Disclaimer: I own NOTHING except for my OC. Credit goes to the author to Tokyo Ghoul. I also do not own the book cover, credit goes to its creator as well. Also this is taken from my wattpad account and transferred here for the sake of entertainment and sharing my fanfic. The events follow the manga but with my own OC as part of the story line.

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A/N: Rewritten on 10/07/17

This has been edited before but due to some circumstances, I've decided to completely overhaul my entire fanfic. There is a chance that some parts might be deleted or changed so if you feel lost then please reread this from chapter one again. I'm sorry for the inconvenience but I wanted to try and deliver a better reading experience to you all and create a whole new world similar yet somewhat different from the manga-verse of TG and TG:re.

So once again, let me welcome you all to my first ever TG fanfic!

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Chapter I: Binge Eater Rize

"Normal is an Illusion... what is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly..."

-Charles Addams-

--*--

-*Flip*-

My eyes twitched and then calmed as I took a long sip of my mocha-flavored drink.

-*Flip*-

I felt a vein pop as I controlled the urge to yell inside the shop. I could feel Hide's nervous gaze at me as he desperately tried to warn his best friend of the impending danger that was to befall him.

-*Flip*-

That was the last straw and I swiped the book as quickly as I could and gave him the death glare. His eyes widened for a second and then when he saw the look of irritation on my face, he suddenly paled and gulped.

"Seriously, Kaneki. I was already giving you the signs but you were so engrossed in that book of yours to notice." Hide sighed as I triumphantly smiled and placed the book far from Kaneki's reach.

"But I was getting to the good part, Ayame-san. Could you at least let me finish the chapter?" Kaneki begged but I shook my head. After I just swiped the book from him? Did he think I was stupid?

"No. We finally get a day off since school's been cancelled and I refuse to spend it with you doing nothing but reading this difficult book and Hide being his usual perverted self." I pointed out. Hide scowled at my remark and Kaneki whimpered at my angry tone. Glad to at least know they understood.

"All three of us have been friends for as long as I can remember, Ayame. We see each other every day that it's starting to make me sick." Hide joked and I slapped him with Kaneki's book which made Kaneki pale.

"My... B-bo..." He could only whimper while Hide sent me a glare as he rubbed the bruise beginning to form on his head.

"See, this is why no guy would like you. You're like an ape-woman!" He exclaimed before dodging another hit from me. I clicked my tongue at his triumphant look and threw the book back to Kaneki who quickly checked his book for any damages.

"Ape-woman your face! Like you've ever had a single girlfriend." I snapped back and the two of us began to bicker, with Kaneki being in the middle- back to reading his book while dodging cups that aimed his way. The sound of the T.V. stopped Hide from his attempt to throw a cup my way as his eyes and ears strained to the news being broadcasted. A grisly scene appeared on screen as the news anchor relayed the events of today's headlines.

'On the 28th, part of the remains of a man's body was found on the street by the Takada Building. Fluids from what is thought to be a 'Ghoul' was left at the scene. Investigators are considering this the work of an 'Eater' type and are commencing a search in the surrounding area. There are fears of an 'Eater' attacking the city of Tokyo but... What are they actually like? Today we will ask Dr. Ogura, a researcher who studies 'Eater' types...' The news continued on but I tuned it out, getting worried at all the talk about these so-called "Ghouls".

"Heh, what a sketchy looking guy. Even his get-up looks suspicious," Hide remarked after the news ended.

"It is quite scary though, the Takada Building isn't far from here remember." I reminded him to which Hide just shrugged and a mischievous smile formed on his face.

"Though I doubt they'd want a piece of you. They'd just spit you out the moment they got a bite." He joked, making me squash the cup in my hand as a tick mark appeared on my head.

"Now Kaneki on the other hand would be eaten up in a second. A scrawny kid like him who's always reading difficult books." Hide added in and Kaneki shut his book with a sigh.

"What do you mean difficult? If you and Ayame-san would just pick up a book then you'd both understand."

"Me and books just don't mix, Kaneki. I'd just bore myself to death on the first page." Hide yawned as he rested his head on the table. I guess, even if we did fight a lot, Hide and I did have one thing in common- our boredom for books.

"Anyways... I was just thinking. Not once have I ever seen a 'Ghoul'. Do they even exist? Monsters that eat people..." Kaneki trailed off and both Hide and I gave him a curious look.

