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characters:yamatai:haru_asakura

Haru Asakura

Haru is the pet Racoon owned by Yuri Asakura played by Charaa.

Haru
Species & Gender: Raccoon Female
Date of Birth: unknown
Organization: Kakushi Nekoba
Occupation: Mascot, chief of scraps disposal
Current Placement: Kakuski Nekoba

Physical Description

Haru is a small creature, about the size of a housecat, and like most Racoons, its fur is a mix of gray, black, and silver. The face of the racoon has a black mask, resembling a bandit's mask from the old cartoons, with silver fur around the eyes. The rest of its body is grayish-brown, around its back, while its underbelly is typically lighter in color, often grayish-white. Like the rest of its species it had dark bands or rings on the tail and limbs.

At darkened areas, including night time, Haru had subtle bioluminescent patterns or markings on its fur. these markings glow softly in the dark, making it appear otherworldly1). Its eyes were amber colored, which only appears when Haru is happy, or around Yuri.

Personality

Playful Mischief Maker

  • Playful Nature: Yuri's raccoon is always up for a game of hide-and-seek or chase. It loves to dart behind objects and then peek out, inviting Yuri to join in the fun.
  • Mischief with Objects: This raccoon has a knack for swiping Yuri's belongings, like shiny trinkets, and hiding them around the house. It enjoys watching Yuri search for the missing items.
  • Prankster: The raccoon might be mischievous by playing little pranks on Yuri, like untying shoelaces or knocking over things when Yuri's not looking, always with a sly, playful expression.
  • Clever Hide-and-Seek: It excels at hiding in the most unexpected places, making it challenging for Yuri to find during their games of hide-and-seek. Its mischievous giggle can be heard when Yuri finally discovers its secret spots.
  • Paw Painting: The raccoon may enjoy making impromptu art with its paws, dipping them in watercolors or other safe, washable paints and “decorating” the walls or papers with abstract patterns.
  • Food Heist: This raccoon has a taste for human food and often sneaks into the kitchen to steal snacks, and then it proudly displays its findings as if it's won a treasure hunt.
  • Nighttime Explorer: Yuri's raccoon is most mischievous at night, exploring the house with curiosity and sometimes accidentally making noise or knocking things over while everyone else is asleep.

Curiosity

  • Nose for Discovery: Yuri's raccoon has an insatiable curiosity, often following its nose to investigate new scents, objects, and places.
  • Eager Explorer: It eagerly explores every nook and cranny, from the attic to the basement, leaving no stone unturned.
  • Fascination with Objects: The raccoon is fascinated by everyday objects, inspecting them with intense interest. It can spend hours studying a new item it finds.
  • Questioning Eyes: Its wide, inquisitive eyes seem to ask questions about the world, and it's not content until it's thoroughly examined anything it encounters.
  • Constant Investigation: The raccoon constantly investigates its environment, whether it's peering under furniture, pawing at books, or climbing to higher vantage points to survey its domain.
  • Problem-Solving: It's quick to engage in problem-solving, such as figuring out how to open a cabinet door or retrieve a toy from a hard-to-reach spot.
  • Unwavering Focus: When something piques its interest, it becomes entirely focused, often forgetting about everything else.
  • Restless Wanderer: Its restless nature keeps it on the move, always seeking the next mystery to unravel or the next place to explore.

Affectionate

  • Cuddly Companion: The raccoon is a cuddly and affectionate companion, often curling up in Yuri's or Yayoi's lap when they're sitting down. It purrs softly and nuzzles them as a sign of affection.
  • Friendly Greetings: Whenever Yuri, Yayoi, or the bar patrons come home or arrive at the bar, the raccoon enthusiastically greets them with gentle head butts, purrs, or even playful little hops.
  • Gifts of Affection: The raccoon might leave small “gifts” at their feet, like interesting trinkets it finds during its explorations, as a way of showing its love and appreciation. Playful Engagement: It engages in play with Yuri and Yayoi, offering them toys or participating in games, often using its nimble paws to tap or gently paw at their hands.
  • Shared Snuggles: The raccoon happily shares snuggle time with the bar patrons, settling in their laps or perching on their shoulders as they enjoy their drinks.
  • Comfort Provider: During Miss Wang's temporary caretaking shifts, the raccoon becomes a source of comfort and companionship, sitting close to her or even resting on her shoulder as she goes about her tasks.
  • Purring Conversations: The raccoon might engage in “purring conversations,” where it sits with Yuri or Yayoi and purrs softly, as if trying to communicate and share its feelings.
  • Protective Instinct: The raccoon may also display a protective instinct, keeping a watchful eye on those it cares for, ensuring their safety, and alerting them to any potential dangers.
  • Gentle Grooming: It may engage in gentle grooming behaviors, licking the hands or faces of Yuri, Yayoi, or bar patrons to show its affection and bonding.
  • Trust and Dependence: The raccoon's affectionate behavior demonstrates the deep trust and dependence it has developed for its human friends, seeking comfort and connection in their presence.

