"I count on it, Crimson Arashi. Be off, Sealed One and follow your heart and dreams."
I turned and ran as fast as I could; a pink door appeared a few feet in front of me. It opened, leading to a bright light. Urufu stopped at the door, waiting for me to reach her before she rushed through.
I looked over my shoulder for one final look, Storm’s head was all that remained, her hair flying in the breeze. The ribbon had faded, leaving the silver locks loose to flow in the wind as cherry blossoms fluttered around her.
She met my gaze, mouthing a final word before closing her eyes, turning into nothing but little particles of light. I cried at the loss, before rushing through the entrance, hearing the door close behind me. Light engulfed me and my consciousness began to fade. The last thing I remembered was Storm Yuna's final word.
Sayonara.
"She's healing well. It won't be long until she wakes up."
"Thank you, Doctor. I will call you if anything changes."
I heard the door close, but the slightly higher pitch of the click told me I wasn't in my room. The soft hums of what I assumed was a humidifier buzzed in the room and the fresh scent of flowers filled the air.
The last time I'd smelled flowers was when I'd arrived at the shrine before dinner. I realized I must have been back home, but why? Fear began to creep through me as I tried to remember what was going on.
"Mrs. Arashi, do you want us to leave?" an unfamiliar male voice questioned.
It was calm and sent trickles of joy through me. For a split second, I wasn't afraid or worried. The man whose voice sent reassurance through my mind would make sure I was safe. He always had.
But just after I had that thought, he was foreign to me once more, I didn't know who he was. What's going on? Why do I feel like I know this man and yet a second later, he's a stranger to me?
"I don't know how she's going to react. It's best we all wait till she wakes up. We'll determine what she remembers and what she doesn't. This may take some time," I heard Mother explain.
She is my Mother...right? No. She can't be. Mother and Father are dead. I've always been alone and worked my way up to find the culprit who murdered them. Yes, I killed them after hours of them suffering. I made them pay for what they did to my parents. Wait...no? Mother is alive. She's a Kitsune...not a magician...or...maybe...huh?
"We need to wake her up," a stern voice announced.
The tone was hard and didn't give off an ounce of emotion, but somewhere within me I knew he cared, but was putting up a front. He always did so to protect himself. He didn't want to look vulnerable in front of everyone else.
But who was he? I don't know him. More importantly, why did I know he was only acting like that to mask his emotions? He's a stranger. Both men are strangers. What's wrong with me? What's going on?
"Why?" James questioned.
James? My James...no I don't know a James. Or do I? He's my roommate and lover. But he doesn't love me. He didn't protect me. Am I confused because of him? But I love him. Or did I love him? Why does he suddenly care? He always does this. Always acts concerned one minute but put him on the spot to man up and he bails. I don't know him. Yes, he's just as unfamiliar as the woman I thought was my mother for some reason.
"She's going to go into distress," the stern voice called out.
"She's not awake," James argued.
"She's awake and is confused. She needs to see who's talking and now, or she's going to panic. Storm had panic attacks and those can affect Crimson now too," the stern voice explained.
"Crimson isn't Storm!" James yelled.
"There’s no need to yell," the calm voice that I mentally designated as Voice Two mumbled.
"Talk about impatient, jeez. Who are you anyway?" a third voice demanded.
He sounded as if he was mocking James and my mind told me he was the joker of the group. He loved to lighten the mood and hated when everyone was too serious for so long. He was kind and generous, but wouldn't let anyone take advantage of him either.
"I agree. Who's the hot head? Maybe you should go outside and chill." A fourth voice joined the conversation; his Japanese accent was thick and he sounded far from amused.
"Why don't you group of strangers go outside? It's supposed to be family only," James countered.
"Last time I checked he wasn't family," a fifth voice mumbled. It was barely a whisper and I somehow knew he was a person not of many words. He gave off the impression of being shy, but that was just his personality and I knew he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
"I thought you said she was just your roommate. Don't get why you're acting like her boyfriend now," a sixth male voice spoke, sounding bored.
