Cool morning air swept through the window of Gato’s penthouse. The shipping C.E.O. could afford anything his heart desired, and Jeff hated that. Jeff blinked his green eyes lazily and turned over on his plush pillow. He stifled an amused startle at the sight of Nick resting against his mattress. The assassin was slumped over on the edge of the bed; he was even drooling a little. Jeff smiled and ran his fingers through the mist ninja’s hair. The brown tufts felt soft beneath his fingers, he never wanted to let go. The boy sighed and sat up straighter in the bed, immediately wishing for the warmth back. He got up and walked over to the vanity. After combing his bright blonde hair, washing his face, and assembling his ninja tools, he put on a simple Easter green kimono top; sleeveless, with pinstriped shorts. Jeff slipped his feet into the navy sandals and walked towards the door. After giving Nick one last glance he took a deep breath and walked out of the suite.
The lobby was bustling with Gato’s minions and other characters of varying levels of superiority. Jeff smirked to himself when one of them tried to order around a woman, only to get pimp slapped, leaving a bright red mark. Jeff didn’t like working for Gato, he hated it, but he did however love working with Nick. The ninja saved his life, how could you not be in debt to someone after that? Jeff paused outside the hotel as the cold memories came flooding back. Like an avalanche.
It was cold, so, so cold. Jeff was only twelve. He had collapsed into the frozen snow minutes earlier. He was without food, water, or guidance. His parents had died in a war between the Mist and Leaf, he had nowhere to go. He had no one to turn to. The snow was slicing at his skin, he was sure he had frostbite. He felt warm tears slide down his face, melting the damp snow beneath him. The snow. The never-ending snow kept falling, relentlessly. He tried to summon the energy to keep going, but he had nowhere to go. He was out of chakra, and honestly, he had no more hope. Everything else in his life has gone awry; everyone he’s ever cared about has died. He closed his eyes. Surely one more death wouldn’t mean a thing to the small village on the outskirts of Kirigakure, the frozen name of the Hidden Mist. Frozen. Jeff just realized it. He was frozen, the snow and ice finally got to him. He lay in the forest surrounded by pine trees, and dead grass. If the weather didn’t get him the winter animals surely would. The grizzly bears or snow foxes, he would be dead in minutes. As he shed more warm tears he prayed. He prayed that somebody would find him, that somebody would rescue him from this frozen hell. He’d do anything; he’d give his life for that person. He let out a dry laugh; nobody was going to find him. He was worthless. He blinked. Once. He could see his guardian angel, the savior to take him to heaven. He gave him a smile. He blinked again. Twice. That was not an angel. It was a human. Moments later the boy sparked a fire. The warmth was such a sudden change from the blistering cold, it almost gave him a heart attack from the rate his heart was speeding. He was set against a pile of blankets and fed soup. The soup was warm. Jeff knew warmth was his favorite feeling. He was soon being healed. The strange boy took Jeff’s hands in his and he felt chakra surge through him. He was simultaneously giving him energy and healing his frostbite. Jeff was speechless. He couldn’t believe his prayers were answered. After he felt well enough to move without the feeling of fatigue he studied his angel. The boy looked fifteen. His brown hair was cut short and hung slightly over his forehead, he had brown eyes and strong shoulders. He noticed the swords strapped to his back.
“Are you a ninja?”
The young Jeff looked at the boy with wide eyes. He was so used to being neglected and abused. He couldn’t believe somebody actually wanted to help him.
“Yeah, a rouge one, it’s complicated.”
The young boy nodded and looked towards the sky. The snow was still falling, but he was at least a little warm, and he’s not dying anytime soon so that’s good.
“Oh, you’re probably wondering who I am. I’m Nick Momochi.”
The boy Jeff now known as Nick smiled.
“I saw you, and saw a little bit of myself reflected in your eyes,” Nick continued, “I was abused and left to rot too. But I decided to not be a victim, I decided to fight.”
Jeff smiled; a real genuine smile that he hadn’t done in a long time.
Nick handed Jeff some bread, “eat up; we could have days before we reach a village.”
“We?” Jeff replied taking a bite out of the warm bread. It was filled with cheese, he cherished every bite.
Nick smiled again, his canine teeth dazzling, “I’m not leaving you here,” he paused in thought and continued, “besides, and before my mom died she said to always be a gentleman for princesses.”
Jeff frowned, “I’m not a princess.”
Nick gave a laugh and it made Jeff’s stomach flutter, “No, but you remind me of Snow White. Your skin is fair, and I found you lying in the snow. I saved your life so I’m like the prince.”
