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

Chapter 8

Kaneki's Pov

I can't feel anything... Why does my whole body feel like it's heavy?

What happened to me?

Cracking my eyes open slightly, I saw a blur as the lights blinded me for a moment before I decided to shut them again. Frowning, I felt something tied over my mouth as I took in a deep breath. My eye lids felt heavy, but I needed to know where I was. My vision was still a blur, but it slowly cleared up and I saw the white ceiling with the bright lights that hanged over me.

Shifting my eyes around tiredly, I saw a few machine that were mentoring me then I knew I was in some form of hospital, but I don't remember getting here.

My mouth was dry, my whole body ache painfully and couldn't find the power to move or even speak. Giving up, I closed my eyes once more while releasing a heavy sigh into the oxygen mask that rested over my mouth. I didn't bother moving anymore nor did I even try to open my eyes again.

I felt tired... I felt so utterly weak and I don't know why...

Then my mind slowly began to take me back to what I can recall before now. I... I remember going with Rize and... We were on a date... Then I was walking her back and-

My eyes flew open, I felt my heart racing as I began to remember the bright red eyes that stared down on me. I couldn't move, I felt the air escape me and I almost forgot how to breath as I remembered how Rize transformed to the ghoul that Hide would always joke about.

Shifting my eyes over to the door, I felt my fingers twitch, but my body trembled as I recall how she pierced my body with... with whatever things she had and how she threw me around like a rag doll. I was a mere toy to play with before she wanted to eat me.

Blood

I remember seeing blood... it was my blood and I was basically covered it as she left me on the ground. I don't know why she bothered to leave me alone to bleed out. I would've thought she'll kill me and just eat me, no one would've known.

Shutting my eyes for a moment, I felt my hands clench as I recall the words that warned me... Yuzuki... She warned me from the very start and I-

Yuzuki?!

Snapping my eyes open again, I felt my left eyes sting a bit, but I ignore the pain as I tried to get up from this stupid bed. Yet I couldn't find the strength to get up, my heart raced once more and I could hear the mentor's pace quicken at the sudden movements as my pressure must've raised up.

I remember seeing her there, she came to save me from Rize, but I don't know what happened. I blacked out, but I remember her words... She was talking to me...

'Please... Don't die on me Ken...'

What happened to her? How did she survive Rize? She couldn't possibly fought a ghoul and won? Where is she?

My thoughts were running mad, I didn't know what to do. How could I have left her to defend herself against a monster like that?

Shutting my eyes, I felt my eyes tear up as I began to think the worst, but I heard her voice. Forcing my eyes open this time as I felt my body slowly begging to sleep once more, but I heard Yuzuki's voice and I needed to see her. Shifting my attention towards the door, I frowned slightly as I noted the harsh cold tone that somehow belonged to Yuzuki. I hardly ever-no, I never heard her like that before.

"Are you insane!? You can't possibly have-"

She... She sounded distress... What was going?

"It saved your friend, didn't it?"

Another voice, but I didn't know who that belonged to nor did I ever heard it before. Yet I think it's the person that Yuzuki must be arguing with. Then I notice she fell silent, I didn't hear her anymore and I'm not sure how to feel about it. Then my lips twitched a bit the moment she began to speak again, one thing is for sure is that she's alive. Shutting my eyes again, I tried to keep up with their conservation, but I found myself slipping back to the darkness that my body has been yearning for.

I felt sleepy.

"You can't use someone's organs without their consent. You're-"

I didn't understand what she meant or what they were actually arguing about, but it must be important if Yuzuki is willing to put up some form of argument in a hospital. I could barely keep myself awake to hear anything as I felt my mind slipping.

"There wasn't any family to contact. Also it appears it was a prefect match." There was a pause between the two but I heard the rest,"You should be happy that the boy survived." The man added onto his argument by firmly stating, "I did my job to saved the patient that was presented to me which I did."

I heard one last thing before everything faded completely, I released another tired sigh as I heard Yuzuki question the stranger,

"...When can I see him?"

3rd Pov

He sat there staring at the plate that rested in front of him in pure disgust before the boy finally pushed it aside. Lowering his eyes as he laid back once more and all he could do was wonder what happened.

Kaneki glanced back at the food as he thought, The food here taste so terrible... No wonder people say that hospital food taste bad, but it's true... Frowning to himself as he stared up at the ceiling, It's just disgusting beyond belief.

He didn't noticed that someone entered the room, he was lost in thought until a voice managed to pull him back to reality.

"Kaneki?'

His gray tired eyes widen at the sound as he connected to someone he knew, sitting up he saw Yuzuki standing there with a worried look.

"Huh?" He blinked after realizing that he hasn't said anything or moved since she arrived. Kaneki rubbed his face a bit as he stared over at the girl, "Yuzuki?"

She smiled at him, but it fell once remembering what the boy went through. Her hands clenched the railings on the bed as she tried to keep a stoic expression when she asked, "Hey... How are you feeling?"

"I'm... I'm alive," Shrugging, he looked away as he answered, "Aren't I?"

Frowning at the boy's tone, Yuzuki let go of the railing, "I can see that. I'm asking how are you?" Crossing her arms, she raised a brow at him as she asked again, "Feeling alright? Any pain?"

"Fine... Don't know what to say about-" His eyes widen, flashes of the scene played before him, he remembered that he was bleeding out in her arms. Quickly leaned over as he clenched the blanket. Kaneki didn't bother looking at her as he whispered, "I should've listen to you, Yuzuki."

Her expression soften, sighing Yuzuki shook her head at her friend, "Kaneki, don't start please. You're alive and that what matters." Chuckling, Yuzuki smiled at him as she tried to lighten the mood, "Hide wouldn't know what to do without you to bug."

"But Yuzuki, if I listened to your warning then none of this would've happened." Kaneki looked up at her as he tried to explain himself for his mistakes, but Yuzuki didn't let him finish his sentence, "Yuzuki, I'm really sorry. I didn't-"

"Shut up idiot," Sitting on the edge of the bed, Yuzuki didn't face him as she stared off to the wall while firmly stating, "It doesn't matter, okay, so let it go."

"But-"

"Kaneki, please, I really don't want to talk about it anymore."

Silence filled the room, neither one of them looking at the other as they sat there within their own silence. Kaneki frowned to himself, he placed a hand over his left eye as he remembered something else. He remembered the red eyes that pierced through him, the eyes that belong to none other than a ghoul. His eyes widen once more, his mind raced at the thought, ghoul...

He sighed, lifting his head over to Yuzuki and began to ask more questions, "What happened? I only remember bits and pieces of how it all happened, but I can't clearly recall how I ended up here." Closing his eyes for a moment, he recalled her words before he looked over to her, "I heard you, I remember you showed up, but it all went black afterwards."

