Twelve Lords

by Max Jager

  Landing he took the tigers place and sent him on his way. "I don't see anything Imae. Nothing."

  The glare in her eyes never wavered as she kept a constant watch. "I know he is here. I can feel it. The pure hate for us and lust for Mama. It terrified me then when he thought he was going to take her by force in the garden that day. I can feel that same fear again."

  X

  Glaring, Hachiro watched as everyone formed up ranks around the crying miko. The defesnsive posture they all had, he would not be able to get to her and whisk her off right now. But he would before she became ugly and was too old to bear children. "Damnit you fools. You are only delaying what will happen one day."

  "So what are you going to do now?"

  "I cannot get to her right now. For now I will have to stay back. She doesn't look a day older than she was the day I was able to kiss her. She isn't a normal human. Her scent is different. But I will be back before she does age. Come."

  Hachiro then turned and slinked back into the shadows. He would have the miko, and Kiyoshi's head on a stick.

  X

  Just as suddenly as she felt the rage, Imae blinked as she relaxed. It was gone. He was gone. "That's good. I don't feel it anymore so he must have left."

  "H…..h….home….Imae."

  Turning and dropping to her mother, Imae sighed as she shook her head side to side. "I am sorry Mama but we can't take you home. I know the further away you get from him, the meaner he becomes so to speak. But I also know if you aren't in the place he left you, he will kill anyone between here and you. Friend or foe, human or demon."

  "If he is going to be like that, then I think that it would be wise to start sending everyone home. That way there is no way someone can be between the two of them even here."

  Looking over to see Shone walking toward them, Imae nodded. "That is actually a good idea." But then her eyes turned to her mother again. "But Mama…"

  "I will be with her. Go on and get everyone sent home. You are already in work mode now." Kurosai crossed his arms with a smile as Imae joined Sanzo and Shone in going and sending everyone to the camps and then on to their perspective lands. His eyes staying on his granddaughter, he sighed. 'I think that Sorae and I may just be a guest in the East. See how she is handling that damned bird.'

  X

  Flinching as he felt the snap in his mind, Kiyoshi for the first time didn't fight for control this time. He let the beast come out in full force. His speed increasing, his strength ten fold, and his drive to kill this leopard all elevated more than it was before. Just as the Northern Palace came into view, he was there and pounced on Motoichi.

  Snarling as he tried to push him off again, Motoichi clawed like mad at his under belly. 'Damnit! What is he!?'

  Rolling, they growled and snarled as rocks were flying. Trees destroyed, the very land itself was changed beneath them. Both were fighting for the chance to get that kill bite on the other. Both knowing that everything was at stake for each of them.

  Finally, Kiyoshi was able to get the bite he needed, right on the back of the neck, just like he did with Reijiro. As the leopard struggled beneath him he snarled as flashes of his pack flew through his mind. He then began to bite down harder as he thrashed violently back and forth.

  Motoichi was trying to reach back and claw the dog's eyes out. Anything to get out of his mouth! He could feel the pressure on his spine with the hold the dog had on him. If he didn't get free from him soon he would die!

  A final snarl from the leopard, and Kiyoshi shook harder than he had before he felt the snap and the body went limp in his mouth. As the dust settled, Kiyoshi snarled as he held firm to the leopard again. He then dropped it to the ground, snarled and then let out a loud bark before he turned to race back to Yokiyo. He went further past that point than before, and didn't fight for control of her his head this time either. He knew he had to get back to her as soon as possible.

  X

  Now sitting with her mother, Imae had her head in her own lap, as her mother had her arms wrapped around her waist. She could still remember the very first time that this happened to her. This was only the fifth time in twelve years, but it still upset her to see her mother like this. "Mama."

  Standing off to the side with Sanzo, Kurosai turned his eyes from Imae and Yokiyo, to look at Sanzo with a serious look. "You know that there is a good chance, that miko or not she may n ot bond like Yokiyo did and die like a normal human right?" When he only smiled and gave a nod, Kurosai narrowed his eyes. "And you are aware then that this is something that could happen with the two of you?"

  Nodding as he smiled, Sanzo turned to Kurosai. "If it has to be part of our bond that is good. I actually wish for it. To get like this, means that she will bond like her mother did."

  With a sigh as he turned back to Imae and Yokiyo, Kurosai crossed his arms. "Just before you start to try for a chick, you have to test and see if this happens or not."

  Blinking Sanzo looked at him like he had ten heads. "Huh?"

  Looking back at the bird, Kurosai let his eyes half close. "As you know Yokiyo was pregnant the first time within just a couple of weeks of mating and threw everyone for a loop. After the presentation, and you and Shone left, Kiyoshi left to go and do his rounds with Sorae and I staying there until he got back. Once he got past the point, she did this. We sent Kamui to get him and get him back but by the time he did, it was too late and she had lost the baby."

  Fully understanding where the conversation was going, Sanzo nodded as he also crossed his arms and let his eyes land on his mate. "We can do that for sure. I also have a feeling that as soon as she is back to normal, we can be expecting Kiyoshi and Yokiyo for a visit. How soon can we expect you and Sorae to come?"

