Hello there! I'm sorry for the long update! University classes had just started, and yet I'm already swamped with homework. Sigh. But on a lighter note, I saw my friends again who were also on break, and we had so much to talk about!

It's another another chapter of A Second Chance, and, by popular demand, this chapter is dedicated to the only girl Guardian of the Decimo Generation, Chrome! I tried my best to write her and her family properly, so I'm sorry if there would be moments wherein they would be out of character! Because I like Chrome, she would be the first person to ever go outside the mansion. Apart from the initial cast, two characters from the series would also appear with Chrome (I'm sure you could guess who!).

And, for those who were asking, a harpsichord is a musical instrument used in the 16th century. It's similar to a piano, and the way you play it is similar, but as pianos started to become popular in the 17th century, it soon became phased out. It's used in the higher classes for entertainment, and recitals were popular during at time. Also, this story is not just about the fluffy family moments that we all love about our favorite family. I'm going to pull an Akira Amano and, after these cute moments, I'll delve further into the nature of the massacre, the family behind it, and finally see the 1st Gen kick some much deserved ass. ^^ You'll know when this will happen.

Warnings And Disclaimers: First chapter.

"Are you sure that you'll stay here, my dear Chrome?" Daemon Spade asked concernedly, a hand on her head as he tried reasoning with his adopted daughter. Giotto had assigned him another negotiation job with another Famiglia, which would take place in a nondescript house for both parties' security and assurance that they would both keep their word of a temporary truce. The Mist Guardian, in most cases, usually left his dear girl in the capable hands of her older twin brother and his fellow Guardians, but lately most of them had been busy, and with no trustworthy adult around to take care of the children, Daemon decided that hell would freeze over first before he would leave his precious daughter to the rowdy, brash and noisy crowd of boys that his fellow Guardians called their sons. While he perfectly knew that his own boy Mukuro could take care of himself, Chrome was his little angel, innocent and pure, and was not suited to such shows of… barbarity.

And so, despite his reservations, he brought Chrome with him to town. Initially he wanted to bring both of his children with him today so they would have each other for company, but as luck would've had it, Alaude and his demon spawn came back from another mission at that time, from Germany this time, and Kyouya, the little imp, had decided that needed to bite the pineapple-haired boy to death right there, and right at that moment. Giotto deemed it safer for Mukuro to stay back to 'amuse' Kyouya so there would be less damage to repair this time, unlike what happened a few months ago.

Needless to say, Daemon was not very happy with this arrangement.

"Yes, Father. Please don't concern yourself with me." Chrome answered back, well aware of her father's predicament. It made her happy that she had two people that took very good care of her now, but she can't afford to be a burden again. Though young, Chrome had a bright mind, one that matured rapidly after her near death experience, and she understood how important her father's job was, though she didn't know what the exact nature of it was. She wished that her brother was with her, but she forced herself to be strong. He wouldn't always be there, like what happened… before. "I'll be fine. I'll stay here until you come back."

Daemon knew that he could trust his daughter to stay still and never move from the spot he would leave her, in a bench in the middle of the town square, but what he didn't trust was that there were people milling around, waiting to strike. But he would rather leave her there where he knew that people could come anytime when she was in danger, and not at the back of the mansion where the mental damage done to her (he was very sure of it) would be irreparable. But, just to be certain, he placed a couple of his own men scattered around to step in and protect his only girl if needed be. He sighed. "Very well. I trust you my dear, but promise me that you won't move from this spot. Father will be back as soon as he can."

The little girl nodded back, holding a small bag in her arms. "Take care, Father. Be safe." She smiled slightly, tiptoeing up and kissed her father's cheek, making the man chuckle.

"Nufufufu… Father shall be back for you, don't worry." He patted her dark violet hair and stood up straight, giving a little nod to a nondescript man nearby and walked off, leaving the girl behind to her own devices.

-KHR-

She didn't want to admit it, but Chrome was bored. She had been sitting there for quite some time already, and while she first enjoyed watching the people walk by, soon she felt lonely, seeing their happy and joyful faces as they passed by her.

