Does Man Make the Monster?
Chapter 3
They Call Him Incognito
(A/N So I'm updating again. Yay! So, I'm glad you all enjoyed the last chapter. I'm taking my time to write these. I know it takes a long time between them but the chapters are long and I need to revise a lot to give you a good story. Sorry about my grammar and missing words. I'm dyslexic and it happens.)
SOUNDS/sounds
Thoughts
Inner Voices
(Late Time)
"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 said, looking at the badge he pulled out of Mado's wet trench coat. "Says is 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."
(Present)
Kaneki awoke to the shrill sounds of his alarm blaring in his ears. He quickly rolled over and turned it off. He really didn't want to get up. He let out a long sigh and buried his face back into his warm pillow. He honestly contemplated if he should go to school or not. He hadn't gotten that much sleep last night. He moaned and pushed himself up. He might as well get up and go.
He got dressed and grabbed the remote for his TV. He'd watch the news a little before he left. He turned it on as he finished packing his schoolwork back up. He yawned and sat down as he closed his satchel. He looked up at the TV and finally started to actually focus in on what was being said by the newscaster. He didn't like what he was hearing.
"…investigator was attacked last night. This comes on the heels of another attack, which took the life another CCG investigator, Kusaba Ippei, Rank 3. The investigator that was attacked was Mado Kureo, 1st class. The attack happened last night in a water canal near Kasahara Elementary School. Mado was reported to have been confronted by a ghoul wielding a black bokken. Mado's injures are minor and he is expected to make a full recovery. The suspect in question has not been identified. All that is known is that the suspect is male, standing a little over 6 feet (183cm) tall, and was dressed in dark bulky clothing that concealed his body from proper identification. His head was also covered with a gasmask, hood, and a voice modifier was used. In addition a foul odor was reported about him that the CCG believes is to hide his scent from other ghouls. Those with information are asked to please report all that they know to the number on the screen or go to the local CCG office. The CCG has given the name Incognito to the ghoul in question. A press conference will be held later today to address what the CCG's plans are in the wake of these attacks. The time has yet to be announced but we will update you as soon as we get that information. Early this morning a gas station in…"
Kaneki leaned back and ran a hand down his worried face. This couldn't be happening. Another CCG investigator was attacked. The same one that killed Mrs. Fueguchi no less. Someone had actually gotten to him but it seemed Mado had gotten off easy from the reports. Still it was the same area that they had reported Hinami falsely being in. That couldn't just happen randomly. Did Touka talk someone else into attacking the investigator? Someone he didn't know about? He'd have to confront Touka about it as much as he didn't want to.
He turned off the TV and got up to his sock clad feet. He still had to go to school but this was going to bother him until his shift at Anteiku. He slipped on his blue hoodie and strapped on his satchel. He walked towards the door and let out a sigh, slipping on his shoes. Hopefully this wasn't Touka's doing. He walked out carefully and closed his door. He looked at Kurosaki's door a little ways down. He gripped the strap of his satchel and quickly but quietly raced down the walkway and around to the stairs. Once again Ichigo didn't make a sound. Maybe Kaneki was just over thinking this. Ichigo hadn't even so much as knocked on his door.
He noticed that the funky odor was still coming from his apartment but was nowhere near as strong as before. It must have been the trash he took out last night. Whatever. He quickly started down the stairs and headed off to school. If this was Touka's doing she was going too far with this. He feared she was going to be killed if she kept doing what she was doing.
Ichigo was not happy about being awoken so early in the morning to Ryoko fussing at him to get up. He turned on his small TV and watched the news at her insisting. He had goofed last night. Now he was claimed to be a ghoul. Great. He ran a hand through his orange hair. It was longer than last night. He sighed as he finished watching the news and turned off the TV. He did, however, find the name they had given him to be rather cool but he wasn't going to admit that out loud, especially in front Ryoko.
"That was not intended," Ichigo sighed, looking at her.
"I know it wasn't but… This isn't going well at all," she replied, playing with her long braid.
"Yeah… Mrs. Fueguchi, now would be a good time to be my eyes and ears at the office," he said, getting his bare feet. "What I did last night will be buzzing around like flies on a carcass."
"Lovely," she answered looking a little grossed at that.
Well…" he shrugged at her. "Your main target will be Kotaru Amon. That's the investigator who's partnered with Mado. You remember his face, right?"
"How could I not?" she sighed. "I remember his face quite well."
"Good. You'll need to follow him the most I think. The other is my partner and upperclassman, Hayashi Akane. She hasn't done much field work since we moved the 20th ward. I've been doing that for her. Since I'm down and so is Mado, for at least a day or two, it's only natural that those two will be paired up," Ichigo explained as Ryoko bit her lip. "I need all the tidbits you can get from those two. I'll figure out how to move from there. I'm going to try and make it so no one gets killed."
"Can you really do that? Last night you—" she was cut shut by Ichigo raising his hand.
"It was a mistake. We all make mistakes," he stated, crossing his arms, lightly rubbing the bandaged cut on his upper arm. "It's what we learn from them that we need to grow on. No one is perfect."
"Still… You're just one person," she stated, feeling unsure of this whole thing. "How can you really hope to do all this?"
"Mrs. Fueguchi… You don't know what I can do," Ichigo smirked at her and she blinked a bit confused. "Trust me. I've done the impossible before and I'll do it again."
"You're coming off a bit arrogant," she pointed out.
"I know but… Have faith in me. That's all I'm asking," he said as his smirk widened more. "There is a lot you don't know about me. A whole lot you may not even like to know but… I can promise to you that I will protect your daughter, Kaneki, and his friend."
"I really don't have a choice so I'll hold you to that," she sighed, looking away from him.
"You're a such good person," he breathed, turning towards the kitchen.
"What?" she blinked.
"I said you're a good person," he answered her again, walking over to the fridge and opened it. "I'm just sorry I'm only finding out everything too late. I should have stopped a long time ago."
He pulled out some eggs and set them on the counter by the stove with a few other items. An omelet sounded better than cereal this morning. She stood in the door as he grabbed a frying pan from the cabinet and set it on the stove. She sighed as he went about with what he was doing.