"They must exist. I mean it is all over the news." I replied as all three of us started scribbling something onto a piece of paper.

"I've heard they disguise as humans and lie and wait... then they suddenly appear just like that," Hide said before he frowned at his work and grabbed an eraser. I saw Kaneki deep in thought as he continued to scribble on his sheet.

"What if Ayame was a Ghoul!? It'd explain why she's so scary like a monster." Hide nodded proudly to himself as I resisted the urge to hit him again.

"Why is it always me? What about Kaneki? He could be a Ghoul." I gestured to Kaneki which took him by surprise.

"Idiot. If I had been a Ghoul then both of you would be dead." Kaneki pointed out and paled when he realized what he had done. Hide controlled himself not to laugh as I flinched at what Kaneki had just called me.

"Did you just call me an idiot!?" I growled and almost toppled him off his chair, earning us a few looks from a couple of people in the cafe.

"Y-you said 'disguised as' right, Hide? What if they're just monsters in the shape of man?" Kaneki speculated before flinching in pain when I pinched his cheeks painfully.

"Awaye-chwan, iyt huwts." Kaneki cried pitifully until I released him while he rubbed his sore cheeks.

"Oh you mean something like this?" Hide showed his rather... ummm... scrawny illustration of a Ghoul. I snorted at his work, which earned me a glare as I snatched Kaneki's work from the table.

"At least Kaneki has more skills in art than you." I snickered when we saw Kaneki's take on the idea of a Ghoul.

"You're so high mighty, well let's see your 'Ghoul'." Hide demanded as he snatched my sheet from my side of the table. He and Kaneki stared at the picture for a long time before bursting into giggles. I turned red in embarrassment when Hide waved in the air my terrible stick-man rendition of a Ghoul.

"Well, at least I know who last place will be." He smiled haughtily as I snatched the paper back and dumped it in my bag.

"Dammit, Hide. I really hate you right now." I grumbled, getting even more pissed off at the sound of their chuckles.

"Anyways, let's just talk about something else." Hide's smile widened as he wrapped his arm around Kaneki's neck.

"For example," Hide whispered in Kaneki's ear. "Which one's the coffee shop girl you were talking about?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes before sighing at my two friends. "Seriously, of all the things to talk about, we talk about girls?"

"Ack! You guys are shouting! Hide stop looking around." Kaneki tried to shush Hide until Hide's roaming eyes stopped and I followed his gaze to a beautiful waitress taking orders over at another table. Her blackish-violet hair reached till the nape of her neck and a long bang covered half her face until the chin. She looked to be about our age or a year younger and I wasn't surprised why guys would fawn over her. With that smile and body... she was no doubt very beautiful.

"Is it her?" Hide and I said in unison and Kaneki turned to the girl and blushed.

"N-no, she's a waitress here. I was talking about a customer." Kaneki stuttered but went unheard as Hide raised his hand and called the girl over. Kaneki cringed when she approached us and smiled as she took out her note pad.

"Excuse me! Can I have one cappuccino please? What about you guys!?" Hide asked rather excitedly at both of us. Ugh, another prey for Hide's little pick-ups.

"I-I'm fine..." Kaneki only said whereas I ordered another cup of mocha. While the girl was busy jotting down our orders, I saw Hide smirk as he leaned back and gave the girl one long look.

I couldn't help but sigh and think, 'Here he goes again...'

"Excuse me, but what might your name be?" Hide flashed her a smile and the girl just looked at him nervously.

"K-Kirishima T-Touka," she managed to say before Hide grabbed her by the hand which made mine and Kaneki's eyes grow wide like saucers.

Well... He's being straight forward today.

"Kirishima-san! Do you have a boyfriend!?" Hide suddenly asked excitedly and Touka's eyes grew wide in surprised as she blushed.

"I-I... I don't!" She shouted and ran off.

"Real smooth, Hide. Real smooth." I chuckle and Kaneki glares at Hide, reprimanding him for doing such a thing.

"Just don't do anymore weird things, Hide. This shop is the only connection I have to that girl." Kaneki sighed while he rubbed the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

I chuckled at his pitiful state and slapped him at the back before speaking, "Cheer up! Maybe it's a sign you're not meant to be."

At this, Kaneki turns bright red and lowers his head, prompting me to try and gain Hide's love-struck attention.

