"Mosuki Arashi, why did you not report this?" the Emperor asked as if wanting clarification from her point of view. I looked at Mother who frowned, shaking her head as she tried to keep her composure.
"I wasn't aware this was happening, Emperor,” she admitted, bowing her head. I grimaced at her appearance, already noticing how her hands fidgeted and her body trembled. I knew she would cry at any second.
"She wouldn't have known, Emperor. Before Dr. Omako could reveal who the father was, he was removed at Konashi's request. Dr. Omako was then sent abroad, along with Hotaka to assist with the western countries. Konashi then retrieved all evidence that stated Hotaka was the father. All information regarding Crimson being a shifter was covered up, and the documents were placed in a box in Konashi's office," Yoshi answered.
"What about Crimson's 18th birthday? Every shifter is supposed to receive their weapon that gives the remainder of their powers and strength," the Emperor remarked.
"Yes. It was found that Konashi had a set of swords in his display case. Those are what he used during each sealing process, withdrawing Crimson's powers little by little and infusing them into her twin swords. We are all aware that if a shifter is not reunited with their weapon within five years of their 18th birthday, they will die." Yoshi stressed the last three words, his eyes landing on Konashi who was pale as a sheet.
"During the last two months, Crimson's health began to decline, ranging from her having nosebleeds, to completely passing out. Crimson's birthday, which was three days ago, would have marked her death if she hadn't reclaimed her twin blades, which unlocked her shifter powers as a Kitsune and all other elements that were originally bestowed to her. Now that we have all this information, everything makes sense."
"Mosuki. If you were in love with Hotaka Jiyuna, why did you marry Konashi?" the Emperor asked. Mother rose up and looked up at the screen, her eyes full of tears.
"Emperor, I was forced into the marriage. You know very well how our culture cares about standards and power. Because Konashi had become the leader of the Council, he was given the rightful power to choose his wife. I was the victim of that choice. Hotaka was my partner in combat for years...and I expected to spend my life with him and carry his child. The decision of me becoming an Arashi was sudden, but I had no right to refuse or I'd lose my position and be shunned by my community. I couldn't afford that, and I knew whatever decision I chose could affect Hotaka negatively. I wouldn't let his career and reputation be tainted because of one man who wanted everything his way. I agreed...even if I wasn't happy. I never wanted my child to grow up the way Crimson did, which was thanks to Konashi, and to me who couldn't gain the confidence to stand up to him,” she replied, tears rolling down her cheeks before she half bowed.
"Please forgive my cowardly ways, and I hope that justice can be given to my daughter who was completely innocent in all of this, Emperor. She's suffered a childhood I'd never wish on anyone and has missed out on years of training, teaching, and opportunities to become a mage or fighter because of this. Crimson deserves compensation and I, as her mother, regardless of my loss of memory, will take any punishment given,” she declared.
"Mom..." I whispered, not realizing tears were rolling down my cheeks. Hotaka stood up and rubbed Mother's back as she continued to sob before he turned his attention to the screen.
"Emperor, I also will receive any punishment Mosuki is given. My reason for returning to Japan was due to the discovery of this information, that Crimson was being targeted for her relationship to me. I always felt close to Crimson when she was a child, but then I was sent abroad permanently by Konashi, probably in an attempt to ensure no one found out the truth he worked so hard to hide. Then two weeks ago, I was approached by Dr. Omako. He had been contacted by one of the nurses from the Arashi residence because Mosuki was worried about Crimson's decline in health and had requested her birth information. When Dr. Omako found a second copy of Crimson's birth records, he immediately contacted me. I rushed here after my mission in America to get to the bottom of this before Crimson's 23rd birthday. I'm thankful I wasn't late, but it was thanks to your son and the other guards who've protected Crimson during the course of their investigation, that she is alive and well. Forgive me for not informing you earlier, but there was no time to waste," Hotaka explained and then bowed.
"Father..." I whispered. Aki leaned in to help wipe my tears with the sleeve of his traditional outfit.
