A/N: if you want to see the sketches just search for the name I provided... I wish I could draw like that... and again credit to the owners
To my lovely readers that made this far, I want to thank you for your support, I just want to inform you that I edit and rewrite the Prologue: Solheim and The War of the Astrals, that edit will play a big part in the future. I did a few edits on chapter 3 The flames within too when Kadaj attack Astraea nothing big just added extra few scenes.
Recalling of The Past: Fate
Hope is comforting. It allows us to accept fate, no matter how tragic it might be.
- Yunalesca, (Final Fantasy X)
"What?" The founder king slowly rose from his seat, "She knew what fate leads ahead?" he asked.
Reno was looking at him sincerely and nodded, "Yes and she never stopped believing and hoping. During those days she found comfort, that she saw your future. Your bright future and your son… Hope right? Hope Lucis Caelum,"
Before Somnus could speak the sphere started to show Reno's memory. He decided to sit back down again and just watched the memory in silence.
...
Reno slowly flapped his wings as he entered Astraea chamber from the terrace before landing he transformed into his human form only to find his master still awake, "You still up?" he asked as he walked towards her. Astarea did not look at him and continued what she was doing, "Astraea?" he stopped behind her to see that she was sketching before he opened his mouth Astraea spoke up.
"Did you find him? Did you find my brother?" she turned around to meet his eyes.
Reno averted his eyes and gazed down, "Sorry...but no… I could not find Ardyn anywhere, Astraea, I'm sorry…"
"It's fine Reno, you should not have to apologize,"
He could see the disappointment in her eyes, he frowned, she noticed it and smiled at him, "I said don't worry, Reno, Ardyn must be hiding…But I know he is safe" she said as she turned back toward the desk and continue to sketch, "Please be safe…" she whispered.
Reno could hear her soft whimpers. She lowered her head, her crimson hair hiding her tears from the guardian. He bit his lip and his hand turned into a fist seeing his master like this, "Astraea," he brushed her hair gently, "Everything will be okay, Ardyn will come back and our family we be whole again," he cooed as he continued to brush her hair.
The fire Maiden sniffled and brushed her tears away and turned to her guardian, "I know Reno… I just… I just….missed him, I miss our happy days together," she tried to keep herself from crying again.
"Oh… come on...Astraea, don't cry," he said as he bent down to meet her eyes, "I'm here… your little Chocobo is here, please don't cry anymore…" he hugged her and she hugged him back.
They shared a moment of silence as they continued their embrace. The only sound was the crackling firewood in the fireplace. After Astraea had finished crying, they broke the embrace. Reno wiped her tears away, "Always remember I will always be here, Princess…"
Astraea gave him a weak smile, "Thank you, Reno. I knew I could always count on you," she hugged him again and he returned it, "Always...my master…" After that, he rose to his feet and looked at the desk to find a sketch of someone, "Who is this?" he asked as he grabbed the sketch(Hope Estheim, b-agt) to get a better look.
"Hope…"
"Hope?"
"Yup," Astraea grabbed the sketch and started to put finishing touches, she wrote a name under the sketch, "Hope Lucis Caelum… Somnus's and Lady Ashe's son,"
"What!" the guardian bellowed and grabbed the sketch again, "Are you serious! tell me you are joking!"
She laughed and shook her head, "Nope, I'm saying the truth I saw the future. Somnus and Lady Ashe will get married and they will have a son. That's how he will look like when he turned 14,"
"Woah… So Somnus will finally have the courage to tell Ashe his feelings after all," Reno's eyes smiled, Astraea giggled as she saw it, "So that means we have a future? We will defeat Diabolos and get rid of the starscourge?"
"Yes…" she nodded and rose to her feet and walked towards the terrace he followed her still holding the sketch in his hand.
"So… you will be king? It's Lord Ardyn right?" he asked.
The Fire Maiden turned to him and smiled, "No… Somnus will,"
"Really? Somnus will be king!?"
"Yup, The crystal will pick Somnus and he will be the founder King… he will rise on the throne and the sun will shine again…" she said in a low tone as she gazed at the evening sky.
"That's great! So our fight will soon come to an end!" Reno bellowed.
"Yes… our fight will be over… it's just a shame Ardyn and I can't share it with you,"
"What?" Reno raised an eyebrow as he heard her statement, "What do you mean?"
She just took a deep breath and sighed, "Like I said I saw the future Reno. Somnus will be king, he will take the throne and the sun will rise again…but…" she paused and turned to him. Reno's eyes widened to see that Astraea was crying again before he could give his reaction, Astraea continued, "But…. Ardyn and I will not be there to see it… for we will die before it happens…"
"WHAT!" Reno shouted as the sketch fell from his hand and drifted with the wind, "Tell me your joking Astraea," he grabbed both of her shoulders and started to shake it, "TELL ME IT'S NOT TRUE!"
She shook her head lazily, "I'm telling the truth Reno…" she murmured, "I'm going to die together with Ardyn… we need to sacrifice ourselves so that Lucis will have a future…"
"No! you're not! Are you insane! I will not let it happen!" he shouted at her, his fingers turning into talons and digging into her flesh. She whimpered hearing this, he suddenly pulled his hands away and stepped back, "Sorry, Astraea…I'm so sorry, are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
The fire maiden just smiled at him sadly, "I'm okay Reno, don't worry…" she gazed down, "But as I said, I'm going to die, Reno. This is my fate as the Fire Maiden… I can't escape it… Like Ardyn I must face it, it's our destiny as both Champion of the Astrals and Warriors of Light..."
"NO!" he shouted and waved his right arm in protest. "I won't let you! There another way!"
Astraea gazed at him and shook her head, "Sorry, Reno but there is no other way…we must die so that Somnus could take the throne and guide Lucis in the future,"
"NO! I will change it…. I will change your fate!" Reno's voice was breaking as his body started to tremble.
Astraea hugged him, "Oh… Reno… my little phoenix…" she whispered, "I'm sorry but you can't…we can't change our fate..."
