Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

<Eiji Okumura>

OKANOGAN COUNTY, WASHINGTON

"Sayonara Eiji." 

How he hated those words...how he hated remembering what happened that day. He shut his eyes. Trying to ignore the feeling spilling out of him. He found himself stopping in his tracks. His feet sinking in the snow. His face was cold. His fingers were near freezing. An injury that once lay forgotten came with sudden waves of pain. He should go back he told himself. This wasn't worth it.

Yet he knew that wasn't true. Because it was worth it. It was all he really wanted to do now. He looked forward. The hot steam of air that dissolved into the air with each breath he took. Putting his palms over his mouth he blew hot air into them and continued on. Even if his bones ached and protested throughout it. 

"What are you gonna do when I'm gone?" 

Why did his mind go to that memory? He could still remember it as if it where yesterday. One of those days. They both laid on their own beds. Ash who had asked that question was silent he didn't look at him only the ceiling hands crossed in the back of his head. 

The silence they had together was never an uncomfortable one. But that day it was a little different. Ash had returned banged up, with bruises and scratches littering his body. Quietly passing him and collapsing on the bed minutes after. No bickering like they always had, just silence. It had been almost an hour before he had awaken even then he hadn't moved from bed. Eiji turned to look at him putting down the book he had been trying to read. Sitting on his knees. 

"What do you mean?" he'd ask.

"What are you gonna do when I'm gone? Eiji it isn't that hard to understand." came a curt reply. 

He opened his mouth to protest but he quickly shut down the idea. He knew. He wasn't angry. At least not much. Because his irritated expression would soften in seconds looking regretful. Staying silent, he processed the question. Only then did Ash turn his head to look at him. Green eyes observing him with expectation.

"Wait for you to come back." came his reply.

He'd watch Ash give him a look of disbelief then he was sitting up by edge of the bed and standing. 

"Eiji. Answer the question seriously! What are you gonna do when I'm gone?"

Eiji crossed his hands over his chest. "I did." he tried to reply with the same attitude he had been given yet it never really came as he intended. He watched the blond sigh, rub the back of his neck before striding in two long steps over towards him. He was then being grabbed but the collar of his shirt. The bed creaked when some of Ash's weight had laid on it.

There was almost no distance between them. Ash's hand slowly reached out, fingertips brushing against Eijis cheek, sending shivers down his spine. It was mechanic how they'd managed to get their faces closer and the gap grew smaller and smaller each time. But just as sudden as the action was Ash would pull back, instead he'd rest his head on his shoulder.

"Your such an idiot." he laughed. But it sounded like a choked cry.

Eiji caressed his head. Fingers sliding through blond locks. He tried to ignore how his heart had beaten. How it was still threatening to escape from his chest. "And you aren't?"

Ash lifted his head too look at him.

"Oh you little!"

"Wait, sorry. Don't Ash! Ouch!"

Eiji smiled. His mind returning to the current situation. As his feet continued to dig their way through the snow. Until he decided on a spot that just felt right. He'd set his camping spot and decided to rest for the time being. 

"Ash."

"Yes?"

"When this is over. Will you come to Japan with me?" 

Ash looked at him. With a lot of thought. Taking a sip of his beer. He wasn't sure that day if he'd meant it. Or if it was just the beer doing the talking but his response always stuck with him. For a long time to him it was the only truth. No matter what he said after that day or when he'd fight him to return to his country. He truly believed he meant it.

"Sure." 

"Really?" It came out too enthusiastic.

"Yeah, I'll come with you." 

He was suddenly wide awake. He wiped tears from his eyes. Why was it that the one place that reminded him least of New York, Cape Cod, the very place that least resembled him doing this to his mind? 

He grabbed his camera and his glasses putting them on and walking out his tent. It was early the sun barely peeking out. He started taking pictures. Anything to keep his mind from going back into such painful memories. A sound caught his attention.

He never thought it possible. What he was doing here. Something about healing and symbolism. Something his group conductor had recommended and others in his group had supported him in. 

Yet there it stood. Majestic and wild. Free. A predator in its element. The light of the rising sun danced on its fur. In its jaws, a limp rabbit hung, blood dripping into the sheets of white and on its fur painting it all in red. The lynx looked over at him with a piercing stare.

He raised his camera.

Click

EVERGREEN CEMETERY

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH 1999

Someone was crying from a few feet away. Stifling sounds came from the crowds dressed in black. A young woman cleaned her face with a handkerchief as she buried her face on an older man's chest. He tried not to stare for too long. As he walked past. He wondered though. 

