Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1) by Yumoyori Wilson (25)

"Are you sure we can leave you alone?" Malachi frowned at me. I looked up from my sketchbook at the guys who were near the door with worried expressions.

"Don't give me those looks. I'm fine. Tripping down the stairs was just an accident and not because I'm gonna die or any other weird shit you guys are thinking about AND this is my family home. I know it inside and out," I announced, waving them off.

Aki and Yoshi exchanged looks and Malachi crossed his arms. Quil had a blank expression on his face and Haru and Itsuki looked calm, but their worry showed in their eyes.

I sighed. "Guys, I'm not Storm. No one is going to attack me or kidnap me or anything. No one even looks my way when I walk down the hall. You guys are wasting your energy here. This is a huge update! Storm would not be pleased that you guys are standing there collecting dust like furniture instead of going to see the Council yourself. We need to be one hundred percent sure that the traitor is a part of the Council OR aiming to overthrow the Council in order to take their place."

Melody had reached her destination safely thanks to Yoshi's plan; the doppelganger was attacked as predicted. Thankfully, no one got hurt or killed, but we knew someone was definitely interfering from the outside.

Because of Melody's confession, the Emperor requested a meeting with Storm's guards and the Council, and wanted to do a live video conference which was something new. Not to say that we didn't love technology, but for the average person, seeing the Emperor was a BIG deal and an opportunity you'd be lucky to experience even once in your lifetime.

"One of us could stay," Quil suggested anxiously.

I uncrossed my legs and slid off the bed to stand.

"None of you are staying. As a group, you’re representing Storm Yuna's case. You were her protectors and knew her better than anyone on that Council. Whoever is trying to brush off her case will pull out every card they have to minimize the situation or come up with a reason for the Emperor to dismiss it and move on. You guys work well as a team, so all of you have to be there. This may be the only shot we get and we will make it count for the sake of Storm."

The guys were quiet as they exchanged glances. I could feel their tension and fear regarding this meeting. If we screwed this up for whatever reason, we may never get the chance to talk with the Emperor regarding Storm's murder again.

"Crimson has a point," Yoshi announced reluctantly.

I glanced at the others who sighed. "The meeting won’t take long, guys. I don't need a babysitter and I have Urufu." I beamed and pointed to my Uru who was curled up on the bed.

She perked up at my suggestion. 'WOOF!' She stood up to stare at the guys.

They smiled and shook their heads.

"Yup, we can leave Crim with her beloved familiar," Malachi proclaimed.

"Hey, Urufu can destroy those nuts of yours." I winked at Malachi whose eyes widened at my comment.

"Nope. Leave my balls and anything near them alone!" He snuck behind Aki who just rolled his eyes.

"Alright. You're going to stay here, right Crim?" Aki asked.

"My mom's in her room so I'm gonna go spend some time with her. She needs it." I'd talked to her before we made our way to the shrine and she said she'd be taking a nap so she wouldn't get in Father's way.

Apparently, he'd been stressed lately which led to his enraged behavior and she didn't have time for it or want to deal with it anymore. I bet she was already stressed enough with trying to find a way to divorce him without also having to be concerned about his little tantrum over this meeting with the Emperor.

"I guess she'll be okay," Haru said softly.

"Well, they've doubled security today because of the recent attacks. Everything should go smoothly," Itsuki disclosed.

Yoshi nodded. "Let's make our way there then. Crim, if you need anything just call. Malachi has his phone."

"Yup. I'll behave and ensure I don't trip, have nosebleeds, or pass out, at least not until you all return," I teased.

They all chuckled.

"WOOF!" Uru added.

Malachi smirked and walked up to pet the wolf familiar. "No shifting into your other forms while we’re away," Malachi warned.

"Why can't she?" I wondered.

Quil pushed off the wall to also pet Uru who sat back down on the bed to relax. "Another reason you may be so tired is because Uru drains a small amount of energy from you in this form, and your body is trying to adapt. If she changed into a bunny, it would cost less, but if she changed into a phoenix it would cost triple the magic and have a greater toll on you. You know how she loves exploring and your family’s garden is tempting." Quil smiled and met my gaze.

