Warning: this episode may contain depictions of violence that may make the reader uncomfortable. Read at your own discretion.

xxii

"This is an Emergency Alert! A mentally unstable patient has escaped the premises and has the potential to be dangerous! The proper authorities have been called and we are currently searching for the patient. If you happen to know anything about their whereabouts or where they might go, please report it."

…

While his father was still busy at the school, Tadase had somehow managed to convince Ikuto to take him to the police station the next day after class. Unfortunately, that meant they had to walk since Tsukasa had the car and Ikuto had been borrowing Tsukasa's car whenever he needed to drive anywhere. Walking was risky as it was, but Tadase felt reassured having Ikuto with him. At least Ikuto knew how to fight and had good reflexes. It helped that he had that brooding, intimidating look to him as well. Though sometimes his visuals attracted more attention than intimidation.

The one thing, or person rather, Tadase didn't expect to see on their journey was Yamabuki Saaya. After all, she was supposed to be in a psychiatric hospital; one he had seen her at in person not long ago. Apparently, that time period was enough for a lot to change with Saaya.

Tadase and Ikuto came to a halt upon seeing her blocking their pathway. Tadase, eyes wide, looked Saaya over. She had a pocketknife in her hand and Tadase couldn't help but wonder how she even got a pocketknife even if he had assumed she'd managed to break out of the psychiatric hospital.

Despite his terror in seeing Saaya, out of the psychiatric hospital and holding a deadly weapon, Tadase stepped forward, trying to seem unfazed. It was only Ikuto and him but he felt the need to own up to his own mistakes and attempt to calm Saaya down before more people got involved. Or before one of them got hurt, at the very least.

"Yamabuki-san, what are you doing here?" he asked seriously, crossing his arms.

"Whatever do you mean~?" Saaya asked, feigning innocence. "The docs said I was on my best behaviour and let me go!"

Ikuto scoffed behind Tadase. Obviously, Ikuto knew that Tadase wouldn't be able to handle this mentally unstable person alone. He quietly and, hopefully, subtly took his cellphone out. Luckily, Saaya was too focused on Tadase to notice this action so Ikuto was able to fiddle with his phone for a bit.

"Let me repeat myself," Tadase took another step forward, his voice still serious and level despite the fear that was bubbling up inside of him. "What are you doing here? And why do you have a knife?"

"I heard you were being a bit nosey," Saaya's innocent tone changed to a menacing one as she scowled. "Whatever you're going to do, I can't let you do it!"

Tadase sighed. "So you broke out of your psychiatric hospital to do it? How low can you get?"

"I'll have you know I had this planned out for weeks!" Saaya snarled, sounding rather proud of herself. "If you're trying to be the hero and save your little Amu-chan, I can't let that happen. They're not done with her yet. I'm not done with her yet!"

Saaya stepped forward, holding her knife out defensively. Tadase knew she didn't want to hurt him. At the same time, he'd experienced first hand that if she had to hurt him, she would, whether it was accidental or not. Tadase did not back away, however. It was almost a dare for her to try to hurt him.

Tadase had no idea what had happened to Saaya. Even though she had been overbearing and borderline desperate even when he briefly dated her, she had never seemed like…like a Yandere, for lack of a better term. Or maybe at the time, she was actively on whatever medication she needed. If that was the case, did that mean Tadase breaking up with her was what caused her to stop taking her medication? Tadase felt a little guilty for a second but quickly shook his head and brought himself back to reality.

He glanced over at Ikuto, who was slipping his phone in his pocket; from what he saw when he slipped it in his pocket, the phone had a call-up on it. Tadase assumed that as a police ride-a-long or officer in training—whichever it was—Ikuto had immediately called the police. Rightfully so.

"Can't we just talk this out like normal human beings?" Tadase asked, returning his attention back to Saaya. "You don't have to hurt anyone."

Saaya hesitated as if she had briefly come to her senses or at least was considering what Tadase was saying. Of course, Tadase could use himself and her feelings for him as bait to get her to stop but that felt…wrong. If he could just get the situation settled down, maybe the police could get here and take her away without issue. At the very least, it would be nice to get her to see that what she was doing was not the right way to go about figuring out or getting over her feelings.

"If I don't threaten people they won't listen!" Saaya exclaimed after a moment, much to Tadase's disappointment.

"I think the problem is you won't listen to us," Tadase responded, sighing slightly at Saaya's response. "I know you don't want to hurt us."

"Oh, I'll hurt you alright, Tadase!" Saaya took another step forward. "Just like you hurt me when you broke up with me!"

