This had been a hell of a day but it wasn't so bad. The crew resumed their routine, settling to sleep. Or maybe Jinx was staying up late in the workshop.
On Yasuo's side, he went quietly to read before deciding to sleep at a reasonable hour.
But bingo, he couldn't. Still thought about what happened that day. Except the fact that they potentially avoided being eaten by some creature, they met someone.
Yi
Strange, really, how travels could lead them to such a peculiar being. Yasuo didn't know to refer to them though globally it was more of a masculine aura. I don't know, should ask if we meet again. Pushing some thoughts about any gender forms for this kind of entity would surely kill his rest so he didn't try.
It had been interesting, to meet an unknown kind of life. One dedicated to maintain balance and harmony in universes. It means there are several universes ? Another thing to avoid if he really wanted to sleep soon.
Even now he couldn't find with he was intrigued to this point. It happened in the day, just doing the recap. But still this light fluster. Yi was really one of a kind, difficult to get out of his mind. Beautiful, in a odd way. Exotic.
Fuck it, Jinx was right ? I'm overthinking. But is that even a guy ? This was a loop without end. In any case, he was curious about them and was already thrilled at the idea of talking more.
Wait, how do I even manage to find them ? This was cryptic as possible, just a « call me ». Yasuo doubted a being so powerful used low technology to communicate.
Arg….
Sleep found him after a long fight to relax, some stirring and a good dose of impatience. Nothing
better to start a new day than minimum rest and troubled mind. Needless to say this was going to be long.
Jinx got an warning during breakfast but as usual did nothing of it, used to him being moody after a bad night.
Just need a nap.
At least their tiny lizard could do nothing to annoy him, just staying nearby as cheerful as it was. Even while he settled down, got busy with minor tasks, Yasuo's thoughts came back to the other person. Zoned out sometimes. Truly bothering how he could be confused by a mere encounter. Rarely felt so interested, without even knowing what he seeked in that. Maybe just knowledge.
Several times Yasuo wanted to call them, just to have this conversation he was looking for. But how do I do that ?
At some point he went to see their communication device but got stuck again, no idea how to proceed. What the fuck am I doing ?
This state of restlesness seemed to grow on the rest of the crew or at least, they noticed. Once, Malphite went to poke him and he didn't even hear him come, too taken by his thoughts. A loud laugh followed, for having caused such a scare.
« Ya know, I was joking. But I'm starting to think you really have a problem, Yas. » Jinx's way to show concern, though it was blatant bickering.
« You're my problem, running into troubles before we even get out of the previous. Now shut up and eat in silence. »
Never expected her to stay quiet, even during the meal. On most days Yasuo liked that, it made some background noise, a bit of company.
« Whatever. Do you even have his name ? Must have learned some stuff when you kept eyeing up. »
« Mind you fucking business. I wasn't. » So easy to get mad at her, she had a gift to annoy people. So loud.
« And I'm perfectly sane, right. You're shit at keeping secrets and you know it. So, what's his little name ? »
Yasuo said nothing, a bit angry at himself for being readable at the first glance. A deep sigh : « Yi. »
And as a spell, they appeared in the room, a few seconds after the name was spoken. A loud noise followed, everyone choking on their food, jumping at the scare.
« HOLY— Shit ! » He would have reached for his sword but never carried it around at table, there was supposed to be no risk.
First reflex was to get on fight response but they calmed down eventually, staring back at the intruder. Except Malphite, who stayed cautious, ready to throw a punch. For the lizard, it just hid behind a glass, after a tiny squeak.
« No need to scream like that, it's just me. » In their voice there was no show of remorse for causing
such a fuss. Even if they just manifested in a room by mere call of the name.
« Fuck, you weren't kidding when you told just to call you. » Yasuo relaxed a little though couldn't go back to eat.
« What the fuck you're doing here ? That's our ship ! We didn't invite you ! » Even for her it was too much surprise at once.
« No, Yasuo. I don't lie. » They turned slightly to face Jinx : « I was summoned and nothing showed I wasn't welcome here. Do you accept my apologies ? »
« Mmmpf, that's still pretty rude. Do I go bother you at home ? No ! »
« Jinx, calm down. It was an accident. » Yasuo still tried to keep this low, there was no need for a fight now.
Yi tilted his head slightly, maybe that was some sort of curiosity : « Oh, so I wasn't required here ? Shall I leave ? »
« No no, stay here ! I…wanted to talk. Not now though, let me finish and we go. » Spoke before Jinx could send him away. Maybe not the most brilliant idea, if he trusted the knowing glance she gave him. Fuck.
« Fine, fine, do your thing. Not like my opinion count here. »
« I'm the captain. » Would make her a little pissed but it was their favorite way to annoy each other.
