Facing the Storm

by Wilson, Yumoyori

  "Turn around and your question will be answered."

  I did just that, turning around to face the person who sat at what looked to be a dialysis machine. My eyes grew wide and I had to blink a few times, unsure how it was possible as the memories and scenes from the past rushed through me like a wall of bricks.

  I blinked a few times, and now my whole body trembled in shock as I tried to piece everything together. "Wait...that's not possible. You're dead," I pointed out. "I mean...you have to be dead."

  "Why? Because Storm said so?"

  I gritted my teeth and Storm's essence took over, pushing me and my Kitsune back as she gained control. She inhaled a few calming breaths to help us and slowly clenched our fists to help them stop their uncontrollable tremble.

  She looked into the man's pure white eyes and whispered, "Otosan."

  Wait wait wait. OTOSAN?! I thought you said your father was dead? I mean it was on the news and in the records and well, everywhere. Your parents died. How is he alive?

  "How interesting this is. To think my daughter killed me and her mother and ended up reviving me. I guess she had second thoughts after the first few knife stabbings."

  I forced myself to take control and my Kitsune growled at the fragile looking man that was hooked up to multiple machines. He was skinny, a tad too skinny compared to the man who'd accompanied James and killed Storm in cold blood.

  Literally, everything about him from his corpse like hair and his extra pale skin was nothing like I'd remembered. It was only his pure white eyes that gave me a hint of the same person I'd seen from the memories I'd witnessed in my dreams and when I'd almost died. Yet, just entering this room had triggered a different set of images and scenes that I'd never seen before, and it began to piece everything together.

  It made me realize why Storm was as fucked up as she was.

  "How are you alive?" I asked again, wanting to hear it from him rather than concentrate on the memories flooding my mind.

  "Shouldn't you be more focused on your last crystal?" he countered.

  I bit my lip and glanced over to my right, noticing the bright velvet red box on the middle shelf of the pure white empty bookshelf.

  "I'm well aware that it's right there in the velvet box, White-Eyes. Now, tell me what the catch is," I declared. My swords were attached to my back for easy access, but it was getting harder and harder to stand still when my last crystal was calling out to me. It needed me to claim it. It was tired of waiting for us and my fingers were itching to grab it off the shelf.

  "Nothing really. You just have to listen to my story and pass my simple test."

  "Simple as in?"

  "Claim your crystal, listen to my story, and fight my challenge. That's it," he stated.

  I could feel Storm's uneasiness. "There's a catch."

  Of course there is, but I need that crystal. I'll be stronger with it.

  "My father plays dirty. Not fair in the least."

  I figured.

  "How about this. I take the crystal, you allow me to put it safely where it belongs, then I'll listen to your story and be up for your challenge."

  "You don't want me to see where the pocket watch is," he indicated with a weak grin on his face.

  "Ding ding ding. Aren't you a smart old man?" I sighed. "If you were in my position, you'd be just as precautious."

  "True. Fine. You may take the crystal, leave this room to place it wherever you wish, and come back to this room."

  "Aren't you afraid of me running away?"

  "You're too honest to do such a thing, and with my daughter’s essence within you, she's too prideful to run away from me. Not when she could kill me again with her bare hands."

  Thank goodness I had more restraint, having enough power to hold Storm back from resurfacing. He's ticking you off on purpose. Don't let him get to you.

  "You don't know what I know," she spat.

  I've seen enough to piece it together. With a nod, I agreed. "Very well. I accept your offer," I vowed.

  He nodded and lifted his frail hand, gesturing for me to do what I needed to do.

  I moved to the shelf and with my Kitsune and even Storm's assistance, I knew there was nothing spelled. He was literally allowing me to take the velvet case. I reached out and hesitantly placed my hand on it, waiting for some reaction to follow, but nothing happened.

  Instead, the watch continued to burn against my chest until it was almost unbearable.

  I need to put the final crystal in.

  "Do it fast. Move to the door," Storm advised.

  I moved at her command and was out in seconds. "Stay where you are."

