Does Man Make The Monster?
Chapter 21
Against One's Better Judgements
(A/N This is my 4th rewrite and I hope it's better now that I added in more characters than last time. I also rewrote some scenes what was in the first version I first posted. I really hope this is better because I'm at my wits end with chapter and I don't know what else to do with it. I hope I got rid of the wrong things and added the good things. Please enjoy this new version. Thank you!)
SOUNDS/sounds
Thoughts
(Last Time)
She waited a while longer but it was getting to a point where she had to find some real cover and get out of the wind if nothing else. She painfully pushed back the plywood and the ceiling panel. The directions and the quinque were clutched in her good hand. She looked down at her naked feet and the chain. She could walk but never run with these on. Quinque are stronger than steal but did she have strength to break the links with that little blade? As it was she could barely stand on her own two feet and she only had one good arm. This wasn't looking good.
"Maybe, I can pick it?" she mumbled, looking down at metal bands that had cut into her ankles. She then looked at the cuffs around her wrists. "This is no better…"
She suddenly heard shoes smacking pavement and running towards her. Not good. She gripped the handle the best she could and faced the mouth of the alley as she backed up behind the dumpster again. Just as she turned to face the entrance fully, a young woman slid into view. She felt her heart skip a beat. It couldn't be her? Not now. Not at this time.
"Rabbit…"
(Present)
The word slipped past her lips like a wispy phantom. She clinched her teeth and white knuckled the handle of the small quinque. Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire and of course those two morons were MIA. With the flick of the wrist the Rabbit slapped her flip phone shut and started down the cold gritty pavement with long strides. There was a rather irate look on her face. Each step seemed to increase in speed.
Akane could only hold her ground, nothing more. She couldn't run with her chains and even if she could the ghoul would overtake her within seconds. She was honestly too weak to do much. Words would never work as the Rabbit had no pity for her. The female ghoul came to a stop and directly stared Akane down. Akane's pushed her back flush against the brick wall. The quinque was held out at the threat before her. Her damaged arm hung loosely in the wind, held up by the chain linking to her good arm. This wasn't good to have such dead weight.
"Well, well, look at what I found," the Rabbit smirked.
"You… You can just keep your distance," Akane hissed, holding the knife right at the Rabbit's face. "Why would you come towards the fire instead of running from it? The CCG is out looking for me and you're still a top priority. Do you really hate me that damn much that you'd risk it?"
"Don't flatter yourself. I just happened to be the one to reach you first. I know your wretched scent best. So it wasn't that hard to find you," she grabbed Akane's wrist, removing the blade out of her face and held Akane hard against the wall. The ghoul's forearm pushed down hard against Akane's throat. "I want you to listen to me very carefully. I'm not in the mood for any of your shit. You are going to do what I say and you're going to follow me where I go. You only get one shot at this with me. Don't blow it."
She stepped back and yanked Akane away from the wall by her tattered shirt. First she ripped the knife from Akane's fingers.
"Give that back," Akane snapped, trying to reach for it.
"Keep quiet. You want them to find you?" the Rabbit bit out and then gave a really sassy grin. "I can make that happen and happily."
"This isn't a game!" Akane clinched her teeth, trying for the blade again and failed.
"And neither is hunting us. I'm not going to give this back to you anytime soon. Knowing you, you might have 5 more stashed away somewhere. This stays with me."
A moment later another man hurried down alley towards them. Not another ghoul! She went to pull away but the Rabbit kept a good grip on her shirt. He unfolded a large object what was hanging off his arm. It was a long coat? He pulled the suit coat off and quickly wrapped the heavy covering around her shoulders and the thick hood was pulled over her hack-job haircut. The coat was far too big for a woman her size and it was every bit a man's coat. The hem of the black wool coat came down to just at the top of her abused ankles.
"Is this regular steel?" he asked, grabbing the chain linking her handcuffs.
"Yeah, I th—"
He gave one very hard tug and links pulled apart. He got down on the ground and grabbed the chain linking her ankles.
"Hold her steady," he ordered, brushing some gray hair from his face.
The Rabbit grabbed her and not at all gently. Akane about jumped out of the ghoul's harsh grip. Her body was sore all over and being held so tightly was miserable. He gave another hard tug, snapping the chain. He stood back up straight.
"Put your arms in," he ordered, lightly grabbing one of the empty sleeves.
She had to work her bad arm into the large sleeve before tucking in her good arm into the other. He roughly pulled the sash around her and tightly knotted it. The coat swallowed her whole, only the bare tip of fingers peeked through the sleeve cuffs.
"What do you want with me?" she asked bitterly, looking up at the stoic male ghoul.
"Later," he pulled the hood down all the way over her head, covering her one eye completely. "Let's go."
"I'm not going anywhere until I know what's going on," Akane snapped and stepped back from them. "Especially with her!"
She pointed a barely visible finger at the Rabbit.
"You want this back, don't you?" the Rabbit held out the knife. "It means something to you, right? Do as we say and maybe we'll take care of it."
"Give it back," she snapped, trying to snatch it from the mocking ghoul. "This really isn't a joke!"
"It really does mean something, huh?" she laughed, playing keep away with the poor redhead.
"Stop doing that that and hand it over," the former investigator kept trying to snatch it back.
"Enough. Both of you be quiet. There is another group of investigators working their way towards us," he snapped, pulling the quinque from the Rabbit's fingers and put it in his own coat pocket. "And, you, grow up."
The Rabbit looked at him surprised for a moment before scowling. A moment later she snorted and pulled up her own hood over her head. He took the lead and grabbed Akane's good hand. She fought a first until he gave a stiff tug. He wasn't going take any defiance from her. He led them down to the alley and immediately turned left. Akane was having a hard time keeping up with their pace. Her legs ached and her toes burned from the cold of the pavement. Even without the binds on her ankles she was still very limited in her movement. She hobbled something badly. She kept her mouth shut and just worked through the aches and pains.
She feared if she complained just once that the Rabbit would be jumping all over her for complaining and slowing them down. Akane bit her tongue as she followed them down several streets. She shivered as they stopped at a crosswalk. This was making her more and more uneasy. She already saw several investigators dashing about the streets. She caught a glimpse of Amon, briefcase in hand. There was no telling where that wretched man Mado was lurking.
The Rabbit pulled her hood up higher and held the fabric closed at the bottom around her nose and mouth. Akane quickly turned her head down the ground letting the hood cover her face. This felt horrible to hide from the people she once worked with. Especially those like Amon. There was no telling what he would be like if she faced him right now. She shivered more from that thought rather than the freezing air.
They soon came to a crosswalk and waited for the signal to change. Standing still like this made her very anxious as it meant investigators had more time to look at her. The grey haired ghoul squeezed her hand lightly. Was that meant to reassure her or a show of power? She fought back a few tears. She wasn't going to lie to herself. She was completely terrified of what was to become of her.
"There is still a ways to go before we reach our destination," he cautioned not even turning to look at her.
She lightly bit her busted lip and curled her frozen bare toes. Every bit of her was screaming to fight back and run. It was basic instinct to run from a predator, not walk beside it. It was common practice that if you can't fight a ghoul, you run and find safety. Right now she couldn't fight, she couldn't run, and there was no safe place. The CCG and the police were after her. No doubt her picture had started spreading like wildfire, too. Civilians and ghouls would be out looking for her… Wait…? She slightly looked over at the Rabbit.
Was that how they knew to look for her? But why wrap her up and escort her to some place unknown? If anything the Rabbit should have taken off her head back there. The odd pair were clearly in a hurry to bring her to some place. There were just too many questions and holes that needed filling in. It had reached that point where she could no longer remain silent.
"C-can one of you explain something t-to me?" she asked, being wedged between them. "Because I r-refuse to go farther than this w-without an explanation."
