Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1)

by Yumoyori Wilson

  He pulled his eyes away from the book he was reading. "Sure," he replied distractedly before returning to his book.

  "He doesn't even know what you said," I pointed out.

  "He said he could," Malachi countered.

  I rolled my eyes. "Haru is totally zoned out just like how I zone everything out when I paint. I've studied him long enough to know that much," I grumbled, crossing my arms.

  I noticed Aki and Quil grin at my comment. Itsuki chuckled and Malachi groaned.

  "Let's get back to training, Hottie," Malachi announced before he literally vanished.

  I bit my lips, immediately getting into my fight mode as I used a tiny amount of wind magic to help me spot Malachi's speedy movements.

  Saying he was fast was an understatement. With magic, he could have reached the speed of light. I sensed the shift in the air and dodged just in time to avoid Malachi's kick, but completely forgot about Itsuki who managed to move right behind me.

  With ease, he flipped me over flat on my back for the forty-eighth time.

  "You guys shouldn’t be that rough on her," Yoshi chastised, entering the room with water bottles in his hands.

  "A hired assassin isn't going to go easy on her, Yoshi," Malachi stressed.

  "But she's new at this. She's only done sword training. She hasn't been trained to fight to kill," Aki reminded.

  "Sword dance training is a fighting technique too, you know," I pointed out as I slowly sat up. My body ached and I felt like I got hit by a bus.

  "It's an art which can be used as a form of defense," Malachi countered.

  I frowned and narrowed my eyes at him. "Hakua would murder you if she heard you say that," I huffed.

  Itsuki offered his hand to help me up. I thanked him and rose to my feet, but then the world began to spin. I wobbled for a few seconds, but was able to steady myself as I waited for the spinning to fade. Quil, Yoshi, Aki, and Haru were at my side in seconds.

  "You alright, Crim?" Haru asked worriedly.

  I quickly nodded. "I'm fine. Just a little dizzy. It's nothing."

  Aki and Yoshi exchanged looks and Quil frowned.

  "I think that's enough for today," Quil suggested.

  "No," I argued. “I can keep going.”

  "Crim, we don't want to push you," Aki pointed out.

  "I don't want to be babied either. You guys are saying you want me to train and get stronger for an ambush or whatever the case may be. You guys won’t always be there for me. I have to learn how to fight and protect myself without your help. I'll take a break, but we WILL continue," I stressed, my eyes specifically on Quil.

  He sighed as his eyes shifted from dark purple to a navy blue. I took a hunch that meant he was worried. The other guys exchanged looks and nodded.

  "Fine, break," Itsuki agreed.

  I moved toward Quil, slipping my hand into his and pulling him to one of the benches in the corner of the room. The others didn't follow, taking the hint I needed a moment with Quil without interruptions.

  When we reached the black bench, we sat down and stared at the others in the middle of the room.

  Malachi and Itsuki removed their drenched t-shirts and began to train with different wooden weapons. Aki and Haru approached a bench on the opposite side of the room and appeared to have a quick discussion before Aki took his shirt off and joined the others. Haru sat down and returned back to reading his book.

  Once I knew the others were occupied, I turned to Quil and squeezed his hand. "What's wrong?" I whispered.

  "Nothing," he mumbled, looking at our joined hands. He pulled my hand into his lap and squeezed it gently.

  It hurt a part of my heart to see him trying to hide his fear. I needed to learn more about Quil as well as Malachi, Haru, and Itsuki, but it was difficult with everything going on.

  "Are you worried about me?"

  He was silent for a moment but then slowly nodded.

  "I'm not gonna die, Quil," I said with confidence.

  He needed to know that I had no plans of dying. The first time around I had my regrets, but falling off that building made me realize I would have lost the chance to love this amazing group of men.

  "I won't let you die," he vowed quietly, meeting my gaze.

  I could see the pain in his eyes as they shifted to a teal. My gut told me he was afraid and didn't know what to say to stop me from putting myself in danger.

