Tangled Fates {Tokyo Ghoul/Seraph of the End}

Chapter 5

Mika stared blankly at his food, completely motionless. Around him, the other children ate in silence. Taichi was sobbing upstairs while Akane tried to comfort him.

Yu's fists were clenched, and he shook with silent fury. Hide was absent, his spot on the rickety dinner bench leaving the room with a hollow feeling. He'd ran off after the vampire had delivered them a cold message.

~

Hide ripped the needle out of his neck, running towards his unconscious friend. Kaneki was scooped up by one of the hooded vampires and carried away.

"NO!" Hide screamed. 'BRING HIM BACK!"

He was roughly grabbed by one of the vampires, who pinned him against the wall by his neck. His feet kicked the air as he struggled for breath, hands clawing at the vampire's fingers.

Hide's vision was tinged with black and he vaguely heard Mika and Yu's voices. The sounds had a strange echo that rang in his ears and eventually faded. His vision went dark.

When Hide came to, he was in the house, surrounded by his friends. A silver-haired vampire showed up and informed everyone that Kaneki was dead, and that they should forget about him.

Hide rushed at the vampire and swung at him, but the vampire disappeared and and didn't come back.

Hide stared at the spot that the vampire the vampire had previously occupied for a moment before dashing out of the house.

He hadn't returned since.

~

The sound of the bench scraping against the stone floor broke the silence. Everyone looked up as Mika stood.

"I'm gonna go look for Hide. Make sure everyone stays safe, Yu."

Yu nodded, too drained to complain.

Mika opened the door and stepped out, letting it swing back on its uneven hinges. He already knew where to look.

_____

The sound of footsteps snapped Hide out of his daze. He whirled around and saw Mika carefully making way down the slope of the rooftop.

Safely making it down, Mika sat next to Hide, remaining silent. Hide was the first to speak.

"Kaneki's alive." Was all he said. There was no doubt in his voice. It was a statement, not a hope.

Mika looked towards him. "What makes you think so?"

"I just know. Kaneki wouldn't die on us like that." Hide paused. "Also, that vampire showed up to tell us he was dead. Why would he bother to do that? I think he wants us to believe Kaneki's dead so we won't come looking for him. If he was really dead, they wouldn't care enough to tell us."

Mika was surprised. Hide was incredible perceptive. His argument wasn't enough to convince Mika, but it gave him a small sliver of hope.

Hide stood up. "That vampire knows something. I'm going to try to get closer to him and see if I can find anything."

"I'll help." Mika stated.

Hide frowned. "I don't want to put you in danger over a hunch. You should let me do it."

"Nope." Mika said stubbornly, cracking a faint smile. "Kaneki's my friend too. I'm helping."

Hide hesitated, but smiled too. "...Thanks Mika."

Mika stood up and began walking back up the roof. "C'mon Hide... Let's go home."

Yes. I just did that....

Heh.