lucis,"
"Why? I thought she wanted to save her brother," Cor asked again.
"Even if she wants to, she can't. See back then Astraea can't use her ability anymore, she can't even summon a single fire, we don't know why but it did not stop her in serving her people, so instead of searching for Ardyn she remained and sang to the people for her voice always calm the people down," Somnus replied as he gazed at the sphere.
…
He was standing beside Astraea as she gave her potions to the people. They were in the middle of the town. Reno and Aera were not far from them giving potions too.
"Princess, Thank you," An elder woman bowed to her.
"It's nothing… please if you need more just tell me," she replied with a soft smile.
The people started to gather around him. He did not like it and ordered his men. The soldiers started to push the crowd away.
Astraea just glared at him, the founder King just shrugged, "Let's go, we need to go home, it's already sunset,"
The Fire maiden just sighed and nodded and followed her brother, but the crown stopped them from leaving.
"NO, Princess don't go!"
"Stay here Princess,"
"Sing for us Princess!"
They all shouted, Astraea stopped and gazed at him. He glanced around and looked back at his sister. Astraea's eyes were pleading to him, he sighed, "Just one song, then we're going back at the Palace."
She nodded and turned around and smiled at the crowd, "People of Lucis, I known we are in hard times and the darkness seems to surround us but don't lose hope," her eyes glanced at the founder king and back at the crowd, "Always bear in mind, the light is always inside of you so please don't let darkness sink it and keep fighting, for I and my brothers are with you. We will defeat this darkness and see the light once again."
The people cheered and clapped. The Fire Maiden stood straight and breathed deeply and started to sing a song. (Fire Emblem: Three Houses - "The Edge of Dawn" | AmaLee Ver).
Somnus did not listen to Astraea properly as he was too busy looking around. He was looking for Ardyn. After all, a soldier did report to him that he saw the Healer of the People inside the kingdom. He was so busy that he did not even notice that Astraea was finished with her song. The people cheered and clapped in all that commotion, he saw Ardyn standing at every end of the crowd. He was cloak over his head but he knew it was him. The whispers inside of Somnus started to speak again to him.
'It's him, he is here to kill both of you!'
'KILL HIM!'
He is about to summon his sword but Astraea hands stopped him, "Brother? What is wrong?"
The founder King just looked at her for a minute and back at the crowd. Ardyn is now gone and nowhere to be seen. He greeted his teeth and looked back at Astraea.
"Are you finished?" she nodded, "Then let's go!" Somnus said a stern tone as he walked away. The memory faded.
…
"You know Somnus if you just listen back then, you should have known what Astraea is telling you," Reno said as he gazed at him.
"Telling me? She never says anything to me,"
Reno sighed, "Have you forgotten, Astraea is like you. She does like showing her emotion. She used her voice and her song to tell you but you too distracted to even notice," Somnus gave him an odd look, "Just watched your memory again and listened very carefully"
Somnus nodded and played his memory again. This time they all listened very intently to Astraea songs.
"Reach for my hand, I soar away
Into the dawn, I wish I could stay
Here in cherished halls in peaceful days,
I fear the edge of dawn knowing time betrays"
"Is she saying her goodbye?" Aerith whispered as a memory pause and showed Astraea eyes full of emotion.
"Yes," Reno said as he stood up, "For the fire Maiden already knows what lays ahead,"
"What? She knows it all along!" Somnus asked.
Reno turned to him, "Yes, even with that burden, she faces her fate with Courage, Hope and Love,"
A/N: Sorry for the long update. Next up... my own take what really happened during Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn - Prologue. How Ardyn became the Adagium and like Somnus, Ardyn has his own theme, and here it is (Kingdom Hearts - "Terra's Theme" | ORIGINAL LYRICS | Lizz Robinett & Lowlander). Just like Terra, Ardyn falls into darkness while trying to save his family.
P.S. The Terra, Astraea mentioned in the past is Terra Branford from FFVI. She will be a very important character in the future.
THANK YOU! I hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!✩