Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1) by Yumoyori Wilson (9)

"Now that you're awake, you can leave."

My eyes darted to the men around the room, pausing on Akihiro and a white male named Quillian. They both had scowls on their faces and I was worried they would snap at my father any second.

After I showered, my mother and I had a talk. It wasn't anything major, just me giving her a brief explanation of what happened after I left the bar that fateful night. I left out the vision I’d had during my short death. Telling her wouldn't change anything and even though she was my mother, we hadn't developed a strong enough bond for me to share what I considered a precious secret.

When I was younger, I always envied those who had amazing relationships with their parents. I'd given up on my father long ago, but a part of me still longed for my mom’s affection and guidance. But those wishes were never granted and anything longer than a five minute conversation was just awkward.

Once I'd reassured her I was okay and we would figure this thing out, we'd moved to the living room where the others were. There was a long row of shoes by the front door; the men must have removed theirs as they came in. I appreciated that even those who weren’t Japanese knew to do so. When I was settled in the middle seat of the sofa and Uru was curled up on my left side with her head in my lap, the guys formally introduced themselves.

The stern sounding Voice One was Akihiro Tomashuna. He was a twenty-five-year-old combat instructor who trained shifters and humans across Homatomashi. He was the youngest certified trainer and was well ranked for his age. He was actually the second most requested instructor in the country.

He stood at 6'5” and had long gold and orange hair that was currently worn high in a ponytail, the same way it was that first night. The black ribbon had been changed out for a white one, but still had gold lettering that reminded me of ancient runes.

He wore a simple white shirt that did practically nothing to hide his chiseled frame. His biceps stretched out the thin cotton material and the lines of his pecs made him more of a distraction than anything. He wore black jeans and white socks. The entire time his arms were crossed and he looked like he'd kill someone, but my instincts told me otherwise.

Akihiro's eyes were a forest green and his skin was slightly lighter than Yoshi's and was evident that he must spend a lot of time outside. His lips were a darker shade of pink, and it looked like he applied lip balm to moisturize them.

Then there was Yoshimitsu Ohashi. He worked as an advisor, listening to the people's troubles and concerns and was trying to implement change across Homatomashi. He was what some of the townsfolk called a “peacemaker,” projecting a calm or relaxed persona most of the time.

He also stood at 6'5” and was still wearing his navy blue shirt and loose black pants. He had taken the white ribbon out of his hair, allowing the black tresses to fall down his back, revealing its true length. Based on my memory of his hair when it was worn up and comparing that to Akihiro's ponytail now, I could tell Yoshi's hair was the longer of the two.

Yoshi's enchanting sapphire eyes looked brighter in the well-lit room than they had in the guest room I'd been in. The bits of gold that swirled in his eyes were still there, but less visible now. I didn't know if it was caused by his magic or if he was born with them like that, but it was really cool to stare at. That probably made me look crazy, but it was a chance I was willing to take.

His pink lips were sensuous and his complexion was very smooth and gave him an overall look you'd expect to see in model magazines.

Voice Three belonged to a man named Malachi Jinn. He was twenty-six, 6'4,” and was half African and half Japanese. In Nokamato, it was rare to see people of races other than Japanese and Chinese, but Homatomashi welcomed all cultures and encouraged interracial dating and marriage.

He was one of Storm Yuna's top guards and trained as an athlete in our country, competing in events like the Olympic Games. He mainly participated in swimming races, but was also a well-known runner and had competed in previous competitions as an alternate when one of the athletes became ill or injured.

He had really short black hair that resembled a mini afro, but without the same texture. He described it as jerry curls, explaining his hair was just naturally curled that way, but when he stretched it out to show us the length if straightened, it was about as long as my index finger.

He had a slim build like Yoshi, but his biceps were solid like Akihiro’s. He had a broad torso, giving me the impression he did a lot of weight training in addition to his cardio workouts, but his overall figure fit him perfectly. He wore a black top, army jeans, and black socks.

His skin was like milk chocolate and his lips were coated with lip balm, making them shiny. What I loved the most about him were his vibrant blue eyes. They were a pale sky blue which was absolutely gorgeous, but unusual for an African to have.

When I asked him about it, feeling afraid to offend him, he laughed and said he got it from his mother just like the rest of his good looks. I knew right away he was the joker of the group and he seemed to be the least worried about the situation.

Voice Four was actually named Itsuki Watanabe. He was twenty-four, and 75% Chinese and 25% Japanese. He was just an inch shorter than Malachi, at 6’3”.

He lived in a different country till he was twenty and received a scholarship for magic casting and weapon enhancing, which he described as a skill where you'd infuse magic into weapons so the users could cast spells in the same elemental family. It was a rare skill normally found in merchant families, but he was lucky to have the trait. He was Storm's second guard and he and Malachi had normally been with Storm 24/7.

He had silky white hair with purple highlights that just reached his neck; it was currently spiked. Malachi had mentioned that Itsuki was the shy one of the group, and people never expected him to kick major ass which he was fully capable of. He wore traditional clothing similar to what James would wear for his training, but the way he wore it looked more casual than uniformed.

