Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1) by Yumoyori Wilson (28)

"SHIT! Did we enter it yet?"

"Fuck, I think so. Keep going. The cliff shouldn't be too far."

My lips trembled from the freezing cold and my hair blew wildly in the blizzard, my body still being carried by the same shifter.

I'd been able to move five minutes ago, but I needed the right moment and I prayed it would happen before we reached the cliff.

My Kitsune was ready to fight for our life. I wouldn't die after finally being reunited with her after all these years. I couldn't be killed the day before my birthday. I knew I had an hour left before the clock struck twelve and I prayed the guys had figured out I wasn't in my room back at the shrine.

How will they find me? I pushed the fearful thoughts to the back of my mind. It wouldn't matter if they found me if I was already dead.

"I see the cliff! We'r— AH!"

I felt my body fall forward and crash into the frigid snow. THIS IS MY CHANCE.

"Fuck. How did you—" Henchman Two began, but was cut off when I scurried to my feet and summoned the harsh wind to gather and strike him in a quick slash.

"ARGGH!' he screamed and his body fell back into the snow.

I jumped back to gain some distance between us as I let the newly acquired magic reign free.

It felt exhilarating to finally fight these men and let out my pent up frustration in battle while the blizzard continued to hammer down us.

"This bitch!" Henchman One swore and his bulky body charged toward me.

I sent more gusts of wind, the third one knocking him off balance. He slid back to the ground and the second slim built male ran toward me, pulling out a sword as he moved.

My wrists burned and with a flash, my twin swords were in my hands. The pink to orange ribbons spun wildly in the wind that began to gather at my feet and the snow followed its lead.

"You shouldn't be ALIVE!" the brown-haired henchman screamed over the loud breeze as he lifted his sword to try and slice me in two. I crossed my swords to block and took his attack head-on.

This wasn't a training session with Malachi. Whatever I did now could cost me my life.

"Sorry to burst your bubble," I snarled and I felt my Kitsune push forward. His eyes grew wide and I could tell by the fear in them that my eyes were no longer their usual turquoise color, but a glowing pink.

"Im-Impossible! You're a human!" he challenged, using more strength to try and push me back, but I stood my ground.

"You're right. I WAS a human. Not anymore," I growled and let my magic pool within my blades which began to light up.

"Eric! She's not human! Tell Jam—" he screamed, but I didn't let him finish, shoving him back and releasing my energy in one clean sweep. He shrieked as his body flew through the hair and his limbs flailed helplessly. The man named Eric looked back to watch as his friend fell.

But instead of tumbling to the snowy ground, he kept going. He disappeared over the edge and his shrill screams faded before we heard a loud noise.

I gawked and realized I'd pushed him over the cliff. I just killed someone.

Eric turned back to stare at my stunned face; anger bled into his gaze as he roared, charging toward me.

FUCK!

Storm's magic took the opportunity to kick in and I let my instincts take over. I flipped backward, pushing off the ground with my hands and flipping again so my feet were facing the snowy ground a few feet below.

Eric pushed off the ground and dark green magic circles appeared beneath his feet as he raced upward toward me, each magic circle becoming a small platform for him to get closer and closer.

I cursed and my body began to descend, but a pink magic circle formed beneath my feet and I began to levitate in place. I smirked before flying past Eric who groaned, before chasing after me. I turned my body around and lifted my blades defensively right when a fireball crashed into them.

The blades deflected it, sending it back toward Eric who ducked and sent more fireballs at me as he ran on the magic platforms that appeared and disappeared with each step he took.

I can't keep going this way. I can't see the edge of the cliff.

My magic understood and my levitation powers shut off which made my body begin to plummet to the ground. NOPE, TURN BACK ON, NOW!

Storm's magic took over again and a gust of wind caught me in a little funnel cloud when I was a just a few feet from the ground. I sighed in relief and dropped to the ground. I looked around for Eric, but I could barely see.

