A/N:

Listen to the song Rescue Me by Unions once you reach the end of this chapter. It really fits well with Kuroko's thoughts. (I do not own the song or the lyrics :P)

Pulling out a device equipped with a screen, Momoi opened the coordinate app she developed for the tracking device. From the looks of it, Akashi still seemed to be in the same place, most likely his house. She had been stuck at work for a while after the red-head left, and avoiding Aomine and Kise on her way out had proven difficult. No matter how much those two lacked in intelligence, they made up for it with their sharp senses.

Anyway, point was, she was glad he hadn't wandered off anywhere when she didn't have the chance to follow him. Momoi was almost certain that Akashi would go somewhere tonight, so she had better get ready quickly. She didn't want him moving anywhere while she was still in her work clothes. The pinkette had bought a whole new outfit for her stakeout, after all!

Shoving the key into the lock, Momoi rushed into her studio apartment, heading straight for the bathroom. Stripping in record time, she pulled on a sports bra and stood in front of the clothes laid out on the counter. She had been waiting for the moment to wear this! After Akashi's little incident some number of weeks ago, the pinkette had rushed out and bought this. A long-sleeved, thin fitting, black shirt; dri-fit, of course. Besides that, she also got some black skinny jeans and a beanie, as well as some leather boots with matching gloves. In short, she was going to be a totally hot ninja! Eeek, she couldn't wait until Akashi moved!

…..

Sprawled out on the floor, Akashi's thoughts were all over the place. He had said he would save the bluenette, but he was stuck on how exactly he was going to accomplish this. The red-head had been back to the bar several times after they…parted, and he had come up short each time. The bartender who he had seen when he first visited the establishment hadn't been there since Akashi met the bluenette, which was suspicious, but it's not like that piece of information helped him in any way.

Even if the red-head wanted to question the guy, he had no way of finding him. Putting aside his appearance, Akashi had no idea who the bartender was.

"Haa…"

Sighing, he rolled over to his side and blankly glanced around the room. A few feet in front of his face, one of the floorboards was warped, several centimeters higher than the rest. "Tch…" Akashi was annoyed to think he would have to get that fixed. He didn't like people entering his house much to begin with, and now he needed someone to come just to fix a stupid floorboard…

Rolling once more, Akashi wanted to smack his head against the floor. What the hell did floorboards have to do with finding the bluenette? Why was he bothering with trivial matters when the bluenette could be in pain right now? Thinking about a warped piece of wood wouldn't help him have an epiphany right now, it's not like bluenette was underneath the bar or-

No, wait…Flinging himself upright, Akashi walked on his knees over to the coffee table. Rummaging through the papers, he finally found the notepad containing case notes. Flipping to a certain date, the red-head scanned the page filled with his own writing, zeroing in on a specific point. That day when he first went to the bar, he heard a scream when he was there, didn't he? He couldn't tell exactly where it was coming from at the time, but maybe it came from beneath the building. And according to the three stooges, it was Akui's doing…When he first saw Blue Eye's back in the shower, he had wounds that were still healing…Perhaps he was the one who screamed?

"Che…"

Gritting his teeth, Akashi clenched a first and drove it into the table, knocking over a glass that subsequently shattered into hundreds on tiny pieces. He had been on a roll connecting everything together, but just thinking of the bluenette being in so much pain that his screams could be heard even through the noise of that shitty bar…Well, it fed his desire to see Akui's blood splattered across a wall; anywhere but in his body, really. Akashi knew that, as a detective, he shouldn't think about things like ripping out someone's throat with his bare hands - but there was no helping it. The red-head wanted so much to bathe Akui in his own blood as he watched the light slowly – painfully – fade from his eyes. Nothing short of a torturous death would satisfy Akashi, although he knew it wouldn't happen.

Setting aside that train of thought for now, the red-head quickly snatched another notepad. He had to jot down his thoughts for future reference. Also, like he said before, seeing something written down on paper helped him to connect clues better. Akashi used a different notepad because he was not officially working this case, and he had to submit his notes after every arrest he made. It wouldn't do him well for others to see his own personal thoughts or find out that he was working a case in his off time, especially for personal reasons.

Focusing on the scratching of the pencil against paper, Akashi managed to write out his thoughts, as well as connections he made with the trafficking case. If the bluenette truly was in Akui's grasp, Akashi would stop at nothing to save him. While it was wrong of him to say this, it was no longer about stopping the trafficking ring or bringing the offenders to justice. The red-head wasn't so prideful as to deny that he brought his emotions into his work, but it was safe to say that they only made him work harder to end everything. Whether it be hate, love, or worry, they drove him to use everything in his arsenal; no asset was to be spared. Even if this could potentially end his career, Akashi was prepared. He would give up the world and more just to see the bluenette again. Nothing he had was more important to him than that…

…..

Kuroko sat propped against a wall, absentmindedly staring into the bleak nothingness of the dark room. He was soaked through in his own blood, which was unpleasant to say the least. Besides the fact that he lost an unhealthy amount, it was sticky and slimy. Panting, his breathing was slightly heavier than normal, and his vision was blurred; not like it mattered anyway. The bluenette was pretty sure the bleeding had stopped already, but he didn't exactly have the energy to check. Painstakingly lifting one blood covered hand close to his face, he let his hazy eyes drown in red.

