I cleared my throat, lowering my head in my cubicle to avoid Akira's gaze.

It felt silly because I wasn't comfortable here, anymore. The discovery I had about Ironwood had me questioning things. What really was the CCG's purpose? To keep it's citizens safe seemed like a good answer. To prosecute Ghouls seemed like another. But really, what did that specify? What crimes were they committing?

This seemed odd, of course Ghouls were monsters needed to be jailed, or if necessary, killed. My Granddad died to a Ghoul, I should hate them.

But Jaune wasn't a bad kid.

And why would the CCG WORK with the Ghouls!? For the greater good? What is the greater good, here? For every ghoul to be jailed away? What would we do then? Oppress an entire species? What happens if they get loose? Do we exterminate them? Kill intelligent beings? What are we fighting for, here? What is the goal of the CCG? Is it just an organization, using Ghoul hunting as a way to earn profits and stay afloat in this economy? Is that it? What did the founder of the CCG dream of?

What is the Ghoul's final goal? What do I want? What is this world going to become!?

I typed this into my computer, giving a detailed report about what I felt. My suspicions, my evidence, my fears, and my paranoia. I threw in everything, and saved the file. I encrypted it, put a lock on it, and buried it under a different profile, and hid it deep in the computer's files.

I set the needed username to: Thewhitenight

Password: Jaunearc

I grasped my chin, logging back in under my profile. I almost felt putting it on a flash drive would work better, but then anyone could find it and open it. This way would be better.

"Hey, what are you up to?" Akira asked, leaning over my cubicle.

I switched tabs to a flash game, jumping.

"Gaming on the job? I told you, we need the reports on the Black Dragon Club."

"I typed them, I typed them." I groaned. "We have official evidence linking them to the White Fang gang, so they should be our next target. We need to capture their leader, Black Cat."

"Ah, so that's the conclusion the upper levels have decided on, interesting. I'm assuming you'll be on the front lines?"

"That's what it looks like."

"How you feeling, are you nervous?" She asked.

"No, but I got this disgusting rash on my back, so that's happening."

"Ew, TMI. Tell a doctor, not me."

"I probably will, after the operation." I said. It wasn't exactly a lie. I did have a rash, though it probably was nothing. I just needed an excuse to see the doctor. I'm hoping for two things. One, I can bribe him to falsify the medical report and say it was cancerous, getting me off of work. The other was to see if I could gather info on Jaune. From what I could tell, the city's college has all its medical students intern there, so Jaune probably participated in that program. Any reports on him, especially medical, could be helpful.

Akira proceeded to spring the bad news I had been hoping she'd hold off on

"Read that pamphlet I gave you?"

It was about an operation. Not a 'mission' operation, but a 'surgery' operation. Called the 'Q' Surgery, it would place a kagune within a quinque cage, and implant it within me. I would become a Ghoul, nearly. They would be a new type of investigator, able to truly go undercover into the Ghoul world.

"I have." I said, swallowing.

"And? The rest of your squad has agreed."

"Arima?"

"Well..." She said, shifting her look away. "Not yet."

"Akira, I will state this now. I will never become a ghoul."

"It's not like that, Cardin. You'd be able to eat human food, since you'd be below the RC Cell count considered a ghoul. You'd technically still be human, you'd just be able to use a kagune."

"No." I said firmly.

"Please, Cardin. We need recruits to do this."

She wasn't going to give up, and this would cause problems.

"After this operation, okay? Give me more time to think."

She sighed, tapping the wall of the cubicle.

"Of course. I understand this has to be a hard choice for you."

"Thank you, Akira." I said, leaning back. She sighed, brushing her hand through her shoulder length hair and walking away. I bit my lower lip, turning to my computer and pulling up the file to update it to the situation.

I felt sick in my stomach, I had to calm down. I was working myself up for nothing. The CCG might not be the best method for the Ghoul problem, but that didn't mean I had to fear anything. It's working for now, and that's fine. I'd keep my mind open, but look close enough, and anything looks weird.

I stood up, tapping my foot and walking over to a co worker. He walked down the hall, a pack of cigarettes in his coat pocket.

"Mind if I have a smoke?" I asked. He nodded, handing me one.

"Didn't take you for the type."

"I'm surprising, I know." I said, walking outside to Shinohara.

"I'm taking a smoking break, I'll be back in a few."

He gave a look of surprise, but said nothing.

I went behind the building, dropping the unlit cig and crushing it under my boot. I dropped my suitcase, pulling out my quinque. I took a seat on the old thrown out office chair, the dumpster right beside me.

I held it up, the teeth gleaming in the light of the blue sky. I activated it, causing the teeth to whir into the familiar buzz of the chainsaw kagune.

I slashed down, and raised the sword up.

I slashed down, and raised the sword up.

I slashed down, and raised the sword up.

I slashed down, and raised the sword up.

After 100 slashes, I placed the sword away. My heart had calmed its beating, and I went back inside. Exercise had always been a good way for me to get my head back into the game. I remember Jaune thinking it was weird, when we were young. It aggravated me, and I took that out on him.

