Twelve Lords

by Max Jager

  Laughing as she looked up at Kiysohi, Yokiyo smiled. "I don't know. We never could think of a good girl name. Kiyoshi?"

  "You are her mother. You chose."

  Looking back down at her and how bright her eyes were, like the early twilight of dawn when there was still dark blue in the sky, she nodded. "Kiara."

  "Kiara. IF that is what you wish, that is her name. Kiara. Princess of the South." He then bent down and kissed the side of her head as he sat next to her.

  Leaning her head on his shoulder, Yokiyo looked down at her wide eyed little girl as she smiled and a few more fresh tears streamed down her face. She joked the entire time that she was having a demon but never thought that she would actually have a demon child.

  Looking up as everyone started to file into the room, she smiled as she laughed. She could see it in their eyes that they all wanted to hold her. Reaching up with her as she handed her to Yukani first, she laughed. "Pass her around. Everyone, this is Kiara."

  X

  Once everyone had a chance to hold Kiara, and Senri and Zokeni bid her goodbye, Kiyoshi smiled down at her as she lay curled up next to him, Kiara sleeping soundly between them. And on his other side was Imae who insisted she spend her first night with her sister.

  His eyes landing on Kiara, he still couldn't believe that his human miko mate was able to birth a demon. It proved finally once and for all to his father that she was more worthy to be where she was than he thought. And forced him to accept her fully, whether he really wanted to or not.

  His eyes moving to Imae he couldn't stop his smile. She was so excited to be a big sister. Already talking about all the things she was going to teach her as she got bigger. He did hope for more. He wanted a son. But if he never did have one, he had a demon daughter that would take over the South when he was done, and be more than strong enough to keep it safe from anyone that wanted to try.

  Though just as he closed his eyes to relax off to sleep, he felt movement and heard a quiet fussing sound. Moving his arm gently from Imae, he looked down and lifted Kiara around her stomach and gently lay her on his chest. His smile back as she let out a content sigh and fell back asleep after fisting both of her tiny little hands in his hair. "Kiara."

  "Well it seems she is already showing she is like her big sister and be a daddy's girl."

  Not taking his eyes off of his youngest pup, Kiyoshi laughed. "She can be that and more. No matter what she wants to be, just like Imae I will also make her a warrior in the same right."

  Moving closer to him now that Kiara wasn't between them, Yokiyo lay her head on his shoulder as she looked at her daughter's sleeping face. Reaching out and rubbing the back of a finger down her soft cheek she let out her own content sigh. "Well I won't argue with that one. Both of them will be able to take up for themselves no matter who they go against."

  "Exactly. Right now you need sleep miko. It has been a long day." When all she did was nod as she let her eyes closed, he let out a sigh as he put his other arm around Imae. This wasn't the family that he ever imagined having. This time three years ago he would have killed someone if they told him that he would have a human for an eldest child, a miko for a mate that birthed a demon daughter.

  But he did have all those things. He would hold out hope for a son for a while with her. But he would be content with what he had. His eyes falling on Kiara's head he let his own eyes start to drift close. "Whether or not you ever get a brother is yet to see Kiara. If not, when your mother no longer can have any children you will be named my heir. And I will make sure you are strong enough to hold it. No matter what."

  ~ 6 ~

  A New Heir Chapter 81

  Once again finding himself standing in the middle of the reception hall, Sanzo couldn't help but smile. It has been twelve long years since the last time he was here in the South. He half expected to be back just a few months after he left, however was actually sadden by the news of Yokiyo's miscarriage. He had hoped that Kiyoshi would have had his heir then.

  But the annoyed sigh from behind him caused him to let out one of his own as he shook his head. He brought his sister this time. He figured that after twelve years she would realize that she couldn't do anything now just like she couldn't do anything then. But with the attitude she got when they got there, he was wondering if it was such a good idea after all.

  Turning to find her sitting with her arms crossed, Sanzo crossed his own. "Ayame…"

  Rolling her eyes Ayame turned her head away from her brother. "I know brother you don't have to keep telling me this time. Mind my manners and deal with it. I got it."

  "Exactly right." Sanzo then turned back and looked over where he sat when he first met Imae. Though she was just a little human child, she was perfect! She had manners that most adult demons didn't have, she was full of pride and didn't think twice when she wanted to defend her mother with him. Nor did she tremble in fear once when she sparred with him.

  The smell of the miko getting stronger, made him smile as he turned toward the reception hall doors. But hearing the hiss from his sister he glared sideways at her. "I told you Ayame. If you act up this time, you will get more from your brother than just sent home."

  Jerking her head to the side again, Ayame stuck her nose in the air as she tapped her foot. "I know that already brother. I promised you that I wouldn't do anything stupid. I will behave but that doesn't mean that I have to like it either." With the disgusting smell getting closer, Ayame let her head drop as she tried to relax. "Besides. Like you said. Twelve years and two pups later there is no sense in trying to kill her anyway. Though had my brother really tried, we wouldn't be here to start with."

