Facing the Storm

by Wilson, Yumoyori

"Two wrongs don't make a right, Storm," Yoshi whispered, and I hated the pity that lingered in his blue eyes with hints of gold.

  "Sacrifice. Wrongs?! I figured none of you would understand. Typical of men to be one-sided, like all the men before you who used me to sit in the positions they're in. You think that they want peace? You believe in their lies and deceit? You all are foolish if you think Homatomashi will go up and change by silly peace treaties and conferences. LOOK! They killed me, the bringer of peace and justice. You still think they want to enforce change and equal rights to all. Hah!"

  "Enough, Storm!" Aki shouted, and I merely glared at him.

  "You'll never gain peace if you can't put your feet in someone else's shoes and see the vision they see," I spat, tears rolling down my cheeks. I knew they would never understand.

  "Using people and wanting change by means of murder and destruction for your own selfish needs isn't putting yourself into someone else's shoes. You're lecturing us, yet you don't care about the fact you used us? You don't put yourself in OUR shoes after knowing our insecurities and seducing us to love you only for your plot of happiness with a woman who dared to hurt Crimson!" Aki snapped.

  If it weren’t for Yoshimitsu holding him back, I bet he'd be right up in my face and that only made me grin in delight.

  "Hurt Crimson. Ah, you mean my sweet Erica touching her without her permission. You all hype such a situation up like it was so painful." I noticed even Itsuki looked upset by my words.

  "Touching someone against their will IS painful, Storm."

  "If she'd stayed still, it wouldn't have been painful. Having a few fingers shoved up your pussy isn't painful. She handles cock just fine," I scolded.

  Haru took a step forward and everyone froze; the ground below him began to ice up while the temperature seemed to drop. I held my tongue with my next statement as his deadly eyes met mine.

  "Doesn't matter what she can handle. You're in HER body, Storm, and you’re only lucky to have a lip to speak thanks to her. Erica violated Crimson. No, she RAPED her! You talk about equality and all that other bullshit about you not having the fair life, but you're saying it's fair for Crimson, a woman who is straight, to be touched by a woman against her will. What happened to seeing the world in another person shoes? In fact, you’re in her body right now. You're telling me you can't feel the slightest pain Crimson's dealing with right now?"

  I was silent, not wanting to listen to the truth in his words.

  He shook his head. "See? Your vision is so strong that everyone else is in the wrong. Your actions don't count because men are horrible people and you deserve to love. It's okay to hurt us...to wound our hearts that would have been left broken in pieces if it wasn't for Crimson, but you can be happy with the woman you cherished. Your vision for change is only one-sided, Storm. That was the reason for your downfall."

  "I don't need to be lectured by you. I've already done my damage on you all and it's only a matter of time until I can free myself and take control of Crimson. Then I'll return to Erica who wouldn't mind this body at all. She'd love me no matter what, and all you lot of broken men will have to sit and watch. Just like Crimson will within herself," I declared with pride, feeling a bit better of myself.

  Malachi rose, and his guarded expression left me wondering why he wasn't upset by my words. In fact, they all had guarded expressions except for Yoshi who sighed.

  "Storm, give up already. Your soul is gone. Your essence will fade the stronger Crimson becomes. You lost, Storm. You won't be able to stay once Crimson gets the final crystal."

  "I won't give up," I huffed, but Malachi shook his head as Quil sighed.

  "Erica's dead."

  I stared at his red eyes that were beginning to shift to a golden color. Satisfaction.

  "What...?" I whispered, feeling like my ears had misinterpreted his words.

  "She's dead, Storm," Malachi said quietly, and his guard fell as he looked at me with pity.

  No...she can't be dead. "Liar!" I snarled, leaning back to press myself against the window, my eyes wide with disbelief. "Erica wouldn't die from your petty hands."

  "She didn't. James killed her," Aki declared.

  I tried to respond, but my words were stuck in my throat. No....no, no, no!

  Haru took two steps forward and I raised my hands up. "Don't you dare come near me."

  "Return to your dormant state, Storm. You've shared your truth. We revealed reality. Erica's dead, and soon you will be too."

