Aki and Yoshi exchanged looks and Malachi crossed his arms. Quil had a blank expression on his face and Haru and Itsuki looked calm, but their worry showed in their eyes.
I sighed. "Guys, I'm not Storm. No one is going to attack me or kidnap me or anything. No one even looks my way when I walk down the hall. You guys are wasting your energy here. This is a huge update! Storm would not be pleased that you guys are standing there collecting dust like furniture instead of going to see the Council yourself. We need to be one hundred percent sure that the traitor is a part of the Council OR aiming to overthrow the Council in order to take their place."
Melody had reached her destination safely thanks to Yoshi's plan; the doppelganger was attacked as predicted. Thankfully, no one got hurt or killed, but we knew someone was definitely interfering from the outside.
Because of Melody's confession, the Emperor requested a meeting with Storm's guards and the Council, and wanted to do a live video conference which was something new. Not to say that we didn't love technology, but for the average person, seeing the Emperor was a BIG deal and an opportunity you'd be lucky to experience even once in your lifetime.
"One of us could stay," Quil suggested anxiously.
I uncrossed my legs and slid off the bed to stand.
"None of you are staying. As a group, you’re representing Storm Yuna's case. You were her protectors and knew her better than anyone on that Council. Whoever is trying to brush off her case will pull out every card they have to minimize the situation or come up with a reason for the Emperor to dismiss it and move on. You guys work well as a team, so all of you have to be there. This may be the only shot we get and we will make it count for the sake of Storm."
The guys were quiet as they exchanged glances. I could feel their tension and fear regarding this meeting. If we screwed this up for whatever reason, we may never get the chance to talk with the Emperor regarding Storm's murder again.
"Crimson has a point," Yoshi announced reluctantly.
I glanced at the others who sighed. "The meeting won’t take long, guys. I don't need a babysitter and I have Urufu." I beamed and pointed to my Uru who was curled up on the bed.
She perked up at my suggestion. 'WOOF!' She stood up to stare at the guys.
They smiled and shook their heads.
"Yup, we can leave Crim with her beloved familiar," Malachi proclaimed.
"Hey, Urufu can destroy those nuts of yours." I winked at Malachi whose eyes widened at my comment.
"Nope. Leave my balls and anything near them alone!" He snuck behind Aki who just rolled his eyes.
"Alright. You're going to stay here, right Crim?" Aki asked.
"My mom's in her room so I'm gonna go spend some time with her. She needs it." I'd talked to her before we made our way to the shrine and she said she'd be taking a nap so she wouldn't get in Father's way.
Apparently, he'd been stressed lately which led to his enraged behavior and she didn't have time for it or want to deal with it anymore. I bet she was already stressed enough with trying to find a way to divorce him without also having to be concerned about his little tantrum over this meeting with the Emperor.
"I guess she'll be okay," Haru said softly.
"Well, they've doubled security today because of the recent attacks. Everything should go smoothly," Itsuki disclosed.
Yoshi nodded. "Let's make our way there then. Crim, if you need anything just call. Malachi has his phone."
"Yup. I'll behave and ensure I don't trip, have nosebleeds, or pass out, at least not until you all return," I teased.
They all chuckled.
"WOOF!" Uru added.
Malachi smirked and walked up to pet the wolf familiar. "No shifting into your other forms while we’re away," Malachi warned.
"Why can't she?" I wondered.
Quil pushed off the wall to also pet Uru who sat back down on the bed to relax. "Another reason you may be so tired is because Uru drains a small amount of energy from you in this form, and your body is trying to adapt. If she changed into a bunny, it would cost less, but if she changed into a phoenix it would cost triple the magic and have a greater toll on you. You know how she loves exploring and your family’s garden is tempting." Quil smiled and met my gaze.
I grinned. "Makes sense. Okay. Uru, be good," I joked.
"Woof!" she barked in response.
I took a long glance at each of my men and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
They had been able to mourn the woman they loved, push forward to pursue the people who took her away from them, and they still had enough space in their hearts to love me. Now, they needed the strength to fight against whatever plan our hidden enemy was creating.
"After this, we’re going out tonight!" Itsuki declared.
"We are? Drinks?" I asked, curious as to how the guys would behave after a few glasses of alcohol.
Aki laughed. "I love how happy she suddenly became over alcohol."
"Alcohol is fun with company. And I want to get Malachi wasted," I pointed out with a grin.
"Oh Hottie, that will be a mission. I have a high tolerance. You wouldn't stand a chance," he teased, reaching my side in two steps to give me a kiss on the cheek.
I grinned and leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Don't test me, Hottie McHot Pants. I'm not afraid to play with fire." I could see the slight flush on his cheeks before he turned away.
"I'm leaving. Crim using her seductive voice on me is going to make it hard for me to concentrate," Malachi complained.
"Or make those pants a little too tight for his comfort," Quil laughed.
"I hate you," Malachi retorted.
"Sure you do. I'll make sure not to carry your drunk ass home when Crim beats you then," Quil teased and walked to my side to give me a hug and a kiss.
"Be good," he whispered.
"I'm always good,” I replied.
He smirked before pulling away.
"You guys are being dramatic. It's just a meeting." Itsuki sighed and approached to give his own hug and a kiss on my cheek.
"She's perfectly healthy right now from what I see. Nothing to worry about," Haru reassured them all as he took Itsuki’s place and gave me a hug and kiss on the opposite cheek.
"I like being overdramatic. It gives me character. Wait, I didn't get my hug!" Malachi frowned.
Yoshi and Aki groaned and the others laughed. Malachi quickly squeezed past Yoshi who was about to pull me into his arms.
"Hottie McHot Pants, go away," I giggled.
"Fine, fine. I'll go chill with the others outside," he replied, quickly giving me a second kiss on the cheek before he left with the others, leaving me with Yoshi and Aki.
Yoshi pulled me into his arms. "I really hope this goes well," he whispered.
I was shocked by the vulnerability in his voice; it made me pull back so I could stare into his sapphire eyes that lacked their usual vibrant flow of gold. "Hey, don’t lose that confidence. I know you can convince the Emperor. You have it in you as do the others," I comforted.
"I know. I'm just worried I'll mess it up," he admitted.
I knew Yoshi and Aki were close and that they both had seen each other at their best and worst. I realized after spending time with them that it seemed Akihiro and Yoshimitsu shared the responsibility of leader; Aki held the role within their group and Yoshi took over during political issues or in public discussions.
"You will do amazing. I have confidence in all of you," I whispered and lifted on my tiptoes to kiss him gently on the lips.
He closed his eyes and relaxed, returning the soft kiss. We pulled away after a moment and smiled and I brushed his cheek with my hand.
"You will make Storm so proud to have had you as guards."
He smiled and blinked his eyes rapidly to ward off tears. I pulled him into another hug, hoping my affection would be enough to steady his troubled heart. I couldn't wait for this to be over with so I could get to know everyone better.
"Thanks, Crim." Yoshi pulled away and I knew my action had helped as confidence returned to his sapphire eyes that were once again twinkling with those mini gold lines.