Chapter Seven

"Shiro-chan! Shiro-chan! Do you mind telling Hatsuya-kun the story as well?" Kyoko asked, adopting a pleading gaze, to which Shiro couldn't say no. So she nodded.

"Please, come and sit down. It's a long-ish story. Hatsuya-kun and Kyoko-chan should be comfortable." Shiro said, taking Kyoko's hand and leading her to a chair, slowly letting go as she sat down.

"Are you ready? You have to promise Shiro that you won't tell anyone about this. Everyone thought Shiro was joking when she said she was a science experiment. But she wasn't lying. Shiro came to Japan from another country when she was a baby. Ganta-kun's mama was originally going to use him for the science experiments and call him Maruta.

"But she loved him from the minute she saw him and Riinichirou agreed to take a different child. That's how Shiro entered the picture. She was brought from a European country, most likely. And was used as a guinea pig and poked and prodded, tortured and cut open.

"They gave me this ultimate Haemokinesis that they called Branch of Sin. I had Haemokinesis that allowed me telekinesis, regeneration, flight, teleportation, super strength, super speed, superhuman endurance. Then one day, I rebelled and destroyed the entire lab, killed everyone except Riinichirou, and Ganta's mama, and caused the Great Tokyo Earthquake.

"Ganta-kun, having seen what happened, though got post-traumatic amnesia, and was taken away to live with his aunt and uncle, and Shiro was taken to Deadman Wonderland. Shiro didn't meet Ganta-kun again until his class was about to take a trip to Deadman Wonderland and Shiro escaped.

"Shiro slaughtered Ganta-kun's entire class, and he was blamed for it because of that Oni, Tamaki, and put in Deadman Wonderland.

"After that Shiro and Ganta-kun met again, and Ganta-kun started to remember Shiro again. But unfortunately, he discovered that the Shiro that he thought he was in love with was also the Wretched Egg that he hated with all his being."

"Oooh… A Romeo and Juliet story? This is so sad, Shiro-chan…" Kyoko gasped, covering her mouth and trying to choke back tears.

"Yes. Ganta-kun came back to Deadman Wonderland to kill Shiro, knowing that only his Branch of Sin could do it. But Riinichirou, who had transferred bodies into a certain Toto Sakagami was there, and though he killed Toto, Ganta didn't get away free of injury.

"Ganta-kun had to fight Shiro to the death. In the end, Ganta-kun used up his Branch of Sin, and though he was scarred from his experience, he lived, and Shiro lost her active powers as well, and was put into a coma. Shiro reawoke recently and realized that the Wretched Egg no longer had control over her mind.

"She still has superhuman abilities, though to a much lesser extent, and extremely fast healing, though again, it's hardly regeneration like it used to be. Shiro's hair and nails grow much faster than normal. Her nails are much stronger than most people's.

"She could grow her nails very long and cut people with them. Shiro had her hair cut to go back to school up to just above her shoulders. Now it's almost down to the middle of her back. Before she cut her hair, it went all the way down to her ankles.

"Shiro donates her hair to Locks of Love. Maybe if Shiro can help people, someday, she'll earn forgiveness for the horrible crimes she's committed." Shiro said nervously. Kyoko seemed confused.

"But… Not many people have white hair like you, Shiro-chan. Is it really practical to donate white hair? It's beautiful hair. I love your hair. But it's just not practical."

"Don't interrupt Shiro. Shiro and Ganta-kun met up again in Deadman Wonderland, and Shiro saved Ganta on numerous occasions. Soon, though, he discovered his Branch of Sin, and was moved to the G-Wing. He had to fight in those Carnivals Corpse, and Shiro still managed to see him occasionally. But we got into some fights, and always made up.

"Finally, though, Shiro's evil came out, and she destroyed the prison, and though Ganta-kun was freed, he had to come back to try to kill Shiro. That's how that entire island was destroyed. Shiro and Ganta fought, and Ganta-kun lost his Branch of Sin, and Shiro went into a coma. A year later, Shiro woke up, and Ganta-kun's aunt and uncle.

