Does Man Make The Monster?

Chapter 1

A Mother's Love

(A/N PLEASE READ THIS FIRST! I AM DOING SOME REWRITES OF THE CHAPTERS, HOWEVER, THEY WILL BE FAR AND IN BETWEEN. I'M WORKING ON MY OWN NOVEL AND I'M FOCUSING MORE ON THAT SO CHANCES ARE THE STORY WILL BE STAGNATE FOR A WHILE. I'M MOSTLY JUST CLEANING UP CHAPTERS, MAKING BETTER FLOW, AND CHANGING SOME INTERACTIONS AND SITUATIONS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTINUITY WILL BE ALTERED AS YOU READ DO TO THE REWRITES. Another thing. There is no full-bring or Quincey arc. I didn't care too much for either but I really hate the Full-bring arc the most.)

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

Inner Voices

It had been many months since Ichigo sacrificed his powers in the Winter War. It hurt him quite a bit watching his other friends continue the good fight but he couldn't be much help to them. It really stung to see them run off and basically leave him behind. They tried to include him from time to time but it just wasn't the same. He couldn't even see the hollows much less a simple plus soul. He felt like a burden on them not being able to see what was going around him or being able to help fight. He felt more like a spectator than anything and it hurt him deeply. He felt like he could no longer protect his friends like he once had.

After graduation Ichigo tried to find a job that might make him feel like he once did. So he decided to try being a police officer. He enrolled in a police academy and graduated with fairly high marks. Although this filled a good chuck of that missing need to protect it still didn't feel like it was enough. He then thought about joining the military but after much debate decided against it. It would take him too far from his family and friends and the military was a little too strict for his tastes.

So, for a while he worked as a simple beat officer. He often worked nights, walking Karakura's dark streets, which was fine by him. On occasion he would catch Uryu, Orihime, and Chad working on taking down a hollow. It was nostalgic to him but he often just let them be. He didn't need to be the victim of a hollow attack. Been there and done that way too many times.

One night, however, he was told that 3 investigators from Tokyo of all places would be coming down to deal with a certain problem. A ghoul problem it would seem. The police were ordered more or less to call in any odd or suspicious goings on they saw or heard. Ghouls weren't really heard about this town. Karakura had been known more for unexplained exploding buildings. Although Ichigo knew they weren't so unexplained. It was rather explosive work dealing with unruly hollows.

For several nights nothing major happened. The city streets were quiet even by Karakura's standards. No exploding buildings aka hollow attacks. However, while Ichigo was patrolling about an hour before his shift ended he heard something suspicious. He quickened his pace and hurried to the sounds of a bad fight. He ran to a distant railing and looked down into the street below him. He watched the CCG investigators go after what he assumed was a ghoul.

He watched for a while just in amazment as they went after the large male ghoul. The ghoul was clearly strong and every bit super human. Oddly enough he sort of enjoyed watching the battle as nostalgia washed over him. He missed the days of teenage escapades. He then saw something behind the ghoul. I focused a little more and gasped in disgust. It was a body of a small child; most likely a missing person. That was something he didn't miss witnessing. The innocent being the target of things that were just out for the pleasure of killing.

The battle got heated even more and soon 2 of the three investigators were seriously injured and down for the count. At that point Ichigo knew that the tides had turned rough. He wasn't one to just leave something like this to continue. He was too high up to try and jump the railing so he pulled out his gun and took aim. He fired off several rounds at the attacking ghoul. They did little damage to the hulking brute and only succeeded in making him all the more angrier. It did, however, get his attention off the investigators.

The ghoul picked up one of the investigator's strange weapons and chucked the bladed weapon at Ichigo like a spear. From the angle the ghoul was at it looked the weapon had hit its mark and the cop was no more. He quickly went back to fighting the final investigator who was barely standing. This continued for a few short minutes. The ghoul was about to kill the last investigator but as fate would have it he was the one struck down.

To the ghoul's surprise and the investigator's the lone cop that was thought dead had managed to make a critical blow from out of nowhere. The bladed Quinque was buried deep in the ghoul's back. In a fit of rage the ghoul quickly focused solely on Ichigo. However, the deep wound was slowing him down considerably. The investigator watched the fight in bewildered amazement. The simple beat cop had some real kick ass skills and knew full well what he was doing. The cop was really holding his own against the ghoul like a seasoned veteran. The investigator's jaw even dropped a little as he watch the final match unfold.

Then with one well place blow to the back of the neck the ghoul was down for good. Ichigo huffed some to catch his breath as he stood up straight and swung the Quinque onto his shoulder like he done with Zangetsu so long ago. He looked at the large blade and realized he liked this feeling. He had missed it for so long. At last he finally had a real battle and it felt so good. He could tell he was rusty but he was still good on several points. The investigator was highly impressed with the orange headed cop. So much so he proposed that Ichigo forget being a simple police officer and lend his skills to the CCG. That did sound like a good idea but then again he would have to move to Tokyo. Did he really want to go that far from home?

News of what Ichigo did spread like fire through the town. Being that a ghoul had never been found in town before it really put Ichigo in the spotlight. He wasn't fond of all the attention he was getting. However, it did push him to finally accept the invitation to train to be a proper ghoul investigator. It was better pay for sure but it might just fill that blank spot in his heart. He finally made his decision and accept the urgent invite.

He moved to Tokyo and enrolled into the academy starting his new life as a ghoul investigator. This was certainly more physical than his police training which was just want he wanted and needed in his stagnate life. He soon learned, however that the CCG was basically a branch of military when really broken down. He soon earned a reputation for himself in the academy for his battle skills. He was often asked where he had picked up ablitities and perfected his amazing skills. He often gave half-ass answers or avoided them all together. The truth would have sent him to a bad house.

After graduation he moved up through the ranks and rather fast. It was clear that Ichigo was a very dedicated person to duty. The CCG couldn't have been more proud to have discovered him by mere chance but his popularly in the CCG didn't come without its usual haters. He had knocked several more experienced investigators off their pedestals. That burned several people and some of those scorched people had a few strings they could pull.