The Emperor nodded, looking deep in thought before speaking. "Mosuki Arashi, as a victim of foul play, and since you’ve already apologized for the years your daughter has had to ensure such pain, I will be revoking your marriage. As of this moment, you will no longer be married to Konashi Arashi. I will ensure all paperwork documenting said change is done and confirmed by the end of the day."
My mom broke down, falling to her knees and bowing her head over and over. "Thank you, Emperor. Arigato. Arigato Gozaimashita." She sobbed uncontrollably. Hotaka knelt down and pulled her in his arms, rubbing her back soothingly.
"As for Hotaka Jiyuna, your post will be moved back to Homatomashi, in which you will now be the new leader of the Council. I will also nominate Mosuki as another Council member. You may choose three other members who you deem fit for this position. Once the decision is made, you will journey to Homatomashi and meet me in person, along with Crimson and her guards,” the Emperor acknowledged.
Hotaka bowed his head as he continued to console my mother. "Thank you, Emperor. I have one question with those terms," he spoke up.
"What is that?" the Emperor inquired.
"Will Mosuki and I still be allowed on the same Council if I decided to make her my wife?" Hotaka spoke with confidence.
My jaw dropped in shock. I looked to Konashi, who looked stunned at what was going on, just like the remaining ex-council members. The Emperor was quiet for a moment before he nodded.
"Feel free to marry Mosuki, Hotaka. It would make sense since that was originally your plan, and since you already have a formidable daughter together. You might as well make it official on paper,” the Emperor confirmed.
Hotaka smiled and bowed his head once more. "Thank you, Emperor."
Hotaka lifted his head and glanced over to me. I smiled brightly at him, letting my tears fall at the realization that I'd actually have a family who loved me for who I was.
"As for the old Council," the Emperor stated, turning his attention to the row of former Council members, who all looked at one another. "You will all be arrested and brought in for questioning. Once the investigation has been completed, your fate will be determined. Konashi Arashi, you will be revoked not only of your status like the others, but you will also be imprisoned for your multiple counts of treason, manipulation of official documents, acts of corruption, association with the N.R.O., and for the attempted murder of Crimson Jiyuna. Hotaka, Mosuki, and Crimson can all lay other charges on you once your case is brought to court,” the Emperor ordered. "Guards. Remove these criminals from this hearing."
That was the cue for the doors to open and seven other guards entered the room. None of the old Council fought as the guards took them away one by one.
Konashi met my eyes, and I saw the rage within them, which only prompted a smile out of me, finally seeing the end of his wickedness.
He wanted power, and he got it, but in return we received justice and that's what mattered. Once they were all removed and the doors of the room closed, we returned our attention to the Emperor, who shook his head.
"Let this be a lesson to all of you that power is nothing if it's not gained by your own hard work. It takes discipline and determination to rule, whether as a leader of a team or an Emperor like me, who rules a country. Shortcuts will not ensure your success and the truth always comes to light," he lectured. We all nodded in understanding.
"I would like for us to take a break and ask for Yoshimitsu and two other guards to remain while the others leave. The newly elected Council members, please remain as well. As for Cri
mson, I ask that you rise if it does not hinder your health,” the Emperor commanded.
I took a nervous glance at Aki, who nodded and squeezed my hand in encouragement, before I stood up. "Good morning, Emperor," I greeted, bowing my head in respect.
"It's an honor to meet you, Crimson Jiyuna, daughter of Mosuki and Hotaka. I've heard plenty of good things about you from my son, Yoshimitsu,” the Emperor revealed. I blushed as I hesitantly glanced at Yoshi, whose cheeks turned red as he looked away.
I could feel my Kitsune roll around happily in my head, super pleased with what had just happened and now because we were the center of attention. It was difficult to not smile and feel just as happy about our situation and this chapter coming to a close.
"I already know about the predicament you faced throughout the last two months. I won't go through such detail until we are physically face-to-face, but you have handled the situation well, and as Emperor, I thank you for all you have done in helping with the Storm Yuna case and assisting my son and his friends. I ask that you to come to the Empire here in the center of Homatomashi so that we can be formally introduced and I can reward you for your actions."
