Disclaimer: I do not own anything except my OC. Everything else belongs to the original creator

Chapter 5

3rd Pov

The streets were clear within the 6th Ward, not a single soul dared to roam the ward at such late hours especially after what happened not so long ago when Rize was around. Yet a few linger in the darkness, keeping in the dark as they wonder through the place and some pray on their next target.

The white cloaked figure quietly pondered through a abandon building, her hair emitting a light that brighten the space as she stopped across from a group of ghouls. Removing the hood revealing the mask of the infamous ghoul to a small gang of ghouls known as the Gas Masks.

"Kazuichi Banjou," The Phantom faced the group especially giving her full attention to the tallest ghoul, "I simply want to ask a few questions regarding someone."

One of the gas masked ghouls jumped at the sight of the girl, "That's the Phantom!"

The other masked ghoul who was numbered two quickly looked over at the tall man, "Boss, she's very strong, so don't try to piss her off."

The third marked gas masked stepped back as he glanced between their friend and the mysteries ghoul, "Don't underestimate her, Banjou."

Banjou raised a brow at the ghoul, "Why me?"

Phantom placed her hands behind her back, nodding her head towards the ghoul as she explained her sudden visit, "I'm aware that you know of Rize, who I'm currently searching for."

Narrowing his eyes with skepticism at the cloaked ghoul, "You're going to kill her?"

Shaking her head, all she wanted was to peacefully cooperate with him in order to catch Rize, but she should've known he won't be doing so willingly. Especially since he grown some form of attachment with the inconsiderable ghoul, but Phantom wasn't going to give up, "I want to stop her before she hurts anyone else or even gets herself killed."

Jiro looked over to the tall man, "Boss, you should listen to her."

Ichimi advised Banjou as she glanced back at the extraordinary ghoul, "Yeah, Phantom knows everything."

Then there was Sante who simply stated, "You can't possibly go up against her."

Banjou crossed his arms, creating a tough appearance in order to threaten the girl while narrowing his eyes, "What if I refuse to help you."

She wasn't affected by the way he presented himself nor did she buy his 'hostile' appearance since she already knew the ghoul was a giant softy. Sighing, she unfolded her hands from her back before stepping forward, "Then I'll challenge you to a match. I win, you answer my questions. You win, I'll provide you with something you want."

Raising a brow in suspicion as he tried to think of what she could possibly offer, "What do you have that I want?"

Shrugging, her voice didn't reveal much since the modifier hid everything and all she did was stare at Banjou, "Power. I can teach you and help you gain confince in which your ability can increase. I'm aware that you're drawn to power such as Rize."

"But you must understand she's a dangerous person, she has no remorse for anyone, but herself. She doesn't understand love, so what you feel for her is all one-sided and if she wished she could've disposed of you any time." She tilted her head slightly before giving one last plead in convincing Banjou before she engages in a match against him, "So please, I need to know where she is before she hurts someone else."

Jiro nodded, turning over to Banjou as he reminded the ghoul of what happened, "She's right, Banjou. Did you remember how she left our ward? It was just chaos."

"Rize is trouble. No good could come from her." Sante added onto it as he tried to reason with their friend before he decides to face the ghoul, "Look what she did to the 11th Ward."

Ichimi sighed, "Just listen to her. If the rumors are true then Phantom must be right."

Walking up to the ghoul, he towered her as he frowned, "You have to fight me if you want those answers, Phantom. I don't care what the rumors about you, but I won't let you hurt Rize."

Sighing, Phantom lightly shook her head as she tried to avoid any conflict, but he was fully convinced by Rize's charms, "I don't wish to fight you but-"

Banjou's voice boom through the abandon space as he crossed his arms, "Rize is innocent, I'll defend her even if I need to fight you."

"I won't let her hurt anyone anymore," Nodding, agreeing and accepting that there was no other way. Phantom narrowed her eyes behind the mask as she rested her arms beside her while clearly stating, "I'll win within a few minutes and you'll tell me what you know about her."

