Part 1.
The blaring of my alarm clock threw me off guard, and I fell out of my bed; the comfort of my covers leaving me behind. Today was going to be the start of something new. I was going to be apart of the CCG, though I was nothing but an in office assistant. Since moving to this city, I found that the number of ghouls was much larger than I expected. Though I'm human, I don't have much against them at all. Everyone has a life to live, and maybe my working at the CCG could change things.
While reveling in my thoughts, I got dressed for the day, keeping my uniform tidy. I'll be honest, I'm scared. Hell, I didn't even apply for the job at the CCG, a friend threw in an application; and because many of their investigators and other workers were killed in a recent takedown attempt, I was accepted without a proper interview.
"Come on Mariko," I stared at myself in the mirror, taking in my appearance. "You can do this."
I'm only eighteen, but in that short of a life, I hadn't come across a ghoul at all; but there was a gut wrenching feeling that something terrible was going to happen. I left my small apartment, making sure to lock the door and I pushed my way through the early morning drunkard fight nearby. Ducking, I narrowly avoided an alcohol bottle that shattered on the wall behind me. I rushed, wanting to make it out into public, as to not get caught in the crossfire. The As I exited the alley of my apartment, I glanced over to see the HySy artmask Studio. Since I moved here, I often saw the door, wondering what went on in there, but I never had the courage to take a look. Maybe someday I will.
Checking my watch, I picked up my pace yet again to the main office where I would get started.
"I wonder what I'll be doing first; maybe intel, or interrogation?"
"Inoue!" A voice shouted my last name, making me freeze in my steps.
"Yes sir!" I saluted to an old family friend, Takaku Otama, who had been working at the CCG for a while.
"Good to see you early on your first day. Don't expect to do anything drastic, you're just looking around for the day."
Takaku Otama, was a friend of my older brother, and made himself into a well known investigator. We didn't share the same view on ghouls, but we still got along even then.
"Can't I do more? I have a few theories I want to put to the test."
"Too dangerous for someone so inexperienced. But, you can tell me about it later; and if my superior approves, we can put it into motion." he gave me a cheesy wink and proceeded to show me around.
I couldn't help the giddy cheer that bubbled in my throat at the thought at testing an idea I had been conjuring since I moved here.
The CCG headquarters was huge! I didn't think so many people could work in a place like this. During my tour, I met countless people who either were interested in the new recruit, or saw through me to talk to someone else. Let me tell you, if you meet someone like that, don't let your hand sit out waiting for a handshake. The level of embarrassment increases with each second; especially with others watching it happen. Takaku showed me where my desk was, and allowed me to sit down before getting down to business.
"Alright, tell me these theories you have."
"Well, I have two theories. The first one is… what if some ghouls aren't so bad?"
"Mariko, you know the answer to this. Of course they're bad."
"How do you know?" I felt myself snap at him.
"They eat people. Ghouls aren't like us."
"Couldn't that be similar to how we eat animals? They have feelings and families that we take them away from. Why would this be any different?"
"That's just how it is, Mariko. Remember, we're the good guys here. So…" he took a long pause with the awkward moment. "What was that other theory you had?"
"I heard about The Pierrot. I wanted to look into who created the group and what they're planning to do. I don't know if any of them are human or ghoul, so that could be a place to start."
"Alright then-" Takaku. Here's some paperwork for you to get through, and tomorrow, we can get working on that second theory of yours." he walked away, leaving me alone in the cubicle for work. With a sigh, I began scribbling down notes and other things.
When the day ended, I slipped out of the CCG building, opting to change into more comfortable clothes. This district had quite a few encounters, and I felt extremely lucky that on my walk home, I hadn't encountered any of them. Turning through an alley, I began to work through the winding turns and dives before finding the path that led to my apartment. How did I ever find a place like this; so hidden. As I walked, I found myself just in front of the HySy studio. Maybe I should check it out.
With a push of bravery, I knocked. After half a minute, nothing happened. I didn't want to knock again, but there was a pull for me to open the door. The last thing I wanted to do was be rude. While in my thought war, I had opened the door; a looming darkness ahead of me. My feet were moving on their own, and I stepped inside of the shop. The lighting wasn't too bad, I could still see, but the one thing that caught me off guard were the mannequin standees covered in masks; as well as the masks hanging from the walls.