Yuzuki curled her fingers, her expression didn't change as she tried to think of something to say. She didn't want to say anything to him, but she couldn't lie either. Yet she knew it was best to with hold some information. Sighing, she flexed her fingers out within her lap as she whispered, "Rize... She was-"

Sitting up, Kaneki shifted his eyes away as he whispered under his breath and he glanced back to her, "A ghoul right?"

"...Yes," Releasing another heavy sigh, Yuzuki faced the boy as she laced her fingers together as she explained, "Yes, she was and I managed to distract her long enough till the cables for the steel beams gave out. Then she was crushed and that's when I went to check on you."

"How? How did you do that?" Raising a brow, he didn't believe that a mere human, none of the less a person who's vision isn't great. Kaneki tried to make sense of it, but he couldn't, "A ghoul, it's-"

Yuzuki sent an empty look over to him, she shrugged as she untangled her fingers when explaining, "I took self defense classes, I know how to handle myself. I just needed to wait it out with her and I got lucky."

He frowned for a second, studying the girl as he made a clear statement, "You could've gotten yourself killed."

"I wasn't going to let you die," She returned a frown, but she shrugged it off trying to change the subject once more, "Lets drop the topic. I don't want to talk about it any longer and it's best for you not say anything either."

"How do I explain this to Hide? He'll be asking so many questions and-" He realized something important, Kaneki's eyes widen as he threw his hands over his face, "Hide! God, he's probably worried sick about me and I haven't answered his messages or-"

Yuzuki placed her hand on his knee, she gave a slight smile, "I covered it for you. I called him and said that you got in an accident with Rize and well... You made it and she didn't. So he knows you're recovering and he's just waiting for you to feel better before he rushes over to squeeze the life out of you."

"Thank you Yuzuki."

The light haired girl caught the scent of the food that was near by. She tilted her head when she noticed that it appeared Kaneki didn't touch any of it. Narrowing her eyes, she began to wonder if her hypothesis was correct about the organ transplant that was from Rize. Turning over to the boy, she asked, "Aren't you going to eat?"

Giving a disgusted look, he shook his head as he muttered, "The food here taste terrible."

"Oh... Well, I heard you'll be out later today," Her eyes widen slightly, Yuzuki stood up as she tried to understand what happened. Facing the boy, she smiled at him, "I'll see you later okay. I'll bring something for you to eat and make sure you're alright."

He chuckled a bit, shaking his head, "You don't have to Yuzuki."

"I'm your friend, so let me help you." Holding her hands up in defense, Yuzuki glanced over her shoulder before taking her leave, "I'll see you later, so take care of yourself."

Kaneki sat up as he called out, "Yuzuki?"

Stopping in her tracks, her hand resting on the door handle as she glanced over her shoulder, "Yes?"

He scratched his cheek lightly before looking up at the girl and he smiled sheepish, "Uh... Thank you again."

She smiled, but she shook her head while allowing herself to giggle lightly, "No problem, Kaneki." Turning away, she lowered her faded eyes while her fingers wrapped around the handle as she warned, "Uh... Watch out for the food they give you, don't go over broad."

"I think I won't if this is what they have." His nose crinkled up as he glanced at the tray of food. Quickly returning his attention to his friend, he smiled at her again, "See you later then, Yuzuki-chan."

Her eyes widen slightly at the honorifics he placed on her name, she didn't say anything regarding it as she smiled at him one more time before she opened the door, "Get some rest Ken."

Kaneki's Pov

I haven't done anything much since I was released from the hospital earlier today after a few hours when Yuzuki left. I didn't even respond to any of Hide's many messages nor did I call Yuzuki to tell her that I was let out. In truth, I just wanted to left alone for awhile and relax from everything that happened recently.

Laying down on the couch, I finished a few books to pass the time but I had the TV on to see what's been going since then. Much to my surprise the subject was about ghouls and they had a special guest by the name of Ogura Hisashi who's a ghoul researcher.

I remembered it was the same guy Hide mentioned a few times whenever the topic of ghouls was brought up. Hide would always joke around about the subject and the first time that Yuzuki was around during one of those conservations she was silent. I don't know much about her thoughts on ghouls so me and Hide never asked or brought the topic up again.

Yet she was indifferent about it when she talked to me earlier involving Rize, but at the same time she insisted in changing the topic.

I glanced back at the screen as I listened to the man explain how ghoul's live and supposedly they can survive perfectly fine for a month or two with only one human body, but there's so many that kill for the pleasure.

Sitting up, I lowered my eyes when he mentioned the fact that ghouls live normally among us. Lifting my eyes when he began to explain the reasonings why ghouls don't or more like can't eat ordinary food.

"Ghouls are unable to digest any nutrients of non-human origin. This is said to be the result of a particular enzyme they have." He paused for a moment as he glanced over to the woman sitting beside him before he explained further, "Furthermore because of the structure of their tongue is different then our own. Food feels very uncomfortable for them."

My eyes widen, curling up my fingers as I continued to hear him go into detail of what some food taste like according to a ghoul. I felt sweat on my forehead as I thought back to what happened, The organ transplant from a ghoul... Rize... It must've had an effect on my body...

"No..." I whispered under my breath, I turned the TV off and closed my eyes as I laid down once more, but I couldn't help but think, No... I'm just over-thinking this

My eyes snapped open when I heard a sound, which was only stomach growling and I sighed in relief before I sat up, "I'm hungry?"

But everything I tried from my fridge only made me want to vomit by just one bite. I felt tears in my eyes as I tossed aside an apple and I didn't care about the mess that I've caused. I laid there on my wooden floors with my hands covering my eyes as I tried to understand what was going on.

Wiping my eyes, I stood up and went to my bathroom and I needed to get rid of this awful taste from my mouth. Quickly taking a drink out of the sink to wash away the taste then I splashed some water across my face.

Maybe all this is just a bad dream...

Looking up, my eyes widen when I saw my reflection and I couldn't look away at the sight of the bright scarlet color that looked back at me, My eye... My left eye looked just like a ghouls eyes!?

"What is this...?" My hands trembled when I brought it near my eye, but I couldn't... I can't be a ghoul and without thinking I smashed the mirror. Stepping back, I looked over to my hand and my eyes widen when a cut quickly healed within seconds.

It's all because of the organ transplant! They shouldn't have put her organs into me! My mind was rushing as I ran back into my kitchen and pulled out a knife, heading back to the bathroom. I must've looked crazy but I needed to do something.

I held my shirt up by my teeth as I held the knife, I'll just take it out and everything will be alright. I felt my hands tremble when I wrapped them around the sharp object and I began to think the worse possibly outcomes, but if I were to bleed out then... then

My eyes went wide when I remember that Yuzuki said she'll be dropping by to check on me, but I don't even know when since I didn't call her. But if I'm lucky then I didn't have to worry about it at all. What will happen if I can't fix this...?

But nothing happened... There wasn't any pain and when I opened my eyes I saw the knife broken into two, I dropped it as I collapsed down as I tried to not scream out in frustration.

