Hi there it's me again ^_^

First up, thank you so very much to those of you have left the reviews, favourite and followed this story, I never expected that I'll be getting such wonderful reviews. ^_^

I know that when I used Sudou as the reason behind the accident, some weren't so keen about it, which I really don't mind, so I took note of that review and gave it some thought, and said to myself, might as well try a different approach.

I just hope that this chapter would not look cliché (crosses finger)

Thank you as well to Mei and Train for the encouragement and for reading and listening to my eternal ramblings and insecurities. Hontoni Arigatou! ^_^

Anyways enough with my ranting,

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Viewfinder characters; they are the wonderful creations of Ayano Yamane-sensei. The added characters here are simply made up; any resemblance with any fictions is purely coincidental.

On with the story…
*v*

Chapter 3
*v*

It was another busy night for one of Shinjuku's most exclusive club, Club Draceana. Sudou was in his office busy with checking the club's finances and reports. After the incident of the missing money and contrabands, he needed to make up for his negligence and incompetence by making sure that the profits of the club is at par with that of the profits made by Club Sion; he needed to make sure that the next time Asami checks the books, he will be praised for doing an excellent job, and somehow make Asami forget the humiliating incident that he was involved with.

Sudou was pleased with himself, everything is doing great for Club Draceana, there is a significant increase in profits and there were no discrepancies in the accounts. His attention was momentarily interrupted when he received an incoming message. That one message alone was enough to make his evening perfect.

He stood up to stretch his legs, he had been working non-stop. Looking outside the clear glass window, he can't help but notice how ominous the sky was; a flash of lightning ripped across the sky, he was sure that a loud thunder followed even though he could not hear it. Soft splatter of rain hit the glass. Can this night get any better? Sudou let out a contented sigh. Enough idling, back to work he thought to himself

He was about to resume his work, when without warning the office door opened revealing Kirishima and two other men.

"Kirishima-san!" Sudou was surprised to see Asami's assistant in his office. "I was not informed that you will be arriving, is Asami-sama here as well." Sudou was wondering as to what brought about the visit; it was not uncommon that he will be getting an unannounced visit from Asami, but a visit from only the secretary meant another thing.

Kirishima stood silent as he assessed Sudou's reaction when he entered. He was particularly interested as to why the man in front of him wasn't the least troubled, considering that he was the cause of Asami's displeasure and rage.

Sudou found Kirishima's silence unnerving. Had I done something wrong? This thought crossed his mind; he tried to recall if he had missed some details regarding the books. Sudou clearly worried for his sake blurted out the first excuse that he can come up. "Kirishima-san if there were some discrepancies with the books, I can definitely explain. "

Seeing the worried expression of Sudou, Kirishima pushed his spectacles up before saying, "There are no discrepancies with the books, everything is in order; however Asami-sama wanted to see you."

Hearing Kirishima's response, a sigh of relief escape Sudou's mouth, although he was a little surprised to hear that Asami wanted to see him, Maybe he wanted to congratulate me, that must be it. I did show him that I can be trusted. A small smile painted his face, unable to contain his curiosity he asked, "Kirishima-san may I know the reason why Asami-sama wanted to see me?"

"That I cannot answer, if you will, I'll take you to him. Kirishima simply answered. Sudou sensing nothing's wrong nodded and complied; he followed Kirishima out the office and the two men followed, walking behind him.

Inside the car, Sudou was sitting quietly, his attention was somewhat drawn to the chaos caused by rain; I wonder what Asami-sama would want to see me? He is pleased with the fact that the crime lord wanted to see him, but for some odd reason the car ride had made him doubt his initial assumption, as to why he was being called out. He slightly flinched when a very bright flash of lightning whipped across the sky followed by loud thunderous roll, breaking his reverie.

Sudou let out a relieved sigh and looked outside the car window. This isn't the way to Sion. He was surprised that they are no longer in the city. All he can see are series of warehouses, Why are we in the docks? He was gripped with fear; anyone who works for Asami knows what it means to be brought to the docks. Panicked, Sudou stared at Kirishima and the other man in suit, both faces expressionless.

"What's the meaning of this Kirishima-san?" Sudou brave himself to know why he was being brought to the docks.

"You will find out eventually." Kirishima answered in a neutral tone; but his thoughts said otherwise You should have expected, something like this to happen. For someone smart you can be dumb.

