"Viper.."
He took a quick picture of the body, sent it to Tsun and after ensuring all the bodies and blood were cleaned off, he headed towards the area he left his two ' partners'. He found the two cuddled up in the back seat and in a deep slumber not that he was surprised by this. He got into the driver's seat and drove off towards the apartment. After tucking in the two, Ding headed into his room and went directly into the shower. The day's events played across his mind and he let out an exhausted sigh. As he was drying his hair, his phone vibrated and he sat on the bed. Bringing the phone to his ear, he accepted the call.
"Ding… you made it?"
"Yes."
"And the two cuties?"
"I found them snuggling each other in their sleep."
"Oh? Am I sensing jealousy?"
"Did you call just to piss me off?"
"Of course not… I did some research on the photo you sent. And you were right, all the guys Asahi killed belonged to the Viper."
Using his shoulder, he held his phone in place and opened his laptop.
"Do you think the Viper did it?"
Ding placed the picture among the documents containing the details of the missing kid's cases.
"I wouldn't deem it wise to assume they did it," he replied typing furiously on his laptop.
"And you haven't ruled out that possibility right?"
"Right."
"Tsun! Did you remove your dirty clothes before jumping on the bed?" a voice shouted and Ding chuckled at this.
" Young master, are you in trouble by any chance?"
" Yeah yeah, laugh it up. I need to go now. I'll keep you updated if I find anything else. Night."
Tsun hang up the phone and Ding turned to his documents rubbing the bridge of his eyes trying to stay awake. Tsun threw the phone on the bed and turned to Asahi who was standing by the door with the clean robes and towel meant for him.
"Asahi my dear, when did you get here?"
"Why haven't you showered yet? You're covered in blood and yet you had the guts to lay on the sheets that were spread this morning?"
Asahi was four years younger than Tsun, he had oreo coloured hair in a wolf cut, the back of his hair was dyed white while the remaining hair was black. He had emerald green eyes and was a few centimetres shorter than Tsun. Tsun watched Asahi as he grumbled away while placing the clean clothes on the drawer and smiled a small smile. He had watched him grow up and somehow along the way, he had actually fallen in love with this nagging junior of his. He knew that Asahi took his advances as jokes and that he did not think at all about advancing their relationship to the next stage and he was okay with this as long as he was not uncomfortable with him. He was okay with having this 'one sided' crush on him. He remembered how he was just a few years old when he was rescued by his father during the winter season…
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FLASHBACK . . . .
It was during the winter when Tsun's father, Zixin, had received an urgent message about the illegal trafficking of children, young Tsun who was not used to his father being so worried, watched him giving instructions from a small gap by the door. Once he was done, he turned towards the door.
"Tsun? Come here child."
Tsun slowly walked into the room and towards his father who was by his huge desk.
"Father, what has you so worried?"
Zixin chuckled and lifted him placing him on his lap," Father has work to do. I will be back later tonight."
"Yes," he replied and lay in his arms dozing off.
Carefully not wanting to wake him up, Zixin carried Tsun in his arms and tucked him in bed. He gently kissed his forehead and walked out of the room.
"Sir, we found the location of where the trafficking will take place."
Zixin took the file, skimmed through it and his frown deepened," Get the car ready."
Though it was difficult driving through the snow covered roads, Zixin eventually made it to the dock where the trading was expected to take place.
"Boss?"
"Rescue the kids first," he said and advanced towards the nearest guy killing him instantly.
Zixin and his right hand, Kyle, quickly disposed of the five or so men guarding the huge metal trailer container which was suspected to house the kids. Carefully, he pulled the huge bar opening the container and inside he saw a group of ten kids.
"Let's get them out."
Kyle nodded his head and walked into the dark container and this made the kids cower away in fear.
"Don't be afraid," he said reassuringly," I won't hurt you."
"Lies! That's what those other men said and yet here we are… trapped in this dark place for who knows how long."
Zixin and Kyle looked at the little boy amazed by his reply. Unlike the other kids who were afraid, this child seemed to be a lot bolder.
"Kid, what's your name?"
"Asahi," he replied.
"Quickly, come with us and we will ensure you all go back to your homes," Zixin said earnestly," do you trust us Asahi?"
Asahi walked towards the light and studied their faces before turning to the other frightened kids," They seem trust worthy. Let's go with them, unless you want to stay in here."
Zixin watched in amazement as the kids each rushed out at this and Kyle walked out of the container hands on his waist.
"Seriously? One word from that kid and they all obeyed like little puppies?"
Zixin chuckled at this and placed a hand on his shoulder," Did the little child trample on our mighty Kyle's confidence?"
"Zixin! Are you aching for a beating? Huh? Piss off!"
He threw Zixin's hand from him, walked ahead of the group of kids and headed towards the waiting car. After successfully and safely making sure all the children were back to their homes and parents warned, Zixin and Kyle looked at the only remaining kid.
"Hey kid, where do you live?" Kyle asked.
"I DON'T have a home," Asahi replied," but I DO have a name, it's Asahi not 'kid'."
"You little…"
"Kyle!"
Zixin shook his head and Kyle shut his mouth. He turned to Asahi with a smile," Asahi, do you want to come to my place?"
"Hmph! Little brat.."
Zixin chuckled at Kyle's angry face and frowned eyebrows. He gently pat his shoulder trying to calm his anger. After a few hours, the car drove into the compound and Tsun ran up to his father just as he got out of the car. He jumped into his arms and he chuckled," What are you still doing awake at this hour?"
"Waiting for you father," he replied tightening his arms around Zixin's neck.
"Look at you… you're not a child anymore but you keep acting like one."
Tsun chuckled and his gaze landed on the boy hiding behind Kyle.
"Uncle Kyle… who's that?" he asked curiously.
Zixin placed him on the ground and called Asahi over to his side.