He was slimmer than the rest of the guys and didn’t have much bicep definition, but I could sense something around him, a type of indescribable energy. Maybe it had to do with Storm's magic that coursed through me, but I knew he must have a very good reason to be on the team and it wasn't just healing.
He wore a black dress shirt and white jeans. His silver hair had an ombre look, transitioning to gold and just surpassed his shoulders. He had mismatched eyes; his left eye was a light gold and his right eye was dark orange. His overall facial appearance gave off a cute boy next door look, but it didn’t detract from his muscularity.
Quillian Reid was Voice Six. He was twenty-five and was the tallest at 6’6”. He gave off a “don't mess with me” vibe just like Akihiro, but it wasn't as prominent. He explained he was a hand-to-hand combat fighter and trained shifters in close quarters fighting.
He was Caucasian and many people assumed he'd been recruited to work here, but he had actually come to Homatomashi due to his father's business. Quillian was fluent in several languages including Japanese, Cantonese, and Mandarin. He also had many connections across the world and did business seminars from time to time in his father's stead.
He wore black shorts and a red tank top that showed off his muscled arms that had a few visible tattoos. He had short blond hair with red highlights that was swept back and the sides were trimmed. What was unusual about him were his pink eyes.
He said his eyes changed color based on his mood, but generally, they stayed pink. I wouldn't say anything until I knew him better, but I thought they were hot. Sorry James, but your red eyes have been beaten today.
Yoshi had explained to them how overwhelmed I'd felt and had given them a summarized version of what I did and didn't know. I noticed they didn't say much, merely exchanging glances and eyeing my mother who was still in the room.
When she left to get tea, the guys informed me they would give me a more detailed report of everything regarding Storm when we were in a secure private area.
Sadly when Mother came back, she was accompanied by Father. His eyes met mine and the first words that came out of his mouth were requesting for me to leave.
"Hachimitsu! She just woke up. Let her at least—" Mother began, but Father cut her off.
"I don't want a disgrace like her in my home. I have visitors coming shortly. Leave now."
James walked into the room, looking confused by the confrontation. "Mr. Arashi, can't she rest a bit more?"
"Is this a hotel? No. It's MY residence. It’s because of me this sacred place is standing and is idolized by so many. She didn't contribute to that success and all she will do is ruin the evening for my guests," Father complained.
I could feel the tension wafting off the guys like a heat wave. Even Urufu jumped off the couch, coming to stand in front of me protectively and growling while her hackles rose.
I sighed, getting to my feet. I still felt wobbly, but I wouldn't let an argument break out because of me. Akihiro clenched his teeth and came to stand beside me. He opened his mouth to say something, but I gave him a sidelong glance in warning.
Even if I was rather vulnerable at the moment, I wouldn't let him fight my battles when it came to my family. That man may have been my father, but I wouldn't let him disrespect me in front of these men who were guests and should have been a priority from the start.
"SHE is right here and you’re right! I didn't contribute to this foundation, but the last time I heard, this place was actually just given to you by Mr. Jiyuna for safekeeping," I reminded.
Father's eyes grew wide at my admission and Mother looked shocked. James just stared at my father, wide-eyed and wary.
"What did—" Father tried to argue, but I lifted my hand to silence him.
"Just because I was a child, didn’t mean I wasn’t listening. Maybe you should try to be humble once in a while, Father. Anyways, I will take my leave regardless. I don't want to be disturbing your current guests or the ones that will be arriving. "
"You can take them with you!" Father snarled back.
I blinked, tilting my head as I narrowed my eyes at him. Something flickered within me and my anger began to build slowly. "Excuse me?" I called out.
The guys crowded around me, all of them turning to my father.
"They can leave with you. I was speaking fluent English if you weren't aware. I have no use for them here.” He turned and addressed the guys, “You can return back to wherever you came from. The Council doesn't need your aid anymore," Father announced snidely.
What!
"What do you mean you don't need us! We're in the middle of an investigation in YOUR city," Akihiro began.
Quillian stepped forward and took over. "Because YOU and your Council wanted peace talks and strategies to help your city, Storm was summoned here. She died on your soil, yet you kick us out like rabble in the middle of the case?"
Itsuki and Haru remained silent, but the magic around them continued to grow in fury. Malachi stepped forward to stand next to Akihiro.
"Storm Yuna is dead. A person or group of individuals not only planned this, but stole her pocket watch, and now four of the five blessed crystals are missing and you have nothing to say? We should just return to where we came from? I really don't think you realize what the consequences of your actions will be if you finalize this decision, Mr. Arashi." Malachi’s threat lingered in the already tense air.
Yoshi came over to Urufu who was still growling.
"And you're perfectly fine with kicking YOUR daughter out after she died and just woke up?" Yoshi questioned, wanting to confirm what he'd heard.
"SILENCE!" Father roared. He pointed in my direction. "You know nothing! Do you know who I am? This is my property and you are only welcomed here because of me. NOT her. She's a disgrace to my family name and is not welcome here unless I say so. Now leave this instant. I don't care about your investigation. Do whatever you want; it has nothing to do with me or the Council. Storm was murdered due to your lack of protection!"
I literally felt my eye twitch at his words. It was as if a switch suddenly flipped in my mind and now I was absolutely furious. I clenched my fists and bit down hard on my lip to control the undeniable power that coursed through my body, begging for escape.
How dare he, this man filled with greed who only cares about his personal gain? This man that's full of secrets and deceit. I could destroy him with what I know. What my memories know of him. He doesn't know these men. MY MEN. Who is he to tell them that it was their fault? To add to the misery they feel because of my death. How. Dare. He!
I could feel everyone's eyes shift to me and hear Uru barking ferociously, but I zoned everything out and my eyes were focused on one thing: Konashi Arashi.
I began to approach him and noticed his anger morph into fear as I got closer. Mosuki Arashi backed away and the male known as James looked just as terrified.
"Crimson," James warned, but his voice trembled and sounded weak to me. He could do nothing to stop me. Because I was dead, they thought I could do nothing. That I was nothing but a spirit. I had power. In this body, I could do the same damage as I could when I was alive.
No. I could do far worse. When the truth is revealed and the Sealed One knows who she is, our power will grow and I'll get my revenge on this man till he begs for death. But even death would turn him away till he paid his dues.
"Crimson! Yameru!" Mother pleaded.
I was unsure why that woman was trembling with fear. My power wasn't even unleashed yet. Little strands of magic emanated off my feverish skin, but I hadn't even cast a spell. Still, they shook in terror; a feeling of satisfaction rushed through me.
"Crimstorm!" I heard Yoshi call out.