Author's Note:

Hello my dear readers!

Today I want to present the last chapter of this story. Forest of Tranquility is very important to me and I really enjoyed writing it. I think it was the first time that I worked on something with so much passion and patience. About five month have passed and there was not one single day I didn't work on this story. It was an exhausting but also very fulfilling time.

Thank you all so much for your nice comments, thank you for following and reading the story.

The last chapter is the longest so far. Please be prepared for a mature scene. If you don't like that, you shouldn't read it.

I'm still sorry for my English, but please bear with it another chapter. :3

Well, thank you! Take care and have fun!

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"You can choose how you want to bite the ground, then. So, what do you prefer? Bees or rather a sharp blade?"

"Nezumi, stop it!" Shion grabbed the other boy's wrist and helped his friend to lower his arm with soft power. "Put your knife away." He bowed slightly. "I'm sorry. We are sorry."

"What the heck is wrong with you?" the blonde soldier spitted. "And why do you call him Nezumi? What a stupid name!"

Shion contracted his eyebrows. "Don't dare to insult his name. He's one of the Forest people. No wonder he's angry. Don't you get it?"

"Shion! Don't tell them—"

"It's okay, Nezumi. Trust me. They've to learn the truth or nothing will change," the white-haired said firmly and turned his head to face the taller of the soldiers. "You told us you don't like your job. The City forces you to do this. It's against your will, am I right?"

"Shut up, boy! We'll run into troubles when you—"

"You already are in trouble. You know what will happen when you find the core, don't you? Didn't you tell us you've a little girl at home? When you reach the core you'll have to kill innocent children, innocent women and men. Don't you have principles? Will you be able to square it with your conscience?" Shion queried the man firmly.

"You seem like fine young men to me," Nezumi interjected. "Smart enough to prefer life to death, correct? Have your choice, then. The first possibility is that you believe our words, the second is Elyurias' death penalty for intruding and your assistance in destroying the forest."

The two soldiers looked at each other, and then the blonde focused on the icy road again while the other turned his head around.

"What are we supposed to do?"

Shion and Nezumi smiled at each other, and especially Shion sighed with relief. It was not his nature to extort other people, but it was a matter of life and death, and it didn't just concern the four of them, it concerned the whole megapolis and the Forest tribe. The Mao massacre ten years ago did a lot of damage to the forest and its inhabitants, but taking revenge upon all those innocent people in No. 6 – eager students like Safu, children like Lily, the little girl that used to visit Karan's bakery nearly every day, loving mothers like Karan or Lily's mother Renka and, hardworking family fathers like Getsuyaku, the girl's step-father or the tall, dark-haired soldier who had his own little family – all those people were in mortal danger.

"Ok, listen," Shion started after thinking for a while. "First you've to get us into the City. I'm a citizen of No. 6, but I've lived in the Forest for several months and my physical appearance changed dramatically, that's why I think my ID card won't work anymore. And he's one of the Forest people and didn't have an ID card from the beginning; ergo we won't get through the security gates."

"I see," the blonde guy answered. "But we can't throw you over the wall to get you in."

"Yeah," Shion answered and grabbed his bag after a sudden flash of inspiration. "Nezumi, we have to get changed."

"What? Why?"

"We're captives."

"Huh?" the taller soldier grunted. "Why should we bring captives to No. 6?"

"Specimens," Shion answered quickly, pulling out spare clothes and throwing them on Nezumi. "It's enough to change your top," he added and helped him, then removed his own military jacket to put on his reddish brown coat.

"Specimens? What are you talking about, boy?" the dishwater blonde man answered.

"Are you too dense to put one and one together?" Nezumi grumbled and tied Shion's hands up, then his own, using his teeth. Of course he left the ties very loose, so that both of them would be able to get rid of them easily. "I bet that hell of a city would pry us out of your hands with the greatest pleasure. He survived Elyurias' poison and I'm one of the Mao, thus I'm connected with her."

"With whom?" the dark-haired soldier asked, causing Nezumi to let out a loud, annoyed groan.

"Oh my god, Shion!"

"With Elyurias!" the white-haired said. "We're valuable specimens. Tell them you want to bring us to the Moondrop."

"O…okay," the blonde said and finally reached one of the security gates of the city. "This is the craziest thing I've ever done!"

"I'll never forgive you boys if this goes awry," the other soldier said.

"We'll pay the penalty, then," Nezumi assured and looked at Shion. "I know you don't have any thespian abilities, but at least try to sound dramatic. You're captured, you're scared, they want to dissect you. Try to empathize with your role."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean, Nezumi!" the insulted boy let out angrily.

"Just saying… And now shut up! Here we go, action!" the actor answered and took a deep breath until he let out a horrifying bloodcurdling scream. "Let us go! We didn't do anything wrong! It's our forest! I'll finish you off, I tell ya!" he screamed and squirmed as if he was trying to get rid of his ties. He also kicked against the seats of the vehicle and nudged Shion, who just stared at him – his jaw dropped. The white-haired shook his head slightly, getting his nerves. Cold sweat formed on his forehead, his face got even paler, his eyes were widened in shock and the whole slender body trembled. He acted like an apathetic little rabbit. Nezumi slightly chuckled to himself. Shion seemed to be absolutely terrified and Nezumi knew Shion well enough to be sure that his performance wasn't an act. Even though he didn't wanted Shion to be scared, it was just fine at the moment. The more realistic the better...

"What's happening here?" one of the security officers asked once the vehicle had passed the gate. "Your names and Citizenship Numbers, please."

Both soldiers passed their silver cards to the security officer. He put the cards in his portable card-reader and checked the numbers, names and photos.

"Let us go! Hey!" Nezumi yelled.

"Suzuki, Ren," the blonde soldier answered. "Xx-77218."

