A/N: Warning: Graphic depictions of violence and character death.
Recalling of The Past: The Eternal Flames And The Fire Maiden
"No matter how dark the night, morning always comes, and our journey begins anew" -Lulu (Final Fantasy X
After a few seconds, both master and guardian broke their embrace. Reno wiped Astraea tears away and smiled at her, "Haven't I told you I hate to see you crying?" he asked.
"No," Astraea shook her head, "But now I knew, so I promise I won't cry again…"
"Can you promise you won't die instead?" he chuckled.
She shook her head again, "Sorry can't do that, my destiny is now set in stone, Reno. nobody can change it,"
"Worth a try," he winked and stood and held his hand to her. She took it and rose to her feet, "So how long do we need to wait here?"
"Don't know... Aera said this is their meeting place hers and Ardyn's. She might be searching for him now,"
Before Reno could speak they heard footsteps heading towards them. They both looked at the entrance to see Ardyn and Aera stepping out from the darkness.
"BROTHER!" Astraea ran towards the couple but Reno stepped forward and blocked her path.
"Reno!"
The guardian's eyes narrowed at Ardyn's who stopped in his tracks as he saw them.
"You should have not brought me here Aera, I should go," Ardyn hurriedly said as he turned around.
"Wait! Brother, please don't go!" Astraea pleaded while Reno kept on blocking her way.
"Astraea is dangerous… we need to take precauti -"
"Stand aside!" she shouted at him, "Let me through RENO!" his marks glowed and he stood aside. While her master took a step forward, "Please Ardyn, let us talk, I miss you brother…"
Ardyn stopped and turned around, "Astraea...I can't… I'm afraid I will hurt you again..." he said in a low voice.
Suddenly Astraea summoned several fireballs and it hovered around them, "There we are safe! The whispers won't be able to come out and take you… please brother... I want to talk,"
Ardyn looked at Aera, she nodded, "Go ahead… my love…Astraea has been waiting for months for this" He then looked at Reno, who was still eyeing him and then at Astraea who's now on the brink of crying. With a deep breath, he started to walk towards his sister.
Astraea started to walk towards her brother followed by Reno who's just a few feet away they met half-way. Before Ardyn could talk The Fire Maiden gave him a good punch on the stomach. The Healer went down on his knee and arms, gasping for air, "Why did you do that!"
"Do what? hurt you? Ardyn asked as he rose to his feet.
"No, why did you leave the place and did not come back!"
"Oh that… I'm scared that I might hurt you or Somnus. So I decided to be away from you, Please understand Astraea, I'm doing this to protect all of you," he stood up.
Astraea did not speak, she just hugged Ardyn tightly. The older brother was hesitant at first but returned the hug.
"I miss you…" she whispered.
"I miss you too, Astra…"
"Please come back... The Palace is not complete without you… brother,"
"Sorry, but I can't do that…Stay with Somnus he will protect you,"
"But I do need protection! What I want is our family to be complete! Are you going to come back or not!"
He chuckled, "What will you do if I still refuse?" he asked.
"I will knock you out and drag you back to the palace!"
"Really?
"Don't tempt me Ardyn. I will do it," Astraea said as she reached for her rapier.
"Woah...that won't be necessary!" he stopped her and held both of her hands.
"So are you going back home?" she asked.
Ardyn sighed, "Sorry Astraea but I can't not, I have people to heal and as I said it too dangerous I might hurt you again, so please let me be,"
Astraea withdrew hands away and glared at him, "Fine! But take this with you!" she reached for her belt and unclipped the blue sheath of one of her daggers, "Take this with you," she handed him the sapphire dagger, "Take shiva with you,"
"Shiva?" he chuckled, "You named them after the Astrals? So that means the red one is Ifrit?" he asked while eyeing at the small red sheath on her belt.
"Yes, why is it a bad thing to use the name of the Astrals?" she unsheathed the ruby dagger,
He laughed, "No it's perfect, but I prefer the Ifrit, Astraea,"
What NO!" she hugged the red dagger, "This is my favorite and beside your sword is already red so take the blue one,"
He smiled, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, so that you have a reason to come back home! You have to return it to me, brother," she sheathed the red dagger and gazed at him.
"Fine, I will take this and return it to you someday…" Ardyn said as he added the dagger on his Armiger.
"Are you okay Brother? Look at your robe is torn and dirty!" she said as she stepped back, and examined the dirty robe The Healer was wearing "You don't want to go home? You have been out here for 6 months now!"
"I'm okay, the people are very helpful and giving me shelter and food so don't worry about me, go home now. Somnus will be angry again and maybe he will lock you up again,"
"So you knew about that!" she pointed a finger at him, "Why did you save me and took me away?"
"Well, I'm not your knight in shining armor," he ruffled her hair, "Beside Somnus just did that to protect you. That is what I'm doing right now, I'm protecting our family,"
She sighed and hugged him again, "I know, I just angry at myself I could not help you,"
"Don't be… it's my duty as your big brother to protect you so please go back home, before nightfall," he hugged her.
"Alright... I followed you for now… but if my flames of purification are back I will help you right away!" she stepped back.
"I'm counting on it, my Little Fire Maiden," he ruffled her hair again, she pouted and whacked his hand away he chuckled as Astraea glared at him.
"Oh...by the way… Ardyn here…" she grabbed something out from her saddlebag, "While Somnus locked me up, I started to learn how to weave so here, take this, it will help you in during the cold nights," she handed him a red scarf.
"Thank you…" he took it and examined the pattern and how the fabric feels, "How long have you been working on it," he rubbed the fabric, "It's rough and ugly...Astra,"
"UGLY! she bellowed "I work on that for three days! If you don't want it, give back to me!" she shouted as she reached for the scarf.
"No!" I'm kidding," He tipped toe and rise the scarf up out from her reach, "I Love it, It's perfect Astra-"
The Fire Maiden punched him on the stomach. He dropped to his knees and the scarf felt out his hand. Astraea grabbed it and went toward the edge of the platform. "If you don't want it, I will just throw it away then!"
"No! I'm just joking it's beautiful... Please give that to me," he rose to his feet and pleaded, "Come on, little sister, you work hard for it, don't waste it and beside red is my favorite color," he smiled at her.
