Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!

Chapter 6

Another night of waiting tables and another night of dealing with pushy, inconsiderate beings. She would give anything just to be away from this raucous place and to be at home, sipping a warm cup of tea and calming her rattling nerves while watching, what she knew to be, a beautiful night sky.

It appeared that Kentaro was hosting a big attraction tonight. It was much more crowded then it was the first day she began work. Some were gambling in one section, others were dancing provocatively in another and those who were drowning themselves in that horrible liquid were flirting or attempting to flirt.

Whenever she stepped inside this nightclub, she was entering a world that felt foreign to her. Nothing and no one interested her. Looking upon everyone here, Anzu wondered how they could deal with a lifestyle such as this. Did they not have special things in their lives that had meaning to them? Did they have dark secrets in their past that they'd never dealt with properly? Maybe they all had a darkness in them. So much, that it was impossible to break through.

It was different for her. Her darkness was consuming her, but not enough where she would commit her life to things such as this.

"Hey beautiful, are you gonna jot down my order?"

Anzu sighed. Of course, her train of thought would be interrupted by someone. She took out her notepad and faced the man who she was now serving. Watching the way he was reclined slightly in his seat, bearing one of those cocky smirks that she was growing to despise. "What can I get for you?" she asked in a strained, polite tone.

"Are you willing to give me anything I ask?" He was hinting something, she could automatically tell. He certainly wasn't the first. Those aberrant eyes, it was enough to make her ill. He was looking at her like a piece of meat, ready to devour.

Conceited bastard, she wanted to say to him, which would probably boost his ego more than insult him.

Nevertheless, no matter how despicable he is, she kept herself civilized as much as possible. "I see you are not ready, I'll just come back when you have decided."

She could feel his eyes crawling so deep into her skin, that not even her relaxing showers would wash the stare away. She sighed, knowing that this was going to be a slow and irritating night for her. There was no telling what could happen with these shady men and women. If only she had the ability to speed up time.

Her attention was brought to the entrance, lazily watching as the building was becoming rowdier by the minute. It would be a miracle if she was granted a break throughout this whole ruckus.

And then, she saw him.

Yes, there was no mistake. It was indeed Yami, entering inside the nightclub. She hadn't seen him in three weeks after her discussion with him. She had hoped to avoid him for a little longer. No such luck, it turned out. It seemed that he wasn't getting in so easily, but after showing that badge, he was granted inside with less difficulty than before.

She scoffed, just one flip of the badge and he suddenly controls everything. What was he doing here, she wondered? Surely, he was not here because of her, to try and convince her, again, that Kentaro was a skeptical man to trust. Worrying and pondering about it would not make the answer come easier for her because whatever the reason, Anzu knew there was no way she could avoid him.

It was her job, as a waitress, to serve every customer.

The first step of his mission was a success so far. Yami was seated in the far corner, practically within the shadows, observing everything and everyone around him. His sights were sharp for wherever Kentaro may end up appearing next, but that didn't mean he would not study things elsewhere.

Like Anzu, for example.

It was so crowded so he couldn't find her anywhere. He figured that she would be working, considering how prevalent the place seemed to be tonight. Leave it to Kentaro to host something so big for the entire town to see and talk about. He just didn't feel right knowing that Anzu was caught in the middle of it. Especially from his sudden discovery. He needed to find her. If she would not come to him, then he would go to her.

Leaving his seat and sidestepping around all of the intoxicated dancers was more of a challenge than it sounded. He was constantly being pushed or felt upon. No innocent person, such as Anzu, should have to put up with this sort of employment. Yami knew little about her, but he knew enough to see what a decent person she was, despite all of the cold shoulders she had been giving him.

Finally, after struggling through the overgrowing crowd, he spotted her. For a moment, he just stared at her. He didn't give her any sense of notice yet, but as he watched her, she seemed tensed whenever she was addressed to. He scanned the room to where other men were sitting, their eyes beaming onto her like prey in the headlights. And even with the loud music, he could hear the vulgar words they were using to speak about Anzu. Lacking complete respect for her. It made him feel ashamed that those fools were a part of the human race. They had no spark of compassion within them. Yes, Yami could admit that she was a very beautiful sight to see and he knew that the moment he first laid eyes on her. Any man would agree, but he would certainly not agree with the way she was being portrayed as some pretty, plaything. She wasn't a toy for display or entertainment. For the first time since he's been here, Yami had a glimpse at how Anzu was dealing with the pressures of having to work here.

He stepped up to the bar to take a seat on the stool and continued to watch her. Her back was turned, so Yami had a few free minutes of observing how she was handling everything. She was a hardworking woman, indeed. A place such as this, she shouldn't be wasting her valuable time and energy on.

And then their eyes met.

Her expression showed that she was astounded, but not as much as Yami had expected. She still carried that familiar glare that had been made especially for him. Kami, what he wouldn't give to know what was behind those sapphire, ocean eyes that were entirely dull and screaming for light. What was her story, he wondered?

She placed down her serving tray and pushed a few strands of hair behind her ear, "I'll be with you in a second," she replied as politely as possible.

"It's all right," he issued her a smile, "take your time. How have you been?"

Anzu looked up for a millisecond before picking up her tray again. "Look, now that Nakashima-san had spilled the beans on where I work, I hope this doesn't mean that you're going to be checking in on me whenever you feel it's convenient. "

"Whoa, hey... easy. Please don't summon your claws or make that glare any meaner than it already is," he replied, trying to coax her into smiling from his little joke. But seeing as it wasn't working, Yami cleared his throat and continued, "I'm here on police business."

Anzu muttered, "Of course you are." She came out from behind the bar to head back into the crowded confusion.

She was leaving again. Other times, Yami would have given her space and left the matter alone, hoping that it would cool down and he would somehow work up the opportunity to talk to her again.

Not this time.