Curling up, I'm doom to live like this if I can't even hurt myself and I'm left... I'm left alone with this unbearable hungry that's torturing me.

I couldn't stop myself from trembling as I cried out, laying there on the floor while the only thing I could do was cry. I know crying won't change anything, but what else can I do?

Time went by since then but I didn't bother moving, I kept my eyes shut and released a heavy breath while my lips quivered. I couldn't think of anything else and I didn't have to because the next thing I knew everything blacked out.

But my mind went back to Yuzuki's words from this morning, 'I'll see you later okay. I'll bring something for you to eat and make sure you're alright.'

My fingers twitched as I tried to get up, but my whole body just shut down and I found myself welcoming sleep, it was my only escape from this nightmare.

3rd Pov

It was late and she knew it, but something was telling her that Kaneki must be dealing with some trouble. The dove sighed causing a small mist to appear in front of her face, the cold didn't bother her when she walked down to her friend's home. Checking her bag that contained the food she promised to bring, Yuzuki went up the stairs.

Yuzuki reached the door that belonged to the boy, she knocked and no answer then she simply checked the door. Narrowing her eyes, she frowned as the door open and she thought, Why would he leave his door unlock?

Entering the home, she closed the door behind her as she placed the bag down on the counter. Her eyes widen as she stepped back, an overwhelming smell of food covered her and she was shock to note that the place was a mess. Yuzuki continued into the room as she called out for her friend, "Kaneki?"

Her ears twitched at the sound of the static that came from the TV, and the sound of the wrappers crunched under her shoes. Yuzuki frowned again, What the hell happened?

She froze when she felt a sudden movement, turning around she narrowed her faded eyes as she called out, "Kaneki?" Tilting her head as she noticed a familiar outline that belonged to the boy, but his scent was unusual, it was different and Yuzuki didn't know what to think about it. Slowly taking a step towards the direction, "Ken?"

Kaneki's voice was shaky as he stepped closer, "Y-Yuzuki? Wh-what are you-?"

Raising a brow, Yuzuki got closer to the boy and she noticed how he trembled and his voice was shaky, "Hey, are you alright Kaneki? You don't sound-"

Her eyes widen the moment she felt his grip over her shoulders, "Huh?! Kaneki?!"

The two hit the floor, she put a fight against her friend, but she held back in fear she'll hurt him. But Yuzuki soon discovered that Kaneki has gave in his hunger and giving into the ghoul instinct, he wasn't thinking straight and the only thing Yuzuki could think of was that he, He's a... ghoul?

But what he said next made her freeze for a brief moment before she recovered on time to move away.

"F-food. I need food!" There was a crazy glimpse that reflected off his now two different color eyes as he inched closer, but his whole body hesitated for a second before he lost control once more, "I c-can't!"

Rolling them over, Yuzuki pinned the boy down as she tried to bring him back to reality, "Ken, snap out of it!" But nothing seem to work as he fought back and Yuzuki found herself in a tough situation.

She knew that the boy wasn't in his right mind, yet she can't deny that he was strong much to her surprise. However, he didn't know that she was twice as strong and she has taken combat classes during her time with CCG. Yuzuki struggled a bit, not wanting to harm her friend, but she also didn't want him to make a mistake he'll regret.

The next thing she knew was that he managed to get her on her back, but Yuzuki frowned as she kept the boy at a distance. Yuzuki grabbed him by the shoulder as she quickly jabbed an area that knocked the boy unconscious. A sudden amount of weight fell over her and she pushed him off, Yuzuki released a deep breath as she moved the unconscious boy.

Leaning over him, she recalled his behavior and how Kaneki attempted to... eat her? He really tried to eat me? What the hell happened to him...? Brushing his hair aside before she caressed his cheek while thinking, You've... You've entered a story of tragedy...

Shutting her eyes, she leaned back while sighing, "This... This is going to be difficult..."

Picking the boy up, she carried him over to his couch while trying not to wake him up. Placing him onto the couch, Yuzuki went to find a blanket to cover her friend for the time being.

Once returning with a blanket, Yuzuki placed it over the sleeping boy before she collapsed down beside the couch. Running her hand through her hair, she sighed as she lifted her head, "I guess, I gotta clean this place up," Glancing over to Kaneki, she lowered her head as she whispered, "...and get you to your right senses."

Yuzuki lifted her head slightly, turning towards Kaneki who was sound asleep after his little scene, But... But can I really fix him?

Kaneki's Pov

"Ugh... What happened?" I forced my eyes open, but I found myself covered with a blanket and I don't remember how it got there. Furrowing my brows as I lift the blanket, I muttered, "Where... Where am I?"

Then I stopped at the smell of coffee finally hit me, but I don't remember having any coffee around when I came back. My eyes widen as I realized that someone was sitting in my living room chair, but I couldn't believe who it was, "Yuzuki?!"

Sitting up, I felt my face burn as I glanced around the place, but I couldn't see much because the lights were still off. I stared at her, but she still continued to sip her coffee as if she wasn't bothered by my outburst and she probably doesn't even know about the lights. Tilting my head as I tried to figure out what happened, "How did you get in?"

She didn't move for a moment as the cup rested near her lips, but I couldn't really tell if she was smiling or not. I only blinked as she finally set the cup down before she shrugged her shoulders while answering my question, "Your door was unlock. You really need to fix that habit, Kaneki."

Yuzuki tilted her head over at him as she smiled faintly, "I found you asleep and your place was a mess, so I cleaned it up."

Leaning back, I don't recall anything. Looking up, I didn't know what to say, "Uhh... T-thank you Yuzuki-chan, but you didn't-" I smiled nervously, but I lowered my eyes at the thought, Was it all a dream...?

She giggled, leaning against her hand as she face me, "You can barely handle yourself, so I did you a favor. Your home isn't all that bad. Hide would always joke about it, but it seems nice. Simple and comfortable to live in." She pointed over at the coffee table, "Also Hide gave me notes that you've missed and said to answer him."

I must've looked like an idiot for just staring, but I just couldn't find the words to say. I honestly don't even understand what the hell is going on. Everything lately has been so strange and I can't explain it. I remember that I ready to basically hurt myself after I saw my-

My eyes widen, quickly covering my left eye as I remembered what I saw in the mirror, but I didn't know if Yuzuki could see the sudden color change. But I remembered that she mentioned how she couldn't see color or values and I sighed to myself as I relaxed a bit. If anything she wouldn't be able to tell about my eyes if it's true.

Shaking my head, I chuckled while scratching my head, "Thanks... Uh... How long have you been here?"

Sighing, she crossed her arms while leaning back in her seat, "Not so long, an hour or so, but I did say I was dropping by."

I remembered that she would, but where did the time go. Glancing around, I forgot the lights were still off, "Yeah..." Standing up I went to turn the lights on and to my surprise the place was clean. Walking back to the couch, I finally noticed that Yuzuki brought something.

