Wow, Kaze has one scarily hectic/strange life. Keep reading to be with Kaze as she faces the fears of her past. Please? She'll need all the help she can get.
Song is Soldatino by Poala Bennet, all rights go to their respective owners as I do not own anything. It's a very beautiful song, I recommend you listen to it.

I screamed so loudly that the nurses had rushed to me and tried to ascertain what was wrong but I collected myself by shaking myself awake. Tears sprung to my eyes and I snatched Arisu to me, holding her close as I trembled.

My scream had frightened her but she welcomed my hug, slightly confused as her tears soaked into my back. "You poor baby. You poor, poor baby." I whispered then pulled back. I gave her a weak smile then swallowed. "Tell me, does he have green eyes?" She nodded. "Black hair?" Again she nodded. "And does he by any chance own a multi-million company that owns most of the prisons in Europe and Asia?" Her nod was slow but definite. "Well then, my little friend. Did you know that your father has a little sister?" She shook her head. "No, I don't suppose he would have told you. Well, your father is…my brother."

Arisu's eyes widened slowly as she stared up at me, her little mouth dropping open in the most shocked and sweetly innocent expression I had ever seen. "Aunty?" She looked at me and I nodded.

"Yes. I'm your aunt." I smiled, running my fingers through her hair. "I must be."

"Aunty, you're my aunty? You can't let me go home to him, please!" She begged, flinging her arms around me. "Please don't make me!"

"I won't, I won't." I soothed then pushed her back to calm her down. "Look, I shall leave Ghost with you tonight, she'll keep you company and you can cuddle her all you want." I turned to Ghost and whistled. "Here Ghost, give me your hand." I took Arisu's hand and let Ghost sniff it. "Guard." I told her and she barked, accepting the order then jumped up onto the bed, her lower legs dangling as she tried to scramble up but Faith gave her a little nudge with her nose, pushing her up so Ghost could lay on Arisu's lap.

Arisu giggled and cuddled her close, burying her face into her white fur. "You stay here tonight, the nurse's will take good care of you whilst I go and talk to the masters about you boarding here."

"But my father would not pay for me, he will refuse." She whispered tightly but I hushed her gently, settling her down into the bed so she could rest.

"I will sort everything, Arisu. You have nothing to fear anymore." I murmured then began to sing.

"Close your eyes,
I know what you see.
The darkness is high
And you're in ten feet deep.

But we've survived
More terrible monsters than sleep
And you know I will be here
To tell you to breathe

Tu sei il mio soldatino (You're my little soldier)
La ragioine per cui vivo (The reason I live)
Non ti scorda ti me (Don't forget me)
Io vegliero su di te (I'm watching over you)"

As I finished Arisu's eyes fluttered closed and she relaxed into her pillow so I tucked Ghost closer to her, placed the blanket over them both then stood. "Quietly Faith." I told her and she stood, glancing to her baby before following after me.

I went straight to the Blind Master at the top of the building, bowing to him as I entered. "I hear your footsteps, Kaze, you are determined to speak with me." He announced as I entered.

"I wish to speak to you about one of your students. Arisu Halloway. I wish to board her here."

"That is not your decision to make. Only her family can decide such a thing." Blind Master said to me.

"I am family, she is my niece. I'm going to take her away from her father, my brother, because he beat's her bloody just like my father did to me! She's nine and I will not tolerate her going through what I did a minute longer. I want her here, safe, protected, where I can love her and raise her like her father should." I gushed all at once, my temper flaring so I quickly reined in my tongue. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to shout at you."

"You have every right to be angry." He pardoned then thought for a painfully long time. Finally he sighed and banged his bamboo staff on the ground. "If you can face your demons then I shall allow her to remain here but we cannot on charity." Before he could continue I cut him off.

"I will pay for her." Hawk owed me a few cheques anyway, since I don't have a bank account, he's been keeping track of what he owed me for working officially as a Joe. "Whatever her needs, I will support her."

"Very well. I shall make the arrangements necessary." He agreed and I let out a deep sigh of relief.

"Thank you master." I bowed to him. "I will not disappoint you or her."

"I know you mean to keep your promise. Even if I had refused, I know you would not have shifted from what you believed right. Go now, there are still lessons to teach." I almost ground. I have those bitchy kids now.

Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow had a bigger class which they handled together, these older kids reaching over eighteen to twenty one. They terrified me but I did not let it show. "Why did you take her?" Storm asked the moment I joined their sides.

"She was hurt badly." I answered. "Infected cut and harsh bruising on her neck and shoulders."

"From training?" I stiffened and my jaw clenched.

"From my brother. Her father." Without another word I stepped away and tapped on of the girls who was flirting with one of the boys. "Move." I pointed to where everyone was beginning to line up. Somehow these guys sensed that I wasn't taking any crap today.

