I took a few calming breaths and my eyes looked around me to see if there was someone who was causing the pain, but I was alone.
I bit my lip and my eyes paused on an unfamiliar door. I hadn't been upstairs in my parents’ home for years and I'd only ever ventured into Mother's room.
But now, as my eyes lingered on the cream colored door, my body urged me to move forward. I began to make my way toward it and as I got closer, the agony lessened until I reached for the doorknob and the pain became a manageable ache within my chest.
I slowly opened it and snuck inside, closing the door behind me. The lights were still on in the room which told me someone must have been here recently because Father always encouraged us to turn the lights off to conserve energy.
I walked slowly into the large office room that felt all too familiar even though I’d never been there. My hands trembled as my eyes darted from right to left, pausing when my eyes went wide with a realization.
"Wait. Those were from Storm's memories," I whispered as I approached the three display cases like my life depended on it.
They hadn't changed at all from what she had seen; I approached the first one, noticing the bow and arrow in the display case. I moved to the second one, and the familiar staff sparkled in the light. Not even a speck of dust laid on the crystal orb in the center of the staff, but just like in the dream, these quickly lost my interest and I moved to the third display.
My heart stopped and my eyes widened. Without thinking, I was suddenly in front of the case. My body moved on its own accord in a desperate urge to retrieve what I knew without a doubt in my soul, was mine.
I couldn't figure out how I opened the display case, but one minute it was there, preventing me from reaching the twin swords, and in the next remnants of glass were scattered across the floor.
Did it matter that my hands bled and stained the carpet floor? No, it did not. Because the part of me that had been stolen away was finally mine.
My hands reached out and lifted the swords from their stands and I almost cried at the sudden wave of relief that flowed through my entire body like a drug.
I stared at the weapons and my eyes grew even wider when the engraved markings began to glow a bright pink. I gasped as magic burst up into the room, crashing into the other display cases and knocking things over; papers flew around me and the wind gathered at my feet.
I looked down to see an oversized magic circle beneath me. My eyes followed straight to see a smaller magic circle form in pink as two white lines shot from it in the beginnings of a triangle. My eyes followed the path of the pure white lines and realized it was creating a star. At each point appeared a magic circle in a different color. When I finished looking at all of them, I realized the image was the same as the front of the pocket watch that was still hidden, resting beneath my white shirt.
My hair swung wildly with the wind and force of magic. I glanced up to see a large, pink ball of energy in a shape of a Kitsune. Its tails stretched out like pink flames and took up a large section of the room. It stood in midair as if there was a platform beneath its large body.
Its head lowered and glowing pink eyes met mine. I was frozen in awe and tears formed in my eyes as I realized this majestic beauty was mine and mine alone.
"You've been waiting this whole time?"
My voice was drowned out by the noise of the rapid wind gusting around me, but the Kitsune understood, nodding its head in acknowledgment. The swords in my hands felt hot and I lifted them back up; I watched as they transformed into two glowing orbs.
Something told me to turn my hands so my palms were facing the ceiling. The two orbs swirled around me five times before they aligned themselves at my wrists where one would check someone's pulse. They sunk down, disappearing into my skin.
Once the glow faded, a pair of sword tattoos were left in their place and I knew that was their method to ensure their safekeeping and they would never be away from their owner again.
I returned my gaze back up to the Kitsune who waited patiently for me to accept my weapon— my birthright. The birthright that I now realized had been hidden from me.
"I'm not human... am I?" I asked the Kitsune.
It shook its head and I didn't need to see the irises of its eyes to feel its immense sadness for me.
The years of agony, torment, neglect, and shame wasn't because I was less or different. It was because they knew I'd be better. I would be stronger than was foreseen and someone didn't want me to achieve such glory.
It all suddenly made sense and I wanted to put the pieces together, but I wouldn't delay our reunion any longer. I smiled as tears rolled down my cheeks and I opened my arms to offer my spirit animal the loving hug it deserved.
