Part One: The result of some angry kids<br /> <br />The sun began to rise from behind the hills at the horizon and it began to get lighter. Finally, the night was over. The girl thought and stood up from her bed. It had been again one of those sleepless nights, again she did not close one eye but turned in her bed around and around, again she had heard the sirens of the police car and again she was reminded of what had happened to her less than a week ago. These nightmares, why did they still follow her?

No, it is enough to think the whole night about it and to be the whole night reminded of the happenings that changed her completely. Not also the day! You won't ruin me the day too! She exclaimed determent and started to put her clothes on which did not last long. Soon she wore her normal stuff, the white pants with a green mini skirt over it and an orange tank top with spaghetti straps. No too sexy! She thought as she looked into the small mirror at the back of her door. Therefore she put her green pullover with the hood over her head and then she laced her black combat boots up.

Then she looked again in the mirror. These green eyes! She once liked those green eyes best at herself. But now not anymore. This guy, he said he liked those eyes and maybe it was because of the eyes She glided dreamingly over the big bruise that covered her left cheek. It was for sure that there would form a scar, a marking and reminder for eternity.<br />No, dont think of him. He does not deserve it!

Angry with herself that she wasted her thoughts again for him, she resolved her long brown hair out of the bun a bit too rudely and harshly. Ouch! She screamed as she dragged some hair out. She looked at them in her hand and then back in the mirror again. Giggle, sometimes you are really blonde! She said and chuckled about her own foolishness.

She took the brush from the bedside table and began to comb her long brown hair that had already blonde highlights in it because from being out in the sun. Slowly she walked over to the window, still brushing her hair and sat down wooden windowsill. Hopefully the sunrise would cheer her up a bit, divert her.

The sky was covered already with a golden glimmer. The sun would soon appear behind the mountains and the day would start. A day full of working and diversions and then the night would come back. How she hated the nights. She never loved the dark and everything but she enjoyed the rest and the wonderful dreams of her parents, her sister, her friends. But now this all was far away. Only about thing she dreamed, one thing chased her, this nightmare, this pure nightmare Again she had thought of him. She could hardly believe herself. Will he never leave her alone for at least a few minutes? But she knew, all she could think of was what happened a week ago now.

All out of sudden she heard a door shut. Aha, Imogen is up! Imogen was the owner of this farm and she rescued her. She was her hero and during the last week Giggle good to know her quite well. Imogen grew up on this farm, she always had to help her father and her brother with the work here and so she always had to stand up quite early. She hated anyone who sleeps longer than sunrise and that is why she has the habit to shut her door with a loud bang every morning around the same time. And this was only one of a long list of habits! But Imogen was a lovely girl too and Giggle admired her new strong friend.

However, now was time to end dreaming and to start into another day of work. She was in turn to make breakfast. So Giggle jumped up and put the brush down on her bedside table. Then she fast made her bed and took a last glance out of the window where the day began and gradually all the animals and plants awoke from their sleep.

But, huh? Wasn't there someone? Giggled stepped again to the window and looked around. It was as if she had seen someone disappearing in the shadows. So she scanned the area for any signs of movement but there weren't any. You must have just a good imagination! Giggle, a second of your blonde moments in such a short time? She said to herself as she opened the door and walked downstairs, a smile on her face.

She hadn't reached the bottom yet as she heard Imogen screaming her name urgently. Something was wrong, madly wrong. Imogen never screamed, never! And this tone in her voice. Something was really wrong. So Giggle ran through the kitchen towards the origin of the scream and found her friend kneeling before the door by a bundle of wood? But as she looked closer, Giggle saw a tiny pale foot covered all over with bruises and blood. OMG! Giggle said in pure shock and rushed to her friends side. We have to bring him inside.

I know. Boil some water and bring some clean sheets. And the first aid kit from my room. Giggle looked like spellbound from the hardly alive body to her friend and back to the body. Imogen pulled the long sleeves of her blue shirt up as if to prepare for some hard work, stood slowly up and lifted the tiny body wrapped in a blanket without any problems in her arms. She was unusually strong and muscular but she ran the farm all on her own and so it wasnt a wonder.

Her long curly brown hair fell in light waves over her shoulders and with her dark green eyes she glared at me urgently. For what are you waiting? She ordered rudely but she was right. So Giggle rushed inside and ran through the house, looking for anything they would need. It seemed to last an eternity until she finally found the first aid kit in her friends room which was messy as always. Then she ran back into the kitchen. The water already boiled and she came in the last moment because it was about to boil over.

Fast she brought everything to the living where Imogen had already laid the small boy on the couch and unwrapped the boy carefully out of the black blanket and what they got to see shocked Giggle deeply. And Imogen too. Not much can shock Imogen but this!? She looked up to Giggle, her dark green eyes with the brown sparkles in them widened from the shock.

Then she turned back to the boy. His brown pants were torn into parts, his skinny legs covered all over with blood, bruises and cuts. His right ankle seemed to be broken. His upper part of the body did not look any better. The once bright yellow T-shirt with the green border was now dirty and torn. His arms looked even worse than his legs. As Imogen lifted the rest of his T-shirt to examine him completely they found that at least three of his ribs were broken. Hopefully he hasn't any inner injuries.

But the heaviest shock Giggle got as she studied the boys face. He was not older than eleven or twelve years, his short dirty blonde hair was filthy and full of dust and dirt. His cheeks were fallen in and he seemed to consist only from skin and bones. It was horrible. He was almost starved and beaten half to death. Even though he looked so different then from the boy she knew and took care of she was sure it could only be him. Paul. She whispered slowly.

What? Do you know him? Imogen asked surprised. However, Giggle just managed to nod and then she knelt down next to her friend to help her with cleaning and bandaging the badly injured boy, her little friend. They finished silent their work silently. They didn't need to say anything because they understood each other without words and both knew already what to do.

When they have finished Giggle covered Paul who was still unconscious with a warm blanket and started a fire in the fireplace while Imogen made them some breakfast. Then they sat down on the floor by Pauls side. He should be alone when he awakes. So they decided to stay there and both could do with a break from the daily work.

So tell me who is our little guest? Imogen asked her friend curiously as they have settled down, blankets wrapped around their shoulders and a hot cup of tea in their hands.

It is Paul and I often babysat him, you know before the virus. I think he has to be eleven or twelve now. I am not right sure. But he was always so cute! You can't imagine. He was on the one hand really tomboy, laughed to make jokes and fun and all the stuff small kids like to do. Once he stole me homework, an essay for my English class, and he just wanted to hide it for me to nerve me a bit you know. But unfortunately his cup of milk fell down and all over my essay. And then he was this shy, small guy and he put on his heart-melting, bloodcurdling look you know and everything was ok. He always makes you laugh and feel you happy when you are sad and he is quite intelligent for his age. But the most astonishing is how he lives with his disability. He is deaf you have to know but therefore he has something like the sixth sense. He feels when someone is entering a house and so. Once he warned me from his mum who came a bit early home and we were just eating the cake she did for his birthday party next day, you know, his and the of his twin patsy. The two together were almost impossible to restrain I wonder what have happened to him an where is Patsy? Giggle took a sip of her tea and looked into the flames.

Imogen studied her friend for a while before she finally said. You miss your old life, dont you? I know we all miss it. I miss my dad and my brother

Yeah, we all miss the time we hadn't to be grown-ups. Now we are sixteen and fifteen and we are some of the oldest. Have you ever imagined that some kids like you and me could be able to do something like this to him, such a small boy?

Or to you? Imogen asked rather whispered. Since the time she has found Giggle she hadn't urged her to tell anything. But now seemed to be the right time. Talking may help she knew but if she wasn't ready ye she wouldn't urge her anymore. However this question needed to be asked so that Giggle knew someone was there to listen.

Giggle stared into the fire for several minutes. The room was filled with endless seeming tension and Imogen began to regret to have asked the question, but only almost. Giggle looked up and glanced into the eyes of her friend for a second looking for a sign, which told her not to trust her friend. But there wasn't. She turned her look again towards the fire and agreed quietly. Or to me Her voice was broken and revealed a sad tone that broke Imogens heart.