He would not let this slide anymore. He expertly pulled her aside, taking the tray from her hand before it was dropped on the floor and lead her into a semi-quiet area away from any onlookers or distractions. He didn't want anyone or anything disrupting them. Struggling was expected on her part, but he refused to let her go.

"Have you completely gone mental?" she asked, not looking for an actual answer.

Although, Yami hadn't planned on giving her one. He just simply ignored the question and held her by her forearms. "Knowing that I'm a cop, does it really bother you that much? You didn't have a problem in talking with me the day we met." She looked away from him, refusing to say anything. But Yami knew...there was nothing that she could say. "Why does me carrying a badge have to change that?"

Anzu felt the walls closing in for every correct assumption that Yami made. It forced her to remember the heartache she suffered through before she came here. Even her nightmares were mixing into the chaotic bubble and to make matters worse, her resistance from him was weakening. Something that she was hoping would never happen. She didn't want him seeing her vulnerable side that was meant to be hidden.

"Why... why are you the only one who makes me this furious?" she could feel the salty tears escaping her eyes. "Why don't you just leave me alone?"

It was all clear to him now. Anzu was dealing with something so tragic, that it was tearing her apart from the inside, suffering from a very heartbreaking tale. He watched as she struggled to keep her emotions from spilling over. What he was doing to her was not helping at all. He, of all people, should know that when a person is in a state like this, it was not wise to pressure anything out.

He felt guilty. He was only intending to help her... but instead, he made the situation worse. He had no right in asking her so many questions.

He sighed regretfully and slowly released her arms, "I'm sorry... I shouldn't be pushing you into opening up to me. It is not fair for you, clearly because we know nothing about each other."

"You bastard, is this some kind of game to you?" she asked, gritting her teeth without bothering to hide her tears. "You pry yourself into my business, getting my emotions riled up, only to back out and apologize? Why do you spend unnecessary energy?"

Yami had no good way of answering her. He didn't feel that the time and energy on her was worthless and it certainly wasn't a game to him. The signs she was giving off reminded him, so much, on how he'd become three years ago. She did not realize how similar the two of them were.

He could see someone approaching them from the corner of his eye. Damn it. His time with Anzu was shortening, but seeing that it was Kentaro, Yami had no choice but to end the conversation with her for now. He was here for other reasons.

"Mazaki-chan, would you kindly inform me as to why I am getting constant complaints from the customers?" he asked in a gruff tone. It wasn't until he realized that Yami was also gracing his presence to him as well. Quickly, a sly smirk slid across his face and he straightened his suit jacket to look more professional. "Ah, what a surprise seeing you here, detective. Why don't you allow Mazaki-chan to get you a drink?" he cut his eyes over to Anzu, making sure that she followed his order correctly.

"Actually, Kentaro, that will not be necessary. I wouldn't want to take away Mazaki-san's precious time," Yami replied, softly glancing at her as she walked back to the bar to grab the forgotten tray.

"Well then," Kentaro began, not missing the interaction between the detective and his waitress, "what can I do for you? Since you're not here for the party, you must be here for something related to that stuffy job of yours."

"Got it on the first guess. I'm sure that you are aware of the mysterious deaths that have occurred within the last few months now, correct?"

"Who isn't aware of it?" Kentaro answered the question with a question.

Yami squinted his eyes in suspicion, carefully observing Kentaro's body movements. "Exactly... so, I am certain that you've heard of the woman who was recently found dead a few weeks ago."

Anzu couldn't help but listen to the conversation behind her. Yes, she was also aware of the innocent woman who was killed. It brought a lot of fear to the city, knowing that there was someone running around taking lives just for their gruesome pleasure. It was despicable to her. How could someone be so cruel as to murder another human life? Did they not have a conscience? There were times when she asked herself that question whenever she thought about the way Koji was killed. How that intoxicated driver had carelessly hit her son, without showing any remorse. It angered her. She was sure that he was serving a good amount of time for his crime, but he wasn't the only one to blame. Ronin would always be the one she would put at fault for what had happened.

Looking over her shoulder discreetly, Anzu glanced at the way Yami was looking at Kentaro. It was the first time, since she met him, that he'd looked so... focused and determined to find out the answers he was seeking. He didn't have those same gentle eyes that he would offer to her. His stare was hard, no spark of emotion ignited within his pupils. He was an entirely different person in this mode. Even with the way Yami was staring him down, Kentaro was not affected. How could he be so calm? Maybe those two had a history that Kentaro was used to the stares.

And then she remembered the interaction that occurred in the game shop, the way he just waltzed in and claimed to have some 'incredible' deal in his hands. She didn't stay long enough to know what the outcome was... but even though she was having issues with Yami, she hoped that whatever decision his grandfather made was the right one.

He was silent for a split moment, but Kentaro quickly regained his confident ensemble, "I don't recall hearing about that. When you are running a successful business, you don't pay much attention to the news."

"Really?" Yami said in an act of shock, "It's been broadcasting all over the media. Everyone seems to know about it. You mean to tell me that you haven't processed any of this information?" he asked, challenging him.

"Is there some reason why I'm being pressured with these questions?"

"I just want to know why you're so naive to such important news. Unless... you have something to hide."

Kentaro chuckled, "Well, that's a barbaric and far-fetched conclusion you've come up with, detective. If you're done playing Cops and Robbers, I would like to get back to my club."

He didn't get too far, Yami wouldn't allow it. "Interesting pin you have on your jacket." Just as he predicted, Kentaro stayed rooted in his spot. Making no attempts of leaving after hearing the sudden compliment. "A dragon... you must be fond of them." Yami pulled the small plastic bag from out of his jacket pocket with the ring that was contained inside. "It just so happens that this ring here has the same exact design on it. Sterling silver... I say it has some value to it. Look familiar to you?"

