Sumida is currently driving on her way to the scene. It's been a while since she saw a robbery. But she was shocked to learn from dispatch that a mall was being robbed by probably one of the most dangerous armed crews in the whole nation. Automatics, pistols, and armor were reported from the scene.
Not even Yakuza could be as bold as that.
Sumida soon hears her phone ringing. She picks it up despite her car running fast, exceeding the safe limit.
"Detective Sumida here. Make it quick."
"I assume you're on your way to the mall?"
"Oh, what now, Shiba? Yes, I'm on the way there. Why do you call me now from all times?"
"I hate to say this. But Himawari and her family are in there."
Sumida widens her eyes and deepens the gas pedal immediately. "Why the hell are they in there?!"
"The Furutani's youngest daughter wanted to see the movie today. Her mother already talked to me about that, and I let them go under one of my men's supervision. He already contacted me the moment the mall was about to get robbed."
"Who's watching them?"
"Riko. I'm still keeping tabs on him. They're in a safe spot but don't know how long they would last."
"Shit…. Did he say how many are there?"
"Roughly three dozen. Probably more than that."
"Damn…. I hope things can't get any worse than that."
"About that…."
"Great, just what I need. What is it?"
"The man who's running the show. It's him. Sashiga."
"Wha- how did you-"
"I had a couple of men working undercover for him. They reported back to me that he was the one who orchestrated that robbery. Unfortunately, they were unable to get a full plan for his robbery. All they know is that they came overdressed for the job, and one of those robbers has a machine gun."
"They got a machine gun?!"
"Yes. I truly wish that you could handle this situation with other fellow officers."
"…. Alright, you can at least count me on that."
"Wish you luck, Sumida."
"Yeah… we'll see."
Sumida soon shuts the phone as she almost reaches her destination.
George drives his car as fast as he can, neglecting the traffic laws. Thankfully, there were no officers during their trip. As he drives, he whips out his phone to call Shiba. However, Sakurako stops him from doing just that. Saying that "she doesn't have to know." George initially disagreed with her decision but put away his phone anyway.
It won't be long till they reach the aforementioned mall. It is a fifth-story building, and you can see it from afar. Around the parking lot, they could see the crowd piling around. They both got through the crowd to see the premises were blockaded with police cars and iron fences, where regular officers stood by to ward people off. Behind them were the sights of regular armed policemen and people fitted in black/dark blue clothing before Sakurako realized this was Japan's SWAT, or, to be correct, the SAT (Special Assault Team). And there were a lot of them surrounding the mall.
"That is some business right there," George replied as he scanned the surroundings. "Just from standing here, it feels we're about to assault a city back in Afghanistan. On foot."
"Why on foot?" Sakurako asked. "Using a car is much faster."
"You could get ambushed from the rooftops," George replied. "Especially if they have machine guns and rockets."
"Oh… I think I can see where you are going with this."
"Yeah, more or less, this situation is similar to that," George replied. "I hope you have enough strength to move around in that mall."
"You knew I'm athletic, right?"
"I don't doubt that."
"Now, how do we get those… hardware?"
"Hmm. Oh, look there," George pointed his head at an armored police car to their northwest. "Looks like no one's watching over it. We can get through an alley over there."
"I can't see the alley," Sakurako replied. "But lead the way."
George holds her hand as he brings her to the alley mentioned above on the left side of the crowd. They move quickly through, rounding a few corners before they reach the end of the alleyway. There was the armored car, and its back unknowingly propped to face the alley with another patrol car parked next to it and no cops to be seen. To their luck, someone forgot to close the back of the armored car. Even luckier, leftover vests and weapons are found inside.
"Jackpot?" Sakurako asked him.
"Jackpot," he responded with a smile. "Go on ahead. I'll take watch."
Sakurako jumps inside the car as George stands at a particular spot to keep watch. Sakurako scans what equipment is found inside, a couple of Howa Type 89 rifles, a couple of SIG Sauer P220 pistols, a couple of Kevlar vests, and some other small equipment. She checked through the slit to ensure no one was still inside the front side of the car. Sakurako quickly wears on the Kevlar vest, pats it, then wears on the pouches and straps a pistol holster on her leg. She checks the rifle and the pistol, trying to familiarize them both like she would with her AK and P99. After a quick moment of familiarization, she grabs the weapons and the Kevlar vest before she turns around.
*CLACK*
She stops to meet a pistol barrel aimed at her head. Behind that gun was a woman she was familiar with. A surprised look procured on the woman's face.
"Wha- Sakurako?"
"Sumida-san…. You shouldn't be here."
"I would say the same to you," she darted around Sakurako's appearance. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going in there."
Sumida stays silent for a moment; her eyes wince as if she's sleepy. "I know you're worried for Himawari, but you can't do this."
"That doesn't matter. I'm going in, Sumida-san."
"And die in there?! No," Sumida shook her head. "You almost suffered that back in COCOdeS, but this is bigger than you, Sakurako. This is nothing like the robbers you killed back then."
"I know that. Sumida-san," Sakurako replied. "But I'm still going."
"Sakurako…," Sumida paused. "Put those guns down."
"…. I'm not here to hurt you."
"I know, but until you put those guns down, I have no choice."
Sakurako narrows her eyes. "No."
"Don't force me, Sakurako," Sumida's armed hand trembled a little. "I can't let you walk with those firearms.
Sakurako simply stares down at the barrel of her pistol. "I'm sorry, Sumida-san. I can't."
They are now in a stand-off, waiting for one another to make a move. The air is now palpable as neither of them refuses to stand down. Admittedly, Sumida is honestly surprised at the stubbornness Sakurako has shown. But there was something else in her eyes; she just couldn't tell what other expression that was.
