"Kanou, and the reborn Kishou Arima stand before the Clowns!"
Kanou sighs as Uta and the others tense up while he steps forward another metre. "You really don't have to be so worried about me… I only wish to know your motives. I don't know what your goal is, and that bugs me". Roma sneers. "As if we'd tell you, mad doctor. Get lost, you have no place among us".
Kanou laughs as the reanimated Arima raises a chipped and rusting Quinque. "Somehow I knew that you would be…. Uncooperative. Arima, would you care to educate these-"He pauses, smiling at the Clowns. "Children of the Garden". Nico raises his hand to his lips dramatically. "Oh dear. The old man knows far too much already. Should we get rid of him?" Roma nods and cracks her knuckles mockingly.
Itori sighs. "I guess I'll fight if I have to…. And you were such an interesting guy too, Kanou-san". She licks her lips before leaping into the air, barely dodging Arima's Quinque by a hair and wrapping her legs around the reanimation's neck, slowly squeezing. Arima makes a choking noise as he heaves the female off of him, catching Roma's Kagune with the flat of his Quinque.
Kanou tuts and shakes his head in disappointment. "This will truly be a tragedy. The infamous Clowns being brought down by little old me"… There's a pause as the Arima-zombie raises his Quinque and slashes at Roma ferociously. Suddenly, Itori unleashes her Kagune, a deep blue Bikkaku that she slammed into Arima with full force, causing the undead investigator to be thrown through a wall.
Now Nico and Uta step in front of the women, Uta rubbing his eyes with his hands. Black and red stained tears streak down his face from between his fingers and Kanou laughs. "Are you weeping with despair, Uta of the Clowns?" Instead of despairing, Uta begins to laugh, his mirth shaking his whole body. "Despair? Why on earth would I despair when I'm having so much fun!?"
He raises his head and drops his arms to his sides loosely. The ink from his scleral tattoos have been washed away by the tears and now Uta's single Kakugan glints in his left eye as he grins at the shocked doctor. "What? You aren't one of my test subjects!". Uta waggles his finger at Kanou. "Kanou, Kanou, Kanou… There is another way to make a One Eyed Ghoul… You of all people should know that already".
Akhira Kanou watches as Uta unleashes his Kagune, a grey Rinkaku, and shapes it into a sword before cleanly decapitating the undead Arima, returning him once again to the grave. He wipes his sweating brow, taking a step backwards as Nico removes his cleverly placed contacts and Roma and Itori remove their masks. Four One Eyed Ghouls stand in a semicircle around him as he gets to his feet and sprints as fast as his old legs can.
"Naturals? No fucking way! I've got to rethink my strategy…" The Clowns watch him retreat into the darkness but do not follow. Uta looks towards his fellows and sighs while closing his eyes, the Kakugan disappearing and revealing two dark green eyes. "Now that his undead Arima has failed, he's going to pull all his shots… We need to hurry"…
Zero sat across the huge oak table from Hanzo and his brother Tashii, the Sentinel. Doctor Li sat next to Zero as he silently ate his bread, olive oil and salmon platter. Hanzo raises his wineglass to Zero and smiles faintly. "Here's to the guy who saved our asses. Say, Zero… Are you competing in the Games today?
The One Eye takes a bite out of his bread and nods without saying a word. The younger ghoul raises an eyebrow but simply chuckles. "Not one for talking much are you?" Zero shakes his head. "No". Before Hanzo gets the chance to start throwing things, Tashii intervenes. "So, Zero. Where are you from? What was it like being locked in that container?"
Zero's head suddenly throbs as he attempts to think about it. He takes a sip of wine, trying to ignore the pain and raises his eyes to Tashii. "I don't remember. Whenever I try to piece it together it hurts me, and every time I remember something, it means nothing and slowly it too slips away…" Damien Li looks at him intently. "That's the most I've ever heard you say in one go. You're improving..."
The man frowns. "Improving? To whom should I need to prove myself to?" Li folds his arms and looks over at Tashii. "Tashii, why don't you tell him?" The Sentinel shrugs and turns to Zero again. "Lord Ebara decreed that you be entered as a contestant in today's Games to determine which division you should join in the Sanctuary. The Games are essentially a one-on-one or two-on-two battle royale so it's not overly complex".