  Turning to fully face his sister, Sanzo was ready to give her yet another lecture and then just send her home. Before he could say anything though the door opened and he turned to see a vibrant and smiling miko waltz through the door. Turning back to her he gave a low and sweeping bow. "If it is not Lady Yokiyo. I must say that it is an honor to be back in your home again." Turning to his sister as he stood with a half glare he kept his smile. "I believe you remember my sister Ayame. Though this time she has promised to behave herself."

  With a warm and sweet smile, Yokiyo laughed as she met Sanzo and gave him a bow herself. He was just as full of life and spunk as last time. Though she didn't hide the glare that she had as she looked at the female with him. She remembered her alright, but this time if she started, the shock was going to be on her. "Lady Ayame."

  Turning back to Sanzo she smiled again. "The honor to host again is all mine. I trust you have been well since the last time that we saw each other?"

  With a gracious grin and a nod, Sanzo crossed his arms. "I still say that the honor is all mine. After all, some of my men were in on trying to kill you the last time I was here at your home for an event." He then laughed some as he rubbed the back of his neck and looked around. "But I must say that I was not expecting to be met by Kiyoshi, or his father. I can smell them both but can't pinpoint a location."

  With a bright smile, Yokiyo closed her eyes as she laughed. She couldn't be happier with the way that things have gone since he left. Senri and Zokeni were now expecting their first child, and so were Yukani and Kamui. After Kiara was born she developed a close bond with his father as well.

  Letting her head fall to the side she laughed. "Well Kurosai just left not too long ago to go on the rounds. Sorae, Yukani, Kamui and Yoite are with my son. Our daughter Kiara is with Imae, Kiyoshi and Umarus somewhere around here."

  His eyes filling with sympathy, Sanzo dropped his head as he let out a sigh. "I was honestly saddened when we received word of what happened after we all left." Then smiled as he gave a nod and crossed his arms. "And yet we were even more elated when we heard of the birth of young Kiara."

  With her smile still in place, Yokiyo laughed as she opened her eyes. "You do not need to be sorry or sad. It just wasn't time and everything happened for a reason. Now where are they?" She then relaxed as her head tipped to the side, her eyes
became unfocused and hazy as her face took on a perplexed look. "They are in the gardens training."

  Both Sanzo and Ayame gave each other a confused look, then blinked as they both went back to the miko. From the very start, Sanzo knew the bond was not normal for a demon and human mating. And that just proved it even more. Holding his hand up in the air Sanzo had extra wide blinking eyes. "If you don't mind my asking how exactly did you do that?"

  Shrugging her shoulders Yokiyo laughed. "I have no idea how I can do it I just know I can. When I was pregnant with Kiara, I was trying to find him one night and couldn't at first. I just closed my eyes and focused hard and tried to think of where he was and it just sort of happened. Like I could see exactly where he was and what he was doing."

  "Well it is just that isn't exactly normal. Even full demon mates can't do stuff like that."

  With a nod, Yokiyo turned and headed for the door that lead out into the gardens. "I know that. But the best that we can figure is that it is because I am a miko mated to a demon. Come with me and we will go and get Kiyoshi and Kiara." Though her smile held something else. She wondered what they would think of Imae? She was eighteen now and a far cry from that small little girl that they saw twelve years ago.

  X

  The sound of metal clanged off of each other as father and daughter sparred. Kiyoshi wasn't moving as fast as he could, but he wasn't moving slow either. Smiling as he sparred with his eldest daughter. Imae had grown into a beauty there was no doubt. However instead of training in only traditional miko ways, Imae focused her purification on pushing herself to move faster, as well as enhance her strength and senses. A wise choice for her with the natural aptitude she had for battle.

  But when he caught the scent of two falcons with his mate he lost focus on the sparring match to turn and growl toward the palace. Sanzo was there and he brought his sister with him. Then turning just his eyes he smiled as Imae was there the second he got distracted tripping him and then swinging one blade toward his waist and the other toward his throat.

  With a growl as she stood there, Imae watched as her father landed ten feet from her with a smile as she crossed her arms. "That was almost a kill too Father."

  Sheathing his own swords, Kiyoshi nodded as he kept his smile. "Indeed. You were however able to trip me up. Good job Imae."

  Her large chocolate eyes blinking, Imae looked at him for a second then let her head fall to the side. "But Father, why was I able to trip you in the first place? I have never been able to really get you like that. You lost concentration for something. What is it?"

  Before Kiyoshi could answer her, he looked down as Kiara ran and stopped at her sister's side. She was as his mother called it, his mature little pup. Unless it was something Imae did, or her brother, she acted like she was ten going on a thousand. But when it had to do with her sister and brother she showed a lot that she really was a ten year old pup.

  With her wide cobalt blue eyes and a bright smile, Kiara looked up at her big sister with stars in her eyes. "That was amazing Imae! I didn't even notice that Father was distracted until you tripped him. Will you train me now? Please?"

  Laughing a she ruffled Kiara's hair, Imae winked down at her as she smiled. "I told you that I will. Just as soon as Mama says it is okay."

  "But sister!" Kiara tried to turn on her best pleading look for her older sister. "You know that Mama said that….."