I sat back in my chair, sipping from my cup of coffee and leaning back.

"Hey, it's Cardin."

I turned to the voice, seeing Neptune and Weiss walking by. Neptune pulled up a seat, sitting on it and placing his arms on the back of the chair.

"What's up, man? Haven't seen you since CCG initiation."

"Neptune, our squad is needed elsewhere." Weiss groaned.

"Oh, whatever. Not for another half an hour. Take a seat, ice princess."

"I hate when you call me that."

"That's why I call you that." He said, rolling his eyes as she pulled up a chair.

"Whatcha working on?"

"The Black Dragon Club, and linking them to the White Fang gang." I said, shrugging. "Boring shit."

"Boring? Dude, you're on the main investigation!" Neptune shouted, throwing his hands in the air. "That's fucking awesome. My squad and I aren't, right now. I'm helping my buddy Sun out. We're doing some private investigation right now, it's really boring and creepy."

Weiss nodded, giving a look of surprise that she agreed with him.

"We are impeaching on privacy sometimes, and it is rather uncomfortable."

"Who are your guy's targets, so far?"

"Gah, stupid crap. One's some dude named Qrow Brahwen. Seems like an old fart. The other is some college kid, don't even remember his name."

"Who is the college kid?" I said, adrenaline suddenly flooding into my system.

"Some kid named Sage."

I relaxed a little.

"Sun's investigating a woman named Glynda Goodwitch. I envy him, he gets to watch some hot woman take showers."

"Disgusting." Weiss said, crossing her arms.

"Hey, I'm just making an observation, it's my job."

"That doesn't mean there aren't boundaries that you can overstep." She said with a sigh. "Anyways, Akira just delivered the news that you aren't getting the Q surgery. We thought we'd talk to you about it."

"Not doing it."

Weiss gave a 'hmpf', Neptune giving a similar grunt.

"If you don't do it, we won't have a full squad, which means less pay for all of us." Weiss noted.

"We're mostly based on bounty, not salary. You'll live." I said, waving away the notion. "Enjoy your six figures and don't get greedy."

Weiss gave a look of offense, but I gave a yawn and leaned back, closing my eyes.

"Hey! This is a serious issue!"

"I'm sure it is, ice queen."

"Look what you did, Neptune! Now he's using that name!"

Neptune gave a smirk, shrugging.

"If he doesn't want to, we can't force him. After all, it's not like its a small choice." He said, standing up. "Let's go to the cafeteria. I'm starving."

"Fine." Weiss said, placing her hands on her hips.

I sighed, standing up and popping my back. Taking my coffee cup in hand, I walked over to the break room to grab a fresh mug. I probably already had too much, and it was already later in the day, but whatever. I probably was going to stay up all night anyways.

Arima stepped forward, filling up his cup silently.

"You turned down the Q surgery." I said, still glancing at my coffee.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You know."

I paused, slowly moving my gaze to him for a moment. He stared at the coffee maker with no signs of life in his eyes, as if I wasn't beside him.

"Do I?"

"Yes."

I nodded silently, stirring my cup slowly.

"Are you scared?" I asked.

He was quiet for a good few seconds, his gaze still passing through me.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You know."

"Is it that bad?"

"Yes."

I bit my lower lip, tapping the table.

"What are we going to do?" I asked.

"Nothing. Keep your head down... and your mouth zipped..."

I scratched at my chin.

"Follow your instincts." Arima said suddenly. "So far you have exceeded my expectations."

"You're watching?"

"I'm not the only one."

I swallowed harshly, testing the coffee with a small sip.

"Cardin..." He said, turning towards the door. "There are few who are gifted the ability or power to change things. I hope you know that."

"I do."

"Good." He said, walking and opening the door. "We all have out pets. Train them, and use them." He said finally, walking out the door.

I let out a shaking breath. Goosebumps littered my skin as my hair stood on end, a shiver going down my spine.

The God of Death was afraid.

I immediately left the CCG. I told Akira that I'd get the rash examined now. After going to te bank and pulling out as much money as I could in cash, I went to the hospital.

"Hello, welcome to St. Ikasas, how may I help you?"

"Uh... Cardin Winchester. I have a rash I'd like to get checked out."

"Alright, sir. Just take a seat over there, and I'll have a doctor be right with you."

I slopped down on the couch, breathing into my hands. Unbuttoning the top button of my jacket, I loosened my tie and undid the collar.

What did Arima mean? I feel like, in some ways, he was crystal clear, yet in others, I completely missed his meaning. At the same time, the overall message was completely clear.

"Mr. Winchester."

I stood, walking into the office.

The nurse lead me into a white room, the doctor entering. He was a little on the older side, but looked good for his age.

"Please take a seat, Mr. Winchester, I'll be your doctor today. What seems to be the problem?"

I sat down, stripping off my jacket and dress shirt as I explained.

