The CCG investigators frowned as they watched a figure approach them. Many were busy tending to the wounds of their comrades, but the very essence of the figure left them uneasy, a chilling vibe wafting from the thing that slowly drew closer. It was carrying a large blanket, and in belief that it was bringing a weapon, the CCG raised their weapons. A large gale brought on by an overhead helicopter blew the veil away, and the figure under the blanket became visible. Private Nagachika Hideyoshi, he was new to the CCG, nothing more than a mail boy. So what in gods name was he doing here, on the battlefield of the newly deceased one-eyed owl?

Light from the helicopter shone down upon the two figures. Recognising the unconscious CCG boy, the onlooking investigators lowered their rifles, instead trying to get a clear look at the mail boy's saviour. It appeared to be another male, seemingly the same age as Hide. It had snow white hair, and it showed no hesitation or fear as it walked, instead it continued, stalking onward, not seeming to notice the weapons aimed at it.

The thing that set the investigators on edge the most, though, were its eyes. One was a calm, steely grey. It showed no fear, and simply looked onward, focused on getting help for the unconscious boy. The other...

The other was a kakugan.

The blood red pupil greatly contrasted the pitch black sclera. It stared ahead, rarely blinking. An eerie sight for any to see.

At last the ghoul came to a halt, stood stoically before Arima, who stared at it blankly. A staring contest began between the two, tension rising from them. Arima glared at the ghoul, and it stared back boldly.

"Who are you?" Arima asked the young ghoul, eyes switching between Hide and the ghoul. His eyes were full of unwavering suspicion as he glared at the duo. Of coarse, seeing a ghoul willingly walk into a CCG base carrying a unconscious human will do that to you.

The ghoul frowned slightly, as if coming to a conclusion Arima was not aware of. It remained silent for a moment before replying. "He needs emergency medical care. His name is Hideyoshi Nagachika, attacked by a ghoul of Aogiri."

Tense silence began again, all of the investigators looking on in wonder, no doubt trying to figure out what Arima's next move would be.

"...Medical team one, Yuri Ozaku." Arima called. A man with a red cross on his armour stepped forward, trembling slightly as he took Hide from the ghoul. It stared at him mercilessly, the message was clear. Touch a hair on his head and I'll kill you. And though it glared, it made no effort to stop him from getting to the blonde.

As the medic fled the scene, eager to evade the two killing machines, Arima turned to the ghoul once more. Fixing his gaze on the kakugun, he continued their 'conversation.'

"I will repeat my question. Who, or rather, What, are you?"

The ghoul frowned slightly. It was deciding on whether to tell Arima of it's status. Eventually it seemed to come to a conclusion, and replied:

"I an called 'Eyepatch.' I do not know if that will tell you anything. Though I do believe that recently you have re-named me. Centipede? Was that it?"

Arima frowned at the sudden hostile emphasis used on the second name.

"Correct me if I am mistaken," Arima said, slowly and sullenly in attempts to calm the ghoul, "But are you, or are you not, the ghoul special Investigator Amon faced off against?"

"I am that ghoul. I requested entry, and Amon would not allow me to leave. Combat was the only remaining option."

Eyepatch seemed so broken. So empty. He wasn't like the other ghouls Arima had faced. He was humane, and that was the highest compliment a ghoul could ask for, as far as the CCG cared. It wasn't often you met a ghoul like this. After all, one-eyed ghouls were always closer to humans than normal ghouls. But there was still a large issue to be spoken of.

"Where is he? Why does he not pick up our radio channels?"

"He is not dead, if that is what you're inquiring, There was no reason for him to die."

All of a sudden, the ghoul turned away. The conversation seemingly forgotten, as he began to leave.

"Where do you think you're going?" Muttered Arima, barely loud enough for Eyepatch to hear him.

Eyepatch glanced over his shoulder, pausing his walk and saying nothing as he stared back. The half-breed then turned away and continued leaving. "I intend to return home. I have nothing left for me here."

"And you're under the impression we'll just let you leave?"

The ghoul, whose real name was Kaneki Ken, smirked back in response, clearly not taking the threat seriously. First-Class Special Investigator Arima lifted his briefcase, preparing for combat, but before he could release the Quinque stored inside, the ghoul disappeared. Looking almost as though he disappeared with the wind.

"Yes."

Back at his tiny apartment, Kaneki groaned in anger and frustration.

"...Shit."

He slumped down on his bed, ignoring the rock-hard mattress creak in rebuttal to the added weight. He allowed himself to fall from the mattress to the floor, where he left his head hanging between his legs.

"Goddamn it... Piece of... Ugh..."

Realization hit him as hard as a train as he began silently sobbing. Two tear tracks formed on his face, one a icy transparent hue, and the other a thick burgundy. He was crying water and blood from his eye and kakugan.

What will I do? He thought, whimpering in distress, Hide knows about me... I am a monster... A ghoul! In addition, the CCG have seen my face. I... I cannot remain here. I cannot stay in Japan!

Shakily, Kaneki stood, and limped to his wardrobe. Removing a large suitcase from it, he began to pack his personal belongings. He changed his clothes, before placing his bloodied fighting clothes and Eyepatch mask (Which he had retrieved on the journey home.) in the case. In another bag, be placed some of his favourite novels, as well as other essentials. After ensuring he hadn't left anything behind, he left the apartment, breaking the key in the lock. Looking back only once to see his beloved little home for the last time, he picked up his phone.

"Hello! Kaneki-kun! Are you alright? Are you alive? In trouble? Must I assist you in the murder of some damn doves?!"

Patiently waiting for Tsukiyama to regain his composure, Kaneki remained silent. When the voice on the other side of the phone faded, Kaneki spoke up.

"I am fine. But I believe it is time for me to call in that favour you owe me..."

Done!

Just like in the original, UA and I are working together on this. Also like in the original, BOLD means JAPANESE SPEECH!