"HEY! Untie us, immediately! That's abuse of human rights!" the dark-haired screamed. His voice sounded absolutely panicked. Shion was in awe, even though he still struggled with his stage fright. So he just sat in the corner of his seat, trembling and ashen-pale, while his boyfriend raised hell.

"Kobayashi, Daiki," Ren's partner followed suit, obviously stressed out thanks to Nezumi's hue and cry. "My number is Xw-82112."

"Hey! Assholes! Let us go!"

The officer nodded and handed the cards back. "And what's with those boys."

"LET US GO!"

"Shut up, damnit!" the taller soldier named Daiki yelled and grabbed his gun. The barrel was pointing towards Nezumi's head. "Be quiet already."

A grin curled up on Nezumi's face. That was quite a drama, but nonetheless he let his grey eyes widen and flinched, then pressed his back against the fixed recline. Shion grew even paler and his face was nearly as white as his hair. He gulped.

Ren coughed and raised his head to face the security officer.

"They are specimen and hostile to the City. One of them is a Mao, the other one a traitor," Ren explained.

"We've already interrogated them, Sir. The white-head was a former inhabitant of No. 6, but changes his appearance with help of Elyurias."

"Elyurias?" the security officer said. "Boy, what's your Citizenship Number?"

Shion looked at him scared and shook his head slightly.

"Tell me your number or he'll blow your brain out!"

"Qw-55142," Shion answered quick like a shot and bit his lip. The man entered his number in his portable device and shook his head. "Shion, huh? I remember you. You went to the Northern Forest because of your ecological studies and you never returned to the City. You made common cause with the Forest people, huh? We should execute you instantly, you little traitor. You passed our state secrets on to your Forest friends, huh?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Sir."

"Don't play the innocent. You've even changed your physical appearance, because you know that you've to pay the penalty for your betrayal."

"He said he survived Elyuria's poison. That's why we're instructed to bring the boys to the Moondrop," Ren explained. "They're valuable specimen."

"I see. But I can't let you pass. In order ensure to the safety of our state I'll induce that both of them stay in preventive detention. Out of the car, boys. They're also of use in the Correctional Faciliy."

"But we…" Daiki interposed.

"This is an order! You should be aware that the Security Bureau is the Military's superior. You're nothing but henchmen. What's your unit? Who's your instructor?" the man queried. Another security officer got closer to the group.

"What's wrong, Abe?"

"Those two soldiers defy my orders."

"We didn't—"

"Don't interrupt me. Get out of that car! All of you," the man growled and grabbed Nezumi's collar and wanted to pull him out of the vehicle, but the avant-garde of the bee swarm quickly entered the city, surrounded the security officers and killed them within seconds. The two soldiers watched the whole incident with huge eyes.

"GET GOING!" Nezumi yelled and freed himself from his ties to climb into the driver's seat, pushing the traumatized dishwater blonde soldier aside. He stepped on the gas and moved the vehicle away as fast as possible. Unfortunately, the all-terrain vehicle wasn't that fast, but at least it was enough to put some daylight between the wall of bees and themselves.

"They died. The bees killed them," Daiki whispered. His whole body shook, trembled, his face was ashen-pale. His coworker didn't look better.

"We need a better car," Nezumi interrupted the two of them. "Shion, where's that stupid Moondrop."

"Just follow the street. It's that huge building in the middle of the city."

"This thing that looks like a beehive?"

"Yeah," Shion said and bit his ties to remove them. "We need a car with loudspeaker to warn the people in the city."

"Ok, but where can we get one of them?" Nezumi asked.

"A police station," Shion suggested. "You guys, Ren-san and Daiki-san, we'll drop you in front of the next police station. Please explain everything and help the police to get all people out of harm's way. They should stay inside and they shouldn't open doors and windows. You've seen that those bees can kill people instantly."

"Y…yes. You didn't lie," Daiki said. He was still shocked, but he tried to pull himself together. He was a soldier after all, and the city and the people living in this city needed his help. Ren also nodded.

"Okay. And what are you doing?"

"We're going to the Moondrop. We hope that Nezumi will be able to placate Elyurias' anger."

"We don't understand a word, but you boys didn't lie before. We believe you," Ren said and looked at Shion. "You… wait. I think I remember you. You're the hot baker's son."

"Hot baker?" Shion asked and tilted his head. "But yes. Karan is my mother."

"Stop your hen party. I'll kick you out now!" Nezumi announced and stopped the red ATV.

"Good luck. We're counting on you," Shion said and bowed slightly. The soldiers nodded.

"Take care!" Daiki said. Both hurried inside and Nezumi placed his foot on the gas pedal once more to bomb down the street.

"And? Glad to be back again?" he asked after a while.

"I don't have the time to enjoy it. But well, it didn't change that much in my absence, except for the matter with that bee plague."

"Let's see what we can do about that. I just hope my singing will work on her now."

"I hope so, too. Drive on the right," Shion said and looked back. "They're coming. Hurry!"

People screamed, some tried to shoo away the aggressive insects or fled inside of shops, but some were stung and collapsed within seconds on the sidewalks or even in the middle of the road, causing Nezumi to brake hard. So hard that his head crashed into the steering wheel and Shion went flying and hit the back of the passenger seat.

"Are you okay?" asked the white-head and leaned forward, his upper body resting between the front seats. "Nezumi!"

"I'm fine," the singer answered and rubbed his red forehead.

"You'll get a dumb. Let us cool it later. Can you go on?"

"Yeah, of course," Nezumi said and once again he set the car in motion, but soon one of the cars in front of the boys hurled into a lamppost.

Shion's eyes widened and he grabbed his bangs, pulling them hard. He trembled and his breathing quickened.

"I know. It's horrible, right? It's the cruel reality. But don't close your eyes to it, Shion. This is what happens when nature strikes back."