  Why? My back was currently against the door, but I hadn't stepped into the view of the mirrors.

  "Stay in the dark. He'll be able to see you through the mirrors. If possible, use that petal stuff."

  Why is he letting me add the crystal?

  "He can't input the crystals. No one can but you."

  Oh. Well, THAT makes sense. So, he wants to essentially take the watch from me after I've inputted all the crystals.

  "Bingo."

  I closed my eyes and concentrated on my magic, and I sighed at the soft cherry blossom scent that tickled my nose. I opened my eyes to see the wall of petals that kept me out of sight in front of me.

  "That's good."

  Wanna explain what your dearest Papa just said while I do this?

  * * *

  "No."

  Not helpful, but okay.

  "He...wasn't a good man. Neither was Mother."

  "I'm only basing the next set of words from what I saw...but was your father the original leader of N.R.O,? When you were young, they trained you night and day, essentially fucking over your childhood until one day you had enough?"

  I felt the flicker of sadness run through me, but more importantly, I felt her regret.

  "I introduced Erica as my friend. I guess it was a stupid mistake of me at the time...but I wanted just one friend who understood where I was coming from. One friend who'd get it. My parents were against it...and the fact Eric...was already confident on who she wanted to be, they didn't want that negative influence on me."

  I could see the events playing out in my head, and I gripped the velvet box as I tried not to feel sympathy for her or Erica in the matter.

  "They tried to kill Erica," I stated not as a question but a true fact.

  "It started with locking her in our basement. They would lock her there all day and night and until I finished all my training, that was when they would let her out. Erica's parents didn't care about her. They gave up the moment she was confident in her sexuality. She had nowhere else to go. I'd sneak food from dinner or when my parents were asleep and let her sleep in my room until the brink of dawn. That was the cycle that kept going...until Father used alternate methods to push her away."

  I bit my lip hard and closed my eyes, needing a second to breathe. "Erica...the way she is...is because your father would whip her...right?" I whispered.

  "He'd do more than that. 100 lashes was the start...and I guess you can see where it went when Erica stayed."

  "He...didn't..." I trailed off. No. I won't have sympathy. My Kitsune was just as stubborn as I. Regardless of Eric's past, he didn't get the right to do what he did to me.

  "He did. He did really bad sexual things to Erica...that's why she turned out the way she did. I can feel your anger...and it was wrong of me to have...made you feel bad."

  I summoned the pocket to reveal itself, the silver watch becoming visible around my neck. I took it off and stared at the surface, ignoring my trembling hand.

  "What happen that lead you to kill your parents," I asked with a cold tone.

  "If I didn't, they would have killed Erica. They were tired of her sticking with me. No one ever stuck by me. My parents would push everyone away with the impression that I needed to focus on becoming stronger. Yet Erica stayed. No matter what they did, she remained by my side and my parents weren't going to tolerate that
any longer. They were going to throw acid on her...I couldn't let that happen, so I used a spell to throw it on my mother. She died, and my father went ballistic. I told Erica to get help and things spiraled out of control and...I killed him."

  "Is that why he's the way he is now?"

  "Yes. I regretted it. I...just didn't want to die. I didn't think I deserved it and I was angry. When he stopped breathing, it took me 45 minutes to revive him, but the damage was done."

  I sighed and slowly opened up the velvet case to reveal the final jewel- a teal green crystal. I took a moment to appreciate its outlook and a wave of relief ran through me. Finally.

  "What happened after?" I asked, taking the crystal from the secured slot of the box.

  "Well...they took him in for recovery and he was left as you see him."

  "Why did he look different? When he killed you. Why did he look younger and healthier?" I questioned.

  "Because he'd use magic potions. They have a few hours longevity, but it means he's in a weakened state for a long period of time after. That is why today was the perfect time to attack N.R.O because his next potion doesn't get delivered until the morning."

  "So we have a chance." I slowly inputted the crystal in its slot.

  "Maybe. I feel there's still something up his sleeve. My father isn't one to play fair. Let's go back."

