"Otosan. You're going to scare Crimson using your angry tone," Yoshi commented with a sigh. The man's hand paused on the paper before he looked up to us. His gold eyes landed on Yoshi first before they shifted to me.
His once irritated expression morphed into a pleased one, and for a second he looked just like Yoshi. He rose to his feet and looked to his guards. "I'll be safe on my own. Feel free to take a break,” he told them, and they both bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Emperor,” they replied in unison.
I watched the guards walk down the center of the room and bow to us before they headed to the door. Once I heard the door close, I returned my attention to the Emperor.
He stood at 6'7” and had long navy blue hair, which was tied up in a ponytail. He had a similar build to Yoshi, but with broader shoulders and looked no older than forty. He wore a red and gold traditional outfit, comparable to a montsuki, but with vibrant colors and Japanese characters that made the fabric look expensive, which matched his status as royalty.
His lips were pink, and his gold eyes were vibrant, noticeable even from where we stood. "Yoshimitsu, my son. Welcome home. Come up here and formally introduce me to Ms. Jiyuna,” he encouraged.
I sighed in relief before glancing at Yoshi, who grinned at me. He gave my hand another squeeze before leading the way towards the Emperor.
The Emperor moved from his desk and walked around to meet us. Yoshi released my hand so he could hug his father, who patted him on the back. "I've missed you, my son. My afternoons are always so quiet when you're not here,” the Emperor complained before pulling back to look into Yoshi's eyes.
I could tell right away the love and compassion the Emperor had for his son just from his facial expression. His gold eyes, upon closer inspection, had little blue lines in them that reminded me of Yoshi's gold ones, making me realize it must be a family trait.
Those bright orbs held a level of pride as the Emperor looked at Yoshi, who chuckled. "You always say that when I return from an assignment so I don't leave again."
"True, but it never works. I think I should try another method,” the Emperor pondered.
Yoshi shook his head. "You're not supposed to admit that, Father."
Yoshi turned toward me, offering his hand. I immediately accepted it, placing my left hand in his as I smiled and turned my gaze on the Emperor.
"Father, this is Crimson Jiyuna. I know you saw her during the video conference, but I wanted to formally introduce her," Yoshi informed him.
"Crimson Jiyuna, it's a pleasure to finally meet you face to face. My name is Yomatoshima Homatomashi. Please feel free to call me Yomato,” the Emperor introduced as he moved to embrace me. His loving hug was a surprise, and it took me a moment to collect my words.
"It's an honor to meet you, Emperor...I mean, Yomato," I replied, my voice sounding so small compared to my normal tone.
Yomato laughed as he pulled back, patting my shoulders. "Crimson, feel free to relax. You'll get aches in these shoulders if you stay tense for too long." I blushed while Yoshi grinned.
"I think you forget people don't usually get to see this side of you, Father. Crimson was worried that because of being a new shifter, she wouldn't live up to your expectations," Yoshi revealed.
I gave him a look, which only encouraged a wider grin from him. He didn’t look the least bit concerned about revealing my worries in front of his father, the man who I was so worried about pleasing to begin with.
"Nonsense. New shifter, human, it doesn't matter to me what you are. In this world, we should not judge an individual by their race or physical appearance," Yomato pointed out, looking back at me as he removed his hands from my shoulders. He placed his right hand on his chest, right above his heart.
"What is inside your heart is what matters, Crimson. Many believe power is the key to becoming a successful individual in this world, but it is the quality I care about the least. How compassionate a shifter is, what they picture themselves contributing to Homatomashi, or anywhere around the world for that matter, those are some of the many qualities I look at. Power can be taken away from you, leaving you helpless. Compassion, love, and the desire for peace are the strengths any shifter or human needs in their life to be able to grow, fight, and conquer the evil and hate that taints those who've lost their way."
"Arigato, Yomato. I feel honored and privileged to receive such words of advice and knowledge, especially from you." I bowed my head to show my appreciation.