Kentaro ogled the bag that was suddenly presented from Yami and after a few minutes of silence, he smirked. "Is that your latest discovery, detective? A ring? I'm appalled that this was the best you came up with."

"You're tiptoeing around my question. Am I to assume that you are familiar with this ring? Or, to make it more direct, that this ring belongs to you?"

"Let me guess, you found this at the crime scene." When Yami did not speak, it was confirmed that his guess was accurate. "Yami... you ought to know better than to question me without my lawyer present. Not that I need one, but what you're insinuating about this is simply outrageous. Come on, this is a huge coincidence. You mysteriously find a ring and suddenly it's lead back to me? Because what, I'm so obsessed with dragons? I think you're starting to slip." The smirk was far from his lips. He was enjoying the fact that he was in the conquering position.

He took a quick glance at his watch, planning to make a grand exit. "I do need to get back to my office, meeting with a few of my associates. Feel free to stick around if you wish. Mazaki-chan, do be a dear and bring some drinks up for my guests."

Yami watched him arrogantly walking away, managing to slither his way of out his questions so quickly. This was the disadvantage that he despised. The ring was a good clue, excellent for evidence, but without the correct DNA, it was useless. Maybe the ring and the pin Kentaro carried were just similar items with no connection.

But it only troubled him more. He wasn't certain if he should let this theory slip away so easily.

There was nothing he could do at this point but to leave, where he couldn't help but catch Anzu staring at him a bit through her hair. He knew that she overheard everything that was exchanged between him and Kentaro. He was surprised, however. She wasn't giving him the same glares or the icy looks like before. Instead, she looked... slightly confused. As if she was not sure what to believe anymore. He deeply felt for her.

He sighed inaudibly, wishing there was something he could say or do to apologize again for his actions but the only logical thing he could do was to smile for her. "Onegai... be careful tonight, okay?"

He walked away, just like that. Although, if he had glanced back one last time, he would have seen the way she was staring at him so differently.

Anzu lost sight of him disappearing in the crowd. She was tempted to call him back, to ask and have him explain if he really thought that Kentaro was a suspect. He was scum for a lot of things, but was he really capable of murder? Surely, she would have picked up any sort of suspicious behavior from him if that was the case. She had been working for Kentaro for weeks now. He was a pompous, arrogant, sketchy character but that wasn't enough to mark him as a killer.

She didn't know, she had no proof to make any accusations. It was just new thoughts slithering into her mind after hearing Yami questioning him.

No time to wonder about it anymore, she had a job to do. Grabbing the full bottle of sake and a few sipping glasses, Anzu dodged her way through the crowd, finding her way to the stairs that would lead her to the upper part of the club. Away from the vibrating music that was making her head pound and the insane civilians who were losing themselves in the sea of intoxication.

She felt a bit relieved from the muffled silence. She could still hear the noise, but not as much. Her body fell back against the wall, carefully maneuvering the tray in front of her as she took the deepest breath she could muster. Kentaro's office was just down the hall and he was not expecting her to arrive right away, clearly thinking that she was assisting customers, still. Of course, Anzu was going to take advantage of the free minutes that she may not receive for the rest of the evening. It was nice to have that time for herself.

As much as she wanted to stay here, within her quiet thoughts, she had a job to complete. So, reluctantly, she pushed herself off the wall and made her way through the long hallway. She made a right once she reached the corner and found a few doors on both sides of the halls. She never knew what those doors led to, but the one at the far end was the one Kentaro made as his office. She was just about to knock, signaling of her arrival, but her hand stayed in midair once she heard some voices from inside.

"I thought I'd informed you to take care of that little task."

It was Kentaro's voice. It seemed that he was talking to one of those "guests" he had invited upstairs. But he sounded so different than before. His voice had a bit of a creepy, malicious tone to it.

"I-I did... I made sure no one saw me, I swear!"

Something was wrong. Something was off. Just what exactly was Kentaro speaking about to make someone feel so apprehensive to be in that room? Curiosity getting the best of her, Anzu slowly and quietly turned the doorknob, opening it enough where she could peek inside. What she saw was both Kentaro and the man being interrogated by him.

"Well, apparently, you didn't do a very good job in keeping yourself discreet while you were handling it. I was just questioned by a cop earlier. A very irritating one, if I may add. He found the ring that you had carelessly lost."

The ring... yes, she remembers now, the one that Yami was questioning Kentaro about. He had been constantly jumping back and forth to avoid answering where the ring came from. So, it wasn't just a coincidence. There was definitely a connection. Anzu was becoming frightened by every little detail she was learning. She watched as Kentaro stood from his huge chair and walk around his desk. He didn't stop until he was about five feet in front of the man who was quivering in his shoes.

"This has caused quite a mess for me," he slowly replied, "and I don't like messes that I have to clean up. Now, I am being suspected of murder, how am I suppose to fix this?"

"Please, Nakashima-san!" The man fell to his knees, begging for mercy, "I know I was sloppy, but if you give me another chance to -"

"That is where we're going to have a problem. If you were able to do your job properly, there wouldn't be a need for second chances." Anzu had a feeling that something would not go very well. Considering the fact that Kentaro was eyeing the man very strangely.

And just as she predicted, her eyes widened when he reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a handgun. He aimed it right at his target, not showing any sort of remorse for what he was about to do.

"No! P-Please! I'll do anything!" She watched the way he was begging for his life. This wasn't happening.

But it was... and Kentaro bore the sickest, insane smirk that made him enjoy what he thought was a game. "That won't be necessary, your services are no longer needed."

Without giving any more warnings, Kentaro fired the gun, causing Anzu to bite her lip in order to keep herself from screaming. The gun was silent, making it impossible for anyone to know what was happening up here.

Unbelievable... it was true. Based on what she heard, Kentaro was responsible for the death of that woman. And she had witnessed him killing the man that was supposed to cover up the murder. To keep the suspicions from leading back to him.

