Hello once more to all my loyal readers. I love that you keep coming back for more. This chapter will serve as an epilogue to the Weapon X saga and an interim chapter, leading to the final chapters of Route X. That's right, we're near the end! Without further ado, here we go.

Chapter 25 – What makes a monster…Recuperation

(play Fighting Spirit – Dragon Quest III [Tokyo Suite])

Wild Child was hit by Cyclops optic blasts at least five times. He still stood up every time, seemingly unfazed by the attack.

"Damn it, nothing seems to work!"

From behind, Armor punched Wild Child on his sides before delivering two hits square on his face. She was in her blue psionic armor, which gave her greater speed and agility. She could dodge Wild Child claw swipes with medium ease. And yet, despite the boost, Wild Child would not surrender. It was as if his primal nature either did not understand the concept of surrender or rejected it.

"No matter how hard I hit, he won't stay down!"

"Stay calm, Hisako. We won't resort to drastic measures if we have to."

"Then how can we defeat him?"

Wild Child snarled at Cyclops and Armor.

"Hit him harder than before, and don't stop until he does."

Armor looked at Wild Child, determined to stop him so she could go to Kaneki's side.

"Right."

As they fought Wild Child, Storm and Nightcrawler had their hands full with Kane. Like Wild Child, he too was in a state of constant rage. Nightcrawler's teleportation kept Kane focused on him for Storm to attack him distracted. Nightcrawler appeared in front of Kane once more, prompting him to attack him by swinging his arms at the teleporting mutant. Nightcrawler was too nimble for Kane to land a single hit on him. Kane was too distracted to notice that Storm was preparing to hit him with a lightning bolt so massive that it was guaranteed to short circuit all the cybernetics systems within his body. Nightcrawler saw her in the sky, creating said bolt. He taunted Kane for a while longer.

"Just a little closer, big man…"

Nightcrawler successfully made Kane mad at him for a while longer, unaware that his hair rising by itself. Soon, Nightcrawler got Kane in the perfect spot where Storm could strike. She yelled to Nightcrawler,

"Pin him down!"

Nightcrawler used his swords to keep his distance between him and Kane before throwing them to his feet, piercing them in order to pin him to the ground. Kane growled loudly when he felt his feet violently pierced by swords. Although Kane immediately removed the swords from his feet, it was too late. Storm unleashed one of the most powerful lightning she had ever summoned to date. Kane yelled loudly in pain, feeling not just his human parts struck by lightning but also feeling his cybernetic component frying inside of his body. The shock and the pain made him fall to the ground.

(end music)

Storm slowly descended to the ground to see her handiwork. She was also worried about whether her lightning bolt may have too good a job.

"You don't think that was a little much?"

"Nein. I thought it was the right amount."

Just then, the sounds of Cyclops' optic blats could be heard from the right while the sounds of gunshots could be heard from the left. Nightcrawler said to Storm,

"You help Scott. I'll help Investigator Kuroiwa."

"Right."

(play Aranos: Flying Lab – Rachet and Clank: Going Commando OST)

Nightcrawler went to aid Kuroiwa while Storm went to help Cyclops and Armor. Nightcrawler first observed the fight between Agent Zero and the GCB Investigators led by Kuroiwa. He had already taken out nearly all of them. The only one left standing was Kuroiwa himself. He knew that he had to get behind agent Zero and wound him for Kuroiwa to get an advantage. Nightcrawler finally found the opportunity and got the drop on him. Nightcrawler punched Zero in the head a few times, hoping to disorient him.

"Investigator, be ready in my mark!"

"No wait!"

Nightcrawler began to feel a certain sensation. Agent Zero says to him,

"You're gonna regret that…"

The personal space surrounding Zero began to distort until Nightcrawler got off Agent Zero by a large wave of energy, forcing him off. He teleported just before falling to the ground and to Kuroiwa's side.

"That was his power, I take it?"

"It is. Whatever we throw at him, he repels it back. It's how my people were defeated."

Agent Zero began to speak.

"Technically, it's called energy absorption. Whatever you throw at me, I absorb it and either add to my strength or re-direct it back to you."

Both silently groaned at how he could be defeated.

"Where's your quinque?"

"Unfortunately, he broke it. Hell, I even had to summon my Arata in order to survive his bullets."

"His bullets broke apart your quinque?"

"That was before I got one good hit on him."

"Where?"

"Left leg."

Nightcrawler looked at Agent Zero's left leg and discovered a wound.

"Was your weapon a bladed weapon?"

"It was."

"Then I have an idea."

Nightcrawler gave Kuroiwa one of his swords.

"You try to keep him busy on your end."

"You have a plan?"

"Ja."

Nightcrawler teleported just as Kuroiwa charged toward Agent Zero.

"Get a clue, old man."

Agent Zero fired his gun at Kuroiwa, only to find out that it was empty. Zero acted quick to reload his gun, but found out that he was out of magazines.

"Damn…"

Kuroiwa was already so close to him that he swung his sword at Zero, only for Zero to dodge it by falling on his back. The blade grazed his mask. Zero then rolled over, got up and got into a fighter's stance.

"I could tell that you're on your last legs."

"At least I have them…"

Agent Zero did not know what Kuroiwa meant at first. It was only until he could smell brimstone that he finally pieced together what the two were planning. By the time he realized, it was too late. Nightcrawler was successful with stabbing Zero's right kneecap with his sword, with Kuroiwa stabbing the left. Agent Zero groaned before going limp as he fell to the ground.

(end music)

Just as soon as the two were done, both Nightcrawler and Kuroiwa were soon joined by Cyclops, Armor, and Storm.

"How did it go with Wild Child?"

Asked Nightcrawler to Cyclops.

"Armor had to hold him while Storm used her lightning bolts and I used my optic blasts at the same time. He's knocked out right now, but we need to tie him up before he wakes up."

"Well I and Investigator Kuroiwa just defeated Agent Zero. With Kane down, we can rejoin the others."

"Me and my team will take care of apprehending the Weapon X mutants."

"Thank you, Investigator Kuroiwa."

Said Cyclops before he addressed the team.

"Let's move, X-Men."

xxxxxx

The twins moved so effortlessly as they circled both Amon and Akira while still in the lab. They leapt in order to keep them mesmerized, if only a little, while they circled the two Investigators. Amon felt a measure of sorrow for the twins. Akira could pick up what he was feeling just by being near him.

"Focus, partner. They're trying to stall us."

"I know. I just need to talk to them."

Nashiro went in for the attack by delivering a flying kick aimed at Akira, but Amon deflected it with his quinque.

"It better be now. We still have Omega Red to deal with after."

Kurona performed the same action her sister did previously, but leapt over the Investigators five times to throw them off. Amon was still able to block the attack before attempting to reach to the twins.

"Kurona! Nashiro! We don't have to fight!"

"Yes we do!"

"We're ghouls!"

Both Amon and Akira blocked the attacks of their kagunes with their quinques.

"Why make yourselves ghouls?"

"Is it because of Kanou?"

Kurona explained, with Nashiro switching to help her.

"Papa has opened our eyes. He has shown us the real monsters of this world."

"Humanity doesn't deserve to live any more. All you do is ruin this world. You hate mutants and ghouls because you hate yourselves. All you have done is ruin everything you touch."

"Papa has helped us break free of the curse of being human."

"We are now without weakness."

Amon and Akira now felt a rising amount of anger.

"Is that what you honestly believe?"

"I honestly feel sorry for the two of you. Kanou has thoroughly brainwashed you both."

The twins scoffed at the Investigators, as if they expected their reaction to the "truth" that Kanou had shown them. Meanwhile, Kuzuri and Wolverine quickly dodged Red's metallic tentacles. Half the time, Omega allowed his tentacles to move by themselves while the other half, he throws them around as if they were whips. It made things difficult for the siblings to get a good hit on him.

"We're getting nowhere."

Said Kuzuri with Wolverine replying,

"Tell me something I don't know!"

Omega Red attacked once more, with the siblings dodging once more. Kuzuri, frustrated by the futility of the fight, charged toward Omega instead of getting away from him.

"Kaneki, what are you doing?"

