It was a hectic scene as Steiner parked the car. The parking lot was crammed full with reporter's van and police vehicles, even a couple of jail transports. "I wonder what's going on," Steiner asked himself as he donned his jacket and hat. Never had he seen the train station so cramped and crowded. Even as he made his way to the area where he was to meet Azmaria, Rosette, and Chrono, it was a challenge, partially due to the large bulky camera's that had been set up and police officers standing around in groups, seemingly waiting for something. He stopped a young woman and inquired of the situation.

"Oh, all this?" she asked. "A few towns away, a train was hijacked and two young kids were kidnapped. A few of the braver passengers actually retook the train. The police are here to take the hijackers into custody and the reporters from Hearst Metrotone News are here to cover the story." The woman walked away with her bags, apparently glad to escape the gathered crowd waiting in wait for the train.

"Derek Wright here from Hearst Metrotone News," a young reporter was saying eagerly, waiting in front of the departure area. "Several hours ago, a popular train line had one of it's trains hijacked after kidnapping two young children, Adam and Lillith, the twins and joint heirs to prestigious Van Koff family. The afternoon was filled with heroics as several of the braver passengers escaped their captivity and fought to retake the train, astoundingly not injuring but only subdueing the offending thugs. Reports gotten from the conductor who had since contacted his superiors revealed many names. The brave rescuers go by the names of Joshua and Rosette Christopher, siblings, a young woman named Azmaria, a young man by the name of Chrono, and a ex army fighter named Dominic. Car by car, these young people split up and retook the train. We've also gotten reports that Chrono went in the place of the women with him as a hostage, where he met Adam and Lillith and watched over them, acting as their shield against injury when the worse came to be. The train is supposed to arrive at any time now, where the hijackers will be led out first."

"Look, the train!" someone yelled out excitedly. "It's coming and it's almost here." The cameras rolled nearby to focus on the incoming train. The deisel train rolled into the station, the police moving into positions ready for anything. The door opened up and the officers took the hijackers away one by one to the waiting transport vehicles, camera's flashing the entire time.

"Clear the way for the passengers to get off the train," an officer ordered, shooing reporters and their camera's away from the door. "The people who retook the train are exiting first, since they have urgent business that they must attend to." A small group of people emerged from the train. Joshua was hovering protectively near Rosette, holding her and Azmaria's bag. Rosette had Chrono's. Adam and Lillith were being led by Chrono, who shied away from the loud and active crowd and the flashing camera's. They hid their faces in his coat, depending on Chrono to guide them through the crowd.

"Mr. Chrono, I presume?" Derek asked, stepping in front of Chrono and the kids.

"Just Chrono," Chrono insisted. "And I'm afraid the kids aren't liking all this attention. We have urgent business to attend to at any rate, so please let me and my group pass. We have someone waiting for us."

"What business, if I may ask?"

"We're helping out an old friend, a very important friend," Chrono explained. "So if you'll excuse us, we'll be taking our leave now." Chrono led his two young charges through the crowd, his friends quickly following him. Steiner met them halfway.

"Mr. Steiner," Az greeted cheerfully, hugging the old butler.

"Ms. Az, Mr. Chrono, it's so nice to see you again," Steiner said back. "Of course you as well Ms. Rosette. I'm sure my mistress won't mind a few extra house guests tonight." He turned to Joshua. "You are Ms. Rosette's brother?"

"That's me," Joshua said. "Believe it or not, I'm a priest. These two are Lillith and Adam. It's very nice to meet you." The twins looked up at Steiner shyly, who bent down on one knee to talk to them.

"I am Steiner, Ms. Stella's butler. I would like to invite you three over as guests at my mistress's manor. Then tomorrow I'll give you money to return home. I'm sure you two would like a bath and warm meal," Steiner told them. They looked at each other and nodded. "My car is not far. The manor is a nice and quiet place. Just relax for tonight. We can even call your parents to tell them that you're both OK."

"That would be nice," Lillith said softly. "Then we can hear mom's voice and be assured." He led them all to the car, stowing their bags in the trunk. It was a tight fit in the car, but they all fit in there. Soon enough, they were at Stella's manor. Away from the camera's and attention, the twins were opening up.

"Mr. Steiner, can we call our family first?" Adam asked.

"Of course." Steiner showed them where the phone was, leaving Chrono with them to assure the worried parents. He showed everyone else their rooms, instructing the servants under his command to prepare two more guest rooms. Adam dialed their home number, handing the phone to Chrono to speak first.

