#final fantasy 15 ardyn | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

xxkhxndlelitexx · 10 months

Text

One True King PROLOGUE pt 3/4

✦✬✦

Warnings: Ardyn being the rizzard of oz, major character death

Word Count: 4.1k This chapter long T-T

I apologize for any spelling or grammar mistakes

Happy readings

✦✬✦

It had been a whole week since the incident, Somnus was in and out of my home often, Ardyn was there all the time determined to get to know my mother. My voice had returned somewhat, I still sounded very hoarse.

But right now that was the least of my concerns, most of my worry was direct towards my dreams, the crown being rested on Ardyn’s head. I took a deep shaky breath, this was big, the revelation ceremony would decide who would be king, and I wasn’t ready, the fear was wrapping itself around me, choking me...

“Suck in that stomach, Clomoria.” Susarna snapped.

“I’m trying.” I rasped, sucking in my gut.

She pulled the corset tight, when I relaxed she scolded me again. “Don’t relax yet, suck it in again!”

I sucked in my stomach again and this time she pulled it tight and I held it long enough for her to tie it. I relaxed and immediately felt the painful tightness. The hurdle of women entered and started pulling my dress on, it was a deep red color, with small seashells sparkling at the hem, the sleeves ended just above my elbows and the neck was a low square cut, showing my cleavage.

“Is this a bad time?”

I jumped slightly and turned, “Ardyn.” I blushed at the sight of his face; mouth slightly agape, his long red hair was pulled back in a ponytail out of his face. I stepped carefully from the pedestal, my heels were somewhere in the corner.

“You look...” He stared down at me as I approached.

“Is it bad?” I stiffened realizing I might be showing too much cleavage. “I can get the neck modified or wear a diffe-”

He kissed me softly and whispered in my ear. “It’s just perfect, it makes me want to ravage you again.” He leaned in close and pressed a small kiss to my neck.

“Excuse me.” Susarna cleared her throat.

“Ah.” Ardyn pulled away and straightened his coat. “Forgive me, she just...” he glanced at me. “Looks quite titillating.”

“Does she?” Susarna looked over me with a small smile. “That’s what I was going for.” She smiled and pranced across the room. “Sit down dear. I’ll help with your shoes.”

Ardyn turned the chair for me to sit facing away from the makeup table. Susarna kneeled and prepared to put the shoe on my feet before Ardyn stopped her.

“Allow me?” He smiled kindly.

“Such a gentleman.” She smirked at me before whispering. “You should be married by spring, and in summer I'll have grandchildren.”

I opened my mouth to speak but closed it, no point wasting what little remained of my voice.

Ardyn laughed lightly and kneeled before me, taking my right foot gently in his hands and slipping the heel on my foot. He repeated the motion with the right and stood, he extended his hand to ask for mine.

“Oh what I’d give to have such a man adore me.” Susarna sighed dreamily.

I grabbed a cushion from the chair and threw it at her. She dodged and cackled like a witch.

I rolled my eyes and took Ardyn’s hand, he helped me stand and steady myself, his lips grazed my ear as he spoke. “We go there together, and if I am chosen, you will be my queen.”

My cheeks flared red, and I looked up at his calm face, that smile held no malice. A smile I wouldn't have believed was for me long ago.

“Come along now children.” Susarna said.

Ardyn led me after Susarna and we went to the ceremony in the village circle. It was a large dome of stone at the center of our village, it was where the oracles, the Fleuret family, would be blessed or in this case, would find our king.

I saw Somnus talking to a short plump girl and smiled.

“Who’s that Somnus is talking to?” I asked Ardyn.

“I’m not sure.” he gave a light sight. “I feel as though me and my little brother are drifting further apart by the day.”

I nod. Somnus had visited a few times but in all honesty, he hadn’t said much to me when he visited. Is he upset about Ardyn’s proposal?

I waited a bit for the woman to leave with someone before approaching Somnus. “Are you upset with me?”

“What?” He turned to look at me. “Is there something I should be angry at you for?”

“I’m not sure, you tell me.” I smiled up at him.

A small smirk came to his face. “Walk with me.”

I blinked. “Alright.” I gave Ardyn a glance and smiled.

Somnus visibly stiffened, but said nothing as he led me away.

We walked out of the village center, and I raised my eyebrow, “Why do we need to go th-” I was cut off as his lips met mine.

He rested his forehead against mine. “Whatever happens tonight, I do it for us.”

My eyes widen and I push him back. “What in the Six!?” I felt a slight anger rising within me. “Why would you do that?!”

“This is the only offer I'm making you Clomoria.” He took a step towards me and I stepped back. “Leave Ardyn...”

My brows furrowed, my anger growing. “Somnus. I LOVE your brother... Why on Eos-”

He grabbed my shoulders. “Clo.” He looked insane. “Please! I don’t want anything to happen to yo-”

I slapped him hard. “I refuse.”

I shoved him away, walking around him towards the center.

“Ardyn is cursed.”

I stop. “What?”

“His healing is a curse.” Somnus looked over his shoulder at me. “Ardyn is immortal.”

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

I stared at the pedestal, I couldn’t do this...

I saw him the crowd, talking to her mother, he truly loved Clomoria, I had one last option. I went down and put on a smile as moved through the crowd. I looked up at him. “Ardyn...”

He looked at me and smiled. “Aera.” How can he not love me when he smiles like that... How can he not wish I was his wife...

“I wanted to talk to you...” I looked at my feet. What would Somnus do if I betrayed the plan...

He waved the short plump woman goodbye, and I led him to a quieter area.

“What did you want to talk about?” He asked, looking down at me, his golden eyes held no malice or underlying danger as Somnus’s did.

“I-” A thought hit me hard.

