Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Gems of Blue ❯ Ammolite ( Chapter 10 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Chapter: 10 Ammolite

Lazuli showed great concern when Lapis retuned with Tsuyomi.
"Where have you been? Tsuyomi, you should not have run off without your mother. It is very dangerous here."
"I saw papa."
"What! Lapis! You saw Nakago? If that is so, we need to get out of here, quickly."
"Lazuli, don't be so negative. He saved my and Tsuyomi's lives."
"I hate him. He has no feelings for you or his son. You are only property to him. Can't you see that, Lapis."
"He do not, papa said I was special."
"I am sorry, Tsuyomi. I did not mean to get angry. I am sure your papa cares about you."
Lapis got on the horse. Lazuli handed Tsuyomi to Lapis.
"Lets get going. This place is crawling with Kutou soldiers. But, Lazuli, which way will we go?"
"We need to go back to Kutou."
"Are you insane? Do you forget there is still a price on my head?"
"I remember, but if the Kutou soldiers are concentrated here and in Konan, then they will not be looking for us in their own back yard. With Nakago here, we may even be able to slip into the palace."
"You are right. Plus, there could be several tribesmen who would refuse to turn me in."
"Lets get going then. We will need to take the back trails."


That evening as they made camp, Lapis sat with Tsuyomi and told him about Nakago.
"That is right, son, we all thought he was dead, but he wasn't."
"The bad man took him away."
"Yes, Tsuyomi. The Kutou emperor made him a prisoner. He is still a captive, the emperor won't let him free."
"I want papa free. I want my papa."
"I know. He is working very hard to get free. I am sure he will be with us soon."
"Oh good." Tsuyomi said as he slowly slipped off to sleep.
"I don't know why you tell him that garbage. Nakago has great mercenary military power. He could leave the Kutou army any time he wishes."
"No, Lazuli, that is not true. He can not be free until Seriyu is summoned. In order to become free, he is forced to be where he is."
"What are you talking about?"
"Didn't you know? Nakago caries the mark of Seriyu on his forehead. He is a celestial warrior."
"What!?"
"Our camp's Tenkou priest, Aono, also had a mark of Seriyu. Nakago's other wife, Soi, of the Nei, also has a mark. I believe all of Seriyu's warriors have the blood of the wandering tribes. The enemies of the emperor are the ones who have the mark of his god. Revenge is coming, Seriyu's revenge."
"I had no idea. I suppose I should have known, but I never thought about it."
"You want to take first watch?"
"Yes, sister. I have too much to think about to sleep."
Lazuli thought long and hard as he sat at watch. He rubbed the place on his chest above his heart where his birthmark was.
"Why me?" He said to himself.


It took nearly two weeks traveling along the small, rarely used trails to reach Kutou. They constantly had to dodge around Kutou soldier encampments. Once, they stopped near a larger encampment to sneak in, steal food, and steal fresh horses. It was difficult to do so without being noticed, but Lazuli was a master thief, and did well not being noticed.
"Why are there so many troops out, brother?"
"I suspect they are not only trying to capture Konan, but raze it to the ground. Just like they did the traveler's retreats used by the Wandering Tribes two hundred years ago."
"The Kutou Emperor has no sense of honor."
"Lapis, I suspect this is Nakago's doing. He is overstepping the bounds of his destiny."
"How so? Konan is considered the enemy nation. Konan has the priestess of Suzaku, which poses a threat to Nakago's purpose, as a warrior of Seriyu."
"It is more than that. I know something that Nakgao does not. If he did know it, he would not pursue this childish war of his."
"What are you talking about, Lazuli?"
"Now is not the time to discuss it. We need to make for the Kutou capital before we are noticed."
"Very well, but I would rather look for a tribe that camps near the capital. It may be safer."
They rode for a few miles before finding a safe place to camp. Lazuli decided to take one more survey of the area before helping Lapis to set up.
As he rode back to the campsite, he screamed, grabbed his chest and fell off of the horse.
"Lazuli! What is the matter!?"
"Stay away from me! Stay back!" He yelled as a blue light emanated from his chest and lifted him up into the air. Slowly the blue light surrounded his body. It encapsulated him in a blue bubble as it held him aloft. Lightning seemed to flow around the bubble of energy.
Tsuyomi started screaming and panicking as the tried to make his way to help his uncle. A bolt of the lightning arced out and nearly hit Tsuyomi. Lapis grabbed her son and held him tight as she slowly stepped back from the globe of energy her brother was trapped in.
"Lazuli! What is happening!?"
"Just stay back! You will be killed if you get too close!" Lazuli shouted between ragged breaths.
"Answer me! What is happening to you!?"
"I don't know!"
Lazuli writhed and screamed in pain while he was inside the bubble. Eventually, he passed out from the pain.
A half an hour later, The energy bubble slowly calmed. It lowered Lazuli to the ground and disappeared.
Even though the bubble was gone, Lapis could still feel enormous waves of energy coursing through Lazuli's body. She carefully lay him on a blanket and covered him up so he could rest easier.
"Mama, what happened to uncle? Who did that to him?"
"I don't know Tsuyomi."
"He's hurt real bad huh?"
"Yes. Now be a good boy and go sit by him. If he wakes up, you come tell me, alright?"
"Alright mama."