You dont have to talk if you However, Giggle interrupted her with a motion of her hand. The room was filled again with this silence and Imogen waited patiently for her friend.

A week and a day ago my nightmare began actually with a dream. I actually spent the time since the outbreak of the virus in the countryside. I traveled around and slept with friendly people who took me in for a night, sometimes I stayed for a while, worked at their farm and they gave me food and a roof above my head, all I needed until my unrest returned and I had to move on on this time I decided to look for my luck in the city. I have heard about the locos and the demon dogs and other tribes. I have been warned and I was careful. But then I dont know why. I ran off guard through the streets after one of my imaginations I guess. I though I have seen my sister, my twin. I thought I have seen a girl with pink and blue hair, her favorite colors and I thought it has to be her. I guess again one of my blonde moments

Blonde moments? Imogen asked smiling.

Yeah, my famous blonde moments. Don't tell me you have noticed through the week I have been here? Imogen frowned thinking hard of what she may mean. For example the tea, remember? I was too dumb to boil water and then the whole kitchen looked like a mess. Both began to roar. And believe me I have loads of those blonde moments.

Hey, don't be too harsh with yourself. There is always a first time and you have improved a lot

Maybe A tear rolled down her cheek.

Imogen moved forward to her friend and hugged her tightly. Then she pulled away and lifted the head of Giggle to look into her bright green eyes. She wiped the tears away and smiled at her supporting. Hey, hey it is all ok, Giggle. All is ok. Just think of my blonde moments. Remember when I told you after the plate fell down that the cat walked over the table and dropped it down? It wasn't her. She wasnt even in the room. It was I myself who let the plate fall down. I just don't like others to see how stupid I am from time to time. And do you know what? I used to have a cupboard full of plates. Now there are only three left

Really? Giggle asked like a small child and looked up to her friend who was a year younger than herself but seemed to be so much older in this moment.

Hey, have I ever lied to you? Giggle was back to her old tomboy self and looked mockingly up to Imogen. Ok, I have but this time it is true. Feel better? Giggle nodded and leaned back. Imogen sat back down at her old place and took another sip of her wonderful tea.

So back to my story. There is not much to tell though. When I ran off guard like a crazy animal through the streets I was an easy aim and one of the locos caught me. This night was horrible. I think you know what he has done to me. But he wasn't content with this so he wanted to kill me and beat me half to death. I just came away because I pretended to be dead and then you found me Thanks for rescue me. I would have died there if it weren't for you.

No problem. So are you going to stay a bit now and help me with the farm?

Yeah, Id love to and there is Paul. I won't leave him. He is the only one left of my past. He needs me and I need him. But I only stay if you really want me too. I mean you always lived on your own here and

Yeah, I always lived on my own and that is why I would love to have some company, at least for a while or maybe longer? The two girls hugged tightly. But were soon interrupted as they heard a quiet moan.

Paul! Giggled jumped up and rushed over to the boy who still lied on the couch. She held his hand tightly and looked into his eyes that he opened slowly. He blinked a few times to get used to the light and then he scanned the area around him. After a few seconds he stared into the pair of eyes, which looked at him. He was confused and tried to speak. But his throat was laced up and it heard. So he took his hands to help. He didn't know what he was doing. He just did what he did and Giggle understood.

What did he say? I don't understand sign language. It was sign language, wasnt it? Imogen asked confused and walked up behind her friend.

Giggle nodded lightly and stared sadly at her little friend. He asked who I am. He asked who he is he don't remember who is, Imogen. He has amnesia! A tear rolled down her cheek as she took his hands in hers again. He does not know who he is
~*~

Three month passed and the three have grown to a tight family. However, Giggle began to worry about Paul. He still couldn't remember anything. He never complained about that or told them he wanted to know who he was but he had a right. He had to know who he was. Living without identity, living without a past must be hell. And there still was Patsy.

There was also another reason she worried about him. Recently, he had nightmares and they came more often. It all started four weeks ago. Actually, they had stopped watching him but Giggle couldnt sleep again. So, she lay awake in her bed besides Imogen as she suddenly heard a weeping sound. She had walked over to Paul's room and he was crying in his sleep, then he moved around and hit in the air, he coiled up like a baby and broke out in tears again. She woke him and he stared at her with his bloodcurdling eyes. Arm in arm they fall asleep.

During the next week, he slept peaceful again and Imogen and Giggle calmed down again though both felt there was going to be more. And in this night, there was more. All out of sudden they were woken by a loud scream. They rushed into Paul's room where they found him sweaty, crying and screaming in his worst nightmare. Repeatedly he kicked in the air and tried to defend himself. The girls had to fight hard to get control of his hands and feet and to not get hit them. After he finally awoke, they stared up all the night, drinking hot chocolate until he fell asleep in Giggle's arms.

Since this night, it happened every night and it got worse and worse. Both were desperate by now. How could they help him? They sat in the kitchen over a cup of coffee, both trying to think of a way to help him. Paul was taking a bath. A tear rolled down her Giggle's cheek as she thought of his anguish.

Suddenly she had an idea. There was only one way, he had to remember good things. He had to remember who he was and what a happy child he had been. Maybe they would find Patsy! She looked into Imogen's eyes and notice that she thought about the same but she also noticed a tear, a tear of sadness, a tear in fear of the coming goodbye.

However, before they could talk, Paul entered the room and flopped down on stool next to the two girls. He had come with a smile on his face but the sadness hadn't stayed unnoticed to him. With a wondering expression, he looked from one to the other and back. What happened? He finally asked. Even though he spoke silent, Imogen and Giggle flinched. Paul just spoke rarely. He normally used his hands or her just gestured, but he never talked. And this urgency in his voice! He may not do it on purpose because he does not hear himself but he sounded so grown-up

Giggle studied his face that had the same confused but brave expression like the day he arrived here. After another minute of silence, she said with her voice and her hands at the same time. We have been thinking, Paul. What do you think about going to your old home? Maybe you remember anything there. It is your decision.

However, his answer was clear. His eyes beamed and he smiled from one ear to the other. He jumped up and danced around in the room. When are we leaving? he asked with his hands too nervous to bring a word out of his mouth. They were going on a trip together! Yay, and maybe they find the sister giggle had told him from.

As soon as you feel fit enough. As soon as you want to

NOW! He said and rushed out the door, up the stairs and into the room where he threw the few things he called his in a bag. Then he rushed back downstairs and peered around the corner where the two girls still sat at the table with tear filled eyes. However, he didn't notice because he was too happy. He let the bag fell to the ground by the door and danced over to them with a grin on his face. He dragged them from their stools and motioned them for their rooms. You have to pack! he sang and shoved them up the stairs.

But the girls stopped in the middle of the staircase. Giggle looked to Imogen and then to Paul. Paul, you and me are going but Imogen won't.

Why? Why, Imo, don't you love me anymore. You are my Imo, you have to come with me. Please. He begged, tears starting to form in his eyes.

Imogen hugged him tightly for several minutes. They sat down on the stairs, hugging, crying. After a few minutes, she made him look into her eyes, onto her mouth so he could understand what she was saying. Paul, I love you and I would love to come with you but someone has to stay here. I promised my dad to take care of our farm and it is my home. Giggle is there for you and we will see each other again soon. This is just a goodbye for a few days until you return, huh? No reason to be sad She tried to sound as if she believed her words. But she felt different. She felt it was a goodbye forever.

A half hour later, the three stood together at the door, there where they had found Paul three months ago. Paul hugged Imogen and said see you later to his friend, his big sis. Then it was giggle's turn to say goodbye. Sure you don't want to come with us? Imogen nodded lightly and hugged her friend tightly. Tears were storming down all of their faces.

You will always have a home here. I will wait for you, you know. Without another word, Giggle put her hand around Paul's shoulder and they went down the path towards the street and towards the city, without looking back. It would be too hard.

