"Storm...right?" Aki stated. I nodded, glad he understood my hesitation.
"Who knows?"
"Yoshimitsu knows the full extent of everything. Haru knows a little. The others are clueless," Aki explained.
"And you?"
"I know everything. I helped Yoshi find the hidden documents and track her hotel stays. We got the surveillance footage and everything. It was the truth."
I saw the hurt in his eyes and he looked away, trying to compose himself.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"Everything happens for a reason. Without her...well, we never would have ended up meeting you. I won't deny the fact it hurts, because it does. It hurts because I was used, and she didn't think we'd be okay with her having a female lover," Aki said dryly.
"You would have been okay with it if she was honest?" I asked.
He stared into my eyes for a minute before he replied. "You just told me you were still in love with your ex. You told me because you trust and love me. You informed me and gave me the reigns in deciding if I could live with the idea of you loving and maybe bringing James into this relationship one day. You're giving me the chance to choose because you respect my opinion. It proved to me that you would be willing to ditch that love to stay with our group, or you wouldn't have told me," Aki summarized.
"True..."
"Yoshi wants us all to be present before we tell them," Aki suggested.
"That would be a good idea...but..." I didn't want to delay telling the others the truth just because of my healing process.
"I need you there, Crimson. I don't like withholding the truth, but there's no way I can stand in the room and drop that bomb of truth on them alone. Just your presence will give me strength, and I think it would help the others as well," Aki unveiled.
"One more week?" I suggested.
"Will that be enough for you?" he countered.
"Yes. Father, Mother, and I are going to a quiet little cottage tomorrow in a small town next to Nokamato. Father's going to help me train again. My therapist thinks it would be better than me being cooped up all day. I think it will give me enough time to absorb everything that happened and try to move forward."
"Should I come?"
"It wouldn't be fair for the others..." I trailed off.
"Would it make you feel safer, Crimson?" he reworded.
"...Yes."
"Then I'll come. I'll explain to the others. They'll get it," Aki assured me.
"You don't need to relive your past because of me," I pointed out.
"I'm not reliving it. I conquered those demons long ago. Me telling them what I've experienced simply justifies me coming with you. I'm not being selfish or trying to claim you for myself. It's just a part of your healing, and as long as it involves you getting better, they won't argue." Aki concluded.
"Okay. That sounds like a plan."
We took a last appreciative look at the art piece. "Aki?"
"Yes, Crimson."
"I'll get through this. I'll worker harder...get stronger and fight back. I don't want any other kitsunes experiencing what we have. I don't want this country to keep sinking deeper and deeper into desperation and fear. I'm tired of running and hiding. N.R.O, White Eyes, Erica....they all thought they could calm and subdue me. They almost succeeded, but I won't let them win. I won't let them break me. They'll have to the face the storm that's approaching, and I vow, none of them will survive."
I turned toward Aki and he smiled with pride as he nodded. "Well, for your comfort, one already lost to you."
"Who?"
"Erica. She was found at Storm's grave. No trace of death. The only evidence is the bite marks on her neck, which they presume are hickeys."
"Guess our secret is still safe," I declared.
"Yup. Good work on remembering," Aki praised.
His eyes lowered to my lips, and I smiled. "No matter what happens, we'll make sure everyone stays together?"
Aki grinned and gave me a determined look. "We won't let the truth of Storm tear us apart. I won't allow it, and I know you won't either. We'll get through this bump in our path, retrieve the final crystal, and face N.R.O once and for all."
I lifted my hand to brush his cheek and he closed his eyes, pressing his hand lightly on mine. It didn't freak me out or make me flinch. Aki opened his eyes as a broad smile formed on his lips.
"Progress."
"I guess so." I smiled before I lowered my gaze to his lips. "Kiss me, Aki."
"My pleasure," Aki whispered, lowering his smooth lips to mine.
Baby steps are all I need. This won't stop me, because the battle has just begun.