  Back with his emotionless face on, Kiyoshi reached down and scooped up his pup as he turned to head back for the palace to meet his mate and the birds. "Enough Kiara. Your training will not begin until after your brother's presentation and you know that." Turning his head to Umarus he gave a nod. "I am going to greet our guests with Kiara. You continue for me."

  Giving her father an odd look as he turned and walked away, Imae sighed. "Our guests? That is what got you distracted."

  "Focus girl!"

  Gasping, Imae turned and dodged his attack from his naginata and pulled her swords again. "That was low. Attacking when I wasn't looking." Imae tried to look angry but she couldn't help but laugh as he came at her again.

  With a half-smile and a half glare, Umarus charged her again. "Like someone from the North is going to say 'I am going to kill you now.' Come on Imae get in it and focus!"

  "Oh just can it!"

  X

  Once she couldn't see her sister anymore, Kiara looked at her father with half closed eyes. "I really wish that Mother would let me train now."

  "Not yet. Your brother's presentation is soon and our first guests are already here. Understood?

  Giving a nod Kiara dropped her head some. "Yes sir." But then gave a tug on his hair, just like her sister used too and pulled his eyes to her. "Since they are falcons, that means that it is Lord Sanzo and his sister Lady Ayame right?"

  "Correct." But he couldn't stop the growl as he thought about what happened last time. While Sanzo did try to kill Yokiyo, he was also able to help him get to her and Imae when they attacked. It was Ayame that really annoyed him right now.

  Blinking as she gave her father, Kiara let her head fall to the side as her face looked confused. She heard her mother and sister talking about them just the other day, but it was about what Ayame wanted to do to Imae when they were hear last. "Father do you think that Lady Ayame might try and do something to Imae this time again? She would just per her in her place herself now."

  With a smile for his daughter, Kiyoshi nodded. "That is true." Sitting her down to walk with him as he turned another corner in the garden, Kiyoshi looked down at her with a serious face when he saw Yokiyo, Sanzo and Ayame headed right for him. "Manners."

  "Yes sir."

  When she glanced up at him he nodded. "Now that guests are arriving, you are to stay with myself, your mother, grandparents, Aunts, Uncles or sister at all times."

  His emotionless face looking back up at him, Kiara nodded. "Or Master Umarus and Master Yoite."

  "Or them yes." Kiyoshi then looked up just as Yokiyo moved to stand on his other side, then turned to Sanzo. "Welcome. Sanzo, Ayame." Then following their shocked look down to Kiara, who was glaring he sighed. "Kiara."

  Flinching then relaxing, Kiara dropped her head and closed her eyes. "Yes Father."

  Turning back to Sanzo and Ayame who still looked at her like she had ten heads Kiyoshi sighed as he closed his eyes and put an arm around his mate. "My daughter Kiara."

  With her gold eyes extra wide, Ayame couldn't help but stare at the little girl. She was a full blooded demon! There was no doubt in that. And through scent she could tell that she was Kiyoshi's but she also smelled like the miko too. She was just confused. "But she can't be your daughter? Your daughter would be a half demon and she isn't."

  The his from her brother made her flinch, then the laugh from the miko, Ayame let her eyes dart back and forth as she stood there. "Did I miss something here?"

  "Ayame." Sanzo gave his sister a half glare then turned to the pup and back to Kiyoshi with curious eyes. "How did it happen? How did your human miko mate give birth to a demon pup? It is amazing."

  Moving Kiara to stand between them, Yokiyo smiled as she laid her hand on her head. "We aren't sure how it happened. Everyone was just as shocked as you were when she was born demon and everyone expected her to be a half demon. I guess it was fate that it happened seeing as what her grandfather told me."

  "What did Kurosai say?"

  Laughing as she looked up at Sanzo she smiled as her head fell to the side. "He didn't want to accept me at all at first remember. Before the presentation he told me that if I could give him a demon grandchild then he would. I think he was more shocked that she was born demon than Kiyoshi and I were."

  With a forced smile, Ayame took a deep breath as she stood straight again. "A once in a life time flue I am sure. I have never heard of this before, and I don't see how it would ever happen again." She then let her gold eyes land on the pup who except for the hair and eye color was a perfect imitation of her father. "She is a beautiful pup thou
gh."

  Her own forced smile, and hearing the insult under that, Yokiyo nodded. "She is beautiful isn't she."

  "Indeed." Pride rolled off of Kiyoshi as he looked down at her with soft eyes. Though, they were keeping Katana their own little secret for the moment. If they were amazed over Kiara, he would enjoy seeing their reaction to her brother.

  Before he could say anything, he tensed and went for one of his katanas just as Sanzo did the same thing. He could smell a snake, and it was no doubt the same one that was targeting Imae and Kiara the day before.

  Seeing them go for their swords, Yokiyo took a step back and pushed Kiara behind her as she herself tensed. "Kiyoshi?"

  Her eyes going wide as she gripped her mother's clothes with a death grip, Kiara tensed. "It is him Father. It is the same snake from yesterday that was after us."