Stitched Together

Chapter 19: Lies

Juuzou keeps attacking brutally on his own while I hurriedly check on the others.

"Shinoara, everyone, are you alright?" I ask quickly. They all nod and watch Juuzou. He may have enough raw force to break through and make a hit or two, but he lacks cooperation with others and can't take the opponent down by himself. He can't win by battling solo. The unique strengths he usually has will fade up against such a strong enemy. I catch a glimpse of his face. He has his eyes narrowed and a sinister grin. He seems to really enjoy such a challenge. That's it, I can't let him be too rash and get himself killed. Team fighting with Juuzou is considered dangerous because his movements are so unpredictable, but I know I can fight with him. The owl swings at him as he jumps up, but I come in and cross my swords to block the advance. The owl lets out a small surprised sound at the burning intensity in my eyes. Juuzou almost lands a blow but is blocked at the last moment. I try to keep up with his abstract movements the best I can, and block every attack that Juuzou is too reckless to handle. I'm honestly not even sure if he notices that I'm here. His energy has picked up as well, perhaps it's from being up against such a strong opponent. I can see why the owl is an SSS rated ghoul. I'm only considered an S last time I checked the files. Each time my swords come into contact with his kagune I'm pushed back slightly from the force, my feet skidding against the ground. The others looked exhausted from fighting, but Juuzou and I continue on strong. No one seems to be severely injured, which I'm beyond thankful for. The darkened sky starts to pour down rain, making it even harder to get proper footing, but we refuse to stand down. My chest rises and falls rapidly as I constantly try to catch my breath. Before with the other ghouls it didn't take half as much energy as it does to battle the owl. Constant dodging and attacking with no actual damage being done. For being an old man, damn does he know how to fight. Unlike humans, ghouls are powerful at any age really. My earpiece turns on again with more news, making my eyes widen. Squad four, Amon's squad, is fighting with centipede. I freeze for the briefest moment, "Kaneki," I udder, but realize my hesitation was a mistake. I have to sloppily block an attack, putting my hand right onto the sharp part of my blade to try and get support but my efforts fail and I'm thrown back hard into a wall. The breath is forced out of my lungs and something cracks. The rain pours harder, drenching me to the bone. I look down and see a large crack across my armor and I feel like I'm suffocating. Don't tell me I broke something again. I shake my head and use my weapons to help stable myself. None of this matters I have to help Ju- My train of thought ends when I stagger back to my feet and see Juuzou cut deeply into the owl's left arm... but something goes wrong. He lands hard and skids across the ground. "Juuzou!" I scream at the top of my lungs as he is hit.

"Wha-" he mumbles confused. I run over to him, disregarding my own pain and stare horrified.

"Y-Your leg," I choke as he looks down and notices his now missing leg. Shinohara comes up behind me just as shocked. Both of us have tears rolling down our faces out of concern.

"It's fine, it doesn't really hurt you know... So why are you crying?" he asks simply. "Shinohara, what are you doing? You should be attacking while he's weakened." I take him in my arms and squeeze him tight. I clench my teeth, tears streaming from my eyes. I wasn't quick enough. I didn't try hard enough. I should have been there. I'm careless. I'm stupid. I'm useless. Useless. Useless. Useless.

"Dammit Juuzou, we care about you so much, just shut up for once. It's not okay. You're not okay. This... is not okay," I whisper, snapping my eyes open and letting him go. I snatch my weapons off the ground and leave Juuzou to Shinohara. I stand defiantly before the owl. I have a short while before everyone regroups and attacks, but now, he's mine. "You will pay, I'm no longer conflicted in my actions against you. You can burn in hell!" I scream as I dash at Owl with my swords drawn, rage surging through me.