"No… there must be another way…" Reno hugged her back, "Don't go… Don't leave me, please… Astraea…"
"You… I don't have a choice, this path is mine to take alone, I'm sorry Reno, I hope you can forgive me," Astraea choked as she tried not to cry again.
"No please Astraea don't do this!" he hugged her tightly.
"I already accepted my fate, so please be supportive and don't do anything stupid or try to stop me,"
"But… as your guardian I need to protect you… I must try… I won't let you die..."
"That the problem, Reno, you can't change it… and besides, you have been protecting me all my life Reno, this time let me protect you," she cupped his face, "Just me promise me one thing Reno…" he did not answer for he was now crying, she brushed the tears away and smiled again, "After I'm gone please do take care and look after Somnus for me… I know he can be a jerk something so please be patient and be at his side, okay? Can you do that Reno?" he shook his head, "Come on...Reno… I don't want to do this but you left me no choice!" she stepped back.
Reno was just looking at her, his tears still pouring out, "I Astraea Lucis Izunia, order you Reno…" she paused and stood straight, "I order you to be my brother's keeper after I'm gone! Protect him and don't let anything happen to him and his descendants! This is my last order command!"
Reno stopped crying as his marks glowed brightly as he was forced to obey, he went down in one kneel and lowered his head, "As you command, Master, I will protect Somnus with my life as I protected you..." after a moment of silence between them he finally looked up to see Astraea. The Fire Maiden was looking and smiling at him. There is no hint of sadness or fear in her eyes.
"That good to hear!" she clapped her hands together, "Now I can sleep well knowing the future will be okay," she laughed.
He stood up and chuckled, "For someone who knows she will die in the future your quite chipper about it,"
"But of course, I always look at the bright side of things, after all, I saw Somnus's and this kingdom's future and it's wonderful that is okay for me and I hope it stays that way, after all, hope is comforting. It allows us to accept fate, no matter how tragic it might be."
He just chuckled knowing he can't defeat her, just like her, he will accept his fate and look towards the future, "So can you tell me about what's going to happen so that I can prepare?" he asked.
"Nope…"
"What? why?
"Because I know you Reno… if you know what is going to happen you will try to change it so my answer is NO… I just need you to support me and you keep your promise okay?" she smiled.
Reno with no other choice but to accept it, just smiled and bowed his head down, "As you command Princess…"
"Glad to hear that Reno," she clapped again, "Now go and find my drawing," Reno grumbled as his marks glowed, She saw this and she giggled, "Come on now be a good little Chocobo and find my sketch of Hope, I'm not finished with it yet…"
The guardian just let out a long sigh and jumped into the railing and turned to her master, "Are you going to tell me what's going to happen after I fetch it?"
"Still No... " she crossed her arms, "Hurry now, no one should see it, GO now Reno!" she pointed at the direction where her sketch went.
Reno murmured under his breath, "Bossy..."
"I heard that!"Astraea laughed and put her hand on her waist.
Reno smirked and gave her a two-finger salute, "Be right back princess…" he spread his hands and let his body fall with that memory faded.
…
"Wow, Astarea is always positive… If I were in her position, I might not be able to smile and let alone laugh," Dave said as he crossed his arms, "The princess… she is unique,"
"Yeah...she is," Reno chuckled, "Not only that her cheerful and optimistic side is quite contagious,"
"So did she say anything to you Reno, about what was going to happen?"
"No she did not," the guardian shook his head as he glanced at the Founder King, "Your sister is quite stubborn and did not tell me. She was right on her decision for if I knew back then what the future holds I might do stupid things to try change it and ruin our chance to defeat Diabolos,"
"But Diabolos is still alive... so what happened?" Clarus asked.
"Be patient, Clarus, we're getting there…" Reno smirked at him. Clarus just decided to ignore it and talk directly to the Founder King.
"Your Majesty?", he asked, but Somnus did not answer him for the warrior is lost in his thought, "Founder King?"
"Yes…" Somnus turned to him, "Sorry what is your question? Sir Clarus?"
"Please, Your Majesty, call me Clarus…" he bowed.
"Then call me Somnus then,"
"Sorry but I can't do that, Founder King, for I'm a shield, It's my duty to serve the king,"
"Okay then, Clarus…" Somnus sighed "So what is your question?"
"I want to ask what happen after all, and why is the Dark Astral is still alive,"
"Because I failed my calling, Clarus…" the founder king face frowned, "For I failed them both,"
Clarus did have the words to say, he just bowed his head down, "I'm sorry to hear that, Your Majesty…"
"You don't have to apologize for anything Clarus…" he paused and gazed around and turned his attention back at the red-haired guardian to find him sitting crossed-legged on the floor again looking at something. He noticed that Reno was flipping through the pages of an old leather journal, he saw the Izunia crest in the back of it, "It's that Astraea's sketchbook? I thought you lost it?" he asked.
"I did, but I found it one of the Royal tombs,"
"Who's?"
"Crepera,"
"You mean Queen Crepera, The Rouge?" Regis asked.
"Yup, Crepera Lucia Caelum… she is a very shy and reclusive person, but great queen nevertheless," Reno handed the sketchbook to Somnus.
He took it and gazed at the sketch of the Crepera Lucis Caelum(Oerba Yun Fang FFX13, b-agt). "Astraea is quite good at sketching… I remember her sketches and paintings on the palace's wall."
"Yeah, she is very talented, she even created her very own paint using alchemy…" he snorted, "Remember the dye she created?"
"You mean the hair dye he used to dye Ardyn's hair red?"
"Yes, the very same dye she uses to make your's blue," Reno laughed, "You known blue hair looks good on you to Sommy,"
Somnus just frowned at him, but deep inside he was smiling remembering the time that Astraea dyed their hair. He remembered how Ardyn chased their sister all around the palace to make her return his hair to its brown shade. But Astraea being stubborn as she was she did not and they have to wait two months for the colors to fade. He was disappointed when his hair turned black again after all he did like it. After all, his favorite color is blue. He did not even notice that he was smiling. The people around him just watched him in silence. As a small smile appeared on his lips and a faint chuckle came out. He quickly covered his mouth and gazed around. He saw that they were smiling, he sighed and cleared his throat and strengthened himself.