"Later," he replied just as cold as before.
Later? That was his answer once again? She didn't like this and her shivering increase a little more. She could almost hear her heart pounding in her ears. She drew in a shaky breath and slowly let it back out. The light was taking forever or at least that's how it felt to her. Dare she actually risk it and try to break away from them? She was an enemy to them after all and she could end up dinner because of it. She curled up her toes tighter, until the first knuckles met coarse cement.
"Let me g-go," she said in a hushed tone.
"No, you will stay with us," he answered her, looking at her briefly.
"I can't d-do this," she said, releasing her grip on his hand. "Let me go right now."
"Don't cause a scene. That will get us all in trouble," the Rabbit snapped, wrapping a hand around the back of Akane's hooded neck. "Keep quiet and do as we say."
She gave Akane an uncomfortable squeeze before letting go. The redhead clinched her eyes tight as she heard the chime for the crosswalk go off. She looked up at the green walk symbol. People picked up their feet and started to move across the street. The ghouls that were sandwiching her in place started to move with the same flow. Akane, however, never made an effort to move. They stopped and looked her.
"Let's go," he ordered, tightening his grip on her hand more.
"No," she deadpanned and tried to take a step back. "I'm not going to f-follow you blindly like some l-lost puppy. This is as far as I go."
"We really don't have time," he went from grabbing her hand to wrapping his strong hand around her wrist. The metal band that was still attached dug in. "The light will change soon. Move."
He gave a jarring jerk and her wrist popped.
"Ouch," she yelped as she stumbled from the curb and into the street. "Stop pulling on me!"
"Shut up. Trust us we're not saving you because we want to. Far from it," the Rabbit scoffed with distain. "Keep up with us and stop acting like a bitch."
The alarm for the crosswalk started to count down and she was quickly ushered across with only a couple of seconds to spare. He removed his hand from her wrist and put it around her hand again. He wasn't going to put up with anything from her. She couldn't run from them, she had learned that now. They would be on top of her before she could blink.
To make matters worse the Rabbit was right. Acting like a fool would attract some rather unsavory attention. She begrudgingly walked with them to who knows where. She forced back her fearful tears. She didn't need to cry in front of them. She was stronger than that.
She also couldn't forget the fact that the male ghoul still had Ichigo's small quinque. She had just gotten her hands on it only to have it ripped from her hands like she was a little child. She should be thankful enough that they didn't just chuck it in that dumpster. If she wanted a chance at getting it back she would have to stay with them.
For several long minutes no words were uttered between them. She remained wedged tightly between them as they kept a steady pace. Akane noticed she was only about 4 inches (10cm) taller than the Rabbit. The man on the other side of her was of course taller than both of them. He seemed to stand about as tall as Ichigo did around that 6ft (182cm) mark. Now thinking about it he had a familiar look to him. She couldn't place him but she felt like she had seen or met him in passing before. She shook the thought from her mind. That was for another time.
Their hurried pace finally seemed to slowly down. Chances were they were close to where they wanted to be. She looked around that area. It wasn't residential area that was for sure. There were several shops lining both sides of the street. They moved past a couple of bars. It looked to be about closing time, which meant it was maybe around 2 or 3 in the morning.
Her feet were so cold by the time they arrived at the small building that they were a cross between burning and completely numb. Her toes were so red they were bordering on being purple. The man knocked lightly on the door and a moment later it opened with an elderly gentleman standing behind it. She instinctively took a step back. Both the Rabbit and the man kept a good grip on her as she fought to get out of their grip.
"I've pl-played along well enough. Now let me g-go," she ordered, looking side to side at her captives. "I'm putting my foot d-down here. I've had enough of this!"
The old man put on a soft smile as he looked at her. Her uneasiness just skyrocketed at that moment. How many more people were in that building? She didn't want to take another step.
"There is no need to fear us, miss," the old man said with a warm tone.
Akane slowly turned to look at the Rabbit and leaned in a little closer to the stoic man on her right. The old man let out a long tired sigh. The former investigator's fears would not be quelled easily especially with a certain someone standing beside her.
"There really is no need to be worried. She knows better than to do anything," he said, turning his focus on the Rabbit.
"She had better," the stoic ghoul said, looking down at his niece.
The point was taken. The Rabbit didn't move or even look at Akane. The elderly man stepped to the side to allow the trio inside. Akane tried to plant her feet in the sidewalk to keep from going any farther. It wasn't doing any good as they were still winning against her. If anything, she was tearing up the soles of feet up on the hard ground. Finally the quiet ghoul just picked her up from the pavement and without missing a beat deposited her inside the small, dark café. Only two or three lights were on for security. On the plus side it was good and warm in the building.
She went to turn back towards the door only see it already closed and the old man turning the deadbolt. Now what was going to happen to her? She shrunk away from them not sure what do. Her unsteady steps slowly led her farther into the space. There were so many reasons as to why they would want her; food, revenge, bargaining tool, intelligence, and so on.
"Look, I don't know wh-what you w-want with me b-but I have nothing," she said almost on the verge of screaming as she backed into the café bar. "Are you going to t-turn me in for reward money or try to g-get information out of m-me?"
"No. No, we're not. Whether you believe it or not you will be safe here until other arrangements can be made," the older man said, stepping up a little closer.
"What other arrangements?" she choked out, skepticism in her voice.
"You are misunderstanding me. What I mean by arrangements is other lodgings," he said but still seemed just as confused as before. "We can't keep you here too long in the café."
She slid her back along the smooth edge of the bar to gain more distance.
"H-how did you find me a-and why?" she asked a small glimpse of an accusing finger was aimed at the Rabbit.
The accused ghoul just snorted and crossed her arms.
"Let's just say we have a friend with a bird's eye view of things," she grumbled, pulling her arms closer to her body. "She had seen what happened and came to us hoping that we would help you. It was easy for me to track you as I really do know your stink."
"That st-still doesn't answer very much. You of all p-people should be the last to come seek me out. Much less bring me to s-some so-called safe location," Akane hissed. "I don't know what's g-going on and I don't trust anyone of y-you!"
She swiped the same accusing finger at the two male occupants.
"Then give us a moment to explain. Why don't you take a seat?" the elderly man motioned to one of the tables. "I'm sure you're hurting."
"I'll remain as I-I am," she barked at him.
He ran a gloved hand over his nicely placed pale grey hair and sighed. Of course the woman would the cautious and for very well earned reasons. This was going to take a while. It might come down to opening the shop up late if things were not quickly resolved. This was going to be a rather complicated conversation and it was not going to be easy on anyone. He cleared his throat and put back on his smile.
"Well, my dear, this is a courtesy you could say," he said as she looked at him oddly.
"A courtesy for what?" she snapped, moving a little more along the counter's edge. "None y-you owe me a damn th-thing!"
"It's not for you but for someone else," the quiet man spoke up, standing as stiff as a board. "We owe him and this was how we are paying him back."
"Who are you paying back?" she growled in a whisper with a rather dark look on her face.
She licked her dry, abused lips. It couldn't be Ichigo again, could it? What kind of influences and connections did her Ungrateful Child actually have? She stood up a little straighter, waiting for the answer from one of the three ghouls standing in front of her. She wasn't sure if she'd like the answer or not. The elderly ghoul caught her attention again.
"Well, given the current situation of things I will be frank with you… Your former partner did us a favor once so this is us returning that favor," the old man said as Akane stood motionless and a little weak kneed. "Given how things happened with him that night at the bridge we couldn't repay him personally. So we opted to return our thanks by helping you, his partner, instead."