Astraea just smiled back and threw the scarf back, "Next time It will be perfect! So please if you are done healing, go back to the home and let us be a family again." she smiled.
Ardyn nodded and returned the smile, "I promise…"
...
"Ardyn and Astraea are really close," Dave said.
The memory paused as Reno answered him, "Yes they are... even with their huge age gap. They are still very close," Somnus let out a sigh, the guardian heard it and he grinned to him, "Jealous Founder King?"
"Yes… I'm," he said in a toneless voice.
Reno's face dropped, "Oh… sorry about that I'm just joking...but you and Astraea did have something special too,"
"And what is that?" Somnus asked.
"You both loved hunting and sleeping," he smiled at him, "So don't be jealous of Ardyn. Astraea loved you equally."
"I knew that… I just regretted all the bad things I did to her back then,"
"Don't worry Somnus, Astraea will understand, after all, you did all of that because it's your calling as The Champion of Bahamut and you only did that to protect her, she will forgive you, just you wait…"
The Founder King nodded, "I hope you right Reno… he gazed at the paused video, and sighed again, "Go ahead Reno, continue,"
Reno gazed around the room, all nodded at him so with the snapped of his fingers, his memory continued.
...
After standing upright Ardyn started to wrap the scarf around his neck, "What do you think?" he asked.
Astraea giggled, "It's not very nice… it will go better on your white healer's cloak rather than that dirty robe you are wearing right now,"
"Well if Somnus will let me inside the palace I could go and fetch it,"
"Or I can go fetch it myself or put the whole Palace to sleep, just tell me... I do it,"
Ardyn chuckled, "No don't to that, Somnus will be furious at you. He might imprison you this time in the dungeon."
"Let him try and all hell will break loose! I just tolerated him back then…if he tried that again then this Fire Maiden will set her flames loose," she put her hands off her waist.
Ardyn gazed at her wide eyes. She gazed back with unblinking eyes, then they both burst out laughing. Reno and Aera, who are standing near the entrance side by side gazed at each other and smiled.
"So you're not going home with me today?" she asked again, "Please Ardyn go home, that is my only request,"
Before Ardyn could answer they heard a familiar voice come out from the entrance.
"Are you not going to fulfill her request, brother?"
Ardyn turned around to see Somnus with Gilgamesh.
"Somnus…" Astraea eyes winded as she went behind Ardyn.
The Founder king saw this and slowly walked towards them. "I mean no harm… Just like you Astraea, I came here to ask our brother to go home,"
...
"What made you change your mind Somnus?" Regis asked.
Somnus just lowered his gaze and clutched his hands together, "The promise we made... Me and Ardyn in the throne room I have remembered it that day. So I decided to act accordingly and help him and just like Astraea… I did want our family together again… but Diabolos have a different plan for us."
"Yeah… the attack was unexpected, Even though I did not feel his daemons, Reno crossed his arms as his memory continued.
...
"Really?" she asked as she stepped away from her brother.
"Yes… if Ardyn will forgive me in what I have done…"
Astraea then looked at Ardyn, The Healer sighed, "There is nothing to forgive, Somnus. Are you sure you want me back?"
"Of course for Astraea... let us be family again," Somnus held his right hand towards his siblings.
Ardyn reluctantly reached for it, suddenly Atraea's flames around them died down and were replaced by purple flames. The Healer went down on his knee shouting in pain.
"Brother!" both siblings shouted.
"Get Away!" he shouted, trying to be in control.
Before Astraea could run to her fallen brother, a huge Arachne burst out behind the giant waterfall behind her and wrapped its legs around her body and dragged her down the waterfall.
"ASTRAEA!" Reno shouted his wings burst out from his back and went flying towards her. He dove down the waterfall.
"Reno!" Astraea shouted as she reached her right hand towards him.
"Astra!" Reno reached back and was able to get hold of her fingers. They impacted the water below with that his memory went black.
…
Aerith gasped as the sphere turned off, "Dear Astrals! was Astraea alright that daemon came out of nowhere!"
Reno sighed and crossed his arms, "Yes, she was alright I was able to rescue and get out of there safely,"
"And Lord Ardyn what happened to him?" she asked again.
"He lost control again and attacked me," Somnus answered, "We fought and he almost killed me but in the end, my brother was able to be in control again. Seeing what he did he went running again and Gigalmesh brought me back in the Palace,"
"And the Oracle?" Regis asked.
"She was safe, Reno took her together with Astraea before Ardyn fully lost control," Somnus replied.
"It must be hard on her, seeing her fiance like that…"
"Yes, it was hard on her," Carbuncle nodded at King Regis, "But like my masters and the Princess, The Oracle kept doing her role. Her calling as the Oracle of Bahamut. Even though she wanted to help Lord Ardyn she couldn't unlike the Oracle now, Lady Aera doesn't not having healing power, she can only watch and wait for Bahamut to talk to her and to reveal who is to be king,"
Silent filled the room again and they rested for a bit, all of them drunk a glass of water before continuing.
"So what happened after that? What happened to Lord Ardyn,"
"Well, nothing happened… For a week Astraea was in a coma yet again, after all, she was poisoned by the Arachne. During that week, Ardyn kept healing people," Reno said.
"What about you Somnus, What do you do?"
Somnus gazed at Aerith then lowered his gaze at the floor, "After we got back at the Palace, Daemons started to attack Lucis in every corner, We were busy defending our lands, because of all the chaos around me and the whispers inside of me I was not thinking straight again and continue my ruthless pursuit of Ardyn. Not only that I continued to burn down villagers non-stop to stop the spread of the starscourge, Because of that the people started to fear me yet again."
"Yeah… you kinda put the Kingdom of Lucis as the brink of destruction back then Somnus," Reno gazed at him.
"I know, can you please not remind me of that…" he growled at him.
"Sorry..did not mean to anger you...Sommy," Reno raised in hands, "But I'm still very impressed with you, if how you handle it,"
"Handle it?"
"Yup, how you able to be in controlled again and how you get rid of the whispers inside of you,"
"Oh.. that…" Somnus held his hand onto his heart, "To be exact I'm stunned that it works,"
Before anyone could ask a question his memory started to play again.
...
He was in Astraea bedside, holding his sister's hand, "It's she going to be alright Reno?"
"Don't worry, Somnus, she will be alright, the poison was already out of her system, she will wake up soon," Reno answered him from behind.
