Afterlife (Final Fantasy XV Fanfiction)

Afterlife

Somnus wasn't sure just why he'd found himself this place in particular. Fields of tall, green grasses and sylleblossoms, strangely very reminiscent of the place he and his brother used to play in as children, surrounded him. The sky was light blue yet there was no sun that he could see. A gentle breeze swayed the grasses and carried the scent of the flowers.

The Founder King felt light, free of the burden of his duty after so long. He found himself wearing the clothes he did the day he'd imprisoned Ardyn, even being the same age. He never understood why his Lucii form was younger than the age he died at. It may have had something to do with himself and his regrets on that awful day.

Somnus knew wherever he was now must be the 'Beyond', a place only those whose lives were extinguished could venture. Those still of the living, and even the Astrals, could not enter without first leaving their life on Eos behind. The Founder King hoped to see those he'd been parted from for over two millennia, having been denied rest until his duty was complete. His dearest wish now was to reunite with his loved ones. The man could faintly feel them; his friends, his family.

A strong comforting aura, obviously his shield. The man who'd protected him for his entire mortal life. A soft gentle presence, his wife. A woman who'd calmed when his mind raced with far too many thoughts and regrets. A calming sound, almost like the plucking of a harp. His daughter and the instrument she so dearly loved to play, especially for her parents. The faint remnant of mischievous laughter, his son's no doubt. He'd been a gentle young man who loved to make others laugh with little quips and pranks.

Those Somnus cherished waited for him and the man desired wholeheartedly to meet them. It had been far too long since he'd seen them last.

He'd not gone yet, however. He was waiting.

For there was one other the Founder King desired to see in this place. One person he'd prayed for years might find salvation from the disease that plagued him. He wished to meet him first, even if that encounter might not go favourably.

As if summoned, the Lucii felt a tug, something deep within him that seemed to call to him. He was startled at the feeling, one that overpowered all others. The man felt a sense of familiarity and the echo of despair, of anger, of loneliness. It came again and, almost unwilling, Somnus began to walk towards the source at a brisk pace.

Time passed as the man traveled across the lush grassy fields. The pull grew stronger until, after what felt like hours, Somnus glimpsed a familiar figure far ahead of him. The figure was alone with his back turned, making his way through the grass at a much slower pace.

"Ardyn!" Somnus cried out his brother's name. His brother was still wearing those layers of gaudy clothing he had during his battle with the Chosen King. The mismatched clothing he'd been fond of as the Chancellor of Niflheim. He was instantly recognizable.

The younger brother sprinted towards Ardyn, across the grasses and vibrant flowers. He could feel the green blades brushing across his sandaled feet. Everything about this felt familiar. Somnus had not been in this realm long but perhaps the surroundings changed according to the memories of those that would now reside in it. Had his and Ardyn's memories created these fields that resembled those of their youth?

Ardyn froze and then turned to face his brother. His, still golden, eyes widened slightly in shock when he saw him. It seemed as if he was rather startled by his younger brother's appearance and hasty approach. His face returned to a neutral expression after just a brief moment.

Somnus found himself stopping just short of throwing himself at his brother in an embrace. Was Ardyn angry, he wondered. Did he even wish to reconcile? The younger brother was unsure, but it did not stop him from doing what he did next.