A/N: First of all, thank you aki and thejackle123 for your reviews and to anyone else who is following the story or who has favorited it. It's very much appreciated.
Second of all, sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. I've been working on a few others stories as well as working out little details in this one. When in regards to Tokyo Ghoul's plot, Fatal Error will weave in and out of it. Other events in Tokyo Ghoul may be overlooked completely, depending on where Fatal Error's story will go. As of right now, a few changes will be made, but I don't plan to disregard Tokyo Ghoul altogether.
Shingeki no Kyojin's manga may play a few parts in here, as well as Tokyo Ghoul's. Hope you stick along for the bumpy ride, because, quite honestly, I think even I will be in for a few surprises. If you have questions, feel free to ask.
Again, thank you, and enjoy the story.
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Chapter 3 - Scream
He was either looking at a hunk of leg muscle or the gooey mess of a liver.
First-Class Investigator Levi stared down at the remains before him and turned away in disgust. Averting his eyes didn't do much good for the crime scene was spread out down the alley and across the street, disappearing into the next alley. Yellow tape cordoned off the area, stretching out across a total distance of four blocks. If Levi was to travel to the opposite end of the crime scene, he'd find random bits and pieces of their victim scattered about like a sick treasure hunt.
Undoubtedly, the work belonged to Scream, the S-Rated ghoul Levi and his partner had been assigned five months prior. The ghoul had originally done most of its killings within the 11th Ward, but as of late, the monster had turned its sights on the 20th Ward.
To Levi, it appeared as though a tedious amount of shit was beginning to pile up in their Ward.
"This is the fourth one for the week," came the low, thoughtful voice of his partner, and Levi turned, nodding to the older man.
Erwin Smith crouched down, eyeing the crimson globs and splatters with a blank face. After a few moments of silence, he pulled himself upright and turned to his partner.
"Everyone has been noticing the increase of ghouls in the 11th Ward," he murmured. "Investigator Marude said they're probably plotting out their next moves and are preparing to launch a full scale attack. It seems as though the more activity there is over there, the more activity we get here."
Levi crossed his arms, scoffing quietly. "Ghouls are fleeing the 11th Ward to avoid the commotion? You would think they'd all be open to a bloodbath, seeing as they could obtain a few bodies to chew on."
"I suppose they don't see the risk when they have a large supply of food in a seemingly harmless Ward," Erwin responded, turning and moving towards the end of the alley. "Still, why they're all deciding to retreat here is somewhat a mystery."
"They like to make us work," Levi growled, shooting his partner a sour look before following. "They enjoy easy prey and incompetent investigators."
"The CCG does what it can."
"Yet we still hear names like binge eater and Jason."
The two stepped out into the street, squinting against the sharp sunlight. Other members of the CCG were moving back and forth, scrutinizing various locations and searching for evidence left by the ghoul. Civilians walked on the edge of the blocked off crime scene, eyeing the commotion with wary gazes.
"Your target sure is an interesting one," a fellow investigator mused, striding up to Levi and Erwin with a short wave. "I do grow jealous on occasion."
"Good morning, Hange," Erwin greeted, bowing his head shortly. "How does everything look to you?"
Hange Zoë, a Rank 1 Investigator was somewhat of an enthusiast when it came to ghouls. The creatures fascinated her and she studied all she could about them. Although fanatical at times, the investigator never failed in her job of apprehending them. Her most recent case had finished only a month prior, and the ghoul she'd been chasing was now in the form of a quinque belonging to another investigator. At the moment, she was without a case, leaving her the freedom to tag along to crime scenes. Her careful eye and quick speculations made her a valuable asset in certain cases.
Investigator Hange slowly pivoted from side to side, frowning at the gore around her. "It was running again," she murmured after a moment. "Grabbed its prey and consumed while it ran. That is its usual procedure, no?"
Levi nodded solemnly, glancing at a streak of crimson across the neighboring building. The idea of an S-Rated ghoul had first surfaced when they'd noticed the pattern within the crime scenes. Always spread out across numerous blocks, the entire body of the victim would be in pieces. Sometimes they would find more remains, but more often than not, only blood and a few chunks of flesh would be the ghoul's parting gift.
"The victim was probably attacked earlier this morning, between five and six, I would say," Hange murmured, even though stating the time of death wasn't necessarily her job. It was simply habit for her to make the calculations. "There isn't enough evidence to determine what the exact cause of death was, whether brutal force or the use of a kagune. I would say kagune is the best bet, however, there hasn't been any evidence of kagune secretion yet."
Hange looked past Erwin and Levi to where a few investigators were beginning to clear away what little remained of their victim. Her glasses reflected the early afternoon light and her lips parted in a sudden, manic grin.