"Good, Please take care of her," he stood up and walked towards the door.
"You should take a rest too Somnus,"
He nodded at the guardian and closed the door behind him. He went towards his chamber. After arriving at his chamber he did not waste any time. He went to his desk and started to read the daily report. He saw a report about Ardyn. The Healer was last seen on the ruins of their fallen kingdom(Disk of Cauthess) healing people left and right. He flicked to the next report to see reports about anarchy and conflicts around the Kingdom of Lucis and its neighboring lands.
'Lucis is ruined now…'
He could hear the whispers again.
'And it is because of you…' they laughed.
'You did this... You destroyed your precious kingdom!"
"SHUT UP!" He shouted at them and slammed his hands on the desk.
'Your people hated you… they wanted you dead!'
'You don't serve to be Bahamut's champion, you're not a Warrior of light!'
…
"As you see, the Whispers have ways to use your fear and insecurity to corrupt you. I was tired of listening to them, that night I fought back and won,"
"Did Astraea help you get rid of them?" Aerith asked.
"Nope," Reno interjected, "Somnus did it alone by himself,"
"How?" all asked in unison.
Reno gazed at the Founder King, "Just watch it for yourself,"
…
'Just like Ardyn… you will fall into darkness!'
'All of you will die... Everything will fall into darkness!'
"I won't let you win!"
'Hahahaha… you can't do anything now…'
'Our master will be back and the first he will do it to kill FIRE MAIDEN!'
"Don't you dare!" Somnus stood up and suddenly summoned his sword without second thoughts he plunged his sword into his chest.
He gasped in pain, he could hear the whispers howling in pain, so plunged the sword deeper into his body as the howling stopped he couldn't hear or felt the whispers inside of him. With a grunt he pulled out his sword, it disappeared in the flash of blue light. The double door suddenly flew open and he saw Reno and Carbuncle running towards him. Before the guardians could reach him, he felt towards the floor and lost consciousness.
...
"And you're wondering where Astraea got her recklessness from," Reno said while looking at Somnus. The warrior was his hand on his heart, panting in pain, "Oh...Are you alright Somnus?" He went to his side and comforted him.
"I'm alright Reno, this pain will soon fade, please don't mind me, continue… I want this over with,"
Reno nodded and the sphere lit up again.
…
Reno was given him first aid and gave him a potion and put him on his bed while waiting for the warrior to wake up.
The door flew open and in came Astraea with Aera and Gilgamesh.
"What happened!? Astraea shouted as she ran to her brother's bedside.
"Astarea you're awake, are you okay?" Reno asked.
"Don't mind me, How is my brother, what did he do?"
"Somnus stabbed himself," Cally answered.
"What! Why?" Astraea caressed her brother's cheek.
"Looks like he tried to kill the whispers inside of him," Reno said.
"Did it work?" Aera asked.
"Surprisingly yes, It works, Somnus is now free from the whispers influence," Cally answered.
"Thank the Astrals," Astraea sighed in relief.
It took Somnus 30 minutes to wake up, during that time, The Oracle and Shield were already gone. The only one left inside the warrior's chamber was Reno, Astraea, and Carbuncle. The fox guardian is curled up on her master's side. While Astraea was sitting on a chair on his bedside and leaning in her brother's body as she fell asleep again. Reno remained awake waiting for the champion of Bahamut to wake up. Somnus opened his eyes slowly and gazed around to find his sister sleeping on his chest,
"Astraea…" he whispered and brushed her hair.
The Fire maiden bolted upright, "Somnus Are you okay!?"
"I'm okay… why are you here? You should be asleep-" The Fire Maiden did not let me finish as she punched him on the stomach which made him sit upright with a jolt.
"ARE YOU INSANE WHY DID YOU DO THAT! BROTHER!" she shouted.
Carbuncle jumped out startled by the Princess's voice. She quickly turned around to find her master falling back down at the bed.
'Ouch…That gonna hurt' Reno thought, Somnus was not moving anymore, "Ah… Astraea you kinda went overboard. Somnus has knocked out cold again," he said while looking down at the unconscious warrior and smiling.
"Wait...What! Brother!" Astraea started to shake his shoulders, "Reno get a potion hurry!"
Reno chuckled, "Be right back…stayed with them Cally," He went to get a potion in Astraea room. When he comes back Somnus is now awake and talking to the crying Fire Maiden.
Reno just stayed standing at the end of the bed and Carbuncle jumped into his shoulder.
"What happened? Why is she crying?" he asked
"Well, Somnus explained to the Princess why he stabbed himself," Cally answered him in a hushed tone, "And the princess did not like that… she blaming herself for what happened to her brother,"
Before Reno could speak, Astraea and Somnus started to talk again. He decided to remain silent and watched the siblings talk.
"You know you should have told me about the whispers," Astraea said looking down and squeezing her brother's hands, "I might be able to help instead of stabbing yourself, you could have killed yourself for trying that stupid act,"
"Well it did work, the whispers are now dead. I'm perfectly fine, you're potion helped me … so please don't blame yourself Astraea," Somnus said in a soft tone.
His sister just looked at him, tears still pouring out, "But still…I could..."
The older brother just sighed and hugged her, "I told you I'm okay, Astraea don't worry about me. They are already gone, and you should save your strength for the future,"
"Why?" she asked as she broke the embrace.
"Why? Because Ardyn needs you more than I, Please Astraea save our brother… save Ardyn…" he looked at her sincerely.
Astraea nodded, "I will promise to save our brother. Our family will be complete again,"
"And we will watch the sunrise together…" Somnus said as he hugged her again she returned to hug. Reno's memory faded.
…
"It's just a pity that you three did not have the chance to fulfill that promise," Reno whispered looking at the Founder King.
Somnus just lowered his head, "Yes, It was… that night I just want to make her stop crying… that I reason why I said that… that she could save our brother… but it was all a lie."
"But the Princess knew it… what the future holds, All of you knew it but still you kept smiling… waiting until the day that destiny calls you," Carbuncle said as she wrapped her tail around her.
"Yeah…so much for being blessed by the Astrals… But I don't blame them after all, even the Atrals can't stop fate even how cruel it can be…" Reno sighed and gazed at his hands, "Just like us… we can't stop it…" his hands turned into a fist, "But enough about that… let us continue… If I remember your relationship with Astraea returned to normal right Somnus?"