They were polite and listened to me but I could tell that when my back they would whisper and roll their eyes. Of course they still didn't take me seriously. They thought I was still an amateur, below them.

We were doing some proper randori today, watching pairs fight until one was defeated. There was one boy, a reigning champion, who had fought every single person and either defeated or drew with them. Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes glanced at each other then looked to me. "He's vain, arrogant and an asshole." I gave them my opinion quietly. "He'll fail if he doesn't learn the meaning of respect and modesty."

"Agreed." Storm nodded then called for attention. "Sora." The boy, Sora, who was about nineteen, turned and bowed to us with a smug little smirk on his face. How I longed to wipe it from him. "Good work. Let us see how you fair against a master. Kaze." I blinked. Master? Who the hell was he talking about? "Face your opponent." Out of respect I did not argue but I sure as hell gave him a glare of death. "Hajime."

With a yell Sora ran at me, stopping short to try and attack my neck but I rolled my body down and twisted, easily avoiding the blow. He turned, grunting before leaping at me again. He used loud sounds and stomped his feet to try and intimidate me but I was having none of it. "Will. You. Shut. Up?" I growled at him, each word spoken with a firm hit to his body as I backed him up.

Again he yelled and leaped up, spinning around and kicked up his leg. I rolled beneath him, turning onto my hands to stand up and block each blow with my feet, upside down. As he began to pant heavily I smirked and took this window of opportunity.

I flipped onto my feet then rotated, lifting my body up to hook my legs around him then swing up, flinging my body up and over his shoulder to drag him over. I broke the fall with my hands, rolling onto my back with Sora tucked tightly between my legs which I then squeezed, clamping down until finally he tapped up, crying out as I began to crush the air from his lungs.

The moment he tapped up I let him go, swinging up to my feet to watch as he flipped onto his, turning to face me. He looked angry, as if he were going to attack me again so I gave the opportunity. I bowed and did not look up at him. Listening closely I heard him shift forwards but then he stopped, his deep breaths slowly reducing to his regular breathing before he bowed also.

We stood back up straight at the same time, eyes locked on one another. His messy, short hair was falling in front of his eyes in a stylish side fringe. Finally he broke the eye contact and slipped back into his place. Obviously he's never been defeated by a woman before.

Taking my place next to Snake Eyes I felt him nudge me but I ignored him. Secretly I wished I could be hiding up in medical with my niece tucked safely into my arms but I was down here, trying to earn some respect from these students who were giving me hell, lip and glares.

Storm Shadow dismissed them then turned to me. "Your turn to train." He said but I shook my head.

"Not today." I turned my back to him and began to walk away. I heard him striding after me so when his hand reached out to grab my shoulder I turned and gripped his wrist, twisting it to lock the joint. "Leave me alone, Storm Shadow. I said not today." My words were harsh and firm as I shoved him back.

"You train, everyday, without fail." He growled at me and went to step around me but I turned, gracefully placing him back where he started. Behind me.

"Not. To. Day." Storm went to argue but Snake gripped his shoulder, silencing him. He turned to look at me closely then inclined his head. "I'm fine." I insisted, folding my arms over my chest. "There's…a few things I need to do."

"But…"

"Enough Storm Shadow. Kaze, your time is nearing." When the Blind Master's voice was heard everyone bowed to him. "You should go to your niece, she will be waking up any moment now."

"Yes Blind Master." I nodded, shot a look to Storm then whistled. Faith ran with me all the way to Arisu's bedside. She looked peaceful as she slept, Ghost squirming slightly before yawning and going still as he snuggled next to this beautiful young girl.

I stroked her hair, gazing down at her with soft, loving eyes. I had family again. Family by blood. It was the sweetest feeling I could not explain. My heart wept and sang for a thousand joys as I watched over this delicate young child, wanting nothing more than to be the friend, sister, aunt and mother she needed.

When Snake and Shadow slowly approached me I did not look at them but Faith went to greet them. Ghost tried to get up but when Arisu whimpered she instantly fell back down beside her and licked her cheek, whimpering in concern.

"You are going to face your brother." Storm Shadow began in a quiet voice. "I apologise, I did not know."

"I did not say, so how could you have known?" I answered simply, not taken my eyes away from Arisu as I combed my fingers through her long hair. "What do you want?"

"Snake Eyes and I will accompany you to face your brother."

"I do not need help." I told them darkly. "These are my shadows, my fears, my blood that I must face alone."

"You do not have to." Storm murmured and I felt Snake touched my shoulder, slowly gripping it reassuringly. I bit my lip and reached back with my free hand, holding his tightly for extra comfort.

"I can do it. I will not be weak."

"We are not saying you are."

"No, it is what I am saying." I shot back then sighed. "It's just one man. How hard can it be?" Storm glanced to Snake then nodded.