Is that how he looked? Back in winter of 1987? When everything came crushing down on him like boulder. When he hoped everything was a sick dream. That he'd one day awake with him by his side. He spent days believing that was how it'd be. Yet it never came. It never would...

Grass would crunch under his feet and slowly but surely he'd be standing here again next to a headstone. Wilted flowers decorating it. Bending down he'd remove them. Before putting a fresh bouquet. It had become somewhat of a ritual for him. Whenever he could he'd come here he would clean up a bit. Sometimes he'd talk to himself. To him. Other times there was no need for conversation. Just silence. 

After all was done. He'd turn back around and go home. To his usual life. Then when the time came it'd repeat. This place wasn't perfect. A little unkept. It was nothing like the cemetery in Izumo. Nothing like the Japanese traditios. But nothing less it was beautiful. He hoped he liked it. Hoped it would have been what he wanted. Removing some dust from the headstone, a name would appear just above his, Inayah Beasley. 

"It's nice to see you here again."

Eiji would look over his shoulder it was an older woman with a cane in hand. She'd slowly make her way to stand by him.

"Miss Randall, sorry I didn't visit earlier."

The woman smiled shaking a finger at him "Oh you! I've told you before. Call me Jenny. There no need to be so formal."

Picking up all the wilted flowers he'd turn to her and as if practiced they'd begin to walk through the cemetery.

"Visiting John again?" He asked. 

"Yes, As well as Mary, and Kesha, Henry too, oh and don't forget Henrietta as well."

Eiji chuckled. Jenny had always found humor in the fact that she had out lived many of her friends. She even joked she'd beat him too. For a 89 year old she sure seemed younger. Her lively spirit was a stark contrast to the somber surroundings.

"I see you didn't bring your friend today. Did something happen?" 

"No, he got married in January." 

Jenny put a palm over her mouth in surprise. "Oh my, it doesn't surprise me to hear this. But I thought you two were. Well you know." 

"Huh?" and it took him a moment. Seconds. A Minute to fully understand what she was insinuating. His face burnt as he finally understood it. He waved his hands dramatically "No! It was never like that!" Miss Jenny laughed. Eiji groaned. How did he manage to make himself look like liar? 

As they strolled by they'd pause by a particularly ornate headstone, adorned with fresh flowers and a small figurine of a bird perched on top.

 "Who's this for?" Eiji inquired, admiring the care put into the arrangement.

 Miss Jenny's eyes softened as she traced her fingers over the engraved name. "This is for my dear friend, Eliza. She loved birds, you know. Always said they were messengers of hope."

"I'm sorry for your loss, Jenny. It must be hard to say goodbye to so many."

She smiled. "It is, but I find solace in knowing they're at peace. Death is just another chapter in the grand story of life."

Another chapter. For a long time he refused to open such a book. He refused to even flip a page. Or even believe it existed.

"I never thought I could move on from losing him. Never thought I'd accept it." Eiji admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Miss Jenny placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. 

"You've already taken the first step, Eiji. By coming here."

Maybe she was right.

Chapter Text

< Eiji Okumura>

EIJI OKUMURAS RESIDENCE 

LOWER MANHATTAN, N.Y.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11th 1999

⟨ "As you can see behind me Authorities in Manhattan are currently investigating after a local cleaner reported what he thought was a Manikin floating in the waters of the east river. We are awaiting for more information on... " ⟩

Ding

Ding

Ding

He felt a slimy sensation on his face and as he opened his eyes, he was met with Buddy's wet tongue eagerly licking him awake. Groaning, he pushed the playful retriever back slightly, trying to sit up only to lay on his side again. The after effect of a night spent drowning his sorrows with Sing and Max at the local pub were now hitting him like relentless waves.

He tried to piece together the fragments of his memory, yet the persistent ringing of a doorbell followed up by knocking wouldn't allow him. With everything he had he sat up reaching for the remote and turning the Tv off. He must've fallen asleep immediately after reaching his home because he couldn't even remember why had turned it on. He dragged himself to the door, the wood creaking under his weight.

Rubbing his eyes tiredly he peeked through the peephole, a burly man stood quietly at the entrance. Blue cap, work pants, and a matching blue shirt. What was his problem? At this hour- Oh. Suddenly it hit him. He hurriedly and blindly fixed himself. Tried to tame messy hair down. Well at least he didn't need to change outfits. He did a quick sniff test. He reeked like alcohol. God no cologne was gonna help with that. Maybe a little.