  "Quil, you have to trust me. Just like how you trusted Storm. I know...it's hard. It’s difficult to watch me enter this world with no knowledge or expertise aside from what I've gained as a human. But you can't shelter me from everything. As much as you and the others want to protect me from danger, there may be a time when you guys won't be with me. I'm gonna have to learn how to fight by myself," I explained.

  He was silent, but I knew he was taking in my words. I shifted to face him and slid my free hand against his cheek.

  "It's okay to be afraid of me getting hurt. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I just need to do this. I need to get stronger and fight my own battles when the time comes. Because... I may never get to again once this is all over. I'll never be able to experience the thrilling excitement of fighting and using the magic bestowed upon me. When this is all over, I'll return to the girl who paints to make a living. I want to embrace this while I can. I want to enjoy how it feels to be like you guys. To be a shifter or mage or heck, both would be cool. But I need all of your support. I can't guarantee I won't get hurt. But that's why I have you guys. So, can you help me get better?" I pleaded.

  His eyes met mine, and I watched them transition to a light pink. He gave me a small smile and leaned forward to press his lips against my forehead.

  "You're right. I am scared. It’s hard to admit it, but I just don't want you getting hurt. The others are worried too. Storm...meant a lot to us and because of a miscalculation, she was gone. We let her out of our sight and she ended up in a casket. I can't go through that again, Crimson. She told us to move on and I have. I'm a little happier with each day we get to spend with you. I won't say that my heart doesn't still hurt or I don't miss her. But I'm trying to move forward," he confessed.

  He took a deep breath then looked at me with a new confidence. "As scared as I am, I don't want to take this from you. When you explain it that way, it makes sense and you have every right to learn how to defend yourself. You're not some damsel in distress or a sheltered princess. You’re a strong woman who wants to help us and avenge Storm, wherever her soul is. I'll support you, just don't push it, okay?" He gave me a small smile.

  I returned it and nodded. "I'll make sure my health is first before anything else," I promised.

  He lifted my hand and kissed the back of it. I blushed at the gesture and noticed his eyes were a mixture of red and pink.

  Red eyes...why does red remind me that I'm forgetting something? Hmmm.

  "Did you guys make up yet?" Malachi called out.

  We turned to see his wide smile before he moved to dodge a fireball that Aki threw.

  "Hey!"

  "Don't 'hey' me. You're so not romantic at all. You ruin everything," Aki mocked.

  Itsuki laughed. "Malachi has never been romantic. He's too clueless for that kind of thing."

  "You two just wait. I'll be the most romantic guy in this damn group!" Malachi announced.

  Yoshi came to stand between Aki and Itsuki. "Sureeeeeee you will," he drawled out with a wide grin on his lips.

  Quil snickered, shaking his head before getting to his feet. "Haru will always beat you in that category, Hottie McHot Pants," Quil shouted back at Malachi.

  I tilted my head before glancing at Haru who was observing the exchange. He turned to meet my gaze and gave me an innocent smile before returning to his book.

  "Haru's the most romantic out of you?" I asked, glancing up at Quil who smirked.

  "Yup. Trust me. You don't want to know what he got Storm on Valentine's Day. Malachi was put to shame," Quil replied, purposely talking louder for the ot
hers to hear.

  "QUIL! Get your ass over here so I can kick it!" Malachi yelled.

  Quil laughed and removed his shirt before glancing my way. "You coming, Crim?" he asked with a grin.

  I had to take a few seconds to appreciate his body before glancing at the other four bare-chested men. Imagine being in bed with that much sexiness... oh god, I'm going to hell.

  "Yes. Hold on." I stood to remove my shirt, leaving me in just my black and white sports bra and a pair of black short-shorts. Quil’s eyes trailed down my body and he didn't even try to hide the hunger that reflected in his now dark red eyes.

  I gave him a seductive smile. "Now, you guys can't be teasing me with all that chiseled definition and think I won't try to get even," I teased, sliding my hand in his and pulling him forward.

  He laughed and I noticed the others’ stares as they clearly checked me out, including Haru who paused in his reading to watch me.

  "You're something else, Crim," Quil whispered huskily.

  "I'm hoping that's a good thing."

  "It sure is," he assured.

  I reached the others and I put my serious face on before I took a step back and bowed.