"HEYA!" I exclaimed, slicing the wood in half. I caught my breath as I looked down at the split block of wood, noticing the slight difference in size.
"Damn, I was off," I mumbled.
"By 2%. Much better progress than yesterday. It's your positioning," Father announced. I frowned, looking at him as he approached me.
"Get into your starter stance for a second," he instructed. I did what he asked, lifting my twin swords in a defensive position, ready to attack or defend just like in the battlefield. Father walked around me, his eyes scanning my posture closely.
Stopping on my right side, he eyed my arm. He reached out but paused. "Crimson," he whispered.
"I'm fine," I reassured him.
I could see him observing me from the corner of my eye, but I stood my ground, knowing I needed to get used to being touched even if it frightened me.
On the battlefield, the enemy wouldn't care about my issues, so I couldn't let it become a problem or weakness.
He gently lifted my arm a fraction, and I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Your arm needs to be higher up. This will help you get a perfect slice," Father acknowledged.
I nodded and he let go, taking a step back to get out of my space. I let out the breath I was holding, making sure I made a mental note of my current position before I lowered both arms. I swiftly put my swords back in the scabbard and ran my hand through my long silver-black locks, hoping to hide the slight tremor in them.
"How long did you sleep last night?" Father asked.
"Two hours," I replied.
"Aki wasn't home."
"No. He's coming with the others. We need to discuss a few things," I replied. Father knew when Aki was present as it reflected in my behavior. I'd sleep for a solid eight hours, be more energetic; the list went on and on.
I didn't want to admit it, but with him around it made things easier. He'd comfort me when nightmares invaded my dreams and was the only male who could apply the healing herbal cream from the Great One to the wounds on my back and thighs.
Mother had to leave early last week for Council meetings, and due to my current situation, Father was excused from participating to ensure I was okay. I wasn't allowed to be alone, which I understood. At least I could take Urufu to the washroom because let's be real, who'd want their Father watching them pee?
"After your talk, make sure you nap. You don't do well with lack of sleep," Father commented.
"I will," I replied. Father sighed, taking three steps forward to stand before me.
"Crimson. You'll talk with me or your Mother if you're not feeling well, right?" He questioned. I saw the fear in his eyes and I smiled, hoping it would help ease his worry.
"I'll let you know if I feel suicidal, Father. Just like the doctor, and the therapist, and everyone else. I know the meds make shifters do 'silly' things like make them feel they can fly or are invincible, but I'm not suicidal. Aki and I made a promise, and I swore I'd keep it," I reassured him.
"Alright...but, don't hesitate to talk to me. Can you promise me that?" Father requested.
"I promise to talk to my wonderful Father, Hotaka Jiyuna, when I need a shoulder to lean on or want green tea ice cream with marshmallows," I declared.
He grinned, shaking his head. "Thank goodness your boyfriends are bringing some. The old lady at the convenience store thinks I have an ad
diction and doesn't believe I have a daughter who can finish a tub of green tea ice cream a day."
I giggled. "Oops." I shrugged.
Father opened his arms up. "I love you, Crimson. Just remember we want the best for you and that means sometimes relying on us when you need to."
I smiled, taking the step forward into his embrace. He waited for me to wrap my arms around him before he slid his arms around me. He didn't hold me too tightly, which helped a lot, making me feel as if I wasn't trapped.
"I love you too, Father. Thank you for bringing me here. I know you're busy and so is Mom with everything going on...but it's nice to feel like I’m a priority."
"You come first, before anything else in this world, Crimson. Don't ever forget that," Father assured me.
"WOOF!"
We moved back to see Urufu running towards us. Aki stood at the doorway, a soft expression on his smiling face. "Sorry, did we interrupt?"
"No, we were just finishing up," I announced, and Father nodded. I looked down at Urufu who stopped at my feet, waiting patiently for me to give her permission.
"Hey, Urufu. Come here, girl." I hummed, patting my knees before I crouched. She happily lifted up on her back legs to press her front paws on my knees and leaned up to lick my face, making me giggle.