Ichigo soon learned it was very cutthroat and to not trust everyone in the CCG. He was undermined several times by those he considered friends and partners. It got to the point where Ichigo just decided to settle on Rank 1 and remain there for now. There was no point in bringing more grief trying to push for a higher rank. He became very picky about who he let in, having been stung one too many times. About the only that he was close to was Kotaro Amon.

The two had started off ruffling each other's feathers at the academy straight through graduation. However, even during their school day over time they did start to respect each other and did eventually form a close friendship outside the academy. When they weren't with their upperclassmen on missions they were often hanging out at bars or eateries.

Ichigo along with his upperclassman were eventually relocated from the main office to the 20th ward. They were to deal with the growing threat of the Binge Eater that had shown up. However, no sooner had they arrived did the Binge Eater vanish into thin air. The ghoul suddenly went into hiding but they weren't recalled just yet. Ichigo and his partner were ordered to remain on the case should the ghoul return.

It was known that the 20th ward was a rather peaceful place compared to others. That being said Ichigo started a habit of patrolling on his own. His partner, Hayashi Akane, was not fond of his habit but found she had no way to stop him. He was as slippery as bar of wet soap in her hands. Ichigo was good at sneaking out of a place like a ninja. She eventually gave up, realizing there was no leash that could hold him.

Ichigo did, however, earn a name among the ghouls from the 1st ward. They called him Hawk and it flowed him all the way to the 20th. Normally investigators were called Doves but he was so precise and skilled compared to some of the others. His quinque was a large greenish black cleaver. He had requested it to be that way. It helped him on missions as it felt the most natural to him and he was damn good with it, too.

Things for a while had been going well. There weren't many aggressive ghouls to be noted. The few that did attack him most likely did so because he was an investigator and they wanted to be rid of him. It was annoying to him but it was fight back or die. At some point, however, Ichigo started to lose interest in ghouls. It was all routine now and nothing was a real challenge to him anymore. This was an actual job he finally learned. There was no volunteer work like it had been with Soul Society. Grant it, most of the time he just joined the fight because it was the right thing to do, that, and he was more entangled than first thought. He couldn't get out if it he had wanted to.

The sky had barely started to light as morning ticked closer to 6 AM. All in all it was fairly quiet by Tokyo's standards. Like almost every night while on shift, Ichigo was out patrolling his usual areas with his briefcase gripped in on hand and the other in a warm coat pocket. He let out a yawn as he stopped at a line of vending machines. He needed a little caffeine to keep moving to end his shift. He wasn't a teenager anymore and it was starting to show little by little. He pulled some change from his pocket and put it into the desired machine. He pressed a button and his soda of choice dropped out a second later with loud clunk. He picked it up and put a nail under the small tab.

Not a moment later he heard something behind him hit the paved ground. He turned around to see a tall elderly man with a couple of plastic bags that had split open and their contents now littered the worn, cracked sidewalk. One can of what looked to be coffee ran right up to his foot. Ichigo slightly stepped the can to keep it from continuing down the shallow hill. He picked the large can up and walked over to the old man. He set his drink down, and started to help the man gather his scattered items. It was coffee, tea, sugar, and other assorted items. However there was nothing to carry the items in now and he couldn't just dump such a load in the man arms. He held a good some as did the old man.

"Thank you, young man," the old man said, trying to adjust the items in his arms. "That was very nice of you. Let's see how to work this."

"That's quite a bit. Can you carry all that?" Ichigo asked as old man gave a curt nod. "If you need help..."

"I believe I'll manage. Thank you, for your concern," the old man stated with a smile. "Just... Set them down with the others... I'll manage them."

"Yes, but how do we do this?" Ichigo mumbled trying it figure how to work everything into place.

Ichigo carefully stacked the items in the man's arms. He basically found himself playing game of Tatris with the man's groceries. Finally achieving the proper balance of food items the old man gave a small nod and walked off down the orange lit street. Ichigo picked his drink back up off the cool sidewalk. That was going to be the most eventful thing today he feared. He let out a sigh, finally opening the can, and took a couple big sips. He might as well finish up his rounds. It was about time for his shift to end anyway. A lot of stores were starting to open up for the day he noticed. He couldn't wait to get back to his apartment and just crash. Boring nights like this were the most exhausting to him mentally.

Kaneki would give anything right now than to be working in the café. It was a rather warm day outside and the sun was glaring down without a cloud in the sky. He let out a sigh as he walked back into the kitchen, setting down some empty dishes into the sink to be washed. He turned noticing the staff huddled together at the back. Yoshimura gestured him to join them. What was going on?

Kaneki made his way over to the small group. He wondered what was wrong. He stopped and stood just behind Touka waiting to see what was urgent. The manager cleared his throat a little, looking around at his employees. It needed to be said about what happened earlier that morning.

"I'm not going to keep any of you for long but this morning I ran into a very particular person. One I hope not to see again and I'm giving all of you warning to watch your steps. I had the misfortue of meeting Hawk as I made my way to the café early this morning," Yoshimura stated as everyone looked at him surprise.

"Hawk? Seriously?" Touka choked out almost taking at step back in surprise. "He's patrolling this area now?"

"Not good. Did he see your face?" Koma asked as the old man nodded.

"Yes, but I don't believe he knew I was a ghoul thank goodness," Yoshimura stated. "I dropped some items as I was walking to Anteiku. He just happened to be nearby at the time and assisted in helping me collect my things. This happened close to here and so I'm asking all of you to be careful especially at night."

"Not to sound stupid but… Who's this Hawk person?" Kaneki asked, looking a bit sheepish with shrug.

"What?! You haven't heard of him?" Kaya exclaimed in amazement, turning to look at Kaneki and he shook his head. "Wow. You're actually serious?"

"Please… You know Kaneki's a bit slow in the head," Touka snorted as she turned to face the newest waiter. "Okay, Kaneki, you know how we call investigators Doves?"