Intelligence

  • Resourceful Problem Solver: The raccoon is a resourceful problem solver, often figuring out how to access food or toys that are kept out of its reach by using its dexterous paws and a clever strategy.
  • Memory Skills: It has an impressive memory, remembering the location of hidden objects, secret stashes of food, and even complex routes around the house or bar.
  • Tool Use: The raccoon may demonstrate tool-use abilities, such as using sticks or objects to reach something that's otherwise inaccessible.
  • Unlocking Secrets: It's skilled at unlocking simple latches or opening certain types of doors, which can lead to unexpected surprises around the house or bar.
  • Communication: While it can't speak, the raccoon has developed a unique form of communication with Yuri and others, using specific sounds or gestures to convey its needs or desires.
  • Observation Skills: It's a keen observer, noticing even subtle changes in its environment or the behavior of those around it. For example, it might pick up on people's routines and react accordingly.
  • Adaptable Learner: The raccoon is an adaptable learner, quickly picking up new tricks and skills when taught, such as responding to commands or even performing simple tasks.
  • Puzzle Enthusiast: It enjoys solving puzzles and may have a collection of puzzle toys or games designed to challenge its intellect.
  • Clever Hide-and-Seek Player: During games of hide-and-seek, the raccoon often finds ingenious hiding spots, outsmarting its human companions.
  • Impressive Foraging Skills: Whether in the wild or searching for snacks in the kitchen, the raccoon's foraging skills are exceptional, making it an expert at finding hidden treats.

Mischief 2

  • Late-Night Snacking: The raccoon has a habit of raiding the kitchen for late-night snacks, leaving a trail of evidence behind, like cookie crumbs or empty chip bags.
  • Toilet Paper Play: It finds toilet paper rolls irresistible and loves to unravel them into a long, unruly mess.
  • Shoe Obsession: The raccoon might have a penchant for stealing shoes, collecting them in a secret hideaway that Yuri and others eventually discover.
  • Magpie-like Collecting: It's drawn to shiny objects and collects them, stashing away jewelry, keys, or other small items in unexpected places.
  • Wardrobe Explorer: The raccoon frequently delves into people's closets and drawers, causing occasional fashion mayhem by mixing and matching clothes.
  • Water Games: It enjoys playing in water, whether it's turning on the faucet or splashing around in puddles, sometimes leading to wet and messy surprises.
  • Remote Control Trickster: It has a habit of “hiding” the TV remote control, making it a challenge for everyone to find when it's time to watch something.
  • Paper Shredder: The raccoon loves to shred paper, and important documents or books occasionally fall victim to its playful shredding sessions.
  • Feathered Friends: It befriends local birds or insects, sometimes letting them into the house for an unexpected party, much to the surprise of Yuri and others.
  • Scavenger Hunts: The raccoon may organize impromptu scavenger hunts by hiding random objects and leaving clues for Yuri and friends to follow.
  • Camera Shy: Whenever someone tries to take its picture, it often hides its face or makes silly faces, leading to comical photos.

Likes

  • Berries: The raccoon has a particular fondness for fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
  • Fish: It relishes the taste of fish, especially salmon or trout.
  • Marshmallows: Surprisingly, the raccoon has a sweet tooth and adores marshmallows.
  • Nuts: Almonds and pecans are among its favorite nuts, and it's skilled at cracking them open.
  • Cheese: It can't resist the smell of cheese, and cheese cubes are a special treat.
  • Popcorn: The raccoon loves munching on popcorn during movie nights.
  • Peanut Butter: Peanut butter spread on crackers or used as a filling in toys for enrichment is a delight.
  • Avocado: Avocado chunks are another unusual favorite, and it relishes the creamy texture.
  • Apples: Slices of crisp apples are a healthy snack it enjoys.
  • Honey: Occasionally, it gets a taste of honey as a special treat.