Zero nods. "So I'm being made sport of then. Very well, these ghouls will get their entertainment for my own benefit it seems". Tashii nods. "You understand I see. To be honest, I'm waiting to see if once people have seen you fight, the Commander will select you first". Hanzo gapes at him. "I know I told you about the fight but do you really think he'll choose an outsider? You know how reclusive he is even within the Sanctuary".
The Sentinel shrugs. "It remains to be seen. Well, I must attend to the Commander. I will be among his entourage at the Games. Farewell for now". The three remaining ghouls watch as Tashii exits the room. Hanzo now rises to his feet and motions towards Zero. "Come on. We need to prepare for the games as well. Got to find you a battle suit first. See you later Doctor". Zero nods in farewell to Li as he and Hanzo exit the Doctors household and set off down the dusty street towards the centre of the city.
After 15 minutes walking, they stop outside a studio shop with a wide open window displaying all manner of masks and clothing. After entering the store, the duo are immediately set upon by a plump man wearing a rich blue robe. Blue seemed to be a common theme in Sanctuary, Zero thought to himself as the ghoul introduces himself in a somewhat French accent. "Welcome to Francis Studios monsieur Zero. I've heard so much about you since you arrived. It's wonderful to finally meet you!"
Zero smiles wanly, hoping that it would suffice to keep the man happy. It did. The shop owner, whose name was Francis, gave him a tour of the shop and instructed him to pick out any mask that he thought he liked. Hanzo joins him as he looks up in amusement at the wide array of foolish and silly looking masks, masks that were supposed to be intimidating, and downright ugly.
He's about to give up when a certain mask catches his eye. Shoved far back inside what looked to be a discount box lay a very simple looking mask. It was plain white and possessed only one hole for the left eye and had huge gaping lips that twisted into a gruesome smile. Something about the mask seemed to call out to Zero and he picks it up, examining it closer. Francis comes up to them and raises an eyebrow as Zero hands him the mask.
"Are you sure you want that one? It's just a failed design. I was planning on throwing it out anyway… If you're certain then… I guess I'll throw it in for free. You are buying clothing right?"
Many hours later, Hanzo and Zero emerge from the studio, a paper bag stuffed in the crook of Zero's arm. Hanzo turns to him, then points at a large circular building near the Tower of the Council. "That's the stadium there. Behind it you'll find the contestant's entrance so get over there as quickly as you can ok? I need to run an errand". With that Hanzo runs off back towards the doctor's house leaving Zero alone…
Noro's voice booms throughout the meeting hall as the S3 and S2 Divisions assemble before him. The CCG's best and brightest, all condensed into one task force in order to combat the first SS+ rated Ghoul in 25 years. Kuzo stood next to Noro upon the dais as the Special Class details the situation and the game plan.
"As you would have all heard by now, three weeks ago Special Class Katsume's Squad was almost completely wiped out. They were pursuing the investigation of Chinese ghoul Doctor Damian Li and his bodyguard. After pursuing them into Xing Province, the team was set upon by an unknown ghoul that Katsume gave a SS+ rating. It was his last action as an investigator and you would all do well to heed this warning".
"We believe that this ghoul and the doctor are part of a Chinese ghoul organization based in the Xing Mountains. The S2 division will be joined by Special Class Arima and the S3 division in order to ensure that we're ready for anything". He turns to Kuzo and nods towards him. "This is Rank One Investigator Alexander and he will be joining S3, but as part of my own personal squad. His Quinque skills are unparalleled, truly, and I hope you'll all give him a warm welcome".
Kuzo almost squirmed as all those eyes are set upon him as he bows and returns to his seat. In the week since his battle with Noro, his hair, which had always been completely white since birth had begun slowly turning black at the crown. This irritated him greatly but he chose to ignore it. Plagued by short sight, a trait his mother Eto had claimed that he got from his father, the young investigator had also taken to wearing his glasses all the time.
His vision blurs slightly and the spectral Hikari Kirishima appears crouching next to him. "So what was your childhood like hmm? You already know everything about me. You knew as soon as you said my real name. But I don't know a thing about your past…" Kuzo glances at her and sends out his thoughts instead of appearing to be talking to himself. "I grew up in the 6th Ward. My mother was a One Eyed Ghoul named Eto and my stepfather was a Chinese ghoul named Tatara. My real dad disappeared before I was born… Any time I tried to talk to mom about it she always got a pained expression".
