A/N: Some scenes and dialogue from FFXV Episode Ardyn - Prologue and Final Fantasy XV Episode Ardyn.
Recalling of the Past: Waiting
I will no longer live in the past. We must all look toward the future now.
-Cayenne Garamonde(Final Fantasy VI)
Regis saw a single tear felt from Somnus right eye as he remained standing, he brushed it away so the others would not see it but they did but did not comment on it.
"So what happened after that? Are you able to help Lord Ardyn?" Aerith asked.
"Unfortunately no," Reno answered as he took a seat on the floor again, "We tried everything, but Diabolos grip on him was so strong that we need to keep him asleep, for if he wakes up Diabolos will take over again and spread the scourge yet again. Not only that Lady Ashe told us about a prophecy that Bahamut had given her, the prophecy about the King of Kings. A week after Somnus' Coronation," he paused as he glanced at the Founder King, Somnus remained silent, he just sighed and continued, "Bahamut had given Somnus a new calling to fulfill as the new king of Lucis and that is to con-"
"To continue the line of Kings…" Somnus interjected, all of them turned to him, he continued to gaze at his hands, "Bahamut had given me the task to continue our family bloodline, the Lucis Caelum bloodline. Even with a heavy heart, I accepted my new calling for it was in the prophecy that this King of Kings... The One True King, will be born into my bloodline. So I have no choice to move forward with my life without them, It was hard at first, but eventually, I was able to live my life again and it all thanks to Ashelia,"
"The new Oracle?" Aerith asked.
"Yes…" Somnus glanced at her, "Lady Ashelia Fleuret, the second Oracle of Bahamut, just like Astraea had said… she became my wife… The first queen of Lucis," a gentle smile appeared on his face.
"What was she like, if you don't mind me asking?
"Not at all Aerith…" Somnus replied as he took a seat, "Just like her cousin Aera, she is a benevolent person, but don't be fool by her appearance for Ashe is one fierce woman," he let out a soft chuckled, "I must admit we had feelings for each but after the War of the Astral and destruction of our homeland we became distant at each other and maybe because I was...no we were too busy fighting Diabolos and his darkness. After the death of my siblings, I wanted to spend my remaining time alone repenting for all my sins but Bahamut was another plan for me and made Ashe as my oracle. She is the one who is responsible for helping me to move on, her presence helped me in those dark days as I continue to mourn for the siblings. Our relationship grew from just being King and Oracle after a month we became a couple. Because of the prophecy and what Astraea had told us about our future... about our son. I got worried about the future of my unborn son. I don't want him to go through what I went through. After all, Diabolos is still alive and he might do the same things to my son as what we did to us. All those meaningless fighting, the suffering we went through, I don't want anyone to experience that... No one should ever experience the pain of watching your siblings die. So did a stupid thing...I was not thinking strength back then when I did that… for my emotion got the best of me…" he turned his hands into fists, "I did something horrible the put the entire Lucis Caelum's bloodline in a disadvantage,"
"Disadvantage?" Regis raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean by that, Somnus?"
Somnus sighed, "Remember what Reno told you about how The champions of the Bahamut have only one descendant every generation?" They all nodded, "I'm the one who did that, I put a curse on the entire Lucis Caelum's bloodline,"
The sphere suddenly turned on again and they all looked at the memory being projected.
…
Somnus was standing in front of the Crystal of Light, the Ring of the Lucii in his middle finger in his right hand. With a deep breath held his hand up, the ring glowed with the crystal.
"Crystal of Light! hear my call!" he declared, "Protect my line… My descendants let them not suffer nor experience the pain of losing a sibling...protect them from the grief and torment. I Somnus Lucis Caelum order you to curse my bloodline. No sibling shall be born into my line not until the death of the Dark Astral... obey my command!"
The Crystal of Light glowed brightly and engulfed him and the entire throne and second later it died down around him. He felt a burning sensation on his right wrist; he glanced at it and saw a symbol of the curse. (FF13 Bahamut summon symbol). It started to glow bright and burned him; he screamed as he fell to his knees. The last thing he heard is the door opening behind him and Lady Ashe voice shouting his name before he passes out,"
...
Nobody was talking as his memory faded to black. Somnus saw the disbelief in their eyes. He noticed how Regis pulled down his sleeve to take a look at his wrist. He saw how the King's eyes widened as a faint symbol appeared, "Sorry about that…" he whispered.
Regis quickly covered his wrist gazed at him, "You don't have to apologize Somnus, you're just looking over your family and I fully understand and respect your decision, You right nobody should go thought what you been through,"
The Founder king just nodded as he looked down at his wrist the symbol appeared he traced it his left fingers, "I knew the curse was stupid and uncalled for and I put the entire line of Lucis Caelum in peril. I resent myself of that,"
"Don't be…" Reno smiled, "Your action was righteous Somnus, you just wanted your descendants to be free and safe from the pain you went through. So don't blame yourself and look your curse did help" he turned towards King Regis, "Your bloodline remained pure and produce a line of amazing Kings and Queens,"
Both Regis and Somnus eyes met and gave each other a respectful smile.
"But… still…" Reno trailed off as he put his arms behind his head, "You did give us a lot of work, imagine only one successor per regeneration. Cally and I had to work overtime to make sure your descendants won't get themselves killed, trust me it was hard,"
"I know Reno, you don't have to remind me," The Founder King let out a resigned sigh, "Because of your protection, the Lucis Caelum bloodline they manage to reach this far and point in time for that… I thank you for your faithful service, Messenger of Ifrits and Guardian of the Fire Maiden," he bowed to him.
"Oh…come now...Somnus, stop that..." Reno said as he put his hands on his knees, "As I told you a thousand times we are family… we have always each other back,"
"But still you did remain by my side even after what happened and after I forgot about h-" Somnus stopped himself from speaking as Reno's eyes signaled him to stop.
Regis noticed it and asked, "What is wrong? What happened, who did you forget Somnus?"
The Founder King and Guardian looked at each other waiting to see if one of them would answer the King's question. Reno just bit his lips and looked away with that Somnus took a deep breath and sighed loudly. "I will answer you question Regis…" he turned toward him.
The King just gave him a perplexed look but nodded.
Somnus opened his mouth to speak and suddenly Reno invaded his mind, "Don't tell them what happened!" he glanced down at the guardian who was still looking at the other way.
