Chapter 1:

Hugo scanned the Karaya plains lazily, sitting on the soft blanket of grass, enjoying the sun's pleasant warmth on the back of his neck. In his strong fingers he twirled a small dandelion, not paying attention to anything in particular. His eyes glazed over the soft rolling hills of the Karaya plains. It was spring time, and the flowers seemed to pop out of the ground, eager to drink up the rays of the glorious sun. Landmarks in the plains were few and far between. The plains were miles long, full of budding wildlife and beauty. It was both lonely and relaxing. Hugo did much of his thinking out in the plains, away from civilzation and people. Members of the Karaya Clan assumed that he had become a loner, and that had lost part of his soul to the True Fire Rune, when in fact it was quite the opposite. The elemental rune made nature speak to him. Hugo could hear the rolling hills, flowers, and sun as if they were whispering in some deep, hidden, parcel of his mind. It didn't speak in words, or even in feeling, it was just some feeling that Hugo could identify with deep in his soul.

From behind him, Hugo could feel the wings of his faithful companion beating down toward to the ground, slowing the beautiful creature. Hugo turned his head and cheerfully looked at his lifelong friend Fubar. Hugo stood up slowly from the grassy hillside and gracefully walked toward Fubar. He patted Fubar's head and ruffled the feathers on the top of his head so that they stood upright. Hugo chuckled to himself as Fubar shook his head to fix the feathers letting out a discreet squwak of delight. Hugo delicately hopped onto Fubar's back. With great strength, Fubar pushed up off the ground, flapped his wings, and flew up toward the sun.

Hugo and Fubar were far up off the ground in no time. At this height Hugo could look across the Grasslands. He saw Brass Castle off in the distance, the Lizard Clan's caves not too far off, the remants of the Karayan village behind him, and out near the horizon he picked out Thomas' castle. In no time, Fubar neared Thomas' castle and swooped down toward the ground to let Hugo off. Hugo landed softly on the stone walkway of Budehuc Castle.

The castle grounds were flooded with people and merchants. They were like ants scrambling around the ant hill. Hugo reminisced of the times when the castle was inhabited just by Thomas and his friends. It had so much potential at the time, and although Thomas was originally frail and somewhat naive, he had matured so much over the years. Thomas took it upon himself to really interact with those staying at his castle. He mingled with all kinds of people in his town of all different races and social class. Thomas and Hugo had actually become quite close as well, both learning to come into their own. Hugo was expected to be the new Hero of the Grasslands and Thomas was supposed to be this King-like figure. Hugo eventually took Thomas out to learn how to fight and toughen him up a bit. Thomas eventually took up horseback riding and became quite skilled at it. Hugo had asked Aila to help Thomas learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, and now Thomas could shoot a bow and arrow with dead-on accuracy while riding his horse. Hugo decided to walk around a bit before he went to find his friend.

He wandered the open town square for a bit, getting bumped by the masses of people scurrying about. Hugo was looking around to see if he recognized anyone when out of the clear blue somebody walked straight into Hugo, nearly knocking him backward. Hugo angrily looked at who it was and his face instantly relaxed as a grin emerged.

"Afternoon Hallec!" Hugo cheerfully greeted.

"Hi Flame Champion," Hallec said monotone, as usual.

"C'mon Hallec, call me Hugo. You just never learn do you?" Hugo added lazily rubbing the back of his head.

"Hallec lost friend."

"Which friend now Hallec?"

"Spot."

Hugo laughed at that. Spot was the name of a puppy Hallec had found. It was actually a funny image, picturing the giant, muscular, war-ravaged Hallec walking around with a puppy.

"Don't worry Hallec, I'm sure he's with the other puppies. I need to go find Thomas though, we'll catch up more later okay?"

Hallec's head drooped and nodded as he waved goodbye to Hugo.

Hugo continued walking through town square, nearing the stairway up to Budehuc Castle. Something struck him deep down all of a sudden. It was both a warmth and a calling, something not usual. It was the presence of a True Rune nearby. Hugo held his hand out in front of him, letting the True Fire Rune lead him up the stairs toward the castle. He passed a few young giggly girls pointing and whispering about their favorite man around, Hugo. He blushed but did not waver from the feeling. He opened the castle doors and walked into the foyer. He ascended the marble stairway and eventually found himself facing the door to Thomas' office.

He grabbed the door handle and slowly swung the door open. He peered in and saw that Thomas was sitting at his desk with Lady Chris Lightfellow next to the desk. She stood straight as sword, her face serene yet stern. She had her hands clasped behind her back, her large blue eyes looking at the man seated in front of the desk.