Imogen stayed at the door and looked after her friends until they have disappeared, crying madly. Will she see them again? Hopefully yes, but probably not. Good luck. I wish you well. Then she went back inside, closed the door silently and flopped down to the ground, crying even harder. She has lost her friends and was alone again. Why didn't she go with them? Why?

~*~

Part Three: Whos gonna stop his rain? Memories, songs, decisions

Giggle and Paul walked hand and hand down the street without looking back. Both of them cried and it was unbelievable hard for them to leave, to leave their friend behind. The three had grown to a tight family in the past three months and now they parted again. They felt so bad right now but they also knew that they had to go and Imogen had to stay. As Giggles mum always used to say, Lifelines lead to crossroads you have to part. But lifelines lead to main streets back to your lost friend. Hopefully it is true.

Bye Imogen, but Paul needs me! Giggle said to herself. Her view was now concentrated on their way, on their future. Hope overwhelmed her, joy of wandering again, this time with an aim though, but still wandering. And someday, Imogen will be at her side again and then it will be the three again. Someday that was for sure! A last tear rolled down Giggle's cheek before she looked down to her small friend. He held her hand tight and was such a brave kid. You could just be proud of him and she was somehow like a mum or big sister you know. She loved him and was glad he was with her.

Paul gave her life a new sense. Without him, she may not live anymore. Sure, it was Imogen who had rescued her, but he stopped her from complete his work by herself with whatsoever. She had thought a few times about jumping down from the roof, taking a rope and so on. But now she had a reason to live on and whatever happens, even if she would lose him she would fight because he fought too even though he had experienced far worse things.

All out of sudden Giggle stopped. They were now standing in the middle of the road in an estate in the outskirts of the city. They had managed already quite a long way from Imogen's house that has disappeared behind their backs long ago. Paul turned and stood now face to face with her. Why do we stop? Is something wrong? He asked with his hands. Since the time he awoke he hadn't bother to ever use his voice. But Giggle knew he could but she also knew he was still paralyzed.

No, all is ok. I am just thinking which way we should take She said dreamingly while she scanned the area and thought about their next steps. As far as she remembered, Pauls home was at the other end of the city, in the outskirts. Which way should they take? Sure, they could take the long way and surround the city through the outskirts. But this way was long and also dangerous because there were also tribes controlling certain estates. And what about the direct way? It was far shorter but should she risk it?

She looked down to Paul again who held her hand tightly and studied her eyes. For what are we waiting? I want to go home! This time he spoke not with his hands because he didn't want to release his hands out of hers. Giggle smiled. She loved his voice and was glad when he talked. Ok, he wanted to go home. Both ways were risky and she couldn't know which tribe occupied which estate. It was so long ago that she had been here in the city

Her thoughts wandered away as the city came to her mind and the happenings there of three months ago. Did she regret to have come back to the city? Somehow, yeah of course, because she was raped and experienced the worst ever night in her life this was something she wanted to prevent if she could turn back the time. But then, she just met Imogen who saved her because this nightmare happened to her. And she also would never have met Paul again it was improbably that she would have met him or Imogen if she hadn't come back and if she had come back but hadn't been raped by him she wouldnt have met them either, would she?

OMG, she always had laughed about her twin when she used the if-then sentences. It was just so funny because these thoughts never changed anything nor could they help in a way. They only made you feel bad, stole time to do the best out of something and so on. And now she was like her twin like her lovely Zan. How was she anyway? Was she still alive, was she together with Lex, what about Ryan? She missed the three so much but it was her own choice they were parted now. She was the one who decided to head for the country on her own

A song ran through her head, a sad song and it was the favorite of her mum and of Paul. Yeah that was hard to imagine because he can't hear but he experiences music in a different way. She used to play him songs with a torch she put the light on and off in rhythm of the song. This was always fun and both of them loved to play especially this song, not noticing the deep meaning of their future in it then and she had almost forgotten this special song.

There is no rose without a thorn, no rain without a storm there is no laughter without tears, no wisdom without years in a world gone crazy, torn between the roads that we must choose win or lose if every soul should lose its way, if every face should lose its name tell me who's gonna stop the rain?

Yeah, this song described perfect their situation and from one second to the other she became aware how long they stood already in the middle of the street, a dangerous street. She had wandered of ion her thoughts. That had been so irresponsible. She looked down to Paul who was staring at her with his childish brown eyes, the tears dried and a smile decorated his expression. He shouldn't lose his face and she was the one who was going to stop the rain falling down on him.

Giggle tightened her grip for a short moment to show they were going on now and took already the first steps, a smile on her face. Lets g However, she couldn't finish. The loud sirens of a police car filled the air, together with piercing screams of some chased anxious kids and frightening screams of their followers. The noise was coming closer and Giggle and Paul were a perfect aim too.

They stopped deadly in their tracks, shocked and rigid because of fear as some locos rounded the corner at the end of the street and Giggle felt also someone moving behind her, very close behind her. But she did not dare to look. They were trapped she know and there was no way out. Paul shook and she felt how his nightmare-like memories came back to his mind. She also shook. The guilt inside her grew and grew. If she had just decided faster, if she hadn't lose herself in her thoughts, if they had left this open street earlier if, if, if. Questions she couldn't answer. But questions she had to ask. His fate was now sealed by her slow reaction and she was guilty when he had to experience this again.

Oh, Paul! I am sorry. She remembered her just made vows to herself. She is going to stop the rain on him! Yay, she definitely was going to do so even if it cost her life.

She stepped in front of him, preparing herself for a fight. Giggle took a staff she found leaning at the wall, measured its weight to make sure she could handle it and looked for her enemies. They were approaching fast. So, she just wanted to take a glance at Paul over her shoulder to make sure he was safe there. But he wasn't there anymore, he was gone!

~*~

Part Four: I should have known better but fortunately a new friend has

The sirens came nearer and nearer. Fortunately, the Locos couldn't spot Giggle anymore because she hided now in the shadows of a big house and a burned car hindered the view of the others on her too. But they had seen her before, knew from their presence and were searching for her, a perfect slave, a perfect victim. However, that wasnt what was on her mind at all. She did not care what might happen to her if they got her because without him her life was again senseless. All she cared about right now was just Paul and his safety but where was he?

Giggle looked panicky around and scanned closely the area behind her. Where was Paul? The street seemed empty and it was like in those old western movies when they showed these abandoned Wild West villages. But instead of dried plants, old wooden houses and skeletons of dead animals there were graffiti covered stonewalls, burned cars and waste like newspapers and bins. The only common things were dust and loneliness. Nothing reminded anymore of the busy streets, the mass of people and the advances of the modern times from the time before the virus. This all has disappeared and they were back to the old days, left was the image they had created in those cowboy-films and the loneliness was the reason she actually went away from the city.

Giggle always hated the odd atmosphere that was left and now she felt even more unwelcome than ever before since the virus struck. She had been out in the country and wherever she went there was the same loneliness, the same sadness, the same despair of lost children although if she stood in a wood far away from any former city she would feel it. It was normal already, nothing special anymore, after the long time without their parents, any parents. Any other atmosphere like happiness would be now totally strange but not this. Loneliness was usual and it filled everyone's mind but she still loathed it. However, she didnt care about that either.

But where was Paul? The sirens approached and through the cracked windows of the burned wreck, she saw the former police car with other Locos surrounding it getting closer and they would be here in less than a minute. She had to find another hideout because they would spot her easily here. But where to go? She had had not much of a choice. Sure there were buildings where she could hide in. but then they would see her when she had to run openly across the streets. And what would she do if the door were closed or barricaded? And how could she hide forever in this house? No, this won't work. She looked around again while she wiped the pearls of sweat away. Just running and try to get lose of them? No, also impossible because they were faster on the blades and they had the car not to forget. So, they would catch within a time span not worth to be mentioned. There was just one choice, one possible hideout the alleyway between the two houses that was just about fifty meters away from her. But the Locos were getting closer could she manage without being seen? The probability was low. However, she had to risk it. She just had to and there was no other way.