"You really did enjoy it back then Sommy, should we dye your hair blue again?" Reno asked while smirking at him.
"What…No…" he growled at him.
The guardian just rolled his eyes and laughed, "Suit yourself, Founder King, just let me know I have those dye with me," the warrior just ignored him and crossed his arms.
Reno laughed and grabbed the sketchbook again and flipped through the pages, "Astraea did not just see Somnus's future but she also saw the future of champions of Bahamut," he said as he laid the sketchbook on the desk.
All of them leaned in to see the sketch of someone, a male with black hair tied into a pony at the bottom of the sketch a name and title was placed, "I want to introduce to you… Auron Lucis Caelum, The Warrior" (Auron FF10, (DeviantArt MCashe)). Reno flipped over some of the pages he stopped again, "Angeal Lucis Caelum, The Tall," (Angeal FF7 (BahamutDeusModus)). The guardian continued to flip the pages as he introduced all of Bahamut's champions, the rulers of Yoke. All twelve champions have blue eyes, the sign of being the champion of Bahamut's, "Not only that she even saw you, Your Majesty," he turned towards the king, "And Prince Noctis as well," Before Regis could speak Reno flipped the last page where a sketch of Regis and Noctis was located. Regis was on the left page under his sketch was his name, Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII, The Father. (ArtStation - King of Lucis, Sebastian Dell'Aria ). On the right page was a sketch of Noctis and his name and title Noctis Lucis Caelum CXIV, One True King. (Noctis Lucis Caelum, b-agt )
"So that means, Astraea knew that Diabolos will be back again?" Aerith asked as she grabbed the sketchbook to have a closer look.
"I don't know… maybe…" Reno said as he leaned back and crossed his arms, "Like I said Astraea never did tell me what she saw,"
Aerith then flipped the last page and saw nothing, then she noticed that the back cover was peeling off. She peeled it off and an envelope fell off, "What this? A letter?" Aerith grabbed it and put the journal down. She gazed at the envelope where Somnus and Reno's name was written on it, "Its for you Somnus… Reno," she said and handed the envelope to Somnus.
"A letter? from whom?" Somnus asked as he gazed at the written words 'To Somnus and Reno…' He recognized the penmanship, "This is Astraea's handwriting,"
"What! Astraea!" Reno bolted up and went to his side.
"Did you know about this Reno?" The Founder King asked.
"No… Like I said Astraea did not tell me anything! So are you waiting for? open it!"
Somnus did what the guardian asked, he opened the envelope and took letters out, and opened the first one which was addressed to him, "This is for me..." he whispered.
Reno took the other one which addressed to him, "And this is for me, '' he said as he opened the letter more, "A letter from Astraea, her farewell," he said as he gazed at the letter.
Both men stayed silent as they gazed intently at the letter in their hand.
"Can you read it out loud Somnus?" Carbuncle asked, "If you want to…"
The Founder King nodded, "It's okay, but I don't want to read it. Can you read it for me Regis?" he turned towards the king and handed him the letter.
"Me too, Please read my letter too, Your Majesty," Reno handed his letter as well.
"Very well then," Regis grabbed the letters and he gazed around after making sure that everyone was ready to listen and he opened Somnus's letter first and read the letter out loud.
Dear Big brother Sommy…
If you are reading this it means I have departed this world… this letter is my goodbye to you, brother…
Regis stopped and glanced at Somnus to see his expression. The Founder King has sadness in his eyes. Somnus glanced at him and nodded at him to continue after clearing his throat he continued to read the letter.
I know you have a lot of questions to ask. Why I did what I did and why I did not question or even stop our destiny, Ardyn's and I. The answer to the question is… I know you made a pact with Bahamut's you and Ardyn. I know I should have not eavesdropped in your conversation. It was wrong of me to do so but I'm glad I did it. For I knew you two will hide it from me just as you hide what happened in Solheim. But I'm not angry with you, how can I? you're my brothers… I knew you were just doing this to protect me...but that will stop right now… This time I will protect you… I might not be able to save Ardyn's but I will make sure you will have a future, brother… I make sure of it...
For 25 years of my life, you have been there for me, taking care of me and saving me always now it's my turn to return the favor. I have been chosen by the Infernian to be his champion and now as his champion, I will do what I must to fulfill my calling... my destiny and save Eos, after all, I can't have you two have all the credit in saving Eos...hehehe just joking… I knew is stupid but I did what I had to do. Just like Ardyn's I need to sacrifice myself to get rid of the starscourge but that victory will bring you loneliness so … please don't lose hope… I know the future will be tragic, you will be all alone, but don't worry we will come back again … after all, we need to see the sunrise together right?
I know what I'm saying is difficult to understand but I just want to say that our fight is still not over yet… and our death will not be permanent that I know of… something will happen which I did not see. But I know we will meet again in the future. So for the time being please accept the throne Sommy… be the founder King of Lucis… don't let our hard work go to waste okay?
I wanted to say goodbye to you in person big brother, but I can't but so please forgive me Sommy..and remember I love you and proud to be your little sister… and Sommy you will be a great king, that I know of… So please after we are gone don't stop fighting and never lost Hope okay..? And continued to live and guide Lucis is the future and please take care of Lady Ashe… she will be your Queen after all..and please do take care of my nephew for me, Hope… give him a happy life that what I ask you brother... to continue living without us… I love you, brother until we meet again… always remember….You need to have COURAGE to face everything head-on, and at times you are lost don't lose HOPE and always remember LOVE is the strongest weapon you have.
Sincerely,
Your little sister… Astraea Lucis Izunia, The Fire Maiden,
Regis stopped at the end of the letter. He glanced at the Founder King, "Thank you, Regis," he just nodded and handed the letter to him.