"Kurosaki, h-how did you get into this business?" she inquired as he turned to look at her briefly.
"I was a police officer in Karakura Town. Just a beat cop. One day some CCG investigators rolled into town, looking for a ghoul. Karakura isn't known to harbor ghouls so this was really shocking news to everyone. Not too long after they showed up they managed to track the ghoul down," Ichigo said, going back to making his omelet. "I was on duty that night and watched the fight in the street below me. I noticed the body of a young child behind the ghoul and the ghoul had gotten the better of the investigators. At that point I got tired of being spectator and decided to help. To make a long story short, I got my hands dirty that night. I killed the ghoul and saved the investigators. I was hailed a hero in my town and it pushed me to peruse ghoul hunting as a career."
"So that's how it started?" she asked and he nodded.
"Nothing glamorous or meaningful behind it. It was something to make me feel good about myself," he replied with a shrug. "Pay of course was a lot better than what I was making."
"That's it?"
"Yeah… Nothing else to it."
He looked back over his shoulder at her. She looked a little disgusted if not a little disappointed to hear this. He sighed turning back to the cooking eggs in the pan.
"Most get into the CCG for two reasons. One is for fame, ego boost, and money. The other is that someone close to them was killed or hurt by a ghoul. Some other reasons are because it's a family business, and yet, others think that it's the right thing to do, like joining the military."
She looked away from him. She was hoping there was more to it than that. It sounded petty to her as to why he joined the CCG. He pretty much said it was to make him feel better. She hoped for a better reason than that. He did all that just to feel better about himself? She quietly clicked her tongue in disgust.
"I wish there was something more righteous behind what I did but there's not," he said, picking the frying pan up and put his eggs on a plate from the drain board. "I… I got attention I didn't want after a while. I was shot down by a lot of my peers and higher ups. I'm praise by the cooperation and yet hated by those that run it. The whole CCG is hypocritical. After a while it went from a career to just a job for some reason. It's a dead end for me now."
"Then why didn't quit earlier?" she asked as he walked over to the table and sat down with his breakfast.
"Don't know… I'm honestly not really suited for anything else," he said, picking at his eggs. "I've literally been fighting since I was 15 years old. When I could no longer do that I had to find an alternative."
"So… Joining the CCG was your alternative?" Ryoko asked, walking towards him.
"I was content with being a police officer but… A better opportunity was handed to me," he answered. "Like any sensible person I grabbed at the chance."
Honestly, as much as she didn't like it, she could still see his side of things. Everyone wanted to live a better life and there was no getting around that. If something good is handed out, one cannot just simply say no to such an offer. He knew no better at the time so there really was no way to blame him for his past transgressions. However, something he said bothered her.
"What do you mean by fighting since you were 15?" she questioned as he stopped chewing and looked up at her.
He swallowed his food and looked back down at his plate. He then drew in a deep breath and let it back out slowly. How was he to put this?
"That's a complicated subject. I'll tell you that it wasn't gang fighting or illegal fighting," he stated flatly, looking back up at her. "I fought to protect those I cared for."
"What were you protecting them from?" she inquired.
"A lot…"
"That's your answer?"
"…"
He was doing it again. Avoiding certain question relating to his past. She was getting tired of it. The man was just riddled with secrets. Even he pretty much admitted that. If she wanted straight answers from him she needed to really push harder.
"Kurosaki, I'd like it if you were a lot more open with me. Who am I going to run off to and tattle to? No body," she scoffed, putting her hands on her hips. She had to be firm with him and it helped that she was a bit flustered. "Please be honest with me. You've been so mum about a lot of things and I'm tired of it. If you truly want me to help, you need to let me in a little more. I need to trust you and I can't do that with how you're acting."
He poked at his eggs a little more just for the sheer hell of it. His appetite was no longer there. She watched him as he finally got up with his plate and dumped half of his omelet in the trash. She didn't mean to put him off his breakfast. He set the plate in the sink and turned to face her again. His brown eyes were stern and almost a little sad.
"Have you heard of Shinigami?" he questioned as she pondered the word.
"I think once or twice from the others…" she strained her memory. "Spirit police or something like that?"
"That'll work for now. I worked with them for a good while when I was a teen. For all intents and purposes I was a Shinigami in my younger years to a degree. I was considered a substitute as I'm still a human and alive. It's rather complicated like I said. I'll explain those details at a later date," he said flatly as she stared at him somewhat awestruck. "I don't feel liking going through the whole story… But I fought as a Shinigami along with the help of my friends."
"Were they Shinigami, too?"
"No. My initial friends are not. Chad, Orihime, and Uryu are human. I guess… The best way to explain them would be… Uh… Well, have you ever heard of the term Espers?"
Ryoko just stared at him a little wide eyed. He smirked a bit at her priceless reaction.
"During those few brief years, we fought many different fights all leading to a big one that could have wiped out everything we know and I'm honestly not making this up. I scarified my powers to save everyone and everything. I was left out of everything that followed dealing with hollows and souls as I could no longer fight them or even see them. I guess I grew a bit bitter and lonely not being able to help them when I could have. I became a cop and then a CCG investigator."
"You just wanted to protect people?"
"Yeah… I guess when you really get down to it. But I went about it the wrong way," he sighed, leaning against the counter. "It just wasn't the same. It turned out to be what I really didn't want. People… People are cruel no matter where you go. I'm no different."
"I think you are."
"Hm?"
"Different, I mean. You knew you were making a mistake but you didn't know where."
He just stared at her not sure how to respond as she tried to figure how to put what she wanted to say. She put on a small smile as she looked at him from across the room.
"Everyone makes mistakes. You said that. You knew you were doing something wrong as an investigator but you didn't know what exactly. Maybe that's why it all changed for you. It went from a career to a job like you said. Clearly you became disinterested somewhere. Maybe something inside you was trying to tell you to stop."
He almost wanted to scoff at the notion but perhaps she was right. He just didn't see it clearly until a few days ago. He felt that his life was at a dead end. Now he actually had a true purpose again. He felt something he hadn't felt in a long, long time. He missed the feeling being needed and being truly appreciated for what did for others. It got to where people just expected him to do what needed to be done and got no gratitude in return. He felt like a simple cog in the machine. Small, usually overlooked, and easily replaced. He snorted. He was but one of many cogs in a murder machine and that machine was called the CCG.