You were in my presence not long ago... you dare defy me?

I took a deep shaky breath. “I hold no grudge against Clomoria.”

Lie... A voice said in my head.

“Aera...” his eyes narrowed.

“I...” I went quiet. I couldn’t tell him. I couldn’t ruin this for Ardyn and Clomoria...

“What is it?” he tilted his head, eyes worried.

“Somnus plans to do something...” I said looking at my feet. “I would’ve assisted him...”

“What does Somnus plan to do?” Ardyn asked.

“He-” I started before remembering.

“Ardyn will walk away safely if I sit on the throne... I promise you that Aera...”

As long as Somnus is on the throne, Ardyn will be safe...

I open my mouth and words come flying out. “Somnus is going to kill Clomoria is she doesn’t agree to be his bride! Somnus is the One True King!”

Ardyn stared at me. “Where is Somnus?” his eyes looked scary, he looked mad, like a raging bull. He started to walk past me.

“I don’t kn-” I tried to grab him and pull him back.

He slapped my hand away. “I am going to get my wife.”

Something in me shattered at that moment. “What does she have that I don’t!?”

“Aera.” He looked at me with a look of such distaste, such disgust, such annoyance I wanted to die. “I love her. I would die for her.” He turned and took long strides through the crowd to the entrance.

I chased after him. “Ardyn wait!”

“Somnus!” he yelled at his little brother who was speaking to Clomoria a few paces away.

The dark-haired man’s gold eyes locked on mine, and I knew our deal was off.

Ardyn grabbed Clomoria’s arm and pulled her back. “Stay away from my wife.” His voice was low and threatening, to his own blood.

“Anything you want to tell him, Clomoria?” Somnus smirked.

“What-” Ardyn was confused.

“When did you plan to tell me, you were immortal?” Clomoria looked up at him with a hurt expression.

What? Ardyn was immortal... I feeling was growing in my chest, it was strange. But growing in my eyes was a sight of Ardyn with black tears and blood, he had a wicked grin, all I felt looking at him was not adoration... But fear.

“Clo, I-” Ardyn started.

“No!” She snapped. “I don’t care.”

“Let’s go, Clo.” Somnus reached his hand out for hers.

She stared at him with empty looking eyes, and something throbbed in my mind.

Clomoria looked so much like- What are you thinking? I shook my head and ran to grab Ardyn. Clomoria shoved me aside.

I stared in shock. “Why-”

“I said I don’t care. I don’t care if he’s immortal. Ardyn is mine, whether or not time will separate us.” She grabbed Ardyn’s hand and led him back into the center.

It made sense then... She loves Ardyn as he is... I looked up at Somnus.

“Forgive m-” I started.

He looked at me. “They both go.” He said softly a tear rolling down his cheek. “Forgive me, Six.” he looked at the sky. “I kill my brother and the woman I desire...”

~.~.~.~.~.~

When I met Somnus Lucis Caelum, I saw from the start he was clay in my hands.

Between his easily swayed views and his intrusive thoughts I found both a perfect man, and a perfect puppet. The first time I had kissed Somnus the look of disgust on his face couldn’t be matched. Not unless by the look Aer shot Clomoria at every opportunity.

But now as I stood beside him, the bell of midnight clanging loud and clear, all I could think of was how easily I had slithered into this position, nearly queen, so close... As Aera stepped onto the stage and took a deep breath before spinning her staff and slamming it into the ground, a rumble came from the earth before a voice so loud and dominating rippled through the center.

“The One True King,” the voice said.

“Noble in his ways.” Said a more feminine voice.

“Wise in his teachings.” Said an older voice.

“Kind in his manner.” Said gruff voice.

“Honorable in his guidence..” said a feminine voice that sounded similar to a snake.

It was overpowering then, the presence. It felt like it was waying down on my shoulders. And her voice did not ring throughout the room like the rest, no. Her voice was in my head.

“Godly, holy, the anchor of man.” Her voice was so riveting. “A choice of centuries, know now, people of man, I am not to be defied. Risk your heads like the kingdom of Solheim.”

A murmur ran over the crowd.

“Speak, Aera.” the voice said.

Aera’s head flew back and the combined voices of the Astrals screamed, “The One True King is amongst you!”

Aera took a shaky breath, eyes darting to the man beside me.

Somnus gripped my hand. “She’s a good girl. She won’t disobey me.”

“The One True King is....” Aera grit her teeth and tapped the staff down three times. “Somnus Lucis Caelum.”

A shudder ran through me. “Fool.” I heard in my head and a piercing pain filled low in my gut suddenly and before I could react, it went away just as quickly.

I squeaked as Somnus took my hand and led me onto the stage, there was a soft murmur as he bowed.

“I thought Ardyn would be king...” A woman mumbled.

“Somnus is so... scary.” Whispered an older man.

“I, Somnus Lucis Caelum, graciously accept being your king.” Somnus said before pulling me close, “This is Harmonia Sol Nugen,”

Another murmur ran over the crowd.

“I object!” An old woman yelled before wobbling on her cane towards the stage, “There is an evil in our midst... He-”

Ardyn stepped forward and took the woman’s arm. “Calm down.” He tried to pull her back and a chill ran down my spine as I locked eyes with the woman.

“She is wicked!” the woman pointed at me and shrieked.

Somnus squeezed my hand. “Leave her be.”

Clomoria... I had adored her from afar for so long. I wanted to be like her, I would bow to her, she was a goddess. Until she wasn’t... That day I’d seen Ardyn carrying her into his home, my respect for her dissipated in the wind. But here at Somnus’s side, I felt a wicked kind of joy...

I smirked. I’d made it so far, I was going to be queen.