"Just a rash I wanted to examine, Dr...?"

"Kanou." He said with a smile, walking towards me. "Turn around."

I did as he said, letting him see my bare back.

"Hmm, seems nasty. Let me take a look. Probably just a skin condition, but we'll see. If so, I'll just prescribe some cream and you'll de on your way, Investigator."

I nodded.

"I'm going to ask you to breathe in real quick, nice and slow." He said, placing the cool meal of te stethoscope on my back. I did as he asked, slowing my breathing. The doctor nodded, taking off the equipment and putting on his gloves.

"I'm going to ask you some questions, alright?"

"Sure."

"They'll seem random, but it's just what I'm told to do." He said, gently touching the rash. "What's seven times ten?"

"What?"

"Answer, please."

"I'm confused."

"I know, just do it please."

"Uh... si- no seventy"

"What's sixty seven plus ten."

"Ei- si- seventy ei- seventy seven."

"What's one thousand minus seven?"

"One thousand...? Minus... Nine hundred... and uh... Ninety... three."

"Can I ask your level of education."

"Uh... College. Kamii University. I originally wanted to become a engineer, maybe design cars and stuff. Scrapped the idea before it came into fruition and when into the CCG."

"So you're rather smart then?"

"I mean... I guess. I guess I haven't done math in a bit... haha." I said, giving an awkward laugh.

"How has your stool been?"

"Um... loose, but I have Crohn's Disease." I said, flushing red out of embarrassment.

"Have you had any stomach aches lately?"

"Uh... I mean the CCG had a stomach bug going around the last week. Juuzo had to take a few days off- oh, you don't know him. A few co workers had to stay home."

"Mhm, Mhm." He said, scribbling down on his paper.

"Can I ask you some questions, now?"

"Oh, am I helping in an investigation? I hope I get compensation."

"You're a doctor, you make plenty."

He gave a chuckle, shrugging.

"Anyways, fire away."

"Have you heard of a guy named Jaune Arc?"

"Hmm? I think so, why?"

"I'm just assigned to investigate him. It's probably nothing, but y'know, orders."

"Of course." He said. "I think Jaune was a student in the duel enrollment program, though I think he was in a different ward of the hospital than I was. He was practicing to become a surgeon... let me see what type..." Kanou said, turning and typing into his laptop.

"Ah, here it is. Heart surgeon, primarily. He was good, too. Nearly a perfect score."

"Does he have files?"

"Yeah, he attending here a few times as a patient. I'll print off them for you." He said, the printer whirring to life. The doctor stood up straight, putting his hand into the pocket of his coat. "Now for your diagnosis. I'll need to take a blood sample real quick, but I more or less can pin down what it is."

"Really?"

"Yeah, it's certainly not bacteria." He said, thinking out loud. "Anyways, usually you have to register and fill out paperwork for a blood test, but we have a different service. Just sign here, and I'll take your blood real quick. It'll still be a week until I get the results back."

"...Alright..." I said, filling out the form. I held out my arm as the doctor tied a rubber band on my bicep, cleaning the inside of my elbow. He reached into his drawer, taking out a vile, tube, and a fresh needle.

"You aren't scared of needles, are you?"

"Nope."

He pressed it into my skin, taking out two vials of blood and pressing a ball of cotton onto the entry hole.

"There we go! So where was I... oh yes, you're diagnosis-"

"About that." I said, interrupting him. "I know this is... uh... not exactly considered okay, but I need you to misdiagnose me. I need to get out of work. Say it's skin cancer or something."

His eyes widened as his lips curled downwards.

"I like my medical license, I'd prefer not to lose it."

"I can pay you."

"Mr. Winchester..." He said, trailing off. "I can't."

"You said you wanted to be compensated for participating in a investigation, right?"

He gave a small chuckle, looking down.

"Fine. I'll find a diagnosis to get you out of work."

"My man." I said, handing him my bag. Kanou took a look inside and nodded, placing it in the cabinet above the sink.

"So... what do I need to take to get rid of this rash?"

"Well, I'll need to confirm it with the blood test before I can legally give you anything."

"Legality isn't really an issue."

"I know, but some of these medications could kill you if I'm not careful, or at least really hurt your liver. No reason to do that, you'll never drink again. I'm not even sure if we got what I'd need to prescribe in stock, so just come back in a week and I'll give you everything you need."

"Thanks, Doc."

"It's no problem." He said, shaking my hand. I stepped outside, grabbing my scroll from my pocket.

5 Unread messages.

I clicked on the messaging icon, bringing up my texts.

[Juuzo]

Ewwwwww! Take a look at what I just upchucked!

"Gross" I said, deleting the attached picture.

[Weiss]

Akira wants you

Says to hurry up, mission is going to start

You're on vanguard again, taking Arima's place. GL

[Akira]

Return to HQ ASAP, the next mission is in it's beginning stages.

Scrap that. Meet us on Serpent Street. We'll group up and attack the target from there.

I sighed.

No rest for the wicked.