"Why?"
"Please Somnus... I don't want to relive that memory…not now… I can't take it… just create a fake one, please… I beg of you…"
Somnus could hear the sincerity in Reno's voice as he talked to him telepathically.
"Don't worry about it Reno, I don't want to see it either… I will create a fake one… just keep quiet and don't react to anything I about to say,"
Reno's eyes glanced at him giving him the go signal he nodded and continued.
"I did not just create one curse but two curses, my second curse of mine is more dreadful and unforgiven for it caused suffering towards my people and my homeland,"
"You mean Solheim and its people?"
"Yes, Regis… because the second curse I created had erased the real history of Solheim together with my siblings' entire existence,"
They all gasped at his remark, but he did not mind it and continued.
"After two months of my Coronation, I kept having nightmares every night," his eyes became dull, "Even in the day they kept haunting me, every time I sat on my throne I kept seeing flashes of what happened in that room. The sound of my sword piercing their bodies… the smell of their blood in my hands…" he raised his shaking hands, "They kept coming back… after days of nightless sleep, I could not take it anymore… I did a horrible thing again…"
"Somnus…" Regis whispered.
The Founder king's empty eyes gazed at him, "I did not mean that to happen…" his voice started to break, "I didn't mean to erase Ardyn and Astraea… I just wanted… to…"
"Somnus…" Reno spoke, their eyes met, "Just show it to us…"
The warrior nodded, the sphere glowed again.
…
Somnus opened the door and entered the empty throne room, he staggered towards the throne. He stopped and gazed at his reflection on the pool. He looked exhausted, dark circles were visible under his sapphire eyes, his hair is a mess. He doesn't even recognize himself.
"You call yourself a king…" he uttered bitterly at himself as he continued to walk towards the throne as he reached the middle of the room, where both of his siblings met their tragic end. He stopped abruptly as flashbacks of the hellish night came again. The scream of the people when his sword pierced Astraea's chest and Ardyn's screams begging him to finish him, echoed around him. He fell to his knees as he covered his ears for the phantom voice that kept coming.
"Stop!" he screamed, "Please stop!" his tears started to fall as his body started to tremble. "Please…." the ring in his finger started to glow with the crystal he gazed at it and then at the crystal. Shakingly he stood up and staggered towards it. "Please… help me… let me forget about the night… let me forget about their suffering… their death…" he whispered, "ERASE IT ALL!" he shouted at the top of his lungs without thinking. He quickly covered his mouth as the ring started to glow brightly, "No… don't… I di-" suddenly the Crystal of Light produced a beam of light and started to expand; it consumed the throne and headed towards him. Somnus backed away as the light went towards, "NOO… DON-" before he could finish his sentence the light consumed him, then the entire throne room, then the whole palace and then the whole town. The pillar of light spread towards the rest of the word and consumed everyone with a blinding light.
...
"I was not trying to erase them, I just wanted to have a peaceful night sleep even just for once...but Crystal obeyed my command and erased their very existence and their memories… after the light died down nobody has any recollection who they are… Astraea Lucis Izunia and Ardyn Lucis Caelum have been erased in the minds of people not only on Lucis but the whole world of Eos,"
The room plunged into a deep and eerie silence as the sphere turned off again. They can't even think properly and say anything. With a deep breath, the founder King spoke.
"I did get my wish granted… after day I never had a nightmare and can finally sleep," he chuckled sadly, "After all, how could I… that memory of the hellish night never happened,"
"So what happened to Lord Ardyn?" Aerith reluctantly asked.
"My brother?" he turned towards her, "I did remember him but not as my brother but an enemy, the champion of Diabolos who tried to destroy Eos and tried to take the crystal. I remembered how I defeated him and imprisoned him on Angelgard and I'm the one who gave him the title The Accursed,"
"What about your parents, about Solheim, what happened to them?" Aerith asked again.
Somnus sighed, "It was erased too, after all, my siblings were a big part of our history,"
"And this is where this book came to play," Reno suddenly spoke up and put a copy of the Cosmogony book in the coffee table, "The fake history of Eos," he turned towards Somnus, "But I don't blame you Somnus, for what you have done, after all, like you I wanted to erase those painful memories too, you just went overboard with it," he gave him a gentle smile, "So please stop blaming yourself, after all, it been done and you can't do anything about it now, but to move on and maybe tell everyone what happened or try to destroy your curse,"
"We tried to... remembered while waiting for the King of light we tried to destroy my curse but just like the curse on my bloodline it remained until now,"
"Yeah…" Reno leaned back on his hands, "That was a long two thousand year of waiting and suffering…" he sighed deeply as he stared at the ceiling.
"Wait...why are you not affected by it Reno?" Regis asked.
"Me?" he asked as he sat up straight, "I was not affected by it because I was in the Astral plane back then so the curse did not reach me or maybe because I'm a messenger of Ifrit so the curse did not affect me,"
"How about you, Carbuncle? Did you get affected by it?" Regis asked.
"No…" she lowered her ears down.
"Really? Why did you say anything back then, Cally?" Somnus question.
"Well, just like you said, you've been plagued by nightmares back then, as your guardian, my only wish is to have a happy life. I knew it was wrong of me for hiding it but your life changed after the day. You become alive again and continue to live in peace and after a year you and Ashe got married. It was the happiest moment of your life and then Prince Hope was born. As your guardian, I don't want to take it away from you so I decided to hide the truth. So that those painful memories will never plague you again. After all, you became a great King to the people of Lucis, a loving husband to Queen Ashe, and a supportive father to Prince Hope. I don't want you to lose that, as your guardian I just wanted what was best for you. For that, apologize, Your Majesty," Carbuncle rose and bowed her head.
Her master just gave her a warm and gentle smile as he patted her on the head, "It's fine Cally, I did have a wonderful and happy life back then… you don't have to apologize, I'm just happy that you did not leave me and stood by my side,"
"Of course!" her ears perked up, "I'm your guardian after all and we are family! I will never leave you, I will always be loyal to you, Your Majesty until the end of time,"
"Wow…" Dave whispered, "It kinda nice to have guardians like them, who always got your back, you are really lucky to have them Somnus," he glanced at both guardians.