~.~.~.~

Aera was such a good girl. She did it of course and as I stepped onto the stage my plan began to fall into place. The priest could make no objection...

He took the stage and I smiled.

“With this crown...” he held the gold band in his hand, “I declare Somnus Lucis Caelum king of our new kingdom.”

I took my knee as the crown was rested on my head.

“Lead us with nobility, wisdom, kindness, honor, and holiness in the eyes of the gods.” He said before stepping back and bowing before me.

The crowd bowed, my eyes scanned over it, even Ardyn and Clomoria were bowing. I was... king. I smirked I had power over her...

Clomoria smiled at me and something inside me faltered. I could take her from Ardyn, couldn’t I? She’d learn to love me too eventually, right?

I felt someone squeeze my hand and looked down at Harmonia, her big green eyes staring up into mine. “Somnus...You’ve done it...” She smiled, she was a stout woman with long red hair and freckles.

I smiled slightly and stared at Clomoria. Harmonia was the least of my concerns.

Her grip on my arm tightened. “Somnus-”

I pulled away from her. “Clomoria!” I called as everyone began to rise.

The crowd turned to look at her.

I smiled. “Come.”

She gave Ardyn a weary glance before making her way to the stage. She was dazzling, her beautiful red dress adorned with seashells that glittered like gems, her dark hair pulled into a braid falling onto her left shoulder. She came to me, good girl... I smiled to myself before taking her hand.

“As now I am king...” I smiled down at her looking deeply into her amber eyes. “I am in need of a queen.” I watched as she tensed, she didn’t show it much but the way her lip twitched just slightly was enough. “Will you be my queen?”

She stared up at me. “I-”

“Is it right to ask an engaged woman to marry you Somnus!?” Ardyn was taking long strides towards the stage.

“But if I’m rescuing her from a monster?” I smirked. This is the end of the road for you brother. “Ardyn my brother is cursed.”

The crowd gasped and Ardyn came onto the stage towering over me.

“Somnus.” He looked into my eyes with a mix of anger and desperation. “Don’t do this.” he hissed.

“Ardyn may be your holy healer.” I continued. “But in order to take all your ailments away Ardyn is immortal!”

The crowd gasped and mumbled.

“If Ardyn became king, he would’ve held the throne for an eternity.”

The crowd’s murmurs were becoming louder. Ardyn stared at me with wide eyes.

“I, Somnus Lucis Caelum, cannot allow my elder brother to imprison our new kingd-”

I was cut off by Clomoria. “Ardyn has no intention of becoming an eternal lea-”

“Of course you would say that!” Someone in the crowd shouted. “You would love to marry a man who would keep you in power for your entire life!”

“You don’t understa-” Clomoria tried.

“Arrest him. And take Clomoria somewhere safe.” I said with a small smirk.

“Ardyn!” Clomoria screamed as men climbed onto the stage to arrest my brother.

“Run!” Ardyn yelled.

Clomoria hesitantly backed away and started running.

“Bring her to me.” I said simply.

“Somnus!” Aera yelled, “This isn’t what you said you would do-”

I ignored her and she ran to the front of the stage, “Somnus lies! I-”

The blade in her gut cut her off. I leaned in close and wrapped my arm around her front, “You promised to play nicely Aera...”

She turned to Ardyn who was being put in chains. “Forgive me...”

I pulled my sword from her and let her fall to the ground.

The village men brought Clomoria to my feet.

“Somnus!” Ardyn struggled against the chains. “This is between me and you!”

I turned to face him. “You’re right.” I grabbed Clomoria’s face in my hand. “This is between you and me...”

“Somnus.” Clomoria looked up at me with tears in her eyes. “Why?”

I stared into her eyes. “You’re mine.”

“If...” She said softly.

Ardyn’s brows furrowed.

“If I go with you. As your queen,” She looked up at me. “Will you leave Ardyn?”

“Clomoria!” Ardyn roared in anger. “Somnus! I swear to the Astrals-”

“Yes.” I smile. “Yes, I will.”

~.~.~.~

Somnus...

Somnus why...

I looked up at the ceiling of my cell. The wedding was today... I could still remember how it looked. Aera’s body falling to the ground, the sword wound bleeding. Her apology... Clo...

I looked up as I heard a voice. “The queen is here to see you.” said a gruff voice from a buff big bearded guard.

“The queen?” I said, I hadn’t spoken since they threw me in here only three days prior, my voice was a bit hoarse.

“Ardyn.”

My eyes widened as I heard her voice.

The door to my cell opened and closed.

I couldn’t bear to look at her. “Clomoria...”

“Somnus promised he’d let you go.” her voice cracked. “Get northward. I found a place fo-”

“You think he’ll keep to his word!” I snapped my head up to look at her. Something in me broke when she flinched as if scared of me.

“No. I don’t think he will. No. I know Somnus will not keep to his word. But there isn’t anything I can do.” She looked at her feet, she was in a green dress with a higher neck, traditional wear of a married woman, keeping the bosom covered...

“Clo, at the wedding,” I glanced at the guard as I stood, my chains keeping me close to my bed, there was less than a foot between us. But the inches seemed infinite. “Trust me. I’m begging you for the last time Clomoria.”

She stared at me. “Ardyn. I trust you with my life.”

I stare at her. “Please come here.”

She walked forward and wrapped her arms around me. I buried my face in her shoulder and inhaled her scent, it was of lavendar and honey... and-

I pulled away. “Has Somnus touched you?”

She shook her head. “He tried. He wasn’t too persistent.”

I stare at her. “I’m sorry Clo.”

“Aye!” The guard called. “Time’s up.”

She kissed my forehead and cheeks before kissing me hard on the lips. I stood there half flustered and half disappointed that Clomoria had to go.

