A/N: Definition of FanFic: FICTION (a non realistic story) made by a FAN (an ardent follower and admirer) of another person's work, using that person's ideas to make an original story. As such, the only thing the FAN owns is their respective original story and original characters; NOT the object(s) of their FANdom.

As the Essence rounded the corner, they were brought to a stop by a police officer as several fire trucks zoomed past. As Yuuki lowered his window, the stench of smoke and burning material invaded the car, "What's going on, officer?"

"There's been an explosion up ahead, and a number of homes have completely collapsed. We're about to block of this entire street for safety. Do you live on it?"

Before Yuuki could reply, Yumi and Shimako were already out of the car, running towards the crowd only to be greeted by the remains of the places that they and their neighbors had once called their homes, and the flames that impeded their march. "No way... our home..." Yumi's voice was lost amongst the roars of fire and the crying of women and children near, until a sudden thought struck her like a knife, "THE PENDANT!"

Yumi rushed towards the burning only to be held back by Shimako. "Yumi-san, you can't-"

"Let me go, I have to go get my-!"

"No, Yumi-san, you don't-!"

"Get off, I need Mom's-!"

"Wait, I'm telling you I-!"

"LET GO!"

SLAP.

Shimako didn't flinch when Yumi's hand connected with her cheek. Instead, she reached around and pulled Yumi into a tight embrace, pinning her arms to her sides. "It's okay," She whispered to the still struggling girl, "The pendant is safe, Yumi-san. I have it right here."

Yumi stopped struggling as Shimako reached into her pocket and pulled out the silver pendant that she was so desperate for. As she took it in hand, she fell to the floor in relief, tears streaming from her eyes as she held it to her chest. "Shimako-chan... I..."

"Shh..." Shimako gently embraced Yumi again, "What's important right now is that you have it with you again." Then, she sighed, "Although it seems that we must find a new home now." Yumi turned her attention back to the place where earlier her and Shimako's home resided, and stared at the flames that leapt about. Unlike their neighbors, Yumi and Shimako were not very upset with the fact that they no longer had a home. For them, there was nothing in the house that they had an attachment to. The only thing besides each other that they truly cared about was the pendant. Everything else was replaceable. Besides, it was easy enough for the two of them to get another house. All in all, it was simply an inconvenience to them. Albeit, a large inconvenience.

"Come on, Yumi-san, let's go back to the car. We can deal with this stuff later. As Shimako helped her to her feet, Yumi reached up and gently stroked the cheek that she had angrily slapped a moment ago. Moving closer, she leaned in and kissed her reddening cheek softly, "I'm sorry, Shimako-chan."

Smiling, Shimako simply took Yumi's hand in hers and together, the two returned to the car, walking past Yuuki who was talking to an officer alongside Yoshino."

"...And that's all we know so far. According to the City Public Services, someone had called in yesterday about a possible gas leak in the neighborhood. It'll be about a week before we can get any concrete evidence, though."

Yuuki nodded as the officer finished his statement.

"Damn city," Yoshino muttered as she turned and headed back to the car, "Never getting stuff done until it's too late..."

Waiting until both Yoshino and the officer had moved away from him, Yuuki reached into his back pocket and pulled out the small handkerchief that Shimako had discretely placed into it as she had passed by. Opening it up, he stared for a moment at the small fragment of metal that was sitting within, then placed the handkerchief back into his pocket as he walked back towards the car. "Gas leak my ass."

"I'm telling you, I'm alright, Yoshino-san," Yumi was saying as Yuuki got back into the car, "Ah, Yuuki, do you mind taking me and Shimako-san to Onee-sama's home? We're still going, but I think that we will need to borrow a couple of dresses first."

Yuuki looked at Yumi for a moment, trying to gauge how she was feeling at the moment. He knew, even if her home being destroyed hadn't fazed her very much, she was in no mood to go to his home for dinner. "Just a second."

Getting out of the car, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. Yumi watched as he paced back and forth, a frown on his face. After a few moments, the frown turned into a small smile as he hung up and got back into the car. "Alright, we're going to the mall."