"Yes… they are…" The Mystic chuckled, "But for us, they are not just guardians and messengers of the Astrals but they are our extended family," he looked down and scratched Carbuncle's left ear. The fox guardian purred and nuzzled herself more in his body.
"So where were you Reno during that time?"
"Me... well…" The guardian looked at the Marshal as he put his hands on his crossed knees again and started to rock back and front, "Like a said the curse did not affect me so I still remembered Astraea's last wish,"
"Last wish?" Cor whispered.
"Yup… that I need to protect Somnus and his family. So I did that… I went back to Lucis even if nobody remembers me, after all, I was erased in people's minds together with Astraea's existence. I stayed near them in the shadow as the Founder King continued to rule the kingdom with peace and prosperity with his Queen and his only successor, Hope Lucis Caelum," he smiled at the Mystic, "I watched how the small Kingdom grew bigger and bigger under the peaceful reigned of the Founder King, after reaching a center point Sommy here decided to give it a new name and called it Insomnia the heart of the Kingdom of Lucis…after 30 years long of peaceful life with his family, Somnus finally kick the bucket,"
"Wait? 30 years that make you 60 years old when you die, Somnus," Dave said while scratching his chin, "It's kinda early when you ask me,"
"Yes… it is," Carbuncle jumped towards the coffee table again and went in front of the leader of the hunters and sat down, her tail swaying slowly, "It kinda the effect of being the champion of Bahamut and his blessing," they all raised an eyebrow in question, the guardian saw this and explain to them about how the Lucis Caelum bloodline need to maintain the Crystal of Light, they need to share their life energy for the Crystal to maintain its light which causes their lives to be shortened.
"It sucks isn't it…" Reno muttered under his breath, "Well that the life being blessed by the Astrals you win some and you lose some, but still, the Caelum did never back down and keep moving, they are a stubborn family, am I right Sommy?" he smirked at him.
"Your part of this family too Reno," he retorted as he frowned at him.
"What the long face, it was a compliment, Your Majesty…" he laughed, "Being stubborn is what lead the Lucis Caelum to reach this far,"
"You have a weird way of giving compliments, Reno,"
"Are you still not used to me huh Sommy? It's our thousand years of being together with you are still giving the cold shoulder,"
"Maybe because you spend all your time looking and watching over her," he glanced at him, "I know you're her guardian in all but It's kinda creepy if you asked me,"
"Creepy?!" Reno bellowed, "I'm just doing my job! What about you? In the last two thousand years you never did visit her not even once and kept yourself prisoner inside your guilt, so much for a loving brother!" he scoffed.
The Mystic opened his mouth to retort but he decided to let it go and glanced away from the guardian's eyes. The guardian saw it and signed, "But all kidding aside Somnus, What you did back then was honorable, you should not blame yourself like I said a thousand of times, it was not your fault so stop blaming yourself already,"
The founder King's eyes darted towards him, Reno just gave him a short bow.
All the people around them just watched them in silence as they solved their bickering.
"You two are like brothers… always bickering," Dave uttered.
"But of course… we family after all," Reno chuckled while Somnus just sighed.
After a minute of silence, they continued Aerith was the first to speak and asked a question.
"What are you talking about a minute ago Reno, who are you watching?"
Both men's eyes softened as they looked at each other again, "Well are you going to tell them or I should?" Reno asked the Mystic.
"Let me..."
"Sure go ahead, Your Majesty, after you..." he bowed and playful, held his hand, and pointed at the sphere.
The Mystic just rolled his eyes and turned towards the others, "Sorry about that… where are we?"
"After your death, what happened? And who is this person you're talking about?" Regis asked.
"Well Dave was right, I died at the age of 60 and before I died warned Hope about Ardyn and that he should never be allowed to wake up or to be set free for he is monster," he sighed, "I regretted that remark after all when I stepped up in the Astral plane all my memory came back and I got a shock of my life,"
They all gave him a confused look as the sphere lit up again.
...
Somnus was on his deathbed, Prince Hope was on his right while his Queen Ashe was on the left, they both were holding his hands.
"Hope…" he whispered as he looked at his son.
"Yes… father, I'm here," Hope squeezed his hand tight.
"Take care of your Mother for me, okay?"
The prince nodded, Yes, father… I will…"
Then the dying King turned to his Queen, "Ashe my lovingly Queen,"
"Yes my love," Ashe whispered as she caressed his face.
"Sorry for leaving you, but I promise we will meet in the afterlife, I will be waiting for you there my love," he smiled faintly.
Ashe just smiled sadly as her tears started to fall, "Yes..my love… I will...rest now my dear King…" she kissed him in the forehead.
Somnus nodded and slowly closed his eyes and when he opened it again he was surprised that he was not in his chamber anymore but he was in a bluish plane. He looked down at his body and saw his appearance changed back to being 30 years old.
"Sommy…"
He heard a faint female voice in the distance that was familiar to him but could not remember where he heard it before.
"Brother…"
He started to follow it and walk for five minutes until he found a cave made of crystal. He slowly went inside it after a minute he arrived in the middle of it and saw a giant crystal glowing faintly.
"Somnus…" the voice called again from the inside.
He went and stopped in front of it and examined it. He saw someone inside, a female with black hair and she was wearing a red long dress, his eyes darted towards the huge scar in her chest. His heart started to ache for no reason, as he continued to stare at the female. Looks like the female is just sleeping(Like what happened to Lucrecia Crescent Dirge of Cerberus: FF7 ). He slowly and carefully put his right hand on the crystal. That when it came all flooded back, his memory about his siblings. He fell to his knees gasping and panting as he clutched his chest. For he felt it again the pain and anguish as he recovered his memory.
"Astr..eae…" he stammered as he tried to stand up his left hand still on the crystal. But his knees gave way and he fell again but someone caught him. He turned to see who it was and he saw a familiar face as certain red-haired.
"Greetings Founder King… Long time no see... do you remember me now?" Reno smiled brightly at him.
"Reno?" he asked as he tried to calm down.
"Good, you remembered, looks like the curse has been lifted" he helped him up.