He ran towards the kitchen. Ready to splash some water over his face. Only for the faucet to turn out empty. That's right. Water problem. A very irritated Eiji had spent his afternoon ear glued on the phone trying to get the issue resolved. That was until Max and Sing dropped by and dragged him out of the comfort of his apartment and into the sleepless streets of New York. 

He quickly returned to the door. 

"We got a call about a problem with the plumbing." The voice announced. 

Opening it, he found himself face to face with the worker. The man's cap was pulled low over his eyes, hiding his expression as he brushed past Eiji and entered the apartment. Buddy, unhappy with the strangers presence let out one of his fiercest barks before scampering to the room. Well...what a tough boy he was. 

The plumber moved with practiced ease seeming unaffected by buddies reaction towards him, his boots thudding against the floorboards. Eiji would peek his head outside. A blue work van was parked out in front. In bold red and yellow 'Johns services' was printed on it.

Slowly closing the door behind him he'd look back towards the man, who was already rummaging through his bag. 

"Um...should I show you the way?" 

"Be my guest." 

< Shawn Gibbs >

EAST RIVER

EAST 41ST STREET, MANHATTAN N.Y.

"Fuck this is brutal." Williams gagged leaning over the boats edge and ducking his head down. Rookie. Gibbs watched as men hosted the net slowly into the boat carefully. It was another day for the homicide department. With a handkerchief pressed firmly over his mouth and nose, Detective Gibbs knelt down to inspect the body that had just been fished out.

Male, Caucasian, Naked, Brown hair with a rough bald patch on his head which he couldn't tell was due to the conditions of them being in water or if it was there to begin with. The almost nightmarish detail was those eyes. Wide like fish sold in the frozen aisle. He knew he wouldn't be sleeping tonight. Like every other day a new face would be added to his nightmares.  

"Cover him, the cameras don't need to get image of this." He'd order as he stood again bones cracking and shifting as he did. 

He really ought to retire soon.

"You think it was a suicide?" Michelle inquired. "Body looks clean." 

"Maybe he's one of those crazy swimmers." Williams added finally having lifted his head from the deck only to return at it again within seconds. 

"Don't think so." James added. While lifting the camera and with a click the cameras went off. 

"How come?" Gibbs questioned to which James shrugged.

James gave a clear sign to bag the body. Seemingly satisfied with the amount of pictures they had. "Hard to say, something about this doesn't sit right with me. " 

Gibbs looked thoughtfully as agents worked on scene. Well James was a truly remarkable man. If he felt something was off he trusted his gut. 

"Let's go on land already this whole thing is making me dizzy."

The boat swayed with the current and he steadied himself shooing a hand that attempted to help him off. 

"I can get myself down. I'm not that old!" Another sway had him reaching to grab the arm of the officer. As his feet finally touched ground, thank God, he'd watch several officers already stationed on scene. Flashing lights blindly went off from a distance they seemed to get even more worked up as officers wheeled in the body bag onto the deck and onto the van awaiting in scene. 

"Damn, the press." Gibbs covered his eyes from the light. 

"Captain." Rivera's voice cut through. Gibbs turned to see the officer holding out a flyer. As she pushed her way through other officers on scene.

"What?"

"John's plumbing services. We did as you asked. Some of our boys found this dumped in a dumpster a corner from here. A box full of them too. It fits the description we were given. " Rivera passed him the paper. There it was. In a small flyer. A man stood comedically holding a wrench with one hand and a thumbs up with the other. Caucasian, Brunet and a bald spot on their head, Their victim. 

Maybe James was right. Something seemed incredibly wrong. 

Chapter Text

< Max Lobo >

EIJI OKUMARAS RESIDENCE

Ding

Ding

Diiiinnng

He pressed the button again more impatiently. This was killing him. How many times had he rung the doorbell? How many times had he knocked?

He tried to peek through the closed curtains. He could barely make out the surroundings but no sight of activity. He knocked again. "Eiji?" He called "It's Max. You forgot your wallet in my car."

As if in cue paws began frantically scratching at the door. "Hey Buddy. Is Eiji in there. Think you can wake him up for me? Please?" The last part sounded more desperate. He didn't know why but he suddenly felt more anxious than he had before. The scratching continued. Max took a step back. Using a palm to cover his eyes from the sun. He couldn't see any activity upstairs either.