Kaneki nodded.

"Well, this particular investigator has garnered the name 'Hawk' in the ghoul community. Rumor has it he is one of the best investigators out there to date," Touka stated, bluntly. "He's got the name for his skills and technique while fighting. He's quick and precise with his attacks like a hawk swooping down on an unsuspecting rabbit. Most ghouls don't even know what hit them until it's too late."

Kaneki looked highly surprised that he was just now hearing about this investigator. He really did feel stupid for not knowing about him earlier. He rubbed the back of his head feeling rather sheepish.

"For future reference, Kaneki, Hawk is a young man in his mid-twenties, tall, thin, with a head of spiky, bright orange hair," Yoshimura clarified. "He's usually seen wearing a black suit with a red shirt and a white tie."

"Wh-what should I do if I run into him?" Kaneki asked, nervously.

"Don't act nervous and don't run. You do that and he'll know something is wrong and will pursue you," Yoshimura said in a stern tone. "Try not to engage him and carry on with what you're doing at the time. Much like what I did this morning."

"I will say this. You completely lucked out," Kouma sighed. "I mean… Really lucked out."

"Yes, I know but I wanted to let you all know as well. Let some of the other customers know as well that he's patrolling this area right now," Yoshimura ordered and the small wait staff nodded. "That's all I wanted to talk about. You may go back to work."

The small group broke up and headed back towards the front of the café. Kaneki was a little surprised to hear about this. He figured something so big in the community he might have heard of Hawk by now. It only showed just how little he still knew about this world he was just dumped into. He didn't like being so naïve and having Touka point it out like sore thumb. He didn't grow up as a ghoul and he had hoped she would be more understanding. No such luck.

A tall, thin man with bright orange hair, black suit, red shirt, and white necktie, he recalled as he walked up to a couple at a table as he pulled out his note pad. I'll have to remember that. I really hope I don't run into him. I'm such a chicken I'm liking to run like an idiot.

A couple days passed and Ichigo checked in for work. He had some paper work to fill out before he went anywhere that night. He had just sat down when he heard a knock on his door. He looked up to see his upperclassman and partner, Hayashi Akane. She leaned against the door frame, waving a thick file in her hand. She looked a little annoyed at him

"More paperwork?" he mused as she pushed off the door frame and walked into the small office.

"Yes, sorry to say," she said, setting the file down with small slap onto his messy desk. "I just got word that your friend Kotaro and his partner, Mado, are going to be here in the morning."

"What?" Ichigo blinked, looking up at her in surprise.

"They're here for a specific ghoul. We're still ordered to look for the Binge Eater, only aiding them if needed. Like that'll ever happen," Hayashi stated with a sigh, playing with a piece of her long red hair. "So far the Binge Eater case is a dead end. Why they couldn't tack this case on with us I don't know. Wasting money more people that aren't needed."

"All of this is most likely because Mado wanted it this way. He's not fond of us, remember? Well, more me than you," Ichigo answered, leaning back in his office chair. "That old goat has had it in for me for a while now."

"Well, you did steal his thunder more than once," Hayashi laughed and Ichigo rolled his eyes. "I think it's funny and yet a little sad. You're highly recognized for your sheer raw talent, and yet, it's also what people hate the most about you. "

"Yeah, like a double-edged sword…" Ichigo sighed, opening the thick file and cringed. "Oh, man! This is going to take me a while to get through this and what I already have."

"Oh, please. Look, I took half of it so stop complaining," she groaned, shaking a finger at him. "Maybe if you didn't go out on patrol all the damn time you'd be a little more caught on your paperwork."

"But I'm allergic to paperwork," he joked, acting like the paper on his desk was a deadly viper.

"Aren't we all?" she sighed, turning on her heel. "Finish your work and then go out. I'm not going to do all your paperwork again, slacker."

"Yes, Mommy Dearest…" he snorted under his breath as she walked out the door.

"I heard that, you ungrateful child," came a sharp reply from behind the wall.

He laughed a little at her response. She was always quick with a return quip. She was like the older sister he never knew he needed. She had been very good to him. He sighed and turned on his computer. While that booted up he looked through his papers to see what would take the least and most amount of time. This was certainly going to eat up the grand majority of his night. He pulled out a pen and quickly got to work on some of his older papers first.

At least he had Amon to look forward to tomorrow. It had been a while since the two actually hung out. It would be nice to catch up with each other. He wondered though what case they were coming to work on. He'd do a little snooping later, either that, or just work it out of Amon when he arrived. This is assuming he can get the man alone long enough without Mado butting in.

The old coot was disturbing Ichigo thought from day one. Well, maybe not that disturbing. He could recall several people that could fit disturbing better. CoughMayuriCough. Maybe he could call the man creepy instead? Either way the man still rubbed Ichigo the wrong way. He was always obsessing about gaining a new Quinque every chance he got. The man had a large collection and always wanted a few more. The more power the ghoul's kagune was the more he wanted them. Honestly, to Ichigo it was a sick habit to get into. He looked looked back at his paper covered desk in disgust and slammed his forehead into the desk. This was going to be a long boring night.

Ichigo yawned as he made his way up the metal stairs to his new apartment. He'd only lived there about a week and it wasn't as big as his old apartment. His old apartment building caught fire and was declared a total loss. He managed to collect a few things that survived the fire. One such item he was thankful for having the forethought to buy. A fire proof lockbox for his insurance papers, bank papers, birth certificate, and so on. That helped out a lot in get a new place.

He yawned again as he made it to his door. Damn he was tired. He never did get to go out on patrol. He was just too backlogged to even attempt it. Hayashi would have tanned his hide if he didn't get it done. He pulled out his keys from his jeans and unlocked the door. He had taken on the habit of dressing in street clothes when not a duty, complete with a hat to cover his orange hair. There were several times he got attacked by ghouls just because they knew to look for a young man with bright orange hair.