"As you wish." He decided then left us alone. Snake stayed with me, drawing up a chair and gently guided my head to his shoulder as I chewed my lower lip and turned into him.

"He can't hurt me anymore, can he? He can't. I…I can fight back now." Snake Eyes nodded, his arms wound around me as I listened to his steady breaths and heartbeat. Since the children had been a great distraction from my conflict between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes I felt a large pang in my chest as I sat there with him, my stomach tightening into a knot which I only ever felt when around him or Storm. Imagine what it was like when I was with both of them.

"She's so beautiful." I murmured. "And tiny. I won't let her suffer Snake. I refuse to let what happened to me happen to her. Even if I have to break every bone in my body to keep her safe, I'll do it."

Snake tightened his grip slightly and his hand rested against the side of my head as I leaned further into him. "And…and you'll protect me, won't you? If I'm not strong enough, you won't let them hurt me." I felt like a child, talking the way I did but I was so afraid. Afraid like I had never been before. I knew I didn't have to be, that I could easily fight my brother and defeat him but the memories caused a pain and betrayal unlike any other, they physically damaged my spirit, making me weak and vulnerable. "Promise me." I gripped his hand tightly, staring up into his visor. "I don't want to be scared anymore."

He nodded his head solemnly and I relaxed, dropping my head into the grove of his neck. "I knew you would be one of the best things that ever happened to me Snake." Softly his hand brushed my cheek and I smiled.

When Arisu stirred and began to wake I sat forwards, instantly placing a hand on her shoulder as she began to murmur. "Aunty? Aunty where are you?"

"Right here, precious one. I'm here. Are you hungry?" She nodded with a shy little smile towards Snake Eyes who nodded to her. "You know Master Snake Eyes, don't you? He's a good friend of mine."

"What did the Blind Master say?"

"He has already agreed to allow you to board here and I shall cover all the costs. How does that sound?" Instantly her smile brightened and she cuddled Ghost close to her who licked her cheek, making her giggle.

"She's so soft and warm."

"I know. I used to cuddle Faith all the time when she was a puppy, she always kept me safe." I told her then helped her to her feet then handed her the uniform. "Come on, I don't know about you but I'm starving." So we went down to the mess hall together. When I walked in Arisu gulped as the children stood and waved me over with calls.

She went to slip away but I took her hand and gave her a gentle squeeze. "Come on." I reassured her then sat her down next to a girl her age then took the seat on her other side. "Hello young ones, have you all been training hard?"

"Yes we have! We're going to be using staffs tomorrow, our master says we are doing very well." One of the boys told me proudly and I smiled.

"Very good. You wait here whilst I go and get some food because, to be honest, I could eat an entire horse I'm so hungry." They laughed, believing I was joking but as my stomach growled, a horse did sound slightly appealing. I touched Arisu's shoulder gently, told her to wait there then went to get her some food as well.

When I came back she smiled. "The pudding is my favourite."

"Really? It's mine too." I grinned at her. "When I was your age, the chef used to make it for me every year for my birthday and on Christmas. He made the best toffee pudding in all the world." I informed him.

"What was papa like when you and he grew up together?" Behind me I sensed Storm Shadow turn his head slightly to listen as he sat with the other masters and senseis'.

"He was…watchful." I answered slowly, rubbing the back of my neck. "He was a lot like our father, actually. He was our father's absolute pride and joy and I was always the freak."

"Did your papa beat you too?" She was smart, I could see the intelligence as she drew the truth from my guarded words. I nodded.

"Everyday." I murmured. "But like you, I never stopped fighting back."

"I do not fight. I am a coward." She mumbled, staring down at her food without touching it.

"You are a fighter, I can see it in your eyes. You have the exact same look as I did whenever my father looked down at me. You are strong and intelligent, Arisu and your father is afraid of that. He is afraid that you will become too much…well. Too much like me."

"Like you?" She echoed with a little hope rising to her eyes. "I could be like you?"

"If you wanted, however, I would advise you be one very special person." She nodded excitedly, staring up at me as I looked down at her with a smile. "I think you should just be yourself." She pondered my words for a moment before nodding.

"Alright." After dinner I promised to meet her at the front where her father would pick her up so I could talk with my brother. She threw her arms around my waist, hugging me tightly and blinked, a little surprised but did not hesitate to hug her back.

"I knew an angel would come and protect me one day." She murmured then hurried off after her class. Jinx walked by, shot me a dirty look then sauntered off.

"Oh come on." I moaned then whistled, calling both Ghost and Faith to my side. I worked with Snake Eyes and Jinx, Storm Shadow being called to help with a class so we worked until the last bell of the day rung. As Jinx went to kick my face as I looked away I caught her ankle then threw her off balance. "I have to go." I nodded to them then grabbed my jacket, racing out the door with two dogs on my heels.

