"Are you and your father on bad terms?" Yoshi inquired.
Uru growled before I could even answer.
I smirked at her defending me, petting her till she calmed. Having her with me in the flesh was helping to calm my anxiety and nerves. Also, now that I'd been introduced to Yoshimitsu, I wasn't as scared to be alone with him as I’ve been before.
"If you haven’t guessed already or heard about it during your stay here before...Storm's passing, I should probably tell you I’m known as the disgrace of the Arashi family. I'm their only child and I'm human. Not a shifter like my mother or a great magician like my extra-loving father. Because of what I am, it has been really hard for my father to achieve his goals. He worked twice or maybe three times as hard to gain the seat of power he holds today and blames all his struggles on me."
It felt nice to vent about my past and it also helped delay the conversation I knew I would have to have in order to figure out what was going on with me.
Yoshimitsu nodded, encouraging me to continue. I gave him a small smile.
"Because of this, I was always treated like a burden. I didn't get spoiled for being the only child of strong parents, and I wasn’t given special training and opportunities at an early age, like others I knew. I did everything on my own. I would sneak into the shrine teaching hall and listen to the instructors teach the other shifter students. Little by little, I taught myself how to read and eventually write. By the age of ten, I started sword dancing with my senpai, Hakua.
“Right before all this happened with Storm and the watch, I got into an argument during family dinner and confronted my father." I paused, giving Yoshi time to process my words.
"Hakua was both my trainer and friend, but my father forced her to move to the outskirts of Homatomashi, which meant no more training. He said there were skilled shifters who deserved her lessons there. Not a pathetic human like me who should do what other humans do and go to medical school. I basically said what I had to say and walked away. That was the last time I saw him. I don't regret what I said. I just wished I had someone to fight for me. To defend me for once and say 'Hey, the way you're treating her isn't fair or right,' but no one ever did anything. Everyone agrees with his opinions about me and judges me for it. They don't know the real me or appreciate the hard work I do. No one cares." I had to laugh and give myself a mental pat on the back for all I’d accomplished despite the deterrents and obstacles thrown at me.
It was just amusing how my father complained all the time about how he had to work harder because of me, but didn't care that because of him and his judgment, I had to put in so much more effort to become the person I was today.
"I care," Yoshi whispered.
I looked up into his eyes; the gold lines that danced in his irises were more prominent than before. He looked upset, and my other memories told me he was absolutely furious based on his body language.
"I've met your father with Storm and the others and I'm rather impressed that you are nothing like him. I can see a huge resemblance to your mother, though. I will say that man should not be in the elevated position he is in. He complains that his life has been hard because of having a human child? Not only did he make your life just as hard or even harder, he's ruined your name for the sake of gaining sympathy!" Yoshi’s tone was accusing.
"You’re the first person to see my point of view. Sad to say, he is my father and my ancestors must have felt sorry for me and gave me 99.9% of my mom’s genes to make up for him in my life. They definitely took pity on me." I grinned, thinking it was rather funny if our ancestors did watch out for us and took pity on a little human like me.
"I'm glad you didn't take after him at all. You should be proud of raising yourself to be the humble woman I see before me."
My cheeks grew hot from his praise, having rarely received compliments from anyone. I'd be lucky if James said I was hot in sexy lingerie when he was sober.
"Thanks," I mumbled, glancing down to Uru still laying in my lap, looking relaxed as her tail moved back and forth.
"You feel a little better now?" Yoshi asked.
I met his soft gaze. He must have wanted me to vent a little so I could then focus on the situation at hand. "Yes. I think I'm um...me...again? I think."
"Crimson?"
"Yes. I remembered my parents and now I don't feel confused. What’s going on with me?" Now that I felt slightly more like myself, I needed to find out as much information as I could before I got confused again.
"We're rather stumped on exactly what happened to you, Crimson. You shouldn't have been able to open Storm's watch to begin with. Even we couldn’t get it open," Yoshi revealed.
No one can open it but me? The revelation reminded me of what Storm had said near the cherry blossom tree.
"Yes. The pocket watch was mine," Storm confessed.
"Yours? But wait. The initials were C.S.," I pointed out.
"I'm aware of that. I got it engraved the morning of my death," Storm admitted.
"Whose initials are they?"
"Ours," she revealed.
I was meant to open the watch, but why? Storm knew she was going to die and got it engraved that morning, but she couldn't remember why. There had to be a reason.
