Im sorry that this is late. I had some family over Sunday and ended up having to spend the day with them so I didnt get this done till today and now I'm too lazy to edit this so I'll put up this first draft form. If it needs it, I can re upload it after some editing but this is pretty much what i wanted to get through.

And I'm kinda surprised this one, that I didn't really plan is getting popular way faster than my other one that has a planned narrative. I guess it helps that this one is its own original plot and fresh. So thanks for reading and please enjoy.

Also so that you know. Any name suggestions for Ken's parents will end with the next chapter. I want to put the dad within the sixth chapter. And so far I have had only one suggestion so for now that is what I am going with because I am too lazy to make up my own.

Ken stopped to look at himself in the mirror. His clothes were rather bland; the way he liked it. Maybe due to being shy kid or his father teaching him not to bring attention to himself, he had a particular preference for clothes that would just let the boy blend into the crowd. He also had on a medical eyepatch. The nice investigator had looked at him weird when he had requested it but Ken had insisted until the man had brought him one. The reason was he didn't want to just show everyone what he was. At least for now. Secrets and knowledge were still quite powerful advantages and weakness even in the tamed ghoul population. He knew some would probably figure out by his scent but most would just assume that he'd been sucking up to his human and gotten his stench on him. He wanted it to be on his terms when he revealed that he was a half-ghoul.

It had been only few days since he had been brought here. Nothing much had occurred since that first tumultuous night. Most of his time was spent in this room. When he wasn't here he was usually with the scientists again doing all sorts of tests like an obstacle course at one point. He was still miffed that he hadn't beaten the record for fastest completion by a rinkaku. They also had him taste some human food while strapped to some machines to read his biological reactions to it. He hated that test. They would sometimes spend up an hour having him take a bite, chew it, try to swallow it, and then describe its taste. They even tasted how much he could handle eating before passing out or throwing up. Other than with the scientists, Ken was only allowed out when Shinohara could escort him.

Ken was feeling a bit trapped, but his investigator had assured him that this was only temporary. They just wanted him to be safe and learn the rules first before they let him out on his own. Apparent the place he was staying was a small closed off part of the ward for the new children to the ward to be safely integrated. Ken decided that since it was only for a few months, he could deal with it. Especially in return for Shinohara and his help. He was still a bit nervous around a real live dove but over this half week or so, the man had not only shown no animosity but actually been quite friendly to Ken. He would take him out on walks around the center and talk to him about his worries over a nice cup of coffee. He also brought Kaneki what he needed or bought with the bit of money the CCG was giving him.

He heard a knock and the door opened to Shinohara. "Good morning Ken. How are you feeling?" Ken smiled nervously at the man and answered, "I am doing well, Shinohara." The older man grinned largely at him. "That's good to hear." He then came over and put a strong hand on Ken's shoulder and told him, "Ken, how do you feel about the idea of school?"

Shinohara didn't miss the spark of interest in Ken's eyes. He couldn't help but lightly laugh a bit. Rogue ghoul children were always so excited when they found out about this. Being usually denied such a luxury as an education they nearly jumped at the chance to do what most kids dreaded. Maybe that was why the twenty fifth ward had many children who scored high enough to outshine those from the other wards of Tokyo. There were even several ghouls who had taken to tutoring, guest lecturing, or working in the CCG research center. These were the successful tamings that the CCG lauded to the public. Ghouls so well integrated that they were truly giving back to mankind for the chance they were given in this ward.

"I've heard about it. A place where you can read books, learn all about the world, and meet lots of kids. But my parents said it was too dangerous to go. So I've never seen it." His face was a light flush of pink. Embarrassed at his all most fairy tale like vision of the place that had been denied to him. Shinohara smiled warmly at him. "Well today, we are going to have you start to attend the one we have here. It will only be short term, but once you are properly registered and released into the ward, you will most likely enter one of the schools there. I hear that the Tsukiyama University has an impressive literature program." Ken gulped in shock. "Really?" he asked. Shinohara nodded and began to lead Ken out of the room. "Yes, in fact classes will begin shortly so just follow me." Ken stayed close to Shinohara as he walked down the hall. The man's presence made him feel at ease as they passed the researchers and the occasional investigator. He would quickly glance at them and then pull his gaze back down to the floor. He also watched as other children were led around by the CCG personal. None of them were allowed to be out without some form of supervision. He guessed that was because they didn't know all of the rules and it would be dangerous for them.

