Does Man Make the Monster?

Chapter 2

Hidden in Plain Sight

(A/N So, okay wow. I was totally not expecting this sort of turn out. I'm quite shocked to be honest. It was what I call an "idea dump." It had just been running around my head and I had to, well, dump it to be rid of it. After I wrote it I wasn't even going to post it but I thought better of and I'm sort of glad I did. The only problem is that… Well, I never really thought beyond that little bit. Again it was because I wasn't expecting the turn out I got. So, yeah… I've been really racking my brain to come up with how to continue and end it. I'm going off the manga more so than the anime. I'm making a chapter or two more after this one. I'm not really sure but they will be long ones like the first one. So, yeah… I hope you enjoy.)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

Inner Voices

(Last Time)

Kaneki looked at his front door and debated if he should go a few doors down. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea. He wasn't a fighter and he didn't want to get in one but… He shook his head. He might as well take a shower and try to calm his mind. He got to his bare feet and turned towards his bathroom. Now he was even more confused than before. Yoshimura wanted them to keep their heads down, Touka wanted to get back at the Doves, and Kurosaki… Kaneki was still on the fence about him. Was he an enemy turned friend or was he still the enemy?

He feverishly shook his head and grabbed a fresh towel on the way into the bathroom. He just needed to get his mind to clear. He was so worked up over everything that's been going on. Hopefully a shower would help, although he highly doubted it. He was just too worked up right now. He hated feeling like this. He felt helpless no matter how much he wanted to help. Was there anything he could even do? Should he even try to help? He didn't know. He just flat out didn't know what to do and it scared him.

(Present)

Ichigo hung up his phone and leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh. He had just gotten off the phone with Hayashi. She just relayed the grim news that Kusaba was killed by a female ghoul wearing a rabbit mask. Kusaba was a good man and Ichigo hated the news of his passing. Amon had rushed to help but got knocked around pretty good. Mado showed up finally ending the deadly skirmish with the ghoul getting away. There was no doubt in Ichigo's mind that the attack was spawned in retaliation to the death of the mother ghoul.

A noble effort on her part but also a stupid and fatal one. "Rabbit" was most likely a relative or a close friend. He highly doubted it was the daughter. She didn't seem the type. Now "Rabbit" would be hunted as well. Mado will do everything in his power to make sure that happens. There was no telling what tactic that old man would stoop to. Ichigo clinched his teeth and stood up. Time was running out he feared. He was on medical leave and couldn't really do much. Hayashi made it quite clear that until the doctor cleared him he wasn't going back to the field.

However, he needed information on what was going on at the office. It might help him keep the young girl out of trouble and alive. He had made up his mind about this. This was most likely going to be the last thing he does as an investigator. It was time to stop what he was doing. He walked over to a bag pulled out a pen and a notebook. He had been planning out key points these last couple of days but really needed to know what Mado was going to do. As much as he'd like to call Amon he was way too involved with Mado and the case. He needed to stay a step back or two from them.

Hayashi came to mind. She owned him a few favors but then again she was too close to him; not a good idea to rely on her. Distance was key to his plan as it would make it harder to trace him should the shit hit the fan. He looked at what he had written down. He had clothes to hide his body, a mask and hood to conceal his head and face, and he even ordered a voice modifier that should arrive sometime tomorrow. Amon and Mado would recognize him otherwise so he had to keep everything hidden. But there was one more thing he needed to include in his disguise. Hiding his voice and body was good against humans but the ghouls would catch his scent too quickly. He had been coming up with different concoctions to mask his human scent. The more potent the masking smell, the better.

He looked at the ingredients and he knew he had to go out and buy them. They were mostly spices and herbs that were sharp, tangy, and spicy. He'd soak his clothes in that concoction to make sure he would be fully covered. But this was only the bare bones. Without knowing where, when and how Mado was going to track down the girl, doing all this planning would be useless. He needed eyes and ears on the inside but who could he trust? He snapped his notebook shut and stared at the blue cover. Hell, if he still had his shinigami powers he could saunter into the building without a single person knowing he was even there.

He scoffed and shook his head. If only… If only that were possible but as of right now he still wasn't able to even see a regular plus soul. He didn't even know if he would be able to. His hollow had remained far too quiet and there was no way to ask him. He clicked his tongue and walked to his bedroom and sat down on his futon. He opened the notebook again and was trying to figure how to move forward. He wrote down a few little side notes but that wasn't even a drop in the bucket. This was frustrating him to no end.

He might just stop by the office sometime soon and see if he could hear any good tidbits. It would also be rude not to visit with Amon after he got knocked around. He knew Amon would be at the office regardless of his condition. He couldn't ask any direct question but he might be able to get a lead and go from there. It was getting late and his head was aching and his nose was sore. He lightly touched his black and blue nose. The bruising was dark and even extended out to around his eyes. He looked like a mess and still felt like one, too.

He got up and started turning some of the lights off. He walked to the door to make sure it was locked. He paused briefly as he checked the handle. He knew that Kaneki had to be a ghoul, given the fact that he was with the girl. He didn't even have an inkling that the boy was one and he doubted that boy knew he was with CCG until recently. This was going to get awkward and perhaps a bit sticky when they crossed paths again. Would Kaneki attack him or would he run?

That was for later. He turned the last of the lights off and crawled into bed. What was he to do? Hayashi would kill him if she found out that he showed up so soon but he'd have to take that risk. He'd bite it and wait a couple more days before showing up at the office. He knew Mado needed time to calculate his plans. He was a rather good tactician when it came to hunting ghouls. Mado would think his plan through for a while so Ichigo knew he had a little time. He just hoped he could catch on to something before it was too late.

Kaneki dragged his feet a bit as he climbed the steps to the café. He was tired from the night before. He yawned as he opened the door and stepped in. The place was already fairly busy. He sighed walking toward the back to change into his work uniform. This day was just going to drag on for him. He wanted to visit Hinami before he got started. He walked up the steps and lightly knocked on her door. He pushed down the handle to see her sitting on the bed with her head hung low and her hands folded in her lap.

He shut the door quietly and sat down beside her. He brushed a bit of hair from her face and forced a smile. She wouldn't even look at him. He knew she had been crying again recently. It hurt him to see her like this. He knew the pain of losing a mother. It pulled at his heartstrings to see her like this. He wished he knew what to say to her but what could he say that hasn't already been said? He felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He'd have to put that up before he went out. He pulled it out to turn it off but paused. He still had that picture of the flowers. He wasn't sure if he should show her this or not. He bit his lip a little as he mulled it over. He might as well, it could make her feel a little better. He opened the gallery and clicked on the picture. He set the phone in her lap for her to look at it.

"I found them last night. Someone left flowers for you and your mom," Kaneki said with a smile. "I don't know who but…"

His voice trailed off as Hinami just handed him back the phone. She then put her head back down on the pillow. He was hoping it would cheer her up but no such luck. She needed to heal on her own time and in her own way. He got to his feet and looked down at her with sympathy in his eyes. He turned off his phone and walked towards the door.