She had to get help. She couldn't risk herself going into that room.

Stepping slowly away from the door was all she needed to do, then she could dash away unnoticed.

But she did not get very far. Her back bumped into something hard, and she caught a glance at a bulky man behind her. He quickly grabbed her and covered her mouth with his hand when she tried to escape. The sake tray dropped, causing the bottle to smash and the contents to spill onto the floor. She was sure that Kentaro had heard the sudden noise.

The door opened. He was standing there with a murderous glint in his eye. Her heart was racing where now it was threatening to pop out of her chest.

And to this point, there was no one around to help her.

Yami sat in his car and stared at the flashing lights that continued blinking from Kentaro's nightclub. After the interrogation, he couldn't find the ability to leave for some reason. He replayed the scene in his head, remembering the different reactions Kentaro was making as he was being questioned. He was being too confident and he despised the way the whole ordeal went down.

But he couldn't leave and even he didn't know why. His instincts were telling him to stay and keep watch for anything suspicious. Yami wasn't ready to erase Kentaro off just yet. There were still plenty of holes that needed to be filled and with Anzu added in the mix of it... no, out of the question. He refused to allow anything to happen to her. He truly did not want to leave her alone. Whether he understood it or not, he was worried about her well-being.

Why? Again, he did not know.

However, after tonight, he was certain. The pain and sorrow he felt from her were there, in plain sight. She was broken; shattered. The more he thought about it, the more guilty he felt by pushing her into opening up. That was not the best option. He only hoped there was some way to make it up to her.

He took another glance at the ring and all he could feel was pent-up frustration that he was trying to keep at bay. How was he supposed to feel when there were so many dead ends he kept running into? Out of irritation, he threw the ring on the passenger's seat, knowing that it was useless. He also punched the steering wheel. It made him feel a little better, but then he groaned in annoyance when the folders he carried in the flap above his head fell onto his lap. Papers were mixed up and spread everywhere. It took him a few minutes, but he managed to get every sheet back in order again.

The background information of the three deceased women. He scanned through every page as he was placing them back together, studying every detail and every word, he literally memorized it all.

But he noticed something new in this discovery. All three of them were wearing the same wardrobe.

A white blouse and a black mini skirt.

Looking under the occupation of each, it was confirmed that each woman was working as a waitress.

That was their connection. Along with the ring, all of the pieces were coming together and he remembered Anzu... she was wearing the exact same uniform. Which meant that she was in danger, something that he was afraid of assuming.

"Shit!" Yami scrambled to pull out his phone and hit Jounouchi's number on speed dial. He was muttering for him to hurry and answer. Never in his life did he feel so relieved to have him pick up for once.

"Jou, I need you to gather a team and meet me at Nakashima's nightclub. I don't have time to explain..." he glared up at the building with burning, crimson eyes, "but I may have finally solved this case."

Struggling through her restraints, Anzu was finding it useless to do as she was forced inside the room. Her eyes were directed over to the man's limp body on the floor, blood dripping from his skull where the bullet had penetrated. She had to clamp them shut to remove the gruesome scene from her vision, but even with her eyes closed, she could still picture the shooting in her mind. She knew that after this experience, nothing truly will be the same for her again. Witnessing a death before her very eyes was not a luxury she wanted to have.

Now that she had witnessed it, she was wondering how far Kentaro would take it. He would do absolutely anything if it meant saving himself. To take the suspicion away from him and everything that was connected with him.

And Yami had warned her.

He warned her that Kentaro was not someone to place her trust in. Part of her knew that, but his generosity in giving her a job blinded her to see the real reason. She refused to listen to someone... who was a badge carrier and dedicated his life to authority. She could only imagine what he'd think of her now, seeing her in this predicament.

"Anzu-chan..." she hated the way her name sounded from his lips, "my, what lovely timing you have. Such a shame that my good saké is sinking into my carpet."

She glanced over to the body again, her eyes betraying her into looking at the horrible sight. She forced herself to look away and the most mind-boggling thing Kentaro could talk about was his saké?

It was true. All of it. The doubts were erased from her mind like the chalk from a blackboard.

"You're the killer," she stated, her voice cracking as she tried to find her composure.

"It would be best of you to watch what you're accusing me of."

"I heard every word you said! It was all you... and you've just proven how guilty you are by murdering again!" She whimpered as she felt her lungs being crushed as Kentaro's lackey gripped her tighter. Making any attempts at struggling to break free, useless. "What gives you the right to commit such heinous acts?"

He approached her casually, taking a hold of her chin, "How sweet of you... showing such compassion for others."

"Don't you dare patronize me," she ripped herself from out of his hand. The same hand that took away a life that may have been going down the wrong path, but all in all, it was still a life. "From the moment I've met you, I knew there was something cryptic about you. Not once did I think you were capable of something like this."

Kentaro smirked as if her words meant nothing but a sign of praise. "When you have people discovering things that are not meant for them to know, it is only fair that they pay for it with their lives. It's a less messy way to keep things under control. I have a reputation to uphold. Can't have people spouting accusations and lies around."

"But it's not a lie!" Anzu yelled, glaring at him like he was the worst piece of scum on the planet. "You take lives away just so your secrets can be kept under wraps? Do you qualify this as justification for what you've done? You are a cruel, cold-hearted man. Is there even a spark of humanity left in you?"

His only response was chuckling, seeing that he didn't care about anything she said. Anzu hated people like him, laughing at someone's misery. It was simply wicked of him. It brought her back to remember the man who was driving the car that struck down Koji. He was also uncaring as to what he'd done. He was in an intoxicated state, but he was still aware of everything and everyone around him. He was taken away with the thought of the crime being nothing serious than a damn traffic ticket.