"Curse? What cur-" he stopped as he remembered what he did 30 years ago. His eyes widened in the realization of what he had done, he started to shake, "Sorry...I did not mean that to happen… Reno I'm so sorry... I should not have done that…. Sorry... sorry…." Somnus kept repeating those words over and over again. "They will never forgive me…"
No… don't do that, Your Majesty," Reno cooed, "You don't have to apologize, they will understand... please calm down sit down," he gestured to him to take a seat in one of the crystal stumps.
The founder King sat down still looking at his sister inside the crystal, "What...happened, why is Astraea here I thought we sent her to the afterlife?" he asked again in confusion.
"You did…" he glanced at the crystal and gently brushed it, "But she refused to move on after knowing what happened to Ardyn and she saw how miserable your life has become. She felt sorry for you so she pleaded towards the Astrals to gave her a second chance to live and to finish what she started,"
"So they gave her your life back?"
"Nope…" Reno shook his head, "They don't have the power to do that but a certain Goddess did...Etro h-"
"Etro?" he stood up, "The Goddess of Death. Etro?"
"Yup, the Goddess of Death herself appeared before your sister so she pleaded towards the Goddess and the kind goddess had given her a second chance but she has to sleep here and wait for the King of Light to be born,"
"Why?" Somnus asked as he touched the crystal.
"Well to protect her and protect Ifrit's the Eternal flames…within her body,"
The Mystic withdrew his hand and turned towards the guardian, "Wait so she has to wait here until the said King of Kings is born?"
"Yup…" Reno said as gazed inside the crystal where Astraea is sleeping peacefully, "But don't worry she is safe here and Diabolos can't reach her here. But you can go now Somnus for you have fulfilled your calling, go now to the afterlife and take your needed rest... you earned it," he smiled.
"No…" he shook his head, "I will not… Reno… I will stay here… let me talk to Bahamut" he turned his head towards the guardian with that his memory faded and the sphere turned off.
...
"As you see, Astraea was granted a second life for her fight is not over yet. So I decided to do the same…after all, Ardyn needed to be rescued and we still need to defeat Diabolos," he gazed at each one of them, "After I talked to Bahamut he granted me to stayed but not in the Astral plane,"
"So Where?" The king asked.
The Mystic eyes drifted towards the Ring. Regis saw this and raised his left finger where the ring is at, "Starting that day, my spirit went towards the Ring of the Luccii, I became the first Lucii as Bahamut granted my wish he granted me a new calling as well to wait for the King of Light and guide my descendants to the right path,"
"Wait so the memory you showed us Reno, back in the council room it was fake?"
"Yup, for I don't want Astraea to remember, but there is some truth to it. Someone did sleep for two millennia, and it was Astraea who went to sleep to wait for the King of Light to be born. The fun fact about us… we the messenger of the Astral are immortal we don't age at all once we reach a certain age so... so with Astraea is sleeping, I don't have a purpose but to wait or wander on my own,"
"So what did you do after that? After Somnus left the Astral plane?" Aerith asked.
"Me nothing much… I spend most of my time just watching Astraea sleep but if Somnus's family needs me or they are in danger I will go to them and help them. But in secret, After all, they do not know about me or Astraea. I might scare them if I told them who Am I and who is the Astral I serve after all in, their memory they have of Ifrit. The Infernian tried to destroy Eos and kill all men... so it was a very bad idea so I went hiding, protecting them from the shadow,"
"That must be very painful and lonesome Reno,"
"It was Your Majesty, but not as painful as what Somnus did after that,"
"What did you do, Somnus?"
"The real question, Your Majesty, is what he did not do, after the death of his family," Reno muttered as he looked sadly at Somnus,
"Why did something happen to them?"
"Nothing your Majesty there were fine," Cally answered, "The Queen die peacefully in her sleep in old age and same goes for Prince Hope,"
"So what is the problem then?" Cor asked.
"Well, Somnus here did not go them or even say goodbye before they go to the afterlife, he just watched as his love ones move on without him,"
"Why did you do that Somnus?"
"I was ashamed, Regis… for what I have done, so I decided not to face them at all let them move on peacefully,"
"It must be so hard for you Somnus," Regis said.
The Mystic smiled bitterly, "It's nothing compared to my siblings suffering specially Ardyn. When my memory came back I remembered the promise I made, the promise to visit him to try to help him again but because of the curse, I have forgotten about it. Not only that I even dubbed him a monster that should be locked away for eternity never to see the light of day again. Ardyn stayed in darkness and was plagued by daemons while Astraea slept in the Astral plane, peaceful, While I did nothing but wait..." he paused as he turned his hands into fists. "I tried everything to destroy the curses I made specially that one about my siblings but I failed, even the Draconian can't undo what I did, not only that I could tell or reveal it to anyone. I just watched my descendants forget about our real history...after hundreds of years the power of the crystal started to decline and not, all my descendants were born to have the power of Light. Some were normal but even with that the people still followed them. For two thousand years, I watched and guided Kings and Queens of Lucis, out of 112th rulers only 11 stood out,"
"The rulers of Yoke?"
"Your correct, Aerith," he turned to her "Because of their bravery they were granted the power of the Crystal and became Bahamut's champion like me and my brother and being the champions of Bahamut they were able to break the curse and after knowing the truth about Ardyn and Astraea they decided to stay and became Lucii to help me guide the Lucis Caelum bloodline and to wait for the king and fulfill the new and real prophecy,"
"The real prophecy?" they all questioned.
"Yes… just like Reno had told you about a fake prophecy that was written in a Cosmology book about the kings of kings, In a time unknown, only a prophecy keeps hope alive in people's hearts. When darkness veils the world, the King of Light shall come." Carbuncle said as she gazed at each one of them and then turned towards his former master and fellow guardian, she smiled at them and stated, "This is the real prophecy the prophecy which the Goddess Etro was bestowed upon giving the Princess a second chance, Reno will you do the honor,"
He nodded and with a deep breath he closed his eyes and opened it slowly and stated the prophecy "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."
"So that means…the other Astrals will pick their champion?" Regis asked.
Somnus sat up straight, "That the plan… the other Astrals will grant their blessing to their chosen warriors with their helped we can finally vanquish Diabolos once and for all and after two thousand years it finally came, The king of light was born and Astraea came back in the land of the living,"
"But wait… something's not right…" Aerith pondered, "If Astraea was given a second chance and she is like that when she woke up...why did we find her as a baby? Did something happen?"