Kuzuri was close enough to get to Omega Red. However, Omega Red smiled due to Kuzuri doing what he wanted him to do. Kuzuri, with his claws out, inched closer to his foe and tried to stab him in the face. Only to have it denied as he was captured by him.

"Kaneki!"

Amon heard Wolverine call out her little brother by his regular name.

"Sounds like things are getting bad over there…"

"Focus."

Both Amon and Akira blocked the twin's attacks as they kept their ground, but were unable to advance.

xxxxxx

Mystique walked alongside Magneto as they searched for Charles. Mystique looked at the bases' security camera feed to search for where Charles was taken. Emma stayed behind to man the spillway mechanism, in case there were more of Stryker's soldiers, ready to take the base back. As soon as they found his location, they made their way to him with surprisingly little resistance.

"I thought Stryker had more men with him."

"Be on your guard all the same."

Soon, both found Professor Xavier, limping on his wheelchair, seemingly unconscious.

"Charles."

Said Mystique as she ran to his side. She carried his limp head while checking on his vitals. Catching up to her, Magneto asked,

"How is he?"

"…Breathing, but…"

Mystique looks at the helmet-like device attached to his head.

"Something is keeping him like this. I don't know what this does, but we need to get it off."

"I'll get him to his X-Men. You handle the other mission."

"Right."

xxxxxx

Amon and Akira were on their last legs. Their defense against the twins was breaking down.

"Don't give up on me, Akira."

"I am…but not all of us have your gift of godlike stamina."

Amon laughed a little at her "complement."

"Who do you take for, Thor?"

Akira laughed as well.

"Please. He's way more handsome than you."

The twins went for the kill, seeing the Investigators on their last legs. However, they would soon be interrupted by their "papa."

"Kurona, Nashiro. Enough."

All four saw Akihiro Kanou standing before them.

"You don't need to fight them anymore."

Kurona protested.

"But…papa, you said the human are monsters. The GCB, most of all!"

"Is that what he told you?"

Everyone would soon discover that it was Mystique as she shapeshifted by into herself. This made the twins especially mad.

"Before you try to kill me, I want you to see this."

Mystique held in her hand a USB stick and walked toward the nearest computer monitor. Once she found one, she inserted the stick into the monitor. It played a video of Kanou talking with General Stryker in the time they were captured by the X-Men.

"Well, the twins are taking their sweet ass time, doctor."

"I assure you general. They'll get the job done."

"Hard to believe that you got them to your side after how you staged their disappearance from the GCB academy."

"Well, the seeds of distrust were already planted…but it helped that they made, at least, one friend in the academy."

"It wasn't easy giving that…er…what was her name again?"

"Shizuku Kawakami."

"Right! Right. It wasn't easy, delivering that poison into her system."

Kurona and Nashiro were instantly shocked by that detail uttered by Stryker.

"Well, I have you to thank for that, general."

"I'll tell you though, making sure that poison was untraceable in any autopsy was the easy part. The hard part was the delivery system."

"Well General, I never doubted your resourcefulness."

"Still, why them? There are plenty other twins in the world."

"Their psychological profiles made them easy to persuade them to go through the process."

"Yes…they're quite the pair of killers. Not unlike X-24."

"Kaneki, you mean?"

"Whatever. I don't know why you must personalize your experiments. Anyways, did you have any further intentions for them?"

"Well, I was hoping they were successful in getting Kaneki here, back into our fold. When the plan succeeds sir, Weapon X will have the only traces of the X-gene in the whole world."

"That's the plan. The ghouls will be next as well. Soon, the only thing humanity will have to fight is themselves."

"Isn't that a little sad?"

"Human nature, doctor. That's all there is to it. Back to you, though. What was it you want both the twins and X-24 to do?"

Kanou stood silent for a moment before saying his answer.

"Breed."

Stryker was mildly shocked by that answer.

"Oh my…"

"Think about it, general. A ready supply of humanoid weapons. All primed for combat potential."

Stryker smiled at the concept Kanou presented.

"Quite an ambitious plan you've concocted, doctor. But damn it, don't it give me a smile on my face?"

The video ended with the two men laughing. Kurona and Nashiro stood silent, their anger slowly rising past their capacity to contain their composure. Although Nashiro simply cried over this betrayal of her trust, Kurona simply yelled and proclaimed,

"I WILL KILL YOU, KANOU!"

"Kurona!"

Yelled Amon. She looked at him, and felt a great deal of shame at herself.

"He will pay for this…"

"Shut up! Don't look at me…"

Kurona cried as she covered her kakugan with her hand. Amon could see that she hated herself right now.

"If I die because I'm a ghoul, that's because it's my own damn fault! I let myself be this…freak because I honestly believed that being human was the worst thing to be!"

Tears continued to stream from her face as Amon looked on, feeling a tremendous amount of pity towards her.

"Help Kuzuri."

Said Mystique to the twins.

"He's like the two of you. He has been twisted by Kanou. But he's fighting against him. Even now, he's still fighting against him."

Nashiro got up next to her sister, held her hand, and silently urged her sister to act against the wishes of their "papa." Kurona nodded in agreement. The two then ran to where Kuzuri was fighting Omega Red. Akira says to her partner,

"Let's follow them."

"Right!"

xxxxxx

Omega Red flung Kuzuri around as he slammed him against the stone walls and floor. While Wolverine could only look as she knew that Omega could easily trap her just as he trapped her little brother in his metallic tentacles.

"I gotta do something to help, but…"

Omega smiled a little, revealing that some consciousness still existed within him. As well as lingering desire for revenge against the Wolverine. Making his children helpless to his will gave him a sense of satisfaction. While Kuzuri was within his memories. Memories of when he was hurt in so many ways. He remembered when all he could do was silently despaired at how he was relegated to nothing more than a victim to be used at anybody's whim. The most prominent figure that best represented his rage was Akihiro Kanou.

"Why?"

Omega slammed Kuzuri to the floor.

"Why me?"

Wolverine looked on, in sadness and frustration.

"All I ever wanted out of life was to be loved, and I get labeled a target…That's not fair…"

Omega continued, feeling deep inside satisfaction.

"IT'S NOT FAIR, DAMN IT!"

Just as Omega began to finish up, two kagunes pierced his arms. Bleeding, Omega Red released Kuzuri from his tentacles. Wolverine got to his side.

"You alright?"

"I…will be. What happened?"

Both saw Kurona and Nashiro actively attacking their comrade. Kuzuri was visibly confused by this.

"But…why are you…?"

"It's not for you! Not really!"

Said Kurona with Nashiro finishing,

"We saw how Kanou actually saw us! He took us for fools, and we bought into his lies!"

Omega raged against the twins. He used his tentacles against them, only for them to be caught by both their kagunes. That resulted in a fierce tug of war-like combat, with one side holding down the other. Kurona yelled to Kaneki,

"GET THAT BASTARD! DON'T LET HIM WIN!"

Kuzuri, feeling his rage rise within him, got up and ran to the nearest possible exit Kanou could've taken. He sniffed for his scent for a moment before picking it up, and ran after it.

"Kaneki, wait!"

Wolverine attempted to run after her little brother, but Omega Red broke free of the kagunes holding his tentacles down. He used them to grab Wolverine by her arms and restrained her from going after her little brother. She struggled to break free, only to be assisted by Investigators Amon and Akira. Amon hit Omega in the head with his quinque while Akira slashed him in the arms with hers. Both stood in front of Wolverine. Akira says to her partner,

"Help her. Go after Kuzuri."

"What about you?"

"Guess I'm helping the twins after all."

"Right…"

Amon then face Wolverine.

"Let's go after your little brother."

"Why help? Days ago, you wanted to kill him."

"I still believe your brother is a menace, but Kanou is the priority."

"Fine…"

Said Wolverine, agreeing to the compromise the Investigator presented to her. As the two ran towards Kuzuri, the twins and Akira stayed behind to deal with Omega Red.

"You two know his weakness?"

"Just about."

Said Kurona.

xxxxxx

Soon the rest of the X-Men made it inside of the base. Colossus met up with the rest of them.

"How are the students?"

Asked Storm.

"I have received word from Investigator McCree. He has delivered the kidnapped students to the Blackbird. They are safe."

"That's a relief."

Said Cyclops. Piotr continued.