"Here," She placed a cup in front of me, "I made you some coffee, it might help you feel better."

"Thank you again." I accepted it, holding it within my hands and I looked into it. I saw my reflection staring right back at me, but I felt these unease feeling cover me. Looking away before I took a sip of the drink, but couldn't help myself from feeling like a burden.

Setting it down, I lowered my eyes as I avoided her, "Sorry for the trouble I've caused you."

I looked back up and I saw how she her eyes shifted away from split second, but she faced me again while joking around, "Trouble would be if you went off to do something crazily stupid after leaving the hospital."

I needed to do something, but what could I do for everything she has done for me. She put her life at risk for me and went out of her way to check on me. I couldn't let this go without doing something in return.

Lowering my head, I rubbed the left side of my face, "But you've done so much and I... I don't know how to repay you."

"Ken... You don't need to do anything." Lifting my head, I felt her hand on my arm as she smiled warmly at me. I felt my face flush and I felt the words escape my mind, but I sighed in relief when she pulled away.

Then I raised a brow at the container she placed on the coffee table. Then I heard Yuzuki explain what it was, "Here, I brought something you might like. Maybe it'll help and it might be better than what they fed you in the hospital."

My stomach twisted since it didn't agree the moment that it was food. I wasn't prepared for any of it, but I also didn't want to decline Yuzuki's offer. Scratching my head, I eyed the container, "I... I don't know..." Glancing over to her in hopes that she could tell the distress in my voice, "I don't feel-"

Yuzuki shook her head, removing the lid as she laughed lightly and I felt like she forced a smile, "Just try it, I promise it won't kill you."

I stared at it for I don't know how long until I finally gave in, but I felt my stomach clenched as I grab the chopsticks, "Okay."

After a moment of hesitate, finally building up the courage I placed the piece of the yakiniku into my mouth and much to my surprise it didn't make me want to throw up. My eyes widen, it wasn't like the food at the hospital nor was it like the food that was in my fridge. Staring down at the container that held this food, I took another piece and I felt happy if that's the right term.

"How is it?"

"It's... It's actually good..." I was amazed at how it actually tasted like food and I couldn't believe it. This is the only thing that didn't taste disgusting and the coffee was good too. I knotted my brows as I thought, Why does it taste like actually food? Was I dreaming that I'm a ghoul?

She stood up, taking her cup to the sink to clean it, but afterward Yuzuki grabbed her coat, "I'll see you tomorrow at Anteiku before we meet up with Hide."

"Okay," I got up to walk her out and actually lock the door this time. I smiled at her as she waited beside the door, "Goodnight Yuzuki."

"Goodnight Kaneki," She returned a smile, nodding as she took her leave, but she called out to me, "Get some rest. You still look tired."

There was an unexplainable scent that caught my whole attention when Yuzuki walked passed me and it left my mouth begin to water up a bit. The next thing I knew was that I found Yuzuki's scent intoxicating, but strangely delicious? It made my mouth water up, but I covered my mouth, What the hell am I thinking?

I closed the door behind her, locking it as my wide eyes only stared at the door. My fingers curled up against the wooden door as I tried to understand why I felt that. But my whole body craved it and that's what is making everything more crazy.

"What's... What's wrong with me?" I didn't know what to think anymore, I allowed myself to curl into itself as I released a tired breath while my eyes lowered before I closed them.

3rd Pov

She stood there trying to think about what to do after the new information regarding her friend who was barely released from the hospital. It was only a few hours ago since she went to visit the boy and everything took a sharp turn, but she managed to control the situation before anything serious happened.

Frowning behind her mask, Yuzuki folded her arms behind her as she wondered if her decision was right about lying to him and how she gave him some food that he needed. Sighing the moment she felt a presences, but she didn't acknowledge them until they called her name.

"Phantom."

The white cloaked figure turned enough for the the ghoul to get a glimpse of the mask. Yuzuki had folded her arms behind her as she completely turned, revealing herself as she greeted the boy, "Black Rabbit."

"They sent me to-"

Waving her hand as she disregarded what the young ghoul wanted to say. Phantom turned back around on her heels, facing the city as she responded, "Tell Eto that my decision hasn't changed. I don't want to join Aogiri Tree or anything involving your organization." Throwing her head over her shoulder, she narrowed her eyes behind the mask while her tone held zero emotion as she firmly stated, "We're even so I don't owe her anything at the moment nor does she."

"Then I'll have to make you see reason."

Tilting her head, sharply turning towards the ghoul who leaped down from his location. She crossed her arms before she giggled, "Don't make me laugh, Ayato. You don't know who you're messing with."

His eyes widen, he wasn't expecting anyone beside those who knew to ever say his name at in front, but this only made him think, How the fuck does she know my name?

Unfolding her arms, she walked around the boy while explaining herself, "I'm the Phantom, I know the right people to give me what I want. If you're wondering how I know you're name." Shrugging her shoulders lazily as she thought, First time seeing Touka's brother and I already see the clear connection through their attitude...

Narrowing his eyes, he turned to face the ghoul as he shot back, "You're nothing, all talk, but no bite!"

Stopping in her tracks, Phantom chuckled to herself while tilting her head at the boy, "That is where you're wrong."

Ayato grinned behind his mask as his eyes quickly changed, "Your quinques aren't anything compared to my kagune. You're just like those doves!"

Yuzuki sighed when a wave of Ukaku shards came her way, but she dashed forward between each shard leaving her in one piece when she reached him. Ayato jumped back, narrowing his eyes at the ghoul as he switched techniques while Phantom dodged his fist. She leaped over his arm while her thumb made connect with his skin causing the boy's eyes to widen when he realized his arm went numb. Yet he still managed to lock onto her other fist, but he didn't have enough time to actually make an attack when he noticed her other hand.

Ayato leaped away giving himself enough distance as he tried to progress what just happened. Glancing down to his arm, he didn't have any control over his muscle as it fell limp to his side. Glaring over to the cloaked figure, he summoned his kagune once again, but the girl was gone when he blinked. The next thing he knew was his face meeting the ground, his whole body following numb while the Phantom knelt down in front of him.

She frowned underneath the mask, "This is a warning for you, Ayato, and tell Eto to watch herself before she begins to step into some boundaries that she'll regret."

He glared, snorting as he whole body remain still, "Who the hell are you?" He watched her carefully while thinking, She didn't even bother revealing her quinques as the rumors said and she didn't summon her kagune. Who the hell is this?

"Phantom. You should've known that by now kid." Leaning against her knees, tilting her head at him, "Word spreads fast through the wards and surely Eto must've mentioned me a few times to you. Maybe even Yamori must've said something since I broke his little ego some time ago."

Narrowing his scarlet red eyes at her, pressing his lips into a thin line, "Where did you learn that fighting technique?"