Giggle took one step away from her hiding place behind the wreck and along the wall. First, she put very slowly and carefully one step before the other but she knew that she couldn't reach the alleyway that way in time. She took a last glance back over her shoulder and noticed that the Locos approached fast but haven't spotted her yet because the car still covered her. Giggle took a last deep breath and wiped the sweat away, then she ran like a crazy gone animal for her life towards that alleyway. She just ran for her life and it seemed to last an eternity until she finally rounded the corner where she collapsed against the wall. Questions were running through her mind. Have they seen her? Do they know now where she was hiding? But she didn't dare to take a look around the corner.

Totally out of breath, she knelt against the cold wall, pearls of sweat running down her cheek like a river and the sirens came neared and nearer. Her hands were shaky, her heartbeat was racing and it would have been no wonder for her if the Locos could find her just because of the loud pounding of her heart.

She was aware of where she was and in what a danger she was. But that wasn't the reason why she was so out of breath, so shaky, so anxious. That were just consequences of her fear about Paul and where he was. Where was he? Could it be possible that they already have captured him? She had felt someone behind her. Could it have been a Loco taking him? But then why didn't he take him and why haven't been the others not sooner there?

Tears were storming her face now, not anymore pearls of sweat but real tears. The bitter taste just became bitterer because of the mixture with worry about her little friend Paul and he wasn't just a friend. He was kinda like a small brother she never had, somehow like her baby. A light smile crossed her face as she thought about this. Her baby? Oh, Giggle your blonde moments are getting rampant! She rebuked herself for this foolish idea. But she couldn't help. He just meant so much for her and in a way, he was her baby all she existed for.

Giggle was deeply absorbed in her thoughts, far away from the dangerous situation she was in and that was why she didn't even notice that the sirens and the Locos were just a few feet away. They would spot her as soon as they would pass the alleyway but she sat right at the entry to it, not even covered by a container or anything!

Suddenly, there was a whistle hardly to be heard. However, she noticed it. The origin of it was near her and now for the first time she felt this extremely uncomfortable feeling of being watched. She wasnt alone in this alleyway! Panic began to rise inside her, her heart pounded even louder than before what had seemed impossible and the sweat was running down. She scanned the dark area but couldnt see not far. Could it be just one more of her blonde moments? Could she have imagined? But what was if it was a Loco or maybe Paul? No, it couldnt be. She must have imagined it, hadnt she?

Giggle tried to calm herself but the doubts overwhelmed and all out of sudden she saw a movement and a few seconds later a figure dragged and pushed her deeper into the alleyway, into the shadows. Her heart was racing by now and it seemed to explode. What was going on here?

Out of instinct she wanted to scream but the figure pressed his hand on her mouth, hindering her from saying anything nor screaming and giggle was also unable to turn he head because the grip was too strong. Actually, she couldnt have moved even if she had been free. The fear paralyzed her body, not a single muscle listened to her orders. It was like the night, the night that changed everything But she didn't even thought this thought to the end. She didn't want to think again about this. She was over with it. Only Paul was important and so she tried to get free to look again for him but the grip of the figure was stronger than her. Giggle fought even stronger now and struggled to get free. She shook her hands and feet violently and even hit the person who gripped her. But it didn't help Giggle the slightest bit to get free. However, she was determent to keep on because Paul was in danger and she had to find him.

But all out of sudden, she stopped dead in her tracks as the sirens rushed past the alleyway further on down the street accompanied by Locos on blades. Giggles intensive green eyes widened as she watched the car and the figure loosened the grip on her a bit, so that it didn't hurt. Both held their breath, they even stopped breathing at all while the Locos ran past. It seemed to last ages until they were gone past. But also, after the sirens became quieter and the Locos removed, the both were kept in rigidity, frightened to move a bit.

However, after another minute has passed, Giggle finally dared to move and retreated a bit from the figure that obviously rescued her. First, she kept her back on her lifesaver, too frightened to look at this person. But then she slowly turned around to face her hero she couldn't believe it! In such a short time, two persons saved her. Three months ago Imogen and now Her eyes widened now as she sat face to face with her hero number two. Giggle looked into chestnut brown eyes which belonged to guy who had shoulder length blonde hair with blue and purple highlights in it. His face was decorated with a dark blue star on his right cheek and his eyebrow was pierced. There was a graze beyond the star, evidently caused by her. Giggle was about to touch it as such suddenly voices disturbed the deadly silence and made the both froze

First, there was just the sound of rolling wheels on the street approaching the alleyway. The sound obviously belonged to inline skates, those of the Locos. They were coming back! Soon afterwards, the car and the sirens could be heard too. Then, they heard the voices. Hey you two, look around here. Maybe this girl hides somewhere in one of this houses. And check the gangways not to forget! I want this girl. This voice was well known among the city tribes. It was the one of the Loco queen. Giggle had no clue who this girl was but her rescuer had.

~*~

He shook his head to make clear for her neither to move nor to make a loud. But this was clear to her anyway. The car rushed past but the sound of Roller blades stayed. Now another person spoke. Laura, you look there in the gangway while I check this house. K? Both knew that this alleyway was meant, the one they hided in. However, there was no way out of here. So, all they could do was creeping deeper into the shadows what they did while the sound of rolling wheels came nearer and nearer.

The two huddled together as they stared towards the street where a tall girl with long light brown, red highlighted hair appeared who wore tight black leather pants and a neo green halter neck top. This girl had to be Laura then, a Loco. She peered into the dark alleyway and even rolled into it and her massive green eyes caught the sight of them. Giggle and her hero saw how she saw them. Both closed her eyes, expecting the piercing scream of success. But nothing was to hear. Instead, they heard the rolling sound again. The Loco just went away as if she hadn't seen them. What was going on here? Maybe she is going to get more Locos and together they were going to chase them?

However, this happened either. They heard voices again. This time a girl spoke, perhaps this Laura. There was nothing except of dust. They must have gone into the other direction. She covered them, some kids her leader wanted to have. Why? Giggle looked questioningly to the guy behind her. Their eyes met and both were filled with the same confusion. Then they heard the voice of the Loco who had spoken before. Yeah, probably. The sound of rolling wheels followed and it retreated, became constantly quieter. Silence filled now the air. Nothing was to be heard. One minute passed, then another and another.

Finally, after extremely exciting five minutes of waiting, Giggles hero moved. Cmon. We should leave before they come back. He fast stood up and ran towards the exit of the alleyway, peering outside onto the street. Fortunately, there was no one. He looked back. Giggle had risen and stood confused and hesitating at the end of the gangway. Cmon or do you want to get caught by them? The guy asked sarcastically and held his hand comfortingly out. However, Giggle still didn't move. Don't you want to see your little friend? He asked totally annoyed by now.

A big smile of hope appeared on Giggles face. She rushed forward to him and hugged him, her eyes were beaming. Y-you mean, Paul is in safety?

Yeah, if Paul is his name, then Paul is in safety. Cmon. I bring you to him. He looked down onto the girl with the beautiful green eyes and the bloodcurdling smile. Then he stroked a strand of her brown hair out of the face. Both shared an electrical moment but soon the reality flooded back to their mind. Giggle wanted to see Paul, hug him, just hold him and so she dragged her angel forwards. However, he hesitated one more second, watching her. By the way, my name is Angel. He said and in the next second, he rushed with her across the street towards his hideout.

~*~

Part Five: You are home, Paul! - a family, a friend, a tribe, a happy ending?

Giggle and Angel walked with Paul in their middle through the northern outskirts of the city, one of the rare peaceful areas within a radius of fifty kilometers. It wasn't controlled by any tribe, at least not yet. Here were just living kids who wanted to stay neutral and who tried to survive in the world without their parents. The streets werent any different to the rest of the city though dust, dirt, waste, graffiti and loneliness marked this estate as every other. But the beauty of the day maybe made it look, rather feel so much different. The sun was shining, the sky was totally clear of clouds and the birds were singing. It was so peaceful and somehow welcoming, just special.