She just stood staring at the old man, mouth slightly agape. Was he actually serious? Ichigo had helped them? With what? How? Why? Everything was turning on its head. Ichigo had helped ghouls? When did he help them? What the hell had Ichigo been up to behind her back? This had turned out to be one hell of a night.
First she was haphazardly freed from jail, abandoned in an alleyway with directions and a knife, and then picked and safeguarded by ghouls. Oh, yes, this evening was going oh, so well and all of this was due to one particular person, her partner, Kurosaki Ichigo. She was really starting to have doubts about who her partner really was. She was freed because Ichigo cashed in some favors and then she was picked up and "protected" by ghouls as thanks for helping them.
Something then struck her hard. The two that freed her knew Ichigo was still alive but these ghouls did not. They had no idea about what really happened to Ichigo and knew no better. Oh, shit. This could be bad. If she said something about Ichigo being alive she might lose her benefits with them. Assuming they were being truthful. Yeah, she was going to keep that bit to herself for a good long while. What they didn't know might not kill her.
"Is she breathing?" the Rabbit questioned under her breath. "She hasn't made a sound."
"Touka…" came the dry reply from the stoic man.
"Maybe now you would like a seat?" the old ghoul asked, walking over to a table and brought over a chair. "Here."
She cautiously reached out and grabbed the back of the chair before pulling closer. She slowly took her seat. The painful weight was taken off her legs and she released the breath she didn't realized she was holding. The old ghoul pulled up his own chair and sat down across from her.
"I believe the next order of business should be introductions," he said, calmly. "I am Yoshimura and own of this café. Behind me stands Yomo Renji and Kirishima Touka."
Akane didn't even make a sound as she looked at the two behind Yoshimura. She then clicked her tongue and looked way. No doubt they already knew who she was and she didn't feel like giving her name anyway. She didn't want to be familiar with them. She wanted to run from them and hide.
"That's rude. You're not going to give us your name?" Touka snorted.
Akane still kept her lips sealed. She wasn't going to be goaded on by that bitch.
"Don't antagonize," Yomo warned.
"It's all right. You don't have to answer," Yoshimura said still keeping a steady, gentle tone. "We already know it. Do you mind telling us how you got out of there or in there for that matter?"
"Why do you care? I-I don't have to tell you a damn thing," she snapped, looking like she was about to spring to her feet again.
"No, you don't. I just wanted an idea that was all. If you don't feel like discussing it we won't," he said, trying to calm her back down. "We can change subjects."
"I want out of here," she snapped.
"I understand that but you need to stay here. Humans and ghouls alike are out looking for you. No doubt you are a top priority," he stated. "Where would you go? The first places they will look will be hospitals, friends, and family."
"You don't think I know that?!"
"Then tell me where would you run to? You have shelter here and people to help you."
"I don't like this! I don't want a ghoul's help!"
Touka let out a loud and aggravated growl at Akane.
"Are you that much of a bigot that you can't see what's being handed to you on a silver platter?!" Touka snapped, taking a few steps forward. "I don't like helping you either but it's not my choice! I didn't like Kurosaki at first and I still have my reservations about him. Yet, despite being on the opposing team he risked at lot for us before he… I honestly didn't like him but he did earn my respect for everything that he did. You aren't even half the person he was! Not even quarter!"
That statement stung like a thousand white hot knives, punching right through her heart. Had Ichigo really earned their respect? Had he really been that influential with them? She sunk down low in her seat and hung her head. The large, baggy hood completely hid her face from view. She always knew Ichigo had a certain kind of charisma that no one could hold a candle to. People either hated it or respected it. She had actually idolized him in secret because he was such a special person. He was strong, energetic, inspiring, giving, forgiving, and the list only continues on. He really was a special kind of person.
Even these ghouls saw what kind of person he was. She might never know when or how his views of them shifted but clearly he saw something in them she did not. They respected him and that was something she never thought she would hear come from a ghoul's mouth.
She brought her pale hand to her mouth as she tried to stifle a large sob that was fighting to escape. The burning tears she had been holding back stared to collect and slowly fall. The tiny drops quickly vanished into the thick fabric of the black wool coat.
"Touka, why did you say that?" Yomo asked almost sounding bitter.
"Because it's the truth! Coddling her wasn't doing us any good," she snapped at her uncle. "Something had to be done to get our point across."
"You didn't have to bite her head off," Yomo added.
"The message got through her thick skull of hers," Touka huffed, walking past everyone to behind the café bar. "I'm making coffee."
The air was quiet except for the sobs of Akane and Touka moving around to make herself a cup of coffee. Touka was right about coddling Akane, it didn't work. Snapping was a harsh thing to do but it was effective. Yoshimura sighed as he just watched Akane cry harder into her hand. He got up and went around the counter to get the woman a clean towel to dry her eyes with.
He set the soft white cloth in her lap. She didn't seem to register the item sitting on her legs. It might best to give the woman some space for the time being and let her calm down on her own. It was getting late. In an hour or so they usually started to get the store ready for the morning rush. This was going to be a long day.
"Are you going to school?" Yomo asked and Touka shook her head.
"Do I look like I'm any condition to go? I just want to go home and leave this behind me," she stated, picking up the pot of hot water.
"That doesn't excuse you from working this afternoon," Yoshimura stated. "Without Kaneki we'll need your help. Nishio is pulling a couple extra hours, too. It's only fair that you do the same."
Touka said nothing as she carefully poured the water into the ground coffee. That idiot Kaneki. She didn't need him on her mind right now. She already had enough problems with this weeping bigot sitting right there. She just couldn't stand it. That monster had tried to kill her and Hinami and now she was helping to hide her. It was leaving a real nasty taste in her mouth. She couldn't wait until the coffee was finished to wash it out.
A couple of minutes ticked by and Yoshimura stifled a small yawn. This really was going to be a long day. He walked back over to Akane and put out his hand.
"There's a room upstairs you can stay in for now," he said. "It has a bed and it's quiet there. The noise from the café shouldn't bother you."
Akane didn't say anything as she tried to stop crying. She was not succeeding. She just stood up on her own, grabbing the clean towel. He went to take her hand but she wouldn't let him have it. He sighed and guided her to the door leading upstairs. She limped up the stairs with Yoshimura behind her to keep her possibly falling.
Touka kept her mouth shut as she took a sip of her coffee. Yomo took off his coat and started to make a cup for himself. This was going to be risky. Hopefully any ghouls that come by wouldn't recognize her smell. That would pose a problem if one of them did.
Yoshimura guided her to the room and helped her to the bed at the back. No doubt the woman needed some sort of medical help. He could smell the fresh wounds on her. He highly doubted they were properly treated.
"You mind if I have a look at your wounds?" he asked, kneeling down and went to grab a scrapped up foot but the limb was pulled away from him. "I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to see the damage done."
"J-j-just leave me a-alone," she got out between sobs. "Enough…"
He rubbed the bridge of his nose and got back to his feet. Trust didn't come easy. She didn't want anyone messing with her and he would respect that. The least he could do was go downstairs and get her some water. Perhaps, some alone time was what she needed so she had time to think about everything.
"Do you want anything to drink or eat?" he asked and she shook her head.
He was bringing her up some water regardless.
"Take the coat off and get some sleep," he said, looking down at her. "I'll make sure you are not disturbed."
With her right hand she worked on undoing the thick tie. She opened the coat and started to pull it off her shoulders. The hood came with it and Yoshimura's eyes narrowed at the woman's hair. It looked like the skin was cut areas and the hair pulled out. Her left arm was just dead weight on the bed. He could see dark bruising that had crept up her neck and snaked down her arm close to her elbow. What did she do to warrant this attack?
He took the large coat from her as she picked up her feet and slid them under the protection of the soft covers. She pulled the sheet and blanket up to her chin. She was still crying a good bit as she settled in. This might continue on until she cried herself to sleep.