I grinned. "Makes sense. Okay. Uru, be good," I joked.

"Woof!" she barked in response.

I took a long glance at each of my men and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

They had been able to mourn the woman they loved, push forward to pursue the people who took her away from them, and they still had enough space in their hearts to love me. Now, they needed the strength to fight against whatever plan our hidden enemy was creating.

"After this, we’re going out tonight!" Itsuki declared.

"We are? Drinks?" I asked, curious as to how the guys would behave after a few glasses of alcohol.

Aki laughed. "I love how happy she suddenly became over alcohol."

"Alcohol is fun with company. And I want to get Malachi wasted," I pointed out with a grin.

"Oh Hottie, that will be a mission. I have a high tolerance. You wouldn't stand a chance," he teased, reaching my side in two steps to give me a kiss on the cheek.

I grinned and leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Don't test me, Hottie McHot Pants. I'm not afraid to play with fire." I could see the slight flush on his cheeks before he turned away.

"I'm leaving. Crim using her seductive voice on me is going to make it hard for me to concentrate," Malachi complained.

"Or make those pants a little too tight for his comfort," Quil laughed.

"I hate you," Malachi retorted.

"Sure you do. I'll make sure not to carry your drunk ass home when Crim beats you then," Quil teased and walked to my side to give me a hug and a kiss.

"Be good," he whispered.

"I'm always good,” I replied.

He smirked before pulling away.

"You guys are being dramatic. It's just a meeting." Itsuki sighed and approached to give his own hug and a kiss on my cheek.

"She's perfectly healthy right now from what I see. Nothing to worry about," Haru reassured them all as he took Itsuki’s place and gave me a hug and kiss on the opposite cheek.

"I like being overdramatic. It gives me character. Wait, I didn't get my hug!" Malachi frowned.

Yoshi and Aki groaned and the others laughed. Malachi quickly squeezed past Yoshi who was about to pull me into his arms.

"Hottie McHot Pants, go away," I giggled.

"Fine, fine. I'll go chill with the others outside," he replied, quickly giving me a second kiss on the cheek before he left with the others, leaving me with Yoshi and Aki.

Yoshi pulled me into his arms. "I really hope this goes well," he whispered.

I was shocked by the vulnerability in his voice; it made me pull back so I could stare into his sapphire eyes that lacked their usual vibrant flow of gold. "Hey, don’t lose that confidence. I know you can convince the Emperor. You have it in you as do the others," I comforted.

"I know. I'm just worried I'll mess it up," he admitted.

I knew Yoshi and Aki were close and that they both had seen each other at their best and worst. I realized after spending time with them that it seemed Akihiro and Yoshimitsu shared the responsibility of leader; Aki held the role within their group and Yoshi took over during political issues or in public discussions.

"You will do amazing. I have confidence in all of you," I whispered and lifted on my tiptoes to kiss him gently on the lips.

He closed his eyes and relaxed, returning the soft kiss. We pulled away after a moment and smiled and I brushed his cheek with my hand.

"You will make Storm so proud to have had you as guards."

He smiled and blinked his eyes rapidly to ward off tears. I pulled him into another hug, hoping my affection would be enough to steady his troubled heart. I couldn't wait for this to be over with so I could get to know everyone better.

"Thanks, Crim." Yoshi pulled away and I knew my action had helped as confidence returned to his sapphire eyes that were once again twinkling with those mini gold lines.

Yoshi turned and nodded at Aki who patted his back. "We'll meet you there, Aki. Don't take too long," Yoshi advised.

"Yup," Aki acknowledged and watched him leave, closing the door behind him.

"Yoshi rarely shows his emotions, does he?" I wondered.

Aki turned and gave me a sad smile. "Yoshi was raised to express everything but his sadness. It's weird if you think about it, but it’s common for males to be taught to hide any perceived weakness. We can't cry or show that something makes us depressed. It's a stereotype that still lingers today even with how advanced we've gotten in other areas," Aki explained.

I gave him a sad smile and slid my arms around his waist, hugging him.

"I hope you know you never need to guard your emotions around me. You can be transparent and I'll never judge you," I declared.