The stranger turned around and looked at Hugo.

"Greetings Master Hugo. It is a pleasure to meet with you once again," the stranger greeted.

"Bishop Sasarai!" Hugo excaimed, shocked to see the Harmonian minister. "It's been over three years since I've seen you!"

"Why yes, astounding how time flies, is it not?" Sasarai replied cheerfully. "You sure have grown quite a bit. Filling out to be that powerful Karayan no doubt!"

"Hi Hugo!" Thomas exclaimed with a smile that stretched ear to ear. "How was your little trip? No matter! Sasarai has something important he'd like to tell us. We've been engaged in small talk while we waited for Fubar to go get you. If you'd take a seat, we can now begin."

Hugo walked over next to Sasarai and folded himself into a cross-legged position on the floor. He still wasn't used to normal chairs. He glanced and Chris and smirked shyly at her.

"Where's Geddoe?" Hugo asked Thomas. "If it's important he should hear it too, right?"

"Not sure yet, we sent a search party to go look for him, but it seems he has wondered off somewhere. It's not unusual that he's gone, but it's been nearly a week since he's been seen," Thomas answered. "I'd like to get started now though. I bet the Bishop has waited long enough to tell us his message."

Sasarai nodded and shifted uncomfortably in his seat, opening his mouth to speak. "There has been talk among the nobles of Harmonia that Hikusaak has found out about Luc's death. They've said that he's very angry at the loss of the True Wind Rune, and he would like somebody to go find it for him. Now, I figured this was a matter that the Grasslands should settle, so I left to come here and ask for your assistance searching for the Rune. This of course is rumor only, nobody has been in direct contact with Hikusaak for hundreds of years. Regardless, I feel responsible for seeking out the rune."

Chris stared intently at Sasarai and asked, "How do we know the rune isn't destroyed? And why would help the Harmonians?"

"Well, if the rune was destroyed, we would have definitely felt an imbalance in the world, and there would have been an explosion of some sort. So far there has been none, so there is reason to believe that it is intact somewhere," Sasarai replied. "I'd like to assemble a search team of our best warriors to find the True Wind Rune. And don't worry Miss, I've decided that I'm going to stay here at the castle. Harmonia will not get the True Wind Rune. Nobody knows of my leave or true intentions, but I fully plan on keeping the True Wind Rune when we find it. I do not agree with Hikusaak's plan to obtain all the runes."

Thomas stood up in surprise, "Isn't that dangerous, Bishop?"

"I have informed the nobles that I am merely on business for Harmonia. I have nothing to worry about. I would like to assemble a search team as soon as possible though. Is it possible to gather some of your companions to accompany us?"

"I'm sure we can arrange something," Hugo said thoughtfully.

The meeting had ended about half and hour ago. Hugo stood out on a balcony at the top of Budehuc castle, thinking about which companions he should bring to search for the True Rune. He leaned against the railing staring out into the distance. Hugo was much bigger now than when the Second Fire Bringer War happened. He had matured and was well past puberty. He was now over six feet tall, well chisled, wiser, and his hair now came down longer around his face and the back went below his neck where he tied it into a pony tail.

He had to create a team that could work efficiently and stand up to any danger along the way. He knew that Chris, Sasarai, and he would already be going, but he needed at least three to five more people to form a decent party. Edge immediately popped up in his mind. Edge was in posession of another True Rune, and was a very powerful fighter. He'd have to find messengers to the south to search for him. Louis could also come along. He had been training under Chris the past three years, taken strategic courses with Salome, and went through backbreaking workouts with Hallec and Leo. Louis had turned out to be an excellent warrior with a good heart, more-so than most people realized. Melville was a natural treasure hunter, he would have no problem finding things. Melville too had grown up to be strong. He was very independent and spent his time fighting creatures and going on daunting adventures. He felt that he had to out-do his father in nearly everything. He was a reckless young man, just a year or two younger than Hugo, but his luck seemed never ending, and was successful at nearly everything he did. Hugo also felt the need to track down Nash Latkje. Nash was a vital asset to any party, deftly getting through any problems or obstacles. Hugo had no idea where to begin looking for him though, so he tossed out the idea just as it flashed into his mind. That was it, Hugo had his mind made up. Edge, Louis, and Melville would accompany the True Rune bearers.

Hugo walked downstairs and assembled his search party to go south to find Edge. All the other members he chose were alreaydy at the castle, ready for combat at any moment. He saw Chris walking up to him. He looked away, and slowly started to walk toward the castle.

