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.

"I'm sorry! I said I didn't know! Besides, it's not like they died or anything!" In the middle of a dimly lit room, two preteen children were being berated by an older teen with very long black hair.

"'It's not like they died or anything'! You blew up their house! It was pure luck that they weren't in it at the time! And why were you using such high explosives anyway? You're only target was the house on the corner? But you burned down the entire street! And not just any street, but the street they live on! Not only did you put them in potential danger, but you've alerted 'The Family' to our presence! Do you have any idea how pissed off the boss is going to be! She'll probably-!"

The young woman went silent as another woman, slightly older than herself walked in and sat on a couch that was facing them. "...I have managed to handle the situation for now. As far as the police are concerned, there were reports of a gas leak a few days before the explosion, and they are going to follow that line of thought. However, 'The Family' is not so easily fooled, and are now investigating on their own, and are obviously angry. We'll have to avoid operating in that area for while, now."

Her voice was soft, but absolute authority could be felt from every syllable. Her eyes turned from the Young woman to the two children next to her. The two immediately tensed up; they knew they had done something very bad from the moment the boss walked into the room in person. Looking at the floor, they tried to steel themselves for their fates.

"Be more careful from now on, Ai, Nana. I will overlook this accident this time, but if there is a next time, you will be punished. Now hurry up and go downstairs, dinner is almost ready in the cafeteria."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Without delay, the two children left, leaving the two older women alone in the room. After a moment, the younger of the two sighed, "You always let the young ones off too easily, Shizuka. While everyone loves you, you need to assert yourself, too. We can't have all of our group too lax- it'll be dangerous for them in the future when they're on the front lines."

Shizuka nodded, her face still with a solemn expression, "I think it's fine if they take any chances that they can to act like children- those chances don't come often. Besides, when our time comes, they'll have to grow up fast. At any rate, what is the situation with our princess, Kanako?"

"It seems that the princess is currently residing in the Ogasawara estates, now that her house is gone. Fortunately, Neither she nor Shimako-san were harmed in any way, and seem to be doing just fine, albeit annoyed by their current situation. How are things progressing on your end?"

Shizuka nodded, "Slowly but surely we are gaining more allies and a stronger foothold. It is still too early to start taking bigger action; but I think it is time that we introduce ourselves to our princess."

Kanako nodded as well, "Yes, and it won't be too soon. I can't wait for the day that our princess is with us again. I can't stand that we have to leave her with them..."

"Don't worry, Kanako. All things will happen in due time. For now, we need to do our part, too."

"Good morning, Onee-sama, Shimako-chan! Did you all sleep well?" Yumi gushed as she entered dining room, where her two most important people were residing.

"Good morning Yumi, "Sachiko replied, "Indeed, we slept very well. But it is unusual to see you up so early. Did something disturb your sleep?"

Yumi shook her head, "I thought I'd walk over to the flower shop; the owner asked me to help out while she goes to a doctor's appointment. Will you be coming as well, Shimako-chan?"

The last thing on earth that Yumi expected was for Shimako to decline. The two girls were inseparable. If one needed to go somewhere or do something, the other was almost always alongside them. Shimako was especially firm about this. Yet it never felt like they were crowding each other; in fact, whenever one wasn't with the other, there was always the feeling of something missing.

The same feeling that began to creep up as Yumi watched Shimako shake her head, "I'm sorry Yumi-san, but there is something really, really important that I need to do. However, I can walk with you to the flower shop, and when your shift is over, I will come to pick you up, okay?"

Yumi nodded, still downhearted. But her spirits rose as Shimako continued, "Besides, I'm sure that Noriko-chan and Touko-chan would be more than happy to keep you company until I return to pick you up. Isn't that right?"

"Yes, we'd love to," Yumi turned as Noriko and Touko entered the room, her eyes resting on Noriko as she continued, "If Yumi-sama would allow us to accompany her, that is."

Yumi smiled and nodded. She was still disappointed that Shimako would not be with her the entire time, but always willing to spend time with Noriko. And the sleepover last night was very fun, and she wanted to get to know Touko better as well.

"Then, shall we go, everyone? Onee-sama, I know you're busy, but would you like to accompany us as well?"

Brushing the hair out of Yumi's hair, Sachiko smiled warmly at her, "Unfortunately, I will be too busy to go out today. Be sure to tell me how your day was this evening, okay Yumi?"

"Yes, Onee-sama!"

The flower shop was not far from the Ogasawara estate; located almost exactly halfway to Lilian, and it was only a thirty minute walk there.

