A/N: thank you SO much to everyone who reviewed!

Asterix78 and LinuxGirl, you don't need to worry. There's actually a very good reason why Esuma has a different eye color. Also, nobody's in love with anybody yet – the relationships will be explained as they start shaping up.

Thanks again for reviewing!

By the way, it wasn't clear in the last chapter, but at the end, yep, that's Esuma Storm Shadow is looking at.

A/N #2: Text between /* and */ is sign language. Like this: /* Hello. */

1

Snake Eyes sulked out of the shooting range and deposited the light gun on the table, resisting the childish urge to slam it down.

"19." Scarlett announced, refraining from congratulating her friend or expressing sympathy. She knew the ninja had no use for it and that it would only serve to irritate him more.

Snake Eyes's fists clenched briefly.

"Ah, don't worry about it, big guy!" Ripcord exclaimed genially. "Even I can't get 20 on this thing!"

Saying so, he patted the other man on the shoulder, or more precisely, he tried: his hand never reached its target, being sent a few feet away along with the rest of his body. Ripcord crash-landed on his back and lost his smile, glaring at Snake Eyes.

"What gives?!" He asked indignantly. "You wanna fight? Come here and…"

"No, he doesn't." Scarlett said decisively, grabbing Snake Eyes's arm. "You just startled him. Honestly, Rip, don't you know better by now than trying to touch a ninja who's not expecting it?"

/* I also know better than to maul a team mate. */ Snake Eyes signed shortly, jerking his arm out of her grasp.

"Man, you're wound up." Ripcord said, scrambling up. "What's the matter, anyway?"

Snake Eyes sighed. Ripcord, of all people, just had to be the one to ask.

/* Just mind your own business. */

Ripcord looked straight at Scarlett, waiting for a translation. Snake Eyes stalked out without waiting, his hands twitching with the burning, if illogical, desire to wrap themselves around Ripcord's neck: it wouldn't bring Tommy back, and although it would make Scarlett single again, she'd never forgive him.

Ripcord cocked his head and looked questioningly at the door the ninja slammed on his way out before turning to Scarlett.

"What was that about?" He asked. "I'd think he's jealous if you hadn't explained he was like a big brother."

"Just leave it, Rip." Scarlett sighed. "He told you to mind your own business."

She respected her friend's privacy too much to share what she knew, even with Ripcord, but to her, Snake Eyes' terrible mood over the past couple of weeks was easily explained by what had gone down with Storm Shadow. Although he had been an enemy for years, Snake Eyes had known Storm Shadow since the two had been mere boys, the one having trained with the other's family.

They had practically been raised as brothers, and she knew Snake Eyes had been heartbroken when his sparring partner had apparently murdered their master, his own uncle, at the tender age of 11. Although Snake Eyes had never actually admitted to it, Scarlett suspected his vow of silence was somehow linked to Storm Shadow as much as to the Hard Master's death.

Snake Eyes had known for years that eventually, he'd have to kill Storm Shadow. There was no other way to stop the other man, and there was no question that he had to be stopped. Actually going through with it was an entirely different thing than the cold logic that dictated it was necessary, however.

The fact that Scarlett knew about part of the reasons behind Snake Eyes' irritability and isolationist tendencies as of late left her completely unsuspecting that there was more to it than what she was aware of.

For instance, she had no idea that by starting to date Ripcord, she had broken the heart of the man she thought of as the dearest of friends – how could she have known? She did not suspect, even now, that Snake Eyes had had deeper feelings for her.

She also did not know about Storm Shadow's last words.

2

M.A.R.S. Fortress, under the ice cap, 2 weeks earlier

"You made a vow of silence when our Master died." Storm Shadow sneered. "And now, you will die without saying a word!"

Snake Eyes clenched his jaw. He hated this. He hated where this was going, and not because he was afraid his brother's taunt would come true, quite the contrary. Storm Shadow had gotten exactly one hit on him, a flesh wound on his arm, but had taken several deep slashes himself… the trash talking was just empty words: this fight was already decided, all that was left was to play it out until Snake Eyes found himself murdering his brother and thus avenging their Master.