The warrior nodded, "Yes… we became closer than ever, she won't even leave my side, she was worried I would try to stab myself again," he chuckled.
"Of course you almost die, what do you expect," Reno snickered.
"Or she just wants to spend her remaining time with you," Cally said. Somnus and Reno's happy demeanor changed, The fox guardian saw that she frowned, "Sorry I didn't mean to make you sad…" Carbuncle bowed towards his former master.
"It's okay, Cally, but you were right, Astraea did spend her last remaining days with me, I just wish I knew that so we spent more time as a family," Somnus lowered his head. "If I only knew…"
"Why are you still busy hunting Ardyn down?" Regis asked.
"No… I give up hunting my brother down and let him be, after all, the whispers inside of me are long gone. I was busy doing paperwork and damage control. That I did not spend quality time with my sister, I regretted that… the last night we spent together was playing chess, Ardyn was there too…"
"That night?" Reno asked.
"Yes, the night when the Crystal choose its king,"
"Oh… that night…" Reno lowered his head.
The sphere started to glow again and showed the memory of the Founder King.
…
Somus was busy doing paperwork on his desk. After singing the last document he sighed and leaned back on his chair and rubbed his eyes. Suddenly he heard someone whisper his name.
"Somnus…"
He bottled upright and summoned his sword and gazed at the source of the voice which was coming from the terrace. In the dark, a silhouette of a man started to grow bigger and bigger. He can feel an uneasy feeling coming from it. His grip tightened on this sword ready for anything. When the man stepped further in the light of the fireplace he could see who it was he sighed seeing his brother.
"Brother..." he lowered his sword.
"Did I scare you?" Ardyn asked as he lowered the cloak of his robe.
"I little bit yes," he unsummoned his sword.
"Sorry, about that," Ardyn walked towards the fireplace, "You should keep Astraea's flame burning, you don't want daemons attacking in the shadow," his brother started to throw new firewoods on the dying flames of the firepit.
"Why are you here… Ardyn…" Somnus asked, not moving from his spot.
"Well, I heard humor that you tried to kill yourself. I just want to make sure you're okay, after all, I'm still your big brother…" Ardyn smiled sadly at him, "And you still have your destiny to fulfill, have you forgotten or you're trying to escape it?
Somnus frowned and huffed., "I did not try to kill myself! I just wanted to get rid of the menacing whispers inside of me. They kept whispering, I got tired of it and killed them myself and it worked now I am free of them…"
"Is that so…" Ardyn slowly walked towards his desk, "I know how you felt, they are quite very persuasive. Coming from a man harboring them,"
"How many?" Somnus asked in a worried tone, "50? 70?"
"HA!" Ardyn snorted, "Tried a 100 and counting"
"Hundred!" Somnus' eyes went wide, "Brother…"
The older brother just sighed, "Don't worry I can control them. You're safe and besides, I'm here just to make sure you're okay."
"I'm fine brother,"
"And Astraea?"
"She fine too,"
"Okay… then that all I need to hear, "Goodbye Somnus, and fulfill your calling went destiny calls you,"
Ardyn is about to walk out but his brother stopped him, "Wait Ardyn!"The Healer turned his head back to him. Somnus took a deep long breath and exhaled and smiled at his brother, "Can you stay for a bit and play chess with me?"
The Healers' eyes widened and a smile appeared on his face, "I would love that…"
His little brother nodded and opened one of his drawers and took the ruby and sapphire chessboard.
"I will be the red one" Ardyn announced at he took a seat in front of his brother,
"You are always the red one," Somnus said with a smile. He started to arrange his side while Ardyn did the same with him within seconds they started to play. Both of them are quite good at playing, Somnus had a hard time defeating his brother goes for the Healer. An hour passed and they were still at it after the two-hour mark they decided to stop.
"So if I counted it correctly, I won 12 times and you 10 so I win.," Ardyn said leaning on his chair.
The raven-haired warriors just sighed, "Yup you won this time, brother but the next I will win it for sure," he gazed at his brother just to find me looking at him sadly, that when he remembered there would be no next time, "Oh…" he frowned and leaned back on his chair.
"Somnus…" Ardyn whispered his name with love, "I know it will be hard and painful for you but please don't back down and keep your promise. Do it for me… for Astraea… our parents… better yet do it for the people of Eos. Be the Warrior of Light you are destined to be,"
Before he could answer they heard a knock, "Somnus? Are you still awake?" they both stood up as they heard the soft voice of their sister.
"Don't forget Somnus…" Before the founder king could react, Ardyn suddenly warped out the room and disappeared into the night.
Somnus was surprised by what had happened, another knock came he was able to regain his composure and he answered, "Yes… I come in.."
The door slowly opened and Astraea stepped in, "Sorry to bother, you but I can't sleep," she walked towards his desk.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"Do you want to go for a walk? Do you want me to accompany you?"
She shook her head, "No I just want to play chess with you, can we?"
"Sure...take a seat," he gestured to the empty seat in front of his desk.
"Did you have a visitor?"
"What no? Why?"
"So why is the chessboard out?"
Somnus gulped and looked down at his desk, "Oh.. that… Nothing I just playing by myself,"
"Is that so" Astraea said with raised eyebrows.
He saw her eyes, she was studying him. That's when he saw Ardyn glass seating next to his, after all. He and Ardyn had drinks together while playing chess, he knew that Astraea saw it. He was about to explain it but Astraea just sigh and sat down and started to arrange the board for a new game. He was looking at her confused.
"What are you waiting for Sommy" she chuckled, "It's your turn.
"Yes! Sorry…" Somnus took a seat and they started to play.
In the middle of the game, Astraea suddenly spoke, "Ardyn was here right?"
Somnus' eyes shut up to meet her eyes from looking down at the broad, his mouth agape, not knowing how to answer her question. Before he could open his mouth a pillar of light suddenly shot up towards the sky from the throne room. Both siblings stood up and gazed at it through the painted arch glass window.
"That is..?" Astraea whispered.
"Bahamut's crystal…" Somnus murmured
They both looked at each other and nodded, with that, they both left their game and went towards the throne room. They both entered the throne room together, the others were already there, waiting for the Oracle to announce who was picked. Aera was standing at the foot of the crystal on top of the stairs.