"I-I hope you get to feeling better," he said as he opened the door. "And I'm sorry…"

"Thank you," she mumbled into her pillow.

He nodded solemnly and shut the door behind him with a quiet click. This was just eating at him and he didn't know what to do to help her. He climbed back down the stairs into the café. He put his phone up with his street clothes and straightened his uniform before walking out onto the floor. This was indeed going to be a long day. He drew in a deep breath and put on a smile for the customers. He saw Touka walk by him as he walked around the bar. She didn't look too good today. He just shook it off as a costumer sat down at a table. He walked over, pulling out a pen and a notepad. The death of Mrs. Fueguchi was weighting on everyone it seemed.

He wondered if he should show those flowers to Yoshimura or not, since he saw Hawk set them down. Would it be wise or not, especially after he found the hidden message in them? It was eating at him that he knew a secret like that. Perhaps after the café closed for the night he'd confront Yoshimura about the flowers and all that he knew. He might just leave out the fact the Hawk was his neighbor 3 doors down. He didn't want to cause a ruckus where he lived. It wouldn't end well for anyone.

Yoshimora flipped the sign over from open to closed as staff started to leave for the day. He was surprised to see Kaneki still hanging around. No doubt the young man wanted to talk to him about something. He walked over to the bar where Kaneki was sitting, looking down at his phone. He cleared his throat as Kaneki turned to look at him. He had a worried look on his face. Was he still worried about Touka? The girl did it to herself going against his orders. There was nothing for Kaneki to worry about. Touka had to learn somehow. She was headstrong and hated to be suppressed in anyway. Now the CCG was after her and it was her own doing.

"Kaneki, what are still doing here?" Yoshimura asked, standing beside Kaneki. "If it's about Touka…"

"No… It's not about her. I… I wanted to talk to you about something I saw," Kaneki answered, looking up at Yoshimura with a solemn gaze. "Yesterday—I w-went to visit the area where Mrs. Fueguchi was…"

He was clearly struggling to get something off his mind. Yoshimura sat down on the stool beside the young man and leaned on the well-polished bar. Kaneki turned away from him and stared at the black screen of his phone.

"Kaneki, what's wrong?" Yoshimura asked as Kaneki fiddled with his phone and handed him the device. "Hmm? Flowers?"

"Yeah… I just went to pay my respects but when I arrived I saw someone put those down," he stated quietly.

"And just who was this someone? You seem rather troubled by this. Was it someone you know?" the manager asked, handed the phone back over.

"You could say that, I guess. The person who set those down… Well, it Hawk," Kaneki struggled to get it out of his mouth.

Yoshimura looked a little stunned at those words. Hawk set down those flowers? Why would a CCG investigator do such a thing? He let this information settle for a moment. He never heard of such a thing. Even for a long as he lived. He could tell that Kaneki knew more still from the way he was fidgeting.

"Hawk set them down? Well, that is quite interesting, I must say," Yoshimura said and Kaneki nodded. "Did he see you yesterday?"

"No, I stayed back… But I think he saw me with Hinami just before he collapsed the other day," Kaneki stated, quietly.

"I would have liked to have known that sooner," Yoshimura said sternly. "Do you think he knows what you are?"

"I'm not really sure but I know he can put two and two together without much trouble," Kaneki sighed, hanging his head low.

"I see…" Yoshimura breathed and got to his feet. "I'll make us some coffee."

"There's something else. Those flowers aren't just an offering. Flowers have different meanings. I was tipped off by the oak leaves in the larger arrangement, they mean bravery," Kaneki said, turning on his phone again and showed the flowers to Yoshimura again. "From what I got from them was this. He was apologizing to her, recognized her bravery as a mother, and that she won't be forgotten. The smaller one is for Hinami and from what I got from it… It means protect the grieving daughter. This yellow flower is called Bearded Crepis it's the one that means protection. Bearded Crepis has another name: Hawksbeard."

Yoshimura slowly eased back onto the stool more than a little stunned at those words. This was indeed something out of the norm. The two sat silently for moment or two. Yoshimura didn't know what to make of this and clearly Kaneki didn't either. The meaning was clear and to the point but why would Hawk do this something like this? This was not something done casually. Hawk really took the time to study and gather those faux flowers. Something wasn't right about this. Either the CCG was playing a really dirty trick or Hawk was doing this on his own with honest intentions. If it's the latter what was Hawk planning to do?

"Kaneki, do you think Hawk means what he's saying with those flowers?" Yoshimura inquired and Kaneki shrugged. "I mean, it could very easily be a ploy to capture Hinami."

"I don't think it's that… The look on his face was too sincere when he placed them down," Kaneki answered, running a hand through his hair. "But I can't rule out anything either, and yet, there's also the fact he just stopped chasing Hinami so abruptly. Something must have resonated with him during that time. That's what I'm getting from this. Just before he collapsed he had a shocked and pained look at his face as he watched Mrs. Fueguchi… Hmm… Maybe I'm reading this too far."

"Perhaps or perhaps not. It's very rare but some people from the CCG have developed some form of sympathy for ghouls in the past. However, it never ends well for them. The CCG sees them as turncoats and will arrest them with charges of treason. Ghouls only see them as spies for the CCG and kill them," Yoshimura spoke clearly. "If he truly means to help Hinami this young man will be throwing away his life. Even if he just plans to help this one time and should the CCG find out… Well, let me put this into prospective for you. Think of Touka and what she has done."

Kaneki's body stiffed at the sound of those words. Yoshimura was comparing Hawk and Touka? Kaneki inwardly scoffed. Touka would not like hear this but he was getting the idea of where this was going.

"She did something she shouldn't have and is paying for it. Hawk will be doing the same thing in a sense and sooner or later, he too, will be in the same boat as her. If this is the gamble he's willing to make than he must understand the consequences of his actions," Yoshimura said, folding his aged hands on the bar. "This is not something for him to take lightly and I doubt he would. From that brief encounter I had, he seemed like a good person and I wish him the best of luck, however, we need to keep our own noses out of it."

"But why? If he really does mean to help her shouldn't we—" Kaneki was cut short as Yoshimura raised his hand to stop him.

"No. We need to remain as distant as possible from him. We need to help Hinami too and we can't do that if we get too close to him and get ourselves caught," Yoshimura stated frankly. "Let him go as far as he can and we'll pick it up from there. We can't travel the same path as him. Like what I told you earlier, the ghouls of Anteiku cannot stand up against such a magnitude of investigators. If he manages to help Hinami, good, however, if he fails we have to remain standing. It's not just for Hinami but for the sake of the whole community. Do I make myself clear, Kaneki?"

"Yes," Kaneki muttered and nodded his head.

"We also still have to treat this as way to catch Hinami. Don't trust his intentions until he's played his full hand," Yoshimura added, getting to feet again. "Even then don't put all your trust in him and don't do something brash like what Touka has done. Let him do what he wants without getting involved."

Kaneki nodded again and stood up, grabbing his phone and satchel. Yoshimura let out a sigh.