Without much warning, she stepped aside as the ghoul threw a punch. All she did was jab his side and his body stiffen under her touch meanwhile Banjou released a grasp at the sudden attack that happened within a flash. His eyes widen at how fast she was, it was like she disappeared in a blink of an eye as if she was an actually ghost.

The gas masks all stood back, watching the fight unfold and see that their friend was out match the moment he threw the first swing. Yet they still tried to encourage him, advice him, but everything still didn't help him defeat the Phantom.

Kicking the ghoul down, Yuzuki raised a brow the moment the kagune came her way, but she swiftly bend back as she dodged the move. In a spilt second, delivering another kick while grabbing Banjou's arm and pressing her thumb into his skin causing the muscles to go numb under her touch. Flipping the large man over her shoulder, she walked over to him as she landed another hit upon his chest, immobilizing the ghoul.

Banjou coughed, staring up at the masked figure who managed to take him down without summoning her own kagune or putting much effort, "Y-you... How...?"

Tilting her head, Yuzuki knelt down beside him while resting her hand on his shoulder, "I won..." Her fingers gazed over the stiff body parts, she began to unlock them from their trance, "It's something I can't explain, but it's something you must learn through experience."

Jaro and Sante whispered among themselves as they watched how their comrade was defeated while Ichimi only watched the two. Jaro was lost of breath as he stared at the white cloaked figure, "So the rumors are true." Meanwhile Sante nodded as he whispered, "She beat him without anything."

The defeated ghoul slowly sat up but his whole body screamed out for a moment before it relaxed once more. Facing the masked ghoul, he saw how the eyes were blacken while a scar marking the right eye and how it's smile swirled. Still there was no clear expression written across the mask, all his eyes focused on was the glowing blue hair that gave her a haunting look. However, he couldn't help, but feel as if the girl behind the mask was gentle and was merely maintaining a tough appearance just to make a stand against the world.

The Phantom offered a hand to the ghoul, "Forgive me, but please don't hold it against me since it was the only way of getting you to agree to my terms." She sighed, "You might feel uncomfortable at the moment, it'll pass soon."

"...I'll... I'll help you."

She spent almost all morning reviewing the files, hoping to pin point the ghoul's next move, but nothing. No lead or anything that could possibly help her. Releasing a frustrated sigh, Yuzuki rubbed her face as she placed the pen down along with the case files.

Leaning back in her chair, all she could possibly think about was just closing the cases up. Getting to it's roots before anything else grows from it, but she can't get anyone else to help her through the work.

There wasn't anyone who's willing to turn their backs like she did.

Yuzuki glazed her finger over the rim of the mug that rested on her work station, a small sound ringed faintly as she continued to swirl her finger over the cup. Leaning her head aside, her faded eyes remained on the desk as she pondered over what Banjou revealed last night. It wasn't much, but it allowed her to truly understand how rash Rize was and how much trouble she'll cost if things don't go her way.

Still, finding her wasn't her main concern. Nothing is except finding the ghoul who tormented her during her youth. All she could do was find him, questioned him, maybe even torture him, but in the end she wants him dead.

Narrowing her eyes without knowing she clenched the mug within her grip and slowly her strong became too much for the fragile object. Once that haunting laugher returned from her far gone memories, she felt the pieces pierce her skin. Still there wasn't any pain, she was already numb to any physical pain and maybe that's why people view her so coldly.

However, the warm sensation of her own blood trailed down her fingers but she felt them healing within seconds. Yuzuki didn't have the time to clean up the shattered mug or wipe her hand clean when someone opened the door to her apartment.

It was none other than Arima who decided to drop in since it's been far too long when Yuzuki has checked in or even spoken with the man. So she not surprise that he'll show up and in reality she didn't have the courage to face him at work. Still didn't know what to say, but all she could possibly say was that she did miss speaking with him.

Brushing aside the shards that covered the desk while carefully keeping the case files aside as she acknowledged the investigator, "Good afternoon," Collecting the once whole mug into her palms as she dusted it into the trash can that rested beside her desk, "What brings you here?"