"No! I demand that you let me out!" Sudou tried to force open the door, but it was locked. His mind was going overdrive, he tried to lunged at Kirishima but the other man somehow knew his thoughts that before he can do anything the third man in the car, pressed a white cloth covering both his nose and mouth, a sweet scent invaded his sense of smell before losing consciousness.

Kirishima stared at the unconscious Sudou and took out his phone to inform Asami that the man in question had already been detained at one the secluded warehouses.

*v*

Where am I? Akihito was engulfed in darkness, he tried to adjust his eyes but to no avail. Is anyone there? His voiced was somewhat panicked; he braved himself to ran, as to where he doesn't know, all he knew is that he needed to get out of this darkness. He ran and he ran, but the darkness is not letting up, exhausted he fell on his knees, a wave of loneliness filled him. Get me out of here, someone please...he pulled up his knees to his chest and hugged them tightly.

"Are you willing to pay the price to get out of this darkness?" A soft voice broke the deafening silence.

Akihito looked up to see you said those words. But there was none." Who are you? Show yourself." He needed to know that he isn't hallucinating. The darkness may have been playing tricks on him, that he is starting to hear thing. No one appeared in front of him, but the voiced asked yet again, "Are you willing to pay the price to get out of this darkness?"

Before Akihito can answer, a black panther with golden eyes manifested in front of him. The creature may have surprised him, but for some reason it didn't scare him. The presence of the great feline is somewhat unusually comforting. The piercing golden orbs stared at Akihito, oddly he felt something familiar about those eyes, but as to how he is not entirely sure. The staring contest between him and the golden-eyed panther was broken, when he heard the same question: "Are you willing to pay the price to get out of this darkness?"

Akihito was clearly considering the thought. He would pay anything to get of here. He was about to answer, but the panther stalked towards him, the eyes never looking a way, another voice broke the silence There is no escape for you. I will not let you go. The panther growled and lunged towards him.

Akihito woke up startled, breathing heavily; he took in his surrounding, the soft white light filled the room; he let out a relieved sigh which in turn calmed his beating heart. He tried to remember what happened, he tried to recall what he dreamt about, but nothing came in to mind.

*v*

Sudou felt a splashed of cold water hit his face. He tried to move but he can't, panic rose making him fully conscious. Seated on steel –bolted wooden chair arms and legs bound by leather restraints, the tips of his fingers were coiled with copper wires, his upper body completely exposed, he can feel water in the soles of his feet. Fear gripped Sudou, he knew what is going to happen, but he had no idea as to why. He was frantic, he struggled from his restraints but it was useless; there was no means of escape.

In front of him stood Asami, face expressionless, but the rage reflecting in those eyes, gave him a cold chill, causing him to shudder. He tried to beg for release, but his mouth was taped.

"You have disappointed me Sudou," Asami's cold voice stilled him. "I gave you a second chance to prove your worth, but you betrayed me in the worst possible way"

Sudou stared wide-eyed at the man in front of him, Betrayed? I haven't done such a thing! He wanted to shout these words but all he can make was muffled noise.

Asami sick and tired of hearing Sudou's muffled noises, slapped the other man using the back of his hand, he gripped Sudou's neck, and roughly lifting his face up; tears of pain flowed from the corners of Sudou's eyes; his eyes begging that he be released. Asami's gripped on Sudou's neck tightened, disdain and disgust reflecting in his own eyes.

"You dare beg for release?" A mocking yet menacing tone came out. "Your betrayal is unforgivable"

Asami was known to be a ruthless man, but he can also be reasonable in certain circumstances, and this is not one of those circumstances and yet he needed to hear what the man in front of him have to say. Roughly he removed the tape from Sudou's mouth earning a pained cry from the other.

Sudou was breathing heavily, having recovered from the pain of the removal of the tape; he looked at the other man and said "I did not betray you." he emphasized the words 'did not'.

Asami just stared at him and said, "We will see" he walked towards the table where an electrical control panel was set. "Electric shock is a good way to make a person talk or remember things" to prove his point, he turned and flicked a switch. The surge of electricity cause Sudou to stiffen, his body trembled with the amount of voltage received.

Asami smirked at the reaction, he turned off the switched, Sudou's body went limp, his breathing laboured.

"Why did you target Takaba?"