  "You think I'm scared of death now. I can leave whenever I want! If Erica is truly dead, I'll simply die and meet her in hell!"

  "You won't be able to," Yoshi whispered and the others glanced at him.

  "What? You can now tell me where I'll go after death? Let's be real, Yoshi. You're not the only knowledgeable one of the group," I mocked.

  He ignored me and continued. "Erica is bound to the earth. She'll never be able to cross over."

  My next set of words stopped at the tip of my throat, and I stared at him in shock. "Liar..."

  Aki shook his head. "It was determined by the monk of Homatomashi. She'll never cross over, Storm, and there's no way for you to bind yourself to this world because your soul is already gone. You've lost, Storm."

  Silence lingered in the room and Haru took another step forward, followed by another. "Leave Crimson alone, Storm. There's nothing left for you here," Haru whispered. I had no other words, my resolve seeming to dissipate just like my presence as I pulled away.

  Away from the surface, people, and shocking reality.

  Erica...no...

  ~HARU~

  "Crim." I closed the distance between us as I watched Crim's knees buckle. She fell forward, right into my arms, and a weak moan escaped her.

  I lowered her to the ground, the others crowding around me as I rested Crimson against my chest. I made sure I did my best to avoid any spots Aki had warned us about; my right arm slid under her neck while her body rested against mine. I didn't touch her anywhere else, unsure if she'd wake right away or go into a deep sleep.

  "Is she okay?" Aki asked.

  "Did Storm hurt her?" Quil questioned with a stern voice.

  "No. I think it's the shock and transition. It's been a while since Storm's essence took over, so it must have caused a drop in magic energy," I explained.

  Crimson's eyes fluttered, and she let out a weak moan, opening her heavy eyelids. "What happened?"

  "Storm took over, Hottie. You okay?" Malachi asked, moving over to kneel down in front of us with Urufu who ran right up to Crim and began to lick her face.

  A weak smile formed on her lips and she slowly nodded. "I think I need a few minutes to rest my eyes. I'm okay, though." She tried to reassure us, but her pale expression told me she needed a few hours of sleep. She could smile and reassure us knowing we’d worry about her. Yet, Storm couldn’t care less about hurting us. How could we have been so fooled by love?

  "That's fine, Crim. Just rest," Yoshi soothed.

  She nodded once and had enough strength to reach out and pet Urufu, who cuddled into her right side and placed her head on Crim's chest.

  "But...Storm. The truth," Crim pointed out.

  "We'll explain everything when you get some rest, Crim. We're fine," Itsuki whispered, and I noticed the small smile on his lips.

  Of course, Crim would rather make sure we were okay than think about herself. She was the polar opposite of Storm who only cared about her happiness.

  "Thank yo...." Crimson trailed off as her eyes came to a close.

  She was out in seconds, and I let out the breath I'd unconsciously been holding.

  "She needs rest and I'd suggest we change her bandages before we put her to bed," I announced, looking at the others who nodded in agreement.

  Aki walked up to where Malachi was. "I'll carry her up and get the supplies ready. I'd like you guys to watch so you know how to properly bandage her. Even though she's asleep, her Kitsune is still reactive and can come out in defense," Aki
explained.

  The rest of us nodded in understanding, knowing first hand what kitsune shifters could be like thanks to our time with Aki. There has been a few times he'd been injured, and we'd encountered his Kitsune by accident who was merely protecting him.

  Aki carefully took Crim from my hold, lifting her up with ease as he stood. Urufu was right at Aki's feet, looking up at Crim with loving joy that made me smile.

  "Let's get Crim in bed and then we can talk?" I asked the others, noticing their guarded faces were gone and replaced with their true feelings of hurt, sadness, and regret.

  "Yup," Yoshi whispered.

  "I need some air," Quil admitted and didn't wait for us to reply as he left.

  Malachi groaned, looking irritated. "This is so fucked up. I'll make sure that idiot doesn't light a cigarette. Be back before you start Crim's treatment, Aki."

  We watched Malachi race after Quil and Yoshi ran his hands through his hair. "I need to update my father. This changes everything."