"I don't want to seem cruel but that's just how things are done here. We look after each other but those that risk our safety cannot be helped," Yoshimura stated.

Kaneki walked passed his manager and toward the door. He understood fully but it still hurt to follow such rules. He still wanted to help Touka, however, and Kurosaki if he really means to help Hinami. But like Yoshimura stated he should also treat this as a trap. He still wasn't that familiar with how the Doves operated. He just really hoped his neighbor was being sincere with his hidden message.

He opened the door and walked down the steps towards his apartment. He had been careful not cross paths with Kurosaki, although, he really hadn't seen hide nor hair of him since that day. He knew Kurosaki was home as he saw the lights through the curtain as he passed the front window at night. Then again he did take a nasty spill and was most likely nursing his wounds.

A few minutes later he found himself mounting the metal stairs of his apartment building. He hung low, looking at Kurosaki's door before stepping into the landing and quietly racing to his door. He pulled out his keys. No sooner did he finish finding his key did he hear another door open farther down the breezeway. He turned to see Kurosaki step out. He had on his ball cap and a light weight red and white coat. Kaneki scrambled to get his key in the lock while trying to keep an eye on Kurosaki. Not an easy feat.

Kurosaki turned to look at him briefly mostly hearing Kaneki's failed hurried attempts to get into his apartment. He just turned away and started to walk off without a word. Kaneki finally got his key in the narrow hole and turned the lock. He rushed into his apartment and shut the door, hard. He locked it back and stepped back from the door. His heart was pounding heavy in his chest. I stood motionless staring at his front door waiting to see if Kurosaki would come knocking. After a while Kaneki's tension started to lessen and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Kurosaki wasn't coming after him.

He collapsed to his knees, trying to calm his racing heart. He knew sooner or later they'd cross paths but he was really hoping for later. He was keeping to the idea that Kurosaki may be an enemy. He'd have to continue walking on eggshells until he fully knew Kurosaki really meant what he said with those flowers.

Kaneki had a strong feeling that Kurosaki knew what he really was. This made things rather awkward and dangerous for him. He couldn't tell Yoshimura that his neighbor was Hawk. That would only complicate things that much more. However, this was making Kaneki extremely uncomfortable being that he was the only one to know this fact. He finally got up and turned on a light. He figured as long as he didn't try anything like Touka had, not that he would, he'd be fine for the most part. Well, that was what he hoped for anyway.

How did Touka talk him into this? Kaneki was currently sitting inside the CCG office building in a pilfered high school uniform no less. He was an absolute nervous wreck. He was letting Touka do most of the talking to the woman in front of them. He wasn't liking the conversation too much but what could he do? Nothing. The woman was just telling them about the main office sending some highly trained investigators. Kaneki knew about them all too well.

"They're the ones who took care of the mother ghoul. I'm sure they'll find this ghoul on the run, too," she said rather happily.

"I see that's good to hear… But it must break their hearts to have to kill such young girl," Touka said a little colder than she meant.

"Not at all. Ghouls aren't human. They're a threat to us," the woman, Ruisawa, answered just as cheerfully as before. "They deserve to be exterminated."

That stung. Those words really stung deep. Kaneki knew Touka was biting her tongue and honestly he was too. They had to keep playing their rolls or they were done for.

"I guess you're right," Touka said as she got to her feet and Kaneki followed.

They parted ways thereafter. Kaneki still wondered if it was worth coming and risking so much to give false information. He never said a word to Touka about Hawk and he wasn't going to. He knew better than to bring up anything about him. His mind quickly wondered back to those words that were just spoken to them.

Ghouls deserve to be exterminated, huh, he thought as he heard Touka let out a bit of a yelp.

He turned see that someone had run into her. She was on the floor, holding her injured arm.

"I'm sorry, young lady… Are you all right?" the man asked, looking down at her.

She looked up at him and knew that sunken face instantly. Of all people to bump into why did it have to be him? Things had just gotten that much more dangerous for them. This was the investigator that injured her. They needed to leave now.

"I-I'm… I'm sorry," she said, quickly getting back to her feet.

Her nervous actions, however, caught the investigator's attention. Something wasn't adding up with those two. He turned his attention to the woman from the intelligence department.

"Miss… Who was that?" he asked as she stopped.

"High school students with some information about your case," she answered as his eyes wondered back to them as they started towards the door.

Something wasn't adding up. There was a look of recognition on her face when she laid eyes on him. He picked up his feet and walked up behind them. Mado wasn't just going to let them leave. Something was eating at him and he wanted to make certain of something.

"You two," he called at the two seized up at his voice.

"Touka, that's…" Kaneki muttered looking back at him, a little shaken

"Not now… And don't say my name here…" she reprimanded

"Your information about the girl…" he said with a nasty smirk. "I'm Mado. I'm in charge of that case. You mind telling me a little bit more about what you saw inside?"

This wasn't good as he gestured towards the RC gate. This was not going end well. Not at all. Mado started to close the gap between them and they couldn't run. That would surely identify them as ghouls. What were they to do?

"Let's talk privately inside," Mado said, finally closing the gap. "Don't worry. I won't take up too much of your time. Please."

The look on his face was unsettling to be sure. He was on to something about them that was obvious or he wouldn't be asking them to walk through the gate. This whole ruse was starting to get dangerous and fast.

"I-I'm sorry… This took longer than expected…" Touka stated frankly to the man.

"Five minutes…" He said undeterred and held up his hand. "Five minutes that's all I'm asking."

At this point it was clear to Kaneki that Touka's fuse was pretty much spent. Kaneki could see her tense the more Mado insisted. This was getting worse by the second.

"I understand… But…" Touka said with a touch of anger in her voice.

What were they to do? How were they to get out of this mess? Suddenly Kaneki found Mado in his face with a sharp finger pointed right at him.

"You saw the girl too, didn't you?" Mado questioned before he grabbed Kaneki's arm just under his shoulder. "You'll do."

With a swift jerk Kaneki was being forced towards the RC scan gate. If he struggled what then? He really couldn't put up a resistance against the investigator.

"I'll keep it short. So come with me," Mado ordered, pulling eagerly on Kaneki.

"Kane…" Touka almost blurted out in her surprise.

Hold on! Wait, Kaneki's mind raced along with his heart. The transplanted organs in me will set the gate off! Stop…

"Hey, Corpse, you terrorizing kids now?" a voice rang out just before he was forced into the gate.

They turned to see a man standing not far from them in a red and white coat, jeans, and baseball cap. His face was heavily bruised but Kaneki recognized him right off. This wasn't good. His panic only intensified that much more seeing Kurosaki standing there as bold as brass. Kurosaki had to know who he was. He was sweating bullets at this point.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be home, nursing your wounds?" Mado spat, still keeping a good grip on Kaneki.

"I don't know… Shouldn't you be in a nursing home?" Ichigo retorted with a cocky grin.

That really got to Mado as his grip became that much tighter on Kaneki's thin arm. Clearly there was bad blood there and Kaneki really didn't want to be in the middle of this.