Head downcast, with staggered breath Sudou answered "I don't know—what you're – talking about"

"Not the answer I was looking for" the switch was flicked on again. "I will ask again, why did you target Takaba?

Sudou still recovering from the shock, answered in a staggered breath "I – did no – such thing"

Asami displeased with Sudou's denial, fingers still on the switch, he said in a cool tone "We can do this all night long." The switched was flicked, Sudou's limp body erected, eyes clenched shut, he gritted his teeth trying to gain control; his body convulsed with every surge of electricity.

Asami flicked the switch off he would ask Sudou the same question, and every time Sudou denies the accusation; the switched is flicked on and the voltage is turned up higher than the initial one. Red branching was starting to form on his arms, and his upper torso. The treatment was repeated 10 times.

Breathing and coughing heavily, Sudou blurted out "What have I done to deserve this?"

"You dare to ask, what you did?" The anger in Asami's tone was evident. He lividly walked towards Sudou, hand curled into a fist, he punched Sudou's face, earning a cracked jaw with the force of impact. "Did you really think that I will take this betrayal lightly?" Asami landed a hard blow Sudou' gut causing the other to cough out blood

Blood and spit trailed his mouth, despite being in pain; he cried out loud "I did not betray you!"

"You still insist on your innocence when the evidence of your betrayal is in the hospital?" Asami angrily retorted. He landed another punch on Sudou's abdomen.

Sudou braved and forced himself to look at the man who was accusing him, "I did not lay a hand on Takaba; I didn't do anything." Tears were falling from his eyes, he looked into Asami's eyes searching for any signs of consideration, "Please Asami-sama, you have to believe me." He begged in a broken voice, he hang his head down, "You have to believe me, I didn't do anything to Takaba"

Asami clearly not please with Sudou's plea for innocence, he grabbed a fistful of Sudou's hair yanking the head backwards, rage evident in his eyes. "If you did not order to target Akihito, then why did the man who executed the order, confessed that you ordered the hit?"

Despite being in one hell of pain, he was surprised to hear such information. I did no such thing! He then remembered the message he received a few minutes before he was escorted out of Draceana:

Shuu, I have a surprised for you,
Takaba will no longer be a threat.
I hope you are pleased with me.

His eyes widened after he finally realized what the message meant "Damn you Shin!" he mumbled.

Sudou's mumbling did not escape Asami's ears, but paid no attention to it; tired of Sudou's plea for innocence. He roughly let go of his grip on Sudou. He walked towards the table and picked up a hunting knife, with his back turned against Sudou he spoke in a cool voice "Other than the gun I carry, I liked using this hunting knife to punish those who betray me." Asami turned around to face Sudou "I didn't thought you had it in you, you are quite a masochist, aren't you." An evil smirk, grace Asami's face as he walked back towards Sudou.

Sudou's eyes widened seeing what the other man have on his hands. His heart was beating widely, he struggled to break free from the restraints, his attempts were futile. "Please Asami-sama, you have to believe me," Sudou frantically begged for the other man to believe him.

"I have been generous to give you the chance to confess, yet you insisted innocence" Asami, pointed the knife towards Sudou's chest, tracing the red branching that had formed. Sudou felt the cold metal tip on his skin; beads of sweat were forming on his forehead, he tried to pull his body away, although he knows he can't. His heart was pounding really hard when the knife was moved across his torso, he winced in pain, it's no use, he would not listen to me. With every trace, the tip of the knife slightly embeds, marring the fair skin, blood started to ooze out of the wound. Tears were falling from his eyes, he tried to suppress the cry of pain that was escaping his mouth. He gathered up his courage and shouted "I will not admit on something I did not do!"

Disgusted but at the same time impressed that Sudou stood his ground, Asami impulsively slashed the knife across Sudou's torso; a guttural scream escaped the other man, blood was gushing out of the wound, "If you did not do it then who did? Before Sudou can answer, Asami's phone rang breaking the interrogation. He stepped away to answer the call

"Report."

"Hai Asami-sama, had you instructed Sudou-san to check up on Takaba-sama?" Kaito inquired in a neutral tone.

Asami was caught off guard with the question. He stared at the bleeding man in front of him, before answering, "Kaito, who is there to visit Akihito?"

Kaito found the question unusual, he thought he was clear in relaying the information, brushing the thought aside, he answered "Sudou, Shuu."

