Twelve Lords

by Max Jager

  "A purification barrier will not be a problem for us."

  Looking past Hideo to see two dog demons walk in, followed by a flacon, Yukimura, Chiren, Nyoko and two half demons, Kagami blinked. "Wait what do you mean? You are demons and half demons. You can't touch it or you will die."

  Smiling, Kiara winked at her as she crossed her arms. "It's alright. Getting past the barrier won't be a problem for the three of us. I can promise you that because…."

  Shaking her head, Kagami closed her eyes as tightly as she could. "But you are a demon you can't! The miko may be dead but the barrier is still there. Each time another one of us was put in here, including with Sidhae, the wolf that is always with Kenji would push one of his men against the bars and turn him to dust! It can't be…." But the loud hiss from the falcon made her gasp as she turned her daughter away from them when she saw the glare on the falcon's face. Fear leaping into her eyes.

  Taking a deep breath, Torakus bowed to her. "Forgive me I did not mean to scare you. There is a wolf we are looking for that is evil and vile as they come. This one you speak of, was he called Noke?"

  Nodding, Kagami still didn't turn back around. "He was."

  "That bastard." Chiren growled as he crossed his arms and stepped closer to Nyoko as Seiji did the same thing.

  With a sigh, Hideo dropped his head. "Kagami there is something you all need to know. But you have to get out of there. Just trust them, and let them do what they are doing to get you out."

  Her eyes misting, Kagami gave Hideo a serious look. "What happened Hideo. Something horrible happened didn't it? I can tell by the tone of your voice so don't tell me it's nothing. Tell us what happened."

  Looking up as he groaned, Hideo really didn't want to tell her, or any of them with them all still in that cell. "We will tell you as soon as you get out Kagami."

  "Tell us now Hideo."

  Letting out a heavy sigh, Hideo dropped his head. "You were all taken captive by Kenji so that he could all of you and the children as leverage to get Sidhae and the others to fight for him. The fight ended the lives of Lord Tikae, Lady Toki and her entire family. The only ones to survive because they were hidden in time were Lord Raidon and Lady Mizareke."

  As sobs broke out all around her, Kagami blinked then fell to her knees as she looked down at her daughter. "No. That can't be. It just can't…."

  Falling to her haunches in front of her, Kiara smiled warmly at her. "It is. It seems that Noke has power with words and got Kenji to work with him for something. I am sure that it was he that told Noke to take you all hostage to force them to do what he wanted. It was either their loyalty or the lives of their mates and children. That would be a difficult choice for anyone with a heart."

  Hugging her now slightly fussy daughter to her chest, Kagami was holding her breath so she would not sob. She knew how devoted Sidhae was to Tikae and Toki. It had to have been the hardest thing for him. Let his mate and one day old chick die, or fight against his Lord that he swore to protect. "It's alright. No one here will hold it against them or blame them for it. Each one was brought here and Kenji detailed what he would do to us and the children before leading them away if they didn't do what he wanted."

  "And now they can turn on him once again like when Tikae defeated him and ran him into hiding. Together they can make him pay for what he did to Tikae and Toki, as well as Chiren's grandparents."

  Looking up at the female, Kagami blinked at her. She was unlike any female she had ever seen before. She looked like a female version of the Lord of the South, but with black hair. "Who are you? By looks, you remind me of Lord Kiyoshi from the South."

  Blinking, Kiara let her head fall to the side. She has never been asked that before. "You cannot tell who I am just by scent?"

  Shaking her head no, Kagami stood up as she sighed. "The barrier on the bars, it blocks out anything. If you are not inside it, you can't sense anything, nor can you smell anything."

  "I see then. Well let's get you out of there and then we will give you some proper introductions." Her eyes narrowed now, Kiara focused on the bard. She could smell the level of purification that was left. The miko who put this barrier on them was strong indeed. But nothing compared to her mother or sister in power.

  Seeing the horrified look on the dragon's face, Katana stepped up to the bars along with Torakus. "It's alright. Just watch. Once you are out and you learn who our parents are, you will understand. Just trust us."

  Breathing hard as she stepped back into the crowd of women and children, Kagami had super wide eyes. "Your parents?"

  Crossing his arms as he leaned on the side of the cave, Seiji smiled at them. "That's right. Most of us are related. You see…."

  Turning a glare on her brother with a growl, Kiara narrowed her eyes. "Shut up Seiji. You all confused Yukimura bad enough outside. Don't confuse them as well. I will explain it."

  Turning his face away from his sister, Seiji growled. "Fine."

  Watching with wide eyes, Kagami gasped as one by one, the girl and the other two guys that were at the bars grabbed it on different rungs. But unlike the wolves that were pushed into it, they didn't turn to dust the second that they touched it! "How? How can you touch it and not turn to dust?"

  The three of them all smiled as they started to pour their own purification into the bars. The only way to get rid of a barrier spell like this one was to break it's course by disrupting it in different places. Who better to do that then three of the four demon children that can use purification.