She missed her new family. She loved all of them, her kind Uncles, her so-called 'siblings', and most of all her own brother and their adopted father, who did everything for her. Because she was the only girl in the midst of all the children in the mansion, she was perhaps the only person (apart from her brother Tsuna, because everybody adored him, even she did) who was smothered daily by love and affection from the adults in the mansion. Everyone frequently doted upon her, making sure that she's safe and always had what she wanted. While it was nice to have someone take care of her, sometimes she felt she couldn't breathe with all of the attention she was getting.

She was glad that, for once, nobody was there to spoil her silly. It was awkward and surprising at first, since she didn't know how to respond with all the affection she's been getting. Her dead parents never really cared much about her. She was an unwanted child, one that didn't have a place in their perfect circle of three. Her parents only loved Mukuro, her brother, the elder twin, the supposed only son of their family. When she was young she remembered, on their birthday, her parents would always shower him with a party and presents while she was there, forgotten, looked past as if she was a part of the furniture. But he was always there to share his presents, to calm and comfort her when she was scared and frightened, the only person who truly acknowledged and cherished her presence.

She never begrudged him for it. While he may have their parents' love, she had him, and he was more than enough. He hated them for abandoning his little sister, the only person who saw him as he was and not as someone to brag about and shown off like a prize. His parents never really cared about them, just themselves. By nature Chrome was very shy and introverted, and Mukuro very much the opposite, but in the end, the only people they could turn to was each other, their bond strengthened with their dependency and need for each other.

For Chrome, her brother was the entire world. And, for Mukuro, his sister was his entire universe. Despite all of the things they came though, the both of them can never be separated. The first time they came to mansion, she was barely alive and Mukuro had almost gone on a rage to find those people that tried to do away with the both of them, never mind the fact that he might have been killed for trying.

She shook her head, shaking herself out of her pensive thoughts. There was no use thinking about that now. They were blessed enough to have a new family who loved and accepted them, a father that would always put them above everything else, and, most of all, she and her twin were together.

And she couldn't have asked for anything more.

She gave a start when she saw something at the corner of her eye. Something white, medium-sized and feathery…

She blinked in slight confusion, making sure that she wasn't seeing things. An… owl? But… weren't owls supposed to come out only at night? Or so her Father told her. She can't help but be curious about it, however, and edged out of her seat, her promise all but forgotten as she followed the bird deeper into the inner streets of the town.

-KHR-

"Um… where am I…" She looked left and right, trying to figure out where she had last came from. She lost sight of the animal when it turned around in a corner, and, running after it, the snowy-white owl had managed to vanish to thin air, along with her sense of direction and knowledge of the place. She was lost, hopelessly so, and didn't have any idea how to go back.

Oh no… Father would be worried about me… He'll be angry and he would never let go outside again…

Armed with that saddening and dismal thought, the little girl made to go back, but suddenly she slammed into a hard, solid object that wasn't there before, making her stumble and fall, her back aching slightly as a shadow loomed over her threateningly.

As far as she saw, they were three grown men, nothing like her Uncles, who were good-looking and nice. They smelled bad, looked dirty and looked scary. Suddenly she lurched in a surge of mental pain, unconsciously tightening her hold over her bag, one that her father gave her, as if afraid that they were going to take it away.

"Hey! What are you doing, you brat!" The foremost of the trio demanded, baring out his stained teeth and growled at the obviously terrified girl, who was starting to shake. "Bumping into me… Apologize! Apologize now!"

"That's right, little girl, you'd better listen to my friend here…" One of the scary man's companions added, looking amused with the situation. He sniggered. "He's in an extremely bad mood today, and trust me, you don't want to see him angry…"

Chrome was trembling; her one eye glossed over and breathing labored, as the sight of the men in front of her overlapped with the sudden influx of her memories, one that she wanted to forget completely.

"They're coming! We need to run away!"

"Stay away from me you filthy child! Get off me! Don't drag me down!"

"Well… what do we have here? Shall I kill you slowly, or quickly? I'll let you choose your deaths."

"No! Kill me instead! Leave my son alone, just kill me instead!"

"…Oh… So you have a son? How delightful However, you're in my way. Die."