Yoshi waited for me to meet his gaze before speaking. "That night, Malachi mentioned seeing you in the alleyway and Akihiro went to make sure you were okay once we lost that thief's trail. He saw you open the pocket watch and when we arrived seconds after, you were already falling to the ground. Many people have tried claiming powers from the deceased and it always ends up in failure. There are only two possible outcomes when you fail: insanity or death. Adding in the fact you’re a human only made the stakes higher. No offense," he added the last part quickly, making me smile.
The mention of Malachi and Akihiro piqued my interest. Something, possibly Storm’s memories, told me that Malachi was the black male who had been the last to run past and called me ‘Hottie.’ As for Akihiro, his name called up the image of the green-eyed male who'd warned me not to open the watch.
"Why didn't I di— actually, I did die. But if I was dead, how could Haru resuscitate me? Couldn't he have done the same for Storm?"
Yoshi looked sad at my words and I immediately wanted to apologize.
"I'm sorry if that came out offensive."
He shook his head. "We weren't with Storm when she was murdered or I would have done everything in my power to save her. The others would have done the same," Yoshi admitted.
"But why waste time on me?" I pointed out.
"If you see someone on the street who's dying, do you walk away?"
"No," I replied immediately.
"Then what would make it okay for us not to help you? You were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Though, I have a hunch that maybe this was simply fate," Yoshi admitted.
"What now?" I asked.
"We have to see how much of Storm's essence is within you and if it will be temporary or permanent," Yoshi explained.
"So I'm Storm too? I don't feel like her, though." I ruffled my hair and took me a good few minutes to realize it wasn't the long silver locks I remembered having. I blinked, feeling confused once more. This is going to be hard.
"Crimstorm." Yoshi gave me a remorseful look.
"Sorry, happening again. I kinda wish I had long hair now." I gave him a sheepish smile to hide my confusion.
"Hmm. This is gonna be complicated," Yoshi admitted.
"The whole switching thing?" I asked.
He chuckled, shaking his head. I liked the sound of his low laughter, it made me happier hearing it.
"It’s not that. Storm hates short hair. I heard your mom say you don't like having long hair. You just had the cutest look of disgust on your face for a split second. I shouldn't laugh, but it was really adorable," Yoshi confessed with a smirk.
I blushed and glanced away.
"Evil," I mumbled. It wasn't the way I would normally react, but I didn't like that he was amused b
y my hair dilemma.
"You still want to be called Crimstorm?" Yoshi asked.
"I think Crimson for the majority of the time, but I guess if I'm confused or don't respond, Crimstorm is fine," I confirmed.
He nodded. "Do you want to face the others?"
"Can I wait a little longer?" I begged.
"Are you scared?"
"Yes," I admitted.
"Why?" Yoshi seemed honestly interested.
"I've spent all my life being an outcast. Now, this happens to me and either I'll be put into the spotlight or be discarded because of it. That's the impression I have of what will happen, at least. If we're able to fix this...that's it, right? Everyone says farewell and you return to your lives and I return to mine. I shouldn't feel the way I feel right now, but the thought frightens me. One part of me knows I'll be fine alone, just as I always have been. But the other side doesn't want to be. I'm scared to be all by myself and if you guys leave I will also have to deal with James," I admitted.
"This James guy, is your boyfriend?" Yoshi looked a little ticked off and the way he said boyfriend held more than a hint of disgust.
"He's...ugh. It’s complicated. Yes, very complicated," I grumbled.
"He doesn't know what he wants, does he? He seems easily influenced by others’ opinions," Yoshi stated plainly.
I gawked at him. "How can you tell?"
"In time you'll understand, Crimson. I learned at an early age how to interpret a person’s body language. Someone’s nonverbal actions can tell me everything about them. We’ll give your roommate a chance though," Yoshi said dryly.
My instincts told me he had no faith in James. I didn’t either, which is why I realized I'd have to confront him. That was the conclusion I came to the night before everything happened. I couldn't back down now.
"So for now, are you guys staying?" I asked.
"If you want us to. We have to wait for your father's decision regarding our accommodations. We're still investigating Storm Yuna's death. On top of that, four of the crystals are missing," Yoshi explained.
"Crystals...wait. Gold, blue, red, and white!" I announced; the complete image of the pocket watch flickered in my mind.
"Yes. I'm assuming you remember because of Storm's memories?" Yoshi wondered.