Raising a brow at the mess she recently cleaned up and his eyes noticed the scarlet color that stained the girl's hands which he can assume was due to the broken mug. The white haired dove sighed to himself, "It appears you have gotten into a mess, but what should I expect since you've been too busy with-"Glancing over to the case files, he was surprise to see what the girl was spending her time on, "With the binge eater and still you continue on the fool's eye case."

His expression was cold, tilting his head as his cold gray eyes studied the girl, "How long have you been going over all this, Yuzuki?"

Wiping the crimson red from her hand, Yuzuki kept a stoic expression as she answered, "For some time now. No one is going to do it, so I decided to take the cases and find out a led."

Sighing, he glanced around the apartment and he put the pieces together that she hasn't touched anything beside her work area, "And neglecting yourself from everything else?"

Returning his attention back to the young Investigator, he narrowed his eyes a bit, "Also, I thought we both agreed for you to drop the fool's eye case."

Frowning to herself, Yuzuki curled her fingers as she faced the wooden desk, "Do you truly expect me to drop it? Maybe on any other case, but this one-" Narrowing her eyes while disposing the blood stained napkin away, "This case is important to me and you should know that."

Arima stood there watching how the girl tensed at the very mention of the case and surely she still kept strong emotional ties regarding it. He pitied her, the man knew the ghoul was difficult to find and surely she'll be wasting her time on trying. He sighed once more, "I'm aware of it but don't let personal emotions get in the way. You'll be at a disadvantage if you allow them to control your actions. Which is the reason why I advised you to pass the case aside."

Placing his hands into the pockets of his gray suit, lowering his eyes over towards the manila folder, "Dwelling on it will not help you get the end of it."

Moving away from the desk, Yuzuki tilted her head up at the man while narrowing her eyes, "How am I to forget it? After everything that happened, how could I push it aside."

"Then I make a new promise. I'll take care of the case. When I cross paths with the ghoul then I'll let you decide what to do." Offering an agreement, Arima raised a brow as he awaited the girl's response, "Only if you agree to let it go for the time being."

Silence filled the air between the two, Yuzuki thought over the offer, but yet she still couldn't find it within her to let it go. How could she possibly let go of the ghoul that basically took her sight, her innocents, and scarred her for the rest of her life.

Facing away, the girl only sighed after finally deciding, "Fine, I agree to your terms."

"That's settled." Collecting the file that has continued to torment the girl, he didn't spare her a look while stating, "Grab your things and set those case files aside."

She felt confused to why he said such a thing, "Why?"

"You need to get out and away from work," Looking over his shoulder, he raised a brow to himself as he thought about it while explaining to the girl. "It's been awhile since we both enjoyed a coffee together, hasn't it?" He smiled faintly, motioning towards the door while Yuzuki stood up.

Yuzuki found herself smiling, it's been awhile since she actually sat down with the man and mainly it was her own childish behavior that distant the two after her removal of his Squad. Pushing in her chair, she collected her case, "Far too long and I think we both need it."

3rd Pov

The sky slowly began to bleed into a mixure of oranges, reds, and pinks as the sun descended over the horizon. The sunset was beautiful, but it was also a sign that night will claim the land when the monsters rise from the shadows. However, it didn't stop the girl from walking down the street towards a small club.

Entering the small welcoming place, all the sounds blurred together, but Yuzuki could still hear people going up to her and greeting her. Smiling, she can tell by the tones that they were excited to see the girl.

All the voices only mashed together, none having their own distinct nature behind them as people continued to greet her throughout the small amount of time since she arrived. Yuzuki signed in, waiting in the line of others who also signed up, but it gave the dove time to just listen and stop stressing.

It all went by, one performer at a time with something different to offer. She'll admit, some had unbelievable talent and the passion can vividly seen if you paid attention to how the music swayed. When it was her time, she moved towards the large instrument and her fingers caressed it's smooth surface as she took a sit in front of everyone.

It was quiet, but in truth she felt like she was the only one there in the soul of the universe. Everything melted away once the first note echoed within her mind and that was the moment her lips twitched slightly at the beautiful sound.

The world disappeared around her, there wasn't any line dividing her or anything, there wasn't any side to choice or things to worry over. It all faded, leaving her alone in silence as she played each note with passion.