His facial features gave away his Chinese heritage, but he had hints of Japanese traits, like his complexion that was paler than that of his relatives as he explained. His eyes were dark purple and his lips looked a tad dry; I noticed he had a habit of biting his lip which he confessed he did when he was nervous.

The man I had called Voice Five was Haru Yuudai, a twenty-three-year-old who stood at 6’4”. He had a thick Japanese accent and told me he wasn't very fond of fighting. He was the 'healer' of the group and had been recruited by Storm herself. Haru didn't go into much details as to why he was enlisted, but my gut told me there was more to him than met the eye.

He was slimmer than the rest of the guys and didn’t have much bicep definition, but I could sense something around him, a type of indescribable energy. Maybe it had to do with Storm's magic that coursed through me, but I knew he must have a very good reason to be on the team and it wasn't just healing.

He wore a black dress shirt and white jeans. His silver hair had an ombre look, transitioning to gold and just surpassed his shoulders. He had mismatched eyes; his left eye was a light gold and his right eye was dark orange. His overall facial appearance gave off a cute boy next door look, but it didn’t detract from his muscularity.

Quillian Reid was Voice Six. He was twenty-five and was the tallest at 6’6”. He gave off a “don't mess with me” vibe just like Akihiro, but it wasn't as prominent. He explained he was a hand-to-hand combat fighter and trained shifters in close quarters fighting.

He was Caucasian and many people assumed he'd been recruited to work here, but he had actually come to Homatomashi due to his father's business. Quillian was fluent in several languages including Japanese, Cantonese, and Mandarin. He also had many connections across the world and did business seminars from time to time in his father's stead.

He wore black shorts and a red tank top that showed off his muscled arms that had a few visible tattoos. He had short blond hair with red highlights that was swept back and the sides were trimmed. What was unusual about him were his pink eyes.

He said his eyes changed color based on his mood, but generally, they stayed pink. I wouldn't say anything until I knew him better, but I thought they were hot. Sorry James, but your red eyes have been beaten today.

Yoshi had explained to them how overwhelmed I'd felt and had given them a summarized version of what I did and didn't know. I noticed they didn't say much, merely exchanging glances and eyeing my mother who was still in the room.

When she left to get tea, the guys informed me they would give me a more detailed report of everything regarding Storm when we were in a secure private area.

Sadly when Mother came back, she was accompanied by Father. His eyes met mine and the first words that came out of his mouth were requesting for me to leave.

"Hachimitsu! She just woke up. Let her at least—" Mother began, but Father cut her off.

"I don't want a disgrace like her in my home. I have visitors coming shortly. Leave now."

James walked into the room, looking confused by the confrontation. "Mr. Arashi, can't she rest a bit more?"

"Is this a hotel? No. It's MY residence. It’s because of me this sacred place is standing and is idolized by so many. She didn't contribute to that success and all she will do is ruin the evening for my guests," Father complained.

I could feel the tension wafting off the guys like a heat wave. Even Urufu jumped off the couch, coming to stand in front of me protectively and growling while her hackles rose.

I sighed, getting to my feet. I still felt wobbly, but I wouldn't let an argument break out because of me. Akihiro clenched his teeth and came to stand beside me. He opened his mouth to say something, but I gave him a sidelong glance in warning.

Even if I was rather vulnerable at the moment, I wouldn't let him fight my battles when it came to my family. That man may have been my father, but I wouldn't let him disrespect me in front of these men who were guests and should have been a priority from the start.

"SHE is right here and you’re right! I didn't contribute to this foundation, but the last time I heard, this place was actually just given to you by Mr. Jiyuna for safekeeping," I reminded.

Father's eyes grew wide at my admission and Mother looked shocked. James just stared at my father, wide-eyed and wary.

"What did—" Father tried to argue, but I lifted my hand to silence him.

"Just because I was a child, didn’t mean I wasn’t listening. Maybe you should try to be humble once in a while, Father. Anyways, I will take my leave regardless. I don't want to be disturbing your current guests or the ones that will be arriving. "

"You can take them with you!" Father snarled back.

I blinked, tilting my head as I narrowed my eyes at him. Something flickered within me and my anger began to build slowly. "Excuse me?" I called out.

The guys crowded around me, all of them turning to my father.

"They can leave with you. I was speaking fluent English if you weren't aware. I have no use for them here.” He turned and addressed the guys, “You can return back to wherever you came from. The Council doesn't need your aid anymore," Father announced snidely.

What!

"What do you mean you don't need us! We're in the middle of an investigation in YOUR city," Akihiro began.

Quillian stepped forward and took over. "Because YOU and your Council wanted peace talks and strategies to help your city, Storm was summoned here. She died on your soil, yet you kick us out like rabble in the middle of the case?"

Itsuki and Haru remained silent, but the magic around them continued to grow in fury. Malachi stepped forward to stand next to Akihiro.