  I felt her essence ease back a little and I merely nodded in response. I lifted my fingers from the now complete watch; the teal crystal began to glow brightly as the wind whipped around me.

  My eyes widened when a bright light shot out from it and I looked up to see the large flaming teal figure that resembled a dragon. Its multicolored eyes met mine and I couldn't move because of the intense power flowing off him.

  There was no hesitation in the name I'd give him. "RyuJinnSu."

  It stretched out its dragon wings and lowered his head inches away from mine. My gaze never wavered, my turquoise eyes on his current amber ones that soon switched to a purplish pink. He lowered his head until his forehead pressed against mine and my shoulders relaxed as a smile formed on my lips.

  "Welcome home, RyuJinn. I'm sorry for taking so long," I apologized.

  He made a low growl in response, but I could tell he accepted my apology and was happy to be reunited where he belonged.

  The watch continued to glow, and the other familiars came out in their glowing figures. Chiryo and Fushi floated around my head while Mizu and Urufu stood at my feet. I glanced around at all of them and took a deep breath.

  "This is it, guys. I don't know what's going to happen when we get inside, but I want you guys to stay inside the watch unless I desperately need it. I won't let him have you. He'll hurt innocent people and we can't have any of that. I'll do my best to survive whatever challenges he has for me, and together we'll leave this place. Then you'll be free to do whatever you like. Does that sound like a plan?"

  I needed them to trust me on this one because I wouldn't dare let White-Eyes have them. We'd finally made it this far, and I wanted to give them a new life. A chance to do good like they wanted to do and not be silenced and hidden. I want them to enjoy life as my familiars and have that sense of freedom and partnership. Not being used as tools of destruction.

  They all nodded before they pulled back into their designated crystals. The watch was still warm, but it was a comforting warmth that signified their wholeness. With ease, I hid the watch once more and then let the petal wall fall.

  Without delay, I turned back and opened the door, entering the room to face whatever challenge was waiting for me. My eyes landed on a pair of familiar red ones and I stopped in my tracks in confusion.

  "James?" I exclaimed, noticing James was standing next to White-Eyes, a displeased expression on his face. I knew without words that James didn't want to be standing there, nor did I get how the hell he got there, to begin with.

  "James. My right-hand man." White Eyes grinned. "He's the only decent one who didn't discard me like all the other 'loyal' guards before him."

  "Why is James here?" I asked with a stern look, trying not to look into James' eyes. I knew if I did, whatever challenge would come my way would put me at a disadvantage. Especially if I had to kill him.

  "I'll tell you once I say my story."

  "You tried to kill Erica after abusing her for being a guy and not abandoning your daughter. Even after you raped him and touched him constantly, he stayed," I revealed. My eyes caught a glimpse of James’ shocked expression and he slowly turned to see White-Eyes grit his teeth.

  "Those are lies."

  "They can't be lies when I could see it. The one thing you must have not known about having a bit of some else's magic essence left in you is that their memories come with it and if given permission, the person hosting their essence can see it. I've seen everything White-Eyes, so try to give a more believable story," I declared.

  White-Eyes slammed his fists on the arms of the chair he sat on and glared at me. "You judge me just like everyone else!"

  "Should I not? Do you know what it feels like? To be touched without permission? To be raped?! As little sympathy as I have for Erica, what you did to her was exactly the reason why she turned the way she did."

  "HE! He was a fucking MALE! He didn't deserve to be near my daughter! He was a bad influence and it's even thanks to him that she wanted to neglect her duties. This was MY company! I was supposed to run this, and I wouldn't even have allowed you to be alive if it was my way! But NO! The moment I became a disabled burden, everyone turned a blind eye. STORM did this to me!"

  "You got what you deserved. You tried to kill her not only because of Erica. You wanted to do something," I revealed.

  "He needed my soul. I don't know why. But that's what I remember."

  I could see from her memories that he did mention her soul for something, but for what?

  "You wanted to use her soul for something. What was it for?" I questioned, narrowing my eyes at him. "Do not lie this time."