"I don't remember everything about her. It just comes and goes. The mention of the crystals made the image pop up in my mind. When I picked up the pocket watch from the ground it only had the pink crystal. Where did the others go?” I scrunched up my face, upset that the little gemstones were missing.
"That's what we're trying to find out. That thief could have the answers, but looks like he has gone into hiding."
"Is the Council working on identifying him and determining if he's connected to Storm’s murder?" I asked.
"The Council isn't really helping. I feel like it's not their priority," Yoshi mumbled.
"Not their priority? Why not?" I demanded.
Uru began to growl again as if she could feel my anger.
"It's...complicated. Once we've gotten settled, we’ll work it out. I don't want you worrying about it," Yoshi comforted.
"But..." I began, but Yoshi shook his head.
"Upsetting you isn’t going to help you rest. The doctor said you should have been asleep for two weeks after something like that. Not five days. Your mother said you’re dealing with anxiety and Storm suffers from panic attacks and other issues. We won't know how much of an effect her magic and essence will have on you until you’re fully rested."
"Are you planning on excluding me?" I asked. I didn't want to be left out of the decisions or conversation just because I was a victim in this. I deserved better and wouldn't let anyone take that right away from me. This problem was about me. Regardless if they wanted to protect me or not stress me out, I would be even more upset if they left me out of the decision making.
Yoshi laughed. Literally; full-blown laughter that even made Uru sit up and tilt her head in confusion. He raised his hands in defense and bowed his head.
"I'm sorry, don't kill me, but you and Storm would have gotten along really well. You looked like you would murder all of us if we kept you out of the loop. It just makes you look really cute in a hot way, if that makes any sense." He chuckled.
"Men. Always amused by the weirdest things," I mumbled to Uru.
"Woof," Uru replied happily.
"That's not weird." Yoshi grinned.
I sighed, giving him a soft smile.
His face grew serious. "Any discussion regarding you or Storm from now on will be discussed in your presence. I wouldn't have it any other way. Unless you’re resting or unable to be present when we have updates on the situation, in which case we’ll make sure you get a summary of everything after. Does that sound fair?"
"Very fair. Thank you." I bowed my head.
"You ready to face the music?" he asked.
"Might as well. I doubt I'll be able to sleep now anyway. I also want to thank the others. They sound nice...and protective. Mr. Stern Voice sounds mean though," I admitted before I realized I'd said the last part out loud.
Yoshi grinned. "Mr. Stern Voice?"
"Um... Voice One. The one who told you I was awake," I clarified.
"Ah. Aki," Yoshi replied. "Which voice am I?"
"Number Two, the calm one," I confessed.
He smirked. "One thing I'll warn you about Akihiro. He likes to do things his way and hates when people don't listen to him. You may get upset with him and lose your patience, but he always means well. Just struggles to show it."
"Ah. Hard-headed like James," I mumbled.
"Trust me, Aki at least knows what he wants," Yoshi whispered, giving me a seductive wink. He rose from the bed. “There's a new set of clothes in the washroom. Go take a relaxing bath and when you're ready to talk, we’ll be in the living room. I'll come check on you if anything happens." He headed for the door, looking back to give me a smile.
"Yoshimitsu?" I whispered.
"Yes, Crimson?"
"Arigato. I needed this." I bowed my head, resting it on the bed in a show of gratitude. I glanced sideways at Uru who copied my bow, putting her head to the blanket and howling softly.
"Thank you, Crimson Storm, for trusting a stranger like me. No matter what the future holds, we'll work together to solve this. I promise you in my father's name," Yoshi whispered the last part.
I wanted to respond but he opened the door and slipped into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
"We're all strangers, yet they've shown more compassion than I've ever received," I whispered.
Uru whimpered, nudging her head against my cheek. I adjusted my position and let Uru climb into my lap; she began to lick my face.
I giggled. "I'm okay, see? No tears. I guess I'll trust Yoshi and the others. Storm said I should love them. Maybe they aren't so bad. If they all leave me, I’ll still have you right?" I asked the white wolf.
"WOOF!" She began to jump in my lap.
"Okay, okay. Yes. You'll stay. Ah, I have wolf slime on my face, ahh!" I giggled.
I tried not to consider the fact that I’d died and now potentially had a part of Storm Yuna inside me. At this very moment, I felt alive and renewed. I was experiencing the joy of having my own familiar, something I had convinced myself I would never get to feel.
I guess with all that had occurred, maybe everything had happened for a reason. I just had to take this new path and see where it led.
The path of Crimson Storm.
"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.
Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1) Page 8