Just as he opened his door as another opened three doors down. He paused to see a young man with coal black hair and an eye-patch on his left eye step out. The blue hood of his hoodie covered his head and a brown satchel was strapped to his right shoulder. The two made eye contact for a moment. They gave each other a small nod in greeting as they passed. Ichigo closed his door as the young man walked down the stairs.

He hadn't really gotten to know his new neighbors. He's seen the teen a couple of times before and it was always the same. He was coming home and the boy was leaving, most likely to school. He missed those days and he smiled faintly. He was due for a vacation soon. He might just go back to Karakura and visit his family. It had been far too long. He would talk to them on a video chat through the computer but it wasn't the same. Speaking of computer… He needed a new one. That was one of the casualties of the fire. He couldn't even save the hard drive.

He figured he'd get something light to eat and then get some sleep. It would still be several hours before Amon and his partner arrived. Maybe a bowl of cereal? He pulled out a plastic bowl, a spoon, the milk, and a box of corn flakes. This should do it. He sat down on his new futon in his bedroom and munched away. A few minutes later he finished off the cereal. He looked down at his metal spoon. He was amazed that this was one the items to survive the fire. How could his silverware last through the fire but not his damn computer? He didn't understand that. He looked into the metal spoon seeing his distorted face staring back. He used to like to do that with his mom's ladle. He smiled remembering all the goofy faces he would make.

He was about to put the spoon down when he noticed that something seemed off. He focused his eyes a little harder on the small concaved surface. It couldn't be…? He blinked again and it was gone. He got up and rushed to the bathroom in a small panic, turning on the light. He stared hard into the larger silver surface and studied his eyes. They looked normal; chocolate brown on milk white. Maybe he was over worked. Perhaps taking that vacation a little early might be a good idea.

"Get some sleep," he mumbled to himself, noticing he still had the spoon in his clinched fingers. "That old nightmare is long gone. I know it. I'm just over worked."

He just set the spoon in the bowl by his futon. He got dressed for bed and crawled in. He pulled up the covers and stared up at the dimly lit ceiling. He just needed to write it off. He had to as there was no way that he could have returned. Ichigo knew that couldn't be possible as he sacrificed all his powers to save everyone and everything. That included sacrificing that bastard. It just had to be his work. It was starting to weigh on him. He would talk to Hayashi about going on vacation in a week or so. He rolled over and brought the covers up to his nose. He just needed some sleep that usually helped his mood and cleared his head.

Oi, King! Wake up!

Ichigo sat up with a gasping start, holding a hand over his racing heart. What was that? It sounded like a voice right in her ear. He looked around the place seeing nothing but his nearly empty apartment. He shivered a bit as he grabbed his phone. It was about time for the alarm to go off anyway. He went into his clock's setting and turned off the alarm before it went off.

He got dressed in a pair of khakis, a long sleeve t-shirt, and sneakers. It wasn't time for work so he didn't have to worry about changing when he got there. He grabbed his hat, wallet, building pass, and keys as he walked out the door.

As he was going down the steps he noticed the eye-patched teen coming back up them. Once again they nodded as they passed each other. Ichigo was so not used to being up at this time. The sun was hurting his still sleepy eyes. He walked down the block to the nearest bus stop and there he waited.

A few minutes ticked by and the bus arrived. The trip to the office was as usual, uneventful. He got off and crossed the street with a mass of other people. He flashed his ID at the front guard and was allowed in without being checked. Things in the building were certainly different this time of day. He walked up to the front desk and asked if Kotaro and Mado had arrived yet. She confirmed they had just left the lobby and were headed towards the elevators. With luck he might just catch them.

Ichigo quickened his pace and rushed towards the closest elevators. He saw them getting on one of them. He just did make it and he grabbed the doors to keep the cabin open. Amon and Mado turned around to see Ichigo huffing and puffing in the elevator doorway. Mado gave Ichigo a wide grin, almost a disgusted grin as Ichigo slid into the cabin.

"My, my. Did you really come all this way here just to meet us?" Mado asked, pushing the button to the desired floor.

"Yeah," Ichigo said, letting out a deep breath. "I had this distinct feeling we'd be working completely different shifts. I couldn't miss my chance to say hello. So—hello."

Amon let out a small chuckle at Ichigo's mock wave to Mado. Ichigo knew Mado far too well and knew the right buttons to push.

"It's good to see you're doing well, Ichigo," Amon said as the bell for the elevator dinged. "I heard that you recently lost your apartment to a fire. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, it ravaged most of my belongings. But I've got a new place already," Ichigo said as they got off and walked down the hall. "Once the insurance goes through I'll be able to replace most of the things that were burned. Until then I have to make do with what I've got."

"Well, that's good. If you need help I'll always be there," Amon said as they stopped in front of a conference room. "We should—"

"Yes, great. Amon, I hope you don't mind cutting this conversation short," Mado said, looking up at his partner as he opened the door. "We do have business to attend to after all. You two can catch up later."

Ichigo was highly put out by Mado's abruptness. He could barely even get 3 minutes with his friend without Mado trying to shoo him off like a pesky fly. It was clear Mado had no use for him. The feeling of course was mutual.

"I'll get up with you to you later, Ichigo," Amon said, walking into the conference room. "Take care."

"Yeah…" Ichigo half waved. "You, too."

Mado stood in the doorway and stared hard at Ichigo. Ichigo reflected the exact stare back the older investigator. If looks could kill, both of them would be dead.

"Stay out of our business, Kurosaki," Mado stated, frankly. "This mission does not concern you."

"I see it doesn't take long for a bug to crawl up your ass," Ichigo snorted, crossing his arms.

"Hmph… Yes, I see you haven't changed any since the last time I saw you," Mado retorted. "Still just a wild punk and as arrogant as ever."

"Aw, that's so sweet. Come to think of it, you haven't changed either. You still look like a withered old corpse that suffered a stroke," Ichigo quickly spat out as the door was shut furiously in his face. "Love you—asshole."