"Okaerinasai," I whispered. Welcome home.
I closed my eyes and prepared for the same impact I'd experienced when I'd taken in Storm's magic essence, but this time, the impact barely moved me as the Kitsune plunged into my chest.
I sighed as my hands dropped to my sides. The vibrating force that pulsed within me was beyond anything I had ever experienced and it felt magnificent. I slowly opened my eyes and realized I wasn't standing on the ground, but was actually levitating a few inches off the floor.
I stared up at the cherry blossom petals that appeared from nowhere and fell to the ground like we were in a garden full of them. I felt complete and the cherry blossom magic that rained down on me was a gift from my Kitsune, the animal that belonged to me.
I slowly lowered back to the ground and took a deep breath, allowing my eyes to close. It all made sense now as the knowledge of what I was flowed into my mind.
Storm called me a Sealed One. The faint spells and nosebleeds. The consistent switching of memories and dreams. If I had listened to James and avoided coming here before my birthday, I would have died.
The dreams of my Kitsune were her only way of trying to reach me, to make me understand that time was running out. But the blizzard dream remained a mystery. I called off the magic and opened my eyes to see the cherry blossom petals now scattered across the floor faded away and the wind came to a stop, leaving the office in shambles.
I sighed, running my hand through my hair. I noticed a small box on the messy desk. My instincts told me there was something important in there and when I walked over and picked up the black velvet box, I felt my chest grow warm.
I furrowed my brows and placed my free hand on top of the invisible pocket watch. It was hot, but not enough to be uncomfortable.
Returning my attention to the box in my right hand, I flipped it open and gasped. The blue jewel that was a part of Storm's watch sparkled inside the case.
"No way," I whispered. I bit my lip while studying the jewel before I closed the lid and put the box in the hidden part of my jacket.
I need to get to the guys! I felt a weird sensation from inside my mind and I could picture my Kitsune sitting patiently, with a curious sparkle in her pink eyes that made me pause.
A thought came to my mind. Evidence.
"That's right. Evidence. There has to be something here that will prove I was sealed. Aside from my new powers, of course. Something like paperwork, or a document." I talked to myself as my eyes quickly scanned the countless papers that covered the floor and desk.
My eyes stopped when I saw ‘son Arashi’ on one of the papers on the floor. I walked up to it and knelt down to inspect the paper.
PREDICTED SUMMARY OF CHILD- RESULTS:
NAME:
CRIMSON ARASHI
GENDER:
FEMALE
BIRTHDAY:
AUG-18- XXXX
MOTHER:
MOSUKI ARASHI
FATHER:
XXXXXX XXXXXX
RACE:
KITSUNE
MAGIC AFFINITY:
SSS
SPECIAL GIFT:
Cherry Blossom Magic, Levitation
ASSIGNED LICENSED DOCTOR:
Dr. Nakomi, previously Dr. Omako
My
hands trembled and I immediately began to look for more of the report. The Xs were placed there on purpose, hiding the information beneath.
"Unbelievable. Hated me so much he couldn't even stand for his name or my full birth date to be on the paper. I bet he didn't want to acknowledge I was born," I snarled, finding another paper.
I quickly scanned the document, realizing it was the results of a DNA test. The handwriting was different than the other form, neater and clean like my mother's handwriting. I tilted my head and continued to read the letter until my eyes landed on the final sentence where my parents had printed and signed their names.
"No..."
I lifted the paper as close to my face as possible. Maybe the magic had done something to my vision and I was seeing what I wanted to instead of what was really there.
This is what I need! I folded the papers and stuffed them into the secret compartment. I took a deep breath and concentrated on creating a spell.
This jacket cannot be removed from thy body unless I state so. It is one with me and will stay with me. Seal the pockets inside and further conceal the contents hidden within.