Favorite Activities:

  • Hide-and-Seek: Playing hide-and-seek with Yuri, Yayoi, or bar patrons is a treasured pastime.
  • Puzzle Toys: Solving intricate puzzle toys, like treat-dispensing puzzles, provides both mental stimulation and rewards.
  • Chasing Laser Pointers: The raccoon chases the elusive red dot from a laser pointer, often leading to comical antics.
  • Gardening: It enjoys “helping” with gardening by digging holes or exploring the yard for interesting scents.
  • Tree Climbing: Climbing trees, whether indoor or outdoor, is an adventurous activity.
  • Artistic Expression: The raccoon might enjoy painting with its paws, creating abstract masterpieces.
  • Exploring New Environments: It's curious about new places, so visiting the bar or going on short trips can be a thrilling adventure.
  • Stargazing: Watching the stars or the moon from a cozy spot is a calming activity.
  • Sitting by the Fireplace: The raccoon may enjoy sitting by the fireplace, captivated by the dancing flames and warmth.
  • Snuggling: Ultimately, its favorite activity is snuggling with Yuri, Yayoi, or bar patrons for moments of shared warmth and affection.

Dislikes

  • Loud Noises: Sudden loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or vacuum cleaners, often startle and distress the raccoon.
  • Spicy Foods: It has an aversion to spicy foods and will avoid anything with a kick.
  • Baths: Like many raccoons, it strongly dislikes getting wet and taking baths.
  • Unfamiliar People: The raccoon may be wary of strangers and might hide or exhibit cautious behavior when new people are around.
  • Overly Crowded Spaces: It's uncomfortable in crowded or noisy environments, preferring more serene surroundings.
  • Changes in Routine: Any major disruptions to its daily routine can cause stress or discomfort.

Fears

  • Thunderstorms: Thunder and lightning during storms can terrify the raccoon, leading to seeking comfort from Yuri, Yayoi, or others.
  • Predators: Even though it's in a safe environment, the raccoon might retain an instinctual fear of potential predators.
  • Harsh Temperatures: Extreme hot or cold weather can be a source of fear or discomfort, making it seek shelter.
  • Elevated Heights: The raccoon might have a fear of heights and avoid climbing to great heights.
  • Medical Check-ups: Like many animals, it may become apprehensive during veterinary check-ups or medical treatments.
  • Loss of Loved Ones: The raccoon could have a fear of being separated from Yuri, Yayoi, or its other friends, making it anxious when they are not nearby.

Quirks

  • Washing Obsession: The raccoon is obsessive about cleanliness and often “washes” its food and even its toys in water, as if imitating the act of washing like a human.
  • Social Mimicry: It exhibits a fascinating habit of mimicking the social behaviors of Yuri, Yayoi, and bar patrons, such as sitting at the table with a tiny dish or attempting to hold a “conversation.”
  • Midnight Serenades: During the stillness of the night, it sometimes engages in short serenades of soft chittering, almost as if it's trying to communicate with the stars.
  • Night Watcher: The raccoon often takes up a sentinel role during the night, sitting in a high place and keeping an eye out for potential dangers, even though the environment is safe.
  • Comfort Sock Collector: It has an inexplicable fascination with socks and frequently “steals” them, creating a secret stash of mismatched socks in an obscure location.
  • Artistic Nesting: When nesting or making a bed, the raccoon has an artistic flair, arranging blankets and pillows in a visually pleasing way.
  • Knob Turning: It has an odd affinity for turning doorknobs or small, round objects. Sometimes, this results in the raccoon accidentally locking itself in rooms.
  • Dreaming Twitches: While asleep, the raccoon twitches and murmurs softly, giving the impression of vivid dreams or adventures in its sleep.
  • Sudden Surveys: It periodically embarks on “surveys” of the home or the bar, seemingly taking stock of its environment with great intent.
  • Favorite Blanket Ritual: Before settling down for a nap, it performs a ritual of kneading and fluffing its favorite blanket to achieve the perfect level of coziness.