"Ganta-kun was kind enough to plead Shiro's case for her, and Auntie Aoi and Uncle Menma agreed to take Shiro in. And now, Shiro still isn't sure if her entire life is a dream. But Shiro is so happy…" Shiro whispered, tears filling her brilliant red eyes. "Shiro is so happy that she's not sure she wants to wake up." Shiro finished, hugging Ganta tightly.

"Aww! That's so sweet! Ganta, you lucky bastard!" Kyoko scolded, scowling playfully at Ganta. Ganta blushed slightly, looking away.

"Shiro… You're lucky you have a guy who loves you as much as Ganta does. Same for you, Ganta. Don't you even think of turning your back on her!" Kyoko snapped, poking Ganta in the chest with her pointer finger.

"I-I would never… I-I couldn't…" Ganta muttered. Kyoko scowled at Ganta.

"Lucky bastard… Do you know how many guys would give their teeth to be in your shoes?" Kyoko sneered, her teasing jealousy turning to an angry snarl.

"You're not that tall. You're not that handsome. You're not that popular, or particularly brilliant, or athletic… You really only beat Jiro by luck. He didn't count on you knowing martial arts. You're an ex-con… Yet, by some fluke of fate, you have the hottest girl in school completely loyal to you. You don't deserve a girl as amazing as Shiro… Do you think you deserve her?"

"Well… Now that you put it that way, no… I've often wondered the exact same thing as you, Kyoko. How the hell did I get so lucky? I must've done something pretty amazing in a past life, or some shit like that to be this fortunate. But… I'm not knocking it, and…"

"Hey! Kyoko-chan is wrong! Ganta-kun is the most amazing person in the world! He's brave, and loyal, and kind, and gentle! He's shown Shiro that life is worth living, that there's more than just pain in this world! He's… He's everything that Shiro never deserved!" Shiro's voice dropped at this point to a whisper, but Kyoko could hear every word.

"Shiro has done such terrible things. She killed people. She's a murderer. She took pleasure in others' pain and suffering. She hurt Ganta-kun… A-and he still loves her… If that's not love, then Shiro doesn't want to know what love is."

"See that? You damn lucky bastard! Well, how can I fight against love like that? You goddamn well better treat her right. I-I'm actually moving pretty soon… My mom got a really great job in Osaka. I-I'm gonna miss you guys… Even you…" She said, poking Ganta in the chest. She glared at him.

"D-do you think I could have a moment with Shiro-chan? I promise I won't do anything too improper…"

Kyoko said this, but Ganta wasn't too sure. However, he nodded and walked off. He had to get to class anyway. Kyoko looked sadly at Shiro's ruby red eyes. She was so gorgeous. There was just everything to love about Shiro. She was beautiful, kind, gentle, loyal, and she seemed to light up the room when she walked in, but she could take your breath away if she wanted to.

"Shiro-chan… I know you're dating Ganta right now… But… My mom and the rest of us are leaving the day after tomorrow. I won't even be in school tomorrow. Do you think I could have one more kiss to remember you by? Please?" Kyoko asked. Shiro looked distressed for a moment, her eyes shifting to Ganta's retreating form. What would he think? Would he be angry?

Ganta didn't seem liable to get too angry. Didn't guys like that 'yuri' thing? Wasn't two girls making out seen as sexy? If she confessed that she had done it, it wasn't so bad, right? She would come clean, and tell him exactly what Kyoko had told her.

"O-okay… But… Promise Shiro that Kyoko-chan won't go any further…" Shiro warned. Minatsuki had gone into depth about lesbian sex once. Apparently, it could get pretty intense with bizarre toys being used, and whipping one's partner, and putting ball gags in their mouths, making them scream, but whether in pain or pleasure was dependent on the skill of the dominatrix.

