Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yuugi. I do own all characters I created myself, which are all the others except Meru. Meru is from Legends of Dragoon. I do not own Legends of Dragoon either.

Author's note: Wondering why this story is considered a Fushigi Yuugi one when the only character you've seen is Tasuki and briefly? Don't worry. You'll see more of him and others as we go.

Chapter 5

They escaped Briddidon with relative ease. Getting past the Kutou border guards was also easy, for one of Yule's troops was a brother with two of them. They even managed to commandeer a wagon to travel in. Yule had requested that Horiko accompany them to the palace so they could be rewarded. He also suggested that the mage Chichiri might be able to tell him what had occurred during the confrontation with Takashi. Krin, after awakening and having a heart-felt reunion with Horiko, decided she'd go too to see if she kind find out what was taken from her.

It wasn't till they were almost to the capital did they realize something was wrong. The roads were all empty and the sounds that should be heard within the gates, such as laughter and business haggling were not heard. Instead, heavy weeping had taken its place. The gates were open and one could see the destruction from far down the road. Someone had marched an army through here.

Horiko was stunned at the sight, but followed the others as they ran full force toward the palace. Yule led the way and soon he was talking heatedly with some of the guards.

"What happened here?" Yule demanded immediately.

"Shogun!" The two startled guards gasped, "We thought you were dead!"

Horiko felt his jaw drop. He had no idea that he had been traveling with such a powerful person. Only now did the name Yule ring the bell it should have. Yule Tokaroi was Konan's First Shogun and Head of the Imperial Guard, the youngest ever. He was 17. He looked like he was 25 at least however, and all soldiers answered to him.

"I was captured and have escaped, but that's not important. Did the Druin do this?"

"Yes, sir," one of them said, "Marched through our gates and started slaughtering us. We managed to drive them back out, but it was too late."

"Too late for what?"

"Heika-sama has been taken prisoner, sir," the soldier said, then dropped to their knee to avoid the swing Yule sent to their heads.

"Boushin-sama is gone! Then why are you still here?! Where is the unit that should be following him?!"

"All the soldiers were busy in battle, sir," one of the guards mumbled. "His guards were killed and Chichiri-sama has been injured. Tasuki-sama arrived in the middle of the battle and has been beside Chichiri-sama since."

"Where are they?" Yule said, his temper coming under control. Surely if they managed to take down Chichiri-sama, there was little the guards could have done.

"Inside there," the other guard said, "Chichiri-sama has regained consciousness."

Yule blew past them and into the room. Horiko and Krin followed. The four soldiers that had accompanied them so far went to aid the wounded. Yule dashed across the room and dropped beside the bed, his head bowed. Tasuki sat beside Chichiri on the bed. Chichiri was sitting up and reached a hand out to touch Yule.

"Are you alright, Yule?" Chichiri said, "We feared you were dead."

"I was taken to Briddidon and escaped with this man's help," Yule said, giving a brief gesture toward Horiko, "I heard you were injured, Chichiri-sama."

"I am fine. It was magic that did me in, not a sword. My soul is just weary," Chichiri sighed, "It was like fighting Nakago all over again."

Yule went on to apologize for his absence and other nonsense, but Horiko failed to listen, as he should, for he caught gazes with Tasuki and realized who he was. Tasuki was the guy who saved him from the green demon. What had he called himself? Genrou?

Tasuki gave him a slight nod, telling him he recognized him as well, before turning to Yule.

"Knock it off, Yule. There was nothing you could of done," Tasuki assured, "Now stop wallowing and tell us about the two of them."

Yule nodded before glancing over at Horiko, "His name is Chang Horiko and her name is Krin. I met Horiko in the prison when he broke in to save her."

"What was she doing in prison?" Tasuki asked, seeming to think that the small girl couldn't have accomplished anything on the wrong side of the law.

"We aren't sure. She was taken when Nod was raided. The witch and her shogun stole some sort of gem from her chest. This might be what they are seeking."

Chichiri looked the girl over, "Come here."

Krin took some uneasy steps toward the bed. Tasuki merely smirked; "He's a monk. He won't try anything."

Chichiri's eyes glanced briefly at the brooch before raising his hand and lightly placing it upon her chest where the gem had once been.

"I'm feeling an afterglow coming from here," Chichiri whispered, "A powerful one. Do you know what you carried within you?"

Krin shook her head, as Chichiri pulled his hand away, "I never knew it was there."

Chichiri glanced over at Tasuki, "This is serious. We may have to speak with Taiitsu-kun."

Tasuki sighed, "That old hag. You think I'd never have to see her again."

Chichiri nodded slightly before turning to look at Yule, "But first we need to assemble a party to collect Boushin. I have felt a similar energy within him. He may also contain what they are looking for. We must do what we can to ensure they do not get it."

"They could already have it," Tasuki said, "We don't know if there are any restrictions to removing it."

"The witch herself could not take the one from Krin," Horiko said, "Something about Krin being the Holy Light."

They all looked at Krin, who glanced down at the floor feeling self-conscious. Horiko wrapped his arm around her, "Do you have any idea about that either?"

"No."

Yule turned to Chichiri, "And Horiko was set on fire and then the fire turned into armor."

Chichiri looked at Horiko, startled, "And what was that?"

"I don't know. Takashi said it was because I was the Red Demon Warrior of the Raging Fire, or something like that. He called himself the one for earth."

"There is great power here," Chichiri said, "Such power will not go unnoticed to Taiitsu-kun. We will speak with her as soon as Boushin is returned to us."

"Who will go after him?" Krin asked.

"I'm going," Yule said, "He's my emperor and he's my friend."

Chichiri nodded, "We should all go. There is another warrior as well. He wore dark blue and he came here after Boushin. He's powerful in the magic arts."

"He's the one who took me from Nod," Krin said, "He has silver hair and red eyes. He said he was the Silver Demon Warrior of all Elements. He's the most powerful of the lot."

"Taiitsu-kun will tell us what to do," Chichiri said, "We should depart immediately."