"Thank you, Emperor. No words can express my gratitude," I humbly replied, bowing my head.
"Please go and rest. Also, the two guards who will not participate in the second half of this meeting, please stay with Crimson. Until all former Council members have been investigated and given punishment, I ask the guards of the late Storm Yuna to continue to protect Crimson Jiyuna and that they journey with her to Homatomashi until we determine the next steps,” the Emperor concluded.
"Let us break."
"Are you sure you aren't mad?"
I continued to hit the red punching bag; the loud sounds of my swift moments seemed to echo in the training room.
"Not mad," I replied to Malachi, not diverting my eyes from the red, cushioned material, enjoying how my punches made it swing in the direction I wanted it to.
"You're totally mad," Malachi countered.
I rolled my eyes before I paused in my exercise to look at him. "What would I possibly be mad about?" I questioned, taking a moment to admire Malachi's bare chiseled chest that was glistening with sweat from our previous running exercises.
"Well...the whole ‘we didn't tell you about Yoshi's status’ problem," Malachi revealed.
"Ah. That," I replied, nodding my head in agreement.
"Alright. If that punching bag was Yoshimitsu, what would you say?" Malachi suggested.
I glanced over at the punching bag and took a deep breath. Don't be mad. Don't be mad....don't be...ugh!
A lifted my leg and kicked the punching bag with a pinch of the anger I was trying really hard not to display to Malachi. My attempt of acting like I was fine and wasn't pissed as fuck for being left out of the loop failed when the punching bag caught on fire from the impact of my foot and went flying across the room and into the wall.
"Oops," I said dryly.
Malachi groaned. "Crimson."
I noticed Haru look up from the book he was reading. He turned his head slowly to the burning punching bag. "Hmm. Isn't that the fifth one today?" he asked.
"Yes," Malachi replied. "I'm gonna be broke if I have to pay for the replacements."
I watched Malachi jog over to the burning remains of the fifth punching bag I’d destroyed in the last three hours. He cast a spell that poured a pool of water onto the burning blaze, putting it out.
I frowned and met Haru's mismatched gold and orange eyes that were filled with sympathy. "You're allowed to be mad, Crimson,” he revealed.
"I'm not mad," I denied as Malachi came walking back.
He tried to glide his hands through his hair but then clearly realized his black strands were in cornrows. The action made me smile and my stoic expression softened. He noticed my stare, and I could see the slight blush that appeared on his cheeks.
"Don't be mad, Crimson," Malachi urged.
"I don't get why both of you are saying I'm mad. Do I look mad?" I questioned.
Malachi and Haru both exchanged looks before they answered together. "Yes."
"Why?" I questioned.
Malachi looked at Haru, who had a small smile on his face. "When you're mad or distracted, you speak in Japanese without even realizing it,” he acknowledged.
I blinked, then tried to argue his statement. "Do not."
"See. Didn't even notice. Fourth time in three hours too," Malachi stated to Haru, who nodded.
"You know what? Let's do something else to waste time, seeing as we don't know how long the others are going to be," I whined, walking over to the mats to prepare to do some kickboxing movements, followed by some yoga to calm my nerves.
I didn't want to admit I was upset, but I was struggling to keep my cool.
"Crimson. You're supposed to be on bed rest. I'm only letting you blow off some steam because I was afraid you'd destroy your room otherwise," Malachi pointed out.
I got into my fighting stance, narrowing my eyes at Malachi who sighed dramatically, knowing I wasn't going to take his words to heart. He quickly went into his stance.
Just like that, we were throwing punches and kicks while dodging each other's blows. "Crimson, you need a moment to vent. Acting like everything is okay won't solve anything. Keeping your emotions in is bad for you!" Malachi huffed.
I grinned at his words as we continued our fight, Malachi blocking my quick blows and getting very little chance to counter-attack.
During my bed rest, I'd been studying a bunch of fighting styles and was now getting the opportunity to put them to the test. I was thrilled to release some of this pent-up energy.