Realizing he wasn't going to get much farther he might as well leave and spend his time elsewhere. There was no telling when they'd get out and he didn't feel like waiting around. As much as that would irritate Mado Ichigo knew better than to push too many buttons. He turned around sharply and headed back to the elevator. This really sucked. He ran all the way down here and only got to see Amon for less than 5 minutes. He looked down at his watch. He might as well find a place for lunch.

Ichigo stretched his arms as walked around the crowed, sunlit streets. He knew most of them now and had figured out where most of the food joints were. He had tried various places over his time in the 20th ward but he only wanted something light today. He didn't want much. He was just going back home and get a little more sleep afterwards. He spotted a café and decided to try it out. He wasn't one for coffee but café food usually consisted of sweet pastries and small sandwiches so…

He climbed up the small stairs and opened the door. It seemed like a right nice café. The tables were pretty full, which meant that the food and coffee here was good. He found an empty seat by the large front window. A moment later and he turned towards the waiter that had walked up. Ichigo smiled up at him.

"Well, fancy meeting you here, neighbor," Ichigo said, looking at the teen with the eye-patch.

"Oh, uh, h-hey," the teen said with weak smile. "I-I don't think I've seen you in the light of day before."

"Yeah, I work a graveyard shift," Ichigo stated with a long sigh. "A friend came to the neighborhood so I got up to meet him otherwise I'd still be sawing logs."

"Oh. So what would you like?" he asked.

"Just a cup of hot green tea and a slice of strawberry cheese cake,"

The teen wrote down the order, turned, and left. He'd eat this and head home. His body felt like it weighted a ton. He sort of wondered what sort of mission Amon and Mado had. Either way it didn't look like he or Hayashi were going to be invited to help. Well, it was what it was. A couple of minutes passed and the teen returned with his order.

"Wow, this a bigger slice than I thought," Ichigo said, looking at the piece of cheese cake on the small plate. "Looks good though."

"Yeah, they are rather big," the teen answered with nodded. "I would recommend the berry tarts the next time you come if you want something smaller."

"Okay, I'll do that," Ichigo hummed, picking up his fork. "So, what's your name? I mean, we keep crossing paths. I'm Kurosaki Ichigo."

"I'm Kaneki Ken," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too," Ichigo said, holding out his hand. Kaneki took it and shook it. "How long have been working here?"

"Not too long. I'm only part time, however," he stated with a deep breath.

"That's cool," Ichigo said, taking a bite and let roll on his tongue some. "Well, it's not bad. Could be a little sweeter."

"Oh? If you want I can change it out?" Kaneki said in a bit of worry.

"No. I'm just use to my sister's version. There's nothing wrong with it." Ichigo stated. "Yuzu just makes hers a bit sweeter than this. I'm just being picky, don't worry about it."

"Okay, that's good to hear. Well, I-I guess I'll see you around, Kurosaki. I've got to check on the other tables," Kaneki said, turning and walked off.

Ichigo finished the cheese cake and his cup of tea. He paid his bill and left. Well, now he knew the name of one of his neighbors. Kaneki didn't seem like a bad person. He did, however, come off as quite timid. He seemed like the type to be pushed around. Ichigo hoped that wasn't the case.

A couple of days passed by and Ichigo and Kaneki crossed paths again a few more times. The two would talk for a few minutes and they'd split up again. It was nice, honestly. Kaneki seemed rather well mannered and Ichigo learned he was quiet the bookworm. Ichigo wasn't much of reader usually sticking to the usual manga rather than a full novel.

One night when Ichigo was off duty he headed towards the super market. He had to keep up with his sleeping patterns even on his nights off and this occupied his time some. However, to his surprise, he found Amon walking down the sidewalk in a hurry. He had something in his hands. This might be a good time to talk to him. Mado was trying his damned hardest to keep them separated. Ichigo picked up his feet and hurried to catch up with his friend.

"Amon! Hey, Amon! Hold up," Ichigo called out, running after the man.

"Ichigo?" Amon asked, turning to meet his friend.

"Hey, long time no see, Amon," Ichigo said, catching his breath. "I see Mado's not with you this time."

"Yeah, he's back at the office. This is your night off?" Amon asked.

"Yeah, I was going to the market when I spotted you," Ichigo said, looking down at Amon's dirty hands and the odd item within them. "What's that in your hands?"

"This is the break in my case. It's number 696's mask. We've been following a woman that may be his mate. She had just buried this at a makeshift grave," he held up a thin dirty mask to Ichigo. He shrunk back a little looking at it. "With this I can prove that 723 is a ghoul."

"Let me get this straight… You dug that out of a grave?" Ichigo questioned, looking a little hurt.

"Yes. We've been tracking her for a while now. With this we can now bring the case to a close," Amon stated with a smile. "That bitch has been hiding quite well within human society."

"Has she?" Ichigo said, looking away.

"Hey. Look, I know you and Mado don't see eye to eye but I'll see if I can't get you involved somehow so we can hang out some," Amon said, looking down at the mask in his hands. "Maybe in the capturing."

"I doubt it. You know him best. He won't like me being there," Ichigo sighed.

"Well, I'm sure as long as you don't use your Quinque he'll be fine with it," Amon stated. "It's not really your case after all. You really will just be tagging along."

"You mean be a spectator?" Ichigo clarified, crossing his arms.

"Yeah... Pretty much," Amon shrugged. "Now I've got to get this back down to the office. I'll let you know if I can get you involved or not. I'll call you."

"O-okay," Ichigo said as Amon turned. "I'll see you."

"You too. Take care," Amon said, walking on back towards the office.

Ichigo wasn't sure what to think about the move his friend just pulled. Ichigo knew it was to help farther the case but at the same time to desecrate a grave…? Amon was the top of his graduating class so of course he would think outside of the box but… It just didn't sit right with Ichigo. Given his past it really hit him hard the longer he thought about it. Amon would do anything to catch a ghoul even more so than him. Amon had a pretty bad history with ghouls so that explained a few things. Ichigo let out a long sigh. It was a job and a job had to be done, pleasant or not. As it was he needed to get to the market before it closed.