I ran all the way down to the bottom of the building, pausing to catch my breath then looked inside. Arisu sat alone on a chair in the reception, nervously wringing her wrists as she glanced at the door. The last child left, smiling up at their parents just as a tall man strode in.

My heart stopped beating in my chest. He was broad and muscular, with a tight upper lip and scowl permanently engraved into his face. Dark hair cropped neatly and his black eyes soulless pits that mirrored the eyes of my father, who still terrified me. I was paralysed.

Shuddering I watched as he strode over to Arisu and grabbed her shoulder, squeezing tightly as he yanked her to her feet but she struggled, shaking her head and said something. "You must go." Storm Shadow whispered to me and I looked to him, eyes wide with fear like a doe in the headlights. "If you do not, she will never forgive you or trust you again." He gave me a slight push then sighed. "Snake Eyes and I are with you. Do not fear." He took my hand and held it gently, lifting it up to place his other over the top. "I will not let him harm you. You or the girl." With a slight nod I stepped free and strode towards Robert.

"But she said she would come. She promised. I do not want to go home!" Arisu sobbed and Robert growled then lifted a hand. Before he could strike my anger burst free and I spoke.

"Hello brother." His hand dropped and his head turned sharply to look at me. When he saw me standing behind him, he froze then stiffly began to shift around to face me. His eyes were cold. "Katherine. You look…older."

"So do you." I nodded then looked to Arisu. "It's alright, I'm here." I soothed and held out my hand. She went to run to me but Robert grabbed her by one of her plaits and tugged her back. My eyes flashed with anger and I stepped forwards but he lifted a hand in warning. I stopped.

"You leave us alone, freak. I will not have you influencing her!"

"Why? Because she is too much like me already? Let her go. You're unfit to be a parent. Unfit to be a father. I will not allow you to hurt her like our father hurt me. I refuse to." The doors slid open and a painfully familiar voice growled.

"What is taking so long? We have a meeting to go to!" My blood ran cold and froze solid as the colour drained from my face. A soft gasp left my lips and Robert smirked.

"Nothing father, just a little misunderstanding. We're leaving right now." As he made to walk past I snapped out of my fearing state as Arisu began to cry.

"Let her go!" I yelled then struck his arm at a pressure point, making him open his hand and jerk away, releasing Arisu who fled into my arms.

"What is this? Who are you?" My father bellowed as he strode forwards and I shrank back at him, fear flashing in my eyes. When he saw the look on my face he stopped then snarled. "You! The freak of nature. How dare you touch my grandchild."

"She is my niece." My voice trembled ever so slightly as I continued to retreat. "Not your punch bag. She is a sweet, innocent little girl and you should be protecting her like you should have protected me. Not hurt us." He growled and clenched his fist.

"I have no time for this. When you ran away all those years ago I was glad to be rid of you but your mother insisted on finding you. We spent years and countless amounts of money in searching for you but you had disappeared completely. Now I'm going to make you wish you had stayed that way." When he raised his hand to hit me I pushed Arisu aside as Snake and Storm rushed out from where they had been hiding.

Closing my eyes I shielded my face from his blow, yelping as I waited. It never came. I opened my eyes to see him staring with his mouth agape at my hand, curled around his wrist, stopping him from touching me.

In that moment something snapped into place, the lose connection that he had shaken in my mind. I was no longer afraid. Now? I was angry. Very angry. With a sharp kick I doubled him over then swung my fist straight up his nose, throwing him onto his back. When Robert cried out and took a terrible swing at me I stepped into his space and flipped him over my head, throwing him easily onto my father who grunted as his son's weight slammed into him. "Get out." I told them darkly. "And if you ever even think about taking this to court, I shall slaughter you both with shame so deep that your precious company will never resurface from public scandal again."

"What are you talking about?" Robert seethed as I glared at him, my arms reaching out for Arisu who leaped into them and clung on tightly to me.

"I know everything about every little scandal you ever pulled back when you were building your company up. All that money you stole from ordinary people, all those other companies you sent into ruin, the black deals, the private accounts, the money laundering, the drugs, firearms and shelter you sold just to get on the right page of a very large book. Not to mention the shame you will face when the men of Halloway Enterprises are found guilty of abuse to the female members of the family."

Silent the two cowards stared up at me, for once slightly afraid. It was an ironic picture, to see them afraid of me and not the other way around. "Now go. I don't want to ever see your faces again. I will be keeping a close eye on what you do. Always." Whipping out my hand I showed them my shuriken. "You have five seconds before I throw this."

They did not need to be told twice. They raced out the door, pale faced as I watched them. Finally I let out the deep breath I had been holding and let the shuriken drop to the floor with a clatter. I wrapped my arms tightly around Arisu and collapsed onto the floor, beginning to cry quietly.

Two broken souls tossed together by chance.

Perhaps it was enough to unite them into one.

But wait! It's not over yet...