KITSUNE

➖ Red: The String

SIX MONTHS PASSED AND AYA HAD HER HANDS FULL. She did not know rest – rest as in to fall asleep without hearing her thoughts or waking up every few hours. Every passing minute was a threat to her. She was being vigilant as a new threat arose for the ghouls. Black Reaper they called him and he was ruthless. Black Reaper was the one that kept Aya wide awake at night with an ear to the ground.

Associate Special Class Haise Sasaki – hell bent on capturing the Aogiri Tree. The entire CCG had placed focus on bringing down the Aogiri Tree, or in fact, eradicating their leader, the One Eyed King – which meant Aya had to be more careful. Because of the threat, Aogiri Tree had begun shrinking its numbers on the surface and carefully withdrew to an island located in Tokyo Bay, Rushima.

During the Second World War, the island was fortified and used as a base to defend the capitol from attack. Since then, it was abandoned after the war and became uninhabited. However, several witnesses reported that people have been seen gathering on the island. The CCG listened and sent a Squad to investigate the reports and determine whatever those gatherings are connected to Aogiri Tree.

The red ghoul eyes of Aya observed the Tokyo Bay and the lights of Tokyo. She observed the steady sea in the darkness that had swallowed it. However, those ghoul eyes of hers served her as binoculars and night vision. She saw a boat heading in the direction of the island and her eyes made out the faces she saw. CCG...

"A change is coming." Aya spoke through her mask.

"Mm." Eto stepped next to her. "Will this be our end?"

Aya looked at her. "Ends are endless." The green eyes of Eto Yoshimura hidden under her bandages looked at her. "There is no such thing as an end."

A giggle came to Eto's lips. "That's it." She said, "There is never an end." She murmured to herself. "I have something to say to the Aogiri Tree. Can you please gather everyone in the hall?"

"Of course.

Aya did not question Eto's wish. She put the hood of her cloak over her head to hide the long dark brown roots, which led into the white platinum color. She had not bleached her hair since Eto lost half of her body. Her mind was elsewhere and she didn't have time to lose on keeping up with the growth of her hair.

Just as Eto requested, Aya gathered the Executives of Aogiri Tree, along with subordinates into the great hall. Aya had left some of the Aogiri Tree members to patrol around the Island, as well as the great hall – with the upcoming patrol coming to the island, she couldn't let the entire island unattended.

I wonder what Tooru is doing with the Hachikawa Squad? Aya knew that Tooru was more of a support to squads and was not a member of Quinx Squad anymore. A lot has changed... Aya had completely distanced herself from the Quinx after Shirazu's death. Haise Sasaki had requested to resign as mentor to Quinx and Urie assumed the role of Quinx Squad Leader. Aya didn't know much, but still, sometimes she would hear something from them or Saiko would send her messages.

Ayato looked at Aya as she walked past Hooguro, Shousei, Miza and Naki. He was giving her a look – questioning why Eto wanted to speak in front of the entire Aogiri. She always spoke through Tatara or Aya, what's changed? – Ayato wanted to ask a question but he knew that it was not time or place. Why are we really gathered here? – was a better question to be asked.

Eto took her place in the front center of the stage before the podium, letting all the eyes of Aogiri Tree subordinates to see her and allow them a minute of murmuring. Aya took her place next to Ayato – yet she didn't look at him when he did. She looked at Tatara on the other side of Eto. There was a look in those red eyes of his that were telling her something, but Aya couldn't determine whatever he was telling her to be ready for what is to come or to tell her this is the last time they'll see each other.