"You think so?" he asked with a small grin.
"I'd like to think so, yes," she nodded, knotting her hands together. "It couldn't have just been the similarities you saw with me and your own past the other day. It has to run deeper than that."
"You may have just been my breaking point," he said, pushing off the counter and walked over to her. "Like I said earlier… You're a good person."
She smiled more at him as he walked by her into the living room. He sat down on the floor and turned back on the TV. Kurosaki was also a good person she thought to herself. It was just a shame that everything had to be the way it was. She walked up behind him as he flipped through the channels.
"Kurosaki… Um… May I ask you an odd question?" she spoke up and he nodded. "When I… Well, when I became a ghost I… Oddly enough I'm no longer… Well... I'm not a ghoul…"
He paused and stared up at her, pondering her words. She wasn't a ghoul anymore?
"Hmm, well that's interesting. Huh…? I guess that means there really is no difference in humans and ghouls as far as souls are concerned," he said with a shrug. "They do say death is the great equalizer. That might also explain why I never once saw a ghoul in Soul Society. I never even considered that. Wow…"
"Huh? Soul Society?" she hummed, tilting her head slightly.
"Well, that's the afterlife. Heaven I guess you'd say but the gates aren't pearly and there are no golden streets," he stated bluntly, turning back to the TV. "When you get there I can give you a few people you can drop my name to and you'll be taken care of."
"I... I'm sorry? You've actually been to—"
"Yes. It's okay."
She just collapsed to her knees behind him as he watched the TV. She was in total shock and disbelief. This was all new to her and he was acting like all this was common knowledge. He had been to heaven, this Soul Society place, and he acted so blasé about it. Just who really was this Kurosaki Ichigo?
Mado was practically fuming as he sat in the hospital bed. His left arm was in a sling and a light bandage was wrapped around his head, protecting his new stitches. Amon and Akane were there in his room at his request. The doctors may not let him participate in any fighting for a while but he'd be damned if he was just going to sit back and relax either. He had two able-bodied people at his disposal to do his job and he was going to make sure they did it right.
"The press conference will be held in an hour and a half. Is there anything you want to add?" Akane asked, holding out a notepad and pen. "I can give it to our spokesman before he addresses the press."
"There are quite a few things I'd like to say but it wouldn't be suitable for children's ears," Mado growled under his breath. "That bastard. When I'm released from the hospital I'll kill him."
"I'm honestly surprised you got off with such minor injuries," Amon said as Mado snorted. "Had it been the Rabbit…"
Mado huffed and clinched his teeth at the name. Amon and Akane took a small step back and looked at each other. Mado, when mad, was never a good thing to get too close to.
"Those two from yesterday. Did you look into them?" he asked, glaring at Amon.
"Yes, sir, I did," Amon nodded quickly.
"We're gathering information now from the school," Akane stated. "There was a report of uniform theft in Shuyu High School not long ago. The uniforms showed up this morning, washed of course."
"We're also looking into the names of the students as well," Amon added. "So far we can't really find anyone under the names given."
"Like you honestly would? I knew something wasn't right from the start," Mado hissed, flopping his head back into his pillow. "But that boy… I had him go through the gate… Why didn't it go off? Ah! Damn brat has to be a sympathizer. Tch. I'm betting that girl with him was the Rabbit."
"You think she was…?" Amon gasped as a look of anger painted his face. "You mean she was that close to us? That bitch. Why would she actually walk into the building full of investigators?"
"She means to protect the Daughter Ghoul no matter what. Even risking coming into the lions' den just to do so," Mado spit out. "
"I know her face and I'll be keeping an eye out for her," Amon nodded. "Also her partner as well."
"That leaves the new ghoul that ambushed you. The one labeled as Incognito," Akane spoke up. "Clearly he has to be working with the Rabbit, right? He knew where to find you."
"I'm not really sure about that the more I look back on it. Something wasn't right about the whole thing," Mado hummed, narrowing his eyes. "He was way too cautious compared to Rabbit. He's older clearly and much wiser. He's even thought a good part of this through and I'm betting he's dealt with investigators before from the way he moved and how he hid his body. He must be known to us. Also… Rabbit made a statement and Incognito only gave a warning. Never once did he mention Rabbit or Kusaba during our fight. He just wanted me to back off from the Daughter Ghoul. He didn't attack me until I forced his hand and even then he didn't use his kagune, only that black bokken. At first I thought he was human, that was until he showed his speed and knocked me out."
"The police that came to aid you reported he also managed to jump the wall of the canal with ease," Amon added. "Given his speed he must be an Ukaku ghoul, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes, perhaps. But…" Mado hummed, rubbing his chin. "Still something… Something wasn't right. I just can't put my finger on it and it's just eating me alive!"
"Either way we'll just have to make sure to catch them tonight," Amon stated sharply.
"I'm counting on both of you to follow the plan I've given you," Mado said with a wide leer. "It sickens me I can't to do the job myself."
"That's understandable but don't worry, Mado. We'll get them," Akane smiled. "I'll make sure to get the necessary item you requested from the CCG morgue. Are you sure it will work?"
"The girl's mother was ripped away from her. Hahaha! It will work to draw her out," Mado laughed a bit. "What child doesn't miss their loving parent?"
"That is understood," she nodded.
"Get some rest, Mado," Amon said, walking over the window and shut the blinds, blocking out the glaring sun. "We'll get them one way or the other. You just need to rest for now."
"Don't baby me," Mado snapped.
"No one is babying you," Akane replied, rolling her eyes. "We're just saying to take it easy. You're not doing yourself any good stressing out over this."
"How can I not?" Mado huffed, looking away from them.
"Mado, please… We will take care of this," Amon said, walking towards the door. "You'll be out of here tomorrow afternoon at the latest."
"Fine, fine," Mado huffed, watching Amon leave the room with Akane following him. "Hayashi."
"Hm, yes?" she paused and looked at him. "What is it?"
"Use my quinque from last night as well. I also have a new one for you to pick up under my name," Mado said. "It will give you another advantage over the girl."
"I see…" Akane said coolly, nodding her head. "Psychological warfare no doubt."