"You little… This matter does not concern you, Kurosaki. Stay out of this. You're on sick leave and shouldn't even be here," Mado snapped, letting go of Kaneki. "Go home and stay there."

"Aw, I just came by to pick up a few things that I left in my office and to go to memorial service," Ichigo answered, flatly. "I'll be gone soon enough. Oh, wait. I meant to ask what happened after I passed out the other day, assuming you're not too senile to remember of course."

Mado turned a red a tomato at those words and just glared at him, his eye switching feverishly. He just about had enough of Kurosaki. For some reason Kurosaki was really driving that burr in deep today. What the hell was the brat's problem?

"You're doing this just to aggravate me," Mado bit out, through hsi clinched teeth. "I may not be your direct senor officer but need I remind you that I can still—"

"Yeah, yeah, I get the picture, you old zombie," Ichigo waved him off, walking a little closer to Kaneki and the girl. "Well, hello, you two! Is that grumpy old man being mean to you?"

"Kurosaki," Mado growled as Ichigo turned to face him again, folding his arms behind his back. "I'm not playing games with you! Get what you need and leave this building!"

"Oh, man, you really can't take a joke, can you?" Ichigo answered in dull sing-song voice as he opened and closed his hand a couple of times behind his back. "You really need to lighten up a bit."

His moving hand was enough to get the ghouls' attention, which was what he wanted. He then left his hand opened. There was writing on the inside of his palm. The ink was little smudged but still very legible. It read simply as: get out while I keep him occupied. Clearly he was doing a fine job of that. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, they slowly backed away but not before Mado caught Kaneki again by the back of his uniform collar.

"Hey, now, you two. Not so fast. I still have some questions for you. Don't think I haven't forgotten about you," Mado said, pulling Kaneki back towards the gate. "I promise this won't take too long."

"Will you please just let us get to our next appointment?" Touka spat out as Mado turned his strange gaze at her. "We're running far too late!"

He didn't grace her with an answer as he knocked Ichigo out of the way of the gate with his briefcase, before shoving Kaneki through the scanner in one fluid motion. Everyone held their breath but nothing happened as he stumbled out the other side. This was clearly not expected by anyone. Kaneki slowly turned around to look at the three people behind him. He was shaking something terrible but thankful that the gate didn't sound off. Touka quickly cleared her throat trying to removed the anxious knot..

"Excuse me! We have cram school to get to. We'll be back later to talk but we can't be any later than we are," she snapped as Kaneki cautiously walked back through the gate.

"R-right! Sorry, I have to go…" Kaneki choked out, walking between Mado and Kurosaki.

A split second later Amon walked over to the group. He had spotted Ichigo and wanted to know what was going on. Ichigo was still on sick leave and this wasn't even his shift. He stopped and gave a brief greeting. Ichigo smiled some at him.

What else could go wrong? They were being boxed in. Getting out of here was getting harder and harder by the moment.

"Ichigo, what are you doing here?" Amon asked, looking rather surprised even with the bandage on his eye.

Suddenly both Kanei and Touka felt a hand on their shoulder with a strong grip. They turned back to see Kurosaki smiling at them with his bruised face. Touka then caught a glimpse of the hair tucked under his hat. It was bright orange. It was Hawk of all people. Now even her nerves were starting to show.

"Oh, hey, Amon. I'll be back in a bit for a chat but I think I'll escort these two out first," Ichigo gave them a bit of a shove to get them moving.

The three walked at a brisk pace through the lobby towards the main doors. Both Touka and Kaneki felt nervous at Kurosaki's urgency to get them out of the building. Ichigo let go of Kaneki and pushed open the door for them. They quickly exited the building with a curt shove from Hawk. Kaneki almost fell. They turned to see Hawk standing in the door, glaring at them with absolute displeasure.

"Stay out of this place and don't ever try a stunt like this again," Kurosaki warned, his smile from earlier was long gone and replaced with a deep scowl. "Am I perfectly clear?"

He really meant business from the look on his face. The bruising around his eyes only accentuated his threatening glare. It actually sent a violent chill through the pair as they looked up at him. Touka shook it off as best she could and glared back at him for a moment.

"Let's go," Touka said, turning sharply away from him.

"Um…" Kaneki's weak voice caught in his throat not sure what to do.

Touka only made it three steps before pausing at his voice. What was it now? She looked over her shoulder at him. Kaneki was torn between looking at her and Hawk. What was he hesitating for? She wanted to leave this place and fast. She knew it was risky coming here and staying wasn't going to help them at all.

"What now?" she snapped a little harder than she meant to. "We're already running late for our class."

"Please don't be late for class," the tone Hawk used meant he knew about them and was being gracious. "I mean you don't want to grow up and do stupid things with your life."

Dammit he really did know about them. She clinched her teeth and mirrored the same action with her hands, balling them into shaking fists. This was starting to eat at her more than she'd like to admit. Hawk was taunting her. Was he trying to get a reaction out of her right in front of the CCG office?

"Let's go! NOW!" Touka ordered with a sharp voice. She couldn't stand being there anymore.

Kaneki hung his head low before closing the space that separated him from Touka. Wow, could that man ruffle some feathers. The pair started moving at a feverish pace down the walkway. Kaneki dared to take one last look back, to see Hawk shut the door and watch them through the glass.

Kurosaki wasn't playing but Kaneki was thankful that he got involved to get them out of that mess. However, it might have ended worse had the scanner gone off. That puzzled him more than anything. He was sure that his transplanted organs would have set off the gate. He should just take it as a blessing for now.

"Dammit and damn him, too. He knew we were ghouls," Touka bit out in a low voice.

"You mean that Mado person?" Kaneki asked as Touka popped in the back of the head. "It was a good thing that RC scanner didn't go off. I must be more human than…"

"I meant Hawk! Strangely enough he seemed a little familiar with you and you with him," Touka pointed out, eying the young man. "Do you have some history with him…?"

"N-no! No way!" Kaneki quickly shook his head. "He most likely interacted with me the way he did was because you're so standoffish… Uh… Wait! I meant…"

"Oh, shut up. I guess we should be thankful that he didn't blow the whistle on us and shove me through that damn gate, too," she snorted, crossing her arms and started moving again. "Damn bastard was trying it see if he could get a reaction out of us."

"Yeah, but let's just take this as a gift and be done with it," Kaneki said, following behind her.

"Still… Why would he keep us a secret from the other investigators and then let us go with but a slap on the hand?" she pointed out. "Something's off with this whole mess."

"I understand what you're saying but he may not be as forgiving if we cross his path again," Kaneki answered. "Please, let's not do anything this stupid again. This could have ended very poorly for us."

"Yeah, I know! It's just… I don't like it," she grumbled under her breath, pulling her hair out of the pigtails. What was that odd scent on him? It was disgusting and clung to his clothes.

She snorted in frustration and quickened her pace down the sidewalk. Not wanting to be left behind Kaneki quickly dogged her steps like her shadow. This wasn't good. Kurosaki made it more than clear to steer clear of him and Kaneki was going to do just that. Hopefully Touka got the same vibe and won't do something stupid against him.