Besides the amazing nature and the peaceful atmosphere, there was another reason the three were so happy new friendships were born on the day they met and a family-like tie was formed among them already. And Paul was going to be home soon, just a few more hours and theyd be at their destination where he may find himself again. Could they be any happier, referring to the circumstances of course?

Giggle looked down to Paul who held hands with Angel and her and was swinging back and forth between them while they walked on. He was happy, simply happy and the kid he should be. At least it seemed he was this innocent twelve-year-old kid again. But nothing nor nobody could turn back the time, could cancel the things he had seen, he had experienced, things no one should ever had to live through. However, right now he was happy because he had somehow a family again. She was like a big sister, perhaps even like a mother to him. Yeah she loved him like a mother would. And he had a somehow a new dad too.

But one thing still worried Giggle, although he seemed to be truly happy, Paul couldn't remember anything yet, he didnt know who he was and that was just horrible. Paul may not worry about that but she did. What a friend would she be if she withheld him his past? He had a sister who might be still alive and he had a right to know about her, to remember her and maybe they find her when he was going to remember anything And then there were the nightmares that haunted him. The last two days he had slept peacefully though but they were going to come back someday and he will have to deal with them then. He needed to know who he was, who his parents were and how much they loved him. He needed to know how much she loved him and still does. He had a right to know and he had to know to go on.

However, right now, he was just happy because in his eyes he had a family Giggle and Angel his new mum and his new dad. For a watcher who didn't know about the virus it may have looked like a family (except of the ages of course).

Giggle looked up and turned her view to the reason of Paul's happiness Angel. The tall eco-warrior with the long blonde hair that was now put into a ponytail, a blue and a purple strand framed his face. A dark blue star decorated his right cheek, revealing the dreaming somehow philosophical side of him. The pierced eyebrow in contrast showed his independence and warrior self. The clothes he wore showed another side of him actually, it united the two sides in one his closeness to nature, his view of life and his independence were emphasized by the khaki colored pants and the white colored muscle shirt. Over his pants, he wore a kilt. The black leather coat completed his outfit. These clothes fitted him perfectly and he was extremely handsome she had to admit.

As if he had felt her stare on him, he turned his head and their eyes met. These chestnut brown eyes oh god, how much she loved them already and she couldnt live a day without having looked into them. And then this smile that was full of passion, self-confidence and love, love, love. What? Do I have something between my teeth? He asked cheekily. Oh god, his voice! So full of emotions, so nice to listen to, so welcoming, so lovely. He was truly an angel like the name suggested. He was amazing. He was an angel. He was their angel, her angel.

Maybe it wasn't clear to him but he saved more than just Pauls and her life. He also saved them from dying mentally. He gave hope back, hope they needed urgently and he gave them strength and courage to go on their lifelines

All out of sudden, Giggle snapped out of her thoughts as Paul tore himself away out of her grip and ran down the street and around a corner. She looked after him in horror. What was going on here? However, she couldnt move. Everything she was doing and thinking happened in slow motion. As she turned to Angel, he looked down on her, his hands were lying on her waist and he had a smile on his face. How could he even smile? Paul was in danger! Panic overwhelmed Giggle and she just wanted run after him. However, she was stopped.

Hey, hey. It is all ok, Giggle. We are not in danger in this sector. Dont worry. Then he took her hand in his and walked with her down the street. She felt like a small baby as he led her by the hand but at the same time she felt so safe with him at her side and not at all offended or something like this even though he seemed to treat her like a child her feelings told her different. The electrical atmosphere around them was the best evidence.

As they turned the corner, Giggle's worried look disappeared from one second to the other as she saw Paul on a wooden swing covered all over with graffiti but still intact, a rare view in the recent times. There used to be more toys more swings but all broken, the rest of a slide could be seen and a burned seesaw, the sandpit was filled with waste and there were the rest of a climbing frame (for the American readers: jungle gym). She had to laugh as she watched Paul and memories returned of the days she babysat him. They always used to go to a special playground that belonged to the kindergarten where her dad used to work. He loved this place so much especially the swing.

A thought rushed through her head: Could it be this playground? She looked around and scanned the area for any sign that may confirm her idea or that may reveal another of her blonde moments. But it was hard to find anything that confirmed her thoughts. The estates of the outskirts always looked the same and with the graffiti and the damages that the children caused since the virus has struck everything looked exactly the same. The only evidences like street names or names of public buildings were probably already destroyed. It was in vein.

At least her head told that all over again but her heart didn't believe it. Paul wouldn't have known that here was a playground if he hadnt been here ever before. Sure, he lost his memory but maybe his instinct had led him? There had to be more behind this place, behind the obvious. It had to be this place, their place, their playground and if it was then her home wasnt far away. It had to be. Or, just another of her blonde moments?

No, it had to be. She was quite sure and she turned around and around to find any clue that would make her last doubts to disappear. Finally, she caught the sight of a twisted metal post at the roadside. On the first view, it looked like a signpost you know that showed you the direction to the center of the city or something like this or it may be a traffic sign like stop or warning children but there was nothing left then the metal, the actual sign was missing. So, it was a dead end.

Just another blonde moment. Giggle was about to give up and concentrate on Paul again. She glanced at Angel who looked extremely confused. This expression would have made her roar normally but as she saw them like this, an idea rushed through her head. She took another glance at the post, then he looked at Angel again and then she ran over to the post, kneeling down and searching for something.

Angel looked after her and frowned. The confusion was written in his face. What was going on in her mind? Giggle always managed to surprise him. When you thought you know all about her, she does something you never expected from her. Maybe this is her characteristic: surprising and lovely and surprising!

He walked over to her when she seemed to have found something. Angel peered over her shoulder. Giggle held a rusty and with dust covered plate in her hand. After she cleaned it a bit with the back of her hand, the inscription became readable Pennel Street. She glanced up to him, her green eyes beaming. What was so special about this street name? Why did she beam so much? He opened his mouth to ask her but was interrupted before he could even mutter a word.

Paul was jumping and dancing around the two in a circle, dragging at Angel's arms and clothes from time to time as if he wanted to show him something. Pauls joy couldnt be ignored, his eyes were beaming too and he smiled from one ear to the other. Giggle smiled too and this smile was brighter than he had seen it in the three days he had known her and Paul was simply the happiest kid in the whole world he had ever seen. Why?

But this question was soon answered by Paul who mumbled something. However, as he listened closer, the sounds formed to words, rather one word, one very special word. O! Om! OOOOMMMMEEEE! Home! Home! Home!!!

Yeah Paul, you are home. We are home. Giggle concluded and hugged him tightly. Tears were storming down her face, tears of joy. She was home, Paul was home and he remembered at least a bit. As she glanced up to Angel, she saw a tear in the corner of his eye, a tear of emotion. He was obviously moved by this scene but who wouldn't be. But there was something different gleaming in his eyes hat she noticed for the first time. Love. And she loved him too.

A few minutes later, after a short walk down the street, the three were standing in front of a house a typical wooden one-family house with a double garage, the basketball hoop of course was positioned between the two garages, surrounded by a picket fence. A bit untypical was the bright yellow color though except in a persons height where the wall was covered with graffiti. The front walk led to a porch, the oak door looked intact with no sign of burglary or plundering. Beams barricaded the border window besides the entry though. But the upper windows with the shutters looked whole. Leaves and waste was scattered around the house and on the meadow. It looked like a typical house with the typical damages of these times, perhaps it was in a better shape than most other houses. It looked inhabit and there was nothing special at all. But it wasnt just a house, it was Pauls house, his home. So, it was special, very special.

