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Yuumi is an interesting creature. She is incredibly innocent and malevolent yet when accompanying someone such as Jhin her inner tendencies are brought to the stage.
There are some who think her too naive and oblivious, but it is quite the opposite.
She is not blind to the way how some humans have a glint in their eye — a glint of madness and barely concealed fury. She knows when someone will go insane and lose themselves. She is not blind to the way that some look at themselves in despite and contempt; the way they grip at their arms with their nails to the point of drawing blood.
She is so very lovely and kind and forgiving, but stupid and completely innocent, not so much.
She knows that Yasuo is dealing with his personal issues, the demons that have haunted him since the death of his brother.
She’s seen the Wolf and the Lamb — the Ying and Yang of Death — she knows what death and darkness look like, and Yasuo seems to be teetering between wanting to accept his fate and wanting to do whatever it takes to honor his brother.
That evening in the dead of night, she encounters them; forces them to communicate with her.
“Are you trying to make a deal with us?”
“Maybe. Is it working?”
“Little one… Everyone has their time to go, including Yasuo himself.”
“I don’t care. Wolf and Lamb…I know your true name. There’s a reason for that, don’t you think so?”
“We’ll give you a month. If he is unable to find peace, we will be there for him.”
“We’ll chase him for eternity if that’s what it takes; we’ll hunt him for his blood!”
“No, you won’t.”
one.
It begins with small displays of affection. Yuumi gives the lone wanderer a smile here and there, tail curled up happily, strutting by his side with light steps of her paws. She plays ignorant to the glances he gives her, full of regret and badly concealed self-hatred.
(She hates it so very much.
It reminds her of her old master when they were stuck in a low…)
two.
The group is laying down on the lush and vibrant green grass of the backyard of their large cottage, watching the stars and the exploding, sparkling, and dynamic fireworks being set off. Rhaast cackles from his scythe, yet the sound from him sounds more intrigued and amused than bloodthirsty and sadistic. It’s quite the experience, Kayn giving an odd look at his weapon. Yuumi giggles, her paw blocking the sharp feline teeth making an appearance.
Amidst the ensuing chaos, she notices Yasuo keeping his distance from the rest. She frowns, quickly replacing it with an innocent smile, bounding over to him. She nuzzles her cheek against the lower part of his shin and then leaps upwards, gaining a sharp exhale of breath from Yasuo. Wrapping herself around his neck, her head jewel gently bobs behind her body, whiskers tickling Yasuo’s cheek.
She does not say anything, hoping that her emotions are conveyed through her actions.
Yasuo relaxes in the feline’s warmth.
three.
She hates having to act the way she is right now. She dislikes having to stop the arguments that flare up in the group of misfits she brought together despite it being a necessary evil.
She never regrets doing so, but it’s in moments like these she realizes that there’s a reason she’s the youngest and the only female species of something in the group.
True to the stereotypes, she’s a bit more sympathetic and emotionally in tune with herself than the others — granted she has not gone through as traumatic events as the others — leading to Yuumi needing to be the grounding presence between the other six.
“Be quiet!” She had hissed when she noticed Yasuo flinching.
She doesn’t regret raising her voice even as Sylas gives her an inquisitive raise of his brow, and Kayn turns his sight to her, eyes narrowing in annoyance.
He doesn’t say anything to her. Yuumi huffs and ushers Yasuo out of the kitchen. She grumbles and mutters under her breath.
Yasuo catches onto some of it, but it’s enough.
(“Kayn needs to shut up sometimes. Yasuo is punishing himself enough as is. Yasuo deserves peace and love…” She had whispered under her breath.
Yasuo feels something warm grow in his chest.)
four.
Yasuo is warming up to her, Yuumi thinks. He finally goes out of his way to interact with her first. He gives her a nod of the head, or a small amused pursing of the lips when she’s seen blowing a raspberry at the eldest, Jhin. She gives him a bright meow in response.
five.
He goes hunting and when he comes back, he cooks a meal for Yuumi. She stares at him, head tilted, tail swishing behind her in curiosity. He smiles at her and for the first time, he gives her a chin scratch. She purrs in contentment, body arching out.
“Consider this my thanks, little neko. ”
She smiles. “ありがとう, ヤスオ. ”
He blinks at her in surprise. “You know Japanese?”
She nods. “Yes. I’m a magical cat… this is the least of my abilities,” she giggles, proceeding to direct her attention to the food laid out in front of her. Yasuo lets out a small hum of contemplation.
???
Yuumi faces them face-to-face and lowers her head in respect. The lamb entity gently pats the feline with its bow and the hovering aspect growls, looping around her.
“You managed to do it…” A soft voice resonates in the silence.
Yuumi’s tail glows in the darkness.
“A shame that you left us all those years ago, little kitty.”
“Sorry, Wolf. Sorry, Lamb.”
“I understand. Our duty of taking from others was not for you, and that’s alright. We will not reap Yasuo’s soul, however, you must know that eventually, his life will come to a close, and it will be your time, too.”
“I do. And when it comes, I will not run.”
There is no answer as the two disappear into the mist surrounding the forest.
Yuumi watches it with a wistful glance, turning her back when the veil dissipates.