He kissed my neck and held me tightly. "I know. I just can't wait for this chapter in our lives to be closed. I want all of the others to be able to move forward," Aki whispered.

We held each other close for a minute before pulling back to share a kiss.

"I'll see you in a bit. If I'm not here, I'll be upstairs. I'll bring my phone with me," I reassured him.

"I love you," he whispered the words.

I knew it was difficult for him to say and it made me smile with delight; I leaned up to kiss him deeply. He moaned into my mouth and it took everything in me to not fall back onto the bed behind me and savor his taste. But he had a duty to perform and he needed to be there for his team, and for the sake of Storm Yuna's legacy.

"I love you too. Make sure you make my father squirm in his seat," I encouraged.

"Oh trust me, we already planned to do that. Malachi has a whole plan worked out," Aki revealed, laughing at my stunned expression.

"Men. You guys are troublesome," I sighed, but did so with a smile.

"But you secretly love it," he retorted, winking at me and pulling out of the embrace. He petted Urufu and headed to the door. He was about to leave, but he paused, looking over his shoulder to stare at me as I sat back down to get to work on my sketches.

"Crim?" Aki spoke up.

I looked up at him, tilting my head in confusion. "Yes?"

His eyes lowered to the pocket watch dangling from my neck. He came back over and laid his hand on top of it.

I blinked as I felt the rush of magic wrap around me and then the pocket watch disappeared.

"Where did it go?" I asked, my voice a little higher than normal.

"It's still there. I just performed a spell to hide it. I noticed when we walked in that your father was eyeing it. I’d rather he thinks one of us has it, instead of you."

"Okay. If you say so," I replied.

He kissed my forehead and made for the door again. "We'll come back with good news," Aki reassured me.

I nodded with confidence and waved goodbye. He closed the door and Urufu moved over to lay her head on my lap.

I smirked and kissed the top of her head; she tilted her head and began licking my face. "You're gonna keep me company as we wait to see what happens?"

"Woof," she barked in agreement.

"Good," I replied, hoping her calm and reassuring presence would help ease my nerves. All I could do was pray to our ancestors for this to go in our favor.

Let this be a victory for Nokamato... and for Storm Yuna.

"Mom?" I whispered as I opened her bedroom door. I poked my head inside and noticed her sleeping figure on the bed. Her tails were wrapped around her and her hair was up in a ponytail. She twitched slightly, but didn't wake up at my call.

I frowned and closed the door gently. I didn't want to wake her up. I looked around the hall and sighed in defeat. Guess I'll go back to my room, or maybe I'll see where Uru went. I hope she's not eating any of the flowers.

I put my hand into my leather jacket pocket to grab my phone, but it was empty. I groaned. I'm so forgetful lately. Note to self. Make it a commitment to stop forgetting stuff, faint less, and take more time off.

The little vacation we’d taken had really done wonders for me, I felt rejuvenated. After my birthday, Haru suggested I take a full body exam to see what was wrong with me and why my health went up and down like a yo-yo.

I felt like Yoshi knew something he wasn’t telling me. Either they were worried I'd freak out and faint again, or maybe they wanted to wait to tell me until after things had calmed down.

I walked toward the stairs as a sharp pain radiated through my chest. I gasped and clenched my chest, squeezing my eyes shut. What’s going on?

Again and again, my chest pulsed painfully and I couldn't understand why it was happening.

I took a few calming breaths and my eyes looked around me to see if there was someone who was causing the pain, but I was alone.

I bit my lip and my eyes paused on an unfamiliar door. I hadn't been upstairs in my parents’ home for years and I'd only ever ventured into Mother's room.

But now, as my eyes lingered on the cream colored door, my body urged me to move forward. I began to make my way toward it and as I got closer, the agony lessened until I reached for the doorknob and the pain became a manageable ache within my chest.

I slowly opened it and snuck inside, closing the door behind me. The lights were still on in the room which told me someone must have been here recently because Father always encouraged us to turn the lights off to conserve energy.

I walked slowly into the large office room that felt all too familiar even though I’d never been there. My hands trembled as my eyes darted from right to left, pausing when my eyes went wide with a realization.