Astraea went towards Reno's side, while Somus went beside Lord Gilgamesh and Lady Rosa.
"The Crystal has decided!" she announced, "It showed me who will be King!"
The warrior of Bahamut gazed at the crystal and focused his attention towards the Oracle.
"The King that the Crystal has chosen is…" Aera stopped and took a deep breath… none other than...Lord…" she stopped again and gazed around. Somnus held his breath in anticipation and he noticed that Astraea interlocked her left fingers with Reno's. She was gripping it tightly waiting for the Oracle to speak, "The king of this kingdom will be… Lord Ardyn Lucis Caelum!"
Somnus held his breath for he couldn't believe what he just heard. Suddenly he heard Reno gasped. He turned to see Astarea on the floor unconscious.
"Astraea!" he ran towards her before he could reach her. The memory faded.
...
"What happened to her? Why did she faint?" Aerith asked with a worried expression.
"Back then I don't know." Somnus said while shaking his head, "After all, she did not wake up until the next day," he chuckled sadly, "The same day that we fulfilled our calling,"
"Wait, that means…" Reigns trailed off
"Yes… its the day I took Ardyn's life and Astraea's flames die down with her,"
Silent filled the room as they waited for Founder King, Reno, or even Carbuncle to speak. With a deep breath, Reno spoke first.
"Okay then... Let's get this over with, as Somnus said the very next day was the coronation…" He saw the disbelief in the eyes of the people around him and sighed again, "I knew it was quick, you can't blame the people, they waited for 4 years for the crystal to choose its king. They were oblivious to what was going to happen next. Astraea woke up that afternoon and finally told me why she fainted after the announcement of the Oracle. She said she was praying that the future would change and that the vision she saw will not happen. But the Oracle announcement destroyed her hope for a different future. But even with that she still accepted her fate and was ready to face her death with open arms."
As the sphere lit up they straightened themselves up readying themselves for the heart arch that was about to come.
…
Reno kept fidgeting with the collar of his white tunic(White Mage Male Art - Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood). He does not like fitting clothes but he does not have a choice. Astraea asked him to wear it after all this day is a special occasion. He kept pulling the collar away from his neck and sighing.
"Can you stop that, Reno. You will catch it on fire you keep doing that," Astraea said as she stepped out from the dressing screen. She was wearing a red frock coat with red pants and black kneehigh boots and gloves. (Red Mage female Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood)
"Who do I look?" she asked with a wide smile.
Reno's eyes softened as he gazed at him, "Beautiful…" he whispered, "You're like the eternal flames, stunning but deadly at the same time, but should you be wearing a dress?" he smiled.
"You knew I don't like wearing a dress, Reno… and beside this is my signature outfit as the Fire Maiden," she said as she looked at herself in the huge mirror next to the dressing screen, "After all I need to leave my mark on this world, Why not go with style," she was smiling but her eyes were saying the opposite as she went towards her vanity.
He followed her and stopped behind her. The Fire Maiden opened the red wooden jewelry box in front of her. Inside was the heart-shaped winged necklace, the red part was facing upright. She sighed and ran her finger on the crimson gem, "I remembered it all…" she muttered her eyes not leaving the necklace.
"What..? remembered what?" he asked.
"Everything…" she looked at him in the mirror, "About my past… about the truth, what had happened in Solheim," she saw the shock expression on his face before Reno could speak, she continued, "But don't worry I'm over with it now. I have moved forward, the past is the past, we need to move forward,"
The guardian just lowered his head, "I'm sorry… I could not protect you… I could not protect them,"
"Don't have to apologize Reno, you did all you can do as I did all I can do...I don't blame you… there's no one to blame, its destiny that Solheim has fallen..." she said and reached for a small ring box inside the jewelry box she opened it to reveal a silver ring with a giant blue gem, (Final Fantasy XII Save Crystal Ring)"It's was destiny that our people… our loved ones lose their life back then…but let us not waste all their sacrifice," she closed the box and put it inside the large jewelry box, "Let finished this fight… right now," she closed the jewelry and stood up and turned to him, "Thank you for everything Reno, you been a very great guardian,"
She hugged him tightly, Reno was surprised at first but returned the hug. He could feel her tears falling down his shoulder and hear her soft whimpers. "Astraea…" he brushed her crimson hair gently. "You don't have to do this you know...there must be another way,"
She shook her head and broke the embrace, "As I told you Reno, we can't change our fate or escape it, so let us just face it with everything we got,"
"I adored your bravery, My master," he wiped her tears away, "You are truly the embodiment of the eternal flames... Astraea Lucis Izunia… The Fire Maiden," he gave her a sweet and loving smile.
She returned it and cupped his face, "Thank...Reno...my dearest Fiery Phoenix. Remember your promise… and always look at the bright side of things after all no matter how dark the night, morning always comes, and our journey begins anew,". she smiled again and hugged him.
"I always remember that…"
"Hey, Reno…"
"Yes...Princess…"
She frowned, "I told you not to call me that,"
"Well, you're going to die and leave me alone. So please let me call you whatever I want, Your Highness," he bowed.
"Fine… I just want to tell you that I'm going to do something stupid,"
"Really?" he chuckled, "You always do stupid things so what difference, I use to it,"
"Excuse me!" she put her hands on her waist, "I'm not alone doing those stupid things, your always me with, Reno. Do not act of high and mighty, you're a troublemaker too,"
"Where do you think I learned it from huh?" he smirked at her.
"From me… where else, after all, I'm the Fire Maiden,' she giggled, "But I'm serious Reno, I will do something that we cause heartache towards my loved one… towards you… I need to do it to fulfill my calling. I want you to just stay back and support me on this. Can you do that?"
Reno frowned, "No… for I'm very tempted to grab you right now and fly away from here,"
"No!" she held a finger in his face, "I told you Reno, I can't do that… I need to face my destiny and my only request is, do not stop me and be by my side until the very end,"
Reno just remained silent while looking at her. Astraea smiled at him sadly and cupped his face, "Sorry...Reno but this is my destiny… I'm sorry I'm going to leave you… but please continue on living, for me," The guardian's tears started to fall, she gently brushed it away and hugged him again he hugged her back.