Raising a brow, she tilted her head at the fallen boy, "If you're planning to learn then you're out of your mind." Shaking her head a bit as she trailed her fingers up his spine before adding pressure against his upper back, "You're lucky that I didn't kill you unlike some other ghouls around here. But I know your sister and surely I wouldn't harm you."

"Shut up-" Tensing up at the stranger, but Ayato stopped talking the moment he felt his whole body shift as if everything was released from some type of trance. Darting his now normal eyes up at the ghoul, he was surprised at how she managed to control the functions of his body. But he had a few experiences when training with his mentor, but now someone else had the same techniques.

Standing, she removed her hood revealing her blue locks along with a clear view of her mask. Looking down at the boy, placing a hand on her hip while tilting her head"But who taught you? Your fighting style is still unbalanced yet you held yourself correctly. Poorly executed, but the effort was there and maybe a bit more practice then you might be challenging." Raising a brow, "You were quiet fast, manged to actually blocking my punch by grabbing onto it."

Slowly, his fingers twitched as he tried to lift his upper body up while sneering back, "Tck-! I don't need you lecturing me brat! I already got an old hag doing that so beat it!"

Waving his words off, Phantom moved away so she can give the boy some space, but she glanced over her shoulder before shrugging, "Rematch? If I win then I'll help you out a bit and probably save your butt before you run into any doves or some insane ghouls."

"Screw that!" Ayato felt the floor sway, but he realized that it was him who wasn't fully stable. Taking a step forward as he clenched his fists, "I'll beat the crap out of you before any that stupid shit happens."

Facing the young ghoul, she folded her arms behind her back while teasing the kid, "If you win then so be it, it'll be a story for Eto to laugh at, but surely your attitude is a sight. Almost like your sister, but twice as bad. Both hardheaded and stubborn."

He felt his blood rush at the mention of his older sister, glaring dangerously at her, "I'm nothing like my weak sister!"

Tilting her head to the lift, she studied the boy for a moment before chuckling, "She can last a bit longer than you in a fight with me, so she's not weak for say. Still she didn't beat me."

"I'll show you."

Smirking behind her mask, Phantom unfolded her arms as she stood still while suggesting, "If I win, you help me locate the Souta's hideout or anything about him. I have a few things to question the clown."

"No way will I help yo-"

Nodding, she shrugged while stepping aside, "If you can beat me, but you and I both know that won't happen."

"Tck!"

In a blink of an eye she disappeared from his view and Ayato quickly recalled a familiar situation he had during one of his many training sessions because it's all too similar. Turning, he kept his senses on guard as he waited for her to attack then he snapped his head around as he summoned his kagune, but it was too late. He found himself on the floor as he glared up at the white cloaked figure.

"You were holding back before!" Unmoving, the young ghoul continued to send a death glare towards her as he thought, Why does her techniques look so familiar? This brat-

Phantom shook her head at the boy before kneeling down again, "What are you talking about? I'm still holding back," Chuckling to herself, she narrowed her eyes behind the mask while harshly stating, "You wouldn't want to be around if I used everything I got."

Yuzuki's Pov

I thought that talking about this with Yoshimura would've been the right thing to do right now, but I wasn't so sure what else to do. So I came to the shop early this morning before I meet up with Kaneki later here, but I wanted to short out a few things.

I sat there as I finish explaining what happened Kaneki to the manager and I waited to hear what Yoshimura might say about it.

"This sounds interesting." Yoshimura nodded at the thought while he organizing a few things on the sleeves as he asked, "So you're saying that the boy might've turned into a ghoul?"

I sat up, shaking my head as I tried to explain the phenomenon that occurred, but there wasn't any clear explanation for it. Sighing, I held my head while leaning over as my elbows rested on my knees, "Yoshimura, I've noticed the changes in his life style. He said that the food doesn't taste right, his taste buds must've been effected. But also I've noted that he crinkles his nose up as if he smells more than he ever wanted."

Furrowing my brows, I stood up while facing the manager, "He doesn't even know what's happening to him. He's scared... And I can't stand back and let him suffer..."

Yoshimura raised a brow at me, but his tone didn't give any hint of what he was possibly thinking as he said, "Then have you been taking care of him?"

"Of course," I held my hands out in front of me as I tried to explain what happened last night, "He even tried to eat me yesterday, the boy was consumed by hunger and I managed to knock him unconscious before he did something he'll regret."

He turned towards me, Yoshimura sounded a bit amazed, "Explains the package you asked for yesterday, you gave it to the boy. Didn't you?"

Crossing my arms across my chest, I didn't face him as I muttered, "Yes... He actually ate it as if it was like human food." I felt terrible for lying to Kaneki, I basically tricked him by feeding him human meat that I managed to make it look like normal food. When he finds out... He'll never trust me again and resent me for it.

"So the transplant he under went that involved Rize's organ must've changed his whole biological function." Yoshimura lowered his head as if he was thinking about it and he even sounded surprised by it. "It appears your friend isn't human anymore, but more of half ghoul and half human."

"Yoshimura..." I almost begged him to help Kaneki, if he managed to change Yomo, Koma, Irimi and Touka then there's hope for Kaneki. He even help me through my rough times, so there isn't anywhere else better to guide my friend then here in Anteiku.

I stood there, I felt the need to plead as I tried reason with him, "If... If it comes down to it then please teach him. I know you'll be the prefect person to guide him, he can work here along with the others."

"You can also teach the boy. You," He countered it, but I couldn't accept that type of responsibility. No. I'm the worse person for Kaneki to ask for any help, he'll end up dead if he tries to tangle into my life anymore especially now when he's like this. However, Yoshimura continued, "You're half human and half ghoul yourself, so you're best suited to guide him through our world."

"But I'm not the best person fit to do so," Declining the suggestion, I shook my head while turning away, "I'm a dove, if anything I can cause more harm than good."

"Yuzuki, I'll take care of the boy when he wishes for help. We'll welcome him with open arms and teach him what it's like to be a ghoul and how we live." He paused for a moment, walking up to me and I felt him looking down on me, "But I do believe you are the one that should be his guide between both worlds. You and him have one thing in common, you both are gifted to live between the worlds."

Pressing my lips to a thin line as I thought about his last statement, but there's a catch to it. Every gift is also a curse to a point. I can live between the worlds, but I don't belong in neither.

"I can't connect the two of them..." Frowning, I remember those words that he told me before when I was just a child. The same thing my parents once thought and now he brings it up again. But much to his disappointment, I've lost that chance when I joined CCG and ran away as Phantom into the ghoul world.

Lowering my eyes, I curled my fingers over my arms, "I tore my own bridge when I joined CCG and when I became Phantom. I can't possibly be of any help for him. If anything, he'll wish to be human once again when he gets a look into our world."

He turned away, leaving me alone for a moment before he glanced over his shoulder at me, "Kaneki, isn't it?"

Tilting my head, I answered, "Yes."

He smiled, nodding while folding his arms behind him, "Surely he would understand when he sees that we aren't all like the stories make us to be. Kaneki-kun is welcomed to Anteiku and I'll accept him when the time comes after he accepts himself."