  Laughing, Kurosai relaxed. "Before them I would gather. Depends on Sorae." But then he jerked his head up. Kiyoshi was close, he could sense him and he couldn't tell the mood he was in. "Imae he is close." Kurosai then reached down and helped Imae pry her mother's arms off of her. They stepped back just as the air blew around them as a ball of white flew across the valley coming to a stop next to Yokiyo, and he already had her wrapped fully in his arms.

  Finally back in his arms, Yokiyo still couldn't stop crying. But at least the pain was finally gone as she clung to him and sobbed. The safe feeling of his arms around her welcome. Especially after hearing Imae say Hachiro's name.

  Dropping his nose to her head, Kiyoshi was finally able to fully calm down and relax once he got a good inhale of her scent. "It's alright Yokiyo. Calm down. He is gone and there is nothing to worry about anymore." When she nodded but still sobbed he let out a sigh. Looking around he noticed that most of all the troops that lived were gone. "Where is everyone?"

  Stepping up Imae smiled as she let her head fall to the side. "Sanzo, Shone and myself sent everyone on home to the East, South and West. With the way Mama was, we knew you wouldn't stop till you got to her, and didn't want anyone to get hurt."

  Standing with her in his arms, Kiyoshi sighed as he looked down at her. "Indeed. Soichiro I am sure has already taken the palace and established himself as Lord. Let's go home."

  Smiling as she stepped up, Emiko nodded. "Yes he most likely has working with Tikae. I do however have a request. I am sure that there are still going to be some that were loyal to Motoichi that are going to need to be dealt with to fully establish ourselves. I would like to leave Chiren and Nyoko in the South for a few more weeks while we get everything set."

  Turning and headed home, Kiyoshi closed his eyes with a nod. "We will look after them. Send word when you are ready for them and I will have Umarus escort them home for you."

  Giving a small bow, Emiko smiled. "Thank you." She then turned and made her way toward the palace, several guards that were still there from Tikae's men flanking her.

  Ryu transforming pulled Imae's eyes to him as she and Sanzo mounted and rode him as her father and grandfather called their clouds. Right next to her father now, Imae sighed. "Father."

  Gi
ving her an odd look out the corner of his eye, Kiyoshi blinked. "What is it?"

  Dropping her as she glared down at Ryu's neck she took a deep breath. "Hachiro was there."

  Flinching, Kiyoshi growled as his eyes narrowed. "What? Where?"

  Shaking her head, Imae fisted her hands. "I don't know. He can get around smell it would seem. Grandpa couldn't smell him, Sanzo couldn't see him. To them nothing was out of place. But I k now he was there. I know it."

  Keeping his eyes on his daughter, Kiyoshi was tense as Yokiyo shook again once his name was mentioned. "How are you sure?"

  Taking a deep breath as she turned her eyes to her father, Imae kept her glare. "I know because of him being there at Mama's presentation. When I heard his voice, and what he tried to do. I was terrified at the time. Once she went down I got that same sensation. I know it was him."

  Taking a deep breath as he tightened his hold on his still sobbing mate, Kiyoshi turned back toward home. "He did not touch her this time. The war is over and no need for me to leave her again. Right now my focus is her and getting her home."

  Nodding, Kiyoshi then turned his eyes to Sanzo as he glared. "You do understand that she is not leaving the South until her mother is back to normal correct?"

  Laughing as he nodded with his arms around her waist, Sanzo smiled. "I wouldn't dream of it. The last thing that I want to do is make these two mikos mad at me. I don't think I would be able to survive it."

  "Indeed you would not."

  A New Heir Chapter 108

  "Lady Sorae."

  Looking up from where she sat in the garden with everyone else, again with the exception of Ayame, Sorae blinked to see the smile on his face. "Yes Umarus what is it?"

  Smiling as he crossed his arms, Umarus gave her a nod. "Lord Kurosai, lord Kiyoshi, Lady Yokiyo, Lord Sanzo and Lady Imae were spotted on the horizon. They will be home before dark."

  Her eyes wide, Nyoko grabbed her brother's arm as fear filled her. "What about Mama and Papa?"

  Turning to the young cub, Umarus sighed. "I am not sure about them My Lady, they are not with the others. I am sure they are fine and just taking care of things in the North."

  Bouncing Katana, Sorae turned a smile to her as she laughed. "Don't you worry sweetheart. I am sure that everything is just fine with your parents and he is right. He is going to be the new Lord right?"

  Her eyes half closed now, and full of tears, Nyoko couldn't help but worry about what happened to her parents. "That's right."

  Patting Koto on her but as she rested up on her shoulder, Yukani pulled the cubs eyes to her as she smiled. "Then don't worry about it. There is no way that Father or Kiyoshi would have come back without them, unless theya re just getting the North ready. And before you know it, you both will be back in the north."

  Sorae then turned her attention from her daughter and granddaughter to Zokeni as she sat with Senri. "Zokeni?" When she looked up at her she sighed. "Are you alright? You have been quiet today."

  With a smile, Zokeni nodded her head as she closed her eyes. "I am fine. I feel a little sick but that is all."

