Touka stared at Ayato with narrowed murderous eyes from her crouched position. "How could you expect that plan to work?"
A whimsical laugh was heard from the bound ghoul. "You think this investigator and his ghouls can keep you safe? They'll come for me." Navy bangs fell over his piercing eyes.
L turned from Renji and Light. "You're right. They will. I plan on them coming. I've also made arrangements for when they do, I am prepared for a small task force up to an army. Let's hope they have the senses not to bring a large group. It's much easier to deal with a smaller cluster. That being said..." He dismissively turned his back to the rogue ghoul and continued to speak in a hushed tone. "I however, did not anticipate the CCG making a move. We'll need to step lighter, I can't afford the destruction of any of my allies, from ghoul or human hands alike. I can't afford that loss in trust."
The three turned, all gave questioning stares to Beyond and Juuzou who had stepped in from the back entrance of the restaurant. Renji returned to the bar to begin making a sandwich. "You two have been missing for some time." His voice took a slightly suspicious tone. "Where?"
The pair smirked at each other before Juuzou placed himself at the bar. "Seeming as little to no information can be gathered on the ghoul army amassing on the outskirts of the ward, other than general observations, we did a little reconnaissance work on the CCG. As I am still an investigator and Wolf is still a member, it was easier for us to gather what they could possibly be doing… Turns out, they're looking for L, not Eyepatch."
Beyond nodded in agreement to the information. "Subsequently, L, I am no longer your partner as far as CCG records state. Consequently, to our little escapades, Juuzou is now a registered Raven."
Stormy grey eyes studied the two in question before sighing briefly. "It was necessary, I don't like it, but it couldn't be helped. Thank you, for gathering that intel. I want you two to operate on the CCG's side of the battle. I suggest working on your teamwork so it isn't blatantly obvious it's the first time you've battled together. That being said, Juuzou, keep count of your fingers and toes."
L's eyes drifted towards Touka. "You're role has now become imperative, you and Renji will deliver Ken to the CCG, as a peace treaty, offering acceptance of the CCG in your ward. You will depart with Juuzou and B. They WILL keep you safe… Is that clear?" His eyes drifted to the newly appointed partners. Both of them nodded dismissively in response. "The plan is to leave Ayato here, well, not here directly, but unguarded, in a safe location where Aogiri can find him. I want them to take him back with them. No doubt they will fight to secure Ken once again. Juuzou, B. You will make that objective impossible during the inevitable battle. By then, I want Touka and Renji to have fully retreated back to Uta's mask shop."
An odd suffocating silence fell over the shop. Light smirked before speaking. "You thought we didn't know? The CCG doesn't. L does."
Touka stood and took a couple steps away from her brother. "Why would we let him go? Why not come back here? Why risk Uta? Why would we turn Ken in? Where will you be?"
Haunched in a crouched fashion while rubbing his lower lip with his thumb L hummed before speaking. "All valid questions. Previously, I was going to be with you and Renji. However, with the CCG investigating my whereabouts, I suspect they're on to me… And my side investigations. Tell me, Touka, do you know the implications of ghouls? Their origins? It's the million dollar question, is it not? Where did they come from? When did they come from? How did they come to be this way? I recently began digging into the back files that the CCG had on the origins. It seems that they too, are just as confused. But it also seems that they are doing research into how to make more. Not intentionally, it's not how the study first began. It first came about in experimenting with ghoul RC in order to advance humanity, as not to be as susceptible to ghoul attacks." L folded his fingers together in an interlaced fashion on the table top. "So. The CCG, who delved into the world of ghouls and experimentation, thus leading to torture of a certain class of individuals, in order to propel humans into being more than livestock… But, I suspect this has always been the case. IF my timeline is indeed correct, ghouls have always been, for approximately 1000 years. Of course, this is sustaining on the information that ghouls only began when man kind first noted their existence… Which as we know, is more than likely a faulty logic."
Touka groaned and sat herself across from L. "Get to the point."