The ecologist nodded. He knew it just too well. Although the bee plague was caused by Elyurias' anger, it wasn't uncommon that people got killed due to the blind forces of nature. Those people seemed to be innocent victims, but in the end they also were the cause. Without knowing it they were overloading the atmosphere with carbon dioxide. Coal, natural gas and oil were burned for energy and the loss of forest due to deforestation caused global warming. The result of all this were rising sea levels, a growing number of large wildfires and dangerous heat waves; extreme storms, more severe droughts and other consequences with significant and harmful effects on people's health and the environment...

"I know," the boy repeated barely audible. But it wasn't the right time to think about this matter.

The vehicle stopped.

"We're there, Shion. Get out of the car!"

The boy nodded and followed suit, limping a bit. The dark-haired kicked the door open and hurried around the ATV, then wrapped his cloth tightly around Shion and his own body. He didn't know if those bees would affect him since he was a Mao and a part of Elyurias' soul was deep within his body. But he didn't feel like getting stung. And he was worried about their influence on Shion's health. He didn't know if his friend was immune now, or if he had to endure another horrible death struggle. Shion was strong and something in his body was able to cope with Elyurias' poison, but Nezumi never wanted to see him in such a horrible pain again.

"Run!"

Nezumi held Shion tight, dragging him along. They hurried upstairs and stormed the building past bureau workers who just reported for their early morning duty.

"Stay inside, close all windows, people are killed by bees outside," Shion yelled in passing.

Sirens sounded and a male voice echoed through the streets, lifting the state of emergency and calling for the inhabitants of No. 6 to stay inside and to keep windows and door closed. The streets were dead silent now, apart from the steadily humming of the bee swarm. The corpses of those who weren't able to get into safety were lying on the pavements, on stairs, streets and in cars. Those people who were in safety stared out of the windows in horror, some cried or screamed, some mourned for their deceased parents, daughters, sons or friends. Others tried to seal up every little crack that could allow the deadly insects to get inside...

Shion and Nezumi finally reached the mayor's office and knocked on the door. They didn't receive an answer, instead the door slid aside in front of their noses without making a sound. The mayor was sitting in an enormous leather chair behind a wide writing desk near the wall. His face was pale, his hair neatly gelled, and he was younger than expected.

The mayor's gaze shifted from Shion to Nezumi. His eyes grew wider. "Grey hair and eyes? You're—"

"Correct, he's a singer." Shion answered. "Let him use your balcony. We have to speak with Elyurias."

"What's the use of that?"

"What's—" Shion shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. "Are you serious? People are dying! We have to stop her. And you have to stop it to!"

"Stop what?"

"Stop trying to capture Elyurias. She existed long before the birth of humankind; and she always protected her land – the Northern Forest," Nezumi said angrily. "No. 6 can't hold her. You can't captivate her. It's her punishment, don't you get it?"

Shion nodded. "He's right. But it's not only Elyurias. You destroyed the forest to weaken her power and you wanted No. 6 to profit by the forest's recourses. But you overdid it. The forest is dead. And unless we take immediate action to address it, the consequences will continue to intensify. They'll affect the entire planet," Shion explained.

"It was just a matter of time until both nature and Elyurias would attack suddenly. You went too far."

"Way too far!"

"She's at the end of her patience, don't you get it?" the dark-haired hissed. "She wants revenge. What kind of ruler are you? Letting your people die without batting an eye, huh? But you know what? If you're not going to move soon, you're city will be nothing but a ghost town!"

"Open the window!"

"Just do what he wants, or I'll smash it with that slippery head of yours!"

The mayor gazed at the boys emotionless, motionless, just like a store window mannequin. He didn't say a word, but after a while he muttered: "I should open the window then, huh?" and pushed a button on his desk to open it.

"Finally. Shion, you stay inside until it is safe."

"Okay!"

The singer stepped out onto the balcony and raised his head to look at the glowing red morning sky. A cold wind blew up at him and it started to snow again. Nezumi closed his eyes and sung. His voice was as clear as a bell and echoed through the whole city. People in their houses and shops immediately stopped their crying and yelling and listened to Nezumi's soothing voice in awe. Shion put one of his hands on his heart. Tears welled up in his eyes while Nezumi's song flowed into the world. Shion was choked with emotion.

But even though Nezumi's voice was loud and clear – Elyurias didn't answer him. Instead, bees found their way up in the air, aiming at the boy's body.

"Nezumi! Watch out!" Shion yelled and spurted towards his beloved. Without thinking he tried to protect him with his own body. Nezumi turned around and quickly wrapped his arms around Shion. He wanted to get him inside, he wanted him to be safe, but before they could even blink an eye, both boys were surrounded by a small swarm of bees. Nezumi and Shion embraced each other as tight as possible and closed their eyes, prepared to receive Elyurias' punishment as well. The goddess uncontrollable anger didn't seem to make a distinction between friend and foe. Both boys clung to each other desperately, awaiting unbearable pain and both were willed to share it together. But the expected pain failed to appear. The black seething mass of bees turned into a glowing golden light and bathed the boys in a wonderful, soothing warmth. Tears filled their eyes and spilled without cease. It was a wonderful nostalgic feeling that embraced their hearts and caressed their souls, and it caused the boys to find their inner peace.

They tightened their embrace and the light spread and turned the bees into an even brighter light that covered the entire city in a magnificent, warm glow. It was a wonderful feeling – like the first day of spring, the first smile of an infant, the first kiss of tender love or a motherly hug…

And then, suddenly, a girl's happy giggling echoed through the air. Nezumi and Shion raised their heads and gazed at each other in utter confusion.

"What happened? The bees…" the white-head whispered, rubbing his eyes with his sleeves to dry them. It caused Nezumi to smile. He looked so innocent like that.

"As idiotic as ever," a cheeky high voice chuckled.

"Risu…"

Both boys turned their heads. The little girl stood on the balcony rail. Her white dress and long grey hair fluttered in the wind and her petite body glowed in golden light.