They shared a deep embrace for several seconds then they heard a bell ring signaling that its time. They stepped back gazed and nodded at each other.
"Let's go Reno… fate calls us…" she said while grabbing a hat with a feather on it.
"Wait, are you wearing that?" he asked eyeing the hat
"Why does it look silly,"
"Yes…" he chuckled.
"Really?! Somnus said it was alright…I should have not believed him," she put the hat down and pouted.
Reno laughed, "Don't worry your outfit is amazing even without the hat, So let us go, Princess…" he held his left hand towards her and bowed.
She took it and smiled, "Alright… let us go,"
...
"Funny" Somnus gave out a small laugh, they all turned to him. He gazed at them with emotionless eyes and said, "Back then Ardyn and I was getting ready to face our fate too,"
Before anyone could talk the sphere glowed and showed his memory.
...
Somnus was now finished clipping his cape on his robe when he heard the door opened. He turned around to see his older brother standing there. The Healer of the People was wearing his white healer robe.
"Ardyn…"
"Are you ready?" The younger brother shook his head. The Healer sighed and walked towards him and stopped in front of him, "You should be…" Ardyn buttoned the last part of his blue robe, "Have courage and fulfill your calling, Somnus," The Healer smiled at him, and put two reassuring hands on his shoulders, "Be the light to cast the darkness away," With remorse Somnus nodded.
"Please tell Aera and Astraea everything after its done, Tell them I love them,"
"I will brother… you can count on me, your sacrifice will be remembered forever,"
"That my little brother…" Ardyn laughed and ruffled his raven hair. He protested and whacked Ardyn's hand away.
"Ouch, the hurt," Ardyn smirked and startled to walked away, "I almost forgot Sommy," he looked back at him, "We need to fight,"
"Fight why?"
"Because you need to draw out the whispers and starscourge inside of me. They are attracted to negative emotions, especially anger… we need to fight and make sure it is believable. Champion of Bahamut"
Before Somnus could reply to his remark, Ardyn is now out of the door. He sighed and sat back on his chair. Moments later a knock was heard at the door and Gilgamesh stepped in.
"It time, Lord Somnus,"
With a deep breath, Somnus stood up and walked towards the door.
Gilgamesh saw the sadness in his eyes and asked, "It's there something wrong?"
Somnus just gazed at the future shield, "I need to tell you something before we go to the throne room,"
"Alright tell me you always have support, My Lord…"
Before Somnus could speak the memory faded.
…
"Regis…" Somnus uttered the king's name.
"Yes…"
The Founder King gazed at him, "Prepare yourself, my emotions will gonna affect you… all of you…" he gazed around, "All of you will feel all my suffering… our suffering... If you can't handle it please tell me and we will stop right away."
All of them have reluctant expressions written all over their faces but without giving a second thought. They all nodded at him, "Go ahead… Somnus we can handle it, we will go through this together as a family," Regis said as he straightened himself on his chair and gripped his cane tightly.
Somnus then looked at Guardians, They both nodded at him. Carbuncle then jumped towards his shoulder and wrapped her tail around his neck. She smiled sadly at him and he nodded. With a deep breath, his memory started to project as the whole room went silent and a depressing air lingered in the air.
...
Somnus was now inside the throne room, he was beside the last pillar of the circular platform in the center of the room. Aera and Gilgamesh were on top of the stairs beside the throne. The council and some nobles around Lucis gathered around them. When the door opened and Ardyn stepped in she was greeted by their sister. Astraea went for a hug and the healer returned it. Even in that distance, he could see that Astraea's have tears in her eyes. Ardyn laughed seeing her outfit she gave him a good punch in the stomach. He laughed at their antic then Astraea kissed him on the cheek and bowed. Ardyn patted her on the head and started to walk towards him. When their eyes met, He went down on his knees and lowered his head. Waiting for Ardyn to cross the bridge leading towards the center of the room.
When Ardyn passed him, he could hear his brother whisper, "Now…"
Even with shaking hands he slowly stood up, 'Here goes nothing' he thought, "It was me brother…" he said softly.
He remembered his brother's words, 'Make sure it is believable.'
With a deep breath and stepped in the middle and waved his hands in the air, "It was me! I was chosen by the Gods!"
He could hear Aera's protest but Gilgamesh stopped her.
The people around them started to murmur.
"Do forgive me for deceiving you all like this. However, it was necessary to lure the seditious traitor here today! What a miserable man, After all, you have done, almost killing the princess and threatening my life, you still think that the crystal will choose you...you really covet the throne that badly, brother?"
Ardyn glanced at him, "You…"
"The gods have spoken," he summoned his sword, "And I Somnus Lucis Caelum, am King!" Somnus's voice cracked in the end but he was lucky that no one notices it. "With my light, I will cast your darkness away, I kept our sister and people of Lucis safe from you, Monster!"
"Do you really think I'm a monster?"
"Yes, you will never be king!"
"What if I object, Brother?"
"Then I will fight you,"
They gazed at each other's eyes, then Somnus heard Ardyn speaking to him, telepathically, "You are enjoying this huh...Sommy," he laughed.
He was surprised at first but he remembered it was one of Carbuncle's skills. To let them speak telepathically, he gazed around to see the fox guardian on top of Bahamut's crystal looking at them with sadness. He nodded at her and then looked back at his brother.
"Not the slightest brother…"
"Really? You sound very convincing,"
"As you said, we need it to be believable,"
"Well then," Ardyn cooed, "Let us finish them, Somnus… GO GIVE ME YOUR ALL!"
"Right! Here I come, Brother!"
Somnus lunged forward. Ardyn was able to summon his sword. Their swords met sparks and went flying. The Healer was able to cut his sword in half, "I will not take your life so long as you renounce your -" his brother started to cough while holding his chest.
Somnus smirked and went for an attack again. Flash of blue and red light followed their swords as they swung it at each other. With a strong upward slashed Somnus went flying in the air as he blocked Ardyn's sword. He rolled on the ground and summoned a spear and threw it at his brother. Ardyn was able to catch it but he quickly warped and pushed the spear into his chest. The Healer stepped back holding the spear.
He stopped for a bit and looked at his brother, "Don't stop!" Ardyn gritted his teeth and summoned his sword, he did an inside stance. Pointing the sword in Ardyn's direction. With a deep final breath, he warped towards his brother.
