Twelve Lords

by Max Jager

  The mention of her parents stung, and even though she knew it was true, she wasn't about to admit it to him right now! With a glare she let frustrated tears stream down her face. "Fine! But I hope you really do know what you are doing brother. She will be the fall of the South so you better get your ass ready to fight when Motoichi comes!" Then she turned and ran to her tent.

  Blinking Atsana looked from the tent back to Sanzo with confused eyes. "What happened My Lord?"

  With a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck, Sanzo looked up at the sky. "She called his adopted daughter a retch, tried to hit his mate's friend, and then attacked his pregnant mate. And all after I told her to stay out of it. I hating being mean to her like this but she has to learn some way to stay out of it." He then opened serious eyes to Atsana. "Just make sure you take care of her."

  "Of course My Lord."

  X

  Late that night, after the meal was done and Imae was put in bed, Yokiyo found herself laying comfortably in her mate's arms. And totally at peace. It seemed that when she was in his arms and it was just them was the only time right now that she felt a peace. And now that everyone was there, tomorrow night was going to be the presentation where she was going to show exactly what she could do and how worthy she was for this position. She was a little worried about the dogs and not knowing who was going to come in after it started that wasn't invited, but she was confident.

  "You need to stop thinking so hard. You are not as relaxed now."

  Laughing, Yokiyo let out a long sigh. "Tomorrow actually. I got the outfits done this afternoon and they fit perfectly. But I also just can't wait till this is done and over with so I can then focus on just one thing and one thing only."

  "Just one?"

  Smiling as she looked up into his eyes, Yokiyo gave him a sharp nod. "Giving birth to a healthy and happy pup in a few months."

  "Indeed."

  The Priestess and The Demon Chapter 78

  Standing proudly next to her mate as they entered the now expanded reception hall, Yokiyo met the many glares and whispers she got with one of her own. She wasn't going to play nice with any of them. Especially seeing that most of them there didn't want her to be there in the first place. Kurosai and Yukani, yes they were after all her mate's father and sister. Everyone else, oh hell no.

  And for this evening she had to look the part of a Lady, which she did. Her outfit was basic and elegant. She had her miko outfit on under everything, with shades of light blue and white in waves down to her feet. Giving the illusion of a full seven layer kimono like everyone said tradition said they needed to have. But with a single pull of her small obi, she would lose the overcoat and be in her full miko outfit and ready for a fight if it called for it.

  She also let Takara style her hair, which she enjoyed much more than Yokiyo did she was sure. It was braided in several braids and placed neatly on her head with elegance, with just a single lock of hair that came down on the right side of her face. However, she did also request that it be able to be pulled apart with a single jade stick. One pull and it would loosen it all and then she would have one long braid and several others fall from her head.

  Looking down and to Kiyoshi's left side she smiled as more pride welled inside of her. Imae looked just like she belonged there too standing next to her father. She had the same exact type of outfit on that Yokiyo had, but had shades of light blue, dark blue and white. She matched them both perfectly. And just like Yokiyo, a pull on her obi and she would be freed from her overcoat and be in her training clothes. And just like her father, wore twin practice blades at her side.

  Her hair was braided around her head with small flowers placed through it. It wasn't as elegant as Yokiyo's was, but her hair wasn't exactly long either and she fought with them both even on this hair style. The only thing that let it happen was after Yokiyo had her hair done.

  Another glance around and she could just tell that most of them wanted her dead. And the constant whispers were doing nothing to but making her annoyed at the moment. The sooner that this was all over then the sooner they could all get out and she could focus on her family.

  But at the same time she couldn't help but feel perfectly safe right now. Not only was she by ki8yoshi's side, but just off of Imae's side was Yoite, Umarus just off of hers. And in different strategic places around the room stood Senri, Zokeni, Kamui and even Kurosai. Though she was sure he was only there because of Sorae.

  A louder whisper just as they were almost to the front of the reception hall where he would announce who she was made her harden her eyes as she turned to look right at an eagle that came with Sanzo. From what he said it was clear that he was not loyal to Sanzo and was not here for any other reason but to try and make sure she died. 'I swear.'

  Sensing her anger, Kiyoshi looked down at her and followed her glare to the eagle, then growled as he glared harder and slipped into the shadows behind everyone else that was there. "It would seem that not everyone that Sanzo brought is open minded about things."

  "Indeed."

  Reaching the front of the room, Kiyoshi and Yokiyo stood before everyone aand she rolled her eyes as she held her head high and took a deep breath before looking out around the demons that surrounded her. Some of them approved, seemed uninterested or glared at her with disapproval. But she would not be intimidated by them in the least. 'Bring it on.'

  With a growl to get everyone's attention, Kiyoshi met their gace with cold and hard iced blue eyes. "You have all been called here for one reason. I have taken a mate. The human miko beside me, is your new Lady of the South. Lady Yokiyo. And I don't really care if you like it or not."