I placed my hand over my heart which was covered by my jacket and knew the job was done. It felt amazing to finally use spells I'd learned when I was nothing but a child, and have them work at my command with ease.
I was ready to rise, but then the entire structure suddenly shook as if something had crashed into the exterior. I heard screams from outside and cursed, rushing out of the room.
I slid into the hallway just as four men appeared from the staircase. We made eye contact and I mentally groaned at the idea of having to fight anyone right now. I needed to get to the guys fast and this would only delay me further.
I was preparing to summon my magic, getting into a fighting stance when the door opened and Mother came out in her half Kitsune form. Her eyes landed on me and widened in shock. She caught movement to her left, seeing one of the men who had just realized who she was, dashing toward her.
Mother immediately stood before me protectively and pulled out a small fan. With a flick of her wrist, she opened it and twirled once. The magic circle formed beneath; a large pink dragon made out of pink flames materialized out of nowhere.
The men didn't have a chance to skid to a stop; their screams echoed through the walls and they were burned to ash. The dragon didn't stop there, turning and making its way down the stairs. In seconds, more screams rang out, but I didn't have any time to process how amazing that was before Mother turned to me, the shock returning to her in full force.
"Crimson! How? You’re...a shifter? What magic is this?" my mother demanded.
"You should know! I was predicted to be a shifter, Mom! Why didn't you tell me?" I screamed, feeling betrayed.
My mom stared at me in confusion, shaking her head. "Sweetheart, I was monitored through the entire pregnancy by two doctors! You were human," Mother countered.
I shook my head. "MOM! I’ve seen the test results. They’re in that room,” I pointed to the chaotic office. My mom's eyes grew wide.
"Your father's office?" she exclaimed nervously.
"Mother, I read the document! You don't remember?"
My mother just stared at me dumbfounded.
What if he made her forget somehow and she's clueless?
I groaned and shook my head. "Mom! Listen, I was never human. I was sealed! I don't know when it happened, but the documents state I was supposed to be a Kitsune with cherry blossom magic and stuff," I explained quickly, looking back at the stairs to make sure no one was coming.
The sounds that were coming from downstairs told me we didn't have long.
"Sealed. Sweetie, you couldn’t have been sealed. The only way that's possible if you’re sealed in...the womb..." Mother trailed off and seemed to remember something suddenly.
'Mom! The doctor! You need to remember. Why did you switch doctors?"
The doctor who treated me after the alleyway incident had been my doctor for years, Dr. Nakomi.
"Because your father wanted to. He said he didn't like Omako cause he was friends with—" Mother started, but the structure shook again and we fought to keep our balance.
I placed my hands on my mom's shoulders. "Mother! Please, you have to believe me," I begged, staring right into her eyes.
She pulled me into her arms and squeezed me tight. "I believe you. We’ll figure this out, but first, we need to find out what’s going on. However, I can't let you stay in this state," Mother announced.
"What do you mean? Are you gonna take my Kitsune and weapons away?" I asked.
She shook her head. "No, I'm going to hide it. If someone is abusing us, I can't let them see you're a shifter now, especially with that magic affinity," Mother confessed.
I looked into her eyes and knew she wanted the best for me. I nodded quickly before she placed her hand on my forehead.
"Conceal thy birthright until it is right for my child to display her power and reclaim her destiny," Mother whispered.
I felt a cool current of air wrap around me as if as if forming a cocoon of wind.
When she was finished, she relaxed her hand and gave me an analyzing look. "There, now to everyone you'll still be seen as human. To unleash your magic simply say your pen name," she instructed.
I blinked and gave her a stunned look. "Wait," I said, realizing she shouldn't have known what either of my pen names were.
As if she knew what I would ask, she spoke, "The new one and to answer the question I’m sure you will ask, a friend of mine purchases your work. I have a few pieces as well."
"Mom," I whispered.
She smiled back, but then I noticed the slight glint of something red at the end of the hall behind one of the statues. My eyes went wide as I realized the ball of energy was aimed at Mom.