While unconscious, Lazuli saw many things pass by in his mind in a blur.
He saw Kutou emperors that were long dead. The ghosts gave him many words of wisdom in how to avoid the traps many of them fell into.
He saw Tenkou, as a human, being executed for atrocities to his own people. He saw Tenkou create himself into a god by ruthlessly stealing the power of the four gods, Seriyu in particular.
He wandered through the palaces of heaven, seeing the homes of all four gods. He met with three of them, Genbu, Byakko, and Suzaku. They gave him words of hope.
He saw the faithful of each of the gods. They gave him encouragement and strength. The faithful of Seriyu gave him special attention. They wanted him to help heal Seriyu of the injuries created by Tenkou and by blasphemous worshippers.
He saw the bitter pain of the past through the hearts of all of the Celestial Warriors of Seriyu.
He saw Miboshi as he tried to save his family and himself from a plague, using alchemy and sorcery. He saw Miboshi's initial terror at leaving his body to control another's.
He saw Ashtari watch his family murdered while he was dragged away to be put in a freak show. He felt the whip as the men who held Ashtari made him perform tricks for a crowd.
He saw Soi sitting in a hovel with a crowd of people, hiding. He felt the pain in Soi's stomach from many days without food. He felt her fear when she was sold to the brothel keeper.
He saw as Amiboshi and Suboshi watched their parents be shot down by Kutou soldiers. He felt the heat of the fire of the twins' burning home as they tried to hide inside. He felt their anguish and loneliness at being the only survivors.
He saw Tomo being kicked around and beaten because his mother was a slave. He felt the helplessness as Tomo watched his mother raped and beaten. He felt the searing pain as Tomo was repeatedly raped by men of his tribe. He felt the relief as a priest of Tenkou took pity on him and taught him illusions.
Lastly, He saw his brother, Nakago. He saw as Nakago and his mother were pushed and shunned by all they came into contact with. He felt the eternal love, undying adoration and ceaseless faith Nakago had for his mother. He felt The horror as Nakago watched his mother being raped by Kutou soldiers. He felt Nakago's regret and anguish with the knowledge that Nakago, himself killed her while wanting to rescue her.
The vision in Lazuli's mind swirled. Before him, in a large room, stood an enormous blue dragon, surrounded by priests.
Another man in royal robes was led into the room by Tenkou. Tenkou's hands were on the monarch's shoulders.
The monarch pushed ahead of the priest and gouged out the eyes of the dragon with an ornate dagger. The priests followed by pulling out daggers and plunging them into the beast.
Tenkou stood back and laughed.
The dragon made its way towards Lazuli's ghostly form, howling in pain and begging for assistance.


Lazuli screamed as he woke from the nightmare. His body was covered with sweat as he took in several deep, ragged breaths.
Tsuyomi, who was asleep beside him, woke and screamed as well.
Lapis ran over to them," Lazuli! It is alright now! You are in our camp."
"Uncle, you woke up! You scared me."
"Lapis, how long have I been asleep?"
"An entire week. I was afraid you would not wake up. I was debating whether to leave you here, to die."
"I am glad you didn't. I had a vision. We need to get to the capital as soon as we possibly can."
"You are insane! There is no way we can survive if we were captured. Especially you, in your condition."
"I will be fine, sister. Seriyu has been summoned. We need to get to the capital of Kutou. You have nothing to fear. The gods are with us."
"You are speaking like a madman! The Kutou army passed by here in full force. They are attacking Konan as we speak. The Kutou Emperor will think of us as the final touch to his victory."
"He will not win, he can't. He, and many of his ancestors offended the gods. The gods are with us." Lazuli said as he quickly packed his things and got on his horse to leave. "You and Tsuyomi get our things and get on your horse. That is not a request. We will certainly be captured if we remain here."
"I already have mine and Tsuyomi's things packed and ready."
"Lets go, now!" Lazuli said as he urged his horse into a full gallop.


Lapis followed as Lazuli galloped past patrols and soldiers and straight through the gates of the Kutou palace.
Lazuli urged his horse right up the front steps of the palace. He dismounted and strode confidently inside.
lapis looked around the palace grounds. Bodies were everywhere. The soldiers were fighting among one another. Everything was in chaos.
She rode her horse up the steps just as her brother had done, but ducked as she reached the main doorway. She did not reign in her horse until she saw Soi's dead body lying on the side of the hall.
She dismounted and took Tsuyomi off of the horse and set him down.
Lapis looked at Soi. Soi was wearing the first of wives pendant. Lapis smiled, and then kneeled by Soi's body and broke into tears.
"Who's that, mama?"
"She is your aunt, Tsuyomi. Come, we need to go to the temple." Lapis said as she carefully dragged Soi's body along with them.
The temple was a shambles. The statue had been broken to pieces, and the relics had been stolen or scattered.
Lapis carefully laid Soi's body down and crossed Soi's arms across her chest. Lapis kissed Soi's forehead and cheeks. "Goodbye sister." She softly said.
A group of soldiers poked their heads into the shrine and then went on their way.
"We have to find all of the nobles, the general's orders." one of their voices echoed on the walls.
"Are they gonna hurt us, mama?"
"No, Tsuyomi. We are in rags. We look nothing like nobles."
Lapis turned to the head of the ruined statue, got on her knees and prayed silently. She instructed Tsuyomi to do the same.
The sound of a pair of heavily armored boots came into the shrine. Tsuyomi tugged on his mother's sleeve to get her to turn around.
"Child, continue to pray, for your aunt's soul, for your uncle, and especially for your father. We do not need to know who comes in behind us."
"So it was you who brought her here." a slightly sad male voice said behind them," I had not expected to see you back here."
"Papa!" Tsuyomi yelled as he realized it was Nakago behind him. "You free now papa?"
"Almost. Lapis, come with me. It is not safe here. You can come back later."