2.5

Japan, 19 years ago

He felt a hand on his shoulder just as he was starting to run after Tommy, screaming like the others, in shock at the very idea that his sword brother had done the unthinkable, had killed their Master, his own uncle. He turned towards the person who had thus stopped him, eyes wide and teeth showing in a savage snarl that died once he saw who he was facing.

"Let the others catch him." The Soft Master said, his expression unreadable. "You need to be by your Master's side."

Snake Eyes nodded and ran to his Master, his heart beating hard and fast, as if to make up for the fact the older man's heart would never beat again.

He kneeled down next to the prone form, who had been straightened and laid on its back. The Hard Master's eyes were closed, his expression peaceful; Snake Eyes wondered whether his face had been rearranged into a dignified position, like his body, and he shook his head to get rid of the irrelevant and irreverent thoughts.

"Master…" He whispered hoarsely.

"As his number one apprentice, it is your duty to avenge him." The Soft Master said from the other side of the body. "You would have been expected to protect him."

"I'm sorry." Snake Eyes croaked.

The Soft Master snorted.

"Your being sorry does him no good whatsoever right now. How did you fail to notice Tommy's intentions? You spend most of your days with him… did he not say anything?"

Snake Eyes felt his mouth twist into a sob and found his eyes filling with tears. The Soft Master was right, he should have seen it coming, he should have realized Tommy was thinking of this. He should have paid more attention… maybe Tommy had given clues, and he had missed them entirely just by not listening well enough.

"I'm sorry." He repeated, addressing his Master's corpse. "I vow to you, until I have avenged you, I will be silent so that I may hear better – may it allow me to track your murderer."

The Soft Master's eyes widened briefly.

"I appreciate your devotion to my dear departed brother, Snake Eyes," he said. "But do you really mean that? Will you take a true oath?"

Snake Eyes nodded firmly, already abiding by his vow despite not having performed the Arashikage Oath Ceremony yet.

2 (continued)

M.A.R.S. Fortress, under the ice cap, 19 years later

Snake Eyes gripped his sword a bit tighter. He felt rather disgusted at himself for it, but he couldn't deny that a small part of him was looking forward to the end, to fulfilling his obligation and being relieved of his vow.

The bigger part of him knew that he'd spend the rest of his life having nightmares about killing his former comrade, the boy he still thought of as his brother. He knew it was the right thing to do, as much for the sake of the World as for that of their Master, but the fact it was right, and even necessary, did not make it easy.

He blocked the double sword with his own blade and instinctively seizing an opening, ran Storm Shadow through with his other blade. Their eyes widened at the same time. Storm Shadow staggered back, looking incredulous.

2.5 (continued)

Japan, 19 years ago

"Congratulations, Snake Eyes!" The Hard Master smiled. "Top of the class!"

Snake Eyes beamed up at him, soaking up the praise, the acceptance… in essence, soaking up the fact he had a found acceptance, love… a home. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed Tommy snarling and run off, obviously jealous and upset he'd been defeated, for once.

At lunch time, Tommy was sitting by himself and looking murderous. Snake Eyes, himself in a wonderful mood, couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for the boy who would no longer be able to bully him around and went to sit with him. He was treated to such a glare that he was about to get right back up when the glare melted and Tommy's eyes widened in… was that fear? Snake Eyes looked behind him to find the Hard Master had appeared out of nowhere and was looking at his nephew with what could best be described as disgust.

"Tomisaburo, is this how you greet your brother and your better? Apologize immediately."

Tommy pushed his chair back, jumped to his feet and bowed deeply.

"I'm sorry, brother. Please forgive my unjust anger."

