Facing the Storm

by Wilson, Yumoyori

  The tension in my shoulders loosened when those soft gentle lips pressed against mine. I couldn't wait for the day the fighting would be over and I'd be able to spend time with Itsuki. There was so much I wanted to know, yet time had always been a factor. I wanted to show him that I loved him too but didn't want to force it either. He was patient, and so was I, but I just hoped he knew that I cared about him like the rest of the guys.

  I broke the kiss for a moment and whispered against his lips. "I know we don't spend a lot of time together...but please know I care and love you as well. I adore the patience you display in every moment and the fact you can still love me after everything I've gone through. Please remember that."

  "I know, Crimson, and I'll never forget it. Our love isn't a race. It will grow and bloom, but it will never wilt and die. Your love is enough for me, and once all of this is over, I know we'll get to spend time together." Itsuki pressed his lips against mine once more.

  I savored every moment of the kiss, Itsuki's hands leaving my cheeks to rest on my waist. His touch was light and held no pressure to make me freak out which made me want to love him even more.

  Storm had given up on a group of men that were loving, considerate, passionate, and had shown immense dedication. This was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things you never got a chance to experience, but she was blinded by her love for Erica and unable to see the glittering set of diamonds in her life.

  I bet if she'd been truthful and told them about her love...they would have accepted it. Even though Erica...was problematic, in a world where they hadn't done the deeds they had, they could have had that chance. They could have gained happiness and not let go of these men.

  I twisted my hands into his dark purple shirt and pressed my body against his as we deepened the kiss. This peace felt perfect, like one of those scenes where everything fell into place and the amount of love through a simple kiss could move mountains.

  "WOOF!"

  "WOOFA!"

  "Kiku?"

  Huh?

  Itsuki broke the kiss and we glanced in the direction of where I heard the sound of my three familiars. Within two seconds, Urufu, Mizuko, and Chiryoshi appeared from the forest, running towards me with joy in their eyes.

  "Nani? What...how?" I asked in confusion as Uru and Mizu reached us first, running around the both of us in excitement while Chiryoshi landed on my shoulder. I turned my head slightly to see her bright golden eyes and her soft white feathers. She practically hopped over and over again on my shoulder before she snuggled her head against my cheek which made me giggle.

  "Where did you come from, Chiryo. You haven't come out since healing Haru." I lifted my right hand over to pet her head soothingly and watched her feathers fluff up as she hummed happily.

  "Kikkuuuu!"

  "Did you summon them by accident?" Itsuki asked as he knelt down to pet Uru and Mizu who stopped to enjoy Itsuki's attention.

  "I don't think so?" I stated. "Aki did say I've been doing weird stuff in my sleep, but I know I hadn't summoned Chiryo."

  "Kiku!" She chirped with the cutest expression.

  "Ah, I didn't mean it like that," I assured her, rubbing my cheek against her head as reassurance.

  "I knew they would run off to find where you were."

  As we looked up, we saw Malachi walk out of the forest, his hands resting behind his back. He wore a simple black t-shirt that said 'SEXY' in bright blue and a pair of black sweats. "They wouldn't settle at home, so I thought they needed a walk. Then Chiryoshi appeared out of nowhere."

  "Malachi." I smiled and when he reached where we stood, he reached in to give me a peck on the lips.

  "Hey, Hottie. Enjoying your time with Itsuki?"

  "Very much," I whispered and noticed Itsuki's cheeks tint a bright red.

  He looked away and mumbled. "Me too."

  Malachi and I exchanged looks before we both smiled. "Weren't you guys training? And I swear we weren't supposed to show her this place. Yoshi's gonna kick our asses."

  "Oops?" Itsuki shrugged. "I'll blame Urufu for it."

  "Woof?" Uru tilted her head while her pink eyes looked shocked at the accusation.

  I giggled and lowered down to pet my two familiars. "He's just playing with you," I said to Urufu. "Hey you guys. Did you give Malachi a hard time, huh?"

  "Woof!"

  "Woofa!"

  "Kiku!"

  "I'm impressed the phoenix hasn't shown up," Itsuki noted. I looked up at him as he rose up.