"This is why I love your case," she sighed, clasping her hands together and chuckling softly. "This ghoul is capable of reaching high speeds and consuming prey at the same time. I've seen fast ghouls, and I mean fast, but this one must be a work of art! What I wouldn't give to watch it in action or study its kagune!"
"Fine, we get it," Levi growled, turning away from the frantic inspector and striding purposefully down the street. Erwin followed after a moment, quickly tailed by Hange.
"It must have intense jaw strength, as well as great agility and endurance," the Rank 1 Investigator continued before releasing a deep sigh. "I envy you for being assigned the elimination of Scream."
"If you hadn't been working on the Surgeon case at the time we were given Scream, I'm sure the ghoul would have been all yours," Erwin responded. "Congratulations, again, for apprehending him."
"He wasn't so hard to figure out," Hange admitted, situating her glasses as they slid awkwardly down her nose. "His movements were predictable, and his daily routine became easy to track. The only reason it took so long to take Surgeon down was because it appeared he could lead us to more ghouls. It was almost like he was part of an organization."
"An organization of ghouls is the last thing we need," Levi interjected sourly. However, as much as he hated to admit it, an organization seemed to be appearing fast. Investigator Marude had said so himself during the last meeting.
Just what are those bastards planning? Levi wondered, scowling at the various theories his mind was throwing out. What's going down in the 11th Ward?
"Quit your scowling, Levi," Hange chided, breaking apart Levi's thoughts as she grinned brightly at him. "Once I get to my studies and experiments, we'll know everything there is to know about ghouls."
"I thought the higher ups specifically ordered you not to perform any experiments?" Erwin inquired, glancing at Hange with narrowed eyes.
"They did," Hange replied with a slight shrug. "Just as they denied my suggestions to look into the facility Surgeon would visit from time to time. They see it all as a waste of time, I suppose. Or perhaps they believe the knowledge we have now is enough."
"Perhaps they don't want a Rank 1 Investigator meddling with the jobs of others," Levi pointed out in a dark tone, slowing to a halt on the edge of their crime scene. "If you're so hell bent on learning more about the monsters, why not join Doctor Chigyou in the Laboratory Division?"
"What, don't you appreciate my company?" Hange demanded in mock disappointment. "I suppose I enjoy things in the field better. Facing ghouls head on delivers a stronger thrill, wouldn't you say?"
"Perhaps they don't want another incident like Jason's," Levi continued, ignoring Hange's words. "Tormenting a ghoul until you break its limits and then get slaughtered by your own test subject? Do you see that as your end?"
"It's nice to know you worry sometimes," Hange mumbled in resignation, coaxing a fraction of a smile from Erwin. Spinning in front of the two, Hange raised her hand in a salute and delivered a broad grin. "I'll see you both later. It's about time I got back to Moblit before he begins fretting as to where I've vanished. He's also been looking into assignments, so perhaps you'll both soon be aiding me in my own troubles."
"Let's hope not," Levi responded dryly.
Hange laughed shortly and turned away, returning in the direction they'd just come from. "Good luck with your target," she called before turning to look over her shoulder. "I mean that, okay?"
"Thank you," Erwin responded. "Take care, Hange."
Levi clicked his tongue in annoyance and crossed his arms, glaring at Hange's retreating figure. "Envies us for being assigned this case," he muttered, echoing the female investigator's previous complaint. "Shit-glasses doesn't know what she's talking about."
"She means well, you know that," Erwin stated quietly. "This case has been difficult for you, and the higher ups have already voiced their concerns as to whether or not you're still suitable for the job."
Levi glared at his partner. "Those bastards know they can't afford to pull me from this case."
"They can if you don't have a clear mind," Erwin argued. "It's been three weeks since our team encountered Scream in the 11th Ward, yet the higher ups still fear you've been unstable since that mission."
In front of him, Erwin's partner exhaled slowly and adverted his eyes. "Do they honestly believe I'm unstable?" he mused in a sour voice. "Have I given them a reason to believe that? They like to be presumptuous when in regards to the feelings of others. They don't see a Dove looking to avenge his fallen comrades, but a broken man unable to face off against a ghoul without pissing himself."
Erwin frowned sympathetically and turned back to the crime scene left by Scream. "The more busy our target, the easier it will be to track."
"It can't run forever," Levi agreed, following his partner's gaze. "Sooner or later, it's going to hit a dead end. When that happens, we'll finish what that monster started in the 11th Ward, only this time, I'll cut its throat before it has the chance to scream."
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A/N: Thank you for reading. I always like to know what you guys think, so reviews are welcome. If you have questions or any corrections by chance (a few things may not be too accurate), please let me know.
On another note, if anyone is interested, I have posted a Free! Iwatobi Swim Club and Tokyo Ghoul two-shot entitled Fishbowl of Five. It's not complete yet, but will be quite soon.
Have a great day and I'll see you soon.
