Chapter 18: Cosplay

Ken scratched his itchy scalp once again. Just as Touka had asked the eldest Kaneki had dyed the white parts of his hair black last night. Granted it was nice in a way to look more normal for once. But there was one problem. Ken hated using hair dye. It smelled horribly; its acidic smell burning his nostrils a bit and making him feel slightly nauseous. It also made his hair feel incredibly itchy as it irritated the follicles. Both he and Shiro preferred to do without and if their white hair would be a problem, then pulling up their hoods or a wig or two did just as well without the irritation. A few of the regulars of Anteiku passed by him as he waited way past the set meeting time. More than a few of them gave him compliments for the change in hair. Though a couple of female ghouls did give him some sympathetic remarks over having to suffer the smell.

Finally Touka showed up carrying two bags. "Here put this on," she ordered; thrusting one of the bags into Ken's hands. Confused, Ken asked, "What's this?" "Clothes," was all Touka answered with. She started pushing him into a public restroom. "Now hurry up and go change. Oh, and don't get them dirty. They're borrowed." Ken gave up and went in to change. He came out a few minutes later, an uncomfortable look on his face as he wore the uniform of a local high school.

Ken looked down at the uniform again, and sighed. "Cosplay? What the hell is Touka planning? If anyone I know sees me like this…" "Oh," Ken looked up to see Touka similarly dressed. "It fits. It won't look weird for us to be together at all. Now that I think about it, you do look like a kid." Ken was slightly shocked by this. 'I do not look like a kid. But still, Touka looks different. Clark Kent effect?' he thought. As he idly wondered if glasses could really have that much of an effect on a person's appearance, Touka started to mess with his appearance. She messed up his hair and loosened his tie. Lastly she used a little bit of stage makeup to change up his complexion a bit. Once done, Touka started to lead him somewhere; ignoring any of his questions.

After a few minutes of silence, Ken asked, "Would you just tell me where we are going already? And why I needed to dress up in cosplay and dye my hair for this?" The girl stopped and simply pointed ahead. "Because we are going there." He followed her finger to see the one place in the ward that all ghouls avoided; the CCG offices of the twentieth ward. "Touka. Could you explain to me why we are outside the doves' twentieth ward nest?" "Because we're going in." "Wait, we?!"

Touka grabbed the male half-ghoul by the necktie and dragged him to where this CCG office put up its posters for asking the public for assistance. She pointed down at one that was asking for information on Hinami. "Look at this. They didn't put anything about her face or even a description. Maybe they didn't get a good look at her face after all. If that's true then if we just keep them away then she can safely remain with us." Ken started to catch on. "So you want to go in as "informants" and lead them as far away as possible. Eventually the case will go cold and the CCG will have to give up on the chase for the short term." He looked at the girl as she gave him a smug look. Ken sighed. "That's actually really smart. This actually could work." An irritated Touka smacked him on the back of the head and said, "Don't make it sound so shocking that I came up with a good idea, dumbass."

She headed to the front door while Ken took a second to look at the wanted posters of his family here. He noticed that they had added photos of him and his sisters from their childhood on the bottom of the posters and added a few things to their posters as well. Apparently he had somehow doubled his confirmed kills in the last few days. He wondered if they were making it up or blaming him for every person who died of old age or other natural causes this week in the ward. Though he did notice that someone had decided to include a claim of his "pack" being some sort of group of incestial freaks. 'Note to self. Find the douchebag who put in that last bit.' No one bad mouths his sisters. Ever. Once finished reading, he went after Touka.

After signing in at the front desk, with fake names and addresses of course, they were asked to wait for the information head in some nearby chairs. While sitting Ken listened to the nearby doves chatter as he used his phone to research more about the school their uniforms came from. Apparently the gourmet was a pretty hot topic today. He also noticed the RC gates. He and Touka gave each other a knowing look at the site of the gates. Those things could easily destroy ghoul society the day they are massed produced and placed into service.

Soon a rather young looking woman, who reminded Ken of an otter, approached. "Hi, I'm the information head, Ruisawa. Ma, what cute informants. Nice to meet you," she greeted in a surprisingly cheerful voice for someone who dealt in the extermination of another species. They introduced themselves as Yamaguchi and Kanemoto; two students in the athletics department of their school. Ken did feel like Touka was a bit lazy in making his name but it was good enough for their purpose. After a bit of made up small talk, they began to enact their plan. "You know the river that flows over near Kasahara elementary school right? We saw a girl wearing a dress decorated in clovers just like in the poster. She looked a little tattered and weak didn't see Kanemoto?" Touka explained to the otter woman who wrote down what information they gave her on some official looking paperwork. Ken did his part, answering with, "That's right she was all covered in mud and didn't look like she's slept much either." "Anything else? Anything at all would be helpful really," Ruisawa asked. But both them simply told her they couldn't think of anything else.