Fun Fact

Despite its mischievous tendencies and knack for finding hidden treasures, Yuri's raccoon has a heartwarming ritual. Every year on Yuri's birthday, the raccoon “gifts” her with a small, carefully chosen item. These items are often simple, like a polished pebble or a bright flower, but they are always presented with a special tenderness. The raccoon's consistent thoughtfulness on Yuri's birthday is a touching reminder of the strong bond they share, and it has become a cherished tradition in their relationship.

Social Connections

Yuri Asakura Yuri is the raccoon's closest companion and caretaker. They share a deep, inseparable bond, and the raccoon often seeks comfort and guidance from her. It shows Yuri affection and playfulness, and they have a unique, unspoken understanding.

Yayoi Asakura (Yuri's Mother): Yayoi also shares a relationship with the raccoon, treating it like an extended member of the family. She enjoys the raccoon's presence.

Bar Patrons: The raccoon has formed special connections with regulars at the bar. It provides comfort and amusement to the patrons, who look forward to its presence during their visits. Some even bring treats for the raccoon.

Miss Wang (Temporary Caretaker): During Yuri and Yayoi's tour of duty on the Resurgence, Miss Wang temporarily looks after the raccoon. While initially unsure about this arrangement, the raccoon has developed a trust and fondness for Miss Wang.

Local Wildlife: The raccoon occasionally interacts with local wildlife, especially birds and smaller creatures, demonstrating a gentle and curious nature even outside its human connections.

Neighborly Bonds: It has formed unique bonds with certain neighbors, who are charmed by its presence and sometimes offer company when Yuri and Yayoi are away.

Vet Visits: While not exactly a “social” connection, it has a respectful yet wary relationship with the veterinarian, often treating visits with trepidation.

History

Before becoming Yuri's cherished companion, the raccoon had a life shrouded in mystery and adventure. It hails from an undisclosed region on a distant, far-off planet, a place where humans had never set foot. In its home world, raccoons like itself were known for their intelligence and adaptability, and they lived in harmony with the unique flora and fauna of their alien environment. The raccoon's upbringing was filled with wonder and exploration. As a young kit, it displayed an exceptional level of curiosity, often venturing into uncharted territories, investigating strange plants, and engaging in playful antics with its fellow raccoon friends. These early experiences helped shape its inquisitive and mischievous personality, traits that would remain with it even after it found its way to Second Chance Salvage.

One fateful day, the raccoon's adventures led it to an alien container of unknown origin. Curiosity got the better of it, and it couldn't resist exploring the intriguing object. Unbeknownst to the raccoon, this container had unique properties, and when it ventured inside, it was captured and was transported across the vast expanse of space.

Emerging from the container in a place far from its home planet, the raccoon found itself in a world it couldn't comprehend. Everything was different—the scents, the creatures, the environment. It was a bewildering and, at first, a daunting experience. The raccoon had to rely on its wit and resourcefulness to survive in this new and unfamiliar setting.

But fortunately, Yuri had found the container. She was the first thing the little raccoon saw, and the first person, or rather alien, as she was a Nekovalkyrja, to treat the raccoon kindly. Yuri's gentle and caring nature made the raccoon feel welcome and safe in a world so unlike its own. Her kindness marked the beginning of a deep bond that would lead to countless adventures and heartwarming moments, as Yuri and her family became the raccoon's new family on Yamatai.

Over time, it discovered the small, quaint bar owned by Yayoi, where Yuri sometimes spends time. With its innate intelligence and charming nature, it quickly endeared itself to the bar's regular patrons and, ultimately, to Yuri and her mother, Yayoi. The raccoon's arrival and its unique behaviors brought a sense of wonder and magic to the bar.

As it integrated into its new Yamataian home, the raccoon continued to hold onto the memories of its alien world, which gave it a unique perspective on the world around it. It cherished its new family and the adventures they embarked upon together, all while secretly yearning for the mysteries of the universe from which it had come.

The raccoon's past is a blend of cosmic curiosity, alien exploration, and enchantment, making it a character with a history as extraordinary as its present life alongside Yuri and her family.

OOC Notes

Charaa created this article on 2023/10/25 14:19.

1)
while also allowing some night light feature

Quality:
characters/yamatai/haru_asakura.txt · Last modified: 2023/12/21 00:55 by 127.0.0.1