"My office door is always open to you, Crimson. If you ever need advice or help with anything, please don't hesitate to ask. A woman who has the ability to make my son stronger is one I know will do great things, both in his life and for the country he will one day rule," Yomato replied, reaching out to pat Yoshi's shoulder.
Yoshi's cheeks flushed, and it made me smirk at how easily he got embarrassed when receiving praise. "He always gets embarrassed when you compliment him," I whispered to Yomato, who laughed.
He leaned in to whisper in return, ensuring it was loud enough for Yoshi to hear anyways. "He's been like that since he could barely walk. I praised him when he took his first steps, and he began to cry like I'd stolen his favorite teddy bear, which he still has in his room by the way."
"Otosan!" Yoshi whined, his face growing even redder, which made Yomato and I laugh.
"How long will you be staying this time, Yoshi?" Yomato asked.
"Unsure. We need to start tracking down the other crystals from Storm's pocket watch as well as figure out what N.R.O. is planning. My instincts are telling me that with everything that's happening, it won't be long till they try to cause a huge wave of panic, which could lead to a rebellion," Yoshi explained.
His explanation made me realize one major thing. I looked back at Yomato and gave him a long head to toe appraisal. He noticed and gave me a sympathetic smile.
"I am perfectly well, Crimson,” he reassured.
"But, everyone states you're unwell. Even Yoshi has," I pointed out.
Yomato nodded. "As you may have noticed when you came to this section of the palace, security is extra tight, and the people who serve me are very few. I was indeed sick at one point, but I recovered quickly. However, my temporary decline in health soon made me realize that not everyone who works for me in the palace has pure intentions for myself, my family, or the country," Yomato explained.
He moved back and sat behind his desk, gesturing for us to take a seat as well. Yoshi pulled out a chair for me before sitting in the chair to my left. He reached out and grasped my hand, squeezing it lightly as extra encouragement.
I took a quick glance at him, noticing a hint of worry in his eyes. I gave him a wide smile and squeezed his hand back, wanting him to feel reassured that I wasn't upset with him or anything because of him lying about his father's health. Yoshi didn't keep secrets unless it was for the sake of protecting many people, and after our discussion back in the training room, I understood that.
"Even now, we're still working on a few individuals and catching them in the act so we can deliver justice. It's a long process and a tiring one at that, but it's the most efficient way and can give us evidence to present to the public, which will help maintain their trust. The only problem now is solving this before things spiral out of control outside these walls." Yomato sighed as he leaned back in his chair.
"My people are dying. Women are being raped and abused. Children who do not fit in are cast out while the rich enjoy the luxury of money and spoil their children, teaching them to become disrespectful warriors who worry more about reputation and power than bringing peace."
Yomato looked between Yoshi and me, his eyes settling on me as he continued. "The reason Storm Yuna was so well known was because she was a female who held immense power but still respected people of all ages and walks of life. Young or old, and it didn't matter if you were rich or poor. We were all equals in her mind, and her mission was to help restore our country to the peaceful one it once was. It's a task that would take yea
rs, and Storm had already contributed many years to that goal, making major changes in areas that didn’t have a voice to share what really goes on."
"Is it difficult for those in villages and towns that are in the outskirts and in deep forests that are harder for officials to get to?" I asked.
Yomato nodded. "Very. I try to send my guards sometimes to check in on things, but you know very well that people can mask their behavior the moment they see an official or guard associated with the Empire. Many of my guards have a similar quality to them and can easily give themselves away from their strong build or because of the sheer power that leaks off their aura."
Yoshi sighed. "We're planning to send Quil sooner or later to check a specific village on the west side. Our concern in that village is that there has been an increase in recent human deaths. The human shifter population is rather evenly split in some areas, but not many humans live in the villages or those remote parts, which in return results in them being picked on or even outcast."
I frowned, glancing away to hide the anger I felt hearing the news. I knew firsthand the aftereffects of being considered an outcast by the people who were supposed to support and help you grow as an individual.