Nezumi and Shion stared at her openmouthed. Then both put one foot before the other, slowly, reluctantly, before they started to run. They grabbed the girl with outstretched arms, pulling her from the railing, slipping to the ground. She landed on Nezumi's lap. He embraced the small form tightly. Shion sighted in relief and kneeled close to the two of them.

"Be careful, you'll fall," the dark-haired mumbled, his mouth pressed against Risu's soft hair.

"That was dangerous," Shion underpinned Nezumi's statement.

But Risu just chuckled.

"Jeez! You're so stupid, the both of you! I am already dead," she countered, her nose up. A cheerful giggle followed.

"How can you be dead when you're right here?" Shion asked reverently.

"Even though I'm dead, I'm still existent", she explained, her voice and expression matured.

"But how can it be, that—"

"You don't understand it, don't you? You should know that there are things without a scientific explanation. Put up with it," Risu said, looking at Shion. She stroked Nezumi's arms.

"The body of yours is cold," he whispered. His voice trembled slightly. "So cold."

Living things are warm. Dead things are cold. And yet, she was there. She was able to talk to them, touch them, but she wasn't alive. It was indeed hard to understand.

"Listen, you two. Brother, Shion," the child said and let her gaze wander. Her vivid silver eyes stared at the white-haired, then moved back to look at Nezumi. "Elyurias melted into thin air before my very eyes."

"She melted into thin air? What does that mean? Is she—" Shion asked and earned a slight nodding.

"She died. But she's a goddess and I know that she will resurge like a phoenix from the ashes someday."

"She's dead...? That's why she couldn't her me, right?" Nezumi asked, hugging Risu's dead and yet so lively body tighter. The child nodded.

"Yes. She was angry. Very angry. She wanted revenge and spent all her energy bringing off the bee plague. She couldn't hear you and she didn't want to hear you, brother," the girl explained. "But I heard you. That's why I took Elyurias' place."

"You were the one who stopped it?" Shion asked softly. She nodded again.

"I didn't want more children to die..." Tears were welling up in her eyes and little sobs left her shaking lips. Immatureness returned to her voice, arousing the protective instinct of both boys.

"You did very well," Shion praised her, stroking her head. Nezumi agreed and both hugged the slightly trembling body.

"It's going to be a hard time for everyone," the girl said after a while. "We should sooth their souls, brother. That's why I'm here in the first place. Let's sing together."

The singer nodded and started to sing once again. A lovely melody left his lips. Risu joined her brother's song, sweet and yet with enormous strength. Both of them had an outstanding talent, and the sibling's soothing and charming voices wandered beyond all bounds. Tender melodies reached every corner, every place in the city of No. 6, even if very remote. The wind carried their chants away, over hills and valleys until the singer's voices reached the Mao settlement and echoed through the hidden cave where the Forest people, Inukashi and toddler Shion had sought shelter from the soldiers. The siblings looked at Shion, whose tears spilled over without cease. The singing reached his very inner core and awaked feelings he had never felt before. Both of them took his hands, tiny cold one's and very warm large but elegant ones, and he felt their soothing energy floating through his entire being. Warm, gentle, calming…

He felt connected with them, with Nezumi, with Risu, with Safu, and with his mother. And it made him thankful.

Thankful for being alive. He was thankful for being able to meet and love Nezumi and that he would see his mother and Safu again. He was thankful he was allowed to meet Inukashi, Akitsu and all the other Mao, and he was thankful that he had found the best mentor in the whole wide world and that she was like a grandmother to him. And he was grateful that Nezumi could meet his little sister once again.

The ecologist remembered the first note his mother had sent him.

"Knowing that you are safe and alive is enough for me to keep going. Just follow your way, dear. I know we'll meet again. Never lose hope, Shion. K."

Never lose hope, huh?

She was right.

After a while Risu and Nezumi stopped their wonderful duet. Shion opened his eyes. He was afraid that Risu had to go now. After all she was still dead and all they could see was her astral body. Risu wasn't a human anymore, she wasn't alive and she wasn't dead. She lived in another world and Shion was sure that she would be a great ruler. Even though she was still a child she had more wisdom than anybody else.

"Don't go," Nezumi whispered, and it broke Shion's heart.

"I'm always there, my brother," Risu whispered and stroked her brother's face with her tiny hands. "You have Shion. I'm still sure he loves you even more than I do!" she giggled. Nezumi held her tighter.

"I love him, too, more than anything else. But—" Nezumi didn't even try to fight his tears back. He gulped and sobbed slightly. "I also love you."

Risu's eyes widened nearly comically, so much that it ruined the mood. Her pale cheeks suddenly glowed in a bright red. Shion grinned a bit geeky while a sweat beat formed at his temple.

"This… is the first time you tell me—I mean I always knew it, because I know you, but—" Risu uttered indistinctly. She looked flustered and yet incredibly happy. "You've changed so much," she added and looked at Shion. "You changed him. You softened him." Tiny arms wrapped around Shion's shoulders. He returned her hug and held the cold tiny body tightly. "Please take good care of my brother. He's stupid and needs you to stay alive," she yelled while tears as beautiful as crystal-like glass beds dripped from the tip of her small upturned nose. Her dark lashes were wet. It intensified the color even more. Nezumi looked the same… It was magnificent. Shion stroked Risu's back gently and held her shaking body for a while until she lifted her head and kissed the scar on his cheek.

"Ah!" he blushed and felt her little feet on his tights, but just for a moment, because she jumped back into Nezumi's arms and snuggled up to her brother.

"Ahh, you've grown so much. Just look at you. You're so pretty! My big brother!" she squeaked with her most childish voice and ruffled the singer's dark hair until it was a complete mess, then rubbed her wet cheek against Nezumi's before she kissed him as well. The siblings gazed into each other's eyes. Shion had the feeling it lasted an eternity until Risu finally opened her mouth again.

"I will watch over you. I will watch the world. I will always take care of you," she said with her adult's voice and gently wiped her brother's tears away.