I heard the door of the training room open and my eyes locked on to Yoshi's blue ones; the simple look reignited my anger. Couldn't even fucking tell me!
I returned my attention to Malachi, aiming to kick his stomach but my leg wasn't high enough, and I ended up kicking him right in the balls.
"AH!" Malachi exclaimed, grabbing his crotch before he fell on his side and cursed. "MAN DOWN! Man fucking down!"
I heard Haru snicker as he closed the book in his hands. His shoulders shook before he started laughing his head off.
"Stop laughing dammit! Where's Yoshi?! This is his fucking fault. AHH...MY BALLS! What if I can't have proper sex again, Crimson?" he cried, which only made me snicker.
I knew I shouldn't laugh at his pain and my miscalculation, but it was super cute and funny to watch him roll over with his thighs pressed together and his hands on what he liked to call his ‘Paradise.’
"Maybe I'm a little mad. Sorry, Malachi, you okay?" I asked, feeling bad, but unable to stop giggling.
"His cock is fine, Crimson. I've kicked it plenty of times, and he's been able to masturbate without any problem," Quillian announced.
I turned my gaze back to the door to see Quillian, Yoshimitsu, Akihiro, and Itsuki standing there, watching Malachi with amused grins on their faces. Well, everyone but Yoshi, whose eyes were still on me. I tried to ignore his attempt to lock me into a gaze.
I would stay mad as long as I could, but I figured we'd have to confront each other sooner or later.
"Fuck you, Quillian! Next time we fight, I'll kick your balls so hard you'll ask Crimson to heal them for you!" Malachi shouted.
"Ya, ya," Quillian replied, walking over to help him up.
"WOOF!!!"
I grinned at the sound of Urufu, who darted into the room and straight towards me. I knelt down and opened my arms for her to jump into them, giggling in delight as she began licking my face and rubbing her head against my cheek.
"Hey, Uru! I missed you. Where did you go?" I hummed as I rubbed her white fur. I looked back to see her bright pink eyes filled with joy at seeing me.
"I took her for a walk. She was in the room before our meeting and was getting antsy when it went longer than it should have," Itsuki stated, walking over to me. Malachi was still recovering from my attack. Itsuki and Quillian came over t
o where I was kneeling.
"You should be on bed rest," I heard Aki point out, striding over to us. He reached the group of guys.
Haru rose to his feet and made his way to us, shaking his head. "We tried. She looked like she'd murder someone if we denied her request to come train. One of the maids informed us your meeting was going to be longer, so we could go home first. The moment we arrived, she changed and came here while I was still changing and Malachi was taking a dump."
"Do you really have to add in the detail about me needing to shit?" Malachi inquired.
"Yes, since you took forever and asked me to get toilet paper, which was the reason I knew Crimson was gone," Haru replied before he looked to the others. "Then he lost his shit."
We all burst into laughter, the comment even funnier because of how calmly Haru stated it with a wide grin on his face.
"Fuck you all! Geez," Malachi huffed but began to chuckle anyway.
I stood up and Quillian moved closer to hug me. "You should be resting, you know,” he pointed out, moving back to look into my eyes. "You’re still mad, huh?"
I rolled my eyes and pouted my lips. "I'm not."
"I think we're pretty awesome that we can tell when Crimson's mad," Itsuki hummed as he came over to my side. He waited for Quillian to finish hugging me before pulling me into an embrace.
"Ya. Or you risk becoming that," Haru announced and pointed to what remained of the punching bag.
"What is that?" Aki asked.
"Punching bag. The fifth one, actually. The others are in the garbage, but I didn't wanna move it just in case she destroyed the last one we have," Malachi disclosed.
Itsuki grinned as he pulled out of our embrace. "Is Malachi paying for it?” he teased.
"Shut it, Itsuki! You're richer than me. You pay for it!" Malachi demanded.
Aki shook his head as the two began to quarrel. He gave me a sad smile, but I looked away, not wanting to be guilt tripped by him. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm hug. "Hey."
Calming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 2) Page 2