Yumi Of Death

It was a peaceful Sunday morning, and my mother, older brother, and I headed to the church together. The bells chimed softly, and the atmosphere was filled with hymns and quiet prayers. I sat through most of the mass, trying to focus, but something about the day felt...off.

Halfway through the service, I whispered to my mother, "I'll be right back," and slipped out toward the restroom. As I exited, wiping my hands, I felt like I was missing someone.

Then, I bumped into someone.

"Ah, Kaito-kun!"

I looked up, startled. It was Yumi. She smiled brightly and waved, her black-blue eyes sparkling. "Hey, hey!"

"Yumi? What are you doing here?"

But before I could get an answer, she waved me off. "Bye-bye, Kaito-kun~!" she sang, dashing away as quickly as she had appeared.

I stood there, confused. "What...?"

The rest of the mass passed in a blur. I couldn't focus on a single word. As soon as the service ended, I turned to my mother and brother. "I need to buy something. I'll catch up later."

I wasn't buying anything. Instead, I wandered around the church grounds, searching for Yumi. My steps led me to a secluded, mysterious door at the back of the building. Something compelled me to push it open.

The air changed instantly. The room inside was dimly lit, with a faint, eerie glow emanating from a bizarre symbol etched on the floor—a devil resurrection circle. My heart pounded. What was this place?

Before I could process, someone grabbed me from behind and clamped a hand over my mouth.

"Shhh."

It was Yumi.

I turned to her, eyes wide. "What are you—"

"Quiet, Kaito-kun!" she whispered, holding a finger to my lips.

In the silence, I heard it—a faint sobbing, growing louder as it approached.

I turned back to Yumi. "Wait. Why are you here? And why are we hiding?"

Yumi tilted her head and smiled innocently. "Oh, by the way, did you bring the sword I gave you?"

"What?!" My voice cracked. "Yumi, why would I bring that thing to church?!"

She pouted, her cheeks puffing out adorably. "Mou, Kaito-kun. I worked so hard on it! And it's perfect for moments like this."

"What moments?! This is not normal!" I was on the verge of losing it.

She grinned and handed me the sword—yes, the creepy, human-remains-crafted katana. "Here you go~!"

"How did you even—?!"

"Shh, shh," she interrupted, pressing her finger to my lips this time. "Let's ambush her together, okay?"

I sighed, gripping the sword reluctantly. "This is insane..."

We waited for the sobbing figure to enter the circle. A shadowy silhouette appeared—a woman, her shoulders shaking as she cried. Yumi whispered a quick plan into my ear, and we prepared to ambush.

"Now!" Yumi shouted.

We lunged forward, pinning the woman down. But as I reached for something to tie her up with, she cried out, "Please, stop! Don't hurt me! I didn't mean to harm anyone!"

Her words made me pause, but Yumi lowered her hands first.

"Yumi?" I asked, confused.

She looked sad but smiled faintly. "Kaito-kun, let's hear her out."

The woman sobbed, "I just...I just wanted to see him again. My husband...he's gone..."

I didn't care much for her story, but Yumi crouched down beside her, brushing her hair gently. "Then why not make a deal with the Goddess of Death herself?" Yumi said, her voice suddenly teasing and playful.

"What?!" I exclaimed. "Yumi, are you serious right now?!"

She smirked, winking at me. "Oh, Kaito-kun~ Don't be such a scaredy-cat."

The room filled with an odd tension, her words both comforting and terrifying. The woman's sobs slowed, and her eyes sparkled with desperate hope.

I sighed, gripping the bizarre sword tighter. Whatever was about to happen, I knew it wasn't going to be simple.

***

(End of Chapter 11)