Once again he reached for the doorbell. Waited a few minutes. No response. He tried for the door knob. Nothing.

Not even the biggest hangover would prevent Eiji Okumura from his usual schedule. He'd watch the Japanese man plenty of times to know that even with a fever he'd find him wandering the supermarket, Cleaning the house, walking Buddy, and cooking. It was one of the things that always worried him about the stubborn kid.

"Fuck that." 

A voice behind him spoke. The tall asian male would then bend down using a makeshift lockpick to try to get the door open. Max looked around for people.

"Don't you have a key or something?" He whispered. 

"Didn't think I needed it." He spoke. Max sighed. 

"Well hurry up! If someone sees us they'll throw the cops at us!" 

"I'd hurry if you'd just stop pestering me! It isn't as easy as it looks." 

Tsk. They're voices were perhaps too loud. Max looked around they're surroundings again. He decided to shut up for the moment. 

"What's going on?" Michael asked having already gotten off the car slowly approaching them. No way would Jessica approve of this but-

Sing looked over at him. Then towards Max seemingly agreeing without ever so much as speaking.

"Are you sure this is okay?" Michael asked. Wobbling a little Sing and him kept him steady.

"Yeah." Sing replied. "Is it open?"

"No. Wait! I think if I pull it hard enough-"

His back and knees were on the verge of collapsing. Although he was pretty sure Sing was doing most of the lifting. God since when did his son get so big and since when had he gotten so old? Just some years ago he was so small and he still felt so young. He was only forty-four...

"There!" Michael exclaimed excitedly.

"Shhh" Max and Sing reminded him. 

Michael wiggled inside his legs dangling outside as he fell in with a loud thump. Max flinched.

They walked back to the entrance and onto stairs. There was a few minutes of silence, some steps, he could hear Micheal excitedly greet Buddy whos nails scrapped on the wooden floor. 

"Michael don't forget us!" Max reminded.

Steps hurried towards the door. 

"There." Michael widened the door letting them in. Just as they were about to step in. Police Sirens came behind them. 

"Put you hands up where I can see them!" A gruff voice ordered. Well shit.

NYPD

"Tsk. Tsk. Can't believe you three."

He clicked his tongue twice like a parent catching their kids red handed. Hands crossed and all. Cain. He was a completely different from the older teen he was years ago. His hair much shorter. Well dressed; dress shirt, dress pants, suit jacket, and tie. The stereotypical lawyer look. Somehow he managed to make it look cooler than it probably felt. It seemed he never separated from those sunglasses. Kinda reminded him of Shorter...It made him wonder if he removed them in court. That answer was probably.

"Max aren't you running for Mayor? I can't believe you got your kid involved in this! I expected it from Sing but you- thought you learned your lesson 12 years ago!" 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean man!?" Sing frustratingly spoke. 

Cain only chuckled. An older man slowly opened the cell door letting them out. Cain guided them outside and into his car. Silence enveloped them for a few minutes. With the engine on Cain drove into the road.

"Breaking and entering, huh? You're lucky I was even able to convince them you were allowed in that house in the first place! What's that about anyways. Couldn't you just knock?" 

"He wasn't in the house." Michael answered.

"That meant you were allowed to enter without permission?"

"You don't get it! Take us to his house. He wasn't answering. It just worried us!" Sing butted in.

"Maybe he went out to the store or something-"

"Well have authorities been able to contact him?" Max asked. Cain went silent.

"He didn't leave any food for Buddy!" Michael suddenly screamed. The car stopped aruptly. Someone honked from behind.

"He didn't!?" The three of them asked unison.

< Cain Blood >

MADISON AVENUE 11 EAST 83RD STREET

"You know we can't do anything without being sure. Your telling me the windows and door was locked. No sign of a scuffle. The car and keys gone. I can't waste resources and put my ass on the line. Kinda hard to make case like that. Call me if more time passes but for now you'll just have to wait." 

Cain sighed nodding his head. "Alright. Thank you Winston." 

The call came to an end. Yet he didn't put the phone down in fact he dialed a number. A number he knew he shouldn't contact without reason. The other side of the line rung for a few seconds then someone picked up. But nobody spoke. 

"It's Cain. Something happened."

<???>

MONDAY AUGUST 15TH 1994

"So most of the works in this show were featured in vanity fair and other magazines, is that correct?" The blonde would tuck a hair over her ear. Beautiful hazel eyes concentrated on the male in front of her. A pen in her other hand moving as they spoke. 