She placed Ronin into the same category, the way he had carelessly allowed her son to get hurt. He didn't show any compassion the night she lashed out at him, right in front of Koji's grave.

No... he just walked away, leaving her in a crumpled, emotional mess.

Anzu swore that this time, she would not let another terrible person get away with their misdeeds. In the memory of her little boy, she would put an end to it. Starting right now with Kentaro. She needed to find some sort of escape route. The guy still holding her wasn't giving up his crushing grip, making it impossible for her to move. The option of screaming was out of the question. With the loud commotion and the blasting music coming from down below, it was a pointless attempt.

"Oh, Anzu-chan... you really were my favorite waitress, but you do realize that I can't let you leave. You simply know too much," Kentaro walked around behind his desk again, pulling one of his drawers open to retrieve something from inside.

"And what are you going to do?" she continues to struggle, no matter how difficult it seemed, "Kill me as you did to the others?"

Holding up a strange looking bottle caused Anzu's heart to race faster than normal. Reading the contents, she was certain that whatever was in that bottle was what Kentaro used on his victims. She was petrified. She watched as he peeled away everything she had known about him, only to be transformed into a psychotic being.

"How did you guess?"

Even before she could scream, hoping that it was somehow heard through the erupting noise from below, Anzu felt a pressure hit at the back of her neck. Darkness was the only thing she could grasp on.

Patience was running thin for Yami. Since his call to Jounouchi, he had been getting uneasy vibrations from being forced to undergo this agonizing wait. His instincts were telling him that something bizarre was happening within the club. He was tempted to go in alone, but if he did, his strategy may not turn out the way he planned it.

The blaring headlights confirmed that the cavalry had arrived. Jounouchi's car was followed by three police cruisers. It was officially time to get in gear and put this case to a close. Yami knew that even though it sounded easy, he was taking very big risks here. Things may go wrong at the slightest second and he had to think quickly and strategically to make sure everyone made it out of this safely.

His partner approached him along with two other officers, ready to know all about how Yami cracked the case. "So, what'cha got?"

Yami slammed down and opened each folder he had been reading and studying over and over again for weeks, "The victims who were murdered had been working here as waitresses. I have reason to believe that the man who owns this club is the killer we've been looking for."

"Are you referring to Kentaro Nakashima?" one of the officers asked, but scoffed when the very thought was ludicrous. "You're speculating."

Yami glanced at him from the corner of his eye, feeling his fury burning more. "Excuse me?"

"Come on, Mutou, what do you have that points to Nakashima? There isn't enough evidence that proves that he or anyone else had committed the murders. And we all know that you have it out for the guy. Are you sure you're not letting your personal feelings get in the way of your professional judgment?"

Jounouchi shook his head and turned away. "Big mistake there, bud," he muttered to himself.

And a big mistake it was, indeed. Questioning Yami's theories and findings was the same as going up against an erupting volcano. It wasn't the first time he was challenged. There were a few doubters on the force that were never impressed in seeing how Yami handled things. This officer was one of them. He was the type to talk a big game, but when it came time for action, he just sat back until the job was done. Then he's the first to quickly take the credit for the completed work.

But Yami would not let him or anyone make a fool out of him. He stood behind everything he believed in.

"Let me make this clear for you. You weren't the one gathering clues to this case, you didn't give any helpful inputs and you certainly did not spend countless days and nights trying to uncover missing pieces. That job was left in the hands of myself, Katsuya, the forensics team and witnesses that I've questioned. Now, I have gathered you all here because there is a woman inside who could be in the brink of danger and doesn't even know it yet. If you even dare to jeopardize this chance in bringing this guy down, I will make sure that your ass is fried for this. I'm not going to let another woman's life be gambled because of your ridiculous accusations towards me. So, you can either cooperate and follow the instructions that are given to you... or you can just get out of my way and let the rest of us work on bringing this case to an end."

They were both caught in a glaring match, but the officer was clearly at a disadvantage against Yami's fiery crimson eyes. "I'll scout the perimeter for anything suspicious." With that, he silenced his trap and went off to his task until he was given something new to do.

Jounouchi whistled in a low tune, feeling impressed with the way his best friend handled himself. "I can't say he didn't deserve it because he sure had it coming." He expected no comment to come from Yami, but he could certainly feel the anger radiating from him.

He only sighed, there was no point in asking if he was okay. They still had a job to do. Whether it would bring them to another dead end or finally finding the culprit, Yami would always have his support. His instincts were much more accurate than anyone else he has ever known. He had complete faith in him.

"So, what's our plan?" he asked.

When Yami was calm with a clear head again, he replayed his strategy so it was clear enough to understand. "While the others are guarding the outside, you and I are going to head inside. Once we're in, you are going to find the waitress who is working tonight and I'm going after Nakashima."

"Wait... Yami, let's think about this for a sec. This is a huge risk that you're taking."

"We don't have time to think about it, Jou," he replied in an exasperated tone, "I am aware of the risk, but it's a risk that I'm willing to take. I won't let Nakashima kill her."

Jounouchi was confused as to whom Yami was referring to as "her". He's certain there was something his friend was keeping to himself. That was a discussion that he'd planned to have with him. In the meantime, he needed to get Yami into rethinking his plan. "How about we bring in someone else to help us look for her? That way, I can back you up into searching for Nakashima."

"Every second we continue discussing this is more time for Nakashima. We need to do this now." He stopped a random officer before Jounouchi had a chance to argue the situation further. "I need you to guard the entrance the minute Katsuya and I enter the building. Once we're inside, no one is to go in or out unless they are authorized to, is that understood?" When the order was clear enough for the officer, Yami and Jounouchi made their move.

They both had their artillery ready. Nothing had changed when Yami had left the club, the place was still rowdy with out of control people who couldn't control themselves under the influence. None of them were his concern, he looked through the crowd in hopes of seeing those wavy, chestnut locks or those sapphire pupils floating around anywhere. Every second his heart would sink lower and lower when he did not see Anzu. She would usually be serving one of these low-lives or organizing things at the bar, but he couldn't spot her in either direction. He knew that she didn't leave. He was watching the entrance all night.