"Would you expect any less from me? Hmhmhm," Mado grinned. "I want you to tell me the look on her face when she sees them. I want you to tell me how much it hurts her knowing that her parents' own kagune will be her demise. I want to know about every little painful detail!"
"Yes, sir," she sighed. Now I know why Ichigo can't stand him and I don't know how Amon can.
She went to leave the room again when Mado cleared his throat. She paused once more. What did he want now?
"Yes?" she inquired.
"I dropped the remote. Pick it up for me before you leave."
A corner of her mouth twitched as she walked over and set the wanted item on his table. Really? He's legs were fine. There was no reason he couldn't do it. She sighed and walked towards the door again. He didn't want to be babied? Yeah, right.
"One more thing, Hayashi," he called her.
"Yes?" she turned to face him again.
"Leave your good-for-nothing partner out of this," Mado growled out with venom. She was surprised by his harsh words. "There was something about him yesterday… Something odd… Even for him. I want you to have no contact with him while you take over for me. I also don't want you to even speak about working on this case when he returns to work."
"But why not? With luck the case will be wrapped up before he returns to active duty," Akane stated, crossing her arms. "What is eating you about him? I saw him come to the memorial yesterday. At least he showed up to pay his respects. You and Amon didn't even try to attend."
"We were working to catch the Rabbit. What better way to honor Kusaba's memory than to work on eradicating that murderous monster?" Mado chided.
She sighed and lightly shook her head. That's all that man did was work and work. She never knew him to take any downtime and he was teaching Kotaro to do the same.
"Revenge is an ugly thing, Mado," Akane said, glaring at him. "And I'm not just talking about the Rabbit."
"Don't you even go there," Mado bit out at her.
"Fine," she drawled with few drops of venom.
"You know… You and your idiot partner are rather soft for investigators," he said bitterly as Akane glared daggers at him. "You've been lucky so far but luck will run out sooner or later. When that time comes it'll harden you. You haven't lost anyone dear to you yet but you will."
"Hmph! I need to get back to the office," she was biting her tongue and turned sharply towards the door again. "Good bye, Mado."
She stressed the good bye part to let him know their conversation was over. She walked out the door, into the busy hall, and briskly head toward the elevators. How dare he even say that to her face. She and Ichigo were not weak at all. Especially not Ichigo. Mado never worked with him for very long so he knew nothing of her partner. There was something about her underclassman that just… She didn't know what it was. When she was first paired with him he seemed to be already hardened from battle, real battle. He was like a veteran soldier fresh off the battle field. His eyes and actions spoke volumes of who he was under his goofball exterior. She would never say it but she aspired to be like him, despite the fact that she was older and been doing this job for a lot longer than he had.
But Mado's words had stabbed her deep down into her heart and it hurt. She did not have Ichigo's resolve but she was no push over and she would prove that to Mado. She vowed to take down at least one of those monsters tonight whether it be the Rabbit, the Daughter, or Incognito. Ichigo had become known for doing the grunt work while she ended being the paper-pusher for the pair. She was going to prove she was still a field officer; a soldier for a noble cause. She was going to make sure Mado ate his hateful words about her and Ichigo.
Kaneki hurried up the steps towards the café. He really needed to talk to Touka about the ghoul that attacked Mado. He opened the door in a bit of a hurry and stepped in. He started looking around for Touka when he noticed how quiet it was in the café. The only sound was coming from the speakers above his head. It was the announcement from the CCG. Like those around him he decided to listen to what was being said.
"…taking the attacks seriously. Although the 20th ward is considered peaceful compared to others as far as the number of attacks are concerned it has recently become a hub for violent individual ghouls. Investigators are working diligently to put an end to these attacks and bring these dangerous ghouls to justice. We are not sure if the ghoul we have dubbed the Rabbit that attacked Investigator Kusaba and Incognito are working together, however, they seem to have a similar goal to get retribution for the recent extermination of another ghoul, which both Investigator Mado and the late Investigator Kusaba dealt with. The ghoul, Fueguchi Ryoko had a daughter, which is now on the run. Both Incognito and the Rabbit mean to protect what we are calling the Daughter Ghoul, according to Investigator Mado. That attack on Investigator Mado may have been a setup, however, that is still under investigation.
"Although both the Rabbit and Incognito took measures to hide themselves during their attacks, the extent Incognito went through to hide himself means that he must be known to the CCG. However, the scent blinder he had made was designed to hide from other ghouls. Investigator Mado described it as being very strong, acrid, and herby…"
Acrid and herby? Come to think of it… Kurosaki's apartment reeked of something like that. Kaneki stared wide-eyed up at the speaker above his head. Could Incognito be…?
"…It is unclear as to why Incognito would even hide himself from other ghouls but his disguise was thorough. Only theory is that he is not popular among the resident ghouls here in the 20th ward. The Rabbit's attack we believe was an act of passion while Incognito's was planned out. Both are being treated as a top priority for their attacks on the CCG investigators. The Daughter Ghoul is also being treated as such. Her own involvement in the attacks are still unclear. For more information on any of these ghouls you can check out our website or visit our office. I will now be taking your questions. Yes, you."
"What should we do during this time to protect ourselves?"
"Currently the attacks are only on CCG investigators that were involved in dispatching the mother ghoul. We don't believe the populous has to worry about them directly. The amount of attacks on the average person has not escalated. They are holding about the same as usual."
"Sir, you stated that the Rabbit's attack was an act of passion but that Incognito's was planned out. Even though the Rabbit killed an investigator is there more to fear from Incognito as he is so methodical in how he does things?"
"Hm, good question. I'm not really sure at this time. Even though Incognito's attack was planned he was not overly aggressive. Clearly, unlike the Rabbit he had no intentions of killing Investigator Mado. At least not at that time. As reported earlier the Investigator's injuries were minor."
"That being said, sir… Why did Incognito use a bokken instead of his kagune? Could he be identified if he used it?"
"Yes, possibly. Investigator Mado described him as being well trained with his weapon and a skilled fighter in close combat. He could also be a hand to hand combatant. So even without his kagune he is still a threat."
"There was a report from a police officer that he was rather fast. Could he be an Ukaku type ghoul?"