Needless to say Ichigo wasn't happy about what had just happened. He was allowed to come on the capture as long as he promised to not get physically involved. Which he did agree to, however, Mado decided to pull a fast one. Something told Ichigo that things weren't quite right. Mado of all people called him and purposely gave Ichigo the wrong time and place. Ichigo was going to be damn if he'd let that bastard get away with that.

He rushed out of the building in a hurry as the rain started to pour down. He forgot his umbrella in his office and at this point the umbrella would have been in the way. Thankfully another man that was working close to the case knew where they were going to be. Ichigo just hoped he wasn't too late. It would just piss Mado off to no end if he made it in time. He wasn't going to miss that chance.

"You're so going to regret this," Ichigo growled out as he rounded the block. "Ah, there they are."

He spotted Mado and Amon at the next block. He'd catch up with them shortly. It was just hard trying to get around the other pedestrians. Even in the rain people clogged the sidewalk. He was almost there and could just see around the block when he stopped dead in his tracks, looking between his fellow investigators. He was expecting the woman but not the child that was with her. Was this the female ghoul they were after? Amon never mentioned a child being with her. A young girl at that.

Amon turned around with a badge to keep the civilians back. He then spotted Ichigo in a soaking wet trench coat, hanging back. He motioned Ichigo to come forward. He hesitantly did so. Something wasn't settling well inside him. He remained quiet as he came to a stop behind Mado and Amon.

Ichigo watched as the woman ghoul looked shocked and mouthed the word, "Hawk." She then turned towards her daughter and hugged her tightly. That sick feeling in the pit of his stomach was getting worse. What was it? Why was he feeling that this? They were ghouls after all; creatures that eat people like hollows eat souls so… What made this so different? What was it that was sending off warning bells?

"Run," the woman ordered, to her child as her eyes finally revealed what she was.

"Mom…?" the girl whined, worry soaking her small voice.

"Kagune. You ready?" Mado asked.

"Yes, sir," Amon answered.

Ichigo just stood there in shock as he watched the mother ghoul ordered her daughter once more to leave. The girl finally turned and ran as fast as she could from the fight. His training told him to follow her but he just couldn't bring himself to do it. He had taken on ghoul children before but they were ready for a fight but this one… She seemed so meek compared to the others. She reminded him too much of Yuzu when she was younger. He was starting to feel sicker as this continued on.

"You're not getting past me…" she warned, glaring at Mado, Amon, and Ichigo.

"Who do you think you are, bitch…?" Amon replied as he readied for a fight.

"Kurosaki, make yourself useful go after the child," Mado ordered, sternly, making room for Amon.

Ichigo just stared at him, dumbfounded. Mado glared at him. He managed to track them here the least Ichigo could do was go after the young girl as ordered.

"Stop standing there like a statue! Go after her, you idiot," Mado snapped. "Get that child and bring her back!"

Ichigo turned and quickly gave chase. The mother ghoul hastily turned her sights on him. She wasn't about to let Hawk go after her daughter but she was quickly blocked by Amon. It gave Ichigo a window to get by. He ran for a small distance but then stopped abruptly. He knew he could easily catch up to her but he couldn't do it. He couldn't hurt that little girl. He'd just make up a fib that she got away from him. It's happened to every investigator. The rain was coming down hard and her small stature made it so she could duck down and hide in things.

Ichigo just decided to double back to his original location. He arrived just in time to watch the mother ghoul collapse to the ground, blooded and broken. She was beaten and it took no time it seemed. He couldn't hear them too much over the pouring rain from where he stood. He dared to get a little closer to see if he could hear their verbal exchanges. They didn't seem to notice him approach. They were too focused on her to pay him any mind.

"If you had come quietly with us, you wouldn't have had to die on the streets," Mado stated, glaring down at her in a crazed manner. "I would have taken my time dissecting you. But I can be merciful, too. Do you have any last words?"

Merciful? Yeah, right. Ichigo had seen how "merciful" Mado could be. He wasn't. That feeling in his stomach was now at its worst. Where was this sense of dread and pain coming from? Then it crashed into him like a 15 ton bolder. The rain. The cold. The panic. The blood. A mother's love. It reminded him of that day so many years ago. He body seized up to the point he felt like he couldn't breathe as he watched Mado raise his Quinque. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. He knew what was coming but he couldn't move. He struggled just to avert his eyes, but when he did, his eyes fell on two figures hanging back, peeking from an alleyway.

Kaneki and the little girl? Oh no! Don't… No, not in front of her! Ichigo watched in horror a thick spray of crimson blocked their faces from his view for but a moment but if felt like so much longer.

Ichigo managed to catch a glimpse of Kaneki covering the girl's eyes last second. She didn't see it. Thank goodness she didn't see it. The very last thing Ichigo saw was the soaked pavement coming up to greet him and then nothing.

Oi… Oi… King… Hey, King, wakey, wakey. How long are you planning to sleep? Get up you lazy ass.

Who was calling him? He knew that voice. He knew that voice well.

What…? He faintly replied.

You idiot! I asked how long do you plan to stay asleep? Do I need to spell it out for you, King? You need to wake up.

He honestly knew that voice but from where? The answer he was looking for was in the voice's own words. There was only one person to ever called him King. But why now? Was he dreaming it? His inner demon should have been long gone by now so who was calling him?

Oh, it's me all right. I'm still here, King. I haven't gone anywhere. I've just been sleeping but I'm up from my forced hibernation and it feels so good!

No, you can't be… You can't be here! I got rid of you when I used—

You only put me in hibernation I was never actually "gone." So... Let's take a look as to what really woke me up. First off, you just took a rather nasty spill to the head, add on your emotional shock, and then just plain old time. So, yes, here I am again! It's been such a long time. Did you miss me any? Hahahaha!

Please tell him I'm just hallucinating...