“Goodbye Ardyn...” She backed to the door.

“Who said you could be down here?”

Clomoria jumped. “Somnus...”

I looked at my younger brother. "Let her go.”

“She agreed to save you.” Somnus opened the cell and grabbed Clomoria. “Be grateful brother. There were so many other women who would love to be in her place.”

I grit my teeth and tried to move towards Somnus, my damned chains preventing me from going any further towards him. “Somnus. I swear-”

“Go ahead.” Somnus shoved Clomoria out of the cell and stepped towards me, remaining just out of my range. “Do something brother.”

I glared at Somnus but in the end I looked away, “I wish you happiness, brother.” I said.

He snorted. “Come Clomoria.”

The door to my cell shut and I curled up in my bed and for the first time in nearly twelve years, I cried myself to sleep.

~.~.~.~

I paced back and forth. This couldn’t be...

I needed to get rid of her. She was in my place. I kicked the mannequin that held the dress I had chosen for my wedding... My wedding to Somnus. That wench had stolen him just as she had stolen Ardyn from Aera.

But I wasn’t Aera. I’d fight. And I’d win.

I watched as they hauled the red-haired man to the church. I found it sad, the fact that such a handsome man with such a great mind was going to be lost. Ardyn could’ve served as a better puppet than Somnus but unlike Somnus, Ardyn was loyal to those he cared about before those he’d just met.

I shuddered at the memory of my approaching him, the confession, the rejection. It wasn’t for true love no, but a love confession for a man with power. But I couldn’t beat Clomoria, not even Aera could, even with how close the oracle had been to Ardyn.

When I told Somnus to try to become king, I planted the seed of revenge and anger. I grew the blossoms of hatred and jealousy. I made the fatal mistake of falling for my puppet. I remember how angry it had made me to see him dragging Clomoria from the dungeon so possessively. The way he shoved her against the wall thinking no one had seen him, how he had caged her in, the tension so thick in the air not even a sword could cut it.

I wished I was her. SO desired.

I remember screaming in rage as I stared at myself in the mirror. I was so hideous!

Clomoria had fair, clear skin and she had a small beauty mark beside her lip. I had blemished freckled skin, I hated it. I hated myself.

Clomoria had a petite, athletic figure. I was plump and often had to tighten my corset to suck my chest in. I hated my body.

Clomoria had beautiful almond shaped amber eyes with pupils that glittered like the stars. I had big bug like grass green eyes. I couldn’t bear to look at my eyes in the mirror.

Clomoria had thick black hair that rolled down her back like a waterfall, I had curly, easy tangling red locks that agitated me to the extent that I nearly cut it.

Clomoria was kind, and bold, and beautiful and cunning. I was nothing compared to her.

I watched the way Aera broke as she realized she, the once most beautiful woman in the village, was overthrown by Clomoria. I stood no chance against Aera, to Aera I was merely a wild dog compared to a majestic wolf. To Clomoria, I was a bug compared to a goddess.

I wore a simple dress to the wedding, heading to the church as the bells tolled.

“With this ring.” The priest said. “I bind Somnus Lucis Caelum, not only to the now Kingdom of Lucis, but to his queen, Clomoria Flor Decebal and her to her position as queen.”

She looked so miserable.

“Do you, Somnus Lucis Caelum, take Clomoria Flor Decebal as your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.” Somnus said with a smile.

I wanted to scream.

“Do you, Clomoria Flor Decebal, take Somnus Lucis Caelum as your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I-” Clomoria started.

“Clo!” Ardyn had managed to break from the guards grasp and get the guard in a chokehold by the door. “RUN!”

The crowd turned with wide eyes and screams.

Clomoria grabbed her dress and started running. Ardyn released the guard and fumbled for the man’s sword before being tackled by the villagers.

“Go!” Ardyn yelled. “I’ll find you!”

Clomoria hesitated. She hesitated one heart beat too long.

The crowd gasped as the sound of metal stabbing through flesh filled the air. Clomoria gasped.

Somnus was behind her, so fast... His sword had run through her abdomen, he held her head back so delicately in his hand, his lips grazing her ear as he whispered.

Ardyn was screaming, crying...

Somnus ripped his sword from Clomoria and let her fall to the floor. She crawled to Ardyn, her beautiful wedding dress soaked in red, “Forgive me.. Ardyn...” She reached for him but her hand went limp. “Follow in the footsteps of Faturi, the goddess holds no grudge...”

My idol, my enemy, the bane of my existence had died.

#final fantasy 15 ardyn #ffxv ardyn #ardyn lucis caelum #episode ardyn #ardyn izunia #ff15 #ffxv #final fantasy 15 #final fantasy xv #original character #original female character #somnus lucis caelum #ffxv somnus #aera mirus fleuret #ffxv aera

4 notes · View notes

xxkhxndlelitexx · 9 months

Text

One True King PROLOGUE Part 4/4

✷✶✷

Warning: None fr canon fighting and added astral for effect pookies

Word Count: 4.7k this one ran a lil long too

I apologize for any spelling and grammar mistakes

Happy readings

✷✶✷

“He killed her Clodestine!” Bahamut growled lowly, from his position at the head of the table.

“The humans have become irresponsible. Even our oracle.” Ramuh huffed, lighting sparking between his fingers.

“I believe they sshould fall asss Sssolheim did.” Leviathan rolled her eyes.

“Have mercy on them.” Shiva sighed, touching the table, it slowly began icing over.

“Kill them!” Titan banged his fist on the table.

“You sssound like Ifirit!” Leviathan hissed.

“Do not compare me to that rancid ball of fi-” Titan started.

“I will not let you all smother Ifirit’s name like this!” Shiva yelled.

The table went silent.