Snake Eyes nodded; this wasn't exactly the first time Tommy was made to apologize to him. In fact, it was pretty much a daily occurrence. His sword brother had seemed a bit more eager than usual, however. He found out why when on a signal from the Hard Master, the bus boy took Tommy's plate away. A second signal sent Tommy away, presumably to his room or to some pre-agreed chore.

The following weeks had been wonderful for Snake Eyes. As top of his class, he had earned the respect of most of the clan and try as he might, Tommy had not won another fight, much to the delight of the Hard Master. Tommy's mood had sunk a bit more every day, and although he remained exceedingly polite to him, his eyes always betrayed a mix of envy and resentment that Snake Eyes felt was the boy's just reward for beating on him as much as he could for as long as he could.

2 (continued)

M.A.R.S. Fortress, under the ice cap, 19 years later

The adult Snake Eyes had long since lost the innocence that had hid from him what was really going on in his new home. Being denied a meal for being in a bad mood, despite the fact Tommy had not so much as uttered a word was already a bit extreme, but the fact Tommy had expected it revealed he suffered this particular type of discipline on a regular basis… for most children, a skipped meal was not that big of a deal, but for a ninja in training, food was vital fuel, and the punishment was downright cruel.

Over the years spent replaying the few weeks preceding the Hard Master's death, Snake Eyes had come to realize that this one instance of discipline he had witnessed was nothing but the tip of the iceberg: countless incidents that his young self had barely noticed revealed that his sword brother had been hated with a passion by both his uncles, and that they made no secret about it; that the boy who had grown to be Storm Shadow had tried his whole childhood to be the absolute best in a desperate effort to gain his family's love; that he was routinely nearly starved, beaten, and presented to all new students in a negative light to avoid his making any friends.

In short, the terror of Snake Eyes' early day within the Arashikage dojo had been a textbook case of an abused child trying to defend what little chance he had at happiness against the intruder and rival Snake Eyes had been. When the glimmer of hope he had held of becoming the best ninja in the clan and so gain his family's love and respect had vanished by way of Snake Eyes surpassing him, Tommy had fallen into despair and once he had given up on his uncle's feelings for him ever changing, he had eventually lashed out against his tormentor, quite possibly in self defense during yet another beating.

Snake Eyes had already been hunting him for years by the time he had come to these realizations, and by then, Storm Shadow had committed so many crimes that he needed to be stopped regardless of what had really been going on when he had murdered his first victim. Just the same, Snake Eyes had to live with the fact that he had helped push his sword brother into the life he had led, for a 'crime' that no jury in the World would have condemned him for.

Snake Eyes kept his eyes on Storm Shadow as he continued to stagger. They locked eyes and Storm Shadow, with no trace of the smirk he usually had when he sarcastically called him brother, spoke his last words.

"Brother," he muttered. "It was not I who killed our Master."

He fell over the edge of the platform then. Snake Eyes leaped towards him, but was a split second too late to catch him and could only watch him drift away. He wanted to scream, but if Storm Shadow had not killed the Hard Master, Snake Eyes' vow was still in effect and would be until he found and killed the real murderer.

It was somewhat ironic that although he had barely landed one hit on him during their fight, Storm Shadow had managed a blow straight to his rival's heart with his dying breath.

3

The Pit, two weeks later (Present Days)

To anybody reading his public file, the man who picked up the phone was General Clayton Abernathy, assignment classified. To the men under his command, he was General Hawk when they felt like being formal, Sir when they felt like being formal and concise, and simply Hawk the rest of the time. To the person calling, however, he was known by his favorite title: "Daddy".

"Hi Daddy."

Hawk's brow furrowed in worry: he knew that tone all too well.

"You're having a headache again, aren't you?" He asked softly.

"Yeah." Esuma sighed. "Marie's mom is going to drive me back home, I just wanted to let you know I'd be hiding in my room with all the lights shut off."

"You have your key?" Hawk asked. He automatically rolled his eyes at himself: Esuma was home alone every afternoon and he couldn't remember a single time that she had forgotten her keys.