"NOOOOOOOO!"

"F-Father…!"

"You monster! How can you do that to my husband! I don't care if she dies, just spare my only son!"

"Now… where were we?"

"N..No… stay away…"

"NAGI! NAGI, WHERE ARE YOU–…"

"Big brother! No! Don't come near! If you do…!"

"Nagi, are you hurt? Don't worry, big brother is here."

"Hahaha… what a brave little boy we have here. Very well, I'll kill you first, in front of your precious little sister. But don't worry, she'll be joining you soon enough."

"Stay away from her. I won't let you hurt my sister."

"B-Big brother! N-No! Leave me and run!"

"I'll protect you Nagi, so don't stop me."

"Stay away from her, Mukuro! Don't you see that he only wants to kill her! Don't risk your life for someone like her!"

"… Enough talk. Little boy, you amuse me. Now, spill a little blood for me."

"AAAARGH!"

"M-Mukuro!"

"B-Big brother!"

"N-Nagi… S-Sorry…"

"BIG BROTHER! NO! OPEN YOUR EYES!"

"Hahaha… two down… two more to go."

"M-Mukuro… b-big brother…"

"You… it's your fault! If you weren't born, then Mukuro…! Mukuro would…!"

"M-Mother…"

"Just die already! I have no daughter like you!"

"Hmm… you're noisy. I don't like noisy women."

"H-Ha…! M-Mother…!"

It played right before her eyes. These men… these men looked like them. Her limbs were frozen, paralyzed by fear, unable to summon the strength to stand up and run. She needed to escape. Say something, do anything, just move!

"Heh… looks like you scared her to death, boss." One of them quipped, snorting in derisive laughter. "Probably because you look like an ape."

"Hey, shut up or I'll kick your ass." Their leader whacked his crony on the head, the almost comical action snapping the girl out of frozen daze, the haze in her mind instantly clearing as she saw once again the three men she had carelessly bumped into.

No… they were cruel and merciless. These people weren't them. She would know. Letting out a shaky sigh, she tried to think properly. She could probably run, but there was a chance that these men could catch her. She didn't know this place very well either. Her fingers slipped inside her bag, touching the hilt of the weapon her father gave her, a smaller version of her brother's trident, though not long and more compact. The spiked tips somewhat reassured her safety. Should she do it, then? But she was told to never, ever use her powers against other people (Her uncles were the ones who told her that. Her father was perfectly fine with it as long as she didn't leave bodies behind, or so he told her.) unless it's an emergency.

Did this count as an emergency? Well, she supposed so, but she didn't want to hurt other people, and her illusions were somewhat… dangerous. What should she do…?

She gave a little squeak of surprise when a rock suddenly flew past her and smacked right onto the man's face.

"H-Hey! Where did that come from? Hey brat, was that you!" The man, whose nose was bleeding from the attack, roughly grabbed her by the arm, forcing her to stand up. Chrome gave a little whimper of surprise and pain, feeling fingers dig down her arm, trying her hardest to pull away. "You'll pay for that!"

"What's this? A bunch of guys ganging up on a girl? So uncool, byon." Another voice sneered from behind her, making her crane his head back, trying to get a glimpse of her savior. The voice sounded young, around her age, and a bit rough and deep for a girl.

"Let go of her unless you want to get hurt." Another voice, as young as the first, suggested mildly, sounding more mature and stoic compared to the former. "How disgraceful… for grown men to bully a girl…"

"HUH? Who are you two brats! You're friends with this little girl?" The man pulled Chrome up higher, making her drop the bag, a gasp of pain escaping her lips. And, before she knew it, she was dropped to the ground, and a scream suddenly tore through the air, making her scramble away and grab the bag, edging closer to the people who saved her.

"It would be better for you to listen, mister." The monotonous voice from before now spoke up, now sounding somewhat amused, "You see, I really get impatient sometimes."

"Kaki-pi! Don't ruin my fun, byon!" The energetic voice now sounded annoyed, and Chrome had the change to look at the two boys who were kind enough to rescue her.

