Tokyo's surface glittered with prosperity, but its underbelly teemed with danger.
Every night, someone fell to a ghoul. Every night, a ghoul met their end. Peace was a stranger here. The CCG's investigators clashed with ghouls across the city's districts daily.
For efficient management, the CCG divided Tokyo into multiple wards, each assigned specific investigators. Altair was sent to the 20th Ward, one of Tokyo's safer areas. The ghouls here were weaker, fewer in number, and attacks on humans were rare. To keep Altair, the American, safe during his "enthusiastic phase." The CCG went to great lengths. They not only accepted him despite his insistence but also offered double the standard salary to appease him. They figured he was just a fleeting thrill-seeker who'd return to America once the novelty wore off. Their priority was ensuring his safety in the meantime, so they assigned a capable junior investigator to accompany him, someone skilled enough to protect him without wasting senior resources.
"The weather's pretty lousy, isn't it, Amon?" Altair said, strolling through the 20th Ward's streets. Clad in his silver-white armor and blue tunic, he held Est's hand with his right while both licked ice cream cones. He chatted casually with the young man beside him.
Koutarou Amon, a formal CCG investigator and a standout rookie, glanced at the sky. Dark clouds loomed, and light raindrops began to fall. Assigned to babysit this American, Amon was less than thrilled. He'd joined the CCG to hunt ghouls, not play escort, but orders were orders.
"Indeed, it's about to rain, Mr. Arthur." Amon replied. "We didn't bring umbrellas. Should we find shelter?"
Amon's frustration simmered. Altair had claimed he joined to fight ghouls, yet here he was, wandering with his "sister," eating ice cream like a tourist. Still, Amon kept his composure, trailing behind. He couldn't afford to offend an American.
"Oh, there's a coffee shop up ahead." Altair said, spotting a sign. "Let's sit there for a bit. The rain shouldn't last long, and then we can keep exploring."
"Anteiku, nice name." He added with a grin, leading Est toward the shop.
Amon said nothing, his expression blank as he followed, clutching his white briefcase, the standard issue for CCG investigators, doubling as a weapon.
The trio entered Anteiku, two in front, one behind. "Welcome, " A purple-haired waitress began, but froze mid-greeting, her eyes locked on Amon's briefcase. She knew what it meant: a ghoul investigator. She was a ghoul herself, as were most in Anteiku, staff, owner, and even some customers. The occasional human who wandered in often became prey for the ghoul patrons.
Altair knew they were ghouls but didn't care. He found a window seat, settled in, and let Est perch on his lap. Amon sat across, placing his briefcase by his feet.
"Waiter!" Altair called, finishing his ice cream in a few bites and snapping his fingers.
The purple-haired waitress, still distracted by Amon, didn't notice. "Touka." An elderly man behind the counter prompted, snapping her out of it. She took a deep breath and approached.
"What can I get you?" She asked.
"A parfait for her, if you have it. If not, any kid-friendly dessert will do. And two Americanos for him and me." Altair said, glancing at Amon. "You good with an Americano, Amon? Back home, we start every morning with a coffee. I'm used to it, but not sure about you."
Altair leaned into his "refined" American persona, as if morning coffee screamed sophistication.
"I'm fine with anything." Amon replied, stone-faced. He was here for protection, not preferences.
"Great. One dessert, two Americanos, thanks." Altair said to the waitress.
"Got it. Please wait a moment." She replied, jotting down the order and heading to the counter, where she handed the slip to the old man.
"Relax, Touka." He whispered. "They're just passing through for a coffee."
"I know." Touka murmured, nodding.
As she calmed, the door swung open again. "Welcome!" She called reflexively. A green-haired girl entered, followed by a towering man in a black coat. "Two espressos, please." The girl said to the old man before taking a window seat right behind Altair. The man sat across from her.
This time, Touka stayed composed, but the old man froze. Altair, catching the voices, glanced back. The green-haired girl, curious about the armored man with a ghoul investigator nearby, met his gaze. They exchanged polite nods and turned away.
Altair nearly chuckled. He'd come to Anteiku for fun, only to stumble into a minor boss and several key players. This was getting interesting.
Cradling Est with his left arm and stroking her hair with his right, he leaned back and spoke loudly enough for the whole shop to hear. "So, Amon, what's your take on ghouls?"
***
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