He shook his head. "We weren't with Storm when she was murdered or I would have done everything in my power to save her. The others would have done the same," Yoshi admitted.
"But why waste time on me?" I pointed out.
"If you see someone on the street who's dying, do you walk away?"
"No," I replied immediately.
"Then what would make it okay for us not to help you? You were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Though, I have a hunch that maybe this was simply fate," Yoshi admitted.
"What now?" I asked.
"We have to see how much of Storm's essence is within you and if it will be temporary or permanent," Yoshi explained.
"So I'm Storm too? I don't feel like her, though." I ruffled my hair and took me a good few minutes to realize it wasn't the long silver locks I remembered having. I blinked, feeling confused once more. This is going to be hard.
"Crimstorm." Yoshi gave me a remorseful look.
"Sorry, happening again. I kinda wish I had long hair now." I gave him a sheepish smile to hide my confusion.
"Hmm. This is gonna be complicated," Yoshi admitted.
"The whole switching thing?" I asked.
He chuckled, shaking his head. I liked the sound of his low laughter, it made me happier hearing it.
"It’s not that. Storm hates short hair. I heard your mom say you don't like having long hair. You just had the cutest look of disgust on your face for a split second. I shouldn't laugh, but it was really adorable," Yoshi confessed with a smirk.
I blushed and glanced away.
"Evil," I mumbled. It wasn't the way I would normally react, but I didn't like that he was amused by my hair dilemma.
"You still want to be called Crimstorm?" Yoshi asked.
"I think Crimson for the majority of the time, but I guess if I'm confused or don't respond, Crimstorm is fine," I confirmed.
He nodded. "Do you want to face the others?"
"Can I wait a little longer?" I begged.
"Are you scared?"
"Yes," I admitted.
"Why?" Yoshi seemed honestly interested.
"I've spent all my life being an outcast. Now, this happens to me and either I'll be put into the spotlight or be discarded because of it. That's the impression I have of what will happen, at least. If we're able to fix this...that's it, right? Everyone says farewell and you return to your lives and I return to mine. I shouldn't feel the way I feel right now, but the thought frightens me. One part of me knows I'll be fine alone, just as I always have been. But the other side doesn't want to be. I'm scared to be all by myself and if you guys leave I will also have to deal with James," I admitted.
"This James guy, is your boyfriend?" Yoshi looked a little ticked off and the way he said boyfriend held more than a hint of disgust.
"He's...ugh. It’s complicated. Yes, very complicated," I grumbled.
"He doesn't know what he wants, does he? He seems easily influenced by others’ opinions," Yoshi stated plainly.
I gawked at him. "How can you tell?"
"In time you'll understand, Crimson. I learned at an early age how to interpret a person’s body language. Someone’s nonverbal actions can tell me everything about them. We’ll give your roommate a chance though," Yoshi said dryly.
My instincts told me he had no faith in James. I didn’t either, which is why I realized I'd have to confront him. That was the conclusion I came to the night before everything happened. I couldn't back down now.
"So for now, are you guys staying?" I asked.
"If you want us to. We have to wait for your father's decision regarding our accommodations. We're still investigating Storm Yuna's death. On top of that, four of the crystals are missing," Yoshi explained.
"Crystals...wait. Gold, blue, red, and white!" I announced; the complete image of the pocket watch flickered in my mind.
"Yes. I'm assuming you remember because of Storm's memories?" Yoshi wondered.
"I don't remember everything about her. It just comes and goes. The mention of the crystals made the image pop up in my mind. When I picked up the pocket watch from the ground it only had the pink crystal. Where did the others go?” I scrunched up my face, upset that the little gemstones were missing.
"That's what we're trying to find out. That thief could have the answers, but looks like he has gone into hiding."
"Is the Council working on identifying him and determining if he's connected to Storm’s murder?" I asked.
"The Council isn't really helping. I feel like it's not their priority," Yoshi mumbled.
"Not their priority? Why not?" I demanded.
Uru began to growl again as if she could feel my anger.
"It's...complicated. Once we've gotten settled, we’ll work it out. I don't want you worrying about it," Yoshi comforted.
"But..." I began, but Yoshi shook his head.
"Upsetting you isn’t going to help you rest. The doctor said you should have been asleep for two weeks after something like that. Not five days. Your mother said you’re dealing with anxiety and Storm suffers from panic attacks and other issues. We won't know how much of an effect her magic and essence will have on you until you’re fully rested."
"Are you planning on excluding me?" I asked. I didn't want to be left out of the decisions or conversation just because I was a victim in this. I deserved better and wouldn't let anyone take that right away from me. This problem was about me. Regardless if they wanted to protect me or not stress me out, I would be even more upset if they left me out of the decision making.
Yoshi laughed. Literally; full-blown laughter that even made Uru sit up and tilt her head in confusion. He raised his hands in defense and bowed his head.
"I'm sorry, don't kill me, but you and Storm would have gotten along really well. You looked like you would murder all of us if we kept you out of the loop. It just makes you look really cute in a hot way, if that makes any sense." He chuckled.
"Men. Always amused by the weirdest things," I mumbled to Uru.
"Woof," Uru replied happily.
"That's not weird." Yoshi grinned.
I sighed, giving him a soft smile.
His face grew serious. "Any discussion regarding you or Storm from now on will be discussed in your presence. I wouldn't have it any other way. Unless you’re resting or unable to be present when we have updates on the situation, in which case we’ll make sure you get a summary of everything after. Does that sound fair?"
"Very fair. Thank you." I bowed my head.
"You ready to face the music?" he asked.
"Might as well. I doubt I'll be able to sleep now anyway. I also want to thank the others. They sound nice...and protective. Mr. Stern Voice sounds mean though," I admitted before I realized I'd said the last part out loud.
Yoshi grinned. "Mr. Stern Voice?"
"Um... Voice One. The one who told you I was awake," I clarified.
"Ah. Aki," Yoshi replied. "Which voice am I?"
"Number Two, the calm one," I confessed.
He smirked. "One thing I'll warn you about Akihiro. He likes to do things his way and hates when people don't listen to him. You may get upset with him and lose your patience, but he always means well. Just struggles to show it."
"Ah. Hard-headed like James," I mumbled.
"Trust me, Aki at least knows what he wants," Yoshi whispered, giving me a seductive wink. He rose from the bed. “There's a new set of clothes in the washroom. Go take a relaxing bath and when you're ready to talk, we’ll be in the living room. I'll come check on you if anything happens." He headed for the door, looking back to give me a smile.
"Yoshimitsu?" I whispered.
"Yes, Crimson?"
"Arigato. I needed this." I bowed my head, resting it on the bed in a show of gratitude. I glanced sideways at Uru who copied my bow, putting her head to the blanket and howling softly.
"Thank you, Crimson Storm, for trusting a stranger like me. No matter what the future holds, we'll work together to solve this. I promise you in my father's name," Yoshi whispered the last part.
I wanted to respond but he opened the door and slipped into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
"We're all strangers, yet they've shown more compassion than I've ever received," I whispered.