  "This is normal then?" I asked.

  Malachi looked like he was thinking while Itsuki shook his head from side to side.

  "Not really. I mean, Storm usually only summoned her familiars when she needed them in battle. Even Urufu never came out that often. However, since you took ownership of the watch, Urufu has been able to stick around the majority of the time, and now that Mizu and Chiryo are appearing, my best guess is your bond with the watch is growing," Itsuki replied.

  "Yes. I know with others who have multiple familiars, the stronger the individual, as well as the stronger the bond becomes between Master and familiar or familiars, the easier it is for them to come out without draining said individual. It won't be surprising if your phoenix is able to come out when he pleases as well. It also depends on whether the familiar wants to come out," Malachi added.

  "I guess I have to work on understanding my familiars more," I commented.

  "With time. It's a process that takes a while to learn. Your familiars are fond of you and I'm sure the final one will be too," Itsuki reasoned.

  "Do you know what the final familiar will be?" I asked.

  "Unsure," Malachi replied. "They can change. Urufu remained the same, but the others took different animals."

  "Interesting," I said as I stood. Urufu and Mizu began to play around and Chiryo moved off my shoulder to hover over them, joining the fun.

  "We can talk more about it after some food. Aren't you guys hungry?" Malachi asked.

  "Now that you mention it," I admitted, feeling my stomach clench with hunger. "I'm famished."

  "Aki and Yoshi came back with green tea ice cream." Malachi winked and I almost squealed.

  "Yes!"

  Itsuki chuckled. "You really love green tea ice cream."

  "I won't deny it. So good!" I praised the matcha dairy food that always cheered me up. The thought reminded me of Hakua once more, and I absentmindedly reached for my phone that was in my back pocket. "I haven't really apologized to Hakua properly," I admitted.

  I knew it was a bit random to change the subject, but Itsuki and Malachi exchanged looks. "Just text her saying you'd like to meet tomorrow and chat," Malachi suggested.

  "What if she doesn't wanna travel down here?" I asked.

  "Go to her? She should still be at the palace. You can meet up with her tomorrow and let her know how you feel," Itsuki studied me as he waited on my thoughts.

  "I guess I could. She'd feel like I'm taking the issue seriously," I mumbled and decided to text her a quick message. It doesn't hurt. I'm sure she'll take me up on the offer.

  "Good. Let's start making our way back?" Itsuki put forth. "I'll go ahead to get Quil."

  "You just want to rub it in his face that his dragon hearing didn't hear you guys leave." Malachi rolled his eyes but looked extremely happy about it.

  "Pester him all night long."

  "You're horrible." I giggled.

  "I won't let you down." Itsuki laughed and leaned over to give me a slow kiss before he walked ahead, Urufu and Mizu chasing after him.

  Chiryoshi stayed behind, landing back on my left shoulder.

  "Kiku."

  "You want to stick with us?" I asked.

  "KIKU!" She snuggled against my neck. I lifted my hand to pet her again and turned my attention to Malachi who was smiling from ear to ear.

  "Your progress always leaves me in awe."

  "Hmm? What do you mean?"

  "No matter what the world throws at you, in the end, you always try
your hardest to rise back to the top."

  "I still feel I'm doing a shitty job," I confessed, turning my eyes in the direction Itsuki had gone. "Like, how are you guys able to be loyal to me when we're still learning about one another. I know you guys are committed to me...but sometimes, I'm scared to accept it because I've always been let down. How do I know you guys won't abandon me when this is all over?" I questioned.

  Malachi moved to face me, and I stared at him with an intrigued look as he lifted his hand to his little pom pom ponytail.

  "In my culture, our hair holds immense value. To take care of our hair takes time, money, and ongoing perseverance to keep it growing and not end up a knotted mess. It also represents a sense of loyalty to the person we love. In some cases, when love and dedication are tested, we'll cut our hair short in honor of that affection we have for the person we love. As a lion shifter, it's a bit similar with our mane, but a little more complicated for us to cut it in that form."

  "I never knew that," I whispered. "And I like your hair. Don't cut it."