NO!
I pushed Mother out of the way and whatever shot out hit me hard enough to send me flying and crashing into one of the statues.
I gasped and screamed, my body feeling like it was being electrocuted as I convulsed on the floor.
"CRIMSON!" I heard Mother scream as commotion sounded around us. I couldn't move and it was hard to breathe. I stared at the ceiling reminded me of a memory— Storm's memory as she was about to die.
The one thing I had been desperate to remember finally returned, and it was too late. I fought for breath and a man in black appeared in my line of vision as I struggled to keep my eyes open, fighting off the black spots that began to appear one by one.
I didn't need the man to remove his mask to see two obvious things: the large tattoo that peaked through the gap of his mask and those familiar red eyes.
The red eyes I used to wake up to that would admire my sleepy face.
The crimson jewels that would scan my body in lust before we made love.
Those ruby orbs that stared directly into my eyes and told me he didn't love me anymore.
"James," I choked and I could feel the anguish in his eyes.
He lowered to his knees and his thumb ran along my bottom lip. I saw the bright red liquid that lingered on his previously clean finger.
"I told you to stay away, Crim. Why are you so stubborn?" he whispered.
I wanted to say more, but his head lowered and his lips pressed against mine. I tried to move my head and thrash my arms and legs, trying to get away, but I couldn't move.
He pulled away and the look in his eyes struck fear in my heart as I watched him lick his stained lips; a malicious smile appeared.
"I guess I'll have to use you as bait to bring the Emperor’s son here. Very well," he declared.
I couldn't feel his arms, but the movement of my body rising up, indicated I was being lifted off the floor.
"CRIMSON!" Mother screamed and James turned to the woman who was fighting five other men at once. She blasted them with a wave of wind so strong they all fell back, giving her just enough time for her eyes to meet mine.
That was the first time I'd truly seen fear in my
mother's eyes as she moved forward to stop James, but he turned around and ran straight out the second floor window with me in his arms.
My eyes glazed over at the falling sensation, reminding me of my near death experience, and I didn't fight the darkness any longer.
I'm gonna die.
~AKIHIRO~
I slid to a stop and sprinted down the hall as fast I could. My hair whipped in the wind and my tails coursed with power as my blade slid through the approaching masked shifters who attempted to bring me down.
They thought they were a match for me? What a joke. I was blinded by rage which drove me forward. I had to make sure she was okay. Our love was in danger and the fear that began to pool inside me told me I didn't have much time.
I reached the living room and my eyes noticed sounds of fighting coming from upstairs.
"CRIMSON!"
My body jolted forward as I pushed off the ground, using my magic to propel me through the air. The shrillness of that scream made me afraid to reach the top of stairs, but the name that rang and echoed against the walls was enough to overcome my fear. I needed to discover how bad the situation was and if Crimson was okay.
I soared up the stairs, landing at the top and turned my head to the left to see Crimson's mother fighting off a group of men. I pulled out my sword and flames emerged around the silver blade as I ran forward.
Mrs. Arashi noticed and she dropped to the ground to avoid my impending slaughter, as I pushed off the ground, bringing my arm up to prepare a flaming attack. I whipped my sword out horizontally, sending a wave of fire that cut off the heads of all five men with ease. Their bodies fell to the ground while their heads rolled off down the hall.
Mrs. Arashi rose to her feet and ran to the shattered window, looking over the ledge as if desperate to find something.
"Where's Crimson?" I demanded.
"The assassins took her! I don't know where they went!" she screamed as tears began to pool in her eyes. I cursed and nodded.
"I'll find her, Mrs. Arashi. Tell the others what's going on. Don’t worry, I’ve cleared the lower level," I reassured. She ran to me and placed her hands on my shoulders, staring into my eyes.
Taming the Storm (Crimson Storm Chronicles Book 1) Page 27