He turned off the light and walked out the door lightly closing it. He headed down and to get her some water and see if he couldn't find the tissues. This was going to be a long and trying experience for everyone. Hopefully, he could get the rest of the staff onboard with this idea. No, doubt this would be a surprise to Kouma, Nishio, and Kaya coming in to work today. All he could do was hope for the best.
Uryu sighed as he sat on the couch at his father's house. Uta agreed to hire him so that meant he had to leave for Tokyo. He had just broken the news to Ryuken and the man didn't say anything at first. He did seem a little surprised but didn't show anything more than that.
"It seems to be a bit much for a new job that doesn't even pay a lot," Ryuken finally spoke up.
"It's a little more than that," Uryu said, looking at the glass of water in front of him. "I want to keep tabs on what's going with the CCG."
"I don't think you should get involved. Isshin and the others are safe and far from danger," Ryuken said, leaning back in his chair. "There is no reason to be sniffing around. I know you think you're doing something good but you might cause more problems than you fix. The CCG already has a taste for our world. They don't need any more. Let it be."
"So you think going to Tokyo is going to be useless?"
"Yes. Let sleeping dogs lie, Uryu. You don't need to be in the middle of that mess."
"And if I still decide to go anyway?"
"It might be your head. However, I can't stop you. I was never able to stop you in the past."
"You never really tried either. If you really didn't want me to do something I know you could have stopped me. I don't recall you ever really putting your foot down and physically holding me back from doing something you didn't like."
"I was hoping you had enough sense on your own but clearly you don't. It's your life and I can't dictate what happens in it. I'll give you my advice but it's you that chooses what you do with it. No doubt this advice will go ignored as well."
Uryu grinned at those words. Well, it was the truth.
"You expect anything less?"
"No, you're headstrong and people like you never listen to reason. You have my opinion so do what you want."
Uryu got to his feet and grabbed his glass from the marble table. He wasn't really here for his father's opinion. He was just telling the man he was going regardless. He didn't want to just pack up and leave without a word. If something happened his father would be the first he'd call and vice versa. They may not get along or see eye to eye but family was family.
Uryu walked into the kitchen a poured out the last bit of fluid before putting the glass in the sink. This really was even against his own better judgement. His father made several valid points about why he shouldn't go. He wasn't going to be making the much money at least not yet, it was a long move, and the CCG didn't need to learn more about the Spirit World. He doubted they would understand what it was if they were truly confronted with it. That would only make matters worse.
He took off his glasses and grabbed a piece of paper towel to wipe them. Maybe it wasn't worth it. Maybe his father really was right and it would be a wasted effort. Yet, he told Uta he would be there in three weeks' time to start work. He'd feel bad if he suddenly pulled out of the agreement. The ghoul sounded really eager to have him as an assistant. He put his glasses back on as his dad walked into the kitchen.
"When are you leaving?" Ryuken inquired.
"I need to find an apartment still so it will roughly be three weeks or so," Uryu answered.
"Tokyo isn't cheap."
"I know, Ichigo gave me a hint about that."
"I still think this is foolhardy on your part and what is this new employer of yours like?"
"He's… Different that's for sure. He's goth, I'd guess you say. He makes custom masks. He does really good leather work and I would like to learn from him."
He knew better than to tell his father he was going to be working for a ghoul. He knew that really wouldn't go over well.
"I thought you wanted to go back to school?"
"I do. I'm going to be in Tokyo and there are a lot medical schools. I can go when I'm ready."
Uryu paused and really looked at his dad. The man's face didn't fluctuate with emotions very often but there was enough that Uryu couldn't ignore it. He sighed.
"You really don't want me to go, do you?"
"No, I don't. I would have an easier time if I knew you were going there for studies instead of chasing government dogs."
Uryu blinked. It sounded like there was a bit of spite in those words. Mostly likely because of what happened with the Kurosaki family among other things recently. To have his dad act like that was never a good sign. Uryu rubbed the back of neck, feeling uneasy. Clearly his dad was not impressed with this idea. Maybe if he agreed to go to school at the same time he might ease up a bit. Doubt it. Ryuken already knew his main objective so tacking on school wasn't going to change anything. He just had to open his big mouth.
"And what if I go school at the same time?"
Why did he ask that? That was so stupid.
"School or not you're putting your nose were he doesn't belong. Like I said, I can't stop you so do what you want."
Ryuken turned around and walked back into the living room. Uryu stared at the empty spot where his father stood less than a moment ago. He closed his rich blue eyes before turning them to the tile floor. He unconsciously clinched the paper towel in his fingers. He'd take a couple of days and think everything over again. He really did need to weigh his options on this. Ichigo and his family really were safe from the CCG. Would it be a useless endeavor or was there something he could help with?
He shook his head and turned to look out the large window over the sink. He lightly studied the Karakura skyline and bit his lip. Something was just nagging at the back of his mind. He didn't know what it was but should he follow it or abandon it? He'd give it a couple more days. Obligation to Uta or not he really had to take the time to understand what kind of situation he would be getting into. Ghouls handling wasn't in his repertoire of skills. That was more of Ichigo's thing. What should he do?
It had been a full day since Akane had been broken out of prison. Everyone in the CCG was in a total uproar about how it happened. It was so sudden and totally out of left field that they we're completely unprepared for something like that. No one knew how those two men got in without being noticed much less make it as far as they did without being seen on camera. They were prepared for an attack coming from the outside not the inside.
To make matters worse Ichigo wasn't even involved in the whole ordeal. Not so much of a shadow of him was spotted. He had orchestrated the plan most likely but that was it from the way it looked. The two men made off with Akane into the streets and were only seen one more time after. They used themselves decoys to keep the CCG away from the woman.
They tried to looked up their faces and the names the ghouls had picked off of them. Nothing was a match. They just showed up out of thin air and vanished into the air once again. Much like how Ichigo, his family, and the others did back in Karakura Town. They were there one minute and gone the next.
A city wide search was in full swing for the former investigator and her captives. A hefty bounty placed on their heads. Everyone Akane had been associated with were quickly sought after and questioned. Her father's house was now under constant surveillance to make sure she didn't try to run there for help.
Hospitals and doctors' offices had no reports of seeing her. There were a lot of calls that ended in misidentification or just weren't viable. All the public transportation stations were being heavily monitored to make sure she didn't try to skip town. It was killing them that they had lost their only tool to get their hands on Ichigo.
The sun had set once again in Tokyo. The air was well beyond cold, down right freezing. There was a small chance of snow overnight. The police and the CCG were still working the streets just as hard as last night. Cold temps or not they were going to be looking for her and those two men.
A man sighed as he sat down on a park bench, metal suitcase at his feet. The CCG wanted their investigators fully armed given what those two men could manifest energy blasts like Ichigo had done at the raid. It was also an precaution just in case there was a slime chance of running into Ichigo should they find her. He pulled up the collar of his trench coat higher onto his neck.
His senior officer would be by in a moment with a cup of hot coffee. He. Hated. This. Amon totally hated every bit of this. When he got the call last night to look for an escape convict, Akane was the very last person on his mind. When he and Mado and been given their briefing they were a little more than shocked to hear how she was freed.
Amon also had no idea that they had kept her in a ghoul prison as protection against Ichigo. Clearly that was a failed plan. Arima asked him specifically how he felt about going out and finding Akane given their history. Amon didn't know, honestly. He had a choice. He could do as ordered or stay out of the entire thing. He said he would do his job and bring her back into custody. Although, if he actually laid his hands on her again he might not know what to do.
He ran a hand over his face and leaned back more into his seat. He knew Akane had no part in what happened with Ichigo. Pumpkin Head wouldn't dare get her mixed up in something like this. This whole mess was something the CCG did on their own. Without her, Ichigo was lost to them.