Tadase sighed. "You're still on this? I told you, things were moving too fast for me, I didn't even know my own feelings. I couldn't continue a relationship like that!"

"Sh-shut up!" Saaya shouted, blindly swinging her blade. She was close enough to Tadase to slash him in the arm slightly. "A-all my other friends were doing it and...and I felt like if I didn't, they'd make fun of me…The voices kept saying I was a loser…"

Tadase grunted in pain and held his arm to stop the blood. Tadase noticed that Saaya mentioned voices instead of friends toward the end and it confirmed what Tadase had been thinking; Saaya had been on and off her medication for a while. He looked from his arm back to Saaya, his expression softening ever so slightly when he remembered she may not see or hear situations the same way he and Ikuto did.

Ikuto was on extra high alert now and stepped up next to Tadase, ready to get on defence in case he needed to. Saaya seemed surprised by her own actions at first. She looked at her blade, now covered in Tadase's blood, with wide eyes. Then, she glared at him angrily and pounced at him. Ikuto was too slow to react and soon Tadase and Saaya were rolling on the ground together, Tadase struggling to push Saaya off.

Tadase was really regretting letting his guard down enough and softening his expression, thinking Saaya was maybe just troubled. Well, she was troubled but clearly, at the moment, she didn't care about her own life, nor Tadase's.

"Y-you're crazy, Yamabuki-san!" Tadase managed as he held Saaya's wrist after she tried to bring the knife down on him again. "All this because you didn't want to get made fun of?"

"C-crazy? Me?" Saaya laughed. With as much strength as she had, she tried to push against Tadase's grip to lower the knife closer to Tadase's body. "I loved you, I was willing to give you my everything. And then I get dumped! And not even a month or two later you're suddenly flirting with some slut! I think you're the crazy one for dumping me for someone like her!"

Ikuto had heard enough at that line. While Tadase was trying to think of a response, which proved hard when he was losing a fair amount of blood and also had the pressure of a whole person on top of him, Ikuto took to action. Suddenly, the weight was lifted from Tadase as Ikuto forcibly pulled Saaya off of him and held her hands to keep her from escaping again. The knife fell on the floor in the process.

"You know, if this gets confiscated, this will be the second knife I've confiscated from you," Ikuto commented as he kicked the knife away.

As Tadase got to his feet, he saw two police officers rush over. One stopped to ensure Tadase was alright, the other stopped next to Ikuto. Ikuto immediately gave Saaya to the officer, who promptly put her into cuffs. Saaya fought the entire time but clearly, these officers were used to people struggling because they handled her with ease.

"So it was you, Tsukiyomi-kun!" the officer exclaimed. Tadase assumed the officer was familiar with Ikuto. "I'm glad this was nearby otherwise it could have gotten worse! Let's get the boy dealt with and then we can talk at the police station."

The police officers took Tadase and Ikuto into one car, while the other car was reserved for Saaya, more than likely so that Saaya didn't get any more aggressive around them. The car Tadase and Ikuto were in drove to the hospital, where Tadase's arm was treated—this time not by the 'usual' doctors, who had treated Amu and him several times before, thankfully—and then they were immediately brought back to the police station.

Once at the station, Tadase was brought into a room for questioning, while Saaya was taken into a holding cell for her questioning. Ikuto was taking care of the paperwork and probably chatting with some of the officers he knew from training. At this point, Ikuto probably seemed more like Tadase's guardian to the authorities than Tadase's own father. Maybe that was for the better, though, even though Ikuto was only a few years older than him.

"Firstly, I want to clarify," the officer said, drawing Tadase from his thoughts. Tadase brought his attention back to the middle-aged police officer in front of him. "Were you aware that Yamabuki Saaya-san had escaped from a psychiatric hospital?"

Tadase shook his head. "Not until I met her just then, though I assumed she was here because she escaped."

"When was the last time you saw her?" the officer asked, already noting something down on his notepad.

"Hmm, it was about two weeks ago?" Tadase responded, having to think about it for a second. "I believe I mentioned it when we initially met about the Hinamori Amu situation but I went to visit her after Amu-chan went missing because I suspected she would know something about it."

The officer noted that down as well before looking back at Tadase. "So you believe this situation is connected to Hinamori-san's kidnapping and subsequent disappearance?"

Tadase nodded his head affirmatively. "Yes, I believe so. Yamabuki-san seemed to have a suspicion that we were taking action and I think she was trying to stop me from doing anything. She claimed that 'they' weren't done with her. She also said that she wasn't done with her either. Neither seems promising. Oh, she also mentioned that the escape had been planned for weeks. That could mean they, the people who have Amu-chan captive, might have been planning something big."