*CK-CLACK*
Another pistol is placed behind Sumida's head, and they both express their surprise. Sumida looks over her shoulder to see an elegant woman in a red dress. As if today could get much more better.
"Shiba…." Sumida trailed off.
"I have to admit. I'm greatly disappointed that you dare to aim that gun at our dearest Sakurako."
"Sakurako, what took you so-" George showed up behind them. "What the- Ms. Matsubara?"
"I see you forgot to mention your own plan, hmm?"
"Sorry, ma'am. Sakurako asked me to-"
"Don't worry, I know," Shiba gave a warm smile at Sakurako. "I expected this out of Sakurako. Now, hand over your gun, Sumida."
Sumida retracts carefully, giving the weapon to her, and raises her hands. "You expected this from her? You knew she was going to kill herself, yet you let her off anyway?"
"It may seem callous that I would let her off like that," Shiba replied. "But she can handle herself."
"Handle herself?!" Sumida retorted, looking over her shoulder. "This is nothing like that incident at COCOdeS. This is bigger than that. You're letting Sakurako be sent into the meat grinder."
"Don't you worry too much about her," Shiba assured her. "I'm not going to let her off alone. Not like what happened last time."
"Last time?" Sumida narrowed her eyes. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"That doesn't matter," Shiba replied. "But it looks like we need to do some 'talking' for your transgression against Sakurako."
"Shiba-sensei, put that gun away."
"Hmm?" Shiba glanced back while the detective looked at Sakurako with surprise. "Why would I do that? Didn't this kind detective threaten to shoot you?"
"Put that gun away, Shiba-sensei."
"Now, now, like I said. We're just going to have a little talk-"
Sakurako now aims the P220 pistol at Shiba. "Put it away, or I'll make you."
Sumida widens her eyes, though she can tell Shiba is a little taken aback.
"You do realize I have a human shield in front of me?" Shiba stated.
"Do you want to find out?"
Shiba stares down Sakurako's pistol before smirking. "Very well."
Shiba stands down, and Sakurako does the same. Sumida drops her hands to her sides with a relieved sigh.
"At least you've finally shown your true colors, Shiba."
Sakurako tilts at Sumida's comment. "You mean she's being a gun smuggler?"
"Yes, she-" Sumida stopped short, looking back at Sakurako with sharp eyes. "Wait, you knew who she truly is?"
"Since months ago."
Sumida looks back at Shiba with massive annoyance. "I do admit I'll take the blame for not telling you that."
"Yet, you're fine sending her to slaughter!?" Sumida retorted back.
"Sumida-san, please. Don't be mad at her," Sakurako begged. "I was the one who decided to keep that a secret."
"Dammit, Sakurako, what else are you keeping from me?" Sumida spoke as calmly as she could. "This is getting tiring."
"Sumida-san…. That thing about those criminals thinking that I'm a Sentinel," Sakurako stated. "They weren't wrong about it."
Sumida laughs a little at her absurdity in a tired posture. "Don't be ridiculous, kid. You don't have any proof to support your statement."
"Sumida-san, remember Jin Mikey?"
Sumida raises an eyebrow. "Why'd you bring him up all of a sudden?"
"He died from a gunshot in the head. Shot by a 7.62x39mm round."
Sumida keeps silent for a moment, glaring at Sakurako. "How did you know that last detail? The department didn't make that public. Shiba told you about it?"
"Sumida-san. Shiba-san was there at the port to exchange weapons with Jin Mikey."
Sumida-san's pupils shrink, and then she glares at the violet woman. "So you lied…."
Shiba merely shrugs. "I'm afraid so. You need to understand, though, that was a ruse. We planted explosives inside to make an attempt on his life."
"Huh? Wha-"
"Rise-senpai was there as well," Sakurako continued. "Jin Mikey used her as a human shield."
"Wha- wait, so you're saying you were at the port with this woman too?"
"Yes. We were the ones who saved Rise."
"What? That's…." Sumida contemplates her words, soon remembering one weird detail. "So you're telling me that both of you are actually the Sentinels back in that port."
"Yes, Sumida-san."
Sumida stares for a moment then glares at Shiba. "You goddamned kidding me right now? Of all the possible vigilantes that I could think of, you're also one of them?"
"Well. Irony," Shiba commented.
"You haven't answered my question, though," Sumida turned to the blonde. "How did you know that was a 7.62 round?"
"I have an AK-103 at the safe house. Shiba gives it to me to do vigilante things."
For a detective digesting too much of this information, she hasn't, at the very least, been stressed out by all of it. "So... you were there too, huh? The Yakuza office. A guy called Sungeo died there."
"Yes, Shiba was the one who killed him, though."
"How'd that happen?"
"I was injured. I attacked that office by myself. Shiba came just in time to save me."
Sumida is a bit shocked at her admittance, though George cuts it short. "Sakurako. We're wasting time. We need to go."
"Right," Sakurako walked past them. "How do we get in there, though?"
"I know a way around to reach the backdoor," George replied. "We'll start from there, but we must make it quick if we don't want to get apprehended."
"I trust you," Sakurako nodded. "Lead the way, ranger."
"Right on."
"Sakurako, stop!" Sumida ordered. "You'll die in there!"
"That doesn't matter. Sashiga is in there!" Sakurako retorted back. "If he eventually finds out Himawari is there…. I can't let this go. Sumida-san, you don't have to help us if you don't want to. But we've been waiting for too long."
Sakurako and George soon went on their way to take another alley for George to prep up with police equipment before getting out of sight. Sumida presses her palm against the side of her forehead. This dilemma was the last thing she needed, the last thing the department needed. Their current order is still to lay siege, but….
