Attention: For some reason my beta reader hasn't responded for a while, so I need to request another on until the person returns. I hope the person will come back once she has more time^_^. Because judging from some of the new reviews I got some things mixed up. I'll fix those later then. Thank-you. I appreciate any reviews whether its good bad. I know my writing is horrible and I probably got some facts mixed up.

A leader's burden 9

The Holy city of Harmonia became disarray after hearing rumours of Hikusaak's Circle rune being recently stolen. The people began to be greatly concerned on what would happen to their Holy kingdom. If Hikusaak was defeated, then what would become of the kingdom. How could someone be able to defeat the leader of Harmonia, the strongest city in the world, so easily. The mere thought puzzled the minds of the citizens. Harmonia wouldn't have fallen so easily. The thieves must have had a powerful rune, even stronger then the one Hikusaak had. Was there a rune that is stronger then the circle rune that wasn't even known to Harmonia.

Questions continued to flood the city. Hikusaak didn't like the fact that not only was his rune stolen, but now there was panic in his kingdom. If the people begin to see Hikusaak as unfit leader, they would begin a revolution to dethrone him. There were also the Holy Priests that could easily replace him. Luckily he had many loyal soldiers that believe in him. So dethroning him wouldn't be an easy task.

Sasarai was recently sent to Zexen to find out about the thieves who stole his rune. He believed there was some connection towards the two crimes. There have been some reports of stolen runes recently. There must be a connection. After talking to Tir Mcdohl, he decided to go back to Harmonia to give a report to Hikusaak. If Tir didn't talk, then he would have to be taken to Harmonia where they would 'make' him talk.

Taking a deep breath, Sasarai knocked on the large white doors. A thunder echoed through the halls, the door slowly opened with a gentle creek. "My Lord." he said bowing his head and kneeling before to Hikusaak with proper respect.

"You have a report for me?"

Sasarai nodded slowly before gazing upon the great leader. "Yes, I have reasons to believe that Lord Tir Mcdohl is working with the thieves who robbed you. If you we bring him here, we should be able to find out who those three are and where they are headed. Please allow me to borrow the cryogenic capsule."

Nodding in agreement, thinking it would be best, considering they underestimated the last group. "Of course. Please hurry then. There is something about the recent atmosphere that has been bothering me."

"The atmosphere? Do you sense something?"

"Yes, something like a warning I suppose. It feels strange and makes me feel uneasy." shaking his head, Hikusaak started to walk towards Sasarai. He took in a deep breath and then looked up at pale ceiling. "Messiah."

"Messiah? That legend of the successor of darkness."

"Yes, only the Sindar people knew of it. I was able to obtain some information from them long ago. The Legend that Messiah will be the reincarnation of darkness. The legend states that Messiah will either bring order or chaos into the world. If they are planning on awaking it, it will bring chaos to the world. If that is their intentions we must stop them immediately. We, no the world is not ready for Messiah to be born."

"Why would they want to awaken it though."

"Once Messiah is born, then all the runes will be destroyed."

"All the runes?"
"Yes, if all the runes are gone there will be no protection from Messiah. If it wanted to, it could destroy the entire world without hesitation. Messiah will possess all 27 true runes and their powers. We can't let anyone awaken it. Not until we can survive an attack from God. If Messiah is to be awaken, it should be when we have a stronger power then the runes."

"I understand Lord Hikusaak. Then I will do my part and contact Zexen to retrieve Lord Mcdohl."

"Make haste then. I will expect to see Lord Mcdohl tomorrow."

~*~*~*~

After the escape from Zexen, everyone fell asleep. Tir however, laid awake sitting in his bed. His was gazing outside the moonlight with his chin on his left hand and his elbow on his knee. He wondered how the others were doing. Obviously the ones who went into Harmonia did a great job. Hikusaak was a big target. Tir wondered if they got the True rune that the guild had. They probably did. They were tough enough to handle it. "The silver moon." Tir whispered.

"A reflection of the light that shines on the world." A woman said as she entered his room with a seductive smile.

"Jeanne?" Tir asked raising an eyebrow and squinting his eyes at her.

"Yes, that is my name."

"I see. So you're like the others then." Tir chuckled.

Jeanne nearly gasped when she realized Tir knew her secret. "I guess when you figured it out. But please don't tell anyone. I don't want to scare them."

"Don't worry, I won't give your secret away. Do you want a drink?"

"Thanks, I didn't know you drank."