“It makes no difference.” Ramuh said rubbing his beard.

“Ramuh is right.” Bahamut sighed, whipping his tail back and forth, the gold barb at the end of his scales raking against the floor.

The five Astals looked at each other.

“What do you think sister?” Bahamut asked the woman behind him.

Compared to the other gods she was massive, her six angelic wings fluttered. Her amber eyes scanned the Astrals, her black hair rolling down her back in thick waves. An almost exact copy of her incarnation.

“Give them another chance.” She sighed.

“Faturi!” Titan interjected. “The world of man has proved themselves incapable of following instructions on more occasions than not.”

“And who’s idea was to create humans?” Her head didn’t turn but her amber gaze was on him.

“Forgive Titan, sister.” Bahamut sighed. “I make plans for the true king to ascend the throne of man.”

“Oh?” Faturi raised an eyebrow. “Who is this?”

“He will be of the royal line of Lucis, but so true to his people, so honorable, he will ascend as a god.”

“I see.” Faturi nodded. “Leave the world of man be for now.”

“I ssshould’ve known your wayss would be sswayed by the likes of a child.” Leviathan spat at Bahamut.

“My sister is just as much a god as the rest of you.” Bahamut removed his draconic helmet. “I will not have you disrespecting her, especially since she is your queen.”

“I hold no objection to Faturi’s plan.” Ramuh said and stood.

“Of course, you don’t! You old geezer!” Titan stood and cast his chair to the floor.

“Titan-” Shiva started.

“Titan isss right!” Leviathan slithered from her seat in Titan’s defense.

“But the humans were his idea!” Shiva shouted.

“Enough!” Faturi yelled and the table vanished, the Astrals looked up at her. “This is not a matter of whether or not humans will continue to exist. Ardyn is already immortal. Even if we wiped out the world of man, I see a distant future plagued by darkness.”

“Faturi.” Bahamut looked at his younger sister. “They killed your incarnation on earth, they killed our oracle.”

“I set fate as a story to tale of your future. I use the happens of your ancestors.” Faturi sighed and sat in a huge throne. “Brother, if I held a grudge against humanity, what kind of goddess would I be?”

It was then they realized. This is why she was their queen. Ifirit had taken his rage out on man as they forgot of him after he gave the Burning Wisdom, Shiva took her sadness out on man after Ifirit was imprisoned, Ramuh constantly was on the world of man in his storms and raging winds, Leviathan swallowed entire cities beneath the sea for disrespecting her. And Bahamut, he started wars and watched the men kill themselves.

Faturi had a short temper, but she never did anything. After Bahamut created Ardyn with the intentions of making him the king of man, Faturi had created the Star scourge to keep man from becoming too powerful. Perhaps it was her young mind that kept her from being cruel. She had only been created from the explosion of a star a little less than a millennia ago.

“Let it be so.” Faturi leaned back in her chair. “When the One True King of man is created, my incarnation will become one with the world of man.”

The gods bowed their heads and to the sea hid Leviathan. Titan went on his way to roam Eos. Ramuh went in hiding near Angelgard. Shiva vanished into winter winds once more and Bahamut remained in the stars with Faturi, the astrals finally at rest.

~.~.~.~

I woke to the sound of a drill and the glare of a light in my eyes.

“He’s here...” A voice said.

“Coulda broken out ages ago.” Another muttered, “These chains are ancient.”

“Don’t say that,” said a female voice. “This guy gives me the creeps.”

Someone grabbed my face and lifted my head up, I saw the light and started opening my eyes. “He’s not a bad face,” said the woman who held my face.

I made a small sound. I could see a small smirk on her face.

“He ain’t dead either.” She released me. “Load him up, I’ll inform Besithia.”

I fell forward as my chains were removed. A soldier caught me and with the help of another, started dragging me out of the cave.

Clomoria... Aera... Somnus... Are you still king little brother? How long have I been in here?

“With this guy we can really teach Lucis something.” One of the guards said with a low chuckle.

“That little prince Regis and his daddy Mors won’t stop us.” The other said excitedly.

Regis? Mors? Who?

I shifted slightly and the guard that held my arm cursed slightly.

“Man’s a living husk!” He let me fall. “You sure he’s a holy healer.”

“That’s what the legends say.”

I stood and wobbled. “Where am I?”

The soldiers got into position as if scared of me.

There was a sight of blue crystals twinkling away. I jumped slightly as soldiers with long curved blades lunged for the soldiers who had freed me.

I stumbled back as one slit the throat of the guard who had mentioned legends. I watched as two other soldiers held the other guard in a chokehold.

“Stop!” I could barely speak. My voice hoarse. “Why are you-”

“You must remain contained by the order of King Mors!” The soldier who had killed the guard lunged at me, I jumped back and stumbled.

I plan to get married; I FIGHT! I’m imprisoned; I FIGHT! I’m freed; I FIGHT! MUST THE ASTRALS BE SO CRUEL TO ME!

The soldier swung his sword at me, and I barely dodged it, I hadn’t expected him to swing it back around and my hand came up in my defense, I grabbed the blade and cursed as my palm was cut.

The soldier's eyes went wide behind his mask, and I used my other hand to punch him before twisting the blade out of his hand. I managed to get the sword against his neck.

“For hearth and home-” He said. And I slit his throat.

The other soldiers stood there with scared expressions. I rushed at the one that held the guard, he must be dead. Gods forgive me, I grabbed the limp guard as I rushed at the soldiers, they swung their swords at me and I was forced to use the man’s dead body in my defense before I stabbed one soldier and grabbed the other.

“Where am I?” I panted.

The soldier trembled in fear. “I-”

“Where am I?!” I yelled.

“Angelgard...” He whispered.

“Where is the king?” I shook him slightly.

