Are you ready for the next chapter? I think many of you are from the pleas for me to update soon. Okay then, here we go again. Please enjoy!

Kazahaya

Where am I? I don't recognize this place at all! Kazahaya looked around totally bewildered. He leaned over trying to catch his breath and hissed in pain. It had been that kick to the stomach. Damn it! It hurts! Did they crack my ribs?

Something dripped down his face and into one of his eyes, at first he thought it was sweat until he began to see red. Reaching up, Kazahaya felt his head, there was a cut. He didn't remember being hit hard enough to cause a cut. Slowly he brought down his hand and stared at the blood on his fingers.

I'm bleeding and I'm lost. Maybe I should call Rikuo, he could figure out where I am but he's sleeping and he was already tired from working in the store by himself. I shouldn't call. Kazahaya started to feel dizzy and the blood covered hand trembled slightly. I need help. Sorry Rikuo, I'll make it up to you. Kazahaya's hand went to his coat pocket but he'd forgotten he no longer had his coat. It was ripped in two and long gone. He shivered and patted his pant pockets – no phone. Was it gone along with his coat or did I leave it back at the store? Kakei was going to be mad if he'd lost that new phone. Kazahaya shivered again at the thought.

Footsteps and harsh laughter sound behind him. Jumping Kazahaya looked back. I didn't loose them? But…I ran so fast! Looking around, he saw there was a doorway leading into an abandoned building. Being as quiet as possible, Kazahaya went that way – seeking a place to hide.

It was dark, so very dark inside and he was already having a hard time seeing with the blood in his eyes. Shaking hands held out in front of him, Kazahaya cautiously looked for some cover. Why did I leave the store? Why did I have to try and be a hero? What will they do to me if they catch me? Rape me! Beat me, again! Will I see Rikuo, Kakei and Saiga again? Or Kei? The tears started then mixing with the blood and he tripped, knocking over some metal pipes – letting those men know exactly where he was…

"No! Damn it!" Kakei sat up quickly breaking free from Saiga's embrace. Limbs trembling, he got out of bed he started dressing.

Saiga reached for his shades and after covering his eyes, also got up to dress. There was only one reason Kakei would be in such a panic. They'd already had clothes and shoes laid out and waiting for when this night happened. Before putting on his jacket, Saiga opened a drawer and pulled out a black, semi-automatic handgun and stuck it in the back of his pants. The clip was already loaded.

"Do you think…we'll need…that?" Kakei asked. Guns killed.

"I'll do what's necessary to bring him home." Saiga stated. "Let's go."

Kakei shook himself and nodded. He ran out of the room and straight for the boys' apartment. He did take a moment to bang on the door and yell Kudo-kun's name and his shaking hands finally managed to find the lock and turn the key.

His eyes snapped opened and looked for Kazahaya. Rikou only saw an empty bed. The sheet was half off the bed and the pillow still held the shape of the boy's head. Rikuo didn't remember getting up or running to the bathroom but suddenly he was there and it too was empty.

The door burst open and he turned wild-eyed, heart in his throat to see Kakei followed by Saiga, enter the room. "He's not here." The words were quiet and full of fear.

Kakei's own breath caught as he saw the empty bed even though he knew – had seen that Kazahaya was gone. He found breathing difficult until Saiga placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

"Get dressed Rikuo. Tell us what you saw. Where do we go?" Saiga was all business as his eyes scanned the room looking for clues and this time it was his own heart that stopped when a metallic glint caught his eye. Walking to the bedside table, hand out stretched, Saiga gently picked up the cell phone and held it tight. "Tell me you know where he went!" His voice commanded urgent but quiet.

Rikuo pulled on his jeans and watched the two men; he could see that they shared his fear. In some ways that reassured him but time was passing by and Kazahaya didn't have his phone. How would they find him?

"I-I don't. I don't know! All I saw…all I saw was Kazahaya leaving here. He was smiling…he was smiling and happy…when he left. Oh God, he didn't know! I wouldn't tell him, I wouldn't let you tell him…that he had reason to fear going out alone! He's out there now…being hurt and he left here with a smile on his face!"

Saiga placed the boy's phone in his pocket and went to Kakei and shook him. "Snap out of it! We're wasting time! We have to start searching."

"He - he probably didn't go far. Even though he's lived here a while, Kazahaya still doesn't know the city well. He'll have stayed close to home." Rikuo slipped on a jacket.

Saiga looked over at the boy standing by the door and sighed, he was anxious to leave they were freaking out - it had to stop. The hard grip on Kakei's arms eased and he rubbed them before releasing him. "Sorry. Rikuo's right. I'll head downtown, Rikuo go uptown and Kakei you should stay close to the store – maybe he'll come back on his own."

"But I want to…"

"Look, there are lots of shops and places to eat along our street where he could have gone. If not then maybe someone saw him and if they did you can call and tell us and we'll all go get him. Okay?"