"I promise… Close your eyes, Shiro-chan…" Kyoko whispered, cupping Shiro's cheek, and leaning in, closing her eyes as well, kissing her gently on the lips, her tongue prodding at Shiro's mouth for entry. Shiro's shock at having a girl do this to her caused her mouth to open.

Kyoko's tongue shot right in, and moved expertly inside, causing Shiro to moan in unwilling pleasure. She could feel herself heating up and getting slightly wet. She had not expected this at all, and with this strange revelation, she shoved Kyoko away from her.

"Sh-Shiro can't go that far with Kyoko! Shiro likes Kyoko, but she's dating Ganta-kun! Shiro told Kyoko she would kiss her! She didn't think Kyoko would take it this far!"

"Sorry… Shiro-chan… I had to try. I love you… I know you'll only ever love Ganta-kun, and I like him. He's a nice guy. He's good for you. But I'll never love anyone like I love you…"

As Kyoko whispered this to Shiro, a tear formed in her eye. She really didn't want to leave. She didn't want to give up her chance to live near Shiro, and although she knew there was never a chance that Shiro would fall in love with her, she still wanted to be near her. Maybe she was just a masochist, and enjoyed the pain of being near her, but never being able to have her.

"Ganta-kun… I have to go, now. By this time tomorrow, we'll have finished packing, and by this time the next day, we'll be most of the way to Aomori. We might see each other again. But, only if we visit here again… I'm going to miss you guys, especially you, Shiro-chan… I wish you all the best…" Kyoko sobbed, running off before she could change her mind and demand to stay.

"Hey, Igarashi… Whitey…" Came a rough voice from the shadows. Shiro and Ganta looked over to see Kiyomasa Senji.

"Senji! How's it going?" Ganta asked excitedly as Senji came out from the shadows, showing that he had a prosthetic arm that seemed to work perfectly.

"Wow… Your arm… It's working really well… It is fake, though, right?"

"Absolutely! It has artificial blood vessels in it that I can feed my blood through. Since my Branch of Sin allows me to consciously control my blood, I've been able to make it move by using my blood. It took some time to get used to, and I have to take it off and clean it three times a week, let it dry and then put it back on. The upkeep is a bitch…

"I see you got Whitey with you… Good to see you… Wait… You're not the Wretched Egg anymore, are you?"

"Sh-Shiro's really sorry, Senji-san! She never wanted to hurt you! Waaaaaaahhhh! The Wretched Egg was controlling Shiro, b-but it's gone now, Shiro swears!"

"Whoa, whoa! You gotta stay away from me with that lewd uniform!" Senji protested, backing away and waving his hands in front of him. Ganta actually laughed about this. To Senji, everything could be construed as lewd or sexy. He was a total closet pervert. Ganta snickered and walked over to Senji.

"Hey, Senji. Guess what!?"

"What's that, Little Woodpecker!?" Senji asked, feeling slightly less uncomfortable now that Shiro was a safe distance away.

"Shiro-chan and I are dating, now…"

"Wow, really? I never would've imagined that would… Never mind… That's great. I brought some friends of ours. Hey, guys! Come on out!"

"I am not a guy! I'm a beautiful woman!" Choplin demanded as most of the Sector G group came out. Karako, and Minatsuki came out with 'her'.

"Hey! This is great! How are you guys doing!? I'm so sorry that we fell out of contact. Hold on, it's a Friday, so I'm sure Aunt Aoi and Uncle Menma will allow Shiro-chan and I to stay out for a little while. Chief Makina? Kyoko? How are you two doing?" Ganta asked. Shiro grinned widely.

"Are you two…" She stuck her pinky and thumb up. Kyoko turned a deep crimson, and started shaking her head.

"N-n…"

"Yes… Kyoko is just too shy to say it. You still need to learn some tact, young lady, though I suppose it's part of what makes you so charming…" Makina said in her typical no-nonsense tone.

"Hitara… How are you doing?" Ganta asked, knowing that Hitara had suffered terribly for his daughter, and that was why he slept so little.