"I learned from Victor, an old friend, though I don't drink as much as him." Tir said as he took out two glasses and poured some liquor into them. Handing one to Jeanne, he took a sip from the glass in his other hand. "So you work here now?"

"No, I actually work in Brass castle. But I heard what happened and decided to check on things. Lord Thomas was kind enough to let me stay here for the night."

"I see."
"What will you do now?"

"Go to the top of the world I guess."

"I see, so you really are going through with this."

"Yeah. I have faith that it will work out in the end." Tir took one last gulp and then gazed upon Jeanne's intriguing eyes. "What about you?"

"I'll remain in Zexen and wish you the best of luck." Jeanne smiled before taking her last sip. Placing the glass down on a table, she began to walk towards the door. "Lord Mcdohl, what will you do if Messiah isn't the bringer of peace and order. If Messiah is chaos will you kill it."

"To be honest I don't know."

"I see. Then I hope you are right."

"I hope so too." Tir said laying back on his bed tiredly.

Jeanne walked out of the room leaving Tir to think about Messiah. Tir then looked at his right hand and growled at the site of it. He sighed deeply and rolled over to sleep, he should try to get some sleep for tonight. As Tir closed his eyes, the water rune began to glow from his bag. Opening his eyes lazily, he sat up on the bed and looked over at the bag. Tir got up from his bed to gaze upon the shining blue glow. The glow was warm and bright. Taking the rune crystal out of the bag, Tir examined it by peering into the crystal ball. He sighed and shook his head. "Forgive me for what I'm going to do. I can sense that you are close to Chris. I can't back down now though. I don't want her or anyone having such a responsibility. Sorry, but I can't let you go back to your master."

At the crack of dawn, Tai Ho and Yam Koo were waiting for Tir to come to the docks. The gentle breeze swooshed through the castle. The wind was good enough for them to start sailing. Tai Ho and Yam Koo were getting the sails ready, before they could finish, Tir asked them to talk with him for a while.

"There's a problem."

"What problem?" Tai-Ho asked.

"Geddoe has the True Lighting Rune, and Hugo has the True Fire Rune."

"You mean we're taking along more people?"

"I didn't expect for this many people to come. Cecil, Thomas' guard, wants to come with us. As well as many other people. This boat won't do."

"What should we do then? To take this many people we'd have to find a larger boat, and we have no time for this."

"I know. We have to work quickly since the Zexen and Harmonian soldiers will look for us."

"Lord Mcdohl, you're not thinking about leaving them are you?"

"If that's what it takes to awaken Messiah, I don't care. I made up my mind long ago. Luc was right all along, what's the point of living if we are always being controlled like puppets. The runes have been controlling us for too long, we should kill and love because we choose to, not because the rune manipulates us. Tai Ho, Yam Koo, are you two sure you want to follow with me on this? There is no turning back."

"Like you, we have made up our minds as well. Besides, seems like Lady Lucky follows you everywhere."

Tir blushed and chuckled. "I see. I guess you have a point. Let's hope she's still on our side. Leknaat." He said as he gazed upon the sky.

Soon everyone was awake. They gathered in the meeting hall discussing their next plan of action. They couldn't hide in the basement of Budehuc castle forever, also Tir had to be some where important. Waiting too long was not an option. If they waited too long, Harmonia and Zexen would eventually find them. Tir didn't want to leave with out getting Sasarai's Earth Rune, but he couldn't stand having to get the others involved.

Should Tir steal Geddoe and Hugo's runes now and leave them to be executed? No, he couldn't. There must be another way. A way to get Sasarai's rune and escape with the others. Chris was safe since she never took his side, unlike Geddoe and Hugo who were bond to be executed for the crimes they committed. Tir kept his head down and running the scenario over and over in his head. What was the plan going to be. He wished Maithu was around. He always knew what to do and gave him confident to fulfill his goals. No, he couldn't depend on others like that. "Everyone, we need to get Sasarai's rune and then head to the top of the world."

"How are we going to do that?" Thomas asked.

"Sasarai will most likely come back to Zexen to look for me. If we're all working together then we have to split the teams up. Geddoe, I want you to take the True Water Rune and go to the top of the world. There, you'll meet the Sindar clan."

"Sindar clan?" everyone gasped.

"They're alive? I thought they were extinct!" Ace said.

Tir shook his head. "They let us to believe that were true in order to keep their rituals and documentaries a secret. Geddoe, I trust you'll be capable of going solo in this area."

Geddoe looked down at Tir and nodded. "We'll deliver the rune, what will you do?"