"So, Shimako-chan, shall we stay at Onee-sama's estate for a while, or shall we look for another home as soon as possible?"

"I think we should stay at the Ogasawara estate for a while and take our time looking for a new home.

It's nearby Lilian, close to the mall, and we can stay in their side home so we can have privacy. Sayako-sama has already approved of What do you think?"

Yumi nodded, "Yes, I think that's a good idea. Ah, we're here. Are you going to give me a good-bye kiss?" Her voice was teasing, and she laughed when Shimako kissed her cheek, but stopped as she saw Shimako's face turn serious.

"Yumi-san, please don't go out of Noriko-chan's sight until I return. I will come to pick you up as soon as I can, so please don't leave the flower shop, all right?"

Yumi sighed, "I had a feeling that it was something like this. So Noriko-chan is now part of the 'Watch Over Yumi' group?" Then, an upset and worried look crossed her face, "Then, is it the same for Touko-chan? Was meeting her set up? Is she part of 'WOY' as well?"

Shimako shook her head, "No, I had nothing to do with us meeting Touko-chan, and I haven't asked her to watch over you. You seem to have taken quite a liking to her though, so I might in the future. You stuck around her last night almost as much as you stick around me!" She playfully pouted and was rewarded with a crimson faced Yumi. "Anyway, you go ahead into the store with Touko-chan. I need to talk to Noriko-chan for a moment. See you this afternoon."

As Yumi and Touko walked into the store, she turned her attention to Noriko. "While I'm gone, you are to keep an eye out for anything and anyone suspicious. I suggest you stick around the outside. If you spot someone suspicious, don't do anything unless they are a threat. Otherwise just keep notes on their faces and the way they are dressed. I'll be back later."

Noriko was slightly taken aback by this sudden change in demeanor, but still nodded. Shimako began to walk away, then stopped, "If anything should happen to Yumi while you are in charge of protecting her, I shall kill you. Soeur or not."

A stronger person than Noriko would have been petrified by Shimako's icy farewell, and it was only when Noriko felt a touch on her shoulder that she came back to her senses. Turning around, she found herself gazing into Yumi's warm eyes. "Don't worry too much about what she said. I have no intention of doing something that could potentially be dangerous. And I did promise not to leave here, so I don't think your bodyguard duty should be all that difficult."

Noriko was taken aback, "Yumi-sama! What, I-I mean, you know! I mean, did you overhear!"

Yumi giggled slightly, "Noriko-chan, Shimako-chan and many others have been acting as family and bodyguards for me ever since I can remember. At the very least, I know that I need to be protected, and that Shimako-chan, some of the others, and now you as well have taken up the task of doing so. That said, I have no idea what it is that you all are involved in, nor why people are after me. However, I do know that Shimako-chan promised my mother to always stay by my side and watch over me. And likewise, I made a promise to Shimako-chan that I would not ask what it is that she has gotten herself involved in until she decides to tell me herself."

By this point, Touko had come over to them, kept a distance in order not to intrude in their conversation, instead opting to listen quietly as Yumi, aware of this, continued while subconsciously clutching the pendant that was hanging from her neck. "We're orphans, you know. Shimako and I."

This took both Touko and Noriko by surprise. In all the time Noriko had been Shimako's petite-soeur, she had never heard her nor Yumi speak of their family background. She hadn't known that the two shared a home, either. And it hurt her to realize just how little she still knew about the two girls she loved so.

"I don't have much memories of when we were small. To be honest, the only thing that I really-"

"Ah, Yumi-chan! Glad that you could cover for me!" Her words were cut short as a motherly woman walked over to them the moment they entered the shop. Smiling warmly, Yumi greeted the woman. "Thank you for covering for me like always, Yumi-chan! I should be back by tomorrow morning, so just close up the shop as normal tonight and leave the keys with the next door neighbor. Bye!"

The woman walked out of the door, and Yumi walked behind the counter. This was a sign to Noriko that the conversation would be finished another day. Nodding to Yumi, she stepped outside and leaned against the wall of the store. She was dressed down in all black, and she reached into her black coat she had on, put on her shades and thought about the conversation everyone had when Yumi and Shimako had gone to sleep. As it turned out, while Touko had come to the Ogasawara estate to ask for help from The Family to prevent her family's hospital from going under. Although they were relatives, when it came to financial matters, it was strictly business. And it was The Family that dealt with such business.