"Why are we going to the mall all of a sudden, Yuuki?" Yumi asked, and he grinned.

"It was the funniest thing. When I called home to say we'd be a bit late, I was told that Father had to reschedule the dinner party. It seems that he has some sudden urgent business."

"Ah," Yumi responded after a moment, "But still, why are we suddenly going-?" Her were cut off by the lively tune of a piano coming from her bag. Opening it, she answered her cell phone. "Hello?"

"Yumi?"

"Ah, Onee-sama! Is there something the matter?"

"Will you all be needing pajamas, Yumi?"

"Pajamas? What should I need them for?"

"Why, the sleepover for us girls, tonight! We have many extra sets, of course, but if you wish to be spared from mother's dress-up games, then you should probably bring your own."

"A-Ah." Yumi looked at the driver's seat and saw the gleam in Yuuki's eyes, "Don't worry, Onee-sama, we will bring our own pajamas with us. And Yuuki says he'll buy the snacks for us."

"Ah, is that so? Tell him that we're really grateful. Let Tsutako-san and Noriko-chan know also. Rei and I are going to pick up Sei-sama and Onee-sama right now, so we will meet you at my home. Take care, Yumi."

"See you soon, Onee-sama." Yumi had a genuine smile on her face as she looked at Yuuki, "Onee-sama says thank you for volunteering to get the snacks for us girls tonight!" Yuuki sighed and shook his head as he started up the car. As he put it in drive, Yumi leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Yuuki," She whispered in his ear, "For always looking out for me." Smiling slightly, he simply patted her on the head as they made their way towards the mall.

"Good evening, everyone!" When they arrived at the mansion, everyone else had already arrived, Sachiko waiting for them at the entrance. Upon seeing Yumi, she immediately walked (albeit very quickly) up to her and embraced her, all the while meticulously looking her over for any sign of bruise or injury. Seemingly satisfied, she ushered Yumi and Yoshino inside while Shimako stayed behind to help get the snacks out of the car. As soon as the two girls were inside, Sachiko over to the snack bearers. "What has happened? I know you couldn't go into details earlier..."

"Yumi and Shimako-san's apartment was blown up a few minutes ago." As she heard this, Sachiko's eyes widened for a moment, before narrowing as Yuuki continued, "The police are claiming there was a gas leak, however; Shimako-san found remnants of an explosive scattered amongst the area. It's most likely that it was intentional. I've already informed Father, and we've started looking into who is responsible. In the meantime, it would probably be best if Yumi would stay here at the Ogasawara estate for a while. It's the safest place in the area near Lilian. Can you see to the arrangements?"

"Of course," Sachiko replied, "Yumi will always have a room at whatever place I call home."

Yuuki nodded, "Alright, then I'm going to head back. It was good seeing you again, Sachiko-san, Shimako-san.

"Just a moment."

Yuuki stopped just as he reached the car and turned back to Sachiko, who was coming over to meet him. "The collar of your suit is ruffled." Moving somewhat close to him, she fixed his collar, "There. A good man should always look good as well. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Sachiko-san."

Slipping into the car, Yuuki drove off, smiling to himself. He had to thank Yumi, yet again. At first, his relationship with Sachiko was shaky, the woman not even giving him the time of day to say hello to her. But when Yumi became her petite-soeur, she Yumi began bringing him along wherever she went, always talking about how nice he was. She was the one who gave Sachiko the chance to see him for who he truly was, despite her aversion to men in general. And he was able to see past her cold facade, and into the warm heart that was Sachiko Ogasawara. And for that, he was truly grateful.

His expression grew dark. Now, someone was intending to do harm to the same person who had always been there for him. Someone was intending to do harm to one of his relatives.

And that was something that The Family just didn't like.

Inside of a locked room far away from the others, Shimako hugged her petite-soeur tightly, before letting to. "I'm proud of you, Noriko-chan. As of today, at this moment, you are officially a member of our 'Family', The Todo-ken; branch of The Houribe-rengo; a branch family of the Yamaguchi-gumi, and parallel branch to the Fukuzawa-kai. Allow me to introduce myself."