"I was in the middle of searching for the Professor. I had finished searching within the north and south sections of the base."

Cyclops nodded to Piotr's information.

"Alright then. Split into teams of two…"

"That won't be necessary."

The X-Men all turned to see Magneto entering, alongside the professor; unconscious, limping on his wheelchair, with Magneto levitating it via his powers. As the X-Men rushed to his side, Magneto slowly put down the chair.

"Charles. Charles!"

"It's no use. Whatever they've done to him, he rendered in this state. I looked around for the perpetrators…only to find them deceased."

The X-Men were surprised to hear this.

"Was Stryker one of them?"

Asked Storm.

"Correct. I do not know the full details. I wanted to rejoin Mystique to find out. I've sent her to locate Akihiro Kanou."

"Why do you want to find Kanou?"

Asked Cyclops in a suspicious tone.

"That…is my business. You have more pressing matters."

Cyclops looked at Charles, knowing that his recovery was priority.

"Armor, Nightcrawler, get the professor back to the Blackbird. Me, Storm, and Piotr will rejoin with Emma, Wolverine, and Kuzuri."

Both responded,

"Got it."

"Ja."

As Nightcrawler and Armor wheeled the professor back, Cyclops, Storm, Colossus, and Magneto went to the spillway mechanism to rejoin with Emma.

"Emma?"

"Right here."

She was manning the room.

"Did you see where the professor was?"

"And how. Kanou stabbed him in the back, and had Omega Red kill him before he tried to escape."

Cyclops was surprised by that development. As well as everyone else.

"Why? I thought they were working together."

"Unfortunately, the cameras don't record audio. So, I used my telepathy to try to see why Kanou did what he did. I only got one word. Vasuki."

While the X-Men had no clue as to what that word meant, the look on Magneto's face indicated that he knew more than he let on.

"Erik, what do you know?"

"Like I said before, it is my business."

"Business that Charles had to pay for!"

"Well, if he had to pay for it, it was due to Logan's son."

"Don't bring Kaneki into this!"

"He has more to do with this than either you or Charles care to admit! His encounter with ghouls is not mere tragic accident!"

The X-Men were shocked to learn that Magneto knew more Kaneki than he let on.

"How did you know about…"

"Rize Kamishiro? Anteiku? The underground lab in the 11th ward? Boy, so much more is going on and you've made yourself blind to it due to grief."

Cyclops felt a little personally attacked for how he spent time away from the X-Men. Made more stinging from someone he had an antagonistic relationship with.

"You have someone who is in the middle of a vast conspiracy that threatens the existence of mutants everywhere. Did you really think that I was simply sitting quietly within my island nation? All of you have to realize that this boy you have chosen to welcome within your fold has the potential to destroy our permanent armistice with the humans."

Cyclops retorted Magneto's words.

"That doesn't mean that we rob Kaneki any chance of peace for himself, nor does that mean we take away his choices."

"How little you realize…his choices have already been for him. His destiny is now out of his hands."

"I disagree! If he is destined to change how the world will be, then we should help him make sure that those changes are for the better!"

"You assume that his father's…tendencies will not reign over his mind and heart. Why don't you see for yourself?"

Magneto pointed to one of the monitors. The X-Men look at it to see Kuzuri going down a hallway, stopping only to sniff. Cyclops feared the worst.

"Emma, where is Kanou?"

Emma used her telepathy to scan the area for Kanou's mind. She eventually found him outside of the base via a back exit from the base that she imagined few knew about.

"He's escaping the base. And Kaneki's hot on his trail."

"Whether by his blood or his connections, Ken Kaneki's life has already been declared irredeemable."

Said Magneto, sure that Kuzuri's fate was sealed. This angered Cyclops.

"I believe in him. Charles believed in him. And there are so many others who have saved by him. Neither you or anyone else can tell that kid what to do with his life."

Cyclops ran to stop Kuzuri from committing a grave mistake. The rest of the X-Men joined with him. A little after that, Mystique rejoined with Magneto.

"Have you told them?"

"The twins know the truth."

"Good. Our part in this is almost complete."

Mystique stared at Magneto for a while longer.

"What is it?"

"With Xavier as a willing puppet and an Cerebro at your disposal, I thought you were going to act on the opportunity to…"

"Wipe out the humans? Yes…In my youth, it would've been a goal I'd be more than eager to partake in. Relegate my…disinclination to do so to old age."

"You're not that old."

"But apparently too old for genocide."

"Well, that explains why you covered up for the X-Men back there."

"Well, you saw how Director Michaels thinks of me. I'd rather be spared the wrath of the GCB."

Mystique chuckled a little.

"Well, let's finish up."

xxxxxx

Kuzuri eventually made it outside of the base. Although it was cold, Kanou's scent was still fresh to him. He followed the scent until he found the doctor in his sights. His anger had reached to new heights. He remembered all the times his kindness kept him going. To keep on trying to find value in living. Only to feel as if those times where he struggled to find hope for himself were all lies. All done to make him not just a fool, but a pawn in his twisted and inhumane goals. In short, Kuzuri felt like a disposable tool, and in that moment, he wanted payback. Satisfaction. Catharsis. As soon as the doctor was in his sights, he loudly yelled out,

"KANOU!"

The doctor heard his name said out loud with venomous rage. He turned around to see Kuzuri standing far from him. He instantly felt nervous and ran. Kuzuri was offended by this.

"DON'T YOU RUN FROM ME, YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

Kuzuri chased after him. Kanou knew he couldn't run far from his project. As such, he took out his smartphone and texted his location to an unknown party. Meanwhile, Amon and Wolverine followed Kuzuri outside of the base as well.

"Any idea where he is now?"

"Give me a moment."

Wolverine sniffed the air for her little brother. What she got was that and more.

"Kanou is around."

"You take care of your little brother. I got Kanou."

"Right."

Kanou kept on running to the point that he was near the ruins of the old upper base. However, Kuzuri was faster to reach as he finally caught up to him, grabbed his right shoulder and slammed him to a nearby dilapidated remnant of a wall.

"You!"

"Yes. Me. The man who made into who you are today."

"You made me into a monster! An unfeeling bastard who ruins lives with no remorse!"

"Whether I was there or not, that life was all there was going to be for you."

Kanou's audacity further angered Kuzuri. He felt the urge to dig his claws into the man whom he felt ruined him. What stopped him from acting on this was the arrival of Wolverine. And Amon.

"Kaneki!"

He looked at the two of them for a while before refocusing his attention on the doctor.

"Don't stop me, Laura. This has been a long time coming."

"Don't do it, Kaneki! You're better than this."

"At the very least, consider what's ahead of him."

Said Amon.

"Right now, there's enough evidence against to make sure that he goes away forever."

"Bullshit."

Said Kanou.

"Shut the hell up! We got enough to put you in a hole for life! You're going down for this, Kanou!"

Wolverine pleaded with her little brother again to let Kanou go.

"Kaneki, please. He's gonna pay for what he did to everyone he's ruined. What he did to you."

Kuzuri did not say anything…

SNIKT!

Rather, he chose to follow his worst instincts. He was so engrossed with anger, he was willing to ignore the real possibility for justice for the imaginary lure of blood-soaked gratification.

"It doesn't matter…he'll escape. Find somebody to worm his way into their confidences. Hell, his medical skills are enough to give him a stay of execution. Either way, justice is a forgone conclusion. The only thing you can rely on…"

Kuzuri brandished his claw at Kanou.

"is whether you're hunter or prey. And I 've been prey for far too damn long!"

Kuzuri raised his claws and almost gutted Kanou. What stopped him was Lura repeating something he once said to Armor.

"DON'T BE WHAT THEY MADE YOU!"

Kuzuri's claws were less than an inch away from Kanou's stomach when heard what Wolverine said. Tears stream from her face as she took off her mask and spoke with her little brother.

"I remember you saying those words to Hisako. I even saw…dad within your mind. I know how you remember those words. He said them to me…before he died."

Memories of that day began to play out within his mind.

flashback

Logan was behind a group of young children, protecting them from three squads of mercenaries. They were hunting the children since Logan encountered them in El Paso. Witnesses to the horrific experiments that went on Transigen. Logan was also on his last legs. Although he did not tell anyone, he knew what was killing him. Nevertheless, he pressed on, determined to protect the children and guiding them to the mansion.

