"Handcuffs"
by: S. Schumaker

Standard Disclaimers Apply

(AN: Well, I'm going to try to update at least once a month. I know it's a terrible goal to shoot for, but my life is so hectic right now with college and job hunting and just plain breathing that it's hard to keep these stories updated. I've also added on my profile page a chapter release date, this is going to be kinda like my goal to shoot for and also for the readers to be able to have some sort of idea about when the next updates will be coming. So check my profile page often! Here's the latest chapter of Handcuffs, do enjoy!)

Chapter Five

The imaginary knife seemed to twist itself further into his temple causing his brain to ache and pulse with pain. He rubbed his throbbing forehead gently, hoping to massage away his headache. He laid himself down on a sofa in his living room, closing his eyes to block out the hurtful lights. Draping his arm across his closed eyelids, he took in a deep breath, wondering how his life became so screwed up due to one simple actress.

As Akito tried to enjoy the minimal comfort he received from the couch, he noticed the sound of someone clearing their throat above him. Lifting his arm and opening his eyes, he found his butler standing before him holding a tray with something on it.

"Pierre?"

"Do forgive me, sir, but I thought you might like an aspirin or two?" Pierre set the tray down on a nearby table; it held a small bottle of aspirin and a glass of water. Akito smiled up at him, moving to a sitting position.

Reaching for the bottle, Akito replied, "You are much too kind, Pierre. What ever would I do without you?"

"Suffer tremendously, I'm afraid." Akito laughed at the response before downing a couple pills with a swig of water. Lying back down, Akito watched as Pierre grabbed the tray and exited the room with it.

Some time later, the pain relievers starting kicking in and he could actually relax enough to think clearly about his situation. The magazine article flashed in his mind once again. Really, having his image and real name in the papers wasn't so terrible, right? I mean, he never used his real name when traveling or even with his servants. All of his informants and supply guys knew him by one of his many aliases. But somehow, he felt very nervous.

Obviously, with the work of an assassin, many enemies are acquired and many secrets must be kept. He simply prayed that one of those enemies hadn't discovered his biggest secret, his real identity.

Just as his mind began to slowly shut down enough for him to relax, a soft beeping sounded at his hip. He moved his fingers down to his waist, grasping onto his beeper that was clipped to his pants. Raising it above his head, he flipped it open and read the message enclosed: "Drop, usual spot, meet Andre."

A groan escaped Akito's lips as he sat up on the sofa, twisted his body into a sitting position then standing to leave the room. Rarely did he receive these types of messages. Usually they only occurred when a new target was acquired or when a current target was being withdrawn. He wondered what Andre would be telling him today.

He made his way out of the castle and walked down to his garage. Opening up one of the large garage doors, his vision flooded with his classic car collection that he stored there. He sighed in content as he looked over his "babies" before heading inside the garage and hoping on one of his Harley's. He slipped on a pair of leather gloves before firing up the cycle and racing out of the building. A cloud of dust replaced him as he zoomed into the castle grounds and toward the gate.

The castle gates opened when they saw Akito racing toward them, he slowed down to a near stop to check the street beyond for any traffic, however, just as he was about to reaccelerate something hit him from the side, knocking him and the bike over easily. Akito, trapped underneath it, lifted his gaze to the side of the attack. His eyes were having difficulty focusing on the figure before him; all he could make out was a black blob. He was in trouble.

He used all of his energy to wriggle out from underneath the motorcycle, rising to his feet. He staggered slightly, his head aching unbelievably. He tried to focus himself, getting himself into an attack position as his opponent did the same. Akito used a hand to feel the back of his head where he had been hit, bringing it back out to see blood staining the glove.

Angrily Akito leaped at his foe, kicking and punching at him in a fluid and graceful manner. However, each of his hits were blocked by the skilled rival and the loss of his blood was making him dizzier and dizzier with each movement. Finally, one of Akito's punches landed on the man's jaw, sending his head flying to the side. But, the man bounced back quickly, sending a matching punch straight to Akito's cheek.

The heated battle continued on while one of Akito's guards sitting in the gate watch house noticed the fray and sounded the alarm. Akito could see out of his peripheral vision many people racing toward him to save him from the fight; however they wouldn't make it in time. The man dressed all in black grabbed a concealed weapon from his back, a revolver. Twisting it in his hand, he used the back of the weapon to smack Akito in the face, hard.

Akito, fighting back with all his remaining strength, tried desperately to hold onto consciousness, but another hit of the revolver and his eyes rolled back in his head and his vision went back.

Just as Akito fell to the ground unconscious, a black limousine pulled up to the curb. Three men jumped out and lifted Akito up and threw him into the back seat. The men and the attacker jumped in after him, speeding off just as Akito's guards made the scene.

Pierre, Luc, Juliette, and all of Akito's other servants raced to the end of the drive, watching as the vehicle which had only moments before kidnapped their beloved Paul Ackerman drove out of sight.

To Be Continued . . .

(AN: What'd you think? Please let me know if you liked it or not!!!)