Ah geez, I'm getting really lazing with updating. But I promise to finish these stories, hopefully before we all drop dead.

Hopefully.

Oh, and no Reply to the Reviewers Corner because I'm feeling a bit lazy.

Chapter 9

3 Years Ago

Tsuna walked into his new classroom, silent as always. Most of the students had already come in, so it was noisy and stuffy in the room. Tsuna sat down, isolated from the rest of the people. This was how things were ever since third grade. He was No-Good Tsuna with no friends, a loner. Ugly, dumb, and weak, it was no wonder people didn't want to be his friend.

He heard the door open again and saw the teacher walk in. The teacher cleared his throat, and the classroom was immediately quiet. The teacher smiled, "Good morning everyone. How does it feel to be second-years at Namimori Middle School?"

Grunts and cheers were both heard. The teacher said, "We have a new student this year. Her name is Chrome Dokuro, and I all want you to be kind to her. Unlike you guys, she's new to this school and therefore must be very nervous right now." Turning to the door, he nodded, "Come in."

A delicate-looking girl walked in, immediately grabbing the attention of all the boys in the classroom. She was doll-like and very pretty, even though her hairstyle was strange (almost pineapple like). But the boys' eyes wandered mainly to the short top she had that exposed her belly, and that all too short skirt that showed off much of her legs. Most of the girls noticed this, and glared at the new girl with obvious jealously and dislike in their eyes.

But what caught Tsuna's attention was the eye-patch over her right eye. He stared at it, wondering what could have happened to her eye. He was so immersed in his thoughts that he didn't realize the teacher was calling his name.

"Tsuna!"

Coming to his senses, Tsuna stood up reflexively and asked, "Y-Yes?" Snickers could be heard from the people around him.

The teacher said, "Pay more attention next time, Sawada-san." Pointing to the empty seat next to Tsuna, he said, "As I said, there is an empty desk next to Sawada-san. Please sit there."

With a curt nod, the girl walked over to the desk, the boys drooling over her short skirt that threatened to reveal what was under it with ever step she took. Chrome sat down next to Tsuna, who was suddenly feeling very self-conscious.

Shakily, Tsuna turned his head towards Chrome and smiled, "U-um, hi there. My name is Sawada Tsunayoshi."
Chrome stared blankly at him, prompting Tsuna to add, "But you can call me Tsuna!"

The awkward silence only continued. Tsuna mentally bashed himself for looking so stupid. Then, Chrome said, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Tsuna blinked, 'S-She spoke!' He smiled also, "Y-Yeah, likewise."

…

Things had gone relatively smoothly until science class. Chrome was partnered with Hiroyomi Sakura (the stereotypical popular bitch of the school) for a science lab. Things might have gone differently if Hiroyomi's boyfriend, Dante, had not told her during lunchtime that he was in love with Chrome now. It was ridiculous to Tsuna that these people used the words 'love' so easily. The other boys thought more with their libido than their brain.

But anyways, Hiroyomi was not the type to forgive easily. She wasn't angry because Dante had left her. No, it was because he left her for someone else. So when Chrome and Hiroyomi were paired together, the storm broke loose.

"You stupid skank, you messed up again!"

Chrome flinched slightly at Hiroyomi's voice. She apologized softy, "I'm sorry—"

Hiroyomi said, "Shut it, you little—"

"MS. SAKURA!"

The two turned their heads towards the teacher, who had just re-entered the room and looked livid. She said, "I will not tolerate that sort of behavior in my classroom! Apologize to Ms. Dokuro!"

Hiroyomi gritted her teeth and spat out, "Sorry."

The teacher frowned, "Perhaps detention will teach you a little bit about manners and sincerity!"

Hiroyomi protested, "You can't do that, I have a party to go to tonight!"

The teacher glared, "You should have thought of that before you acted so rudely." With that, class resumed. Whispers were heard but they died down soon enough. The only thing that didn't return to normal was Hiroyomi's eyes. They were boring angry holes right into Chrome's head.

…

After school, Tsuna walked outside, where he was promptly greeted with a kick to the head. "OW!" Tsuna clutched his head while looking up at the source of his pain, "Reborn!"

His infant tutor said, "Your reflexes are still too slow, No-Good Tsuna. How do you expect to become a mafia boss like this?"

Tsuna protested for what seemed like the millionth time, "I already told you, I don't want to be a mafia boss!"

Reborn replied, "And I already told you, I don't care."