  Giving Kagami a smile, Kiara sighed. "I remind you of Kiyoshi, because he is my father. I am Kiara." Looking down the line, Kiara never lost her smile. "This is my little brother Katana. The half demons are the youngest, twins Seiji and Santrix. The falcon there is our nephew Torakus, heir to the East. His mother is my older sister, adopted by my parents. The wolf with the two different eye colors is our cousin Kamui. The want for my mother and older sister to be with their demon mates, helped them to bond to them, and took on a demon life span. They are still alive. Bonds that strong allowed three demons and a half demon born through the union of a demon and a miko to use purification."

  Breathing harder, Kagami never moved her eyes from Kiara. "I had heard that they had taken human mates, but not that they were miko, or that demon children had been born from them. Let alone demons that can use purification."

  Laughing, Torakus pulled her eyes to her as he winked. "Not many know about us, and we kept it that way. But now more will. And you will know us by scent in just a moment."

  Her eyes going even wider as the three of them closed their eyes and started to glow, purple, blue and red. Gasping with everyone else as they opened their eyes wide and the bars and all the purification around the dirt turned to dust. 'I have to wonder if Kenji knows about this.'

  Branching Out Chapter 127

  Waiting for the barrier to break, and the three to let their power fade, Hideo then rushed past them and to Kagami as he helped her to stand. "Are you alright? He didn't do anything to you did he?"

  Shaking her head no, Kagami kept her eyes on Kiara. "I can't believe it. Demons born from the union of a miko and a demon produced three demons that can use miko powers. It would have been astonishing for it to happen once, but three. It's amazing."

  Smiling as he laughed, Torakus shook his head. "Three demons yes. But it happened a fourth time too. I have a half demon little sister who can use her own unique purification as well."

  With a sigh as he looked further back in the cave, there were so many. He didn't realize how many mates and children were taken. "It is no wonder he was able to do what he did. There are so many of you. We didn't think that he had this many dragons forced to his side." There were cats, horses, dogs, wolves, dragons, falcons, eagles, hawks, sprites. And many others.

  "What happens now Hideo?"

  Looking down into her eyes, Hideo sighed. "You and all of the women and children are going with us to the Northern Palace. Lord Chiren and Lady Emiko have offered
there palace grounds for us until we can rebuild, and all of their mates come home."

  The young dog demon with the young twins stepped closer as she gave him a terrified look. "But what about our mates? How will they know that we are safe and they no longer have to do what he says? They only saw us once when they brought us here to show us to them."

  With a sigh, Hideo looked over at Yukimura. "Yukimura I want you to go with the women and children to the North. If they are here, Kenji has to be close. I will find them and let Sidhae know first off. He will let the other dragons know and make sure it spreads like wildfire."

  When everyone started to talk, Kiara felt horrible when some of the children and infants started to cry, but she flared her purification to get attention to her. "Hideo do you really think that is a wise idea? Kenji and Shinra know your scent. Someone going they know right off the bat might backfire. However if just Chiren and I go, he will think that his demands are being met."

  Nodding as he thought about it, Hideo couldn't deny that was a good idea. "That is a good idea. But we still don't know where to start."

  "Yeah well I don't think that is such a good idea." When all eyes turned to her Nyoko crossed her arms. When her eyes met with her brother, she put her hands on her hips. "Don't look at me like that. This isn't a good idea? For many reasons. What if they don't believe you? And Kenji, not believing you either, orders that they attack you! What can just the two of you do? You are my brother and she is my best friend. It's nuts!"

  Smiling at Nyoko, Kiara sighed. "We will be fine Nyoko. I am sure that Sidhae of all of them will trust Chiren and that he wouldn't say that just to say that."

  Nodding Chiren sighed. "Besides Nyoko. Do you really think I would let anything happen to her?" When she started to argue again, Chiren sighed as he shook his head. "Enough Nyoko."

  Her eyes glaring into both of theirs, Nyoko crossed her arms again. But they were determined. Dropping her head she groaned. "Fine. I am outvoted."

  Nodding, Chiren then turned to Seiji with a hard glare. "Seiji. Promise me that above all else, you will make sure that my sister is your first priority. Keep her with you all the time and safe."

  Nodding, Seiji smiled. "Good as done."

  Listening to the conversation, Kagami knew that Nyoko had a point. Just their word, knowing what could happen might not be enough. There was a chance that even Sidhae wouldn't believe them for fear of what would happen to her and their daughter. But the soft coo in her arms pulled a gasp from her as she looked down at her sleeping girl. "That's it."

  Turning to her, Hideo blinked as she looked up with a smile. "What is it Kagami?"

  Turning her eyes to Kiara, Kagami walked up to her as she sighed. "Just in case Lady Nyoko is correct and they don't believe you because of the threat that is on us. There is one way that Sidhae will know you are speaking the truth. I guarantee it."

  Nodding with a smile, Kiara crossed her arms. "Perfect. What is it?"

  Looking down at her sleeping chick, the same colors as her father, Kagami let out a sigh. "Her name is Minako. She wasn't even a day old when they took us here. Right after she was born, before he went on his rounds, it was must Sidhae and I. Right before he left, he kissed her forehead and called her his sugoi hime senshi. That was the one and only time that he used, it and he knows I was the only one to hear it."

