Twelve Lords

by Max Jager

  Yokiyo gasped as she fell to her hands and knees again just as her barrier broke. Looking up she gasped as Yoite summoned enough strength and rushed the demon but was kicked in his stomach and pushed to the side to fall in a shaking heap. "Yoite!"

  Throwing up his own barrier just as the others got there, the demon smiled as he walked toward the miko. "If I were you miko, I would worry about myself and not some washed up guard wanna be."

  Glaring up into his amber eyes, Yokiyo narrowed her dark blue ones as she growled. "Don't count me down and out just yet."

  "I have no doubts that is exactly what you are. You are going to die right here and right now."

  Imae was glaring as he walked right past her like she was nothing. Like she wasn't even there. He hurt master Yoite worse. And now he had another barrier up and her father couldn't get to them! 'No! I won't let him!'

  Pure instinct kicking in, Imae pulled shocked gasps from everyone that was trying to get to them through the barrier as she moved before she even realized what she was doing. She turned and swung as hard as she could from behind as her resolve to kill him set in her eyes. Landing her blow she made he howl in pain as she hit his knees. 'One.'

  Shen then spun around and using a move that Yoite showed her, she jumped up on a rock and then off the rock as what Sanzo told her rang through her head about killing them three times. Bring them down, run them through, lop off their head. Leaping into the air from the rock she used her body and shoved the katana through his chest. Barely the point came out on his chest but she did it! 'Two.'

  She struggled but managed to pull the katana out of his chest as he fell forward to his hands as her mother backed up, never taking her shocked eyes off of her daughter. She then used a move that Umarus showed her and spun around just as he lifted his head up and sliced through his neck. When she reached his spine she tried and tried to make it go but it wasn't going. But she had to do this! She had to! She couldn't stop! Focusing all the strength she had left she gave a final pushed as she screamed and was finally able to get through his spine and took his head off, his barrier falling instantly.

  She started to smile as she felt pride that she just felled her first demon. But then something came over her and she felt sick. Falling to her hands and knees she couldn't stop as she actually physically got sick.

  A glance over at his daughter as Sanzo and Umarus rushed to her, Kiyoshi was instantly at his mate's side as he helped her to sit up. "Yokiyo?"

  Smiling as she shook, she was weak from using so much energy and losing a fair amount of blood from her arm but she was fine other wise. "I am alright. And beside don't call me that. Miko sounds better coming from you. I just used too much purification along with the blood loss from my arm but I will be just fine. I knew you would smell my blood through that barrier."

  Relaxed now to see they were both safe and sound now, Kiyoshi had an emotionless mask on his face. "I would smell your blood no matter what."

  "Exactly."

  "What in the hell!?"

  Hearing his father's truly shocked voice, Kiyoshi and Yokiyo both looked up at him and his wide eyes. Following his eyes as he looked at the demon Imae killed, they both gasped with extra wide eyes. Imae was a miko also! Every place that she cut the demon was burning and turning to dust as it went further out. "Well now. My daughter and my mate are mikos."

  "Move! Let me through!" Takahashi dropped to his knees by the miko with worried eyes. The pup was fine, but she was weak. "Where are you hurt My Lady?"

  Holding her arm out Yokiyo smiled. "Just here. I did that to get Kiyoshi's attention. Imae has a small place on her finger as well."

  Working as he dressed her arm, Takahashi glanced over at the young girl and smiled. "She will be fine. I suspect taking her first life and awakening miko powers is why she is reacting like that." Moving from them he took some water from a small fountain in a cup and poured a powder in it. As he went back to her he could feel his Lord's eyes on him. "The pup is just fine. A strong heart beat and not in distress." He then handed the cup to the miko and smiled. "Drink this. It will help you to be able to stand on your feet and you go back to the palace."

  "Thank you."

  Growling as he looked around, he could smell demons that were under nobles that were in his court. And he could smell the tension from those nobles as they anxiously watched to see what was going on. It was very clear that he was going to have to clean house. As well as Sanzo.

  Turning to everyone Kiyoshi sighed. "Senri. Will you and Zokeni take her back to her room and stay with her. Umarus, father, Shone and Sanzo come with us."

  With a nod and a glare, Yokiyo pushed away from him as she settled on her own two feet glaring at his growl. "Don't you even start with me right now. I will not be pushed around like this! I told you that I was going to make an example out of them. Imae brought one down. The other bastard is mine."

  Following her with the others in tow, he kept his eyes on her as she entered the reception hall sending most of them to the edges of the room with fear wondering what was going to happen next. She truly was showing everyone there what his pissed off miko mate was capable of.

  She looked around and found the injured eagle that ran his mouth being held by Kamui. "While I would like to rip your head off for what you said as I walked past, for your treachery to Sanzo I will let him have you."

  Scanning the room again she finally found the other dog. Advancing on him she growled. "You are the one I want!"

  Watching as everyone around him fled, the dog demon stood tall as he growled down into her face. "Don't you dare think you can do anything to me. If not for your mate reaching you in time you would have been killed by him."