As the two (or rather Tsuna) argued with each other, they heard a noise. It was the sound of a body hitting the ground. Tsuna's head snapped in the direction of the noise, "What was that?"

Reborn replied, "Go find out."

…

Tsuna ran around to the back of the school to find Chrome face down with Hiroyomi and her friends standing over her.

Hiroyomi sneered, "Is that all you have? No resistance, as expect from a whore."

Chrome didn't reply, but curled up a little more.

Tsuna whispered, "Oh no . . ." He backed up slightly, 'I shouldn't get involved in this . . .' However, as he was about to turn away, Reborn stopped him.

Reborn asked, "Are you going to just walk away as if nothing had happened, Tsuna?"

Tsuna heard a small whimper and looked back at Chrome, who had been kicked a few times and was clutching her stomach. Something inside Tsuna tugged at his conscience as he realized he couldn't just leave Chrome like that. Without thinking, he stepped out from behind the tree and shouted, "H-Hey, stop that!"

Chrome was temporarily forgotten as the girls looked up at Tsuna. Hiroyomi wrinkled her nose, "Oh look, it's No-Good Tsuna. Who do you think you are, telling me what to do? It's none of your business anyways, so just scram."

Tsuna gulped but said, "It doesn't matter whether or not I'm involved. All I know is that I can't stand by and watch you bully Dokuro-san like this."

Hiroyomi sneered, "What are you going to do about it?"

Without thinking, Tsuna charged at Hiroyomi and tackled her to the ground, wincing at the deafening shriek the girl let out. In the process, both of their clothes became dirty and Hiroyomi's scarf had been ripped slightly.

She yelled again in a high-pitched voice, "You ruined my scarf, you little bitch! This thing is worth more than you!" She got up and pulled Tsuna by the hair, spitting in his face, "You're going to pay for that!"

Tsuna winced slightly and glanced at Chrome, who was staring at him with wide eyes. He mouthed the words, 'Run now!'

She stared at him dumbly for a few more seconds before gathering her scattered belonging and running away silently, looking back for only a moment before disappearing.

…

The next day, Tsuna came to school sporting bruises, cuts, and two broken fingers. Despite being girls, Hiroyomi and her friends were brutally strong. Whispers started up as Tsuna sat down, mainly speculation about who beat him up and why. All of them were far from the truth.

He buried his head in his face. This was the last thing he wanted, more negative attention. He felt a gentle tap on his shoulder and looked up, expecting the concerned face of his teacher. Instead, Tsuna saw Chrome.

He looked up, "Ah, Dokuro-san! Did you get home safely?"

She nodded silently. An awkward feeling settled in as Tsuna rubbed his head, "Uh, well, good."

"Why?"

He blinked, "Eh?"

She asked again, "Why did you save me at the cost of your body? There was no reason for you to, considering we barely even know each other."

Tsuna didn't know how to answer such a question right away. He replied, "Well, there was no real reason for it. I mean, I couldn't just walk away like nothing happened. I would never forgive myself if I did. So, that's why I had to do something. I didn't exactly plan to have them turn on me, but it's not as if I didn't expect it either. Either way, as long as you were safe, it didn't really matter." He smiled, "Besides, I'm used to being beaten, so it's not as if it was anything new."

Chrome said softly, "Still for you to do that for someone like me . . ." She looked down, "I apologize for being a burden."

Tsuna waved his hands, "E-eh? No, it wasn't anything, really! So, don't say something like that."

Chrome looked up, at Tsuna's eyes and mumbled, "You're so kind."

Tsuna tilted his head, "Huh, what did you say?"

She smiled and shook her head, "Nothing." She said, "I'll repay this favor."

Tsuna became extremely flustered, "E-eh? You don't have to repay anything!"

"Yes I do, boss."

"Hiih, why did you just call me boss? Tsuna is fine!"

"No, the boss is the boss."

"Eeeeh?"

…

Later on that night, Hiroyomi and her gang were hanging out in a dumpster, smoking like a typical delinquent. Hiroyomi swore, "That stupid whore and loser Tsuna . . . I'll make their lives living hell!"

All of a sudden, there was a great gust of wind and the dust was tossed around everywhere. The girls let out small noises of displeasure as their jackets got dirty. Once the wind settled down, a figure appeared in the clearing.