"I missed you, my Uru. Did you help bring the others all the way here? I bet you kept Malachi company while he snored away," I joked.
"She did and his snoring was annoying. I should have brought headphones." Aki sighed, walking towards us. I grinned, watching Aki as he made his way over to Father. They shook hands before Father gave him a solid pat on the back.
"I'm going back to the palace to grab a few things settled and get a report from Yomato. Make sure to help Crimson change her bandages before your chat. Also, be sure she naps after," Father instructed.
I sighed. "I don't need a nap."
"Uh huh. Ignore her, she needs a nap," Father argued to Aki. "Sure. I'll make sure." Aki’s face held an amused smile as he reassured Father.
I gave Aki a pout which only entertained him more, his grin widening. We said goodbye to Hotaka before we made our way upstairs to my room.
Urufu jumped onto to the bed, curling up and relaxed on the cotton sheets. I walked up to the mirror, watching Aki close the door through the reflection.
"Where are the others?" I asked.
"In the guest side of the building. I figured we'd have to change your bandages beforehand and didn't want you to feel rushed or pressured," Aki revealed. I nodded, lifting my hands to unbutton my shirt.
"Are they anxious?" I asked, deciding to distract myself as I stripped. It made the idea of removing my clothes less intimidating.
"A little. Even though Yoshi knows the majority of what’s going on and Haru a bit, they're all worried. I think they're more concerned you'll break up with them," Aki admitted.
"I wouldn't let them come over here to break up with them. That's just...I don't know, rude? Unfeeling?" I defended.
"I told them that, but they're still worried. They've missed you," Aki commented, cautiously walking over to me. He must have noticed my stall, my fingers on the second to last button for longer than a minute.
"You want me to help?" He whispered.
"Yes, please." I nodded as I answered quietly, deciding I needed his assistance or we'd be here for hours. He helped unbutton the remaining two buttons before he lifted the material and pulled it from my arms. He placed it into the hamper, knowing I'd wear something else anyway.
I stared into the mirror, looking at the scars that remained, some red, some of them still a weird shade of purple. "How long does it take for these to heal?" I asked.
"The cream will speed the process. Maybe another month? Two at the most. We didn't have these herbal medicines a few years back. I'm glad Quil went to see the woman you met at the resort. She's very knowledgeable," Aki voiced, staring at me through the mirror.
He made sure he was visible as his hands touched my skin, slowly trailing down to unhook my sports bra. He removed it slowly before he adding it to the hamper.
The mirror tactic was his suggestion. He said it would help if I could see the person touching me, so I wouldn't panic.
"Has there been any progress with locating the final crystal?" I asked.
"Not really. Yoshi did find a document in the stack of evidence from..." he trailed off.
"Erica's place?" I asked.
"You’re okay with us saying it now?" he countered.
I shrugged. "Maybe? It doesn't have a trigger like it did before. Though I don't think I'll be able to rock short hair any time soon," I mumbled, feeling bad about my breakdown with Quil and Malachi.
Aki helped me remove my skirt, leaving me in my underwear, which was fine since all the areas that needed treatment were visible at that point.
"That's fine and I hope you're not worrying about what happened."
"Hmm," I hummed softly.
"Which means yes."
"I still feel bad."
"It's a normal reaction, Crimson. What happened to you was intolerable, and she's lucky she got the easy way out with death," Aki growled the last sentence.
"Okay...I won't linger on it then," I decided. He nodded and carefully began to spread the cool cream on my wounds. They didn't necessarily hurt physically, but the mental hurt I felt was still strong.
He rubbed the cream along my back and then to my thighs, being cautious the entire time. He made sure to meet my gaze in the mirror, especially when he worked on my thighs.
At one part I flinched, needing a moment to stay still and breathe. Aki met my gaze in the mirror. "Crim. You're safe. I won't hurt you, but if you want me to stop..."
"It's fine. I know...just...just a minute," I stuttered.