"As he did not reveal his kagune we can't claim that he is or is not an Ukaku."
"Do you think that any of the ghouls are a relation to the mother ghoul and her daughter?"
"We don't have that kind of information. Just that they knew the family."
"Could Incognito be the mate and father?"
"No. He was disposed of prior to his mate from what I'm told."
"What sort of plans does CCG have to capture them?"
"We cannot reveal that to the public. I'm sorry."
The questions went on for a couple of minutes more before the feed was cut. Kaneki sighed as the café came back to life once again with a buzz of worry and fear. He went around the counter toward the back to change his clothes into his work uniform. He found a newspaper in the back on a table as he walked into the kitchen. He picked it up and looked at it. He slightly recognized the man in the article. It was the investigator that was killed. He read over the article. He was even mention in the statement a few minutes ago. He didn't like where this was going. Touka walked by and he cleared his throat.
"Hey?" he flipped the paper around so the article was facing her.
She looked at it not at all happy that he was presenting it to her. She turned her head away from him.
"You should be working," she replied.
Her actions only tipped him off more. She was hiding something.
"That man in the article… He was one of the investigators right?" he questioned. He almost didn't want to ask this. "Did you…?"
"What if I did…? I'm a murderer," she replied in a low sharp tone. "I won't stop till I kill them all. All of them…"
The look of shock and disbelief was planted deeply on Kaneki's face. She would actually do such a thing? Now the thought of her sending out Incognito seemed very possible. He didn't understand how she could do such a thing to other people but perhaps it was because she was a ghoul. She saw things and people differently from what he saw. She didn't have the luxury of being human like he once was. He drew in a breath and let it out. She had moved away from him and turned her back on him.
"T-Touka… Uh… About what happened last night to that investigator we talked to…" he asked, rubbing the back of his head. "The attack was right there at the location we gave them… Did you set that up, by chance, maybe?"
No," she said in a dark tone. "He did that on his own. I don't know who this Incognito person is."
"So… You didn't…?" Kaneki still looked worried.
"No. It must have been a strange coincidence or something. Maybe he had been following him for a while and just saw a chance to act," Touka growled out and then let out a long breath. "I… I don't know. Either way I'm just glad he got to that bastard. I just wish he had done more damage."
"Like kill him…?" Kaneki mumbled, casting his eyes down.
"What do you think? Either way this Incognito sounds like a smart guy," Touka smiled, picking up the new paper and rolled it under her arm. "We need to find him and have him help us. He must have known the Fueguchi's somehow or he wouldn't be doing this."
Kaneki's mind went back to a few things that he knew about and she didn't. Such as Kurosaki Ichigo aka Hawk's secret message in flowers. Incognito… She might not like the man under the mask. Kaneki had an inkling it was him and if that was the case…
"Wh-what if he's not what you think he is?" Kaneki asked as she looked at him dully from over her shoulder.
"Don't know… Look, I'm taking this coffee up to Hinami," she said, turning to face Kaneki directly. "You want to come with me? If not, you need to go back to work."
"No, I'll come with you. I-I'd like see her."
Ichigo chewed on his the tip of his thumb as Ryoku told him all that she saw and heard today. This was not good. Mado that sick bastard. Even when he's not on the battle field he was still deadly. Amon and Akane were going to work together as he had predicted. Ichigo really didn't like the news of how they were to go about drawing out the poor girl. It made him sick to his stomach and Ryoko was practically distraught. They were going use her severed hand as bait. Hopefully the girl would stay where she was. Ryoko said she was with friends so hopefully it would stay that way and the plan would be a bust.
But Ichigo wasn't going to take that risk. He'd go and just survey the area to make sure nothing went wrong. He made a promise and he was going to keep it. It was already dark outside so he might as well start now. He picked up the trash bag, holding his disguise. He'd change when he got there. He didn't want to blow his cover being spotted too soon. He walked out and locked his door. Ryoko was right beside him. She wanted to see this through to the end. She wanted to make sure Ichigo kept his promised and saved her little girl.
"I'm scared," she muttered as they stepped off the stairs and headed to where they were last night. "I'm scared for Hinami and I'm scared for you."
"Don't be," he whispered, walking at a brisk pace. "I'm just going to take a look around and get an idea for right now."
She lightly nodded at his answer. Ichigo had found a short cut from last night. It took him through a shady area but he didn't want to waste time. He just had to keep his wits about him. Gang activity was high here both human and ghoul. He kept his eyes open and Ryoko clung closely to him. She was shaking badly as they cut through a dark alleyways. She noticed Ichigo come to sudden stop and stare down a dead end branch. Eight or so people were approaching them. They had different weapons in their hands; knives, chains, crowbars, brass knuckles, bokken, and more.
"Such is my damn luck," Ichigo grumbled, turning to face them directly. "Look guys, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
"Oh, are you? Well, that's just too bad," the largest of the men spoke. "We're in no rush."
"Kurosaki, let's go," Ryoko insisted, trying to pull him by his arm. "You're out numbered! C'mon! Let's just make a run for it!"
"What's in the bag, dude?" another asked as they surrounded him on all sides.
"Just clothes," Ichigo stated, looking at each person. "Old clothes at that. Do I look like a name brand person to you?"
"Clothes, huh? Okay… Your wallet," one more snapped, pushing Ichigo from behind. "Hand it over."
Ichigo drew in a long breath as Ryoko clung to him, urging him to run for it. This was going to get messy in a minute.
"I don't have it on me. Look fellas, I don't want any trouble. I'd just like to get from point A to point B," Ichigo said, dully. "I would not recommend setting me off."
"Ohhh, hear that? Tough guy, huh? Haha! You're outnumbered, you know, and your bluffing ain't going to work on us," the big guy said with a nasty grin. "So all you've got is a bag of old smelly clothes? Well, you just have to pay your way through with your blood."
Where these idiot actually serious? Ichigo adjusted his jaw and let out an annoyed breath. Yep, this was not going to end well. He sat his clothes on the ground and got into a fighting stance. The group laughed at him. This was not something he needed to deal with right now. He had more pressing matters, so he needed to end this quickly. And so, with one swift movement he punched the big guy square in the jaw. He fell over backwards, out cold, onto the unforgiving pavement.