As she continued writing down what they said, Touka asked, "So ghouls are really strong right? Do you guys fight them with handguns or rifles or something?" Ken was interested in her answer as well. While he had seen some informal conversations on how the CCG combats ghouls, he had noticed that there was never an official statement from the agency itself on this matter. To be honest it actually confused Ken. What was the point of keeping it secret? It couldn't be fear of public opinion on brutally ripping out body parts to use as weapons. The people would be all for that. So why? The woman put her hands together as she posed way too sweetly. "I'm sorry I'm not allowed to say. But don't you cuties worry. Two very skilled investigators came here from Central. One of them is even extremely handsome and so tall. They eliminated the mother ghoul just recently. I'm sure they can dispatch the runaway child ghoul as well." Hearing the woman cheerily speak about Ryouko's death and murdering Hinami as well in her peppy voice frustrated both ghouls. Ken was really holding back when he said, "But killing such a young girl who doesn't even look like she could hurt anyone. Doesn't that seem a bit messed up?" Without missing a beat the woman answered, "It's okay because ghouls aren't human. They desire to do us harm so it's only natural for us to destroy them." Her smile chilled Kaneki to the bone. It was so easy for her to dismiss an entire group just because of something they couldn't help. He kept up the act though. "Hahaha. I guess so. Sorry for saying something so stupid."

Their mission completed, the two of them headed for the front door. However as they walked someone hit Touka in her wounded arm. She fell to the floor holding it as it stung in complaint. "Oh sorry are you okay," a man's voice asked. She gave a weak no and looked up only for her eyes to lock with inspector Mado's eyes. Both hunter and hunted instinctively recognized each other. Touka quickly got up and rushed toward the door with a muttered sorry. Ken chasing after her.

Meanwhile Mado went over to Ruisawa. "Who were those two students?" he immediately asked. Already half sure that that was rabbit he just bumped into. But he wanted to know why she was here before he moved in. "Ah, some high school kids who just gave us a possible lead on the child ghoul that escaped last time," she answered. "Hoooh." Now that was obviously a lie. Not only because he was certain that the girl was rabbit but also because last time they'd seen the daughter Fueguchi, the young female had been in the hands of Eyepatch. A ghoul like Eyepatch that had apparently been able to escape from him for almost a decade would certainly not be stupid enough to leave the little she-ghoul where a couple dumb little kids would spot it. This smelt like a trap but if so then who was the boy and what part did he play in this? Mado turned to chase after them. As he watched though the boy glance at him; over his left shoulder. Apparently old habits die hard.

Now Mado was estatic. That profile and the look he gave him! There was no mistaking it. It was him. It was Eyepatch. He didn't know why such a cautious ghoul would show up here but it didn't matter. Whether bravery or foolishness, the ghoul had just delivered himself to Mado on a silver platter. There was no way he could let this chance pass. He chased after them and caught up shortly before they reached the doors; just short of freedom. "You two." He took a small sadistic glee at their frightened jumps and gave them his brightest, most deranged smile. "I'm the one in charge of the case you were just talking about. Call me Mado. I wonder could you talk with me about it for a few minutes." He gave an almost theatrical move of his hand to the gate. "Inside." Oh, there panicked faces were just so lovely in mado's eyes. Rabbit tried to give some excuse of needing to leave due to some business but he assured her that it would take only five minutes. As they floundered for an excuse a few of the other CCG employees began to watch; most likely knowing that something was off here. 'What will you do now; Eyepatch-kun?'

Ken, realizing that there was no way out of this decided to take a gamble. He turned to Touka and told her, "Why don't you go on ahead. I'll stay and answer all of his questions. I'm sure I can spare ten or fifteen minutes for you, Mr. Mado." Touka started to protest but Ken pushed her on and she slowly started to walk to the door. Ken turned towards the grinning investigator. Man how he wanted to punch that stupid grin off of his creepy face. He followed the man's lead towards the gate. He noticed that another man had joined them. Probably his torturer's partner. Well hopefully, if he was right about this, Ken could get out of this if he played his cards right. He was now only steps away from the gates of Hell. 'Abandon hope, all ye who enter.'

Mado's grin was nearly splitting his face in two. Just a few more steps and he would step through the gate and reveal himself to everyone. Even Eyepatch couldn't escape from here. Not only were there several investigators around with their quinques and he himself still had a small quinque knife hidden in his coat just waiting to sink into his flesh, but the moment the gate was tripped, several AGH 3a's which had been discreetly placed behind the gate, would unleash their foot long four inch diameter projectiles onto the doomed ghoul. Even his speedy regeneration wouldn't be of help. Mado nearly squealed in anticipation as his quarry's first foot stepped into the gate. He got his quinque knife ready and…

Nothing happened. Ken sighed in relief as all the pent up fear melted away. Apparently that time with Shiro hadn't just been a fluke. He turned to see a nice sight. The Dove's face had fallen into a confused frown. He knew he was desperately trying to figure out why it didn't work. He cleared his throat to get the man's attention. "Is there something wrong Mr. Mado?" He made certain that his face looked as confused as it should be.