Ichigo stayed for the memorial service for Kusaba and to "gather the items from his office." Those items being a rough idea of what Mado's next move against the girl was going to be. He had a better idea now. Mado was going to use something to draw the girl out, but what, he didn't know. No doubt Mado was soon to act so Ichigo had to stay on top of it. He also sweet talked the intel woman what they had talked to into telling him what they had told her. This might also be a good place to start observing them. No doubt they'd go check out the water channel soon.

He yawned as he continued down the sidewalk. He didn't feel like taking the bus. He needed some time to think while on the move. He knew when he got home he'd have to check on that concoction he was soaking his clothes in. He hated using his bathtub but he really had nowhere else to do it. The smell had even gotten to him, which was one reason why he stepped out.

However, he was not expecting to see Kaneki and his friend there. Actually… Come to think of it, Kaneki wasn't wearing his eyepatch and he looked like he had two fully working eyes. Why would he wear an eyepatch if his eye was fine? Maybe he's blind in one eye? Damn it he didn't know and it was only something stupid to worry about. He had better things to do than worry about that boy's eyepatch. One such thing was the glaring fact that the alarm for the gate didn't sound off. Why didn't? He was sure Kaneki was a ghoul. Then again maybe he was a human sympathizer instead? He didn't know.

He needed to get ready to follow Mado and Amon tonight. He knew the info was bogus but he had to keep tabs on the investigation. He wondered the sunny streets aimlessly until he rounded a certain block. He came to a halt finally taking his surroundings in. This was the block that started everything. He noticed his flowers were missing now. Of course. He shook his head and let out a sigh. Most likely the CCG found them, knew what they were for, and had them removed. He doubted though that they'd figured the hidden meaning in those flowers. He doubted anyone would. It was just something for him more than anything.

He drew in a long heavy breath and ran a hand through his hair. It felt longer than it had this morning. He looked up twirling a small lock between his thumb and index finger. It was a little longer. Great. He'd have to keep that trimmed up. He let out the breath he was holding and closed his bruised eyes for a moment. He didn't like knowing what he was to become. Hiding himself was going to harder over time. However, he just needed to focus on hiding himself period from Mado, Amon, and the rest of the CCG. He didn't feel like being the object of a manhunt. He knew far too well how the CCG did things. He shivered some as he slowly opened his eyes again.

The sunlight stung for a moment as they came back into focus. He was about turn back toward the apartment but stalled. Something was wrong. He was looking at a rather familiar woman standing only a few feet from him. She wasn't facing him directly but he knew her. Everything around him faded into obscurity. He no longer heard the sounds of peoples' voices, the roar of the cars whizzing going by, or the distant sound of various radios playing. Everything just came to a sudden silent stop as he focused on this lone solitary woman before him, soaked in blood.

It looks like you have your sight back, King… Now what are you going to do with it?

The voice of his hollow echoing in his mind and broke him from his stupor. The world came crashing back in like waves at high tide. Suddenly there were quite a few more people walking the busy streets than he noticed before. His inner hollow was right. He had his "sight" back after all these years. He blinked a couple of times and stood practically awestruck at the woman before him.

Noticing she was being stared it at she slowly turned her head toward him. Her tired, saddened eyes fell on Ichigo. They narrowed for a split second trying to place him before widening in surprise and fear. She took a cautious step back, unconsciously touching the large, jagged blood-soaked tear in her thin neck. What was going to happen now? Ichigo knew it was already awkward to be standing so still on the sidewalk but if he spoke out to her it only become that much more awkward. No one else knew what he was looking at after all. A man bumped shoulders with him, jarring him again from another smaller stupor.

"Stop blocking the sidewalk, asshole," the gruff looking man snapped, crossing his arms. "Tch. Damn idiot."

"Sorry…" Ichigo muttered.

The man carried on down the sidewalk, walking right through the woman Ichigo had been staring at. She shuttered some right after he carried on his own way. Clearly she was still adjusting to being a spirit. That took time and the way she died most likely didn't help either. He did move over to let people by easier. He pulled out the pen he stole from the front desk. He looked into his left palm, seeing the faint ink markings from earlier. He scribbled down another small message on his hand. This would be a much more subtle way to communicate with her. Although he couldn't write much he might be able to get his point across. He'd have to thank Rukia for this idea when or if he saw her again.

He held out the small message to the scared woman. She looked down at it, keeping her distance. She knew who he was and didn't want to get close. She was also very weary of the fact that he could see her when no one else could. Why him of all people? She focused her attention a bit more on the writing in his hand. It was short and right to the point: I can't talk openly. If you wish to speak, follow me.

She moved her eyes up to his face and he gestured his head in the direction he was going. He turned sharply on his heel and started to walk off. It was her choice. She could follow him to wherever or remain standing in the sundrenched street. Would she just let this opportunity pass her by or would she gather her courage and follow him? She took a step forward and then another and another. She kept her distance but followed him down a few blocks.

He mounted the metal stairs of his apartment and started to climbed. She hesitantly did the same. He dismounted on his floor, walked to his door, pulled out his keys, and opened his door. He held it open for her and motioned her inside. She carefully stepped into the apartment and looked around. There wasn't much to it. It was rather plain and boxes were everywhere. He clearly hadn't been here very long. Also what was that horrible smell? It was very pungent and stung her nose.

"Um…" was the only sound that exited her mouth as she played nervously with her braid that hung over her left shoulder.

He shut the door, set down his keys, and took off his coat and his hat. His hair really was vibrant shade of orange. He walked around her and took a seat at a small table. She stood anxiously waiting to see what would happen next. She was scared to do anything and now she was second guessing this whole decision. Maybe she shouldn't have come here after all. She turned back toward to the door.

"You came this far. There's no point in running now," he spoke up, leaning back in his chair.

She stalled and turned back to him. She pulled a little harder on her braid now as he looked straight at her. Why him? Why could Hawk see her where no other living person could? She had talked to plenty of spirits but was ignored by those she needed to speak to most, the living. She finally built up the nerve to finally voice that very question.

"H-how can you see me where others cannot?" she asked, casting her eyes from him.

"I'm special that way," he replied, plainly.

"That's not much of an answer," she said, quietly.

"What more can I say?" he shrugged at her and then sighed. "I suppose I'll explain more later on when the time is better."

"Later on?" she choked out. "But…"

"No need to rush everything," he stated, plainly. "Now I'm sure you're wondering why I welcomed you here."

"Yes. You're one of the last people I should ever follow," she said, frankly. "If it wasn't for the sheer fact you can see me I wouldn't have…"

"Well, I'm happy you did. I wanted to talk about your daughter," his voice trailed off as her face soured some.

He wanted information on her daughter? That was not going to happen.

"I'm not helping you catch her! You leave her alone," she warned, glaring daggers at Ichigo. "You people have done enough damage to my family. You can't even leave my only child in peace?"