"I will be there for you, my beloved brother. I will be there for you, Shion. Always."

"Risu…" Nezumi whispered and held her little hands until they vanished into a glowing light. He slumped to the ground and bit his bottom lip.

"Risu…"

Shion put his arms around Nezumi's shoulders, carefully, because if his injury. He didn't want to hurt him. His hands cupped behind Nezumi's neck and pulled him closer. The older wrapped his arms around Shion's body while the shorter male stroked his back soothingly.

"It's always so hard to let her go," Nezumi whispered after a while.

"I know."

"But she doesn't belong to our world anymore."

"Yes. She's destined for greatness."

Nezumi nodded and wiped his tears away. He sniffed.

"I bet I look horrible."

"You look beautiful."

A faint smile flushed across Nezumi's face. He stood up and helped Shion to get back to his feet. "Can you walk? We have to take care of your hip later."

"I'm fine. Your voices have soothing abilities and I think you'll be able to heal other people when you're older," Shion said.

"Huh?"

"Taka-san was a healer. It makes sense now, doesn't it? Back then she gave me and Akitsu a soporific and after a short nap we were completely okay. I think she healed us with her singing ability."

"Hm, yeah. Sounds reasonable," Nezumi replied and rubbed the back of his head, making his hair even messier. "You think I'll be as mighty as her one day?"

"She said you and Risu were the most talented singers she has ever met in her life."

Red dusted Nezumi's cheeks; he tried to hide it but failed. Shion laughed slightly. "It's okay. You are good. Very good."

"It sounds so dishonest coming from you."

"I'm not dishonest, Nezumi! What a nerve! I mean what I say. I've always thought so."

"Yeah, yeah."

"That means 'lick my ass'!" Shion countered, having a sense of déjà vu.

"Maybe later."

Now it was Shion's turn to blush. "What?"

"What?" he aped him while laughter left his lips but he fell silent when the boys went back inside the mayor's office.

A bee was sitting on the wide desk. Both boys balked slightly. What was that bee doing here?

The mayor turned his head to face the boys smilingly, then raised one hand to touch his lips with his index finger.

"Shhh!" he said and outstretched his other hand in front of the insect. The bee crawled on his hand stung him.

Shion turned away. He didn't want to see another human die. Nezumi put his uninjured arm around the boy's shoulders and both left the death silent mayor's office quickly.

The door closed. And it was finally over.

The city conveyed a sense of abandonment, just like the dying forest. Even though Risu was able to avert the worst, both were shocked due to the great extent of the catastrophe. People were still in their houses and afraid, even though they were able to win peace thanks to Risu and Nezumi's singing. Both boys were sure that the inhabitants of No. 6 were deeply traumatized and it would take a while for the city to recover completely. But maybe it wasn't even possible...

After a while the boys reached Lost Town. Both were tired and exhausted. Their shock was profound and the boys were clinging to each other, acting as each other's anchor. Both of them needed the other male most at that very moment. Shion pressed Nezumi's hand and smiled slightly.

"We're there," he whispered. The smell of freshly baked bread was in the fresh morning air. The shop sign of Karan's bakery swayed in the winter breeze softly .

"You're mama is working? Even though—"

"Yes. She's always working. No matter what…"

Nezumi was astonished.

"Let's go inside," Shion said after a second. "And don't worry. I'm sure she'll like you."

"I wasn't worried. It's just that I—" He was nervous.

Shion smiled encouraging and opened the front door. The familiar chimes hanging above the entry greeted the boys with their beautiful harmony. Shion's body trembled slightly. He was home.

The young men stepped in. The little shop was sweet with delicious pastries and freshly baked bread. The goods were sitting in rank and file on the shelves and tables in the cozy selling room. Karan was sorting various buns with the back to the entrance.

"Karan-san? I think the muffins are ready!" a child's voice shouted and it didn't take long and a small brown-haired girl with two cute ponytails in a warm yellow dress entered the room.

"Ah, Lily, thank you. I'll be there in a second," Karan answered with a soft voice.

"Ma'am, I think the multi-grain bread is also done," a young woman assumed and made her way into the selling room as well, leaving the kitchen.

"Thanks so much, Safu. You two are a great help," the gentle mother said and turned around, finally noticing the two boys. She opened her mouth in disbelief and dropped her oven mitt. Safu also stared at the two of them.

"Customers!" Lily let out and pulled Safu's sleeve.

"Hello mom," Shion said with a gentle smile on his face. His mother bit her bottom lip, her eyes watered and she took a flying leap, enfolding both boys in her arms. She cried and squeezed them tighter, leaving Nezumi with a more than shocked face. He didn't expect such warmth, but now he had the feeling he understood Shion's character better. Shion strokes his mother's back, hugging her as well. After a while she moved back, looking at both boys, then touched the cheek of her son slightly. Shion could guess the question rising in Karan's thoughts.

What in the world happened to you, my dear?

But she didn't voice it yet. It wasn't the right time and it was better to ask him when they were alone. She gave her son a watery smile and took Nezumi's cold hand.

"I thank you with all my heart, my boy. Nezumi," she whispered and pulled him into the warm bakery.

"Come in, you two. You look tired."

"Y…yeah, we are. We came here last night. Normally it's a three-day march from the forest to the city." Shion nodded in agreement. He had the feeling he was an inch shorter now after walking so much.

"I'll cook some tea. And we have some stew left; I'll heat it up for the two of you. You must be starving," Karan said excited. "Lily, would you please help me?"

"Yes!" he said and grabbed Nezumi's wrist, pulling him along. Tsukiyo and Hamlet scurried out of Nezumi's cloth and jumped on the girl's small shoulders.

"Mice!" She screeched happily while the tiny animals snuggled up against her neck, so soft and warm.

"Cravat, come here!" Nezumi said and waited for the mouse to jump from Shion's head on his outstretched hand and placed the brown mouse next to Tsukiyo.