"I'm..." James paused and the room was silent before the bored Voice Six continued.
"Oh look. Cat got your tongue."
"Everyone enough! She's awake," the stern sounding Voice One announced. The room was silent and I felt something brush against my forehead.
I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to face anyone. I was so lost and didn't know what was wrong with me.
"Crimson, please open your eyes. We need to make sure you’re okay," Mother's voice soothed.
I hadn't heard her sweet worried voice for years, not since I was young and too sick to care for myself. Those nights when she took care of me and the ones where my father wasn't around to tell her what to do were the few memories I cherished of her. I remembered her cradling me in her arms as I fought a fever or cold. Those were the few memories from my life where I felt wanted and loved.
I opened my eyes, meeting Mother's blue ones. She gave me a sad smile.
"Crimson. Do you know who I am?" she asked in Japanese.
I opened my mouth to answer, but then the woman was a complete stranger to me. I closed my mouth, feeling confused. Who is she? I just knew her, didn't I?
"I knew it. Their essences did combine," Voice One spoke up.
"What is that supposed to mean?" James fumed.
"Stop yelling," Voice Five muttered.
"Why don't you stop telling me what to do?" James countered.
I pulled the light pink blanket over my head to block them all out, then let out a soft whimper. The room went silent as I trembled under the sheet.
Why was everyone arguing? Who is who? Why won't anyone help me figure this out? I need help. Someone to assist me in figuring out why I don't know who I am. Do I know who I am? I'm Crimson Arashi. Yes... Crimson... Or am I Storm Yuna? Who... Crimson Storm? Ugh!
I was so damn frustrated that tears began to gather. Regardless of who I was, I knew neither side of me liked to cry.
Crying meant vulnerability and I couldn’t share that weak side of me in front of this group of strangers in the room. But I had nowhere to go, feeling trapped under this blanket that was my own barrier between the reality I currently faced and the confusion that continued to grow in my mind.
Something soft ran along the top of my head. It was a comforting touch and I didn't sense the person would hurt me.
"Crimson. Let me help you," Voice Two offered. My fuzzy memory told me he could help me. He'd answer my questions and make me feel safe, but the other side of me declared this man a stranger like everyone else.
"Please, Crimson? Just let me see your face?" he asked.
I pulled down the blanket just slightly, enough for him to peek through and meet my tear-filled gaze.
The male had black hair, but from my angle I couldn't tell how long it was. His eyes were a beautiful sapphire blue with hints of gold swirling within them. Those eyes widened, blinking twice as his pink lips turned into a frown.
I could imagine he could see the depths of vulnerability in my eyes. I was an open book because I had no knowledge to defend myself with. How could I create a mask to hide my immense fear and despair if I didn't even know who I was?
He gave me a small smile. "You want everyone gone?" he whispered in Japanese, his voice so low that I was sure no one else heard his question.
I slowly nodded, but I also didn't want him to leave.
He seemed to understand my dilemma, because he nodded once again before he was putting the blanket back over my head.
"Everyone out," he announced.
"Huh?" James questioned.
"Is she okay? Should I get the doctor?" Mother asked.
"There's too many of us in here and she's freaking out. We can't afford for her to have a panic attack like Akihiro mentioned. Just stay outside till I can catch her up on everything," Voice Two instructed.
"But she doesn't even know you!" James argued.
"And she potentially doesn't know you either, blockhead. Get out of the room," Voice One demanded.
"Mrs. Arashi, you can't go along with this," James sought out her help.
"Let's just do what they say, James. I've watched Crimson grow with little guidance from me. She had to face this cold world on her own, but one thing she never showed was fear. She's frightened now, James. That's not the Crimson I know. I've known and met Storm Yuna multiple times over the years. She too, has never displayed any anxiety I have seen. Let's listen to them and give her space."