"Wait. Those were from Storm's memories," I whispered as I approached the three display cases like my life depended on it.

They hadn't changed at all from what she had seen; I approached the first one, noticing the bow and arrow in the display case. I moved to the second one, and the familiar staff sparkled in the light. Not even a speck of dust laid on the crystal orb in the center of the staff, but just like in the dream, these quickly lost my interest and I moved to the third display.

My heart stopped and my eyes widened. Without thinking, I was suddenly in front of the case. My body moved on its own accord in a desperate urge to retrieve what I knew without a doubt in my soul, was mine.

I couldn't figure out how I opened the display case, but one minute it was there, preventing me from reaching the twin swords, and in the next remnants of glass were scattered across the floor.

Did it matter that my hands bled and stained the carpet floor? No, it did not. Because the part of me that had been stolen away was finally mine.

My hands reached out and lifted the swords from their stands and I almost cried at the sudden wave of relief that flowed through my entire body like a drug.

I stared at the weapons and my eyes grew even wider when the engraved markings began to glow a bright pink. I gasped as magic burst up into the room, crashing into the other display cases and knocking things over; papers flew around me and the wind gathered at my feet.

I looked down to see an oversized magic circle beneath me. My eyes followed straight to see a smaller magic circle form in pink as two white lines shot from it in the beginnings of a triangle. My eyes followed the path of the pure white lines, and I realized it was creating a star. At each point appeared a magic circle in a different color. When I finished looking at all of them, I realized the image was the same as the front of the pocket watch that was still hidden, resting beneath my white shirt.

My hair swung wildly with the wind and force of magic. I glanced up to see a large, pink ball of energy in a shape of a Kitsune. Its tails stretched out like pink flames and took up a large section of the room. It stood in midair as if there was a platform beneath its large body.

Its head lowered and glowing pink eyes met mine. I was frozen in awe and tears formed in my eyes as I realized this majestic beauty was mine and mine alone.

"You've been waiting this whole time?"

My voice was drowned out by the noise of the rapid wind gusting around me, but the Kitsune understood, nodding its head in acknowledgment. The swords in my hands felt hot and I lifted them back up; I watched as they transformed into two glowing orbs.

Something told me to turn my hands so my palms were facing the ceiling. The two orbs swirled around me five times before they aligned themselves at my wrists where one would check someone's pulse. They sunk down, disappearing into my skin.

Once the glow faded, a pair of sword tattoos were left in their place and I knew that was their method to ensure their safekeeping and they would never be away from their owner again.

I returned my gaze back up to the Kitsune who waited patiently for me to accept my weapon— my birthright. The birthright that I now realized had been hidden from me.

"I'm not human... am I?" I asked the Kitsune.

It shook its head and I didn't need to see the irises of its eyes to feel its immense sadness for me.

The years of agony, torment, neglect, and shame wasn't because I was less or different. It was because they knew I'd be better. I would be stronger than was foreseen and someone didn't want me to achieve such glory.

It all suddenly made sense and I wanted to put the pieces together, but I wouldn't delay our reunion any longer. I smiled as tears rolled down my cheeks and I opened my arms to offer my spirit animal the loving hug it deserved.

"Okaerinasai," I whispered. Welcome home.

I closed my eyes and prepared for the same impact I'd experienced when I'd taken in Storm's magic essence, but this time, the impact barely moved me as the Kitsune plunged into my chest.

I sighed as my hands dropped to my sides. The vibrating force that pulsed within me was beyond anything I had ever experienced and it felt magnificent. I slowly opened my eyes and realized I wasn't standing on the ground, but was actually levitating a few inches off the floor.

I stared up at the cherry blossom petals that appeared from nowhere and fell to the ground like we were in a garden full of them. I felt complete and the cherry blossom magic that rained down on me was a gift from my Kitsune, the animal that belonged to me.

I slowly lowered back to the ground and took a deep breath, allowing my eyes to close. It all made sense now as the knowledge of what I was flowed into my mind.

Storm called me a Sealed One. The faint spells and nosebleeds. The consistent switching of memories and dreams. If I had listened to James and avoided coming here before my birthday, I would have died.