  He chuckled at my pouting expression and leaned down to place a kiss on my forehead. "I would if it made you realize just how loved you are."

  He pulled back and sighed. "The past will always try it's best to bring us down. However, the people around us who love us will always be there to help you look forward and not backward."

  "I'm getting lectured by Hottie McHot Pants. What is the world coming to?" I sighed dramatically and Chiryo flapped her wings in agreement.

  "Kiku!"

  "Hey. Feel more confident in me. I'm actually intelligent enough to give advice."

  "Hmmm."

  "Don't overthink it," he whined, making a cute hurtful expression that made Chiryo start chirping happily as if she were laughing.

  I giggled and reached out for his hand. "Thanks, Malachi. Sometimes I feel like a broken record...but I think, with time, I'll be okay," I whispered.

  He gave me a full glimpse of his white teeth as he smiled. "You will, Crimson. Time heals, and I know you will."

  My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out with my free hand to view Hakua's message.

  BESTIE HAKUA:

  "I'd love to meet. Maybe tomorrow? Afternoon or whenever. We can walk in the cherry blossom garden and talk. Thanks for messaging me. XOXOX."

  "She's okay with meeting!" I declared with a smile.

  "Good. I didn't like you sulking during the trip," Malachi noted.

  "I wasn't sulking."

  Chiryo tilted her head and hopped on my shoulder. "Kiku."

  "I was not," I whined to her. "And how do you even know that?"

  "Kiku Kiku." Chiryo fuzzed her feathers and stretched out her wings.

  Malachi laughed. "Just because your familiars aren't physically out, doesn't mean they don't see what happens."

  "Well...I wasn't," I grumbled.

  Malachi shook his head but didn't argue with my stubborn nature but instead claimed my lips with his. I responded to the unexpected kiss, and I wouldn't deny it made me a bit happier that they could now kiss me without me suddenly freaking out.

  "Alright. You were bubbly and fun," he mumbled against my lips. I kissed him this time and he smiled before deepening the kiss.

  Everything will work out. I just have to keep telling myself that. They love me, and their loyalty has never faltered. Just keep being positive.

  Yes. Positive.

  "I'll be back soon. It's the palace, Yoshi, and Hakua is there. I don't need any guards to go to your father's place, which is the empire of Homatomashi," I stressed over the phone. "I'll take a picture with Hakua to confirm I'm alive and well. Besides, I'm learning some epic moves from Chiyo and Itsuki. Quil's going to teach me more magic spells tomorrow too!"

  I'd promised Hakua to meet her today as last night was far too late and I wanted to enjoy my time with Itsuki not kicking my butt in training.

  Thanks to the training I'd been getting recently, I'd felt a little more confident walking around in public. I'd taken a public transport to get back from Chiyo's shrine, wanting to feel what it was like to be back in the general public.

  It didn't feel as rewarding as I thought it would, but it was progress, which was what I had been aiming for. Chiyo wanted to do a quiet therapy session with me in two days, saying we'd focus on the emotional balance and mental stability of being a shifter. I didn't want to admit I was scared, wondering if she'd ask about what happened with Erica. The parts I didn't tell the guys yet.

  It wasn't like I was scared of saying it, but again, the fear of being judged in the situation I was in always made me hold my tongue and I continued to keep the dark secret. I knew it would get easier and the guys didn't need to know that part of Erica that I knew.

  The part of her I'd been seeing in dreams.

  To be able to head to the palace on my own gave me time to think quietly and be lost in my thoughts while I enjoyed the warm breeze and scents of the cherry blossoms.

  I walked up to the gates, nodded my head to the guards, and entered through the private entrance. I was supposed to meet Hakua on the third floor, but this building made it so you had to go through each floor by steps. You'd think they would have made an elevator by now.

  Pulling out my phone, I sent Hakua a quick text, stating I was here and would be on the third floor shortly.

  Slipping the phone back into the back pocket of my jeans, I stopped midway through the 2nd-floor hallway, my nose picking up a sweet scent. Huh? So sweet.

