Hiding In Plain Sight

From Saint to Sinner

Gazing out over the deserted town, Shuichi crossed his legs, sitting on the flat roof of the bar. His hair fluttered around his face in the cool night breeze, distracting him from the degrading and depressive thoughts attempting to break free. The boy didn't enjoy taking watch, but he felt motivated knowing that he was protecting his sleeping, defenceless co-criminals. Raising his gaze towards the sky, he smiled at the stars as they flickered brightly against the void. I wonder if you're watching over me Uncle, I wonder if you're happy.

Noticing a flash on the streets, Shuichi flattened his body on the roof, peeking over the edge to see a group of police officers surrounding a small person with short, crimson hair. I need to warn the others, we could be in danger. Backing away to keep out of police sight, Shuichi jumped down to the landing in front of the large metal door, throwing it open and entering the studio. "Guys wake up, come on," he whispered, walking around and shaking the people that remained asleep, a few waking from Shuichi's presence.

"What's going on?" Shirogane groaned, rubbing her eyes and fussing to find her glasses.

"Police on the street, they look like they're transporting someone on foot so I don't think they're after us. We should avoid the ground." No one spoke, all understanding the situation as they filed outside in a stealthy manner. With Kiibo and Akamatsu's help, the group created a ladder by taking specific bricks out of the wall, reinforcing what remained. As Shuichi climbed the wall, he took one more glance at the police officers, hearing their heavy footsteps travelling down the broken asphalt street.

As each officer escorting the redhead passed, Shuichi noticed they all wore sunglasses. Maybe protocol after Rantaro blinded them last time? The male froze in place, visions of that afternoon flashing before his eyes. His uncle's smile, Kokichi pushing them down so Rantaro wouldn't hurt them, brain matter and blood splattered throughout the street.

With those thoughts now fresh in his mind, Shuichi watched as a particular officer passed by the alleyway. That's the motherfucker that killed Uncle! "Saihara, do you need help?" Akamatsu whisper-yelled, peeking over the edge of the building. Ignoring the woman, Shuichi left the ladder and entered the studio again, making his way towards the supply corner. I'm sure she hid them around here. Ah, there! Finding what he wanted, Shuichi picked up the pistol and loaded it, slipping it beneath his jacket to conceal the weapon.

With intense bloodthirst, Shuichi followed the group of officers, his body tense with rage. Slipping into a home through the broken window, he climbed through the shadows as he continued to tail his target. Hand on the pistol, he had nothing on his mind other than murdering the son of a bitch that killed the man that loved him, that sacrificed himself for the young male's safety. Nothing in Shuichi's surroundings manifested in his vision, there was nothing other than him, his gun, and his target.

Nearby the bar, the red-head in the centre of the circle collapsed, causing the group to stop. One officer turned and yanked the person to their feet, holding their limp body in the air. "P-please, I'm too tired..." She mumbled, her voice screaming exhaustion. Having a closer look, the boy noticed that the captive was a female, her hands handcuffed to her body with a chain connecting her wrists to another chain around her waist.

This is my chance. Slipping into another hiding place, Shuichi held the gun in the air, pointing it directly into his target's skull. Alleviating the rage-filled shakes and shivers of his grip, the male aimed the handgun with ease. He had a lot of experience with shooting firearms, although had never shot to kill a man, today would mark his first. "Motherfucker," he mumbled, pulling the trigger and watching blood spurt from his target's skull, suffering as his uncle did as the officer collapsed to the ground.

"Over there! Open fire!" Officers shouted, aiming their firearms towards their target. Shoving the pistol back underneath his jacket, Shuichi used the wall to launch himself away from his attackers, running behind any cover he could. Avoid the bar, none of the others should be hurt for this. This is my fight to suffer, not theirs. With newfound adrenaline, Shuichi continued to run, turning off the street and running through alleyways to lose the police, only intending to kill the one.

No longer hearing the shouting of the police, Shuichi slipped inside the closest building and hid, sliding down against the wall and panting, his exhaustion catching up with him. I'm sorry I didn't save the girl, I should've done something. No, what would I have done, if I did help her then she'd end up dead with me anyway. Dying doesn't sound so bad right now, maybe I should make the police shoot me? Yeah, I think I'll do that rather than doing it myself. Standing from the floor, Shuichi turned to approach his death, bumping into a red object.

"What the fuck are you doing?!" Harukawa seethed, grabbing Shuichi's wrist. He hissed in pain, feeling his scabbed wounds opening up as he struggled against the woman's superhuman strength. "Give me that gun. Now." Taking it from his pocket, Harukawa snatched it from his hand.

"He needed to die," Shuichi mumbled, glaring at the floor with no regret.

"Personal attacks should not endanger others."

"I know, I'm sorry. What about that girl they were with, did you see what happened to her?" Shuichi asked, hoping he'd be able to help her.

"They took her away after you ran. We need to be careful on the way back, their backup could come any moment now and they'll be hunting you." Harukawa pulled the boy from the building, a firm grip on the boy's arm. His wrist tickled as Shuichi felt tiny drops of blood soak into the bandages hiding his self-inflicted injuries.

Trudging back towards the bar, Shuichi started to realise how far he'd run, unaware due to the adrenaline. His brain clouded, he felt horrible for the girl he'd endangered, he only ever wanted to endanger himself and destroy that one man who deserved it, in his eyes. Without warning, Harukawa tugged Shuichi through an open doorway and behind a wall. "Wait here."

"Why-" Harukawa ran out through the doorway and disappeared before giving Shuichi an answer. He peeked around the corner, watching as the woman shoved a blade through the neck of a police officer on patrol and decapitated them. Holy shit, that's a bit over the top. Running back to collect the boy, Harukawa grabbed his wrist yet again, the fabric of his clothes slipping on his arm as the two continued to run.

They ran and ran, weaving between crumbling buildings and murdering innocent policemen as the two continued on the trail towards the bar and their fellow criminals. In the midst of running, a brainwave hit Shuichi like a truck, draining his life force. "Harukawa wait, please." His voice shook with fear and despair, tears dripping towards his chin.

"What?" Harukawa's voice had an unusual, caring tone hiding behind her apathetic exterior. Shuichi stared at her scarlet eyes through blurred, tear-stained vision.

"I... I killed someone."