"Did I hit him too hard?" I asked Hide as he turned to Kaneki and asked him if he was okay. Kaneki pointed weakly behind us and we turned to find a beautiful and voluptuous woman with long purple hair and mesmerizing light violet eyes enter the cafe. She wore a long dress that showed the cleavage of her breast and I saw countless of men turn her way as she walked in and took her seat on the farther part of the cafe.

"Oh, so it's that girl..." I said in awe before I heared a slap and I turned to see Hide rest his hands rather harshly on Kaneki's shoulders.

"Give up man!" Hide shook his head before jutting his chin to the woman, "A hottie like her? I bet she'll transform the moment you took off her glasses."

"I guess we will never make a match..." He only mutters dejectedly which made me feel bad for Kaneki. I understand Hide meant well but for you to just say it frankly... well it was one flaw Hide and I had.

"But it's fine just seeing her right? You never know, fate might have a way with things." I shrugged and I saw him smile at the idea.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"So what, you're going to be a love expert now?" Hide grinned and I nodded which took them by surprise.

"What? Our friend is love sick, Hide! He needs our help."

"But you have no experience with guys!"

"And neither do you have with girls." I rebutted which caused us to argue again while Kaneki tried to stop us.

"It's alright guys! Besides... when our eyes meet she smiles a little. Maybe if she shared the same feelings as mine..." Kaneki trailed off and we stared at him like he had just grown two heads.

"You kinda being that type of guy... it's creepy..." Hide could only say in shock. Even I couldn't believe it... my own shy friend actually thinks like that?

"Did Hide finally get to you!? Oh god... why my innocent Kaneki." I cried and he only stared at us in embarrassment and exasperation.

"You know she's giving you a forced smile because she thinks you're suspicious." Hide only pointed out and Kaneki blushed crimson.

"Don't be stupid!" He exclaimed and Hide just waved him off as he picked up his things while slinging his backpack.

"What off so soon?" I said as I took another sip from my mocha that was now beginning to turn cold.

"Well I got to see the girl Kaneki was talking about but you know me, I'm a busy man."

"Yeah... right." I scoffed and he just shrugged.

"Well good luck delusion boy! See ya ape woman! Good bye Kirishima-san!" Hide waved as he walked off, Touka blushing scarlet at his declaration before darting to the back of the café.

"D-delusion boy?"

"Who are you calling an ape woman!?" I demanded but it only reached deaf ears when the door behind him closed shut without a remark.

With Hide gone, Kaneki and I just decided to return to our seats. Having nothing better to do, I took out my laptop to finish my essay whereas Kaneki continued to read his book. It wasn't because we ran out of words to say, it was just... what one would call the comfortable silence.

After all, all three of us had been friends since we were very young, our bond isn't that easy to break. It was no wonder why I never made any more friends. Kaneki and Hide were the only people I needed. Even if Hide was sometimes annoying or if Kaneki was a shy cry baby, I didn't care. I owe this present self of mine to them after all.

They are my most precious treasure.

"Ah!" I looked up from what I was doing and saw Kaneki apologizing to the woman with purple hair. She got down to pick up his fallen book and her eyes shone in interest at the literature she was holding.

"This is interesting. I was reading the exact same book." She winked at him and I felt a proud sensation in my heart. See, Hide was wrong. She now looks like she's interested at my friend.

"Do you like him? Takatsuki?" She asked but Kaneki was too tongue-tied to speak. Oh come on Kaneki! If you mess up now you'll never get the chance... He stuttered for a bit but I knew it was futile. I guess I have to take matters into my own hands then...

"He's a die-hard fan of the guy. Has all his novels in his house. Heck, He never stops talking about him." I joined in and froze when I felt the hairs on my skin rise. For some odd reason, I felt as though the woman was glaring at me before turning back to a blushing Kaneki with a smile still plastered on her face.

How odd. It's not like I was bad mouthing the author right?

"Is that so?" She giggles and they soon begin to talk about Takatsuki Sen and his works. I take this as my cue to leave and I bid Kaneki a good luck before heading out.

"I guess she's found another one." I stopped halfway through the door and turned to see Touka and the manager looking at each other worriedly.

It could have been any other person they were referring to but why did I feel like it was directed at that woman Kaneki was talking to right now. Something felt wrong as if this was a calm before a storm...

-The Next Day-

"Eh, so you're going out with her already?" Hide and I said in unison as Kaneki nodded happily at the announcement. It was a typical sunny day and the three of us decided to spend our weekend at a nearby restaurant.