The asian nodded his head. Long locks falling to his face.

"Yes, that is correct."

"People who see your work sense an indefinble- what shall I call it, warmth? Kindness-in the camera's gaze toward its subjects. Which might be considered at odds with your choice of locale, that is to say new york city, indeed, the freshness of your approach has caused waves in the new york art scene. What is your own attitude to this city? Believe you were assaulted by a mugger several years ago, and left seriously wounded. Didn't that experience give you a negative view of new york."

The males smile would drop for only a second before returning to normal. He'd move a finger towards his chin. Thinking.

 "Let me see... How shall I put it. It's true that new york and its people are aggresive in both the good and bad senses of the world. But- Everything is here, the sleazy and the sweet, the horrible and the good...As a friend of mine once said."

 He paused for a second. There was a new look in his face. Fondness.

" He was talking about his hometown. In other words... It's not all sweetness and light. So if my photographs give the impression you described...That may be because I love both...the light and the darkness."

"I see. Well, I think your answer clearly shows that you yourself are just as compassionate as your pictures!"

The male chuckled to rubbing the back of his head sheepishly "Not really just ask my assistants I sometimes lose my temper and yell at them."

"You? Lose your temper!? I can't even imagin-" 

The screen froze, then a resounding slap against the TV reverberated through the room. After two or perhaps three more firm taps, got the device back and running again. It finally flickered on, buzzing with static and casting a pale glow over the worn-out furniture. 

The photographer's voice echoed in the cramped apartment, on the screen, the camera panned on photographer's face as they had moved on to talk about one of his latest projects. 

A figure sat hunched over, eyes fixed on the screen with intensity. A mix of awe and longing, as they watched the interview unfold. Their hand reached out, fingers trembling, as they stroked a thumb over the screen, over their face. 

As the interview drew to a close, the figure stood up, eyes shining with a newfound purpose. They had found their muse, their new inspiration. And as the TV screen faded to black, a single thought echoed in their mind — they needed to meet him, no matter the cost.

Chapter Text

< Sing Soo-ling >

38 ELDRIDGE ST. CHINATOWN, N.Y

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13TH, 1999

"You keep an eye out. If you see him you call me. Bring him back safely. You hear me?"

"Yes boss!" 

"Good, now go."

Feet scattered leaving him to his own thoughts. Where? Where had he gone? Eiji. Hours were enough to leave him on edge. A day enough to send him calling all the contacts he had. Now two. He was getting desperate for answers and the police department didn't work for shit. 

Eiji Okumura wouldn't just disappear from the face of the earth. Without a hint, without a sign. He wasn't skilled enough for that sort of thing. He never was. The alarms were blaring and everyone who had every come across the Japanese male knew that.

He walked through the alleys and into the busy streets. He wanted to imagine the best. But he couldn't help but to think of the worst. People knew Sing and he wasn't exactly a top citizen. Putting a hand in his jacket pockets he pulled out a crumbled paper with names. Charlie said it was just in case. It sent shivers down his spine to even look at the long list he managed to write. He didn't have only himself to account for. People also knew...well Ash. They say the past is never left behind. What if it had something to do with that? Why now of all times? He wasn't sure. Did Eiji have any enemies? 

"Hey Sing!" A voice called out. Cain. He stood out like a sore thumb within the crowd. Approaching him Sing quickly gestured to take this elsewhere. 

"Found anything?"

Cain shook his head. Well fuck. 

"Charlie is meeting us at 10. He's a real detective more experienced than any of us combined." Cain started lighting a cigarette. "Want one?" he asked Sing denied the offer.

"Got the list?" hed ask.

"Yeah I do. What about you Cain got any enemies?"

Cain snorted "Don't get me wrong I like Eiji. But if someone had a vendetta against me they'd be taking my girl not some friend I see once a month." 

He'd watch the male take an inhale and exhale smoke out "But I've been thinking. If it really were someone that took him..."

Sing scratched his head. He didn't want to imagine that. 

"If it was against us. Against you, Max, or even Ash... Wouldn't they leave a trace? Some big display to say 'we've got him.' They didn't leave no shit like that. It don't make sense to me. "

That was right. Why take him and say nothing. No calls have been made. If it was another gang they'd let themselves be known. 

Sing sighed. "Give me one." 

Cain passed him the cigarette box and the lighter. 

"What about that guy. Whats his name? Kenzie?" Cain asked in sudden realization.

Sing stopped himself from lighting a cigarette.