Somnus face dropped as he looked at Reno, The guardian just gazed down and bit his lips, "Yes… something did happen and I am not proud of it…"
"Why? What happened?"
He turned to her, "For I failed again… I failed to protect them yet again…" Before anyone could talk he continued, "I remember how it started, Like Ifrit... Astraea was still asleep recovering and waiting. I kept going back and front between the land of the living and the Astral plane and after two millennia of peace Diabolos struck again. He used the people of Elheim yet again which was renamed Niflheim. I don't know how but he was able to corrupt the mind and the heart of the leader of the empire and use them to launch another war for the Crystal. I remembered how they first attacked and took over Tenebrae's territory and how the daemons started to appear again. I remembered how Optimus Lucis Caelum raised the wall to protect the land while I stood beside him as one of his royal guards. I remembered how he died in the hands of the empire while saving his son and with that sacrifice, he became the last Lucii to be granted the title The Wise...I saw everything how the lands of Lucis fell in the hands of the empire. I hated myself that I let Lucis fall into ruin," his fingers turned into talons and he tightened them into a fist and clenched his teeth.
"Don't blame yourself Reno," Carbuncle said, "You were weak back then, without the Ifrit's crystal and Astraea was still sleeping you can only do so little, Even I back then did not have enough energy to help our family, so please to don't blame yourself,"
"I know... I'm just… mad at myself…" he hissed.
"If I remembered Reno you were wounded back then, after saving the prince from another attack. Because of your action he survived and continued the bloodline, so please just like you kept saying to me, don't blame yourself you did your best," Somnus stated and patted him on the left shoulder.
His shoulder dropped in frustration, "Yeah… I know…but as a guardian and Messenger of Ifrit I should have done better..." he brushed Somnus's hand away and crossed his arms, "Some guardian I am," they all looked at him in silence as the guardian continued, "Not only that I let that stupid scientist released Ardyn from his prison and after knowing what happened I went to Niflheim to save him but I was too late," he hissed as the sphere started to glow again and showed memory he was walking in the hallway of the research facility.
...
He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached Ardyn's chamber but that relief was replaced dread as he did not find the Healer inside.
"Where are you Ardyn!" he hissed under his breath as he continued to search around the facility. His heart skipped a bit and he couldn't believe his eyes as he saw his master, his God, Ifrit The Infernian sleeping encased in Ice.
"What the HELL!" he blood-boiled seeing the Astral like that, his hands turned into talons and about to break the glass separating him and the Astral but he stopped when heard fighting he sprinted towards it and witnessed Ardyn fighting with a group of Royal guards. He was about to help him but he stopped on his tracks when he saw how Ardyn turned one of the guards into a daemon he was horrified and could not move.
"Good to see you again dear guardian…" Reno heard Diabolos voice inside his head, "Are you here to help him? Well, you're too late, he is mine now…"
Before he could react a fire broke out and it caused Ifrit to be awakened. He was about to help his master but he stood modified when Ardyn used the power of the starscourge to daemonize the God of Fire. As the Infernian fell on the ground Reno was about to go to him but he was transferred into a dark place he tried to move but he couldn't; his eyes darted towards the darkness and he saw Ardyn but Ardyn couldn't see him.
"Watch him fall into darkness, guardian…" Diabolos laughed.
…
"What is happening, what are we seeing?" Regis asked.
Before Reno could answer Somnus went first, "It was all because of me…"
They all turned to him, the expression of the founder King became dark, "For my curse changed Ardyn for the worse. Because of my curse, my brother had forgotten about Astraea's existence and our time together as a family and Diabolos used that to weaken his resolve and control him yet again. He made a fake memory, in this memory, we are still brother and but Diabolos made changes in this fake memory he portrayed me as a jealous brother who wanted the throne for myself, that I stole it from him and killed his fiance in front of him and not only that Diabolos even stained the Crystal's and Bahamut's reputation by tricking him that the crystal rejected him as king because of how unclean he is and I killed him took the throne and Imprisoned him on Angelgard. (What happened on FFXV Episode Ardyn - Prologue(Anime)). Somnus sighed as the memory continued.
They saw how Diabolos made an illusion of the Aera, Ardyn's Oracle(Too lazy to write just watch Final Fantasy XV Episode Ardyn cutscene), and a fake Somnus to further anger the healer. They saw how Ardyn lost himself into darkness and heard his anger towards his brother.
...
"I never forgive you Somnus…" Ardyn stood up slowly, "This monster may not be able to destroy you, but I'll see to it that I destroy everything you built!" the healer screamed as purple flames burst from him, "Hear me god's above! No longer shall I supplicate for your pardon. No longer I sojourn towards the light, Nay...the path I intend to thread is paved with blood and darkness. No longer shall I see your guidance." Reno saw how Ardyn face changed scourge slowly pouring out his eyes, "This path mine to tread alone,"
With those chilling final words, Reno was able to move and escape the facility.
…
Somnus shivered at this is the first time he saw and heard of his brother's statement after all Reno never told him all that had happened, seeing that he understood why the guardian hid it from him. Reno's memory stopped as they all gathered and calmed themselves.
"I could not save him...I'm very sorry Somnus… I could not save your brother…" Reno bowed his head towards the Mystic.
"No you don't have to apologize Reno, you did your best. Astraea is the only one you could save him, so please stop blaming yourself. Being down and glooming does not suit you and Astraea won't like that, " Mystic patted him on the back.
"You should practice what you preach Somnus, you're the one who still can't forgive yourself."
"Just give me time Reno, besides our dark past is not finished yet, we still have one more to reveal,"
"Yeah… that…" the guardian's face dropped.
"So can you now continue or shall I?"
"No will do it… after all, this is my story and suffering,"
Regis and the other just gave the guardian puzzled looks. Reno just shrugged his shoulders and smirked to hide his pain, "So where are we…" Reno paused as he tried to remember what happened next, "Right… the war escalated and with Ardyn by their side they were able to create Solheim technology and because of his help, they made him Chancellor of Niflheim. Lucis was outnumbered and one by one the lands fell and the wall was pulled back to the heart of the Kingdom Insomnia, I did everything to help... trust me I did…" he paused and bit his lips again, "But Niflheim infantry is so strong that I can't do anything so I just watched as our beloved kingdom was taken over by the empire… then King Mors dies and you became the king," He turned towards The Father, "You were so young when you inherited your father's throne, Your Majesty, with the war still raging you did not falter not only that you even strengthened the wall, Because of that you power and health kept on declining but to kept it all together and you even married your childhood friend, Queen Aulea, I must say your Majesty she very beautiful and kind, she did serve you and this kingdom with dignity and grace. It's just a shame she is not with us anymore, and I'm sorry for your loss, Your Majesty."