Sorry to say you're not. I do so love your denial but that's not going to change facts. This time though there are no shinigami powers holding me back. It's just you and me, King. Now like I was saying earlier… WAKE UUUUP!

Ichigo's chocolate eyes snapped open and he soon realized he was in a dark hospital room with the only light come from the cracked door. How did he get here? His head was killing him not to mention his nose. He reached up feeling a bandage on his said swollen nose. Did he bust it? What had happened? His mind was a little hazy on all the facts. He tried to remember. He was on a case with Amon and Mado. There was… There was a mother ghoul and a daughter ghoul and then… Mado he… Right in front of the girl along with his neighbor Kaneki who was also watching. Mado killed the mother ghoul without even letting the poor woman finish her goodbye.

Tears started to form in his eyes as the scene started to play back along with the death of his own mother. He never actually saw the killing blow to his mother but he was left her bloodied body still protecting him. Why now of all times was this bothering him so badly? He thought for a moment and realized there were several key factors. A lot of parallels and the right ones. They just dismantled him emotionally, mentally, and physically. In a sense he had relived that traumatic event of his own mother and everything in him just shut down.

More tears started to slide down his cheeks and he covered his face with his shaking hands. A mother, a good mother was now gone and her daughter left alone. He really started to doubt his life choices. He thought he was doing real good in the world but he should have known better than that. Not everything is black and white. There were always shades of grey and how could he have been so blind to that.

"…believe it's exhaustion. You said he wanted an early vacation?"

"Yes, I did. I didn't know he was that bad off. I feel terrible not seeing it sooner. I'm his superior and I should have looked after him a little better."

That was Hayashi's voice but he didn't recognize the man she was walking too. Most likely the doctor.

"Well, as it is, he does have a minor concussion and a broken nose after planting his face in the pavement the way he did. He has no choice but to take that vacation now. This is of course would be medical leave instead of an actual vacation."

"Yeah, I know. How long do you think he'll be out of work?"

"At least a good solid two weeks. It'll give his head some time to heal and hopefully give him some time to rest. Goodness, knows he needs that rest more than anything and you should, too. You and that other man have been here most of the day. He's in good hands right now."

"I just feel bad leaving him."

"I assure you he's in good hands. You can come back tomorrow. Maybe by then he'll be awake."

"Okay. Thank you," she said as her voice started to fade down the hall. "Let me know if something happens!"

"I will, ma'am, I will."

Awe… She's so sweet. Honestly I think she has a thing for you.

"What…? I…" Ichigo's voice caught in his throat.

No, you weren't dreaming, King. I am indeed here. You know… I've been going through your memories. Impressive work I must admit. Very impressive. You've developed a rather warped sense of justice, while I've been asleep. Hmm, I wonder where that comes from? Do you know by chance? Hahaha!

Damn it! I thought I was finally rid of you!

Wishful thinking, King. You can't get rid of me that easily. Hahaha! After all I am the truest part of you.

The part I sometimes would like to forget. I just never wanted to hear your voice again.

I've noticed you don't want to hear a lot of things. You don't want to see them either. The truth is, King, and don't you dare deny it, you see yourself in the ghouls you so admirably kill. You see me, the other half of you hate so much. We share a lot of the same traits in a way and you don't like it.

That's not true! I'm nothing like them!

Oh, that just bull. You know it. It's within human nature to destroy things that mimic them. Ghouls are so close to humans that humans are terrified of them. It's not just because they are cattle to ghouls, it's because they can hide among anyone and be anyone. On the flip side ghouls must think the same way about humans. We look too much like them. Both ghouls and humans are apex predators in their own rights. They are magnates of the same polarity. Constantly pushing each other away and never meeting, making a rather nasty gap that can't be closed. You understand. I know you do.

Do you have to bring this up now...? This is not the best time to be fussing at me. My entire head is killing me and my is completely drained.

Changing the subject, I see. Not happening! Remember what you witnessed today… Who was more of a monster? The helpless mother and daughter or your friend and his partner? You do the same guilty work they do. You've killed families and torn them apart thinking it was the right thing to do. Take a good look at your right and wrong, King. You're going to be stuck in that polarity gap. Changes are coming, changes you can't stop! Hahahaha! I'm no longer as spiritual as I used to be. I'm more genetic. Sooner or later with no way of fighting me back we will start to meld together little by little.

That's a lie! There's no way that can be possible. I'll just have to beat you like I did last time. I will win!

Did I stutter? Hahaha! I said genetic level. Your former shinigami abilities kept me more or less as another entity. Without it we are going to crash into each other. I may not have the power to take you over mentally like I used to but your body will start to show your hollow side. Your dark side. You won't be an average human anymore. Hell, you won't even be human. Hahahaha! You'll be closer to ghouls but not the same either. You really will be stuck in the middle never to be accepted as one or the other.

That has to be lie? What do you really want? If you're just trying to scare me for some reason...

Don't believe me? Look at your nails, King, and tell me what you see.

Ichigo slowly cast his eyes down at his hands in his lap. Right at the base of the nails were signs of the nails starting to change color; a dark color. Ichigo drew in a shaky breath as fear started to build in his heart.

You'll ultimately grow into it. The changes won't be sudden like they once were. On top of that I have no idea just how much you will change. It might be very subtle or it might be full Vasto Lorde. There is no control over it.

If I'm to become a hollow… Couldn't I just go to… Well, to Soul Society or Hueco Mundo?

No.

What? But you said…

You're still living, idiot. Hueco Mundo and Soul Society are for the dead, remember? You don't have your Soul-pass and I seriously doubt you want to throw your whole life away to just hide away in that dusty shithole. Besides, that's well out of character for you. What happened to you while I was sleeping?

A lot… Ah, man… I hate having to deal with you again. It was nice while it lasted.

Well, I'll let you in on another secret. I don't really have that much time left. I'm running on low like a dying battery. A couple of weeks to a month at best.

Is that so? So you'll just be leaving me to fend for my own?