Her anxiety for Sakurako's well-being was more affecting than the siege. And she snorts at the decision she's about to make.
"Aagh, screw it," Sumida turned at the violet woman. "Gimme the gun."
Shiba raises her eyebrows. "You sure you want to-"
"Screw my reputation. I'm not letting her do something stupid."
"You sure about this?"
"What do you want me to do? Just to pray for her?"
On the northern side of the blockade, the police chief is hailing orders to various units to ensure tactical superiority over their siege. He's been radioing to get additional SAT teams on the scene to prep an assault into the mall. Negotiation was not really an option in the first place, as the only response they received from the robbers was gunfire. None were wounded yet, but the conditions of the civilians were getting dire as seconds went on.
However, he also realized something.
"Hey," he called out to a nearby officer. "Did you see Detective Sumida around here?"
"I think I saw her around the western side," he replied. "Dunno where she went after that."
"Dammit, thank you, officer," he then opted for his walkie-talkie. "Detective Sumida, do you read? Where are you now?"
He only receives static, but a moment after that, they immediately hear faint gunshots coming from the mall. Its sounds dissipated as quickly as they came. He's not optimistic about the situation.
"I need that status from the special unit now!" he barked at one of the black-clad officers before turning to his radio. "All units, keep those crowds away from the blockade. We're hearing gunfire again."
"Copy," radioed back a random officer.
"Detective Sumida, where the hell are you?!" the chief radioed in. "Detective Sumida, respond!"
"I read you, chief. Detective Sumida here."
"Finally! I've been trying to reach you. Where are you right now?"
"Uh… about that…."
"Speak, detective."
"Chief. I'm inside the mall."
Other officers who were tuned into that channel were stunned. Chief, however, was, at the very least, angry.
"This better not be one of those days playing hero out there. Explain yourself, detective."
"Well, we've got a problem. I'm not the only one inside the mall. I've got two more people with me who snuck in here to play the hero."
"Can you get them out?"
"Not possible."
"Well, why not?"
"They have police equipment and firearms."
Chief furrows his eyebrows. "Are they a part of a special unit?"
"No, sir, they're armed civilians. And they know how to shoot a gun."
"…. Great. Who are these civilians?"
"George. A black bald man. He said he's a former Army Ranger."
Chief jerks his head back. "And the other one?"
"A blonde kid. The same kid who survived the robbery at COCOdeS."
Chief immediately widens his eyes. It was just starting to feel a little outrageous as he winced his eyes.
"Sakurako is there with you?"
"Yeah, she and George are both armed with police automatics and sidearms, and they have Kevlar on."
"Was that you who made the gunshot?"
"Yeah," Sumida leaned out of a corner. "George just took down a suspect."
"Sumida-san," Sakurako pointed at the pathway across the second floor.
"Stand by. We got another on our way," Sumida hid behind George.
"Hey! The hell was…," the next suspect realized his dead teammate. "Oh shi-"
"BAR-DAR*
Sakurako peeks out and shoots him, feeling a sudden tug in her chest as she watches him drop like a brick. Sakurako scans their right flank, seeing civilians cowering in nearby open shops.
"Sakurako took another one down," Sumida reported.
"Detective, give the radio to Sakurako."
Sumida pokes the blonde's shoulder. "Chief wants to speak with you."
Sakurako takes her walkie-talkie. "Sakurako here. Do you hear me?"
"I read you. Oomuro-san, what are you doing in there? This is a situation that requires professional expertise. Not a couple of civilians running around to start a mess."
"I'm looking for my friend, police chief-san. I want to save her."
"Then leave that to us. You're going to get yourself in harm's way."
"I know that, chief. But I'm not leaving while she's still here."
"I understand that, but this is unnecessary. We don't need anyone else hurt because someone wants to do a rescue. You don't even know how to do a rescue."
"Maybe, but I want to try," Sakurako replied. "I want to stir enough trouble to buy you some time to bring enough police officers to assault the mall. Sumida-san is watching me over. George-san is a former army, and he got my back too. It looks like we got their attention. I cannot back out now."
"…. How did you get in?"
"Through the back door. George led us in."
"Understood. Do you see any civilians?"
"I'm looking at them now. They're hiding inside shop vendors."
"Good, tell them to stay put and hide."
"Got it."
"I would advise you to get out from there, but do you must do. I'll try to get what reinforcement I can. Exercise extreme caution. These people you're facing aren't like the ones you dealt with a few days back."
"I know. I'll be careful."
"Good. Please, give the radio back to the detective."
Sakurako hands the radio back. While Sakurako tells the civilians to hide, Sumida responds. "I'm here."
"Detective, you're inside due to her stubbornness, aren't you?"
"I'm afraid so," Sumida answered. "Can't really convince her to stand down."
"Do what you can to protect them and keep reporting on the situation. I'm getting whatever special unit I can get from headquarters to prepare for an assault."
"Ah, right, chief, I got additional info from Sakurako."
"Go ahead."
"We know the guy running this show. Sashiga Uchiyama. A man from northern Japan known for big bank robberies. He's also a prime suspect for the incident at the Bakimura store months ago."
"Understood. I'll have my men look him up. Now, be careful out there."
"Yes, chief. Sumida out."
Sakurako looks back at George. "Do you know where they are?"
"I'll give Riko a call while we move."
"Okay, I'll take the lead."
"You nuts?" Sumida asked. "I'll take point."
"You don't have the vest on."
"Don't worry about me. Let's go."
They move forward as they hug the wall, keeping a distance from the glass railing on their right. George is walking behind Sakurako as he uses the phone in his left hand. It was midway when the call was picked up.
"Riko, it's me."