“I’ll never tell you! You harbinger of death!” He yelled.

“I am a healer!”

“Liar!” He grabbed his sword and tried to stab my neck.

I grabbed his wrist and pinned it down before pressing my palm to his chest. I’d heal this man and prove a point. The purple and black flames that came from his body made my eyes widen.

“No...” I stumbled back. “That wasn’t supposed to-”

I stumbled and fell. Star scourge... he’s demonified, what is this?

“Ardyn Lucis Caelum...” A voice said and I looked up at a man with short cropped blond hair. “I will love working with you.”

I stared at the man, in him I saw so much of... a memory of the tax collector’s son ran through my mind.

I fell back struggling to keep my eyes open.

“Don’t strain yourself, we need you at peak performance.”

And with that, I passed out.

~.~.~.~

When I started working with Ardyn Lucis Caelum and Ifirit, I never thought I’d be in such a situation. Drawing blood for testing for the millionth time, but now pressed against the wall in fear, Ardyn had woken up with quite the start. Going on a mad rant about a woman named Clomoria and Somnus the first king of Lucis.

“Please calm dow-” I started from my little corner.

“Calm down?” Ardyn looked at me, his amber eyes surveying me carefully. “Who are you?”

I swallowed “Sora Lestan.”

“Sora.” he said softly as if committing my name to memory. “Tell me, Sora, where am I?”

“You are in a Nifleheim testing sight.” I said clearing my throat, “I’ve already sent for Besithia.”

“And who is that?” he asked.

“The great scientist who saved you.” I smiled.

“Who saved me?” He furrowed his brows as if trying to remember.

Over the speakers overhead came the voice of my boss and mentor, Verstael Besithia, “Sora, escort Ardyn to the conference room.”

I turn to the tall red-haired man who now seemed infatuated with the florescent ceiling lights. As we began walking to the conference room he asked me the day.

“It’s September 7th.” I answered as we exited the testing room, I pressed my card to the scanner and the door unlocked before I entered a password to actually push it open.

“And the year?” He asked.

“Um...” I glanced up at him. “It's 722.”

He froze. “What?!”

“Ardyn, sir.” I looked up at him. “You’ve been imprisoned for 2000, since roughly 1278 BME(Before Modern Era)”

“What...” he took several shaky breaths. “You must be playing jokes on me, right?”

“No.” I motioned to the lights and continued walking, forcing him to follow, “Do you see torches? Do you see horses and carts? Look at how I dress.” I get to the conference room and press my keycard to the scanner and this time without the passcode, I open it.

“Sora! Ardyn!” My boss said with a big smile. “Take a seat, take a seat. Make yourself comfortable.”

Verstael was a calm man to the face of anyone who wasn’t around him 24/7, unlucky for me, I was around the mad scientist 24/7. It wasn’t that I didn’t like him, I held him in quite high regard in terms of respect, but in all honesty, Verstael was overbearing, especially went it came to tampering with the hands of gods. I remember how scared I had been when we had recovered Ifirit from the Rock of Ravatogh, the fire deity could’ve killed me, if not he was frozen once again in the knick of time. Verstael had congratulated me on putting science before my life.

This wasn’t science though; this was my life. I was scared I would die working with a man to such I held so much adoration for. But as I was directed to leave Ardyn and Verstael to talk amongst themselves, I knew my life was about to be put in much more danger.

~.~.~.~

I stared at myself in the mirror, I wasn’t ready. I couldn’t be the king my father once was, or the king his forefathers were. I took a shaky breath and turned to walk out of my room, but hearing the gathering people of Insomnia, I turned back to the mirror and started hyperventilating again.

“Reggie?” A soft voice said behind me.

I turned to look at the blonde-haired woman, she was my angel, my support with her lovely blue eyes, button nose and full heart shaped lips, my everything. Aulea...

“Dear?” She said, tilting her head. “Are you too lost in thought to hear me?”

I sighed and hugged her, burying my face in her shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, giggling slightly.

“I can’t do it.” I mumbled into her shoulder.

“Why?” she asked, hugging me back.

“I’m going to mess up as king, I'm going to fail my people.” I felt the tears coming to my eyes.

“Regis.” she said softly. “You won’t fail us. You’re an amazing king,” She pulled away and smiled up at me. “I’m right here to help you.”

I relaxed and as I leaned into kiss her, I winced as she kicked my shin “What was that for!?!” I grimaced.

“You’ll be an awful king if you think like this Regis!” She flicked my forehead. “Whether we’re young and naive or not! You cannot, and I will NOT allow you to think poorly of yourself and your capabilities as king.” She put her hands on her hips. “If you do, I'll kick it into you.”

I felt the heat rushing to my cheeks. She was arrogant, passionate, persistent, and a bit violent at times, but this was my wife, my queen. I hugged her again and muttered against her neck. “I love you so much...”

Her demeanor softened and she hugged me back, “I love you too, Reggie. Now, let’s go enjoy Founder Day.”

~.~.~

I did not need the clothes of a Lucian, I’d given up who I was long ago, I would hold no ties to a nation once mine.

I stepped out of the car and watched as the confetti fell around me. The sounds of a bustling modern city filled my ears as I walked, I took a deep breath. The land that had once smelled of crops and trees and horse dung, fresh air and the lavender that grew in the fields, now reeked of car fuel, expensive perfume and cologne, random goods from shops and-

Magic... I felt it all around me.

Pulsating and protecting and flowing. There was magic, there was life, there was power all over Insomnia... It hadn’t been this way long ago when I was imprisoned, there hadn’t been the protective barrier around the city. I took a deep breath; they were worshipping a man who never should’ve been king... and I let them.