Hikari picks at her nail. "Hmm… Tragic… But why did you join the CCG even though you're a ghoul? And why don't you have one eye like your mother?" Kuzo shrugs. "Mother always told me when I was younger that I needed to become an Investigator. She said it was the best way to learn how to blend in with human society. And it's because my father was also a One Eye that I have two Kakugan. A child of two One Eyed Ghouls will never be born a One Eye himself…"
He shakes his head, waking himself from his own thoughts and Hikari promptly disappears. Noro is looking at him with concern and Kuzo smiles, standing and following him out of the meeting hall. Erashi encounters him in the hallway and stops to talk to him. He hadn't had the chance to speak with her since the incident in the training facility the week before.
"Morning Erashi. I hear you got promoted to First Class yesterday". Erashi smiles and nods, showing him the Directors gift, the Quinque Ginkui. Suddenly she looks at him and her face crumples. "I'm so inconsiderate. They pushed back your promotion didn't they? It's because you're about to go on such a dangerous mission I believe…" Kuzo nods, but smiles. "It's ok. Congratulations on the promotion. You get you own squad now don't you? What's the first assignment?"
Erashi sighs, folding her arms and suddenly looking much more experienced. "I have orientation with my new squad tonight, and we're being deployed into the 23rd Ward to pick up the One Eyed Owl Investigation". Kuzo's heart skips a beat. They were going after his mother? After 25 years? "The Owl? But she disappeared over 25 years ago. No one's heard of her or Tatara since…"
"I know. But that's the case. I don't think they actually expect us to fight them, a SSS rated ghoul? No thanks. I don't care if it's been 25 years. But it's my job to find them for some reason. Orders from above". Kuzo nods slowly. "Well, this is a very prospective mission for you. Do well, and it'll go a long way towards another promotion". Erashi nods and says her farewells as the two of them part, neither of them knowing that it would seem a lot longer than a week before they saw each other again…
The onlooking crowd cheered as Zero stepped out into the moonlit stadium. He had a sneaking suspicion the cheering wasn't for him as his first opponent steps out from his holding pen. "Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for the next round! On the red team, we have a fan favorite of last year's Games, Aikishi Rotero, and for the blue team we have a newcomer to Sanctuary, Zero!"
The commentator runs off some facts about Rotero and pauses before ignoring Zero entirely while raising a gun high into the air. "Round 12 begins in 3….2….1….Begin!" The two ghouls begin circling each other slowly. Rotero wore only a pair of black ripped pants and no shirt, exposing his massive muscles to the cool night air. Meanwhile, Zero had donned the mask he had picked up at the clothing store and wore a plain drab looking brown robe with a hood so only his mask was visible.
Rotero suddenly darts forward, whispering in Zero's ear. "You sure you can fight with only one eyehole outsider? Cocky bastard". The larger ghoul unleashes his powerful Bikkaku Kagune and slams it with all his might into the spot where Zero had stood not a moment earlier. Rotero's eyes narrow, darting around looking for his opponent.
Zero materialises to his left and taps him on the shoulder, kicking the huge Kagune aside before slamming the palm of his hand into Rotero's sternum, sending the big man flying backwards into the stone wall of the stadium. Dust and rubble rain down over the fallen ghoul's shoulders but he merely shakes it off and rises to his feet, glaring.
After a few more bouts of the same scenario, Zero physically overpowering Rotero and Rotero striking back, he pulled a small cube shaped object from his back pocket, crushing it in his fist. Red light spews forth and into Rotero's hand materialises a long spear with bladed edges. He grins maliciously as the crowd gasps but no one intervenes. Technically, using a Quinque in the Games was allowed.
Swinging the Quinque over his head, Rotero tenses his shoulders and charges, the spear-blade poised in front of him. Zero sighs. This asshole is trying to kill me now… He jumps, one of his feet landing atop the spear shaft and using the momentum to propel himself over the top of Rotero's head. The big ghoul didn't even feel the sudden force whipping past his head, causing a long red line to appear until blood began trickling down his neck.