Hiroyomi sneered at first, "Who's there—" But her attitude changed completely once she realized there was a gorgeous man standing in front of her. Jumping down from the dumpster, she bounced over to him, hiking her skirt up slightly as she did so. She said in a flirtatious voice, "Hey stranger, what brings you here?"

The man smiled, "Oh my, what a pretty girl. You wouldn't happen to by Hiroyomi Sakura, would you?"

She fluttered her eyes, "Oooh, yes I would. What sort of business do you have with me, handsome?"

His smile widened, "Then, I must express my gratitude to you for helping my dear Chrome get closer to the Vongola boy. However, I also must pay you back for those nasty bruises you whores gave her."

Hiroyomi looked shocked and terrified, "Wha—"

The darkness enveloped them as suddenly, each girl felt crippling pain worse than being set on fire.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Kufufu."

…

It had been three months since school had started. Hiroyomi had disappeared without a trace. The others were found and hospitalized. Though they were put through questioning about what happened, each would become distant and withdrawn, so there was no progress there. A search had been initiated but was dropped quickly after her mother said, 'Who cares about that stupid bitch? I'm glad to have been rid of her.'

Soon, the entire thing had been forgotten. After all, who really cared if someone rotten as Hiroyomi was gone? Still, it was a shame, some would say. She did have a beautiful voice and a soft look in her eyes when she sung. Maybe if she hadn't gotten involved with the wrong crowd, she would have been a sweeter child.

Chrome walked up to a some-what rundown house, the soft crunches of leaves accompanying her steps. She knocked softly five times (the first two slow, the last three in succession). The door opened slightly and Chrome went inside. She closed the door behind her before looking up at a young teenager's face, which was remarkably similar to hers.

The boy, her older brother, smiled at her, "Welcome home, my dear Chrome."

She smiled, "I'm home, Mukuro-sama."

The house was dark as usual, all the shades closed and only a light in the kitchen was on. She put her bag down and said, "I'll make dinner, what do you?"

He said, "Curry, with pineapples."

Chrome wrinkled her nose, she hated pineapples. But all she had to was separate it from her portion, so it would be alright. She replied, "Ok." Tying her apron on, she busied herself with cooking.

Chrome and Mukuro Rokudo . . . both were only thirteen years old but already on the run from the law. They used to live on the streets until they were taken in by the mafia. They may have been fed and clothed, but even Hell was better than where they were. Experimented on, tortured daily, given only the bare necessities to keep them alive . . . Words failed to describe the horrors they, along with the other orphans, experienced.

It was there that Mukuro gained his mastery over the Six Paths of Hell: through gruesome trials and terrible experiments. Despite his new powers, he never used them because it frightened Chrome. She would cry and call for Mukuro, scared of the demonic person that wore her brother's skin.

They were able to put up with this for a while, praying for mercy and finding comfort in each other, as well as two boys that they befriend (Chikusa and Ken). However, this all changed when a particular experiment that was performed on Chrome went horribly wrong, causing her to lose nearly all of her organs. It was then that all Hell broke loose.

All they could remember was the smell of blood and terrified screams from the adults. Once Mukuro came to his senses, all the lab equipment was destroyed and body parts were scattered across the blood-red tiles. The only ones left alive were Chrome, Ken, and Chikusa.

They had escaped but were wanted by the family that Mukuro had killed. As a result, Mukuro wanted Chrome to leave with Chikusa and Ken, seeing as he was the one who was really being hunted down. However, the three refused to leave him. In the end, it was decided that Chrome would stay with Mukuro while Chikusa and Ken stayed somewhere farther from the twins.

Mukuro glanced at Chrome, "So, how have things been? Have you been getting closer to that Vongola boy?"

Chrome stiffened slightly but nodded, "Yes, Mukuro-sama. We have become quite close."

Mukuro smirked, "Kufufufu, good. Our plan is going perfectly."

Chrome added the curry powder to the pot and asked hesitantly, "Mukuro-sama . . . do we need to do this?"

Mukuro glanced over at Chrome from the couch, "Hmm?"

She said as she stirred the pot, "It's just that . . . Boss is really kind. I don't think he's like the rest of them."

Mukuro frowned, his eyes narrowing, "Don't fall for that, Chrome. He's as big a hypocrite as the rest of those mafia scums." He turned back to the T.V., which was having a news report on recent murder in Kokuyo Land, "The world will be better off without the rest of them."

A protest rose in Chrome's throat, but she bit her lip. After all, her brother knew best. But . . . she couldn't help but think that this time, he was wrong.