  "You fool!" Yokiyo flared what she had left of her purification into her hands and pushed him, sending him through the wall and a couple small trees into the garden as she stormed toward him again. "Kiyoshi didn't kill that bastard our daughter did! Imae killed him and I am taking your life you bastard!" Then without thought she pulled the jade spike from her hair as several braids fell down her back, charged it with the last of her purification and then slammed it into his eye as he tried to stand up, ignoring the screams of agony as he twitched and slowly turned to dust.

  Turning she stormed back into the reception hall and looked around as Kiyoshi took his place at her side. "Does anyone else want to challenge me on this?" When no one said anything she took a deep breath. "Then deal with it. I am Lady of the South." She then turned a sweet face to her mate. "I am going to Imae. I trust that you are going to clean house then?" When she got a sharp nod she then turned and left with Sorae and Umarus on her heels.

  Once she was in the hall she stopped and swayed some, thankful as Sorae grabbed her to help steady her. "Thank you."

  Concern in her eyes as she looked at her and helped her to walk on, Sorae never took her eyes off of her. "Are you alright what happened?"

  "Yeah. I cut my own arm to get his attention and used too much purification. I next to stop using it when he told me I was pregnant. I used way too much too fast is all."

  "I see. Well right now you need some good rest. Let's get you to your room."

  Shaking her head no, Yokiyo half smiled. "Take me to Imae's room. Not only did she actually fell her first demon today, but in the process she unlocked her miko powers. Imae is a miko."

  "Really?"

  "OH yeah."

  X

  Once they were gone down the hall some, Kiyoshi flexed his claws. "Well Sanzo are you ready to do as she said and clean house?"

  Nodding Sanzo turned glaring eyes to the eagle. "I am starting with him. Let's get started Kiyoshi."

  "Right."

  Sanzo then stalked toward the eagle, nodding to Kamui who let him go then left to go and find his mate no doubt who hadn't been there. Grabbing him and looking around, Sanzo hissed as the wind in the room began to whip around. "More than half of you know what is about to happen right?" He then flexed his hand and lopped the bird's head off, slinging the
blood too the floor.

  Nodding Kiyoshi growled then like a flash the two were moving around the room, skipping over those that did not have men in the attack today, and mercilessly cutting down the others that did.

  Standing back with a sigh, Kurosai didn't know what to think right now. The bond was clear, and just by smelling that small amount of blood that every did he blindly raced toward her. The bond was there. And now most of the Southern Court was gone because of it. 'Damnit. Though I don't like it, I guess acting like an ass is a bit much considering.'

  X

  Looking up with a smile, Yokiyo sighed as Kiyoshi walked in with wet hair and a simple haori and hakama. He had already washed the blood off of himself which she was happy for. When he sat on the bed next to her she sighed. "Everything is done?"

  "Yes. Everyone will be leaving in a few days and then we can back to almost normal. Come. Let's go to our room." He then lifted her into his arms and turned to Senri as he stood to the side with Umarus. "I would like it considering if you stayed here tonight Senri in here with Imae."

  "Course."

  Nodding as he walked out of the room, he looked down at her. "What else happened?"

  "What?"

  Walking in their room he sat her on the bed and sighed as he sat next to her and made her look up at him. "Something else happened out there than what I saw and I want to know what it was."

  With a sigh as she leaned into his arms, once again feeling safe she touched her mouth with a shaky hand. "It was Hachiro. He was out there with everyone else attacking."

  "What!?"

  Nodding as she clung to his clothes, she let a few tears fall. "He said he came back because he wanted me. When I told him he would never get the chance to touch me, he pinned me to a tree and all but said he was going to rape me right there. That was when I dug my nails into my hand and made him bleed. Knowing you would smell it was what made him stop. He kissed me and then said that he would be back."

  Glaring over her head as his lip twitched with a growl, Kiyoshi saw nothing but red right now. "I am going to send out a search party to try and find him tomorrow. The second he is found in the West, East or South he is dead." When Yokiyo started to shake he methodically rubbed her back as he held her close. He wanted to rage and go find him himself right now. But he had to calm her down."

  "There is more."

  "More?"

  Nodding as she looked up at him, Yokiyo had curious eyes. "I don't know how he was able to do it, but he walked right through my barrier. It didn't phase him in the least or stop him like it did everyone else." When his eyes went wide she nodded. "Umarus even watched him do it."

  Moving on the bed to lay down over the blankets, Kiyoshi let out a sigh as he pulled her to lay with him and sighed. "I will deal with Hachiro. You just rest right now. You need your strength."

  "Right."

  With the presentation over, Kiyoshi was able to relax finally. His mate in his arms, just fine, his pup next door and just fine. The pup his mate carried going strong. He would be at her side daily for the next few days, then go on his rounds so that he could be there when the pup was born. And during that time, Umarus and Yoite would be in arms reach. And he was sure that he could get Senri to come back. But right now, sleep and relaxing with his mate was all he was worried about.