If Asami was surprised by the answer it did not show on his face. "Do not allow that man to enter Akihito's room and do not allow him to leave"

Kaito cringed at the firm command, and simply answered. "Understood"

Asami, ended the call, he walked back to Sudou, anger and utter displeasure visible on his face.

Sudou was drifting in and out of consciousness, the pain of the slash wound was becoming unbearable. He heard angry footsteps going towards him, without warning his head nearly snapped with the back hand slapped he received yet again. He head was yanked backwards through his hair, he stared into livid eyes, and heard "If you did not order the hit, this is the best time to prove yourself"

Asami did not like the turn of events. He called Suoh who at that moment was standing guard. Suoh came in as ordered, not the least surprised to see Sudou all covered in bruises and blood; it seemed like he got off quite easy. that was the only thought that crossed his mind. He may not have been present during the entire session, he knew that what Sudou went through was hell.

"Unstrap that piece of trash" Came Asami's order "We're leaving, bring him."

Suoh followed the orders, but was slightly surprised when he heard the Asami wanted to bring the other man along. He was positive that Sudou will be finished off and disposed of. He dared not question his boss' intentions and just said "Hai, Asami-sama and his wounds"

"Just bind it tightly, that slashed wound isn't as deep as it looks" Asami answered in a cold uncaring voice.

Sensing that Asami was in a hurry, Suoh executed his orders efficiently, with Sudou's slashed wound all bandaged up, he unceremoniously pulled up Sudou and followed the other man that had just walked out of the warehouse.

Asami settled in the car, the call from Kaito bothered him. Someone is going to pay dearly for making a fool out of me. He ordered Suoh to take them to the hospital where Akihito was. He pulled out his phone

"Kirishima, get to the hospital"

*v*

The entire ride to the hospital was unnerving; the tension in the air was suffocating that despite Suoh being in the driver's seat he can feel the anger and the hateful aura, exuded by Asami. Suoh was certain about one thing, this tension in the air definitely involved Akihito. Suoh took no time, he sped up to get to the hospital.

The phone call from Kaito had left Asami perturbed. His eyes never strayed away from Sudou, who at the moment was drifting between consciousness. Asami clenched his fist, as to rein on his anger. There'd better be a good explanation.

They arrived at the hospital thirty minutes after. Asami rushed to Akihito's room; his hurried steps were halted when he saw Kaito on the floor. Suoh who was the same time, was dragging Sudou with him, also stopped on his tracks when he saw Kaito. Both Asami and Suoh took out their guns from their holster; Suoh checked on Kaito; who sustained a darkening bruise on his left cheek, consistent with a heavy punch, and two teeth-like burn marks consistent with the use of a stun gun.

"Kaito is alive, he was knocked out cold." Suoh calmly said, earning a nod from Asami.

Quietly and cautiously, Suoh, opened door, followed by Asami. The room was dark, except for the illumination provided by the hospital's lamp posts. Asami flicked the switch on.

"It's nice of you to drop by" A calm voice breaking the tension, Asami and Suoh pointed the gun towards the direction of the voice.

At the corner most part of the room, just beside Akihito's bed, a man was casually sitting cross-legged, wearing a sinister smile. He was not even the least disturbed that two guns were pointed at him. He softly raised his hand and said in a mocking tone "Is that any way to treat a visitor?"

Suoh and Asami was surprised to see the face of the man; the facial features, the air and the stance, in every angle there is no doubt he looks like Sudou Shuu.

"Where you the one who took out Kaito?" Suoh asked without pointing his gun away.

An evil yet mocking laugh escaped the other man's mouth, he looked straight into Asami's eyes with no fear, and spoke in a prideful and matter-of-fact manner "The one and only. He wasn't much of an opponent, he was rather polite, when he saw me, but after the phone call he became suspicious, so he needed to be put down"

"Who are you?" Asami asked in a dangerous tone. He unlocked the safety pin of his gun.

Hearing the click of the pin, the man stared at Asami, amusement and warning visible in his eyes as he said "You wouldn't want to fire that gun at me, Asami-sama. We wouldn't want your precious pet to sleep forever."

Looking away from the man, Asami stared at Akihito's bed, true enough, on the bedside table are syringes with clear liquids. He took one syringe gave it a soft push, which expelled the air and a few drops of liquid.

"Why are you doing this?"