"I guess people do get lucky sometimes..." Hide trailed off.

Kaneki blushed while scratching his cheek. "Well I do owe Ayame-san a thanks. If it hadn't been for her then I'd never have gotten the chance to talk to her."

I couldn't help but blush at his compliment, quite glad that I actually made his day.

"Really now? How about being my wing woman next time then?" Hide turned my way and I shook my head.

"The women of this world are much safer away from you, Hide."

"You didn't have to be so blunt... So Kaneki, what's her name then?" Hide asked after frowning at my rather painful rejection to helping him catch a date. Kaneki blushed and coughed to try and compose himself

"Her name's Kamishiro Rize. This time we're going to give each other novel recommendations." He said rather proudly. A book... recommendation? Well it sounds... nerdy. I guess Hide is right, Kaneki just scored himself a sexy and nerdy chick.

"It's my first ever outing with a girl... it's a dream book store date!" He elaborated rather excitedly before I whacked him on the head.

"What do you mean first outing with a girl? Are implying that I'm not one?" I cracked my fingers as Kaneki whimpered.

"What I-I mean is a girl besides you, Ayame-san." He apologized and I huffed before taking my seat.

"When did you even consider yourself a girl? Unlike Touka-san or Rize, you have zero sex appeal. Your strength is like a man's and even the way you dress is like a guy." Hide pointed out and I turned to my outfit which consisted of a black long-sleeved hoodie and a pair of jeans with blue rubber shoes. I glared back at him and grabbed him by the collar.

"Are you implying something, Hideyoshi?"

"And whatever would that be?" He smirked at me and I pushed him away. Zero sex appeal my ass, he's just upset Kaneki got a girl first before him. I continued to mutter curses at him while he ignored me and turned back to the main star - our friend Kaneki.

"I don't really understand the appeal of a date in a book store but... you go and have fun, okay." He smiled and Kaneki beamed.

"Thanks a lot guys!" He grinned and I couldn't help but grin as well. I guess I never really have the heart to stay mad at them for long.

"When it's over you better tell us the juicy stories, okay!" I patted him on the back before we went our separate ways.

--*--

'Do I really look like a guy?' I pondered to myself as I stared at the mirror, dressed in another different colored hoodie and jeans. I tore the fabric off my body and tossed it on the floor.

"Why can't I be just as fashionable as my sister..." I mumble while I padded off to the tiny kitchen and cooked myself some instant noodles before dressing up into my pajamas.

Living in a dorm far from home is hard... I miss mom's cooking, dad's stack of blue prints scattered in the house, and even my sister's dress up time. I guess that was the reason why when it concerned Hide and Kaneki, I always had time.

Being far from home can be very lonely.

But it's not like I feel lonely most of the time. After all, Kaneki and Hide always made up for it when we're at school or when we get the chance to hang out. I guess with Rize finally in the picture… it just made me nervous at the idea that Kaneki might have little time to hang out with us. I know it's not in his nature to leave his friends but I just can't help but feel like we're getting left behind.

'An identical incident has occurred on Shirakami Street. The fluid's composition matches that of the incident from the 28th...' I switched the cable to a different channel that talked about how to dress up in a more feminine fashion, my mind just trying to stay positive and focus on a different topic rather than Kaneki and Rize.

"I guess I do have to work on becoming more like a female..." I say to no one in particular as I sip the soup and sigh, that feeling still lingering in my body. A sense of worry and nervousness as if something ominous was about to descend over. I didn't know why but it was just how I felt, seeing as good things have been happening lately and I can't help but wonder if a trade-off will come at a price…

-The Next Day-

"This should do the trick." I tie the red bow neatly like a ponytail and admire it in the mirror. Following the fashion advice on the television, I decided to go with a white short-sleeved sundress with dandelion prints on the hem. The dress was tight which highlighted my curves making me laugh when I remembered Hide say I had no sex appeal.

Ha, wrong again, Hide. I actually have a nice body.

I take a faded white cardigan with me and grab my white purse and laptop before putting on my sandals and leaving the house.

So for today's mission... prove to Hide and Kaneki that I'm actually a girl. Easy enough but where do I start?

"How about that Italian restaurant Hide was suggesting us the other day..." I think to myself and nod. Not only is it in the center of Tokyo, it's also near a university so chances are that I might meet a few nice guys, right? Feeling optimistic at the prospect, I hail a taxi and jump in, telling the driver my destination for the day.