"Make me bleed, I dare you," Ichigo scoffed at the group as Ryoko shut her eyes just as the men charged.
What in the world was Kaneki thinking? He didn't know how to fight and he decided to pick a fight with an investigator no less. He did not want to be doing this but he had to keep the investigator away from Touka and Hinami somehow and the only way was to engage him. Kaneki was scared as he stared at the investigator before him. He needed to buy them time to escape so what choice did he have? Only problem was... He just had his ass handed to him. He was slammed back into the pavement, hard. His sorry punch had fallen completely short and the investigator was making short work of him.
"When you're an investigator you tend to run into to idiots pretending to be ghouls like you," he stated sternly as he reached for Kaneki's face. "That mask is so improper…"
He quickly dodged the unwanted hand and kicked out but was quickly blocked. Yet it gave Kaneki an opening to get back. Kaneki quickly moved back and put that needed distance between them.
How stupid of me… There is no way that a guy who fights ghouls for a living is just an average guy… Kaneki realized, staring up at the investigator. He'll apprehend me if I—huh?
Kaneki looked up above the investigator's head after hearing something a bit out of place. The investigator also turned around to see what was the commotion was above him.
"SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! Damnit! I'm going to be late! Damn stupid assholes! Dammit! Get on you damn glove!"
They watched as a cursing cloaked figure raced by them on the walkway above their heads. It was a little—odd. But it wasn't long before the investigator snapped out of his daze.
"Can't be! Incognito?" the investigator choked out, his focus now on the figure that just vanished out of his sight.
Oh, no! I have to keep him here! I can't let him go after Incognito he might be heading to where Hinami and Touka are, Kaneki quickly got back to his feet. I have to do this! If I really want to help I can't keep holding back! If I show him I am a ghoul… He'll have to stay here, right? He has to. I'm more of a threat to him right now than anyone else. I just need to… Give it my all! I can't hold anything back!
Kaneki was going to keep the investigator right here and nowhere else. He quickly picked up his feet and rushed in front of him, stopping the investigator dead in his tracts. The two glared at each other.
"Get out of my way," the investigator bit out, swinging his briefcase.
"No, I'm your target right now," Kaneki bit out as he finally forced his darker side to show. "It's me you need to worry about."
(A few minutes prior)
It was a sad sight indeed when Touka found Hinami sitting on the cold gravel in the water canal. She noticed that Hinami was clutching onto something dearly and was shocked to learn it was Ryoko's severed hand. The red flags should have gone up then and there but all Touka saw was a sad little girl that was mourning her mother. She needed to say something to the poor girl to make her feel better. So she started tell her about what she did yesterday at the CCG office.
"I talked to them directly but… Hinami… They barely had any information on you. I told them I knew you… But they didn't show me a photo or a sketch of you," Touka said but Hinami still kept her head down. "The only people who know your face are the ones that showed up that night. Hinami…"
Touka got down on her knees and embraced the crying girl. Hinami's eyes widened at the warm hug she got from Touka.
"I'll protect you. I won't let them kill you. I swear… That's a promise," Touka said, into Hinami's ear. "I don't know if ghouls are allowed to live either. But there has to be a reason we exist."
Touka held onto Hinami for a couple more moments before she pulled out her phone and called Kaneki. He needed to know where they were and that Hinami was okay.
"Yeah… Kaneki? I found her," Touka said with a smile, holding her phone to her ear. "Near Kasahara Elementary School."
"T-Touka," Hinami cried out suddenly, eyes wide.
Touka quickly turned around to see a woman in her mid-thirties. She was dressed in a dark gray pantsuit and a long black coat with a white fur trim on the hood and sleeves. Her red hair was pulled back into a long, tight braid. But it was the two large metal suitcases that really stood out the most about the woman. This was not good.
"An investigator?" Touka bit out as Hinami clambered to her feet and ducked behind her.
"Do you really have to ask such an obvious question? I hear it so often from you filth it's become monotonous, really," she drawled, looking at them with cold green eyes. "Well, it seems I caught a fish on my line. Mado said this bait would it do the trick and he was right."
"Mado…?" Touka bit out, trying to back up. "He set this up?"
"Yes. Now, correct me if I'm wrong but you, young lady, must be the Rabbit," she said, raising a thin eyebrow as she studied Touka.
"Damn you," Touka growled, gnashing her teeth in anger. "I kill you!"
"Ah, so you are. You know I don't think I give that old man enough credit but even sidelined he does some damn good work," she smiled, taking a step forward, the gravel crunching under her weight. "Well, let's see if I can kill two birds with one stone."
In a flash she released her first quinque. Touka grabbed Hinami and quickly moved out of the way of the barbed whip-like weapon. Touka had never seen this investigator before. Come to think of it, there weren't many female field officers to begin with. Touka recognized the quinque as the one that belonged to Mado and the one that had torn open her arm. Why did she have it? Mado must have given it to her no doubt. No matter where that bastard was he still pulled the strings to everything.
"Wow! You were reported to be an Ukaku ghoul and it's been a while since I've hunted one," the investigator said, looking a little impressed. "Please make it fun for me."
"We're not your toys," Touka snapped, grabbing Hinami's hand. "Hurry, this way."
Touka pulled Hinami down into a tunnel. It was darker and enclosed. It was here Touka would have more of an advantage. That's what she had planned anyway. The investigator followed closely on their heels. Touka pushed Hinami behind one of the old support columns just as the investigator brought her quinque down on them. The large barbed whip crashed hard into the cement column, taking out a large chunk. She quickly recalled it and swung it back at Touka. She came close but missed again.
The woman was good but clearly was unfamiliar with the quinque in her hands. She didn't have the dexterity that Mado had with it and being in a tight space didn't help. That fact made this so much easier for Touka. She'd get rid of this bitch and take Hinami back home. The investigator swung again and Touka jumped off a column just before the quinque hit it. She was in the air and lined up for the perfect shot. There was no doubt in her mind she was going to end this here and—
Pain. Touka felt something sharp dig into her stomach. She landed short of her target and stumbled in the ankle deep water. She looked down to see a small knife in her gut. No, it was a small quinque in the shape of a knife. She didn't have much time to look at it as the woman's primary weapon came down crashing at her. She was clipped once again in the arm.