Before his blade could reach his brother he saw a flash of red then heard his sword plunging into someone's body. His eyes widened to see who it was, he gasped as he saw Astraea in front of him. He gazed down at his hands to see his sword deep in his sister's chest.
"Sommy…" he looked up to see Astarea crimson eyes looking at him, she touched his right cheek with a bloodied hand, "Sorry…" with that Somnus slowly pulled out his sword, Astraea's blood splatter in the ground. She then fell back on Ardyn's arms. Somnus dropped his sword and it clanged onto the floor before disappearing. The sound of screaming and gasping filled the room.
"Astraea!"He went to her sister.
Ardyn slowly sat on his knees and cradled Astraea, "Astraea…" Ardyn's shaking hand's brushed her bangs away.
"Addy…" her crimson eyes started to water and looked to her left to find Somnus, "Sommy…"
"Astraea what did you do THAT!?" Somnus' voice was shaking while putting pressure on her wounds. "RENO! Potion hurry,"
Reno went beside them, "Sorry… it won't work…" he lowered his head down.
"JUST GIVE A GODDAMN POTION!" he shouted at him.
Reno just flinched and backed away. Before Somnus could shout again. Aera went to their side with a potion.
The Oracle quickly popped the cork and poured the potion into Astraea's wound. It glowed for a bit when the light died down. The wound is still there, still bleeding profusely.
"No!" Both brothers shouted.
Somnus stood up while Ardyn tried to apply first aid to stop the bleeding and he yanked Reno close to him, 'Heal her! please use your tears!"
"I can't…" Reno said, trying not to cry.
"WHY! HEAL HER NOW!"
"Reno's tears won't work either, brother…" Astraea said while looking at him, "Either is your fighting, he won't come out… Diabolos won't come out..."
"What?" Somnus asked as he went down again and held her trembling right hand.
"Astraea what are you talking about," Ardyn asked as she caressed her face.
"Well... you see...," she tried to sit up but she flinched in pain. Her wound opened wider and ended up coughing blood. She fell towards her brother's arms again.
"Astraea please don't move…" Ardyn started to cry.
"No… I still have something to do…" she sat up, even with the protest of her brothers, "I still need to fulfill my calling,"
Both brother's eyes widened, She saw this and sadly smiled at them, "You see, I saw our future… I know what you are trying to do, I knew about the pact you made with Bahamut… the two of you…" Somnus and Ardyn gasped as they heard her revelation, "Thank you for trying to save me… Addy…" he caressed his cheeks with one hand and the other was on Somnus's cheek, "Sommy... but I need to do this… I need to end it… I must… for… the future." she said while trying to catch her breath. "I need to draw him out from the shadow...I need to purify all of Eos, this is my calling as the champion of Ifrit and a warrior of light" Both brothers could not believe what they were hearing, they can't speak or react to what she said. Astraea lowered her hands and glanced at Reno who was beside Somnus. With a nod, Reno wings brust from his back and pushed Ardyn, Somnus, and Aera out of the way and engulfed the two of them.
"Reno! What are you doing!" both warriors shouted as they were forced to back away.
When Reno wings spread opened, Astraea was now standing and leaning on Reno for support.
"Astraea what are you doing!" Somnus tried to walk towards them but a ring of fire appeared around both master and guardian.
Astraea! STOP THIS!" Ardyn shouted.
The Fire Maiden just shook her head slowly and stepped forward, "I can't… this is my fate… my calling, brother…" Astraea held both her shaking hands together and started to her chant, "Chaos that sought and cling upon the darken hearts, Hear my prayer and come into the light,"
"Astraea stop this please don't do this!" Somnus pleaded, trying to go through the ring of fire. But the flames grew bigger and it changed color from red to blue as Astraea continued.
"Ignite the flame of your heart and be free from the chaos of the dark. Flame of Purification!" she shouted at all her might. The blue flames shot up towards the sky. Parting the dark cloud and bursting into a ring of light spreading into the night sky, light particles falling like a thousand little falling stars around them. (Light of Purification, Tales of Zestiria Ep. 20)
"Still not enough…"
Somnus heard her, he panicked "NO Astraea stop this now!"
She gazed at him and smiled, suddenly blue flames engulfed her entire body and shined brightly blinding anyone who stared at her.
ASTRAEA!" he shouted again.
As the light faded they were suppressed to see a phoenix made of blue flames standing before them. It's crimson eyes shining brightly. Embers flutter around her. (Like what happened to Chise Hatori on The Ancient Magus' Bride S01EP12 but with blue flames).
"Astraea..." Somnus backed away as his sister spread her wings.
Astraea crimson eyes looked down on them, "Be right back..," she said as he spread her wings wider.
"Reno…" she turned to him, "Come fly with me…" He nodded.
Astraea flapped her wings and went flying up and towards the opening of the dome, the guardian followed her up into the night sky.
"ASTRAEA!" Both brothers shouted.
...
Without stopping and warning the sphere changed into Reno's point of view. They encircled the tower first before flying towards the town of Nibelheim and towards the desert plains. Reno was having trouble keeping up with her. She was flying incredibly fast, every flap on her wings blue flames fell from her wing and tail and went towards every home, every heart of the people. Seeking the chaos, seeking the whispers, and destroying it. Her flames even went into the darkest and deepest of caves where the daemons are hiding and burning them, not leaving anything behind.
Astraea phoenix form lights up the velvet sky leaving embers and light particles into the air in her wake. Every time they reached a new settlement or town the people started to go out and gazed at her with amazing. Reno just awed at his master to see what she became. She was truly the 'fire maiden' and a shining star in the night sky. They crossed the great sea, Astraea flames reflected on the waters below.
"So this is how flying feels," she talked to him telepathically.
"Yup…" he answered as he flew beside her.
Her eyes glanced at him, "Hey reno… let race…"
Reno's eyes widened, "Fine… if that is what you want, then let us race… Fire Maiden…" he smirked as he transformed into his phoenix form, his wings burst into flames, "Don't cry if you lose, Astraea," he went ahead of her.