No pressure weighed her down, no expections to live up to. The sensation of feeling weightless as she felt the music flow through her, the emotions she couldn't express nor could her eyes reveal. Closing her eyes, Yuzuki won't deny that she could live the rest of her life like this, but what kind of life would it be if she didn't accomplish her dreams. She isn't going to live within this allusion of a world who refuses one of the many truths, even if it meant to suffer a little to get what she wants.

Then everything returned the moment her hands rested beside her, yet she couldn't hear anything, but she did recongize how some people stood from their sits. Raising, keeping her face remain low as she turned towards the side and something made her look up. She felt a familar sensation of someone watching from a far, but she couldn't pin point where the source was.

Walking away, all she heard were compliments, but none seem to matter to her since there were all shadows. Still, Yuzuki smiled while her mind wondered back to how she felt when she was playing the piano. Still there was something that kept calling her back to her surroundings, begging for her attention, but still she couldn't focus with the amount of things going on, so she continued on without turning back.

Suddenly, Yuzuki caught a scent of two oddly familiar aromas, but she couldn't actually believe they would be here. Raising a brow, she continued once move but the scent got stronger and before she knew it someone called out to her.

"Yuzuki!"

Her eyes widen, turning around she heard the boys rush over to her through the crowd of people that disbanded over her performance. Raising a brow to the reason why Kaneki was there since the boy wouldn't seem like the type to hang around this type of scene. But for Hide on the other hand, he's been here before and surely he must've brought Kaneki to show him and mainly to see her play.

Standing there, all she did was stare at them as she whispered, "What... What are you guys doing here?"

"To see you, duh!" Hide took a deep breath, wrapping an arm around the other boy who moved through the crowd, "I brought Kaneki this time!"

Yuzuki chuckled, nodding at the two, "I can see that."

Kaneki smiled, glancing back at the small platform that the once sat before returning his attention on her, "You were amazing up there."

She returned the smile, "Thank you."

Looking around, Kaneki saw how the small place was so lively with everyone's energetic personalities and all sharing a common ground around music. He chuckled a bit before looking over to Yuzuki, who was facing the source of the next performer, but she somehow noticed that he looked over to her.

He won't ever get over how she could possibly sense their every movement, but it only made him smile, "This is the place you go to?" Glancing over to his best friend, who was watching the next show, "Hide was telling me everything about it on the way here."

"Was I right?! She's like a goddess~" Shaking Kaneki around a bit, Hide laughed as he pointed over to the girl, "I had to show my buddy that I wasn't overreacting."

Sending an unamused look to his friend, Kaneki sighed to himself, "Hide, you still overreact like on a daily basis."

Agreeing with Kaneki's statement, she nodded while standing beside the boy, "You do."

"Psshh... Nah, it's just you two not fully embracing the details."

Yuzuki felt another smile appear as she faced the two, "I'm flattered that you two came out to see."

Snapping his fingers, Hide jumped a bit at the girl while a smile quickly appeared across his face, "Oh! That reminds me, you and I gotta do a duet!"

Raising a brow, the girl only lightly crossed her arms as she turned towards Hide, "A duet?"

Giving a confused expression, Kaneki stared at the boy, "Hide, I didn't know you can sing or play the piano?"

"No! I mean, I want to do some form of DJ or something with you, Yuzuki. We can work on a song and I got the sound effects while you sing."

"Sounds like a plan," Chuckling, she nodded while agreeing to his request, "We just have to work on it together."

Sharply turning on his heels, Hide pointed at the quiet boy while raising a brow at him, "You better be here to see it Kaneki!"

Raising his hands up in defense, he chuckled nervously, "I will, don't worry."

Facing the quiet boy, Yuzuki expression soften as she tried to get the boy involved with their plans, "You can help us on the song too."

"I'm not into music like you and Hide, so I won't be much use."

Gently pushing the boy by his shoulder, Yuzuki smiled again before glancing over to Hide, "You can still be with us when we're working on it."

"Hold up..." Hide fished out his phone, frowning a bit as he tried to read the screen and shouted at the two before excusing himself, "I'll be back!"