The dreams of my Kitsune were her only way of trying to reach me, to make me understand that time was running out. But the blizzard dream remained a mystery. I called off the magic and opened my eyes to see the cherry blossom petals now scattered across the floor faded away and the wind came to a stop, leaving the office in shambles.

I sighed, running my hand through my hair. I noticed a small box on the messy desk. My instincts told me there was something important in there and when I walked over and picked up the black velvet box, I felt my chest grow warm.

I furrowed my brows and placed my free hand on top of the invisible pocket watch. It was hot, but not enough to be uncomfortable.

Returning my attention to the box in my right hand, I flipped it open and gasped. The blue jewel that was a part of Storm's watch sparkled inside the case.

"No way," I whispered. I bit my lip while studying the jewel before I closed the lid and put the box in the hidden part of my jacket.

I need to get to the guys! I felt a weird sensation from inside my mind and I could picture my Kitsune sitting patiently, with a curious sparkle in her pink eyes that made me pause.

A thought came to my mind. Evidence.

"That's right. Evidence. There has to be something here that will prove I was sealed. Aside from my new powers, of course. Something like paperwork, or a document." I talked to myself as my eyes quickly scanned the countless papers that covered the floor and desk.

My eyes stopped when I saw ‘son Arashi’ on one of the papers on the floor. I walked up to it and knelt down to inspect the paper.

My hands trembled and I immediately began to look for more of the report. The Xs were placed there on purpose, hiding the information beneath.

"Unbelievable. Hated me so much he couldn't even stand for his name or my full birth date to be on the paper. I bet he didn't want to acknowledge I was born," I snarled, finding another paper.

I quickly scanned the document, realizing it was the results of a DNA test. The handwriting was different than the other form, neater and clean like my mother's handwriting. I tilted my head and continued to read the letter until my eyes landed on the final sentence where my parents had printed and signed their names.

"No..."

I lifted the paper as close to my face as possible. Maybe the magic had done something to my vision and I was seeing what I wanted to instead of what was really there.

This is what I need! I folded the papers and stuffed them into the secret compartment. I took a deep breath and concentrated on creating a spell.

This jacket cannot be removed from thy body unless I state so. It is one with me and will stay with me. Seal the pockets inside and further conceal the contents hidden within.

I placed my hand over my heart which was covered by my jacket and knew the job was done. It felt amazing to finally use spells I'd learned when I was nothing but a child, and have them work at my command with ease.

I was ready to rise, but then the entire structure suddenly shook as if something had crashed into the exterior. I heard screams from outside and cursed, rushing out of the room.

I slid into the hallway just as four men appeared from the staircase. We made eye contact and I mentally groaned at the idea of having to fight anyone right now. I needed to get to the guys fast and this would only delay me further.

I was preparing to summon my magic, getting into a fighting stance when the door opened and Mother came out in her half Kitsune form. Her eyes landed on me and widened in shock. She caught movement to her left, seeing one of the men who had just realized who she was, dashing toward her.

Mother immediately stood before me protectively and pulled out a small fan. With a flick of her wrist, she opened it and twirled once. The magic circle formed beneath; a large pink dragon made out of pink flames materialized out of nowhere.

The men didn't have a chance to skid to a stop; their screams echoed through the walls and they were burned to ash. The dragon didn't stop there, turning and making its way down the stairs. In seconds, more screams rang out, but I didn't have any time to process how amazing that was before Mother turned to me, the shock returning to her in full force.

"Crimson! How? You’re...a shifter? What magic is this?" my mother demanded.

"You should know! I was predicted to be a shifter, Mom! Why didn't you tell me?" I screamed, feeling betrayed.

My mom stared at me in confusion, shaking her head. "Sweetheart, I was monitored through the entire pregnancy by two doctors! You were human," Mother countered.

I shook my head. "MOM! I’ve seen the test results. They’re in that room,” I pointed to the chaotic office. My mom's eyes grew wide.

"Your father's office?" she exclaimed nervously.

"Mother, I read the document! You don't remember?"

My mother just stared at me dumbfounded.

What if he made her forget somehow and she's clueless?