"Ah, George. Good to hear you, man."
"How are you holding up?"
"We're in a tight situation, but safe for now. I got the family and some of Sakurako's friends with me."
"Damn, understood. Where are you now?"
"We're on the fourth floor. Inside the employees' area behind the large clothing area. The one with the brand name Sunblue on one of the gateways."
"Understood. We're on our way up. Hold tight."
"Careful, though. I've seen many of them lurking just outside the shop."
"Got it."
Geroge shuts the phone and informs the two of their location.
"Klutz, that's gonna be a long walk," Sumida commented. That's on the eastern side of the mall."
"Are we going to take the elevators or the escalators?" Sakurako asked.
"Don't think using the elevator is a good idea," Sumida replied. "It has almost no cover, you know?"
"Escalators then," Sakurako responded. "There's one over there."
"Let's go," George replied. "I'll take the lead."
They are in an uncompromising straight line as they cross the bridge on their right. Sakurako keeps her aim below until they reach the other end. They soon hug the walls and continue forward; both Sumida and Sakurako now aim their weapons at the floor above on their left. When they nearly reach the escalator, two robbers pop behind it a few meters away.
"There they are!" shouted one of the robbers.
"Fire!" Sumida immediately ordered.
The group dispersed; George jumped forward onto the escalator while Sakurako and Sumida hid behind the nearest corner pillar available. George lies on his back and leans to his right, firing a few rounds to force the suspects to duck their heads. Sakurako and Sumida return fire as well. They got one, while the other one hid himself behind the pillar of a shop's doorway. The suspect is blind fires, but only Sumida takes cover. Sakurako realized how thin the pillar was and shot some rounds at it until the suspect immediately yelped and fell out of cover, dead.
"Nice one, kid," Sumida said as she moved forward. "Let's-"
*CRAK* "Geh!"
Sakurako ducks her head and immediately spots an armored shooter upstairs to the left. She shot her rifle through the glass railing as the suspect could barely tank any of those rounds until one bullet hit something just above his chest, and a tug felt in her heart. Sakurako soon helps Sumida up to find a scratch on her left shoulder.
"Are you alright, Sumida-san?"
"I'm fine. Just a damn scratch."
*BARDARDARDARDAR*
George shot another one above the escalator, and he came tumbling down. George put another round in again, just to make sure.
"Alright, move out," he ordered; they soon worked their way upstairs.
"Dispatch, Detective Sumida here," she radioed. "We downed three suspects on the second floor and downed another on third floor. We're moving to the next escalator."
"Copy. Proceed."
Reaching the next floor, they make a right U-turn and forward to the next escalator. Though, on the way, they met with a grisly sight. Few civilians are found within their pool of blood, two of which are still breathing.
Sumida winces her eyes and radios in. "Dispatch, Detective Sumida. We got three civilians DOA and another two injured, looks critical, on the third floor."
"Roger that, notifying EMTs."
Sakurako snorts aggressively but never says a word on the matter. They continue on to the escalator. A bullet struck the railing as George was about to step foot on the escalator. They aim their weapons down range to see two suspects on the second floor. They all suppressed the firing suspects till Sakurako had to change the magazine. Sumida eventually took the unarmored suspect out, but George took a bullet to the chest. In response, Sakurako aims down the sight so hard that she shoots his leg, and then his chest is not covered by the armor. George merely pats his unwounded chest before going upstairs.
They are also greeted with gunfire as the three suspects across are about to round a corner. The two women take cover behind the bench as George stands behind a pillar. George only managed to shoot three rounds until he heard a click before whipping his sidearm and shooting. Sumida shoots and ducks as the bench start to get holed up. Sakurako sprays her rifle at the three suspects. She then focuses on one, firing his foot enough to make him lean out before shooting at his torso region, one of which struck his gut and then the armpit; he's critically wounded.
Once George reloads his rifle, he manages to shoot one who's about to close the distance before suppressing another on the far end. Sumida exchanged fire and ducked, and it was Sakurako's turn. While under fire, Sakurako was struck on the front shoulder and stumbled back.
"Sakurako!" Sumida screamed.
George immediately runs forward while the suspect focuses on the bench, then Spartan kicks him out of cover before firing a few rounds point blank. Sumida soon proceeded to shoot three rounds on the same bastard, doubly sure he was dead.
"Dispatch, we downed three more suspects on third floor. One injured. Over."
"Copy, notifying the second team."
Sumida soon turns at Sakurako. "Crap, you good?"
"I'm fine. Not the first time I got shot," Sakurako patted the shoulder protected by armor with a groan.
"You keep saying that."
"It should be a little close now," George stated. "Let's go."
The group forms a line and makes their way to the eastern side of the mall.
"Hey, hello?! Anyone?!" Sashiga turned away from the radio. "I thought you already sent someone out there!"
"I did, boss," his goon responded. "I already got about a dozen of them checking what that sound was."
"Yet, they haven't checked in!"
"I-I'll go there to see what's up, boss."
"Nah-nah-nah, forget about 'em. Keep grabbing those stones. We'll deal with 'em later."
Sashiga is inside one of the jewelry shops within the mall. He and his men, all cloaked with masks and bulletproof vests, are grabbing every piece of glint diamond and gold they can grab into their bags. Two men stand guard to keep the owners cowering in the corner with their hands up. As they loot the store, more gunfire rang out in the distance, and he wasn't particularly thrilled with that.
"Are you sure this was part of the plan, boss?" his second-hand man asked. "I think those cops are already here."
"Of course, I got this part covered," Sashiga retorted. "Strange, though. No fuzz department can respond that fast, let alone call reinforcement in that short time."