"Go! Run! I'll hold them off."

One of the children went back to Logan, begging him not to stay behind.

"Listen to me. They're gonna catch up with us, and take you away before you and your friends could get to the mansion."

She still wanted Logan to stay with her.

"Laura, you have to go!"

Just them, mercenaries began to arrive in two dozen of them, alongside half a dozen more in vehicles with mounted guns on them.

"We found the Wolverine, as well as one of the subjects."

"We got her."

Four mercenaries began to surround the two of them. Young Laura stood ready to fight. Logan, feeling his health deteriorating by the second, silently allowed young Laura to fight alongside him.

"Get behind me."

Young Laura did what he ordered, and stood behind her father. Logan to the brunt of the bullets, but his berserker rage helped him to remain standing as he retaliated by stabbing the mercenaries, slashing them alive. Young Laura jumped up from behind him and stabbed a few mercenaries of her own. One by one did their slaughter killed nearly every one of them, ensuring the safety of the children running from them. However, Logan's berserker rage soon subsided, and the exhaustion weighed heavy on his body. Breathing heavily while kneeling, Logan felt as if his entire body was shutting down. And at the worst possible time. More mercenaries arrived. Young Laura stood ready, but Logan dissuaded her. Telling her,

"Go to your friends. You'll be safe with Xavier. I'll make sure you don't have to fight anymore."

Young Lura still wanted to stay behind with her father.

"Laura, listen to me!"

With tears in his eyes, he says to young Laura,

"Don't be what they made you."

She listened to him, and went away from her father. Logan walked toward the mercenaries, but not before he picked up a gun from one of the mercenaries he and his daughter slain. He soon stopped as someone form the mercenaries' side stepped forward to speak with Logan. He was English, thin, and seemed to be in his late 40s to early 50s.

"Mr. Howlett. You seem in…dour spirits. I'd hate to order these men to open fire on someone who's currently suffering from Adamantium poisoning. You will not survive the onslaught I can unleash on you."

Logan witnesses the clone of him standing alongside the English man.

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zander Rice. I believe you knew father from the Weapon X program."

"…Yeah. He's the asshole who put this poison inside me."

"Yes…regrettable, to say the least. That is why I have gone in a substantially different direction in my scientific research."

"Yeah…You want to wipe us out."

"You overstate. The goal of Transigen was not to wipe out mutant kind, but to control it. To make sure that random mutancy goes the way of polio. Once that was done, we intend to act on the next step…"

"Making some of your own."

"Precisely. You don't fear that a degenerative brain disease like ALS or Alzheimer's could affect Charles Xavier's powers? That it could make him into a weapon of mass destruction, without his consent?"

"No."

Logan took out the gun and performed a perfect headshot at Dr. Rice's head. This prompted the other mercenaries to open fire at Logan. While the mindless clone of him, snarled and began fighting him. The clone was his animalistic rage, made physically manifest. It was also in perfect health. Logan was in no shape to fight whatsoever, but summoned what was left of his berserker rage to fight. The two fought near the vehicles, which prompted the mercenaries to stop shooting and stood by in case the clone of him failed to kill him. Logan sliced off one of the doors and used it to pin the clone. It was a stopgap measure that failed to payoff as the clone slowly pushed off the vehicle door off him and began to massacre Logan. The clone continued to stab him until Logan was so weak, he was practically on death's door. The clone finished him by stabbing his left shoulder, dragging him to a nearby fallen tree, and impaled him unto one of his exposed roots. A little after that, the clone stood as if it was receiving orders. As did the mercenaries when they pressed in on their earpieces.

"Guess that means the kids made it…and if they did, this whole thing…"

Logan began to cough blood.

"Mariko…Ken…I'm sorry…"

Logan died right there, on the tree root.

end

Kuzuri breathed heavily as he recoiled from the intensity of the memory. Although he was still holding Kanou in his hand, his claw was further from Kanou's stomach. Kanou knew that one of two options had to happen for him. He could draw out this confrontation in order to buy time for is new sponsors to rescue him. However, that option left up too much to chance. He knew that the way to go "out" was Kuzuri. He egged him on.

"Come now, Kaneki. You made as if I stole something from you."

His anger returning, Kuzuri responded,

"You… cut me open. You stole my life!"

"I tried to make you better! But in the end, you were always going to be that sniveling little boy crying for his mother!"

Kuzuri stabbed Kanou in the shoulder with his claw. Kanou screamed in pain.

"Kaneki!"

"You stop right there!"

"WHY SHOULD HE? You two have no idea what his father really was. The kind of person he was…and how much that dominates him. Even now!"

Kanou breathed heavily before further taunting Kuzuri to kill him.

"You… were always going to be an animal. I just gave you claws."

Kuzuri took rapid deep breaths as the way he got Kanou, he remembered putting Rize in a most familiar position. Both Wolverine and Amon were ready to stop him from committing a dire mistake, only to find out that he was not going to commit said mistake at all. Like with Rize, Kuzuri missed him. Because he knew what he does not want to be.

"I won't kill you! God knows how much I want to, but you don't get to destroy me! I'll make sure that you get everything you deserve for the piece of shit that you are! Not just for the shit you did to me, but for anyone you've manipulated into being your creations! Your victims beat you! The world beats you! I BEAT YOU!"

Kanou smiled a rather cocky smile.

"In your dreams, you sad little freak."

Just then, a military helicopter arrived. On it was a mounted minigun. Amon had flashbacks to the 9th ward incident.

"Take cover!"

An individual wearing black military clothing manned the minigun and shot to disperse the people who had Kanou in their hands. Amon and Wolverine instantly ran for the nearby cover to protect themselves. Except one. Kuzuri stayed where he was, determined not to let Kanou get away. Although Kuzuri held on, the bullets fired on him caused him to let go. Kanou was spared the harmful fallout, although some blood got on him. Kuzuri laid on the ground, dead for only for a moment. Kanou took advantage of the opportunity and ran to the helicopter, which hovered a little above ground.

"Took your sweet time!"

"Apologies, doctor."

As soon as Kanou got on, the helicopter slowly took off. As it did, Kuzuri healed himself. He witnesses Kanou getting on the copter. He snarled, got up, and ran after it. As the helicopter slowly gained altitude, Kanou sees Kuzuri chasing after. He alerts the individual manning the minigun.

"Shoot him down!"

"What?"

Kanou pointed to Kuzuri running after them.

"Impossible! He should-"

"be dead? He's a mutant. Keep shooting him down."

And thus did he shoot at Kuzuri once again. Kuzuri gained speed, despite the initial deep cold. As the helicopter continued to ascend, Kuzuri was closing the gap once the ground was less filled with snow. As he gave chase, he noticed a boulder that was slanted in a way that pointed upwards. While on the helicopter, the individual manning the minigun got a few shots in, it was not enough to stop Kuzuri. Frustrated by this, Kanou asked,

"Got any explosives?"

Kuzuri had become so fast that he could jump towards the helicopter and get within its space to latch unto it with his claws. He ran up the boulder and jumped off it. As he desired, his leap off the boulder was getting him closer to the helicopter.

"KANOU!"

Unfortunately, Kanou was armed with a grenade launcher and shot one round to stop Kuzuri from latching onto the helicopter. He succeeded, resulting in Kuzuri being blasted back to the ground and the helicopter he was on getting away. Soon after, Amon and Wolverine rejoined him just in time to see Kuzuri regenerating. Wolverine got to him first.

"Kaneki, are you alright?"

Kuzuri did not say anything at first as he simply laid on the ground, in a seemingly depressive state. Amon came soon after.

"Did Kanou get away?"