As Nick retold the old folktale to Jeff, they got closer. Months passed and eventually Jeff realized he had a Kekkei Genkai, a bloodline jutsu or ability that’s passed down through generations of the same family. He started to train with Nick. His savior was a born to kill. They called him the ‘Demon of the Mist’ for his silent killing technique and Hidden Mist Jutsu. Jeff would always be in Nick’s debt, even if it was to give his life for him.
Jeff blinked and came back to reality. He shook his head a few times to clear himself of the cold memories that resurfaced. He folded his hands behind his back and started walking towards one of the markets. He felt himself already starting to get hot as the sun rose. He eyed a handmade basket of sushi, rice balls, and tea leaves. Jeff could easily make tea by purifying and boiling water at the small lake on the outskirts of the village. The lake was the only source of freshwater in the Land of Waves. Every other body of water is from the swamp. He gave the cashier a smile and took his picnic basket. He liked going off to the lake, he could get away from Gato and the fact this his life wasn’t his own; he belonged to Nick, and only Nick.
As he walked the grassy path he played with the cattails along the bank of the lake. He neared his spot; a serene patch of grass where the sun hit perfectly without it being too hot or cold. It also gave him easy access to the lake without having to get up and go near it for water. Jeff was about to walk into the open when he spotted him.
He eyed the boy with curious eyes. He knew it was the ninja from the fight with Nick. He had fair skin and perfectly coiffed hair. His silver vest shined in the sunlight, and his strikingly blue eyes could pierce any of his ice. The boy sat down in his spot. He twirled a lily between his fingers. Jeff thought about killing him right here. It would be easy, simple, and it would relieve some of Nick’s stress, but something prompted him to approach the boy. He felt a familiarity between them; something made him want to understand the boy with the flower.
“Don’t move!”
The ninja replaced his lily with a kunai. Jeff admired his ability to swiftly draw out a weapon. He smiled and sat down cross legged. He sat the picnic basket between them and started unpacking. Jeff saw the boy watching him curiously, not letting down his guard. He had to admire that.
“Oh I’m not going to hurt you, tea?”
Jeff motioned a tea cup towards the boy’s face. He smiled and stowed his weapon away and gingerly sat down beside him.
“I love ginseng but green tea’s more suited for the morning don’t you think?”
His question was rhetorical, he didn’t expect and answer. The ninja nodded as Jeff poured him his beverage. It was warm and purified. He made sure of that.
“Why are you drinking with me?”
Jeff turned to look at the boy. His blue eyes were sullen, dulled. Something was wrong, Jeff could tell, he’s seen that look in his own eyes so many times.
“Listen-“
“Kurt.” The ninja filled in.
“Kurt,” Jeff continued, “Is something wrong? I can tell something’s up. I may be a stranger but I have a strong belief of helping people in need.”
And he did. After almost dying all those years ago he’s made it his goal to help as many people as he can.
“Would you,” Kurt hesitated and Jeff put a hand on his shoulder for support.
Kurt nodded in appreciation, “Is there… a person you would do anything for? I’ve had some things on my mind.”
Jeff opened his mouth to think of how to respond. This question hit way to close to home. He eyed the lily resting between his fingers that weren’t inhabited by the teacup.
“This lily,” Jeff reached over to grab the flower softly out of Kurt’s hands, “do you know what it symbolizes?”
Kurt shook his head and Jeff smiled, “It’s a symbol of purity, virginity, the color white. Everything you would associate with everything sweet in the world. There is a person that I would protect with my life. I would give anything to help him. You see,” Jeff gave Kurt the flower to focus on while he continued his answer, “When there’s somebody you care about, you can draw strength to protect them. You can reach deep inside yourself and find a passion to drive you further than you’ve ever gone before.”
Kurt blinked, “Like the Will of Fire!”
Kurt saw Jeff’s confused face and continued speaking, “It’s a thing in my village, we can draw the fire, or spirit from our ancestors and family to ignite us and burn us farther. We use it as a form of empowerment. Fire is very hard to be stopped when it goes ablaze.”
Jeff smiled as he stood and packed up the remains of the picnic. “You should never forget that, people can do amazing things for the people they love. You just draw your power from warmth, from fire.”
Kurt looked confused and Jeff turned away, “I draw my passion from ice, it’s cold, manipulative, and merciless. It can burn and freeze you. I have to use the cold in my heart as fuel, you don’t. In a way you’re lucky, I would love to not be the helpless Snow White for a change. And use fire as a fuel.”
Kurt grabbed Jeff’s arm before he could retreat, “You’re not helpless, you just need to find your spark. You could be a dragon, I’m sure of it. You could be Mulan; you fight for your family.”
Jeff thought for a minute. Could there be another way to help Nick? Another form of passion?
“Thank you for your time Kurt, I really enjoyed it.”