Rotero breathes heavily, turning around and raising a hand to his wound. Zero's dark Kagune coils around his legs like a snake, constantly circling around slowly. Rotero pulls a smart move and throws the Quinque, hoping to pin his opponents Kagune to the ground. Zero darts to the right and arcs his Kagune around to his left, causing Rotero to be facing him while his Kagune homed in from behind.
The man rolls to the side, but Zero's Kagune swiftly changes course and lashes across the back of Rotero's knees, causing the ghoul to trip before rising shakily to his feet at the other end of the arena. The Quinque stood, still quivering, in the dirt where Rotero had thrown it and as he moves to take it, another limb tears away from Zero's back, forming into a twisted hand and lashing out at the Quinque before his opponent can grab it.
Rotero had managed to tear through his hood earlier and chip his mask, which now falls away from his face as he cocks his head, looking at Rotero. Both he and the crowd collectively stop breathing as Zero's single Kakugan quivers slightly. Immediately, Rotero raises both his hands, signalling that he gave up. Suddenly the crowd breaks into applause and cheering once again, this time towards Zero himself. He feels an odd sensation in his chest. This must be pride…
The commentator enters the arena through a side door, raising his hand to shake Zero's own. As Zero ponders a way to avoid touching the man, a faint change in the air flow behind him causes the One Eye to lash out with his Kagune, impaling his unknown assailant. The attacker chuckles softly as Zero turns his head. The ghoul was dressed in all black stylish clothing beneath a great black coat. His deep blue hair struck a chord within Zero's mind, causing him to wince internally.
The blue-haired ghoul's Kagune was an Ukkaku in the form of two crystalline wings, only stubs now that Zero had smashed them to pieces. As the man grunts approvingly, his Kagune turns from Crystal to flowing light then disappears altogether. "You countered my attack without even looking. You're good. Very good". Suddenly Tashii runs out from a side door to the man's side. "Lord Kirishima what are you doing?" Kirishima shrugs. "I was testing him. Say….Zero…. How would you like to join the Sentinels?"
Zero raises an eyebrow. He knew this man, but didn't know how or why. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure…" "Ayato. Ayato Kirishima, member of the Council and Commander of the Sentinels who guard this city. And you sir, are a man I would like on my support squad…"
Erashi looks at the young man standing at the doorway to her apartment. He had an almost impish look about him with curly brown hair and angular ears and chin. She steps aside to let him inside. "You must be Takashi. Welcome and please help yourself to the food. The two investigators sit down and eat in awkward silence for a moment. Finally, her new partner raises his head from his food.
"First Class Erashi, it's good to meet you at last. My condolences for your loss". Erashi balls her hand into a fist beneath the table but soon calms down. This man's polite and friendly demeanour wasn't forced. "Thank you Rank 2 Takashi, It's good to have you on board". He nods silently. "I was told that we would be working on the One Eyed Owl Investigation… Is that true?"
Erashi sighs and folds her arms. "It sure is. We've been given a part in the investigation that's currently being overseen by Associate Special Class Ito. It could be a dangerous assignment but I hear you were Valedictorian of your class in the Academy in both Academic and Combat units. I think you'll do just fine Takashi-kun".
Takashi seems to give in inward sigh of relief. His first mentor wasn't a bitch. "Yeah I guess so. We have over 35 years of previous investigative material for the investigation also. I look forward to working with you First Class Erashi. Thank you". He smiles, and the two of them continue eating their meal…
2 days later…
Noro joined his wife, Special Class Arima upon the top of the sparsely vegetated ridge overlooking a small village below. Hiyori continues staring off into the distance as he approaches. "This is the last known location of Doctor Damien Li. This ghoul stronghold should be in those mountains to the northwest".
Now she turns to Noro, smiling faintly, the wind ruffling her near-perfect hair that had been tied into a manageable bun atop her head. "Are you ready dear? This isn't going to be easy but these Chinese ghouls need to be wiped out". Noro nods resolutely, raising a hand. As he does this, the S2 and S3 Divisions spread out on the ridge behind them, Kuzo, Suzuya, Mutsuki, Saiko and Akira Mado standing before the rest of the task force. Noro sighs, then raises his Quinque.
"Begin the operation!"
"The CCG advances! Powerful forces are about to clash in the Xing Mountains!"
End Tokyo Ghoul: Crimson 03
Next time: Anguish