"Boss! Boss!" they turned to see one of his men entering the store, panting. "I saw them. They killed our boys back there!"
"Those special cops got in already?" he asked.
"N-no... just regular cops, I think. One of them doesn't seem to be a cop."
"The hell you're talking about? What these cops look like?"
"There was a woman with a pistol—a bald black man with a rifle. And there's this one girl… I don't think she's a cop, but… something's familiar about her. Her hair is blonde."
Sashiga narrows his eyes tight. "Wait, you say, blonde?"
"Yeah… ah, right!" the goon immediately realized. "It's the same one we saw on the news. The one who killed the robbers at COCOdeS!"
Sashiga stares momentarily before he begins to laugh underneath his mask. Though the men were a bit unnerved by his laugh, they didn't have to see his face.
"She ain't here to stop us. She's here for me! ME! Oh, that brat's gotta pay. So, where you last saw them?"
"Fourth floor. Moving eastward."
"Hmm… they went straight there?"
"Yes, boss."
"There must be something else then. Bring some of the boys up there and intercept them. Find out what they're doing up there and kick their ass."
"Got it, boss!"
"Rest of you. If your bags are full, make a run for the indoor parking lot. We'll be makin' money!"
They soon reach the gateway of a clothing shop area. They had to scan the pathways around them just to ensure no surprises from behind them. George peeks a little from the door gate frame and informs them at least five and more suspects are spotted. Sakurako shows him the homemade flashbang (much to Sumida's bewilderment), and he nods. They stack up at the frame.
George counts. "3, 2, 1, mark!"
Sakurako pulls the pin and tosses the grenade in.
*BANG*
The bang was acceptable, but the flash was WAY too bright than what the department could offer; the flash jotted out of the room toward the middle of the fourth floor's hole. Sumida now understands why Shiba is scared of her. Nevertheless, they went in and easily neutralized the blind suspects. She left the four armored suspects out of five for Sakurako and George to handle since she thought her pistol was insufficient to punch through their armor. George kicks those guns away from the dead suspects, though Sakurako doesn't seem to mind doing the same for the other corpses.
They move deeper into the area as George leads them to a nearby door leading to an employee area. They saw a blue door with an 'employees' sign on it. They would barge in, but George decided that he would bang on the door, assuming no suspects were inside. Sumida calls it stupid, but George goes with it anyway. He makes a fist.
*BAK-BAK-BAK*
"Anybody in there?"
They receive no response from inside. George takes a deep breath before calling out through.
"Riko! It's me! George. Are you in there?"
"Oh!" they heard from the other side.
The employee was flung open, revealing Riko himself with his pistol drawn. Riko forms a warm smile seeing the three of them.
"Glad to see you guys here," Riko said. "Is the coast clear?"
"For now," Sumida responded. "Where's the family?"
"They're in here," Riko motioned inside.
"Go on ahead," George said. "I'll keep watch here."
They go inside, leaving George on the lookout by the door. Riko leads them to a wide room where clothes are still in packages, where they find the Furutani family among a few civilians inside. To Sakurako's and Sumida's disbelief, the other few civilians are Yui, the Ikeda sisters, Akari, and Misaka.
"What the-" Sakurako dropped her jaw. "You're here too?"
"Sakurako?" Yui widened her eyes. "Wha- why are you carrying a rifle?"
"We just shoot our way to get here," Sumida replied.
"Y-you did?" Himawari almost covered her face.
"Sakurako…," Misaka nervously took a step forward. "So that gunfire…."
"We did," Sakurako plainly nodded. "Are you alright?"
"We're fine, but…," Akari pointed at the rifle. "Where did you get that gun?"
"We stole it off from the police."
A sweat procured from each of them, though Himawari was the only one who narrowed her eyes.
"You idiot…," Himawari whispered. "You don't have to do that stunt just to rescue us."
"Agreed. What if you get hurt?" Misaka stood next to the blunette. "Just like what happened back in COCOdeS?"
"Misaka-chan," Sakurako called, now with a gentle smile. "You know it's not the first time I got shot."
Both her dear ones wince their eyes as Chizuru shakes her head with a sigh. "You're bad at comforting people, Sakurako."
"But why did you have to be here?" Chitose asked. "I thought you were laying low."
"We heard from Riko-san that Himawari and her family are in trouble," Sakurako answered. "So we came straightaway. I didn't expect all of you to be here, though. Especially you, Misaka-chan."
"I see," Misaka frowned. "I take it that the police didn't come yet?"
"They're still gathering reinforcement for the assault," Sumida stated. "And this blondie barged in here like a madwoman."
"Oh my God, what were you thinking, Sakurako?!" Misaka placed a hand on her own chest. "You could've killed yourself!"
"…. You do realize who I am, right?" Sakurako asked.
"It doesn't matter if you're some sort of vigilante or anything. You couldn't just do that!" Misaka responded.
"I'm sorry, Misaka, but we got another problem."
"And what that problem entails?"
"He's here."
Akari furrows her eyebrows. "Who's he?"
Sakurako turns at her. "The last one from Bakimura Store."
All her friends widen their eyes at her declaration, and Himawari drops her jaw. "You mean Sashiga? He's here?"
"Yeah, good thing is. He doesn't know you're here yet," Sumida answered. "We gonna need to get you out of here now-"
*BRATATATAT*
They all duck their heads and turn to where George is at. They hear the door close, and some large items fall down before he comes running at the group.
"Six plus hostiles outside. Got us surrounded," he turned at the civilians. "Is there another way out of here?"
"There's one downstairs," a civilian employee answered. "Follow me."
"Dispatch, Detective Sumida. We've located Sakurako's relatives and friends alongside a few civilians. We're moving them downstairs now."
"Understood, proceed with caution."