"I am doing quite well. I'm back in my post as a professor of Metaphysics. Minatsuki actually joined my class of late. I was quite surprised to have her in my classroom.

"And you, Ganta? Shiro? Are you two doing well? I heard from your conversation before that you were dating. Perhaps some good came out of the tragedy that befell the both of you. After all, love is always a desirable outcome."

"Yes. Yes, Aunt Aoi… I ran into some old friends… Yes, they were friends from Deadman Wonderland… No, they're not monsters… Yes, I am still friends with them… No, no… They're not still criminals… Because ¾ of them were framed for what they supposedly did. Yes, I'll be back by 10… Shiro's gonna be with me."

"Ahaha… Sorry… My aunt and uncle are very… Traditional… They're still not quite used to having two ex-cons in her house, even though I was proven innocent, and Shiro had mitigating circumstances.

"Not a problem, I guess…" Yoh said nonchalantly. Minatsuki seemed to be of a different mind, though.

"You bring those two cocksuckers down here, right now! I'll fucking…"

"Enough, enough… Happy thoughts, Minatsuki-chan… Happy thoughts…" Yoh said soothingly to his sister, hugging her tightly, partially to keep her from killing anyone. Minatsuki seemed more like an angry lover in that moment than a pissed off sister. They all knew that Yoh had a huge sister complex, and that he had done some terrible things in Minatsuki's name.

Strangely, Minatsuki seemed to return his affections to some extent. She always derided him for his sister complex, but she seemed to really love him and have feelings for him, nonetheless… Ganta could only imagine what his aunt and uncle would say about that relationship.

"Right… Men getting burned by acid… My mother being stabbed to death with a rusty spork…" Minatsuki whispered as she thought these 'happy thoughts'. Yoh seemed satisfied, though, and let go of her.

"Feel better…?" Yoh asked, putting a hand on Minatsuki's shoulder.

The entire group had seen such horrifying atrocities that this didn't shock or even mildly surprise them. First of all, they all knew Yoh's proclivities, and second of all, they were happy that they had found love, however that happened to be.

Soon they found themselves in a diner, all ordering food. As usual, Shiro had a huge appetite, and true to herself, Minatsuki had a snippy comment about Shiro's stomach.

"Hey, Shiro-chan… Don't gorge yourself too much. You'll get fat and Ganta won't be attracted to you anymore." She said with a devilish smirk. Shiro looked worried.

"G-Ganta-kun won't want Shiro if she eats too much? Sh-Shiro guesses she'll just have some sou…" Shiro began to mutter, her stomach growling. Ganta stopped her, though.

"Don't listen to Minatsuki. She doesn't have any idea what she's talking about. Order whatever you want, Shiro-chan…" He said. Shiro's eyes lit up.

"Shiro will have meatloaf, Shepherd's Pie, and spaghetti with Alfredo sauce!" she said excitedly. Even Ganta had to marvel at how she could eat all that, and that was probably still a small dinner for her. Soon enough, their dinners came with Shiro not hesitating for a moment to dig into her huge meal. The others ate slowly, sort of enjoying watching Shiro devour the meal as quickly as she did. It was quite impressive.

So when they were all done, and most of them were full, having talked extensively about their lives outside of DW, most of them were ready to go. But Shiro seemed conflicted about ordering dessert when nobody else wanted any. So Ganta laughed and told her that they could eat dessert at home. There was no rush, right?

"So, Prisoner 5580… You're really happy with Shiro, aren't you?" Makina asked, her typical smirk widening. Ganta blushed happily and nodded.

"I am. Shiro-chan and I have to get home, though. Aunt Aoi and Uncle Menma will get annoyed if I'm out too late. They let me stay out for a little while. But their leniency won't last forever."

"You go, then. Kyoko and I have to get going soon, too." Makina said, kissing Kyoko, and taking her hand, putting some money on the table and hurrying out.

"See ya later, Ganta, Shiro-chan…" Yoh said brightly. The rest said their goodbyes and the two young lovers put their money on the table, and walked out, hurrying home.