"Could you find something to eat for them? They are cold and starving."

"Ah! I'll take care of them!" she said enthusiastically with bright red cheeks and ran in the direction of Karan's kitchen. "Ma'am! Do you have some cheese bread left?"

Nezumi chuckled slighty, then looked at Shion. "Are you coming?"

"Yeah, give us a second," he said. Safu was staring at him; her big dark brown eyes watery. The dark-haired nodded and followed the little girl. Shion had told him about Safu, so it was just fair to let them enjoy their little reunion. Once Nezumi was out of Shion's sight, he looked gently at his childhood friend.

"I've missed you, Safu," he whispered and went one or two steps, embracing the girl tightly. She stiffened first, but then wrapped her arms around Shion's thin waist instantly, crying against his chest. He stroked the back of her head.

"What happened to you? You're so thin. I thought I'll never see you again!" she mumbled against the fabric of his coat. After a while she raised her head and looked at him. It was hard to recognize him, since his appearance had changed so dramatically.

"That's a long story."

"I'd love to hear it," Safu said, looking at him curiously.

"I'll tell you everything later. But what are you doing here, Safu? Aren't you supposed to study in No. 5?"

"How could I?" Safu asked and shook her head, grabbing Shion's coat. "How could I when you're missed."

"I'm sorry. I never wanted to worry you, Safu," the white-haired said softly. "You helped my mother. Thank you so much."

Shion placed his hands on Safu's small shoulders and bit his lip. He had to tell her that he loved Nezumi and maybe it was better to tell her know, before he fueled her hopes once again.

"Safu, there's one thing—"

"About Nezumi, right? That you love him?"

"What? How do you know?"

"Ah, I just need to look at the two of you. It's pretty obvious. I don't even need my female intuition."

"I see," Shion said and scratched the back of his head, hanging it in shame. That was embarrassing. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Safu clicked her tongue. "Idiot. You're way too nice."

"But…"

Her gaze softened. "Shion, I'm still in love with you. But you've told me that you don't love me. He's your choice and it is just fine like that."

"But I don't want to hurt you, Safu. I never wanted to hurt you."

"I know."

"You're my best friend."

She smiled slightly and a little dust of pink appeared on her cheeks.

"Shion. You're also my best friend. And I always want to stay your friend," she whispered while leaning her forehead against Shion's shoulder. "I'll need a bit of time, but I think I'll be able to move on."

The boy nodded.

"I'll go back to No. 5 as soon as possible."

"Yeah," he said and smiled gently. It was good to see her again.

"And now eat and sleep. You look horrible." Safu grabbed Shion's wrist and tagged him along. He winced.

"Ah, be careful, my leg is injured," he said and followed her slowly, slightly hobbling.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's fine," he answered and was greeted by the incredibly smell of his mother's delicious vegetable and meat stew. He sat down, took the bowl and emptied it in three big gulps. He didn't even chew the solids, he just swallowed them. Nezumi, Safu and his mother looked at him with huge eyes.

"You're starving you poor thing!" Safu let out and looked angrily at Nezumi.

"What?" the boy answered, slowly eating his portion. "You're an incredible cook, Karan-san. It's delicious."

"My, I'm glad you like it. Eat as much as you want."

The boys nodded and enjoyed the rest of their meal. After finishing Shion brought Nezumi to his room, even though it was more like a storeroom… But none of them cared about it; they just collapsed on Shion's bed and immediately fell asleep, holding each other in their arms. After a while Karan entered the room and covered the boys with a blanket.

It was late in the evening when Nezumi finally opened his eyes. Shion was still fast asleep. He watched him a while, then removed Shion's coat carefully and placed it on the ground, stood up then and stretched his arms and shoulders. Nezumi left Shion's room soft-footed and went downstairs; just to find out that Karan was still in the beautiful woman looked up and gave him a warm smile.

"Did you have a good sleep?"

"Yes. And you're still working?"

"I'm nearly done. Would you mind to assist me?"

"Not at all," Nezumi said, slightly excited. "Where are the girls?"

"I've sent them home. It's already late. Come here. Dust the pastries with powdered sugar," she answered him and gave him a small sieve. Her small hand wrapped around his wrist, showing him how to dust the cake properly. The young man blushed slightly and continued his job eagerly. It was the first time he did something like that.

"Not so much on this one, dear!" she laughed and moved his hand. There was already a little mountain of sugar on the puff pastry.

"Ah!"

Karan giggled. Little charismatic laugh lines appeared around her eyes and mouth corners. "Fine. I'm going to clean the sink," she said, rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

"I'm sorry," the singer whispered after a while.

"Did you mess up another one?"

"No. I—I mean. I'm sorry for... for stealing your son."

Karan stopped her activity and turned her head to face the tall young man again.

"You didn't steal him away. I'm glad the two of you met each other. You know that we've exchanged little letters. He's happy," she whispered softly and caressed Nezumi's arm motherly. "I thank you so much, Nezumi. Thank you for taking care of him. Everything is fine as long as the two of you cherish each other." Shion's gentle mother raised her arm and stroked Nezumi's cheek slightly.

"I will always love him. That's a vow," the boy answered and dusted another puff pastry with way too much icing sugar.

"Where's your mother?" Nezumi asked, scratching the back of his head. A couple of weeks have passed. Slow but steady the daily life routine returned. People demanded restructuring and the two boys supported the Reconstruction Committee, aiming for a peaceful coexistence between the forest and the city. Shion did a great job and even assured the reforestation of the Northern Forest...

The white-haired tilted his head.

"Mom? Oh, she's visiting our neighbors and helping Renka-san a bit. Getsuyaku-san has work to do, and Renka-san in the late stages of pregnancy, so my mother's staying overnight, just to be on the safe side."

"That's decent of her. But she has to get up early, doesn't she?"

"Tomorrow's the bakery's closing day, so it is just fine. She's working way too hard. I'm glad when she takes a break."