  "I'll wait for you guys upstairs. I'll get Crimson some fresh clothes and give her a bath before we start the treatment. Should be about 30 minutes or so. Just take a breather and we'll talk," Aki suggested.

  "I want Crim to be involved too," I announced, which in return gained me three blank stares. I continued. "She's going to be more involved in everything that is going on and with retrieving the final crystal. She needs to be on the same page, regardless of being injured and recovering."

  Itsuki nodded. "Haru's right."

  "She's earned it," Yoshi whispered.

  "Then we'll wait for her to wake up, but everyone still come back to see the methods I use to bandage her. I won't be here all the time and if she needs help, I'm relying on you guys," Aki pointed out.

  "Understood," I replied. Itsuki nodded in agreement and Yoshi verbally agreed. Aki headed to the stairs with Crim fast asleep in his arms and Urufu followed him happily.

  Yoshi headed into another room that led to the backyard.

  Only Itsuki and I were left, and I lifted my gaze to see his saddened eyes. "We protected and loved her, and she just used us like bait."

  I reached out to pat his arm, hiding my own sadness and heartache. "It's in the past now, and we're better off now with Crimson. Don't let it make you think of the past. Crimson won't deceive us."

  He nodded, but the doubt still lingered in his eyes which only left me feeling more worried for the future of our group.

  We can't break apart now. For the sake of Crimson and all of Homatomashi. We have to move forward and fight for what's to come.

  I just hope we can get past this.

  ~CRIMSON~

  "Ninety-one. Ninety-two. Ninety-three."

  Pain speared through me and I bit my lip to hold back the screams that threatened to escape. I didn't dare open my eyes for fear of seeing the damage that was being done to me with each hit of the leather whip that lashed at my once perfect skin.

  "One-hundred."

  I gripped the wall as short exhales escaped me, the sweat that rolled down my face fell to the ground while my tears stained my cheeks.

  "What a good sport you've been."

  My hands clenched into fists; my rage vibrated through me as I wished to fight back. To defend myself like I knew I could.

  Yet for the sake of the men I'd come to love, I remained still.

  "I should reward you. How would I reward my Storm?"

  The sickening feeling that ran through me almost made me vomit right there, and my body stiffened at the woman's gentle touch. She turned me around to face her, pressing me against the wall and using her body to pin me against the wall.

  My eyes filled with tears, knowing exactly what was about to happen, the scene that had plagued me over and over again and made my body hot with anger.

  "Don't..." I whispered. My body trembled as I squeezed my legs together in hopes of protecting myself.

  "Now, now. You'll enjoy this. I'll make sure of it."

  The sinister smile formed on those red lips and I closed my eyes, hoping the next set of events would end in a flash.

  * * *

  My eyes snapped opened and I immediately sat up, my breath coming out in rapid gasps. Scanning the dark room, I looked for the woman in question. The woman who'd hurt me.

  My body trembled, and I slowly turned to see Aki was asleep next to me, his tails wrapped around himself as he slept on his right side, his back facing me. Urufu opened her pink eyes and lifted her head to look at me.

  "Woof?" The worry in her eyes only left me even more anxious as I caught my breath, and my body was drenched in a cold sweat that left me feeling sticky and vulnerable. The same way I felt in that dungeon.

  I slipped out of bed as quietly as I could and went straight to the bathroom. I only increased the light lever just slightly, giving myself enough light to see myself but not too bright to hurt my tired, tear-filled eyes.

  My arm reached out to close the door but stopped it midway when Urufu ran into the washroom, something I knew she'd do regardless if I told her to stay out. Whenever I was in distress, she always came to my side, never leaving me until I calmed down. Or worst-case scenario, run off to get Akihiro.

  I turned the tap of the sink on and splashed cold water on my face in an attempt to get rid of the dream that lingered in my mind. I didn't want to think about it. Didn't want to see the images flash through my mind and remind me of the aching pain that somehow felt present.

  Letting the tap run, I put my hands on the sides of the sink, gripping it as hard as I could while I lifted my head up to stare into the mirror.

