Dreaming In Colors of Blood

The Beginning of the End

The street was completely dark except for a few lights that lined the sidewalk. He hoped more than he had dared hope before, he wasn't being followed. Pain seared through his left side as he clutched his wound, his shirt and hand were drenched in blood, and he was beginning to lose any sense of feeling in his left leg. His vision was swimming, his sense of smell was gone, and he was finding it hard to breathe. He risked a glance at his wound and, unfortunately, his hand wasn't doing much to stop the bleeding. There wasn't a single doubt in his mind that he hadn't left a trail of blood and he prayed to the stars no one would find it until morning.

He stumbled into the nearest alleyway and began to use the wall as a crutch. Why had he left them? He should have stayed to help, to at least try and get someone else away. They had seemed so hung up on getting him out of there if anyone, but he hadn't cared he didn't want to leave them behind like a coward. It had taken the one person he cared about more than anything to yell at him to make him leave. He had let the one friend he had to drag him to the exit. Something had happened when they were near the door to injure his side and leg, but he couldn't remember what no matter how hard he tried.

He stumbled and tried to steady himself with his injured leg, but collapsed onto the cobblestone. He had to use both hands to catch himself so his head wouldn't hit the ground. However, that allowed the blood from his side to flow freely. As he laid on the ground he could feel his blood run down his side and begin to form a small pool. He felt his body go completely numb and watched as his vision slowly began to fade. His friend had told him to find someone he could trust. Who could that possibly be now? Everyone he had trusted was gone.

Was that even a question? He knew exactly who he could trust but there was no way in hell he was going to go to them. No one could force him to go. He'd rather die a thousand painful deaths than ask for their help. Which would probably happen if he kept being so stubborn. His eyes fluttered shut and his consciousness slipped through his fingers.

He was back in the slums. He was weak, helpless, and hungry. They had decided to steal, to take what they needed, and kill, but only if they had to.We do what it takes to survive. No one could force him to go to them. However, the thought of giving into death when he had fought so damn hard to survive his entire life, sure could.

He willed his eyes open and slowly climbed onto his hands and knees. He used the wall to steadily rise to his feet and begin clutching his side. It didn't matter who he had to ask for help he had to help them. He had to help the three people in the entire world he didn't want to lose.

He limped down the alleyway, taking one step at a time. He was going to survive no matter what, and no one could tell him otherwise.

Everything was a blur for him after that. He could briefly remember stumbling up their doorstep knowing it was around 3 A.M, hoping someone would be in the building despite the early hour. He remembered a blur of the pain as he climbed the steps towards their office. The only thing Akutagawa could vividly remember was turning the handle to the Armed Detective Agency and the one word he was able to croak out before collapsing. "Help."

~

What? Is all Atsushi could think when Akutagawa collapsed in the doorway. The carpet instantly began to be soaked with blood. Not a single member of the Agency moved. Atsushi felt Kyouka grab his arm and pull him close. She was shaking violently but he was too confused to comfort her. What was Akutagawa doing here of all places? Why was he bleeding? What did Dazai's bad feeling have to do with him? Overall, what was going on?

Dazai was the first to make a move. He strode over to Akutagawa, knelt next to him, and lifted him in his arms. Dazai pressed the back of his hand to Akutagawa's mouth to check his breathing. Seconds later moved his hand to Akutagawa's wrist to check his pulse. He paused. After he laid Akutagawa back on the ground Dazai pressed his ear to his chest. There was complete silence.