Thanks to my magic, the winds seemed to have picked up even more and the snow made it almost impossible to see even two feet ahead. That also meant he couldn't see me.

My blades glowed before they faded away, the two spheres of pink light returned to the tattoos on my wrist. I felt winded and my gut told me I had to end this now, or I wouldn't have any magic left for this battle.

A gasp escaped me as the breath was knocked out of me; my body fell to the ground and whatever was gripping me held tight as we both tumbled over and over until we came to a stop with me pinned to the ground.

My eyes snapped open and Eric was hovering over me with canine teeth that reminded me of a wolf.

"I will end you," he snarled as his head began to shift. The sound of bones popping made me cringe and my eyes were as wide as saucers because of the wolf head that glared down at me. He opened his mouth to reveal his sharp teeth.

Fear left me numb as I stared up at him, unable to think of a way out of this. A loud crack rang through the air and we both froze; our bodies began to slide backwards.

A thundering sound went through the air and then we were both falling. I screamed as Eric grabbed onto me in an effort to use me to cushion his fall.

I. WILL. NOT. DIE!

My magic flared and my body grew scorching hot. Eric screamed, letting go as we continued to plummet. I took advantage to grab onto his hip and rotate us so he was beneath me. I noticed the approaching ground and I realized neither of us would survive this.

A single word came to my mind and I screamed it with all my might, knowing it could definitely be my last.

"URUFU!"

Something grabbed my waist and I came to a sudden stop, but my hands couldn't hold their grip on Eric who screamed and crashed to the ground. Blood sprayed everywhere and his half-shifted body was nothing but a flat disembodied mess of body parts and broken bones.

His wolf head twitched and his now yellow eyes stared at me before they dulled. My body remained suspended above and I heard the flapping of wings.

I slowly looked up to see a large flaming pink phoenix. I struggled for words, unsure what to say as tears streamed down my face.

"Uru?" I whimpered and the phoenix bird's head lowered to stare at me.

"Reeeee!" she cried out in response.

I sobbed and my body relaxed. She flew me away from the bloody ground to a clear area, dropping me softly to my feet.

I tried to remain standing, but my legs trembled and I collapsed to my knees, sobbing. I was freezing and felt so tired and the chilling cold of the blizzard wasn't helping me stay awake.

Uru landed in front of me and I crawled to the warmth of her flaming body. Her wings wrapped around me; while they were hot, they didn't burn my flesh.

"You found me, Uru. But what are we going to do now?" I asked her worriedly. I was already feeling the draining effects of her being in this form, and if she continued being a phoenix I'd have no magic left soon.

As if she heard my thoughts, she screeched and her body was immersed in white light. I lifted my head up to see her wolf form. She closed the distance between us by brushing her still warm body against me. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her.

"Arigato, Uru," I thanked her with all my heart. She traveled into the depths of this blizzard to save me and I couldn't feel more grateful and loved to have her in my life.

"Woof." She snuggled against me and we huddled together in the cold.

Time passed, and I felt Uru lick my face before she began to bark over and over again. I didn't want to open my eyes. It was so cold and being asleep meant I didn't need to feel it anymore.

Uru began to howl and the sadness that resonated in the sound urged me to open my eyes.

"Uru, stop howling. I'm cold," I complained as my heavy eyelids began to close once more. Her nose poked at my cheek over and over again until I opened my eyes again to stare at her.

"WOOF!"

"But I'm tired," I confessed. My mind was still hazy from sleep and my body began to tremble uncontrollably thanks to my drenched clothes.

"WOOF! WOOF!" Uru stomped on the ground and began to whimper. Her eyes looked like she was on the verge of tears and that triggered something in me.

I stared into those watery pink eyes and the world seemed to change. I was no longer on the snowy ground at the bottom of the cliff, but in the courtyard staring into Uru's sad pink eyes as they looked down at me. The dying me... Storm Yuna.