"Looking pretty today, aren't we. Getting ready for a date?" The taxi driver greeted and I grinned. Ha, a first compliment from someone other than Hide or Kaneki.

"You best be careful though... I wouldn't be surprised if something other than a human nabs at you." I felt the temperature turn cold at the driver's warning my smile faltering in the process.

'Something other than a human... was he referring to a Ghoul?' I put on my cardigan to hide my skin at the thought just as we were nearing the location of my supposed 'date'.

"It is broad daylight so I doubt they'd make a scene but please... do be careful." Were his last words before he drove off.

Great, now I feel too scared to even show off some skin... just the thought of attracting a Ghoul suddenly scared me. Although I had yet to see one, the paranoia in me just wouldn't let me have fun... I guess I'll just have to forego the idea of finding a date and just head on to the place to have lunch...

--*--

"One lasagna, please." I ordered before taking out my laptop and doing another one of my home works. So much for dressing up... I just wasted my time only to do my homework at another restaurant.

"So Kaneki-san what is your number one recommendation?" My ears perked up at the sound of that familiar name and I looked up to find Kamishiro Rize talking to Kaneki not too far from my table.

Wait- of course! This was the restaurant Hide himself recommended 'us'. Knowing Kaneki, he would've wanted to impress Rize on their first date and so probably decided to take her here. This 'is' technically his first date so who best to take advice from than Hide himself...

Of course, Hide could barely even catch a girl's eye with his attitude but this was Hide we were talking about, surely Kaneki figured that he had good tastes to recommend prospective dates, right?

It's a good thing I'm dressed differently right now. If Kaneki saw me, no doubt he'd think I was spying on him. Oh the embarrassing words Hide would subject me to!

"Oh, speaking of Takatsuki, his short story collections is just as interesting too." She continued on and on until I ended up tuning out her voice. I guess they are a match in heaven.

Two book fanatics... I feel so dizzy just thinking about it.

"Oh, is something wrong?" I could hear Rize ask curiously and I turned to find a blushing Kaneki, his eyes looking away from what I assumed was Rize's cleavage. Not Kaneki too... I guess guys just can't help the allure of an almost exposed breast.

"Here's your meal." The woman said just as she handed me my order. I was about to take a bite but paused when I saw Rize walk by, heading for the restroom. I look at her petite form and wonder to myself if maybe I should go on a diet... nah!

"I'm going to die someday so why not enjoy what life has to offer." I stuff myself with lasagna and savor the dish before swallowing it.

I see Rize walk back and when our eyes meet, I felt as if a hundred needles suddenly pricked at my body. That look... such a murderous aura. I tried to shake that feeling away as I look back to see her waving at me kindly.

Did I just dream that up?

I look back to the lasagna and push the food away, my stomach no longer in the mood for another bite.

"Maybe I should just head home..." I sigh to myself as I get up from my seat and exit the restaurant.

--*--

"Is this really mess up Ayame's life day?" I wonder to myself aloud as I walk towards the destination of my house. It was already getting late and still not a single taxi even dared to stop for me. It was fine when it was in the morning... so what makes this time any different...

Oh yeah, because almost all of the people are going home by then.

"That's it! I regret ever leaving the house." I mumbled angrily before deciding to just head on to a coffee house and wait it out until the area wasn't so crowded before I catch a cab home.

Taking sharp turn from the restaurant, a yelp escapes my lips when I collided onto a passing civilian and apologized profusely for my carelessness. He didn't seem to mind, even giving me a brief smile before moving on.

Just as I sighed in relief at managing that embarrassing encounter, my body could only freeze when I heard a familiar voice call out to me.

"Ayame-san? What are doing here?"

There before me stood Kaneki and Rize, the former looking at me curiously while the latter's face was unreadable. I felt like I had blacked out for a minute, cursing myself to the oblivion that they had caught me when I specifically tried my best to stay hidden.

What was I going to say? Being honest and telling them that I was out to prove myself an eligible bachelorette was stupid and even more suspicious to Kaneki who already knew first-hand about my stalking issues with Hide whenever we hear a rumor of him catching a date.

"I-um... Wanted to eat out and try the restaurant Hide recommended us. I didn't think we'd see each other... Fancy seeing you both here..." I laughed nervously, avoiding the suspicious gaze Kaneki was sending me.