  The Priestess and The Demon Chapter 79

  It's been three days since the presentation and Yokiyo now sat with Imae in the gardens. Nearly half of the Southern Court were killed, and more than that from the East. Now the only ones that were still there were family. Yukani and Kamui were going to be leaving the next day to go back to the Southern Shores, and Senri and Zokeni were going to be leaving soon that day as well.. She did still hope though that she could defy the odds and give him a demon grandchild and make him eat his words. And hoped that would make Yukani also come around.

  Looking over at Imae and how she just sat there next to her starring at the ground she smiled as she reached over and laid her hand on her leg. "Do you still feel funny sweetheart?"

  Nodding Imae kept her eyes on the ground. "I do Mama. But I don't know why."

  Leaning over and hugging her, Yokiyo smiled as she kissed her head. They wanted to wait until she asked why she felt so different to tell her what was going on. And to see if the scent of purification stayed with her. And it has. "Oh honey. I know we aren't your real parents, but you act like you should be ours by blood. We couldn't ask for a better eldest daughter and child. You didn't hesitate and protected me when your father couldn't get to me."

  "Do I feel like this because killed a demon?"

  "Partly. Honey you are just like me and that is what is making you feel funny."

  Looking up at her with wide and shinning eyes, Imae let her head fall to the side. "What do you mean Mama?"

  Pushing in on her nose as she laughed, Yokiyo gave her a sharp nod and a sweet smile. "You are just like me Imae. You are a miko. Your training and the resolve you had to defeat that demon to protect me must have pulled your purification out. And as soon as I have your brother or sister, you are going to start training how to use it with me. That is all it is. It will pass in a few more days."

  Tears fell from her chocolate eyes as she looked up at her mother with wonder. Then she smiled as she threw her arms around her neck and giggled. "I am just like Mama! That makes me so happy!"

  "That's right honey."

  "Imae. Miko."

  Looking up to see Kiyoshi standing there with worry washing over her she smiled as she stood up and held Imae's hand. "I wish you didn't have to go so soon."

  "I need to make sure nothing starts after what happened here. I will not be gone long." Kiyoshi then laid his hand on Imae's head with a smile, then leaned down and bore down on Yokiyo's lips for a moment. After he pulled his lips from hers he turned and called his cloud and flew off.

  Looking down at Imae, Yokiyo laughed. "Come on honey. Uncle Senri and Aunt Zokeni are going to be leaving soon. Let's go and see them off shall we?"

  "Right Mama!"

  X

  Reaching out and hugging her brother, Yokiyo smiled as she stood at the gate with Imae and Yoite. "I am serious though Senri. You don't have to stay here. He isn't going to be gone that long, and I got Yoite and Umarus anyway."

  Looking down at his sister, Senri wasn't sure about this. He had a really bad feeling something was going to happen. "Are you sure Yokiyo? We don't mind staying."

  "I am go on home with her. We will come see you soon. And you gotta come back in a couple months when your niece or nephew is born anyway."

  Hugging her again, Senri laughed and then turned to his mate. "Nothing could keep me from here when that happens Yokiyo. A wink as he messed her hair, then a few waves and he left.

  Turning and headed for the palace, Yokiyo smiled down at Imae. "Hey Imae I know something that will help you feel better. Let's go pick some cherries."

  Giving her an odd look, Imae let her head fall to the side. "Why do you want to pick some cherries?"

  Winking at her, Yokiyo then looked up at the sky. "Because then we can go to the kitchen and I will show you how to make a cherry pie like my Mama and the woman who raised me Sada showed me how to make. And in a few days we can make another one for your father when he gets home."

  With an excited giggle, Imae started to shake her head up and down quickly. "Alright! That sounds like fun!"

  Another few steps and Yokiyo's smile faded as one hand flew up to her chest as a pain ripped through her chest that startled her. "What the…." But then it came back and caused her to fall to her knees as tears streamed out of her eyes from the immense pain. "Damnit!"

  "Mama!"

  "My Lady!"

  Looking up as Imae and Yoite fell to the ground next to her, Yokiyo fell over on her side. "I…I….I…..bed….."

  With a nod, Yoite lifted Imae and sat her on his shoulders as he then gently lifted her into his arms. "Yes My Lady. Hold on Lady Imae." He then turned and in one leap was in
a tree, another leap and he landed on the balcony of her room as Takara rushed into the room.

  Her eyes wide with fear, Takara was at the bedside as Yoite laid her down and then sat Imae down. "Lady Yokiyo! What's wrong?"

  Breathing heavy, Yokiyo held her eyes shut as she tried not to sob. She had no clue what was wrong with her! "I….I…..I don't know."

  Turning and racing from the room, Takara had tears misting in her eyes. "I am going to get Takahashi!"

  With a nod, Yoite stood as he watched as his Lady grabbed her chest and sobbed in pain, her daughter clinging to his legs with tears in her eyes as well. He felt so useless right now not knowing what he could do. Movement drew his attention to the open door as Sorae raced in.