Disclaimer: I do not own the world of Fushigi Yuugi. The original characters ARE mine however (except Meru). If you wish to use one, please ask for permission. Forgive the poor editing in the last few chapters, I intend to go back and fix those shortly.

Chapter 4

With great care, Horiko and Yule avoided further scuffles as they made their way through the compound. After searching the cells, and releasing a few Konan soldiers at Yule's demand, they came to the conclusion that Krin was held elsewhere in the compound. Their group was now up to six; Yule haven chosen four rather young soldiers. Horiko hoped he knew what he was doing. Yule assured him that the four were among the best in his unit.

As they slowly made their way through corridors, they suddenly felt a dark presence fall over them. They all shivered and paused in the hallway. Horiko looked back at his new companion.

"What is that?"

"Some say the leader of the Druin is a witch," Yule whisper, "I thought it to be childish rumor. Apparently I was mistaken."

"What would a witch want with Krin?"

"I don't know, but if we follow this feeling we should find the witch and your friend."

Horiko nodded and forced himself to continue, "Can your boys handle it?"

"Who are you to call us boys?" one of them muttered, "I'm 23 and you can't be a day over 19."

Horiko just smiled, "I'm really 24."

Yule merely raised an eyebrow, "You are a horrible liar, boy."

Horiko chuckled despite the darkness around him, "Alright, I'm 19."

Some of the soldiers decided from that moment on that Horiko would be known as 'the Boy'. Horiko decided that was fair and didn't object. They continued onward, following the foreboding feeling ahead of them. They came to pause at a window leading to the outside overhang.

Standing on the raised platform was the witch Yule mentioned, though Horiko thought demon was a better word of it. She was covered in black scale-like armor and had bat-like wings she used to hover with. She weilded a rapier, which she then discard as she lowered himself down onto the platform.

Across from her stood a giant that made a midget out of Chulin-san. He was platted with golden armor and also had golden bat-wings that looked too small to support him. He clutched a large axe and his gaze rested on the body lying on the center between them.

And there laid Krin. She was dressed all in white. Her dark hair spread out behind her, and her head turned to the side. At the center of her chest was the diamond brooch that her mother had once worn when she had been a princess of the court.

The demon woman stepped up to her and waved her arm over her and spoke a chant. Krin's body began to glow.

"Excellent work, Takashi," the woman spoke, darkness eminating in her voice, "This one holds the Star Gem."

The woman reared her arm back and brought it down to drive it into Krin's chest. Horiko nearly blew their cover, but Yule held onto him and covered his mouth. The woman's hand was inches from her heart when the diamond brooch began to glow a bright white. The woman gasped and leapt back.

"Curses!" the woman said standing up, "She's the Holy Light."

Horiko slumped in relief but straightened again as the golden man walked forward.

"Allow me to retrieve it for you, Mistress."

And with those few words, the man plunged his fist into Krin's chest. Yule barely was able to restrain Horiko and only did so with the help of his men. The golden man pulled his hand free and opened his fist, revealing a sparkling gem. The hole left behind slowly closed up and Krin began to breathe again.

"What witchcraft is this?!" Horiko said, "What the hell is that thing?!"

"Silence, or we shall be discovered," Yule warned.

The dark woman took the gem from Takashi and held it up to let the sun shine through it, "Magnificent! Only three more to go!"

The woman then looked down upon Krin with distaste, "Kill her."

Takashi raised his axe, but pause as a dagger clattered against his breast plate. Both of them looked over to see Horiko standing there holding his sword, and his companions a step behind him.

"Back away from her, witch!" Horiko shouted, "Move a muscle, giant, and I'll run you through!"

Both of them were silent for a moment before breaking out into amused laughter. The company looked around nervously, their courage momentarily abated. The man with the axe let it fall to his side.

"Do you think I could possibly fear you?" he said, "I am Takashi, the Golden Demon Warrior of the Solid Earth! What could you possible own that could pierce gold strengthened by stone?"

"Kill them as well, Takashi," the woman said, "I have no time for peasants."

"Yes, Mistress Subaratte," Takashi said as he brought the axe back up to bare, "I shall gladly dispose of such imbeciles."

The woman flew off with her precious gem and disappeared from sight. The man gave them a twisted smile, "Who wishes to go first?"

Horiko stepped forward with his sword at ready, "I will. I do not fear demons."

Takashi laughed, "I am no demon, child! I am a ruler of demons! Demons quake in my wake. And so do little boys who tempt me."

Takashi laughed as he raised his hand, clenched it into a fist and drove it into the ground. The ground immediately began to shake. The raised platform tipped and wobbled, threatening to overturn and send them crashing down three stories to the planet's surface. Horiko and the others were thrown to the floor as Takashi's laughter continued.

Horiko felt his rage rise. It was one thing not able to fight a self-proclaimed demon ruler, but another to be rendered completely helpless. He felt his rage increase and suddenly gasped as a warmth started to emit from the pouch on his belt. A moment later the pouch and Horiko were engulfed in flame.

Yule lept back in fear and astonishment. The rumbling ceased as Takashi halted in shock. Some of the soldiers turned away, not wanting to see the sight before them.

Pain was all that existed for Horiko. The fire blazed across his skin and the flames consumed his clothes. And eternity passed and then . . . the pain faded. He skin seemed to now be soothed by the flames, as if they were caressing hands. Horiko gasped as the flames began to solidify and form armor over his skin. The warmth brought comfort and the fear and rage disappeared. The armor slowly disappeared with it and Horiko shivered, suddenly cold and naked on the high platform.

"I can't believe it," Takashi whispered, "The Red Demon Warrior of Raging Fire trembles here before me."

Horiko looked down at the red gem that the woman in the red kesa had stated to be his father's. He had never imagined such power to be hidden within it. He picked it up and held it in his hand. It glowed slightly and faded back to its usual sparkly state.

"I love a challenge, boy," Takashi spoke, "And you will be a great one once you master the power you weild. I will let you and your companions live for now. Return when you are ready to face me."

Takashi rose from the platform and followed after Subaratte. Horiko watched him go as he felt Yule wrap the brown kesa he had around him. The other soldiers stayed back, afraid he might light afire again. Yule pulled him to his feet.

"This is all the spare clothes I have, so you'll have to make do," Yule said, "We'll have to steal some in the next town. But we have to leave. Gather your friend and let's depart."