  "Just a dream. I'm safe...in my bedroom with Aki and Urufu. No one is here. No one will hurt me...or touch me. Just me. Urufu. Aki. She's not real. She's dead. Dead, dead, dead. "

  "You wish I was dead."

  I bit my lip hard and closed my eyes tightly. I knew my mind was playing tricks on me. Knew the sweet familiar voice wasn't real. Yet...I was afraid.

  Urufu brushed her head against my leg, trying to bring me out of my dark thoughts. She whimpered, prompting me to open my weak eyes to glance at her worried pink ones.

  "I'm okay, Urufu. I'm fine," I whispered, but my body trembled and began to feel hot. Scorching hot like my body had felt from that woman's closeness. The sweat that had rolled down my figure from the screams that left me as I tried to fight back. The pain...the gripping pain around my wrists as those fingers went somewhere they shouldn't have. Somewhere I had not given permission for her to cross and put those damn fingers in.

  "Fuck!" I cursed and moved to the bath. I pulled off the thin white t-shirt, not caring that I was half naked standing there in just a pair of tight black shorts I'd worn to bed.

  I didn't dare take them off; they were my protection from those filthy hands that had hurt me. Even if she's dead. I won't let her hurt me again. Never.

  I turned the handle of the bath and switched it to shower mode, making sure the water was frigid. I stepped into the tub, allowing the cold water to rain down on me and drench my already trembling body.

  Lowering myself to the middle of the bath, I curled up under the stream and tried to control the sobs and whimpers that escaped me, hoping the stream would mute them so that Aki wouldn't hear.

  Urufu moved to the bath, her whimpers barely reaching me as I focused on trying to calm down. I'm okay. I don't need help. I don't need medication or any of the guys. I can do this. I have to do this alone. I won't be a burden. I'm just struggling. Yes, struggling. I'm strong...I must be strong. That's what I'm supposed to be...supposed to portray? A strong woman who will get the last crystal and end N.R.O. Strong people don't cry. They don't cower to their demons.

  I tried to convince myself, to create the image that I'd envisioned the world wanted to see. Storm Yuna was an idol to many eyes, and look how that turned out? She'd been a selfish woman who only cared about the woman in her life and nothing else.

  Who am I trying to kid? I'm not strong...nothing compared to how she was
. I'll never be able to reach that level of power. That level of idolism. Not with these bruises.

  I was crying loudly now, rocking back and forth as I let the cold stream continue to fall. I zoned out Urufu's howls, zoned out my sobs. I just wanted to be lost in myself, and a tiny part of me wished I'd find the old me.

  The me who was strong, optimistic, and determined to be someone. To prove to the universe that no matter what, I could contribute and be a part of society. As a human, I felt the empowerment and fought against the barriers that raised and tried to stop me from achieving my goals.

  Why as a shifter did I feel the opposite? Weak, vulnerable, and insecure. Was it all because of what happened to me? Should I really be a victim? It was my fault...wasn't it? I could have fought back. My chance of survival wouldn't have been high, but look what that despicable woman had done and left behind.

  She left me broken, and I didn't know if I could be fixed.

  My Kitsune pushed to the surface then; her countless efforts to reach me had finally passed the mental barrier I'd put up. I could feel her sadness, the growing agony for us, and the desperate wish to help me somehow.

  Her presence helped tremendously, almost like a person who'd always stand by you no matter rain or shine. No matter how much I could push her away, she'd always be there because she was a part of me and understood me the most.

  The stream of water stopped, but my body still trembled from how cold I was. I continued to rock back and forth, and though I knew someone was calling me, I didn't want to hear it.

  I just wanted to escape. Anyone else would judge me because that was how life was. It didn't matter if you were hurt by someone. As long as you still breathed, at least one person would neglect your pain, ignore your outcries, and mock your weak claims.

  "Crimson."

  My Kitsune reacted to the voice first; her head lifted and those beautiful white ears twitched at the sound of one of our lovers.

  "Crim. Come back to me. I won't judge you or hurt you. I'll be right here just to comfort you."