"Me too, Regis, sorry for your loss, I know it's hard to lose someone dear to you,"
"Thank Somnus," Regis's eyes softened as he met eyes with the Founder King.
A long Silence ensued again and Reno broke by continuing his story.
"Your Majesty, do you still remember the attack that happened 18 years ago during the founding day festival?"
"Yes, if I'm not mistaken that was Lord Ardyn right?"
"Yes, I can't believe that Ardyn could get inside the barrier and not only that he was able to summon Ifrit as well,"
…
The sphere glowed and showed Reno dress as a royal guard taking the people into safety. He saw how Ardyn with the help of the Astral laid waste and killed the Royal guards that stood in his way. He followed them in a distance for he can't change into his phoenix from but he continued to follow Ardyn as the Adagium destroyed every device that amplified the barrier. He saw how Ardyn defeated some of the rulers of Yoke with ease. The rulers of yoke did want to kill him knowing who he is. When Ardyn had already destroyed all devices he went to fight Regis.
...
"I remembered that day very clearly, how he summoned the Royal Arms," Regis stated as he watched Reno's memory and how he fought Ardyn, "I never could imagine that he was real, after all, there are only legends about for him in the citadel,"
They continued to watch Reno's memory. Ardyn was able to defeat Regis with the help of the infernian. When Ardyn was ready to kill King Regis. Somnus appeared in his Lucii form.
"I must say to you I'm amazed, Your Majesty, That you were able to go toe to toe with Lord Ardyn. I'm sorry that I could not help you, for my power were limited back then and I can't disobey Astraea last wish,"
"Last wish?" Regis asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty, Astraea did order me to protect her brother,"
"If I remembered correctly she ordered you to protect me,"
Reno turned to Somnus, "She did but, after knowing what happened to Ardyn she made another order, whatever happened to Ardyn or whatever he will do, I will never lay hands or harm him, that is her last order before she was put to sleep,"
Somnus frowned, "She did that? I should have learned from her, I should understand what Ardyn's had been through, that his action is not his own, but instead of helping him I fought him and I said those terrible things to him," the sphere shifted to his point of view.
…
With a flash of blue light from heaven, Somnus appeared in front of his brother in his Lucii's form.
"Brother!" Somnus shouted.
Somnus!" Ardyn Whisper his name whispered darkly as he teleported to him and within seconds they engaged in battle.
"Haven't seen you for years...two thousand in fact!...and whose fault is that?" Ardyn warped and attacked him, "Who could have exiled me as a monster and erased from the face of history?
"You were tainted - unfit to sit the throne,"
…
"I don't know why I said those words, I don't know why I hated him so much and I was ready to kill him back then," Somnus whispered as he interlocked his fingers and gaze down.
...
"Please brother. Return to the darkness where you came."
"Now? But I'm having so much fun!" Ardyn replied sarcastically, "To think I'll get the pleasure of killing you myself," They continue to fight, "What's wrong dear brother? Too afraid to put down your expensive toy and come face me yourself," Ardyn continued to mock him, "Let the game begin!"
…
Somnus gazed up and watched his memory, "I projected my anger towards myself on him that day,"
...
"This is no beginning… only the end….. This is preposterous! How could one so impure possess such power!? I was right to have you sealed away… You are truly a monster brother!"
"Don't' be facetious, the only monster here is you!" Arden retorted back.
…
The founder King sighed, "But I was wrong in doing that and I knew it…"
The others just stayed silent as Somnus continued to speak as his memory continued playing.
"But after fighting him and hearing his anger towards me. I decided to let myself lose for deep inside me, I wanted him to kill me, I want him to have his revenge for he could be free from Diabolos grip and his pain and suffering, but alas as a spirit I could never die,"
...
They saw how Ardyn used Ifrit's help to defeat The Mystic. Somnus Lucii's form disappeared and his spirit floated downward in front of the Adagium.
"I did to you was unforgiving. But I did it for the future of our kingdom- of our people," he said as he felt to his knees.
"A small sacrifice for the good of society, How noble!"
"Our line has done everything in our power to protect our people… just as the gods bade. I was merely fulfilling my calling."
Ardyn chuckled, "... And here I thought I was the blessed one, but it was you all along,"
"I dare not ask your forgiveness, but I do ask for your understanding, I did it for As-" he slowly stood up.
Ardyn did not let him finish and shouted at him "WHAT?! You took everything from me… EVERYTHING… and you ask, my understanding!?"
"I pray your soul find repose… Brother…" Somnus softly said while his spirit disappeared with that his memory faded.
…
"During that time I wanted to tell Ardyn the truth why I erased him for history,"
"Did you tell him, did he believed you,"
"No Aerith," He gazed at her sadly, "For I don't dare to tell him that I was weak that I couldn't take the burden... that I took the easy way out and the second reason is I don't want him to know about Astraea,"
"Why? Should Astraea's memory help him recover?"
"It's good that you didn't tell him, Somnus, for its very bad idea,"
"Why is that Reno?" Clarus asked.
Reno just crossed his arms, "For Bahamut had told me that Diabolos doesn't know that Astraea is still alive. We must protect that secret for it will be the key to defeat The Dark Astral for if the Dark Messenger knew about Astraea he will do everything to kill her again so her safety and the future of Eos, she needs to be safe until she wakes up and helps the King of Light,"
The others just nodded at the guardian as the sphere shifted to his point of view.
...
The Adagium went back to Regis to kill him. But before he could Bahamut appeared and whisk The accursed away.
...
"So what did Bahamut do to Lord Ardyn, did he kill him or hurt him," Aerith asked.
"No," Somnus answered in a stern tone, "For Bahamut knew that Ardyn is just under the influence of Diabolos darkness."
"Wait so Diabolos was not inside of Ardyn that time?" Cor asked.