Esuma chuckled weakly. "Yes, Daddy. I have my key. I'm 16, remember? Not 6."

"Sixteen?!" Hawk replied in mock surprise. "When did THAT happen?"

She laughed again, but stopped with a wince. Although he could not see her, Hawk knew she had her eyes closed and was massaging her forehead – his adopted daughter in pain was an altogether too familiar sight.

"Are you having the flashes, too?" He asked, serious again.

"Just that purple light." She replied. "I'll be fine, Daddy, don't worry."

Hawk held back a sigh. The headaches were bad enough, but several specialists had at least agreed they were not dangerous. The flashes, however, those sounds and sights that sometimes accompanied the headaches, worried every Doctor they had seen. Said Doctors were never exactly sure what the flashes signaled, but they all agreed that they couldn't mean anything good. Hawk, more for his own benefit than his daughter, fished around for another subject and remembered Esuma would have had cheerleading practice that afternoon.

"Alright." He said in response to her request not to worry. "So, who's doing the gym this week? All the teachers must have had a turn by now."

"We finally got a new teacher." Esuma replied. "Mr. Nakamura. I better go, Daddy, I don't want to keep Marie's mom waiting. I'll see you tonight."

"Alright. Love you."

"Love you too!"

She hung up about one second before the piece of news she had given Hawk fully registered: the school had found a new gym teacher, when they hadn't even had a decent candidate the week before. He didn't get the luxury to think about it further, however: his new aide-de-camp knocked and called out to him that Snake Eyes was there with their guest.

4

Hawk composed himself before he invited the two ninjas to come in. Their 'guest', as his aide-de-camp had put it, was, from what he understood, Storm Shadow's uncle. Snake Eyes had assured him that the man knew his nephew was a hardened criminal and would not be questioning the need for his death, but had been unable to explain why the man insisted on seeing Hawk so much.

Hawk had to make an effort to remain impassive when Snake Eyes came in with a short, slightly obese, balding man who looked like he could be just about anything EXCEPT a deadly martial artist. Hawk stretched his hand in greeting, but the man ignored it and gave a curt bow, which Hawk settled for duplicating.

"General Hawk." The man started before Hawk was even upright again. "I need to know whether my nephew's body has been recovered yet."

Hawk frowned, hesitant to answer. The information was classified. The man's eyes narrowed.

"Since there would be no need to hide the fact if it had, I assume by your reluctance to answer that it hasn't."

He shook his head dejectedly and turned to Snake Eyes.

"He's alive." He said. "Surely you realize that. Will you complete your mission, Snake Eyes? Will you find him and finally bring him to justice?"

Snake Eyes hesitated.

"If it turns out that Storm Shadow is indeed alive, Mr. Arashikage," Hawk replied, "Snake Eyes will capture him if he is ordered to by his commanding officer: me."

The man snorted.

"He is alive." He stated. "Well, Snake Eyes. Will you or will you not honor your word? Will you avenge your Master and stop your brother from further soiling our name?"

/* It wasn't him. */ Snake Eyes signed. /* He told me himself, with what I thought was his dying breath, that he did not kill the Hard Master. */

The Soft Master scowled and barked a laugh.

"And you believed him?" He mocked. "He lied to you to perturb you. He must have thought, like you, that this was the end, and he hurt you the only way he could, by denying you the satisfaction of knowing you had avenged your Master."

Snake Eyes lifted his hands to reply but no answer came. The Soft Master was right: it was entirely possible, even likely, that Storm Shadow had simply lied.

"Will you keep your word?" The Soft Master asked again.

"He will follow his orders." Hawk interfered. "Rest assured, Mr. Arashikage, that I don't want Storm Shadow running around any more than you do, but you must understand that Snake Eyes is a valuable member of my team and as such, he is under MY command, not yours."

The Soft Master narrowed his eyes at him, but after a last look at Snake Eyes, bowed and walked out.