"Wait Hugo," she said. "Geddoe isn't back yet. We assembled the 12th unit to tell them about their leader's absence, and we found that Joker was also missing."

Hugo looked down at his feet. "I don't know then, do we go without him?"

"Come on Hugo, look me in the face like a man. You like to pretend you're not the leader, but ever since you united all these clans you've been a God to them. Make a decision and be the leader," Chris scolded.

"Don't you talk to me like that," Hugo said flushed with anger. He felt the True Fire Rune burning up inside of him.

Chris grabbed his hand, and although he wanted to pull away as if her touch burned his skin, her True Water Rune always cooled him down. She looked him in the face staring deep into his eyes.

He looked away and yanked his hand out of hers. "We move on without them." He started to walk away toward Budehuc castle.

Four days had passed when the search party for Edge finally returned. Edge walked into the village, much burlier and Viktor-like than when he left, clearly taking on the form of the sword's previous owner. He still had the same piercing eyes and stone face as ever though. Excited to see his old friend, Hugo strided over to Edge quickly. They exchanged handshakes and looked at each other sternly, still measuring who was the tougher warrior.

"Vanquish the foes you needed?" Hugo asked.

"Barely," a voice said from behind Edge.

Edge glanced over his shoulder at the sword on his back, "This kid is lucky I'm still sharp as ever," the sword spoke again.

"Please," Edge said in a deep voice, you're lucky I don't just throw you in the ocean and let you flow along to the Island Nations and Feitas River."

"Bring it on," the Star Dragon sword joked.

"Still haven't found a muzzle for it?" Hugo said jokingly.

"Hey, I'll muzzle you, you overgrown baby!" The Star Dragon Sword retorted.

"I don't mind it, the company keeps me from going insane," Edge replied.

"Really? If I had thing around me all the time I already would have gone insane," Hugo chuckled.

"So what's this exploration we're going to go on?" Edge inquired.

"To find the True Wind Rune," a voice said from behind Hugo.

Sasarai walked up to the two of them with Chris, Melville, and Louis,

"Interesting," The Sword said.

"Indeed. We'll need your help no doubt," Sasarai added.

"I feel intruiged. We can do this Edge, don't worry," The Sword spoke.

"Then we're leaving, now we've already waited too long. We'll go to the last place we saw the Rune. The Sindar Ruins."

After much traveling and battling, the group eventually made their way into the Sindar Ruins.

"I have a feeling that the Sindar Ruins we've seen so far, are not the full extent of the ruins," Edge spoke up.

"Oh really? And why's that?" Hugo asked.

"When I was down south, I met a man named Killey. He was telling me of all the ruins he's seen down in Falena and across the mainland, and how each ruin has deep secrets about it, and how there's always something hidden. I feel like we haven't unlocked this ruin completely."

The group continued on, quickly fighting off any beastly encounters. The group was well trained and stronger than ever, and most beasts stood no chance against their steel. As they continued on through the ruins, they eventually came to the hall where the cavern collapsed around Luc and Sarah. They made their way to the center and started to move away all the rocks.

"I doubt the Rune will still be in his body, it must go somewhere else when the person as died," Sasarai said as he heaved up another rock.

Eventually all the rocks had been moved, and the only things there were Luc's old mask and Sarah's old scepter. Hugo picked both of these items up.

"Wow, I wonder what happened to the bodies," he commented.

"Anything. The Runes hold powers which we have no idea," Louis piped up. He had been quiet the whole time. "Salome was telling me about the history of all the known Runes. It seems as though they're uncontrollable, and can take over people at any moment. He said the best known runes to do this was the Beast Rune and the Sun Rune."

Hugo was curious about his old enemy, looking down at the cracked mask. He held the mask over his face, and then gently clasped it over it. He peered out through the eye holes at his comrades, and saw something he had never seen before: The literal souls of the Runes. He saw it deep in the Zodiac Sword, in Chris, and in Sasarai. He held the scepter in the air and felt his own Fire Rune emitting a strange power from it.

"What are you doing Hugo? That's dangerous!" Louis warned.

And in an instant Hugo was plunged into darkness.

He came to the same emtpy world that Luc had shown him years earlier.

"I'm glad you came to see me," A voice echoed.

"Luc?" Hugo said in amazement.

"The future of the world has not changed. It will still become an empty, soulless place eventually. I do not care anymore though, I am now at peace."

"How can you talk to me? Where am I?"

"This is a vision that Master Leknaat has helped me create."

And out of the lifeless ground, a woman cloaked in white with dark black hair rose. She had a mysterious, yet dangerous air about her.