He gestured for Jounouchi to follow him to where the bartender was creating some drinks for a very tipsy couple. The two were keeping each others balance, which was not working very well since they'd constantly pushed against the other. It was a displeasing sight, but Yami could care less to what any of these people in here did with their lives. He was only concerned with finding Anzu.

After the couple was satisfied with tainting more of their insides, Yami grabbed the bartender's attention. The man seemed a bit irritated from his point of view, but none of that mattered to him. "The waitress who is working tonight, can you tell me where she is?"

"Listen, buddy," he said in a gruff tone, "every guy here has been asking about her all night. If you want to have a rump in the hay with her, find her yourself. I don't care where she is and I don't get paid to care."

That answer had nearly sent Yami to the deep end. It disgusted him that Anzu was being looked upon as more of a pleasure toy than a human being. She didn't deserve that kind of treatment. He wanted to show this guy exactly what his motives truly are. Pulling out his badge got the message through very well, judging from the appalled expression that was carelessly placed upon his face.

"I would appreciate it if you didn't put myself or my partner into the same category as those guys you've dealt with tonight. We are here on another matter. I have reason to believe that your boss is a prime suspect to an ongoing murder case. Now, I will ask you again... where is the waitress who is working here tonight?" Yami had enunciated the question, making it certain that he wanted a real answer.

"Right... my apologies. The last time I saw that Mazaki girl, she was taking something up to Nakashima's office."

"And how long ago was that?" Jounouchi decided to speak this time.

"I don't know... about maybe thirty or forty minutes ago. Since I was busy with the customers, I didn't see or even notice if she came back down."

"Where is Nakashima's office?" Yami's fears were beginning to arise, but he needed to have faith that nothing happened to Anzu. The bartender pointed over to the side, a section which was barely noticeable to the naked eye. He gave a nod of thanks and headed to the directions of the stairs that would lead him upstairs. The further he went up, the quieter it became. Yami was thankful, but also nervous by how suspiciously silent it was. If she was up here, he hoped that no harm was placed on her.

The moment they had reached the top of the stairs, they kept their backs up against the wall. Their guns were gripped tightly, ready to fire when anything threatening decided to pop out. Jounouchi noticed the way Yami would tense every second. They've handled positions like this before, but he was never this edgy before. He was always calculated, more precise. Now, he just looked worried.

"Hey... I get that Nakashima is the biggest bastard in the universe, but something tells me there's more to it." When Yami wouldn't give an answer, it confirmed what he was suspecting. "Is it that girl? Do you know her?"

Yami sighed, no point in keeping what was going to reveal. "We have met recently. In a way, I've been trying to look out for her."

That was enough for Jounouchi to understand. Wanting to bring some hope to his friend, he placed a reassuring hand on Yami's shoulder. "I'm sure she's okay. Let's not think the worst, alright?"

He was listening and trying to soak in the words, to set his mind at rest, but Yami couldn't shake off his worry. He believed that Anzu was okay, he just hated that she may have been pulled into this unwillingly. He just hoped for her safety. That she was still... alive.

Going down the hallways was proving to become a bit of a task. He was nervous, afraid and excited all in one. The door at the far end of the hall caught his attention. Considering that it was the only one opened slightly and the light was pouring through the crack. Yami gave Jounouchi a signal to stay silent as they both approached the door. Yami slowly moved towards the open area tried to listen, but nothing was heard on the other side, except little bits of broken sentences here and there.

Taking a few more easy steps, Yami boldly pushed the door open a little further, trying to get a glance as to who was inside and what was happening.

He saw her.

Anzu was there, in a limp state, held by some man who was undoubtedly working for Kentaro.

And there he was.

Standing right in front of Anzu, with the sickest smirk Yami had ever come across in his entire time as a cop. His eyes descended to his hand, where a suspicious bottle was held in a protective grip. His heart rate sped up as he realized that that bottle contained the cyanide poison Kentaro used on the murder victims.

And Anzu wasn't moving... could Kentaro have really killed her?

That thought only brought rage into his soul. Yami took a step back and kicked in the door so hard, he swore the hinges had come right off when it flew against the wall. His gun was poised, aimed right at the junction point of Kentaro's neck. Just one shot would kill him instantly. He then noticed a body sprawled on the floor, blood pouring right through a bullet wound on the head. He could tell that the man was dead.

"Make one move, Nakashima, and I won't hesitate to shoot," he warned him in a cold, distant tone.

"Yami... didn't expect to see you so soon," Kentaro replied, giving a slight shift in his direction. Yami was so tempted to pull the trigger. "I guess the cat's out of the bag."

The cocky composure was still present upon him. He was taking pleasure in everyone's pain. "Release Anzu-san. Now!"

Nothing was said after the order was given, but after waiting for what seems like a lifetime, Kentaro gave the authority to his employer to let go of Anzu. Yami quickly moved to catch her, seeing as she would have been dropped carelessly on the floor like a lifeless doll.

Lifeless... he wasn't certain if she was still alive or not. He may have arrived too late to save her. When he looked down at Anzu, his hand found her soft cheek, hoping that Kentaro did not tremendously hurt her. How could anyone hurt someone so beautiful? She gave him the cold shoulder whenever he saw her, but deep down, Yami could tell that she had a kind heart. It was there, she just did not reveal it to him, due to the inner pain she was dealing with.

And now this happened... oh, he would see to it that Kentaro paid for every person he hurt and tortured throughout this entire case.