"Heh…"

Letting out a sardonic laugh, his arm limply fell back to the ground. How cruel, his own blood reminded him of the one thing he wanted to forget. Being surrounded by all this red, how could he ever forget now? This must be his punishment for running away…

"Ha…Hahaha…"

His laugh came out choked and ugly, and more closely resembled hacking. Taking in a deep breath, Kuroko's eyes once again became unfocused and his head lulled to the side. The blackness began to encroach on his vision, and his breathing was becoming increasingly shallow. The bluenette was almost certain that he had a punctured lung, because it felt like he was repeatedly stabbed every time he drew in a breath. It was probably the result of a broken rib, so maybe he was actually stabbed every time he gasped like a fish?

"Ha…"

Releasing one last self-depreciating laugh, Kuroko's vision steadily declined, and eventually he was dragged into merciful unconsciousness.

…..

Throwing the door open, Akashi slung a bag over his shoulders as he turned out the lights. He wasn't sure if he would make it home tonight, so he packed a change of clothes. The red-head was contemplating whether or not to call in sick to work tomorrow, but he had yet to decide. At this point in time, he didn't really care about it, he had more important things on his mind. For example, hopefully by this time tomorrow, Akashi would have the bluenette wrapped securely in his embrace. Akashi prayed that tonight's trip would be successful.

He had – for the tiniest millisecond – thought of asking one or two of his coworkers for help, but decided against it. While Akashi didn't particularly care if he kept his job, he couldn't say the same for others; and besides, it wouldn't be fair of him to put anyone in that situation.

Locking the door, Akashi made his way towards the parking garage of the complex, all the while brainstorming ideas for his "infiltration". To be completely and totally honest…The red-head didn't have a plan…It's not like he knew for sure that the bluenette was being kept under the bar, it was only his own assumption; one that was hopefully correct. Even if he knew for a fact where Blue Eyes was, that didn't mean he knew how to get to him. So no matter the circumstance, Akashi would have to rely on his own sense and judgement in the field; making a plan wouldn't be very helpful in this case.

The fact that Akashi was doing this alone made things slightly easier, as he wouldn't have to relay orders or any changes in the plan. Again, not that he had anything as lofty as a plan.

Anyway, besides the fact that he didn't have a set course of action, he was at least physically prepared for any scenario. The red-head was packing some heat, or in other words, he was armed. He had several hidden knives, and two small handguns. Neither of them were his department issued firearm, since it would be bad for him to use it off-duty. Luckily, Akashi had made sure to obtain his license and several pieces some years before.

Steps halting in front of the elevator, Akashi stood lost in thought for a while. Things just didn't seem to be going his way lately, but hopefully that wouldn't be true of tonight as well. Just as that thought crossed his mind, the elevator reached his floor and the steel doors parted to reveal none other than his father. As if that wasn't enough, it dinged upon arrival, as if mocking Akashi.

Attempting to keep his face clear of his thoughts, Akashi only arched one red eye-brow. Not bothering to step away, the red-head stared his father down until he spoke. It wouldn't be good if the older Akashi tried to go inside, or noticed the gun in his waistline or at his ankle. Carefully swallowing, he waved a hand, propelling the aging man to speak.

"Seijuurou, where are you going so late?" The man questioned as if he was speaking to a rebellious child.

Clearing his throat, the red-head carefully regarded his father. "I hardly fine that to be any of your business, and I'm not a child." Speaking in a curt manner, Akashi had a difficult time reigning in the impatience that threatened to appear in his voice. From the slowly arching eyebrow of his father, he could tell he failed. Cursing the man in his mind, he swallowed his words and stepped into the elevator. As the doors slid shut, the red-head felt like he was being imprisoned, and his cellmate was the devil himself.

"Where are your manners, child? Are you not even going to invite your father in for tea?" Akashi could tell that he was being baited, and he wasn't going to fall for it. Pressing the button for the parking garage, the red-head spared a small glance to his right. "No, Father. As you can see, I have a prior engagement, and I can't just cancel because you decided to show up unannounced." The irritated expression on his father's face gave Akashi some satisfaction, but it was short-lived.

"Oh? Is that so? And who is so important that you wouldn't even have time for tea with your father?" The tone he was using was one the red-head was familiar with, and it always served to irk him. It was condescending in a "mightier than thou" kind of way, and Akashi didn't like it. He could tell that his father was fishing for information, but he wasn't going to bite.

"Again, it isn't any of your business. Now if you'll excuse me…"

Excusing himself, Akashi stepped out of the elevator once it reached its destination. Striding over to his car, he retrieved his keys from his pocket and opened the sleek red door, not once looking back at his father. The red-head just hoped this wouldn't come back to bite him in the ass…

…..