Amon turned his head to his right to see Mado walking towards him at a distance. His senior officer had been acting quite strange since the CCG had come back from Karakura Town. There was just something off about Mado that the young investigator couldn't put his finger on. He felt like Mado was keeping something hidden from him. He just wasn't himself and given everything it would be understandable. Everything had been turned upside down.
The footage taken in Karakura Town had been every startling. It had shown things they had never seen before. Stuff straight out of science-fiction, fantasy, or something. There were invisible force fields and magic spells? He remembered watching Isshin being shot and that was hard enough to stomach. Juzo got bound by Isshin and then pummeled by a young dark haired woman with a hard kick to the face. Then after some provocation Arima got shoved hard to the ground by the newly transformed Ichigo…
That sight of Ichigo made Amon feel sick. He wanted so badly to deny the accusations but there was no denying it now. The creature they saw over 2 weeks ago that nabbed the young woman from the window had indeed been Ichigo. She had been a classmate of his growing up they had learned. Her name was Inoue Orihime. She was just a young woman that worked at a bakeshop. Her parents, according to what they found, had been very abusive to her and her much older brother, Sora. When he was old enough Sora moved out taking her with him and raised her. Years later he was involved in a car accident and he died at the Kurosaki Clinic. She had some financial help from an aunt that allowed her to live on her own until she could sustain herself. What purpose Inoue actually served being at the raid no one knew. There was nothing special about her from what could find on her.
"Here," Mado said, walking up to his partner and held out the thin foam cup.
"Thank you," Amon reached out and took it.
The heat that radiated out of the foam cup burn his icy fingers. He was forced to put it down sooner than he would have liked. Mado took a seat on the other side and took a careful sip. He looked up at the dark sky and snorted a bit.
"The clouds have already rolled in," Mado said, dully. "Might get that snow after all. Not looking forward to it if it does."
"Sir…?" Amon breathed.
"Yes?"
"Be honest with me… Do you really think Akane is a traitor like they say she is?"
Mado looked at his partner without much of an expression. The old investigator just shrugged.
"Don't know… Can't say… A lot has happened leading up to and after the raid on Aogiri Tree," Mado answered, turning his eyes back up at the dark sky. "If she is or isn't it's still totally out of our hands. We just have to do as we are told. If she is a traitor than she is a traitor and given her previous partnership…"
The old man's voice just faded like his foggy breath in the cold wind. He caused every bit of this mess. He wanted to get back at Ichigo so bad he never bothered to look at everyone else around him and how that would affect and how far it would reach. He spared Amon from sharing Akane's fate but he didn't even try to help her. Not even once. Someone had to take the fall and Akane was the perfect candidate. The only sad thing was he knew Akane was very much innocent of everything that she was accused off. He was pretty sure Arima knew it, too, but didn't care as she was the best object to draw out Ichigo. Clearly that didn't work out as planned.
Should he and Amon run across her out in the street… There would be no telling what would happen. Of course he would do his job but Amon was another story. The young man could swing either way. Amon had a very strong sense of duty to the CCG but at the same time Ichigo had been a close friend and Akane an extension of that. They had grown closer after Ichigo's "suicide" so it was really was up in the air what Amon would do when or if they actually confronted with her.
"Other than him taking on the persona of Incognito, Ichigo hadn't done anything that showed he was a traitor. He just wanted to protect that one girl for some reason... The CCG knows he wasn't paid to do it and as far as we know he didn't leak any information to anyone," Amon pointed out, picking up his coffee again and took a small sip. He cringed. "Ah! Still too hot."
"Just saving the girl was enough to make him a traitor you should know that. Whatever his reasons were for doing it might forever stay with him. He knew his risks and tried to cover it up staging that fake suicide to try and cover everything up," Mado sighed, fixing his coat a little.
"I think he got away with it. Being Incognito, I mean... None of us knew it was him and I think that he really..." Amon decided to keep his mouth shut. "Never mind... It's not worth it."
"No, no... I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter. You were one of his closest friends after all. You haven't talk about this much since everything came out into the open," Mado said curiously. "You might feel better getting some of this off your chest. It's just me, after all."
Amon looked at his senior partner and let out very long breath. He didn't see anyone else from the CCG in the area. He might as well say his own theory about things. So many were flying around and most Amon just could not believe like Akane help Ichigo. There was no way Ichigo would put directly in harms way for any reason. Amon shook his head and looked up at the dark sky.
"Most of it will sound stupid..." Amon muttered. "It's just a theory of mine on how things actually happened."
"I won't judge," Mado answered him. "I really would like to hear your thoughts on the matter."
"I really don't know if I want to..."
"Like I said I won't judge you," Mado just shrugged.
"Well... To be frank with you, sir, I don't like any of this. That day when Ichigo passed out it in the street I think kick started everything. It all keeps coming back to that day. He legitimately collapsed after giving the Daughter chase and was put on medical leave after that to recover. Of course that gave him the opportunity to do what he did. Why? I don't know. He saved the Daughter ghoul for whatever his reason and according from the way Akane reported the incident the Rabbit wasn't meant to be included but because she obviously there he had no choice. His main objective was truly the Daughter and protecting her. He didn't want to hurt you and he really didn't want to hurt Akane. He didn't hurt me either in the tunnel and lied to give the ghouls a chance to run."
Mado leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms.
"But he knew the Rabbit was the one that killed Kusaba, which was a bit of a friend of his. Yet, he let the Rabbit go mostly likely for the Daughter's sake as the Rabbit was protecting her. When they came to give that false information Ichigo was trying everything in his power to get them away from me. He seemed a little more worried for the boy not so much her."
"The boy was Eyepatch, I almost sure of it."
"But the RC Gate it did not go off when I pushed him through. If he was ghoul surely it would have gone off."
"Maybe it malfunctioned...?" Amon shrugged. "I saw him there at the raid, too. There was no getting around the fact that Aogiri Tree used weaker ghouls as slaves. Perhaps, Eyepatch was one of the the captured... Eyepatch must have meant something to him to risk coming back. Ichgo had a direct motive we know that. He must have needed help and most likely roped in several people to help him and dressed them up as us so they could relay him information and cover if he needed it."
"That does make sense. So, that you think Eyepatch is to blame?"
"To some extent. He kept me occupied while the Rabbit faced down Akane and it was Eyepatch that I saw at the raid. Each time Ichigo was involved. Somehow and somewhere Eyepatch must have meet Ichigo after we disposed of 723."
"Hmm... Perhaps you are onto something, Amon. Yes... Maybe Eyepatch knew about Ichigo's condition somehow. It would be good blackmail material after all. He threatened Ichigo with exposing his secret to force him into turning traitor. If that's the the case Ichigo might have returned to make sure Eyepatch wasn't captured by us and expose him. Not that it matters now..."
"That could be it. Then again Ichigo doesn't have extremely kind heart... Maybe it was Ichigo's kindness he exploited."
"Hmph, sadly that could be true. He's gullible enough to just fall for sob story or something like that."
Amon took in a deep breath and let it back out.
"I full theory is this. After Ichigo's collapsed, Eyepatch must have approached him and done something to talk Ichigo into protecting the Daughter. When he and Rabbit came to the branch he was trying to make sure they got out safely. He merely approached you as Incognito to talk you out of going after the girl. He only had a bokken, which meant he had not intention of actually hurting you but had to, to get away. When Akane took your place he was trying to break up the fight and get the Daughter to safety. At that point his transformation must have been taking over, which allowed him to do such things. He basically pushed me away to stop us from fighting. He made off with your quinque because they were girl's parents. I couldn't get him in phone right away because he wasn't home yet and he showed up late to the hospital. You finally had your real fight with him, which got you both banned from the hospital and suspended. I visited him once on my lunch break and caught him off guard. I took note that he nails were pitch black and he awkward said it was nail polish. When he came back into work he had gloves on all the time, which I found odd but said nothing. He put in his resignation stating illness as the reason.