My eyes widen slightly, I smiled for a bit before it fell as my eyes lowered, "I know... I know from experience that it'll take some time before he accepts himself. I know the pain to find the meaning and will to push through all this, but I do believe he'll make it." Lifting my head, I stared at the wise ghoul before me and I smiled back at him, "He might look weak, but deep down he's strong."

"Yuzuki, please take my word of advise," He sighed, walking back up to me and he placed a hand on my shoulder as he stated, "Help Kaneki-kun adjust to the ghoul world. You and I both know you're the only one who can."

I shifted my face away, my expression dropped and I turned away from him. Once I reached the door, I released a deep sigh as I whispered back, "I'll... I'll think it over, Yoshimura."

3rd Pov

The cafe was quiet since no one was there today which left the employees to clean and stand back until they were given a different job. Touka wasn't there since it's her day off so it left Irimi and Koma for the day while the young teen was off doing her own thing.

Yuzuki leaned back in her chair with her head tilted off towards the window while the boy in front of her remain quiet. She understands if he still needs time to adjust to what happen and his mind is still all cloudy, so she didn't bother him for the time being.

Returning her attention back to the hot beverage within her hands, she felt her hands tingle with the warmth traveling through her hands and it reminded her when his blood was on her hands. Before she allowed herself to get lost in her thoughts, her ears perked up at the sound that came from her friend.

"I'm glad you were there, Yuzuki," Kaneki didn't face her instead he was staring into the coffee in front of him as he continued on, "At least I had someone there if I-"

"Please don't Kaneki," Shaking my head at him, "Don't give me that speech."

Moving her hands away, she rested them on her lap while closing her eyes before releasing a heavy sigh, "I already lost a lot of people... I didn't want to lose another one."

Kaneki felt his face flush as he recalled that she no longer has any living blood related family and he lowered his eyes while whispering, "I... I didn't know..."

Yuzuki shook her head, taking sip of her drink while making a point, "It's okay, you're fine, so it's okay."

Curling his fingers, he kept his eyes low, "I heard your voice before I blacked out." Glancing up at her, "I remember what you were saying and... I heard the pain in your voice."

Her expression was stoic when she firmly stated a fact, "You were basically bleeding out in my hands, I think it's understandable."

Sighing, she chuckled dryly as she brushed aside her bangs, "You don't know how fast I ran to catch up to you," Smiling, Yuzuki shrugged at him, "I dropped everything. All I needed to do was save you, you idiot."

Shifting her faded eyes away while the corner of her lips twitched, "Boys are idiots..."

Kaneki couldn't help himself from smiling at her words because he knew she was right that he was an idiot without a doubt. He watched the way she avoided him and he knew she was placed in a tough spot which he can't possibly repay her.

He chuckled lightly to himself, "Thank you for not leaving me alone, Yuzuki..."

"We're all alone... We need to accept ourselves so the loneliness would disappear. Then you're never lonely because you have yourself and experience the freedom that I can't explain." Yuzuki turned away as she faced the empty shop, she smiled faintly to herself before turning back to Kaneki, "Like being so caught up with yourself that you smile or laugh... Unlike being lonely where you cry without having anyone around to see you since you depend on others for happiness."

Giggling, she smiled to herself as she accepted the warmth from the beverage into her hands, "That's how it was for me for awhile before I found myself... Then I felt this unexplainable power that I had over my life. Being alone didn't bother me because I wasn't alone, I had something that I can't explain."

Lifting her head up at him, her expression soften when she gave him a reassuring smile, "I hope you find it one day too, Ken."

Kaneki only stared at her, he wasn't expecting any of this, but deep down he knew she was right about a few things. He gave her a faint smile, "I'll... I'll try..."

"Ken, remember this," Lifting her finger up as she made a point, "No matter what, you have me and Hide by your side. No matter what, we'll be there when you're at your lowest."

Lowering her hand, she picked her cup up and took another sip while stating, "But there will be times when you'll be by yourself so you have no one to turn to which leaves you with you."

Smiling at him she placed the cup aside, Yuzuki reached over to him and placed her hand on his arm, "Hey! You might even make new friends and they'll be there too."

Scratching his head while giving her a sheepish smile, "Thank you, Yuzuki."

Standing, Yuzuki grabbed her violin case while motioning her head at the boy so they could leave, "Come on, we can't let Hide wait long or else he'll think you're dead."

He blinked before he remembered that they agreed to meet up with Hide, he chuckled nervously as he stood up, "Y-yeah."

Kaneki's Pov

I walked along side Yuzuki, but I kept a distance from her since I had this strange feeling that didn't settle right with me. It wasn't as bad like the night before when she left, but I really didn't want to go through that feeling again.

Glancing over to her I noticed that she brought her violin case with her and it's been awhile since I seen her with it. Turning away before she could catch me staring and I know Yuzuki is fully aware of her surroundings.

My eyes widen when I felt someone run into me from behind, but before I could do anything they wrapped their arms around me as they spun me. I glanced over my shoulder and it was Hide who surprised me.

"Kaneki!" He chuckled, patting my back before he wrapped his arms around me again, "My dear Kaneki!"

"Hide! Stop it!" I needed some space from him, I managed to get out of his grasp before I frowned at him, "I'm fine!"

"God, you had me there! I thought you actually got yourself killed!" Hide frowned at me for a moment before he began to lecture me, "I said have fun, but damn I didn't mean for you to run off to get yourself killed!"

He sighed, shaking his head while throwing an arm over my shoulders, "What will you do without me?"

Shifting my eyes away from him as I responded back, "I... I don't even know anymore."

Hide glanced over to the girl who was on the other side of me before he looked at me and I saw how serious he was by just the look in his eyes when he said, "Yuzuki told me about what happened. She found you passed out and got you to the hospital in time. Don't know what to say about Rize..."

I held my chin while letting out a nervous laugh, "She was a wild one and she kinda got us in the situation..."

Yuzuki lifted her head towards Hide while raising a brow at him, "What did I say?"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it Yuzuki," He turned away as he muttered, "You had a point."

"Yeah..." Lowering my eyes but something crossed my mind and it's something Yuzuki said when she tried to convince me from going with Rize. Glancing over to her, I remembered the words clearly 'you haven't seen any small signs that show you she's bad news'

My eyes widen as I realized that she was right, I thought to myself about a small detail that should've been my warning, I... I realized that Rize never actually ate food... Even if she did it was a mere bite

Yuzuki didn't bother face neither of us when she shrugged the topic off, "I don't care much about it."

I only stared at her as she brushed it aside, but I couldn't help wonder, How? How did she know or did she mean something else?

Patting my shoulder, I looked over to Hide and he smiled brightly as he suggested, "You know what, buddy~? I think a couple burgers from Big Girl will cheer you up!"