Paul took hold again of Giggle's hand and dragged her with forwards. They took a few steps, very slowly and not taking an eye of the house. Then Paul stopped all out of sudden and glanced reproachfully back at Angel who stood still at the roadside but he caught fast up as he caught his little friend's look. He took Pauls free hand in his and together the three went the last steps to the porch, then up the stairs. However, when they wanted to open the front door it opened. Angel and Giggle shrank back. The shock sat deep and both stood there with open mouths and widened eyes. But Paul stayed where he was, still holding the hands of his friends though, a smile on his face as he watched the person who opened the door to his house.

It was a girl around Giggles age with a heart shaped face, long fair hair and green eyes somehow they were similar to Giggles. Small blue spirals coming from her eyes and three silver stars down her cheek decorated her face. She wore blue jeans with stars and sparkles over them and a blue halter-top, which ties all the way down the front. A large brown bag was thrown over her shoulder, prepared to leave.

Paul bended his head and rolled it like children do as he watched her up and down. He freed himself from the grip and walked towards the girl. She also shrank back lightly but Pauls innocence and his way of acting made her smile too. He clung himself at her waist and hugged her tightly. An unknown kid hugged her. Normally, you would push him away but she didn't. Instead, she hugged him back.

Giggle and Angel looked at each other, confused, shocked, helpless. What should they do? Finally, Angel made his decision and wanted to intervene but Giggle held him back. She whispered into his ear. No, it is ok, better she is ok. When Paul trusts her, she is ok.

Angel was diverted as he felt her soft voice and her soft breath touching his skin. It was an incredible feeling. But then he remembered what was going on. And what was she actually talking about? Paul hugged a totally unknown girl and Giggle say to trust her??? How do you know? How does he know?

Sixth sense. Was all she answers, and then she left his side and walked up the porch to the girl to introduce everyone and to get to know the girl Paul obviously trusted.

Im Joanie. A new friendship was born within a second, as the two girls looked at each other. It was strange but there was immediately a connection between them, even faster than between Angel and Giggle

Joanie stayed for the evening and then for the next few days. Also, Angel came quite well along with her and the friendships among them grew deeper and deeper. A few days after they arrived at Paul's home in the Pennel Street, Giggle went back to Imogen's farm to say all is right. A week later, Imogen visited them. A meeting was announced to discuss their future. One ting was for sure, they all were friends Giggle and Angel a bit more and they didn't want to part again. So, the decision was pretty easy.

Friends, a family, a tribe Giggle concluded for all of them after a short discussion. She put her hand in the middle and Paul, Angel, Joanie and Imogen laid their hands on top of each others. but there still was one thing to have to be discussed.

How are we gonna call us? Joanie asked.

Do we really need a name? I mean do we have to do like all the others. I think we five know that we are a family and that is all what counts, isnt it? They all nodded. Paul, Giggle, Angel, Imogen and Joanie were a tribe now. No, the connection was tighter than within a tribe, they were a family and a family didnt need a name.

The days grew to weeks and the weeks to months. The Locos were beaten rather they had disappeared into the nowhere without a leader. Zoot was dead and the loco queen left her former feared tribe to join another rather peaceful one. No more power and chaos! The whole city changed within a short time and with every day, their future looked better and better. It was as if the hard days of the tribe world were over and as if the kids have managed to build their own world without parents. Hope for future began to rise in all of their hearts. A world of peace, harmony and hope was about to be born! But the best of all was that this damn virus was beaten too.

A tribe called the Mall Rats seemed to have found the antidote and they distributed it for free in the city to any kid. The antidote was the most important thing and the last missing link to give the kids a hope for future because without this antidote, they would all die and what a future would they have then as dead people? With the antidote, hope spread among the kids and it was infectious in the positive means. They all had a future now and it was time to build a new world. Peace laid over the city and happiness.

The five friends living in the house number 117a in the Pennel Street of the northern outskirts began to build a better future too and they had organized themselves quite well. They lived like a family and for any watcher it would have been a real family.

Giggle was now leader of the tribe without a name. She coordinated everything and helped where help as necessary. Angel and Joanie went in turns to the Mall to get the antidote for all of them until the virus disappeared. They even helped the Mall Rats cleaning the city, of course with a selfish touch as they just helped in their estate. But they didnt care much about the Mall Rats and that this tribe seemed to rule the city. They just kept on with their own life.

Imogen run the farm with the help of the others and they even started to trade at the market in the Mall with the food they didn't needed. Paul and Imogen were a quite good team, actually they worked brilliant together and always came home with no ware because they managed to sell everything. They traded for anything they needed like batteries or sometimes some special rare things. But they werent greedy or anything. When they saw someone who hadn't anything to eat or so they give him something. They were lucky, had enough to eat, more they even needed to survive and they were happy. Even the Chosen weren't a thread for them because they lived withdrawn in an estate the Chosen didn't control and didn't care much about and they were careful when they had to cross the Chosen territory in order to visit Imogens farm. They had a future and the future looked no less than great.

Until one night

~*~

Part Six: the one night that changed everything

The night was clear of clouds, no moon was to be seen but stars covered the whole sky. It was a beautiful night and she remembered that one night seven or eight months ago, the night that was so similar to this night and the night when she did something good for a change. Like then, she crept now along in the shadows of the city buildings. Like then, anxious and fear filled her mind. Like then, she risked her life and her tribe would kill her if they saw her. It was just a different tribe but as cruel as the last one. No crueler. Her old tribe has just beaten the boy half to death and has almost starved him. But her recent tribe has killed his sister without even a second of hesitation! And she was part of both tribes. One crueler than the other. A wave of realization and regret swapped over her. What had she done? Tears were streaming down her face, her view was dazzled by the wet but she didn't care, not anymore. They should kill her too

All out of sudden, she stumbled over some cans and a loud crash could be heard as she fell hard onto the ground right into a puddle of mud. But she didn't care. An alarm signal ran through the streets. But she didnt care. Chosen night guards and Chosen patrols ran towards her from every direction. But she didnt care. Only seconds later, she was surrounded by a half dozen of them, each pointed his weapon towards her body, still lying in the mud. But she didn't care.

Hey, stand up! One of the guards yelled at her. But she didnt care. The world was spinning around and around in her head. Again, she heard him yelling at her, louder now, almost screaming. HEY, stand up! But she still didn't care. The skinny, bruised face with the fallen cheeks of the small boy came back to her mind. It had haunted her in the past months. Has he made it? A third time, he raised his voice, HEY, STAND UP! - and now he was screaming and he was kicking at her with his feet. But she didn't care. Shall they beat her, shall they kill her. Her life was unimportant, rather worthless. She didn't deserve to be alive. But this girl did. Her plea filled her mind now. Those words that repeated in her head all over again and didn't seem to stop, those words spoken by a brave kid with death before her eyes in a strong voice, far too grown up for her age. Find him, tell him I love him and always do, please

The guard that had yelled at her and kicked at her was about to order her one last time. STAND UP, I SAID But before he had finished the first two words, she stood already face to face with him and his voice fast turned down and became slowly. In the end, it was only a whisper left and the reason for the loss of his self-confident was the girl in front of him. She was taller than him but this wasn't the reason. The grim expression on her face intimidated him but there was something different that made him shrink back. She was a higher rang in the Chosen class system. Her robe was soiled by the mud but her rang was still clear. I am sorry. He stumbled and bowed, the others followed his example.

Go back to your sentries. NOW! She ordered in her Chosen manner. How she hated this. Only a few seconds later, all the guards were back at their old places or continued with their patrols, leaving her standing in the middle of the dark street with a few tissues one of them gave her to clean her robe.

She continued through the night. The night became lighter. The day was about to start. The sun was about to rise behind the horizon. It was short before sunrise as she reached her destination in the southern outskirts of the city. She feared first that she couldn't find the house again but as soon as she entered the outskirt, she knew the way blind. There was the house and for the first time, thoughts rather questions ran through her mind. What was if the boy didn't make it? What was if they didnt live there anymore? How would they react if she stood before their door in her Chosen robe? Would they believe her at all? Would they fight her? What would they do? But she knew there was just one way to find out and that was to go there.

