Winter in Tokyo. A season that signals the change in times and the dawning of a new time. Frigid temperatures and glassy snow in a city that is stained by blood. Monsters come out at night, but where do they go during the day...
The mission for Aogiri Tree was a success. They gained extra forces and power for the upcoming war, furthering their standing against the CCG. But, it did come at a cost and that is causing the CCG to be more active and militarize their forces. Making the hunting grounds for ghouls harder to feed off of.
Nonetheless, Eto was satisfied with everything. Now that she had Kaneki back she could ease her mind, although the injuries he had were quite significant. She strokes his sleeping face marveling at the man that she cares about. "It is almost time for war Kaneki," Eto thinks to herself. " I hope you are ready." She kisses his forehead and lays her very own on his chest listening to the rhythmic heartbeat. Closing her eyes as she drifts to sleep on her lover's chest.
The hours go by and night turns into day. They had been sleeping for the majority of the time, but she did not mind as it was the alone time she craved. "Eto?" Kaneki softly says, as if he was dreaming that she is here.
"Yes, Ken?" Eto mumbles from his chest with her untamed hair taking up his view of her.
"What is going to happen now? We raided Cochela, gathered more members, now what?" Kaneki questions the sleepy ghoul while laying his eyes on her.
She sighs softly, knowing that she has to be the bearer of bad news sooner or later. "Kaneki the CCG is planning to make an attack on the One-Eyed Owl, which is in the 20th ward. They'll most likely attack well-known places and any potential prospects, so I need you to be at tip-top shape. And don't get hurt too much, or I will be angry with you."
Kissing Kaneki's head softly, as she embraces his warmth. Their future was bleak, but she is hoping that life lookups for them. Clasping their hands together as she descends into slumber and enjoys resting for once.
Antikeu a small haven for ghouls. The aromas smell of delectable coffee was a temptation many ghouls could not resist. And the kindness of the major was also a treat. With CCG's presence increasing they had to be watchful of their activities and certain visitors. Although, they were surprisingly carefree for the majority of the time.
"Mr. Yoshimura, you have a visitor." Kaya politely opens the door showcasing the visitor before him. "Thank you, Kaya." Yoshimura offered his smile and dismissed her.
"Would you like coffee, Kaneki?" The manager asked not surprised that the young man has finally returned to the cafe.
"No. No thank you." Kaneki turns down the offer even though he missed the acquired taste. "I wanted to ask you about a few topics..."
Yoshimura simple sat in the chair not saying a word for s brief moment, "what would you like to ask me Kaneki?"
"What will you do if the CCG attacks the cafe?" Kaneki spews bluntly as the overwhelming thoughts of the people he cares about getting hurt.
"Plans have been established as a just in case. Just know that Touka and Hinami will be moved to a safer location, if when it is needed." Offering Kaneki a small relief, but only for the time being.
"Now can I ask you a question in return Kaneki?" The silence overtakes the room for a moment until Kaneki nods his head in agreement. "Why have you been cannibalizing ghouls?"
"To gain the power to protect the people I care about. I have to bear the pain and sorrows, so others won't. It's not the best path, but it's the one I have chosen..." Kaneki somberly states knowing the effects his kakuja haves on him.
"Would you mind if I tell you a story Kaneki. It's about a man named Kuzen. And the choices he made that are almost similar to your very own." Yoshimura states, gesturing Kaneki to take a seat.
Kuzen was a lonely, cold-blooded ghoul. He spared no expense on satisfying his desires on both humans and ghouls alike. Causing his power to grow and reputation to spread amongst the various wards within Tokyo. Before finally gaining V's attention to the young Kuzen. As they offered him a job as a cleaner, giving him more meals to eat as he destroyed rival organizations.
Nonetheless, V was nothing but an employer to him and he still felt that sense of loneliness. The free time he would have would be spent in a small cafe, in which he met a woman by the name of Ukina. She was the first person in which he felt comfortable with and began to develop feelings for the woman.
These feelings brought the two species together, in an unexpected relationship. Love. This love, in particular, bore Ukina pregnant. And Kuzen informed her that the chances of her getting pregnant were slim, nothing less than a miracle. But for her to successfully develop the child she would need to eat human flesh to nourish the child.
And, so she did. Nine months later, their daughter was born. She was nothing short of a miracle and they cherished her dearly. However, V wanted his child or they would take his wife from him. Kuzen paid the price for not giving into V, and was ordered to murder his wife. This act brought pain upon every fiber of his being, yet he had to endure for his child.
The organization only stayed quiet for so long before they demanded his child once again, and he decided that it would be best to hide her from the world. Giving it to his old acquaintance Noroi and left her to be raised in the 24th Ward. A place that should be far outside of V's influence.
From that day forward the One-Eyed Owl was born murdering ghouls and humans alike for their sins. Atoning for the bloodshed that has been, has happened, and will happen.
In due time, the young child had grown. In anger, she began her own reign of terror. Annihilating CCG and wrecking the various wards in temper tantrums. Bringing the attention to V, and with a father's love, Kuzen used his kakuja to take cover for his daughter.
"Kaneki. The world is an unjust place filled with lonely people and ghouls. All trying to find their place in this world. But, when you give them something to protect then there is life. And someday... I hope you can breathe this life into my own daughter.." Yoshimura solemnly states, finishing the story of his past life.
" I will save your daughter," Kaneki quietly confirms, drinking the warm coffee. " Even if it means my demise..."
The two men drink their coffee, neither saying a word as if there is a conversation of silence.
"I would like to offer you a warming before I depart," Kaneki takes a short pause and recollects his thoughts."The CCG is looking for the One-Eyed Owl in this ward, more specifically around this area. So please, be safe Mr. Yoshimura."
This cafe is my lively hood, but if it is my time. Then, I must atone for the blood that I have shed throughout my years. For a new generation to grow from our ashes."
The younger ghoul exits the cafe not turning around as the sun begins to set on the horizon and life of Tokyo continues forth.
"Touka..."
