Benevolent (Discontinued)

Flashback: Ice and Nature

Both are five in this chapter, presumably four weeks after they meet.
~💥~

The pair were completely different in personality traits, with a hint of tension due to certain Anbu values. Yukiya was more cold and distant compared to Akira, who was laid back and lazy, but could be serious when she wanted to be. It has been two weeks since they had been paired up together, and both were unsure about this choice. That was their dynamic.

~ With Yukiya: ❄ ~

The Mask was placed splendidly across her expression, concealing every inch of her scars and emotionless face. A mission was set: she was to serve as an escort to someone with the name of Akio, a merchant. She was not told, however, she would be working with Akira. It was nothing major: more of an annoyance than anything else. Yukiya valued being told every detail so she knew what was expected, the tiniest detail missed out, however, irked her.

Yukiya had to be emotionless. Never show emotion. Never hesitate. Protect your comrades with your life. It was the Anbu way. It was her honour. Something to make her feel complete.

~ With Akira: 🌺 ~

Akira was indeed laid-back and lazy. She could be a serious person when the moment demanded it. She didn't particularly take anything seriously anymore. It had been like that since the death of her brother and mother. The guilt overwhelmed her. It was intoxicating.

She stared at the fox mask in her hands, twirling it freely as she felt the material.

He had promised to never leave. Promised to never die. The lie was a poisonous one on the tongue. They had told her: her father had died on the battle field protecting his comrades. She felt so empty...so alone in the world. What was the point anymore?

~ ❄🌺 ~

"Ice Maiden. We have something to discuss, before your departure, " The Hokage softly spoke, staring at the female with kind eyes. She wore her mask even now: she thought they may feel repulsed by her face, her scars, her past. Akira had her hands in her pockets, fox mask strapped to her side, as she gave a look of confusion. Akira shrugged her shoulders when the Hokage gave a sad look in her direction. Akira was used to the pitied look ever since her father was proclaimed dead a week prier. She was unaware of the true meaning behind the Hokage's gaze.

Akira exited his office, and presumably stood outside out of ear shot. Yukiya watched The Hokage for a moment, waiting for him to speak, or for him to allow her to speak. "Yukiya. Your team mate, Akira, is undergoing a harsh time in her life-"
"-and yet, she is still working on this mission. Won't her emotions endanger the mission?"
"Yes, you may be right. You...need to know something about her father, Touya Fukui."
"Why are you not telling Akira herself? She has the right to know."
"...so you can tell her when the time is right. She has enough mental strain to deal with since she found out her father had passed from this domain. I think adding to that layer would worsen her...condition. I am not saying you do not possess your own demons-" She clenched her hands by her sides. The water particles in the air began to freeze, creating small drops of ice to float in the air in hues of azure. "-Fathers are a sore subject. Three months ago you came to this village for closure."

"You have my word. I won't...tell her." Her tone, normally with out emotion, was filled with remorse and an uncanny sadness.
He nodded his head in acknowledgement. "You are aware he was on a major mission recently?"
"Yes." It was spoken without hesitance. Akira had told her when she thought the shorter female wasn't listening. She took in every word, yet chose what she was to hear.
"He failed in his mission. He survived-"
"-wait what-"
"-however. In a moment of being selfish and despising himself for bringing dishonor, he sliced open his stomach with his katana. The very one that was given to Akira as a momentum when the Anbu delivered the news, and it was the only thing left of him."
"Tell her yourself. She deserves to know-"
"-and know the dishonor that comes with her family-"
"-it was a mistake...her family is not a dishonor. Her entire family has not dishonored the ninja way. Her father was a hero. And she will be."
"...kind words, Yukiya. I have taken your words into account. His name will be carved amongst those who passed in battle."

The Hokage then dismissed the shorter female with a nod of the head. Yukiya softly closed the door behind her, staring at Akira who was staring at the floor with her hood up. A sigh escaped from her lips: she tapped Akira softly in the shoulder, waving once her eyes stared upwards. An emotion swelled within her: she felt empathy.

"...before we go on this mission...want to...go to the book store?"
"Huh? Well...is there manga?"
"Yes."
"Sure then."

And, that's how Yukiya found out about Icha Icha Paradise.