He asked softly. That question made Kuzuri react as he got up, snarling, slightly zig-zagging his way toward the same rock he used previously to chase after the helicopter. Then, he yelled. He yelled as much as his lungs could give. He continued to yell as he used his claws to shred apart the rock in front of him. He anguished over his failure to capture Kanou, and took it so personally that he cried as he as he shredded the rock apart. He eventually stopped as he simply bowed to the ground, crying a little bit more. Wolverine could understand her little brother's pain as she went to his side and hugged him. She held him as he cried. Amon could only stand back and look at the two siblings. He understood Kuzuri a little more. He understood where his pain came from. How it motivates him, drives him. Most importantly, Amon understood Kuzuri's anguish over his failure of defeating the man who was the core of his pain. He felt a measure of that same pain himself.

xxxxxx

With the base completely swept, the operation was a partial success. Although they found the corpse of William Stryker, Akihiro Kanou was still out there. Somehow managing to escape their custody. As such, the GCB had labeled him a fugitive from the law. The two chairmen and Special Investigator McCree all agreed on such a ruling, and were confident that the organization, as an international whole, would agree to such an assessment. The general mood among the Investigators was a job well done, despite missing one target. It helped especially the Japanese Investigators, whom they felt was a win. Considering what was waiting for them back home. The X-Men, however, felt depressed. The Professor was in a comatose state, inflicted unto him by a cerebral fluid. They found the source of the fluid in question, Julian.

flashback

Emma was brought in due to Julian using his powers on the Investigators in question. He possessed mutant abilities like Jason, which compelled Emma to use her telepathy to suppress his abilities.

"Probably used it to defend himself…"

Emma spoke to Julian Stryker, saying his father had died. Julian felt no sadness or remorse. Rather, he felt relief.

"If you promise not to use your powers to hurt others, we can help you control your powers. Help you find a way to live your life without this trauma weighing you down."

Julian nodded yes as Emma wheeled him to the Blackbird.

end

Emma brought him in the Blackbird, and sat him alongside Kuzuri and Wolverine, who were still depressed from Kanou getting away. Emma looked at him with sadness. Cyclops soon came after, asking,

"How is he, Laura?"

"Still not saying anything."

"I don't blame him. Keep staying with him. We'll be back at the mansion soon."

As Laura held her little brother, Cyclops and Emma then checked on the professor.

"How is he, Hank?"

Asked Emma.

"Well, thanks to you bringing Julian here, I can determine how to restore Charles' mind, but I could only do only so much here."

Cyclops understood what Beast meant.

"Gotcha. We'll make it back to the mansion, post-haste."

"Thank you, Scott."

Before he would give the order, Cyclops met with the leaders of the operation.

"We'll be taking off soon."

"Understandable, considering."

Said Director Washuu with Director Michaels adding,

"Indeed. My best wishes to Professor Xavier's recovery."

"Thank you."

Said Cyclops. Special Investigator McCree then said,

"I got a couple of questions. One: anyone seen Magneto?"

"Haven't seen him, but I imagine he's already what he had set out to do."

Director Michaels scowled before replying,

"Hopefully that'll be the last we see of him."

"What was the other thing, Investigator?"

Asked Cyclops.

"How's is Kuzuri? I understand he had a personal stake in the capture and arrest of Akihiro Kanou. At least, from what Investigator Rasputin told me."

"We'll…know how to get him out of it."

"…I'll say no more then, other than this."

McCree extended his hand toward Cyclops.

"What you have done for us is immeasurable."

The two shook hands. Director Michaels felt the same.

"The assistance the X-Men provided certainly aided in the success of the mission. All that is left is the arrest of Akihiro Kanou, and the threat of Weapon X can be finally be extinguished from the world."

As did Director Washuu.

"This can certainly be said. This operation is a testament to the good both humans and mutants can bring into the world."

Cyclops smiled, feeling that their gratitude was genuine. A soon as he was done returning the sentiment, he gave the order to the X-Men.

"X-Men, we're going home."

The X-Men who were still outside of the jet heard the order. Before he left, Cyclops spoke with Piotr.

"Piotr, we're heading off."

"Da. It was good to see you again."

"Likewise."

The two shook hands before Cyclops returned to the Blackbird. With all X-Men onboard, the Blackbird descended to the sky. The Investigators all looked at the jet taking off, some of them waving goodbye. While Piotr whispered to himself,

"Get better, Kaneki."

xxxxxx

(Anteiku, Tokyo, one week later.)

Hinami woke up earlier than usual. She noticed that Touka wasn't around the apartment. She went to her room, discovering that she had been pulling an all-nighter. Rather than waking her up, she left her alone instead and simply ate cereal for breakfast. As she did, she turned on the news.

"In International News, details of the joint-operation between the Japanese, American, and Canadian offices of the GCB are finally open to the public. The operation has been labeled a partial success. This operation came to pass when the GCB have finally discovered the headquarters from which Weapon X had been operating out of. Located at Akali lake, within the vicinity of the Canadian Rockies, the GCB received assistance from the X-Men, who were victims of an attack from Weapon X, led by their leader William Stryker. William Stryker was a former military scientist who resigned due to his staunch opposition against mutant rights…"

Hinami turned off the news as soon as she was done with her breakfast. She later got dressed for the day and started her by putting out the foldable sign near the entrance to the café. She was feeling a little giddy this morning as she stretched herself a little. As she looked around, she saw Nishiki with his girlfriend, Kimi. Kimi went to college as Nishiki was on his way to work. Hinami looked at how the two acted as a couple. As Nishiki changed into his work uniform and started cleaning the café alongside her, she had the opportunity to ask him a question that was on her mind for some time.

"What is love? Like the song?"

"There's a song about love?"

Nishiki chuckled a little at how literal Hinami acted.

"There's a lot of them, but you're acting about the act itself, right?"

Hinami nodded yes.

"Well, I'm…not sure I'm the right guy to ask that…"

"I just want to know what's it like to fall in love. That's all."

Nishiki took a moment to think, considering that he felt too ill-equipped to talk about such an abstract concept.

"It's tough to put into words… but I suppose…it's going out of your way to make the other person happy. And…you'd do anything to be close to them. That's the best way I'd describe it."

Hinami remembered the textbook Touka was using to study. It was one she ordered overseas from Empire State University. A guide to the entrance tests she had to pass in order to get in. She guessed that what was really motivating Touka to go to college in America. Soon after, Koma came along.

"Looking for advice, Hinami? The Devil Ape is at your service."

"Keep your pompadour out of this."

Just then, the entrance to the café opened. Hinami greeted the customer.

"Welcome."

The one who came inside was Piotr. All were glad to see him.

"Piotr. Good to see you man."

"Likewise, Nishiki."

"Morning."

"Good to see you."

"Koma. Irimi."

"So, you here for the first cup?"

Asked Irimi.

"Sadly, that will have to wait. I am here to see Yoshimura."

All were slightly shocked to hear that. Irimi sadly smiled and said,

"Don't let us stop you."

"Thank you…"

As Piotr made his way to Yoshimura's office, Hinami's thoughts went to Kaneki. Later, the two talked about Kaneki's time with the X-Men. Specifically, his part in the mission that went on last week.

"So, Kaneki had Kanou in his hands…but he managed to slip away."

"I am afraid so. Scott told me that he had not left his room in the mansion for five days straight. It is worrying."

Yoshimura felt a measure of guilt.

"I thought that being with the X-Men would keep him safe from events such as these."

"Do not bear blame for this. You had no idea that something like this could happen."

"Even so, I've sent him away for his safety."

Yoshimura looked down in sadness over Kaneki's suffering.

"Although I cannot imagine the levels of strife he is experiencing, Kaneki has shown to be someone of extraordinary resilience. I am also confident that the X-Men will show the same level of support that you and the rest of Anteiku would undoubtedly provide."

Yoshimura, although took Piotr's words to heart, still felt remorse over his decision.

xxxxxx

(X-Mansion, New York, the next day)

Kaneki woke up from his bed, his hunger finally forcing him to get out of his room. Since it was the early morning, it meant that the kitchen would not be so crowded. He decided to make himself some eggs with link sausages and buttered egg muffins with jam, and a glass of orange juice. He ate his meal in silence. It would not be that he would soon be joined with Charles.

"And how are you this fine morning, Kaneki?"

"Professor…didn't take you for a morning person."

"Well, I thought today was going to be a beautiful one. Early bird gets the worm, don't you know?"

Kaneki gave a small smile.

"How are you feeling, professor?"

"Oh, I'm…taking it easy, like Hank strongly recommended. But I am more concerned for you, Kaneki. Everyone is."

Kaneki looked down on the table for a little while before speaking.