Ha! Don't be stupid, King. I'm your instincts you can't lose me just like that. Instead of worrying about turning into a living hollow why don't you focus on what you can still do as a human? Like fixing your past mistakes for example.

Fix my mistakes? You… Huh? This is a little out of character for you. You almost sound like you care.

That's what you would do and you know it! Besides… It might just clear your conscious. You may not have excess to your inner world but it's starting to flood again and fast. This isn't how I want to go out, drowning is your self-pity. It's cold and miserable.

I suppose… I suppose that would be the best thing to do. Sooner or later I will have to quit the CCG but until that time comes… Maybe I could help get Mado and Amon off of the little girl's trail.

Now you're thinking like the big softy idiot I know.

I'm not sure if that's an insult or a complement.

Uh, just take it as both. But you do realize that going through with this means you're going to be fighting against the grain. You'll be labeled a traitor for your efforts.

Ah, please. Since when have I actually obeyed the rules? I like bending things.

But bending isn't breaking. You'll be hunted for your actions.

This was your idea. If you didn't think I could pull this off you would have never told me. You live in me so I know you don't want to die either.

Yes, but sooner or later I won't exist but you will. It will be a lifelong fight if you actually do this.

I know but I have places to hide until things cool off. Do you think I'm that damn stupid?

He heard the hollow draw in sharp breath. He was going to make a sarcastic retort about that comment.

Don't answer that! NO!

Hahahaha! I gave you the idea but it's your choice. Weigh your options and think about the consequences before you do anything. For now… I think I'll go back to sleep. The longer I stay active the quicker I'll burn through my reserves. Ja ne!

Ichigo let out a long, heavy sigh. He hated to admit it but the hollow was right. That would be something the old him would do and without a second thought or hesitation. He really did need to think this out. Was he really willing to risk everything he had made for himself? He only had a limited window and to do right by that little girl if nothing else. He couldn't fix it completely but if he could make it so that the poor girl had a chance at life he was going to try. But everything had to be done gently if he was to actually succeed. He just prayed he still had time to help that girl.

It was the following day and the sun was starting to set turning the air into a tangerine color. It was at that time Kaneki felt like he wanted to go by "that place." The place where Mrs. Fueguchi was—last seen. He just wanted to say a little pray for her. It would make him feel better especially after dealing with Touka's outburst from earlier that day. Touka took the news extremely hard. She was ready to just go after the Doves without a second thought. He understood her wanting for vengeance but at the same time Yoshimura also had a valid point to not start a war with the Doves. He didn't know who was right and who was wrong. He just knew that it hurt remembering what transpired yesterday.

He was close the block where it happened. He wasn't going to get too close but he just wanted pay his respects. When he finally arrived he was not expecting the sight before him. It was Kurosaki better known as Hawk. His bright orange hair was looking rather unkempt under the bandage wrapped around his head and his nose had a large bandage as well. His black suit and trench coat from yesterday were a little muddy and wrinkled. In his hands were two vases he set them close to where Mrs. Fueguchi was slain but out of the way to not get knocked over. One was a large vase with several flowers while the other was smaller only containing three.

That was odd. Kaneki continued to watch, standing motionless. A moment later it looked like Ichigo was praying. Why was he doing that? He was a Dove after all. Why should he care about a ghoul? Well, come to think about it Hinami had told him that Hawk started to chase her and then just abruptly gave up right after. Why was that? Then there was Kurosaki just passing out right as other investigator killed… Kaneki shook his head. He didn't know what to think.

Kurosaki then turned and headed back in the direction of the apartments. Once out of sight Kaneki's curiosity got the better of him. He made his way over to the small offering. It was an odd sort of an arrangement of artificial flowers. He pulled out his phone and took a picture of both. He noticed that the large vase had oak leaves. That wasn't a flower but then again… He remembered something once that different plants and flowers had different meanings. Well, now this was going to be interesting.

It was pretty late when Kaneki had finished deciphering each flower. It was a little sad now that he had obtained the meanings of those flowers. He let out a long sigh. He sort of wished had hadn't done this but then again… He looked at the list on his computer screen and his frown deepened more.

Hyacinth (purple) — I am sorry, please forgive me, sorrow

Carnation (light red) — my heart aches for you, admiration

Oak Leaves — bravery

Carnation (pink) — mother's love

Rose (dark crimson) — mourning

Zinnia (yellow) — daily remembrance

Then the second and smallest vase was the simplest. Something told Kaneki this one was for Hinami. The meaning of these flowers were as follows:

Bearded Crepis — protection

Rose (dark crimson) — mourning

Cinquefoil — beloved daughter

So basically what he got from this was… Kurosaki was apologizing to Mrs. Fueguchi and recognized and possibly admired her bravery and that she would not be forgotten. The small vase basically meant to protect the mourning daughter. Did Kurosaki plan to do something about Hinami? Crepis had another name, Hawksbeard, he found out. Hawk of course was Kurosaki's street name.

Kaneki looked at his front door and debated if he should go a few doors down. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea. He wasn't a fighter and he didn't want to get in one but… He shook his head. He might as well take a shower and try to calm his mind. He got to his bare feet and turned towards his bathroom. Now he was even more confused than before. Yoshimura wanted them to keep their heads down, Touka wanted to get back at the Doves, and Kurosaki… Kaneki was still on the fence about him. Was he an enemy turned friend or was he still the enemy that had some sort of pity?

He feverishly shook his head and grabbed a fresh towel on the way into the bathroom. He just needed to get his mind to clear. He was so worked up over everything that's been going on. Hopefully a shower would help, although he highly doubted it. He was just too worked up right now. He hated feeling like this. He felt helpless no matter how much he wanted to help. Was there anything he could even do? Should he even try to help? He didn't know. He just flat out didn't know what to do and it scared him.

(A/N I know, super long chapter. I don't think I'll update these too often. I've got other stories I need to focus on. This was to just get it out of my system more than anything. If I didn't put something down it was going to haunt me and until I did something. So yeah. Tell me what you all think. Laters.)

Millie M. Banshee