I heard James grumble under his breath, then heard shuffling footsteps. I waited, crying as quietly as I could under the sheets. I felt helpless and I hated it.
"Can you get Uru in here? I think she'd be able to calm her down," Voice Two instructed.
"Sure. I'll be outside if you need me. I'll tell the others to relax in the living room until we sort this out," Voice One affirmed.
"Okay. And good luck dealing with Mr. Bipolar," Voice Three sounded amused.
"He needs to figure out what the hell he wants. I don't like him and his father's an ass too. We’ll talk about that later," Mr. Stern Voice complained.
I heard footsteps and the creak of the door.
"Where did that wolf come from?" I could hear James shout from what I assumed was the hall.
"There. I'll be outside," Voice One declared.
"Thanks, Akihiro." That came from Voice Two.
"Just make sure she's okay. I don't want her getting hurt. We'll figure this out," Akihiro replied.
I heard the sound of footsteps, getting quieter and then the click of the door gently closing. I was moved by the note of concern coming from the man named Akihiro. He didn’t know me, but wanted to ensure I didn’t get hurt. That thought alone gave me a little comfort.
I wanted to stay in my bubble, and cry quietly to myself. I wanted to figure out what was going on but was unsure of what to do or say in order to achieve that. I felt trapped and afraid. But I needed answers, and this person would hopefully give them to me.
"Crimson, do you want to see Urufu?" Voice Two asked.
I blinked, recognizing the name immediately. I peeked out from under the blanket and was greeted by Uru's nose rubbing against mine.
"Woof!" She nudged her head beneath the blanket to lick my face.
I giggled, lifting the fabric to let her in.
Both sides of me knew the familiar and I knew she would always bring comfort to me. I embraced her, allowing my tears to flow as I snuggled into her. I cried about so many things.
I cried over the fact that my father would always hate me and my mother would always stand by his side rather than mine. I cried out the self-pity I felt about my situation with James and how he would likely never admit his love for me.
Finally, I mourned for Storm Yuna. The memories slowly began to return, including those final moments on that hill, with the cherry blossoms floating through the air as the last glimpse of Storm's smile became nothing but light. Her last words echoed over and over again in my mind, only making me sadder.
"Crimson." The male watched me cry and cry until he let out a soft exhale.
He slid onto the bed and pulled me into his arms, allowing me to sob into his chest while he rubbed my back soothingly.
Uru rested half of her body on my lap, nudging herself between my body and this stranger who I knew I'd loved once before.
He had always shown compassion beyond words and was a calm leader who wanted everyone to be happy. I cried until I had no more tears to shed.
"Crimson?" he questioned.
I was silent, going through my thoughts to figure out who I currently was.
"Are you Crimson or Storm?"
"Storm...I think?" I mumbled, although still unsure.
"Your mind is gonna keep alternating back and forth. When it does, I want you to tell me," he explained.
"But it's happening every few seconds," I admitted. His familiar voice returned back to that of the kind stranger that held me in his arms.
"Are you experiencing it now?" he asked.
"Yes. I'm Crimson now," I declared.
"Okay. What do you want me to call you for now?"
I was silent for a few moments. "Crimson Storm. For now at least. Maybe Crimstorm? Does that sound weird?" I wondered aloud.
"Woof?" Uru tilted her head as if considering.
"Crimson Storm. Crimstorm for short. That way, regardless of you switching back and forth, you'll know we're directly talking with both parts of you. Does that make some type of sense?" he asked.
I nodded against his chest, before leaning back to meet his kind eyes.
We stared in silence and then his name entered my mind.
"Yoshi...mitsu?" I hesitated, not because I didn't recognize him, but because the other half of my brain knew I hadn't introduced myself to him prior to this.
"Nice to meet you, Crimson Storm. Yes, my name is Yoshimitsu. Are you feeling a little better?"