"She's an amazing woman," Nezumi said. He was absolutely serious; there was no single hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Yes," Shion whispered while a soft smile appeared on his face, reaching his eyes as well. The corners of Nezumi's mouth also turned upwards and he raised one of his arms to stroke Shion's cheek gently. He leaned in, his mouth brushing over Shion's in the tenderest of all kisses. Taking him in his arms, he held him very close for a moment and then planted a long, wet smooch on his forehead.

"Ewww, Nezumi!" the white-haired let out with a little pout, earning a low giggle. But instead of detaching himself he just snuggled up closer to the taller male. Shion raised his head and met Nezumi's gaze. He saw himself reflected in those beautiful silver eyes – a mirror to Nezumi's soul.

"I love you," the shorter male whispered, his hands playing with some strands of Nezumi's lose hair. They dark-haired bend forward and buried his face in the crook of Shion's neck.

"I love you, too," he breathed against the boy's soft, ivory skin, attacking it with his lips. "I love you so much, Shion."

A quiet gasp left Shion's slightly opened mouth. He inhaled deeply. Nezumi's words, his love declarations were driving the air from his lungs. It was the second time he heard that magical spell and even though he knew that Nezumi loved him with all his heart, because every fiber of the singer's body told him so, it was still an incomparable wonderful feeling. Crystal-clear small droplets formed at the corners of his eyes. They wetted his long, white lashes and rolled down his cheek, leaving cool traces on his skin and burned on the end of his sensitive scar.

"Hey, don't cry," the older whispered and kissed Shion's tears away, while his thumbs drew little circles on Shion's back. He added more pressure until he massaged him carefully while his hands wandered upwards,reaching the boy's delicate neck. He let his fingers run through Shion's soft, nearly translucent hair. Restlessly, they found their way back to Shion's shoulders and cupped them with strong hands before he bent to kiss him again.

Shion loved Nezumi's kisses. They were sweet but also full of passion, they were sensual and they took his breath, they unraveled him and they whet Shion's appetite for more.

"I don't cry," the boy whispered. He was breathless and placed a couple of gentle pecks on Nezumi's chin, the corner of his mouth and his neck, while his chest pushed against the taller boy's body, giving both a prickling sensation on their skin.

"Liar," Nezumi answered with a little giggle in his voice and pushed his hands underneath Shion's white shirt until they slid over the boy's taut belly.

"I'm just happy," Shion answered. His skin and little muscles twitched when Nezumi's fingertips caressed them and a soft moan escaped the boy's throat, causing Nezumi to grin in amusement. He could feel the huff of Shion's breath over his face.

"That's a good thing, isn't it?"

"Hmm…"

Shion reached for the hem of Nezumi's shirt, giving it an impatient pull and hauled it over the taller boy's head.

"Nezumi?" he whispered and dropped the baseball-style sweatshirt to the floor.

"Hmm?" the older answered; his voice deep and low, while he unbuttoned Shion's shirt fast and skilled. Elegant fingers wandered under the stiff collar of Shion's garment, letting the white fabric slide down the boy's slim shoulders to his feet.

"We have the whole house just for the two of us…"

"So?" Nezumi hummed, grinning slightly. "Is that an invitation? Naughty boy." He circled Shion's wrists with his long fingers, raised his hands and placed them against his chest, holding them there for a few seconds, then brought one hand to his mouth, just to kiss each fingertip before finally sucking Shion's index finger into his hot and moist mouth. The white-haired gasped. This feeling sent a thrill down his spine. He licked his lips and lowered his hands to Nezumi's waist, fumbling with the button of his pants, slowly peeling them over his hips and down his legs until the gathered around his ankles. His own dark pants followed suit together with his underwear and both stepped free. Shion's cheeks were dusted with a red shimmer, his gaze lascivious as he hooked his fingers in the elastic waistband of Nezumi's briefs to pull him closer to his own body.

"You're an impatient little prince," Nezumi breathed and placed hot kisses on Shion's neck while his hands traced the boy's seductive red path.

"Well, so what? You're not better," the prince answered. The corners of his mouth went up thanks to the noticeable bulge between Nezumi's legs. Shion cupped it gently and earned a sweet little moan. Encouraged, he sent his hand seeking into his underwear until his fingers wrapped around his lover's arousal. His breath caught and his lips brushed across Shion's shoulder, nibbling a path to the column of his neck, then sank his teeth into the pale flesh of his shoulder. Shion moaned.

"Hmm…."

"Does that feel good?" he husked against his hot skin, licking the spot where he'd bitten his friend.

"Y…yeah… Mmmmh…Nezumi…" Shion's five trembling fingers moved tenderly across one of Nezumi's most intimate parts, but even though they seemed to be innocent they found the right spots skillfully. Shion definitely knew what he was doing…

Nezumi dragged his open mouth down his midline, kissing and licking him until he left a wet trail between his collarbone and his navel, dipping his tongue deep into it. He knew it was one of Shion's weak spots and he closed his eyes to enjoy Shion's sounds, his moans and gasps even more. His wet tongue licked him thoroughly and he kissed every inch of his abdomen until he reached the small tuft of soft white hair, just to bury his nose inside it.

"I like this. It's so soft," he whispered and looked upwards with a boyish grin on his face. Shion blushed and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "You're entire body is soft."

"I'm not. That's just your imagination, Nezumi… And don't lick me, I'm sweaty."

The older clicked his tongue. "I couldn't care less," he said and placed another wet kiss right next to Shion's belly button. The boy flinched slightly.

"Let's take a bath together…"

The older blinked in confusion; but then a grin flushed over his face. "Fine. At your desire, Your Majesty."