The two watched as he pushed through the crowd so he can answer the call. Kaneki glanced over at Yuzuki before looking away, "Umm... Do you come here regularly? Or is it a part time thing like a hobby?"

"I drop by once a week or every other week." Shrugging, she released a sigh while facing him, "Sometimes, I only pass by just to see the next show or even see if anyone requested my help for anything."

He chuckled sheepish, rubbing the back of his head as he looked over at her, "I've noticed a lot of people here recognized you the moment you hit the first key."

Crossing her arms behind her back, Yuzuki could only smile at his observation, "Yeah, everyone already know how I play since I've been a regular here for about a year."

His eyes widen, he was speechless for a moment, "A year? Wow..."

She shrugged, "I moved back to the 20th Ward just a year ago."

"Really? Which ward did you came from?"

"I lived with my father in the 1st Ward and I decided to move back here since this was my home ward about ten years ago."

His eyes widen at the new information, "You moved from the 1st Ward to here... That's crazy." Kaneki chuckled lightly to himself before smiling over to her, "And you made a name already just within a year... I'm impressed," Glancing around the place for a second before landing back on the girl, "Can't be diffcult since you're very talented, Yuzuki."

"Thank you, Kaneki."

Returning back, Hide waved his hand at the two before giving a two finger salute, "Hey guys, I gotta go! See you guys later~"

Kaneki sighed again to himself, watching the boy rush out, "There he goes again..."

Yuzuki raised a brow, turning over to Kaneki before asking, "He does that a lot, huh?"

Nodding, he shrugged a bit, "Sadly..."

"Umm... You want to stop by at Anteiku for a cup of coffee?" Offering the girl a trip down to the cafe that she introduced him to and he chuckled, "Their coffee is something worth going back for."

"I would like that," She giggled while agreeing with his statement, "Maybe that's the reason why I came back to the 20th Ward honestly."

Anteiku

Looking at his phone, Kaneki wasn't surprised to read the message from his friend. He sighed tiredly to himself before letting Yuzuki know what the boy said, "Hide texted me and said he's busy tomorrow until late noon so he won't be able to meet with us."

Shrugging, not being surprised that Hide would be unavaible, "It's okay, we can do something until he's free."

His eyes landed inside the empty cup, not looking up at the girl as he tried to think of something, "Umm... Uh... I don't know what we can do..."

Yuzuki set her cup down, suggesting an idea as she tilted her head at the boy, "Want to go to the zoo?"

Facing Yuzuki, he stared at her for a moment while giving some thought to the idea and he shrugged, "I haven't been there so yeah."

Adding onto the plan, Yuzuki nodded while suggesting something that the book would enjoy, "Then if we have time we can go to a bookstore and you pick the place."

Smiling, he laughed a bit as he agreed, "Sounds like a plan."

"Then it's a date,"

His eyes widen and he felt his cheeks heating up as he shuttered, "A d-date?"

"Yeah, it's settled so it's a date."

"Oh... Okay, it's a date." He smiled sheepish, nervously scratching the back of his head. Glancing down, his eyes widen a bit when he saw the time and he began to excuse him, "It's getting late."

Looking over at Yuzuki, giving her a concern look before offering, "Yuzuki, do you want me to walk you home?"

Decling his offer, Yuzuki shook her head before giving him a smile, "No, it's fine. I'll stay here a bit longer, but thank you Kaneki."

Nodding, he pushed in his chair while sparing another glance over to the girl, "Alright, be careful."

"You too."

"I'll see you tomorrow then," He smiled, "Goodnight Yuzuki."

"Goodnight, Kaneki."

The three of them all stood in the back room, no words with exchanged among them nor did any of them made a move. Yuzuki was between the two ghouls, her unfazed eyes remained fixed in the space before her while she kept her arms crossed lightly over her chest. While Yomo leaned against the wall across the room, his eyes on the young dove and the manager as the two discussed a few things. Then there was Yoshimura, maintaining his calm aura with his arms crossed behind him as he looked over to the young girl who brought up a few topics.