"No..please keep that, keep it safe for the time being," Somnus said as he pushed the letter back.
Regis nodded and put the letter down on the coffee table and opened Reno's letter next. He cleared his throat again before reading it out loud.
Dear Reno,
My little Chocobo… no, my awesome fiery Phoenix. I wanted to thank you for all you did for me. Even all the stupid things I did you still stood by my side for that I'm grateful that you are my guardian. Reno… the promise you made remember that! Please make sure my brother's descendant will survive for Diabolos will be back again and I saw the future and in that future darkness will come again and plunged Eos into chaos again… but don't worry for one day the One True King from the bloodline of Lucis will be born, he will be The King of Light and with his eternal light, we will be able to kill Diabolos once and for all…for that I will not be afraid to die, for my death will be a step towards that future… Just like me, Ardyn's death is not permanent, we will live again… I don't know how, why, or when… but make sure to prepare for it… so Reno…. I expect you to behave and don't cause any trouble. I will be watching you!
I love you Reno until we meet again… always remember….You need to have COURAGE to face everything head-on, and at times you are lost don't lose HOPE and always remember LOVE is the strongest weapon you have.
Sincerely,
Astraea Lucis Izunia, The Fire Maiden,
P.S. Make sure to pass this prophecy on… okay, Reno...and make sure you will survive, after all, I need my little phoenix in the future… Goodbye again… and LOVE YOU...
When darkness veils the world, The Flame, and the Light will be called once more. The bond that was forgotten will be fulfilled and the call of the Astrals shall be heard.
A long silence filled the air around them. Regis folded the letter and handed it to the guardian. Reno took it and slowly sat down on the floor and his face can't be described, same goes for the Champion of Bahamut, Somnus was thinking of words to say he opened his mouth but closed it again..
I can't believe it...Astraea really did know about the pact… how did we not notice her back then, Somnus thought went racing, after all, I did to her she still worried about me…
"Somnus?" The Founder King flinched as he felt Carbuncle on his lap "Are you okay? How are you taking this?"
"I bit… confused Cally…" he replied with a low tone, his eyes reflecting his emotions, "Did Astraea know what was going to happen from the very start Reno?" he turned to his side.
The red-haired shook his head, "Don't know...just like you, I'm surprised with her revelation," he opened the letter and read the letter again in silence, "So she really did see the future even with that she still accepted her fate...Astraea is one of kind indeed..." he chuckled to lighten the mood and it worked. The people around him started to relax again, especially the Founder King. He sighed and folded the letter up and put it inside the pocket of his suit, "So Sommy what is this pact with Bahamut, Astraea is talking about?"
The warrior's face felt as he saw all eyes on him, he opened his mouth then closed it again.
"Somnus" Cally whispered his name and looked up to his eyes, "It's okay tell them, Bahamut would not mind it...they have to know why you acted like that back then and why Lord Ardyn became the Adagium,"
Somnus was hesitant at first but looking at the guardian's eyes he sighed and he nodded, "Okay then, but just like everything you saw and heard today, you need to keep this a secret, our future lies on this, can I count on everyone?" he gazed around.
All nodded and bowed their heads.
"As you command, Founder King," they all answered in unison.
"Okay then, we made a pact with Bahamut's because of Astarea."
"Astraea?" Reno questioned.
"Yes, remember the night when you told us about the effect of the Flame of purification on her, that she was dying?" the guardian nodded, "Two days after that, I still could not accept it so I decided to talk to Bahamut to ask him something, but when I arrived at the throne room, I found out that I'm not the only one who's trying to save Astarea. I found Ardyn and together we talk to Bahamut,"
...
Somnus was walking silently throughout the hallway and when he arrived at the throne room he saw Ardyn standing at the end of the stairs leading up to the throne.
"Brother?" he called out to him.
Ardyn turned to him, "Oh.. why are you still awake?" he asked.
"I could not sleep, I'm worried about Astraea, how about you?" he stopped beside his brother and looked up to Bahamut's crystal.
"Same…" Ardyn sighed, "I visited her chamber just to find her asleep again. The flame of Purification is making her very weak and it took us four years to even notice it. We call ourselves her big brother... mother, and father will be disappointed with us," Ardyn let out a sad chuckle, Somnus did not move or even talk, he lets his brother continue, "We need to do something Somnus… we need to help her. We can't let what happened to Solheim too happen here," The Healer turned to him.
"I'm going to talk to Bahamut, I will ask him to take his blessing away and give Astraea the life she lost."
"Do you think that will work? Bahamut won't even talk to us and we are his champion,"
"We need to try," The Healer then turned towards the crystal, "Cally!"
Their guardian appeared before them, "You call Lord Ardyn, Lord Somnus," she bowed to them.
"Cally, haven't we told you to stop calling us Lord, you can call us by our names," Somnus said as he gazed down, "Follow Reno, after all, we are family,"
"Okay then… Somnus…" she turned to the older sibling, "Ardyn, how can I help you?"
Ardyn crouched down and patted her on the head, "We want to talk to Bahamut, can you make it possible, Cally?"
"Why do you want to talk to my Master? Is it because of Astraea?"Both brothers nodded, she nodded in response, "Very well then, I take you to him follow me" she went up the stairs and the warriors followed. She jumped on the throne and turned to them, "Are you ready?" she asked both brothers nodded, "Well then let us go," her horn glowed together with the Light Crystal then a bright light surrounded them, both warriors closed their eyes shut and went then opened it again, there in the Astral realm. Floating before them was the leader of the Astrals, Bahamut, The Draconian. (The same size in Episode Ardyn) His wings spread wide and two red capes floating in the air. Both brothers took a knee and bowed their heads.
"Rise my champions," Bahamut ordered, his deep voice echoing around them.