With contemptuous eyes he stared at Asami and answered "You ask me why? If it wasn't because of this brat, the person I care most in the world would not be suffering." Slowly he stood up, eyes strayed towards Akihito, he continued "If your pet stopped snooping on other people's business, he wouldn't have ended like this." He looked at Akihito, took the sleeping face with both hands ever so gently and said in a hateful yet controlled tone " And if you were to disappear, I'll get to see him smile again"

"Get your hands off him" Asami growled. Still pointing the gun at the man, he asked again Who are you?"

"How rude of me, I am..." before he can answer. Sudou despite being in pain, barged in keeping himself steady "Shin stop this!" he ordered the other man. The man known as Shin stared at Sudou. Seeing the blood-soaked bandage; bruises and cuts marred Sudou's face; rage replaced the amusement in his eyes, he stared at Asami with contempt.

"What did you do to him?" Anger evident in his tone. "How dare you mar that perfect face?" Eyes not leaving Sudou, Shin stood trembling with rage, "You will pay for what you did!" he hastily grabbed the syringe and stabbed it into Akihito's neck, but before he can push the plunger down, his left shoulder was shot which stop him from administering the liquid. Shin stared at the person who shot at him, "Why?"

Across the room, Sudou had Suoh's gun on his hand, pointed directly at Shin. "I never wanted this" Sudou lowered his hand and gave back Suoh the gun. Slowly he walked towards Shin, "I never asked you to do any of this" standing in front of Shin, who at the moment was on the floor, nursing his wounded shoulder.

"I only wanted to see you smile again," Shin reasoned, "If he were to disappear, you would be back to your old self" he angrily remarked, looking straight into Sudou's eyes. "He did this to you"

Sudou knelt in, shook his head and said "No, little brother, you caused this" Shin stared at Sudou wide-eyed; he shook his head vigorously; like an impetuous child he forcefully denied the accusation. Sudou, held both of Shin's shoulders to steady him, looked him in the eye and said, "You did this. If you kept away, I would have dealt with it myself," he softly leaned forward and whispered with disdain "You made Asami-sama think, I betrayed him. For that I will never forgive you." Sudou slowly stood up and walked away.

Shin stared at Sudou dumbfounded, Why are you walking away? I only wanted to see you smile? He tried to stop Sudou; he tried to reason out, but nothing came out of his mouth. The only thing that kept on repeating in his head were the words said by the other man "I will never forgive you"

Hands clenched in a fist, head downcast; a soft snicker which turned to a craze yet broken laugh escaped Shin's lips, lifting himself up from the floor, his whole body was livid "So that's how it is." Pure rage reflected in his eyes "If I can't get you back, then all of this is for nothing!" He lunged towards Akihito, with all the intention to finish what he started.

Another gun fire went off; Shin fell on the floor lifeless, a single bullet on the head ended his life. Sudou stared at the lifeless body of his brother and stared at the man who fired the shot, "I'm sorry Asami-sama" Exhaustion took over him and he fainted, good thing Suoh was able to catch him before he completely fell on the floor.

Asami stared at both men. His displeasure towards the turn of events did not ease up. True, that the case about who targeted Akihito had been resolved; but the fact about Akihito having amnesia is another matter that needed to be dealt with.

Suoh, have the men clean this mess up, get Sudou and Kaito checked, and Kirishima make sure this incident don't reach the press. Asami ordered.

"Understood Asami-sama" both men answered in unison.

After the mess was cleaned, Asami was left alone with Akihito in the room. The younger man was checked by the doctor and assured Asami that everything is back to normal. Akihito slept throughout the ordeal, which wasn't surprising since Akihito was injected with a powerful sedative.

Asami slightly opened the window, took out a cigarette and inhaled a good amount of smoke before exhaling it. He stared at the young man sleeping on the bed, Will you ever remember me? Came his soft whisper.

Akihito stirred a little, a soft response escaped his lips "Asami"

Surprised to hear the word out of Akihito's mouth, he slowly walked towards the bed, sat on it, stared at the young man checking if he was awake, yet eyes were closed, breathing even; Akihito was in a deep slumber.

Asami twisted his body slightly, bent down and gave Akihito a tender kiss and whispered, You will remember me.

Asami…

*v*

So what do you guys think?

As always comments, reviews and criticisms are welcome.

Thank you for reading. ^_^