She stood now at the start of the front walk. The wooden door just a few meters away, the step where she once laid him on. Doubts were overwhelming her. No one has seen her yet nor the Chosen knew about her plans and her insight. There was still a way back, a way back to the Chosen where she could feel comfortable, a way back to a tribe that cared for her like once her family. But did they really care? Even if, could she feel again comfortable among ruthless murderers? Among blind followers of an invented god? No, and there was also the vow she gave to the girl. She had to try. She had to.

**********

The sun hasn't risen yet but Imogen was already up for a few hours. There were a lot things she had to prepare before she could head for the Pennel Street, to her tribe. A smile crossed her face as she thought of Paul and his lovely welcome always when she visited them. Hed watch the streets and as soon as she rounded the corner and came into his view, hed run towards her, hugging her tightly, swinging her round in a circle, laughing all the time. She loved him so much. Two weeks she hadn't been there and she was so looking forward to meet him and her friends again. Her new family. But before she could embrace them a long, stressful walk was ahead of her and the wheelbarrow was overfull with food. OMG, this wont be easy. But she had to hurry now when she wanted to arrive there before the hot summer sun would burn down on her.

Fast she put the last things into the wooden wheelbarrow, pulled her dark blue jeans coat on because it was still cold outside, looked a last time around and then she opened the door. She was about to carry the wheelbarrow over the step as she suddenly stopped dead in her tracks, some fruits rolled down to the floor. Her moth was open and her eyes widened from the shock. A person stood on the path that led to her house. Not any person, it was a Chosen who wore the usual clothes, dirty though, and who had shoulder length, light brown with a bit of red that flicks up high at the sides, layered with a side fringe which covers one of the massive green eyes. Imogen should feel panic now, fear or anything. But her mind was empty and she was captured in rigidity. Her body wouldn't listen to any order. She wouldn't be able to run away even if she wanted to.

Seconds grew to minutes and these seemed to grow to hours. The time stood still around them. The tension grew but neither Imogen nor the Chosen moved or spoke. The atmosphere was hard to explain. Imogen felt no hatred as usually when she met a Chosen. An odd feeling of gratitude, a feeling of knowledge and even a feeling comparable with likeness or maybe friendship connected the two.

Finally, after never-ending five minutes, the Chosen and Imogen began to speak at the same time. Erm and both laughed. Imogen motioned the Chosen to begin. Dont worry, I am not here to capture you or anything. I belong no longer to the Chosen. My name is Laura and I am here to fulfill the vows I gave to a girl that my tribe killed. Her name was Patsy

Patsy? Imogen interrupted harshly. All the connection she felt, all the positives feelings towards her disappeared in a time not worth mentioning as the name Patsy fell. Anger and rage overwhelmed her instead. Patsy, Pauls twin Patsy is dead? The rage disappeared too and left was despair. Tears were storming down her face and she had to sit down onto the step. What happened?

The Guardian ordered to kill because she spied for the Mall Rats, her tribe, and the rebels. Laura whispered with a tear broken voice. I know how that looks like. That I came here

What kind of vows? Imogen interrupted again.

Laura looked to the ground, embarrassed. I vowed to her that Id find her brother and tell him how much she loved him

How did you know that you could find him here? Imogen asked.

A few hours later, the interview repeated in the Pennel Street 117a with almost exactly the same questions. Fortunately, Paul wasn't there when Imogen arrived with the former Loco and former Chosen because he went with Angel to the river to get some fresh drink water. So, Joanie, Giggle and Imogen but especially Giggle took Laura under interrogation.

as I said already, I brought him about eight or seven months ago to your house. I knew you were good people because I saw how you She pointed at Imogen. helped her Now she pointed at Giggle. Im really sorry that I couldn't stop him from doing this to you and he did the same to me. I am really sorry. I wanted to give the boy a chance. That was all I could do. I couldnt stop them. I tried! I also tried to save Patsy but I couldn't. I tried. You have to believe me Tears were storming down her cheeks, her body was shivering with despair and regret.

Giggle felt sorry for her now. She studied the girl in front of her and it felt like a déjà vu. Laura had pulled her Chosen robe off after she arrived with Imogen in the northern outskirts that werent controlled by the Chosen. But the whole way, there were for the two travelers a advantage. Now she sat on a chair in black tight leather pants and the neon green halter neck that she had worn beyond the Chosen outfit. From where do I know you? Giggle asked, but rather herself than Laura, while she rounded the chair again and again, her finger thoughtful at her chin. All out of sudden, she stopped right in front of Laura. You were the one that didnt gave me and angel away, weren't you?

Laura tried to think what the girl in front of her was referring to. She hadnt done a lot of good things. So, she could count those at a hand and it wasn't really hard to find the one event Giggle meant. Oh, you mean the time when the locos still existed? Were you the one that hided in the alleyway? Giggle nodded and held her hand out for Laura who took it. Now there were standing in front of each other. Giggle leaned in and hugged her tightly. Tears were storming down their faces.

Thanks Giggle whispered into Lauras ear. But you have to do me a favor Giggle pulled away to look into Laura's face. You have to do all of us a favor. Please, don't tell Paul yet. We want to prepare him.

But you can't prepare him for those news! Laura stopped as the door opened and Angel entered with Paul. He immediately jumped and danced around the room, hugging first Giggle then Imogen and Joanie while Angel brought the canisters into the kitchen. Both haven't noticed the presence of a new girl yet. However, not for long.

As Angel returned, Paul stood a meter away from a girl with light brown hair and swollen green eyes. Giggle, Joanie and Imogen stood behind him. Angel walked over to Giggle, put his hands around her waist and whispered in her ear. Who is this and what is going on here?

Remember when we met? He nodded. She was the one that didn't have us away Angel listened carefully while he watched the happenings between Paul and the girl who stared at each other. Laura, that is her name was also the one that saved Paul from her tribe and who brought him to the farm

And? Angel asked after Giggle took another break, knowing there was more. But she hesitated.

Not now. Angel knew there was something considering Paul. Something bad. They continued watching the happenings between Paul and Laura. They still stared at each other. Laura had a frightened expression on her face, Paul frowned because he seemed to remember something and he did.

Before his eyes, the puzzle of memory fractions was put together. He knew this person, this face. She saved her and that was all he needed to know. Like Giggle already did, he walked over to the seventeen-year-old girl and hugged her tightly. Crying. This was the way he thanked her and she understood. She cried too on the one hand, because of relief, she did something good, something really good but on the other hand, because of uncertainty and fear. How was he going to react when he got to know the truth? Will he hate her then? She glanced over to Giggle who seemed to be like a mother to Paul and she saw the same worries in her eyes.

However, that wasn't important right now. They had to celebrate a new member of their family. The evening they spent with talking, laughing and playing games. Everything seemed to be ok for Paul. Nothing gave a hint of what would happen this night because none of the five friends noticed that Paul has noticed the strange tension among them. Nor they noticed how he found a crumply piece of paper Laura had lost. Nor they wondered that he went so early to bed. They were just glad that he was happy and that he remembered who he was. The fear was far away because all seemed to be ok.

But it just seemed to be. The truth would come out in the morning. What a cruel truth.

~*~

Part Seven: The rain turns into a storm a lightening strike as consequence

The sun began to rise and bright sunbeams streamed in through the window of her room, waking Giggle softly out of her sweet dreams. As she opened her eyes, his eyes were fixed on her. She couldnt imagine a better start into the morning than with him at her side. These chestnut brown eyes always brought her heart to melt away. Only one other person was able to wake such feelings inside her Paul.

Suddenly, all the happenings of yesterday came back to her mind. Imogen came to visit them with Laura and they brought the worst news they could have thought of with them. Pauls sister was dead. Patsy was dead. A tear stormed down her face. The past months, they had been so happy like a real family. Only one thing was missing through all the time she knew, rather one person. Patsy. She was Pauls whole life besides his parents. But they died long ago. How could he live without her? How was he going to react when they told him the truth? Should they tell him at all? Maybe it was better if they hided this cruel fact maybe.