Lazuli made his way easily through the carnage inside the palace. Several of Nakago's mercenary soldiers recognized Lazuli and gave him the freedom to do whatever he wanted. Two of the soldiers decided to follow Lazuli, to insure his protection.
"It has been many years, Gallrus."
"I would know you anywhere, Your Grace. You remember Nafi as well?"
"Yes, it is good to see you are both alive."
"We will aid you any way we can, Prince Lazuli, now that Nakago is truly King and Emperor. His Majesty killed the pig who once ruled. Killed the lout with his own hands."
"Gallrus, can you go look for my sister, and the young prince? They are here somewhere in the palace as well."
"Her Grace is alive as well? Who is the young prince you speak of?"
"Tsuyomi, Nakago's son. Lapis became one of his wives during her imprisonment here."
"I will go at once!"
Lazuli continued to rifle through the former emperor's apartments. He instructed Nafi, and any other loyal soldier who came in contact with him to gather any wealth they found, and place it in the middle of the throne room.
"Nafi, go into the city and distribute the most of the coins you find to the poor. Find any wealthy merchant you can. Bring the merchants, by force if need be. We need witnesses for the unofficial coronation. I am certain it is what my brother would want."
"As you wish, Your Grace."


Lapis followed Nakago as he carried their son to his personal apartments. Nakago used some of his life force energy to put Tsuyomi to sleep. He lay the child on some pillows he had on the side of his bedchamber.
Nakago went around his rooms, barring all of the doors. He finished by barring the bedchamber door.
"Your Majesty? Your soldiers know these are your apartments don't they? You are incredibly strong. Do we really need to bar all of the doors for safety?"
"My dearest, the doors are not barred for safety. I could kill anyone who came near. They are barred for privacy. I want you now. Take off your clothes."
"Your Majesty, this is not the time for..."
"I told you to take off your clothes. Or, do I have to rip them off of you? I told you. You are mine. Do as I say, woman."
Lapis looked over at Tsuyomi and back at Nakago as she slowly disrobed.
Nakago's eyes were not full of the softness they had before when they coupled. They were the eyes of a conqueror. Lapis was his conquest this time.
Nakago sapped most of Lapis' life force as he took her. Once finished, he stood, dressed and covered Lapis' sleeping form.
"Thank you, wife." He said coldly as he looked at Lapis' sleeping form, "I needed that energy from you to complete my task. When I return, you will be the wife of a god. "
"He took the shin shell from his pocket, opened it, and disappeared."


Lapis had an odd dream as she slept. Tsuyomi's spirit form found his mother's and took her hand.
"Mother, come with me." Tsuyomi said in an oddly adult voice. He floated weightlessly and lead his mother's spirit with him.
"Where are we going?"
"To the place our destiny will take us."
They flew over fields, forests and meadows until they came to a large, craggy plateau. On the top, there were ruins. The rocky remains of buildings were weathered by the wind and sun.
"The ruins are a ruse." Tsuyomi said.
He lead her down into the lush forest at the side of the plateau. Tsuyomi released her hand and motioned for her to go into a small crack in the side.
Lapis went in. Within the crevice was a tunnel that resembled a mine. The supports were hidden, but time had allowed their protective covering to crumble away. The end of the tunnel was covered with rubble, from a cave in. Her spirit knew there was something behind it.
The rubble was not as deep as she first thought. The cave wound deeper into the plateau. It ended at a finely crafted door. The door had the symbols of all four gods on it.
"The hidden temple! The Palace Where Four Rule Peacefully. " she whispered as her spirit passed through the door.
The inside of the temple was enormous. The circular, recessed, inner part of the temple was decorated in four colors and had statues dedicated to each of the four gods, both in human and in beast form. In the very center was a brazier, that still blazed, despite the unkempt state of the temple. To the sides of the inner temple, there were rooms, apparently used by the keepers of the temple. Lapis examined the rooms, finding the bones of the long-dead keepers.
Her head began to spin, and everything went cloudy.
Lapis awoke in Nakago's bed. She looked around, Nakago was gone, and Tsuyomi was still sleeping peacefully.
Lapis fought back the pain in her body. She stood, and grabbed a nearby robe.
She went to Tsuyomi, picked up the child and set him in Nakago's bed. She lay next to her son, wrapped her arms around him and fell back asleep