I groaned and shook my head. "Mom! Listen, I was never human. I was sealed! I don't know when it happened, but the documents state I was supposed to be a Kitsune with cherry blossom magic and stuff," I explained quickly, looking back at the stairs to make sure no one was coming.

The sounds that were coming from downstairs told me we didn't have long.

"Sealed. Sweetie, you couldn’t have been sealed. The only way that's possible if you’re sealed in...the womb..." Mother trailed off and seemed to remember something suddenly.

'Mom! The doctor! You need to remember. Why did you switch doctors?"

The doctor who treated me after the alleyway incident had been my doctor for years, Dr. Nakomi.

"Because your father wanted to. He said he didn't like Omako cause he was friends with—" Mother started, but the structure shook again and we fought to keep our balance.

I placed my hands on my mom's shoulders. "Mother! Please, you have to believe me," I begged, staring right into her eyes.

She pulled me into her arms and squeezed me tight. "I believe you. We’ll figure this out, but first, we need to find out what’s going on. However, I can't let you stay in this state," Mother announced.

"What do you mean? Are you gonna take my Kitsune and weapons away?" I asked.

She shook her head. "No, I'm going to hide it. If someone is abusing us, I can't let them see you're a shifter now, especially with that magic affinity," Mother confessed.

I looked into her eyes and knew she wanted the best for me. I nodded quickly before she placed her hand on my forehead.

"Conceal thy birthright until it is right for my child to display her power and reclaim her destiny," Mother whispered.

I felt a cool current of air wrap around me as if forming a cocoon of wind.

When she was finished, she relaxed her hand and gave me an analyzing look. "There, now to everyone you'll still be seen as human. To unleash your magic simply say your pen name," she instructed.

I blinked and gave her a stunned look. "Wait," I said, realizing she shouldn't have known what either of my pen names were.

As if she knew what I would ask, she spoke, "The new one and to answer the question I’m sure you will ask, a friend of mine purchases your work. I have a few pieces as well."

"Mom," I whispered.

She smiled back, but then I noticed the slight glint of something red at the end of the hall behind one of the statues. My eyes went wide as I realized the ball of energy was aimed at Mom.

NO!

I pushed Mother out of the way and whatever shot out hit me hard enough to send me flying and crashing into one of the statues.

I gasped and screamed, my body feeling like it was being electrocuted as I convulsed on the floor.

"CRIMSON!" I heard Mother scream as commotion sounded around us. I couldn't move and it was hard to breathe. I stared at the ceiling reminded me of a memory— Storm's memory as she was about to die.

The one thing I had been desperate to remember finally returned, and it was too late. I fought for breath and a man in black appeared in my line of vision as I struggled to keep my eyes open, fighting off the black spots that began to appear one by one.

I didn't need the man to remove his mask to see two obvious things: the large tattoo that peaked through the gap of his mask and those familiar red eyes.

The red eyes I used to wake up to that would admire my sleepy face.

The crimson jewels that would scan my body in lust before we made love.

Those ruby orbs that stared directly into my eyes and told me he didn't love me anymore.

"James," I choked and I could feel the anguish in his eyes.

He lowered to his knees and his thumb ran along my bottom lip. I saw the bright red liquid that lingered on his previously clean finger.

"I told you to stay away, Crim. Why are you so stubborn?" he whispered.

I wanted to say more, but his head lowered and his lips pressed against mine. I tried to move my head and thrash my arms and legs, trying to get away, but I couldn't move.

He pulled away and the look in his eyes struck fear in my heart as I watched him lick his stained lips; a malicious smile appeared.

"I guess I'll have to use you as bait to bring the Emperor’s son here. Very well," he declared.

I couldn't feel his arms, but the movement of my body rising up, indicated I was being lifted off the floor.

"CRIMSON!" Mother screamed and James turned to the woman who was fighting five other men at once. She blasted them with a wave of wind so strong they all fell back, giving her just enough time for her eyes to meet mine.

That was the first time I'd truly seen fear in my mother's eyes as she moved forward to stop James, but he turned around and ran straight out the second floor window with me in his arms.

My eyes glazed over at the falling sensation, reminding me of my near death experience, and I didn't fight the darkness any longer.

I'm gonna die.