"Yes, for Diabolos was able to convince my brother to do his work. He left Ardyn's body but let his darkness stay to keep Ardyn under his control and just watched everything from his realm the Realm of Darkness. Bahamut knew of Diabolos' plan for he did long ago in Solheim and Lucis. The Dark Astrals kept on using puppets for his plans and when the time is right to attack then he will show himself."
"So what did Bahamut do Somnus?" Regis was the one who asked this time.
"Bahamut did not fight him, but instead he reminded Ardyn about his fate, his calling to be the vessel of Darkness. Bahamut even told him about Noctis, about the King of Light and about his fate and how his life will end in the hands of the One True King." The Mystic paused, "Bahamut told me that my brother accepted his fate willingly."
"Really why?"
"I don't know Aerith," he turned to him, " Maybe Ardyn… the brother I knew… the Healer of the People is still in there... waiting to be saved and wanted to do what is right,"
A long silence ensued again as the sphere turned off. Then Reno cleared his throat and spoke up, "If remembered after that attack the empire lay low for two years and Insomnia was able to recover again. Then… that day… the day we've been waiting all our life…after two thousand years of waiting, The One True King… The Kings of Light had been born,"
"Yes… I remembered that day very fondly, I was on the Citadel that day,"
"Yes...me too, Your Majesty," Cor crossed his arms, "When the hospital called that the Queen was ready to give birth, You dropped everything and drove the Regalia recklessly. I was suppressed we manage to get to the hospital in one piece,"
"Yes… I remembered…" Regis chuckled, "Sorry about that, I was just excited to meet my son, Cor,"
"I know your Majesty…" Cor answered and he turned towards the guardian, "Did you knew that the Prince was the one you been waiting for all this time,"
"Yes…" Reno nodded, "When the prince was born I felt it...no we felt it right Cally?"
"Yup… The King of Light was finally showed himself,"
"Wait you were there Reno?" Regis asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I'm always present when a new prince or princess comes to this word, "I was not able to get to him in the hospital but when you brought him in the Citadel, that went I got to look more closely and felt that he is the one we been waiting for."
…
Reno slowly walked towards the crib where the prince was sleeping. He kept his presence to a minimum after all the King and Queen are just in the adjacent room sleeping. He slowly peered and saw the raven hair prince sleeping soundly. He sighed and went to brush the prince's cheek. Carbuncle suddenly appeared beside the prince. He bit his tongue to avoid him from screaming as he jumped away from the crib.
Cally just chuckled, "Sorry Reno…"
"It's okay Cally," he laughed at her, "So is he the...the King of Light we've been waiting for?"
"Yes, he is…" Carbuncled nodded.
"Are you sure? He doesn't look like a... The One True king to me," he chuckled.
"Don't be like Reno, he is just an infant, you need to let him grow," Cally said as she nuzzled her snout on the prince's cheek.
Then Noctis slowly opened his eyes, Reno held his breath as he saw it, those beautiful crimson eyes. The same crimson eyes that Astraea had, "Wow…" he awed as he leaned down more, but his smile faded as the prince's crimson eyes started to turn blue, the sign that he is, in fact, the one they were waiting for. With that, the prince started to cry.
Both guardians panicked as both Queen and King went running towards them. They teleport themselves outside the terrace where they can still hear what is happening inside.
"Shhh… what wrong my dear Noctis..." Queen Aulea cooed as she gently rocked Noctis, "Regis look at this…"
The king went to her side, "What! What happened is he hurt!"
"No silly, look he finally opened his eyes, the look is the same color of Crystal of Light,"
Reno and Cally saw how Regis smiled seeing the Prince's eyes for the very first time.
"Is that answered your question Reno?" Cally asked in a hushed tone.
Reno just nodded as he watched the wonderful family in front of him,"
"So... how is Princess Reno?" Cally asked.
It took Reno a few seconds before he answered her, "She is still sleeping as we speak," he gazed at her,
"Why not visit her now… maybe she awake now,"
"Yes… maybe you're right, Cally," Reno took a step back, "Can you watch over them for a while,"
"Of course… Go to her now Reno… wake up our dear Princess...our Fire Maiden…"
Reno winked at her, "Sure thing," With that, his memory faded.
...
"So my son does have crimson eyes,"
"Yes, your Majesty, crimson like the eternal flames," The red-haired guardian answered, "In fact, in all of Somnus's descendants the prince is the only one that has crimson eyes, right Cally?"
His fellow guardian pondered for a while as she tried to remember every King and Queen of Lucis, "Wow you right Reno!" Cally bellowed as her tail and ears perked up, "Those two are the only one who has crimson eyes," she said as her tail swayed slowly.
"So that means they are destined to do great things, as our legend told," Somnus said.
"Legend what legend?" Dave asked.
The founder King turned to him, "'You see back on Solheim, having crimson eyes means that you are blessed by High Goddess Etro and we're destined to do great things."
"Really? Wow, your tradition was something, Founder King, "I felt sorry that everyone had forgotten about it and as the leader of the hunter association please accept our sincere apology,"
"No… don't do that Dave, remember I'm the one who erased our past so please don't ever think that you have to apologize to our family. I'm the one should I apologies to your family, for I have been keeping a secret from you,"
"A secret?" both siblings asked.
"Yes, a secret for your family bloodline the Auburnbrie was one of the loyal members of our kingdom back then,"
"What are you saying Somnus," Aerith asked.
"I'm saying that your family was a part of the Solheim's council back then, that your ancestors serve our family. Even with the fall of Solheim you still stick with us all these years,"
"Really…?"
"Yes… the Auburnbrie has always been loyal to Izunias now the Caelums, but some of the past kings and Queens had forgotten about you for that I apologize... but for your loyalty, you have undying gratitude Auburnbries," he bowed to them.
Both siblings were overwhelmed and speechless at first but they were able to pick themselves up together and stood up and bowed towards the founder King.
"Thank, Your Majesty…" They both said in unison.
He nodded and gestured them to sit down
Giving one last respectful smile towards Somnus, Aerith turned to Reno, "Is that the reason why you picked us Reno, Zack, and I to take care of Astraea?"
"No… like I said the shard of Ifrit and Shiva's crystals picked you and maybe the crystal shards knew about your past and choice you to take care of the Princess,"
Aerith nodded, "I hope I can continue to raise Astraea after this…"
"What do you mean, of course, you're her mother, Aerith,"
"Reno is right, Aerith… please continue to take care of Astraea… take care of her for me,"
"I will Somnus…" Somnus nodded and she nodded back.