  Crossing his arms, one of the Southern Court Nobles stepped up and glared into Kiyoshi's eyes. "You are right that some of us don't like it! Those that say they do and accept her as our Lady are playing a good game or just as stupid as you are. She should have never been in this palace to start with."

  Reacting before Kiyoshi could, Yokiyo shocked everyone as she stepped a step in front of Kiyoshi with cold, hard glaring eyes, mirrored to Kiyoshi's, yet a gracious and beautiful smile. "I would really rethink your position on this if I were you. I am the Lady of the South. You may take it however you wish too. I am stronger than I look and I have a feeling that very soon, you and everyone else here will see what I am talking about. Until then keep your comments to yourself." She then stepped back to Kiyoshi's side when he growled and walked off.

  Over the next hour or so, Yokiyo spent talking with several other nobles that came to talk to her and Kiyoshi. Ones that said that they were loyal to him and if she was what he wanted they were alright with that. But that would ultimately be proven in time. And as time went on, she found herself fanning herself as the room seemed to heat up even more than it normally was with everyone in it, and she really needed some fresh air and a break from the glares.

  Turning and gently laying a hand on Kiyoshi's arm, she smiled up at him. "I will be taking Umarus, Senri, Zokeni and Yoite with me. I need some fresh air. It is too stuffy in here right now."

  "No."

  Keeping her smile Yokiyo shook her head at him. "I need air or I am going to pass out. You need to entertain. I will take Imae and everyone else with me. We don't want me to look like I am nothing but a weak human who has to stay at your side. I am taking the best ones that I need to protect us. We will be fine."

  "No."

  "Yes." Yokiyo then reached down and took Imae by the hand and turned headed out the door, smiling as once again she was flanked by Yoite and Umarus, with Senri and Zokeni moving to follow them. Once they were in the garden some she sighed as the cool summer breeze brushed her face and helped to cool her down. "This is much better."

  With a glare, Umarus could smell the many other new scents that were over the palace walls and growled. "My Lady we should not linger here."

  "I know just a moment….." Then she tensed as the hair on the back of her neck once again stood on end. Danger. "Actually let's go on back in. I…." B
ut then the sound of clinging steel made her gasp as turned to find everyone staying off a demon, and Yoite taking a nasty wound to his stomach. "Oh no!"

  Imae had wide eyes as she watched Yoite glaring up at the demon that had actually hurt him! "Yoite!"

  Throwing up a barrier around her and Imae, she turned and threw a hand out, making it bigtger to include Yoite in it. She then looked at the palace as more demons flooded over the wall. "This is great why don't I listen. Why isn't he coming though?"

  Another block, and Senri glared over his shoulder. "There is a barrier around the entire garden Yokiyo! He can't see what is going on, and I am guessing that he can't hear it either!"

  Watching as her mind reeled as everyone took positions around her barrier, she had to think of a way to get his attention on them. "Great now how do I let him know what is going on!?"

  "That is simple my little miko. You do not. You are coming with me"

  Jerking around behind her, Yokiyo had wide eyes when she saw that Hachiro was there inside her barrier with them! Along with one of the dog demons that Motoichi sent! Moving and putting herself between them and Imae she glared. "You son of a bitch. How did you two get through my barrier. Hachiro Kiyoshi kicked you out!"

  His eyes were feasting on her body as he walked toward her, Hachiro couldn't help but envision what it was going to be like to finally have her beneath him as he claimed her for his own mate. It didn't matter she was pregnant, he would kill the pup when it was born and she would then birth his child. "Oh he did. But you see I left something here that I had to come back and get that I really wanted. You."

  Hardening her glare at him, Yokiyo fisted her hands. "Don't think I will ever just go with you willingly."

  A glance with a smug smile at the growling yet unable to move Yoite, Hachiro then moved and quickly had the miko pinned against a tree as he pressed his full body onto hers. "Really? How about I show you right now what you get to look forward too with me."

  "You bastard!"

  Laughing, Hachiro leaned in toward her mouth with his own. When his mouth was but a breath away from hers he flinched as the smell of blood hit his nose good and strong. It was her blood! Yet he hadn't touched her yet. Looking up at her hands he gasped. "Damnit!"

  Laughing, Yokiyo still struggled with his grip on her hands. "You idiot did you really think I wouldn't figure out how to get around a barrier. No barrier can keep smell contained. If he can't see or hear me he will smell me no matter what. Now do you really think you can get me out of my own barrier and away from here before he gets here? Or do to me what you think you want to before he gets here and not die?"

  Glaring into her eyes for a second, Hachiro then bore down on her mouth, causing a muted scream from her. After a few seconds he pulled his mouth from hers and smiled a sadistic smile into her face. "Mark my words before you are old and ugly. I will come back for you. Mark my words Yokiyo." The then let go of her and fled, covering his trail with lavender to throw anyone off.