The agony was overflowing, Yami had to make sure Anzu was alive. To his relief, she still had a pulse and was breathing as if she were fast asleep, but her being unconscious was proving to be a concern for him. What caused her to fall into this state? A question that needed no calculation or any type of investigation for him to figure out. Crimson eyes burned on the man who stood with no compassion.

"Jounouchi, I'm entrusting Anzu-san to you. Inform one of the guys that we need a paramedics team ASAP," he stood after making sure Anzu was safe because he needed to focus on what to do with the load of slime who took the form of a male human. "What did you do to her?"

"Technically, I didn't do anything to her. However, if you had not made your grand entrance, I would have," he replied, smirking from the tension creating in the room.

Yami growled, quickly charging to restrain Kentaro before anyone could read his movements. He grabbed the collar of his shirt, thrusting him brutally against the wall while expertly removing his gun from his holster. Kentaro's lackey saw this and he also took out his own gun, aiming and planning to shoot him. Seeing this, Yami swiftly shot the weapon from out of his hand before he could even pull the trigger. "Hands where I can see them," he violently hissed.

Both hands were slowly raised to surrender, giving Jounouchi the initiative to arrest him for his interference.

There were no more interruptions to worry about. Yami was faced with the confrontation he had wanted for a very long time since Kentaro entered into his life, but this time, it wasn't just about his grandfather's shop anymore. Now, it involved the lives he'd taken and the woman who was passed out on the floor.

His crimson eyes squinted in fury, "I am aware of the fact that my second arrival tonight was a bit of a surprise for you. Judging by how the scene appears and from the time gap I've received from your bartender, Anzu-san witnessed something that you wanted to keep under wraps. That's how you killed your waitresses. They've stumbled upon some information you were afraid would leak out. Just how many skeletons are you keeping in your closet, Nakashima?"

Kentaro wasn't fazed by Yami's discovery nor his intimidation. "Sugoi... just how much time did you waste in figuring out everything? I have to admit, I'm very impressed. Do you want to know what else impresses me? To see how riled up you're getting just to protect one particular woman. If I knew that you would get this agitated, I would have had some interesting, pleasant times with Anzu."

That comment caused Yami to hit Kentaro's jaw with the barrel part of his gun, feeling a little satisfied by the blood leaking from his mouth, but he wanted to cause more harm. "You are to NEVER have Anzu-san's name slip from your mouth again!"

Anzu moaned in discomfort from the ache she was suddenly feeling. Her head felt so heavy that there wasn't any way for her to barely support it. She could not decipher as to how long she was out for, but all she wanted to do was rest some more and hope for the pain in her neck and head to disappear. There were two things keeping her from getting that peaceful rest. She was laying on the hard floor, first of all, and second... she was awaken by a voice that was filled with so much rage, a voice that sounded a little familiar to her.

She forced her eyes to open and tried to remember the last thing that happened to her. Pieces of tonight were slowly coming together and she came to the realization that someone purposely knocked her unconscious. Which explains the throbbing pain that was bothering her neck. When her vision was of use to her again, her first glance landed on a blond haired man restraining, who she remembered to be, Kentaro's lackey.

Kentaro...

Yes, it was all coming back to her. She thought that the minute she was out cold, he would make his move and kill her... but she was still alive. Her eyes began to focus more onto the room and she was shocked to see Yami and Kentaro in a physical clash. Anzu moved to sit up and witnessed more to the way Yami was glaring so maliciously. The crimson eyes he had carried earlier in the evening were present once again. Only this time, they were more intense. It was as if he had a split personality that was never revealed before.

"You've already taken enough lives, Nakashima, but I will not allow you to hurt another innocent life. As long as I'm breathing, I vow to keep Anzu-san away from your murdering hands."

He sounded so passionate about his vow, too. Why was he doing this for her? Better yet, why was she sitting here letting him do this for her? Her feelings about him had not changed. He was a cop and in her point of view, cops were all the same. They cared about nothing except for throwing their laws around. Like they were high and mighty. When times came when help was needed, they talk about bringing justice for the innocent. No... those words were nothing but lies.

She stared at Yami, watching him getting so angry from Kentaro's misdeeds, and as she sits here, she wondered if she could really continue to believe that.

"You vow to stop me?" Kentaro began to taunt. "Why don't you just kill me? That is what you've been wanting to accomplish for a long time now, isn't it? Now's your chance, Yami. Let us see how fucking daring you are."

The gun was slowly moving to point directly at Kentaro's head. He was seriously considering taking his life, just as he's taken the lives of others. He brought terror to Anzu. What right did he have to stay alive?

"Don't do it, man... he's trying to get under your skin again," Jounouchi said, not liking the way his best friend was looking now. "Come on, Yami, you're nothing like him. Don't do the same thing he's been doing to those victims."

The gun was loaded, his finger was twitching on the trigger. Just one, tiny squeeze would end it.

"Stop!"

That melodious voice caused him to follow the order, Yami had not realized that Anzu awoke. She looked completely upset; broken. Guilt was building within the depths of his soul. She was already exposed enough to whatever Kentaro had said and done in front of her.

Anzu hugged herself so tightly as if she was trying to create her very own shield. It was too much for her. The violence, the deaths... all of it. How she wished that every bit of it would end. She glances up to Yami, bearing watery eyes that made her sapphire eyes look like a wavy ocean. "Please... just stop, okay? I've seen enough bloodshed... don't make any more of it."

After hearing her plea, how could Yami not grant her wish? She was brokenhearted enough. More than enough. Kentaro just made the damage in her heart so much worse and killing him would only deepen the wound. Yes, he would love to see the scumbag dead on the floor by his hands, withering in pain and paying for every single thing he's done to his family and the families of others. But the way Anzu was staring at him, how she was on the verge of tears... that weighed more than his sweet revenge.

He lowered his gun and turned the safety on. Although, the gun was placed securely back into his holster, that did not mean Kentaro was set free from his grip. In fact, he swung him around until he was slammed face forward into the wall, satisfied when he heard a grunt afterward. He pulled his arms together around his back and placed the handcuffs tightly around his wrist. Yami planned to show no mercy.