"Thomas and I will stay here. If Thomas suddenly leaves they'll arouse suspicious at Budehuc castle, thus having them arrest the castle and keep the people hostage. I couldn't bare to let others take reasonability for my actions."

"I see." Geddoe shrugged and then smiled. "You're the same as Hikaru."

"I beg your pardon?" Tir asked titling his head.

"Hikaru was the former Flame Champion." Hugo said stepping between them. "I can feel his very essence in this rune. He was a great leader long ago."

"I see. I heard about the Flame Champion years ago. I would have liked to meet him, but we'll discuss this another time. Who is going with whom?"

"We'll go with our captain of course." Ace grinned.

Hugo placed a hand over his heart and stood in front of Tir. "I'll stay with you. Sasarai isn't an easy opponent, much less the entire Harmonia army. You're going to need my help."

Emily began to punch the air and show off her fighting moves. "In that case I'll stay with Lord Thomas and Lord Mcdohl."

"The people of Budehuc castle will remain on Thomas' side, and we want to stay here to defend our castle." Sebastian nodded firmly.

"Right!" Cecil said thumping her spear happily against the floor.

Tir swerved his head around the room, look at the assembling of the groups. "Alright, this should be good enough. Geddoe, I want you to leave now and ask Tai-Ho to be visible around Zexen. If they think I'm with you they'll send some of their soldiers after you."

"That's fine, but I don't appreciate being the bait."

"It's all we need. Sasarai will most likely follow you. In the meantime, we'll sneak aboard on the ship with Sasarai and steal the rune that way. There isn't a boat large enough to dock at Zexen that can fit an army. If they do plan to take an army they'll probably split them among a few large ships. Hugo is your Griffon coming with us?"

"Yeah of course, I can't leave him out of this."

"I see, then we'll have to find a box large enough for Fubar to fit in. Thomas."

"Yes sir?"

"We need to find an excuse for your absence. If Harmonia and Zexen finds out that you're working with me, they'll most likely try to seize the castle. Even with all the grasslanders helping, I don't think you'll be able to take on Harmonia and Zexen at the same time."

"Why not get him to join the search for rune thieves?" Cecil suggested.

"That did cross my mind, but once Thomas changes sides they'll report back at Harmonia and take Budehuc castle as hostage."

"We won't let that happen!" Cecil frowned.

"How about you make the enemy believe Thomas has been captured." Jacques suggested.

Everyone was quiet for a bit, they didn't expect Jacques to say anything so soon. "Yes, that could work." Tir said. "We'll have to put up an act then. If we can get Thomas on the same boat as Sasarai that would make things easier, but if not we'll take over whatever boat he has."

Geddoe nodded and made his way to the door with his group following him. "We'll go on ahead then as the bait. The top of the world you said right?"

"Yes, Tai-Ho and Yam Koo should know the way. And please be careful."

"The same goes for you." Geddoe said before leaving the room.

Meanwhile, the Zexen council was in an uproar, just like Harmonia. They had recently lost the prisoner, the knights had been defeated on several occasions and they had just lost another True Rune to those thieves. Sasarai would be there any minute. What was the Zexen council to do now? They were laughing stocks now because of a mere group continues to make fools out of them. What was Tir Mcdohl's plan? Who cares, the council just wanted an Alliance with Harmonia so they would be able to take over the grasslands more easily. The original agenda was to be kept a secret and the True Wind Rune would be offered as a peace offering on the outside, however, the plan all along was to gain more land along with goods from Harmonia. With both Zexen and Holy Harmonia attacking the grasslands, the land would belong to them.

The council continued to discuss their plans of actions when they heard a knock on the door. "Come in." Said the council member sitting across the door.

Sasarai, Dios and Chris stood outside the room. As they entered, the council greeted them. "Good morning gentlemen." Sasarai smiled as he sat down next to the council member.

"Good morning." Chris said before she sat down in the chair nearest to the door.

"Good morning you two." One of the council members said. "Let us thank the goddess for letting us have this meeting today."

"Goddess?" Sasarai asked titling his head.

"Yes, Saint Loa. She is the goddess that protects this land."

"I see, for now, we should start a search over Zexen and the grasslands."

"We can't, the barbarians would never agree to work with us."

"Council member." Chris said raising her head at the council. "Why do you have the True Wind Rune, and why are you going to give it to Harmonia?"