"T-Touka," Hinami called out.
Touka glared hate at the smiling redhead before her. She was clearly enjoying this. Touka painfully pulled out the small blade and held her bleeding stomach. That dug in deep but she had sustained worse before. She angrily chucked the blood soaked knife into the water.
"You got a little bit cocky, young lady," she scolded, shaking a finger. "You figured out I'm not familiar with this quinque so you thought you had it all planned out. Well, you were wrong. I'm quite good with concealed weapons. Throwing knives are my specialty."
"You bitch! I'm going to kill you and enjoy it," Touka screamed out, charging the investigator full force.
"I'd love to see you try," she chimed as she pulled the other briefcase out in front of her.
Touka barely registered her words before she was nearly hit with another large quinque that fanned around her. That was close, too close. She stumbled back just avoiding the large wing like quinque. That could have been costly. She looked briefly over at Hinami to check on her. The girl had a look of fear and dread on her pale face. Why was that? It was almost like she had just seen a—
PPOOOWW!
The loud pop resonated through the tunnel and echoed for quite a ways. Touka stood in shock and pain as she looked at the bleeding hole in her left shoulder. Slowly she turned her head to see a single shot pistol, lightly smoking in the woman's hands. Touka mentally hit herself as she fell to her knees. The Q bullet had ripped right through her. Of course the woman had to have more than just knives on her.
"Looks like I need to work on my aim. Word of advice; never take your eyes off an opponent as anything can happen in a second," the investigator chided, dropping the small spent pistol into the water and picked up her first quinque up again. "Not that this advice will do a soon to be corpse much good. But this fact is drilled into us from day one in the academy."
She swung her primary weapon around again but to Touka's horror it was aim at Hinami. She wasn't going to let that happen! She quickly ran and jumped into the path of the quinque. She pushed the girl out of the way and took the brunt of the impact. She let out a scream of pain as the weapon dug deep into her side.
"Nooo!" Hinami screamed out as Touka fell hard into the shallow water. "T-Touka! Touka are you all right?"
"Stay back and get behind something," Touka ordered, fiercely. "Do it now!"
Hinami quickly turned and ducked back behind another column.
"Oh, wow! Hahahah! You really will do anything to protect that brat," the redhead laughed. "I'm very impressed! You would actually die for her, wouldn't you? And there's your greatest weakness."
"Stop it! Please stop it! No more," Hinami screamed at the top of her lungs. "I can't take this anymore! I don't want to see anyone else die! Please just leave us alone!"
"Then just stand still and I'll make sure you won't have to worry your pretty little head ever again," the investigator leered in a disgustingly sweet voice. "Which one would one prefer, brat? Your old man or mommy-dearest?"
"W-wait, you mean…?" Touka forced herself to sit up in the crimson water around her. "That's Hinami's… ?"
It couldn't be... Now that she really looked at the quinque in the woman's hands. She felt her heart clinch in pain. How could they do such a thing? Hinami... That poor girl. The CCG were nothing but a bunch of monsters! True monsters! She couldn't let this bitch live for what she was doing to Hinami's emotions but using those quinque!
"Mado took the kagune of her parents and forged them into quinque. What did you think quinque were, idiot? You see, Mado just loves to get into people's heads and hearts. He doesn't just like to inflict physical damage but mental and emotional anguish as well. About the only one he hasn't gotten to is my partner," she snorted at Touka. "You might know him by his street name—Hawk."
Touka forced herself back onto her unsteady feet and fought through the pain to stand up straight. This woman was Hawk's partner, so then…? Hawk had to be around somewhere, right? She wanted to survey the area but she already learned to never take her eyes off this bitch. There was no telling how many hidden weapons she had on her.
"I'm not much of a fan for the way Mado does things but it is highly effective," she leered, hiding her body and hands behind the quinque forged from Ryoko.
It was enough of a clue that she was going to use another hidden weapon. Touka wasn't going to waste time. She had two options: try to get in close and stop her or take the brunt of an attack again for Hinami. She had to make a choice and now. She charged at the investigator, flaring her kagune. Either way she was going to get hurt but she would rather try to stop her, than run the risk of Hinami getting hurt.
Suddenly, without warning, the investigator was thrown out of the way of Touka's attack. She landed in the water as she turned and saw the investigator struggling to keep another small pistol in her hands. Touka blinked a little and stared in awe at the fight going on between the investigator and of all people, Incognito. He had the investigator pinned to a column. He forced the weapon from her hands and clamped her wrists together in one hand, holding them over her head.
"B-bastard! Stop that," she hissed as he started going through her coat and suit with his free hand, looking for more dangerous items. "Stop touching me! Stop it! You're a pervert! Don't touch me!"
He ignored her and pulled out all manner of hidden weapons from various secret pockets; a few small caliber guns, plenty of small throwing knives, a couple handfuls of shuriken, two stun-guns, mace, and more. Worse yet he seemed to know every pocket something was hid in. Half her weight had to be made up in weapons. She struggled against him and finally forced him back with a high kick. The heel of her boot hit the filter of his mask, knocking it loose from his face. He quickly stepped back and readjusted his mask and voice modifier back into place.
Not wasting a moment she reached down into the water and grabbed the first weapon she got her fingers on. She tossed the shuriken right at him. To her surprise and disbelief it was now embedded in the wooden blade of his black bokken. She didn't even see him draw it.
"That's enough," he snapped in a robotic voice, pulling the small star shaped quinque from his bokken and dropped it into the water. "You need to stop your pursuit this instant."
"I don't think so," she snapped, finally finding the handle to the barbed whip quinque under the water. "I'm going to rid the world of one of you tonight or so help me!"
She brought the weapon around and swung it at both Touka and Incognito. They quickly dodged the deadly quinque and ran in opposite directions of each other. It would be harder to focus on two enemies if they weren't side by side. It was now two against one. These odds Touka liked a lot better.
"Last night was a setup, wasn't it?" she asked, looking at Touka and then quickly at Incognito. "Mado and the other investigators were lured here by her and you ambushed him."