The Healer and the Mystic rose up and looked up to him with a deep breath, Ardyn took a step forward, "Greeting... oh benevolent Draconian, The Bladekeeper," Ardyn greeted the Astral with confidence as he bowed his head and rose up, "Thank you for giving us chance and being in our presence dear, Astral," Somnus could see that Ardyn's body was slightly shaking, same goes for him. After all, this is their second meeting, the last time they saw Bahamut is when the Bladekeeper gave his blessing to them which was four years ago and the presence of the Astral is quite overwhelming.
"Why do thy seek my presence? Healer of the People," Bahamut asked.
Ardyn gulped and took a deep breath again, "We are here to seek you help Bahamut," he glanced back at his brother, "Me and my brother,"
With that Somnus took a step forward and copied what Ardyn did a minute ago and greeted the Astral with a bow. When he raised his head up he met eyes with the Astral. Just like him Bahamut's has deep blues eyes, he just lowers his gaze before speaking, "We are here to ask and seek your help for our sister, Astraea, dear Astral,"
"What help do thee seek?" Bahamut asked again with the same deep tone, "What can I do to help the Fire Maiden,"
"Is there something you can do to stop her life from fading or better yet take your blessing away?" Ardyn asked.
"My blessing can't be taken or returned, Ardyn Lucis Caelum. The Fire Maiden had accepted my blessing knowing the consequences. With my light and The Infernian's flames, you are able to cast and keep the darkness at bay, do you want me to take that away?"
"Yes...I mean no…" Ardyn stammered, "What I meant... Your light has been a great help, Draconian, but our sister is dying, we want to seek your help. Can you do something to lessen the effect of your blessing?"
"Sorry, but I cannot," Bahamut replied, "My blessing is not the only one that causing the Fire Maiden's life to fade. The Infernian's flame is affecting her as well,"
"We knew about that, Bahamut," Somnus raise his voice and stepped forward, he saw his brother trying to stop him but he did not stop and continued, "If you can't help Astraea then help us in this battle,"
"I already gave my blessing to you, Mystic, what else do thy seek?" Bahamut asked, his voice a little irritated.
Somnus suddenly heard the Whispers deep inside his head,
He does want to help you…
Bahamut is just going to let your sister die…
Don't listen to him, he is just using you…
With that Somnus snapped "How about helping us in battle! Don't just stand here, go down in Eos, and help us to destroy Diabolos and his darkness!"
"SOMNUS!" Ardyn grabbed his forearm and yanked him back, "Are you insane! don't talk to the Draconian that way," he lectured him.
Somnus just glared at him inside his head. The whispers are urging him to kill his brother and Bahamut. Inside his mind, Somnus was fighting with the whispers. "Somnus!" his brother's voice pierced through the whispering. The mystic was able to be in control and the whispers voices faded, he gazed at his brother, "Are you alright?"
The Mystic just nodded, he turned to Bahamut and bowed his head, "My sincere apology, Draconian, I don't know what had gotten into me,"
Bahamut just stayed silent as he eyed him, suddenly Bahamut summoned his sword and pierced their hearts. Both went down on their knees and clutched their hearts as they screamed, suddenly Whispers came out from their body and scattered around them. Bahamut's wing's lit up and separated from his body and circled him for a moment then the swords went flying seeking the whispers and killing them. As Bahamut's sword eradicated the whispers around them, both brothers helped each other on their feet. As the last whispers were killed, the swords went and returned to Bahamut's back. The Astral then spread his wings again, his wings are composed of 15 swords for each side and the two red capes encircled around them and he eyed the champion again and spoke.
"Thee should not listen to the chaos inside of you dear Champions or you will fall into darkness and be lost forever,"
"Thanks for the advice, Bahamut," Ardyn jokingly laughed as he clutched his heart as the pain was still there then looked at Somnus still in pain, "Are you okay?"
The Founder King nodded, "Yes, are you?"
Ardyn just smiled, "Yup, but it still hurt….I will never complain about Astraea's flames ever again," they both chuckled.
Bahamut just gazed at the two brothers waiting for them to stop and acknowledge him again. After a few moments, the brothers stopped laughing and straightened themselves.
"Thank you, Bahamut for purifying us," Somnus bowed his head, "I apologies for the words I said earlier,"
"You don't have to apologize, Mystic. I been absent and let you fight the darkness alone, For I had been busy trying to seal Diabolos's spirit back into the dark realm, That made me weak and I can't appear and fight beside you in Eos "
Both brother's eyes glanced at each other and looked back at the Astral.
"Why not kill Diabolos instead of locking him up," Ardyn asked.
Did the messengers not tell you why?" both warriors shook their heads.
"Very then I will tell you why and why did I pick you to be my champions,"
Bahamut explained to them that all Astrals have equal strength can't kill each other. Yes, they're each other weakness but they can only wound each other not kill. Not only that Diabolos the God of Darkness was also the same straight as Bahamut's being the counterpart of Light. In the first War of the Astral, they are able to destroy Diabolos's body and not his spirit so they decided to seal him back on his realm. But it does not last long, Diabolos spirit was able to get out and created his daemons yet again not only that he was corrupted the minds of the people of Elheim and rage war and Solheim got destroyed in the process. After the Second War of The Astrals, all Astrals were weakened as their crystals were destroyed and have to go to slumber. Except for him, he continued to fight Diabolos in the dark realm. He was able to defeat him and sealed Diabolos's spirit for a time being but it greatly affected him it weakened him too and that the reason why is be absent for a long time.
"So if you can't kill the Dark Messenger, then who can?" Ardyn asked.
"Thy can… both of you…" Bahamut eyed the two warriors, "As my champions, thou have my light in within you with that you kill Diabolos once is for all,"
"But you said Diabolos is just spirit, how can we kill a spirit?" Somnus asked.
Bahamut did not answer them and stayed silent for a while. Somnus was waiting patiently then he heard his brother whisper, "That's the reason why you choose the two for us… and why you have given me the ability to absorb the starscourge…" Ardyn turned to him, the Mystic can see the sadness and fears in his brother's eyes that's when it dawned on him, the realization of what his brother is telling.
"Wait don't tell me…" Somnus murmured.