They looked… different. One had wild, yellow hair like her Uncle Giotto's, only paler and streaked with dust and grime. He had a scar on his face, running over his nose, and his teeth were sticking out from his lips, almost like fangs. The other one had dull blue eyes, and black hair, with… something marking the side of his face. But they piqued her interest greatly, even more when the dark-haired boy offered his hand to help her stand up.

"Are you all right?" Taking the offered hand, she nodded, hey shyness once again taking over her as she blushed brightly, bowing her head to hide her heated face.

"Y-Yes…"

"You…!" The man swore loudly, cradling his arm which was now studded with small, sharp needles. He glared at the three children, the two boys pulling Chrome behind them before facing the three men. "Guys, get them! We'll teach those kids a lesson!"

Chrome gasped, this time in concern. Her illusions were powerful enough to beat these guys, but the two boys who saved her would be caught up in it to! They were so kind, but at this rate, they weren't going to stand a chance against three adults! Grasping the end of the small trident, she started to summon her strength, feeling the familiar trickle of power flow as her mind centered on the illusion she was going to make, but before she could, a voice broke her concentration.

"Come and get me, if you can!" The blonde boy's teeth were bared out in a growl, charging first, making her forget her initial plan and cry out.

"No, you shouldn't! You'll get hurt!"

Her violet eyes widened in shock as he effortlessly took one down, his speed and agility better than the average person. In fact, if she had not seen her family do the same things, she wouldn't have believed it. She stood speechless as a six-year old boy held his ground against a full grown man, actually fighting better and finally managing to knock him out cold.

"Don't underestimate me, byon!" He snarled at her, making her squeak in slight fright. The boy was intimidating, nothing like her siblings, with whom she was well used to. "I can take care of myself no problem!"

"Now then, since Ken's already enjoyed himself…" The dark haired boy muttered from beside her, bringing out his own weapons and flinging them at the second man who came charging, watching impassively as he went down as well, silver glinting in the sunlight as they stood starkly against the man's darkened skin. "There. No need to be flashy, unlike some people…"

The three men, upon being defeated, retreated quickly, but not before giving out a threat. "You won't get away with this, you brats!" And quickly stole away, leaving the three children unharmed.

"Shut up, Kaki-pi!" The blond rounded on his friend, seething, who pocketed the needles nonchalantly and stared at Chrome who realized that she was staring at them unabashedly.

"You. Are you hurt?"

She gave a start, her cheeks flaming red as she clutched her bag close.

"U-Um… t-thank you…" She whispered, glad that she didn't have to use the trident. Slowly she stowed her weapon back inside the bag, tying it up, and clutched it close to her. "Y-You saved me…"

"Keh. We didn't do it for you, byon." The wild blond snorted back, rolling his eyes at the girl. "Those guys were stirring up trouble lately around here. They're annoying, not to mention trespassing on our territory."

"Tresspassing? Territory?" Chrome was curious.

"Don't listen to him. You're only going to be confused." The dark-haired boy told her seriously, while the blond fumed and ranted at the other boy, having heard what he said.

"What was that, Kaki-pi! You…! I'll beat you up!"

"Anyway, I guess I should introduce myself. My name's Chikusa, and that idiot over there is named Ken." Chikusa pointed behind him, seemingly ignoring Ken's words. "We live around here. And you?"

"A-Ah! Um… My name is Chrome." Figuring that it was only polite, she also introduced himself, bowing low, hiding her face behind the bag. She didn't know what to do. She had never been in this kind of situation before. She's always surrounded by her family members, so being alone for the first time with two boys who were still practically strangers somewhat scared her. "Um… I'm… I'm kinda lost, so…"

"Oh, so that's why you're in this place." The boy nodded understandably, finally finishing all the thoughts in his head. He and Ken pretty much knew everyone in the area, and a new face like hers would always stand out, especially because of the eye patch she wore around her right eye. That was the very reason they stopped those guys from hurting her. A new person, especially someone like her, wouldn't be able to survive in this side of the town. "Where are you going, then?"

"T-The town square…"

"Oh, that's pretty nearby here. I'll show you where to go."

"R-Really?"

"HEY! DON'T IGNORE ME, BYON!" Ken butted into the conversation, startling Chrome and making Chikusa sigh. The blonde was still ranting.