George takes the lead by the employee's side as the group follows suit. George, Riko, and Sumida scan the room downstairs before George calls the employee for the door. He leads the group to a double door just ahead. George pulls him aside and opens the door slowly. Scanning the next large clothing area for a moment, he tells the group to stay in place before he, alongside Sumida and Sakurako, comes out with their rifles raised.
*DAR-DAR-DAR*
They duck their heads and find the nearest cover between clothing shelves. Sakurako peeks out and spots at least four hostiles converging in an arc. She shoots one dead before suppressing her left side. The suspects soon hide behind a pillar and a couple of clothes containers. George turns at Sumida as he and Sakurako are suppressing the suspect.
"Sumida! Go left and flank them! Go!"
"I'm on it!"
Sumida keeps her head down and disappears into the left flank. Both of them did an excellent job of keeping themselves distracted until the suspects took shots from their right side. Once one suspect went down, the other two were too late to turn around. Sakurako and George quickly move forward as the detective emerges from their left. Sakurako spots one still alive and about to raise a gun. *BAR* He's dead.
"Dispatch, Detective Sumida. Four suspects down on the third floor, location clothing shop area."
"Understood, four suspects down."
"Dispatch looks like we stirred the hornet's nest. My current weapon is insufficient against armored targets. Permission to use a suspect's firearm. Over."
"Standby. Understood, detective, you are authorized to use a suspect's firearm."
"Great. Dispatch, what's the ETA on the special unit?"
"They're three minutes out. They will be storming in from the north and western side of the mall. We need you to move Sakurako and the civilians to the western entrance. We'll prep a truck to get them out."
"Understood, dispatch. Sumida out."
She holsters her pistol and grabs a suspect's rifle, one Sakurako recognized as an FB Beryl. As the detective familiarizes herself with the weapon, the civilians and Riko come out and are wary of their surroundings. Sakurako turns at the group and is about to ask if they're okay when she sees Yui acting strangely. In a flick second, Yui quickly grabs another suspect's rifle and aims it at their right flank. Yui somehow withheld the recoil as she managed to shoot a suspect pops up in front of them.
While all eyes were on her, Sakurako was stunned at her action and came over to her as she pushed her rifle down. "Yui-senpai?"
"I- I just-" Yui's eyes shrunk at the realization. "Did I…. What…?"
George and Sumida move ahead to check the suspect she shot while Sakurako pats her shoulder. "You did what you think was right."
"I know, but…."
"Shh, you tried to protect us. As I said, you did what you had to do," Sakurako then turned forward. "We need to keep moving."
They soon hear guns being picked up and turn to find the Ikeda twins bear to arms. Sakurako frowns and is a little horrified at such a sight.
"What are you doing?"
"Looks like you need extra help with this," Chitose stated.
"Chitose-senpai! That's very dangerous!" Akari stated, still unnerved at the dead suspects before them.
"You're just going to get yourself killed out there!" the Furutani mother responded.
"She's right," Sumida agreed. "You shouldn't be doing this."
"No," Chizuru shook her head. "Until we get out of here, we'll fight."
"Goddammit, you-"
*DAR-DAR*
"Contact!"
They duck their heads down, and the civilians huddled in whatever cover they could get. Yui and the Ikeda twins suppressed in the general direction, the front. Sakurako split up and moved to the right until she hit the cashier counter. She keeps moving forward and spots a couple of suspects near a pillar and clothes container. She shot one in the head and the other on his side.
She soon advances on that flank and suppresses the rest of the suspects enough to force them out of cover for her allies to shoot them down. Once the coast is clear, Yui and the Ikeda sisters grab what ammunition they can before they move toward the exit and scan the hallways. Sumida reports on the new dead suspects.
"Is everyone alright?" Riko asked the group.
"I got hit in the arm," a gentleman spoke, prompting George to aid him. "It's not bad, I think."
"Is there an emergency exit on the western side of this mall?" Sumida asked the employee.
"Yes, it's a straight walk from here," the employee answered. "If we move fast enough, we'll be there in at least five minutes."
"Alright, who's taking point?"
"I'll go," Sakurako volunteered. "Yui."
"Yes?" she answered.
"Are you sure you can do this?"
Yui takes a breath and grits her teeth as she looks at her current weapon before nodding. "I'm sure."
Sakurako gives a slight nod. "Let's go."
How much balls for Sakurako to even think about taking the lead, Himawari and Misaka can't even begin to fathom. Yet, she leads them forward uninterrupted until they spot another hallway with a large restaurant on their right. Sakurako immediately stops and looks about her before she turns at the group.
"Everyone! Inside that restaurant now!"
"What? Why?" the employee asked.
"Just go-"
*CHAK* "Aagh!"
The employee was shot, and the group immediately ran for the restaurant with a scream. Everyone with a weapon quickly runs for cover, and Sakurako hides herself behind the pillar. Sumida and Chitose are now the ones looking over the group inside. They spot at least five suspects on the next floor above. She turns at the employee bleeding in the open.
"George! Can you get to him?" Sakurako shouted.
"I need suppressing fire!" he responded.
"Okay, Riko, Yui, Chizuru," Sakurako called. "Suppressing fire!"
The firing was rather intense on Sakurako's side, with Yui and Chizuru blind firing in auto at the next floor. By off-chance, some stray bullets managed to put down three before another two suspects reinforced their position. George got the employee out of the crossfire, but Yui and Chizuru had to reload with ample difficulty, leaving Sakurako alone to deal with the four suspects. George eventually comes back and headshots two of them. Riko got himself one with careful aiming, and Sakurako killed the last one.
They all head back to the restaurant to check on the employee, aided by Sumida. "How's he doing?" Sakurako asked.
