Chapter 8:

"So Leon, what is the latest update?" Riou asked.

All the former Rune bearers, tacticians, and Great Generals sat in the meeting hall in the Circle Palace. The hall was illuminated by colored light streaming in through stained glass. Three large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, sending down rays of light upon the heroes. The stars of destiny all stared at Leon waiting for the state of the world.

"The Grasslands succeeded in driving Tinto out of their borders. There had been other guerilla attacks, but when Dunan regained power Tinto fell back knowing that they were surrounded on their borders. Dunan, as mentioned just now, has been taken back as well. Windy left the area for the final battle, and we were able to regroup the city-states and form a rebellion. Toran was not taken with much success at first. Three of our great leaders, Lepant, Kai, and Valeria were all killed when captured by Nether Gate and Armes. Caesar and Apple were taken back to Falena and endured some minor torture techniques. Luckily, Georg and Lucretia had already taken back Falena by that time, so when the Armes boat sailed through we stopped them, found Caesar and Apple, and they're recuperating fine now. After this event, a group of heroes, Viktor, Flik, Cleo, Pahn, and Gremio, entered the castle where apparently a vampire Barbarosa and Neclord reincarnate were stationed. They defeated these two, rallied their own troops, and without the leadership of the enemy, they were able to retake Toran," Leon stated.

"What are we to do about Armes, Nether Gate, and the Howling Voice Guild?" Georg asked.

"I've already taken care of the Howling Voice Guild," Nash interuppted. "I killed off three of their best gunners. I then went to the Guild itself, found Master Sauro, explained what happened, showed him that Sturm has chosen me, and when they refused to stop becoming assassins. Well... I took care of them all, or rather, Sturm did. The Howling Voice Guild is dismantled."

Leon nodded and continued, "The leaders of Armes have all been killed it seems. Apparently, it was Nether Gate's doing. We have initiated a kind of martial law in Armes, sending down Island Nations troops to monitor the area. As for Nether Gate, unfortunately, we couldn't do anything. We don't know where they are stationed, or even how many there are, or who their leaders are exactly."

"What is the state of Harmonia?" Hugo asked.

"Harmonia is now under Sasarai's control," Leon smiled.

Sasarai nodded, "Harmonia is a peaceful nation now, and will remain to be."

"So what can we do now?" Chris asked.

"Now? You can go home. Maybe read, go hunting, whatever you feel like," Leon smiled.

"That's right, you're all released from the curse of the True Runes," Lucretia added. "You can live a normal life now."

Everybody left the large hall and walked down the marble steps of the Circle Palace and started to say their goodbyes.

"Nash," Hugo said. "I'm sorry about Sierra. Really, sorry."

"Hugo, she chose to do what she did knowing the consequences. I'm saddened by her death, but I'm happy of the path she chose in life. She grew up as a murderous vampire, but eventually gained control of herself, and in the end, she died for a cause she believed in. I can't fault her for her decision, even though it pains me to see her go," Nash replied. He looked at Chris and continued, "You just remember what Sierra said though. Good luck with everything Hugo. I doubt I'll ever see you again. I think I'm going to travel the world a bit, that seems to be what everybody else is doing. Especially since I only have one lifetime to do it."

Nash offered his hand, and Hugo clasped it and the two shook hands. Hugo turned and looked at Chris, he walked over to her, took her hand in his, and kissed her and held her close. She held him back and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Georg, it was a pleasure to meet you," Geddoe said. "I'm honored to have served with you, hopefully one day I can do some of the same good deeds you've done."

"No friend, really, you've already done more than you know," Georg chuckled. "I'm honored you feel that way though."

Freyjadour walked over to Geddoe and Georg, "Georg, we should be getting back soon, we have a long trip to Falena."

Georg nodded, "Get Lucretia and Lazlo and we'll begin our trip." He looked at Geddoe and put his hand on his shoulder, "Good luck Geddoe."

He turned and followed Freyjadour to Lazlo and Lucretia. Freyjadour stopped real quick to say goodbye to Hugo and Chris, and the four of them were headed toward the docks on the east side of the continent.

"Hey Hugo," Riou greeted, walking over to the former Flame Champion. "Remember what we all told you. Even though we may not have True Runes anymore, our advice still holds true. Be all you can be."

"I will, Riou. Thanks for everything. What do you plan on doing now?" Hugo replied.

"My sister Nanami is waiting for Jowy and I. And Jowy has his wife and adopted daughter waiting as well. I think we're going to find a nice quiet grove somewhere and live out our lives in peace. I knew a tactician who lived a life of solitude and peace, Mathiu, and looking back I yearn for that same peace. Good luck Hugo."

Everybody continued to say goodbye, wish each other luck, and go their seperate ways until just Sasarai, Hugo, Chris, Geddoe, Melville, and Louis remained.

"Sasarai, if you ever need the help of the Grasslands, don't hesitate to ask," Hugo offered.

"Likewise my friend, the Grasslands will always have Harmonia's support," Sasarai replied. "Hugo, Chris, Geddoe, Louis, Melville, good luck to all of you, I can't wait to see you again."

Sasarai turned and started up the stairs as the five other heroes turned around and walked toward the city walls. They bought four horses. Geddoe, Melville, and Louis mounted their own, and Hugo and Chris shared one.

They rode off out of the Crystal Valley toward Caleria and the mountain pass.

"Life seems like it will be boring now," Melville spoke.

"Life will finally be normal," Geddoe said with a special reverence.

"Things will be much better," Chris said as she smiled at Hugo.

"I certainly hope so Lady Chris," Louis replied.

Louis.

Louis's eyes darted open wide, trying to analyze what just happened.

Louis.

Luc?

Louis, tell everybody thank you. You've prevented the Ashen Future, and completed my mission.

How can you still talk to me?

Am I still talking, or are you imagining it?

Louis thought about that for a moment.

I think you're here with us in spirit.

I think we're all here in spirit. And I think we always will be.

Louis smiled at the thought, not knowing what to make of what just happened. He was happy now though, and knew he could dedicate himself to the things to come.

The five heroes spurred their horses and rode off into the sun setting over the mountain peaks.