Angel caressed a strand of her brown hair out of the beautiful face, wiped the tear with the back of his hand away and put a finger softly on her lips what made her forgot the whole world for a brief moment. Then he leaned forward, his nose touched her nose, his lips searched the way to hers by kissing from the forehead down the nose onto the cheeks and ended with a long passionate kiss on her mouth. It took her breath away. She was in love with him. I love you. He mouthed. Then he took her into his warm arms. For a moment, she drifted off in her thoughts, back to yesterday morning when everything still looked so good, their future so great. Now, everything has changed. Yeah, everything has changed and he needs to know. He'd hate us if we don't tell him and he has a right to know. Angel whispered into her ear. It was as if he had read her thoughts. It wouldnt surprise her if he could.

I know. She whispered back. A tear was about to roll down her cheek but she wiped it away before it had a chance to release itself out of the corner of her eye. Then she stood up and put her clothes fast on. She had to do it right now or never. She had to tell Paul the truth about Patsy right now. Angel smiled at her. That was what he loved about her most.

Shall I come with you? He asked while he enjoyed watching her dressing. She stopped for a moment, the pants were put half on, she shook her head lightly as she leaned down to kiss him. Then dragged her pants up, took the shirt from the chair and rushed out of the room. She had to do it right now.

Giggle shut the door silently and walked down the corridor towards another door. Behind this colorful door was his room, there he slept and it was the room that he used to share with Patsy so long ago. Did he actually know this fact? She doubted it. She knocked. No answer. He was probably still asleep. She knocked again a bit louder now. Still no answer. Of course, he couldnt here the knocks, but normally he felt the vibrations. So actually, he should have reacted by now. He never needed more than two knocks A bed feeling overwhelmed Giggle. She opened the door slowly and peered inside.

The curtains were closed. Only a few sunbeams came in but not enough to brighten the room. But she could see the surroundings of his body, sleeping peacefully in his bed. OMG, she overreacted again. Again such a damn blonde moment! She didn't want to wake him yet. So, she decided to let the curtains stay closed and shed sit by his bedside until he awoke. This didn't need long as he could sense someones presence. But he slept so peaceful! Slowly she walked over to him and knelt down. He was so cute when he slept and she loved to watch him sleeping. She studied his face where a light smile was to be seen. The dirty blonde hair was as always messy. Giggle watched his mouth. Something was strange with it. But she couldn't tell what. Then she touched his cheek. It was ice-cold, deadly cold.

A loud scream echoed through the house and woke every living being in a radius of a few hundred meters out of their sleep. Laura, Imogen and Joanie rushed towards the origin, towards Pauls room. But Angel stopped them. The four hugged each other tightly, crying. Giggle cried too as the weeping sounds told them.

A few hours later, the unnamed tribe stood on a hill outside the city. One wooden cross was already situated on a newly made grave, Patsy's last rest. Laura had buried her there to give her the last respect such a brave kid deserved. Here should Paul find his last rest too, reunited with his sister in death. Finally. Angel held Giggle in his arms, Laura and Imogen stood besides them while Joanie dragged a second cross into the second grave. Then she began with her angel-like voice to sing the song that described best their lives and their emotions, their tribe and their history all centered around Paul, their hope.

There is no rose without a thorn, no rain without a storm there is no laughter without tears, no wisdom without years in a world gone crazy, torn between the roads that we must choose win or lose if every soul should lose its way, if every face should lose its name tell me who's gonna stop the rain?

The world was gone crazy, the kids went crazy after their parents have died, after all the adults have died because of a damn virus. They were left alone to live their lives in a world they didnt knew much of, without the help of grown ups. They were the grown ups now.

Each day another boy and girl sets foot into this world One reaches out to touch the sky one never learns to fly Where is it written in the stone that any child should walk alone, out on their own? If no one tries to end this game, or find a way to ease the pain Tell me whos gonna stop the rain?

They formed tribes to survive. Together they found the strength to keep on, together they tried to defy the challenges of the new world. And one boy brought the five as they were standing there together. Paul. He showed them how to fly.

How many rivers must we cross before we learn that the flood is rising high, and the bridges all have burned Each time another dream is washed into the sea its another piece of you its another piece of me

Has he touched the sky? Or never learned to fly? He died far too early. Experienced far too bad things. But he brought the five together, gave them hope and a future. He died and took a big piece of their hearts with him. But a big piece of him was living on a their heart too. Forever.

Sure as the blood runs through your veins sure as the falling rain Well taste the tears of each defeat the bitter and the sweet As the days grow colder wonder if well ever see the sun when winter comes If no one stands to take the weight if no one answers to the blame tell me whos gonna stop the rain?

He was gone forever, left them forever in this cruel world. His death has torn their hearts apart. They were going to miss him forever, they were going to cry when they think of the way he died. But they were going to laugh when they remembered how he lived. Has he left them a reason to live on? To keep on? Where is the summer sun? Will their winter ever end without him?

If every soul should lose its way if every face should lose its name If no one tries to end this game or find a way to ease the pain tell me whos gonna stop the rain? If no one stands to take the weight if n one answers to the blame tell me whos gonna stop the rain? Whos gonna stop the rain?

Giggle knelt down at Pauls graveside and placed a daisy, the flower of pure innocence, besides the cross with his name written on. A tear rolled down her cheek as she touched the incurved letters P-A-U-L. What did they say about him? About his incredible life? About her Paul? Nothing. What would be left of him? Nothing? And for most who is gonna stop the rain? This couldnt be all. He can't just be gone, he cant just leave her. There must be more, there must be a reason. Why had he had to go through all those nightmares just to die so early? Why did they allow him to go without living?

There was more. She stood up and turned around to face her friends Angel, Imogen, Joanie and Laura. She loved them all and they all loved Paul. Although one was going to be missing forever, they were still a family. No, two were missing. She corrected herself as she glanced back to the graves. Then they formed a circle around the two graves, held each others hand, their tears stopped as they looked into the future. It was a future with Paul and Patsy in her hearts and the five together.

After a while in totally silence that they used to say goodbye, Giggle said: Paul and Patsy, I vow now that I am gonna stop the rain. We are gonna stop the rain. Everyone nodded. Because we are the Umbrellas. She added. Their tribe had a name the Umbrellas and they had an aim to stop the rain.

As the sun went down, five young grown ups walked back to the city. Angel, Giggle, Joanie, Imogen and Laura were five friends, connected by a tight tie, a tribe with an aim, a tribe with a name, a family. Their future was unknown but as long as they have each other, there was a future. And as long as they lived on in the hearts of their friends, their tie would last for eternity. Itd survive death.

The Umbrellas, the rain stoppers, were born.

THE END

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Epilogue: A heavenly reunion a love letter sent from heaven

Paul sat on a cloud with his parents, Patsy and Bob at his side, happier than he had been in a long time. He was reunited with half of his family, the other half was still on earth. He looked down to the people he grew to love, the people that formed his family after the virus and after he had lost Patsy. They meant so much for him and were a part of his famil forever. He heard their vows and smiled. Guys, I love you and I am sure you are gonna stop the rain not for me because it is just sunshine up here but for some other kids down on earth and for most for yourselves. I love you all and will welcome you when you are gonna join me here in heaven. With a last glance at the Umbrellas, the rain stoppers, at Giggle, Angel, Imogen, Joanie and Laura and a last hoping smile, he turned around and run off to play with Patsy and his dog Bob.

Meanwhile the Umbrellas made their way through the city, holding each others hands and if they had heard his words, hope overwhelmed them, hope for the future. They were the Umbrellas, the rain stoppers, a tribe with the aim to help other kids and to show them the way into a better future.

As the sun disappeared behind the horizon, a new part of their life began their life as rainstoppers but none of them knew yet what was going to happen to them, what they were going to experience, how many defeats they had to live through and what they would achieve in the end. But this is another story