« Fucking dictator in my own ship… » Grumbled a little but Jinx went back to eating without more comment.
But Yi was still here, standing where he just arrived. It turned the mood a little awkward, as there was nothing he could do.
« You can sit, you know. It's not forbidden. » Yasuo didn't know what else to do as he hurried. « D-Do you want something to eat or drink ? »
« I have no need for that. But I appreciate the offer. » Must have been talking about the food offer, since they reached for the closest empty seat. And just stayed there, waiting patiently.
There was really nothing to deduce from Yi's face, a sort of mask or whatever that was. But fortunately the light mood came back, some happy chatter.
Once Yasuo was done, he ran to put his plate to be cleaned later and stepped toward their guest.
« Come with me ? It'll be more quiet than here. »
« Not my worshop ! If I found a single thing moved or dirtied, I'm kicking your ass ! »
« Fuck off ! » How could she suggest such a thing, Yasuo had not idea. But it did make him blush, just a little.
Yi followed him as he went to that room he used to meditate. Some books lied around. This was his
spot to be left at peace, far from the two others.
« Can sit, it's fine. » He gestured to the latter as he did the same, on the carpet. The lizard joined him too, curling up.
It was still very intriguing, to watch their moves. How they settled down with some grace, not far from Yasuo.
« So, you wished to talk ? » Nothing went through the tone.
« Yeah, yeah. But can't really remember what. » A small laugh at his own derision. This was becoming awkward again.
« I have all the time you want. Just need to ask. »
« It's not funny, it confused me so much. I…can't get you out of my thoughts. »
« Ah. It wasn't my attention to bring you such trouble. »
« No problem, no problem. » Silence seemed to stay here for a while. And Yi said nothing, just waited. He could feel their gaze on him. Was it judgement, impatience, curiosity ? Why was his heart going faster ?
Ah, yes. « Hum, this is a bit strange to ask but what are you ? »
« I thought I had answered this before. My fault then. I am a source of life, pure energy condensed in one being. Our kind has as aim to keep balance in everything and so our power allow us to create and modify universes for the best. »
« Didn't mean that ! Errr, like, what are you ? You talked of a queen, so you refer to her as 'she'. How do they refer to you ? »
« Oh, I see. Well, there is no such thing as sex in our kind, in the biological sense. We refer to each of us as we prefer. Our queen wants to be refered as such. And to answer you question, I prefer to be refered as 'he'. »
« Okay, Jinx wasn't wrong. » Yasuo didn't know what to do with that particular piece of information but it was one thing learned. Now he was settled.
« Is that important for you ? »
« No no ! Doesn't matter at all ! Just wanted to know, to be correct. » Short embarrassment, wondering why he felt that tension. It was fine. « Your queen, how is she ? »
« She has the status of queen by simple need to have a leader though by essence we're all equal. Our powers may vary by the domain but we are all free. No need to bind the light. Maybe you're asking what does she look like. Queen Ashe is a real beauty, a jewel dazzling every soul laying a gaze on her. »
It left Yasuo speechless to hear such vocabulary, great ease to expression. « You're beautiful too. » It was the truth yet it escaped him too easily.
Again that head tilt, Yi considering him quietly. Then there was a low noise, turning out to be a chuckle : « Do you think so ? This is not the term I'd use for myself. Most of reactions I got from your kind went from fear to amazement, but nothing of this sort. »
« Well, doesn't make it less true. »
« You're truly interesting. » That made Yasuo pause, frozen on his spot. And Yi continued : « To see such curiosity on my behalf, it's peculiar. Your quest for knowledge has picked my interest. »
« Erm, it's not always we ran into a god. Of course I'm curious. »
« I enjoy this. Please ask more. »
« Last time you had a blade. Is that your weapon ? »
This was something he had on his mind. To meet another warrior using a blade sure was thrilling, anticipation making him forget the general fluster.
« Yes indeed. Although we prefer to avoid violence, each of us is very capable to offer death with the weapon of our choice. Here as example, our queen use a bow. Another fierce warrior, Xin Zhao, uses a spear. »
« Wow, I'm sorry for the poor people fighting you. »
« I don't recommend it. If they are to receive our final judgement, they must have been deeply vile. »
« Ok ok. »
Yasuo wanted to ask for this, so much. He gathered some courage : « Yi ? Could we have a duel ? I want to try. »
« I hope you mean a non-lethal duel. Because I have no reason to harm you otherwise. »
« Yup, of course. No doubt you'd kill me in less than one second. But fuck, I just want to see how strong you are. »
« The thrill of the fight…I don't really understand how your kind come to appreciate violence but if that is your wish, I will provide. Stand. »