  Looking down at the sleeping chick, Kiara nodded as she relaxed. "He called her his amazing princess warrior huh? With the way things are today, I think she will be more than able to live up to his expectations. Especially with him training her. If they don't believe us, I will use that." But then she sighed as she looked around. "Now we just need to figure out what way to go first."

  Pointing down the dark tunnel, Kagami shivered. "When they are brought here, and took away from us, they come from there. I don't know where it takes you, but you could start there. I don't know how long it is."

  "Right." Giving Chiren a nod, and without another word, they both took off down the tunnel. They were both determined to bring this to an end, and end both Kenji and Noke. Hopefully at the same time.

  Watching, Katana waited until he could no longer smell them. Once they were beyond his nose, he sighed as he closed his eyes. 'He better make sure she stays safe. I don't think he is ready to face mother if she gets so much as a scratch. I know I wouldn't.'

  Turning and looking at everyone he sighed. "We are five days away from the north going at a slow gate. Let's get going so we can get some ground covered and see about getting everyone something to eat."

  X

  With a sigh, Sidhae looked up as he narrowed his eyes. His face was in a constant glare anymore. Flashes of Kagami and Minako behind those bars. The tears in her eyes. And he could do nothing but face his Lord in battle unless he wanted to seal to a fate worse than death. "If I only knew how to get you."

  Looking over at him, Sakon sighed himself. "I agree Sidhae. My mate and son are in there too remember? But we have to be patient. It isn't time to move yet."

  Turning his glare to him, Sidhae crossed his arms. "To hell with that. Someone needs to put that bastard back in his place. If not for that damned wolf telling him to take the women and children, none of this would have happened. They both need a blade through the heart for this."

  Crossing his own arms, Sakon growled back. "I know that Sidhae. But we don't even know how to start to look for them do we? Right now all we can do is bite our tongues, shut the hell up and go along with it until we can figure that out."

  "I know that Sakon! I just….." But then both Sidhae and Sakon turned to the tunnel and gasped. "What the hell? Tell me I don't smell that."

  His eyes narrowed, Sakon glared at the tunnel. "Oh it is him. What the hell is that damned cub doing here!? But I don't know who is with him."

  Gasping as he turned to Sakon, Sidhae froze. "You don't think he came with one dog to challenge Kenji alone do you?"

  Shaking his head as he focused when the scents got closer. "I doubt it. Lord Chiren is smarter than that. He wouldn't rush into a fight with just one ally with him. He must have a different reason for coming here. But how did he find this place?"

  Sliding to a stop just as the cave broke open, Chiren was breathing hard as he looked up and smiled. "Sidhae. Sakon. It's been a while."

  Nodding, Sakon sighed. "Indeed. But My Lord, you need to turn around and go back the way you came. For your own good."

  Breathing hard as well, Kiara looked at Chiren and then to the dragons on the palace wall. "Wait so that is Sidhae? Great! Now we don't have to try and hunt him down."

  Blinking, Sidhae just looked at her. She was clearly the daughter of Kiyoshi, by scent and looks. "Excuse me? Why would you have to hunt me down?"

  Relaxed, Chiren crossed his arms. "We came to look for you of course. Your mate, your daughter, and all the women and children that were with them, are safe and sound. Two days out headed for the Northern Palace, where my father will welcome them, and everyone one of you that were forced to turn on Uncle Tikae."

  Flinching, Sidhae paled. Chiren wouldn't lie about something like that. He had no reason to know about it unless someone told him! And he knew he wouldn't be working for Kenji. "Really? They are alright?"

  Seeing the dragon next to him let his eyes half close, Kiara smiled with her own arms crossed. "Well you seem like you believe us. But I do have to say one thing anyway."

  Breathing hard, Sidhae gave her an odd look. "What would that be My Lady?"

  Giving a sharp nod, Kiara closed her eyes. "That once she grows up, you are going to have one beautiful amazing princess warrior on your hands. And I love the name Minako also."

  Finally letting out a sigh, Sakon dropped his head. "Lord Chiren there is no way that you could have….."

  With tears falling from his eyes, Sidhae relaxed. It had to be true! He and Kagami were the only ones that knew her name. She was the only one who heard him call her that before he left for his rounds the night they went missing. "Sakon. It's true.
We don't have to serve him anymore. We can go back."

  Turning an odd look to him, Sakon blinked. "How do you know?"

  Laughing for the first time in weeks, Sidhae took a deep breath. "Only Kagami and myself knew her name. She hadn't even seen her first dawn before they took her. And Kagami was the only one to hear me call Minako my amazing warrior princess. It has to be true."

  In full work mode now, Kiara gave a nod as her smile faded. "According to what we were told by Kagami, none of the women and children were hurt. They are being escorted to the North by the heir to the East, South and West, Hideo, Yukimura and several others. They are fine."

  Dropping off the wall, Sakon and Sidhae went to them with smiles. Reaching her, Sidhae dropped to a knee as he bowed his head. "Thank you for coming to inform us of this. My Lady. My Lord."