"When I confronted him at lunch he was avoiding the subject of the rumors being spread about him and I wouldn't drop it. He got up and left. We made up the following night and I helped him with his backlogged work. After I left for the night something must have happened that caused him to act strange and hurry out the building. Juuzo was just an obstacle and let the brat have it. Most likely his transformation was growing worse and he had to flee. The following day you and Akane watched him jump of the bridge but his body was never found. He stayed away until he somehow heard about Eyepatch. He got some of his friends together from Karakura Town to act as us for cover and information. Akane and the other soldiers got in his way and dealt them, never killing any of them. He took Tsume given it was his from the start. There was no way Ichigo would align himself Aogiri Tree so most likely the Owl wasn't either. Perhaps the Owl was there for the same reason as Ichigo to find Eyepatch. Ichigo saw Shinohara in trouble and saved him from being hurt. Ichigo and Owl both fled the building. I came across Inoue first followed by you. Ichigo arrived just to collect her and flee the complex. They all pack up and went home then someone figured it out and well you know the rest."
Mado just stared at Amon. Wow... Okay... The senior investigator never would have thought of that.
"That actually make sense..." Mado drawled not really sure how to respond to that. "That sounds exactly like him. That's just what he would do, yes. How long have been sitting on this idea?"
"A while... I kept looking over the records and that's just one of like 3 others but it's the one that fits together the most. It fits the timeline perfectly and it just sounds like, yes, something he would do," Amon agreed nodding his head. "He would totally be that stupid."
"Yes, he does just jump in head first," Mado sighed. "I think he got cocky like always and thought he wouldn't get caught as either Incognito or the Horned Phoenix. He shouln't have come back. That was his fault."
"I'd still like to know who submitted that information. I would have been better off not knowing any of this," Amon said with bit of venom.
Mado lightly looked away from Amon. He had been playing it off since he handed over his evidence. He was hoping Amon would be more understanding but this was his academy friend after all. He wasn't just going to change his mind so quickly. He was right about Ichigo not showing anything traitorous before his departure aside save the ghoul-child. Even after his transformation Ichigo was still Ichigo he made that clear on the recording when he talked to Shinohara.
"If I find out who did this… He or she is not going to like me," Amon spat.
"Huh, well, I wouldn't blame you for that," Mado said, taking a sip of his coffee.
"If she's left alone and without shelter I worry about Akane. She wasn't dressed for this type of weather and tonight is much colder than last night," Amon stated, pinching the bridge of his nose. "There might be snow as well."
"Scared she might freeze to death?"
"Yeah…"
"Be up front with me, Amon, if we do find her what would you do?"
Amon didn't answer right away. He still wasn't sure. He knew his job was to detain her and take her back to prison. That thought weighted on his heart. It was his job to capture her and if he let her go and it was found out… He'd be in the same spot as her and he didn't want that. He didn't want to be on the run or put through the same tortures. He knew the right answer but saying it was going to leave a nasty taste.
"Do as ordered. If I find her I will capture her," he said, looking at the hard ground. "It's my duty after all."
"That's a good answer," Mado replied, dryly. "Any reservations?"
Of course he had his reservation but it wouldn't be wise to admit it.
"No, sir," Amon answered, quickly.
"Good, good… I was a little worried you'd let your heart get in the way."
"I'm not going to let it."
"I hate that it turned out this way, of course, but someone had to take the fall. Innocent or not she had to have known a little something."
"Maybe… But I don't think so. She was left out just like I was. He even stated that. He wanted her to have no part of what going on with him. He kept me arms length those last few days. He just wanted to disappear and I hate to say this but I wish he would have just stayed dead. He would have speared as this disaster."
Mado said nothing as Amon grabbed his coffee and got his feet. This was the first Amon was this open to him about everything he had be thinking and feeling after the shit hit the fan. Mado was to blame for all this and there was nothing to stop it from just getting worse. Akane was going to found and her punishment would be severe. If Ichigo could be found captured there was no telling what they would do to him that included his family and the friends that fled with him.
Amon started to walk off and took another sip of his coffee. It wasn't quite as hot as before. He could drink it now. He kind wished there was a couple shots of whisky in it. Mado let a small groan as he got back to his feet as well. It was time to start looking for Akane again. They took their small break but they were still on clock.
A couple of days pasted since Akane ended up at Anteiku. She still wasn't very comfortable and the same could be for the ghouls working there. Kaya was about Akane's size and donated some of her older outfits to the former investigator to wear. Kaya and Yoshimura finally talked Akane into checking on her wounds that morning. She reluctantly agreed after being nagged and nagged for the last two days. The brutal beating she received was clear that the CCG didn't care one bit about her. This was clearly a show of power.
She was covered in dark bruises, cuts, and scrapes. However, nothing compared to the damaged done to her left arm. The whole area was practically a deep black with bruising Akane explained that it was already a weak point as a result of the raid and the CCG exploited it, maliciously. The limb was nearly cold to the touch and she could barely twitch her fingers. As long as she could move her fingers there might be a chance something could be done but that would only be possible if she was admitted into a hospital. Sadly that wasn't happening anytime soon.
They wrapped it to keep it warm and placed it in a sling so it wasn't just dead weight. They worked on patching up some of the more serious wounds. She cringed as they touched her tender skin. Kaya put on the last large adhesive bandage on Akane's back as gently as she could. Akane rolled down the blue flower printed shirt and adjusted it to fit right.
The pair of ghouls started to pick up the mess they made cleaning her up. Akane replaced her hat back on to cover her butchered hair. They had put some cream on the cuts found on her scalp. She truly hated being in their care but despite the tight tension that had been good to her. She was just having a hard time swallowing that fact. This went against everything she was taught and had witnessed in her career. That was unsettling to her.
They collected the last of their things and started towards the door. Akane turned from them and clinched her bed sheets. She needed to say something but she was struggling to get the words out. She was almost choking on them. She gnashed her teeth tightly in aggravation. She had better say it before they left the room.
"Thank you…"
They paused and turned to look back at her as they stood in the doorway. They were surprised at the short statement. That was the first bit of gratitude she had shown them. Kaya gave a small snort and walked out. Yoshimura lightly smiled at the redhead and followed his employee out.
Akane didn't move for a few moments. Even if Ichigo really did help them she still couldn't see why they would help her? She had gone after and tried to kill Touka and the girl, Hinami. That right there was reason enough not to even be bothered with her.
Speaking of Touka… The Rabbit had been good about keeping her distance most likely at Yoshimura and Yomo's insisting. Well, not so much insisting as it was warnings. Akane was thankful for that at least. Both women hated each other and one spark could set off an explosion. She ran a hand down her thigh feeling a couple of the new, clean bandages under her skirt.
About the only ones that would deal with her most were of course Yoshimura and Yomo. Yomo was usually the one to bring her food that was more sustainable that the pasties and small sandwiches found in the café. Not to mention small items like toiletries, magazines, and newspapers. He was even kind enough to bring her a small radio. Yoshimura stayed with her at night to make sure she didn't try and do something stupid, like escaping for example. She tried just once and failed miserably. She ended up getting stuck in a window at back of the café. Yoshimura actually had to dismantle the window to get her free. It was not at all flattering.
They were still trying to find a place for her other than the café for obvious reasons. Yomo warned her that there were ghouls out there that might stop by and know her scent. However, shacking her up with another staff member wouldn't be wise either. Touka even asked Nishiki if she could stay with Kimi. Of course her head was nearly bit off for even suggesting such a thing. He quickly clapped back as to why Akane couldn't stay with Yoriko? Point taken.