"Don't be so loud, Ken. Look, you're scaring her."

"Like hell I care! Let's go! Leave her here! She's nothing but trouble!"

"That girl's nothing but trouble!"

It was as if those words were a trigger. Her eyes were immediately filled with tears and she tried not to cry in front of the two boys, who didn't notice her sudden change in character. She sniffled, quietly, trying to discreetly wipe the tears on her sleeve.

"I-I'm sorry." She apologized so quietly that, if Ken and Chikusa weren't near her at that moment, they wouldn't even hear it. The two boys, upon hearing the girl's words, turned to her, ignoring their current argument for the moment.

"I-I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you two. I-I'll j-just go and won't bother you anymore. T-Thank you for saving me." Chrome dipped her head down again, not wanting to be more trouble than she was worth. And besides, her father's work might already be over, and if she wasn't there, who knows what would happen.

"C-Chrome…" Chikusa blinked, spotting some telltale signs of tears. "Are you… crying?"

"E-Eh? N-No way…!"

"S-Sorry, s-something just…" She hiccupped, hand going up to brush away the liquid tears, trying to erase the memories of her former life. She shouldn't cry. Her life was happier now. She wasn't weak anymore. She had her brother and her father now.

But why did it still hurt to remember it?

"D-Don't cry, byon!" Ken panicked, feeling very much uncomfortable at seeing Chrome cry. He absolutely didn't know how to deal with a person who's crying, since he didn't anyone who did. "S-Sorry if I said anything weird! C-Come on, don't do this!" The blond boy pleaded to the girl, who was trying to stem her tears. Great, now he was feeling guilty!

"Ah, so it's your fault, Ken."

"S-Shut up! Argh, just help me, Chikusa! I don't know what to do, byon!"

"Then you shouldn't have said something in the first place."

"Geez! F-Fine, we'll treat you in town today, so stop already!"

…Somehow… seeing them bicker at her condition made Chrome remember her family, who always panicked and freaked out whenever they see her close to tears. The only ones who stayed calm were her father and brother, while the rest continually tried to cheer her up with different things, offering to play with her, give her gifts or treating her to her favorite things. Just the mere image of it made Chrome smile slightly, her mood uplifted exponentially.

Her stifled giggles caught the attention of the two boys, feeling very much relieved now that she had stopped.

"A-Are you okay now, byon? You won't… You won't cry anymore, right?" Ken, still hesitant, observed the girl with wariness, while Chikusa smiled internally at Ken's reaction.

"Y-Yes. I-I apologize." Chrome, much calmer now, finally gave them a smile, small and reserved, but still bright and brilliant enough for both boys to see. "Thank you Ken, Chikusa."

Then the strangest thing happened. Ken's face suddenly erupted into a bright blush, the scar over his nose appearing darker than it should be as the deep red travelled down to his neck and even to his ears, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to find the words to say.

Chrome shifted her head to the side, trying to get a better look at the blond boy with her one eye. "Ken, what's the matter? You look red."

"Had the heat finally caught up to you, Ken?" Chikusa pressed his hands against the boy's forehead. "You're kinda warm…"

"Leave me alone, byon!" The blond swatted the hand away, huffing, not able to meet Chrome's confused but concerned stare. "I'm fine. Anyway, let's go."

"Go? Go where?" Chrome blinked, and then letting out a sound of surprise as the blond boy grabbed her hand and started to drag her away, with Chikusa closely following after.

"A-Ah! W-Wait! I still –!"

"Look here you, I'm only going to be nice once, so suck it up and don't say anything." Ken grumbled, keeping his gaze forward, but nonetheless kept his hand in Chrome's as the three of them spent the day in town together.

-/-

Chrome could honestly say that she never expected this to happen. All day she stayed in the company of Ken and Chikusa, going to places she had never been to before.