"Do you want to come along then? We live quite close to each other so we can walk home toge-,"

"No!" I quickly stopped him, taking him by surprise at my sudden rejection. What an idiot! This was their first date, wasn't it? If Hide taught him any better, he should know that having me tag along is like the biggest no-no you would ever do. Does he want her to hate me? She'll only get turned off with him if he asks me to come along.

Not only that, I would be practically third-wheeling and that's even more humiliating. Gods, Kaneki can be so dense sometimes!

"I mean-," I try to correct myself while adjusting my cardigan and purse. "I'm waiting for someone so-,"

"I don't mind the company so you don't have to feel nervous, Ayame-san," Rize cuts me off making me shiver at the unnatural way she smiled at me. She must be clearly pissed at me now.

"Really? What do you think, Ayame-san?" Kaneki (ever the oblivious one) brightened up when she agreed before turning to me with an expectant look on his face. I could only face-palm internally to myself, wondering how Kaneki couldn't hear the way her tone implied otherwise.

It was obvious she wanted to be alone with him and was only inviting me since Kaneki was my friend.

"Really, I should stay-,"

"No, I insist..." Rize tried to assure me before the tone of her voice changed, her brows etching in worry while she glanced carefully around us.

"Um... my house is a little bit before the Takada Building street. Recently, there was an incident there."

"Oh, you mean those Ghouls," He said and Rize nodded.

"I'm scared of walking home alone... I think about it so much that I can't sleep at night. I've been worried about it ever since." Rize continued on as her body shook from fright.

I couldn't help but suddenly feel sorry for her. The fact that she was willing to accept my sudden entrance into their date out of fear for being left alone in a dangerous area kind of made me feel guilty for thinking badly of her. Even though she clearly wanted to spend the day with Kaneki, she had decided to bring her pride down and admit that safety in numbers would be the better option.

"How about we walk you home then." Kaneki suggested to which Rize smiled-

A smile so sinister I turned completely pale at the sight. I blinked a couple of times, wondering if I was just imagining it. This was probably the third time I saw that expression of hers, like a huntress marking her prey. I don't even know why I was seeing it, since there was nothing that we did that warranted such a reaction.

As we continued to walk away from the crowd that began to thin, the empty alleyway of the Takada Street where we arrived felt suddenly ten times colder as I watched Kaneki and Rize's back walking ahead of me and talking casually with each other about topics I couldn't seem to comprehend due to the anxiety eating up at me.

This feeling of fear and worry... The last time I felt this frightened... I couldn't seem to recall when and yet the feeling wasn't foreign.

Like a fly caught in a spider's web- trapped and completely at the mercy of death...

"I can walk alone safely from here on now." Snapping me from my inner turmoil, I saw Rize casting us that unnatural smile of hers again, her hands to her back.

For reasons unknown, I felt as if my body had gone light, relief washing over me that soon she would be gone from our sight. It was rude to think so but it was like warning bells were resounding in my mind- the farther we were from her the safer we would be was what it told me.

As if a past experience reminded me that people like her were dangerous. Something I found quite laughable given that it was my own doing that had paired them up in the first place.

"I see." Kaneki returned her gesture as well with his own nervous smile but I could hear the slight tone of disappointment in it that the escort had ended probably too soon for his liking.

"I had fun," she replied before taking us by surprise when she abruptly embraced him, Kaneki's cheeks a flaming red as well as mine. She didn't seem to mind that I was watching, her hands snaking around his back as she rested her head on his neck which made me quickly look away in embarrassment and awkwardness.

But that was my undoing, the moment I looked away was the moment I heard an ear splitting cry that made my blood turn cold.

A glare of black and red greeted me when I abruptly looked up, Kaneki's figure backing away while gripping his bleeding shoulder tightly. Horror and palpable fear could only flicker in my eyes at the sight of Rize, her lips stained with blood while her tongue licked at her bloodied hands in ecstasy.

Adrenaline kicked in the moment she so much as moved, my hands grabbing Kaneki by the arm before we both made a run for it.

"A-gh-... Aya-me...an!" Kaneki groaned in pain as we turned a corner, my hand fumbling for my phone while the other had a vice-grip over my friend's.

Shit. Shit. Shit. What just- did Rize just turn into a monster? Could she be a Ghoul? Is that what a Ghoul looks like? What- how-

"H-Hello, police! I need help please. Umm... My name is Fujiko- Fujiko Ayame, I'm here at the street near... Um, what was it? Uhh-yes! Street near the Takada Building. Please, I need help. We're in trouble! I-I think it's a ghoul!" I managed to say as we ran, my mind nearly trying to shut down at the shock and danger that was presented before us.