“Home sweet home at last.” I sighed, before starting up the street towards the sounds of directive speakers. Something about Founder’s Day... a holiday for my idiot brother. I strolled up the street to the center of town.

This... This was where our tree once was...

I looked up and a flash of memory crossed my mind. A tree with big leafy branches and that dark haired woman smiling down at me. My vision focused once more, my sights locked on a hideous statue of my brother... The plaque attached to the base of the statue read:

Somnus Lucis Caelum

First king and founder of Lucis

I wanted to destroy it, I wanted to crush it in my hands, I wanted to kill Somnus, kill him for killing Aera, for killing Clomoria. The last time I’d heard from my brother long before this age of time, he had asked for my forgiveness, his new queen was unable to have child... Rumor from the constant visits from guards said the Forgotten Goddess of Fate, Faturi Clodestine, had stripped the young queen of her womb for a crime unknown to the kingdom of Lucis.

Looking up at his statue now, all I could see was that wicked grin he gave me as he sentenced me to eternal hell on Angelgard. My dear brother... I remembered how long I’d spent crying wishing he’d come back for me, but he came for forgiveness, never releasing me...

“If you continue up the street, you’ll see a memorial of the Founder’s First Love, Clomoria Flor Decebal.” The directive speakers said, “The mural called The Fallen Angel is repainted every year to preserve the woman’s beauty.”

I walked towards the mural and my eyes widened, it was her, in the tree... smiling down at not me, but Somnus.

I felt my anger boil over then.

How dare he! He stole my throne, he killed my lover, he killed our best friend...

The directive speaker’s voice came loud and clear. “The parade is about to begin! Please prepare yourself for the arrival of King Regis and Queen Aulea!”

I turned, a calculated grin on my face as I headed up the street, there was an intersection. Perfect.

“Let the fireworks begin!” I shouted.

I got a few strange looks. Where is Ifirit... I looked around for the fire deity before hearing a scream and whipping around as a car flipped over. “That works.” I grinned.

I drew a sword from thin air and with a big smile continued up the street to the sounds of festive music. I saw it then, an entourage of guards and at the center was a carriage.

I wonder what’s in there? I smirked and approached the group, a man with a helme with wings at the wings raised his blade.

“State your purpose. The parade has not began...” He said, I could see his eyes narrowing through the visor of his helmet.

“I think...” I stepped closer and smiled as Ifirit rounded the corner with a roar of anger setting fire to the grass and scorching the street in his wake. “The people in that carriage have something of mine.”

“Crownsguard!” The man shouted and the guards raised their swords. “Charge.”

I pointed my sword forward and smirked as the guards began to warp. So that’s where the magic is... It’s in the people. “Boom.” I smirked.

Ifirit rushed at the carriage and kicked the guards in his way.

A shriek came from the carriage as a man with a long regal looking robe swept a blonde-haired woman off her feet and began to run.

“Young, naïve king and queen.” I smiled devilishly and warped towards the duo. I raised my sword and was met in shock as the woman swung a short blade knicking my face and scaring me enough to force me back.

She disappeared into a flurry of crystals.

“Be safe, Aulea.” said the man before turning to face me slowly. “Who are you to intrude on my kingdom during Founder’s Day?”

This boy. He looked just like Somnus, with a beard and a bit taller. There was a silent rage in his eyes, so passive aggressive...

“I am your ancestor.” I smiled, putting my arms out with a smile. “I’d like to play a ga-”

My eyes widened as a flurry of blue crystalline weapons flew at me, the one heading straight for my face belonged to... Somnus... I barely dodged, raising my sword at the last moment to clash against the boy’s.

“And you dare harm my queen?” He said calmly, swinging his sword again.

“As your FOUNDER did to my lover!” I raised my hand and a flurry of red crystalline weapons were launched at him.

He looked stunned, jumping back and gasping as my sword grazed his throat, drawing a sliver of blood from the wound. I gasped as the earth shook beneath me, something was interfering, my vision blurred, and I saw her, Clomoria’s big smile, and a grey-green looking man, he was huge...

I raised my sword and lunged for the boy, his sword clashed with mine and I smiled, weak... I parried and he stumbled back. I got back into position and smirked, “Hit me, nephew.”

The boy growled lowly. “My name is Regis, to you it’s your highness.” He rushed at me, sword in hand, and the swings began the sound of clashing swords filling the air as well as the roar of Ifirit and the screams of the guards.

I honed in on his movements, swinging my sword faster than before, my teeth grit in a vengeful determination before I hit him his sword hard with my own. The boy stumbled and before he could collect himself, I hit him in the chest with the butt of my sword and then reared my hand back in a fist, punching his face.

Regis fell, gasping. I pointed my sword at his throat and smiled wickedly. “I’m just here to take what was once mine.” I pulled my sword back ready to kill the young king.

“Brother!” A force knocked me onto my back.

I lay there stunned. I hadn’t heard that properly. “Somnus...” I sat up slowly and there it was a giant spirit, clad in armor, it had the voice of my brother. I’d heard stories of this defender of Lucis, it was called The Old Wall for it protected Insomnia as the crystal’s barrier did now.

I got to my feet and stared at the spirit. I swallowed, biting back bitter tears of sadness and rage. “Somnus!” I bellowed. “This is the kingdom you’ve built?”

I stared at Regis, who after everything, had fallen unconscious.

“A boy king?!” I stepped around, gripping my sword tightly. “A city hidden behind a wall?” I turned to face him. “A false throne?!”

“Ardyn...” Somnus’s voice rang out. “If I could prove to you, how much I regret my decisions, I would.”

“Liar.” I spat. “You killed her! You made a mural out of my lover! You told a lie to the people!”

Somnus looked down at me, his spirit giving a sigh filled with sadness and regret. “Then leave my children be.”

