Summary:

D and C were orphaned twins, and while weak the girls made it up with their cunning and bravery. The city was not kind to them, and they learned to fend for themselves at a very young age. But one bad winter they find themselves facing the most terrifying Ghoul they'd ever seen.

Kai was known as the S ranked ghoul "Behemoth." Cold, calculated, and a natural-born leader with monstrous strength. Ghouls and Humans alike feared him. Those under him respected and thanked him for his protection. And somehow he's found himself standing toe to toe with the scrawniest human child he's ever seen.

This is the story of how one ghoul's decision changed the fate of two remarkable girls, and thus the world itself.

Hello, you can call me Midnight, and welcome to my story "Curse of the Black Dove." Book 1 (or prequel to book 2) of the Black Dove trilogy.

While it doesn't take place at the same time or area as Kaneki Ken and co, I felt like I had to write the story of how my three main characters came to be. However, books 2 and 3 are connected to book 1 and occur in Tokyo Ghoul Re: and there will be a lot of shipping. I have no shame.

I've had this story idea since Tokyo ghoul came out, and after playing it over and over again in my head I've decided to post it. The rating may change depending on how heavy certain situations become, or if someone finds it an inaccurate rating.

With all that,

Enjoy

Prologue: Those Who Chase Death

Weeping Willow's was a pleasant place, despite its name. But it was a name that fits it perfectly. With the ancient willow tree the building was built around, locals and tourists alike said it was not only a great place for food but to also escape the harsh reality of life. Jean couldn't disagree with that sentiment.

Her hands wrapped around a warm mug of coffee, she stared at the weeping willow. To the locals, this tree meant everything. It was not only the embodiment of mother nature's beauty and strength but the very soul of the town.

Only a few years ago the 'great fire' had tried to burn both it and the town to the ground. Yet here it stood, scars fading. A reminder of the horrors that occurred, and a symbol of the people's perseverance despite it.

Jean closed her eyes enjoying the cool breeze bringing with it the scent of wildflowers and jasmine. She wondered, did he spend his free time here? He did love places like this. She could almost see him, a book in hand and a mug of tea in hand. He'd lose track of time. Probably forget to eat to if he didn't stop to get more tea every time his cup ran empty.

"Would you like a refill miss."

Jean's eyes refocused on the figure standing next to her. It was a young woman, no older than twenty-two. She was a small thing with a gentle face. Some would say petite, frail, weak.

Those were false assumptions.

"What I'd really like is answers."

Her eyes softened with the smile, the fading light causing her almond-colored eyes to glow. She pours me another cup.

"I'm afraid I can't help you with that."

"And why not." Jean stares at the coffee cup, watching the liquid settle and show her muddled reflection. The chair across from her scrapes the ground before creaking with newfound weight.

"I made a promise."

Jean dared a glance up and saw the woman looking her dead in the eye. There was no hostility, just sympathy. The woman lets out a sigh.

"I can't imagine how hard this must be for you,"

"Cut the crap, Irene," Jean ran a hand through her hair, "I'm tired of hearing this bullshit every day. Just," her shoulders slump "Max is gone. His last wish to you is important, but I find this whole thing just selfish."

She stares at the weeping willow, its branches swaying with the various objects tied to its branches. A broken mask seems to stare back as longing as Jean felt.

"Do you realize how dangerous this can become, Jean," Irene was tense, "all he cared about was your safety, and if you were to,"

"If he cared about my safety so much he wouldn't have gone and got himself killed."

The silence seemed to suck the air out from both women.

Jean gnashed at the inside of her cheek, the faint taste of blood on her tongue. "I don't care what he wished anymore. He should have thought about the consequences when he vanished without a word only to end up in the belly of a ghoul."

"So this is how you honor him."

Jean felt a shudder climb her spine. It took a moment, but she looked over her shoulder to be met with another set of eyes.

"Not only are you an idiot but a child."

"Athena," Irene folded her hands, a sharp look directed at the other young woman.

"No Rene, I'm tired of this bullshit."

Athena grabbed Jean's shoulder, the pressure bordering painful. The woman was prepared for the worst. Last time she managed to piss Athena off this much she had physically picked her up and threw her out the building. Jean could feel herself drowning in the anger, irritation, and power from Athena. Yet, Jean met her eyes with equal intensity.

To her surprise, Athena's expression soften.

"How badly do you want this."

She could feel her heart clench like the hand on her shoulder. Irene was quiet.

"Are you really willing to risk your life for this, Jean."

"Yes,"

Jean should have been surprised by the immediate response. Should have really thought it through before jumping straight into the fire. Still, her heartbeat rang in her ears and adrenalin raced through her very veins. She'd risk everything for this. She had to know. She needed to know

"Please,"

She needed peace.

"Tell me about the Black Dove's."