"Storm Yuna is dead. A person or group of individuals not only planned this, but stole her pocket watch, and now four of the five blessed crystals are missing and you have nothing to say? We should just return to where we came from? I really don't think you realize what the consequences of your actions will be if you finalize this decision, Mr. Arashi." Malachi’s threat lingered in the already tense air.

Yoshi came over to Urufu who was still growling.

"And you're perfectly fine with kicking YOUR daughter out after she died and just woke up?" Yoshi questioned, wanting to confirm what he'd heard.

"SILENCE!" Father roared. He pointed in my direction. "You know nothing! Do you know who I am? This is my property and you are only welcomed here because of me. NOT her. She's a disgrace to my family name and is not welcome here unless I say so. Now leave this instant. I don't care about your investigation. Do whatever you want; it has nothing to do with me or the Council. Storm was murdered due to your lack of protection!"

I literally felt my eye twitch at his words. It was as if a switch suddenly flipped in my mind and now I was absolutely furious. I clenched my fists and bit down hard on my lip to control the undeniable power that coursed through my body, begging for escape.

How dare he, this man filled with greed who only cares about his personal gain? This man that's full of secrets and deceit. I could destroy him with what I know. What my memories know of him. He doesn't know these men. MY MEN. Who is he to tell them that it was their fault? To add to the misery they feel because of my death. How. Dare. He!

I could feel everyone's eyes shift to me and hear Uru barking ferociously, but I zoned everything out and my eyes were focused on one thing: Konashi Arashi.

I began to approach him and noticed his anger morph into fear as I got closer. Mosuki Arashi backed away and the male known as James looked just as terrified.

"Crimson," James warned, but his voice trembled and sounded weak to me. He could do nothing to stop me. Because I was dead, they thought I could do nothing. That I was nothing but a spirit. I had power. In this body, I could do the same damage as I could when I was alive.

No. I could do far worse. When the truth is revealed and the Sealed One knows who she is, our power will grow and I'll get my revenge on this man till he begs for death. But even death would turn him away till he paid his dues.

"Crimson! Yameru!" Mother pleaded.

I was unsure why that woman was trembling with fear. My power wasn't even unleashed yet. Little strands of magic emanated off my feverish skin, but I hadn't even cast a spell. Still, they shook in terror; a feeling of satisfaction rushed through me.

"Crimstorm!" I heard Yoshi call out.

I paused, only two steps from Konashi who was trying to compose himself, but his quivering body gave him away.

"Storm? You can't hurt him. Think of Crimson," Yoshi tried to plead with me. His calm voice helped me to think rationally for a moment, but my anger was stronger. He thought I was taking control on my own accord, but it was Crimson who allowed my essence within her to take over. She understood my pain. I was dead and my death had been for nothing. Meaningless for the sake of 'peace.’ Now my men have been abandoned in a strange land and the same people who urged for our assistance and intervention now cast us away like garbage? I won't allow that. I will NOT accept it.

I turned back to glare at Konashi, taking the final two steps till I stood directly before him. His height meant nothing to me and his power was pitiful compared to my endless capacity. I wasn't his frail daughter anymore. I was Crimson Storm and I would not be tamed.

"You think I don't know your secrets? I suggest you think carefully, Konashi Arashi. My body may be gone and my soul is wandering in the world of lost souls, but my ESSENCE will thrive in Crimson until my possession is restored and if you aren't careful, I'll reveal all the lies you have tucked away in that little box you treasure so," I spoke in Yamato Kotoba, an older dialect of Japanese I knew no one here spoke but him.

He remained frozen in place and speechless. That alone satisfied the anger within me. I gave him a wide smile.

"My men and I will take our leave, but remember my warning, Konashi. It's only a matter of time...and believe me. Your time of power is almost over. You've been warned."

I grinned sinisterly, taking a step back before turning around to leave the room. My body knew where the exit was and was happy no one else was around to try and stop me.

I heard a commotion behind me, but I paid it no mind. My power was already dimming with every precious second that ticked away. I could hear the clicking of claws on the tatami mat and smiled when my eyes caught sight of Urufu who matched my quick stride.

My fast walk turned to a run; my body ached to get away from this place. No one would know how much heartache and anxiety this place was causing Crim, and I for one couldn't stand it anymore. My men would know where I'd gone and hopefully one of them would retrieve Crimson when my essence retreated into slumber.

After five minutes of sprinting, I was in the right spot; the spot I had wanted to see one last time before I had died.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the soft scent of the lake before me. The scene was beautiful, with the crystal clear water surrounded by flowers and nearby wildlife. My hidden sanctuary that gave me clarity and guidance whenever I came down to Nokamato.

It was weird to be in this position, to be dead, but also alive because of the lingering magic I had stored within my sacred watch. Magic was more than power and was actually a part of the wielder. Eventually, with time it would fade. Just like memories and loved ones who passed away.

But until that time came, I'd aid Crimson in finding herself. Now that my soul was gone and the clock of my magic had begun the countdown to complete depletion, I would make sure to achieve three things before time ran out.

If I could manage those three goals, my purpose would be complete and I could finally rest in peace.