"I feel…a little lost."

"Because of Kanou?"

Kaneki flashbacked to when Kanou got away from him. The feelings of anguish and heartbreak returned to him.

"I…had him…More than that, I wanted to…"

Kaneki wanted to say kill, but somehow lacked the fortitude to do so.

"If Laura hadn't stopped me, I don't think I could look at myself the same way again. And yet…"

"If you had went ahead with your original intention, it would've ended the nightmare that was unfairly thrusted upon you. That was the question on your mind?"

"…Sometimes I wonder if I'm so easy to read."

"Kaneki, look at me."

Kaneki raised his head at looked at Charles.

"What you went through…was a harrowing experience. I cannot imagine what it could feel like. To know that you rose above your need for gratification in favor of meaningful restitution. Only to have it taken from you. Unfortunately, it is something that happens a lot more than you think. However, it does not mean that your struggles are without meaning. Sometimes, it is through the fires of the crucible that we know who we are, and that knowing who we are is what allows us to prevail. Even through the days when all hope seems lost."

Although Charles' words seemed to resonate with him, Kaneki still felt a measure of guilt for not capturing Kanou.

"Just remember, you do not have to bear this pain alone. Let me tell you something I once told your father when he left the X-Men to live with your mother."

Charles then told something that would not only feel familiar to him, but motivate him.

"Life can be anything you wish it to be, but the one state where it can be fully felt is this. A home, where you are surrounded by your loved ones, and all in a safe place. Never forget to take a moment…and feel it."

Charles then wheeled himself away to give Kaneki time to himself. He felt the need to get his mind off the depression that used to weigh him down. He started to remember his time in Anteiku. The people who he worked with, and lived with. He started thinking of Koma and Irimi, Yoshimura, Nishiki, Piotr, his Shifu, Hinami, Hide, and Touka. He soon began to miss them. Kaneki then started to finish his breakfast and washed the dishes he used before heading back to his room. When he got there, he looked for his black hoodie and his bag of spray paint. He checked the to see that not only he had every color he needed, but also enough of it with the spray cans. He shook each of them to see if it was enough for what he had in mind. It took him nearly an hour. Laura was there to check in on him. She found the door open, which seemed to be a positive sign.

"Maybe he's feeling better?"

She checked inside.

"Kaneki, you here?"

"Just a moment, Laura."

She sees him near a duffle bag of spray paint.

"You gonna…"

"Yep. I need to do something. Anything, really."

She smiled, looking at how eager he acted.

"Okay…what do you want to do?"

"Paint."

He finished checking inventory, feeling satisfied that he had everything he need to create graffiti art. Laura asked,

"Do you have enough canvases?"

"I'll go outside and use one of the walls."

"Okay…wait what?"

Laura was shocked by that last statement and went after him. Soon, Kaneki passed by Scott and Emma very quickly. Scott, surprised by seeing Kaneki up and about, he asked him,

"Kaneki, how you… doing?"

"Feel the need to paint."

"O…k."

Soon after, Laura passed him by.

"Laura, is your brother…"

"Going to spray paint on the school walls."

"What?!"

"Oh this should be fun…"

"Excuse me?"

"What? I think this school could use a bit of color."

Scott groaned at Emma's sudden favor for anarchy. Both chased after the siblings as they now passed by Ororo and Hank. Hank asked,

"Kaneki seems to be in good spirits."

"But he's going to vandalize the school for it."

Said Scott. Ororo replied,

"He promises nothing inappropriate."

"Ororo, don't."

"Scott, it'll help if you chill."

"I AM CHILL!"

"Clearly."

Said Emma. The adults then see Hisako following the siblings. Scott calls out for her.

"Hisako, could you tell Kaneki not to spray paint the school?"

"Actually, I'm sort of interested in it."

"Oh god, not you too!"

"I'm sure if we asked the professor nicely, he'll come around."

Soon, a fair chunk of the students followed the adults until they were all outside and in the school garden.

As they all gathered, Scott and Kaneki were in an argument about his desire to perform his graffiti on one of the school walls. It got so heated that it caught Charles' attention.

"What the devil is going on here?"

"Professor, would you tell Kaneki here he can't vandalize the school?"

"It's graffiti art! Get with it, already!"

"Enough you two."

Both Kaneki and Scott scowled while looking at the opposite direction of each other. Hank commented on this with Storm.

"Brings you back, doesn't it?"

"Almost."

"Right. Forgot the claws and lasers that go with it."

Charles talked with both Scott and Kaneki.

"Kaneki, can I assume that this has something to do with your art?"

"Yes, professor. I can promise you this. Nothing inappropriate."

"Kaneki, that's still not-"

"Scott…Let him."

Scott was at a loss at what Charles said.

"What?"

He said flatly. Charles responded,

"I believe his promise."

Charles then gave his blessing.

"Now, if you will Kaneki."

Kaneki smiled at receiving the professor's permission.

(play Circles – Post Malone)

Kaneki zipped open the bag containing his cans of spray paint. He also had with him a bucket of water, a pair of latex gloves, and a rectangular piece of cardboard. Laura asked for his phone earlier so she could livestream it. With everything ready, he started. First, he created a black and white background. The top was black while the bottom was white, while the middle was an unpainted circle. He wanted to save this for last. Next, he added detail to the white bottom by adding a brown log next to the unpainted circle. As well as adding rocks near the circle. He finished by adding pine trees near the lake, but they were painted black. He created the trees by using one of the brushes and sprayed it black. Hank voiced out his guess.

"I imagine the setting is a lake at night."

His guess would prove itself correct as Kaneki finally painted the circle with navy blue and aquamarine.

"I was right."

Next, Kaneki took out one of the latex gloves and placed it on his left hand. He sprayed his index finger and thumb to flick white paint onto the black background. When the paint landed, the flick paint dots looked like stars in the night sky. Some of the onlookers expressed amazement.

"Innovative, I'll grant you that."

Said Scott. Kaneki then took off his latex glove and brought out brought out the spray cans that contained the colors navy blue, aquamarine, purple, light green, yellow, leaf green, goldenrod, turquoise and scarlet. As well as a couple of paint brushes. He spray-painted the black background with the brighter colors in a curvy fashion. He did it about three times before stacking each of the curves he painted earlier with a different color in rows of threes. The yellow was stacked in between scarlet and navy blue, the light green in between purple and aquamarine, and the goldenrod between leaf green and turquoise. He then took out his other latex glove and spray painted it black in order to make it look like the northern lights by lightly placing his index and middle finger on the paint while it was still fresh, and rubbed the paint downwards. Charles began to see what Kaneki was doing and asked,

"Are you trying to make it look like the aurora borealis?"

"Pretty much."

"Astounding."

Kaneki then washed the glove in the water bucket so he could spray it with the color white, in order to add more stars within the multi-colored background. The image of the northern lights soon became apparent. Thus, Kaneki moved on to create mountains in the background taking the cardboard and heavily sprayed one of its corners black. He created slightly curved triangles by rubbing the painted cardboard corner onto the middle point of the painting and did it at least three times before taking out one of his paint brushes and sprayed it white, as to create snow on the mountains. He also created one snowy mountain on the lake, reversed as if it were a reflection, as to create some realism on his painting. Hisako was reminded as to why Kaneki was so cool to him. Emma used her telepathy to communicate with Hisako, as to not to disturb Kaneki.

"So, Hisako. Still have a flame for him?"

Hisako blushed as she felt as if she was being read like a book.

"How did you…?"

"It was written all over your face."

Hisako blushed as she was embarrassed.

"It's not as hot anymore."

"What happened?"

"A lot of things, but I soon realized that…what I felt for Kaneki…maybe wasn't love after all."

Emma slightly sighed.

"Well, it's better that you realize it now than never. Some loves don't get returned. I'm just glad that you realized it this way."

Hisako smiled as she returned to seeing Kaneki paint. He was finishing up when he began to focus on the log. He created focused ovals of black on the log. He then washed the brush he used before and sprayed it brown as to create the impression that there were people sitting on the log. He sprayed the other brush he had on him white as to create person outlines. After that, Kaneki added more detail to the outlines. The first person he did was his father. He got his hair, body structure and face as he remembered it. Much to the shock to most of his teammates, his father looked like as they remembered him. Kaneki stopped for a moment as he started to remember his father fondly.