"I mean to keep her out of the CCG's hands not put her in them," he quickly snapped back and her voice caught in her throat. "I'm going to try and keep her safe and hidden."

She just stared at him in disbelief. How could she believe him? He was the infamous investigator known as Hawk. Why would he do something like protect a ghoul? She couldn't see this as truth. There was no way she could believe him.

"That's a lie," she bit out, walking toward to door again. "I have nothing else to say to you other than stay away from her!"

She went to leave and paused spotting something out of the corner of her eye. She spotted a few familiar flowers sitting on the floor in a corner. They were like the ones left where she had… The oak leaves were what she noticed most. She looked over her shoulder at him as he remained sitting, waiting for her next move. She never saw who placed them as she was with Hinami that evening but when she returned that night they were there. A day later she watched as an investigator spotted them and kicked the vases over and breaking them. He picked up the flowers and glass before dumping them in the trash. There was nothing she could do to stop him.

"Those flowers?" she muttered, turning to look at him directly. "You were the one that placed them?"

"I did," he nodded.

"Why? Why would you leave me flowers?" she asked, her voice cracking.

"You reminded me of something and of someone," he answered, running a hand through his orange locks. "The whole incident reminded me what happened years ago but I forgot the feeling and the meaning. A few days ago all I saw was a mother just trying to protect her child. I understand that need and desire. My mother lost her life doing the same for me."

She stood quietly for a moment, looking at him intently. She wanted to say this was lie but the look on his face… That sad expression and the pain his eyes said everything. That was no lie. He wasn't making anything up. Then a thought hit her. Was a ghoul that took his mother's life? A lot of investigators have past issues with ghouls that drive them to do what they do. Was this what happened to Hawk?

"Was it… What is a ghoul?"

"No. A hollow."

She froze. She had leaned real quick what a hollow was. She had seen what hollows did to the other spirits. She shuttered at the thought.

"A h-hollow?" she choked on the words.

"You've heard of them, I take it."

"I've seen them a couple of times and the others ghosts have told me about them too…"

"Well… To make this short and sweet; I was 9 when I saw what I thought was girl at the riverbank in my hometown. It had been raining heavy all day and the river was swollen," he explained, looking down at the floor. "I took off down the embankment thinking she was going to jump. My mother called out to me as I made it to the bank. After that I only remember coming to on the wet ground, lying on my back. When I opened my eyes I saw my mother resting on top of me. She was dead. I'm not sure what happened completely but… A hollow using a lure disguised as girl killed her and ate her soul."

She stood quietly in shock, thinking about what she just heard. It wasn't a ghoul that attacked his mother but a hollow? Honestly she was expecting to hear it was a ghoul. Hollows were new to her and she was still trying to come to grips with everything that happened.

"What happened after that?" she whispered.

"More than I care to share," he moaned. "But enough of the past. Let's focus on what's happening now. Mado, the investigator that killed you, is diligently looking for your daughter. I have no idea what he truly plans to do. I know he's going to lure her out of where she's hiding. That's the extent of my knowledge."

"You want to know where she is?" she asked, still not trusting him.

"I'd like to but it would not be wise," he stated flatly. "I can't be traced to any locations she may be taking shelter in. I have to look after my own ass as well. Not only that but I could get more of your kind in danger."

"I understand that but how do you plan to save my daughter?" she asked as smile graced his lips.

"I'm not invisible but you are," he pointed at her as she took a step back. "You can get into the places I can't. I need you to be my eyes and ears to what's going on. I'm on medical leave and really shouldn't be at the office. I only went today to try and dig up some information under the guise of going to a memorial service."

"Memorial… I know about that… I actually witnessed everything the other day. I wish she hadn't done that. I know she wanted to avenge me but… I didn't want that," she said, playing with her long braid again. "She's a good person, really. She can just be a little brash at times but I never expected her to do what she did."

"Well, she did. Now she has the CCG out looking for her. She killed an investigator and that pushes her higher on the list of wanted ghouls," Ichigo said, crossing his arms. "Also… Two people stopped by the agency today. Two friends of yours, I believe. I know one of them. Kaneki Ken is his name."

"Oh, don't tell me he's also being hunted," she choked in panic as Ichigo shook his head.

"No. He's not on anyone's radar. Only I know about him and I'm keeping it that way," Ichigo said as she calmed down some. "Well, he and a girl gave out false information to CCG on the location of your daughter. When the CCG discovers that the information is phony what do think could happen to them?"

"Damn. I really had no idea she would go this far and take that poor boy with her… Please… I know you're just wanting to look after my daughter but please keep them out of this mess too," she pleaded, walking up to him. "They don't need to get involved any more than they are. I know they're doing this just for her sake but… I don't want them to get caught too."

"I understand but like I said earlier I need to look after myself. The Rabbit, as she's called, is a high profile ghoul now," he stated and looked down at him with worried eyes. "I plan to retire after this. I want no more blood on my hands."

"Then just please help them out too before you quit," she looked like she was about cry. "They never should have gotten involved so much. I shouldn't have been so careless as to leave his mask at the grave. I should have…"

"Would have, could have, should have. Hindsight is a painful thing and nothing we can change," Ichigo pointed out, looking up her. "I'm trying to keep looking forward and not back. Looking back will only trip me up."

"Please, just help them as well," she was really pleading this. "I'm begging you."

"Now I never said I wouldn't help them," he said as her face brightened some. "However…"

"However?" she repeated slowly.

"There is only so much I can do. I'm not too terribly high in the ranks. Trust me I've tried but I'm always pushed down," he added as she looked at him funny. "I'm a rank one. I'm still as junior investigator. Mado however is first class, one rank above me. He also has seniority over me and he has friends in high places. Despite what you may think, I'm not terribly popular. I have more people wanting to cut me down than help me up. The CCG on the inside is very cutthroat and corrupt. My problem is that I'm too honest with things and people don't like my talents. Mado for instance, I stole his thunder more than once along with other more experienced investigators. It will be a breath of fresh air to get out of there. I can't leave anything hanging and the less I tamper with the better. So you can see how little I can actually get involved. There is only so much I can fudge."

She let out a long breath as he finished speaking. She understood that he had to look out for himself and his family too. He was already trying to protect her daughter and tacking on two more could make things that much harder for him. Instead of one person he was now looking after 3.

"But I will look after them with the best of my abilities," he said, getting to his feet. "I've got a plan to keep myself hidden from both the CCG and ghouls. I can't have any loose ends anywhere. One loose string could unravel everything."

"Yes, I know," she nodded. "Trust me I know."

"I will let you know this… Kaneki lives just a few doors down from me," he said pointing to his right. She looked surprised at this information. "Oh, trust me, I know everything and he knows everything. It's gotten awkward, even more so after today, when he showed up at the agency. He's scared of me and I need to keep it that way. I can't get close to him if all this shit hits the fan. So basically, if you get tired of me you can go haunt him for a while."

A small smile cracked her pale face. The way he said it was to lighten the mood. She almost wanted to laugh at it but the situation wasn't really allowing that. At least that's how she felt.