"Kenzo?"

"Yes that bastard."

"You really think Kenzo would do something like that?" 

Sure the guy was a real bastard. Found leaking concepts and giving them to another photographer. Got fired and was real bitter about it. And fuck. Sing smacked the palm of his hand on his forehead. He was too busy looking at himself to even think about Eijis personal life. 

"Do you know where his lives?" Cain a asked. 

"Yeah um- near John Street. Last time I heard he's been seen washing cars somewhere down Gold street."

"Gotta make a call." Cain announced. Who was he talking do much to lately?

Cain got a Nokia out of his suits pocket dialing a number and walking a distance from him. Looked private enough that he didn't want to be heard.

Sing lazily kicked a pebble which would roll a fews steps away he'd move after it.

Ring

He raised his head. Turned to look over his shoulder, towards Cain who patiently waited on the phone. 

Ring 

There it was again. A tone from a phone. It was faint but there. 

"Gonna go check something out Cain."

"Sure gonna take awhile anyways."

He slowly moved into the dark alley. Where did this one lead to again? It was darker than the others. Much longer. That's right this one lead to the opposite side of Chinatown that they came from. For some reason every hair in his body stood as the once faint ringtone got louder, closer. Then it stopped.

Sing had already moved his hand towards his waist and onto the holster gripping his gun.

It was a matter of seconds he didn't even have time to catch his breath when he was thrown on his back and into the concrete floor. He let out a loud groan. Trying to catch his breath only having enough strength to weakly lift the gun to point it towards a large silhouette. 

They raised their hands in defense.

"Oh my, I apologize. I didn't expect you to find me." 

"Fuck Blanca! What the fuck is your problem!"

He lowered his gun. He found himself too shaky to put it back into the hollister. I took three attempts before he succeeded.

Blanca offered a hand and he dismissed the offer by slapping it away.

"What the hell are you doing spying on us? Are you here because of Eiji? How did you? "

"I'm afraid so. You haven't found him have you? Not even a hint?"

Sing growled standing up on his own. His legs were shakey but he'd manage. He didn't even answer the full question.

"No. Charlie is on it."

Blanca sighed he wasn't sure if it was of disappointment or something else. This guy wasn't exactly easy to read.

"Then I'll do my own investigation. If you don't mind. The faster we find him the better."

They could really use him right now. Blanca was inteligente if anybody could do this it was him. 

"Thank you we appreciate the help."

"Sing!" Cain called "What the hell happened!?

"I'm okay!" He answered back "I'll be there in a second!"

"Then shall we go?" Blanca asked

"Yeah let's take this elsewhere." Sing answered. He wasn't ready to relive this type of scenario again. He could really use a chair right now.

He started to walk forward. 

"Coming?"

"Yes. I'll catch up soon. I still have somethings I need to deal with."

"Okay..."

< Sergei Varishikov (Blanca)>

He watched as the Sing walked out of the alley and soon they'd be out of sight. Waiting a few seconds before turning on his heels. 

"That was close."

He spoke. There was no answer. 

"You really shouldn't act too impulsively you know. He almost saw you."

"I know."

"....I know you are worried but if you act like this you won't get anywhere."

"I know."

Blanca ruffled a hand through his thick hair. Watching the other male slump themselves on a wall. 

"Just be more careful." 

The blonde scoffed bitterly piercing green eyes glaring at him.

"I will."

"Then I shall get going. I'll inform you if I find anything. Don't do anything stupid."

"Can't promise you that." 

"I know." Adjusting his jacket he'd begin walking away towards the direction Sing had left. "Just be careful Ash Lynx."

??????

< Eiji Okumura >

Why did his eyes feel so heavy? Last thing he remembered was opening the door. Then everything went to black. A loud pang finally gave him enough strength to focus on opening his eyes. 

He was staring into a ceiling. White paint chipped off it. There was a wet stain on it. A droplet would fall every few minutes. This...was not his apartment.

He let the unsettling feeling set in. 

This was not his apartment.

He sat up. 

Click

A light flashed suddenly. Blinding him. Covering his face he turned towards it's direction. A hooded man sat chair facing the opposite way. He used the head of the chair to rest his elbows. A camera in hand. He took another picture. He tried to talk but he couldn't. Nothing came out of him. He tried moving away. As best as he could. His feet refused to budge too far. Tangled in something. Chains.

"You're finally awake." He spoke with a crooked smile. "My darling, my new masterpiece. Welcome home."