Mado shook his head and gave a terse, "Nothing," while he tried to figure out how. How had his target tricked the RC scanners? This was obviously a ghoul. And not just any ghoul, but one with a kakuja. Its blood stream should be stirring with RC cells. Was this gate defective perhaps? He'd need to ask maintenance to look over it later. But for now he had a job to do. So he led the thing to the table farthest from the windows. He wouldn't give this ghoul even a chance to escape.

The gate not reacting had been unforeseen. This left Mado in quite the bind sadly. There was no evidence to support his reasoning of this boy's identity and in fact the gate not reacting would work as strong counter evidence. Meaning he couldn't hold the him for examination or, as he really wanted to do, shank him with his quinque knife and watch it reveal itself in a panic. It just left him with ten to fifteen minutes to find some proof. To make the ghoul slip up. Somehow expose itself. Or at least catch it in a lie. If he could find something wrong with the ghoul's story, he could have it detained for two weeks under the charge of interfering in a CCG investigation. Plenty of time to pin the beast. Only one lie. Mado found himself both frustrated and excited at this situation. To be honest, he desired nothing more than to destroy this foolish ghoul at his own game. 'Come Eyepatch, I'll be the one to lead you down the path to Hell.'

Amon, though noticing his mentor's unsettled attitude, remained unaware of the hidden duel between the other two men. "My name is Amon Koutaru and this is Kureo Mado. We are the two investigators in charge of this case." He reached his hand out and Ken shook it causally. "Ryouhei Kanemoto. Just your average everyday Japanese high school student. Both he and Mado locked eyes and he smiled. "It's a please to meet you."

Let the games begin.

Omake: CCG data files

AGH (Anti Ghoul Harpoon) weapon – A device that was originally designed to give Bureau investigators greater firepower when fighting ghouls who proved resistant to quinque bullets used in standard guns. They work much like a harpoon gun using high pressured gasses or are spring loaded allowing them to launch large pointed rods at high speeds at an opponent. There are currently three types of AGH's

AGH 1 "Balista" – the first design created in the late sixties. Attempted to use a spring system to provide the kinetic force to launch the rod. However the system failed as it was large and heavy while proving to be unreliable at even firing or hitting target. Plus the systems reloading time was too long meaning that it could only get one shot off in conflict. Only reached prototype stage and was cancelled after only twelve were made.

AGH 2 "Robin Hood" – The second generation AGH. This one was first designed in the late 90s and in use in the early 2000s. Unlike its predecessor, the Robbin Hood used a gas system to fire; similar to a paintball gun. The reloading system was also simplified and the overall size was shrunk along with the round. The weapon was still too large to be used as personal weapon as well as the kickback being too much for a single person to accurately wield it. So the unit was turned into a fix gun emplacement that could be placed in position before a raid or put on a vehicle. With more accuracy and rate of fire, this AGH proved very effective against Kokaku ghouls as it could pierce even the Kagune itself in some cases. A variation (AGH 2 A) was designed to be automated and could include a self-reloading system. The AGH 2 A's were made into defensive emplacements on CCG facilities.

AGH 3 "Nasu no Yoichi" – the third and current generation. Designed in the late 2000s, it has started to replace the AGH 2 in some places. All units in this section have a self-reloading function and high rate of fire; carrying more rounds than the AGH2 by three times. Being much lighter than either of the previous ones means that this one may one day be usable a handheld weapon. Rumored to use a form of railgun technology to increase the strength of the shot fired. This design was made with the idea of being more effective against Rinkaku types. Its speed of fire and high accuracy is aimed at chasing down the highly maneuverable and speedy rinkakus. The projectiles are also designed to release barbs when they hit their target remain lodged in the ghoul's body and to get in the way of their high regeneration abilities. Many of these rods can actually release RC suppressants to further weaken the ghoul. Comes in multiple types:

AGH 3 – the standard type. A gun emplacement type, similar to the AGH 2 but more advanced.

AGH 3 A – and automated form of the AGH 3. Has a specially designed program to help it track and predict a rinkaku ghoul's movements during a firefight.

AGH 3 B – Uses a revolver like system to fire. Only has six preloaded rounds but the strength of these is greater allowing for long distance snipping or piercing stronger targets.

AGH 3 C – still in the developmental stage. This version is planned to be a handheld version. Allowing the bureau investigators to finally have a stronger weapon when deal with high level ghoul targets.