For her, it was a fascinating experience. The mansion was on the outskirts of the city, so they never had the chance to see the town properly, and, even if they did, it was always with the presence of her uncles and siblings, so she never saw much either. But today she had freedom, one that she shared with her two newfound friends, who showed her everything the town had to offer, from the market stalls to the blacksmiths. She watched with awe at the glassblowers working outside, watching them form different kinds of objects and figurines, and the artists who even sketched up their faces for free. And, with a new portrait on her hands, they went to the bakeshop when Chrome's stomach rumbled in hunger, making her flush in embarrassment while the two looked at her with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. She held a piece of newly baked bread in her hands, blowing lightly on it to cool down the surface before biting into the soft, fluffy creation, the flavor exploding in her mouth. She wasn't used to eating with her hands, since they were always taught to use dining utensils during eating, but sill she persevered, handling the food delicately while watching Ken wolf it down in three large bites, worried when Chikusa chuckled as the blond choked from eating too fast before rescuing him from suffocation.

Ken and Chikusa, true to their word, had not let her pay once, even though she tried to insist. Everywhere they went she had something to bring home, a couple of fruits from the stalls and a couple of trinkets from the workshops they visited. Everybody seemed to know the two of them, letting them talk while she opted to tag along them quietly like a shadow. She wondered why, but knew better than to ask, content with what she's seeing and experiencing for the moment.

It was one of the most fun experiences she had. Her father was all but forgotten as they went to the harbor and watched the ships docking, the large sails flapping as they anchored themselves, the large, hulking men bringing down the cargo. It was an entirely different world from what she saw from the books in the library, the reality startlingly different from the pictures she had seen.

"Um… this might be a bad thing to ask, but… where are your parents?" Chrome asked as the three of them took a short rest. There were on the cliff at the edge of the town, the ocean before their eyes as the sun started to go down.

"We're… our parents died when we were four." Chikusa spoke up from his position on the ledge, staring down at the warm Mediterranean Sea. He rested his arms on it, his chin on top, his almost monochromatic eyes reflecting the setting sun. "Ken and I had known each other since we were children. We're childhood friends."

"When our parents died we decided to just go off together. A lot neighbors were willing to take us in because we don't have any known relatives, but it's better if we learn how to live by ourselves, byon." Ken was sitting on the ledge, one leg propped up and the other dangling down. "I don't want to rely on anyone. In exchange for food we work wherever we need to. Those people are also our neighbors, so it's pretty easy for us to get what we need."

"I see…" Her arms were resting on the ledge, watching the sparkle of the sea's clear waters. She suddenly felt bad for asking such a personal question. "Thank you for showing me around today. I really appreciate it." She smiled to herself, a soft pink was dusting her cheeks. "I… I've never been outside of our house before." Well, she wasn't really lying. Her father and uncles were so protective of all them that they were forbidden to go outside the massive grounds of the Vongola Mansion without them. "This was the most fun I've had in a while."

Chikusa smiled slightly when he heard that, glad that they were able to make someone happy. It almost seemed natural for Chrome to be with them, despite meeting her just a few hours before, while Ken quickly looked away, face heating up again when he saw her peaceful and serene face. He didn't want to admit it, but Chrome was… pretty. Very pretty. His heart skipped a beat, and he almost fell off the ledge in shock.

"K-Ken! What's wrong!"

"Hmph… Ken, do you really want to die early?"

"S-Shut up, you two! Leave me alone, byon!"

"Nufufufu… so this was where you were, my dear Chrome." A soft, silky and undeniably dangerous voice sounded right behind them, and the three children twirled around, Chrome's violet eye widening in shock as the mist that appeared first finally dissipated, a tall form emerging from the illusion. And, behind Daemon, a smaller figure followed, one sporting an amused smirk, the older one not smiling at his daughter, for once.

"F-Father!" She couldn't stop her voice from shaking. "And big brother!"

"Kufufufu… hello Chrome." Mukuro greeted his younger twin, breaking away from his father side to approach her, but was immediately stopped by two boys who he hasn't seen before. His mismatched eyes narrowed slightly at the two, observing them quietly, trying to guess their intentions. "Oh my… and who might you two be?"