I looked at Urufu who eyed me carefully, her pink eyes meeting mine. She began to make these calming sounds, almost as if she was trying to hum. I took a few deep inhales, exhaling the air slowly.
"Okay...you can continue," I urged, continuing to listen to Urufu's quiet hums while my eyes stared at Aki who nodded.
"Let me know if you want me to stop," he stressed.
I nodded in agreement, toughening up to let him finish. My inner thighs were the hardest for him to put the cool cream on, especially the last three days. The first time I had a full on breakdown where Aki had to cradle me in his arms to relax me. The second time it was Father's turn to calm me down from the panic attack I had. Yesterday wasn't so bad, Urufu staying in the room and making those sounds had really helped, as they did now.
It was essentially why Aki had let the guys wait in the guest house, knowing if I had a panic attack or breakdown, that having the other five rush up to see why I was crying like a baby was a bad idea.
Aki was a bit quicker today, not wanting to jinx my calm behavior. He rose up and announced he was done before he walked to the small washroom to wash his hands.
"Arigato, Aki," I announced, going over to the bed where a flowy dress was laid out. It looked brand new which told me Aki must have bought it on the way here. The dresses helped, helping me feel as if I got enough air and didn't feel as constricted.
He got these specific types because they had short shorts under them which was like wearing a second pair of underwear in my opinion. It made it annoying to go to the washroom, but it gave me a confidence boost, like a layer of protection.
"You're welcome. The woman at the store only had that dress available, but the order your mother put in comes in tomorrow. I'll get Itsuki to make you some hair clips and maybe a comb. I didn't like the ones they had there," Aki revealed.
"I'm thinking of dying my hair," I confessed, slowly putting the dress on.
"What color?"
"Black. Maybe keep the silver strand here, but I think it would be for the best for now. At least till everything works itself out," I suggested. Aki looked deep in thought for a moment before he nodded in approval.
"Sounds good. Haru and Itsuki can help us out wit
h that," Aki added.
I finished dressing and walked over to the mirror. I lifted the dress slightly to make sure the shorts were in place and noticed the slight smile on my lips.
"I like it," I said in a hushed tone.
"I'm glad," Aki replied.
"Is it weird that I'm scared to face them?" I asked.
"Not weird. It's normal to feel scared to face the people you love when you know you hold information that can hurt them."
"Document issue first, then the truth," I confirmed, turning to face Aki. He nodded, fixing his white shirt and making sure his blue jeans were smooth. His hair was up in a ponytail with a white ribbon with blue incantations, and his green eyes sparkled with seriousness.
"Yes. Let's see what this document is about. Then, we tell the truth about Storm Yuna."
"How are you feeling, Crim?" Malachi asked.
"A bit better today. How's Hottie McHot holding up from his cold?" I asked.
"A cold can't take my sizzling ass down. I'm invincible."
"Invincible my ass." Quil rolled his eyes.
Haru grinned, leaning over to whisper in my ear. "His sizzling ass almost passed out at the edge of the flight of stairs."
I gawked at him, and Malachi blushed. "I was sleepwalking dammit!"
"You don't sleepwalk unless your ass is sick," Itsuki stated with a sigh.
"Just admit your ass was sick so we can all move on." Yoshi grinned.
"Poor guy won't quit," Aki added.
"Haters! Fucking haters, ALL OF YOU. Not you Crimson. Don't make me look bad, jeez." Malachi huffed, and I snickered, bursting into laughter.
They all looked at me like I'd lost it, even Urufu lifted her head from my lap to stare at me. "Sorry. Just, I've missed these conversations, that's all." I giggled.
"We missed you too, Crimson," Malachi whispered with a smile. I looked around at the others and gave them a small smile.
"Why don't we talk about the documents Yoshi found? What's the big deal about them?" I asked, looking at Yoshi who nodded.
He walked over to the coffee table that had a black folder on it. He pulled a specific piece of paper from it, the characters not resembling English or Japanese.
Calming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 2) Page 22