"Uhh... I don't feel in the mood for that, Hide." I felt my stomach curl up as I recalled what's been happening recently, but at the same time it could all be in head. Yet I can't just act so weird or else he'll be asking too many questions that I don't have the answer to.

I shook my head while trying to suggest, "Maybe another day?"

"You never decline a burger at Big Girl," Hide stopped in his tracks, he studied me carefully as if I said something wrong, but before I said anything he grabbed me by the collar and shook me a bit while saying, "What happened to my Kaneki?!"

"Ehh...?" I scratched my head as I tried to avoid it, but I sighed while smiling at him, "I think I'll be up for it tomorrow, Hide."

Yuzuki bumped his shoulder with hers, she turned over to me before returning her attention back to him, "Hide, I think it's best if you don't overwork Kaneki." She smiled before moving her case behind her as she tilted her head at Hide, "Just give him an easy day."

"Fine!" Hide turned on his heels as he pointed at me while narrowing his eyes, "But you gotta answer my text messages!"

Holding my hands up in defense as I chuckle, "I will, I will."

"You better!"

3rd Pov

It was late but Yuzuki was still awake as she went through a few things involving work since she put it aside due to everything that was going on with Kaneki. However, she wasn't expecting someone to come visit at such hours in reality she doesn't expect anyone she knew to come to her ward.

Raising a brow, she left her things on her desk as she walked over to the door while thinking, Who can it be?

She wasn't surprised by who it was that decided to drop by, but Yuzuki still didn't know for what reason. Opening the door, she lifted her head up at the tall man, "Arima?" Tilting her head, she moved aside inviting him into her home while asking, "Sorry, but what are you doing here?"

He entered her home while quickly informing her of the reasons regarding his visit, he glanced over to the girl, "You haven't checked in to CCG for two days that a few Investigators began to question your absents."

"It's been two days? I... I must have lost track of time." Closing the door, Yuzuki furrowed her brows as she finally realized that he had a point. Sighing, she shook her head while moving passed him towards her work area, "Sorry about my lack of work ethic, but I have been busy."

Watching the girl pull up a file as he questioned, "What have you been up to?"

Rotating the file so it faced him, she began to explain her reasonings, "The Bringe Eater was located in my Ward not so long ago and," Pausing, Yuzuki frowned to herself as she straighten herself as she informed, "And I managed to put a stop to the ghoul, but unfortunately an Innocent bystander was caught in the crossfire."

Arima frowned at the update regarding the ghoul, "Why haven't you reported this yet?"

Lowering her eyes, she sighed to herself while adding, "The ghoul's body disappeared when I went to check on the victim."

Raising a brow at the girl, "Then it must've survived-"

Yuzuki narrowed her eyes slightly while going into further detail, "No. The ghoul died instantly due to the sudden release of the steel beams in the construction site. The Bringe Eater was a Rinkaku and they can't handle such weight, so the ghoul was crushed under the beams." Crossing her arms as she stated a cold fact, "However, it's body wasn't anywhere to be found."

Facing Arima, she became serious in regards of what happened to Rize's body as she assumed, "I believe the one who cut the cables is responsible for the disappearance of the Bringe Eater's body."

His expression was blank when he wanted to hear more of her theory, "Further explain your hypothesis."

Opening the file she's been working on, she pointed at the area of where it all occurred while explaining, "During our encounter, I felt someone else in the area, but my main focus was to eliminate the Bringe Eater and it appeared who ever it was held a grudge against the ghoul or me."

She sighed, "I managed to get to safety unlike the Bringe Eater."

Frowning, she sat down when she decided to include her hunch of who was responsible, "But I feel like it was another ghoul who assisted in killing the Bringe Eater. I believe it was a clown who got involved." Leaning against her hand while casting her faded eyes aside, "But they fled the scene before I had the chance to investigate it any further. So instead I went to check on the victim."

Arima picked up the file as he went through it himself, be he glanced up to see how the girl appeared distress over the bystander that was caught. He returned his attention to the paper work while asking, "How serve were the injuries?"

"They... They didn't make it..." Yuzuki curled her fingers as she lied to him, "The damage was beyond repair."

"Yuzuki, please file a report regarding the Bringe Eater and hand it in to me tomorrow morning." Arima set the file down while explaining to Yuzuki what was needed to do in regards with the information before he took his leave, "You did a good job out there on your own, but there could be some improvement."

Standing, she pulled the file closer to her while nodding, "Yes sir."

"Also," He looked over his shoulder to reassure her of the burden she took upon herself, "Don't mourn over the death of the Innocent bystander, you surely did your best and you prevent anymore else to fall victim under the Bringe Eater."

Walking up to him, she smiled faintly, "Thank you father."

"Get some rest now, Yuzuki." He offered her a faint smile once he opened the door, "Goodnight."

Closing the door behind the man, she smiled again before turning away, "Goodnight father."

3rd Pov

Eto smirked to herself once spotting the boy up on a little ledge, "You like heights, don't you~?"

Ayato looked down at the short ghoul from the corner of his eyes, "What is it now?"

Lacing her fingers behind her, Eto tilted her head up at him, "How it go with Phantom-chan?"

"She didn't agree or even bothered to listen." Leaping down, he shoved his hands to his pockets while frowning, "She asked me about that clown named Souta."

The short woman snickered to herself, twirling around as she continued to laugh at the news, "I knew she would do that~" Pausing, Eto grinned at the information that Yuzuki was searching for something, but the petite ghoul grinned to herself, "Oh! She's on a new information hunt~! Interesting..."

He narrowed his eyes while sneering, "Then why the hell you sent me?"

"I wanted to mess with my little sister~" Waving her hand around, she walked passed the boy as she pointed over to him without acknowledging him, "I also wanted you to meet the Phantom in person. See if you can stand against her after what Cheshire has taught you already."

He clicked his tongue in annoyance while mentioning, "Tck- She managed to put me down within seconds. The old man's training isn't all that great like you made it out to be."

Turning on her heels, "He knows what he's doing, but you're not listening." Folding her arms behind her while smirking, "I even believe if he ever meets Phantom then he'll actually be a challenge for her."

Raising a brow at the short ghoul while looking over his shoulder, "Phantom, she knows too much, doesn't she? "

"Correct!" Nodding, she turned to face the city while a sinister smirk crossed her lips, "Which is why I like keeping tabs on her, sometimes I find out something new."

Ayato held a bored expression as he shrugged his shoulders, "Then why didn't you send Cheshire to deal with her?"

Raising a brow over to the young ghoul as he stood not too far from her, but Eto giggled, "That won't be too much fun, I rather prefer if he doesn't run into her any time soon." Sitting down on the ledge, she kicked her legs while adding, "It's for the better."

Snorting, he stared down at the ground while muttering, "Whatever."

"Oh~ You got a few minutes to meet up with your sensei~" Tilting her head over to him while snickering at the boy, "Don't want to make him wait or else you'll be in trouble little rabbit~!"