Sumida, with a frown, could only give a head shake.
"Shit," Riko swore, anger on his face.
Akari was on the verge of tears, having another dead playing out before her eyes. Misaka and the Furutani mother try their best to keep Kaede from looking at his dire fate. Himawari couldn't say a single word at this unfortunate loss.
"Dispatch, Detective Sumida. We lost a civilian during a gunfight. Location: Algaraba Restaurant, third floor."
"Understood, notifying medical."
"We need to keep moving," Sumida urged. "Is everyone ready?"
Chizuru narrows her eyes and nods. It was all Sumida needed. "Let's go."
They soon continue the escort toward the emergency room. Along the way, Sakurako stops for a moment to notice some figures running about on the ground floor. Sumida looks over as well.
"Is that…?" Sakurako halted.
"Looks like they're running with the cash," Sumida responded. "Let's hope they don't come back for us."
"Agreed."
They eventually reach the evacuation door. Once again, Sakurako volunteered to take point, with Chitose and Riko backing her up. When reaching the second floor, Riko let her know that George, Sumida, and Chizuru would stay on this floor for high-ground watch. The group soon reaches the ground floor and exits the stairs. As Riko hugs the other side of the hall, watching over to their left, Sakurako and Chitose watch the plaza before them. There were blocks filled with plants, standing interactive screens, and a couple of cars for prizes in the middle.
Just as they were about to move, a squad of six police members stormed in and saw them.
"Police! Hands in the air!"
"Hold fire! Hold fire! Friendly!" Sakurako raised a hand at them. "I'm Sakurako! I got the people here with me."
The squad leader lowers his gun. "Where's the detective?"
"Up here!"
The detective waves her hand high enough for them to see.
"Alright, Oomuro-san-" he immediately noticed Chitose. "Why she has a gun?"
"She insisted," Sakurako sighed, enough for him to notice her dissatisfaction. "Her sister, Yui, and Riko there also have a gun."
"Understood. How many people you got?"
"We got at least ten people here," Riko answered. "Can you get them out?"
"We'll handle it," the leader responded. "Just keep us covered."
"Better make it quick," Sakurako replied. "They're looking for us."
"Alright, squad, we got civvies here! Get them out!"
Sakurako nods at her allies before running over to her friends and relatives.
"Okay, the police are here. They'll get you out," Sakurako said. "Once all is done, I'll meet you outside."
"Wait, you're not coming with us?" Misaka asked in concern.
"I'm not done yet until I get that bastard," Sakurako replied. "I'll see you again out there. I promise."
She kisses both Himawari's and Misaka's foreheads to assure them. "Let's get you out of here."
The Furutani Family was the first to get out, then Akari, and all that was left was Misaka and another few civilians. Despite one of their losses, Sakurako can at least smile, knowing the ones she dearly managed to get out alive.
*BARDARDAR*
"What the-" the squad leader and his squad turned to the next floor.
"Receiving contact!" Sumida barked on the police radio. "Contact across us! Shit!"
"Five plus hostiles spotted-" George halted. "Goddammit! They got MG!"
Sakurako and the squad leader shrink their eyes and stare at the civilian group. "GET THEM OUT! NOW!" the leader screamed.
"Misaka! Go! Go!" Sakurako ushered aloud.
"Got it!" Misaka hugged the wall as she ran with a police member.
Before Misaka could reach the entrance, they spotted a suspect placing the machine gun by the empty food stand, and it quickly aimed at the entrance. Sakurako quickly turns to her right to see those few civilians managed to get out, but Misaka is midway to the entrance, about to step out in the open.
"Misaka!" she screamed. "TAKE COVER!"
In almost a second, Misaka and the special unit member looked back and turned at what made Sakurako horrified.
"Shit! Get back, GET BACK!" the squad leader screamed, but it was all too late.
*DAKKADAKKADAKKA*
The first few rounds strike the police unit, and to Sakurako's horror, Misaka is soon struck in her chest. Everyone immediately dispersed to nearby cover as they were pinned down. Their allies' cover fire on the second floor didn't deter the suspects. Another special unit member was soon shot and injured. Despite the ringing in her ears, Sakurako lifted her head and looked at the helpless Misaka. Sakurako shakes her head, tosses her rifle away, and immediately rushes towards her and quickly drags her behind the pillar.
After a closer look, Misaka was shot in the chest, and she was bleeding badly. She nervously held onto her wound as Misaka's hands, soon dirtied by her own blood, gripped onto hers. Misaka's breathing became more erratic as she wiggled in agony, her blood slowly staining Sakurako's arms.
"Help!" Sakurako screamed, and one of those police members rushed past the MG fire and tended to the bleeding Misaka.
"Easy, easy, you're in good hands," the special unit responded. "This is not good. She's losing a lot of blood. Keep the pressure on her."
"I'm trying! Misaka…."
"Sa-Sakurako… geh…," Misaka breathed quickly and raggedly, her body trembling as she held onto her arms. "I'm scared. I'm scared…," she whispered.
"We'll get you out of here," Sakurako whispered back, audible enough to hear despite the massive gunfire. "I promise. Just stay with me."
"Sa-a-chan, I-I don't think…."
"No, no, don't say that! Don't say that! Please….," Sakurako quickly pressured her wound again with the gauze provided by the police officer. "Don't give up on me. Please…."
"Sa-a-chan…," Misaka now held onto her vest, tears built up in her eyes. "It hurts…."
"I know. Just stay with me," Sakurako whispered back. "Just stay with me."
"Sa-a-chan…," Misaka's hand trembled, struggling with all her strength. "Thank-you-, f-for staying by my side…. Eekgh…."