"Nakashima Kentaro, you're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. If you choose to give up that right and make a statement, anything you say may be used against you in the court of law. You also have the right to have an attorney present while you are questioned and during any statement you choose to make. I'm certain that you understand these rights perfectly."

Finally, he was being taken away, but it was the same time when other officers decided to show up and scout around Kentaro's office for all of the evidence that would send him away for a very long time.

Yami was just finishing up with a few things, knowing that when he arrived at the station, there would be even more things to do. He only stayed because he wanted to be sure that Anzu was fine. The paramedics arrived to cater to the deceased body, which was retrieved minutes after Kentaro was placed in police custody. The club was evacuated immediately and shut down until further notice.

He stood on the side and watched as Honda Hiroto, one of his closest friends, tended to Anzu. A friend that he knew for years, Honda was one of the many people Yami could trust and count on. While he and Jounouchi chose the law enforcement field, Honda wanted to study in the field of medicine. He always had a passion to help out the sick and injured. Yami was relieved to know that Honda had come with the other medic team. With him, he could get the whole story and all of the answers he needed regarding how Anzu was doing.

Jounouchi came over to stand beside him, watching Honda continuing his examination. He could sense that his friend wanted to say something, but as of now... he wasn't even sure if he was ready to talk.

"Crazy night, huh?"

Yami just huffed in agreement, it truly had been crazy. And maybe 'crazy' was more of an understatement to describe how the night turned out.

"You know, not shooting Nakashima was a wise choice, man. You did the right thing by stopping yourself."

That wasn't true. He stopped himself, yes, but not on his own. The urge to kill Kentaro was so strong that he wasn't able to free himself from the bloodthirsty crave. At that time, it didn't seem like a bad thing. The built-up rage whenever Yami saw his face was simply unspeakable, to have the chance to remove the irritating thorn would have been a pleasure for him. But when he saw those eyes... those superlative eyes begging him not to go through with it, Yami just could not proceed with his original plan. No one may have realized it, but she stopped him. A part of him would always feel grateful to her for that. He didn't want to turn into Kentaro. He didn't want to have someone's blood on his hands - whether it be intentional or by accident.

Honda grabbed his attention when he began to walk over. "She's okay, she just has some dulling pain around her neck area. I gave her a cooling compressor to help, but there's no sign of poison intake or any other life-threatening effects to worry about."

It felt so good to have the flow of relief spread through his body. He intervened and stopped Kentaro just in time. "Thank you, Honda."

Yami excused himself, leaving both of his friends to talk among themselves as he went over to check on Anzu for himself. He wasn't sure how things between them would go, but he was going to do everything he can to make her see that he was of no threat. He stooped down next to her, succeeding in getting her to notice his presence. To his surprise, she did not glare at him, but there still wasn't a reaction either. So far, so good.

"I hear you're doing pretty well. I am happy that no harm has befallen on you," he said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," she muttered, "compared to the guy who was just killed and all of the other lives Kentaro ruined... a sore neck is nothing."

Yami saw this coming. He knew that Anzu was putting up a front, but inside she was downright terrified. So much was exposed to her tonight, she was the key witness to put Kentaro behind bars for life. The evidence found would be able to fill the missing gaps and with Anzu's statement, it would completely close the case.

He knew he had a job to do, but he just couldn't do that to her. Everything was still fresh in her mind and she needed to compose herself.

"I know this has been a horrific experience for you. So, I'm not going to pressure you into answering any questions right now, Anzu-san."

Anzu scoffed, taking the chance to meet Yami's stare. His eyes were back to their original amethyst shade once again. The Crimson had completely vanished out of his irises. "Really, you didn't have a problem with pressuring me tonight. You remember, don't you? I'm certain with your kind of mind, it's impossible to forget something like that."

"No... you're right. It was not my place and I've stepped over boundaries that were not meant to be crossed. Please forgive me, I truly apologize for upsetting you. None of it was intentional."

She took the compressor away from her neck and pondered for a moment. Why was this man so... sensitive to her? For everything she says and does, he is interested in it all. Even if she were to call him every terrible name in the book, he would only smile and brush it off as if it was no big deal. He was a very strange guy.

Giving a sigh didn't ease away her jittery nerves or help her to figure out this complex detective. "All I want to do is leave this place and forget that I ever stepped foot here."

She heard him get up from his spot next to her, only to see him offering his hand out to her. "I know that I'm not your favorite person, but just know that you can trust me... for anything."

It wasn't the first time someone has given Anzu a reason to trust them, only to hurt her in the end. Ronin was the prime example. She placed all of her trust in him and pain was what she received in return. "How can I trust you? How do I know you won't betray me if I let my guard down?"

Yami smiled, genuinely understanding more about her now. His assumptions were correct, there truly was something that was hurting her deeply. "All I can say to you is to have faith in your heart. Because if you don't trust anything or anyone else in this world, you can always count on your heart to show you the way."

Despite the knowledge of Yami being a cop, Anzu wanted to believe him. Even when she vowed to never trust another policeman again because of Ronin. By doing this, would she either be making a huge mistake... or would she find the friend that she needs within this man? She was hesitant to take his hand. Taking it meant that she was taking him into her life. The stories and the details of her past were not open to anyone.

But it didn't hurt to have someone to talk to. Being alone was okay every now and then, but it got to her most of the time, too. She missed having friends to talk to. Miyuki and Toshiro were always there when she needed to vent about something. Especially, when it involved another mishap with her husband.

So, could she trust this man? It was uncertain to know that for sure. However... would it be so wrong to try?

And with that, Anzu slowly allowed her hand to drop into Yami's outstretched one, feeling the gentle grip as their hands closed together.