  He appeared as if he'd explode of anger; the veins in his hands looked like they would pop and the needles that were currently supplying him blood would shoot out.

  James looked just as intrigued as his gaze lingered on White-Eyes. "Master...what is she talking about?"

  "It's her fault...she's the reason why I need to do what I do."

  "Do what?! You keep pointing the blame at Storm, your daughter who you tried to kill and eventually did kill. WHY did you need her soul?! Why is she the reason?"

  "When that pathetic child killed me, she ripped a part of my soul with that disgusting magic of hers!" He practically hissed.

  "Huh?!" I replied.

  "Nani?" James stated, looking just as confused as I. "You can't rip a soul in half."

  "You can..." Storm whispered in my mind which made me hold my tongue.

  What?

  "Storm was supposed to be my prodigy. She was supposed to follow in my footsteps once N.R.O. reached its peak of success and more so. We'd taken every step to give birth to a child who'd be more powerful than both of us. To be able to take lead and take over when my wife and I passed on. She should have been my legacy, yet that he-she bastard ruined it. He distracted her and thanks to their fickle love, my wife was murdered by her and I was rendered like this. I'd taught her how to retrieve souls from the body and use them as power. Instead, she used that same spell to try to use me for power."

  I was completely shocked, and James didn't say a word either; the two of us just stared at him with gawked expressions.

  "Shocking right? You've heard of necromancers. Or better yet, Soul Benders. I doubt you children would know about the second term, but those are individuals who can retract a soul from a body and use it to their will. Some can retract the elements they had and use them like they were born with them. The possibilities with soul bending are endless, and yet, she dares take half of mine to use against me."

  "How...you can't be alive with half a soul?!" I whispered.

  "Oh you can, C
rimson Jiyuna. You have a bit of my daughter’s soul left in you."

  What...?! I swallowed the lump in my throat as I tried to wrap my head around it. "I have her essence."

  "No. The part within you is the bit of her soul she'd been smart enough to retract into her pocket watch," White-Eyes declared.

  Storm took over then and gave him a venomous glare. "You took my soul! You got your payback by letting that man right there kill me. But you didn't stop there! You waited till I was on the verge of death, came back and pulled my soul out to use in your plot for overtaking Homatomashi!"

  A small grin formed on our lips as she laughed. "But I fucked that up, now didn't I? I put a spell to make sure that if you did try to steal my soul, a good chunk would go into my pocket watch. You figured it out pretty fast and that's why you sent that thief to steal my watch from my corpse! But karma has its ways of interfering with your plans and that pocket watch landed in Crimson's hands, the same child you made a deal with Konashi to take her soul upon her 23rd birthday when she died from not having her powers."

  Now I was lost, the information and memories flooding my mind while her words slowly sank in and just kept putting the puzzle pieces together.

  "My soul isn't at rest, or in the realm waiting for our ancestors to come down and judge us. It's in YOUR possession. Just like all those thousands of souls you've extracted for centuries to keep you alive. Every prostitute and villager who went missing was delivered to you and you extracted their soul to keep you alive. THAT'S why you're a sitting duck right now because you assumed Crimson's would be next, which would not only give you all her power but also deliver the last bit of my soul to satisfy that sick notion of yours. You need Crimson because with her SSS affinity, not only can she use Soul Bend, but she'll also be able to retrieve the other half of your soul and inevitable make you immortal."

  "That's impossible!" James snapped. "Soul Bending is a born gift and is only used at certain ceremonies."

  "Yes. You're right. However, that wasn't enough for my loving father. He wanted a powerful position, and not a position used at sacred ceremonies to help those clinging to the earth to move forward and the good stuff. His born gift had power, and he wanted to use it to gain control of all Homatomashi and eventually other countries. Because I'd gained the same gift, he could have just used my soul and made himself even stronger. But Daughter dearest ruined his plans and now he's a rotting living corpse who doesn't want to leave. That's why you pump blood in you to rejuvenate your body, but you'd die without those potions which are human souls."