Stepping foward, not facing anyone in particular as she coldly stated some facts, "What will you do if Rize shows up in the 20th Ward? You can't possibly allow the binge eater to stay here, not after what she did to the 6th and 11th Wards." She frowned, crossing her arms as she gave the man her full attention while putting out a few things, "Anteiku's job is to watch over the 20th Ward and clearly Rize is a threat that should be provent."

The old ghoul nodded, not turning towards the girl, "I understand your concerns, Yuzuki, but if she does try to distrub our home then we'll put a stop to her. However, I'm aware you have a emotion connection to the issue at hand especially after befriending a few humans."

Raising a brow, finally facing the dove, the ghoul made an important note that she can't possibly ignore, "Those two are what's weighing you down, I am correct? They know nothing about how the CCG work or how a ghoul's life is, so you might be leding them into great danger."

Uncrossing her arms, she sighed under her breath before looking up at the ghoul before she chuckled to herself and the manager saw how close she gotten with the humans, "Yoshimura, I know that I might bring trouble into their lives, but I can't help myself from actually socializing without the whole doves vs ghouls. I feel more normal and alive just being around those two."

Smiling to herself, she turned away as she thought to herself, "There's no side to choice and I don't have any label thrown across me like some warning flag."

Sighing, the manager gave her a stoic expression as he tried to warn the girl of the potential outcome, "I can understand, but do remember that if they discover your secret then what will you do?"

Yuzuki shrugged, walking up towards the ghoul smiling when she formly stated her belief, "They'll still be my friends because of who I am, not for what I am. If they truly care then they wouldn't let it bother them."

He smiled at her answer, nodding as he bid his farewell, "Goodnight, Yuzuki." Looking over his shoulder towards Yomo who stood in the back, "I'll have Yomo escourt you home since it's late and you shouldn't be wondering the streets alone."

"Thank you, Yoshimura and goodnight."

The two sat in silence during the ride back to the girl's apartment, but both had words that needed to be exchanged and surely they had grown used to each other despite the ties that tangled their lives. Yet they haven't allowed it to turn them against each other because who they're connected to, but there are a few things that can't be put aside. Yuzuki already knew of the past or the basic of it and surely she'll understand if Yomo would discourage the girl because it, but they kept a neutral relationship.

Sighing, she tilted her head a bit to acknowlege the man behind the wheel before she gave her apology of having him go such trouble, "Sorry to give you the trouble of taking me home Yomo."

Brushing it aside, Yomo kept his eyes on the road, "It's not a problem. I rather make sure you arrive home safely and the manager would like that too. After all you are one of us and we look out for each other."

Chuckling, she raised a brow, "Like a family, huh?"

"Yes. Also you live within the 20th Ward and Anteiku is incharge of overseeing it and helping those who need it."

"So you're also just doing your job too."

"It won't matter if it was my job or not, you are apart of our family and I wouldn't have let you gone alone at such hours."

Fixing herself straight, Yuzuki didn't reveal any form of fasical expressions when she asked, "There's more you want to say, right Yomo?"

Yomo didn't deny that he wanted to discuss about something else, but he simply stated, "Yuzuki, be careful out there."

It was all she needed to know that he was talking about her time as the Phantom and her time with the CCG. Surely she's crossing dangerous territories , but who's she kidding... She's been crossing a minefield the moment she took her first breath in this world and she not afraid of walking through it to get to the other side.

Nodding, she smirked to herself a bit before reassuring him, "I will."

"We're here," Coming to a stop, Yomo looked over at the dove before giving his farewell, "Goodnight Yuzuki."

Smiling at the ghoul, she existed the car and returning back to her life as a dove once more, but she turned over at the ghoul, "Thank you Yomo and goodnight."

A/N: Forgive me for taking a longer time to update, but it's been a busy two weeks due to AP exams and prom. However, I have already outlined the next three chapters and will be working on them, but I won't update probably in two weeks when things get settled down.

Hope you enjoyed, please review if you'd like. It takes a couple of seconds and you don't need to have an account to review, so feel free to leave your thoughts. I would love to hear your feedback and I've enjoyed reading the reviews that some of you have left. I really appreciate it!

As always I hope you have a good day wherever you are