Eventually they reached a hallway which reminded Ken of the description of a school hallway from some of the novels he had read or the shows he had seen on the television. Shinohara led him to one of the doors and knocked on it. When a female voice said, "Enter," from inside the room Shinohara opened the door and led Ken through it. Inside Ken saw a rather pretty older woman. Probably no older than his own mom. Her scent and the collar resting on her neck indicated that she was a ghoul. She exuded a rather a comforting, motherly aura that made Ken feel a little more relaxed around her. Especially compared to the more frightening CCG investigators and researchers who he had to deal with since he had arrived here. Her outfit looked simple but suited her.

She smiled as she saw them both enter. "Good morning Shinohara. I've been expecting you." Shinohara replied, "Good morning to you too Ryouko. It's nice to see you again after so long." The woman identified as Ryouko giggled. "So long? It's only been about a couple weeks." Embarrassed, Shinohara scratched the back of his head. "Really. Only that long? Sorry about that. Been busy taking care of our newest resident. This is Ken Kaneki." Ken politely bowed at the woman. "I hope that he will fit in here." Ryouko looked down at Ken. "I'm sure he will," she assured, "He looks like a nice boy."

She approached Ken and kneeled down in front of him. Ken, still a bit nervous in front of a new person, ducked behind Shinohara's leg; only slightly leaning out to look at the new ghoul. She giggled a bit again. "A shy one I see. You remind me of my daughter. My name is Ryouko Fueguchi. I am one of the teachers here for when they have new children like you come in. Pleasure to me you." Ken slowly came out and also said, "A please to me you as well. Mrs. Fueguchi." Shinohara was pleased that things seemed to be going well. "Ken," he began, "Ryouko here will be your teacher for the next six months. She's a great teacher." A little while later Shinohara left around the same time the other kids started to come in. And so the young Ken Kaneki attended his first day of school.

While Ken was in the classroom, Shinohara went to the break room for CCG personal in the facility. He was relaxing at one of the tables with a small bit of refreshments. Someone else soon approached him. A man who looked like a mix between an old man and a slasher villain. He smirked at Shinohara. "It's been a while Shinohara." Shinohara looked up at the other man and replied, "Mado? What are you doing here? You usually never set foot into this ward." Mado grimaced at being reminded where he was. "Of course I don't. I can't stand the stench of this ward. All of these scum being allowed to live happily just because they can bring us a few extra Yen in tourism revenue. At least they provide us with a harvestable supply of material."

Shinohara looked uncomfortable at that remark. "Come on Mado. They aren't that bad. The one's here are peaceful and thanks to this ward we have seen a great reduction in casualties both due to the reduced need for dangerous raids and with their aid in combat situations." But Mado didn't look that convinced. Instead he just said, "The only reason I came here was to pick up my new quinque. Apparently one of the CCG's little pets aided in its development and though I am bit perturbed by that, at least it will mean a better preforming quinque. I hear you got a new dog though. A rare breed according to the rumors."

Now a bit irritated, Shinohara took another sip of his drink and replied, "Ken is a nice boy. You might like him if you gave him a chance." Mado simply laughed at this. "Me get along with a ghoul?! I'd rather be ripped apart by the One Eyed Owl! But tell me, is the rumor about the boy's parents true?!" Shinohara didn't miss the viciousness in his old friend's voice when he asked that. But it wasn't like it was confidential knowledge, so Mado would find out later anyways. So Shinohara told him, "It's true. Ken Kaneki is a confirmed one eyed ghoul. Son of a human female and a rinkaku male." Mado was quiet for a second. His gritted teeth holding in his emotions at this knowledge.

"Is that so?" he simple said and began to walk off. But he was stopped by Shinohara's voice, "Mado. Remember he is a citizen of the twenty-fifth ward and therefore under the protection of the CCG and myself personally. And I will protect him with everything I have." Mado stopped a few feet away and simple grinned without turning to look at the other investigator. "I will keep that in mind."

After that Shinohara finished his meal. He then headed towards the meeting center. Though it was more commonly known by its nickname as the petting zoo. He wanted to see how Ken did on his first day.