"You'll be fine. You'll be fine, Misaka-chan," Sakurako cleared her forehead of her dark purple hair. "You'll make it. You'll make it."
"P-please… hold my hand…."
The blonde holds her hand with one of her own. Their stare remains unbreakable. "Here… can you feel it?"
"…. Thank you, Sakurako…," Misaka slowly closed her eyes. "Thank you…."
Her head would eventually slump to the side, and Sakurako could feel her hand had fallen cold.
"No. Misaka. No. Misaka!" Sakurako held onto her head.
The police unit checks on her pulse and lifts his head with a frown in his eyes. "I'm sorry."
…. She failed.
She has failed.
This shouldn't have happened. Yet…. For the longest of times, Sakurako finally let her tears drop onto her face. The only thing she could hear besides the ensuing gunfire was her own uneven breathing. Feeling that her world has already fallen apart with her departure. Sakurako grips hard on her cold hand and grits her teeth at her unfortunate fate.
She's angry at her herself.
*BDAR*
An unfamiliar loud gunshot snapped her out of it, and she heard the squad leader scream.
"MG's down, take 'em down!"
On the second floor, Sumida moves left to get behind a corner and fire from there. The angle granted her to shoot at least two of those suspects. George and Chizuru manage to kill the last ones each before Sumida declares an all-clear. George moves in to check on those neutralized suspects while Sumida runs over to Chizuru and notices she's hit in the gut.
"Akh," Chizuru slumped against the holed cover.
"Crap, you alright?" Sumida asked.
"I hope so," Chizuru held onto her gunshot wound. "So that's how it feels getting shot, huh?"
"I should've ordered you to grab those vests from those dead suspects," Sumida commented. "Oh well, I need medical up here! Chizuru's hit!"
"How bad?" the squad leader radioed.
"Her stomach's hit. I don't think it's critical."
"Got it. I'll have one of our men check her up."
Sumida nods at the radio, to which Yui asks. "Strange. Was that a sniper who shot the MG gunner?"
"I think so," Sumida replied. "Just in time too. We were about to get slaughtered."
The police special unit comes up and tends to Yui. "Did you get the MG gunner?" he asked Sumida.
"No, but your sniper surely did."
The special unit returns a confused gaze. "A sniper?"
"…. Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Detective. We do not have any snipers at the current moment."
Sumida widens her eyes. "Then who shot him?"
Same time.
A large barrel protrudes beyond the edge of the rooftops, already smoking from the previous round. The violet woman gets off the scope with a sigh, with her punk friend nodding through his binoculars, overlooking the western side of the mall. Her marksmanship has not gotten rusty even the slightest bit.
"Nice. You got a headshot, boss. Hunting deer sure do wonder, huh?"
"Well, I have to thank my parents for that trip to Canada," the woman replied. "You owe me one now, Detective Sumida."
"We gonna bugger out?" he asked back.
"Yeah, let's not stay for too long."
The two persons soon leave the edge, leaving perhaps a flicker of gratitude for Sumida.
Sakurako kneels next to the departed Misaka when Yui and Chitose come over. "Sakurako, are you alri-" Yui immediately stopped.
Their faces turn pale upon looking at the purplette on her pool of blood. "Misaka…? Is she…?" Chitose dared to ask.
Sakurako didn't reply, but her whispered sighs were audible to hear.
"No…," Yui stuttered, on the verge of tears as well.
"Misaka-chan…," Chitose dropped to her knees. "No…."
Sakurako slowly stood up and turned to the second floor before grabbing her rifle and running to the next floor, leaving her allies behind. She sees the wounded Chizuru, still aided by the police member, only giving her a nod before making her way to where the MG was emplaced. Sumida and George are aiming at an injured suspect, who has already given up. Sumida and George soon notice her arrival.
"Sakurako, what are you doing here?"
"Where is he?" Sakurako asked the suspect with a sharp tone.
"What-?" the suspect was soon cut off.
"Sashiga! Where is he?!"
"The hell you blondie talking about?!"
"Sakurako," George called. "Calm down-"
Sakurako straight-up shoots the suspect in the knee, startling the two adults.
"Where is he?!" Sakurako asked louder.
"Shit, shit! Alright! Alright!" the wounded suspect pointed to their left. "He's at the indoor parking lot. They're about to bail out with our score!"
"Which floor?!"
"This floor!"
"Good."
*BAR*
Sumida is taken aback to see Sakurako shoot him in the head and leave quickly without a second thought.
"Wait, Sakurako!" Sumida called, but Sakurako soon disappeared from their sight.
"Sakurako! Sakurako!" they turned to see Yui and Chitose running over to them. "Did you see where she went?" Chitose asked them.
"She headed that way," George pointed. "Did something happen?"
"Misaka…," Yui shook her head. "She's dead."
Sumida could feel a sudden jolt in the back of her head, at which she and George immediately looked back at the ground floor. There she was, lying in a pool of blood as the special unit was taking care of her. Sumida backs off from the railing.
Sakurako is already out for blood.
"Dammit, Sakurako!" Sumida began to jog. "I'm going to catch her up!"
"I'll come," Yui volunteered.
"No, you stay here," Sumida shook her head.
"I'm not leaving without Sakurako," Yui retorted defiantly.
"I'll stay here with George-san," Chitose responded. "I need to look after my sister."
"Alright, be my guest then," Sumida responded to Yui. "Just stay behind me and don't get shot."
"Got it."
They soon make a run back to the eastern wing of the mall, particularly the southeastern area. That's where the indoor parking lot is located. If Sashiga is there, Sakurako is bound to be there as well. And Sumida knows it's just a matter of time before Sakurako meets the same fate as Misaka.