Currently the redhead was in limbo with her placement and there no resolution in sight. She turned around and put her sock clad feet on the floor. She walked over to a small table and turned on the radio. She didn't like the quiet as it made her mind wonder to her time in prison. She adjusted the radio to one of the stations she liked before walking back over to the bed, grabbing her morning newspaper off the same table as she went.
There wasn't much to do here but sit and sit and sit. What happened the other night was still front page news. She was pretty much enemy number 1 right now. The CCG wanted Ichigo so desperately they were practically foaming at the mouth and without her they had nothing to draw him out with. As it was he showed he had no problems relying on others to be in his stead. He wasn't going to just give himself over to them.
The letter had also told her that he couldn't come if he wanted to. He was being held captive too. Was it for his safety like it was for her or something else? It was pretty sorry that he had to sneak around to help her. It didn't sound like the ghouls were involved with Ichigo's plan. It was just a strange situation no matter how anyone looked at it. She still didn't know who alerted them to her. They would never give a name or anything.
She looked over the article with her name smeared all over it. Every day that passed by more and more lies had been conjured up about her and Ichigo. They never once mentioned that he was still alive. Ichigo was a top secret individual and they wanted to make sure he stayed that way. Openly announcing Ichigo's current state might cause too much of a problem. So they would slander his name instead.
She only made it half way through the article before feeling sick to her stomach. She was never going to clear her name so she had better accept that fact. She turned to another page. She would pick the article back up again later. She looked at different articles just to kill time. She looked at the weather, store ads, want ads, and even her horoscope. It wasn't even close to what was going on in her life right now. She settled on working on a crossword puzzle to try and kill even more time.
It wasn't too long before she was finished with the crossword along with a word search and a few others. She flopped back onto the bed and looked at the ceiling tile. There really was nothing to do and most conversations with the ghouls usually didn't go overly well; mostly because she didn't talk much to them unless she had to make something known. She sighed and closed her eye. She still didn't trust their "true intentions." Even if this was payment for a debt she just couldn't trust them.
Creeeaaak...
She sat up as she heard the door swing open. She was expecting to see Yoshimura again or Yomo but to her dismay it wasn't either of the men. Touka stood inside the door and was glaring at her. This couldn't be good. Touka wasn't supposed to be near her without Yomo or Yoshimura. Akane didn't see anyone else with the Rabbit and that didn't settle well in her stomach.
"You're not to be in here without an escort," Akane stated boldly.
"Tch… Yoshimura stepped out for a couple of minutes so he's not here," Touka said, walking towards Akane. "I just wanted to talk briefly."
"You think because of that you can just come in here?" Akane snapped, quickly getting to her feet. "If anything happens to me you know just where he will look first."
"I'm not even going to lay a hand you. Chill out, bitch. I just came up here for a quick chat," Touka said, retaining some distance from Akane. "Sit back down. I won't come any closer than this."
"I'd much rather stand, if it's all the same to you," Akane replied sharply.
"Whatever. Listen, I wanted to let you know I have a copy of Dr. Kurosaki's phone number. So I called it in hopes that he or some of his friends could get you out of Tokyo but the line was disconnected. I thought it was strange that I couldn't reach him. I searched for the clinic to call that but the clinic had been shut down recently, too. It seems that the CCG went after him and his family according to the local Karakura Town news articles I read. With that being said… What is going on with you and the Kurosaki family?"
"Nothing! They questioned me time and time again about where they went. I don't know. Honest, I don't. I was his partner but he didn't tell me anything. He didn't want me to know and for some reason no one wants to believe that. If Ichigo didn't want you mixed up in something he made sure of it. I don't know where his family is or how every piece of this shit hit the fan."
Touka crossed her arms and released a small snort.
"Where do you think your partner screwed up?"
"I don't know. Do I need to get that phrase inked on my forehead or something? Because saying it over and over is really grating on my nerves. I don't know anything."
Touka lightly clicked her tongue. That was not the answer she was looking for. Not even close. Knowing that the Kurosaki family was in trouble chances were Shiro and the others were, too. That didn't settle well on her stomach. Just one misstep caused everything to crumble. Could Anteiku be in trouble, too?
"What about us here?" she asked.
"Please, if they knew this place was mixed up with Ichigo they would have done been here. Chances are they have no idea," Akane answered, snobbishly. "He managed to cover someone's ass at least."
That was probably true. The CCG doesn't play around. Hopefully that really was the case. She just wanted one more answer before she left. That quinque knife she had, had several different smells on it. One was faded but it was certainly Ichigo's the other that bothered her was that Shiro had recent contact with the blade as well. Did Shiro orchestrate her escape? It would make sense after all. Shiro was supposed to be an old friend of Ichigo's so why wouldn't he do something to help her?
"That quinque I pulled from you, how did you get?" she asked.
"Those two men handed it to me, how else? If you're wondering, yes, it was Ichigo's," Akane answered, quickly. "Everything leads back to him somewhere and somehow."
"I guess that makes sense but there was another scent that I noticed. He was at the raid and I'm sure you heard about him," Touka huffed. "He called himself Shiro when we encountered him. A tall man in a dark cloak. He had on a white toothy mask with black markings and a horn on the left side of his head."
"Oh, yeah, I know him. He did this to me," Akane put a delicate hand on her damaged shoulder. "I goaded him into a fight and towards the end he tossed me around like a dog's chew toy and tore my shoulder. The CCG took advantage of that injury and used it against me. He also stole Ichigo's quinque, Tsume, away from me."
"Did you know he might have helped give you Ichigo's knife? His scent is on it and it's very recent," Touka pointed out. "He knew Ichigo from what I understand. Maybe he even helped to free you using those two men."
Akane had to put up a front for this. Ichigo was still dead to the ghouls at Anteiku. They didn't need to know that everything that happened to her was all Ichigo. She also thought it weird that even Ichigo's scent had changed as well. That was a good thing. That was what most likely saved him from being identified.
"Why would he do that?! We had one hell of a fight and I could have killed him," Akane exclaimed, taking an angry step forward. "I forced him into that fight! I cut him wide open and drugged with Tsume! He doesn't owe me one damn thing! I don't see him trying to free me!"
"Then I don't know but his scent really is all over that blade! He had to have been involved somehow to have handled that quinque," Touka bit back. "They didn't say at all who wanted you freed?"
"No! I'm still trying to wrap my mind around how they accomplished it. One second I'm alone in my cell and the next the door's blown wide open and this stout looking guy just materialized out of thin air. I'm picked up and carried all over the place. They somehow blast holes in the ceilings and jump through them with ease. Then at the ground floor they take out the outer wall and rush out with me," she bit out. "They then just hand me that knife and directions to some safe house. They don't even bother to get these chains off me before hiding me and taking off to distract the CCG. They didn't explain too much, so yeah, I don't know how that quinque worked its way down the grapevine to me."
Touka still had a gut feeling Shiro helped her out regardless what Akane said. It just seemed like something he would do. He was very kind hearted she had noted so she could still see him doing that. It also didn't hurt that she was Ichigo's former partner so it made sense. Touka let out a hard breath through her nose. That was most everything she wanted to know.
Akane was clearly getting agitated. Yomo told her that Akane didn't like a lot of questions being thrown at her at once. It was something that stemmed from being in prison. Touka didn't want to get her too upset. She could get in trouble assuming she wasn't already just for walking into the room without permission. It also didn't help that they were toxic to each other.
"That's all I wanted to know. I'll let you alone," Touka turned and started towards the door.
"Hey!" Akane called out.
"What?" Touka turned back around.
"Did you really call Ichigo's father?"