"Leknaat?" Hugo said in bewilderment.

"Hugo, your destiny is not one unique. With this Rune comes great responsibility. There is a new task that has arisen for all the True Rune Bearers."

Hugo stood there tensely, listening intently.

"Luc was not wrong in seeing this future, but he was wrong in his method. There truly is no way to destroy a True Rune. It is as impossible as making all the water in the world disappear. It cannot happen, it is one with the universe. But in order to save the world from this future, you must stop the one who seeks to create it."

Hugo nodded.

"I am telling you to go to Harmonia, seek out Hikusaak, and kill him."

Leknaat vanished and Hugo awoke on the floor of the collapsed cavern of the Sindar Ruins with the mask off of his face.

"What happened, are you okay Hugo?" Chris asked, kneeling by his side.

He sat up and felt his face wet. He wiped his cheeks and felt his eyes, he had been crying.

"What happened?" Chris asked again.

"We must find the True Wind Rune." Hugo said sternly. He stood up and faced the group.

He took Sarah's scepter off the ground, and as if he had been instructed to, he smashed it down onto the rocky ground. Immediately a fierce wind blew in the cavern, and at the spot where the scepter broke, a stairwell opened up.

"What in the world?" Edge said under his breath.

As if possessed, Hugo descended the staircase. Sasarai, Louis, Chris, Melville, and Edge quickly followed him.

Down below the cavern was another underground cavern. In the middle was a lit lantern, and a figure stood next to it draped in white cloth.

"Eresh has waited for a new bearer," The figure said.

It was a short stubby figure with a large staff draped in white linens.

"Who are you?" Hugo demanded.

"Not who Eresh is. What Eresh is. Eresh finally found purpose. Eresh vessel."

"Vessel for what?"

"No, Hugo she's right. She's just like me," Sasarai said walking up to the short figure.

He knelt down and spoke softly to her, "Where do you come from?"

"Eresh wander the world. Eresh go to Nameless lands. No good rune. Eresh go to deep south. Meet friends. No good rune. Eresh come west. Eresh almost killed. Eresh come north, Eresh hear voice, Eresh follow voice, Eresh find Rune."

"What rune?" Chris said, stepping into the lantern light.

The figure looked up mysteriously at Chris, "True Wind Rune of course."

Everybody's eyes went wide.

"Eresh, you have the True Wind Rune?" Hugo asked.

"Eresh vessel. New Armes know Eresh vessel. They chase Eresh out."

"Do you remember your past?" Sasarai asked.

"Eresh is circle"

"Circle?" Louis questioned. "Are you from Harmonia?"

"Eresh from Circle."

"I've never heard of that place before," Chris said.

"No," Sasarai blurted. "Hikusaak made her as he made Luc and I. She was meant to carry runes for him."

"Eresh from Circle."

"The Circle Rune is the rune that Hikusaak holds. He has the power to make clones like us," Sasarai continued. "I just don't know what to do about her. Do we bring her with us? How do we get the True Wind Rune from her?"

"Can we kill her?" Melville said devilshly.

Chris shot him a glance. He just chuckled.

Louis stepped closer and inspected her. "I've never seen anything like it before." He reached out to touch her head, and when he did, there was a shockwave sent throughout the room.

Eresh glowed a bright white. Louis felt like his hand could not move, his body was paralyzed. And in one moment, he felt a flood of new memories in his mind. He saw ancient battles of heros, he saw Tir, he saw Jowy, Riou, Luca Blight, Odessa, the Silverbergs, Leknaat, Sarah, a strange darkness, the Soul Eater. He saw blood, fighting, chaos. He saw Luc.

The light flashed bright once more and blinded them all, and when it faded, Eresh was gone, and Louis had a new marking on his hand. He had control of the True Wind Rune.

"That was much easier than anticipated," Sasarai said calmly. "Louis are you okay?"

Louis was gripping his hand tightly. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just having a hard time accepting all these new memories. And the fact that I now have a True Rune."

"That Rune has clearly chosen you. I have no doubt you'll wield it wisely," Sasarai replied.

"No, we're not done." Hugo interjected. "We need more Runes. Our mission is nowhere near complete."

"What are you talking about Hugo?" Chris asked.

"We need more runes to go kill Hikusaak," he said with a fire in his eyes.

"Now wait just a second, what?" Sasarai said in disbelief. "Why?"

"Leknaat told me to. She said in order to prevent an empty future we must prevent the one who will create it. She commanded that we kill Hikusaak."