  My Kitsune was intrigued, running up to the border of the surface which prompted my ears to pop out even though my hair was up thanks to the ribbon Aki had given me.

  What's wrong?

  She seemed suddenly excited, hopping up and down before she began to move in a circle. "Why are you so excited?" I commented out loud as I crossed my arms.

  Is Hakua coming down?

  My Kitsune stopped and had a sour expression on her face by the mention of Hakua. I let out a long exhale and shook my head. Are you still mad? We were both wrong. That's why I'm here to apologize for snapping at her.

  She growled and stomped her paws in protest not liking the idea, and she moved back to her usual spot. "And now you’re all upset. I thought we needed to be more forgiving in this- EEP!"

  A shriek escaped me when something grabbed my arm and pulled me into the next room. My fighting instincts kicked in, and I turned the tables on whoever grabbed me by twisting their arm and slamming them into the red wooden doors.

  The person hissed in pain and groaned. "Baby, you need to use your instincts more before pinning people and trying to break their body parts."

  The sweet aroma hit me, making me realize the person I'd slammed into the door was James.

  "Well, fuck?! James! What the flying fuck?" I snapped, as I tried to calm my rapidly beating heart. "You fucking scared me!"

  "Sorry. Didn't want to reveal myself so soon. Your Kitsune knew I was there," he grumbled as I let him go.

  My Kitsune pranced around in my mind with her head up high and I growled. "Really? Couldn't give me a heads up?" I huffed to her.

  She paused and shot me one of those adorable looks that made me give up on being angry at her. Don't use your cuteness on me.

  She went back to running around, knowing quite well she was off the hook. Damn animals and their cuteness. Get enough of it with Urufu and Mizu stealing my food and making me feel pity for them with one look.

  "Why are you stalking me, James?" I questioned. "Please don't kidnap me again."

  "May have to. We need to leave," he announced.

  "Oh no, hold on a minute," I stressed putting my hands up in defense. "WHY do you need to kidnap me again?"

  "Because you ask too many questions and we're running out of minutes to spare," James huffed and reached out and grabbed my arm. I froze, and James immediately noticed the fear that flashed through my eyes. He cursed and let go before he whispered, "Crim, I'm not going to hurt you, I swear. Breathe."

  His reminder
made me realize I'd held my breath and I did what he said, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Sadness masked his expression and he took a slow step forward before he pulled me into his arms.

  I didn't fight it, taking a few extra inhales and exhales to calm myself. "What the fuck did that psychotic bitch do to you?"

  "She's not a bitch, but a psychotic bastard," I mumbled into his shirt and returned the hug, gripping his shirt as tightly as I could. "James...please...tell me I can trust you. Please?"

  He was quiet for a long moment before he pulled back and looked me square in the eyes. "You can trust me, Crim. In this moment, you can. I'll make sure to tell you when I shouldn't be trusted."

  I swallowed the lump in my throat and gave him a slow nod. "Hai. I'll trust you. Just...be careful how you touch me." I muttered the last part as I looked away.

  He reached out to place his hand under my chin, moving my gaze to meet his. "I'll be careful, but if I need to do something quickly, don't panic; and trust your Kitsune more," he advised before leaning down to give me a tender kiss.

  The kiss seemed too short for my satisfaction, and I reached up to wrap an arm around the back of his neck and pulled him down for another deep kiss. When we broke apart, he looked bewildered by my sudden compassion.

  "You're weird." I huffed, feeling my cheeks grow hot.

  "And I've missed you far too much and can't stay away for the sake of my own sanity," he replied and smashed his lips against mine again. We kissed for another minute before my ears twitched, hearing the sound of footsteps.

  I broke the kiss. "Someone's coming."

  James cursed and looked at the door. "I'm going to lift you up and you're going to act like I'm kidnapping you."

  "Making you look like the bad guy?!" I exclaimed. He didn't answer, lifting me up to put me over his shoulder. "James?!"

  "Start being over dramatic and scream." He began to move as his fox ears emerged.

  "When the fuck am I over dramatic!" I screamed and punched him back in anger. "And watch the fucking thighs you ass!"