"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.