"Your right, Healer of the People," both brothers turned towards the Astral, "To kill the God of Darkness...one must be a sacrifice. One must give his body to Dark Astral to take it as his own, with that the other can kill him and end his dark reign forever. If you want to save you sister and Eos thy need to fulfill thy fate,"
"What! A sacrifice! We can't do that Bahamut! We came here to save our sister! now you're telling us that in order to save her, we have to kill the Dark Messenger by sacrificing the other; we can't accept that! " Somnus shouted.
"Somnus…" Ardyn called to his brother with a calm tone. He turned to him, The Healer's face was calm, Ardyn gave him a loving smile, "Remember what I told you when we were little?" the younger brother just shook his head, Ardyn chuckled sadly, "Then let me ask you again… "Do you know why the big brother is born first?" The Founder King stayed silent, his brother just continued to smile at him, "It's to protect the little brothers and sisters that come after him. So that means I need to do this, Somnus."
"WHAT NO! You can't,"
"No... I need to, we can't just keep fighting forever Somnus, we need to end it,"
"But brother…" Somnus's voice started to break, "What about Astraea, she won't want this, she will be devastated."
Ardyn just sighed patted him on the shoulder, "Everything will be okay, Somnus. We just need to hide it from her and besides like her I'm just doing what I meant to do, to fulfill my calling is the sole purpose of being a Champion of Bahamut and Warrior of Light," Ardyn gave him a genuine smile as he remained silent. The Healer then turned towards the bladekeeper, "Bahamut, what must I have to do to fulfill this calling?" he bowed towards the Astral.
"To draw out Diabolos from the darkness, thou must gather all the darkness and be his vessel. With the help of the crystal, the Warrior Of Light will be able to slain the Dark Astral and his darkness will be vanquished forever,"
"Heard that Sommy? You have the chance to be the hero… you have the honor to kill Diabolos," Ardyn turned to him smiling.
"This is not a laughing matter Ardyn! I will not accept it," Somnus waved his hands in protest and turned to Bahamut, "There must be another way… A way which does not involve someone dying!"
"There is no other way, Mystic. If you let Diabolos scatter his influences, and his darkness throughout Eos there is no telling how strong he can be, if he is able to regain his physical body then it will be over. Darkness shall reign and Eos shall never see the light again, all life will be extinguished and there shall be nothing left but darkness, It's that what thou want, Mythic?"
Somnus was taken aback by the Draconian words, he could not speak the same with Ardyn and both waited in silence for the Astral to speak again.
Bahamut floated near them and spread his wings wider, "This is thy sole purpose why I have chosen the two of you to be my warriors. One must sacrifice and the other will rise up to the throne and spread the light throughout Eos and only one will survive and continue to be champion of Light! What say thee champions, do you accept thy fate? Lucis Caelum?"
Somnus wanted to protest, he stepped forwards ready to speak but he felt Ardyn's hand on his shoulder he turned to see Ardyn was shaking his head, "Do it for me, Somnus… do it for Astraea... for Eos…" he just closed his mouth and back away. His brother then took a step forward and bowed.
"I accept thy calling, Bahamut, Leader of the Astrals, I will be the vessel of Darkness, and I will sacrifice my body and my life to defeat Diabolos once and for all," Ardyn eyes glanced at the founder king.
Somnus just glared at Ardyn but his brother just kept looking at him with pleading eyes. He tightened his hands into a fist with remorse in his heart he slowly bowed as well, "Me too, Oh Great Draconian, I accept thy calling, for Eos and everyone safety, I will eliminate the darkness, and continue the path to the light,"
"Very well then, go now champions… fulfill thy calling, went the crystal's light up that the time for thy purpose to be fulfilled, go now and continue thy fight and never fall into darkness,"
Both warriors raised their heads only to be met by blinding light which forced them to close them. When they opened their eyes they were back at the throne room.
"Welcome back Ardyn and Somnus," Carbuncle greeted them with a soft voice. They both looked down at her. The expression on her face told them that she knew what happened and the pact they made with Bahamut, "Thank you, Cally," Ardyn patted her on the head, "Can you please not say this to anyone especially to our sister?"
"I promise, Ardyn…"
"Well okay then, that settles it, Astraea will be saved and Eos as well" Ardyn clapped his hands together, "I'm counting on Somnus, don't let me down," he whacked Somnus on the back, the Founder King stumbled a bit and then glared at him, the Healers just chuckled and went down the stairs, "Good night little brother," he waved his hand as he walked down the stair.
"Wait Ardyn!" Cally jumped to Somnus's shoulder as he followed his brother. When both reach the center of the throne room where Astraea's flames are the brightest. The Mystic grabbed the Healer's shoulder and yanked him back.
"WHY DID YOU DO THAT!"
"Do what?" Ardyn asked, tilting his head still smiling at him.
"Why did you accept your fate without thinking!"
"You accepted yours too,"
"Because I don't have the choice and you force me too!"
"Why did not protest then," Ardyn asked with a smile.
"I tried to remember?! But you keep insisting on it! Do you think I can fulfill my calling? do you think I can kill you?!"
"Why not? Ardyn chuckled, "Three years ago you tried to kill me, so why back out now? Besides your not going to kill me… you're going to kill Diablos in my body. Now we have you have the chance to end it, Somnus, so don't hold back and give it your all, Little brother" he laughed.
"It's not funny BROTHER!" Somnus's grip tightened around Ardyn's shoulder, "I can't do that… I can't kill you...please don't force me too," he leaned his forehead onto The Healer's shoulder.
"There...there my little Sommy," Ardyn cooed as he patted him on the back, "It will be okay, I know you can do this, you need to… do this for Eos and our sister…. For Astraea… give her a life she deserves, a life without conflict and sadness. You both deserve to be happy after all we have been through,"
Somnus stepped back, "What about you? Your future with Aera? what would she say,"
"Aera will be okay, I knew she will support me on this,"
"But you deserve a happy life to brother? Are you willing to give that up?"