"Don't flatter yourself. This is our first meeting. I've never seen her before," Incognito said, holding out his bokken. "I'd just been following Mado all day and saw a chance."
"To kill him? You really make me—" she gripped the handle hard.
"To talk to him. Think, woman! If I wanted to kill him don't you think I would have inflicted a lot more damage? Use your damn head," he snapped back at her. "Now I don't want to hurt anybody stand here!"
Talk about a house angel and a street devil. What a flip flop in her personality. Remind of you someone?
Don't start. What do you want?
Here's some words of advice before you get carried away. When you engage your partner change your fighting style. Akane knows you too well and will pick up on it quickly.
Shit. I didn't even think of that. Thanks.
Yeah, yeah…
"You mean you're not against the CCG?" Touka asked a little unsure of his intentions.
"Not like that. I'm just doing this because I'm upholding a promise to keep the girl safe," he said, quickly. "I would prefer it if no one had to die tonight and everyone can just walk away from this."
"This is just to protect…?" Touka's voice trailed off as she turned to look at the girl in the clover dress, peeking out from behind a column.
"Well, Mr. Incognito, I beg to differ on the dying part and I certainly don't walk away from a fight," Akane shouted as she brought the quinque back around at him. "You monsters don't deserve to live! Not a damn one of you!"
He barely had time to move before it landed where he had been standing, crashing into the saturated ground. She meant serious business tonight. Something was driving her. Most likely something Mado had said to her. There was no real telling what was going on in her mind but it wasn't good.
He glanced momentarily over at Hinami. The girl couldn't see what he was seeing, Ryoko was standing right beside her. It was nice to see the two of them together again. He just wished it was on the same plane of existence. He landed heavily on his feet, making a loud splash with his boots.
Touka had her shot now with the investigator's back turned towards her. She quickly rushed in from behind. Incognito might not want to kill but Touka had just about all she could take of this woman.
"Don't do it," he yelled at her.
Touka faltered, only landing a hard punch instead to Akane's upper back. She stumbled face first into the water but quickly got back to her feet. She wiped the muddy water from her face and looked at the two ghouls.
"I had a shot to be rid of her," Touka snapped at him. "Why do you want to save her? She's going to kill us! We have to get to her before that can happen!"
"An eye for eye isn't always the answer! Think, stupid," he snapped back at her. "Look at that girl over there. You honestly think you're going to protect her by constantly killing? You're her hero and you need to start acting like one instead of some murderous vigilante."
"Her hero…?" Touka breathed before she clinched her teeth in anger. "Nugh! What choice do we have? This world is kill or be killed! That's just how things are! Are you blind?"
"Are you? The world isn't black and white and it's more than just shades of gray," he snapped, before turning back to Akane. "It's just that everyone is so damn color blind. They can't see the plethora of colors glaring back at them. There are other options. Better options."
"Ahem! Look, do you want to prattle on or do you want to keep fighting?" Akane snorted a little water out of her nose. "Personally, I'd much rather fight than listen to your stupid philosophy."
"And there is my point—in a nutshell…" he sighed, pointing at her.
"Hey!" she barked, sharply.
"Whatever! I don't care what you have to say," Touka huffed, facing down Akane again. "If you won't help me… I'll do this alone."
"In one ear and out the other," he groaned, slouching his shoulders. "I am trying to help you, miss. Don't just throw me away like a snot rag."
"Are you done yet?" Akane asked, swinging her quinque back, poised to strike. "Because here I come, ready or not!"
She slung her arm forward, bringing the barbed quinque around. Touka and Incognito dodged the fearsome weapon again. She clearly was tired of giving them a curtsy to speak. She wanted to end this fight and go home to dry clothes and a warm bed. She scoffed at the male ghoul's words. The world was color blind? Oh, please! Ghouls are blight to this world. They are devils that wear human skin. They are a complete mockery of the human race. What gives them the right to live on this planet?
She attacked again with the father's quinque, before rushing and plucking the mother's up out of the water. She now had a shield against them. It was Rabbit she needed to worry about most. She was the one out for blood. Incognito was clearly a pacifist. Weak willed ghouls like him were the easiest to take down. Which one should she dispose of first? The obvious choice was the Rabbit. She posed the greatest threat.
She put the grand majority of her focus on the Rabbit. The ghoul was injured too, which helped. She attacked again and again. The Rabbit was starting to tire out from her high speed attacks. When Incognito tried to get involved she used the mother's quinque to keep him at bay. Despite seeing their weaknesses, she too, was starting to lose her stamina and it was showing in her heavy breathing and slowing movements.
It had been a while since she got this involved with a ghoul and she had two to deal with. She would give anything to have her partner with her. She needed and wanted Ichigo at her side, helping her fight the good fight. Hopefully, Amon would show up soon and aid her. What was taking him so damn long to get there? She couldn't do this alone after all, like she had wanted. She only wanted to prove to Mado she was just as good as anyone else in the field. She was a first class investigator like him but he had such high standards for those around him. Those he thought were weak he didn't like too well. That thought drove her harder to keep fighting and she would be damned if she lost this fight to a ghoul.
"I'm not going to lose! Not to any of you damn devils," she screamed as she whipped around and saw the daughter ghoul step out from her hiding place. "You…? Shit!"
Damn it! She had forgotten about that brat. The girl looked up at her from under her messy bangs. Her eyes were now red on black and looked like hot embers. She was going to fight too? Two was bad enough but how was she going to counter three of them? There is was no way in hell. She would have to remain on the defensive at all times. She watched in horror as the girl released her kagune. Her jaw dropped slightly. Duel kagune? One was like her mother's and one like her father's.
"Where are you looking, bitch?" Touka yelled, catching her off guard. "Don't you dare look at that girl!"
"No! Don't kill her," Incognito's panicked voice echoed in her ears. "STOOOOP!"
Akane hastily spun around to see Touka in the air and coming down fast. She was aiming straight for Akane's head. The redhead tried to dodge the incoming attack but she was just a split second too slow.
(A/N So, I'm leaving it there for now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was a hard one for me write but it was fun too. I'm not good at explaining fight scenes so sorry if it wasn't great… Please tell me what you thought of this chapter. I love feedback.)
Millie M. Banshee