The police officer hummed as he continued writing what Tadase was saying down, taking note of anything important. There was a long silence and Tadase was starting to feel awkward, unsure if he was supposed to say anything more or if the police officer had any further questions. He played with his fingers absentmindedly. The silence was broken as the police officer relayed some of the information across the radio to inform the other officers, who were likely involved in Amu's situation as well.

"I feel like we're missing some context here," the officer finally said. "Do you mind telling from the beginning why you suspect Yamabuki-san has anything to do with Hinamori-san's kidnapping?"

Tadase nodded gravely and explained everything from when Amu first transferred to the school and even mentioned his past relationship with Saaya. He could have sworn that the police already had this information but perhaps they were ensuring that Tadase wasn't trying to change the story. Maybe even to ensure Saaya wasn't trying to spin another story.

"Thank you for all of this information, Hotori-kun. While we have no physical evidence that Yamabuki-san is involved, given what you've told us, the idea doesn't seem entirely impossible," the police officer said once Tadase finished explaining everything. "Just in case something does happen to Hinamori-san, we will push our investigation on the location you gave us the other day to try to get it done faster. The search warrant is still pending but at this point, I'm not sure it's even necessary if it's an abandoned building. I'm sorry all of this had to happen to you guys, you're only teenagers."

Tadase gave a sad smile. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate all the help you've given us."

"If any of what you said ends up being true, Yamabuki-san will be faced with a lot of charges," the police officer said. "However, due to her age, and her mental state, it's possible she may not get punished as harshly as an adult or mentally stable person."

Tadase nodded in understanding. "I don't care what happens to her, as long as she stays away from us. Have a good day, sir."

The police officer let Tadase out of the room and Tadase walked off to find Ikuto. Although it wasn't how he expected or intended to get the information, at least he knew that they would be proceeding with Amu's investigation and retrieval soon. However, he didn't want to risk visiting Amu again so soon so he would have to wait until Amu was able to be saved to see her again.

Surprisingly, the next day, Ikuto told Tadase that the head of Amu's investigation had called and wanted Tadase to come with them to the abandoned building to help confirm they were at the right place. Tadase was surprised; he had expected to be out of the loop when this happened. Not to mention he also expected that it wouldn't be happening so soon. Not that he was complaining. Apparently, though, they planned on firstly going to check things out that day, and then conducting that actual search and raid the following day.

Saaya, much to Tadase's surprise, had apparently confessed her involvement in Amu's case, after a long period of interrogating. Perhaps it was because when Ikuto was able to call the police and leave the call running, it had managed to pick up Saaya saying the same things that Tadase had claimed she said? Regardless, it was undeniable proof that she knew about the situation and had something to do with the kidnapping, at the very least.

Tadase felt relieved but at the same time, nervous. What if, somehow, Saaya was able to get the information that the police knew where Amu was to whoever kidnapped Amu? Did Saaya even know that the police knew exactly where Amu was? Surely the police wouldn't have been that upfront about it, especially if they knew she may be involved. No, Amu was going to be fine, Tadase had to remind himself. The cops would come, Amu would be saved and the kidnappers will be punished.

The stake out, of sorts, on the building, went well, Tadase confirmed the building and even tried to point out the last known location he saw Amu in. They stayed for a little while to look for activity but there was nothing. They decided to save it for the next day. Tadase was sent home, where he immediately hid in his bedroom, not wanting to deal with anything. He tried to focus on his homework but only got one page in.

Tadase also didn't get much sleep that night. He was too busy thinking about Amu. Saving Amu, seeing Amu, holding Amu, kissing Amu. All the things he wanted to do with her when she was finally free. He was also thinking about going to the building with the officers, who said he could come along for the final raid, and how nervous he was about it. Being so close, he almost wanted to try and be in the building with the officers.

Stop that, he thought, shaking his head and turning onto his side on his bed. You need to trust the authorities with this. You're just a teenager, you can't do anything.

The next morning, he woke up after only three or four hours of sleep. Still, he didn't want to sleep any longer despite the bust not being a little later. Tadase had woken up at quarter to eight in the morning, while Ikuto wasn't supposed to be picking him up for the raid until closer to eleven in the morning.

He decided to make himself some coffee to keep himself awake, despite not being a big coffee drinker in the first place. It was either that or energy drinks, which he wasn't fond too of either. There were none of those in the house anyway. He made enough coffee for his dad for when he woke up as well and then started making breakfast.