L smiled behind his hands, the light illuminating his charcoal irises. "The point is: me as a neutral minded individual who wishes nothing but peace between the classes: who do I ally myself with? The rogue ghoul agency that seems to be uprising or the human agency that has always been at the seat of power." He unfolded his hands and held them out in a scale like motion. "In one hand…" The investigator held up his right hand. "We have the radical Aogiri. They strive for ghouls to take their rightful place and the helm of society, they're the stronger class, thus making them powerful leaders." He lifted his left hand. "Or. Do I side with the torturous organization of the CCG, who commits atrocities on a daily basis. In order to create a semblance of equality."
Renji smirked as he set the sandwich down in front of Juuzou who seemed to be captivated by the other investigator. "Now you see why the old manager trusted him."
L narrowed his eyes. "I cannot ally myself with either. If I ally with Aogiri, who seeks the freedom of their enslaved and tortured people, we succeed. Then what? I, as a human, am at a strong disadvantage in any debates with them. I will have to go into hiding, along with any other human with two brain cells that rub together. There is no peace to be found there. Humans will become fodder." L closed his right hand. "Humans will become livestock. Although, life as a ghoul will seem much better, until food starts to run short. The only hope they'd have is to generate a sustainable food source that doesn't rely on humans. This will create more kakuja's prior to its success. This will breed yet another uprising of cannibalism. That will not do. Not in the slightest."
Beyond lifted himself from the bar and watched out of the window, his hand in his pocket. "It pains me to say; but my type of Ghoul is the worst. Not picky, fast and efficient hunters and nearly impossible to kill without the correct weaponry or a very well placed blow."
L sighed and closed his left hand, resting it on the table. "I cannot ally myself to the CCG either. They commit war crimes against ghouls, not even innocent, law abiding ghoul citizens can rest easy. They snatch them up to either harvest their organs or make weapons with their bodies. These are crimes that should be punishable by death. I cannot sit silently any longer. There just simply cannot be one reigning class, but a government of both classes set up to work together. And… If my total research is correct… The CCG is being led by a family clan that has always closely been linked to the ghoul kind… What purpose does that serve? I have too many questions myself to fully explain my position in this struggle. For now: just know that I am on the side of justice. Any whom are wronged will be defended and any who are committing crimes will be seen too in my fullest extent."
Juuzou widened his eyes and spoke with his mouth partially full. "You're talking about treason!"
Slow but loud clapping was heard coming in through the entrance. "Now, that's a movement I can get behind…" Juuzou stiffed at the sound of the voice as a tall and slender man rounded the corner. Well groomed blue hair shined in the lighting of the restaurant. A pressed and fitted scarlet suit surrounded the eccentric man. "I would be able to help with your location, Raven." He opened his mouth to speak once again but found himself being circled by Beyond. A rhythmic laughter was heard while scenting their air. "O-Ho! My, my. A binge Kakuja? You're a terrifyingly perfect example as to why we must overthrow the current government. Of course, for the overall good."
L narrowed his eyes and crinkled his nose. "Gourmet, Shuu Tsukiyama. Why should I trust you?"
The prim man chuckled at the group, "Can you afford not to?"
Turning his gaze the the model-like ghoul. "I suppose I cannot. I've read over your profile and you background. It seems we strive for similar objectives… But, you will have to fall into a line, whose will it be?"
He shrugged whimsically, "I suppose, I too, have too many questions to truly pick a side. Makes us a dangerous alliance." He licked his lips. "But, if what you say you strive for is true, I think we could work something out…" His eyes eyes tracked the circling ghoul once again. "What were you? A vulture in another life?"
Beyond growled lowly before returning to his position at the window. "I will be your unmaker if you cross L."
Shuu chuckled as he set his coat down. "If he aims for the moon, I fully believe he'll hit his target. But, if not, and he misses, I'll be there to give him the ammo he needs to reload." He cynical smile plastered itself against his plush lips. "It's time that the world sees that a change is needed."
A/N: You asked and you received :D