  "Please train me so I won't be a burden to you all, but an ally if a fight arises," I requested. I kept my head down in my bowed position, but I heard footsteps approach me. I felt something soft rub my head which made me lift my gaze where I met Haru's gentle expression.

  "We'll teach you everything we know and you'll never be a burden to us, Crim," Haru declared.

  I looked at the others who all nodded in agreement. I rose and smiled, looking at each man standing before me.

  Aki clapped his hands together, creating a small fireball. "Let's get to work."

  "Crimson! Faster!" Malachi ordered.

  I gritted my teeth in frustration as I dipped down to miss Aki's fireball followed by twirling in time to dodge Quil's ice attack. I lifted my hands and used the dull twin blades in my possession to block Itsuki's attack that came from behind.

  I twisted my body and dodged out of the way to miss Haru's attack, who then crashed into Itsuki, both of them falling to the ground. I didn’t have time to celebrate before Aki began throwing mini fireballs and Quil ice shards. I summoned the wind by twirling twice and using the blades to send wind gusts to stop their assault. I jumped, using the wind again to gain extra height to avoid Yoshi's sword attack. I landed with grace, but cursed when I noticed how close Malachi was, knowing I wouldn't be able to avoid his attack. I lifted my swords in defense, creating an X and took his sword attack at full force. I almost lost my balance, but held my stance as I used the wind to help me hold him off.

  "Crimson, you know I'm going easy on you," Malachi announced in a hushed tone.

  I narrowed my eyes at him and the magic within me began to build at his taunt. "I'm aware of that," I grumbled, using more energy to try and fight him back, but he wouldn't budge.

  "If you want this hard enough, you can't hold back," Malachi pointed out.

  "I'm not."

  "You are," he countered, taking a step forward and pushing me back with no apparent effort.

  I leapt back to try to put some distance between us, but he was right there in a blink and I had to go on the defensive again.

  "How bad do you want this, Crim? If you don't want us babying you, then stop holding back and take this seriously," he demanded.

  We were both drenched in sweat and I could see the determination in his eyes. I knew he was taunting me in an attempt to push me to try harder. The growing power inside me was rising and stronger than before and I knew it was mine. My power, my strength and my essence that wanted to show him that I had the potential to become stronger than all of them.

  I gritted my teeth and pushed back with only a pinch of the power boiling inside me. Malachi's eyes grew wide as he was pushed back a few steps.

  I took advantage of the moment and pushed off the ground; this time I was faster and had the advantage. Malachi cursed, raising his swords in defense as my swords clashed with his.

  He clenched his jaw and his hands trembled from the force of power which only made the essence in me desire for more. I enjoyed being able to fight back and show I wasn't just an average girl. This power was my own and I was ready to use it.

  "Crim?" I heard Aki call out, but I ignored him.

  I knew without looking that none of them had moved, either because they were stunned by my sudden show of power, or because they were giving me a chance to fight one on one with Malachi.

  I pushed Malachi again and this time he tried to avoid my onslaught by ducking, but I twirled on one foot and used the other one to hit him just when he rose to counter-attack. My foot hit him in the chest with enough strength to knock him into the blue mats a few feet away.

  Malachi sat up and gawked at me.

  "Guysss..." he spoke cautiously, but no one moved.

  I smiled in satisfaction and took my time in my approach, twirling the swords in my hands as easily as if they were my paintbrushes that I would spin when preparing to create something epic.

  In this case, I knew I could win against Malachi. I could feel the knowledge vibrate through me and I craved victory. This power had been caged for so long and it wanted to enjoy its small reign of freedom.

  "Crimstorm!" Yoshi called out, but I ignored him.

  I felt like I had tunnel vision and my sole target was Malachi. I'd follow my instincts and prove to him how badly I wanted this. With a final step, I reached him and lifted my swords; my eyes trailed down his body and stopped at his pants. Hmm, what would happen if his pants actually caught on fire?

  Malachi followed my gaze and immediately used his swords to block his crotch.

  "GUYS! SAVE MY MANHOOD PLEASE!" Malachi shouted.