"By the way… What do I call you?" he asked, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "I only know you by your ID number. I can't very well call you that. That would be rude. I'm Kurosaki Ichigo."

"Oh, yes, I'm Fueguchi Ryoko," her smiled widened a bit more before falling again. "Um, not to be rude, Kurosaki, but… What's that smell?"

"Yeah… About that…" he half grinned.

Kaneki carefully dismounted the steps and once again just stared at Ichigo's door. Now what? He was scared more than ever to walk by but if he wanted to get home… He swallowed the knot building in his throat and quickly raced to his apartment. He fiddled with the key for a moment or two before opening the door and slamming it shut. He waited to see if Ichigo was once again coming after him. Nothing. Just like every time before that but considering what happened today… He let out a sigh of relief and put a hand over his racing heart. Hopefully Ichigo didn't blow the whistle on them.

In the silence of his apartment he heard a door open up outside. It couldn't be. He tiptoed to his door and listened intently. He heard the door shut and footstep carry on down in the opposite direction. Should he look or not? He only had a limited time to look. He unlatched the lock and ever so slowly cracked the door open. He saw Ichigo walking down the steps, a black trash bag tucked under his right arm. Was he just taking out the garbage? It was possible. Actually there was a rather funky smell that was coming from his apartment recently. He closed the door back when Ichigo vanished from his sight. He ran a hand through his coal black hair, trying to calm down.

He really was grateful that Ichigo got between them at that Mado person. He tried to get them away from the gate but no such luck. He was still puzzled as to why it didn't go off. He was grateful for that too. Touka was right however. Ichigo knew what they were doing. How could he not? Still he didn't feel like he should tell Touka about him and Ichigo. She was too much of a loose cannon right now. There was telling what she would if he broke down and told her everything, including what he learned about the flowers. He'd just have to keep his mouth shut for now and hope it wouldn't bite him in the ass later.

Ichigo stepped onto the paved ground with his disguise, mask, and voice modifier stored in the bag. Mado, Amon, and a few others should be close to arriving at the location by now. He needed to see what was going on and go from there. Ryoko followed him as she really had nothing else to do. She wanted to see just how far Ichigo was really willing to go for Hinami, Touka, and Kaneki.

Ryoko was surprised at just how fast he could actually move once he got going. He seemed to be moving a little above the human average. No wonder why he was considered one of the best in the CCG. She kept up with him as he navigated the dark streets. Clearly he knew this area like the back of his hand.

She had no idea where he was leading her but considering he could see and talk to her she wasn't going to lose him. Soon enough he stopped at the tall concrete wall of a water channel. He slipped on his dark smelly clothes and a mask that looked a little bit like a gas mask. He quietly started to survey the area for the CCG. Soon enough he came to where Mado and the others were scouting around. He hung close to the shadows and low to the ground to stay out of sight.

"It's possible it was just a prank," Amon said just loud enough for Ichigo to hear. "Let's go. We're only wasting time here."

"No… You gentlemen go on ahead," Mado stated, before turning to look other way. "I have something I'd still like to check out."

Ryoko let out small gasp looking at the man below her scouting out the area

"That's him. He's the one that…" she placed hand on the cut that severed her neck.

"Yeah, that's Mado Kureo. A real piece of work he is," Ichigo said in a hushed tone through the voice modifier. "I wonder what he's up to this time. I need a closer look."

"Is that wise? That suit you're wearing… Won't he smell it?" she asked as Ichigo climbed down the ladder into the channel a little far back from the investigators.

"Yes, but it's a blinder for you ghouls not to ID me," he whispered, dismounting the last rung and his feet crunched the gravel below. "Everything else is to stay hidden from CCG. The suit makes me look a bit bigger than I am and these boots give me a little more height. Of course I have my head covered and this voice modifier so they can't catch onto my voice. It'll be harder to ID me with all this."

"Wow. You've really thought all this through," Mrs. Fueguchi stated a little impressed.

"Oh, great here comes the corpse…" Ichigo clicked his tonuge, rushing past her and ducked behind a small wall.

She turned to look. A moment later Mado walked right past her not even noticing that she was there. That was a far cry from a few days ago. She stood motionless and he looked around the area. She felt like that if she moved he would see her. Although she knew that wasn't the case she was still gripped motionless in fear. Mado put his nose to the air smelling something foul that hadn't been there a while ago. It wasn't the smell of rot or sewage. It was like old-timely medicine or possibly herbs. Very aromatic herbs all melded together to produce something atrocious. A nose blinder?

"Hmm… Interesting," he muttered with a grin, looking around the dark for the source. "Someone doesn't want other ghouls to find him out."

That's pretty much it, Ichigo mused, daring to take a peek from his hiding spot. Of all the people to stay behind it had to be the asshat.

"Come out, come out wherever you are," Mado hummed, griping his briefcase tightly as he walked slowly along the gravel path. "It won't take me long to find you. I'll just stiff you out like a blood hound. You're making this too easy for me."

Oh, how I hate that man… Ichigo mentally grumbled. He's getting close and I don' know what quinque he has on him. If it's that he used on Mrs. Fueguchi this is not going to end well.

Curiosity killed the cat, you know. You shouldn't have come down nosing around without an actual plan.

Perhaps but you know the rest goes is that "satisfaction brought him back…" I'll play with him a little.

Don't get cocky, King. Your speed and reflexes are little better that average but remember he's no pushover and you're not in your best of shape.

Yes, this is true but I can't resist just agitating him a little.

HAHAHAHA! What the hell! Go for it! This could be entertaining!

With one swift movement Ichigo bolted from behind the wall and slammed Mado down into the shallow water way. Surprisingly enough he still had a firm hand on his briefcase. He was not letting go of that. Mado sat up and shook his wet hair from his face. He saw a tall male figure standing not far from him. He took this person in the moonlight and the ambient glow of the city. He was covered head to foot in dark clothing that concealed every bit of him. There was even a long cloak that wrapped around his entirely body and widened his shoulders. He was determined not to get caught by anyone.

"Hm, well now… Who do we have here?" Mado grinned, getting back to his feet as water poured and dripped off him. "I've never seen you before."

"I hope you don't ever again. I'm asking you to leave that young girl be," he cloaked figure stated with a robotic voice. "She is but a child."

"A voice modifier as well? Oh, my, you really don't want to be caught, do you?" Mado leered looking at him with a leer. "Hahahaha! I must say I'm a little impressed. You actually managed to catch me off guard. However, that will not be a mistake I'll be making again."

"I'll say this again, sir, leave the girl alone," the cloaked figure snapped. "She is inconsequential to you. You're obsessing over a child."

"But children mature into adults. It's best to remove the weed before it can bloom," Mado snorted as he quickly opened his briefcase and pulled out his quinque.

Ichigo saw that it was the same one that had killed Mrs. Fueguchi. He looked over at her as she stood there in shock and fear. Everything that happened to her was still fresh in her mind. He gritted his teeth and reach for the weapon under his cloak. It wasn't much of one but he had no plans to kill anyone. He just needed to knock him back or render him unconscious for a time.