The laughter, teasing, and immense negativity, were enough that only a few could survive the cruelty such a lifestyle can entail, myself included.
"Crimson," Yoshi whispered, squeezing my hand comfortingly.
"I wish there wasn't a stigma attached to being human, just as in the past people wished for shifters to be accepted. I don't get why this continues to be an issue, or why innocent people who can't defend themselves are the ones who pay for it," I whispered.
"That's what we're trying to fix, Crimson," Yoshi acknowledged. I took a deep breath and nodded. I looked back at him, staring into his eyes, which were filled with determination.
"It's a slow process, but it will happen,” he vowed.
"To plant a seed is easy. To water it, nurture it, and ensure it grows is a far more difficult task. It takes time and patience, but once the tree sprouts and grows, all your hard work pays off," Yomato stated. I turned my head to look at his softened expression.
"Please be patient with us, Crimson. We'll work together to ensure that in the near future, no other humans have to experience what you and many others have in the past and present."
"I appreciate it, Emperor." I bowed my head in respect.
We heard a knock on the door and Yomato looked hesitant for a moment. "Ah, she always chooses the worst times to bother me,” he grumbled. Yoshi's expression darkened, and a scowl crossed his face.
"Why is she here? She can talk to you in the common room," Yoshi huffed.
"I had to send her out on a mission since you all were dealing with the Arashi incident. No worries, my spell is already activated," Yomato reassured us.
"Spell?" I asked, looking confused as my gaze darted between the two of them.
"It's because your magic affinity is rather high, Crimson. You shouldn't be able to see my real appearance or the fact I'm perfectly healthy," Yomato stated, switching dialect to Yamato Kotoba.
"You mean your appearance is different?" I replied using the same traditional old Japanese language.
"Indeed,” he confirmed, and for a split second his appearance changed. He looked at least forty years older than the man I had just seen, his hair completely grey with wrinkles and a much paler complexion.
He appeared frail as he sat in his seat and had a slight tremble that ran through him. Even his eyes looked a lot duller, almost as if he was barely clinging to life.
"Wow..." I whispered just before the image changed back, and Yomato gave me a knowing smirk.
"Now, let's get this over with. I apologize in advance for Erica's behavior," Yomato announced.
Erica? If this was one of his guards, why would apologize in advance?
"Come in," Yomato announced.
The door opened, and I remained facing forward, unsure if I wanted to look at whoever this person was when their name alone was giving me weird vibes. I automatically disliked her, and the click of her heels that hit the tiled floor only made me more irritated.
Even my Kitsune began to growl, coming closer to the surface, too close for my own comfort. Please keep calm. We don't know who she is.
My Kitsune paused, sitting down at my command, but still let out a low growl as the woman approached. Yoshi squeezed my hand, prompting me to take a quick glance up at his worried expression.
"Crimstorm?" he mouthed. I had to blink a few times before realizing I must have been reacting because of Storm's essence. That made a lot more sense, seeing as I was upset with an individual I had never met. I didn’t even know what she looked like.
All my instincts were telling me we would NOT be friends. Maybe it was too much for me to declare her as a foe, but the bitchy side of me wanted to.
"Emperor, I wasn't informed you had guests, especially Yoshimitsu,” the woman spoke up. I had to stop my eyes from twitching in pure annoyance; the familiar voice only made my anger grow, but a part of my brain had no idea who this woman was.
"Make your report quickly, Erica. Neither myself nor my guest need to deal with you right now," Yoshi said in a deadpan tone, giving me the impression he despised this woman just as I did, which made me smirk with satisfaction. That's right, no one wants to deal with your two-faced ass...wait. I don't even know her?!
"Guest?" Erica asked. I took that as my cue to turn my head and meet the woman that was giving me weird vibes and igniting a raging flame within me.
The woman standing before us was 6'3”, and had a slim build. She wore a modern Japanese dress that was rather short considering her height. She didn't have many curves, and though she wore a dress with a deep v-cut that showed she wasn't wearing a bra, it didn't flatter her. Though, that could have just been my biased opinion.