"Leknaat?" Chris asked. "When did you hear this? What happened to you Hugo?"

"When I put Luc's mask on, I briefly heard him, and I met Leknaat again. She told me we must assemble and go to kill Hikusaak," Hugo replied commandingly.

"Sounds fun. I'm down," Melville said smirking deviously.

"We do have all five runes now, and six including Edge's," Louis commented. "We'd need to collect an army again."

"We can use the Stars of Destiny once more," Hugo said.

Sasarai and Chris looked at each other nervously.

"It sounds incredibly risky, Hugo. It does make logical sense, especially considering the increasing powe of nobles," Sasarai added, "but I just don't know. This seems so sudden. We should consult others."
"We should consult nobody. We are the bearers of the runes. We need to be discreet, deadly, and determined. Who is there to speak to? Do you understand the power we have?" Hugo said strongly.

A dark figure stepped out from the darkness. Everybody turned in fear. It was a woman draped in black.

"Your destiny has been revealed. You must fulfill it. If you feel that you're not worthy, then I will make sure that you're dead, and not worthy of anything else," The figure said.

"Who are you!" Chris yelled unsheathing her sword.

"Don't get upset, I could incinerate you in one second," the figure jetted back. "My name is Zerase. I've been chosen to lead the Stars of Destiny. I am the ultimate collector of warriors."

"Don't be so sure we trust you," Chris said proddlingly.

"Oh you won't have to trust me. You have no other option," Zerase threatened.

The group turned and went up the stairs out of the darkness and Zerase followed. When they go to the top, there was a figure standing there.

"So this is where it all happened," the figure spoke quietly.

"Who are all these strangers?" Melville muttered to himself. "This is ridiculous."

"Ah, the Fire Bringers," The armor-clad warrior said, turning to face them. He had a black helmet on and long flowing blonde hair.

"What are you doing here Pesmerga?" Zerase said coming to the front of the group.

"Looking for Yuber."

"For who?!" Hugo cried with a flash of anger in his eyes. He thought of the villain from the past. He remembered Yuber's murderous eyes, always probing his prey.

"My rival. The shadow. Yuber," Pesmerga replied calmly. "I heard he had come through here creating chaos. It seems that he is one step ahead of me. I am looking to catch him and stop his brutal actions. His Eightfold Rune has gotten out of hand. I must use my Sevenfold Rune to stop him."

"Sevenfold Rune?" Sasarai questioned.

"Yes. Seven is the holy number. I descended from the heavens as Pesmerga ascended from Hell. Our runes battle each other throughout eternity. We don't know when we were born, or why we fight, but we do because it is our instinct."

"Please join our fight. We have to go murder Hiksaak, we need all the firepower we can get," Hugo asked.

"No," Zerase spoke. "Pesmerga does not join any side. If there is chaos, he shall be there. If we succeed in our mission, there is no doubt Pesmerga will be there, either as friend or foe."

Pesmerga nodded and waved, "I shall see you sometime soon. I must go find Yuber." And as he said it he dissapated into thin air.

"And now we must go. Fate is brimming with excitement," Zerase said with pride. We will now head back to Budehuc castle and you will form up your army to advance on Harmonia."

The party left the cavern and traveled all the way back to Budehuc castle. They entered the town, busy as always. Hugo led his group through the crowd toward the castle. They all entered and went up the stairs to Thomas' office. Hugo opened the door; Thomas was standing by the window looking out. He turned his head to look at his visitors.

"Hugo! How did the mission go?" Thomas asked, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Well, it was a success, Thomas, but now we have another task, one divinely given. We are to assemble our army and advance on Harmonia," Hugo replied.

"Harmonia? Lady Chris, what is going on?" Thomas asked, evidentally surprised by the news.

"The prophet Leknaat has instructed us to advance on Harmonia and assassinate Lord Hikusaak. Hugo heard her tell the message first, but on our way back, our Runes spoke to us as well. She spoke internally to Sasarai, Edge, and myself also. There is no mistaking her message, or the urgency of it," Chris replied.

"I'll get Cecile," Thomas said. "She'll rally up the troops and our friends. Give me thirty minutes and I'll have our units assembled."

Nearly an hour later, Hugo led his army out of Budehuc castle across the Grasslands. His army of thousands was considerably larger than the last war against Harmonia, and they now controlled more True Runes. It was a formidable army on every front. They traveled for nearly three days, until eventually they got through the mountain passes. They came upon Caleria, a Harmonian outpost. They ransacked the fortress and took all the weapons, armor, and accessories they could find. They were only a day away from The Crystal Valley...