"For you?... yes… to save Eos and give you and Astraea a future you deserve. I will sacrifice my life for the future."
"But…"
"No..but… Sommy, I'm your big brother you have to do what I say and I order you to accept your fate and fulfill your calling." Ardyn patted him on his right shoulder.
"What would Astraea say? Do you think she will accept that?"
"Yes, I sure she will, just like her I will do everything I can to save everyone. So I know she will understand,"
"Do you think she will forgive you..and me? I have to kill you. Do you think she will forgive me for killing you! after all your her favorite,"
His brother just sighed, "Yes, she will, I sure of that, just gave it time… Sommy or give her favorite Ulwaat Berries with that I know she will forgive you," he smiled at him.
"How can you still smile brother? Knowing what the future holds?"
Ardyn just put his other hand on Somnus's left shoulder and gripped it tightly, "Like Astraea, we need to be positive and look towards the future with hope, Somnus… so please do this… so that we can end this fight once and for all,"
The Founder King shook his head, "You really are weird… but if you must… I won't let you do this alone. I will fulfill my calling and kill Diabolos,"
"That means you will be king" Ardyn chuckled, "All hail The Founder King! Somnus Lucis Caelum!" his brother stepped back and bowed down.
Somnus glared at the sight of it "You be the Adagium, vessel of darkness,"
Ardyn rose up, "Oh come on... Sommy you can't come up with a better name? how about The Accursed?"
Somnus just gazed at him and shook his head, "How can we explain this to Astraea, to our people,"
"We don't… we don't tell them about it, especially Astraea. If our sister will know about this and how Bahamut might have forced us to do it... total chaos will break loose."
"Yeah… I'm picturing it right now, Astraea going to the Astral realm to fight Bahamut," The Founder King gazed at the crystal.
"Yup, let us not let that happen," Ardyn went beside him, the three of them, The champions of Bahamut and the Messenger gazed at the shining Crystal on top of the empty throne in silence. "Fulfill your calling, Somnus and I will fulfill mine" he whispered before Somnus could reply they heard the door open, they all turned around to see Astraea at the door.
"Astraea!" Ardyn called out her name in surprise, "How long have you been there?"
"Just now... why?" she answered as she walked towards them.
'That great, she did not hear us,' Somnus thought.
"Nothing… So why are you doing here then Astraea?" their older brother asked again.
"I just woke up to drink some water and can't come back to sleep so I decided to play chess with both of you. I went to your chambers to find it empty. I thought you two went hunting without me," she gazed both at their eyes.
Ardyn just smiled, "We never do that,"
"Why are you here then? Did something happen? Did Bahamut talk to you?" her eyes went past them and gazed at the Crystal of Light.
"No nothing happened, just like you… we can't sleep," Somnus answered in a calm tone but his voice cracked on the last word.
Astraea raised an eyebrow at him. Ardyn saw this and went between them, "Yup, Somnus is right, we can't sleep and decided to walk and patrol the place ground. Right sommy?"
"Right,"
Astraea just eyed them studying their faces, she gazed at the crystal and back to them and back at the crystal. "Okay then, let me go on patrol with you then! Come on Cally let's wake Reno up!" she said and started to walk away. The fox guardian jumped in her shoulder.
Both brothers looked at each other and sighed and followed their sister out of the room. Somnus was last to leave before he closed the door he glanced up one last time at the crystal before closing the door. The sphere turned off and silence filled the chamber yet again.
...
"You did not feel her presence back then Somnus?" Reno asked.
"No, both of us were oblivious that she was there. After all, we both were shocked by what happened. Ardyn might be acting that he is okay back then but I knew he was just hiding his true feelings he was always like that… giving his all for the one he loved. I was too busy thinking about our future. I never did give a second thought about Astraea back then,"
"Well according to her letter she did eavesdrop so she must hear you two arguing," the red-haired said while opening the Somnu's letter once again. "I don't blame you for not knowing she there, after all, Astraea was the skill of making her presence unknown,"
"Now I know why she decided to follow her fate, like Ardyn they both dare to face their fate even how awful that might be, they are really the Warriors of light, unlike me.."
"Don't say that Somnus," Cally said, "You did what you had to do, you followed your fate just like them. You fought so hard and already suffered enough so please don't belittle yourself, Founder King,"
"Cally is right Somnus, both of your siblings won't want this, just like them, look at the positive side and smile,"
Somnus laughed, "Your right… thank you Reno and Cally,"
"Your Welcome, Sommy, after all, we are family," Reno said while smiling at him.
"We are always here Master, always remember that," Carbuncle smiled at him.
The champion smiled back, "Okay then...Let us continued then,"
All nodded at the founder king.
"After that day, Ardyn and I acted normal until the day he was consumed by the Whispers inside of him, was kicked from the Palace by me,"
"Now… I feel bad treating Ardyn back then," Reno lowered his head, "He was just following his destiny. Now I understand why Astraea is so worried about her brother for she knew it's not Ardyn's fault that the whispers are taking over him, she knew what was going to happen. Maybe that the reason why she wanted to spend the last remaining days with her family before all of you have to answer your calling,"
"I kept denying her that…"
"So if you know what's happening to Lord Ardyn back then, Somnus, why did you act like that? Why do you want to kill him before he can fulfill his calling?" Regis asked.
The Founder King sighed and gazed at his hands, "For I have fallen into darkness, I let the whispers cloud my judgment for me to forget our pack with Bahamut and the promise we made Ardyn and I, that we will fulfill our calling together to save our sister and to save Eos…"
"So that's the reason why Lord Ardyn left the Palace and continued healing, he just doing his calling, Am I right, Founder King?"
"Yes he did," The founder answered at the shield, "And Astraea is trying to help me stayed on the right path and I should have listened to her, but instead I let the whispers take me and I did terrible things, to my siblings and my people,"
"But it's not your fault Somnus is that damn Whispers inside of you," Reno snarled.