"Ahhh…. Ah…. Nezumi! Hmm…"

Water slopped out of the bathtub and disappeared in the drain embedded in the floor of the little bathroom. Nezumi grabbed the edge of the tub, his knuckles as white as snow while he supported his own body that was straddling the flushed boy sitting in the warm water. Shion buried his head in Nezumi's chest, nearly melting while losing himself in the warm tightness of his lover. His wet hair cooled Nezumi's heated skin and the nails that dug deep in the flesh of his back left nothing but a burning desire as he moved with even more passion – harder, deeper, faster…

"Shion… Shion!" The name left his lips countless times, and once Shion's hips finally started to rock hard against the body on top of his own, Nezumi wrapped his strong arms around his lover, pressing his face against Shion's white hair.

The room was filled with moans, the sounds of sloshing water and the deep calling of each other's names. And it was hot – it was so incredibly hot. The skin of both boys was wet with spray mist and the mirrors steamy.

"G…god… Shion! Ah…"

"Nezumi," the younger moaned again and fell over the edge, spilling his hot passion deep inside of his love. He leaned his head back while every muscle in his body flinched and the pure sense of pleasure flooded his whole being. White teeth buried themselves deep into his lips, red and swollen thanks to hundreds of shared kisses and his long lashes touched the flushed skin of his cheeks slightly. Nezumi was so mesmerized watching the orgasm face of his lover, he even forgot about his own neglected needs. The still heavily panting Shion opened his sparkling purple eyes slowly, causing the other to bite his lips. He was so damn sexy…

The boy smiled, while his soft fingertips found their way to Nezumi's cheeks, gently stroking them, following the line of his beautiful neck and his shoulders downwards, teasing the two little buds they found, then they rested a while on Nezumi's taunt stomach until one of them finally reached the singer's length, encircling it carefully. A couple of skilled strokes were enough to bring him over the edge as well. Nezumi's body jerked upwards and tiny sporadic convulsions rippled through his body in continuous waves. He moaned, especially when the pleasure refused to stop. Husky sops welled from his throat and his arms embraced the wet head of his lover securely. Once the feeling slowly faded away their lips met each other again, passionately, hungry. And even though both boys were tired they were craving for more...

After they had dried their bodies, Nezumi and Shion had managed to get in Shion's bed. Lying on their sides facing each other, they shared sweet and endless kisses. The younger wrapped his legs around Nezumi's waist and heavy lids hung over silver eyes as Nezumi shuddered and gazed into Shion's cloudy stare, slowly entering the boy after a proper preparation. He used the rest of the baby oil on his fingers to massage Shion's back a bit while he started to move his hips lazily. They embraced each other tighter and quiet moans left the younger's lips just to be swallowed by Nezumi's mouth cavity. Their entangled bodies moved in symbiosis and melted together in unity. They were one.

The pleasure was like a razor's edge, intense and breath-taking, sensual and wonderful. Both were powerless to stop, powerless to suppress their desire and lust. Nezumi's eyes rolled back in pleasure at the clasping heat of Shion's tight body.

"Shion!" Nezumi growled hoarsely and trembled at Shion's touch. He felt the younger's fingertips giving tender touches on his face, neck and down his arms. And then, both boys found relief, nearly simultaneously. Nezumi felt the wetness between their bodies while his lust tore from him in waves, spilling deep inside his lover. Shion let out a long, breathless groan as his eyes squeezed shut and he was mouthing the syllables of Nezumi's name intoxicated with love.

Their lips met each other again and again. Fingertips brushed oversensitive skin until sleep embraced the entangled couple, guiding them into a world of wonderful dreams and tranquility and ending another wonderful day in the warmth of Shion's home...

A couple of weeks have passed and the long, cold winter days finally belonged to the past. It was a warm, peaceful day. The air smelled fresh, the first flowers sprouted and the spring awakened from the hibernation!

"Do you have everything you'll need?" Karan asked, a concerned look on her face. Shion chuckled. It was just like back then.

"Yes, mama, we're fine," Nezumi said and kissed the small woman's cheek. She returned the kiss and repeated the process with Shion.

"Don't worry, mom. We'll be back in a couple of days."

"Take care of yourself," she said and nodded slightly. Nezumi and Shion walked down the stairs to the train station. The three of them waved each other goodbye until they were out of each other's sight.

"I hope our room is okay," Shion said after a while, holding Nezumi's hand while walking.

"Yeah, I hope that mutt didn't steal our books."

"I don't think Inukashi would do something like that," Shion answered. "Ah, when Safu's back I want her to visit us in the forest. I want to introduce them to each other. Safu will love the forest."

"You bet!"

After a while the boys reached the new train station and bought two tickets for the new maglev train.

"Good thing I could push my will through. The forest is only a stone's throw away thanks to the new train system. And it is unrivaled when it comes to noise emission, energy consumption and land use."

Nezumi furled his eyebrows. "What have I done to deserve one of your lectures?" he asked theatrically and shoved his lover into the train, earning a happy chuckle.

After one and a half hour they reached the outskirts of No. 6 and it didn't take long until the train passed the dead part of the forest. Both boys raised their heads and stopped to bury themselves in their books. Shion gasped.

"Nezumi, look!"

Between all the dead trees and branches were countless speckles of vibrant green.

"Germ buds, little trees, seedlings! Nezumi, the forest isn't dead!" Shion shouted and pressed his hands and his nose against the cold window glass.

"Yeah," Nezumi answered in disbelief, but after a while a bright smile appeared on his face.

"I'm sure it was just thanks to Risu and your song. The two of you revived the forest!"

"Do you really think so?"

"Sure!" the boy said enthusiastically. "Nezumi, you've to sing everyday! The forest will grow. It's still alive." He was absolutely sure – it was all thanks to Nezumi and Risu. It was time for blossoms, birth and new existence. Death angel Nezumi would be a giver of life.

Shion was overwhelmed with joy. He held the singer's hand and raised his head to touch Nezumi's lips softly with his own. The train passed the blooming scenery kissed by a gentle morning sun, and headed for the last stop deep within the forest: The Mao settlement.

It was time to return home.

The End.