"Let's finish it."

Kaneki finished the painting by details of himself into the painting. All he was wearing in the painting were the tattered remains of his Anteiku uniform. The image was that of him, sitting alongside his father as he placed his hand on Kaneki's right shoulder, as both looked up at the night sky. Adorned with beautiful lights. As Kaneki stood back to fully look at his work, a tear flowed from his left eye as he was fully satisfied with what he done.

(end music)

The students clapped at the work done. While the more experienced X-Men, as well as Laura, merely stood with a sense of melancholy over the image they had seen. As soon as Laura was done filming, she stood by her brother as they both at the image of their father on the wall painting.

"Did you ever do something like this with him?"

"Only in my dreams…"

Kaneki now felt another kind of sadness. The loss of a parent. He remembered how his mother cried over news of his death. He remembered how he felt the need to hold back his tears because of how Logan asked him to step up if he was gone. The sorrow of his "failure" to capture Kanou weighed heavy on him once again. It was then that Hank came to engage in their shared love for literature.

"He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness."

Kaneki knew what Hank was referring to and replied,

"We must have felt what it is to die, that we appreciate the enjoyments of life. Alexander Dumas, right?"

Hank smiled.

"Correct. What I'm trying to say is, we're here for you and are willing to help you in your time of need."

Kaneki took a moment to think and went to Charles for a favor.

"Professor…"

"Yes, Kaneki?"

"Could I borrow the Blackbird so I could visit Tokyo? It won't take too long, I promise."

Scott attempted to speak up, but Charles raised his hand to speak for himself.

"The Blackbird is an important part of our arsenal. It cannot take off unless absolutely necessary."

"I understand…"

Said Kaneki in a slightly depressed tone.

"However, we have a minijet that could carry two passengers, maximum. As well as…one bi-pedal vehicle. Laura, please accompany him."

Laura smiled as she answered,

"Thank you, professor. Kaneki, let me show you where it is."

"Thanks, sis."

While Laura guided her little brother to the minijet, Scott spoke with him.

"You sure he'll be safe back in Tokyo? Aogiri is still a threat, last time I checked."

"He needs this."

xxxxxx

(Tokyo, GCB Branch Office, 20th ward)

Shinohara and Suzuya got back from, what Suzuya calls it, a boring assignment.

"I'm getting tired of sitting in cars and talking to bums."

"Keeping a low profile protects us and the public."

"Yeah, but it's just as boring as watching paint dry."

Just then, Shinohara was surprised to see a slightly disheveled woman stop him in his tracks.

"Oh wow! How did you get all those stitches on you?"

He was taken aback to see that her real target was Suzuya. She chased him around his partner, much Shinohara's confusion. The secretary that the woman spoke to earlier intervened.

"Miss, you cannot be back here without permission."

The secretary then faced Shinohara.

"Investigator. Perfect timing. Would you be willing to give this woman a moment of your time for a short interview?"

Suzuya gave a sour look at the disheveled woman.

"Well, the GCB has a strict policy of giving interviews to the press."

"Oh, she isn't press, sir. She's somebody famous."

Shinohara looked at the woman, who was smiling like a simpleton while waving. Moments later, they all had a table to themselves.

"So, you're a novelist?"

Asked Shinohara.

"Yep. Sen Takatsuki. Pleasure to meet you."

The two shook hands before Takatsuki looked around the office as she sipped her coffee.

"Wow. So this is what the headquarters of the GCB looks like."

Shinohara corrected her.

"It's actually one of the branch offices."

"Mind if I take a picture?"

"No."

"Oh…"

"Miss Takatsuki, we generally turn down interviews because they're a safety risk."

"I understand. To be frank, my interview is laser-focused on ghouls, which is part of the subject of my next book. I wanted to get a perspective of an Investigator, for information."

"I may not give you everything."

"I understand."

Suzuya continued to feel uneasy around Takatsuki

"So, first thing. Do you think it's possible to create a ghoul using artificial means?"

"I would like to say no, but recent events have shed some…light on the possibility."

"Are you referring to Akihiro Kanou, one of the individuals associated with Weapon X?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you anymore than that."

"Fair enough. I only wanted to see if it was possible to create a ghoul via the Frankenstein method."

"Like the book?"

"Yes. As in use a ghoul's blood, organs, or DNA, and implanting them into a human."

Takatsuki played around with the pen in her hand in a rather agile fashion.

"As a professional, you would say something like is possible?"

"It…does seem plausible. Considering…"

"It was done on a mutant, correct?"

Shinohara was at a loss for words.

"Honestly…I have no idea. But to be clear, I'm a field operative. So, my understanding on the science of the matter you're raising is limited."

Takatsuki wrote down the last thing Shinohara spoke.

"And to be frank, I don't see the point of making more of them. They're dangerous enough as it is."

Takatsuki soon stopped writing. Shinohara then asked,

"Do you have any more questions?"

"I actually have one more."

Takatsuki asked Suzuya,

"Could I have your name?"

Suzuya uneasiness around Takatsuki did not subside at all. She merely smiled at the awkward young man and ended the interview there.

"Well, thank you for the chat, gentlemen. It was very informative."

Takatsuki then took a big gulp of her coffee.

"This is pretty good. You know, there's a coffee shop at the 20th ward that serves the most delicious blends."

"Is that right?"

"If coffee's not your speed, then maybe rumors are."

xxxxxx

(Haneda Airport)

The minijet finally arrived at Haneda airport, which was near the 11th ward. At first, there was some difficulty, but soon, the siblings found a place to park the minijet. Laura commented on the process.

"It would've been easier to just park on a building somewhere in the city."

"I don't the professor thinking we're lazy and irresponsible."

"Fine. So, where do you want to go first?"

"Let me get the bike out first."

xxxxxx

(Anteiku)

The café was being over seen by just Yoshimura and Roma. All was quiet for a while, until the entrance opened. Roma was the first to welcome the customers.

"Welcome…"

Roma was shocked to see, of all people, Ken Kaneki at the door. Alongside some young woman. Kaneki looked around to see Yoshimura manning the bar.

"Welcome back."

He said with a smile. Kaneki smiled back.

"Good to be back."

Yoshimura then asked,

"And who is this young lady?"

"This is my older sister, Laura Kinney."

Roma gasped loudly at the fact that the young woman was his older sister, instead of something else.

"Pleasure to meet you, young lady."

"Likewise."

She then asked Kaneki,

"You used to work here?"

"And eventually live."

Laura lightly laughed and looked around the café.

"Well, I bet you were employee of the month."

"Almost every month."

Said Yoshimura, which made her laugh a little more. Kaneki asked Yoshimura,

"Yoshimura, can we…talk somewhere…privately?"

After a pause of silence, he replied,

"Sure. Roma, please attend to miss Kinney."

"R-R-Right!"

Sometime after that, Hinami was returning to Anteiku after having a day out with Tsukiyama. She remembered how it went.

flashback

Hinami was invited to a café that both he and Kaneki visited once. She wanted to go there to get to know Kaneki better. Although apprehensive at his flamboyant invitation, she went, nonetheless. As soon as they arrived, Hinami enjoyed both a cup of coffee and a slice of strawberry cake.

"So, what's it like? Kaneki's gift?"

"Well, it helps me fit in, and I finally understand the appeal of…other foods."

"I imagine that cake you're eating is heavenly."

"It is. If I ate this while being the way I used to be, it would probably gross me out."

Tsukiyama slightly laughed.

"Sadly, I missed out on Kaneki's…blessings."

"He also taught me about the names of flowers."

"Is that right? Do tell."

"Alright. What's hydrangea?"

"That'd be hortensia."

"Hortensia…"

Hinami replied, understanding the pronunciation.

"How about…Sweet Osmanthus?"

"Let me think…Olivier Odorant."

"Olivier Odorant…Sounds like it could be somebody's name."

"Indeed it does. You know, I sometimes engage in floriography."

"What's that?"

"It means language of flowers. Every flower is given a meaning. And some have more than one."

"Really? Like what?"

"Well…for example, Sweet Osmanthus. It expresses modesty. There are other meanings, but they seem to slip my mind for some reason…"

Tsukiyama snapped his fingers.