  Giving her a sideways look, Senri sighed. "You sure that's all it is? You have been flushed all day too."

  Nodding, Zokeni laughed. "Probably because of how hot it is today. I promise I am fine." She then leaned her head over on Senri and sighed. "I am glad too that the fighting is finally over. And Yokiyo will make it back in time for our baby."

  "Indeed. She wasn't happy about chancing missing it." Senri then sighed as he kissed the top of her head. "And now that the fighting is over, we can focus on our little one and go home."

  Blinking, Kiara looked back at her Aunt and Uncle. "Uncle Senri you are going to at least wait until after my cousin is born though right? You aren't just going to leave soon as Mother and Father get home?"

  Laughing Zokeni pulled her niece's eyes to her. "Of course we are going to wait for that. Your mother wants to be there with me, and I want her there too. We are staying here until after she is born, and then for a few days later we will leave."

  Blinking with a half glare, Senri looked at her sideways. "She?"

  With a sigh of her own, Zokeni shook her head. "Oh stop it."

  Blinking Sorae gave her an odd look. "Zokeni?"

  Rolling his eyes, Senri looked up at the sky. "She is convinced that the baby is going to be a girl. I say she is wrong and it's a boy."

  Looking down at Zokeni's belly, Sorae blinked. She is carrying just like she did with Kiyoshi. "You know Zokeni he may be right. You carry like I did when I was pregnant with Kiyoshi. And opposite like Yukani. You may just have a boy."

  With a soft smile, Zokeni rolled her eyes then looked down at her stomach, with one hand ontop and the other hand under it. "I know it looks like that. I have been told that I don't know how many times. But, I don't know. I just have this gut feeling that I am not having a boy, but a girl." She then glared up at her mate and laughed. "And when I do have a girl, you are just going to have to deal with it aren't you."

  Glaring back at her, Senri growled. "Yeah well I still say it's a boy."

  Laughing, Yukani winked. "Just look at it this way Zokeni. You are going to get an 'I told you so' when it happens. After all, Kiyoshi and I are siblings, and both of our blood pups are girls. Yokiyo is his sister."

  Laughing as she looked at her with a bright smile, Zokeni nodded. "That's true Yukani. I never thought about it that way. Good point."

  Dropping his head, Senri groaned as he slumped his shoulders. "Don't start teaming up on me again. Damnit, Kamui never takes my side in anything to do with the two of you."

  Giving him a look like he had ten heads, all Kamui could do was blink. "You have got to be kidding me right? You are on your own there. No way am I going to have three women pissed at me. No thank you, not me."

  Looking up at her mate, Yukani blinked. "Three? I understand me, but who are the other two?"

  Laughing as he looked into her eyes, Kamui crossed his arms. "Your mother and Yokiyo. I can hardly handle you when you get mad at me. No way am I facing you, your mother and an angry miko all at once. I want to live to see her kids, not be skinned alive."

  Laughing along with everyone else, Sorae looked around her at everyone that was there. With the exception of Ayame who was still upset with Sanzo and Imae mating, nothing could be more perfect for her right now. Everyone that went to fight that she cared about was on their way home. And she was in good company.

  However something also told her not to let her guard down just yet. After all, she and her mate were the only ones left from their generation. The way she saw it, it was up to them to look out for the next two, going on three generations. And even though Motoichi was dealt with, there was still Kenji and Shinra that are in hiding.

  Hearing the laugh on her lap, Sorae looked down into the big dark blue eyes of her grandson. 'That's right. We have you, and everyone else that is your daddy's age and younger to look after don't we little one.'

  X

  Sitting in her mate's arms as he flew toward the palace, Yokiyo couldn't stop her smile or how fast her heart beat as she watched the palace growing before her. She just couldn't wait to get home to her pups. And embarrass her or not, Kiara was going to get loved on just as much as her brother and baby cousin. And she really hoped that Zokeni hasn't gone into labor yet. She got to see Koto, she wanted to see that one too!

  A smile on his face, Kiyoshi looked down at her as he sighed. "Excited?"

  With a bright smile, Yokiyo looked up into his dazzling ice blue eyes. "Don't give me that. So are you. And don't even act like you aren't either I know better than that." Turning back to the palace Yokiyo sighed. "I bet Katana is already walking now and put your mother through hell waiting on us."

  With a laugh as he pulled the two sets of blue eyes to him, Kurosai couldn't help but laugh. "I bet that even if it is true, it Is not nearly as much hell as that one there put her through I can tell you that much."

  His mask back in
place, Kiyoshi growled at his father. "Father."

  A half glare and a bright smile for his son, Kurosai laughed. "Don't you father me. Because for all the hell you put your mother through I had to deal with ten times that."

  Giggling along with Imae as her mate growled, Yokiyo laid her head on his shoulder. Their black and white hair mixing as it blew straight out behind them. "Whether he is walking or not I just want my arms around him, and Kiara. I also hope that Zokeni hasn't had the baby yet. I know it will be any day, any moment now. I just hope that I am there."

  Kissing the top of her head, Kiyoshi sighed as he pushed his cloud a little faster. "She will give birth when it is time and not before you know that. Whether you are there or not also."