Rolling his eyes, Ayato leaped down onto the ground, "Ugh!" Frowning, he walked down the dirt path towards the training area that his mentor always uses, but Ayato wasn't in the best of moods to train.

"I wonder what he'll say to him?" Leaning back on her hands, Eto watched Ayato wonder through the woods and the sadistic ghoul grinned, "No matter! It's all falling into plan and surely things will get interesting~"

Ayato kicked the dirt as he arrived, but he kept a stoic expression when he spotted the man standing near the edge, but the boy didn't bother acknowledging him nor did he say anything in regards of arriving late. He raised a brow the moment he heard his name, but Ayato only frowned when he realized it was a lecture.

The black haired man didn't bother turning, he kept his eye out towards the city lights off in the distance as he lectured the boy, "You're late once again, Ayato." Sighing, he closed his violet eyes while folding his arms behind him, "You can't possibly think that habit would serve you any good."

Ayato frowned at the older ghoul, crossing his arms before the man continued on lecturing him about his kagune and other stuff. The young teen rolled his eyes before biting back, "Stop acting as if you're like my old man!"

The one eyed ghoul sighed, removing his cheshire mask while tilting his head over at the tempered boy, "I'm trying to make sure you don't kill yourself Ayato." He sighed while stating, "The world is quite cruel and you need to be able to handle yourself without any help."

The young ghoul only snorted back, "I can handle myself just fine."

Raising a brow, the man hooked his mask onto his belt while walking up to him, "Oh really?"

"Yeah!"

He chuckled at him while bringing up the recent event, "I've heard different," Crossing his arms as he smirked at the boy, "You couldn't last a couple minutes against that ghoul you were sent to speak to."

Ayato glared back while defending himself, "She was lucky that's all! I can take care of myself perfectly fine without your help or anyone's."

Raising a brow, the older ghoul unfolded his arms, "Then prove it."

He had the young kid pinned without much hassle. The ghoul sighed, "Ayato, I only want to make sure you tap that potential." Removing his foot off him, "I'm not your father, and I never intend to make you feel like I am. So forgive me if I acted in such matter."

Looking at the distance while resting his fingers over his scarred blinded eye which he removed the bandage from earlier. However he'll cover it up again since he hates the sight of it, "I... I lost my daughter, my wife, my home, and the vision in my eye. I lost it all. All because I wasn't strong enough."

He chuckled bitterly, "I gave into this cruel world, into it's pure destruction in which I have accepted into my heart." Crossing his arms as he frowned to himself, "I gave into the madness..."

Looking over to the tempered boy get up with a indifferent expression, "I'm aware you're doing this to protect your own sister. So let me help you to get stronger." Releasing a heavy breath while wrapping some gauze over his left eye, "My sole duty is to guide you to your fullest potential and then my job is done when you become a fine leader."

"So what..." Ayato brushed off the dirt, sending a glare towards the man, "Why do you even care if I die or not?"

"I see that you have a bright future ahead of you," Picking up his mask, he smiled to himself, "...Then I see a younger version of myself." Glancing over to the kid, "Sorry, I said like a father again. Forgive me again, Ayato."

Ayato casted his eyes away, shoving his hands into his pockets as he muttered, "It's... It's whatever."

"But I can assume you have a question for me."

"Have you ever taught anyone else your techniques?" Raising a brow at his mentor as he tried to understand a few things regarding the Phantom, "Or does anyone else uses it?"

"No one." Furrowing his brows, he held his chin while stating, "I taught no one any of this. My own mentor has been long gone, so it left only me." Turning over to his subordinate as he asked, "Why?"

"I ran into a ghoul that used a very similar move and I thought you might've known." "You always talking nonsense and all that crap, but you fight without much effort."

"Who?"

"Phantom."

"I heard rumors but never met the ghoul myself, but it's interesting to know..." Frowning, Cheshire held his chin while pondering a few things as he muttered, "I'll have to find this, Phantom."

"Not gonna happen," Ayato took a sit on the edge as he waved his hand carelessly while informing his mentor of a few things, "Rumors are that you gotta know someone or have real purpose for you to actually talk to the Phantom." He frowned, leaning back on his hands as he stared up at the dark sky, "I only recently ran into her because I was sent to talk to her about Aogori which didn't go so well."

Cheshire rested a hand on his hip while staring off to the forbidden city that he abandoned while smirking, "Hmm... Guess, I'll have to dig around, but I don't want to waste my time on a wild goose chase." Chuckling to himself, the ghoul grinned before he whispered, "ça va être fou."

"What are you speaking about now?" Looking over his shoulder, he eyes the man as he narrowed his eyes, "Sometimes I think you're crazy when you talk in that language."

Laughing, the man sat down but he kept a distance from Ayato, yet he smirked at the boy, "je pourrais être."

Ayato frowned, he turned away while muttering, "Whatever."

The two didn't say anything else regarding the topic of the mysterious ghoul that roamed within the wards nor did they bother starting any form of conservation. They haven't been on the best of terms since Ayato is still adjusting to having a authority figure while Cheshire needed to settle with the fact that he needed to connect back to his humane side. Surprisingly, the two would get along on rare cases, but most of the time it was lectures and remarks passed to each other.

The young ghoul lowered his eyes, he recalled how Phantom and his own mentor held similar traits regarding how they fight then something about their own personalities were familiar. Both insisted in helping him and despite the fact it annoyed him deeply, Ayato still couldn't brush aside the possibly connection. Yet it could be mere coincidence that Phantom and Cheshire have a similar form of techniques.

The dark blue haired boy glanced over to the man, who had his one eye closed while leaning back on his hands. Ayato never understood him but one thing is for sure it wasn't too bad having the old man around.

Ayato snorted while looking away as he brought up a forgotten topic, "What was her name? You talk about her all the time like she was everything." Frowning, he clicked his tongue in annoyance, "It gets annoying."

The man chuckled while remembering the simpler days, "Yuzuki. Her name was Yuzuki and she had this power in her that I can't help but feel proud and envy over. She was my world along with my wife..." A faint smile slipped across his lips, lowering his eyes before glancing over to his subordinate, "You might've liked her too if she was around."

"Tck-" Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ayato frowned as he leaned against his knee while his other leg dangling off the cliff, "If she's was anything like you then I doubt it. You're annoying enough and I don't want to think about your daughter."

A/N: Thank you for those who viewed and followed/favorited it along with your reviews. I really appreciated it! I'll update probably some point next week depending how long it takes to have Chap 9 done. Thank you for reading and I hope to hear from you guys through reviews. 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 love to hear your feedback.

Next Chap we'll see how Kaneki handles the changes that he'll have to face and he'll be looking for help in controlling the unwanted thoughts. Along with Yuzuki's trip down to 13th Ward due to her job while still keeping her job a secret from Kaneki, but things get complicated when he stumbles into some issues.

Until then, hope you have a good day wherever you are :)