Tadase wondered if he'd have to come up with another lie for when he left the house for a long period again. He was running out of ideas even if Ikuto was involved. Then again, maybe Ikuto would come up with something… He hummed as he flipped over his eggs and stared absentmindedly at the wall. Today was a big day. The big day. The day he'd been waiting for. He felt a bit disappointed that he couldn't be the one to save her but…he trusted the police to do their job well.

Somehow, Tadase had completely blanked out on an hour. He remembered drinking his coffee, eating breakfast and then, suddenly, it was 9 o'clock in the morning and he was just staring blankly out the window whilst sitting on the couch. It was his father speaking that drew him from his thoughts and made him realize the time.

"You're up early for a weekend," Tsukasa commented, walking into the kitchen and reheating the coffee Tadase had left out for him. "I was doing some work in my bedroom and heard you moving about," He held up the coffee cup after taking it out of the microwave. "Thanks for the coffee."

Tadase nodded his head absentmindedly. "I couldn't sleep so I decided to just wake up instead…"

"Something big happening today?" Tsukasa questioned knowingly. "It seems like there's been something on your mind lately."

Tadase shrugged. "I guess I'm still preoccupied with the fact that Amu-chan is missing..."

At least it wasn't a lie, Tadase thought. He had been surprised by the question but at the same time, he knew his father had his ways of knowing what was going on in his son's life so he didn't really question it.

"It's been over 2 weeks now, hasn't it?" Tsukasa came around the couch and sat next to Tadase. Though he was normally not one for affection, he wrapped his arm around Tadase comfortingly. "I'm sure she'll be found soon. And alive, too."

Tadase looked at his father and smiled slightly, though it was a little forced knowing the things he knew. "Thanks, otou-san. I…hope she is found soon."

Tsukasa pressed Tadase's hair down slightly to fix it, as Tadase hadn't had the chance to brush his hair and smiled. "By the way, Ikuto-kun told me yesterday that you and him would be going out today. I think he said something about…wanting to take you somewhere to help you cheer up? I'm glad you guys have gotten closer lately. I hope you can rekindle your relationship with Utau-chan soon, too."

"There's nothing to rekindle, otou-san, it's just kinda hard to be close to Utau-chan when she's always busy," Tadase muttered. "Last time I talked to her was on the phone to ask if I could...give one of her old dresses to Amu-chan. She probably only said yes because she knows Ikuto and I have been getting closer."

"Don't say that, son," Tsukasa said. "The fact that she's even willing to give her clothing to your girlfriend is proof enough that she cares about you and your life. She just, is busy, as you said."

Tadase shrugged and stood up. "I should get ready for when…Ikuto-niisan picks me up. Thanks for the reassuring pep-talk, otou-san."

With that, he made his way towards the bathroom and closed the door. He turned on the shower, thinking that since he was still in his pyjamas and hadn't even brushed his hair, a shower would do him some good. As he showered, the feeling that his father absolutely knew what was happening today loomed over him. If he knew, why was he not saying anything? Why was he not scolding his son for being irresponsible? Tadase sighed as he finished washing his hair. Had he always been this much of an over-thinker?

By the time he had gotten out of the shower—which ended up lasting much longer than usual—and got dressed, Ikuto was there to pick him up. He was a bit early, but that was expected considering where they were actually going. Once he was ready, he said goodbye to his father and Ikuto and he set off to the police station. Once again, they went on foot just in case Tsukasa needed his car.

Ikuto immediately lead Tadase into a room where several well-equipped officers were talking and going over what the plan was. Tadase was informed that he would be staying inside a van, which would have screens with the body cams of all the officers. There, Ikuto, the Chief of Investigations and him would keep an eye out for anything that they missed. Ikuto would be using the raid as a learning experience and would be quizzed on what happened after.

Soon enough, Tadase, the Chief of Investigation, and Ikuto were all in an undercover black van, tailing slowly behind 4 or 5 police cars. Once the police cars got closer to the building, they turned their lights and sirens off and each car slowly began blocking off entrances and exits. The undercover car sat a bit away from the building, though still close enough where Tadase could see the building itself through the windshield.

Finally, the moment Tadase had been praying, hoping and waiting for was happening. It almost felt like a dream but, if it was, Tadase didn't want to wake up from it.

A/N: I hope that trigger warning covers everything. I don't actually know what people get triggered by these days besides violence, abuse, and maybe things like EDs, SH and death. Apparently, it can be anything these days.

Anyway, here we are! It's finally happening, probably 10 episodes too long tbh but where's the fun in a story if it doesn't get a LITTLE dragged out? What problems will happen during the raid? You'll have to find out in the next chapter huhu