The council member took a deep breath and sighed. "Chris, we can't survive these days with these mere supplies. We need better things and if we have an Alliance with Harmonia we'll surely get first class citizenship and more then plenty of money. Think of the benefits for the people, there will be more jobs, and we can finally buy Budehuc and give it the finical aid it needs. Wouldn't that be better?"

"Yes, but still…"

"That magician that died had no right having the rune anyway, he was trying to kill us all."

As if a strike of lighting suddenly hit her, Chris remembered what Tir had said to her in the cave."He wasn't a bad guy either. He wanted people to be free from their destiny. No one should bear these runes." Chris began to sulk. "Yes, but…"

Sasarai shook his head. "Lady Chris, I understand how you feel, but an Alliance with us would be a great help to you wouldn't it? With the 6 might knights of Zexen, there will be nothing that can stand in our way of protecting the things we love."

"I, understand." Chris finally nodded. "What should we do then?"

"Well we have to find Lord Mcdohl for one thing. We don't know where he went though. If he went to Kayara along with that barbarian, we won't be able to catch him easily."

Sasarai smiled, "Tir Mcdohl still has one thing he needs though."

"What is that?"

"My True Earth Rune. His goal was to take all the True Runes from the start. Right, Lady Chris?"

"Uhm, yes…"

"If his goal is to find all the True Runes…"

"Then he's going to try the same thing as that Magician did 3 years ago."

Sasarai looked around the room to see everyone's face troubled. "Now you know how serious this is. We'll have to move quickly then. If the barbarians don't cooperate, tell them what I told you. If they still don't cooperate then we'll have to oppress them. We must stop him at any cost."

"Sir!" One of the soldiers called out as he came into the meeting room.

"What is it? We're busy." The council member frowned.

"It's that mercenary group Geddoe. He's on a boat with 2 sailors."

"What?" Sasarai snarled. "Did you see which way they were headed."

"Yes, they were heading North."

"North?"

"Yes sir. Shall we send ships after them."

Chris stood up from her seat. "We'll go after them. We have no time to lose. I can feel the True Water Rune calling me."

"You can sense it?" Sasarai asked titling his head.

"Yes, my father and Yun's spirit is sleeping within that rune. I'll get it back no matter what the cost." Chris growled. "Lord Mcdohl, he stole something that was precious to me, he'll pay for it."

A smiled crossed Sasarai's face. It was interesting how this woman suddenly shifted from a quiet girl, to a determined soldier. Sasarai nodded and waved his hand at Dios to walk with him. "We'll join you on the hunt. If Tir isn't on that boat he should be near by. If I'm the one he's after, he'll come for me sooner or later."

Dios's face became worried. "Master Sasarai, are you sure about this? This is most likely a trap to lure you out with a small amount of men. Wouldn't it be better if you stay at Harmonia where you'll be protected."

"Dios, we'll talk about this later, my mind has been made up. Gather the recruits that we gotten from Harmonia."

"You mean those two? Don't you remember what they did?"

"Dios!"

Dios took a hard swallow and bowed his head. "I'm sorry Master Sasarai, we'll be leaving then."

"We'll be taking the boats you have on the docks then."

"That's fine." Chris said as she went through the large wooden doors. Sasarai followed and then Dios. As they were walking towards the docks, Chris troubled mind began to wonder. "Tir, why…"

While Chris was heading for the docks, Thomas was trying to find the Silver Maiden. Thomas, Cecil and Juan tried to get in the parliament building, but the guard merely shook his head and stood in front of the door, no matter how many times Cecil threatened him with her spear. Thomas and Juan had to pull her away to keep the guard safe. Thomas shrugged and thought that they should try to go to the docks to see if Tai Ho's boat was visible. In agreement, they headed straight towards the docks. When they arrived, to their surprise, Sasarai, Chris and the other 5 knights were already at the docks loading ships. The 3 of them ran down to the ship to greet Chris and Sasarai.

"Lady Chris! Lord Sasarai!" Thomas called out.

Chris and Sasarai turned around and saw Thomas, Cecil and Juan running towards them. "Lord Thomas?" Chris said as she turned the group.

"A pleasant surprise." Sasarai smiled.

Thomas had to take a breather before he could say anything again. "Lord Sasarai, please allow us to accompany you on your journey."

"Accompany?" Sasarai titled his head in a questioning way, then he noticed Thomas was wearing gloves. "Hmm, this maybe interesting. Thomas when did you wear gloves?"

Thomas broke into a cold sweat. Did Sasarai already figure him out? What was he going to do? If Sasarai starts suspecting him, he'll wind up in jail and possibly execution. "Uh these…"

"I asked him to." Juan said placing a hand on his hip. "It was for a special training, with those thieves running around who knows when he'll have to defend himself."

