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"Yes. Father, Mother, and I are going to a quiet little cottage tomorrow in a small town next to Nokamato. Father's going to help me train again. My therapist thinks it would be better than me being cooped up all day. I think it will give me enough time to absorb everything that happened and try to move forward."
"Should I come?"
"It wouldn't be fair for the others..." I trailed off.
"Would it make you feel safer, Crimson?" he reworded.
"...Yes."
"Then I'll come. I'll explain to the others. They'll get it," Aki assured me.
"You don't need to relive your past because of me," I pointed out.
"I'm not reliving it. I conquered those demons long ago. Me telling them what I've experienced simply justifies me coming with you. I'm not being selfish or trying to claim you for myself. It's just a part of your healing, and as long as it involves you getting better, they won't argue." Aki concluded.
"Okay. That sounds like a plan."
We took a last appreciative look at the art piece.
"Aki?"
"Yes, Crimson."
"I'll get through this. I'll worker harder...get stronger and fight back. I don't want any other kitsunes experiencing what we have. I don't want this country to keep sinking deeper and deeper into desperation and fear. I'm tired of running and hiding. N.R.O, White Eyes, Erica....they all thought they could calm and subdue me. They almost succeeded, but I won't let them win. I won't let them break me. They'll have to the face the storm that's approaching, and I vow, none of them will survive."
I turned toward Aki and he smiled with pride as he nodded.
"Well, for your comfort, one already lost to you."
"Who?"
"Erica. She was found at Storm's grave. No trace of death. The only evidence is the bite marks on her neck, which they presume are hickeys."
"Guess our secret is still safe," I declared.
"Yup. Good work on remembering," Aki praised.
His eyes lowered to my lips, and I smiled.
"No matter what happens, we'll make sure everyone stays together?"
Aki grinned and gave me a determined look.
"We won't let the truth of Storm tear us apart. I won't allow it, and I know you won't either. We'll get through this bump in our path, retrieve the final crystal, and face N.R.O once and for all."
I lifted my hand to brush his cheek and he closed his eyes, pressing his hand lightly on mine.
It didn't freak me out or make me flinch. Aki opened his eyes as a broad smile formed on his lips.
"Progress."
"I guess so." I smiled before I lowered my gaze to his lips. "Kiss me, Aki."
"My pleasure," Aki whispered, lowering his smooth lips to mine.
Baby steps are all I need. This won't stop me, because the battle has just begun.
CHAPTER18