I was surprised by him asking about my health. I wasn't used to someone showing concern and compassion unless I'd fainted out of nowhere or looked like death.
"A little better. I'm sorry. I barely know you. I mean. I do...well. I don't. I give up." My shoulders slumped in exhaustion. I was so tired of trying to figure out what was going on.
I needed answers, but the constant back and forth shifting of memories and emotions was just too much for me right now.
"Take your time, Crimstorm. It's a lot to take in and you're still adapting to Storm’s magic," Yoshimitsu explained.
I was gonna ask him to elaborate but then a random question popped into my mind. "Can I call you Yoshi? Like before?"
I didn't remember what ‘before’ referred to, but he smiled, a loving wide grin that reached his sapphire eyes and showed so much passion, I was left speechless as I continued to stare at him. I couldn't ignore the way my heart suddenly raced and my stomach flipped with excitement and joy.
"Yes. You can call me Yoshi if it is easier for you," he replied.
I nodded, pulling out of his embrace. I shuffled on the bed till my back pressed against the wall. Uru walked over and sat to my left side.
"Can I ask a few questions?" One part of me wanted nothing more than to stay in his arms, but the other part wanted answers and knew Yoshi could give them to me without making me feel overwhelmed. I would have to listen to my instincts for now until I figured all this out. I had moved because I needed space between us to think straight.
"Certainly. Anything you like. I'll try my best to answer them." He crossed his legs and turned his body to face me, although still keeping his distance. I gave him a small smile, happy that he respected my need for space.
Now that he was in front of me, I could take a moment to admire his appearance. He had long black hair that currently tied with a white ribbon; only a few loose strands rested on both sides of his oval face. His skin was tanned like he enjoyed the sun, but it didn't hide his Japanese heritage.
He was clean-shaven and his sapphire eyes were very fascinating. I could still see the small bands of gold that twinkled against the dark blue, making his eyes very unique in comparison to other shifters I'd seen. He wore a navy blue top and loose black pants. His overall appearance gave off a classy but down to earth vibe.
"What time is it?"
"Four in the afternoon," he replied calmly.
"How long have I been unconscious?" I wondered.
"Five days."
My eyes widened. "Five? Um...is that normal?"
"No."
I paused, trying to figure out how to reword my question to what I actually meant to ask: if it was normal for someone to come across a pocket watch, unlock its magical secrets, and wake up in the same body with more than just your own memories.
"Crimstorm?"
I lifted my head back up to meet his soft expression. "You were unconscious for too short of a time. That's why we're concerned," Yoshi revealed.
"Too short?" I didn’t understand.
"When Storm Yuna's essence entered you..." He paused, struggling to continue. He quickly composed himself, meeting my confused gaze before he continued.
"You went into shock and died. Your 'friend' James had to use a large amount of healing magic to resuscitate you before Haru was able to stabilize your organs and body functions long enough to contact your parents."
"Who came to help?" I needed to hear it with my own ears, some type of confirmation that my father had been the voice I heard that urged me to give up.
"Your mother. She arrived with a team of medics and you were transferred back home. You were in a coma and needed constant monitoring until yesterday. She's been by your side the majority of the time," Yoshi explained.
I frowned, fidgeting with my hands in my lap. Uru moved slightly to rest her head in my lap in a show of comfort. I smiled, petting her softly.
"Oh!" I realized something.
"What's wrong?" I was intrigued by the concern in his voice.
"My father was the one who wanted me to give up, wasn't he?" I whispered.
"You heard that?" Yoshi looked sad at the thought.
"Yes," I replied, remembering the voice that didn't hold an ounce of emotion. I could already envision the happiness that would blossom on his face with my death. Then, nobody would be able to bring down his reputation and status with the constant reminder of my existence.
The other part of me was even more depressed about that situation. It broke my heart that the side of me that had always craved a father’s love was robbed of such a comfort.
Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1) Page 7