It had been a shock for Touko to find out that Noriko and the rest of the Yamayurikai were part of The Family. Noriko was surprised as well that Touko's family was involved in the family, although in reality she should have suspected it seeing as her Onee-sama had already known about Touko's family background. And true to Shimako's words, Touko had been given no instructions whatsoever concerning Yumi, except of course, to never mention anything about The Family to her.

The day passed for Noriko as she leaned against the outside wall. The customer volume had been relatively low, the only people who came by were people who seemed to visit the shop often, and Yumi seemed to be on good terms with all of them. Touko had remained in the shop with Yumi to keep her company and help with the menial things such as watering, so Noriko remained outside by herself, although Yumi came outside to keep her company every hour or so when she didn't have customers.

"Noriko-chan, it's time for me to close up the shop!" Yumi came out, holding a vase of flowers, "I just need to give this order of flowers to the neighbors a few door down. Do you want to come with me?"

Noriko looked at the house that Yumi pointed at, and her eyes narrowed. Yumi-sama, please don't move from my side."

Noriko could feel it. A sudden chill, like a knife through the heart. An intense blood lust aimed directly at her. And it was coming from the two young women approaching them. Moving to stand in front of Yumi, Noriko's hand reached into her coat, ready for anything as the two women came to a stop a few feet away from them. "...Is there something we can help you with? I'm sorry, but the flower shop is already closed for the day."

The two women completely ignored her. "You can feel it, right?," The woman with long brown hair asked her black haired companion.

"Yeah, it's radiating in waves from her. There's no doubt that it's really her. Our princess." The younger woman replied as she looked at Yumi.

Nodding, the brunette glanced at Noriko, "We have no business with you; we came here to meet Yumi. So move get out of our way."

And before Noriko could react, the two had moved passed her.

"Lady Yumi! We finally get to meet you! We've waited for so long!" The two younger girls clasped Yumi hands, their faces radiating sheer joy.

Noriko began to pull out her weapon, but stopped as she noticed the complex look on Yumi's face. It was a strange look, like she was truly happy, very confused, and slightly upset.

And that's precisely how Yumi was feeling as she looked at the two young women who were holding her hands so lovingly, as if she were the only thing they cared about in the entire world.

'What is this?' Yumi wondered, What is this feeling? It feels almost as if... as if I'm looking at myself... But.. I've never even seen these two children before. It's weird. It's almost like the warm feeling I have when I'm with Shimako-chan or the Yamayurikai. What IS this..?'

"I don't believe we have met before," Yumi said after a moment, albeit in a warm voice, "You seem to know me already; may I ask who you two are?"

The brunette eagerly shook her hand up and down as she responded, "I'm Yume, and this is Teala. Haven't met before, but we already know all about you, and how amazing and wonderful you are! Hey, can we call you Yumi-oneechan? Yeah, we'll do that!"

"I don't mind," Yumi replied, after a moment with a small smile, "But do tell me; why is it that you wanted to see me all of a sudden? And how is it that you know so much about me?"

"We-!," The black haired girl began, but went silent; a dark look on her face as she looked past Yumi. Turning to where the girl, Teala was looking, Yumi gasped as she saw the same dark look.

Coming from Touko.

"Well, we only came today to meet you, Yumi-oneesama. Don't worry, we will definitely meet again soon. Bye-bye!" As she spoke, a black car had pulled up behind them, and they got in.

As it pulled away, Yumi watched it go, that same strange expression on her face.

Noriko, on the other hand, turned to her friend, "I take it you know them." Short. Simple. With an edge.

It reminded Touko that right now, she was not looking at her best friend. She was looking at Noriko of the Todo-ken. A woman who put The Family and her missions first. A person who (according to her knowledge of 'The Family') had murdered people to get to where she was. A woman who currently had a priority mission.

A mission that Touko had inadvertently treaded in the path of.

And Noriko was pissed.

"I just had a disagreement with them a while back." Touko replied slowly, carefully. "I don't know them personally."

"What is going on here?"

Touko visibly relaxed as Noriko's attention immediately diverted as Shimako walked over to them; or rather, to Yumi. However, she tensed back up at the look that Noriko gave her afterwards. A look devoid of any inkling of the friendliness that was between them.

Once the shop was closed down for the night, they began to walk home. Touko walked a bit further behind them. Noriko was recounting the events of the day to Shimako, but Touko's thoughts were somewhere else.

'What the hell is going on! What are THEY doing here? And more importantly, why are they approaching Yumi-sama? I don't understand what is going on, but I know that something big is about to happen...'

A/N: Aaannnd, we're done. It is from here where things will truly start to heat up. Are friends friends?Or are foes allies? As always, I want to hear from you about whatever you think!