"Hello? Is anyone here?" Against my better judgment, I continued moving along, becoming drawn to one of the masks. It was a soft gray color, and took the appearance of a shadow. I wonder how much it would cost?
"May I ask what you're doing in my shop?" That voice was too close for comfort. I whirled around, my brown eyes meeting black sclera and red irises. With a yelp I flung to the floor, unable to concentrate on anything other than his eyes; the eyes of a ghoul.
"S-sorry, I was just curious about this place. I'll leave." I scrambled to my feet in an attempt to run, only to be pulled back. The man began to sniff at me, his hold on my shirt tight.
"You're far from home." he finally let me go.
"Well… not r-really, I moved in just around the corner." Why did I just tell a ghoul that?
"I see, so you're curious about this mask. Why would you need one?"
"I-I didn't. It does look nice, though."
The man's expression remained blank, leaving me unsure if he was actually interested in conversation.
"Are you afraid of something?" there was a hint of a smirk in his tone.
"No." Think of a way out, Mirako. "Maybe I should get going. Sorry for bothering you."
"Nonsense. Come, have a seat." I kept my bag, containing my CCG uniform close. If this guy really is a ghoul, I wouldn't want to think about what could happen to me. As we walked to the back of this shop, I was able to get a better look at him. His dark hair was quite long aside from undercut. He had a lot of piercings and tattoos. Those had to hurt.
I sat in a chair and he began to wrap measuring tape around my head. From his position, he blocked me off from the way out. Shoot.
"So tell me, what is a member of the CCG doing here?" he said it so plainly I almost missed it.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Play it off Mariko, there's no way he could know.
"Don't you? Your uniform is falling out of your bag. That's not something to air out in a ghoul infested area."
I looked down at my bag, and sure enough, the uniform was piled out on the floor. Taking the measuring tape off, I hurriedly picked the cloth from the ground.
"So you're an investigator." Seeing me unarmed and clearly unprepared, he licked his lips.
"No! I'm a desk worker." a question bogged at my mind, "Are you a ghoul?"
His eyes narrowed and he inched forward, cornering me. "Tell me if I am or not."
He was without a doubt. This man was teasing me; luring me into a trap. I fell for it the moment I let him drag me to the back of this shop.
He picked up my name badge from the pile of clothes, "Mariko Inoue. Call me Uta."
"Please let me leave." I whimpered.
"And let you divulge this secret to those Doves? I don't think so."
He gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. He moved even closer, tongue dragging along my cheek.
"Please, I'll do anything, just please don't eat me."
"Anything? I could use some information from you. Then again, you'd fetch a high price."
"Price?"
"For my next auction. Many ghouls would pay top dollar for a CCG agent; especially one so young and inexperienced."
"No. I don't want that."
"Then what should I do with you. You're not leaving unless that auction is in your future; and if you stay, I'll get hungry eventually." He stepped away, going over to a nearby cabinet, pulling out a jar of… eyes? They looked fresh.
I gagged inwardly as he plucked an eye from the jar, nonchalantly tasting it. Worst part was, he never broke eye contact.
"So, have you made a choice?"
I felt behind me, hoping to find some way to defend myself, but only found sketches in my grasp. I looked at them, thinking that they looked nice; something to draw my attention away from all of this chaos. I didn't want to choose, and any choice he made would get me killed.
"Mariko." he hummed, presumably closer than before.
"I don't want to make a choice." I commented.
"Really?" he feigned surprise. "Then would you prefer if I did it for you?"
"No. I just want to go home. I won't tell anyone, I promise. Just… this is too much." I took a few cautious steps past him, and he did nothing to stop me. With my bag clutched close, I left the mask shop, and rushed to my apartment. Closing the door, I leaned against it, breathing heavily.
"Was I really that close to being eaten alive?"
My apartment, though small, felt vast and dangerous to lurk through in the dark. With quick steps, I rushed across my apartment, and into my bedroom, where I didn't even bother getting changed. Flying into my bed, I found myself hiding under the covers, hoping it was all nothing but a nightmare. I would wake up tomorrow and everything would be fine.