She had short black hair that reminded me of my old hairstyle, and her lips were coated with dark red lipstick that was the color of blood. Her eyes were what sickened me the most, the color making my stomach flip at the reminder of James' red eyes.
She had a cocky grin as she made a slow, judgmental assessment of me. Her eyes alone made me think she was putting me in a category below her level. When her smile widened as she flicked her short black locks, I knew that’s exactly what she'd just done in her mind.
"Oh, my dearest apologies. I didn't think common shifters would be allowed to see the Emperor," Erica said innocently, but her tone made me want to roll my eyes before punching her throat. A little overboard? Not really. Better than killing, right?
"Erica." Yoshi rose up and faced Erica. She didn’t seem bothered by the anger in his eyes, which were already beginning to shift to a bright gold identical to his father's. "Do not insult my girlfriend,” he warned.
Erica's eyes went wide, and she took another look at me. "Girlfriend? So soon?" She said the words almost as an insult, and before Yoshi could react, I stood up. Yomato looked at me curiously, and I closed my eyes for a moment to take a calming breath. I felt Storm's essence running through me just as my own energy began to build, and I felt my Kitsune take a step closer to the surface.
She wasn't afraid of this woman in the least. In fact, she was eagerly waiting to be entertained by this new challenge that we had confidence we'd win.
"You heard correctly," I declared, slowly turning around and walking to stand next to Yoshi. I slid my hand into his before meeting Erica's now stunned face. She looked at our joined hands, and I smiled in satisfaction when I noticed the anger that surfaced in her eyes.
"My apologies. I should introduce myself since I wouldn't want to be known as just a ‘guest.’ I’m Crimson. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Er-i-ka." I purposely pronounced her name in breaks as I tried my hardest to control the power that wanted to spill out and show exactly who the true commoner in the room was. She dares test my power? She's nothing compared to me.
I lifted my hand to greet her, and she frowned b
efore giving me a firm handshake. Her eyes darkened, and my Kitsune wasn't going to have any of that, coming right up to the surface for a split second.
I could tell it freaked Erica out because her eyes went wide with fear for a few seconds before she quickly composed herself and pulled her hand out of mine.
I lowered my hand and deliberately brushed my hands together, somehow creating a spell that allowed a small dose of water to emerge and wrap around my hands, which did its job to clean them of anything from Erica.
At that point, I gave up even questioning how the hell I was doing a spell I knew nothing about, especially since I was more entertained by Erica's distasteful expression as she scrunched her face at my deliberate act.
"Ah, I have eczema. Got to make sure my hands are clean, especially when I'm holding my man's hand," I made up quickly before sliding my hand back into Yoshi's. He looked like he was in the middle of a battlefield with no weapon to defend himself, his shocked expression making him look super cute in my eyes. I glanced back to Yomato, who looked just as shocked, either because of the small glimpse of power that flickered when my Kitsune came to the surface or because of my now confident demeanor compared to earlier.
"Emperor, may we be excused? I'd like to inform the others that we'll be staying a little longer to discuss our plans for the peace movement," I declared. Now I'm stating we're doing a peace movement?
This whole experience felt different from the usual encounters where Storm took over entirely. It was as if she was willing to work together with me for us to prove a point, which I was completely down for. Didn't mean I couldn't question everything I was doing and saying, though.
"Excellent, Crimson. Thank you for coming all this way to speak with me about such plans. We will continue to work for peace and common ground for the sake of the people of Homatomashi," Yomato concluded, and I nodded.
"Thank you, Father. We will dismiss ourselves so you can have a more private conversation," Yoshi declared.
"Very well, my son. Thank you once again. It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Crimson. You are indeed a wonderful match for Yoshi," Yomato praised with a broad smile. Yoshi and I both bowed in respect before saying our goodbyes.
Calming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 2) Page 8