Shimako couldn't help but giggle at Noriko's confused question, "Don't I already know you, Onee-sama?"

"You know me as your Onee-sama. But from now on, you will also know me as your Oyabun, your family boss.I am Shimako Todo, The Kumichou, or family head, of the Todo-ken. I am also the Saiko-komon, the head of administrations of the Houribe-rengo. Although..." She smiled softly at Noriko, "Personally, I would prefer it if you still called me 'Onee-sama'."

Tsutako laughed while Noriko blushed lightly, and responded with a shaky, "Yes, Onee-sama."

Shimako smiled once again before her face turned darker than Noriko had ever seen, and, quite frankly, it scared her. "From here on you will be at the bottom level of the chain. Put simply, it means that if anyone in The Family tells you to do something; you do it."

"Unless it's something completely ridiculous." She added upon seeing Tsutako grin evilly. "At any rate, you already know Tsutako-san. She is also a member of the Todo-ken. She's a Shingiin, or, law advisor. If you ever screw up big time, call her first."

Noriko could only nod in understanding, not daring herself to talk or look away from the chilling eyes of her new boss.

"Good, then is there anything you would like to ask? I'd like to return to where the others are soon..."

"Ah." Noriko remembered what Tsutako told her, "I have just one question. Earlier, Tsutako-san told me that there was only one exception to the rule to always listen to your boss. She said 'If Yumi-san ever tells you to do something, do it no matter what. Even if it conflicts with something you were told to do by someone else. Even the boss.' Is this true? If so, then what rank is Yumi-sama in The Family?"

"I'm glad you asked that," Shimako said, smiling at the mention of Yumi's name, "Because it is important for you to understand. First, of all, Yumi-sama is special. She is known as the Hime no Kumichou, or, 'Princess of All Families.' Everybody in every single branch of the Yamaguchi-gumi knows who she is, and is the Saiteigashira or, Second Lieutenant, of the Yamaguchi-gumi. There are only three people with more power within the Yamaguchi-gumi: the Kumichou- the head of the entire Yamaguchi-gumi and its branches, the Wakagashira- First Lieutenant, and lastly, the Saiko-komon, head of administrations."

"WOW!" Gushed Noriko upon learning so much about the girl she loved so, "Yumi-sama is so amazing!"

"Yeah," Tsutako agreed, with a giggle, "Now if only she knew how amazing she was, then maybe we'd-"

"Tsutako."

Tsutako immediately went silent when she heard the edge in Shimako's voice, the Rose's eyes narrowing. Noriko looked at her Onee-sama questioningly.

"That being said, that's NOT why Yumi-sama is so special. You'll find out eventually, but there is something that is absolutely vital for you to know: While Yumi-sama is the Shaiteigashira of the Yamaguchi-gumi, she IS NOT in The Family."

Now, Noriko was completely confused as she tried to make sense of what she was being told. "I... don't understand." She admitted after a moment, "If Yumi-sama is a Shaiteigashira, then how is she not part of The Family?"

Shimako smiled sadly, "Because, Yumi-sama herself doesn't know she is a Shaiteigashira. To put it simply, she doesn't even know that The Family exists. As such, she of course, doesn't know that we are members of it; much less herself. And we intend to keep it that way. So: NEVER MENTION THE FAMILY OR ANYTHING ABOUT IT ANYWHERE YUMI-SAMA."

"Okay... but, I don't understand why. But regardless, so it's true that if Yumi-sama tells us to do something, we do it no matter what, then?"

"Yes. The only exception to that is when her safety comes into play. And of course, if it is something completely ridiculous." Shimako replied, taking a sip of the tea that had been sitting next to her all this time. She wasn't used to talking for so long, and it was giving her a small headache.

Noriko nodded once again. She had no problem with obeying Yumi's every command. Yumi was sweet and kind, and hardly ever asked somebody for something anyways.

"Good. Now, we don't have any Sake for the ceremony, so I'll substitute with this..."

The next moment, Noriko the lightest, softest of touches on her lips, along with the smell of flowers for just an instant. Before she could comprehend what had just happened, Shimako and Tsutako were standing near the door.