“You- Your children. Your children?!” I turned. “What child could you ever have with your queen? Begging for the gods forgiveness to bless you with one child!”

Somnus’s voice lost its remorse. “You dare to bring up-”

“You lose everything!” I shouted. “It never belonged to you, so I am taking it back.”

The giant sword swung across the street and Somnus voice boomed. “I will not tolerate you destroying my kingdom!”

I rolled away before the sword hit me and charged at this mimic of Somnus, this couldn’t be my brother. I wanted to fight him as he was, I would destroy his soul, I would kill my brother over and over again until I felt that she was satisfied. I slashed at the huge spirits legs.

It fell to its knees and from within it, fell a smaller spirit as the big armor vanished into a flurry of crystals. I watched as Somnus touched ground and collapsed weakly.

“Brother... What I did... I regret but I did it for our people...” Somnus said as he looked up at me.

“You... killed her for our people?” I put on a tight grin. “Is that something you tell yourself, so you feel noble? Did you think about how she felt-”

“I was doing what the gods commanded. I was protecting our people. Fulfilling the prophecy.” Somnus said.

“Here I thought I was blessed. But it was you brother, wasn’t it?” I gritted my teeth and looked at the ground. “It was fated right?”

“I won’t ask your forgiveness; I don’t deserve it... But I beg for your understanding.” Somnus looked down as well, the distance between us grown far to large.

“You took everything... EVERYTHING! And you want my forgiveness?” I scowled at him.

“I pray your soul find repose, brother.” Somnus stood and with a saddened expression, he walked back as he faded into crystals.

I huff through my nose like an enraged bull and turn back to the unconscious Regis. “This ends here!” I summoned my sword and raised it high above the boy.

As I brought it down, I was stopped once more, this time, by a voice that boomed over the entirety of the world. “ARDYN LUCIS CAELUM! I command thee to halt and kneel before me.”

I looked up as a tower near me was struck by a beam of light. Ifirit roared as from the heavens several swords fell and forced the demonified Astral to vanish once more. A great thing drifted from the clouds, it looked man, it looked beast, it looked holy. “I, Bladekeeper Bahamut, shall not allow you be tarnished as the slayer of kings.”

There was a flash of light and suddenly I was in a blue landscape, Bahamut was there huge and intimidating.

I gasped and looked around, there was the silhouette of someone huge, bigger than Bahamut, sitting on a chair.

“What did I do for you to interfere in my revenge plot?” I snapped.

“By choice of one forgotten, your path has changed.” Bahamut answered.

“I-” I wanted to protest.

“Spreading darkness to all four corners of the of our world is what you were born to do.” He explained.

My eyes widened. “Darkness?”

“In time, the True King will be born. Again, the incarnation of one forgotten will be too born. They will vanquish the darkness. Because of this, you are to be sacrificed by the two and your sou-”

“Why must I always lose?” I shouted. “What have I done so wrong in the eyes of the gods!? Have I not suffered enough?”

“When the True King reaches the peak of his power, you shall be released from your eternal suffering.”

“That...” I gritted my teeth. “Clomoria died to those fools and you think my suffering is brought by living?”

“Clomoria awaits you.” the voice was so overpowering, so condescending...

“You say... I am not the savior of man but the sacrifice...” I looked up at Bahamut. “And my dead lover just never has her peace?”

“She is at peac-” Bahamut started.

“I WILL KNOW WHEN SHE IS SATISTFIED!” I yelled, what did this foolish god know.. “When they are DEAD, when they rot in their own destruction and ruin, when she can breathe in the afterlife free of the falsified chains Somnus confined her in!”

“It is written in the books of fate. It is what you must do.” Bahamut said.

I sat there thinking for a moment. I never asked for this, I never asked for the power I had, I never asked for the throne, I never asked for Clomoria to die. Time and time again, the Astrals gave me what I never wanted, WHAT I NEVER NEEDED. Sacrifice... again... no... never.

“Not once have I asked for anything of you.” I glared up at the god. “Not ever will I bow to you or your foolish will.”

“The minds of man never cease to amaze me.” Bahamut said lowly.

“I am no man, I am a monster born by you and your fellow gods negligen-”

I gasp as suddenly I was chained. A wisp came into view, the silhouette of the person on the throne vanishing a woman with dark hair and golden eyes appearing before me. My eyes widened. She looked so fitting here, white robes and golden chains.

“CLOMOR-” she placed a finger on my lips.

“Silence is your greatest skill.” She said softly. “Holding a grudge was never like you,” She pulled away and summoned a spear, silver in color with a ruby at the bade of bladed end. “Patience is what you must learn.”

“I-” I was cut off as she stabbed my chest with the spear, it was so painful.

“This... This is where we will meet in time. Patience will be your greatest virtue.”

I gasped as she ripped the spear out. I couldn't stop bleeding. I struggled to breathe as she took my face in her hands and I saw the huge wings behind her.

“The lives of man, born and dead has been preordained. Not even you can defy that.” The wings spread in a flurry of white feathers, a single feather falling into my jacket. “Not one thing exists without the Astrals.”

“Please...” I muttered. I could see it in her golden eyes. The pain of seeing me like this...

“I’m waiting for you...” She whispered into my ear. “Resist if you wish.”

And as she released my face I collapsed to the floor, falling, falling, falling onto stone far from Lucis. I looked up and saw my cave on Angelgard.

“So, you wait for me...” I muttered. “Do I even live...” I shake my head, “Doesn’t matter.” I stood and walked from my tomb out into the open air, seeing tall grass for miles. I saw Somnus and Aera in the distance talking under the three.

Finally, my sense of peace is in my reach.

2 notes · View notes