Kakei couldn't seem to think, Saiga was right. "Yes, of course. Rikuo, you've got your phone?" At the boy's nod he looked at Saiga who held his own and felt the weight of Kazahaya's in his pocket. Kakei double checked to make sure he had his own.

Silently the three men went down the same stairs Kazahaya used, each imagining the smile on his face and wondering what his face looked like right now. Going in three separate directions, they began the search.

"You let our pussy get away boy! Now you have to pay. Maybe we'll take you instead!" The man was about twenty-five. He was tall like Saiga and muscular. His two friends were younger and stupid but rough. They'd found a girl alone in the park and had been about have some fun when the punk had interrupted.

"We know you're hurt." He laughed. "You left a trail of blood punk!"

"Got you good did I?" The short one asked. There was more laughter as they entered the dark building. Their voices rang out seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

"Come on out and play! If you make us hunt you, it'll be that much more painful!"

"He was kinda cute. We could have some real fun with him." The third one said and flicked on his lighter. Before them were several lengths of pipe and a smeared bloody handprint but not the boy.

"Looks like you enjoy pain!" The leader yelled picking up a pipe. "Fine with me – I like screaming." Thumping sounds reverberated as he hit his palm with the pipe.

Kazahaya moved slowly, tears streaming silently down his face. I've got …got to…get away...Must go…home!

Kakei had gone into every open store for two miles on either side of the store and no one had seen Kazahaya. Unlocking the door to the store he went inside. Looking around he saw no evidence that anyone had been there. This place was his business and his home yet if offered no comfort this night.

Walking towards the counter and seeing a flashing light, hope pulsed through him. Had Kazahaya called? Kakei flew to the machine and pressed play. He died a little when all he heard was a customer calling in a prescription but just as quickly he flew back to his office to check that answering machine only to be disappointed again.

"God, help me find him." Kakei pleaded as he sunk into his chair. The boy's face kept flashing behind his closed lids –happy, laughing and those times Saiga when embarrassed him. There was such – possibility in Kudo-kun. He was so innocent but also there was much empathy in him. It was that quality that would carry him far in this world.

But to have to go through this – whatever this turned out to be seemed unfair. Crying and bleeding, he would soon be crying and bleeding if he wasn't already. That got Kakei to his feet. Rummaging through his desk he found a large over the shoulder bag. Dread and inevitability took him the storage shelves that held the first-aid kits. Kakei put the largest one they had in the bag plus extra bandages and antibiotic cream. Moving on he grabbed some water bottles, in case – in case there was lots of blood. Back in the office, he located the information he needed…if they had to take Kazahaya to the hospital. Placing the bag over his shoulder, Kakei was about to leave the office and go out again when his vision left him. He no longer saw his desk, couch or filing cabinets.

Stars in the sky shining down over…over a swing set? A sandbox. Was it a park? A trail, then a girl running and crying down the trail. Her clothes were disheveled, possibly torn. She was speaking…what was she saying?

"Must get…help for…him. He saved… me. Kazahaya-san, Kazahaya-san..Saved me! They want to…hurt him! Help!"

On she ran with the park now behind her. She looked around – stores but they were closed and dark. She kept looking and went down an alley. Now she was behind the shops looking for lights – signs of life…

Kakei slammed into the desk as he hurried to leave his office. He had to get outside before she got past him. Cursing, he couldn't get the door open fast enough. Finally he burst out and scared the girl causing her to fall to the street screaming.

Rikuo and Kazahaya had spent a lot of time together away from the store so he figured he knew all the places the boy was likely to go but he hadn't found him. How far had he gone? Rikuo had already checked four different blocks. Stopping beneath a streetlight, he paused. Resting a hand on his chest, he tried to calm its pounding and then he checked his watch, 2:30am. How long had he been gone before Kakei got the vision?

"Damn you, stupid idiot!" Rikuo yelled and the light above him exploded. He jumped out of the way and looked up in surprise. He hadn't meant to do that, he was just so worried. "Come on Kazahaya, let me know where you are." Tears welled up but he blinked them back with determination and started off again.

Saiga moved easily, his breathing steady as he jogged. So far nothing, even at this time of the morning there were people about – not the kind of people Kazahaya should be hanging around. Few were just out for a good time, the rest were out looking for trouble. He hoped no one had tried anything on the boy, he was so easily fooled.

The gun was hard against his back and he wondered if he'd have to use it tonight. In times past he'd carried and even used the gun but no one had died by his hand. Saiga used the gun for self-defense, a way to protect himself or a client. His features hardened as he wondered if tonight would be the exception. He believed he could kill anyone who harmed the kid.

Sounds to his left - someone was having sex just inside a dark alley, most people wouldn't have seen them but of course he did. Side to side, up and down went his eyes searching for any sign of the kid. Saiga slipped a hand in his pocket and held Kazahaya's phone. It helped to hold something of his, focused Saiga's sight and kept him from exploding.

Would the kid have come out this far, at night? Saiga didn't think so but they had to look. A man stepped into his path forcing Saiga to stop. He was tattooed and pierced, covered in attitude.