It was like a lock had been broken and the door to her memories opened and hit me all at once. The good ones with the guys and the joyful bliss we shared together, as well as the sad ones.

The death of her parents who were murdered, the heartache she felt when she watched from behind the window as all the children her age played with one another outside while she was cooped up at a desk learning magic spells and incantations. The numerous meetings and travels she and the guys had to make and the sad encounters each guy went through before meeting Storm.

Now she was staring at the black sky and Uru was the last to see her alive. Those haunting pink eyes filled with desperation were the same ones that looked at me now in the stormy night.

I couldn't do this to her. If I died, she'd have no one else. She'd be a stray and even if the boys took care of her, she too would slowly die because I was gone. We were connected and if I died today, she'd eventually fade away. She didn't deserve such a fate.

She traveled all the way out here to ensure I didn't die like Storm. The least I could do was fight to live, rather than give up. My surroundings returned to reality and I reached out to give Uru a hug.

She whimpered into my neck and I held back tears as I listened to her little sobs.

"I won't die. See, I'm here. I'm sorry. I won't let James win. We have to avenge Storm together, okay?" I comforted, rubbing her wet fur.

She stared at me until she knew I wasn't going to fall back asleep before she looked up and began to howl.

"Is anyone coming?" I asked her.

She lowered her head and nodded quickly, but I felt her worry. We wouldn't last long out here and the temperature was dropping with every minute that passed. Akihiro's image came to my mind.

"Is it Aki?" I wondered aloud. It would make sense because he knew these parts the best. If the blizzard had doubled in size, the others would have a harder time navigating.

"Woof!" she replied in confirmation, but sat back impatiently.

"Uru."

She looked at me with worry. "He's gonna have a harder time finding me. You have to go get him," I declared.

She shook her head in disagreement and walked into my lap.

I sighed, giving her another hug, enjoying the warmth of her body, even with her drenched fur.

"I get you don't want to leave me, but Aki won't know we're down here. Listen," I began, pulling away to hold her head in my hands and stare directly into her pink eyes.

"Change into your owl form, fly up to the top and switch back to wolf form. You'll be able to smell Aki and find him faster. Than you can bring him here. Please. I'll try my best to get up this cliff. At least that way, it doesn't risk Aki falling. Can you do that for me?"

She quietly stared at me, waiting to see if I was just acting tough for her. After a moment, she lowered her head in agreement and I pressed my forehead against hers.

"I'll live. I promise," I whispered to her.

"Woof," she replied, then her body was consumed by white light.

I lifted my head to see her owl form as she began to move upward, fighting the strong winds. She looked back at me and I waved.

I'll be okay.

"HOOT!" She soared upward and disappeared from my sight.

I sighed, staring down at my hands that I could barely feel. How am I gonna stay warm?

Aki's voice rang through my mind.

"Spell... What was the spell?" I whispered aloud as I wrapped my arms around myself. My leather jacket was the worst choice for this weather, but I guess I didn't expect to be at the bottom of a cliff during a snowstorm.

I closed my eyes in concentration and the words began to form. "Allow thy heat to spread within. Let the cold be nothing that can diminish the fire that reigns inside me."

I opened my eyes and saw three magic circles materialize beneath me; my body grew warm. I sighed and slowly rose to my feet. It felt like I'd run a marathon and was forced to walk home with cuts and bruises.

I looked at my wet blue jeans that had a few large tears and some areas were stained with my blood. My top clung to my body with rips and tears. My jacket was the only thing still intact.

I opened it up and patted the hidden pocket, sighing in relief when I felt the little box that I knew contained the blue crystal.

I have to protect it and locate the others. I took a steady breath and glanced up at the cliff before me. I reached out my hands and felt my swords appear.

"I guess I have to sword dance my way up," I said out loud, glancing at the blades. It was going to be a long shot and I didn't know if my magic would hold out, but it was better than just standing here.