The twenty-fifth ward had to major sections not counting the CCG facilities around the ward as their own section. These were the public and private sections. The private sections were off limits to civilians. Both due to the danger and to give ghouls a place to relax without humans around. This made up the residential areas and where the ghouls preferred to feed. There was quite a lot of fighting in some of the private areas but the CCG had agreed that as long as no permanent injury or death occurred from this, the ghouls were free to do as they willed in claiming territory or settling disputes. There were even a few arenas that had been built for others to watch the blood spectacle.

The other section was the public area which largely took up the area around the front gate and the main street of the ward. This was built more like a theme park with tourism shops, human eateries, and little attractions like another arena where people could watch ghouls perform; though in a less gruesome way then in the private arenas. This was where visitors came both to increase the comradery between the ghouls here and the public and to enjoy a theme park that had just a hint of danger due to the workers here being literal man eaters. It also helped the CCG and the ward gain funding through tickets and tourist expenditures.

One particularly popular attraction in the public section was the Meeting center. It was also known as the petting zoo. This was an enclosed place where captured ghoul children, like Ken, could be introduced to normal humans and the CCG could gauge how they handled civilians and if more training was needed before they could be allowed to walk around unsupervised. Among those who had come to this attraction was one young boy with blonde hair. Hideyoshi Nagachika had been interested in ghouls for as long as he could remember and despite his parents' worries, he had the lifelong dream of befriending one.

He barely listened as the guide listed off what they needed to know before they entered the enclosure. He didn't like how she sounded like she was talking about some sort of animal. "Let them initiate. Some of them are easily excitable and could bite if they feel threatened," was one thing she said in that chipper voice. He instead just messed with the coffee beans he had been handed. There really wasn't much you could give a ghoul as a treat after all. Not unless you wanted to scar some of the customers by giving them human body parts.

Finally, after waiting for almost half an hour, they let them meet the ghouls. Hide was impressed. It looked like a really nice playground with equipment which included some that looked a little more ghoul oriented. Hide didn't think he wanted to try the balancing beams that were at least fifteen feet in the air; with no safety net. He saw a young girl ghoul easily run across one of them before she jumped to another lower one and then onto the ground. 'Show off,' Hide thought in a small fit of jealousy. He then spotted one ghoul that caught his interests.

It was a young boy who looked young like a loner. He stayed away from the front where all the active ones and the other customers stayed. Instead, he stayed in the back; under a tree. Curious, Hide approached the eyepatch wearing ghoul. "Hello," he began. The ghoul child looked up in surprised and looked like he was about to bolt up the tree before Hide quickly begged, "Calm down. I only want to talk." After he looked more relaxed, Hide sat down next to him slowly. "My name is Hideyoshi but you can call me Hide. And you are?" The other boy looked him over, trying to figure out if he was threat or not. Eventually he looked down and answered, "Kaneki. Why did you come talk to me and not one of the other ones?" Hide smiled at Kaneki. "Simple. Because you're interesting. What's up with the eyepatch? Some kind of fashion statement?"

Ken covered it with his hand before replying, "I got hurt, and it hasn't healed yet." But Hide didn't buy it. "That can't be true. Your ghoul healing should have already taken care of it. Like bam and then it's healed." Ken couldn't help it. The stupidity of that line made him laugh. "Ghouls are that invincible silly. Where did you even hear that?"
"From a website on ghouls that I found last week." And so the two discussed the website and all the things it had wrong about ghouls till it was time for them to part ways. But Hide made sure to promise Ken that they would meet again real soon.
'Make one ghoul friend. Goal succeeded.'

And so Hide has shown up. I hope I did him well. I didn't really know what I wanted them to say here so I kinda just had the introduction and left the actual conversation they had to the readers imagination. And If it didn't show up well, I tried to make it where Hide sees no real difference between ghouls and humans which is rarity; even among those who support ghouls.

Next chapter will probably have a small time skip of a few months so that Ken can actually be in the ward itself and we can meet some other new characters probably ( I really have no plan for this fic so far. I'm using these setup/prequel chapters as an excuse not to make up the main plot yet).

And for those of you who read it, I plan to put up a Christmas special for trials. SO look forward to that, unless I get writters block. and then I'll get to working on the next chapter of that one and have it out soonish.

please read, review, fav, and follow

thanx.