"Are you two the naughty boys who took away my cute daughter?" Daemon was ready to kill the moment he went back from his mission and saw that his little girl was gone. Immediately assuming the worst, he rounded up his men, and when they admitted that they were slacking off their job since they knew that Chrome wouldn't disobey her father's request, the Mist Guardian had given them the beating of their life, leaving them within an inch of their lives before hurrying back to the mansion. Seeing that Chrome wasn't there as well, he took Mukuro from his fun and the two of them turned the town upside down in their search, leaving the others confused and somewhat worried as they tore through the shopkeepers and the townspeople, trying to find news of the missing girl. "It seems that I have to discipline you two for luring my Chrome away. Muku-chan, please take of your sister." His baton materialized in his hands, ready to strike.

"Of course." Mukuro nodded, his hand stretching out for the girl to take. "Chrome, let's go back. Don't be afraid. Big brother and Father are now here to protect you." He smiled, assuming that, once they had an opening, Chrome would immediately throw herself in his arms, making her safe and them free to attack.

Seeing Chrome quake in fear, Ken and Chikusa immediately assumed a defensive position in front of her. Family or not, they felt a strong urge to protect her, though they knew that their opponents this time weren't easy.

"Chrome, stay back." The two boys pushed her back, despite her futile attempts to pull them away. "We'll handle this."

"That's right, byon! Those guys are bad news."

"No, Father! Don't! They didn't do anything wrong!" Chrome was panicking, fearing for the safety of her two new friends. Her hands trembled, clutching on both boys' sleeves, trying to explain the situation. This was bad. Her family, when it came to her, was the type to attack first and ask questions later. She can't let them hurt the two of them. With that thought, she pushed her way in between the two, who blinked in surprise as she raised her arms to shield them defiantly, facing both her father and her brother.

"Father, big brother, I can't let you hurt them." She said firmly, her eyes narrowed in determination. This time, she'll be the one to protect Ken and Chikusa. It was the least she could after letting her enjoy the whole day. "You're misunderstanding. Please listen to me first."

Daemon was very much surprised at his daughter's actions. Chrome standing up to him… was definitely a first. Looking at her eyes, he knew that she was serious. Had the two boys somehow tricked her into shielding them? How dare them. Frowning, he nodded to Mukuro, who understood and faced his sister, the trident appearing in his hands before attacking.

Ken and Chikusa gasped as the other boy seemingly vanished before their sight. "He disappeared!" They looked around, unable to tell where the attack would come from.

Chrome, however, knew that he was hiding himself in an illusion. Feeling his presence at the side, she whipped out her own weapon from the bag, the identical trident materializing just in time to clash against Mukuro's, the spiked tip just inches away from Ken's face, the grind igniting sparks as she parried off the blow, twirling the trident and also assuming a battle stance. Mukuro jumped back, visibly stunned as he moved back, eyes slanted at the girl who held her trident tightly, not letting them take one step closer towards the two boys. "What's the meaning of this, Nagi? Why are you protecting them?"

Chrome winced when she heard her real name slip out of her brother's lips. But she remained firm, her resolve to protect her friend erasing her initial fears. She knew that Mukuro could beat her anytime had he wanted to, but she had to try. She won't let Ken and Chikusa be caught up because of her mistake.

"Big brother, please listen to me. They didn't do anything wrong. It was my fault." She put the trident down, though she didn't step back. "They saved me from people who tried to hurt me. If it wasn't for them, I would've been in trouble. Please don't hurt them. They… They're my friends, big brother." She said softly, but the others heard her loud and clear. "So I won't let you lay a hand on them."

"Your friends?" Daemon asked curiously, moving forward, causing Chrome to tense once again as her adopted father came into a clearer view. "How did this happen? And why aren't you at the spot that I asked you to wait in?" Though he said this plainly, his eyes were swamped with a myriad of emotions, making Chrome's breath hitch.

"That's…" At that Chrome hung her head in shame, remembering her promise with father that she wouldn't let him worry about her. She understood why he would be angry and worried. "My mistake. I apologize. But please, don't being Ken and Chikusa into this." She put her arms down, the trident disappearing as he pleased to her father and brother.

"Chrome…" Chikusa looked at her, in shock that she would go that far for them. But Chrome didn't pay attention to him, just continuing to stare at the grown male and her twin.