"Right. Now I remember. It can also mean noble spirit. Reminds me of our dear Kaneki."

Hinami smiled as she earnestly agreed with him.

"There's also first love."

Hinami felt she was stopped in her tracks as the conversation now seemed to veer into her personal feelings.

"As well as enduring charm, the brilliance of memories…and true love."

Hinami started to blush a little as Tsukiyama was insinuating that Hinami looked at Kaneki as a romantic figure in her life. Tsukiyama slightly laughed at how he was able to make her react like that.

"You're cute when you're flustered. Excuse me while I use the restroom."

Hinami was now by herself as she pondered on her feelings for Kaneki. Not knowing that she was being looked upon by a most familiar novelist.

"Hinami!"

Hinami was floored to see Sen Takatsuki outside of the café.

"I don't believe it."

Takatsuki entered the café.

"I can't believe I've ran into you here, of all places. Talk about luck."

"No. I'm the one who's lucky."

Takatsuki looked at Hinami.

"Something's eating you, isn't it?"

Hinami now felt a little exposed.

"I'm a writer and an elder, sweetie. I can sense these things. Why don't you get comfortable and you can tell me all about it?"

Takatsuki then ordered a coffee for herself. Afterwards, Hinami explained how she knew Ken Kaneki and everything that had happened to him.

"Go on."

"He's been like a brother to me, and I want to help him. But I don't even know where to start. I don't even know if I can."

"What I'm about to say may sound harsh, but I think it's important that you know this."

Takatsuki took off her glasses as she gave advice.

"I know you mean well, but…I don't think there's anything you can do for him."

Hinami was slightly shocked when Takatsuki gave an honest answer.

"You see, you're filled to the brim with warmth and kindness. The result of being genuinely loved. I have a good feeling that once upon a time, Ken Kaneki was loved like that as well. However, he's destined to live in the shadow of his father."

"His…father?"

"Surely you know. The Wolverine. His legacy was that of heroism, but it was born out of savagery. Such a legacy leaves him open to either acts of wanton vengeance or cruel manipulation of his wild nature. It's what's also makes him desperately want love in his life. Unfortunately, what he inherited is what makes him unable to sustain that love for so long. It's safe to say that you two come from completely different worlds."

Hinami felt a little discourage after receiving such advice.

"I know it sounds harsh, but…keeping the kid gloves on won't help you learn anything. You can't help him. Not the way you are now."

Hinami held back her honest reaction as not to seem so frail.

"I guess…you're right about that."

As Hinami looked down, Takatsuki put back on her glasses and began to exit the café.

"Look at the time. I'm almost late to an interview. Before I go, take this."

Takatsuki took out a card and presented it to Hinami.

"I know things can get tough, but at your age, some problems are too much to handle on your own. Believe me, I'm no stranger to rough patches."

Hinami looked at Takatsuki, wondering if she went through problems like Kaneki.

"Any time you feel down, drop me a line and I'll come running."

end

As she was close, Hinami was in thought.

"Maybe it's better that he's in America. I know I want to see him again. But…"

As soon as she entered inside the café, Hinami saw a customer chatting with Roma.

"Hinami."

"Hi Roma. Is this a customer?"

"More than that…"

Roma stopped as soon as Laura got up from her seat and went over to Hinami to greet her.

"Hinami Fueguchi, right?"

"Um…right."

Hinami's shyness came back as soon as Laura got her name right without knowing it first.

"I should explain myself. I'm Laura Kinney. I'm Kaneki's big sister."

Hinami was absolutely shocked to hear that sentence.

"You're Kaneki's big sister?!"

"She sure is! Kaneki's here and talking with Yoshimura."

Hinami was furthered surprised to hear that and felt the instinct to run to someone.

"Hold on!"

Hinami stopped for a while to apologize to Laura.

"I'm sorry! I really want to talk to you, but there's someone that really need to know this!"

Hinami bolted out of the café to let Touka know that Kaneki was back in Tokyo.

xxxxxx

In a library, Touka was with her friend, Yoriko. Yoriko was assessing the results of Touka's mock exams for Empire State University. After waiting for quite a while, Touka asked,

"How'd I do?"

"…Amazing. You've been working really hard, right?"

"I have to. This is an American college."

"Yeah, but some of them are overrated. At least that's what I heard."

Both laughed a little before Yoriko reviewed the results once more.

"You've done pretty well in math and science."

"It's English and literature that's killing me."

"Just keep at it. I know you'll get it."

Touka was pleased with herself right now.

"Listen, I know I asked you this before, but why Empire State?"

"Um…well…"

Yoriko just sighed as she already had a good guess.

"Tell me when you're ready to."

Hinami finally arrived at the library, running past other people. Until she already found her and gave her the news.

"Hinami?"

Hinami took a while to catch her breath.

"Kaneki's back in Tokyo! He's at Anteiku right now!"

Touka instantly got up from her chair and ran to the café. She ran as fast as she could, dodging other people along the way. When she finally made it, she saw no one else at the café but Roma at the moment.

"Where's Kaneki?!"

"You just missed him."

She ran once more, prepared to search all over the area for him. Luckily, both Kaneki and Laura were walking at a leisurely pace. So much so, Touka finally found Kaneki, walking alongside a young woman. They were heading up an overpass bridge. She ran towards said bridge and finally caught up with them. Both siblings caught her scent and see her arriving. Although Laura was confused by her, she looked at Kaneki to discover a warm expression on his face.

"I'll wait for you at the bottom."

Laura walked ahead at the other end of the bridge, waiting for her little brother. It was now just Kaneki and Touka, staring at each other. Kaneki maintained the warm look on his face as he says to Touka,

"Hey. Good to see you again."

xxxxxx

(Space)

In another galaxy, a group of insect-looking spaceships were fleeing from another group of spaceships, cross-shaped at the front with the main part of the ship resembling a half-circle while the wings resembled a quarter circle with engines attached to the other ends. Alongside the ships hunting down the insectoid ships was another ship, this one the size of a planetoid. It resembled a battleship, but it was no earthly battleship. It chased down the smaller ships form some unknown purpose. Some of the insectoid ships turned around to fight off the ships chasing them in order to buy the others time. Although they were weaker than the other ships, their size and speed made it tough for the other ships to get a hit on them. The insectoid ships eventually got a clean hit on one of the ships chasing them, causing it to crash into one of its own. Some of the other insectoid ships were spurned by this and took down some of the other ships chasing them by strategically targeting their weak points and hatting them hard. A successful escape seemed to be within reach for all. Unfortunately, the larger ship fired at some of the smaller insectoid ships, utterly destroying them. The larger insectoid ship was taking heavy damage. Within the ship, its captain sent a telepathic message, calling for one specific individual.

"Help me, Charles Xavier. Help me. For the sake of the future, help me!"

xxxxxx

Back on earth, Charles was by himself, drinking some tea. When suddenly, he received the message. But the force behind the message was so powerful, it reignited the mental wounds he suffered earlier when Stryker used a mind control serum against him. It caused him to scream out in pain. The screams could be heard by Hank, just as he was coming to check up on him. As soon as Hank arrived, he sees Charles writhing on the floor.

"Charles!"

Hank picked him up and got him back on his chair.

"Charles, what's happening?"

"They're coming! THEY'RE COMING!"

And this is where we stop for now. Sorry for the delay. I wanted to finish this earlier, but the reason why is one we're gonna get to right now.

First, my book got published. It's on Amazon right now. If you want to know more about my book, PM me. As such, I am going to be a little swamped with some real life writing some time in the future. I will still finish this fan-fic, but the last part of the Kuzuri trilogy will not come after this. I took a break like last time before I started Route X so I could focus on my writing career, and I may still do so again.

I know many of you love this story, and I will get back to it, time to time. However after Route X, I will focus on my books for quite a long while. Until this is done, I will work on the final chapters. The last chapters will be a mix of the last half of Tokyo Ghoul root A and the Dark Phoenix Saga. My personal take on it that is.

Don't forget to leave a review for anything you either like or dislike about this chapter. Share this with your friends if you love this enough to. Stay tuned as we reach the final chapters of Kuzuri: Route X!