"That's right!" Cecil gasped. "And they suit him don't they?"

Sasarai smiled politely and shrugged. "I suppose they do."

Chris closed her eyes and bowed her head. "Please you two." then she looked at each of them. "We're in a hurry. If we lose sight of Geddoe we may lose Lord Mcdohl as well."

"Uh right." Thomas nodded nervously. "I'll gather the soldiers I've brought along with me then."

"If you're quick enough then we can wait."

"Don't worry, they're very close by, and I have a few things we can take along."

Chris shook her head. "If you're bringing cargo then we'll have the cargo ship wait for you. I'm going ahead though."

"Uh wait, Lady Chris." Sasarai called out. "There are five passengers I'd you to meet."

"Five other passengers."

"Is there a problem?" A familiar voice asked.

Everyone's head turned towards the voice. The man was covered in black clothing, his long blonde hair was braided nicely and a black hat covered his eyes. The other man was dressed in a long silver coat and had crimson red hair. Next were two old men, one had black hair and dressed in blue and white armor. His hair was short, and skin was pale. Beside him was another man with orange hair, and wearing a red type of armor. He was very handsome, despite his old looks, and had a nice smile. Last, was a woman figure dressed all in black and purple. Her face was covered.

"Yuber! Albert!" Chris snarled as she grabbed her sword.

"There is no need for that." Yuber frowned. "We were sent here by Hikusaak to help with the rune thief search, since you knights obviously can't handle him."

"Why you…"

"Now now." Albert said putting a hand in front of Chris' sword. "We don't need to succumb to violence now do we? We were are here for the same reasons."

Chris gritted her teeth and placed her sword back. "Who are the other three?"

"My name is Miklotov." Miklotov said bowing his head. "I am from Rockaxe."

The then other man bowed towards Chris. "It's a pleasure Milady, my name is Camus, I come from Rockaxe as well. We were part of the Dunan army."

"And the woman?" Chris asked.

The woman remained quiet.

"She's from Ninja village Rokkaku Hamlet." Albert said in her favor. "We have an idea where Lord Mcdohl is headed and have reason to believe the other rune thieves will be there."

"I see." Chris nodded. "It's fine, bring them along my ship. Thomas, if you're bringing items then hurry up and load them up on the cargo ship, I'll tell the knights to let you on board. We'll go on ahead in the meantime."

"Uh yes!" Thomas exclaimed before he ran past the group, with Cecil and Juan making a similar get away.

Yuber frowned at them. "Why are those rats coming?" he asked Sasarai.

"We'll discuss it later." Sasarai smiled as he followed Chris to her ship.

Thomas finally got to where Tir and the others were waiting. They were waiting in the Saint Loa Knight's hideout. Melville and Elliot were more then happy to help them out. They were both excited to meet the one with one of the most deadly runes. The group were all dressed in armor and wore helmets so they wouldn't be easily recognized. The armor was provided with the help of Gordon and Scott. Tir didn't really like using a sword compared to his staff, but he can use his staff later once they get on the ship. Thomas huffed and puffed and got a hold of his breath before he could say, "I got us on the cargo ship."

"Cargo ship? Does this mean we'll be separate from Chris and the others?" Hugo asked.

"How many ships are they taking?" Tir asked.

"Five I think."

"Five?" Hugo gasped. "Why so many?"

"Well I over heard that from Albert that they're planning to go to the same location as Lord Mcdohl in order to capture the other rune thieves."

"I see. We'll worry about that later then. Lets go to the cargo ship then. Hugo you know what you have to do."

"Yeah. Fubar, sorry about this." Fubar squeak sadly and got into the large box. Tir, Hugo, Emily and Cecil lifted the box and began to carry it.

"Good luck!" Melville and Elliot said.

"Thank-you." Thomas smiled and bowed to them.

The group went to the dock where a cargo ship was waiting. Thomas introduced himself to the knight guarding the cargo ship and was let on board along with his cargo. Tir and the others kept their helmets on while carrying the box, then they waited to be ported off to the sea. The sails were dropped and the ship began to move in the direction of the wind. Hugo was watching over Fubar, making sure he was alright, while Thomas and the others were looking out at the sea. Tir couldn't help but think about what Sasarai had in store for them. It was too easy. Sasarai would have been more suspicious of Thomas, especially with his hands covered. Whatever Sasarai had planned, all Tir could was wait.