"Starting tomorrow, Noriko, your job will to be to watch over and protect Yumi-sama alongside me," Shimako said, "Without being over obvious, of course. Just keep an eye out for anything that might be suspicious. Tsutako will start training you on what you need to know soon. We're going back to the others now."

With that, Shimako and Tsutako left, leaving a stunned Noriko standing in the middle of the abandoned room, blushing horribly from what quite possibly, might have been her first kiss.

Downstairs, Yumi was enjoying her time with her Onee-sama when the doorbell rang.

"Ah, that must be the last guest," Sachiko said, getting to her feet. Immediately, Yumi followed.

"There was another person, Onee-sama?"

"Yes, Yumi. She is my younger cousin. I thought she might be feeling a little lonely, so I thought to invite her here. She really needs to associate with people more, after all. Yumi, it would please me if you got along with her."

"Don't worry, Onee-sama. If she is your cousin, I'm sure that she is just as wonderful as you are!"

Sachiko giggled and hugged her petite-soeur, and then opened the door.

Shimako and Tsutako came down the stairs just in time for Tsutako to catch Yumi's brilliant smile on camera.

"Touko-chan!"

A/N: Alright, this chapter is complete! This time around, there was a lot of information thrown out, and there were a lot of words that people don't usually see, so here is a key for them:

Oyabun/Kumichou ~ 'Family Boss'. The leader of a Yakuza Family. While each branch of the Yamaguchi-gumi has its own Kumichou, there is only one Oyabun/Kumichou of the Yamaguchi-gumi itself. He/She has complete authority over all the branches.

Saiko-komon ~ 'Senior Advisor'. The head of administration in a Yakuza Family. Controls their own turfs in different areas. Almost always has their own underlings, or Families, which in turn, become a branch family of whatever family the Saiko-komon is a member of. While technically, they have the lowest of authority between them, the Wakagashira, and Saiteigashira, they advise the Kumichou directly, and are given authority to make decisions on his/her behalf; as well as control the money flow and business area of the Yakuza.

Wakagashira ~ 'First Lieutenant'. The second in command of a Yakuza Family. Acts as the law enforcement of The Family, and ensures the Kumicho's will be done. Governs many gangs in any given region.

Saiteigashira ~ 'Second Lieutenant'. Third in command. Usually acts as leader of the gangs in a region. Assists Wakagashira when needed.

Yamaguchi-gumi ~ A Real Yakuza group. The largest Yakuza group in the world, accounting of 50% of all Yakuza in Japan. The real group has over 55,000 members, and is still growing. For the sake of this story, their leaders and activities have been changed somewhat.

Fukuzawa-kai ~ Story original. Second largest branch group of the main Family, the Yamaguchi-gumi. I'm pretty sure it doesn't need to be said, but the current Kumichou of the Fukuzawa-kai, is a Fukuzawa.

Houribe-rengo ~ Story original. The largest branch group of the main Family, the Yamaguchi-gumi. More will be revealed about this Family later in the story. Although, the name should raise a few flags...

Hime no Kumichou ~ Literally, 'Princess Boss'. This is the title given to Yumi by the Kumichou of the Yamaguchi-gumi. As such, it only makes sense that the princess of the Yamaguchi-gumi as the princess of all the branch families as well. Hence the nickname 'Princess of All Families'.

Yumi ~ The girl we all know and love. To clarify once again for those who might have become confused:

1:) Yumi is the Saiteigashira of the Yamaguchi-gumi.

2:) Yumi, for all intents and purposes, is NOT outwardly acknowledged as Saiteigashira of the Yamaguchi-gumi. However, in their hearts, everyone in all branches of the family recognize her as such and treats her with the utmost kindness. Hime no Kumichou indeed.

2:) Yumi has no idea the Yamaguchi-gumi even exists. She's not one to watch the news.

3:)Yes, Yumi and Shimako live together in the same house... Or, well they did... until it blew up.

And there's that. This chapter was mostly setting up for future chapters, and had a lot of information in it. As always, I want to hear from you! If you have any questions about something, don't hesitate to PM me ^^