"Where you going man? Looking for something? Something to help you sleep or cheer you up?" A small smile appeared as stared up at Saiga. The man looked like he could use some drugs.

"You want to move. You want to get the hell out of my way. If you don't I will kill you." Saiga's hand formed a fist and he took a step forward. Cold, so cold was his voice. He wanted this, wanted to pound this jerk's face first into the pavement.

The man blinked and stared at his own scared reflection in Saiga's shades. Raising his hands he backed off quickly. "Sorry man. Please go. I don't want no trouble. Shit." He walked away from the cold son-of-a-bitch in shades.

"Damn!" He yelled and slammed his fist against a wall. Those who were about scattered. Saiga jumped when his phone rang. He fumbled with it and automatically turned around to head back to the store. "What?" Saiga was walking as he listened, then running. "I'll meet you there!" People got out of his way, not wanting to be knocked down by the man running like his life depended on it.

Kakei got her calmed down and inside the store. "Sorry to scare you. I've been out looking for a friend. We think he's in trouble. Kazahaya's still new to the city and we're worried." Kakei handed her a bottle of water and watched her closely.

Hinata Asahi started and stared at the man. She'd been wary of following the man inside but he'd left the door open and promised she could use the phone but he'd just said something more important - Kazahaya-san's name.

"Kazahaya-san?"

"You know him? He works and lives here. He disappeared a few hours ago. We think…he may be in trouble." Kakei found a picture of Kazahaya and Rikuo taken in the store and showed it to her. "We want to find him and bring him home."

Hinata stared at the smiling face. It was Kazahaya-san! This was the boy who had asked for her school uniform and gave her the lovely outfit in exchange. They'd only met that one time but she hadn't forgotten him, had thought of him fondly but now…

"He's in trouble!" Hinata stood. "I'd had a bad date and well… I was alone in the park walking home…Three guys were there and when they saw me…" She moved closer to Kakei, hands squeezing the water bottle so tight that water was bubbling out of it. "Kazahaya-san showed up just in time!" She spoke quickly now wanting his friend to understand. "He told them to stop. He looked…familiar and then I remembered him and he me! But…but they wouldn't stop so he – he rushed them and made them let me go." Hinata started pacing.

"Kazahaya-san said to run but I didn't want to leave him. He said to bring help." She started crying again. "I left – I couldn't do anything to help him. I'd only…only gone a few steps…when I heard them…hitting him." She covered her ears to block the sound. Face pale and wet she ran to Kakei and grabbed his sweater. "Go! Go now! Please help him…before…they kill him!"

Kakei own face paled as he listened to the girl's words. Hard hands took hold of her shoulders, "Where is he? What park? Tell me!"

It took time, more time than he had but Kakei had to take care of the girl first. Kazahaya saved her and he couldn't just leave her. Over thirty minutes went by as he called her a taxi and got her on her way home but not without the promise to call with news about what happened to Kazahaya.

While waiting, he'd called Rikuo and Saiga, telling them all. Finally he locked the front door again and ran out the back and hopped into the car. Speed, he wanted to get to that park quickly and he needed speed. On the seat beside him was the bag carrying the items he'd gathered earlier plus some flashlights. Kakei couldn't believe how close the park was. It was so close to home and yet…

The car screeched to a stop and gathering his supplies, Kakei jumped out of the car. He could see no one; Rikuo and Saiga had yet to arrive. He was just about to go ahead alone when he heard running footsteps.

"Kakei!" It was Rikuo; he was running flat out and bumped into Kakei as he stopped. "Did you," He paused to catch his breath. "Did you just get here? Have you seen him? What's going on?"

"Hey, breathe, breathe." Kakei ordered and gave him a bottle of water.

Rikuo chugged it down and took air in through his nose and not once did he release his grip on Kakei's arm. "Kazahaya?"

Kakei's eyes scanned the area and looked for Saiga. He figured they should all stay together. Once Rikuo was calmer he repeated again what the girl Hinata had said.

"So…he was helping a friend? Idiot." Only Kazahaya would come upon a friend in the wee hours of the morning and take on more than he could handle. Rikuo was proud of him, scared for him but proud. "Can't we start? Saiga will find us." He looked up when he heard running footsteps, hopeful.

"I'm here! Let's go!" Saiga was only slightly winded. He took a water bottle and a flashlight and led the way.

They followed the path but spread out, shining their lights into the shadows. It wasn't until they were a mile inside the part that they found something. Saiga reached it first. It was fabric – part of a coat. The light searched more of the ground and finally highlighted the rest of the torn coat.

Rikuo picked it up and stared. It was wet with possibly sweat but most definitely with blood. His hands shook as the blood rubbed off onto his hands. Rikuo's eyes darted around looking for his friend. "Kazahaya! Kazahaya!"

Saiga stood and reached for Kakei's hand. Each held onto the other tightly as their lights swept the area…