"You know I just couldn't resist using this on ghoul No. 723. It was her mate's. That look her face had when she recognized it was just so sweet," he hummed happily, gripping the handle harder and his grin widened. "I even have the mother's kagune just about ready to use. That quinque should be ready by morning and once I kill that little brat I'll have a full set. Hahaha!"

"Wow, you're sicker in the head than I first thought," Ichigo drawled into his voice modifier.

Mado's face fell at those words. He grunted and prepared for the first attack. Mado always took time to practice with each of his quinque so this wasn't going to be easy. Ichigo gripped the hilt of his hidden weapon. This was the best he could do. He really didn't want to hurt his senior officer no matter how much of a dick he was.

"Well, c'mon let's see what you got," Mado growled out and swung his quinque around at Ichigo.

Ichigo ducked and tried to advance some more but the he almost forgot to watch for the recoil when Mado pulled it back. He should have known about that technique. He'd have to treat this a bit like Renji's Zabimaru. It wasn't the exact same but it was close enough. Only real problem was he couldn't deflect it with the weapon he had. It would shatter on impact if he tried. He had to keep getting closer to use it properly. This was going to be risky.

Ryoko watched with worry as Ichigo struggled to not get hit as he advanced forward. Mado kept his distance, catching on to what was going on. This person, possibly a ghoul or human disguised as one, was better than he wanted to give him credit for. He seem familiar with his quinque to a fairly good degree. It was suicide for the cloaked man to keep advancing on him the way he was.

Mado went to bring the barbed whip like quinque back around but to his surprise his opponent had found an opening. The cloaked figure quickly advanced and pulled something out from under his cloak. He was struck in the left shoulder and it knocked him down onto his knees. What the hell. He looked up to see a black wooden bokken in the man's gloved hands. Seriously? He was knocked to the ground by such a mediocre weapon? A split second later the wood blade was place under his chin and lifted up his head.

"Don't make me truly hurt you," the cloak figured warned flatly. "I'm just asking you to back off from the daughter ghoul."

"I can't do that and I won't ever stop until they are eradicated," Mado snapped, swatting the wooden sword from his throat and got back up to his feet. His left shoulder sustained a good bit of damage. It wasn't dislocated which was a good thing. "Whether they be an adult or a child they are all monsters regardless."

Ichigo let out a sigh as Mado swung his quinque around again suddenly. Ichigo's left arm got nicked but nothing bad. Damn it. He took a swing again at Mado's head. Mado ducked easily. This was not Mado's first rodeo and Ichigo had to stop playing so nice. Mado wasn't not going to play nice, not by a long shot.

Mado's attacks were quickly becoming fiercer and it was getting harder to dodge each barbed swing. Mado was going to make sure Ichigo didn't get close to him again. The fact that the cloaked figured was using a bokken instead of a kagune meant he was most likely a human. However, he had clearly received special training from somewhere. This wasn't just some average Joe off the street. He had a skill set and a damn good one to avoid a master quinque user. That intrigued Mado greatly as to who the man was under the mask. It also worried him as well. Could there be traitor among the ranks that now sympathized with the ghouls? That very thought was leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Who are you?" Mado asked, taking in a deep breath.

"I'm no one," the figure answered, getting into a stance with his bokken. This man knew how to use a sword, clearly. "Last chance to just walk away from me and this case. Just turn around and leave. I'm begging you."

"Hmm… Hahahahaha! How noble of you to just let me walk away. You're no one, you say? Clearly you must be someone under that damn gas mask," Mado growled out, rolling his shoulders a bit. "How about I take that mask off you a find out just who you really are!"

He swung the barbed quinque around and came far too close to Ichigo's head for comfort. Mado was learning how to counter him. He couldn't get close to him now. He let out a faint growl through his mask. He needed to figure how to get to Mado and just end it for now.

Sonido. It's not fully functional but it will get you in close to him and quickly. Use it.

"Sonido…?" Ichigo breathed out quietly.

"What?" Mado asked, hearing the strange mumbled word. "Say that again. I didn't quite hear you."

Ichigo clinched his teeth under his mask and gripped the bokken harder. Could he pull this off? Could he use Sonido? He wasn't shinigami anymore but a budding hollow. Better to try this than do nothing and get hurt. Here went nothing. He quickly launched himself forward.

Mado froze seeing the man vanish only find him less than a second later behind him. How did he move so fast? Was he a ghoul after all? He really had no time to think or react. The ebony bokken came down with a hard thump to the front his head. Mado spun a little from the impact before hitting the ground. He landed face first into the water.

Wasting no time Ichigo picked him up and dragged him out of the water and onto dry gravel. It was worth asking but it was worthless. He propped Mado up against the wall. Ryoko walked over and looked down at the unconscious Mado. There was a deep gash on the top of his head right behind his hairline. A line of blood trickled down the side of his hollowed face. She felt a tinge of anger building in her gut as she looked down at him. She couldn't bring herself to actually hate the man but she greatly disliked him. Disliked him with a passion. He was the cause of so much trouble for her family. Tears started to fall down her face as she looked at him.

Ichigo walked away for a moment and brought back the quinque with the briefcase. He put it back in the large case and closed it up. She turned to look at him and then at the case beside his leg. She rubbed a tear soaked eye.

"Take that with you. I don't want my husband's kagune used again," she said, holding her arms close to her body. "It's not fair to his memory. Please don't let anyone ever use it again."

"I'll have to find some way to dispose of it. I can't keep it with me," Ichigo told her, looking down at the briefcase as well. "This would be a loose end and a big one. I'll have do something about this tonight."

"Hey, you!" Ichigo and Ryoko turned around to see a few cops running their way. "Hold it right there! Drop your weapon and put your hands where we can see them!"

Yeah that wasn't happening. Ichigo took off running down the gravel walkway, leaving the briefcase. He cursed under his breath. A gun fired off a moment later as a warning but Ichigo wasn't stopping. He wasn't going to let the police catch him but at least now Mado had someone to look after him. A few more guns fired off and a few bullets came a little too close. He had no choice but to use Sonido again to get out of the water channel. He quickly jumped up and vanished before reappearing on the top of the wall. The cops stopped dead, sliding a bit on the gravel. They stared upwards, stunned for a moment before the cloak figure vanished from their sight behind the wall.

"Holy shit… Was that a ghoul?" one cop asked as his comrades shrugged just as awestruck.

"Had to be. This man here is a CCG investigator," another officer called out, looking at the badge he pulled out Mado's wet trench coat. "It says his name is Mado Kureo, first class."

"Damn. Call it in," the first officer said, looking back up at the wall. "This can't be good. The 20th ward is getting worse by the day."

(A/N I'm leaving this here for now. Tell me what you think. I did a lot of revising for chapter. This wasn't an easy chapter to write. I also want to let you all know I recently got a new puppy. She's been taking up a lot of my time so I haven't been writing too much lately. I'm sorry. I'd like to hear what you have to say about this. Thank you.)

Millie M. Banshee