"Yeah. You can't stay here or in Tokyo for that matter. I didn't know what else to do. Looks like you're stuck here after all."
"Did you do this because you wanted to or because you really feel obligated to Ichigo?"
"The latter. I wouldn't do it as a favor for you. You don't deserve it and I don't pity you for what happened either. I think it's funny seeing you in the same situation as ghouls. Wanted by the CCG and could be killed on sight should you be found."
"That's not funny at all! Don't say shit like that," Akane almost yelled.
"But it's true. You have a bounty on your head like I do," Touka let out a small chuckle. "It must feel weird to be hunted down by former coworkers and friends. That alone must really hurt."
"Shut your damn mouth! At least you were never in their hands! Imagine being sound asleep and having the door to your apartment knocked in and then dragged out of your bed at gunpoint," Akane bit back with venom. "Other than a couple of others no one in the CCG really knows what you look like, at least you have that in your favor! I don't have that luxury!"
"Too bad for you. Maybe you should have never joined them in the first place. It would have spared you from being on their wanted list."
"I only joined because one of you bastard killed my mother! She was 8 months pregnant with my baby brother! I was 6 at the time and half of my family was ripped from me!"
She grabbed the writing pen from her bed and tossed it at the Rabbit's head with perfect aim. Touka ducked down just in time to not get hit. The pen managed to make the span of the room before bouncing off the wall and onto the floor. Touka stood up straight and looked quite shocked at the angry woman. Her whole body was shaking and her face was a bright red.
"H-how is this so amusing t-to you?! I joined f-for that reason alone! It w-wasn't for glory! Th-the pain of l-losing my mom nearly k-killed my father! I nearly l-lost both of parents b-because of you damn monsters!"
Touka said nothing as Akane crumbled to the floor crying, hard. The ghoul wasn't expecting that to come out of the woman's mouth. She unconsciously hugged herself. A lot of people joined the CCG just for that very reason. They wanted retribution for loved ones lost. Touka knew that pain having lost both of her parents to the CCG. She shouldn't have said any of that but she didn't know. She just assumed it was just personal gain. It was a vicious cycle on both sides. Those words went from sweet to bitter.
She suddenly felt a warm hand wrap around the back of her neck and give a hard squeeze. She turned her head to see Yomo with a very unpleasant look on his face. Touka knew she was in trouble for this. She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts she never heard her uncle coming. He forced her to turn toward the door. He ushered her out the door before closing it. Touka knew she messed up and now she was going to have to face Yomo's wrath and possibly Yoshimura's when he returned to the café. She just had to walk in there and start something. Yomo kept a good grip on her as he led her downstairs. Wherever Yomo was leading her couldn't be good but it was clearly to have privacy while he scolded her.
Another week went by and Kaneki found himself walking towards Uta's shop with Ryoko perched on his right shoulder. He wanted to make a commission. Hopefully Uta would be up for it. It was a tall order. He walked into the shop and looked around briefly. Uta walked out of the back room and gave the pair a small smirk.
"Hello, Kaneki, and with Hetare no less," Uta said, brushing off a few threads. "I have a few new outfits for him. What to see what I have?"
"No, not today, Uta. I wanted to ask if you could make something for me?" Kaneki said, walking up to Uta. "It's a little bit of a weird order."
"Weirds good. I like weird," Uta answered. "So, what do you want me to make?"
"I want you to make an outfit I can wear when I fight," Kaneki responded.
Uta did look a bit surprised. He wasn't expecting that.
"Oh? Well, that is a strange request but, yes, I can make you something. Do you have an idea in mind?"
"I was hoping you could help me with that, too. I'm not very good with stuff like this," Kaneki gave a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of his head.
"That's not a problem. We'll come up with something. Do you want to start the designing today or get your measurements? Or both?"
"Let's just get my measurements today."
"Very well. Follow me," Uta motioned Kaneki to follow him to the back.
Kaneki walked in and took in every bit of Uta's workshop. It was very well organized. Uta clearly took his job seriously. Everything was labeled and the work spaces looked clean. He had a lot of fabric from corner to corner organized by material and color. He was really impressed. Uta picked up one of his large measuring tapes and turned to face Kaneki.
"Now, here's my odd request. I need you out of your shirt, jeans, and shoes," Uta stated as Kaneki gave him a weird look. "If you want it to fit right I need your exact measurements. I can't get that over your clothes."
Kaneki looked briefly at Ryoko before the birded flitted over to a shelf and turned around away from them. Uta looked at the bird a little puzzled. He was a very smart bird maybe a little too smart. He shrugged it off as Kaneki took off his shirt and unbuttoned his jeans.
Uta took Kaneki's clothes and set them on a table before getting to work. He measured everything; the neck, arms, shoulders, chest, waist, hips, and legs. Kaneki turned slightly to look at Ryoko. She quickly spun back around, her feathers all ruffled. He tried to hide a smile. How long had she been peeking at him. He found it quite funny. It wasn't like he was totally bare but she seemed just as embarrassed for being caught.
"All done," Uta said, writing down the last measurement. "You can get dressed."
Uta handed Kaneki's clothes back and he quickly put everything back on.
"I'll use some fabric that has a little give to it for good movement. Also are you allergic to any fabrics like wool or any dyes?"
"No, I've never had a problem," Kaneki shook his head.
"Great. Let's step back out," Uta said, heading towards the door.
Kaneki held out his finger for Ryoko to land on before putting her back on his shoulder and walked back out into the store.
"How much will this cost?" Kaneki asked.
"It'll depend on the time, the complexity, and the material. I won't know until we decide on everything."
"Can you give me a ballpark idea?"
"Not cheap. I'm also a little backlogged on other orders. You don't mind waiting a while do you?"
Kaneki shook his head. As it was he wasn't quite ready yet to follow through with his plan so Uta had plenty of time.
"First come, first serve. I'm okay with it," Kakei answered.
"Then I think that's it unless you want something else?"
"No, that's it. I'll be over in a few days to talk about the design."
"Just let me know when so I can make some time to do this."
"I will. Thank you, Uta," Kaneki said, walking towards the door.
"Until later," Uta gave a brief wave.
Kaneki walked out and fixed his jeans a little better before stepping out onto the sidewalk.
"Kaneki, do you really plan to go through with this?" Ryoko whispered into his ear. "I think it's foolhardy and dangerous."
"I've already set my mind to this and I'm not changing it now," Kaneki answered bluntly. "I'm not going to be stepped on anymore. I'm going to set things straight."
"You can't fix the world no matter how much you wish," she said and Kaneki sighed.
"Then I'll fix what's around me and go from there."
"I feel like something bad might happen to you and the others if you continue on."
"Nothing bad is going to happen. Don't worry so much."
"How can I not worry when you're planning something so dangerous? I know Banjo and his friends are helping but…" her voice then faded and she hung her head low.
"I'm serious, Ryoko, I'll be fine. That's why I'm training to get stronger so I can protect those I care for. This isn't just for me," he stated, reaching up and rubbed the side of her face with a gentle finger. "Why don't you head on back to Anteiku? I think we're starting work on each other's nerves right now. Please tell Touka hey for me."
She sighed and gave a small nod before opening her wings and took off. There really was no changing his mind and he was right. It was best to just leave each other alone for a little while. There was no need to start an argument. She took off higher and headed right back to Anteiku. She was told to go around back and tap on the window to be let in. Akane was in their usual meeting area so they to rearrange things. She could only pray for the best with Kaneki because the sick feeling in her stomach wasn't leaving.
(A/N Well, I feel this version is a little better than the first. Please let know how you feel about this. This is the actual 4th rewrite so, yeah. I do feel this one is a bit stronger. Thank you for reading!)
Millie M. Banshee