Morning felt uneventful. I was awake three hours earlier than I should have been. The sun wasn't even up, and the smell of coffee wasn't helping my nose. Wait… coffee? I sat up, patting down my messy hair as I pulled the covers away. Why was I smelling coffee? I don't even drink coffee. I hobbled into the living room on tired legs, and found no one other than Uta sitting on my couch, sipping away at coffee. He leaned back, giving a sigh of content. How dare he be so comfortable in my apartment. Hoping he didn't see me, I slunk back into my bedroom, carefully closing the door. Luckily with the hallway, he couldn't see that I was near; I hope. Now on the far side of my room, I sat on the edge of my bed. The blaring colors of my clock did nothing but worry me more. If I stayed in here long enough, maybe he would leave; but what would stop him from coming back here?
"Come on, Mariko, you have to think of something." It had been a few minutes, and the smell of coffee only seemed to get stronger. I should have paid attention to it, but I was too busy formulating a plan.
"So, how's that plan going?" someone asked.
"Not too goo-" It was then I realized that Uta was sitting right behind me. "What? How-"
"You knew I was here, so don't act surprised. I saw you peek from the hallway."
"What made you set up shop in my apartment?"
"You didn't honestly think I would leave you alone, did you? Also, your notes are quite extensive." He held up the stack of papers I had been scrawling through.
"Give those back!" I lurched for the papers, only to fall beside him.
He set the papers down, setting the empty coffee mug next to it. "Mariko, don't fight me, it won't end well."
"What is your motive?"
"I can't spend time with my new favorite human?"
"Stop! Just stop. I don't know your angle, but please leave."
"I'll be leaving; but you're coming with me." He flipped me over, tying my hands behind my back. "We have an auction to get to."
A blindfold was placed over my eyes, and I found myself in a constricted area. I moved around in any way I could, but I was stuck.
"Uta, what's going on?" Why was I calling out to him? I have no idea.
"Don't worry, it will be quick."
That's what I was worried about.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Takaku stood near the main entrance, wondering when Mariko would get in. It wasn't like her to be late, and she seemed excited to work here.
"Takaku," a subordinate commented. "What are you doing out here?"
"My new recruit is an hour and a half late. I'm think maybe I should go check on her."
"I'd be careful, wasn't her address in an area where ghouls frequent?"
"Not from where she lives. It's in the drunkard's part of town, but no known ghouls are there. So, why are you over here?" Takaku questioned.
"We have hints of another ghoul auction. Those freaks, the Pierrot are supposedly heading it and partaking."
"What?" Worry settled into his mind. What if that's what happened to Mariko? "Where is it?"
"Several districts over. It could take half a day to get there. Who knows when they could have started."
Takaku, and many other doves got their gear and began their move on the auction. As they moved along, he attempted to contact Mariko, but to no avail. He begged any deity out there that she would be alright.
"She not answering?" a dove questioned.
"No. She should have listened to my warning about ghouls. Yesterday, she went on about how all ghouls aren't bad."
"Why the hell would she believe something like that?"
"It's a bit of a long story, and her parents beliefs bled into her over the years. When she was a child, she got lost in the 4th district."
"The 4th? That place was extremely dangerous! How did she survive? There were nothing but rampant ghouls who even cannibalized each other." the subordinate sat there in awe.
"The leader of that district, at the time, No Face, happened upon her. Against all merit, she wound up at home, with seemingly no memory on how she got there. Since then, she's convinced that there are good ones." he continued. "It's not my place to say anything, but she could be right. Her insistence that it was No Face who saved her, but…"
"She wasn't injured or anything?"
"No. That's what I found odd. No Face was considered one of the most sadistic ghouls. What would he feel for a child?"
The subordinate took in the question, pondering any kind of answer he could come up with, but nothing came about.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
My first Tokyo Ghoul oneshot. I want this to consist of two larts, and the other part should be ready by Halloween~
What do you guys think should happen next?
Would Uta eat her?
How graphic would you prefer something like this were to happen?
See you guys later. This is Emerald,
signing out!