I backed up, allowing myself to focus. I'd only been successful with this technique twice and that was nothing compared to what I now faced. The risk was high, and I could either lose my stamina or my magic could run out halfway, leaving me helpless as I fell back to the ground.

I swallowed and doubt began to sink in. I quickly shook my head and took a calming breath before charging forward. The longer I waited, the higher chance of me giving up became. I needed to do this now, once and for all.

My Kitsune prepared to assist me if needed and I could feel a hint of Storm's magic still within me. I increased my speed and jumped off the ground. My foot landed on the wall, but I pushed off in a second, twirling my body to create a swirl of wind that would assist me in moving higher up.

Push. Twirl. Land. Push. Twirl. Land.

Higher and higher I soared, until the ledge of the cliff was in sight. I pushed off once more, but didn't twirl, using my swords instead to pierce the wall. I dangled there and fought to catch my breath.

"Just a little more," I told myself, using my core strength to lift my legs and place them on the uneven surface of the wall. I took a peek below and immediately regretted it. One wrong move and I'd be squashed flat like Eric and his partner. I gulped, looking back up and lifting one of my swords out from its solid hold, reaching up to stab it at a higher point.

I kept the sequence going till I reached the edge and pulled myself over it. I sighed and laid down to catch my breath. Now, I’ll just wait here and—

*CRACK*

My eyes snapped open and I glanced at the ground below, noticing cracks begin to spread. Never a damn break!

I went on my hands and knees and a sudden boost of adrenaline kicked in. I pushed off the ground and began to sprint, not looking back as the loud noise trailed behind me.

How long is this damn thing? I ran until I slipped, falling to the ground. I quickly flipped over and watched as the ground behind me shattered piece by piece, coming straight for me.

The mountains have magic and a mind of its own.

Fury burst inside me and I screamed. "ENOUGH!" I declared and a wave of power blasted from my body. The collapsing ground slowed, coming to a stop a mere inch from my feet. I rose up and darted away as fast as I could. I wouldn't give the mountain another opportunity to kill me.

I ran and ran until my legs begged me to stop and my lungs gasped for air. I went from a sprint to a more manageable jog, but ended up dragging my heavy feet as I tried to figure out where I was.

I had run without direction and now I was completely lost. How are they gonna find me now? I began to slow my steps, but time continued to tick and the flame within keeping me warm began to fade. I was almost out of fuel and I didn't know what to do.

I plodded along in the middle of the storm until I fell to my knees, collapsing straight into the pile of snow. I slowly turned to lay on my back and opened my eyes with difficulty and stared up at the sky.

This is it? All the fighting and trying to survive being murdered, only to die in the snow? How pathetic.

I bit my lip, but I could barely feel it. I lifted my hand slowly, noticing how purple it was. I slid my hand inside my jacket and retrieved the little box. I opened it and sighed, in awe of the tiny blue crystal.

I used my other hand to take the pocket watch from my neck. The invisible magic had worn off and I took comfort in staring at it. I took the blue crystal out, letting the little box fall onto my stomach then tumble down into the snow at my side.

Slowly, I placed the stone into its rightful socket and stared in amazement as a blue flame flew up to surround me. My vision was blurry so I couldn't tell what it was, but I smiled at its sad eyes.

"I'm sorry that I won't get to see what you are. But, Uru will find you. Keep her company and find the others for me, please?"

It lowered what I assumed was its head and returned into to the watch. I gripped it with my hand, allowing it to rest on my chest.

The winds had calmed down in its ferocious intensity, but the snow came down heavier than before. It was like this was my burial and I'd be resting beneath layers of snow. I lifted the watch one last time with my left hand which still had a little bit of feeling left.

I smiled at the pink and blue crystals in their proper places and sighed.

My consciousness slowly faded and I imagined all the things I wished I had accomplished. Fun vacations with the guys, bonding time with Hakua, mother and daughter moments, and time to enjoy being a Kitsune, something I had longed for my entire life.