Astarea just laughed and flapped her wings and caught up with her guardian. Now both of them lit up the night sky with their flames. They reached the other side of the world and the princess wasted no time to purify the land and its people. Reno felt that they were flying all night but in truth, they were just flying for five minutes. They finally returned towards their home, Reno saw the people gathering around the palace when they encircled the tower where the throne room was located. More people were inside, Ardyn and Somnus were near the edge of the building looking at them with worried expressions. Astraea stopped and hovered in the opening of the dome. Her wings beating slowly embers and light particles fluttering around her. She looked down to see her brother in the middle of the room looking at her, "It's done..." she whispered as the flames started to die down her body returned being human she slowly floated down, Reno went to her side and transformed into human form and carried Astraea bridal style down towards the throne room. As they descended he noticed how Astraea's red hair started to fade, as Ifrit's flames started to fade away. His feet reached the ground he let Astraea leaned into his body for support as they sat down in the middle of the room.
"Astraea!" Both brothers ran towards them and kneeled beside them.
"What are you stupid! why did you do that?" Ardyn asked, caressing her cheek.
She just smiled at him, "No as stupid as you Addy… offering your body as a vessel for the darkness,"
Ardyn gulped and his hand backed away from her face, "Don't let him take over… make sure you fight him…" she touched his right cheek and wiped his tears, "I know you can do it Addy…please be in control…"
Astarea then gazed at Somnus who's now crying, "Sommy…" she reached a hand for him.
"Yes, I'm here…" he grabbed her hand and held it tightly, "Kill the stupid bat for me… kill Diabolos and end his dark reign,"
Somnus choked, "Yes…" his tears won't stop falling, "I will… just please don't die...Astraea… please," he leaned on the forehead, "Please we still need to watch the sunrise together right? Remember your promise…" he hugged her and brushed her hair which has returned to its natural black color.
"Sorry…" she hugged him back, "I can't…but still don't lose hope… brother and don't blame yourself okay?" she broke the embrace, "Reno…"
"Yes…"
"Tell Somnus everything alright… and remember your promise…"
"I will," he lowered his head.
"Thank you, my little Chocobo," she patted him on the head.
She gazed around, Ardyn and Somnus were both kneeling at each side of her. Gilgamesh was behind Somnus while Aera was behind Ardyn. She smiled at them, "Always remembered 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." she breathed deeply, with one last smile and said, "I love you all and thank you…" with another deep breath she slowly closed her eyes. Reno could feel Astraea life fading away.
Astraea's hand fell from Somnus's grip and fell to her side, "Astra-" Somnus choked as he looked at her face. All of them felt it… Astraea's life faded out… and disappearing.
"NO!" Somnus shouted.
She grabbed Astraea lifeless body again and hugged her tightly and he started to rock back and front, cradling his sister's body, "No… please...no... Astraea…!"
Reno slowly rose to his feet, he saw Ardyn backing up from them. His body shaking Aera at his side, crying on his shoulder.
Somnus then gazed at Bahamut Crystal, with that the memory shifted into his point of view. He lowered Astraea down on the floor.
"Bahamut…" he walked slowly towards the crystal, "please… don't take her away… please don't," his knees gave way and he fell to the floor on his knees and hand, gasping and crying, "PLEASE DON'T!" he shouted.
Tears flooded his eyes as he looked up towards the light crystal, "BAHAMUT!" he shouted.
Then he felt the dark and ominous presence. He quickly stood up before he turned around. Astraea's flames started to dim out from the fire baskets around them on top of the pillars. Then one by one the red flames died down around him starting middle and ran at both sides. The whole room plunged into darkness. The only light was the faint light coming from the crystal.
They all heard low and menacing laughter it echoed around them. Then purple flames burst out from the fire basket around them and encircle them, giving a dreaded feeling.
Suddenly Ardyn shouted in pain and went down on his knees.
"MY LOVE!" Aera tried to go to him, but Gigalmesh stopped her and backed away.
Reno scooped Astraea's body and backed away from the healer.
"Brother!" Somnus went to his side, grabbing his right shoulder.
"It's him…Somnus, he is here…" Ardyn said through gritted teeth.
Before The mystic could speak Ardyn screamed again as the starscourge engulfed his body he pushed his brother away and clutched his head with both hands.
"ARDYN!" Somnus shouted as he was about to go to his side again. But something stopped him.
The Healer's arms fell to his side, he slowly rose to his feet, and when he opened his eyes. Ardyn sapphire eyes are nowhere to be seen but replaced by yellow piercing eyes. The white of his eye is now gone too and replaced by black pits. Starscrourge pouring out from his eyes and lips. Somnus stood petrified looking at him, the people around them ran out for their lives and went out of the throne room. The only people left were Aera, Gilgamesh, Rosa, and Reno. They gathered together with Astraea's body still on the guardian's hands.
Ardyn chuckled darkly as he tilted his head towards Somnus. "Hello there… Champion of Bahamut..." he spoke with a different voice is lower and more sinister.
Somnus could not believe what he was seeing. Looking down he saw Ardyn's shadow was different. It shaped like a winged daemon. He shook his head and held his head high and summoned his sword and pointed it at Ardyn.
"Diabolos…" he snarled.
"In the flesh, Warrior of Light..." Diabolos grinned as he dramatically bowed, he rose "How does it feel to kill your sister... The Fire Maiden, with you, own two hands, dear Mystic..?" smirked at him.
A/N: okay… I went out of control now… I was just planning to create just four chapters for the Recalling of the Past storyline but I went too far now it has 8 chapters about it. I wanted to flesh out the relationship of the siblings and how the Kingdom of Lucis came to be and the cruel fate of becoming a Warrior of Light and the Champion of the Astrals. But I kinda went too far still I enjoyed writing it and I hope you still enjoy reading it, my lovely readers. So why not make it 10 chapters. Next stop cry Ville! Prepared your hearts to be broken… I hope… After all, all writers like to make their characters suffer and Somnus will have the full force of this suffering… sorry, not sorry…
Do you think I made a great choice having (Kingdom Hearts - "Riku's Theme" | ORIGINAL LYRICS | Lizz Robinett) to represent Somnus' struggles. And Ardyn too with (Kingdom Hearts - "Terra's Theme" | ORIGINAL LYRICS | Lizz Robinett & Lowlander). I just loved listening to these songs while writing it gives me ideas and inspiration.
Somnus and Ardyn's fight is from Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn - Prologue I just changed a few scenes and dialogue.
THANK YOU! I hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!