Reaching the spot where he usually stashed his car, Akashi rested his forehead against the steering wheel. Fuck him and his luck, because it seemed to be terrible lately. Of all times, why did his father visit him? It had been years since the man had actually bothered to visit his house, and to show up unannounced had unsettled the red-head quite a bit. There had to be some reason, and considering how Akashi had been acting lately, it was most likely related to his night-time activities.

"Haahh…"

Deciding to revisit the topic at a later date, Akashi began his weapons check. He had a .44 magnum Desert Eagle strapped to his waistline, and a small 9mm Rohrbaugh R9 on an ankle holster. It may not be the biggest gun, but it would get the job done. Besides the guns, he had three knives varying in sizes and in different locations. Whatever danger he may face tonight, he was ready.

Taking a deep breath, Akashi opened his car door and slid out of the driver's seat. Akashi had never been nervous on a mission before, but then again, they never involved someone he loved. He didn't really mind being alone, since he had confidence in his own skills, but some backup would've been nice. If by chance he was unable to, it would give him some peace of mind if someone else was there to protect the bluenette if and when he found him.

Shaking his head, the red-head began the long trek to the bar. Now was not the time for wishing or second-guessing. It wouldn't do him any good, and the sooner he got there, the sooner he could possibly find what he's been looking for. Akashi's thoughts kept him company as he walked, and before he knew it, he was in front of the building he was getting tired of seeing. If he was lucky, tonight would be his last time he was a patron of this establishment.

Akashi was used to seeing couples sucking face or drug dealers lurking around in this back alley, but what he wasn't used to was one Momoi Satsuki telling off some creep in front of the bar. Jaw nearly dropping, the red-head composed himself as he approached the pinkette and her friend. Sending a death-glare in the man's direction, Akashi watched as the punk stumbled over his own feet as he ran away.

"Ah! Akashi-kun!" Turning a bright smile in the red-head's direction, Momoi bounced up and down with excitement.

A vein nearly popped on Akashi's forehead as his eyebrows slammed down. "Don't 'Ah! Akashi-kun!' me!" He growled, bonking the girl on the head.

"Owww…"

"What are you doing here, Satsuki?" Folding his arms across his chest, the red-head did his best to keep his cool. He could pretty much guess how she was here, though he couldn't imagine why.

"I came to see you, Akashi-kun. And no, don't even start with me," Settling her hands on her hips, the pinkette gave Akashi a stern look. "Even if you have everyone else fooled, I can tell that something must be wrong. Ever since that one time you came here, you've been depressed, so I decided to come take a look."

Akashi only stared, crimson eyes boring straight into Momoi's. He wanted to tell her to go home, but he had a feeling she wouldn't listen. Heaving a heavy sigh, he just shook his head, brushing passed the pinkette.

"Whatever, just don't get yourself into any trouble."

The red-head knew that he was being a little cold, but he couldn't help it. Momoi may be smart, but she could do really stupid things sometimes. A girl coming to this area alone and at night…well let's just say that isn't the brightest thing she could've done.

…..

I don't know how long it's been since the last time Akui had visited my cell, and it doesn't really matter. The man could go die in a hole somewhere for all I care, but cockroaches are rather hard to kill, after all.

There is no strength left in my limbs, and half the time I'm not even sure if my eyes are opened or closed. Either way, pain and darkness are my only companions. My skin is caked in dry blood, as is the floor. I can only wonder when the Lord will have mercy and take me away.

I know that I shouldn't think in such a pessimistic manner, but there's no helping it. Ever since I came back here, I've had a gaping hole in my chest. I'm sure when someone finds my decaying body and I'm autopsied, they'll find that my heart is gone. I left it in the hotel that morning, where I gave up the only shred of happiness I've ever known. The only thing I have left are memories, and those are so much more painful than physical wounds. Every time my mind wanders, I am cut from deep within. Right now, I can only call myself a shell, because that is exactly what I am. There is nothing left within me that matters…

I say all this, but I still cling to the hope that perhaps he would rescue me. Take me away from this prison and wrap me in his strong arms, whispering those soothing words to me once more. I imagined us together and happy – oh so happy… Those thoughts were naïve to say the least; how could I ever hope him to find me after what I did. Why should he save me from this hell, when I'm sure that's what I put him through?

Why…why did I ever hope to see his face again? The beautiful cure of those lips, or the fire in his scarlet eyes? Why did I imagine running my fingers through his ruby locks, while I was tangled in his arms? I don't know, I don't know, I don't know…

The same sentences run through my head so much, drowning me in their depths. I want to see him, but at the same time I am afraid. Afraid of what he would say. Does he even want to see me? Does he want to be with me? Is he out there is someone else's arms?

Save me…Save me please…Save me, my love…Rescue me, please…Take me away from this prison, away from his hands…Won't you come?

I lay in the hands of the devil in this cage of loathsome sin, as I die from within. I want him, I need him, I love him…

Won't you come…and rescue me?

A/N:

Ahhh! Everything is coming to a close soon! There are only a few chapters left, which sucks cause I enjoyed writing this! Please tell me what you think! :)

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! :)

(Like with my other story, I will set a deadline to update for every two weeks.)