  I felt something soft touch my shoulder and I paused, slowly turning to meet striking mismatched eyes. Haru?

  "Crimson, Malachi isn't your enemy. Take a deep breath." He spoke in a calm voice that found its way through my hazy mind.

  I blinked a few times, confused at first by his words, but then I took a deep breath and the power within me dispersed. "Huh?" I tilted my head in confusion.

  Malachi sighed in relief, falling on his back. "I almost lost my cock today," he cried.

  Haru rolled his eyes and returned his attention to me. "You back, Crim?"

  "Back? I didn't go anywhere," I mumbled even though I knew I must have done something weird for him to suddenly ask that. I also didn't get why Malachi was on the ground with his swords protecting his crotch.

  "Uh... Don't worry about it. I think we can call it a day. I'm hungry," Haru announced.

  I frowned, feeling like I was missing something but then I yawned, which distracted me. "I wouldn't mind a nap after we eat," I admitted. I still didn't get what I'd missed, but I'd just ask one of the guys later. I was starving.

  Yoshi approached with Aki, Quil, and Itsuki behind him.

  "Let's go eat. Haru will probably make us something, right Haru?" Yoshi suggested.

  "Yup. I'll prepare something awesome to reward Crim's hard work. Let's hurry, shower, and get going. We can grab Crim some green tea ice cream on the way back," Haru announced, turning to give me a kiss on the cheek before making his way to the change room.

  I blushed, staring at him before turning to the others.

  "Total romantic," Aki mumbled to Itsuki.

  "Right. I knew ice cream would be the way to a girl's heart."

  "You didn't know shit. Now help me up, I'm tired," Malachi complained.

  "Help yourself up, show off," Quil laughed and walked over to me. He kissed me on the cheek and gave me a serene smile. "You did amazing, Crim. Let's go celebrate with food," Quil praised before heading off to change.

  "Ah. I'm in the mood for miso soup," Itsuki sighed, walking over to me and he too kissed me on the cheek. "Excellent work, Crim," he hummed, before following Quil.

  "I better kiss Crim now before Malachi gets his ass off the ground."
Aki came over to me and gave me a kiss on the opposite cheek before he leaned in to whisper in my ear, "You did amazing. I'm proud of your perseverance. Keep it up, okay?"

  I met his gaze and smiled with a slow nod. "Thanks, Aki," I whispered.

  "Don't flirt with her. Now my ass has to get up ‘cause I'm not going last today." Malachi rose to his feet.

  Aki laughed, "Told you."

  "Ya, ya. You guys stood there and watched as I got my butt kicked. You guys are horrible. Good work, Crim," Malachi praised, giving me a kiss on my nose.

  I laughed. "Why my nose?"

  He shrugged. "The others kissed you on your cheeks. I have to be different."

  Aki shook his head and placed his hand on Malachi's shoulder. "Let's go, big shot. You always take the longest in the shower ‘cause of your hair."

  "Do you know how hard it is to tame this beast? You don't know my struggle, Mr. Shampoo Commercial," Malachi complained.

  "Just admit that you love my hair," Aki hummed as they both walked away, leaving just me and Yoshi. I looked up at him with a shy smile.

  "Did I do something weird?" I wondered, feeling a little lost. I walked over to the nearest bench and placed my swords on the black surface before going back over to where Yoshi stood.

  "I wouldn't say weird. Just unusual. I don't know how to explain it to you yet until we get a chance to really look into the effects Storm's powers may be having on you, but seeing as Malachi's cock is in one piece, we’re good." Yoshi smirked as his hands slid around my waist.

  I pressed myself against him and his arms tightened around me in a hug. "Okay. I trust you guys," I whispered.

  "I know you do, and I'm grateful for it." He pulled back to stare down at me. "Are you still up for tonight? I really need your help."

  I nodded with a confident smile. "I'm up for it!" I beamed.

  "Good. Cause I wanna see you in a kimono," he admitted, his eyes lingering on my lips.

  My heart was beating rapidly at the thought of kissing Yoshi. I wondered whether he would, but the thought was discarded when his eyes slowly closed and he lowered those soft lips to press firmly on mine.