"So the real question is did her Highness Astraea, wake up that same day,"
Reno took a deep breath and sighed loudly, "To answer your question, Cor, it is a big fat NO." he turned towards the Marshal, "Astraea have not woken up that day… even the following day she did not even move a muscle," he gazed at the sphere as it glowed.
…
Reno was his back on the Crystal where Astraea slept, "Come on… Astraea… two thousand years have already passed…" he whispered as he looked up at the crystal in the ceiling of the cave, "Please wake up," he leaned his head back and his eyes darted upward towards his master's face, "The King of Light is now born you know? You're the only one missing?" he closed his eyes and gently pounding the back of his head on the crystal. "If you're waiting for Somnus, your brother you won't come here… he is still blaming himself…" his head stopped as his eyes started to water, "He is stubborn like you… princess… he won't listen to me… so please wake up and go to him… gave him a big punched on the stomach better yet slammed him on the ground so he will wake up from his nightmare. Please Astraea, wake up. Ardyn needs you… he continues to fall into darkness you the only that could save him before it's too late," he inhaled deeply and exhaled loudly, "Please wake up...we are tired of waiting and suffering please Astraea... let your flames burn again… Fire Maiden," he stopped to wait for a reply but silence greeted him. With gritted teeth, he stood up and dusted his black coat and looked at the crystal.
" Maybe you are still not ready and need more rest… Princess…" he forced a smile. "Go ahead rest… I will still be here waiting for you… Astraea Lucis Izunia, our Fire Maiden…"
…
"Maybe Astraea felt it, Somnus"
"Felt what?"
"Felt that you were still not ready to meet her… that you kept blaming yourself for what happened.."
The Mystic eyes gazed down, "You can't blame me Reno, for all those years of waiting and suffering. I admit back then I was scared about the future. You saw how Ardyn treated me back then during the founder King festival,"
"But the was not your brother Somnus, Ardyn is under the control of Diabolos,"
"But still he was right, I stole the throne from him and erased him from history, but you are right I must move forward to be able to help him. I will no longer live in the past. We must all look toward the future now."
Reno smiled, "That the Somnus I know… the same Somnus that both Ardyn and Astraea adored...their beloved brother, I assured you, Your Majesty, that they will forgive you after all Blood is thicker than water,"
The eyes of the Mystic lit up somehow and he put out a sincere smile, "Thank you Reno… I will try to move on for them… for us… for… Eos…"
"We are always here for you Founder King...Somnus Lucis Caelum…" Both Reno and Carbuncle said in unison.
"Thank… both of you…" he smiled at them and they smiled back.
"So when did Astraea wake up?"
Reno stood suddenly and stretched his hands and feet. All were surprised by his sudden action. He just chuckled and turned his head to Regis who asked the question.
"Well Your Majesty, I'm happy to tell you that I did not wait for long after a month…" he stopped and counted with his fingers, "no scratch that… to be exact 23 long days later it happened. The same day as her birthday, The day when light and night were of equal. The autumnal equinox on September 22 of M.E. 735...The fire maiden had finally awoken from her two thousand years slumber.
"That must be a great moment for you Reno, after all those years Astraea finally woke up,"
"Yes it was your Majesty...but…"
Regis and the other saw how Reno's face felt and turned dark. The same goes for the founder King and his fellow guardian.
"Your right, Your Majesty, it was a joyous occasion." Carbuncle stated, "But it was not for long...after all… The princess has…" she stopped and gazed at her fellow guardian.
"Tell us, Cally, what happened!" Aerith asked her tone full of anxiousness.
"Let me just show you…" Reno said as he gazed sadly at the sphere as it projected his memory.
...
He was back at the crystal cave again. He was walking back and forth in front of the crystal. His body was trembling, his fingers were twitching.
"Come on wake up already!" he hissed under his breath as he continued walking back and forth. "Come on Astraea Wake UP! You SLEEPY HEAD!"
Right on cue, a crack on the crystal appeared. He jumped back, his eyes widened as the cracks started to run up the entire crystal.
"Astraea…" he whispered as he touched the crystal, It suddenly burst into Inferno it engulfed the entire crystal. The flames went up to the ceiling and started to burn everything. He closed his eyes shut and when he opened them again the crystal cave was no more and Astraea was floating in front of him. Embers fluttering from her blood-red hair. The Princess slowly opened her eyes and revealed the pair of crimson glowing eyes.
"Astraea… you're awake" he bellowed as he walked towards her.
Suddenly Astraea stopped hovering and went tumbling down. Reno was able to catch her.
"Woah… I got you...Astraea… I got you...princess.." the guardian whispered as he cradled her close.
The Fire Maiden slowly opened her eyes and it was his smiling face the first thing she saw, "There you are… princess… Welcome back... Astraea," he held his hand to brush away her bangs before his fingers could reach her face. Astraea soft eyes went wide and pushed him away.
"GO AWAY!" she shouted as she pushed him, "WHO ARE YOU! WHERE AM I?" she shouted as she crawled away from him.
"Shhh… it's me Reno...your guardian princess…" Reno whispered with a gentle smile he kneeled in front of her.
"Reno?" with her eyes full of fear and her body started to tremble. She asked again, "Where Am I?"
"In the Astral plane, Your Highness," he answered with the sweetest smile, "Don't worry about your safety… Diabolos won't be able to reach you, princess. So please stop trembling..." He reached for her face again and before he could make contact he heard those shocking words.
"Reno... WHO AM I?"
A/N: Sorry! I thought I could finish Recalling Of The Past storyline in this chapter but I was wrong. There will be another chapter dedicated to the recalling of the past storyline and that is the last I promise. If you think Astraea turning into a crystal is familiar is it, for I got the idea from ff13 when a l'Cie turned into Crystal after fulfilled one's focus/calling. After all, in this my story, the Astrals are the Fal'Cie and the champions are the l'Cie. But instead of turning into a crystal, I decided to let Astraea slept inside the crystal, like what happened to Lucrecia Crescent Dirge of Cerberus: FF7.
THANK YOU! I hope you enjoy this and have a wonderful day and keep safe!