"… Nufufufu, I see." Deamon relaxed when he saw his daughter's almost crumbling form, trying to keep it up for him just so he won't hunt down the boys she was trying so hard to protect. He saw that she was keeping back her tears, hating the fact that she had to argue with the persons she loved, and yet was still doing it for two strangers. For Chrome to ask something from him was rare, and he treasured those moments when she, for once, was acting selfish. He flickered his eyes up to the two boys. They didn't look to be threatening, but they held great promise, if they were able to save his little girl from harm. She seemed to be more open to them, and, knowing her to be terribly shy, making her trust them in such a short time was quite an achievement. "My dear, don't worry anymore. I won't hurt them." He smiled, and she visibly faltered.

"R-Really?" She asked hesitantly, still unsure of her father's intentions. The Mist Guardian nodded back, and opened his arms to her. "Yes Chrome, your friends will be safe. Mukuro?"

"Yes." The boy also dismissed his weapon, offering a hand of cordiality to the two orphaned children, who were still looking at them warily. He was still a little miffed at the thought of entrusting Chrome to two brats who would probably make her cry at any given moment, but he had to be thankful that they saved her from harm. "Thank you for protecting my sister."

She smiled, trusting her father's words, and ran up to him, clutching the front of her father's clothes and sniffled, feeling relieved that Ken and Chikusa would be all right. "I-I'm sorry for making you worry."

"It's quite all right, my dear." Daemon pattered her head soothingly, stopping her tears. "Just promise Father that you won't do it again."

She nodded a watery smile on her face as a thought occurred to her.

"Father… may I go out and see them again?"

"Hmm…" The Mist Guardian hummed a little in thought, trying to see the possible dangers and benefits to the arrangement. He glanced at Mukuro, who was chatting amiably with the two children. It seemed that his son can't find any danger to them, and he trusted Mukuro's instincts. He had never denied Chrome for anything, and he wasn't going to start now.

"Of course you may. But," He chuckled as Chrome's face became a little down, "Your brother has to go with you."

"T-That's all?" She was puzzled. She knew that Mukuro would probably come if she asked, if only to enjoy a free moment outside the mansion. It surprised her that her father, who was usually so protective around her, was agreeing to it.

"Of course. I know that you'll miss them terribly. Just tell me when you want to go, and I'll personally fetch you after you're done playing."

Daemon knew that he had made the right decision because, right now, Chrome looked so happy. She kissed his cheek in gratitude; making him chuckle and straighten out, holding her hand. "Nufufufu… now then, why don't you introduce them to me and your brother?"

"Y-Yes!" And as she introduced her newfound friends, the Mist Guardian found himself liking them. They would teach Chrome to be strong and independent, and yet protect her when it's needed. Mukuro would also be there, and the experience would be good for his children, whom he wanted to be as knowledgable about the world as much as possible.

He had, however, to talk to Mukuro about the blond boy, who he realized was blushing whenever she turned to him, warning bells sounding in his head. Oh no, he won't be handing her to anyone yet. Chrome was his little girl, and anyone who would try to court her will have to go through his dead and decaying body first. And he was sure that Mukuro agreed wholeheartedly with him.

In the distance, a snowy white owl surveyed the meeting unblinkingly, its violet eyes almost shining as it out a soft hoot, before taking off in the gradually darkening night.

In truth, I actually wanted to post this today because tomorrow would be Father's Day! And, this being a family fic, I just can't let Father's Day pass by without writing a chapter! So, I just want to say, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO THE DADDIES OF THE TENTH GENERATION! We (as in, the children and all your fans) love you! Please keep on being the good, kind, young, hot (*tonfa'd*) fathers that you are!

Whew! The longest chapter ever! Thank you once again for the reviews, faves and alerts! Please keep on reading this story, and thank you for reading this chapter!

Please read and review, everyone!

Oh, and for the thing you've all been waiting for! The winners of the special oneshot contest last chapter! Well then! The winners of the contest are reviewer numbers...

127, 139 and 172! Congratulations! If you want to claim your prize, please message me on your preferred prompt and the characters involved! That's all! Thank you for participating!