"I know... but still… I should not have I listened to them because of that Ardyn was able to hurt Astraea yet again,"
"What! What happened? I thought Astraea was safe in the Palace," Regis asked.
"Well back then, I let the barrier down and let her go outside the palace, but I never did imagine that she would go outside the kingdom with the help of The Oracle they found our brother. Will, you do the honor Reno,"
"Well, it's now actually an honor Somnus but still sure, let us take a stroke in memory yet again, maybe this time it will be a happy one," Reno sarcastically said as the sphere showed his memory.
…
Reno was behind Astraea, there was inside a ruined tower a huge waterfall in front of them. They were waiting for the Oracle to come back. The princess was seated on the edge of the platform, her feet dangling on the edge. She was humming sadly her guardian just stayed silent behind her. A minute past Reno sighed and took a step forward before he could open his mouth, The Princess started to sing. (HD 1080p ~Yeul's Theme~ Final Fantasy 13-2 *LYRICS ON SCREEN*). In the middle of her songs, Astraea started to cry but she still kept on singing.
...
"Astraea was really strong to be able to accept her fate with open arms, but deep inside she was scared," Reno whispered while listening to his master song, "Back then she did not even say it or show that but her song says otherwise. I wanted to comfort her but I decided to just watch her and let her finish her song… the last song she ever sang… before fate came and took her away..."
The people around him did not respond to his remark and just continued to watch his memory in silence...
…
This burden I must bear alone
For many lives and more to come...
My loneliness is worth the price...
I'll protect you with my life
I'll protect you with my life
…
After singing Astraea wiped away her tears, "Reno… my time is coming to an end…"
The guardian remained silent, she turned to him, tears still falling, "After I died, I want you to promise me one thing,"
"What is it, Princess," Reno took a knee and caressed her face, "I will do it, order me..."
The Fire Maiden chuckled sadly and took his hand away and held it with both hands, "It's, not an order Reno.. but I wish..."
"Tell me what… I made sure to do it,"
The princess just smiled, "After I'm gone… if ever Ifrit will choose another champion… please don't forget about me..." she let go of his hands and reached for his face and cupped it and gently brushed his marks. "Can you promise me that Reno?" she asked with a smile but she can't stop her tears from falling.
Reno's tears started to fall too, he sniffed and smiled, "You needn't worry, Even if others forget your name… I always remember you… Astraea Lucis Izunia," he leaned his forehead to her, "I will always be your guardian forever Fire Maiden…"
"Thank you, Reno… and I love you…" she hugged him.
"I love you too… Astraea…" he returned the hug.
…
The memory stopped abruptly as Reno stood up, "Well that enough seating for now… I need to stretch for a while," he stretched his arms up and bent his body side to side. All were surprised by his action but not Somnus. The Founder king knew Reno was just trying to hide his tears from them. The guardian saw how the Founder King was looking at him, he just averted his eyes and gazed down, "Wait here I will visit the princess to make sure she is okay," before anyone could speak he disappeared in the flash of red light.
"Reno is really affected by this," Aerith said as she gazed at the paused video of Astraea and Reno hugging.
"Of course…" Carbuncle said, "We guardians have a strong share connection with our master, which is why Reno is acting like this… as guardian is pained us to see our master crying or being hurt,"
"Share connection?" Aerith asked.
"Champions and Guardians have both a physical and emotional connection. It's our blessing and our curse… that is our calling as guardians of the Warriors Of Light. To share our master's feelings and go through everything with them… Reno wanted to share Astraea's pain... to die with her but he can't; instead, he was forced just to stand back and watch. It's very painful as if he is going to die,"
"Did you feel the same when Ardyn died, Cally?" Somnus asked.
Carbuncle lowered her head, "Yes, it's very painful as if my heart breaking into two… now we are going through that painful moment yet again, remembering the painful past... all of us wish to forget,"
"Sorry if you have to go through this again Cally," her former master patted on the head.
"It's okay Somnus, I know it is painful for you too, so let us take a rest for a moment and just wait for Reno to return."
Everyone nodded and then lowered their heads and remained silent as they waited for the guardian to return
…
Reno appeared in Astraea chamber he leaned in one of the Bedposts near the fire maiden and let his tears fall. After a while, he was able to regain his composure and wiped his tears away. He then walked towards his master and sat on her bedside, he gently brushed her bangs away, "I have fulfilled my promise Astraea I did not forget about you, now I'm gonna protect you, I will never let anything happened to you, That I promise," he leaned in kiss her on the forehead. Astraea stirred for a bit and whispered something.
"Reno…. Go and get me Ulwaat berries please..."
He chuckled, Even in your dreams you're still ordering me... He said to himself, suddenly Carbuncle appeared beside him.
"Are you okay Reno? Somnus and others are waiting,"
"I'm perfect Cally," he stood up and flipped his ponytail with his left hand, "Let's go duty calls"
Carbuncle just shook her head and jumped on his shoulder with a flash of both red and blue light, they returned towards the king's chamber.
"Sorry to keep all of you waiting… The Phoenix was returned... so where are we?" Reno asked with a joyful expression as Carbuncle jumped down on the coffee table.
"Are you okay Reno?"
"Me?" he turned towards Somnus, "Yes… never better? How about you?"
"I'm fine…"
Reno clapped, "Glad to hear that! so let us continued this Founder King, so that we can finally sleep,"
The warrior just sighed and shook his head, "You're just like her… Reno…"
"What?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, "What are you talking about Sommy?"
"Nothing... just continued your memory,"
The guardian just shrugged his shoulders and sat back down on the floor, "Okay… let us continue… What I'm about to show your is last time all Warriors Of Light came together before that fateful day of the death of Ardyn, The Healer of the People and Astraea the Fire Maiden,"
A/N: Reno's promise ("You needn't worry, Even if others forget your name… I always remember.) It is taken from Aera's dialogue from Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn - Prologue. I just edit the scene and changed the characters involved and this promise will play a big role in the future so stay tuned.
THANK YOU! I hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!✩