"Hello?" A worried feminine voice answered.

"Am I speaking to Mrs. Van Koff?" Chrono asked courteously.

"Yes, that's me. What business do you have with me? I'm not trying to be rude, but this is a really bad time."

"My name is Chrono. It's just that I have Lillith and Adam with me. They wanted to call and assure you that they were OK. They're right beside me now, wanting to talk to you. Shall I put them on?"

"Yes, please." The voice on the other end sounded tense and nervous, but hopeful. Chrono handed the phone to Adam.

"Mom, I'm so glad to hear your voice. We're OK. Chrono protected us on the train. We're staying with a friend of his, and we're being taken care of. Father Joshua will take us back home personally. So please don't worry about us. Lillith and I are just fine."

"Oh, Adam, I'm so glad to hear that. We'll be waiting to pick you up on the train station personally tomorrow, so be safe until then. Can you put your sister on? I want to hear her voice as well." Adam handed the phone to Lillith.

"Mama?" Lillith asked. "We missed you. We met a really nice boy on the train. He's taking care of us until Father Joshua escorts us home."

"I'm so glad to hear that. Lillith, mind your brother OK. We'll be waiting for you tomorrow at the station, so be brave until then, OK. I'm so glad to hear that you're both fine and well. Put Chrono on the phone. I would like to thank him." Lillith handed the phone to Chrono now.

"Hello again. Please, don't worry about your children. I know I may be a stranger, but I'll take care of them until Joshua sees them home. They don't have any injuries at all. They may be a bit tired, but that's to be expected."

"I know. I implore you, sir, please, see that my children are taken care of. I've been so worried since they've been kidnapped. If Father Joshua trusts you, then I can trust you. If there is any way to repay you for this great kindness, simply name it and it will be yours."

"There's no need for a reward, mam," Chrono told her. "It's more than enough that they're safe and that tomorrow they'll be on their way home to you. Joshua won't let anything happen to them. Would you like to talk to them again?"

"Put the phone so that they can both hear me," she requested. Chrono did so. "Children, I feel I can trust this young man. Please heed this young man and Father Joshua as he brings you home. Soon enough you'll be back with us and we'll see that you have proper protection from now on. Now I simply must go tell your father about this. Sleep well tonight. And don't worry. We're no longer worried ourselves. I'm so glad to know that all is well."

Mrs. Van Koff hung up. Lillith and Adam looked considerably cheerier. Steiner approached them now that they were off the phone. "Would you two like to take a bath? I've had clothes prepared for you both. And dinner will be ready soon as well."

"Go on," Chrono urged them. "I've got to freshen up myself. So I'll see you both at dinner." They went to take their baths.

"Do you need to have your injuries checked out?" Steiner asked him, noticing his face. "It's admirable that you acted as their shield."

"I'm fine. It's only scratches," Chrono told him.

--

That night, as everyone else slept, Chrono stood on the balcony outside his window, letting the cool breeze hit his face. This was the same room he had slept in when he had come here with his fever so long ago. That brought back memories. So Chrono let them pass through his mind.

"Can't sleep?" Rosette's voice broke into his thoughts. Chrono turned to look at her. "Same here. This brings back memories, doesn't it?" Rosette was in the room next to his. "Except that during that time, we were in the same room and you were sick with fever."

Grinning, Chrono took on his true form, gathered Rosette in his arms gently, and flew back to his side. "I could have walked," Rosette said with a giggle as he resumed his child's form once more. She laced her fingers into his. "After all, we are next door to each other. Still, I'm here now."

"After I restore Stella," Chrono spoke with confidence, sure that he could bring Stella back, "we should go somewhere. Maybe a festival. Or maybe out dancing. I may not be able to ask your parents for the right to date you, but I know you're old enough to decide for yourself. We never had that chance before. Would you be willing to give a shot now?"

"Since when did you need to ask?" Rosette mockingly teased. "Of course, Chrono. We've come so far. It's only right that we do this, after all we've been through to get to this point." Their faces moved closer together. Their noses were almost touching. "We no longer have anything to fear. Soon Stella will be back. And then we have a lifetime together."

Their lips met, and they enjoyed their first kiss under the light of the silvery moon. Little did they know that Lillith and Adam, only a few rooms down, had snuck onto the balcony and had caught this little scene between the two star crossed lovers. Stifling their giggles, not wanting to disturb them, they quietly went back to their adjoining rooms.