Chapter 1

'In The Beginning"

It had been seven years since it had all begun. To Shion now, it seemed like only yesterday the wall of No.6 had crumbled during 'Holy Day', when the divide between the cities citizens and those classed as the 'Outsiders' had disappeared. Shion had known that things wouldn't go smoothly, fear and hatred had rampaged across the city as resentment fell across each corner, however, ever so slowly, No.6 was becoming what he and that man had dreamed it could be.

That man...

Shion sat back on his chair as he gazed at the scenery outside of his office window, lost in nostalgic thoughts, completely ignoring the paperwork sitting in front of it. It was funny to him now to think that he, the foolish and naive boy everyone had called him, was now Mayor of this newly thriving utopia. Two years ago, after making great progress in the Reconstructional Committee, the city had decided to properly call for a leader to begin running things appropriately. Shion hadn't even considered running in the election, but the people had called for him, and the Council had backed him eagerly. He laughed slightly at the memory, recalling his embarrassment and humility at the time. Now though, he'd taken the job rather seriously, and strived to create a safer place for the residents. Crime rate had fallen, homelessness was practically nonexistent and order was gradually being restored. Yet... it all seemed rather pointless sometimes to the white haired man. He looked to the mirror on the corner of his desk and examined the faint lines that had began to crease his face, under his eyes were darkened by late nights without sleep, with his hair now short and his body more muscular. He couldn't help but wonder how much the other may have changed just as he had. He was torn away from his thinking as a light knock came from the door.

"Come in!" he said as he cleared his throat and sat a little straighter.

The door opened to reveal an all too familiar face.

"Alright there Shion? How ya been, all cooped up in this fancy office of yours." Rikiga greeted him with a wide grin that was stupidly infectious.

"Well, someone has to do it, but it's not all bad. At least I get some time to myself! What brings you here Rikiga?" Shion asked the older man curiously. He was usually floating around his mother's bakery at this time.

"Serious business Shion... Are you busy?"

Shion stiffened slightly, straightening himself up more as his face hardened.

"No... What news this time?"

"It's, it's No.2. They've threatened us again. They're sayin' they're gonna send down another military force to try and take the city. Apparently communications are down in No.3 and they're blaming us!"

"What!? But... but we haven't left the city or the lands surrounding it. Tsk... so many people died last time. Things were only just settling down."

"I know, but try tellin' them that!"

"Oh I plan to... Right now in fact. Come on, let's go to the broadcast room. I won't have them sending troops down here over technical issues!"

"But, you need to let the counc-"

"I will alert the Council when a real threat is made, I would never make any decisions regarding the wellbeing and safety of No.6 without them... it's our law." he practically spat the words out as Rikiga instantly went silent.

Shion got up from his desk and grabbed the jacket for his suit that was sitting on the back of the chair. Glancing in the mirror, he quickly tidied his hair to make it presentable, pulled on the jacket and straightened his tie. He picked up his glasses and pushed them onto his face before heading towards the door.

"I thought you only needed those for readin'?" Rikiga stated as he followed behind.

"My eyesight's gotten worse... Must be the paperwork and late night computer screen glares."

Rikiga only shook his head with a small sigh in response as they walked down the hallways and into a large room filled with monitors and computers, resembling that of a news room. A few members of staff were busily prepping the room for the afternoons announcements, but Shion quickly asked if they could give him thirty minutes. Although hesitant, the room emptied and Rikiga immediately set up a link from which Shion could video call the Major of No.2. Whether they would answer was another task, but thankfully, the call was accepted.

"Greetings..." came the cold voice of a stern looking women. Her hair was a light auburn littered unevenly with silver streaks that was tightly tied back into a high bun, her facial features were harsh, with deep creases permanently rested between her brows and her lips seemed to be constantly pursued, giving them a thin and impatient appearance. She glowered at Shion through the camera as if he were something disgusting that had fallen into her meal.

"Good afternoon Ms Hana... I hope you are well?" Shion was stiff in his posture but his words flowed out courteously towards the other.

"Oh can we skip such idle chit chat!"

"Of course, let's get right to it then. Why are you threatening the city after almost 2 years of peace...?"

"We have reason to believe that rebel forces originating in No.6 have cut communication links to No.3, and we will not accept it. You may have 4 and 5 wrapped round your finger but we aren't so blind!"

"I'm sorry, but we have no knowledge of any organisations who would do such a thing. Are you sure this isn't a simple technical malfunction?"

"Yes I'm bloody sure! No other city is able to contact them."

"Hmm... Well I can assure you, we had no idea... but if what you say is true regarding former citizens of No.6 having had a part to play in it, I would very much like to assist in figuring out what is going on. Threatening us will get us no where Ms Hana... I do not want a repeat of the last time you approached our city with ill intentions. Our people have finally begun to live their lives contently."

The woman bit her lip in irritation before giving a long sigh, finally composing herself.

"I apologise... I too would like to avoid conflict if we can, but I'm afraid I can not trust your people to work with mine..."

Shoin held the knuckle of his index finger to his lips in thought, before looking back to the screen.

"I will go... I will go with a team to assess the issue myself. Would that be acceptable?"

Rikiga made a loud noise in protest as murmurs could be heard in the room that was broadcasting in front Shion. He looked determinedly at the other Mayor as she studied his face, until she eventually gave him a slow nod.

"Yes. I can accept that. A noble thing to do. Is this your attempt to further improve relations?"

"Is it working?"

A short laugh emitted from the woman that even made Shion flinched in surprise.

"We'll see Mayor 6... we shall see. Thank you for your time."

"Thank you for your patience."

The two Mayors bowed to each other whilst the cameras cut off and Rikiga hurriedly ran to shake Shion by the shoulders.

"Are you mad!? They'll kill you for sure! The city needs you here, not investigating some rebels 460 miles away!" he cried at the smaller male.

"Rikiga would you calm down... I'm literally going to show my face to prove I am a man of my word. No harm will come to me, I promise. Besides, you're coming with me."

"I- W-What!?"

"And Inu too!"

"WHAT!?"

-CHAP END-