'Calm down, ma'm. We'll be there in-' My vision tilted when I felt something pull me back harshly, my phone skittering to the ground when I fell flat on my butt.

My grip on Kaneki loosened and my head snapped behind me to see Rize's form closing in on us, her posture bent like a lioness ready to pounce.

"Hehe that expression is exquisite! Yes... it's me. It never occurred to you both did it?" She cackled like a demented killer.

"That I am a Ghoul!" She screamed in manic glee just as something liquid-like exploded from her lower-back.

I didn't wait for whatever it was that was happening to her. Using her momentary pause as she transformed, I scrambled to get up and grab Kaneki by the arm.

"A-Ayame-san!? Where are we-,"

"Shut it! I'll explain to you when we get out of this mess." I only said. We were about to make it to an open area when a tentacle shot out of nowhere and grabbed Kaneki by leg, making us painfully hit the ground.

"Got you~~" She purred and glared at my direction.

"Here to foil my plans, neh~ Ayame-san but not to worry, I always have an extra stomach for seconds. Although, I do prefer men over women." She giggled and I felt Kaneki push me behind him as he did his best to put on a brave face in front of Rize.

"L-leave her out of this!" He shouted and I saw Rize frown at his bravado.

"Kaneki!" I felt tears escape my eyes as I gripped onto his good arm tightly. Kaneki the cry baby... since when did he put up such a brave face? Is he seriously thinking that Rize would let even one of us survive!?

"This must be the first claw you have ever seen... It'd be fun to scratch the inside of your stomachs when I'm through with you!" She cackled and I watched as she raised the tentacle into the air. Her strike came down but Kaneki pushed me away and dodged the tentacle in time, using the pen as a distraction before grabbing me and making a run for it.

"Too slow." She giggled and the sound of something wet being stabbed echoed through the alley. Blood smeared my face as I stared in horror at Kaneki, impaled by the tentacle and sent flying to a nearby metal wall.

"K-KA-KANEKI!" I screamed in horror, the sound loud enough that I felt like my lungs would explode.

"Hehehe, did you die, Kaneki-san?" Rize smiled in pure glee as she sauntered towards Kaneki's body. I clumsily scrambled to his side, blocking him from the monster that was Rize.

"What? You want to join in too? Can't you wait until I finish him off first?" Rize raised her tentacles, ready to attack as I hugged Kaneki tightly, prepared to receive her blow.

-*Splat* *Clang*-

The sound of metals ringing against each other and the sound of something being squashed made me open my eyes to see several metal beams impaling Rize on the floor. Her dead eyes wide in shock as if she had never expected such a twist to happen.

"Did she... die?" I asked to myself, wondering if this was all a dream or not. I felt something warm and sticky soak in my hand and my eyes turned wide when I realized that this was no dream.

Turning my head I see Kaneki, unconscious and his blood creating a huge puddle before us; soaking my white dress in crimson red.

"Kaneki? KANEKI!?" I called out to him as I felt for his pulse. It was weak but if this went on...

"Help! Please, anyone help!" I shouted desperately, my voice hoarse and weak as I pressed my cardigan on his wound.

"Oh god, Kaneki please! Please don't die on me!" I cried while screaming for help. Please someone... anyone... save my friend...

Don't let him die… don't let them die…

"Did you hear that noise!? Wait is that a person!? Get an ambulance quick!" Several voices resounded as my tears continued to overflow. Shadows gathered around us to offer their help, a hand clasping over my shaking ones as if comforting me.

"Please save my friend!" I cried when the ambulance arrived and the men lifted him into the vehicle.

"We'll try ma'm but with these critical injuries he might not-," The man tried to say but I refused to listen as I gripped Kaneki's hand tightly.

"This is all my fault, Kaneki! I never should have..." I cried continuously begging some unknown force out there to save him. Just please...save him. It was all I could think of as they rolled him out of the ambulance and into the ICU not long after. I continued to grasp his hand tightly, praying over and over again for his recovery.

"I'm sorry but this is as far as you can go, ma'm." I heard someone say as they pried my hands from Kaneki's and rolled him into the operating room.

--To be Continued--

So how was chapter one? Rate and Review guys! Always expecting to know from someone how my story is going.