  Breathing hard, Yokiyo had wide eyes as she watched him easily run right through her purification barrier! She still wanted to know how he was doing that!

  "Why do you not just give up and die? You could have lived if you would have left with Hachiro."

  Jerking her head around to see the damn dog from Motoichi walking toward her she glared harder as she growled. "So where is your partner?"

  With a evil smile the dog slowly walked toward the miko. "He is playing nice with Kiyoshi wile I take out the humans in his life. As well as that abomination you have inside you. He is a disgrace. It won't be long now before Lord Motoichi shows everyone just how superior he really is."

  "Go to hell."

  Watching Imae was breathing hard as she tried to take in everything that was going on right now. She watched as Hachiro who had always been so nice pinned her mother to a tree and kissed her talking about taking her away from them! And now this other demon that said he was going to kill her too when he got there was headed for her mother to kill her and her little brother or sister!

  Then it was like something in her head snapped and she instantly knew what she had to do. She was the eldest pup of Lord Kiyoshi, Lord of the South. She would defend her mother!

  Reaching out she grabbed Yoite's sword before anyone knew what was going on, let her overcoat fall to the ground as she rushed around and put herself in a defensive stance just before her mother. A glare that would make her father proud with the resolve to kill him if she had to. "You run your mouth too much. I won't let you touch her!"

  Hearing Imae, Umarus glanced back after sending a few demons flying and smiled proudly. Both were just as stubborn and strong in spirit as Kiyoshi was. And he was actually proud of both of them, but Imae most of all. But while the smell of the blood was strong, it wasn't yet strong enough to get Kiyoshi's attention! "Miko! You need more blood!"

  Nodding as she looked down, Yokiyo leaned over Imae and ran her arm across the blade, pulling a thick line of blood but it wouldn't be lethal. "Give me your hand Imae." She then did the same thing with Imae's finger as she smiled up at the now angrier dog demon. "That will get his attention."

  X

  Growing increasingly annoyed Kiyoshi kept looking toward the door where his mate and pup left. As he started to close his eyes though just before going to find them, he flinched as his eyes went wide as they could go. It was their blood! The emotional roller coaster that she was on hitting him full force. But he couldn't smell either of them, only small traces of their blood!

  Turning he shocked everyone as he rushed for the door that they left through. "Something is wrong with them." Only to growl as he slammed into a barrier that rippled purple. "Damnit!"

  Seeing the barrier, Sanzo glared as he turned and grabbed the same eagle he heard saying what he did about Yokiyo by the neck and drug him toward the barrier. "I don't think so." When he got there he pushed Kiyoshi who was beating at the barrier and hissed. "Move." He then slammed the eagle's face into it. "Break it."

  "I won't!"

  Hissing again and slamming the front of his face into it hard again, Sanzo yelled. "Break it!"

  Coughing up blood, the eagle glared up at him. "You side with him and his miko mate after your father was killed by one. You can die with them for all I care you bastard!"

  Slinging the eagle toward Kamui who caught him with ease he hissed. "Keep hold of him." He then turned back and placed both hands on the barrier as he focused with all his energy to try and cause a greater ripple in it so Kiyoshi could break it. Once he had a good rift in it he glared over at Yokiyo. "It right above my hands hard." Once he did the barrier broke and Kiyoshi was already out and fighting off demons that were after him. Sanzo then followed with Kurosai and Shone. Seeing that there were a few dozen that the others were fighting and going at Yokiyo's barrier.

  As he fought his well through the demons that were in his gardens, even more flooded over the wall in a vein attempt to stop him from getting to his mate and pup. "Bastards!"

  X

  Yokiyo and Imae moved as the demon glared as she had a barrier around him so he couldn't move until she was by Yoite and knelt down by him with Imae still keeping herself between them and the demon. Dropping the one he was in, she put up another barrier around just the three of them and let the bigger one fall.

  Just as she started to tell Yoite that he would be alright she finally felt the ball of rage coming at them. With a sigh Yokiyo was finally able to relax some. "He is coming."

  But then she flinched when she felt the slam of a sword into her barrier as she closed her eye. "Damn you."

  "I say we bring down this barrier shall we and get this over with? Just die now and save us the trouble."

  Gasping as she tried to focus on throwing her energy into the barrier, Yokiyo wasn't going to let him know she was weakening. She would prove she was strong. Kiyoshi was on his way and that would prove their bond. Puling her obi and letting her overcoat fall to the ground she forced herself up on her feet as she
shook and fisted her hands at her side. "Damn you! I am stronger than you give me cred it for!"

  Imae watched as if in slow motion this demon beat on her mother's barrier to try to get into them to kill them. She could hear the fighting going on around her. Master Yoite was hurt. She was so full of anger right now she didn't know what to do with it. But she knew if he got through the barrier she was going to have to take him out right now. 'I can do this. I have to protect Mama and Master Yoite until Father gets here. I have been training for this. I will show you that I have learned well Father. Master Umarus. I will protect them!'